– Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Mar 19

CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Mostly clear. Patchy blowing and drifting snow in the
evening. Lows zero to 5 above. Windy. North winds 20 to 30 mph.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs 10 to 15. Northwest winds 10 to 20 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows zero to 5 above. Southeast
winds up to 10 mph.

.SATURDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 20s.

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

.SUNDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 30s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of light snow. Lows
20 to 25.

.MONDAY…Partly sunny. Highs 35 to 40.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 25 to 30.

.TUESDAY…Cloudy. Slight chance of light rain. Highs 40 to 45.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Cloudy. Chance of light snow, possibly mixed
with rain. Lows 25 to 30.

.WEDNESDAY…Cloudy. Chance of light snow, possibly mixed with
rain. Highs in the mid 30s.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Chance of light snow. Lows
20 to 25.

.THURSDAY…Partly sunny. Slight chance of light snow. Highs in
the mid 30s.

Update…

Valley City (VCSU) On March 18, a Valley City State University student was tested for the possibility of COVID-19 — the coronavirus illness — at CHI Mercy Health in Valley City.

Test results are still pending from the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDOH), and the student is quarantined in secure isolation on the VCSU campus per NDDOH and Center for Disease Control guidelines. Further information will be released as it develops.

“We want our community to be aware of what’s happening on campus,” said VCSU President Alan LaFave. “We’re concerned about the health of the student being tested, and we are following all necessary protocols to protect the well-being of all of our students, faculty, staff, and their families, along with the Valley City community.”

Currently most VCSU students are away from campus on spring break, which runs through Sunday, March 22. From Monday, March 23, through Friday, April 3, 2020, classes will not be held on campus — the university plans to deliver courses online during this time. The VCSU Emergency Management Team is meeting daily and in constant communication as it strategically guides the university through the health crisis.

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum’s press briefing to discuss K-12 education with State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, State Health Officer Mylynn Tufte and other officials was held Thursday March 19,2020, at the State Capital, in Bismarck.

Gov. Doug Burgum Thursday announced Thursday that 12 additional COVID-19 cases have been confirmed bring the total so far is 15. 673 individuals have been tested.

Burgum has issued an Executive Order that restaurants and bars are not to serve on site, but are allowed take out, with on-site sale. He said private businesses have demonstrated leadership in already have limited public exposure. This area of the Executive Order is effect Friday March 20, 2020, until April 6. The order also includes gyms, movie theaters and other venues.

The Executive Order also includes that public access to state facilities, including the North Dakota State Capitol, will be restricted effective immediately until Monday, April 6, 2020.

He is set to sign another Executive Order to further restrict public access to school buildings, as schools will remain closed past this week. School staff will still be allowed access and perform work. The Executive Order will allow, age appropriate distance learning, on line, with school credit for seat time.

The governor’s executive order directs the transition of most state government team members to work remotely. Although access to the Capitol and other state facilities will be restricted, state services will continue to be available in alternative ways, such as online.

“The health, safety and well-being of our citizens remains our top priority,” Burgum said. “With cases of community spread now confirmed in North Dakota, focusing on the health and well-being of Team ND members is crucial to ensuring continuity of government services for our citizens.”

Burgum reinforced that state government remains open and functioning, but rather is modifying the way agency business is conducted during this unique and unprecedented time.

Out of an abundance of caution, Team ND has been preparing to work remotely over the past several weeks. As of the end of today, the North Dakota Information Technology Department (NDIT) will have transitioned nearly 3,100 team members to platforms that allow for remote work.

Burgum stressed that every citizen needs to take responsibility to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and practice social distancing, noting that some North Dakota agencies have been piloting the work-from-home strategy for over a week, with no disruption in government services.

“We have had ongoing communications with Team ND about being prepared to work remotely,” Burgum said. “We are grateful for our robust NDIT team and all other statewide elected officials who are helping the transition go as seamlessly as possible for Team ND.”

A screening process is being developed to allow public access to several state facilities by appointment only. Until process is in effect, there will be no public access.

Burgum reminds North Dakotans to follow the guidelines released by the White House on Monday to slow the spread of coronavirus.

