HARLAN – The Harlan City Council has signed off on the plans and specifications for a 1.3-acre dog park on the east edge of town, with hopes of having the park available to pet lovers by late fall or early spring.    The council voted 5-0 this month approving the design plans as provided by Snyder and Associates, Inc., Atlantic, the firm hired to develop the construction plans.

    HARLAN -- Myrtue Medical Center has received the Mission: Lifeline® Silver Referring Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.

    EARLING -- Gary Lee “Bandit” Gubbels, 59, Earling, died July 9 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.    Services will be held Monday, July 15 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling with burial at a later date.  A wake services will be held Sunday, July 14 at 7 p.m. at the church.  Family will greet friends Sunday from 4-7 p.m.

    AVOCA -- JoAnn Mildred Lees, 78, Avoca, died July 6 at Oakland Manor Nursing Home.    Services were held Thursday, July 11 at 10:30 a.m.

    HARLAN -- Helen Miller, 85, Harlan, died July 8 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.    Services were held Wednesday, July 10 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Church in Portsmouth with burial in the St.

    COUNTY -- On Wednesday, July 10, the Shelby County Fair kicked off its annual celebration in Harlan. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the fair, and in that time many changes have been made.    Shelby County Historical Society records indicate the first Shelby County Fair was held on October 2, 1869 at an unlisted location.

    COUNTY -- With the month of June now gone, planting for farmers has also come to an end.

 COUNTY -- Fair season is finally here and with it comes a number of participants and visitors from around the county to experience the 150th annual Shelby County Fair.    Two of these participants are Kyle and Justin Hansen from the Elk Horn Explorers 4-H Club, who will be showing their projects to judges and livestock animals during the fair. 

    AVOCA -- Avoca celebrated its sesquicentennial last week with activities throughout the July 4 holiday week and weekend. There was food, tractor displays, a history tour, beard competition and lots of art.