TODAY is the DAY!!!! The Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic has completed their renovations and are inviting the public to their Open House TODAY from 3-5pm. According to Office Manager Jennifer Anderson the clinic has added over 1500 square feet that includes 3 new exam rooms, a larger reception area which has opened up other areas of the clinic to serve as emergency triage. The Open House will give the public a chance to meet the Team at Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic, and there will be different vendors to check out and the animal rescue will also be present. Dr Stone will be on hand to talk about the history along with present and past Veterinarians. The Clinic has been serving the Southwestern part of Minnesota since 1953. There will be cake and door prizes. Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic is so excited for the new space and State of the Art Equipment. Come out and see for yourself from 3-5pm. The Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic is located at 2250 Highway 60 E in Windom. KDOM will be there broadcasting live and we hope to see you there too!!!
————————————————————————–
TODAY IS National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day. I’d like to take a few minutes to talk about Windom Area Schools Resource Officer Dana Wallace.
Wallace began her career as a Police Officer in September of 2002. When asked if she has always been in Windom, Wallace stated that yes, but before she applied here she had no idea Windom existed. She had originally had a job all lined up with St Paul Police Department but fortunate for Windom that fell through due to budget cuts, so she had put out applications all over the state and ended up with an offer from Windom. Wallace added that it was supposed to be a short-term assignment before going back to the Cities area but she fell in love with the small town life and community and decided to stay.
It takes a special personality and drive to be an officer of the law and when asked why Wallace chose this career, she stated that she had always been drawn to law enforcement and helping people. Wallace has been a Resource Officer since 2013. She stated that after working for a year, the DARE Officer Assignment had opened up and she found that she had a knack for teaching and connecting with kids. When asked what her favorite part of being a Resource Officer is, Wallace stated “My favorite part of the job is building strong connections with kids, especially the kids who don’t have a lot positive role models in their lives. Now I have to say, Dana Wallace became my hero when she continued on to say, her ALL TIME favorite thing to do is read to or with the kids. How cool is that?!!!
It takes a special person to be a Resource Officer, because not only do you have to have strong character and patience of steel BUT you must have a heart big enough to encompass so many little people, middle aged tweeners AND TEENAGERS at that time in their life, that decision making may not be at their best.
Wallace is always in a “How can I Help You” mode, I asked the question if there is someone out there that might be considering this path for an occupation what advice would you have, Wallace said, “For both being a Police Officer and a Resource Officer, learn to listen, learn to see everything around you, and never stop educating yourself. A four-year degree in Law Enforcement will open up many doors in this profession.
When we are here to honor Wallace today on National School Resource Officer Day, she WANTS to send out a big thank you to the community for supporting the police department and the schools! Wallace truly believes we have a great community.
In my personal opinion, Windom is so lucky to have Officer Dana Wallace serving our schools in the capacity that she does.
———————————————————————–
Lunch Buddies at the Windom Area Elementary School is in need of additional volunteers. Lunch Buddies is a volunteering opportunity to sit with an elementary student during lunch, twice a month, playing a board/card games, giving them a listening ear, and sharing stories. If you think this is something that you would like to do, and if you have an hour to share twice a month please contact the elementary school by calling 831-6910 to be put in contact with the coordinator.
————————————————————————–
Mountain Lake Police Department reported 4 calls in the week of February 6th to the 10th. Officers handled a civil dispute and assisted the MN State Patrol with a traffic stop. After investigating a theft report it was determined that no theft occurred. An officer handled an accident report of vehicle that had been parked on the street overnight the 2007 Silverado Honda Pilot sustained damage but there were no suspects.
—————————————————————————-