Ten WEM Elementary students were recognized for exemplifying the school’s Bucs Pride code of conduct during December. The students were nominated for the honor of being named “Focus Students” by teachers and school staff members. WEM’s December Focus Students are: Kindergartener Emmi Frank, daughter of Derek and Vicki Frank of Elysian, was nominated by Mrs. Anderson for being responsible. Anderson wrote: “Emmi follows all of our rules in our classroom. She is a hard worker and always does her best work!

The WEM boys basketball team dropped a pair of contests last week, falling to Waseca and NRHEG. Waseca, rated 13th in Class AAA, downed the Bucs 76-44 Dec. 19. NRHEG, undefeated with a 6-0 record, edged the Bucs 60-53 Dec. 22. WEM has lost three straight games and fell to 1- 3 in the Gopher Conference and 2-5 overall. They will play in the Howard Lake- Waverly/Winsted Tourney Dec. 27 and 28. The Bucs scored only 16 points in the first half against Waseca. They only made three field goals in falling behind 45-16. Junior Tanner Ranslow led the team with 12 points.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all. As I write this column Christmas morning, it never ceases to amaze me the generosity and friendly nature of those living in the Lake Region Area. It just seems like people come out of the woodwork when individuals and/or businesses are faced with tough situations. We have all seen it the last couple of months with events which has transpired in the area. People should be proud of their efforts in helping those in need. Enough said.