COUNTRY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2020
Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township
VOL. 36 NO. 47 www.countrymessenger.com $.75
2020 CENSUS : Households encouraged to respond. PAGE 2
Governor directs schools to make long-term strategic plans for COVID-19 Walz orders the temporary closure of schools to allow for new safety measures CONTRIBUTED
GAYLE KNUTSON
Libray closed A sign on the Marine on St. Croix library, informing the public that the buildiing will remain closed until further notice.
At Marine City Council meeting, Coronavirus concerns start to limit activities BY LESLIE MACKENZIE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The March 12 Marine City Council meeting began with the topic on so many people’s minds right now – the coronavirus. The meeting started with a report from the Marine Library Association on their decision to cancel family game night the following evening. No decision has been made yet on whether to cancel the native wildflower talk, scheduled for March 26, or the May 3 fundraising event for which the library’s application for a oneday liquor license was approved at the meeting. Library Association board chair, Jim Maher, said that the board is watching what other libraries are doing in the area and around the country as it considers whether to scale back library hours or close. “With so many things cancelling, this is a prime time for people to get books and read, so I hate to do that [close the library] but we also want to be cognizant of our volunteers working there.” Watch the library
website for details. Later in the meeting, Council member Charlie Anderson reported the fire chief is in daily contact with both Washington County and state emergency operations center to stay informed on the coronavirus situation. Marine emergency services has emergency protocols, though they'ree not being shared until needed. Marine residents are encouraged to sign up for the city’s e-newsletter in order to receive emergency updates. At this time the decision to close public spaces, like the library and the folk school, is up to the operators of those spaces. Pastor Joel, from Christ Church Lutheran, has said the church will take a lead role in helping people who are shut in or trying to isolate themselves. The church is seeking volunteers and will accept donations of food or supplies for shut-ins.
Sewer Connection Opportunities Open Up It’s been at least 30 years since residents in the City of Marine
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had an opportunity to connect to the city’s sewer system. But infrastructure improvements have resulted in the possibility of adding as many as 45 new connections to the system. Council member Lon Pardun said the city is in the process of figuring out an order for selecting the next hookups. Although people had been told years ago if they didn’t sign up at that time they would never be able to do so, Pardun said it doesn’t make sense to have people who live along the existing sewer line not get connected if they wish to do so. There will still be additional capacity. Residents can see the result of a septic/wastewater study on the city’s website.
Solar Project Gets a Green Light A resident's request for variance to install solar panels on their property in the river district was approved. Because their property falls within the zone of the Scenic Riverway Act, it required special consideration. It was determined by the Planning Commission that SEE COUNCIL, PAGE 2
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Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 20-02, authorizing the temporary closure of Minnesota K-12 public schools to students in order for school administrators and teachers to make long-term plans for the continuity of education and essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools will be closed to students by Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27 to accommodate this planning between school staff, teachers, and administrators with guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). “My top priority as Governor is the safety of Minnesotans. As a former teacher, and father of two teenage kids, I’m especially focused on the safety of our children.” said Governor Walz. “I am ordering the temporary closure of schools so educators can make plans to provide a safe learning environment for all Minnesota students during this pandemic. Closing schools is never an easy decision, but we need to make sure we have plans in place to educate and feed our kids regardless of what’s to come.” Executive Order 20-02 requires schools to provide care for elementary-age children of health care professionals, first responders, and other emergency workers during previously planned school days to ensure Minnesota’s first line of defense against COVID-19 can stay on the job. “There is nothing more important than the health, safety, and well-being of Minnesotans,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “This decision was made with children and families in mind, as well as our educators, to best support our schools and educational system in the weeks and months ahead and make sure that we have a plan in place for our kids who rely on school for meals and other critical needs.” The Executive Order also makes provisions for the continuity of mental health services and requires schools to continue providing meals to students in need. “The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority,” said MDE Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker. “That is why we are committed to creating an education delivery model that can sustain learning, no matter the circumstances. Minnesota has long valued education and we will continue to work with our school leaders to ensure that our students continue to receive the education they need and deserve. Educators are caring, creative people and I am confident they are going to work to meet the needs of our students in these extraordinary times.” The Governor advises and urges Minnesotans to continue following the Minnesota Department of Health’s community mitigation strategies during this temporary closure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while students are not in school.
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