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New Ulm named Minnesota Retail Community of the Year
Back in July, New Ulm was named the 2026-27 Minnesota Retail Community of the Year by the Minnesota Retailer Association. This is an impressive achievement that deserves to be recognized. New Ulm received the award in part thanks to a submitted nomination that described New Ulm as a community that intentionally invests in retail success through collaboration, promotion and year-round community engagement. This is an accurate description of the New Ulm community. It does seem like every other weekend New Ulm is hosting some type of festival or activity that engages the local community. Whether it is a music festival, historic commemoration or even a community volleyball tournament; these events benefit the local economy. It should also be noted that to hold so many community events requires a great deal of support. The amount of volunteers willing to lend a hand in promoting the community is amazing.
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The loss of a music legend and humanitarian in Dolly Parton
The death of Dolly Parton on Aug. 25 is a tremendous loss and not just for fans of her music. Parton was an extremely talented singer/songwriter, but she was also one of the greatest philanthropists in the United States. Parton dedicated much of her life and wealth to helping educate children. Through her Imagination Library, she gifted over 332 million children's books to kids. Children who are signed up to the Imagination Library received a free book every month from up to age five. There are so many children in this country who were able to start their libraries and have a healthy love of books thanks to Parton. She was also a major early donor that helped fund the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine during the early stages of the pandemic. Perhaps one of her greatest achievements was her ability to unite and support people. Throughout her life, Parton collaborated with a wide range of people from different backgrounds and for that she was universally admired. In world that seems increasingly divided, Parton was one of the rare individuals who could bring people together.
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Proposed FCC changes threatens E-rate funding to libraries
For 30 years, the federal government has assisted libraries and schools in paying for internet access through the E-rate program. In 1996, many communities faced barriers in accessing internet. At that time roughly 8% of public classrooms had internet access. Thanks to E-rate funding, that turned around with 93% of public classrooms having internet access by 2003. Today, it is rare to find a school or library in the United States without an internet connection. For many, internet access is a necessary infrastructure need. The New Ulm Public Library receives 71% of internet coverage from the E-rate program. That is why it is so disappointing that the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is considering making changes to the program that could reduce or eliminate the E-rate program. The FCC is currently seeking public comment on its proposal to change or end the E-rate program. The FCC has argued that since nearly 100% of schools and libraries have reliable internet access, the E-rate program has served its purpose and can end. The problem with that theory is that without regular payments, many schools and libraries will lose access to the internet or be limited. Many schools and libraries are dependent on internet access. If the federal government decides to pull that funding now, it will force local communities to pick up additional costs. This FCC review feels a lot more like the federal government attempting to shift taxes onto the state and counties.