SHERBURN — Martin County West School is transitioning to distance learning for grades 7-12 as of today, while students in grades K-6 went to hybrid learning today. This change was due to the increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Martin County during the month of September. There have been more than 100 positive COVID-19 cases this month, which doubles the previous highest month of positive cases. They will remain in this learning scenario for a minimum of two weeks. Extra-curricular practices for volleyball and football also began virtual practices this week.

Breakfast and lunch are being provided at no cost for any MCW student, age 18 and under. This includes all distance learners. The distance (at home) learners need to contact the school office where they will pick up their meals. Call in your meal request by 9 a.m. daily, then arrive at that school between 10:50 and 11:05 a.m. to pick up your meal. Take your meal from the distribution box located just inside the first set of doors after being buzzed in. (Entry through the second set of doors is not permitted). Elementary students who are in school will get their free meal simply by going through the serving line. This free meal opportunity will continue while funds are available. School administration anticipates that this will be through the month of November. If you have any questions about the school lunches, please contact your child’s principal. Call Chad Brusky, Trimont Elementary at (507) 639-2071, Michele Baker, MCW Junior/Senior High in Sherburn at (507) 764-4661, or Allison Schmidt, Sherburn Elementary at (507) 764-4461.

The senior class of Martin County West will be holding the annual chili/soup supper on Friday. Due to social distancing restrictions, this year’s meal will be much different from those in the past. This year’s supper will be a drive-through event from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the high school parking lot in Sherburn. For tickets in advance, please talk to a senior class member. The menu of chili or chicken noodle soup, vegetable side, crackers, and a cinnamon roll remains the same. Always a good meal for a good cause. Help support the class of 2021.

In case you have not noticed, “Flamingo Flocking” has begun in Sherburn. Pink flamingos have shown up recently in some resident’s yards. The “flocking” is a fundraiser for a project that was originally envisioned by former Sherburn Mayor Jeff Ross. His idea was to equip our local city park with more play equipment as well as handicap accessible equipment. You may purchase “flocking insurance” for a donation of $15 so that your yard is not flocked. If your yard is chosen for a flocking, there will be a sign with a bag attached with instructions as to how to get rid of the flamingos and where you would like them to go next. Mayor Ross did not get to see his vision come true, but after his death, a committee was formed. The group includes Amber Ballard, Lisa Lange, Chelsea McNicol, Kristen Wille-Schoen, Lacy McNicol, and Jackie Auringer. They are hoping that with help from community members this project can reach completion. Any donations or flocking insurance donations may be dropped off at Bank Midwest in Sherburn, Attn: Lacy McNicol.

Date to mark on your calendar: A Red Cross blood drive will be held 1-6 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Regional Worship Center in Sherburn. This will be by appointments only. No walk-ins.

Regional Worship Center in Sherburn is hosting community breakfasts from 8-10 a.m. each Monday morning at their church located at 2 Crossroads Drive in Sherburn. There is a free donation for the meal. Everyone is welcome.

St. Johns Lutheran Church in Sherburn will have two Sunday services in October at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. There will also be an evening service on the second and fourth Wednesdays during the month of October.

Congratulations to Martin County West 9th grader, Isaac Striemer, who recently earned his Eagle Scout award and was recognized at a Court of Honor ceremony at the Sherburn City Park.