The neighbors of Horseshoe Lane in New Prague gather with New Prague Police Officer Neil Flum during National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 2. It was a night of visiting with neighbors and offering fun and treats for children in the neighborhood. Members of the New Prague Fire Department visited that neighborhood and the Silver Maple Bay Estates neighborhood. At that gathering were Scott County Sheriff Luke Hennen, members of the Scott County Mounted Patrol and others in local law enforcement. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Sonia H. Funk, age 94, of New Prague, formerly of Minnetonka, died peacefully with her family at her side, on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at Traditions of Montgomery. Sonia was born on February 4, 1928 in Minneapolis to William E. and Signe B. (Peterson) Hovey. She was raised in the Camden area of Minneapolis, graduating from Patrick Henry High School. She married Raymond A. Funk on September 6, 1947 in Minneapolis and in her first years of marriage, she worked for the phone company.

Erik C. Puffer, age 41, of New Prague, died peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. Erik was born a twin on May 28, 1981 in Minneapolis to Dr. Charles W. and Lana R. (Erickson) Puffer. Erik attended New Prague Public Schools with the class of 2001. Living his entire life with disability, Erik’s life was full and meaningful for him and those around him. He was always happy, bringing joy to his family and caregivers. He loved his roommates and could easily be coaxed into giggles and laughter.

Members of the First and Third Minnesota reenactors participate in the Saturday, July 30, ceremony to honor Civil War veteran Corporal Hercules LaChapelle at the St. Louis French Catholic Cemetery, south of New Prague. As part of the ceremony a headstone was unveiled for Corporal LaChapelle. Attending the ceremony were descendants of Corporal LaChapelle. The ceremony also honored Corporal LaChapelle’s Native American heritage. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Energetic was the best way to describe the performance given by the Air Force Starlifter Band on Thursday, July 21, as part of the Music at the Broz in New Prague. The series of summer concerts held on the grassy space west of the Hotel Broz continued its run of having a large crowd and good weather. Crowds have been estimated around 300 people for each concert. Weather for the performances has been warm and sunny.

St. Patrick Church of Cedar Lake’s Summer Festival was described as super. It was an apt description as Sunday, July 24, was a sunny day, with temperatures in the low 80s, plus a large crowd turned out for the annual celebration. Held at the church north of New Prague, the day began with an indoor Mass at 10 a.m. and after services there were games, food and music on the grounds of St. Patrick Church.

Minnesota is home to 14,000 lakes, 12,000 loons, 135,000 seasonal lake cabins and 3.9 million newspaper readers. Really?
Really. Every month, 86% of Minnesota adults read newspapers’ print and online issues, according to a new Minnesota Market Study conducted by Coda Ventures. The study measures media usage and purchase behavior of Minnesota adults across urban and rural zip codes (see full-page ad in this issue).

With only one night remaining in the DRS Amateur Baseball League schedule, a handful of teams are still looking to move up in the standings in order to receive a playoff bye.
The teams played Wednesday, July 27 in their final evening of regular season play.
St. Patrick (19-2 record in DRS) has clinched the No. 1 seed in the Region 6C Playoffs, which will feature eight teams from the DRS League. Montgomery (14-7) and Union Hill (13-8) have also clinched byes into the Class 3C Playoffs, which start Friday, August 5 or Saturday, August 6.

Lonsdale will crown its newest Miss Lonsdale and name new ambassadors in the Lonsdale Coronation on Saturday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. at TCU Lonsdale Elementary School. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The new Miss Ambassadors who are up for the title of Miss Lonsdale are Hannah Reis and Andra Sherman. Reis is the daughter of Michelle and Dion Reis. Sherman is the daughter of Jason and Jenny Sherman.

Donald Andrew “Don” Sirek passed away on July 22nd at the age of 90, in his hometown of New Prague, Minnesota.  Don was born on April 26, 1932, in New Prague to Andrew and Sentina (Crema) Sirek.  Raised in the Catholic faith, he attended St. Wenceslaus Grade School and graduated from New Prague High School, where he enjoyed seasonal sports including football, baseball, and basketball.  In 1948 Don completed all the requirements to become an Eagle Scout with a Bronze Palm.  He continued his studies at St.

Geraldine “Geri” Komarek, age 88, of Faribault, died Sunday, July 24, 2022, at her home. 
Private family services will be held.
Arrangements are being completed by Boldt Funeral Home, Faribault. 

Laurie Lynn Rumpza (Tuma), age 60, of Rosemount, MN, passed away on July 17, 2022. 

Braylon Mitchell, Hadley Mitchell, Frannie Peterka and Eleanor Peterka were rocking to the music of the Air Force Starlifter Band during Music at the Broz the evening of Thursday, July 21. The band is formed of Active Duty Airmen and featured mostly high energy rock. The large crowd enjoyed a beautiful sunset as the band played. The band recognized those who served in the Armed Forces with a medley of music associated with each branch. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

The cast of Generations Theatre Company’s production of “Matilda the Musical” take time for a photo before a rehearsal on Sunday, July 17. The show opens a two weekend run tonight (Friday, July 22) and will be performed at the New Prague High School auditorium, 221 12th St. NE. Shows will be on Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the dates of July 22, 23, 29, 30 at 7:30 p.m. (previous showtimes for those dates were incorrect) and July 24 and 31 at 2 p.m.

Sidney Vikla, 90, of Lonsdale, died at the Northfield Hospital, on November 9, 2021.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 6 from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at the Montgomery American Legion in Montgomery. Sidney is survived by his wife, Betty Ann Vikla of Lonsdale; daughter, Melodi (Larry) Van Roekel of Nerstrand.
Arrangements are with the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. 507-357-6116. Online condolences may be left at www.schoenbauerfuneralhome.com.

Kenneth A. Skelly, 70, of Montgomery passed away at his home on June 10, 2022. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 30 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. A prayer service will follow at 2:30, also at the funeral home.
Donations can be made to the Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society 1250 N. River Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 in Ken’s memory.
Ken was born on March 11, 1952, in St. Paul and adopted by Howard and Mildred (Struck) Skelly. He attended Waterville-Elysian High School.