New pope Leo XIV

Thursday, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected the new pope. He has taken on the name Leo XIV. Even for non-Catholics, this is an interesting development. Leo XIV is the first pope in history to come from the United States, but what is most intriguing is how quickly he was chosen by the papal conclave. Prevost was chosen by the cardinals within a day of the conclave starting. That is unusual in modern times. Conclaves that selected Pope Francis, Benedict and John Paul all took slightly longer to reach a decision. It implies there was an early consensus behind Leo. Early indicators are Leo will follow Francis’ legacy.

Fishing opener and

Mother’s Day

This is a technically a busy holiday weekend in Minnesota. Saturday, May 10 is the fishing opener. State statute sets the fishing opener two weeks before the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. As a result, the fishing opener lands the day before Mother’s Day; Sunday, May 11. It is the perfect holiday combination for people whose mother’s love to fish. What’s makes this weekend even better, the weather forecast is gorgeous. Temperatures are expected to reach the 80s Saturday and as high as 89 degrees Sunday. Whether you plan to go fishing, celebrate mom or both it should be a great weekend.

NU Battery gives

John Fritsche lifetime

achievement award

Last Saturday, John Fritsche received the lifetime achievement award from the New Ulm Battery, recognizing over 56 years of service with the battery. Fritsche is only the second person to receive this award from the battery. Many of the battery members have credited Fritsche with getting involved with the organizations and mentoring them. Without Fritsche’s support and service, the New Ulm Battery would not be the respected institution it is today. The battery is more than a historical reenactment group; they are representatives and ambassadors of New Ulm. Few people have done more to promote New Ulm and its history than John Fritsche. The lifetime achievement award is well earned.