Shirley Ann Cervenka (nee Friedges), age 84, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Noon, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Detroit Lakes, MN.  A second Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, St. Patrick, MN, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be at the parish cemetery.  Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 10,  2026, at West Kjos Funeral Home, Detroit Lakes, MN, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Richard E. Pexa, age 74, of Lonsdale passed away on April 30, 2026, in Watertown, MN, surrounded by family.

He was born March 6, 1952, in New Prague to Frank and Julia (Smisek).

Gavin J. Burggraff, age 20, unexpectedly passed away on April 17, 2026. Born on March 16, 2006, in Faribault, Minnesota, Gavin was a beloved son, brother, and dedicated member of the United States Marine Corps.

A proud infantryman, Gavin achieved the rank of Lance Corporal during his service. His commitment to his country and to protecting the freedoms we cherish was evident in the way he lived and served.

Gregory “Greg” Joseph Wacker, age 75, of Montgomery, died on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Mala Strana Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Greg was born on February 2, 1951, in Sharon Township, Le Sueur County, during a bitter winter cold snap when temperatures dipped to 28 degrees below zero. He was the son of Clayton and Margaret (Picha) Wacker. Greg attended Le Sueur High School and graduated with the Class of 1969.

    Le Sueur County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) Mark Roemhildt delivered his final department report to the Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners at their regular meeting on April 21.
    “I am just across six years in this position,” Roemhildt said. “My last day will be Friday, May 1. My last day in the office, however, will be this coming Friday (April 24), and then Joe will have the keys to the castle.”
    Succeeding Roemhildt is Joe Fisher, who was hired to the position on April 6. He had been training for the three weeks before the meeting.

Joseph E. Ziskovsky, age 96, of Veseli, passed away on May 3, 2026.

Joe was born on July 17, 1929, to Joseph A. and Otillia Ziskovsky on the family farm in Wheatland Township (Webster, MN). He grew up on that farm and continued dairy farming there for 56 years.

G. Sue Guinn (née Smith), age 83, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, in Jordan, Minnesota. Born on August 16, 1942, in Dayton, Ohio, Sue lived a full and vibrant life dedicated to her family, career, and passions.

Jeff Tuma of Ellendale, MN, passed away April 28, 2026. He was born on September 16, 1956, in Northfield, MN, to Francis and Marion Tuma. He grew up in Lonsdale and graduated from Montgomery High School in 1974.

He married JoAnn Bartusek on April 29, 1978. This year, they would have celebrated 48 years of marriage, just one day away. Together they had three children: Derrick, Kristina, and Emily.

Bevcomm is proud to announce the launch of Bevcomm Mobile, a new cellular service designed to keep customers connected wherever they go—backed by the same trusted, local support they rely on at home.

Available exclusively to Bevcomm internet customers, Bevcomm Mobile extends the company’s commitment to delivering reliable connections, according to a press release from Bevcomm. With nationwide coverage powered by America’s largest networks and straightforward, highly competitive pricing, customers can enjoy a seamless experience both at home and on the go, said the press release.

New Prague’s indoor softball team enjoyed a solid week, winning two of three games.

The loss to Shakopee-Prior Lake-Chaska-Chanhassen sets up the Trojans for a playoff game as the No. 2 seed in the southwest division. A win qualifies the team for a return to state and a loss ends the Trojans’ season.

Monday, April 27, New Prague suffered a tough 7-6 loss to Shakopee-Prior Lake-Chaska-Chanhassen. New Prague’s come-back rally against the Undefeated Southern Stars came up just short in the seventh inning. Two defensive miscues led to four unearned runs for the Stars.

New Prague won three in a row in baseball as the Trojans defeated St. Louis Park, 6-5, Chanhassen, 5-4, and Owatonna, 18-8, last week.

New Prague had a home game Tuesday, April 28, against Benilde-St. Margaret’s with results not available as of press time. The Trojans are on the road for their next three games, first at Bloomington Jefferson today (Thursday) at 4:30 p.m., then at Waconia tomorrow (Friday) at 7 p.m. and at Shakopee, Saturday, May 2, for a 7 p.m. game. On Tuesday, May 5, New Prague is back home for a 4:30 p.m. game.

New Prague city councilors approved the purchase of two Matrice 4TD Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV) from Vertex Unmanned Solutions for $24,598. Last Monday, April 20, drones the police department will use to serve the public in times of urgent need – when searching for a lost person, searching for a suspect or someone in need.

American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley of Kansas visited New Prague American Legion Post 45, Thursday, April 23, for a dinner and presentation.

His visit to New Prague is part of a national tour where over 340 days he and others would be stopping in all 50 states. While in Minnesota he stopped at the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley and participated in the Veterans Day on the Hill at the state capitol in St. Paul. He stopped at a total of 12 posts all over the state.

When he was working a shift for the old New Prague Ambulance Service, there was never a need to ask Harry Von Bank how to get to wherever the ambulance was headed. He just knew the way.

From its inception in 1969 through 2010, Harold ‘Harry’ Von Bank gave 41 years of his life to the community’s ambulance service. Von Bank passed away earlier this month, April 10. He was the last surviving member of the people who formed the old New Prague Ambulance Service. A native of the area, he knew the community, its residents and its streets.

 New Prague High School’s girls’ and boys’ golf teams have enjoyed the benefits of practice and patience during the past week. The teams have earned solid showings at area courses and on the road.

Bryan Francis Pexa, age 68, of Elko, MN, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Bryan was born to Emil and Sophie (Havlicek) Pexa on February 25, 1958. He grew up in Elko and attended New Prague High School. Shortly after, he met his wife, Bonnie (Fredrickson), while they were working at the same job. The first time they met, Bryan offered her a red Tootsie Pop. The two began dating soon after and were married on May 13, 1978, beginning a life together that would span nearly 50 years.