5-9-24 Soil Temperatures are reported from the Southwest Research and Outreach Center in Lamberton.
Today’s soil temperatures at the 4-inch depth are: 61 degrees maximum and 51 minimum temperature.
Soil Temperatures are brought to you by: Country Pride Cooperative Services and MN Soybean Processors
—————————————————————-
Mountain Lake Police Department reported 8 calls in the week of April 29th to May 6th. Officers started an investigation into a reported sexual assault. Assisted two separate motorists with disabled vehicles. Officers assisted two other agencies, one with trying to locate next of kin and the other with an accident of a vehicle vs deer. Mt Lake Officers handled an unlawful deposit of garbage and a concern for welfare and an officer delivered an Ordinance Violation Letter.
———————————————————————
Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners met on the 7th. The Commissioners approved the DOC Cottonwood County Comprehensive Plan as presented, and Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on Proposed Tax Abatement for New Residential Project. The Board allowed the Board Chair to sign the Certification of the County Board of Commissioners in regard to the wetland easement for wildlife habitat protection on property owned by Alan and Jody Saffert in Lakeside Township. Conditional Use Permits were granted with conditions for:
- in shoreland in Lakeside Township, Section 34
- a temporary asphalt plant in Amboy Township, Section 12
- a temporary asphalt plant in Selma Township, Section 23
The Commissioners awarded the bid for 6 electric pickups to Chuck Spaeth Ford in the amount of $66,376.14 each with the 7th pickup pending MnDOT approval and approved the purchase of a CAT D3 dozer from Ziegler for $164,504.52 less $84,800 for the 963k track loader trade-in and $9,000 for the 650J dozer trade-in for a total of $70,704.52. The Board then accepted the Professional Design Services Proposal from Widseth in the amount of $17,000 for the Courthouse east steps.
The Commissioners accepted permanent fulltime status for David Grev as County Assessor effective May 11th accepted all retirement and resignations presented and were declined on first offer to Kaylene Gohr for the Chief Deputy Auditor/Treasurer position. Later in the meeting- A Motion was made to promote Kaylene Gohr to Chief Deputy Auditor/Treasurer effective May 20, 2024, at wage $31.36 (Range 15, Step 6), to serve a 1-year probationary period, to allow for a $30 cell phone reimbursement, and to accrue vacation time at the rate of a 14-year employee.
The Board then accepted the proposal from David Drown Associates, using the Committee Approval Timeline Process, for the County Attorney job search.
The Commissioners approved the agreement between Cottonwood County and Engan Associates for schematic design services for the Courthouse window replacement, which includes all windows on the lower, main, and upper floors. And approved a Letter of Understanding from Quarnstrom & Doering, P.A. regarding representation of Des Moines Valley Health & Human Services for Child Support, Paternity, Contempt, and other IV-D matters.
The Board approved posting and advertising simultaneously for a Deputy Sheriff and agreed more research was needed on the Tree Cost Sharing.
—————————————————————-
The Cottonwood County Drainage Authority met on Tuesday. No action was taken on Murray-Cottonwood JD #5.
———————————————————————
We all know just by sight and smell that Spring is in the air and with that the Glad Gardeners are holding their annual Plant sale this Saturday May 11th from 9-10:30am at 893 Des Moines Drive in Windom. I had the opportunity to talk with Founding Member Joanne Classen. According to Joanne, Glad Gardeners Garden Club is a group of ladies that love gardening. Members range from beginners to seasoned gardeners and they are always looking for new members. The Glad Gardeners belong to the Minnesota Horticulture Society as well as the District Society. This group isn’t just a once-a-year crew, they come together on the 3rd Thursday each month in the homes of members and welcome visitors in hopes they will join. The group currently has 18 members, and they study topics of interest to gardeners, do garden crafts and tours. They also care for Carolyn’s Garden located at Windom Area Health and help at Heritage Village in Mountain Lake. This group of Glad Gardeners was formed in 1969 and has two original members that are still active- Marsha Espenson and Joann Klassen. Glad Gardeners started holding the plant sale that consists of Home-grown perennials, bulbs, plants etc. in 1973 and have carried on the tradition of offering all these different gardening goods from Members Gardens. The Plant Sale this Saturday is a one and done event. According to JoAnne, this is a very fun group and encourages anyone with an interest to reach out to the current president, Julie Holt at 831-4266. JoAnne went onto say that there is a great opportunity for everyone to also attend the District Convention on June 11th from 8:30am to 3pm at the Comfrey Community Center. There will be a Flower Show and Speaker. The Glad Gardeners look forward to seeing everyone at their sale on Saturday the 11th from 9am-10:30am at 893 Des Moines Drive in Windom, and really would like to welcome anyone with a passion for gardening to join their group.
——————————————————–