Jackson County Sheriff’s Office reported 17 calls from December 15th to December 18th. Deputies responded to a Domestic Disturbance in Jackson, in Heron Lake and a Disturbance in Ewington Township. Deputies responded to several vehicle accidents and calls. Deputies handled a couple Juvenile Calls and responded to a report of shoplifting at the Expressway in Heron Lake. A full listing of all calls for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department is available by clicking link below.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Report December 15th to December 18th
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The Windom City Council approved the 2026 City Budget and tax levy during its meeting on the 16th. Council members adopted a resolution setting the 2025 tax levy, collectable in 2026, at just under $2.79 million. The levy will fund general city operations and services for the coming year. Following approval, City Administrator Steve Nasby was directed to forward the certified levy to the Cottonwood County Auditor. In addition to the 2026 budget, the council also approved several 2025 budget amendments. Adjustments reflected updated revenues and expenses throughout the year, including fire and pool revenues, grant reimbursements, flood-related costs, and funding tied to state and federal grants such as FEMA flood reimbursement and a USDA fire grant. Council members also reviewed the city’s 2025 S.M.A.R.T. Goals Dashboard Report, which outlined progress made by each department. Officials noted a high percentage of completed goals, with many departments reaching or exceeding expectations. Departments highlighted accomplishments ranging from infrastructure and technology improvements to public safety upgrades, economic development efforts, and regulatory compliance. Several goals remain in progress or are scheduled to continue into 2026 due to staffing changes, grant timelines, or pending FEMA appeals. Following the review, the council approved the 2026 S.M.A.R.T. Goals, which outline measurable objectives for each department in the coming year. Council members expressed appreciation to city staff for developing clear, thoughtful, and easy-to-follow S.M.A.R.T. goals, noting they made it easy to compare progress across departments. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss telecommunications matters. No action was taken following that discussion.
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The Mountain Lake City met last week and council members approved the agenda and consent items, including bills, payroll, board minutes, and 2026 tobacco and liquor licenses. The council also approved 2026 wages, salaries, and step increases for city employees. During a Truth in Taxation public hearing on the First of December, City Administrator Michael Mueller reviewed the proposed 2026 budget and tax levy. The preliminary levy included a seven percent increase, largely tied to planning for the new Fire and Ambulance Hall. After discussion, the council reduced the final levy by spreading costs over two years. The final levy was approved at just over 1.11 million dollars.
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Meetings today include:
- The Windom Area Health Governing Board of Directors will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the Large Conference Room.
- Jeffers City Council will meet at 7:00 p.m. at Jeffers City Hall.
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After a fun and competitive couple of weeks, the KDOM Reindeer Races are heading into the home stretch. Semi-final races are being run this morning to determine who will advance to the final Reindeer Races, scheduled for Tuesday morning at approximately 9:15am. The stakes are high for the finalists. The overall winner will have their December 2025 utility bill paid and will also receive a loose flower arrangement from Shannon Lynn’s Floral & Boutique. Second place will win a complete furnace checkup and tune-up from Hall’s Handy Heating and Cooling, valued at 169 dollars. Third place will take home a KDOM prize pack. It’s been an excellent couple of weeks covering the Reindeer Races and KDOM would like to extend a big thank you to all the sponsors who make this promotion possible. For details on the reindeer, prizes, and official rules and regulations, listeners are encouraged to visit KDOM’s Facebook page. The final Reindeer Races can be heard Tuesday morning at approximately 9:15 on KDOM 1580 AM and 103.1 FM, as well as Hot Country 94.3 FM.