For the most updated and timely information and updates related to COVID-19, 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) With Governor Doug Burgum announcing Thursday the ND K-12 public schools ar closed indefinitely, Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lech says the school district will continue to provide breakfast and lunch for those who call ahead.

On Thursday, Jamestown Public School food services served 223 meals. and more meals will be served.

Plans continue to provide distance and virutal learning education for JPS students. Monday, March 23rd is the date planned to implement online courses.

Bismarck (CSi) During Governor Burgum’s news briefing, Thursday, Valley City Public Schools Superintendent, Josh Johnson reported that VCPS has implemented a four Step plan for continuing education, and services available to students and parents while school is not in session.

He said 1700 meals have been served with Grab & Go meals. 1100 students have access to mental health counselors, and teachers have created plans for continuing education. He said every Valley City student will have access to computers and high speed internet for continuing education away from the classroom.

Ongoing efforts continue to improve child care service availability in Valley City, while schools are closed, and parents continue to work.

Valley City (CSi) Valley City Attorney Carl Martineck issued this news release to the media on Thursday, March 19th concerning Governor Burgum’s executive order to close bars, breweries, cafes and restaurants.

Pursuant to Executive Order of Governor Doug Burgum, as of 12:00 PM (noon) on Friday March 20, 2020:

1. All restaurants, bars, breweries, cafes and similar on-site dining establishments in North Dakota are closed to on-sale/on-site patrons; take-out, delivery, drive-through or off-sale services may continue;

2. Recreational facilities, health clubs, athletic facilities and theaters, including movie theater and music or entertainment venues are directed to close and cease operations.

A violation of Executive Order 2020-06 is an Infraction subject to a fine of up to one thousand dollars for each violation.

Essential businesses such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations are not affected by the order except to the extent that they provide on-site dining.

All businesses and organizations are highly encouraged to be proactive in adopting policies and procedures that promote social distancing and clean, sanitary spaces.

The City also encourages residents to avoid non-essential travel, avoid groups of 10 or more people, and practice social distancing, pursuant to guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and the President of the United States. We can all help to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Valley City Attorney

Carl Martineck

Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Parks and Recreation will extend the closure of all programming, rentals, permitted events and facilities except the OnTRAC Learning Center to the public following state and school district closures through March 31st and we will re-evaluate at that time.

The public notice states, that, the OnTRAC Learning Center re-opened its doors to enrolled families in our licensed preschool program on Wednesday, March 18. The Jamestown Parks and Recreation main office will remain open Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 4:30pm. We will no longer be allowing any walk-in traffic. Contact information for the main office is 701-252-3982 and office@jamestownparksandrec.com. TRAC will post facility related COVID-19 updates as well as At-Home Workouts, Recipes and more on their website www.tracjametown.com.

“We are empathetic to those who are disheartened or frustrated regarding the closing of facilities and the interruptions of activities. However, we value and trust the knowledge and advice of the Public Health officials approach to implement social distancing measures.

Policies and procedures are currently being developed to accommodate our members regarding our program fees, facility rentals and facility memberships. All memberships at TRAC have been put on suspend until we know when we are opening. When we have more information regarding this, we will give everyone appropriate notice to make changes to their memberships. All programming and rentals during this time will be credited to accounts or refunded. We will be in contact with anyone who has reservations during the time of our closure as soon as we know more. Please allow 30 days from the date of reopening for processing. As always, we will do our best to accommodate all our users in the fairest ways possible.

Our staff has also been utilizing this time to deep clean the facility. Our tremendous fitness staff has been putting together workout plans, relaxation exercises, quick and easy recipes and more to be posted on Facebook page and website www.tracjamestown.com to keep everyone as healthy and active as possible.

JPRD will follow CDC and ND Department of Health recommendations to ensure we are making well informed decisions. We will continue to give regular updates to inform the community of our operations.”

Valley City (CSi) Reminders and updates from Valley City, concerning changes due to social distancing to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Doors to City Hall, Public Works Service Center, Transfer Station, Water Treatment Plant, and Fire Department are closed to the public with an anticipated re-open date of April 1. Protective measures have been taken by the Police Department and the PD lobby will remain open at this time. City offices are fully staffed and all services will continue to be provided without interruption, including but not limited to fire and police protection, flood protection, garbage collection, and street, water, sewer, and electric service. The purpose of the closure is to discourage discretionary travel and unnecessary person-to-person contact in the community.

