Pedestrian crashes, fatalities

increase in fall months

ST. PAUL — More hours of darkness this time of year increase the number of pedestrian crashes and fatalities, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. As the days get shorter, motorists and pedestrians should use caution when driving and walking.

So far this year, 28 pedestrians were killed. In 2017, 42 pedestrians were killed and 1,053 were injured compared to 60 deaths and 1,037 injuries in 2016.

“Pedestrians are more difficult to see when the sun rises later and sets earlier, increasing the risk of crashes,” said Ray Starr, acting state traffic engineer. “Motorists and pedestrians are equally at fault when we look at the crash data. Both groups need to know and obey the laws because basically we’re all pedestrians at some point in our day.”

The crosswalk law includes these highlights:

Motorists must stop for crossing pedestrians at marked crosswalks and at all intersections without crosswalks or stop lights.

Pedestrians should obey traffic signs and signals at all intersections that have them.

Vehicles stopped for pedestrians can proceed once the pedestrian has completely crossed the lane in front of the stopped vehicle.

Pedestrians shouldn’t enter a crosswalk if a vehicle is approaching and it is impossible for the driver to stop. There is no defined distance that a pedestrian should abide by before entering the crosswalk; common sense should be used.

When a vehicle is stopped at an intersection to allow pedestrians to cross, drivers of other vehicles approaching from the rear should not pass the stopped vehicle.

For the full crosswalk law, go to: http://www.mndot.gov /peds/education/index.html.

About one-third of pedestrian crashes happen during the weekday rush hour driving time, defined as 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. One out of every four pedestrian fatal crashes occurred between the hours of 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.

Divas Through The Decades at State Street Theater Friday, Nov. 2

NEW ULM — At the end of the day, whether with the Shopping Opener, Gnomemade Market, or fall cleaning, wind down with Divas Through the Decades. The Divas will perform at the State Street Theater on Friday, Nov. 2, starting at 6 p.m. for desserts and drinks, and performance at 7:30 p.m. Your ticket will include admission to the concert and a dessert bar. A cash bar will be available including the Chocolate Martini as the featured drink.

Divas Through the Decades is a musical tribute to some of the most influential female vocalists in American pop music, featuring songs from the 40’s, through today’s current hits. The show features music made famous by various Divas including Tina Turner, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Estefan, Madonna, Beyonce, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and many more!

Advance concert tickets at $15 can be purchased at the New Ulm Best Western, New Ulm Chamber of Commerce, New Ulm Hy-Vee, and online by clicking here. Tickets are also available at the door for $20. For further information, please contact us at statestreettheater@gmail.com or 507-359-9990.

Water main flushing today

NEW ULM — Today the Water Department will finish flushing on Washington Streets and will be flushing on North and South Franklin Streets.

Flushing hours will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday until completed.

It is advisable to allow about an hour after daily flushing for water to clear.

If problems arise, call the Water Department at 359-8279 or after hours at 507-766-9704.

New Ulm Parade of Lights registration open

NEW ULM — The 30th Annual Parade of Lights is 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23.

Organized by the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, the annual tradition is always held on the Friday after Thanksgiving and registration for parade units to participate is now open.

The parade will run through the downtown area along Minnesota Street, from 4th South to 4th North.  There will be no parking from 1st South to 4th North.  This is for safety reasons as well as for guest experience. 

If you’d like to participate in the New Ulm Parade of Lights, contact the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, chamber@newulm.com or 507-233-4300 to request a registration form. The form is also available online in the event calendar at www.newulm.com, and at the Chamber Office at 1 N. Minnesota St., Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 10am-3pm.

The parade, which celebrates the holiday season and welcomes Santa to the community, is limited to the first 60 units, all lit with lights proclaiming their organization, business, or association. Christmas music and festive lights, with the grand finale of Santa Claus riding atop the historic New Ulm fire truck, will leave everyone feeling merry and bright.

Brown County Health Department

receives breastfeeding friendly award

BROWN COUNTY — Brown County Public Health has received a Breastfeeding Friendly Health Department Award from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for its contributions to the health of mothers and their babies.

The designation acknowledges a county health department’s commitment to acting as a model for the community by supporting healthy families and receiving the business benefits of supporting nursing mothers. MDH recognizes county health departments, workplaces, maternity centers and child care facilities that have demonstrated their commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers.

Awards are designated at bronze, silver, and gold levels, which correspond to the number of steps an organization met in a 10-step process. Brown County Public Health was recognized at the highest level of gold for achieving all 10 steps.

Breastfeeding is a foundational way to ensure that babies receive optimal nutrition during the first formative years of life. Studies show that infants who are breastfed have better health outcomes as they grow.

“There are many challenges women face to meet their breastfeeding goals. Health care settings, worksites, and childcare providers all play a role in being able to provide the policies and environments necessary to support moms who choose to breastfeed. Our public health agency is excited to be recognized at the gold level by MDH for the work we do in supporting the families we serve,” says Melissa Hoffmann, RN, BS, PHN with Brown County Public Health.

MDH’s Breastfeeding Friendly recognition program is supported by the state Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) and the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP).

To learn more about the application process for the Breastfeeding Friendly recognition program, visit www.health.state.mn.us/breastfeedingfriendly.

Brown County Historical Society

hosts Halloween scavenger hunt

NEW ULM — Once again, Halloween mischief has come to the Brown County Historical Society museum. Pumpkins, scarecrows, witches’ cauldrons, and other Halloween décor have been hidden throughout the museum. Children are invited to help us track down all of the Halloween themed items and learn about Brown County’s history at the same time on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Scavenger Hunt participants are encouraged to dress in costumes and participants will receive Halloween prizes. Admission is free from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and normal admission will resume after 12 p.m.

Visitors can view the award-winning exhibits on World War I and the U. S.-Dakota War on the museum’s second and third floors. This will also be one of the last weekends to view the tribute exhibit to Korean War Air Force Pilot MIA – Robert F. Niemann.

For more information on this fun event, call 507-233-2620.