The New Prague Area School Board approved the preliminary levy payable in 2019 during its meeting Monday, Sept. 24.
As it does each year, the board set the preliminary at “maximum.” Finance Director Sandy Linn explained that the Minnesota Department of Education has not finalized all of its numbers for the current school year, so her department does not have any definite numbers regarding the upcoming budget at this time.
“We have some preliminary numbers, but we know they will change, and we need to have the ability to make those changes,” she told board members.

MANKATO, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation advises motorists that Highway 19 from Henderson to Highway 169 has a high probability of closing on Tuesday, September 25 with the current river forecast.
It is unknown at this time whether Highway 93 from Henderson to Highway 169 will need to be closed. MnDOT crews will do what they can to keep traffic safe and moving.
Highway 93 closed on Friday due to flooding from the Rush River, but crews were able to open the roadway on Sunday.

A detour will be going into effect at the intersection of New Prague’s Main Street (Highway 19) and Union Pacific Railroad’s crossings beginning next week. While the sign says it will be Monday, Oct. 1, a press release from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) says the detour begins Wednesday, Oct. 3, as crews will be working to replace two railroad crossings for the Union Pacific Railroad located between Highway 21 and Third Avenue Northwest.

Homecoming week at New Prague High School kicked off Sunday, Sept. 23, with the annual Powder Puff football game, a flag football game between the junior and senior girls. This year's senior class dominated play, winning 35-0. Homecoming activities continue throughout the week, highlighted by a pep fest, coronation, parade, football game and dance on Friday Sept. 23. Read more in the print edition of The New Prague Times.

The O’Neill Brothers, Tim and Ryan, perform at the Dozinky Variety Show on Saturday, Sept.22, at the New Prague High School. The piano playing duet gave a special performance to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Variety Show. The two started in New Prague and have gone on to release more than 40 CDs of piano music that have sold millions of copies. For more on New Prague’s Czech Harvest Festival see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Grand Marshal Darlene Witt, center, waves to the crowd during the Parade of Farm Pride on Saturday, Sept. 22, in New Prague. Witt has been part of the community through farming, working for the New Prague Area School District and as a volunteer through the hospital and her church. The weather was wonderful for the parade, which included farm equipment, floats and representatives of area organizations. New Prague’s festival continues with the Dozinky Variety Show at 7 p.m. this evening at the high school. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times.

As officials continue to assess the damages throughout Rice County, they are encountering a significant amount traffic congestion due to high volumes of on lookers in the damaged areas. In a press release to area news outlets, they would like people to stay away from the areas.
 

New Prague High School announced its Homecoming candidates for King and Queen on Friday, Sept. 21. Queen candidates are (front row, left to right)  Aidan McLoone, Laura DeGross, Anna Holden, Kaitlyn Blair, Callie Peterson, Morgan Pint, Molly Giesen, Kate Wagner; King candidates are (back row) Mason DeGross, Bryce Simon, Travis Frerk, Collin Dorzinski, Grant Yackly, Blake Woodson, Andrew Piilola and Hartman Sadusky. Coronation for royalty will be at 11:10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 28. Homecoming activities begin at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept.

A vast array of vintage vehicles take part in Cruise Night the evening of Friday, Sept. 21, on New Prague’s Main Street. While most of the day was overcast, the sun broke through the clouds just before the 25th annual parade that marks the beginning of Dozinky, the city’s Czech Harvest Festival. Dozinky continues on Saturday, Sept. 22, beginning at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony, followed by music, dancing and various activities, including the Parade of Farm Pride at noon. For more on the festival see The Times website, Facebook page and upcoming print issue. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

New Prague High School will celebrate its Homecoming week September 23-28, with the highlight being the football game against Mankato West on Friday, Sept. 28.
The week begins with the annual Powder Puff football game, to be played at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept 23. The annual game features the senior girls against the junior girls. Each day during the week will include a “dress-up” day, and other events will be held during the week.

The New Prague City Council an amended Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between it and the New Prague Area School District during its meeting Monday, Sept. 17.
The JPA is covers the construction and operation of the indoor pool and fitness center facility at the Central Education Campus, the operation of the outdoor pool at 401 Lexington Ave. S, and the operation of the summer recreation program.

On Thursdays, from 9-11 a.m. people of various ages meet in the Community Connections Room at the Central Education Campus in New Prague to knit and crochet. The group has been meeting since the fall of 2017 and has created a vast array of articles, many of which go to help others.

Brian Dapper, District Leader for Kwik Trip, spoke during the grand opening ceremony for the convenience store’s 600th store, located in New Prague, Tuesday, Sept. 18. The store opened near the intersection of Highways 13, 19 and 21 on Thursday, Sept. 13. As part of the celebration, the store donated $1,000 to the New Prague Fire Department and another $1,000 to The Well Teen Center as a sign of its commitment to the community. Read more in the print edition of The Times.

The case against Le Sueur County Historical Society (LCHS) will get a green light or a red light in October after a Le Sueur County judge clarified matters on Monday, Sept. 17.
 
In court were Ray Konz, attorney for LCHS, and Kevin Wetherille, attorney for the 16 plaintiffs. The attorneys discussed the proceedings thus far and made several requests of Judge Mark Vandelist.
 

The New Prague Area Education Foundation held its annual Brain Power Walk-Run Saturday, Sept. 15, at Trojan Stadium. The event included a 5K run and a one-mile run. Above, New Prague Area Schools Superintendent Tim Dittberner was surrounded by a large group of elementary students at the beginning of the one-mile run. The event raised money for the foundation, which uses the money for classroom grants for teachers in New Prague schools.

The Bisek family of New Prague found the 2018 First Bank & Trust Dozinky Medallion on Thursday, Sept. 13, after three out of four clues. The medallion was hidden in the small park north of Casey’s along Highway 21. From left Rachel, Mike, Jacob and Jamie Bisek receive the $300 prize from Market President Eric Kragman of the New Prague bank on Friday, Sept. 14. The medallion hunt is part of New Prague’s annual Czech Harvest Festival, Dozinky, that will take place on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 21 and 22.