Scott County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch received a report of a two-vehicle crash that occurred on Scott County 23 (Panama Avenue) south of Scott County 68 (190th Street East) in Spring Lake Township at 3:08 p.m. on Mar. 2.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a 2007 GMC Sierra, that was towing an enclosed trailer, driven by Arturo Garcia Rivera (39) of Lakeville, was traveling southbound on Panama Avenue when it crossed the center line, striking a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan traveling northbound, driven by Megan Rae Taylor (50) of Lonsdale.   

Linda A. Pesta, age 72, of Lonsdale, MN, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN, surrounded by her family.

Marie A. Flicek, nee Jelinek, age 83 of New Prague, passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
Marie was born September 2, 1939 in Prague, Czechoslovakia, the daughter of Vladimir and Marie (Snopova) Jelinek.
Marie left Czechoslovakia with her family during WWII. They moved to Canada where they crop farmed for several years.

Julius J. “Sonny” Bisek, age 82, of New Prague, died peacefully but unexpectedly at his home at Queen’s Court on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.  Sonny was born on April 1, 1940 in New Prague to Julius T. and Albina (Kriha) Bisek.  He lived his entire life in New Prague, attended St. Wenceslaus Parochial School and graduated from New Prague High School.  After military service in the US Army, Sonny worked his entire career with Holiday Foods, which became Cub Foods.  Sonny was a man of great faith, generously supporting St. Wenceslaus Church and especially St.

New Prague High School’s wrestlers battled hard, but fell to Simley, 46-20, in the Class AA state wrestling title Thursday, March 2, at the Xcel Energy Center. The Trojans finished second after defeating Mora, 47-20, and Kasson-Mantorville, 34-32, earlier in the day to claim a spot in the championship round. For more see an upcoming print edition of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) announced no additional environmental study is needed for a proposed plant from Niagara Bottling in Elko New Market.
Tuesday, Feb. 28, the city received a received notice from the MnDNR in the form of a Record of Decision / Findings of Fact, that the MnDNR has determined that an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) will not be prepared for the proposed Niagara Water Bottling Project in Elko New Market, as requested by a petition submitted to the Environmental Quality Board (EQB).

Despite their best effort, the New Prague boys' ice hockey team wasn't able to defend its Section 1A title crown from a year ago. The Trojans' season came to a tough end with a 6-0 loss to Northfield Wednesday night, March 1, in Rochester.

Emmett J. Zweber age 88, of Burnsville passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully at home February 23, 2023. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Ruth. Survived by sons Jon (Margot) and Jason; daughter Jennell (John) Francis; grandchildren, Lilly and Anna Francis.

After a community forum Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 28, and final interview with the New Prague Area School Board that evening, directors voted 7-0 to enter contract negotiations with Andy Vollmuth to become the school district’s next superintendent.
Vollmuth is the principal of Normandale Hills Elementary School in Bloomington. The board’s other finalist was Dana Miller. She is the executive director of Teaching and Learning for the Wayzata School District. Miller participated in a community forum and final interview with the school board Monday evening, Feb. 27.

John “Jack” Roman Miska, age 91 of Le Center passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Carriage House Senior Living in Le Center.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 10 AM-11AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Mass of Christian burial to immediately follow with Father Mike Barsness officiating.  Burial will be held at a later date at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Lexington.

Scott A. Rhein, age 61, of New Market, died peacefully on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Rochester Mayo Clinic Health System after a brief battle with lung cancer.  Scott was born on April 16, 1961 in St. Paul to George T. and Gretchen (Simon) Rhein.  He graduated from Burnsville High School in 1979 and married Lisa Marie Degn on September 26, 1981 at Mary Mother of the Church in Burnsville.  Scott was a building materials salesman and served as a huge influence for many in the lumber industry.

Dorothy L. Lipinski, age 89, of Lonsdale, died peacefully at The Villages of Lonsdale on Friday, February 24, 2023, just in time to be with her husband in Heaven on their anniversary.  Dorothy was born on October 24, 1933 in Taunton, MN to Ed and Catherine (Kindelberger) Bursack.  She grew up on the family farm and attended School District 33.  She married Raymond H.

Richard V. “Checkers” Ebnet, age 76, of Sandstone, died peacefully with his loving family at his side on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, after a short time in hospice at his  sister- and brother-in-law’s home in New Prague.

As it heads towards the regular season finale and an anticipated berth in the state tournament, the New Prague High School floor hockey team is looking to the potential of defending its state championship.
New Prague was slated to play Stillwater Wednesday, Feb. 25. Details of the game were not available when The New Prague Times went to press.

In a program in its second year, three brothers stand out for their commitment to the sport and their teammates.
The Dvorak brothers – Alex, Charlie and Brody – will be at the Rochester Recreation Center Wednesday through Friday, Feb. 22-24, where the New Prague boys’ swimming and diving team compete at the sectional competition. Weather conditions may impact the meet’s start time.
The brothers enjoy the competition and camaraderie of the team. They are the lone set of brothers on the team. Alex is a senior. Charlie is a ninth-grader and Brody an eighth-grader.

New Prague High School gymnastics team won state Friday, Feb. 24, at Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
For more see an upcoming print edition of The New Prague Times.