Ty Schatz got a phone call or two that his sheep might be out grazing in town the afternoon of Friday, December 9. He said, "The Christmas sheep went to town." Schatz is a fifth of seven generations in Montgomery. More on this story in the next issue of the Messenger.

Andrew John Regenscheid was born on August 3, 1938 to Joseph F. and Esther L. (Harty) Regenscheid in Cleveland, MN.  Andy passed away on December 7, 2022, at Mayo Clinic Hospital in New Prague, Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 11:00 am at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery with visitation from 9-10:45 am. Military honors will be provided by the Montgomery area Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Montgomery.

Nearly 40 people participated in the Fifth annual Santa Speedo Dash Saturday, Dec. 3, starting at Giesenbrau Bier Co. in New Prague. It was 7 degrees Fahrenheit making for a very brisk 1K run that was open to all ages with several people dressed in Christmas themed clothing. The run was to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher photo)

Benjamin Thomas Franek, age 75 of Lonsdale, died peacefully on Monday, November 28, 2022 at Mayo Hospital in New Prague, surrounded by his loving family. Ben was born on September 10, 1947 at the Northfield hospital to Benjamin F. and Rose (Simota) Franek. He grew up on the family farm near Veseli and graduated from New Prague High School.  He then served in the National Guard for 6 years.

Community members, from left to right, Dale Ruhland, Larry Trnka, and Rick Krenik, install the new sign at the Settler's Cabin in Memorial Park. Read more about this story in this week's Messenger.

Donna Mae Friedges, age 83, of Shakopee, MN, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in her sleep at her home on Wednesday, November 23rd. 
Donna was born on January 15, 1939, the daughter of James and Ella (Pelant) Vlasak. She married Raymond Friedges on August 6, 1960, in Montgomery, MN.

Camilla Jean Hartmann, age 74, of New Prague, died of cancer on Saturday, November 26, 2022.  
Camilla was born on February 19, 1948 to Harry and Bertha (Dobesh) Pieper in New Prague, MN. She graduated from Jordan High School in 1966. Camilla graduated from nursing school at Saint Mary’s. She was married to the love of her life, Donald Hartmann, for 54 years. Camilla ran the bookkeeping of the service division of Hartmann Well for 30 plus years. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Volunteers coordinated by the Salvation Army social services coordinator and Montgomery Food Shelf manager Sarah Neisen prepare 100 Thanksgiving meals for Le Sueur County families at the Le Center Ambulance facility. See more on this in the next issue of the Messenger.

Montgomery’s annual Torchlight Parade and Fireworks celebrates its 30th anniversary this holiday season on Thursday, Dec. 1, and according to event organizers, plans are underway to make it bigger and better than ever.
Santa and his live reindeer will be near the intersection of Vine Avenue and First Street (between American Family Insurance and Frandsen Bank and Trust), starting at 5:30 p.m. Characters from “Frozen” will also be available for photos for no charge.

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 is nothing more welcoming than going home after your first day at a job that requires typing as main function than to cut your fingertip. I managed to accidentally cut myself Wednesday evening while removing a knife in a cardboard sheath from a new box of kitchen knives. I can vouch that the knives were sharp for sure! The emergency department at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in New Prague patched me up with 6 stitches. It’s definitely not fun typing this with a swollen and freshly stitched fingertip.

Montgomery Police Chief Nathan Hintz swears in officer Kyle Sladek at Monday evenings city council meeting. Hintz said the department is looking to add 1-2 additional part time officers still to the force.
The city council also addressed citizen complaints about dirty and discolored water since the new water tower was put into service. More on this and other city council activity in next weeks Messenger.

Elisabeth Ann “Betsy” Meistrell, age 80 of North Mankato, formerly of Montgomery passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. Celebration of life will be held in spring.

Tri City United freshman Ella Schmiesing had the goal of advancing to the finals in both of her races at the Class A State Swimming and Diving Meet which was held last week at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center.
These goals were met as she advanced to the finals in the 100-yard breaststroke and the 200-yard freestyle races.
“Ella swam strong in her races,” head coach Kristen Munden said. “She had met her goals and ended up on the podium.”

Two vehicles collided Thursday morning shortly before 8 a.m. on icy roads between New Prague and Montgomery.
The accident occurred just south of Minnesota 13 and 300th Street South. According to the Minnesota State Patrol report, a 2009 Ford Explorer driven by Robert Shippman of New Prague and a 2002 Oldmobile Bravada driven by Katie Young of Buffalo ended up in the west ditch. Young was taken by ambulance to Mayo Clinic Health Systems in New Prague with non-life threatening injuries. Shippman sustained no injuries. Both parties were wearing their seat belts.

Susan J. Gregor, age 74, of Land O’ Lakes, FL and formerly Faribault, MN passed away on Monday, November 14, 2022 at her home following an extended illness.
Funeral arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault and will be announced later.