CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Partly sunny in the morning then clearing. Highs in the lower 60s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Clear. Lows around 40. North winds around 5 mph shifting to the south around 5 mph after midnight.

.THURSDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 70s. South winds 5 to

15 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows around 50. Southeast winds

10 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY…Partly sunny. Slight chance of rain showers in the

morning, then chance of rain showers and slight chance of

thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 70s. South

winds around 10 mph shifting to the west in the afternoon. Chance

of precipitation 30 percent.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 40s.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s.

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers in the morning,

then chance of rain showers and slight chance of thunderstorms in

the afternoon. Highs in the upper 50s. Chance of precipitation

40 percent.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows around 40.

.TUESDAY…Partly sunny. Chance of rain showers in the morning,

then chance of rain showers and slight chance of thunderstorms in

the afternoon. Highs in the upper 50s. Chance of precipitation

40 percent.

Jamestown  (CSi)  Central Valley Health Unit in Jamestown hosted a Stutsman County COVID-19 Stutsman County Response news briefing, Tuesday afternoon, using a virtual platform, to observe social distancing.

Presenters included:  Anne Carlsen Center, and Stutsman County.

Central Valley Health Unit Administrator, Robin Iszler said, five people have tested positive for COVID-19 as of Tuesday afternoon.  Since Friday 59 more individuals have been tested bringing the total to 395 tested as of Tuesday afternoon.  She said those individuals are taking precautions to be safe and isolated.  She said local nursing home residents are also being tested.

She added that more tests are being held in the community, so the number of positives are likely to increase.

Tim Eisner from The Anne Carlson Center explained precautions were put into place in March this year, initially in response to a potential flood event.   Those daily meetings became updates and reviews for COVID-19  from local and state officials.  ACC has increased telehealth services.

One positive staff member was identified last week.

Mandy Surface is infection control coordinator, and keeps trace of implementing CDC and NDDoH guidelines, as the agencies serve as contacts.  Mass screenings began in March, and have evolved into daily screenings of staff.

Since the staff member was tested positive, the staff and clients in the area of the worker, are now wearing N-95 masks, and are being asked questions about contact.   Cloth masks are being worn by all other staff members.  Surveillance testing has also been performed, with results expected the end of the day this Thursday.

 

Stutsman County:

Auditor/COO Nicole Meland updated the June 9, 2020 elections, reminding residents that there will be no physical voting location, by rather voting by mail.  Applications have been sent.  Those not receiving an application by May 11, should contact Stutsman County, and with any other questions. Send the application to the Stutsman County Courthouse, at which time a ballot will be send.

They may be deposited in a drop box at the courthouse by June 8, and by June 9, by 4-p.m.

The meeting airs live with replays on CSi TV 10 -The Replay Channel & CSi 67.   To view the briefing online, view it here at CSiNewsNOW.com or go to the CSi LiveStream at Facebook.

 

Bismarck  (CSi)  At his daily COVID-19 News Briefing from the state capital in Bismarck, Tuesday, Governor, Doug Burgum explained more on his Executive Order, that lifts business restrictions starting Friday, May 1, 2020, within guidelines set in the order.  He was joined by Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer to discuss the ND Smart Restart and the new standard operating procedures for businesses.

With COVID-19 testing information:

NDDoH

Tuesday, April 28, 2020 – 11:02am

Categories: Coronavirus

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TUESDAY

  • Cass County – 41
  • Grand Forks County – 3
  • Mountrail County – 1
  • Stark County – 3
  • Stutsman County – 1

1289 tests were conducted Monday

BY THE NUMBERS

23,723 – Total Tested (+1,289 individuals from yesterday)

22,732 – Total Negative (+1,240 individuals from yesterday)

991 – Total Positive (+49 individuals from yesterday)

79 – Total Hospitalized (+2 individuals from yesterday)

1 percent of North Dakota Hospital beds

25 – Currently Hospitalized (+2 individuals from yesterday)

409 – Total Recovered (+59 individuals from yesterday)

19 – Total Deaths (+0 individual from yesterday)

Testing capacities are being increased.

