HARLAN – The first-ever Ag Festival held at the Shelby County Fairgrounds in Harlan Monday, Sept.

IRWIN -- The annual Greenridge Steam and Gas Antique Show celebrated its 41st year when events kicked off this past weekend at the Greenridge site southwest of Irwin.    This year highlighted a special Birds of Prey presentation display, and hosted a number of kids’ activities including a petting zoo, pedal tractor pulls, candy/money grab, trolley rides and corn husk doll making.    Dating back to 1977, it was two rural Irwin couples, Howard a

AVOCA -- AHSTW will host homecoming activities next week under the theme Vikings Know What’s Up!, and a variety of exciting events will be held throughout the week.    King and queen candidates have been selected, and the king and queen will be crowned at a formal coronation ceremony scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 17 at 5:30 p.m.

REGIONAL -- Voters in the Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton School District gave approval to a $3.9 million bond issue Tuesday that will help the district grow into the future.    The general obligation bond issue for district facility improvements garnered 72.27 percent voter approval, with 258 yes votes compared to 99 no votes.  The issue needed a 60 percent approval to pass. 

HARLAN – The region’s top race car drivers will meet at the Shelby County Speedway this weekend, as the final event of the racing season kicks off tonight with the 25th anniversary Tiny Lund Memorial Races, Friday-Saturday, Sept. 15-16.    The Tiny Lund Memorial will feature two days of racing excitement beginning when the gates open Friday at 3 p.m. for qualifying heats for all classes (beginning with hot laps at 5 p.m.

TREYNOR -- Jim and Tina Burnette of Irwin announce the engagement of their daughter, Amanda, to William Nelson both of Irwin. William is the son of Randy Nelson and Joan Watson-Nelson, Irwin.    Amanda and William plan to wed on September 23 in a ceremony at Prairie Crossing Vineyard and Winery in Treynor. 

    LINCOLN, NE -- Former Harlan resident Richard Pauley will mark his 90th birthday on September 23. His family is planning a card shower in his honor. Cards will reach him if sent to 7200 Van Doran Street #271, Lincoln, NE 68506.    His family includes wife, Marianne; children Dave and Donna Pauley, Joni Pauley, Jill Pauley and Michela Bahensky all of Lincoln. Richard has three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

DUNLAP -- Jerry and Jane Tremel of Dunlap will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, September 24 beginning with a Mass at 12:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dunlap followed by an open house from 2-5 p.m. at the Gold Slipper in Dunlap.    Friends and relatives are invited to attend. The couple requests no gifts. 

 AVOCA -- All in all, it was a great opening night for AHSTW’s sparkling, newly-remodeled gymnasium. The Lady Vike volleyball team made sure the “new” gym’s maiden voyage was a memorable one Thursday, turning the match around with an incredible 18-0 run and defeating Underwood for the first time since 2006 in a four-setter, 12-25, 25-9, 25-21, 25-10. The Western Iowa Conference opener for both teams saw AHSTW improve to 4-4 overall while the E