Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Apr 28

CSi Weather…

TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Rain showers likely and chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then slight chance of rain showers after midnight. Lows in the lower 40s. Northwest winds 10 to

15 mph. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly cloudy in the morning then clearing. Highs in

the lower 60s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.

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

winds around 5 mph shifting to the south around 5 mph after

midnight.

.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs around 70. South winds 5 to

15 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows around 50.

.FRIDAY…Partly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain showers and

thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 40s.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny with a 20 percent chance of rain showers.

Highs in the mid 60s.

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

showers. Lows in the lower 40s.

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers in the

morning, then slight chance of rain showers and thunderstorms in

the afternoon. Highs around 60. Chance of precipitation

20 percent.

Jamestown  (CSi)  Central Valley Health Unit Stutsman County Response news briefing.   The meeting airs live with replays on CSi TV 10 -The Replay Channel & CSi 67.    view it here at CSiNewsNOW.com or go to the CSi LiveStream at Facebook.

Presenters included:  Anne Carlsen Center, and Stutsman County.

Central Valley Health Unit Administrator, Robin Iszler said, five people have tested positive for COVID-19 as of Tuesday afternoon.  Since Friday 59 more individuals have been tested bringing the total to 395 tested as of Tuesday afternoon.  She said those individuals are taking precautions to be safe and isolated.  She said local nursing home residents are also being tested.

She added that more tests are being held in the community, so the number of positives are likely to increase.

Tim Eisner from The Anne Carlson Center explained precautions were put into place in March this year, initially in response to a potential flood event.   Those daily meetings became updates and reviews for COVID-19  from local and state officials.  ACC has increased telehealth services.

One positive staff member was identified last week.

Mandy Surface is infection control coordinator, and keeps trace of implementing CDC and NDDoH guidelines, as the agencies serve as contacts.  Mass screenings began in March, and have evolved into daily screenings of staff.

Since the staff member was tested positive, the staff and clients in the area of the worker, are now wearing N-95 masks, and are being asked questions about contact.   Cloth masks are being worn by all other staff members.  Surveillance testing has also been performed, with results expected the end of the day this Thursday.

Stutsman County:

Auditor/COO Nicole Meland updated the June 9, 2020 elections, reminding residents that there will be no physical voting location, by rather voting by mail.  Applications have been sent.  Those not receiving an application by May 11, should contact Stutsman County, and with any other questions. Send the application to the Stutsman County Courthouse, at which time a ballot will be send.

They may be deposited in a drop box at the courthouse by June 8, and by June 9, by 4-p.m.

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)  At his daily COVID-19 News Briefing from the state capital in Bismarck, Tuesday, Governor, Doug Burgum explained more on his Executive Order, that lifts business restrictions starting Friday, May 1, 2020, within guidelines set in the order.

First, during the briefing…

NDDoH

Categories: Coronavirus

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.

Burgum has signed  Executive Orders, establishing new information, as businesses will be allowed to fully open, on Friday May 1, 2020.

He explained how the COVID-19 virus spreads, and urges continuing good hygiene practices, social distancing, more than six feet away from another person, covering coughs and sneezes, and using disinfecting agents, and wear face masks.  He added hard surfaces are collectors of the virus, and businesses should make sure items such as doorknobs are sanitized.

Those with underlying health issues and over 60 years of age, should stay away from public gathering areas, which are high contact areas, for a least a week, or two.

Business are asked to determine for themselves if they want to reopen, and if so set their own guidelines of doing business.

 

ND Smart Restart Guidelines include:

Businesses will be asked to limit capacity to 50 percent of normal operating capacity, allow for 6 feet spacing between groups and tables, and in-house dining areas must meet all guidelines and be sanitized between customers. Tables will also be limited to just 10 people per table.

Employee and customer hygiene and cleaning is also expected, including no drink refills unless it’s a clean cup or glass, menus will be single use paper or on material that can be sanitized after each use, and no self-service cups, straws or lids.

