New Prague’s track and field teams enjoyed a pair of solid performances Thursday, taking the top two spots at a meet in Jordan.
The teams are continuing their efforts at building toward the championship portion of their schedules. The teams were in Orono Tuesday, April 30, for a varsity meet. Tuesday, May 7, NPHS will be at Rosemount for a meet followed by the Metro West Conference Championships Wednesday, May 15 at Trojan Stadium.
NP girls top the standings

Emotionally, spiritually and chronologically, the Rev. Kevin Clinton seems to be comfortable where he is as he looks back over 75 years, 50 spent as an ordained Catholic priest.
And now, he wants to take the time to slow down, to reflect and help people do the same in their lives. He’s comfortable with his life and work as a priest and the honor of being allowed to help people find peace in their lives. Fr. Clinton seems comfortable aiming at helping people enjoy quality of life rather than focusing on just muddling through more of the daily grind.

Ellie Dahl Rutherford, age 88, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away April 28, 2024, at McKenna Crossing in Prior Lake. A celebration of life for Ellie and husband Robert Rutherford will be on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, with a gathering from 10:30-11:45 a.m., at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Prior Lake.  Internment at Crystal Lake Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Ellie and Bob’s memory.

MVEC remains grounded amidst industry changes
 
Jordan, Minn. – While the energy sector is facing many changes in the coming years, Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative’s focus will always remain on putting members first and the unique needs of the co-op’s service area in 2024.

Devin Michael Efta, age 26, of Le Center, died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.  Devin was born on June 11, 1997, in Shakopee, to Lee and Trisha (Slavik) Efta.  He grew up in New Prague, graduating from New Prague High School.  He was currently employed as a landscaper, which allowed him to be in the world he loved the best, the outdoors.  He loved nature and his interests reflected that and he loved nothing more than camping, biking, and fishing.  He was free-spirited and hard-working.  His goofy personality found him always looking for a prank to play or a joke to tell.  H

Vernon S. “Chub” Ebnet, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.  Chub was born on January 27, 1922, in Albany, MN, to Michael and Mayme (Griedel) Ebnet.  He graduated from Albany High School, received his Bachelor of Science Degree from St. John’s University, and his Masters from Missouri University.  Chub started his teaching career at the Prep School at St.

Joann “Joanie” Hattie Skluzacek, age 80, of Montgomery, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 25, 2024. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at Most Holy Redeemer Church in Montgomery with Fr. Tom Niehaus officiating. Burial will be held at a later date.

Lloyd Carl Svoboda, age 85, of rural New Prague, left the loving arms of his family to join God in eternal life on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Central Healthcare of Le Center.

Timothy Robert Doherty, age 78, passed away April 9, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Tim was born on a beloved family farm in Morgan, MN. He was raised in New Prague, MN, and built a cherished life in Eagan, MN, with his wife Suzanne. A devoted father to Scott (Brandie), Jeff (Sherri), and Meghan Doherty Chappuis (Chris), and a cherished Grandpa to Benjamin, Kellie, Anna, Samantha, Sadie, Julia, Madeline, Emily, and William.

Benjamin T. “Ben” Stuber, age 46, of New Prague, died peacefully, with his family at his side on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville.  

Rose Marie Tuma, age 85, of Kilkenny, MN, formerly of Lonsdale, MN, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2024, in Faribault, MN.
Rose Marie was born January 26, 1939, in New Prague, MN, to Max and Emma (Cecka) Kalina. She is preceded in death by her husband, George J. Tuma; infant daughter, Charlotte; parents; siblings, Robert "Bob”, John.

Crews will begin work on the Highway 169 Jordan-Shakopee improvement project at 7 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Workers will reduce Highway 169 to one northbound and one southbound lane between Highway 21 in Jordan and Highway 41 in Jackson Township through mid-August. Lane closures will not be allowed weekends beginning Aug. 9.
Also starting May 1, through late-June, drivers will be limited to right-in, right-out access to Highway 69 in the project area, except at these intersections:

Elko New Market welcomed its newest police officer, Jeff Addabbo, during an induction ceremony at the city council’s Thursday, April 11, meeting. As part of the ceremony officer Addabbo’s father, Mike Addabbo, was invited to pin his son’s badge on him.
Addabbo’s parents and others in his family were present for the ceremony, which included his taking the oath of office from Mayor Joe Julius.
“Jeff's journey into law enforcement is a testament to his determination and passion for making a difference,” said Elko New Market Police Chief Brady Juell.

Corner Bar at 100 Main St. W in New Prague has on its main door, “Sorry we are closed due to roof repairs.”
According to New Prague city staff the bar’s liquor license expired March 31. Planning/Community Development Director Ken Ondich said the local bar had submitted an application for a liquor license with other liquor establishments before the March 31 deadline, but the business did not have an approved lease for its location. The license could not be renewed because there was not a valid lease, said Ondich.

Trying to soften the runway for anticipated future budget reductions, the New Prague Area School Board approved offering veteran teachers in the upper quadrant of the salary schedule an early-retirement package they can use for expenses including healthcare plans.