We’ve all recently had the opportunity to partake in our local property tax hearing lately, whether we live in a city, a township, the county or school district. Having covered a few for work or watched a few of them via the wonder of video posted on a website, the refrain is usually the same.

People want to pay less in taxes. Of course we do.

New Prague scored two wins on the hardwood as the boys’ basketball team defeated Simley, 72-53, Tuesday, Dec. 9, and Coon Rapids, 68-55, Friday, Dec. 12.

The Trojans are hosting Northfield tonight (Thursday) at 7 p.m. New Prague travels to Rochester Mayo Saturday, Dec. 20, for a 2:30 p.m. game., then the Trojans will be at the Lakeville North Holiday Tournament facing Lakeville North Monday, Dec. 29, 6:30 p.m. then Rochester John Marshall, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 4 p.m.

Bruce Bartyzal of New Prague has written his first book. It is about his dealing with chronic pain and writes about it with frank honesty at times, which likely explains the book’s title, “Chronic Pain Can Kiss My..” You can probably figure out the last word.

The book describes how Bartyzal started having simple, persistent knee pain four to five years ago, which rapidly became worse. Bartyzal chose knee replacement surgery that was supposed to improve his mobility. It was later discovered a major artery had been severed resulting in pain and internal bleeding.

With three early wins, New Prague’s floor hockey team is off to a fast start in its effort to defend its state championship.

The Trojans have earned early wins over Shakopee-Chanhassen-Chaska-Prior Lake, Minnetonka-Wayzata and most recently an improved South Suburban squad. The Trojans were back in action Wednesday, Dec. 17, after the newspaper’s print deadline.

After the holiday break, the Trojans will host Mankato Wednesday, Jan. 7, 4:30 p.m., at the New Prague Community Education Center (the former intermediate school).

Charles Albert Flicek was born on November 26, 1946, and died December 9, 2025, surrounded by his family in North Hills, CA. 

He was born in New Prague, Minnesota, the eldest son of Charles and Anna (Horejsi) Flicek. One of eight siblings, he graduated from New Prague HS in 1965. He enlisted in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1972. While in the Navy yards for ship repairs in San Pedro, he met his future wife in November of 1971. 

Marvin Schaak, age 89, of New Prague, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 13, 2025.

Rita Ann Nash, age 70, of New Prague, died unexpectedly on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital Mankato.  Rita was born on August 18, 1955, in Shakopee, to John E. and Irene (Woerdehoff) Nash, Sr.  She contracted polio at age 5, resulting in numerous surgeries, and was left with a permanent disability.  It didn’t deter her, however, from living life to the fullest. She graduated from Jordan High School and volunteered at Mala Strana in her younger years.   

New Prague High School’s wrestling team started its season with seven team victories over two dual meets last week. The meets were at Orono, Thursday, Dec. 4, and the Trojans hosted an invite Saturday, Dec. 6.

“I was excited for this day for a long time,” said New Prague head coach Dan Wagner about the Dec. 4 meet at Orono. “I know we have good wrestlers, but this was a time to figure out how they will wrestle as a team and for one another. They certainly did not disappoint and got the season off to a fast start.” 

Julie Ann Bisek, age 46, of New Prague, passed away peacefully with her devoted family by her side at home on Monday, December 8, 2025.  Born June 28, 1979, a 2 lb 1 oz premature baby at only 27 weeks, in Minneapolis to Alan and Jeanne (Rezac) Bisek, Julie proved from day one that she was a warrior. Living with cerebral palsy, she showed the world that this was not a “disability” but simply a condition that would never define her. 

James Milo “Jim” Schiprett, age 77, of New Prague, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Burnsville on December 6, 2025.

Jim was born on February 18, 1948, in New Prague, Minnesota, to Milo and Mary Schiprett. He graduated from New Prague High School in 1966 and went on to attend the University of Minnesota. During college, Jim was drafted into the United States Army. Choosing service over an education deferment, he proudly served his country.

Michael D. Rademacher, age 87, of New Prague, died peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025, in Mesa, AZ. Mike was born on October 10, 1938, in Willmar, MN, to Ernest and Carole (Ellefson) Rademacher.  He moved from Willmar to Minneapolis, where he met Judy Lyman, and they were married at Immanuel Lutheran church in Minneapolis, June 25, 1960. Mike went on to be a truck driver for 35+ years, and a majority of that time was with Roadway Express.

Dr. David (Dave) Bruzek, age 83, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 5th, 2025. He was born to Benedict and Hilda (Tempel) Bruzek on November 4th, 1942, in New Prague, Minnesota and raised in New Prague. He attended St. Wenceslaus School, New Prague High School, St.

New Prague High School’s girls’ basketball team is continuing to work on improving its offensive output, an effort that paid off Monday, Dec. 1, in Shakopee.

The Trojans topped the Sabers, 56-47. Details of the contest were not available at the newspaper’s press deadline. The win was a step up from a tough loss Saturday in Northfield where a sub-par shooting day and turnovers hampered NP’s effort against a solid Raiders’ team.

It was a busy day, even with the snow, during Small Business Saturday in New Prague. Held Nov. 29, the annual event is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving and encourages consumers to support small businesses during the holiday shopping season.

This year, shoppers dealt with snowfall that started late Friday night, Nov. 28, and continued through Saturday. While customers continued shopping through the morning, more came out earlier in the day. Most of the stores offering deals and specials were along New Prague’s Main Street.

New Prague High School’s wrestling team started its season Saturday, Nov. 29, in Minnetonka in the Tonka Turkey Tussle. The Trojans secured a second place finish behind the #1 ranked AA Simley High School team.

Eight teams competed with three southern Minnesota teams unable to attend due to weather. Simley had first with a score of 273, followed by New Prague scoring 249. Finishing third through eighth were Waconia, 214, Elk River, 180, Maple Grove, 121, White Bear Lake, 92, Hopkins, 77.5, and Minnetonka, 5.

Organizers of the annual Thanksgiving dinner at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Prague estimated they provided more than 200 meals to individuals and families. About 100 meals were served at the church and just as many or more were meals to go or delivered to someone.

Donna Galvin, who organizes the meals, said volunteers started to prepare the meal Tuesday before Thanksgiving.