Le Sueur County’s new Public Health Director Megan Kirby hit the ground running April 26th when she officially stepped into the position.
“I was fortunate enough to have multiple weeks with our previous director, Cindy Shaughnessy, to train and learn the role a little more in depth,” stated Kirby, who has a background working in community health along with a Master's Degree in Public Health, a Bachelor's Degree in Community Health Education, and an Associate's Degree in Psychology.

The Waterville Indians remain on top of the 13-60 League standings after picking up one league win and a non-league victory last week.
The Indians, winners of 15 straight games, routed Wells, 19-6, Wednesday, June 30 in Waterville.. The following night the Indians defeated New Prague, 7-2, in a non-league game.

Are my kids the only ones who forgot how to act in public?
It has been months since the COVID lockdown guidelines were lifted, but I still find myself having to retrain my offspring on the basics.  It’s baffling, frustrating, and a bit hilarious.
Last weekend, my family of four ventured to Kohl’s and Target because 9-yearold Ellen needed a few things for camp.

Celebration of Life for Linda Brink (Ward) (July 27, 1949 – February 11, 2021)
Linda was born July 27, 1949 to Lyman and Ruth (Bawden) Ward in Faribault, and grew up in Waterville. Linda married Richard Brink on July 23, 1976 and moved to Silver Bay in 1980. They then resided in Waterville for several years, returning to Silver Bay in 2009.

A man was found dead in a Le Center home Tuesday morning, July 6, following a 10-hour long standoff with law enforcement.
The man, who has been identified as 38-year-old Michael Lee Elie of Le Center, died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
According to a press release issued by the Le Sueur County’s Sheriff Office, law enforcement officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of South Cordova Avenue in Le Center for a reported domestic assault at 9:19 p.m. Monday night.

The Le Sueur County Board received a report from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) June 15 explaining the 10- year district work plan.
There are many road projects scheduled in the next 10 years which will affect residents in most of the communities within the county.

A pair of big wins last week pushed the Waterville Indians amateur baseball team’s winning streak to 13 straight.
The Indians defeated Janesville (9-2) Wednesday, June 23 and Waseca (11-2) Sunday, June 27 to improve to 14-2 overall. They have only one loss in the 13-60 League.

WEM softball players received team awards during the team recognition held Monday, June 28.
Brielle Bartelt and Allison Rients were named the team’s Most Valuable Players.
Bartelt was named to the Class A All- State Team and Rients played in the State All-Star Games. Bartelt was also named the Best Offensive Player after hitting .526. She was among team leaders with 41 hits, 32 singles, five doubles, two triples, two home runs, 26 RBI, and 23 runs scored. She only struck out four times in 87 at bats.
The Buccaneer Teammate Award was presented to senior Ella Michael.

Former Trinity Lutheran School teacher Helen Bunge and her son, Peter Bunge, will reign as grand marshals of North Morristown’s Fourth of July Celebration this Sunday.
While neither Bunge no longer resides in the area, Helen and Peter still consider North Morristown “home” and are faithful attendees of the community’s annual celebration.

A life well-lived deserves to be celebrated and that’s exactly what will be going on.
The family of Jack and Edna Webster ask you to leave your sadness at home and join them for some merriment as they celebrate the lives of Jack and Edna Mae.
The event will be held on Friday, July 9 at The Village in Waterville from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. to share memories and photos, swap stories, and celebrate all the things that made them so special.
Snacks and beverages will be provided.

Thirty-six years ago, they bought what was Ralph’s Corner Bar in Elysian.
They were newlyweds. Their plan was to renovate the bar and sell it so they could buy a farm.
“Well, that didn’t happen, but things turned out pretty good,” laughed Pam Fischer, who owns and operates Fischer’s Corner Bar on the corner of Main and First Streets with her husband, Richard.
“We have three great kids, 10 grandkids, and we love this community,” she added. “We are honored to be Elysian’s grand marshals this year.”

Area residents looking for fun on the Fourth of July will have several choices.

A Le Center native, who loves the small-town life and atmosphere, is now helping taxpayers as the Le Sueur County Chief Deputy Auditor-Treasurer.
Brad Collins started his new position on May 25, 2021. The Auditor-Treasurer position wasn’t always a combined role. In December 2009, when then-auditor, Ron Germscheid retired, the county combined the two departments. In January 2010, Joe Boettcher took over and became the first Auditor-Treasurer, leading both departments until it split this year. The current Le Sueur County Auditor-Treasurer is Dani Blaschko.

A church is not a building! But so much of what a church does and how they are identified is tied to their building that sometimes a celebration of the building is called for.
So it is that the Elysian United Methodist Church is celebrating the 135th anniversary of the structure at 201 Fourth Street NW. The building, much as it appears today, was dedicated in 1886, free of debt.

Six WEM softball players earned Gopher Conference Awards following the team’s second straight Gopher Conference Championship season.
Seniors Brielle Bartelt and Lindsay Condon were named to the First Team. Seniors Autumn Taylor and Allison Rients were named to the Second Team. Senior Ellie Ready was named to the Honorable Mention Team. Sophomore Emma Woratschka was named the Sportsmanship recipient.
Condon was an Honorable Mention pick in 2019,Taylor and Rients were Second Team selections in 2019. There were no awards in 2020.

The Catholic parishes in Waterville and Elysian will have a new pastor next month.
Fr. Micheal Ince, who has led the local churches since November 1991, will be retiring from his position as pastor on July 1.
Fr. John Powers, who was ordained in 2015 and has been most recently serving the parish of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Elko New Market, will become the new pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Waterville and St. Andrew Catholic Church in Elysian. Powers will also be teaching at Bethlehem Academy in Faribault.