Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Aug 4

CSi Weather…

.REST OF TODAY…Increasing clouds. Highs in the upper 70s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then showers likely and chance of thunderstorms after midnight. Lows around 60. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 60 percent in the Jamestown area, 80-percent in the Valley City area.  New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

.WEDNESDAY…Partly sunny with a 40 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s. South winds around 5 mph

shifting to the northeast in the afternoon.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s.

Southeast winds around 5 mph.

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

around 10 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s.

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

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

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms

likely in the evening, then mostly cloudy with chance of showers

and thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of

precipitation 70 percent.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of showers

and thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s.

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

thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s.

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

thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the lower 60s.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.

There is a chance of thunderstorms late this afternoon through
tonight in east central North Dakota and the James River valley,
but severe weather is not expected.

Update

Jamestown  (KVLY) – A 22-year-old man who worked at a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities is facing a charge of sexually abusing a 7-year-old girl with autism.

Michael Patrick Hunt-Walters of Jamestown was arrested on Monday for gross sexual imposition, according to Stutsman County District Court records.

Hunt-Walters is accused of sexually assaulting the child on November 15 of 2019.

Investigators said Hunt-Walters worked for the Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown. He apparently watched the victim for about two hours and fifteen minutes after school.

The victim came home with blood on her underwear and bruises on her inner thighs, according to court documents. She was surrounded by several paraeducators throughout her school day who didn’t notice any injuries.

Investigators said her grandparents noticed a change in her once Hunt-Walters dropped the victim off at their home. The 7 year old ran from his car to the house and wouldn’t sit down for supper.

The grandmother took the child to the Jamestown Regional Medical Center and that’s when a Jamestown police detective was notified.

The next day the girl was taken to Fargo for a sexual assault exam, and that’s where examiners found evidence of abuse, according to court records.

Hunt-Walters denied to investigators that  he hurt or assaulted the victim.

Several follow up interviews were done with investigators and a clinical psychologist where the girl said that Hunt-Walters “hurt her.”

Valley News Live, reports,  Anne Carlsen Center Chief Executive Officer Tim Essinger said on Monday in a statement,  “Our hearts hurt for the child and family involved in this terrible situation. From the first moment we were made aware of the allegation, we pledged our full and complete cooperation to investigators.”

Update…

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Fire Department was called out just after 11:30-a.m. Monday to 710 4th Avenue, Southeast.

The report indicated smoke coming from the foundation of the home.

City Fire Chief Jim Reuther says, a fire in an unattended bon fire was put out by a neighbor.  There were no injuries, and no structure was damaged.

Four City Fire Units and 21 fire fighters were on the scene  about 12 minutes.

North Dakota health officials say the number of active coronavirus cases in the state remains above 1,000. The state Department of Health on Monday reported 1,090 active cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. That’s up 12 from Sunday but down slightly from a new daily high set on Saturday.  Monday was the ninth straight day that active cases of the coronavirus in North Dakota remained above 1,000. Cases first surpassed 1,000 on July 26, North Dakota reported 127 newly confirmed cases on Monday, raising the state’s total to 6,785 since the pandemic started. The number of deaths remained at 105.

NDDoH

COVID 19 Stats

Posted  Mon. Aug 3, 2020

11:00 a.m.

Categories: Coronavirus

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED MONDAY

• Barnes County  1
• Barnes Total  34
• Barnes Active 4
• Barnes Recovered  30
• Bottineau County – 1
• Burke County – 3
• Burleigh County – 19
• Cass County – 12
• Dunn County – 1
• Emmons County – 1
• Foster County – 2
• Grand Forks County – 11
• Logan County – 1
• McHenry County – 1
• McIntosh County – 2
• McLean County – 2
• Morton County – 9
• Mountrail County – 4
• Nelson County – 1
• Ramsey County – 4
• Richland County – 1
• Rolette County – 1
• Sargent County – 1
• Sioux County – 1
• Stark County – 21
• Steele County – 1
• Stutsman County  3
• Stutsman Total 118
• Stutsman Active 23
• Stutsman Recovered 93
• Traill County – 4
• Ward County – 14
• Wells County – 2
• Williams County – 3

BY THE NUMBERS

324,901 – Total Number of Tests Completed* (+4,723 total tests from yesterday)

158,751 – Total Unique Individuals Tested* (+1,728 unique individuals from yesterday)

151,966 – Total Negative (+1,603 unique individuals from yesterday)

6,785 – Total Positive (+127 unique individuals from yesterday)

Two cases from Cass County were removed from the total upon clarification of the results from the reporting lab.

