News

(Fairmont) – Jerome Niss will be the next mayor of Fairmont, winning 50 percent of the vote in a six-candidate race. Tabitha Johnson will join the Fairmont City Council, winning the Ward One seat with 59 percent of the vote, defeating incumbent Jay Maynard. In Ward Three, incumbent Randy Lubenow narrowly defeated Hollee Klesh, receiving 47 percent of the vote to Klesh's 41 percent. Fairmont voters also approved all three proposed city charter amendments. The measures address city council members serving on the charter commission, procedures for filling charter commission vacancies, and city council oversight of Fairmont Public Utilities purchases and [...]

(Fairmont)– A new book is shedding light on the remarkable World War Two history of a Martin County family, in which all 36 members who served in the war made it home alive. Paul Wessel, a member of the Nolte family, spent about two years researching and writing They All Came Home: The Nolte 36. His research included approximately 6,000 documents and trips to several states to track down military records and learn more about the men’s service. Wessel says many of the veterans rarely discussed their wartime experiences with their children, and the research helped families learn more about what [...]

More than 728-thousand Minnesotans had already voted as of Friday, setting a new state record for early voting in a non-presidential election. Early voting is especially strong in the Twin Cities, where counties have already exceeded their 2022 absentee totals by 16-percent. However, political experts say it's too early to determine which party may benefit, noting Republicans traditionally turn out in greater numbers on Election Day. Rural counties that supported President Trump are also seeing significant increases in early voting. Experts expect overall turnout to exceed recent elections, with attention turning to whether it could approach the record levels seen during [...]

(Fairmont) – Funding for watershed projects and the future of lake improvements were among the topics discussed Thursday during the Fairmont Lakes Foundation’s annual meeting. Speakers included representatives from the Shell Rock River Watershed District and Minnesota Watersheds, who shared how funding has helped improve water quality in the Albert Lea area. The Shell Rock River Watershed District has received approximately 86-million dollars in grants and other funding since 2003. Projects have included dredging Fountain Lake, reducing phosphorus runoff, improving fish habitat and storing floodwater. The meeting also focused on the possibility of establishing a separate watershed district and improving Fairmont's [...]

SWEA CITY — A bomb threat at North Union Schools Swea City campus earlier this morning has been deemed non-credible. Superintendent Travis Schueller says officials were notified shortly after 8 a.m. that a student had texted another student claiming they were bringing a bomb to school in a backpack. Law enforcement responded within minutes, and Kossuth County Sheriff Roger Fisher says there are no safety concerns for students or staff. The student who made the threat will be referred to Juvenile Court Services. Additional information will be shared if necessary and Schueller says their top priority is always the well being [...]

FAIRMONT — The Fairmont Lakes Management Committee is planning for next year’s curly leaf pondweed control, including mechanical harvesting and possible chemical treatment. Water Resources Coordinator Hannah Neusch says the city will need an aquatic vegetation survey before applying for permits to manage the invasive weed. The survey could cost around five-thousand dollars, and the city may pursue a state grant to help cover the expense. The city spent 174-thousand dollars on mechanical harvesting this summer, but committee members questioned how much visible improvement it produced. They discussed focusing future harvesting on smaller areas near docks, piers and boat landings, as [...]

FAIRMONT — Tyler Cowing, Fairmont’s Civil Engineer, presented the city council with 2027 street improvements for the coming year in hopes of getting bids in earlier. Cowing says the proposed projects include reconstructing Fairview Avenue from First to Fourth Street and Parkwood Place near Amber Lake Drive. Both streets are in poor condition, with Parkwood Place also receiving new curb and gutter to improve drainage. The total cost is estimated at 3-point-2 million dollars, including several sealcoat projects. The city plans to cover the costs through assessments, utility funds and bonding. The council approved the engineering report and scheduled a public [...]

(Sherburn) Leaf pick up will happen in the City of Sherburn on Monday November 2nd through Friday November 6th for Sherburn residents. Leaves should be curbside by 7:00 am on Monday November 2nd to ensure pickup. The tree disposal site will also open for leaf disposal by residents. Do NOT put leaves in a bag at the curb or at the tree disposal site and the leaves should be free of sticks and dog waste. For more information contact Sherburn City Hall. 

(FAIRMONT) — The Fairmont City Council has unanimously approved post-tension concrete as the base material for four new pickleball courts planned for the Fairmont Soccer Complex. Public Works Director Matthew York estimated the project would cost about 340-thousand dollars with concrete, compared to 280-thousand dollars with asphalt. Concrete is expected to last 30 to 40 years, while asphalt has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. City Engineer Troy Nemmers said both materials would have similar frost protection, but concrete would help keep cracks tighter and reduce water infiltration. Council members also discussed concerns about the project's overall cost, budget and [...]

(FAIRMONT) — Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Klobuchar and First Congressional District nominee Jake Johnson visited Fairmont Sunday for a get-out-the-vote event. The candidates joined local volunteers for door-knocking before speaking to a crowd of about 100 people. Johnson said the campaigns wanted to focus on rising costs, rural health care, agriculture and recent fraud in Minnesota. He called for an open investigation into fraud and accountability for anyone who broke the law. Johnson launched his campaign in Fairmont in April 2025 and said he continues to hear concerns from residents about agricultural challenges and the planned closure of the 3-M facility.