By Teri Knight, News Director
With mask on, Nort
hfield Police Chief Monte Nelson came into the studio to give an update on how the community is responding to covid19. He commented on the progression from three weeks ago of people panicking and wondering what the government is going to do for them to wanting to get out, go back to work and get on with their lives. Nelson mentioned what Governor Walz has said, “the governor has been very clear for the last three weeks here’s what we need to do. This is what our health professionals are telling us. Here’s what we’ve learned by watching other areas around the country and around the globe. And we need to stay the course. He reiterated that when he extended the executive order last week”. Speaking of the Stay At Home order. Additionally, the Governor extended the Peacetime State of Emergency through May 13th. As we go to the store or anywhere where there are more people, the Chief urged, “you really need to be covering your face. It’s just like staying home. It’s another piece of the puzzle. Because you don’t know if you’re asymptomatic or carrying the virus”. You don’t have to have a specific mask, a bandana will work. The idea is to protect others from you! Nelson also wanted the community to know that the Governor’s executive order allowing First Responders knowledge of where a Covid-19 person lives, does not mention names or any other personal information. The point is to protect them and the responders. Nelson said, “This was discussed at great length by lots of lawyers and other people behind the scenes to make sure they came up with a version that respects people’s privacy. And the information just goes to our dispatch center so that when a call is dispatched out, if we were sent to that address, we know”. That means they would be putting on additional PPE layers.
Severe weather includes flooding
As you’ve heard, this is Severe Weather Awareness Week, the City of Northfield has more information and links from their website ci.northfield.mn.us. Chief Nelson reminded flood-prone businesses to update his office with their contact information. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is saying, “plan on being prone to floods through May. I think our saturation rates in the soil are still at about 99% across southern Minnesota. That means any water that comes down runs towards the river”. Nelson’s full interview is HERE. The tornado drill set for Thursday will happen ONLY at 1:45pm, the 6:45pm drill has been cancelled. 2020 Severe Weather Awareness Week – 04.14.20
Hillmann updates on distance learning – grateful for iPad technology
The Northfield School board met virtually last night. Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann updated the Board on distance learning, saying, ” the district’s previous investments in tablet computers, our iPads Schoology and seesaw software platforms that we use have really come into play as a very positive investment during this time”. Additionally, Technology Director Hope Langston reached out to families of those in K thru 2nd grade, “and we’ve been able to provide everyone in the district a device“. Normally it’s one iPad for every two children. Assuring that each student had access to high speed internet is critical as well. The District has been working with the cable companies to allow for free internet to some low income families and have provided hotspots to others. There are still a few who they continue to work to provide internet. Hillmann was on air this morning. His full interview is HERE.
Nfld and DSI team up for yardwaste curbside pickup
The City of Northfield with Dick’s Sanitation is offering yard waste curbside pickup once again this year. Pickups started yesterday and continue into November. Residents choose from two collection cart size options, 64-gallon and 96-gallon. Yard waste is collected weekly on Monday. The weekly yard waste collection service is $7.50 per month for a total of $90 per year. More information is HERE under Community News.
