2021 is here!

THUMBS UP: Maybe people weren’t able to “Party Like It’s 1999” when 2021 rolled in at midnight Thursday, but we’re sure people are looking forward to a better, happier and healthier new year.

This might be the kind of situation where we could hold a “half new year” on June 30 if the situation allows us to get together without worrying about spreading the disease. We could celebrate the first half of the year and properly ring in the second half.

A tradition continues

THUMBS UP: A noble tradition in New Ulm continued over the holiday season when local birders participated in the annnual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Seventeen ardent birders ventured out in the area to watch and listen to see how many different bird varieties there are in the area. They found a lot of different birds, including 48 trumpeter swans, three mourning doves and two great horned owls. No partridge in a pear tree, however.

Thanks to Elaine Poulson, who has been organizing these events for many years. She indicates this will be her last and is inviting someone else to take it over. We’re sure there will be plenty of willing volunteers.

Schools reopening

THUMBS UP: School kids will be heading back to school next week, with in-person classes starting up for elementary students on Jan. 4, and for secondary students on Jan. 11. Schools had been doing a good job of keeping students safe beforehand, and we hope the break will help maintain that record in the months ahead.