Smisek, Julia A., age 88 of Lonsdale, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2020.
Preceded in death by her husband, Robert; granddaughter, Rachel Bastyr; parents, William and Elsie Kalal; siblings, Raymond and Milton Kalal and Helen Smisek. Survived by her children, Gayleen (Garth) Cockerell, Robert (Laura) Smisek, Rodney (Kim) Smisek, Charli (Lenny) Bastyr, Roger (Linda) Smisek, and Eileen (Charles) Shimota; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Earl (Theresa) Kalal and brother-in-law, Arnie (Mary) Smisek; also by other loving relatives and friends.

This includes The New Prague Times, Montgomery Messenger and LifeEnterprise offices.
We look forward to seeing you!

After more than two months of its government buildings being closed to the public, Le Sueur County is reopening most of its offices and specific services on Monday, June 1, 2020 at 8 a.m. with the exception of Court Administration, which will be open to the public on June 8, 2020.
According to a press release Friday, the county is taking a cautious, phased approach to reopening and implementing new processes and procedures to protect the health and safety of employees and the community.

Eugene J. Flicek, age 77, of North Mankato, died on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at Oak Terrace Assisted Living, North Mankato. 
No services are being held.  Cards and flowers may be sent to the family.  Condolences can be left online for the family at www.mankatomortuary.com.

MnDOT will be doing maintenance work on Highway 19 east of New Prague. Metro MnDOT is in charge of the work that will begin at Redwing Avenue and go east to the intersection of Highways 19 and 13. The work is scheduled to be completed within the next week and is a separate project from the reconstruction of New Prague’s Main Street. Motorists will want to take caution as there will be single lane traffic on Monday, June 1, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation and its impact on the community, the fair board has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Scott County Fair.   With the current restrictions and unknown future in regard to large group gatherings and required policies and requirements, our hearts are heavy knowing that we cannot come together for our annual celebration of agriculture, education and entertainment.

As one city celebration after another has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 86th annual Kolacky Days will continue as mostly a virtual event.
In a press release sent to members of the Montgomery Area Community Club, board member Tom Washa said the board decided to hold the event in some fashion that keeps everyone safe and adheres to the Minnesota Department of Health and CDC guidelines.

Mahowald, George A., age 90, passed away May 26, 2020, at his family farm in rural New Market, MN. George was born August 7, 1929 in Chatfield, MN to George J. and Beatrice (Zweber) Mahowald and moved to New Market in 1935, where both sides of his family have deep roots.  

George Tupy, left, of the New Prague American Legion, Nick Slavik of the VFW, Greg Dohmen, Tim Marsolais, and the New Prague Veterans Honor Guard honored area veterans who have died at the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery on Monday, May 25. This Memorial Day, the New Prague Veterans Honor Guard and others visited area cemeteries reading the names of veterans who were buried at each cemetery. One change to the annual program was the guest speaker, Donald Walser, did his speech from KCHK Radio. For more on Memorial Day see an upcoming print issue of The New Prague Times. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Highway 41 traffic will be head-to-head on the same side of the road east of the river between the railroad tracks and Highway 169 to allow crews to rebuild the southbound Highway 41 travel lanes
 See project webpage for additional information. https://www.scottcountymn.gov

New Prague High School seniors celebrated their last day of school on Friday, May 22, with a gathering in the high school parking lot. The event lasted about 30 minutes with most students arriving in vehicles, one decorated in the color of the Minnesota Gophers and one tractor towing a trailer. Some students had signs congratulating the Class of 2020. There were several photos and selfies taken by students and a few school staff. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Also in accordance with a proclamation issued by the President, Governor Tim Walz today directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff, effective immediately, until sunset on Sunday, May 24, 2020 to remember, mourn, and honor lives lost due to COVID-19.
 Individuals, businesses, and other organizations also are encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Minnesotans who have lost their lives to COVID-19 and their families.

The Great Minnesota Get-Together will not be held in 2020. This was announced today following a meeting of the board of managers of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, which governs the Minnesota State Fair. The event was scheduled for Aug. 27 through Labor Day, Sept. 7. 

Debra Sue Swanson Lee, 54, of New Prague, MN entered into peace Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 3:11 p.m. at her home in New Prague after a very courageous battle with cancer. Debbie was born June 21, 1965 in Sacramento, CA to Walter and Janet (Karg) Woodyard. At a young age, the family moved to Clarinda, IA where Debbie attended Clarinda Community Schools through high school graduating in 1984. Debbie then attended Iowa Western Community College in Clarinda, IA before moving to Ames, IA where she worked as an administrative assistant.

The evening of Tuesday, May 19, was warm and sunny, as the Trouba Troubadours performed an outdoor concert at Brewsters Bar & Grill in Veseli. While billed as drive by concert, people actually stopped to enjoy the music from their vehicles or yard chairs. The well attended concert was to help support the local business. Brewsters provided take out meals for the families and friends that attended. The Trouba Troubadours provided a mixture of music from country to pop to rock. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Margaret A. Bartusek, age 81, of Veseli, died suddenly on Monday, May 18, 2020 after a short illness at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee.  Margaret was born on July 16, 1938 in New Prague to Edward F. and Agnes A. (Valek) Bastyr.  She attended St. Wenceslaus Parochial School and graduated from New Prague High School.  She married the love of her life, Richard M. Bartusek on April 19, 1958 at St.