– Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Apr 24

CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy with chance of rain showers and slight chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 40s. Southeast winds around 5 mph shifting to the northeast after midnight. Chance of

precipitation 40 percent in the Jamestown area 50 percent in the Valley City area.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny. Chance of rain showers in the morning,

then chance of rain showers and slight chance of thunderstorms in

the afternoon. Highs in the upper 50s. Northeast winds 5 to

10 mph. Chance of precipitation 50 percent in the Jamestown area 60 percent in the Valley City area.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows in the upper 30s. North

winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the east after midnight.

.SUNDAY…Increasing clouds. Highs in the mid 60s. South winds

5 to 10 mph increasing to around 15 mph in the afternoon.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy

after midnight. Lows in the lower 40s.

.MONDAY…Increasing clouds. Highs in the upper 60s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with chance of rain showers and

slight chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 40s. Chance of

precipitation 30 percent.

.TUESDAY…Partly sunny with chance of rain showers and slight

chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 60s. Chance of

precipitation 50 percent.

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

showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy

after midnight. Lows around 40.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 40s.

.THURSDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.

The fire danger index Friday afternoon is in the Moderate category

Jamestown (CSi) Central Valley Health District, hosted a Stutsman County COVID-19 Response news briefing on Friday April 24

Presenters included: Central Valley Health District, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, and Sanford Health in Jamestown.

Central Valley Health District, Administrator, Robin Iszler said, as of Friday Stutsman County had three positive tests, and she anticipates more positives will be forthcoming.

She reminded everybody to continue to practice safe measures such has social distancing frequent hand washing with soap and water, don’t touch your face or nose, and wear masks in public.

She said there are no planned driving testing events in Stutsman County.

She added that mail including packages is safe to handle, use a sanitary wipe if you feel more comfortable.

North Dakota State Health Department’s Jennifer Schmitz said a person testing positive will be called and asked a series of questions to trace their pervious whereabouts, and close contacts when they were contagious, and offer support and check on their health status. A close contact is being with 12 feet of a COVID-19 positive person, for 15 continuous minutes. Isolation will be discussed and the period of time. Those violating isolation, or quarantine orders are subject to penalty of law including fines, and possible jail time.

JRMC President, Mike Delfs said, they have performed 93 tests for COVID-19 as of Friday afternoon. Those showing symptoms of the virus are tested, based on CDC guidelines. ER tests are sent to the North Dakota state lab, with results within 48 hours. He said JRMC is seeing post-surgical patients. Urgent and emergency surgeries are still being performed.

He thanked the community for donated face masks, and observing social distancing.

Sanford Health: Dr.Sarah Schatz said currently Sanford is testing for COVID-19 with individuals who show symptoms. If a person is sick stay home, and visit the NDDoH website for more information. If an individual has symptoms they want to be seen for, over the weekend, to call the JRMC Emergency Department, ahead of time, so the staff can prepare.

Test results are typically available in about 24-48 hours, and are sent to Sanford in Sioux Falls, SD. Positives will be called, otherwise see results on the Sanford “My Chart.”

Sanford in Jamestown has, as of Friday, made about 250 COVID-19 tests, averaging about 10-20 per day.

The meeting airs live with replays on CSi TV 10 -The Replay Channel & CSi 67. To view the briefing online, view it here at CSiNewsNOW.com or go to the CSi LiveStream at Facebook.

Bismarck (CSi) Governor Doug Burgum held his daily news briefing Friday afternoon at the state capital in Bismarck. Bank of North Dakota President and CEO Eric Hardmeyer.

NDDoH

April 24, 2020

11-a.m.

Positive COVID-19 Test Results

Results listed are from the previous day.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED FRIDAY

Burleigh County – 1
Cass County – 28
Grand Forks County – 8
Walsh County – 1
Williams County – 1

5^th highest daily positive cases reported

BY THE NUMBERS

17,449 – Total Tested (+1,119 individuals from yesterday)

16,701 – Total Negative (+1,080 individuals from yesterday)

748 – Total Positive (+39 individuals from yesterday)

67 – Total Hospitalized (+2 individuals from yesterday)

17 – Currently Hospitalized (-1 individuals from yesterday)

285 – Total Recovered (+16 individuals from yesterday)

15 – Total Deaths (+0 individual 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 said testing in North Dakota is continuing to ramp up, ninth in the nation is testing rate. The rate of increase in positives is slowing.

With antibody testing, 140,000 additional test kits have been ordered at a cost of $25 each which is reimburseable to the state from federal assistance.

President Trump signed legislation Friday that includes a substantial package of funding for a second round of PPP loans, with applications starting to be taken on Monday, April 27

The North Dakota Industrial Commission Friday authorized the Bank of North Dakota (BND) to provide two financing programs to assist North Dakota businesses in obtaining long-term, low-interest loans to assist in the state’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The loan programs will help both small and large businesses to secure working capital and replenish inventory. The programs will be effective Wednesday, April 29, 2020.

