Samuel Koops, visiting from M, Germany, provided an engaging account of his time in New Ulm, sharing experiences from his stay from September 2nd through the 24th. His schedule included multiple speaking engagements and participation in local events such as a parade. Koops highlighted his upcoming involvement in the October Fest event, although he was still determining his specific roles.

During the meeting, Koops presented on the Minster of M, emphasizing its architectural and historical significance. He detailed the Minster’s construction and architectural features, noting its status as the world’s tallest church tower at 161.53 meters. The Minster, originally Catholic and later Protestant, took over 500 years to complete, with construction beginning in 1377. Koops highlighted the Gothic style, the materials used, and the structural challenges faced over centuries. He shared stories of its resilience during World War II, despite the destruction of many stained glass windows, and mentioned a Lego model surpassing the height of the Cologne Cathedral. Koops also touched on the Minster’s cultural role, hosting over 1,000 events annually, and its unique auditory experience. His presentation captivated the commission, offering a rich historical narrative tied to the Sister Cities partnership.

The commission also opened the application period for the 2026 cultural exchange program, scheduled to run from November 15 through December 31. This period allows for thorough applicant reviews and interview scheduling. Promotion efforts included distributing flyers to colleges and using social media, with suggestions to extend outreach via local radio. There was interest in having a participant, possibly Samuel Koops, share his experiences in a radio variety show format.

A notable request came from Urus Mack, seeking photos and documents related to her great-grandfather’s involvement in the Sister Cities program. The commission received a letter from the mayor and various brochures in response, but clarity on whether they possessed the sought-after materials remained uncertain. The potential involvement of the museum and former classmates was discussed to uncover additional records.

Terry Sweeney’s feedback on an intern’s airport pickup highlighted logistical issues, including a flight mix-up between Lufthansa and Discover Airlines. Sweeney’s detailed account suggested improving communication by exchanging photographs and contact information ahead of time. His insights were seen as valuable for enhancing future pickup experiences, emphasizing the importance of preparation and hospitality for inbound participants.