AVOCA -- AHSTW held graduation ceremonies Sunday, May 23 at the AHSTW gymnasium.Here, the top 10 students in the AHSTW High School graduating class of 2021 gather for a photo before the graduation ceremony and include front L to R -- Kailey Jones, Claire Denning, Chloe Falkena, Ryan Kilmer and Chyann Bain.  Back L to R -- Michael Griffen, Julia Kock, Jay Patel, Tasha Datus and Morgan Holtz.    At right, graduating senior Jonni Poore gets a

   HARLAN -- A Harlan Scout has completed his Eagle Scout project this spring, and expects to finish his merit badge program this summer.    Joseph Andersen, the son of Eric and Jami Andersen, installed two Yakports on the south side of Prairie Rose Lake, to provide a safe and stable cradle for personal paddle sport launch boarding and unloading.    Simply place your favorite paddle sport vessel on kayak launch and enjoy a sure-footed and stab

    HARLAN -- The Harlan Community Library summer library program will kick off June 1 with activities and prizes for all ages.    “We’re just encouraging reading and learning during the summer months because there’s always that summer slide,” said youth services librarian Emily Kurth-Christensen.    The theme for the summer library program is “Reading Colors Your World” and is aimed at promoting diversity.

    AVOCA -- Sixty-six graduates will be honored during commencement exercises slated for Sunday, May 23 at 1 p.m.

    HARLAN – A Harlan Community High School student and his parents have dismissed without prejudice their lawsuit against the school district, filed in Shelby County District Court last week.    Jameson Bieker, and his parents James and Sharon Bieker, had filed a petition for immediate injunction due to alleged “repeated emotional and physical violence,” and requested the court allow Jameson to return to school without a face mask.    In a st

    COUNTY – Shelby County has lifted its mask mandate for county buildings effective immediately.    Visitors to the buildings, including the Shelby County Courthouse, will not be required to wear a mask when conducting business with county officials.  In addition, county employees, while they can if they choose to, will not be required to wear masks.More in the NA!

    HARLAN – Vandals used a chemical-type substance to burn the grass on the east side of the high school building in Harlan, spelling out “2021” as well as a vulgar word in the grassy area near the practice football field.    HCS Superintendent of Schools Lynn Johnson said the district has been in contact with the Harlan Police Department, which is investigating the vandalism incident.    “It is very disappointing that persons would have so l

    HARLAN -- Molly Blanco of Burlington recently joined the Harlan Newspapers as its summer intern.    Blanco just completed her sophomore year at Iowa State University in Ames. She is double majoring in journalism and mass communication and Spanish with a minor in sociology.
Full article in the NA!

    HARLAN – Iowa Western Community College’s Shelby County Center is offering a variety of career technical education (CTE) initiatives with hopes of expansion that will include an automotive tech class in the fall in addition to its popular industrial technology and nursing programs.    Lori Stitz, Shelby County Center Director, said there are exciting happenings at the local center as Iowa’s community colleges play a key role in the economi