CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Mostly clear. A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the mid 60s. East winds around 10 mph.

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

thunderstorms in the afternoon in the Jamestown area, 30 percent in the Valley City area. Highs around 90.  Northeast winds around 5 mph shifting to the north in the afternoon. Heat index 90 to 95.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Slight chance of showers in the

evening. Lows in the mid 60s. South winds around 5 mph shifting

to the northwest up to 5 mph after midnight.

.SATURDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. Northeast winds around

5 mph.

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

.SUNDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.

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

and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.

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

thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s.

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

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

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

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

There is a chance of thunderstorms Thursday night. An isolated strong to severe thunderstorm is possible.

There is a threat for a few severe storms Friday and Friday night
with the primary concern being hail up to 1.5 inches and wind
gusts to 60 mph.

There are chances for thunderstorms this weekend through mid next week. Confidence remains low on whether severe weather is possible.

Jamestown   (JPD)  Jamestown Police reports that on August 19, 2020, at approximately 10:11-p.m., the Jamestown Police Department was dispatched to the 1200 block of 8 Ave SE, on a report of gunshots being fired in the alley.

Assistant Police Chief, Major Justin Blinsky reports that the caller reported hearing a female screaming and threatening to kill a male. After the threats were made, the caller heard 3 gunshots.
Officers responded and located a male and female in the area, along with a vehicle associated with one of the parties involved. Both subjects were safely detained. Officers obtained statements from both individuals and witnesses. It was determined there had been a physical altercation between the male and female and they were in a domestic relationship.

During further investigation into the incident, a search warrant was obtained for the vehicle. A search of a vehicle located a firearm, ammunition, a spent shell casing, and a metal blunt object, which was used during the altercation.
Based on the statements obtained and evidence collected, 33-year-old Jeromy Ray Mark was arrested on suspicion of Aggravated Domestic Assault. Mark is accused of causing injury to a domestic partner, by using a blunt metal object. Mark is currently staying in Jamestown but does have ties to Oregon.
32-year-old Krystal Lynn Berglund was initially transported to Jamestown Regional Medical Center for medical evaluation. After she was medically cleared, Berglund was arrested on suspicion of Terrorizing, as she is accused of making terroristic threats toward an individual and discharging a firearm during this incident. Berglund is from Pilot Rock, Oregon.
Both subjects were transported to Stutsman County Corrections, awaiting formal charges.

The Jamestown Police Department was assisted by the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office. This incident remains under investigation. If anyone has any further information regarding this incident, please contact the Jamestown Police Department at 701-252-1000.

 

Jamestown (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council met in  special meeting on Thursday, August 20, 2020, at 10:30 AM, at City Hall, to consider the concurrence of NDDOT bid award for the Main Street Road Diet project as requested by the NDDOT.   All members were present,  Council Member Buchanan joined by phone.

City Engineering Travis Dillman said the total project costs come to $2,255,057.55.

The city’s share of the project costs $241,368.

He said if the city rejects the Road Diet project it will cost the city $375,000, to reimburse the NDDOT and federal dollars put into the project, including traffic studies.

Dillman said the traffic lights that were turned off on First Avenue, will not be turned back on and eliminated.

Council Member Steele expressed his concerns on the project.

He indicated safety and business concerns, specifically with business disruptions during the project, and lost revenue.

Dillman said businesses will be informed on the progress of staged construction plans.

Yet this year pavement striping will be done, indicating the reduction of lanes to three lanes, one in each direction plus the turning lanes.  Next spring additional project work will include installing the bump outs and bike racks.

Steele noted concerns about pedestrian safety at the crossings onto First Avenue.  Dillman said he will be contacting the NDDOT concerning erecting signage or flashing beacons, to assist pedestrians, to safely cross the street.

Mayor Heinrich said the plan will improve traffic flow in Jamestown, while saying the NDDOT “made a mistake,” in not including a traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. Highway 20 and First Avenue, North.  He added that the striping of the pavement should have occurred as a test of the traffic lane changes, even before the project plans moved forward.  He said residents that have concerns or more questions about the Road Diet should directly contact the NDDOT.

