Laura Ann (née Simon) Jirik, age 97, of Lonsdale, passed away on  September 22, 2024, at The Villages of Lonsdale where she resided for the last 15 years.
Laura was born on January 29, 1927, to Bohumil and Ludmilla (Kalina) Simon in New Prague, MN. She grew up on a farm near Veseli, MN, attended grade school in Veseli and graduated from New Prague High School.

Stanley Francis Handsuch, 94, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife at their home in Hill City, MN.

New Prague High School’s homecoming candidates are (from left, back row) queen candidates Katie Boulanger, Audree Connelly, Audrey Olson, Emerson Dillon, Brooklyn Carter, Ella Blackford, Mckenzie Johnson; (front row, from left) Luke Jacobson, Joey Friendshuh, Will Schmidt, Evan Weichert, Reven Tietz, Wyatt Giesen, Bryce Deutsch and Kyle Allen. Missing is queen candidate Ava Bruegger. The high school’s homecoming activities begin Sunday, Sept. 22, at 4 p.m. with the Powder Puff game at Trojan Stadium. Homecoming events continue through next week with the pepfest Friday, Sept.

Bonita Marie Whiting
June 5, 1958 – September 15, 2024
“So, when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right here, in your heart.” – David Romano
On Sunday, September 15, 2024, Bonita Marie Whiting, 65, of Havelock, NC, was called to Heaven to meet her Savior Jesus Christ after a brief but brave battle with cancer.

Claudia (Goche) Weiers, 70, of Alexandria, passed away on September 17, 2024. Services will be held Monday, September 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria with inurnment at St. Mary's Cemetery. www.andersonfuneral.net

Francis Emil “Fritz” Novak, age 95, of New Prague, died peacefully at his home with his family at his side on Monday, September 16, 2024.  Fritz was born on July 29, 1929, to Ladislav and Anna (Pavek) Novak on the family farm in Veseli, Minnesota.  He went to public school in Veseli for 2 years and then went to Most Holy Trinity Catholic School through eighth grade.  He worked for many local farmers doing odd jobs and went to high school for his freshman year only.  He decided to join the Air Force, enlisted on January 11, 1949, had 13 weeks of basic training at Sheppard Air Force Base in W

Minnesota 4-H youth exhibited 2,612 animals and 1900 general exhibits at the Minnesota State Fair this year.
A total of 35 youth from Le Sueur County participated in the livestock exhibiting and 21 youth in the general 4-H exhibits at the Minnesota State Fair.
Here are selected top results from the Minnesota State Fair from Le Sueur County 4-H clubs who exhibited there. To view the full results, visit: z.umn.edu/4h-state-fair-results.
 
General - Purple Ribbon
Elizabeth Holicky of Le Center for Fashion Revue Constructed Clothing - Grades 6-8.

The New Prague Police Department informed the New Prague High School administration Wednesday morning, Sept. 18, of a social media threat made against the high school and several other schools. A suspect is currently in custody.

Donald Peter Petricka
 February 22, 1945 - September 15, 2024 (79 Years)
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Donald Peter Petricka, on  Sunday, September 15. He leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and countless cherished  memories.
Born on February 22, 1945, to Christina and James Benjamin Petricka in Montgomery, MN, Donald was the youngest sibling to his older sister Genevieve, and older brother Mahlon.

New Prague Area School District’s Bus #1 ended up in the west side ditch along Redwing Avenue at approximately 7:07 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16. The bus’s route takes it north along Redwing Avenue.
“Foremost, we are thankful that no one was seriously injured,” said Superintendent Andy Vollmuth in an email to parents who had children on the bus.

Francis “Fritz”Novak, age 95, of New Prague, died Monday, September 16.  Services will be held next Tuesday/Wednesday. 
bruzekfuneralhome.com

Angela Josephine Shimota, March 16, 1938 - September 16, 2024, age 86 of New Prague, MN
In loving memory of Angela J. Shimota, who passed away September 16, 2024, at her home at Praha Village Assisted Living in New Prague, MN. She was surrounded by her husband of 68 years, Harold Shimota, and family by her side as her two-and-a-half-year struggle with stage 4 lung cancer came to an end. She is now resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus our Lord and Savior.

The Rice & Steele 911 Center, the emergency communications center serving Rice and Steele counties, has implemented Spark, an online reporting tool designed to streamline the process of reporting non-emergency incidents.
This tool enables residents to easily and securely report issues such as thefts, vandalism, parking complaints and other non-urgent matters directly through their website.

A resolution to execute a Quit Claim was approved by the Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners during their regular meeting on Aug. 26. The land in question is the Le Sueur County Fairgrounds.
The approval to take action on the parcels was first approved at the Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners meeting on Aug. 6.
The resolution transfers ownership of the fairgrounds from Le Sueur County to the Le Sueur County Fair Association.

Judy Menke, age 83, of Jordan, MN, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 11, 2024. If there is one word to describe Judy, it would be love.

The New Prague Fire Department had a large flag flying outside its facility along Highway 21 in remembrance of September 11, 2001. On that date 23 years ago was the worst terroristic attack on American soil. Nearly 3,000 people died from the attacks, among them were more than 400 firefighters and police officers in New York City. Around the nation numerous memorial ceremonies were held. (Patrick Fisher photo)