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THUMBS UP HermannFest back with the Hermann 5K Saturday, New Ulm is celebrating Hermannfest, the festival that commemorates Arminus’ (Hermann’s) victory against three Roman legions at the Battle of Teutoburg Forest over 2,000 years ago. The entire celebration is held in Hermann and Harmon Park in the shadow of the Hermann Monument. New Ulm is often called the City of Festivals, with its wide range of celebrations, but Hermannfest has the distinction of being the most unique. It’s not connected to any other seasonal event celebrated in other communities. Outside of Germany, ...

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THUMBS DOWN Country unwilling to make changes to address school shootings The return to school was marred by a school shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School Wednesday. Two children were killed with another 17 wounded after the shooter fired into the church windows during morning Mass at the school. It is an unspeakable tragedy that has hit the Minneapolis community that is reminiscent of dozens of other school shootings that occur across the country every year. No matter how many times a school shooting happens it does not get easier. The country continues to be unable or ...

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THUMBS UP 3 area amateur baseball teams advance in state tournaments Last weekend three local Region 2C amateur baseball teams — Leavenworth, Hanska and Courtland — won the first rounds of the Class C State Baseball Tournament. While many amateur baseball teams make the tournament, it is rare for this many area teams to win in the first round. All three teams will play this weekend, along with the New Ulm Brewers who are in the Class B State Tournament. Local baseball fans will have plenty of teams to cheer for this weekend. THUMBS UP DNR grant for trap shooting range Trap ...

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Farmfest continues to be a great bellwether for the economy  In Minnesota, the first week of August is always dedicated to agriculture, whether it is through county fairs or Farmfest. One of the best agricultural events of the year. The event brings ag producers from across the state and even some from out of state. Nearly every Minnesota politician whether a representative, senator or even governor will drop in at Farmfest. That’s because agriculture is heavily tied to Minnesota’s economy. The future of the state is heavily tied to agriculture, meaning Farmfest is one of the best ...

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THUMBS UP Crazy Days is getting back to its crazy roots New Ulm’s Crazy Days are back this weekend. They started Friday night with a street dance. The artificial turf once again rolled out for the celebration Saturday will feature the ping pong ball drop, craft vendor sales at multiple locations and more polka music. This year’s Crazy Days offering represents a step up from last year’s celebration. It seems like Crazy Days is starting to live up to its name again. For decades, Crazy Days was a huge deal in New Ulm. The streets were lined with shoppers for sidewalk sales. Then, ...

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THUMBS UP 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 ...