Four of Montgomery Fire Department (MFD) members climbed 53 flights of stairs wearing gear and an air pack for the 2024 Fight For Air Climb (FOAC) firefighter challenge at the Capella Tower in downtown Minneapolis. They have currently raised $1,069, which goes to the American Lung Association for research.

Four students from Tri-City United Montgomery’s Elementary and Middle School showcased their musical talents and dedication as they represented their school district at the inaugural Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) Elementary All-Star Choir this Feb. 17 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

High school national tournament teams
Two Tri-City United Robotics teams, Team Kooler and Team Gear Train, have been invited to the 2024 CREATE U.S. Open Robotics Tournament in Council Bluffs, Iowa, from March 14-16. Qualified teams across the United States, Canada and internationally compete in this signature event. The high school tournaments will have four divisions, each division having approximately 45-55 teams competing.  

Patricia Lois Filipek passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 80, at Three Links in Northfield.  A private family burial will be held. 

A rural New Prague man was killed in a crash involving the three-wheeled ATV he was riding during the early-morning hours of Sunday, March 3.
The Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office reports at 2:05 a.m., Matthew James Soller, 33, of rural New Prague was found partially under a three-wheeled ATV on Le Sueur County Road 121, approximately a quarter-mile south of Highway 19 in Derrynane Township. Soller was removed from under the three-wheeler and life-saving efforts were performed. Soller was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.

TCU freshman Tucker Skluzacek earned fifth-place honors wrestling at 114 pounds in the Minnesota State High School League's Class AA individuals tournament at Xcel Energy Center. Skluzacek finished the tournament at 4-2. Three of his victories came by pinning his opponent. He won his final match with a fall at 4:15. Skluzacek reached the state tournament finishing second in the section competition. He finished the season at 52-16.
Full story in the March 7 Messenger. Subscribe online today to not miss any news!

Jean Marie Waugh, age 76, of Waterville, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Mayo Systems Hospital in Mankato. Services are pending.
Jean was born on June 25, 1947, in New Prague to William and Irene E. (Maxa) Kubik. She was a graduate of New Prague High School and received an Associate’s degree for Drug Counseling at Angelina College in Lufkin, TX. She enjoyed playing bells at her church, needlework embroidery, crocheting, puzzles and word puzzles, visiting with others, and her pets. She was a member and a leader of TOPS.

Tri-City United High School girls basketball won 52-43 against Belle Plaine Thursday, Feb. 29 in New Prague at the Section 2AA Girls Basketball Quarterfinals.
    They will play in the section semifinals against Glencoe-Silver Lake on Monday, March 4 at 6 p.m. in the Taylor Center at the Minnesota State University Mankato. Should the Titans win that game, they will play again in Mankato against either Waterville-Elysian-Morristown or New Richland on Friday, March 8 at 7:45 p.m.
See more details in the March 7 Messenger.

James Donald Hlavac, 57, of Farmington, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at his home. Visitation will be Saturday, February 24, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. with Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 p.m. all held at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery with Fr. Tom Niehaus officiating. 

The search for a museum space to display and store items for the Montgomery Historical Society (MHS) continues. This was one of the messages at their annual meeting at the Rustic Farmer on Main on Jan. 31.

The second half of the season has been a very good one for the Tri-City United (TCU) girls basketball team.
The Titans are currently riding a three game winning streak and they have won 6 of the past seven games.
TCU picked up a 64-59 win over Lester Prairie Tuesday, Jan. 30. This improved their record to 3-4 in the Minnesota River conference.
Two nights later the Titans had an easy time against Minnesota Valley Lutheran (MVL), downing MVL 65-29 in nonconference action.

The New Prague Fire Department dealt with a fire along Main Street that was more smoke. In a preliminary report around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, firefighters responded to a report of a fire at an apartment at 112 Main Street E.

The Tri-City United High School one-act play team is shown here adorning their second-place awards at the Section 2A finals at Waseca High School and does not advance to the state competition. Belle Plaine High School placed first and will continue to the state competition.
Congratulations to the cast and crew!
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Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) selects elementary (grades K-5), middle (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9–12) teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program.
Founded in 1899, the VFW supports the education of America’s youth. The VFW identifies and recognizes teachers who instill a sense of national pride in students, promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette, and patriotism in their classrooms.    

Dorothy Jean Ruth Pumper-Filipek, age 95, of Le Center, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024. A private family graveside service was held.
Clergy: Pastor Jon Niebuhr
Dorothy Jean Ruth Pumper-Filipek was born October 9, 1928, in Montgomery, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Elmer and Anna (Wondra) Moll. Dorothy was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth both in Montgomery, Minnesota. She received her education in Montgomery and graduated with the Montgomery High School class of 1946.

Edmund George Dorweiler, age 85, of Montgomery, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024, at his home. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 20, from 9-11 a.m. with funeral at 11 a.m. all held at the Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. Military honors will be provided by the Montgomery area Honor Guard. Luncheon/refreshments in the Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church social hall.