News

County debates bid details for roof project

Local News March 20, 2026

FAIRMONT— Several bids for the county impound facility reroofing project were discussed by the Martin County Board of Commissioners at their meeting earlier this week. County Coordinator Scott Higgins said that bids were initially reviewed and while it was originally recommended to go with the second low bidder because of familiarity with their work, it was later discovered that both companies were having subcontractors do the work. Of the eight bids received, Legacy Industrial LLC was the low bidder at $88,000 as the base bid for the entire project and Elevate Roofing Solutions ...

A year after stroke, Geerdes is back on track

Local News March 20, 2026

SHERBURN – It was a little over 10 months ago, on May 17, when then 20-year-old Jazlyn Geerdes began the struggle of her life, as a blood clot in her basilar artery caused a stroke on both sides of her brain. “If [she had got there] a half-hour later, she would have been dead,” Jodie ...

Courts

Courts March 20, 2026

MARTIN COUNTY DISTRICT COURT Alexus M. Claypole, 24, of Fairmont, was convicted of uninsured vehicle-owner violaton; fined $200. Also convicted of drivers’ licenses-instruction permit violations-persons 18 years or older-requirements; fined $135. Speeding — Mason A. Ochsendorf, 30, of Amboy; fined $125. Caesar Franco, 49, of Saint Cloud, was convicted of theft-theft of motor fuel from retailer; fined $260, sentenced to jail 30 days, stay 28 days for one year, credit for time served two days, unsupervised probation one year, remain law-abiding, obey all laws, no same or similar, ...

BE to allow up to 3 cannabis shops

Local News March 20, 2026

BLUE EARTH— A series of decisions regarding buffer zones for cannabis businesses were finally laid down at the Blue Earth City Council meeting on Monday. City Attorney David Frundt presented the council with a summary of his research on state policy regarding cannabis ordinances, along with further revisions to the draft ordinance from the council’s last meeting on March 2. “I said at the last meeting that I would prefer to only allow one cannabis business in town, but I also understand the perspective of the businesses, in that this is a profitable new industry and it’s ...

Briefly

Local News March 20, 2026

Fairmont Welding competes in Twin Cities event FAIRMONT/TWIN CITIES — Fairmont High School welding students competed in a regional welding competition against 23 students from strong CTE programs, including Shakopee and Wright County Technical Center, on Saturday, March 14, in the Twin Cities. Each school could have up to five welders. Five welders represented Fairmont High School. Ethan Siebring earned Top Honors in GMAW (MIG) Welding. Seth Siebring placed Runner-Up in SMAW (Stick) Welding. The competition allowed students to test their welding skills against some of the ...

Police

Police March 20, 2026

FAIRMONT Wednesday, March 18 8:12 a.m. — A driving complaint was reported at Highway 15 and Goemann Road. 9:50 a.m. — Criminal damage to a vehicle was reported in the 900 block of Johnson Street. 10:05 a.m. — A disabled/abandoned motor vehicle was reported at 10th Street and North Dewey Street. 1:28 p.m. — Criminal damage to property was reported in the 1200 block of North Park Street. A verbal warning was issued. 9:29 p.m. — A civil complaint was reported in the 500 block of East Blue Earth Avenue. The civil issue was resolved. MARTIN COUNTY Wednesday, March ...