As we count down to a new year, New Year’s Eve is a time to pause, reflect, and look ahead with hope. The past year brought challenges, celebrations, and countless everyday moments that shaped our community from small acts of kindness to big milestones worth cheering. Tonight is about closing one chapter and welcoming another, carrying forward the lessons we’ve learned and the connections that matter most. Whether you’re ringing in the new year with family, friends, or quietly at home, it’s a chance to reset, give thanks, and set intentions for brighter days ahead. As we say goodbye to this year and welcome the next, may the coming year bring good health, new opportunities, and continued strength to our community. From all of us, have a safe, happy, and hopeful New Year.
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Jackson County Sheriff’s Office reported 18 calls from December 26th to December 28th. Deputies responded to several vehicle related calls, a report of a suspicious person in Heron Lake, 2 Civil Issues, an Assault in Jackson and conducted 2 welfare checks. A full listing of all calls for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department is available by clicking link below.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Report December 26th to December 28th
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Windom Police Department had a Vehicle Tampering call on the 22nd at approximately 6:44pm in the 1700 block of 4th Ave. Officers spoke with a male from Westbrook that had been working on his 2005 Chevy Silverado as the hood of the car was open and the vehicle was lifted up by a jack stand. The male stated that the fuel tank was tampered with but there was nothing missing from inside the vehicle. On the 26th at 10:30am an officer took a report at the Cottonwood County Fairgrounds in regards to the goat and sheep building looking as it had been hit by something but the reporting party was unclear on what hit it. At 11:06am officers were dispatched to Runnings for a report of theft. According to reporting party a Coleman BZ00C 196cc Camo Mini Bike stolen from the outside of the building sometime between 12/24/25 and 12/26/25. It was also stated that the cameras were covered. Estimated value of loss, $899.00. Then at 11:35am an officer took a property damage Accident report at 2320 Highway 60. A male from Windom, driving a 1998 Chevy GMT- 400 pickup backed into the windows at Windom Floor & Sleep and the glass panels were broke out.
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is inviting the public to weigh in on a proposed management plan for Robbin’s Slough in Murray County. The DNR is considering designating the shallow lake as a wildlife lake, which would allow water levels to be managed to improve habitat for waterfowl and other wetland wildlife. The plan includes a proposed water control structure. A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7th at 5 p.m. at the Currie American Legion. Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and share comments. If approved, Ducks Unlimited would lead design and construction of the project, with work possibly beginning in 2027. Those unable to attend can submit comments through February 7th by contacting Bill Schuna at bill.schuna@state.mn.us or 507-873-5650.. More information on the proposal is available on the DNR website at: www.mndnr.gov/wildlife/shallowlakes/program-work.html
DNR News Release- Robbin’s Slough
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Jon Ketzenberg, Street and Park Superintendent for the City of Windom, is reminding residents and snow removal contractors about city ordinances related to snow placement during winter weather. Ketzenberg says problems occur when snow from private property is pushed or dumped into public streets or alleys. Under City Code Chapter 95, Section 95.05, it is a misdemeanor for anyone not acting under a specific contract with the City of Windom to remove snow from private property or alleys and place it onto a public street in a way that creates a hazard to travel. This includes snow piles that block visibility, narrow roadways, or interfere with city snowplowing operations. The ordinance also prohibits dumping snow on other city-owned property unless proper arrangements have been made for immediate removal under a city contract. City officials say snow placed in streets can freeze, create dangerous driving conditions, and slow emergency vehicles and plows. Residents or contractors with questions about city snow removal ordinances are encouraged to contact City Hall 507-831-6127.
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