A Cottonwood County District Court hearing was held on Tuesday, September 9th in the case of Jamie Voelker of Windom, who is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of his mother, 70-year-old Katheryn Voelker. At the hearing, it was determined that a competency evaluation for Voelker is taking longer than expected. Judge Christina Wietzema granted a 15-day extension to allow the evaluator to complete a recommendation. The next hearing in the case is set for September 26th at 10:30 a.m.
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The Redwood County Sheriff’s Office responded to two separate traffic accidents on Friday, September 19th. The first accident happened around 10:38 a.m. at the intersection of 275th Street and Highway 71. Deputies say 43-year-old Joel Schoer of Wabasso was driving a tractor hauling a farm tiller when the trailer malfunctioned and detached. The trailer crashed into the back of the tractor, forcing both into the ditch. Schoer was taken by ambulance to the hospital with minor injuries. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Clements Fire Department and CentraCare Ambulance. Later in the day, at about 3:29 p.m., deputies were called to a two-vehicle accident near County Road 6 and 180th Street. A Mazda SUV driven by 29-year-old Byamba Erdene of Lamberton rear-ended an unoccupied pickup that was hauling a tiller. Erdene was able to get out of his vehicle before it caught fire. He was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Assisting at the scene were the Lamberton Fire Department, Lamberton Ambulance, Wabasso Ambulance, and the Minnesota State Patrol. Both accidents remain under investigation.
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Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office reported 45 calls in the week of September 14th to September 20th. Deputies conducted 14 Civil Processes, responded to 3 Concerns of Welfare and 1 Verbal Domestic. Deputies assisted 2 other agencies, 3 Motorist and conducted 3 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.
Cottonwood County Sheriff- Weekly Citizen Report Sept 14th-20th
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TODAY’s Meetings include:
- The Windom City Council will hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Windom Community Center. Council members will review and discuss the proposed 2026 budget and capital improvement projects.
- The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a Special Meeting at 1:00 p.m. at the Cottonwood County Courthouse in Windom. There are two key agenda items: discussion on bridge utilities and the 2026 budget, including the setting of the preliminary levy.
- The Murray County Board of Commissioners will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Murray County Government Center. Commissioners will consider setting the 2026 preliminary levy and the date for the county’s budget hearing, along with reviewing ditch bills. The board will also discuss a MnDOT agreement and resolution connected to the County Road Safety Plan. Later in the meeting, the board will move into a closed session to conduct a performance evaluation of the County Administrator, as allowed under state statute.
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The University of Minnesota Extension is hosting another free Cloverbud “Agventures” program for kids in grades K through 3. This month’s session will be held on Saturday, October 11th, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Extension Office in Windom, and will focus on beef cattle. Children will learn what cattle eat, how to care for them, make a craft, enjoy a snack, and even see a calf up close. Each participating family will also receive a book to take home. Families are asked to RSVP by calling the Extension Office at 507-831-4022 or emailing mohrh002@umn.edu
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