The Mountain Lake Community Center was packed Monday night as residents filled the City Council meeting to voice concerns over the proposed data center. More than 20 people spoke during the public comment period. Many urged the council to pause the project and conduct additional independent research before moving forward. Several residents questioned whether the city’s review had relied too heavily on information provided by the developer and a visit to the Blue Earth data center, while calling for further studies, including an environmental impact analysis. Residents also raised concerns about possible health impacts, noise, water and energy use, and the project’s long-term effects on the community. Some speakers became emotional, and a few warned the city could face lawsuits if the project moves forward. During the discussion, council members said they have concerns that the city could also face legal action if it withdraws from the project. No action was taken Monday night, but the proposed data center is scheduled to return to the City Council agenda at its next regular meeting on August 10th, when additional discussion is expected.
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A 69-year-old rural Sanborn IA man is facing 17 misdemeanor charges after O’Brien County authorities say he secretly recorded neighbors inside their home. The O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office says Donald Gene Mastbergen is accused of entering the victims’ property at least a dozen times to hide a camera in their bedroom, then returning later to retrieve it and view the recordings. Investigators say evidence recovered from electronic devices seized during a June search warrant helped build the case. Mastbergen is charged with 12 counts involving the use of a hidden camera while trespassing and five counts of invasion of privacy. Although each count is a misdemeanor, he could face up to 34 years in jail if convicted on all charges and sentenced consecutively. Mastbergen turned himself in at the O’Brien County Jail, posted a $10,000 cash bond, and was released. His first court appearance is scheduled for Today. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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Windom Police Department reported 119 calls in the week of July 12th to July 18th. Officers had 15 Directed Patrols, 3 Concerns for Welfare, 2 Public Assists, 4 Citizen Complaints and 2 Animal Calls. Windom Police Officers investigated 1 Disorderly Conduct, 1 Fraud, 3 Suspicious Activities, 2 Suspicious People, 3 Suspicious Vehicles, 1 Theft, and 5 Vehicle Tampering Calls. Officers responded to 1 Disorderly Conduct and conducted 39 Traffic Stops. A full listing of all calls in the Windom Police Department’s Weekly Citizens Report is available on KDOM’s Website at www.windomradio.com under Local Headline News. by clicking the link below.
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Plans are underway for Windom’s annual Night to Unite celebration, set for Tuesday, August 4th. This year’s event will also celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary and Windom’s 20th anniversary of Night to Unite. The free community event will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Windom Community Center. Families are invited to enjoy an evening of food, fun and community, including dinner provided by the Windom Lions Club, emergency vehicles, inflatables, games, giveaways and activities for all ages. The event will also feature the return of the popular Windom Chamber Ice Cream Social. Everyone is encouraged to bring the whole family and mark their calendars now for Night to Unite on Tuesday, August 4th, from 5 until 7 at the Windom Community Center.
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The University of Minnesota will recognize 86 families from across the state as the 2026 Minnesota Farm Families of the Year during a ceremony at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, at Minnesota Farmfest near Redwood Falls. The annual award honors farm families for their dedication to agriculture and their commitment to strengthening their communities. This year’s recipients represent a wide range of farming operations, including crop and livestock farms, fruit and vegetable growers, flower producers, and other agricultural businesses. Visitors to Farmfest can also stop by University of Minnesota exhibits featuring Extension, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center, and the West Central Research and Outreach Center to learn about the latest agricultural research, education, safety, and resources available to farmers. A complete list of the 2026 Minnesota Farm Families of the Year is available through the University of Minnesota Extension.