David Charles Baker
It is with great sadness that the family of David Baker of New Prague announces his sudden passing, on Saturday, December 29, 2018, at the age of 52 years.  David will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 17 years, Colleen, and his children, Joshua (Linh) and Jessica.  David will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Isaac, Nevaeh, Gabriel, Bella, and Ariah, by his mother, Pat, and sisters, Leah (William), Ann (Joe), their daughters, Charlotte and Sara, and extended family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Baker.

A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of County Roads 3 and 28 sent one of the vehicles in the ditch and people to hospitals on December 31.
According to Fire Chief Ken Pavek, the Montgomery Fire and Ambulance Departments were paged to the scene at approximately 7:10 a.m. The accident included two vehicles, one that landed on its side in the ditch north of County Road 28, while the other remained on the road.
Pavek said North Memorial Air was called to the scene.

The Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota Pageant is looking for young women of Czech, Slovak or Moravian heritage to compete for the state title. The 30th annual Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota Pageant will be held on April 13, 2019, at the American Legion Club in Montgomery, Minnesota. 

When it comes to successfully balancing school activities, athletics, and academics, seniors Keeley Oak and Sam Barnack are pros.
Tri-City United recognized the two students by nominating them for the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) AAA Award that recognizes and honors high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the fine arts.

The Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners approved the final pay 2019 levy in the amount of $20,716,550, a 6.9 percent increase over the 2018 levy. This levy was approved during an early evening meeting Tuesday, Dec. 18. For more information on the levy check out the Dec. 27 edition of the Life/Enterprise.

Delyla Sladek, 77, of Le Center passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital in Mankato.
Visitation will be on Saturday, January 5 from 9 to 11a.m. at St. Canice Catholic Church in Kilkenny. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. with Father Victor Valencia officiating. Interment will be in Bohemian National Cemetery.

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)