An omnibus hearing was held Tuesday in Cottonwood County District Court for 38-year-old Jamie Voelker of Windom, who is facing multiple criminal charges in a case filed earlier this year. Judge Christina Wietzema presided over the hearing, where Voelker appeared in person with his attorney, John Barragry. Prosecutors Nicholas Anderson, the Cottonwood County Attorney, and Assistant State Attorney General John Gross appeared on behalf of the state. The defense is asking the court to dismiss the first three counts in the complaint, arguing that prosecutors lack probable cause. Both sides agreed that no witness testimony will be presented for the probable-cause challenge. Instead, the court will review a large set of digital exhibits, including body-camera footage, that the state plans to upload this week. Before that upload, the judge granted the state’s request to seal certain documents containing non-public information. The defense raised no objection. Judge Wietzema set a briefing schedule: the state must file its written arguments by December 19th, and the defense has until January 9th to respond. The judge will take the matter under advisement at that time. If the court grants the defense motion, the case could end without further hearings. If any counts remain, the next step would be a remote arraignment and scheduling hearing. The court adjourned without setting another date.
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Tonight is THE NIGHT in Mountain Lake! Christmas at the Village is a must see and feel experience of a quieter time. The Lighting of the Village is from 5-7pm. You can take a horse drawn wagon ride, stroll through the buildings, listen to music and feel the community and Christmas Spirit. Santa will be at the Village and ready to hear wishes and for photo ops. Food will be available for purchase so bring the family for dinner. You can bring non-perishable items to help fill the shelves at the Food Pantry. Come to Mt Lake TONIGHT and let the lights brighten your spirit and kickoff the Season in the right way. The Heritage Village is located at 1803 Mountain Lake Road. Honestly, This Holiday Destination is MUST.
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Outdoor enthusiasts will once again gather in Jackson as the 43rd Annual Pioneerland Sportsman Show returns to Jackson County Central High School Thanksgiving weekend. The event, hosted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Reserve, is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 30th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jackson County Central High School located at 1128 North Highway in Jackson, the long-running sportsman show will feature over 125 tables showcasing a wide range of items, including guns, knives, outdoor gear, and various accessories. Concessions will be available throughout the event. Admission is $5 for adults and children under 18 years of age are Free but must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Vendors will be able to begin setting up on Friday, Nov. 28 at 5 p.m. According to organizers, a 24-hour uniformed armed guard will be on site throughout the show for security. Additional updates can be found on the Jackson County MN Sheriff’s Reserve Facebook page– facebook.com/JCSOReserve.
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I know… I know… it is BLACK FRIDAY! I have never understood why it is called this. I mean we have just gotten over the most thankful day and now we head straight into a BLACK HOLE of Shopping.. To me it screams Dooms DAY!!! Maybe I am a little triggered from a time 45 years ago… YEP that was when I agreed to go shopping with my Mom and Sister.. “IT’LL be fun” they said, “There are so many great deals to be seen” they said.. Well all I saw and felt was being surrounded by a million greedy rude people literally fighting over an item. It was ugly… It was like being in the jungle with unsettled baboons. I kid you not, and I swear this is why I really do not like this day… We went into a store and there were two ladies (if you can call them that) Standing on a table opposite each other each with a leg of a pair of jeans literally having a tug of war over the item… BLACK FRIDAY to me is getting up way too early to get tousled around by grumpy people over a $2 discount. I am a Small Business Saturday kinda gal. I appreciate the specialness of a small business owner that doesn’t allow bad behavior and smiles when you walk into the door because they truly do appreciate your support and business. I encourage you to shop local. Check out the Vendor Fair in Mt Lake, the Holiday Fest in Jackson, SANTA at the Cottonwood County Courthouse in Windom, the Annual Pioneerland Sportsman Show in Jackson this weekend. ALL the information is available on KDOM’s Community Calendar PLUS lots more events coming up for the Holiday Season! YEP if you WANT to celebrate Black Friday today that’s okay I am not going to fault you for your twisted mindset but you are going to find me at home celebrating NATIONAL Buy Nothing Day, Listening to the Huskers maybe pulling out a win against Iowa while eating my French Toast!!! Yep, there is a lot to celebrate today I just hope you are where you want to be, happy and thankful…