by Rich Larson
The Northfield Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating an endangered missing man. Daryl “Dice” Budenski, 71, is 5’9”,
145 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears glasses and usually wears a baseball cap. Budenski may be on foot as he does not own a vehicle and his bicycle is at home.
Mr. Budenski has dementia and authorities are concerned for his welfare. Anyone with information on Daryl Budenski’s whereabouts is urged to call the Northfield police at 507-645-4477 or dial 911
School district encourages vaccinations for everyone
Last week during his State of the District presentation, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann addressed the Covid-19 situation in the schools and the measures the district is taking to mitigate the effects of the virus.
The school has a mandatory face-covering rule for anyone who enters a district building as well as a quarantine stipulation for those exposed to the virus. The protocols in place are working, he said, but neither are the best tool available for keeping the virus out of the schools.
“Based on the data, and the research, and the expert advice of trusted local health experts, this Covid-19 vaccine is the most effective tool we have in eliminating the virus. And we are unapologetic about sharing that. Certainly, vaccination is a personal choice, but I encourage you, if you have not gotten the vaccine yet, please talk to your doctor.”
Dr. Hillmann said the district strongly encourages all students, staff, and everyone in the district community to get vaccinated. The district cannot mandate vaccinations for all students, because only the state legislature has the power to put such a stipulation in place. Dr. Hillmann pointed out that the state has indeed required all K-12 students receive the MMR, DTaP, Polio, Chicken Pox and Hepatitis B vaccines, but as of yet, no such law seems to be forthcoming for the Covid-19 vaccine.
He said he recognizes that vaccination is a personal choice and said there is a conscientious objector process in place for all vaccines. Should a parent decide that they do not wish to have their child vaccinated, a form can be signed to allow that child to attend school. And while he acknowledged the skepticism some feel toward the vaccine, he pointed to the process taking place right now in approving vaccinations for children under twelve. Many people, including President Biden, wanted approval for young children before school started, which put federal regulators under tremendous pressure. However, rather than cave to that pressure, the FDA has stood firm that the research is not yet complete for the youngest age groups. It shows, Hillmann said, that federal regulators are only approving the use of a vaccine when they are sure it is safe and effective.
Since August 31, the district has reported 33 new positive cases, which is well below the number for many other comparable Minnesota school districts. There are currently only 12 active cases in the district, but Dr. Hillmann cautioned the numbers could grow at any time.
Rotary announces the return of the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
And, after a one-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Northfield Rotary announced on Friday that the annual 5K run/walk Turkey
Trot will return this year on Thanksgiving morning
Runners and walkers of all sizes, ages and abilities are invited to participate in one of Rotary’s marquee annual events.
Jim Loe, the chair of the 2021 Turkey Trot, said in a statement that Rotary Club is very happy to bring something back that, for many has become a Thanksgiving Day tradition
The chip-timed 5K event will begin at 9am at the Carleton College Weitz Center. Awards will be given to the top male and female runners.
Registration is open now at this link. Participation is $25. Those who register before November 5th will be guaranteed a long-sleeve 2021 Turkey Trot t-shirt. Shirts will not be guaranteed for those who register after November 5th. Same-day registration will be accepted between 8:00 and 9:00 on Thanksgiving morning, at the Weitz Center. A $29 “free range” option is also available to those who will not be in Northfield on Thanksgiving but wish to participate.
This year’s event will benefit several Rotary programs, including youth exchange, polio eradication, and a number of Northfield Rotary’s international projects. Rotary will also be collecting food for the Northfield Food Shelf.
Masks are required in all Carleton College buildings, and vaccination is strongly encouraged for all participants who are eligible.
This year, Thanksgiving falls on November 25th. For more information, go to the Northfield Rotary web site at northfieldrotary.org.
Rich Larson is the News Director at KYMN. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