Residents should call or email with any questions, concerns or business matters. City staff will determine if access to City facilities will be granted depending on the nature of the issue and the City’s ability to handle the issue remotely.

City Commission meetings and City Planning Meetings will continue to be held as previously scheduled in the Commission Chambers at City Hall; however, in furtherance of the emergency declaration access will be limited as follows:

The doors to City Hall will be locked as indicated above.
Any interested person must call 701-845-1700 to request access.

Also, the Barnes County Courthouse, Highway Department offices remain open.

Buildings are locked and the public will be admitted by appointment only.

Bismarck (CSi) Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem cautions North Dakota residents to be on the lookout for scam artists taking advantage of the current Coronavirus emergency to find new victims.

The Consumer Protection division warns that other states have already seen scams using the Coronavirus, including a report of scam involving a supposed automatic credit or bank charge for a Coronavirus test kit which can only be cancelled and refunded if the unsuspecting victim will “verify” their account information and mailing address.

“We see a surge in scams after every natural disaster, large and small, so it doesn’t surprise me that scam artists would try using this global pandemic in their efforts to prey on potential victims,” said Stenehjem. “A healthy dose of skepticism will help stop the scam artists in their tracks.”

Stenehjem provided the following tips to help North Dakotans to avoid scams:

1. Watch for “phishing” emails – ones that appear to come from legitimate government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control, especially if the email encourages you to click on a link for more information. Simply delete them without response.

2. Ignore phone calls, emails, advertising or mail items offering a miracle cure for, or protection against, Coronavirus. These are scams. There currently is no vaccine or cure. When one is available, residents can be sure that the appropriate government agencies will promptly provide information to the public.

3. Don’t be fooled by calls or text messages claiming that you are required to pay for testing or to provide personal information as part of a government response to the Coronavirus. These are scams.

4. Beware of unauthorized or fraudulent charities or solicitations. Bogus charities will try to solicit donations during these emergencies. Do not donate any funds without doing your homework. Check the Secretary of State’s website at http://sos.nd.gov/ to confirm if the entity is registered and contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-472-2600, or email ndag@nd.gov if you have concerns or suspect fraud.

Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Tourism held its City Promotion, Capital Construction Fund Grant Request meeting, Thursday, via Teleconference in respect to social distancing to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus

Those present on the phone included: Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund, Board Members Tena Lawrence, Paulette Ritter, Taylor Barnes, and President Matthew Woods.

Also present by phone, Ex-Officio Member Pam Phillips, representing the Jamestown City Council, and Wayne Byers from CSiNewsNow.com joining on the phone from the CSi Technology Center, at Historic Franklin School.

At the beginning of the meeting the Goals and Objectives of Capital Construction Fund were presented. Searle said at the outset there was $40,000 to be distributed this round from the City Promotion, Capital Construction Fund, and $150,000 available from the Tourism Grant fund.

The meeting went on to Approval of

The Agenda, Minutes from October 2019 meeting, and Conflict of Interest Disclosure.

No Conflicts.

Presentations for funds were made by:

The Jamestown Arts Center – Paint and Flooring – Mindi Schmitz

The Jamestown Downtown Association – History Markers – Lynn Lambrecht

The Jamestown Downtown Association – Art Mural – Lynn Lambrecht

Dakota Motocross – projects – Jett Mutschler

National Buffalo Museum – Kids Interactive Exhibit – Rachel Johnson

James River Rodeo – Bleachers – Casey Aldinger

Jamestown Parks & Rec Foundation – River Trail – Doug Hogan

With the Jamestown Arts Center Paint and Flooring project, Arts Center Director, Mindi Schmitz requested $7,000 is requested for painting and repairing the gallery walls that is planned, along with replacing the floor in the Hansen Studio. She said $1,000 is going toward the project from operating expenses. The total costs from the Requests For Proposals was $21,458.

