CSi Weather…

.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 Tuesday afternoon through
Tuesday night in east central North Dakota and the James River valley,
but severe weather is not expected.

 

Bismarck  (CSi)  Governor Doug Burgum held his weekly COVID-19 News Briefing, Tuesday afternoon, at the state capital in Bismarck.  He was joined by North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott and State Board of Higher Education Student Member Erica Solberg.

North Dakota health officials have  reported 149 new COVID-19 infections and two additional deaths. The updated report Tuesday confirms 107 deaths from complications of the coronavirus since the pandemic began. Officials said 4,904 tests were processed in the past day, for a total of nearly 330,000. A total of 6,933 people have tested positive for the virus.   North Dakota’s active cases on Tuesday stands at 1,111, a sum that has about quadrupled in the past month. Officials said 29 of the new cases were in Burleigh County and 11 were in Morton County.

NDDoH

COVID-19 Stats.

Posted, Tues. Aug. 4, 2020

11-a.m.

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

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Man in his 60s from Griggs County with underlying health conditions.
  • Woman in her 70s from Sioux County with underlying health conditions.

 

North Dakota health officials have  reported 149 new COVID-19 infections and two additional deaths. The updated report Tuesday confirms 107 deaths from complications of the coronavirus since the pandemic began. Officials said 4,904 tests were processed in the past day, for a total of nearly 330,000. A total of 6,933 people have tested positive for the virus.   North Dakota’s active cases on Tuesday stands at 1,111, a sum that has about quadrupled in the past month. Officials said 29 of the new cases were in Burleigh County and 11 were in Morton County.

 

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TUESDAY

  • Barnes County 1
  • Barnes Total  35
  • Barnes Active 4
  • Barnes Recovered 31
  • Benson County – 33
  • Burke County – 1
  • Burleigh County – 29
  • Cass County – 8
  • Dickey County – 1
  • Emmons County – 1
  • Grand Forks County – 5
  • LaMoure County – 1
  • McIntosh County – 1
  • McKenzie County – 5
  • Morton County – 11
  • Mountrail County – 3
  • Nelson County – 1
  • Ramsey County – 13
  • Richland County – 2
  • Rolette County – 1
  • Sargent County – 2
  • Sheridan County – 1
  • Stark County – 7
  • Steele County – 1
  • Stutsman County  3
  • Stutsman Total 121
  • Stutsman Active 24
  • Stutsman Recovered 95
  • Walsh County – 1
  • Ward County – 4
  • Wells County – 2
  • Williams County – 11

 

Burgum said the Burleigh- Morton County COVID-19 Task Force is set to kick off  with controlling the spread of the virus, in cooperation with city and county officials, and health department contributions, with educational information being stepped up to residents of those counties.


BY THE NUMBERS

329,812 – Total Number of Tests Completed* (+4,904 total tests from yesterday)

160,470 – Total Unique Individuals Tested* (+1,719 unique individuals from yesterday)

153,537 – Total Negative (+1,571 unique individuals from yesterday)

6,933 – Total Positive (+149 unique individuals from yesterday)

After investigation it was found that a case from Burleigh County was from out of state.

3.0% – Daily Positivity Rate** 2.5% past 7 days.

 

389 – Total Hospitalized (+10 individual from yesterday)

51 – Currently Hospitalized (+5 individuals from yesterday)

5,715 – Total Recovered (+125 individuals from yesterday)

107 – 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.

 

Burgum updated the COVID-19 …3rd Round of Relief

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

The North Dakota Emergency Commission has 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.

North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott explained the benefits of holding class on campus with hands on education including lab work classes.  He said faculty members as well as students have a smart restart task force, developing reopening plans.  Safe guidelines include COVID-19 testing of students and faculty, and practicing safe procedures, with social distancing, frequent hand sanitizing and wearing face masks, when social distancing is not possible.

Hagerott said  The North Dakota University System (NDUS) in cooperation with the North Dakota Department of Health is arranging mass testing events for COVID-19 in multiple locations across the state. Current students, incoming students, faculty and staff are encouraged to get tested.

