Minnesota Congressman Jim Hagedorn, a Republican from Blue Earth, held a telephone Veteran Town Hall event with a Veteran Service Officer from Olmsted County on Tuesday. More than a dozen callers from Southern Minnesota called into the event, with questions about veteran affairs. According to Ashley Laganiere, a Veteran Service Officer for the Olmstead County…… read more »
Category Archives: Local News
Swenson Named Executive Director of Wells Chamber
The Wells Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the hiring of a new Executive Director to oversee the organization. Tabitha Swenson, a native of Minnesota Lake, has been appointed to fill the position. Swensen is a graduate of Alexandria Technical and Community College, where she earned an Associated and Applied Science Degree in Communication Art…… read more »
Kiester Man Pleads Guilty in Winnebago County, Iowa
A Kiester man has been sentenced on drug and weapon possession charges in Winnebago County, Iowa. Michael Molina of Kiester pleaded guilty to possession of a schedule 1 controlled substance, marijuana, a serious misdemeanor and carrying weapons, a serious misdemeanor, stemming from a traffic stop by the Lake Mills Police Department on July 4, 2021.…… read more »
Fairmont Native Named Executive Director of “Visit Fairmont”
A new Executive Director has been named to oversee “Visit Fairmont” at the Fairmont Convention and Visitors Bureau. Nicole Johnston was recently appointed to the position by the Visit Fairmont Board in place of Stephanie Busiahn, who stepped down in May. Visit Fairmont promotes the City through a variety of mediums including billboards, digital campaigns,…… read more »
City of Wells Announces Finalists for City Administrator Position
The City of Wells has announced the names of four individuals selected as finalists for the City Administrator position. The candidates are Richard Baker, Evan Brown, Wendy Chirpich and Connor Lapointe. Richard Baker has an extensive background in community and economic development, along with non profit management and chamber work. Evan brown is a Lieutenant…… read more »
Good Thunder Organic Compost Facility Receives Approval to Accept Waste Again
On Wednesday, the Blue Earth County Planning and Zoning Commission gave its approval for a rural Good Thunder Organic Compost Facility to resume operations, despite ongoing complaints from neighbors about serious odor problems that have plagued the facility. Kip Bruender, who is a County Commissioner and a member of the Planning and Zoning Board, noted…… read more »
Maple River Suspends Student & Lunchroom Employee for Violating School Policy
A student from the Maple River School District has been suspended for violating school policy after he drove a truck flying a confederate flag near a group of protestors earlier this week and flipped one off. A District Lunchroom Employee has been put on administrative leave, as wells, while school officials investigate an allegation that…… read more »
Oklahoma Woman Facing a Drug Charge After 2lbs of Meth Were Found During a Traffic Stop
An Oklahoma woman is being held in the Freeborn County Jail on drug charges after he vehicle was pulled over by a Minnesota State Trooper on Sunday, while traveling along Interstate 90 near Albert Lea. Forty year old Randi Laumbach, of Chickasha, Oklahoma, is facing a first degree drug charge, which carries a maximum sentence…… read more »
Area Law Enforcement Investigating Recent Instances of Mail Theft
Law Enforcement officials in Southern Minnesota are investigating a growing number of instances of mail theft which have been reported in recent weeks. According to Faribault County Attorney Cameron Davis, people who engage in such crimes typically will steal personal information to carry out certain tasks under the victim’s name. One person has recently been…… read more »
Wells Will Interview 4 City Administrator Candidates on Oct. 12th
The City of Wells will be interviewing four different candidates for the City Administrator position on Tuesday, October 12th. On Monday, October 11th, a meet and greet event will be held at the Wells Community Center, from 5-6pm, prior to the regular Wells City Council Meeting. The position was previously held by C.J. Holl, who…… read more »