Smoke-free law compliance check results

FARGO, N.D. – On Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, the Fargo Police Department, in partnership with Fargo Cass Public Health, conducted a compliance check of the state smoke-free law, N.D.C.C. 23-12-09 to 23-12-11. The purpose of the check is to ensure that electronic cigarettes are not being used in a prohibited area. Electronic cigarettes are included in the state smoke-free law and the use of these products, also known as vaping, is also prohibited in the same locations as smoking.

In Fargo, four businesses were checked, one failed. A report has been sent to the Cass County State’s Attorney’s office for consideration of charges. The checks will be conducted quarterly or as needed.

Failed in Fargo:

E-Cig Empire, 4900 13th Ave. S., Fargo.

Increasing Cases of Measles

Reported in the United States

Department of Health Reminds North Dakotans of the Importance of Measles Vaccination

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) is reminding North Dakotans of the importance of vaccination, as measles cases continue to increase in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 84 cases of measles from 14 states since the beginning of the year. Several cases have been linked to the Disneyland theme park and Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California.

Additionally, states surrounding North Dakota have reported recent cases of measles. In December, South Dakota reported its first case of measles since 1997. The case resulted in an outbreak of 13 unvaccinated people. On January 24, another case of measles in an unvaccinated child was reported in South Dakota, which has not been linked to the initial outbreak reported in December. On January 29, Minnesota reported a case of measles in a university student.

The NDDoH has reminded schools and colleges to verify the MMR vaccination status of their students. Information was also distributed to North Dakota health care providers reminding them to consider measles as a diagnosis in patients presenting with symptoms consistent with the disease.

For additional information about measles or MMR vaccination, visithttp://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/measles/default.htm.

87 tickets issued in January

seat belt enforcement campaign

FARGO, N.D. The Fargo Police Department conducted an increased seat belt/traffic enforcement campaign during the month of January, as part of the state wide Click-It or Ticket effort. The campaign resulted in 87 traffic tickets being issued; 32 of the tickets were for safety belt violations.

In addition to looking for individuals who were not wearing seat belts, officers watched for violations such as speeding, red light violations, stop sign violations, texting/distracted driving, and lane and right-of-way violations in key points throughout the city.

Fargo Police to host Coffee with a Cop

The Fargo Police Department will host Coffee with a Cop the last Wednesday of each month from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at McDonalds, 905 Main Avenue, Fargo. The event is an opportunity for

Fargo Police Officers and community members to come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. All community members are invited to attend. Coffee will be provided, courtesy of McDonalds.

Flashing yellow left turn arrows installed in Fargo

Fargo, N.D. Flashing yellow left turn arrows are now up and running at 11 intersections in Fargo, with the completion of modifications made this week at five locations. This new type of turn arrow is intended to make left turns from main arterial roadways simpler and safer, while at the same time improving overall arterial traffic flow. The turn arrows are easy to understand; driver’s seeing this display will need to yield to oncoming traffic and proceed with the turn when it is safe to do so. The intersections seeing improvements this week with the new arrows are on 45th Street at Amber Valley Parkway, 23rd Avenue South and 9th Avenue South; and 13th Avenue South at 25th Street and University Drive.

There are plans to add flashing yellow turn arrows at up to 13 more intersections in 2015, most notably along Main Avenue and 13th Avenue South between 25th Street and 45th Street.

12th Avenue North closed for storm sewer repair

Fargo, N.D. (Feb. 2, 2015) – 12th Avenue North has been closed from Elm Street to Oak Street so crews can repair the storm sewer that was damaged by the water main break over the weekend. Westbound traffic will be detoured on 13th Avenue North via Elm Street and Oak Street. Eastbound traffic will be detoured on 11th Avenue North via Elm Street and Oak Street. The project is expected to be completed by Monday, Feb. 9.