As we approach the end of calendar year 2025 and prepare to welcome 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on the year behind us, highlight the 2025–2026 school year thus far, and express my sincere appreciation to our students, staff, families, and the entire Murray County Central community.

Twas in the Dark of Night I take pause to wish you, each one, a Merry Christmas! We will be hosting this year and I’m able to say that with confidence as our son and his wife who live up the road will be entertaining a portion of them. Although not all will be able to make it, there is still a total of six of our adult children along with their spouses and sixteen grands to tend to whether they will be present or not.

By Arnold Krusemark This week the big news will come, December 21st - the shortest day of the year and the official beginning of winter. The official time of this event is 9:03 am on December 21st.

By John Stenen It is interesting to note that when God had an important assignment to be carried out, He did not appoint a committee to fulfill His plan; He began with a baby. For example, Israel was in bondage to Egypt, they cried out to God in their suffering and God arranged for baby Moses to become their deliverer.

CarlaAnn Goedtke, MRFC, CPFA, CSA of Investors Choice Financial Services Inc. has been recognized as a 2026 Circle of Excellence qualifier by their financial solutions firm, Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (Cambridge). The Circle of Excellence is Cambridge’s highest level of recognition, honoring financial professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and service to their clients, while upholding Cambridge’s core values of integrity, commitment, flexibility, and kindness.

Piano students shared Christmas music and holiday cheer with Prairie View Center residents and those assembled on Saturday. Their instructor is Anna Jeanne Flesner of Tracy..

Monday, December 22: Country Fried Chicken, Cream Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Peas, Wheat Bread & Margarine, Sugar Cookie, 1% Milk. Tuesday, December 23: Beef Stew, Sliced Carrots, Apple Dump Cake, Margarine, Biscuit, 1% Milk.

The Slayton City Council on Monday certified the levy at 4.96 percent, which was where the preliminary levy was set several months ago. The council also approved the 2026 fee schedule.

By: Joanne Bergman During the December meeting of the Murray County Board of Commissioners, several agenda items were approved that prepare the board for 2026. Deposit and investment authority along with EFT delegation was approved for Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Winter. The pocket gopher fee will remain at $2 per critter. The Solid Waste Assessment and the Sign Assessment included on tax statements will remain at $24 and $3 respectively. The fee for beaver taken from the county ditches, parks and road ditches also remains at $75.

Chairman Clarke and Board Members Fulda School District 505, I was surprised to read an article in the local paper with the information that the contract of your Superintendent will not be extended next year. While I am a resident of Nobles County, my home is in the Fulda School District. In my most recent notice of Proposed Property Taxes 2026 from Nobles County almost 60% of the total was school levies and it was substantial.