The New Prague Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced today the promotion of Brooke Sticha to Executive Director. Brooke previously was the Event Coordinator for the chamber. “Brooke has played a vital role at the chamber office for the past four years. We are thrilled to have her accept the role as Executive Director and are confident that she will do a great job,” said Barb Skluzacek, President of the New Prague Chamber of Commerce. Brooke has been the interim Executive Director since mid-November of this year.

The Lonsdale City Council approved to slightly reduce the city’s tax rate in 2019 on Thursday night.
“The focus was to keep the tax levy the same,” said Mayor Tim Rud at the Lonsdale City Council meeting.
As such, the tax levy portion of next year’s budget was approved for $2,070,000. It will increase the city’s tax revenue by $206,600.

The Bolin Brothers gather around the piano during the Dec. 15 concert. From left is Joseph, Ben and John (seated). Ben Bolin is the pastor of Calvary ChurchThe trio, who come from a family of eight children, performed traditional Christmas songs, plus one they wrote together. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Due to the huge success of, and overwhelming community response to last February’s event, the New Prague Veterans Memorial Committee has decided to host another Music Fest fundraiser (NPVM Music Fest II).

We just want to take a minute today to invite you to Christmas. There are great churches in this community and we hope that you can find one that feels like home for you to worship at this year.

We represent diverse expressions, but we share a common hope: that in a manger there was born the Christ child the One who made the angels sing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”

The following meeting has been cancelled.
The mayor and council members of Lonsdale want the public's input and suggestions on a project that could bring a senior independent living facility and new city hall and police department to the city.
To help weigh in on the discussion, the Lonsdale City Council is holding a public meeting on Monday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. at Lonsdale City Hall.

Santa asks sisters Hayden, Trinity and Paige Ahlers to promise that they will be good for the next 10 days during Santa’s visit to First Bank & Trust in New Prague the evening of Thursday, Dec. 13. Santa visited with many children, talking to them and finding out what they want for Christmas. Children also received a goodie bag and enjoyed cookies and hot cider. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Elko New Market City Clerk Sandy Green was honored on Thursday, Dec. 6, for 19 years of service to the city. An open house was held that evening for Green, who is retiring this Friday, Dec. 14. During the Elko New Market City Council meeting later that evening she was presented a plaque by Mayor Bob Crawford.

Monday’s meeting of the New Prague Area School Board was the final meeting for three long-time board members.
Jerry Walerius and Don Dvorak served 13 years on the board and Sherry Brooks nine. All three chose not to run for reelection this year. Their seats will be taken by Mark Bartusek, Leo Giesen and Tammy Pexa.
At Monday’s meeting, all three spoke about their time on the board and thanked fellow board members, the administration and the voters for having trusted them to serve. A short reception was held following the meeting.

About 20 children and 20 area law enforcement officers gather at HillSpring Church on Wednesday, Dec. 12, after participating in the third annual Shop With a Cop at Shopko in New Prague. The Salvation Army, Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office, local schools and KCHK Radio assist with the program where children can buy winter clothing for themselves and presents for their family members. The group gathered at HillSpring Church afterwards to wrap presents, for food and other activities. For more see an upcoming print issue of the paper. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

The New Prague Chamber of Commerce has parted ways with Deb Kalousek, executive director for nearly five years, it was announced this week.
Barb Skluzacek, chamber president, said the chamber’s executive board made the decision to “go in a different direction” last month. The change was effective November 14.
Brooke Sticha, office assistant at the Chamber, was named interim executive director.

The Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners approved an amended Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Plan during the regular Tuesday, Dec. 11 meeting.
Environmental Resources Specialist Holly Kalbus presented the updated AIS Plan, which included a few minor changes.
Kalbus said there are 128 lakes, many creeks, streams, and rivers within the county.
In 2014, the Minnesota Legislature enacted a program aid grant for AIS prevention.

Members of Hymnus sing in the lobby of the Hotel Broz during the 2018 Holiday Makers Market Friday, Dec. 7. The two-day event, featuring handcrafted items from a number of area vendors, continues Saturday at the historic hotel in downtown New Prague.

New Prague had a beautiful evening on Friday, Nov. 30, for its Parade of Lights and Holiday Celebration in the Park as temperatures in the 20s were cold, yet comfortable, and snow on the ground added to the winter atmosphere.

The New Prague City Council approved two of three requests concerning the Main Street 2020 improvement project at its Monday, Dec. 3, meeting. The council did unanimously approve a resolution ordering improvement and preparation of plans for the project and a concurrence with Section 4(f) for Temporary Occupancy of Memorial Park to replace an existing 28-inch clay storm sewer outlet pipe that runs across the park. The council tabled until its Monday, Dec. 17, meeting a resolution approving the final layout (Municipal Consent) for the Main Street 2020 improvement project.

The New Prague Area School Board will honor outgoing members with a reception following the school board meeting scheduled for Monday, Dec. 10. The reception is expected to begin about 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room.
Don Dvorak and Jerry Walerius joined the Board in January of 2006. Sherry Brooks was appointed to the Board in July of 2010.
They will be replaced by Mark Bartusek, Tammy Pexa and Leo Giesen in January 2019.