Results from the annual Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) given last spring show New Prague students are still well above the state average for proficiency in math, science and reading.
It started as a fairly typical afternoon at Rail 19 Bar and Grill in Lonsdale on Monday, Aug. 12. Grant Fitterer, 17, and Jackson Pollock, 25, were busy attending to the grill, both cooks at the restaurant, about an hour into their shift.
A 14-year-old boy from Cannon Falls was killed in a two-vehicle crash on 30th Street West, east of Fairbanks Avenue in Webster Township Tuesday evening, Aug. 27.
A St. Peter woman, Nicole Straka, driving a pickup was injured in a single-vehicle crash near the intersection of 290th Street and 181st Avenue in Heidelberg this afternoon.
Nicole Preliminary information indicates the crash just south of the intersection around 1:30 p.m. The woman was extricated from the vehicle and rushed to the hospital by a North Memorial Ambulance crew.
A pole supporting power lines along the roadway was snapped just before the vehicle came to a rest near the driveway at 29080 181st Avenue.
Extreme heat and humidity will preside over the area today and an excessive heat warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Chanhassen until 8 p.m. this evening. Severe storms are also possible late this afternoon into this evening.
The following locations have been designated by Rice County Emergency Management & Rice County Public Health as community cooling shelters during extreme heat events.
Please contact the facility regarding hours of operation.
• Faribault Community Center
o 15 Division St W, Faribault, MN 55021
o 507-334-2064
There have been numerous questions on the status of Molter’s Fresh Market grocery store in town and whether or not the store is closing. Over the past month or so, shelves have slowly been getting emptier and emptier and the deli inside was closed for business last week permanently.
The store never brandished any permanent sign on the building, leaving the previous grocery store’s name, Mackenthun’s, on it for about six months before it was painted over and small temporary banners were placed below it.
Union Pacific, which owns and operates the railroad running from Montgomery through New Prague, has been working on a tie replacement project along the line to Jordan.
“We do that periodically to ensure safe transport of the items we ship,” said Mike Jaixen, senior manager of communications for Union Pacific. “Along with replacing the ties, the crews do ballast work. The ties will be set to the side of the track, and we have a different crew that will come by later and pick up the old ties.”
Elko New Market’s mayoral race has been reduced to two candidates as Councilor Josh Berg recently decided to cease his campaign for the two-year position. With Mayor Joe Julius not seeking re-election, the mayoral race is now between Andrew Garfield and Rick Stidger.
Berg, who is currently serving his third term as a member of the Elko New Market City Council, said in a prepared statement he decided to step back due to the time commitment the position of mayor would require.
Although the final numbers aren’t yet official, estimates indicate the Le Sueur County Fair enjoyed a successful run Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 14-18, at the fairgrounds in Le Center.
Jessie Filter, a director on the fair board, indicated attendance was up this year over a year ago based on the parking lot numbers. The fair’s website indicates it draws 12,000 to 14,000 people to Le Center during the fair’s four-day run. Filter said the parking area was full Thursday and Sunday when free parking was permitted.
“People like that,” she said.
The following participants in Scott County 4-H clubs were honored for their entries during the Scott County Fair in July.
A shed fire on 270th Street East, east of Creeks Bend Golf Course, in rural Cedar Lake Township on the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 17, is a total loss. The shed was used to house equipment only. More information will be available in the print issue of the New Prague Times.
Beyond the hard work that those exhibiting animals have put in, fair foods and beverages, amusement rides, live music, and other events, the Le Sueur County Free Fair is also host to — drum roll please — the Ag Olympics!
The University of Minnesota Le Sueur County 4-H’ers pack in a fun time on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. in the show arena at the fair hosting the Ag Olympics. Events will include wheelbarrow races, feed sack relays, egg tosses, bobbing for corn, roping, and hog calling.
Jim Heckenlaible has been named the Dozinky Parade of Farm Pride’s Grand Marshal for 2024. The New Prague Chamber of Commerce made the announcement Thursday afternoon, Aug. 15.
“Jim’s dedication to our community is unmatched, from his contributions to farming to his deep connection with Czech heritage,” the chamber said in its announcement. “As a past president of the New Prague Chamber of Commerce and other organizations, Jim's leadership has made a lasting impact. Join us in celebrating Jim for this well-deserved honor.”
New Prague resident Phyllis Smith has been selected the Outstanding Senior Citizen in Le Sueur County.
Smith will be recognized at the Le Sueur County Fair during the Senior Citizens/Farm Family of the Year Program on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 1 p.m.
The individual that nominated Smith said this about the former elementary school secretary:
Brady Steinhoff, left, tries on a firefighter’s helmet and jacket during Night to Unite the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Memorial Park. Looking on is his friend, Brayden Smith, right. Members of New Prague’s fire and police departments were in the park for the annual event. Children could explore a fire truck and police car, try on firefighter suits and get stickers. (Patrick Fisher photo)
Berg making safe run for mayoral seat
Elko New Market voters will have options in their municipal leadership when they go to the polls this fall.
With Mayor Joe Julius having previously announced he will not seek re-election, councilor Josh Berg has filed to run for mayor and its two-year term. Rick Stidger has also filed to run for mayor. If Berg is not elected mayor, he will serve the remainder of the four year city council seat he won in 2022.