When it comes to casual conversation, Kim Doyle is occasionally asked about her plans for retirement. The question grates, slightly, on her patience. After 35 years as a Catholic school principal, Doyle is not yet ready to write the next chapter in her life.
Doyle enjoys her job. She cherishes the chance to spend time amongst teachers and children excited to learn and expand their faith through education. Doyle isn’t exactly sure, yet, what the next chapter will include.
“I can’t see myself not doing something,” she said.

They have done something 9.86 million or so people do each year, visit at least one of Minnesota’s state parks. But four women have been to all of them, and along the way, they enjoyed memories they’ll likely cherish the rest of their lives.

City council wrestles with plans for possible future building
During the New Prague City Council's Tuesday, Oct. 3, workshop on its 2024 budget, councilors considered the future of a possible new building for the city's police department.
In previous discussions, the council considered passing on working on a new building, but city staff didn't want to take discussion of the building completely off the table.

“Since the legalization of marijuana passed the legislature there has been a scramble to enact laws and ordinances pertaining to its use, growing, transportation and possession. Most municipalities in the area have chosen to enact a conservative approach to the aforementioned. State laws will be maintained, but the state legislation has given each municipality options into how they want to govern themselves. Through the multiple meetings leading up to August 1, 2023, everyone is expecting changes to the original language in the bills.

Carole Entinger had a need she couldn’t easily meet and feared it would cost her the opportunity to participate in one of her favorite activities. Thanks to New Prague American Legion Post 45, the local woman’s problems are behind her.

There’s something about the responsibility and caring for a horse and what the animal gives back to caregivers that brings peace to the people who come to HIS Haven Ranch.
The ranch offers people who suffer from anxiety, depression, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, even eating disorders a mix of spiritual security and purpose in the care of an animal willing to reciprocate almost unconditional affection. Recently, the ranch in rural Le Center celebrated its successes and honored the people who participate in its program at its fall show and picnic.

Superintendent presenting levy information to groups
New Prague Area Schools Superintendent Andy Vollmuth is looking for sizable groups of people who want to know more about the school district’s request for additional funding he admits “is a big ask.”

Friday afternoon Sept. 29, June Cox walked out of Casey’s in New Prague holding hands with her seven grandchildren. It was to mark her retirement after 39 years of working for the local gas station and convenience store, with 35 years as the manager of the business.
“I’m so excited,” said Cox, who is planning to spend time with her grandchildren who are between the ages of 3 to 12. Her grandchildren also know this as each wore a T-shirt that read, “Grandma’s time now belongs to me.”

The New Prague High School boys’ soccer team made a lone goal in the first half stand up against top-seeded Rochester Mayo Thursday, Oct. 12, to win a spot in the section championship game Tuesday at Trojan Stadium.
The Trojans will host Lakeville North Oct. 17 in the Section 1AAA championship title tilt. The match is tentatively slated for an 8 p.m. start. State competition is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Oct. 24.
Kyan Hopke scored New Prague’s goal in the first half. Satchel Johnson assisted on the goal.

According to a press release from the Montgomery Police Department, a worker at Seneca Foods plant in Montgomery died early Thursday morning.
The release said that a call came in at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5 for “a report of an employee that had been trapped by falling items located in a warehouse.” The release said the employee died from the injuries sustained in the incident.
Montgomery Police, Le Sueur County Sheriff, Montgomery Area EMS, and Montgomery Fire Department were all dispatched to the scene.

Exciting and stressful were two words used to describe the work on New Prague’s ninth Habitat for Humanity house. Habitat for Humanity South Central Minnesota out of Mankato and the New Prague branch of the organization held a home dedication ceremony for Brittney LaVigne and her family Wednesday, Sept. 20.
Ground was broken nearly a year ago in October on the house along NW Second Avenue. In that time, volunteers have helped build the three-bedroom house for LaVigne and her two children, Aubrie, 6, and Robbie, nearly 4.

They started in leased space in Lonsdale, two brothers working hard to build a company they could be proud to carry the family name.

Motorists from New Prague, Montgomery and the area who use use Highway 21 through Jordan, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today the Highway 21 and County Road 66/Sawmill Road roundabout in Jordan will fully open at 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29.
Crews began building the $3.06 million roundabout project June 12, resulting in a total closure of Highway 21, Sawmill Road and County Road 66 at the intersection. Sawmill Road access reopened Sept. 1.

New Prague High School’s homecoming royalty, from left, king Paddy O’Rourke, princess Elizabeth Scharpen and queen Molly King were part of the high school’s parade on Main Street Friday, Sept. 22. O’Rourke and King were crowned during a pepfest earlier in the day. Homecoming festivities continue with the 7 p.m. football game against Rochester Century Friday night with the homecoming dance to follow. For more see an upcoming print edition of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher photo)

Public health workers in Scott and Le Sueur counties are encouraging people who haven’t recently been vaccinated to consider receiving the latest vaccines aimed at minimizing the impacts of COVID and fighting its spread.

Two New Prague businesses are under new ownership with one receiving a new name in the process.
Under new ownership are the Corner Bar and Pioneer Saloon, which has been renamed Outlaw Saloon.
Outlaw Saloon On Friday, Sept. 1, Rob Krautkramer and his partner, Dione Bast, became the new owners and operators of the Outlaw Saloon, 103 Main St. W. As the Pioneer Saloon, it was owned and managed by Mark Michel for 24 years.