Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office reported 25 calls in the week of March 8th to March 14th. Deputies conducted 41 Civil Processes, issued 1 Parking Violation, responded to a Verbal Only Domestic Call, 1 Citizen Complaint, 2 Civil Disputes, 1 Harrassment, investigated 3 Suspicious Activities, 1 Suspicious Person, 1 Theft, 3 Frauds, and conducted 1 Traffic Stop. A full listing of all calls in the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Citizens Report is available by clicking the link below.
SO Weekly Citizen Report March 8th to 14th
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The City of Windom Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 24th to gather input on proposed changes to the city code that would establish a new zoning district focused on technology facilities and data centers. The proposed ordinance would add City Code Sections 152.180 through 152.184, creating what’s called the “I-3 Planned Innovation, Research & Technology District.” This district is designed to regulate the construction, layout, and operation of data centers, including facilities used for crypto-mining, artificial intelligence processing, cloud storage, and other technology operations.
According to Windom City Administrator Steve Nasby, this effort comes after previous discussions surrounding potential data center development in the area. He says the City Council directed the Planning Commission to review existing land use codes and determine whether appropriate zoning regulations are in place if a proposal were to come forward again. When a data center project was previously explored near Windom, there was little to no language in city or county code addressing those types of facilities. Nasby emphasizes that no specific project is currently being proposed with this City Code amendment. Instead, the goal is to establish clear guidelines ahead of time. These regulations would help determine where data centers could locate and set standards to manage impacts such as noise, building standards, and compatibility with nearby properties.
The proposed I-3 district would function as an overlay district and could apply to areas currently zoned Highway Business, Light Industrial, and Heavy Industrial. Any future project would still be required to go through a Conditional Use Permit review process, allowing the city to evaluate infrastructure needs like electricity and utilities. On that note, Nasby says Windom’s municipal electric utility does have some excess capacity, meaning a smaller-scale data center could potentially be supported. However, he notes that capacity is not unlimited, and regional transmission constraints would likely limit any development in the area to a relatively small size. He also points out that data centers serve a wide range of purposes beyond cryptocurrency, including data storage and artificial intelligence applications, and that demand for these facilities is expected to continue growing nationwide. Within the Planning Commission’s discussion, possible standards under consideration in Windom include building height limits, setback requirements from residential or agricultural properties, and screening requirements to shield equipment and generators from view. The regulations would also address concerns related to high power usage and noise.
The public hearing will take place Tuesday, March 24th at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Windom City Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend and share their input. The proposed ordinance is available on the City of Windom website, at City Hall, or at the Windom Public Library. For more information, you can contact the Building and Zoning Office at 507-832-8660.
OFFICIAL PUBLIC NOTICE: City of Windom Public Notice- for Public Hearing 3-24-26
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A night of big prizes and even bigger impact is coming to Windom this weekend. Wild Compass Environmental Education is hosting its High Roller BINGO fundraiser on Saturday, March 21st at Phat Pheasant Pub. Paper sales begin at 4:00 p.m., with the first call at 6:00 p.m. This isn’t your average bingo night organizers are promising a high-stakes experience with 10 games and more than $6,000 in cash prizes on the line. The event will feature two $1,000 must-go coverall jackpots, a $500 hotball, tipboards, and additional chances to win throughout the evening. Bingo packets will be available for $100 and sold at the door, with seating limited to the capacity of the venue, so early arrival is encouraged.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase during the event, making it a full night out for participants looking to try their luck while supporting a good cause.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Wild Compass Environmental Education, a nonprofit organization based in Lakefield dedicated to “nurturing a passion for nature with hands-on environmental education.” Since launching its programs in 1994, Wild Compass has reached tens of thousands of learners across southwest Minnesota through field trips, community education classes, public programs, and outreach initiatives. Serving everyone from preschoolers to adults, the organization focuses on helping people connect with the region’s rich natural resources while building a deeper appreciation for the environment and local communities. Organizers say events like High Roller BINGO play a key role in keeping those educational opportunities accessible and growing across the region.
For more information, you can visit the Wild Compass Environmental Education Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/WildCompassEnvironmentalEducation