WELCOME — Next week is already the end of February. An American Red Cross blood drive will be held noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Welcome. On Tuesday, Feb. 27, blood drives will be held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont, and from 1-7 p.m. at the Lewisville Legion. There are March blood drives planned for Fairmont High School, St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont and Live Fit in Fairmont. For updates on where and when blood drives are planned near you, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), go online at www.redcrossblood.org or text BLOODAPP to 90999. Make an appointment or get further information. Blood is urgently needed now so give if you are able. Thank you.

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Midweek Lenten services continue in area churches and area residents are welcome to join them. St. Paul’s UCC Church in Welcome will have a light supper at 5:30 p.m. and Bible Study at 6 p.m. each Wednesday during Lent. Circle of Faith parishes will meet at Trinity Lutheran Church in Welcome for a supper at 6 p.m. served by the youth group and services at 7 p.m. each Wednesday during Lent. St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sherburn will have services at 6 p.m. followed by a lunch each Lenten Wednesday.

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Bruce Larson was a long-time employee of Easy Automation Inc. in Welcome. In honor of his

excellent work there, Easy Automation Inc. is providing a $1,000 scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year to a student pursuing a degree in his area of work. Students attending a two-year, four-year, or vocational/technical school are eligible. Information and applications are available at the Welcome office by calling (507) 728-8214 or by emailing jmathiason@easy-automation.com and submit the application by the deadline date of April 1, 2024. Bruce was instrumental in developing the electrical controls department at Easy Automation Inc. and lost his battle with cancer in May of 2015. What a good way to honor a past employee.

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Upcoming events:

• The Welcome Summer Festival will have a fish fry fundraiser from 5:30-7 p.m. (or whenever the fish are gone) on March 8, at the Welcome Legion.

• The Lake Promenaders Square Dance Group will meet 6 p.m. on March 10, at the Shaw home in Welcome.