Milton F. Holetz, age 89, of Montgomery passed away suddenly but peacefully Monday, December 9, 2019, at his home on the farm where he lived for 53 years.
Milton was born in rural Lexington Township, Le Sueur County, on May 14, 1930 to Frank and Emily (Kalina) Holetz. As a child he attended country school and helped his parents on the farm back when fields were plowed with a team of horses and everyone looked forward to threshing day in the fall. He graduated from Montgomery High School and attended a commercial college in Mankato to be an accountant.

Bessie Mae Kohout Janousek was born on February 17, 1938 in Jordan, Minnesota to Emil and Helen (Dubbe) Kohout.  She grew up on the family farm in Minnesota where she attended school.  Being part of a farm family, Bessie spent much of her time cooking, cleaning and caring for her siblings. 

Richard L. Rybak, age 57 of Savage, passed away on December 4, 2019. Rich was born on January 30th, 1962 in New Prague to Myles and Jean Rybak. Rich attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School, and graduated from New Prague High School.
Rich developed a deep love for sports at an early age. He enjoyed playing basketball and baseball throughout most of his life. This love for sports was passed along to his daughter, Hannah. Rich was a proud father, Hannah’s biggest cheerleader, and a wonderful brother, uncle, friend to many.

Rush Wagner, left, directs Hymnus during the New Prague Community Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 8, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. The choir, based in New Prague, was among those to perform at the annual concert. The finale of the concert was “The Hallelujah Chorus” performed by Hymnus and the New Prague Area Community Band. For more see an upcoming print issue of The Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Roman F. Stepka, age 90, of New Prague, died peacefully but suddenly with his family at his side on Friday, December 6, 2019 at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee.  Roman was born on January 25, 1929 in New Prague to John F. and Barbara P. (Hanzal) Stepka.  He grew up in the St. Patrick area and attended country school.  He married the love of his life, Rita M. Tupy on September 3, 1966 in New Prague.  Farming was ingrained in Roman’s blood so raising his family on a dairy farm in the St.

This entry from the New Prague Lions Club was among those in the 24th annual Parade of Lights held on Friday, Dec. 6. Temperatures were around 23 degrees Fahrenheit, but that didn’t stop the large crowds that lined New Prague’s Main Street for the Parade of Lights to see area groups and businesses with their floats decorated for the Holiday Season. The parade ended at Memorial Park for visits with Santa, treats, the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree and fireworks. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Claude G. Witt, age 77, of Prior Lake, formerly of Belle Plaine, died suddenly on Thursday December 5, 2019 at his home in Prior Lake.  Claude was born on June 17, 1942 in New Prague, Minnesota to Cletus C. and Bertha A.

Drew Novak, age 38, passed away due to a snowmobile accident on November 30, 2019 near Pequot Lakes, MN. Preceded in death by grandparents, Lando and Angie Busch and Emil and Elsie Novak; uncle, Glenn Busch and aunt Nancy Vescio. 

RYAN TROY CUNNINGHAM, age 22 of Waterville, passed away at his apartment in Maple Grove on Wednesday, November 27, 2019.

Miller Milling announced in a press release on Wednesday, Dec. 4, that it is closing the New Prague Mill at the end of this month. “This decision was very difficult, given the quality and long-serving tenure of New Prague’s employees. However, this step is necessary so Miller Milling can focus its attention and investment on expanding the business of its other mills,” said Takuya Mitani, Miller Milling’s CEO in the press release.

Inez Horejsi, age 87 of Northfield,  passed away Sunday morning, December 1, 2019, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Montgomery’s Torchlight Parade and Fireworks is celebrating 27 years this holiday season, and plans are underway to make it bigger and better than ever.
The Thursday, December 5 event kicks off with a parade of approximately 50 lighted floats, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the north end of First Street.

He was kind of like New Prague’s own Sid Hartmann when it came to sports. His Sid Hartmann bobblehead graced his desk area. I don’t know that he had as many “close personal friends” as Sid, but I do know that he had a lot of friends, and even more people that recognized him when he was in our community, whether walking down Main Street or covering local sports. He loved his New Prague Trojans and was a proud St. John’s Johnnie.

Lucille Marie (Rud) Hill, age 85, of Faribault, died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2019 at Milestones Senior Living in Faribault.  Lucille, daughter of Louie and Marie (Johnson) Rud was born on September 5, 1934 in Farmington, MN.  Lucy is a member of Solar Lutheran Church of Webster, MN.  She sold Home Interiors for 21 years and enjoyed making many new friends.  She also worked for Sodexo food service, which she was able to do at the Faribault Middle School.  During this time she also worked at Snyder Drug  in Faribault.  Lucy was a member of the Am

The Elko New Market City Council approved a resolution during its Thursday, Nov. 21, meeting naming Amanda Novak as the newest council member. She was chosen out of four candidates who were all interviewed by the current council members during a special meeting at 5 p.m. that evening. Novak replaces council member Jon Schwichtenberg who resigned on Wednesday, Oct. 30, because he was moving out of the city.

The organization is new, but the time-honored event was very successful.
The newly-formed Scott Le Sueur Waterfowlers continued the tradition of raising funds for education, youth programs, and conservation with a Fundraising Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Park Ballroom in New Prague.