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MLC students return

The Martin Luther College (MLC) students are returning to campus. Thursday and Friday were freshmen move in day. Many of the student athletes had returned last week. The fall semester is set to begin next week. It’s a wonderful time of year as New Ulm sees its population increase with a fresh injection of young people into the community. Approximately 185 new students will attend MLC this year along side another 435 returning students. While most of them will be living on campus, we do see these students in the community, working part-time at local businesses and taking part in New Ulm life. In addition, the MLC cafeteria will open to the public on Monday.

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Historical Society commemorates U.S.- Dakota War

This week marks the 162 anniversary of the U.S. Dakota War’s beginning. The two battles of New Ulm occurring on Aug. 19 and Aug. 23, 1862. Each year the Brown County Historical Society does an excellent job of commemorating the occasion through speakers and walking tours of important sites. It would be easy to let the anniversary go unmarked, but New Ulm’s dedication to remembering the most difficult time in the city’s history is admirable.

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Affects of emerald ash borer cannot be ignored

Around 30% of the trees in New Ulm are ash trees and are already infested with emerald ash borer (EAB) or are at extreme risk. Park and Rec has removed 60 ash trees internally over the last three years, but there are still more that need to be removed from park space. Around 2,000 ash trees remain on private land in the city and 638 on boulevards. Most if not all of these trees will need to be removed for safety purposes. It is estimated it will take three to six years to remove the majority of infested trees.