State of the Villages Breakfast Highlights 2026 Projects in Minster, New Bremen and New Knoxville

Officials from Minster, New Bremen and New Knoxville shared updates on past progress and future priorities during the State of the Villages Breakfast, outlining a range of projects tied to growth, infrastructure and community improvements.

Minster Mayor Craig Oldiges said the village is looking ahead to several major projects in 2026. Among them are continued improvements at Perry Street Park, where the splash pad and playground upgrades have already been completed. Oldiges said the village plans to keep building on that work to make the park an even stronger destination for families and visitors.

Oldiges also said Minster has several road projects in progress, including continued work on Hamilton Street, which he said is about halfway complete and should be finished by spring or early summer of 2026. He added that the village is continuing to focus on water, sewer and storm sewer improvements and is using five year and ten year forecasts to help guide infrastructure planning for the future.

New Bremen Mayor Bob Parker pointed to the village’s purchase of 90 acres on the west side of town as one of the biggest highlights from 2025, saying the land could help support future expansion.

Parker also said New Bremen is reviewing a major fire department plan that would reduce the number of trucks from two to one, a move he said could involve an investment of more than 1 million dollars.

He said another major focus is the wastewater treatment plant, where the village is facing EPA requirements tied to nitrogen and ammonia levels. Parker said officials are looking at possible solutions including wetlands or other mitigation options in hopes of avoiding the need for a full mechanical plant, which could cost several million dollars.

New Knoxville Mayor Keith Leffel said 2025 was a strong year for his village, with growth indicators trending positively. He said income tax revenue was up and the village saw continued industrial and housing development.

Looking to 2026, Leffel said New Knoxville is working with AES on a new electric line coming into the village, along with a new substation to improve power reliability. He said the village also plans to continue park projects, move ahead with the second phase of a lift station project and redo Hoagie Street.

The annual State of the Villages Breakfast gave each mayor a chance to reflect on progress in 2025 while outlining priorities for the year ahead.