There are certain smells that tell us a season has arrived long before the calendar does. The scent of freshly cut alfalfa is one of them. It drifts across southern Wisconsin on warm June breezes, settling into back roads, village neighborhoods and open car windows. For many of us, it is as much a part of summer as baseball games, county fairs and long evenings that seem reluctant to give way to darkness.
There is less alfalfa grown here today than there was a generation ago. The landscape has changed, farms have changed and agriculture has evolved. Yet every year, when the first crop is cut and windrows begin appearing across the countryside, that familiar aroma returns. It carries with it memories of childhood bike rides past hayfields, family drives through the countryside and a time when nearly every horizon seemed framed by fields waiting for harvest. More than just the smell of forage, it is the smell of another Wisconsin summer beginning.
What We’re Working On
Stay informed on the latest Highway 69 construction developments and what they mean for travel to and from New Glarus this summer. We break down the newest updates, closures, and developments affecting local residents and visitors.
From championships to personal bests, we take a look back at a memorable year in New Glarus athletics. See how local teams and athletes represented the community during the 2025-26 school year.
How are urban chickens working out in New Glarus? We take a closer look at the village's backyard chicken ordinance, how it has been implemented, and what residents are saying about keeping hens in town.
The countdown is on for the Matterhorn Ice Cream & Grill grand opening. Get the latest details on the big day and when the ribbon is cut.
Learn about ongoing efforts to build new pickleball courts in New Glarus. We share the latest progress, fundraising updates, and what's next for this community project.
How many short-term vacation rentals operate in New Glarus, and what impact do they have on the community? We take a closer look at the numbers, regulations, and local perspectives.
Planning is already underway for the 2026 Green County Fair. Find out what's being discussed and what fairgoers can look forward to next summer.
Is Brick cheese Wisconsin's most iconic cheese? We explore the history, heritage, and local connections behind one of the state's most distinctive dairy products.
It has been two years since the tornado that destroyed Apple Grove Lutheran Church. We reflect on the storm, the recovery, and how the congregation has moved forward.
Step inside the fascinating Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum. Discover the stories, artifacts, and unique history that make this New Glarus landmark worth exploring.
Photo of the Week
What You May Have Missed
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Something We Noticed
One of the more unexpected moments at this year's Roger Bright Memorial Polkafest came when the band The DB Polka Express launched into a polka inspired cover of Guns N' Roses' Sweet Child O' Mine. Before the crowd had much time to process what it had just heard, the music shifted seamlessly into the Beer Barrel Polka.
Would Roger Bright have approved? Would Axl Rose? We will never know. But judging by the smiles, laughter, and a few puzzled looks around the dance floor, it was certainly one of the weekend's more memorable musical moments.
Capture New Glarus: Submit Your Photos
New Glarus 360 is looking for your best photos of life in and around the village for our weekly Community Update newsletter.
We’re looking for images that feel unmistakably New Glarus — festivals, sunsets, changing weather, wildlife, local events, familiar faces or simple everyday moments that help tell the story of the week. You don’t need to be a professional photographer. A great cell phone photo is more than enough.
Selected photos will receive credit in the newsletter or on the website and will be entered in our year-end Photo of the Year contest. Readers will vote in late December, and the winning photo will receive a $250 award and the coveted Photograph of the Year T-shirt.
Send your best New Glarus photos to editor@newglarus360.com.
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
