A court hearing was held Friday the 8th in Cottonwood County District Court for 38-year-old Jamie Voelker of Windom, who is facing multiple counts of second-degree murder in the shooting death of 70-year-old Kathryn Voelker earlier this month. At the Ruling 6 hearing, Judge Christina Wietzema heard a motion from Public Defender Philip Eibert, raising concerns about Voelker’s competency to stand trial. Cottonwood County Attorney Nick Anderson represented the state. Following arguments, Judge Wietzema ordered a competency evaluation. The court will appoint an examiner within 30 days, with a review hearing expected the week of September 8th. A remote hearing is tentatively set for September 9th to review the findings. Jamie Voelker remains in custody as the case moves forward.
Also on the 8th, in Cottonwood County District Court, Judge Christina Wietzema sentenced No Name Given Happy to 180 months in prison for second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony, and 18 months for making terroristic threats. The sentences will run concurrently and are the maximum allowed under Minnesota law. The conviction stems from a New Year’s Eve 2024 incident at the Phat Pheasant Pub that left 30-year-old Benjamin Matter of Windom dead. Over 20 Victim Impact statements were read in court for just over an hour before sentencing. The judge denied defense motions for a reduced sentence. Happy must serve at least two-thirds of the sentence in prison before being eligible for supervised release. He was also ordered to pay nearly $12,000 in restitution and a $1,000 fine.
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Windom Police Department reported on the 5th at approximately 8:47pm they were dispatched to the 90th block of 8th Street for a report of a drunk male that threatened the life of a female living at the residence. After investigation an arrest was made of a 62-year-old Windom male for Threats of Violence, a Felony, pending review by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
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As part of UCAP’s Back to School Drive, the annual Coats for Kids distribution will take place on Tuesday, August 19th, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Windom BARC building.
The event will once again provide free winter gear for local children on a first come, first served basis. The goal is to ensure every child has the warm clothing they need before the cold weather arrives, but organizers say they need the community’s help to make that happen.
Donations of clean, gently used or new items are being accepted through August 15th. Most needed are:
- Coats (all sizes)
- Gloves and mittens
- Snow-pants
- Winter boots
Items can be dropped off at the following locations in Windom:
- DVHHS Windom Offices
- American Lutheran Church
- Runnings
- Windom Area Health
- Baptist Church
- Windom Methodist Church
- Lutheran Church of Our Savior
- BARC
- First Presbyterian Church
Please ensure donated items are in good condition with minimal wear and tear.
For questions or more information, contact Luke Ewald at Public Health: 507-847-6930.
Your donation can help keep a local child warm this winter.
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