Staff photo by Ari Selvey

A tree on German Street in New Ulm was knocked down during the brief thunderstorm Thursday afternoon, falling into the Johnson Park fence on the left side of the field. New Ulm Park and Recreation Director Joey Schugel said the tree was scheduled to be removed on Friday, though the fence may take longer to repair. Regardless, the damage will not affect any games or events that are scheduled to be held at Johnson Park this spring.