Gary L. Kohoutek, age 71, of New Prague, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, November 4, 2021. Gary was born on July 3, 1950 in New Prague to Walter W. and Georgean (Pauly) Kohoutek. He attended St. Wenceslaus School and graduated from New Prague High School. Gary met and married the love of his life, Judy A. Mahowald in Minneapolis on November 8, 1968. Settling in New Prague, Gary, opened New Prague Auto Repair, which he currently owned and operated along with Judy.

The reconstruction of New Prague’s Main Street is scheduled to be completed by Wednesday, Nov. 10, with the street to be open for traffic by that date. It is expected that all the lighting, signs, and seeding work will be completed by November 10 allowing the removal of the detour and the opening of Main Street.

Patricia A. “Patty” Sirek, age 60, of Elko, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 as a result of complications of Covid-19 at Northfield Hospital.   Patty was born on January 27, 1961 in New Prague to Richard F. and Eleanor A.

The New Prague High School bowling team has been having a stellar year as the five person team has a 16-0 record and is now ranked first in the state.

In honor of Veterans Day, West Point Glee Club of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, is traveling to Minnesota for two public concerts, with one in New Prague. Plus, Maggie O’Neill, daughter of Sean and Jamee O’Neill of New Prague and a 2018 graduate of New Prague High School, is a member of the West Point Glee Club.

Dorothy Adeline Jirik-Moore, 95, of New Prague, Minnesota died peacefully on November 4, 2021 at the Praha Village in New Prague.  Dorothy will be buried at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery of New Prague, MN.

The date for the reopening of the New Prague Post Office was tentatively set for Monday, Nov. 1. Tentative proved to be the operative word as a message in the door of the Post Office on Main Street had the November 1 date scratched out and “TBD” (To Be Decided) written in.

In honor of Veterans Day on Thursday, Nov. 11, the New Prague Veterans Honor Guard has been invited to present the colors at several area events that will be observing the holiday. There will also be a program on Sunday, Nov. 14, and Tuesday, Nov. 16.
On Thursday, Nov. 11, New Prague School District 721 will have programs at its schools. New Prague High School is the only school that is allowing visitors to attend its program due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Prague Mayor Duane Jirik, center, addresses the crowd during the State of the City and School on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at The Depot. He and Superintendent of Schools Tim Dittberner updated people on the population of the town, the number of total students in the school district, housing and students’ test scores during the luncheon held by the New Prague Chamber of Commerce. For more see an upcoming print issue of The Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Marvin J. ‘Marv’ Novotny, 72 of Houston, TX (formerly) of New Prague, MN, passed away on Tues. Aug. 24, 2021. Marv was born Oct. 31st 1948 in New Prague to Louis & Helen (Bartusek) Novotny.  He attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School and graduated from New Prague High School Class of 1966. 

Jeffrey Scott Jewett, 2/27/1968 – 10/31/2021
Jeff was born on February 27, 1968 to Dave and Peggy (Murphy) Jewett.  He graduated from Rosemount High School, and Mankato State University.  Jeff grew up in Valley Park, a neighborhood in Lakeville, and lived in Lonsdale and Rochester before moving to Farmington.

Erickson, Gary, age 71 of Elko-New Market, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on October 31, 2021. Preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Mildred. Survived by his wife of 39 years, Margaret; children, Josh Erickson (Kim Mooney) and Jessica Erickson (Jarvis Dotson); grandchildren, Arriana, Nalani, and JayCeon and also by Kim’s children, Kendall and Ainsley Rook; sister, LaVonne Erickson; also by many other family and friends.

Families have fun at Malaween at Mala Strana Rehabilitation Center and Assisted Living in New Prague the evening of Sunday, Oct. 31. There were an assortment of games and treats for children and families from 3-6:30 p.m. The New Prague area had many ways for families to celebrate Halloween beginning on Friday, Oct. 29, and going through Sunday with Trunk and Treat events, a drive through Trick and Treat, and parties. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Thomas Hoppert takes Halloween to the next level.
For years, he has dressed up in elaborate homemade costumes for what he calls his favorite holiday. His previous creations include the Yip Yip Martians from Sesame Street, Macho Man and Miss Elizabeth, and Captain Obvious!
However, this year’s costumes are his most elaborate, and time-consuming.

Families depending on buses to get their children to and from New Prague schools can breathe a little easier.
The bus-driver shortage that threatened to cause a disruption in the district’s regular in-class education—and major headaches—has been averted, for now.
Superintendent Tim Dittberner informed the School Board, Monday night, Oct. 25, that new bus drivers have been hired and a few current school employees are in the process of getting their commercial drivers license (CDL).

The Section 2AA Girls Soccer Championship turned out to be a one girl highlight film.
Annelise Winch of Mankato West took nine shots and connected on four of them in leading the Scarlets to a 4-0 win in the game played Oct. 19 in New Prague.
Aubrey Bahl had two assists as did Alaina Spaude.
The Scarlets were the No. 2 seed in the tournament. New Prague was the...
To see more on this story pick up the October 28, 2021 print edition of The New Prague Times.