Jackson County Sheriff’s Office reported 7 calls on the 19th. Deputies assisted Jackson Ambulance with a medical call, responded to rental truck that struck a deer on US 71 approximately one mile north of Jackson. Deputies responded to a disturbance in the lobby at the Jacks on Medical Center and responded to a hit and run in Jackson where a vehicle struck a fire hydrant at the corner of Park Street and Springfield. Deputies responded to another vehicle vs a deer call on County Road 9 near Heron Lake. Dispatch transferred two 911 reports to the MN State Patrol of a semi swerving carelessly on MN 60 near Wilder. The Worthington PD arrested a 54 year old male from Jackson on a Jackson County warrant for Fail To Appear – Domestic Assault and Disorderly Conduct. A deputy drove to Worthington and transported the male back to the Jackson County Jail for the warrant.
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Mountain Lake Police Department reported 11 calls from December 11th to the 17th. Mt Lake Officers cited 3 separate individuals for Driving After Suspension. Officers made an arrest of an 18-year-old male from Mt Lake for Domestic Assault. A vehicle was checked on that had gotten stuck at the end of the boat landing. Mt Lake Police and Fire Department responded to Fire Alarm that turned out to be false and officers assisted US MARSHALL SERVICE with delivering paperwork. An officer handled a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of 7th Street and 3rd Ave. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage but there were no injuries reported and officers conducted a welfare check, responded to what turned out to be a false burglary alarm and took a fraud report.
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I’m putting on my accounting hat on top of the news hat… If you haven’t heard yet it is time!!! The new Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time Law goes into effect on January 1, 2024. This law covers all employees who work at least 80 hours a year for a MN employer. This applies to full-time, part-time, exempt and seasonal workers. There is no exception for a small employer or only having a few employees or only related employees.
IF you are not familiar with this new law you may want to go to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Website and read up and get ready to comply. https://www.dli.mn.gov/sick-leave The new ESST requires you to notify your employees of this new law with a notice you provide to them before January 1, 2024. As an employer you are also required to reflect ESST on your employees paystubs/paychecks. The specifics of this new law are confusing and time is ticking to get your payroll in order for 2024! Also, a quick reminder that the new minimum wage goes into effect on January 1, 2024. Minimum wage is based on revenues of the businesses from last year. If your revenues are more than $500,000 per year, minimum wage will be moving up to $10.85 per hour. If less than $500,000 minimum wage will be increasing to $8.85 per hour.
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Windom Area Health is looking forward to welcoming the First Baby of the 2024 Year. They are seeking businesses to donate items, gift certificates, or a monetary donation. If you would like to be a part of the welcoming First Baby Package, contact Brady Kerkman at 507-831-0695. Donations must be dropped off at Windom Area Health by Tuesday December 26th.
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Springfield Area Chamber announced the winners of the 2023 Holiday Lighting Contest…
1st Place – Sehr Family, North Cass Avenue, $50 Chamber Bucks
2nd Place – Schumacher Family, North Jackson Avenue, $30 Chamber Bucks
3rd Place – Daley Family, North Bagen Avenue, $20 Chamber Bucks
Honorable mention – Schwarzrock Family’s Nativity Scene, Range Road
The Chamber sent a BIG SHOUT OUT TO Thank this year’s judges, the residents at St. John’s Circle of Care, and Springfield for making spirits brighter this holiday season!
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