Mountain Lake Police Department reported 20 calls in the week of September 28th to October 4th. During the week, officers arrested a 37-year-old Mountain Lake man who had an active warrant after he fled from an officer on a bicycle. He was taken into custody following a short pursuit. Officers also investigated a reported shoplifting at Dollar General and a report of damage to a vehicle. Both cases remain under investigation. Other calls included animal complaints, noise and parking complaints, medical assists, and officers assisting the Windom Police Department and Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office. A full listing of all calls in the Mountain Lake Police Department Weekly Citizens Report is available by clicking the link below.
Mountain Lake Police Department September 28th to October 4th
————————————————
Jackson County Central Schools is beginning to look at some difficult budget decisions that could be ahead for the district. At its September 28th meeting, the JCC School Board discussed possible budget adjustments for the 2027-28 school year if the district’s operating referendum does not pass on November 3rd. District officials say at least $800,000 in additional budget adjustments would be needed. Among the possibilities discussed is closing Riverside Elementary School in Jackson and reorganizing where elementary students attend school. Other potential reductions include cutting the number of athletic contests from middle school through varsity, eliminating the high school gymnastics program, and ending general fund support for some student activities. Those activities could then be required to raise their own money in order to continue. District officials stressed that no final decisions have been made and the items discussed are not a final list of cuts. The financial concerns come after JCC already made more than $550,000 in budget adjustments for the current school year. Even after those reductions, the district’s preliminary 2026-27 budget showed approximately $418,000 in deficit spending. Voters will decide the operating referendum on November 3rd. The proposal would replace JCC’s existing $460-per-pupil operating levy with a $1,460-per-pupil authorization for ten years. A similar, but smaller, operating referendum was defeated by voters last November. JCC is holding another public information meeting Thursday, October 8th at 6 p.m. at JCC High School. District representatives will discuss the district’s finances and the referendum and answer questions from community members.
————————————————
The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday with road projects, health insurance and new hires among the items on the agenda. Commissioners awarded a county road project to Midwest Contracting for just over $1 million. The board also accepted another road project as complete, with a final contract value of approximately $1.75 million. The board approved a road use and repair agreement for limited early construction this fall involving the Plum Creek project and adopted the Southwest Regional Solid Waste Management Plan. Looking ahead to 2027, commissioners approved a seven-percent increase in Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance rates as the county moves to self-funded coverage through the Minnesota Public Sector Collaborative. The county’s cap for single health insurance coverage will also increase from $1,200 to $1,300 beginning January 1st. Commissioners ended the open portion of the meeting by going into closed session to discuss strategy for upcoming labor negotiations.
————————————————————
The Windom Public Library is celebrating a successful summer of reading. Library Director Kari Hanson told the Windom City Council that more than 200 children and about 25 adults participated in the library’s summer reading program. Hanson said the program was designed to keep kids coming back throughout the summer to earn incentives and it worked, with children visiting the library right up until school started. Participants ranged from infants through high school seniors, with fifth through eighth graders making up the largest group. The library also recently hosted a well-attended Amelia Earhart presentation featuring one of Earhart’s relatives, who shared family photos and stories about the famous aviator. And there’s more happening this fall. The library currently has a coloring contest underway. Coloring sheets can be picked up at the library and must be returned by October 29th, with winners selected by random drawing in three age categories.