April 9, 2020 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1934

April 9-15, 2020 Vol. 86 No. 36

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MN doctors on the cutting edge of COVID-19 fight By Mel Reeves Community editor

EDITOR’S NOTE: Minnesota doctors and researchers are on the cutting edge leading the fight in the war against COVID-19. Doctors and researchers at the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic are searching for medications that help ease the effects of the virus, including a process of plasma transfer, while also working to develop a vaccine. MSR’s regular health columnist and medical advisor Dr. Charles Crutchfield helped facilitate interviews with two physicians engaged in combatting the pandemic: Dr. David Hamlar (DH), assistant professor of the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Minnesota, and Dr. Michael Joyner of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Crutchfield himself will provide further information and updates in the next issue of the MSR.

Push for plasma treatment underway

No ‘new normal’ until August

coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of those who are nearby or potentially be inhaled into the lungs. The droplets are airborne through aerosolization [producing a fine mist of minute particles]. MSR: How does one actually contract the virus? DH: The COVID-19 virus can live in any living cell. It is transmitted primarily via the aero-digestive system, meaning airways and oral mucosa. Dr. David Hamlar MSR: Has anything been found to be effective in fightMSR file photo ing off the effects of the virus? DH: Peridex or chlorhexiMSR: Incredibly, Dr. Hamlar, despite of the number of dine has been found to decases and deaths, there are crease the viral load but not some in our community call- eliminate the virus itself. MSR: There has been talk ing the coronavirus a conspiracy or hoax. What do you say about anti-virals being effective in helping those who have to them? Dr. David Hamlar: This is no hoax! MSR: Why has the CDC and others recommended people stay six feet apart? DH: People who are within six feet of one another may contracted the virus to fight it spread the virus through re- off. Tell us more about that. DH: Antivirals are the spiratory droplets produced when an infected person same medications initially uti-

lized in HIV-positive patients who contracted AIDS. These seemed to lessen the symptoms if not reduce the viral

Dr. Michael Joyner: It inAt Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Dr. Michael Joyner (MJ) volves taking antibody-rich plasma from the blood of patients who have survived COVID-19, then infusing it into those who are ill to help their bodies fight off the disease. The approach is known as “convalescent plasma treatment.” MSR: Why is it called convalescent plasma treatment? MJ: It’s called convales- Dr. Michael Joyner cent because the word refers Photo Courtesy Mayo Clinic to when people are getting better. What happened is my friend MSR: You spent most of Dr. Arturo Casadevalle at John Hopkins wrote an editorial in the Wall Street Journal discussing the historical use of convalescent plasma. is part of a group of experts I reached out to Arturo, who are pursuing a unique and since we have a large but time-tested treatment to network of collaborators, we help patients with COVID-19 reached out to them. This was fight off the virus. Convalesme repurposing my career cent plasma treatment has for a few months in my lab to been used historically to treat help attack this problem, to infectious diseases before the your career as a physiologist. see if we could find some way How did you get involved in to push back. discovery of vaccines. MSR: What is involved this? I have thrown in with ArMJ: That’s true, and I turo and want to help him in convalescent plasma treatam also an anesthesiologist. move this forward. He is ment?

"We want to stop people deteriorating as they go from sick to the ICU."

load and increase the CD4-T cell count.

“This is a virus that will be with us for prolonged periods until a vaccine is found.” MSR: What makes the virus fatal? DH: COVID-19 deaths are attributed to pulmonary or ■See HAMLAR on page 5

■See JOYNER on page 5

Dying to work: Frontline workers bear the brunt of lethal virus By Mel Reeves Community editor

Many must choose between safety and paying the bills

“The organizer’s conduct was immoral, unacceptable, and arguably illegal,” is how an Amazon official sought to frame the efforts of one of its workers who was fired by the company. The worker, Christian Smalls, had tried to bring attention to unsafe working conditions at an Amazon warehouse in New York City. Smalls had complained about the lack of gloves and masks and that the company had not been forthcoming in sharing with workers that others in the warehouse had contracted the virus, putting everyone at risk. The official Amazon gen-

eral counsel David Zapolsky also said about Smalls that he was not “smart or articulate.” Ironically, Smalls has told his story to several national news outlets, including a major news network. Nationally, workers have voiced similar complaints about a lack of protective equipment such as masks, inefficient sanitizing of work spaces, and failure by some employers to honor the social distancing as recommended by the CDC to protect themselves from contracting the coronavirus. Many have expressed anxiety about facing a kind of “Sophie’s Choice,” that is, forced

PRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391

Amazon workers in New York protest unsafe conditions.

to choose between going to work and possibly risk being exposed to the coronavirus or staying at home and not being able to put food on the table or pay bills. The MSR last weekend asked a few employees at one of the local Minneapolis Cub stores why they were not wearing masks. Two of them said management had told them they didn’t want them to wear masks. They said management cited the CDC as declaring people do not need to wear masks to be safe from contracting COVID-19. Asked if management had been informed that the CDC has since changed its guide-

Photos courtesy of Christian Smalls

lines, they said they were not sure. “I hope it changes,” said one employee who wished to remain anonymous.” I definitely want to protect myself.” Amazon fired Smalls last week after he led a walkout by a number of employees at a Staten Island distribution warehouse. Amazon says he was fired for violating a company-imposed 14-day quarantine after he came into contact with an employee who tested positive for the coronavirus. Smalls disputes this, saying the employee who tested positive came into contact with many other workers for longer periods of time before their test came back. He said he was singled out because he wanted the company to sanitize the work area and be forthright about the numbers of fellow workers who had contracted the virus. Amazon workers have been particularly vocal across the country as social media has shared protests by workers holding signs denouncing their working conditions. "This disease is killing people on a daily basis," one worker who wished to remain anonymous told Business Insider. "As people are testing positive for it where I work, they still expect for us to

St. Paul’s North High gears up for distance learning By Analise Elle Contributing writer St. Paul Public Schools have had several weeks of cancelled classes to prepare their distance learning programs, a largely electronic substitute in lieu of face-to-face class time, as part of the CO-

VID-19 response plan. For North High School, part of that strategic process was equipping nearly 1,700 students with laptops in a short amount of time. As teachers worked tirelessly on designing and

adjusting their course materials, North High School support staff, paraprofessionals, and education assistants all pitched in to unbox and label computers and then get them synced up with the district system.

■See NORTH HIGH on page 5

Christian Smalls protesting outside Amazon Photos courtesy of Christian Smalls come there." The U.S. Postal Service has signed a petition asking for better confirmed that 259 employees protections. The Washington Post on Monhave tested positive for the virus in its workforce of 630,000. day reported that four grocery To date, two letter carriers in store workers have died after New York City, one in Mont- contracting the novel coronavirus. gomery, Alabama and one in Two were Walmart workers who

“We are the power. If they are not caring about your well-being, then walk out!” Detroit have died after contracting the virus. The Postal Service has reportedly sought to make gloves and masks available in all of its work stations, but employees still say basic items are not available. More than 85,000 workers have

worked at the Evergreen Park Walmart in Chicago, one was a worker at Trader Joes in Scarsdale, New York, and another was a grocery greeter at a Giant store in Largo, Maryland. A Detroit bus driver whose Facebook rant warned ■See AMAZON on page 5

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April 9-15, 2020

Current and future COVID-19 impacts to Mpls parks and park programs

What’s open, what’s closed or cancelled, and how park users can help The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has initiated many changes to park operations and programming in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is planning many more in the coming months. The MPRB continues to base decisions on data, guidelines and orders from Gov. Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health. This can be a challenge as circumstances change often and quickly, but it’s clear that social distancing will be part of life in Minnesota for many months to come. Based on the governor’s forecast and concern for the health and safety of park visitors and employees, the MPRB is bracing for a future that drastically changes services and programs this spring and summer. All plans are designed to ensure social distancing, prevent congregating and protect the health of the public and employees. What is open? Parks and trails All parks and trails remain open. The MPRB urges park users to follow park use guidelines: • Do not visit parks or trails if you feel sick. This includes fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat. • Stay at least six feet apart from other park users not part of your household. • Wash your hands immediately before and after visiting a park. • Walk to local parks. Do not drive across the city or metro to visit popular park attractions.

