CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 50s. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the mid 30s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts to around 30 mph.

.SATURDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the lower 50s. Northwest

winds 15 to 20 mph.

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

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 60s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s.

.WEDNESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s.

 

Bismarck  (CSi)  Governor Doug Burgum held his daily News Briefing at 4-p.m., at the State Capital in Bismarck.

Thursday, April 16, 2020 – 11:05am

Categories: Coronavirus

POSITIVE TEST RESULTS

  • Man in his 40s from Burleigh County, household contact
  • Man in his 50s from Burleigh County, under investigation
  • Man in his 30s from Cass County, community spread
  • Man in his 40s from Cass County, close contact
  • Man in his 40s from Cass County, under investigation
  • Man in his 30s from Cass County, close contact
  • Man in his 30s from Cass County, community spread
  • Woman in her 20s from Cass County, community spread
  • Man in his 60s from Cass County, household contact
  • Woman in her 30s from Cass County, community spread
  • Woman in her 40s from Cass County, community spread
  • Male age 0-9 from Cass County, close contact
  • Man in his 20s from Cass County, household contact
  • Woman in her 40s from Cass County, community spread
  • Man in his 30s from Cass county, close contact
  • Man in his 40s from Cass County, close contact
  • Man in his 20s from Cass County, close contact
  • Man in his 30s from Cass County, under investigation
  • Man in his 30s from Cass County, community spread
  • Woman in her 40s from Dunn County, community spread
  • Man in his 40s from Grand Forks County, under investigation
  • Man in his 40s from Grand Forks County, under investigation
  • Man in his 20s from Grand Forks County, under investigation
  • Man in his 40s from McKenzie County, under investigation
  • Man in his 50s from Richland County, community spread
  • Man in his 30s from Stark County, household contact
  • Woman in her 50s from Stark County, household contact
  • Woman in her 30s from Stark County, household contact

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

 

BY THE NUMBERS

11,704 – Total Tested (+387 individuals from yesterday)

11,311 – Negative (+359 individuals from yesterday)

393 – Positive (+28 individuals from yesterday)

45 – Hospitalized (+1 individual from yesterday)

14 – Currently Hospitalized (+1 individual from yesterday)

163 – Recovered (+21 individuals from yesterday)

9 – Death (+0 individual from yesterday)

Governor Burgum says the testing backlog has been eliminated, with a tech from Abbot Lab addressing the issue.

He said anyone ill and wanting a test, to get one, and the state lab will assist if necessary, there’s no charge for a COVID-19 Test.  The state is looking to ramp up tests, doubling up capacity.

Burgum said officials with CDC are in North Dakota working on case investigation, tracing efforts and other areas of the pandemic.

Burgum participated in a conference call with President Trump and Vice President Pence, Thursday, on plans to reopen America, involving the newly formed Task Force.  He said Trump is planning to explain the present plans on Thursday night.

Congress is examining reloading funds expended in the Payroll Protection Plan, and some SBA loans.  A bill in Washington aims to reload $250-billion.

Burgum added that the Bank of North Dakota has assisted in deferring student loans for six months.

The CARE-19 tracing app has 18,500 downloading it.  The android version has been delayed until next week.

With unemployment, between March 16, 2020 and Thursday the filing numbers are 53,444 plus over 400 pandemic unemployment filings were noted.

With fishing, Burgum reminding anglers to observe social distancing, on shore being a fishing pole apart.  Family members only in fishing boats, to practice social distancing from others.

Game & Fish will be observing at fishing locations to make sure the protective measures are being followed.

The next news briefing will be at 3:30-p.m., Friday.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Tourism Grant/Executive Board met by teleconference Thursday.

Those in attendance by phone included, Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund and Board Members, President Matt Woods, Taylor Barnes, Tena Lawrence, and Paulette Ritter.

Ex-Officio Member:   Pam Phillips representing the Jamestown City Council.

Those requesting grant funding were:

Jamestown Arts Center..Summer Series Downtown Arts Market

Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce…Buffalo Days

Fort Seward…Big Guns of the Old West, during Buffalo Days

Jamestown Drag Racing Association…For a Tent

Jamestown Downtown Association…Rods & Hogs

Frontier Village…Saloon Paint & Signage

 

The board for the most part considered the requests based on if each event will be held,  if social distancing regarding the COVID-19 pandemic is still in effect during the date(s) of each event.  The allocations approved may have to be adjusted, if the event(s) are cut short, or not held.

