Union Pacific, which owns and operates the railroad running from Montgomery through New Prague, has been working on a tie replacement project along the line to Jordan.
“We do that periodically to ensure safe transport of the items we ship,” said Mike Jaixen, senior manager of communications for Union Pacific. “Along with replacing the ties, the crews do ballast work. The ties will be set to the side of the track, and we have a different crew that will come by later and pick up the old ties.”

A shed fire on 270th Street East, east of Creeks Bend Golf Course, in rural Cedar Lake Township on the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 17, is a total loss. The shed was used to house equipment only. More information will be available in the print issue of the New Prague Times.

Beyond the hard work that those exhibiting animals have put in, fair foods and beverages, amusement rides, live music, and other events, the Le Sueur County Free Fair is also host to — drum roll please — the Ag Olympics!
The University of Minnesota Le Sueur County 4-H’ers pack in a fun time on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. in the show arena at the fair hosting the Ag Olympics. Events will include wheelbarrow races, feed sack relays, egg tosses, bobbing for corn, roping, and hog calling.

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.

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:

The 2023-2024 Miss Czech-Slovak Minnesota Queen, Ellaina Novak, enjoyed her experience at the 2024 Miss Czech-Slovak US Pageant in Wilber, Neb., over the weekend. “It was great. I had a lot of fun with all the other candidates. Instead of competing against each other, we were competing with each other. It was a lot easier to go on stage knowing the other girls supported you,” Novak said.

The TCU Legion Boys Baseball Team, ages 19 and under, fell Tuesday, July 30, at the 2024 Minnesota American Legion Division 1A State Baseball Tournament in Burnsville after a breeze of a game the day before. Holy Family Fire would go on to win the state tournament against Red Wing in the championship game Sunday, Aug. 4, shutting out Red Wing 8-0. TCU Legion played and lost in both games against the number one and two placed teams at the tournament, the silver lining to the end of a good run this year.
TCU Legion 8, Holy Family Fire 13

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

Attributable to American Legion Department of Minnesota’s 10th District Commander Kristy Janigo and Department Service Officer Ray Kane
 
Thieves are working aggressively to steal from veterans, veteran service organizations, veteran nonprofits and government agencies that work with veterans.
It’s a numbers game. If they get one success out of 100 attempts, that’s worth their efforts. Don’t fall prey to their predator tactics.

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.

Susan Mary (Kreger) Williams,  age 71, of Green Isle, MN, left this earth to join her heavenly father on August 2, 2024, while surrounded by her family. Sue was born on May 20, 1953, in Arlington, MN, to Jim and Mary Ann Kreger and was the second of five children.

Roman Leonard Jindra, age 76, of Montgomery, passed away on July 14, 2024, at his home.
Roman was born on November 2, 1947, to Leonard and Margie (Hruby) Jindra. He was a graduate of Montgomery-Lonsdale High School. Roman was united in marriage to Betty Walters on June 23, 1973, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. Roman worked as a very faithful custodian for St. John Church in Montgomery.

Betty Jean Jindra, age 72, of Montgomery, passed away on July 14, 2024, at her home.
Betty was born on November 25, 1951, to Harold and Katie (Burma) Walters. She was a graduate of Montgomery-Lonsdale High School. Betty was united in marriage to Roman Jindra on June 23, 1973, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. Betty worked at Walmart in Faribault.
Betty loved visiting with everyone, going to garage sales, being generous to her friends and family, being one to help you if you had a need, and bragging about her daughter and grandkids.

Larry V. Braun, age 69, of Roseville,  passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 19, 2024.  He was born and educated in Montgomery, Minnesota, and was an outstanding athlete at MHS.  The rest of his life was spent at various locations with the last being in Roseville, MN.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Irma (Harmeyer) Braun; beloved dog, Charlie.

Barbara Jean Gieseke, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and into the loving arms of Jesus, on July 25, 2024. Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, nurse, caregiver, and follower of the Lord.

Neysa Anderson was crowned the 2024 Kolocky Queen for the Kolacky Days 90th festival this Friday evening, July 26. The remainder of Kolacky Days royalty were also crowned as 1st Princess Olivia Skluzacek, and 2nd Princess and Miss Congeniality Tayla Kline. They have taken their place and will be seen over the next two days of Kolacky Days festivities, including the Grand Parade on Sunday at noon along 1st Street in Montgomery!