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An Amazing Blessing To the Editor: I recently received a huge blessing. Women of Worth, The Shepherd's In and St. John Vianney, gave me a helping hand when I needed it most. These three programs helped me get out of a relationship filled with verbal, physical and emotional abuse. They helped me get out and into a safe place of my own. Thank you all for the amazing blessing. I know that these programs are able to help myself and so many others because of all the contributions from the caring people in the Fairmont community. Thank you guys. God Bless. Nicki

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We can’t afford to wait To the Editor: Last November, Martin County West School District voters went to the polls regarding a referendum with two questions: the first to approve $63 million for a new pre-K through 12 facility in Sherburn, and the second, contingent on the first passing, to approve a $9 million gym space (to replace what was lost with the closure of the Welcome building) and an auditorium. The proposed plan was developed after significant research, facilities assessments, and financial analysis regarding the future of the district. It was the right plan for the ...

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Letters to the Editor

New school will not resolve operations budget deficit To the Editor: Citizens of Martin County West (MCW) school district, are you aware the MCW school board is planning to have another building bond referendum election on May 14, 2024? Are you aware the school board will be asking for a larger amount for a smaller sized school than in November 2023? Are you aware this will result in even higher property taxes than what was proposed last year? The school board will need to vote to proceed with the May election before March 1st and will most likely vote at the next school board ...

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Bees in Fairmont To the Editor: I recently inquired of the City of Fairmont if I could have bees at my residence in Fairmont to benefit plants in my yard and the surrounding area. I was advised that bees were not allowed by city ordinance. On Feb. 12, I appeared at the regular City Council meeting to formally request a change of ordinance to allow bees within the City of Fairmont. The council heard my request and I left a copy of the Model Beekeeping Ordinance prepared by the Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association. I also understand that Fairmont is considering a program to boost ...

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Local Editorials

Thumbs Up New design, cost shared for community center Last week at a joint work session members of the Fairmont Area Community Center Foundation shared the idea for a new design, and a cost to go with it, for the community center. It’s clear the Foundation made adjustments to the design based on costs and financials to come up with something that’s within a reasonable budget. The city council should move forward and approve so shovels can be put into the ground. Thumbs Up County considers electric vehicles County Engineer Kevin Peyman shared news with the county ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

Reasons to vote no on referendum To the Editor: I’m voting no on the MCW school referendum for three main reasons: 1. We simply cannot afford it. $63 to $72 million plus $40 million interest over 20 years is not fiscally responsible. MCW enrollment is 630 and declining. 2. It is devastating to the small towns who lose their schools. Welcome has already lost their school. If this proposal passes Trimont will lose their school. Sherburn will be the only community having a school. 3. If we vote yes, we are locked in. That’s it- no matter what happens we are locked in for 20 ...