Mountain Lake Police reported 22 calls from December 23rd to December 28th. Officers conducted several traffic stops, assisted residents with welfare checks, assisted the Mountain Lake Ambulance Service on several calls, responded to a suicidal individual and took a theft report that remains under investigation. For a full listing of all calls of the Mountain Lake Police Department click on link below.
Mountain Lake Police Department December 23rd to December 28th
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December Weather Stats 1/1/26
The monthly weather statistics have been reported for the city of Windom in December. The information is compiled by Dave Fjeld, the local weather observer, and reported to the National Weather Service Office in Sioux Falls. December rainfall was just 62 hundredths of an inch compared to 68 hundredths of an inch in 2024. Total rainfall for the year was just 26 and three tenths of an inch compared to 38 and 76 hundredths of an inch in 2024. Snowfall totals were seven point four inches in December. We received 18 point 6 inches so far this season compared just 10 point 7 inches of snowfall last November and December. The high temperature for the month was 45 degrees on December 16th and the 28th and the low of -9 occurred on December 12th. Last year’s low was -5.
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I know you don’t want to hear it, but with the end of the year comes the need to get your taxes in order. United Community Action Partnership, or UCAP, will once again be offering free tax preparation clinics across southwest Minnesota. This year, in-person tax sites will be available in Hutchinson, Jackson, Litchfield, Marshall, Redwood Falls, Willmar, Windom and Worthington. The clinics are designed to help low- to moderate-income individuals and families who may not be able to afford tax preparation fees. UCAP is also looking for volunteers to help make the program possible. According to UCAP Family Services Manager Michelle Jensen, all tax clinics are volunteer-driven and rely on community members to operate. She says people do not need prior tax experience to get involved. UCAP provides free training so volunteers can become IRS-certified tax preparers, but they also need help with greeters, intake assistants, quality reviewers, and interpreters. Volunteers gain new skills, valuable experience, and even have their own taxes prepared for free. The tax clinics are offered in partnership with the United Way of Southwest Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Revenue, the Internal Revenue Service, and other community partners to help ensure taxpayers receive all eligible credits and refunds. Last year, the program served more than 2,200 households. Anyone interested in learning more or volunteering is encouraged to contact Michelle Jensen at 507-537-1416, extension 1352, email taxstaff@unitedcapmn.org, or visit www.unitedcapmn.org
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So it begins… The struggle is real I mean we are already on Day Two of 2026. Hopefully you have squared all your to-do’s away for the 2025 year and refocused for the upcoming show in 2026. I think the worst part of flipping to a new year is the having to remember to write 2026. We have so many calendars to keep us straight but there is just something in my brain that doesn’t compute until about March or April. Over the years I have just learned to accept this fate. Did you set your resolutions? Did you pick a word for the year? Today is National Motivation and Inspiration Day, I am guessing because after staying up all night on the 31st no one is “really” motivated to do much on the 1st! I have to laugh because if eating healthier or cutting out the carbs is on your list TODAY is not your day because it is National Buffet Day and National Cream Puff Day, no wonder 95% of resolutions are broken so early!!! I mean it’s Cream Puff Day!!! Whatever you have decided to do to for the New Year, I hope that you are motivated and inspired to be awesome and kind, that is all that really matters!
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