Elko New Market’s mayoral race has been reduced to two candidates as Councilor Josh Berg recently decided to cease his campaign for the two-year position. With Mayor Joe Julius not seeking re-election, the mayoral race is now between Andrew Garfield and Rick Stidger.
Berg, who is currently serving his third term as a member of the Elko New Market City Council, said in a prepared statement he decided to step back due to the time commitment the position of mayor would require.
Although the final numbers aren’t yet official, estimates indicate the Le Sueur County Fair enjoyed a successful run Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 14-18, at the fairgrounds in Le Center.
Jessie Filter, a director on the fair board, indicated attendance was up this year over a year ago based on the parking lot numbers. The fair’s website indicates it draws 12,000 to 14,000 people to Le Center during the fair’s four-day run. Filter said the parking area was full Thursday and Sunday when free parking was permitted.
“People like that,” she said.
The following participants in Scott County 4-H clubs were honored for their entries during the Scott County Fair in July.
A shed fire on 270th Street East, east of Creeks Bend Golf Course, in rural Cedar Lake Township on the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 17, is a total loss. The shed was used to house equipment only. More information will be available in the print issue of the New Prague Times.
Beyond the hard work that those exhibiting animals have put in, fair foods and beverages, amusement rides, live music, and other events, the Le Sueur County Free Fair is also host to — drum roll please — the Ag Olympics!
The University of Minnesota Le Sueur County 4-H’ers pack in a fun time on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. in the show arena at the fair hosting the Ag Olympics. Events will include wheelbarrow races, feed sack relays, egg tosses, bobbing for corn, roping, and hog calling.
Jim Heckenlaible has been named the Dozinky Parade of Farm Pride’s Grand Marshal for 2024. The New Prague Chamber of Commerce made the announcement Thursday afternoon, Aug. 15.
“Jim’s dedication to our community is unmatched, from his contributions to farming to his deep connection with Czech heritage,” the chamber said in its announcement. “As a past president of the New Prague Chamber of Commerce and other organizations, Jim's leadership has made a lasting impact. Join us in celebrating Jim for this well-deserved honor.”
New Prague resident Phyllis Smith has been selected the Outstanding Senior Citizen in Le Sueur County.
Smith will be recognized at the Le Sueur County Fair during the Senior Citizens/Farm Family of the Year Program on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 1 p.m.
The individual that nominated Smith said this about the former elementary school secretary:
Brady Steinhoff, left, tries on a firefighter’s helmet and jacket during Night to Unite the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Memorial Park. Looking on is his friend, Brayden Smith, right. Members of New Prague’s fire and police departments were in the park for the annual event. Children could explore a fire truck and police car, try on firefighter suits and get stickers. (Patrick Fisher photo)
Berg making safe run for mayoral seat
Elko New Market voters will have options in their municipal leadership when they go to the polls this fall.
With Mayor Joe Julius having previously announced he will not seek re-election, councilor Josh Berg has filed to run for mayor and its two-year term. Rick Stidger has also filed to run for mayor. If Berg is not elected mayor, he will serve the remainder of the four year city council seat he won in 2022.
The annual Chamber of Commerce event, Czech Out New Prague, drew several hundred people to Memorial Park Thursday, Aug. 1, to meet staff from businesses, non-profit organizations and members of faith communities.
This year’s event was again a popular attraction. Visitors also interacted with New Prague police and firefighters. The event also shared the park with The Jazz on the Prairie Big Band, part of the Music at the Broz concert series.
One incumbent and one potential newcomer are among the early contestants for the elections for New Prague City Council and the New Prague Area School District.
Incumbent Mayor Duane Jirik is the only person to file for election to the New Prague City Council. It is for a two-year term. The seats currently held by councilors Shawn Ryan and Bruce Wolf are also up for election for four-year terms.
School district
A St.Paul man is charged with killing a retired Catholic priest who was giving him a ride to a mental health evaluation.
The Rev. Larry Johnson was killed Thursday afternoon, Aug. 1, around 12:40 p.m., as he gave Nathan Thomas Wondra, 32, a ride to an evaluation. Wonder has been charged with second-degree murder in the killing of the 76-year-old retired priest while parked just off Interstate 94 along Prior Avenue. Wondra reportedly told police ‘voices’ told him to strangle Fr. Johnson to ‘save humanity.’
Neysa Anderson was crowned the 2024 Kolocky Queen for the Kolacky Days 90th festival this Friday evening, July 26. The remainder of Kolacky Days royalty were also crowned as 1st Princess Olivia Skluzacek, and 2nd Princess and Miss Congeniality Tayla Kline. They have taken their place and will be seen over the next two days of Kolacky Days festivities, including the Grand Parade on Sunday at noon along 1st Street in Montgomery!
A week ago, he said the likelihood his truck would be ready for the Scott County Fair’s demolition derby was 50-50. Sunday, July 21, the odds had improved to 70-30.
NP police, firefighters, deputies, dispatchers team up to save man’s life
His relatives tease John Ruehling there’s an easier way to enjoy a helicopter ride. Joking aside, the Helena Township farmer knows the airborne trip was a small part of a lifesaving effort by New Prague police, firefighters and Scott County Sheriff’s deputies and dispatchers.
Scott Pelava, owner of Lonsdale Auto Works, was chosen as the 2024 grand marshal for Lonsdale Community Days, happening on Saturday, August 10.
Pelava opened Lonsdale Auto Works in 2005, providing service to the Lonsdale area for 19 years so far. He has been an active member of the Lonsdale Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC), serving two terms on the board of directors for them. Chamber Executive Director Shanna Gutzke-Kopp says that he has been “constructively working with staff, committee members & business leaders.”