The Industrial Commission, which consists of Gov. Doug Burgum as chairman, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, in a joint statement. “Long-term financing at low interest rates will help stabilize the economy, provide working capital to main street businesses and ensure our state emerges successfully from this unprecedented crisis.”

The Small Employer Loan Fund (SELF) will provide a loan of up to $50,000 to small businesses with a full-time employee equivalent (FTE) of 10 employees or less. These loans may be used for working capital, recurring expenses and replenishing inventory. Business owners will work with their local lender to access the program. The loan has a maximum term of 10 years and a fixed interest rate of 1%, with deferral of loan payments for up to six months.

The COVID-19 PACE Recovery Program (CPRP) will provide a loan of up to $5 million for businesses of less than 500 employees and a loan of up to $10 million for businesses with more than 500 employees. Loan payments may be deferred for up to six months, at which time the loan will term out with up to a 10-year amortization. The interest rate on the loan will be bought down by BND to 1% for a period of time, with a maximum buydown of $500,000. Business owners will access the program through their local lender. Unlike other PACE program offerings from BND, there is no community match required.

BND President Eric Hardmeyer said, to qualify, North Dakota businesses must have been established before Feb.15, 2020 and loan applications must be received before Nov. 30, 2020.

BND staff assessed the federal program options and visited with stakeholders as it developed the program parameters.

“The financial institutions in North Dakota deserve the appreciation of our state’s residents. They have gone above and beyond to assist their communities during this time,”. “Because of their partnership, we are able to provide these loans in a timely manner so businesses can be open as soon as it is considered safe.”

Through a combination of the Coronavirus Relief Fund and the Bank of North Dakota’s accumulated and undivided profits, the Industrial Commission will make $200 million available for interest buydown and $50 million for low-interest loans. The buydown will be leveraged to provide up to $2 billion in low interest loans.

The Bank’s mission “to support agriculture, commerce and industry” has not changed since its earliest days in 1919. The only state-owned bank in the nation, the Bank of North Dakota is overseen by the Industrial Commission.

To learn more about loan program specifics, visit bnd.nd.gov.

Burgum pointed out that, congress has passed an amendment to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that enables agricultural businesses with 500 or fewer employees to participate in the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The bill includes an additional $60 billion for the EIDL program.

The EIDL program will provide low-interest loans and $10,000 emergency grants administered by SBA. Ag businesses will need to show they have been affected by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. Agriculture businesses should go to the SBA website at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/economic-injury-disaster-loan-emergency-advance to find out how to apply

With North Dakota Restart, Burgum outlined again the multi-stage approach, saying the COVID-19 virus is still on the move, with Chicago being a concern, and Burgum said the virus may be taking a westerly movement. He said May 1 is not set for reopening the state, but is still be determined, with more information coming next week.

He said the state never did shut down elective surgery, as the federal government has now stated a restart is now possible on a national basis.

Burgum on Friday issued an executive order declaring a statewide flood emergency for spring flooding that has caused an estimated $7 million in infrastructure damage so far.

The executive order officially puts all state agencies, including the North Dakota National Guard, on standby to provide resources and capabilities as needed, although the state has been mobilizing public and private partners to prepare for and assist in the flood fight since December through a whole-of-government approach.

The order also activates the State Emergency Operations Plan to assist local and tribal officials, alleviate hardships, implement appropriate recovery actions and future mitigation measures, and facilitate restoration of services and infrastructure.

Fourteen counties in eastern and central North Dakota have estimated over $5.2 million in damage that is potentially eligible for a presidential disaster declaration request. The counties are Barnes, Emmons, Grand Forks, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Pembina, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Stutsman, Traill and Walsh. The North Dakota Department of Transportation also estimates nearly $1.8 million in additional damage potentially eligible for federal relief.

“Overland flooding and near-record river crests have caused extensive damage to state, county, city and township roads at a time when the state is also responding to the catastrophic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and extremely challenging economic conditions,” Burgum said.

With the emergency declaration now in place, the state Department of Emergency Services will partner with local agencies to conduct formal damage assessments and then make a recommendation to the governor on whether to seek a presidential major disaster declaration.

With unemployment, on Thursday, 1189 jobless claims were filed, and since Mar16 through Thursday a total of 61,593 claims have been filed, and 17,000 pandemic claims.

Burgum pointed out that North Dakota food processors, such as Cavendish Farms in Jamestown and other plants, are well positioned keeping their facilities sanitized as a general practice, and to ramp up disinfecting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He concluded by showing 25 things your and your family can do to support mental health.

With CARE-19, over 24,000 users were noted, including 4,000 android users do far.

He added the North Dakota Community Foundation has distributed grants to 54 organizations, a second round of COVID grants are being opened.

Bismarck (CSi) North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum Friday issued an executive order declaring a statewide flood emergency for spring flooding that has caused an estimated $7 million in infrastructure damage so far.

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Fire Department was called to an apartment building at 8:29 am, Friday, at 819 2nd Av SW.

