Norovirus sickens dozens
Hogan Brothers is closed till Monday, reads a sign on the door. Minnesota Dept. of Health Spokesman Doug Schultz confirmed yesterday afternoon that they are investigating the restaurant for norovirus. He said the virus is pretty much always circulating and it is…”a fecal/oral virus which comes from our intestinal tract. You have to get fecal matter on your hands and then ingest it”. He added… ” typically norovirus is an illness that comes from someone who is ill serves the food or comes in contact with it”. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and headache. It typically clears up within 2 to 3 days. The popular restaurant closed voluntarily for a deep cleaning. Schultz said Norovirus is very common and the largest contributor to foodborne illness in the U.S. The Dept. of Health got involved when dozens of Carleton College students reported ill.
The investigation could take a couple of weeks as they interview the sick. Schultz said the most important thing is for people to wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water after using the restroom, before they handle food and also to keep surfaces clean. Owner Greg Heyman was unavailable for comment.
Hosp Board okays 1 year commitment to Community Rec program
Last night the Northfield Hospital Board voted to approve a one year contribution of $113,000 to the Community Recreation Program. The City asked for a 3 year commitment to the public schools program which is their normal procedure. Charlie Kyte made the motion for just a one year commitment saying the request came in late although the contract was expiring.
Dundas development
The City of Dundas has a lot going on. City Administrator John McCarthy said they have 4 big commercial projects in various stages of progress. They just issued the building permit for the College City Beverage expansion. Council approved further details on the Sports Dome, the Dundas planning commission approved the designs for Meeting Hall brewery. A public hearing will be held next and Menards is expanding. They plan to build to the south. K-Mart is now vacant. McCarthy says there are plenty of ideas for that space but no one’s come forward with a solid plan. A firm out of California owns the property.
Chief Nelson reminds students to drive safe and parents of social host ordinance as Prom approaches
Northfield’s Prom is tomorrow and Police Chief Monte Nelson had some reminders for parents to talk to their kids and be open and honest about the things they’re concerned about and driving is a “big deal”. The most dangerous thing for our kids is car accidents and lots of students are driving a lot from dinner, to the dance to after prom parties. No drinking, no drugs, no texting and keep the number of passengers down. Nelson says the After-Prom party at the Bowling Alley and the Senior Lock-in are both very popular. He reminded parents of Northfield’s social host ordinance. He says they hear rumors, “about parents who are planning to host a safe drinking party for students by having them at their house, providing alcohol and taking keys. Just a reminder… not safe”. There’s also a huge criminal liability. Nelson’s full interview in online at kymn.net.
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