CSi Weather…

TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy.  A 20 percent chance of rain showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the upper 50s. South winds 5 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. South winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the southeast around 15 mph in the afternoon.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s. Southeast

winds 5 to 15 mph.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny. A 40 percent chance of rain showers and

thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. Southeast

winds 5 to 15 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Rain showers and thunderstorms

likely in the evening, then chance of rain showers and

thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the upper 50s. Chance of

precipitation 70 percent.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny with chance of rain showers and slight

chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 60s. Chance of

precipitation 30 percent.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers and

thunderstorms in the evening, then slight chance of rain showers

after midnight. Lows in the upper 40s. Chance of precipitation

20 percent.

.MEMORIAL DAY…Mostly sunny. Slight chance of rain showers in

the morning, then slight chance of rain showers and thunderstorms

in the afternoon. Highs around 70. Chance of precipitation

20 percent.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny with a 30 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s.

 

There is a slight chance of thunderstorms Thursday evening. Severe weather is not expected.

Widespread showers and thunderstorms are likely on Saturday. Some
storms may be strong to severe.

 

NDDoH

Posted Thurs. May 21, 2020

11-a.m.

Positive COVID-19 Test Results
Results listed are from the previous day.

INDIVIDUAL WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Man in his 70s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.
  • Man in his 90s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED THURSDAY

  • Bottineau County – 1
  • Burleigh County – 6
  • Cass County – 93
  • Emmons County – 4
  • Grand Forks – 1
  • Mercer County – 1
  • Morton County – 1
  • Pierce County – 1
  • Ramsey County – 1
  • Richland County – 1
  • Ward County – 24


BY THE NUMBERS

74,760 – Total Number of Tests Completed* (+2,757 total tests from yesterday)

 

61,279 – Total Unique Individuals Tested* (+2,079 unique individuals from yesterday)

59,050 – Total Negative (+1,945 unique individuals from yesterday)

2,229 – Total Positive (+134 unique individuals from yesterday)

4.9% – Daily Positivity Rate

Because the serial tests completed and added to the total number of tests completed can result in new individuals who test positive, the daily positivity rate will be calculated using the total positives for the day by the daily number of tests completed instead of the daily number of unique individuals tested.

144 – Total Hospitalized (+2 individuals from yesterday)

39 – Currently Hospitalized (+1 individuals from yesterday)

1,340 – Total Recovered (+38 individuals from yesterday)

51 – Total Deaths (+2 individual from yesterday)

 

* Note that this does not include individuals from out of state and has been updated to reflect the most recent information discovered after cases were investigated.

For descriptions of these categories, visit the NDDoH dashboard.

 

For the most updated and timely information and updates related to COVID-19, visit the NDDoH website at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council’s  Finance & Legal Committee,  Building, Planning & Zoning Committee  Civic Center & Promotion Committee,  Police & Fire Committee, and Public Works Committee met in Joint Session on Thursday, at City Hall.  Council Members Buchanan and Phillips  joined by phone.

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE

Considered was the request from Michael Harris, IDK owner, to allow the sale of alcohol in sealed mason jars by establishments licensed to sell alcohol.

Mayor Heinrich said this item should be in the information gathering mode, right now, and consider going forward.  Council Member Buchanan asked if an Ordinance change is required or a Resolution.

City Attorney Leo Ryan said the temporary moratorium allows for such sales.

The committee will take up the request, later in the meeting under item number seven on the agenda.

 

The committee recommends approving  a Resolution to approve and authorize the City Administrator to enter a Municipal Advisor Agreement with Dougherty & Company LLC, for the issuance of improvement warrants for Refunding Improvement Bonds of 2020 (Paving District 19-41, and to schedule the sale at the July 6, 2020, City Council meeting.

 

Considered was the request from ND Department of Transportation to recommend the City Council approve and authorize the City Administrator to enter the Wireless Telecommunication Facilities on NDDOT Right of Way Within LPA Jurisdiction Agreement.  City Attorney Ryan recommends tabling.  He said it has not be well received by city attorneys across the state, and to be put on the June Finance & Legal Committee meeting.  The request was then tabled.

 

Considered was the request from the JSDC to fund The Preliminary Design Report and Surveys for a potential Greenhouse tenant, at SEPA, in the amount of $21,000 from the Economic Development Fund with the City Share to be $16,800 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.  The committee recommends approval.

