MANILLA (June 21) -- Gabe Madsen’s two-run homer highlighted a seven-run fifth inning and AHSTW also opened the game with five runs in the first to beat IKM-Manning 14-1 Friday night and complete a season sweep. Viking junior Clayton Akers pitched all five innings and improved to 2-3 with the win, allowing four hits and one earned run, walking one and striking out a pair while throwing just 60 pitches. Madsen finished 2-for-2 with a home run,

 MONDAMIN (June 21) -- The Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton baseball team suffered its second loss of the season to West Harrison on Friday night, falling 5-4 in eight innings. The Spartans, now 4-9 overall and 3-8 in the Rolling Valley Conference, held leads of 2-0 and 3-2 in the first inning and a half and later tied the game with a run in the top of the sixth.

 UNDERWOOD (June 20) -- Nick Ravlin and Blake Hall combined to strike out seven IKM-Manning batters Thursday night as the Underwood baseball team defeated the Wolves 14-3 in a five-inning game. IKM-Manning led 3-2 going to the bottom of the third before the Eagles exploded for 11 runs off Wolves’ pitchers Alex Lingle and Amos Rasmussen in the inning.

    AVOCA -- Starting on Wednesday, July 3 Avoca will be celebrating its 150-year anniversary of establishment.

    HARLAN -- With the July 4 holiday only a few days away, local officials are saying it’s important to remember the dangers the holiday can present when it comes to fireworks.

    REGIONAL -- This last session of legislation provided a wide range of debates and changes for Iowa Citizens ranging from tax relief to how the judicial system operates.    The Republican lead majority was able to get a number of bills passed that were implemented on July 1.

    HARLAN -- The yearly firework show will once again be on display at J.J. Jensen Park on Thursday, July 4. The show has entertained numerous Harlanites for more than 30 years. However, the show is impossible to be put on without the help of Harlan American Legion Post #150.    Every year the Legion attempts to raise $5,000 for the fireworks show.

    PORTSMOUTH -- Max and Jerri Handbury of Persia will mark their 50th anniversary at an open house on Sunday, July 14 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Portsmouth. Friends and relatives are invited to attend.    The couple’s children and their spouses are Jenny and Dale Kosmacek, Stanton, NE; Amy and Dave Sliva, Columbus, NE; Matt and Linnea Handbury, Neola; and Craig and Jennie Handbury, Tipton, IA.

    HARLAN -- Darlene (Jensen) Heilesen of Harlan will celebrate her 90th birthday with family on July 12. Her family is planning a card shower in her honor. Cards will reach her if sent to 3006 Country Club View, Harlan, IA 51537.    Darlene’s children include Pat and and husband, Don Holdsworth, Harlan; the late Bruce Heilesen and the late Becky Carver. She has four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.