Hodge Podge

An update on Detroit Lakes happenings with Detroit Lakes Mayor Matt Brenk. Mayor Brenks shares the experience of the first council meeting via ZOOM, city business during the pandemic situations, City Council action from the April meeting and the departure of Chief Finance Officer Pam Slifka and the resignation of Ward 2 Councilman Jay Schurman. 

Becker Co Administrator Mike Brethhorst and Becker Co Board Chair Ben Grimsley talk about how county services are handled during the COVID-19 pandemic, i.e. transit, transfer station, recycling, veterans, courts.

April 13-17, 2020, is National Severe Weather Awareness Week. Becker County Emergency Manager Craig Fontaine talks about Becker County's electronic alert system Code Red and about being prepared for the various severe weather we can experience in the coming months including flooding, lightening and hail, tornadoes and extreme heat. 

Minnesota District 4B Representative Paul Maquart (DLF-DIlworth) talked about governor signing the bill this week that allows first responders to qualify for workers compensation if they become infected by COVID-19. He also speaks about some of the calls he's been fielding from constituents during the pandemic and about the Legislature reconvening Tuesday, April 14th. 

Detroit Lakes City Administrator Kelcey Klemm and Detroit Lakes Police Chief Steve Todd update listeners on local response efforts to COVID-19 including adherence to the Governor's extended Stay-at-Home order, the Detroit Lakes volunteer corp, keeping government services running, and  construction season. 

Questions about COVID 19 and federal aid for everything from COVID-19 tests to SBA (Small Business Administration) assistance loans to preparedness of rural hospital to COVID-19 affects to farmers, financial and health-wise were fielded by U.S. District 7 Congressman Collin Peterson during a telephone town hall Wednesday afternoon. 

Peterson, along with a representative from the SBA, Brian McDonald and the rural medical community Dr. Cindy Firikins Smith, Carris Health,  were on the line for around an hour devoted to answering questions from people across Minnesota. 

Many of the questions came from rural Minnesotans about how the $2.2 trillion stimulus bill will assist them. 

LCRC's Executive Director Anna Sellin was originally scheduled for Hodge Podge today to talk about her organization's annual fundraiser. Like every other event it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Today, Anna spoke about the essential work they continue to provide as a domestic violence shelter for women and children. She also spoke about the importance of victims of domestic violence to reach out even during the pandemic stay-at-home orders and the resources available to victims. 

Ecumen's People Services/HR Director Jennifer Beeson and Community Relations Manager Charlie Newland talk about their Detroit Lakes facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are current job openings at Ecumen. Also they spoke about the need for PPE, in particular, gowns. 

Everyday we hear about the COVID-19 pandemic causing all-time high unemployment in the country and the state. However, there are stories of resiliency, too. And one of them is as close as our own backyard. In Detroit Lakes, a local manufacturing company employs hundreds of people, makes essential products and is hiring.  Like me, you may find yourself saying..."of course it is."  SJE Rhombus President and CEO Dave Thomas says while the products they produce are not front and center in the news  every day like Professional Protective Equipment, the Detroit Lakes company's products are as essential to daily life as they come.  Thomas says in fact more in line with their mission to stay out of the daily news headlines. 

Detroit Lakes School Superintendent Doug Froke spoke about the district's distance learning that began March 30th and other aspects of that i.e. meals, child care, teachers and activities. He also spoke about the construction projects underway at district buildings.