CSi Weather…

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 -PM WEDNESDAY TO  7 AM  CDT FRIDAY…STUTSMAN COUNTY…

…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM WEDNESDAY  EVENING TO 1 PM CDT FRIDAY…BARNES…

 

.TONIGHT…Cloudy. Chance of drizzle and slight chance of snow in

the evening, then chance of snow after midnight. Lows in the

lower 20s. Northwest winds around 15 mph. Chance of snow

50 percent in the Jamestown area, 90 percent in the Valley City area.

.THURSDAY…Snow. Patchy blowing and drifting snow. Colder. Snow

accumulation around 2 inches. Highs in the upper 20s. North winds

15 to 20 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Cloudy. Snow likely in the evening, then chance

of snow after midnight. Light snow accumulations. Lows around 20.

Northwest winds around 15 mph. Chance of snow 70 percent.

.FRIDAY…Cloudy with slight chance of snow in the morning, then

partly sunny in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 30s. Northwest

winds 10 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows 10 to 15.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with slight chance of snow

possibly mixed with rain in the evening, then partly cloudy with

slight chance of snow after midnight. Lows in the mid 20s. Chance

of precipitation 20 percent.

.SUNDAY…Mostly cloudy. A 30 percent chance of rain in the

afternoon. Highs in the mid 40s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain

possibly mixed with snow. Lows in the lower 30s.

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain and snow in the

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

around 50. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain.

Lows in the mid 30s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain. Highs

in the mid 50s.

Snow will spread across most of North Dakota Wednesday night
through early Friday morning. Uncertainty remains where the
heavier snow will fall, but at this time it appears much of south central North Dakota and the James River Valley will have the best chance of at least 4 inches of snow during this period. Light freezing rain may also cause light ice accumulations across the James River Valley on Thursday.

Impacts to travel may occur. Continue to check back for the latest forecast

 

Bismarck  (CSi)  Governor Doug Burgum held a news briefing Wednesday after at the state capital in Bismarck concerning state update in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Burgum announced that President Donald Trump has granted the governor’s request for a major presidential disaster declaration to make federal assistance available to support North Dakota’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Burgum says, “We are deeply grateful to the President and his administration for making this assistance available to help us expand our response efforts and protect public health as the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly evolves. We also appreciate the support from our state’s congressional delegation and the many local, state, federal and tribal partners contributing to this unprecedented effort.

In declaring that a major disaster exists in North Dakota, President Trump ordered federal assistance to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the coronavirus disease, COVID-19. The declaration makes federal funding available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.

He pointed out updated State Health Department numbers as of 3-p.m. Wednesday.

21 new positive cases were recorded on Wednesday, bringing the total to 147 cases in North Dakota

. P.M. POSITIVE TEST RESULTS | April 1 at 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

  • Woman in her 30s from Cass County, under investigation
  • Male age 10-19 from Cass County, under investigation
  • Man in his 40s from Stark County, close contact
  • Female age 0-9 from Stark County, close contact
  • Woman in her 30s from McKenzie County, under investigation

 

Categories: Travel, Possible Travel, Community Spread, Close Contact, Under Investigation

 

BY THE NUMBERS

4627 – Total Tested (+370 individuals from yesterday)

4480 – Negative (+349 individuals from yesterday)

147 – Positive (+21 individuals from yesterday)

26 – Hospitalized (+5 individuals from yesterday)

39 – Recovered (+9 individual from yesterday)

3 – Death (+0 individuals from yesterday)

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.

The state is working with testing companies including contact tracing efforts.

With unemployment :

Gov. Doug Burgum Wednesday signed an executive order waiving the mandatory one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits as claims continue to increase in North Dakota during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Waiving the one-week waiting period doesn’t increase the amount of money an individual will be eligible to receive, but it does help to get benefit payments into the hands of claimants sooner,” Burgum said. “This is critical to helping out-of-work North Dakotans who are struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 crisis. Using a whole-of-government approach, we continue to seek out ways to provide relief to our citizens during this pandemic.”

