Kraft Foods Group says it plans to restructure its plants in New Ulm, Minn., Champaign, Ill., and Springfield, Mo. The New Ulm Journal reports the Illinois-based food and beverage conglomerate plans to invest $25 million in new packaging equipment and related infrastructure, but as many as 90 jobs in Minnesota could eliminated. The changes will take place throughout next year.

New Ulm and the hometown Schell's brewery -- the state's oldest -- are both ramping up marketing efforts to attract younger, more affluent customers and establish the community as a vacation destination.

It looked more like the wrath of a tornado had struck New Ulm, but it was a frightening burst of strong winds that shattered car windows and snapped poles.

The controversy over Chammy the horse in New Ulm has been settled. The horse is a well-known attraction for many around town, beloved by some neighbors but a nuisance to others. The city had cited the horse's owners for excessive manure and threatened to evict the animal. But at a spirited city council meeting Tuesday, it was decided the horse can stay as long as the manure problem is solved.

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.

School staff scrambled to address the activity after a parent notified administrators. The New Ulm Journal says the game is like freeze tag but kids use "hip thrusts" to unfreeze a person. A letter from the school also stirred up discomfort among some parents, who say they aren't looking forward to discussing such a topic with young children.

Associated Milk Producers Inc., based in New Ulm, plans to shut down its manufacturing facility in Dawson by the end of the year, the West Central Tribune reports. The soon-to-be idled plant has about 130 workers and primarily produces cheese sauces and puddings.