Subscribe by RSS
CSi Weather…
REST OF TODAY… Sunny. Highs in the lower 70s. West winds around 10 mph.
.TONIGHT…Partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the mid 50s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY…Partly sunny. Chance of rain showers and
thunderstorms in the morning, then rain showers and thunderstorms
likely in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s. Southwest winds
5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy in the evening then clearing. A
50 percent chance of rain showers and thunderstorms in the Jamestown area 60 percent in the Valley City area. Lows in the mid 50s. West winds around 5 mph. Gusts up to 20 mph in the evening.
.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. A 30 percent chance of rain showers and
thunderstorms in the afternoon in the Jamestown area, 20 percent in the Valley City area. Highs in the mid 70s. Northwest
winds 5 to 10 mph.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain
showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 50s.
.MONDAY…Mostly sunny with a 30 percent chance of rain showers
and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s.
.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny with a 20 percent chance of rain showers
and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s.
.TUESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain
showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the lower 50s.
.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. Slight chance of rain showers and
A few thunderstorms will be possible Friday afternoon and Friday night.
Severe weather is not expected.
Thunderstorms are possible Saturday. A few storms could become
severe.
Jamestown (JRMC) On Thursday June 18, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. , a COVID-19 mass testing event was put on by Central Valley Health, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, Jamestown Area Ambulance and the North Dakota Department of Transportation along with the North Dakota National Guard.
Central Valley Health Unit Administrator Robin Iszler and Jamestown Regional Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Trisha Jungels said the event had 566 tests performed.See photos courtesy of JRMC at CSiNewsNow.com
COVID-19 Stats
NDDoH
Posted June 18, 2020
11:00-a.m.,
INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19
- Man in his 60s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.
COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED THURSDAY
- Barnes County 5
- A male in his 70s, a female and male in their 30s, a female in her 40s, and a male in his 80s.
- Barnes County Total 16
- Recovered cases 9
- Cass County – 9
- Grand Forks County – 6
- Rolette County – 1
- Sargent County – 1
- Sioux County – 3
- Stark County – 2
- Ward County – 2
BY THE NUMBERS
144,282 – Total Number of Tests Completed* (+4,193 total tests from yesterday)
90,654 – Total Unique Individuals Tested* (+980 unique individuals from yesterday)
87,461 – Total Negative (+953 unique individuals from yesterday)
3,193 – Total Positive (+29 unique individuals from yesterday)
After investigation it was found that two previously reported cases from Cass County were from out of state.
0.7% – Daily Positivity Rate**
208 – Total Hospitalized (+7 individuals from yesterday)
26 – Currently Hospitalized (+1 individuals from yesterday)
2,809 – Total Recovered (+53 individuals from yesterday)
75 – Total Deaths*** (+1 individuals 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.
**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.
*** Number of individuals who tested positive and died from any cause while infected with COVID-19.
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 City of Jamestown discussed budget issues, Thursday morning at City Hall.
All City Council members were present.
Mayor Dwaine Heinrich said, he and City Administrator Sarah Hellekson met Wednesday and reviewed changes to the preliminary 2021 budget draft, including state funding revenue.
City Administrator Sarah Hellekson said, state revenue projects won’t be known until July this year, anticipated to be 20 percent lower for the 2021 city budget.
Revenues from permit fees are being estimated at this time.
Expenditures in the Police Department were reviewed, and the Street Department were noted and need to be addressed, relative to income to balance those budgets. Budget cuts were also discussed.
Police Chief Scott Edinger said recruitment of new officers will mean less overtime pay to current officers in terms of expenditures.
Stutsman County IT Director Josh Smagge reported that IT support dollars, that have increased costs to the city’s expenditure, which have increased by about 30-percent.
With the Public Buildings Site Fund, Mayor Heinrich said not enough funds were provided from the 5-mills allocated. He said transferring Mills from the General Fund to the Public Buildings Site Fund, would be acceptable, to maintain a sufficient balance in the General Fund. There would be a projected increase in taxes of $200,000 to satisfy the Mill Levy. Replacing the roof at the Civic Center was discussed and projected costs.
