The Windom City Council concluded their meeting on the 25th where the Emergency Flood Assistance Resolution and Agreement with the US Army Corps of Engineers was approved. According to Councilwoman Jenny Quade the Council has now officially requested flood assistance. Sandbagging efforts came to a halt Monday evening when volunteers ran out of bags. The US Army Corps of Engineers provided an additional 25,000 bags yesterday. It was reported at the meeting that the Electric generator is up and going now for the South Side of Town. If you are still without power please contact City Hall. We heard from Mayor Dominic Jones in an interview that the newest updated predicted crest is at 25.6 feet which happened last night. This prediction is more in line with the 100 year flood mark. Mayor Jones stated that this will be monitored and to be mindful that getting additional rains could change things quickly. The American Red Cross continues to have a regional shelter set up at Jackson County Central School. And the rumors are still flying around but in a post from Quade, at this time, Talcot and Heron Lake Outlet Dams are just fine. The Sandbagging Station was moved to the Windom Community Center but according to Quade, the council was advised they can stop filling bags. Also reported is at this time, there were no sewer backups. If your sewer is having any backups you are asked to contact City Hall. The last bit of business Steve Nasby was appointed Financial Officer and Tim Hogan was appointed as the Incident Commander for this flood event with the EOC team.
———————————————————–
Windom Police Department reported on the 24th at approximately 8:37 pm an officer responded to River Road near 15th Ave for a vehicle that drove around the barricade and was stuck inoperable in the roadway. After investigation, an arrest was made of a 70-year-old Windom female for DWI, pending Blood Test Results. On the 25th at 2:14am an officer was on patrol on Hwy 60 traveling south and observed a vehicle turn onto Hwy 60 and then onto 16th Street and travel eastbound. The officer observed the vehicle had no headlights or tail lights illuminated. After a traffic stop and investigation, an arrest was made of an 18-year old Windom male for Underage Drink and Drive, pending results of the BCA blood test. Windom Police Department reminds you that the barricades are up for a reason and you may be ticketed if you go around or through them.
—————————————————————-
The City of Windom Water Department is requesting the public to try to conserve water as we move forward with the ongoing flooding. At this time, there is no threat to the drinking water supply but they did stress that waste water is already backing up into the river and does create concerns with future flooding concerns. Conserving water can be done by cutting back on laundry and dishes and just being mindful and trying to restrict general water usage.
————————————————————-
Well folks, dare I say we are one step closer to receding waters but from everything that I have read and been told this isn’t just going to go away in a day or two. We will be dealing with the overflow mess for awhile. So please remember to always put on your patience hat. Let the City and County Workers do their jobs. They are doing amazing work as it is, and don’t need any extra looky lou’s or suggestions on what “should be done”. To all the volunteers you rocked the town and will be long remembered for your heroic efforts to help and make a difference. I know I sound like we are out of the woods but I do see, that we still can’t get into the woods. It is just that doomsday deadline isn’t looming and yes things can turn in an instant, BUT today lets take the day as a WIN and look to the skies and appreciate the blue instead of gray.