Erna Zahn

THUMBS UP: Erna Zahn, who went horseback riding when she was 99, and lived on her own until she was 109, is now the oldest living person in Minnesota.

This past month Evelyn Kleine, 112, of Minneapolis died. She was the oldest known Minnesotan. Her passing makes Erna, 111, the state’s oldest person.

Erna lives at Oak Hills Living Center, and Oak Hills is throwing a card party, hoping to get 111 cards for her. People can send Erna a congratulatory card at Oak Hills Living Center, Attn: Erna Zahn, 1314 8th North St., New Ulm, MN 56073.

Here’s hoping Erna hangs on to the title for a long time to come.

The bridge is open!

THUMBS UP: The Highway 14-15 bridge over the Minnesota River in New Ulm is now open, to the relief of all the people who have been taking the long detour to get into town from Nicollet County.

Thanks to MnDOT and all the hard-working crews who got the job done despite high water and other setbacks. It is a great Christmas present for travelers.

Scammers sink low

THUMBS DOWN: We don’t know how low scammers will sink to cheat you out of your money, but a new scam in the area just about hits bottom.

Police in New Ulm and Sleepy Eye have received reports of a scam in which someone pretending to be a local pastor texts or calls someone, asking them for money. They ask them to buy gift cards and send it somewhere for a charitable purpose.

Don’t be fooled when someone calls you out of the blue, pretending to be a government official or, in this case, your parish priest. It’s a fake.