– Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Mar 27

CSi Weather…

TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s. Northeast winds around 5 mph.

.SATURDAY…Decreasing clouds. Highs in the mid 40s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s. North winds around 10 mph.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 40s. North winds 5 to

10 mph.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around 30.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Slight chance of rain in the afternoon.

Highs in the upper 50s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of rain.

Lows in the upper 30s.

.TUESDAY…Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of rain. Highs

in the mid 50s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain in the

evening, then slight chance of rain and snow after midnight. Lows

around 30. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow possibly

mixed with rain in the morning. Highs in the mid 40s.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain and

snow in the evening. Lows in the mid 20s.

.THURSDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs around 40.

Slight chances for rain mainly central Monday night through Tuesday. Highs are forecast to continue in the upper 50s to lower 60s Monday and Tuesday.

Jamestown (CSi) Central Valley Health District held another News Briefing on the local COVID-19 response, on Friday March 27, 2020 at 2:30-p.m.

Speakers were from : Central Valley Health District, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, Sanford Health, Buffalo Bridges Human Service Zone (day care), Eventide Jamestown, Jamestown Chamber of Commerce, Job Service ND, City of Jamestown.

CVHD Administrator Robin Iszler said as of Friday NO positive COVID-19 were recorded in Stutsman and Logan County. In the area positives have been recorded in Foster, and McIntosh Counties. The McIntosh County, person who tested positive provided information on recent contacts for tracking of others that will be screened and possibly tested. Those who have a family member who travels on business and then returns to Jamestown are asked to check with the State health Department or their daycare providers on policies concerning, the providers accepting children from those homes. She added that residents returning from out of state including “snowbirds,” and college students must self isolate for 14 days. She suggested residence keep a log of contacts in case they or others test positive for COVID-19.

Sanford Clinic Administrator, Jon Lillijord noted procedures now in place, and numbers of testings as of Friday. The first 35 tests were sent to Quest Lab, and now are being sent to the Sanford Lab in Sioux Falls, SD, with results returned in 24 to 48 hours. More test are pending results. Call the clinic for an appointment for testings. Those individuals will be screened in their cars in the parking lot to determine if testing is indicated. He said no visitors are allowed in the clinics, a child patient can be accompanied by one adult (parent), and all are being screened at the door.

Jamestown Regional Medical Center President/CEO Mike Delfs said the hospital is following CDC testing guidelines, with 27 tested as of Friday and NO positives with tests sent to the North Dakota Health Department. COVID-19 screenings are done concerning travelers, contact with others who are symptomatic of COVID-19, and those with a fever, cough, shortness of breath and other indicators. He stresses that anyone requesting a screening to call ahead to JRMC so staff can prepare for the individual and be admitted to the ER. He said the JRMC medical supplies are monitored daily, and in good supply at this time. Construction companies have donated face masks and others donation are being accepted.

Eventide Jamestown, Administrator, Doug Panchot said, no residents have tested positive for COVID-19 as of Friday. The staff has daily meetings with the State Health Department, and the Eventide staff is screened before entering the building. He pointed out that visitor restrictions are in place, with the exception of those visiting end of life residents. The staff is required to maintain sanitizing procedures and hygiene and take other necessary precautions.

Julie with Jamestown Social Services, Childcare Licensing, said there are currently three daycare providers closed in Jamestown, and a census of open daycares is being maintained. She added that emergency operation grants are assisting daycare providers to stay open. The priority for daycare providers in accepting children is for parents of essential healthcare workers.

Jamestown City Adminstrator, Sarah Hellekson said, City Hall is closed to walk-ins, and anyone needing information, or to have questions answered, to make an appointment to see a staff member can call 701-252-5900. City Council and committee meetings are shown live on CSi Cable Channel 67, followed by replays. She said the staff at the water treatment, and water distribution do not touch the water. With the sewer collections she urged residents to only flush bodily waste and toilet paper, as other articles will clog sewer lines and cause sewage backups. Garbage and Recycling continues on the regular schedules. The baler is closed to the public, and items can be left outside. The Recycling Center is still accepting dropped off items. Citywide Cleanup week this year is cancelled.

Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Executive, Emily Bivens reminded the community that their website JamestownChamber.com has compiled information on member businesses, with changes of hours and days of operation, updated daily. The web site also has links to agencies with resources available to businesses. The Chamber office is closed to walk-ins, but is open with limited hours. Call 701-252-4830.

Donna from Jamestown Job Service said unemployment claims can be filed on line at Jobsnd.com. Another option is to call 701-328-4995. As of Thursday this week, 13,968 claims were filed, with 77 claims filed up to March 21, 2020, compared to six claims the previous seek.

Claims were filed by those in the hospitality industry, and the retail sector. The Jamestown Office is open 8-a.m., to 5-p.m., call 701-253-6200 and is closed to walk-ins.

The News Briefing was seen live on CSi Cable 67 and followed by replays including CSi 10 The Replay Channel.

Bismarck (CSi) Governor Doug Burgum held his daily News Briefing, Friday in Bismarck.

He said North Dakota has recorded it first COVID-19 death, a male in his 90’s from Cass County, who had underlying health issues and contracted through community spread.

10 new positive cases were noted Friday, from 47 tests, a record number of tests in one day.

Critical care hospital care facilities expansion for beds, and equipment is being planned.

He reminds residents to use proper hygiene procedures including soap and water handwashing especially after being out at public locations.

Burgum said there ARE NO PLANS to shut down the state, at this time, including no plans to close the state’s borders, or shelter in place.

“Snowbird,” travelers and returning college students will be asked to fill out a survey, and self isolate for 14 days.

An amended Executive Order includes closing cosmetology and tattoo businesses effective at midnight, Friday. It effects barbershops, hairstyling salons, effective through April 6, 2020, when any possible extension to be examined.

Another Executive Order concern unemployment claims pertaining to employers.

Burgum said employers quarterly reports and payment of unemployment taxes have been suspended during the coronavirus pandemic.

He said President has signed the $2.2 Trillion economic impact legislation.

The State’s fishing season starting April 1, is still open, with Game & Fish monitoring fishing sites, and will be closed if anglers are not observing social distancing, including at boat ramps.

Earlier on Friday…

Bismarck (NDDoH) – The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) Friday reported the first confirmed death of a North Dakota resident due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The death occurred in a man in his 90s from Cass County who had underlying health conditions and acquired COVID-19 through community spread, meaning the source of infection was unknown.
Governor Doug Burgum says, “Kathryn and I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends who have lost a loved one. Each of us has a responsibility to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in North Dakota and protect those most vulnerable to the disease – our elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions. We’re all in this together.”

“My heart is with the friends, family and caregivers who are grieving,” said State Health Officer Mylynn Tufte. “As a courtesy, we ask that you respect the privacy of the family at this time. Now more than ever, we need to take care of each other and do our part to prevent the spread of this virus.”

Steps everyone can take to slow the spread of the virus include:

Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
Stay home if you have cold- or flu-like symptoms, for seven days after your illness onset or three days after your fever resolves without fever reducing medicine, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

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 should limit social gatherings to less than 10 people and those traveling internationally or domestically into North Dakota should self-isolate for 14 days.

The state has taken significant steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate its impacts, including:

Restricting access to K-12 schools except to essential workers as age-appropriate distance learning plans are developed.
Closing athletic facilities, theaters, bars and restaurants except for takeout, delivery and curbside service.
Expanding telehealth services and suspending licensing requirements to allow health care workers from other states to practice in North Dakota if appropriately licensed in another state.
Recommending limiting access to nursing homes as recommended by the American Health Care Association, and conducting site visits at all 218 skilled nursing, basic care and assisted living facilities in North Dakota.
Expanding unemployment insurance eligibility and streamlining the application process.
Providing public education and recommendations on the importance of social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, practicing good hygiene and staying home when sick or after returning from travel to known COVID-19 hotspots.

