HARLAN – Iowa Gov.Terry Branstad signed into legislation this month legalizing the sale and use of commercial fireworks in Iowa, and local communities, including Harlan, are now interpreting how that will affect their towns.    Under the new law, Iowans may purchase consumer fireworks beginning June 1, and fireworks may be sold in permanent buildings between June 1 and July 8, and again on December 10 through Jan.

HARLAN -- Next time you rent from the library, you may find more than just a story with your books and DVDs.    Amanda Brewer, the library director, decided to hide golden tickets in various library items for both children and adults to find. The tickets, upon discovery, can be exchanged for prizes.­­­­­    When children win, they receive the prize of a free, new book.

WEST DES MOINES -- Harlan Community High School senior Rebecca Sparandeo was recognized by Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov.

https://youtu.be/6zTFaObJqi8

HARLAN -- Myrtue Medical Center and Petersen Family Wellness Center will celebrate the 24th Annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day (NSHFD) on Wednesday, May 31 with honored guest, Chuck Long, former Iowa Hawkeye football quarterback legend.    As an official host site, the Petersen Family Wellness Center will hold health and fitness activities from 8-10:30 a.m. in a mini-health fair format.

AVOCA -- Graduation ceremonies were held at AHSTW on Sunday, May 14.    Below, the graduates spray confetti in the gymnasium following the ceremonies.  At right,  Grace Russmann, Cydney Anderson and Ashlyn Heilig (L to R) share a laugh after commencement.    A number of other commencement exercises are scheduled this weekend.

    KIRKMAN -- Jim and Lori Baughman of Kirkman announce the engagement of their daughter, Dena to Jon Kaufman both of Dubuque. Jon is the son of Mark and Sherry Kaufman, Harlan.        The couple will exchange marriage vows on June 17 at the United Methodist Church in Kirkman.

HARLAN -- Betty Markham of Harlan marked her 95th birthday on April 17. She celebrated with her family at a luncheon on May 6 at the Harlan Golf and Country Club.    Her entire family attended the evening Mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Church followed by a dinner at Phil and Amy Markham’s home.

REGIONAL – Area seniors are gearing up for commencement this weekend. Harlan Community High School will host graduation ceremonies Sunday, May 21 at 2 p.m. at the HCHS gymnasium. Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton will host graduation on Sunday, May 21 beginning at 2 p.m. The 54 students from IKM-Manning School District will graduate in ceremonies to be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 21.