Working deep within the rocky ground of Israel’s hill country, 2020 Waterville-Elysian-Morristown graduate Kelsey Kuball, daughter of Nathan and Shannon Kuball of Waterville, assisted biblical archeologists excavate numerous artifacts last summer.
“It’s super cool,” stated the University of Northwestern junior. “I’m a Biblical and Theological Studies major and a big history nerd, so it’s really fun for me to be there—to be part of this dig—and see how it all takes shape… I can’t wait to go back.”

Kathy R. Wolf, age 74, of Morristown, formerly of Northfield, passed away Sunday, December 25, 2022, at her son’s home under the care of hospice.
She is survived by her son Kurt Wolf (Kristin Scouton) of Morristown; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her sister, Frances O’Rourke of Morristown. Kathy was preceded in death by her daughter Kristina; siblings Joyce, Rodney, her twin brother Kenneth; her parents, Frank and Melba (Herrley) Brooks; and former husband Kenneth.

The WEM/JWP Grizzly wrestling team had a very busy week competing in five dual matches.
Despite only winning one of those five matches, the team won four or more individual bouts in four of the five matches.
The Grizzlies were edged 40-35 by Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial and lost 51-30 to Blue Earth Area Tuesday, Dec. 13. The team then traveled to Glencoe-Silver Lake/Lester Prairie for three matches. They dropped a 70-9 decision to Class AA No. 12 rated Watertown-Mayer, lost 57-23 to Glencoe-Silver Lake, and defeated Blaine, 42-38.

Just like Santa Claus, Larry Hagen has his own workshop, but it’s not at the North Pole.
Hagen’s small workshop sits snugly in a basement corner of his family’s 158-year-old farm house between Waterville and Waseca.
“It’s nothing fancy, but I have everything I need right here… It’s nice. Plus, if I make a mess, no one has to see it,” Hagen stated with a chuckle.
Hagen is a wood carver. For the past 30 years, he has used his talents to create intricate wooden ornaments for his family members. ...

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me… A Weight Watchers gift certificate.
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me… A new camera bag.
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me… Some dye to turn my grey beard back to brown.
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me… A Friday night without a sporting event.
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me… A remote car starter for those cold winter mornings and evenings.

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM WEDNESDAY TO 3 AM CST THURSDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE FRIDAY NIGHT... ...WIND CHILL WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING...
* WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches. For the Winter Storm Watch, blizzard conditions possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. For the Wind Chill Watch, dangerously cold wind chills possible. Wind chills as low as 40 below zero.

Mary Susan (Splett) Opsahl, age 59, of Elysian, passed away at her home on Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Le Center Librarian Lynn Selly has received the 2022 Above and Beyond Award from the Minnesota Library Association in recognition of her contributions to the Minnesota library community. More on this in Thursday's Messenger.

Bruce Oliver Long, age 91, of Waterville, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at his home.

Gerald H. Schwichtenberg, age 88 of Morristown, died Friday, December 2, 2022 at Faribault Senior Living.
            Funeral services were held at Trinity Lutheran Church, North Morristown, on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Juan Palm officiating. Interment was at Concordia Cemetery, North Morristown.
            Visitation will be at Boldt Funeral Home, Faribault on Monday, December 5, 2022 from 4 to 7 p.m. and also at church for one hour prior to the services on Tuesday.

Donald Merlyn Wagner, age 81 of Waterville, formerly of Apple Valley, died on the morning of Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at Bridgewater in Janesville.
Born in Mitchell, South Dakota on December 4, 1940. Donald was the son of Nick and Garnett (Sperlich) Wagner.
Donald is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Connie of Waterville; two sons, Kevin Wagner of Apple Valley and Kurt (Carrie) Wagner of Atlanta, GA; as well as two special granddaughters, Anna and Marla.  He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son.

WEM senior Gabe Androli has been named the Buccaneer Football Most Valuable Player following his 2022 season.
In addition to this honor, Androli was also named to the All-District First Team and the Academic All-District Team.
Androli led the Bucs in solo tackles (41) and 21 receptions. He also added 12 assisted tackles, averaged more than 10 yards per catch, and scored a pair of twopoint conversions.

Excellence on the court and in the classroom have WEM senior Jordan Green recognized by the Minnesota State High School Volleyball Coaches Association.
Green, a senior and daughter of Kyle and Kristina Green of Morristown, has been named to the Academic AllState Team. She currently has a 3.897 grade point average.
Academic All-State awards are for seniors on the Section playoff roster that have a 3.8 cumulative grade point average or higher over the course of their high school career.

Christmas wishes really do come true.
The Heidi Erntse family of Kilkenny makes sure of it.
For more than a decade, the Ernstes have spearheaded a nomination-based, wishgranting program called Earnest Effort Christmas Wish to provide extra cheer to local individuals and families in need with the help of many generous and anonymous donors.
Last year, Earnest Effort Christmas Wish granted more than 30 wishes. This year, it will likely be more.

Scott Kenneth Neumann, age 52, of Waterville, MN, passed away Friday, November 11, 2022 at his home with his mom by his side. 
Scott was born September 14th, 1970 in Owatonna, MN, the son of Margaret “Margie” (Lambrecht) Neumann Jacobson, of Waterville, MN, and the late Kenneth R. Neumann. He attended school in Owatonna and graduated from Owatonna High School in 1989.