OMAHA, Neb. (USACE) Reservoir releases were increased Friday from Pipestem Dam, to begin evacuating storage in the flood control pool. Releases are being reduced from nearby Jamestown Dam as it nears its target elevation of 1431.0 feet, the base of the exclusive flood control pool.The current pool elevation at Jamestown Dam on Friday is 1432.2 ft, less than 2% into its flood pool. The reservoir continues to drop after reaching its peak pool elevation earlier this year, and is expected to reach its target elevation next week. Releases are being reduced from 800 cubic feet per second to 600 cfs today. Lake levels peaked this year on April 16 at 1439.7 ft, about 20% into its flood pool.
The current pool elevation Friday was at Pipestem Dam is 1479.3 ft, almost 53% into its flood pool. The reservoir has been stable the past few days, and will begin to drop as releases are increased. Releases are being increased from 50 cfs to 250 cfs Friday. The goal for Pipestem Dam operation is to set a constant release over the summer, targeting the base of the flood control pool (1442.5 ft) by Sept. 1.
The total combined releases will remain constant at 850 cfs with these release changes. Next week, additional release changes from both dams are expected as Jamestown Dam is evacuated and Pipestem Dam releases are stepped up to its summer release.
Bismarck (CSi) Governor Doug Burgum held a COVID-19 News Briefing, Friday afternoon, at the state capital in Bismarck he was joined by North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Jon Jensen and Department of Human Services Executive Director Chris Jones.
North Dakota health officials reported five new deaths due to the coronavirus, including four people in Cass County with underlying health conditions. The other person who died was a man in his 60s from Grand Forks County, with no previous health issues listed.
Positive COVID-19 Test Results
Results listed are from the previous day.
NOTEWORTHY
- Just a reminder that late last week we added serology numbers to the website, as well as made improvements and expanded what is being reported for long-term care.
- Beginning Saturday, the public health hotline will be available Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The hotline currently runs 7 days a week, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19
- Man in his 90s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.
- Man in his 80s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.
- Woman in her 80s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.
- Woman in her 70s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.
- Man in his 60s from Grand Forks County.
COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED FRIDAY
- Burleigh County – 2
- Cass County – 32
- Mercer County – 1
- Richland County – 1
- Sioux County – 1
- Stutsman County – 1
- Stutsman Total 30
- Ward County – 2
BY THE NUMBERS
107,509 – Total Number of Tests Completed* (+2,624 total tests from yesterday)
76,856 – Total Unique Individuals Tested* (+1,112 unique individuals from yesterday)
74,111 – Total Negative (+1,073 unique individuals from yesterday)
2,745 – Total Positive (+40 unique individuals from yesterday)
A duplicative case reported yesterday from Cass County was removed from the total.
1.5% – Daily Positivity Rate**
180 – Total Hospitalized (+5 individuals from yesterday)
30 – Currently Hospitalized (-2 individuals from yesterday)
2,242 – Total Recovered (+33 individuals from yesterday)
71 – Total Deaths*** (+5 individual from yesterday)
* Note that this does not include individuals from out of state and has been updated to reflect the most recent information discovered after cases were investigated.
**Because the serial tests completed and added to the total number of tests completed can result in new individuals who test positive, the daily positivity rate will be calculated using the total positives for the day by the daily number of tests completed instead of the daily number of unique individuals tested.
*** Number of individuals who tested positive and died from any cause while infected with COVID-19.
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 ramping up testing is a big tool in identifying positives.
Those most vulnerable at high risk for COVID-19 are continuing to be the focus of testing.
With long term care facilities Burgum signed an Executive Order, Friday that modifies visitation restrictions, with a phased reopening plan. Also outdoor visitation will be allowed, in conjunction with each facility, that allows outdoor visitation. The guidelines must include observing social distancing, wearing face masks, using a safe location, and making visiting appointments. This applies if there are no active COVID-19 cases in the facility. County positive numbers will also determine the relaxing of visitation restrictions.
The state will balance the relaxing of restrictions with COVID-19 testing.
Burgum said Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks has set aside a separate living area for those who have tested positive with the virus. Currently there are no residents, or staff with the virus, there. President and CEO Garth Ryland praised the state for its healthcare programs and guidelines during the pandemic, and providing Personal Protective Equipment. He also recognized other state departments.
With the court system, North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Jon Jensen talked about restarting the court system including jury trials, beginning July 1, 2020.
On June 1st, in person court proceedings have been established. The state is working with local courthouse officials, with their reopening schedule.
With resuming jury trial, social distancing is an issue, with the jury seating.
He said if jury trials are not set back in motion, the backlog will become unmanageable.
Starting soon, jury pools will again be established, with the courthouse to be given instructions to be safe during jury trials, including marking out the courtrooms, for social distancing, and wearing face masks.
Flexibility has been added to the Payroll Protection plan. June 30 is the deadline to file for those not preciously taking advantage of the program. NDresponse.com has more information.
Burgum said, the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division was recently awarded a Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support the behavioral health of North Dakotans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this grant, the division is launching Project Renew, a partnership with Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, to provide free and anonymous brief support services to individuals throughout the state.
The Project Renew hotline can be reached at 701-223-1510 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. Individuals can also send an email to renew@lssnd.org.
The North Dakota Department of Human Services announced Friday that it is extending the application period for the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) food assistance program for those families whose children participated in the free and reduced-priced school meal program and who have not already applied for or received P-EBT benefits.
The application period is through June 15, so that families who did not participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), but whose children participated in the child nutrition program at their local school have more time to apply.
Families who participated in SNAP and whose children received free or reduced-priced school meals were automatically enrolled and have already received their P-EBT benefits.
Families who have not already applied for or received P-EBT benefits can apply online at www.nd.gov/dhs/info/covid-19/families.html. If a family is unable to complete an online application, the family should contact their children’s school for an application.
Burgum added that beginning Saturday, the public health hotline will be available Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The hotline currently runs 7 days a week, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
With demonstrations surrounding the death of George Floyd, Burgum said mayors of the largest metropolitan areas have held dialogues. He said unlawful demonstrations takes away from the message of liberty and justice for all. He added that many cities have held peaceful demonstrations. He said the state is listening to the peaceful messages of those demonstrations.
The next scheduled News Briefing is Wed. Jun 10, at 3:30-p.m
Valley City (CSi) Valley City Mayor, Dave Carlsrud says that this Sunday June 7, at 11-a.m. there will be a Black Lives Matter, Peaceful Rally at City Park in Valley City. A walk is planned after the rally in City Park.
City police have given approval of the event.
Valley City Police Chief Phil Hatcher said police presence will be increase a bit in Valley City to monitor the peaceful protest in the event something more destructive may occur.
BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota State Hospital’s governing body will meet Monday, June 8 at 9 a.m. in the administration conference room in the hospital’s LRC Administration Building, 2605 Circle Dr., in Jamestown. Interested individuals can also join by Microsoft Teams at https://bit.ly/2Y3f5ET or by phone at 701-328-0950, Conference ID: 842 872 448#.
State Hospital Superintendent Rosalie Etherington, Ph.D., will give a report. Other standing agenda items include the medical director’s report and updates and reports on quality management, finances and employee wellness committee activities. The agenda also includes a report from the North Dakota Department of Human Services. Other business may be discussed.
The agenda for the public meeting includes time for comments from the public and North Dakota State Hospital employees at the end of the meeting.
The complete agenda is online at www.nd.gov/dhs/info/publicnotice/index.html.
Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations, including auxiliary aids, to participate in the meeting can contact Karla Bachmeier at 701-253-3964, 711 (TTY) or kxbachmeier@nd.gov.
Information about the North Dakota State Hospital is available online at www.nd.gov/dhs/locations/statehospital/.
Jamestown (CSi) The 2020 Buffalo Days Celebration will be July 25, 26 in Jamestown.
Chamber Executive, Emily Bivens says, the citywide event will look a little different this year, however, it will still offer the parade, and activities in McElroy Park.
Society distancing requires the changes to stay safe during the pandemic.
She says with that in mind, the parade route will be circular, so parade goers can maintain social distancing, as it will loop around and return down 3rd Avenue, Southeast.
Still planned are: activities in the park with a limited amount of vendors and entertainment, along with the car show. The 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse will be available with activities, and Ft. Seward.
More information on specifics will be announced soon.
Jamestown (Chamber) Members of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee and the Young Professionals of Jamestown presented the Customer Service Award for June to Larry Hust of Larry’s Auto Gladd for his outstanding customer service. The chamber honors individuals who demonstrate a consistent commitment to delivering products or services that satisfy customers by exceeding their requirements or expectations.
His nomination said, “I had a large chip in my windshield. Larry got my car in right away and even let me drop it off early, before work hours. He then drove me to my office in time for work. When he finished fixing the chip, he brought my car back to me, and it was only about an hour after I had dropped it off! Then when I got in my car to head to lunch, I was extremely surprised to find that Larry vacuumed out the entire front of my car. He also made the whole working through insurance company a breeze. And the giant chip in my window is now practically non-existent. I’m am so glad to have a business like his in our community!”
Congratulations to Larry, who along with all the other monthly winners, will be recognized at the Chamber’s annual banquet in January 2021. Customer Service Award nomination forms are available at the Chamber office and on their website at www.jamestownchamber.com or call 701-252-4830.
Jamestown (Chamber) The Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce City Beautification Committee is pleased to announce the 2nd winner of Yard of the Week Program for 2020. Charlotte Enger and Les Nordgaard of 1617 5 ½ Ave NE, in Jamestown, has received this award. Congratulations to them on this beautiful yard and thank you to them for their efforts to help beautify Jamestown. Congratulations for a job well done!
The Yard of the Week program has been established to recognize those within the community that take pride in the appearance of their yard and do their part to beautify the community. The program began June 1st and ends August 28th. Yards will be selected each week from nominations received. Nominated yards must be visible from the street.
To nominate a yard for the Yard of the Week program, please contact the Chamber at 701-252-4830. The completed forms require a valid phone number so we can contact the perspective winner. Forms are also available on our website at www.jamestownchamber.com. Forms can be emailed to director@jamestownchamber.com. All single family residences within Jamestown are eligible for the program.
Jamestown (CSi) June is Adopt A Cat Month, and the James River Humane Society is offering reduced adoption fees.
On Friday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, spokesperson, Gary Sahr said, the fee is reduced from $150 and $125 to adopt a second cat, to $125 and $100 to adopt a second cat. He pointed out that all animals are spayed and neutered, and have all shots.
Currently the Shelter has 15 cats and 10 dogs available for adoption.
Gary said that a dog named “Batman,” a year and a half old Sheppard cross will have knee surgery on July 1.
Donations are being accepted toward his surgery costs.
Send donations to:
The James River Humane Society at PO Box 636, Jamestown, ND 58401.
Donate through Paypal, and visit www.jamesriverhumanesociety.org
For more information call the shelter at 701-252-0747.
The James River Humane Society is available to visit by appointment.
Call Sheila the Cat Manager, at 701-367-6913, Kris the Dog Manager
701-269-2803.
Volunteers are still welcome, along with supplies, and dog and cat food donations, toys and cleaning supplies.
In sports:
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (uj.edu) –– The NAIA Council of Presidents announced Thursday changes to the 2020 fall sports schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes included a return to play threshold, a delay to start the season, and a reduction in the number of allowable contests.
With the delayed and shortened seasons, the University of Jamestown, the Great Plains Athletic Conference, and NAIA schools around the country will be revamping their schedules in the upcoming weeks.
Maximum Contests Allowed
With the delayed start dates, the maximum number of contests have been reduced as follows: cross country (7 meets, down from 8); football (9 games, down from 11); men’s and women’s socccer (14 games, down from 18); and women’s volleyball (22 matches, down from 28).
(This will affect the UJ Vs. VCSU football game. The Paint Bucket football game between the Jimmies and Vikings will not be played in 2020).
