City of Fairmont, Minnesota

03/27/2026

Thank you Fairmont Police Department. Travel safely!!

There is a temporary 30mph speed limit on Lake Ave. until the construction is completed. Please spread the word so we can keep everyone safe!

03/27/2026

Thank you Martin County, MN Sheriff's Office. Stay safe Martin County!

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for our area tomorrow.

Martin County will be under a Burn Ban from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturday, March 28th. 🔥

03/26/2026

🎓 Hey Seniors — quick reminder!

If you’re planning for college, trade school, or any higher education… this is your sign to apply for a local scholarship 👇

💡 What to know:
• Open to Fairmont Public Utility customers (or their families)
• Short application + essay (nothing crazy!)
• 2 students will receive $500 each

⏳ Deadline: May 1, 2026
🎉 Recipients announced by June 1

👉 Don’t wait until the last minute — knock this out now!

📄 Info Sheet:
https://fairmont.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMMPA-Scholarship-Info-Sheet-2026.pdf

📝 Apply here:
https://fairmont.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMMPA-Scholarship-Application_fillable.pdf

📣 Parents, friends, family — feel free to share!

03/19/2026

🎓 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS — THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!🎓

If you’re a high school senior planning your next step… don’t leave money on the table!!!. Apply for a College Scholarship Today!!!
Highlights:
✔️ Open to Fairmont Public Utility customers (or their families)
✔️ Must be used for a higher education
✔️ Quick application + essay
✔️ 2 $500 Scholarships Awarded

⏰ DEADLINE: May 1, 2026 with Awarded Recipients announced by June 1!

For more information please visit the following:
Info Sheet: https://fairmont.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMMPA-Scholarship-Info-Sheet-2026.pdf

Scholarship Application:https://fairmont.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMMPA-Scholarship-Application_fillable.pdf

03/16/2026

📢 Update – Fairmont Municipal Liquor Store

The Fairmont Municipal Liquor Store will be opening at 11:00 a.m. today (Monday, March 16).

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please continue to monitor the weather and travel conditions and if you must travel, allow extra time for travel, be cautious and drive safely.

03/16/2026

Due to the extreme weather conditions, Fairmont City Hall will be closed today, Monday, March 16. Additionally, the Fairmont Municipal Liquor Store will remain closed as long as travel is not advised. The Liquor Store may reopen later today-we will keep you posted.

Stay Safe.

03/16/2026

Stay Safe!!!!

All roads in Martin County are closed. Please stay home, or where you currently are, until conditions improve and the state reopens the roads.

https://511mn.org/@-94.68832,43.95567,8?show=metroTrafficMap,roadReports,winterDriving,weatherWarningsAreaEvents,stationsAlert,otherStateInfo

03/12/2026

Snowfall showers bring spring flowers! ❄️🌸

Even though measurable snow is expected this weekend, spring is right around the corner!!!

As you start planning your lawn and garden projects, remember FREE COMPOST will be available at the City’s Yard Waste Site (1880 100th Street, Fairmont) when it opens April 1.

Screend compost is great for lawns, gardens and landscaping projects. Don't forget the buckets and shovels.

03/11/2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Fairmont City Council will meet on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Fairmont City Hall Council Chambers, located at 100 Downtown Plaza, Fairmont, Minnesota, to hold a public hearing to consider proposed Resolution 2026-12: A Resolution Adopting the City of Fairmont Departmental Fee Schedule for City Services.

A copy of Resolution 2026-12 may be viewed on the City of Fairmont’s website or at the City Clerk’s Office.

BY ORDER OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT
Betsy Steuber
City Clerk

To be Published in the Fairmont Sentinel on March 25, 2026

03/06/2026

Dearest Gentle Readers,

It has come to this author’s attention that while many citizens take great pride in their daily strolls about town, a small yet noticeable number appear to have forgotten a most basic social courtesy.

One may admire a loyal canine companion; indeed, they are among society’s most devoted friends. Yet with such companionship comes a duty that, though unpleasant, is far from optional. And still, evidence of neglect continues to appear upon our fair sidewalks, parks, and green spaces.

Permit this author to share an unfortunate truth: what is left behind does not simply vanish. Pet waste harbors bacteria and parasites most undesirable to both people and pets alike. When carried away by rain into our cherished lakes and rivers, it contributes to pollution, depletes oxygen in the water, releases ammonia harmful to fish, and fuels the growth of weeds and algae. Elevated levels of E. coli can even render our waters unsafe for swimming and recreation; hardly the sort of reputation our beautiful lakes deserve.

One must also note that our City Ordinance is quite clear on the matter. Those who choose to ignore their responsibilities may find themselves receiving a most unpleasant form of correspondence: a citation.

But let us not dwell solely on scandal. The remedy is remarkably simple. A small bag, a moment of responsibility, and the matter is resolved. Our parks remain pleasant, our neighborhoods clean, our waters healthy, and our community all the better for it.

So as you and your four-legged companion promenade about town, remember this small act of civic grace.

For nothing improves one’s reputation in polite society quite like cleaning up after one’s pooch.

Yours most observantly,
Lady Whistledown

03/05/2026

Thank you to the Fairmont Sentinel for highlighting Mayor Lee Baarts as the guest speaker at the Kiwanis Early Risers meeting. We also appreciate the warm hospitality from Kiwanis and their continued commitment to our community!

Fairmont Mayor Lee Baarts was the guest speaker at Wednesday morning’s Kiwanis Early Risers meeting. Baarts spoke candidly about a number of subjects including the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds, city administrator search and upcoming Blue Earth Avenue project.

*Link to full story can be found in comments

03/03/2026

Good news, Fairmont — the store is OPEN!
If you’ve been thinking about getting a rain barrel or compost bin, now’s your moment. The online ordering site through the Recycling Association of Minnesota is officially live and ready for you.

Order here: https://recycleminnesota.org/rain-barrel-compost-bin-sale/
✔️ Reserve and pay online
✔️ They’ll have everything delivered to Fairmont
✔️ Pick up your items on Friday, April 24, 2026 at the old shop

Rain barrels = less runoff heading to the lakes.
Compost bins = fewer scraps in the landfill and healthier soil at home.

You don’t have to run the equations.
You just have to click the link. 💙

Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Sale Each spring, the Recycling Association of Minnesota partners with local governments, soil and watershed districts, nonprofits, and other organizations to provide quality rain barrels and compost bins made from 100% recycled materials at low cost to Minnesota residents....