The Committee recommends the introduction of an ordinance granting a continued franchise agreement with CenturyLink, to December 31, 2025.

The committee  considered  approval and authorizing the City Administrator to enter the FEMA-4475-DR Public Assistance Grant Program Subgrant Agreement with the State of North Dakota Department of Emergency Services for reimbursement of costs incurred during the fall 2019 flood event. The City Attorney said he hasn’t had a chance to review the material.

The committee recommends the item be contingent upon review by the city attorney and authorize the City Administrator to sign the agreement.

 

The committee considered recommending the introduction of an ordinance to amend and re-enact Section 2-59 of the City Code, during a proclaimed emergency, to allow the mayor to restrict or relax ordinances listed, or related to the regulation of alcohol, provided that the City Council acts within 30 days or the mayor’s order terminates.  City Attorney Ryan says the ordinance allows the mayor to take into consideration and issue an executive order, allowing  flexibility, pending crafting an ordinance change to address the issue.

The committee recommends, accepting the introduction of the ordinance.

 

The committee then recommended the approval to extend the temporary moratorium  pertaining to the retail sale of alcoholic beverages, to September, 2020, City Council meeting.

 

Considered recommending approving the promotion of the Sanitation Foreman position. Deputy City Auditor, Jay Seveum said after advertising for the position, twice, there were no responses.

He said discussions centered on approaching city employees,Tyler Michael, and Sean O’Neil, for the position.

Seveum recommends, promoting Sean O’Neil to the position.

The committee also approved the recommendation.

 

Informational: Staff submitted the data for the State Fiscal Year 2020 State Aid transit grant application.

 

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

 

The committee recommends approval of the Minor Subdivision, Preliminary/Final plat of Hollaar Addition, Lot 1, Block 1, being within the City of Jamestown, Midway Township, Stutsman County, ND, a replat of Lot 20 and south half of Lot 21, Block 6 of Residence Park Addition, within the NW Quarter of Section 25-140-64, City of Jamestown, ND.

 

Considered recommending a non-refundable $200.00 application fee on requests for lot combinations, as recommended by City Building Inspector, Tom Blackmore.  The committee also recommends approval.

The committee considered recommending approval and to authorize entering into a license agreement with Fort Seward Reconstruction Committee, d/b/a Flags Across America, Fort Seward.  The committee then recommends approval of the license agreement.

Considered was recommending authorizing the replacement and approving the purchase of a digital IP phone system for City Hall in 2020 from Dakota Central, at a one-time cost of $2,375 from the 2020 building fund, and a monthly fee of $485.40 over 60 months for a total amount of $31,500 over six years. Mayor Heinrich said an advantage of the system, is being an internet phone system, that each phone will have its’ own phone number, and allows more flexibility in using the phone system. He said the city will look at having the cost reimbursed and applied for under Pandemic Funding availability. The committee recommends approval.

Approved was recommending authorizing the advertisement for request for information for an audio-visual system for City Hall. City Administrator, Sarah Hellekson said the city will recommend needs, for the system, and a consultant will be considered to work with the city.

INFORMATIONAL: The public hearing and second reading of Ordinance No. 1532, introduced by Council Member Phillips, to enact Section 12.1, Appendix C, of the City Code of the City of Jamestown, ND, to allow the Zoning Administrator to issue building permits over interior lots lines, is scheduled at the May 21, 2020 City Council meeting.

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

Consider a request from Jamestown Tourism for $15,450 from the Jamestown Tourism (BCTF) New Projects Fund to build a new website.  Council Member Buchanan noted the importance of the Tourism web site.

The committee recommends, approval.

 

The committee considered recommending approval and authorizing the City Administrator to sign the North Dakota Department of Commerce Main Street Initiative Community Action Plan which is offering grant funding, enabling larger grants to be obtained from the state.

 

INFORMATIONAL: Frontier Village update. Searle Swedlund said authorities are following guidelines under North Dakota Smart Restart, in reopening the Village buildings, for the upcoming summer season.  He said about half the Village vendors are expected back this summer.  He said the Village in conjunction with the National Buffalo Museum will operate under reduced hours to better manage the budget.  Frontier Village is expected to be open on June 1, 2020.

He added that the Frontier Village is having the artifacts cataloged.

