Wrapping up its season in fine fashion, the New Prague High School boys swimmers at the state meet represented their young program well last week.
The Trojans advanced swimmers in four of five events to the state finals, with Brendan Panka and Jacob Bisek swimming their way to the medal stand. Swimmers broke several school records.
In the 200-yard freestyle, Brendan Panka finished third with a school record time of 1:43.59. His time in the preliminary race was 1:44.08. Last year’s school record time in the event was 1:46.88.

Townships in Scott, Le Sueur and Rice counties, as well as in counties throughout the state, will hold their annual meeting Tuesday, March 14.
Known as Township Day, these annual meetings are held every year on the second Tuesday in March and set townships apart from other forms of local government. The meetings allow township residents to voice their opinions about local issues with other township residents and also vote directly on their annual tax levy -- direct democracy in action. Citizens attending annual meetings also often discuss and vote on other local issues.

Repeating an oft-used phrase, New Prague High School boys’ ice hockey coach Brad Drazan summed up the Section 1A championship game in Rochester in which Northfield topped the Trojans, 6-0.
“It just wasn’t our night,” he said.

They have endured a small taste what life is like as a person without a permanent home, a lesson some will use to better appreciate the lifestyle they enjoy.
A group of 17 New Prague High School National Honor Society students spent Thursday evening, March 2, learning about life as a homeless person. The chaperoned group spent the night sleeping outdoors in a makeshift tent city using small tents or large boxes. They slept in sleeping bags covered in blankets and using body heat for warmth as temperatures dipped into the mid-teens.

Donald Max, Borgen Sr, (Donnie) age 79 passed away at his home in Elko  New Market on February 28,2023.  
Donnie was preceded in death by parents, Albert and Regina (Chalmers)  Borgen, step-mother Ruth (Pass) Borgen; sister Elaine (Borgen) Cross and brother Allen Borgen. 
Donnie is survived by wife of 54 years, Linda (Anderson) Borgen; children,  Donald Jr., DJ (Kim) Borgen, Melissa (Adam) Barsness; grandchildren, Tyson, Levi, Jacob, Noah, Kolten, Jace, Harper and one great-granddaughter, Violet and sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and their  spouses.  

Dorothy V. Johnson, age 63, of Bloomington, MN, formerly of New Prague, MN passed away on March 8, 2023 after courageously battling cancer for 6 months. Dorothy was a faithful Christian and loyal caregiver to all. She will be remembered for her outgoing and fun-loving personality. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed by all.

Mary Therese Hart, age 94, of Shakopee, MN, entered eternal life on Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Shakopee.  Mary was born in Cedar Lake Township, MN, on June 5, 1928, the daughter of Martin and Mary Ann (Hickey) Hart.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Mary Ann; brother, Cyril.
Visitation Thursday, March 16, from 9-11 AM, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM, at Church of St. Mary, 535 Lewis Street South, Shakopee. Interment Catholic Cemetery, Shakopee.
Arrangements with McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, Shakopee, 952-445-2755.

Bernadine D. Svoboda, age 89, of New Prague, died peacefully, with her family at her side on Monday, March 6, 2023, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Bernadine was born on June 14, 1933 in Helena Township, Scott County to Wenceslaus J. and Anna M. (Simon) Kubes, Sr.  She grew up in rural New Prague, attended country district school, and graduated from New Prague High School.    She married William J. Svoboda on June 16, 1955 at St.

Kay Wollin, 72, of New Prague, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 3, 2023, after a sudden, but brief, illness. Kay was born on February 28, 1951, in Alexandria, MN to Freddie Glade Olson and Marion Louise Olson (Bartholeme) and attended Alexandria Public Schools.

Elaine Avis (Evenson) Blomquist went to be with her Lord on March 4, 2023, at age 96. 
Her foundation of faith began when Elaine was born at the farm home of her parents in rural Ettrick, Wisconsin, on December 12, 1926. She attended a nearby small country school. Wanting her to be able to continue her education, her parents made the difficult decision to move their only child, at 16, along with a young cousin, to Galesville, Wisconsin, on their own to attend high school.

Todd Allen Trcka, age 57, of rural Belle Plaine, died at his home following his third battle with cancer on Sunday evening, February 26, 2023.  A celebration of his life and sharing was held Friday, March 3, 2023 at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine.

New Prague High School's wrestlers finished off a fine overall season at the state tournament Saturday, March 4, at Xcel Energy Center.
With the team finishing second in the state, all six NPHS wrestlers competing as individuals made the medal stand Saturday. Four of the individuals came home state champions in their respective weight classes.

Montgomery to New Prague
    
A total reconstruction of MN 13 in Montgomery from just south of Milwaukee Avenue to just north of Tri-City United High School and a roundabout at Le Sueur County 28 and MN 13 will happen this summer.
    

Scott County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch received a report of a two-vehicle crash that occurred on Scott County 23 (Panama Avenue) south of Scott County 68 (190th Street East) in Spring Lake Township at 3:08 p.m. on Mar. 2.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a 2007 GMC Sierra, that was towing an enclosed trailer, driven by Arturo Garcia Rivera (39) of Lakeville, was traveling southbound on Panama Avenue when it crossed the center line, striking a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan traveling northbound, driven by Megan Rae Taylor (50) of Lonsdale.   

Linda A. Pesta, age 72, of Lonsdale, MN, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN, surrounded by her family.

Marie A. Flicek, nee Jelinek, age 83 of New Prague, passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
Marie was born September 2, 1939 in Prague, Czechoslovakia, the daughter of Vladimir and Marie (Snopova) Jelinek.
Marie left Czechoslovakia with her family during WWII. They moved to Canada where they crop farmed for several years.