The Windom Police Department is taking a visible step to raise awareness about mental health resources in the community. Windom Police Chief Scott Peterson says decals promoting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline have now been placed on all fully marked squad cars. The project was paid for using police forfeiture funds money seized during criminal investigations, including DWI vehicle forfeitures and drug-related cases, so no taxpayer dollars were used. Peterson says the idea came after seeing a law enforcement agency in South Dakota using similar decals. Because officers frequently interact with individuals experiencing mental health crises, he says the squad cars can act as “rolling billboards” for help. The hope is that someone in crisis perhaps even a driver behind a squad car, might see the number and reach out. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects callers with trained counselors who provide free, confidential support for people experiencing emotional distress, mental health concerns, or suicidal thoughts. Anyone can call or text 988 to reach help 24 hours a day. Local partners, including ElevaCare, say efforts like this help spread the word that support is always available for those who need it.
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The Jeffers City Council met on March 9th, at Jeffers City Hall. During the visitors portion of the meeting, Dylan Piotter asked the council about connecting to the City of Jeffers water line. The council approved the request and advised Piotter to contact Jeffers Drayline for cost information and to notify the city once a decision is made. Maintenance worker Lance Holmen reported he had located a pump for the city ponds, with an installed cost of about 22-thousand 967 dollars. The council approved the purchase unanimously. Holmen also reported a frost boil on South Moffett Street that will be dug out by Jeffers Drayline. The council also announced the citywide cleanup day will take place Saturday, April 18th. Residents must pay the 20-dollar fee by April 16th to be included on the pickup list. Cottonwood County will pick up mattresses the day before, on Friday, April 17th. Council members approved the financial report and payment of bills before adjourning.
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Helping neighbors in need can be simple, and local food shelves say every donation makes a difference. The Mountain Lake Community Shelf is encouraging residents to support its March donation campaign by giving food, personal care items, or cash contributions. Donations are accepted Mondays and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. at the food shelf, located at 1027 Second Avenue in Mountain Lake. Anyone with questions about donating can call 507-427-3479. Meanwhile, the Windom Sharing Center continues its mission of helping local families with food assistance. The center, located at 1156 Fourth Avenue in Windom, is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. At this time Windom Sharing Center Director Christine Engler said they are in the middle of their March Food Drive and all donations of food and money are reported to Minnesota Food Share until April 6th. Engler went onto say when all the information from participating food shelves are checked, we get a percentage of the money they have to donate. The top donations get the most money! Volunteers say donations whether it’s a few canned goods, hygiene items, or a small financial gift can help keep shelves stay stocked and ensure families in the community have the support they need. Community members are encouraged to give what they can and help make a positive difference for neighbors close to home. AND if you donate prior to April 6th, your donation could increase the power of giving two-fold!
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Ok so I was perusing what to celebrate today and I see it is National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day, which let the record show is celebrated every year on March 13th. Then it hit me… TODAY is FRIDAY the 13th!!! They say that today the 13th is a good day to test the popular superstition that opening an umbrella inside will bring bad luck. Superstitions as we know are baseless beliefs held by people that influence their behavior. They are irrational beliefs that performing or not performing particular acts will lead to either bad luck or good luck. National Open an Umbrella Indoors day allows you to try your luck and see how your day goes! BUT there is one problem… IT’S FRIDAY THE 13th!!! At all costs avoid the black cats, the ladders, stepping on a crack, spitting into the wind, breaking a mirror AND for Heavens Sake DON’T OPEN the Umbrella INSIDE!!!! You do you, but I’m just sayin… Put on the bubble wrap today and stay safe!!!!