He pointed out, “All areas of the state are being targeted so that students can get tested where they are at, in their hometowns, before packing up and travelling to their campus of choice. For the safety of your friends, family and yourself, we are asking all students to please get tested at a location of their choice and help us create the safest environment possible for our campus communities.”

The testing events are scheduled for Aug. 3-25 in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Wahpeton, Jamestown, Mayville, Bottineau, Minot, Devils Lake, Belcourt, Fort Totten, Fort Yates, New Town, Williston and Dickinson, and other smaller communities across the state. Exact testing dates, times and locations for each city are listed at the North Dakota University System’s testing event site at ndus.edu/gettested/. As best as possible, students should take the COVID-19 test approximately five days before leaving home. That way, students know they are healthy as they leave home and head to campus.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register to facilitate an efficient collection process and minimize the amount of time spent at the testing site. The pre-registration link is on the Department of Health’s website at testreg.nd.gov/.

If results are positive, NDUS and DOH ask that you follow public health guidelines and isolate at your home or place of residence. Students and employees who live outside North Dakota can participate by going to the nearest NDUS/DoH testing site. However, testing closer to home is encouraged if it is available and distance prohibits travel to North Dakota.

Additional information with dates, locations, and times will be updated throughout the month, so please check the website often for the most current testing facts.

State Board of Higher Education Student Member Erica Solberg,the student representative on the State Board of Higher Education, urges students to take the COVID-19 test for positivity before classes start.  She said each school has its own practice on staying safe on campus including social distancing and wearing face masks when that’s not possible, plus frequent hand washing.

With Behavior Health…

The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division has a new resource available to help parents and caregivers in supporting children with back-to-school plans, whether that means returning to school full time, distance learning or a hybrid model. The new Parents Lead resource can help guide conversations with children to better prepare them for this school year.

Behavioral Health Division Director Pamela Sagness, points out that even with all the uncertainty, parents and caregivers can prepare their kids with healthy skills before returning school. Depending on age, these things can include setting expectations around handwashing, walking through different scenarios like returning to school but wearing a mask or distance learning plans.”

The new Parents Lead resource encourages parents and caregivers to provide a space for their child to talk about their questions and concerns, be honest about what to expect and lead by example.

Sagness suggests instead of highlighting what not to do, parents and caregivers can provide alternative behaviors for their children, such as a fun wave instead of a hug or pointing out the positives in situations that may be different, like eating lunch in the classroom.

She adds, “School leaders, parents and caregivers must make difficult decisions regarding back to school this year.  Thank you to all parents and caregivers for working to ensure students are prepared for this school year while being ND Smart.”

Visit  www.parentslead.org for this information and more.

Parents Lead, a North Dakota program administered by the department’s Behavioral Health Division, provides parents and caregivers a variety of tools and resources to support them in creating a safe environment for their children that promotes behavioral health. This is especially important throughout all the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another source of support during the pandemic continues to be Project Renew, a partnership between the department, the division and Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota. It provides services for North Dakotans to help them understand physical and emotional reactions to COVID-19, develop and improve coping strategies, review options and connect with other individuals and agencies that may be of assistance. 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.

Through Project Renew, Lutheran Social Services is offering a free, online group discussion about navigating the parenting challenges created by the pandemic titled, “Parenting in a Pandemic” on Aug. 13, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. CT. Visit Lutheran Social Services’ Facebook page for more information and to register at https://www.facebook.com/LutheranSocialServicesND/.

The division is responsible for reviewing and identifying service needs and activities in the state’s behavioral health system to ensure health and safety, access to services and quality services. It also establishes quality assurance standards for the licensure of substance use disorder program services and facilities and provides policy leadership in partnership with public and private entities. For more information visit www.behavioralhealth.nd.gov.

 

Valley City  (VCPS)  Valley City Public Schools Superintendent, Josh Johnson is informing parents and students, on school opening plans.

