Wayne Byers Show – Morning – April 8

River Watch….

Flood updates and water level updates  for the …

<Sheyenne River Level Through Valley City

Lake Ashtabula Level

James River level through Jamestown.

Jamestown Dam

National Weather Service 

Water amounts in the snow pack

The Latest Flood Warnings from The National Weather Service

https://ndresponse.gov/flood-region

Fire Danger Map for North Dakota

Bismarck  (CSi)  Governor Doug Burgum held his daily News Briefing, on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at the State Capital, in Bismarck.

He gave updates on the latest information from the State Health Department on COVID-19 cases.

Released Tues. Apr 7, 2020 11-a.m.

Positive COVID-19 Test Results
Results listed are from the previous day.

POSITIVE TEST RESULTS

• Man in his 60s from Bowman County, community spread
• Female age 10-19 from Burleigh County, under investigation
• Woman in her 70s from Cass County, close contact
• Woman in her 60s from Cass County, close contact
• Man in his 40s from Cass County, under investigation
• Woman in her 20s from Cass County, close contact
• Man in his 40s from Cass County, close contact
• Woman in her 40s from McKenzie County, close contact
• Female age 10-19 from McKenzie County, close contact
• Man in his 60s from Morton County, under investigation
• Man in his 60s from Mountrail County, close contact
• Man in his 40s from Slope County, close contact

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

DEATHS  RELATED TO COVID-19

• Man in his 70s from Emmons County with underlying health conditions who acquired COVID-19 through community spread.

BY THE NUMBERS

7703 – Total Tested (+490 individuals from yesterday)

7466 – Negative (+478 individuals from yesterday)

237 – Positive (+12 individuals from yesterday)

33 – Hospitalized (+1 individuals from yesterday)

18 – Currently Hospitalized (-1 individuals from yesterday)

82 – Recovered (+8 individual from yesterday)

4 – Deaths (+1 individuals from yesterday)

For descriptions of these categories, visit the NDDoH dashboard.

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 pointed out that this is National Public Health Week.

He reminded citizens to observe social distancing, washing of hands, and wear face masks in public, and reduce public contacts, but keep visiting businesses, and still go to pharmacies, and grocery stores.

He said the efforts of North Dakotans, have helped to lessen the spread, of COVID-19 in the state.

More than 2600 hospital beds will be available for any surge of  COVID-19 patients, across the state.

He added that the Apple Store’s new app available later Tuesday will have the CARE-19, app with options to review, and track where you’ve been in terms of locations and length of time at locations, and face time with individuals.  It will help in contact tracing those testing COVID-19, positive concerning who they’ve been in contact with.  Data obtained through CARE-19 will give officials a better idea of interactions between people, and if a shelter in place order might be needed in the state.

The app is anonymous concerning the user.

State Health Officer, Mylynn Tufte explained what happens if a close contact is discovered of a positive person they will be contacted and asked to self isolate as well.

A new Executive  Order allows school districts the flexibility to hold mail in balloting for special elections, and not need a physical location, in line with other Executive Orders for political subdivisions.

State School Superintendent , Kirstan Baesler explained Suspending the requirement that a school district conduct a written performance review for every teacher, principal and assistant/associate superintendent employed for more than three years. Written performance reviews will still have to be conducted for those employed for less than three years. This provides flexibility for evaluations and will help allow teachers and administrators to continue focusing on providing distance learning to make sure every North Dakota student receives a quality education.

Another Executive Order was signed, Allowing winter-grade fuel to be sold until May 20 instead of the traditional April 1 cutoff date. The state has an oversupply of winter-grade fuel due to the travel restrictions and economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 emergency.

And, Suspending the pesticide applicator certification for the use of non-restricted disinfectants during this public health emergency.

With unemployment, Burgum said on Monday there were 2,666 claims filed, bringing the total to 40,458 claims from March 16, 2020 to Monday.  He said new software is allowing jobless payments to go out faster.

With behavior health issues, Burgum pointed out that state’s behavior health website gives parents ideas on how to deal with milestones, in their lives or children’s that are missed during the time of the pandemic.

Jamestown (CSi) A Stutsman County COVID-19 Response Joint Briefing was held on Tues April 7.

Speakers represented: Central Valley Health District, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, City of Jamestown, Jamestown Police Department, Stutsman County Sheriff’s Department, Jamestown Chamber of Commerce, Great Plains Housing Authority.

Central Valley Health District Administrator, Robin Iszler said, no reported positive cases of COVID-19

In Stutsman or Logan Counties, as of Tuesday afternoon.

If, in the future a person tests positive to COVID-19 that person will be contacted by their health care provider, and the information passed along to Central Valley Health District and then to the State Health Department. That person then is informed to shelter in place, the common practice is for no less than 14 days, and then retested.

