Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office reported 44 calls in the week of July 5th to July 11th. Deputies conducted 7 Civil Processes, 1 Concern for Welfare and 2 Traffic Stops. Deputies responded to 2 Harrassment calls, 1 Domestic Assault, 1 Disorderly Conduct, 1 Verbal Domestic and 1 Verbal Only Call. Deputies investigated 1 Suspicious Activity, 1 Theft, 1 Driving Complaint, and looked into an abandoned vehicle. A full listing of all calls in the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Citizens Report is available by clicking the link below.
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The Windom Area School Board received updates from elementary and high school administrators during its meeting Tuesday night as preparations continue for the start of the 2026-27 school year. Elementary Principal Corey Barfknecht reported that all state reporting requirements have been completed and staff are now focused on preparing for the upcoming school year. He said new social studies curriculum materials have begun arriving and are being distributed to teachers. Barfknecht also discussed several proposed changes to the elementary student handbook. One change would require students to keep water bottles in their lockers and use clear bottles only. He said teachers have reported that water bottles on desks have become a distraction and that students have been bringing beverages other than water to school. Another proposed handbook change would discourage parents from bringing fast food lunches to students during the school day. Barfknecht said the change supports the district’s health and wellness initiatives and helps address concerns about fairness among students. Parents would still be allowed to check their child out for a special lunch and return them to school afterward. He also noted that the district’s New Teacher Boot Camp is scheduled for July 21 and gave a shout-out to the custodial and maintenance staff for their work preparing buildings and grounds for the new school year. At the high school, Principal Bryan Joyce reported that the district is fully staffed on the teaching side, with all teachers properly licensed for the upcoming year. The district is still looking to fill several paraprofessional positions. Joyce said summer office hours at the middle and high school will continue through August 10, with regular office hours resuming August 11. He also noted that six new teachers will be joining the middle and high school staff and will participate in the district’s New Teacher Boot Camp. Looking ahead, Joyce said the high school’s focus this year will center on the “ABCs” – attendance, behavior and credit acquisition. He said the district is aiming to have at least 90 percent of students maintain a 90 percent attendance rate, believing that improved attendance and positive behavior will lead to greater student success in the classroom. The annual fall athletics eligibility meeting for students participating in sports is scheduled for Monday, August 10, at the elementary school.
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Windom City Hall will be Closing Early this Friday! Residents planning to visit Windom City Hall this week should make note of an early closure. The City of Windom has announced that City Hall will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 17, for an employee event. City officials apologize for any inconvenience and ask residents to plan their visits accordingly. Regular business hours are expected to resume on the next business day. Anyone needing to conduct business with the city is encouraged to do so before the 1 p.m. closing time on Friday.
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The annual Coats for Kids Drive is returning to Windom and organizers say it’s a great opportunity to make a difference for local families. This year’s event will be held in partnership with the UCAP Back to School Drive on Wednesday, August 26, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the BARC Building, located at 1012 Fifth Avenue in Windom. Families in need of winter clothing can receive coats on a first-come, first-served basis. Community members are also encouraged to donate clean, gently used coats, gloves, mittens, snow pants, and boots to help local children stay warm this winter. For information on donation drop-off locations, check out KDOM’s Community Calendar. Questions can be directed to Luke Ewald at Cottonwood County Public Health at 507-847-6930. Organizers say every donation helps ensure area children are ready for the cold months ahead.