Nearly 30 people attended the New Prague City Council’s Monday, June 2, meeting, the majority there for the public hearing on the general obligation bonds to pay for the construction of the city’s new police station. Of the nine people who spoke during the public hearing, the majority voiced opposition to the proposed $10,415,000 general obligation Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) bonds.

Over its last two meetings, the Elko New Market City Council discussed food truck sales on public property.

By all accounts, Sgt. Maj. Rich Wilson was the kind of teacher most students enjoyed learning from and classroom instructors and staff enjoyed working with.
Next week, he’ll set out with a new set of orders as he enters retirement.
This week, Wilson will retire as a fifth-grade teacher at Falcon Ridge Elementary School. He was hired by the school district as a fourthgrade teacher in 1989. With the exception of his military responsibilities, he has been a constant figure at New Prague’s Elementary school, later renamed Falcon Ridge for about three-dozen years.

On an evening blessed with almost perfect weather, New Prague High School and the community celebrated the graduation of 310 seniors Friday evening at Trojan Stadium.
The commencement ceremony featured a recognition and remembrance of the Class of 2025’s years in school, the challenges they faced and their successes.

Matt Mies, left, manager of Coborn’s Marketplace in New Prague, talks with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Wednesday, May 28, about services offered by the local business. Sen. Klobuchar stopped for a brief visit to discuss how independent grocery stores are important to communities. For more see an upcoming print edition of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher photo)

New Prague’s softball team saw its dream of a return trip to the state tournament come to a tough end Saturday in Owatonna.
The Trojans fell to the host Huskies, 3-2, in the consolation bracket of the Section 1AAA playoffs.
After splitting its first two section games with Lakeville South and Lakeville North, the Trojans fell to Owatonna, 3-2. Details of all three games were not available when The New Prague Times went to press.
New Prague led the contest against Owatonna 1-0 and 2-1 before the host Huskies rallied later in the contest.

New Prague Mayor Duane Jirik has submitted his resignation to the city council.
In a press release dated Friday, May 23, Josh Tetzlaff, New Prague's city administrator, stated Jirik submitted his resignation Thursday, May 22.
The letter of resignation reads: "It is with a heavy heart to let all of you know that I am resigning from my position as mayor of New Prague effectively immediately.

Gopher State Railway Museum, north of New Prague along Highway 21, recently rolled out rides for families on its new caboose during Cabose Day, Saturday, May 3.

The New Prague Sportsman’s Club’s Phil Simon Memorial Crappie Tournament was swamped with 27 youngsters wanting to cast their lines into Cedar Lake, Saturday, May 3. It was the most children the annual tourney has had.
Club president Billy Bartusek was not expecting that many youngsters. “It caught me a little off guard,” said Bartusek. “It’s pretty amazing.”
The tournament, named in honor of the late Phil Simon, a New Prague business owner and sportsman, had 37 boats with more than 100 people, including the children, participating.

She’s one of many people who feel a strong sense of gratitude and respect for members of the military who sacrificed their lives and defended the nation. Mary Pierce is one of the people who takes the time to make sure those people are remembered.

Those who served and who gave all for their country will be remembered Memorial Day, Monday morning, May 26, with services at New Prague area cemeteries and other events.
Included will be guest speaker Mike Maxa, adjutant for the American Legion, Department of Minnesota, during a ceremony at the New Prague Veterans Memorial, east of the New Prague Library on E Main Street, beginning between noon and 12:30 p.m.
In case of inclement weather, the program will be moved indoors to Park Ballroom, 300 Lexington Ave. S.

New Prague High School held its Honors Night, Wednesday, May 7, with students being recognized for the arts, sports and academics. There were also several thousands of dollars awarded through scholarships. A highlight of the evening was the first ever co-winners of the Outstanding Senior Female Athlete award.
Activities Director Brad Skogerboe presented plaques to Ava Bruegger, who has been involved in girls’ swimming and diving, gymnastics and girls’ track and field, and Katie Boulanger, who has been active in girls’ volleyball, girls basketball and softball.

The New Prague City Council approved, 4-0, a recommendation at its Monday, May 5, meeting a trial basis for summer hours at city hall.
City Administrator Josh Tetzlaff recommended from Memorial Day (Monday, May 26) to Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 1) city hall hours be Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Goodbyes are never easy, especially when a person, has invested much into a community and watched it grow. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church’s pastors, Alicia and Ben Hilding, are preparing to bid the congregation and New Prague a fond farewell.
Pastors Alicia and Ben Hilding have accepted a call to serve in a joint role at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. They will serve as dean of Christ Chapel and chaplain of the College beginning June 1. They’ll lead their final worship service at the New Prague church Wednesday, May 21.

The New Prague Chamber of Commerce’s Ladies Night Out, Thursday, May 8, was a colorful evening. Shoppers dressed in floral patterns, following the evening’s theme of Petals & Purchases. Among those who dressed up are, left to right, Sue Wobbe, Angie Musil, Mary Lou Fradenburgh, Marge Fradenburgh, Sandy Sindelar and Emily Fradenburgh. There were 14 New Prague businesses and organizations that participated. Shoppers could get deals and prizes between 5-8:30 p.m. For more see an upcoming print edition of The New Prague Times. (Photo used with permission from Angie Musil.)

Although she grew up in New Prague, Eagle View Elementary School in Elko New Market has a special place in Kim Hoppert’s heart. It’s where her mom worked and today she is a fourth-grade teacher.
It’s also a place where Hoppert has earned the respect and admiration of her students and colleagues alike.
Hoppert attended New Prague Elementary School (known today as Falcon Ridge). She learned about the unique characteristics of Eagle View from her mom, who worked as the school principal’s executive assistant when it opened in 2006.