Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Nov 18

CSi Weather…

.REST OF TODAY…Partly sunny. Highs around 50. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows around 30. West winds 5 to 10 mph.

.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 40s. West winds 5 to 15 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s. West winds

10 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 30s. Northwest winds 10 to

15 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows around 20.

.SATURDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.

.SUNDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around 20.

.MONDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Fire Department was called to 124 1st Street East at 8-a.m., Tuesday, the Schubert’s building in Downtown Jamestown.

City Fire Chief Jim Reuther, says, the inside hallway in the upper floor apartments had a smell, that was determined to have come  from a malfunctioning boiler in the basement, which traveled within the building, as the boiler released, ‘off-gas.”  Assistant Police Chief, Justin Blinsky told Reuther that five building occupants, on the second floor, were evacuated as a precaution, as authorities, obtained the number of occupants of the building from the property manager.

No injuries were reported.

Five city fire units, and 23 fire fighters were on the scene 40 minutes.

 

Update

Jamestown (CVHD) – Central Valley Health District reports that the community should expect
another large number of positive cases of COVID-19 being reported Wednesday by the North Dakota
Department of Health with the daily update at 11am. “Of the positive cases that will be reported
in Stutsman County Wednesday, over 100 of those positive cases are located in a congregate living
setting in our community,” stated Robin Iszler, Unit Administrator. There was a total of 397
people tested on Friday at the Civic Center ON November 13 according to Iszler. Results from
last Friday have been completed except for about 15 which are still pending. If you are awaiting
your results from Friday’s event, please remain patient or call Central Valley Health to check the
status.
Iszler wants to remind the community about the recent new requirements for businesses,
gatherings and masks, delays winter activities enacted by Governor Doug Burgum. The
temporary executive order includes the following mitigation measures:
 All bars, restaurants and food service establishments are limited to 50 percent of their
licensed seated capacity, not to exceed 150 patrons, and are closed to in-person service
between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Take-out, curbside and delivery will still be
allowed during those hours, and Burgum encouraged North Dakotans to take advantage
and support local businesses.
 For those that were already following the ND Smart Restart recommendations of 25
percent capacity in high-risk counties, the change will allow them to safely welcome
more customers into their establishments with masking and distancing requirements.
 All banquet, ballroom and event venues are limited to 25 percent of their maximum
occupancy, not to exceed new capacity limits that have been established with input from
venues and local public health officials based on the size of the venue. Physical
distancing and masks will be required for the safety of all venue personnel and patrons.
 Playoff championship contests and performance events sponsored by the North Dakota
High School Activities Association during the month of November may continue under NDHSAA requirements. All high school winter sports and other extracurricular K-12
school activities are suspended until Dec. 14. This also applies to all association,
community and club sports for youth and adults.
Stutsman County has been moved to the “high risk” orange category in the COVID-19 North
Dakota Smart Restart Plan. Guidance includes that at this level of risk that all gatherings and
events should be held at 25% capacity, not exceeding 50. The same capacity guidance is also
given for bars, restaurants, and food service industries. For more information on the ND Smart
Restart Plan, visit https://bit.ly/36h0mL0.

Previously

ND COVID-19 Stats

Tues. Nov 17, 2020

9:30-a.m.

Barnes County:

New Positives   9

Total Positives  759

Active Cases 169

Recovered  585

 

Stutsman

2 new deaths

Woman in her 80s

Man in his 80’s

TOTAL DEATHS 31

New Positives  65

Total Positives 2079

Active 5467

Recovered 1581

COVID-19 Test Results 
The results listed are from the previous day. Additional data can be found on the NDDoH website.

