– Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Mar 18, 2020

CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Snow with light freezing drizzle likely. Areas of fog.
Colder. Snow accumulation around 1 inch. Ice accumulation of less than one quarter of an inch. Lows 15 to 20. North winds 10 to 15 mph.

Lows around 15. North winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.

.THURSDAY…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow in the

morning in the Jamestown area, 40 percent in the Valley City area. Patchy blowing and drifting snow through the day. Windy.

Highs 15 to 20. North winds 20 to 30 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph in

the afternoon.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Patchy blowing and drifting snow.

Lows zero to 5 above. North winds 20 to 25 mph.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs around 15. Northwest winds 5 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows zero to 5 above.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around 20.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the mid 20s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow in the morning,

then slight chance of rain possibly mixed with snow in the

afternoon. Highs in the upper 30s. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.

A complex weather system will bring winter weather impacts to the

Northern Plains Wednesday into Thursday. Areas of freezing drizzle are

possible through Wednesday night, mainly south of Highway 2. Light ice

accumulations may occur, but some melting will take place on

surfaces Wednesday afternoon as temperatures warm.

Accumulating snow is likely across much of western and central

North Dakota Wednesday evening through Wednesday night. Around 2 to 4 inches of snow is possible north of Interstate 94, with lower amounts to

the south. The snow is expected to taper off Thursday morning.

Thursday will be much colder, with strong northerly winds. The

James River Valley may see gusts to 45 mph Thursday afternoon.

There could also be some patchy blowing snow on Thursday, mainly

east of Highway 83

Keep up to date with the latest forecast on this developing

weather situation.

Valley City (VCPS) — Valley City Public Schools has made the decision Wednesday evening to cancel school for the week of March 23rd-March 27th due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19 in the state of North Dakota. Any decisions beyond the week of March 23rd-27th will be made at a later date and shared with our community.

Superintendent Josh Johnson said, “We believe that is our responsibility as school and community leaders to make decisions that are in the best interest for our students, staff, and community. During these unprecedented times in our country, we cannot wait for the decisions of others that may adversely affect our students and citizens in Valley City. Throughout this pandemic, we have been in constant communication with our local health officials and they support this decision 100%. We know that a decision by the Governor of North Dakota is likely to happen on Thursday afternoon or Friday. We have been planning and preparing for this possible event for the past two weeks and we owe it to our stakeholders to inform them as early as possible.”

Valley City Public Schools will continue with our plans for our “Resource Blitz” Thursday, March 19th and specific information regarding this has been shared to your emails and is located on our social media pages. If you have any questions regarding this event, or this important decision, or any other related services we are providing in our District with regard to the COVID-19 District Plan, please contact us at the district office 701.845.0483.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding how much we care about the safety of our students, staff, and community.

Mr. Josh Johnson

Valley City (VCPS) Valley City Public Schools announces that there will be a “Resource Blitz,” on essential items and personal belongings “Pick-up” plan for students in the Valley City Public School District.

Superintendent Josh Johnson says on Thursday, March 19 parents and students of VCPS will have the opportunity to stop at schools to pick up personal belongings and necessary supplies to continue their educational opportunities at home, in the event that school closures continue past March 20th.

In order to help alleviate large crowds,the following times have been announced and divided up families by last name.

Please utilize your assigned time slot. Also, we are envisioning a very quick collection while at school. No loitering will be encouraged.

For those of you that need transportation services to the school. Please contact Dietrich Busing on Wednesday, March 18 at 845-1590 to schedule your pick-up.

Times and Last Names that start with:
9:00 – 11:00 – Last Names that begin with A – I
11:00 – 1:00 – Last Names that begin with J – R
1:00 – 3:00 – Last Names that begin with S – Z

If you are unable to make these times work, please contact your
building administrator to make arrangements.

Update…

Bismarck (State Health Dept., Mar 18, 2020) – The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) Wednesday confirmed two new cases of COVID-19 both are confirmed cases of community spread of the disease in North Dakota, in Morton County.

The additional confirmations bring the total to 7 confirmed cases in North Dakota, of 362 individuals tested, as of Wednesday.

Community spread means the spread of an illness for which the source of infection is unknown. In the Morton County the patients are female, one in her 30’s the other in the 10-19 years old range. They are not hospitalized and are self-isolating at home. Neither had a history of traveling, and contracted the virus inside of North Dakota.

The NDDoH is working to identify other individuals who may have come into close contact with the patients while they were symptomatic. These individuals will be contacted directly by the NDDoH. These individuals will be monitored by public health for fever and respiratory symptoms.

Burgum said, “These are first confirmed cases of community transmission in North Dakota, and it reinforces the importance for all North Dakotans to practice social distancing and stay home when you’re sick, even if it’s minor.”

One of the Ward County men confirmed to have COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, is on the Minot Air Force Base, military officials said Wednesday, March 18.

The man, who is in his 60s, is not a member of the military and was confirmed to have coronavirus on Tuesday, according to a base spokesperson. The case was first announced by state officials, who said the man had a history of travel to an area with a high concentration of cases.

