Help offered in finding services for older adults during COVID-19 pandemic

As Minnesotans are adjusting to changes due to the threats of COVID-19, access to services and other resources has become a more urgent need. Older adults are among those at greatest risk for the coronavirus and many of the familiar services that help them stay independent in their homes may not be available or may offer different or more limited services.

The Minnesota Association of Area Agencies on Aging (m4a) and the Minnesota Board on Aging are working together to ensure the needs of older Minnesotans are met and respond quickly the increasing and changing needs caused by the pandemic. Through the administration of Older Americans Act and related funds, the agency is working closely with local community organizations to target funding to crucial services, such as home-delivered meals, grocery shopping and delivery services, virtual caregiver support and telephone reassurance for isolated older adults.

The Senior LinkAge Line (1-800-333-2433) is a source of information for older adults and caregivers. To supplement that service, there is a new online resource finder tool with current information on services specific to older adults and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This finder tool is located at HelpOlderAdultsMN.org and is a searchable listing of services from across the state. Users can access the information through categories of services, such as home-delivered meals, grocery and drug deliveries, care coordination and home care. Search capabilities make it easy to find services relatively close to home. Currently the listing includes services provided under the Older Americans Act and other readily accessed information. We will continue to add and update resources on a daily basis to make it as complete and up to date as possible.

Marshall Area YMCA offers emergency child care during school closures

Amid school closures related to COVID-19, the Marshall Area YMCA is providing weekday child care to children ages 3 to 12 to ensure all kids have uninterrupted access to a safe and structured learning environment.

The Y is working to fill the gap many families are facing during this uncertain time. The Marshall Area YMCA will help keep children healthy, safe, and learning by providing daily child care services, while adhering to the social distance guidance recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Families can participate in the Emergency Child Care program at the Marshall Area YMCA at these times:

• Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Three-day or full five-day week options available. Financial assistance is available. Registration is required to allow planning for staff and proper social distancing per CDC guidelines.

Full details on Emergency Child Care and other wellness programs the Y is providing at this time can be found at https://marshallareaymca.org/news/update-hub

“During times of uncertainty, families can count on the Y to provide essential services for the community,” said Tom Bolin, executive director. “The Marshall Area YMCA is committed to ensuring families in our communities have ongoing, uninterrupted access to child care, especially while schools are closed.”

Weather warning posted for parts of Dakotas, Minnesota

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A powerful spring storm is generating winter-like weather conditions in the Dakotas and northwestern Minnesota with record snowfall and heavy winds.

The Rapid City Regional Airport in South Dakota closed Thursday morning as crews worked to clear a runway.

The National Weather Service said more than 6 inches of snow that fell in Rapid City Wednesday broke an old record for the date of 3 inches set in 1927.

Pennington County Administrative Offices and the 7th Circuit Court in South Dakota were closed Thursday as the snow continued to fall.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather warning for the Dakotas and northwestern Minnesota through today.

Walz names Ramsey County Judge Frisch to Court of Appeals

ST. PAUL (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz has appointed Ramsey County Assistant Chief Judge Jennifer Frisch to the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

Frisch will fill the vacancy created by the retirement at the end of this month of the chief judge on the appeals court, Edward Cleary.

Gov. Mark Dayton appointed Frisch to the district court in 2014. She previously served as senior associate general counsel for the University of Minnesota.