BY THE NUMBERS

8,749 – Total Tests from Yesterday*

1,022,763 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

1,091 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

65,967 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

13.66% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

10,022 – Total Active Cases

-878 Individuals from Yesterday

1,934 – Individuals Recovered from Yesterday (1,175 with a recovery date of yesterday****)

55,176 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

304 – Currently Hospitalized

-28 – Individuals from yesterday

 

26 – New Deaths*** (769 total deaths since the pandemic began) 

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

• Man in his 90s from Burleigh County.
• Man in his 80s from Burleigh County.
• Man in his 90s from Burleigh County.
• Woman in her 80s from Burleigh County.
• Man in his 70s from Cass County.
• Woman in her 50s from Cass County.
• Woman in her 80s from Cass County.
• Man in his 60s from Grant County.
• Man in his 80s from Logan County.
• Woman in her 90s from Morton County.
• Woman in her 80s from Morton County.
• Woman in her 80s from Pembina County.
• Man in his 90s from Richland County.
• Man in his 70s from Richland County.
• Man in his 60s from Rolette County.
• Man in his 80s from Stark County.
• Man in his 80s from Stutsman County.
• Woman in her 80s from Stutsman County.
• Woman in her 80s from Ward County.
• Man in his 80s from Ward County.
• Woman in her 100s from Ward County.
• Man in his 80s from Ward County.
• Man in his 70s from Ward County.
• Woman in her 70s from Ward County.
• Man in his 50s from Ward County.
• Woman in her 70s from Ward County.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY

• Adams County – 3
• Barnes County – 9
• Benson County – 4
• Bottineau County – 9
• Burke County – 7
• Burleigh County – 131
• Cass County – 205
• Cavalier County – 7
• Divide County – 3
• Dunn County – 2
• Eddy County – 7
• Emmons County – 4
• Foster County – 9
• Grand Forks County – 117
• Grant County – 3
• Griggs County – 4
• Hettinger County – 5
• Kidder County – 5
• LaMoure County – 2
• McHenry County – 11
• McIntosh County – 1
• McKenzie County – 9
• McLean County – 9
• Mercer County – 8
• Morton County – 49
• Mountrail County – 13
• Nelson County – 6
• Oliver County – 1
• Pembina County – 13
• Pierce County – 3
• Ramsey County – 30
• Ransom County – 8
• Renville County – 3
• Richland County – 17
• Rolette County – 40
• Sargent County – 6
• Sheridan County – 1
• Sioux County – 6
• Stark County – 24
• Stutsman County – 65
• Towner County – 3
• Traill County – 2
• Walsh County – 37
• Ward County – 145
• Wells County – 2
• Williams County – 43

 

* 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.

**Individuals who tested positive divided by the total number of people tested who have not previously tested positive (susceptible encounters).

*** Number of individuals who tested positive and died from any cause while infected with COVID-19. There is a lag in the time deaths are reported to the NDDoH.

**** The actual date individuals are officially out of isolation and no longer contagious.

*****Totals may be adjusted as individuals are found to live out of state, in another county, or as other information is found during investigation.

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.

Valley City  (CCHD)  Starting Monday November 23, the Free COVID-19 Testing Site in Valley City moves to the VCSU W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, from 1-p.m., to 2-p.m.

City/County County Health says, the testing will take place inside the “Bubble,” with priority in line given to Elderly and those with mobility issues. and wheelchairs will be available.

Face Masks are required for those entering the building.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Violations of North Dakota’s mask mandate carry a possible fine of up to $1,000. But many law enforcement leaders say issuing a citation for failing to wear a face covering is a last resort and that education is the priority. Gov. Doug Burgum encouraged law enforcement to prioritize education when he imposed the mandate last Friday after months of refraining from an order. He also issued an executive order limiting capacity for bars, restaurants and event venues and suspended prep sports and extracurricular activities. Bismarck Police Chief Dave Draovitch says officers will respond to calls about violations, but won’t actively be looking for people or businesses that have not complied with the mandate.

Jamestown  (JRVLS)  Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the Jamestown, community, effective Tuesday, November 17th, both James River Valley Library locations will move to curbside pickup until further notice. Alfred Dickey Public Library and Stutsman County Library will be closed to the public for the safety of patrons and staff.

• The curbside pickup service will be available at ADPL Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to  6 p.m. and SCL from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Call ADPL at 252-2990 or SCL at 252-1531 to arrange pick up.
• All exterior book drops will remain open.
• Our online services, including ebooks and audiobooks, continue to be available to library card holders .

