CSi Weather…

.REST OF TODAY…Partly sunny.   Highs in the upper 70s. South winds 5 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the upper 50s. Southeast winds 5 to 15 mph.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers and

thunderstorms in the evening, then rain showers likely and chance

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

winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 60 percent  in the Jamestown area, 50 percent in the Valley City area.

.SUNDAY…Rain showers likely and chance of thunderstorms. Highs

in the lower 70s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation

60 percent in the Jamestown area, 70 percent in the Valley City area.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 50s.

.MEMORIAL DAY…Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 60s.

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

.TUESDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s.

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

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs around 80.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s.

.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny with a 20 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 70s.

 

High rainfall chances on Saturday night with a half-inch of rainfall at any given point.

Sunday and Monday will be cooler  with forecast highs

in the 65 to 70 F range.

A general dry period is likely across the region next week.

 

 

North Dakota health officials have reported a single-day high of 134 positive COVID-19 cases and two more deaths. Statewide, there were 2,229 confirmed cases of the coronavirus as of Thursday.

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.

 

Bismarck – Gov. Doug Burgum has directed government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Sunday, May 24, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the coronavirus pandemic.

The governor’s directive is in accordance with a proclamation issued late Thursday by President Donald Trump.

“Kathryn and I extend our deepest condolences to every North Dakota family and community grieving the loss of a loved one to this global pandemic,” Burgum said. “This weekend, we remember and honor those we have lost to COVID-19, and we reaffirm our commitment to a Smart Restart that protects the lives and livelihoods of all North Dakotans while emphasizing personal responsibility and caring for our fellow citizens.”

 

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Essentia Health says it is laying off 900 employees as the coronavirus pandemic cuts into business. Essentia Health CEO David Herman said Thursday that the recent cost-reduction measures the Duluth-based health care system has taken “are not sufficient to preserve our mission and the health of the organization.” The Star Tribune reports the cuts represent 6 percent of Essentia’s workforce. The cuts are in addition to 850 Essentia employees who have been placed on administrative leave. Minnesota hospitals are dealing with a steep drop in business while preparing for an expected surge of COVID-19 patients. Routine visits have been postponed and elective surgeries were not allowed until recently.

CSi) Jamestown The Jamestown Patriotic Council is planning an outdoor Memorial Day observance on Monday May 25 starting at 9-a.m.

At that time, there will be a wreath lowering and taps at the Nickeus Park bridge.

Following will be flag ceremonies at cemeteries and at Ft. Seward.

At 11:30-a.m., the All Vets Club the will host a light lunch with free-will offering.

The entire community is invited to join in the day of honoring and remembrance.

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.

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

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. (KFGO-AM) — Police say the driver in a fatal hit-and-run in Minot has surrendered to authorities. The 16-year-old has been referred to juvenile court after turning himself in Thursday. A pedestrian, 18-year-old Michael Fenner, was struck Wednesday about 10:30 p.m. in Minot. KFGO reports he was taken to Trinity Hospital by Community Ambulance and died a short time later. Police were looking for a dark-colored red or burgundy pickup truck before the driver surrendered.

 

In sports…

VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTS

UNDATED (AP) — The NHL is taking a major step toward formulating the remainder of their season.

A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press the NHL Players’ Association’s executive board is voting on a 24-team playoff proposal as they return to play format. Results of the vote could be in as soon as Friday night.

Under the proposal plan, the top four teams in each of the Eastern and Western Conferences would play each other for seeding while the remaining 16 teams face off in a best-of-five series play-in round to set the final 16. That would mean byes for Boston, Tampa Bay, Washington and Philadelphia in the East and defending champion St. Louis, Colorado, Vegas and Dallas in West.

Even if the executive board votes to approve the format, the league and players union still need to negotiate other details, including health and safety protocols. But the format is a substantial piece of the return to play puzzle to award the Stanley Cup this season.

In other developments related to the coronavirus pandemic:

— Some Louisville football and basketball players will return to campus Wednesday in a phased approach and begin voluntary workouts in early June. The first phase of 30 football players and 15 men’s and women’s basketball players will arrive next week after being instructed on safety protocols. Testing and physicals will begin June 3, with voluntary training not directed by coaching staffs to begin five days later.

