Late afternoon yesterday, the City of Windom received notice that FEMA approved Individual Assistance for Cottonwood County property owners. According to Windom EDA Director Tiffany Lamb, the work and reporting of over 450 Windom Community Members reporting their damage, giving City and County Officials the evidence needed to advocate for Federal Emergency Management Agency Individual Assistance was one of the major factors along with over 200 Windom residents who spoke with FEMA officials, sharing their personal flood stories. Lamb went on to say that getting Individual Assistance approval is difficult when private property appears undamaged on the outside because it is much more difficult to assess than visibly destroyed homes. The only way Individual Assistance approval was possible was because the community worked together to share their stories. Lamb also stated that City and County Staff needed to be thanked for their committed efforts. In the coming days, there will be more guidance available applying for Individual Assistance. At this point, we know that FEMA will establish a Disaster Recovery Center in Windom to assist with applications and other resources. City and County officials will share this information as it becomes available. In the meantime, those with immediate needs are encouraged to dial 211 for the United Way, which provides free and confidential health and human services information. For flood-related mental health concerns, there is a national Disaster Distress Hotline (operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or SAMHSA) available by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990. On a personal note, I am a believer that it isn’t just one person that makes things work out the way they should, I know there are a lot of behind the scenes worker bees that never get the credit where credit is due. BUT what I do know is that Tiffany deserves a big “WAY TO GO” in this win for our City and County and our citizens. Tiffany I believe your dedication is unmeasurable and you deserve a big pat on the back for all your efforts to bring this to a positive outcome. Stay tuned to KDOM for the next steps!!!
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Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office reported 43 calls in the week of July 21st to July 27th. Deputies conducted 6 Civil Processes, handled 3 Animal Calls, and 2 Noise Complaints, had 2 motorist assists, investigated 3 Thefts and conducted 4 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 July 21st-27th
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Minnesota State Patrol reported a single vehicle accident on the 28th at 4:44pm on Highway 60 at Mile Marker 17 in Hersey Township in Nobles County. A 73-year-old male from Windom was traveling Northbound on Highway 60 when he left the roadway and rolled his 2013 Ford F-150. The report stated the Windom Man was transported to Sanford Worthington Hospital with what was thought to be non-life threatening injuries. Outside agencies assisting were Nobles County Sheriffs Office, Brewster Fire Department and Palma Towing.
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Murray County Board of Commissioners meets today at 8:30am in the Murray County Government Center. Details to call in or zoom in to listen are available on Murray County home webpage.
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The Windom Women of Today hosted a Red Cross Blood Drive on the 24th and according to a report they collected 68 units with 18 units of Power Reds collected by 9 individuals and 50 units of Whole Blood by 50 people. They came up just two units short of their 70-unit goal. They had 6 walk-ins, 11 no-shows and 7 deferred individuals. According to Monica Muller, Blood Drive Coordinator and President of Windom Women of Today, although they didn’t quite hit their goal, they had a lot to celebrate. They had four first time donors and had a good number of high schoolers which is awesome because it helps build a strong donor pool for the future. Two people hit milestones at this drive. Su Jeffrey 14 gallons and Katherine Veenker hit 9gallons. Muller stated they are proud that this is one of the biggest drives in our area. Muller sent out a huge thank you to every donor who walked through the door, even if you got deferred this time they hope you will try again at the next drive that will be October 9th. Don’t forget to go online or call the Red Cross to schedule your appointment.