Administrator Hellekson pointed out, with health insurance, expenditures, the city employee share of the costs would not be affected, with the city picking up increases in the premiums, about $19,000 for the upcoming budget. This would be a one time only provision.
Travel expenses will be held to a minimum, for necessary attendance at conferences
With Civic Center expenditures, staff has met to reconfigure the calendar of events to pay workers.
Manager Pam Fosse said noted that more events are scheduled next year to increase revenues, that will also increase projected concessions income. She said 2021 projected concession revenues are at $100,000. She said the Pride of Dakota event will return in this year, plus a craft show, basketball tournaments and a car show to supplement revenue.
With the city fire department budget, new radio purchase was eliminated, with the police department transferring their radios when it purchases new radios for replacement.
With Municipal Court, equipment purchases were eliminated.
With the Engineering Department budget, the consultant engineering fee will be higher, but not from the General Fund Budget.
The Forestry Department Budget has minor adjustments.
Ordinance recodification was pointed out with a substantial cost, as the process last was in 2012.
With budget dollars, administering Marcy’s Law, City Attorney Leo Ryan pointed out expansion of the law for victims/ witnesses services. His law firm providing services, at a cost savings to the city.
The committee adjusted property tax revenue, and raised from $3 to $4 in the Storm Water Utility Fund.
These changes will come back to the committee and reviewed again.
The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67.
Jamestown (CSi) Due to project work on the Safe Routes to School Project,
2nd Ave SE between 2nd St SE & 3rd St SE is closed.
Access to Parking Lot west of the Middle school should use the alley.
This construction work will continue for four weeks.
Motorist’s should use extreme caution in this area.
Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council met in Special session Thursday afternoon at City Hall.
All members were present.
Resolutions:
- Considered was ratifying the Temporary Moratorium Pertaining to Possession of Alcohol on Public Right of Way, giving the Mayor authority, under a recently approved Ordinance, during an Emergency Order, (currently in effect).
- The City Council voted unanimously to approve.
- The City Council approved a Change Order to CC Steel LLC, for construction on Sanitary Sewer Main Improvements, Lift Station No. 20, for a net change in the contract price of $.00.
Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council’s Finance & Legal Committee, Building, Planning & Zoning Committee, Civic Center & Promotion Committee, Police & Fire Committee, Public Works Committee met Thursday afternoon at City Hall. All members were present.
FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE
The committee recommends renewing the Jamestown Tourism Enterprise Agreement, which expires December 31, 2020.
The committee recommends renewing the Jamestown Tourism land lease, which expires December 31, 2020.
Considered was the request from Sabirs Buffalo Grille for an On-Off Sale alcoholic beverage license for the period beginning July 1, 2020. Mayor Heinrich moved to send the request to the City Attorney, pertaining to his review, concerning a restaurant having an off-sale license, currently not allowed, under a current Ordinance, and not being a retail establishment.
General Manager, Jim Boyd said the request stems from needing addition revenue streams, following the COVID-19 state restrictions. He said the off-sale will accommodate those wanting to take wine tasting samples off premises. The committee recommends sending the request to the City Attorney for an opinion.
The committee recommends approving the 2021 contract for the Jamestown Community Correction (JCC) Program, which has been budgeted for.
Sara Froelich said, the contract starts immediately through 2021.
Considered was recommending to request approval of a five (5) year extension to the Jamestown Renaissance Zone District incentives from the ND Department of Commerce. City Assessor, Jamison Veil said the current agreement expires in August this year.
The city has the option of extending the agreement, and if so, begin the application process. He said 25 projects have been approved in the past, from 45 applications.
The committee recommends, the city request the extension.
INFORMATIONAL: A Public Hearing is scheduled for the July 6, 2020, City Council meeting relative to a five (5) year extension of the Renaissance Zone District incentives a requirement for the application
The committee recommends approving updating fees for abandoned and impounded vehicle up to $45 per day. Police Chief Scott Edinger said, the Resolution language was updated.
Considered was a request to allow chickens to be kept within City Limits at 603 21st Ave NE. The person making the request was not at the meeting but intends to be at the next City Council meeting. The committee recommends sending the request to the next City Council meeting, with no recommendation.
BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE
The committee recommends, introducing the first reading of an ordinance to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 of the City Code by amending the District Map to change the zoning of LANDS IN JAMESTOWN, S31, T140, R63, NE 1/4 NE 1/4 SE 1/4 31-140-63 KNOWN AS PARCEL B 10 ACRES, City of Jamestown, Stutsman County, North Dakota rezoned from M2 (General Industrial and Manufacturing District) & R1 (One-Family Residential District) to strictly M2. The property is located at 2400 10th St SE, Southeast of the newly relocated Jamestown Rural Fire Department.
CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE
Consider was authorizing termination of the contract with Honeywell International Inc., at the Jamestown Civic Center. Manger Pam Fosse said, reports by the company were not actual data, on when the boilers and air handlers were operated. She said they were not operated in September of last year, and report indicated that they were. She said she can obtain the information through her computer, and save the city dollars. City Attorney Leo Ryan said the city will send the company a notice of termination, which was recommended by the committee.
POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE
The Fire department ladder truck vehicle update was given. Mayor Heinrich said with Fire Chief Reuther being quarantined, and announcement on the status will be forthcoming in the next week or so.
Considered the Stutsman County Drug Task Force vacant position. Police Chief Edinger recommended delaying the process, to November this year, pending current and future staffing of the police department, in order to recommend an officer for the position.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
INFORMATIONAL: Quotes will be received and opened at 1:15 PM, June 23, 2020, at City Hall for the sandbag levee removal placed on the June 23, 2020 Final Meeting agenda for consideration.
On another topic, Police Chief Edinger said, there are issues with the five traffic signals on First Avenue being disabled, with confusion on the part of some drivers with the flashing red lights at the intersections, and the steady red light at the intersection with at the library at 3rd Street. He said at 3rd Street, motorists have been observed to not stop at the steady red light. He said when the traffic lanes are reduced to two lanes, one in each direction, from the present four lanes, two in each direction, it may keep drivers from pulling out into the intersection at the flashing red light after stopping to see their way clear to proceed. He said improving the sight lanes at the intersections will also help.
INFORMATIONAL: Recycling collection update. Recycle North Dakota, Manager Ralph Freibel has sent information to the city that there currently are no problems in the collections, or divers handling the collections.
The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67 followed by replays.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jamestown (JRMC) – Jamestown Regional Medical Center recently presented Mary Trautman its Legendary Volunteer Service Award.
JRMC Hospice Coordinator, Maren Radi, says, “I’ve worked with Mary my whole career. We love her. I’m so glad we could make this happen.”
Under the sunshine and crisp spring air, family, friends and staff safely gathered at Eventide Nursing Home to celebrate Trautman and say thank you.
JRMC Volunteer & Community Development Coordinator Regina Olson, says, “We want to celebrate Mary now versus waiting until we could reschedule the JRMC Volunteer Appreciation Banquet. I’m so grateful to the clinical team at Eventide and JRMC for making arrangements for us to do this in person.”
The award is the highest honor given to volunteers who dedicate their time to caring for others and help JRMC fulfill its mission to exceed expectations and be THE difference in the lives of those it serves.
Trautman has always cared for others and has a lifetime of close ties to the hospital. When she was a high school senior in 1951, she worked as a circulating aide for the renowned Dr. Joseph Sorkness, surgeon and founder of the Depuy-Sorkness clinic, later known as the Dakota Clinic. A circulating aide’s role was to create and maintain a sterile working environment in the operating room. Trautman’s son, Tom, shared a story about how she earned Dr. Sorkness’ trust.
Tom says, “One of her jobs was tracking surgical gauze pads as they were discarded on the floor. When one went missing, she would not let it go. After a bit of time, Dr. Sorkness lifted his foot, smirked and revealed the gauze. That began a long, trusted relationship.”
Trautman and her late husband, Harold, attribute Dr. Sorkness for life-saving care of Tom and their daughter Vickie. They were so grateful they donated $50,000 in his name, dedicating one of three operating rooms during the new hospital campaign.
