Our hearts are heavy today as we report that our Managing Editor, Chuck Kajer, passed away suddenly last night. We will miss our “teammate” at The Times… his wit, his thoughtfulness and his amazing ability to recall sports trivia! We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We will post further information when available.

Residents who live on the German-Jefferson Lakes and Lake Emily in Le Sueur County voiced their displeasure at a proposed ordinance which would have required sewer inspections every 3-5 years.
The Le Sueur County Board held a public hearing Tuesday, Oct. 22 to discuss the ordinance. More than two dozen individuals were in attendance and nearly a dozen commented during the hearing.
It was quite apparent these individuals were not in favor of the ordinance. A similar ordinance passed for the lakes of Francis, Rays, Sakatah, and Tetonka in the Waterville/Elysian area.

The removal of a bog near Schmidtke Dam (also known as Lower Sakatah Lake Dam) is underway.
Pick up a copy of the October 31, 2019, Life or Enterprise to learn more.

Although he was feeling a little under the weather, a smile spread across little Ethan Delaske's face as he walked into his newly renovated bedroom, Sunday morning, October 20.
Of course, the ride-in yellow Lamborghini parked in the corner caught the car-loving three-year-old's attention first.
Then, it was the new bookshelf that looks like a gas pump.
Then, it was the new television on his chrome-covered dresser.
Then, it was the new reading nook stocked with books about cars and trucks.

Project retainage to subscontractors on the Le Sueur County Justice Center Project has been reduced.
The Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners received a request by Adolph & Peterson Construction to reduce the retainage for 30 of the 39 subcontractors.
The reduction took the current five percent retainage held and decreased it to one percent.
Adolph & Peterson said they believe these contractors have no risk associated with the project.
The final one percent will be awarded to the subcontractors upon the final signing of the contracts.

The restoration of a little historic church’s steeple will be Le Sueur County Historical Society’s first big project, since the group’s leadership changed in June.
The project, which carries an estimated price tag of $174,000, includes the building of a new, historically accurate steeple, the erection of that steeple, and the installation of a new roof on the 160-year-old Ottawa Stone Church, one of four historic properties owned by LCHS.

Crews are close to completing the construction on Highway 99 from Highway 13 to Highway 21 and from St. Peter to Le Center. Weather permitting, the detour east of Highway 13 could be removed by Friday, October 18.
The $8 million, summer-long project covered an assortment of improvements for the traveling public with many of the tasks centered on improving safety. Work on Highway 99 from the Minnesota River Bridge to Le Sueur County Road 38 included:
- Resurfaced from MN River Bridge to railroad crossing

Elysian’s newest business, The Rusty Flamingo, opened Saturday, October 12.
The business, which is owned by Kris Henry of Smiths Mill, is located at 205 5th Street SW (just south of Highway 60), Elysian.
Henry describes her store as an eclectic collection of new, used, repurposed, and handmade items, ranging from decor and gifts to furniture. Many of the items she—or members of her family—make or repurpose.
“I’ve always wanted to have a store like this, a place to sell unique items. So, really, this is a dream come true,” Henry stated.

The Le Sueur County Board received the 2018 audit report during their Tuesday, Oct. 15 meeting.
Amanda Mboga of BakerTilly provided the report.
Mboga said there were only two minor findings related to EFT policies and collateralization of deposits.
She added the county has exceeded the benchmarks her firm has set for them.
The 2018 financial statement highlights included the outstanding general obligation debt of $31,430,859, which is 28.8 percent of the county’s debt capacity.

A once in a lifetime opportunity has now turned into a twice in a lifetime opportunity for WEM graduate Brady Taylor.
The 36-year-old, who now lives in Mankato, got a chance to do something most people would never consider doing.
At the beginning of January 2019, Taylor was a crew member on the Southern Wind ship which not only catches crab, but is one of the vessels highlighted on Discovery's television show Deadliest Catch.
The documentary series that follows real-life adventures of Alaskan crab fishermen. This occupation is the deadliest in the world.

A 30-year-old Waseca man, who was bicycling to work in Waterville, was killed when he was struck by a vehicle, Tuesday morning, October 1.
Anthony Michael Hodge of Waseca was killed in the collision on Highway 13 at about 6:40 a.m.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol incident report, Hodge was struck by a north bound 2000 Oldsmobile Bravado driven by Cynthia Jo Newman, 23, of Waseca.
Newman was wearing her seat belt at the time of the collision and was not injured. Alcohol is not believed to be involved.
Hodge was not wearing a helmet.

WEM Schools teamed up with Prairie Fire Children’s Theater to produce an awesome 1950’s rendition of “Cinderella.” Two performances, starring local youth, were held last weekend.
Pick up a copy of the September 26, 2019, Lake Region Life or Elysian Enterprise for more photos.

Trista Hering, daughter of Terry and Tina Hering and Seth LaFrance, son of Jeff and Lori LaFrance, were crowned the 2019 Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Queen and King during the annual Homecoming Coronation held in Waterville Monday, Sept. 23. This year's Homecoming theme is "Clip the Ship." For more on the WEM Homecoming festivities, check out the Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 editions of the Life/Enterprise.

The Pittman Clan was among the hundreds of people to celebrate at Kilkenny's Half-Way to St. Paddy’s Day celebration on Saturday. With perfect weather, the town rolled out the green carpet to Irish dignitaries and people from around state and country. The day included music, food, lots of vendor booths and more. See the print edition for more coverage. (Wade Young photo)

Seven years ago Martin Brett of Kilkenny, Ireland, made a trip to Kilkenny, MN.
At the time, Brett was the mayor of the community and was extended an invitation to come to Minnesota.
Mayor Brett was present for the first Halfway to St. Paddy’s Day celebration, but he also attended for another reason.
The two cities signed a formal twinning, which is an official document which declared them sister cities.