Breaking News

What to do with large and empty retail spaces

NEW ULM — The New Ulm City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance Tuesday to expand allowable commercial uses high density business districts (B-3), targeting large retail spaces that have sat vacant. The council voted unanimously to approve the first reading of the ordinance to amend the city code to give property owners more options when attempting to lease large commercial buildings. City Planner John Knisley said with the shifts toward online shopping, there are several large retail buildings vacant across New Ulm, including the former Runnings property on the city's north side.…

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Local Sports

Obituaries

SLEEPY EYE—Medard J. Haala, 74 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on August 22, 2026. Visitation will…

Medard J. Haala

Lifestyle Feature

Do you have to work Labor Day?

Editorials

Thumbs up/down

THUMBS UP New Ulm named Minnesota Retail Community of the Year Back in July, New Ulm was named the 2026-27 Minnesota Retail Community of the Year by the Minnesota Retailer Association. This is an impressive achievement that deserves to be recognized. New Ulm received the award in part thanks to a submitted nomination that…

Letters

Thanks to Fritz for dedicated service

I want to congratulate our good friend Fritz Busch on his retirement from full-time reporting at The Journal, and to thank him for his tireless service in New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Brown County, and the surrounding communities. If you were like me, you raced to the end of the article and, thankfully, together we learned Fritz…

Columns

Answering common questions about elections and voting

These are brief answers to commonly asked questions about elections and voting in Minnesota. For more information see www.Vote411 or www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting. What are the qualifications for voting in MN? To vote in Minnesota, you must be: • A U.S. citizen • At least 18 years old on Election Day (16- & 17-year-olds can pre-register)…

Mailbag

NU Chamber welcomes new Design Home Center owners

The Willkommen Committee of the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce recently visited Design Home Center to congratulate Andy Klingler and Scott Juni on becoming the company’s new owners. The transition followed a carefully planned five-year succession, with longtime owner Brian Fischer retiring this June after helping ensure a smooth handoff. Both Andy and…