HARLAN -- Harlan Community seniors Emily Brouse and Julia Schechinger made their college decisions official on Monday, November 2, signing national letters of intent to play softball at the juco level starting next fall. Brouse signed with Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs while Schechinger will take her talents to Southwestern Community College in Creston.

Quarterfinal Scores • Friday, November 6

    AVOCA -- Jerry Conroy plays Taps during Veterans Day ceremonies at Eagles Landing Travel Plaza in Avoca.  American Legion Fred Funston Post #227 also held a flag-raising ceremony at the facility, as part of a dedication event for the new owners of the travel plaza.

    COUNTY – Shelby County has implemented a mask mandate that requires the wearing of a face covering for the public and county employees while in the administrative areas of county buildings, including the courthouse in Harlan.    The county’s board of supervisors approved the mandate last week, effective immediately.    “Anybody who enters or is present in the courthouse or any administrative office in the county is required to wear a mask,

    COUNTY – Two long-term care (LTC) facilities in Shelby County have joined others across the state announcing COVID-19 positive cases amongst their residents.    The State of Iowa’s coronavirus website reports as of Thursday, Nov.

    SHELBY -- Mildred Louise Lesch, 90, Shelby, died Tuesday, Nov. 10 in Harlan.    A celebration of life services will be held at a later date.    Lesch is survived by sons Frank (Pamela) Lesch of Shelby and Mitchell Lesch of Shelby; sister Alice Maaske of Cozad, NE; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.    Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    HARLAN – Tom Lehr has been honored as a Ride of Pride driver with Schneider Corp., recognized for his illustrious career with the United States Marine Corps.    Lehr, Harlan, pulled his rig onto the downtown Harlan courthouse square Sunday morning, Nov.

    REGIONAL – The annual holiday adoption program is under way with a number of needy families hoping to receive some assistance this holiday season.    Administration of the adoption program is being handled by West Central Community Action, and the Harlan Newspapers remains actively involved in promoting and publicizing the adoptions.    Applications for families wishing to be adopted will be accepted now until December 11.  Children 18 and

    WEST DES MOINES – Donations are being accepted to help with expenses for Jon and Dena Kaufman, former Shelby Countians, after Jon, a West Des Moines police officer, was injured while on duty early Sunday morning, Nov.