The arrival of the first snow of the winter season caused the Martin Public Schools to close Tuesday, and Wednesday proved to be a second day of weather-related closings, as Hopkins and Wayland Schools were idle. Despite the inclement weather, the Hopkins boys and girls basketball teams played against Sparta Tuesday evening. Main roads were passable, but there were numerous reports of side roads and back roads that were not. Area residents are bracing for what is being billed as a major winter weather event Friday and Saturday, with at least a half foot of snow anticipated.

COVER PHOTO: Amanda Terry provided this photo of what 142nd Avenue looked like Wednesday morning.