Chamber extends closing

FAIRMONT – The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that it will be remain closed until April 13.

Chamber office staff will check voice mails randomly.

Those wishing to leave messages may call (507) 235.5547 while emails may send them to:

Ned: president@fairmontchamber.org

Kandi: info@fairmontchamber.org

Miranda: finance@fairmontchamber.org

IHD parade seeks entries

FAIRMONT — Applications are now being accepted from businesses, churches, clubs, organizations and individuals wishing to participate in the Interlaken Heritage Days Parade at 6 p.m. June 13.

Lineup will begin at 5 p.m. Organizers encourage tow vehicles to decorate, but the parade is open to any and all types of vehicles. Organizers also encourage the use of classic cars and vintage tractors.

Candy and other items will be allowed only if handed out and not thrown. This is for the safety and protection of parade spectators and participants.

Deadline for parade entry is May 15.

Those interested may contact Bev Korolewski at (507) 848-6381 or Corey Walter at (507) 353-0375 for more information or to obtain an application.

Minnesota hunkers down at home

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A stay-at-home order took effect at midnight Friday as Minnesota tries to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic, which is expected to peak in the coming weeks, from overloading the state’s health care system.

The Minnesota Department of Health reported two more deaths Friday for a total of four. One was a resident of Hennepin County while the other lived in Martin County. Both of them were in senior living facilities. The department’s confirmed case count rose to 398, up 52 from Thursday, with 34 patients hospitalized, including 14 in intensive care. But 180 patients have recovered and no longer need to be isolated.

The confirmed case totals are just the “tip of the iceberg,” Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said on a conference call with reporters and Gov. Tim Walz. The department warns that although many counties have yet to report any cases, the coronavirus should be presumed to be everywhere.

Walz’s stay-at-home order calls on Minnesotans who work in nonessential jobs to stay home for two weeks, though they may go out for essential needs such as trips to the supermarket and pharmacy, doctor visits and for outdoor recreation if they practice social distancing.