Local Headline News

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Windom Police Department reported October Statistics. There were 376 total calls in October. Nine Adult Arrests, 0 Juvenile Arrests and 2 warrants served. There were 17 Accidents with 2 injuries and 2 DUI’s and 33 traffic tickets and warnings were issued. There is a list of Most common Criminal Activities if you are interested in those stats you can find them on the Windom Police Department Facebook Page.

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The Windom Area Chordhustlers will be holding a Food Shelf Benefit Sunday November 27th at 3pm in Lakefield at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Admission is a non-perishable food item or a gift of money. All donations will go to area food shelves. Refreshments will follow the Concert of Christmas Music.

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The Minnesota National Farmers Organization will feature Bruce Shultz, the national Vice President for the National Farmers Organization at the Minnesota State Conventions on Saturday December 3rd at Max’s Grill in Olivia. Bruce is known for researching and writing about a wide variety of agriculture issues. Mike Schulist the head of the organic grain department of National Farmers will also be a highlighted speaker. There will be reports from various department representatives regarding grain, livestock, and dairy marketing and a legislative report. The convention begins at 9:30am with a noon lunch provided by the State Board. Some issues expected to be discussed will be the next farm bill, consolidation in agricultural markets, food security in dairy and livestock industries, and Country of Origin Labeling. The next National Convention will be March 7th and 8th at the Isle Casino in Bettendorf Iowa.

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A pre-Thanksgiving cold snap means some lakes and ponds across Minnesota are beginning to freeze. However, this ice isn’t safe to walk on and the water underneath is dangerously cold.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone to be extremely cautious around the water and, with children home for Thanksgiving break, to talk with them about the risks of cold water and ice.

While ice is never 100% safe, ice in the early stages of formation is particularly dangerous. Falls through the ice or into open water at this time of year can turn tragic quickly, and each year result in serious injuries or deaths.

Parents and guardians need to be especially vigilant about watching kids and ensuring children’s innate curiosity about the water and ice doesn’t put them at risk.

“Kids, and people who haven’t experienced winter in Minnesota, may not have enough knowledge to mitigate the risks associated with cold water and early ice,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, DNR Enforcement Division director. “Talk to your kids, talk to your neighbors—we all have a role to play in keeping people safe as the winter season gets underway.”

Anyone who recreates on the ice should wait until there’s at least 4 inches of new, clear ice before walking out onto it. Other tips for staying safe around cold water and on the ice include:

  • Wearing a foam life jacket or flotation suit.
  • Not going out alone—and letting someone know about trip plans and expected return time.
  • Carrying ice picks, rope, an ice chisel and tape measure.
  • Checking ice thickness at regular intervals; conditions can change quickly.
  • Bringing a cell phone or personal locator beacon.
  • Inquiring about conditions and known hazards with local experts before heading out.

For more information about staying safe on the ice, including thickness recommendations for various types of activities, see the DNR’s ice safety page (mndnr.gov/icesafety). For more information about surviving a fall into cold water, see the cold water dangers page (mndnr.gov/coldwater).