 

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE

Discussed was  the Stutsman County Drug Task Force vacant position.  Mayor Heinrich said currently Jamestown Police does not have an officer on the Task Force.  He added that the city council in 1990 authorized an officer to be placed on the Task force, to be paid with a fund provided from an antidrug organization, until the funds run out.  Police Chief Scott Edinger said, no officer has been on the Task Force due to not having enough experience or knowledge of the position to be accepted on the Task Force.  He said the police department needs all the current officers to be on patrol.  He said it’s possible to have a full enough staff soon, and by November this year have applications to the Task Force. The committee  recommends the item be forwarded to the June committee meeting, pending additional information.

INFORMATIONAL: Fire department vehicle update.  Mayor Heinrich said no new additional information is available at this time.

 

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

INFORMATIONAL: Update on the Main Street Road Diet timeline and process for signal removal assessment of traffic flow beginning in June, 2020 (Ben Aaseth, Interstate Engineering, Consultant for NDDOT) The project is to be bid in August this year, and after a fall 2020 start, it should be completed by mid 2020.  A June 1 date is planed to bag traffic signals, with stop signs installed on the side streets.   The study will take several weeks to complete.

 

Recommended was approving a Change Order to Scherbenske, Inc., on 2020 Water Main Improvement Project 19-61, for a net increase in the contract price of $10,132.94, with a completion date of November 10, 2019.

 

The bids for the Sanitary Sewer Main Lift Station Engine Generator were opened Thursday afternoon.  Assistant City Attorney, Abby Gerioux said irregularities were noted in two bids.

The low bid of the two bids opened, was $285,500 from Advantage Electric.

The other bid was $309,000 from HiLiner Electric.  A bid from Curtis Electric will be reviewed.

The committee delayed awarding the bid to the June City Council Meeting.

 

INFORMATIONAL: Water Department Annual CCR, will be sent to Jamestown residents, indicating water testing results.

 

INFORMATIONAL: City Engineer project updates. James River tree removal funding grant applications have been sent to the State Water Department.  If approved, completion of the tree removal from the Anne Carlsen Center to the south limits of Jamestown would take place in two years, in 2022.

 

INFORMATIONAL: Recycling collection update, annual program and contract review.

Ralph Friebel said the participation rate in 2019 was  70-percent, not including the weeks when the recycling bins normally collected in the alley was curbside, with the bin numbers not readable.

 

INFORMATIONAL: Garbage collection update. The large branch pile at the landfill stemming  from last summer’s wind storm is refilling, and will need attention soon.  The cost for shredding is about $50,000.

Residents are reminded to keep bin clearance to at least four feet away from structures and the recycling bin.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session on Thursday evening at City Hall.  All members were present.

CONSENT AGENDA DISCUSSED SEPARATELY:

Item B was removed from the agenda, based on not recommended by the committee, a Resolution to approve and authorize the City Administrator to enter the Wireless Telecommunication Facilities on NDDOT Right of Way Within LPA Jurisdiction Agreement.

RESOLUTIONS:

(L) Considered was the tabled resolution to award the bid for Sanitary Sewer Lift Station No. 20 to C.C. Steele.

 

ORDINANCES:

A FIRST READING: Concerning an ordinance to grant a continued franchise agreement with CenturyLink. Moving to the June 1 City Council meeting.

 

A FIRST READING: Concerning an ordinance to amend and re-enact Section 2-59 of the City Code, during a proclaimed emergency, to allow the mayor to restrict or relax ordinances listed, or related to the regulation of alcohol, provided that the City Council acts within 30 days or the mayor’s order terminates. Moving to the June 1 City Council meeting.

 

A FIRST READING: Concerning an ordinance to amend and re-enact Article III, Chapter 15 of the City Code pertaining to the Fire Protection Code. Moving to the June 1 City Council meeting.

 

A PUBLIC HEARING: Concerned an ordinance to amend Appendix C by enacting Section 12.1, of the City Code of the City of Jamestown, ND, to allow the Zoning Administrator to issue building permits over interior lots lines.

 

Following the Public Hearing:

A SECOND READING: Ordinance No. 1532, to enact Section 12.1, Appendix C, of the City Code of the City of Jamestown, ND, to allow the Zoning Administrator to issue building permits over interior lots lines, was approved.

A Resolution was approved for  the promotion to the Sanitation Foreman position, Sean O’Neil.

A Resolution was approved to extend the temporary moratorium pertaining to the retail sale of alcoholic beverages until the Regular City Council meeting in September 2020.

