Community Update: 3/4/2026

Community Update: 3/4/2026
March 4, 2026
Table of Contents

It has been a week with more police activity than usual in and around New Glarus — not always the most enjoyable stories to cover when the goal is celebrating and reporting on the community itself. That said, New Glarus Police Chief Jeff Sturdevant told me the arrest on Friday appears to be an isolated situation and emphasized that the village does not have an ongoing drug problem.

As for the other major case making headlines elsewhere in Green County this past month, there are plenty of rumors circulating around town, but nothing concrete that can responsibly be reported at this time. As always, we will continue to follow developments closely and report verified information when it becomes available.

In the meantime, there is plenty happening that is squarely centered on New Glarus. We will continue bringing you coverage of the upcoming April election, signs of downtown New Glarus coming back to life as spring approaches, great things happening at our schools, and a full calendar of events shaping up for the summer months ahead.

What Else We’re Working On

We will have a recap of tonight's Village Board meeting, highlighting key discussions, decisions, and updates that affect residents and businesses in New Glarus.

New Glarus faces a big postseason test on the road against #4 seed Lancaster. We’ll have coverage from the game, with photographer Becky Degenhardt on hand to capture the action.

We are following developments after the recent resignation of the Town Clerk-Treasurer and will take a closer look at what comes next as the town begins the process of finding a replacement.

Construction of the new Town of New Glarus garage is moving forward, with the building frame now up. We’ll share the latest progress and what officials say about the expected timeline for completion.

A beloved Swiss tradition returns to New Glarus this spring as residents prepare to once again create the intricate marbled onion peel eggs that have become part of the community’s Easter celebration.

We’re taking a closer look at the Driftless Area Land Conservancy and the work it does to protect land, water, and wildlife across southern Wisconsin, including projects that touch the New Glarus area.

Students in New Glarus High School’s marketing program are getting real-world experience by working directly with local businesses, building skills while helping promote the community’s shops and services.

Spring is around the corner, and we’re exploring how local gardeners can make the most of their yards, with tips on finding the best sunlight, soil, and growing conditions in the New Glarus area.

Artist Chad Caso is at work on another mural, this time at the New Glarus Home. We’ll be there to photograph the project and share the story behind the artwork in his own words.

We’re digging into the latest information on the long-closed Stewart Tunnel on the Badger State Trail to see whether progress is being made and if the popular route could reopen anytime soon.

Photo of the Week

After the New Glarus girls basketball season came to an end on the road at Platteville last Friday, New Glarus head coach Kevin Parman hugged his daughter near the bench. It was a poignant moment and punctuation mark on a great season. – Photo by Becky Degenhardt

What You May Have Missed

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

Drug Investigation Leads to Two Arrests in New Glarus
Authorities say the heavy law enforcement presence seen Friday in New Glarus was tied to a narcotics search warrant on Windlach Street that resulted in two arrests and the seizure of several illegal drugs.
From New Glarus to Social Media Marketing Leader
New Glarus High School graduate Zoe Schmitz now serves as VP of Talent Management at A-List Me, helping digital creators build sustainable businesses in today’s fast-moving influencer marketing industry.
50 Years Ago: Remembering the Infamous 1976 Ice Storm
As freezing rain crippled Wisconsin in March 1976, New Glarus was plunged into darkness, isolation, and uncertainty—an ice storm locals still call “The Doozy,” reshaping winter preparedness for generations to come.
Highway 69 Closure Set to Reshape Traffic, Business and Safety in New Glarus
A seven-week shutdown will reroute traffic through downtown New Glarus on 6th Avenue, see local drivers using county highways, and traffic bypassing key Highway 69 businesses during peak tourism season during the heart of summer.
Go Bigs or Go Home Trivia Night Honors Jeremy Bigler in 10th Year
Friends and family gathered at Puempel’s for the 10th annual GO BIGS event, raising funds for the Jeremy Bigler Scholarship Fund and celebrating a life remembered through laughter and love.

Something We Noticed

As the winter sports season winds down, one thing that stood out all season at New Glarus High School was the energy and support from the student section at Glarner Knights basketball games. With the home schedule now complete for both the boys and girls teams, it’s worth recognizing the students who packed the stands night after night. There were only a few games all season where they didn’t show up in force, and when they did, they brought enthusiasm and class. Always respectful, always loud, and always cheering on their classmates, the students may not have been on the hardwood themselves, but their voices clearly helped lift both teams throughout the season.

Editor’s Note

New Glarus 360 exists to keep the community conversation going. If you have a viewpoint on a local issue, a response to something we’ve published, or an idea you think deserves a closer look, consider sending a letter to the editor. Thoughtful, respectful perspectives from across the community are always welcome.

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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