• Do not hang out at the park • Tennis court nets will be inall day. Visit to walk, bike or roll, stalled because tennis allows for then return home.\No group ac- social distancing. tivities with people from outside your household. Golf courses Golf courses are preparing to Playgrounds open once allowed by Gov. Walz. Playgrounds remain open. Until then, please stay off greens Minnesota Department of and fairways so staff may work. Health guidelines do not recommend the closure of outdoor Dog parks facilities, including playgrounds. All off-leash dog parks reHowever, playground users and main open. Permits are still caregivers bringing children to required and available for purplaygrounds should be aware chase online at www.minneapthat playground equipment is olisparks.org/dogparks. not sanitized, and they are urged to follow the guidelines above. What is closed? All program buildings Parkways Program buildings remain Sections of Lake Harriet Park- closed to the public until further way, Lake Nokomis Parkway, notice. This includes: Main Street SE and West River • All recreation centers Parkway have been closed to • MPRB headquarters motor vehicle traffic and opened • Parade and Northeast ice to pedestrians to allow more arenas room for social distancing. Soon • Kroening Interpretive Censections of Cedar Lake Parkway, ter Lake of the Isles Parkway and • Eloise Butler Wildflower more of West River Parkway Garden Visitor Shelter will also be closed to motor vePublic facilities will not be hicle traffic. reopened unless social distancing can be assured and staff can operate and clean the facility. Athletic fields and courts Athletic fields and courts remain open, with restrictions: Beaches and pools • No team or contact sports. The level of public congregaPeople may shoot baskets or tion that takes place at aquatic kick or toss a ball around, but no facilities and the level of staff repickup games. quired to operate these facilities • Basketball rims currently will make it impossible to open remain open. and manage these facilities safe• Volleyball and soccer nets ly this summer. Outdoor aquatic will not be installed this summer. facilities will not open this sumSoccer nets already in place will mer. This includes: be removed. • Beaches • Athletic fields will be not • Wading pools striped or marked. • Waterparks

Trent Bowman challenges or are facing foreclosure. It provides several educational and coaching components and aligns families with culturally sensitive nontraditional financial products and services. “The Build Wealth fam-

“Now, perhaps more than ever, a home for a family holds more weight.” more than ever, a home for a family holds more weight. We’re proud to support the work of these organizations and hope these grants can help their goals go farther.” Build Wealth Minnesota’s programs and services are targeted to low-to-moderateincome families. The grant from Old National will go toward its Family Stabilization Plan. This plan helps families who are seeking homeownership, facing credit or financial

• Webber Natural Swimming Pool Restrooms and drinking fountains The proximity of people’s mouths and noses to drinking fountains while they are in use creates an unacceptable level of risk for spreading COVID-19, so drinking fountains will remain closed. At this point, the MPRB cannot guarantee the high level and frequency of disinfection needed to keep COVID-19 from spreading at public restrooms, so restroom buildings will also remain closed. Portable toilets will remain in parks and continue to be serviced by an outside vendor. More portable toilets will be added to typical summer numbers and may be redistributed based on need. If park users see a toilet that needs servicing, please call the vendor directly at the number listed on the structure. Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary is closed. The garden’s narrow

paths and boardwalks, fencing and single main entrance make social distancing among visitors and staff too difficult. What is cancelled? All MPRB events are cancelled or postponed through August 31. MPRB staff will work with event partners to determine if an event can be moved to later in the year, but it’s anticipated that the majority of all MPRB spring and summer events will be cancelled, consistent with what is happening throughout the country. All summer programs and team sports that do not allow social distancing are cancelled. Spring and summer sports leagues are cancelled, along with classes and programs unless they can be done virtually or adjusted for social distancing. Details about future virtual and modified programs will be announced and listed online once determined. Hiring seasonal and temporary recreation employees is on hold.

Most summer positions typically hired for programming and recreation services will not be hired, including the Team Teenworks program. Hiring for certified summer seasonal employees required for critical service work will continue, including mobile equipment operators, parkkeepers, gardeners. New Park Ambassador Program The MPRB Recreation Services Division is rolling out an ambassador and outdoor supervision program on April 11, or as soon as Governor’s Stay at Home Order is lifted. Recreation staff will be placed in neighborhood and regional parks to encourage social distancing and discourage social congregation. Visit www.minneapolisparks. org/coronavirus for up-to-date information and FAQs. Receive timely email updates by visiting www.minneapolisparks.org/subscribe, entering your email and selecting the “COVID-19” topic in the “News Updates” section. —Information provided by MPRB

State history text now available free online, thanks to Historical Society

Bank grants go to affordable housing developers In an effort to bolster organizations dedicated to generating economic growth and opportunity for communities in need, this week Old National Bank announced that it would present two local nonprofit organizations with $10,000 grants. The bank gave $10K grants to both Build Wealth Minnesota and Neighborhood Development Alliance (NeDA). Both organizations are committed to finding, building and maintaining housing for those in need. “This commitment to community serves as the cornerstone of our identity and helps define our mission and vision as a financial institution,” said Trent Bowman, Old National Bank community development officer VP. “Even before the COVID-19 crisis, we knew these organizations were crucial in helping families get and keep their homes as well as build credit,” Bowman said. “Now, perhaps

Courtesy of Fritz Bielmeier/Unsplash

MSR file photo Old National will go towards its Credit Builder Program. This program offers support from a financial coach so their clients can manage and/or understand the credit system and can develop habits independent of the credit builder loan that will help boost their score for the long run. “Thank you, Trent Bowman and Old National, for your commitment by serving communities. This grant will expand our ability to continue to provide financial education and help more clients build wealth by establishing good credit habits,” said Maritza Mariani, NeDA associate director.

ily would like to thank Trent Bowman and the Old National Bank team for their commitment to investing in our community,” said David McGee, executive director of Build Wealth Minnesota. “This grant will help us expand our ser- —Information provided by Old vices to help more families get National Bank stable and build wealth.” NeDA builds affordable housing and empowers communities to create sustainability through financial education and guidance. The grant from

To help Minnesotans currently engaging in distance learning during COVID-19, MNHS has made its awardwinning “Northern Lights” Interactive eBook free for all. Featuring 20 chapters exploring the diverse stories of our state, the e-book will be available free of charge through the end of the school year. Published since 1989, the most recent edition of “Northern Lights” is available in print and e-book versions and is used by 85 percent of Minnesota sixth graders to meet state social studies requirements. Previously some districts only used the print textbook, but now all students, teachers and anyone interested in Minnesota history can explore the e-book for free. Available online at mnhs. org/nl or via iPad app (search “MNHS Education” in the app store), the e-book offers a variety of educational tools, includ-

ing videos, audio narration, interactive maps, additional primary sources and more. After logging into the ebook (universal sign-in info is username: history, password: history), users can learn about everything from Native peoples to women’s suffrage to immigration in Minnesota. Teachers can also request free access to the Annotated Teacher’s Edition of the textbook, containing additional content and activity suggestions. While “Northern Lights” was written for sixth grade students and teachers, it can be used by anyone to learn more about state history. Parents will find a variety of stories, videos, activities and more to engage children of all ages at home. MNHS staff recently rolled out these changes to educators, and teachers around the state have been very supportive of the decision. “The fact that we have such an amazing cur-

riculum—and that students have access to it with their devices—has been so helpful as I try to wrap my head around possibly long-term e-learning,” said a Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools teacher. "Since our school has not transitioned to the e-book, I was struggling because some of my students have to share a book. But this has taken all of the stress away from this one issue, which helps tremendously," says a Medford Public School teacher. “MNHS has my utmost gratitude for this,” said a Cook County Schools teacher. “I’m not sure you can understand how much easier this makes my job as one of the most rural school districts in the state.” —Information provided by the Minnesota Historical Society, a nonprofit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. Visit them at mnhs.org.

April 9-15, 2020

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Helping children navigate the new coronavirus world Keeping your family safe

By Andrew Kiragu, MD, FAAP, FCCM Guest contributor

was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Because it is a new virus, there are still things that are unknown about it, which makes it difficult to predict how it will continue to affect people. The risk of getting COVID-19 is higher for people who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19 and those who live in or have recently been in an area with the ongoing spread of COVID-19. It is important to know that you can be infected by someone who has COVID-19 infection but shows no symptoms.

The coronavirus outbreak is now officially a pandemic. A pandemic is a new disease that people do not have immunity against that has spread around the world beyond what would be expected. As reported on the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, this virus has spread to 157 countries and regions. As of 11:43 am on 3/19/2020, 230,055 people have confirmed infection with COVID-19, and 9,325 people have died from this infection. This includes 10,755 cases and 154 deaths in the United States. These numbers, unfortunately, will continue to increase.

