DES MOINES (March 9) -- The Glenwood boys basketball team represented southwest Iowa and the Hawkeye Ten Conference in fine fashion last week, winning three straight thrillers at Wells Fargo Arena to claim the program’s first-ever state championship. This year’s Class 3A title winner, which beat Harlan Community 82-69 in a substate final on February 26, features plenty of local ties. Rams head coach Curt Schulte graduated from HCHS in 1989 an

    DEFIANCE -- Robert and Luella Wilwerding of Defiance will mark their 50th wedding anniversary on March 23. Their family is planning a card shower in their honor.      Cards will reach them if mailed to Box 367, Defiance, IA 51527.

    HARLAN -- Julie Ann Ranney-Mikels, 61, Harlan, died March 13 at her home.    Visitation will be Sunday, March 18 from 5-7 p.m. at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan.    Ranney-Mikels is survived by sons Richard (Keri) Ranney of Harlan and Robert (Katie) Ranney of Colo; brothers Jim Ranney of Turner, OR, Joe Ranney of Harlan and Jeff Ranney of Harlan; and three grandchildren.

    WALNUT -- Alice Lamer, 88, Walnut, died Tuesday, March 13 in Elk Horn.    Services will be held Saturday, March 17 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Walnut with burial in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery at Walnut.  A wake service will be held Friday, March 16 at 8 p.m. at the church.  Friends may call Friday from 4-8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m.

    HARLAN – Three culinary students from Harlan Community High School competed in a regional food competition that saw the trio team up to take first place at the event held Monday, March 5 in Council Bluffs.    The team of Kayla Pauley, Abie Gorden and Tara Hansen earned top honors in the baking division, competing in the 5th Annual Iowa Western Community College Baking Competition.    Competing teams had two hours to make four identical pla

    IOWA CITY -- More than 1,100 Special Olympic athletes and Unified Sports partners, along with more than 400 volunteers, were a part of the Mid-Winter Tournament held in Iowa City March 9-10.    Harlan Community Schools athletes competed well at the event with all 18 participants placing in the top three in their competitions.

    HARLAN -- Myrtue Medical Center generates 553 jobs that add $24.3 million to Shelby County’s economy, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association.

    HARLAN – School would start on August 23, 2018 and end on May 24, 2019 under a proposed school calendar being considered by the Harlan Community Schools Board of Education.    Only in draft phase, the calendar is hoped to be presented to the board at an upcoming meeting for final consideration once it has been vetted by administration and staff.    Highlights of the proposed calendar include:    - 80 days in the first semester ending befor

    HARLAN – The Harlan Education Association and Harlan Community Schools Board of Education met Friday, March 9 to present initial bargaining proposals.    The HEA’s initial bargaining proposal was a $150 increase to base wage as well as natural movement on the salary schedule based on years of service.    The HCS Board’s counter proposal included a $150 increase to base wage and also natural movement on the salary schedule based on years of