Minnesota’s Paid Leave Law was passed by the Minnesota legislature in 2023, and it will go fully into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. A multi-chamber of commerce event, including New Prague, Montgomery and Lonsdale, was held on Thursday, Sept. 26, at Next Chapter Winery in Lanesburg Township to discuss the changes coming forward regarding the new law.
Minnesota Director of Paid Leave Greg Norfleet presented to a capacity group of about 40 registered area business owners, sole proprietors, and employees about what that means for them.

Mayo Clinic Health System in New Prague broke ground on their $9 million Cancer Center and Infusion Therapy expansion on Oct. 2.
"This expansion of the Cancer Center is a reflection of our commitment to providing cutting-edge care, individualized support and a healing environment for every patient who walks through our doors," says James Hebl, M.D., regional vice president of Mayo Clinic Health System in Southwest Minnesota.

During Ladies Night Out along New Prague’s Main Street, from left, Lora Novotny, Katie Theilmann, Shiela Brokl, Gina Myers and Chris Jabs were all bringing the bling for the evening of sales that had the theme Denim and Diamonds. There were 17 businesses that participated in the fall festival where shoppers could get deals and prizes. For more see an upcoming print edition of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher photo)

The New Prague Chamber of Commerce and the city of New Prague held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Friday morning, Sept. 13, to reopen the disc golf course at Southside Park.
The disc golf course had originally opened in 2001, said City Planning and Community Development Director Ken Ondich.
“We went from having a nine-hole disc golf course to a 12-hole disc golf course,” said City Planner Kyra Chapman.

Greg Tikalsky was the moderator for the New Prague Area Historical Society’s Trolley Tours of New Prague Sunday, Sept. 22. Tours that were popular as all three tours sold out and insightful, he said.
“I learned a lot from the passengers who grew up in New Prague,” said Tikalsky. “I’ll be able to add what I learned to the next tours.”

In August, Molter’s Fresh Market announced that it would be ceasing business in Montgomery and would be out of the building by the end of Sept. 30, making it the second time the town was faced with having no grocery store. It was just a year prior that Mackenthun’s Fine Foods pulled their grocery business out of town.
People were surprised that the doors to Molters were already locked and with carts of free items outside the doors on Thursday, Sept. 26, which was a few days earlier than stated that they would close. Many were left wondering the future of the location.

The City of Lonsdale’s current city hall, located at 415 Central Street SW, has long been outdated for the city’s needs. In 2018, the city looked into expanding that location, according to Lonsdale City Administrator Joel Erickson.
Erickson said that the current location was just not feasible with the building’s layout and small and awkward lot. Remodeling the current building didn’t feasibly provide for enough parking and space, and the city council, at that time, voted it down.

Most Holy Redeemer Church, originally known as Holy Redeemer in honor of the Holy Redeemer, can trace its roots back to the early settlers of the region.
By the year 1866, numerous Czech Catholic settlers had arrived in the region of Montgomery and Lexington Townships and had erected a Catholic mission church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, known as Budejovice or Budweis. It served people until July 1877.

New Prague High School’s pep fest Friday, Sept. 27, had the coronation of homecoming royalty, crowned king was senior Evan Weichert and queen was Audrey Olson. The pep fest had music, dancing and cheers. The high school had its annual parade down Main Street. Friday evening, New Prague will face Rochester John Marshall at 7 p.m. at the Trojan Stadium, followed by the homecoming dance. For more see an upcoming print edition of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher photo)

New Prague High School’s homecoming candidates are (from left, back row) queen candidates Katie Boulanger, Audree Connelly, Audrey Olson, Emerson Dillon, Brooklyn Carter, Ella Blackford, Mckenzie Johnson; (front row, from left) Luke Jacobson, Joey Friendshuh, Will Schmidt, Evan Weichert, Reven Tietz, Wyatt Giesen, Bryce Deutsch and Kyle Allen. Missing is queen candidate Ava Bruegger. The high school’s homecoming activities begin Sunday, Sept. 22, at 4 p.m. with the Powder Puff game at Trojan Stadium. Homecoming events continue through next week with the pepfest Friday, Sept.

Minnesota 4-H youth exhibited 2,612 animals and 1900 general exhibits at the Minnesota State Fair this year.
A total of 35 youth from Le Sueur County participated in the livestock exhibiting and 21 youth in the general 4-H exhibits at the Minnesota State Fair.
Here are selected top results from the Minnesota State Fair from Le Sueur County 4-H clubs who exhibited there. To view the full results, visit: z.umn.edu/4h-state-fair-results.
 
General - Purple Ribbon
Elizabeth Holicky of Le Center for Fashion Revue Constructed Clothing - Grades 6-8.

The New Prague Police Department informed the New Prague High School administration Wednesday morning, Sept. 18, of a social media threat made against the high school and several other schools. A suspect is currently in custody.

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.

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.

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 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)