The New Prague City Council welcomed a new police officer at its Monday, June 3, meeting. Mayor Chuck Nickolay administered the oath of office to Andrew Hallberg, who had successfully completed his field training.

“There’s nothing to do! I’m bored.” With school out for the summer, the nearly 4,000 students in New Prague Area Schools and parochial schools are looking for ways to fill their time.
After nine months of living a structured lifestyle - be in class at this time, eat lunch, go to recess, etc., the youngsters need to find ways to fill their time, and preferably, if you’re a parent, in a way that won’t drive mom and dad insane.

New Prague city crews and staff from Vic’s Crane & Heavy Haul Inc., were busy on Monday, June 3, along Columbus Avenue SE. Residents could see the huge crane brought in to lift the old substation transformer out and install a new transformer.

For many people around New Prague, they already know June is National Dairy Month. A time to bring awareness about dairy farmers and celebrate the vast assortment of foods that come from dairy, such as milk, cheese, ice cream, butter, custard, cottage cheese, cream cheese, yogurt and many others.

Walter W. Kohoutek, age 91, of New Prague, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at his home.  Walter was born on December 27, 1927 in New Prague to Frank and Anna (Shimota) Kohoutek.  He attended  St. Wenceslaus School and New Prague High School and then entered the US Navy  where he was a Seabee on the USS JP Kennedy, serving in WWII.  Walter married the love of his life, Georgean Pauly on June 29, 1949 at St.

Needing just one win to earn a berth in the state tournament, the New Prague Trojan baseball team faced Lakeville North for the Section 1AAAA championship Tuesday, June 4, in Dundas.
Rain delayed the start of the game two hours, and the Trojans held a 2-0 lead going into the top of the fifth, when rain started falling again.
The Panthers scored four runs in the inning to take a 4-2 lead. As the rain continued, the Trojans batted in the bottom of the fifth, but couldn't score, and the game went into a rain delay.

Joshua David Bastyr passed away unexpectedly on Thursday May 30th, 2019 in his hometown of New Prague, MN. He lived his life as a loving father, son, brother, partner and friend.
He is survived by his son Hunter Bastyr, parents Pamela Hallum and David Bastyr (Mariah), brother Derek (fiancé Diane Vo), stepbrother Taylor Flicek, grandfather Jerry Hallum, grandmother Evelyn Bastyr, and partner Shawn Novotny.
You will be forever loved, missed and remembered.

Elroy Milton Picha, 90, of Montgomery, passed away Monday, June 3, 2019, at Mayo Clinic Health System New Prague Hospital. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 6 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery with Mass of Christian Burial at 2:30 p.m. with Father Victor Valencia officiating. Burial will be at Trebon Cemetery.

Judith Mae Williams (Eddans) died peacefully on May 29th, at Belgrade Nursing Home in Belgrade, MN. She was born in Minneapolis, MN on October 4, 1944 to Charles and Jean Eddans. She was raised on the shores of Lake Minnewashta in Excelsior, MN. Judy married Carl Williams on October 7, 1967. Together they made their home in Webster, MN, where they raised their two children. Judy worked at Sears as a secretary, where she met Carl. She also filled various roles at New Prague Schools including paraprofessional, secretary, librarian, and finally worked in the copy shop.

A New Prague city worker cleans out one of two stopped up storm drains along Main Street, near the intersection with Pershing Avenue NE around 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4. A storm that rolled through New Prague and surrounding communities left damage in its wake with trees and branches toppled. The storm was a mixture of heavy rain, golf ball size hail and winds clocked at 85 miles per hour. Plus there was a tornado warning in the Prior Lake area. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

The Le Sueur County Historical Society (LCHS) began a new chapter on Monday.
After a year-long lawsuit where more than a dozen plaintiffs asked a judge to force transparency, a fair election and an examination of the society’s books, a new board of directors was elected.
A Nominating Committee put together a list of candidates, and the following people were officially elected: One-year terms - Bryce Stenzel, Mike Frederick, George Luskey, Richard Bennett; two-year terms - William Stangler, Dean Pettis, Lois Mack, Bonnie Reak and Ruth Collins.

Highway 93 from Highway 169 to Henderson opened over the weekend (June 1) after closing a fourth time on May 27 due to flooding on the Rush River.
Motorists are advised to continue to drive with caution along Highway 93 as flood waters are near the roadway. Speed limit is reduced to 50 mph and vehicles weights are reduced to 7 ton per axle until further notice.
Highway 19 from Henderson to Highway 169 remains closed due to flooding on the Minnesota River.
MnDOT crews will continue to monitor area highways, bridges and bluffs to ensure motorists safety.

James C. Mickus, age 85, of Savage died peacefully on May 29, 2019 at The Pillars Hospice Home in Oakdale.  Jim was born on December 7, 1933 in New Prague to Clement and Luverne (Nolden) Mickus.  He attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School, graduated from New Prague High School, attained his undergraduate degree from St. Thomas University, and his Masters and PhD from the University of Minnesota.  Jim taught chemistry at St. Thomas for 5 years and then worked in technical and commercial management for Cargill for 30 years.

Father Kevin Clinton, center, leaves St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague to a 43 bell salute from members of the bell choir and church choir on Sunday, June 2. Father Clinton is retiring and served at his last Mass on Sunday, after 45 years as a priest. A celebration of his retirement was held the evening of Saturday, June 1, with more than 300 people attending. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

The New Prague Trojan baseball team advanced to the Section 1AAAA championship game with a 4-1 win over Lakeville North Saturday, June 1, in Dundas.
New Prague will play at 5 p.m. against whatever team comes out of the loser’s bracket - Farmington, Rochester John Marshall, or Lakeville North - at 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, in Dundas. If the Trojans win that game, they will advance to the state tournament. If they lose, the two teams would play a second game to determine the section champion.

New Prague High School’s senior class of 2019 celebrate at the end of the graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 31, at Trojan Stadium as family and friends look on. The ceremony included music, the student address by Anne Zweber, an address from NPHS social studies teacher Allie Meyer and the awarding of diplomas. Of the 322 members of the senior class, 310 participated in Friday’s ceremonies. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)