The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department reported 24 calls from July 20th to July 23rd. Among the incidents handled were welfare checks, medical assists, traffic complaints, scam reports, and a domestic disturbance investigation. Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance in Jackson after a victim, who is not a Jackson County resident, fled to a local business to report multiple domestic assaults that had allegedly occurred in two different counties. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the involved agencies with the investigation and efforts to locate and arrest the suspect. Emergency crews also responded to a house fire in Jackson. A deputy arriving first on the scene found heavy smoke coming from the home, but all occupants and pets had already escaped safely. The Jackson Fire Department was assisted by the Alpha and Lakefield Fire Departments, with firefighters remaining on scene for approximately four hours. The home sustained heavy damage. In a community outreach effort, the Sheriff’s Office also partnered with students attending a Heron Lake-Okabena babysitting class by allowing them to make practice 911 calls based on emergency scenarios they could encounter while babysitting, giving students hands-on experience with when and how to contact emergency dispatchers. A full listing of all calls for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department is available by clicking the link below.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Report July 24th to July 26th
—————————————————————
Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office reported 22 calls in the week of July 19th to July 25th. Deputies conducted 6 Civil Processes, 4 Traffic Stops, and 3 Concerns for Welfare. Deputies responded to 1 Domestic Assault, 1 Suicide Threat and 1 vehicle Off Road. A full listing of all calls in the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Citizens Report is available by clicking the link below.
SO Weekly Citizen Report July 19th-25th
—————————————————————-
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) District 7 has announced the appointment of two new assistant district engineers who will oversee program delivery and construction operations throughout the district, which serves 13 counties in south central and southwest Minnesota. District 7 is headquartered in Mankato and also has offices in Windom. Forrest Hasty has been named assistant district engineer for program delivery. He began the position on June 17 and is responsible for road design, planning, project management, traffic, materials, and hydraulics. Hasty has more than 18 years of transportation engineering experience and has spent the past decade with MnDOT District 7’s Project Management Unit, most recently serving as project management team lead. He oversees a staff of about 70 employees responsible for delivering an annual construction program of approximately $100 million across more than 1,300 miles of state and federal highways. Andrew Lawver began serving as assistant district engineer for construction operations on July 15. In his new role, he oversees MnDOT’s construction offices in Mankato and Windom, along with bridge and land management operations. Lawver brings more than 25 years of engineering experience to the position. Most recently, he served as MnDOT’s statewide bridge construction and operations engineer. He now leads a staff of about 90 employees who administer an annual construction program of approximately $100 million covering more than 1,300 miles of state and federal highways. District Engineer Zachary Tess said both Hasty and Lawver bring exceptional skills, experience, and leadership to their new positions and will help strengthen MnDOT District 7’s program delivery and construction operations while continuing to build strong partnerships with communities and employees throughout the region.
——————————————————————
With the start of the 2026-2027 school year just weeks away, Windom Area Schools is reminding families to verify their student information and complete enrollment through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Superintendent Jamie Frank encourages parents to log into the portal to confirm enrollment information before school begins. Families who are new to the district can also enroll students online. The district is also asking all families to complete the confidential Household Income Form through the Parent Portal. Families who complete the form will receive two free adult passes to a Windom Eagle athletic event. Student admission to school activities remains free. Parents who have not yet accessed the Parent Portal should check their email for an activation code sent on July 17. Technical assistance is available by contacting the school district. Looking ahead, orientation for students in grades 5-12 will be held Tuesday, August 26. The first day of school for grades 5-12 is Tuesday, September 1, while PreK through fourth grade students will attend entrance conferences September 1 and 2 before beginning classes on Thursday, September 3. More information, including school supply lists and enrollment details, is available through Windom Area Schools.