DES MOINES -- Harlan was presented a Healthy Hometowns powered by Wellmark award at the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative Bringing it Home conference on Nov. 1.

    HARLAN -- A historical Iowa 99 County Bible Reading Marathon made a stop in Shelby County Friday-Saturday, Nov. 11-12, parked on the courthouse lawn with volunteer readers silently reading scripture.    The Shelby County Board of Supervisors approved the event being held in front of the courthouse, following recommendations from Iowa Gov.

    HARLAN -- Myrtue Medical Center CEO Barry Jacobsen has been awarded a three year renewal contract with a 2.5 percent salary increase by the MMC Board of Trustees.    Following a recommendation by the evaluation committee at its October board meeting, the board of trustees unanimously voted to give Jacobsen a 2.5 percent raise bringing his annual salary to $205,615 beginning January 1, 2017. Jacobsen’s current salary is $200,600. 

 HARLAN -- It was only six seasons, but oh, what an amazing six-year run it was. Harlan Community head volleyball coach Angie Spangenberg, who quickly took the program to new heights after moving to Harlan in 2011, has decided to hang up her whistle and put away the clipboard. Harlan Community Activities Director Mitch Osborn announced that Spangenberg has resigned her coaching position, pending school board approval on Monday, Nov. 7.

 TABOR -- When it was all said and done - the handshake line complete and the trophy presentation in the books - several Fremont-Mills players made their way back to the Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton side of the 50-yard line. Following 48 minutes of hard-hitting playoff football, the rivals exchanged well-wishes and sportsmanlike pats on the back. The Spartans may not have been able to hang with the Knights in Friday’s 8-Player quarterfinal game,

 TABOR -- The Spartans of Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton know very well the challenge that awaits them in Friday night’s 8-Player quarterfinal playoff game at 2nd-ranked Fremont-Mills. The unbeaten Knights (10-0) rank fourth in the 8-Player class with 57.8 points per game and easily lead every class in the state with 36 interceptions, 45 total takeaways and 13 defensive touchdowns. F-M has posted five shutouts, held four other teams to 12 points or

 MARSHALLTOWN -- Harlan Community junior Abby Bruck, who is a member of the Lewis Central girls swim team, qualified for state in two relay events via last weekend’s district competition. Bruck will be competing on the Titans’ 200 and 400-meter freestyle relays this Saturday at the Girls State Swimming Meet at the Marshalltown YMCA/YWCA.

HARLAN -- A total of 98 area kids in grades 3-6 participated in Harlan Community’s 2016 Flag Football program. The season was held over five weeks this fall with games played each Sunday afternoon. The third and fourth grade division played at 1:00 p.m., followed by the fifth and sixth grade division at 3:00.

    AVOCA -- Martin “Marty” LeRoy Schuemann, 74, Avoca, died November 10 at Mercy Hospital.    Services were held Monday, Nov. 14 at 10:30 a.m.