Trautman’s dedication to volunteerism started as Jamestown Hospital launched its hospice program 25 years ago.
Unlike other services provided for patients, hospice care requires volunteers to contribute a percentage of time to the attention of patients and clerical work for the program.
Radi said, “Hospice care treats the physical aspect of terminal illness, but also the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and their family. Mary was a source of strength and compassion for patients, their families and nurses.”
JRMC Foundation Director, Lisa Jackson, says “Anyone who is a hospice caregiver is a very special person. You are with patients and families at their most vulnerable. After a loved one has passed, I’ve noticed the overall well-being is better for spouses or family members who opted for hospice care. The program’s structure helps with this grieving process.”
Volunteers also provide respite care. This is time with the patient so caregivers can step away to rest or run errands and know that someone is with their loved one. Patients appreciate the friendship and someone to talk to outside of family.
Cindy Tag-Nygord about hospice workers and volunteers, they are “Earth angels.” “Those of us blessed to have them in our lives are fortunate.”
Mary was the hospice volunteer for both Tag-Nygord’s grandmother and mother.
Tag-Nygord is JRMC’s executive assistant and medical staff coordinator.
Tag-Nygord adds, “Although my mom died shortly after she went on hospice, Mary continued to bring a smile and hug to my life long after. She made sure to stop at my desk to check up on me whenever she was at the hospital. Thank you seems insignificant for all Mary has done for not only my family but me. Congratulations on your years of service and I’m grateful for all the smiles and hugs you have brought to so many,”
Radi says, “Mary has been with hospice from the beginning. She’s helped hundreds of people, if not thousands. She would still be active if her health would allow it. Mary always mentions her work as a hospice volunteer whenever I talk with her.”
Sitting in the open doors of the nursing home, Trautman beamed with her signature smile, and said, “Oh, I wish I could come back. I like to help. It is what I do.”
Past recipients of the Legendary Volunteer Service Award include:
2018: Ernest Hubacker
2019: Dorothy Chouinard
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A body has been recovered from the Missouri River in Bismarck, but authorities haven’t said whether it is that of a man missing since Monday. The body and a car were pulled from the river near the Fox Island boat ramp Thursday night after the Burleigh County dive team responded earlier in the day. The Bismarck Tribune reports the Chevy Malibu matches the description of one police had said earlier might be driven by 37-year-old Bradley Agard. Police did not say whether the search for Agard continues. An autopsy is planned for Monday.
GRAFTON, N.D. (AP) — Authorities have identified the man who died when he was buried in a grain bin in northeastern North Dakota. Walsh County Sheriff Ron Jurgens says he was 50-year-old Thomas Shirek, of Park River. Jurgens says Shirek was trying to break a crust that had developed in the bin when he became trapped Monday afternoon. Four fire departments responded to the call south of Adams. Shirek was pronounced dead at First Care Health Center in Park River.
MANDAN, N.D. (AP) — Police have identified the pilot who died in the crash of a small, home-built aircraft at Mandan Municipal Airport last weekend. The victim was 57-year-old Stanton area farmer and former gas plant worker Joel Pfliger. Pfliger died Saturday afternoon when his single-engine plane crashed and burned shortly after takeoff. He was the only one on board. According to an obituary published by his family, Pfliger was a full-time farmer and a mechanical engineer who worked at Dakota Gasification Co. north of Beulah for 24 years until retiring in 2012. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the crash. The Bismarck Tribune reports the agency has not yet issued a preliminary report.
Fargo (NDHP) – A Moorhead, Minnesota woman was charged after the North Dakota Hiway Patrol used a maneuver to disable the vehicle she was driving and arrested her Thursday, June 18th.
Highway Patrol Captain Bryan Niewind’s report says troopers responded to a report of a reckless driver traveling eastbound on I-94 near MM 315 nearly striking other vehicles about 1:40pm. Troopers located the suspect vehicle, and attempted to stop it. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. Near MM 336, the suspect vehicle slowed. A Trooper conducted a successful Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) disabling the suspect vehicle in the median.
