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Mother’s Day and Fishing opener this weekend

This weekend will be one of the busiest in Minnesota thanks to the combination of the Minnesota Fishing Opener and Mothers Day falling back to back. The fishing opener is today. This year, the Governor’s Fishing Opener will be held in Stillwater on the St. Croix River, but there are plenty of great fishing locations around New Ulm. Lake Hanska is a prime spot for catching walleye. Sleepy Eye Lake is best for sunfish. Clear Lake south of New Ulm is full of crappies. There is also the Minnesota River, which has a variety of fish including catfish.

After a day of fishing, it is time to celebrate Mother’s Day. Locally there are several restaurants hosting Mother’s Day specials, but even New Ulm Park and Recreation is getting into the fun. From noon to 5 p.m. mother’s have free admission to the Park and Recreation Center. For the mom who loves fishing, this could be shaping up to be a great weekend. 

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Center Street project gets federal funding

In a few years, Center Street will be getting some long awaited safety improvements. Safety improvements include roundabouts at Garden Street and Payne Street, a pedestrian underpass near Garden Street and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at the intersection surface crossings. These improvements will greatly benefit the intersection at Garden Street and Center. Anyone who has traveled this area before school or after school knows it can be a bit chaotic. Due to the Center Street hill, a stoplight was never a possibility, but a roundabout should ease congestion.

An underpass for pedestrians is another great way to resolve crossing concerns at the busy location. Another benefit of this plan, the federal government covers 65% of the cost. The entire project is estimated at $6.7 million, but $4.32 million in federal grants are expected for the project. 

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Tourism to NU continues to grow 

The annual tourism luncheon was held in New Ulm Wednesday in which community stakeholders were invited to share news about the latest tourism season and the news was good. Everyone had positive news to share.

A common thread reported at the meeting was how often other communities comment on how fortunate New Ulm is to have such a strong draw. It is not just that New Ulm is doing well in one area of tourism, but rather several areas. In the last 12 months it was reported New Ulm received $19.1 million from tourism, which was spread throughout the community. This $19 million is spread between the hotels, retail business and restaurants in the community. It is a good reminder that a rising tide raises all ships.