Earlier this week we were speaking with Chris Narveson, the Green County Highway Commissioner, about the progress of construction on Highway 69 when our conversation turned to what happens in November, once the project is completed and traffic is finally allowed onto the newly rebuilt highway.
Sure, there will be some people unhappy about having to contend with the new roundabout at Highway 69 and County Highway C. But no one can argue with the fact that it is designed to save lives, and that is unquestionably a good thing. Still, what happens before the traffic starts flowing again? Will there be a ribbon cutting? Will residents have an opportunity to take a walkabout the roundabout before it fills with cars?
Narveson’s answer was simple: “No, that’s not something the Wisconsin Department of Transportation does.”
After six months of construction and four months of detours, it seems like exactly the kind of thing the Wisconsin Department of Transportation should do. Perhaps the good people of Monticello should petition the DOT to have a party in the roundabout the weekend before the highway reopens. It may be the only opportunity anyone ever has to safely stand in the middle of it.
No, it would not be the most momentous occasion in Green County history. But it would still mark the end of a long and disruptive project. And Monticello, the community most isolated because of the detour, will have probably earned it.
What We’re Working On
Short-term rentals are drawing new attention as the Green County Board of Supervisors considers updated regulations. We’re examining how the proposed county rules compare with those in the Village of New Glarus—and whether vacation rentals are beginning to reshape the community.
Glarner Knights football practice begins Aug. 3 as New Glarus prepares for its 2026 campaign in a new conference. We’ll bring you photos, interviews and the latest news as the team begins a new era.
The New Glarus Hotel & Restaurant continues marching toward a possible opening later this year. We’re going behind the scenes to see how construction is progressing and how preparations for the long-awaited launch are taking shape.
Wellville Club & Courts is rising outside Belleville, bringing new fitness, wellness and recreation opportunities to the area. We’re talking with the owner about construction progress and when memberships may become available.
New Glarus urban legends have been repeated, embellished and passed down for generations. We’re compiling 10 of the community’s most memorable—and perhaps most mysterious—stories.
A New Glarus foodie destination? With new restaurants, markets, cafés and culinary experiences emerging, we’re exploring whether the village is poised to become a regional dining destination.
The Bank of New Glarus’ Evansville branch is under construction. We’ll check on the progress of the new office and what the expansion will mean for the bank and the Evansville community.
Apple Grove Lutheran Church is rebuilding after a tornado destroyed its historic church near Argyle. We’re speaking with the pastor about the congregation’s resilience and the construction of its new home.
The world’s largest Euchre tournament may soon be coming to Madison. New Glarus Cares, which organizes the annual World Euchre Championship, is helping the Madison Mallards pursue a new world record, and we’ll have the details.
Rachel Christopoulos’ new studio and gallery will soon add another creative destination to New Glarus. We’re talking with the local artist and will offer a first glimpse at what she is creating.
Radio’s arrival in New Glarus changed how residents received news, entertainment and information from beyond the valley. We’ll look back to the early broadcasts of 9XM, the predecessor of today’s WHA-AM, and explore what radio was like long before television and the internet.
Business and alumni profiles will continue introducing readers to the people whose work, ideas and accomplishments are making an impact in New Glarus and far beyond.
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 stumbled across a tiny item in the Milwaukee Business Journal about a new Culver’s restaurant receiving zoning approval in Germantown. The interesting part was not that Germantown is getting another Culver’s, but what the village required before granting its approval: The restaurant had to adopt a German-inspired design.
The revised building includes Alpine-style features such as a mansard roof, dormer windows, decorative timber elements and masonry. Germantown has made Germanic architecture part of its community-development identity, a planning technique New Glarus pioneered decades ago. German immigrants were among Germantown’s principal settlers in the 1840s, and the community continues to celebrate that heritage through its built environment. So, should the New Glarus Culver’s ever be due for a remodel, here is one idea worth borrowing.
Mobile Phone Users: Having Problems?
If you’ve noticed that you sometimes have to log back into New Glarus 360 when clicking a story link from Facebook, you’re not imagining things. Facebook opens links inside its own built-in browser instead of your phone’s normal browser, which means it doesn’t always recognize your saved login. In other words, blame Facebook. The easiest fix is to add New Glarus 360 directly to your phone’s home screen so you can open it like an app and stay logged in. Here's how so you never miss a thing:
Android (Chrome): Open NewGlarus360.com in Chrome → tap the three dots in the upper right corner → Add to Home Screen.
iPhone (Safari): Open NewGlarus360.com in Safari → tap the Share icon → Add to Home Screen.
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
