Local Headline News

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

REDWOOD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE  had a Vehicle VS Cows incident on June 13th at approximately 11:30 pm. A 34-year-old male from Redwood Falls was driving a 2003 Jeep on County State Aid Highway 1 near 300th Street.

The driver advised he had struck 3 cows that were standing in the roadway. The driver had minimal injuries and was checked out by ambulance staff. The Sheriff’s Office was unable to locate the owners of the cows. The cows are described as having a blue tag in the right ear. Two of the cows were black and the other was orange and white. The tags had the numbers 1, 7, and 8 on each one individually. If you know who may own these cows, please contact the Redwood County Sheriff’s Office at 507-637-4036. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Centra Care Ambulance. This remains under investigation.

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The Jeffers City Council met in Regular Session on Monday. The Council heard from Alex Pieffer objections on receiving a letter regarding his flag/sign on his property that has received complaints. After discussing the wording on the flag/sign the council decided that the profanity is not sexually explicit and according to Council Member Shelia Ryker, the Oxford dictionary states it is “an expression of anger.” The council then told Pieffer he can disregard the letter. Mayor Prins stated that the Jeffers Fire Department has decided to add their own General Account to their Relief Association. Public Works Superintendent, Lance Holmen reported that the pump at the ponds needs maintenance, and the grader is also having maintenance done. The Council approved letters to be sent to residents with noxious weeds.

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Anyone with a 2022 Minnesota fishing or hunting license can receive a free camouflage Minnesota Twins logo cap thanks to a special Twins ticket offer.

The Minnesota DNR Days are back at Twins games this season, through a partnership between the Twins and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The upcoming Minnesota DNR Days partnership games at Target Field in Minneapolis are:

  • Saturday, June 25, vs. the Colorado Rockies at 6:15 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 3, vs. the Baltimore Orioles at 1:10 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Aug. 16, vs. the Kansas City Royals at 6:40 p.m.
  • Friday, Sept. 9 vs. the Cleveland Guardians at 7:10 p.m.

License holders can purchase a reserved game ticket online and receive a special Twins cap at the game. Ticket prices vary by game. All ticket holders under this partnership will pick up their cap at the game. Instructions for purchasing tickets are on the Minnesota DNR Days page (mndnr.gov/Twins).

People may buy fishing and hunting licenses at any DNR license agent, online with a mobile or desktop device (mndnr.gov/BuyALicense), or by phone at 888-665-4236. Mobile license buyers receive a text or email that serves as proof of a valid fish or game license to state conservation officers.

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Des Moines Valley Health and Human Services Board Meeting will be held on Thursday June 16th at 9am in the Jackson County Government East Cafeteria. This meeting can also be accessed via phone or electronic device through GoToWebinar.

Please register for Regular DVHHS Board Meeting – Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 9:00 AM CDT at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1339315537379908878  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar via computer and/or phone.

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Mountain Lake Chamber will meet at NOON  on Thursday, June 16th at the Mt Lake City Hall.

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The Nobles County Republicans will hold their meeting on Thursday June 16th at the Worthington Pizza Ranch. Social begins at 5:30 and meeting at 6pm.

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The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) assumed control of Pine Haven Care Center in Pine Island this past weekend due to concerns that a growing list of unpaid bills threatened critical services for residents.

The Ramsey County court granted the temporary order Friday, June 10, that allows regulators to protect residents’ safety and ensure continued care at the facility while operations and management issues are addressed. MDH arranged for Pathway Health, a professional management organization, to serve as the facility’s managing agent during the receivership. Residents and staff were informed of the change over the weekend.

MDH acted after staff found evidence that the facility’s growing list of unpaid bills and inability to meet payroll threatened staffing levels, critical services and medications for residents. MDH and the temporary management team will stabilize the facilities’ operations to support staff and to ensure patients receive quality care. The facility has 52 residents and is licensed for 70 beds. According to Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm,

“This rare step is one they don’t take lightly, but the evidence indicated a need for immediate action to ensure that residents are safe and continue to receive essential services. They are focused on a smooth transition and determining the next steps that will meet the needs of residents, staff, and families.”

Receiverships, authorized by state law, allow regulators to assume control of a nursing home in certain situations where there are serious health and safety concerns for residents. By law, the receivership cannot exceed 18 months. In a receivership, MDH becomes responsible for operations and finances of the nursing home and typically appoints a managing agent to conduct the daily work of managing the facility.

Health Regulation Division Director Maria King stated they are communicating with family members and residents about the transition as they work to stabilize operations, and they will work with the new managing agent to help residents and employees through this transition.