Cottonwood County Fair is in Full Swing. I’m not lying, this year just seems bigger and better! Check it out. There is something for EVERYONE and if you don’t think so… I think you need to get into the doctor QUICK!!!
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The Windom City Council met on Tuesday evening, with a full agenda with an update from MnDot , a Large Tarriff User Agreement, Audit Service, and Flood Mitigation Efforts and Funding Options that included a sales tax to add to the November ballot. The Council took over an hour with discussion on Flood Mitigation and possible funding options. City Administrator, Steve Nasby and Mayor Dominic Jones stated that in a perfect storm scenario, we would know exactly what all aspects of future needs and where the funding would be coming from would be available right now, but in truth, they all come further down the road. All funding options are being considered those discussed at last council meeting were: Debt Funding, Grant Applications, State Bonding Requests, Local Option Sales Tax, Storm Water Utility Fee, General Fund Reserves, Property Tax Increase (One-Time or Short-Term duration). These are not exclusive funding sources so things like grants and State bonding will be pursued whether or not a local option sales tax moves ahead.
Nasby went onto say that unfortunately if the Council wants to present a local sales tax increase to the voters it has to be presented by the Council to be put on the ballot to take to the citizens of Windom to say yes or no by August 13th.
Steve Nasby:
The Resolution has a wide berth to include many aspects of need, since at this time, studies and identifying projects have not yet been established. After Nasby presented a chart with different local option sales tax percentage increases and length of time for the duration, and much discussion, where every Councilmember put their thoughts and concerns on the table, Councilman James Nelson motioned for the Council to approve a 1% Sales Tax for a period of 10 years to be placed on the November 2024 Ballot for the voters to decide and Councilwoman Jenny Quade seconded that motion. Quade went onto explain why she supported this motion.
Jenny Quade:
Mayor Dominic Jones stated after the council vote
Dominic Jones:
This decision was not taken lightly and ultimately the people of Windom have the final say. Yes or No it is up to the citizens. BUT if you want your voice heard you must get out and vote.
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Fort Snelling State Park will be reopening to the Public TODAY with regular park hours of 8am to 10pm daily. ! The park was closed June 22 due to flooding on the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers. The ranger station and visitor center will be open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.
Visitors are encouraged to check the alerts on the park’s website at www.mndnr.gov/fortsnelling to learn what to expect at the park during their visit. The main park road and shoulders have been temporarily patched, and visitors should observe speed limits and proceed with caution. Canoe and kayak rentals will be available at the ranger station. The fishing pier, Picnic Island boat launch on the Minnesota River, and most hiking trails in the park will be open.
Some areas and facilities within the park will remain closed until flood damage is addressed and ongoing cleanup efforts are complete. Remaining closures include the restrooms and Picnic Shelter B on Picnic Island, hiking trails on the Minnesota River side of Pike Island, and the Caspersen boat launch on the Minnesota River near the Cedar Avenue bridge.
Naturalist programs will resume starting Aug. 9, including “After the Flood” walks Aug. 9 and 11 to explore the aftermath of summer flooding with interpretive naturalist Kao Thao. A full listing of events is on the state parks events calendar at www.mndnr.gov/ptcalendar .
Visitors will need a state park vehicle permit to drive into the park. Vehicle permits can be purchased online or in person at the park during open ranger station hours. Find information on the state parks permit page at www.mndnr.gov/permit
About Fort Snelling State Park
Located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers near the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, the park is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, birders and school groups. The area was established as a state park in 1961.
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As we are winding down on summer… YES I said Summer is coming to an end… It just blew by without even a wave of satisfaction that the days were wasted away by sitting by the water with a cool beverage and reading a book… BUT today you have an excuse… Leave work head to the Library snag a book and celebrate National Book Lovers Day! I have shelves and lists of reads I wanted to get through THIS Summer… BUT today… You just might find me, if you are looking, sitting at Cottonwood Lake celebrating National Book Lovers Day… I love an adventure with each page turned… It is also Shop online for Groceries Day… I just can’t do it… I’ve tried, but the old school of wanting to inspect my own bananas and squeeze the cantaloupe and look at the packaging to see what cheese I am in the mood for just keeps me from picking up the phone or turning on the computer. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is an amazing service but today it’s still not for me.