Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Apr 5

CSi Weather…

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT  TO 8 PM CDT /7 PM MDT/ MONDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR SOUTH CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA…

Kidder-Stutsman-Sioux-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-McIntosh-Dickey-

* WINDS…North around 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 20 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA…South central North Dakota.

* IMPACTS…Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become
difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Burn bans may be in effect. Contact local authorities for
details.

Forecast…

TODAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. North winds 5 to 10 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon.

.TONIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the evening.

.TUESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. Northeast winds

10 to 20 mph.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain in the

evening, then slight chance of rain possibly mixed with snow

after midnight. Lows in the mid 30s. Northeast winds 10 to

15 mph. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain possibly mixed with

snow in the morning, then chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs

in the mid 50s. North winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation

30 percent in the Jamestown area, 40 percent in the Valley City area.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of

rain. Lows in the mid 30s.

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

in the lower 60s.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain.

Lows in the mid 30s.

.FRIDAY…Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of rain. Highs in

the mid 50s.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain in the

evening. Lows in the lower 30s.

.SATURDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 60s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain in the

afternoon. Highs in the upper 50s.

Fire Danger Rating

Near critical fire weather conditions will be possible through
this coming week.

 

NDDOH

COVID-19 Stats

Mon Apr 5,  2021

Barnes

New Positives 0

Total Positives: 1341

Active: 15

Recovered 1295

Stutsman:

New Positives: 1

Total Positives: 3242

Active: 17

Recovered: 3246

 

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

Please note that from now on the daily news release will be sent Monday – Friday. The NDDoH dashboard will continue to be updated daily.

 

BY THE NUMBERS
245,119	Residents who received at least one dose of vaccine
431,363	Total COVID-19 vaccine doses administered
1,055	Total Tests from yesterday*
1,811,827	Total tests completed since the pandemic began
76	Positive Individuals from yesterday*****
60	PCR Tests
16	Antigen Tests
103,714	Total positive individuals since the pandemic began
9.15%	Daily Positivity Rate**
1,105	Total Active Cases
+19	Change in active cases from yesterday
66	Individuals with a recovery date of yesterday****
101,143	Total recovered since the pandemic began
29	Currently hospitalized
0	Change in hospitalizations from yesterday
0	New death(s)
1,466	Total deaths since the pandemic began
INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19
No deaths to report
NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED MONDAY BY COUNTY
Adams		0	Grant	0	Ransom	0
Barnes		0	Griggs	0	Renville	1
Benson		1	Hettinger	0	Richland	0
Billings		0	Kidder	0	Rolette	0
Bottineau		0	LaMoure	1	Sargent	0
Bowman		0	Logan	0	Sheridan	0
Burke		0	McHenry	1	Sioux	0
Burleigh		16	McIntosh	0	Slope	0
Cass		44	McKenzie	0	Stark	2
Cavalier		0	McLean	0	Steele	0
Dickey		0	Mercer	0	Stutsman	1
Divide		0	Morton	2	Towner	0
Dunn		0	Mountrail	0	Traill	1
Eddy		0	Nelson	0	Walsh	0
Emmons		0	Oliver	0	Ward	0
Foster		1	Pembina	1	Wells	0
Golden Valley		0	Pierce	0	Williams	0
Grand Forks		4	Ramsey	0

 

* Note that this includes PCR and antigen; it does not include individuals from out of state. 

**Individuals (PCR or antigen) 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 with a PCR or antigen test and died from any cause while infected with COVID-19. Please remember that deaths are reported as they’re reported to us by the facility or through the official death record (up to 10-day delay). 

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

*****Daily positive numbers include people who tested with a PCR or antigen test. 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.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council met in Regular Session Monday evening at City Hall, available virtually on the Microsoft Teams platform and by conference call. Council Member Buchanan joined by phone.

PUBLIC HEARING:

• HEARING FROM THE AUDIENCE: (Individuals may address the City Council about any item not contained on the agenda. A maximum of 15 minutes is allotted for the hearing. If the full 15 minutes are not needed, the City Council will continue with the agenda. The City Council will take no official action on items discussed at the hearing, with the exception of referral to staff or Committee.)
• City Fire Chief, Jim Reuther reminded residents about the fire ban during this dry time, in the city and in the county. He urges all smoking materials be disposes of properly.