The news release issued by the Superintendent of the Valley City Public School District Josh Johnson:

For the 2020-2021 school year, Valley City Public Schools will be offering all K-12 students the opportunity to learn 100% in an online environment because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. You will find information attached to this email regarding the Virtual Learning Academy at Valley City Public Schools, including frequently asked questions. Registration for the Virtual Learning Academy will begin on Monday, August 10th and the deadline to register for this option will be Friday, August 14th.

If you know that your student will be enrolling in the Virtual Learning Academy for 2020-2021 and you have not yet notified the school district, please send an email to brenna.schroeder@k12.nd.us. If you have other questions regarding the Virtual Learning Academy please send your questions to your student’s school principal and/or school superintendent Josh Johnson at josh.johnson@k12.nd.us.

Jefferson Elementary K-3 Principal Troy Miller- troy.miller@k12.nd.us

Washington Elementary 4-6 Principal Chad Lueck- chad.lueck@k12.nd.us

Junior High 7-9 Principal Dan Larson- dan.larson@k12.nd.us

Senior High 10-12 Principal Kristi Brandt- kristi.brandt@k12.nd.us

School Superintendent Josh Johnson- josh.johnson@k12.nd.us

Johnson said substitute teachers and other subbing positions are available for the up coming school year.

Here are the top 10 reasons WHY you should consider ‘subbing’ in 2020-2021 at VCPS?

10) Earn some “Fun” money ($120 per day for teaching, $12-14 per hour for support positions- kitchen, office, custodial)
9) Great school atmosphere with a lot of “Hi-Liner Pride”
8) Free Hi-Liner Pride T-Shirt
7) Fantastic and delicious school lunches
6) Get to know others and make new friends!
5) Get to know your school better!
4) Be a role model for our students!
3) Service to the school and community!
2) Work with our AWESOME Hi-Liner Students!!
1) MAKE A DIFFERENCE in 2020-2021!

Did you know that any individual with a minimum of 48 semester hours of college coursework is eligible to obtain a North Dakota Substitute Teaching License? If interested in becoming a substitute teacher or subbing in a support position in 2020-2021, please call the District Office at 701.845.0483 and ask for Brenna Schroeder. You can also send an email to brenna.schroeder@k12.nd.us.

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

All members were present.

OATH OF OFFICE FOR POLICE OFFICER JOSHUA SAMPSON GIVEN BY MAYOR CARLSRUD. 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.
Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,154,951.80.
Approved an Application for Raffle Permit for the Hi-Liner Booster Club for the activity dates of 07/01/2020 to 06/30/2021.
Approved an Application for use of Veterans City Parking lot for the Shine Dance Team Hi-Lites car wash on the dates of August 20th and 27th from 4-9 pm during the Summer Nights activities. Back up dates of August 22nd & Sept 5th.

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 first reading of Ordinance No. 1063, an Ordinance to amend Title 9 (Fire Protection) re fire extinguisher inspections.

NEW BUSINESS

Approved was a Gaming Site Authorization Application for North Dakota Wildlife Federation for raffles to be held in the VC Eagles on the date of 04/10/2021. Finance Director Richter said the event is held annually.

No action was taken, on advertising for bids for sale of vacant lot at 14th St SW, Parcel 63-0880017. City Administrator Crawford said a resident came in and requested purchasing the lot.

The value of the lot will be determined pending additional information, typically set at $2,000.  There are no back taxes owed, and no special assessment payments due.

The issue will be coming back to committee for consideration.

Approved a recommendation from Visitors Committee for Image Enhancement Grant for Valley Gallery of Photography up to the amount of $5,000. Bobby Koepplin said the Visitors Committee recommended approval.

Approved was a recommendation from Visitors Committee for Image Enhancement Grant for Bridgetown Storage and Properties LLP in an amount up to $5,000.  Bobby Koepplin said the business is expanding, and external improvements are planned.  About $56,000 is currently in the fund.

Approved was the recommendation from Visitors Committee for Food and Beverage Grant to the Valley City Eagles Aerie 2192 up to $41,861. Bobby Koepplin said the Eagles is recognized at the Valley City conference center.  He said the building’s roof has failed and needs replacement. The committee recommends approval, when funds become available about the second half of 2021.  He said the Eagles is planning fundraisers.