The Arts Center Director, Mindi Schmitz requested $10,000 for the Downtown Arts Market, planned to be held each Thursday evening this summer, including cultural performances, art education, artisan vendors, and more.  She said 12 dates are set, hopefully starting Jun 4, 2020, through the end of August in conjunction with the UJ Block Party.  Each Arts Market cost $1500 to $2,000.

The calendar will be adjusted depending on the length time the social distancing is in place.

She said $5,000 is anticipated from Business Sponsors, and $2,000 from other donations.

It was suggested that  funding be granted on a per-event basis, based on holding ten events.

The board to grant the full amount to $10,000 to be adjusted if less that 12 events are held, due to any social distancing that may still be in place.

 

The Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce represented by Executive, Emily Bivens requested $3,650

For 2020 Buffalo Days advertising, and $650 for adverting  the Ft. Seward First U.S. Artillery Regiment  proposal for a Gatlin Gun for   Big Guns of the Old West, during Buffalo Days July 25, 26.

She said the Chamber does not gain financially from Buffalo Days.

Any profits go back into next year’s event.

Emily reiterated that Buffalo Days is scheduled to be held in Jamestown July 25, 26, throughout the city.  She said the Chamber’s additional resources come from the vendors show in the park, estimated at $300.

The Board granted, to fund the $3,650 total, for Buffalo Days, and the Ft. Seward request.

 

Jamestown Drag Racing Association, represented by Mike Trautman, requested $2,500 to purchase a used Anchor Brand metal framed canvas tent for the Drag Races, planned to be held July 11, 12, at Jamestown Regional Airport.

The 2019 local business sponsors funded $10,300.   Racer entry fees accounted for $11,600.  The Drag Races generate a total of $187,500 in local economic impact.

The Drag Races in 2019 were cancelled due to rain and wet grounds.

He added JDRA has the approval of Jamestown Regional Airport to hold the races there, and is still on, awaiting FAA approval.

For the tent request, the request failed due to a lack of a motion by the board.

 

JDRA also requested $7,000 for advertising the event, including media, billboards and posters.

The Board grant the full amount for Marketing.

 

Jamestown Downtown Association, represented by President, Lynn Lambrecht, requested  $1,000  for advertising,  for the  sixth annual, Downtown Rods & Hogs activities this summer, planned for June 13, on First Avenue.  If that date becomes unavailable, due to social distancing still in effect at that time, the event will be suspended until next year.

Additional funding includes:  $2,500 from sponsors, $1,500  from registrations, and $250 from vendors.

Th economic impact is estimated at $62,500.

The Board granted the full amount requested of $1,000.  Lynn said the dollars will not be spent if a decision is made not hold the event.

Frontier Village requested $1,000 for the Saloon Building, Paint & Signage.

Searle Swedlund said the building will be the focus of giving out information to tourists and be where the greeters will be located.  He said the Village will open depending on when the social distancing is  eliminated, and it’s safe for the public.   The typical dates are from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The Board granted, the full amount requested, $1,000.

 

Executive Board Meeting

Declaration of Conflict of Interest: None

Taylor Barnes gave the Financial Report.  Searle Swedlund added the finances are able to be sustained at this time.  The effect of social distancing on the hospitality business,  taxes and Motel taxes will be taken into account in the future.  The report was accepted.

Tourism Report:  Director, Searle Swedlund  said that her and Office Manager Allison Limke are working from home, with the Tourism Office closed to the public, but they are accessible by phone.  He said a student from NDSU has been hired to inventory the contents of Frontier Village.  The ownership or loan status of the contents is yet to be determined.  He added, at this point the City of Jamestown owns that property.  He said he’s considering closing the Tourism Office, on the weekends, as a cost savings option, and to direct tourists to the Saloon Building for information, when the Frontier Village is open.

The water trail project will have dollars applied for in a possible grant from Garrison Diversion.

