REGIONAL – Unique baby names continue to be the trend not only nationally but locally as well, as parents opt to identify their little bundles of joy with exclusive or uncommon names, or more common names with different spellings.    A child’s name can be a stressful decision for some new parents. Some parents name their children after family, history, pop culture, or just because the name fits the child.

 HARLAN -- It was a short season, but overall another good one for the Harlan Community baseball team. Opening the 2020 schedule three weeks late due to COVID-19 delays, the Cyclones went 14-4 during the next five and a half weeks, tied for third place in the Hawkeye Ten Conference at 8-2 and reached the Class 3A substate final round for the 10th consecutive year. The season ended with a bad sixth inning and a 12-2 loss at Dallas Center-Grimes

 HARLAN -- The Harlan Community softball team took another step forward in 2020, but also found there’s still work to be done to achieve its ultimate goal. Returning nearly the entire roster from a successful 2019 campaign, the Cyclones finished 15-5 in a COVID-19 shortened summer, placed second in the Hawkeye Ten at 8-2 and played in the program’s first regional final since 2013 - all without one senior on the roster. The season ended abruptl

Health conditions?    The district will offer accommodations for remote or online learning if a child, another resident of the child’s residence, or one of the child’s caretakers has a significant health condition that increases their risk for COVID-19.    The child’s parents or guardian must provide written verification from a licensed healthcare provider.    The programming provided will not necessarily be delivered by HCSD instructors or be

    MANILLA -- Ellsworth Harper Shannon, 102, Manilla, died August 17 at the Manilla Manor.    Services will be held Friday, Aug. 21 at 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Kirkman with burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery at Irwin.  Visitation was Thursday, Aug. 20 from 5-8 p.m.

    DEFIANCE -- Terrence Charles “Terry” Goeres, 68, Defiance, died August 16 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.    Services will be held Thursday, Aug. 20 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance with burial in the Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Defiance.  Visitation is Thursday from 9-11 a.m.

    HARLAN -- Verl Arentson, 92, Harlan, died August 14 at his home.    Services were held Monday, Aug. 17 at 11 a.m.

    Avoca- Lavonne P.

    PORTSMOUTH -- Richard Heller of Portsmouth will mark his 90th birthday on August 19. His family is planning a card shower in his honor. Cards will reach him if sent to PO Box 92, Portsmouth, IA 51565.    His family includes Gary and Deb Heller, Omaha; Bob and Sue Heller, Lenexa, KS; Joann Miller, Harlan; Paul and Valerie Heller, Ellicott City, MD; six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.