Consecutive sentences for sexual abuse of a child is sending a Buffalo Center man to prison for 30 years. Thirty six year old Brandon Lee Bassett of Buffalo Center entered an Alford plea to third degree sex abuse, lascivious acts with a child and sexual exploitation of a minor. An Alford plea means Bassett isn’t…… read more »
Category Archives: Local News
B.E Council Receives Street and Tennis Court Updates
The Blue Earth City Council met Monday night and at the meeting received an update from City Engineer Wes Brown with the on going street projects. Brown informed the Council that utilities are done on Galbraith and it’s being prepped for gravel base this week. On Ramsey, two blocks of underground work is complete, with…… read more »
Crops in Minnesota and Iowa Are Ahead of Average According to the USDA
On Monday, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistic Service released the crop progress report for Minnesota and Iowa for the week ending July 16th. In Minnesota, corn silking reached 44%, 8 days ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of the 5 year average. The dough stage reached 5%. Corn condition was rated 60% good…… read more »
Dry Weather Concerns Continue as Worries About Alfalfa Grow
The dry weather continues to be an issue across Minnesota, with corn and soybeans struggling in some parts of the state. The alfalfa crop has become a concern as well. For the third straight year, the dry weather is impacting the alfalfa crop, which in turn impacts the quality of feed for cattle and dairy…… read more »
Drought Conditions Continue to Grow Worse in Minnesota
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 »
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 »