Ex-Officio reports:  Pam Phillips gave a report on the Board of Equalization meeting, with four property owners, requested the city look into to modifying it’s decision on valuations.

She said City Hall is closed to walk ups, but is staffed, and can be reached by phone.  She added the City Council meets virtually in observance of social distances.

 

New Business:

Request for Direction for $1,000 for the Buffalo City Pool Tournament Association represented by Rory Hoffmann.  The tournaments, previously scheduled included, the Third Annual, Buffalo City Shootout,   and Downtowner Tournament.  The Shortcut was rescheduled for April 3, 4, 2020, and postponed until December 11,12, 2020.

The Downtowner Tournament is planned with Cabin Fever Days.

Searle said the previous allocation was $200 short of the full grant amount, and not enough dollars were expended on marketing and advertising.

The Board voted to move the request, for clarification to the full board meeting.

 

Also discussed was the Request for Direction for $4,350, to be allocated from the $5,000 previously allocated, for the  UJ Basketball Shootout, the unused portion of the advertising requirement because of bad weather, that cancelled the event  last December 27, 28, and unused portion of 30 percent, the advertising requirement.   Searle said the marketing dollars expended were also short in using the funding.

To Board Voted to also move the meeting to the full board meeting.

 

Jamestown  (CSi) Stutsman County Emergency Manager, Jerry Bergquist, on Thursday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, updated topics concerning water watch and other information:

The water releases from the two dams that were recently completed.

 

The spring water releases that began on Monday include, Pipestem Dam releasing 50 cfs, and Jamestown Dam continues to ramp up releases, on Thursday at 600 cfs, to reach 800 cfs, in increments of 200 cfs.   The combined release will then by 850 cfs.  That compares to last fall’s combined release of 2400, cfs, that required sandbagging along sections of the James River.  He said those sandbags remain in place at this time. On Thursday the Jamestown Reservoir was about 16 feet into the flood storage area, and Pipestem Reservoir was about 30 feet into the flood storage area.

 

He said, the overland flooding issues not related to river flooding especially in the western half of the County has parts of western Stutsman County looking like a big lake.

Jerry said  parts of Western Stutsman County is “pothole country,” full of closed drainage basins where the water has continued to rise, flooding much of the countryside. Bergquist said many rural roads are underwater, in some area’s four to five feet deep.

He said a water problem area at this time remains northwest and southwest of Medina.

Bergquist says there’s nowhere for the water to drain, adding, and the water just doesn’t go anywhere until it gets to an elevation where it overtops and moves into another closed basin.

Flooding is damaging roads while cutting off access to rural homes and hampers first responders.

Detours have been set up on rural roads, that in some cases moves traffic about 20 to 25 miles around the flooded roadways.

He pointed out that the Crystal Springs rest area has the threat of going under water.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation is working on raising two areas along I-94 east of Cleveland and an area west of the Streeter exchange. Bergquist says those locations could go underwater.

 

Meanwhile other topics included:

The daily fire danger concern as the wait for the area to green up.  On Thursday the Fire Danger Index was in the Moderate Category.

 

Jerry added that Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week is the week of April 27, with more information coming from his office.

 

This is National Telecommunicator Week  (April 12-18) where at the LEC, dispatcher are being saluted for their important work.

 

Valley City  (Chamber)  Wondering how your customers can get involved in the community more?  Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce executive, Kay Vinje, says, tell them about VC Strong Bingo! Its a great way to help encourage your customers to help support local businesses during these uncharted waters. Its simple to play!

Save and copy your phone from either Facebook or Mondays addition of the Times Record.

Get a Bingo and post it to the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page to be entered in $25 weekly Chamber Bucks Drawings, through May 22nd.

Kay says, if your business would like to display this logo in their window please let us know and we will be happy to get you one.

Visit:  https://valleycitynd.org/index.php where you will find, Business financing and Employer Resources from VCBC Development, Service and retail sources, and Barnes County COVID-19 Relief Fund information.

Also…

The Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce announces, the Quick and Easy Restaurant Guide.

The Chamber also continues to update the COVID-19 Business Guide. The Chamber has been compiling a list of Businesses and what they are doing during the COVID-19 outbreak.

