Mountain Lake Police reported 20 calls from January 5th to January 11th. Officers investigated and arrested a 20-year-old male from Mt Lake for Criminal Sexual Conduct, handled a civil dispute over child custody and a gas purchase. An officer took a report of a dog bite and assisted other agencies with medical calls and vehicle related issues. For a full listing of all calls of the Mountain Lake Police Department click on link below.
Mountain Lake Police Department January 5th to January 11th
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At the Windom City Council Meeting on the 6th the council held the first reading of a new ordinance to update the city’s rules on billboards. Ordinance Number 203, Second Series, was recommended by the Planning Commission and would add new definitions and detailed regulations to City Code related to where and how billboards may be placed within Windom city limits. Building and Zoning Official Matthew Fast told the council the ordinance is the result of several months of review by staff and the Planning Commission. That process began last August, when the city adopted an interim ordinance placing a temporary moratorium on new billboard applications while the city studied its existing regulations. The proposed ordinance updates the definition of a billboard, establishes a new definition for a “Congested Highway Business Corridor” along Highway 60, and limits where new billboards may be allowed. Under the ordinance, billboards would only be permitted in the B-2 Highway Business District with a conditional use permit, and would not be allowed within the congested corridor area of Highway 60 through the city. Existing billboards located within that corridor as of December 31st, 2025, would be allowed to remain but could not be moved or expanded. The ordinance also includes regulations for spacing, height, setbacks, lighting, and safety, and requires compliance with both city permitting and Minnesota Department of Transportation requirements. The ordinance has been reviewed by the City Attorney and has been forwarded to the Minnesota Commissioner of Transportation for review, as required by state law. While a response has not yet been received, staff recommended moving forward due to the moratorium expiring in February. The second reading and possible adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for the January 20th City Council meeting.
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Mountain Lake EDA Director Rod Hamilton says while new construction like the hotel going up downtown gets a lot of attention, a major focus of the EDA’s work happens behind the scenes, helping existing businesses succeed. Over the past year, the Mountain Lake EDA has loaned out more than $367,000 to local businesses for needs ranging from equipment purchases to gap financing for business ownership transitions. Another $200,000-plus has been invested through the city’s Small Cities grant program, which helps cover improvement costs for local businesses. Hamilton says the EDA often partners with local banks, Southwest Initiative Foundation, USDA programs, and state resources to put together financial packages that make projects possible. He adds the EDA is currently working with multiple entities that could lead to new commercial buildings and a long-anticipated apartment complex breaking ground this spring. Hamilton stresses that whether someone is expanding, repairing, or opening a business, the EDA is there to help close financing gaps and turn ideas into reality. Rod Hamilton was a guest on Kaleidoscope, and his full interview can be heard by going to KDOM’s website and clicking Podcasts – Kaleidoscope.
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Springfield Public School’s Concert Choir is heading to the big stage. Under the direction of Bailey Cords, the choir has been invited to perform at the Minnesota Music Education Association Convention at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Friday, February 13th at 3:45 p.m. The performance is part of a featured concert titled “Rise Together in Song – Celebrating Music Education in a Rural Community,” highlighting the strength and impact of music programs in smaller schools across Minnesota. This invitation is considered a major honor in the music education world. In fact, it’s the first time Springfield Public Schools has received an invitation of this level since the school’s concert band performed at the convention back in 1993. The Minnesota Music Education Association convention brings together educators and performers from across the state, making this a proud moment not just for the students and staff, but for the entire Springfield community. More information about the choir and their performance is available through Springfield Public Schools.
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