Charli Kossow, age 9, of Waterville won the Le Sueur County Sheriff’s 2021 Distracted Driving Poster Contest. She is the daughter of Amber Atherton and Richard Kossow. Her winning poster reads “Don’t drive distracted. Save lives!” and features a person focusing on their cellphone while driving and an innocent little animal dangerously close to the front of the vehicle. The Faribault Lutheran School third grader received a pizza party for her family, including pizza, cheesy breadsticks, and orange pop, and a $75 Visa gift card for her work—all delivered by Sheriff Brett Mason.

Montgomery Police Chief Nathan Hintz issued a press release around 1:30 p.m., Thursday, June 3 regarding the report of a possible abduction attempt that occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. the same day near Spruce and Third Streets in Montgomery. 
According to the report, a teen and a younger kid were approached by a male driving a white Volkswagen hatchback-style vehicle, possibly a “Polo” model. The male asked the teen and child to “get in” and he would give them a ride. 
Upon being told “no” numerous times, the male drove off.

In celebration of Fr. George Grafsky’s fiftieth year in the priesthood, local firefighters, police officers, and members of the Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Department paraded their chaplain through the streets of Montgomery on Saturday, May 29, following 5 p.m. Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Church.
Grafsky rode in Montgomery Fire Department’s beautiful vintage fire truck, smiling and waving to onlookers. A line of fire trucks and police cars followed with their lights flashing and sirens sounding in celebration.

Billy D. Brown, of Montgomery, passed away on May 29, 2021, at the age of 86.
Bill was born in Newby, Oklahoma and lived there with his mother, a schoolteacher, and his younger brother, Clayton, until he completed the 8th grade. The family then moved to Burr Oak, Kansas where he graduated from High School in 1952. 

Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Sticha, age 94, died Sunday May 30, 2021 at NC Little Hospice in Edina.
                Betty was a bouncing baby girl, born to Ladimir and Anna (Donnelly) Benes on February 17, 1927, St. Patrick, Cedar Lake Township.

Memorial Day always falls on the last Monday of May. It's a day dedicated to honoring the men and women who have lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. Like cities across the United States, Montgomery honored its own fallen with a Memorial Day program that included the return of a parade. A program was also held at the American Legion Post 79 where the names of the local fallen veterans were read. For more, including the speech given by Linda Dvorak, American Legion 3rd District Commander, pick up the print edition.

One hundred sixteen seniors from Tri-City Unites High School became alumni after the commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 28. The ceremony included music from the choir and band, and speeches from two graduates and High School Principal Alan Fitterer. For more photos, see the print edition.

Two people have been charged in connection with a house explosion on July 17, 2018.
According to Le Sueur County Sheriff Brett Mason, Christopher Hale is charged with three counts of Insurance Fraud and one count of Conspire to Commit Arson in Le Sueur County District Court for the explosion and fire that occurred at property located at 104 3rd Street SW in Montgomery.
His wife, Isabella Hale, is also charged with two counts of Insurance Fraud and one count of Conspire to Commit Arson for the same incident.

New Prague was ready to come back and get a victory over South Suburban. They lost by one in a very close game the first time they played. Thursday, May 20 the Trojans rebounded and picked up a 20-9 win.
New Prague started out very strong. The first inning the Trojans held South Suburban to no runs with bases loaded and then got up and quickly scored five runs to take the lead 5-0. The second inning, they were able to score 1 run off of a couple errors in our defense.

The Le Sueur County Board held a very short meeting Tuesday, May 25.
Among the items on the agenda was the recognition of three long-time employees, who are retiring at the end of the month.
Public Health Director Cindy Shaughnessy (40 + years), Chief Deputy Auditor-Treasurer Connie Kopet (39 years), and County Auditor-Treasurer Pam Simonette (36 years) received retirement plaques.
In other business:

And then there was one.
One month into the three month DRS Amateur Baseball League schedule, only one team remains undefeated…Faribault.
The Lakers defeated Shakopee, 4-0 Friday, May 21 and downed Montgomery, 6-2, Sunday, May 23 to improve to 5-0.
Right behind the Lakers in the standings are Prior Lake (4-1), New Prague (3-1), and Union Hill (2-1).

My kids are ready, but this momma is still marking up the color-coded calendar and trying to figure out the logistics of getting everyone everywhere they need to be.
I’m excited for my girls to participate in swimming, soccer, tennis, and volleyball, plus a babysitting clinic and a few other activities—all good things.
But, what working parent can get their kids to a 10 a.m. event every day for an entire week and then be back two hours later to shuttle them home?
I get it.
It’s summer. Kids don’t have a schedule per se.

Father George Grafsky will celebrate his golden jubilee, marking 50 years in the priesthood, this weekend at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery.
Grafsky retired from active ministry in 2015, but continues to help with Masses at area churches when needed. He also serves as chaplain for many of the fire departments and emergency medical services in the area.
Grafsky will celebrate Most Holy Redeemer’s 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday evening, May 29 and the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday morning, May 30.

A couple of eight-run innings helped the TCU Softball Team create a winning streak last week against Cleveland on May 18 and Waseca on May 20. The two wins put the
Titans’ record at 9-8.
Titan Coach Kelly Jo Closser said the wins are a result of the girls’ hard work.

The annual Memorial Day parade returns to this year’s event on Monday, May 31.
The program that honors deceased veterans begins with Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Church. The Parade starts at 8:45 a.m. at Most Holy Redeemer, goes east on Vine, south on First Street, and west on Elm Avenue.
The program at the Montgomery American Legion Post 79 begins at 9:15 a.m. Steve Flicek will be the Master of Ceremonies. It will also include songs by John Grimm, prayers by Pastor Jason Pollington and Father George Grafsky.

The City of Montgomery and the Park and Recreation Advisory Board announced this year’s lineup for the Montgomery Music in the Park series.
Two performances will be held in June and August, and one will be held in July. Music starts at 7 p.m. Food and treats will be available!
Thursday, June 10 Mary Guentzel Quintet This group performs the great standards from the 30s and 40s, along with select favorites from more recent decades.