Autumn is beginning to settle over New Glarus. The leaves are starting to turn along the hillsides and village streets, even if the temperatures haven’t quite gotten the message yet. But we know what’s coming: those first mornings when frost covers the grass, followed by afternoons cool enough to open the windows and let the crisp air move through the house. Before long, there will be woodsmoke on the breeze, pumpkin spice seemingly everywhere, and that unmistakable feeling that fall has finally arrived.
There is plenty happening around town to help us enjoy the season. The Glarner Knights football team is having a strong year, with just two regular-season games remaining before the WIAA playoffs begin. And this Sunday, the New Glarus Historical Village & Museum will host its annual Harvest Fest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have never been, you owe it to yourself to go. It is worth every penny, and your admission helps support the people who preserve, protect and share the history that makes New Glarus such a special place.
Fall never seems to stay long enough. One day the trees are just beginning to glow, and before we know it, the branches are bare and frost has given way to snow. So enjoy these next few weeks while they are here. Take the long way home. Go to the football game. Walk through the Historical Village. Open the windows when the air finally turns cool. Autumn is arriving in New Glarus, quietly at first, painting the village one leaf at a time.
Biggest Stories of the Week
What We’re Working On
Green County has already recorded five road fatalities this year and is on pace to approach the highest total seen in recent years. We’re asking why serious crashes are happening, what the data shows and what can be done to make local roads safer.
The Town of Mount Pleasant meets Monday, and it is now the last municipality that has not voted to end its agreement with New Glarus Area EMS. We’ll be there to find out what happens next and what the changing landscape means for New Glarus first responders.
Downtown New Glarus is filled with Swiss and German words painted and carved onto buildings, but what do they actually mean? We’ve been translating them and will explain what they say in English and the stories behind some of the most familiar signs.
Wisconsin has confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease in dairy cattle for only the second time on record. We’re talking with local veterinarians about what they are watching for, how the disease affects cattle and whether farmers in our area should be concerned.
We have several local business spotlights coming soon, including The Alpine, Rusty Raven, Clark Electric and Fat Cat Coffee Works. We’re talking with the people behind these businesses to share their stories, their history and what they bring to the New Glarus community.
October is Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re telling the story of a local woman who fought cancer and won. Now she is using her experience to help people whose own battles with the disease are just beginning.
Halloween is approaching, and so is Boos & Brews, the annual Halloween pub crawl in New Glarus. We’ll have the details on where to go, what to expect and how to take part.
The Highway 69 construction project is entering its final stretch, and there are indications crews may even be running ahead of schedule. We’re keeping tabs on the work and will keep readers updated as the highway moves closer to reopening.
The 11th Avenue construction project is also nearing completion. We’ll follow the final work and then take a closer look at how the project went, what worked and what could be improved next time.
Years ago, the New Glarus Jaycees hosted elaborate haunted houses that drew visitors from around the region every October. We’re digging into the archives and talking with people who remember them as we look back at one of New Glarus’ most memorable Halloween traditions.
The New Glarus Glarner Knights travel to Fennimore tomorrow night before returning home the following Friday for Senior Night. We’ll have complete coverage as the Knights finish the regular season and begin their push toward the WIAA playoffs.
Fall sports are heading into the home stretch, and we’ll continue following the Sugar River Raiders boys soccer team, Monroe-New Glarus swim team, New Glarus-Monticello cross country team and New Glarus volleyball team. Expect results, photos, postseason coverage and plenty more as championship season approaches.
New Glarus has no shortage of unusual traditions, landmarks and local oddities, so we’re putting together 10 Quirky Things About New Glarus. It will be a fun look at some of the strange, charming and uniquely New Glarus things that help give the village its personality.
Photo of the Week
What You May Have Missed
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Something We Noticed
Like so many others in New Glarus, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Brad Beal. Brad meant a great deal to my family during the passing of both my mother and father, and my grandparents before them. He meant even more to the community he served for so many years. In recent days, I have seen so many beautiful words shared about him, and I can’t help but think Brad would have been deeply touched by every one of them. Maybe his passing is also a reminder to tell the people who matter to us what they mean while we still can — not only family and friends, but those quiet pillars in the community whose presence make the place feel like home. I hope the people we are blessed to have among us know just how valued and cherished they are, before the chance to tell them is gone.
My sincerest sympathies to Gail, Andy and Brad’s family and close friends. Our community grieves with you.
A Better Way to Reach New Glarus 360
We’ve made it easier than ever to get in touch with New Glarus 360. Our newly redesigned Contact page is now a one-stop place for readers, businesses and community organizations to send us just about anything. Have a news tip? There’s a form for that. Want to submit a Letter to the Editor, send us a photo, tell us about an upcoming community event or report something in a story that needs another look? You can now do all of that directly from that page. We’ve also added a dedicated advertising inquiry form for local businesses and organizations interested in reaching New Glarus 360 readers, along with a general contact form when you’re simply not sure where your message belongs. Of course, you can still reach us the old-fashioned way by phone (608-205-8845), email (editor@newglarus360.com) or mail, too. The goal is simple: New Glarus 360 belongs to this community, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to tell us what’s happening in it. So, bookmark our new Contact page — and the next time you see something, know something, photograph something or have something worth sharing, send it our way.
Past Issues
Need to reference a past issue of Community Update? No problem. We’ve got you covered. Previous editions are easy to find, so whether you want to revisit a local story, catch up on something you missed, or go back and check a link, the archive is there when you need it.
How to Reach Us
Have a story idea, tip or announcement? Just reply to this email or submit a story idea at our website. We read every message. You can upload a photo, a file, or news tip by clicking on the button below. Or you can email us anytime at editor@newglarus360.com.
Thanks for supporting local journalism and for helping us tell the story of New Glarus and the people who make this community what it is.
Todd Klassy
New Glarus 360
