Some of her students and colleagues spent their spring break at the beach while others traveled with their families to various other vacation destinations. New Prague High School instructor Allison Olson spent a portion of her time away from the classroom learning how thousands of sailors work together aboard a US Navy aircraft carrier at sea.

Saturday evening, April 11, at the 138th annual New Prague Firemen’s Dance & Drill, drillmaster Drew Koloc (left) handed over the whistle to new drillmaster Sam Peterson. Koloc is retiring with 14 years on the fire department, 11 as the drill team’s drillmaster. Peterson is a three-year member of the fire department and the department’s lone military veteran. Tradition calls for the drillmaster to be a military veteran. Peterson served in the U.S. Navy Seabees from 2009-2012. The 16-member drill team went through its paces before the dance at Park Ballroom.

Jean A. Luskey, age 91, of Ripon, WI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Jean was born at home on August 25, 1934, in Sibley County, Henderson Township, MN, to Harold and Bertha (Westphal) Brenke. She was raised in Le Sueur, MN, where she formed the strong values and warm spirit that would guide her throughout her life.

Harold "Harry" Von Bank, born on July 14, 1936, in New Prague, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by family at his home in New Prague on April 10, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, embodying a life of dedication and service to his community.

Montgomery Streets
    Most of the streets in the area between the railroad tracks and Le Sueur County 3/5th Street, and north of Le Sueur County 56/Oak Avenue and south of Boulevard Avenue will receive partial surface milling and a full overlay of pavement this summer. 

Le Sueur County Emergency Management Director Tammy Stewig said that dispatchers accidentally sounded off the county's sirens today, Thursday, April 9, at 1:45 p.m. thinking it was Severe Weather Awareness Week (SWAW), which is actually April 13-17, 2026.

On Thursday, April 16, of SWAW, almost every corner of the state will have two rounds of sirens sounding, one at 1:45 p.m. and one at 6:45 p.m., for businesses and residents to practice tornado safety procedures.

Margaret Ann "Peggy" Iverson, age 67, of Montgomery, passed away peacefully at home on April 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Peggy was born to Richard and Doris (Perkinson) Krenik. She grew up in Montgomery and graduated from Montgomery High School in 1977 before continuing her education at Mankato State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1981.

Elmer Gustave Jabs, 95, of Jordan, Minnesota, passed away on March 27, 2026.

A visitation will be on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home in Jordan. A Christian Funeral held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, in Prior Lake. Rev. Dr. Brent Parrish will preside. Interment at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

    The Le Sueur County Officials meeting at the American Bar & Grill in Montgomery on Wednesday, March 25, was host to two state nonprofit representatives that assist smaller governments — Cap O’Rourke and Maddie Cash.
    Cap O’Rourke is the executive director for the Minnesota Association of Small Cities (MAOSC), which is a nonprofit that exclusively serves cities of a population of 5,000 or less, and is also the owner of O’Rourke Strategic Consulting.

Rita Ann Stasney, age 94, of Montgomery, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Central Health Care in Le Center.

Rita was born as a twin with her brother, Richard, on December 15, 1931, in Montgomery Township, Le Sueur County, to Frank and Agnes (Schleis) Choudek. She grew up on the family farm near Montgomery and attended St. Raphael Catholic School through the eighth grade. She graduated from Montgomery High School in 1949.

Elko New Market held its annual Egg Hunt Saturday, March 28, at the Eagle View Elementary School. It was estimated that approximately 300 children participated in the Egg Hunt. Children, from toddlers up to fifth-grade could hunt for plastic eggs on the school’s playground and then turn them in for a bag of candy and small prizes. There were also golden eggs each child could take and turn in for a toy or book. There were also treats such as cookies and popcorn.

New Prague High School’s boys’ tennis team wants to win more matches this spring. The team has been working hard this spring to make that goal a reality in a strong Metro West Conference.

The Trojans open the conference season against BenildeSt. Margaret’s Thursday, April 9, 4:15 p.m. They’ll host Farmington and New Ulm Monday, April 13, 2:30 p.m.

“We want to be stronger in the Metro West Conference,” NP coach Jill Bailey said.

Ronald “Kopee" R. Kopet , age 82, of New Prague, passed away on March 30, 2026.

If the early results are a reliable sign, New Prague High School’s track teams are looking at a strong showing this spring.

Thursday, the Trojans competed at a non-conference indoor meet at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The NP boys finished ahead of Mankato East and Blue Earth Area. The New Prague girls finished second to Mankato East and ahead of BEA.

Orville R. Aman, age 94, of New Prague, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 26, 2026.

Orville was born on November 24, 1931, in Eureka, South Dakota, to Reinholt and Alma Aman. He grew up in Eureka and worked in the dairy industry before being drafted into the United States Army. He served during the Korean War and rose to the rank of sergeant, a role he took great pride in.