Change is on the horizon. Assistant Police Chief Cory Hilleshiem is resigning his position with the Police Department and taking on a new title of Territory Sales Representative for Northland Buildings. His last day will be March 15th. Cory stated that this decision was not made lightly, but the opportunity was offered, and he is excited to start the new adventure. Cory has been with the Windom Police department since 2009. Cory stated that the best part of the work he did while with the force was, “I enjoyed working with the different departments/Officers/Deputies and State Troopers. We are all there for each other and working side by side with the Fire and Ambulance daily in every situation.” To sum up Cory’s thoughts on his tenure with the Police Department, he said he would like to say working as a Law Enforcement Officer in our small community he has appreciated the support that the community has for law enforcement. The support has been outstanding, and he knows that the citizens are provided with caring Law Enforcement Officers throughout Cottonwood County. On a personal note, I’d just like to wish Cory the best on his new adventure, I’m glad he is still going to be a part of this community, but I will miss him in the capacity of Assistant Police Chief, he truly is just an all-around nice guy.
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Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office reported 48 calls in the week of February 25th to March 2nd. Deputies conducted 16 Civil Processes, handled 2 animal calls, had 4 Suspicious Calls including Activity Person and Vehicles, and conducted 2 Traffic Stops. A full listing of all calls in the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Citizens Report is available by clicking the link below.
Weekly Citizen Report Feb 25th to March 2nd
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The Chase is still on for 25-year-old Sean Eric Vanmeveren of Garvin in Lyon County. Vanmeveren is a suspect in multiple police chases with the last one occurring around 1am Tuesday according to Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Department. Vanmeveren allegedly fled Brown County deputies in a red 2012 Chrysler 200. He was found about 15 minutes later near Lake Crystal, but once again drove away. Authorities eventually popped his tires to stop the chase, but authorities say he escaped by running. “Vanmeveren is the suspect in multiple pursuits, has warrants for his arrest and involvements throughout Redwood and neighboring southwestern MN counties,” the sheriff’s office said. He is also suspected of stealing a red 2012 GMC Sierra with license plates reading 733KMU. Authorities are asking anyone with information to call 911.
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The Jeffers City Council met on February 26th. The Council was presented with a request from Nate Strom to take down his house at 102 W Scott Street. The Council approved this request.
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Rainfall monitoring network seeks volunteers
The Minnesota State Climatology Office is seeking rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge.
Participants submit their precipitation reports online. The data from backyard rain gauges are a critical source of information and it’s beneficial to add more volunteer weather observers each year, even in areas where there are already volunteers.
“Rainfall and snowfall amounts can vary widely over a short distance, so a variety of reports is helpful in the same community or area,” State Climatologist Luigi Romolo said. “We have some areas in greater Minnesota that have very few reporting stations. The more we have across the state, the better information we all have.”
“Over time, as more volunteer reports make our precipitation maps more accurate, these observations provide critical guidance on Minnesota’s changing climate,” Romolo added. “This is also a great educational activity for families with kids and a rewarding hobby for anyone interested in weather or climate.”
Volunteers are particularly needed outside the immediate Twin Cities metro area. Volunteers receive training on how to observe weather trends and how to submit their precipitation and weather event reports. All training material is available online. Participants must purchase or provide a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge (available at discount through CoCoRaHS) and have internet access to submit reports.
For the past four years, Minnesota has won the “CoCoRaHS Cup” for recruiting the most new volunteers of any state. “We’re hoping Minnesotans will again come through in 2024 to keep the cup in Minnesota and, more important of course, to improve our state’s precipitation recording,” Romolo said.
To sign up or for more information, visit CoCoRaHS.org or contact Luigi Romolo at luigi.romolo@state.mn.us.
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