Times a’changin’

THUMBS UP: A lot of change is happening in downtown New Ulm. Most noticeably, the block of Minnesota Street from the Alliance Bank to Third North is undergoing demolition and clearing to make way for a new Alliance Bank.

Of course, change is really nothing new in downtown. The current Alliance Bank was built 50 years ago after clearning the site it is on. Now, it is clearing the way for new growth.

Down the street, another sign of change over time popped up with the demolition of the front of the former Jacobs & Meidl storeffront. Removing the old facade revealed the old sign for Olson Bros., a business from back in the 1930s before change overtook it. Now the store is being repurposed for a small downtown grocery store.

Change, it seems, is inevitable. These two changes, at least, look like positive developments for downtown New Ulm.

Go Greyhouds!

THUMBS UP: Congratulations to the Cathedral High School softball team, which earned a trip to the Minnesota State High School League Class A softball tournament on Thursday with a win over Mountain Lake/Comfrey in the Section 2A title game.

New Ulm has a long history of success in the state softball tournament, with 15 state tournament appearances and six titles over the years during the Bob Mertz era.

Here’s to starting a new run of excellence.

Summer fun ahead

THUMBS UP: Friday was the last day of school in District 88. With graduations out of the way and school vacations starting, there will be a lot of kids out having fun.

We want to remind the kids to be careful when riding bikes, roller skating or just out having fun. Watch for cars and don’t run out in the street.

Motorists, too, need to keep an eye out for kids. Let’s all be safe and have fun this summer.Thumbs Up