North Dakota saw an additional 2,574 unemployment claims filed Tuesday, bringing the total for March 16-31 to 27,241 claims – more than were filed during all of 2019. Burgum noted that by waiving the mandatory waiting week, the state will be reimbursed by the federal government for that first week of benefits, which could amount to an estimated $10 million to $20 million.

The waiting week waiver applies to all individuals filing claims with a week ending date of March 14 and going forward through the duration of the state emergency. No action is necessary by the individual who has a claim. Those who have served a waiting week for the week ending March 14 to the present time will have their waiting week paid to them automatically. The programming associated with the waiver should be completed this week, and payment of these weeks should be made next week.

Burgum also announced that existing business closures mandated by executive order will be extended by two weeks, from April 6 to April 20, to further slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. An announcement will be made by April 15 on whether closures will be extended beyond April 20. Affected businesses are listed in the amended executive order here. The extension to April 20 also applies to restrictions on access to state facilities, including the Capitol.

 

Insurance Commission Jon Godfread said with employer health benefits to now released employees to continue to offer those, and look into waivers by insurance carriers, on a case by case basis.

Healthcare.gov has more information for those recently losing health insurance coverage, and options that may be available.

With auto insurance, contact your agent with changes if delivering goods and services.

With the 2020 census Burgum said census form can be filled out and mailed, or on line.

If opted to those means, no census taker will come to your door.

In other state news updates

The North Dakota Department of Human Services implemented two legislative changes Wednesday, April 1, that are part of the department’s behavioral health strategy focusing on getting services closer to home, increasing community-based services and expanding access to services for more people.

Lawmakers authorized changing the qualifying age for the substance use disorder voucher program from 18 to 14 years of age. This bill was introduced by Sen. David Clemens. Also, lawmakers approved allowing licensed opioid treatment programs to apply to open a medication unit to serve people in additional communities.

The voucher program was created in 2015 to address gaps in reimbursement for addiction services. Nearly 4,100 people have used the voucher program to receive services from private providers in the state. North Dakota has 22 substance use disorder voucher providers.

The voucher program provides reimbursement for services such as screenings, evaluations, individual therapy, outpatient or residential treatment, transportation and room and board.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Special Session Wednesday morning.

All members were present, as they and others speaking in attendance participated by telephone conference call.

Mayor Carlsrud said at the outset of the meeting that the expected that the expected dollars from the Prairie Dog legislation for project  assistance won’t be forthcoming.  The expected total from the state was $3.4 million.

Discussed was funding, including use of Renewal and Replacement fund, for new infrastructure in territories annexed to the City.

Auditor Avis Richter said the city has dollars in the Renewal and Replacement fund, is at $1.25 million dollars.

Commission Magnuson said, for the city’s future growth and expand the tax base and bring new residents to town, Valley City needs annexation of properties, and provide for development infrastructure.  Up to $150,000 is available to offer developers, for new residential home construction.  The balance of any costs are the responsibility of the developers.

Commissioner Bishop asked if bonding funds would be appropriate.  Auditor Richter said the proposed funding discussed is preferable.

The city and Barnes Rural Water are expected to make arrangements on providing water to structures that will be developed.  Valley City public works, electricity, would provide the power, which will be further researched.

No action was taken at Wednesday’s meeting.  The City Commission will consider the issues, and any additional information at the April commission meeting.

 

Considered was the Bridgetown Development requests related to Auditors Lot 5 of NE¼, Section 27, Township 140N, Range 58W, Barnes Country (Waterfront Meadows subdivision)

 

Commissioners discussed:

 

Cost-share for infrastructure to new subdivision.

 

Waiver of performance bond. – and costs, requested by the developer.

 

Waiver of Curb/gutter/street installation.  (Special Assessed to new property owner)

 

Taxation of undeveloped lots.

Developer Donnie Eberle proposed a lower amount until the houses are built and sold, and occupied.

Eberle  proposes 47 taxable lots, to be built in two phases.

Auditor Richter said the information needs to be given to City Assessor Sandy Hansen to considered.

Mayor Carlsrud suggested to move the topics to the Finance Committee for further consideration following research and then to the full City Commission.

The meeting was shown live on CSi 68 followd by replays.

