Working deep within the rocky ground of Israel’s hill country, 2020 Waterville-Elysian-Morristown graduate Kelsey Kuball, daughter of Nathan and Shannon Kuball of Waterville, assisted biblical archeologists excavate numerous artifacts last summer.
“It’s super cool,” stated the University of Northwestern junior. “I’m a Biblical and Theological Studies major and a big history nerd, so it’s really fun for me to be there—to be part of this dig—and see how it all takes shape… I can’t wait to go back.”

Just like Santa Claus, Larry Hagen has his own workshop, but it’s not at the North Pole.
Hagen’s small workshop sits snugly in a basement corner of his family’s 158-year-old farm house between Waterville and Waseca.
“It’s nothing fancy, but I have everything I need right here… It’s nice. Plus, if I make a mess, no one has to see it,” Hagen stated with a chuckle.
Hagen is a wood carver. For the past 30 years, he has used his talents to create intricate wooden ornaments for his family members. ...

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM WEDNESDAY TO 3 AM CST THURSDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE FRIDAY NIGHT... ...WIND CHILL WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING...
* WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches. For the Winter Storm Watch, blizzard conditions possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. For the Wind Chill Watch, dangerously cold wind chills possible. Wind chills as low as 40 below zero.

Le Center Librarian Lynn Selly has received the 2022 Above and Beyond Award from the Minnesota Library Association in recognition of her contributions to the Minnesota library community. More on this in Thursday's Messenger.

Christmas wishes really do come true.
The Heidi Erntse family of Kilkenny makes sure of it.
For more than a decade, the Ernstes have spearheaded a nomination-based, wishgranting program called Earnest Effort Christmas Wish to provide extra cheer to local individuals and families in need with the help of many generous and anonymous donors.
Last year, Earnest Effort Christmas Wish granted more than 30 wishes. This year, it will likely be more.

There will be some changes in the government officials in a number of communities in the Lake Region Area following the State General Election held Tuesday, Nov. 8.

The protracted drought in the area has prompted the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to name Scott and Le Sueur counties and several neighboring counties as disaster areas.

Local residents will have a chance to cast their ballots for local, county, state, and school board candidates during the Tuesday, Nov. 8 state general election.
Waterville residents will have a race for two city council positions and four Tri City United School Board members. They will also be voting for US. Representatives, State Representatives, and a county commissioner.
Morristown residents will also be voting for two city council positions, State Senator, US. Representative, and they also have races for Rice County Sheriff and Rice County Attorney.

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown High School crowned its Homecoming King and Queen during a ceremony on Monday morning, Oct. 10.
The new king and queen are Jaxon Hulsing and Jordan Green.
Queen Jordan is the daughter of Kyle and Kristina Green.
King Jaxon is the son of Cory and Mary Hulsing.
To see more on the Homecoming activities pick up this weeks LifeEnterprise paper.

The 2022 WEM Homecoming Week activities will begin Monday, Oct. 10 and run through Saturday, Oct. 15. The theme this year is T-Bird Barbecue and Cardinal Cookout!
The opening day of the week will feature the King and Queen Coronation at 10 a.m., Oct. 10, A reception and pictures will follow.

Ginseng--one of the most soughtafter and valuable plants in traditional Chinese medicine—grows wild in the local area and has one farmer turning to fertile woodlands instead of wide-open fields this fall to harvest his crop.
“There used to be a lot of wild ginseng in this area, but it was overharvested years ago,” explained Tyler “Ty” Saemrow of Morristown, owner of Ty’s Ginseng. “But, if you know what you’re looking for, you can still find it.”