By Teri Knight, News Director
The debate was short and Governor Walz’s Emergency Powers will continue for another 30 days as the House overrode the Senate once again. District 20b Representative Todd Lippert, a Northfielder and a democrat, is in favor of Walz keeping those Emergency Powers, “to take action quickly to protect the health and safety of citizens and we want Gov. Walz to have every tool available in the toolbox to be able to make those decisions”. In a strike to Walz, the Republican held Senate fired the Commissioner of Labor & Industry, Nancy Leppink, a Walz appointee. Lippert was “surprised and very disappointed” by the move which he believes is politically motivated, he added, “this is very disappointing and came up very very quickly and there’s a lot of anger about it at the Capital”. He said they need to act in ways that allow them to govern together. One main action
that WAS taken, “we allocated $30 million of the federal CARES Act for grants for Day Service Providers for people with disabilities. So this would be organizations like Epic Enterprises in Dundas”. These funds are meant to provide a bridge over the covid waters. Lippert’s full interview is HERE with more on education and his thoughts on the next special session coming up in mid September. District 20 Republican Senator Rich Draheim will be on the air Monday morning at 7:20 with Jeff Johnson.
Dundas oks online utility bill payments
In Dundas news, the City Council approved online utility bill payment services. Administrator Jenelle Teppen said, “they can set up automatic payments, they can phone in to a payment center and use a credit card to pay their utility bills”. She said they heard from a number of the community that this was something they wanted. Dundas Council approved the NAFRS budget. There’s a move in date for the Dundas City Hall. Administrator Teppen said the furniture and installation begins August 21st. They’re targeting Sept. 3rd and 4th to close City Hall to the public so they can get their computers all set up. Council also worked on the budget. Cities need to set a preliminary levy by September 30th.
Dundas council less than enthusiastic to extend Dome pond work
With Covid-19 revenue loss, the owners of the Dundas Dome asked Dundas Council for a 4 year extension to complete their parking lot, supposed to be done by October 1st, and extend the completion of pond work which was to have been completed by October 1st of last year. Dundas Council was not enthusiastic about extending the completion of the parking lot, however, Administrator Teppen said they would consider something less than that if the Dome owners would agree to complete the silt clean out of the pond. If the owners,Mike and Sherry Foster, and Paul and Shelly Whiteman agree, an amended development agreement and PUD would have to come back to the Council.
LBSA works to keep all safe and occupied
Everyone is challenged by the pandemic, including clients of Laura Baker Services Association. Executive Director Sandi Gerdes was happy to report there have been no covid cases with their clients at this point. She said it is challenging for them not to be able to get into the community. They’re not able to see their families in the way that they were before. They are just starting some limited visitation now. Early on she said a client wanted to know why she was being so mean not to let her see family. Gerdes had to explain the situation but it is difficult for some to understand. The regular programs are affected, however, Gerdes added, “but our Artists in Residence and our Music Therapist have been providing sessions virtually, using remote technology to do that. Our Arts Specialist sent out boxes early on of various activities that people could do to keep them busy”. They are now doing some activities outside at a social distance. Right now, LBSA is taking it one day at a time. They have all protocols in place and can pivot when necessary. They are hiring. Listen to the full interview HERE.
Northfield woman finalist for Princess Kay
The 67th Princess Kay of the Milky Way was crowned on Wednesday. 19 year old Brenna Connelly, had her likeness sculpted in butter yesterday. Finalists will also have their likenesses sculpted. Today, Taylor Jerde of Northfield, representing Dakota County will be the model. You can watch it live on the Princess Kay Facebook page. Sculpting and answering questions finalists live on Princess Kay’s Facebook page
