A haze of smoke from wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota drifted into the southern part of the state Thursday morning, July 16, and could be seen in the distance looking west along New Prague’s Main Street.
To celebrate the Fourth of July, Gopher State Railway Museum (GSRM), north of New Prague, held train rides on its historic train engine or cars.
Crews working on the new POPS (Praha Outdoor Performance Stage) facility north of West Main Street were busy Wednesday, July 1, installing a nearly two-ton glulam (glued laminated) timber beam in the front of the faci
Orioles use big numbers in a pair of DRS victories
Mike Meyer is honorary survivor at annual ACS Relay for Life
Mike Meyer knows all about luck – bad luck, good luck.
He’s seen his share of both.
After a tough extra-innings setback, a win was just what the doctor ordered for the Union Hill Bulldogs Sunday.
Elko New Market celebrated Fire Rescue Days Thursday, June 25, through Sunday, June 28, plus its annual Saturday, June 27, parade marked its 25th anniversary.
He entered the Special Olympics 2026 USA Games looking to enjoy the experience and do the best he could.
For New Prague’s Seth Dorner, mission accomplished.
New Prague High School’s wrestling team did well at the Rumble on the Red wrestling tournament at Fargo, N.D. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 2 and 3.
Overall the Trojans wrestled well as they placed 10th in the varsity section, said New Prague head coach Dan Wagner, adding there were a total of 133 teams between varsity, junior varsity and girls teams. Plus the tournament had 1,923 total wrestlers, Wagner said. New Prague also had four place winners, two in the boys varsity division and two in the girls division, said Wagner.
The start of the new year also brought a change in ownership at Cedar Press Coffee on New Prague’s Main Street. Rachel Cannon and her husband, Stephan, sold the business to Patty and David Peterson of Montgomery.
Monday, Jan. 5, the coffee shop reopened under the ownership of the Petersons. The Cannons had bought the business three years ago and renovated it. They had bought the coffee shop from the previous owner, who was also named Patty Peterson, but has no relation to the new owners.
Bruce Johnson passed away at the age of 68 on December 31, 2025. He was born on April 27, 1957. He was born to Eldon and Edna Johnson. He married Joan Ginter on June 2, 1984. They had one daughter Elizabeth in 1989. He graduated from Minnehaha Academy.
His grandkids were his pride and joy. He enjoyed watching TV and playing games on his tablet. He was on dialysis and had many other health issues for a long time before his passing.
Esther Grace Kabes, age 99, of New Prague, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center, just two weeks shy of her 100th birthday.
Virginia A. “Ginny” Mahowald, 98, of New Prague, died peacefully on December 31, 2025, at Praha Village. Ginny was born on June 8, 1927, in New Prague, Minnesota, to George and Rose (Holec) Layne. She attended St. Wenceslaus Grade School, New Prague High School, and the College of St. Catherine, graduating with a degree in nutrition and dietetics. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota and later married her childhood sweetheart, Allen Mahowald. Together they made their home in New Prague, spending summers at Cedar Lake.
Robert “Bob” Kubes, 83, of Webster, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at home on December 29, 2025.
John Millea has been writing about sports and people, youngsters and communities sharing their passion for life and competition for many years. He is a renowned storyteller, a person with a deep caring for humanity.
During the halftime at the 66th annual Sno-Bowl game, members of the Ptarmigans reminded each other their namesake are birds of a feather that fly together. The message energized the team as the Ptarmigans rallied to a hard-fought 12-6 victory in the latest edition of the storied rivalry with the Polars.
When the New Prague School Board reconvenes for the first time since Dec. 8, Director Denny Havlicek wants to maintain his position as the board’s chairperson.
Havlicek stated his interest to the other directors at the last meeting of 2025. He said he has spoken with board members and heard no opposition to him staying on as the board’s chairperson.
With three upcoming non-conference games, the NP boys ice hockey team is looking to round into form in time for the MetroWest schedule starting next week.
The Trojans will face longtime rival Northfield tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 2, 7:15 p.m., in Northfield. Monday, Jan. 5, 7:15 p.m., New Prague will host Hutchinson followed by a trip to face Kasson-Mantorville Tuesday, Jan. Jan. 6, 7 p.m., at the Dodge County Ice Arena.
They enjoy a good post-holiday clearance sale at their local home-improvement or hardware store. If somebody has a good deal on Christmas decorations for next year, Lisa and Jess Realander want to know about it.
With six games remaining on its regular-season schedule, the New Prague High School floor hockey team is ready to get back to work on its drive for a return trip to the state tournament and a possible defense of its state championship.
At 4-0, New Prague will host Mankato Wednesday, Jan. 7, 4:30 p.m., at the Community Eucation Center. The game is the first of a three-game run at home. The Trojans will face Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound-Westonka Monday, Jan. 12, 4:30 p.m., followed by a showdown game against an old rival, Dakota United Wednesday, Jan. 14, 4:30 p.m., in NP.
FaithPoint Lutheran Church and its members will be welcoming a new leader this week as Pastor Wes Asheim arrives Monday, Jan. 5.
After weeks of discussion and adjustments, Elko New Market city councilors approved a budget and property tax levy for 2026.
The council OK’d the city’s 2026 property tax levy at its Dec. 18 meeting. The general fund budget will increase from $3,297,590 to $3,849,687 – an increase of $447,903 or 15.72%. The city’s total levy will increase by $490,823 to $4,238,383 – an increase of 13.1%.
At a meeting of the Le Sueur County Officials Association, State Senator Rich Draheim (22, R) and State Rep. Terry Stier (22B, R) were present to share information from the state legislature that affects the area. The meeting was held Dec. 3 at Le Sueur City Hall.
“I don’t want to say it was the most confusing year, but probably the most uncertain year I have seen in my nine years,” Draheim said, noting the size of the state government has tripled in funding since he took office in 2017.
Mary Kay Dolejs, age 82, of Nicollet, formerly of Montgomery, died on the afternoon of Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Mala Strana Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Center in New Prague.
