Unseasonably warm air has settled over New Glarus, turning what should feel like late winter into something closer to an early spring preview. Lawns are peeking through, jackets are lighter, and more than a few residents are wondering whether Mother Nature is setting us up for a late-season head fake. At the same time, construction continues on the new library, the addition to the brewery, and now the New Glarus Hotel & Restaurant, too. And on the hardwood, there is real momentum, with the possibility that New Glarus could soon celebrate both boys and girls basketball conference championships. There are visible signs of optimism all around.

What Else We’re Working On

We’re digging into the impact Highway 69 construction will have on New Glarus the summer, from increased traffic flow downtown to increased travel on county roads in the area.

We’re taking a closer look at this winter that never quite arrived, asking what a patchy, inconsistent season means for recreation, local business and the early spring outlook.

We’re following up on Green County’s renewed push for annual private well testing and what it means for homeowners who rely on groundwater in and around New Glarus.

We’re preparing a feature on the Driftless Area Land Conservancy, exploring how its work shapes conservation, farmland protection and the future landscape of Green County.

We’re reviewing year-end room tax revenue figures for New Glarus to see what they reveal about tourism trends, visitor spending and the overall strength of New Glarus’ hospitality economy.

On the sports front, we’re tracking a pivotal stretch for Glarner Knights basketball, including the girls' trip to Cambridge tonight with a chance to win the Capitol Conference outright. The boys' team is also still in the hunt for a conference title, and the postseason for both teams is starting soon.

That’s only part of what’s in the pipeline. We’re continuing to build and report stories that matter — all with one goal in mind: keeping New Glarus informed, engaged and connected to what’s happening right here at home.

Photo of the Week

What You May Have Missed

Here are the five stories that interested readers the most this week:

The Vanishing Volunteer: New Glarus Feels the Strain

As volunteer hours decline nationwide and rural fire departments warn of staffing gaps, New Glarus organizations say the pressure is real — and growing.

New Glarus 360Todd Klassy

New Glarus School District Carries $32,000 in Unpaid Lunch Balances

The superintendent says the district will never deny a student a meal as unpaid balances have increased since the end of the universal free lunch program, with community donations helping offset the district’s food service deficit.

New Glarus 360Todd Klassy

New Glarus Police Log 394 January Calls, Multiple Arrests

January brought 394 calls for service, three arrests, a death investigation and a domestic violence case with multiple felony charges, along with continued traffic enforcement and officer training.

New Glarus 360Todd Klassy

Elevated Fire Risk and Wind Advisory for New Glarus

National Weather Service warns of low humidity and gusts up to 45 mph Wednesday, raising fire danger across Green County including New Glarus.

New Glarus 360Todd Klassy

New Glarus Goalie Finds His Place on the Team in Co-Op Hockey

Sophomore goalie Brogan Hoelscher carries New Glarus pride into a cooperative hockey program, representing his hometown while developing patience, trust, and confidence in the crease this season.

New Glarus 360Todd Klassy

Kristi’s Restaurant is Back: A Valentine’s Night to Remember

Kristi’s marked its grand reopening with a special Valentine’s Day dinner, welcoming a packed house, heartfelt reunions and the joyful return of a beloved local gathering place.

New Glarus 360Todd Klassy

Something We Noticed

There’s a quiet but unmistakable shift happening downtown. Businesses and properties are changing hands, new storefronts are opening, and buildings that once sat with little activity are showing signs of new purpose and life. It’s not loud or flashy — it’s steady. A coat of paint here, a new sign there, lights on in spaces that have been dark. Taken together, it feels like a gradual renaissance unfolding block by block, leaving us encouraged by what’s already taken root and curious about what the next chapter for downtown New Glarus will bring.

Editor’s Note

New Glarus 360 is built on the idea that a strong community conversation makes a stronger community. If you have a perspective on a local issue, a thoughtful response to something we’ve published, or an idea you believe deserves more attention, consider submitting a letter to the editor. We welcome respectful, well-reasoned viewpoints from across the community.

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