What are the symptoms? According to the CDC, patients with confirmed COVID-19 have had mild to severe symptoms that include: • Fever • Cough • Shortness of breath/ difficulty breathing • Muscle aches • Headache • Sore throat •Nausea/vomiting /diarrhea These symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. These symptoms are similar to other respiratory illnesses such as influenza. Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you need testing for COVID-19. What is COVID-19 If you have any viral respiraCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral respira- tory symptoms, you and your tory illness caused by a novel household should self-isolate human coronavirus that can for 14 days. Currently, only now spread from person to those at high risk for transmisperson. The virus that causes sion will be tested: healthcare COVID-19, called SARS-CoV2, workers, those living in congre-

• Teach your children to cough and sneeze into a tissue or their arm or elbow, not their hands. • Clean and disinfect your home as you would usually do, Testing for COVID-19 using regular household cleanIf your healthcare provider ing sprays or wipes. determines that you meet the How to keep your family safe • Avoid sharing toys outside • Wash your hands often. criteria for testing, then they will submit your samples to Proper handwashing with your household. • Avoid touching your face the Minnesota Department of soap and water is just as effecand teach your children to do Health. Watch for details about tive as hand sanitizer. • Practice "social distancing." the same. this from MDH and the Cen• Follow local and state recters for Disease Control (CDC). This means staying at home as ommendations on travel restrictions. gate settings, or hospitalized patients. Your health care provider will decide if you should be tested.

parents. Others at increased risk include those with underlying chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and suppressed immune systems.

Photo courtesy MGN

COVID-19 and children Thankfully, the COVID-19 does not appear to cause severe illness in the vast majority of children. In a recent study of 2143 children in China, over 90% were either showed no symptoms or had mild to moderate disease, and only one child in that study died. It is important to note that children can transmit the virus to other children and adults, including the most vulnerable group of adults—their grand-

much as possible and avoiding public places like malls, churches, movie theaters, and parties where close contact with others is likely. • Among the most vulnerable in our community are our grandparents. During this crisis, it is vital to keep the elderly and infirm safe by limiting their exposure to anyone who may be infected with COVID-19, including their grandchildren. • Keep your kids away from other children who are sick or keep them home if they are ill.

Handling children’s emotional distress Emotional Wellness with Dr. Golden

attention, and do not be dismissive of their feelings. They need to know that it is safe for them to express their emotions to you. • Teach your children how to By Anne Buchald wash their hands for 20 seconds. Guest columnist Twenty seconds is the amount of time to sing twice “Happy Young people get so much Birthday to You” or “Twinkle information from social media Twinkle Little Star”. Have your or the internet these days. Some children decide which songs of this information may be exag- they want to sing while washing gerated or false and can cause extra anxiety. All the news about COVID-19 (the new coronavirus) and the idea of “social distancing” is unprecedented and unpredictable, which causes further worry in children. Signs of anxiety in children include poor sleep, fatigue, irritability, tantrums, crying spells, trouble concentrating, avoiding activities, stomachaches and headaches, and excessive worrying. Be aware of changes in your child’s attitude or behavior. Some children may “regress” and display immature behav- their hands. Also, show them iors. These may be signs that how to sneeze or cough into they are stressed. Depending their elbow or a tissue. on their age, children often keep • Assure them that, although their worries to themselves, es- they can be infected, children pecially when they sense adults are at very low risk of becoming in their lives are also anxious. critically ill (except for infants).

Here are some ways to help you and your children cope: • Stay calm around your children. Avoid talking about adult worries when they are around. Also, remember that they hear your phone conversations. • Talk to them about the virus and answer their questions in age-appropriate ways. A simple explanation is that the coronavirus is a sickness that affects the respiratory system (body parts involved in breathing). It is passed through sneezing, coughing, runny noses and saliva the same way as colds and flu spread. • Check in with them regularly and ask how they are feeling. Give your children your full

However, they can carry the virus, which is why they may not be able to visit their grandparents or others who are sick right now. • Keep a routine. Go to bed, wake up, and eat meals at the same time every day. This gives children the structure they need and decreases anxiety. If they are school-aged, make sure schoolwork is included in their daily routine. Schedule some sort of exercise into the routine as well. • Modeling self-care is good for you and the entire family. Eat well, exercise, and make sleep a priority. Do things with your child such as deep breathing, coloring, playing and reading. • If you or your child are experiencing continued emotional

distress that is interfering with your ability to function, you may want to consider speaking with a therapist. Children are home from school, and we are required to participate in “socially distancing.” This means staying away from social gatherings, sleepovers, crowded parks and playgrounds—all the activities

Photo courtesy MGN children love to do when out of school.

Teens can get especially stressed Social distancing can be extremely stressful for adolescents and teenagers, since socializing with friends is important to them and their well-being. To avoid battles over social distancing, encourage children to get creative in finding ways to “hang out” with their friends. Following are some suggestions for keeping children busy while keeping their distance: • Though social isolation makes video gaming an ideal solution for boredom, set appropriate limits and find other things for them to do. • There are several websites that have lists of things for children to do while being home. Parade.com has a list of “125 Things to do with Kids during the Corona virus Pandemic.” The list includes many virtual

experiences such as watching beluga whales via webcam, e-visiting museums, weekly dance parties, sing-alongs and virtual field trips to parks such as Yellowstone National Park. The site also includes several creative activities that do not involve electronics. There are other resources listed below. • Walking and biking are great ways to get fresh air and exercise. • Get creative. Ask neighbors to come out to their front steps at a certain time and “hang out” from across the lawn, making sure you keep a distance of at least six feet. • Use technology to connect. Video chatting, using a phone, computer, laptop or iPad. Is available from resources such as FaceTime, Google Duo, Facebook Messenger, Snap Chat and Skype. Encourage your children to be creative in developing ways to interact with their friends remotely. Parents should investigate each option to make sure it is safe and the right choice for their child. • Have your child teach you how to use social media to connect with your friends. Remember, the goal is “social distancing,” not “social isolation.” Isolating yourself can lead to feelings of depression, and you need to keep your spirits up for your children as well as yourself during this time. Anne Buchald is a licensed marriage, family and school therapist at NorthPoint Health and Wellness. Deirdre Annice Golden, Ph.D., LP, is director of Behavioral Health for NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center Behavioral Health Clinic, 1313 Penn Ave. N. She welcomes reader responses to Deirdre.Golden@co.hennepin. mn.us, or call 612-543-2705.

Dealing with school and childcare closing Many communities have closed schools and childcare centers. If your children need to stay at home due to the outbreak, try to maintain a daily routine. Some ideas include: • Taking time to read books with your children. • Make time for active play. The games can be indoors and outdoors. • Even with the school closings, schedule time for schoolwork. Reach out to your child's school for homework so that they do not fall behind. • Monitor and help structure how much time your kids spend playing video games and on their phones. If your kids are missing friends and family, try video chats like FaceTime to keep in touch.

not only for your children but for you as well. Here are some things you can do to help: • Do your best to reassure your children. • Help them to realize they have some control, including by doing things like washing their hands, practicing "social distancing," and getting enough rest • Monitor and help structure your child’s media exposure including TV, social media, internet use and so on. • Be a good role model. Children need to understand that even though COVID-19 started in China, it does not mean that being Asian makes one any more susceptible or contagious. Anyone can get infected, and discriminating against others because of their ethnicity is wrong.

While it may seem scary right now, we will get through this pandemic. Keep your children and loved ones safe.

Dr. Kiragu is the medical director of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Hennepin Healthcare. He is also an associate of the Children’s Respiratory and Critical Care Specialist’s group and provides pediatric critical care at Children’s of Minnesota. Dr. Kiragu is a passionate advocate for children and is immediate-past president of the MN Chapter of the American Academy of PediTalking to your children atrics and a past president of the about COVID 19 Minnesota Association of Black There is a lot of news cov- Physicians. He is an associate proerage of the coronavirus pan- fessor of pediatrics at the Univerdemic, and this can be scary sity of Minnesota. and overwhelming at times,

COVID-19 Hotlines: Community mitigation (schools, childcare, business) questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. MN Department of Health 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/basics Mental Health Crisis: Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Crisis Text Line: Text MN to 74141 Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (COPE): 612-596-1223 911 Available COVID-19 Resources Hotlines Community mitigation (schools, child care, business) questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 7 am to 7 pm Health questions 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 7 am to 7 pm MN Department of Health 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 7 am to 7 pm www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/basics NorthPoint services Mental health and substance use disorder services at NorthPoint Health and Wellness: 612-543-2500 Mental Health Crisis Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-8255 Crisis Text Line: Text MN to 74141 Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (COPE): 612-596-1223 Substance use disorder resources Alcoholics Anonymous support 24/7: 952-922-0880 Narcotics Anonymous 24/7: 877-767-7676 TOLL FREE

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April 9-15, 2020

The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) welcomes and values commentary and feedback from the community. The articles found here are edited for clarity and/or space, but the opinions are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of the MSR.

Corona Confusion and March Madness By Julianne Malveaux

The coronavirus did not sneak up on us. It was expected. By Dr. Craig Bowron

At a White House press conference last week, the president noted that the novel coronavirus had “snuck up on us.” China might be the only country that could say it “snuck up” on them, since the virus was born there. And yet the SARS outbreak in 2003 was living proof of how the intimate mixing of wild and domesticated animals with humans in so-called “wet markets” was a pandemic virus incubator. But China ignored the warning and only briefly shut them down. The truth is the novel coronavirus snuck up on no one. And it wasn’t fringy conspiracy theory bloggers who were sounding the pandemic alarm. It was some of the best and brightest people on the planet, including Bill Gates. The selfdescribed “super-optimist” said in April 2018 that, “there is one area, though, where the world isn’t making much

This is especially true in poor countries. But even in the U.S., our response to a pandemic or widespread bioterror attack would be insufficient. “However, the next threat may not be a flu at all. More than likely, it will be an unknown pathogen that we see for the first time during an outbreak, as was the case with SARS, MERS, and other recently-discovered infectious diseases. [SARS and MERS are both coronaviruses].” At the Munich Security Conference last year, I asked world leaders to imagine that somewhere in the world, there is a weapon that exists—or that could emerge—that is capable of killing millions of people, bringing economies to a standstill, and casting nations into chaos. If you had listened to that April 2018 lecture and thought, “That Gates guy is a little bit of an alarmist,” then you might have also dismissed an October 2019 event hosted by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security as kind of a

Fifteen prominent, knowledgeable individuals from global business, government, and public health were part of a panel that spent much of the conference discussing private-public partnerships that might mitigate the worst outcomes of the projected pandemic. They came up with seven recommendations, put their crystal balls back in their briefcases, and went home. And the band played on. Going back further, in 2006, epidemiologist Larry Brilliant won the TED Prize for his development of an early detection system that would crawl the web, global news, and social media to detect the earliest sign of an infectious outbreak. Having previously surveyed a number of the top epidemiologists in the world, he summarized their answers. Ninety percent said they thought there’d be a pandemic within your children or your grandchildren’s lifetime. And they thought

“If this COVID virus “snuck up on us,” it was because we ignored the prophetic voices of some of our smartest advisers.” progress, and that’s pandemic preparedness. This should concern us all, because if history has taught us anything, it’s that there will be another deadly global pandemic. “We can’t predict when. But given the continual emergence of new pathogens, the increasing risk of a bioterror attack, and how connected our world is through air travel, there is a significant probability of a large and lethal, modern-day pandemic occurring in our lifetimes.” Gates added that, “In the real world, though, the health infrastructure we have for normal times breaks down very rapidly during major infectious disease outbreaks.

Star Trek convention for public and international health brainiacs. It was titled “Event 201” and began with the modeling of a fictional novel coronavirus they named Coronavirus Associated Pulmonary Syndrome (CAPS). Their fictional CAPS started in pigs in South America, but once it crossed over into humans it behaved like COVID in every other respect—quickly moving around the globe, overwhelming health care systems, tanking financial markets and businesses, causing unprecedented social upheaval, and paralyzing the business and government systems required to deal with the pandemic.

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that if there was a pandemic, a billion people would get sick. As many as 165 million people would die. There would be a global recession and depression, because so many more people would lose their job and their health care benefits, that the consequences are almost unthinkable. Fortunately, those predictions were much closer on COVID’s economic impact than on its mortality, but 14 years after Brilliant’s TED Talk, viruses continue to do their thing: replicate and mutate. Within a few weeks of Event 201, one coronavirus hit it big in China’s Hubei province, and it’s been following the script ever since. All of this was foretold. If this COVID virus “snuck up on us,” it was because we ignored the prophetic voices of some of our smartest advisers, including Dr. Michael Osterholm at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. Osterholm is an international expert on influenza preparedness—and the lack thereof, even as our awareness and expectation of a coming pandemic rises. In a recent interview, he made his point with alliteration, noting we often “elect to neglect it.” The lesson we learn from history is that we are often unable to learn from history. Dr. Craig Bowron is a Twin Cities internist and writer.

Basketball fans were looking forward to March Madness, those weeks when the best college teams face off against each other. Madness is replete this March, but it isn’t on the basketball courts. The dangerous coronavirus which can be transmitted by a cough, a touch, or “direct contact,” is spreading all over the world. It is madness that the United States, which loves to brag about our world superiority, comes up short when it comes to coronavirus testing. Many who have been exposed to the virus have not been tested because test kits are in short supply. In reaction, March Madness has been canceled, as has professional basketball and other sports. In New York and other locations, public safety prohibits large gatherings, causing St. Patrick’s Day parades to be canceled. Broadway has gone

informed of this pandemic, the president’s initial reaction was a wholly vacuous assurance that the virus was “just like the flu,” and would go away “when it gets hot.” Instead, the repercussions from the coronavirus are massive. The stock market tanked during the week when 45 first dismissed the virus, and then imposed travel restrictions, preventing some people from traveling to the United States. The spread of the coronavirus reveals weaknesses in the armor of the country some describe as “the greatest country” in the world. The coronavirus has been declared a pandemic, a world emergency. The United States is woefully unprepared to manage this emergency. The focus of this administration has been to slash the public sector and provide tax breaks for the wealthy. Public health (or any other kind) has not been a priority for this administration. Managing a world pandemic is

matter with a pithy 11-minute speech that was full of outright lies and misinformation. When 45 campaigned four years ago, he said he’d fix infrastructure, which is a bipartisan issue. As soon as he entered the Oval Office, the infrastructure plan was forgotten. A strong and resilient public health system should be part of our infrastructure. Instead, that sector has been ignored by an administration that would rather feather the nests of billionaires than ensure that everyone who has been exposed to the coronavirus can be tested. The National Society of Civil Engineers issues a report card on our nation’s infrastructure every two or three years. The most recent report card, from 2017, gives the U.S. a D+ grade on our infrastructure, our highways and bridges, public buildings and waterways, and more. We get a D+, and yet some brag about our “greatness.”

“The spread of the coronavirus reveals weaknesses in the armor of the country some describe as “the greatest country” in the world.” dark because of the prohibition of groups of more than five hundred people, and most Broadway theaters hold more than a thousand people. Some colleges and universities have told students to stay home for spring break and offered online classes. Some K-12 schools are closed for weeks because of the virus. And millions of workers have been told they should work from home because of the virus. All of these factors contribute to the volatile stock market; all of the gains shareholders realized since 2016 have now been wiped out. Much of this might have been avoided, but for the fact that 45 did not initially take this virus seriously. Instead, when

beyond the capacity of the private sector. Both Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have given substantive speeches on their approach to this coronavirus. Unlike the President, these Democrats were concerned with the children who get school lunch when schools are closed. They were concerned with the contingent workers who won’t get paid when they don’t work, unlike government and other employees who will be paid no matter what. Both Biden and Sanders talked about the weakness in our public health system, and the ways that hospitals will be burdened if this virus gets worse. Yet, 45 addressed this

Once we were a world leader, but now we are a laughingstock, especially when our country has abdicated from leadership, blaming the pandemic on China and Europe. Anyone who understands globalization knows that our countries are intertwined, and there are no borders strong enough to eliminate disease.

Will March Madness turn into Adversity April and Miserable May? Will the Congress pass measures that will ameliorate the effects of this virus on our health, and on our economy? Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, media contributor and educator.

The pandemic view from inside Rush City By Antonio Williams COVID- 19 has people staying away from each other out of fear of spreading and contracting the virus. It's the right thing to do, but as a few researchers have pointed out there are some side effects that come with that: isolation, loneliness and depression. These are side effects of which those of us in prisons all across the world are quite familiar.. As we watch and hear events unfold we go to a familiar place. For many of us our sentence was a diagnosis and social distancing came with it: Our children were pulled away, women moved on, friends forgot us and family couldn't bear the strain. Staying connected to the outside world is a lifeline for some and a heartache for others. We search for ways to remain relevant in the minds of those from whom we were taken. We long for information about the communities we left so we can still feel included. But on the flip side, our inability to help, to comfort and to participate eats away at our hearts and plays a cruel trick on our minds. I go to my links to the outside: Minnesota Public Radio, the Minnesota SpokesmanRecorder, and family and friends, not with any specific expectations but just to see if I can find a place where I belong, a place where I'm represented and a place where I can be useful. As social distancing goes on more of the free world actually begins to feel some of what those of us on the inside feel every waking day and every night as we fitfully settle in. Our visits

have been taken away indefinitely, prison industry jobs are grinding to a halt, there are no religious services and we are all anticipating a lock-down any moment. Today, prison officials notified us that a staff member in one Minnesota prison (Red Wing) and an inmate in another (Moose Lake) tested positive for COVID- 19. They didn't tell us how they're handling it. I wonder how it will be dealt

“Has anyone out there questioned what quarantining a prisoner would look like?”

