Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Sept. 10

CSi Weather…

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy.  Lows in the upper 50s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the north 10 to 15 mph after midnight.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Cooler. Highs in the lower 70s.

Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain showers in the evening.    Partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the upper 40s. Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs around 70. East winds 5 to 10 mph.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the lower 50s.

.MONDAY…Rain showers likely. Highs in the lower 70s. Chance of

showers 70 percent.

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

showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy

after midnight. Lows around 50.

.TUESDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 40s.

.WEDNESDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s.

.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A tiny section of North Dakota has been dropped from all drought categories, marking the first time since the beginning of the year that the entire state wasn’t in some stage of drought. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows the southeastern tip of Richland County is not considered to be in any of the five stages of drought. That’s an area equal to 0.2% of the state. The monitor puts nearly 59% of the state in extreme drought, which is down from 65% last week. About 3.8% is in exceptional drought, down from 5.6% last week.

 

The North Dakota Department of Health dashboard is updated daily by 11 am and includes cases reported through the previous day. The investigations are ongoing and information on the website is likely to change as cases are investigated. The information contained in this dashboard is the most up to date and will be different than previous news releases. This dashboard supersedes information from previous news releases or social media postings.

Check out our other dashboards: The COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard, NDUS Dashboard.COVID- 19 stats:

 

COVID 19 Stats.

Fri. Sept. 10,   2021

10:30- a.m.

Barnes

New Positives: 3

Total Positives:  1502

Active: 27

Recovered: 1443

 

Stutsman

New Positives:  30

Total Positives:  3825

Active:  110

Recovered: 3633

 

(CCHD)  City/County Health reports, that testing continues to be important. If you have any symptoms, it is important to be tested. If you have symptoms and need to be tested at other times contact your clinic.

Administrator Theresa Will says testing has moved to the Leevers North Parking Lot, on Mondays and Fridays, with an expanded time 12:30-p.m. to 2:30-p.m. located in a trailer.

Depending if you are asymptomatic, or symptomatic, you will either be tested in your vehicle, or inside the trailer.

 

Reminder

Walk in Vaccination Clinics available, 9-a.m. to 4:30-p.m., Monday through Friday.

Vaccines available,  Pfizer, Moderna, available most days.

Vaccination available for those 12 years of age and older.

Those who are immune compromise can get a COVID Booster Shot.

Those unable to come into the office, can have them come to you by calling 845-8518 to make an appointment.

Pre-register for all clinics.

 

 

 

Jamestown  (CVHD)– Central Valley Health District (CVHD) wants the public to know that large community flu shot clinics will be held in early October at the Jamestown Civic Center.

CVHD Administrator, Robin Iszler says,  “Flu vaccine is beginning to arrive at our office.  We will have both high dose and regular dose flu shots available in October.”
CVHD will be providing flu vaccinations at Jamestown Public Schools, as well as the county schools located in Stutsman and Logan Counties. Business flu shot clinics will also be available for local businesses interested in having that service on-site.
Robin adds, “Central Valley typically provides approximately 3,000 flu vaccinations in the community each year. We have already been receiving calls regarding the availability of flu vaccine and we are directing community members to get their flu shot at our large community events, rather than at our office due to limited space.”

This year, CVHD will using an online registration system to help eliminate wait time at vaccination clinics. Individuals will now be able to register for an appointment prior to arrival on the CVHD website. On-site registration will be available for those who do not have access to a computer or mobile device.
CVHD will also be offering COVID vaccinations at community flu shot events for individuals who are interested.  It is safe and effective to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at the same time, stated Iszler. “If residents come to our event interested in both we will provide them that service.”
Flu vaccinations will also be available at local pharmacies and clinics in Jamestown.
Clinic dates will soon be available on the CVHD Facebook page and website at www.centralvalleyhealth.org. For more information, please call CVHD at 252

 

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Stutsman County Veteran Service Office has resource information for Afghanistan Veterans in need of help.