 

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

To provide more time to discuss controversial or disputed issues, the Council will consider the items on the consent agenda together at the beginning of the public meeting. These items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. If a member of the City Council or public requests to be heard on one of these items, the Council will remove the item from the consent agenda and consider that item individually.

Items Removed separately for discuss …

Item O was removed from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Buchanan.

Item L was removed by Civic Center Manager Pam Fosse

• Item L: Pam Fosse clarified the Resolution to approve the request from Coca-Cola Bottling Company High Country for a one-year extension to the 2016 Beverage Agreement due to the unforeseen Covid-19 interruptions in operations. She pointed  out a 50 percent reduction, by Coke. The item will be placed on this month’s Civic Center Committee meeting.

 

• Item O: A Resolution to approve a bulk pickup pilot program beginning June 1, 2021, at a cost of $5 per item for residents and property owners. Council Member Buchanan said he’s in favor of adoption, saying more residents can participate in this program, than the traditional City Wide Cleanup. Mayor Heinrich said the Resolution is independent of Citywide Clean up

The City Council voted unanimously to approve.

REGULAR AGENDA

RESOLUTIONS:

• Approved a Resolution to approve the Minor Subdivision, Preliminary Plat of Super 8 Addition, and Replat (as contained in the legal description,)of all of Lot 3 and the Northerly 25 feet of Lot 4, Block 1, Lowry’s Subdivision of part of the SE1/4, Section 2, T139, R64W of the 5th Principal Meridian, Stutsman County, North Dakota described as follows: Beginning at the Northeasterly corner of Lot 3, Block 5, Lowry’s Subdivision, thence S. 18°02’ E., a distance of 125 feet; thence N. 89°10’ E., a distance of 303.71 feet; thence N. 0°50’W., a distance of 119.14 feet; thence S. 89°10W., a distance of 341.54 feet to the point of beginning; according to the plat of Lowry’s Subdivision recorded in the Register of Deeds Office in Book B of Plats at pages 117-118. And the South 75 feet of Lot 4, and all of Lot 5, Block 5, Lowry’s Subdivision in part of the SE1/4, Section 2, T139N, R64W of the 5th Principal Meridian, Stutsman County, North Dakota more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point that N. 0°50’E., along the East line of the SE1/4 of Section 2, a distance of 921.45 feet and S. 89°10’W., a distance of 33 feet from the Southeast corner of SE1/4; thence from this point of beginning N. 0°50’E., 166.8 feet; thence S. 89°10’W., a distance of 370.71 feet to the Easterly line of said Block 5; thence S. 18°02’E., a distance of 175 feet to the Southeasterly corner of Lot 5, Block 5; thence N. 89°10’E., a distance of 317.75 feet to the point of beginning.
• The property is located at 2613 & 2623 HWY 281 S. A Title Opinion has been received by the city.

The City Council voted unanimously to approve.

 

The City Council approved a Resolution to establish the standard rental rate of one dollar per square foot, for the 2021 to December 31, 2022, Frontier Village two-year lease. Searle Swedlund joined the meeting to answer questions added that the rate is one dollar per square foot, including  four structures, and other items.

 

Considered was a Resolution to approve extending the hours at the City Baler for a clean-up / drop-off the week of May 10 through 14, 2021. Mayor Heinrich asked if the Citywide Cleanup has been approved.

Council Member Kamlitz said he received correspondence asking that cleanup week be re-established, and he is in favor of the cleanup week.

Mayor Heinrich said the original concept was for resident to remove unwanted item, which has been abused by residents, added items not allowed. He said Jamestown Residents can take items to the baler up to 500 pounds without charge. The cost comes from the Sanitation Department budget. Buchanan favors giving the Pilot Program a try first.  Council Member Steele said his correspondence indicated returning Citywide Cleanup. He said the program needs to be overseen during Citywide Cleanup week, to monitor abuses.  He said some residents have reported personal yard items were stolen during Cleanup Week.  Buchanan said to further research the issue.

The Council voted to move the items to the April Public Works Committee with more information and to make a recommendation.

