WALNUT -- Mariann A. Martens, 89, Walnut, died Monday, July 23 in Atlantic.    Services will be held Saturday, July 28 at 10 a.m. at Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut with burial in the Shelby Cemetery in Shelby.  Family will be present to greet friends Friday, July 27 from 5-8 p.m.

    PORTSMOUTH -- Gary Sylvan Wilke, 82, Portsmouth, died July 22 at his home.    Services were held Wednesday, July 25 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Church in Portsmouth with burial in the St.

    HARLAN - With the departure of seasoned executive director Nate Buman and grants coordinator Aaron Hicks, the Historical Society board sprung into action and have two new leaders this summer.    The new executive director, Sarah McDonald, relocated from Dallas, TX to Harlan this April.  She earned her B.A. degree in anthropology from Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock, TX and her masters in history/museum studies from the Univ.

    HARLAN – Harlan Community Superintendent of Schools Justin Wagner’s total salary and benefits package under a recently-approved contract amounts to $232,543.69 this school year.    Wagner is being paid a base salary of $173,290.11 in 2018-19 under a contract agreement approved by the Harlan Community Schools Board of Education Monday, June 25.  The board approved the contract 6-0 (Lonnie Muxfeldt, Amy Rueschenberg, Al Hazelton, Jessica And

    HARLAN – Harlan Community Schools Board of Education members this week are backing their votes approving a contract extension for their superintendent of schools, Justin Wagner, but one board member said although she voted for it, through more research she has learned there are areas where the board can be a better steward of taxpayer dollars. 

DES MOINES -- Fans were on hand cheering on the HCHS Cyclone baseball team to a 5-4 win over Boone Tuesday evening.    The Cyclones advanced to the semi-finals of the tourney and take on Waverly-Shell Rock today at 11 a.m. at Principal Park in Des Moines.    See sports pages today for highlights from the quarterfinal game vs. Boone and a preview of the semi-final contest.  (Photo by Mike Oeffner)

    RURAL SHELBY -- Carl and Carmin Brown of Harlan announce the engagement of their daughter Taylor to Casey Schulte both of Cedar Falls. Casey is the son of Daryl Schulte, Foristell, MO; and Christine Richter, Cottleville, MO.    The couple will exchange marriage vows on August 4 at Willow Creek Glass Chapel in rural Shelby. 

    HARLAN -- In celebration of Leroy and Phyllis Larsen’s 60th wedding anniversary on July 27 their children will honor them with a card shower. Cards will reach them if sent to 1502 West Park, Harlan, IA  51537.    Their family includes Lance and Lori Larsen, Harlan; George and Lona Paganis, Tulsa, OK;  the late Lanette Larsen, and three grandchildren. 

    HARLAN -- Al and Dixie Woodraska of Harlan will mark their 60th wedding anniversary on August  3. Their family is honoring them with a card shower. Cards will reach them if sent to P.O. Box 187, Harlan, IA 51537.    Their children and spouses are Terri and Larry Duffer, Stony Point, NC; Sharon and Kevin Lucke, Harlan; and Ken and Marcia Woodraska, Oelwein. Al and Dixie have six grandchildren.