Lt. Sheldon Mohr says the resident set groceries on the kitchen counter and activated the toaster, which led to light fire damage, and moderate smoke damage.

He said the smoke alarm in the building alerted other residents, as the occupant extinguished the fire.

Five city fire units, and 22 firefighters were on the scene about a half hour.

Valley City (VCPS) Valley City Public Schools will inform residents regarding school closures for the end of this school year on or before May 1, 2020.

Superintendent Josh Johnson says we have continued to be in collaboration with local and state health officials and will make a decision based upon the best information that is available to us concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.

Johnson says additional announcements will be coming soon, on awards, graduation and other school related activities.

Jamestown (NDHP) The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports a Driscoll Man was arrested Thursday evening after a vehicle pursuit west of Jamestown.

A trooper attempted to stop a Ford F-150 pickup for speeding at around 6:30 on I-94 near Jamestown.

A pursuit ensued when the vehicle failed to stop. During pursuit, it was learned that the vehicle was stolen. Speeds reached upwards of 85 mph, continuing east on I-94 before the rear tire went flat on the pickup.

28-year-old Jacob Leno of Driscoll exited the vehicle and resisted arrest before being placed in handcuffs.

Leno was charged with driving under the influence, driving under suspension, fleeing, resisting arrest, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and two outstanding warrants.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has suspended a nationwide program used to approve oil and gas pipelines, power lines and other utility work. The move was spurred by a court ruling that industry representatives warn could slow or halt numerous infrastructure projects over environmental concerns. A federal judge last week threw out a blanket permit that companies and public utilities have used for decades to build projects across streams and wetlands with minimal environmental review. The lack of review is a longstanding sore point for environmentalists who say it amounts to a loophole in water protection laws that puts wildlife at risk.

In world and national news…

NEW YORK (AP) — New York has reported its lowest number of daily COVID-19 deaths in weeks. The state on Friday reported 422 deaths as of the day before. That’s the fewest since March 31, when it recorded 391 deaths. More than 16,000 people have died in the state from the outbreak. Also, Gov. Andrew Cuomo says New York expects to see a budget-busting $13.3 billion drop in tax revenue through next March. And New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says President Donald Trump’s musings on using disinfectants and ultraviolet rays to treat COVID-19 were “sad.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Navy says another warship at sea has reported a coronavirus outbreak and is returning to port. The Navy said Friday at least 18 USS Kidd crew members have tested positive for the virus. The destroyer is operating in the Pacific, off the coast of Central America. The Navy says one sailor with symptoms was flown from the ship Thursday to a medical facility at San Antonio, where he tested positive for the virus. Rear Admiral Don Gabrielson says the sailor “is already improving and will self-isolate.” The Navy says it expects additional cases aboard the Kidd to be confirmed.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed a $484 billion bill that aids employers and hospitals under stress from the coronavirus pandemic. The outbreak has killed more than 50,000 Americans and devastated broad swaths of the economy. The bill is the latest effort by the federal government to help keep afloat businesses that have had to close or dramatically alter their operations as states work to slow the spread of the virus. Easy passage of this aid installment belies a potentially bumpier path ahead for future legislation. Anchoring this bill is the Trump administration’s $250 billion request to replenish a fund to help small- and medium-size businesses with payroll, rent and other expenses.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic and a burst of government spending on testing, health care and aid to businesses and households will nearly quadruple the government’s budget deficit to $3.7 trillion. That’s according to the Congressional Budget Office. The CBO says the 2020 budget deficit will explode after four coronavirus response bills passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump. Those bills promise to pile more than $2 trillion onto the $24.6 trillion national debt in just the remaining six months of the current fiscal year.

NEW YORK (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a New York retailer has been charged with hoarding disposable masks, surgical gowns and hand sanitizer in a Long Island warehouse and selling the items at huge markups. Amardeep Singh is the first person in the country to be charged during the coronavirus pandemic with violating the Defense Production Act of 1950. The law forbids stockpiling and price gouging of scare medical supplies. Prosecutors say Singh marketed the the items online and disregarded a cease-and-desist letter from the New York Attorney General’s Office. Singh’s attorney is calling the charges “mostly fiction” and says the complaint misstates his client’s costs.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — State and local governments across the United States have obtained 30 million doses of a malaria drug touted by President Trump to treat patients with the new coronavirus despite warnings from doctors that more research is needed. The states acquired the medication as President Donald Trump regularly promoted it from the podium in White House briefings. The Associated Press’ reporting shows that 15 of the states are red-leaning states Trump won in 2016, although five of them, including North Carolina and Louisiana, are now led by Democratic governors.

Meanwhile…

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning doctors against prescribing a malaria drug widely touted by President Donald Trump for treating the new coronavirus outside of hospitals or research settings. In an alert Friday, regulators warned of reports of serious side effects and death among patients taking hydroxychloroquine and a related drug chloroquine. The decades-old drugs, which are also prescribed for lupus, can cause a number of side effects, including dangerous irregular heart rhythms.