UPDATE - March 26
The workers have removed and cleaned all mail and packages from the New Prague Post Office, and they have either been sent for delivery or are now available for pickup.
Cleanup at the New Prague Post Office continues. Kristy Anderson, a spokesperson for the postal service, said the New Prague Post Office is expected to reopen sometime this week, possibly as early as Thursday.
ORIGINAL STORY
Operations have been suspended until further notice at the New Prague Post Office due to safety concerns.

Rolland J. Chouinard of Webster passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 17, 2019.

Members of the New Prague Veterans Memorial Committee put up a sign this week to show the progress in fundraising for the new memorial, which will be built next year just east of the New Prague Library along Main Street at Memorial Park. To date, more than $200,000 of the needed $350,000 has been raised. Pictured are, left to right, Mark Dvorak, JoLyn Williams, Dan Bisek, DaleLyn Means, Andrea Means Lehman, Linda Dvorak, Randy Fierst and Paul Busch. Missing from the photo are Amy Jirik and George Tupy. (Chuck Kajer Photo)

On Monday, the Minnesota House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill that will make it illegal for drivers to use a hand-held device while making phone calls or sending messages. Instead, they will be required to use a hands-free device to communicate.

Nearly 30 people, from children to adults, participated in the “Dumpling Make and Take” activity at the New Prague Library the evening of Tuesday, March 12. Hosted by the Czech Heritage Club, the group was taught the finer points of making dumplings by Hana Matousek, who immigrated from the Czech Republic and has taught many cooking classes. She has also been active in different occasions concerning food, especially with the Czech and Slovak Sokol Minnesota.

The New Prague Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club is celebrating its 50th birthday, and all members and former members are invited.
The celebration will be held Sunday, March 24, from 1-5 p.m. at the St. Patrick Social Hall. Food and drinks will be available.
The Snowdrifters met for the first time on January, 1969, at MVE. There were 17 snowmobilers present and Larry Scheffler was elected president.

Five athletes from New Prague-based Neptune Aquatics competed at the 2019 Minnesota State Short Course Championships March 7-9 at the Freeman Aquatic Center at the University of Minnesota.
Top finisher for New Prague was Carolyn DeLuca, who finished second in the 100 freestyle in the 9-10 girls division in 1 minute, 3.46 seconds. Her teammate, Ella Schmiesing, was right behind her in third place, in 1:03.48.

Skluzacek, Ernest F., age 77 of Lonsdale, died peacefully on Monday, March 18, 2019 at the Three Links Care center in Northfield.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minnesota State Patrol will be closing State Highway 19 from Henderson east to Highway 169 by 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, due to flooding from the Minnesota River.
Motorists will need to find an alternate route, as State Highway 93 south of Henderson to Highway 169 is already closed due to flooding.
Both highways will remain closed until further notice.

Mark Morphew has been named head gymnastics coach at New Prague High School, pending board approval.
Morphew is currently the co-director and a team coach at the New Prague Gymnastics Center. For the past four years, he has also been an assistant coach for the high school team.

Pauline Lucy Krenik, 92, of Lonsdale, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at her son’s home in Lonsdale. Visitations was held Monday, March 4 at the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Wenceslaus Church in New Prague at 11am Tuesday, March 5 with Father Thomas Krenik officiating. 

Helen M. Javurek, age 101, of New Prague, died peacefully on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at Mala Strana Rehabilitation Center.  Helen was born on August 16, 1917 in Wheatland Township, Rice County to Frank and Mary (Chromy) Shambour, Jr.  She attended Rice County district school and St. Wenceslaus Catholic School.  Helen married Stephen T.

Shopko announced Monday, March 18, that it will liquidate its assets and close all of its remaining locations by mid-June.
The Wisconsin-based retailer filed for bankruptcy earlier this year and announced closure of about 70 percent of its stores, including its New Prague Shopko Hometown store, in an effort to reorganize. However, the company was unable to find a buyer for the retail business and will begin winding down its operations beginning this week, according to a statement released Monday.

The New Prague Trojan adapted floor hockey team lost its semifinal game at the State Tournament Saturday, falling to eventual champion St. Cloud 12-1, but bounced back with a 9-1 win over Burnsville/Farmington/Lakeville to claim third place. The team, which includes players from New Prague, Tri-City United, Le Sueur-Henderson, Belle Plaine and Jordan schools, ended its season with a 13-1 record. The Trojans' Blake Perry and Garret Gagner were named to the all-tournament team. Read more in the print edition.

The New Prague Trojan adapted floor hockey team won its opening game at the state tournament Friday, 18-2 over Anoka-Hennepin.
The Trojans led 8-0 after one period and were never threatened. Dylan Raaen had five goals and four assists for the Trojans.
New Prague will face defending state champion St. Cloud at noon Saturday at Bloomington Jefferson High School, and will play one more game later that afternoon, for either the championship or for third place. Burnsville/Farmington/Lakeville and South Washington County will play in the other semifinal game.

Lydia Schmitz and Elana Vivant perform a magical duet for the New Prague Area Figure Skating Club’s Spring Skate Show “Under the Big Top - The Greatest Show on Ice” on Saturday, March 16, at the New Prague Ice Arena. The show featuring duets, solos and group numbers has one more performance at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 17. There are several circus themed skating numbers from tightrope walking to juggling to elephants. For more on the program see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)