The 2007 Chevrolet Colorado was reported stolen from Fargo. The suspect, 23 year-old Olivia Adams of Moorhead was charged with Driving Under the Influence, Driving Under Suspension, Fleeing a Peace Officer, Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle and Reckless Endangerment.
MINOT, N.D. (AP) — Bond has been set at $1 million cash for a Minot man accused of murder. Twenty-five-year-old Duell Clifton is charged in district court with felony murder and tampering with evidence in the death of 22-year-old Alytreus Clifton. Authorities have not identified the relationship between the Cliftons, but the Minot Daily News reports there is a 2018 record of marriage for the two.Minot police say they received a request to do a welfare check at a southeast Minot residence June 8. Their investigation led to a residence in Faith, South Dakota where the victim was found dead. Duell Clifton was arrested in South Dakota and was returned to North Dakota to face the charges against him.
Bismarck (Gov. Burgum’s Office) The North Dakota Emergency Commission Thursday voted unanimously to direct over $406 million in federal funding to the state’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, with the majority of the money again going to support economic recovery.
North Dakota received $1.25 billion from the Coronavirus Relief Fund as part of the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed. The $406.1 million approved Thursday follows the commission’s vote in May to use $524.2 million in Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars, bringing the total used to roughly $930 million and leaving $320 million available.
The six-member Emergency Commission consists of four legislative leaders – House Majority Leader Chet Pollert of Carrington, Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner of Dickinson, House Appropriations Chairman Jeff Delzer of Underwood and Senate Appropriations Chairman Ray Holmberg of Grand Forks – along with Secretary of State Al Jaeger and Burgum as chairman.
Burgum thanked legislators for their strong collaboration and input and also expressed his appreciation for North Dakota citizens who, by practicing individual responsibility and social distancing to slow the spread of coronavirus and reduce health care impacts, allowed the commission to direct 75 percent of the federal monies toward economic support.
Burgum says, “This federal funding is being distributed in a way that provides the greatest positive impact to North Dakota citizens, businesses and all levels of state and local government. We’re grateful to the legislators, agency leaders and citizens who have worked hard to ensure that these funds can be used to minimize the negative impact of COVID-19 and facilitate economic recovery, saving both lives and livelihoods.”
The $406.1 million includes $200 million to support the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, on top of the $110 million allocated last month to keep the fund solvent.
Nearly $113 million will be used to provide economic support for businesses, including $69 million for the new North Dakota Economic Resiliency Grant Program. The program will provide grants of up to $50,000 per business for investments in protective equipment, supplies and other improvements to reduce contact and attract customers and employees, promoting a safe return to the marketplace and improving consumer confidence. The Department of Commerce will be releasing more details about the program, pending Budget Section approval.
Commissioners also approved $33 million for an orphan well plugging and site reclamation program that is projected to maintain 300 to 550 oil and gas service sector jobs as the industry continues to recover.
More than $61 million will go toward continuation of government services, including telework, cybersecurity, transition to digital services and personal protective equipment. The remaining $32 million of the $406.1 million will support public health and safety efforts. The funding includes a total of nearly $4 million for cities, counties and park districts.
In other action, commission members approved $2.1 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funding through the CARES Act to support the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ COVID Emergency Rent Bridge program, which provides temporary rental assistance to eligible renters who are experiencing a loss of household income due to COVID-19. The state Department of Health also was authorized to receive $17.7 million from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support epidemiology and lab functions to help contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party leaders are calling for a special legislative session to determine how to spend the rest of the federal coronavirus relief aid sent to the state. But, Republican Gov. Doug Burgum has rejected the push for the special session. The state received $1.25 billion through the federal CARES Act economic rescue package. The state’s Emergency Commission and the Legislature’s 43-member Budget Section last month approved spending more than $524 million of the amount. The Emergency Commission is to meet Thursday to decide on spending another big chunk _ more than $400 million. The Budget Section meets next week.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of bankers in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states suggests the economy remains weak in those areas as the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect the region. The overall economic index for the region more than doubled to 37.9 in June from May’s 12.5, but it remained at a weak level. Survey organizers say any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy, while a score above 50 suggests a growing economy. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said crop prices remain low, and more than one-third of the bankers survey expect that to be a significant challenge over the next year.
