Updates on the local response to COVID-19 from the City of Detroit Lakes and local health care provider, Essentia Health. Detroit Lakes City Administrator Kelcey Klemm updates listeners about the effects of the latest executive orders from Governor Tim Walz on local business and recreation. Ryan Hill and Angie Olson from Essentia talk about the COVID-19 testing and what local folks can expect after the announcement by the Governor on Tuesday that Minnesota health providers will build to testing 20,000 people a day across the state. 

Earth Day, the day to celebrate and bring awareness to conserve the natural world, celebrates 50 years today. KDLM is celebrating all week long on Hodge Podge.  Today's special Earth Hour episode of Hodge Podge is a sort of a box-of-chocolates of local guests who, in some way, help conserve the environment.  This Earth Day 2020, an unprecedented 9 guests on this special Earth Hour episode of Hodge Podge.  Guests include Scott Sonstegaard (U of M Extension Master Gardener/Becker Pet and Garden), Matthew Davis (North Country Trail), Ryan Pesch (Lida Farm and Manna Food Co-op), Sandy Gunderson (Becker County Environmental Services), Adam Mortenson (Pelican River Watershed District), Kelly Blackledge (Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge), Erika Gilsdorf (What Fuels You U.S.A), Kathryn Kitowski (Green Corps), Phil Doll (Becker Soil and Water Conservation District).  

On this special Earth Week episode of Hodge Podge, Kelly Blackledge from Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge shares about how birds are affected by climate change and how some of the familiar birds you may see returning this spring may, gradually, through the years migrate to other areas or even cease to exist as their habitats and food sources (bugs) change with the arrival of warmer (or colder) temperatures. Kelly also shares a couple things we can do now to help maybe slow down the loss of habitat and even monitor our feathered friends. 

Prom and Graduation dates are still up in the air in the Detroit Lakes School District. The school board and administration are awaiting direction, possibly this week, from the Governor and the Department of Education as to the rest of the school year. Detroit Lakes Superintendent Doug Froke says the Department of Education and Superintendents from across the state have been in discussions throughout the pandemic situation about holding ceremonies and events and the ability to practice social distancing. And other updates from I.S.D. 22

DL Chamber President Carrie Johnston updates listeners on the Chamber services during the Stay At Home order and also reminds folks that most businesses are open but operating in another manner i.e. curbside service, virtually, appointment only. 

On this special episode of Earth Week Hodge Podge, Matt Davis Regional Coordinator from the North Country Trail Association shares information about the 4,600 national hiking trail that extends from North Dakota to Vermont. There are numerous access points throughout Becker County and the Detroit Lakes area for individuals and families to get out and enjoy a nature on a hike (it's free!) while still practicing social distancing during this COVID-19 pandemic. KDLM Hodge Podge Celebrates 50 years of Earth Day with a week of Earth Week Special Episodes broadcasting from 9:00am-9:15am on KDLM 1340AM/93.1 FM and Facebook Live. 

The MN Legislature reconvened Tuesday of this week. Representative Paul Marquart (DFL-Dilworth) talked about the action of passing two bills: An Insulin Assistance bill and a COVID-19 relief bill giving bars and restaurants who are providing curbside service to be able to sell a bottle of wine or a six pack of beer with a meal. Rep. Marquart also talks about the future of Local Government Aid to cities. 

LSNM's director Anne Hoefgen speaks about what's going on in the legal world during the COVID-19 pandemic specifically how it may have an impact on folks basic needs i.e. evictions, domestic violence, unemployment and scams. Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota is a free resource help to low-income individuals and families.  LawHelpMN.org is another great resource.

Steve Astrup is the project and regulatory counsel for Hospice of the Red River Valley.  He talks about long-term care planning and advanced directives: The difference between a living will and power of attorney for health care as well as explains if advance directives are legally binding; when is a good time to consider an advance directive. 

Updates on COVID-19 response from Sanford Health's Breanna Adams and City of Detroit Lakes Administrator Kelcey Klemm. Adams talks about testing at the clinic as well as procedures in place for the safety of patients and staff. Klemm talks about whether or not city finances would be affected by businesses shutting down due to the corornavirus pandemic.