REGIONAL – The annual holiday adoption program is in full swing with a number of needy families already being adopted, and more needy families added to the list.    Administration of the adoption program is being handled by West Central Community Action, and the Harlan Newspapers remains actively involved in promoting and publicizing the adoptions.    Applications for families wishing to be adopted will be accepted now until December 7.  Child

    HARLAN -- Myrtue Medical Center Board of Trustees approved the annual audit report for the 2017-2018 fiscal year following a presentation by Chris Nelson of Gronewold, Bell, Kyhnn & Co. P.C. CPA, Atlantic.

ELK HORN—2018 is the 40th anniversary of the Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton, Iowa’s Christmas celebration called Julefest, which will be held on November 23-24.

 CEDAR FALLS (Nov.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15Eight-Player: New London 55, Rockford 14First state title for New London (12-1)Class A: Hudson 30, AHSTW 7Third state title for Hudson (13-0)Class 3A: Cedar Rapids Xavier 34, Epworth, Western Dubuque 20Third state title and second straight for Xavier (13-0)

 COUNCIL BLUFFS (Nov. 16) -- The Harlan Community girls basketball team saw its first action of the season late last week, beating IKM-Manning in a jamboree on Thursday night (Nov. 15) in Harlan and losing a Hall of Pride Scrimmage by one point at Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson on Friday. The Cyclones and Wolves played just two quarters to close out Thursday’s eight-team jamboree.

    HARLAN -- Bonnie K. Axland, 77, Harlan, died November 18 at Elm Crest Retirement Community.    Services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irwin with burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery at Irwin.  Visitation is Tuesday from 9-11 a.m.

    AVOCA -- Delno “Bud” Holtz, 100, Avoca, died November 16 at Avoca Specialty Care.    Services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca with burial in the Graceland Cemetery at Avoca.  Family will greet friends Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 5-7 p.m.

    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 is a new event where Santa will be hosted in your community this season.    The idea was first brought to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry by Harlan City Councilman Dave Pedersen as a way to kick off the holiday spirit throughout the county.