Andrew Thom stresses he is joking when he says he was hoping his daughter would arrive in time for he and his wife, Nicole, to receive a tax credit for having a child in 2023.
But Nicole and Andrew were delighted when their daughter, Louella Ann, arrived in time to become the first baby of 2024 in The New Prague Times’ New Year’s Baby 2024 contest.
Louella Ann arrived Monday, Jan. 1, 8:10 p.m. Born at St. Francis Regional Medical Center, she arrived weighing 8 pounds, 8 ounces. Louella arrived at 21 1/2 inches long. Louella Ann is the couple’s first child.

On Saturday, Dec. 30, descendants of Francis Atherton Bean Sr. and Jr. were in New Prague to meet with the current and future owner of the Bean Mansion at 211 Second St. NW, which has been a home for many families.

More than 150 people, mostly children with their families, celebrated the new year early with a ball drop at noon during the second annual Noon Year’s Eve Ball Drop Sunday, Dec. 31, at Eagle View Elementary School in Elko New Market.
“It seemed like a bigger crowd than last year,” said Pastor Gordon Deuel of Crossroads Church, which hosted the event. “We had a good crew of volunteers and something fur for all ages.”

The American Legion in Montgomery has had a banner out front for a few weeks now advertising a new restaurant coming called Taco Terco. It is a partnership between the Legion and Taco Terco’s owners, Chef Daniel Garza and his wife Cara Sutton. The restaurant is set to open in the first part of January 2024.

Diana Turek, age 65 of Montgomery, was found deceased in her vehicle in front of Edel’s Meat Market at 116 1st Street North in Montgomery Thursday, Dec. 21.
A female customer arriving at the meat market noticed Turek in the vehicle and knocked on the window but got no response. She made a call to 911 at about 3:22 p.m.
Montgomery Police Officer Sladek was dispatched, arrived on scene and advised dispatch to send Montgomery Area EMS. Officer Sladek found Turek in her vehicle. He checked for vital signs and advised dispatch to cancel EMS as she was deceased.

After rebounding from a tough loss, New Prague High School’s boys’ ice hockey team is playing well and rolling. It might not be a time to rest for the holiday break.
But New Prague coach Brad Drazan said the team will work on some of the nagging little things that still need to be cleaned up heading into the meaty part of the schedule where the Trojans will face Metro West teams. He’s planning practices over the break, workouts that include a 3-against-3 tournament.

New Prague airman finished the mission to make it home in time
He tried not to dwell on the upcoming holiday with his wife and children back half way around the world. Instead, Master Sgt. Brad Miller focused on his work each day and maintained confidence he and his fellow airmen would be home for Christmas.

Le Sueur County passed a levy and budget for 2024 at the County Board of Commissioners meeting on Dec. 12.
After breezing through monthly business, the levy and budget section of the meeting was convened after an hour recess.
County Administrator Joe Martin first gave a presentation breaking down user fees, highlighting the increases for the next year. No commentary was given by the public once the floor was opened. On a motion by David Preisler, second by David Gliszinski the user fee changes were unanimously approved.

For the second consecutive year, Santa will have a hideaway near New Prague where children and families can visit with him and get photos.
Santa, also known as Jim Prokes, will have visits in his sleigh in his yard along Drexel Avenue north of New Prague. People can find out when visits will be happening at Santa’s Hideaway - New Prague on Facebook.
“Last year we had no blow-up decorations, one sleigh and a little Santa (decoration),” said Santa Prokes about the first year he, his wife and daughter, Jayme, did the visits at their property.

A couple weeks after the flags and cups were pulled for the season, Mother Nature gave the staff at New Prague Golf Club and area courses a rare opportunity at bonus rounds.

This story has been updated.
Fire broke out in a structure on the 9000 block of Union Hill Boulevard in Belle Plaine Township just outside of the city of Belle Plaine Tuesday morning, Dec. 12.

A gentle snow fell and brought a festive feeling to the activities of Frosty Fest in Lonsdale on Small Business Saturday.
The snow brought slippery conditions to the roads and for those walking about, forcing everyone to slow their pace.
Shops in Lonsdale had special extended hours encouraging residents to shop at their local stores. Many businesses offered specials but the highlight for many was Something For All’s Winter Wonderland.

It was a busy evening in New Prague as the community held its 27th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights and Celebration.
There were about 30 entries in the parade along Main Street, including this one from the New Prague Area Figure Skating Club. The festivities continued in Memorial Park with the tree lighting, fireworks, children visiting with Santa and hot cocoa.
Before the parade there was a Live Nativity scene at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.
For more see an upcoming print edition of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher photo)

Kelly Nelson, left, and her mom Glad Busch enjoy dessert at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church’s community Thanksgiving meal Thursday, Nov. 23, in New Prague. “I came from out of town to take her to Thanksgiving,” said Nelson, who lives in Mountain Lake, about 100 miles away. They were among the many people who stopped by the event which brings people together to share in the spirit of community and enjoy a good meal with family and friends. (Patrick Fisher photo)

Joel Loose and his family were thrilled and grateful for the support they received at a benefit in his honor Sunday afternoon, Nov. 19, at The Depot in New Prague.
Approximately 450 people attended the benefit fundraiser to help the Loose family with medical expenses during Joel’s battle ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) after surviving heart and lung surgery. He is planning an update next week with doctors at the University of Minnesota, said Chris Loose, his wife.

Family and friends organize fundraiser for Joel Loose and family
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “If you want a friend, you need to be a friend.” For many in New Prague, the quote likely describes Joel Loose and his wife, Chris. The couple has been involved in the community either through Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, the community theater group, Generations Theatre Company, plus many other events.