Approved was authorizing the replacement and approving the purchase of a digital IP phone system for City Hall in 2020 from Dakota Central, at a one-time cost of $2,375 and a monthly fee of $485.40 over 60 months for a total amount of $31,500 over six years, $5,775 to be paid from the 2020 Public Building Site Fund.

Approved was authorizing the advertisement for request for information for an audio-visual system for City Hall.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67 followed by replays.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Tourism Grant/Executive Board meeting was held Thursday, May 21, 2020, by telephone conference call, to observe social distancing guidelines

Those in attendance included: Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund,  Board Members:  President Mathew Woods, Taylor Barnes, Paulette Ritter, and Tena Lawrence, Frank Ballek.

Ex-Official Member, Pam Phillips representing the Jamestown City Council, Emily Bivens, representing the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce.

Grant requests were made by:

Stutsman County Fairgrounds – wayfinding sign

Jamestown Parks and Rec – kiosk at cross country course

 

The Stutsman County Fair Association requested $1,700 for signage, at 27th Street NW, to 33rd Street SE, and Highway 281.  To be installed in 2020, and advertise events and activities at the fairgrounds.

The material to be used is aluminum.

Representative Rod Wilhelm said, the Fair Board has been given permission by land owner Dave Glinz, and John Grabinger, to acquire the sign at the west by Highway 281.  Newman Signs has indicated that the Sign is NDDOT approved.  The sign previously advertised the former Grabinger Marine business.

The Tourism Grant/Executive Board, granted, the full amount.  Frank Ballek abstained from voting.

 

Jamestown Parks and Recreation requested $4,850 for a map kiosk at the Parkhurst cross country course, for July 2020.  The course will host the next five state cross country meets, along with others held in the past.  The trail may be named The Arctic Trail, with a nod to the history of the area.

The Tourism Grant/Executive Board granted, the full amount requested.

 

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

Called to order by Matthew Woods.

No Declaration of Conflict of Interest was made.

Taylor Barnes gave the Financial Report, and was received, with no irregularities.

 

Tourism Report – Searle Swedlund introduced two summer staff members, including Oliver, an NDSU graduate, who has been hired to inventory articles at the Frontier Village.

Jennifer Nannega, is in her third year in summer work, assisting with the Frontier Village, including Scheduling Greeters, and other responsibilities.

Searle said, Tourism has received funding from Garrison Diversion, to support the water trail project.

The Jamestown Downtown Association has decided to cancel all summer events.

He said the Jamestown Arts Center, is planning opening the Jamestown Arts Market, at Hansen Arts Park, downtown, when it is safe to do so, based on state guidelines, and specifically observing social distancing to reduced risks of contracting the COVID-19 Virus.

 

Ex-Officio Reports:

Pam Phillips said the City Council on Thursday evening will discuss allowing tables and seats placed on sidewalks, for customer use, to expand the capacity, restricted by the NDSmartRestart.

Emily Bivens said the Chamber is holding meetings virtually, TFN, and the Chamber is hosting the virtual Candidates forums, with city council, and Jamestown Public School Board candidates,  adding other events and recent, awards.  She noted other chamber promotions that will be coming up.  A Scholarship committee will be formed to selected the winner from high school applicants.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Searle discussed the proposed new event grant guidelines, outlining past events and activities supported by tourism.  He said supporting new events are being reviewed to support with tourism dollars.

With Annual Events, he said the past requests have been largely for marketing dollars.  He said the request the application form should be clarified.

Eligible Events funding recipients were discussed, and those requests will be reviewed based on if the event funding requests that have been made in the past, and to be decided collectively.  A report to be put before the Tourism Board should be submitted with the grant request, with more specifics of the event or activities.

An Enhanced Grant application would need to be submitted if there is a change in the event, with past funding granted, for future funding requests.

Also discussed was applications to include a marketing plan which can be submitted in paper form, without necessarily appearing before the board in person to make the funding request.  Reimbursable dollar documentation should be submitted to receive, to verifying the funds were used  for the specific project requested.

Also considered was, sporting events should consist of bringing multiple groups to the date(s) requested, to drive overnight stays.

Granting requests for equipment should be based on if the equipment is imperative to being able to hold games, or other sports events….”wants vs. needs.”  Or, if the equipment is necessary concerning safety issues.

The discussion points on Thursday will be reviewed for further possible action and approval.

Direction was approved for the $1000 Buffalo City Pool Tourney grant.

The event was rescheduled twice, January 24-25, 2020 for Buffalo City Shootout; that was rescheduled for April 3-4 and now postponed until Dec 11-12, 2020.

