The Mountain Lake Police Department reported 33 calls from May 11th to May 17th. Officers Assisted Mt Lake Ambulance, MN State Patrol, St James Police Department, and Mt Lake Fire Department. Officers Mediated a Situation from an ongoing disturbance, investigated a report of possible counterfeit bills, damage to property, vandalism to buses, and an online scam. Officers responded to a Public Disturbance, a possible missing child and conducted several traffic stops. A full listing of all calls for the Mountain Lake Police Department is available by clicking link below.
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The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday approving several items during its regular meeting. Commissioners approved tax abatements for two new residential properties in Bingham Lake, including homes located at 1138 and 1142 Bingham Lake Drive, aimed at supporting residential development in the community. The board also accepted the resignation of a part-time jailer and dispatcher. Looking ahead to employee benefits for next year, commissioners approved hiring an insurance broker to help develop a request for proposals and review health insurance plan options for 2027. In other business, the board approved May warrants totaling just over $235,000.
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The future of WindomNet took another major step Tuesday night following a closed session of the Windom City Council. Council entered closed session under Minnesota Statute 13D.05, subdivision 3, which allows governing bodies to discuss real estate matters privately. The agenda item referenced WindomNet, the city-owned telecommunications utility. While details of the closed-door discussion have not yet been publicly released, an abbreviated update shared by Windom City Council member Jenny Quade on social media outlined the actions taken once council returned to open session. According to Quade, the first motion following the closed session was to not sell WindomNet. That motion, made by Councilman Jayesun Sherman and seconded by Councilman Dennis Esplan, failed on a 2-3 vote. Council then approved a motion to move forward with selling WindomNet by a 3-2 margin, with Quade, James Nelson and Scott Benson voting in favor. A separate motion to sell WindomNet specifically to Federated Broadband, based on that company’s proposal, failed on a 2-3 vote. Nelson, Sherman and Esplan reportedly voted against the Federated proposal. Council’s final action of the night passed unanimously, authorizing negotiations with all three companies that submitted proposals for WindomNet — Federated Broadband, Midco and Southwest Broadband. According to Quade, those negotiations are expected to take place in closed session. At this point, no final agreement has been approved and the city has not publicly identified a preferred buyer. Any decision on the future ownership of WindomNet would ultimately come before the Windom City Council for final consideration and approval.
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As graduation season arrives across southwest Minnesota, caps and gowns are taking center stage as seniors prepare to walk across the stage and begin their next chapter. Schools throughout the KDOM listening area are celebrating the Class of 2026 with commencement ceremonies, honoring years of hard work, perseverance, friendships, and memories made along the way. From small-town classrooms to packed gymnasiums and football fields, families, friends, teachers, and communities are gathering to recognize an important milestone in the lives of local students. For many graduates, the road ahead will lead to college classrooms, technical training, military service, careers close to home, or adventures in new communities. While the paths may differ, each senior leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments, school spirit, and moments that helped shape their hometown schools. At KDOM, we want to congratulate every senior graduating across our listening area. We are proud of your hard work, determination, and the bright futures ahead of you. Whether your next step takes you down the road or across the country, we look forward to seeing the great things you will accomplish and the impact you will make in the years to come. To the Class of 2026, congratulations, dream big, work hard, and never forget the communities cheering you on.