To the editor:

We hope this message finds all of you in good health. We would like to thank first responders, health care workers and all public servants for making sure all of us have a safe community to live in.

We will have many tough times moving forward and no one will have a tougher time than our small businesses. We encourage you to support our small businesses through take-outs and ordering in as well as purchasing gift cards. These small gestures can really mean a lot.

As a former teacher, I want to thank our educators as they move into new teaching directions. This is not easy for them, it isn’t what they were expecting. They are working hard to do the best job possible under the circumstances. Work with them, work with your children, work to make the rest of this school year the best it can be.

We are all adjusting to the Governor’s stay at home order. We are so proud of our community for staying home (unless they have essential needs). While we can’t actually be together for the moment, there are still ways we can come together as a community. Looking out our window, we see families taking walks, enjoying this unique time together. Wave at a neighbor as you go by. Have a short conversation with a neighbor from across your lawn (at a safe distance). Decorate your windows to show community spirit. Pick up the phone and call a friend to check on them. Mail a letter, card, or drawing to someone who is not able to receive visitors. Send flowers to let others know you care.

Together we can make a difference for our community making sure we all have a healthy future. This won’t be easy or fun, but we will get through this together. New Ulm has gotten through much worse over its 163-year history.

Danke schön,

Mayor Bob and Cheryl Beussman

New Ulm