Per Governor Walz, thanks to the hard work of Minnesotans over the last few weeks to keep each other safe, we are starting to turn a corner on COVID-19. But we’re not out of the woods yet. Today we announced a way forward that will bridge the gap to vaccination.
This plan will protect hospital capacity while prioritizing getting our kids back in the classroom and supporting Minnesotans’ quality of life.
Starting January 18, every elementary school in Minnesota may choose to operate in person with additional safety measures.

Barbara D. Loebner, age 84, of Montgomery, formerly of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Traditions of Montgomery. Barbara was born on April 27, 1936 in Minneapolis to Dale and Agnes (Shepherdson) Smith. She graduated from Roosevelt High School and went on to attain both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in teaching from the University of Minnesota. She married the love of her life, George J. Loebner on May 12, 1956 in Minneapolis.

Thomas J. Shaughnessy, age 87, of New Prague, died peacefully on Monday, December 14, 2020 at Mala Strana Rehabilitation Center and Assisted Living.  Tom was born on the family farm in Derrynane Township, Le Sueur County, MN on December 28, 1932 to Thomas J. and Evelyn (Hallinan) Shaughnessy.  He attended St.

Marcia “Marcie” Joan Green, age 72, of Hill City, MN, formerly of New Prague, died at her home on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, after a courageous fight against malignant melanoma. Marcie was born in Minneapolis, MN on March 31, 1948, to Alvin and Muriel (Synnes) Chadwick.  Marcie married Thomas Lee Green on September 13, 1980, in Mound, MN. During her life, Marcie's worked as a veterinary technician, a secretary, a housekeeper, and a scheduler. She retired in 2015 and was happy to spend more time with her family and curling up on the couch with a good book.

New Prague KC Hall - 411 4th Ave. SW, New Prague
Mon. December 14. 2020
12:30 - 5:30 pm
New Market Town Hall - 8950 230th St. E, Lakeville
9 am - 2 pm
Wed. December 16, 2020
Jordan Fire Station - 501 N. Varner St, Jordan
Thurs. December 17, 2020
10 am - 2 pm
To sign up for an appointment for either locations go to:
https://www.primarybio.com/r/scottcounty

Elissa Westing, left, daughter of Mike and Sara Westing of New Prague, receives her prize from Scott County Sheriff Luke Hennen on Thursday, Dec. 10, for her winning design in the Scott County Sheriff's Office fourth annual Season's Greetings Card Contest. Elissa received a gift card to her favorite restaurant, along with other prizes from the sheriff’s office. Elissa also had present for Sheriff Hennen of homemade gifts. Elissa’s artwork will be featured on the front cover of this year's official Scott County Sheriff's Office Greeting Card.

This past weekend I was at two events that featured Santa. There were many children who’s faces burst into wide grins when they saw him up on a fire engine from the New Prague Fire Department during the Santa Cruise Through New Prague or seated among trees and presents at Elko New Market’s Community Christmas Tree Lighting. Quite a few parents were also beaming as they saw their children so happy.

At the New Prague City Council’s Monday, Dec. 7, virtual meeting they were informed that Public Works Director Glen Sticha would be retiring. City Administrator Mike Johnson said he had received a letter from Sticha on Monday, Nov. 23, that it was his intent to retire effective February 25, 2021.
Sticha has been employed by the City since July 27, 1980 and has been...
To see more on this story, pick up the December 10, 2020 print edition of The New Prague Times.

The Minnesota State High School League’s (MSHSL) Board of Directors on Thursday, Dec. 3, approved a flexible plan for the restart of winter activities when clearance is provided by state governmental leaders. Executive Order 20-99 is currently in place, a directive that mandates a four-week pause in activities designed to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. That is scheduled to expire on...
To see more on this story, pick up the December 10, 2020 print edition of The New Prague Times, Montgomery Messenger or the LifeEnterprise papers.

Bob Brinkman was out golfing on his 90th birthday on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the New Prague Golf Club. Brinkman, of New Prague, stopped by the club with a request, he wanted to say he golfed on his birthday and General Manager Kurt Ruehling obliged him. “ I do not believe there is anyone in this area that has brought more players to the game of golf than Bob,” said Ruehling. “He taught me 43 years ago!” Ruehling said that for years Brinkman has been involved with the Junior Programs in golf, including last year as well.

Sheriff’s department donates decorated tree to family in need
The Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Department is making magic.
On Friday, Dec. 4, Sheriff Brett Mason and his staff delivered a fully decorated Christmas tree to a Le Sueur County family in need. “Project: Believe in the Magic of Christmas” was organized by Mason, The Mounted Posse, and The Sheriff’s Youth Project.

On December 9, 2020 at 6:02 am, Rice County deputies responded to the 5000 block of Hazelwood Ave in Webster Township, Northfield Ambulance and Northfield Fire/Rescue responded to a personal injury crash on CR 46 in Webster Township. 
Upon arrival, deputies located two vehicles involved with 2 victims.  The driver of a 2006 Audi A6, Miguel Angel Carreon Balderas, 27, of Owatonna was treated at the scene and transported to Northfield Hospital by ambulance. 

Malecha, Celia Catherine, age 94 of Lonsdale, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 9, 2020. Preceded in death by her husband, Joe S.; siblings, Joseph (Emma) Tuma, Anna (Charles) Trenda, Jim (Grace) Tuma, Edward Tuma, Monnie (Ted) Jirik, and infant Evelyn Tuma.

Eric Lind, Regional Director of Business Development of Monarch Healthcare Management, unloads food donations for the Peace Center food shelf that were collected at Mala Strana Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Center in New Prague the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 9. Monarch Healthcare Management, which operates Mala Strana, has partnered up with Moments Hospice for a statewide initiative, Warming Hearts and Hearths Food Drive, to help restock food pantries. Local donations are given to local food shelves. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times.

Mary Ann Mach, age 94, of New Prague, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Mala Strana Rehabilitation and Assisted Living. 

Elaine I. Jacobson, age 90, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side as a result of complications due to Covid 19 on Monday, December 7, 2020 at Mala Strana Rehabilitation Center and Assisted Living.