The Tourism Board moved to give applicant choice to pay out $872.60 (30% of advertising) or wait for December event and the opportunity for more advertising to receive full $1000 grant.

Direction was approved for re-alocating $4350 for UJ Basketball Shootout that was previously funded.

The event was planned for December 27 & 28, 2019.  The second day was canceled due to weather, and did not spend dollars on that day of digital advertising.

$8,775 which includes $1,173.10 in advertising ($3910)

UJ’s Tena Lawrence abstained from voting.

The board voted that based on the advertising expenses submitted, the award should be $3910, not $4350 or $5000 as requested and awarded, and approved recommending $3910.

During the Stutsman COVID-19 Stutsman Response news briefing, Searle Swedlund update information on Jamestown and Stutsman County, and Valley City and nearby tourism sites.

Frontier Village opening June 1, 2020, 10-a.m. to 6-p.m., with the same hours at the National Buffalo Museum…Call ahead to the museum to schedule group tours.  Ft. Seward opens June 1, and will be open through the season from  10-a.m., to 6-p.m.

At Ft. Seward, The “Glamping” camping experience will be opening June 1, call 701-252-1875 for reservations.

The 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse features the new Civics Exhibit, the first of its kind in the nation.

He talked about tour sites in the area.

Two new trails include Island Trails at the Jamestown Reservoir.

The Arctic Trail is north of Parkrhurst Campground at Pipestem.

 

He noted that Sapphire Gallery in Downtown Jamestown features local artists work.

Lazy Fish is at Pelican Point Campground.

The Jim is located for meals at Jamestown Reservoir.

Davoni’s Italian/Seafood Restaurant  in Downtown Jamestown is now open.

He pointed out that Whitestone Hill at Kulm highlights battle history.

In Valley City he sited Medicine Wheel Park.

In Cooperstown, the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site.

More information is in the Jamestown Resource Guide.  Discoverjamestownnd.com with more information, the Tourism website.

 

Washington   (Sen. Cramer’s Office)  U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded grants to three local airports in North Dakota. These funds are appropriated through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a bill crafted in the Senate which Senator Cramer helped pass.

Barnes County Municipal Airport- $30,000
Oakes Municipal Airport – $30,000
Lisbon Municipal Airport – $20,000

This funding is awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under DOT and will aid these local airports by supporting continuing operations and replacing lost revenue. The grants follow previous DOT funding announcements awarding funds through the CARES Act to local airports in North Dakota.

Jamestown   (JRMC)  Jamestown Regional Medical Center reopened surgeries this month after postponing them due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In addition to urgent and emergent procedures, JRMC can now offer time-sensitive procedures as well.

JRMC President & CEO, Mike Delfs says, “Some conditions may not be life-threatening, however, they could deteriorate a person’s quality of life. We made a promise to care for this community and we intend to keep it.”

Delfs added, that the public can expect a few changes to processes at JRMC.  These processes help keep patients, staff and visitors safe. Changes include:

  • temperature and symptom screenings at every entrance
  • restricted visitation
  • social distancing modifications in our waiting areas and Apple Basket Cafe
  • In addition to JRMC’s standard cleaning schedule, JRMC is also fortunate to employ R.O.S.I.E., the Xenex LightStrike germ-zapping robot. R.O.S.I.E. produces UV-C light for disinfection.

The public can also expect communication from their medical teams. Providers will work with each patient, especially those over age 60 or those who are chronically ill, to assess whether to move forward with a procedure or wait.

JRMC Orthopedic Surgeon Michael T. Dean says, “Whenever patients are ready for us, we are ready for them .We’ll work with every individual to assess his or her risk and the best plan of care.”

Dr. Dean is also the chief of surgery.

JRMC postponed elective surgeries on March 23. Because most hospitals did this, some had to lay off or furlough employees. JRMC did neither.

Delfs adds, “We’re grateful to our board for its leadership, our community for its support and our employees for their legendary work. Because of them, we could weather the financial implications of this pandemic.”

Dr. Dean reminds the public to remain vigilant.

He says “The threat of the virus remains, especially as people return to work and social events.  We ask people to maintain hand washing, social distancing guidelines and the CDC recommendations.”

Learn more about how JRMC is keeping the community safe at www.jrmcnd.com/covid-safety. Schedule an appointment at www.jrmcnd.com/appointments.

