George Tupy, left, of the New Prague American Legion, Nick Slavik of the VFW, Greg Dohmen, Tim Marsolais, and the New Prague Veterans Honor Guard honored area veterans who have died at the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery on Monday, May 25. This Memorial Day, the New Prague Veterans Honor Guard and others visited area cemeteries reading the names of veterans who were buried at each cemetery. One change to the annual program was the guest speaker, Donald Walser, did his speech from KCHK Radio. For more on Memorial Day see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

New Prague High School seniors celebrated their last day of school on Friday, May 22, with a gathering in the high school parking lot. The event lasted about 30 minutes with most students arriving in vehicles, one decorated in the color of the Minnesota Gophers and one tractor towing a trailer. Some students had signs congratulating the Class of 2020. There were several photos and selfies taken by students and a few school staff. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Also in accordance with a proclamation issued by the President, Governor Tim Walz today directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff, effective immediately, until sunset on Sunday, May 24, 2020 to remember, mourn, and honor lives lost due to COVID-19.
 Individuals, businesses, and other organizations also are encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Minnesotans who have lost their lives to COVID-19 and their families.

The Great Minnesota Get-Together will not be held in 2020. This was announced today following a meeting of the board of managers of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, which governs the Minnesota State Fair. The event was scheduled for Aug. 27 through Labor Day, Sept. 7. 

Debra Sue Swanson Lee, 54, of New Prague, MN entered into peace Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 3:11 p.m. at her home in New Prague after a very courageous battle with cancer. Debbie was born June 21, 1965 in Sacramento, CA to Walter and Janet (Karg) Woodyard. At a young age, the family moved to Clarinda, IA where Debbie attended Clarinda Community Schools through high school graduating in 1984. Debbie then attended Iowa Western Community College in Clarinda, IA before moving to Ames, IA where she worked as an administrative assistant.

The evening of Tuesday, May 19, was warm and sunny, as the Trouba Troubadours performed an outdoor concert at Brewsters Bar & Grill in Veseli. While billed as drive by concert, people actually stopped to enjoy the music from their vehicles or yard chairs. The well attended concert was to help support the local business. Brewsters provided take out meals for the families and friends that attended. The Trouba Troubadours provided a mixture of music from country to pop to rock. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

New Prague will be celebrating Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, but there will be changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The New Prague Veterans Honor Guard will still be visiting area cemeteries and the featured speaker will be Donald Walser, who was the Judge Advocate of the American Legion, Department of Minnesota, for 20 years. This year there will be no parade along the community’s Main Street as it would be difficult to observe social distancing for veterans and others that participate in the parade.

Margaret A. Bartusek, age 81, of Veseli, died suddenly on Monday, May 18, 2020 after a short illness at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee.  Margaret was born on July 16, 1938 in New Prague to Edward F. and Agnes A. (Valek) Bastyr.  She attended St. Wenceslaus Parochial School and graduated from New Prague High School.  She married the love of her life, Richard M. Bartusek on April 19, 1958 at St.

Minnesotans will once again be able to access the majority of driver and vehicle services starting May 19, but office visits will look different with changes made to protect the health and safety of customers and staff in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Alice Salsman, 92 of New Prague died on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at home.
She was born in LeSueur, MN on January 9, 1928.  Alice attended Le Sueur High School.
On September 25, 1947, she married Keith A. Salsman in Le Sueur in St. Anne's Church.
Alice is survived by sons Todd (Carolee), Leesburg, FL and Gary (Bernie) Salsman, Jordan, MN; and daughter, Luanne (Arlie) Wood,  DeLand, FL.  Also survived by 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by sister Margurite, and brothers John (Bev) and Donald (Marilyn).

St. Wenceslaus School eighth grade teacher Jamie Schoenbauer, left, and principal Kim Doyle surprise an eighth grade student from the New Prague school with a cross and sign the afternoon of Monday, May 18. About a dozen teachers and staff from St. Wenceslaus School were driving around the New Prague area to surprise the 27 eighth graders who are graduating from the parochial school. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Donald M. Entinger, age 87, of Belle Plaine, died peacefully at his home on May 16, 2020 surrounded by his family.  Don was born on May 18, 1932 in New Prague to Peter A. and Celia C. (Huss) Entinger.  A few years after high school, he entered the US Army and served as a corporal in the Korean War.  After returning home, he began his lifelong career in farming and purchased the farm that would raise his family in 1965.  He married the love of his life, Bernice M.

Neil R. Bohnsack, age 73, of New Prague, died suddenly on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at Three Links Care Center in Northfield.  Neil was born on March 16, 1947 in New Prague to Reuben W. and Selma R. (Jahn) Bohnsack.  He graduated from New Prague High School and Dunwoody Vo-Tech Institute in electrical science.  He served four years in the US Air Force as an electrician and was stationed in Panama during the Vietnam War.  He married the love of his life, Susan J.

Stan Chromy, age 85, passed away peacefully with his wife at his side on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Stan was born on March 18, 1935 in Lanesburgh Township to Stanley W. and Mary (Horejsi) Chromy.  He was the eldest of nine growing up on the family farm.  He graduated from New Prague High School.

Governor Tim Walz has directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, May 15, 2020, in honor of peace officers who have been killed or injured in the line of duty.
 “On May 15 we honor the Peace Officers who gave their lives to protect ours, and thank the 11,000 Law Enforcement Officers who serve our state for their dedication to protecting Minnesota communities,” said Governor Walz.

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office recently renewed its partnership with Crime Stoppers of Minnesota, a tip line that allows people to anonymously provide crime information to law enforcement.
“Our community members are considered the eyes and ears of law enforcement,” said Sheriff Luke Hennen.  “There are times when witnesses may be able to provide valuable information but don’t always want to be identified.”