NEW ULM – In 2025, New Ulm saw a spike in housing projects. The New Ulm Planning Commission and New Ulm City Council reviewed and approved the start of two apartment projects on the Highland Avenue corridor: a new combination storage/dwelling development near Walmart and a new Garden Terrace Apartment building is also in the works.

The Kuepers Highland Apartment project began construction at 901 N. Highland this fall. The project calls for the creation of four, three-story apartment buildings with eight detached garages, along with a sports court, children’s playground, dog park, parking lots and stormwater ponds. The Kuepers Highland Apartment project will be completed in two phases. The first phase of the project would include the construction of two buildings with 38 apartments each. The second phase would include two 36-unit apartments further west on the property.

The River Haven Housing project is located at 1800 N. Highland Avenue and 1425-1625 Maplewood Drive. The River Haven Addition was first proposed in the fall of 2022 and first rezoned and designated as a PUD in Jan. 2023 but the project ran into difficulties after it was rezoned. A new developer took over the project this year and an updated plan was approved. The project will include the creation of six town homes, six single-family dwellings, five twin homes and two four-story apartment buildings with a total of 48 units in each structure for a total of 118 units. The only difference between the 2022 project and the current development is that the twin homes and single-family homes will not be built by the developer, instead being offered for sale. Area contractors will have the opportunity to build these homes.

The Land Haven Addition, 2211 Jacobs Street, is a new type of residential development combining a traditional barn-like structure with dwelling features. This is called a “barndominium” and the Land Haven Addition will have 22 of these units on a 6.85 acre plat.

Over 300 protestors attended New Ulm’s No Kings rally in October. The main goal of the New Ulm’s rally was to show solidarity.

Early in 2025, the EDA sold the two existing Garden Terrace buildings and an adjacent vacant lot to Rebound Real Estate.

Rebound is planning to construct a third Garden Terrace building on the vacant lot. The new building will be three stories with 39 units. Upon completion of the new building, Rebound plans to lease the building to Oak Hills Living Center, which operates a senior living facility on an adjacent property. Oak Hills will take over all expenses associated with the property. The long-term goal is to create a continual campus for Oak Hills, which is next door to the Garden Terrace apartments.

Many skilled nursing facilities like Oak Hills are struggling in Minnesota due to regulations restricting how much skilled nursing homes are able to charge. One solution to this restriction was to add additional levels of care to Oak Hills, including independent living apartments. The new Garden Terrace building would allow Oak Hills to offer additional independent living options for seniors.

The City of New Ulm and Brown County Commissioners recently approved a tax abatement to help the project move forward.

All four of these housing projects are in different stages of development, with the Kuepers project already on the rise, but all four are expected to be under construction in 2026.

A special ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the new Minnesota National Guard Armory Monday during the grand opening for the facility. In photo, left to right: Lt. Col. Adam Riedel, Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Congressman Brad Finstad, New Ulm Mayor Kathleen Backer, Major General Shawn Manke, State Rep. Paul Torkelson and State Sen. Gary Dahms.

2.) Demonstrations draw hundreds to Broadway and Center

The Broadway and Center Street intersection in New Ulm became the rallying point for multiple demonstrations and protests starting in the spring and continuing through the fall. Many of the demonstrations were led by the New Ulm Chapter of Indivisible, a grassroots movement with chapters across the state committed to protecting the Constitution, rights of others and raising awareness about current issues. An early demonstration opposed the Department of Government Efficiency (DODGE) and the firing of federal employees, rising tariffs and Trump’s administration treatment of Ukraine. Other demonstrations were held to protest cuts to veterans’ benefits, cuts to Social Security, Medicare and public libraries.

In June and October, New Ulm demonstrators participated in the “No Kings” rallies, which were held across the country to oppose President Donald Trump’s authoritarian agenda. Thousands of similar protests were also held across the country. The June “No Kings” protest was held hours after the assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. Despite the risk of politically motivated violence, hundreds attended the June No Kings rally with even more attending the October rally.

3.) Community stunned and saddened following double murder in Hanska

Early Sunday, Nov. 2, Brown County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) was notified of a double murder committed in a Hanska home on Blessum Street West. BCSO would later identify the victims as Justin Paul Reinarts and Tabitha Leigh Trescott. The two had been shot to death in their sleep.

A grand opening was held for the new Minnesota National Guard Armory located at 2100 Palmer Avenue in New Ulm on Monday, Dec. 22. Construction on the new facility began in April 2024 near the new National Guard Field Maintenance shop. The new armory houses approximately 20 full-time staff and 240 drilling soldiers, serving as a hub for training, coordination, and emergency response. The new armory replaces the previous New Ulm Armory that was constructed in 1914.

