‘Round Up’ applications sought

JACKSON — The next deadline for Operation Round Up funds from Federated Rural Electric’s Trust Board is Sept. 30

Operation Round Up involves about 80 percent of Federated’s members in Jackson and Martin counties. They allow their monthly electric bills to be rounded up to the nearest dollar. The “rounded up” change goes into a trust fund. An independent trust board evaluates local funding requests and distributes the funds.

Organizations that serve Federated members in Jackson or Martin counties can request funds for projects involving:

o community service

o community leadership programs

o disaster relief

o environmental programs

o youth education

o emergency-energy assistance.

The application form can be downloaded from Federated’s website: www.federatedrea.coop. Or call Federated at (507) 847-3520 or (800) 321-3520. Ask for Andrea to request an application or e-mail: info@federatedrea.coop

Walz weighs statewide mask order

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota reported 499 newly confirmed cases of coronavirus on Monday, with a dip in the positivity rate, as Gov. Tim Walz continues weighing whether to impose a statewide mask requirement.

Monday’s total came after Minnesota reported more than 800 cases on Saturday — its highest case count since May — and 715 on Sunday. Monday’s numbers often show a dip because fewer people are tested on weekends.

The state’s numbers amounted to a 4.2 percent positivity rate. The state’s rolling 14-day average for positivity rate is 5.1 percent; a rising positivity rate is an indication of community spread.

As coronavirus cases roar upward in some parts of the U.S., many states are considering whether to require masks, which health experts say can help to reduce the chances of transmission. Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said Monday he opposes a statewide mandate. Gazelka said people should be free to make their own decisions on whether to wear masks and under what circumstances

Gazelka said he’s focused on hospitalizations and deaths. Minnesota reported two deaths Monday, including one person 80 or older and one age 90 or older. The state had 247 people hospitalized due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, and 114 people in intensive care.