Local Headline News

Tuesday- November 11, 2025

Today is Veterans Days. Communities across the nation are taking a moment to reflect as we observe Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.  This date carries a powerful history. Veterans Day began more than a century ago, on November 11th, 1918, when the armistice ending World War I went into effect. It happened at what became known as the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month”, when the guns finally fell silent across Europe. The first Armistice Day was observed in 1919, and by 1938 it had become a national holiday. But American service didn’t end with World War I. After World War II and the Korean War, Congress expanded the holiday to honor all U.S. veterans. Those who served in peacetime and wartime alike and it officially became Veterans Day in 1954. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who gave their lives, Veterans Day recognizes those who returned home, the veterans who live and work in our communities, who carried the responsibility of service and continue to shape the nation long after their uniforms are set aside. Across our great country today, ceremonies are being held in many different but meaningful venues. Many communities still encourage a pause at 11 a.m. for a moment of silence, continuing a tradition that began 106 years ago. Veterans Day stands as a reminder that each era of American life is supported by those who stepped forward to serve. On this Tuesday, November 11th, we say thank you to every veteran, from every branch, in every generation.

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The Windom Police Department reported 131 calls in the week of November 2nd to November 8th. Officers had 16 Directed Patrols, 7 Animal Calls, 3 Citizen Complaints, conducted 22 Predatory Offender Checks, made 2 Public Assists, investigated 2 Suspicious persons, 2 Suspicious Vehicles,1 Theft, and conducted 58 Traffic Stops. For a full listing of all calls in the Windom Police Department’s Weekly Citizens Report click link below.

Windom Police Weekly Citizens Report

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Windom Area Schools are gearing up to bring a fan favorite to the stage this week as students prepare for their production of Grease:School Version Opening Night is Thursday November 13th at 7pm and followed by Performances on the 14th, and 15th at 7 p.m at the Windom Area High School Lecture Hall.

Director Emily Riordan says choosing Grease was driven by the students themselves. “They’ve talked about this musical for multiple years,” she says. “This cast was the perfect fit for all the roles, and it’s been great seeing them grow into their characters.” The show features 33 students, and Riordan says they’ll be more than ready when opening night arrives. Riordan added, “They improve with every practice. They’re determined to put on an incredible show and they’re so excited to perform for the public.” Riordan is joined by Assistant Director Sarah Theesfeld and Vocal Director Rachel Axford—her longtime production partners of the past six years. The musical runs about an hour and a half, and families are encouraged to bring younger children to experience live theatre. Tickets are available online through Wednesday, November 12th at 3 p.m. at VancoEvents.com, using event code DJTU. In-person tickets can be purchased now through November 12th at the Community Ed Office, and November 13th and 14th at the Middle/High School Office. Tickets will also be sold at the door each night, pending availability. Windom Area High School presents Grease: School Version November 13th through the 15th at 7 p.m.

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The Minnesota Department of Transportation advises motorists that Highway 4 between 1st Avenue South and 4th Avenue North in St. James will be closed on Friday, Nov. 14 as the Union Pacific Railroad makes repairs to the railroad crossing across the highway.

Motorists will be detoured to 1st Avenue South, 6th Avenue South, and Watonwan County Road 55 in St. James.

The repairs are expected to be complete by the end of the day on Nov. 14, weather permitting.

For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org