CSi Weather….

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain in the evening. Areas of fog through the night. Lows in the lower 20s. Northwest winds 5 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Patchy fog in the morning. Highs around 30. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows around 20. South winds around

5 mph.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s. Southwest winds

5 to 15 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy in the evening then clearing.

Lows in the mid 20s.

.SUNDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 30s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows 15 to 20.

.MONDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.

 

ND COVID-19 Stats

Thurs. Nov 19,  2020

11:00 a.m.

Barnes County:

New Positives   70

Total Positives  841

Active Cases 215

Recovered  621

 

Stutsman

1 new death

Woman in her 70s

TOTAL DEATHS 35

New Positives  35

Active Cases 541

Recovered 1676

COVID-19 Test Results 
The results listed are from the previous day. Additional data can be found on the NDDoH website.


BY THE NUMBERS

10,325 – Total Tests from Yesterday*

1,043,959 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

1,386 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

68,612 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

14.59% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

10,131 – Total Active Cases

+154 Individuals from Yesterday

1,218 – Individuals Recovered from Yesterday (803 with a recovery date of yesterday****)

57,686 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

276 – Currently Hospitalized

-21 – Individuals from yesterday

 

10 – New Deaths*** (795 total deaths since the pandemic began) 

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Man in his 60s from Bottineau County.
  • Woman in her 70s from Burleigh County.
  • Man in his 70s from Burleigh County.
  • Man in his 70s from McIntosh County.
  • Man in his 80s from Mountrail County.
  • Woman in her 80s from Pembina County.
  • Woman in her 70s from Sioux County.
  • Woman in her 70s from Stutsman County.
  • Woman in her 80s from Ward County.
  • Woman in her 80s from Ward County.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY

  • Adams County – 3
  • Barnes County – 70
  • Benson County – 9
  • Bottineau County – 9
  • Bowman County – 3
  • Burleigh County – 140
  • Cass County – 302
  • Cavalier County – 12
  • Dickey County – 15
  • Divide County – 1
  • Dunn County – 6
  • Eddy County – 10
  • Emmons County – 2
  • Foster County – 41
  • Golden Valley County – 4
  • Grand Forks County – 181
  • Grant County – 3
  • Griggs County – 8
  • Hettinger County – 3
  • Kidder County – 3
  • LaMoure County – 5
  • Logan County – 2
  • McHenry County – 8
  • McKenzie County – 3
  • McLean County – 8
  • Mercer County – 15
  • Morton County – 60
  • Mountrail County – 34
  • Nelson County – 2
  • Oliver County – 1
  • Pembina County – 10
  • Pierce County – 9
  • Ramsey County – 11
  • Ransom County – 16
  • Renville County – 2
  • Richland County – 37
  • Rolette County – 46
  • Sargent County – 8
  • Sheridan County – 2
  • Sioux County – 3
  • Slope County – 1
  • Stark County – 80
  • Steele County – 8
  • Stutsman County – 35
  • Towner County – 7
  • Traill County – 9
  • Walsh County – 25
  • Ward County – 74
  • Wells County – 3
  • Williams County – 37

 

* 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.

**Individuals who tested positive divided by the total number of people tested who have not previously tested positive (susceptible encounters).

*** Number of individuals who tested positive and died from any cause while infected with COVID-19. There is a lag in the time deaths are reported to the NDDoH.

**** The actual date individuals are officially out of isolation and no longer contagious.

*****Totals may be adjusted as individuals are found to live out of state, in another county, or as other information is found during investigation.

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 Jamestown Grant and Executive Boards met Thursday, at the Jamestown Civic Center, Exchequor Room and available virtually and by phone.

GRANT BOARD MEETING BUSINESS:

The Annual Event Applications were:

Classic Car Winter Wheels Show which requested $2,000 for the 2020 Show.

Additional dollars generated from door fees of about $7,000 to $10,000, website vehicle registration $2,000, and Vendor spots and other donations anticipated at over $1,000.

The tourism Grant Board granted,  $1,500.

 

Jamestown Rural Fire Department/Knight of Columbus for the  Ice Fishing Tourney requested $4,000 for the tourney planned for February 20, 2020, for advertising costs.

