Mt Lake Police Department had 10 calls from March 29th to April 2nd. Officers dealt with a sick Skunk, handled three separate Civil matters, two separate verbal domestic calls, conducted a welfare check, handled a driving complaint and a suspicious person, and cited a driver for driving after revocation.
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Jackson County Sheriff’s Office reported on the 3rd at approximately 9am a deputy responded to an ordinance violation concerning the accumulation of garbage. A Notice to Abate was sent to the property owner. Deputies had two assists for the Jackson Ambulance with a medical call and responded to a report of harassment at an apartment complex in Jackson. On the 4th deputies assisted Jackson Ambulance with a medical call and conducted a traffic stop in the JCC High School parking lot. After investigation, the driver was issued a citation for Careless Driving as school was being let out. In the evening of the 4th a deputy responded to a report of unemployment fraud and a deputy assisted Warmka Towing with traffic control as they towed a vehicle from the road in Ewington Township.
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It’s time to get fired up at the Annual Fireman’s Dance! All ages are welcome to enjoy the evening of music provided by The DADS. The band plays from 7:30-11:30pm. Doors open at 6pm. $10 per person and there will be a Burger Meal starting at 6pm. According to Fire Chief Ben Derickson this annual dance is one of many fund raisers that the Fire Department does throughout the year to help supplement needs for the Department for not only the safety of the Firefighters but for the community. Derickson stated that in the past year and half they have spent roughly 30-32,000 dollars on equipment that the Fire Department was in need of. Just to list a few, the Windom Fire Department purchased four thermal imaging cameras for the individual chiefs to carry that aid in assessments prior to trucks and personnel getting to the site, they partnered with the City of Windom and purchased a Hose repair machine that saves hundreds of dollars because they have the ability to repair a $500 hose instead of purchase a new one, just recently, new drop tank liners were purchased. Old liners were 20-40 years old and had pin holes and had been coming to the end of their life expectancy. A new Rapid Deployment Craft was purchased, a machine to test fire hoses which aids in elevating the pressure of the trucks since every fire hose has 300 psi’s and it must run for a five minute increment. New Ropes that are used in life saving events- these ropes hold 9-10,000 pounds. And three new ice water rescue suits were purchased, and with 50/50 grants the department just received all new turnout gear. Derickson said that was just delivered yesterday after waiting months and they have replaced all the portable radios. At this time they are building funds to replace boat, trailer and grass rig among other wish list items.
The Firemans Dance is a great time to show your support to our heroes that keep our community, our families and friends safe. There will be a raffle that tickets on sale now that will be drawn on the evening of the dance at 7pm. A listing is available on the KDOM Website under Local Headline News. If you would like to purchase a raffle ticket track down ANY Firefighter or give Fire Chief Ben Derickson a call at 507-920-9003 or Asst Chief Jordan Bussa at 507-822-2807. Let’s get Fired Up and help raise funds for our Firefighters on Saturday May 6th at the Windom Arena.
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Mountain Lake City Council met on the 3rd A public hearing to discuss the proposed adoption of a new tax increment financing district within the city. The new TIF District 2-1, would be located north of Casey’s and would be the site of a new car wash/laundromat/pet wash. Economic Development Authority Director Rod Hamilton, said that he had three separate entities express interest in constructing similar projects on the same site, with BMP Investments, LLC bidding first. Owner Bramer Powers stated that the facility would start with one automatic car wash, two self-wash bays, a laundromat and a pet wash, with the potential to add another automatic car wash bay. The Council approved Resolution# 9-23 TIF 2-1 and the development agreement by and between the Mountain Lake EDA and BMP Investments, LLC. Street Department Street Superintendent Daron Friesen provided three bids to replace a 2012 John Deere skid loader and two bids to mill and overlay 10th street, between 3rd and 2nd avenue. The Council approved the purchase of a Case Skid Loader by Miller Sellner. The Council then approved Nielsen Blacktopping to mill and overlay 10th street at total cost of $27,810.
After discussion and a recommendation for the Electric Department, by the The Utilities Commission the City Council approved the construction of a new power plant including the purchase of new generators. The cost to build a new facility vs the cost of fixing the current facility is nearly equal. The preliminary cost estimate for the project is $14 million.
Zinniel Tree Service from Sleepy Eye was awarded the six tree removal contract for the lowest responsible bidder of $6,585.
The Council discussed open positions within the City the Deputy Clerk/Treasurer will be posted internally to obtain a list of potential candidates who are interested in the position and will be posting for a custodial position.
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The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners met on the 4th the Commissioners approved the conditional Use Permit submitted by R.A. Muecke Sand & Gravel Inc with conditions and accepted the low bid from Barnett Pro Care in the amount of $11,010 for contract mowing for 2023 to 2025. The Commissioners also motioned to purchase wireless security cameras for the Auditor/Treasures office and to allow the County Attorney to apply for an OJP grant to be used for hiring a Victim Witness Coordinator.
April 9th to the 15th is National Public Safety Telecommunications week, the Commissioners motioned to recognize the Telecommunicators Proclamation and allow the Board Chair to sign.
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