Mountain Lake Police Department reported 12 calls from June 29th to July 5th. Officers conducted 2 traffic stops and assisted Mt Lake Ambulance, Wisconsin Police Department and Mountain Lake Fire Department. Officers took a report of stolen tools which remains under investigation. A full listing of all calls is available by clicking link below.
Mountain Lake Police Department June 29th to July 5th
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The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners handled a variety of items during their regular meeting on Tuesday. Commissioners approved two Conditional Use Permits allowing Joseph Olson and Larry Penner to build dwellings in shoreland areas. Both permits were approved with conditions. The board also approved amendments to the Plum Creek Library System Agency Agreement. Several actions were taken regarding the Wetland Conservation Act. Commissioners approved accepting delegation of Wetland Conservation Act authority from all cities within Cottonwood County, including Windom, Bingham Lake, Mountain Lake, Westbrook-Storden, Jeffers and Comfrey. The board then approved delegating that authority to the Cottonwood Soil and Water Conservation District. Commissioners also approved a Joint Powers Agreement with the State of Minnesota on behalf of the Cottonwood County Attorney’s Office. In other business, the county approved the purchase of a new Kubota F2690 four-wheel-drive front mower with a 60-inch mower deck and grass catcher. The equipment will be purchased through the state bid program from New Tec Incorporated for just over 31-thousand dollars. Commissioners also approved adding a new Range 31 to the county’s 2026 pay matrix and moving the Public Works Director/Engineer position from Range 30 to the new range. The meeting concluded with approval of July warrants totaling $239,659.31.
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The Windom City Council at their meeting on Tuesday approved the second reading of an ordinance establishing a franchise fee on natural gas customers served by Minnesota Energy Resources. Under the ordinance, residential customers will pay $2.50 per month per meter, commercial businesses will pay $15 per month per meter, and industrial customers will pay $30 per month per meter. City Administrator Steve Nasby explained the fee is charged for the utility’s use of the city’s public rights-of-way and is allowed under the city’s newly approved franchise agreement with Minnesota Energy Resources. During discussion, council members reiterated that the revenue generated from the fee is intended to help pay for street maintenance projects, including seal coating and alley improvements. Council Member Jenny Quade said the council wanted to dedicate the funds to preserving city streets and extending the life of recent street projects and went onto say, that without the franchise fee, the city would likely need to raise property taxes or find another source of revenue to pay for street maintenance. Council Member James Nelson expressed concern about the additional cost to residents, particularly those on fixed incomes, while Mayor Hilary Mathes noted concerns from at least one business customer with multiple gas meters. I’ve got to express my opinion on this and please let the record show it was brought to a councilpersons attention prior to the meeting, but it was not discussed, I understand the city needs additional revenue for street maintenance, but this franchise fee places the burden solely on Minnesota Energy Resources customers. Residents with all-electric homes or businesses will contribute nothing toward street preservation even though they use the same roads and benefit from the same improvements. That just doesn’t seem right especially when you have more than one meter attached to your home or business. It was stated that this fee is set but then Nasby reminded the council that future councils could amend the fee through the ordinance process, although any changes would also require approval through the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. The ordinance was approved and will now be submitted to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for review. If approved, the franchise fees would take effect approximately 90 days after being incorporated into Minnesota Energy Resources’ rate schedule.
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The 2026 Summer Tour, hosted by the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association and Southwest Cattlemen’s Association, is set for Tuesday, July 14th in Marshall. Tour headquarters will be at the Lyon County Fairgrounds, with registration beginning at 6:30 a.m. Buses will depart between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m., taking participants to a full lineup of agricultural tour stops across the region. Stops on this year’s tour include Loyson Farms, featuring a new gable slat barn with pit aeration… Chandler’s and Triple C Feeders with bed pack monoslope barns… Delaney Herefords Incorporated, a seed stock operation… Weber Land and Cattle, a Red Angus seed stock farm and home to artist Michelle Weber… and Coon Creek Cattle, highlighting rotational grazing. Participants will also visit major industry leaders like ADM and Ralco, along with Todd Meulebroeck’s new monoslope facility and Vos Feeders, featuring open yards, cover crops, and updated cattle handling systems. Registration is still open and includes meals. The 2026 Summer Tour once again offers a full day of innovation, education, and networking in the cattle industry, all happening July 14th in Marshall. For registration and more information, contact the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association or check out their website.