City Commissioners, approved an Application for Property Tax Exemption for Rocking DD Properties. City Assessor Hansen has indicated recommendation, fitting the requirements.

Approve was an Amendment to Agreement for Permanent Flood Protection Phase III – Construction Engineering. KLJ reported and additional amount of $20,500 stems from additional time and effort in the phase, with the City’s share $16,400.

Approved was appointing City Administrator, Gwen Crawford as an interim building official.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Gwen Crawford explained enforcement of two hour parking is taking place.  She also outlined where new stop signs have be erected.

She said city resident have 10 days, to have indicated trees removed, unless otherwise agreed upon.

Alley property owners are reminded to keep tree trimmed up for the passage of garbage trucks.

 

Mayor Carlsrud said another COVID-19 mass testing event will be held on Wednesday August 5, 2020 from 4-p.m., to 5:30-p.m., at the VCSU stadium parking lot.  He said 200 test kits will be available on a first come first served basis.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Attorney Martineck said one candidate for City Engineer will be given a second interview.

City Finance Director, Richter reviewed the passed 2021 city budget numbers.

Scott Magnuson said door to door census takers are visiting addresses, if the census form is not already submitted.

Police Chief Hatcher said the city Ordinance will be enforced concerning removal of  abandoned vehicles on properties.

Commissioner Gulmon thanked City Finance Officer Avis Richter and her staff on their work on the city budget.

Commisioner Erickson reported that city sites are being reviewed for possibly two sites for recycling materials to be collected.

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

 

Update

Jamestown  (Chamber)  The Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce, Jamestown Stutsman County Development Corporation, along with area supporters, have teamed up to help our local business members see some extra cash flow this month. The “Give, Get, Grow” campaign will launch on August 17th as an effort to help local businesses who have experienced the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director Emily Biven says, “We are in the “Give” portion which comes in the form of donations, which go into a matching pool to spark support for area businesses and double the economic impact of gift card sales.  Right now, we’re looking for any and all donations to add to the matching pool.  We’ve had some really great organizations show support in the past few weeks, which has pushed our matching pool fund to just over $25,000!”

 

Donations to the Matching Pool include:

$5,000 – Jamestown Stutsman County Development Corporation

$2,500 – Quality Inn & Suites

$2,000 – Jamestown Community Foundation

$1,500 – Otter Tail Power Company

$1,000 – All Vets Club

$1,000 – Cash Wise

$1,000 – Cavendish Farms

$1,000 – Dakota Central

$1,000 – Dan Poland Machine

$1,000 – First Community Credit Union

$1,000 – IDK Bar & Grill

$1,000 – Lloyds Toyota

$1,000 – Triumph Inc.

$1,000 – Unison Bank

$1,000 – University of Jamestown

Additional Donations have been pledged by Bank Forward, Wilhelm Chevrolet Buick GMC, Lifestyle Appliance, Lifetime Vision Source, RM Stoudt, Scherbenske Inc., Babb’s Coffee House, Dakota Store, Jonny B’s Brickhouse, Sabir’s Buffalo Grill, Sapphire Gallery

Bivens says, “I’m just overwhelmed with the response from our community. You ask them to support and they go above and beyond! The Chamber is so excited to see our local businesses have a positive impact from this campaign.”

Starting August 17th, matching pool funds will start to be used as community members purchase gift cards from local business.  While the matching pool is active, ALL give card purchases made through the Chamber’s virtual marketplace portal will be DOUBLED.  The matching pool funds will double the purchase for the consumer, in turn doubling the revenue impact for the local business.

For more information or to make a matching pool contribution, contact the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce at (701)252-4830 or director@jamestownchamber.com

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  Jamestown Tourism Director Searle Swedlund says tourism numbers in Jamestown continue to be off, with lasting affects of the COVID-19 pandemic, however he says being off by about 17-percent, is still not as bad as anticipated a few months ago.

On Tuesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Searle said, at the beginning of pandemic, and the slowdown of travel due to attempts to slow the spread of the virus, it was feared that visitor numbers were going to be substantially lower.

In July this year the tourist numbers began to rebound, including visits to Frontier Village and the National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown.  He pointed out that the National Buffalo Museum is now allowing walk-in visitors, where previously appointments were necessary.   The use of face masks is highly encouraged, along with social distancing.

At Frontier Village, visiting hours have been cutback compared to other years, as a cost savings measure.

Searle added that maintenance work is in progress at the Village.

Also on our show he reviewed the plans in progress in the development of the Buffalo City Park, and noted the many features planned for the Park, including a hotel and restaurant in addition to the planned new location of the National Buffalo Museum on the footprint off I-94 on land currently owned by the North Dakota State Hospital.  He pointed out the proximity of the Park to the interstate, saying that the location is about three-tenths of a mile off I-94, which would be the closest attraction of its type to an interstate in North Dakota.

He said the North Dakota Legacy Fund dollars continue to be looked at as the major source of funding, promoting North Dakota as a whole as a continued major visitor attraction, with a good return on state dollars invested in the project.  The  state’s investment in the $47 million to $57 million project is estimated to generate annual revenues of $13-million with the annual operating costs of around $10 million.

JSDC has approved, with the City of Jamestown, funding for a market and financial feasibility assessment for Buffalo City Park from Economic Development Funds,  in the amount of $25,000, with the City Share to be $20,000 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.  Tourism Director Searle Swedlund said feasibility study  “Builds a case,” for the project, and studies traffic counts on I-94. The Park is estimated to draw 300,000 visitors annually.

On the drawing board is the planned Bison Discover Center, The Dakota Corral for children, plus, The Dakota Lands Pavilion, Gondola and Enhanced Dakota Thunder, Buffalo City Amphitheater, Bison Ranch BBQ, Bison Mall, and Tatanka Lodge, estimated to draw at least 300,000 tourists annually to Jamestown from traffic generated off I-94, and regional traffic.

The North American Bison Discovery Center could possibly become an expanded National Buffalo Museum location highlighting the history of the American Bison.

The proposed Buffalo City Park in Jamestown was discussed at a roundtable meeting in Bismarck on July 23, where the tourist attraction presentation was reviewed with state officials, and developers.

At the planning, funding, and  development meeting were Governor Doug Burgum, Lt. Governor Brent Sanford, along with North Dakota Commerce Commissioner, Michelle Kommer, and developers, Brian Lunde, and  Apogee Attractions from  Porter Ranch, California.

Bismarck  (CSi) The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality awarded loans for water projects to five communities through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Programs from May through July.

  • Center received a $547,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan and a $102,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan to replace a water main and sewer main and to install a sanitary lift station and force main. This project will ensure the reliable and safe delivery of water and continued wastewater
  • Dunn Center received a $3,195,000 CWSRF loan and a $2,448,000 DWSRF loan to expand sanitary sewer service and install a new storm sewer system. New water main installation and replacements will improve hydraulic capacity, pressure and flow. This project will ensure the reliable and safe delivery of water and continued wastewater
  • Jamestown received a $3,170,000 CWSRF loan to replace, repair, and refurbish three lift stations. This project will ensure continued wastewater service.
  • Sykeston received a $411,000 DWSRF loan towards replacing an existing water storage tank with a 50,000-gallon water tower, which will provide the safe storage of the City’s drinking water supply.
  • Wildrose received a $2,630,000 CWSRF loan towards replacing a clay sanitary sewer pipe with PVC pipe and new manholes, for better management of storm water and to prevent infiltration into the sanitary sewer system line.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides part of the SRF Programs funding, which offers below-market interest rate loans to political subdivisions for financing projects authorized under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. SRF programs operate nationwide to provide funding to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our vital water resources.

Loan applicants must first be listed on the program’s priority list, and awards are distributed based on project eligibility and ability to repay. Please contact the NDDEQ regarding specific detail on any of the projects mentioned above.

