Patrick M. O’Malley, age 67, of New Prague, passed away unexpectedly on April 7, 2020 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.  Pat was born on November 14, 1952 in New Prague.  He was the son of Elzear and Edna (Kennedy) O’Malley of Le Center.  He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Le Center High School in 1970.  After high school, he enlisted in the Navy.  Pat married the love of his life, Bonnie Bastyr in 1982.  They have one daughter, Kasey O’Malley.  Pat worked on road construction for Progressive Contractors Inc. for 40 years.

In a 4 to 3 vote on Tuesday, April 7, Lonnie Seifert was selected by the Tri-City United School Board as the district's next superintendent.
Seifert was among three finalists for the position being vacated by retiring TCU Superintendent Teri Preisler at the end of June.
The finalists, who also included Lisa Edwards and Carmen Daniels-Strahan, completed a second round of interviews during the afternoon. The interviews included questions by the school board and other stakeholders, including staff and community members.

Amanda D. Lake, age 27, of Mankato, died suddenly in her sleep, on Sunday, April 5, 2020.  Amanda was born in Minneapolis, MN on July 27, 1992 to Daniel A.. and Doreen K. (Hanson) Lake.  She grew up in New Prague and graduated from New Prague High School.
As she was in everything she did, Amanda was a joyful worker at Mankato Rehabilitation Center, Inc. (MRCI).  She had an infectious zest for life; she exuded happiness and made friends wherever she went.  She was an avid sports fan and loved all Minnesota teams, the Twins, Vikings, and the Wild. 

The family of John Harty, a longtime St. Wenceslaus School teacher (and principal), watch as hundreds of cars pass by Bruzek Funeral Home on New Prague’s Main Street the morning of Saturday, April 4. Also known as Herr Harty, he died earlier this week due to an extended illness. Due to the coronavirus outbreak a private family service was being held, but the family realized many friends, former students, colleagues and area residents would like to share in a memorial service, so a “drive-by visitation” was arranged.

Tuma, DeWayne Lee, of Crystal, passed away peacefully of stroke related complications while in hospice care at North Memorial Hospital Robbinsdale on March 21st, at the age of 81.  Preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Deanna (Rotter); parents Thomas and Mathilda (Schlauderaff); sister Genevieve Nelson and brother in-law Curtis Nelson;  brother Lloyd Tuma and sister-in-law Shirley (Johnson); sister Ardelle Tuma.  He is survived by his daughters Susan (Dennis) Paulson and Michelle Tuma; beloved granddaughter Alexa Paulson; nieces and nephews.

People in Minnesota are being warned to be extra vigilant as scam callers are likely to ramp up their activity over the next few weeks to take advantage of increasing amounts of people being at home due to the current coronavirus outbreak.
CPR Call Blocker, a call blocking device, is predicting that scammers and fraudsters will be ready to strike and take advantage of the situation as more states go into lockdown, forcing people to stay at home, and is warning people in Minnesota to be on their guard for a rise in bogus calls.

As the United States faces the worst public health crisis in a generation, we want you to know we are here for you—and with you.
Whatever happens, whenever it happens, your newspaper will be there for you.
We’ll be there to let you know how our community is managing through this crisis—from business to government to the health care system and schools to the impact on individuals and families.

Edna Mae Webster, age 95, of Owatonna, formerly of Waterville, died on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at Traditions of Owatonna.

Donald W. “Fuzzy” Eilers, age 83, of New Prague, died peacefully with his loving wife at his side on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at his home.  He died just shy of his 40th wedding anniversary.  Don was born on January 19, 1937 in Lanesburgh Township, Le Sueur County to Edwin H. and Matilda L.

John R. Harty, age 69, of New Prague, died peacefully with his family at his side on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at University of Minnesota Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis.  John was born on August 28, 1950 in St. Paul, MN to Robert John and Sarah J. (Meyers) Harty.  He attended Our Lady of Grace Catholic School, graduated from Edina High School and received his BA from the University of St. Thomas.  John was teaching religion/German at St.

Allie Reynolds, left, and her grandmother, Debbie Reynolds decorate their fence along Seventh Street NE in New Prague the afternoon of Tuesday, March 31. Debbie was inspired by the Facebook group World of Hearts. “Plus my granddaughter was bored,” she said with a grin. They had hearts, shamrocks, a smiley face, “Honk to say Hello!” and other messages on the fence. Around New Prague many chalk messages and pieces of art have been popping up. For more see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

On April 1, 2020, at 11:49 a.m., Scott County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch received a report of a two-vehicle crash that occurred at the intersection of Eagle Creek Avenue (CR21) and Natchez Avenue (CR 91) in Credit River Township.
Initial investigation indicates that a 2005 Toyota Corolla was traveling eastbound on Eagle Creek Avenue when it struck a 2018 freight truck that was turning southbound onto Natchez Avenue from the westbound turn lane on Eagle Creek Avenue.

Arnold “Arnie” J. Horejsi, age 91, of Lonsdale, died Monday, March 23, 2020 at the Northfield Care Center. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being completed and will be announced by the Boldt Funeral Home, Faribault.

Ermin Edward Wolf, age 80, of Jordan died peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2020, surrounded by his loving, devoted wife Jane and six children. Ermin was born July 13, 1939, to Raymond and Hildegard (Schloesser) Wolf in Jordan, Minnesota.  He was raised in the St. Benedict area.
He learned the true meaning of hard work, growing up on the farm and working alongside his father. At age 18, his father passed and he took over the farm that has now been in the family for over a century. He continued to learn from his father-in-law Leonard Seifert.

UPDATE - 4/2/20 
Highway 93 between Highway 169 and Henderson opens after 5 p.m today Thursday,, April 2, 2020.
 
Crews monitoring Highway 19 closely.
Motorists are advised that Highway 93 from Highway 169 to Henderson remains closed due to flooding on the Minnesota River.  The Minnesota Department of Transportation closed Highway 93 early Sunday morning. 
MnDOT and area law enforcement are closely monitoring Highway 19 between Highway 169 and Henderson as current river forecasts indicate the potential closure later this week.

The first Le Sueur County COVID-19 case was identified on March 22. Since that time, over the 
course of the last week, Le Sueur County Public Health has been notified by the Minnesota 
Department of Health (MDH) of an additional 10 cases of lab confirmed COVID-19. MDH does 
not release specific case information to protect the identity and privacy of the individuals. 
Aggregate data regarding the Le Sueur County cases that can be shared at this time include:
none of the cases were hospitalized, all are recovering at home and following isolation guidance