Last week, both the DFL-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate passed a Hands-Free Cell Phone bill that was then signed by Gov. Tim Walz.
The law had tremendous support in both the House, where it passed 107-19, and the Senate, where it passed 48-12. It becomes law on August 1.
The measure makes holding a cellphone while driving illegal in all but rare instances. A first offense carries a $50 fine, but the penalty would top $200 for repeat offenses.

Many years ago, I was interviewing Jerry Bohnsack, then the New Prague city administrator. I don’t remember what the story was about, but I noticed that when I asked him a question, he sat there, thinking…. for at least 30 seconds before he responded.
I had noticed this before, when interviewing then State-Rep. Bob Vanasek, who was at the time the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. When I mentioned this to Jerry, he said he learned it from Vanasek. The two were close friends, and they both had learned to choose their words wisely.

Luke Tupy threw five innings of no-hit baseball, and Joe Becker went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead New Prague to a 5-0 win over Chanhassen Tuesday, April 9, in high school baseball action.
Tupy struck out 11 and walked just two. Becker, who pitched the final two innings, gave up a the Storm’s only hit in the seventh, but struck out four.
New Prague got on the board in the first when Colin Dorzinski drew a leadoff walk. He stole second and third, and after two more walks loaded the bases, he scored on a passed ball.

A Mother’s Day meal last spring could have ended in tragedy for the Moulton family in New Prague, if not for the calm, quick thinking by son JD Moulton.
Greg Moulton had grilled some hamburgers for the family celebration and sliced some onions.
As he bit into his burger, he coughed and a piece of onion lodged in his throat and he was unable to breath.

The New Prague Trojan boys track and field team hosted Northfield and Mankato East on Tuesday, April 9, finishing in second place.
Mankato East had 68 points, edging the Trojans, who had 63. Northfield had 27.
“Although we came up just short of the team victory, we were pleased with our approach, mentality, and effort today,” said Trojan Coach Nick Meyer. “Our experienced athletes are doing a nice job of showing our younger kids how to do things the right way, and as a relatively inexperienced team, our guys are benefitting from that.”

When it comes to timeliness, Le Sueur County Human Services is among the best in the state.
Minnesota Department of Human Services records list Le Sueur County as one of five counties in the state when it comes to 2018 child protection assessment visits. .
The county did not miss one of its scheduled 146 visits last year. Only Le Sueur, Marshall, Stevens, Red Lake, and Lake of the Woods counties had a 100 percent rating in overall timeliness.
The state average rating is 88.4 percent.

Monday, April 15, was a big day for the New Prague High School girls lacrosse program.
The program, in its first year, travelled to Waconia for the first-ever game for both schools. It was played at the junior varsity level, and New Prague came home victorious with a 15-1 win.
"We were all a little nervous going into the game," said Coach Julie Bowers. "It was a lot of firsts for everyone and the team was excited and filled with anticipation."

Willard Anthony “Bink” Bender died at home on April 16, 2019 in New Prague, MN at age 88. He was born Aug 23, 1930 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to Floriann J. (Hartz), a teacher, and Willard C. Bender, a banker. His sister called him Binky, and ever since, he has been known as Bink.

UPDATE: Belle Plaine Police reported that Andrew Cunat was found safe on Wednesday evening and was reunited with his family.

Road repairs and improvements on Highway 21 between Highway 19 in New Prague and Highway 169 in Jordan are underway. Work began Monday, April 15, with shoulder and culvert work just north of New Prague. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, beginning Wednesday, April 17, work will begin on the road surface. The project includes construction of turn lanes, improved drainage, and concrete and pavement repairs. Construction activities will take place Mondays through Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Darla Cleary holds son Liam who was enchanted by the Easter Bunny at the Egg Hunt in Elko New Market on Saturday, April 13. There were 275 children who participated in the annual hunt for eggs on the playground of Eagle View Elementary School. Children collected plastic eggs with treats in them and each could grab one golden egg to trade in for a toy or a game after the hunt. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Geraldine D. “Geri” Bell, age 94, died peacefully, April 11, 2019 at St. Gertude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shakopee.  She was born April 23, 1924 in New Prague, MN to Richard F. and Wilhelmine C. “Minnie” (Zoschke) Ruehling.  She grew up in rural New Prague and attended Scott County District School, Friedens Parochial School, Le Sueur County District School and graduated from New Prague High School.  She married Otis T.

Elko New Market’s new Police Chief and Emergency Management Director Brady Juell, left, takes the oath of office for his position from Mayor Joe Julius. The ceremony was held during the Elko New Market City Council’s Thursday, April 11, meeting. Chief Juell said he is excited and the community and citizens have been welcoming. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Last year around this time we were hit by a spring snowstorm that took many people by surprise. As I write this, there’s a possibility of a repeat this week of that type of weather. Or maybe not. When it comes to weather in Minnesota I’m usually of the mindset I’ll wait and see what happens.

The New Prague Trojans opened their softball season with a 6-5 win over Chaska Monday, April 8, at home.
Chaska scored two in the top of the first, but the Trojans came back with a run in the bottom, with Kennedy Buckman scoring on a hit by Mia Kraimer. New Prague added two in the bottom of the second to take a 3-2 lead, and extended it to 4-2 with a run in the third.

The New Prague Trojan boys tennis team opened its season Thursday, April 4, with a 7-0 loss to St. Peter.
"It was our first match of the year, we showed our beginning of the season jitters," said Coach Ben Hilding. "St. Peter is known for a reputable tennis program, and they beat us with strong singles play and sound doubles play."
Evan Zimmer led the charge for the Trojans with a close match against their hard-hitting No. 1 player, losing 6-1, 7- 5.