New Prague honors solider
Along New Prague’s Main Street U.S. Armed Forces veterans, New Prague residents and families were out Tuesday evening, May 5, to honor Marine Corp Lance Cpl.
Eight train cars derail near Henderson
A train derailed on the Union Pacific line in far northwestern Tyrone Township, Le Sueur County, on the east side of the Minnesota River between Henderson and Ney Nature Center.
Trojans win three in baseball
New Prague won three in a row in baseball as the Trojans defeated St. Louis Park, 6-5, Chanhassen, 5-4, and Owatonna, 18-8, last week.
Bevcomm expands into cell phone service
Bevcomm is proud to announce the launch of Bevcomm Mobile, a new cellular service designed to keep customers connected wherever they go—backed by the same trusted, local support they rely on at home.
Indoor softball team wins two of three
New Prague’s indoor softball team enjoyed a solid week, winning two of three games.
New Prague’s golf teams enjoy solid showings
New Prague High School’s girls’ and boys’ golf teams have enjoyed the benefits of practice and patience during the past week. The teams have earned solid showings at area courses and on the road.
Von Bank dedicated decades of service to New Prague
When he was working a shift for the old New Prague Ambulance Service, there was never a need to ask Harry Von Bank how to get to wherever the ambulance was headed. He just knew the way.
American Legion’s National Commander visits Post 45
American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley of Kansas visited New Prague American Legion Post 45, Thursday, April 23, for a dinner and presentation.
MVEC elects new board members, announces scholarships
Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC), which serves much of our readership area, held its annual meeting at Jordan High School on Tuesday, April 7, where over 200 members gathered.
Larry Tupa passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and stories that will be cherished forever.
William Charles Bergevin, age 91, of New Prague, died peacefully on May 6, 2026 at New Perspective Senior Living in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
Lucille M. “Lucy” Palma, age 91, of Faribault, died on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Friendship Manor in Shakopee, Minnesota. Lucille was born to Joseph and Salbina (David) Maxa on July 27, 1934. She attended Holy Redeemer School and Montgomery-Lonsdale Schools in Montgomery, MN. Lucille married Clarence Palma on June 16, 1953. They enjoyed 27 years of marriage before his passing in November 1980. Together they had 5 children, enjoying farm life outside of Lonsdale before moving into the town of Lonsdale in 1970.
Along New Prague’s Main Street U.S. Armed Forces veterans, New Prague residents and families were out Tuesday evening, May 5, to honor Marine Corp Lance Cpl. Gavin Burggraff, who died unexpectedly and was being brought home for funeral services at Bruzek Funeral Home, Friday, May 8, and St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Saturday, May 9, both in New Prague. The full obituary can be found on The New Prague Times’ social media and in the Thursday, May 7, print edition of The Times. Many people gathered near the New Prague Veterans Memorial, holding U.S.
Richard E. Pexa, age 74, of Lonsdale passed away on April 30, 2026, in Watertown, MN, surrounded by family.
He was born March 6, 1952, in New Prague to Frank and Julia (Smisek).
A train derailed on the Union Pacific line in far northwestern Tyrone Township, Le Sueur County, on the east side of the Minnesota River between Henderson and Ney Nature Center. A total of eight rail cars left the tracks just north of the Highway 19 bridge over the tracks.
Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center received a call from Union Pacific Railroad at approximately 2:39 a.m. on May 2 and were notified of the derailment, according to the press release from the sheriff’s office. The report said that the cars were carrying liquid methane, propane, and grain.
Shirley Ann Cervenka (nee Friedges), age 84, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Noon, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Detroit Lakes, MN. A second Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, St. Patrick, MN, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the parish cemetery. Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at West Kjos Funeral Home, Detroit Lakes, MN, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Gavin J. Burggraff, age 20, unexpectedly passed away on April 17, 2026. Born on March 16, 2006, in Faribault, Minnesota, Gavin was a beloved son, brother, and dedicated member of the United States Marine Corps.
A proud infantryman, Gavin achieved the rank of Lance Corporal during his service. His commitment to his country and to protecting the freedoms we cherish was evident in the way he lived and served.
Gregory “Greg” Joseph Wacker, age 75, of Montgomery, died on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Mala Strana Care and Rehabilitation Center.
Greg was born on February 2, 1951, in Sharon Township, Le Sueur County, during a bitter winter cold snap when temperatures dipped to 28 degrees below zero. He was the son of Clayton and Margaret (Picha) Wacker. Greg attended Le Sueur High School and graduated with the Class of 1969.
G. Sue Guinn (née Smith), age 83, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, in Jordan, Minnesota. Born on August 16, 1942, in Dayton, Ohio, Sue lived a full and vibrant life dedicated to her family, career, and passions.
Le Sueur County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) Mark Roemhildt delivered his final department report to the Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners at their regular meeting on April 21.
“I am just across six years in this position,” Roemhildt said. “My last day will be Friday, May 1. My last day in the office, however, will be this coming Friday (April 24), and then Joe will have the keys to the castle.”
Succeeding Roemhildt is Joe Fisher, who was hired to the position on April 6. He had been training for the three weeks before the meeting.
Joseph E. Ziskovsky, age 96, of Veseli, passed away on May 3, 2026.
Joe was born on July 17, 1929, to Joseph A. and Otillia Ziskovsky on the family farm in Wheatland Township (Webster, MN). He grew up on that farm and continued dairy farming there for 56 years.
He married JoAnn Bartusek on April 29, 1978. This year, they would have celebrated 48 years of marriage, just one day away. Together they had three children: Derrick, Kristina, and Emily.
When he was working a shift for the old New Prague Ambulance Service, there was never a need to ask Harry Von Bank how to get to wherever the ambulance was headed. He just knew the way.
From its inception in 1969 through 2010, Harold ‘Harry’ Von Bank gave 41 years of his life to the community’s ambulance service. Von Bank passed away earlier this month, April 10. He was the last surviving member of the people who formed the old New Prague Ambulance Service. A native of the area, he knew the community, its residents and its streets.
New Prague city councilors approved the purchase of two Matrice 4TD Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV) from Vertex Unmanned Solutions for $24,598. Last Monday, April 20, drones the police department will use to serve the public in times of urgent need – when searching for a lost person, searching for a suspect or someone in need.
Bevcomm is proud to announce the launch of Bevcomm Mobile, a new cellular service designed to keep customers connected wherever they go—backed by the same trusted, local support they rely on at home.
Available exclusively to Bevcomm internet customers, Bevcomm Mobile extends the company’s commitment to delivering reliable connections, according to a press release from Bevcomm. With nationwide coverage powered by America’s largest networks and straightforward, highly competitive pricing, customers can enjoy a seamless experience both at home and on the go, said the press release.
