Windom Police Department reported 98 calls in the week of April 19th to April 25th. Officers had 18 Directed Patrols, 2 Animal Calls, 2 Motorist Assists, 2 Public Assists and 1 Prisoner Transport. Officers investigated 1 Suspicious Activity, 2 Suspicious People, 1 Suspicious Vehicle, 1 Theft, 3 Driving Complaints and 2 Harassment calls. Officers conducted 2 Concerns for Welfare, 1 Predatory Offender Check, and 35 Traffic Stops. A full listing of all calls in the Windom Police Department’s Weekly Citizens Report is available by clicking the link below.
Windom Police Dept weekly report April 19th to April 25th
——————————————————
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office reported 36 calls from April 20th to April 26th. Deputies responded to 3 Domestic Disturbances in Jackson, a Child Protection Issue, a report of a suspicious person on Petersburg Road south of Jackson, a report of harassment, and a report of vandalism. Deputies conducted several traffic stops, and a requested welfare check. The Jackson Fire Department was paged to a grass fire in the ditch on CR 17 near I-90. The Okabena Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a tractor fully engulfed in flames on CR 9 in Rost Township. The Round Lake Fire Department was paged to a grass fire in Round Lake Township. 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 April 20th to April 26th
—————————————————–
A familiar face in southwest Minnesota agriculture will continue to help guide the future of the soybean industry. Brewster farmer Ron Obermoller has been reelected to the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, earning another three-year term representing District 7. His return comes as part of the Council’s 2026 election results, announced in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. A 12-year veteran of the Council, Obermoller brings experience and a steady voice to the 15-person, farmer-led board, which oversees soybean checkoff dollars on behalf of nearly 26,000 Minnesota farmers. Funded through a federally mandated program, those dollars are invested to promote soybeans, support research, and develop new market opportunities. Looking ahead, Obermoller says building stronger demand close to home will be key. “We need to be able to consume our product here,” he said, emphasizing the importance of expanding domestic uses for soybeans from livestock feed to renewable fuels. As Minnesota’s top agricultural export, soybeans play a major role in the state’s economy, and leaders like Obermoller are tasked with ensuring that continues. With his reelection, local farmers can expect a continued focus on innovation, problem-solving, and keeping Minnesota competitive in the global marketplace. Obermoller’s new term officially begins July 1, 2026.
Press Release: Official Press Release- Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council
————————————————————
The Windom Area Public Schools School Board approved a new four-year transportation contract with Palmer Bus Service of Windom, Inc. during its meeting on Tuesday setting rates and service terms through June 2030. Superintendent Jamie Frank told the board the agreement came after negotiations by the district’s transportation committee, noting the first-year increase will be 5.43 percent In the subsequent years, it’s the state aid… plus 1% with a cap of 3.25. She added that future increases will be tied to state funding emphasizing the contract limits long-term cost growth. The agreement runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030, and covers daily routes, special education transportation, and extracurricular trips. Base daily route costs are set at $395 for full-size buses, with additional rates for smaller vehicles, aides, and mileage. One of the most notable changes came during negotiations over district-owned vans.
Board member Bruce Mews noted the district’s approach of owning vans is unique but cost-effective. The contract also shifts weather-day costs to a 90/10 split and includes a middle school route loop at no added cost. The board approved the agreement following brief discussion.
—————————————————-