In our democratic society last week, residents voted down a solution to solve the fire, ambulance and police departments’ building problems. With totals of 452 to 174, the $6.7 million decision was soundly defeated by Montgomery voters.
I attended almost all of the public meetings, council work sessions and regular meetings on the issue prior to the vote. I listened to the pitches from the architects, discussion from the council and complaints from the public.
To be clear, nobody has ever said the departments don’t deserve something better than what they have now.

Our hearts are heavy today as we report that our Managing Editor, Chuck Kajer, passed away suddenly last night. We will miss our “teammate” at The Times… his wit, his thoughtfulness and his amazing ability to recall sports trivia! We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We will post further information when available.

A hard knock life takes a happy turn for a plucky orphan in “Annie” in this year’s high school musical, presented at TCU Montgomery Middle School Auditorium this weekend.
Audiences have three chances to see the upbeat — 7 p.m. November 15 and 16, and 2 p.m. November 17, in the TCU Montgomery Middle School auditorium.
Based on the original Broadway theatrical production, “Annie” tells the story of a determined, young, red-headed orphan (Carolyn Mikel) who wants nothing more than to reunite with her long lost parents.
Read more in the print edition.

Veterans (from left) Bob Rotter, Eymard Boehmer and Bill Hix received handmade thank you cards from elementary students after the Veterans Day program at TCU Montgomery Elementary and Middle School Monday. During the program, students also read essays submitted for the Patriot’s Pen Contest, while younger students thanked the veterans. Music included the “National Anthem” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” Read more in the print edition. (Wade Young Photo)

Voters in Montgomery spoke loud and clear at Tuesday's election, and voted against the proposed fire hall/City Hall remodel.
Out of 626 votes cast, 452 residents (72 percent) voted against the more than $6 million plan. A total of 174 residents (28 percent) voted in favor of it.
See the November 11 issue for more details.

Alvin Fredrick August “Gunner” Winterfeldt, 80, of Montgomery, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at Traditions in Montgomery.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Montgomery with funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jason Pollington officiating.
Interment will be held in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Montgomery.
Alvin was born on January 4, 1939, in Montgomery to Edwin and Helen (Kukacka) Winterfeldt. He was a graduate of Le Center High School.

Residents who live on the German-Jefferson Lakes and Lake Emily in Le Sueur County voiced their displeasure at a proposed ordinance which would have required sewer inspections every 3-5 years.
The Le Sueur County Board held a public hearing Tuesday, Oct. 22 to discuss the ordinance. More than two dozen individuals were in attendance and nearly a dozen commented during the hearing.
It was quite apparent these individuals were not in favor of the ordinance. A similar ordinance passed for the lakes of Francis, Rays, Sakatah, and Tetonka in the Waterville/Elysian area.

Marie “Bobbie” Hruska, 91, of Montgomery, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, at Central Health Care in Le Center.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Father George Grafsky officiating. Interment will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery in Lexington. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Animal Humane Society.

Lucille R. Nelson, age 96, of New Prague, died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.  Lucille was born on September 13, 1923 in St. Thomas, MN to Frank and Gertrude A. (Benzick) Ginter.  She was raised in the St. Thomas/Lexington area, attended country school for a short time, then St. Wenceslaus Catholic School, and graduated with the class of 1941 from New Prague High School.  Lucille married Clyde C. Nelson on May 18, 1946 at St.

Colorful banners, flowers, traditional breads, and beautiful skeletons are all part of a new display at Montgomery’s Arts and Heritage Center that showcases the Hispanic culture.
And, because it’s October, the Day of the Dead celebration is spotlighted.
“This is a big celebration,” Juan Zamora of Le Center stated. “People in Mexico stay up all night and party in the cemeteries, make special food, and celebrate. It’s incredible.”

The Tri-City United Cross Country Team is sending its captains to the State Track Meet after their performances at the Section Meet Thursday, Oct. 24.
Austin Antony and Hunter Rutt both qualified for state placing fourth and 13th respectively.
Coach Brian Fogal said the two athletes have worked hard all season, and their results prove it.

He's still relatively new to Lonsdale, but he's already made a name for himself.
He's the Haunted House Guy.
He is Rory Anderson, and after just one look at his haunted front yard, you'll know he's passionate about Halloween.
"I've always been crazy about Halloween," he stated. "I loved going out with my siblings and friends trick or treating when I was younger. We were always the first ones out and the last ones back home."

Project retainage to subscontractors on the Le Sueur County Justice Center Project has been reduced.
The Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners received a request by Adolph & Peterson Construction to reduce the retainage for 30 of the 39 subcontractors.
The reduction took the current five percent retainage held and decreased it to one percent.
Adolph & Peterson said they believe these contractors have no risk associated with the project.
The final one percent will be awarded to the subcontractors upon the final signing of the contracts.

Ruth Annette Le Brun, 82, of Montgomery, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 at her home. Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Canice Catholic Church in Kilkenny with visitation one hour prior at the church. Interment will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Kilkenny.