Randy Thomas Zimmerman quickly became the primary suspect after a juvenile witnessed placed him at the scene.

The witness has been asleep in the home, but stated he awoke to someone yelling and then heard the discharge of a firearm. The witness opened his bedroom door to the hallway and recognized Zimmerman. The witness said Zimmerman pointed a long gun at him and told him to go back to his room. The witness closed his bedroom door and waited before calling 911.

A nationwide warrant was issued for Zimmerman’s arrest. An alert was issued for his vehicle, including the license plate number. Shortly after the alert was issued, law enforcement received a hit on Zimmerman’s vehicle plate in Iowa. He was eventually apprehended by Lousia County Deputies following a vehicle and foot chase.

Court records show that prior to Zimmerman’s arrest he had been convicted of assault six times. In July 2025, he was charged with six counts of felony stalking. Zimmerman was scheduled to appear for an omnibus hearing on the stalking charges on Nov. 4, but had been arrested for the alleged murder of Reinarts and Trescott before the hearing could take place.

Zimmerman would later be indicted on first-degree murder in the death of Reinarts and Trescott. Other counts included two premeditated murders in the first degree, two counts of felony murder in the first degree, one count of murder in the first degree with a pattern of domestic abuse, two counts of murder in the second degree with intent, one count of burglary in the first degree with a dangerous weapon and assault in the second degree.

The extended Nguyen family returns to New Ulm to honor 50 years in The United States and celebrate the sponsors who made it possible. The family immigrated to the U.S. from Vietnam in 1975. Our Savior’s Lutheran sponsored the family to immigrate to New Ulm. Rachel Nguyen, Dat Nguyen, Sophie Nguyen, Stephanie Clautero-Nguyen, Justin Dinh-Nguyen, Dinh Nguyen, Nghiem Tran Nguyen, Isla Wittenmier, Forrest Wittenmier, MinhThu Nguyen Wittenmier, Kenzo Wittenmier and Anh Nguyen. Photo by Clay Schuldt

The five first-degree murder counts each carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment without a chance for parole.

Zimmerman’s next court appearance will be an omnibus pretrial hearing at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at the Brown County Courthouse.

4.) New armory in New Ulm

In late fall, work was completed on the new Minnesota National Guard Armory, located at 2100 Palmer Avenue in New Ulm. A grand opening was held for the armory on Monday, Dec. 22. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Congressman Brad Finstad, New Ulm Mayor Kathleen Backer, Major General Shawn Manke, State Rep. Paul Torkelson and State Sen. Gary Dahms.

For 110 years, New Ulm has been home to the Minnesota National Guard Armory. The original armory was built in 1914 at Broadway and 2nd Street. After over a century of use, the Minnesota National Guard began seeking options for a modern facility.

In 2017, the City of New Ulm purchased 30 acres of land for $1 million on the west edge of New Ulm to keep the facility in town.

The Minnesota National Guard accepted the land and began construction on a Field Maintenance Shop and an armory building. The Field Maintenance Shop was completed in 2022. The groundbreaking of the armory was held in April 2024.

The new armory is 40,374 square-feet and features classrooms, a fitness center, a learning center, LED lights, solar panels, and a hybrid heat pump mechanical system.

The new facility supports training, readiness, and state and federal missions for the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery Regiment. The readiness center houses approximately 20 full-time staff and 240 drilling soldiers, serving as a hub for training, coordination, and emergency response.

5.) Nguyen family celebrates 50 years since New Ulm gave them a new home

In August, members of the Nguyen family returned to New Ulm to celebrate the 50th anniversary of arriving in the community as refugees.

In April 1975, Dinh Nguyen and his wife, Nghiem Tran fled Vietnam with their two children, Anh and Dat. They were able to reach a refugee camp in Fort Chafree, Arkansas. Eventually, the Nguyen family would relocate to New Ulm after Our Savior’s Lutheran Church agreed to sponsor them. Ngheim gave birth to another daughter, Rachel, a few months after moving to New Ulm and would have a fourth child, Minh Thu in 1981.

The Nguyen family would eventually move to California in the 1980s and settle in the Bay Area between San Jose and San Francisco, but Anh, Dat, Rachel and Minh still consider New Ulm to be their home town. Fifty years later, Dinh and Ngheim remain grateful to the New Ulm community for welcoming them in and giving the family a chance to change their lives.

6.) New Ulm says goodbye to Denny Warta

On Nov. 19, New Ulm said goodbye to Denis “Denny” Warta, who died a month shy of his 98th birthday. Warta left behind a long legacy of friendship and service to the community. Warta’s contribution to New Ulm and the Brown County area cannot be overstated.