Burgum wii sign  Executive Orders, on Thursday,establishing new information, as businesses will be allowed to fully open, on Friday May 1, 2020.

He explained how the COVID-19 virus spreads, and urges continuing good hygiene practices, social distancing, more than six feet away from another person, covering coughs and sneezes, and using disinfecting agents, and wear face masks.  He added hard surfaces are collectors of the virus, and businesses should make sure items such as doorknobs are sanitized.

Those with underlying health issues and over 60 years of age, should stay away from public gathering areas, which are high contact areas, for a least a week, or two.

Business are asked to determine for themselves if they want to reopen, and if so set their own guidelines of doing business.

 

ND Smart Restart Guidelines include:

Barbers, bartenders and baristas in North Dakota can return to work later this week, after Gov. Doug Burgum unveiled guidelines for reopening certain businesses that have been closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The plan to ease restrictions Friday includes tough love for some types of businesses.

Businesses will be asked to limit capacity to 50 percent of normal operating capacity, allow for 6 feet spacing between groups and tables, and in-house dining areas must meet all guidelines and be sanitized between customers. Tables will also be limited to just 10 people per table.

Employee and customer hygiene and cleaning is also expected, including no drink refills unless it’s a clean cup or glass, menus will be single use paper or on material that can be sanitized after each use, and no self-service cups, straws or lids.

Blackjack tables must remain closed and gaming machines need to be separated at least 6 feet from service. hand-held entertainment or reservation notification devices are not allowed and dance floors will be closed.

Residents are also reminded to download the CARE-19 app to increase success levels with contact tracing.

Details available at ndresponse.gov

ND Commerce Commissioner, Michelle Kommer said conditions are ripe for business to reopen, and must comply with the safety guidelines, and protocols, adding the business openings are voluntary.

Protocols for such business, are established for tattoo studios, nail salons, massage therapy fitness center medical spas, hair salons, and more.  It requires barbers and cosmetologists to wear face masks, and prohibits high-intensity fitness classes. Visit ndresponse.gov for specific references and information, for reopening businesses. That includes links to the state health department th commerce department, OSHA, and North Dakota Job Service.

Health Department Spokesperson, Joan Connell, said, new technology continues to be addressed in the fight against COVID-19.  Convalescent plasma is being administerded to COVID-19 positives, the only antibody treatment available  Those previous tested positive, are candidates as donors, but must meet certain requirements to be a donor.  Vitalant  blood service also has more information.

With Jobless information, 66,266 claims have been filed since March 16, 2020,  to Monday, with 2337 claims filed on Monday. A total of 523 pandemic related claims have been filed.

He said the Google play store now has the CARE-19 app available for android users, for contact tracing.  2600 people have signed up so far.

BISMARCK, ND – The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved an allocation of almost $200,000 through Helping Housing Across North Dakota (HAND). The program addresses the housing rehab needs of lower-income individuals and families by providing grants to targeted community programs. North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) administers the program.

“Helping HAND ensures North Dakotans of limited means continue to have a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Commission members in a joint statement. The Industrial Commission, consisting of Gov. Doug Burgum as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, oversees NDHFA.

The 2020 grant distribution follows:

  • Community Action Partnership, Dickinson/Williston, $15,479.
  • Community Action Partnership, Minot, $20,489.
  • Dakota Prairie Community Action Agency, Devils Lake, $15,505.
  • Red River Valley Community Action, Grand Forks, $21,441.
  • Southeastern ND Community Action Agency, Fargo, $42,709.
  • Community Action Region VI, Jamestown, $11,697.
  • Community Action Program Region VII, Bismarck, $27,080.
  • Spirit Lake Tribal Housing, Fort Totten, $14,666.
  • Trenton Indian Service Area, Trenton, $14,666.
  • Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, Belcourt, $14,666.
  • Rebuilding Together, Fargo, $800.
  • Rebuilding Together, Mandan, $800.

Helping HAND assistance is provided to households with incomes that do not exceed 80 percent of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s median for the county in which their home is located. Matching funds of at least 25 percent of the total project costs are required to access the grant dollars.

Valley City   (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Special Session Tuesday evening via the Zoom platform and  observed social distancing at City Hall.  All members were present.

NEW BUSINESS

A Second interview was conducted with City Administrator candidate Gwendolyn Crawford.

 

She explained the duties at her current position as City Administrator at Lisbon, and said the Valley City position is similar in terms of working with the staff, and handling working with department heads.  She said at Lisbon the city staff works together as a team.

She and Valley City Commissioners discussed the Lisbon Police and Fire Departments, and challenges involved with building a new city fire hall.

She talked about funding for various projects.  She has reviewed the Valley City budget, was interested in the ways, Valley City budgets including setting aside funding for permanent flood protection, and pointed to Valley City having its own electricity source.

She attended last year’s Valley City Crazy Daze, and praised the activity.

She thanked the Commissioners for the opportunity to meet face to face for this interview.

Following the interview, she was excused, and Commissioners further discussed her candidacy for City Administrator.

Comments included her enthusiasm versus her lack of experience.

 

Finalists for the position previously interviewed were:

 

Gwendolyn Crawford, Barnes County, North Dakota
City of Lisbon, Lisbon, ND

City Administrator FKA Auditor/Economic Development Director

Other finalists included:

Darcy Long, Gladstone, Michigan.

Darcy was also employed at
Amery, WI

Markle, IN

Brown City, MI: Brought new tier-one auto supplier to the community adding 30 new manufacturing jobs.

Larry Thompson, New Ulm, Minnesota.

 

On a unanimous vote the City Commission then selected Ms Crawford as City Administrator, and to start salary negotiations.

 

Gwendolyn Crawford’s Background information:

 

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources December 2002

University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Major: Agricultural Business

EXPERIENCE

City of Lisbon, Lisbon, ND

City Administrator FKA Auditor/Economic Development Director 02/2014-Present

▪ Coordinate and oversee activities of City department supervisors, offices and programs.

▪ Advise, assist and consult with City Engineer on all engineering and planning matters, including keeping track of payments, disbursements and change orders of all city projects.

▪ Prepare and administer city budget in excess of $5 million.

▪ Responsible for biweekly and monthly payroll along with quarterly and annual reports.

▪ Facilitate, promote and ensure community economic development and opportunities.

 

American Shorthorn Association, Kansas City, MO

Director Junior Activities 07/2011-08/2016

Director of Registration 07/2007-07/2011

▪ Planned, organized, fundraised, and orchestrated Junior Nationals

▪ Directed and motivated the elected leaders of the American Junior Shorthorn Association.

▪ Organized youth agricultural leadership conferences including finding alternatives for funding.

▪ Organized and put on 3-4 major fundraisers annually that fully funded the Junior Association.

▪ Assisted in developing and analyzing the association’s budget of over $1.25 million.

 

Missouri River Title, Omaha, NE 02/2005 – 07/2007

Escrow Office Manager 09/2000 – 08/2003

▪ Managed, trained, assisted and motivated, 9-12 employees completing 400-500 real estate closings.

▪ Responsible for $8 million to $15 million in escrow funds per month.

▪ Completed all aspects of purchases and refinances, for both Residential and Commercial transactions.

▪ Created training tutorials and researched new software to help with efficiency and customer service.

 

Homeland Title, Omaha, NE

Escrow Office Manager 08/2003 – 02/2005

▪ Responsible for hiring, payroll, deposits, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

▪ Supervised daily activities of five employees.

▪ Implemented a benefits package.

▪ Trained new employees and developed training manual.

 

VOLUNTEER WORK/HONORS

▪ 2019 North Dakota League of Cities Appointed Official of the Year

▪ Rural Leadership of North Dakota Class Alumni-Vice President

▪ Trustee of the Shorthorn Foundation

▪ Girls Nation Committee member 2020, Cornhusker Girls State-Chairman 2012 and 2013, Vice Chairman 2011, Director of Counselors 2006-2010, Senior Counselor 2003-2005, Citizen 1993.

