By Teri Knight, News Director
This is a big week for school districts across the State as the Governor prepares to announce plans for the start of the 20/21 school year. Northfield Schools Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann wouldn’t speculate but said the virus makes the rules, “there was no way to accurately predict it and I really appreciate the communication we’ve had from the State to do the best that we can to prepare for the three scenarios that they’ve directed us to be prepared to implement”. That’s in-person, distance learning and/or a hybrid of the two. Once the Governor makes his announcement on Thursday, Districts will need several days to process any details. Hillmann will share with KYMN listeners next week and added that they will continue to tweak them as necessary as they approach Fall. He said, “this is a heavy lift
and we’ve had over 60 people involved in our planning teams, looking at things like instructional design, logistics and health and virus preventions”. Hillmann has been watching globally what’s happening with school decisions, however, it’s still a localized issue based on how the pandemic is manifesting itself. Some larger cities have already announced they will hold distance learning until January 2021, while others have mandated they be in school. Hillmann said, “I think the key thing for the community to understand is that in Northfield we are a big enough district where I anticipate that we will use multiple models this year. You will see some smaller districts in Minnesota who will be able to go to school, potentially, every day”. Those are places where the school buildings are larger while the enrollment is lower. Hillmann said they’re working to make the schools as safe as practicable, “we are working on disinfection techniques, we’re using an entire team rather than just our custodians. Everyone who works in the system will is going to have some kind of cleaning responsibility if we have students back in person”. They will offer an online only option for families who choose not to send their kids to school. This will be facilitated by Northfield District teachers who will specialize in it. There is more to his interview is HERE.
Albert Lea man charged with vehicle theft
An Albert Lea man is charged with vehicle theft. On Sunday morning Rice County Deputies were called on report of a stolen truck.The man said he had a blue truck sitting at the end of the driveway with a “for sale” sign and someone called to tell him it was gone. Security camera footage showed two trucks pulling into his driveway, one was pulling a trailer. The Blue truck was placed onto the trailer and then they headed east on Highway 19. A citizen saw something suspicious and got the plate number of the truck hauling the blue one. The Deputy found the stolen truck in the 3700 block of Bagley Avenue and made contact with 33 year old Cody Jay Eggum who said he was hired to haul it away for parts. He also said he drove it onto the trailer. A search of the vehicle Eggum was in revealed a baggie with traces of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $20,000 without conditions. His first court appearance is August 19th. Eggum has 2 previous felony convictions for theft and burglary. He remains in the Rice County jail.
Don’t plant those seeds
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has been receiving reports of residents receiving unsolicited packages of seeds appearing to come from China. Officials in other states, including Louisiana, Utah, Virginia, and Washington, have reported similar situations. Any Minnesotan receiving a package of seeds they did not order should not plant the seeds and contact the MDA. I have the full press release HERE.
Merchants staff donates to CAC
Merchants Bank-Northfield staff present a check to the Community Action Center Food Shelf for $1,490.00. The donation was made possible through the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program, where employees make a monthly donation to wear jeans and then vote to support a local non-profit with the funds. Here’s the LINK with picture.
