Referendum vote slated for Sept. 9
FAIRMONT — The Fairmont school board approved the amount and date for the next referendum vote in a special meeting Tuesday. On Sept. 9, the district will ask the voters for approval to sell $8.8 million in bonds in order to complete deferred maintenance items at four district buildings. Voters defeated bond referendums in May and November. November’s referendum asked for a total of $29 million. May’s referendum asked for $9.8 million. Minnesota statutes indicate the district cannot ask voters for the same amount for the same project within 180 days of the last vote. The amount the district asks for must be at least 10 percent above or below the last amount if the vote is to be within 180 days. The benefit of resubmitting a question within 180 days, according to Fairmont schools Superintendent Butch Hanson, is that if the vote passes this time around, work can remain on the schedule for summer 2009 and the costs are unlikely to rise much due to inflation.
» Full StoryMost area grades meet proficiency
FAIRMONT — Results are in for state-mandated math and reading tests taken by area students.
» Full StoryCompromise reached on cemetery issue
FAIRMONT — For nearly 40 years, the little graveyard was forgotten. But on Tuesday, every seat in the Martin County commissioners’ board room was filled with descendants worried about what would become of the resting place of their ancestors.
» Full StoryClinic closing: Concerns grow with rumors
BLUE EARTH — An announcement by Mankato Clinic that it will close its facility in Blue Earth — thus moving Dr. Kirk Odden to its Lake Crystal office — sparked a firestorm of rumors among the district’s residents.
» Full StoryCemetery case goes to board
FAIRMONT — Martin County Attorney Terry Viesselman is holding off on filing charges against two farmers accused of disturbing a century-old burial ground.
» Full StoryFireworks show takes preparation
FAIRMONT — It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a whole city to pull off the kind of fireworks Fairmont has grown accustomed to.
Friday’s fireworks show will cost about $17,500.
Local News Poll
Standardized tests for students ...