The board voted to grant $6,000, distributed from the Tourism Grant Fund.

The Jamestown Downtown Association requested $ 13,500 for History Markers. Association President Lynn Lambrecht said the project entails granite inlays for the road project in Downtown Jamestown using historic figures or quotes. There will be 22 places where granite pieces are designed in the sidewalks. The Walk is in conjunction with Jamestown Tourism, and Jamestown Historian, Keith Norman. The material for the historic tiles are currently fundable through the Road Diet project grant, however, the engraving is not. Lynn said the JDA has 50/50 matching grant dollars for improving downtown business building signage, and for second floor windows for downtown buildings. Searle pointed out that a grant from North Dakota Tourism was denied.

The board voted to fund $12,000.

The Downtown Association is also requesting $3,000 for matching funds from the North Dakota Council on the Arts for $1,500 for mural/artwork for the alley exterior wall, at the Full Monte Salon, in the 200 block of First Avenue North. The JDA and the Jamestown Arts Center are working together commissioning the mural. An application would be submitted to the city to make sure the mural is acceptable to the public.

The board voted to fund $3,000 from the Tourism Grant Funds.

With the Dakota Motocross projects, President, Jett Mutschler requested between $2,000 and $25,000 to upgrade buildings bleachers, the PA system, entry gates and develop a mini track for youth.

He said the track also receives donations of grants, and from advertising.

He said the track anticipates $20,000 in profits in 2020.

The board voted to fund $5,000 for the track improvements, and share the bleacher request that was granted for the James River Rodeo. (See below).

National Buffalo Museum requested $15,000 for a Kids Interactive Bison PuzzleExhibit. Rachel Johnson said, Tourism previously granted $10,000 for the exhibit, however, they were unable to purchase the exhibit during the year in which the award was allotted for use.

The project is underway, and expected to be installed no later than February of 2021.

The board voted to fund $15,000 that included new funding, and the previously allocated $10,000 that is now allocated.

The James River Rodeo requested $5,000 for additional bleachers. Casey Aldinger said bleachers are currently being hauled to grounds at 27^th Street, Northwest, from Jamestown Parks & Recreation. Additional funding is anticipated from concessions, and a contribution of $5,000 from Cavendish Farms.

The rodeo’s economic impact is estimated at $65,575 total, for the two day event.

The board voted to, fund $5,000 to share in the bleachers with Dakota Motocross.

Jamestown Parks & Rec Foundation requested $15,000 to create a River Trail, planned to flow from Nickeus Park to McElroy Park and include a kayak docking station and access point, ending at Klaus Park with another new kayak docking station, and access point. The River Trial will include docks, and boat launches, and wayfinding signage.

Additional funding stems from ongoing outside grants, and $1,700 in secured private donations,

Speaking on behalf of Parks and Recreation Director, Doug Hogan Searle Swedlund said the project is anticipated to start at the spring thaw and when flooding subsides, and completed when the final docks are installed, and signage erected. Jamestown Parks & Rec will manage the property. The total cost is estimated at $21,200, with the bid recommended to be received from Roughrider Industries.

The Board voted to Grant, $15,000 from the City Promotion, Capital Construction Fund.

Jamestown (Chamber) Members of the chamber Young Professionals of Jamestown and the Chamber Ambassadors recently presented the Business of the Month Award to Triumph, Inc. for their outstanding customer service and continued commitment to the community.

The nomination stated, “Triumph helps people in the community and in their home maintain independence. Triumph has hired people of all ages. Triumph is a family for individuals and workers as well. Triumph has volunteered in the community. Triumph has people that has even saved a staff’s. There aren’t enough words in the world why I think Triumph should be nominated.”

The Young Professionals of Jamestown honor businesses that provide superior customer service, exhibit community spirit and provide a positive economic impact to the community. This award provides recognition throughout the month with a plaque and a recognition banner for the month. Monthly award winners will be considered for the Business of the Year to be awarded at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet in January of 2021. Business of the Month award nomination forms are available at the Chamber office and online at www.jamestownchamber.com . Call 701-252-4830 for more information.

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the availability of The North Dakota Commerce Department’s COVID-19, Business and Employer Resources Guide.