ferent people who get moved in and out all the time, and while being forced to eat our meals in a dining hall where we're forced to sit elbow to elbow? It would be laughable except it's not. We've seen and heard about the conditions on Rikers Island, Angola and other prisons. And we realize that we are much better off than those brothers confined there, but we know too that we are all suffering. What steps are being taken to minimize the damage this pandemic will have in the Minnesota prison system? Two weeks ago, COs passed out tiny bars of soap and a few days ago several hand sanitizing pumps were mounted on the walls outside of our units. The ombudsman for corrections, Mark Haase, pointed out in a letter to the governor last week that not enough is being done proactively to fight this pandemic. People with 90 days or less should be getting released, all technical parole violators should be getting released, and the sick and elderly should be getting released. This would immediately relieve the already understaffed prisons and make room for double bunks to be removed and for the DOC to start implementing some of the recommendations recently made by the Office of Legislative Audits. Will the DOC get ahead of this pandemic or will it be another case of waiting until the problem is already out of control?

with once a staff member brings it to Rush City's prison. Most likely they'll punish us for it. Has anyone out there questioned what quarantining a prisoner would look like? I can tell you that here in Rush City the only way to truly quarantine a prisoner is to put him in the segregation unit, which contains the only available single cells and inadvertently subjects him to cruel and unusual punishment. In this unit the cells are filthy, the bright fluorescent lights stay on from 5:50 am to 9:50 pm. At the end of the memo that was posted telling us about those cases of COVID- 19, prison officials reminded us to continue practic- Antonio Williams currently reing social distancing. sides at the Minnesota CorrecSo they want us to practice tional Facility in Rush City. social distancing while forcing us to live in a tiny cell with dif-

April 9-15, 2020

Hamlar Continued from page 1 lung disease progression such as pneumonia. Cardiac events such as heart attacks have not been found to be part of the disease progression and death. MSR: Why are pre-existing diseases a serious problem for people if they contract the virus? DH: Pre-existing conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, diabetes, congestive heart failure, CHF, and autoimmune diseases limit the body's ability to fight diseases. MSR: There has been a lot of discussion in the medicalcmunity about a vaccine. How soon do you anticipate one being ready for use? DH: With controlled protocolbased studies, the estimate for a safe vaccine is 9-12 months away. MSR: There have been problems in the U.S. getting people tested for COVID-19, some reporting long waits for test results. It has been reported that Abbott

Labs has come up with a test that can provide results in a matter of minutes. How are they able to do this? DH: Abbott Labs can detect the COVID-19 virus through a technique called molecular point-of-care testing for COVID-19, which offers healthcare workers rapid results in more settings where people show up for care. Molecular testing technologies help detect the presence of a virus by identifying a small section of the virus' genome, then amplifying that portion until there's enough for detection. This process can cut testing wait time from hours, if not days, to as little as five minutes for positive results and 13 minutes for negative results. They have been using this technique for influenza detection since 2014. MSR: There has been some discussion around Vitamin C that it can help stave off the disease. What is your professional opinion about its effectiveness? DH: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, helping to reduce the damage caused by free radicals

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and thereby helping prevent the development of conditions like heart disease and cancer. Severe vitamin C deficiency is a serious condition, known for centuries as the sometimes fatal disease scurvy. It helps in wound healing. It is a part of a healthy diet. It is not a specific inhibitor of contracting COVID-19. MSR: When do you expect the virus to peak? When do you think the country can get back to normal? DH: I personally feel that this is a virus that will be with us for prolonged periods until a vaccine is found. If the virus mutates or recurs in different forms, then even vaccines will be limiting disease agents like with influenza. Once we get control or flatten the curve, we can start to realize a "new normal.” I predict August. MSR: Any advice to our readers on how to stay safe during this pandemic? DH: Stay healthy. Eat right, get rest, don't smoke, limit alcohol use, and do all of the things your mother told you to do but you neglected!

Joyner Continued from page 1 our visionary and spiritual leader. MSR: Tell us who else is involved in this project. MJ: We have people from about 40 universities and medical centers all over the country from about 20 states working on this, and we are getting cooperation from the Food and Drug Administration. We are trying to get this online right away. It’s already started in New York and Houston, and we hope the pace is going to pick up throughout April. MSR: The FDA has approved the process but with limitations. Can you explain the limits? DJ: You have to get special permission. It’s one off at a time. We are currently working to get an expanded access protocol going so we can begin to collect more [plasma] all over the country and treat more people. It’s going to be a while until the supply is high. Infrastructure is being put in place to collect it at scale, distribute it, and get it to the people who can benefit from it. And then keep detailed records and make sure we do

amazon

lies or the general public. No serious measures have been taken to do anything about exposures.” Continued from page 1 Eddie Ortiz, an assistant manpeople to be careful and be responsible died from the virus only ager at the New York store Gristedes, described his staff as tireless weeks after posting the video. In Washington state a bus driv- frontline warriors. "They didn't er who had led the fight to have hesitate for one minute to stay drivers protected while driving during this crisis succumbed to COVID-19. According to the Daily Mail, 22 New York City transit workers have died after contracting COVID-19. Four workers at New York’s Shop Rite stores have recently come down with the disease. Healthcare workers have been contracting the virus in increas- and meet the needs of the public," ing numbers. A number of them he said. Several of the country’s most have died. Workers for American Airlines prominent union leaders and a have reported that a few of their number of New York political co-workers have come down leaders have demanded that Amwith confirmed cases of COV- azon rescind Smalls’ dismissal. ID-19. A worker for an American New York State Attorney General Airlines regional carrier Boston Letitia James and Mayor Bill de said, “Since my co- workers have Blasio called for an investigation come down with it, you would into Smalls’ firing. James called expect that they would at least Smalls’ firing “immoral. “At the height of a global paninvestigate who the worker has been in contact with and have demic, Chris Smalls and his colleagues publicly protested the them quarantined. “They are basically saying they lack of precautions that Amazon don’t care if it spreads to our fami- was taking to protect them from COVID-19,” James said in a state-

5

all the compliance and reporting, get people’s permission, and study it while we are actually using it. We want to do it in a rigorous and ethical way. MSR: When does this treatment date back from? MJ: Before 1900 it was tried. MSR: It appears some people have died from heart failure as a result of contracting the virus. How do you explain this? MJ: One of things that can happen when you have an overwhelming infection is you have a condition called myocarditis, meaning the heart becomes inflamed and the efficiency of the pumping action becomes worse. It’s unclear if COVID-19 does anything unusual. It appears that when you are septic and when you have critical illness, when you have multi-organ failure, typically your heart function goes down as well. It’s unclear if there is any kind of nasty stuff being excreted by this virus. It’s possible it targets the heart, but we don’t know that yet. My guess is it is more of the general phenomena. Time will tell. We have to do the research. MSR: How does COVID-19 attack the body? MJ: It’s not clear exactly how COVID attacks the body. I think

we are 80 percent there. We have the general game plan, but the details are still being worked out. MSR: How are you going to get started in Minnesota? MJ: There are plans to collect it [plasma] and distribute it nationally. Most of the people we will begin to collect [plasma] from will be in the Rochester and southeastern Minnesota region. MSR: What is plasma? MJ: When you look at your blood it is red, but red cells are about 40 percent. The rest is protein-containing fluid that, if you separate it, put it in a centrifuge and spin it around, you will get this kind of yellowish material. That’s plasma. It is the part of the blood that is not the red and white cells, the non-cellular part of the blood. MSR: What are this treatment’s chances of success? MJ: It’s too soon to tell. It depends on how sick the patient is. Our best shot is people who are sick but not terribly sick or in the ICU yet. And it may help people in the ICU. What we are trying to do is bend some curves. We want to stop people deteriorating as they go from sick to the ICU, and as they get in the ICU and do worse, we want them to stabilize and get better.

ment. “In New York, the right to organize is codified into law, and any retaliatory action by management related thereto is strictly prohibited. At a time when so many New Yorkers are struggling and are deeply concerned about their safety, this action was also im-

of the worst pandemic of our lifetimes." MSR reached out to Smalls for further comment. He said he wanted to express solidarity with fellow Amazon workers in Minnesota and urged them to, “take the power back. We are the power. If they are not caring about your well-being, then walk out! Without us they are nothing.”

“They are basically saying they don’t care if it spreads to our families or the general public. No serious measures have been taken to do anything about exposures.”