The Tourism Grant Board granted, $4,000.

 

The Arts Center Downtown Arts Market requested $10,000, for promotion.  Other donations of about $10,000 are anticipated.

The Tourism Grant Board, granted, $10,000

 

Jamestown Downtown Rods and Hogs event requested $1,000 for the annual event planned for June 12, 2021 with food, vendors, and entertainment through the day.  Other funding sources include $500 from entries.

The Tourism Grant Board, Granted $1,000.

 

Jamestown Drag Racing event requested $7,500 for the event planned for Jun 26, 27 2021, to be used for advertising.  The drag races draws racers and fans from all over North Dakota and surrounding states.  Additional marketing funds requested from previous years includes, $1600 for billboards, $400 for posters, $5300 radio ads, $200, for social media.  Local business contributions anticipated at $8500, with gate and entry fees about $17,000.

The Tourism Grant Board granted, $7,000.

 

Jamestown Chamber Buffalo Days, is planned for July 24 & 25, 2021.  the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce requested $3,000 for advertising. The event includes, displays from the Jamestown Classic Car Club, Fort Seward events, The Arts Center, Jamestown Parks & Recreation, the 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse, Jamestown Downtown Association, Jamestown Fire Department, downtown businesses and more.  Chamber Executive, Emily Bivens said the Chamber does not gain financially form the event.

The Tourism Grant Board Granted, $3,000.

 

2021 Requests

Includes 2021 Site Staffing for Trail Guides – Jamestown Parks and Rec, and Stutsman County Parks, and Jamestown Area Mountain Bike Group requested $9,018, which was funded for the full amount.

The funds requested are for creative development and design, and printing of the Jamestown Trails Maps and overview booklet, for the spring of 2021, serving the Jamestown are, including implementing kiosks.

The Tourism grant Board approved supporting, the Stutsman county Museum, Frontier Village, and Fort Seward staff pay at $11.50 per hour.

Frontier Village requested grant dollars for advertising for  a billboard – 3 month campaign to advertise the Village, and Stage Coach Rides, with the billboards planned for the Valley City area.

The Tourism Grant Board, Granted,  $ 4,350.

 

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

 

The meeting was presided over by President Matthew Woods.

All members were present.

 

Declaration of Conflict of Interest  None

 

Minutes Were Approved

 

Financial Report  from Taylor Barnes was approved.

 

Tourism Report – Director  Searle Swedlund noted improvements at Frontier Village.  He said the Fire Hall Building has been removed.  He said, there are space issues that need to be addressed. He added that ideas for the Village’s future are still be accepted for future planning.  He added that the sidewalk pavers have arrived in conjunction with the Road Diet project.

 

Ex-Officio Reports

Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce, Executive Emily Bivens said the board met Thursday and appointed a new member.  She said nominations are being accepted for awards to be given at the Annual Meeting in January.  She promoted Chamber Bucks for shopping locally, and information on the DMV.  She said a DMV Kiosk is being reviewed for a location to be announced.

NEW BUSINESS

Executive Director Review was held.

The Tourism Board, along with external and stakeholder input went into the review process.

A salary raise of three percent was discussed, and approved.

 

Approved was the Annual Bonus for Staff, that included an increase over last year.

 

Jamestown (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council Committees met in joint session on Thursday at City Hall. All members were present.  Council Member Buchanan joined by phone.

 

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE:

The committee discussed the City Council accepting the updated Special

Assessment Policy and to publish notice of a public hearing to be held at the

January 4, 2021, City Council meeting. Mayor Heinrich said the policy needs to be reviewed in more detail before coming under further discussion and come back to next month’s committee meeting.

 

Further discussion was the agreement for paying agent services for

municipal bonds with Starion and authorizing the City Administrator and Mayor to enter into the agreement on behalf of the City.  After reviewing the agreement, and getting input from Starion, and City Attorney, Leo Ryan,  the committee recommends sending the agreement to the City Council without recommendation.

 

 

The committee recommends the city endorse a letter of support to the James River Valley Library System, to support their plans to expand the Alfred Dickey and Stutsman County Libraries, and their services.

