At the height of their popularity in the 1950s, Scheid and his band played for nearly all of the dances at George's Ballroom in New Ulm. At the time, New Ulm was known as the "Polka Capitol of the Nation.

Kathy Bauck's business, Pick of the Litter, was once one of the largest licensed dog breeders in the nation. But after a 2008 investigation into Bauck's operation where they found sick and dying dogs, her facility was closed.

A New Ulm man who says partisan politics has crippled government is running in hopes he can change that. Jerry Pagel is operating outside the system, campaigning on his own pocketbook and rejecting any party affiliation. "I get so frustrated with the far left and the far right. I don't know anybody that is that far out there politically," he tells the New Ulm Journal.

Minnesota is home to some of the best national universities and liberal arts colleges, according to the 2013 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges rankings. Carleton College in North Field was named the 8th best national liberal arts college. The magazine also recognized the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.

Who knew the sport of dock jumping had its own hall of fame? Well, Austin's Bob Mallory knows it now because he's a new member. And his dog, Sir Jackson, has won an award for "competitive greatness."

A woman is facing 16 charges of animal cruelty after allegedly abusing and killing dogs at her business, Bell Kennels and Farm. The Pioneer Press reports three former employees report seeing Dayna Kristine Bell hurt animals.

The Duluth Kennel Club Dog Show is showcasing more than 3,000 dogs from across the state this weekend. The event -- which is taking place through Sunday -- features 140 different breeds of dogs, and will reward titles for categories such as best in breed, best in obedience and best in show.

The sauerkraut eating contest that's part of New Ulm's Bavarian Blast gained a little extra authenticity this weekend. Winner Valentine Gasteiger hails from the land of the original Ulm. The German exchange student is spending the summer in Red Wing. On his trip to New Ulm he put away 16 ounces of sauerkraut in two minutes. And didn't even spill.