This love story starts in the halls of New Prague Middle School back in 1993 when a boy and a girl first crossed paths, as seventh graders.
Jennie Kotzenmacher was the new girl in school with long red hair.
Ben Schoenbauer stood at an impressive 6-foot, 2-inches tall.
That’s pretty much all they remember of each other from those awkward teen years, but even those vague memories seem to sweeten their love story, which now includes almost 13 years of marriage, an incredible fight to live, and three young, active boys running through their St. Paul home.

New Prague’s Cub Scouts of Pack 323 had a lot of exciting fun on Saturday, Feb. 8, as they held their annual Pinewood Derby at St. Wenceslaus Church’s Parish Activity Center. This year’s races of 52 wooden cars, built by the Cub Scouts, was a record number of entries for the annual event.
“It went fantastic this year,” said Cubmaster Erick Christianson of the Pinewood Derby.

The New Prague boys hockey team scored three goals in a span of 70 seconds in a 4-2 win over Mound Westonka Friday, Feb. 7.
After the two teams battled to a scoreless first period, the Trojans scored goals at the 4:43, 5:03, and 5:53 mark of the second period.
Jake Lee scored his team-leading 15th goal. Xavier Emerson scored his 5th goal. Jack Wilmes scored his 5th goal on assists from Aiden Dorzinski, his 6th, and Spencer Tupy, his 2nd of the season.

On Tuesday, Feb. 4, State Representative Bob Vogel, R-Elko New Market, announced he will not be seeking re-election for a fourth term to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Vogel has represented House District 20A since being first elected in 2014.
“I never dreamed growing up in New Market, then a community of 250 people, that I would have the honor of representing over 38,000 people in the Minnesota House for three terms,” said Rep. Vogel. “Serving in public office has been a great privilege and truly a life-changing experience.”

WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 40 below zero. * WHERE...Le Sueur County. * WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 9 AM CST Thursday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit #45 will meet Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Park Ballroom, 300 Lexington Ave. S in New Prague. A light lunch will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will start at 7 p.m. The dessert committee for February is Linda Dvorak, Alberta Erickson and Tonja Flick.

New Prague American Legion Post 45 will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. with a lunch at 6:30 p.m.

The New Prague Chamber of Commerce held its first State of the City & School Address the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 12, at The Depot. Mayor Chuck Nickolay, center, gives the city’s portion of the address. Superintendent Tim Dittberner provided the portion for the New Prague Area Schools. There were 35 people that attended the event. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

On January 28, 2020 Ann Ruehling lost her battle with cancer. We would like to invite family and friends to share their memories and stories of Ann on February 29th from 1:00 to 3:00 at Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Cub Scouts from New Prague’s Pack 323 gather for a group photo during the annual Pinewood Derby held Saturday, Feb. 8, at St. Wenceslaus Church’s Parish Activity Center. There were 52 entries in the derby, a record number. There were prizes for those who won in the races and for best design. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Lillian “Molly” Tupy, 84, of Northfield, MN, died Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the Three Links Care Center, Northfield.
Lillian Mary Schoenbauer was born on October 25, 1935 to Joseph and Ludmilla (Kes) Schoenbauer on the family farm in New Prague. She was raised there and attended St. Wenceslaus through the eighth grade. She continued to help on the farm for a few years before meeting Ben Vosejpka at a cousin’s wedding. They were married on September 22, 1953.

Weather Alerts-New Prague, MN
Winter Storm Warning from SAT 11:00 PM CST until SUN 3:00 PM CST
Make preparations per the instructions
Issued By
Minneapolis - MN, US, National Weather Service
Affected Area
Portions of central, east central and south central Minnesota
Description
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM CST SUNDAY...
WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 9 inches.
WHERE...Portions of central, east central and south central Minnesota.
WHEN...Until 3 PM CST Sunday.

The time for the Elko New Market City Council’s Thursday, Feb. 13, business meeting has been changed to 6 p.m. The council’s work session, originally scheduled for 6 p.m., has been cancelled. The meeting will be held at Elko New Market City Hall, 601 Main Street.

Carlton E. Miller, age 87, of New Prague, died on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at Mala Strana Care and Rehabilitation Center.  Carl was born on September 15, 1932 in rural Montgomery on the family farm to William H.

Robert “Butch” C. Patch, age 77 of Savage, MN passed away on Monday, February 3, 2020 at The Comfort House in McAllen, Texas.
Butch was born on April 8, 1942 in Farmington, MN the son of Donald and Irene (Broos) Patch. He is a veteran of the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion. Before retiring, Butch worked for Continental Machines in Savage.

Cecelia Kes, age 81, of Edina, formerly of Burnsville and longtime critical care nurse at St. Francis in Shakopee, passed away February 2, 2020. Celebration of Life Service is Friday, February 7, 2020 at 11:00 AM with a Memorial Gathering from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at Trinity Church (10658 - 210th Street West) in Lakeville.  Cecelia loved and was loved abundantly.