News

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 [...]

The Fowler family of Truman has been named Martin County’s 2026 Farm Family of the Year. Ron and Dora Fowler operate a 1,000-acre corn and soybean farm while also raising about 18,000 hogs annually. Fowler began raising pigs in high school and has expanded the business from just 60 hogs in the 1970s to a modern wean-to-finish operation spread across multiple sites. The family also works closely with their son, Travis, who farms another 1,000 acres nearby, while grandsons Jed and Grayson also pitch in. Fowler says managing livestock health and understanding production costs are among the biggest challenges facing agriculture [...]

(Fairmont) The Fairmont Housing and Redevelopment Authority received high marks following a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development inspection. North Park earned a perfect score of 100, while Friendship Village scored 98 out of 100, meaning both properties won't require another HUD inspection for three years. Minor issues involving concrete repairs are expected to be addressed through a $1.9 million Publicly Owned Housing Program grant, though officials are considering changes to the project that could reduce construction costs. The HRA also approved its operating budget and welcomed Wayne Herrman as its newest commissioner, filling the remainder of Ron Kopischke's term.

(Truman) The Truman Fire Department is bringing back a community fireworks show for Truman Days as part of America's 250th anniversary celebration. After a successful fireworks display during Truman's 125th anniversary celebration, firefighters are once again raising money to light up the sky. So far, the Fire Department has raised about $16,000 toward its $25,000 goal, with donations coming from local businesses and residents across the region. The fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m. on Friday, July 25, during Truman Days. J&M Displays will provide the show, while firefighters will be on site with equipment and personnel to ensure safety. Anyone [...]

The Fairmont City Council has begun discussing how to spend more than $12 million in Local Option Sales Tax funds after plans for a community center were abandoned last year. During a Thursday work session, council members reviewed three possible approaches: investing in one major transformational project, funding several medium-sized recreation projects, or spreading the money across multiple smaller community improvements. The sales tax, approved by voters in 2016, was originally intended to support recreational amenities, trails and a community center. Finance Director Paul Hoye says the city has $12.3 million available, including nearly $578,000 earned in interest, with about $6.2 [...]

(Sherburn, MN) An 18-year-old Sherburn man is facing felony charges after authorities say he brutally assaulted and robbed a juvenile on the east edge of Sherburn. According to a criminal complaint, Samuel Bryan Brewster allegedly attacked the victim along 120th Street on July 7 after pulling over in a tan sedan with two other occupants. Investigators say one passenger recorded the assault while Brewster repeatedly punched and kicked the victim before stealing a sweatshirt, wallet containing $180, a gold necklace, and a distinctive pair of Harry Potter-themed shoes. Witnesses provided a description of the suspect vehicle, including a wobbling rear tire. [...]