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.”

Henry W. “Hank” Schindele, age 84, of Northfield, formerly of New Prague, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Three Links Care Center in Northfield.  Hank was born on July 15, 1940, in Watkins, MN, to Henry and Rose (Zahler) Schindele.  He graduated from St.

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:

Joel Gary Erickson, DC, age 60, of Montgomery, died doing what he loved best, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Sturgis, South Dakota.  Joel was born on August 28, 1963, in Montevideo, MN, to Gary and Noreen (Capistran) Erickson.  He graduated from Montevideo High School in 1982 and attended the Diesel Mechanics program at Willmar Vocational School followed by working at Dean Machinery Caterpillar in Kansas City, MO.

I can recall a number of naughty things I have done over my earlier childhood years when left to my own devices. Usually, these instances of mischief would come from being with the company of another friend in the same boat. Both of the following stories come from about the same age period of about 12 years old or so — give or take a year or two. It’s been about 30 years since then so forgive me if I don’t remember.
 
Flame broiled

Yvonne J. Marek was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother who loved the Lord, her family, the outdoors and her home on Spring Lake, in Prior Lake, MN. 
A Christian service will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., with a time of gathering starting at 9 a.m., at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake. A light lunch will follow with laying Yvonne to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN. To honor Yvonne, please wear her favorite color blue!

Earl Lee Church, age 75, of New Prague, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2024, at the Lutheran Home of Belle Plaine.  
Lee was born June 5, 1949, to Edward and LaVerne (Schanus) Church, in New Prague, MN.  
Lee graduated from New Prague High School in 1967, after which he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a mechanic who worked on B-52 bombers and C135 aircraft. He provided direct support during the Vietnam War. Attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, Lee was honorably discharged in 1971. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion.

Marian C. (Eischens) Grosz, age 96, of St. Louis Park, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024.  Preceded in death by husband Edward Grosz, parents Adam and Ruth (Beckius) Eischens, twin brother Myron Eischens, sisters Elaine Eischens, Genevieve Eilen, Berneva Nelson and Aurea Zweber; brothers Leonard and Harold Eischens.  Survived by brother Gordon Eischens and sisters Arlene Dagnault, Alda Cosgrove and Karen Feldten; many nieces and nephews (37). 

Rita Ann Halloran, 87, of Minnetonka, MN, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2024, surrounded by family after a brief illness. Rita was born on January 11, 1937, at home on the family farm, outside Kilkenny, MN, to John and Cecilia (Shaughnessy) Cashin.
Rita was a devoted family person and her friends and family gave her much joy and happiness. She was always physically active and enjoyed traveling (Ireland 3 times), reading, and politics. She was open to new ideas and was a life-long learner.

The annual Chamber of Commerce event, Czech Out New Prague, drew several hundred people to Memorial Park Thursday, Aug. 1, to meet staff from businesses, non-profit organizations and members of faith communities.
This year’s event was again a popular attraction. Visitors also interacted with New Prague police and firefighters. The event also shared the park with The Jazz on the Prairie Big Band, part of the Music at the Broz concert series.

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.

One incumbent and one potential newcomer are among the early contestants for the elections for New Prague City Council and the New Prague Area School District.
Incumbent Mayor Duane Jirik is the only person to file for election to the New Prague City Council. It is for a two-year term. The seats currently held by councilors Shawn Ryan and Bruce Wolf are also up for election for four-year terms.
School district

Mark LeRoy Orvik, of New Prague, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the age of 69. He was born on May 19,1955 in Minneapolis. He grew up in South Dakota, Minneapolis, Beltrami, and Faribault, Minnesota.
Mark graduated from Faribault High School in 1973. He graduated from Northwestern Electronics Institute where he earned an Associate in Electronics Technology in 1977.

Mildred Dehlinger passed away on July 27, 2024, in St. Paul, MN.  She was born Aug. 16, 1932, on her family’s farm in Jordan, MN, the oldest daughter of ten children of William and Walberga Busch Schoenbauer, attending school at St. Benedict and Good Counsel Academy.  

A St.Paul man is charged with killing a retired Catholic priest who was giving him a ride to a mental health evaluation.
The Rev. Larry Johnson was killed Thursday afternoon, Aug. 1, around 12:40 p.m., as he gave Nathan Thomas Wondra, 32, a ride to an evaluation. Wonder has been charged with second-degree murder in the killing of the 76-year-old retired priest while parked just off Interstate 94 along Prior Avenue. Wondra reportedly told police ‘voices’ told him to strangle Fr. Johnson to ‘save humanity.’