 

UPDATE

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Police Department is warning  residents regarding a convicted sex offender living in Jamestown, who has changed his address.

Leslie James Klamm now resides at 1530 6th Avenue, SW, Buffalo Motel, Room 37, Jamestown, ND

The full report, at CSiNewsNow.com

Jamestown  (CSi)  Voters in Jamestown and Stutsman County on June 9 for all elections, will not have a physical polling location to enforce social distancing, following Governor Doug Burgum’s executive order on March 13th, that gave  permission to counties to authorize mail-in ballot elections.

Stutsman County Commissioners unanimously approved only mail-in balloting.

During a call in meeting Wednesday with   Stutsman County Auditor and COO Nicole Meland and North Dakota Secretary of State, Al Jaeger, along with other county officials in the state, she elaborated her concerns with absentee balloting.

Candidates have until 4-p.m., April 6 to file their petitions.

More information on mail-in voting will be forthcoming.

Jamestown (Chamber)The Young Professionals of Jamestown and the Chamber Ambassadors recently recognized Gordon’s Interstate Towing with the April Business of the Month Award for their outstanding customer service and continued commitment to the community.

(The Chamber volunteers were not present at this presentation due to the recent CDC guidelines of social distancing. The award winner is present with their family)

The nomination stated,” Randy always provides great service and has helped me more than a handful of times the last 2 winters. It doesn’t matter the conditions he’s always out helping people getting them stuck or towing them. He works insane amounts of hours and is so dedicated to his job. I feel he does so much and goes under appreciated.”

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.

(JRMC)  — Editor’s note: Dr. Steve Inglish, Emergency Medicine Physician at Jamestown Regional Medical Center, shares information on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). He joined JRMC in 2018.

In 2003, I was a young 21-year-old sergeant in an Infantry Unit out of Ft. Lewis, Wash. I served as a rifle team leader. We were sent to Iraq during the early part of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). I will never forget the night before we crossed the border into Iraq. There were so many unknowns and so much uncertainty that caused fear and anxiety throughout the unit. That night, we had a meeting with our platoon sergeant, someone for whom I had a tremendous amount of respect. A true leader. He told us about how scared he was about the next day and how he believed that it was normal and that the fear we were experiencing was a good thing. That it would keep us honest.

In the last couple of weeks, I have been thinking about that discussion. Thinking about the unknowns and uncertainty that constantly surround us. About the fear I am experiencing right now. Thinking:

  • When will we have our first positive patient?
  • Will I get sick?
  • How will I support my family if I get sick?
  • If I do get sick, how bad will it be?
  • Will I get my family sick?

I’m guessing many of you have the same questions and probably many more. Unfortunately, we don’t have the answers. Right now all we can do is wait, wait for the answers. As we wait, fear and anxiety continue to grow. Something my platoon sergeant didn’t discuss is the difference between “good fear and bad fear”.

Good fear: Fear that drives to action and motivates us to do the right thing for the good of the team.

Bad fear: Fear that breeds dissent. Fear that leads to irrational decisions.

As we are awaiting the surge, I feel that we are starting down the road of bad fear. In the next couple of weeks, we will have our first positive case. We will likely enter our surge. We will be tired and hungry. We will have very little rest. We will likely run out of personal protective equipment (PPE). We will rely on each other to get through the day, week and month. We will look at each other as family. But, until then we need to stick together.

We cannot enter this war as a broken unit. Then we will surely lose.

Until we enter the battle and when we do, I will be on the front lines with you.

Fighting this war against an invisible enemy. I will show up to each and every one of my shifts until I get sick. When I get better, I will be back doing the same.

—Steve Inglish, MD

As always, 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.

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — A Minot police officer is quarantined after testing positive for the coronavirus and five other city employees who were in contact with the officer are self-isolating. Minot Mayor Shaun Sipma said a test confirmed over the weekend that the officer was positive. The mayor says the officer began isolation last Thursday after developing symptoms. Minot Fire Chief Kelli Kronschnabel said a firefighter is also self-isolating at home after being exposed to residents who recently returned from another state. Under the city’s current guidelines, Minot firefighters and police do not respond to a medical emergency until an ambulance arrives, unless the emergency is extreme and critical.