— Indiana University hopes to have some student-athletes back by mid-June. President Michael McRobbie posted a 22-page plan on his web site to reopen the university in stages, which includes the return of at least a percentage of all students this fall. The release comes one day after the NCAA approved a measure to lift the moratorium on voluntary workouts for football and men’s and women’s basketball players.

— East Carolina University is eliminating its men’s and women’s tennis and swimming and diving programs to help reduce a $4.9 million budget deficit created by the pandemic. The move affects 68 student-athletes and nine coaches and reduces ECU’s sponsored sports from 20 to 16, including nine for women. The NCAA requires Division I FBS schools to carry minimums of 16 sports, eight for women.

— IndyCar has altered its schedule again amid the coronavirus pandemic, cancelling the June 27 race at Richmond and the July 12 street course event in Toronto. The open-wheel series is slated to finally begin June 6 at Texas Motor Speedway, but its next event won’t be held until July 4 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race scheduled for June 21 at Road America in Wisconsin has been changed to a doubleheader on July 11-12.

— Golf Digest is reporting the European Tour hopes to resume its season in England the first weekend in August as part of a four-tournament “bubble” in the UK. The magazine cited sources as saying the British Masters would be followed by two tournaments in England and one in Wales at Celtic Manor for 1 million euros ($1.1 million) in prize money. The European Tour has postponed nine tournaments and canceled eight others on its schedule because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a memo, the European Tour says priority rankings will stay the same for 2021 and there will not be Q-school.

— Little League has released a set of “best practice” guidelines it believes would allow baseball and softball to be played safely after local authorities give the groups the all-clear to return to play. The recommendations include eliminating all non-essential contact and banning the postgame handshake line in favor of lining up along the respective baselines and tipping your cap to the opponent. All players should wear masks while in the dugout and coaches and volunteers should wear masks and protective medical gloves at all times.

— Boxing promoter Bob Arum says he plans to stage a card of five fights on June 9 at the MGM Grand, the first of a series of fights over the next two months at the Las Vegas hotel. A second fight card will be held two nights later, kicking off twice weekly shows at the hotel in June and July. No fans will be allowed, and Arum said fighters and everyone else will be tested at least twice during fight week for the new coronavirus.

— Horse racing’s National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has canceled its induction ceremony in August because of health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hall of Fame ceremony was scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7. This year’s class will be inducted with next year’s group.

— The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee is eliminating 51 positions and furloughing 33 more as part of a dramatic cut in staffing. The move is designed to trim up to 20% of its budget to respond to shortfalls caused by the coronavirus pandemic. CEO Sarah Hirshland wrote in a letter sent to Olympic stakeholders that 32 employees had been offered different roles in the organization, setting up the possibility that not all the eliminated or furloughed positions will result in a temporary or permanently lost jobs.

— Tokyo Olympic organizing committee CEO Toshiro Muto spoke Thursday about the need to take “countermeasures” to combat the coronavirus at next year’s postponed games. Muto acknowledged in an online news conference that “there are some in Japan” talking about holding the games without fans. Muto did not say this was going to happen.

— German soccer club Dynamo Dresden has reported another case of coronavirus. The already quarantined second-division club has now had four players test positive. Dresden says on its website that another “category one” close contact of its coaching staff has also tested positive for COVID-19. Dresden’s entire team was ordered by local health authorities into 14 days of quarantine on May 9 after two players tested positive.

— English soccer club Manchester United says it believes it will miss out on $24 million because the Premier League will have to make refunds to broadcasters even if the season is completed. The league is in talks with its rights holders about rebates because of delays and changes to the broadcasting schedule. Empty stadiums will also change the TV product. The rebates will vary based on the final position in the standings and the number of games aired live.

— Swimming’s governing body has postponed the short course world championships for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. FINA (FEE’-nuh) says the championships scheduled for December in Abu Dhabi will now be staged Dec. 13-18, 2021, in the United Arab Emirates because of the “the uncertainty related with the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.”

MLB-NEWS

Union makes counterproposal to owners

UNDATED (AP) — The Major League Baseball Players Association has given management a wide-ranging response to a 67-page proposed set of protocols for a season to be played during the coronavirus pandemic.

The union says it addressed protections for high-risk players, access to pre- and postgame therapies, testing frequency, protocols for positive tests, in-stadium medical personnel and sanitization procedures.

Players viewed many of the concepts in the original draft submitted last week as over-the-top, such as arriving in uniform at the ballparks, a prohibition on them leaving without team permission and a ban on guests other than immediate family members.

