Dunnell
Dunnell, MN · Education
1065lakesfm.com
Fairmont School Board Considers Bond Referendum
(Fairmont) The Fairmont School Board is considering putting another building bond referendum before voters. The district’s previous 21-point-7-million-dollar referendum failed in November 2025. It included improvements to the fine arts learning center, a secure entry and office addition, locker room renovations, building updates and districtwide maintenance projects. Superintendent Andy Traetow says the district is now reviewing inflation and construction lead times to determine what a new proposal could look like. If the board moves forward, the district could potentially seek voter approval in February 2027. Traetow says the district would need to file paperwork with the Minnesota Department of Education by the end of September to meet that timeline. He emphasized that meeting the deadline would not commit the district to holding a referendum. The board also approved updated staff handbooks, including new safety requirements. Adults accompanying students off campus will be required to wear safety vests, and staff members and other adults in school buildings will be required to wear identification badges during school hours. The board also approved several staffing changes, including hiring Heather Willemssen as an elementary teacher and extending Kaitlyn Freese’s contract for the full school year.
KEYC
WEM football looks to return to state tournament in upcoming season
WATERVILLE, Minn. (KEYC) - The Waterville-Elysian-Morristown football team returns to the field in 2026 hoping to return to the state tournament after winning the section 2AA tournament a year ago. The Buccaneers return plenty of key pieces as WEM opens up the new season on Sept. 3rd against Southland. HS...
radiomankato.com
Loyola School’s Beloved Tradition “Day One” Kicks Off the New School Year with Enthusiasm and Joy
Loyola Catholic School, renowned for its commitment to fostering a warm and welcoming community, is excited to announce the much-anticipated return of its cherished tradition, “Day One.” As the sun rises on Tuesday, September 1, the first day of the new school year, Loyola’s campus will come alive with music, laughter, and excitement, marking the beginning of a new academic journey for students, families, and staff.
Sun Patriot
School funding state ballot question addressed by ISD 110 board
Waconia school board members got a briefing at an Aug. 10 work session about a school related question that is on the ballot in the Nov. 3 election. The ballot question asks voters whether the Minnesota Constitution should be amended to increase funding to school districts from the Permanent School Fund without raising individual income or property taxes, effective July 1, 2027. The fund dates to Minnesota’s statehood in 1858, established to generate support for K-12 education. Revenue has been accumulating in that fund from roughly 2.5 million acres of designated school trust land through activities like timber sales, mining leases, land rentals and other interests. Those dollars have been invested through the State Board of Investment, growing from about $675 million in 2010 to more than $2.3 billion today; however, existing constitutional restrictions limit how much of the fund’s growth can be distributed to schools. This spring, the Minnesota Legislature approved a bipartisan bill to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would increase the fund distribution formula and annual payouts to public schools from roughly 2.5% to 4.5% of the fund’s rolling average market value. Proponents say the approach will increase annual distributions to schools, make
KEYC
Madelia prepares for another season of growth
MADELIA, Minn. (KEYC) - Madelia High School football looks forward to another season of growth as they compete in 11-man football for the second year in a row. The Blackhawks face off against Lakeview for their season opener on Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. HS FOOTBALL PREVIEWS.
KSTP 5 Eyewitness News Minneapolis-St. Paul MN
Fake website calls out reality of ‘ghost student’ problem at Minnesota colleges
The threat of “ghost students” has become so prevalent at Minnesota’s largest community college that administrators now say nearly a third of all applications to the school are potentially fraudulent.
KEYC
Springfield High School football looks to have another dominant season
SPRINGFIELD, Minn. (KEYC) - After a dominant season last year and many players returning, the Tigers look to play a strong season. Springfield takes the field on Sept. 3 against Canby at 7 p.m. HS FOOTBALL PREVIEWS.
Faribault County Register
Tri-Valley Head Start opens site in Blue Earth
Tri-Valley Head Start officially opened their new Blue Earth facility with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony held on Friday, Aug. 14. The new facility is located on the east side of St. Luke’s Lutheran Care Center, where once the child care service Little Luke’s was located.
News8000com WKBT News 8
Minnesota school facing $7K price spike for mascot costume over proposed tariffs on Canadian imports
ST. PAUL, Minnesota (WCCO) -- Moviegoers and fans of Greek mythology likely don't think of a Trojan as the one who must go on a long journey to get home, forced to overcome unexpected obstacles. But this isn't "The Odyssey." This is the story of a group of parents who are rushing to get a Trojan mascot across the Canadian-American border by the end of the week to avoid tariffs, not a mythical monster.
kymnradio.net
Richardson, Hillmann speak in support of Permanent School Fund amendment
Minnesota voters will decide on a constitutional amendment in the November 2026 general election that would modernize how money is distributed from the state’s Permanent School Fund. The fund, which was established when Minnesota’s Constitution was ratified in 1858, generates revenue from school trust lands through activities such as mining, timber harvesting, and land leases. Today, the fund has grown to more than $2.2 billion and provides annual support to public, charter, and tribal schools across the state.
kbbonline.com
Cambria Announces Latest Employee English Program Graduation
Cambria, an American-made producer of natural quartz surfaces, announced the graduation ceremony for its English Program. Eight employees graduated this year at a ceremony held Aug. 12 at Cambria’s slab manufacturing facility in Le Sueur, Minn. The event featured a special celebration for the 10th anniversary of the program’s...
Faribault County Register
BEA board discusses new building
The Blue Earth Area School Board started off their short meeting on Monday night, Aug. 17, with a report from BEA superintendent Mandy Fletcher about the recent bond referendum vote that was part of the Aug. 11 Primary Election. “I am happy to report that both of the questions on...
KEYC
Minnesota State University and South Central College students excited to start fall semester
MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Thousands of college students across Mankato were starting their first day of the fall semester on Monday, Aug. 24. A lot of students coming back to school in Mankato had big hopes for the year ahead. Isabel Wendt, a first year pre-nursing student at South Central...
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Waseca football hits the field fresh off state runner-up finish
WASECA, Minn. (KEYC) - The Waseca football team is coming off a historic season where the Bluejays advanced to the Class AAA title game. The Bluejays return plenty of talent for the upcoming season including quarterback Kellen Klinger. We caught up with the team ahead of its week one match-up...
KEYC
JWP football trending in the right direction coming into 2026
JANESVILLE, Minn. (KEYC) - The Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton football team is coming off a 5-5 season which included a playoff win. It’s a trend in the right direction for a Bulldogs team that’s improved its record in each of the past four seasons. The Bulldogs open up the season against...
KEYC
St. James Area football kicks season off with evening scrimmage
ST. JAMES, Minn. (KEYC) - To kick off the fall football season, St. James Area High School holds a scrimmage under the lights. Head coach John Hall explains the impact of this new tradition on the community and the team as well as how the new tradition came about.
KEYC
Fairmont football looks to bounce back in 2026
FAIRMONT, Minn. (KEYC) - The Fairmont football team is coming off an uncharacteristic sub .500 season from a year ago after advancing to the state tournament in 2024. The Cardinals will look to bounce back this upcoming year with the season set to start against Worthington. HS FOOTBALL PREVIEWS.