News

(Pilot Grove) Crews responded to a report of an aircraft that had crashed near Pilot Grove yesterday afternoon. The aircraft was a small two seat fixed wing plan and it came to rest upside down in a bean field. Two pilots were involved and one was transported for evaluation. The aircraft sustained significant damage in the crash but did not catch on fire. Blue Earth, Elmore and Fairmont fire departments as well as police and EMS all assisted at the scene.

FAIRMONT — Windom Area Health is preparing to open a new specialty clinic in Fairmont this fall. The clinic will occupy eight rooms in the Victoria State Crossing Building, in the space most recently used by Center for Specialty Care. The opening will happen in phases, beginning with general surgery, OB-GYN and urology services. Future plans include adding primary and acute care, lab and imaging services, extended clinic hours and eventually a surgery center. For now, surgeries and deliveries involving Fairmont patients will continue to take place at Windom Area Health's hospital in Windom. Clinic-based procedures, including skin biopsies and wound [...]

FAIRMONT — A Truman man is facing two gross misdemeanor DWI charges following separate incidents in Fairmont this summer. Forty-two-year-old Adam Thomas Kneeland is accused of driving while impaired by nitrous oxide on June 12th and again on July 28th. According to court complaints, police were called both times after receiving reports of a man inhaling nitrous oxide while sitting in a vehicle. Officers say they found frosted nitrous oxide canisters in the vehicle during both incidents and observed signs of impairment. Kneeland was previously convicted of fourth-degree DWI in February of 2025. That conviction is being used as an aggravating [...]

FAIRMONT — A Fairmont man is facing felony burglary and domestic assault charges following two alleged disturbances at the same residence earlier this month. Twenty-six-year-old Tanner Riley Klug is accused of grabbing a woman's forearm and shoving her to the ground during an initial incident. Police were called back to the home the following day after Klug allegedly forced his way through a locked door, damaging the door frame. Once inside, he is also accused of pushing another person and making threatening statements. The complaint also alleges that two people had received threatening messages from Klug. Klug was later apprehended and [...]

MANKATO — Pro wrestling returns to Mankato this weekend for a good cause. “Mankato Mayhem 2” is set for Saturday night at The Venue, with all proceeds benefiting Bravo Zulu House, a veteran-only sober house that is working to build a second location in Mankato.The event is hosted by the North Mankato American Legion. Last year's event sold out, prompting organizers to move to the larger Venue this year. Doors open at 5 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Advance tickets are available online and at the North Mankato American Legion.

(Sherburn) The Sherburn Economic Development Authority is launching a new grant program aimed at expanding childcare opportunities in the community. The Sherburn Childcare Development Grant Program will provide up to $10,000 dollars to new or expanding licensed childcare providers. The money can be used for startup and expansion expenses, including equipment, furnishings, licensing, renovations, supplies and marketing. There are no matching funds required. Officials say the program is designed to encourage more childcare opportunities in Sherburn and the surrounding area, helping support local families, workers and community growth. For an application or more information, contact Andrea at Sherburn City Hall at [...]

BLUE EARTH — Voters in the Blue Earth Area School District have approved a $63.3 million bond referendum to replace the district's aging elementary school. The referendum passed Tuesday with more than 55 percent voter approval. The project will replace the district's 98-year-old kindergarten through seventh-grade building with a new kindergarten through sixth-grade school, while seventh graders will move to the high school. Voters also approved a second $10 million question for a new gym and multipurpose room, along with HVAC renovations at the high school.Superintendent Mandy Fletcher says she is grateful for the community's support and engagement throughout the referendum [...]

FAIRMONT — The Fairmont City Council has started discussions on its 2027 budget, holding a two-hour workshop Wednesday. The council reviewed a draft five-year Capital Improvement Plan, including proposed spending on a parks master plan, citywide facilities assessment and operational and staffing assessment. Some council members questioned whether those projects should be included in the 2027 budget. The council also discussed future needs for city hall, the police department and the ice arena, as well as major equipment replacements. Street projects totaling about $5 million are proposed for 2027, including work on Park Street, Fairview Avenue, Parkwood Place and Orient Street. [...]

FAIRMONT — Housing continues to be a top priority for the Fairmont Economic Development Authority. A recent housing study shows Fairmont could face a shortage of more than 400 housing units over the next five years. Officials say the city's population of residents age 75 and older is projected to grow nearly 15 percent, while overall households are expected to decline slightly. The study also found more than 1,300 Fairmont households spend over 30 percent of their income on housing. Rental occupancy rates are also extremely tight, with more than 96 percent of multi-family rentals occupied. FEDA board members discussed possible [...]

Blue Earth Area School Referendum Question 1 Yes - 1,450 55.4% No - 1,160 45.5%   Question 2 Yes - 1,363 52.8% No - 1,221 47.2% U.S. Senator   results for Martin County ONLY 4105 precincts in contest. 37 of 37 precincts reported in County. Republican Candidate Totals Percent Adam Schwarze 544 29.31% Bob "Again" Carney Jr. 26 1.40% Ahmad R. (Raafat) Hassan 7 0.38% Patrick Munro 51 2.75% Joyce Lacey 46 2.48% Tom Weiler 120 6.47% Cynthia Gail 31 1.67% Michele Tafoya 810 43.64% Royce White 221 11.91% Democratic-Farmer-Labor Candidate Totals Percent Peggy Flanagan 466 49.26% Peter John Murgic 7 0.74% [...]