Montgomery’s annual Torchlight Parade and Fireworks celebrates its 30th anniversary this holiday season on Thursday, Dec. 1, and according to event organizers, plans are underway to make it bigger and better than ever.
Santa and his live reindeer will be near the intersection of Vine Avenue and First Street (between American Family Insurance and Frandsen Bank and Trust), starting at 5:30 p.m. Characters from “Frozen” will also be available for photos for no charge.

Tri City United freshman Ella Schmiesing had the goal of advancing to the finals in both of her races at the Class A State Swimming and Diving Meet which was held last week at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center.
These goals were met as she advanced to the finals in the 100-yard breaststroke and the 200-yard freestyle races.
“Ella swam strong in her races,” head coach Kristen Munden said. “She had met her goals and ended up on the podium.”

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.

Montgomery Police Chief Nathan Hintz swears in officer Kyle Sladek at Monday evenings city council meeting. Hintz said the department is looking to add 1-2 additional part time officers still to the force.
The city council also addressed citizen complaints about dirty and discolored water since the new water tower was put into service. More on this and other city council activity in next weeks Messenger.

There is nothing more welcoming than going home after your first day at a job that requires typing as main function than to cut your fingertip. I managed to accidentally cut myself Wednesday evening while removing a knife in a cardboard sheath from a new box of kitchen knives. I can vouch that the knives were sharp for sure! The emergency department at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in New Prague patched me up with 6 stitches. It’s definitely not fun typing this with a swollen and freshly stitched fingertip.

Two vehicles collided Thursday morning shortly before 8 a.m. on icy roads between New Prague and Montgomery.
The accident occurred just south of Minnesota 13 and 300th Street South. According to the Minnesota State Patrol report, a 2009 Ford Explorer driven by Robert Shippman of New Prague and a 2002 Oldmobile Bravada driven by Katie Young of Buffalo ended up in the west ditch. Young was taken by ambulance to Mayo Clinic Health Systems in New Prague with non-life threatening injuries. Shippman sustained no injuries. Both parties were wearing their seat belts.

Susan J. Gregor, age 74, of Land O’ Lakes, FL and formerly Faribault, MN passed away on Monday, November 14, 2022 at her home following an extended illness.
Funeral arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault and will be announced later.

Barbara Carol Jackson (Olson), age 76 of Maple Grove, formerly of Montgomery and Cleveland, died peacefully surrounded by family on November 4, 2022 after a long journey with Lewy Body Dementia. She is remembered for her unfailing love for her family and for her enthusiasm for guiding young minds.

Montgomery voters chose to elect Zack Matson and Mick McGuire to the Montgomery City Council. Matson led with 645 votes, followed by McGuire with 569. Dennis Smith received 428 votes. Daniel Siebsen received 391 votes. Brad “Butch” Kubes will also be joining the Montgomery City Council after earning 636 votes. His opponent for the seat, Dennis Lambrecht, received 520 votes.

Dorothy Ann (Duban) Kocina, age  90, of New Prague passed away peacefully November 7, 2022 with family around her at Mala Strana in New Prague, MN.
 Dorothy was born on August 9, 1932 in Erin Township, Montgomery, MN to Frank and Anna (Peterka) Duban.  She was proud of her Czechoslovakian heritage and became Montgomery  Redbirds High School  Homecoming Queen.  After graduating from high school, she became a loving mother of 6 children while enjoying her life on the farm for 56 years.

Glorene A (Fahrenkamp) Novak, age 88, of Prior Lake, MN, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, in New Prague, MN. 
A Christian Funeral will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 11 am, with a time of gathering from 9-10:45 am, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Fish Lake, 20200 Fairlawn Avenue, Prior Lake, MN. Rev. Dr. Brent L Parrish will preside. Interment immediately after service at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery and lunch to follow. 

Fire broke out at a Northeast 9th Avenue, Lonsdale, residence on Thursday night, Nov. 3. No one was injured in the blaze. 
According to Lonsdale Fire Chief Dave Pfluke, the fire was reported by a neighbor at 6:34 p.m., and firefighters were at the scene in under 10 minutes.
“The attached garage was fully engulfed when we arrived, and thankfully the family was already out of the home,” Pfluke stated. “We did rescue a couple of their pets—the ones the family weren’t able to grab on their way out. So, everyone—even their pets—did make it out okay.”

Clarence L. Salaba, age 85, of Lonsdale, died suddenly at Hennepin County Medical Center as the result of an accident on the family Century Farm on Friday, October 28, 2022.  Clarence was born on March 31, 1937 in Wheatland Township to Frank E. and Rose (Uhlir) Salaba.  He grew up in the Lonsdale/Veseli area and graduated from New Prague High School.  He met the love of his life, Delores M.

Marilyn Kathryn Green (nee Frolik), age 85, of Elko, MN died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at her home.  Marilyn was born on April 19, 1937 in New Prague to Benjamin R. and Elsie A. (Flicek) Frolik.  She was a 1955 graduate of South High School in Minneapolis and was formerly married to Robert Green. She resided in Minneapolis and Elko New Market most of her adult life and was a beloved long-term executive administrator of the University of Minnesota Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Department.