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New Ulm celebrates Bavarian Blast

Bavarian Blast is back this weekend, meaning New Ulm is in for a weekend full of music, dancing and a parade to cap off festivities on Sunday. The Blast officially began on Thursday with three musical performances in the main tent. Friday saw festivities expand to include more bands throughout the day on the main stage in addition to music in the KNUJ Polka Hall. The music will continue Saturday, in addition to the return of the 5K Fun Run in the morning and a Bean Bag tournament in the afternoon. The Bavarian Blast parade on Sunday has the distinction of being New Ulm’s largest parade of the year.

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Public urged to support funding interlibrary loan program

New Ulm Public Library Board President Ruth Ann Webster recently submitted a letter to the editor, urging lawmakers to reauthorize funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Service (IMLS). The Journal fully agrees with Webster’s call for action. Through IMLS, the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) is funded, which helps Minnesota support its interlibrary loan operation. If legislators fail to reauthorize these programs, the interlibrary loan program could be lost. Rural communities in Minnesota depend on the interlibrary loan program to access materials that would not otherwise be available in smaller communities. Locally, the interlibrary loan program is heavily used. In 2024, New Ulm Public Library patrons received 18,536 items through the program and loaned out another 18,829. Webster stated in her letter that funding for these services represents 0.003% of the federal budget. This is a small cost for a service that benefits so many.

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NU expands use of residential tax abatement

Tuesday, the New Ulm City Council agreed to pursue expanding a tax abatement for the M&D Properties townhouse project on North Highland. The city had already been preparing tax abatement documents for this project back in January, when it was for eight townhouses. Recently, M&D requested the abatement cover six additional townhouses. The purpose of a tax abatement program is to allow the city to rebate a portion of the property taxes back to a property owner, who may use the funds to offset development or redevelopment costs. All of New Ulm’s previous tax abatements have gone to industrial or business developments. This townhouse project is the first considered for a residential development. It is a good idea. New Ulm is in need of housing. It has been one of the top issues facing the city for several years. If a tax abatement can help spur further residential development, it’s worth using this tool.