 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

▪ Excellent management and organizational skills

▪ Solid analytical and problem-solving skills

▪ Exceptional communication skills

▪ Able to multi-task and perform under stress

▪ Goal oriented, determined and hard working

▪ High energy with positive attitude

▪ Remarkable dependability and motivation

Also at Tuesday’s Special meeting, Commissioners also approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 1054 which, if approved upon second reading, would give the City authority to construct infrastructure (water main, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and graded and graveled roads) from existing locations within City limits to the boundaries of newly annexed territories.  The vote was 3-2 in favor.  Voting in opposition were Commissioners, Powell, and Erickson.

The City would be further authorized to expend up to $150,000 from surplus funds generated by municipal utilities for the remainder of 2020 in order to cover associated engineering and construction costs.  The ordinance would terminate at the end of 2020.  It is anticipated that in 2020, a portion of the funds would be allocated to construct infrastructure to the boundaries of property owned by Bridgetown Builders Inc., pending approval of a Developer’s Agreement with the City and the Barnes Rural Water District.  Annexation of land for a proposed residential subdivision was approved by the Commission on April 7.  The second reading of Ordinance No. 1054 is scheduled for the regular Commission Meeting on May 5, along with further discussion of the subdivision development plan.

The meeting was seen on CSi Cable 68, followed by replays.

 

 

Jamestown (Sts Emerg. Manager)The week of April 27th has been designated, “Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week,” for the entire state of North Dakota. This annual event is intended to remind the public of the dangers associated with severe summer weather including lightning, high winds, large hail, flash floods and tornadoes. All of which, can cause severe property damage, personal injury, and even death.

Awareness week activities, Stutsman County will conduct a tornado exercise that will begin at about 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, April 29th. The exercise will simulate what occurs locally when a tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service.

The tornado exercise will be testing internal notification procedures county-wide along with siren activation capabilities. Sirens will be activated in many area communities including the Cities of Jamestown, Buchanan, Cleveland, Medina and Streeter. In most communities, sirens will be activated for approximately 3 minutes.

Because the National Weather Service will not directly be involved with the exercise, the simulated warning will not be broadcast through the National Weather Service all-hazards weather radio system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) for local AM/FM radio stations and cable television providers will not be activated. The Stutsman Alert’s notification system powered by Everbridge will also not be activated for this test.

The most common reason a community’s warning sirens are activated is to warn the public of a possible tornado. However, sirens could also be activated to alert the public of other types of events that could be a danger to the community.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The  Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation (JSDC) Board has unanimously approved transferring 19 acres of land it  leased from Jamestown Regional Airport for construction of the Jamestown Airport Industrial Park.

The land was part of the 96-acre site leased from the airport the JSDC had improved with roads and utilities for future economic development.

The 19-acre parcel that goes back to the airport will be leased by the airport to the North Dakota National Guard to build an armory.

Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich said the armory would likely be built and ready for use in three to nine years.

In other business, the JSDC voted to approve a deferral on repayment of up to a year for payments on a loan made by the JSDC to the Spiritwood Energy Park Association.

Valley City  (CSi)  The City of Valley City regular election will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Park Board, and School Board elections will also be held that day.

Voting

Barnes County is administering the June 9, 2020 election. This election will be STRICTLY Vote-By-Mail with no in-person voting on Election Day.

Applications have been sent to voters.   Once they receive their mail-in ballot, please complete the application and return it to the City Auditor, 254-2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND 58072.

If voters do NOT receive a ballot application in the mail by April 30th, please contact the Barnes County Auditor’s Office for a ballot application at (701) 845-8500 or auditor@barnescounty.us

Questions?  Call 701-845-8121.

When returning your absentee ballot, please send to the Barnes County Auditor’s Office, 230 4th Street NW, Valley City, ND 58072.

The County will have a drop box available in front of the Courthouse on the north side beginning April 30th for people to drop off their ballots, in case they choose not to mail them in.

Election ballots must be returned by 4 pm June 9.

A reminder that during the June 9 Valley City election, a measure will be on the ballot to support or oppose the extension of an existing one-half (1/2) percent sales tax for 15 years.

