Fairmont parks reopen

The city of Fairmont has acted on several fronts to move local life back to “normal” amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate what elected officials and city staff are doing. The city’s first step was to announce that city parks are open. The Aquatic Park and shelter houses remain closed, though.

With the weather warming, people want to get outside, especially given the recent stay-at-home order. Reopening parks means playground equipment can be used and restrooms are available. The dog park, skate park and fish-cleaning site also are open.

City acts to aid commerce

In its second move, the city approved a plan to assist businesses with potential reopenings. The City Council passed an ordinance that allows the city to coordinate with businesses to use parking lots, sidewalks and other areas for reopening. The idea is to keep people outside and not in close proximity to one another, all to combat the spread of the virus. The main focus will involve restaurants.

City administrator Cathy Reynolds holds the authority to work with businesses. We encourage those who have questions to contact her at City Hall.

Reason for high hopes

Last year brought a lot of unnecessary upheaval in Fairmont City Council chambers, creating a shadow that blocked the light of good economic news in town. A report prepared by local economic development coordinator Linsey Preuss shows that business boomed in 2019, according to the issuance of commercial building permits. She also noted that home values, household income and home sales all were up significantly.

The economic scene has taken a hit in 2020 because of COVID-19. But there is reason for optimism once that storm passes.

Thrift store shuts down

The Salvation Army thrift store in Fairmont has closed. The Salvation Army Northern Division made the decision because the store was not making money, and it did not seem advisable to subsidize its operations. This is a shame for those who dropped off items at the site, and for those who shopped there. However, it also makes sense.

A $1 million gift to the Salvation Army from the Marvin Milbrandt estate has not been touched, according to the group. A local board is being formed to decide how that money will be utilized in Martin County. We know area residents are concerned about those funds. We hope the Salvation Army can assuage their worries in coming months.