CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s. West winds around 10 mph.

.THURSDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. West winds 10 to 20 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Clear. Lows in the upper 50s. Northwest winds around 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the evening.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. West winds around 5 mph

shifting to the south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Showers and thunderstorms likely. Lows in the

lower 60s. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny with a 20 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows around 60.

.SUNDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s.

.MONDAY…Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 80s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. A 30 percent chance of showers

and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 60s.

.TUESDAY…Partly sunny. A 20 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms in the morning. Highs in the lower 80s.

 

Friday afternoon and Friday night is the next chance of severe storms.

Thereafter a dry and warm period over the weekend.

A more active period may be in store next week.

Highs Friday into next week are mainly forecast to be 85 to 95 F.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  City County Health District Administrator Theresa Will says with the COVID-19 drive thru testing in Valley City Wednesday,  the  number of people surpassed  the 500 test kit limit available.

Participants  testing  positive will be notified by phone within 24-72 hours. While those with a negative result will be contacted within 3-5 days.

She says everyone  turned away will have another opportunity to get a free test, with a future free testing event in Valley City with information to be released next week.

She thanks the 70 volunteers and 34 North Dakota National Guard members, along with the Salvation Army, who helped on Wednesday including Barnes County Emergency Manager Sue Lloyd and members from Sanford Clinic in Valley City.

 

Bismarck  (CSi)  Governor Doug Burgum on Wednesday held a COVID-19 News Briefing from the state capital in Bismarck.  He was joined by Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer.

Burgum said to take advantage of COVID-19 testing opportunities, noting that over the past three week, an average of 23,000 individuals have been tested.

He said summer tourist traffic is moving through North Dakota.  He pointed out the average age of those positive cases have dropped in North Dakota.  He pointed out several states have reclosed businesses and beaches due to a spike in positive cases.   He added that North Dakota active cases have doubled in the past two weeks, stemming in part from more testing and then contact tracing isolating those testing positive.

Serial testing, those testing more than once, has reached 208,192.  Long term care serial testing is occurring weekly.

He pointed out Burleigh County currently has the most active cases at 128.  Testing has been ramped up in the county.  The increase in positives in Burleigh and Morton Counties is being monitored.

Testing sites around the state have been expanded, including mobile testing sites.  A static testing site will be established in Jamestown.

On Wednesday, North Dakota health officials say they’ve confirmed 73 new cases of the coronavirus. The state health department said Wednesday the state has seen 3,971 cases. One additional death was reported Wednesday, bringing the statewide total to 85. Health officials identified the victim as a Cass County woman in her 90s with underlying health conditions. The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher than the state’s totals because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick. For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms.

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Woman in her 90s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED WEDNESDAY

  • Benson County – 4
  • Burleigh County – 20
  • Cass County – 15
  • Foster County – 2
  • Grand Forks County – 3
  • Logan County – 1
  • McHenry County – 1
  • McIntosh County – 1
  • McKenzie County – 1
  • Morton County – 7
  • Nelson County – 1
  • Pembina County – 2
  • Pierce County – 1
  • Ramsey County – 6
  • Sheridan County – 1
  • Sioux County – 3
  • Walsh County – 1
  • Williams County – 3

BY THE NUMBERS

208,192 – Total Number of Tests Completed* (+3,669 total tests from yesterday)

115,839 – Total Unique Individuals Tested* (+1,482 unique individuals from yesterday)

111,868 – Total Negative (+1,409 unique individuals from yesterday)

3,971 – Total Positive (+73 unique individuals from yesterday)

2.0% – Daily Positivity Rate**

252 – Total Hospitalized (+4 individual from yesterday)

26 – Currently Hospitalized (+2 individuals from yesterday)

3,447 – Total Recovered (+34 individuals from yesterday)

85 – Total Deaths*** (+1 individual from yesterday)

Upon death record review where COVID-19 is listed as a cause of death, it was determined that this death were not previously reported to the state.

* 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.

Burgum pointed out federal dollars that have been made available in North Dakota to support businesses and individuals, during the pandemic, with the help of the North Dakota congressional delegation.

