If it feels like New Glarus is changing faster than it has in years, you're not imagining it. Across the village, signs of investment are everywhere you look. The New Glarus Brewing Company's $55 million Hilltop expansion is quickly taking shape as it moves toward its much anticipated 2027 opening. Construction continues on the long-awaited restoration of the New Glarus Hotel & Restaurant. Highway 69 is being resurfaced south of the village and downtown streets are lined with crews replacing sidewalks and curbs. Meanwhile, longtime businesses are changing hands, new entrepreneurs are opening their doors, and plans for additional ventures are emerging.
Perhaps most intriguing are the developments we can't fully explain yet. Parcels of land are quietly changing ownership, hinting at projects still waiting to be announced. No one knows exactly what New Glarus will look like five or 10 years from now, but the momentum is unmistakable. For longtime residents, it's an opportunity to watch another chapter in the village's story unfold. For newcomers, it's an exciting time to become part of a community that continues to evolve while holding tightly to the character that has made New Glarus one of Wisconsin's most distinctive places.
What We’re Working On
The Ott Haus Pub & Grill is entering a new chapter. We are talking with the new owners to learn why they purchased one of New Glarus' longest-serving establishments and what they have planned for its future.
New Glarus Jodlerklub members are in Switzerland representing the community at the 2026 Eidgenössisches Jodlerfest in Basel. We'll have updates, photos and competition results as they become available.
The Highway 69 reconstruction is reshaping more than traffic patterns. We're taking a closer look at how the project is affecting local businesses, residents and the community as work continues.
The New Glarus Village Board faces a full agenda next week, including consideration of two important additions to the community. We'll explain what's being proposed and what it could mean for residents.
A new era begins as the Sugar River EMS District officially and contractually starts service early next week. We'll break down what the transition means for the Village and Town of New Glarus and what residents can expect.
The Swissland Miniature Golf course has welcomed some adorable new residents. We'll introduce you to the course's new goats, reveal their names and share a few photos from their new home.
Looking for something refreshing? We're putting together our list of the Top 10 New Glarus drinks to try this summer, from local favorites to seasonal specialties.
The New Glarus Floral Clock continues to evolve. We'll have an update on proposed changes and what's ahead for one of the village's most recognizable landmarks.
The neighboring unincorporated town of Paoli will have its 170th anniversary on Saturday. We'll look back at the community's rich history and how it became the community it is today.
It's almost time for Maxwell Street Days and the New Glarus-Wide Garage Sales. We'll preview this year's event while taking a nostalgic look back at the origins of Maxwell Street Days and memorable moments from years past.
A refreshed New Glarus Art in the Park is just around the corner. We'll begin introducing you to some of the talented artists whose work helps make this annual tradition one of the community's signature summer events.
America's 250th anniversary is now just one week away. We'll begin marking this historic milestone with stories that celebrate the nation's founding and the ideals that continue to shape our country.
Few events changed the course of local history like the Streiff and Dumholt Livery Barn Fire. We'll revisit the dramatic story of the blaze that nearly destroyed New Glarus and explore how the village recovered from one of its greatest challenges.
Photo of the Week
What You May Have Missed
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Something We Noticed
Lately I have noticed the different ways local clubs and organizations are raising money. They are the hallmark of any small community. It got me thinking about how community fundraising used to look in New Glarus. Whatever happened to car washes? I still remember when our softball team spent a hot summer day washing cars in the parking lot between the BP station — it was called Mobil back then — and the Landhaus. It was hot, messy work, but it was also a lot of fun. And it wasn't just about raising money; it was about spending the day together, laughing with teammates and waving at nearly everyone who drove by.
Then there were the cake walks, spaghetti dinners, ice cream socials, pie auctions, bike-a-thons, popcorn sales, casino nights and even the occasional barn dance. Many of those events raised modest amounts of money compared to today's online campaigns, I'm sure, but they also built something that's much harder to measure: community. Maybe there are better, more efficient ways to raise money today, and that's perfectly fine. Still, I can't help but miss some of those old-fashioned fundraisers that brought neighbors together. Perhaps I'm just getting old, but those seemed like pretty good days.
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Whether you're promoting a sale, announcing an event, hiring employees or simply building awareness, newsletter advertising is one of the most cost-effective marketing opportunities in the area. To reserve your spot or learn more, reply to this email or contact New Glarus 360 today by emailing editor@newglarus360.com. We'd love to help you reach your community.
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.
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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
