By Teri Knight, News Director
The Northfield Police Department has been fielding plenty of calls after Governor Walz issued the StayAtHome order set to begin at midnight tonight. Chief Monte Nelson had this for the community, “regardless if it’s a request or a requirement, we all need to remind ourselves of the why, why was the order put in place”. He said, “it’s the right thing to do”. The Mn Dept. of Health and local healthcare professionals are working to ensure fewer deaths. That’s the point of the order, “the why for this is to save lives, period. So you’re either going to help save lives or not. So getting caught up in, well, are you going to arrest people for it? Or are we just requesting it shouldn’t that we shouldn’t even have to have that discussion”. The
longer we can push out the spike, the better prepared our healthcare system will be with respiratory care clinics and hospitals. Nelson pointed out that any Executive Order is enforceable by law. It’s a misdemeanor, he said, “what we’re hoping for and what we want to see is compliance, not in not having to do enforcement”. He really urged people to listen to the Governor’s full audio on the order. We aired it live and have posted it HERE. Nelson added that local businesses are confused about what they will be able or NOT able to do and encouraged folks to go to the City’s website for their coronavirus page, specifically regarding the StayAtHome order. The Northfield Chamber of Commerce is doing a great job keeping up with information specifically for businesses. We have a link to their page for Covid-19 Resources. Check out kymnradio.net as well for fact-based information on the virus itself and more.
Building projects go on
The City of Northfield’s Community Development department created a specific email for buildings and inspection permits. All applications must be submitted electronically to permits.cd@ci.northfield.mn.us .That email is on their website. Mayor Pownell added, “we will be accepting photo and video documentation in lieu of in person inspections when allowed by regulation and deemed appropriate”. The City is doing everything they can to keep business moving forward assisting in getting projects that are in process, “We want to help facilitate the movement and the continuation of those projects to stay on their timeline and continue to move forward”. The full interview with Pownell and Administrator Martig HERE.
City will not be purchasing park land
The Northfield City Council held a closed meeting last week regarding the purchase of land for a park on the north side of town. Health community Initiative had received a grant for $300,000 and the City planned to purchase land near Florella’s and Viking Terrace. Martig commented, “It’s challenging up there based on the types of properties available in the day Development and unfortunately, we weren’t able to secure the the right location for a park as a city at this time”. However, “this investment will still move forward and it will just HCI is now partnering with Northfield Public School District”. The plan now is to add this playground to the new Greenvale Elementary school and childhood center.
Overwhelming response
KYMN had an overwhelming response from our local businesses as we offered free air-time for them to talk about what they can do and how they’re operating during this time. From retailers to restaurants, attorneys to banks, garden centers to the arts to healthcare professionals and much more, 42 of our local businesses called in and spoke for over two hours. Please go to our website, kymnradio.net, to listen to them reaching out to you. We split the recording in two!
