New Prague’s boys’ volleyball team had a good week. While the Trojans started with a loss against Bloomington Jefferson, Tuesday, May 13, it kept the match close, 25-17, 25-13 and 25-19. New Prague turned around and beat Chaska/Chanhassen 26-24, 22-25, 28-26 and 25-9, Thursday, May 15. The Trojans then participated in the Mound Westonka tournament Saturday, May 17, where New Prague took the Silver Bracket Championship, finishing fifth out of 12 teams.

After the team’s season came to a conclusion with a tough loss to the section’s top-seeded team, members of New Prague High School boys’ tennis team will turn their focus to individuals’ play this weekend.
Ben VonBank, Connor Seeland, Caleb Stocker, Carson Sayler, Isaiah Podratz and Lasse Mies will play in individuals’ portion of the section tournament Saturday, May 24, 9 a.m., at Lund Tennis Center on the Gustavus Adolphus College campus in St. Peter. Four of the six players will compete in doubles with the other two playing as individuals.

Gopher State Railway Museum, north of New Prague along Highway 21, recently rolled out rides for families on its new caboose during Cabose Day, Saturday, May 3.

Robert "Bob" Lee Miller, age 85, of Montgomery, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, at The Villages of Lonsdale.

In loving memory of Harold R. Shimota, age 90, who passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025, at his home at Praha Village Assisted Living in New Prague, MN. He was surrounded by his family by his side and the memory of his wife, Angie, of 68 years, who passed this last September.  
Born June 7, 1934, to Charles and Anna B (Trenda) in Cedar Lake Township, Harold met and married his high school sweetheart Angie (Schoenbauer), raising nine children, actively supported the community, and excelling at his carpentry skills.  

Those who served and who gave all for their country will be remembered Memorial Day, Monday morning, May 26, with services at New Prague area cemeteries and other events.
Included will be guest speaker Mike Maxa, adjutant for the American Legion, Department of Minnesota, during a ceremony at the New Prague Veterans Memorial, east of the New Prague Library on E Main Street, beginning between noon and 12:30 p.m.
In case of inclement weather, the program will be moved indoors to Park Ballroom, 300 Lexington Ave. S.

With the season’s championships meets coming up, the New Prague High School track teams shined at the Giants Relays Friday, May 9, at Le Sueur-Henderson High School.
The NP girls won their portion of the meet, finishing with first ahead of Sibley East and Minnesota Valley Lutheran. The New Prague boys took second, just behind the host Giants.

New Prague High School held its Honors Night, Wednesday, May 7, with students being recognized for the arts, sports and academics. There were also several thousands of dollars awarded through scholarships. A highlight of the evening was the first ever co-winners of the Outstanding Senior Female Athlete award.
Activities Director Brad Skogerboe presented plaques to Ava Bruegger, who has been involved in girls’ swimming and diving, gymnastics and girls’ track and field, and Katie Boulanger, who has been active in girls’ volleyball, girls basketball and softball.

The New Prague City Council approved, 4-0, a recommendation at its Monday, May 5, meeting a trial basis for summer hours at city hall.
City Administrator Josh Tetzlaff recommended from Memorial Day (Monday, May 26) to Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 1) city hall hours be Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Evelyn Moore, age 100, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at her home at Praha Village.  Evelyn was born April 4, 1925, to Joe and Emily (Holicky) O'Malley. She was raised on the family farm in rural Le Center along with her older sister, Eileen and younger brother, Alvin. She attended Le Center High School graduating in 1942. She was very active in school activities during high school.

New Prague High School’s baseball had some tough games lately as the Trojans went 1-4. The four losses came last week, first against Orono, 6-0, Tuesday, May 6, then 10-3 to Chanhassen, Thursday, May 8 and then a doubleheader to Chaska, Friday, May 9, with the first game 5-3 and the second 4-2. New Prague began this week with a 8-4 win over St. Louis Park, Monday, May 12.

Claudia M. Will
It is with great sadness and immense joy, because of the gift of Heaven, that the family of Claudia wishes to inform you of the passing of our beloved mother. She was called to glory on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025.

Goodbyes are never easy, especially when a person, has invested much into a community and watched it grow. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church’s pastors, Alicia and Ben Hilding, are preparing to bid the congregation and New Prague a fond farewell.
Pastors Alicia and Ben Hilding have accepted a call to serve in a joint role at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. They will serve as dean of Christ Chapel and chaplain of the College beginning June 1. They’ll lead their final worship service at the New Prague church Wednesday, May 21.

Bette J.

Like others that have been honored at the Roman Barten Memorial Breakfast, the Will family of rural New Prague found the experience almost indescribable. This year’s annual breakfast was held Sunday, May 4, at the Knights of Columbus Hall.
“It’s been absolutely mind blowing,” said Eric Will of the event. “It’s been incredible how there’s family, friends and people I don’t even know, who are here to support us.”
“I almost can’t put into words about it,” said Amanda Will. “It’s been overwhelming the amount support we’ve seen.”

Lawrence "Larry" Alvin Novotny SR., age 76, of Montgomery, died on the morning of Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at his home.
Larry was born in New Prague on March 3, 1949, to parents Alvin and Marcella (Valek) Novotny.  He went to school in Montgomery and graduated with the class of 1967.  On October 12, 1968, he was united in marriage to Alice Mahowald at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague.