The Lakefield Police Department is warning residents about a text-message scam that has been circulating in the area. According to the department, numerous residents recently received messages claiming to be a “final enforcement notice” from a Minnesota court and demanding immediate payment for alleged traffic violations. Officials said the messages are fraudulent. Law enforcement emphasized that courts and police departments do not send payment demands by text message. The department also pointed out that the notice references “Harris County, Minnesota,” but there is no Harris County. Residents who receive the message are encouraged to use the report and delete functions and not call the number listed in the text. The Lakefield Police Department reminds the public to stay alert, protect personal information, and contact local law enforcement if they have questions about suspicious messages.
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At the Windom City Council Meeting on Tuesday, the Council discussed and moved forward on the Minnesota Department of Transportation signal replacement project on Highway 60 as they accepted a resolution accepting the traffic signal agreement with the state. City Administrator Steve Nasby told council members the agreement does not require a local financial match, but it does assign future maintenance responsibilities to the city once the project is complete. The main concern discussed involved future maintenance of pedestrian crosswalk markings along Highway 60, particularly when repainting would require city crews to work in the middle of the highway. Nasby stated the Street Department were not real enthusiastic about being out in the middle of the highway trying to get the paint done noting the traffic control equipment and signage needed would add cost for the city. Council members also asked why the city would be responsible for crosswalk markings on a state highway. Nasby said that question has been raised with MnDOT and remains part of ongoing discussions but we’re just trying to work out that crosswalk part of it and we’d like approval to keep this project moving forward,” Nasby said. The resolution was approved contingent on final sign-off by the city attorney, street superintendent and city administrator. The agreement covers signal replacement and related improvements at Highway 60 intersections at 6th Street and 10th Street.
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The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners took action on drainage projects, housing, childcare support and county facility improvements during its regular meeting on May 5th. Commissioners recessed and convened as the Cottonwood County Ditch Authority, where members approved findings and orders adopting the redetermination of benefits for Cottonwood County Ditch 42. The authority also adopted findings and orders for the redetermination of benefits for Group 2C, which includes county ditches 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 18, 24, 29, 35, 26 and 38, along with judicial ditches 15, 21, 29, 33 and 37. Upon reconvening as the county board, commissioners adopted resolutions calling for public hearings on proposed tax abatements tied to new residential projects at 1138 and 1142 Bingham Lake Drive. Commissioners also approved an interim use permit for Ulland Brothers to operate an asphalt plant in Section 23 of Selma Township, with conditions. Commissioners approved a sales agreement with Ban-Koe for $1,961.27 to add elevator modules to the county’s existing fire alarm system. They also approved May warrants totaling $105,524.35. The board also directed one-time childcare support using Local Affordable Housing Aid and Child Care funds. Funding was approved for five school-based daycare programs, pending receipt of daycare licensure documents by Dec. 31, 2026. Comfrey Public School and Mountain Lake Christian School will each receive $10,000. Westbrook-Walnut Grove Schools will receive $20,750, Mountain Lake Public Schools will receive $27,300, and Windom Area Schools will receive $31,950. To close out the meeting, commissioners approved a quote from Bargen in the amount of $129,500 for replacement of the roof at the county’s Public Health building.
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There is a theme today… It’s National Give Someone a Cupcake Day, Coconut Cream Pie Day, Have a Coke Day, No Socks Day and Reward Yourself Day! You may be asking yourself what do all these things have in common? Well, if someone was having a BIRTHDAY today THAT is what they could be doing, eating and celebrating! It just happens that today is Steve’s Birthday. Yep, I know what I HAVE to do.. Coconut isn’t his favorite thing so being the good wife I am, I’ll eat it for him cause it is my favorite!!! So I ask you if you see Steve today check out to make sure he is celebrating right by not wearing socks! If you have a moment, either call the station or drop him a text or a call 507-822-7144 and wish him a successful and happy Day of All Days! Happy Birthday Steve!!!