“If you are sick, you need to stay home. If you are being tested for COVID-19 or a family member is, you need to stay home until your test results are in,” said Mylynn Tufte, North Dakota State Health Officer. “Self-isolating, washing your hands and keeping six feet away from other individuals is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Burgum, Tufte and state health officials strongly recommend that North Dakotans follow the guidelines released by the White House on Monday to slow the spread of coronavirus, including:

Stay home and don’t go to work if you feel sick.
Practice good hygiene: wash your hands, avoid touching your face and cover coughs and sneezes.
If someone in the household has tested positive for coronavirus, keep the entire household at home.
Older individuals and those with underlying health conditions should stay away from other people.
Work from home when possible.
Avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people.
Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants and food courts – use drive-thru, pickup or delivery options.
Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips and social visits.

Health officials also ask individuals returning from traveling on a cruise ship or individuals returning from skiing in Colorado to self-isolate for two weeks and self-report on the NDDoH website.

Symptoms of COVID-19 in people who have been exposed can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Individuals who think they may have COVID-19 but have minor symptoms should self-isolate at home. Individuals seeking medical attention should call before they go in.

For questions related to COVID-19, the public can call the NDDoH health hotline at 1-866-207-2880 daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Individuals who need medical advice should contact their health care provider.
For the most updated and timely information and updates related to COVID-19, including test result counts, visit the NDDoH website at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus , follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Public Schools announces that due to the need for deep cleaning and sanitizing the Jamestown Public Schools buildings, the administration is asking students and parents to pick up all class materials and personal items from his or her locker or classroom desk.

All K-12 students or parents will be asked to come in during designated times as to honor the practice of social distancing.

Thursday 3-19-20, 12-noon to-4-pm, Last name starting with A-I

Friday 3-20-20 8-am – noon, Last name starting J-R

Friday 3-20-20 12 noon to 4-pm. Last name starting S-Z

If these times do not work for you, please contact the office of your school building to plan another time.

Update…

Jamestown (UJ) University of Jamestown President, Dr. Polly Peterson, has announced that the University will move to online learning to support prevention efforts aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Dr. Peterson says, “Throughout the past few weeks, the Administration’s desire has been to retain the classroom experience for our residential programs while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those we serve. Unfortunately, with the rapidly changing circumstances that inform and influence our decisions, the Administration has made the decision to continue our semester in an online learning environment through Monday, April 13, with the goal of returning to campus on Tuesday, April 14.”

Originally, the University planned to have students return to in-person classes on March 23, after extending Spring Break one week.

Campus housing will continue to remain open with available dining options. To read Dr. Peterson’s full announcement, as well as past announcements pertaining to COVID-19, please visit uj.edu/coronavirus.

Jamestown (CSi) The Stutsman County Commission has passed an Emergency Declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drafted by Stutsman County Emergency Manager, Jerry Bergquist, the declaration allows Stutsman County access to any potential funding that would cover costs or damages accrued during the outbreak.

Stutsman County COO and Auditor, Nicole Meland, adds the closure of the Stutsman County Courthouse has been authorized, to begin Monday March 23, 2020.

Southeast District Court has canceled all jury trials.

Valley City (CSi) The Barnes County Courthouse, Highway Department and other County offices are on lockdown, due to the COVID19 pandemic.

County Auditor Beth Didier says the offices are open for business, but the courthouse is locked. Visitors will be let in by appointment only. Please call ahead and attempt to complete your business via phone. If that is not possible, then please make an appointment and whoever the appointment is with they will have to let you into the building.

City-County Health District will remain open; however, the public should call ahead for an appointment, use the east door and check in immediately with reception.

Valley City (CSi) Gaukler Family Wellness Center is closed, through March 22. A further decision will be made at that time along with VCPR announcements, on cancelled activities.

Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Arts Center, Director, Mindi Schmitz says, the Arts Center is making ongoing and fluid changes to its classes and performance schedule due to the concerns over the coronavirus.

The center’s main goal is public safety and the health and well-being of patrons, artists and staff.

During the month of March operating hours at The Arts Center will be intermittent. People should consider calling ahead at 251-2496 or emailing prior to coming in. The Arts Center will keep the gallery open as staffing allows.

The Arts After School program has been canceled for the week of March 16-20. The program follows the Jamestown Public Schools schedule. If the public schools remain closed the Arts After School program will remain closed as well.

The Back Porch Band concert scheduled for March 20 has been postponed.

All events related to the World of Music by Todd Green have been canceled. This includes:

Tuesday, March 24: Roosevelt Elementary

Thursday, March 26: Ave Maria Village and Heritage Centre

Saturday, March 28 at 7 p.m.: concert at The Arts Center

The Arts Center is disappointed to have to cancel these programs and events but staff said they believe this is in the best interest of public health and safety for the community, artists and staff.

Valley City, ND Due to President Trump’s National State of Emergency Disaster Declaration and precautionary measures, CHI Mercy Health is implementing visitor restrictions until further notice.

