The New Prague Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting and Dinner on Monday, Jan. 27, with 95 members attending. Held at Ridges at Sand Creek, north of New Prague, Chamber staff gave a review of the last year and goals for 2020.
The meeting also named the Business of the Year, with Carla Sticha of Keepsake Insurance, LLC receiving the award out of the five nominees. Other businesses that were in the running were Cedar Brook Garden Center, Giesenbrau Bier Co., Scott Equipment Company and Palmer Welcome Auto.

Julia Bisek, age 81, of New Prague, formerly of Minneapolis, died peacefully on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at Mala Strana Care and Rehabilitation Center.  Julia was born on August 31, 1938 in New Prague to Julius T. and Albina M.

A Le Center woman faces four felony charges, including wrongfully obtaining assistance and three counts of perjury. Her significant other, with whom she resides, is also charged with a felony for his role in the alleged crime.
According to Le Sueur County Court records, Shannon Jean Foline, 39, of Le Center, has been charged with receiving public assistance benefits (greater than $1,000 and less than $5,000) based upon fraudulent representation and concealment, which constitutes a felony.

The Elko New Market City Council took a step toward construction of a new building for the city’s Police Department. At its Thursday, Jan. 23, meeting the council approved plans and authorized bids for the new building, which will be an addition to Elko New Market City Hall.

A 34-year-old man died in a two-vehicle car crash Monday evening, Jan. 27, in Lonsdale.
Anthony Joseph Mancino, of Glencoe, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident that happened at the intersection of Highway 19 and County Road 2. It occurred at 5:24 p.m.
Mancino was not wearing a seatbelt.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Mancino was traveling westbound on Hwy. 19 in his 2010 Kia Rio. David Ludwig Wolf, 72, of Northfield was driving his 2012 Audi Q5 eastbound on CR 2 when the vehicles collided at the intersection.

The cast and crew of New Prague High School’s one act play “Silent Sky” celebrate after winning first place at the Sub-Section Performance Saturday, Jan. 25. The students now advance to the Section Final Performance on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Shakopee High School. The one act that places first there goes on to state competition. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Submitted Photo)

Tucker Raymond Niedermayer, 11/17/1999-1/26/2020 - 20 years old.
Born to Ann and Ray Niedermayer in Burnsville, MN on 11/17/1999 and grew up in New Prague, MN along with his 3 sisters, Jessica, Jaimie and Liza.
Tucker was a one-of-a-kind adventurer who loved exploring and seeking the fun adventures in life.
His kind, giving and compassionate heart has touched many lives in the community and beyond. He was one of the biggest lover of animals you will ever meet, along with his love for his car.

Born on April 4, 1958, in New Prague, Minnesota, raised in Montgomery, Minnesota. Mary Therese Schatz-Grootveld was diagnosed with ALS in March, 2019.
She lost her battle and died peacefully in her sleep on December 7, 2019 at her home in Snohomish, Washington at 61.
She received her Master’s Degree from WWU in 2007 and her PhD. in Philosophy, with Concentration on Rehabilitation and Clinical Counseling from East Caroline University in 2017. Mary loved her job as a counselor. Her best job ever was raising her two boys.

Della A. Hruska - Long time resident of New Prague died at 9:00 a.m. on Friday 1/24/2020 at the Porter Hospice House in Centennial, Colorado. She was in hospice care since 1/20/2020. Her Dad - John Kotek died on the same day 1/24/1963. She went to St. Wenceslaus Grade school and graduated from New Prague High School. She and her husband Alvin Hruska (died 5/3/1988) owned and operated the Our Own Hardware Store in New Prague from October 1957 - October 1970.

Della “Sue” Coons, age 96, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Mala Strana Rehabilitation and Care Center.  Sue was born on February 9, 1923 in Romney, West Virginia to William J.

New Prague area residents can get a look at the work of 20 New Prague High School students with a free performance this Friday, Jan. 24, of the One Act Play “Silent Sky” by Lauren Gunderson. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. at the high school auditorium, 221 12th St. NE.
“The show is shaping up well. The kids are improving each and every day. The costumes are wonderful, and we’re really looking forward to performing this Friday,” said director Ben Thietje.

Virginia B. Schmitz, age 95, of New Prague, entered eternal life on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at Mala Strana Nursing Home in New Prague.
Virginia was born in Jordan, on April 24, 1924, the daughter of John and Mathilda (Haus) Mayerhofer. She married Alvin Schmitz on October 6, 1943, in Jordan.

Battling hard paid off for the New Prague Youth Traveling Team on Sunday, Jan. 12. The team took home the first place trophy for the K-3 tournament in Moundsview at the Iron Mustangs tournament.
Their first match was against Stillwater and was won by one point. New Prague battled for 40 points, while Stillwater ended with 39 points.
The second team New Prague took on was Moundsview. New Prague was again victorious with 73 points to the 12 points from Moundsview.
The final match for first place was a...

Le Sueur County and the City of Kilkenny have reached an agreement pertaining to law enforcement services.
During the Jan. 21 Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Brett Mason presented a contract that has the county providing law enforcement to the City of Kilkenny.
City officials in Kilkenny have already endorsed the contract. The commissioners approved the contract unanimously Tuesday.
Sheriff Mason said the county had been patrolling Kilkenny without a contract for years.

The New Prague wrestling team won its 18th straight dual meet Thursday, Jan. 16, defeating Waconia 44-20.
The Trojans, ranked 4th in Class AAA, defeated the No. 20AAA ranked Wildcats by winning 10 of the 14 matches wrestled.
In a match-up of top 10 rate wrestlers, William Busch (4th-195AAA) edged Bram Fitzsimmonds (#6-195AAA) by a 3-2 decision.
New Prague recorded three pins but also scored one technical fall and three major decisions.
Koy Buesgens (106), Colton Bornholdt (113), and Colby Dunkel (120) each had major...

Last weekend was a reminder that it’s still definitely winter and we have a little more than two months left of snow, ice, cold temperatures and wind. If we’re lucky we won’t have a snowstorm in April, but you never know.