 

ORDINANCES:

A SECOND READING: Of an Ordinance to amend and re-enact an Ordinance by amending the District Map to change the zoning of a portion of Government Lot 1 within the NE ¼ of Section 26, Township 140N, Range 64W, laying and being North of a line extended from the intersection of the South boundary line of 9th Street with the East boundary of said lot, consisting of 8.4 acres in Stutsman County, North Dakota from R-1A (One-Family Residential District and Duplex or Two-Family District) to P-U-D (Plan Unit Development). The property is located at 901 4th Ave NW. (Proposed Hidden River Acres Event Center). Mayor Heinrich pointed out that the language needs to be adjusted and documents approved by the Council, including the serving of alcohol, under the planned development aspect, which needs approval after reviewed.The Council approved the Second Reading, and also approved serving of alcohol during the hours of 8-a.m. to 12 midnight.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

Appointed were two members of the Forestry Committee for a three year term to expire April 2024.

• Appointed John Grabinger to serve as a member of the Special Assessment Commission for a six year term to expire April 2027.
• Re-appoint the City Council to serve as members of the Storm Water Committee for a two year term to expire April 2022.
• Re-appointed the City Engineer, City Administrator, City Building Inspector, Engineering Technician II, Public Works Chairperson, Street Foreman and Street Equipment Operator III to serve as members of the Storm Water Sub-Committee for a two year term to expire April 2022. Moved

 

MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:

Council Member Buchanan said, his magnolia tree needs to be added to the city’s tree inventory.

Council Member Steele, said the city will rely on Public Service Announcements for the work, on the Road Diet Plan.  (As outlined in the CSiNewsNow.com story from and interview with Wayne Byers on CSi Cable 2.)

The  temporary emergency measure, requiring wearing face masks, in public, which was effective on October 30, 2020, was allowed to expire at 11:59 p.m. on April 5, 2021.  The measure was put in force under the temporary emergency measure, concerning the mitigation of COVID-19 unless further extended or earlier terminated by the City Council. It required all public-facing retail and service employees, including liquor and eating establishments, while the employee may come in contact with the general public.

Mayor Heinrich commended residents who did and continue to mask up.  He pointed out mass vaccinations now in progress in Stutsman County.

Although not currently required, it is strongly encouraged for all individuals to wear face coverings while in public to further prevent, control or reduce the spread of Covid-19 and all businesses are urged to require face coverings for the general public entering their establishment.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Approve awarding the bid for Lift Station Improvements—Main Lift and Lift Station 11, to CC, Steel LLC in the amount of $721,000, which came in under the estimated project costs, contingent upon state department of environment approval.

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

 

Jamestown (CSi)  Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich says the proposed Buffalo City Park has moved to “The Front Burner,” in planning and getting some state funding toward the project.

On Monday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2 he said, Legacy Fund financing is being approached presenting the plans, to state officials, for Legacy Fund financing.

The North Dakota Legacy fund, creates financing for such items as water plus other government infrastructure projects setting a 10 percent target for equity fund investment in projects in the state.

The North Dakota State  House and Senate recently unanimously passed a bill allowing more of the Legacy Fund for funding more state dollars.  Governor Doug Burgum is expected to sign the bill.

Also the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation is developing at 501 c3 for the project.

On another topic Mayor Heinrich said the Road Diet project is starting construction this month, including installing the bump outs, and removing the traffic lights.

The project runs from First Avenue South near Looysen I Care to and west to the tennis courts.

He expects the project to be completed by late August or early September this year.

 

Valley City  (VCPS)  In a news release, Valley City Public Schools, Superintendent Josh Johnson announced changes in the COVID-19 Plan.

Beginning Tuesday, April 6th, Valley City Public Schools will allow students, staff members, and the public to remove face masks when “Outdoors” on school property. This change is a result of the limited number of COVID cases in our school district and the ability for individuals to better social distance when outdoors. We will not contact trace outdoor close contacts, unless ‘absolutely’ necessary. We will continue to emphasize that all individuals practice proper hand hygiene, social distance, and self-monitor for COVID symptoms. This modification to our health and safety protocols is subject to change and has been supported by our local health team, DERT Team, and school board. Thank you for continuing to support our efforts to keep our students, staff, and community safe and healthy. We will, of course, continue to monitor the COVID situations in our school district and community and be prepared to make future modifications, as necessary.

