CSi Weather…

TONIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 50s. Southeast winds around 5 mph.

.THURSDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. Southeast winds around 5 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s. South winds around 5 mph.

.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny. A 30 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms in the afternoon in the Jamestown area, 50 percent in the Valley City area. Highs in the upper 80s. Southwest

winds around 5 mph shifting to the northwest in the afternoon.

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

and thunderstorms. Lows around 60.

.SATURDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.

.SUNDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs around 80.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.

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

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A health official says the rise of coronavirus infections in Bismarck and surrounding area likely stems from multiple Fourth of July gatherings and citizens’ failure to take precautions. Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health Director Renae Moch says there appears to be a lax attitude toward the virus and a belief that precautions such as wearing a mask don’t help. Cases in Burleigh County and neighboring Morton County have tripled this month and account for about a third of the 1,038 active cases reported Wednesday. Gov. Doug Burgum on Tuesday announced a task force to investigate the spread of the coronavirus in the area.

NDDOH

COVID-19 Stats

Posted July 29, 2020

11-a.m.

Results listed are from the previous day.

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Woman in her 80s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.
  • Man in his 80s from Burleigh County with no underlying health conditions.

 


Results listed are from the previous day.

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Woman in her 80s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.
  • Man in his 80s from Burleigh County with no underlying health conditions.

 

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY

  • Burleigh County – 27
  • Cass County – 10
  • Dickey County – 1
  • Foster County – 1
  • Grand Forks County – 2
  • Griggs County – 2
  • Logan County – 1
  • McHenry County – 2
  • McKenzie County – 5
  • McLean County – 1
  • Morton County – 9
  • Mountrail County – 5
  • Nelson County – 2
  • Ramsey County – 3
  • Rolette County – 1
  • Sioux County – 2
  • Stark County – 1
  • Stutsman County – 2
  • Stutsman Total Positives 101
  • Stutsman Recovered 78
  • Traill County – 3
  • Ward County – 6
  • Williams County – 3


BY THE NUMBERS

300,971 – Total Number of Tests Completed* (+3,458 total tests from yesterday)

151,083 – Total Unique Individuals Tested* (+1,037 unique individuals from yesterday)

144,856 – Total Negative (+951 unique individuals from yesterday)

6,227 – Total Positive (+89 unique individuals from yesterday)

After investigation it was discovered that previously reported cases from Cass County and Dickey County were from out of state and a case from Cass County was found to be inconclusive.  

2.6% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

351 – Total Hospitalized (+8 individual from yesterday)

39 – Currently Hospitalized (+4 individuals from yesterday)

5,087 – Total Recovered (+130 individuals from yesterday)

102 – Total Deaths*** (+2 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  (CHI) On Wednesday July 29, 2020 CHI Mercy Hospital issued a statement regarding the visitation policy:

“We understand how much it means to patients to have their loved ones with them during their hospitalization and outpatient visits. We at CHI Mercy Health want to keep the community informed of what our current visitation policies are.

All patients, visitors and support persons presenting to CHI Mercy Health will enter at Main Entrance Door #1 and will be screened at the front desk prior to entering facility. Patients, visitors and support persons will be required to wear a mask or face covering while in to the hospital. All visitors will check in and check out at the front desk and must go directly to hospital department and be in a patient’s room. Visitors may stay as long as they like but if they choose to leave the building they will not be allowed back in. This is designed to keep the numbers of people actually entering the hospital to a minimum.

Social distancing, masking, and hand sanitizing requirements will be maintained in all hospital departments. Any visitor who cannot manage the guidelines will be asked to leave the facility and if accompanying a patient, be asked to wait in his/her vehicle. CHI Mercy Health respects the rights of all community members; because of the services we provide, our first duty is to the safety and care of patients and staff. We will actively defend this duty and are confident that everyone visiting our facility will understand and do the same. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

CHI Mercy Health’s visitation restrictions effective July 27, 2020 are as follows:
· Visitors are asked to stay home if they are experiencing any symptoms of illness.
· All visitors are required to wear a face covering and will be screened at the front desk prior to entry.
· No visitors under the age of 18 (exceptions may be made at the discretion of the care team).
· All visitors will use the Main Entrance (Door #1) and will check in and check out at the front desk.
· PCU patients may have one visitor per day. This includes Acute, Observation, and Swingbed patients.
· Patient and visitor must remain masked during visitation.
· An additional visitor will be allowed at the time of discharge.
· Swingbed patients may have additional visitors outside (must maintain social distancing).
· Emergency Department, Surgery, Pain, and Ambulatory Care patients may be accompanied by one healthy adult (must remain in patient’s room).
· Compassionate care visitation – limited to two visitors at a time in the facility.
· Pediatric patients or adult patients requiring a care giver may have one support person with them at all times.
· Delivery drivers must be masked.
Please log onto CHI Mercy Health Website for COVID-19 updates.”