In sports…
Jamestown (CSi) The Dakota Anglers 40th Annual Li’l Britches Fishing Tournament is planned for Saturday, June 20 in Jamestown.
One child and one adult fish one lake in the area and compete for the biggest catch of the day.
Registration at 8-am at Joos Grove.
Weigh in is at 2 -pm following the tournament with plaques being awarded to winners in each class; 0-6, 7-10, 11-13, and 14-16.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTS
Players counter MLB plan by proposing 70-game season
UNDATED (AP) — Baseball players have proposed a 70-game regular-season schedule, leaving them and the teams 10 games and about $275 million apart on plans to start the coronavirus-delayed season.
As part of the union’s proposal Thursday, players would wear advertisement patches on their uniforms during all games for the first time in major league history. People with knowledge of the proposal said it included $1.73 billion in salaries, plus a $50 million postseason pool.
On Wednesday, Major League Baseball said a framework for the season had emerged from discussions between Commissioner Rob Manfred and players’ association head Tony Clark. People familiar with the proposed framework said it called for a 60-game regular-season schedule that would have $1.48 billion in salaries plus a $25 million players’ postseason pool.
Both MLB and the union proposed starting the season on July 19, and players said it should end Sept. 30, three days later than management.
TOKYO (AP) — Japanese baseball has managed to do what American baseball has not. Play ball. The world’s second-most famous league has opened a season that will be shortened from its regular 143 games to 120. That’s twice as many MLB figures to play. The regular season is to end on Nov. 7 and be followed by post-season play. The start of the season was delayed for three months by the coronavirus pandemic. All 12 teams were scheduled to begin play in stadiums without fans. Two games were in open-air stadiums in Tokyo and Yokohama. The other four were in domed facilities in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Saitama prefecture.
In other news related to the COVID-19 pandemic:
— The University of Texas says 13 football players have tested positive for COVID-19 or are presumed positive, and contact tracing has 10 more in isolation. Texas started bringing football players back to campus for workouts on June 8. The school has also identified four other players who tested positive for the COVID-19 antibody. Elsewhere, Kansas State officials reported Wednesday night that eight Wildcats athletes have tested positive for COVID-19 out of 130 tested.
— Michigan State’s athletic department says it conducted COVID-19 testing on 124 athletes, and one tested positive and will be isolated for 10 to 14 days. Michigan also disclosed results from its testing. A physician with the athletic department says the school has had two positive tests on athletes, out of 221 tests. Both schools said no athletic department staff members tested positive.
— The Atlantic Coast Conference is moving its football media days online. That makes it the last of the 10 Football Bowl Subdivision leagues to announce it is going virtual because of concerns about COVID-19. The ACC Football Kickoff was originally scheduled to be held at The Westin in Charlotte, North Carolina. It has been rescheduled for July 21-23 with coverage on the ACC Network.
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx are cutting pay and staff because of the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both teams are owned by Glen Taylor. The organization said it has temporarily reduced salaries for employees earning $70,000 or more annually and laid off an unspecified amount of its full-time workforce. The virus outbreak prompted the NBA to halt play on March 11. The WNBA has yet to begin the 2020 season.
NFL NETWORK-DISH
NFL Network, RedZone goes dark on DISH Network, Sling TV
LOS ANGELES (AP) – NFL Network and NFL RedZone went dark on DISH Network and Sling TV Thursday night as both sides try to reach a new distribution agreement.
The league says in a release that “while NFL Media remains committed to negotiating an agreement and has offered terms consistent with those in place with other distributors, DISH has not agreed.”
DISH says on its website that “the NFL has chosen to remove their channels during these unprecedented times” and that they hope to reach an agreement before the season starts.
The lack of an agreement impacts 11.32 million subscribers. DISH has 9.01 million and Sling TV accounts for another 2.31 million.
SEC-MISSISSIPPI FLAG
Southeastern Conference pushing Mississippi to change flag
The Southeastern Conference is considering barring league championship events in Mississippi until the state changes its Confederate-based flag.
Commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement that “It is past time for change to be made to the flag of the State of Mississippi,” Sankey said “In the event there is no change, there will be consideration of precluding Southeastern Conference championship events from being conducted in the State of Mississippi until the flag is changed.”
The NCAA already said it would not schedule postseason events in Mississippi because of the flag that features the Confederate Battle Flag in the upper left corner.
Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum released a statement after Sankey’s comments.
NFL-JETS ADAM TRADE
AP source: Jets star safety Jamal Adams requests trade
NEW YORK (AP) — A person with direct knowledge of the situation says All-Pro safety Jamal Adams has requested a trade from the New York Jets amid a contract dispute.
The 24-year-old Adams has been seeking a contract extension, and the Jets have said they want the safety to remain a member of the team his entire career. But the conflict apparently is about the timing: Adams wants the extension now, while the team prefers to wait until next year, at the earliest.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Thursday because neither Adams nor the team announced the player’s trade request. ESPN and the New York Daily News first reported Adams seeking a trade.
In other NFL news:
—Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward is confident the club will present a united front if it opts to make a public stand against social injustice. The Steelers inadvertently caused a firestorm in 2017 when a miscommunication left tackle and Army veteran Al Villanueva on the field for the national anthem while his teammates waited in darkness in a tunnel. Heyward said the fallout from the mix-up still stings. He said the team will make any public stand together, pointing out players will have plenty of opportunities off the field to express their own personal impact in the change Heyward says is necessary.
MLB-SUOZZI
Mets sign Joe Suozzi, son of Queens congressman, for $20,000
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. (AP) — Boston College outfielder Joe Suozzi, whose father is a congressman representing parts of Queens and Long Island, has agreed to a minor league contract with the New York Mets that includes a $20,000 signing bonus.
The Eagles made the announcement. The Mets said they plan to announce all their amateur signings simultaneously at a later date.
Souzzi hit .414 with 14 runs and 16 RBIs and had a 14-game hitting streak in a season shortened to 15 games due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Thomas Suozzi was elected to congress in November 2016. He is a former Nassau County executive and mayor of Glen Cove.
In other MLB news:
— Minnesota Twins slugger Miguel Sanó has told a Dominican Republic newspaper he’s being blackmailed, having been accused of kidnapping and assault.
The Twins said Thursday they’re aware of the report in El Nuevo Diario and still trying to gather more information about the situation surrounding Sanó, who signed a three-year, $30 million contract in January.
PGA-RBC HERITAGE
Poulter sets pace and Spieth turns it around at Hilton Head
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — The RBC Heritage began two month later than usual with a little rain, a little sunshine, a lot of birdies and the only fans were residents whose homes line the course.
Ian Poulter holed a 30-foot birdie putt and followed with a 5-iron to 4 feet for a birdie that closed out his round of 7-under 64, giving him a share of the lead Thursday with Mark Hubbard at Hilton Head.
The RBC Heritage, typically a week after the Masters in April, is the second tournament since the PGA Tour returned after 90 days from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The top three players in the world are at Hilton Head — Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Justin Thomas — and none broke par on a day in which 66 players in the 151-man field shot in the 60s
Jordan Spieth made a triple-bogey 7 and then had a career-best six straight birdies on his back nine and finished with seven birdies over his last eight holes for a 66.
Colonial winner Daniel Berger, Brooks Koepka, Ernie Els and that incredible bulk, Bryson DeChambeau, were in the large group at 67.
GATOR BAIT CHANT-FLORIDA
Univ. of Florida ends ‘gator bait’ cheer, cites racism
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The University of Florida is ending its “gator bait” cheer at football games and other sports events because of its racial connotations.
President Kent Fuchs said in a letter to the university’s faculty, students and staff Thursday that the cheer has a “horrific historic racist imagery” involving African American people, especially children, being used as bait for alligators.
The university’s sports teams in the Southeastern Conference are nicknamed the Gators. In the past, the school’s band would strike up a “gator bait” tune and fans would respond with their arms doing a chomping motion while shouting the slogan.
