It’s a bird It’s a plane!!! No it’s the new Windom Police Department DGI MAVIC 2 Enterprise Drone! According to Assistant Chief of Police, Cory Hillshiem the Drone was purchased earlier this year for $6,700 from Elite Aerial in Sioux Falls using the Federal American Rescue Plan Act funds that were appropriated to the City. Hillshiem went onto say that this Drone can only be used for working capacity and training purposes. He said there are very strict policies that must be followed and if anyone is interested in reading the Department Policy it is posted on the Windom Police Website. The State Statue dictates what can and can’t be done. If the Drone is flown in any capacity it must be documented with time, date, reason it is not something that the department can just take out and fly over the city to check things out. Hillshiem stated that the drone has infrared and thermal imaging capabilities which will aid with locating hot spots in a burn or smoldering buildings and in search and rescue. The drone also will help with reconstruction for accidents and other disasterous events. The Drone has a spotlight, a beacon for night use and a speaker to call out to whomever they are searching for. At this time, Devin Copperude is the only officer that is FAA Licensed but other officers are in the process of obtaining a license to run the drone. Hillshiem said that this drone will be an added asset to not only the Police Department but the Fire Department and can be used to aid other departments when necessary.
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The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office reported on the 26th at 1:45am A deputy responded to an alarm at the Super 8. It was discovered that water pipes burst causing water to spray in multiple areas. All tenants had to evacuate the building. Later in the afternoon Deputies responded to a trespress issue and were dispatched to a vehicle in the ditch on MN 86 north of Lakefield. Deputies assisted at the scene. And at approximately 10pm Deputies responded to a disturbance in Jackson.
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The Cottonwood County Sheriffs Office reported on the 20th at approximately 8pm Deputies received a phone call in reference to a dog bite on 410th Street in Heron Lake. A FedEx driver was bitten on his left leg near the calf muscle and broke the skin. The Deputy did talk with the dog owner and the dog is up-to-date on shots and dog bite paperwork was completed and given to the owner.
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Last week’s snowstorm that dropped heavy, wet snow across much of the state has significantly affected ice conditions, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Slush adds weight to the ice and its effects can be unpredictable. In some areas, slushy conditions are impacting travel on the ice, while in others — especially where ice was in the early stages of forming — the conditions are not adequate to support ice shelters and vehicles, resulting in break-throughs.
When on the ice, people should check the thickness for themselves and not rely on tracks in the snow or what they’ve heard second hand. When measuring the thickness of slush-covered ice, measure only the clear ice, not the slush or snow on top of it. While forecasted cold weather this week could help strengthen ice, it’s vital to check ice thickness regularly. The DNR recommends at least 5 to 7 inches of ice for snowmobiles, 7 to 8 inches for side-by-side all-terrain vehicles, and at least 20 inches for heavy-duty trucks pulling wheelhouses.
“The final week of December has become the unofficial kickoff to the ‘wheelhouse season,’ but just because you had your wheelhouse out during that week last year doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be safe this year,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. “There are many tools to help you determine whether the ice is safe — augers, drills, spud bars and tape measures — but the calendar isn’t one of them.”
General ice safety guidelines
No ice can ever be considered “safe ice,” but following these guidelines (mndnr.gov/safety/ice/thickness.html) can help minimize the risk:
- Always wear a life jacket or float coat on the ice (except when in a vehicle).
- Carry ice picks, rope, an ice chisel and tape measure.
- Check ice thickness often; conditions can change quickly.
- Bring a cell phone or personal locator beacon.
- Don’t go out alone; let someone know about trip plans and expected return time.
- Before heading out, inquire about conditions and known hazards with local experts.
The minimum ice thickness guidelines for new, clear ice are:
- 4+ inches for ice fishing or other activities on foot.
- 5-7 inches for a snowmobile or a small ATV.
- 7-8 inches for a side-by-side ATV
- 9-12 inches for a car.
- 13-17 inches for a truck.
- 20+ inches for a large truck with a wheelhouse shelter.
- Double these minimums for white or snow-covered ice.
For more information, visit the DNR’s ice safety (mndnr.gov/icesafety) or boating safety pages (mndnr.gov/boatingsafety).