Waterville City Council member Tim Smith has been a firefighter and first responder for many years in St. Louis Park.
During his time on duty, he has seen many instances when pertinent information about individuals they were responding to was not immediately available.
Smith’s department decided to provide local residents with a potential livesaving product call the File of Life.
“This has been really critical to us as first responders,” Smith said.
To see more on this story, pick up the November 5, 2020 print edition of the LifeEnterprise.

Free food giveaway serves 700 families
There IS such a thing as a free lunch - and breakfast - and dinner, thanks to a free food distribution event that was held for Le Sueur County residents on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
The distribution was held at the county fairgrounds for those in need or newly struggling to make ends meet due to the COVID-19 crisis.
A total of 700 families were served, according to Tammy Stewig of Le Sueur County Emergency Management. Her department, and Le Sueur County Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP), hosted the event.

The Minnesota Secretary of State has released results from the Tuesday, Nov. 3 General Election.
The results will not be final until the government entity canvasses the results, which most offices are doing Friday, Nov.13.
In Waterville, Alan Schmidtke received 825 votes and will return as mayor. Incumbent city council members Jennifer Grobe (675 votes) and Tim Smith (644) votes were also re-elected.

WEM High School's 2020 Homecoming King and Queen are Griffin Atherton and Kylie Pittmann.
The pair was crowned during a small ceremony in the high school gym Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 21, with only parents attending.
Atherton is the son of Chad and Rhea Atherton. Pittmann is the daughter of Kristie Pittmann and the late Brian Pittmann.

During this time of uncertainty, little things mean a lot.
Whether it be a pat on the back, a thank you, or just a note to say have a good day, kids need positives in their lives.
Sue Morsching, who owns Elysian Auto with her husband Carl, saw a display of kindness in the Twin Cities.
Morsching saw a heart wall, where individuals had a chance to provide uplifting messages written on a small heart. They were displayed for all to see and she felt this was something which could be done locally.

In an announcement Tuesday on the Montgomery Torchlight Parade and Firework's social media page, organizers stated the Holidazzle-like event will be canceled in 2020. They said it is due to "the pandemic restrictions by our state government."
"We would like to thank everyone for your support of this event. Unfortunately after careful consideration due to the pandemic restrictions by our state government we have no choice but to cancel the parade and fireworks for 2020" the post stated.

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown High School has been notified of a positive COVID-19 case within the student body. The administration has worked closely with Le Sueur County Public Health along with the Regional COVID-19 Support Team to make adjustments and changes. Those directly affected have been notified and provided guidance.

The “Fall Colors Cruise” rolls out of Henderson the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 3. Approximately 200 classic vehicles were participating in the 70 mile cruise that traveled through St. Thomas, Le Center, around Le Sueur County lakes to the Ottawa Road into Le Sueur and back to Henderson. The Henderson Classic Car Roll-In Committee hosted the cruise. Donations were also taken for the local food shelf that collected an estimated couple hundred pounds of food. For more seen upcoming issues of The New Prague Times, the Montgomery Messenger. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Some of Sakatah Cemetery’s oldest grave makers have been repaired, thanks to generous donors
Twenty-two dilapidated grave markers in Waterville’s Sakatah Cemetery were repaired over the summer months.
A few of the refurbished monuments date back to the 1800s. Almost all of them are located in the cemetery’s oldest, southern section.

The Office of the Le Sueur County Election Administrator announced on Friday that absentee ballots are now available to the public for the General Election (November 3, 2020).
Voters are strongly encouraged to apply online for an absentee ballot.
Online absentee ballot applications are currently available on the Minnesota Secretary of State website or Le Sueur County website.

Community members gathered under gray skies Saturday morning, September 12, to dedicate the new Veterans Memorial in Waterville.
Pastor David Mumme welcomed everyone to the ceremony and led the group in prayer.
Le Sueur County Veterans Service Officer Mark Roemhildt addressed the crowd, praising the community for working together to raise more than $70,000 and build a beautiful and long-lasting memorial for all veterans, including those whose names appear on the 192 pavers that line the memorial. (More pavers are available for purchase.)

The Morrristown City Council evaluated City Clerk Sheri Gregor during the council’s September 8 regular meeting.
Gregor, who has been the city’s clerk since October 2015, chose to have the evaluation open to the public. A 3 to 2 vote saved her from termination.
City Administrator Michael Muller presented the council with concerns regarding Gregor’s performance. The concerns include: insubordination, disorganization, being unprofessional, failing to apply for a grant, and not providing public data to a citizen after it was requested, which is required by law.

More than five dozen luminary bags were decorated and recognized those who have passed, those who are currently fighting cancer, and those that have beat the disease during the Relay for Life held Saturday night in Waterville at The Village.

A public hearing was held Tuesday, Sept. 1 at the Le Sueur County Board Room to make a decision regarding the auditor/treasurer position.
The board notified the public of their intent to make this position an appointed position last month.
After publishing their intent in the legal county newspaper, a public hearing needed to be held.
There were neither written comments nor public comment during the meeting.
The board approved the resolution which will make the county auditor/ treasurer position an appointed position. This will take effect Oct. 2, 2020.

Reprinted with permission from Pine Knot LifeEnterprise News
The nation marked 100 years this week since women finally won the suffrage battle. A key player in getting women the right to vote hailed from Cloquet, Anna Dickie Olesen.
She was the first female nominee of a major party for the U.S. Senate and was a celebrated orator and passionate social reformer who became one of the most prominent Democratic women of the early 20th century.

A new, colorful exhibit at Montgomery’s Arts and Heritage Center
The colorful and historic pieces all came together.
A collection of aprons created by apron enthusiast, historian, and renowned storyteller Yvonne Cory of Easton is now on display at the Arts and Heritage Center of Montgomery. The free exhibit will be available for viewing during the center’s regular hours until October 10.