The Minnesota State Patrol reported a Windom woman was taken to the hospital after a single-vehicle crash at approximately 1pm on the 13th in Cottonwood County, on Highway 60 near John Caldwell Drive in Windom. Authorities say a 2013 Chrysler Town & Country minivan was heading east when it veered off the road, entered the median, and struck a highway sign. The driver, a 76-year-old female of Windom, was wearing her seat belt and suffered what was thought to be non–life-threatening injuries was transferred to Windom Hospital. The State Patrol reported dry road conditions at the time of the crash. Windom Police, the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office, and Windom Ambulance assisted at the scene. The incident remains under investigation.
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The Windom Economic Development Authority met Monday, November 10th, and approved the decertification of three long-running Tax Increment Financing districts. Director Sonya Wilt reviewed the history and status of TIF Districts 1-18, 1-20, and 1-21. All three districts have fulfilled their redevelopment obligations, and no further tax increment payments are required. The EDA unanimously approved resolutions to formally decertify each district effective December 31st. Similar resolutions will now move to the City Council, with follow-up paperwork sent to county and state auditors. The Board also heard updates on development in the South Cottonwood Lake Subdivision. DVK Diversified, LLC received City Council approval for a variance allowing construction of a new home at or above elevation 1376.87 feet, following updated high-water data from the 2024 flood. Director Wilt provided an update on the proposed apartment project from Apollo Development. Plans call for 44 units across three floors, with underground and surface parking. Updated cost estimates are still pending. The EDA also approved its S.M.A.R.T. Goals for 2026. A new note was added to the grocery store goal, directing staff to explore additional options such as co-ops and smaller grocery outlets. Other updates included ongoing grant work related to child care and Kastle Kingdom, and progress at the Windom Landing building, where three apartments still need to be finished before occupancy can be issued.
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Get ready for a fun night out for a great cause! It’s BINGO at the BARC, the final BINGO night of 2025. The fundraiser for the BARC happens Tuesday, November 18th in the West Gym at 1012 5th Avenue in Windom. Doors open early, with a pulled-pork-and-chips meal available starting at 5:30pm for just $5. BINGO action begins with First Call at 6:30pm. Cards are only $1 each per game CASH ONLY. This Tuesday night is sponsored by Stacie Sanow of State Farm Insurance in Windom. Come enjoy an evening of community, prizes, and fun while supporting the BARC. And don’t forget the concessions, popcorn, cookies, and pop/water for $1, and bars for $2. A reminder: participants must be 18 or older to play. Again, that’s BINGO at the BARC, Tuesday, November 18th—don’t miss the last BINGO night of the year!
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The Windom Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board met on Wednesday the 12th at Riverview Apartments, covering a full slate of project updates, contract approvals, and 2026 planning items. Executive Director Linda Loewen reported that the Hillside window replacement project is nearly complete, with four windows still awaiting installation. Loewen also stated the audit has been finalized and bids are still being gathered for Riverview Apartments for a new heat exchanger. The board approved a $4,200 change order for additional windows in the south hallway at Hillside. They also approved a pay request of just over $103,000 to Tri-State General Contracting for work on the Hillside project, paid through federal capital funds. Board members voted to adopt updated Fair Market Rents for 2026, which will increase slightly for one-, two-, and four-bedroom units. In addition, the 2026 utility allowance for Hillside residents was set at $13 per month. The board accepted 2026 annual contract bids, selecting Scott Olsem Construction for carpentry, Ron’s Electric for electrical work, Elite Mechanical for plumbing and HVAC, and Scott’s Snow Removal for winter services. Other updates included renewal of a staff boiler license, progress on filling an upcoming board vacancy, and a request for a quote to add alarms to Riverview stairwell doors. Loewen also noted that December operating funds will be released despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. The authority received a $2,444 principal payment from the Gove Acres subdivision. In the monthly property overview, Riverview reported two vacant apartments and six applicants on the waiting list. Hillside reported no vacancies and two applicants waiting. The board then went into a brief closed session to discuss Minnesota leave policies and employee holiday gifts. The next meetings are scheduled for December 10th at Hillside and January 14th at Riverview.
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Meetings today include:
- Mountain Lake Public Schools, School Board at 5:30pm at the school in room 101.
- Mt Lake City Council at 5:45pm in the Mt Lake City Hall.
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Murray County Board of Commissioners will be meeting Tuesday November 18th at 8:30am in the Murray County Government Center. If you would like to listen in by calling or view the meeting via zoom you can find the information on the Murray County Homepage.
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Jackson County Board of Commissioners and the Drainage Authority will meet Tuesday November 18th at 9am at the Jackson County Court House Commissioners Board Room
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The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will be meeting Tuesday November 18th at 9:00am at the Cottonwood County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room.
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The St James City Council will be meeting on Tuesday November 18th at 5:30pm in St. James City Hall Council Chambers. Meetings can be viewed live or anytime on the City of St James’s YouTube Channel.
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The Windom City Council will be meeting Tuesday November 18th at 6:30 pm at Windom City Hall in the City Council Chambers. Meetings can be viewed live or anytime on the City of Windom’s YouTube Channel.
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Red Rock Central Board of Education will be meeting Wednesday November 19th at 5pm in the Red Rock Central School District Media Center.