CEYLON — This is the last day of 2022. Please have a happy and safe new year for 2023.

Congratulations to the Christmas lighting contest winners in Ceylon. The first prize of a $75 credit on the utility bill goes to Angie Ziemer. The second prize of $50 credit goes to Bob and Kay Ziemer, and the third prize of $25 utility bill credit goes to Ron and Jean Morris. There were so many nicely decorated residents that the City also gave $10 credit to three honorable mention winners: Steve Houfer, Scott and Vicky Smith, and Mayland Norway. Thank you to all that brightened the City with Christmas decorations and thank

you to the City for the contest winnings given to the winners.

Speaking of Christmas decorations, the free Christmas tree recycling will be now until January 8. Take your REAL tree to the Fairmont City Street Shop on Margaret Street in Fairmont or the Sherburn Nursery drop site in Sherburn. Thank you to the Fairmont City Parks and Recreation Department and Sherburn Nursery and the Martin County Sentence to Service Program. Please take all decorations off the tree, No roping or wreaths can be used either. For further information, call Billeye Rabbe, Solid Waster Coordinator, at (507) 776-3232.

Area churches will have New Year’s Day services on Sunday. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wilbert will have 9:30 a.m. services. St. Peter Lutheran Church in Ceylon, is part of the Circle of Faith parishes and they have 9 a.m. services at Trinity Lutheran Church in Welcome or 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Trimont during the month of January. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Ceylon will have services at 5:30 p.m. tonight, Dec. 31. Area residents are urged to join any of these congregations for New Year’s services.

Thank you to those who donated blood yesterday in Ceylon, and to those who helped with the blood drive. Each donation is only a small part of the blood each person has, but it can save the lives of up tothree people. If you are able to, please give blood. There is a drastic need for blood now. Check out locations near you by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or online at www.redcrossblood.org.