danbrookens

(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 [...]

FAIRMONT — The Martin County Library has launched its first Community Reads program, focusing on helping kids and families navigate technology and screen time. This year’s selection is The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World, aimed at children ages nine to 12. The library purchased 150 copies through a grant from the Traverse de Sioux Library Cooperative. Each reader also receives a workbook with challenges, questionnaires and activities focused on screen habits. More than half of the books had already been picked up within the first few weeks. Library officials say the goal is to [...]

WELCOME — The Welcome City Council is delaying a decision on final assessments for the city’s 2025 street and utility improvement project. About 20 residents attended Tuesday’s public hearing, where they asked questions about how the assessments were calculated, the quality of the work and options for appeals or deferments. City officials said property owners are responsible for about 380-thousand dollars of the roughly three-million-dollar project. Council Member Stauter said the council worked to reduce the project from an estimated 10-million dollars and focus on the streets most in need of improvements. Residents also asked for better communication about future construction [...]

(New Richland, MN) -- New Richland, Minnesota, is cleaning up after a severe flash flood damaged most of the city. Officials estimate about 80 percent of homes were damaged after roughly nine inches of rain fell on Friday and Saturday. Nearly 40 residents were evacuated from the New Richland Care Center after water entered the building. The city has declared a state of emergency, while crews continue pumping water and assessing damage. No injuries have been reported.

SHERBURN — A free showing of the agricultural-themed miniseries Perfect Sundays is coming to the Sherburn Theatre later this month. The Martin County West FFA and a local family are sponsoring the event, which will be held at 7 p.m. September 26 and 4 p.m. September 27. The first episode will be shown at the theater, followed by a code allowing viewers to watch the remainder of the miniseries. MCW FFA advisor and agriscience teacher Stephanie Wohlhuter says the series focuses on a farm family dealing with the death of its patriarch by suicide. She says the topic is especially relevant [...]

FAIRMONT — Preliminary research on the Fairmont Chain of Lakes is showing high levels of phosphorus and growing concerns about water quality. Dr. Ryan Wersal of Minnesota State University-Mankato presented the early findings Tuesday to the Lakes Management Committee. Researchers have been visiting the lakes weekly since May, collecting water, sediment and plant samples while also studying Curly Leaf Pondweed. Wersal says the lakes have significant historic phosphorus loading, with roughly half typically coming from internal sources and half from outside runoff. He says phosphorus is also being released from the lake sediment back into the water. Researchers also found lower [...]