Merry Christmas to the Sembauers!
Jack Sembauer, 14, and his mom, Wendy Sembauer of Montgomery, found the 2018 Torchlight Parade and Fireworks medallion on the north side of the fire hall on a piece of wood under a downspout. 
"I think it was the third clue that led us there. It said something about being between Fifth Street and the highway," Jack said of their Saturday, December 15 search. "We were only there looking for five or ten minutes before I found it." 

Emily Mae Braun, 87, of Montgomery passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems Hospital in Mankato. Visitation will be on Saturday, Dec. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. with Father Victor Valencia officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Lexington.

The Lonsdale City Council approved to slightly reduce the city’s tax rate in 2019 on Thursday night.
“The focus was to keep the tax levy the same,” said Mayor Tim Rud at the Lonsdale City Council meeting.
As such, the tax levy portion of next year’s budget was approved for $2,070,000. It will increase the city’s tax revenue by $206,600.

In my older years, I have started to feel cynical (dare I say bitter?), and my Christmas list for this old world looks more like a massive complaint rather than a heartfelt letter to you.
So, in search of the true Christmas spirit, I pulled up one of the most famous editorials ever written, "Is there a Santa Claus?"

Starting with February’s bill, Montgomery residents can expect to see a slight increase in the sewer portion of their bill.
At its final meeting of the year, the city council amended its utility fee schedule that includes water and sewer rates. According to City Administrator Brian Heck, the increase came before the council after an annual review by the Public Utility Commission (PUC).

The following meeting has been cancelled.
The mayor and council members of Lonsdale want the public's input and suggestions on a project that could bring a senior independent living facility and new city hall and police department to the city.
To help weigh in on the discussion, the Lonsdale City Council is holding a public meeting on Monday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. at Lonsdale City Hall.

Little Camryn Bruzek wasn't shy about hopping on Santa's lap Saturday and telling him she wanted a baby doll for Christmas. The two-year-old daughter of Ryan and Kim Bruzek was one of several youth to partake in the Montgomery Legion craft event with Santa on Saturday. (Wade Young photo)

Gladys Kaderlik, 85, of Montgomery passed away on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, in Montgomery at her home. Visitation will be on Sunday, Dec. 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery with visitation one hour prior at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Montgomery.

One week shy of her 104th birthday, life-long Montgomery resident Mayme (Dejcmar) Jindra, who is now resides at Traditions of Montgomery, dug out an envelope of tattered World War II memorabilia. 
"Oh, I don't know why I kept some of this stuff. You keep some stuff and get rid of other stuff... I must have thought these things would be interesting to  keep," she stated while carefully unwinding the ribbon around the yellowing envelope. 

About 20 children and 20 area law enforcement officers gather at HillSpring Church on Wednesday, Dec. 12, after participating in the third annual Shop With a Cop at Shopko in New Prague. The Salvation Army, Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office, local schools and KCHK Radio assist with the program where children can buy winter clothing for themselves and presents for their family members. The group gathered at HillSpring Church afterwards to wrap presents, for food and other activities. For more see an upcoming print issue of the paper. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

The Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners approved an amended Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Plan during the regular Tuesday, Dec. 11 meeting.
Environmental Resources Specialist Holly Kalbus presented the updated AIS Plan, which included a few minor changes.
Kalbus said there are 128 lakes, many creeks, streams, and rivers within the county.
In 2014, the Minnesota Legislature enacted a program aid grant for AIS prevention.

Mary Ellen Miska, 62, of Le Center passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, in Belle Plaine at her daughter’s home surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. Visitation will be held on Friday Dec.14 from 4 to 8 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. at Le Center Funeral Home and 1 hour prior at the St. Paul Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. at the St Paul Lutheran Church in Le Center.  Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Le Center.


Hundreds of children and their families attended the free Santa's Workshop event in Waterville on Saturday, Dec. 8.
Dozens of volunteers elves helped the children shop for gifts for their family members and received free books, hats, mittens, ornaments, and treats.
Of course, Santa Claus was there and was ready to smile for photos with those brave enough to crawl up on his lap.
Pick up a copy of the Dec. 13, 2018 Life or Enterprise for more on the event.

“Silver bells, silver bells, It's Christmas time in the city.”
In the air there will be the sounds of Christmas with winter music concerts and performances over the next couple of weeks. Here’s a list to help you keep track:
• Monday, Dec. 10: TCU High School Band and Choir Concert, 7 p.m. high school gymnasium
• Tuesday, Dec. 11: TCU Le Center Middle School Choir Concert, 1 p.m., Le Center auditorium
• Tuesday, Dec. 11: TCU Montgomery Middle School Choir Concert, 1:30 p.m., Montgomery auditorium

The city of Montgomery approved its 2019 property tax levy on Monday.
At first glance, the totals of $1.3 million for the general fund, and $297,000 for debt service that were approved, could seem inconsequential without the public hearing the council was required to have before the adoption.
During the hearing that found only mayor-elect Tom Eisert and this reporter in attendance, City Administrator Brian Heck covered goals and priorities, overview of the general fund budget and debt service, details on the levy and the status of the city’s reserve funds.

Robert Winfred Ruhland, 82, of Prior Lake, passed away on December 1, 2018. Services are pending.