Drought conditions continue to incrementally grow worse in the area and across the state. All of the state is now in some level of abnormally dry or drought condition, according to the new Drought Monitor Map released Thursday, with data through Tuesday. Martin County and the western half of Faribault County are abnormally dry, while…… read more »
Category Archives: Local News
Green Plains Fairmont Found to Have Violated Its Water Quality Permit, Following MPCA Investigation
According to a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) enforcement investigation, Green Plains Fairmont, LLC violated its water quality permit by releasing wastewater and by product to the environment on numerous occasions between 2014 and 2022. The company also failed to adequately respond to the releases as required. MPCA staff inspections determined the unauthorized releases of…… read more »
MN Couple Arrested and Facing Drug Charges Following High Speed Chase in Northern Iowa
A Minnesota couple is facing drug charges after a high speed chase ended at Diamond Jo Casino in Worth County. Twenty eight year old Paige Ann Gerdts, of Wells, has been booked into the Worth County Jail on $27,000 bond. Forty year old Brett Lance Sylvara, of Janesville, was booked into the jail on a…… read more »
Fairmont Man Injured in Semi Rollover North of Winnebago
A Fairmont man was injured Wednesday afternoon in a semi rollover north of Winnebago. According to the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 1:53pm at 240th St, west of 325th Ave, a 2015 Mack semi pulling a side dump trailer filled with gravel driven by 24 year old Jonathan Michael Benny was westbound on 240th…… read more »
BEA Board Approves New Hires, Reimbursement Rates for Board Members and Releases Superintendent’s Evaluation Score
The Blue Earth Area School Board met for their monthly meeting on Monday and at the meeting, received an update from the Facilities Committee about the partnership meeting with ISG in Mankato. Superintendent Mandy Fletcher says they are looking to have a community task force meeting next week to get input from community members about…… read more »
BEA School Board Approves Changes to Meal’s Policy Following the Free School Meals Bill Becoming Law
Back in March, Gov Tim Walz signed the Free School Meals bill into law. The law took effect on July 1st and will run through the whole 2023-24 school year. On Monday night, the Blue Earth Area School Board approved the school’s meals policy. Superintendent Mandy Fletcher says that since the law took effect, the…… read more »
Area Programs Receive Grants From the State of MN for Workforce Development and Training for Young People
Gov. Tim Walz and the Department of Employment and Economic Development announced more than $7 million in grants have been awarded to 47 organizations to provide young people workforce development and training opportunities. Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, South-Central Workforce Council and Minnesota Valley Action Council were awarded $448,323 for programs impacting Faribault, Martin and…… read more »
USDA Releases Crop Progress Report for MN & Iowa
On Monday the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service release the Crop Progress Report for the week ending July 9th for Minnesota and Iowa. Lack of precipitation was still a concern across most of Minnesota, where topsoil moisture supplies were rated 54% short to very short. Corn silking reached 15%, 1 week ahead of last year…… read more »
Eligible MN Residents to Receive Tax Rebate This Fall
Eligible residents of Minnesota will be receiving a one time tax rebate this fall as part of the state’s new budget signed by Governor Tim Walz in May. The Minnesota Department of Revenue is using 2021 tax year information to determine eligibility. Taxpayers who filed as single in 2021 will receive $260 and up to…… read more »
Mapleton Teen Injured in Sunday UTV Rollover
A Mapleton teen was injured in a UTV crash west of Minnesota Lake on Sunday. At approximately 5:29pm, Minnesota Lake Police received information about the UTV rollover on 250th St and Blue Earth County’s 599th Ave, just west of the lake. Upon arrival it was learned that the crash had occurred earlier in the afternoon.…… read more »