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New school will not resolve operations budget deficit To the Editor: Citizens of Martin County West (MCW) school district, are you aware the MCW school board is planning to have another building bond referendum election on May 14, 2024? Are you aware the school board will be asking for a larger amount for a smaller sized school than in November 2023? Are you aware this will result in even higher property taxes than what was proposed last year? The school board will need to vote to proceed with the May election before March 1st and will most likely vote at the next school board ...

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Letters to the Editor

Bees in Fairmont To the Editor: I recently inquired of the City of Fairmont if I could have bees at my residence in Fairmont to benefit plants in my yard and the surrounding area. I was advised that bees were not allowed by city ordinance. On Feb. 12, I appeared at the regular City Council meeting to formally request a change of ordinance to allow bees within the City of Fairmont. The council heard my request and I left a copy of the Model Beekeeping Ordinance prepared by the Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association. I also understand that Fairmont is considering a program to boost ...

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Local Editorials

Thumbs Up New design, cost shared for community center Last week at a joint work session members of the Fairmont Area Community Center Foundation shared the idea for a new design, and a cost to go with it, for the community center. It’s clear the Foundation made adjustments to the design based on costs and financials to come up with something that’s within a reasonable budget. The city council should move forward and approve so shovels can be put into the ground. Thumbs Up County considers electric vehicles County Engineer Kevin Peyman shared news with the county ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

Reasons to vote no on referendum To the Editor: I’m voting no on the MCW school referendum for three main reasons: 1. We simply cannot afford it. $63 to $72 million plus $40 million interest over 20 years is not fiscally responsible. MCW enrollment is 630 and declining. 2. It is devastating to the small towns who lose their schools. Welcome has already lost their school. If this proposal passes Trimont will lose their school. Sherburn will be the only community having a school. 3. If we vote yes, we are locked in. That’s it- no matter what happens we are locked in for 20 ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

Your voice matters To the editor: MCW CARE seeks an alternative bond referendum aimed at enhancing our existing facilities. These structurally sound facilities date back to the 1950s and 1960s, and the district still carries a substantial debt of $7.7 million from previous facility upgrades in 2015 (i.e., new boilers), which will not be fully paid off until 2035. The question that arises is whether it’s financially prudent to tear down something you’re still paying for. MCW CARE is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that voters are well-informed about the 2023 bond ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

From the outside looking in To the Editor: I have questions and dreams for the children in our community that don’t exactly line up with the 2023 MCW bond referendum on Nov. 7. Some of them spill over to the levy in 3 years. But I’ll put this out there. Seldom over five decades have my efforts to save money turned out as advertised and I have found that the best things in life do require a monetary cost and a lot of time spent. The really big picture in my view is what we are teaching our children in this process. They do need new water pipes and safety measures. They do need ...