On Friday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2 Veterans Service Officer David Bratton said, his office has more information on contacts.

He pointed out that  September is “Suicide Prevention Month”, and the  Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255.

David said  the Online VA S.A.V.E Training available (How to help Veterans in Crisis) is also available. The upcoming virtual training session are on September 17, 21, and 27, and to contact his office on accessing the sessions on line.

President Biden has signed the PAWS Act, allowing VA to fund training of service dogs.  Contact David at his office for more information.

The VA offering free Flu Shot Clinics to enrolled Veterans, at the Jamestown VA Clinic on September 28, and October 6, from 9-a.m. to 2-p..m., at a Drive Through  Clinic.

COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be available for veterans their spouses, and caregivers.

Reminders included that the Camp Grafton Disabled Veteran Deer Hunt Applications due by October first, with the hunt available to veterans with at least a 50-percent disability, and the hunt takes place  on November 8, and 15.

V Indicator for ND Driver’s License is available for veterans indicating their veterans status.

Burleigh County Van is again running.  The Stutsman County website has a schedule listed.

The Stutsman County Veterans Service Office is located in the basement of the LEC in Jamestown, open Monday through Friday from 8-a.m. to noon, and 1-p.m. to 5-p.m.

Call 701-25-9043.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session Friday afternoon at City Hall.

All members were present.  Council Member Schloegel joined by phone.

The City Council approved  a  Resolution to approve an emergency declaration for the replacement of the 18-inch waterline at the James River in southeast Jamestown.   Mayor Heinrich said, he issues the Declaration, and the Council meeting was called to review.  He added that the Declaration speeds up the process, bypassing paperwork

He said there is no pending emergency at this time, but, by winter the situation is likely to worsen.

He said the process will include directional boring proceedures.

Approved  was the Resolution, with a quote from Core & Main, in the amount of  $81,060.00  for materials (pipe).  Their quote is $5,000 to $6,000 more than  from Ferguson Waterworks. Core & Main can get the material to Jamestown more timely  and has the material  in stock.

The City Council also  authorized the city administrator to apply for funds in the cost of the pipe replacement project.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67.

 

Jamestown  (City)  Starting Monday, September 13, 2021; There will be a road closure for repairs on 2nd Ave SW (from 3rd St SW to 5th St SW). This closure is expected to last for approximately ten (10) days or until road repairs are completed.
Detour signs will be put in place by the Street Department.
The above schedule is contingent upon weather conditions.
Motorists should use extreme caution and take alternate routes during this time, if possible.

 

Jamestown  (City)  On Tuesday, September 14, 2021; there will be temporary lane restrictions on 4th Ave SE (from 9th St SE to 10th St SE) and the Northwest bound lane of 10th St SE (near 4th Ave SE). This road maintenance is expected to last throughout the day and possibly into Wednesday, September 15 until finished.
Signage will be put in place.
Motorists should use extreme caution in this area and take alternate routes during this time, if possible.

 

(CSi)  Communities across North Dakota will hold observances, and remembers relative to the 20^th Anniversary of the September 2001 Terrorist Attacks on the United States.

The Jamestown Patriotic Council invites the community to participate in the 20th annual Patriot Day Freedom Walk on Saturday, Sept. 11.

The walk will begin from Zonta Park at 5:30 p.m., with a guest speaker, and end at the All Vet’s Club with a light dinner and fellowship.

file photos from 2019

All first responders, veterans, auxiliary members and community members are encouraged to attend this event and commemorate the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001.

For more information, contact the All Vets Club at 252-8994.

Also on Thursday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2 New Hope Church, Pastor, Steve Berntson said now through Saturday, September 11, a tent is set up at the Bible & Breakfast location on 10^th Street Southeast with the public invited to join in with prayers beginning at 7-p.m. each evening, for a gathering, to pray over 911 along with praise and worship.

