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Disrespect for the law To the editor: Did you know that during the Jan. 6, 2021, siege of the U.S. Capitol, over 80 U.S. Capitol Police Officers were assaulted, as well as over 60 officers from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department? Did you know that about 19 police officers serve the Fairmont community (Fairmont police website (1/29/25)? Over seven times that number of Fairmont police officers were assaulted on the day of Jan. 6, 2021, during that violent assault on Congress. That assault was urged on by the then President of the United States. On Jan. 20, 2025, 1,500 ...

Et. Cetera

Local Editorials

Dresses for a Cause expands Action169 is back again with its Runway for Action pop-up dress shop, which provides formal dresses at a low cost while supporting women overcoming exploitation and addiction. It’s great to see that this program has not only continued, but expanded with a bigger space and more options. We hope local girls take advantage of the opportunity and look forward to seeing more come from out of town for it. Sheriff’s Office ready to take on more coverage The Martin County Sheriff’s Office has taken over policing for the cities of Truman and Northrop. Chief ...

Stopping the spread of misinformation

Local Editorials

In a recent poll in the Sentinel, readers were asked whether Meta (Facebook) should focus more on protecting free expression or on combating misinformation. The question came following the Jan. 7 announcement that Meta would stop using third party fact-checkers on Facebook, Threads and Instagram. Instead, regular users will be able to add “notes” to posts, thus correcting inaccuracies or false claims. Local poll results showed that 62 percent believe Meta should focus more on combating misinformation. The results are encouraging. People know that misinformation can spread on social ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

The law needs to be upheld To the editor: I took an oath 45 years ago when I became an attorney in Minnesota to support the United States and Minnesota Constitutions and have worked my entire career to support the rule of law. I was sickened to learn that Trump has pardoned 1,550 January 6 rioters. They attacked and injured 140 policemen, threatened to harm Members of Congress and the Vice President and damaged the United States Capitol. Apparently the rule of law doesn’t apply if you commit a crime in Trump’s name. I used to tell my clients that the law applies to everyone, I ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

Disagreeing without being disagreeable There are multiple issues, differences of opinions, conflicts between personalities and different expectations between the parties in the national, state and local governments. Since the national, state and local elections, things seem to be more polarized between the parties in the government and the electorate. Even within our own city council, these same things are evident to the extent that as a citizen of Fairmont, I am embarrassed by the behavior of those representing us. We can and must do better than this. Yes, there will be clashes between ...

Councilors being asked for transparency

Local Editorials

It’s a new year but the discord on the Fairmont City Council remains. Right now, the council is facing allegations against three of its members: Britney Kawecki, newly elected Councilor-At-Large, Wayne Hasek, newly re-elected Ward 4 representative and Jay Maynard, Ward 1 representative. The complaints against the councilors include harassment and undue influence allegations. The agenda for today’s special meeting as is follows: a. Preliminary consideration of allegations against Council Member Kawecki, an Individual Subject to City Council’s Authority under Minnesota Statutes, ...