News

(Truman) Truman Days gets underway today with community garage sales and a food truck, kicking off three days of hometown fun. Friday's highlights include the Classic Tractor Ride leaving Prairieland Solid Waste at 7:30 a.m., along with more activities throughout the day. Saturday starts with Dad's Belgian Waffle Breakfast from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Truman Community Building, with dine-in and take-out available. The breakfast is sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church. Other Saturday events include free swimming at the Truman Pool from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Truman Days Grand Parade at 5 p.m., a street dance featuring Steele [...]

(Fairmont) The Martin County Relay for Life is moving to a new date and location this year. The annual cancer fundraiser will be held Tuesday, July 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus in Fairmont, instead of September at the Martin County Fairgrounds. Organizers say the move was made to provide an air-conditioned venue, making the event more comfortable for cancer survivors who may struggle with heat after chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Organizers also hope a Tuesday evening event will allow more people to attend around busy summer weekends.The event will feature survivor recognition, luminaries, silent and [...]

FAIRMONT — The Martin County Board of Commissioners got its first look at the preliminary 2027 county budget on Tuesday, with an initial levy increase showing at nearly 16 percent. However, commissioners emphasized that number is only a starting point and is expected to be reduced significantly before adoption. Much of the increase is tied to a proposed $2 million allocation for future electrical and HVAC improvements at the Law Enforcement Center. Commissioners said the project could be spread over multiple years and supplemented with federal funds and reserves, making the final levy increase much lower. In other action, the board [...]

LAKEFIELD — Lakefield Police Chief Roger Pohlman has announced he will retire at the end of the year, bringing more than 40 years of military and law enforcement service to a close. His retirement becomes effective December 31. Pohlman's career includes 21 years of military service, time with the Grand Forks Police Department, more than eight years as Red Wing Police Chief, and the past five years leading the Lakefield Police Department. Pohlman is a current member of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners where he represents District 3. 

MARTIN COUNTY — The candidate filing period for city and school board elections is underway, with several incumbents and newcomers already entering the race. In Fairmont, City Council members Jay Maynard and Randy Lubenow have filed for reelection, while Aaron Meier has filed for mayor. Current Mayor Lee Baarts has not yet filed for another term. In Welcome, Mayor Dan Schmidtke and Council Member Lynda Stauter have both filed for reelection. In Trimont, Alyssa Niezgocki has filed for a city council seat. Two council seats currently held by Bradford Flohrs and Justin Lubben are up for election. On the school board [...]

A Glenville man and his 14-year-old passenger suffered life-threatening injuries in a motorcycle crash Saturday morning north of Blue Earth. The Minnesota State Patrol says 42-year-old Thaddeus Van Riper was traveling north on Highway 169 near 150th Street just before noon when he left the roadway while trying to avoid a deer. Both riders were thrown from the motorcycle. Van Riper was not wearing a helmet, while the passenger was. Both were airlifted to St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. Authorities say the road was dry and alcohol is not believed to have been a factor.

(Sherburn) The Martin County West School Board received an update Wednesday on construction of the district's new school, with officials saying the project remains on schedule. Crews have completed the rubber roof, poured the shop floor, and continue work on plumbing, fireproofing and the second level. The building is expected to be ready for partial occupancy next June for moving equipment, with full occupancy planned by July or August.The board also discussed demolition of the current high school. Officials say the building will be dismantled without explosives, with steel, wood and concrete recycled. In other business, agriculture instructor Stephanie Wohlhuter was [...]

The Fowler family of Truman has been named Martin County’s 2026 Farm Family of the Year. Ron and Dora Fowler operate a 1,000-acre corn and soybean farm while also raising about 18,000 hogs annually. Fowler began raising pigs in high school and has expanded the business from just 60 hogs in the 1970s to a modern wean-to-finish operation spread across multiple sites. The family also works closely with their son, Travis, who farms another 1,000 acres nearby, while grandsons Jed and Grayson also pitch in. Fowler says managing livestock health and understanding production costs are among the biggest challenges facing agriculture [...]

(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 [...]