Jamestown  (NDFU)  N­orth Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) announced Wednesday that it will break ground this fall on a new youth camp facility on 19 acres of land at the Jamestown Reservoir.

NDFU President Mark Watne, says, “The location and topography are perfect for what we need to have a presence in the eastern part of the state for our youth camping program.”

The organization currently owns a youth camp in western North Dakota on the Heart Butte Reservoir (Lake Tschida) near Glen Ullin. Watne adds, “We aren’t able to accommodate all of the youth at Heart Butte, so we’ve been forced to rent various camp facilities over the years, but that will change with this new site.”

In a normal year, more than 1,200 kids attend Farmers Union Camp from June to August.

Bri Sorensen, NDFU education director, points out,  “Kids in grades 3-6 and 7-12 attend three- and four-day camps, where they experience everything you’d expect at summer camp – outdoor fun in the sun and water, games, sports, dress-up nights, singing around the campfire and more.  But they also gain valuable leadership and team building skills, study a specific topic such as this year’s ‘cultures around the world,’ and learn how cooperatives operate and function.”

The camp could potentially be operational by next summer, Sorensen said. Local contractors will be building a state-of-the-art lodge with an indoor gymnasium, STEM classroom, game room and co-op store, in addition to a dormitory building, storage garage, outdoor basketball and volleyball courts, softball field and other features.

 

Sorenson says, “Farmers Union Camp has a rich history in our state.Sorensen. From 1937 when we held our first camp on the shores of Spiritwood Lake to now, 83 years later, we’ve had thousands of North Dakotans who have been to Farmers Union Camp. We’re hoping some will want to partner on specific elements of this facility, in terms of naming rights and donations, to give the next generation of campers an unforgettable experience.”

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission’s Budget Committee met for the second time, Wednesday morning at City Hall, continue discussing the first draft of 2021 Budget

All Commission members were present, in addition to City Administrator Gwen Crawford, and Finance Director, Avis Richter.

Highlights:

Avis pointed out the changes in the Preliminary 2021 budget.  Decreases and increases taken into account, the mill levy is 2.37 mills, or $43,000 over the zero mill increase.  Reductions for the budgert in the public works share of health insurance has a $23,000 reduction.

Clothing for city employees with the city logo has been added to the budget.

With the Auditor’s Department it was noted that the Administrative Assistance is now a full time position, to provide additional assistance to all departments.  The position will increase the employee salary increases.

With the City Assessor’s Office, software and maintenance items were small changes to the budget.

With the City Engineer’s  position $7,040 was included for expenditures.

City Attorney/HR position, subscription increases were noted.

With Valley City Fire Department, Fire Chief Scott Magnuson, requested an increase in the full time paid position salaries, included in the Cost of Living increases.

Other items included postage for inspection follow ups .

He said for heating the fire hall, the gas furnace will be converted to natural gas from electric, as a cost savings.  Some electric heat will be retained.

The generator will be updated, with grant funds applied for.

A homeland security grant paid for cameras and installation.

He said with pagers and radios, state changes will necessitate equipment change overs, first wih turck radios then officers radios, at around $29,000 including the rebate.

With the city fire hall building addition, funding will come in part from Barnes County.

Over the last three years $30,000 per year has been set aside in the city budget, toward construction costs.

Rent proceeds from the rural fire department will be included toward cost for the new addition, at $30,000.

Replacement of two sirens is estimated at $42,000 under emergency services for louder sirens.

With the Police Department, Chief Phil Hatcher said an additional amount for an SRO  (School Security Officer) was adjusted to include an incentive to remain an SRO, and makes up for missing a salary step increase a few years ago.

The cost for two patrol rifles was put into the budget, as was veterinary and animal control items.

