Cottonwood County Public Works announced on Thursday that the Des Moines River bridge on County Road 15 near the Windom Country Club will open to local traffic TODAY!!! County officials say several restrictions will remain in place as the concrete continues to reach full strength. A 20-ton weight limit will be enforced, with no semi or heavy truck traffic allowed. The bridge will be open only to passenger vehicles and light local traffic. Barricades will remain along both sides of the bridge, and weight limit signs will be posted. Traffic will also be monitored to ensure safety. Public Works officials say the restrictions will allow local access while protecting the bridge until all construction requirements are met. Final finishing work on the bridge project is scheduled to be completed next spring.
———————————————–
The Windom City Council met Tuesday and heard updates from Economic Development Authority Director Sonya Wilt, including action on the Cottonwood County Home Initiative Program. The Council approved a resolution renewing Windom’s participation in the Home Initiative Program for another three years, beginning January 1st of 2026. The program provides a five-year tax abatement to encourage new residential construction and housing development. Over the past nine years, the program has resulted in 42 new homes in Windom. The Council also adopted a $320,000 valuation cap for single-family homes eligible for the abatement. Council members also approved a Conditional Use Permit allowing a cannabis retail store to operate at 2320 Highway 60, the former Windom Floor and Sleep Shop. The permit was granted to Blush Buds, LLC, following a recommendation from the Planning Commission. The approval includes several conditions, including state licensing, sheriff’s department inspection, restricted hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., no on-site consumption, and no alcohol sales. The business must also maintain a separate entrance from the neighboring Phat Pheasant Pub. City officials say there is no expected fiscal impact from either action.
—————————————————————
The Windom Women of Today continue their 2025 Windom United Drive, with a fundraising goal of $20,000. Organizers remind the community the drive is a local effort and is not affiliated with the United Way, all donations stay right here in Windom. Donor cards are available at Bank Midwest, United Prairie Bank, Leading Edge Credit Union, and the Windom Area Chamber office. Residents are encouraged to “Show Windom Cares” by filling out a card and choosing how their donation is divided among 23 local charities, with a write-in option also available. Donations to listed organizations must be at least one dollar, and write-in charities must receive at least twenty dollars to be included. Those without a preference can simply return the card with their contribution. Donations may be mailed to Windom United Drive, P.O. Box 222, Windom, or dropped off at Bank Midwest. The drive officially runs through the first of January, with donations accepted through February. Funds will be distributed to local organizations in March. The Women of Today say when everyone gives a little, together it makes a big difference.
————————————————-
How many times in this past week have you thought, I don’t have it in me to get everything done that needs doing OR thought there is no way I am going to be able to climb that mountain OR just looked at the statistics and knew that the odds were stacked against you… Well TODAY is your day!!! It is National Under Dog Day, so no matter how bad you think you are losing the perpetual battle in time and life, YOU have to KNOW YOU GOT THIS!!!! The world is cheering you on today so pull those pants up, straighten those shoulders and take on the day with gusto… because no matter what the odds, if you are at the bottom of the statistical numbers pool, you are being cheered for and have what it takes to show everyone (especially yourself) That on any given day YOU CAN AND WILL WIN!!!! Oh and if you get an Oatmeal Muffin today it is a good thing because for some reason we celebrate that too… I’d much rather have Cranberry Orange or Blueberry but TODAY it is all about the Oatmeal!! Celebrate big and take life on with your head up and with a fire in your eye!!!