The city of Mountain Lake continues to see steady growth and community-driven development, according to Economic Development Authority Director Rod Hamilton. In a live interview on KDOM’s Kaleidoscope program last week, Hamilton says while a new hotel project is progressing and expected to open around early June, the bigger picture is the impact of multiple projects bringing new people and opportunity into the area. One example includes a company expected to bring dozens of workers to Mountain Lake this summer, increasing the need for housing and local services. Beyond that, Hamilton is helping lead a regional effort through the Southwest Regional Development Commission to create a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The plan will guide economic growth across much of southwest Minnesota, focusing on workforce development, business competitiveness, and community resources. Hamilton is encouraging residents, business owners, and local leaders to complete surveys when they receive them, saying public input is critical to shaping the region’s future. Locally, childcare remains a major focus. A new daycare project connected to Mountain Lake Christian School is continuing to take shape, relying heavily on volunteers and community support. Hamilton says the facility will be a significant asset once completed, helping address one of the area’s biggest needs. The EDA is also seeing investment from younger residents choosing to stay and grow their businesses in Mountain Lake. One recent example includes a local entrepreneur planning a new shop and office space for a landscaping and dirt work business. Hamilton says, housing continues to be a top priority as well and a new 12-unit apartment complex is now moving forward after overcoming funding challenges. The project is expected to break ground in May and will help address a growing waiting list for housing in the community. Hamilton credits the progress to strong local leadership and community support, noting that while challenges exist, the collaboration between city officials, businesses, and residents continues to drive positive momentum in Mountain Lake.
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The Lakefield Police Department is reminding residents to follow city regulations when it comes to open burning as warmer weather returns. Officials stress that these rules aren’t just for Lakefield, neighboring communities also have ordinances to help keep everyone safe. In Lakefield, open burning within the city is regulated under Ordinance Number 90, and permits are required in many situations. Open burning includes any fire not contained within a fully enclosed structure or device, such as burning brush, leaves, or other vegetative materials. Yard waste like branches and leaves may only be burned between September 15th and December 31st; in the spring, those materials must be taken to the city compost site. Safety is the top priority. Burn permits allow small amounts of natural materials like leaves, grass clippings, brush, and clean, untreated wood but only when weather conditions do not pose a fire risk. Burning of garbage, plastics, rubber, treated wood, and demolition materials is strictly prohibited. Fires must never be left unattended, must follow all distance and safety guidelines, and are not allowed during any active burn ban. Burning can also affect air quality, which is a concern for residents with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. Permits are available through the City of Lakefield, and residents are encouraged to review local ordinances before starting any open burn. Following these rules helps protect property, neighbors, and the entire community including surrounding areas.
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The Windom Women of Today is encouraging the community to step up and help meet a critical need by donating blood at an upcoming drive in Windom. The blood drive will be held Wednesday, April 15th, from Noon to 6:00 p.m. at the Windom Community Center. Organizers say the need for blood is constant, every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood and donations right now are especially important. This is a perfect opportunity for first-time donors to give it a try, or for those who haven’t donated in a while to get back into the routine. Giving blood is a simple act that can make a life-saving difference and many donors say there’s no better feeling than knowing you helped save a life. As an added benefit, the American Red Cross is offering free A1C diabetes screenings for those who donate, along with additional donor incentives during this time. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.RedCrossBlood.org and enter Windom MN. Walk-ins are welcome but making an appoint assures your time.
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Today is Good Friday! Today commemorates the death of Jesus on Calvary, the site just outside the walls of Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified. Most Christian denominations recognize Good Friday as a holy day but there is so much more to this day. Good Friday is, for many, an intensely personal day of prayer and devotion. Living in the now, the anticipation of Sunday brings such mixed emotions from Fridays sadness to the joy of the fact that Jesus arose and He will rise again! Halleluiah!!! Today is also National Inspiring Joy Day! It is celebrated on April 3rd every year the idea came from the “Woman’s World” and “First for Women” magazines, whose objectives were always to spread joy and motivate their audience to live their best lives. I love this day!!! AND food for thought… Today is Don’t Go to Work Unless it’s Fun Day!!! Nobody really knows how this got started but I am sure it got started in Radio!! I mean EVERY DAY is FUN DAY at work in Radio!!! Just ask any of us… IF YOU AREN’T in Radio, and you KNOW you don’t want to go to work because you KNOW it isn’t going to be fun… MAYBE it is time for a career change and you should contact us and come work in RADIO!!!
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