 

Recommended for approval was the City of Jamestown to act as the sponsoring unit of government for CDBG funds, for the Main Street Facade Improvement Project during the period September 2020 through August 2021.

 

 

Considered was the application for Renaissance Zone incentives for up to five (5) years, one hundred percent (100%) state income tax exemption and one hundred (100%) five (5) year property tax exemption for JoAnn Gatewood, (204 Lindwood Drive) pending approval by the State of North Dakota Department of Community Services.”  The committee recommends approval of the application.

 

 

Considered was the 2019 and 2020 Abatement applications for 626 2nd Ave SW, 58401.  City Assessor, Jamison Veil said he agreed with the property owner that the assessed valuation over three years exceeded the market value.  The committee recommends approval the changes.

 

The committee recommends accepting the request made by Daren Peterka on behalf of the El Zagal Shriners to install a seasonal sign on the City property located at the South Side Fire Station, 521 12th Street SW, and to authorize the City Attorney to draft an agreement, and authorize the City Administrator and Mayor to enter into the agreement on behalf of the City.

 

Considered approval of utility rate adjustments for 2021.The adjustments include ratifying a previously budgeted waste water rate increase, by 5-percent, and increase the storm water residential monthly rate from $3 to $4.

 

INFORMATIONAL:  The appointment application received for the Jamestown

Regional Airport Authority will be placed on the December 7, 2020, City Council agenda.

 

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

 

The committee recommends, approving the request for a special use permit for the East 7.7′ of Lot 3, and all of Lots 1 and 2 and one half of the vacated alley, Block 12, Lowry’s Subdivision, within the SE of Section 2, T139N, R64W, Stutsman County, North

Dakota.  The property is located at 2806 8th Ave SW.

 

INFORMATIONAL:  The public hearing and second reading is scheduled at the

December 7, 2020, City Council meeting.

 

INFORMATIONAL: Dangerous building notification for 120 1st Street E.  Building Inspector Tom Blackmore said  the boiler is no longer operational, and will not provide heat to five residents on the upper floor. The tenants are being offered housing elsewhere until the boiler issue is resolved and the residents will be allowed to return.

 

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

 

INFORMATIONAL:   Civic Center program, scheduling and COVID-19 protocol updates presented by Civic Center Manager, Pam Fosse.  The state commerce department and the state health department developed the data, for large venues in the state.  The northwest staircase replacement project is nearing completion.

 

Jamestown Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund said a number of artifacts in the Frontier Village buildings are being removed, in cooperation with the state historical society, for appropriate removal.  He said removal is pending being able to find the ownership of the items during the process.

The committee recommends approving the removal.

 

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE

 

Considered changing the trial period for licensed officers in the police

department from six months to one year provided that the appointing authority is still authorized to extend the trial period up to an additional six months.  Chief Scott Edinger suggested the extension, so those attending the police academy  have sufficient trial time.  The committee recommends changing the trial period.  Chief Edinger also said the police department has filled the open positions, through appointments or promotions.

 

INFORMATIONAL:  Police department and municipal court general update,

training, COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented.

 

INFORMATIONAL:  Fire department vehicle update. Chief Jim Reuther said the new ladder truck is scheduled to arrive in Jamestown the first part of next week, or the following week at the latest.

On another issue he said training still postponed, stemming from pandemic safety issues.  He said inspections are scheduled when the least amount of people are present at the inspection site.

 

 

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

INFORMATIONAL:  2021 Watermain Project, was reviewded by Travis Dillman who said the report information is required in a public meeting.  Water quality issues, and watermain projects recently completed were reviewed.

 

 

INFORMATIONAL:  State Transportation Improvement Projects List (STIP List)

Dillman provided the last ranking sheet, and this year’s final list is due by the end of this year. Some of the programs are assisted by state funds.

The programs are broken down by regional and local.  He indicate items from last year were flipped.  Attention was called to the base of Mill Hill currently asphalt be converted to concrete.

The urban list includes the top of the list 3rd Street, SE, near the Peavy Elevator.  He pointed out ADA requirements are mandated in project work.

The list includes addressing a future span over the railroad tracks on 7th Avenue. The list will be reviewed at the December City meeting.