North Dakota Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer says he Payroll Protection Plan has extended the deadline to apply for assistance,  into August, with more information available atNDresponse.com

The North Dakota Department of Commerce will be leading a Special Business Briefing call Thursday, July 9, at 11 a.m. (CST) introducing the new Economic Resiliency Grant (ERG) available to North Dakota businesses, as approved by the Budget Section at its June 25 meeting.

The purpose of the ERG is to support investments in business facilities, systems, equipment or supplies to reduce the spread of infection and inspire consumer confidence. To support this purpose, qualifying North Dakota businesses and nonprofit applicants may apply for funding up to $50,000 for qualifying project costs.

Kommer says the Department of Commerce is working together with the business community to increase safety, in order to inspire consumer confidence in the marketplace.  This grant is one piece of a large, forward facing plan to keep North Dakota open for business.”

The ERG application process is anticipated to open July 24. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding will be approved if the application meets all criteria and funding is available.  Additional information, including educational sessions, will be available shortly, and updates about the program will be posted to Commerce’s website.

 

Burgum on Wednesday signed an executive order restoring the work registration and search requirements for individuals seeking unemployment benefits, effective July 26.

Registration for employment can be completed online, and all local Job Service offices will be open by July 26 to assist those who need help completing registration.

The requirements were suspended March 13 in order to expand unemployment eligibility amid business closures during the COVID-19 crisis. Under Executive Order 2020-08.2  all individuals seeking unemployment – including those whose unemployment is related to COVID-19 – must register for work and conduct an active work search as required by state statute.

With work searches once again required, if an individual receiving unemployment benefits refuses a suitable job offer, he or she becomes ineligible to receive further unemployment benefits until becoming re-employed and earning sufficient wages to requalify for benefits.

Burgum said. “The suspension of registration and work search requirements was always meant to be temporary. Reintroduction of these requirements will assist employees and employers to return to work and continue a North Dakota Smart Restart. Job Service North Dakota will continue working with individuals receiving benefits on a case-by-case basis to make sure they receive the assistance they need and that we are protecting the lives and livelihoods of all.”

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, Job Service North Dakota has received an unprecedented number of unemployment insurance claims. In total, 97,178 regular unemployment claims have been filed by North Dakota workers. An additional 19,689 North Dakota workers have filed for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and 20,218 have filed for Pandemic Unemployment Emergency Compensation (PUEC). Nearly $568 million in benefit payments have been made since March 15.

Though claims filings remain more than four times higher than normal, filings are down significantly from the peak filing week of March 29. More importantly, certifications are down 20 percent since the week of May 3, which directly correlates with individuals returning to employment, Burgum noted.

For more information on North Dakota’s COVID-19 response, visit www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus or www.ndresponse.gov.

 

Burgum said the state lab in Bismarck continues COVID-19 testing 24/7.

Burgum’s next COVID-19 News Briefing will be Tuesday, July 14 at 3:30-p.m

 

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Fire Department was called to a house at 1211 3rd Avenue Northeast in Jamestown about 12:23-p.m., Wednesday, to a report of smoke.

City Fire Chief Jim Reuther says the cause was smoke backing up from the fireplace.  The home received smoke and soot damage.  The Buffalo Valley Red Cross assisted, as the occupant was advised to leave the home until it was cleaned up.

One occupant  was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by Jamestown Ambulance Service.

Five City Fire Units and 23 fire fighters cleared the scene at 1:05-p.m.

Jamestown   (CSi)  The Arts Center is  excited to bring the Downtown Arts Market back to Jamestown this summer beginning July 9 at 5:30 pm to 8:30-p.m, in the Hansen Arts Park, planning an event for each Thursday evening through August.

Arts Center, Director, Mindi Schmitz says,  “We want this to be as safe as it is enjoyable. So, things will be different this year. For instance, there will not be vendors or artisans. This prevents the hand-to-contact and allows the street to be opened up for additional seating area (bring your lawn chair). Social distancing will be observed. Masks will be strongly encouraged. We will also Facebook live the performances for those that still prefer / need to stay isolated.

She adds that the Arts Market plans may have to be adjusted if  Arts Center measures are not respected. The community’s  efforts to be as safe and responsible as possible when attending is greatly appreciated and will allow this loved summer event to continue.

