Local Headline News

Tuesday- December 9, 2025

The Redwood County Sheriff’s Office reported at approximately 5:36 p.m. on the 5th a report of a two-car injury accident at the intersection of MNTH 19 and CSAH 6. When deputies arrived, they observed a Chevy Traverse disabled with heavy front-end damage in the roadway. Deputies also observed a Dodge Ram to be in the north ditch with damage to the front driver’s side. After investigation Deputies discovered that the 2006 Dodge Ram, driven by a 53-year-old female lost control due to the icy roads and ended up in the opposite lane of traffic, where the 2016 Chevy Traverse driven by a 60-year-old female, struck the Ram due to being in the opposite lane. The passenger of the Traverse and the driver of the Dodge Ram were both transported to the local hospital. The Redwood County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Redwood Falls Fire Department, Wabasso Ambulance, CentraCare Ambulance, and the Minnesota State Patrol.

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The Windom Police Department reported 94 calls in the week of November 30th to December 6th.  Officers had 15 Directed Patrols, 1 Animal Call, 3 Hit and Runs. Officers responded to 1 Civil Dispute, 2 Concerns for Welfare, 1 Harassment and 1 Verbal Dispute. Officers investigated 3 Suspicious Activities and conducted 27 Traffic Stops.  For a full listing of all calls in the Windom Police Department’s Weekly Citizens Report, go to windomradio.com under Local Headline News.

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Local teens have a chance to see American history come alive and it won’t cost them a dime. Federated Rural Electric in Jackson is accepting entries for its annual Youth Tour Contest. One local high school student will win a free leadership trip to Washington, D.C., June 15th through the 20th of 2026. Students in grades 9 through 12 who attend school in Federated’s service area can apply by writing a 300-word essay on an energy-related topic. Applications are due January 16th, and the first ten students to enter will receive 50 dollars. Five finalists will be selected for interviews in February, with the overall winner receiving the D.C. trip. Second and third place will earn 300 and 200 dollars. Federated encourages students to enter, noting very few applied last year meaning odds of winning are strong. Applications are available through school counselors or online at federatedrea.coop.

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City of Windom Planning Commission will be meeting tonight at 7pm.

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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.

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The Windom Economic Development Authority met on Monday, focusing on housing, childcare, and long-term development planning for the community.  EDA Director Sonya Wilt updated the board on planning and grant activity aimed at expanding childcare options in Windom and the surrounding area, along with grant research tied to childcare needs and improvements at Kastle Kingdom. Board members discussed potential new uses for highway promotional signs located on EDA-owned property near the River Bend Center, originally installed to promote downtown Windom and the Cottonwood County Courthouse. The EDA reviewed revised guidelines for the Cottonwood County Home Initiative Program, a residential property tax abatement program set to expire at the end of 2025. It was recommended extending the program for another three years with the current $320,000 valuation cap. The board was asked to recommend renewal to the City Council, contingent on county approval. The Authority also considered renewing its membership in the Community Venture Network, which connects communities with expanding or relocating businesses. Approval was requested for a 2026 membership fee not to exceed $4,250. The EDA approved an extension of a crop lease for EDA-owned land in the Northwest Industrial Park for the 2026 growing season. The meeting also included a brief staff report and review of the October financial report for the River Bluff Townhomes before adjournment.

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