News

County begins budget talks

Local News July 22, 2026

FAIRMONT— The Martin County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday went over the preliminary 2027 budget. Department heads began filling out their requests in May with budget workshops starting in mid-June. Tuesday was the first time the board looked at the preliminary budget. While the budget information in the packet provided listed the preliminary levy at a 15.87 percent increase, board members stressed that it was just a starting point and would be whittled down greatly. Commissioner Jaime Bleess pointed out that the building CIP fund had a $2 million increase shown as being ...

Author shares grandfather’s history as local doctor, WWII soldier

Local News July 22, 2026

FAIRMONT – Author Tamara Thayer got the opportunity to share her grandfather’s past from her award-winning book, 'A Country Doctor Goes to War,' at the Martin County Historical Society in Fairmont on Tuesday. Dr. Ellsworth “Mike” Thayer’s story starts with his great-grandfather, ...

Courts

Courts July 22, 2026

MARTIN COUNTY DISTRICT COURT Driver must carry proof of insurance when operating vehicle — Dayton L. Nielsen, 28, of Dunnell; fined $285. Operate vehicle with expired registration — Cassandria C. Hasse, 41, of Truman; fined $115. Dayton L. Nielsen, 28, of Dunnell, was convicted of domestic assault-gm-subsequent violation; fined $75, sentenced to jail 364 days, stay 326 days for two years, credit for time served 38 days, sentenced to service eight days for indeterminate, supervised probation two years, follow all State and Federal criminal laws, cooperate with the search of ...

BE will soon have three data centers

Local News July 21, 2026

BLUE EARTH— While some cities, like Mankato, are putting moratoriums on having data centers in their area, the city of Blue Earth seems to be embracing them. Blue Earth currently has two data centers operating, and next year will be adding a third one, according to Blue Earth Light and ...

Candidates speak at DFL Picnic

Local News July 21, 2026

FAIRMONT – As the campaign trail continues, Senate Candidate Marisa Ulmen, House Candidate for Upper Martin County Jon Wilson and a Representative of Fairmont’s House Candidate Sonja Denn all spoke at Monday’s Martin County DFL Picnic at Gomsrud Park in Fairmont. On the Senate side, ...

Police

Police July 21, 2026

FAIRMONT Friday, July 17 8:11 a.m. — An animal complaint/bite was reported in the 1000 block of East Blue Earth Avenue. 9:40 a.m. — An animal complaint/bite was reported in the 1300 block of North Grant Street. The animal in question was transported. 10:50 a.m. — Illegal dumping/garbage was reported in the 1200 block of Spruce Street. 12:39 p.m. — Police investigated a trespassing complaint in the 100 block of Oxford Street. The civil issue was resolved. 5:02 p.m. — A driving complaint was reported in the 1700 block of Center Creek Drive. 7:50 p.m. — A ...