The letter outlined other steps the university in Gainesville, Florida, is taking on racial issues following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Floyd’s death has sparked nationwide protests focused on police brutality against African Americans.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL-TENNESSEE-JORDAN
Tennessee coach says RB Tim Jordan no longer with Vols
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt says running back Tim Jordan is no longer on the team after he was arrested May 30 in Florida on gun and marijuana charges.
Jordan would have been a senior for the Volunteers, and the native of Bartow, Florida, played in 12 games last season. He finished third with 428 yards rushing on 104 carries with one touchdown, and he also caught six passes for 46 yards.
Asked about Jordan’s status on the Volunteers during a video conference call Thursday, Pruitt said only: “He is no longer on our team.”
Jordan was released on $2,000 bail May 30 after being arrested during a traffic stop that morning in Lakeland near his hometown. He was charged with carrying a concealed firearm, possessing narcotic paraphernalia and having 20 grams or less of cannabis.
NCAA-COMPENSATING ATHLETES
Rubio introduces NIL bill to push NCAA changes
UNDATED (AP) — Sen. Marco Rubio is introducing a bill that would protect the NCAA from being challenged in court if the association changes its rules to allow athletes to earn money for endorsement deals and personal appearances.
The Florida Republican’s bill comes six days after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into a law a bill that allows college athletes to be compensated for their names, images and likenesses. That law goes into effect July 2021. The NCAA is seeking help from Congress as more states push forward their own bills.
Earlier this week, the NCAA was hit with an antitrust lawsuit seeking damages for current and former athletes that could cost the association millions.
In world and national news…
BEIJING (AP) — World stock markets have turned higher despite concerns that a global economic recovery may be derailed by coronavirus infections. Most major markets advanced after a mixed start Friday. Overnight on Wall Street, the benchmark S&P 500 edged up by 0.1%. Global markets have recovered most of this year’s losses as investors look ahead to a possible rebound from the deepest economic downturn since the 1930s. But analysts say the gains might be too big and too fast to sustain. Investor enthusiasm has been dented by rising numbers of infections in Brazil, some American states and other areas.
LONDON (AP) — The Bank of England has apologized for the links past governors of the institution had with slavery. The bank has called the trade in human beings “an unacceptable part of English history,” and pledged to not to display any images of former leaders who had any involvement. The bank says in a statement it is “aware of some inexcusable connections involving former governors and directors and apologizes for them.’’ The decision comes after two British companies on Thursday promised to financially support projects assisting minorities after being called out for past roles in the slave trade. Insurance giant Lloyd’s of London and the pub chain Greene King made the pledges after they were included in a University College London database of companies with ties to the slave trade.
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — A global emergency delivery service that has kept tons of humanitarian aid flowing despite coronavirus travel restrictions could shut down next month if funding can’t be found to keep it running. The World Food Program warns that the shortfall comes “just as demand for this service is reaching its peak.” Of the $965 million to keep the service going through the end of the year, $178 million has been confirmed. The emergency delivery service has been key in shipping tons of aid for the pandemic and other crises like HIV and cholera that need drugs and vaccines to keep flowing.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Halfway through the extended effort to count every U.S. resident, civil rights leaders worry that minority communities are falling behind in responding to the 2020 census. Both the National Urban League and the NALEO Educational Fund are sounding the alarm blacks and Hispanics are trailing the rest of the nation in answering the census questionnaire. The count helps determine where $1.5 trillion in federal funding goes and how many congressional seats each state gets. An analysis shows that neighborhoods with concentrations of black residents had a self-response rate of 51%. That compares to 53.8% for Hispanic neighborhoods and 65.5% for white-dominant neighborhoods.
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says a “sophisticated state-based cyber actor” is targeting Australia in an escalating cyber campaign threatening all levels of government, businesses, essential services and critical infrastructure. He would not name the state, amid inevitable speculation that the cyberattacks were part of Australia’s increasingly hostile rift with China. Morrison said he made the threat public to raise awareness and wanted potential targets to bolster technical defenses. China has made trade moves and warned its citizens against visiting Australia in measures are widely interpreted as punishment for Australia’s advocacy of an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.
Comments are closed
Sorry, but you cannot leave a comment for this post.