An abridge list of his accomplishments includes service in the U.S. Navy from Feb. 1946 to Dec. 1947 and a Naval Reservist from 1948 to 1956. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1648 and American Legion Post 132.

Warta held several occupations throughout his career, including banker, accountant, and water softener salesman. He purchased Lindsay Soft Water in 1954 and operated it as Warta Water, Inc. through 1995.

From 1973-1980, he served as Brown County’s First District Commissioner. He chaired Brown County Human Services during the same period. Warta would also serve a term on the New Ulm City Council in the first ward.

Those who knew Warta best said his greatest skill was his ability to form friendships. His circle of friends was large. He could build bridges between people who would not have otherwise met.

His kids, Diann and Dean Warta, believe the secret to their father’s success was his ability to make connections. His goal was to know people. Diann and Dean repeated a line they heard their father say often: “I collect people.”

7.) Federal shutdown threatens SNAP funding

The federal government shutdown that lasted from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12 resulted in food insecurities related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

In mid October, Brown County Human Services announced it was unable to approve new applications for SNAP due to the federal government shutdown. This would be rescinded a day later, but the risk of SNAP cuts in November remained throughout the rest of the month. Brown County has 788 clients on SNAP that would be impacted by the cut.

With the potential loss of SNAP, it was expected that much of the support would need to come from area food shelves. In response, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced $4 million in emergency one-time funding for Minnesota food shelves.

During the SNAP funding crisis, Brad Kirk, executive director of the New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf, said the local food shelf would work to fill in the gaps based on clients’ needs. The New Ulm Food Shelf would hold special bakery giveaways as the shutdown dragged on and funding for SNAP was in question.

8.) Cannabis retail regulations

Following Minnesota’s legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2023, cities have been working to draft regulations, ordinances and rules. The City New Ulm began 2025 by discussing how many cannabis sales licenses should be issued within the city and where the businesses should operate.

In April, the New Ulm City Council passed a Cannabis and Hemp Retail ordinance. The new ordinance establishes regulations and conditions for operating cannabis businesses and events. The ordinance limits the city to two cannabis retail licenses. The cannabis license registration fee would be $350 and $700 for a license renewal. Hours of operation of cannabis businesses would be limited to 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Temporary cannabis events would be allowed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. all week. On-site consumption during cannabis events would be allowed outdoors but behind commercial-grade fencing.

Throughout the regulation process, the city was made aware that some entrepreneurs were interested in opening a cannabis business in New Ulm. A building at 4 N. Minnesota Street was purchased and renovated as a cannabis retail store called Four North. The store is he retail side of a cannabis micro-business called Brick Side Growers, Inc.

The owners are still going through the licensing process with the state. The store is expected to open in 2026.

9.) AMPI sells its butter plant to Grassland Dairy Products

In late October, Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) announced it was selling its New Ulm butter plant to Grassland Dairy Products. AMPI has operated the butter plant in New Ulm since 1969. In addition to the butter plant, the AMPI headquarters are located in New Ulm. AMPI’s corporate office will remain in New Ulm. The butter plant on Center Street currently employs 185 people.

AMPI is owned by 685 dairy farm families from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. AMPI is the largest farmer-owned cheese cooperative in the U.S. The cooperative’s cheese and powdered dairy products are marketed to foodservice, retail and food ingredient customers.

Grassland Dairy Products offers a wide range of butter products and buttermilk concentrate. The company produces bulk, whipped, salted and unsalted butter, anhydrous milk fat and parchment wrap (cooking paper made from cellulose fiber, used mostly for baking and food preparation).

Grassland distributes goods under the Wuthrich, Grassland and Fall Creek brands. It packages fresh butter into various sizes and container types needed for consumer or institutional use.

Greenwood, Wisconsin, is in the northwestern part of the state, 30 miles northwest of Eau Claire and 90 miles west of Wausau.

10.) WWII veteran Paul Wojahn dies at 104

On December 14, Paul Wojahn of rural New Ulm died at 104. At the time of his death, Wojahn was serving as the Commander of the New Ulm Chapter of Disabled American Veterans (DAV). This made him the oldest DAV Commander in the United States.

During WWII, Wojahn enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in the Pacific from August 1942 to Dec. 1945.

After the war, he returned to Minnesota and became a farmer. In 1958, he became a Minnesota State Game Warden. He also served as a State Sheriff’s Deputy. In 1979, he was transferred to New Ulm for a promotion with the Department of Natural Resources. He retired in 1983.

He did not slow down in retirement. He continued to serve his community. Wojahn would teach gun safety classes and CPR. He volunteered as a van driver for the DAV until the age of 85. He continued helping with the DAV clothing drive up until his death.