danbrookens

A proposed high-voltage transmission line drew strong opposition during a Minnesota Public Utilities Commission hearing in Sherburn Thursday. The PowerOn Midwest project would bring a 765-thousand-kilo-volt transmission line from South Dakota across southern Minnesota, including Martin County, before ending in Dakota County. The project must receive a state Certificate of Need before moving forward. Representatives from Great River Energy say the line is needed to maintain electric reliability as power consumption is expected to increase by about 25-percent over the next 20 years. However, all 24 people who spoke during Thursday's hearing opposed the project. Concerns included the impact on farmland, [...]

The Fairmont School Board has unanimously approved moving forward with a two-question building referendum and the vote is set for February 9th, 2027. The first question asks voters to approve 9-point-75 million dollars for health, safety and security improvements at the elementary and high schools. Projects include exterior repairs, a more secure high school entrance, locker room updates and replacement of failing wastewater pipes.The second question seeks an additional 11-point-64 million dollars for classroom and restroom additions, expanded space for music and arts programs, and flooring improvements.The second question can only pass if the first is approved. For a home valued [...]

Here are some upcoming community events. Saturday, the Nolte 36 book release and reception will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Fairmont American Legion. The Sherburn Legion will also have its steak fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Lakeside Sips is taking place at the Fox Lake Event Center in Sherburn from 4 to 7 on Saturday. Get your tickets at Fairmont Big Deals Sunday, the Lewisville Legion Auxiliary hosts a chicken supper from 5 to 6:30. Family turkey bingo will also be held at the Granada Ambulance Hall, with food at 11 and bingo at 1. Monday, the Truman [...]

(Fairmont) The Fairmont Housing and Redevelopment Authority has approved an increase in funding for improvements at Friendship Village. The Publicly Owned Housing Program grant was originally approved for one-point-nine million dollars. However, an error in the project figures left out some work, including plumbing, sewer lines, patio replacements and sidewalk widening across all 115 units. Minnesota Housing approved an additional 200-thousand dollars, bringing the total grant to 2-point-1 million dollars. The HRA board unanimously approved the updated grant. The board also discussed the proposed Jameson Bush Mill Circle housing development. Plans call for 28 one-story modular homes, built in two phases [...]

(Fairmont) The Fairmont City Council is working to address ongoing overcrowding and maintenance problems at the city's tree dump. Public Works Director Matthew York says crews maintain the site two to three times a week, but the lack of weekend staffing has contributed to access problems. Having employees on site both Saturday and Sunday could cost between 12-hundred and 24-hundred dollars. Council members discussed adding Saturday staffing and scheduling a work session to develop a long-term solution, including the possibility of burning accumulated debris. In other business, the council declared buildings at 112 and 114 West Fourth Street hazardous and ordered [...]

(Martin County) Martin County health officials are encouraging residents to check their vaccination status as measles cases continue to rise across Minnesota. The state has reported 80 measles cases, its highest total in 36 years, including an outbreak of 63 cases in Fillmore and Todd counties since mid-September. No cases have been reported in Martin County or surrounding counties. The M-M-R vaccination rate in Martin County currently stands at 75 percent, well below the 95 percent rate health officials would like to see. Officials say flu, COVID and R-S-V activity is beginning to increase as respiratory illness season gets underway. People [...]

The Martin County West drama department is performing the Wizard of Oz. Showtimes are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 2:00 and will take place at the Sherburn Theatre. There are 40 7th through 12th grade students in the cast and 5 crew members. 45 K-6th graders will be the Munchkins which will be split into two groups with one group performing Thursday and Saturday and the other group Friday and Sunday. Adults $7, Students $5 and kids Pre-K and under are free. 

(Martin County) Several community events and activities are coming up across the Fairmont and Martin County area. The American Red Cross has announced several upcoming blood drives, including November 30th at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont, December 7th at the Regional Worship Center in Sherburn, and December 18th and 30th at the American Legion Hall in Fairmont. Appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Turkey Bingo events are also planned, with Dunnell hosting November 13th at 7 p.m. at the Community Hall, followed by the Sherburn Legion on November 20th at 7 p.m. Other upcoming events [...]