News

Fairmont Airport charting steady flight plan for future

Local News March 11, 2026

FAIRMONT – The Fairmont Airport is exiting winter with a solid foundation and prospects for the future. Besides the big snowstorm at the end of November, Fairmont Airport Manager Lee Steinkamp said snow removal was pretty standard, and maintenance proceeded as usual during their more timid season. “We have eight buildings out here,” he said. “It's always something, lights or, you know, something always keeps you busy.” Currently, the most pressing issue for the airport is securing state and federal funding. “We have a list of projects we want to do,” Steinkamp said. ...

Area reps grapple with election year session

Local News March 11, 2026

FAIRMONT – State Senator Rich Draheim and Representative Bjorn Olson are taking heed of their surroundings and pathways forward as the new legislative session has been underway for a few weeks. Draheim, District 22, has already worked on several bills, including one for the disclosure of ...

Police

Police March 11, 2026

FAIRMONT Monday, March 9 4:06 p.m. — An animal complaint/bite was reported in the 1000 block of North Prairie Avenue. Assistance was rendered. 6:11 p.m. — A suspicious circumstance was reported in the 200 block of East 2nd Street. 6:37 p.m. — An animal complaint/bite was reported at East Anna Street and North Elm Street. 11:15 p.m. — An ordinance violation was reported in the 900 block of Johnson Street. MARTIN COUNTY Monday, March 9 10:01 a.m. — A deputy investigated a fraud/counterfeiting complaint in the 500 block of South Main Street, Granada. 4:23 p.m. — ...

FEDA Oks request to help business expand

Local News March 11, 2026

FAIRMONT— The Fairmont Economic Development Authority (FEDA) on Monday discussed a partial mortgage release for Fairmont Brewing Company (FBC). Economic Development Coordinator, Ned Koppen, said that approving the request will allow FBC to potentially sell a building on 5th Street that the brewery owns. “They want to cash that out. They don’t have any use for it. They’re asking if we would partially forgive that mortgage or release them from that property on 5th Street so that they can sell it. Their hopes and dreams is to turn around with that cash realization and potentially ...

After growth and success, Ash to retire from UHD

Local News March 10, 2026

BLUE EARTH—A recent announcement from United Hospital District (UHD) shared that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rick Ash will be retiring soon. “I think I will still be here until late June or early July,” Ash says. “The hospital board thinks it will take that long to find a new CEO, ...

Council tweaks offer to city administrator candidate

Local News March 10, 2026

FAIRMONT— The Fairmont City Council on Monday considered the employment agreement negotiations that have recently come in from interim city administrator candidate, Jason Baker. The council had sent an initial employment offer to Baker on Feb. 19. Human Resources Manager, Rachel Viesselman, said, “he’s come back with a request for a couple of items that would differ a little bit compared to the initial offer that he received.” Viesselman said that Baker has asked for 80 hours of vacation leave on the books upon hire, two months salary and benefits if terminated in the zero to ...