GLENWOOD (Feb.

 AVOCA (Feb.

 ANITA (Feb. 20) -- After leading for much of the first half, Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton was forced to play catch-up during the final two quarters last Thursday night and ultimately lost to Stanton 52-43 in a Class 1A, District 14 quarterfinal boys basketball game at Anita. Stanton (19-3) trailed 24-22 at halftime, then opened the third period with a three-pointer and led the rest of the way, building the margin as high as 12 points.

PERSIA -- Earl Edward Eckmann, 87, Persia, died March 6 at Elm Crest Retirement Community.    Services will be held Tuesday, March 10 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Persia with burial in the Minden Cemetery in Minden.  Visitation was Monday, March 9 from 3-8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m.

    ATLANTIC -- Deborah Maria Plagman and Randy Lee Maas both of Atlantic plan to wed on June 6 at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic.    Parents of the couple are Karen Plagman, Irwin, and the late Wayne Plagman; and the late John and Lenora Maas who were Atlantic residents.

    HARLAN -- Prue Frederickson of Harlan will celebrate her 95th birthday on March 13. Her family is planning a card shower in her honor.  Cards will reach her if sent to 3024 Country Club View, Harlan, IA 51537.–––––––––––––––––––    Birthday milestone photos and stories for persons marking their 70th birthdays or more are printed free of charge in the newspaper.    
 

    AUDUBON -- Larry and Pricilla Juelsgaard of Audubon will mark their 50th wedding anniversary on March 7. Their family is planning a card shower in their honor. Cards will reach them if sent to 2126 Crane Place, Audubon, IA 50025.    Their children include Patty and Darin Peterson, Adair; Marty Juelsgaard and Tina Olsen, Audubon; and Cindy and Gabe Hanson, Kirkman.

    HARLAN – Breaking Cylence and Cytones, Harlan Community’s high school and middle school show choirs, have kicked off the contest season with exciting repertoire under the themes Dancing Through the Decades and Straight Vibin’ in the Light.    Landon Stalzer is director of the high school group and co-directs the middle school Cytones with Mindy Shafer.  In his first year at Harlan Community, it’s also his first competitive show choir exper

    COUNTY – An independent audit, tax and consulting firm retained by Shelby County through its legal counsel, Ahlers and Cooney P.C., to deeper investigate the findings of a state audit regarding the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency, has confirmed alleged, improper vacation payments to three former Shelby County employees as reported in the special investigation by the state auditor.    The independent investigation confirms employe