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New ice arena in Fairmont To the editor: The idea of a new ice arena has been a contentious topic of debate in Fairmont and the surrounding area since the idea was first brought to light. While the debate has centered around the costs of this endeavor, not much has been researched or discussed in terms of what a new ice arena will do in terms of economic output in the city. In 2020, the Hermantown (MN) Amateur Hockey Association teamed up with the University of Minnesota-Duluth to partake in a study that would estimate the economic impact of a 2nd ice arena within city limits. As a ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

Teamwork made city band a success To the Editor: The Fairmont City Band has finished a successful 2024 season and that would not be possible without the assistance of many groups and individuals. We’d like to thank the City of Fairmont and the Parks Department for their financial support and help with the band shell and Sylvania Park, the Fairmont Area Schools Music Department for the use of their music and equipment, and the Maintenance Department for hauling items back and forth to the park, the Interlaken Heritage Days Committee for providing the concession stand, and those ...

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Letters to the Editor

Stealing campaign signs is illegal To the editor: The Martin County DFL is reminding everyone that it is illegal to damage or steal campaign yard signs. Hopefully, as this election season progresses residents keep in mind that it is important to allow all Martin County residents to exercise their constitutional right to free speech and political signs are a part of that. In the event that your neighbor puts up a sign that you don’t like, please don’t think it is appropriate to take it down or deface it. A theft of a political sign is no different than the theft of any other ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

Vote yes for local option sales tax To the editor: I am trying to wrap my head around the half-percent option sales tax being voted on, on the November ballot, to be used for a community center and ice arena. First, there is SO much fear that it is going to raise our taxes. It is a half percent (.005) tax that would be added to visitors’ hotel bill, visitor restaurant bill, candy, and pop. It will not be added onto your staple grocery items. It will not be added onto your clothing bill, medications, vehicle purchase or farm equipment purchase. A $50.00 meal in a restaurant will now ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

It’s me, I’m the problem To the Editor: I attended the Fairmont City Council meeting on Sept. 23. The Fairmont Area Community Center Foundation gave an update on the Community Center (CC) progress. They were projecting a very positive attitude about the progress over the 8 years since the vote on the .5 percent tax increase. Then they described why the progress has been going so slowly. It was due to the citizens that are not on board with this proposed CC. That group, per John Kasper, has been causing delays and thus increases to the cost of the project. Toward the end of his ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

Higher gas prices in Fairmont To the Editor: I went to Mankato on Saturday, Sept 21. Holiday and Casey’s gas stations in Madelia posted prices of $3.09 for unleaded and $3.37 for diesel. They are 20 cents cheaper than Fairmont. Why? My gas tank was half full on the way back home, but I stopped and got gas anyway. Seven gallons = $1.40 saved. I drive from Lewisville to Fairmont Monday-Friday to work. Round trip for me is 50 miles. Every penny I can save on gas is important to me. Is there some kind of secret group that decides what the prices should be in Fairmont? If so, this is ...