Mel Reeves welcomes reader responses to mreeves@spokesman-recorder.com.

moral and inhumane.” According to Amazon their workers are heroes: “The truth is the vast majority of employees continue to show up and do the heroic work of delivering for customers every day," said a company spokesperson. "Amazon would rather fire workers than face up to its total failure to do what it should to keep us, our families, and our communities safe,” said Smalls. “…We won't stop until Amazon provides real protections for our health and safety and clarity for everybody about what it is doing to keep people safe in the middle

norTH HIGH Continued from page 1 On the first day of pickup last week, more than 1,300 students showed up to obtain their computers. Staff checked student IDs outside in the parking lot and then radioed inside, where others would pull the computers and assign them to the students’ names. Finally, someone would run the computer outside to the student. “The first logistical piece for us was to get 1,700 students a laptop, and that was a giant task,” said North High Prin-

might have,” Nelson added. “Some students didn’t have WIFI at home, so we have hotspots that we checked out.” After a second pickup day and van teams making hand deliveries, astonishingly all but three of the nearly 1,700 North High students were equipped with computers and supplemental learning materials such as AP textbooks. The district’s distance learning materials then went live on Schoology, their learning management system, on Mon-

“We’re really trying to look at this as an opportunity for everyone to better their teaching.” cipal Greg Nelson. “Our media center looked like Santa’s warehouse for a while.” Unlike some other schools that were already “one-to-one” in having a laptop for every student, North High had been in the middle of that process before the COVID-19 virus effectively closed it down. “The goal was to get every single student equipped to do this no matter what transportation or WIFI issues they

day, March 30. Before 10:30 am that same morning, Schoology had crashed twice and gone back up just as quickly. Despite the inevitable technological snags and tremendous logistical challenges of implementation, Nelson remains largely optimistic that distance learning can help fill the educational gap left in the wake of COVID-19. “We’re really trying to look

at this as an opportunity for everyone to better their teaching,” he said. “I think that both teachers and students are going to discover some things, and I really am pretty confident that there will be a decent experience for most.” Nelson added that there have been significant grade accommodations made in light of this unusual school session so that students do not fall behind and GPAs are not heavily affected in the transition. According to the St. Paul Public Schools website, most of the learning there will be “Asynchronous.” “Asynchronous Distance Learning is when a teacher and a student interact with learning activities in different places and at different times. Students enrolled in asynchronous distance learning courses are allowed to complete their work any time of the day that works best for a student and their family.” At the laptop pickup, Nelson sensed that his students were really missing their social interactions. “They definitely miss each other. We’re a social institution that does

Greg Nelson Submitted photo

a lot of norming for kids,” he said. It may be quite some time before students are reunited Although the projected return to-school day is May 5, Nelson is unsure that the restrictions will be lifted by then. “We’re just trying to be pro active and reactive at the same time as new pieces to the (COVID-19) equation emerge almost every day,” Nelson said. “Americans aren’t good at doing disciplined things or something where we don’t see the tangible result right now so we’re just trying to fall in line.” Analise Elle welcomes reader responses to aelle@spokesmanrecorder.com.

April 9-15, 2020

6

Soul legend Bill Withers dies at age 81 By Chris Rizik Contributing Writer

L

egendary musician Bill Withers has passed away at age 81. Known for a string of iconic songs and albums that touched on authentic human emotions in a way that acutely resonates now, four decades after his commercial peak, Withers became one of the most influential artists of the second half of the 20th century. He was beloved by soul, jazz, rock, pop and folk audiences alike, and the outpouring of emotion we expect on this day will ironically contrast with his own laid back, selfdeprecating style. Withers’ family issued the following statement: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. A solitary man with a heart-driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other, As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world. In this difficult time,

we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.” West Virginia native Withers joined the L.A. music scene in the late 60s after a stint in the Navy. In 1970 he was signed to the Sussex music label and hit the ground running with his first album, “Just As I Am,” and its instantly classic acoustic ballad, “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Withers’ understated, rootsy style was a perfect contrast to where popular music was going at the time, from pre-disco dance music to glam rock. His second release, 1972’s “Still Bill,” became a career disc, with top hits “Use Me” and “Lean On Me,” arguably one of the greatest songs of the past half-century. Withers was fairly prolific over the next half-decade, releasing ”+Justments,” “Making Music,” “Naked and Warm,” “Menagerie” and “‘Bout Love.” And while those discs were somewhat uneven, each contained enough jawdropping material to work well overall. It was these select, wonderfully melodic cuts, from “Lovely Day” to “Hello Like Before,” that would make

Withers’ music continue to impact generations for decades, through dozens of remakes by other acts. After seven years of consistent recording and touring, Withers went quiet, maddening record executives—and some fans—who had grown accustomed to his annual output. Disagreements with his record label and, according to Withers, the refusal of the label to allow him to record, kept him from releasing an album for seven years. In the meantime, he appeared as a guest vocalist on Grover Washington’s #1 hit, “Just the Two of Us” and Ralph McDonald’s “In the Name of Love.” His silence was finally broken with 1985’s “Watching You Watching Me,” an unfortunately overlooked album that was one of the best of his career and showed a great artist maturing wonderfully. Featuring the uptempo “Oh Yeah” and a number of beautiful ballads, it is worth seeking out. Frustrated with the music industry, Withers then stopped actively recording, although much of his rich catalog has been regularly covered by

Vēmos and Icehouse host virtual concert for hospitality workers Ticket proceeds will go towards those hardest hit by COVID-19 the same time. “We are honored to be a part of this wonderful mission to support, not only our own employees but all those in the hospitality industry who are struggling during these tough times,” said Brian Liebeck, co-owner of Icehouse. Tickets to access the livestream are available at vemos.io/bridgethegap and are priced at the Minneapolis minimum wage of $11, with the idea that one ticket pays for one hour of work for displaced industry workers. Ticket proceeds will be donated to The North Stands, a Sanneh Foundation fund providing financial relief to hospitality industry professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to sell at least 10,000 tickets to raise a miniPavielle Courtesy Schuler Publicity mum of $110,000 to benefit displaced workers in the hosMinnesota artists, including and artists will strictly fol- pitality industry. headliners Pavielle, and Gabe low CDC protocol on social distancing—artists will per- -Information provided by Douglas of 4ontheFloor. “In Minnesota, nearly form solo with full sanitation Schuler Publicity 50,000 hospitality workers between sets, no patrons will have been laid off in the last be present, and no two bands few weeks due to COVID-19,” will be in the same space at Vēmos announced they will host a live-streamed benefit concert in partnership with Icehouse called Bridge the Gap to raise money for local artists and hospitality workers who have been forced out of work due to the COVID-19 shutdowns. The concert will be livestreamed on April 11, from 6-10 pm and will feature local

said Whitney Larson, cofounder, and president of Vēmos. “It’s devastating to our industry, and we want to do what we can to help bridge the gap many in the industry are facing during this crisis.” The livestream concert produced by Feedback will take place at Icehouse on April 11. The concert venue

Courtesy of MGN

Bill Withers other artists. He toured intermittently into the 90s, but then generally ceased performing publicly. In June 2005, around the time of his 67th birthday, Withers was appropriately selected for induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In the 2000s, his recordings received renewed interest and are represented in repackaged, remastered discs. Early 2010 saw Withers’ entire catalog

rereleased, often with bonus cuts. These were timed to correspond with the release of the documentary, “Still Bill,” which provided a long overdue retrospective on the career of this seminal artist. It is tough to describe the role that Bill Withers played in the soundtracks of many of our lives. His songs pierced into the heart of emotions in a way that few others could.

And even though he has largely stayed out of the limelight for more than three decades, he has remained a central part of our musical existence. He will be missed terribly, even as his incredible catalog of music lives on. Rest in peace, Mr. Withers.

This story was republished with permission from SoulTracks.

7

April 9-15, 2020

Legals

Employment

CONDEMNATION STATE OF MINNESOTA IN DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF HENNEPIN FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 27-CV-20-4211 The Honorable Thomas S. Fraser State of Minnesota, by its Commissioner of Transportation, Petitioner, vs. Vevea Family, LP, et al. Respondents. IN THE MATTER OF THE CONDEMNATION OF CERTAIN LANDS FOR TRUNK HIGHWAY PURPOSES NOTICE To the Respondents hereinabove named: You, and each of you, are hereby notified that on June 15, 2020, at 12:30 o’clock pm., or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard, before Judge Thomas S. Fraser, Courtroom 1959, in the Government Center at Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, the above named petitioner will present to the above named Court a petition now on file herein for the condemnation of certain lands for trunk highway purposes. A copy of said petition is attached hereto and incorporated herein. YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED, That at the above time and place the above-named petitioner will also move the court for an order transferring title and possession to petitioner of the parcels described in the petition in accordance with Minn. Stat. §117.042, as of July 20, 2020. YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED, that all persons occupying the property described in the petition must VACATE THE PREMISES AND MOVE ALL OF YOUR PERSONAL PROPERTY FROM SAID PREMISES ON OR BEFORE JULY 20, 2020. All advertising signs or devices located on the property being acquired must be removed by July 20, 2020. YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED, that (1) a party wishing to challenge the public use or public purpose, necessity, or authority for a taking must appear at the court hearing and state the objection or must appeal within 60 days of a court order; and (2) a court order approving the public use or public purpose, necessity, and authority for the taking is final unless an appeal is brought within 60 days after service of the order on the party. Dated: 3/23/20 KEITH ELLISON Attorney General State of Minnesota /s/ William Young WILLIAM YOUNG Assistant Attorney General Atty. Reg. No. 0393502 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1800 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-2128 (651) 757-1386 (Voice) (651) 297-1235 (Fax) william.young@ag.state.mn.us ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER CONDEMNATION STATE OF MINNESOTA

