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’s indoor softball team came up just short of its goal for a second-consecutive state title last weekend at the state indoor softball tournament at Chanhassen High School.
The Trojans, winners of the state floor hockey title this past winter, finished second to a familiar opponent, defending state champion Dakota United, Saturday, May 17. The Trojans topped Lakeville-Burnsville-Farmington in the semifinal game Saturday after surviving an opening night thriller against ChanhassenChaska-Shakopee-Prior Lake Friday, May 16.
She’s one of many people who feel a strong sense of gratitude and respect for members of the military who sacrificed their lives and defended the nation. Mary Pierce is one of the people who takes the time to make sure those people are remembered.
Once again this summer, The New Prague Times will provide information as available on area amateur baseball teams competing in the Dakota-Rice-Scott League. DRS teams have competed locally and at the state levels for several decades. The league includes teams in New Prague, Union Hill, St. Benedict, Elko, New Market, Lonsdale, Webster, Veseli, Montgomery, St. Patrick, Shakopee, Prior Lake and Faribault. The information below was submitted by teams in response to questions previewing the DRS.
New Prague’s boys’ volleyball team had a good week. While the Trojans started with a loss against Bloomington Jefferson, Tuesday, May 13, it kept the match close, 25-17, 25-13 and 25-19. New Prague turned around and beat Chaska/Chanhassen 26-24, 22-25, 28-26 and 25-9, Thursday, May 15. The Trojans then participated in the Mound Westonka tournament Saturday, May 17, where New Prague took the Silver Bracket Championship, finishing fifth out of 12 teams.
After the team’s season came to a conclusion with a tough loss to the section’s top-seeded team, members of New Prague High School boys’ tennis team will turn their focus to individuals’ play this weekend.
Ben VonBank, Connor Seeland, Caleb Stocker, Carson Sayler, Isaiah Podratz and Lasse Mies will play in individuals’ portion of the section tournament Saturday, May 24, 9 a.m., at Lund Tennis Center on the Gustavus Adolphus College campus in St. Peter. Four of the six players will compete in doubles with the other two playing as individuals.
Gopher State Railway Museum, north of New Prague along Highway 21, recently rolled out rides for families on its new caboose during Cabose Day, Saturday, May 3.
The New Prague Sportsman’s Club’s Phil Simon Memorial Crappie Tournament was swamped with 27 youngsters wanting to cast their lines into Cedar Lake, Saturday, May 3. It was the most children the annual tourney has had.
Club president Billy Bartusek was not expecting that many youngsters. “It caught me a little off guard,” said Bartusek. “It’s pretty amazing.”
The tournament, named in honor of the late Phil Simon, a New Prague business owner and sportsman, had 37 boats with more than 100 people, including the children, participating.
Robert "Bob" Lee Miller, age 85, of Montgomery, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, at The Villages of Lonsdale.
In loving memory of Harold R. Shimota, age 90, who passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025, at his home at Praha Village Assisted Living in New Prague, MN. He was surrounded by his family by his side and the memory of his wife, Angie, of 68 years, who passed this last September.
Born June 7, 1934, to Charles and Anna B (Trenda) in Cedar Lake Township, Harold met and married his high school sweetheart Angie (Schoenbauer), raising nine children, actively supported the community, and excelling at his carpentry skills.
Those who served and who gave all for their country will be remembered Memorial Day, Monday morning, May 26, with services at New Prague area cemeteries and other events.
Included will be guest speaker Mike Maxa, adjutant for the American Legion, Department of Minnesota, during a ceremony at the New Prague Veterans Memorial, east of the New Prague Library on E Main Street, beginning between noon and 12:30 p.m.
In case of inclement weather, the program will be moved indoors to Park Ballroom, 300 Lexington Ave. S.
New Prague High School held its Honors Night, Wednesday, May 7, with students being recognized for the arts, sports and academics. There were also several thousands of dollars awarded through scholarships. A highlight of the evening was the first ever co-winners of the Outstanding Senior Female Athlete award.
Activities Director Brad Skogerboe presented plaques to Ava Bruegger, who has been involved in girls’ swimming and diving, gymnastics and girls’ track and field, and Katie Boulanger, who has been active in girls’ volleyball, girls basketball and softball.
The New Prague City Council approved, 4-0, a recommendation at its Monday, May 5, meeting a trial basis for summer hours at city hall.
City Administrator Josh Tetzlaff recommended from Memorial Day (Monday, May 26) to Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 1) city hall hours be Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
With the season’s championships meets coming up, the New Prague High School track teams shined at the Giants Relays Friday, May 9, at Le Sueur-Henderson High School.
The NP girls won their portion of the meet, finishing with first ahead of Sibley East and Minnesota Valley Lutheran. The New Prague boys took second, just behind the host Giants.
Evelyn Moore, age 100, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at her home at Praha Village. Evelyn was born April 4, 1925, to Joe and Emily (Holicky) O'Malley. She was raised on the family farm in rural Le Center along with her older sister, Eileen and younger brother, Alvin. She attended Le Center High School graduating in 1942. She was very active in school activities during high school.
Goodbyes are never easy, especially when a person, has invested much into a community and watched it grow. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church’s pastors, Alicia and Ben Hilding, are preparing to bid the congregation and New Prague a fond farewell.
Pastors Alicia and Ben Hilding have accepted a call to serve in a joint role at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. They will serve as dean of Christ Chapel and chaplain of the College beginning June 1. They’ll lead their final worship service at the New Prague church Wednesday, May 21.
New Prague High School’s baseball had some tough games lately as the Trojans went 1-4. The four losses came last week, first against Orono, 6-0, Tuesday, May 6, then 10-3 to Chanhassen, Thursday, May 8 and then a doubleheader to Chaska, Friday, May 9, with the first game 5-3 and the second 4-2. New Prague began this week with a 8-4 win over St. Louis Park, Monday, May 12.
