The Waterville Chamber of Commerce has completed the first month of its new program, Businesses Celebrating Businesses. Because owning and operating a small business is a challenging journey, the Chamber is committed to highlighting milestones, achievements, and advancements by Waterville-area businesses each month.

In January, three businesses were recognized for their “good news” accomplishments. Each received the special Businesses Celebrating Businesses Megaphone, a memento symbolizing the amplification of their success stories throughout the community.

The Trinity Lutheran School students in North Morristown recently celebrated National Lutheran Schools Week with the theme “Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord” from Psalm 100. The week began with the students singing and playing hand chimes to “From All That Dwell Below the Skies”. They also sang Psalm 100 a capella with hand chime accents.

Six Grizzly girls wrestlers placed in the top six of their respective weight classes at the Section G-2 Tournament last weekend at Rochester.

One of those six will be making a trip to the 2026 State Tournament.

Senior Kayle Langford, who was seeded second in the 136-pound weight class, won four straight matches to place first and advance to State.

Marlin “Marlie” Albert Kritzer, age 88, of Waterville, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Traditions of Waterville.

Marlie was born on November 3, 1937, in Waterville to Harvey and Esther (Krueger) Kritzer. He attended Waterville High School and graduated with the Class of 1955. Following high school, Marlie honorably served his country in the United States Army.

After 37 years of faithful service at Camp Omega in rural Waterville, Mary Wetzel of Waterville has retired from her position as Director of Food Services. A retirement celebration honoring Wetzel was held at the camp on January 25. Many of Wetzel’s family members, friends, and long-time co-workers shared special memories of working with her. It is estimated that Wetzel prepared well over one million plates of food for retreat guests and summer campers during her years at camp.

Members of the Elysian Fire Department were honored Monday, February 2 by the South-Central Minnesota EMS Regional System for their efforts in helping save a local man’s life in November of 2025.

Mark Griffith, Director of the South-Central Minnesota EMS, presented nine Elysian Fire Fighters and two members of the Allina EMS out of St. Peter with certificates during the fire departments meeting.

The month of February started off on a positive note Monday, Feb. 2 for the WEM boys basketball tam.

After losing their last four games, three last week, the Buccaneers scored 54 points in the first half of their 86-53 win over Medford on Senior Night.

Four players scored in double figures, led by sophomore post Cole Bartz who made 13-of-20 from the field, finishing with 26 points and grabbing a game-high 16 rebounds, nine of those were offensive rebounds.

Senior Talen Taylor finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

Southwest Metro School District #288 is still pondering the possible purchase of the Morristown School building.

According to WEM Superintendent Mark Winter, the superintendents who are members of the the district are still discussing associate members and what the potential liability there would be if they purchase a building.

The January meeting of the Waterville Chamber of Commerce was held at Make It, Waterville, where owner Patty Salmon treated attendees to a live pottery demonstration.

Salmon demonstrated “wheel throwing,” the process of shaping a lump of clay on a spinning turntable into a finished piece. Using approximately a pound and a half of clay, she smoothly and efficiently formed a small bowl, showcasing her skill as an experienced potter. She books wheel throwing as a private party and hold public classes several times per year.

Arthur William Sorgatz, age 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, at Allina Hospital in Owatonna, surrounded by his loved ones. 

Art was born on February 8, 1933, in rural Waterville, the son of William and Minnie (Preuss) Sorgatz. He was raised on the family farm with two sisters and one brother, attending school in rural North Morristown.

Art Sorgatz, 92, of Waterville, passed away Monday, February 2, 2026 at the Owatonna Hospital.

Funeral services are pending.

Check the LifeEnterprise website for more information.

Arnold Peterson, of Waterville, MN, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, at the age of 98. 

Republicans and Democrats in Scott, Le Sueur and Rice counties interested in participating in the early stages of the process of selecting their respective party’s candidates and platforms can do so at upcoming precinct caucuses Tuesday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m. at various locations.

The WEM One Act Play actors put together a fantastic performance Saturday, Jan. 22, placing second in the Sub-Section Competition.

That effort has advanced them into the six school Section 2A competition which will be held Saturday, January 31 at Waseca High School.

Performing a piece called "Nellie," based on the true story of Nellie Bly, the WEM students brought to life the real hardship of woman at a New York Insane Asylum. Audience members could feel the grief, anger and frustration from the performance of the students.  

An outdoors enthusiast, Aidan Oldenburg speaks fondly of time in the woods as he hunted, fished, and explored along the Little Cobb River by his home near Pemberton, Minnesota. Pemberton is a small town of 229 people (2020 census) about 90 miles southwest of Minneapolis but a mere 17 miles from the regional city of Mankato where Aidan was born in 2001.

Approximately one month ago, the JWP girls basketball team handed the WEM girls a 70-29 defeat December 16, 2025.

Thirty-four days later the Buccaneers held the Bulldogs to 57 points in a 57-52 win for JWP in Gopher Conference action.

WEM took a 28-21 halftime lead only to see the Bulldogs outscore them 36- 24 in the second half.

WEM limited the Bulldogs to one of their lowest scoring games of the season. They held a 44-35 rebounding advantage and a 16-9 offensive rebounding advantage.