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Editorials

THUMBS DOWN A sunny weekend obstructed by smog Friday, May 30 should have been a sunny clear day, but the morning started with a haze of smoke. Instead of blue sky, central Minnesota was covered by gray. This was caused by wildfire smoke in northern Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert for most of the state. Hazy conditions are expected to remain through the weekend, limiting sunlight. It is an unfortunate summer trend in Minnesota. The return of summer is also the start of wildfire season and days for smog. THUMBS UP Flandrau swimming pond ...

Our faith that guides us

Letters

To the editor: At the New Ulm Diocese Council of Catholic Women convention, U.S. Rep (Brad) Finstad eloquently shared how his faith guides his desire to engage in politics. Curious to further my own knowledge of this, I started with Bishop Robert Barron who reminds us doctrine is difficult to apply to political parties or legislation. However, with prudent application, it is possible. Bishop Barron does provide five principles to guide political action. First, it is not as simple as voting along party lines. Second, ultimately, Catholic Social Teaching prioritizes defense of all ...

New Ulm’s noxious weed program gets an ‘F’

Letters

To the editor: It’s a mess. It gets worse every year. Noxious weeds are spreading throughout our city. If you search for Brown County Minnesota noxious weeds you will find some excellent information and links about noxious weeds. A contact person for the county is listed. It also states that the city mayor is its weed inspector. Furthermore, it states that the mayor may appoint someone to serve as city weed inspector. I emailed Chris Dalton, city administrator for New Ulm, a request to get our city weed inspector listed on the city’s website. He responded that our current ...

Drive 3 feet away — keep us safe

Columns

By The Heart of New Ulm The Heart of New Ulm Project’s Safe Routes to School Action Team is pleased to promote May’s SEE.SAFE.SMART. campaign message, which is “Drive 3 feet away — keep us safe.” With New Ulm officially designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community — first in 2017 and again in 2021 — it’s time to put our commitment to the test! For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, we need to ensure everyone in New Ulm understands and follows the laws when it comes to keeping bicyclists safe. Why drive 3 feet away? What about passing a bicyclist? Here are some ...

Dahms deserves better

Letters

To the editor: I am writing to say that I am very disappointed by the conduct of some of the attendees at the recent Gary Dahms legislative town hall meeting in New Ulm. Some of the attendees treated a duly elected state senator with a lack of respect and courtesy. Perhaps some of them should also learn the difference between an elected state senator and an elected federal senator. Senator Dahms has been an effective representative of our community and deserves better than what took place at that gathering. For all of us to consider, a better use of our time might be prayer for our ...

Trump signs in front of cameras

Letters

To the editor: I have read with great interest (and a lot of amusement) “Public Forum” from Mr. Keith R. Klawitter for some time. I have had many requests to write a letter in response to Mr. Klawitter’s rants about President Trump. So far, I have refrained from comment on his letters. Mr. Klawitter’s most recent letter (5-22-2025), caused me to laugh for what seemed like an eternity. I simply can’t remain silent after that one. Mr. Klawitter spent some time talking about the difficult situation known as Alzheimer’s disease. I have personally witnessed the ...