A reminder the Valley City DMV is currently closed to the public until
further notice. We are doing invoiced renewals over the phone from 9 am to 3 pm with card payment. Title transfer work and any other work that requires signatures has to be mailed into the state. Anyone with questions please call the office and they will assist you the best we can at this time 701-845-3812.

 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of bankers in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states shows the vast majority expect the coronavirus outbreak to push their local areas into recession. The overall index for the region plummeted to 12.1 in April from March’s already anemic 35.5. It was the lowest index recorded since the survey began in January 2006. Any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said more than nine in 10 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

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — American Indian tribes and environmental groups are pressuring a federal judge to shut down work on the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to Nebraska less than two weeks after it started. They say pipeline sponsor TC Energy is rushing ahead amid the coronavirus pandemic as it tries to complete significant work on the pipeline to make it harder to stop. President Donald Trump has championed the $8 billion line and last year gave it a special presidential authorization to circumvent a 2018 court ruling that had blocked it. The same judge in Montana who made that ruling will preside over a hearing on Thursday to decide if construction should be halted.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Federal officials announced they are prohibiting recreational use of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. The closure Thursday comes as the state reported 28 new coronavirus cases, bringing the state total to 393. The National Park Service said the park is closed to visitors until further notice. The park is the state’s top tourist attraction. The park closure comes a day after Gov. Doug Burgum extended an order to keep most businesses closed until at least the end of the month.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — With a key coronavirus fund for small businesses now exhausted, lawmakers are facing new pressure over a Trump administration request for $250 million to shore up that program. The Small Business Administration announced Thursday the paycheck protection program had reached its $349 billion funding limit and no more applications would be accepted. The program gives grants to small businesses so they can maintain payroll and pay rent during the virus outbreak. Both parties agree the fund needs to be replenished, but Democrats want to add money for hospitals and states and local governments dealing with the crisis. Republicans say those items can wait for future legislation.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is preparing to unveil national guidelines on when and how the country starts to recover from the sharp economic pain of the coronavirus pandemic. As he does so, a bipartisan panel of lawmakers is urging him to heed the advice of public health experts. The new guidelines are aimed at clearing the way for an easing of restrictions in areas with low transmission of the coronavirus, while keeping them in place in harder-hit places. Ultimately, decisions on when to ease up will rest with governors. The recommendations also will make clear that the return to normalcy will be a far longer process than Trump initially envisioned.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — New York state will extend its stay-at-home restrictions at least through May 15. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday that transmission rates still need to be tamed as he prolonged the restrictions that have left most New Yorkers housebound. Meanwhile New York City is getting ready to use 11,000 empty hotel rooms for coronavirus quarantines. City officials also are grappling with a projected $7.4 billion loss in tax revenue because of the crisis. New York state recorded 606 COVID-19-related deaths Wednesday, the lowest daily number in two weeks.

 

LONDON (AP) — The British government says a nationwide lockdown imposed to slow the spread of the new coronavirus will remain in place for at least three more weeks. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says “any change to our social distancing measures now would risk a significant increase in the spread of the virus.” The lockdown has been in place since March 23. Schools, pubs, restaurants and most shops are closed, and most people are allowed to leave home only for essential errands or exercise. Medical officials say the outbreak in the U.K. is reaching its peak but it’s too early to loosen restrictions on daily life.

 

 

(AP) An extraordinary number of deaths over the weekend appear to have overwhelmed a nursing home in northern New Jersey where police responding to an anonymous tip found more than a dozen bodies. Police say that five bodies were found Sunday and that 13 more were found Monday at the Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation Center in Andover Township. Officials say the remains were among 68 deaths linked to the home, including both residents and two nurses. The New York Times reported that at least 26 of those deaths were confirmed by laboratory tests to be related to COVID-19.

NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Dennehy, the burly actor who started in films as a macho heavy and later won plaudits for his stage work in plays by Shakespeare, Chekhov, Eugene O’Neill and Arthur Miller, has died. Dennehy was 81. The actor’s representative says Dennehy died Wednesday night of natural causes in New Haven, Connecticut. Known for his broad frame, booming voice and ability to play good guys and bad guys with equal aplomb, Dennehy won two Tony Awards, a Golden Globe and was nominated for six Emmys. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2010.