Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office reported 53 calls in the week of September 10th through the 17th. Deputies conducted 13 Civil Processes, had 5 Animal Calls, had 1 Pursuit of vehicle Fleeing an Officer, went on 2 Prisoner Transports, and conducted 6 traffic stops. A full listing of all calls in the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Citizens Report is available by clicking the link below.
Weekly Citizen Report September 10th-17th
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Windom Community Education is offering 55+ Defensive Driver Training on Tuesday, September 26th from 12:30-4:30 at the Highland Building located at 68 10th Street in Windom. You can register for a four- or eight-hour Defensive Driving Course by calling Caitlyn at 507-831-6910 ext. 513. Participants will receive a certificate after attending all portions of the class they registered for. Persons 55 or older are eligible for an insurance discount upon completion.
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A PUBLIC HEARING will be held in Jackson County on September 27th at 6pm in the Cafeteria of the Jackson County Government Center for a Variance pursuant to Jackson County Zoning Ordinance, Section 727.2, Animal Feedlots, Setback Requirements. This request is to locate a new feedlot closer than ½ mile to an existing residence. The complete legal description is available at the Jackson County Land Management Office. To attend the Public Hearing, you are to enter the Government Center from the south door # 7 off White Street.
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Red Rock Central School District Board of Education will be meeting Wednesday, September 20th at 5pm in Lamberton.
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Change is in the air with the days getting shorter, photosynthesis is slowing down. This means that plants are producing less chlorophyll (green pigment) making way for other pigments to show. The brilliance, timing and duration of fall color are, however, affected by other factors, such as drought and climate change. According to climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld, Septembers have been warming substantially in Minnesota since 1970, slightly delaying the peak of fall colors. He went on to explain, As the driving factor behind color change is day length, the shift in fall colors from climate change will be subtle. Whatever this season has in store for foliage colors, there is one thing to be certain of, Sunshine and nature will invigorate your soul.
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Drought conditions intensified across Minnesota over the past week, with areas of moderate, severe, and extreme drought expanding and areas of exceptional drought persisting. The Mississippi River continues to experience low flows, although recent rain in the northern part of the state has provided some additional flow that will benefit water users that depend on the river.
The Minnesota DNR is taking a number of actions (described below), consistent with the Statewide Drought Plan and statutory water use priorities. They are also coordinating closely with other agencies and water users and communicating broadly about the importance of water conservation.
The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday, Sept. 14 shows that nearly all of Minnesota is experiencing some degree of drought, with most of Minnesota experiencing severe or extreme drought.
- 1% of Minnesota is experiencing abnormally dry conditions.
- 37% of the state is in moderate drought, increased from 30% last week.
- 42% of Minnesota is in severe drought, increased from 39% last week.
- 18% of the state is in extreme drought, increased from 15% last week.
- 1% of Minnesota is in exceptional drought, unchanged from last week
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USDA Rural Development has funding availabile for very low- and low-income individuals and families seeking to purchase or repair a home in a rural area.
The Direct Home Loan program offers financing to qualified very-low and low-income applicants that are unable to qualify for traditional financing. No down payment is required, and the interest rate could be as low as one percent with a subsidy. Applicants must meet income and credit guidelines and demonstrate repayment ability. The program is available in rural communities of generally 35,000 people or less.
The maximum loan amount is $40,000 at a one percent interest rate, repayable for a 20-year term and can be used to improve or modernize homes and do essential repairs. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to homeowners 62 and older and must be used to remove health or safety hazards, such as fixing a leaking roof, installing indoor plumbing, or replacing a furnace.
Time is limited to receive funds for the current fiscal year. Contact a USDA Rural Development Housing Specialist in your area today, to see if you qualify.
USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT
1005 HIGH AVENUE NE 1810 30TH STREET NW, SUITE 3
WILLMAR, MN 56201-2680 FARIBAULT, MN 55021-1843
320-235-5612 ext. 4 507-332-7418 ext. 4
USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT
1424 E COLLEGE DRIVE, SUITE 500
MARSHALL MN 56258-2090
507-537-1401 ext. 4
USDA Rural Development loans and grants provide assistance that supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/mn .