Learn more about the online services at www.jrvls.org

The James River Valley Library System is located in Jamestown, ND, and consists of the Alfred Dickey Branch, the Stutsman County Branch, and the Bookmobile. They serve all of Stutsman County by providing access to free library services and materials.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall. The meeting was held virtually via Zoom.  Members of the Public are not permitted in the City Commission Chambers due to COVID-19, and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.  All members were present.

 

The Shop Small Proclamation was read by Mayor Carlsrud.

He proclaimed November 28 as Small Business Saturday.  Valley City activities will be spread out this year during the pandemic to stay safe.

 

 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

No Items were on the Agenda.

 

 

Public Comments No One Spoke.

.

 

ORDINANCE

 

Approved the first reading of an Ordinance creating and enacting a section of the Valley City Municipal Code regarding a penalty for violation of City emergency orders. City Attorney Martineck said the emergency ordinance, will now include a penalty of a fine of a maximum $1,000 under an infraction with citations at the discretion of local authorities.  The action is in line with the State of North Dakota, with prosecutions in District Court, with fine collected at the local level.

 

Approve the first reading an Ordinance Amending and Re-enacting sections of the Valley City Municipal Code, related to removal of stumps and renewal of licenses. City Attorney Martineck said the changes including removing stumps within three weeks of removal, with a penalty of not having licenses renewed if in violation.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Approved was Small Projects Funding for 2020 – $20,000. Economic Development Director, Jennifer Feist said the dollars are to be funded from economic development.

 

Approved was Resource Development Specialist – Funding Increase – $4,000. Jennifer Feist said this is the last of three years, for the position, with a return on investments, significant.

 

Approved an R&R Coordinator – Funding Increase – $10,000/year for two years. Jennifer Feist said

recruiting and retention  has improved through the program, with a large part of the program consisting of training.

Overhead costs necessitate the increase, including health insurance benefits.  The program was initiated after the closing of the Valley City Job Service office a few years ago.

She added public information is forthcoming on sign ups for the ERG Hospitality grants, with applications being accepted later this week.

Approve was Accepting Project No. UGP-SU-2-990(057), PCN 22043-CPR-Streetscape Phase I – Central Ave N.  KLJ the final review of the project has been made, with tests completed on the traffic signals, pending approval by the NDDOT.

Considered  Accepting Project No. SU-SS-2-990(053)057, PCN 21095 – Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 50 on Winter Show road, and was also reviewed, and is pending NDDOT approval.

 

 

Discussion then centered around the City Engineer Selection Committee Final Report. City Administrator, Gwen Crawford, said three firms were interviewed via Zoom, with each firmed asked the same questions.  She said the score sheets from the interview indicated that KLJ and Moore Engineering were ranked number one.

The position is a consultant to projects.  Commissioner Magnuson said the high cost of funding the position of $100,000, passed on to tax payers, is cost prohibitive.  He added that the position includes, inspections and issuing building permits, to which he said there is a better way of going about establishing the job description, dividing the responsibilities.

Some commissioners noted that KLJ would be in conflict as the City Engineering firm, and also bidding on projects.

The City Commissioners moved to approve the final report, seconded by Mayor Carlsrud and approved on a  3-2 vote with Commissioners Bishop and Erickson voting in oppositions.

 

Discussed was the Mask Plan Emergency Order, concerning requests for events, under the Order’s guidelines.  Administrator Crawford suggested rather than a committee formed, and then bringing recommendations  to the commissioners, to have approval of events be reviewed by the commission at regular meetings to vote on proposed events, under the guidelines of the Emergency Order.

Mayor Carlsrud, added that the penalty phase has now been approved.

Mayor Carlsrud suggested a separate discussion be held prior to coming before the commission.

The consensus of the commission is to match the state’s emergency order guidelines by drafting an Ordinance to be ratified by the commission.

The City Commission will review the Emergency Order in line with state mandates at the December City Commission meeting.

