EARLING -- The family of Raymond Andersen is planning a card shower in honor of his 94th birthday on January 8.    Cards will reach him if sent to Little Flower Haven, PO Box 288, Earling, IA 51530.

 HARLAN -- Harlan Community senior Ryan Doran signed a national letter of intent on December 21 to play baseball at Southwestern Community College in Creston. Ryan is the son of Randy and Ann Doran, Harlan. As a first-year starting first baseman in 2017, Doran was instrumental in helping the Cyclone baseball team qualify for its seventh straight state tournament and reach its third consecutive state championship game.

 HARLAN (Jan. 1) -- Harlan Community senior Nick Foss announced on Twitter Monday his verbal commitment to play football at Minnesota State University in Mankato.

 DES MOINES -- A 25-9 first-quarter burst paved the way for another double-digit Spartan victory December 23 as the Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton girls defeated Nodaway Valley 72-49 at Wells Fargo Arena. Freshman Tatum Grubbs (18 points) and seniors Kealey Nelson (18) and Sophia Peppers (17) combined for 53 points as the fourth-ranked Spartans entered Christmas break with a perfect record of 7-0.

 DES MOINES -- Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton put up 50 first-half points on the Wells Fargo Arena floor and posted a 79-53 boys basketball win vs. Nodaway Valley on December 23. The Spartans stormed out to a 27-11 lead after the first quarter and extended the margin to 50-26 at halftime, improving to 3-4 overall. “We played our best basketball of the season in the first half,” said E-EHK head coach Doug Newton.

Exira-EHK Girls & Boys Results/ScheduleDec. 1    vs. Coon Rapids-Bayard - Girls won 67-32; Boys won 66-51Dec. 5    at Glidden-Ralston - Girls won 60-31; Boys lost 58-55Dec. 8    vs. Ar-We-Va - Girls won 78-44; Boys lost 63-60Dec. 12    at West Harrison - Girls won 72-35; Boys won 87-31Dec. 15    vs. CAM, Anita - Girls won 63-53; Boys lost 57-53Dec. 19    at Paton-Churdan - Girls won 82-40; Boys lost 53-50Dec. 23    vs.

    ROCK SPRINGS, WY - Lynn Edward Laver (an Irwin native), 66, Rock Springs, WY, passed away December 17, 2017 at his home after a sudden illness.    He was born November 1, 1951 in Harlan, the son of Ralph and Vera Cutler Laver.    He married Norma Pittson September 9, 1989 in Rock Springs.    Survivors include his wife Norma Laver; sons Trace Laver and wife Alisa, Troy Laver and wife Mandi; daughter Traci Stewart and husband Russ; brothers

HARLAN -- Heating, holiday decorations, winter storms and candles all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the winter months, and local fire officials are urging residents to stay safe this winter season.    The Harlan Fire Department, National Fire Prevention Association and the U.S.

HARLAN -- Myrtue Medical Center CEO Barry Jacobsen was awarded by the Myrtue Medical Center Board of Trustees a three-year renewal on his annual contract which included an 11.86 percent base salary increase to $230,000.    In addition in 2017, as part of Jacobsen’s incentive package, he received a $10,280 bonus for meeting his 2017 goals.    Following a recommendation by the compensation committee, the board of trustees voted to award Jacobsen