Truman PUC up for vote

The city of Truman will hold a special election in August to determine if the Public Utilities Commission should be abolished. There have been many issues over the years including raising utility rates in 2016 to be used for repairs. The repairs have not been done and according to City Administrator, Bethanie Ekstrom, there is no money to do them. According to PUC commissioners, administrators, city council and mayor, there has been a lack of communication, story changes, unfulfilled promises and no respect for chain of command.

Mayor Brownlee hopes to hold a town hall meeting prior to the election to educate the public so they can make an informed decision when voting. Whatever decision is made, it is obvious that communication needs to improve and trust re-established.

Buckle up for a buck

Last Friday the Martin County Sheriff’s department partnered with the Mayo Clinic Health Systems, McDonald’s and Hy-Vee gas station to reinforce the importance of buckling up every trip. Cars with everyone wearing their seat belts were rewarded $1 bills courtesy of Mayo Clinic Health Systems and McDonald’s threw in a free slushie at their location.

Great job on getting a very important message out and saving many lives. Also a reminder that there is a free car seat checkup from 4-6pm this Friday at the Fairmont Fire Station located at 216 E. Fourth St.

DAV clothing collection

Kudos to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 32 whose philanthropic mission serves double duty by providing clothing to those in need and supporting our area veterans. The Chapter started out with two collection bins a few years ago and now has over 20 of the bright green bins around the area. The clothes collected are distributed to areas hit by natural disasters such as flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes. Mike Chepa, commander of the area chapter said they are paid by the pound for the clothing and all the money stays in the five county area. Some of the money is used to help homeless veterans, provide cable service at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, MN, veterinary bills for the therapy animals used in Luverne and paying for hunting and fishing outings for disabled veterans.

Thank you DAV Chapter 32 for your hard work and generosity.