 

Mayor Carlsrud reviewed the request from City County Health to establish an educational campaign through the media concerning wearing face masks.  The total cost is $11,000 with $5,000 earmarked for paid advertising.

The city will contact the state for any available funding.

He said with the state’s new guidelines under the face mask mandate that the situation needs to be further reviewed before taking action.

 

Discussion of Valley City Liquor Licenses was led by  Commissioner Magnuson, who said due to new state mandates reducing the hours of operations and capacity in bars and restaurants, owners have indicated that fees be adjusted for liquor licenses. Off-Sale establishments are not affected.

A motion was made to forego and second half of the liquor license fee, not affecting off sales businesses.

The commissioners voted to forgive half of the next installment of liquor license fees, not including off sale  businesses.

 

City Commissioners approved the Preliminary Engineering Reimbursement Agreement with NDDOT (Project No. NHU-2-094(175)928, West I-94 Business Loop hill slide).  City Administrator Crawford said the city’s share of the cost is 10 percent, with costs to be determined.

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve.

 

The City Commissioners approved a Tobacco Permit for Loves Travel Stop & Country Stores, Inc. Finance Director Richter said 14 tobacco license holders in Valley City is limited to 14 and the business is the 14^th license holder.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Gwen Crawford said the metal recycling spot will be relocated to across from the landfill, adding a recycling education campaign will be started as to what items can or can not be recycled.

She added that city employee evaluations will now be made on the anniversary date of employment.

CITY UPDATES &COMMISSION REPORTS

Police Chief Hatcher said,stagnant vehicles and the clean up of properties, concerns are being addressed.

Commission Gulmon thanked City County Health on all their work on helping to keep the community safe, and slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked the community on their efforts to slow the spread of the virus, including wearing face masks, and taking other safe actions.  He asked residents to follow guidelines concerning safe Thanksgiving celebrations to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Violations of North Dakota’s mask mandate carry a possible fine of up to $1,000. But many law enforcement leaders say issuing a citation for failing to wear a face covering is a last resort and that education is the priority. Gov. Doug Burgum imposed the mandate Friday after months of refraining from such an order. He also issued an executive order limiting capacity for bars, restaurants and event venues, and suspended prep sports and extracurricular activities. Bismarck Police Chief Dave Draovitch says officers will respond to calls about violations, but won’t be looking for people or businesses that don’t comply.

Bismarck  (CSi)   The North Dakota Aeronautic Commission reports, Jamestown airline boardings in October this year were put at 429 , down from 896 in October 2019, down about 52 percent.

Year to date through October 2020 there were 4652  Jamestown boardings compared to 9191 through October 2019, down about 49-percent.

During the month of October, North Dakota’s eight commercial service airports posted a total of 47,574 passenger boardings which amounts to 47% of the passengers that the airports experienced during the same month last year. This is also the highest monthly demand in airline passengers that North Dakota has experienced since the pandemic began last Spring.

North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, Executive Director, Kyle Wanner, says, “The positive trend in passenger numbers over the last few months is an encouraging sign that travelers are beginning to once again look at aviation as a safe and cost-effective mode of transportation.  Domestic airline fares in our state are currently averaging around a 10-year low which has greatly helped to spur passenger demand.  Additionally, the recent news of the successful COVID-19 vaccine trials has helped to provide hope that the recovery in air passenger demand will continue into the near future.

Jamestown  (CSi) – The National Buffalo Museum is teaming up with Valley City Meat Supply to donate just over 500 pounds of ground bison to food banks in Jamestown and Valley City.

The museum’s Executive Director, Ilana Xinos, said, “We are thrilled to be in a position to make this donation, especially so close to the holiday season, and we couldn’t have done it without Valley City Meat Supply who did not even hesitate to say yes when we approached them with this idea.” According to Xinos, this project is one way the museum can give back to the local community while also achieving its mission of advocating for the restoration of the North American bison through education and outreach. Dave Carter, Executive Director of the National Bison Association, said, “The museum’s mission is to advocate for the restoration of the American bison. That includes not only restoring the animal to the grasslands, but also restoring bison meat to the American diet. This is a great service to help bring this deliciously healthy meat to people in need throughout the community.” Eating bison meat plays an important role in continuing to restore the species. The bulk of the bison population in North America are part of commercial bison herds. Public parks and preserves do not have the amount of land needed for bison to thrive in large numbers.