New Rockford   The Eddy County Sheriff’s Office and the Carrington Police Department, Foster County Sheriff’s Office, and North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations are currently investigating a crime spree that occurred early Wednesday morning.

Authorities say it may span the greater area. A male suspect is wanted for burglary at Bank Forward in New Rockford and Bremer Bank in Carrington in their 24-hour access entry way lobbies. The male suspect was able to extract an undisclosed amount of cash from the ATM in New Rockford. BCI investigators have gathered DNA and forensic evidence from the scene.

If you recognize this person or have any additional information that may help in solving this crime, please contact the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office at 701-947-5515. You can remain anonymous.

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — Minot police are looking for a driver who struck and killed a pedestrian and fled the scene. Officers were notified of the hit-and-run about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday. Authorities say the striking vehicle is a dark-colored red or burgundy pickup truck. The 18-year-old male victim was taken to Trinity Hospital by Community Ambulance and died a short time later. The victim has not been identified.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal recommendations meant to keep meatpacking workers safe as they return to plants that were shuttered by the coronavirus have little enforcement muscle behind them. That is fueling anxiety that working conditions could put employees’ lives at risk. Extensive guidance issued last month by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls for meatpacking companies to erect physical barriers, enforce social distancing and install more hand-sanitizing stations, among other steps. But the guidance is not mandatory. OSHA’s general guidance plainly says the recommendations are advisory and not a regulation or a new legal obligation.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of bankers in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states inched upward in May from April’s record low, but still remained profoundly low as efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 wreaked havoc on the rural economy. The overall index for the region rose slightly to 12.5 from April’s record low of 12.1. Any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says nearly three of every four bankers surveyed reported restructuring farm loans to deal with weak farm income. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans’ views on the federal and state government handling of the coronavirus crisis are starting to sour — yet President Donald Trump’s personal approval rating has remained steady. A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that 41% of Americans approve of the president’s job performance, while 58% disapprove. That’s consistent with opinions of Trump before the pandemic, as well as throughout his more than three years in office.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government says the number of Americans thrown out of work since the coronavirus crisis struck two months ago has climbed to nearly 39 million. More than 2.4 million people applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week in the latest wave of layoffs from the outbreak that triggered coast-to-coast business shutdowns and brought the economy to its knees, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That brings the running total to 38.6 million.

 

DORAL, Fla. (AP) — Some furloughs at a Trump golf resort in South Florida are becoming permanent layoffs. A notice that the Trump National Doral Miami filed with the State of Florida last week says it is permanently laying off 250 of the 560 employees who were furloughed in March. The positions include cooks, housekeepers, servers, engineers, golf concierges and service attendants. None of them are union jobs. Back in March, the Miami-area resort along with other nonessential businesses in Florida closed to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. The resort’s manager says that while some parts of the resort have reopened, other parts will remain closed.

 

(AP)  A federal judge has agreed to impose financial sanctions against the Trump administration for failing to produce hundreds of documents during litigation over whether a citizenship question could be added to the 2020 census. U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman said Thursday that the Trump administration’s failure to produce the documents may have been inadvertent, but it was nevertheless unacceptable. The judge in New York ordered the administration to pay costs and fees of advocacy groups. Last year, Furman ruled against an effort by the Trump administration to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census. That decision was affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

 

MIDLAND, Mich. (AP) — Authorities are warning it could take days to fully assess damage from flooding that submerged houses, washed out roads and threatened a Superfund site in Central Michigan. Floodwaters from heavy rains that overtook two dams are retreating in some communities Thursday, but continue to threaten others farther downriver. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she talked to President Donald Trump and hopes he’ll sign a federal emergency declaration. The flooding forced the evacuation of about 11,000 people in the Midland area. Officials caution it could take days for the water to recede. Wixom Lake is nearly empty after the nearly century-old Edenville Dam failed.

 

(AP)  Growing numbers of U.S. colleges are pledging to reopen this fall, but they’re planning dramatic changes to campus life to keep the coronavirus at bay. Big lectures will be a thing of the past. Dorms will house a fraction of their usual capacity. Students will face mandatory virus testing. At some smaller schools, students may be barred from leaving campus. Even the most optimistic schools are crafting contingency plans in case an outbreak forces them online, but colleges say the financial and political pressures to reopen are too large to ignore. Those planning to reopen include Purdue University and Texas A&M University and the University of Notre Dame. The California State University system, in contrast, has said its 23 campuses will stay online this fall.