As many of you know, The New Prague Times’ editor, Chuck Kajer, died unexpectedly last week. Chuck was at The Times for nine years and then left to work for Sun Newspapers in the Twin Cities metro area. Chuck eventually came back and he and I worked together for about 17 years. Our first meeting was before he came back to The Times. It was just before I came to work for the paper. I had had a job interview with The Times’ publisher Chuck Wann and a few days later I had an interview at Sun Newspapers.

This Friday, Nov. 22, New Prague High School students begin their run of shows for the fall musical “Once Upon a Mattress.” A comedic take on the fairytale “The Princess and the Pea,” it includes incredible songs that are romantic, but also those that are hilarious.
Performances will be over two weekends at the high school auditorium, 221 12th St. NE. There are 7:30 p.m. shows on Friday, Nov. 22, Saturday, Nov. 23, and Saturday, Nov. 30, plus two Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on Nov. 24 and Dec. 1.

Arnie L. Tupy, age 86, of New Prague, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sunday, November 17, 2019, at Mala Strana Care and Rehabilitation Center.  Arnie was born on October 10, 1933 in Lanesburgh Township, Le Sueur County to Wencel A. “Jim” and Mayme Rose (Turek) Tupy.  He attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School and graduated from New Prague High School.  After service in the US Army and serving in Korea, he married the love of his life, Jeanette D.

Horejsi, Joseph G. age 56 of Webster passed away November 13, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family. Joe was an avid dairy farmer and thoroughly enjoyed farming with his children and his father. He also worked as a milk hauler, a school bus driver, and mechanic. He was a member of the Webster township board, Rice county board, and Knights of Columbus. He was a hard-working man that was deeply passionate about helping anybody in need. He loved riding his motorcycle, snowmobiling, and hanging out with family and friends in his shop on the farm.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) recently made speed limit changes for portions of Highway 21 between New Prague and Jordan, according to a release from the Scott County Sheriff's office.
Two sections of the highway will increase in speed, one from 55 to 60 mph and in another area from 30 to 40 mph, while another spot will decrease from 55 to 50 mph.

Terrence J. “Terry” Schoenecker, age 55, of New Prague, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, November 15, 2019 at Ridgeview Medical Center in Le Sueur.  Terry was born on August 2, 1964 in New Prague to Erwin H. and Mary E.

Charles E. “Chuck” Kajer, age 60, of New Prague, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital New Prague.  Chuck was born on October 16, 1959 in St. Paul and was lovingly welcomed by his parents Ronald G. and Helen D. (Kes) Kajer.  He attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School, graduated from New Prague High School, attained his B.A. from St. John’s University, and an associate degree from Winona State College.  He married the love of his life, Jennifer “Jenny” A. Settergren on June 16, 1984 at St.

Philomena (Phyllis) Maria Bilek Age 88, of Hugo. Phyllis passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on November 10, 2019. Born July 13, 1931 in Cedar Lake Township, Scott County, MN.
Preceded in death by husband, Alois V. Bilek; parents Guy & Mary Blaha; grandparents Barbara & Joseph Madera and Anna & Frank Blaha. 

Our hearts are heavy today as we report that our Managing Editor, Chuck Kajer, passed away suddenly last night. We will miss our “teammate” at The Times… his wit, his thoughtfulness and his amazing ability to recall sports trivia! We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We will post further information when available.

New Prague High School student athletes, from left, Sophia Andersen, Emily Russo, Luke Tupy, Will Busch and Kennedy Buckman signed letters of intent during a Wednesday, Nov. 13, ceremony in the high school’s commons area. Family, friends, coaches and teammates attended the ceremony. Buckman will be playing softball at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, Tupy will be playing baseball at St.

Evelyn Emma Salaba, age 94, of Lonsdale, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, 2019 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church in Lonsdale with Father Michael Miller officiating. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Lonsdale following the service.

Ominous charcoal gray smoke and blazing orange flames rose from behind the trees bordering the New Prague Compost Site along Columbus Ave. N early Tuesday morning, Nov. 12. The fire was a controlled burn, with city crews burning and clearing the piles that had accumulated from city residents during fall yard cleanup. At times, the smoke could be seen from miles away.

Kenneth M. Skok, age 76, of Kenyon, died unexpectedly on Monday, November 11, 2019, at Allina Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN.  Ken was born on July 22, 1943 in New Prague to Albert J. and Florence M. (Dahlberg) Skok.  He attended New Prague High School and then entered a lifetime of seeing a need and filling it through a lifetime of entrepreneurial endeavors.  He owned and operated many businesses including a truck and trailer rental business in West St.

Andrea Means Lehman, right, talks about honoring and remembering veterans during New Prague High School’s Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11. She is the widow of Marine Lance Corporal Dale Means and talked about his career and how all local veterans need to be honored. For more see an upcoming print issue of The Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)