 

INFORMATIONAL:  NDDOT I-94 Exit 257. Dillman said in a meeting with the NDDOT the Department of Transportation Department look at considerations in proposal to the city concerning possible elimination of the exit, and include an over pass along with bring the I-94 westbound and eastbound lanes closer, with a new connector span.  Under the proposal there will not be on or off ramps, which Mayor Heinrich is opposed to..

Heinrich said, the NDDOT and the city will keep working together on plans for that area.

 

 

Discussed was the Prairie Dog municipal infrastructure funds that will be received in early 2021 and how the funds may be spent on infrastructure.

Mayor Heinrich said the Bill distributes funds to cities, with $2.5 million earmarked for Jamestown over the next biennium.  No commitment to projects can be made until the funds are in hand.

 

Discussed was the financing for the City’s 2021 UJ Stormwater Project.

Heinrich pointed out the stadium project at the University of Jamestown, saying storm sewer under the present stadium footprint will need to be replaced, at an estimated cost of $500,000. He said if the stadium project was not done, then the storm sewer line would not be replaced.  The proposed project costs will be special assessed.  He suggests the Prairie Dog Fund dollars go toward the stadium project costs, shared with the UJ and Jamestown Public Schools, with the stadium to be shared by each. The line will be plugged and relocated.  UJ President, Dr. Polly Peterson said the stadium is a community project with $10.5 million in project costs raised, so far.

 

 

The committee recommends approving aa Change Order to Scherbenske, Inc., for the 2020 State Hospital Waterline Replacement Project, for a net increase in the contract price of $23,646.

 

INFORMATIONAL:  City Engineer project updates included Road Diet changes, that will go to the NDDOT in conjunction with Jamestown Police recommendations.  The changes stem from traveling the roadway with the new pavement markings that is not working with traffic flows, including being “caught” in turn lanes.

 

The committee recommends extending the Water Department service agreement with Aquar-Pure for a period of one year.

 

Continue further discussion was planned on grinding high volume of wood waste including equipment cost, maintenance and availability of vendors to provide the service on a schedule as requested by committee, on October 22, 2020.

No one was present to speak.

The  JAMESTOWN COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Jamestown Complete Count Committee 2020 Census Final Report presented by Committee Chair, Pamela Phillips. This Committee was established by Jamestown City Council resolution on March 4, 2019.  She highlighted the report by saying the self report rate for 2020 was 73.5 percent, higher than the overall state’s response, at just over 62 percent.  She added that Valley City’s self response rate was 72 percent.  The final report will be available by the end of this year, or early next year.

 

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

 

Jamestown  (CVHD) Free COVID-19 testing available at the Jamestown Civic Center, Friday November 20, 2020 from 10:00am – noon (or when tests run out).  Masks and social distancing required.

  • Indoors – use Main Level doors or North ground-level door
  • Parking available in the east Business Center lot and the west Civic Center lot.

All new attendees are required to complete the online screening questionnaire in advance, which can be found here: https://testreg.nd.gov/. If you have been tested by us in the past you do not need to register again.

Follow Central Valley Health District on Facebook for current and up-to-date information on local response information.

Questions regarding testing; please contact Central Valley Health at 252-8130.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Arts Center announces that Artist in Residence, Linda Roesch, has created SO MUCH artwork during her time in Jamestown, and the new exhibit is a showcase of her great talents. The show opens November 19th and will run through January 23, 2021.

On Thursday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Arts Center Direcotor, Mindi Schmitz said, the exhibit includes some of her live paintings at Arts Center events. with her view captured around Jamestown, commissioned works, pet portraits, and more. Most pieces are mixed media.

Admission to the gallery is always free. Open hours are weekdays Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Just a reminder masks and social distancing is required for everyone’s safety at this time. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Upcoming Art Classes include:

Sourdough Bread Baking with Sue Balcom Saturday: December 12 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm at The Arts Center.

Learn how to make yummy homemade bread or learn ways to improve your recipe with Sue! At the end of this four-hour class you will take home a freshly baked loaf of sourdough bread, a sourdough starter, and a recipe to create your own bread at home! Registrants need to bring hot pads, a 1.5 qt. covered Pyrex or cast iron Dutch oven, and a mixing bowl to mix the bread.

