More area photos from the Girls State Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena (March 1-6)
Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton SpartansClass 1A State Semi-finalist • 24-1 Final RecordState Results: def. MMCRU 60-55; lost to Bishop Garrigan 57-35
Harlan Community CyclonesClass 4A State Qualifier • 17-6 Final RecordState Results: lost to Ballard 38-27

    AVOCA -- Robert Dewaele grew up on a crop and livestock farm near Crescent, Iowa, where he always worked with his hands. It only felt natural, the Avoca resident said, to become an artist.    Dewaele has worked as a wood sculptor for 39 years, carving the material from its original form into an intricate, curved yet smooth piece of artwork. He also works as a Crops Insurance Claims Adjuster.

    PANAMA -- The family of Alfred Wingert is requesting a card shower in honor of his 80th birthday on March 13. Cards will reach him if sent to P.O. Box 156, Panama, IA 51562.    Alfred’s family includes his wife, Karen; children: Michele, LuAnn, Glenn, Dan, Janet and Cindy; 21 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.    Alfred is a retired farmer.

    WESTPHALIA -- Katie Goeser and Jason Curry both of DeSoto, IA were married at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia on September 26, 2020. The 3 p.m.

    HARLAN – Iowa Freemasons gathered Saturday, March 6 in Harlan to honor and pay tribute to three 2020-21 officers of the Grand Lodge of Iowa of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.    Honorees were Dennis R. Heflin, Grand Master from Harlan; John D. Lloyd, Deputy Grand Master from Osceola; and Donald (Donnie) A.

    HARLAN – Students in the Harlan Community Elementary Schools will soon have the opportunity to learn about food and gardening through an interactive, hands-on experience being planned for this spring and fall.    Ellen Walsh-Rosmann, Director of Wellness, Food and Nutrition Services at HCS, said the district is seeking donations for a small teaching garden hoped to be constructed in April at the elementary school.    “We will be growing ju

    HARLAN – Harlan Municipal Utilities management is seeking remediation financial solutions for its ratepayers due to the high costs of natural gas and electricity during last month’s unprecedented cold weather.    The extreme cold drove energy prices high for utilities nationwide.  Locally those costs are being passed on to ratepayers, but hopes are there will be financial remedies that eventually will be provided to customers here.    HMU

    ARIZONA -- Jeanne Ardis Sorensen, 89, of Arizona, died February 24.    A memorial service followed by a reception is being held at Hope Church Phoenix in Phoenix, AZ on Sunday, March 14 at 3 p.m.  A memorial service will also be held at Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp on Saturday, July 3 at 10 a.m.

    HARLAN -- Jon Jay Burmeister, 79, Harlan, died Tuesday, March 9 in Harlan.    Public viewing was held Thursday, March 11 from 2-8 p.m.