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Marvin J. ‘Marv’ Novotny, 72 of Houston, TX (formerly) of New Prague, MN, passed away on Tues. Aug. 24, 2021. Marv was born Oct. 31st 1948 in New Prague to Louis & Helen (Bartusek) Novotny.  He attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School and graduated from New Prague High School Class of 1966. 

New Prague Mayor Duane Jirik, center, addresses the crowd during the State of the City and School on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at The Depot. He and Superintendent of Schools Tim Dittberner updated people on the population of the town, the number of total students in the school district, housing and students’ test scores during the luncheon held by the New Prague Chamber of Commerce. For more see an upcoming print issue of The Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Jeffrey Scott Jewett, 2/27/1968 – 10/31/2021
Jeff was born on February 27, 1968 to Dave and Peggy (Murphy) Jewett.  He graduated from Rosemount High School, and Mankato State University.  Jeff grew up in Valley Park, a neighborhood in Lakeville, and lived in Lonsdale and Rochester before moving to Farmington.

Erickson, Gary, age 71 of Elko-New Market, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on October 31, 2021. Preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Mildred. Survived by his wife of 39 years, Margaret; children, Josh Erickson (Kim Mooney) and Jessica Erickson (Jarvis Dotson); grandchildren, Arriana, Nalani, and JayCeon and also by Kim’s children, Kendall and Ainsley Rook; sister, LaVonne Erickson; also by many other family and friends.

Families have fun at Malaween at Mala Strana Rehabilitation Center and Assisted Living in New Prague the evening of Sunday, Oct. 31. There were an assortment of games and treats for children and families from 3-6:30 p.m. The New Prague area had many ways for families to celebrate Halloween beginning on Friday, Oct. 29, and going through Sunday with Trunk and Treat events, a drive through Trick and Treat, and parties. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Thomas Hoppert takes Halloween to the next level.
For years, he has dressed up in elaborate homemade costumes for what he calls his favorite holiday. His previous creations include the Yip Yip Martians from Sesame Street, Macho Man and Miss Elizabeth, and Captain Obvious!
However, this year’s costumes are his most elaborate, and time-consuming.

Families depending on buses to get their children to and from New Prague schools can breathe a little easier.
The bus-driver shortage that threatened to cause a disruption in the district’s regular in-class education—and major headaches—has been averted, for now.
Superintendent Tim Dittberner informed the School Board, Monday night, Oct. 25, that new bus drivers have been hired and a few current school employees are in the process of getting their commercial drivers license (CDL).

The Section 2AA Girls Soccer Championship turned out to be a one girl highlight film.
Annelise Winch of Mankato West took nine shots and connected on four of them in leading the Scarlets to a 4-0 win in the game played Oct. 19 in New Prague.
Aubrey Bahl had two assists as did Alaina Spaude.
The Scarlets were the No. 2 seed in the tournament. New Prague was the...
To see more on this story pick up the October 28, 2021 print edition of The New Prague Times.

Chanhassen knocked off New Prague 25-20, 25-28, 25-17 Tuesday, Oct. 19 in both team's regular season finale. The win gave Chanhassen (16-7 overall) a tie with the Trojans (17-10) for second place in the Metro West Conference standings. Bloomington Jefferson, New Prague, and Chanhassen each finished with a 7-2 conference record. Chaska placed first with a 9-0 record.

Families will be able to choose from several spots around the New Prague area for Halloween fun beginning on Friday, Oct. 29, and most activities on Saturday, Oct. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 31.

Funeral arrangements have been set for Father Denny Dempsey, 73, a former pastor of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, who passed away unexpectedly Monday evening, Oct. 25, according to an announcement made by Dempsey’s current parish, Church of the Risen Savior in Burnsville.
The church posted the following on its Facebook page on Tuesday: “It is with heavy hearts that we need to share some very sad news. We learned Monday evening that Father Denny Dempsey had been riding his bike in Rosemount, as he so loved to do. He was struck by a motor vehicle and did not survive the impact.”

Peggy Ann Olson, 74, of New Prague, MN died peacefully on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 surrounded by beloved family and caregivers, thus ending a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  She is survived by her loving husband, Jim, of 53 years; children, Josh (Michelle) Olson of Jacksonville, FL, Luana (Mark) Ciccarelli and granddaughter Madeline of St.

Former New Prague mayor Chuck Nickolay, center left, and Mayor Duane Jirik, center right, share the duties of cutting a ribbon along Main Street in downtown New Prague on Tuesday, Oct. 26. The ceremony marked the two years of work that has gone into rebuilding the city’s Main Street. Also present were representatives of the City of New Prague, the city’s engineering firm Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc., contractor SM Hentges & Sons, MnDOT, the New Prague Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and residents. For more on the ceremony see this week’s print issue of The New Prague Times.

Kathryn J. Grassmann, age 74, entered eternal life on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at her home peacefully surrounded by her family after a 20 year battle with cancer. A Time of Gathering with closing words in honor of Kathy will be held from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 First St W, Jordan, MN 55352.

Scot Ben Cervenka, age 58, of Askov, MN formerly of New Prague passed away unexpectedly on October 17, 2021.

New changes are coming to how people make phone calls as mandatory 10-digit dialing starts on Sunday, Oct. 24. The Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) July 2020 Order required all telecommunications carriers, to make any network changes necessary to ensure that users can dial 988 to reach the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) by July 16, 2022.

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