News

(Sherburn, MN) Media were invited to take a tour of the new Martin County West School last week. Construction of the new school in Sherburn is more than halfway complete and remains on schedule for students to move in for the 2027-28 school year. Site Construction Manager Michael Beach says the project has stayed on track despite minor delays. Additional crews were brought in to keep plumbing and other work on schedule, with concrete work continuing throughout the building. Construction is also underway on the new football field and track. The field is expected to be ready for the 2027 football [...]

(Fairmont) The Fairmont City Council spent Thursday's work session discussing long-term priorities, including housing, blight, parks and city facilities. Results of a recent housing study were shared with the council. It found Fairmont has a housing shortage, flat population growth and a relatively high level of blighted properties. Council members agreed code enforcement should be a top priority, with some supporting the addition of another staff member. Finance Director Paul Hoye said the city has about $350,000 available for demolition projects, though acquiring problem properties remains a challenge.  Looking ahead, council members called for an updated needs assessment for city facilities, [...]

(Martin County) Several last-minute candidates have joined local races ahead of the November election. In Fairmont, former Planning and Zoning Official Peter Bode has entered the mayoral race. Martin County West will have nine candidates competing for three school board seats, with incumbent Sarah Jagodzinske Rohman seeking re-election. In Dunnell, candidates filed on the final day for both mayor and city council races, while Welcome and Trimont also added late candidates to already competitive contests. The general election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 3.

(FAIRMONT) The Fairmont City Council is taking a closer look at how to spend about $2 million in Local Option Sales Tax funds earmarked for future lake improvements. During a work session Wednesday, council members agreed they first want input from lake experts, local organizations and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before deciding on any projects. Ideas discussed included purchasing the city's own aquatic weed harvester after spending about $170,000 to rent one this year. Council members also stressed the importance of confirming what the sales tax funds can legally be used for, while recognizing that improving the lakes will require [...]

A benefit auction for the family of Leighton Hugoson will be held on Thursday evening. More than 100 bales of hay will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to Leighton's family. The 18 year-old died in a farm accident on Friday. The event will be at 6:00 p.m. at the East Chain Evangelical Free Church, 507 280th Avenue, two miles east of the village of East Chain.   A GoFundMe account has also been set up for the Hugoson family. Donations can be made at this address: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-hugoson-family-with-medical-and-funeral-costs

(Fairmont) A suspect charged in the fatal shooting of Tyson Goodsell is reportedly out of jail once again. Martin County Jail records show 18-year-old Ryan Wolner was no longer listed on the jail roster as of Monday evening. Last week, a Nicollet County judge reset Wolner's bail at $1.25 million with conditions after prosecutors alleged he violated a previous release by communicating with co-defendants through others. As part of his latest release, Wolner is prohibited from contacting witnesses, co-defendants or the victim's family. A judge denied the state's request to ban him from using social media. Wolner faces nine charges in [...]

(Fairmont) The Fairmont Police Department recently conducted alcohol compliance checks at businesses licensed to sell alcohol in Fairmont. The department is pleased to report that every business refused to sell or serve alcohol to an underage buyer. The police department credits the strong partnership between the department and the local business community with achieving 100% compliance.

(Fairmont) Construction started yesterday on Fairmont's $3.3 million Blue Earth Avenue improvement project. Work will stretch from the Downtown Plaza roundabout to Highway 15 and is expected to continue through the fall. The project includes milling and resurfacing the roadway, reducing traffic from four lanes to three with a center turn lane, replacing the traffic lights at Park and Prairie with a two-way stop at Park Street and a new mini roundabout at Prairie Avenue. Drivers can expect detours and temporary road closures during construction, although businesses and homes will remain accessible. City officials are asking motorists to use caution, especially [...]

(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 [...]