July 9th The Deb Jenkins Band performs   The band started over 40 years ago in Fargo as the band called “Second Wind”. After some member changes and down time Mike, the Keyboard player and husband too Deb, the lead singer, changed the name of the band to “The Deb Jenkins Band”.  The style and type of music performed has stayed true to the beginning with Second Wind. Our style is sometimes referred to as Jazz, but really the heart of our band is rhythm and blues. The one thing we are NOT is back ground music. We want you to dance, dance, and dance.

Click here to view full summer schedule.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The 13th Running of the Pink, on July 11, 2020 will be  a virtual walk/run.  Over 12 years, the race has raised more than $150,000 for breast and cervical cancer screenings.

On Wednesday’s Wayne Byers Show, on CSi Cable 2, Tara Kapp said 249 registrations have been received, so far and are still being accepted through Saturday morning  July 11.

She said, initially the event was to be live and in person with social distancing protocols in place.   The event organizers recognized that many participants may not be ready or able to gather, during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The need for continued support of the fight against breast and cervical cancer through early detection goes on so they moved forward with #VirtualROP.

100% of the proceeds will continue to go to the No Excuses and Women’s Way programs through Jamestown Regional Medical Center and Central Valley Health.

She pointed out that all expenses of the event are picked up by Casey Stoudt, allowing all proceeds to stay in Jamestown and Stutsman County to go to the No Excuses, Women’s Way programs.

Funds raised tear down barriers that may otherwise prevent someone from receiving the care they need.  They may be uninsured or under insured, and unable to afford the cost of screenings.

Tara said a survey showed that 50 percent of women in Stutsman County have never had a mammogram screening.

The virtual options gives EVERYONE the opportunity to walk or run at your own time, pace and location but still be a part of the #RunningOfThePink movement.

The registration cost  is $25 for adults, $20 for youth 12 & Under, and $20 for Seniors. All paid registrants will receive a T-shirt.

To register, visit stoudtcars.com or call 701-252-2270 or toll free at 1-800-279-2886, for more information.

Anyone who registered for the live event is being contacted and has the option for a refund or, convert your participation to the virtual option.

Tara said be sure to include friends and family outside the area, and even challenge your crew to a friendly competition.

All virtual registrants are encouraged to post their progress and photos of themselves, on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and add #VirtualROP so we can recognize you. Post a photo of the road or treadmill you walked/ran on, a photo of you or your family or even the scenery on your walk/run.

If you’re running the 5K or 10K and want to be added to the competitive roster, post your time online at www.stoudtcars.com.and we’ll award prizes to the top 3 men and women in each category.

NON COMPETITORS: You can still register online or save the online fee and print and mail in your form. Forms available below, at www.stoudtcars.com or at our dealership.

Again, virtual registration will be open through July 11, 2020.

Results of the event will be posted at Stoudtcars.com and on their Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Stutsman County Commission has approved funding for a new warning siren, that failed during a test on Monday this week.

The cost for the siren replacement at the east side of Jamestown Reservoir at the marina is about $21,000.  Partial grant funding is being sought by the county.

 

 

 

Bismarck  (NDHP)  The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports a NDHP vehicle was struck when it was parked, on Tuesday at 5:53-p.m., on Highway 12, one mile west of Hettinger.

The news release says, a trooper was stopped on an approach conducting a traffic stop. As the trooper was returning to his patrol car, he observed a vehicle traveling west strike his patrol car on the driver’s side rear quarter panel.

A 2007 Kia, Sportage, driven by 37 year old Chad Wanna, of Laramie, Wyoming  was traveling west on Hwy 12, crossed the eastbound lane, and struck the patrol car, a 2019 Ford Interceptor. Wanna exited the vehicle immediately after the crash and started running into the ditch. The trooper was able to detain the subject shortly after the crash.

