Mountain Lake Police Department reported 24 Calls from November 10th to November 15th. Officers conducted several traffic stops, checked on residence for warrants one was located and arrested. Officers removed debris from roadway, responded to a couple of vehicle complaints. For a full listing of all calls from the Mountain Lake Police Department click on link below.
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Cottonwood County Commissioners worked through a full agenda on Tuesday. Commissioners acknowledged two notices from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The first certifies the agency’s option to purchase three acres in Amo Township, owned by Jon and Kristin Ketzenberg, for water and wildlife conservation. The second certifies a secured Grant of Easement for Wildlife Habitat Protection on a 14-acre parcel in Lakeside Township, owned by Tim and Cindy Ketzenberg. In environmental matters, the board approved Braun Intertec as the contracted laboratory for landfill environmental monitoring in 2026. The agreement totals just over $66,900, and the Solid Waste Administrator was authorized to complete the necessary paperwork. Commissioners also adopted a Resolution of Sponsorship and approved the 2026–2027 Natural Resource Block Grant Program Agreement with the Board of Water and Soil Resources. In personnel news, Deputy Sheriff Jett Saewert was moved to permanent full-time status after successfully completing a one-year probationary period. The board also approved posting the draft Minnesota Paid Leave Policy for a 30-day public comment period. And finally, commissioners approved November warrants totaling $208,725.16.
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Something special is happening in Windom as a beloved community landmark prepares for a new chapter. The Friends of Windom Parks Kastle Kingdom committee will host a public meeting to unveil and discuss the new design plans for Kastle Kingdom Park. Community members are invited to take part in shaping the future of this iconic playground on December 10th from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the BARC, located at 1012 5th Avenue. Everyone is welcome, and organizers say this is a historic moment for Windom. There will be activities for kids, and residents are encouraged to bring their ideas for the next generation of the park. The original Kastle Kingdom, built nearly 30 years ago, has long been a symbol of community spirit, creativity, and togetherness. Now, the Friends of Windom Parks say it’s time to reimagine the space, turning worn-out wood and fading memories into a vibrant, magical playground where families can climb, explore, and dream once again. As part of their first fundraiser, the group is offering custom Christmas ornaments made from the original fence spindles of the Kastle Kingdom Tot Lot. Each ornament is cut, drilled, stamped with a special Kastle Kingdom brand, and finished with velvet ribbon. The group says their website will launch in the coming days with options for local pickup and shipping. The newly established nonprofit, Friends of Windom Parks, Inc., says its mission is to “build a stronger community by creating and caring for the spaces where we connect, play, and belong.” Organizers say this project will take community involvement, just as it did back in 1995, and that more updates, fundraising opportunities, and ways to get involved are on the way. To stay updated on opportunities to help, donate, and participate, check out the Friends of Windom Parks – Kastle Kingdom Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581642794519 Mark your calendars for December 10th and be part of shaping the next era of Kastle Kingdom.
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The Windom City Council met on Tuesday night, and Councilwoman Jenny Quade shared several updates from the meeting. Electric Department head Jason Sykora reported that the transition to new AMI meters is underway. These meters begin reading automatically, reducing the need for staff to manually check older units. More installations are planned after the New Year. A public hearing on special assessments was held. One property owner attended to clarify an apartment number but agreed to the assessment. Another owner submitted a written response and also agreed after clarification. All listed assessments were approved if unpaid. Three TIF Districts: 1-18 (Ag Builders/GDF), 1-20 (New Vision Coop), and 1-21 (Windstream Inns LLC) were officially decertified, all having been satisfied early. The Council then approved the new Minnesota Paid Leave Policy, with costs split 50/50 between employer and employees, and allowing staff to “top off” time using accrued sick or vacation hours. In personnel matters, Quade stated that the Community Center was approved to hire an on-call staff member and the Windom Police Department will promote Devin Kopperud to Assistant Police Chief and Isaak Paulson to Sergeant, effective January 1st. The City received a revised letter from FEMA stating that an earlier number was in error: instead of $285,000 for the pool, FEMA now claims the amount should be $85,000. The City is still waiting for a response to its appeal. Quade then stated the Council then entered a closed session for real estate negotiations under Minnesota Statute 13D.05, Subdivision 3(c)(3). After returning to open session, the Council unanimously approved forming an ad hoc committee to negotiate with Federated regarding the possible sale of Windomnet.