The past few weeks have been a blur of long hours and non-stop demands. Doing my small part helping with the massive logistics of the World Euchre Championship while also ensuring that New Glarus 360 and my other projects continue humming has proven difficult and proven the clock is my most difficult opponent. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day to check every box, and lately, "luxuries" like a full night’s sleep or a balanced meal have been traded for graphic arts apps, spreadsheets and strategy sessions. Moving the tournament operations from the Fest Haus to the heart of downtown New Glarus has added a whole other layer of complexity to the shuffle, too.
Stepping behind the curtain of a major community event changes your perspective forever. As we prepare to welcome hundreds of visitors from across the continent for this event that will help New Glarus Cares fund a new pickleball complex, I have developed a profound, newfound appreciation for the "army" it takes to keep this village vibrant. From the local businesses stepping up with table sponsorships to those who volunteer and work tirelessly behind the scenes, the spirit of generosity here is nothing short of incredible. They don't do it for the accolades; they do it because they believe in making New Glarus a better place.
This experience has opened my eyes to the sheer volume of work poured into our local traditions by people who simply care. Whether it’s the Lions Club, the Wilhelm Tell Guild, the organizers of Community Fest, Oktoberfest, or Christkindli, the workload necessary to run large events is immense. To those who volunteer at our schools, serve in our churches, or give their time to the FFA Alumni, New Glarus Vision, and other organizations: I salute you. One cannot truly understand the depth of sacrifice required to make a community thrive until you are on the inside looking out. And to everyone who helps guests feel at home—thank you too.
What We’re Working On
Last night’s Senior Awards Night celebrated the hard work, perseverance and future plans of the Class of 2026. We’ll have the full rundown of the evening’s biggest honors, scholarships and memorable moments from a night centered on achievement and recognition.
A new screen printing business is opening in New Glarus, adding another creative and entrepreneurial venture to the community. We are speaking with the owner about the inspiration behind the business, what services will be offered and why they chose to plant roots here in New Glarus.
For generations, the unmistakable sound of the old fire house siren has echoed through New Glarus during emergencies, storms and celebrations. We’re digging deeper into the history, purpose and memories tied to one of the village’s most recognizable sounds.
The 2026 World Euchre Championship is bringing players from across North America to downtown New Glarus for one unforgettable weekend. We’ll have photos, tournament results, behind-the-scenes moments and a closer look at how the event continues to grow into something much larger than just a card tournament.
There’s more news coming from The Matterhorn, the new ice cream shop preparing to open in the former Kennedy’s Ice Cream & Grill location. From renovations to menu ideas and the vision behind the business, excitement continues building around one of downtown’s most anticipated new additions.
Not every great Wisconsin lake is crowded with tourists and boat traffic. Our upcoming look at the Top 10 Underappreciated Lakes near New Glarus highlights some of the region’s hidden gems perfect for fishing, paddling, swimming or simply escaping for a quiet afternoon.
New Glarus High School recently welcomed a new group of students into the National Honor Society, recognizing excellence in scholarship, leadership, service and character. We’ll introduce the newest inductees.
A fiery December 1979 crash in downtown New Glarus left behind twisted metal, unanswered questions and a mystery that lingered long after the smoke cleared. Nearly five decades later, the strange story surrounding the unidentified man pulled from the wreck remains one of the village’s most fascinating stories.
The Class of 2026 is preparing to close one chapter and begin another. We’ll soon be sharing this year’s Senior Class Portraits, celebrating the students, personalities and faces that helped define another memorable year at New Glarus High School.
A New Glarus writer and student artist are being recognized in a statewide publication celebrating creativity and storytelling. Their work is now reaching audiences beyond the community, bringing more attention to the talent emerging from New Glarus.
One remarkable historic image of downtown New Glarus, believed to have been taken from atop the Swiss Church, offers a rare bird’s-eye view of New Glarus before paved roads, automobiles and modern development transformed the village. The photo is packed with fascinating details, from old buildings and horse-drawn wagons to long-lost landmarks and historic clues hidden in plain sight.
As the village transitions into the new library building, there are other stories quietly unfolding behind the scenes. We’ll take a closer look at the emotions, logistics, memories and changes tied to the move — and what it says about the future of community spaces in New Glarus.
The spring sports season is quickly approaching the finish line, and several local teams are preparing for the pressure and excitement of postseason play. We’ll have updates, standings and storylines to watch as New Glarus athletes chase conference titles, regional berths and deep playoff runs.
Photo of the Week
What You May Have Missed
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Something We Noticed
The old rocky hillside along Elmer Road across from the Prairie Haus Apartments — known over the years as Sand Hill, Sand Cliff, or simply The Rocky Hill — is slowly disappearing from view. A stand of young trees has taken root at the base of the slope, and what was once one of the most recognizable natural landmarks on the east side of New Glarus is now mostly hidden from passing traffic. Maybe most people have not even noticed. But we have.
The hill was never conventionally beautiful. Some probably viewed it as a scar on the landscape. But for some, I think, it always seemed to stand watch over New Glarus. A sentinel of sorts. Generations of local kids climbed it. Senior class photos were taken on its sandy face. Some remember hauling sand from the base of the hill for backyard sandboxes. Others might even remember the morning villagers woke to find giant “JUDA” letters placed on top of the ridge by local hoodlums for reasons still unknown.
Geologically, the hill appears to be an exposed sandstone and shale formation, likely tied to the ancient sedimentary layers beneath this part of Green County. The sandy texture and layered rock face may date back hundreds of millions of years. Now, nature is slowly reclaiming it. We are not necessarily saying the trees should come down or that the hill needs to be restored to its old appearance. Still, there is something a little sad about watching a longtime landmark quietly fade from view.
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
