The fire in downtown Monroe late last week was a reminder that some of the most important community work happens quietly, without fanfare, and often far from home. As flames threatened a tightly packed block of historic downtown buildings, firefighters, EMTs and support personnel from across southern Wisconsin — and even northern Illinois — dropped what they were doing and responded. New Glarus was among them. In all, more than 20 departments answered the call. Men and women from communities as far away as Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Freeport and many others came together for a city that, for many of them, is not even a neighboring community. They came because help was needed.
What stands out is not only what happened, but what might have happened. Downtown Monroe's businesses sit shoulder-to-shoulder, connected in ways that can allow a fire to spread quickly. Two businesses reportedly suffered damage, but the outcome could have been far worse. An entire side of the square was at risk. The large-scale response was not simply about extinguishing a fire. It was about preventing a catastrophe. Mutual aid exists because local departments understand that emergencies do not respect municipal boundaries, and that protecting one community often requires the strength of many.
It is easy to notice first responders when sirens are sounding and smoke is in the air. The Monroe fire is also a reminder to appreciate them on the days when nothing dramatic is happening. Every department that responded had people willing to leave work, family plans, errands and daily routines to stand ready for strangers. That commitment is one of the things that makes our communities strong. We are fortunate to live in a region where help comes not only from next door, but from miles away, whenever it is needed.
What We’re Working On
We're getting ready for that time of year when New Glarus museums are getting ready to open for the summer. We'll have a look at what's new at the Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum and Swiss Historical Museum and the traditions they preserve.
The Green County Breakfast on the Farm is almost here, and thousands are expected to attend this year's event near Brodhead. We'll preview the breakfast, the host farm and everything visitors can expect to see and do.
What are the top 10 foods most closely associated with New Glarus? We're putting together a delicious list that celebrates the flavors, traditions and local favorites that helped define our community.
The new library is almost ready to welcome the public, with the grand opening set for June 4. We'll be covering the final preparations and events leading up to one of the community's most anticipated openings in years.
Work on the Highway 69 project is expected to begin May 26, bringing changes for motorists and nearby residents. We're speaking with the company overseeing the project to learn more about the timeline and what to expect.
Four local establishments are competing in the Green County Best Burger Contest, and we're planning to visit each New Glarus entry. Along the way, we'll share photos, stories and what makes each burger unique.
The Class of 2026 portraits have arrived, and we'll be publishing them soon. It's one more way to recognize a graduating class that is preparing for an important milestone.
What has changed since driver's education stopped being offered through New Glarus High School? We're looking at how students and families navigate the process today and how things differ from years past.
For generations of students, the Wyalusing field trip has been a memorable tradition. We'll take a closer look at this annual sixth-grade adventure and why it remains a rite of passage.
The Class of 2026 graduation is just around the corner, bringing excitement, celebration and reflection. We'll be covering commencement and recognizing the accomplishments of this year's graduates.
Looking for ways to help this year? We'll be highlighting volunteer opportunities around New Glarus and connecting readers with organizations that can use an extra hand.
How large will New Glarus become in the decades ahead? We'll explore Wisconsin population projections and what state planners expect for New Glarus and neighboring communities over the next 10, 20 and 30 years.
The playoff season is almost here for several New Glarus-area high school teams. We'll be following the action and bringing readers coverage from the road to the postseason.
Our popular Where Are They Now? series continues with more conversations featuring New Glarus graduates. We'll learn where life has taken them and what they are doing today.
As Memorial Day approaches, we'll share the story of a fallen hometown veteran whose sacrifice is still remembered more than a century later. It is a powerful reminder of the real people behind the holiday.
A rare Blue Moon over New Glarus will light the sky this month, giving us a reason to reflect. We'll explore how our community changes slowly over time, and how occasionally everything seems to change all at once.
Photo of the Week
What You May Have Missed
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Something We Noticed
Police blotters are one of those small-town newspaper staples that can say a lot about a place. Some are grim. Some are funny. Some read like miniature novels. New Glarus' police blotter is usually rather quiet, which is almost certainly a good thing. There is not a lot of serious crime here, and we should be grateful for that.
But we may also be missing some of the most interesting pieces of daily life. In many communities, police blotters include more than arrests or citations. They include calls for service, odd complaints, livestock adventures, suspicious circumstances and the kind of moments that remind us public safety work is often less like a television drama and more like helping a semi back out of the wrong road.
Consider a few recent calls from New Glarus and nearby communities:
• Deputies responded to County Highway H near Zentner Road for a cow in the ditch and a calf blocking the roadway.
• A caller reported a GMC truck near Highway 69 and County Highway H with wood hanging out of the vehicle.
• An officer investigated possible suspicious activity near a miniature golf location outside New Glarus.
• A traffic complaint on Highway 39 led dispatchers to remind a caller who was speeding to catch another vehicle that they also needed to obey traffic laws.
• An officer checked on a possible littering complaint on Fifth Avenue near the Swiss Church at 1:21 a.m.
• Deputies assisted a semi-truck driver who turned onto Cow Path Lane and needed help backing out after discovering the road was closed.
• Someone reported a suspicious man outside the Swiss Historical Village at 10:57 a.m. on a Monday.
• A report from Exeter Township involved a man allegedly standing in the middle of the road with his pants down.
None of this is to make light of emergencies or the people who respond to them. Quite the opposite. These calls show the remarkable range of situations that law enforcement, dispatchers, firefighters and EMS crews are asked to handle every day. Sometimes public safety means responding to danger. Sometimes it means helping with livestock, giving directions to a lost truck driver or investigating something that turns out to be far less serious than first feared. In a community like ours, maybe those everyday stories are worth appreciating too.
Experience All Access All Weekend
This Memorial Day weekend, we're opening the doors and inviting everyone inside. From 12:00 a.m. Saturday through 11:59 p.m. Monday, all New Glarus 360 articles will be available to anyone with a free account as part of our Memorial Day Open House. Think of it as a free-preview weekend, similar to the premium cable channels many of us grew up with. Whether you're interested in local news, sports, community events, history, government coverage, or feature stories, this is your chance to experience All Access all weekend long and discover everything New Glarus 360 has to offer. Just create a free account and start reading.
How to Reach Us
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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