This sales tax was previously approved by the voters for permanent flood protection with a sunset of December 31, 2047. This advisory vote would approve extending the sales tax 15 years from that date.

The extension is needed to meet the Bank of North Dakota requirements to provide 30 years of funding to match up with 30-year loans needed for permanent flood protection. Again, this is an extension of time only, not an increase in the sales tax.

The city of Valley City began planning efforts and home buyouts for permanent flood protection in 2012. The overall system planned is an estimated 5.7 miles, consisting of a combination of concrete flood walls and clay levees. Construction of Phase I began in 2015 and in the summer of 2020, the city will have completed Phases I, II and III of permanent flood protection, resulting in a total of 1.2 miles of a completed system or approximately 20%. Funding has been secured for construction of Phase IV, tentatively scheduled for completion in late 2021. This would bring the total project complete to approximately 30%.

(CSi)   Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Stutsman County Commissioners passed a resolution on April 1, 2020, to administer the Primary Election on June 9, 2020, via VOTE BY MAIL.

This means Stutsman County will not have any open polling sites for Absentee Voting, Early Voting or on Election Day. Stutsman County active and inactive voters will be receiving an absentee application in the mail from the ND Secretary of State’s Office., which have been sent.  If you wish to receive a ballot, each voter will need to complete and return the application to the Stutsman County Auditor’s Office.

If you do not receive an application by May 11, 2020, please complete an application at www.vote.nd.gov or contact the Auditor’s Office at (701) 252-9035.

If you wish to vote by mail in your City, School, Special and General Elections, please mark All Statewide Elections when completing your application. This will allow the Auditor’s Office to automatically take steps to ensure you receive ballots for the elections you are requesting and will not require you to complete another application for the November General Election.

Send the application to the Stutsman County Courthouse, at which time a ballot will be sent.

Upon receipt of the completed application, the voter will be mailed a ballot for their precinct and small city ballot, if applicable, along with a secrecy envelope, a return envelope and instructions for marking and returning the ballot.

They may be deposited in a drop box at the courthouse by June 8, and by June 9, by 4-p.m.

The Express Vote equipment will be available by appointment for anyone needing assistance with voting. Please contact the Stutsman County Auditor’s Office at (701) 252-9035 to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Vote By Mail process, feel free to contact the Stutsman County Auditor’s Office by phone at (701) 252-9035, by email at auditor@stutsmancounty.gov, or visit the website’s Frequently Asked Questions at https://www.co.stutsman.nd.us/government/elections-voting/2020-primary-election.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Salvation Army continues to provide services for residents in the community and Stutsman County, at the headquarters on 1st Avenue North.

Major Judy Lowder says they have changed their operations to better meet the community’s needs.  There is now a door bell to ring, to limit the amount of people in the lobby at one time, to observe social distancing

The food basket program is available along with rental assistance, utility assistance, and hygiene kits.

She says, a baby pantry has been established, and the Salvation Army is accepting monetary donations to purchase and distribute supplies.

More information by calling the Salvation Army at  701-252-0290.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  Officials  from City-County Health District, Valley City State University and Local Government present another Barnes County COVID-19 update and informational briefing Wednesday evening, at Valley City, City Hall.

Each organization provided updates and information pertaining to recent developments in the COVID-19 community response.

 

Speakers include

 

Theresa Will – Administrator for City-County Health District

 

 

Dr. Alan LaFave – President of Valley City State University

 

 

Dave Carlsrud – Valley City Mayor

 

 

 

The briefings are closed the public to honor social distancing.

The meeting airs live with replays on CSi TV 10 -The Replay Channel & CSi 68.   To view the briefing online, view it here at CSiNewsNOW.com or go to the CSi LiveStream at Facebook.

BISMARCK, N.D. (Bismarck Tribune) — Police say they are looking for a man who fired multiple gunshots into a vehicle in Bismarck. Authorities say the 24-year-old man is wanted for attempted murder. No one in Friday’s shooting was injured. Officers have arrested a man accused of being an accomplice. Police say the 18-year-old man was driving the vehicle from which the shots were fired. Formal charges are pending. The Bismarck Tribune reports the man accused of firing the shots is on probation for assaulting a police or corrections officer in 2018.

