As has been reported in this paper and across the state over the past few months, the Minnesota Legislature passed a Hands-Free cellphone law that goes into effect on August 1, 2019. The new law allows a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone.

When did we come to the belief that history should be a pretty subject or a comfortable one? On the flip side of that question, when did we decide that it should be all dark or that one aspect of a person should define who they are throughout history? When you really dig deep into history it can be something of a conundrum. On one side it’s dirty and bloody, full of wars and revolutions. On the other, there are struggles and inspiring stories of people who worked hard for a cause even though they never saw the outcome.

Praha Village, New Prague’s new senior apartment complex, welcomed an estimated 300 to 400 people, or more, to its grand opening the afternoon of Thursday, June 13. The ceremony included a brief history of the complex, a ribbon cutting, tours, beverages and snacks as people looked through the 91 unit four-story complex at 1100 First St. SE.

For five years Hope House at 305 Columbus Ave. N in New Prague has been a temporary residence for families that have been without a home. The 1955 house, across the street from Mayo Clinic Health System in New Prague, provided a place for 72 families with 157 children to stay. Due to structural issues the building is being closed, but over the next few months Holy Trinity Lutheran Church will take up providing a place for families to stay.

Elko New Market will be offering a lot of activities during its annual community celebration, Fire Rescue Days that will be held Thursday, June 27, to Sunday, June 30.
Starting things off is a Free Family Fun Night at 6:30 p.m. tonight (Thursday) with the Fitness Boomers Obstacle Course, sponsored by the Elko New Market Parks Commission, at Wagner’s Park, 120 Park St.

“I am not an expert, I describe myself as an enthusiast,” said Anne Jans during her presentation about kroje (Czech traditional ethnic dress) at the Tuesday, June 11, meeting of the Czech Heritage Club. Held in the second floor meeting room at New Prague City Hall, Jans had her collection of kroje.

The New Prague Trojan baseball team ended its season with a 7-2 loss to East Ridge Thursday, June 20, in the State Class AAAA title game at Target Field in Minneapolis.
New Prague took a 1-0 lead in the third inning when Collin Dorzinski stole second, went to third when the throw went into center field, and scored when the throw to third went into the dugout.

Danny (Dan) Lee Standfield, age 71, of New Prague, died on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at his home. Services will be in Farmersville, Texas.
Danny was born on November 16, 1947 in Dallas, Texas to Lee Roy and Francie Marie (Kaufman) Standfield. He was united in marriage to Carolyn Woodcock on September 25, 1965. Danny enjoyed spending time with family, helping others with addiction, working with his hands, and his fish pond.

Allen W.

The third annual Final Leg Torch Run 5K in New Prague, sponsored by Electromed, was held the morning of Tuesday, June 18, and drew 36 people. Adults and children were traveling the route by bike and rollerblades as well as running and walking it. The Torch Run is to raise awareness for Special Olympics and is done around the state. The run goes through 65 cities and covers more than 1,000 miles. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Florence M. Stocker, longtime resident of Jordan, entered eternal life at the age of 82. A visitation will be held Monday, June 24, 2019 from 4-7PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Jordan. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 11AM with visitation 1-hour prior, all at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan. Florence will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery. Father Neil Bakker will preside, and Florence’s grandchildren will act as pallbearers.

Kymberli (Kym) Ann El-Wailli, age 51, of New Prague, MN passed away unexpectedly on June 16, 2019.  She was born October 16, 1967, to parents, Ronald (RJ) and Frances Sticha (Lonsdale, MN).

On June 14, 2019, Darla Michele Thoen (Ambroz), age 56 and loving mother of three children, passed away suddenly and was surrounded by her family. She was born on April 28th, 1963 in Minneapolis, MN to Robert and Darlyne Thoen. She graduated from Eden Prairie High School in 1981 and later from the University of Minnesota in 1985. After graduating, she worked at JC Penney Corporate.

Jerry K. Most, age 81, of New Prague, died suddenly of a massive heart attack on Friday, June 14, 2019 at his home at Praha Village. Jerry was born on April 20, 1938, in Ellsworth, Wisconsin to Stanley and Marguerite (Melgaard) Most. He was raised by his maternal grandparents in Ellsworth, graduated from Ellsworth High School, and entered the US Navy, having come from a proud military family. Jerry married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Mary Lou Rosenberg, on July 7, 1956 in Ellsworth.

Trojan Baseball Send-off will take place at 3:00 pm on Thursday, June 20. The team will exit the school at the bus loop doors and board the bus for their 7 pm State Championship game at Target Field in Minneapolis. Parents/Fans are encouraged to park in the student/staff lots and walk behind the high school for the ceremony.
 
Trojan Baseball Fan Bus sign-up is in the NPHS Main Office, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Cost is $8/person and must have a minimum of 40 people in order to take a bus. NPHS Office Hours are 8:00 am - 3:00 pm.
 

The Minnesota State High School League’s four state championship baseball games are scheduled for Thursday, June 20, at Target Field in Minneapolis
The schedule (subject to change due to weather or lenth of games)
10 a.m. Class A - BOLD vs. New York Mills
1 p.m. Class AA - Minnehaha Academy vs. Duluth Marshall
4 p.m. - Class AAA - St. Thomas Academy vs. Benilde-St. Margeret’s
7 p.m. - Class AAAA - New Prague vs. East Ridge
Tickets can be purchased at Target Field. Price is $12 for adults, $8 for students, and are good for all four games.