We are in the process of launching our newly-designed website this weekend for the New Prague Times, Montgomery Messenger, Waterville Lake Region Life and Elysian Enterprise. We hope you like the new look, new functions, new design, including the new mobile versions. We apologize if there are any hiccups along the way.

Sylvia Jane Krampitz, age 79, of Waseca, was born June 1, 1938 in Morristown, MN to Harold and Mabel (Fratzke) Schwichtenberg. She was the 2nd of 8 children. Sylvia attended Waterville High School and graduated in 1956. During high school her sweetheart was David Krampitz and they were married on May 18th, 1957.  Sylvia and Dave were the parents of Wendy (Gary) Warner of Grand Forks, ND, Linda Larson (significant other, Terry George) of Waseca and David Krampitz (Paulette) of Waseca.

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.

Excellence in community, education and leadership.....this is what the ExCEL Award for high school juniors is all about. WEM happens to have two of those outstanding, well-rounded students who “ExCEL” in all three of these areas. Morgan Nusbaum and Jarod Pavek were nominated for the local honor by WEM staff. Their lists of accomplishments are very impressive for students yet to reach their senior year of high school.

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!

Robert Wayne "Bob" Knish, age 63 of Waseca, died on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Waseca.

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.