The Windom Police Department reported a DWI incident on the 17th. Officers were out patrolling headed north on 4th Avenue when he noticed an irractic driver. The officer initiated a traffic stop and after investigation, an arrest was made of a 67-year-old male from Windom for 2nd Degree Driving While Intoxicated and Driving After Cancellation-IP, both Gross Misdemeanors, pending review of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
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The Windom City Council on Tuesday evening, approved the second reading and adoption of a new ordinance establishing regulations for future data centers within the city limits. During the meeting, Building and Zoning Official Matthew Fast explained that Ordinance No. 206, 2nd Series, updates city code by adding new definitions for “data centers” and “sensitive receptors” while also creating a new zoning overlay district known as the I-3 Planned Innovation, Research and Technology District. Fast said the ordinance is designed to proactively address growing interest in data center development across Greater Minnesota. He noted that Cottonwood County had recently reviewed an application for a proposed data center near Windom’s city limits, prompting the city to establish regulations before future projects are proposed within the city itself. The new I-3 overlay district would apply to existing B-2 Highway Business, I-1 Light Industrial and I-2 Heavy Industrial zoning districts. The ordinance outlines requirements for the construction, installation and operation of data centers, including facilities tied to cloud storage, artificial intelligence, crypto-mining and blockchain processing. Among the provisions are detailed review requirements for developers, including site plans, energy and water usage plans, emergency response procedures, sound studies and waste management plans. The ordinance also establishes setback requirements from “sensitive receptors” such as homes, schools, parks, daycare centers, hospitals and places of worship. Additional standards address noise limits, exterior lighting, fencing, landscaping, backup generators, cooling systems and environmental protections. The ordinance also requires developers to coordinate with emergency services and provide ongoing noise monitoring after operations begin. Fast told the council that no changes were requested following the ordinance’s first reading on May 5. He also explained that because of the ordinance’s length, state law allows the city to publish a title and summary instead of the entire document. The council unanimously approved the second reading of Ordinance No. 206, 2nd Series. Council members then also unanimously approved publication of the ordinance’s title and summary in lieu of publishing the full document. The summary approval required a four-fifths vote of the council. The ordinance becomes effective following publication on May 27th.
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The Mountain Lake, Lake Commission is preparing for another busy summer season at the lake, with several projects aimed at improving both recreation and lake maintenance. During a recent meeting, the commission discussed repairs needed for the lake’s aeration system after discovering that four airline hoses running from the air compressor had become brittle and need to be replaced. Aerator systems play an important role in maintaining water quality by pumping oxygen into the lake, especially during warmer months and winter freeze-over conditions. The added oxygen helps support fish populations, reduces the risk of fish kills, and can improve overall lake health by keeping water circulating. Officials noted that aerator lines can wear down over time due to exposure to changing temperatures, sunlight, and water conditions. Depending on the material and environmental factors, aeration hoses often last several years before becoming cracked or brittle and needing replacement. Once repairs are completed, buoys will again be attached to the lines to help alert boaters and swimmers to their location. The commission also reported that the fishing pier has been put in for the season. In addition, members approved the purchase of a new swimming raft for the beach area. About 250 pounds of tractor weights will be used to securely anchor the raft in place. The new raft is expected to be installed sometime after Memorial Day, giving swimmers another attraction to enjoy during the summer months.
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My girl Darcy Girl heard today was National Carb Day and naturally and whole heartly assumed it was a holy day of obligation dedicated to noodles, bread, and her general survival. She is currently dealing with the ultimate bait-and-switch after being told it’s a celebration of fast cars, not fettuccine. To say she was devastated would be an understatement. National Carb Day is celebrated on the last Friday every year before the Indy 500. Carb Day comes from the word Carburetion and boasts the biggest automobile race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the final practice session before the race. Did you know that no carburetors have actually been used by qualified cars since 1963 but the name stuck and it is still celebrated to this day… Since Darcy just turned 5 and this Granny can’t bear to disappoint we will be breaking bread and eating noodles today to celebrate!!! Enjoy your weekend and please remember on Monday to take a moment to pause and reflect and honor all those that served and paid the ultimate price for our freedom and privilege to live in this beautiful nation of the United States of America!
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