The last day of school was Tuesday, and every year around this time I find myself thinking about Stan Rupnow. Stan drove bus No. 2 when I was growing up. He was a generous, jovial soul who treated every child with kindness and respect. At the end of each school year, he had one simple rule: no squirt guns on the bus all year long, and if we agreed to his terms, we could use them as much as we wanted on the last day of school. Every student gladly agreed. And what a squirt gun fight those were.
One year, when the bus arrived from the high school, a student opened the back door and gallons of water came pouring out. The older kids had already emptied squirt guns on each other, but the grade schoolers boarded the bus ready for battle. Stan laughed through the chaos, knowing the excitement would burn out long before the bus ever left the village limits.
When the water fight was finished and everyone was thoroughly soaked, Stan took us to the A&W and buy us ice cream. Looking back, it was such a simple act, but one that created memories that have lasted a lifetime. Stan passed away in March 1985. More than four decades later I still remember those rides and the joy he brought to so many children. School bus drivers do far more than get students safely from one place to another. They are often the first smiling face of the school day, the last one students see before heading home, and sometimes the people who create the memories children carry with them forever. Stan was one of those people, and I hope he knew just how much he meant to all of us.
What We’re Working On
Members of the New Glarus Jodlerklub are preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Switzerland to participate in the Swiss National Yodeling Festival. We'll share the details, where they'll be competing, and how local yodelers are representing New Glarus on an international stage.
If you've ever stopped to wonder why a tavern needs a pool table license, you're not alone. We'll take a closer look at the local ordinance, how much it costs, and whether the regulation still makes sense in 2026.
The ticks are back, and so are the concerns that come with them. We'll examine what local residents can expect this summer, where ticks are most active, and how to protect yourself while enjoying area trails, woods, and fields.
The New Glarus track and field program recently completed its first full season in decades. We'll look back at the season, highlight standout performances, and explore what the program's return means for the future of Glarner athletics.
Planning is well underway for this year's Art in the Park, one of New Glarus' signature summer events. Organizers are making a few changes and introducing new ideas as they prepare to welcome artists, vendors, and visitors to downtown.
The Green County Balloon Festival returns June 19 and 20, bringing colorful balloons, family activities, and evening glows to the area. We'll have everything you need to know before attending, including schedules, attractions, and tips for getting the best view.
Thousands are expected in New Glarus this weekend for Beer, Bacon & Cheese and Polkafest. We'll be there with cameras in hand and will share some of the best photos, moments, and scenes from one of the community's busiest weekends of the year.
Still searching for the perfect Father's Day gift? We're putting together a guide featuring local businesses, experiences, and unique ideas that can help you find something special while supporting area merchants.
The New Glarus School District is considering adding additional bus stops for the 2026-27 school year. We'll explain what's being proposed, why the changes are being considered, and how they could affect local families.
Green County officials are moving forward with plans for a new Highway Department facility, one of the county's largest upcoming capital projects. We'll break down the proposed site, projected costs, and what officials are saying about the need for a new building.
We're launching a new feature called Farm to Fork, highlighting the farmers, growers, and producers who help feed our community. From fresh vegetables and meats to specialty products, we'll show readers where they can find locally produced food throughout the area.
Photo of the Week
What You May Have Missed
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Todd Klassy
Something We Noticed
Something we noticed this spring was just how successful the return of New Glarus track & field turned out to be. After competing as part of a cooperative program for decades, the Glarner Knights returned under their own banner for the first time since 1989 and immediately looked like a program with years of momentum behind it. By season's end, New Glarus had qualified four entries for the WIAA State Championships, highlighted by junior Brent Weeden's third-place state medal in the shot put, while junior Tucker Sysko and two girls relay teams also earned trips to La Crosse.
Credit belongs first and foremost to the student-athletes who embraced the challenge of building something new and made the most of the opportunity. It also belongs to first-year head coach Rychia Bosman, whose leadership helped make the program's debut feel more like a running start than a rebuilding year. Just as importantly, assistant coaches and middle school coaches helped lay the foundation long before the first varsity meet was held. When a program returns after a 36-year absence and immediately produces state qualifiers, a state medalist, and a culture of enthusiasm and pride, that's not just a good first season — that's a successful first chapter.
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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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Todd Klassy
New Glarus 360
