Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Mar 23

CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows around 30. Southeast winds around 10 mph.

.TUESDAY…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of light rain in the morning. Areas of fog through the day Highs in the upper 40s. South winds around 10 mph shifting to the southwest in the afternoon.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. Northwest

winds 10 to 15 mph.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly cloudy. Colder. Highs in the lower 30s. North

winds 10 to 15 mph.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows 15 to 20.

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

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s.

.FRIDAY…Partly sunny. Slight chance of rain and snow in the

morning, then slight chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs in

the mid 40s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.

Another chance for mixed precipitation is forecast for Tuesday and
Wednesday. At this time, minor impacts are expected.

River flooding will continue this week with additional rises to near
minor flood stage possible. The greatest flooding risks are expected
along the southern mainstem of the Red River, and along the
Wild Rice River at Abercrombie. Refer to the latest flood
warnings and statements for detailed information on specific
locations.

 

Bismarck (CSi)  Governor Doug Burgum held another News Briefing on Monday afternoon in Bismarck, with State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and Department of Human Services (DHS) Executive Director Chris Jones to discuss the latest developments regarding COVID-19 in North Dakota.

COVID-19 Positive Test Results for March 23, 2020 

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) Monday confirmed two additional cases of COVID-19 – a woman in her 30s in Burleigh County and a man in his 70s in Walsh County – bringing the state’s official total to 32 positive cases.

The woman had been in close contact with a known positive case, and the man’s case was still under investigation. Burgum said a third positive result Monday in North Dakota was reported by a Fargo-area health care provider that had sent roughly 300 samples to a national lab; that positive result was not yet reflected in the NDDoH figures.

The state has tested 1,440 individuals from 48 of North Dakota’s 53 counties. Four individuals are hospitalized.

For the most updated and timely information and updates related to COVID-19, visit the NDDoH website at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

He cautioned North Dakota not to become complacent that the numbers may not increase at a faster rate.  It does give North Dakota officials additional time to prepare for more cases, that could be weeks away.

He asked residents to maintain Social (Physical) Distancing of six feet or more apart.

123 individuals are trained for contact tracing, from positive cases.

With childcare he said 132,000 North Dakotans are under the age, of five and with parents unemployed they are taking children out of childcare, creating an income crunch for childcare workers.

“We want to 1) protect the health of children, families and child care workers, 2) provide child care for essential worker households and 3) sustain the child care sector as an industry that’s essential to every business in North Dakota’s economy,” Burgum said. “We will need a fully functioning child care system when this pandemic is over and our economy gets back on track.”

The North Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) and Governor’s Office will work with stakeholders over the next few days to finalize the guidelines, which will modify operating practices, prioritize essential workers and create financial support mechanisms. The final guidelines will be announced no later than 4 p.m. Thursday, March 26, with the intent they be implemented by Monday, March 30.

Questions about the process and guidelines may be directed to Jessica Thomasson, DHS director of community inclusion, at jthomasson@nd.gov.

Chris Jones from the Department of Human Services:

The North Dakota State Hospital remains open.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services and the 19 human service zones, formerly called county social service offices, have closed their administrative offices to the public but are continuing to provide vital human services. Department staff who work in the counties and human service zone offices and team members are continuing to provide all services by working on-site or remotely to practice social distancing.

This announcement applies to NDDHS central office divisions and human services zones (formerly county social service offices). Watch for additional information about regional human service clinics.  Human service zone office information is online at www.nd.gov/dhs/locations/countysocialserv/.

State School Superintendent Kirstan Baesler said the state student assessments testing is being waived regarding  all federal mandated assessments.  ACT makeup testing is now scheduled to be held in June or July this year.

Burgum said the North Dakota Grocers Association reports concerns about the availability of toilet paper remains good, with the items made in the U.S. or Canada.  The association asks consumers not to over buy for the purpose of hoarding.

Unemployment claims continue to climb, with 2224 claims made last weekend.

Over 7,000 state government workers continue to work from home, with internet connection issues being addressed and resolved.

In closing, Burgum said he’s optimist about the current Coronavirus fight, and for North Dakotans to keep courage up and help each other out.

In other state updates, on Monday

The North Dakota Department of Transportation has  completed deep cleaning and repairs at rest area facilities across the state. All rest areas are now open to the public, except the Crary location on ND Highway 2. This location is expected to be open later Monday.

The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) is encouraging households facing financial difficulties because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to notify their mortgage loan servicer or landlord if they are unable to make their mortgage or rent payment.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Fire Department was called to a car fire at 9:58 am, Monday in Southwest Valley City.

Fire Chief Scott Magnuson says the car was located in the alley at 5th Street Southwest.

