Correspondence dating to 2021 shows that New Glarus village officials were seeking improvements to state trail crossings on Highways 69 and 39 years before a bicyclist was struck at the Highway 69 crossing this summer. New details about a county repainting in 2023 help explain the history, while recent discussions have given the village a clearer direction for future maintenance.

The correspondence, forwarded to the village by Green County Highway Commissioner Chris Narveson, adds context to the June 25 collision in which bicyclist Jason Higbie was struck by a pickup truck at the Sugar River State Trail crossing. His mother, Diane Higbie, subsequently called for clearer pavement markings and additional warning measures.

The village has said it sought improvements for years, and emails beginning in 2021 document its efforts and discussions among village, county and state personnel about the work.

Only after questions from New Glarus 360 led to further exchanges did the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) identify the local municipality as responsible for maintaining the trail-crossing markings. Village officials say that explanation was new to them: Earlier communications had directed them to other agencies, and state officials had instructed the village not to repaint a nearby highway crosswalk. The latest guidance provides a starting point, but the village still seeks clarity on the practical steps needed to do the work.