Thanksgiving is not just for turkeys this year. The museum urges families to think about adding bison to their Thanksgiving menu. Xinos adds, “You won’t be disappointed – it is a delicious and healthy meat”

The National Buffalo Museum’s mission is to advocate for the restoration of the North American bison through education and outreach. For more information, contact Ilana Xinos at 701-252-8648 or director@buffalomuseum.com.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The City of Jamestown announces, open positions on various city committees/boards.

The City of Jamestown is currently accepting applications for the following:

1 open position on the Board of Adjustment – 3 year term to 2024.

1 open position on the Civil Service Commission – 5 year term to 2026.

1 open position on the County Weed Board – 4 year term to 2024.

1 open position on the Fire Code Board of Appeals – 3 year term to 2023.

 

Anyone interested in serving on the above committees/boards should complete an “Application for Appointment”. The application may be obtained in person at City Hall, 102 3rd Ave SE, Jamestown, ND, by calling 701-252-5900 or online at jamestownnd.org and select government tab/city committees to download the form.

The application should be returned by December 16, 2020 to:

City of Jamestown

Attn: Appointments

102 3rd Avenue SE

Jamestown, ND 58401-4205

Bismarck  (CSi)  The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that the Hospitality Economic Resiliency Grant (HERG) application will begin on Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. CST and will close on Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. CST.

“As we continue to navigate and adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state of North Dakota remains committed to finding solutions to help alleviate the impacts on businesses while mitigating the spread of disease,” Gov. Doug Burgum said. “We are grateful to have the ability to offer the HERG to businesses that are vital to employment, tourism and the quality of life for our residents and guests.”

Due to the continuing need of assistance, Commerce created the HERG focus on reimbursing hospitality businesses that were directly impacted by Executive Order 2020-06. This includes all restaurants, bars, breweries, cafes and similar on-site dining establishments.

Eligible entities also include theaters, drama, music and entertainment venues, as well as professional production companies who support major venues, meetings and events.

Hotels with restaurants, bars, coffee shops and or banquets/meeting space may apply for a grant using the operational expenses from those specific operations. The receipts must clearly show this connection such as food costs or staffing.

Funds must be used to reimburse eligible entities for costs in operations, like payroll, rent, utilities, and other expenses that comply with CARES Act federal and/or CDC guidelines that have resulted due to the closures and lack of consumer confidence to return to the marketplace. Eligible expenses must have been incurred on or after March 27, 2020, and no later than date of application.

“The Commerce team is honored to have the opportunity to continue leading efforts to promote resiliency among North Dakota’s hospitality community,” Interim Commerce Commissioner Shawn Kessel said. “We hope this grant ensures these businesses remain open and continue to be strong pillars for our communities.”

Commerce was approved by the Emergency Commission to use the remaining ERG funds estimated to be approximately $25 million and an additional $29 million for the HERG to support more than 3,000 food service, drinking establishment, entertainment venues and professional production companies operating in North Dakota.

Applicants may receive up to $25,000 and eligible entities with multiple locations may receive up to $75,000. A max of $25,000 will be allowed per location. Grant recipients are required to comply with ND Smart Restart protocols.

Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding will be approved if the application meets all criteria and funding is available. Additional information is available at https://belegendary.link/HERG .

