Green energy ideas

Thumbs Up: New Ulm hosted a group discussion this week of local officials and a visiting German authority on the topic of converting to green energy. With the state committed now to cleaning things up by 2040, it is not too early for the city to get some ideas on what to do. New Ulm runs its own municipal utility system. It purchases most of its electrical energy, but has a natural gas powered system to produce steam for steam heat customers, and to generate power in emergency situations or to meet high demand. Guido Wallraven, technical director for the city of Saerbeck, Germany, was on hand to share his hands-on experience guilding his city to a cleaner energy future. The year 2040 is only 17 years away, and it’s not too early to start planning for our energy future.

Fasching fade

Thumbs Don: This is Fasching weekend, the weekend before Ash Wednesday when, according to German tradition, people can dress up in costumers, parade and party and have fun before the austerity of Lent. In New Ulm, Fasching was celebrated for many years, led by the Concord Singers. But for various reasons, Fasching started fading in popularity, and the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to it for a couple of years. The Narren continue their tradition of capturing the mayor and declaring they are in charge, but there will be no community wide party this weekend. In time, perhaps, it can be revived.

Check that balloon

Thumbs Up: The U.S. military succeeded on Friday in recovering the mysterious Chinese balloon that has sparked so much concern about what is flying through our air space. Good. Our intelligence experts can now check out what the Chinese had on board their wayward “weather balloon.” We suspect the government will find a lot more than thermometers and barometers.