Leona E. Weiers, age 95, of Montgomery, formerly of Union Hill, died peacefully in her sleep, on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at her home at Traditions of Montgomery.  Leona was born a twin on the family farm in Derrynane Township on February 7, 1929, to Mathias and Barbara (Klinkhammer) Giesen.  She grew up and spent her entire life in the Union Hill area and graduated from New Prague High School.  She married Edwin "Speed" Weiers on September 10, 1949, at St. John's Catholic Church in Union Hill and very successfully raised a beautiful family of 14 children.

A shed fire on 270th Street East, east of Creeks Bend Golf Course, in rural Cedar Lake Township on the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 17, is a total loss. The shed was used to house equipment only. More information will be available in the print issue of the New Prague Times.

Dennis Wayne Ellman, age 77, of New Prague, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2024, unexpectedly as a result of an abdominal aortic aneurysm at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital New Prague.  Dennis was born June 21, 1947, in Buffalo Center, IA, to Vincent and Deloris (Johnson) Ellman.  Dennis was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and went to school in Lakota, IA.  He met Marion Schiprett in Montgomery when his parents moved and they were later married on October 7, 1967, at St.

Beyond the hard work that those exhibiting animals have put in, fair foods and beverages, amusement rides, live music, and other events, the Le Sueur County Free Fair is also host to — drum roll please — the Ag Olympics!
The University of Minnesota Le Sueur County 4-H’ers pack in a fun time on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. in the show arena at the fair hosting the Ag Olympics. Events will include wheelbarrow races, feed sack relays, egg tosses, bobbing for corn, roping, and hog calling.

Jim Heckenlaible has been named the Dozinky Parade of Farm Pride’s Grand Marshal for 2024. The New Prague Chamber of Commerce made the announcement Thursday afternoon, Aug. 15.
“Jim’s dedication to our community is unmatched, from his contributions to farming to his deep connection with Czech heritage,” the chamber said in its announcement. “As a past president of the New Prague Chamber of Commerce and other organizations, Jim's leadership has made a lasting impact. Join us in celebrating Jim for this well-deserved honor.”

Henry W. “Hank” Schindele, age 84, of Northfield, formerly of New Prague, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Three Links Care Center in Northfield.  Hank was born on July 15, 1940, in Watkins, MN, to Henry and Rose (Zahler) Schindele.  He graduated from St.

Joel Gary Erickson, DC, age 60, of Montgomery, died doing what he loved best, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Sturgis, South Dakota.  Joel was born on August 28, 1963, in Montevideo, MN, to Gary and Noreen (Capistran) Erickson.  He graduated from Montevideo High School in 1982 and attended the Diesel Mechanics program at Willmar Vocational School followed by working at Dean Machinery Caterpillar in Kansas City, MO.

I can recall a number of naughty things I have done over my earlier childhood years when left to my own devices. Usually, these instances of mischief would come from being with the company of another friend in the same boat. Both of the following stories come from about the same age period of about 12 years old or so — give or take a year or two. It’s been about 30 years since then so forgive me if I don’t remember.
 
Flame broiled

New Prague resident Phyllis Smith has been selected the Outstanding Senior Citizen in Le Sueur County.
Smith will be recognized at the Le Sueur County Fair during the Senior Citizens/Farm Family of the Year Program on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 1 p.m.
The individual that nominated Smith said this about the former elementary school secretary:

Yvonne J. Marek was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother who loved the Lord, her family, the outdoors and her home on Spring Lake, in Prior Lake, MN. 
A Christian service will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., with a time of gathering starting at 9 a.m., at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake. A light lunch will follow with laying Yvonne to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN. To honor Yvonne, please wear her favorite color blue!

Earl Lee Church, age 75, of New Prague, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2024, at the Lutheran Home of Belle Plaine.  
Lee was born June 5, 1949, to Edward and LaVerne (Schanus) Church, in New Prague, MN.  
Lee graduated from New Prague High School in 1967, after which he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a mechanic who worked on B-52 bombers and C135 aircraft. He provided direct support during the Vietnam War. Attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, Lee was honorably discharged in 1971. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion.

Marian C. (Eischens) Grosz, age 96, of St. Louis Park, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024.  Preceded in death by husband Edward Grosz, parents Adam and Ruth (Beckius) Eischens, twin brother Myron Eischens, sisters Elaine Eischens, Genevieve Eilen, Berneva Nelson and Aurea Zweber; brothers Leonard and Harold Eischens.  Survived by brother Gordon Eischens and sisters Arlene Dagnault, Alda Cosgrove and Karen Feldten; many nieces and nephews (37). 

Rita Ann Halloran, 87, of Minnetonka, MN, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2024, surrounded by family after a brief illness. Rita was born on January 11, 1937, at home on the family farm, outside Kilkenny, MN, to John and Cecilia (Shaughnessy) Cashin.
Rita was a devoted family person and her friends and family gave her much joy and happiness. She was always physically active and enjoyed traveling (Ireland 3 times), reading, and politics. She was open to new ideas and was a life-long learner.

The annual Chamber of Commerce event, Czech Out New Prague, drew several hundred people to Memorial Park Thursday, Aug. 1, to meet staff from businesses, non-profit organizations and members of faith communities.
This year’s event was again a popular attraction. Visitors also interacted with New Prague police and firefighters. The event also shared the park with The Jazz on the Prairie Big Band, part of the Music at the Broz concert series.

Brady Steinhoff, left, tries on a firefighter’s helmet and jacket during Night to Unite the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Memorial Park. Looking on is his friend, Brayden Smith, right. Members of New Prague’s fire and police departments were in the park for the annual event. Children could explore a fire truck and police car, try on firefighter suits and get stickers. (Patrick Fisher photo)

Berg making safe run for mayoral seat
Elko New Market voters will have options in their municipal leadership when they go to the polls this fall.
With Mayor Joe Julius having previously announced he will not seek re-election, councilor Josh Berg has filed to run for mayor and its two-year term. Rick Stidger has also filed to run for mayor. If Berg is not elected mayor, he will serve the remainder of the four year city council seat he won in 2022.