danbrookens

(Fairmont) The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce has a new president. Miranda Tulowetzke officially began the job September 9th, bringing a diverse work background and about three years of experience on the chamber board to the position. A lifelong Martin County resident, Tulowetzke studied exercise science at Southwest Minnesota State University before returning to the area. She has worked at Green Mill, Green Plains and Sweet Financial, where she gained marketing experience. Most recently, she was the branch lead at CCF Bank in Blue Earth. Tulowetzke says she was drawn to the chamber because she enjoys community events and business networking. [...]

(Fairmont) A new grief support group is being formed in the Fairmont area through a partnership between CREST, the Sinn Family Celebration of Life Center and In the Clouds Counseling. The free group will meet on the last Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Sinn Family Celebration of Life Center in Trimont. The first meeting is scheduled for September 29th. The meetings will include educational information on topics such as sudden, unresolved and traumatic grief. Participants will also have access to grief-related books and other resources. The group is open to anyone who would like to attend. More [...]

(Fairmont) The Fairmont Area School Board has set its preliminary property tax levy at the maximum amount allowed for the upcoming year. The district’s final levy will be determined in December, with a Truth in Taxation meeting scheduled for December 8th. The school board also unanimously approved the next step in a potential two-question operating referendum in February 2027. The district will work with consultants to submit a review and comment document to the Minnesota Department of Education. Board member Michael Edman emphasized the vote does not guarantee a referendum will appear on the February ballot, but is part of the [...]

(Estherville) Estherville homeowners will have another year to take advantage of a city program helping pay for exterior home improvements. The City Council has renewed the Neighborhood Facade Grant program, which has been offered for the past five years. The program provides matching grants of up to four-thousand dollars for eligible exterior projects on owner-occupied or rental properties. Applications are typically due by November 15th, with funding awarded to the ten best projects. The grants can help with projects such as siding, painting and other exterior improvements, but do not cover sidewalks, driveways or landscaping. City Administrator Penny Clayton says the [...]

(FAIRMONT) — A 12-year-old Fairmont girl has been named one of the 2026 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. Natalie Flaherty founded I Stand with Anne, an initiative inspired by Anne Frank that promotes Holocaust remembrance, compassion and standing against hate. Flaherty began the project at age eight after watching a Holocaust documentary and reading Anne Frank's diary. She created bracelets that say, “I stand with Anne, put a stop to hate.” She has now distributed more than 100,000 bracelets across all 50 states and in more than 50 countries. In 2025, Flaherty also helped organize the planting of an Anne [...]

(FAIRMONT) — With fall officially arriving today, local orchards are welcoming visitors for the apple-picking season. Timberlake Orchard opened earlier this month and has about 3,000 apple trees across five acres. Owners say this year's crop is looking good, with several varieties available, including Honeycrisp, Zestar and SweeTango, along with new varieties such as Pink Lady, Sweet Sixteen and Ambrosia. The orchard has also expanded its store offerings, adding homemade applesauce, coffee and more baked goods. Timberlake Orchard will also have a presence at the Fairmont Farmers Market on Saturdays. Center Creek Orchard opened this past weekend and features about 800 [...]

(Blue Earth County) A Trimont man is facing multiple charges after a traffic stop in Blue Earth County. According to a criminal complaint, 38-year-old Bradley Michael Oudekerk was stopped September 11th after a deputy clocked him driving 84 miles per hour in a 55-mile-per-hour zone. Oudekerk allegedly told the deputy he did not have a valid driver’s license or insurance. His driving privileges were reportedly revoked. A search of the vehicle also reportedly turned up meth, marijuana and a pipe, along with a pair of metal knuckles. Oudekerk is charged with fifth-degree drug possession, possession of metal knuckles, possessing improperly packaged [...]