From ClassifiedEngineer Sr. Software Department/MN Mobile Application Development for Medtronic, Inc. Spokesman-Recorder at its facilityPHONE: in Mounds View, MN. Responsible for the 612-827-4021 design and implementation of the Cardiac Rhythm and FOR BILLING Heart Failure (CRHF) software and mobile platform. INQUIRIES Requires a Masters’ degree in Computer Science, Software & TEARSHEETS Engineering or Engineering Management and 2 years PLEASE CONTACT exp. in software development for mobile application and ACCOUNTING 2 years’ experience with each DEPT of the following: Agile

software development using SAFe and structured waterfall LEGAL NOTICES methodologies; Back-end programming languages SIZE: 4 COL X 18 application programming to include C#, SQL; Mobile $15.53 PCI (1STJava RUN) languages toRATE include Xamarin, and swift; Web $1118.16 technologies SUBTOTAL: to include HTML 5, CSS and Microsoft .Net; Encryption, code protection and obfuscation schemes to include AES, + DES, Rjindal securely store and access data; $10.35 PCI to (additional runs) Microsoft Visual Studio, SQL = Management $745.20 X 2 weeks $1,490.40 Server, IIS, Android andGRAND IOS Emulators; device performance TOTAL:Mobile $2608.56 analysis over cellular networks using Xamarin Profiler and Android Profiler; Network tools to include Wireshark, Fiddler, Charles Proxy and Postman to monitor and troubleshoot network traffic; Radio-enabled technology to include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy and GPS. Apply at www.medtronic.com/careers, Req.20000677. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.

IN DISTRICT COURT

COUNTY OF HENNEPIN FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT State of Minnesota, by its Commissioner of Transportation, Petitioner, vs. Vevea Family, LP, Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc., City of Rogers, County of Hennepin, Gordon Roberg, Kathy Roberg, also all other persons unknown claiming any right, title, estate, interest or lien in the real estate described in the Petition herein, Respondents. IN THE MATTER OF THE CONDEMNATION OF CERTAIN LANDS FOR TRUNK HIGHWAY PURPOSES PETITION To the District Court above named the State of Minnesota brings this Petition and respectfully states and alleges: I. That Trunk Highway Legislative Route numbered 392, which has been renumbered 94, and which has been located according to law and designated as a controlled access highway, passes over the lands herein described. That it is duly covered by Right of Way Plat Orders numbered 98329 and 98330. That it is duly covered by Designation Order numbered 29048. II. That the Commissioner of Transportation deems it necessary that the State of Minnesota for trunk highway purposes obtain the lands herein described in fee simple absolute, together with the following rights: to acquire from the owners whose lands front thereon and existing right of access to said highway in those cases which are

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herein particularly mentioned, and to keep and have he exclusive control of all access to said highway in accordance with the law governing controlled access highways, and to acquire a temporary easement in those cases which are herein particularly mentioned. It is the intention of the above-named petitioner to move the court for an order authorizing the Court Administrator to accept and deposit in an interest bearing account payments from the petitioner to the court pursuant to Minnesota statutes. Further, it is the intention of the above-named petitioner to move the court for an order transferring title and possession of the parcels herein described, prior to the filing of an award by the court appointed commissioners, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §117.042. The petitioner reserves its right to recover costs of clean up and testing and all

other damages arising from the presence of pollutants, contaminants, or hazardous

materials on the property described herein, from all potential responsible parties, including respondents herein where appropriate, in a separate legal action to the extent

Court File No. 27-PA-PR-20-380

In Re: Estate of MERRIE ANN RUDELT, Decedent.

Any heir or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Any objection to the appointment of the personal representative must be filed with the Court, and any properly filed objection will be heard by the Court after notice is provided to interested persons of the date of hearing on the objection. Unless objections are filed, and unless the Court orders otherwise, the personal representative has the full power to administer the estate, including, after thirty (30) days from the issuance of letters of general administration, the power to sell, encumber, lease, or distribute any interest in real estate owned by the decedent. Notice is further given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the decedent’s estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court within four (4) months after the date of this notice or the claims will be barred. Dated: March 24, 2020 Dated: March 24, 2020

.

100722

MINN. STAT. § 549.211 ACKNOWLEDGMENT The party or parties on whose behalf the attached document is served acknowledge through their undersigned counsel that sanctions may be imposed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 549.211. Dated: 03-10-2020 KEITH ELLISON Attorney General State of Minnesota /s/ William Young WILLIAM YOUNG Assistant Attorney General Atty. Reg. No. 0393502

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, April 9, 16 and 23, 2020

NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is given that an Application for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative was filed with the Registrar. The Registrar accepted the application and appointed Deborah Lynn Phillips, 8140 30th Avenue N., Crystal, MN 55427, to serve as the personal representative of the decedent’s estate.

Julie Peterson, Registrar Sarah Lindahl-Pfieffer, Court Administrator Patrick M. McVary (MN# 0388083) McVary Law Group, PA 4148 Jackson Street NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 Telephone: 612-803-3020 Attorney for Personal Representative

permitted by law III. That the following described lands in these proceedings taken are situated in Hennepin County, Minnesota; that the names of all persons appearing of record or known to your petitioner to be the owners of said lands or interested therein, including all whom your petitioner has been able by investigation and inquiry to discover, together with the nature of the ownership of each, as nearly as can be ascertained, are as follows: FEE ACQUISITION Parcel 224 C.S. 2780 (94=392) 902 S.P. 2780-97RW All of the following: That part of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 25, Township 120 North, Range 23 West, shown as Parcel 224 on Minnesota Department of Transportation Right of Way Plat Numbered 27-234 as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Hennepin County, Minnesota; containing 41240 square feet, more or less; together with other rights as set forth below, forming and being part of said Parcel 224: Access: All right of access as shown on said plat by the access control symbol. Temporary Easement: A temporary easement for highway purposes as shown on said plat as to said Parcel 224 by the temporary easement symbol, said easement shall cease on December 1, 2023, or on such earlier date upon which the Commissioner of Transportation determines by formal order that it is no longer needed for highway purposes. Names of parties interested in the above described land and nature of interest: Vevea Family, LP Fee Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. Lessee City of Rogers Special Assessments County of Hennepin Taxes and Special Assessments FEE ACQUISITION Parcel 239 C.S. 2780 (94=392) 902 S.P. 2780-97RW All of the following: That part of the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 6, Township 119 North, Range 22 West, shown as Parcel 239 on Minnesota Department of Transportation Right of Way Plat Numbered 27-233 as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Hennepin County, Minnesota; containing 26400 square feet, more or less; together with other rights as set forth below, forming and being part of said Parcel 239: Access: All right of access as shown on said plat by the access control symbol. Temporary Easement: A temporary easement for highway purposes as shown on said plat as to said Parcel 239 by the temporary easement symbol, said easement shall cease on December 1, 2023, or on such earlier date upon which the Commissioner of Transportation determines by formal order that it is no longer needed for highway purposes. Names of parties interested in the above described land and nature of interest: Gordon Roberg Kathy Roberg Fee County of Hennepin Taxes and Special Assessments WHEREFORE, Your petitioner prays that commissioners be appointed to appraise the damages which may be occasioned by such taking, and that such proceedings may be had herein as are provided by law. Dated: 03-10-2020 KEITH ELLISON Attorney General State of Minnesota /s/ William Young WILLIAM YOUNG Assistant Attorney General Atty. Reg. No. 0393502 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1800 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-2128 (651) 757-1386 (Voice) (651) 297-1235 (Fax) william.young@ag.state.mn.us ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER

DISTRICT COURT FOURTH FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder April 2, 9, 2020

State of Minnesota Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 ASSUMED NAME: PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS:

NAMEHOLDER

Bina Clean 6344 Lyndale Ave. S . Richfield MN 55423 USA Liberation Clothing & Gifts, LLC 6344 Lyndale Ave. S. Richfield MN 55423 USA

I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. SIGNED BY: Anthony George EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: anthonyworldwide@hotmail.com DATED: 03/29/2020 11:59 PM

