THUMBS UP

A date has finally been set for George’s Ballroom demolition

George’s Ballroom has been beyond saving for well over a decade. The building is an environmental and safety hazard and demolition has been the best course of action for years. The only thing holding back demolition was bureaucratic red tape and a developer with the will to take action. We finally got what was needed to move forward this week. The demolition of George’s Ballroom is scheduled to begin Monday, Dec. 2. Work crews have already begun clearing a space behind George’s to prep for the demo. It is sad the building was allowed to fall into such disrepair, it is a relief to finally have a resolution to the problem. With the demolition of George’s the site can be redeveloped into something to benefit the community.

THUMBS UP

Grant for BCHS window preservation

The Brown County Commissioners approve a $269,000 Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage grant to help with preservation of the Brown County Museum. Specifically, the grant will be used to renovate the museum’s windows. The Brown County Museum once served as New Ulm’s post office and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The building is one of the most unique looking buildings in New Ulm. However, damaged window seals has allowed water and insects to enter the building. The grant would cover restoration of the windows. This type of maintenance assures the museum will remain part of the community for years to come.

THUMBS UP

Highway 14 four lane expansion is working

One year ago the four-lane expansion of Highway 14 from Nicollet to New Ulm was complete. This was the final segment in creating a four-lane corridor from Rochester to New Ulm. One of the top reasons for the expansion was safety and the improvements have done that. The number of series car accidents on Highway 14 has decreased in the last year with only minor accidents being reported along the Nicollet to New Ulm stretch. The expansion has also moved the traffic off of Courtland’s main street by bypassing the community. This has improved safety for the Courtland community, but it has improved efficiency for those traveling the road each day for work.