By Rich Larson, News Director
Three Links Care Center reported yesterday that the number of residents testing positive for Covid 19 remained steady 
over the weekend, however one more member of the staff did test positive.
Late last week the home for seniors experienced an outbreak of the virus when approximately 14 residents and 16 members of the staff tested positive for the disease. Three Links CEO Mark Anderson said that one of their residents was hospitalized, and “that person is now back with us.”
Until recently, Three Links, which operates a number of senior apartments, an assisted living facility and a care center had fared extremely well during the global pandemic. Anderson said that between March and October they had only six confirmed cases among residents and staff. “Everyone is screened as they come in,” he said, “and everyone on our staff is tested weekly.” He also noted that the facility uses both nasal swabs and an antigen test.
The Minnesota Department Health has taken over the contact tracing that Three Links was doing themselves. Each resident has been contacted and interviewed and their level of risk has been evaluated on an individual basis. “It’s been interesting to watch them work,” he said, “and we have really appreciated their partnership.
While the numbers have leveled off, they still have a need for isolation gowns. The Northfield Covid Response Supply Depot, located in the lobby of the Chamber of Commerce offices, is accepting donations of microfiber material, Velcro, and double fold bias tape. For those with sewing skills, there are full patterns available as well.
Salvation Army to begin Red Kettle ‘Bell Ringer’ Campaign
The Salvation Army will begin its annual Red Kettle fundraising campaign on Friday. Rice County coordinator Jim Dale said some things about the campaign will be just the same as always, and some things will be very different.
“We’re set up in the same places we’ve always been,” said Dale. “We have four locations in Faribault, two in Northfield, and one in Lonsdale.” Dale said that their most immediate challenge is finding enough volunteers to staff the kettles. “As of last night, only about 10% of the spots are covered, so we’ve got a long way to go. But this is our kickoff week, so we’re just getting started. We just got the word out last week of how we’re going to be operating and where we’re going to be operating.”
Another challenge will be meeting the $50,000 goal they have set for Rice County while cutting back the number of days the bell ringers will be out. This year, Dale said, volunteers will be collecting donations for only 21 days.“We’re only going to be out on Fridays and Saturdays this year, due to the Covid pandemic,” Dale said, “with the exception of the week leading up to Thanksgiving and the week leading up to Christmas.”
Despite the large goal and the smaller amount of time to collect donations, Rice County Sherriff Troy Dunn, who joined Dale on the radio yesterday, said that any amount people can give will help. “People say, I don’t have much money,” he said, “but we’re happy with whatever you can give. Whether it’s loose change, or loose dollar bills, or a check. I know that there are people who come every year and they say ‘I wait for this because I know this is going to come back and help those in need right here in Rice County.’”
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Mr. Dale and Sheriff Dunn can be heard HERE.
Those interested in volunteering can find the registration site HERE.
Stay up-to-date with the KYMN Election Guide
And, of course, today is election day. KYMN is your best place to get all the election information. Political Correspondent 
Logan Wells has designed the KYMN election guide to offer information down to the last detail. The front page offers information on how to register to vote and where to find your polling place. Dig deeper and you’ll find information on every candidate for City Council, School board and Mayor.
Once the polls have closed tonight, Logan will begin updating the results page as precincts report in. KYMN will have all the latest on the local races that can be harder to track. This year, you’ll see what is happening in real time.
The KYMN Election Guide can be found by clicking HERE.