Blackjack tables must remain closed and gaming machines need to be separated at least 6 feet from service. hand-held entertainment or reservation notification devices are not allowed and dance floors will be closed.

Residents are also reminded to download the CARE-19 app to increase success levels with contact tracing.

Details available at ndresponse.gov

ND Commerce Commissioner, Michelle Kommer said conditions are ripe for business to reopen, and must comply with the safety guidelines, and protocols, adding the business openings are voluntary.

Protocols for such business, are established for tattoo studios, nail salons, massage therapy fitness center medical spas, hair salons, and more.  Visit ndresponse.gov for specific references and information, for reopening businesses. That includes links to the state health department th commerce department, OHSA, and North Dakota Job Service.

Health Department Spokesperson, Joan Connell, said, new technology continues to be addressed in the fight against COVID-19.  Convalescent plasma is being administerded to COVID-19 positives, the only antibody treatment available  Those previous tested positive, are candidates as donors, but must meet certain requirements to be a donor.  Vitalant  blood service also has more information.

With Jobless information, 66,266 claims have been filed since March 16, 2020,  to Monday, with 2337 claims filed on Monday. A total of 523 pandemic related claims have been filed.

He said the Google play store now has the CARE-19 app available for android users, for contact tracing.  2600 people have signed up so far.

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Special Session Tuesday evening via the Zoom platform and  observed social distancing at City Hall.  All members were present.

NEW BUSINESS

A Second interview was conducted with City Administrator candidate Gwendolyn Crawford.  She explained the duties at her current position as City Administrator at Lisbon, and said the Valley City position is similar in terms of working with the staff, and handling working with department heads.  She said at Lisbon the city staff works together as a team.

She and Valley City Commissioners discussed the Lisbon Police and Fire Departments, and challenges involved with building a new city fire hall.

She talked about funding for various projects.

She has reviewed the Valley City budget, was interested in the ways, Valley City budgets including setting aside funding for permanent flood protection, and pointed to Valley City having its own electricity source.

She attended last year’s Valley City Crazy Daze, and praised the activity.

She thanked the Commissioners for the opportunity to meet face to face for this interview.

Following the interview, she was excused, and Commissioners further discussed her candidacy for City Administrator.

Comments included her enthusiasm, and willingness to learn, versus her lack of experience.

Finalists for the position previously interviewed were:

Gwendolyn Crawford, Barnes County, North Dakota
City of Lisbon, Lisbon, ND

City Administrator FKA Auditor/Economic Development Director

Other finalists included:

Darcy Long, Gladstone, Michigan.

Darcy was also employed at
Amery, WI

Markle, IN

Brown City, MI: Brought new tier-one auto supplier to the community adding 30 new manufacturing jobs.

Larry Thompson, New Ulm, Minnesota.

On a unanimous vote the City Commission then selected Ms Crawford as City Administrator, and to start salary negotiations.

Gwendolyn Crawford’s Background information:

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources December 2002

University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Major: Agricultural Business

EXPERIENCE

City of Lisbon, Lisbon, ND

City Administrator FKA Auditor/Economic Development Director 02/2014-Present

▪ Coordinate and oversee activities of City department supervisors, offices and programs.

▪ Advise, assist and consult with City Engineer on all engineering and planning matters, including keeping track of payments, disbursements and change orders of all city projects.

▪ Prepare and administer city budget in excess of $5 million.

▪ Responsible for biweekly and monthly payroll along with quarterly and annual reports.

▪ Facilitate, promote and ensure community economic development and opportunities.

 

American Shorthorn Association, Kansas City, MO

Director Junior Activities 07/2011-08/2016

Director of Registration 07/2007-07/2011

▪ Planned, organized, fundraised, and orchestrated Junior Nationals

▪ Directed and motivated the elected leaders of the American Junior Shorthorn Association.

▪ Organized youth agricultural leadership conferences including finding alternatives for funding.

▪ Organized and put on 3-4 major fundraisers annually that fully funded the Junior Association.

▪ Assisted in developing and analyzing the association’s budget of over $1.25 million.

