The New Prague Trojan wrestling team defeated Waconia 38-28 Thursday, Jan. 31, to complete an undefeated season in the Wright County Conference East Division and claim the conference title.
A key win in the match came at 138 pounds, where senior Bryce Lofton, trailing 14-0 and facing a possible technical fall loss, opened the third period with an escape, then a takedown and pinned his opponent. That 11-point swing in the team score proved the difference in the match.

Anthony Bruce Illies, Sr., age 69, of New Prague, died suddenly at his home on Thursday, January 31, 2019.  Bruce was born on October 29, 1949 in Granite City, Illinois.  He graduated from Granite City High School and attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.  Bruce served in the US Army during the Vietnam War years and married the love of his life, Diana, while on leave December 23, 1969 in Granite City, IL.  This year would have marked 50 years of marriage.  He worked as a retail consultant all of his life.  Bruce’s passions were reflected in his lifestyle.  He was inducted i

Editor's Note: This article was updated to show the earlier starting time for the gymnastics meet
Despite today's school cancellation, two New Prague High School sports teams are still scheduled to compete tonight (Thursday, Jan. 31).
The wrestling team will take on Waconia as scheduled in the New Prague High School Gym. The meet, between the Trojans (No. 6, Class AAA) and Wildcats (No. 6, Class AA) will determine the Wright County Conference East champions. JV wrestling starts at 6 p.m., with varsity action scheduled for 7 p.m.

The New Prague Trojan boys hockey team was mired in a scoring slump going into Friday’s game at Hutchinson. The team had lost seven straight and had scored just five goals since turning the calendar over to 2019.
They broke out of that slump in a big way, scoring three first period goals on their way to an 8-0 win over the host Tigers. That came after a 6-1 loss to Holy Family Catholic on Tuesday, Jan. 22.

“Overwhelming” is how the Goulson family of New Prague felt on Friday, Jan. 25, as more than 450 people attended a fundraiser at Ridges at Sand Creek Golf Course near Jordan. The fundraiser was to show support and help the family with expenses not covered by insurance as mom Diane Goulson undergoes chemotherapy and surgery for pancreatic cancer. The evening featured a pasta bar, live music, a silent auction and a raffle.

The coldest temperatures in 20 years hit Minnesota this week. Temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday mornings were forecast to hit 20-below, and perhaps 30-below zero. Schools closed and many businesses adjusted their operations to accommodate employees and customers who were affected by the weather or the school closings. However many others had no choice.

New Prague and Waconia are scheduled to face each other Thursday, Jan. 31, with the Wright County Conference East wrestling championship on the line. The match will take place in the Trojan gym with a scheduled start time of 7 p.m.
That match is subject to postponement due to weather conditions.
The Trojans improved to 3- 0 in the conference with a convincing win over Orono Thursday, Jan. 24. Two days later they claimed first place in the Orono Invitational, with all but two of the Trojan entries placing in the tournament.

In its continuing series New Prague Community Action Network (NPCAN) had a Community Conversation on Sunday, Jan. 27, about Stewarding the Earth: Realities, Responsibilities, and Opportunities. Held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, they also partnered with FaithPoint Lutheran Church, NewDay Church, and the New Prague Area Catholic Community.

The New Prague Trojan gymnastics team battled injuries and still had a good score in a win over Annandale Thursday, Jan. 24. The score was 137.6-124.525.
In addition to two Trojans out for the season (Tina Shimota and Ellie Morris), two other varsity athletes were out with minor injuries for the meet.
The Trojans had solid bars and good vault and floor routines. "Beam had a few slip-ups, but was OK," Coach Doug Amundsen said. "The girls are showing their depth and working hard to stay consistent."

Staff writer and columnist Lisa Ingebrand, who works for the Lake Region Life, Elysian Enterprise, and the Montgomery Messenger, was honored for her writing during the 2019 Minnesota Newspaper Association’s (MNA) Annual Convention on January 24 in Bloomington. Ingebrand earned third place honors for her work as a writer in the Arts and Entertainment category among weeklies with up to 1,500 in circulation. This was her tenth MNA Award in 15 years with the local newspapers.

Due to the dangerously cold weather that is forecast for tomorrow morning, New Prague Area Schools will be closed Thursday, January 31st. This will be another blended learning day. The school closure includes Preschool Programs.
Childcare programs including WRAP and Kids Company will be open from 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM for students enrolled in these programs. Falcon Ridge and Raven Stream families will go to Kids Company at Raven Stream. Central Education Campus preschool families will have WRAP at the CEC. Eagle View will be open for WRAP and K-5 Kids Company families.

Anthony Lee Hetzel age 56 of Belle Plaine, died Sunday afternoon, January 27, 2019 at Hennepin County Medical Center.  Memorial Service will be at 11a.m. on Friday, February 1st, at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine.  Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 31st, at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine and continue one hour prior to the service at church on Friday morning.  Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Belle Plaine.  Memorials are preferred.

Due to projected deteriorating weather conditions, the United States Postal Service has suspended delivery for Wednesday, Jan. 30, for Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, Iowa and Western Illinois.
A press release issued Tuesday afternoon said retail operations at local offices will be available, but may be limited.
There will be no collection mail pickup from business or collection boxes. In addition, there will be no residential or commercial package pick-up service.

Goldsmith Eye Care was named the Business of the Year at the New Prague Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting on Monday, Jan. 28. Accepting the award were Drs. Wendy, left, and Tim Goldsmith. It was the second year for the award. The meeting and dinner was held at the Weddings At The Broz (Hotel Broz) in New Prague. For more see an upcoming print issue of The Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

New Prague Area Schools has announced that there will be no school Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 29 and 30, due to expected weather conditions.
Sub-zero temperatures and extremely low windchills are forecast for the next few days. All students K-12 will have blended learning days, where they are expected to do work online.
The closure includes Kids Company and WRAP classes as well. In addition, all extra-curricular activities are cancelled or postponed.
The New Prague Fitness and Aquatic Center will be open regular hours on both days, with classes held as scheduled.