The Fire was contained to the vehicle, which was totaled.  The unofficial cause was electrical in nature.

No injuries were reported.

Eight Firefighters and one Fire Unit was called to the scene.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)   Central Valley Health District, (CVHD)  Stutsman County Sheriff’s Department, Jamestown Police Department, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, Jamestown Ambulance, Jamestown Fire Department will hold a joint News Briefing Tuesday March 24, 2020, concerning local COVID-19 updates.

Only local media agencies are invited, and will be shown live at 2:30-p.m., on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.

 

Jamestown March 23, 2020  (JRMC)  — Jamestown Regional Medical Center is postponing elective surgeries in preparation of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Urgent and emergent procedures are still available.

JRMC President & CEO  Mike Delfs says “The situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change at a rapid pace across the country, region and here at JRMC.”

Post-op visits and rehabilitation remain available. New patient appointments will be screened on a case-by-case basis.

JRMC teams are already communicating this to community providers, impacted patients and JRMC’s staff.

Delfs adds, “Our specialty clinic will remain open to fulfill the promise we made to the community to partner with them in completing after-surgery care, ongoing treatment and emergent/urgent issues,”

This announcement is in tandem with a recommendation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that all elective surgeries, non-essential medical, surgical and dental procedures be delayed during the pandemic.

Chief Nursing Officer, Trisha Jungels says, “Our physicians are working to balance patient safety and quality with what resources available. Resources include protective equipment like gowns and masks and intensive care beds. In case of an outbreak, we must preserve these resources for those on front lines,”

Procedures at JRMC are simply postponed, not canceled. The hospital will evaluate when it can offer elective surgeries again.

Delf adds, “This action was not undertaken lightly. However, with prudent decision-making like this, the JRMC team will bring us through these upcoming weeks and months stronger than we entered it.”

COVID-19 will continue to circulate in communities. JRMC is preparing for a surge, meaning, a plan to accommodate patients and staff if all in-patient rooms are full.

Jungels says, “We’re grateful for this time to prepare and take precautions.”

Typical symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• fever
• cough
• difficulty breathing

Anyone who is experiencing respiratory distress or an extremely high temperature should seek immediate medical help.

To protect yourself and your family:

• wash hands with soap and water
• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away
• avoid touching eyes nose and mouth
• avoid contact with the sick
• if you are sick, avoid contact with others

If you feel you might have COVID-19, please call your primary care provider by phone. The care team will determine whether you need testing. Both Essentia Health and Sanford Health clinics are offering COVID-19 E-visit screenings at no-cost to patients.

To protect patients and staff, please limit in-person visits. Please call ahead of you choose to visit the Emergency Department. The number is (701) 952-4578.

About Jamestown Regional Medical Center

Jamestown Regional Medical Center is located at 2422 20^th St. SW, Jamestown, N.D. and serves approximately 55,000 people in nine counties. In 2019, it was named a “Top 100 Critical Access Hospital” for the sixth consecutive year. Modern Healthcare named JRMC a “Best Places to Work in Healthcare” each year since 2017.  For more information, visit www.jrmcnd.com or call (701) 952-1050.

Bismarck  (CSi)  – The North Dakota Department of Human Services and the 19 human service zones, formerly called county social service offices, have closed their administrative offices to the public but are continuing to provide vital human services. Department staff who work in the counties and human service zone offices and team members are continuing to provide all services by working on-site or remotely to practice social distancing.

This announcement applies to NDDHS central office divisions and human services zones (formerly county social service offices). Watch for additional information about regional human service clinics.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Salvation Army Thrift Store is temporarily closed.

In the region, Salvation Army Family Stores in outstate Minnesota and in North Dakota will temporarily close. This effort follows other steps taken previously that suspended group gatherings at their service centers, in order to prevent possible virus transmission.

Lt. Col. Lonneal Richardson, commander of The Salvation Army Northern Division, says, “We’re taking these steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among our clients, many of whom we consider to be particularly vulnerable.  At the same time, programs centered on food distribution, housing and emergency assistance will continue to provide help to those most in need.”

The Salvation Army stands ready to serve as many people as possible, in the safest way possible, now and well into the future. The Salvation Army expects more people will need help as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, and they are gearing up food, housing and emergency service programs for an expected increase. Businesses and individuals can help by donating nonperishable food, bread, paper products like paper towels and toilet paper, and sanitizing products. Call your local Salvation Army Corps Community service center for information or to schedule a delivery.

To help support the Jamestown Salvation Army’s efforts, visit http://www.salvationarmynorth.org/ to donate or for more information.

Jamestown (CSi)   The City of Jamestown Sewer Department would like to remind residents that the only thing to go down the toilet, besides human waste, is toilet paper. Items that say ‘disposable’ are not flushable.

