Francis Emil “Fritz” Novak, age 95, of New Prague, died peacefully at his home with his family at his side on Monday, September 16, 2024.  Fritz was born on July 29, 1929, to Ladislav and Anna (Pavek) Novak on the family farm in Veseli, Minnesota.  He went to public school in Veseli for 2 years and then went to Most Holy Trinity Catholic School through eighth grade.  He worked for many local farmers doing odd jobs and went to high school for his freshman year only.  He decided to join the Air Force, enlisted on January 11, 1949, had 13 weeks of basic training at Sheppard Air Force Base in W

Francis “Fritz”Novak, age 95, of New Prague, died Monday, September 16.  Services will be held next Tuesday/Wednesday. 
bruzekfuneralhome.com

New Prague Area School District’s Bus #1 ended up in the west side ditch along Redwing Avenue at approximately 7:07 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16. The bus’s route takes it north along Redwing Avenue.
“Foremost, we are thankful that no one was seriously injured,” said Superintendent Andy Vollmuth in an email to parents who had children on the bus.

Angela Josephine Shimota, March 16, 1938 - September 16, 2024, age 86 of New Prague, MN
In loving memory of Angela J. Shimota, who passed away September 16, 2024, at her home at Praha Village Assisted Living in New Prague, MN. She was surrounded by her husband of 68 years, Harold Shimota, and family by her side as her two-and-a-half-year struggle with stage 4 lung cancer came to an end. She is now resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus our Lord and Savior.

Donald Peter Petricka
 February 22, 1945 - September 15, 2024 (79 Years)
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Donald Peter Petricka, on  Sunday, September 15. He leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and countless cherished  memories.
Born on February 22, 1945, to Christina and James Benjamin Petricka in Montgomery, MN, Donald was the youngest sibling to his older sister Genevieve, and older brother Mahlon.

A resolution to execute a Quit Claim was approved by the Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners during their regular meeting on Aug. 26. The land in question is the Le Sueur County Fairgrounds.
The approval to take action on the parcels was first approved at the Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners meeting on Aug. 6.
The resolution transfers ownership of the fairgrounds from Le Sueur County to the Le Sueur County Fair Association.

The Rice & Steele 911 Center, the emergency communications center serving Rice and Steele counties, has implemented Spark, an online reporting tool designed to streamline the process of reporting non-emergency incidents.
This tool enables residents to easily and securely report issues such as thefts, vandalism, parking complaints and other non-urgent matters directly through their website.

Judy Menke, age 83, of Jordan, MN, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 11, 2024. If there is one word to describe Judy, it would be love.

Robert S. Forberg, age 67, of Savage, MN, formerly of New Prague, MN, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024, at his home.
Bob was born in Thief River Falls, MN, on September 8, 1957, the son of Joseph and Eleanore (Klabo) Forberg.

Raymond Ceplecha passed away at home on Monday, September 9, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born in Wheatland Township on the family farm in 1935, to Joseph R. and Gertrude (Trcka) Ceplecha.

The New Prague Fire Department had a large flag flying outside its facility along Highway 21 in remembrance of September 11, 2001. On that date 23 years ago was the worst terroristic attack on American soil. Nearly 3,000 people died from the attacks, among them were more than 400 firefighters and police officers in New York City. Around the nation numerous memorial ceremonies were held. (Patrick Fisher photo)

Toni Ellis was born January 21, 1935, and passed from this life on earth into her eternal life with Jesus on August 17, 2024. She was 89 years old.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, as the eldest of two children to Arthur and Madeline (Mary) Chenes. Toni grew up and lived most of her life in southern California followed by long stints in Minnesota and Colorado.

The content of public words and actions combined with a person’s/organization’s overall words and actions in private matters in the political realm, whose words and actions affect the lives of every person within that country.

David Joseph Sticha, age 67, of New Prague, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, September 8, 2024, after fighting complications related to cancer. He was born July 27, 1957, in New Prague to Joseph and Lillian (Rezac) Sticha. Dave graduated from New Prague High School in 1975, followed by getting a degree at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. 
 Dave married his high school sweetheart, Jean Tuma on May 24, 1980. They shared 44 years together raising four children and building several successful businesses. 

Otto Allan Johnson, 86, of Prior Lake, died peacefully and surrounded by his family on September 7, 2024.
A time of gathering will be held in his honor on Friday, September 13, from 4-7 p.m. at Ballard Sunder Funeral Home in Prior Lake (4565 Pleasant Ave). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Otto on Saturday, September 14 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake (16400 Duluth Ave SE) beginning at 10 a.m. with an hour of visitation prior from 9-10 a.m. Father Tom Walker will be presiding over services. 

Brandon Dennis Witt, age 50, of New Prague, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, August 16, 2024, after a 5 year fight with colorectal cancer. He was born November 12, 1973, in St. Paul to Ken and Lana (Schmid) Witt. Brandon graduated from New Prague High School in 1992, and followed in his father's footsteps toward a lifelong construction and excavation career.