The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office reported 15 calls from April 17th to April 19th. The Heron Lake Fire Department was paged to a grass fire north of Heron Lake in Cottonwood County. Crews were on scene for about 2.5 hours. A deputy responded to a report of a homeless male that has been in the Heron Lake area for a few days, a civil dispute, an assault, a juvenile runaway, a child protection issue, and civil dispute. Deputies assisted MN State Patrol, Heron Lake Ambulance and Jackson Ambulance and conducted a welfare check. 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 April 17th to April 19th
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A shed fire in Windom last week was traced back to rekindled embers from a burn pile, according to Windom Fire Chief Ben Derickson. The Windom Fire Department was paged to 985 River Road at 3:13 p.m. on the 20th, for a report of a shed on fire. Crews arrived on scene just five minutes later, at 3:18 p.m., to find the back of a shed engulfed in flames, with a large wood pile burning and nearby trees beginning to catch fire. Crews quickly knocked down the shed fire, then spread out the burning log pile to fully extinguish it and soaked a nearby smoldering burn pile. According to the property owners, they had been burning sticks and brush the day before. However, shifting winds the following day stirred up hot ashes from the burn pile, blowing embers into the nearby wood pile. That pile then ignited and spread flames to the shed. Fire crews remained on scene until 4:11 p.m., ensuring all fire hazards were fully extinguished. They returned to the station, cleaned equipment, and restocked trucks, completing their response by 4:23 p.m. This incident is a reminder for burn safety, please know that burn piles can reignite if not fully extinguished. Officials recommend thoroughly dousing ashes with water, stirring and spreading them out to cool, checking for hidden heat, and monitoring the area for several days especially in windy conditions. Officials say taking these extra precautions can prevent small burn piles from turning into larger, dangerous fires.
A few pointers from Fire Chief Ben Derickson to remember PRIOR to BURNING:
– Make sure you have a burn permit if one is needed
– Always call the LEC before you light your fire so they know that you are burning
– Ashes can stay hot for 7 days or more if you don’t properly cool them off
– Keep fire small
– Keep fires 20’-25’ away from any structure
– Always have a water source ready to go if needed
– Never use a flammable liquid to start a fire
– Try to have a 10’ diameter around your fire free from dry grass leaves and/or other flammable materials
– Never leave your fire unattended
– Always supervise your kids and pet so they stay a safe distance away from the fire
– Only burn wood, don’t burn trash or construction materials
– Avoid burning on windy days
– After burning completely soak the ash with water until you feel no more heat
– Don’t park vehicle and/or ATV in tall grass as the heat from the exhaust could start the grass on fire
– Always check local regulations and fire restriction before lighting a fire
– If the fire gets out of control call 911 immediately.
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The City of St James Water Department will be starting Water Main Flushing today on the north side of town and continue till all hydrants are done. The week of May 4th the water department will begin flushing the south side of town. As a reminder, the water may appear rusty or discolored during the flushing. The water is safe to drink but should not be used for laundry as staining could result. If you have any questions, please call the Water Department at 375-1229 or City Hall at 375-3241.
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Today’s meetings include:
- Windom Area Health Governing Board will be meeting at 5:30pm in the Large Conference Room at the hospital.
- The Windom Area School Board will be holding a work session meeting at 5:30pm in the Windom City Council Chambers. This meeting is open to the public or can also be viewed live or anytime on Media SB 22 on YouTube.
- Jeffers City Council will meet at 7:00 p.m. at Jeffers City Hall.
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The Murray County Board of Commissioners will be meeting Tuesday April 28th at 8:30am in the Murray County Government Center. This meeting is open to the public. If you would like to listen in via phone or zoom you can find further information on Murray County Homepage.
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The Fulda City Council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, April 28th, beginning at 6:30 p.m., with a second session scheduled for 7:00 p.m. During the 6:30 meeting council members are expected to focus on two key items. The primary discussion will center on proposed additional bituminous work on County State Access Highway 2. Murray County has approved up to $120,000 toward the project, contingent on the City of Fulda covering the remaining costs. Council members will review bid tabulation details as part of the discussion. In addition, the council will consider the purchase of a paver/hotbox estimated at $3,500. At 7:00 p.m., the council will reconvene for a Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting.
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Have you been out and about lately? This past weekend Steve and I went for a Saturday drive and it was exciting to see all the movement in the fields as Spring Planting Season gets underway! There is just something magical about seeing man, machine and earth becoming one. The promise of a new crop and the ability to feed America just makes my heart smile. With the promise of nicer weather, longer days also comes a responsibility to each one of us. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to use extra caution as farm equipment moves between fields and farms during planting season. MnDOT says there were 392 crashes involving farm equipment in Minnesota from 2023 to 2025, resulting in 12 deaths and 167 injuries. Officials stress that large, slow-moving machinery can be difficult to see and often makes wide turns or crosses center lines. Drivers are urged to slow down, especially on rural two-lane roads, and only pass when it is safe. Motorists should also watch for debris and use headlights at all times. Farm operators are encouraged to use proper lighting and slow-moving vehicle emblems to improve visibility. The advisory runs through early summer, when planting season typically winds down. I’m praying for a safe and successful planting season and looking forward to seeing the crops grow strong and tall!
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