2.7% – Daily Positivity Rate**

379 – Total Hospitalized (+2 individual from yesterday)

46 – Currently Hospitalized (-4 individuals from yesterday)

5,590 – Total Recovered (+113 individuals from yesterday)

105 – Total Deaths*** (+0 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.

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (AP) — Incarcerated individuals employed by an North Dakota agency are making masks and other items that are used to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Rough Rider Industries workers at the James River Correctional Center in Jamestown have made about 57,000 masks as of June. Rough Rider Director Rick Gardner says they’re on track to make 100,000 by the end of August. The Bismarck Tribune reports that Rough Rider allows North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmates on good behavior to make money and and learn skills that will prepare them for their release.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council met in Regular Session Monday evening at City Hall.

All members were present.  Buchanan joined the meeting by phone.

 

PUBLIC HEARING:

 

A HEARING FROM THE AUDIENCE: (Individuals may address the City Council about any item not contained on the agenda. A maximum of 15 minutes is allotted for the hearing. If the full 15 minutes are not needed, the City Council will continue with the agenda. The City Council will take no official action on items discussed at the hearing, with the exception of referral to staff or Committee.) No one spoke.

 

 

NO CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS WERE DISCUSSED SEPARATELY…

 

To provide more time to discuss controversial or disputed issues, the Council will consider the items on the consent agenda together at the beginning of the public meeting. These items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. If a member of the City Council or public requests to be heard on one of these items, the Council will remove the item from the consent agenda and consider that item individually.

 

 

APPROVED WAS CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS AS PRINTED.

 

REGULAR AGENDA

 

RESOLUTIONS:

A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD… Concerning the special assessments on the 2019 Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter District #19-11. No One Spoke.

 

Following the Public Hearing, the City Council approved the special assessments on 2019 Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter District #19-11, in the total amount of $67,074.21, with the City Share-Departments at $37,622.02, and benefited properties to be assessed in the amount of $29,452.19.

 

 

ORDINANCES:

A FIRST READING of an Ordinance pertaining to the appropriation of the General and Special Funds for the fiscal year January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021.

 

FIRST READING: An ordinance pertaining to the appropriation of the Revenue and Special Funds for the fiscal year January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021.

 

FIRST READING: Concerning an ordinance to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 of the City Code by amending the Distict Map to change the zoning of Auditor’s Lot 27-12, located in the Northwest Quarter Section 27, Township 140 North, Range 64 West of the fifth principal meridian, Midway Township, Stutsman County, North Dakota, from A-1 and C-2 to M-2. The property is located at 8126 34th St SE.

 

A PUBLIC HEARING was held, concerning the request to change zoning of LANDS IN JAMESTOWN, S31, T140, R63, NE 1/4 NE 1/4 SE 1/4 31-140-63 KNOWN AS PARCEL B 10 ACRES, City of Jamestown, Stutsman County, North Dakota, rezoned from M2 & R1 to strictly M2.

No one spoke.

 

A SECOND READING of an Ordinance No. 1536, to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 of the City Code by amending the District Map to change the zoning of LANDS IN JAMESTOWN, S31, T140, R63, NE 1/4 NE 1/4 SE 1/4 31-140-63 KNOWN AS PARCEL B 10 ACRES, City of Jamestown, Stutsman County, North Dakota, rezoned from M2 (General Industrial and Manufacturing District) & R1 (One-Family Residential District) to strictly M2. The property is located at 2400 10th St SE.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

Appointed was Paulette Ritter to serve as a member of the Planning Commission for a five year term to expire August 2025.

 

MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORT:

 

Council Member Steele said he has been meeting with public works department members.

He said, the Airline boardings at Jamestown Regional Airport  have returned to pre-pandemic schedules.  Airport on field improvements have started.

 

Council Member Buchanan said Jamestown Police officer, John Glentne has retired after 42 years of service, and he was highly praised by Buchanan.

 

Mayor Heinrich passed along praise to the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce on the Get, Give Grow economic stimulus promotion to benefit Stutsman County businesses, who may have struggled financial during the business downturn during the pandemic, while offering $25 girft cards, worth $50 in purchases.   The Chamber office has more information for any business wishing to participate in the campaign.

He also encourages residents to return 2020 census forms if they have not already done so.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

 

Passed was a Resolution to approve the Major Subdivision, Final plat of LD Concrete Addition, being within the City of Jamestown, Midway Township, Stutsman County, North Dakota, Lands in Jamestown, S31, T140, R63, NE 1/4 NE 1/4 SE 1/4 31-140-63 known as Parcel B 10 Acres. The property is located at 2400 10th St SE.

