Virus Outbreak-Test Kits. State making 1.5 million free COVID-19 test kits available

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Department of Health says it will make more than 1.5 million free at-home COVID-19 test kits available statewide. The kits will supplement the ongoing federal program that is making free tests available. The kits are being distributed statewide and will be available for pickup beginning Tuesday. Health officials suggest citizens pickup tests as needed, with a start of two tests per household member. Individuals can find locations where they can pickup free tests on the state Department of Health website. The sites will be updated twice a week as more locations receive test shipments.

ELECTION 2022-NORTH DAKOTA-SENATE

Democrat announces bid for North Dakota US Senate seat

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — An engineering professor at the University of Jamestown has announced her bid for U.S. Senate. Katrina Christiansen is seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat held by Sen. John Hoeven, a former governor who won his 2016 reelection bid with 78% of the vote. Bismarck state Rep. Rick Becker is challenging Hoeven for the Republican endorsement. The Democratic state convention is March 24-27 in Minot. Delegates will endorse candidates for state and congressional offices. Christiansen is the first Democrat to announce a bid for statewide elected office.

FOOD DEMAND-NORTH DAKOTA

Food demand high at North Dakota’s only food bank

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s only food bank experienced the second-highest demand in its 39-year history in 2021 as the coronavirus pandemic surged. Great Plains Food Bank, based in Fargo, provided 12.6 million meals for those in need in 2021. The non-for-profit organization helped 121,000 people, more than in any year before the pandemic. As the pandemic gathered steam in 2020, the food bank experienced record demand, providing food for 17.7 million meals for nearly 146,000 people. The food bank is based in Fargo, with a distribution center in Bismarck. The organization distributes food to pantries, shelters, soup kitchens and other charitable feeding programs in more than 100 communities across North Dakota and into eastern Minnesota.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-BURGUM

Burgum returning to normal schedule after COVID-19 diagnosis

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Gov. Doug Burgum is returning to a normal schedule after isolating for nearly a week following a COVID-19 diagnosis. The governor tested positive Feb. 5, and has worked out of his home since. He tested negative Friday morning but continued working out of his home. First lady Kathryn Burgum has tested negative this week, and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford has shown no symptoms. Burgum plans to be in Fargo on Monday for a couple of events, and his State of the State address is scheduled Wednesday in Fargo. The governor is vaccinated against COVID-19 and has received his booster shot.

PSC APPOINTMENT

Haugen-Hoffart to serve on state Public Service Commission

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed the board chair of Bismarck-based Capital Electric Cooperative to serve on North Dakota’s Public Service Commission until voters choose a permanent successor in November.  Sheri Haugen-Hoffart succeeds Brian Kroshus, who Burgum appointed in December to head the state Tax Department. The three-member Public Service Commission regulates coal mining, land reclamation, pipelines, electric and gas utilities, grain elevators, telecommunications and auctioneers. Much of its workload has involved determining locations for oil and natural gas pipelines, natural gas processing factories, and wind energy projects. The agency has about 40 employees and a two-year budget of $19.9 million.

HOT TUB-CHARGES

Another Highway Patrol officer charged in hot tub party

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Another North Dakota Highway Patrol officer has been charged with misdemeanor sexual assault in connection with hot tub parties in 2020. The Bismarck Tribune reported Thursday that 40-year-old Travis Skar has been accused of inappropriately touching a woman in a hot tub during a party in the summer of 2020.  Former patrol officer Steven Johnson faces a misdemeanor sexual assault charge stemming from another hot tub party in December 2020.  A woman accused him of inappropriately touching her at the party. Johnson was fired in November 2021. His attorney called the charges an act of revenge by someone with a vendetta. Court documents don’t list an attorney for Skar.