Following the discussion the City Council unanimously passed a Resolution approving the concurrence of NDDOT bid award for the Main Street Road Diet project as requested by the NDDOT.

The low bid of  $2,255,057.55 was awarded to Tezac Concrete of Minnesota.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67 followed by replays and on CSi 10 The Replay Channel.

NDDoH

COVID-19 Stats.

Thurs. August 20, 2020

Posted at 11-a.m.

BY THE NUMBERS

7,738 – Total Tests from Yesterday*

414,477 – Total tests completed since pandemic began

274 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday

9,242 – Total positive individuals since pandemic began

3.54% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

1,394 – Total Active Cases

+185 Individuals from yesterday

68 – Individuals Recovered from Yesterday****

7,718 – Total recovered since pandemic began

45 – Currently Hospitalized

-4 individuals from yesterday


0 – New Deaths*** (130 total deaths since the pandemic began)


COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED THURSDAY

Barnes New Positive 1

Barnes Total Positives 49

Barnes Active 9

Barnes Recovered 39

  • Benson County – 20
  • Burleigh County – 50
  • Cass County – 21
  • Dickey County – 1
  • Dunn County – 3
  • Eddy County – 1
  • Emmons County – 1
  • Golden Valley County – 1
  • Grand Forks County – 32
  • Hettinger County – 2
  • McLean County – 5
  • Morton County – 14
  • Pierce County – 2
  • Ramsey County – 5
  • Ransom County – 1
  • Rolette County – 1
  • Sioux County – 2
  • Slope County – 1
  • Stark County – 65
  • Stutsman County  3 New Positives
  • Stutsman  Total Positives 134
  • Stutsman Active 5
  • Stutsman Recovered 126
  • Traill County – 1
  • Walsh County – 5
  • Ward County – 34
  • Williams County – 3

 

* 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.
**** The daily numbers are the actual date individuals are officially out of isolation and no longer contagious. The number you get by subtracting today’s number from yesterday’s number is the overall change in what has been reported to us.

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.

 

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.

August 20th:    The Ryan Keplin Band
With: Red River Step & Jiggin’  Training
A favorite performer this is Ryan’s forth summer on the Hansen Arts Park Boulder Pavillion Stage. From Belcourt North Dakota, Ryan Keplin has established a positive demeanor as a great fiddle player and entertainer astonishing his audiences whenever he plays. His interests began as a young child when he found inspiration in the music of fiddle greats like Andy Desjarlais, Reg Bouvette and Graham Townsend.

Ryan Keplin has played for various festivals, performances, fiddle contests, square dancing competitions and step dancing competitions in Canada and United States. His Left handed fiddling and unique style attracts the attention of his listeners, which is how he established his stage name “Fiddling Lefty”.  This multi-talented entertainer possesses the ability to play not only the fiddle, but also the acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drums, mandolin and piano. Ryan has released 6 CD’s containing traditional tunes as well as many of his own compositions.

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.

 

Marlene Axtman

Jamestown  (JRMC)  Healthcare staff at Jamestown Regional Medical Center are on the front-lines of fighting the pandemic every day.

Physicians, nurses, technicians and hospital support staff face the challenge of providing care for patients with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), sometimes risking getting sick to help others.

President of the JRMC Auxiliary, Marlene Axtman says, “They honor us with their legendary commitment and dedication.  In moments of medical need, these dedicated healthcare workers supported our community, no matter the time of day or day of the week.”

To support those healthcare workers and patient care in the region, the JRMC Auxiliary is hosting pop-up shopping events, featuring merchandise from the JRMC Gift Shoppe.

Ms. Axtman adds, “We are bringing the Gift Shoppe to the people.  Since visitation is limited at JRMC, we’re creating a safe and socially distanced shopping experience at Babb’s Coffee House.”

Babb’s Coffee House is a JRMC Community Difference Partner, supporting JRMC Foundation at a level of $1,000 or more each year. A list of supporters and their giving levels are online at www.jrmcnd.com/giving.

Every gift purchased from the JRMC Gift Shoppe gives twice.