In sports…

VIRUS OUTBREAK-BASEBALL

AP sources: MLB opening options include 3 regional divisions

NEW YORK (AP) — People familiar with the discussions tell The Associated Press that Major League Baseball is exploring various options that could allow the season to start if the medical situation allows.

Included is a plan in which the 30 teams could be split into three regional divisions. Teams could be restricted to playing within their region.

That idea, if used, would break up the traditional alignments of the American and National Leagues. It also would cut travel.

In other virus-related baseball news:

— The Pittsburgh Pirates are suspending retirement benefits for members of the team’s baseball operations staff in an effort to cope with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. General manager Ben Cherington says the team has been searching for ways to find savings with the 2020 season on hold indefinitely with much of the country locked down in hopes of stemming the spread of the virus. The temporary suspension of retirement benefits is part of an effort to avoid any potential personnel cutbacks.

— Major League Baseball has told teams they could decide their own ticket refund policies. Spring training was suspended on March 12 and the regular season was delayed from its scheduled March 26 start because of the new coronavirus pandemic. A revised schedule has not been announced, and teams had treated the missed games as postponements and not announced refund policies.

— The maker of Louisville Slugger baseball bats is producing non-medical masks to help benefit food banks. Louisville-based Hillerich & Bradsby says in a release its Maskonic masks are reusable, water repellent and treated with a bactericide that lasts up to 10 washes. The mask was inspired by the company’s Bionic gloves line. Company president and CEO John Hillerich says it “was a natural progression, particularly in a time of global crisis” when personal protective equipment is needed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Hillerich says the company has channeled its production and supply chain toward making masks for the public.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NASCAR

NASCAR race may take place in Charlotte without fans

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The governor of North Carolina says NASCAR can hold the Coca-Cola 600 without fans at Charlotte Motor Speedway at the end of May if health conditions do not deteriorate in the state.

Gov. Roy Cooper says he and state public health officials have had discussions with NASCAR and the speedway. Cooper says he believes the race can go forward on Memorial Day weekend for the 60th consecutive year.

NASCAR, like other sports, has been shut down for weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic.

In other virus-related developments:

— The head of the IOC’s coordination commission for the Tokyo Olympics says he disagrees with suggestions by some scientists and doctors that a vaccine for COVID-19 is needed to hold the games. John Coates is an International Olympic Committee member from Australia and a lawyer. He says he has read the opinion but doesn’t agree. Coates says, “the advice we’re getting from (the World Health Organization) says we should continue to plan for this date and that is what we’re doing.” Coates offers no details on how athletes from around the world could safely enter and exit Japan without spreading the virus.

— Athletes in track and field can apply for money from a $500,000 fund to help them get through the coronavirus pandemic. World Athletics and the International Athletics Foundation have launched the fund to help athletes who’ve lost income because competitions are suspended.

— Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt says the school will cut nearly $7 million from the athletic budget in the upcoming school year, including eliminating performance bonuses for himself and Red Raiders coaches. Hocutt told A-J Media in Lubbock, Texas that deeper cuts may be needed if college football can’t play a full season.

— The 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course is delaying the start of ticket sales until August. Tickets were originally set to go on sale to those who registered online in May. Instead, PGA Championship tournament director Scott Reid said that with the world grappling with the coronavirus pandemic it was not appropriate to ask potential spectators to make purchasing decisions at this time.

— The Atlantic Coast Conference will bring its men’s basketball tournament back to Greensboro, North Carolina in 2023 after this year’s tournament there was canceled near the midway point due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ACC is headquartered in Greensboro, which has host

NFL-NEWS

Saints agree to terms with QB Winston on one-year contract

UNDATED (AP) — Jameis (JAYM’-ihs) Winston has found a landing spot.

The unrestricted free agent quarterback has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.

Winston was the first overall pick in the 2015 draft and the starting QB for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He’ll serve as backup to Drew Brees in New Orleans.