The drug task force budget was increased with another officer located in Valley City.

Other requests included minor building improvements, at $15,000 for window replacement.

With equipment replacement protective gear needs include batons, gas masks, and other ballistic equipment needs, with funding at $3500.  A vehicle replacement other than patrol units was requested.

With economic development, sales taxes income was discussed,  Jennifer Feist said $60-million in on line sales taxes have been collected statewide the past two year.  In North Dakota sales taxes in general are down, stemming from the downtown from the COVID-19 slowdown. She requested $33,000 from the city sales tax, in annual funding for Valley City/Barnes County development.

Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce, Executive, Kay Vinje requested $12,000 in funding, noting an increase in membership.  She said the Chamber’s and Economic Development’s VC Strong Campaign supported additional sales in Valley City.

With City/County Health, Administrator, Theresa Will broke down the percentage of services in the funding, requesting a five percent increase at the city’s cost  total share of  the costs at $29,538.

Before the recess of the meeting Avis Richter said the mill levy increase is now at 2.85 mills at $51,504.

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

The next meeting is planned for Thursday July 30, 2020, at 7-a.m., at City Hall.

 

St. Paul  (USACE)   U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is seeking comments on the draft master plan and environmental assessment for Lake Ashtabula, near Valley City, North Dakota, and Homme Reservoir, near Park River, North Dakota.

The Corps recently completed its draft master plan and is now seeking comments prior to finalizing it. The plan, last updated in 2006 for Ashtabula and Homme in 1970, focuses on what could and should happen over the life of the two reservoirs but is flexible enough to adapt to unforeseen or changing conditions. The plan also includes all lands — fee, easement or other interest — acquired for the project to support operations and authorized missions. This plan will also guide and articulate the Corps’ responsibilities pursuant to applicable federal laws, policies and regulations.

This plan involves a federal project that requires a review of environmental effects under the National Environmental Policy Act. A final determination on the draft environmental assessment will be made following a 30-day public review period. A copy of the draft environmental assessment can be viewed and downloaded from the St. Paul District website at: http://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Home/Public-Notices/.

The public review and comment period on the draft master plan and environmental assessment begins today, July 29 and ends Aug. 28. Questions on the project or the environmental assessment should be directed to Dillan Laaker at (309) 794-5636 or at Dillan.J.Laaker@usace.army.mil. Please address all correspondence on this project, including formal comments on the environmental assessment, to District Commander, Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, ATTN: Regional Planning and Environment Division North, 180 Fifth Street East, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-1638.

Jamestown  (Chamber)  Members of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Inspired Healthcare, a new business and Chamber member. This business is located at 110 9th St. SW Suite #2 in Jamestown. They provide psychiatric medication, management and supportive therapy. You can reach them at 952-9600.

Businesses qualify for a ribbon-cutting ceremony if they open, move, remodel, are under new ownership or change their name.  For more information, contact Emily Bivens by emailing: director@jamestownchamber.com or call the chamber at 701-252-4830.

 

Valley City  (Chamber)  Summer Nights On Central, 2020,  is the last Thursday in July and the last two Thursday’s in August, with free admission.

Shopping Happy Hour 4-p.m., to 6-p.m.

Vendors Open At 5:30-p.m.

Concerts from 6-p.m., to 9-p.m.

Entertainment:

July 30:  Rhyme or Reason

August 20: National touring artists Tripwire, with music in a variety of genres.

August 27: National touring artist Slamabama with music in a variety of genres.

Wrist Bands Required for those 21 and over.

Food and Beverage Vendors brought to you by  Valley City Eagles Club.

Sponsored by Puklich, BEK, Sanford Health, Dacotah Bank, Grotberg Electric, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Dakota.

On line visit: ValleyCityND.org

E-Mail: summernightsvc@gmail.com

Phone:  701-490-3530.

Jamestown   (CSi)  The Arts Center is  excited to hold the Downtown Arts Market in Jamestown this summer at 5:30 pm to 8:30-p.m, in the Hansen Arts Park, each Thursday evening through August.

July 30th:    OPEN MIC NIGHT With: Intrigue
Poets, writers, musicians, comedians, solos, duos, and any and all performers are welcome to share your talent with the community at our monthly open mic night. There will be a sign up sheet at the stage. Please limit your piece to 10 minutes.  Facilitated by local musician Steve Kuykendall.

