CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s. East winds around 5 mph.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. Southeast winds 5 to 15 mph.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph.

.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. Southeast winds

10 to 15 mph with gusts to around 30 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. A 50 percent chance of

showers and thunderstorms in the Jamestown area, 60 percent in the Valley City area. Lows in the lower 70s.

.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 90s.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers

and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 70s.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny with a 30 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers

and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 60s.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.

Showers  across southeastern North Dakota and are expected to spread into west central Minnesota Tuesday afternoon. Conditions are favorable for funnel clouds with any shower that does develop, with one already reported near Harwood.
These types of funnel clouds are usually short lived and weak. While very unlikely, it is not out of the question for a funnel to touch down, so if you see one approaching the ground, take cover immediately.

Wednesday through Monday

Periodic thunderstorm chances prevail, with a more favorable pattern for strong to severe thunderstorms emerging Thursday through Sunday.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  Several rail cars  of the Canadian Pacific Railway left the track just before 9-p.m., Tuesday, north of Valley City.

No hazardous material was on board at the time of the derailment.

Barnes County Deputy Doug Kiefert says there were no injuries, and the cause is under investigation.

Update…

Jamestown  (UJ)  The University of Jamestown and Jamestown Public Schools announced Tuesday plans for an $11 million renovation to Taylor Stadium-Rollie Greeno Field that will impact football and track and field.

Starting this fall, the project will renovate the Jimmies’ current football stadium and track, replacing the current grass with turf, new stadium lights, new press boxes, a concourse, updated restrooms and concessions, and a paved parking lot. The west end of the stadium will once again serve as the home side for Jamestown fans.

A new 400m track and throwing area is also slated to be part of the renovation. Jamestown has not hosted a home track meet in the last two years due to deteriorating track surface conditions.

University of Jamestown trustee Dr. Jo-Ida Hansen contributed a lead donation of $3 million. Currently $6.6 millon of the $11 million has been funded. The Jamestown Public School Board approved $2 million in funding at Monday night’s meeting.

The Jimmies are the only team in the Great Plains Athletic Conference that plays on grass, as well as the only North Dakota college team without turf. That will change this fall, as plans for the renovation are set to begin October 18th or 19th in time for the 2021 season.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall. All members were present.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

 

A Mechanical Contractor License for Laney’s Inc.

Approved was  Blocking  off Street Application for the VC Chamber of Commerce on July 22nd for Crazy Daze.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS NO ONE SPOKE…

During the COVID-19 emergency, members of the public may request to make a public comment regarding city business by contacting City Hall (701) 845-1700 by 12 NOON on the day of the meeting to make arrangements.

Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting. The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

No personal attacks to persons present or not

No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform

5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair

Thank you for participating in City Government.

 

ORDINANCE

Approved was the second and final reading of an Ordinance Creating Section 20-04.01 to Extend City Sales, Use & Gross Receipts Tax dedicated to Permanent Flood Protection. City Attorney Martineck said no changes were made in the first reading.  The Ordinance was passed by voters in the June 2020 elections.

 

 

City Commissioners approved second and final reading of an to amend and reenact sections 14-08-07 and 14-08-20 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to penalties for striking unattended motor vehicle and driving without liability insurance. City Attorney Martineck said no changes were made, with administrative order previously approved by the Commission.

 

RESOLUTION

Approve was a Resolution accepting bid and awarding contract for Permanent Flood Protection Erosion Mitigation Phase 1 (Woodland Park Riverview Drive).  KLJ recommends the low bid of just over $445,000, by Strata Corporation.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Approved was a Special Alcohol Beverage Permit for the Valley City Eagles Aerie 2192 on Central Avenue-200 Block for Summer Nights on Central Event on 7/23/2020, 7/30/2020, 8/20/2020 and 8/27/2020.

 

Census 2020 Report.  Committee Chairman Fire Chief Magnuson said, Valley City residents has filed 70-percent of the forms, and Barnes County 50.8 percent.   He said census takers will only visit addresses of those not already filing the form.   Those being visited will observe social distancing.   Census forms can also be filed on line.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Gwen Crawford gave a report on the StreetScape lighting with acorn lights just for the park recommended.

The lights will ordered and installation to then start.

She is meeting with department heads on projects for recommendations, which has saved the city money.

