By Teri Knight, News Director
The City of Northfield received just over $1.5 million through the CARES Act, federal dollars to help stabilize communities during the pandemic. The City gave out $500,00 to local businesses and nonprofits impacted. Staff is going over the applications, getting the documentation needed to verify they qualify. Administrator Martig said there were more businesses than dollars so a lottery system was used, adding, “we’ll know for sure early next week where we’re all at with that as far as getting that out, so if businesses or nonprofits applied, you should be
getting communication real soon and Nate Carlson, our Economic Development Coordinator, is leading that project”. Council may use additional dollars, “to use to replenish more dollars so that all of the applicants could be funded”. The City must also be documented and verify the federal requirements were met. The money is already in the city coffers and must be spent by November 15th or given back, first to Rice County who would have a month to spend it, then back to the State. The City has $780,000 of direct expenses that meet the eligibility. Martig added, “now even though we’re eligible to use all of that for the City funds the Council has discussed an intention to give out more of those dollars”. The Council did authorize $120,000 to improve the Police Patrol Officer room to make it covid compliant. Currently it’s a pretty open floor plan. Chief Elliott explained that there’s a one foot high glass barrier at their work stations, the modification would provide three feet. There are currently four computer workstations which all 14 patrol officers share. Elliott said, “so that’s a lot of potential for cross contamination there and this redesign would create eight work spaces so we’d only have two officers at each of those work stations”. Those can also be separated by shift. As for the Sargeants, who are in their offices quite a bit more with administrative duties, those offices will be enclosed. Council unanimously agreed to the expenditure for the Police Station. These covid protocols will also help during flu season. The Council unanimously agreed to the expenditure for the Police Department.
Free covid testing through 6pm today
The National Guard has been assisting the MN Dept. of Health with community covid testing in Northfield this week. According to Rice County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Tracy Ackman-Shaw, 442 tests were given Tuesday at Emmaus Church, 473 Wednesday, and 341 testing appointments were scheduled for today. You can still get a test without an appointment. It will be open from noon to 6pm today. Results are expected in 48-72 hours following testing. Similar testing is planned for next week in Faribault. The dates and location of the testing will be announced today. It’s set up well with National Guard members giving you a new mask and guiding you to the tent. There are a few simple questions and a 10 second swab in each nostril and you’re on your way. UPDATE: Free covid testing will be available in Faribault on Oct. 13, 14 and 15 at the Faribault Armory from noon to 6pm. To sign up click HERE. Get Tested_ Faribault_English Get Tested_ Faribault_Spanish
Night to Unite united community for the CAC
The 2020 Night to Unite was not like any past years but it was still a night that united the community. The Northfield Police Department normally spends the evening visiting and talking with neighbors, however, in partnership with the Healthy Community Initiative and the Community Action Center turned the Night to Unite into a food drive for the food shelf, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. According to the CAC, 2,505 pounds of food and $2,625 in cash donations were collected. That is over a ton of food, literally. In a press release, the Northfield PD thanked their great community partners like the CAC and HCI, and community members. Night To Unite Thank You 10.07.20
