One of the biggest New Glarus community milestones of 2026 arrives next week when the new New Glarus Public Library officially opens its doors. The journey to this moment has been years in the making. What once seemed like a distant vision for a long time is now a reality, and the community will soon be able to enjoy a modern library designed to serve New Glarus for generations to come.
As the building took shape one aspect of the project stood out: the library's own communication efforts. Amy Trumble and her team provided some of the most thorough, transparent and engaging project updates we've seen from any local organization. Through regular social media posts, photos, videos and behind-the-scenes updates, residents were able to follow nearly every stage of construction. The updates were so comprehensive that there was often little left for us to add. Community members weren't just watching a building go up — they were learning how a major public project comes together. Amy and her staff deserve considerable credit for keeping the public informed and invested throughout the process.
What We’re Working On
A favorite local restaurant is preparing to launch new late-night food service in New Glarus just in time for the busy summer season. We have details on what is planned, when it begins and why it could become a popular stop after festivals, music and summer recreation.
The grand opening of the new New Glarus Public Library is almost here, and we continue following the final stages of the long-awaited project. We also look back at the years of planning, fundraising and construction that brought the new library to life.
We are heading to Brodhead for continued coverage of Green County Breakfast on the Farm, one of the region’s largest agricultural traditions. Expect photos, interviews and a look at the people and farms helping connect the public with Wisconsin agriculture.
The 2025-26 New Glarus High School athletic season is nearly complete, and we are looking back at the year that was. From milestones and memorable performances to records broken and championships won, we revisit some of the biggest moments for the Glarner Knights.
Once common across the countryside, red barns are quietly disappearing from rural Wisconsin. We explore where they have gone, why so many are vanishing and what some people are doing to preserve these iconic parts of the rural landscape.
New Glarus High School graduation is almost here, and we will have coverage of the ceremony, key dates and senior celebrations. We also take a look at the Class of 2026 and the milestones leading up to commencement.
The New Glarus pool opens June 1, and we are taking a nostalgic look back at one of the village’s most memorable summer jobs. Former lifeguards share stories about friendships, traditions and why working at the pool was once considered a rite of passage for New Glarus teens.
The New Glarus Jodlerklub is preparing for an extraordinary journey to Switzerland to compete Sängerfest in Basel. We will be covering the trip, the preparations and what it means for a Wisconsin Swiss singing group to perform on one of the world’s biggest stages for yodeling.
Vacation rentals have become an increasingly visible part of tourism in the village, and we are exploring the role of New Glarus vacation rentals in the local economy. How much impact do they have, who uses them and what do they mean for local tourism and downtown businesses?
Plus, a few surprises, side stories and small-town rabbit holes we have not even fallen into yet!
Photo of the Week
What You May Have Missed
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Something We Noticed
This week we noticed the lights glowing overnight on the top floor of the New Glarus Hotel & Restaurant, where new boutique hotel rooms are planned. Maybe crews were working late. More likely, someone simply forgot to turn the lights off before leaving for the day. No harm done; LED bulbs do not use much energy. But after more than five years of the 173-year-old property sitting closed and quiet, even a few lights left on upstairs feel like a sign of progress.
It is exciting to see movement inside one of New Glarus’ most recognizable buildings and to imagine what its long-needed facelift will mean for downtown. Someday, those lights staying on late into the night will mean something very different: guests upstairs, music downstairs, people gathering again, and a historic corner of New Glarus glowing for all the right reasons. I can't wait.
Photo of the Week: Show Us New Glarus
New Glarus 360 is inviting readers to help capture the spirit of the village through "Photo of the Week" submissions for the Community Update newsletter. We are looking for images that feel distinctly New Glarus, whether that means a festival scene, a striking sunset, changing weather, wildlife, a local event, a familiar face or a quiet everyday moment that helps tell the story of the week. Professional experience is not required, and a cell phone photo is enough. Selected photos will receive credit in the newsletter or on the website and will move on to a year-end Photo of the Year contest, with readers voting in late December for the winning image, which will receive a $250 award and the coveted Photograph of the Year T-shirt. Send your best New Glarus photos to editor@newglarus360.com.
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