With Other Topics

The school calendar for the 2021-2022 school year has been approved and is attached below.

Paving the Parking Lot at Hanna Field/Jefferson Elementary:

The school board approved an asphalt paving project that will be completed this summer in the parking lots at Hanna Field and Jefferson Elementary. This paving project is long overdue having been delayed due to the recent construction at Hanna Field. We are optimistic that this project will lead to improved student safety for Jefferson Elementary students (more to come). This project should also end any speculation that the “Loch Ness” monster of Valley City has been mysteriously living in one of our potholes at Hanna Field. If there was any wonder, you can see a picture that is attached below and taken from one of our local photographers

 

Josh Johnson

Superintendent

Valley City Public Schools

(701) 845-0483

VCPS-2021-2022-CALENDAR

 

Valley City  Chamber 4-5-21 – A message from Valley City Mayor Dave Carlsrud.

“We are in the midst of some unseasonable warm & comfortable April weather. Some years this time is considerably colder isn’t that how we get averages?

On a serious note, we are in a “Red Flag Warning” so be extremely careful with anything that could spark a flame. There have been some awful fires in our region and we are extremely dry.

Last week we talked a bit about prejudice and people who are different from us. When I was a kid in a little town, a “mixed marriage” involved a Norwegian and a Swede! How petty! Those prejudices came from the “old countries” and were taught to the kids. Let’s help our youth learn the positives; respect, hope and love for all.

We are Blessed to live in the United States. The United States isn’t perfect, but it is still the best country in which to live.
It is spring; the grass is turning green, the ice melted, there is new life and there are good driving conditions. When it is nice, it seems like we tend to drive faster and that is a danger. There are motorcyclists, bicyclists, joggers and walkers out there with whom we are to share roads and alleys. As drivers, we need to drive as per conditions and speed limits, please drive safely.

You may have noticed our alleys were groomed and are now smoother. That is the good news. The challenge is to restrict driving speeds as there are children playing in back yards and sometimes get into the alley. A number of folks have been driving TOO FAST in alleys. Please drive safely.

Good News: The river is open, there are boats on the water and people are fishing. Let’s get out of our houses and look around town. It feels good and refreshes the mind.

There are legislative bills that could affect you. See: https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/67-2021/regular to track bills and to contact your legislators if you wish.”

Dave Carlsrud

Mayor of Valley City

Valley City  (VCSU)  A COVID-19 vaccination clinic will take place on Wednesday, April 7 for all VCSU students, employees and family members of employees/students ages 18 and up. The clinic will be held in Graichen Gym from 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. There will be 285 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine available.

Appointments are REQUIRED and can be made at https://www.ndvax.org//reg/0146051292 (link will not open in Internet Explorer).

Valley City  (CCHD)  A free COVID-19 testing event for the VCSU and Valley City communities will be held this week from 1-2 p.m. at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, “The Bubble”. Rapid and conventional testing will be offered at this event on April 9.

These are WALK-IN testing events. If you wish to be tested, please park your vehicle and enter through the west entrance. Handicap parking spaces and access are available at the east entrance. Preregistration at testreg.nd.gov is encouraged; one only needs to register once.

Jamestown  (CVHD)  Central Valley Health has set more vaccination clinics for early April.

Tuesday April 6,  10a.m., to 2-p.m., Single Dose Johnson & Johnson Vaccine, 18 and older.  Jamestown Civic Center Exchequor Room.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

A Second Dose Moderna Vaccination will be on Wednesday April 7, from 1-p.m., to 3-p.m. at the Jamestown Civic Center Exchequor Room.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

On Thursday April 8, a First Dose Moderna Vaccination Clinic will be held will be held from 1-3-p.m., at the Jamestown Civic Center, Exchequor Room.

On  Thursday April 8, a Second Dose Pfizer Vaccination Clinic will be from 3-p.m., to 5-p.m., at the Jamestown Civic Center Exchequor Room.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Review the due date on the back of your CDC COVID vaccination record card prior to registering.

* 2nd dose clinics ONLY.  If you register as a first dose, your appointment will be canceled.

Appointments are required and are first come, first serve. Once the clinics are full, they will be closed for registration.
.
. To register for an appointment, visit our website www.centralvalleyhealth.org and click the “COVID-19” tab.

