ELK HORN -- And then there were two. The tie atop the Rolling Valley Conference volleyball standings was whittled down to just a pair here Tuesday night after Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton handled Coon Rapids-Bayard in four sets (25-16, 25-10, 22-25, 25-18). The Spartans (11-12 overall) won their fifth straight conference match since falling to Glidden-Ralston in early September and improved their league mark to 5-1 with four RVC matches to go. E

    NORMAN, OK -- Donald Earl Gray, Jr., 62, Norman, OK, died September 21.    Services will be held Monday, Oct. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut with burial in the Layton Township Cemetery at Walnut.    Gray is survived by his father, Donald (Joan) Gray, Sr.

    EARLING -- Ivo and Mildred “Mick” Finken of Earling will mark their 65th wedding anniversary on October 15. Ivo will also observe his 90th birthday on October 22.    Their family is planning a card shower in their honor. Cards will reach them if sent to P.O. Box 85, Earling, IA 51530. 

    EARLING -- Former Earling resident Regina Koesters of Council Bluffs will celebrate her 90th birthday on Sunday, October 23 at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall in Earling beginning at 10:30 a.m. Friends and relatives are invited to attend.    Her children: Dick, Judi, Jay and Scot and their families will host the party. Regina has 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

    HARLAN – Get ready, marching fans, for Harlan Community’s take on The Music of Queen.    The 2016 version of the marching Cyclones will head to the Iowa High School Music Association’s state marching contest this weekend to present some of Freddie Mercury’s famous tunes in a show that is sure to delight all.    Who could forget the classic Wayne’s World snipet where Wayne and Garth rock out to Bohemian Rhapsody?  It’s the closer of a show

    HARLAN – Does your home have a smoke alarm?    According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the answer is likely yes: NFPA research shows that most American homes have at least one. But do you know how old your smoke alarms are?

    COUNTY -- Voters have the opportunity to elect members of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Shelby County Council from a slate of four candidates at the Nov. 8 general election.    “The council members elected this year will be involved in bringing educational opportunities to Shelby County for the next four years,” Mary Taggs, Extension Educator said.

    REGIONAL -- Marne and Elk Horn Telephone Company and Walnut Communications, who announced their plan to merge in July, have completed the transaction, according to General Manager Janell Hansen.    “We have finalized the paperwork, made the necessary filings and have received the necessary approvals from the FCC, so now we continue on with the best part of the merger – the people, which include all our employees and all our customers,” sta

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