 

Missouri River Title, Omaha, NE 02/2005 – 07/2007

Escrow Office Manager 09/2000 – 08/2003

▪ Managed, trained, assisted and motivated, 9-12 employees completing 400-500 real estate closings.

▪ Responsible for $8 million to $15 million in escrow funds per month.

▪ Completed all aspects of purchases and refinances, for both Residential and Commercial transactions.

▪ Created training tutorials and researched new software to help with efficiency and customer service.

 

Homeland Title, Omaha, NE

Escrow Office Manager 08/2003 – 02/2005

▪ Responsible for hiring, payroll, deposits, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

▪ Supervised daily activities of five employees.

▪ Implemented a benefits package.

▪ Trained new employees and developed training manual.

 

VOLUNTEER WORK/HONORS

▪ 2019 North Dakota League of Cities Appointed Official of the Year

▪ Rural Leadership of North Dakota Class Alumni-Vice President

▪ Trustee of the Shorthorn Foundation

▪ Girls Nation Committee member 2020, Cornhusker Girls State-Chairman 2012 and 2013, Vice Chairman 2011, Director of Counselors 2006-2010, Senior Counselor 2003-2005, Citizen 1993.

 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

▪ Excellent management and organizational skills

▪ Solid analytical and problem-solving skills

▪ Exceptional communication skills

▪ Able to multi-task and perform under stress

▪ Goal oriented, determined and hard working

▪ High energy with positive attitude

▪ Remarkable dependability and motivation

Commissioners also approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 1054 which, if approved upon second reading, would give the City authority to construct infrastructure (water main, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and graded and graveled roads) from existing locations within City limits to the boundaries of newly annexed territories.  The vote was 3-2 in favor.  Voting in opposition were Commissioners, Powell, and Erickson.

The City would be further authorized to expend up to $150,000 from surplus funds generated by municipal utilities for the remainder of 2020 in order to cover associated engineering and construction costs.  The ordinance would terminate at the end of 2020.  It is anticipated that in 2020, a portion of the funds would be allocated to construct infrastructure to the boundaries of property owned by Bridgetown Builders Inc., pending approval of a Developer’s Agreement with the City and the Barnes Rural Water District.  Annexation of land for a proposed residential subdivision was approved by the Commission on April 7.  The second reading of Ordinance No. 1054 is scheduled for the regular Commission Meeting on May 5, along with further discussion of the subdivision development plan.

 

The meeting was seen on CSi Cable 68, followed by replays.

Jamestown (Sts Emerg. Manager)The week of April 27th has been designated, “Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week,” for the entire state of North Dakota. This annual event is intended to remind the public of the dangers associated with severe summer weather including lightning, high winds, large hail, flash floods and tornadoes. All of which, can cause severe property damage, personal injury, and even death.

Awareness week activities, Stutsman County will conduct a tornado exercise that will begin at about 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, April 29th. The exercise will simulate what occurs locally when a tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service.

The tornado exercise will be testing internal notification procedures county-wide along with siren activation capabilities. Sirens will be activated in many area communities including the Cities of Jamestown, Buchanan, Cleveland, Medina and Streeter. In most communities, sirens will be activated for approximately 3 minutes.

Because the National Weather Service will not directly be involved with the exercise, the simulated warning will not be broadcast through the National Weather Service all-hazards weather radio system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) for local AM/FM radio stations and cable television providers will not be activated. The Stutsman Alert’s notification system powered by Everbridge will also not be activated for this test.

The most common reason a community’s warning sirens are activated is to warn the public of a possible tornado. However, sirens could also be activated to alert the public of other types of events that could be a danger to the community.

BISMARCK, ND – The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved an allocation of almost $200,000  through Helping Housing Across North Dakota (HAND). The program addresses the housing rehab needs of lower-income individuals and families by providing grants to targeted community programs. North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) administers the program.

“Helping HAND ensures North Dakotans of limited means continue to have a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Commission members in a joint statement. The Industrial Commission, consisting of Gov. Doug Burgum as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, oversees NDHFA.

