Staff photo by Fritz Busch Original New Ulm Walmart Supercenter employee, Charlene Schlottman, third from left, cuts the ribbon at the New Ulm Walmart Supercenter remodeling ceremony Friday. New Ulm Walmart Store Manager Deanna Vigil, Schottman, and original New Ulm Walmart employees Sue Connors, Cathy Meyer, Jenna Nolan and Carol Wiborg. Not pictured, Kevin Woods. Pictured in second row, far left, New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce Willkommen Committee members Kathy Van Roekel, and committee members Sarah Seifert and Jennifer Otte. Submitted rendering A mural entitled “Oktoberfest in New Ulm” was recently installed in the grocery entrance to reflect the spirit of the community.

NEW ULM — The Walmart Supercenter store celebrated its recent remodeling project at a ribbon-cutting ceremony with original employees and the public Friday.

Store improvements also completed at Fairmont, Elk River and Mountain Iron stores included an expanded grocery department, a new pharmacy, new grab and go section with beverages, snacks and lunches, wider aisles, Mother’s Room with public family rest rooms and a New Ulm community mural titled “Oktoberfest in New Ulm” at the grocery area entrance.

Grants of $1,000 were awarded to the New Ulm Fire Department, Pro Kinship For Kids and Junior Achievement.

Awards were given to original New Ulm Walmart associates with 19 years service included Charlene Schlottman, Sue Connors, Cathy Meyer, Jenna Nolan, Carol Wiborg and Kevin Woods.

New Ulm Walmart Front End Coach Nick Hanevik, who has worked at store for 13 years, the store upgrades were made for the customers.

“We’re just happy to upgrade everything. I’m excited to show off our new store for the customers. We have new self-checkouts too and a new look. The improvements come from what we hear from customers,” he said. “The original store employees were honored today were here for the first grand opening.”