JRMC’s Volunteer & Community Development Coordinator. Gian Olson says, “It supports your loved one.  It also supports healthcare workers and patient care at JRMC because the proceeds go to the Foundation.” JRMC is an award-winning destination of care for many reasons. One of them is the awesome support from our Auxiliary and the community.”

In 2020, JRMC received both the Top 20 Critical Access Hospital award from the National Rural Hospital Association as well as a Top 100 Best Places to Work award from Modern Healthcare.

The Auxiliary consists of 40 or so individuals who volunteer their time to support and fundraiser for JRMC. Since 1973 the Auxiliary has raised more than $432,000 for JRMC Foundation.

Ms Axtman adds, “We support JRMC because we know that one day we may need its care. JRMC also supports our children and grandchildren, so we want the hospital to continue to grow and succeed.”

Merchandise available at the pop-up shopping event includes clothing, handbags, accessories, fall décor as well as sales, specials and door prizes. The event is set for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Babb’s Coffee House meeting room.

Learn more at jrmcnd.com/giving.

 

Fargo  (VA)  The Fargo Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center (2101 Elm Street N., Fargo) will host a New Veteran Orientation on Aug. 24, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., in room 1D-42/43.

Face coverings and pre-registration is required. Call (701) 239-3700 extension 4420 to pre-register. Seating is limited to maintain social distancing. The free orientation is open to all Veterans interested in learning more about the Fargo VA Health Care System. Veterans may bring one guest, such as a fellow Veteran or family member. During the orientation, attendees will receive information regarding health benefits and resources available within the Fargo VA Health Care System. The New Veteran Orientation is an opportunity for our enrolled Veterans to learn all the ins and outs of the Fargo VA Health Care System. The orientation is a great first step for Veterans to equip themselves with important information and knowledge to ensure they take full advantage of everything the Fargo VA Health Care System has to offer.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s longest-serving Supreme Court justice expected he would be released from the hospital this week where he has been recovering from COVID-19. Justice Gerald VandeWalle, who has been on the court for 42 years, has been hospitalized at Sanford Health in Bismarck since Aug. 3. The 87-year-old justice says the virus has been much more debilitating than a typical cold or flu. VandeWalle tells the Bismarck Tribune that he lost a lot of his strength while confined to his room. He says he has been keeping up with his work on the court, reading emails and printed briefs and drafting opinions.

GROTON, S.D. (AP) — Two executives of an agriculture equipment dealer who were lifelong friends have died in a highway crash in South Dakota. Mark Kreps and Steve Connelly were both vice presidents at Fargo, North Dakota-based RDO Equipment Co. The South Dakota Highway Patrol says the 54-year-old men died when their pickup truck collided with a dump truck west of Groton near Aberdeen on Tuesday afternoon. The company said in a Facebook post that they “were everything you could want in a friend, team member, and leader.” The company says Connelly was vice president of the Midwest agriculture region, overseeing locations in Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota, and Kreps was vice president for agriculture sales.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials say a number of people who attended the 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally this month, including some who came from out of state, have come down with COVID-19. State Department of Health officials on Thursday didn’t give an exact number of rallygoers who tested positive, but they said it was under 25. State epidemiologist Josh Clayton says the health department has received reports from other states that people who traveled from the rally have tested positive. The rally, which ended Sunday, brought hundreds of thousands of people from far and wide to Sturgis. Before it kicked off, some locals and officials worried that it could cause an outbreak that could follow rallygoers after they went home.

In sports…

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Thom Brennaman will not be calling NFL games on Fox after using an anti-gay slur on air during a Cincinnati Reds broadcast.

Fox Sports issued a statement Thursday saying that “we are moving forward with our NFL schedule which will not include him.” Fox also said Brennaman’s remarks were “abhorrent, unacceptable, and not representative of the values of Fox Sports.”

Brennaman had been a part of Fox’s NFL announcer lineup since they started televising the league in 1994. He was part of the No. 3 announcer team last season and was paired with analyst Chris Spielman and reporter Shannon Spake. He had also called Major League Baseball games for the network from 1996 to 2014.

