Kathryn Maureen Krocak, age 74, of New Prague, formerly of Le Center, died peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Mala Strana Care and Rehabilitation Center.  Kathy was born on October 11, 1951, in Madelia, MN, to Ronald and Patricia Marie (Sullivan) Osborne, Sr.  Her independent spirit had its beginnings at birth as she was born prematurely at 2 lbs. 4 oz. making her a true survivor.  She graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School and McKinley High School in Le Center and went on to graduate as an L. P. N.

Bernice A. Honza, age 90, of New Prague, died peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Bernice was born on January 25, 1935, in Rice County, Webster, to William E. and Bessie (Sticha) Tupy.  After graduating from New Prague High School, she went to work at the lab at Minnesota Valley Breeders.  While on a date at a dance, she met another young man who would change her life.  She married Rueben R.

Arnold Thomas Gansen, age 94, of New Prague, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center. Arnold was born on September 27, 1931, in Belle Plaine, to Anton and Margaret (Gerardy) Gansen.  He grew up on the family farm three miles north of Union Hill. He graduated from New Prague High School and married his high school sweetheart at St. Wenceslaus church in New Prague on September 27, 1952, on his 21st birthday.

“I know SNAP has been the highlight of discussion for many, many weeks” Le Sueur County Director of Human Services Jamie Hayes said at the Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners regular meeting on Nov. 18.

Hayes was before the board for the payment authorization of an elevator project, but had time left in her segment to talk about the ongoing federal issues with the SNAP program.

New Prague’s girls’ basketball team turned the page from being able to count on dominant, experienced players to players learning how to win in a season-opening victory Friday, Nov. 21, at Burnsville High School.

The Trojans topped the Blaze, 60-56, overcoming a 30-19 deficit in the second half. NP’s 41-26 advantage heading into halftime proved to be the advantage New Prague needed to secure the win.

NP coach Brad Drazan wants his boys’ hockey team to be an aggressive team, one that’s hard to play against.

If the first two games are an indication, the Trojans are off to a good start. NP defeated Mankato East in its opener and followed that thrilling effort up with a 3-3 draw against Lakeville North Saturday, Nov. 22, in Lakeville.

Harlan Earl “Doc” Meyer, age 98, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, at The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine, MN.

Some people feign grateful for all they have to be thankful for this time of year. Bill Beranek needs no reminder he has plenty to be grateful for when he gathers with friends and family at Thanksgiving.

Last December, Beranek, a New Prague resident, heard the words nobody wants to hear. He had cancer, an aggressive type of cancer in his prostate. While some prostate cancer patients are told doctors plan to hold off on treatment and observe the cancer for change or growth, Beranek’s doctor told him the cancer was so aggressive that doing nothing was not an option, he said.

Kenneth Jeremiah Keohen, age 62, of Montgomery, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in New Prague.

Ken was born on March 11, 1963, in New Prague, the son of Jeremiah Sr. and Karen (O’Brien) Keohen. He grew up in Montgomery, attended Most Holy Redeemer Catholic School through eighth grade, and graduated from Montgomery-Lonsdale High School with the Class of 1981.

Mary Jo Becker, age 91, of New Prague, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at her home at Praha Village.  She was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1933, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Anthony and Catherine (Heiring) Dunn.  She graduated from Marshalltown High School and went on to attend college.  She went to work as an administrative assistant at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, where she met a young GI.  It was during the Cold War, and both had high security ratings, so they had a bit of “navigating the system” to find out about each other.  It didn’t deter them,

The New Prague Area Historical Society (NPAHS) hosted an event, “The History of Medicine,” Wednesday evening, Nov. 19, featuring Dr. Michael Wilcox, MD, as the presenter.

The historical society judged the event a success as a capacity crowd filled the Werner Giesen Bierstube room at Giesenbrau Bier Co. in New Prague.

Dr. Wilcox delivered a comprehensive presentation on 11 prominent physicians who practiced in New Prague between 1875 and 1975.

Have you received your notice of proposed property taxes for 2026? Caught your breath yet?

The increases in the bottom line in many cases are startling. But before you turn to social media to rant, perhaps anonymously because you might not want to risk anyone knowing you have an opinion outside the norm, at least consider the facts. Minnesota’s property tax system is grotesquely complicated. In years past, presenters at county tax hearings have stated they are among the most complicated in the county.

Oh, lucky us.

New Prague’s girls’ ice hockey team has been involved in some big scores in recent games, and while the Trojans have been on the wrong end of a few of the lopsided scores, they enjoyed a big win recently.

After Tuesday night’s Nov. 18, game against Minnesota Valley played after the newspaper’s press deadline, the Trojans will face Red Wing Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Red Wing Prairie Island Arena. NP will face Mankato East Tuesday, Dec. 2, at All-Seasons Arena in Mankato.

The results are in. Voters in the New Prague Area School granted the district the additional $510 per student it sought. The issue passed by a wide margin, 3,927 to 2,049.

This Friday, Nov. 21, New Prague High School’s students begin a two-weekend run of the musical, “Bye Bye Birdie” which the directors call a fun classic.

Allie Meyer and Matt Stensrud are directors of the production with showtimes Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22, 7 p.m. each night and Sunday, Nov. 23, 2 p.m. The second weekend of performances are Saturday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 30, 2 p.m.

“Matt and I read scripts and listened to soundtracks this summer and came up with lists of shows. ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ was on both of our lists,” said Meyer.

Sunday, Nov. 16, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church welcomed veterans to a Mass by The Rev. Eugene Theisen, a veteran. Veterans were honored during the service and even children offered their thanks to the veterans.

After the Mass, 50-plus veterans and their spouses were the guests of honor at a special breakfast at the club room at the Park Ballroom. The breakfast, sponsored by Chuck Tupy and his insurance agency, was a continuation of a longstanding tradition in New Prague of recognizing and honoring veterans for their selfless service.