Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Apr 29

CSi Weather…

TONIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows around 40. North winds around 5 mph shifting to the south around 5 mph after midnight.

.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s. South winds 5 to 15 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows around 50. Southeast winds

10 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY…Partly sunny. Slight chance of rain showers in the

morning, then chance of rain showers and slight chance of

thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 70s. South

winds around 10 mph shifting to the west in the afternoon. Chance

of precipitation 30 percent.

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

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

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

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

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s.

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. 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. Chance of precipitation

40 percent.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows around 40.

.TUESDAY…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. Chance of precipitation

40 percent.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  Officials  from City-County Health District, Valley City State University and Local Government presented another Barnes County COVID-19 update and informational briefing Wednesday evening, at Valley City, City Hall.    The meeting aired live with replays on CSi TV 10 -The Replay Channel & CSi 68.   To view the briefing online, view it here at CSiNewsNOW.com or go to the CSi LiveStream at Facebook.

Each organization provided updates and information pertaining to recent developments in the COVID-19 community response.

Speakers observed social distancing guidelines.

City-County Health District Administrator, Theresa Will, said, the health department remains well positioned to continue with contact tracing of those exposed to a person that has tested positive for the COVIC-19 virus.

City/County Health continues to accept donations of cloth face masks, that are available for distribution, upon request.

He said as of Wednesday evening their have been four positive cases of COVID-19 tested in Barnes County, from community spread and traveling.

She added that Sheyenne Care Center will be mask testing, next week.

She pointed out that there will be a drive thru testing  this weekend, in another county.

She urged resident not to become complacent with the reopening of businesses, and continue to observe social distancing and all other safe practices to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

 

Valley City State University President Dr. Alan LaFave said, a collaboration between VCSU and Valley City Public Schools have yielded a project that’s producing Personal Protective Equipment, including specialty face shields being designed and produced.

He said courses will remain on line through the end of this academic year.  Summer courses are being planned to held on line.

Summer Camps, including STEM and athletic camps have been postponed until July 1, 2020.

He said the construction of the Center for the Arts building is slated to start in June this year.  He hopes the VCSU campus will be reopened this fall.

 

Valley City Mayor, Dave Carlsrud said, on the June 9, election ballot will be asking voters whether to extend the city half percent sales tax, to fund permanent flood control.

He stressed that this would NOT be an increase in the sales, but an extension.

He reminded voters that this will be a vote by mail election.

He reminded as well that there are funding sources available for small businesses, and urges business owners to investigate available funds.

With the North Dakota Smart Restart takeing effect on Friday May 1, 2020,  he pointed out that bars can not serve alcoholic beverages until 8-a.m.

He stressed to continue to observe social distancing, or there will be a resurgence of the COVID-19 virus, through contact.

He said city government buildings will remain on lockdown until otherwise noted.

He reminded residents to fill out the 2020 census forms and return it promptly.

The briefings are closed the public to honor social distancing.

The meeting airs live with replays on CSi TV 10 -The Replay Channel & CSi 68.   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 COVID-19 news briefing Wednesday from the state capital in Bismarck.

NDDoH

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 – 11:03am

Categories: Coronavirus

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY

• Burleigh County – 2
• Cass County – 20
• Grand Forks County – 16
• McKenzie County – 1
• Stark County – 2
• Stutsman County – 1
• 6^th positive

 

BY THE NUMBERS

25,536 – Total Tested (+1,813 individuals from yesterday)

24,503 – Total Negative (+1,771 individuals from yesterday)

1,033 – Total Positive (+42 individuals from yesterday)

82 – Total Hospitalized (+3 individuals from yesterday)

28 – Currently Hospitalized (+3 individuals from yesterday)

437 – Total Recovered (+28 individuals from yesterday)

19 – Total Deaths (+0 individual from yesterday)

Burgum then outlined Tuesday’s previously announced  ND Smart Restart Guidelines, and the eight protocols and included in Wednesday’s Executive Order information. “North Dakota Smart Restart” protocols

He stressed that the new Amended Executive Order regarding the restart takes effect at 8-a.m., on May 1, and not before that day.

The amended executive order providing additional guidance for businesses that are resuming or continuing operations under the “North Dakota Smart Restart” protocols developed in collaboration with the business community to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

The protocols initially released Tuesday included operating standards for all industries, as well as specific guidance for several high-contact business sectors including restaurants and bars; hair, nail and tanning salons and other cosmetology-related businesses; tattoo and body piercing businesses; massage therapy facilities; and fitness centers. Additional ND Smart Restart protocols were provided today for movie theaters, including limiting capacity and group sizes, allowing for proper spacing between groups and staggering showtimes to decrease congestion in common areas.

These businesses, which experienced temporarily closures or access restrictions under the previous executive order that expires Thursday, April 30, may begin to re-open at 8 a.m. Friday, May 1, if the ND Smart Restart standard procedures and industry-specific rules are adopted and rigorously followed. Recreation and sports arenas, and music and entertainment venues, will remain closed until further notice.

