Much of Minnesota is feeling the effects of a large winter storm currently with Tri-City United Schools cancelling all afternoon and evening activities, rescheduling the music concert from tonight at the same time tomorrow night, Friday, Dec. 18.

With three early wins, New Prague’s floor hockey team is off to a fast start in its effort to defend its state championship.

The Trojans have earned early wins over Shakopee-Chanhassen-Chaska-Prior Lake, Minnetonka-Wayzata and most recently an improved South Suburban squad. The Trojans were back in action Wednesday, Dec. 17, after the newspaper’s print deadline.

After the holiday break, the Trojans will host Mankato Wednesday, Jan. 7, 4:30 p.m., at the New Prague Community Education Center (the former intermediate school).

Tri-City United Le Center PreK-8 School Principal Jeff Eppen has been awarded the Southwest Division Leadership Award from the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA).

The 33rd Annual Torchlight Parade and Fireworks in downtown Montgomery on Thursday, Dec. 4, was definitely another bundle-up affair this year.

Temperatures hovered just barely above zero and all the hot foods and drinks along 1st Street were welcomed. As time progressed, the wind also picked up.

Santa Claus was there with his live reindeer again, letting all ages hop on the sleigh for a photo. The Amazing Hoopsters were back dazzling with fire and light-up hola-hoops before the parade in front of Frandsen Bank & Trust and in the parade.

Before you entered the doors to the Revival on Main, you were greeted with the clanking sounds of the horse-drawn carriage rides for Svatý Mikuláš on Sunday.

Stepping inside, you were greeted with a formal Slavic tradition of bread dipping in salt. Sounds of merriment filled the air with people conversing and various entertainment between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. that included music by Colton Tupy, and traditional dances by both the St. Paul Czech and Slovak Adult Folk Dancers and the Sokol MN Children Dancers.

The Tri-City United (TCU) boys basketball team opened its 2025-26 season with three losses.

St. Peter handed the Titans a 113-36 loss Monday, Dec. 1. Three days later St. Claire defeated TCU, 86-61. Friday Worthington traveled to Montgomery and handed the Titans a 78-40 loss.

In the loss to St. Peter, the Saints have a majority of their players returning from last year and they looked to be in mid-season form from the tip.

Kathleen “Kathy” Ann Christensen, age 71, of Le Center, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato following a courageous battle with ALS.

John “JK” Michael Kelly, of rural Waterville passed away at his home December 4, 2025, after a rapid and courageous battle with cancer.

John was born on September 28, 1956, to Walter and Ludmilla (Edel) Kelly of rural Kilkenny.  He attended Treborn Country school, Holy Redeemer Catholic School and graduated from Montgomery High School in 1974.  He later attended Austin Vocational College earning his FCC License in Radio Broadcasting.

This month’s Montgomery American Legion Post #79 Thank A Living Veteran focus is on Larry Parsons.

Parsons attended Kindergarten at Montgomery Public Schools before joining Holy Redeemer Catholic School through eighth grade. He completed high school in Amery, Wis., where he attended University of Wisconsin — River Falls after graduation for three years. It was during this time where he decided to enlist, and the U.S. Army was the first to have an opening.

The community’s biggest outdoor holiday event is tonight, Torchlight Parade & Fireworks.

Fun for the evening begins at 5 p.m. along 1st Street in Montgomery.

Entertainment by Schell’s Hobo Band, which will play downtown and at Park Manor (as well as the parade). Lakelanders Barbershop Chorus will stop by Traditions to sing some tunes as well as during the parade.

Most pre-events to the parade can be seen near the intersection of Vine Avenue and 1st Street.

Just like the founders of this community started as first generation and second generation immigrants, a new round of immigrants is planting their foot in Montgomery.

Martin S. Gomez was born in La Estancia, Guatemala, which is also the name of the first bakery he opened in Bloomington, Minn., after the pandemic hit. This month, he opened up his second bakery here inside of Mike’s Discount Foods called Pan Sabroso.

Trust for Public Land (TBL) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the permanent protection of 200 acres of grassland, forest, and wetland habitat about 2 miles southeast of Lonsdale in Forrest Township within Rice County. The new Sungina Wildlife Management Area (WMA) rests between Union Lake Trail (Rice County 59) and Millersburg Boulevard (Rice County 1), and east of Garfield Avenue.

This newly established WMA will offer residents and visitors a green oasis to explore the outdoors, connect with nature, and enjoy recreation close to home. 

Eleanor Gladys Tupy, 98, of Bloomington, passed away on November 23, 2025. Eleanor was born on September 26, 1927, in Shieldsville Township, MN, to parents Thomas and Rose (Filipek) Snorek. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin; sister, Lorraine Turek; brother, Robert; and special friend, Waldo Jaekel. Eleanor is survived by children, Ron (Pam) Tupy, and Marlys (Paul) Bagaason; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and siblings, Ivan and Alvin.

    There are a few ways you can give back this holiday season in our community beyond just shopping local. 

Foster Care Giving
    New this year, the Montgomery Fire Department will be collecting toys, new children’s clothes, and/or monetary donations ahead of the Torchlight Parade & Fireworks on Thursday, Dec. 4 for Lutheran Social Services Foster Care. 
    Firefighters will be stationed on the east side of 1st Street and Vine Avenue, just north of Frandsen Bank & Trust, to collect from 6-6:30 p.m.

Kenneth Jeremiah Keohen, age 62, of Montgomery, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in New Prague.

Ken was born on March 11, 1963, in New Prague, the son of Jeremiah Sr. and Karen (O’Brien) Keohen. He grew up in Montgomery, attended Most Holy Redeemer Catholic School through eighth grade, and graduated from Montgomery-Lonsdale High School with the Class of 1981.

Harlan Earl “Doc” Meyer, age 98, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, at The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine, MN.