 

Considered was a request from Sabir’s Buffalo Grill for an On-Off Sale liquor license at 103 1st Avenue South for the period ending June 30, 2021. Currently restaurant licenses do not allow an on-sale off- sale.  Mayor Heinrich said the city attorney has reviewed the legality and has approved.

The City Council approved the request at which time the establishment will relinquish its restaurant liquor license.

 

 

The City Council approved upgrading the server and software for the City’s outdoor warning sirens, which serves as the community’s outdoor warning system, at a cost of $12,170, $10,431.43 to be paid by the City Public Building Site Fund, and $1,738.57 to be paid by Stutsman County.

Stutsman County Emergency Manager Jerry Bergquist said the system was installed 20 years ago, and paid for with a federal grant. He said the current software is antiquated, and needs to be updated, so if the system fails it will be still be operational. He said the system is used for a multitude of purposes, including severe weather warnings.

 

 

The City Council discussed accepting the SRF Consulting Group, Inc. quote to conduct the five-year land use transportation plan assessment at a maximum of $13,819, to be paid from the General Fund.

Mayor Heinrich referred the issue to Building, Zoning and Planning Committee at the August meeting, pending additional information.

 

 

To consider Change Order No. 1, to Scherbenske Inc., for 2020 State Hospital Water Line Replacement District 20-62 at no change in cost to extend the completion 27 days to still be operational this fall with cleanup spring of 2021.  The City Council approved as recommended by the City Engineer, and Consulting Engineer.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.

 

News release from Valley City Mayor Dave Carlsrud, on August 3, 2020.

“The 12th Annual Debbie Gabel Cancer Memorial Ride was held last week and I am told it generated around $10,000.00 for charity. Great job folks.

Kudos to the Valley City Public Works Department. Summer brings much additional work with construction, mowing grass, repairing streets, spraying for mosquitoes and all the everyday duties. Organizing employees around work schedules, vacation schedules and “life’s demands” while completing the work is an art.

Congratulations on your retirement and thank you Dave Andersen for 12-years of dedicated service to the citizens of Valley City as Building and Fire Inspector. The nature of the Building and Fire Inspector position necessitates much ordinance knowledge and many tough decisions; thank you for being there for us.

COVID-19 ….. Oh boy! North Dakota is conducting record-breaking numbers of COVID-19 tests. Tests are proving the virus is widespread in our state and is making a move in Barnes County. People in their 20’s and 30’s represent the largest number of positive tests though the 40’s group is a close 3rd. EVERYONE, be careful as this stuff can kill anyone at any age.

Summer Nights on Central took place last Thursday after missing the week before due to a COVID-19 exposure. Great job, thank you to all who worked on the event, it was set up nicely.

“The Sheyenne RiverFest” activities run now thru August 8th. For information, Google (Valley City, ND, Sheyenne RiverFest)

A number of trees are showing pre-mature yellowing of leaves. It could be Iron Chorosis, for further information, Google (Iron Chlorosis) . Our NDSU Extension Agent, Randy Grueneich, is a great resource; randy.grueneich@ndsu.edu

“The past is prophetic in that it asserts loudly that wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows” (Martin Luther King Jr.)

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe, Mayor Dave Carlsrud

Jamestown  (CSi)  Jamestown City Engineering informs motorists that beginning Tuesday, August 4, 2020, there will be street closures in the northwest part of town on 4th St NW, between 4th Ave NW and 6th Ave NW; 4th Ave NW, between 3rd St NW and 4th St NW; 5th Ave NW, between 4th St NW and 5th St NW; 6th Ave NW, between 4th St NW and 5th St NW. Construction signing will be put into place by the contractor.
This construction work will continue thru August 21st.
Motorist’s should use extreme caution in this area.

Valley City  (CSi)  Valley City Public works will spray for mosquitoes on the evening of Wednesday, August 5 and the morning of Thursday, August 6, weather permitting.

If weather forcast indicated, rain on those dates spraying will occur on Tuesday August 4.

Parents are advised to keep children and pets out of the streets and away from the spray machines. Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in the area of the operation. If there are any questions, please feel free to call Public Works at 845-0380.

North Dakota Emergency Commission approves nearly $320M in third round of COVID-19 relief

Package includes $59M for cities and counties, $97M for health programs, $100M to keep Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund solvent

Bismarck (CSi)     – The North Dakota Emergency Commission today unanimously approved a third tranche of federal funding to support the state’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, directing nearly $320 million to cities and counties, public health services, unemployment insurance and other programs.

North Dakota received $1.25 billion from the Coronavirus Relief Fund as part of the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The $319.7 million approved today is what remained of the state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars after votes by the Emergency Commission to allocate $406.1 million in June and $524.2 million in May, with approval from the Legislature’s Budget Section.