Wanna was arrested for driving under the influence, driving under suspension, and leaving the scene. There were no injuries sustained during the incident. The crash remains under investigation by the NDHP.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s attorney general has suspended the license of company that operates electronic pull tab devices in the state. Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said Wednesday Powerhouse Gaming has improperly installed pirated software on its devices in violation of the law. The attorney general’s gaming division began investigating Powerhouse in May after receiving what it calls credible information. Investigators inspected several Powerhouse devices and said they found the company had improperly installed a program which Microsoft labels a software hack that violates copyright laws. Powerhouse, headquartered in Rocklin, California, did not respond to messages seeking comment.

Bismarck  (NDGF)  The North Dakota Game and Fish Department confirmed the presence of invasive zebra mussels in Lake LaMoure after a local game warden reported the finding earlier this week.

Aquatic nuisance species coordinator Ben Holen said follow-up sampling confirmed well-established populations of zebra mussels of various ages, especially near the dam. It is unknown how the small, sharp-shelled mussels were introduced, and there is no known method to completely rid a lake once they become established.

The 430-acre lake, located in LaMoure County in southeastern North Dakota, is a popular boating and fishing destination.

Holen reminds water recreationists that everyone plays a role in stemming the spread of mussels to uninfested lakes. “This situation shows how important it is for boaters, anglers, swimmers and skiers to be aware of aquatic nuisance species and to take precautions to prevent their spread,” he said.

Prevention is the best way to avoid spreading ANS. They often travel by hitchhiking with unsuspecting lake-goers. “Always clean, drain and dry boats and other equipment before using another lake,” Holen said. “Also, don’t transfer lake water or live fish to another body of water. This can help stop the spread of not only zebra mussels, but most aquatic nuisance species that may be present.”

Since Lake LaMoure eventually flows into the James River above the city of Oakes, Game and Fish Department staff will also increase zebra mussel surveillance on the lower James. In addition, for the remainder of the summer, ANS watercraft inspections will increase at Lake LaMoure.

Lake LaMoure, and the James River in Dickey County, are now considered Class I ANS Infested waters. They join Lake Ashtabula, lower portion of the Sheyenne River, and the Red River as zebra mussel infested waters. Emergency rules will go into effect immediately to prohibit the movement of water away from the lake, including water for transferring bait. Notices will be posted at access sites.

Zebra mussels are just one of the nonnative aquatic species that threaten our waters and native wildlife. After using any body of water, water recreationists must follow North Dakota regulations:

  • Remove aquatic vegetation before leaving the water access and do not import into North Dakota.
  • Drain all water before leaving the water access.
  • Remove drain plugs and devices that hold back water and leave open and out during transport.
  • Do not import bait. For Class I ANS Infested waters, bait cannot be transported in water. In all other areas, bait must be transported in a container that holds 5 gallons or less. Remember that it is illegal to dump unused bait on shore or into the lake.

In addition to North Dakota regulations, the Department strongly recommends that all equipment be cleaned, drained and dried every time it is used.

In sports…

Jamestown  (CSi)   Jamestown Drag Racing Association (JDRA) will host drag races on Saturday July 11, and Sunday July 12, at Jamestown Regional Airport.

Gates open at 7-a.m. each day.

The event will accommodate changes to allow safe viewing a participation, in line with Health Department guideline due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Registration is available before the Drags take place, the day of the event. The fee to race one day is at $50 and $90 for both days.

Admission is $10.  Those six and under are admitted free.

Participants will compete in  six categories of races.

Gates will open at 7 AM each day. For more information, contact Michael Trautman at 701-320-9177 or email info@jamestowndragracing.com.

The  Drag Races have received grant funding from Jamestown Tourism.

For more information, contact Michael Trautman at 701-320-9177 or email info@jamestowndragracing.com.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Dakota Anglers will be holding a Fish Fry Tournament at Pelican Point Landing on Saturday, July 11th.  This is a fishing tournament for the contestants followed by a fish fry and potluck meal for the membership.

Two person teams may enter; at least one team member must be a Dakota Anglers member or pay $20 dues to become a member.

Registration is from 7-8 at Four Winds Sharpening.  Fishing starts at 8 am.  Weigh in at Pelican Point Landing at 3 pm sharp.

Teams may fish any one legal North Dakota water that must be declared at registration.  Payback is 100%.  Plaques will be awarded for each winning team member and for largest walleye and largest northern.  Call Nathan at 701-200-2327 if you have any questions.

