To the editor:

In the spirit of the Journal’s weekly “thumbs-up/thumbs-down,” I have three acknowledgments to share.

First, thank you to the New Ulm Journal for a delightful article about the beloved Rick Apitz. I did not know Rick well, but like many of you, we knew each other. What others said in the tribute to Rick, I can wholeheartedly echo — he truly was a kind and generous. Whenever we had a chance encounter around New Ulm, I never rushed away. I’d let our conversation continue until he said, “Well, I gotta run.” Blessed be his memory.

My second thank you goes to NUCAT. When Darla Gebhard and I wrapped up the Oktoberfest parade, I inadvertently forgot to thank Steven, Michael, and Pierre from NUCAT for all the great work they did to make the broadcast a success. Speaking of Darla, isn’t she delightful to listen to when she brings New Ulm’s history to life? So, consider this a “thank you” to her as well.

Finally, near the end of the parade, I had the pleasure of interviewing Hermann the German. We both agreed this might have been the best attended Oktoberfest parade ever. So, my third thank-you goes to Sarah Warmka and her terrific staff at the Chamber of Commerce. The first weekend of Oktoberfest 2026 was simply an outstanding event. I look forward to being out at Schell’s this weekend.

Mark Santelman

Winthrop