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(Fairmont) The Fairmont Area School Board has set its preliminary property tax levy at the maximum amount allowed for the upcoming year. The district’s final levy will be determined in December, with a Truth in Taxation meeting scheduled for December 8th. The school board also unanimously approved the next step in a potential two-question operating referendum in February 2027. The district will work with consultants to submit a review and comment document to the Minnesota Department of Education. Board member Michael Edman emphasized the vote does not guarantee a referendum will appear on the February ballot, but is part of the [...]

(Estherville) Estherville homeowners will have another year to take advantage of a city program helping pay for exterior home improvements. The City Council has renewed the Neighborhood Facade Grant program, which has been offered for the past five years. The program provides matching grants of up to four-thousand dollars for eligible exterior projects on owner-occupied or rental properties. Applications are typically due by November 15th, with funding awarded to the ten best projects. The grants can help with projects such as siding, painting and other exterior improvements, but do not cover sidewalks, driveways or landscaping. City Administrator Penny Clayton says the [...]

(FAIRMONT) — A 12-year-old Fairmont girl has been named one of the 2026 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. Natalie Flaherty founded I Stand with Anne, an initiative inspired by Anne Frank that promotes Holocaust remembrance, compassion and standing against hate. Flaherty began the project at age eight after watching a Holocaust documentary and reading Anne Frank's diary. She created bracelets that say, “I stand with Anne, put a stop to hate.” She has now distributed more than 100,000 bracelets across all 50 states and in more than 50 countries. In 2025, Flaherty also helped organize the planting of an Anne [...]

(FAIRMONT) — With fall officially arriving today, local orchards are welcoming visitors for the apple-picking season. Timberlake Orchard opened earlier this month and has about 3,000 apple trees across five acres. Owners say this year's crop is looking good, with several varieties available, including Honeycrisp, Zestar and SweeTango, along with new varieties such as Pink Lady, Sweet Sixteen and Ambrosia. The orchard has also expanded its store offerings, adding homemade applesauce, coffee and more baked goods. Timberlake Orchard will also have a presence at the Fairmont Farmers Market on Saturdays. Center Creek Orchard opened this past weekend and features about 800 [...]

(Blue Earth County) A Trimont man is facing multiple charges after a traffic stop in Blue Earth County. According to a criminal complaint, 38-year-old Bradley Michael Oudekerk was stopped September 11th after a deputy clocked him driving 84 miles per hour in a 55-mile-per-hour zone. Oudekerk allegedly told the deputy he did not have a valid driver’s license or insurance. His driving privileges were reportedly revoked. A search of the vehicle also reportedly turned up meth, marijuana and a pipe, along with a pair of metal knuckles. Oudekerk is charged with fifth-degree drug possession, possession of metal knuckles, possessing improperly packaged [...]

FAIRMONT — The Martin County Library has launched its first Community Reads program, focusing on helping kids and families navigate technology and screen time. This year’s selection is The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World, aimed at children ages nine to 12. The library purchased 150 copies through a grant from the Traverse de Sioux Library Cooperative. Each reader also receives a workbook with challenges, questionnaires and activities focused on screen habits. More than half of the books had already been picked up within the first few weeks. Library officials say the goal is to [...]

WELCOME — The Welcome City Council is delaying a decision on final assessments for the city’s 2025 street and utility improvement project. About 20 residents attended Tuesday’s public hearing, where they asked questions about how the assessments were calculated, the quality of the work and options for appeals or deferments. City officials said property owners are responsible for about 380-thousand dollars of the roughly three-million-dollar project. Council Member Stauter said the council worked to reduce the project from an estimated 10-million dollars and focus on the streets most in need of improvements. Residents also asked for better communication about future construction [...]

(New Richland, MN) -- New Richland, Minnesota, is cleaning up after a severe flash flood damaged most of the city. Officials estimate about 80 percent of homes were damaged after roughly nine inches of rain fell on Friday and Saturday. Nearly 40 residents were evacuated from the New Richland Care Center after water entered the building. The city has declared a state of emergency, while crews continue pumping water and assessing damage. No injuries have been reported.