Community Update: 3/26/2026

Community Update: 3/26/2026

We’ve recently added something new to the mix: the Daily Brief, delivered at the end of the day with a quick look at the stories we published and a sneak peek at what we expect to have coming the following day. Judging by the open rates and click-throughs so far, it appears many of you are finding it useful, and we’re glad to see it being received so well. For those who want a simple, fast way to stay on top of local news, it’s designed to do exactly that.

The Community Update is not going anywhere. That weekly newsletter will continue as a broader look at what’s on our radar, along with a few insights into what makes New Glarus 360 work, some upcoming weather information, and other bits and pieces we think will be worth your time. We’ve received a lot of kind notes about the Community Update in particular, and we truly appreciate that. We hope it continues to be something you look forward to reading each week.

Soon, we’ll also publish the first edition of The Old Guard, our new monthly alumni newsletter. We’ll have more to say about that later, but the idea is simple: three newsletters each serving a different purpose, with no wasted time. Get the week’s most important local stories in minutes — affordable, curated, done. If any of these newsletters are not for you, you can unsubscribe at the bottom of any email at any time.

What We’re Working On

Work continues on the New Glarus Hotel & Restaurant project as construction advances and more pieces begin falling into place. We’re working to bring readers a clearer look at the latest progress, what comes next, and how the redevelopment is beginning to take shape.

The Town of New Glarus has a new clerk-treasurer, and we’re preparing an introduction so readers can get to know Darla Kramer a little better. We will look at her background, her role, and the work ahead as she steps into an important position in local government.

With the April 6 spring election approaching, we’re assembling coverage focused on the local races and offices that will shape decisions in the months and years ahead.

As Wisconsin football spring practice gets underway, we’re taking a look back at Butch’s Bologna Bash and its connection to New Glarus. It’s the kind of story that blends local color, Badger nostalgia, and the traditions that still get people talking.

Many people who live near the south side of New Glarus know the sound well, especially late at night, when trucks descend the hill on Highway 69 using engine brakes. We’re working on a story that explains what jake brakes are, why they are so loud, and what options, if any, exist to address the issue.

For National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we’re preparing a story centered on the experiences of a local veteran and the life he built after service. It will be both a personal reflection and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those from small communities like ours.

Few people become as familiar a face in a community as the local UPS driver, and we’re working on a story about one longtime employee who has become a favorite to many in the area. It’s a chance to highlight a person whose work is part of the daily rhythm of local life, even if much of it happens quietly.

Spring sports season is here, and we’ll be covering New Glarus Glarner Knights baseball and track and field, Monticello-New Glarus girls softball, and Sugar River girls soccer. Expect a mix of previews, highlights, standout performances, and storylines worth following as the season gets underway.

One of the darker stories in local history traces back to an 1865 attack that briefly put New Glarus in headlines across the Midwest. We’re digging into the historical record to revisit what happened, how it was reported at the time, and why the case still stands out today.

Spring is arriving, and we’re putting together a guide to 15 things to do in and around New Glarus as the season unfolds. From outdoor recreation to local events and simple small-town pleasures, it should offer plenty of ideas for getting out and enjoying spring.

We’re also preparing our latest honor roll coverage featuring students from New Glarus Schools. It’s one of the many ways we can recognize academic achievement and give students and families a moment in the spotlight.

Photo of the Week

We spotted the first flowers emerging from their winter slumber downtown. These dwarf irises are one of the earliest signs of spring, often popping up through the mulch or even snow while other plants are still dormant.

Weather Forecast

Rain moves into New Glarus later today, with temperatures reaching about 60 before skies begin clearing tonight and colder air drops lows to around 25. Friday looks sunny but cooler, with highs in the mid-40s, followed by a pleasant weekend that gradually warms into the upper 40s Saturday and low 60s Sunday.

Early next week looks even milder, with Monday pushing near 70 before chances for rain and thunderstorms return Monday afternoon and continue off and on through Wednesday.

What You May Have Missed

Sugar River EMS District Launches with New Glarus, Belleville & Five Townships
A new regional EMS district linking New Glarus, Belleville and five townships will be formally rolled out at a noon press conference today, with local leaders touting a 10-year plan to strengthen ambulance service.

National Ag Day Puts Focus on Changing Farm Country Near New Glarus
On National Ag Day, the changing farm country around New Glarus offers a window into northern Green County’s dairy past, with fewer farms, fewer cheese factories and a landscape still shaped by agriculture.

New Glarus’ Original March Heroes: The 1932 Team That Carried a Village
Long before the 2019 title team, New Glarus’ 1932 boys made a March run for the ages, carrying a village of 1,010 into Wisconsin’s one-class state tournament against far bigger schools.

Best of the Season: Boys Basketball in Photos
From tough conference games to the emotion of tournament play, Becky Degenhardt’s best images capture the grit, energy and defining moments of New Glarus boys basketball in 2025-26.

Why Wisconsin (and New Glarus) Loves the Friday Fish Fry
During Lent (and all year long) Friday fish fries remain part of Wisconsin culture, and New Glarus offers several local spots where the weekly tradition still brings people together.

Something We Noticed

One thing we’ve noticed lately is just how much work has been taking place at Veteran’s Memorial Park ahead of the March 30 New Glarus Glarner Knights boys baseball home opener. From new dugouts to work in the outfield, fencing improvements, and other visible upgrades, it is clear that a great deal of effort has been going into getting the ballpark ready for the season. Anyone who has driven by recently has likely seen that this is more than a quick cleanup. Real improvements are being made.

A great deal of that work is being paid for by the New Glarus Youth Baseball Association, and much of the labor is being done by its members as well. That says a great deal about the kind of organization it is. The group continues to be one of the most active in the community, driven not by recognition, but by a genuine love for youth baseball and a desire to create something better for local kids and families. That kind of commitment deserves praise, and it is another reminder that many of the things people value most in a small town happen because volunteers care enough to show up and do the work.

Mobile Phone Users: Having Problems?

If you’ve noticed that you sometimes have to log back into New Glarus 360 when clicking a story link from Facebook, you’re not imagining things. Facebook often opens links inside its own built-in browser instead of your phone’s regular browser, and that can prevent the site from recognizing your saved login. We’ve also found that some readers are using private or incognito browsing modes, which automatically delete cookies at the end of each session. When that happens, the site essentially treats your next visit like a fresh one, which means you may have to log in again.

The easiest way to avoid this is to open NewGlarus360.com in your normal browser, not inside Facebook, and not in private or incognito mode. Better yet, add New Glarus 360 directly to your phone’s home screen so you can open it like an app and stay logged in more reliably. On Android using Chrome, open NewGlarus360.com in Chrome, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner, and select Add to Home Screen. On iPhone using Safari, open NewGlarus360.com in Safari, tap the Share icon, and select Add to Home Screen. That should give you a smoother experience and make it easier to get to the news without extra steps.

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

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