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Amendment could boost area school districts

MARTIN COUNTY – Alongside votes for national, state and local offices, an amendment to give more money to school districts without taking more from the taxpayers is also on the upcoming general election ballot. The amendment language on the ballot will read “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to increase the funding going to all school districts from the permanent school fund, which is a fund that supports school districts without raising individual income or property taxes, effective July 1, 2027?” What makes this different from other votes is any ballot that leaves ...

County hears success of abatement program

FAIRMONT— The Martin County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday heard from County Assessor, Jessica Laue, who gave an update on the county’s property tax abatement program. The program started with a passed resolution in 2020 and offers up to 100 percent abatement of the county’s portion of real estate taxes on new, single family homes for up to five years. In the last six years 50 property tax abatement requests have been approved in Martin County. “These represent a total estimated new construction value of $21.9 million,” Laue said. “Based off of the 2025 assessment ...

Faribault Co. considers CEDA contract

BLUE EARTH— With the end of the year approaching, the Faribault County Board of Commissioners are still in the process of making their final budget determinations. At their meeting on Tuesday, the board members spent quite a bit of time discussing the contract the county has with CEDA (Community and Economic Development Associates). “Our contract with the county is a one-year contract,” CEDA regional manager Dave Schmidt reminded the board. “The contract runs from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31.” Currently, Faribault County has a four-day-per-week/32 hours per week contract with ...

Sherburn Theatre to show movie this weekend

SHERBURN — CREST Lunch and Learn program will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the First Lutheran Church in Trimont. The program will be about music therapy. Lunch will follow. These educational and fun events are free for Martin County senior citizens. CREST ...

Sherburn talks building repairs

SHERBURN — The Sherburn City Council met on Monday and the council discussed a quote from Access Lift to repair the lift in the Community Building for $1,194. The other repairs needed for the Community Hall such as deteriorating structure, bathrooms closed, water lines and issues were discussed. A question of who uses the Community Hall part was answered by Clerk Andrea Ballard that there are several active users. The council tabled a decision until more information is brought to the council. A question of what repairs should be done if there are more repairs to be done and the ...

FAPA serves up success for pickleball community

FAIRMONT – The new Fairmont Area Pickleball Association (FAPA) is serving up pickleball opportunities for Fairmont and the surrounding communities. FAPA President Craig St. John, who has played pickleball for five years said, “It feels good that we have our different groups that formed ...