Jackson County Sheriff’s Office reported 18 calls from February 2nd to February 5th. A deputy responded a disturbance in Jackson, a domestic disturbance in Heron Lake, a report of a pickup pulling a car that spun out on US 71 in Jackson with traffic backing up, investigated a report of a homeless male sleeping outside of Burger King and a hit and run in Jackson. Deputies assisted the MN State Patrol two separate accidents, a motorist who accidentally locked a child in their vehicle and both Jackson and Lakefield Ambulance with medical calls. 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 February 2nd to February 5th
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With ice fishing season underway in Cottonwood County and across southwest Minnesota, the Minnesota DNR is reminding anglers that ice conditions can change quickly. The DNR says it takes at least four inches of clear ice to safely walk on a lake, five to seven inches for snowmobiles or small ATVs, and nine to ten inches before driving a small vehicle. White or snow-covered ice is weaker, and anglers are urged to use extra caution. Travis Cain, Conservation Officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Enforcement stationed in Windom, says anglers should also be prepared in case they encounter unstable ice. Cain recommends wearing a float coat or another type of flotation device, carrying ice picks, and bringing a rope when heading out on the ice. There’s no official start date for placing ice houses, but for most inland lakes in southern Minnesota, including Cottonwood County, ice shelters must be removed by March 2. The DNR also reminds anglers to check ice thickness as they go, because conditions can vary widely across the same lake. More information on ice fishing spots, safety tips, and rules can be found on the Minnesota DNR website at www.mndnr.gov
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About 575 Federated Rural Electric members — along with the City of Lakefield — were without power late Friday morning after a piece of equipment failed at a Lakefield substation. The outage happened just before noon and affected members served by Federated’s Wilder substation in northern Jackson County. Power was restored a little after 2 o’clock Friday afternoon. According to Federated officials, the outage was caused by a failed lightning arrestor at the City of Lakefield’s substation. When the arrestor failed, it sent the transmission line to ground, which tripped a breaker at the Lakefield Junction substation and cut power to the area. Federated Operations Manager Mort VanDeVere thanked members for their patience during the outage, saying crews worked through a major transmission issue to safely restore service as quickly as possible. Federated Rural Electric is a Touchstone Energy cooperative serving more than 5,300 members across Jackson and Martin Counties.
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Today is the last day for early voting for the 2026 Windom School Facility Plan Bond Referendum. If you cannot make it to the polls tomorrow at the Windom Community Center, you may cast a ballot today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Windom School District Office, located at 1400 17th Street. Voters should enter through the Middle/High School doors by the flagpole.
Election Day is TOMORROW, Tuesday, February 10th from 10am to 8pm at the Windom Community Center. Complete details about the bond referendum can be found at windom.k12.mn.us. Windom Public Schools encourage residents to be informed and exercise their right to vote. Whether your vote is yes or no, the only way your voice is heard is by casting a ballot.
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