Elaine Avis (Evenson) Blomquist went to be with her Lord on March 4, 2023, at age 96. 
Her foundation of faith began when Elaine was born at the farm home of her parents in rural Ettrick, Wisconsin, on December 12, 1926. She attended a nearby small country school. Wanting her to be able to continue her education, her parents made the difficult decision to move their only child, at 16, along with a young cousin, to Galesville, Wisconsin, on their own to attend high school.

Todd Allen Trcka, age 57, of rural Belle Plaine, died at his home following his third battle with cancer on Sunday evening, February 26, 2023.  A celebration of his life and sharing was held Friday, March 3, 2023 at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine.

New Prague High School's wrestlers finished off a fine overall season at the state tournament Saturday, March 4, at Xcel Energy Center.
With the team finishing second in the state, all six NPHS wrestlers competing as individuals made the medal stand Saturday. Four of the individuals came home state champions in their respective weight classes.

Montgomery to New Prague
    
A total reconstruction of MN 13 in Montgomery from just south of Milwaukee Avenue to just north of Tri-City United High School and a roundabout at Le Sueur County 28 and MN 13 will happen this summer.
    

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.

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)

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.