WELCOME — I hope you and yours had a Happy and Safe New Year’s Day.

The Martin County West schools returned to classes yesterday, Jan 2. The athletes are scheduled to compete this weekend and the following weekdays. The wrestling team will compete with Fairmont at 5 p.m. today in Fairmont. The girl’s basketball team will compete with Trimont at 7 p.m. today in Trimont. The girl’s hockey team will compete with Princeton at 7 p.m. today at the Fairmont Hockey Arena on Martin County Fairgrounds The boy’s hockey team will compete with Redwood Valley at 7 p.m. today in Redwood Valley. The gymnastics team will attend a meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, at the LiveFit gym in Fairmont. The boy’s basketball team will compete with St. James Area at 7 p.m. on Monday at the MCW gymnasium. The girl’s basketball team will compete with Mountain Lake at 7 p.m. on Monday at Comfrey High School. The girl’s hockey team will compete with Luverne at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Fairmont Hockey Arena on the Martin County Fairgrounds. The boy’s hockey team will compete with Luverne at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Blue Mound Ice Arena. A Band and Choir concert will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at MCW.

Condolences to the family of Marsha Atzenhoefer who passed away recently. She will be missed by friends and family, especially at this holiday season.

The Welcome City Council has scheduled a meeting on January 7 at 6 p.m. at the City Hall. There is always a time for public comments/questions at the beginning of each meeting. To be on the regular agenda please contact City Hall prior to the date of the meeting at 507-728-8740.

Area residents may take their fresh trees to the Christmas Tree Recycling drop spots from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sherburn Nursery or the City Shop in Fairmont until Jan. 10. Only real trees may be dropped off for recycling, Wreaths, roping, artificial trees, and similar items are prohibited. For further information, contact the Solid Waste Coordinator at (507) 776-3232.