She presented a demonstration of what six feet apart looks like, for social distancing. She advises people to see if they are six feet apart from others, either a work, or in public. She urges to continue to frequently wash hands.

Jamestown Regional Medical Center CEO Mike Delfs reported, that to date 48 COVID-19 tests were made and no positives as of Tuesday afternoon.

Upon entering the hospital visitors and patients will be screened by asking health questions.

He said JRMC has a surge plan in place, if needed, if the hospital experiences a large influx of positive patients.

In the Emergency Department the “robot” zaps bacteria, in rooms where a patient with respiratory distress has been. Air exchange in each room is monitored.

Jamestown Mayor, Dwaine Heinrich said the City Council held its first teleconference meeting on Monday. He said to direct comments to the City Administrator.

He adds, Jamestown is not yet to the point of issuing a stay at home order. He said if that is ordered it would have to be approved by the City Council. All city departments and services are functioning.

He asks that citizens continue to visit local businesses, and to continue social distancing.

He reminded residents to complete and fill out census forms.

Jamestown Police Chief, Scott Edinger said, Parks and Recreation has closed all playgrounds, shelters, the skatepark, and tennis courts, indicated with caution tape.

He said police calls are down, with 600 in the first quarter if this year.

He warned of scams, by phone or E-Mail that ask for money, or fees.

The Law Enforcement Center is closed, call 9-1-1 for emergencies, Dispatch for non-emergencies at 252- 1000.

Stutsman County Sheriff, Chad Kaiser said, another scam reported today is to respond to cashing a check. Any checks not backed by dollars of the scammer, is the responsibility of you. To reach the Sheriff’s Office directly to call 701-251-6000. In and emergency call 9-1-1. Other calls for law enforcement should to the LEC Dispatch, at 701-252-1000. Before Deputies respond to calls the caller will be aske COVID-19 question to determine how to respond, either by handling the situation by phone, or in person, wearing protective gear.  He said the county will notify the public when the reservoirs will  be open to boaters and fishing.

Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Executive, Emily Bivens update:

Two pages on their website have updated information on businesses open and hours, along with access to financial information, including access to local lenders, and the CARES Act information. Another web page has COVID-19 information. She added that NDResponse.gov is a good source of information.

The Chamber Office and Jamestown Stutsman Development Corporation is closed to walk-ins, but are taking phone calls. Call the Chamber at 701-252-4830, JSDC at 701-252-6861.

Great Plains Housing Authority Director, David Kline said, his office is closed with employees working at home and are available, by phone, and continue to be in contact with clients, and landlords. He explained, to work with a plan with landlords if individuals are behind on rent payments. His office has more information on stimulus dollars and how it effects housing programs. If callers need assistance call the regular office number, and leave a message, and they will get back to the caller.

The meeting was shown Live on CSi Cable 10 & 67, LiveStreamed at Facebook.com/TheReplayChannel, followed by replays on CSi 10.

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session, Tuesday evening, via Microsoft Teams. Board Members may attend from alternate locations to minimize group size and contact, as recommended by state and federal government officials due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16. Members of the public may view the meeting online, and on CSi Cable 68, followed by replays.  All members were present.

At Tuesday’s meeting:

The BEST TASTING WATER PRESENTATION was made by ERIC VOLK,  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ND RURAL WATER. 

He said Valley City took First Place in the contest that took place with 20 entries.  The final three had the final taste tests, and Valley City won and will go to nationals representing North Dakota, next February to compete against the 49 other states.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:

Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.

Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,931,152.61

Raffle Permits for Barnes County Wildlife Federation, Valley Quilters

PUBLIC COMMENTS No One Spoke

During the COVID-19 emergency, members of the public may request to make a public comment regarding city business by contacting City Hall (701) 845-1700 by 12 NOON on the day of the meeting to make arrangements.

Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting. The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

ORDINANCE

Approved  was a second and final reading of an Ordinance Annexing Auditor’s Lot 5 of the NE ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 27, Township 140, Range 58. Bridgetown Partners, Donny Eberle

RESOLUTION

Discussed was a Resolution, approving Plat of Waterfront Meadows. City Attorney Martineck said Planning & Zoning recommended approval of the plat after holding a public hearing, and under certain conditions, including a pending agreement with Barnes Rural Water to provide water.   He recommends either approval contingent upon requirements being met, or tabling.

The City Commission voted to address approval of the Resolution at a Special Commission meeting pending a meeting with city officials, to have details worked out and Donnie Eberle.

Approved was a Resolution Approving Plat of Plecity Mobile Home Park Addition. City Attorney Martineck  said the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval, following a Public Hearing and certain requirements met, also recommended for approval by Martineck.

NEW BUSINESS

An update was presented, regarding garbage collection remainder of this week. President Carlsrud

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Auditor, Avis Richter passed along information from Barnes County Auditor, Beth Didier, that the June 9 elections will be by mail-in only.

