The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel stirred up an entertaining debate this week by asking readers to name Wisconsin’s most iconic brands. The early favorites appeared to be Leinenkugel’s and New Glarus Brewing Company. Miller Brewing Company might have dominated the conversation a decade or two ago, before its identity became tangled up in corporate mergers. But not anymore.

Leinenkugel’s is certainly a recognizable Wisconsin brand, but it is difficult to place it at the top when its beer is no longer brewed in Chippewa Falls. That leaves New Glarus Brewing Co., which feels like the correct choice. Any list of iconic Wisconsin brands that does not include Spotted Cow and the brewery should probably be disqualified immediately.

But who comes next? Readers suggested Menards, Johnsonville, Sargento, Mercury Marine and O&H Danish Bakery. All worthy choices. Yet somehow, Kwik Trip and Culver’s were barely mentioned. What am I missing? Is there really a more Wisconsin trio than New Glarus Brewing Co., Kwik Trip and Culver’s? Tell me I’m wrong.

What We’re Working On

Prairie Haus Phase II has received approval and now needs only a building permit before construction can begin. We’ll share the expected construction schedule, project details and a timeline for when the new apartments may become available for lease.

The aging bridge near Roy’s Market has raised concerns because of its age, narrow design and limited accommodations for pedestrians. Plans are taking shape for its eventual replacement, and we’ll explain what could change, what it may cost and when the project might happen.

The Hallmark Channel is searching for towns that feel like they belong in a Christmas movie, and one local woman is determined to put New Glarus in the running. We’ll tell you about her effort to showcase the village’s holiday charm, Swiss character and community spirit.

Highway 69 construction and its detours have generated frustration, questions and plenty of conversation throughout the area. We are following the project closely and will continue providing timely updates on closures, traffic changes and issues affecting local drivers.

Every community has customs outsiders may not immediately understand, and New Glarus has plenty of unwritten rules of its own. From local etiquette to traditions residents instinctively recognize, we’re counting down 12 unwritten rules about New Glarus.

Before he became one of Wisconsin’s best-known political figures, Sol Levitan was a penniless immigrant walking the farm roads around New Glarus with merchandise on his back. This remarkable local history piece reveals how New Glarus helped transform a young peddler into the man Wisconsin came to know as “Uncle Sol.”

The 2026 National Guernsey Queen has ties to New Glarus, connecting the village to one of the dairy industry’s highest youth honors. We’ll introduce you to her, explore her agricultural background and tell the story of how she earned the national crown.

Absentee voting begins July 28 for the August primary election, giving local voters an opportunity to cast their ballots before Election Day. We’ll explain where, when and how to vote absentee in New Glarus and surrounding communities.

Two popular local celebrations are taking shape as organizers prepare for the 2026 Volksfest and Firefest. We’ll preview the entertainment, activities, food and traditions planned for two events that celebrate New Glarus history and community pride.

We’ll bring you news and photos from the Blues, Brews and Food Truck Festival and the Green County Fair. Look for scenes, highlights and memorable moments from two of the area’s biggest summer gatherings.

There is a new head chef leading the kitchen at the Chalet Landhaus Restaurant, bringing fresh experience and ideas to one of New Glarus’ best-known dining destinations. We’ll introduce him and share the story behind his culinary background, approach to food and plans for the restaurant.

From festivals and food to customs passed down through generations, New Glarus is shaped by traditions unlike those found anywhere else in Wisconsin. We’re highlighting nine traditions that help define the village’s Swiss identity, community spirit and distinctive way of life.

Interest in farm-to-table dining and locally produced food is surging nationwide, as consumers increasingly want to know where their meals come from. We’ll explore how that movement is taking shape in New Glarus, where farms, restaurants and food producers are helping keep local food close to home.

Photo of the Week

What You May Have Missed

Wildfire Smoke Could Bring Unhealthy Air to New Glarus

Wildfire smoke is expected to reach southern Wisconsin overnight, potentially pushing air quality in New Glarus into unhealthy categories Thursday and prompting residents—especially sensitive groups—to limit time and exertion outdoors.

New Glarus 360Todd Klassy

New Glarus Hotel Master Chef Cow Returns Home to New Glarus

After a temporary stay in Paoli during construction, the New Glarus Hotel’s “Master Chef Cow” has returned home to New Glarus, completing a symbolic homecoming tied to Hans Lenzlinger and the community’s beloved painted-cow tradition.

New Glarus 360Todd Klassy

What Wisconsin Lost When the Elms Fell

For generations, elm trees shaped Wisconsin streets, rural woods and village life before Dutch elm disease erased much of that canopy. What followed changed places like New Glarus and left lessons that still shape how communities plant trees today.

New Glarus 360Todd Klassy

A Complete Guide to Wisconsin Lingo: From Bubbler to Uff Da

From bubblers and brats to meat raffles, supper clubs, Spotted Cow and “ope,” this Wisconsin slang dictionary explains the words, phrases, definitions and local lingo that make the state’s language funny, familiar and proudly local.

New Glarus 360Todd Klassy

New Glarus Burger Contest Gives Local Entries a Taste Test

Four New Glarus restaurants are competing in the 2026 Green County Best Burger Contest, and after sending one of our intrepid reporters into the field with friends to try them all, here is how each local entry stacked up in flavor, creativity and crowd appeal.

New Glarus 360Todd Klassy

Something We Noticed

Something we noticed at the 2026 Monticello Homecoming last week was local fire departments competing in what looked like a modern version of the old barrel fights. Maybe some departments still hold them, but they seem to all but disappeared. Teams of fire fighters used their hoses to push a beer barrel hung from a wire high above. The first team to drive it the full length won. Now they try to push a ball or another object along the ground. I personally prefer barrel fights.

I'm told Monticello installed the wire and hanging barrel recently and it looked like people were enjoying it, which raises an intriguing possibility. New Glarus once had a similar setup near Glarner Park on Fourth Avenue. I'm not sure when it disappeared. Wouldn’t it be fun to bring back the old tradition, with neighboring fire departments competing throughout the summer and former Stateline League communities battling it out for a barrel-fighting championship? Or am I all wet?

How Can We Make New Glarus 360 Better?

New Glarus 360 exists to serve the community, and we’re always looking for ways to make our local news coverage more useful, informative and enjoyable. Is there a type of story you would like to see more often, a local issue that deserves greater attention, a feature we should add or something about the newsletter or website that could be improved? We value your ideas, suggestions and constructive criticism, and we want to hear from the people who read and support our work. Please share your thoughts by emailing 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