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January 2, 2000
Year 2000 arrives without a hitchBy SARA SYVERSON Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- The year 2000 arrived in New Ulm with no sign of the Y2K computer problems that experts have been anticipated around the world. So now it means that it's back to business as usual for the new millennium. Local authorities attribute the successful transition into the new year to careful Y2K preparation, in some cases done as much as a year in advance. "We made it through without any glitches," said New Ulm Police Chief Howard Zins, "I think the preparation paid off and people fixed the glitches ahead of time...down the road we're better off for the preparation." Zins said he was on staff at the law enforcement center from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m., and it was a pretty uneventful evening. There was eight officers, four auxiliary officers and other officers on call who were staffed for the evening. "It was a lot of hype for nothing. It was a pretty quiet night. Nothing unusual happened," said Zins, "We've had less complaints (on New Year's) through the years." Zins said people seem to be more aware of drinking and driving situations. During the evening the law enforcement center staff received a call from the Emergency Operation Center located at the St. Paul state capitol, saying everything was working all right. Zins also said the state and the Federal Bureau of Investigation computer was operating without problems last night. "It was a good way to start the new year," said Zins, "We hope the rest of the year goes this well." Public Utilities Director Bob Stevenson said the transition into the new year "went off without a hitch." "Nothing unusual happened," said Stevenson, "We've been working on preparing for Y2K all year. The guys who did that work did a perfect job." The electric system experienced no problems here or anywhere in the county, according to Stevenson. For the gas system, they were pumping in propane as a precautionary thing, but there were no problems experienced. "The new control system for the water plant worked like a charm," said Stevenson, "And there were no problems in the waste treatment facilities." Stevenson said there was approximately 25 on staff at the public utilities facility during the change to the new millennium. "I'd like to thank all the utilities workers who came to help out." Vince Rivard, who is a spokesperson for Allina Health Systems, (New Ulm Medical Center) said they experienced no significant problems and things for them went on as "business as usual."
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