Last week the Minnesota Department of Education informed Partners in Quality Care, a St. Paul based non-profit organization that receives
federal funding through the state to oversee reimbursements to facilities that provide meals to children dealing with food instability that their contract is being canceled. Partners in Quality Care was named in an FBI search warrant accusing them, along with St. Anthony based Feeding Our Future, of defrauding the government and the misuse of millions of dollars.
State Senator Rich Draheim said this sort of activity is particularly troubling to him. He has been a steady critic of the way non-profits interact with state agencies and has called for more transparency and more regulation of how the state handles many of its programs meant to help people in need.
Draheim said he knows that there are plenty of well-run, above-board non-profit organizations. However, there are also what he called “Non-profit profiteers,” who prey on the good intentions of government programs and de-fraud both taxpayers and the people for whom those programs are designed.
“This has been an ongoing problem,” he said. “we’re trying to create more transparency without shutting down the programs. We all want to make sure the kids are fed, but we have to find that happy medium.”
Draheim reiterated that he believes in the work many non-profits do, and even goes out of his way to offer support.
“You know I personally, in my building in New Ulm, let United Way use space for free for their backpack food program. I think it’s a great program. I see them packing backpacks, I see the food on the shelf. I know they are actually doing something. But there are a ton of non-profits out there where there isn’t good transparency. We all need to work together to make sure we clean up the bad actors so the good actors can get their work done.”
The work of unethical organizations such as those under FBI investigation, he said, tempers the enthusiasm of many legislators to support “a certain type of program.” It becomes difficult to fund something, he said, if we can’t run it efficiently.
The investigation into Partners in Quality Care and Feeding our Future remains open. No charges have been filed as of yet.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Senator Rich Draheim can be heard here
Splash pad project gaining momentum
On Tuesday night, the Northfield City Council began to consider the construction of a splash pad in one of the city’s municipal
parks.
Adam Olson and Andrea Berube of Friends of the Northfield Splash Pad made a presentation to the council during their work session, explaining the idea of the splash pad itself, and the work they have been doing to bring one to Northfield.
A splash pad is a zero-depth waterpark, consisting of several types of water-oriented play features on a hard surface. Because there is no standing water in a splash pad, it engages people of all ages and abilities. Olson said a splash pad fosters physical, functional and social development, promotes community pride and can be what he called a “jewel of the community.”
Indeed, splash pads have become increasingly popular over the last few years. A cursory Google search found dozens in Minnesota, and City Administrator Ben Martig called them a “growing phenomenon” within the state.
The presentation itself was an introductory statement explaining the concept and discussing some of the needs in order to construct one. The initial design the splash pad group has come up with calls for 3,000-5,000 square feet, with different areas catering to different age groups. The design presented on Tuesday night used a water filtration system that recycles water rather than pulling it from the city reserves. Because of that, the site would require restroom facilities. Features like parking and shade would also be necessary components.
The organization has tentatively identified Memorial Park, adjacent to the municipal swimming pool as an appropriate area to build. The splash would be free to use, so it would be outside of the swimming pool area, but Memorial Park does offer all the necessary amenities.
Martig said the city will soon begin an in-depth review of the Northfield Park system, so the timing of this presentation was good.
“It would draw well beyond a neighborhood, so this is definitely a destination type park. So, we need to find a location that fits those, and they thought the pool would be a nice compliment. We’re going to have lot of review of this idea and others related to our parks system that will be coming back to the Council in March.”
As of right now, Olson and Berube’s organization is seeking to privately fund the splash pad. The council heartily gave them their approval to begin fundraising activities.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with City Administrator Ben Martig can be heard here
Rice County holding Moderna clinic this afternoon
And even as some long-awaited good news regarding the Covid-19 pandemic begins to emerge, Rice County Public Health continues to host COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the Rice County Government Services Building, including a Moderna Clinic that will be this afternoon from 1-4pm.
Vaccination clinics are for first or second doses, as well as additional doses for immunocompromising conditions, and boosters. Those receiving a second dose, or a booster are asked to please bring their Covid vaccination card with them so they can be updated.
Booster shots are recommended for those 12 years and older. The interval between the primary series and the booster is dependent on the vaccine that was initially received. In the case of the Moderna vaccine being offered at today’s clinic, the interval is five months.
To date, Rice County Public Health has administered nearly 17,000 COVID-19 vaccines. The county is asking all citizens to consider getting vaccinated or getting a booster if they are due. According to a statement released by Rice County Public Health, as well as leading health specialists worldwide, vaccination is the best protection against serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19.
Pre-registration is encouraged, however walk-ins are allowed. For more information visit the Rice County Public Health website.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
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