 

With Burgum announcing that closed businesses, including bars and restaurants, can reopen Friday, May 1, at 8-a.m., under new guidelines, in order to remove impaired drivers from the road, the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) will have extra patrols beginning May 1 through May 3.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation and the NDHP want to remind drivers that alcohol and drug-related crashes are 100% preventable. In 2019, 42% of North Dakota motor vehicle fatalities were alcohol-related. Many lives would be saved each year if everyone made the choice to drive sober or find a sober ride.

Lt. Adam Dvorak of the NDHP  says, “Many North Dakotans will be eager to enjoy a drink at their favorite establishment when bars and restaurants reopen. (After 8-a.m.).  There are serious consequences when you drive impaired. If you choose to consume alcohol this weekend, take personal responsibility and find a sober ride.”

As businesses open and traffic increases, every driver and vehicle occupant can help meet the Vision Zero goal of zero motor vehicle fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roads. This means wearing a seat belt at all times, using appropriate child passenger safety seats, driving distraction-free, driving sober, and obeying all posted speed limits.

Learn more about safety initiatives at VisionZero.ND.gov or join the conversation on the Vision Zero ND Facebook or Twitter page.

Burgum said the state continues to receive input from school officials on continued closed schools and distance learning.  He said by Friday this week the state may have a decision on continuing, or not, distance learning.  He said, a consideration may be given to starting the 2020-2021 school year ahead of the typical start dates.

Human Services Executive Director Chris Jones outlined protections for vulnerable populations.  He said a team has been established to move forward with efforts for people in such areas, but not limited to, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and corrections.

He said with visiting, policies, no changes limiting visitation in congregate housing settings

With the homeless population, scattered housing for COVID positive people has been set up, for isolation and quarantining.

 

Burgum reminded residents that the June 9, elections will have no physical voting polls, and will be by Vote by Mail, only, for all North Dakotans, and American Indian Tribes.

He talked about applications being mailed out, followed by sending the applications to county auditors, and then the mail-in ballot will be sent.  Ballots must be back to the courthouse, mailed in, received by June 8, and in person not later than 4-p.m., June 9, election day.

 

With unemployment, 2336 recorded new claims from Tuesday, for a total of regular claims since March 16, 2020 are at 63,929, with 1163 pandemic claims.  Software coding has been updated, and self-employed payments going out Wednesday evening, along with claimants still to receive benefit payments, and amendment payments still owed.

 

Movie theaters that chose to reopen, will be limited to 20 percent attendance and staggered start times, starting on Friday this week.  Seating will be in accordance with social distancing, no closer than six feet to another person.   Employees will be wearing protective face masks.

 

With behavioral health, Burgum talked about how to help veterans in need, including suicide preventions efforts.  Phone numbers and more information regarding suicide prevention training at the state’s behavior health website.

 

Burgum pointed out that there are now 27,500 subscribers to CARE-19 tracing app, now available to android phone users, through the Google Play Store.

 

Jamestown  (NDHP)  The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports, two Jamestown females received minor injuries in a one vehicle rollover crash Tuesday evening about 7:36-p.m., during rain on a wet gravel road.

The report says the driver of a 1995 Ford F150, a 19 year old from Jamestown was traveling westbound on 44th Street Southeast, eight miles south of Jamestown. The report says she was distracted by the passenger’s mobile device. She lost control on the wet gravel roadway. The Ford entered the north ditch and overturned. The driver and a 20 year old from Jamestown, neither identified, sustained minor injuries. The driver, was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. The passenger was placed under arrest for minor of consumption of alcohol. Both occupants were wearing seatbelts.

The crash is under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

The Highway Patrol was assisted on the scene by the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office.

Jamestown  (CSi)  Stutsman County conducted a simulated county-wide tornado exercise Wednesday morning, April 29^th as part of Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week.  The exercise began at 11:15 a.m. simulating what occurs locally when a tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service.

The goal of the exercise was to test the Communications Center’s internal notification procedures county-wide including the testing of area community siren systems.

Stutsman County Emergency Manager, and 9-1-1- Coordinator, Jerry Bergquist says, the siren systems for Jamestown, Buchanan, Cleveland, Medina and Streeter were tested.  Except for the City of Streeter, all sirens systems proved to be operational and ready for the summer weather season.

Because the National Weather Service did not send out “official tornado warning tones” as part of the simulation, their all-hazards weather radio system did not activate.  In addition, the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for AM/FM radio stations and cable TV providers was not activated. However, cable interrupt systems were tested manually.  The Stutsman Alerts notification system powered by Everbridge was also not activated for this test.

The Stutsman Alerts system allows individuals to sign up for immediate notification of up to six different weather warnings including tornado, thunderstorm, flood, flash flood, winter storm and blizzard.  To sign up for Stutsman Alerts, go to the Stutsman County webpage at www.co.stutsman.nd.us and click on the Stutsman Alerts window.  Choose to receive weather warnings via land-line telephones, cellphones (optional text messaging) and email.  Stutsman Alerts is a no-cost way to receive immediate weather warnings, but registration including a Stutsman County street address is required to utilize the service.  For those needing assistance to register, contact Stutsman County Emergency Management at 701-252-9093.

