Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office reported 51 calls in the week of April 5th to April 11th. Deputies conducted 11 Civil Processes, 1 Motor Assist and 8 Predatory Offender Checks. Deputies responded to 1 Domestic Assault, 3 Driving Complaints, 1 Harrassment, 1 Terroristic Threat, 1 Verbal Dometic and 1 Verbal only Call. Deputies investigated 1 Fraud, 1 Missing Person, 1 Theft, 1 Hit and Run and conducted 4 Traffic Stops. A full listing of all calls in the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Citizens Report is available by clicking the link below.
——————————————————
Windom Police Department reported n the 13th at approximately 8:47 am an officers was dispatched to the 2000 Block of Great Bend Blvd for reports of suicidal statements according to the reporting party who also stated they were having suicidal . While in route the officer learned that a family member had assaulted the reporting party and had left on foot. After investigation, the female a 47-year-old female from Windom was located and arrested for Domestic Assault, pending review by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
—————————————————————-
At the April 7th meeting of the Windom City Council, City Administrator Steve Nasby explained that the city’s 25-year franchise agreement with Minnesota Energy Resources had officially expired at the end of January. The agreement gives the company the exclusive right to provide natural gas services in the community, and now the utility is asking the city to renew that long-term contract. Before automatically renewing another 25-year agreement, Nasby encouraged the council to consider something new, a possible franchise fee. This type of fee would be charged to the utility for using public right-of-way space, like streets and infrastructure, to deliver gas services. He noted that many other communities already do this, using a variety of methods such as a flat monthly fee per meter or a small percentage added to customer bills. Council members showed clear interest in learning more. Some pointed out that while the fee wouldn’t generate huge revenue, it could still provide steady funding for needs like street repairs or infrastructure improvements. Others appreciated the comparison to nearby communities already charging similar fees, helping give context to what Windom might consider. There was also acknowledgment that any fee would likely appear on customer bills as a pass-through charge, something already common in other cities. Even so, the potential cost increase discussed appeared relatively small on a per-household basis. In the end, no final decision was made, but the direction was clear. The council reached a general consensus to have city staff dig deeper into the idea and bring back more detailed information before moving ahead with renewing the agreement.
———————————————————————-
The Windom Women of Today are encouraging the community to step up and help meet a critical need by donating blood at the upcoming blood drive tomorrow Wednesday, April 15th, from Noon to 6:00 p.m. at the Windom Community Center. Organizers say the need for blood is constant, every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood and donations right now are especially important. This is a perfect opportunity for first-time donors to give it a try, or for those who haven’t donated in a while to get back into the routine. Giving blood is a simple act that can make a life-saving difference It’s not too late to schedule an appointment. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit Red Cross Blood dot org and enter Windom M N. Walk-ins are welcome but making an appoint assures your time.
——————————————-
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding residents to think about pollinators as spring planting season gets underway. If you’re planning yard projects, consider swapping part of your lawn for a rain garden, native plants, or a bee-friendly space. Even shoreline areas can be restored with natural buffers that help protect water quality and wildlife. The DNR says there are plenty of online tools from state agencies and the University of Minnesota Extension to help you choose the right plants for your space. And one important reminder don’t clean up your yard too early. Many pollinators spend the winter in dead leaves and plant material. Experts say to wait until temperatures consistently reach 50 degrees or until you start seeing dandelions before raking or clearing your yard.