New Prague’s indoor softball team came up just short of its goal for a second-consecutive state title last weekend at the state indoor softball tournament at Chanhassen High School.
The Trojans, winners of the state floor hockey title this past winter, finished second to a familiar opponent, defending state champion Dakota United, Saturday, May 17. The Trojans topped Lakeville-Burnsville-Farmington in the semifinal game Saturday after surviving an opening night thriller against ChanhassenChaska-Shakopee-Prior Lake Friday, May 16.

Once again this summer, The New Prague Times will provide information as available on area amateur baseball teams competing in the Dakota-Rice-Scott League. DRS teams have competed locally and at the state levels for several decades. The league includes teams in New Prague, Union Hill, St. Benedict, Elko, New Market, Lonsdale, Webster, Veseli, Montgomery, St. Patrick, Shakopee, Prior Lake and Faribault. The information below was submitted by teams in response to questions previewing the DRS.

Those who served and who gave all for their country will be remembered Memorial Day, Monday morning, May 26, with services at New Prague area cemeteries and other events.
Included will be guest speaker Mike Maxa, adjutant for the American Legion, Department of Minnesota, during a ceremony at the New Prague Veterans Memorial, east of the New Prague Library on E Main Street, beginning between noon and 12:30 p.m.
In case of inclement weather, the program will be moved indoors to Park Ballroom, 300 Lexington Ave. S.

Robert "Bob" Lee Miller, age 85, of Montgomery, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, at The Villages of Lonsdale.

In loving memory of Harold R. Shimota, age 90, who passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025, at his home at Praha Village Assisted Living in New Prague, MN. He was surrounded by his family by his side and the memory of his wife, Angie, of 68 years, who passed this last September.  
Born June 7, 1934, to Charles and Anna B (Trenda) in Cedar Lake Township, Harold met and married his high school sweetheart Angie (Schoenbauer), raising nine children, actively supported the community, and excelling at his carpentry skills.  

The New Prague City Council approved, 4-0, a recommendation at its Monday, May 5, meeting a trial basis for summer hours at city hall.
City Administrator Josh Tetzlaff recommended from Memorial Day (Monday, May 26) to Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 1) city hall hours be Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

With the season’s championships meets coming up, the New Prague High School track teams shined at the Giants Relays Friday, May 9, at Le Sueur-Henderson High School.
The NP girls won their portion of the meet, finishing with first ahead of Sibley East and Minnesota Valley Lutheran. The New Prague boys took second, just behind the host Giants.

New Prague High School held its Honors Night, Wednesday, May 7, with students being recognized for the arts, sports and academics. There were also several thousands of dollars awarded through scholarships. A highlight of the evening was the first ever co-winners of the Outstanding Senior Female Athlete award.
Activities Director Brad Skogerboe presented plaques to Ava Bruegger, who has been involved in girls’ swimming and diving, gymnastics and girls’ track and field, and Katie Boulanger, who has been active in girls’ volleyball, girls basketball and softball.

Evelyn Moore, age 100, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at her home at Praha Village.  Evelyn was born April 4, 1925, to Joe and Emily (Holicky) O'Malley. She was raised on the family farm in rural Le Center along with her older sister, Eileen and younger brother, Alvin. She attended Le Center High School graduating in 1942. She was very active in school activities during high school.

Claudia M. Will
It is with great sadness and immense joy, because of the gift of Heaven, that the family of Claudia wishes to inform you of the passing of our beloved mother. She was called to glory on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025.

New Prague High School’s baseball had some tough games lately as the Trojans went 1-4. The four losses came last week, first against Orono, 6-0, Tuesday, May 6, then 10-3 to Chanhassen, Thursday, May 8 and then a doubleheader to Chaska, Friday, May 9, with the first game 5-3 and the second 4-2. New Prague began this week with a 8-4 win over St. Louis Park, Monday, May 12.

Goodbyes are never easy, especially when a person, has invested much into a community and watched it grow. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church’s pastors, Alicia and Ben Hilding, are preparing to bid the congregation and New Prague a fond farewell.
Pastors Alicia and Ben Hilding have accepted a call to serve in a joint role at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. They will serve as dean of Christ Chapel and chaplain of the College beginning June 1. They’ll lead their final worship service at the New Prague church Wednesday, May 21.

Bette J.

Ben was born on March 31, 1931, in Elko, MN, to Alex and Odelia (Radermacher) Zweber, and passed away May 7, 2025. He grew up in the New Market area and married Mary Haley on May 21, 1955. In 1963, they began farming together, and Ben continued farming for 40 years before retiring. Ben proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was an active member of the St. Nicholas Knights of Columbus, where he helped organize Christmas tree sales. He was also a member of the NEW Lions and served on the boards of various agricultural organizations.

The New Prague Chamber of Commerce’s Ladies Night Out, Thursday, May 8, was a colorful evening. Shoppers dressed in floral patterns, following the evening’s theme of Petals & Purchases. Among those who dressed up are, left to right, Sue Wobbe, Angie Musil, Mary Lou Fradenburgh, Marge Fradenburgh, Sandy Sindelar and Emily Fradenburgh. There were 14 New Prague businesses and organizations that participated. Shoppers could get deals and prizes between 5-8:30 p.m. For more see an upcoming print edition of The New Prague Times. (Photo used with permission from Angie Musil.)

With a pair of solid wins capping an undefeated regular season, New Prague’s indoor softball team has returned to the state tournament May 16-17 at Chanhassen High School.
The bracket for the tournament has not yet been established. The tournament opens Friday evening with the semifinals, finals and consolation play slated for Saturday, May 17. By virtue of their 6-0 record, the Trojans expect a No. 1 seed in the bracket’s south division.