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Royal businesses enjoyed unusually warm weather for the annual Christmas open houses on Wednesday, Dec. 11. There were many treats and goodies, as well as drawings for a variety of prizes. Home State Bank awarded monetary gifts totaling $4,725 to organizations active in the Royal community. Accepting the donations pictured front row, from left to right: Marlana Tewes, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS); Laura Berberich, Royal Public Library; Matt Goyette, Royal Fire and Rescue; Linda Yungbluth, American Legion Auxilary; Darcy Teepe, CC/E Girl Scouts; Kelly Schultz, Respite Angel's, Inc.; Pastor Mark Wilms, Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Back row: Dale Langner and Mark Feldman, Clay County Food for Life; Dan Ries, Camp Autumn/Season's Center; Ann Santage, Royal Community Action; John Roberts, Royal United Methodist Church; Buddy Yungbluth, American Legion. Other businesses holding open houses were Royal Café, CommStock Investments, Royal Telephone Company, Royal Market and Fredericks of Royal.