danbrookens

(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.

(FAIRMONT )— The Fairmont City Council has approved a company to replace the city’s outdated website and advanced a proposal to increase cable television franchise fees. The council unanimously approved CivicPlus to replace the city’s current website, which has been in place since 2013 and does not meet accessibility requirements. The project includes an implementation cost of about 46-thousand dollars, with annual service fees of nearly 31-thousand dollars beginning in 2027. City staff and CivicPlus will work together on website updates and maintenance. The council also approved the first reading of an ordinance increasing Midco’s cable television franchise fee from one-point-five [...]

(Lewisville, Minn.) – Altenburg Construction is working to restore Lewisville’s historic bank building, originally built in 1902, and turn it into new office space for the company. President Andrew Altenburg says the three-year renovation project focuses on preserving the building’s early 20th-century appearance, including its original vaults, exposed brick and historically accurate furnishings. The finished building will provide office space for 15 to 16 employees. Altenburg hopes the project will help preserve Lewisville’s history and encourage other businesses to return to downtown. The company hopes to have the building ready for business by next spring.

(Lewisville) Lewisville’s ambulance service has transitioned to a community medical response unit due to a shortage of volunteers. The change took effect October first and means the department can no longer transport emergency patients.The service has just seven members and responds to about 40 emergency calls a year. Nearby communities, including Madelia, Truman and Winnebago, will handle emergency transportation for Lewisville and six surrounding townships.Local EMTs and emergency medical responders will continue providing care at the scene. Officials hope the change will bring attention to the need for more volunteers and allow the department to resume ambulance transportation in the future.

FAIRMONT — Halloween festivities are planned throughout Fairmont this weekend, with activities for children and adults. Downtown Prowl the Plaza will take place Friday, October 30, from 4 to 5 p.m., with 29 businesses, organizations and families participating. That’s up from 18 last year. Trick-or-treating is also planned at Ingleside Assisted Living from 3:30 to 4:30 Friday, followed by a trunk-or-treat at St. Paul Lutheran School from 5:30 to 6:30. Saturday’s activities include Halloween Fun at the Martin County Library, family activities at Bowlmor, trunk-or-treating at Ward Park and Halloween Rock On Ice at the Martin County Arena. Adults can also [...]

FAIRMONT — Imagine Martin is launching a new monthly concert series at The Hive in Fairmont, featuring music, songwriting and storytelling. The series, called “This Song’s for You,” begins Sunday, November 1st, at 7 p.m. with musician Radoslav Lorkovic. Performances will continue on the first Sunday of each month through March, featuring artists Erik Koskinen, Charlie Roth, David Stoddard and Kelly Smith. Imagine Martin Chair Jeff Rouse says the concerts will offer an intimate setting with limited seating, giving people a chance to relax and enjoy live music on Sunday evenings. Tickets are $20, or $15 for Friends of the Hive, [...]

FAIRMONT — Fairmont Elementary students are getting extra emotional support from a four-legged friend. Hazen, a therapy dog, works alongside school social worker Amy Becker to help students feel comfortable and connected at school. Since the school year began, Hazen has greeted students in the morning and participated in classroom lessons focused on mindfulness, self-control and safely interacting with animals. Becker says one parent reported that a student who had struggled with coming to school began transitioning more easily after seeing Hazen. The school district has supported the program, and Becker hopes to use this year to fine-tune it while Hazen [...]