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Ellendale City Council
By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
Will there be an Ellendale Days in 2020? Probably not.
The Ellendale City Council all but put an end to this year’s festivities at its April 9 meeting, the first conducted with the computer program Zoom amid the coronavirus conundrum.
Councilman and acting city clerk Steve Engel orchestrated the meeting from City Hall, joined at home via computer by council members Duane Goebel, Scott Groth and Steph Kibler, mayor Russ Goette and remote visitors Keith Langlie and Angela Bell.
The council voted 4-1 — with the mayor opposed — not to allow the use of city property for Ellendale Days this year because of the coronavirus crisis.
The annual event could still conceivably be held, but is unlikely without the city’s support.
The council was careful with the wording of its action not to affect any possible grants for the loss of revenue for Ellendale Days.
“It’s not even our event,” said Kibler.
Langlie led off the meeting asking about the road construction project in the Crown Ridge Estates.
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By SUE ADDERHOLDEN
NAMI Executive Director
We are in the midst of a crisis, with a lot of unknowns. We don’t know how long we have to stay at home and when we can go back to work or the kids can go back to school. First responders and health care professionals worry about catching the virus and their families worry about the same thing. We don’t know if we’re “bending the curve” enough to be sure our hospitals are not overwhelmed. When we don’t know, can’t predict, can’t plan and are isolated – we worry.
Too much worry leads to anxiety and depression. Right now, it’s normal to have these feelings but there are steps we can take to decrease the impact.
First, control what you can. That includes limiting your intake of the news because it becomes overwhelming. Read positive stories or novels. Take the steps needed to stay safe, including staying at home, washing your hands, clean frequently used surfaces. Create a routine so there is some semblance of normalcy – take a shower, eat breakfast, go to bed at a reasonable time.
Second, move every day. Whether it’s a walk around the block, doing yoga to a youtube video, or dancing to music. Movement increases the endorphins in our brain and helps us feel better and less stressed.
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All you need is a library card and an electronic device to access your public library.
Go to the Facebook page of the library and watch a tutorial from the Elysian Library. This will help you create your online library account. One program, called Creativebug has 1,000 video classes on making crafts, sewing and much more. OverDrive gives you access to many books. If you need additional help you can email the New Richland Public Library at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The library systems around the state are attempting to meet the needs of their patrons.
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Waseca-Le Sueur Regional Library System libraries are offering curbside delivery while closed due to an abundance of caution for our communities and staff due to the public health situation linked to Covid-19. This includes Elysian Area Library, Janesville Public Library, Le Center Public Library, Le Sueur Public Library, Montgomery Public Library, New Richland Public Library, Waldorf Public Library, Waseca Public Library, and Waterville Public Library.
Community members can call their local library or use the library’s online catalog (tds-mt.iii.com) to request items. Staff will collect items and arrange for a curbside pickup time. Items will be placed in a bag and left outside our library during the pickup time.
Wifi will continue to be available from the library’s parking lots and the library’s online collections can be accessed at OverDrive, Libby, and Creativebug. Please see the library system website (wasecalesueurlibraries.com) and the libraries’ social media accounts as more services are rolled out.
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Life is changing. People are adjusting to much more time indoors. Those most at risk, the elderly, have the most to be concerned about. In regards to our small community, New Richland Care Center is doing well to cater to people’s needs, and the mood has generally been good among residents, according to Chuck Ness, the Care Center administrator.
“The Care Center is virus free and we look to keep it that way, said Ness. The following are responses to questions sent to Ness.
Generally, what has the mood been among the residents of the Care Center?
The mood has been pretty good generally, especially considering the amount of time they are spending in their rooms. We are doing as much as we can in keeping people active and engaged with more one-on-one nurse aides and activity aides as often as possible. Therapy is still occurring as scheduled. Staff have been helping quite a few do Facebook Video Messaging or Chat with the use of our iPad. We also assist with coordinating visits with staff outside and residents remaining inside and assist with the phone.
What are you doing to help ease worry and fear over the latest news regarding COVID 19?