A rural New Prague man was killed in a crash involving the three-wheeled ATV he was riding during the early-morning hours of Sunday, March 3.
The Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office reports at 2:05 a.m., Matthew James Soller, 33, of rural New Prague was found partially under a three-wheeled ATV on Le Sueur County Road 121, approximately a quarter-mile south of Highway 19 in Derrynane Township. Soller was removed from under the three-wheeler and life-saving efforts were performed. Soller was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.

As the New Prague School District works to whittle $3.5 million off its 2024-2025 operating budget, an early look at some of the proposed cuts will be dramatic and widespread.
Monday, Feb. 26, the district listed a few of the items under consideration in advance of a March 11 workshop where a broader list of proposed cuts will be presented for consideration in advance of a decision at the March 25, 6 p.m., business meeting. Superintendent Andy Vollmuth noted the presentation was to offer “a high-level overview of the structural budget adjustments we are considering.”

New Prague High School’s wrestlers Lawson Eller, at 121 pounds, and Brady Westall, at 172 pounds, are still competing for state titles in Class AAA at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul today (Saturday). The two made it through to the semifinals on Friday, March 1. Also competing Saturday is Destiney Lofton in the girls division at 118 pounds. For updates check out The New Prague Times website, plus for a complete story see an upcoming story in the March 7 print edition of The Times.

Vernon A. Oraskovich of New Prague, Minnesota, died peacefully at his home on February 26, 2024, at the age of 78. Vernon was born in Duluth, Minnesota, to George and Edna (Maunu) Oraskovich.

Jean Marie Waugh, age 76, of Waterville, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Mayo Systems Hospital in Mankato. Services are pending.
Jean was born on June 25, 1947, in New Prague to William and Irene E. (Maxa) Kubik. She was a graduate of New Prague High School and received an Associate’s degree for Drug Counseling at Angelina College in Lufkin, TX. She enjoyed playing bells at her church, needlework embroidery, crocheting, puzzles and word puzzles, visiting with others, and her pets. She was a member and a leader of TOPS.

Joseph H. Gill, 99, of West St. Paul, MN, died peacefully at home on February 22, 2024. He was born in New Prague in 1924 to Joseph and Eva Gill and lived on the family farm until leaving to serve in the Navy during WWII.

Richard G. Peters, age 84, of New Prague, died peacefully after a very brief illness, with his wife at his side at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital New Prague, on Friday, February 23, 2024. Richard was born on April 3, 1939, in Watkins, Minnesota, to Raymond and Anna (Ahles) Peters. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from St. Boniface High School in Cold Spring, Minnesota. He served in the US Army Reserves.

Theresa “Teri” Jo Larson, age 59, of New Prague, died peacefully, with her family at her side on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Methodist Campus in Rochester.  Teri was born on June 23, 1964, in New Prague, to Francis “Fritz” and Judy (Pint) Ruzicka.  Teri attended St.

Jacob Tanner Feneis, age 40, formerly of New Prague, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Revival on Main, 209 First Street South, Montgomery, MN. Lunch will be served.

Joseph J. Holden, age 88, of New Prague, died peacefully at home, with his family at his side on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.  Joe was born on March 5, 1935, on the family farm to John and Susan (Pranke) Holden.  He was raised in the St.

David Joseph Skluzacek, age 57, of New Prague, died at home peacefully, with his family at his side on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.  David was born in St. Paul, MN on March 28, 1966, and welcomed home by Joe and Eileen (Solheid) Skluzacek. Dave graduated from New Prague High School, class of 1984 where he participated in sports.  After high school Dave attended Faribault Vocational Technical College and then started his own cabinet making business. Dave was an incredibly talented cabinet maker. He had a gift for designing beautiful custom creations.

The New Prague Fire Department dealt with a fire along Main Street that was more smoke. In a preliminary report around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, firefighters responded to a report of a fire at an apartment at 112 Main Street E.

Robert J. “Bob” Adamek, age 79, of Elko, died Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Bob was born on July 10, 1944, in New Prague, to Bill and Katie (Forystek) Adamek.  He graduated from New Prague High School and went on to Mankato Vocational Technical School in Auto Body and Mechanics.  Bob served in the U.S.

Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) selects elementary (grades K-5), middle (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9–12) teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program.
Founded in 1899, the VFW supports the education of America’s youth. The VFW identifies and recognizes teachers who instill a sense of national pride in students, promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette, and patriotism in their classrooms.    

Robert J. “Bob” Adamek, age 79, of Elko died Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Mala Strana Care and Rehabilitation Center in New Prague.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, February 24, at Bruzek Funeral Home, New Prague, with Father John Lapensky officiating. Visitation will be at Bruzek Funeral Home starting at 9:00 AM Saturday.   Burial will follow at Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, Veseli with Military Honors presented by the New Prague Veterans Honor Guard.
Complete obituary will be run in next week's edition of The New Prague Times.

Dorothy Jean Ruth Pumper-Filipek, age 95, of Le Center, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024. A private family graveside service was held.
Clergy: Pastor Jon Niebuhr
Dorothy Jean Ruth Pumper-Filipek was born October 9, 1928, in Montgomery, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Elmer and Anna (Wondra) Moll. Dorothy was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth both in Montgomery, Minnesota. She received her education in Montgomery and graduated with the Montgomery High School class of 1946.