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Twelve of 17 members of a group that advises the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on environmental justice issues have resigned over a permit for the controversial Enbridge Energy oil replacement project. The Environmental Justice Advisory Group delivered the letter Monday in protest of the agency’s approval last week of a key water quality permit for the Line 3 project. The group wrote they are submitting their “collective and public resignation” because they “cannot continue to legitimize and provide cover for the MPCA’s war on Black and brown people.” Minnesota Public Radio News reports the permit approval paves the way for construction to begin on the final portion of the project, perhaps as soon as next month.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators say the state’s oil production increased slightly in September from the month prior. The Department of Mineral Resources says the state produced an average of 1.22 million barrels of oil daily in September. That’s up from 1.16 million barrels a day in August. North Dakota also produced 2.8 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day in August, up from 2.6 billion cubic feet in July. There were 15,377 wells producing in September, up from 15,149 in August. There were 14 drill rigs operating Tuesday, an increase of five from the September average.

 

 

MANDAN, N.D. (AP) — Police say they’ve made an arrest in the death of a man who was struck and killed standing next to his parked vehicle in Mandan. The 42-year-old victim from Bismarck was pronounced dead at the scene Tuesday morning. The driver who struck the man is a 19-year-old Mandan man. Police say the driver is in the Burleigh Morton Detention Center on a probable charge of criminal vehicular homicide. The North Dakota Highway Patrol assisted the Mandan Police Department with the investigation.

In sports…

Week 1: GPAC Basketball Honors

Combined Basketball – Tue, Nov. 17, 2020 at 10:00 AM

Sioux City, Iowa –  (GPAC) The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) and Hauff Mid-America Sports are proud to announce the following basketball players-of-the-week for contests played Nov. 9-15, 2020. Hauff Mid-America Sports is the presenting sponsor of the 2019-2020 GPAC Players-of-the-Week and Players and Coaches-of-the-Year awards program.

Hauff Mid-America Sports/GPAC Basketball Players-of-the-Week

 

Women – Kennedy Benne, Briar Cliff University (Guard)

Briar Cliff guard Kennedy Benne is this week’s GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports women’s basketball player-of-the-week.  Benne, a freshman from Oakland, Nebraska, started her collegiate career with a bang. She filled up the stat sheet in a pair of wins, averaging 18 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals and a pair of assists. She had 22 points in a win over Dakota Wesleyan, going 8-of-11 from the field including 3-of-4 from long range.

 

Men – Mason Walters, University of Jamestown (Forward)

Mason Walters of the University of Jamestown is this week’s GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports men’s basketball player-of-the-week.  Walters, a sophomore from Jamestown, North Dakota, had two double-doubles for Jamestown last week. He averaged 24.5 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 5 assists as the Jimmies split a pair of games. He finished with 22 points and 17 boards on 9-of-11 shooting in the Jimmies’ 85-73 win over GPAC preseason favorite Morningside.

Also Announced:

Jackie Meiklejohn of the University of Jamestown is this week’s GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Volleyball Setter-of-the-Week. Meiklejohn, a junior, from Dickey, North Dakota, recorded a pair of double-doubles in helping Jamestown to a pair of wins last week. She had 25 assists and 14 digs in a sweep of Morningside followed with 30 assists and 12 digs in Jamestown’s five-set victory over Northwestern for the GPAC regular season title.

Ruben Zepeda of the University of Jamestown is this week’s GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Men’s Soccer Offensive Player-of-the-Week. Zepeda, a senior, from Puebla, Mexico, set a Jamestown school record with five goals in a win over Presentation. He also added an assist to finish with 11 points in the contest.

Minneapolis  (Twins) To protect the health and well-being of the club’s fans, partners, players, staff, employees and communities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Twins today announced they have cancelled the 2021 Winter Caravan and TwinsFest, both originally scheduled for January. The Twins will instead bring fans a series of specially-designed virtual experiences throughout the offseason; details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Club President & CEO Dave St. Peter, says  “An offseason without our longstanding and beloved fan events is certainly tough to digest, but our top priority is, and always will be, the health and safety of Twins Territory.  With COVID-19 certain to be present at some level in January 2021, we feel it is the prudent, responsible and correct decision to cancel our events that would have otherwise brought together large groups of people in confined, indoor spaces. As we’ve all done so much in these unprecedented times, we will adapt. We’re excited to roll out some unique, fun ways for Twins fans to safely engage with the back-to-back American League Central champions this winter, and we’re already looking forward to the 2022 return of Winter Caravan and TwinsFest.”

