by Rich Larson
On Monday night the Northfield School Board voted to authorize the proposed health protocols to begin the 2021-22 school 
year. As of today, anyone ages 2 years or older, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask when inside a school or another district building, or on a school bus. Additionally, any member of the district faculty, staff or student body who tests positive for Covid-19 will have to quarantine for at least ten days and will only be able to return under specified guidelines.
Northfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann said that, while it is disheartening to have to have any health protocols in place again, the Delta Variant of the Covid-19 virus is fueling another spike in Rice County, as it is in most parts of the country, and it is important to, as he put it, get out ahead of the virus before it gets a foot hold.
Hillmann stressed that the best tool the district and the community both have against the virus is vaccination. He said looking at new data, a little more than half of all students ages 12-17 have been vaccinated, and he stressed that those who have not yet been vaccinated should strongly consider it. Outside of that, he said the protocols in place go hand-in-hand. Universal masking will help keep the number of people forced into quarantine to a minimum. Previously, a positive test meant that the person who tested positive and those who had been in close contact with that person would all have to quarantine. However, Dr. Hillmann said they have now learned that masks will keep everyone safe enough that only the person with the positive test will have to stay home.
He also said that he does not anticipate any sort of a school closure or a shift to distance learning.
Finally, Hillmann said that while this is a disappointing turn of events, the situation is much better than it was at this time last year.
“We are in a far better place than we were last summer. At this time last year, we were getting new information all the time. We were planning for things like a hybrid learning environment, and a totally online learning environment, and a reduced bus capacity, and spacing students six feet apart, and new lunch procedures. And so, we are in a much better and a much different place this year than we were last year.
For more information on the new health protocols, visit the Northfield Public Schools website.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Dr. Matt Hillmann can be heard here
Council holds substantial budget talks
The Northfield City Council gathered last night with various department heads and key city staff members to discuss the city budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year.
The conversation focused on the needs for most departments, Community Development, Public Works, Communications, and the Police Department in particular.
Presentations were made detailing plans for the coming years. Staffing requests were put forth as well for a total of seven new FT positions in various departments. The Council was then asked to provide guidance by ranking the perceived importance of each of those positions.
Discussions were held regarding the Capital Equipment Plan and the Capital Improvement Plans. The CEP conversation was highlighted by plans for new electric vehicles for the Police Department and the Engineering Department. The Capital Improvements called for new street projects on St. Olaf Avenue and Woodland Trail (among others), some of which would include the installation of bikeways, and improvements to Babcock Park that would include upgrading the restroom facilities and refurbishing the hockey rink.
City Administrator Ben Martig said at the beginning of the meeting that this was “one more step in the budget marathon.” The next step will be another work session to discuss the preliminary tax levy and more refine the budget priorities on September 14th. The preliminary levy will be approved at the September 21st Council meeting. The final levy adoption and budget approval will come at the December 7th meeting.
Northfield Hospital + Clinics to require vaccination for all employees and volunteers
Northfield Hospital + Clinics announced on Monday that it will require COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations for all who work 
and volunteer in NH+C facilities.
The requirement is in place due to the surge in positive cases of the Delta Variant of the Covid-19 virus. NH+C President and CEO Steve Underdahl said this is a necessary measure to ensure the health and safety of all staff and patients.
“COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing illness and spread of the virus, and we need to take additional steps to protect our patients, guests and each other. Full vaccination of our staff is the best way to do that.”
NH+C said that any applicant for a position must already be, or willing to be, vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza. Any candidate who chooses not to be vaccinated will be deemed ineligible for employment
Current staff and volunteers will have until October 31 to complete their Covid Vaccinations, and until November 30 to receive their influenza vaccinations.
NH+C said that limited exemptions for medical or religious reasons will be evaluated.
RIch Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
