Local Headline News

Wednesday- April 16, 2025

4-16-25 Soil Temperatures are reported from the Southwest Research and Outreach Center in Lamberton.

Today’s soil temperature at the 2 inch depth is 43 degrees and at the 4 inch depth the temperature is 46 degrees.

Soil Temperatures are brought to you by: MN Soybean Processors– Brewster and Country Pride Services Cooperative-Bingham Lake & Fulda

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Windom Police Department reported on the 12th at approximately 9:19pm a two-vehicle accident occurred in the 500 block of River Bluff Drive. A 2012 Chevy Traverse was backing onto the roadway and hit a parked and unoccupied 2014 Chevy Silverado. No injuries, moderate damage to both vehicles. At 10:28pm an officer on patrol on 1s Ave near 9th Street observed a speeding vehicle. The officer pursued and caught up to the vehicle at 8th and Collins Ave and initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Drake Ave & 6th Ave. After investigation, an arrest was made of a 34-year-old Windom male for possible 3rd Degree DWI pending review by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

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Meetings today include:

  • Red Rock Central School District Board of Education will be meeting at 5pm in Lamberton.

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The Federated Rural Electric in Jackson will be sponsoring a clean-up day at Kilen Woods State Park, north of Lakefield on Saturday May 3rd from 9am to Noon. They are looking for Volunteers to help clean up picnic shelters, fix existing structures, paint amphitheater seats & signposts, scoop out campfire pits, pick up branches and litter on the trails. All ages are welcome, and volunteers will be treated to a hot dog, chips and cookies lunch.  For more than 20 years Federated, as a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, has sponsored GreenTouch clean-up day. You do not need to be a Federated member to volunteer, but all Volunteers are asked to RSVP by noon May 1st to get a count for lunch. To RSVP you can Call Federated at 847-3520, 1-800-321-3520 (press extension 2224 for Andrea) GreenTouch volunteers receive free access to the park on this day.

Entire Press Release

Federated Rural Electric Green Touch Clean Up Day- Kilen Woods

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The Windom State Theater Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday April 17th at 7pm at Midwest Ag Advisors located at 955 1st Ave N, Windom. The public is invited to attend and participate in providing feedback and attend annual elections.

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The Fulda City Council will hold a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 29th at 7pm. On the Agenda is Board of Appeal and Equalization.

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It is almost planting season!!! Won’t be long now… 

As spring planting season gets underway, safety officials and farm organizations are urging both farmers and the general public to take extra precautions on rural roads and around agricultural equipment. Each spring, farmers across the country hit the fields with tractors, seeders, and other heavy machinery. With that comes an increase in large, slow-moving vehicles on roadways — and a spike in collisions and fatalities involving farm equipment. According to recent statistics, springtime sees a surge in farm-related accidents, many of them fatal. The majority of incidents occur on rural roads where visibility may be limited and speed differentials between cars and farm machinery are significant. According to Jenna Collins, spokesperson from the National Farm Safety Council, “We lose too many lives every year in preventable accidents involving farm vehicles, and this is the time of year to slow down, stay alert and share the road.” Collins went onto say, “We all have a part to play in saving lives whether you’re a farmer, a commuter, or someone out for a Sunday drive, being aware and cautious can make all the difference.”  It is time for more farm traffic now through June, officials are asking everyone to remain vigilant and respectful of the critical work farmers are doing to feed the nation.

How to Stay Safe Around Farm Equipment:

For Drivers:

  • Slow down when approaching farm vehicles. Most travel under 25 mph.
  • Stay back — farm equipment can be wider than it appears and may swing out to turn.
  • Be patient — never pass unless you’re certain it’s safe and legal to do so.
  • Watch for turn signals — many machines make wide left turns and use hand signals or flashing lights.
  • Expect sudden stops — equipment may need to slow or stop for uneven terrain or obstructions.

For Farmers:

  • Use lights and reflectors to improve visibility, especially during early morning and evening hours.
  • Display slow-moving vehicle (SMV) signs prominently.
  • Avoid road travel at high-traffic times when possible.
  • Check mirrors and blind spots frequently before turning or moving onto roads.

On the Farm: Preventing Tragedy

Beyond roadways, spring also brings a rush of activity on farms — and with it, heightened risk. Tractors roll out of storage, grain bins are emptied or filled, and long hours lead to fatigue, one of the biggest contributors to farm accidents.

Experts recommend:

  • Taking regular breaks to combat fatigue.
  • Maintaining equipment to ensure all safety guards and features are operational.
  • Wearing seatbelts on tractors with rollover protection systems (ROPS).
  • Keeping children and bystanders away from working areas.

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