Residents should look for ballots by April 30, 2020.  After voting on the ballot, they can either mail it, to the address indicated, or put it into a drop box to be located on the north side of the Barnes County Courthouse.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.

Commissioner Erickson urged residents to stay safe and observe health care recommendations during the COVID-19 Emergency.

Mayor Carlsrud suggested that residents keep tabs of what Governor Burgum is saying in regard to state government and messages to citizens during his daily news briefs.  He reminded residents to fill out and send back their census forms.

Commissioner Maguson thanked Mayor Carlsrud for his leadership during the coronavirus pandemic, and the city staff and police and fire departments.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.

Jamestown  (CSi)  Jamestown Tourism is accessible by phone, as the physical location is closed for the during of coronavirus pandemic emergency.

On Tuesday’s Wayne Byers Show via phone on CSi Cable 2, Tourism Director Searle Swedlund said he’s working from home, and can be reached at 701-306-6255.  On line visit www.DiscoverJamestownND. Com   There, visitors can access information on the virtual tour of Jamestown, Talking Trails, and information on the Trail System around Jamestown.  Please observe social distancing, with no more than ten people in a group, outdoors.

He said Frontier Village in Jamestown plans to open on Memorial Day, if, the restrictions on social gatherings are lifted by then.   If not, then the opening will come when it’s safe to do so.

On another topic, the Tourism Grant Board granted requests, under  Capital Construction Improvements funding.

Those included for the Downtown Jamestown Association request for sidewalk historic inlays with the Road Diet project, and funding for a mural on the alley wall, at the Full Monte building, along First Avenue, South.  Funds were also released for improvements with the Jamestown Motocross track, the National Buffalo Museum’s interactive bison exhibit, the James River Rodeo, for bleachers, and the James River Water Trail project.

He pointed out that Tourism funding from the Hospitality, and Lodging Taxes will be reviewed, for Tourism funding requests, and light of the limited access to bars and restaurants and reduced travel, those available tax dollars will be looked at in terms of how many dollars will be able to be used for future funding requests.   He added that this month’s Tourism Grant/Executive Board meeting will hear funding requests from entities looking at upcoming events.  He said the board will look at funding based on if or when the events happened, depending on how long the COVID-19 restrictions remain in place, and then make funding decisions.

Valley City  (CSi) Two candidates will be on the ballot for the June 9, 2020, Valley City Public School Board election.

Incumbent,  Ryan Mathias is seeking another term with his Rural position. Arthur Frieze is running for the At-Large position.

School Board member Mike Callahan is not seeking another term .

Valley City  (CSi)  Barnes County Commission candidates are set on the Jun 9, 2020 Primary Election ballot.

Auditor Beth Didier says, there are two open seats, the only  offices up for election this year.

In District 1 – Incumbent Cindy Schwehr takes on challenger Rockne Earles

In District 5 – First time candidates, Scott Cole and Pete Paulson,square off
These are the only offices up for election on the Barnes County ballot.

Bismarck  (CSi)  – North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread  encourages renters, homeowners, farmers and business owners to take advantage of the recently announced flood insurance renewal grace period extension. The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) continues to take proactive steps to address the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. To help serve its National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) customers who may be experiencing financial hardship, the agency is extending the grace period to renew flood insurance policies from 30 to 120 days. This extension applies to NFIP flood insurance policies with an expiration date between Feb. 13-June 15, 2020.

Godfread says, “It’s clear that FEMA understands the sense of urgency and financial hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and they’re working to be proactive.  This extension should give NFIP policyholders some peace of mind and allow them extra time to renew their policies ensuring they are covered should a flood loss occur.”

To avoid a lapse in coverage, there is typically a 30-day grace period to renew policies. However, due to the widespread economic disruption arising from this pandemic, FEMA recognizes that flood insurance policyholders may not meet the standard policy renewal deadline.

The NFIP is a federal program, managed by FEMA, responsible for providing flood insurance, improving floodplain management and developing maps of flood hazard zones. The NFIP allows property owners in participating communities to buy insurance to protect against flood losses. A homeowner can purchase excess flood insurance, but they must be covered by NFIP flood insurance first.

For more information, consumers can contact their insurance agent, the NFIP (floodsmart.gov) at (877) 336-2627 or the North Dakota Insurance Department (insurance.nd.gov).

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The leaders of North Dakota’s largest metropolitan area say some residents are not following state orders meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus and they may take further steps, such as closing parts of city parks. Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney and West Fargo City Commission President Bernie Dardis say they’re not issuing stay-at-home orders or expanding on Burgum’s edict that shut down some businesses. However, Mahoney was upset to see 10 people playing basketball last week at a Fargo park. City officials say they want residents to enjoy the parks but will be monitoring activity to make sure people are following social distancing guidelines.