This coming Saturday, June 27, at Union Hill Ballpark, west of New Prague, at 5 p.m. the National Anthem will kick off the Fourth Annual Home Run Derby organized by Home Town Bats. This family friendly fundraiser features batters from the Dakota-Rice-Scott League and other leagues from across Minnesota hitting for the fences to see who can slam the most home runs.

The Bob Dylan song “The Times They Are a-Changin’” is one that seems very appropriate over the last few months.
Dylan’s song was released in 1964, another time of changes, social unrest, racial tension, protests, and an ongoing war. There was even an influenza pandemic, but that came near the end of the decade in 1968.
For many people today, like then, life seems to be a roller coaster. Just when things seem to be settling down, here comes another crest to ride through.

St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church recently announced that Fr. Eugene Theisen has been named pastor of the New Prague church, effective Wednesday, July 1. Fr. Theisen’s Installment Mass will be held at 5 p.m. on July 1, at St. Wenceslaus Church, 215 Main St. E. The Mass will be live streamed on multiple platforms through the church’s website, its Facebook page and YouTube.

Area residents will still have a chance to celebrate the Fourth of July in 2020. While the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in parades and other activities being cancelled, people will still be able to enjoy a few festivities and see the night sky lit up with a multitude of colors.

Sunday, June 28 is a big day for area baseball fans.
The DRS Amateur Baseball League begins this Sunday with three games.
Webster will play at Lonsdale. Shakopee will play at Montgomery. Faribault will play at St. benedict.
The Minnesota Baseball Association (MBA) and Governor Walz’s office gave approval to amateur baseball to begin official games Wednesday, June 24.
The DRS League held a meeting Sunday, June 22 to discuss the start of their schedules.
League teams will play 46 games in a span of only 29 days.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Prague will be doing an expansion of the south end of its building. The church at 1300 Main St. E will be adding 3,100 square feet for an administration wing.

FaithPoint Lutheran Church at 201 Central Ave. N in New Prague is offering face masks from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 27. People can prepare for Fourth of July activities by getting a mask. Area residents can stay in their cars and enter the church’s parking lot from the north. There will be two lines to serve people. Face masks for men, women and children will be available. Free will offering will be accepted to cover costs. The remainder of the masks will go the Peace Center in New Prague. The masks are sponsored by Sue’s Quilt Shop in New Prague and volunteers.

Mary Frances Loula, age 84, passed away peacefully in her home June 18th, 2020, with her family by her side. She was born on October 6th, 1935 in New Prague, Minnesota to Harold and Helen Picha. After graduating from New Prague High school and working in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she married her high school sweetheart, Myron (Mike) Loula, on August 9th, 1958 at Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague, Minnesota.  Mary was a dedicated mother and grandmother first and foremost. She treasured her children and grandchildren and embraced every moment with them.

Residents of Mala Strana Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Center in New Prague enjoy a Father’s Day parade the afternoon of Sunday, June 21. More than 30 residents watched as more than 30 vehicles in all shapes, sizes and years went by to celebrate dads, plus a few moms. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic staff at the assisted living and nursing home had the parade to allow families to see each other. (Patrick Fisher Photo)

Youth sports games and scrimmages can resume June 24 or later for outdoor sports, and July 1 or later for indoor sports.
The guidance seeks to balance the goals of minimizing disease transmission and allowing young people to engage in sports activities that have important physical, emotional, and social benefits. It also provides additional clarifications and recommendations for adult sports competitions this summer.
View the new sports guidance and answers to frequently asked questions at Community Settings: COVID-19.

The detour for the construction project along Main Street (Highway 19) in New Prague’s downtown has been postponed until further notice as a permit to work in the railroad’s right-of-way is experiencing a delay. Work through the railroad right-of-way is the critical first stage of project construction.

Donna Germscheid, age 84, lost her battle with Alzheimer’s Thursday May 7th, 2020 at Shoreview Senior Living.  Donna is remembered as a strong woman who loved her family, golf, gardening, sewing, crossword puzzles, reading, music, fishing and animals. 

Lucille Caroline Busch died after a short illness on June 15th, 2020 at Mala Strana, in New Prague. Lucy was born on December 13, 1922 in the Maxa family farm house just outside of New Prague.  She was the third daughter of four children born to Jacob and Anna Maxa. 

Backlin, Sigfred A’Dare, Age 93 of Bloomington, MN died on June 11, 2020. 
Sigfred was born on a farm at Holmes City, MN to the parents of Sigfred and Olga Backlin.  Graduated from Alexandria High School.  Served during WWII and the Korean War.  He was a railroad engineer for M&STL as well as Chicago Northwestern Railroads, several of those years in New Prague, for a total of 43 years and 25 more years as a Cub Foods employee. 

Sylvia (Sally Simon,) Rezac, 91, of Owatonna, died June 12th, 2020.
Sylvia was born in New Prague, MN to Bohumil and Ludmilla (Kalina) Simon. She was the 6th of 9 children. Sylvia grew up speaking Czech and later learned English and Latin in Catholic school.
Every summer on the farm as a young child, it gave her great joy caring for her flocks of ducklings and goslings. Due to chronic respiratory problems, Sylvia spent most winter days staying with her Grandma Kalina in Veseli, attending Most Holy Trinity Catholic school.

Andy Pany, 61, of Montgomery, passed away at his home on June 9, 2020.
Burial will be held on Saturday, June 20 at 3 p.m. at the National Bohemian Cemetery in Montgomery. A visitation will be held at 4 p.m. at the Rustic Farmer, Montgomery. Social distancing guidelines will be followed.
Andy was the son of Alvin and Gerry Pany. He was born January 20, 1959. After graduating from Montgomery High School, Andy went to school and became a journeyman Electrician and worked for St. Paul Electrical Union.