The Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office reported 47 calls in the week of August 9th to August 15th. The week’s activity included one accident with injuries and one without injuries, along with one ambulance medical call. Deputies also responded to a DWI, a DANCO violation, a report of gunshots fired, a juvenile offender call and a damage to property complaint. Other calls included one computer or phone scam and one fraud report. Deputies conducted 13 predatory offender checks, five civil process calls, three traffic stops and assisted three motorists. The report also included two suspicious vehicle calls and two warrant-related calls. A full listing of all calls in the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Citizens Report is available by clicking the link below.
————————————————————-
The future of WindomNet remains unsettled following last night’s Windom City Council meeting, despite the second reading of Ordinance 211 passing on a 3-to-2 vote. The ordinance, which addresses the disposition of WindomNet’s real estate and assets, was approved with Councilmembers Scott Benson, Jenny Quade and James Nelson voting yes. Councilmembers Jayesun Sherman and Esplan voted no. Before the vote, Nelson asked City Administrator Steve Nasby what would happen if Mayor Hilary Mathis vetoes the ordinance. Nasby explained that if a veto is issued, the mayor’s objections would be filed and the matter would return to the council at either a special meeting or its next regular meeting. The council would then consider whether to sustain or override the veto. Sherman reiterated his opposition to the sale, saying his position has not changed. He said there is “nothing personal” behind his decision and that he continues to believe not selling WindomNet to Federated is what is best for Windom in the years ahead. Mathis also addressed the possibility of a veto. She said she has gone back and forth during the process as new information, numbers and arguments have surfaced, and defended the veto authority provided to the mayor under the City Charter as a check and balance. Mathis said she had expected considerably more council discussion Tuesday night and plans to take the comments and information presented under consideration before announcing by the end of the week whether she will veto the ordinance. Public comment also included remarks from Windom resident Diane Kruger, who again voiced her opposition to selling WindomNet. Kruger questioned why voters were not given the opportunity to decide the future of the municipal telecommunications system and raised concerns about public participation throughout the process. Kruger told the council that a 3-to-2 decision does not represent unity and argued that Windom taxpayers, as the investors in WindomNet, should have had a greater voice in determining its future. She also questioned portions of the proposed agreement with Federated, including the $1.5 million construction offset. For now, Ordinance 211 has passed its second reading by a 3-to-2 vote, but whether it moves forward or returns to the City Council will depend on Mayor Mathis’s decision regarding a possible veto, which she said she expects to announce by Friday.
————————————————————————-
Organizations in Jackson and Cottonwood Counties have an opportunity to receive funding for programs addressing the impact of the opioid epidemic. DVHHS’s Casey Williams says the money comes from a national opioid settlement, with the two counties expected to receive more than one-million dollars over several years.
“We are looking for community initiatives… specifically prevention, law enforcement, harm reduction and treatment, even in recovery.”
Applicants may request up to 24-thousand dollars from each county or potentially 48-thousand dollars for a project serving both counties. Williams says the goal is to put those settlement dollars to work locally.
“We’re just trying to… get this to the people who can help those who need it.”
The soft application period runs through August 28th, with a final deadline of October 2nd. More information is available at DVHHS-dot-org-slash-opioid. Casey was featured on KDOM’s Kaleidoscope on August 3rd if you would like to listen it in full, go to KDOM’s website at windomradio.com and clicking on Podcasts.
————————————————————