Eleanor A. “Ellie” Sirek, age 82, of Elko, entered eternal life on Saturday, November 13 as a result of complications from Covid-19 at Northfield Hospital. Ellie was born on February 21, 1939 in Wheatland Township to Emil and Anna Svoboda. She was born prematurely and fondly told the story about her parents putting her in a bread pan on the oven door to keep her warm. As an only child, she grew up on the family farm where she resided for her entire life. She graduated from New Prague High School and loved to tell everyone how she never missed a day of school.

Eileen Dolores Burns, age 87, died of natural causes on November 04, 2021, in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

Blanche Havel Zellmer, age 99-3/4, passed away Thursday, November 11, 2021, at The Emeralds of Faribault. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery with Father George Grafsky officiating.
Celebration of Life will follow from noon to 3 p.m. at the American Legion Club in Montgomery. Private family burial will be held in the St. John Catholic Cemetery in Montgomery. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to St. John’s Cemetery.

Tom Goetzinger, left, receives the Minnesota Superior Civilian Service Award from Lt. General Richard Nash (retired) on Sunday, Nov. 14, during KCHK Radio’s annual Free Listener Appreciation Dance at the Park Ballroom in New Prague. Goetzinger was recognized for his support of the New Prague community and recognizing service members, veterans and their families. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Mary Alice Bastyr, age 77, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, died peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at St. Gertrude’s in Shakopee.  Mary was born on December 6, 1943, in Veseli, Wheatland Township, Minnesota, to Guy and Anna S. (Simon) Novak.  She attended Most Holy Trinity School in Veseli, and married Edward M. Bastyr on December 29, 1958, at Most Holy Trinity Church in Veseli.

A 42-year-old woman died on Friday, Nov. 12 in an ATV accident.
According to Jess Mullenmeister, Sergeant with the Rice County Sheriff’s Department, Sara White, 42, died when she was thrown from an ATV while it was being towed. The Rice County Sheriff’s Office responded to the accident at 30th St. W and Cass Ave. at approximately 12:23 p.m.
White was in the driver’s seat without a helmet when the accident occurred, the report said.

“If you’re looking for a silver lining in this pandemic, improved broadband service in Le Sueur County is one.”
- Barbara Dröher Kline
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Le Sueur County has spent $1.7 million of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to improve the speed and reliability of internet service throughout the county.

Members of the New Prague Veterans Honor Guard and guests raise the Minnesota and POW/MIA flags for the first time at the New Prague Veterans Memorial on Thursday, Nov. 11. The Honor Guard thought it was appropriate it to have all three flags flying over the new memorial on Veterans Day. The Honor Guard also had a brief ceremony at the Veterans Memorial, which is located in Memorial Park. For more on Veterans Day celebrations check out an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

The New Prague volleyball team advanced to the Class AAA State Volleyball Tournament for the first time since 2001. The Trojans placed second to Eagan 20 years ago. The 2021 New Prague team opened State Tournament action Wednesday, Nov. 10 and defeated Chisago Lakes (20-25, 25-17, 25-19, 25-11). This win moves the Trojans (21-10 overall) into the State Semifinals Friday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. against No. 2 rated Kasson-Mantorville, a straight set winner over Sauk Rapids/Rice. No. 1 rated Marshall and Grand Rapids will play in the other semifinal match Friday.

Crews work on the New Prague Veterans Memorial on Wednesday, Nov. 10. Upon completion of the new memorial in Memorial Park, New Prague’s Main Street will officially be opened to traffic. The opening of Main Street was delayed due to the size of the crane needed to move the large stone monuments into place. If the work is completed on November 10 Main Street will open on Thursday, Nov. 11, otherwise the street will open by Friday, Nov. 12. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

The New Prague Post Office reopened the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 9, after being closed for roughly two and-a-half months. The post office on Main Street is now fully open. It closed on Saturday, Aug. 21, and was originally scheduled to be closed for 26 days so work could be done to the floors. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Dolores Tuma, age 93 of Northfield, passed away Saturday evening, November 6, 2021, at Three Links Care Center.

Donald F. Geiger, age 87, of New Prague, died suddenly at his home with his wife at his side on Saturday, November 6, 2021.  Don was born on July 10, 1934 in Jordan to Elmer H. and Alvina M. (Peters) Geiger.  He attended St. Joseph Parochial School and grew up on the family farm.  He married the love of his life, Dorothy M.

Delia Leahy, age 84 of Webster, passed away with her family by her side on Thursday evening, November 4, 2021, at The Villages of Lonsdale.

Gary L. Kohoutek, age 71, of New Prague, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, November 4, 2021. Gary was born on July 3, 1950 in New Prague to Walter W. and Georgean (Pauly) Kohoutek. He attended St. Wenceslaus School and graduated from New Prague High School. Gary met and married the love of his life, Judy A. Mahowald in Minneapolis on November 8, 1968. Settling in New Prague, Gary, opened New Prague Auto Repair, which he currently owned and operated along with Judy.

The New Prague (20-10 overall record) volleyball team has advanced to the 2021 Class AAA State Tournament after winning the Section 6AAA Championship Thursday, Nov. 4. The Trojans defeated Holy Angels 25-16, 19-25, 25-21, and 26-25 in Waconia. This will be the second time a New Prague volleyball team has advanced to State. The last time was in 2001. The Trojans will play Wednesday, Nov. 10 at either 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul in the Class AAA State Quarterfinals. Seeding for the tournament will take place Sunday morning.