We received an unexpected surprise Sunday evening – a letter to the editor from a person expressing on an opinion she feels is important.
These days, letters to the editor, especially the ones you don’t expect, are worth their weight in gold. It’s on the right side of the page, below the political cartoon. At a time where anybody can post anything they want, fact or fiction disguised as fact, an honest-to-goodness letter to the editor is delightful.

At New Prague High School’s coronation ceremony for the Snoball king and queen, Maria Schoenbauer, left, was crowned queen and Peter Dias was crowned king. The ceremony was the highlight of the Friday, Jan. 31, pepfest in the high school gym. New Prague High School will wrap up its annual week of Snoball activities Saturday evening Feb. 1, with a dance in the gym. (Patrick Fisher photo)

Recognizing it will face more challenging opponents in the weeks to come, the New Prague floor hockey team has enjoyed victory in its first two games this season.

The New Prague Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner and awards Monday eventing, Jan. 27.
Becca Najera, director of Early Childhood Academy, received the Employee of the Year award. “She goes above and beyond as a professional and role model, all while getting out to connect with the community,” said a press release from the chamber of commerce.

Ron Grossman, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, passed on January 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family in the comfort of Beehive Homes South Lakeville, where he resided for the past 6 months.
Ron was born to Pete and Alma Grossman in New Prague, Minnesota, on April 30, 1939. He was the second youngest of eight children. He often shared the memories of working the family farm side by side with his dad and brothers. On April 26, 1958, he married the love of his life, Bev Scheffler. They started their life in Lydia raising their 5 children; Pam, Deb, Brian, Jeff and Troy.

New Prague School Board Director Mark Bartusek has resigned his position on the board.
Monday, the board accepted Bartusek's resignation. The board will discuss how to fill the seat at its workshop meeting Monday, Feb. 10. Bartusek served on the school board for six years.
See details in an upcoming print edition of The New Prague Times.

Margaret Ann Trnka passed peacefully in her home on January 23, 2025. Margaret was born to Cecil and Helen (Chelmosky) Pagel in Saint Paul, MN, on October 11, 1945. The third of six children, she grew up in Mendota Heights, MN, and graduated from Saint Joseph’s Academy in 1963.
 

Merlyn Swanson
In retirement, Merle and his beloved wife Donna enjoyed their home in the countryside of southern Minnesota. Merle embraced the joys of rural life, tending to apple trees, caring for goats and various fowl, and maintaining his lawn. He also had a passion for travel and adventure, often embarking on interstate trips on his Goldwing motorcycle with his brother Ernest and his sons. A lifelong lover of dogs, Merle’s bond with his canine companions brought him great joy. He also cherished quiet moments spent reading each day. 

Joel Edward Kukacka, age 73, of New Prague, died on the evening of Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Roselyn Esther "Rosie" Kabes, age 71, of Lakeville, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, MN, after a diagnosis of untreatable cancer.  Rosie's 99-year-old mother, Esther, was holding her hand as she took her last breath.

The First Baby of 2025 has been born. Luke James Van Houdt, son or Brandon and Danielle Van Houdt of New Prague was born Sunday, Jan. 12, at 6:20 p.m. at St. Francis Hospital in Shakopee. He was 21 inches long and 7 pounds and 15 ounces. For more and the winners of the The New Prague Times’ First Baby Contest see next week’s print edition of The Times.
The winner will receive $100 in New Prague certificates. The person having the next closest guess will receive $50 in New Prague certificates. Area businesses participating in the contest

Norm Pint, of New Prague, passed away January 12, 2025, on his 74th birthday. He left the world peacefully in his sleep and in the comfort of his home. He lived a life dedicated to his family, community, and law enforcement profession.

James "Jim" F. Miller, 81, of New Prague, went home to Jesus on January 6, 2025.  As Jim is welcomed into heaven, his loved ones will be reminded of how sweetly they were welcomed into his home with a giant smile, a warm hug that said I love you and his famous greeting “Welcome to Cedar Lake”.

Helen M. Wolf, age 101, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Helen was born in New Prague on March 27, 1923, to Wencel and Rose A.

Dorothy Ann Moravec (Denzer), age 75, of Veseli, passed away peacefully at her home on December 22, 2024. She was born on April 7, 1949, to Wallace and Margaret (Ehrich) Denzer of Le Center.
Throughout her life, Dorothy held various jobs, but what she enjoyed most was gardening. She loved planting flowers and plants, which earned her the nickname “Grandma Butterflies.” Above all, she cherished spending time with her family, friends, and especially her grandchildren.

Barbara Jongeling, 70, of Spencer, Iowa, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024, at the Ruthven Community Care Center in Ruthven, Iowa.  She is survived by her husband, Kevin Jongeling of Spencer, Iowa; a brother, Harold "Charlie" Lind of Phoenix; and a sister, Nancy (Bob) Drum of Ruthven, Iowa.
Barbara was employed by the State of Minnesota and worked as a Child Support Officer in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.  
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Ruthven
martinmatticefuneralhome.com