By Teri Knight, News Director
Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn said they’ve changed up their routine in light of the coronavirus. They usually overlapped shifts, “Now we’re going to assign teams so that we don’t cross contaminate. We limit the chances of cross contaminating ourselves”. As for contact when they go out on a call, they now carry mini cleaning kits and if they have to bring someone to jail, “we have to wipe everything down after that so they’re they’re definitely becoming great cleaners and and our squad cars have never been more spic and span”. They have also had a hard time getting cleaning supplies. Some stores have offered to let them know when supplies come in, while, “You have others that say you know, you stand in line like everybody else. And so it’s um it’s been a little
frustrating at times, but we’ve not been Totally run out and but we’re not sitting here with a large stockpile either”. When they arrived at crashes previously, they’d put on gloves and maybe eye protection. Now, if there’s blood, it’s a different protocol. They put on masks, glasses, gloves and gowns. There’s much more to his interview on kymnradio.net.
Rice Co. Atty Fossum updates on Criminal Justice during Covid
The courts are nearly empty, but not completely. Rice County Attorney John Fossum writes: At this point, the court has cancelled all trials through the end of April, and cancelled most hearings scheduled through April 24th. The courthouse has effectively shut down. If a person has a court hearing scheduled in the near future, that person should contact their attorney, or if they are not represented by an attorney, contact Rice County Court Administration to determine if their hearing has been cancelled. Court Administration remains available by phone or email. His full letter: Criminal Justice During a Peacetime State of Emergency
The Faribault Daily reports that Fossum will move forward with the prosecution of 26 year old Judana Williams despite a ruling that will not allow her confession to be heard by jurors. She was charged with 2nd degree murder with intent after admitting to stabbing 52 year old Michael Bongers in 2018. She and Bongers had been reportedly arguing over drugs. The decision by the courts to deny her confession is based on whether she was read her rights before she confessed. A plea hearing is set for May 6th but it could still be postponed.
Nfld Chamber keeping up on SBA options
The Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce has been working overtime trying to keep up with all the information coming out from the state and federal governments to assist small businesses. President Lisa Peterson said two of the programs offered by the Small Business Administration are, “one is called EIDL and it stands for Economic Injury Disaster Loans. So they have the loan One option and the Advance option. The Advance option is an advance of up to $10,000. And the loan option is up to $2 million”. There is another called the “Paycheck Protection” program, “they’re giving 350 billion dollar loan program for small businesses for people who are self employed. And then for gig workers to help them from going under due to the covid-19 pandemic”. Peterson mentioned that scams have already started, “People are taking advantage of people who are hurting unfortunately. And if you just go to the government websites, that is your best bet to know that you are at the right place and getting the right information”. The Chamber is providing vetted information from reliable sources.
KYMN Updating the community on Covid-19
Information is changing daily, if not more often, and KYMN is keeping you up to date with fact-based, reliable sources on our Updated Covid19 page. Click on the red box at the top of our website. Recent information includes and update from 2nd District Congresswoman Craig on a community Resource guide to help families, workers and small businesses and fact sheets on the resources made available in the CARES Act.
Governor Walz announcement of the application process for emergency grants for child care providers is open and he’ll give his annual State of the State address on Sunday, April 5 at 7 p.m. from the Governor’s Residence. The address will be streamed live on the Governors Youtube Channel. We also have a video by a Michigan doctor of how to bring in your groceries and take-out food safely.
Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the Fare for All program is cancelling regular operations through May 1st. They are trying a drive- through model this week. If it’s successful it may be replicated at other Fare For All locations.
