Former St. Wenc Choir Director pens “Minnesota’s ‘Big Woods’ Musicians”
A new book, authored by Sr. Anita Smisek, OP, a former choir director a St. Wencesalus Catholic Church, with narrative assistance from John Chromy, tells the story of how Bohemian immigrants brought their love of music to the “Bohemian Triangle” of New Prague, Veseli, Lonsdale, and Montgomery, and how this musical gift has been passed down through generations and is alive and well today.

Three players scored in double figures for the New Prague boys basketball team in a season-opener Metro West Conference win Friday, Jan. 7.
Ethan Chromy led the team in scoring with 20 points. Jaxon Short added 14 points and Noah Washa 11 points in a 69-61 win over St. Louis Park.
The win came one day after a 72-69 loss to Delano on Thursday, Jan. 6.

Dorothy Mae Machacek, age 88, of Faribault, MN, passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 9, 2022, at her home.

Robert W. Johnson, age 78, of Lonsdale, died unexpectedly at his home on Friday, January 7, 2022.  Bob was born on September 22, 1943 in Litchfield, MN to Algot W. and Olga A. (Strom) Johnson.  He grew up in Dassel, graduating from Dassel High School and went on to attend the University of Minnesota St.

Jon Michael Eaves, age 82, of New Prague, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 7, 2022 at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital New Prague.  Jon was born in North Platte, Nebraska on June 7, 1939 to Beuford and Genevieve (Goodmanson) Eaves.  He was the middle child to siblings, Gerhard Andrew, Janet Hildred, Beuford Allyn, and Gordon Eugene.  He grew up in a home filled with love, music, and many beloved pets and where hard work and honesty were the cornerstones.  From an early age he developed a deep faith in our Lord that guided him all through life.

We are now into the first week of a new year and like every turning of the calendar year this one holds promise for what we can accomplish over the next 12 months. For some of us that is something such as losing weight, for others it’s taking a few more walks, while a few of us are hoping to cut down how much time we spend on social media and there are those who are going to reach for a new job or buy a house.

On Thursday, Dec. 16, Elko New Market Assistant City Administrator Mark Nagel was honored upon his retirement. For Nagel this caps off 15 years with the city that began when he was interim City Administrator for Elko and then helped with the merger of Elko and New Market into one community.
“'This is actually my second retirement,” said Nagel during an open house that was before the Elko New Market City Council’s meeting. “My first was from Normandale Community College.”

Eleanor A.

New Prague’s Deputy Registrar office moved recently as it transitioned from First Bank & Trust on the east end of town to 118 Main St. E in the downtown. The office closed at First Bank & Trust on Tuesday, Dec. 28, and reopened at its new location under Jared O’Reilly of Savage on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022.
The Deputy Registrar office was first established at First Bank & Trust when it was still State Bank of New Prague and located along Central Avenue N.

Valeria “Val” (Turner) Thielman, age 94, peacefully passed away Wednesday, January 5, 2022 with her son by her side at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

Due to staffing shortage, the New Prague Post Office is delivering packages and rotating mail routes. This may delay your newspaper delivery. 

Daniel J. “Danny” Tikalsky, age 62, of New Prague, died unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.  Danny was born on April 2, 1959 in New Prague to Daniel J.

Scott County Public Health will administer free COVID-19 tests at the Shakopee Library this month amid all-time high positivity rates. 
Over 23% of county residents seeking COVID-19 testing were positive for the virus on average in the past seven days, according to the latest data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 
Testing will be available by appointment from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Jan. 10-13, Jan. 18-20 and Jan. 24-27 at the Shakopee Library at 235 Lewis Street South. 
Click here to register for an appointment or visit scottcountymn.gov. 

WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM, Friday, January 7, 2022.
The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.Counties involved are Anoka, Blue Earth, Brown, Carver, Dakota, Faribault, Freeborn, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Le Sueur, Martin, McLeod, Nicollet, Ramsey, Redwood, Rice, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Steele, Waseca, Watonwan and Wright.

Lillian Ann Reiman Kochlin, 75, of Belle Plaine, formerly of Casa Grande, passed away on December 29 surrounded by her family. A Funeral service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran on Fish Lake on January 11, 2022  starting at 11 am. A visitation will take place prior to the service from 9-11 am at Immanuel Lutheran on Fish Lake. 

The Elko New Market Police Department reported in a press release:
On Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, at approximately 8:35 a.m., the Elko New Market Police Department was dispatched to an Elko New Market address for a disturbance call.
Upon arrival, the homeowner was located inside the residence deceased. The reporting party, an Elko New Market man, was also present and taken into custody without incident. He was transported shortly thereafter to Scott County Jail.