FREMONT, NE -- Betty Jean Boeck, 93, Fremont, NE, died July 24 in Fremont.    Services will be held Saturday, July 27 at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan with burial in the Harlan Cemetery.  Family will greet friends Friday, July 26 from 5-8 p.m.

    MOORHEAD -- Donna Kersten Sorensen, 92, Moorhead, died July 19 at her home.    Services will be held Friday, July 26 at 5 p.m. at the C.G. Therkildsen Center in Harlan with burial in the Harlan Cemetery.  Family will greet friends Friday from 4-5 p.m. at the Therkildsen Center.    Sorensen is survived by sons Larry L. (Sandy) Kersten of Rio, WV, Robert E. (Carol) Kersten of McKinney, TX and Jerald E.

    HARLAN -- Day one of Camp Wilderness at Prairie Rose State Park had participants learn how to identify animals with skulls and furs as well as learn about the wildlife around the park. The event is one of 14 across many state parks in Iowa, put on by the University of Iowa, which hopes to expand the number of events to 20 next year.

    HARLAN – Iowa Senator Jason Schultz, R-Schleswig, has organized a local tour on Tuesday, July 30 to help residents learn about one of the options for bottle redemption in Iowa.    “Over the last few years, one of the topics I receive the most communication on from my constituents is bottle redemption centers and the various ‘Bottle Bills’ the legislature has discussed,” said Schultz.    “Droppett is one of the options that has been explore

     AVOCA – A 2017 AHSTW High School graduate and Avoca native is serving at Naval Station Mayport, FL.         Seaman Apprentice Sarah LaJoye serves as master-at-arms that is responsible for harbor patrol.  LaJoye credits her hometown for giving her opportunities she would not have had otherwise experienced that has helped in naval service. 

    On Sunday, July 21, thousands came to Avoca through RAGBRAI®. Being one of the meeting towns during the cyclists’ route, Avoca hosted a number of vendors, RAGBRAI participants and others simply wishing to view the event. 

    COUNTY – Shelby County may be eligible for federal funding to help control the mosquito population in all communities due to the flooding and wet conditions the county has experienced since March.    It’s expected that mosquito populations are on the rise and will continue to be on the increase during the next few months, with a possible increase in West Nile Virus following, officials said.  Warding off the mosquito numbers and illnesses

    HARLAN -- Marie Arentson will celebrate her 90th birthday with a celebration on Saturday, August 3 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Harlan.    Her family invites family and friends to join in celebrating Marie and honoring her late twin sister Eunice Groelz, who died on July 12, 2019. Marie and Eunice were born on August 8, 1929 near Persia to Henry and Meta Steenbock.          Cards can be sent to Marie at 1109 Elm St.

    HARLAN -- Marvin Sewing will mark his 100th birthday at an open house on Thursday, August 8 from 2-4 p.m. at the McKee Community Room at Elm Crest Senior Living Community in Harlan. Friends and relatives are invited to attend.    Cards will also reach him if sent to Marvin Sewing, 2108 12th St., Apt. 246, Harlan, IA 51537.