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.

Nathan Kartak, age 30, of Montgomery, died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at his home.  Nathan was born on June 10, 1991 to Christopher Kartak and Katherine Sloan at Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague, MN.  He grew up and attended school in Moose Lake, MN and entered the US Army at age 18 and served a tour in Iraq.  Most recently Nathan worked at Seneca in Montgomery but intended to get back into carpentry, which was his chosen occupation.

As journalists, we rely on open government and freedom of information principles to keep the public informed about its government. Sometimes, we are met with roadblocks.
Sunshine Week, which is spearheaded by the Montgomery Messanger News Leaders Association, champions open and transparent government at all levels. That means from the local school board or city council meetings, to the emails a state representative sent that supports a bill, all the way up to the President at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C.

The Tri-City United Wrestling Program added podium success with two athletes finishing in third place last weekend at the State Wrestling Tournament at the Xcel Energy Center.
In Round 1 of the 170-pound weight class, Caden O’Malley advanced with a technical fall over Guinahi Douhe of Fridley. In thequarterfinals, O’Malley beat Ashton LaBelle of North Branch Area with a 1-0 decision.
The consolation semifinals O’Malley beat Johnathon Murphy of Big Lake with a fall in 25 seconds.

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.

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.

The TCU Boys’ Basketball Team closed out its regular season on Friday in a game with Waterville-Elysian-Morristown (WEM) Buccaneers. The loss to the Buccaneers capped a busy week for the Titans. They played Norwood Young America on Monday, Mayer Lutheran on Tuesday, Le Sueur-Henderson on Thursday, and WEM Friday.
They have the weekend to rest up before the first bracket of the Section 2AA Tournament on Tuesday. In Belle Plaine, they took on the Tigers who entered the contest with a 13-12 record. Previously, TCU lost to the Tigers 35-61 on December 14, and 55-61 on January 28.

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.

Donna Jean Passe, 69, of Cashton, WI passed away at her home, Sunday, February 13, 2022. Donna was born to James and Mary Margaret (Bentz) Miller in Remsen, IA, on June 1, 1953.
After graduating from high school, Donna moved to Minneapolis to become a flight attendant. However, love changed her plans. Donna married Patrick Passe on September 14, 1971. Together they raised four children in Montgomery, then later divorced but remained friends.

Visitation for Kailey Lynn Mach will be Sunday March 6, 2022 from 4 to 8 pm at the Le Center Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 7, 2022, at 11 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Le Center.
A full obituary will follow in the days ahead.
In honor of Kailey and her passion for children, teaching and learning, we are asking in lieu of flowers, that you a bring a children’s book that will be donated and/or monetary donations that will be used in such a way to honor her life and her love for kids for many generations to come.

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.