Winston is coming off a season in which he led the NFL with 5,109 yards passing and ranked second with 33 touchdown passes, but he also led the NFL in interceptions with 30. That made Winston the first QB in NFL history to have at least 30 TDs and 30 interceptions.

In five seasons with the Buccaneers, he has passed for 19,737 yards and 121 touchdowns while throwing 88 interceptions. The Bucs went 28-42 in games Winston started.

In other NFL developments:

— Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland has been arrested in South Carolina for resisting arrest and other offenses. Breeland, who is from Charlotte, was arrested in York County, just south of the North Carolina-South Carolina border. Breeland was also charged with driving with an open container of alcohol, possession of marijuana or hash and driving without a license. Breeland had seven tackles and an interception in the Chiefs’ 31-20 Super Bowl win over San Francisco two months ago.

— Joe Staley says he has been taken aback by the tributes that have poured in from former 49ers teammates, coaches and competitors since he announced his retirement. The limelight in the NFL is usually reserved for players who catch, run or throw the ball, not the behind-the-scene workers who help make all that happen. But Staley is deserving of it after making six Pro Bowls, the NFL all-decade team and helping the 49ers reach the Super Bowl twice in his 13-year career.

— The Kansas City Chiefs have released two-time Pro Bowl punter Dustin Colquitt. Colquitt’s 15-year career with the Chiefs allowed him to set numerous franchise records, including the most games played and most postseason appearances. Colquitt posted a farewell on Instagram late Monday in which he said that “all things come to an end, sometimes sooner than you hoped, prayed and pleaded for them to.” Colquitt stopped short of saying he was retiring. He turns 38 next month.

— The Houston Texans have released veteran safety Tashuan Gipson just one year after signing him to a three-year, $22.5 million contract. Gipson started 14 games for Houston last season before landing on injured reserve because of a back injury. The 29-year-old Gipson had 55 tackles and three interceptions in his one season with the Texans.

— A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that free agent wide receiver Rashard Higgins has agreed to a one-year contract to stay with the Cleveland Browns. Higgins clashed with former Browns coach Freddie Kitchens last season. A fifth-round pick in 2016, Higgins had only four catches for 55 yards last season as he also dealt with a knee injury. In 2018, Higgins had 39 receptions for 572 yards and four touchdowns.

— The Pittsburgh Steelers have picked up the fifth-year option on All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt. Watt, Pittsburgh’s first-round pick in the 2017 draft, is coming off a stellar 2019 in which he had 14 1/2 sacks and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the second time.

— The Denver Broncos have agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent defensive lineman Christian Covington on a one-year contract. Covington played for the Dallas Cowboys last year after spending four seasons with the Houston Texans, who selected him in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL draft. Covington started a career-high six games for the Cowboys and had a personal-best 28 tackles.

— The Chicago Bears signed defensive tackle John Jenkins. Jenkins appeared in 16 games and made five starts for Miami last season, getting one sack. He has also played for New Orleans, Seattle, Chicago and the New York Giants since he entered the league in 2013.

— The 2021 NFL draft will be held in Cleveland from April 29 to May 1. The dates were announced following the completion of a unique, stay-at-home draft that went smoothly despite logistical obstacles due to the COVID-19 pandemic. TV ratings soared over the weekend as fans soaked in every moment. The NFL officially awarded Cleveland the 2021 NFL draft last year. The Browns will be celebrating their 75th anniversary next year. Details are still being finalized, but the draft will be held at locations around FirstEnergy Stadium and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

NFL OBIT-HARLAND SVARE

Former Giant Harland Svare, Rams, Chargers coach dies at 89

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Harland Svare, a starting linebacker on the Giants’ 1956 NFL championship team and later the team’s defensive coach, has died, He was 89. He died on April 4 at a nursing home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. For many years, Svare also held the distinction of being the NFL’s youngest head coach at 31 years, 11 months. He was elevated from defensive line coach to head coach by the Los Angeles Rams midway through the 1962 season.

MLB-ORIOLES-MANCINI CANCER

Orioles 1B Mancini expects to miss season to treat cancer

BALTIMORE (AP) — Orioles outfielder Trey Mancini is undergoing chemotherapy for stage 3 colon cancer and expects to miss the season if major leaguers return this summer.