Bismarck (NDNG) — The North Dakota National Guard will conduct an observance ceremony on Saturday, September 11, at the Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), near the entrance to Fraine Barracks in Bismarck. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and is a solemn observance of the 20^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.

The public and media are invited. The local streets will be closed from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and parking is available at the Bank of North Dakota, 1200 Memorial Highway, Bismarck.

Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. COVID-19 precautions to include masks and social distancing are recommended in accordance with the North Dakota Department of Health guidelines.

Governor Doug Burgum, commander-in-chief of the North Dakota National Guard, U.S. Senator John Hoeven, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, senior enlisted leader for the N.D. National Guard are scheduled to render remarks. The emcee for the observance ceremony will be Mrs. Connie Sprynczynatyk.

The observance will be livestreamed at the North Dakota National Guard homepage.

Dedicated on Sept. 11, 2009, the Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism honors North Dakota military members who lost their lives in the GWOT. The memorial commemorates the sacrifice of 29 service members, 14 of whom are North Dakota National Guard Soldiers. It was established to provide a place where families, friends, and fellow citizens could reflect and remember the service and sacrifice of the fallen.

The memorial is a joint venture between the city of Bismarck and the North Dakota National Guard and was funded through private donations.

 

What: Twentieth-anniversary observance of Sept. 11, 2001 attacks

When: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 11

     Where: Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism, Fraine Barracks   entrance, headquarters, North Dakota National Guard, Bismarck

     Livestream: www.NDGuard.ND.gov

Media contact: Sgt. Thea Jorgensen will escort media 701-934-2458

 

TV Viewing…CSi 23 The History Channel

On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Almost 3,000 people were killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which triggered major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism and defined the presidency of George W. Bush.

Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, The HISTORY® Channel will premiere three documentary specials, starting on September 10. Watch a preview for all three specials now.

 

 

(CSi)   3rd annual A-MAZE-N Clowns Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze will open to the public the weekend of September 11th & 12th with a variety of games, activities, and more.

The patch is located at 3523 82nd Avenue Southeast and will be open Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sundays from Noon to 5 PM through October 10th. Cost of admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. 2 years and under get in free.

Acres donated by El Zagal member Dr. Steve Looysen will feature events for families and kids including the corn maze, bale mountain, obstacles, petting zoo, barrel car train, hayride, and the popular pumpkin launcher.The pumpkin patch will allow kids to come out and pick a pumpkin to take home.

A member of the Jamestown El Zagal Clowns, Corey Bayer says they hope to use the event to fundraise for their yearly operations and the overall cause of the Children’s Hospitals.

For more information, visit amazenclownpatch.com or like the Jamestown Clowns on Facebook.

 

 

 

(CSi)  The Gospel Music Jamboree is set for Sunday September 12 at Temple Baptist Church, at 1200 12th Avenue, NE in Jamestown, starting at 2:30-p.m.

Featured will be:

Danny Funderburk…Former performer with the Singing Americans. Perfect Heart, Mercy’s Way, and… The Prestigious Cathedral Quartet, and guests on the Gaither Hour.

Supporting Artists:

Bernie Satrom, Curt Erickson & Kim Softing, from Hawley, Minnesota.

A free will offering will be accepted, with proceeds going to the Jamestown Salvation Army.

A meal will be served after by by Victory Christian School.

 

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The James River Senior and Community Center in Jamestown announced the First Annual Community Carnival on Sun Sept 12, from 12-4 pm, at Klaus Park in Jamestown.

On Friday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Rhonda Sahr said the Boy Scouts will be on hand to assist.

Also scheduled to be at the Carnival are race cars and their drivers, precious pups from the James River Humane Society, the Stutsman County Bookmobile, and face painting, games including competition  games, food and more.

Tickets can be bought on site to the event at $1 each, or 12 for $10, with proceeds going to the Home Delivered Meals program.

Raffle drawings will be for two bicycles, and other prizes.

