Bubbles galore at Turner Hall’s Fourth of July celebration On July 4, Jaxon Davis demonstrates how to make a large bubble during Turner Hall’s July 4 celebration in the park. – Staff photo by Clay Schuldt, published July 5, 2025.

A climb to remember... On Sept. 11, Nicollet firefighter Danny Sheeks (left) and Courtland firefighter Brandon Havemeier take a breather after climbing to the top of the POET Bioprocessing facility. The firefighters climbed the 143 steps at the facility 15 times to honor the 9/11 firefighters climbing the World Trade Center. – Staff photo by Clay Schuldt, published Sept. 12, 2025..

Dog becomes Tik-Tok famous Dan Backer films his dog Paisley Bark for the latest TikTok video. The 8-year-old beagle became TikTok famous earlier this year with nearly 100,000 followers. - Photo by Clay Schuldt, published Feb. 19, 2025.

Narren capture Mayor again Per tradition, the Narren of New Ulm captured and paraded Mayor Kathleen Backer across 3rd North Street in route to Alliance Bank on Feb. 28. Backer was captured by the Narren earlier to bring a stoppage to all work in the city during the Fasching season. – Staff photo by Clay Schuldt, published March 1, 2025.

Downtown Throwdown On Aug. 2, Liam Horner, left, of New Ulm and Anna Chavez-Diericks of Rochester tied up in the Spikin’ in the Street takedown wrestling tournament Friday on Minnesota Street. This wrestling tournament was a first-year addition to the Spikin’ in the Street volleyball event. – Staff photo by Fritz Busch,

Zombie astronaut meets water buffalo Dressed as a zombie astronaut, Zayne Sievert of New Ulm pets a water buffalo at the Halloween Hop petting zoo on Minnesota Street on Oct. 27. The Halloween Hop featured many downtown tricks and treats for kids ahead of Halloween. – Staff photo by Fritz Busch, published Oct. 28, 2025.

Mike’s Painting hooks big project On Jan. 7, Mounds View, Minnesota’s famous 30-foot mermaid statue, readied for restoration work at Mike’s Painting in New Ulm. Painter Tim Koehler said the goal was to restore the statue to its look in the 1970s. The project was completed in May. – Staff photo by Clay Schuldt, published Jan. 7, 2025.

Making a statement More than 300 protesters attended New Ulm’s No Kings rally Oct. 18. The main goal of the New Ulm’s rally was to show solidarity. – Staff photo by Clay Schuldt, published Oct. 21, 2025.