New Prague will be celebrating Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, but there will be changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The New Prague Veterans Honor Guard will still be visiting area cemeteries and the featured speaker will be Donald Walser, who was the Judge Advocate of the American Legion, Department of Minnesota, for 20 years. This year there will be no parade along the community’s Main Street as it would be difficult to observe social distancing for veterans and others that participate in the parade.

Alice Salsman, 92 of New Prague died on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at home.
She was born in LeSueur, MN on January 9, 1928.  Alice attended Le Sueur High School.
On September 25, 1947, she married Keith A. Salsman in Le Sueur in St. Anne's Church.
Alice is survived by sons Todd (Carolee), Leesburg, FL and Gary (Bernie) Salsman, Jordan, MN; and daughter, Luanne (Arlie) Wood,  DeLand, FL.  Also survived by 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by sister Margurite, and brothers John (Bev) and Donald (Marilyn).

St. Wenceslaus School eighth grade teacher Jamie Schoenbauer, left, and principal Kim Doyle surprise an eighth grade student from the New Prague school with a cross and sign the afternoon of Monday, May 18. About a dozen teachers and staff from St. Wenceslaus School were driving around the New Prague area to surprise the 27 eighth graders who are graduating from the parochial school. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Minnesotans will once again be able to access the majority of driver and vehicle services starting May 19, but office visits will look different with changes made to protect the health and safety of customers and staff in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Donald M. Entinger, age 87, of Belle Plaine, died peacefully at his home on May 16, 2020 surrounded by his family.  Don was born on May 18, 1932 in New Prague to Peter A. and Celia C. (Huss) Entinger.  A few years after high school, he entered the US Army and served as a corporal in the Korean War.  After returning home, he began his lifelong career in farming and purchased the farm that would raise his family in 1965.  He married the love of his life, Bernice M.

Neil R. Bohnsack, age 73, of New Prague, died suddenly on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at Three Links Care Center in Northfield.  Neil was born on March 16, 1947 in New Prague to Reuben W. and Selma R. (Jahn) Bohnsack.  He graduated from New Prague High School and Dunwoody Vo-Tech Institute in electrical science.  He served four years in the US Air Force as an electrician and was stationed in Panama during the Vietnam War.  He married the love of his life, Susan J.

Governor Tim Walz has directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, May 15, 2020, in honor of peace officers who have been killed or injured in the line of duty.
 “On May 15 we honor the Peace Officers who gave their lives to protect ours, and thank the 11,000 Law Enforcement Officers who serve our state for their dedication to protecting Minnesota communities,” said Governor Walz.

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office recently renewed its partnership with Crime Stoppers of Minnesota, a tip line that allows people to anonymously provide crime information to law enforcement.
“Our community members are considered the eyes and ears of law enforcement,” said Sheriff Luke Hennen.  “There are times when witnesses may be able to provide valuable information but don’t always want to be identified.”

Stan Chromy, age 85, passed away peacefully with his wife at his side on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Stan was born on March 18, 1935 in Lanesburgh Township to Stanley W. and Mary (Horejsi) Chromy.  He was the eldest of nine growing up on the family farm.  He graduated from New Prague High School.

Irene Marie Jasmer, age 94, was born on January 11, 1926.  A current resident of New Prague, MN and longtime resident of Lydia, MN, passed away at Mala Strana Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Center on May 11, 2020. 
On the family farm in Lydia, MN, Irene was first of nine children born to Emil and Helena (Dubbe) Kohout.
Growing up during the depression, her parents instilled in Irene, that family was everything. This was always evident in her life. She attended Lydia School through the eighth grade, before returning to the farm, working, and supporting her family.

Two planes make their way over Mayo Clinic Health System in New Prague around 12:25 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13. Aircraft from the 148th Fighter Wing, 133rd Airlift Wing and 934th Airlift Wing were flying over locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan to honor frontline workers in the COVID-19 response. While staff from Mayo Clinic Health System in New Prague gathered on the roof, more than 70 area residents were in the parking lot and the general vicinity to watch the fly over greeting the two planes with cheers and applause.

Rose Marie Busch, age 84, of Shakopee, formerly of New Prague, died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2020 at The Moments of Lakeville.  Rose was born on May 17, 1935 in Marystown to John and Regina (Budde) Pieper.  She grew up in the Shakopee area and attended St. Mary’s Church of the Purification Parochial School.  She married the love of her life, Edgar A.

Gladys E. Dols, 88, of Montgomery, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2020, at Mala Strana Health Care in New Prague. Private family services will be held.
Gladys was born on September 10, 1931, in Montgomery to Frank and Rose (Fierst) Taraba. She was a 1949 graduate of Montgomery High School and also from teaching school in Le Center in 1950.
Gladys taught eight years in Rice and Le Sueur County rural schools, first and second grade in Prior Lake, M.L.P. School, Paraprofessional for 17 years, and New Prague Elementary as a Reading Teacher.

Allen David (Papa) Spies, age 73, of Waseca peacefully passed away at his home on May 5th 2020.
Allen David, the son of Arvin and Dorothy (Wood) Spies, was born on Oct. 16, 1946 in Waseca Mn. Allen graduated from Waseca High School with the class of 1964. He met the love of his life, Karen and they married on Dec 12 1964 at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca. Together they raised 3 children, Tori, David and Dodi in Waseca.

We heard you greater Minnesota. This Wednesday, May 13, aircraft from the 148th Fighter Wing, 133rd Airlift Wing and 934th Airlift Wing will be flying over locations in the northern and southern portions of the state to recognize frontline workers in the COVID-19 response.

It was a busy first day at the New Prague Farmer’s Market on Saturday, May 9. Located in the parking lot of New Prague Commons, along Main Street on the east side of town, there were nine vendors selling a mixture of products. The Farmer’s Market will be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. It will add Wednesdays by mid-June when there is more agricultural produce. The New Prague Farmer’s Market has adopted guidelines concerning COVID-19, such as asking people to wear face masks. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)