Players also objected to a ban on the use of showers and hydrotherapy.

The union wants more frequent testing than management’s proposed “multiple times per week.”

MLB is expected to make an economic proposal to the union within a few days.

Also around the majors:

— The Cubs and Pirates are making tough financial decisions concerning their front office staff with the major league season still on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic. A person with direct knowledge of the situation says the Cubs are instituting pay cuts based on compensation, but there will be no furloughs through the end of June. The Pirates announced today that they are instituting furloughs for several employees in business operations beginning on June 1. The Cardinals and Twins have informed their employees there won’t be any pays cuts or furloughs through the end of June

NFL-NEWS

NFL looks at adding “booth umpire” and tech adviser for refs

UNDATED (AP) — The NFL is considering adding a “booth umpire” and a senior technology adviser to the referee to assist the officiating crew.

The league also is looking at other rule changes, including an alternative to the onside kick.

NFL clubs received a list of potential rules changes on Thursday. Owners will vote on the proposals at the upcoming league meeting to be held by video conference on May 28. If owners don’t approve adding a booth umpire and/or a senior technology adviser, the league could test a version of both rules in the preseason for possible future implementation.

The proposal that would give teams another option instead of an onside kick permits a team to maintain possession of the ball after a score by substituting one offensive play. The kicking team would attempt a fourth-and-15 from its 25-yard line. This could be done a maximum of two times per game. Onside kicks have become infrequent and rarely successful since the NFL changed rules on alignments for kickoffs.

In other NFL news:

— An NFL player is suing United Airlines, saying he was harassed and sexually assaulted by an intoxicated female passenger on a red-eye flight in February. The player said in a lawsuit that soon after boarding the cross-country flight, a woman sitting in the same row confronted him over his face mask, ripped it off the and groped him. The NFL player and a companion who joined the lawsuit were not named. United confirms there was some sort of incident and a passenger was moved to a different seat but says it won’t comment further.

— Tom Brady’s journey to each of his nine Super Bowls with the New England Patriots will be the subject of an ESPN series released in 2021. Titled “The Man in the Arena: Tom Brady,” the nine-episode series will include a look from Brady’s perspective at his six NFL titles and three Super Bowl defeats.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL-CLEMSON-ROSS

Surgery for Clemson WR Ross

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson receiver Justyn Ross will have shoulder surgery next month to alleviate an issue that cropped up during the team’s spring workouts in March.

Ross led the Tigers with 66 catches last season that went for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. He had 1,000 yards receiving as a freshman, highlighting his season with a 74-yard TD in the national championship win over Alabama.

The Alabama native is considered a first-round NFL draft pick in 2021 should he choose to forego his final year in college.

VANDERBILT-ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Vanderbilt’s Lee becomes 1st black woman AD in SEC

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Vanderbilt has removed the interim title and made Candice Storey Lee the first woman to run a Southeastern Conference athletics program.

Lee is one of only five women and the second black woman in charge of a Power Five program. Incoming chancellor Daniel Diermeier said Lee is the “living embodiment” of the university’s values and aspirations.

The 41-year-old Lee is a former Commodores basketball captain. She took over as interim athletic director on Feb. 4 when Malcolm Turner resigned after one year on the job.

HALL OF FAME-YOUTH SUMMIT

Hall of Famers reach out to youth with messages of strength

UNDATED (AP) — The Pro Football Hall of Fame will have three members livestream a session today with Ohio youngsters as part of its Strong Youth Strong Community program.

Anthony Munoz, Aeneas Williams and Darrell Green, plus Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, will connect with the middle school and high school students in conjunction with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Buckeye Health Plan, a division of Centene Corp.

The idea is simple: relaying and emphasizing the tenets of the Hall of Fame’s mission to the youngsters.

OBIT-COOPER

4-time Grand Slam singles champion Ashley Cooper dies at 83

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Four-time Grand Slam singles champion Ashley Cooper has died at age 83.

Tennis Australia says Cooper died after a long illness.

Cooper won four Grand Slam singles and four Grand Slam doubles titles in the amateur era. His only loss in the Grand Slams in 1958 came in the semifinals at the French championships.

Cooper led Australia’s Davis Cup team to victory over the United States to retain the title in 1957.  He turned pro but a back injury ended his career in 1959 and he returned to Brisbane, Australia, to run a business and work in tennis administration.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS-BRIBERY

Loughlin, Giannulli to serve prison time for college scam

BOSTON (AP) — Court papers show actress Lori Loughlin and her fashion designer husband, Mossimo Giannulli, have agreed to plead guilty to charges that will include prison time in the college admissions bribery case.

