Local Headline News

Monday- May 18, 2026

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department reported 37 calls from May 11th to May 14th.  Deputies conducted 3 Concerns for Welfare, a Civil Standby in Sioux Valley Township, and 2 in Jackson. Deputies responded to a Civil Property Dispute in Alba Township, a Domestic Assault in Rost Township, and a Verbal Argument in Heron Lake Township and Alpha. Deputies investigated a Suspicious Person in Middletown Township and in Jackson, a Suspicious Vehicle in Jackson and a possible Animal Abuse in Jackson. Deputies assisted another agency with a domestic assault, Heron Lake Ambulance, a property owner and Windom Fire Department. 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 May 11th to May 14th

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Windom Police Department reported on the 13th at approximately 9:59pm were advised by the MN State Patrol that there was a wrong way driver heading eastbound on Highway 60 near Brewster. The Officer was then informed the vehicle self corrected and was now at Kwik Trip. The officer initiated a stop and after investigation and performing Field Sobriety Testing an arrest was made of a 43-year-old male from Sioux Falls SD. A vehicle inventory produced stolen items from a theft in Sioux Falls and Luverne. Charges are pending on the male for Driving While Intoxicated Refusal, a Gross Misdemeanor and Receiving Stolen Property, a Felony pending review by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

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What a day it was for the Windom Fire Department’s Community Appreciation Day on Saturday  and by all accounts, the turnout was tremendous. Hundreds of community members stopped by to enjoy the event, grab a meal, and show support for the men and women who answer the call when emergencies happen in our area. The appreciation day served as both a fundraiser and a chance for the public to connect with local firefighters in a hands-on way. And speaking of answering the call attendees got an unexpected behind-the-scenes look at what happens when duty calls. The Windom Fire Department was dispatched twice during the event, giving those in attendance a firsthand glimpse at how quickly firefighters move into action. From gearing up to getting trucks rolling, many found it fascinating to watch the speed, teamwork, and preparation that goes into responding to an emergency. The day also featured the department’s annual raffle drawing, with 38 winners selected for prizes. Organizers say winners will be contacted this week to arrange prize pickup. A complete list of raffle winners can be found on the Windom Fire Department’s Facebook page or on KDOM’s Community Calendar. Firefighters extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, purchased raffle tickets, donated, or helped make the day a success. After a huge turnout and strong community support, it’s clear Windom showed up in a big way for its fire department.

2026 Windom Fire Department Raffle Winners 2026

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Today’s Meetings Include:

  • Mountain Lake Public School Board meets at 5:30pm at the school in room 101.
  • Windom Area Health Governing Board will meet at 5:30pm in the Large Conference Room at the Hospital.
  • Mountain Lake City Council will be meeting at 5:45pm in the Mt Lake City Hall.

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Murray County Board of Commissioners will be meeting Tuesday May 19th at 8:30am in the Murray County Government Center. If you would like to listen in by calling or view the meeting via zoom you can find the information on the Murray County Homepage.

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Jackson County Board of Commissioners and the Drainage Authority will meet Tuesday May 19th at 9am at the Jackson County Court House Commissioners Board Room

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The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will be meeting Tuesday May 19th at 9:00am at the Cottonwood County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room.

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The St James City Council will be meeting on Tuesday May 19th at 5:30pm in St. James City Hall Council Chambers. Meetings can be viewed live or anytime on the City of St James’s YouTube Channel.

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The Windom City Council will meet Tuesday night with a full agenda that includes everything from zoning and infrastructure to a key closed session tied to the future ownership of WindomNet. Among the items on the agenda are a the second reading of Ordinance No. 206 involving the I-3 zoning district for data centers. Council members will also consider a joint funding agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey for the Des Moines River gage, recognize plans for an unserviceable flag ceremony at Tegels Park on June 14, and approve contractor payments totaling just over $260,000 for 2026 street improvements. However, one of the most anticipated discussions comes under line item 12, when the council moves into a closed session regarding real estate matters involving WindomNet. The discussion follows last Tuesday’s special meeting, where three companies presented proposals to potentially acquire WindomNet. Council members are expected to consider what they heard from the presentations as they continue evaluating options for the city-owned telecommunications system. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at City Council Chambers in Windom City Hall.