 

 

 

Valley City  (Chamber)  Summer Afternoon’s at the Pioneer Park Amphitheater  in Valley City, offers entertainment.  All programs started at 4-p.m.,  with FREE ADMISSION.  Food and drink will be served at all shows.

Next up on the schedule, September 12, is  Stand up Comedy,  featuring Valley City’s own Spencer Dobson, along with a troupe comedians to join him.

In case of inclement weather, the program will be rescheduled.

Sponsored by Bridges Arts Council.

This project is supported in part  by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

 

 

 

Bismarck  (Gov. Burgum’s Office)   – Gov. Doug Burgum has announced the 2021 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service, recognizing team members for their dedicated work in state government and making a positive difference in the lives of North Dakota citizens during an extremely challenging year.

“Team North Dakota members continue to provide excellent service to our citizens, often in new and innovative ways, delivering on our shared purpose to Empower People, Improve Lives and Inspire Success,” Burgum said. “The more than 900 nominations we received this year is a testament to team members’ exceptional work and a Governor’s Awards record. We are deeply grateful for these individuals, their teams and their tireless dedication to the state of North Dakota and its citizens.”

Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford presented the awards during an in-person and virtual ceremony livestreamed from the Capitol during State Team Member Recognition Month.

 

The awards and recipients are:

Pioneer Award for Excellence in Innovation: Karen Kringlie, of Valley City, director of Juvenile Court for Unit 2, for her work to modernize the juvenile justice system, including championing changes in state law that provide children and families with the services and supports they need and reduce unnecessary interactions with the juvenile justice system to improve outcomes later in life.

 

Zezula Award – “One Who Helps”: Richard Suggs, petroleum resource geologic analyst for the Department of Mineral Resources, for going above and beyond to support the successful implementation of the NorthSTAR data management system, improving process and resources for teammates, enabling the team to better serve citizens and effectively communicating through a multi-year implementation.

 

Harvest Award for Excellence in Quality: Karly Berger, enterprise collaboration administrator for North Dakota Information Technology, for working with agencies across the state to identify and adopt technology solutions and help teams work together in a virtual environment through a cloud-based, all-in-one tool for digital collaboration.

 

Landmark Award for Excellence in People Management: Terry Peterson, assistant director for case management for the Department of Human Services, for being a visible leader and pioneer of change, encouraging team members to leverage new tools, emphasizing collaboration across divisions, and finding ways to improve processes and streamline workflow.

 

Telegraph Award for Excellence in Technology: Corey Quirk, director of enterprise services for the North Dakota University System, for his work enabling students to take multiple courses from multiple NDUS institutions all in the same online space, setting the stage to effectively manage instructional needs during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

 

Heritage Award for Excellence in Citizen Focus: Molly Howell, director of the North Dakota Department of Health’s Division of Immunizations, for her leadership in developing a world-class, compassionate immunization program for the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, and her tireless dedication to the health of North Dakota’s citizens.

 

Frontier Award for Excellence in Continuous Learning: Bill Jensen, big game biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, for his eagerness to improve wildlife management and his passion for wildlife over a more than 30-year career defined by learning and inspiring team members and community members to seek the joy of learning about the natural world.

 

Sodbuster Award for Excellence in Growth Mindset: Molly Herrington, director of leadership and learning, for embodying the growth mindset, encouraging every member of TeamND to grow, securing world-class educational opportunities for TeamND and building organizational capability in change management, leadership, strengths, engagement and adult learning.

 

Roaming Bison Award (Team) – 4 recipients:

• Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Medical Team, for mitigating the spread of COVID-19 among a vulnerable population and helping to prevent tragedies in North Dakota’s corrections system. The team has performed more than 70,000 COVID tests and cared for more than 600 residents who became ill across five facilities.

 

• Job Service North Dakota, for going above and beyond in supporting North Dakota’s workforce during the pandemic. Since March 2020, the team has processed more than 280,000 unemployment claims – nearly 14 years’ worth of claims – and paid out nearly $1.25 billion to eligible North Dakota workers.