Loughlin has agreed to serve two months behind bars and Giannulli has accepted a five-month sentence under the deal, which must be approved by the judge. They will plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss charges of money laundering and federal programs bribery that were added after the case was filed. An attorney for the couple declined to comment.

Loughlin and Giannulli were accused of paying $500,000 in bribes to get their daughters into the University of Southern California as crew team recruits.

In world and national news…

KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — An aviation official says a passenger plane belonging to state-run Pakistani International Airlines has crashed near the southern port city of Karachi. There were no immediate reports on the number of casualties. The aircraft arriving from the eastern city of Lahore was carrying 99 passengers and eight crew members, the official said. Witnesses said the Airbus A320 appeared to attempt to try and land two or three times before crashing in a residential area near Jinnah International Airport. Local television reports showed smoke coming from the direction of the airport.

 

BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO ambassadors are meeting Friday to weigh U.S. plans to pull out of an international treaty allowing reconnaissance flights over more than 30 countries. Washington has signaled that it will withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty in six months, citing Russian violations, although President Donald Trump has hinted he could reverse the decision. NATO’s European allies are keen to keep the treaty intact. They conduct many of the observation flights. Germany’s foreign minister concedes that Russia is not living up to its commitments, but he says “this does not justify a withdrawal.”

 

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s supreme leader has called Israel a “cancerous tumor” that “will undoubtedly be uprooted and destroyed” in an annual speech in support of the Palestinians. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s speech Friday renewed threats against Iran’s Mideast enemy. It also marked a subdued Quds Day for Iran, which typically sees government-encouraged mass demonstrations in Tehran and elsewhere in the Islamic Republic, as well as Iranian-allied nations. “Al-Quds” is Arabic name for Jerusalem.

 

LONDON (AP) — British researchers testing an experimental vaccine against the new coronavirus are moving into advanced studies and aim to immunize more than 10,000 people to determine if the shot works. Last month, scientists at Oxford University began immunizing more than 1,000 volunteers with their vaccine candidate in a preliminary trial designed to test the shot’s safety. The researchers estimated that if all goes well in their ongoing trials and the vaccine proves to be effective, it might be possible to make a decision about mass producing the virus by the fall or early 2021.

 

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The U.S. Geological Survey says a relatively strong earthquake has been recorded in the Pacific Ocean west of Mexico. The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6.1, hit at 3:46 a.m. local time Friday at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). The epicenter was 173 km (108 miles) east southeast of the resort city of San Jose del Cabo, on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. No tsunami warning was issued.

 

LONDON (AP) — People arriving in the U.K. will have to quarantine themselves for 14 days and could be fined 1,000 pounds,or $1,220, if they fail to comply. The British government says the quarantine will start in early June and will apply to arrivals from everywhere except Ireland. There are likely to be exemptions for some travelers, including truckers and medics. The measures have sparked confusion and criticism from airlines, airports and lockdown-weary Britons wondering whether they will get to take a vacation aboard this summer. Britain is introducing its quarantine just as many other European countries are starting to open up again.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser says the numbers are pointing to the start of a gradual reopening process in Washington, D.C,. at the end of the month. Bowser has penciled in Friday, May 29, as a potential start date for phase 1 of the District of Columbia’s proposed three-phase reopening plan. That is after weeks of insisting the Washington, D.C., area is not ready to end its pandemic-induced lockdown. The first phase includes restaurants allowing outdoor patio seating, non-essential businesses offering curbside pickup and hair salons and barbers operating by appointment at limited capacity.

BANGKOK (AP) — Shares are slipping in Europe and Asia, led by a nearly 6% decline in Hong Kong after communist leaders in Beijing proposed legislation Friday that could limit opposition activity in the former British colony. Flaring tensions between the U.S. and China over Hong Kong and other issues have eclipsed optimism over moves to reopen many economies stalled by the coronavirus pandemic. Overnight, the White House issued a report attacking Beijing’s economic policies and human rights violations, expanding on President Donald Trump’s get-tough rhetoric on Beijing. There was further gloomy news on job losses, with the U.S. Labor Department saying the number of people thrown out of work since the virus struck has climbed to nearly 39 million.