The Twins Winter Caravan had been held annually for each of the last 60 years, while TwinsFest – the largest annual fundraiser for the Minnesota Twins Community Fund – began in 1989. The Twins’ full plans for digital offseason fan engagement opportunities is forthcoming.

 

In world and national news…

Pfizer  announced more results in its ongoing coronavirus vaccine study that suggest the shots are 95% effective. The company also said that the vaccine appears to protect older people most at risk of dying from COVID-19. The surprise announcement, just a week after it first revealed promising preliminary results, comes as the company is preparing within days to formally ask U.S. regulators to allow emergency use of the vaccine. With Wednesday’s announcement, the company now has accumulated 170 infections in the study and 162 of those were in volunteers who got a dummy shot.

 

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s public spending watchdog says the government spent billions without proper transparency in a scramble to secure protective equipment early in the coronavirus outbreak. The National Audit Office says in a report Wednesday that companies with links to politicians were fast-tracked and had more chances of getting a contract than other applicants. Like many countries, the U.K. was caught without enough masks, gowns, gloves and other items to keep health care workers and the public safe as coronavirus cases skyrocketed. In the push to build up stocks, the government awarded 8,600 contracts worth 18 billion pounds ($24 billion) between March and July, most without a competitive tender process.

 

BERLIN (AP) — German police fired water cannons at demonstrators in downtown Berlin protesting coronavirus restrictions after saying the crowd refused to listen to their entreaties to wear masks and keep their distance from one another. As the cannons shot into the crowd outside the landmark Brandenburg Gate on Wednesday, police in riot gear moved through the crowd carrying away some protesters. “We want our lives back,” read one sign carried by protesters. The protests came as German lawmakers opened debate on a bill that will provide the legal underpinning for the government to issue social distancing rules, require masks in public and close stores and other venues to slow the spread of the virus.

 

The Federal Aviation Administration is expected on Wednesday to clear Boeing’s 737 Max to fly again after grounding the jet for nearly two years due to a pair crashes that killed 346 people. The move comes in the middle of a pandemic that has decimated the U.S. aviation industry. It also comes after the FAA has been criticized for being too lax in regulating Boeing. Agency Administrator Steve Dickson said last week the FAA won’t release the plane until safety experts are satisfied. It’s not clear yet just when the Max will return to U.S. skies. American is the only U.S. airline thus far to put the Max back in its schedule, starting Dec. 29.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — Authorities say two armed men released five people who were held hostage during an apparent robbery attempt at a home in the New York City borough of Queens before they surrendered peacefully. The roughly 5-hour standoff began after officers surrounded the home Tuesday night. Assistant Chief Ruben Beltran says a woman with a young child had reported that two armed men were inside. The New York Police Department’s public information office says five people were released unharmed during police negotiations and the men surrendered about 2 a.m. Their names weren’t immediately released, but police identified them as being 35 and 51 years old. Police say they also recovered two guns from the scene.

 

BEIJING (AP) — Global stock markets are mixed after Wall Street declined as worries about the long-term impact of the coronavirus pandemic tempered hopes for development of a possible vaccine. London, Frankfurt and Tokyo declined, while Shanghai, Hong Kong and Sydney advanced. Investors also were more cautious after U.S. data showed retail shoppers spent less last month than expected. The numbers highlight the economic threat as coronavirus infection numbers in the United States and some other countries rise. Stocks that rose this month on hopes for a vaccine receded.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has fired the nation’s top election security official, a widely respected member of the administration who had dared to refute the Republican president’s unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud. The dismissal Tuesday of the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Christopher Krebs, was abrupt but not a surprise. Since his loss to Democrat Joe Biden, Trump has been ridding his administration of officials seen as insufficiently loyal and denouncing how the election was conducted. Krebs has been issuing a stream of statements and tweets over the past week attesting to the proper conduct of the election.