Friday ND news from Associated Press

REPUBLICAN CONVENTION-NORTH DAKOTA

State GOP party won’t consider change to endorsement process

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The state Republican Party says it will not consider a move by a group to change the endorsement process at the party’s convention this weekend. In a letter sent to delegates Thursday, state GOP Chairman Perrie Schafer said the attempt by the “ad hoc” group to change existing endorsement rules “will be ruled out of order and will not be considered.” It’s the latest rift between the state GOP and a far-right faction attempting to control the party apparatus and replace Republicans they see as too moderate. That includes U.S. Sen. John Hoeven who is seeking a GOP endorsement for a third term Saturday.

BIRD FLU

Bird flu detected in backyard chicken flock in Kidder County

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The bird flu has been confirmed in a non-commercial, backyard chicken flock in North Dakota. Officials say the poultry flock is in Kidder County. It’s the first confirmed cases in the state since 2015. Farms that raise poultry for consumption have been on high alert and taking steps to increase biosecurity since avian influenza was recently discovered in a handful of states, including Minnesota State animal health officials have quarantined the property. All birds in the flock will be destroyed and will not enter the food system. Officials say the bird flu detections do not present an immediate public health concern.

CANADA-US-BORDER DEATHS

Minnesota trial set for Florida man in human smuggling case

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Florida man will stand trial in Minnesota this summer on human smuggling charges following his January arrest after authorities just across the Canadian border found four migrants who had frozen to death during a blizzard. Court documents filed Wednesday show that U.S. District Judge John Tunheim scheduled Steve Shand’s trial to begin July 18. The Deltona, Florida, man is charged with bringing two people into the country illegally and illegally transporting them once in the U.S. Authorities said the four bodies were discovered near Emerson, Manitoba, which borders Minnesota and North Dakota. In addition, five Indian nationals were found on foot on the Minnesota side of the border and two others were found riding in Shand’s van.

CELEBRATING 106

Dickinson woman celebrates 106th birthday with family

DICKINSON, N.D. (AP) — A Dickinson woman attributes her longevity to a healthy lifestyle and keeping busy. Helma Lein celebrated birthday number 106 with family and friends at her retirement home this week. Lein says she enjoys crafts and writing. Lein was born on a farm in Grant County in 1916. She says her mother died from the flu at a young age, but despite losing her, Lein graduated from school and worked for the Bismarck Tribune. She moved to San Diego when her husband was called to service in World War II. The couple had three children they raised in North Dakota. Lein’s advice to the younger generation is to cherish time with family and maintain your faith.

REPUBLICAN CONVENTION-NORTH DAKOTA

Hoeven faces far-right challenge at state GOP convention

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — John Hoeven has easily won Republican convention delegates’ endorsement for office, first as governor and later as a U.S. senator. But his endorsement is not as certain as it has been in the past two decades as he seeks a third Senate term. That’s due to a growing faction of far-right Republicans led by his GOP foe, Rick Becker. Up to 2,000 delegates are expected to endorse candidates this weekend. Becker says he will not continue on to the primary if he doesn’t win delegates’ endorsement. Hoeven would not say.

OFFICER INJURED

Grand Forks officer breaks arm trying to subdue suspect

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — A Grand Forks police officer suffered a broken arm during a struggle with a suspect who resisted arrest. Authorities say the incident started about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday when officers tried to pull over a 19-year-old Grand Forks man for running a stop sign. After a short pursuit, the suspect left the vehicle and fled on foot. He was eventually found hiding in a dumpster. The man was handcuffed and placed in the squad car, where he became agitated and attempted to remove the cuffs. Officer Luke Wentz’s arm was broken while trying to get him under control. Wentz was treated and released at a local hospital. The suspect faces a half-dozen charges.

TIMBERWOLVES-NUGGETS

DENVER — The surging Denver Nuggets seek their fifth win in six games Friday night when they host the fast-fading Minnesota Timberwolves, losers of four of their last five and three straight on the road.

USA BASKETBALL-GRINER

MINNEAPOLIS — Brittney Griner was on the minds of her USA Basketball teammates at their training camp as she was still imprisoned in Russia.

NCAA-GENDER EQUITY

MINNEAPOLIS — Putting women on the same level with men when it comes to swag bags and logos is a starting point, and for Dawn Staley that’s all it is. South Carolina women’s coach is not certain there will ever be true equity among the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments. “I just don’t know,” Staley told The Associated Press. “I mean, the hotel is nice,” she added sitting at her downtown hotel two blocks from the Target Center, where the Gamecocks will play Louisville on Friday night in the women’s Final Four. By Pete Iacobelli.