danbrookens

(Fairmont) The Fairmont Housing and Redevelopment Authority received high marks following a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development inspection. North Park earned a perfect score of 100, while Friendship Village scored 98 out of 100, meaning both properties won't require another HUD inspection for three years. Minor issues involving concrete repairs are expected to be addressed through a $1.9 million Publicly Owned Housing Program grant, though officials are considering changes to the project that could reduce construction costs. The HRA also approved its operating budget and welcomed Wayne Herrman as its newest commissioner, filling the remainder of Ron Kopischke's term.

(Truman) The Truman Fire Department is bringing back a community fireworks show for Truman Days as part of America's 250th anniversary celebration. After a successful fireworks display during Truman's 125th anniversary celebration, firefighters are once again raising money to light up the sky. So far, the Fire Department has raised about $16,000 toward its $25,000 goal, with donations coming from local businesses and residents across the region. The fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m. on Friday, July 25, during Truman Days. J&M Displays will provide the show, while firefighters will be on site with equipment and personnel to ensure safety. Anyone [...]

The Fairmont City Council has begun discussing how to spend more than $12 million in Local Option Sales Tax funds after plans for a community center were abandoned last year. During a Thursday work session, council members reviewed three possible approaches: investing in one major transformational project, funding several medium-sized recreation projects, or spreading the money across multiple smaller community improvements. The sales tax, approved by voters in 2016, was originally intended to support recreational amenities, trails and a community center. Finance Director Paul Hoye says the city has $12.3 million available, including nearly $578,000 earned in interest, with about $6.2 [...]

(Sherburn, MN) An 18-year-old Sherburn man is facing felony charges after authorities say he brutally assaulted and robbed a juvenile on the east edge of Sherburn. According to a criminal complaint, Samuel Bryan Brewster allegedly attacked the victim along 120th Street on July 7 after pulling over in a tan sedan with two other occupants. Investigators say one passenger recorded the assault while Brewster repeatedly punched and kicked the victim before stealing a sweatshirt, wallet containing $180, a gold necklace, and a distinctive pair of Harry Potter-themed shoes. Witnesses provided a description of the suspect vehicle, including a wobbling rear tire. [...]

A 16-year-old driver and his 12-year-old passenger were injured Tuesday afternoon after their car collided with a Union Pacific train at a rural railroad crossing northeast of Lakota, Iowa. The crash happened around 3:53 p.m. on 190th Avenue, about a quarter mile south of Highway 9. According to the Kossuth County Sheriff's Office, the 2004 Chevy Impala struck an eastbound train at the crossing. A passing motorist, Alex Horak of Lakota, witnessed the crash, called 911, and pulled both boys from the vehicle before it caught fire. The car quickly became fully engulfed in flames just feet from railcars carrying ethanol. [...]

Not long after being released on bail, Ryan Wolner is back behind bars, according to Martin County jail records. Wolner's release came with several strict conditions, including surrendering his passport, remaining in Minnesota unless granted court approval to travel, avoiding contact with witnesses, co-defendants, the victim and the victim's family, possessing no weapons, and complying with GPS monitoring. According to the Martin County jail roster, the North Mankato Police Department arrested and booked Wolner on Wednesday evening on a charge of revocation of stay or initiation of probation revocation proceedings. Wolner is scheduled to appear in court July 23 on bribery charges [...]

Wild parsnip is spreading across Martin County after a wet summer, prompting warnings from city and county officials. The invasive plant, identified by its tall stalks and clusters of yellow flowers, can cause severe skin burns and blisters when touched in sunlight and can also harm livestock if consumed. City crews are spraying, mowing and monitoring known problem areas, including Cedar Creek Park. Officials are also urging parents to keep children out of tall weeds with yellow flowers and to report sightings to Fairmont city officials. Complaints regarding wild parsnip and any noxious weeds in the county can be sent in [...]

The Fairmont Police Department responded to Sylvania Park after a citizen reported locating bones and teeth on the ground in the southwest part of the park on July 7th. The remains were submitted to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office and were confirmed to be human remains. Due to the perceived age of the human remains and the Native American significance in Sylvania Park, the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council was informed of the findings. The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council is now working to determine if this piece of land is an unrecorded cemetery. They are working closely with the Minnesota Office [...]

The Martin County Board of Commissioners has approved a three-percent rent increase for Human Services of Faribault and Martin Counties but tabled a proposed five-percent increase for the Fairmont Police Department's lease at the Law Enforcement Center. Commissioners want more discussion on whether the increase should be higher as the county prepares for planned improvements to the building. The board also approved advertising for bids on parking lot improvements at the county's North State Street building in Fairmont, where several county departments will eventually relocate. Commissioners also accepted a low bid of just over $16,000 for fiber installation at the site. [...]