In world and national news…

NEW YORK (AP) — A national coalition of labor unions, along with racial and social justice organizations, will stage a mass walkout this month to protest against systemic racism. Dubbed the “Strike for Black Lives,” tens of thousands of workers will walk off their jobs on July 20, according to details shared exclusively with The Associated Press. Workers across the economy, including fast food, ride-share services, nursing homes and airports, in more than 25 cities will strike to demand action from corporations and the government to dismantle white supremacy and to ensure the health, safety, and economic well-being of every worker, organizers said.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — Kanye West says he is no longer a Trump supporter. The rapper, who once praised President Donald Trump, tells Forbes in a story published Wednesday that he is “taking the red hat off” — a reference to Trump’s trademark red “Make America Great Again” cap. West also insisted that his weekend announcement that he’s running for President was not a stunt to drum up interest in an upcoming album. Forbes spoke to West from his ranch near Cody, Wyoming, in what the magazine called “four rambling hours of interviews.” West has already missed the deadline to qualify for the ballot in several states.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — Brooks Brothers, the 200-year-old company that dressed nearly every U.S. president, is filing for bankruptcy protection. Founded in New York in 1818, Brooks Brothers survived two world wars, the Great Depression and even managed to stay afloat when more men opted to wear hoodies over ties in the office. But the pandemic pushed it into file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Wednesday with so many of its stores closed, and a crisp suit far removed from most shopping lists.

 

(AP)  United Airlines is sending layoff warnings to 36,000 employees, nearly half its U.S. staff. It’s the clearest signal yet of how deeply the COVID-19 pandemic is hurting the airline industry. United officials said Wednesday that they still hope to limit the number of layoffs by offering early retirement, but they have to send notices this month to comply with a law requiring that workers get 60 days’ notice ahead of mass job cuts. The furloughs would include 11,000 flight attendants, 11,000 customer service and gate agents, 5,500 maintenance workers and 2,250 pilots. United officials said the notices cover 45% of its U.S. employees.

 

(AP) Atlanta’s mayor says she will sign an executive order mandating masks in Georgia’s largest city, defying Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to encourage voluntary masking. Spokesman Michael Smith says Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms plans to sign an order requiring masks, which could set up a confrontation with the Republican Kemp. Like several other local leaders in Georgia, Bottoms has unsuccessfully appealed to Kemp to change his order that local governments can’t exceed the state’s requirements. Bottoms told MSNBC: “Other cities have taken the approach that they are going to defy the governor’s executive order. Savannah has done it, some other cities have done it, and Atlanta is going to do it today.”

 

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas has surpassed 10,000 new coronavirus cases in a single day for the first time as a resurgence of the outbreak rages across the U.S. The record high of 10,028 confirmed cases Tuesday follows Republican Gov. Greg Abbott decision to mandate masks in much of the state and to close bars, retreating from what had been one of America’s fastest reopenings. New York and Florida are the only other states to have reported more than 10,000 confirmed new cases in a single day. Texas surged past 8,000 hospitalizations for the first time over the Fourth of July weekend, a more than quadruple increase in the past month.

 

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — One of four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd is asking to have his case dismissed. An attorney for Thomas Lane said in court papers that the case against his client should be dismissed for lack of probable cause. As part of his court filing, attorney Earl Gray filed transcripts from body camera footage recorded by Lane’s camera and the camera of his partner. He also filed a transcript of Lane’s interview with state investigators. Gray says Lane asked twice if the officers should turn Floyd on his side, and the officer who used his knee to pin Floyd to the ground said no. Lane is charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter.

 

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Four former detention officers and a nurse at a North Carolina jail are charged with involuntary manslaughter after a man died last December. News outlets report Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill announced the charges at a news conference Wednesday. John Neville, who is Black, died Dec. 4, 2019, four days after Kernersville police arrested him on a misdemeanor charge of assault on a female. O’Neill says Neville was restrained and choked while in custody, causing a brain injury which led to his death. But it took seven months before the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement about the 57-year-old man’s death, prompted by questions from the Winston-Salem Journal.