The Mountain Lake Police Department reports that a potential school threat was quickly investigated and secured Friday morning. Police Chief Louis Norell says his department was contacted at 10:05 a.m. by Mountain Lake Public School administration after learning that a student had made threatening statements earlier in the week about “shooting up the school.” No specific date, time, or ability to carry out the threat was identified. The student in question had not been at school since making the threats and does not live in Mountain Lake. Local law enforcement in the area where the student resides took the individual into custody. Authorities stress there is no immediate threat to the public or the schools. Mountain Lake Police and the school district worked together to address the situation quickly. Norell noted that staff at the school recently received refresher training on responding to active shooter events, including ALICE protocols and FBI guidance on preventing attacks. He said that preparation helped ensure a swift and coordinated response. The case remains under investigation and will be reviewed by the Cottonwood County Attorney’s Office. A copy of the Press Release in its entirety is available by clicking link below.
Mt Lake Police Dept Press Release 9-26-25
———————————————————-
Windom Police Department reported on the 25th a theft from Tegels Park. The City of Windom Street Department says that more toilet paper dispensers and rolls of toilet paper had been taken from Kastle Kingdom and Tegels Park on the 24th. Also, on the 25th a hit and run was reported at Jack Slade’s Steakhouse parking lot. The owner of a parked 2021 Chevy Camaro Convertible that had sustained damage to the trunk of the vehicle in the center of the trunk. The reporting party was not sure where or when the incident occurred, there was no suspect vehicle at this time. On the 26th at 11:32 am an officer took a report from a member of the Windom Baseball Association who reported damage to an older Pepsi pop machine at Island Park Baseball/Football field. A brick was thrown through the front of the machine. The estimated loss is $1,000.
———————————————————————
Windom Area Schools is asking all parents/guardian of students 18 and younger to take a minute and fill out the Application for Educational Benefits. According to Superintendent, Jamie Frank, even though school meals are provided at no cost, the Application for Educational Benefits still matters! By filling out the form, you’re helping Windom Area Schools retain critical funding for programs like intervention, support personnel, after-school programs, and summer opportunities. The Minnesota State High School League also uses this data to determine competitive placement and Windom’s football program directly benefited from this in the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons, competing in a more competitive class. The form is quick, confidential, and powerful. It takes less than five minutes, your personal information stays private, and it helps both your family and your school. Benefits can include summer grocery support, discounted internet and utilities, lower college exam and AP fees, tutoring, community transit, and even reduced admission to museums and local events. To complete the confidential application online, log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Click on “More” and select “Meal Benefits.” If your child is not yet registered for the 2025–26 school year, the system will direct you to do so first. A link is available at www.windommn.infinitecampus.org. If you’d prefer a paper copy, please contact the office at 831-6910 or stop by to pick one up. Superintendent Jamie Frank thanks you for doing your part and completing the Educational Benefits form. It’s one form, five minutes, and a big impact for Windom Area Schools.
————————————————————-
The Windom City Council will be holding a work session meeting on Tuesday September 30th at 5:30pm at the Windom Community Center to work on the city budget.
————————————————–
Riverfest 2026 is already starting to take shape and you’re invited to be part of the excitement! There will be a Riverfest Flag Days Planning and Preparation Session on Wednesday, October 1st at 5 p.m. at Jack Slades. Whether you’ve volunteered in the past or this would be your very first time, all are welcome and encouraged to come to the meeting. Please bring your ideas, energy, and enthusiasm! This will be a great opportunity to meet new people, share your creativity, and help make 2026 Riverfest celebration one to remember. If you need more information please send an email to riverfest56101@gmail.com