 

Jamestown  (CVHD)  COVID-19 Testing in Jamestown will continue on April 7, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26,28, 30, from 11-a.m, to 12 noon each day, at the Jamestown Civic Center, Exchequor Room.

By screening with rapid antigen tests, event attendees will be able to receive their test results within 15 minutes via text notification. The test also is less invasive than a PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test in that it uses a nasal swab to collect a sample from the lower part of the nostril.

If a person tests positive, they should isolate at home immediately and a case investigator will be in touch with them within 24 hours. If the screening yields a negative result, individuals should continue to monitor for symptoms.

Interested individuals should fill out an online survey at testreg.nd.gov for faster registration.

For more information about rapid antigen tests and North Dakota’s screening strategies, visit https://www.health.nd.gov/rapid-antigen-screening

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The City of Jamestown Announces that beginning Saturday, April 10, 2021, the Baling Facility will be open every Saturday from 8:00 AM until 11:30 AM.

Baling Facility Open: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and every Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For further information, contact the City Sanitation Department at Sanitation@JamestownND.gov or 701-252-5223.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  Stutsman County Emergency Manager, Jerry Bergquist says, April 26-30 has been designated “Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week” for the State of North Dakota.  This annual event is intended to remind the public of the dangers associated with severe summer weather.

To help us prepare, the Bismarck National Weather Service has scheduled a series of severe weather and safety training classes called SKYWARN.  This year, SKYWARN classes which are normally held “in-person,” will be conducted virtually via GoToWebinar and will last about an hour, a bit longer based on audience questions.

 

The class is free and open to anyone who wants to become more familiar with severe summer weather in North Dakota.  You need to attend only one.  Register below for the class you wish to attend, and a confirmation email will be sent to you.

April 6 – Tuesday	10 am	https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5869064840016850191
April 7 – Wednesday	2 pm	https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4164164309010850831
April 12 – Monday	4 pm	https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2323260786718649615
April 13 – Tuesday	7 pm	https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4704410446830445583
April 20 – Tuesday	10 am	https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5677379281365791759
April 22 – Thursday	8 pm	https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8779631547926507279
April 27 – Tuesday	7 pm	https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4882846890367483407

The class will focus on recognizing and understanding the different types of severe summer weather including lightning, thunderstorms, down-burst winds, flash floods, hail, and tornadoes.  The class will also share advice on how to be safe from severe summer weather events in North Dakota.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A Moorhead, Minnesota man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for participating in violent protests in downtown Fargo after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Thirty-one-year-old Jonathan Montanez pleaded guilty in December to civil disorder for his role in a clash between protesters and law enforcement officers on May 30. Prosecutors say Montanez jumped on top of an occupied Fargo Police Department vehicle and slammed his fists on the squad, causing extensive damage. Montanez allegedly provoked other protesters to become violent and destructive. Authorities say some law enforcement officers were injured and several businesses and vehicles in downtown Fargo were damaged.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s Senate has unanimously approved its version of a House bill outlining the process for legislative redistricting, agreeing to allow the public better access to draft plans. The initial bill draft drew opposition for exempting from state open records law a draft of the redistricting plan until unveiled at public meetings. The amended bill approved Monday allows the public to review the plans that are “distributed or reported.” The legislation now goes back to the House for its review of changes made by the Senate. Its final details will be negotiated by a House-Senate conference committee.

Medora  (CSi)  on Monday, firefighters were reporting 100% containment and an estimated 2276 acres burned for the grass fire near Medora, ND that began on Thursday.

The news released said, this could not have been accomplished without the swift and organized cooperation from all partners. The area affected by the wildfire remains closed at this time for public health and safety. This includes the Buffalo Gap Trail from I-94 southeast to its intersection with the Maah Daah Hey Trail, and the Maah Daah Hey Trail from the National Park Boundary south to Sully Creek State Park.

The Horse Pasture fire in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park has increased in acreage from Sunday, due to high winds. This fire is currently estimated at 30% contained burning roughly 3000 acres. At the time, the cause of the fire is undetermined, but likely human caused. The very rough, inaccessible terrain make containment of this fire difficult, but responders are working around the clock to contain the blaze. Resources from many partners have come together to fight this fire including local fire departments, Montana, South Dakota, USDA Forest Service, North Dakota Forest Service, local farmers, and others. At this time, no structure damage has been reported, but the North Unit housing facilities, campgrounds, and other infrastructure are still at risk. The North Unit of the park is closed at this time, as well as the CCC Campground across the Little Missouri River to the south of the park.

