A weekend fire in Slayton left a local home and business destroyed, but no serious injuries were reported thanks to a rapid, multi-agency response. According to information from the Slayton Fire Department crews were called around 11:30am on the 18th, for a vehicle on fire inside of Harold’s Service located at 2119 Broadway Avenue Slayton. Upon Arrival the crews were met with smoke and fire coming out of the front of the building and additional resources were requested as the situation escalated into a structure fire. Firefighters from Slayton were assisted by multiple neighboring departments and agencies, including the Currie Fire Department, Lake Wilson Fire Department, and Pipestone Fire Department, which was dispatched at approximately 12:27 p.m. and responded with a ladder truck. Law enforcement and emergency services on scene included the Slayton Police Department, Murray County Sheriff’s Office, and Murray County Ambulance, which evaluated a victim as a precaution. Additional support came from Slayton Public Works, Haken Construction, Alex Air Apparatus, Slayton Pizza Ranch, Chandler Coop, the American Red Cross, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Slayton Fire Department Auxiliary. Officials say the fire resulted in a total loss of the property, which included both a repair shop and a residence owned by Glenn Yotter. Community members report that Yotter and his dog were able to escape safely. In a statement, the Slayton Fire Department expressed gratitude for the coordinated effort, noting, “It truly takes a village to take care of these incidents,” and praising the strong partnerships among area responders. Community support efforts are already underway. A fund has reportedly been established at Minnwest Bank to assist Yotter as he recovers from the loss. According to Fire Chief Chris LeTendre, the crews fully extinguished the fire and cleared the scene around 4:30pm. The fire is currently under investigation by the state fire marshal’s office.
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Today’s Meetings include:
- The Mountain Lake City Council meets tonight at 5:45 p.m. at Mt Lake City Hall at 930 Third Avenue with a mix of routine approvals and financial discussions on the agenda. Two resolutions are scheduled for approval one addresses the display of the state flag, while the other involves administration of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act. Residents will have an opportunity to speak during a public comment period, with up to ten minutes set aside for individuals to raise concerns or share input with the council. The City Administrator will lead a discussion on first-quarter revenues and expenses for 2026, offering a snapshot of the city’s financial position. Annexation will also be discussed, though no formal action is listed. The meeting will wrap up with a roundtable discussion, including updates from various city commissions and boards. In addition to tonight’s meeting, the City of Mountain Lake has scheduled its Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting for Tuesday, April 21, at 5:30 p.m.
- The Mountain Lake Public Schools School Board meets tonight at 5:30pm at the school in room 101 with a full agenda focused on staffing, finances, and school programs. The meeting includes an open forum where coaching and the boys basketball program will be discussed. Board members will hear several reports, including the superintendent’s update, upcoming safety planning, and an initial look at the 2027 budget outlook. Key action items include a vote on renewing the school referendum, setting future meeting and tax hearing schedules, and multiple personnel decisions ranging from new hires and resignations to coaching changes. Additional items include a summer custodial plan and a bus barn landscaping project.
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The Murray County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday, April 21st at 8:30 a.m. with a full agenda that includes financial items, public input, and several infrastructure projects. A public hearing is scheduled for a tax abatement request from Randy Kottke. Additional items include a grant discussion for safer streets, an annual report from Southwest Health and Human Services, and multiple road project bids and agreements presented by the county engineer. Other business includes equipment purchases for emergency management, hiring and staffing updates, and several administrative changes, most notably discussion on restructuring county leadership, including reinstating the County Coordinator position and appointing Roger Zins.
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Jackson County Board of Commissioners and the Drainage Authority will meet Tuesday at 9am at the Jackson County Court House
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The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners will be meeting April 21st at 9:00am at the Cottonwood County Courthouse
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The St James City Council meets on Tuesday at 5:30pm in St. James City Hall Council Chambers. Meetings can be viewed live or anytime on the City of St James’s YouTube Channel.
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The Windom City Council meets Tuesday at 6:30pm with a mix of routine approvals and key community updates on the agenda. Council members will hear a budget presentation from Windom Area Health along with a second reading of an ordinance covering minor code updates. Other business includes a variance request for a Lakeview Avenue property, economic development action involving a TIF district, and updates on airport projects and funding. Old business includes updates on WindomNet proposals and a local option sales tax resolution before closing with council comments. Meetings can be viewed live or anytime on the City of Windom’s YouTube channel.
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