New Prague City Administrator Mike Johnson, left, administers the oath of office to Duane Jirik, the city’s new mayor, the morning of Monday, Jan. 4, at New Prague City Hall. Under the city’s bylaws the earliest a new mayor can be sworn in is the first Monday of the new year. Jirik has had several family members serve on the council. His grandfather, William Jirik, Sr., also served as mayor from 1951-’57. A ceremonial swearing in for Jirik and council members Bruce Wolf and Shawn Ryan will be held during the New Prague City Council’s electronically held meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 5.

Minnesota State Patrol reported that one person, William Earl Boysen of Webster, was transported to Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville with non-life threatening injuries after a two-vehicle crash in New Prague, around 5:34 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30.

Moe named Trojan MVP
Following a conference championship season, the New Prague volleyball team announced conference and team awards.
The Trojans finished with a 10-3 overall record and a 10-2 record in the Wright County Conference East Division, winning the...
To see more on this story, pick up the December 31, 2020 print edition of The New Prague Times.

Long-time Le Sueur County employee Darrell Pettis will be ending his more than 20+ year career with the county.
Pettis submitted his resignation Tuesday, Dec. 22 during the Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners Meeting. The board approved the resignation, which will take affect Jan. 22, 2021.
Pettis has been with the county for 21 years, starting as the county engineer from 1999 to 2009. From 2009 through 2017 he served as both the county engineer and administrator. From 2017 through the present he has been the county administrator.

The New Prague City Council unanimously approved a lease agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc., for video cameras that will go into the New Prague Police Department’s squad cars. Police Chief Jim Gareis presented the...
To see more on this story, pick up the December 31, 2020 print edition of The New Prague Times.

This last weekend I was able to meet up with some family in St. Paul, it was a central location for the five of us, for at least a walk and a chance to catch up on what had been happening over the past few days and what everybody did for Christmas. We all hoped that in 2021 that we could do more. I provided what could sum up the feeling of many for 2020 “It is what it is.”

John R. Henle, age 84, of New Prague, died peacefully with his wife at his side, due to complications of Covid 19 on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at District One Hospital in Faribault. 
John was born on December 16, 1936 in New Ulm to Alfred and Viola (Hofmeister) Henle.  He attended 12 years of Catholic School, graduating from Holy Trinity High School and then went on to complete his Bachelor Degree in Music from McPhail College of Music. 

The New Prague City Council spent at least 45 minutes discussing an inquiry regarding Governor Tim Walz’s Executive Order for the closure of dining in at bars and restaurants.
Rich Novak, owner of Czech’ers New Prague Times Sports Bar in New Prague sent an email to City Administrator Mike Johnson and Police Chief Jim Gareis asking what stance would the city take if many or all...
To read more on this story, Pick up the December 31, 2020 print edition of The New Prague Times.

This last weekend I was able to meet up with some family in St. Paul, it was a central location for the five of us, for at least a walk and a chance to catch up on what had been happening over the past few days and what everybody did for Christmas. We all hoped that in 2021 that we could do more. I provided what could sum up the feeling of many for 2020 “It is what it is.”

The Petricka family, dad Jason, and children Milly and Myles, with Jeramiah (not pictured) enjoy some sledding on Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Sliding Hill Skate Park in New Prague as snow fell. Forecasts called for 1-2 inches of snow at the least for the area. For more see a print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Ivan R. Flicek, age 85, of Annandale, formerly of Faribault, died Thursday, December 24, 2020 at the St. Cloud Hospital.
A Private Requiem Mass will be held Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault with Fr. Nino Molina officiating. Burial will follow at Meadow Ridge Cemetery in Faribault.

Ruth A. Giesen, age 75, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side at home on Christmas Day, 2020.  Ruth was born on May 23, 1945 in Hutchinson, MN to Ignatius and Caroline (Wosmek) Kaminski.  She grew up in Silver Lake, graduating from Silver Lake High School in 1963.  She married the love of her life, John P. Giesen on August 24, 1973 in Union Hill, where they raised their two children.  Ruth worked at St.

Rose Ann Solheid, age 86, died peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at Mala Strana Rehabilitation Center and Assisted Living.  Rose Ann was born on August 5, 1934 in Cedar Lake Township, Scott County to Mathias T. and Bessie (Barta) Sirek.  She attended country school at Veseli and graduated from New Prague High School.  She married the love of her life, Harold J.

The New Prague Rotary Club is joining other Minnesota communities in expressing support for health care workers. Health care workers have been on the front lines caring for the New Prague community during the COVID-19 pandemic, and have been working on high alert since March of this year. That is a long time to be in a high-stress, high-stakes environment and the Rotary Club believes it is important to recognize and thank them for their efforts.
The Rotary has commissioned more than...

A group of allegedly 50 cars were on the scene at Elko Speedway when individuals broke locks to get onto the race track in Elko New Market around midnight on Sunday, Dec. 13.
Elko New Market Police Chief Brady Juell said...
To see more on this story, pick up the December 24, 2020 print edition of The New Prague Times.

Merry Christmas, or if you prefer to wrap up all the celebrations that happen at this time of year Happy Holidays. Either way I hope everyone finds something that they can enjoy or smile about no matter how they celebrate.
For me it will be a different season this year, but I will make the best of it. Whether I am with a small group of friends or not I hope to enjoy the holiday. One thing that will help will be memories.