School changes model

Fairmont High School recently returned to a hybrid model. Superintendent Joe Brown says elementary students will go to a “hybrid plus” model Monday, meaning students will be in school every day but properly separated.

The district looks at three criteria to determine learning models. There is the 14-day case rate per 10,000 by county, which has come down significantly. The second consideration is the daily case rate from Faribault and Martin County Human Services. Third is whether any students or staff have tested positive.

With other elementary schools in Martin County having already resumed in-person learning, it is good to see Fairmont students afforded the same opportunity.

Craft show still popular

The Odin Craft Mill is hosting its annual fall show this weekend, continued from last weekend. The long-standing tradition is a favorite for the community, as well as for owner Nancy Olson.

With all the events that have shut down in 2020, it is nice to see people able to get together and enjoy some much-needed fellowship.

Fairmont looks ahead

It’s always good to see a plan come together. Now Fairmont residents can get in on the action by viewing a comprehensive use plan for the city on the city’s website.

Work on the plan, “Fairmont Forward,” began in 2018. It suggests ideas to develop multiple levels of the community over the next 20 years. Public feedback on the plan is being accepted through Oct. 30, allowing time to prepare a final document for approval by the Fairmont Planning Commission in November, and finally the Fairmont City Council before the end of the year.

Kudos to Fairmont planner/code enforcement technician Peter Bode for working with various entities to make it happen.

Relief is flowing out

Schools and businesses in Martin and Faribault Counties have been smarting from the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s good to see those institutions being taken care of since they do so much for their communities.

Martin County schools recently were awarded $608,775 from county CARES Act funds, and several small county businesses were awarded $337,623. Faribault County similarly released funds.

Everyone has seen tough times and it is good to see aid coming in for those who need it.