Cities and counties will receive $59 million, on top of the $20 million for local public health units. The $59 million will be paid out as a reimbursement for law enforcement payroll based on each jurisdiction’s number of law enforcement officers and actual payroll costs from March through September. Public safety payroll is considered an allowable expense to distribution of Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars. An estimated $33.5 million will go to cities and $25.4 million to counties.

“As local governments experience declining revenues during the COVID-19 pandemic, this substantial support will help cities and counties limit property tax increases by delivering the relief to them before their 2021 budgets are finalized,” said Gov. Doug Burgum, who chairs the Emergency Commission. “We’re grateful for the partnership of our legislative leaders and local political subdivisions in developing this consistent approach, and we strongly encourage North Dakotans to continue taking steps to slow the spread of coronavirus to save lives and livelihoods: practice social distancing, wear a mask when appropriate and wash your hands frequently.”

The six-member Emergency Commission consists of four legislative leaders – House Majority Leader Chet Pollert of Carrington, Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner of Dickinson, House Appropriations Chairman Jeff Delzer of Underwood and Senate Appropriations Chairman Ray Holmberg of Grand Forks – along with Secretary of State Al Jaeger and Burgum as chairman.

The third round of funding includes $100 million for the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, bringing to $410 million the total amount of federal aid allocated to the fund to maintain solvency and replenish the fund to support out-of-work North Dakotans and minimize the impact to employer tax rates. The $100 million is estimated to restore the trust fund to pre-pandemic levels, Office of Management and Budget Director Joe Morrissette said.

The North Dakota Department of Health will receive $96.6 million, including nearly $63 million for an enhanced testing campaign covering K-12, the North Dakota University System (NDUS), additional contact tracing, public awareness and education efforts, private lab contracts and reinforcing the state’s medical cache. Nearly $31.6 million was approved as a contingency if other federal dollars are unable to cover the cost of testing, lab supplies and contact tracing.

Other allocations include:

• $23.3 million for the Office of the Adjutant General for support of statewide testing sites and other expenses.
• $17.4 million for the North Dakota University System, including $13.6 million for HVAC modifications to improve air quality in campus buildings and $1 million for personal protective equipment, thermometers and other protective supplies.
• $13.3 million for the Department of Human Services, including $12 million to continue to the Childcare Emergency Operations Grant through December.
• $5 million for tribal colleges, trade schools and private colleges.
• $5.2 million for other state agencies, including $2 million through the Department of Agriculture to support food bank programs.

A total of $445 million in requests were received for the $319.7 million available, Morrissette said, noting that the recommended allocations are focused primarily on public health and safety.

Burgum expressed his gratitude for the strong collaboration and input from legislators as well as the state agencies and North Dakota citizens whose responsible actions have slowed the spread of coronavirus and reduced health care impacts in North Dakota, allowing the state to direct the majority of its federal relief funds to economic support for individuals and businesses.

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

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of business leaders released Monday suggests the economy continues to recover in nine Midwest and Plains states, but businesses are still cutting jobs amid the ongoing impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the economy still remains weaker than before the virus outbreak began. The overall index for the region improved to 57.4 in July from June’s 50.3. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth. A score below 50 suggests decline. The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Fargo police say a driver has been cited after hitting two people attempting to cross the street. The man and woman were taken to the hospital, but the extent of their injuries isn’t known. The two were struck in the crosswalk about 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Police say the driver swerved to avoid hitting the two, but ended up striking them. KVLY-TV reports the driver was cited for driving with a suspended license and failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota, which has seen an uptick in coronavirus infections in recent weeks, is bracing to host hundreds of thousands of bikers for the 80th edition of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. More than 250,000 people are expected to attend the Aug. 7 to Aug. 16 rally in western South Dakota, which could make it the biggest event anywhere since the coronavirus pandemic started. The event will offer businesses that depend on the rally a chance to make up losses after the downturn in tourism spending. But many of Sturgis’ roughly 7,000 residents are leery about the brimming bars and bacchanalia coming their way and say it shouldn’t go on during a pandemic.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A U.S. Department of Interior opinion rolling back an Obama-era memo stating that mineral rights under the original Missouri River bed should belong to the Three Affiliated Tribes was put on hold by a federal judge Friday until arguments can be heard in the case. The memo filed May 26 by Daniel Jorjani, solicitor for the department, said a historical review shows the state is the legal owner of submerged lands beneath the river where it flows through the Fort Berthold Reservation. The tribes argue that three previous federal opinions dating back to 1936 have confirmed their ownership of the Missouri River riverbed, including a 2017 memo by former solicitor Hilary Tompkins.

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