Community Update: 4/23/2026

Community Update: 4/23/2026

They say people who take photographs do themselves a disservice, because later they will forget everything that was happening in the world around them when they do. They will forfeit memories for the sake of taking a photo. That was never me. I can look at almost all of my photos and tell you exactly where I was, what I was doing, what was happening nearby, the weather, the mood, all of it. But there are always a few that escape me—photographs I just cannot place on a map. This is one of them, and I’m asking the community to help me figure out where it was taken.

Here’s what I know. It was made in April 2008, 18 years ago. I was either on my way to Monroe or coming back from it. My mind keeps telling me it was along County Highway J, somewhere near the Junction House, but I don’t know for sure. Maybe it was County Highway N. Maybe it was Skinner Hollow Road. I honestly don’t know. For the life of me, I just can’t place it on a map.

History has a funny way of scraping the land bare of its smaller landmarks. Not the formal ones, like the places that end up on state and national historic registers. I mean the ones that dot the countryside and don’t mean much to anyone except the property owners, their neighbors, and the occasional passerby who happened to notice them. Like I did with this barn on a foggy morning near Monroe.

I always like knowing what became of the subjects in my photographs. So, if you happen to know this old chap, let me know. I’d sure like to know where he stood when I photographed, and what became of him after all these years.

What We’re Working On

The Village of New Glarus says it will no longer pursue litigation aimed at forcing New Glarus Area EMS to turn over records requested under Wisconsin public records law, but questions remain. We will take a deep dive into the paper trail and explain what changed, what was requested, and what it means going forward.

Arbor Day arrives on Friday and we are taking a look at how New Glarus became a Tree City USA community and how trees have shaped the community we live in. From early planting efforts to today’s canopy, it’s a story rooted in both planning and pride.

Morel hunting season has arrived in the New Glarus area and we’ll show you how to find them yourself. We’ll cover where to look, when to go, and what to know before heading into the woods.

The Chicago Alfa Romeo Owners Club returns for its 38th Annual Das Kurze Klausenrennen hill climb May 1–3, 2026. We’ll break down the schedule, where to watch, and what makes this one of the more unique events to pass through town.

New Glarus’ own Dain Walter could hear his name called this weekend or sign shortly after as an undrafted free agent. Either way, all signs point to him landing an NFL contract, and we’ll follow every step as it happens.

There was confusion last week when the tornado siren sounded despite no immediate severe weather threat in New Glarus. We’re digging into what triggered it, how the system is designed to work, and whether it’s doing its job.

New Glarus plans to install a new flashing light on Highway 69 where the bike trail crosses, a first of its kind locally. We’ll explain how it works, why it’s being added, and what it could mean for safety moving forward.

We’ve put together a list of 10 of the best kept secrets in Green County, the kinds of places you might drive past without ever knowing what’s there. It’s a mix of hidden spots, overlooked landmarks, and a few that locals might prefer stay quiet.

The New Glarus Farmers Market returns May 1 and signals the start of another season downtown. We’ll preview vendors, what to expect early in the season, and how the market continues to grow.

We’re featuring New Glarus Hometown Pharmacy and the role it plays in the community beyond prescriptions. From familiar faces behind the counter to the everyday interactions that matter, it’s a closer look at a local staple.

Photo of the Week

Pelicans have returned to Lake Belle View in Belleville for their spring stop over on their way north to Canada for the summer. – Photo by Mike Morris

What You May Have Missed

Prairie Haus at Five Years: A Proven Success with Phase II on the Horizon
Five years after opening, Prairie Haus Apartments stands as a model of inclusive, affordable housing in New Glarus, with growing community demand now turning focus toward a potential Phase II expansion.
Homegrown Harmony: The Jimmys Keep the Beat Alive in New Glarus
A profile of Jimmy Voegeli and The Jimmys, tracing how a sixth-generation dairy farm, deep musical roots, and small-town community spirit shaped one of Wisconsin’s most celebrated blues bands.
A Glarner Through and Through: The Life and Craft of Master Cheesemaker Steve Stettler
From a rural cheese factory near New Glarus to statewide acclaim, Steve Stettler learned the craft early—shoveling coal, helping farmers, and absorbing Swiss cheesemaking traditions that shaped his future.
Proud Service, Proud Community: Arn’s Day of Honor in D.C.
Richard Arn has lived most of his 89 years in New Glarus, where hard work, family, and community have always been at the center of his life. Earlier this fall, Richard he flew to Washington D.C. with his son as part of the Wisconsin Honor Flight.
The New Glarus “Stamp” That Wasn’t: A Centennial Story From 1945
In 1945, New Glarus marked its centennial with a locally made “stamp” that wasn’t official postage. The decorative label celebrated Swiss heritage and quietly carried the village’s story nationwide.

Something We Noticed

Ever since New Glarus 360 launched in September, our local high school teams have been on an absolute tear. The football team brought home a conference championship. So did the boys’ basketball team. And then the girls’ basketball team did, too. It’s like the moment we started covering them with thorough coverage, sharp photos, and timely article, our student athletes flipped a switch and started playing like champions.

Now we’ve also expanded into spring sports covering baseball, track and field, girls’ softball, and girls’ soccer. And every one of those teams is right in the thick of the hunt for conference titles now too. Coincidence? We don’t think so. Clearly our local sports coverage is the common denominator.

So, if you want to see even more New Glarus conference banners flying in the future, you know what to do: keep reading, keep sharing, and keep supporting New Glarus 360. 😉

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Help Center Gets a Fresh New Look

We’ve given the New Glarus 360 Help Center a fresh overhaul to make it easier than ever to find answers when you need them. Whether you’re signing in, managing your subscription, trying to access a story, or looking to submit a tip or photo, everything is now organized into clear sections with simple, straightforward guides. We will also be adding new articles over the next two weeks based on the most common reader questions, so you can get quick answers without the frustration. It’s all part of making your experience smoother, so you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time staying informed about New Glarus.

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

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