2004 Mayor's Medal Recipients

Front row, left to right:  Donnie Milbrath, Marlys Boyum, Roger Boyum, Julaine Jacobson and Phyllis Arndt.

Back row, left to right:  John Milbrath, Ralph Dyer, Herb Weber, Al Loney, Mayor Mack Evans and Dale Arndt.

(Photo by Jay Schneider, September 2004)

Twenty Honored with Mayor's Medals

 Published October 7, 2004    

 The Elysian Enterprise

 by Jay Schneider, Editor

 LIFE/Enterprise

     A total of 20 individuals were honored Wednesday with the annual Mayor's Medals of Honor during a ceremony at the Elysian American Legion Club Rooms. 

     Elysian Mayor Mack Evans started this recognition last year, awarding 15 medals to individuals who have volunteered their services throughout the year.

     Each person recognized for their outstanding volunteer service to the community was selected for a different reason.

     "Everyone chosen does something different throughout the year," Mayor Evans said.  "Some of the people that were recognized work in the concession stands, some participate in numerous fundraisers in the community, and some were selected for different reasons."

     Those chosen this year included:

The Pizza Palace - Dale & Phyllis Arndt

The Arndts built an outstanding looking new building in downtown Elysian which features the finest pizza in the area.

Gordy & Harriet Kritzer

Evans said that Gordy was sick last year and during the time of his illness, he lost his yard at their new home.  He has since rejuvenated it.  "Now when you drive into Elysian you see this great looking yard which really sets up the town," Evans said.

Julaine Jacobson

Evans said Jacobson is a great volunteer who works at such things as the pancake breakfast, library, the Legion Auxiliary and the Lake Area Women, just to name a few.

Louie Hruska

Hruska has been a big part of the City of Elysian for more than 90 years.  He has taken care of the Le Sueur County Historical Society for decades and Mayor Evans said if it weren't for Hruska he probably wouldn't be living in Elysian.  The property where Evans currently lives was owned by Hruska.

Donnie Milbrath

Milbrath has a backyard and house full of Elysian historical items.  Evans said he also has been the caretaker of the Elysian Fire Department for more than 30 years and is always up to the challenge of cooking the stew for the fishing contest.

Leonard Kline

Evans said this long-time Elysian resident stays up all night and keeps watch of the food stand during the 4th of July. He also takes care of the brush dump on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

Ralph Dyer

Evans said Dyer also stays up during the 4th of July celebration and takes care of the beer garden.  He also takes care of the Elysian Rest Area bathrooms and area around it, is on the Planning Commission and also "polices" the city.

Joe Breckner

Breckner is a very active member of the Chamber and is in charge of the Elysian After Hours. He also volunteers many services for the Legion and is an active member of the Lake Association.

Brian and Sonia Ziemer

Evans said Sonia does a great job at school as a teacher and with the Miss Elysian Pageant, and Brian takes care of the fireworks during 4th of July on Lake Francis.

John Milbrath

Milbrath is a member of the Legion and an officer on the Executive Board, is on the EDA Board, also belongs to Sportsman's Club, worked on the Sakatah Family Bicycle event, also set up the wine tasting event.

Herb Weber

Evans said Weber does everything - he is a member of the Legion, helped get the flags set up. "Anytime you need anything, Herb will help," Evans said.

Roger and Ellen Hanson

Both work as a team helping to clean the Elysian Tourism Center and work at the pancake breakfast.  They are active members of the Lake Francis Association.

Al and Louise Loney

Al is the President of the Townhome Association and both Al and Louise have always worked at the 4th of July concession stand and work with the Legion on the Bullhead Feeds.

Roger and Marlys Boyum

The Boyums were the Grand Marshals of the 4th of July Celebration.  Evans said they do absolutely everything including running the 4th of July concession stand.  "They are tireless workers," Evans said.

Reprinted with permission