Tri-City United (TCU) sophomore Trista Gessler won the girls 118 pound weight class at the Big South Conference Championships held Saturday, Jan. 11 at Jackson County Central.
Gessler, rated 6th in Class AA at 118 pounds, pinned two opponents before decisioning Bernie Rock of Luverne, 13-8. Rock is a two-time State runner-up and the loss to Gessler was her first this season.
Also earning All-Big South Conference honors were junior Griffin Lemieux and sophomore Tucker Skluzacek.
Skluzacek placed 2nd at 133 pounds and Lemieux placed 3rd at 121 pounds.

Tri-City United weightlifters returned home from Lakeville with three 1st place spots on varsity — all girls.
Head Coach Andrew Meier said, “I thought it was a great meet for us! We had a lot of PR's from all athletes which is always fun to see and the goal for every meet we go too. The meet was one of the largest in Minnesota history with over 240 lifters and a lot of good competition for everyone. I'm very proud of all of the TCU lifters and how they have worked and competed this year! Hoping to continue the momentum for the next meet in Burnsville on Jan. 31st.”

Arnold J. “Buck” Zahratka, age 99, of Montgomery, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Traditions of Montgomery.

Helen Emma Vosejpka, 88, of Lonsdale, died peacefully on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Helen was born on March 7, 1936, in Rice County, to Joseph and Cecilia (David) Sirek. She graduated from Montgomery High School in 1954. On June 16, 1955, Helen married her High School sweetheart Robert F. Vosejpka at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery.

Gladys Christine Soulek Nickolay, age 93, of New Prague, died on Tuesday, December 31, 20204, at Traditions of Montgomery.  Gladys was born on May 3, 1931, in Montgomery, to Vendelin and Emma (Zoubek) Soulek.  She was one of seven children and graduated from Montgomery High School in 1948.  She married Charles “Rock” Nickolay on September 9, 1950, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery.  Gladys and Rock celebrated 65 years of marriage shortly before Rock died in 2015.

Harriet (Schrom) Edel, age 90, of Kilkenny, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at The Moments; Memory Care & Enhanced Assisted Living in Lakeville, Minnesota.

Churches around the nation have been struggling and closing in rather large numbers. The attendance at churches has dropped significantly. A Gallup poll published in 2024 showed that 43 percent of adults said they attended religious services in their 2000-2003 poll to just 30 percent in their 2021-2023 poll, dropping 12 percent.
St. John Lutheran Church in Kilkenny is no exception to this decline in attendance. Husband and wife Daryl and Alice Bosacker, long-time members of the church, have seen the change personally.

The first fire bell ever used in Montgomery when it was chartered as a city in the state of Minnesota was erected in 1884. That bell, now 141 years old, has new life instilled in it thanks to the efforts of local citizens and a collaboration of businesses.

Are you having a baby at any moment? Could your baby be the first baby born in the year 2025 for Montgomery? 
Don't hesitate! Be the first to report the good news of your new baby to the Montgomery Messenger at editor@montgomerymnnews.com to win a variety of prizes from local merchants!

After starting the season with two straight losses, the Tri-City United girls basketball team now has a healthy team and has won their last five games.
Three of those wins occurred last week, with victories over St. James (67-55) on Dec. 10, Jackson County Central (61-51) Dec. 13 in Mapleton, and Maple River (51-38) Oct. 14 in Mapleton.
The Titans are now 2-1 in the Big South Conference East Division and 5-2 overall. They will play at Blue Earth Area Friday, Dec. 20.

The Montgomery Fire Department (MFD) has been spreading joy to families of former firefighter members and to the elderly in the community for roughly 50 years according to MFD Chief Kenny Pavek.
“We are not sure exactly how long it’s been going, we are figuring 50 years,” Pavek said. In talking amongst different members and their recollection of years past and who has done it, that is the closest estimate they have arrived on.

Elizabeth "Betty" Frances Pomije, age 82, of Montgomery, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at Traditions of Montgomery. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Montgomery American Legion Club on Sunday, December 29, as an Open House from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Private family services and internment will be held at a later date.
Betty was born in Le Center on October 17, 1942, to Mary Magdeline (Schloesser) and Edward Slavik Jr. Betty graduated from Le Center High School. Betty was united in marriage to George John Pomije Jr. on June 3, 1961.

What’s more fitting than a person who has been researching and coordinating the preservation of the town’s first fire bell than for that person to find the Torchlight Parade and Fireworks medallion.
Local businessman and historian Dale Ruhland found the medallion Sunday evening. “I’ve never hunted for a medallion. I’ve never had an interest in doing it, but what was implied in the last clue made it interesting,” said Ruhland. “I followed the clues and the first one said, ‘It couldn’t be more clear.’ I took that as it was in plain sight.”

Marlys Ann Hora, age 83, of Montgomery, MN, passed away at Shakopee Friendship Manor on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 29, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Shieldsville, MN, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 30, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at 11 a.m. with Fr. Timothy Sandquist officiating with visitation an hour prior. Interment will be in the Bohemian National Cemetery at a later date.

SNOW EMERGENCY DECLARED and Tri-City United Schools are CLOSED TODAY.
EXPIRED
 
Last Updated: December 19, 2024 - 8:22am