A Jackson man died following a motorcycle crash on the 22nd just after 5:20pm in Jackson. Jackson County Sheriff, Shawn Haken reported deputies responded to a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of U.S. Highway 71 and Bailey Street. A 2017 Ford Fusion, driven by a teenager, was heading south on Highway 71 and had signaled to turn right onto Bailey Street. Behind the vehicle was a 1991 Harley Davidson motorcycle, driven by 48-year-old Jason Mekosch of Jackson. As the Ford was turning, Mekosch attempted to pass the vehicle on the right. The motorcycle clipped the car and then struck a light pole. Mekosch was transported by Jackson Ambulance to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities say he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The Jackson Fire Department also responded to the scene. The incident remains under investigation.
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Windom Police Department reported a non-injury accident at the Avera Clinic on Hospital Drive on the 23rd at 9:09am a female from Heron Lake was pulling into a parking stall on the southwest side of the Clinic. The driver stated she was taking off her seatbelt while in motion and accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake and struck the Avera Clinic causing severe and disabling damage to the vehicle. Also on the 23rd at 4:52pm officers were dispatched to the 1900 Block of N Redding Ave for a welfare check on a suicidal female. After investigation and contact with the female, an arrest was made of a 21-year-old female from Windom for 4th Degree Assault on Peace Officer- 2 counts, pending review of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
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Meetings today include:
- The Windom Area Health Governing Board at 5:30 p.m. in the Large Conference Room at Windom Area Health.
- Mountain Lake Public Schools will be holding a special school board meeting at 5:30pm at the school in room 101.
- The Windom Area School Board is holding a work session at 6:30pm at Windom City Hall in Council Chambers. The meeting can be viewed Live at Media SB22on YouTube.
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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is inviting Farmfest 2025 attendees to stop by its exhibit for valuable information and a free water test. Held August 5–7 at the Historic Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls, Farmfest offers the perfect opportunity for private well owners to get their water tested for nitrate contamination. Located at Booth #517S, the MDA will host a free nitrate testing clinic, designed to help Minnesotans better understand the quality of their drinking water. Nitrate-nitrogen, or simply nitrate, is a compound that can reach unsafe levels in groundwater due to sources like fertilizers, septic systems, and runoff. Levels above 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) are considered unsafe for human consumption. To participate, attendees should bring a sample of their well water in a clean, sealable container such as a jar or plastic bag. The water should be collected after running the faucet for 5–10 minutes, and kept chilled if possible. Test results are ready in under five minutes and are completely confidential. In addition to the testing clinic, the MDA booth will feature information on grant and loan programs, the Minnesota Ag Weather Station Network, water quality certification, and rural mental health resources. Farmers, landowners, and rural residents are encouraged to make the MDA booth their first stop at Farmfest for timely, no-cost resources to protect their health and land.
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Student safety is top priority, especially when it comes to head injuries. Concussion baseline testing will take place Thursday, August 8th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Windom Area Schools Computer Lab. The testing is required every two years for all students involved in school activities. Students who have previously sustained a concussion must complete it annually. The computerized test helps establish a student’s “baseline” brain function crucial for safely determining when it’s appropriate to return to play after a head injury. According to the CDC, most concussions happen without loss of consciousness and symptoms like headaches, confusion, dizziness, or memory issues can last for days or weeks. High school athletes are especially at risk. In fact, sports and recreation activities cause about 21% of traumatic brain injuries among children and teens. Concussion Baseline testing allows the Windom School District to take proactive steps to protect its students and encourage a safe return to activities.
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