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.

Click here to view full summer schedule.

Jamestown  (CSi)   Fogging operations in Jamestown will take place on Thursday July 30th, 2020 between 8:30 P.M. to 12:30 A.M. in the Southeast quadrant of Jamestown.

Parents are advised to keep children out of the streets and away from the fogging machines.

Motorist’s should use extreme caution in this area.

All fogging operations are contingent upon weather conditions.

For more information visit jamestownnd.org, click on Departments/ Vector Control or call 701-320-5503

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Census workers begin door knocking Thursday at North Dakota households that have not responded to a questionnaire by mail, online or by phone. The state’s response rate to the 2020 census is nearly 62%, which means about 157,000 households will get an in-person visit. U.S. Census Bureau workers carry an identification badge, are trained on physical distancing and are required to wear masks. Interviews take about 10 minutes and can be done 6 feet apart. Census data helps determine how much federal money is directed to the state to help fund schools, hospitals and roads, among other things.

 

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A 24-year-old Sidney man was killed when the semi-truck he was driving was struck by a freight train at a crossing in northeastern Montana. The Montana Highway Patrol says the truck was eastbound on U.S. Highway 2 at about 11 a.m. Tuesday before turning onto BIA Route 1 near Brockton. The patrol says the locomotive’s engineer locked up the brakes but was unable to avoid striking the driver’s side of the cab. The victim’s name has not been released.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve said that the viral outbreak will act as a drag on the economy and hiring in the months ahead and said it is keeping its benchmark short-term interest rate pegged near zero. In a statement at the end of its policymaking meeting Wednesday, the Fed acknowledged that the economy has rebounded from the depths of March and April, when nearly all states closed down nonessential businesses. But it said the ongoing coronavirus pandemic “will weigh heavily on economic activity, employment and inflation.”

 

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — U.S. energy consumption plummeted to its lowest level in more than 30 years this spring as the economy largely shut down due to the coronavirus. The decline reported Wednesday by the U.S. Energy Information Administration was driven by less demand for coal to produce electricity and oil that’s refined into gasoline and jet fuel. Overall energy consumption dropped 14 percent during April. That’s the lowest monthly level since 1989 and the largest decrease that’s been recorded by the energy administration in records dating to 1973. Natural gas bucked the trend and increased 15 percent during the April lockdown as residential consumption increased amid stay-at-home orders.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is dismissing Democratic demands to include aid for cash-strapped cities in a new coronavirus relief package. Trump is also lashing out at Republicans, saying they “should go back to school” if they reject money for a FBI headquarters in the nation’s capital. About $1.7 billion for that building is included in the GOP bill, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has since said he opposes the project as unrelated to virus relief. Trump wants to keep the building, which sits across the street from his Trump International Hotel. The hotel could face competition if the FBI moves and another hotel is developed on the site.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — A House Republican aide says Rep. Louie Gohmert has tested positive for the coronavirus. The 66-year-old Texas Republican is one of the House’s most conservative and outspoken members, and he’s often seen without a mask on. The congressman’s positive test raises further questions about the lack of mask and testing requirements in the Capitol as members frequently fly back and forth from their hometowns and gather for votes, hearings and news conferences. Gohmert was screened for the virus at the White House on Wednesday morning. He’d gone there because he was planning to fly to Texas with President Donald Trump.

 

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence has landed in Raleigh, North Carolina to visit a private school to highlight how they’ve worked to resume in-person classes safely in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Air Force 2 landed around noon on Wednesday at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Pence is scheduled to join a roundtable discussion highlighting how a private school has worked to safely resume classes. Thales Academy allowed 300 students to return to campus on July 20. After visiting the school, Pence will tour NCBiotech, which is conducting Phase 3 clinical trails for a coronavirus vaccine

 

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon’s governor says federal agents who have clashed with protesters in the state’s largest city will begin what she called a “phased withdrawal.” Gov. Kate Brown said Wednesday that the agents will begin leaving Portland’s downtown area on Thursday. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement the plan includes what he called a “robust presence” of Oregon State Police in downtown Portland. Protests have roiled the city for more than two months since the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Like many other protests, they sought to highlight and call for an end to racial injustice. They increasingly focused on federal property even before the U.S. agents arrived.