If you run a school bus stop sign, local police, the state patrol or sheriff’s deputies will likely see it in living color.
A year ago, the New Prague School District’s new bus camera equipment recorded 84 vehicles running stop arms from school buses during the 2022-23 school year. All 84 were forwarded to law enforcement agencies. About half of them resulted in citations issued, said Tim Dvorak, the New Prague School District’s lead mechanic. He’s been tasked with tracking the number of violations caught on camera.

The Sixth Annual Hops for Hope at Giesenbrau Bier Co. in New Prague Saturday, Sept. 9, brought in $81,000, which will go into research for the neurodegenerative diseases ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and FTD (frontotemporal degeneration).
“This was the highest net profit we’ve had,” said JeNean Erickson, who helps organize Hops for Hope, about this year’s amount. She said the funds will be divided evenly between The ALS Association and The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.

Almost a year ago, the opportunity and pleasure of working here in New Prague became a reality.
There was much to anticipate back then.
One of the neat facets of working in New Prague is the annual Dozinky Czech harvest festival. It’s been said there are points during the coming weekend when the community’s population could swell to well over 12, 13,000 or more people. That will be really cool to see and experience.

Having waited three weeks to break in the renovated tennis courts at New Prague High School, the Trojans proved the wait was worthwhile as New Prague christened the new playing surface with a win.
New Prague will host Chaska today, Sept. 14, 4:15 p.m., and then head over to Southwest Christian High School to face the Stars Monday, Sept. 18, 4 p.m. New Prague will face St. Louis Park Tuesday, Sept. 19, 4:15 p.m., at SLPHS.

There are some things I’ve yet to do such as skydiving, bungee jumping off a bridge, see a production of “A Christmas Carol” at the Guthrie Theater, see the rock band U2 in concert, visit Europe or visit New York City.
This past weekend, I did one thing I’ve never done before, although not from the above list. I went to the Defeat of Jesse James Days in Northfield. Some people may find that surprising with how long I’ve lived in the area. The simple reason is I’ve usually had other events planned at the same time as the annual festival.

The DFL Rural Caucus is hosting a legislative meeting Thursday, Sept. 21, 5 -7 p.m., at the New Prague Public Library, 400 Main St E, New Prague. Featured speakers are Rep. Kristi Pursell (D - Northfield) and Rep. Luke Frederick (D-Mankato).

Hannah Kallsen, age 29, passed away Monday Sept. 4, 2023.
Hannah is survived by daughter Myla, parents Matt and Shelley Kallsen, grandparent’s Gary and Joyce Kallsen, Shirley, and Harvey Olson. She is preceded in death by her grandfather William Orndorff.
Hannah studied art and psychology (B.A.) at the University of Wisconsin River Falls, (Wis). She enjoyed painting and drawing. She attended New Prague High School and Normandale PSEO.

Irene E. Busch, age 90, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, at her home at Praha Village.  Irene was born June 23, 1933 on the family farm to Henry and Anna (Walker) Bendzick. She grew up on the farm and had fond memories of taking raspberries to a farmer’s market in St. Paul and coming home with lemons to make lemonade.  She attended St. John Parochial School and graduated from Jordan High School.

Michael Ellman, age 47, of New Prague, passed away Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at his home.

Members of the New Prague Fire Department displayed an oversized American flag from a ladder truck overlooking Highway 21 Monday, Sept. 11, to honor the people killed in a terrorist attack 22 years ago.

Joseph F. Leahy Jr., age 89, of Webster, died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, his mother’s birthday, with his family at his side at Three Links Care Center in Northfield.  

Two New Prague men are facing felony weapons charges after police exercised a search warrant Tuesday, Sept. 5, at a house on the 200 block of Second Street SW in New Prague.
Sir Kristopher Rayvo’nne Adams and Justin Nielsen face alleged felony counts involving allegations of alleged removal or alteration of a serial number and ineligibility to possess firearms or ammunition.

Construction of the roundabout on Highway 13/Le Sueur County Road 28 is nearly complete and expected to partially open to traffic Friday evening, September 1, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The south segment of the roundabout will remain closed to traffic as Highway 13 south of County Road 28 remains under construction.
Paving on Highway 13 from Lexington Avenue to Tri-City United High School is expected to be complete Saturday evening, September 2. Lexington Avenue is open to motorists for crossing.

All that stood between St. Patrick’s bid for a berth in the state tournament’s semifinal round Saturday, Sept. 2, was an offensive juggernaut the Irish hoped would have an off day with the bats. It didn’t work out that way.

The members of New Prague High School’s volleyball team has strong expectations for this season.
“We know we can compete with anybody. We expect to be in a position to win every time we step on the court, and bring a tenacious, competitive spirit every day in both practices and games,” said head coach Greg Sayuk.

Charles “Chuck” Martin Remes, former New Prague resident, passed peacefully Aug. 31, 2023, at the age of 57 at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Mary’s Campus in Rochester, Minn. He was born April 5, 1966, in Minneapolis, Minn. 
Chuck was a devoted and loving husband to Dalaine Remes (Skinner) for nearly 30 years and a proud father to his three daughters: Sara Beth (Grant Soper), Megan Alicia, and Anna Rose Remes. He is survived by his brother, Scott (Liz) Remes, and his father, Richard “Dick” Remes. Chuck was preceded in death by his mother, Deanna Remes.