High and very high fire danger continues through all parts of North Dakota, and near critical fire weather is expected across the state, with a Red Flag warning in effect for south central North Dakota. Residents are reminded to be vigilant and cooperative as responders battle these wildfires. 90% of wildfires are caused by humans, so always be cognizant of your activities outside and their potential for starting fires. Everyone will need to be involved to prevent wildfires this season.

NEW TOWN, N.D. (AP) — Officials say an apartment building in New Town is a total loss in a weekend fire. Emily Sitting Bear is director of the MHA Nation’s Emergency Operations Center. She says all tenants from the 36-unit apartment building are accounted for, but there was one report of a person being treated for smoke inhalation in Sunday’s fire. Multiple fire departments were dispatched to Red Hawk Estates about 6:20 a.m. Fire departments from Parshall, Stanley, Plaza and Mandaree provided mutual aid. An evacuation site has been set up at the Northern Lights Wellness Center. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The emergency room doctor who pronounced George Floyd dead after trying to resuscitate him has testified that he theorized at the time that Floyd’s heart most likely stopped because of insufficient oxygen. Dr. Bradford Langenfeld said Floyd’s heart had stopped by the time he got to the hospital, and he was not told of any efforts at the scene by bystanders or police to resuscitate Floyd, though paramedics told him they had tried for about 30 minutes. Police Chief Medaria Arradondo testified that police must try to deescalate tense situations and administer first aid as soon as possible. They took the stand at former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin’s murder trial as prosecutors seek to establish that it was Chauvin’s knee on the Black man’s neck that killed him last May.

In world and national news…

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas’ governor has vetoed legislation that would have made his state the first to ban gender confirming treatments for transgender youth. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Monday rejected the measure that prohibits doctors from providing gender confirming hormone treatment or surgery to minors, or from referring them to other providers for the treatment. The move followed pleas from pediatricians, social workers and the parents of trans youth. The bill was among several targeting transgender people that have easily advanced in Arkansas. Hutchinson’s veto can be overridden by a simple majority of the Legislature.

 

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says he won’t throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Texas Rangers’ home opener. The Republican governor said he made his decision after Major League Baseball moved the MLB All-Star Game from Atlanta in response to Georgia’s sweeping new voting laws. It’s the latest jab in an ongoing fight that’s pushing corporate America into the political battle over voting rights. Abbott’s decision Monday came hours before the team was set to take the field against the Toronto Blue Jays in the Dallas suburb of Arlington. Major League Baseball and the Texas Rangers have not responded to requests for comment.

 

(AP) The United Nations says the U.N.-backed program to provide COVID-19 vaccines to the world’s most vulnerable people has delivered more than 36 million doses to 86 poor and developing countries to date. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Monday that COVAX expects to allocate 201 million doses by the end of May. But he cautioned that “the issue of vaccine inequity and unequal distribution” remains troubling. U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said on March 26 that “60% of the COVID vaccine supply was reserved by a handful of wealthy countries,” adding that “some developing countries may not receive the vaccine until 2024.”

 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin has submitted a congressional inquiry with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding an HIV outbreak in West Virginia’s largest county. The West Virginia Democrat on Monday asked for the inquiry on behalf of the Kanawha County Commission. It comes two months after a CDC official warned that the county’s outbreak was the most concerning in the United States. Commission President Kent Carper says the outbreak is an important public health issue and is deserving of the commission’s understanding. In a letter to CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Manchin asked that the CDC review the commission’s concerns and reply by Friday.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was briefly suspended from Twitter Sunday in what the platform called an error. It’s the second time in less than a month that that has happened to the the Georgia Republican’s account. Twitter said Monday that automated systems were to blame for both. During the hours-long suspensions Greene was unable to post on the platform. Greene has in the past promoted violence against Democrats and conspiracy theories about QAnon and the 9/11 attacks. After Sunday’s suspension was lifted, Greene tweeted that she didn’t believe Twitter’s explanation.