Donna Jean Passe, 69, of Cashton, WI passed away at her home, Sunday, February 13, 2022. Donna was born to James and Mary Margaret (Bentz) Miller in Remsen, IA, on June 1, 1953.
After graduating from high school, Donna moved to Minneapolis to become a flight attendant. However, love changed her plans. Donna married Patrick Passe on September 14, 1971. Together they raised four children in Montgomery, then later divorced but remained friends.

More than 80 area residents attended the New Prague School Board meeting on Monday night, Feb. 28. There were nine people who spoke during the public forum, some addressed the recent allegations of racial taunts at sports events and others spoke on changes that are needed in the schools and the community.
Superintendent Tim Dittberner also addressed the issue presenting three steps toward changing things and developing a plan that is thoughtful and strategic.

A young woman has died in a house explosion, Saturday, Feb. 26, according to Le Sueur Count Sheriff, Brett Mason.
While the woman’s identity has not been officially released, Facebook posts have indicated it was Kailey Mach.

In a statement to New Prague Area Schools staff and families, Superintendent Tim Dittberner addressed recent allegations of racial taunts. Due to the allegations the school districts of St. Louis Park and Robbinsdale announced they would not compete with New Prague.

The Minnesota State High School League and other organizations are launching an initiative in light of recent events. In a statement released today:

Area residents who have concerns, questions or ideas about how to improve Highway 19 the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) wants to hear from you. MnDOT will be having a virtual open house from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 2.

Tri-City United High School crowned its FFA/Snow Week King and Queen on Wednesday afternoon. Students voted Savannah Squires to be Queen and Fakourou Tandia to be King. See more in the March 3 print edition. (Wade Young Photo)

St. Louis Park High School announced this week that it will no longer compete this season against New Prague High School after an alleged racial incident at a Tuesday, Feb. 15, boys hockey game.
St. Louis Park Athletic Director Andrew Ewald sent a letter to New Prague AD Brad Skogerboe on Monday, Feb. 21, saying he's made the decision that the school "will not compete directly with New Prague High School as a result of the racist experience our boys hockey program was subject to.”

The New Prague adapted floor hockey team defeated Burnsville/Lakeville/Farmington, 8-2, Monday, Feb. 7 to remain undefeated.
Ray Parker led the Trojan offense with four goals. Aaron Adamson and Dylan Raaen each scored two goals.

The Irish have an eloquent way about them and their blessings are almost like poetry. It seems they have a blessing or toast for every occasion and every celebration including those that hallmark the milestones in life.
From greetings to marriage and even death, a well-expressed verse in the form of a proverb or an anecdotal saying is sure to be had.
For decades, the Messenger had a fantastic Irish lad who was instrumental in the newspaper’s publication. The lad passed away last week at the age of 83 years old.

Tri-City United Schools kicked off FFA/Snow Week Friday with the announcement of its winter royalty.
The candidates were announced at a Pep Fest on Friday. Making up this year’s snow court are Queen candidates Haley Wasiloski, Mackenzie Holmbo, Sydney Whiteis, Liz Beth Mendez, and Savannah Squires. King candidates are Alex Matchinski, Brody Lerfald, Fakourou Tandia, Owen Block, and Logan Blaschko.

A Union Pacific train derailed at Oak Avenue SE at approximately 2 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 12. The incident blocked the intersection for more than two hours.
The train’s two locomotives were pulling three cars southbound on the tracks when the derailment occurred. According to Mike Jaixen, Sr. Manager of Communications for Union Pacific, the conductor immediately knew something was wrong at the intersection.
“The crew recognized the way the locomotive was operating, something was not quite right,” he said.

Rep. Jim Hagedorn, R-Minn. of Blue Earth, died Thursday night at age 59 of kidney cancer, his wife said in a Facebook post.
Hagedorn represented the Minnesota’s First Congressional District, that includes 21 counties from South Dakota to Wisconsin, along the Iowa border. The district covers much of the southern third of the state and includes Rochester, Austin and Mankato.

Thomas F. Simon, age 75 of Lonsdale, passed away Friday, February 11th, 2022 at Reflections of Three Links Care Center in Northfield. Tom was born on November 8th, 1946 in Northfield, Minnesota to Raymond & Ann Skluzacek Simon.

The New Prague Adapted Floor Hockey team has started its 2022 season with great success, winning their first four games.
The Trojans opened with the South Suburban Jets and defeated them, 13-1.
“We came out with a really strong start, got up 5-0 after the 1st period and were in control from there,” Coach Jeremy Kalal said. “Our defense was solid, allowing only 13 shots on net throughout the entire game. We felt great about starting our season with a solid all around game.”