An independent investigation into allegations of racial taunts at a February 15 New Prague High School girls basketball game has been completed. The firm Rupp, Anderson, Squires, Waldspurger, Mace P.A. did the investigation of whether adult and student fans made loud monkey noises at a home game against Robbinsdale Cooper.
New Prague Superintendent Tim Dittberner released an email stating the investigation concluded the following:
• The allegation that New Prague adult and student fans were making loud monkey noises directed at the opposing team could not be substantiated.
Rachel Rynda was the 2020 Kolacky Queen, and now she can add another Kolacky Days title to her résumé: button designer. More specifically, the winning Kolacky Days button designer.
The Montgomery Area Community Club (MACC) announced Rynda’s winning design on Saturday, March 5, the first day of this year’s Membership Drive. (If you missed it, the MACC’s second day of their drive - with membership sign-up goodies - is Saturday, March 19 at Franke’s Bakery.)
The refrigerator at the Montgomery Police Station is located in the building’s garage, next to the squad cars, found-bicycles, and street sweepers stored by the Street Department. Open it and you’ll find lunches and beverages for the on-duty officers and administrative staff.
You’ll also find evidence from police stops or arrests.
During New Prague High School’s game at the State Hockey Tournament on Wednesday, March 9, two students were filmed on camera flashing an upside down “okay” hand gesture, which in recent years has been seen as a white power symbol. When New Prague Area Schools administration questioned them, the students didn’t know the double meaning of the gesture.
Arnold “Buck” J. Zahratka, 96, will receive the highly-regarded French Legion of Honor in a special ceremony on March 23 at 10 a.m. at the Montgomery American Legion Post 79. The public is welcome.
Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the French Legion of Honor is one of the most famous military decorations in the world. French ministers are responsible for identifying potential honorees. It is the highest distinction that France can bestow upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for France.
The community Czech Dancer Topiary needs your help to come to fruition.
Meghan Petricka, the winner of Discovery+ show “Clipped” is ready to start Montgomery’s Czech Dancer Topiary to honor her community and her Kolacky Queen experience.
Petricka, who now resides in Eden Prairie, partnered with the Arts and Heritage Center of Montgomery, a local non-profit, to help collect monetary and material donations to support the project. She and her welding-wiz of a husband, Christopher, plan to donate their time and talents.
The 45th annual Norm Sladek Memorial Euchre Tourney on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Prague had 47 teams turnout. Organizers of the popular tournament said that was nine more teams than the last time the tourney was held and included 15 new teams, plus six of those teams were walk ups the day of the tourney. Sign up was held between 11 a.m. to noon with the tourney starting at 12 p.m.
More than 80 area residents attended the New Prague School Board meeting on Monday night, Feb. 28. There were nine people who spoke during the public forum, some addressed the recent allegations of racial taunts at sports events and others spoke on changes that are needed in the schools and the community.
Superintendent Tim Dittberner also addressed the issue presenting three steps toward changing things and developing a plan that is thoughtful and strategic.
A young woman has died in a house explosion, Saturday, Feb. 26, according to Le Sueur Count Sheriff, Brett Mason.
While the woman’s identity has not been officially released, Facebook posts have indicated it was Kailey Mach.
In a statement to New Prague Area Schools staff and families, Superintendent Tim Dittberner addressed recent allegations of racial taunts. Due to the allegations the school districts of St. Louis Park and Robbinsdale announced they would not compete with New Prague.
Area residents who have concerns, questions or ideas about how to improve Highway 19 the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) wants to hear from you. MnDOT will be having a virtual open house from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 2.
The Minnesota State High School League and other organizations are launching an initiative in light of recent events. In a statement released today:
Tri-City United High School crowned its FFA/Snow Week King and Queen on Wednesday afternoon. Students voted Savannah Squires to be Queen and Fakourou Tandia to be King. See more in the March 3 print edition. (Wade Young Photo)
St. Louis Park High School announced this week that it will no longer compete this season against New Prague High School after an alleged racial incident at a Tuesday, Feb. 15, boys hockey game.
St. Louis Park Athletic Director Andrew Ewald sent a letter to New Prague AD Brad Skogerboe on Monday, Feb. 21, saying he's made the decision that the school "will not compete directly with New Prague High School as a result of the racist experience our boys hockey program was subject to.”
Tri-City United Schools kicked off FFA/Snow Week Friday with the announcement of its winter royalty.
The candidates were announced at a Pep Fest on Friday. Making up this year’s snow court are Queen candidates Haley Wasiloski, Mackenzie Holmbo, Sydney Whiteis, Liz Beth Mendez, and Savannah Squires. King candidates are Alex Matchinski, Brody Lerfald, Fakourou Tandia, Owen Block, and Logan Blaschko.
A Union Pacific train derailed at Oak Avenue SE at approximately 2 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 12. The incident blocked the intersection for more than two hours.
The train’s two locomotives were pulling three cars southbound on the tracks when the derailment occurred. According to Mike Jaixen, Sr. Manager of Communications for Union Pacific, the conductor immediately knew something was wrong at the intersection.
“The crew recognized the way the locomotive was operating, something was not quite right,” he said.