News

(Southern Minnesota) — Three utility companies are proposing a major new electric transmission project that would cross southern Minnesota.Great River Energy, Xcel Energy and ITC Midwest have filed an application with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for the PowerOn Midwest project. It includes a 765-kilovolt transmission line connecting substations in Jackson, Mower and Olmsted counties. The companies say the project would improve electric reliability and connect new energy sources to the regional grid. But opponents to this project say there are way too many unknowns to push this project forward. Route options are still being developed, with permit applications expected in [...]

(Fairmont) Fairmont Park Board members are being asked to voluntarily inspect city parks and green spaces to help identify maintenance needs and plan future improvements. Public Works Director Matthew York says members will receive individual checklists to document park conditions, problems and ideas. The information will be compiled to help the city prioritize projects, with the goal of having a plan ready when the board resumes meetings in April. York says participation is voluntary and will supplement, not replace, work already done by city employees. The board also heard that city officials will discuss material options for proposed pickleball courts at [...]

(Sherburn) The Martin County West School Board received an update Monday on construction of the district’s new school building. Work continues on the parking lot, track, football field, locker rooms and interior finishes, with landscaping planned for spring. The board also approved a construction payment of more than two-point-two million dollars. Superintendent Cori Reynolds said the district was one of 15 schools selected for a Veterans and Military salute at a football game, and the F-F-A forestry team took first place. The board also approved its crisis management plan, including a new cardiac emergency response plan, and accepted donations for math, [...]

(Sherburn) — The Sherburn City Council is seeking more information before deciding on repairs to the Community Building, including a lift repair estimated at nearly 1,200 dollars. Council members also discussed other concerns with the building, including deteriorating areas and closed bathrooms. The council voted to contact the city attorney and demolition contractor for more information about roof damage at Contemporary Styles, next to the former Foxy’s building, before deciding who is responsible for repairs. In other business, the council approved a wellhead protection plan proposal and a cannabis business license request. The city also received an 11-thousand-dollar safety dividend from [...]

(Fairmont) The City of Fairmont’s curbside leaf pickup program is underway for its 20th year. Public Works crews will collect leaves in three sections of the city, starting October 26th through the 30th, followed by November 2nd through the 8th, and November 9th through the 13th. Residents should rake leaves into long rows along the curb, rather than large piles, and avoid parking on the street during pickup. Leaves can also be taken to the city’s yard waste site at 1880 100th Street, where compost is available free of charge. Officials say pickup could be canceled if snow covers the leaves. 

(Estherville) The Estherville City Council is considering a proposed data center that could be built on 8 to 12 acres in an industrial park on the city’s south side. Representatives from Path One Companies say the facility could be up to 25 megawatts in size. City officials also recommend a development agreement be approved before construction begins. The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission will begin discussing potential regulations Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

(Mankato) An 18-year-old suspect in the killing of 17-year-old Tyson Goodsell is back in jail facing two new charges. According to the Blue Earth County Jail roster, Ryan Wolner was booked Monday night by Mankato Police on charges of first-degree aggravated robbery and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Wolner was previously released on bail in July while awaiting trial in the Goodsell murder case. His next court hearing is scheduled for October 29th at 2:30 p.m.

(Sherburn) A Sherburn woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly breaking into the management office at Temperance Lake Ridge Senior Living three times over a two-month period. Forty-seven-year-old Angela Marie Lea Lange is accused of entering the office through the same window on August 7th, August 12th, and October 3rd. According to the criminal complaint, about 400 dollars in cash was taken during the second break-in. After the earlier incidents, a security camera was installed, and video allegedly captured the third break-in, showing someone going through files and attempting to remove the camera. Lange faces one count of first-degree burglary, three [...]

(Fairmont) A man and woman are facing first-degree drug charges following a traffic stop in Fairmont. Forty-year-old Drew Robert King of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and 34-year-old Rachel Renee Bryant of Alpha were arrested October 12th. According to court documents, a Fairmont police sergeant stopped their vehicle at a gas station for a defective windshield and faulty taillight. A Martin County Sheriff’s Office drug-sniffing dog allegedly alerted to the vehicle. A search reportedly uncovered about six ounces of methamphetamine, 21 grams of mushrooms, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Both King and Bryant are charged with first-degree drug sale and possession offenses involving [...]