Enjoy Dozinky

By Chuck Kajer

New Prague's 23rd annual Dozinky celebration takes place this weekend. For many residents and former residents, it is a chance to visit with old friends and enjoy the ethnic heritage of the city. An estimated 15,000 people turned out last year for the celebration, enjoying the Czech and other ethnic foods, listening to the old-time music played on three stages, looking at various crafts, viewing the antique tractors in the Parade of Farm Pride and observing or taking part in a variety of activities throughout the weekend.

This year's celebration looks to be just as promising. We as a community welcome these visitors to join us in celebrating the harvest and the heritage of our community.

Limited session a limited success

Tuesday's special Legislative session last just a few hours and resulted in funding for the massive cleanup needed in southeastern Minnesota. Legislative leaders agreed ahead of time to keep the focus on the flood clean-up and not bring up any other topics during the session; despite a few disagreements, they stayed true to their word.

The session did not, however, address the need for added transportation funding to repair bridges and make the roads in all parts of Minnesota safer for drivers. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree something needs to be done, but can't agree on how to accomplish it.

In the months before the regular session reconvenes in January, legislative leaders need to side down with each other and the governor and find a solution to this problem, so they can act quickly. This problem is not going to go away, and neglect will only compound it.