She observed a Valley City Rescue drill.

CITY UPDATES AND COMMISSION REPORTS:

City Attorney Martineck said one applicant for the Operations  Superintendent will be interviewed, and two applicants for the City Engineers position have been received.

City Public Works Manager Gary Jacobson said Valley Recycling reported over 100 tons of material has been recently recycled by residents, with the recycling fee generating $62,700.

Building/Fire Inspector Dave Andersen reported that excavation has started on the VCSU building project, and construction has started on the Love’s Travel Center.  He said so far this year $20 million has been collected in building permit fees.

He noted that he is retiring from the position, and was wished well by those in attendance.

City Fire Chief Scott Magnuson reminded residents of the high water level on the Sheyenne River through Valley City, which is moving fast.  He cautioned residents to stay out of the fast moving current.  The crest is expected at 13.5 feet on Wednesday this week.

The Valley City budget meeting is Tuesday July 28 at 7-a.m. at City Hall.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked city employees for their work, and reminded residents of upcoming event in Valley City this week, and to observe social distancing when attending.   He noted a recent rise in positive COVID-19 tests in Barnes County.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.

 

NDDoH

COVID-19 Stats

Posted July 21, 2020

11:00 a.m.

COVID-19 Test Results
Results listed are from the previous day.

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

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

 COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TUESDAY

  • Barnes County – 1
  •  A male in his 20s.  The source of exposure is under investigation by the North Dakota Department of Health.
  • Barnes Total 27
  • Recovered 26
  • Benson County – 4
  • Burleigh County – 15
  • Cass County – 10
  • Grand Forks County – 15
  • Griggs County – 1
  • McIntosh County – 1
  • McKenzie County – 4
  • Mercer County – 1
  • Morton County – 3
  • Mountrail County – 2
  • Pembina County – 1
  • Ramsey County – 1
  • Richland County – 1
  • Stark County – 1
  • Stutsman County – 2
  • Stutsman Total 76
  • Stutsman Recovered 67
  • Traill County – 2
  • Walsh County – 4
  • Ward County – 4
  • Williams County – 9


BY THE NUMBERS

266,690 – Total Number of Tests Completed* (+3,739 total tests from yesterday)

137,293 – Total Unique Individuals Tested* (+1,315 unique individuals from yesterday)

132,086 – Total Negative (+1,234 unique individuals from yesterday)

5,207 – Total Positive (+82 unique individuals from yesterday)

After investigation it was discovered that a previously reported case from Cass County was from out of state.

2.2% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

309 – Total Hospitalized (+4 individual from yesterday)

46 – Currently Hospitalized (-1 individuals from yesterday)

4,319 – Total Recovered (+100 individuals from yesterday)

94 – Total Deaths*** (+1 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.

 

Valley City  (Chamber)  Crazy Daze in Valley City is Wednesday July 22.

Many stores will offer bargains, and there will be great food, along with an exciting scavenger hunt.

There will also be chances to win gift cards from local businesses, and a grand prize of $250 in Valley City Chamber Bucks.

Participating businesses are encouraged to send the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce with sales information or a flyer, to help promote your business.

If you have a Facebook page, please tag the Chamber with any Crazy Daze information you post.

Jamestown  (CSi)  This year, Big guns of the Old West, is part of the Buffalo Days celebrations in Jamestown at Fort Seward, along with other events and activities the weekend of July 25, 26.

The activities  feature the 1880’s life at  Historic Fort Seward.

The fort grounds will have exhibits and tents for people to see all weekend July25, 26, with Living History Demonstrations, Saturday the 25 from 11-a.m., to 5-p.m.

Children’s games start at 1-p.m., and at 2-p.m. it will be Fashions of the 1870’s.

At 1-p.m., the Evolution of the Springfield will presented.

At 3-p.m. is the Howitzer Cannon Demonstrations.

 

On Sunday the 26, Cowboy Church is at  10-a.m.

Another Living History Demonstration is set from 11-a.m., to 4-p.m.

At noon, more Children’s Games.

At 1-p.m. another presentation of the Evolution of the Springfield.

1-p.m., to 3-p.m. Silent Auction.

2-p.m. the Gatling Gun Demonstration.

3-p.m., the Pie Auction.

