Official snowfall numbers have been posted. 10.6 inches of snow in our area from the National Weather Service.
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The Windom Area Foundation is getting closer to meeting their Bank Midwest Matching Funds Goal of $300,000 by December 31st. Approximately $149,000 has been raised so far which makes them at 49% of the way to the matching fund goal. You can still get your donations in for 2021 and donations are tax deductible. The Windom Area Foundation appreciates all donations and want the public to know their donations will help improve Windom for generations to come.
One more update from the Foundation-
The Veterans Memorial project has already raised over $46,000! We should be on track to start construction in the spring to honor all veterans.
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Plan on attending Windom’s Downtown Christmas by Candlelight, this Thursday December 16th from 4-7pm. Come for an evening of local businesses and organizations pulling together in the Spirit of Christmas. There will be Horse Carriage Rides, Live Reindeer, Caroling, Hot Cocoa and so much more.
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A Snowmobile Safety Class will be offered by Big Bend Snow Riders Inc for ages 11 years old and up on Saturday December 18th at 10am. The class will be held at the Groomers Shed Located at 577 Trotter Ct in Windom. An online Course on the DNR website must be completed before attending the class. To register or get further information call 507-822-3586 or 507-822-2981.
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We often hear stories on a national level and think, that is unreal or untrue because it is not happening here in my hometown. With the CoVid numbers rising it is interesting to find that even though locally we may not be seeing the effects of overcrowding or unavailability to healthcare and nursing facilities, it is happening. Minnesota is one of the states that is calling in the National Guard to help staff nursing homes because of the unprecedented challenges due to Covid-19 pandemic. On a local level, I spoke with Beth Nelson Director of Occupational Therapy for Good Samaritan Facilities in Mountain Lake, Windom, Westbrook, and St James. According to Nelson there have been four of our local Occupational Therapists that have volunteered to assist with the CoVid Overflow in Brainerd where Bethany Good Samaritan was turned into a 34-bed transitional care unit. Which translates to a Skilled Rehab similar to a short-term rehab center at any hospital or care facility. Nelson, Brandy Rossow, Maria Kruse-Mark, and Tiffany Gehl have been up to the facility for a week at a time and are waiting to hear for their call backs to assist when needed. According to Nelson, CoVid affects so much more than the average flu or bug. Nelson stated that for every one day in the hospital it takes five days to recover. So if you think about it, if you spend 5 days in the hospital it is going to take 30 days to feel somewhat capable to be living independently. Therapy is necessary for patients that have been hospitalized to help them recover with exercise, activity level endurance, tolerance, balance and strength. I asked Nelson if by leaving our facilities locally does it add stress on an already strained system, Nelson stated at this time there is enough help to cover caseloads in our 5 city area. The five local volunteers have been asked to go help for one week intervals at a time. How awesome is it that we have the skilled and willing professionals in our neck of the woods to help and create a better environment for others in our state.
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The Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce is having a Crazy Christmas Sweater Contest. All Chamber Member Business Employees are invited to participate. Customers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite ugly sweater at participating businesses on December 17th or you can vote for your favorite by clicking LIKE on your favorite on the Mt Lake Chamber Facebook Page. All Votes will be counted on Monday morning the 20th and a TROPHY and Certificate will be presented to the winning business.
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On a Positive note, the Donkey that got loose from the Live Nativity last week has been located and is home.
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The Cottonwood County Sheriffs Office reported that on Sunday December 12th, in Jeffers, the owner of a 2013 Chrysler Town & Country reported that she discovered that her parked vehicle, in the 300 block of N Deaver in Jeffers received damage to rear passenger fender and tail light area on the 11th or 12th.
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The Windom Police Department reported two accidents on Thursday December 9th at 9:59am Police Officers were called to an accident with injuries. A semi was turning north at the intersection of 490th Ave and Hwy 60 in Windom. His tractor and trailer rolled while making turn. There were no clear factors. Driver was looked at by EMS but not transported. Also, there was a traffic accident in the Windom High School Parking Lot. a 2013 Chevy Malibu was attempting to park but turned too wide and hit a 2013 Nissan Altima that was parked, legally. Minor damage to both vehicles with no injuries.
Windom Police Officers were requested to go to the 1000 Block of 2nd Ave in regards to a domestic situation involving a minor. The case will be forwarded to the County Attorney’s Office, along with Probation.
A traffic accident occured in the HyVee Parking lot on Friday, December 10th. Windom Police Department reported the driver of a 2006 Chevy Equinox slipped while getting out of her vehicle that was still in drive. The vehicle continued rolling until it made contact with a parked 2016 Honda Pilot. Both Vehicles received minor damage with no injuries.
On December 12th at 10:19 pm Windom Police Officer was traveling south on Highway 60 and was about to turn onto 6th st when the observed a vehicle without rear lights on. After investigation and traffic stop near Godfather’s charges are pending for a 35-year-old female from Windom for 3rd Degree DWI and No Proof of Insurance. Case is being reviewed by County Attorney’s Office.
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The Economic Development Authority of Windom will be meeting Monday December 13th at Noon in the Windom Council Chambers. Agenda items will include:
- EDA Spec Building- Apartment Project- Updated Rental Vacancy Rate, Public Hearing on Proposed Sale, Closed Session concerning land negotiations and an option agreement with HyLife Foods.
- Cemstone Property- Cottonwood Lake- Request for Proposals, TIF Spending Plan, and a closed session concerning Land Negotiations.
- North Windom Industrial Park and Cemstone Property, South Cottonwood Lake Purchase Agreement.
- River Bend Center- Option Agreement
- M.A.R.T. Goals
- New and Old Business and a discussion on River Bluff Townhomes monthly financial report.
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Windom Area School Board Meeting will meet Monday December 13th at 6:30pm at the Windom City Council Chamber or you can view live at Media SB22 on You Tube. Agenda items will include:
- Approval of minutes, bills, financial report, medical leave of absence, resignations, terminations, hiring new employees, and increased hours for different departments.
- Administrative Reports
- Approve Project application and project certification for payment
- Approve World’s Best Workforce Report and A & I report
- Aprove Candidates for MREA 2022 Board of Directors
- Updated 2021-2022 Activity Assignments
- Review WAH Contract for onsite-athletic services
- Discuss addition of soccer program and next steps
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The Murray County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday December 14th. Starting at 8am. You may attend the meeting in person, listen by calling 312-626-6799 (Passcode: 402764), or view the meeting live via zoom. The zoom link can be found on the Murray County home page.
- Commissioner Warrants, Ditch Bills, Approve 2022 Tobacco License and discussion on timing 2022 Levy and Final Budget Approval
- Set 2022 Ditch Levies
- Hospital Update
- HVACR Specialist- for the Sheriff’s Office
- Microsoft Licensing Renewal
- Regional Trails Strategic Planning
- Dinehart House- Pay Application Number 2
- Ashwill Companies Construction Contact for two SAP projects
- Consideration of the 2022 Elected Salaries for County Auditor/Treasurer, County Recorder, County Attorney, and Sheriff
- Opioid Settlement Resolution
- Committee Reports
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The Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce will meet on Tuesday December 14th at Noon at Mountain Lake City Hall. Agenda Items include:
- New City Website
- Open Board Member Position
- Pow Wow Food Vendor Policy
- Business of the Month
- Work Plan
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The Planning Commission Meeting will be held Tuesday December 14th at 7:00pm at Windom City Hall- City Council Chambers Agenda items include:
- Zoning Application Minor Subdivision at 2420 Hwy 60
- Review of Consultants submittals- Zoning Districts
- Other Business and Reports
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