MN State Patrol reported at 4:03 pm on the 6th a two-vehicle injury accident at the intersection of Highway 23 and County Road 2. A 2007 GMC Yukon driven by a 69-year-old female from Marshall and a 22-year-old male of LeMars IA were traveling westbound on Highway 23 when the vehicles collided. The driver and her passenger in Yukon were transported to Marshall Avera Hospital. All involved were wearing seat belts. Outside agencies assisting were the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Russell Fire Department, North Ambulance, and Balaton Ambulance. On the 5th at 2:24pm MN State Patrol reported a fatal accident on MN Highway 68 in Westerheim Township. A 2018 GMC Terrain driven by a 21-year-old female of Echo and a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette driven by 76-year-old Edward Joseph Lozinski of Minneota were traveling eastbound on Highway 68 when the two vehicles collided. Lozinski was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver of the GMC was transported to Marshall ER. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts. Assisting at the scene were Minneota Fire Department and First Responders, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and North Ambulance.
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At the June 2nd meeting of the Windom City Council, under old business, discussion centered on the future of the city pool site after receiving disappointing news on a federal funding appeal. City Administrator Steve Nasby told the council that FEMA had officially denied the city’s appeal for assistance related to the damaged pool, stating the structure was considered too old and that damages could not be sufficiently proven for reimbursement. Nasby noted the denial effectively leaves the city without federal funding for restoration of the facility. Despite the setback, Nasby outlined a possible next step: the city could consider a second appeal focused not on rebuilding, but on demolition costs. Under that approach, the city would argue that if FEMA considers the pool non-viable, it should at least help cover the cost of removing the structure. Council members weighed the idea carefully. Councilman Jayesun Sherman supported continuing the effort, saying it would be reasonable to pursue additional reimbursement, especially given the flood-related damage tied to the site. Councilman James Nelson and Councilman Scott Benson also brought forth questions about whether any insurance funds had been received. Nasby confirmed the city did not receive insurance payouts for the affected area. Mayor Hilary Mathis raised an important concern about how further appeals could impact future plans for the site, including the potential relocation and reopening of the dog park. City officials noted that depending on FEMA guidance, certain demolition or site work could still potentially move forward even while appeal discussions continue, but clarity would be needed before proceeding. Nasby emphasized that timing and FEMA rules will be critical, and suggested the city could first gather more information directly from FEMA representatives before making a final decision on whether to reappeal. Council members ultimately reached consensus to seek additional clarification on allowable costs and demolition options before moving forward. The matter will return to a future meeting once more information is gathered, as the city continues to weigh how best to move forward with the long-closed pool site and surrounding redevelopment plans.
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The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners met on the 2nd, with a full agenda covering land use, staffing, infrastructure, and routine county business. Commissioners approved several Conditional Use Permits with conditions, including a permit for Hunter Pankonin to construct a new shop and two separate permits for the Neuhof Hutterian Brethren Colony, one for a new turkey feedlot and another for a shop within the colony. Two additional land use requests, including those involving Darren Haugen and Kyle Ludewig, saw no action taken. The board also approved facility upgrades, accepting bids from Schwalbach Hardware for a new air conditioning unit costing just over $17,000 and a new furnace totaling approximately $11,100. Commissioners approved a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Joint Powers Agreement running from July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2030. Financial actions included approval of June warrants totaling $97,258.49 and a transfer of nearly $65,000 from the tax forfeiture fund into the general fund. In final business, commissioners approved allowing members attending broadband meetings to claim per diem compensation.
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The Economic Development Authority of Windom will meeting today at noon in the Windom City Council Chambers, with a full agenda focused on housing, infrastructure, and ongoing development projects across the community. Updates on the EDA Director position will be presented and then attention will then shift to property matters in the North Windom Industrial Park, including ratification of an appraiser selection as part of ongoing evaluation of EDA-owned land. The board will also review updates tied to the EDA Infrastructure Assistance Program, including current loan activity supporting local projects. Housing and development continue to be a major focus, with discussion on Tax Increment Financing District 1-22. This includes a recommendation regarding assignment of a TIF note tied to Lakeside Apartments, as well as an update on Windom Apartments LLC. River Bluff Estates Subdivision will also come before the board, with maintenance of an undeveloped lot on the agenda. Members will review monthly financial reports for River Bluff Townhomes, along with staff updates and any unfinished business.
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The Windom Area School Board meets tonight at 5:30pm in the City Council Chambers. This meeting may be viewed live or anytime on YouTube Media SB22.
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Windom Library Board will be meeting on Tuesday June 9th at 5:05pm at the Library.
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The City of Windom Planning Commission will be meeting at 7pm on Tuesday June 9th in the Windom City Council Chambers.
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Jeffers City Council will meet on Wednesday, June 10th, at 7:00 p.m. at Jeffers City Hall.
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