News

In 2nd work session, council talks growth

Local News June 20, 2026

FAIRMONT— Growth, and some’s frustration with the lack of it, was a topic of conversation among the Fairmont City Council at its second goal setting session on Wednesday. To start, City Administrator Jason Baker handed Mayor Lee Baarts and the council members a document he made after compiling goals and priority areas the council wants to focus on, which were discussed at the first goal setting session on June 3. “Looking at the goals, to me it became apparent, they vary in scope and level of detail,” Baker said. However he said that’s common when it comes to strategic ...

Courts

Courts June 20, 2026

MARTIN COUNTY DISTRICT COURT Speeding — Kirsten M. Anderson, 39, of Chippewa Falls, Wis.; fined $125; Steven J. Heldt, 69, of Emmetsburg, Iowa; fined $225. Dog/cat at large-first offense — Lucas J. Porter, 34, of Fairmont; fined $135. Fail to yield right of way to driver on right-controlled intersection — Abdi D. Ali, 43, of Burnsville; fined $135. Marc A. Smyth, 35, of Fairmont, was convicted of window tint-less than 50 percent light transmittance; fined $135. Also convicted of window restrictions-windshield tinted or glazed; fined $50. FARIBAULT COUNTY DISTRICT ...

Fairmont officer arrested, awaiting charges

Local News June 19, 2026

FAIRMONT— Dustin Schwebke with the Fairmont Police Department has been arrested and is awaiting charges following an investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). Schwebke has been with the Fairmont Police Department since 2007. According to a press release, which came from the City of Fairmont Police Department on Friday, June 19, on the evening of May 30, 2026, Fairmont Police Department responded to a civil-custody issue involving Schwebke. Due to the conflict of interest, Martin County Sheriff’s Office was requested to conduct the investigation. On June ...

Police

Police June 18, 2026

FAIRMONT Tuesday, June 16 10:16 a.m. — An animal complaint/bite was reported in the 500 block of Lake Avenue. The animal in question was transported. 1:05 p.m. — Police rendered assistance to the ambulance in the 1200 block of Victoria Street. 3:48 p.m. — Police investigated a fraud/counterfeiting complaint in the 100 block of North Park Street. 7:35 p.m. — A suspicious circumstance was reported in the 100 block of East Interlaken Road. A verbal warning was issued. 10:10 p.m. — A suspicious circumstance was reported in the 500 block of Home Street. 11:12 p.m. — ...

‘Riding a tornado’

Local News June 18, 2026

RUSSELL — Juul Heegen of Brandon, South Dakota, stood on the long wood deck flatbed trailer just about 10 feet from the announcer’s table. He glanced over the bull riding arena as he took a few deep breaths and waited for his turn to saddle up inside the bucking chute. This is his way on ...

Cattle farmers grapple with beef prices

Local News June 18, 2026

MARTIN COUNTY – As beef and steak prices continue to rise, local cattle farmers and sellers are finding themselves balancing the good with the bad. According to the most recent U.S. Department of Agriculture report from the week of June 8-14, 10,875 cattle were sold in Minnesota at an ...