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.

Valley City Schools Superintendent Josh Johnson is thanking the Valley City community for their support and patience during the COVID-19 school shutdown.

In his statement, Superintendent Johnson said:

“Thank you parents, guardians, and community members for your continued support of Valley City Public Schools. We miss the students and the excitement that happens this time of year in our schools (plays, performances, activities, contests, etc.) We continue to hope that there will be an opportunity for us to resume normal school operations before the end of May. Please see an update on information regarding our school district:

Update on School Closures:

All VCPS schools will remain closed thru Friday, April 3rd. Governor Burgum has closed all schools state-wide thru Tuesday, March 31st and we are currently awaiting further announcements from his office regarding school closures beyond these dates.

As required by the Department of Public Instruction, VCPS has submitted a Distance Learning Plan to the state. This plan details our process for continuing to deliver instruction for students in the district during school closures. Upon approval of this plan, VCPS will share this with all of you and also continue to follow the plan until normal school operations resume.

We WILL be prepared to make a decision on possible school closures on the morning of Wednesday, April 1st in the event that the Governor does not extend his closure of schools state-wide. We, of course, will continue to consult with our local and state health officials to determine if, and when, we may be able to re-open our schools. Please be looking for this announcement from the school district on the morning of April 1st regarding a decision on school for the week of April 6-9th and April 14-17th.

School Meal Service Continues:

Please see the attached PDF that shows the number of students and meals that have been served since Tuesday, March 17th from Valley City Public Schools. This coming week we will be highlighting the efforts of our school nutrition team members and thanking them for their service! Please look for more regarding this coming on Monday. #ThankyouVCPSschoolnutritionteam

Family Engagement:

Reminder that our Family Engagement team will be sending out strategies for our parents and guardians on Sunday evening via Facebook and email. Look for this information brought to you from our parents for our parents!

Thank you again everyone for being such an awesome community of caring, kind, and supportive people. COVID-19 has rocked the world and Valley City has been impacted in so many ways besides the closures of our schools. If you are struggling with your mental health, or how to educate students, or any other ways in which VCPS can provide you support and assistance, please let us know. The resolve of our community will surely be tested in the midst of COVID-19 and our community spirit will shine bright!

Valley City (City news release) The City of Valley City is working with the Barnes County Emergency Management team and the US Army Corp of Engineers Baldhill Dam office to monitor the Sheyenne River.

The river will rise as the outflows at the dam will increase to around 2400 CFS this weekend. The USACE plans to increase the ouflows by the first weekend in April to around 3500 CFS.

City crews are taking action in preparation for the river to be around 14-15 feet, but with local inflows, this may vary. Evidence of minor flooding may be apparent at 15 feet. At this time, the risk of moderate to major flooding is minimal, but the City is prepared to respond accordingly.

Jamestown (NDHP) The North Dakota Highway patrol reports that an Andover, Minnesota man was arrested Friday morning (Mar 27, 2020) following a pursuit South of Jamestown.

The reports says 58 year old Thomas Peterson, failed to stop for a trooper while attempting to stop him on Highway 281 ten miles South of Jamestown.

Peterson fled East about 15 miles on various paved and gravel roads. The trooper was able to end the pursuit by performing a pursuit intervention technique (PIT), causing Peterson’s vehicle to enter the ditch and get stuck in the snow.

Peterson was taken into custody without further incident to the Stutsman County Correction Center. Charges are pending.

Assisting Agencies included the Barnes County Sheriff’s Office, Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office, and North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Message from Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce, Executive, Kay Vinje

(Valley City Chamber) “It’s been another very big week as we navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and how it is effecting your families and businesses. As your Chamber, please know that we are here for you and want to provide help in any way we can.

