New Prague High School’s volleyball team qualified for the Class AAAA state finals as the Trojans swept Stillwater Area in three games Thursday, Nov. 9. New Prague, the No. 2-seed in the state tournament, will face the No. 1-seeded Wayzata Trojans Saturday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m. at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Wayzata beat Anoka 3-0 in the other semifinal match.

The Le Sueur County Government Center will be illuminated green Nov. 6-12 as part of Operation Green Light to show support for military veterans, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist Veterans and their families.
By shining a green light, we let our Veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
Rice County
Rice County will light its Government Services Building green through Nov. 13 as part of Operation Green

Correction: Veterans Mass at St. Wenceslaus will be Sunday, Nov. 12, 8:30 a.m., not Friday, Nov. 10 as published in Nov. 9 print edition of The New Prague Times.

What do you call a musical where you see Horton hearing a Who and The Cat in the Hat? Why “Seussical” of course. New Prague High School students will present five performances of the production beginning Friday, Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m., at the high school auditorium.
Other performance dates are Saturday, Nov 18, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov 19, 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov 25, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov 26, at 2 p.m.
“Seussical” the musical brings to life favorite Dr. Seuss characters such as Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo.

He was a young man off the farm just a few miles west of New Prague. His mother was a German immigrant who watched her homeland plunged into the depths of war and her son save 166 of his comrades from execution at a notorious concentration camp.
Ben Scharf eventually came home to the United States after the war. He survived a hurricane and eventually settled in California. Like many of the veterans of his generation, he didn’t speak much of his life as a soldier during World War II. He spent the rest of his life as a hard-worker and a veteran who served his country.

Voters in the New Prague School District turned down the district’s request for additional local revenue for general fund operations Tuesday, Nov. 7, by 36 votes.
By a 2,471 to 2,436 margin, voters rejected a request for an additional $450 per student for 10 years, adjusted for inflation. The proposal, had it passed, would have added about $231 per year – about $19.29 per month – to the school district’s share of property taxes on a house valued for taxation at $350,000.

They hope any woman or girl in the community who wants to attend the event will be there. Sarah Kallal of New Prague and her friends are planning an event they hope will build a strong, uniting bond and help strengthen the sense of community.

When it comes to casual conversation, Kim Doyle is occasionally asked about her plans for retirement. The question grates, slightly, on her patience. After 35 years as a Catholic school principal, Doyle is not yet ready to write the next chapter in her life.
Doyle enjoys her job. She cherishes the chance to spend time amongst teachers and children excited to learn and expand their faith through education. Doyle isn’t exactly sure, yet, what the next chapter will include.
“I can’t see myself not doing something,” she said.

They have done something 9.86 million or so people do each year, visit at least one of Minnesota’s state parks. But four women have been to all of them, and along the way, they enjoyed memories they’ll likely cherish the rest of their lives.

City council wrestles with plans for possible future building
During the New Prague City Council's Tuesday, Oct. 3, workshop on its 2024 budget, councilors considered the future of a possible new building for the city's police department.
In previous discussions, the council considered passing on working on a new building, but city staff didn't want to take discussion of the building completely off the table.

“Since the legalization of marijuana passed the legislature there has been a scramble to enact laws and ordinances pertaining to its use, growing, transportation and possession. Most municipalities in the area have chosen to enact a conservative approach to the aforementioned. State laws will be maintained, but the state legislation has given each municipality options into how they want to govern themselves. Through the multiple meetings leading up to August 1, 2023, everyone is expecting changes to the original language in the bills.

Carole Entinger had a need she couldn’t easily meet and feared it would cost her the opportunity to participate in one of her favorite activities. Thanks to New Prague American Legion Post 45, the local woman’s problems are behind her.

There’s something about the responsibility and caring for a horse and what the animal gives back to caregivers that brings peace to the people who come to HIS Haven Ranch.
The ranch offers people who suffer from anxiety, depression, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, even eating disorders a mix of spiritual security and purpose in the care of an animal willing to reciprocate almost unconditional affection. Recently, the ranch in rural Le Center celebrated its successes and honored the people who participate in its program at its fall show and picnic.

Superintendent presenting levy information to groups
New Prague Area Schools Superintendent Andy Vollmuth is looking for sizable groups of people who want to know more about the school district’s request for additional funding he admits “is a big ask.”

Friday afternoon Sept. 29, June Cox walked out of Casey’s in New Prague holding hands with her seven grandchildren. It was to mark her retirement after 39 years of working for the local gas station and convenience store, with 35 years as the manager of the business.
“I’m so excited,” said Cox, who is planning to spend time with her grandchildren who are between the ages of 3 to 12. Her grandchildren also know this as each wore a T-shirt that read, “Grandma’s time now belongs to me.”

The New Prague High School boys’ soccer team made a lone goal in the first half stand up against top-seeded Rochester Mayo Thursday, Oct. 12, to win a spot in the section championship game Tuesday at Trojan Stadium.
The Trojans will host Lakeville North Oct. 17 in the Section 1AAA championship title tilt. The match is tentatively slated for an 8 p.m. start. State competition is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Oct. 24.
Kyan Hopke scored New Prague’s goal in the first half. Satchel Johnson assisted on the goal.