THUMBS DOWN

Old man winter returns with a vengeance

Last week it looked like Minnesota might get an early spring. The Valentine’s Day weekend saw unusually high temperatures. On Feb. 13, New Ulm set a high temperature record for the day. Walking around without a coat or hat outside was optional. It was wonderful. Then it had to start snowing Wednesday morning and it didn’t quit until late afternoon. Everyone had to break out their shovels again and driving conditions were terrible. The snowfall was mixed with freezing rain creating extremely slick conditions. Even walking on sidewalks was a challenge. It was always unrealistic to expect an early end to the snow, but to be teased with warm weather before a big storm seems especially unfair.

THUMBS UP

City will get Guard Field Maintenance shop for cheap

With the final completion of the Minnesota National Guard Armory and National Guard Field Maintenance Shop on the north end of New Ulm, there is a question of what will happen with the previous facilities. By law the National Guard must give the City of New Ulm the option to purchase the former armory and field maintenance shop first and at the low cost of $1 each. The New Ulm City Council is still considering if it needs the former armory building located on N. Broadway, but there is no hesitation on the field maintenance shop located at 1523 S. Washington. The City of New Ulm wants the former field maintenance shop because it offers extra space for multiple departments including vehicles. New Ulm already has plans for placing snowplows at this site. It’s a great benefit to the city to have this extra space and at practically no cost.

THUMBS UP

Happy 50th to New Ulm Public Library

The New Ulm Public Library is officially 50 years old this month. The building was officially dedicated on Feb. 12, 1976. The construction of the building cost $1.2 million and was paid for in-part through federal revenue sharing. At the time, the project had bipartisan support. During the dedication ceremony, Democratic Sen. Walter Mondale and Republican Rep. Thomas Hagedorn both attended the library’s grand opening and were impressed with the project. After five decades some parts of the building have changed, but it is still an impressive part of the New Ulm Community that continues to innovate and add new resources