Valley City  (CSi)  Music in the Park in Valley City on Wednesday Aug 5 will have entertainment by Maasjo Sisters  performing at 7:15-p.m., at the City Park Bandshell.

A freewill offering is taken to support the  continued bandshell work.  Bring along your lawn chair or blanket. In case of rain the program will be moved to the Valley City Eagles Club.

Wednesday, August 5
7:15 p.m. Music in the Park: Maasjo Sisters.

Wednesday, August 12
7:15 p.m. Music in the Park: Oakland Grove

In sports…

The 2020 Class A Senior Babe Ruth State Tournament at Charlie Brown Field in Valley City.

Tues Schedule

West Fargo Vets vs, Minot Metros

Bismarck Representatives vs. Fargo Jets

Devils Lake Storm vs. Bismarck Capitals

7-p.m. Jamestown Eagles vs. Valley City Royals 

 

In world and national news…

WINDSOR, N.C. (AP) — Tropical Storm Isaias is spawning tornadoes and dumping rain during an inland march up the U.S. East Coast. At least two people were killed and several more missing after one of those tornadoes flattened a mobile home park in Windsor, North Carolina. Isaias made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane near Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, shortly before midnight. The storm surge and wind damage left dozens of boats piled up against the docks. The National Hurricane Center is predicting heavy rain and more tornadoes as Isaias moves into New England on Tuesday evening and says flash flooding is possible in urban areas all along the Interstate 95 corridor.

BOSTON (AP) — The U.S. is approaching 5 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus, far outpacing other countries. The reasons are obvious: Americans are resisting taking steps to avoid getting infected. Many of the hotspots are chalked up to large gatherings, from big house parties and large no-mask weddings to crowded bars and restaurants. The U.S. has had more than 155,000 people die from the virus in just a matter of months. It’s been fueled by a perfect storm of factors: continuing to gather in droves, resistance to wearing masks and a patchwork quilt of approaches to containing the virus by county, state and federal governments.

 

(AP) At least 25 campers and staff members at a camp east of Portland, Oregon, have tested positive for the coronavirus. The Oregonian/OregonLive reports the virus was first detected July 18 at Trout Creek Bible Camp near Corbett when a staff member tested positive, and the camp shut down for the season on July 21. Multnomah County health officials say the outbreak has grown to 11 campers and 14 staff members, all 20 or younger. The camp’s executive director, Joe Fahlman, says the camp followed all requirements set forth by the Oregon Health Authority. Those include daily temperature checks of all campers and staff, frequent hand washing and hand sanitizer stations spaced throughout the 265-acre grounds.

 

BEIRUT (AP) — A huge explosion rocked Beirut, inflicting injuries and damaging buildings in a large radius around the city’s port. Lebanese Red Cross official Georges Kettaneh said there were dead and wounded, but did not have an exact figure, just saying there were hundreds of casualties. An Israeli government official says Israel “had nothing to do” with the blast. Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group are bitter enemies, and tensions have been high following recent clashes. Earlier Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hezbollah that Israel would not hesitate to strike again if it felt it was necessary. A civil defense official on the scene of the blast said his men had evacuated dozens to hospitals and that there were still bodies under debris.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal appeals court says a judge correctly struck down a new Trump administration rule denying green cards to legal immigrants who use Medicaid, food stamps and other forms of public assistance. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld the judge’s decision, but narrowed the effect of it to three states rather than the entire nation. The decision to limit its effect to New York, Vermont and Connecticut conforms with a January U.S. Supreme Court ruling. A three-judge panel noted that the rule that went into effect in February has been challenged by multiple lawsuits nationwide. A message for comment was left with the Justice Department.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed into law legislation that will devote nearly $3 billion annually to conservation projects, outdoor recreation and maintenance of national parks and other public lands. The Great American Outdoors Act authorizes spending about $900 million a year, double current spending, on the popular Land and Water Conservation Fund. It would authorize another $1.9 billion a year to be spent to make improvements at national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and range lands. Supporters call it the most significant conservation legislation in nearly half a century. Opponents say the spending is not enough to erase an estimated $20 billion maintenance backlog.