Main Entrance Door #1

Visitor restrictions include:

Use Main Entrance Door # 1.
South Door (nearest handicapped parking) will be locked.
ONLY immediate family, without a fever, cough or runny nose will be allowed to visit
Visitation is restricted to ONE healthy family member at a time
All visitors will be screened upon arrival to the hospital

We’re requesting anyone who is suspicious of or concerned with COVID-19 exposure to PLEASE CALL 701-845-6400 FIRST prior to coming to the hospital / Emergency Room. Screening questions will be used during the phone call. These along with additional screening procedures have been implemented to keep our patients and staff safe.

Valley City (CSi) South Central Adult Services informs the community that it will continue to deliver meals to Seniors and provide transportation services following reports of the COVID-19 virus.

There will be no meals served on site. To go meals available.

Other planned activities will not be held.

Call for more information..

Director Pat Hansen says South Central Adult Services says precautionary measures have been taken since word was received of a North Dakota man tested positive for the virus last week in Ward County.

Jamestown (JRHS) The James River Humane Society informs the community that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the shelter is only open by appointment.

To see cats, call Sheila at 701-367-6913

To see dogs call Kris at 701-269-2803

Jamestown (CSi) Great Plains Housing Authority has implemented its infection disease plan in response to the current pandemic.

Office availability and client interactions will be limited. In-person interviews already scheduled will be suspended and moved to conference calls. GPHA encourages using phone calls and email in place of in-person interviews for eligibility and other ways to provide information.

Great Plains Housing Authority is ready to help those affected by the COVID-19 as businesses reduce hours and staffing. Its housing application is available online at greatplainsha.com. GPHA will be processing applications as efficiently as possible to aid households in need.

The Housing Authority may utilize alternative inspection processes during an infectious disease situation to meet HUD time requirements with proper documentation. However, the initial inspections must have a physical inspection. The Housing Authority staff will not conduct inspections and rental assistance will be delayed if the public health officials require community self-quarantine.

GPHA encourages households to submit documents by email at office@greatplainsha.com or by fax 701-252-7735, mail to 300 2nd Ave. NE Ste 200. Jamestown, ND 58401 or to use the drop box at the office as much as possible instead of in-person. Office staff is available by phone at 252-1098. People are asked to call before coming to the office.

GPHA continues to receive guidance and consult with local public health departments and health providers, state officials, federal agencies and directly with HUD on how to operate programming during a pandemic.

For information, go to www.greatplainsha.com or call 252-1098.

FARGO — West Acres mall plans to close for nearly two weeks to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.

The mall will close at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 19, and remain closed through Tuesday, March 31, West Acres CEO Brad Schlossman said in a statement.

The move comes as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum recommends the closure of community gathering spaces to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The mall had initially closed food court seating and changed its hours in response to the pandemic.

In world and national news..

SEATTLE (AP) — Federal officials say staff members who worked while sick at multiple long-term care facilities contributed to the spread of COVID-19 among vulnerable elderly in the Seattle area. At least 30 deaths have been linked to Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington. A report Wednesday from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides the most detailed account to date of the outbreak investigation and its findings. Nursing homes in the area are vulnerable because staff have been working with symptoms, working in more than one facility, and sometimes haven’t followed recommendations about controlling infection.

(AP) The U.S. Census Bureau has suspended field operations for two weeks, citing the health and safety of its workers and the U.S. public from the novel coronavirus. The Census Bureau made the announcement Wednesday, a week after the start of the 2020 census count. Bureau officials said they were continuing to monitor all operations related to the 2020 census in the wake of the virus spread. As of Wednesday, 11 million households had answered the census questions. Most census workers won’t head into the field until May, when they’ll knock on the doors of homes that haven’t turned in their questionnaires.

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are tumbling 9% on Wall Street Wednesday and they have wiped out the last of the gains for the Dow Jones Industrial Average since President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Even prices for investments seen as very safe fell as investors rushed to raise cash amid fears about the coronavirus pandemic. The S&P 500 is down 9% in afternoon trading after losses deepened following a temporary halt. Prices for longer-term U.S. Treasurys fell as investors sold what they could to raise cash.

Detroit (AP) — Detroit’s three automakers have agreed to close all North American factories due to worker fears about the coronavirus, two people briefed on the matter said Wednesday. Ford and General Motors confirmed in statements Wednesday that all North American factories will close temporarily. Ford said its plants will shut down after Thursday evening shifts, through March 30, while GM said it will begin a “systematic orderly suspension” of production through at least March 30. Operations will be evaluated weekly after that. Messages were left seeking comment from Fiat Chrysler. The people speaking about the closures didn’t want to be identified because formal announcements had not yet been made.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The federal government is rushing protective equipment to states for medical workers who will be on the front lines of the growing coronavirus pandemic. But at least in three states — Washington, Oregon and Rhode Island — promised deliveries are falling far short of requests. Dozens of flights and hundreds of trucks have ferried supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile. It was created in 1999 to respond to terrorist events like bombings and biological, chemical and nuclear attacks. It maintains caches of pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and vaccines in secret locations around the U.S. But it has never confronted anything on the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic.