CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Clear. Lows in the upper 40s. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the evening.

.SATURDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. Northwest winds 10 to 20 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 40s. Northwest

winds around 5 mph with gusts to around 20 mph shifting to the

southwest after midnight.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. East winds 5 to

15 mph.

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

showers. Lows in the lower 40s.

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers in the morning,

then rain showers likely and slight chance of thunderstorms in

the afternoon. Highs in the mid 50s. Chance of precipitation

60 percent.

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

showers. Lows in the upper 30s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of rain

showers. Highs in the upper 50s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain

showers in the evening. Lows around 40.

.WEDNESDAY…Partly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain showers in

the afternoon. Highs in the lower 60s.

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

.THURSDAY…Partly sunny. A 30 percent chance of rain showers in

the afternoon. Highs around 60.

Sunday through Monday night continues to trend wetter and cooler

Between a half inch to one inch of rainfall, for most of western and central North Dakota during this period.

The fire danger rating is High today in Stutsman and Barnes Counties.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Friday, May 1  Central Valley Health COVID-19 Health Updates will be held at 2:30-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.

https://www.facebook.com/TheReplayChannel/live/

Presenters were from:   Central Valley Health District, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, City of Jamestown, and the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce.

Central Valley Health District Administrator, Robin Iszler said, there have been seven positive COVID-19  cases, in Stutsman County, with two cases recovering.  She said since Tuesday this week another 560 people were screened, bringing the total as of Friday afternoon to 955, in part due to surveillance testing in congregate living facilities. She said those who have been tested will be informed of the results.  Those testing positive will be followed up by the State Health Department, and CVHD.   She said travel restrictions for people, coming into North Dakota from another state is still in place, and those individuals must quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in North Dakota.

She said face mask fit testing continues, adding that a fit testing for the public may be forthcoming, with plans still being developed.   She said those wanting to be tested for COVID-19 to contact their healthcare provider.

From Jamestown Regional Medical Center, President and COO Mike Delfs said the hospital as of Friday afternoon after tested 117 people, with zero positives.  The hospital is still accepting those in need of medical assistance at the Emergency Department, to still come into the hospital.   Call JRMC in advance to make arrangements, and if having symptoms of COVID-19 with respiratory problems to indicate that. Everyone entering the hospital will be screened, with questions. With the Smart Restart, he said, be sure to stay vigilant with good hygiene, and other safe practices.

From the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director Emily Bivens said, the Chamber’s web site, is updating local business changes in hours and other changes in operations During this Smart Restart time starting May 1.  Another area on the web site directs people to other resources…jamestownchamber.com  She pointed out legislative changes that businesses  can access, through NDResponse.com .  The Chamber of Commerce is closed to walk ups.  Call 701-252-4830. The Jamestown DMV office is closed.  Call 701-952-0852 for services.  She said CVHD has received the May Business of the Month Award.

From the City of Jamestown, Mayor Dwaine Heinrich thanked businesses for sacrificing staying closed or reducing services the past six weeks, by the governor’s executive  order.

He stressed that residents follow guidelines and observe social distancing, and good hygiene practices and use common sense.

He said the city is looking at approving outdoor seating at restaurants, adding a permit will need to be developed, and try outdoor seating on possibly a temporary basis.  On May 4, the off sale alcohol at food locations expires.

From Dairy Queen and Quiznos, Trisha Seckerson said, when the walk ins were prohibited with take outs, the staff adjusted well.  Now that walk ins are allowed, seating is reduced by 50 percent and floor markings are indicating where to stand, and sanitary stations are available.  She added to – go service is still available, and encourages that along with ordering on the mobile app.

She said no employees were furloughed during the restrictions, as employees rotated shifts.

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 Friday daily COVID-19 news briefing at the State Capital in Bismarck. He was joined by State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, Brig. Gen. Robert Schulte and Vern Dosch to discuss education, testing and contact tracing.

He began the briefing with:

COVID-19 Positive Test Results

Posted Fri. May 1, 2020

Results listed are from the previous day.

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Man in his 90s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.
  • Woman in her 80s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.
  • Woman in her 90s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.
  • Woman in her 70s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.

 

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED FRIDAY

  • Burleigh County – 2
  • Cass County – 29
  • Grand Forks County – 4
  • Renville County – 1
  • Stark County – 3
  • Stutsman County – 1
  • 7 total positive cases, Stutsman as of Friday a.m.

 

BY THE NUMBERS

29,525 – Total Tested (+2,065 individuals from yesterday)

28,418 – Total Negative (+2,025 individuals from yesterday)

1,107 – Total Positive (+40 individuals from yesterday)

86 – Total Hospitalized (+1 individuals from yesterday)

27 – Currently Hospitalized (-3 individuals from yesterday)

482 – Total Recovered (+24 individuals from yesterday)

23 – Total Deaths (+4 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.

Burgum said school buildings are “hot spots,” for close-contacting positive COVID-19 individuals, adding a cascading of cases may have occurred, if school was in session in classrooms, and school buildings.

With that, the governing said all North Dakota Schools will continue with distance learning through the rest of this school year.

He said the state has worked with several entities in reaching the decision.  He said schools have just a few weeks of instruction left, noting the risk of contracting COVID-19 in bringing students and staff back during that time.  Plus using contact tracing for those individuals testing positive taking it away from those contracting the virus who are at risk.

Burgum said the state taking action, closing schools the rest of this school year, takes the burden off local school boards, in having to make local decisions.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said the pandemic has caused an unprecedented change in the way school is conducted, adding that schools have adapted to distance learning including preparation, and praised teachers for meeting the challenges in these difficult times.

She added that with graduation, state officials are developing ceremony guidance with high schools, and how schools may honor graduates this year.

She pointed out Tuesday May 5 is Teacher Appreciation Day, in North Dakota.

North Dakota Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Robert Schulte and Vern Dosch discussd education, testing and contact tracing.

Schulte said the National Guard had a good foundation from state leaders in taking on the challenges.  He said testing is critical is determining who has the disease in slowing the spread of the virus.  Group homes, long-term care facilities and tribal neighbors are among the screening priorities.

Screening capacity is growing from 195 tests to 2,000 in North Dakota, and building the capacity includes putting testing kits together, for mobile testing sites.  It’s expected the tests will grow to 3,000 and more in the near future.

He said, testing goes hand in hand with contact tracing of positives.

Vern Dosch added the contact tracing team’s challenge was to re-invent the way the procedure is performed, with changing the scope of contact tracing.  Contact tracers now number 352, including retired nurses and others coming out of retirement to assist in contact tracing.

The state is now leveraging technology to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  He added public testing events are reaching out to residents, with the assistance of the North Dakota National Guard.  Citizen Registry, is being implemented this weekend, using Ipads in downloading data from those being tested which speeds the testing process.

In said the CARE-19 app has seen just under 30,000 having downloaded the tracing app, which he said in not nearly enough.  He added those with the CARE-19 app can readily call up who those testing positive have been in contact with over the previously 14 days.

He thanked the governor for his direction, the National Guard, the State Health Department and Internet Technology workers for their partnership in testing and contact tracing.

Next, Burgum addressed Vision Zero the state’s effort in not having any traffic deaths in North Dakota with the support of the North Dakota Highway Patrol and local law enforcement.

He noted however three motor vehicle related deaths were reported in this past week, with 13 traffic deaths reported so far this year.  NDHP has noted an increase in speeding citation.

With the state’s business reopening, Burgum cited more traffic on North Dakota roads, and the Highway Patrol has added patrols to the highways.

With jobless numbers he said a total of 68,471 claims have been filed, since March 16 to Friday, 638 on Thursday this week, 394 of which were pandemic related claims.

 

(CSi) Jamestown Police is warning residents regarding a convicted high risk sex offender who has changed his Jamestown, address.

Colten Michael Pede now resides at  518 3rd Av Avenue, NW, Number4 Jamestown, ND

He currently  has no vehicle.

Pede is a 35 year old white male five feet 10 inches tall, weighing 260 pounds with blue eyes and blond hair.

He has been assigned a high risk assessment by the North Dakota risk level committee of the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

Offense:  Criminal Attempt, attacking a 30 year woman from behind and taking her clothes off.  She was able to escape to her bathroom, but Pede forced her back to the living.  While attempting to rape her, her friend kicked in the door, and Pede released the victim.

Conviction Date: February 2008 in Grand Forks County, ND, District Court.

Disposition:  Five years, one year suspended, credit for time served since April 2007, One year supervise probation.

Pede is currently on GPS Monitoring.

Pede is not wanted by police at this time, and has served the sentence imposed by the court.

This notification is meant for public safety and not to increase fear in the community, nor should this information be used to threaten, assault, or intimidate the offender.

Any attempts to harass, intimidate or threaten these offenders, their families, landlords, or employers will be turned over for prosecution.

Printed handouts of the demographics of Colten Michael Pede are available at the Jamestown Police Department.

More information on registered sex offenders is available at the North Dakota Attorney General’s web site: www.sexoffender.nd.gov

Jamestown  (CSi)  The James River Humane Society continues to be accessible, during the North Dakota Smart Restart.

On Friday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Vice President, Jay Nitschke said, those interested in viewing dogs and cats available for adoption can call the shelter at 701-252-0747, or the cat manager Sheila at 701-367-6913 for more information.  She said the James River Humane Society currently has four dogs and 10 cats available for adoption.  She said, shelter employees and volunteers observe social distancing when in the building.

Jay pointed out that with guidelines concerning social distancing and limiting participants at indoor fundraising events, the shelter was not able to hold their largest fundraiser, the Potato Bar.  Other fundraisers are on hold, until state guidelines concerning slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus are amended to allow such gatherings again.

She said monetary donations are being accepted, especially in light of funds needed to repair the kennels.

Those wishing to send a monetary donation may do so by sending it to the James River Humane Society at P.O. Box 636, Jamestown, ND 58402.

Donations of food, cleaning supplies, toys and other needs are still being accepted, either at the drop box at Hugo’s or call the shelter to arrange for dropping off the items there.

On our show Jay highlighted “Cookie” a Healer/Collie mix.  Cookie likes people and cats but not other dogs, so the forever home should not have a dog living there.

The James River Humane Society is located off the I-94 Bloom Exit.  Again call 701-252-0747 for more information, and a reminder of the guidelines in place.

On line visit jamesriverhumanesociety.org  that includes a link to petfinder.com

Jamestown  (Chamber)  The chamber Young Professionals of Jamestown and the Chamber Ambassadors recently recognized Central Valley Health District with the May Business of the Month Award for their outstanding customer service and continued commitment to the community.

The nomination stated, “During this unprecedented time, it is so reassuring to work with the healthcare professionals and emergency preparedness team at Central Valley Health. They are unsung heroes and they deserve recognition for their works.”

The Young Professionals of Jamestown honor businesses that provide superior customer service, exhibit community spirit and provide a positive economic impact to the community.  This award provides recognition throughout the month with a plaque and a recognition banner for the month. Monthly award winners will be considered for the Business of the Year to be awarded at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet in January of 2021.  Business of the Month award nomination forms are available at the Chamber office and online at www.jamestownchamber.com .  Call 701-252-4830 for more information.

(The Chamber volunteers were not present at this presentation due to the recent CDC guidelines of social distancing.)

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has directed state agencies to identify substantial spending cuts to help deal with a battered state economy that’s been battered as officials try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Burgum says agencies must pare spending 5% percent to 15% when they prepare their plans for the next two-year budget. The Republican governor’s move reflects an increasing downturn in tax collections largely due to slumping crude prices and production in North Dakota. The governor will use the agencies’ blueprints due July 15 to draft his own spending recommendations for the Legislature when lawmakers meet in January.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Many restaurants and other North Dakota businesses have reopened their doors to customers after weeks of being closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The Fryn’ Pan Family Restaurant had a dozen or so customers after opening Friday at 8 a.m., the time set by Gov. Doug Burgum as part of his new reopening guidelines for bars, restaurants, barber shops, beauty salons, health clubs, movie theaters and other large-scale venues. Fryn’ Pan manager Pat Jones says he’s happy to reopen because it has been a struggle for his workers. But he says he’s apprehensive because he doesn’t know when the customers will return.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The latest survey of supply managers in a nine-state region of the Midwest and Plains shows many have hope for a rebound yet this year, even as the survey’s other indices show the coronavirus pandemic has knocked the economy in Middle America for a loop. The Mid-American Business Conditions index released Friday plummeted from March’s 46.7 to 35.1 in April — the lowest reading since February 2009. But the confidence index, which gauges supply managers’ economic outlook for the next six months, rose to 45.5 from March’s record low 14.5. Any score above 50 suggests economic growth, while scores below 50 suggest decline. The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Court documents show a Standing Rock woman accused in a fatal stabbing on the Fort Berthold Reservation has reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors. Chantel Ducheneaux is charged with murder in the death of Taylor Benson at a mobile home in Parshall in June 2019. An FBI affidavit says Ducheneaux killed Benson with a kitchen knife after the two women argued. Ducheneaux also was charged with assault for stabbing another person with a knife, according to court documents. Ducheneaux faces the possibility of life in prison on the murder charge. The Bismarck Tribune reports court documents do not list a sentencing date.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A union representing employees at a South Dakota pork processing plant says it will partially reopen Monday after shuttering more than two weeks ago because of a coronavirus outbreak that infected hundreds of employees. The United Food and Commercial Workers local chapter said Friday that about 250 employees have been asked to report to the Smithfield Foods plant to staff two departments, ground seasoned pork and night cleanup. The union was informed on Thursday about the partial reopening. Virginia-based Smithfield Foods did not immediately return a request for comment. More than 800 employees of the plant have confirmed infections.

In world and national news…

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — President Donald Trump tweeted that Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer should “give a little” and “put out the fire” a day after hundreds of conservative demonstrators protested at the state Capitol against stay-at-home restrictions she imposed to fight the coronavirus pandemic. The Democratic governor, in a tweet, responded Friday with a video of former First Lady Michelle Obama stating: “Our motto is: ‘When they go low we go high.’”Whitmer late Thursday issued directives proclaiming that the COVID-19 emergency continues and declaring new states of emergency and disaster after the Republican-controlled Legislature refused her request for a 28-day extension. The declarations are the foundation of her stay-home and other orders meant to curb the spread of the virus.

 

(AP) In Brazil, the streets of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are usually packed on May Day with workers taking part in marches demanding higher pay and better benefits. But they were quiet Friday because of lockdown orders prohibiting the gatherings. From the capital of Brasilia, President Jair Bolsonaro reiterated his belief that sweeping measures imposed by governors and mayors to close all but essential businesses in the country are more damaging than the coronavirus. Brazil has the most COVID-19 deaths of any Latin American country. Former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a video message to members of his leftist Workers Party said “the pandemic left capitalism naked.”

 

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil is emerging as Latin America’s coronavirus epicenter with more than 5,900 deaths. The country’s funeral home association warns that coffins are running out in the hard-hit Amazon city of Manaus. The association wants the government to fly a load of coffins there because the remote city of about 2 million people has no paved roads connecting it to the rest of the country. There also are signs from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo that authorities in those large cities might not be able to handle a rising death toll. One man whose sister had died in a Rio hospital described the morgue there as so overwhelmed that he found himself helping move some of the bodies.

 

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — As the coronavirus pandemic continues to force the closure of meatpacking plants across the country, hog farmers have had to respond quickly to a rapidly growing backlog of animals in their barns by killing and disposing of pigs. Many large-scale hog farmers have little choice once barns reach full capacity. Officials estimate about 700,000 pigs across the nation can’t be processed each week and will be euthanized if plants don’t resume operations. To help farmers, the USDA has set up a center that can supply the tools needed to euthanize hogs. That includes captive bolt guns and cartridges that can be shot into the heads of larger animals as well as chutes, trailers and personal protective equipment.