The Domaci Czech Folk Dancers perform for students at Falcon Ridge Elementary School on Friday, April 4. The group did their show in the all-purpose gym at the New Prague school. It was one of several stops they were making at area schools in New Prague, Montgomery and Le Center on Friday. For more see an upcoming print issue of The Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

The Minnesota Department of Transportation opened Highway 19 from Highway 169 to Henderson at 10:00 a.m. today (Thursday, May 3). Highway 19 has been closed since April 26 due to flooding of the Minnesota River.
 
Motorists are advised to drive with caution as crews continue to work off the shoulder to establish erosion control and stabilize the surrounding area.
 
For updated road condition information, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org.

Isla Mikkelson Bortnem was born in Colman, SD on Feb. 26, 1926, and she peacefully passed away on May 2 at the Belle Plaine Lutheran Home. A brief service celebrating Isla’s life will be held at 2 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Montgomery, MN on Monday, May 7.
 
Floyd and Isla Bortnem were married for 55 years. Floyd passed away in 2001. Isla was a woman who faced life head on. She attended SDSU with the intention of entering the business world but was sidetracked by Floyd to be a farmer’s wife. 
 

Titans had all cylinders firing on offense on Wednesday, winning big over Norwood-Young America 8-2. This game was played at Siebert Field at the University of Minnesota.
Norwood-Young America opened up scoring in the first inning. Scoring Two runs.
In the bottom of the first inning, Titans tied things up at two when Tyler Milford singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring two  runs. 
The Titans pulled away for good with four runs in the third inning. In the third Matthew Feddema singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring two runs. 

Union Hill, Shakopee and Prior Lake were winners in an abbreviated opening day schedule Sunday, April 29, in the Dakota-Rice-Scott baseball league. Three other games scheduled for Sunday were postponed due to field conditions.

Montgomery's Citywide Garage Sales are this weekend! Here is the listing published in this week's Messenger. 

Montgomery’s newest spring celebration, Czech May Day, will be held on Saturday, May 5 starting at 12 p.m. and lasting to 6 p.m.. It will be held at Heritage Park, which is located at the corner of Vine Avenue and First Street.
 
The event, called “Stavění Májky” will include the raiseng of the traditional Czech May Pole, music from the Czech Area Concertina Club, and a Ribbon dance around the May Pole with Dale Ruhland.
 

Parenthood conundrum
I’m hesitant to write this.
Parents are judged at every turn—every decision.
And, I’m a parent. I’m mom to two young ladies, Anna (8.5) and Ellen (6), who enjoy playing outside with the kids in our neighborhood and exploring.
They climb trees, fish, build forts in old woodpiles, campout in the backyard, and try to catch little critters.
They get dirty, sometimes injured, have touched poison ivy, and have wiped out on their bicycles.

Mahlon J. Pikal, age 88, of Montgomery, died peacefully, surrounded by his family at his home on Monday, April 30, 2018.  He was born on March 20, 1930, in New Prague to James J. and Emma (Trcka) Pikal.  Born and raised in the New Prague area, Mahlon attended Le Sueur County District School and graduated from New Prague High School.  He married Rose L.

The Montgomery Area Community Club announces this year’s candidates for the Kolacky Days Queen Pageant. The girls and their parents/guardians attended an informational meeting on Sunday, April 29, at St. John Lutheran Church where they signed their intent to be a candidate, heard rules and regulations for being a candidate and royalty, received the required 50 Kolacky Buttons to sell, and received the schedule of candidate events.

Tri-City United High School students put on the glitz and glamor for this year's Prom. The theme was "A Black Tie Affair", and as the Titans walked the Grand March, the cameras flashed. After dining, the prom goers will ditch their gowns and tuxes for the Post Prom, which is also held at the high school. Pictured is Faith Factor and Jack Dooley. See more in the print edition.

The New Prague Trojan adapted softball team split a pair of games last week, defeating South Suburban and losing to Burnsville/Farmington/ Lakeville. The team, which includes players from Tri-City United, Belle Plaine and Jordan schools, is 2-3 on the season.
The Trojans’ Wednesday, April 25, game against St. Paul Humboldt has been cancelled. The team will play at Dakota United, at Eastview High school, on Monday, April 30, and face Chanhassen/Chaska/Prior Lake/Shakopee on Wednesday, May 2, at Prior Lake High School.

One area crossing of the Minnesota River has been closed and two others are expected to close in the near future. 

The Minnesota Department of Transportation closed Highway 19 from Highway 169 to Henderson due to flooding of the Minnesota River. The announcement was made at 4:25 a.m. Thursday. 

Motorists should seek alternate routes, as the road will remain closed until the water level recedes. 

As expected, all Dakota- Rice-Scott League baseball games scheduled for opening day, Sunday, April 22, were postponed due to field conditions.
Sunday was a beautiful day, with temperatures reaching 60 degrees, but the 12 inches or more of snow from the previous week left fields in the area unplayable.

Catherine Herrmann of Montgomery was named a Volunteer of the Year at the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women's 86th annual convention last weekend, April 20 thru 21, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Stillwater. 

Schmiesing, Frederick Henry William Jr., age 75.
 8/21/42-4/20/18
Husband, Father, Teacher, Coach, Humanitarian
Graduated from Walnut Grove High School, Walnut Grove, MN, and Hamline University, St. Paul, MN.  Taught and coached at Tartan HS and No. St. Paul.
Preceded in death by his parents Fred & Lorraine Schmiesing.