The Reds announced late Wednesday that the 56-year old broadcaster was suspended. The team also issued an apology for the “horrific, homophobic remark.”

Brennaman, who had been a part of the Reds announcing team since 2007, used the slur moments after Fox Sports Ohio’s feed returned from a commercial break before the top of the seventh inning in the first game of a doubleheader Wednesday at Kansas City. Brennaman opened the fifth inning of the second game with an apology before handing off play-by-play duties to Jim Day.

In world and national news…

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Joe Biden is poised to accept the Democratic presidential nomination Thursday night in a moment that marks the climax of his party’s unorthodox 2020 national convention. It also marks the pinnacle of a political career that has spanned almost a half century. The former vice president, who at 77 years old would be the oldest president ever elected, will be feted by family and former rivals as he becomes the Democrats’ official standard bearer for the campaign against President Donald Trump in November. He is expected to focus on uniting the deeply divided nation as Americans grapple with a months-long health crisis, related economic devastation and a national awakening on racial justice.

 

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The Trump administration has formally notified the United Nations of its demand for all U.N. sanctions on Iran to be restored, citing significant Iranian violations of the 2015 nuclear deal. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered the notification to the president of the U.N. Security Council on Thursday, setting the stage for a showdown in the world body that could lead to a crisis of credibility for its most important and powerful institution. None of the other council members believe the U.S. has the legal right to demand the re-imposition of sanctions because President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018. As such, the demand is expected to further isolate the U.S. at the U.N. and test the Security Council’s credibility.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has announced new sanctions against six Syrian military, government and financial officials. It’s part of Washington’s ongoing effort to prevent money from going to Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the new sanctions were announced Thursday to coincide with the seventh anniversary Friday of the Assad government’s chemical weapons attack in Ghouta that killed more than 1,400 Syrians. Among those sanctioned was Yasser Ibrahim, who is suspected of obstructing a political solution to the Syrian conflict and using his networks across the Middle East and beyond to cut deals to enrich Assad.

 

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Steve Bullock is asking a federal court to take swift action to remove the Trump administration’s chief steward of public lands. Thursday’s request from the Democratic governor comes as former industry attorney William Perry Pendley continues to hang onto his post atop the U.S. Bureau of Land Management post despite the White House saying his nomination would be withdrawn. The Associated Press reported earlier this week that Pendley remains in charge of the bureau under an arrangement that Pendley himself set up months ago. Bullock and other Democrats say Pendley is undermining land conservation efforts by opening areas to more oil, gas and mineral extraction.

 

(AP)  President Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to allow him to block critics from his personal Twitter account. The administration said in a high-court filing Thursday that Trump’s @realdonaldtrump account with more than 85 million followers is his personal property and blocking people from it is akin to elected officials who refuse to allow their opponents’ yard signs on their front lawns. The federal appeals court in New York ruled last year that Trump uses the account to make daily pronouncements and observations that are overwhelmingly official in nature. It held that Trump violated the First Amendment whenever he blocked a critic to silence a viewpoint.

 

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — More than two dozen major fires were scorching California on Thursday, largely the result of an unprecedented lightning siege that dropped nearly 11,000 strikes over several days. Fire officials say hundreds of thousands of acres and more than 100 buildings have burned, including homes, and that competition is tight for resources with so many fires. Statewide, the fires have destroyed 175 homes and other buildings and are threatening 50,000 more. Officials say 33 civilians and fire fighters have been injured. Most of the activity is in Northern California, where fires have chewed through nearly 500 square miles in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana says he’s tested positive for the coronavirus and is experiencing some symptoms of COVID-19. The Republican senator made the announcement Thursday and said he is quarantining in Louisiana. His spokesman says Cassidy is experiencing “mild symptoms that began this morning” of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. Cassidy, a physician, said in a statement that he was tested after being notified Wednesday night that he’d been exposed to someone infected with the coronavirus. The senator said he is adhering to medical guidance and notifying people with whom he may have come into contact. Cassidy is running for reelection on the Nov. 3 ballot.