Minnesota Spokesman Recorder April 9 & 16, 2020

View

Continued from page 8

Whalen said of Powell. Even more impressive was Powell’s maturity. Whalen marveled, “She is one of the most accomplished people I have ever been around. She just has a basketball IQ that goes beyond her years. I feel that I am talking with a senior.” Powell’s next step is to become more consistent. “My thing for her is consistency every day,” Whalen said. “That is a huge step. “I want her to work on [her] midrange [jump shot]. We know she can finish at the basket. We know she can pass it and is a great defender. I want her to add that midrange game, and a floater to keep teams on her heels.” If they are given time, it usually takes a coach three

to five years to mold the type of program she or he really wants. In other words, Whalen’s learning curve is nearly at the halfway point. “I think it is something you grow into,” she said. “Until you go through it, it is something that you don’t prepare for. I’ve grown into it, but as far as coaching the game, I definitely was more comfortable in year two than in year one. “In wanting to be a head coach at Minnesota for a long time, this is a time to really think back to what I could have done differently and how am I going to do differently from here on out.” Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

8

April 9-15, 2020

Stay-home mandate forces changes, some welcome, some not

Post-season limbo gives Whalen ample time to reflect

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he mandatory stayhome mandate currently in place has changed the typical ways of college coaches in their recruiting and how they keep in touch with their current players during the offseason. Up until now, Zoom was to me a 1977 classic song title from the Commodores. Now it’s standard equipment for coaches. “We are able to call, text, Facetime,” Minnesota Coach Lindsay Whalen explained on using Zoom, the video app that has been around since 2011. The forced stay-home time also allowed the second-year Gopher coach some self-reflection time: “I’ve taken time to figure out what I could’ve done differently as a head coach to make things not go the way they did in the middle part of the season, “she admitted. Her two-year record is 36-25 (14-22 in the Big Ten). After a 21-11 first year and a .500 conference record, the Gophers struggled in league play this season even with then-leading scorer Destiny Pitts, who left the program in January under strange circumstances, the full story of which we still don’t know. Speaking briefly on Pitts, who was suspended indefinitely before the junior decided to transfer, Whalen stressed, “I still feel like that that was a step that had to be taken. I am thinking back to what I could have done differently in the things leading up to that. “It was a stand I had to take for our program because this is how I wanted to do

things the right way,” the coach said. There were some bright spots, however, in an otherwise disappointing season. Junior Gadiva Hubbard surpassed 1,000 career points. She had already made the school’s three-pointer list before missing all last season due to injury: eighth in attempts and 10th in makes. Whalen said she thought the 5’-9” guard was starting to return to her former form near the end of the non-conference season. “Then we hit the Big Ten where the players are bigger, stronger and faster. I think at times that bothered her with her jump shot. Toward the second half of conference, she really stepped up and was able to come back and be a huge factor, a positive force.” Senior Taiye Bello finished as the fifth Gopher player to grab 1,000 rebounds. But the brightest spot undoubtedly went to freshman guard Jasmine Powell. Originally slated to be among the first off the bench, the 5’-6” guard quickly impressed all with her fearlessness to the basket. The young player eventually became a starter and virtually took over as the team’s leading scorer. Powell and Sara Scalia also finished as the second-highest freshmen scoring duo in school history, behind Whalen and Tanisha Gilbert (2000-01) and ahead of Amanda Zahui B. and Stabresa McDaniel (2013-14), Ashley Ellis-Milan and Brittany McCoy (2006-07), and Hubbard and Bello (2016-17). “I think her development took a huge step when I inserted her in the starting lineup,”

“I’ve grown into it, coaching the game. I definitely was more comfortable in year two than in year one.”

■ See View on page 7

Lindsay Whalen in her first coaching season with player Kenesha Bell

MSR file photo

Sidelined coaches crave that basketball fix

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he current COVID-19 stay-home orders, for lack of a better word, have been something of a blessing. It forced many of us to slow down and use our newfound creativity to best connect with the suddenlystopped outside world. “I’m a guy who likes to stay positive,” South Dakota Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Gameli Ahelegbe told us from his home. “Yes, this is unprecedented, and we’ve never seen anything like this, especially in my lifetime and in my coaching career. I am relishing in this moment that I get to be home every day and be with my kids and my wife. “I have four children and love spending time with them and seeing them grow,” Ahelegbe continued. “The demands of the season… Your family takes a back seat during the season. I am definitely relishing the time with my family. In that regard, I am happy in how this is shaking out.” College coaches nationwide are dealing with a “new normal”—the NCAA last week extended the on- and off-campus recruiting prohibition imposed in mid-March, initially to April 15, now through May 31 because of COVID-19’s continued threat. Ahelegbe anticipated such in dealing with the challenges. “We are doing ‘virtual tours’ and figuring out how to get your information in your recruiting,” the coach said, “but you still have to foster those relationships.” Yet he longs to get back on the recruiting trail, “being on campus working with our guys, making our guys better. He “Right now I got the itch to get back out there to work with our guys. But we can’t. Everyone is trying to figure out that basketball itch that they have. I am imagining that every coach right now is

Coach Gameli Ahelegbe says he’s “itching” to get back to work. Courtesy of South Dakota Athletics trying to get their basketball fix somehow,” Ahelegbe said. An Oakdale, Minnesota native and Tartan High School graduate, Ahelegbe began his coaching career soon after he graduated from Minnesota State in 2007 with an education degree. He coached at his prep alma mater and Brooklyn Center High School before embarking on college coaching at Minnesota State, Concordia (Minn.), and North Dakota before he joined the SD staff in 2014. “The University of South Dakota is a great place to be…”

the summer and at the end of the school year.”

Sports quiz The whining by some sportswriters about not having live sports has revealed just how one-dimensional they are. Louisville (Ky.) Courier-Journal Sports Editor Rana Cash last week asked us on Twitter to choose: 1) Sports coverage is a welcomed distraction amid the scariest health crisis of our lifetime, or 2) Sports is so trivial at this time, we should not be writing about athletics. “Are you more grateful for sports coverage or more offended?” asked Cash, a former Star Tribune assistant editor. We can’t muster up too much sympathy on how much the NCAA, colleges, pro sports leagues, and pro players are losing or lost money due to cancellation of games since the middle of last month. This seems more important to the White Ahelegbe declared. “The pro- House than to the thousands gram is on the rise and a place of people in this country alone to get a great degree and a who have died, or the countplace to play basketball.” less folk in this country who But for now, he and the live check to check but now rest of America is dealing are forced into unemployment with the uncertainly of the because of COVID-19. times. “There’s still that unPlayers with six-to-seven-figcertainty,” Ahelegbe said. “I ure salaries need to know how think what will happen af- to better manage their money. ter all this settles, everything will open back up and we will Charles Hallman welcomes back with our guys when we reader responses to challman@ are normally allowed to over spokesman-recorder.com.

“I have four children and love spending time with them and seeing them grow. I am definitely relishing the time with my family.”

Five women who made me love college basketball Linda Roberts, Faith Johnson Patterson, Lea Blackwell Favor, Tracy Henderson and Brandi Hunter-Lewis are five women who made me PreP Scene love college basketball. This was my response Dr. Mitchell to a Facebook post from PalMer McDonalD current Cretin Derham Hall girls’ basketball coach and former University of Minnesota standout Crystal Flint. While the majority of responses included legends Cheryl Miller, Dawn Staley, Sheryl Swoopes, and Mya Moore to name a few, my influences were local.

Linda Roberts

MSR file photo

Roberts, who used her 6’0” frame to rebound, block shots and score effortlessly, went from leading St. Paul Central to the first Class AA state title in 1976 to a four-year career (1977-81) in which she finished as the all-time leading scorer at the University of Minnesota. She had her jersey retired in 2006—25 years after playing her last collegiate game. Johnson Patterson, a 5’5” point guard who excelled in passing, defense, and displayed the purest of jump shots, used those same skills to become one of the best to ever play at the University of Wisconsin from 1980-85. The Marshall University graduate’s prep and collegiate career is often overshadowed due to the eight Class AAA championships

Faith Johnson Patterson MSR file photo

she earned as head coach at Minneapolis North (five titles in 1998, ’99 and 2003-2005) and DeLaSalle (three titles from 2011-2013). Blackwell Favor, a 5’7” guard who dominated with her shooting, penetrating and scoring at Edina High School, went on to star at the University of Wyoming before making her mark as a two-time All-Big Ten selection at the University of Minnesota during the late 1980s. Henderson, a 6’3” center from Minneapolis Patrick Henry and Decker Hunter-Lewis, a 6’1” guard/forward from Minneapolis North—both graduating in 1993—went on to outstanding careers at the University of Georgia, leading them to NCAA Final Four appearances in 1995 and ’96.

Lea Blackwell Favor Photo courtesy Linkedin

Henderson, an outstanding scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker, and Hunter Lewis, a slasher and defensive player then known as Brandi Decker who could score when needed, inspired a generation of future Minnesota prep players when they played in the ’95 Final Four at the Target Center. It was inspiring to see two local products excelling at a high level. There you have it—the five women who made me love college basketball. I am forever grateful to each of them. Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.

Tracy Henderson Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

Brandi Hunter-Lewis Photo courtesy atlantaagemagazine.com