This issue of The New Prague Times is the last one Dennis Lambrecht will have a hand in producing.
After more than half a century in the newspaper and printing business, Lambrecht, of Montgomery, is retiring. His last day with Suel Printing Co. is June 4.

A life so beautiful, deserves a special celebration. Bring your most joyful memories with you as we celebrate Deb Swanson. Her uncanny ability to find the best in everyone and every situation knew no bounds. She would not want us to dwell in our sadness, but to come together and share all our happy and funny memories. Please join us from 4:00 – 6:00 on June 19th at our home in New Prague. Please text 612-791-2998 by June 13 to let us know you will be coming.

The New Prague Fire Department answered a call for an electrical fire around 5:46 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2, at the HyVee Fast & Fresh Express and McDonald’s along 10th Avenue SE. According to early reports the firefighters found smoke coming from the building upon their arrival. Both the HyVee Fast & Fresh Express and McDonald’s were evacuated. Members of New Prague Utilities were called in to cut power to the building. Firefighters waited until smoke cleared so they could check on damage and find a cause for the fire. There will be an update when more information is available.

Georgine A. “Jean” Malecha, age 84, of New Prague, died peacefully at home with her family at her side on Thursday, May 27, 2021.  Jean was born on October 31, 1936 in New Prague to Peter and Lucy (Blesener) Schanus.  She attended New Prague High School and married Francis L. “Fritz” Malecha on August 16, 1958 at St.

Michael J. Schumacher, age 24, of New Prague, died Sunday, May 30, 2021, after a courageous 2 ½ year battle with cancer at the University of Minnesota Medical Center.  Michael was born on June 12, 1996 in New Prague to Timothy and Kim (Born) Schumacher.  He graduated from New Prague High School and went on to attain his Bachelor’s Degree from Bemidji State University.  He worked as a production supervisor at Super Radiator Coils in Chaska.  Michael married the love of his life, Melinda M.

New Prague American Legion Post 45 Chaplain George Tupy, center left, and VFW Commander Nick Slavik read the 400 names of veterans buried at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery during Memorial Day services on Monday, May 31, with the New Prague Veterans Honor Guard at attention. Memorial Day services were observed around area cemeteries and ended with a program at the Park Ballroom. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Sticha, age 94, died Sunday May 30, 2021 at NC Little Hospice in Edina.
                Betty was a bouncing baby girl, born to Ladimir and Anna (Donnelly) Benes on February 17, 1927, St. Patrick, Cedar Lake Township.

Theresa Marie Hinderscheit, age 81, of Montgomery, passed away on Friday, May 28, 2021 in Belle Plaine. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 3, from 4 to 7pm and Friday, June 4, from 8:30 to 9:30am at the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 4, at 10am at St. John’s Catholic Church in Union Hill.

On the morning of Friday, May 28, Jen Schoenecker, Director of Health Services for New Prague Area Schools received the Paul Flick Silver Apple Award, for her endless hours of work and being a resource for the school district during the COVID-19 pandemic. The award is named after the late Paul Flick, a respected and beloved principal. From left are the Schoenecker family, husband Jeff with daughters Lilly and Mazie, Roseanne Flick, widow of Paul Flick, Jen Schoenecker and New Prague superintendent Tim Dittberner. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times.

New Prague High School had more than 300 students participate in graduation ceremonies the evening of Friday, May 28, at Trojan Stadium. It was a beautiful evening for an outdoor ceremony with sun, no wind and temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The seniors received their diplomas as family and friends watched. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Family members of students at Raven Stream Elementary School in New Prague decided to send the students off with an extra smile for the summer in a fun and creative way. The group had various posters thanking Raven Stream staff and bus drivers for their work in dealing with an unusual year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

New Prague was ready to come back and get a victory over South Suburban. They lost by one in a very close game the first time they played. Thursday, May 20 the Trojans rebounded and picked up a 20-9 win.
New Prague started out very strong. The first inning the Trojans held South Suburban to no runs with bases loaded and then got up and quickly scored five runs to take the lead 5-0. The second inning, they were able to score 1 run off of a couple errors in our defense.

Members of New Prague High School’s Class of 2021 enjoy their senior walk through Falcon Ridge Elementary School while being cheered on by students at the school. The walk allowed the seniors to see teachers they had when they went to the elementary school. The walk through was originally planned to be held outside, but continuous rain required the event to be moved indoors. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

And then there was one.
One month into the three month DRS Amateur Baseball League schedule, only one team remains undefeated…Faribault.
The Lakers defeated Shakopee, 4-0 Friday, May 21 and downed Montgomery, 6-2, Sunday, May 23 to improve to 5-0.
Right behind the Lakers in the standings are Prior Lake (4-1), New Prague (3-1), and Union Hill (2-1).

Father George Grafsky will celebrate his golden jubilee, marking 50 years in the priesthood, this weekend at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery.
Grafsky retired from active ministry in 2015, but continues to help with Masses at area churches when needed. He also serves as chaplain for many of the fire departments and emergency medical services in the area.
Grafsky will celebrate Most Holy Redeemer’s 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday evening, May 29 and the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday morning, May 30.

Two events that are important for many people around the area are happening this weekend. This coming Friday, May 28, is New Prague High School’s graduation ceremony and on Monday, May 31, it is Memorial Day when we honor those veterans who gave all for our country.
As I was growing up Memorial Day didn’t seem to be observed as much, or it could have been, but my family didn’t attend the ceremonies. I remember going to one church service in the local cemetery. More often than not it was a weekend when my family gathered.