Local Headline News

Thursday- November 13, 2025

Mountain Lake Police Department reported 17 calls from November 3rd to November 9th.  Officers conducted several traffic stops, took a report for concern for welfare, responded to a couple of suspicious vehicle calls and assisted the Mountain Lake Ambulance Service.  For a full listing of all calls from the Mountain Lake Police Department click on link below.

Mountain Lake Police Department November 3rd to November 9th

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Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office reported 29 calls in the week of November 2nd to November 8th. Deputies conducted 5 Civil Processes, had 2 Animal Calls, 1 Citizen Complaint, handled 2 Civil Disputes, responded to 1 Harrassment, 1 OFP/HRO Violation, 1 Suspicious Activity, 1 Suspicious Vehicle 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’s Office Weekly Citizen Report

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A big change is coming for all Minnesota businesses large and small. Beginning January 1st, 2026, the state of Minnesota’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave law takes effect. Under the program, both employers and employees will share the cost of the insurance premium that funds paid leave benefits. For most, that means each pays half through payroll deductions which the employer will then send to the state on a quarterly basis. Premium rates will be .88% of gross wages for large employers, and .66% for small employers. Each business will receive a letter this month explaining which category they fall under. Employers must notify employees and post required information by December 1st, and designate a program administrator to handle employee leave requests and communications with the state. The first premium payments are due April 30th, 2026. More details and resources are available at www.mn.gov/deed/paidleave

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The Minnesota Department of Transportation will hold a career fair in Windom on Wednesday, November 19th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the MnDOT office, 180 County Road 26. The event offers information on current and upcoming job openings in construction, maintenance, and other areas across southern Minnesota. Attendees can meet MnDOT staff, learn about career opportunities, and even apply for positions on-site. MnDOT offers competitive pay and benefits, including health insurance, a pension plan, paid leave, and on-the-job training. The Windom career fair is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring a résumé. More information and current job openings can be found online at www.mn.gov/mmb/careers

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Windom Women of Today will be hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive and are Encouraging Donations During this Holiday Season. Give the gift of life. The community blood drive will be in Windom on Wednesday, December 17th, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Windom Community Center. Organizers say the need for blood donations is constant. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, whether for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, or traumatic injuries. The need is especially critical in rural areas, where hospitals often rely on outside sources to maintain adequate supplies. According to the Red Cross, less than 10% of eligible rural residents donate blood regularly, even though rural hospitals serve about 15% of the nation’s population. Seasonal shortages are common in December, as winter weather and busy holiday schedules reduce turnout. To encourage participation, donors who give blood between December 8th and 18th will receive a $15 Amazon gift card by email. Appointments can be made online at RedCrossBlood.org using the sponsor code WindomMN, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Appointments are preferred but all Walk-ins are welcome. Giving blood takes about an hour and one donation can help save up to three lives. Make this the most giving season by rolling up your sleeve and donating life.

Blood Drive Flyer- Blood Drive- December 2025