Return to Play Threshold
The COP Executive Committee approved a Return to Play Threshold system as a guideline for determining a return to play. The threshold goal is for about half of the participating institutions in each sport to receive clearance from local authorities to return to competition before the season can begin. For example, NAIA football has 95 participating institutions. When half (47) of these programs gain clearance from local authorities to play, the NAIA football season will be authorized to begin.
Delayed Start Dates
Assuming the Return to Play Threshold has been met, the earliest start date for football games will be Sept. 12, while all other fall sports can start competition on Sept. 5.
All sports can begin team practices on Aug. 15.
“The rationale behind the selection of these dates is to provide an adequate acclimatization, conditioning and practice period prior to competition for each sport, while minimizing the need for student-athletes to return to campus early,” the NAIA stated in its announcement. “Establishing start dates also creates a more level playing field for all institutions that are able to compete this fall.”
Currently, the NAIA intends to host all fall national championship events as scheduled.
In world and national news…
GUILFORD, Maine (AP) — Hundreds of President Donald Trump’s supporters and opponents are lining the streets of Guilford, a tiny city in rural Maine where the president is stopping Friday to visit a company that makes specialized swabs for coronavirus testing. Maine’s Democratic governor is urging the Republican president to watch his tone during his visit. Trump has been demanding a forceful response to protests that have swept the country since George Floyd died in police custody in Minneapolis. There have been multiple nights of demonstrations in Maine’s largest city, and more than 30 people have been arrested.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is taking a victory lap after the government reported surprising job gains for last month. Trump seized on the data to predict that the worst of the coronavirus pandemic and its economic disruption was in the rear-view mirror. The unemployment rate dropped to a better-than-expected 13.3%, but that is still on par with what the nation witnessed during the Great Depression. In remarks Friday, Trump briefly mentioned George Floyd, the black man who died as a police officer knelt on his neck last week in Minneapolis. Speaking about the economy, Trump said, “hopefully George is looking down right now and saying this is a great thing that’s happening for our country.”
ATLANTA (AP) — Protesters stirred by the death of George Floyd are vowing to turn an extraordinary outpouring of grief into a sustained movement as demonstrations shift to a calmer, but no less determined, focus on addressing racial injustice. In Minneapolis, where Floyd died in police custody and the protest movement sparked, the city agreed Friday to ban police chokeholds and require officers to intervene any time they see unauthorized force by another officer. The changes are part of a stipulation between the city and state officials who launched a civil rights investigation into Floyd’s death. The City Council is expected to approve the agreement, which will be enforceable in court, on Friday.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Negotiators for the city of Minneapolis have agreed with the state to ban the use of chokeholds by police and to require police to report and intervene anytime they see an unauthorized use of force by another officer. The moves are part of a stipulation between the city and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, which launched a civil rights investigation this week in response to the death of George Floyd in police custody. The City Council is expected to approve the agreement Friday. Floyd, who was handcuffed and black, died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer used his knee to pin down Floyd’s neck for several minutes as Floyd begged for air.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Prosecutors are investigating after a video captured police in Buffalo, New York, shoving a 75-year-old man who then fell and cracked his head. The WBFO recording of Thursday night’s encounter quickly gained steam online and sparked outrage. Two police officers have been suspended without pay. The video shows a man identified as Martin Gugino approaching a line of officers clearing demonstrators from Niagara Square around curfew time. The man falls backward and hits his head on the pavement. Blood leaks out as officers walk past. The mayor says the man is in serious condition.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Some Georgia lawmakers are calling to quickly scrap the state’s 19th-century citizen arrest law that was cited in one prosecutor’s controversial justification of the killing of Ahmaud Arbery. Democratic state Rep. Carl Gilliard on Friday said the law adopted in 1863 is an antiquated relic from the time of the Wild West. Arbery was killed Feb. 23 when a white father and son pursued him after spotting him running in their neighborhood. The father said he suspected Arbery of break-ins. More than two months passed before arrests were made in Arbery’s death. The first outside prosecutor assigned to the case concluded chasing Arbery was legal under the citizen arrest statute.
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