Below is a link to Thursday’s business briefing call with the ND Department of Congress and GNDC with the weekly updates.

https://ndresponse.gov/covid-19-resources/covid-19-business-and-employer-resources

Similar calls are scheduled for the next several weeks on Thursdays at 11:00 am. To take part in these calls live, pre-registration is required. You’re encouraged to submit your questions when you register. After the call, participants will receive a survey as a way to provide feedback on the content of the call. This information will be used to help build the agenda for the following week’s call. As soon as the link to register for the Thursday, April 2^nd call is available, we will send it out to you.

Business owners are encouraged to contact their local bankers to discuss best options for your specific business. The ND Response website has a vast amount of general information, but your local banker can help answer your specific questions for your business.

At any time, you can access https://ndresponse.gov/covid-19-resources, click on the “Financial” tab to find information and valuable resources for businesses that expect to be or have been financially affected by COVID-19. This site is update twice daily to provide the most current information to you. It has Federal, State & Local Resources tabs.

I encourage you to share this information with any business in our community or fellow business owners in North Dakota.

In sports…

Bismarck ( NDG&F) — Anglers looking to enjoy the nice weather this weekend by fishing open water on the Missouri River System can check the status of boat ramps at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov.

Game and Fish will post ramp status updates as they occur.

Department personnel encourage anglers to wait their turn at boat ramps, practice social distancing and follow other guidelines for minimizing the risk of spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has approved a $2.2 trillion rescue package, rushing it to President Donald Trump for his signature. The measure tosses a life preserver to a U.S. economy and health care system left flailing by the coronavirus pandemic. The House approved the sweeping measure by a voice vote, as strong majorities of both parties lined up behind the most colossal economic relief bill in the nation’s history. It will ship payments of up to $1,200 to millions of Americans, bolster unemployment benefits, and offer loans, grants and tax breaks to businesses large and small. It also will flush billions more to states, local governments and the nation’s all but overwhelmed health care system. Trump said he would sign it immediately.

NEW YORK (AP) — Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state wants to build four more temporary hospitals in New York City before coronavirus cases peak. The state is seeking authorization from the Trump administration to add 4,000 beds in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. Cuomo also said schools in New York state will remain closed for another two weeks until April 15. There are more than 6,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in New York. New York has logged a nation-high of 519 deaths and has more than 44,000 confirmed cases.

OAK PARK, Ill. (AP) — Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s decision to shut down the trails along Lake Michigan and nearby parks during the coronavirus crisis underscores a growing concern that the large crowds of people flocking to beaches, parks and playgrounds are making it easier for the virus to spread. All over the country, outdoor spots have only grown more crowded since stores, restaurants and schools have closed their doors and officials have issued stay-at-home orders. Looming over all these decisions is an explosion of coronavirus cases in New Orleans just weeks after the city’s largest annual gathering, Mardi Gras.

SEATTLE (AP) — An investigation at a Seattle-area nursing home concludes that symptoms aren’t enough to identify who is infected once the coronavirus enters a long-term care facility. People without symptoms could have the virus, so it won’t work to simply separate residents with symptoms from others. The report released Friday concluded that as soon as there’s a confirmed case, all health care workers should don masks and other protective garments. It also recommended that residents be isolated as much as possible. The nursing home was not identified.

(AP) Stocks on Friday were moving lower on Wall Street as the market gives back some of the gains it piled up over the past three days. Major indexes are down more than 2% in afternoon trading Friday. The S&P 500 had shot up 17% over the previous three days as traders became hopeful that Congress would pass a $2 trillion coronavirus relief package. The House passed the bill Friday afternoon, a day after it made it through the Senate. Even after the rally this week the market is down 25% from the peak it reached a month ago. European markets also fell.

TORONTO (AP) — The Canadian government is increasing a payroll subsidy to small- and medium-sized businesses to now cover up to 75 percent of salaries amid the pandemic. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the major increase over the original 10 percent subsidy plan. Trudeau said it became clear they needed to do much more. The prime minister said it means people will continue to be paid even though their employer has had to slow down or stop its operations because of COVID-19. He said he hopes employers who are being pushed to lay off workers will think again.