HARLAN -- Sharon Witt of Harlan will celebrate her 70th birthday on October 30. Her family is planning a card shower in her honor. Cards will reach her if sent to 668 Quince Road, Harlan, IA 51537.    Her family includes husband, Alan, and children: David and Kairee Witt, Audubon; Christena and Brad Hemmingsen, Audubon; and Steven Witt, Harlan.

    REGIONAL -- Area kids are excited about the upcoming Halloween trick-or-treating events, all scheduled for Sunday or Monday, Oct. 30-31 in the various communities of Shelby County.       Following is the 2017 trick-or-treat schedule:Sunday, Oct. 30•  Earling, 4-6:30 p.m.•  Portsmouth, 5-7 p.m., with haunted house at city hallMonday, Oct.

    INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- Fourteen Harlan FFA members and advisors, Justine McCall and James Shughart, traveled to the National FFA Convention and Expo October 18-21 in Indianapolis, IN.    The members attended several tours and participated in various National FFA Convention activities while on the trip. For the past four years, the convention has been held in Louisville, KY.

    COUNCIL BLUFFS -- On October 20, Michael Charles Garreans, 55, Harlan, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 60 months in prison for possession of child pornography.    Garreans’ term of imprisonment is to be followed by seven years of supervised release.    On June 9, 2016, Garreans pleaded guilty to a federal indictment, charging him with possession of child pornography on or about July 18, 2014.

    HARLAN – This weekend marks the 15th annual Harvest Fest in historic downtown Harlan, under the exciting theme The Land of Fairytales.    Saturday, Oct.

Students and faculty celebrated the week learning the six pillars of character: Trustworthiness; Respect; Responsibility; Fairness; Caring; and Citizenship.

    COUNTY – Bob Cook, commander, Harlan American Legion Post #150, has lived all over the world, but says nothing compares to the American spirit shown right here in Shelby County, Iowa.    “This is the most patriotic place I’ve been,” he said.    That’s why it’s so important to he and other Legion members that the annual July 4 fireworks show continues to be one of the best in the region.  It costs money, however, and even though it’s only O

    COUNTY – Early voting in Shelby County for the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election is currently under way, and local officials said they are ready for anyone to cast ballots either by absentee ballot or by just stopping by the courthouse in Harlan to cast votes.    Shelby County Auditor and Election Commissioner Marsha Carter said her office is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

    DEFIANCE – The City of Defiance is seeking title to an abandoned property within the city limits through means of a lawsuit filed in Shelby County District Court.    The city has filed a petition for title to abandoned property against defendants David John Schaben, the State of Iowa, Shelby County Iowa Treasurer, and Ash Grove Investments, Inc.  Schaben is believed to be the property’s owner, and others named in the suit may have interest