 

Jamestown  (JRMC)  — For the first time in history, the National Rural Health Association named Jamestown Regional Medical Center one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the country.

NRHA determines Top 20 CAHs based on the results of the Hospital Strength Index and its eight indices of performance: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspectives, cost, charge, and financial stability. This elite group of hospitals was selected from The Chartis Center for Rural Health’s 2020 Top 100 CAH list, which was released in February.

JRMC has received the Top 100 designation every year since 2014.

JRMC President & CEO Mike Delfs  says, “There’s a reason we’re a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital in the country, and that reason is our team of #DifferenceMakers.  Now, more than ever, they are demonstrating how they are THE difference in the lives of those we serve.”

This award is an honor to receive, especially for independent hospitals like JRMC.

Across the United States, more than 1,300 hospitals qualify as a Critical Access Hospital (CHA), a designation Congress created in 1997 to improve healthcare access in rural areas. JRMC has maintained its critical access designation since 2009.

Delfs says, “JRMC works to exceed industry standards, and one example of that is exceptional patient care.  Not every rural hospital can offer specialty care like urology, orthopedics, podiatry, ear, nose & throat advanced wound care, and now cancer care, however, we do. We are committed to continuing to offer legendary care to this community.”

Learn more about JRMC at www.jrmcnd.com.

About the National Rural Health Association

NRHA is a nonprofit organization working to improve the health and wellbeing of rural Americans and providing leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communications, education and research. NRHA membership is made up of 21,000 diverse individuals and organizations, all of whom share the common bond of an interest in rural health. For more information, visit RuralHealthWeb.org.

About The Chartis Group

The Chartis Group® (Chartis) provides comprehensive advisory services and analytics to the healthcare industry. With an unparalleled depth of expertise in strategic planning, performance excellence, informatics and technology, and health analytics, Chartis helps leading academic medical centers, integrated delivery networks, children’s hospitals and healthcare service organizations achieve transformative results. Chartis has offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York, Minneapolis and San Francisco. For more information, visit chartis.com.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Police say they are looking for a man who fired multiple gunshots into a vehicle in Bismarck. Authorities say the 24-year-old man is wanted for attempted murder. No one in Friday’s shooting was injured. Officers have arrested a man accused of being an accomplice. Police say the 18-year-old man was driving the vehicle from which the shots were fired. Formal charges are pending. The Bismarck Tribune reports the man accused of firing the shots is on probation for assaulting a police or corrections officer in 2018.

In sports…

Jamestown  (uj.edu)  The Jimmies for Generosity Food Drive will be held April 30 and May 1.

Non-perishable food items are needed for the local food pantry.

Drop off items at the Jimmie Booster Club trailer, located at the Liechty Center parking lot..Thursday April 30, noon to 2-p.m., and 4-p.m., to 6-p.m.

Friday May 1, 7:30-a.m., to 9:30-a.m. and noon to 2-p.m.  (#JimmiesForGenerosity)

In world and national news…

NEW YORK (AP) — The smallest companies seeking coronavirus relief loans are moving to the head of the line _ the Small Business Administration says that for eight hours ending at midnight Eastern time it will accept loans only from small lenders. SBA head Jovita Carranza says in a tweet. the step is being taken to ensure that small community lenders and their small business customers would have access to the $310 billion program, There have been concerns about the nation’s smallest businesses being able to get loans because small banks _ many of them with just a few hundred applications _ have had to compete with big national banks submitting hundreds of thousands of loan requests.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says the federal government’s coronavirus social distancing guidelines will be “fading out” when they expire on Thursday and states pivot to reopening. The administration says the guidance issued 45 days ago has been incorporated into recommendations given to states on how they can begin the process of gradually reopening their economies. The news comes on a day that brought hopeful signs on a new treatment along with grim economic numbers. The U.S. economy shrank at a 4.8% annual rate last quarter.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Reversing course, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell now says he is “open” to considering additional funds for state and local governments in the next coronavirus relief bill. Democrats want more than $500 billion to help states cover costs of police, fire and other front-line workers. The about-face from McConnell comes after governors criticized his suggestion that states should simply be allowed to go bankrupt. As Congress delves into the next round of aid, Democrats have a new proposal to federalize the nation’s medical supply chain. McConnell insists any new bill must include liability protections from an “avalanche” of lawsuits against businesses that reopen.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve says it will keep its key short-term interest rate near zero for the foreseeable future as part of its extraordinary efforts to bolster an economy that is sinking into its worst crisis since the 1930s. The Fed says it will also continue to buy Treasury and mortgage bonds to help keep rates low and ensure that companies can continue to lend easily to each other amid a near-paralysis of the economy caused by the coronavirus. The central bank did not specify any amounts or timing for its bond purchases.

 

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan says he’s seeking the Libertarian nod for president because millions of Americans do not feel well represented by either major political party and their standard-bearers. Amash is a critic of President Donald Trump who left the Republican Party to become an independent and later supported Trump’s impeachment. He told The Associated Press on Wednesday that there’s “no clear-cut answer” to whether his candidacy could benefit Trump in battlegrounds like his home state of Michigan, as some strategists suggest. He says it’s important that Americans have an alternative on the ballot.