Update
On May 4, at 11:44 a.m., Scott County 911 Dispatch was notified of a barn on fire along 280th Street (Highway 13/19, east of New Prague) in Cedar Lake Township.
Police and fire were dispatched to the address and found a large steel shed and single-family home on fire. Fire personnel immediately began fire suppression efforts and were ultimately able to extinguish both fires. However, damage to the home and shed was substantial.

Francis E. Schoenecker, age 73, of New Prague, formerly of Montgomery, died peacefully with his family at his side on Monday, May 2, 2022 at Mala Strana Assisted Living.  Francis was born on July 9, 1948 in New Prague to Erwin H. and Mary E. (Ademmer) Schoenecker.  He attended Holy Redeemer Catholic School and graduated from Montgomery High School.  He worked for Minnesota Valley Breeders for many years and finished out his career as a machinist for Scott Equipment. 

Armella A. Hartman Hinderscheit, age 95, of Montgomery, formerly of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side, on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at Traditions of Montgomery.  Armella was born on August 20, 1926 in St. Bernard, Nebraska to Anton and Christina (Niebur) Dohmen.  She grew up in St.

The cause of the explosion and fire at 35533 211th Ave. Le Center (Montgomery Township) on February 26, 2022, that killed Kailey Mach, 20, has been determined.
According to Le Sueur Co. Sheriff Brett Mason, a leak in the home’s propane line outside of the residence was the cause. Mason said investigators from his office, the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office and other private Fire Cause and Origin Investigators met at the property on April 21 and conducted an in-depth examination of the scene.

Mary Ann Kucera, age 84, of New Prague, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Mary Ann was born on October 31, 1937 in New Prague to Frank J. and Anna A. (Lukes) Kuzelka.  A lifelong resident of New Prague, she graduated from New Prague High School and married her devoted partner and sweetheart, Francis C. “Fritz” Kucera on September 14, 1957 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.  Mary Ann had many jobs throughout her life but most of her career outside the home was spent as a proofreader for Suel Printing/New Prague Times. 

Le Sueur County Historical Society (LCHS) saw little change to it’s nine-person board after an election was held at the organization’s Annual Meeting on April 19.
Of the five board seats on the ballot, four were filled by incumbents. Those re-elected to the board include: Rich Bennett, Bryce Stenzel, Mike Frederick, and George Luskey.
Board member Lois Mack chose not to run for re-election, and Paul Malchow of Ottawa was elected to fill the seat.

New Prague High School seniors and juniors will spend “A Night On the Red Carpet” during Prom this Saturday, April 30. So far 560 students have signed up to attend Prom. The Grand March will be held in the high school gym, 221 12th St. NE, from 4-6 p.m., is open to the public and there is no admission fee.
After the Grand March students will meet at the Park Ballroom at 6 p.m. for a meal of roast beef, chicken, and wild rice. After that there will be a dance.

Nearly an inch of rain and gusts of winds exceeding 40 miles per hour did not stop vendors and attendees from making it out to the 45th annual Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Swap Meet over the weekend.
“I love it,” said Linda Friesz of New Prague. “The weather makes it more fun.”
Friesz said that she loves being a part of the swap meet both as a member of the Credit River Tractor Club selling raffle tickets and being a customer shopping at the wide variety of booths whose vendors sell everything from hand crafted items to scrap metal to antiques and more.

Elko Express Terry Fredrickson/ Elko Express Manager ( 7th season), Last year’s record: 22-15 overall. Lost the last Section 1 play in game to not qualify for the Class B Tournament. Players who left to team: We lost several key players from last year. Key players back: Dylan Thomas, pitcher/outfielder/hitter. Travis Evanson infield/hitter, Chase Hentges outfield/hitter, Ash Larsen Hitter/outfield Kyle Kraska infield/hitter, and Easton Richter ss/pitcher/hitter. New players: Hayden Mileski, Ryan Baumgartner, Justin Roitman, Nick Dolsky pitcher, Alex Schneider pitcher.

Are we sure that the month of April knows that April Fools Day has come and gone? I think most people will understand that reference since this April has been quite cold this year. We did hit the mid 50s and even got into the 60s for just a bit, although it was very brief. I’ll admit I didn’t mind the warmer temperatures, but I also wasn’t surprised when the temperatures dropped into the 40s and the 30s.

The Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 375, approved redistricting of the county commissioner districts during their Tuesday, April19 meeting.
The Statute establishes the procedure and requires a process for redistricting based on population figures from the 2020 federal census.
The commissioners districts must be redistricted within 80 days of when the legislature has been redistricted or at least 25 weeks before the state primary election, whichever comes first.

Two weeks ago, she was helping lead an expedition in Antarctica.
By the time you’re reading this, she’ll be guiding a snorkeling adventure in Palau.
Catching up with Kristin Wornson, a 1992 graduate of New Prague High School, isn’t easy. But, when you do catch up to the busy naturalist, travel guide, and jewelry artist, she’s a breath of fresh air.
Conversation isn’t rushed. Her love of nature— down to the tiniest of plants and iridescent sea slugs—is evident, and her passion for travel is contagious.

Ten teams from the Dakota, Rice, Scott (DRS) Baseball League will be opening up their 2022 seasons Sunday, April 24.
Here is a list of games:
St. Patrick at Shakopee.
Lonsdale at Webster.
Montgomery at New Prague.
Union Hill at Veseli.
Prior Lake at Elko.
All games are scheduled for 2 p.m.
The New Prague Times will be previewing the 12 DRS teams in the April 28 edition of the paper.

The Czech Heritage Club is inviting all club members and the public to its April program and annual meeting on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at the Giesenbrau Bier Co., 1306 – 1st St NE in New Prague.
Social hour will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by a short annual meeting at 7 p.m. The featured program presenter will be Randy Peck, Herbologist, who will talk about nettles, other natural herbs, mushrooms, and medicinal and culinary uses of natural herbs.
Peck has been a...

Tami M. ”Tootie” Elstad, age 56 of Backus, formerly of New Prague, was called home to the house of our Lord on April 19, 2022, dying suddenly from a heart attack. Tami was always full of life and definitely kept the party going.
 Tami was born on August 14, 1965 to Leo and Marilyn (Pavek) Odenthal at Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague. Tami is the fourth of five children and is so very much loved by her siblings Bev, Bonnie, Brenda and Terry.

Belle Plaine High School, in conjunction with the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association, recently presented Dick Milinkovich a plaque for his 50 years in coaching. Milinkovich, a resident of New Prague and 1964 graduate of New Prague High School, was presented with the honor during Belle Plaine Award Nights after serving as the girls assistant basketball coach this year.