We acquired a .22-caliber handgun for dispatching unwanted animals from the barn. Fortunately, we gave it away before ever needing to use it. We were always taught every gun is always loaded unless you personally see it is not loaded. The point of such counsel was to prevent the unthinkable. The advice came from an older brother, who owned many handguns all properly stored in a secured gun locker separate from ammunition.

Like most any mom, Tina Kreger wanted the best for her three children. She wanted her sons and daughter to be comfortable participating in activities and to be accepted by their peers. For her son, Orion, that presented a unique challenge she willingly embraced.

Phil Mickus, aged 76, passed away on April 29, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was born on May 27, 1947, in New Prague, Minnesota.
Phil is survived by his wife, Patricia, his children Brian and Heather, his stepdaughters Lisa and Laura, as well as his brothers Glenn and Patrick, and his sister Shirley. He was also a loving grandfather, uncle, and friend to many.
He was preceded in death by his father Harold, his mother Florence, his brothers George and Steve.

Our beloved mother, Ann Catherine Rhodes, 84, of Bloomington, MN passed away peacefully on March, 28, 2024, two weeks after her 84th birthday.
Ann Catherine Koenig was born on March 12, 1940, in New Prague, MN. She worked for Thunderbird Hotel for over 20 years and following her retirement she provided daycare for all five of her grandkids. Her grandkids were her pride and joy and she lovingly devoted most of her time with them. When she wasn’t watching her grandkids, she was spending time in her flower garden, shopping, or going to garage sales buying toys for the grandkids.

The rain on Saturday morning, May 4, stopped just in time for the start of the 5K race as part of Run New Prague. Starting at the intersection of First Street SW and Main Street in New Prague the race drew 135 participants. It was the 39th and final Run New Prague. It also had a kids color fun run with colored chalk thrown as children raced by. That race had 95 children participate. For more see an upcoming print edition of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher photo)

New Prague’s Taylor Ledwein is taking aim at a childhood dream of making the field at the women’s U.S. Open when she competes at a qualifying tournament Monday.
Ledwein, a graduate of NPHS and Bradley University, will be part of a small field of women competing for a single berth at the U.S. Women’s Open May 30-June 2 at Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, Penn.

Emotionally, spiritually and chronologically, the Rev. Kevin Clinton seems to be comfortable where he is as he looks back over 75 years, 50 spent as an ordained Catholic priest.
And now, he wants to take the time to slow down, to reflect and help people do the same in their lives. He’s comfortable with his life and work as a priest and the honor of being allowed to help people find peace in their lives. Fr. Clinton seems comfortable aiming at helping people enjoy quality of life rather than focusing on just muddling through more of the daily grind.

New Prague’s track and field teams enjoyed a pair of solid performances Thursday, taking the top two spots at a meet in Jordan.
The teams are continuing their efforts at building toward the championship portion of their schedules. The teams were in Orono Tuesday, April 30, for a varsity meet. Tuesday, May 7, NPHS will be at Rosemount for a meet followed by the Metro West Conference Championships Wednesday, May 15 at Trojan Stadium.
NP girls top the standings

New Prague’s citywide cleanup day this year is a three-day opportunity for waste disposal.

When hundreds of people begin a 5K run Saturday, May 4, they’ll be among the final runners who cross the finish line in the 39th installment of the popular event.
The 5K race will begin at 10:30 a.m. on W Main Street in New Prague. Runners can register at Central Ave North (Central Plaza) with the start line located only a block away, said Brooke Sticha, the New Prague Area Chamber of Commerce’s executive director. Packet pick-up and same-day registration will be available in Central Plaza (N Central Avenue) the morning of the race. The race will end in Memorial Park.

For more than 24 years I’ve been covering the news in New Prague. There’s been the good and the bad and plenty of events. There’s been events where friends and neighbors gather to help someone in town. This weekend, I was at the grand march for New Prague High School’s prom. This coming weekend, I likely will be at Run New Prague, the 39th year of the event.

Jon A. Tonkin, age 67, of Prior Lake, died peacefully at home after an extended illness on Thursday, May 2, 2024.  Jon was born on February 24, 1957, in St. Paul to Robert and Edna (Koski) Tonkin.  He grew up in Roseville and went to work as a clerk at the Veterans Administration.  It was there that he met Debbie Pexa when both of them were playing on the federal employees softball team. They were married on April 28,1979, at St. Patrick of Cedar Lake Catholic Church. Following 3 years with the VA, Jon began his 35-year career as an inspector and supervisory inspector for the U.S.

Devin Michael Efta, age 26, of Le Center, died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.  Devin was born on June 11, 1997, in Shakopee, to Lee and Trisha (Slavik) Efta.  He grew up in New Prague, graduating from New Prague High School.  He was currently employed as a landscaper, which allowed him to be in the world he loved the best, the outdoors.  He loved nature and his interests reflected that and he loved nothing more than camping, biking, and fishing.  He was free-spirited and hard-working.  His goofy personality found him always looking for a prank to play or a joke to tell.  H

MVEC remains grounded amidst industry changes
 
Jordan, Minn. – While the energy sector is facing many changes in the coming years, Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative’s focus will always remain on putting members first and the unique needs of the co-op’s service area in 2024.

Ellie Dahl Rutherford, age 88, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away April 28, 2024, at McKenna Crossing in Prior Lake. A celebration of life for Ellie and husband Robert Rutherford will be on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, with a gathering from 10:30-11:45 a.m., at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Prior Lake.  Internment at Crystal Lake Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Ellie and Bob’s memory.

Vernon S. “Chub” Ebnet, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.  Chub was born on January 27, 1922, in Albany, MN, to Michael and Mayme (Griedel) Ebnet.  He graduated from Albany High School, received his Bachelor of Science Degree from St. John’s University, and his Masters from Missouri University.  Chub started his teaching career at the Prep School at St.