Despite losing their match with Lakeville North Thursday, Dec. 12, New Prague gymnastics coach Mark Morphew took away a lot of positives.
North scored 143.500 while the Trojans scored 140.700 in the dual.
“Cracking 140 points any time is a great accomplishment but it is especially nice to do this early in the year,” Morphew said.
“We had a good meet with lots of good routines. We had some new skills thrown for the first time in competition.”

Sylvia L. Rezac, age 95 of Webster, MN passed away peacefully on December 17, 2019 at the Mala Strana Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family.
Sylvia was born on April 8, 1924 in Scott County, MN to Joseph and Helen (Novak) Cervenka.  She married Edward A. Rezac on September 19, 1944 in Veseli, MN, he was the love of her life for over 72 years.
Sylvia loved playing cards, crafting, gardening and making quilts for family and friends.

Every so often in a yard or a window around this time of year, a person can see a sign that asks people to remember the reason for the season. And while we should remember why we are celebrating, we should also remember that one of the teachings of that little babe was helping others.

Nathan J. America, age 33 of Chaska, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, December 10, 2019. 
The youngest of three boys, Nate was born on January 1, 1986 in St Paul, MN, the son of Martin and Louise (Rieck) America. A graduate of New Prague High School, Nate loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, fishing and archery.
He is survived by his father, Marty; brothers, Jesse and Alexander; his fifteen aunts and uncles and many cousins. He was preceeded in death by his mother, Louise; grandfather, Jesse Rieck and grandparents Joseph and Minnie America.

A 55-year-old man has died from injuries from a snowmobile crash Saturday evening.
According to the Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 4:40 p.m. to a report of a crash on Lexington Road near 173rd Avenue in Montgomery Township.
Officials say the driver of the snowmobile, Larry Gene Haynes, was traveling northbound on the snowmobile trail at a high rate of speed. Investigators say it appears Haynes was unable to stop before the Lexington Road crossing, ultimately striking the side of a westbound pickup truck.

Participants in the third annual Santa Speedo Dash, held by Giesenbrau Bier Co. of New Prague, make their way back to the brewery the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 14. This year’s less than one mile race was considered a true test of being a Minnesotan as temperatures were around 12 degrees Fahrenheit and there was a brisk wind. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Patricia Rose Ploumen, age 79, of Shakopee, MN, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at All Saints Senior Living in Shakopee.
Pat was born in New Prague, MN, on June 4, 1940, the daughter of Martin and Emma (Pavek) Donnelly. She grew up on the family farm in Cedar Lake Township, Scott County, MN. For over 35 years, Pat was employed as a social worker for Scott County and then the State of MN.

Shortly before 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, the New Prague Fire Department was called to a residence along First Street SE for a car fire. Firefighters and New Prague Police closed off the street between First Avenue SE and Columbus Avenue SE and directed traffic away while firefighters battled the blaze. According to early reports the car is likely a total loss. The flames also caused damage to the siding of the back of the house. For more see an upcoming print edition of The New Prague Times.

A power outage that hit a portion of New Prague around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, led to the closing of St. Wenceslaus School for the day.

Milton F. Holetz, age 89, of Montgomery passed away suddenly but peacefully Monday, December 9, 2019, at his home on the farm where he lived for 53 years.
Milton was born in rural Lexington Township, Le Sueur County, on May 14, 1930 to Frank and Emily (Kalina) Holetz. As a child he attended country school and helped his parents on the farm back when fields were plowed with a team of horses and everyone looked forward to threshing day in the fall. He graduated from Montgomery High School and attended a commercial college in Mankato to be an accountant.

Bessie Mae Kohout Janousek was born on February 17, 1938 in Jordan, Minnesota to Emil and Helen (Dubbe) Kohout.  She grew up on the family farm in Minnesota where she attended school.  Being part of a farm family, Bessie spent much of her time cooking, cleaning and caring for her siblings. 

Richard L. Rybak, age 57 of Savage, passed away on December 4, 2019. Rich was born on January 30th, 1962 in New Prague to Myles and Jean Rybak. Rich attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School, and graduated from New Prague High School.
Rich developed a deep love for sports at an early age. He enjoyed playing basketball and baseball throughout most of his life. This love for sports was passed along to his daughter, Hannah. Rich was a proud father, Hannah’s biggest cheerleader, and a wonderful brother, uncle, friend to many.

Rush Wagner, left, directs Hymnus during the New Prague Community Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 8, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. The choir, based in New Prague, was among those to perform at the annual concert. The finale of the concert was “The Hallelujah Chorus” performed by Hymnus and the New Prague Area Community Band. For more see an upcoming print issue of The Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Roman F. Stepka, age 90, of New Prague, died peacefully but suddenly with his family at his side on Friday, December 6, 2019 at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee.  Roman was born on January 25, 1929 in New Prague to John F. and Barbara P. (Hanzal) Stepka.  He grew up in the St. Patrick area and attended country school.  He married the love of his life, Rita M. Tupy on September 3, 1966 in New Prague.  Farming was ingrained in Roman’s blood so raising his family on a dairy farm in the St.

This entry from the New Prague Lions Club was among those in the 24th annual Parade of Lights held on Friday, Dec. 6. Temperatures were around 23 degrees Fahrenheit, but that didn’t stop the large crowds that lined New Prague’s Main Street for the Parade of Lights to see area groups and businesses with their floats decorated for the Holiday Season. The parade ended at Memorial Park for visits with Santa, treats, the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree and fireworks. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Claude G. Witt, age 77, of Prior Lake, formerly of Belle Plaine, died suddenly on Thursday December 5, 2019 at his home in Prior Lake.  Claude was born on June 17, 1942 in New Prague, Minnesota to Cletus C. and Bertha A.