Le Sueur County’s new Public Health Director Megan Kirby hit the ground running April 26th when she officially stepped into the position.
“I was fortunate enough to have multiple weeks with our previous director, Cindy Shaughnessy, to train and learn the role a little more in depth,” stated Kirby, who has a background working in community health along with a Master's Degree in Public Health, a Bachelor's Degree in Community Health Education, and an Associate's Degree in Psychology.

One of the benefits of a small town is seeing people come together as a community to help others or work on a project. Over the years I have covered I don’t know how many fundraisers to help a family with medical needs or to help the community in general with such things as the food shelf.

If you were driving along Minnesota Highway 21 between New Prague and Jordan around 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 1, you may have noted an unusual sight - an old caboose moving on a flatbed trailer.
For nearly 50 years, the old Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway caboose number 1201 was a fixture in the back yard of Bill Hennes’ home, northeast of Jordan. Hennes was a collector of many things, including the old caboose. The Hennes children spent many hours of their youth playing inside the caboose, likely taking many imaginary trips across the country inside its walls.

Shirley M. Kohout, age 80, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side at her home on Thursday, July 8, 2021.  Shirley was born on February 10, 1941 in New Prague to Fred and Marcella (Svobodny) Witt.  She graduated from New Prague High School and went to work at Queen of Peace Hospital.  She married the love of her life, her neighborhood sweetheart, Martin J. “Marty” Kohout on February 17, 1962 at St.

The Henderson Tractor Ride on Saturday, June 26, paused in Union Hill as part of its 20th annual journey through the Minnesota River Valley.
There were 60 tractors ranging from a 1937-38 John Deere to a model from 1982, and lots of tractors from the 1950s and 1960s, that took part in the trip. Many of the tractor riders were looking forward to this year’s ride as last year’s was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amateur baseball doesn’t see a ton of home runs.
Very few hitters hit more than one, or possibly two in a game.
Union Hill shortstop Nathan Berg put on a power hitting show which probably has not been seen in many, many years.
Berg struck out in his first at bat Wednesday, June 30 against New Market. He then proceeded to hit home runs in four of his next five at bats, including a solo home run which provided the Bulldogs with the winning run.
To make Berg’s game even better, he closed out the contest in the bottom off the 10th, picking up the save in a 7-6 win.

Together in heaven. 
Betty (Elizabeth) was born November 19, 1937 in St. Paul.  Died May 11, 2020 in New Prague at home on hospice.
Dave was born February 23, 1934 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Died July 3, 2021 in New Prague at home on hospice. 

Motorists should plan for the Intersection of Highways 19 and 21  (Main Street & 4th Avenue NW) on the west side of New Prague being closed to thru traffic Thursday, July 15 – Friday, July 16 during scheduled milling and resurfacing work.  Although this schedule could be adjusted based on weather conditions, through traffic should follow any temporary detours.
 The current detour for the reconstruction project in downtown New Prague is expected to stay in place until the project completion, scheduled for this October. 

Robert F. Bastyr, age 78 of Jordan, died November 29, 2020, due to complications of Covid-19 at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis. A graveside service was held December 4, 2020 at St. Wenceslaus cemetery. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Wenceslaus Church on Saturday July 17th, at 11 am.

A man was found dead in a Le Center home Tuesday morning, July 6, following a 10-hour long standoff with law enforcement.
The man, who has been identified as 38-year-old Michael Lee Elie of Le Center, died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
According to a press release issued by the Le Sueur County’s Sheriff Office, law enforcement officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of South Cordova Avenue in Le Center for a reported domestic assault at 9:19 p.m. Monday night.

The Lonsdale Chamber of Commerce and the Lonsdale Community Days Committee announced on Wednesday, June 23 that Daryl Rieck has been chosen as the 2021 Lonsdale Grand Marshal.
According to a press release, Rieck has been an integral part of the community for more than 35 years. It listed Rieck’s commitment to Londale being the American Legion Commander, instructor for AARP Defensive Course Classes, member of the Veteran's Memorial Task Force, Memorial Day Service Organizer, and volunteer who always helps with BINGO on Saturday evenings at the Legion.

Friday was a night of wrestling as I covered Under the Big Top 4, pro wrestling with local favorite Mitch Paradise. This wasn’t the first time I covered the event at the Doublewide Lounge in Elko New Market, but it was the first time that the action landed very close to me.

UPDATE: Road worker struck by vehicle in Spring Lake Township
Update to 6/28/2021 Press Release (Road worker struck by vehicle in Spring Lake Township)
On July 1, 2021, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner notified the Scott County Sheriff’s Office that the road construction worker, who was struck by a vehicle on June 28, 2021, near the intersection of Marschall Road (CR17) and 170th Street East (CR12) in Spring Lake Township, has died of his injuries.

According to Scott County District Court documents a 36-year-old-man from Tennessee, who stole a Metro Mobility bus in Shakopee and drove it to New Prague, where he was arrested, has been charged with second degree aggravated robbery, fleeing police in a motor vehicle and motor vehicle theft. The maximum sentence for his most severe charge is 15 years in prison, a $30,000 fine or both.

New Prague Middle School (NPMS) will be the site of Camp Invention, a nationally recognized, nonprofit summer enrichment program, the week of Monday, July 26, to Friday, July 30.
Camp Invention challenges children in grades K-6 to tap into their natural curiosity and use their creativity to solve problems. Through hands-on activities, Camp Invention promotes STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning; builds confidence, leadership, perseverance and resourcefulness; and encourages entrepreneurship, all in a fun and engaging environment.

Only one game separates four teams vying for second place in the DRS Amateur Baseball Standings after games played Sunday, June 27.
St. Patrick, winners of 10 games in succession, is in first place with a 12-3 record. Prior Lake (9-4), Faribault (9-5), New Prague (8-5), and Union Hill (8-5) are battling for the second spot heading into the final month of the season
Faribault and New Prague have each won their last two games. The Orioles are 4-1 after a 4-4 start.