West Fargo  – Doosan Bobcat North America  Wednesday announced plans for a temporary suspension of production at its manufacturing facilities in response to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For facilities in North Dakota and Minnesota, the temporary shutdown will begin Monday, April 6, with facilities resuming normal operations Monday, April 20. The Doosan Portable Power manufacturing facility in Statesville, N.C., will suspend production effective Saturday, April 4, and resume operations Monday, April 20.

Due to the growing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy, Doosan Bobcat is responding to the uncertain business conditions and supply chain disruptions, as well as continuing preventive measures to protect employees and communities.

“Doosan Bobcat North American President Mike Ballweber says, “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt operations and is changing our way of life and how we work together.  We are taking steps to respond to these changes brought on by this unprecedented crisis, as well as protecting our employees and preserving the strength of our businesses.”

The company is closely monitoring inventory levels, though the supply of available products is adequate to meet current orders and market demand.

To protect the health and safety of employees, Doosan Bobcat has put in place a variety of preventive measures. This includes travel restrictions, remote working where possible, social distancing practices, increased cleaning and disinfecting of facilities, limited visitor access and other necessary steps, all of which remain in effect.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — One of North Dakota’s largest oil producers has filed for bankruptcy, citing the coronavirus and plunging oil prices. While Whiting Oil was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, state leaders on Wednesday were looking at an expected $1.2 billion in aid from the federal bailout package. They say it’s possibly enough with rainy-day money to avert the need to radically rework the state budget. North Dakota has 142 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, an increase of 16 from Tuesday. In Minot, a police officer is quarantined at home after testing positive.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Navy officials say nearly 3,000 sailors aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier where the coronavirus has spread will be taken off the ship by Friday as military leaders struggle to quarantine crew members in the face of an outbreak. The USS Theodore Roosevelt is now docked in Guam. Navy leaders say fewer than 100 of the 5,000 sailors assigned to the Roosevelt have tested positive for the virus. But the Navy is moving sailors into various facilities and probably will begin using hotel rooms in the coming days. Navy leaders are talking with government officials to identify rooms for the crew members.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is resisting calls to issue a national stay-at-home order to stem the spread of the new coronavirus. This is despite his administration’s projections that tens of thousands of Americans are likely to be killed by the disease. One by one, though, states are increasingly pushing shutdown orders of their own. On Wednesday alone, three more states — Florida, Nevada, and Pennsylvania — added or expanded their stay-at-home orders. The resistance to a more robust federal response comes even as Vice President Mike Pence says White House models for the coronavirus toll show the country on a trajectory akin to hard-hit Italy.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans give high marks to state and local governments for their handling of the fast-moving coronavirus pandemic that has swiftly remade everyday life. That’s according to a new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research that also finds that less than half of Americans approve of the job done thus far by President Donald Trump and the federal government in confronting the virus. Even so, the poll finds Trump’s approval ratings are among the highest of his presidency. Forty-four percent of Americans support Trump’s oversight of the pandemic, in line with his overall 43% approval rating.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — More evidence is emerging that coronavirus infections are being spread by people who have no clear symptoms, complicating efforts to gain control of the pandemic. A study by researchers in Singapore is the latest that has estimated that around 10% of infections are sparked by people who were infected but not yet showing symptoms. Reacting to recent research, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday changed how it was defining risk of infection for Americans, saying anyone may be a considered a carrier, whether they have symptoms or not.

 

Nevada governor Steve Sisolak issued a statewide directive telling Nevadans to stay at home, with an exception for essential trips. The Democratic governor had already asked Nevada residents two weeks ago to stay home and ordered a closure of casinos and non-essential businesses, but on Wednesday he decided to formalize his request that Nevadans stay home with a written order.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — An army of health care workers has heeded New York’s call for help reinforcing hospitals overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic. Officials say at least 82,000 people so far have volunteered for the state’s reserve force of medical workers. The group includes retirees willing to go back to work, health care professionals who can take a break from their regular jobs and others. Few have made it into the field yet, as hospitals and the state have vetted enlistees and figured out how to deploy them. The state says hospitals are expected to hire 1,500 recruits by Thursday.