 

• OMB Budget Analyst Team for supporting agencies across state government in developing a strong budget that benefits team members and citizens and going above and beyond to identify the most effective and efficient distribution of additional federal dollars during the pandemic.

 

 

• North Dakota Department of Health for its continued leadership and commitment to compassionate, data-driven decision making over the last 18 months of a once-in-a-century pandemic. From testing and contact tracing to mitigation and vaccination, the team continues to provide vital information and resources to improve public health.

 

 

Jamestown  (Chamber)  The chamber Young Professionals of Jamestown and the Chamber Ambassadors recently recognized Anne Carlsen Center as the September Business of the Month Award recipient for their outstanding customer service and continued commitment to the community.

Their nomination stated, ” My son needed a little extra help. We were referred to the Anne Carlsen Out Patient Therapy Department and they are wonderful. We felt welcomed as soon as we walked in the door. We had been dealing with this issue for quite some time, and I was feeling like a failure of a mom. They made me understand that it is OK to ask for help and that I was actually a Rockstar of a mom for bringing my son in to be seen. He’s only been seen a few times, but I now have the confidence that he will work through this issue. I don’t know what I would have done without them. I just want them to know that they are making a difference in people’s lives including this mom who wasn’t even the one with the appointment! Thank you for all you do!”

The Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce honors businesses that provide superior customer service, exhibit community spirit and provide a positive economic impact to the community.  This award provides recognition throughout the month with a plaque and a recognition banner for the month. Monthly award winners will be considered for the Business of the Year to be awarded in January of 2022.  Business of the Month award nomination forms are available at the Chamber office and online at www.jamestownchamber.com. Call 701-252-4830 for more information.

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A resident of southwest North Dakota over the age of 60 has become the first person in the state to die of West Nile virus this year. The state health department announced the West Nile virus-related death on Friday. As of Thursday, there have been 19 cases of West Nile virus in 13 counties. Ten people have been hospitalized. Last year, North Dakota had seven reported cases of West Nile virus and no deaths. Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms or mild symptoms. In more severe infections, the virus can cause high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, altered mental state or death.

 

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Federal and state lawyers will meet next week to negotiate a settlement for money that North Dakota claims it spent policing protests against the Dakota Access oil pipeline. North Dakota filed a lawsuit two years ago seeking to recover more than $38 million in damages from the monthslong pipeline protests almost five years ago. The state argues the Corps of Engineers allowed and sometimes encouraged protesters to illegally camp without a federal permit. The Corps has said protesters weren’t evicted due to free speech reasons. The Corps has argued it has “limited authority” to enforce rules on land it manages.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Amazon officials say the first day of operations at the company’s new warehouse in Fargo will be on Sept. 19. The 1.3 million square-foot Fargo Fulfillment Center had been under construction for nearly a year.The building, which is located on 110 acres of land, is believed to be the largest in North Dakota. KVRR-TV reports that construction costs have been estimated at $100 million to $120 million. Amazon wants to hire about 1,000 fulltime, hourly workers in Fargo with a starting wage of $15.00 per hour. The company plans to open a “Last Mile Delivery Station” in West Fargo, which is expected to create about 100 jobs. The closest Amazon warehouse from Fargo is located in the Twin Cities.

