As the United States faces the worst public health crisis in a generation, we want you to know we are here for you—and with you.
Whatever happens, whenever it happens, your newspaper will be there for you.
We’ll be there to let you know how our community is managing through this crisis—from business to government to the health care system and schools to the impact on individuals and families.
Cody S. Spiess, age 34 of Janesville, was called to heaven with family by his side on March 27, 2020 in St. Peter; over a year after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease.
Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Ingrid; sons: Jari and Otto; parents: Michael and Amber; sister Cassidy (Don Tontoplaphol); in-laws Marlis and Barry Olson; sisters-in-law Nicole Bowman and Annaka (Austin) Athman - and daughter Auri; brothers-in-law: Kahler Olson and Berlyn Olson.
The first Le Sueur County COVID-19 case was identified on March 22. Since that time, over the
course of the last week, Le Sueur County Public Health has been notified by the Minnesota
Department of Health (MDH) of an additional 10 cases of lab confirmed COVID-19. MDH does
not release specific case information to protect the identity and privacy of the individuals.
Aggregate data regarding the Le Sueur County cases that can be shared at this time include:
none of the cases were hospitalized, all are recovering at home and following isolation guidance
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS) is closing all exam stations statewide beginning Friday at the close of business to follow Governor Tim Walz’s executive order for Minnesotans to stay home and slow the spread of COVID-19. Offices will stay closed through April 10, when the executive order is set to expire.
Norman Francis Stangler, age 92, passed away peacefully on March 25th. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a farmer that enjoyed nature, planting oak trees, animals and working with the soil, even in retirement. His crazy sense of humor and jokes will be remembered by all.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) notified Le Sueur County Public Health that Le Sueur County has an additional four cases of lab confirmed COVID-19, in addition to the case reported on March 22. MDH reports that the additional cases had contact with a known positive case and are recovering at home.
Rice County Public Health was notified today, Tuesday, March 24 by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) of a second lab confirmed case of COVID-19 in Rice County.
Limited information indicates the confirmed case is in their 30’s with transmission linked to travel within the United States. This person was not hospitalized and is in isolation at home.
Rice County Public Health continues to work with MDH and local health care partners to address the needs of those who are ill in our community.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) notified Le Sueur County Public Health of a lab confirmed case of COVID-19 in Le Sueur County. The individual is in their 40s and is recovering at home.
According to MDH, the individual was not hospitalized and no work exposures were identified.
Effective Thursday, March 20, 2020 City Hall plus all other City Buildings (Library, Public Works Building Police Station and Fire Hall) will be closed to the public until further notice. City Staff will continue to work during business hours of 8: a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for residents to contact via phone or email. If business cannot be conducted by phone or email please call 507-362-8300 to set up an appointment.
Utility Bills
Blandin Foundation announced Wednesday, March 11, it selected Le Sueur County for an intensive, twoyear partnership to advance local broadband initiatives.
Le Sueur County joins Chisago Lakes, Otter Tail County, Red Lake Nation, and White Earth Nation in their successful bids to become Blandin Broadband Communities (BBC).
Are you wondering about the safety of our printed newspapers during this COVID-19 crisis?
According to information from the World Health Organization (WHO), a highly credible source of factual information, the likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low, and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled and exposed to different conditions and temperatures is also low.
Effective Thursday, March 19, 2020, our offices in New Prague, Montgomery and Waterville will be closed to walk-in traffic. We will be available during our regular business hours via telephone, email or our websites to continue services for you.
If you need to pick up a printing order, please call ahead and our staff will meet you outside with your delivery.
We are committed to providing you good service as we all face significant changes in our day to day lives, but we feel we need to take these precautions to minimize the risk of spreading the COVID-19 illness.
Effective Thursday, March 19, Le Sueur County is closing the majority of its government buildings to the public - the exception being the Sheriff’s Office lobby and the Le Sueur County Court Administration in the Justice Center.
Sheriff Brett Mason said his office will continue to provide residents with the services they expect, but they are taking precautions with the COVID-19 pandemic.
So much has changed in the world in the last few weeks.
We’re entering unchartered territory in this fight against COVID-19.
Everyone at Suel Printing Company's newspapers (Montgomery Messenger, The New Prague Times, Waterville Lake Region Life and Elysian Enterprise) remains dedicated to providing you with a high-quality newspaper with consistent news coverage and delivery.
That said, we’re doing what we can with the resources we have to keep ourselves, our families, and our sources healthy.
Marilyn Louise Beach, age 86 of Waterville, died on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.
Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Health System is deferring all elective care that can be deferred for eight or more weeks, according to a press release Tuesday, March 17.