Some items may be labeled as flushable, but can still cause problems to the sanitary sewer system. The following items should not be flushed:

• Cotton swabs
• Dental floss
• Rags
• Cat litter
• Feminine hygiene products
• Condoms
• Paper towels
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Gloves

The only item to be flushed is toilet paper. Proper flushing practice can prevent costly sewer backups and unnecessary sewer maintenance.

 

Jamestown  (Chamber)   The Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce  has created two pages on its website.

Executive Director, Emily Bivens says, the first is to provide updates on their member businesses and how they have altered their operations. https://www.jamestownchamber.com/local-business-updates

Initially  Restaurants and Bars have been included and they will be adding more information as they gather it.

The other is a page of resources for local employers and employees about COVID-19

https://www.jamestownchamber.com/resources

Both of these can be found under the COVID-19 Updates tab on the Chamber’s homepage. https://www.jamestownchamber.com/

The Chamber office and the Department of Motor Vehicle is closed to the public. Customers can leave a message on their phones  and we will get back to them as soon as we can.

Chamber: 701-252-4830

DMV: 701-952-0852

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce announces, the “Support Local Bingo Game.”

The card is available on the Chamber website and Facebook page.

Now through April 30, drop the card in the mail to the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce, Po Box 1530, Jamestown, ND 58402, or E-Mail, Direcor@jamestownchamber.com for a chance to win $100 in Jamestown Chamber Bucks.

Cards must be received by May 5, 2020.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The A Moment of Freedom, Buchanan Meet & Greet For the Jamestown  Area Chamber of Commerce members that was to be on Friday March 27, 2020 has been cancelled.

Jamestown  (uj.edu)  The University of Jamestown’s 34^th Annual Dine and Bid Benefit and Auction, “Rock and Roll All Knight,” is postponed until Saturday, May 30, 2020. This signature event that brings the community together will be held in the Harold Newman Arena on the University of Jamestown campus. A social will begin at 5:00 p.m., with dinner to follow at 6:30 p.m.

Like the rest of our community, state, nation, and world, the University of Jamestown has been keeping abreast of the rapidly changing COVID-19 circumstances that inform and influence our decisions. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations limiting the size of gatherings, we believe it is in the best interest of our alumni and friends to postpone the event. We will be working in the upcoming days to communicate with all of our generous sponsors, and those who have already purchased tickets.

University of Jamestown Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Brett Moser says, “Dine and Bid is the premier event for our campus community every spring.  Although it is not ideal, we are postponing the event so that we may celebrate together in the future. The event is the culmination of the success of our academic year, while raising money for student scholarships as we look to the future. We look forward to having our campus, alumni, and Jamestown community all come together after a long season of being apart.”

Established in 1883, the University of Jamestown is a private, liberal arts university granting Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Science in Nursing degrees, as well as Master’s Degrees in Education, Leadership, Clinical Counseling, and a Fargo-based Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. With the Jamestown Journey to Success, emphasis is placed not only on preparing students academically in their chosen areas of study, but also on preparing them through a student-centered experience. For more information, visit uj.edu.

Valley City  (VCSU)  The VCSU Foundation Office reports that the 26th Annual VCSU Scholarship Auction, which had been planned for April 24, is postponed.

The office says, campus and community are being affected in a variety of ways; with thought and consideration, we will work on rescheduling our event.

Please watch for details in the coming weeks for a new scholarship auction date. Of course, now more than ever, we’ll need your support for this fun event. Thanks for your understanding.
Bismarck  (NDDOT)  The North Dakota Department of Transportation completed deep cleaning and repairs at rest area facilities across the state. All rest areas are now open to the public, except the Crary location on ND Highway 2. This location is expected to be open later today.

For more information about NDDOT services, please visit our website at www.dot.nd.gov or call toll-free number 1-855-NDROADS (637-6237).

Bismarck  (NDDOT)  Beginning  Tuesday, March 24, construction will begin on ND Hwy 46 4, miles west of Gackle. The project will consist of a temporary emergency grade raise due to water over the roadway creating hazardous driving conditions.

During construction

• Flaggers and a pilot car will be on site to control traffic
• The temporary grade raise will be approximately 16’ wide

After Construction

• Traffic speeds will remain reduced until further notice
• Traffic must stop and take turns until further notice
• A future project will return the highway to normal operating conditions.

The NDDOT would like to remind motorists to slow down and use caution throughout the work zone. For more information about construction projects and road conditions throughout North Dakota, call 511 from any type of phone or visit the Travel Information Map on the NDDOT website at  http://www.dot.nd.gov/travel-info-v2/.