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Letters to the Editor

Running for county sheriff I, Matt Owens, am announcing my candidacy for Martin County Sheriff. I have had the honor of serving Martin County residents for over 24 years through the Sheriff’s Office: — Corrections Officer — Patrol Deputy — Investigator — Patrol Sergeant As Patrol Sergeant, I supervise our Patrol Division, which includes: — Felony Investigations — Deputy Coroner Duties — Traffic Enforcement — Civil Process — Emergency Response I understand the U.S. Constitution and know that the elected Sheriff is the last line of defense in ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

Tips for TSA To the Editor: If you like to travel, then pay for TSA at least while the government is using TSA agents as pawns. Would you pay $5 for a short TSA line? Five dollars x 2.5 million travelers would provide $50K per year to the 65,000 TSA employees. Fifty-thousand dollars is not great but a big help. What about “The Passenger Fee”, also known as the September 11 Security Fee? This fee is collected by air carriers from passengers at the time air transportation is purchased. Air carriers then remit the fees to TSA. The fee is currently $5.60 per one-way trip in air ...

Investing in Our Lakes: Progress, Partnerships, and What’s Ahead

Columns

Fairmont’s lakes are central to who we are as a community, for recreation, tourism, ecology and quality of life. Over the past several years, the City has made steady, intentional progress toward improving lake water quality through a combination of science-based management, infrastructure improvements, education and partnerships. I’d like to share an update on some of the key advances we’ve made and where we’re headed next. Turning the Tide on Invasive Species and Water Quality Recently, City Council approved a Request for Proposals (RFP) for mechanical harvesting of ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

Disappointed with leadership decision To the Editor: I was disappointed to see the news in Friday’s paper about the Red Rock Center and Fairmont Opera House sharing an executive director, and to learn that the Red Rock position was never open to the public to apply. The board may not have been legally obligated, as they say, to do so, but I think that decision precludes conducting a search for the best possible candidate. My partner sent in his resume for this position at the encouragement of a Red Rock board member, doing so in early November. He was assured that he would be kept ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

Consider upcoming auction To the editor: It’s spring and that means it’s time for the annual Knights of Columbus Silent/Live Auction. It will be held at St. John Vianney’s School Gym on Saturday, April 11. Doors open at 6 p.m. The live auction begins at 8:30 p.m. All proceeds from the event help CREST and Martin County People First. Please join us for a fun-filled evening. Pat Kietzer Martin County People First Ally

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

More of Trump’s campaign promises: Close the border; deport illegals/criminals To the editor: ICE and Border Security’s process of removing “terrorists, rapists, worst of the worst”, has resulted in the murdering of U.S. citizens. The Guardian reported at least 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025. That does not include Renee Good and Alex Pretti (and possibly others), as they were killed before apprehension. It probably includes the older man that was apprehended, then dropped off at a coffee shop. The federal agents when asked later why they dropped off a blind, non-English ...