Shortly before 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, the New Prague Fire Department was called to a residence along First Street SE for a car fire. Firefighters and New Prague Police closed off the street between First Avenue SE and Columbus Avenue SE and directed traffic away while firefighters battled the blaze. According to early reports the car is likely a total loss. The flames also caused damage to the siding of the back of the house. For more see an upcoming print edition of The New Prague Times.

A power outage that hit a portion of New Prague around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, led to the closing of St. Wenceslaus School for the day.

Milton F. Holetz, age 89, of Montgomery passed away suddenly but peacefully Monday, December 9, 2019, at his home on the farm where he lived for 53 years.
Milton was born in rural Lexington Township, Le Sueur County, on May 14, 1930 to Frank and Emily (Kalina) Holetz. As a child he attended country school and helped his parents on the farm back when fields were plowed with a team of horses and everyone looked forward to threshing day in the fall. He graduated from Montgomery High School and attended a commercial college in Mankato to be an accountant.

Bessie Mae Kohout Janousek was born on February 17, 1938 in Jordan, Minnesota to Emil and Helen (Dubbe) Kohout.  She grew up on the family farm in Minnesota where she attended school.  Being part of a farm family, Bessie spent much of her time cooking, cleaning and caring for her siblings. 

Richard L. Rybak, age 57 of Savage, passed away on December 4, 2019. Rich was born on January 30th, 1962 in New Prague to Myles and Jean Rybak. Rich attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School, and graduated from New Prague High School.
Rich developed a deep love for sports at an early age. He enjoyed playing basketball and baseball throughout most of his life. This love for sports was passed along to his daughter, Hannah. Rich was a proud father, Hannah’s biggest cheerleader, and a wonderful brother, uncle, friend to many.

Roman F. Stepka, age 90, of New Prague, died peacefully but suddenly with his family at his side on Friday, December 6, 2019 at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee.  Roman was born on January 25, 1929 in New Prague to John F. and Barbara P. (Hanzal) Stepka.  He grew up in the St. Patrick area and attended country school.  He married the love of his life, Rita M. Tupy on September 3, 1966 in New Prague.  Farming was ingrained in Roman’s blood so raising his family on a dairy farm in the St.

Rush Wagner, left, directs Hymnus during the New Prague Community Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 8, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. The choir, based in New Prague, was among those to perform at the annual concert. The finale of the concert was “The Hallelujah Chorus” performed by Hymnus and the New Prague Area Community Band. For more see an upcoming print issue of The Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

This entry from the New Prague Lions Club was among those in the 24th annual Parade of Lights held on Friday, Dec. 6. Temperatures were around 23 degrees Fahrenheit, but that didn’t stop the large crowds that lined New Prague’s Main Street for the Parade of Lights to see area groups and businesses with their floats decorated for the Holiday Season. The parade ended at Memorial Park for visits with Santa, treats, the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree and fireworks. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Claude G. Witt, age 77, of Prior Lake, formerly of Belle Plaine, died suddenly on Thursday December 5, 2019 at his home in Prior Lake.  Claude was born on June 17, 1942 in New Prague, Minnesota to Cletus C. and Bertha A.

Drew Novak, age 38, passed away due to a snowmobile accident on November 30, 2019 near Pequot Lakes, MN. Preceded in death by grandparents, Lando and Angie Busch and Emil and Elsie Novak; uncle, Glenn Busch and aunt Nancy Vescio. 

RYAN TROY CUNNINGHAM, age 22 of Waterville, passed away at his apartment in Maple Grove on Wednesday, November 27, 2019.

Miller Milling announced in a press release on Wednesday, Dec. 4, that it is closing the New Prague Mill at the end of this month. “This decision was very difficult, given the quality and long-serving tenure of New Prague’s employees. However, this step is necessary so Miller Milling can focus its attention and investment on expanding the business of its other mills,” said Takuya Mitani, Miller Milling’s CEO in the press release.

Inez Horejsi, age 87 of Northfield,  passed away Sunday morning, December 1, 2019, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Three Minnesota based painting companies and Titan, distributor of spray painting equipment, came together earlier this year to raise funds for the New Prague Veterans Memorial. Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration, Mr. Moles Painting and Headwaters Painting did a project between New Prague and Prior Lake, where they raised money for the Veterans Memorial project that will be built along the city’s Main Street in 2020.

We’ve reached another Thanksgiving and I think for many of us there are always some memories of past Thanksgivings. There are likely two areas where those memories fall into — family and food.

Montgomery’s Torchlight Parade and Fireworks is celebrating 27 years this holiday season, and plans are underway to make it bigger and better than ever.
The Thursday, December 5 event kicks off with a parade of approximately 50 lighted floats, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the north end of First Street.