Julie Ann Bisek, age 46, of New Prague, passed away peacefully with her devoted family by her side at home on Monday, December 8, 2025.  Born June 28, 1979, a 2 lb 1 oz premature baby at only 27 weeks, in Minneapolis to Alan and Jeanne (Rezac) Bisek, Julie proved from day one that she was a warrior. Living with cerebral palsy, she showed the world that this was not a “disability” but simply a condition that would never define her. 

James Milo “Jim” Schiprett, age 77, of New Prague, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Burnsville on December 6, 2025.

Jim was born on February 18, 1948, in New Prague, Minnesota, to Milo and Mary Schiprett. He graduated from New Prague High School in 1966 and went on to attend the University of Minnesota. During college, Jim was drafted into the United States Army. Choosing service over an education deferment, he proudly served his country.

Michael D. Rademacher, age 87, of New Prague, died peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025, in Mesa, AZ. Mike was born on October 10, 1938, in Willmar, MN, to Ernest and Carole (Ellefson) Rademacher.  He moved from Willmar to Minneapolis, where he met Judy Lyman, and they were married at Immanuel Lutheran church in Minneapolis, June 25, 1960. Mike went on to be a truck driver for 35+ years, and a majority of that time was with Roadway Express.

Dr. David (Dave) Bruzek, age 83, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 5th, 2025. He was born to Benedict and Hilda (Tempel) Bruzek on November 4th, 1942, in New Prague, Minnesota and raised in New Prague. He attended St. Wenceslaus School, New Prague High School, St.

New Prague High School’s girls’ basketball team is continuing to work on improving its offensive output, an effort that paid off Monday, Dec. 1, in Shakopee.

The Trojans topped the Sabers, 56-47. Details of the contest were not available at the newspaper’s press deadline. The win was a step up from a tough loss Saturday in Northfield where a sub-par shooting day and turnovers hampered NP’s effort against a solid Raiders’ team.

It was a busy day, even with the snow, during Small Business Saturday in New Prague. Held Nov. 29, the annual event is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving and encourages consumers to support small businesses during the holiday shopping season.

This year, shoppers dealt with snowfall that started late Friday night, Nov. 28, and continued through Saturday. While customers continued shopping through the morning, more came out earlier in the day. Most of the stores offering deals and specials were along New Prague’s Main Street.

New Prague High School’s wrestling team started its season Saturday, Nov. 29, in Minnetonka in the Tonka Turkey Tussle. The Trojans secured a second place finish behind the #1 ranked AA Simley High School team.

Eight teams competed with three southern Minnesota teams unable to attend due to weather. Simley had first with a score of 273, followed by New Prague scoring 249. Finishing third through eighth were Waconia, 214, Elk River, 180, Maple Grove, 121, White Bear Lake, 92, Hopkins, 77.5, and Minnetonka, 5.

Organizers of the annual Thanksgiving dinner at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Prague estimated they provided more than 200 meals to individuals and families. About 100 meals were served at the church and just as many or more were meals to go or delivered to someone.

Donna Galvin, who organizes the meals, said volunteers started to prepare the meal Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

After surviving a pair of early shootout wins, the New Prague boys’ ice team will get a solid test this week with a pair of important games against section oppositions from Rochester.

The Trojans faced Rochester Mayo Tuesday, Dec. 2, after the newspaper’s press deadline. Tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 5, 7:15 p.m., NP will host Rochester Century. Mayo arrived in New Prague at 1-1 overall. Century will bring a 2-1 mark to the friendly confines of the New Prague Community Center.

The New Prague area will have several holiday events this weekend.

For years, the New Prague School District maintained a healthy fund balance, money maintained in reserves to pay its day-to-day operating costs, expected and unexpected, between receiving state aid and property tax revenue.

It was likely easier to accomplish during a time of higher enrollment and available income, both from the state and locally. But as we all know, things change.

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.  

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.

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.

“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.