The ND Commerce team is taking a proactive approach by temporarily redirecting human and financial resources to support the North Dakota business community.

Click Here to visit the web site.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of bankers in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states suggests they expect the economy to slow down over the next few months as the nation deals with the coronavirus outbreak. The overall index for the region fell to 35.5 in March from February’s healthy 51.6 reading. Any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said 61 percent of the bankers surveyed expect the measures being taken to fight the coronavirus to lead to a recession. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. government scientists said Thursday that this year’s annual spring flooding season will not be as severe or prolonged as in 2019. Major to moderate flooding is projected in 23 states, impacting 128 million people. The regions most likely to experience major flooding include parts of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. The potential for major flooding is elevated along the Red River, the James River and parts of the Upper Mississippi River.

In world and national news…

ROME (AP) — The death toll in Italy has overtaken China’s, a stark illustration of how the coronavirus pandemic has pivoted toward Europe and the United States. Italy now has 3,405 registered deaths, roughly 150 more than China _ a country with a population more than 20 times larger. The milestone came the same day that the Chinese city where the virus first emerged recorded no new infections, a sign that China’s draconian lockdowns were a powerful method to stop the virus’ spread. A visiting Chinese Red Cross team has criticized Italians’ failure to properly quarantine themselves, and and take the national lockdown seriously.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and global economies have come to a shuddering stop, unleashing a wave of layoffs that is much larger and moving much faster than job losses in previous downturns. They are swamping state unemployment benefits systems and leaving many Americans still working anxious about whether they will be next. Tens of thousands of laid-off workers have already flooded state unemployment websites across the country to apply for jobless benefits. In the week ending March 14, the number of people seeking unemployment aid soared by 70,000 to 281,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. And many states are already reporting big increases in benefit applications this week, which weren’t included in those figures.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the world “is at war with a virus” and warned that “a global recession _ perhaps of record dimensions _ is a near certainty.” The U.N. chief said “people are suffering, sick and scared.” And he stressed that current responses by individual countries will not address “the global scale and complexity of the crisis.” Guterres said “this is a moment that demands coordinated, decisive, and innovative policy action from the world’s leading economies.” He said world leaders “must recognize that the poorest countries and most vulnerable — especially women — will be the hardest hit.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday the government should take an equity stake in companies that need bailouts because of the devastating effects of the coronavirus on the U.S. economy. He told a briefing he has executive authority to curb the impact on businesses. Such a move would be an extraordinary reach by government into the private sector. He said he’d specifically target companies that did stock buybacks, rather than investing in infrastructure. Trump also said he’d back restrictions on executive bonuses and future buybacks from companies receiving federal support.

TORONTO (AP) — The Canadian government says the Canada-U.S. border will be closed to all non-essential travel in both directions on Friday night. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says it will take “weeks to months” for social-distancing measures in his country to be lifted. Both the U.S. and Canada have been in talks in recent days to negotiate a mutual halt to tourism and family visits but leaving the flow of trade intact. Canada relies on the U.S. for 75% of its exports and about 18% of American exports go to Canada. Much of Canada’s food supply comes from or via the U.S.

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston residents are waiting in a line of cars more than a mile long line as drive-thru testing for the new coronavirus begins in the city. The mayor and county officials on Thursday warned that there aren’t enough kits or protective gear to meet demand. Texas has reported more than 80 virus cases and three deaths. Public frustrations over the difficulty of getting tested have been building since the first U.S. case was confirmed Jan. 20. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee says about 2,500 testing kits are available at the drive-thru at United Memorial Medical Center, and only those showing symptoms will be screened.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Veterans Affairs is rapidly preparing for the possibility it may have to absorb overflow civilian patients if private hospitals are overrun by the coronavirus pandemic. The government-run hospital system has already been bracing for a potential surge of 1 million veterans infected by coronavirus. According to a VA document obtained by The Associated Press, the agency is asking Congress for $16.6 billion in emergency money to cover coronavirus care over the next six months. The money would be used to ramp up COVID-19 testing, cover hospital care and protective masks for 4,500 more veterans, add medical ventilators and boost online telehealth options.