Rush Wagner, left, directs Hymnus during the New Prague Community Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 8, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. The choir, based in New Prague, was among those to perform at the annual concert. The finale of the concert was “The Hallelujah Chorus” performed by Hymnus and the New Prague Area Community Band. For more see an upcoming print issue of The Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

This entry from the New Prague Lions Club was among those in the 24th annual Parade of Lights held on Friday, Dec. 6. Temperatures were around 23 degrees Fahrenheit, but that didn’t stop the large crowds that lined New Prague’s Main Street for the Parade of Lights to see area groups and businesses with their floats decorated for the Holiday Season. The parade ended at Memorial Park for visits with Santa, treats, the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree and fireworks. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Miller Milling announced in a press release on Wednesday, Dec. 4, that it is closing the New Prague Mill at the end of this month. “This decision was very difficult, given the quality and long-serving tenure of New Prague’s employees. However, this step is necessary so Miller Milling can focus its attention and investment on expanding the business of its other mills,” said Takuya Mitani, Miller Milling’s CEO in the press release.

The Elko New Market City Council approved a resolution during its Thursday, Nov. 21, meeting naming Amanda Novak as the newest council member. She was chosen out of four candidates who were all interviewed by the current council members during a special meeting at 5 p.m. that evening. Novak replaces council member Jon Schwichtenberg who resigned on Wednesday, Oct. 30, because he was moving out of the city.

The organization is new, but the time-honored event was very successful.
The newly-formed Scott Le Sueur Waterfowlers continued the tradition of raising funds for education, youth programs, and conservation with a Fundraising Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Park Ballroom in New Prague.

Three Minnesota based painting companies and Titan, distributor of spray painting equipment, came together earlier this year to raise funds for the New Prague Veterans Memorial. Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration, Mr. Moles Painting and Headwaters Painting did a project between New Prague and Prior Lake, where they raised money for the Veterans Memorial project that will be built along the city’s Main Street in 2020.

Montgomery’s Torchlight Parade and Fireworks is celebrating 27 years this holiday season, and plans are underway to make it bigger and better than ever.
The Thursday, December 5 event kicks off with a parade of approximately 50 lighted floats, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the north end of First Street.

A pre-Thanksgiving holiday storm hit the area with several inches of heavy, wet snow by Wednesday morning, Nov. 27.
The arrival of the white stuff came from a system that brought snow falling hard and fast across southern Minnesota. According to weather.gov, snow totals in the Twin Cities metro area early Wednesday morning included 8.7 inches in Prior Lake, 11 inches in spots of New Prague, and 7 inches in Montgomery.
On Tuesday, area schools cancelled classes in anticipation of the snow’s arrival.

Due to weather concerns, New Prague Area Schools will be closed on Wednesday, November 27, 2019. This is the first weather closure of the year and is built into the calendar as a “traditional” weather closure for all students. This will NOT be a blended learning day.
WRAP and Kids’ Company will also be closed on Wednesday.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for portions of southwest, south central, and east central Minnesota, and all of west central Wisconsin starting late Tuesday afternoon, and continuing through Wednesday morning. The warning includes areas along the Buffalo Ridge in west central Minnesota, and areas southeast of a line from Redwood Falls, to Hutchinson, Clearwater, Princeton and Rush City in Minnesota. Snowfall totals of 6 or more inches are likely in the warned area, with locally higher amounts possible.

This fall Holy Cross Catholic School middle schoolers drew the month away creating their visions of what peace means. The students were competing in the International Lions Peace Poster contest sponsored locally by the Veseli Lions Club. This year’s theme was “Journey to Peace.” This is the first year all the winners were from the seventh grade. Charlotte Benolkin was awarded first place, Lucy Havlicek earned second place honors, and third place was awarded to Jocelyn Simones. The three were awarded cash prizes from the Veseli Area Lions.

The New Prague Times The Elko New Market Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner and meeting at the Firehouse Grille. There was a little twist this year. Besides holding elections and listing what were some highlights of the year, a murder mystery was included during the Monday, Nov. 18, festivities.

This Friday, Nov. 22, New Prague High School students begin their run of shows for the fall musical “Once Upon a Mattress.” A comedic take on the fairytale “The Princess and the Pea,” it includes incredible songs that are romantic, but also those that are hilarious.
Performances will be over two weekends at the high school auditorium, 221 12th St. NE. There are 7:30 p.m. shows on Friday, Nov. 22, Saturday, Nov. 23, and Saturday, Nov. 30, plus two Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on Nov. 24 and Dec. 1.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) recently made speed limit changes for portions of Highway 21 between New Prague and Jordan, according to a release from the Scott County Sheriff's office.
Two sections of the highway will increase in speed, one from 55 to 60 mph and in another area from 30 to 40 mph, while another spot will decrease from 55 to 50 mph.

Our hearts are heavy today as we report that our Managing Editor, Chuck Kajer, passed away suddenly last night. We will miss our “teammate” at The Times… his wit, his thoughtfulness and his amazing ability to recall sports trivia! We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We will post further information when available.