Minnesota is currently one of the most problematic spots in the country for Covid-19. Right now, the state ranks only behind Michigan for
the highest number of new cases per capita. The Minneapolis StarTribune is reporting that Covid hospitalizations are at the highest number seen all year. In Rice County, there were nearly 200 new cases reported between November 14 and November 20. And last week the Northfield School District saw a sharp rise in the number of new Covid-19 cases, particularly at Bridgewater Elementary School, where the number of positive cases doubled from 10 to 20 in one day.
Northfield Superintendent of Public Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann said, while the numbers are cause for concern, the district has the tools to be able to address the situation, and he re-iterated the district’s commitment to keeping students in in-person learning throughout the year.
The Covid-19 virus has proven to be resilient and resourceful, and Hillmann pointed out, something that is both unpredictable and uncontrollable. And, he said, this is precisely why the district put health protocols in place at the beginning of the year. Everyone in a district building is required to wear a mask, and quarantining, or what Hillmann called “strategic quarantining,” is required for those who are unvaccinated and exposed to someone who tests positive and is unmasked for more than 15 minutes. While there was a certain amount of resistance to the protocols as the year began, Hillmann has said these layers of mitigation have proven to keep the virus’ presence in the schools to a minimum. Additionally, a drive-in testing center has been opened at the district offices for those showing symptoms, and just last week the center expanded its testing capacity by two-thirds in order to serve more people.
As numbers rise, and some districts around the state begin to contemplate a return to distance learning, Hillmann said the protocols Northfield has in place will prevent the need for that conversation.
“We’re talking about the holistic nature of prioritizing in-person learning. We have nearly all of the tools that are recommended available We are going to do everything that we possibly can to keep kids in school because we know, for the vast majority of kids, distance learning creates a different set of public health issues.”
In fact, Hillmann said, increased positive case numbers like those seen last week would have set off a number of very serious alarms just a year ago. However, with more experience handling the virus and the measures already in place, Hillmann is confident that the district will be able to weather these spikes, maintain student health and safety as a top priority, and keep students in in-person learning.
Dundas EDA sets plans in place for the future
The Dundas Economic Development Authority met on Monday night, just prior to the Dundas City Council meeting, and solidified some plans it has put in place to move the city’s plans for business development forward.
Dundas City Administrator Jenelle Teppen said the renewed EDA, which was revived this year after going dormant for two decades, is preparing a retention and expansion survey of all the existing businesses in Dundas. The purpose, she said, is for the city to find out how it can help businesses help themselves.
“Just trying to start some dialogue about how they feel about where they are located in Dundas, if they need anything from us, what their future might look like, and how we might work together on supporting their business growth and expansion efforts.”
The EDA is also working on a mapping project with city planner Nate Sparks. Teppen said the city is looking at every piece of property in the city, evaluating the state of the property, how it is zoned, and what utilities, if any, are in place, in order to have an idea of what the requirements would be to develop the area. She said the city is prepared to demolish older homesteads on a given piece of land in order to further the economic development of the city.
An active EDA, of course, requires funding, and a tax levy of $32,000 was adopted by the board at the meeting as well. Teppen said this is the first time that the Dundas EDA has exercised its right to levy tax dollars from the public, but it is in the name of stimulating and supporting economic development activity, which is in the city’s best interest.
The Dundas City Council, whose members also are the members of the EDA, passed the levy unanimously.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Jenelle Teppen can be heard here
City looking to fill Charter Commission positions
The City of Northfield is actively seeking applicants to fill three positions that are about to be vacated on the city’s Charter Commission. 
The City Charter is the constitution of Northfield’s city government. The Charter Commission is responsible for reviewing and revising the City Charter to ensure that it meets all applicable State and Federal laws and meets the needs of the citizens of Northfield.
The commission consists of seven voting members. Each member serves a four-year term as designated by State Statutes. According to the city website, Commissioners Scott Oney, James Prichard and Judith Schotzko are all serving terms that will expire on December 31st.
Any registered voter of the City of Northfield may apply. Applications are due no later than 4:00 pm on December 1.
Paper applications are available at the Northfield Public Library or by emailing the city’s administrative associate and deputy city clerk, Sara Kavitz at sara.kavitz@ci.northfield.mn.us, or by calling 507-645-3060.
For additional information on the Charter Commission and a link to the online application, visit the City of Northfield’s website.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
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