Genevieve Terese Lepeska Rockwood died October 12 in Plano, TX. She was born February 22, 1928, in Lonsdale, MN, to Ludmilla (Schoenbauer) and John Lepeska. Genevieve “Gen” and her two brothers were raised by their maternal grandparents (Wenceslaus and Rose Schoenbauer) in New Prague, MN, following the death of their mother in 1934.

The New Prague Swim and Dive team competed at the Wright County Varsity Conference Championship meet Saturday, Oct. 26, and Coach Cassie Jung said her team’s performance was outstanding.
"I could not have asked for a better showing at this meet," she said. "The girls absolutely blew me away by their performance. We trained hard the week leading up to this meet and they took that training and performed amazingly well. It was so fun to see them succeed in the water and on the diving board."

A business venture that began more than 20 years ago as college students has landed a pair of New Prague brothers into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.
The O’Neills join a group of inductees that include the Peterson family, a family of musicians whose members have played locally and nationally with the likes of the Steve Miller Band, Fleet-wood Mac and Prince, Old- Tyme Concertina player Ernie Coopman, Classical pianists, vocalists and educators John and Sarah McKay, nationally-known rock group Soul Asylum, and classical guitarist and educator John Holmquist.

The New Prague Trojan boys cross country team had a strong showing at the Section 2AA meet Thursday, Oct. 24, at Gale Woods Farm Park in Minnetrista.
The Trojans finished fifth of 17 teams and junior Adam Brandt just missed a state berth. Brandt and Mikele Walu of Worthington finished in a virtual tie for the final spot, in 16 minutes, 54.6 seconds, but video replay showed the Worthington runner edged him out for the 13th place. Jacob Malecha finished just four seconds behind them, in 16th place.

This weekend, most of the United States will try to remember the old adage, “Spring forward, fall back.” as Daylight Saving Time comes to an end.
Twice each year, our internal clocks get rewired as we have to adjust to a slightly new sleep schedule. It’s going to get dark earlier in the evening and the sun will be coming up earlier in the morning as well.

The FAST-TRACK Challenge is pleased to announce Hobby Farmer Canning Co. is the 2019 FAST-TRACK Challenge first place winner. The company is in the process of taking their new Switchel Fizz, non-alcoholic beverage, to the next level. Jeff Cerise, Tod Novinska and Chuck Hermes, partners in the firm, plan to team up with Badger Hill Brewing Co. in Shakopee to bring their refreshing brew of apple cider vinegar, ginger and honey spiced with various flavors, to the retail market. The company received $12,350 in start-up funds and professional services, as a part of their prize package.

Residents who live on the German-Jefferson Lakes and Lake Emily in Le Sueur County voiced their displeasure at a proposed ordinance which would have required sewer inspections every 3-5 years.
The Le Sueur County Board held a public hearing Tuesday, Oct. 22 to discuss the ordinance. More than two dozen individuals were in attendance and nearly a dozen commented during the hearing.
It was quite apparent these individuals were not in favor of the ordinance. A similar ordinance passed for the lakes of Francis, Rays, Sakatah, and Tetonka in the Waterville/Elysian area.

Marie “Bobbie” Hruska, 91, of Montgomery, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, at Central Health Care in Le Center.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Father George Grafsky officiating. Interment will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery in Lexington. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Animal Humane Society.

The Elko New Market City Council’s Thursday, Oct. 24, meeting included a presentation by Lakeville Area Schools Superintendent Michael Baumann. He talked to the council about Lakeville’s upcoming vote on its operating levy and bond referendum.
Elko New Market is a community split between two school districts, Lakeville and New Prague Area Schools.

Residents of Mala Strana Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Center in New Prague provide the treats during its annual Halloween Party on Thursday, Oct. 31. Children and their families were stopping by between 3:30-4:30 p.m. to get candy in the Guest Room and other treats. Plus, there were was also a craft area where children could make paper monsters they could take home or get their photo taken. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

The No. 3 seed New Prague Trojans travelled to Minnetonka Tuesday, Oct. 29, to face the No. 2 seed Skippers in the Section 2AAA volleyball semifinals. After a rough first set, the Trojans played two tight games against the Skippers, but lost in three sets, 25-14, 25-23, 25-21. The Trojans end their season with a 22-8 record. No. 8 seed Chaska defeated No. 3 Eden Prairie in five sets in the other semifinal game. Chaska and Minnetonka will play at 5 p.m. Saturday at Prior Lake High School for the section championship.

Joyce Jeanette Pease Bender, age 88, passed away at Mala Strana Rehabilitation and Care Center in New Prague, MN on October 27, 2019, surrounded by her family. She struggled with dementia for over 14 years. Joyce was born in Madison, WI on August 25, 1931 to Lora Ray Pease and Louise Ellen (Bolhalter). Growing up in Monticello, WI, Joyce developed her lifelong love of music. She sang her first solo at church on Christmas Eve when she was five. Soon after, she began playing the piano and saxophone.  In 1948 Joyce graduated at age 16 from Monticello High School as Valedictorian of her class.

Lucille R. Nelson, age 96, of New Prague, died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.  Lucille was born on September 13, 1923 in St. Thomas, MN to Frank and Gertrude A. (Benzick) Ginter.  She was raised in the St. Thomas/Lexington area, attended country school for a short time, then St. Wenceslaus Catholic School, and graduated with the class of 1941 from New Prague High School.  Lucille married Clyde C. Nelson on May 18, 1946 at St.

Giesenbrau Bier Co. in New Prague was jam packed with people attending the Hops for Hope - Cure ALS fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 26. This was the second annual event, which featured multiple articles in the silent auction, plus bands inside the building and in a tent outside. There was also food, beer and special articles. For more see an upcoming print article of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Boy Scout Joey Little, left, and Jesse Stapp, right, watch as Jesse’s son Bennett tries one of the games at the Elko New Market Halloween Party the morning of Saturday, Oct. 26. More than 200 children attended the annual event at Eagle View Elementary School for games, treats and fun. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)