Mancini had a malignant tumor removed shortly before turning 28 on March 18. Writing a first-person article for The Players Tribune, the 28-year-old says has been undergoing chemotherapy since April 13. He says the treatment will take six months and expects to make a full recovery.

Mancini hit .291 with 35 homers and 97 RBIs for last-place Baltimore in 2019.

 

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy began 2020 riding the crest of a record-long expansion with every expectation that its 11th year of growth would not be its last. Then the economy screeched to a sudden halt. And now it’s in free-fall. On Wednesday, the government will offer a glimpse of how dark the picture has grown and how much worse it could get as the coronavirus pandemic inflicts ruinous damage. The Commerce Department is expected to estimate that the gross domestic product sank at an annual rate of 5% or more in the January-March quarter. And yet forecasters say that will be only a precursor of a far grimmer GDP report to come on the current quarter.

 

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has promised to stand in solidarity with the United States in its struggle against the coronavirus pandemic and as it recovers from the outbreak. In a letter sent to Donald Trump, Erdogan also said he was following “with appreciation” the U.S. president’s efforts to control the outbreak. The letter was sent Tuesday along with a planeload of personal protective equipment that Turkey donated to the United States. It was made public on Wednesday. Turkey sent 500,000 surgical masks, 4,000 overalls, 2,000 liters (528 gallons) of disinfectant, 1,500 goggles, 400 N-95 masks and 500 face shields.

 

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Republican state leaders in Oklahoma and Utah are facing scrutiny over the spending of millions of dollars combined to purchase malaria drugs promoted by President Trump to treat COVID-19 patients that many other states obtained for free and that doctors warned shouldn’t be used without more testing. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt defended the state’s $2 million purchase Tuesday, saying the drug was showing some promise. Top officials in both states chalked up the decisions to “the fog of war.” Utah Gov. Gary Herbert at first defended the state’s $800,000 purchase but has since ordered an investigation of the contract and halted a plan to spend $8 million to buy more.

 

PHOENIX (AP) — The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund is suing the federal government over its denial of federal coronavirus relief payments to U.S. citizens who are married to immigrants without social security numbers. The lawsuit was filed in Maryland on Tuesday on behalf of six American citizens who were denied coronavirus relief checks because they filed and paid taxes with a spouse who has what’s known as an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or a way for immigrants without legal status to still pay federal taxes, which millions do. Americans married to immigrants say they’ve been unfairly targeted.

 

SYDNEY (AP) — The head of the IOC’s coordination commission for the Tokyo Olympics says he disagrees with suggestions by some scientists and doctors that a vaccine for COVID-19 is needed to hold the games. John Coates is an International Olympic Committee member from Australia who is a lawyer. He says he had seen the opinion but didn’t agree. Coates says “the advice we’re getting from (the World Health Organization) says we should continue to plan for this date and that is what we’re doing.” Coates offered no details how athletes from around the world could safely enter and exit Japan without spreading the virus.

 

BEIJING (AP) — Global stocks are higher after France and Spain joined governments that plan to roll back anti-coronavirus controls and allow businesses to reopen. London and Frankfurt opened higher while Shanghai and Hong Kong advanced. Tokyo was closed. Wall Street retreated overnight, hurt by declines in health care and tech stocks. The French and Spanish governments plan to let restaurants and some other businesses reopen gradually and under strict conditions. Earlier, Italy’s premier announced a timetable for factories and some other businesses to reopen. South Korea reported March industrial production improved over the previous month.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — With the U.S. economy gripped by its worst crisis since the 1930s, Federal Reserve policymakers are expected to offer sweeping assurances Wednesday that they will act as needed to help prevent the damage from growing even worse. Yet the Fed is unlikely to unveil any new emergency programs. Fed officials have already taken a range of extraordinary actions that have propelled them into new corners of the economy and elevated their bond-buying to new heights. Chairman Jerome Powell will hold his usual news conference — this time virtually, rather than on site — after the Fed issues its latest policy statement.