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Warta to receive Roger J. Wolfe Achievement Award 

The Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC) will award Denis Warta the Roger J. Wolfe Achievement Award Monday during a special ceremony at the Mayo Civic Center in Mankato. Warta is receiving the award for a lifetime of leadership, volunteerism and community-related contribution to New Ulm and Brown County.

Warta was nominated for this award by Brown County Commissioner and New Ulm Police Chief David Borchert. Borchert said he saw Warta as the perfect person for this award as few others are as committed to the community.

The Journal fully agrees. In his 96 years Warta has served as local business man, Brown County commissioner, New Ulm city councilor and volunteer on dozens of committees. Most importantly, Warta is a fantastic resource with a wealth of knowledge that he has generously shared over the years. The Journal has benefited from Warta’s knowledge on numerous occasions.

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Welcome to Hans Joohs intern

Annika Fischer

Earlier this week the Sister Cities Commission formally welcomed Annika Fischer of Neu Ulm, Germany to town. Fischer is the latest participant in the Han Joohs cultural exchange program. She has been in New Ulm since June 29 and began her internship with the city’s park and recreation department July 1. The Hans Joohs exchange program is a wonderful opportunity for the New Ulm community. In addition to keeping the connection with our sister cities in Germany alive, it allows the city to meet a new, ambitious young person each year.

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Nusianse bugs

making outdoor

activities miserable

Anyone spending even a little bit of time outdoors this summer season has likely been swarmed by gnats, black flies, mosquitoes or all three. Depending on the time of day, it’s almost impossible to exit the house without some kind of bug spray or vanilla.

Bugs are the main downside to summer in Minnesota, but it does seem to be worse this year. The wet weather and warm temperatures can cause a surge in pests. Unfortunately, with an extremely rainy June leading into a warm July, the bug problem will likely remain a problem for the rest of the summer.