The 2020 grant distribution follows:

• Community Action Partnership, Dickinson/Williston, $15,479.
• Community Action Partnership, Minot, $20,489.
• Dakota Prairie Community Action Agency, Devils Lake, $15,505.
• Red River Valley Community Action, Grand Forks, $21,441.
• Southeastern ND Community Action Agency, Fargo, $42,709.
• Community Action Region VI, Jamestown, $11,697.
• Community Action Program Region VII, Bismarck, $27,080.
• Spirit Lake Tribal Housing, Fort Totten, $14,666.
• Trenton Indian Service Area, Trenton, $14,666.
• Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, Belcourt, $14,666.
• Rebuilding Together, Fargo, $800.
• Rebuilding Together, Mandan, $800.

Helping HAND assistance is provided to households with incomes that do not exceed 80 percent of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s median for the county in which their home is located. Matching funds of at least 25 percent of the total project costs are required to access the grant dollars.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The City of Valley City regular election will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Park Board, and School Board elections will also be held that day.

Voting

Barnes County is administering the June 9, 2020 election. This election will be STRICTLY Vote-By-Mail with no in-person voting on Election Day.

Applications will be sent to voters.   Once they receive their mail-in ballot, please complete the application and return it to the City Auditor, 254-2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND 58072.

If voters do NOT receive a ballot application in the mail by April 30th, please contact the Barnes County Auditor’s Office for a ballot application at (701) 845-8500 or auditor@barnescounty.us

Questions?  Call 701-845-8121.

When returning your absentee ballot, please send to the Barnes County Auditor’s Office, 230 4th Street NW, Valley City, ND 58072.

The County will have a drop box available in front of the Courthouse on the north side beginning April 30th for people to drop off their ballots, in case they choose not to mail them in.

Election ballots must be returned by 4 pm June 9.

A reminder that during the June 9 Valley City election, a measure will be on the ballot to support or oppose the extension of an existing one-half (1/2) percent sales tax for 15 years.

This sales tax was previously approved by the voters for permanent flood protection with a sunset of December 31, 2047. This advisory vote would approve extending the sales tax 15 years from that date.

The extension is needed to meet the Bank of North Dakota requirements to provide 30 years of funding to match up with 30-year loans needed for permanent flood protection. Again, this is an extension of time only, not an increase in the sales tax.

The city of Valley City began planning efforts and home buyouts for permanent flood protection in 2012. The overall system planned is an estimated 5.7 miles, consisting of a combination of concrete flood walls and clay levees. Construction of Phase I began in 2015 and in the summer of 2020, the city will have completed Phases I, II and III of permanent flood protection, resulting in a total of 1.2 miles of a completed system or approximately 20%. Funding has been secured for construction of Phase IV, tentatively scheduled for completion in late 2021. This would bring the total project complete to approximately 30%.

Jamestown  (CSi)  Jamestown   (CSi)   Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Stutsman County Commissioners passed a resolution on April 1, 2020, to administer the Primary Election on June 9, 2020, via VOTE BY MAIL.

This means Stutsman County will not have any open polling sites for Absentee Voting, Early Voting or on Election Day. Stutsman County active and inactive voters will be receiving an absentee application in the mail from the ND Secretary of State’s Office. If you wish to receive a ballot, each voter will need to complete and return the application to the Stutsman County Auditor’s Office.

 

If you do not receive an application by May 11, 2020, please complete an application at www.vote.nd.gov or contact the Auditor’s Office at (701) 252-9035.

If you wish to vote by mail in your City, School, Special and General Elections, please mark All Statewide Elections when completing your application. This will allow the Auditor’s Office to automatically take steps to ensure you receive ballots for the elections you are requesting and will not require you to complete another application for the November General Election.

 

Upon receipt of the completed application, the voter will be mailed a ballot for their precinct and small city ballot, if applicable, along with a secrecy envelope, a return envelope and instructions for marking and returning the ballot.

