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Local Editorials

Fairmont’s theater re-opening More than two years after closing its doors, Fairmont’s movie theater is re-opening with a new operator. We’d like to thank Rob Mayer for investing in Fairmont and for bringing movies back to the area. We can’t wait to see the theater full of people! FHS students grow downtown flowers Students in Fairmont High School’s plant science class have been working on caring for plants in hanging baskets that will adorn Downtown Plaza. This is an awesome partnership between the school, Smith’s Greenhouse and Project 1590 that will beautify downtown. ...

Keep it civil with teachers, school officials

Local Editorials

Mask requirements. Critical Race Theory. “Don’t say Gay.” There was a time not too long ago when controversial topics at a school board meeting were limited to a favorite teacher/administrator/coach not having a contract renewed, dress codes or a an allegedly biased coach. Those were the days. Nationwide, school board meetings have transformed into political arenas, featuring emotionally charged combatants displaying levels of rage you’d associate with Roman gladiators. As expected, school boards are thusly reacting by enacting various measures that ultimately are designed ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

Promoting foster care To the Editor: May is National Foster Care Month. The number of licensed county homes in Faribault and Martin Counties is at a critical low with only 12 providers who have active licenses in both counties. During National Foster Care month, I want to reach out to the community members in Faribault and Martin counties to ask if you would consider opening your hearts and homes to children in need. Children who are unable to remain in their homes for whatever reason need to be moved to a safe, stable environment. Foster care is meant to be a temporary living ...

Victory today comes with consequences

Local Editorials

The leaking to the press of a draft ruling to overturn the 1973 landmark Roe v. Wade decision on abortion has caused a seismic ripple across the nation. It has also tainted the so-called sacredness of the Supreme Court. An angry Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. lambasted the leak as a betrayal. U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called the draft ruling “an abomination.” U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., cheered the prospects of Roe v. Wade’s demise. “If the leaked opinion is accurate, then today is a landmark day for the sanctity of human life,” he said. The Supreme Court ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

State Legislature: Help needed for seniors in our community To the Editor: Our senior living site has a long history of serving the Fairmont community and Martin County by providing care for older adults. We have a dedicated team of caregivers and professionals, and strive to fulfill our mission to provide compassionate care in a joy-filled environment. But like other long-term care providers across the state, we are struggling to attract staff. And this is impacting how many seniors we can serve. We serve many individuals who rely on a program called Elderly Waiver to receive care ...

Farmers tired of waiting for drought relief aid

Local Editorials

While front line workers and business owners in Minnesota can express a sigh of relief, farmers are still waiting. On Friday, Gov. Tim Walz signed into law legislation providing direct payments to frontline workers and replenishing the unemployment trust fund, providing tax relief for small businesses. Meanwhile, negotiations between the two houses of the Legislature continue over the drought relief package. The hangup is over DNR funding proposed in a House version of the bill for seedlings and shade trees lost in the drought. The other part of the relief package is $10 million in ...