News

The Fairmont City Council voted 4-1 Monday to move ahead with a state forensic audit covering 17 years in two areas of the city’s books. After a lengthy discussion, council members decided on a time span from January 2002 to January 2019, focusing on the municipal liquor store and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Councilor Wayne Hasek, who cast the lone dissenting vote , questioned the need , citing the annual audit the city undergoes each year. Fairmont City Council members Tom Hawkins, Randy Lubenow and Ruth Cyphers. Out numbered Bruce Peters and Wayne Hasek, who opposed hiring an investigator to [...]

A Fairmont dental practice is partnering with the Mayo Clinic to open a new facility in its Fairmont Campus. Thanks to a multi-year grant pledge from the Schmeekle Foundation, Apple Tree Dental is set to receive $2.39 million to open the new clinic. According to a press release, the grant funds will be distributed over the course of five years. The dental clinic says it served nearly 100,000 patients last year and the new Mayo location will increase their reach by 1,100 patients initially, with an estimated 4,800 patient-increase once the facility is fully functional. A reception will be held September [...]

The Fairmont School Board on Tuesday approved a 10-year tax abatement for CHS Inc., which is planning a $100 million project at its existing plant in Fairmont. CHS estimates that more than $3.1 million will go to local contractors and materials for construction. The project will include the addition of equipment that will allow the plant to run at a 30 percent faster rate. Construction is expected to start this fall and be completed by 2021. The abatement will be for up to 10 years, beginning with real estate payable in 2022 and continuing through 2031, not to exceed $423,930. County [...]

Vista Prairie Communities (VPC), a nonprofit provider of assisted living, independent living, memory care and care suites in Minnesota, Iowa and Ohio, has named Pamela Rubis as the Executive Director of its Goldfinch Estates Senior Living Community, 850 Goldfinch Street in Fairmont. When she begins her new role on September 10, she will be responsible for all operations, contact with residents, staff and the community. A veteran human service executive, Pamela brings 20 years of experience in leadership and marketing positions with senior care, a nursing home and homes for people with developmental disabilities. Her experience includes service in care [...]

The public is invited to an open house on Wednesday, September 11, to learn about a roadway project in 2021 on Hwy 263 from I-90 to Ceylon, as well as provide input on proposed safety improvements on the segment through the city of Ceylon. Representatives from MnDOT will give a brief presentation at 4 p.m., followed by an open house format until 6 p.m. at the Legends II, 103 E. Main St., Ceylon. Hwy 263 from I-90 to Ceylon will be resurfaced in 2021 in preparation for a turnback of the highway to Martin County. During project development, the [...]

Martin County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a property tax abatement for CHS Inc., but with several revisions to the agreement, contingent on the approval of CHS. Commissioner Kathy Smith shared some information on the project, noting that the real property improvements as it relates to the proposed project is $5.3 million, which is the amount of taxable value that will be abated. CHS has estimated it will spend more than $3.1 million with local contractors and on materials for construction. If the project does not go through, the county, city and school district could lose about $140,000 in taxes annuallySeveral [...]

The Martin County Board Tuesday during their budget discussion kept the proposed increase in the levy for next year at 6.43% for now but hope to have that whitttled down to 5% per cent by the time the preliminary budget and levy are approved at the Sept. 17th meeting. After that the levy can be decreased but not increased before final approval in December. Commissioners also : Approved and authorize Board Chair to sign the annual County Boat and Water Safety Grant Agreement in the amount of $3,112.00 – Martin County Sheriff’s Office. Approved and accept low bid award [...]

Two people from Truman have been arrested in connection with multiple burglary investigations in Northern Iowa. The Emmetsburg Police Department responded to a burglary at the Go Gutters Business in late August. As part of a joint investigation with the Truman Police Department, officials searched a home in the city of Truman. Authorities found several of the items reported missing from Go Gutters along with other items linked to separate reported burglaries in the city of Emmetsburg. Officials arrested Amber Lynn Sathoff and Jason Lee Martin, both of Truman. Both are charged with third degree burglary and burglary of [...]

The Martin County Baord meets Tuesday at 9 AM. The board will consider a Boat and Water Safety Grant agreement,set a Public Hearing for increases in planning and zoning fee increases,consider voting equipment grant agreement amendment and consider approval of capital transit facility assignment of grant agreement. Commissioners will consider engaging ISG Arcjtects for design,specs and bid for phase II courthouse dome clock repair project and review the 2020 preliminary budget. A Public Hearing regarding a tax abatement request from CHS,Inc will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday at the Martin County Courthouse. Paste In or Write Your [...]