Virginia Clara (Zaun) Beuch, age 101, of New Prague, formerly of Lydia, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026. Virginia was born on May 17, 1925, in Cedar Lake Township and grew up on the family farm. She was the eldest of 3 girls born to George Jr. and Clara (Scheffler) Zaun.

After months preparing, Le Sueur County 4-H members showcased their accomplishments at the county Fair. 4-H youth prepare for the fair, taking care of their animals before and during the fair, working on projects, and learning new things.

Audre Mae Johnson, age 82, of Lonsdale, died unexpectedly at her home on Monday, August 10, 2026.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Prague. Visitation will take place Thursday, the 10, from 4-7 p.m. at Bruzek Funeral Home and Friday morning at church 1 hour prior to service, starting at 10:00. Burial will take place at Czech National Cemetery with immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, memorials are prefered to Duck Cup Memorial.

Carole Jean Hotchkiss, 85, of New Prague, MN, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at New Perspective Assisted Living in Prior Lake, MN. She was born January 3, 1941, in Kasson, the son of Herman and Letha (Brown) Eggert. Carole attended school in Dodge Center. She married Lyle Timm on June 14, 1957, and lived in the Wasioja area until his death in 1968.

To the editor,

I’m supporting Marisa Ulmen for Minnesota State Senate District 22 because she understands what it takes to build and sustain a strong rural community.

Marisa knows rural Minnesota because she has lived it. She is a fifth-generation farmer from Madelia, and she understands both the challenges and opportunities facing our farm families and rural communities.

Her campaign is focused on four priorities: affordable, accessible healthcare; support for rural families and communities; a strong future for our farm families; and stronger rural towns.

    At first, it appeared as if Le Sueur County would need to set a considerable increase in levy rates going into next year. However, after months of work sessions, the county board of commissioners is now in good position to approve one of its lowest annual increases.
    The county had anticipated a large increase in property taxes because of changes to how the human services department is funded. The Federal government shifted the financial burden of funding the department to the state, as the state shifted much of the burden to the county level.

Anthony F. (Tony) Dorzinski passed away peacefully at Mala Strana Rehabilitation Center on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Leo V. Wagner, Jr., age 89, of Elko, Minnesota, passed away on September 4, 2026, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. He lived a full and hardworking life rooted in service, craftsmanship, faith and, above all, his love for family and friends.

Leo was born October 21, 1936, in New Prague, to Leo Sr. and Helen (Ceplecha) Wagner. From an early age, Leo learned that hard work came first, followed by fun. He worked on the family farm while attending school, building the work ethic that would stay with him throughout his life.

Kaylene M. Lemke, age 78, of Union Hill, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by her family on September 5, 2026, at St. Gertrude’s and the Gardens in Shakopee. Kaylene Marie Pieper was born on April 12, 1948, in Shakopee, Minnesota, to John and Verena (Thomas) Pieper. She graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel in Mankato. After graduation she attended Minnesota School of Business and earned an associate’s degree studying to be an administrative assistant.

Charles Rud, age 83, of Webster, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Hennepin County Medical Center of Minneapolis after a battle with kidney cancer and other health complications, surrounded by his loving family. 

After weeks of hard work and commitment their goal of playing with a team-first purpose, the New Prague High School girls’ soccer team earned its first win of the season Monday evening.

The NP girls will face Farmington Tuesday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m., at Trojan Stadium. Thursday, Sept. 10, 5 p.m., NPHS welcomes Chaska to Trojan Stadium followed by Saturday’s Sept. 12, noon, match at New Ulm High School’s Eagles Stadium.

When New Prague High School’s football team takes the field tonight, Thursday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m. at Trojan Stadium, opening the season with a strong showing will be important.

The Trojans open the season against Hastings, a team they fell to a year ago, 20-17. NP will host St. Francis Sept. 11, 7 p.m. New Prague is looking to open its season with strong showings en route to a solid season and a favorable seeding for post-season play.

When New Prague’s girls’ swimming and diving team takes to the pool Tuesday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m., at the New Prague Aquatic Center against St. Peter, the most important part of the dual meet won’t be the final score, bur rather the progress the team makes toward athletes being their best for the most important meets.

Kathleen Marie Anderson, 79, of Webster, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Shakopee after a brief illness. 

Donald John Hauer, age 88, passed away on August 30, 2026, at Praha Village in New Prague, after a short battle with skin cancer.

Don was born on May 4, 1938, in Derrynane Township, Le Center, Minnesota, to John and Eleanore (Studnicka) Hauer. He was raised alongside his two siblings on the family Century Farm. Don attended St. John’s Parochial School in Union Hill and later New Prague High School.

Natasha “Tasha” (Siefker) Cook, of New Prague, passed away unexpectedly on August 16, 2026, at the age of 48. She was surrounded by her two sisters and her three beloved children, who were the greatest loves of her life.