KEENE, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators are investigating a spill that released nearly 48,000 gallons of produced water and more than 1,000 gallons of oil. The state Oil and Gas Division said the incident happened Wednesday at a Slawson Exploration well about 14 miles northwest of Keene. The spill was due an equipment failure or malfunction. Authorities said Thursday that the water and oil was contained to the site and was recovered and hauled away. Produced water is a byproduct of oil extraction and is typically taken from the well to a disposal site.A state inspector has been to the location and will monitor any additional cleanup that’s required.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota transportation officials say a special law enforcement campaign aimed at seat belt use generated nearly 3,300 citations. The Department of Transportation says most of the citations, 1,325, were for speeding. More than 1,200 citations were for failure to wear a seat belt and 34 were child restraint citations. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign ran from July 1 to Aug. 19. Besides speeding and seat belt use, citations were issued for failing to have insurance, suspended or revoked licenses and distracted driving. Also, arrests were made for drugs, warrants and driving under the influence.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Dakota scholar, author and artist has been named Minnesota’s poet laureate, the first time the honor has been bestowed upon a Native American. Minnesota State University, Mankato English professor Gwen Nell Westerman is a citizen of her father’s people, the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate in the Dakotas. Her mother’s people are from the Flint District of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. Westerman has written about Dakota history and language. She has won two Minnesota Book Awards for her work about Dakota people called “Mni Sota Makoce: The Land of the Dakota.” Her poetry collection, “Follow the Blackbirds,” was written in English and Dakota. Her poems and essays have been published in journals and anthologies across the country.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin woman who admitted to helping stab a classmate to please the horror character Slender Man will be freed Monday from a mental health institution. A judge ruled Friday that 19-year-old Anissa Weier will be released after spending almost four years at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. Weier and friend Morgan Geyser lured classmate Payton Leutner into a park in the Milwaukee suburb of Waukesha following a sleepover in May 2014. Geyser stabbed Leutner multiple times, while Weier urged her on. All three girls were 12 at the time.

In world and national news…

(AP)  A U.S. government document seen by The Associated Press says the U.S. has halted all U.S.-bound flights of Afghan evacuees from two main bases overseas for unspecified “health safety concerns.” U.S. officials warn this will have a severe impact on the evacuation operation. The document says the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol made the decision on the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to halt the flights from U.S. bases in Germany and Qatar. The U.S. has been conducting screening and other processing of evacuees at those two main overseas sites and others after evacuating them from Afghanistan.

 

(AP)  The new federal vaccine requirement for large companies has raised concerns over whether it will be now be even harder to retain workers or find new ones. President Joe Biden announced sweeping new orders Thursday requiring employers with more than 100 workers to mandate vaccinations against COVID-19 or offer weekly testing. The new rules could affect as many as 100 million Americans. Even companies that favor Biden’s decision as a way to stop the coronavirus from spreading further are afraid that vaccination-averse workers will leave, or job seekers won’t apply for their openings. Some workers may also switch to smaller companies where shots in the arm aren’t required.

 

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The on-again, off-again ban imposed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to prevent mandating masks for Florida school students is back in force. The 1st District Court of Appeal ruled Friday that a Tallahassee judge should not have lifted an automatic stay two days ago that halted enforcement of the mask mandate ban. The upshot is that the state could resume its efforts to impose financial penalties on the 13 Florida school boards currently defying the mask mandate ban. The U.S. Department of Education has begun a grant program for school districts that lose money for implementing anti-coronavirus practices such as mandatory masks.

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — In the closing days of the recall effort that could remove Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, his campaign has found a familiar foil that’s as big as Texas. In fact, it is Texas. New Texas laws banning most abortions and restricting ways to vote are highlighted by Newsom and other Democrats as evidence of what a Republican governor could do in California should voters approve the recall. Newsom also says his GOP opponents will follow the lead of Texas, Florida and some other Republican-led states by rolling back mask and vaccine requirements. He has framed the issue as “a matter of life and death” for Californians. The final day to vote in the recall is Tuesday.

 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Firefighters are working to quash new fires ignited by lightning after thunderstorms with mostly small but welcome amounts of rain rumbled across drought-stricken Northern California, where forests have been burning for weeks. Firefighters were diverted from the huge Caldor Fire south of Lake Tahoe to fight multiple overnight lightning fires throughout El Dorado County. Authorities say the spread of the largest of those fires has been stopped with the help of rain from the storm cell. Another small fire believed to have been sparked by lightning broke out in Mendocino County, north of San Francisco Bay.