The Harlan Newspapers, Keast Auto Center and Hy-Vee have again teamed up to sponsor coloring contests; one for children in Pre-K thru 2nd grade, with another for kids 3rd thru 5th grades. Winning entries and artists willbe featured on the covers of this year’s Holiday Greeting issues Dec. 20 and Dec. 24. Deadline for submissions is noon Friday, Dec. 13.

    HARLAN – The holiday season is upon us, and the Shelby County Historical Museum is commencing the festivities with the announcement of their annual Christmas Program. The Christmas Program is a time-honored tradition featuring a sing-a-long, refreshments, the candy cane legend, and more!

    COUNTY – It’s almost time!  Get ready, kids, for Santa to make a stop in your community in December.  Santa Claus is Coming to Town to make his rounds with his friends from the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec.

    HARLAN – Local residents now have a new feature to view while on their walks in Pioneer Park -- a StoryWalk® program where park-goers can read books through a series of signs spread throughout the park.  City crews recently finished installing the pedestals, and the first books were installed.    Although the weather last week wasn’t exactly conducive to viewing the feature as record cold for November set in.

    REGIONAL -- Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) is celebrating National Adoption Month in November. It’s a time to celebrate with community members and families who have adopted children in need of loving homes.    This month is also a time to recognize the 123,000 children across the U.S.

    IRWIN -- Third grade students at IKM-Manning Elementary School have been exploring the life cycles of soybeans, chickens, sunflowers, and apples. Third grade teachers Lori Petersen and Greg Polzien invited “Loess Hills Agriculture in the Classroom” to speak to students about life cycles.

    HARLAN -- Julie Ann Suntken and Ryan Michel Carter both of Irwin plan to marry on June 27, 2020 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan.    Parents of the couple are Alan and Cynthia Suntken, Moberly, MO, and the late Michel Carter, who was a Hamlin resident, and Carol Schaben, Norwalk.

    HARLAN -- Mike and Connie Kienast of Harlan announce the engagement of their daughter, Carly Kienast to Justin Schechinger both of Harlan. He is the son of Debra Schechinger, Harlan, and the late Don Schechinger.    The couple will marry on December 6 at Fresh Encounter Fellowship in Harlan.

    OMAHA -- Jana Lytle and Adam Wiblishouser both of Omaha exchanged married vows on July 13, 2019 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha. Pastor Karen Palmer of Blue Springs, MO performed the 5 p.m. double ring ceremony.    Parents of the bride are Gaige and Sherry Lytle, Harlan. Parents of the groom are Janet and Ron Looper, Papillion, NE; and Gary Wiblishouser and Laurel McClane, Omaha.