The Redwood County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash on the morning of April 22nd at approximately 7:33 a.m. The accident occurred on County State Aid Highway 7, just south of 270th Street in Vail Township. According to the report, the crash involved a 2015 school bus and a 2006 Chevy Tahoe. Authorities say the Tahoe, driven by a 16-year-old juvenile, rear-ended the bus. The school bus, driven by a 40-year-old Tracy woman, was carrying more than 20 occupants at the time of the crash. The driver of the Tahoe sustained injuries and was transported by ambulance to receive medical treatment. Officials also confirmed that two to three juvenile passengers on the bus reported injuries. At least one of those individuals was taken to the hospital by private vehicle with what were described as minor injuries. Emergency responders from multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including the Minnesota State Patrol, Wabasso Fire Department, Wabasso Ambulance, and CentraCare Ambulance. The crash remains under investigation by the Redwood County Sheriff’s Office.
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The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners handled a range of routine business during its meeting on the 21st, including approving a loan to support building repairs, advancing a grant application, and hiring seasonal staff. Commissioners approved the meeting agenda as amended and signed off on minutes from the April 7th meeting early in the session. One of the key actions included approving a $50,000 Blandin Seed Fund loan for roof repairs at the Business, Arts, and Recreation Center (BARC) building. The loan carries a 4.75% interest rate and will be repaid with a balloon payment within three years. The board also authorized the chair to sign the agreement. In other business, the board gave the County Attorney approval to apply for a Crime Victim Services grant, aimed at supporting services for victims in the county. Commissioners also approved updated bylaws for the Opioid Settlement Advisory Council, continuing efforts to guide the use of settlement funds related to opioid litigation.To close out the meeting, commissioners approved April warrants totaling $118,870.92.
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At the Tuesday meeting of the Windom City Council, members received an update on the city’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project from Electric Superintendent Jason Sykora, who announced a major milestone had been reached. Sykora told the council that installation of the city’s new electric meters is now complete.
Sykora went onto explain, to address the issue, the city plans to install signal repeaters on street light receptacles to strengthen communication between meters. Sykora said May 1st will mark the final round of manual “drive-by” readings for electric meters. After that, the system will transition to fully remote operation. Once they finish up billing at the first part of May, Sykora said they will authorize the water meters to start talking to the new electric meters, and then everything will be read remotely…back at City Hall. Although the new system will streamline operations, Sykora noted that time savings were not the primary goal. it was managing the data and other stuff. Still, the shift will improve accuracy and efficiency. Meter readings, which previously took about a week of combined work between departments, will now be completed almost instantly. The new system will also provide more precise data by aligning meter readings with the city’s revenue tracking. Sykora stated they will be pulling reads right at midnight…so it tightens that gap up a little more. Following completion of the AMI project, Sykora said crews are moving directly into the 1st Avenue project. Finance Director Donna Torkelson also informed the Council and public that City Hall will start their summer hours on May 1st. The Offices will open at 7:30am and Close at 4pm until August 31st.
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Today is one of my most favorite National Days.. It is National Cherry Cheesecake Day. I just had a conversation with Joe and Zach about how Cheesecake is one of my ultimate favorite desserts of all time. Throwing cherries on top just makes it even more amazing! I think I will e-mail everyone today to celebrate as it IS National E-mail Day too! And remember that it is National Take a Chance Day, so if there is something that has been on that bucket list or the I really want too, but don’t know if I should list, DO IT!!! TAKE THE CHANCE!!!