Larry Parsons, of Montgomery, stands on his open porch every day at 5 p.m. and plays “Taps.” He has an Amazon Alexa notification to remind him, just in case he forgets what time it is. “A couple of neighborhood children across from his place come out with their hand on their hearts, almost daily,” Parsons said. The children came out the day we visited him, and another neighbor from across the corner shouted, “Thanks for your service Larry!”

The season for the Minnesota River girls hockey team started Thursday, Nov. 7 with a game at Mankato All Seasons Arena.
The Bulldogs were defeated by Mankato East, 4-1.
The lone goal for Minnesota River was scored by Noelle Simonette at the 9:08 mark in the second period. There were no assists on this goal.
Mankato East scored goals in all three periods and were led by Brielle Newton, who scored three of her team’s four goals.
Annika Magelee stopped 21-of-25 shots for the Bulldogs. Jordan Thomas allowed one goal in facing 14 shots for the Cougars.

Joe Johnson
Rice County Emergency Management Director
As winter approaches, it's critical to prepare for extreme cold, snow, and icy conditions. These storms can last a few hours or several days and cut off heat, power, and communication. 
Winter storms create a higher risk of car crashes, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, residential fires, and heart attacks from overexertion. 
To ensure that you and your loved ones are prepared, follows these steps: 

Tri-City United High School junior Ella Schmiesing returned home today with two medals from the 2024 Minnesota State High School League's Swimming and Diving Championships in Minneapolis.
Schmiesing took second place in the 100 yard freestyle, behind Adalynn Biegler - a junior from Monticello. Schmiesing also took home third place in the 50 yard freestyle, coming in within milleseconds of Biegler, who took first place, and Izzy Westling, who took second place.

Steve A. Simon, age 78, of Montgomery, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Steve was born on October 1, 1946, in Sioux City, IA, to Andrew and Clara (James) Simon.  He proudly graduated from Central High School in Sioux City and then went on to accomplish both his Bachelor of Science and MBA from the University of South Dakota.  

Among the buildings along South Plut Avenue at the Le Sueur County Fairgrounds in Le Center, Minn., lies a small building nestled between the other structures that keeps a piece of yesteryear alive — District #75 Schoolhouse. The building is a wood, oneroom schoolhouse, which was typical for the area at the time.

The Tri-City United (TCU) girls swimming and diving team claimed two individual titles and one relay championship in the Big South Conference Championships Saturday, Oct. 26 at St. Peter.
Junior Ella Schmeising won the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard breaststroke. The 100-yard freestyle relay team of senior Olivia Onken, senior Tahlia Buckingham, freshman Grace Harmeyer, and eighth grader Emma Krenik were also champions.

Monty Auto Wash, 626 4th St SW, received a full revamp from its new owners, Grant and Sierra Kaisershot.
The facility originally opened almost 20 years ago to the day as Montgomery Car Wash under the owners of Ron Pexa and Dick Franek with business offices located in the R&R Metalworks building.
The Kaisershots bought the facility earlier this year and shut it down for a period of time to make upgrades to it — some upgrades they did themselves and some through contractors.

The first column I wrote in Montgomery was a year ago, around the three-year anniversary of moving to Minnesota.
The fourth year snuck up on me, which I suppose means I’m having a good time.
Indeed, I was unhappy a year ago. While moving to Minnesota was not a joyous occasion, moving to southern Minnesota from the West Central area was much worse. I had established a life in Benson, was putting down roots, and suddenly had to pull them up again.

Ronald Joseph Rosival, age 78, of Lonsdale, passed away peacefully  surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Shieldsville with Mass of Christian Burial following at 11 a.m. with Fr. Timothy Sandquist officiating. Interment will be held in the Trebon Cemetery in Shieldsville. Military Honors provided by the Montgomery area Veterans Honor Guard.

You can honor your veterans by attending one or all of the area ceremonies within the area on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11. The opportunities to show support for veterans are listed in chronological order below and are open to all the public unless otherwise noted. Montgomery VFW Post 5340 will present the Patriot's Pen Essay Contest winners and Voice of Democracy Contest winners at these programs.

The 2024 election had some key local races. Democrat Angie Craig won over Republican Joe Teirab for congressional district 2 by little more than 56,000 votes. Republican Terry M. Stier won over Democrat Sara Nett-Torgrimson by a large margin of almost 10,000 votes in senate district 22B. Democrat Kristi Purcell returned to senate district 58A with about 1,000 more votes than Republican Rita Hillman Olson.

Irene B. Ceplecha, age 94, of New Prague, died peacefully at Mala Strana Assisted Living with her family at her side on Friday, November 1, 2024. Irene was born on November 14, 1929, in New Prague, to Emil and Bessie (Novak) Ziskovsky. Raised in Veseli on the family farm she attended Most Holy Trinity Catholic School.

Delores G. “Dee” Heyda, age 90, of Faribault, passed away on October 31, 2024, at Milestone Senior Living.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Faribault, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will be at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Faribault. 
A memorial visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.
Arrangements are being completed by Boldt Funeral Home, Faribault.

Tri-City United (TCU) junior Grant Fitterer closed out his 2024 season with a 47th place finish in the Section 2AA Cross Country Championship which was held at Benson Park in North Mankato.
Fitterer was clocked in 18:41 on the 5,000-meter course to lead the Titans. Mankato East senior Audi Thom won the race in 15:44.