Auction proceeds going to future exhibit expansion.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Employees of a company developing an oil refinery near Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota are suing claiming they are owed wages and bonuses. Five former and two current employees filed the lawsuit last week against Meridian Energy Group in Texas. Five of the people suing live there. The lawsuit seeks nearly $607,000 in “economic damages,” attorney fees and a jury trial. The company said it “does not comment on ongoing legal matters.” Meridian wants to build the refinery a few miles from the park, which is North Dakota’s top tourist attraction.

In sports…

(CSi)  The 2020 District 6 Babe Ruth Baseball Tournament is at Pirate Field in Steele is Wednesday, July 22nd through Saturday, July 25th.

Wednesday Jul 22

9-a.m. – Number 1 Valley City  vs. Number 8 Ashley

20 minutes after – Number 4 Steele vs. Number 5 Oakes

20 minutes after – Number 3 Carrington vs. Number 6 Linton/Wishek

20 minutes after – Number 2 Lamoure vs. Number 7 Ellendale

20 minutes after – loser game 1 (VC or Ashley) vs loser game 2 (Steele or Oakes) elimination game

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is planning to deploy federal agents to Chicago and possibly other Democrat-run cities as he continues to assert federal power and use the Department of Homeland Security in unprecedented ways. DHS is planning to deploy about 150 Homeland Security Investigations agents to Chicago to help local law enforcement deal with a spike in crime, according to an official with direct knowledge of the plans who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The agents, which are generally used to conduct investigations into human trafficking, drugs and weapons smuggling, were expected to stay in Chicago at least two months.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum that seeks to bar people in the U.S. illegally from being counted in congressional reapportionment. The move Tuesday drew immediate criticism from Democratic officials. Reapportionment is the redistribution of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives based on changes in population found in each census. The Supreme Court has previously blocked the administration’s effort to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census form, with a majority saying the administration’s rationale for the citizenship question — to help enforce voting rights — appeared to be contrived. Trump said in his memo that “respect for the law and protection of the integrity of the democratic process” were reasons for his move.

 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Gov. Ron DeSantis is expressing confidence that Florida will soon contain its coronavirus outbreak and that hospitals can handle the current influx of patients. The governor put forward a positive case even as the state’s average daily death toll is now the nation’s worst. DeSantis says hospital admissions and the percentage of tests coming back positive seem to be plateauing or declining in much of the state. He also says hospitals have sufficient capacity in their intensive care units and overall. The state health department recorded another 134 deaths, bringing Florida’s daily average for the past week to 115. That’s the nation’s worst, ahead of Texas at 112.

 

(AP) New research suggests that antibodies the immune system makes to fight the new coronavirus may only last a few months in people with mild illness. Tuesday’s report in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that about half of antibodies are gone after roughly 10 weeks. However, scientists say this does not mean all protection also is gone or that it won’t be possible to develop an effective vaccine. The immune system remembers how to make fresh antibodies if needed and other parts of it also can mount an attack. Still, the results raise warnings about the notion of herd immunity or immunity passports for people who have survived COVID-19.

 

LUTSK, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian police say an armed man who seized hostages on a bus in the western city of Lutsk has been detained and all the 13 people held have been freed unharmed. The hostage-taker surrendered to police and was detained late Tuesday.

 

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Far from tamping down on the unrest, the presence of federal agents on the streets of Portland, Oregon, has given new momentum to protests that had begun to devolve into smaller, chaotic crowds. The use of federal agents against the will of local officials has also set up the potential for a constitutional crisis — and one that could escalate as President Donald Trump says he plans to send federal agents to other cities. Demonstrations that had shrunk to fewer than 100 people have swelled to more than 1,000 people — and are once attracting a broader base in a city that’s increasingly unified.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The price tag for the next COVID-19 aid package could quickly swell above $1 trillion. White House negotiators fanned out Capitol Hill Tuesday to launch talks with Republicans and Democrats. At stake is funds to re-open schools, prop up small businesses, boost virus testing and keep cash flowing to Americans as the virus crisis worsens. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promised a new round of direct payments to Americans, similar to the $1,200 checks sent in spring. President Donald Trump insists on a payroll tax holiday for workers. And Democrats want billions to outfit schools and shore up local governments. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and acting chief of staff Mark Meadows are on Capitol Hill all day.