 

The Express Vote equipment will be available by appointment for anyone needing assistance with voting. Please contact the Stutsman County Auditor’s Office at (701) 252-9035 to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Vote By Mail process, feel free to contact the Stutsman County Auditor’s Office by phone at (701) 252-9035, by email at auditor@stutsmancounty.gov, or visit our website’s Frequently Asked Questions at https://www.co.stutsman.nd.us/government/elections-voting/2020-primary-election.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Salvation Army continues to provide services for residents in the community and Stutsman County, at the headquarters on 1^st Avenue North.

Major Judy Lowder says they have changed their operations to better meet the community’s needs.  There is now a door bell to ring, to limit the amount of people in the lobby at one time, to observe social distancing

The food basket program is available along with rental assistance, utility assistance, and hygiene kits.

She says, a baby pantry has been established, and the Salvation Army is accepting monetary donations to purchase and distribute supplies.

More information by calling the Salvation Army at  701-252-0290.

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) — A foster mother is charged in Minnesota with killing a young boy in her care. Thirty-five-year-old Kellie Jo Anderson is facing a charge of second -degree murder. The Barnesville woman was arrested in Fargo, North Dakota last week for felony neglect. That charge was amended Monday in Clay County. Authorities have not released the child’s age or identity. KFGO reports court documents say the boy was “blue and lifeless” and had multiple bruises on his face, head and body when Anderson brought him to the Fargo Sanford emergency room last Thursday. Court records do not list an attorney for Anderson.

In world and national news…

NEW YORK (AP) — New COVID-19 hospitalizations in New York state are averaging under 1,000 a day for the first time this month. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday the data is the latest sign of slowly decreasing pressure on the health care system. The daily death toll dropped again, with 335 deaths reported Monday. That is the lowest daily tally recorded in April and the third straight day under 400. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced New York City schools will implement a new grading system for the remainder of the coronavirus-disrupted school year. Meanwhile, jets from Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds flew over New York City in a tribute to the medical personnel, first responders and other essential workers.

 

PARIS (AP) — Europeans are starting to venture outside after weeks of confinement, but the rules look different in Madrid than they do in Berlin. Each government is setting its own rules and pace for letting the continent’s half a billion people taste freedom again. Schools are a particular problem. France, Spain and Greece announced measures Tuesday to ease the lockdown in the coming weeks. Italy, the European country hit earliest and hardest by the virus, is starting up its car industry this week. Germany and Greece, which have seen much fewer virus deaths, are reopening small shops including hairdressers.

 

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey has dispatched a planeload of personal protective equipment to support the United States as it grapples with the coronavirus outbreak. A Turkish military cargo carrying the medical equipment took off from an air base near the capital Ankara on Tuesday. A top official said Turkey is sending 500,000 surgical masks, 4,000 overalls, 2,000 liters (528 gallons) of disinfectant, 1,500 goggles, 400 N-95 masks and 500 face shields. Turkey has sent similar medical equipment aid to a total of 55 countries _ including Britain, Italy and Spain _ in an apparent attempt to improve its global standing by position itself as a provider of humanitarian aid at times of crisis.

 

Hillary Clinton will endorse Joe Biden’s presidential candidacy on Tuesday. That’s according to a Democrat familiar with the plans who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Clinton, the former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, is expected to announce her support in a virtual town hall with Biden later Tuesday. Clinton teased the announcement by tweeting a picture of her, Biden and President Barack Obama laughing in the Oval Office. As the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, Clinton made history by becoming the first woman to lead a major party’s ticket. Her endorsement is the latest sign of the Democratic Party rallying around its nominee to challenge President Donald Trump.

 

PARIS (AP) — The question of when to reopen schools looms large as European countries and U.S. states draw up plans to restart their battered economies. Despite alarm among some teachers, parents and mayors, France detailed plans Tuesday to start opening schools on May 11, with limits on class size and rules requiring face masks. Hard-hit Italy, though, intends to keep schools closed until September. And in the U.S., President Donald Trump said states should seriously consider reopening their schools before the end of the academic year, even though dozens already have said it would be unsafe for students to return until the summer or the fall.