Al Milgrom, the filmmaker who made the documentary “Singin’ in the Grain” has died at 98. Milgrom’s movie featured Minnesota's "Czech Triangle" (New Prague, Montgomery, Veseli and Lonsdale) and followed more than 40 years of the Eddie Shimota Band, including footage of the late Eddie Shimota Sr., his son, Eddie Shimota Jr., Jerry Minar and others from around the area. Milgrom was 96 when he came out with the documentary.

Two Le Sueur County officials submitted resignations during the Tuesday, Dec. 22 commissioners meeting. Darrell Pettis, full-time County Administrator will resign effective January 22, 2021. Joshua Mankowski, full-time
Environmental, Planning and Zoning Administrator in Planning and Zoning, will resign effective December 31, 2020. More on these resignations in the December 31 print edition of the newspapers.

St. Patrick’s Tavern north of New Prague is among three bars/restaurants that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's office filed lawsuits against on Monday, Dec. 21. The other establishments are Pour House in Clarks Grove and The Interchange in Albert Lea. The lawsuits against the restaurants are for operating indoor dining in violation of the current COVID-19 restrictions.

UPDATE: 12/22/20 4:15 pm
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office has been notified that the 23-year-old victim of a stabbing that occurred in Sand Creek Township on December 21, 2020 has died of his injuries.
The victim, Casey Jeb Trutnau of Jordan, died early this morning at Hennepin County Medical Center after being airlifted there yesterday afternoon.
A 23-year-old male was arrested and booked in the Scott County Jail after the stabbing on the 4400 block of Cedar Valley Lane that occurred at approximately 3:03 p.m. yesterday.

On Monday, Dec. 21, Mayor Chuck Nickolay will serve at his last New Prague City Council meeting. His term as the city’s mayor ends on Thursday, Dec. 31, ending a 10 year term as mayor.
During that time he’s seen a lot of changes in the community and had several experiences. He added the opportunities to represent New Prague has been a fulfilling experience.
“Overall, being the mayor has been one of the most...
To see more on this story, pick up the December 17, 2020 print edition of The New Prague Times.

A young woman’s cow painting just earned her some moolah.
Anna Prchal’s vibrant, acrylic painting of a purple cow claimed the People’s Choice Award--and $100--in the Arts and Heritage Center of Montgomery’s Celebrating Farmers and Agriculture window art contest.
The contest was made possible because of a grant from Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council and donations from the Bob and Mary Jo Loftus Foundation and Compeer Financial. Her painting, which she refers to as “Crazy Cow,” was displayed at...

New Prague area residents have been busy over the last few weeks as St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church’s Adopt-a-Family program collected clothing and toys. Organizers are partnering with Santa Anonymous in Le Sueur County to aid 231 families and 615 children so they can have a good Christmas this year.
“There are quite a few changes this year, but we’re..."
To see more on this story, pick up the December 17, 2020 print edition of The New Prague Times.

Per Governor Walz, thanks to the hard work of Minnesotans over the last few weeks to keep each other safe, we are starting to turn a corner on COVID-19. But we’re not out of the woods yet. Today we announced a way forward that will bridge the gap to vaccination.
This plan will protect hospital capacity while prioritizing getting our kids back in the classroom and supporting Minnesotans’ quality of life.
Starting January 18, every elementary school in Minnesota may choose to operate in person with additional safety measures.

New Prague KC Hall - 411 4th Ave. SW, New Prague
Mon. December 14. 2020
12:30 - 5:30 pm
New Market Town Hall - 8950 230th St. E, Lakeville
9 am - 2 pm
Wed. December 16, 2020
Jordan Fire Station - 501 N. Varner St, Jordan
Thurs. December 17, 2020
10 am - 2 pm
To sign up for an appointment for either locations go to:
https://www.primarybio.com/r/scottcounty

Elissa Westing, left, daughter of Mike and Sara Westing of New Prague, receives her prize from Scott County Sheriff Luke Hennen on Thursday, Dec. 10, for her winning design in the Scott County Sheriff's Office fourth annual Season's Greetings Card Contest. Elissa received a gift card to her favorite restaurant, along with other prizes from the sheriff’s office. Elissa also had present for Sheriff Hennen of homemade gifts. Elissa’s artwork will be featured on the front cover of this year's official Scott County Sheriff's Office Greeting Card.

Bob Brinkman was out golfing on his 90th birthday on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the New Prague Golf Club. Brinkman, of New Prague, stopped by the club with a request, he wanted to say he golfed on his birthday and General Manager Kurt Ruehling obliged him. “ I do not believe there is anyone in this area that has brought more players to the game of golf than Bob,” said Ruehling. “He taught me 43 years ago!” Ruehling said that for years Brinkman has been involved with the Junior Programs in golf, including last year as well.

Sheriff’s department donates decorated tree to family in need
The Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Department is making magic.
On Friday, Dec. 4, Sheriff Brett Mason and his staff delivered a fully decorated Christmas tree to a Le Sueur County family in need. “Project: Believe in the Magic of Christmas” was organized by Mason, The Mounted Posse, and The Sheriff’s Youth Project.

At the New Prague City Council’s Monday, Dec. 7, virtual meeting they were informed that Public Works Director Glen Sticha would be retiring. City Administrator Mike Johnson said he had received a letter from Sticha on Monday, Nov. 23, that it was his intent to retire effective February 25, 2021.
Sticha has been employed by the City since July 27, 1980 and has been...
To see more on this story, pick up the December 10, 2020 print edition of The New Prague Times.

On December 9, 2020 at 6:02 am, Rice County deputies responded to the 5000 block of Hazelwood Ave in Webster Township, Northfield Ambulance and Northfield Fire/Rescue responded to a personal injury crash on CR 46 in Webster Township. 
Upon arrival, deputies located two vehicles involved with 2 victims.  The driver of a 2006 Audi A6, Miguel Angel Carreon Balderas, 27, of Owatonna was treated at the scene and transported to Northfield Hospital by ambulance. 

Eric Lind, Regional Director of Business Development of Monarch Healthcare Management, unloads food donations for the Peace Center food shelf that were collected at Mala Strana Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Center in New Prague the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 9. Monarch Healthcare Management, which operates Mala Strana, has partnered up with Moments Hospice for a statewide initiative, Warming Hearts and Hearths Food Drive, to help restock food pantries. Local donations are given to local food shelves. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times.

Santa greets the crowds during Santa’s Cruise Through New Prague on Friday, Dec. 4. Riding an engine from the New Prague Fire Department, Santa makes the turn onto Columbus Avenue near the start of the parade sponsored by the New Prague Chamber of Commerce that included emergency and city vehicles. The Santa Cruise made its way through neighborhoods with sirens sounding and lights ablaze on the vehicles. Families waved and children shouted with excitement as they saw Santa. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)