AVOCA -- Prom-goers at AHSTW wouldn’t let one of the strongest mid-April storms in history rain or snow on their special evening Saturday night, April 14.  Strong storms that brought heavy rain, wind, hail and even some area twisters rolled in on Friday.  On the back side of that storm was another douse of winter, bringing cold, wind and snow on Saturday.  Prom went on as scheduled Saturday for AHSTW.

    COUNTY – License plates with the new Iowa plate design are now available through local motor vehicle departments, including the Shelby County office, officials announced this week.    The design, a city and country reboot, represents an updated and more visually compelling representation of the city and country theme that is currently featured on Iowa license plates, officials said.

    HARLAN -- An official from the Essentia plant east of Harlan said Thursday, April 12 his company is working on the issue.    In a statement, John Abell, a representative from the plant, said, “We have been in contact with the DNR and the Shelby County Environmental Department and also with the Environmental Engineering group at Essentia.  Essentia has sampled and is taking sampling to determine a mitigation plan if required.

    REGIONAL – Outstanding debt obligations for local governmental agencies decreased slightly in the past year, bucking the state trend that saw an overall increase in debt, according to a report released by the state treasurer’s office.    Shelby County saw it’s total debt obligations drop from $36,700,893 in 2016 to $35,735,239 in 2017.  Much of the reported debt can be attributed to the City of Harlan/Harlan Municipal Utilities and Harlan

    COUNTY -- There will be a contested race for county supervisor this year.    Incumbent Roger Schmitz, Democrat, is being challenged by newcomer Darin Haake, Republican.  Both will appear on the primary ballot in June, and both will move on to the general election in November representing their respective parties.    There is only one open seat on the county supervisors board, currently held by Schmitz, a long-time veteran of the board.    

    HARLAN -- The final legislative briefing of the year will be held Saturday, April 21 at 10 a.m. at the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry atrium, 1901 Hawkeye Ave. in Harlan.    This event is sponsored by Farm Sweet Farm of Harlan.  The public is invited to attend and learn more about the legislative session, including legislation that has been passed and still being considered.    On hand will be Sen. Jason Schultz and Rep.

    EARLING -- Bernie Wilwerding of Earling marked his 85th birthday on April 16.

    HARLAN -- Doug and Betty Kiesel of Shelby will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary at an open house on Saturday, April 28 from 2-4 p.m. at the American Legion in Harlan.    Their family includes son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Vickie Kiesel, Villisca; and daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Brian Kock, Harlan. The Kiesels have four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

    WALNUT -- Jack Eugene Osborn, 81, Walnut, died April 11 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.    Services will be held Saturday, April 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca with burial in the Monroe Township Cemetery at Walnut.  Visitation will be held Friday, April 13 from 4-8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m.