News

(Undated) Dangerous heat and humidity will continue across the area through much of the week. Today is expected to be the hottest day, with highs in the low to mid-90s and heat index values reaching around 100 degrees. A Heat Advisory is in effect, and while some wildfire smoke will create hazy skies, air quality is expected to remain in the moderate range. Hot and muggy conditions will continue Tuesday and Wednesday, with only a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms. A cold front is expected to move through Thursday, bringing scattered showers and storms along with slightly cooler temperatures. By the [...]

FAIRMONT — Despite the heat there were plenty of golfers on hand at Interlaken Golf Club in Fairmont for the 34th Annual Pork Masters Golf Outing. The event teed off Monday morning but it got its start in 1992 through a partnership between the Martin County Pork Producers, local agribusinesses, and the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce. At the beginning they hoped to create a networking opportunity for pork producers and the agricultural industry and since the first event it has grown exponentially. Proceeds from the annual outing stay in the community, helping fund agriculture scholarships and pork promotion efforts. The [...]

FAIRMONT — The Fairmont Opera House is one step closer to re-opening after announcing it has raised enough money to begin long-awaited repairs to the historic building. Executive Director Blake Potthoff made the announcement Saturday before the opening performance of Annie by the Fairmont Area Community Theater, telling the audience that two major donations helped the campaign reach its construction goal of about $3 to $3.5 million. The Opera House has been closed since December 2023. Potthoff said the funding ensures restoration work can begin and that the organization will "go home" to its historic venue. Major contributions came from The [...]

(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 [...]