THUMBS UP

Fourth celebrations continue despite rain

The heavy rains seen in June continue to hit Minnesota going into July. The forecast leading up to Independence Day threatened to halt many holiday celebrations. Many area communities including New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Cambria, and Hanska carried on with their Fourth of July in the face of rainy weather and were rewarded for their efforts. Though it did rain on the, most celebrations were able to continue. The rain held off until after Cambria’s parade. Turner Hall was able to move their celebration indoors. The rains ended in time for Sleepy Eye’s fireworks display to run on schedule.

The recent flooding has created a dreary summer for many in south-central Minnesota. The Fourth of July celebration was a needed release. The Journal applauds area communities for carrying on the Independence Day spirit during trying times.

THUMBS UP

Several Counties will get disaster aid

Last Saturday it was announced that 22 Minnesota counties were approved for a federal disaster declaration by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for severe flooding over the past two weeks. The declaration will provide resources to reimburse communities for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repair and replacement of damaged infrastructure. This is good news for the region and many were devastated by the flooding. Without this assistance, many of these counties could not afford to fix this damage on their own. Brown County was not included in the list of 22 counties to receive federal assistance. Fortunately, Brown County was not as affected by the flooding as neighboring counties. 

THUMBS DOWN

Rain delays 20th S. Street/Hwy. 14 work

Two construction projects are going on in New Ulm. The 20th South Street construction is led by the city and the Highway 14 roundabout is led by MnDOT. The June rains did delay the construction work, but there is hope the projects could be finished on time. At this time, the goal is to have the Valley Street/20th S. Street intersection open by July 15. However, once this is open the construction will move up to the Broadway section of 20th S. Street, forcing a closure near the entrance of Hy-Vee.

The underground utility work at the Highway 14 roundabout is finished, with a repaving plan in the next few weeks. Even with recent rain, it is possible the roundabout project could be completed in late July. However, New Ulm has two more road projects scheduled this summer. German Street from 3rd North to Center Street will begin July 22nd. In Late July or early Aug. 12t Street from Minnesota to Valley Street will be reconstructed. 

These projects are needed in the community, but the prolonged construction season is a constant frustration.