Masks are required for this class and space is limited to allow for social distance.

Arts After School is happening safely and successfully. The students have been great about washing hands, wearing their masks and social distancing. We do sanitize and use plexiglass dividers for additional protection for our students. Here are upcoming sessions your 3 – 6 grader could attend.

Who Speaks for the Trees? with Mindi and Madison • November 30 – December 11 Explore the wonderful world of the Once-ler and Truffula trees as we dive into Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax”! During this two-week session, students will create whimsical art pieces while also learning about conservation and recycling. Don’t skip out on this class because “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Pet Portraits with Linda Roesch • December 14 – 18 Linda is back with another exciting class! She will teach the students how to let loose and add exciting colors to make your wonderful pets pop out of the canvas! These portraits would be perfect as holiday gifts so don’t miss out on this fun class!

More details and registration is online at: www.jamestownarts.com

Mindi pointed out that the pandemic has given The Arts Center the opportunity to creatively change some of their signature Arts Center programs to safely enjoy all that culture and the arts have to offer. In association new exhibition openings, and will be offering an “exclusive” wine and cheese tasting for up to 25 participants aptly named Perfectly Paired, because what’s better than curated wine and cheese parings coupled with art. Sommelier Karla Sandness will be choosing each exhibition’s pairings. To be sure, the wine and cheeses will delight your palate.

Perfectly Paired: January 7, January 28, March 11 and April 22 at 7:00 pm in The Arts Center gallery. Call soon to reserve your spot as we are space is limited. Tickets are $25. To sign up for participation give the office a call at 701-251-2496.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — More than half of bankers surveyed in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states are projecting a drop in holiday retail sales this year from last year as the coronavirus pandemic worsens across the country. The Rural Mainstreet Survey’s overall index fell to 46.8 in November from October’s 53.2. It’s the first time since April that the index has fallen, but it remains well ahead of the 35.5 reading in March, when the index bottomed out as the outbreak began. Any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy, while a score above 50 suggests a growing economy. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden is denouncing President Donald Trump as the “most irresponsible president in American history” over his efforts to overturn the result of the election. Biden was asked by a reporter Thursday about Trump extending a White House invitation to Michigan state lawmakers in an apparent bid to overturn the results of the election in the state, which Biden won. Biden shook his head, noted that “there’s questions whether it’s even legal” and said the move was “outrageous.” Biden added: “It’s hard to fathom how this man thinks.” Biden warns that “incredibly damaging messages are being sent to the rest of the world about how democracy functions.”

 

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — In a virtual meeting with governors, Joe Biden has expressed concern that President Donald Trump’s unprecedented attempt to block the peaceful transition of power at the White House has hindered the flow of information about programs to fast-track a coronavirus vaccine. The president-elect tells the National Governors Association’s leadership team that his incoming team “hasn’t been able to get everything we need” from the Trump administration. Biden is specifically citing “Operation Warp Speed,” the federal government’s partnership with private pharmaceutical companies to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. Biden promises state leaders that he’ll “make sure you get the resources you need … to beat this virus.”

 

ATLANTA (AP) — Twin Senate runoffs in Georgia are first and foremost about who will control the Senate for the opening of President-elect Joe Biden’s Democratic administration. The stakes are high enough to draw hundreds of millions of dollars in campaign time and plenty of high-profile surrogates. But beyond the immediate effects of the Jan. 5 election, the preceding two-month campaign blitz offers Republicans with presidential ambitions an early proving ground. Two Florida Republicans, Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, have already visited. Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton came to Georgia on Thursday. Vice President Mike Pence plans to visit the state Friday.

 

When President Donald Trump sends lawyers to court, it seems he’s not sending his best. Fighting to challenge an election he lost to President-elect Joe Biden, Trump has launched a barrage of lawsuits across at least five states. But his attorneys have repeatedly made elementary errors in those high-profile cases: misspelling “poll watcher” (P-O-L-L) as “pole watcher” (P-O-L-E), forgetting the name of the presiding judge during a hearing, filing a Michigan lawsuit before an obscure court in Washington by accident and having to refile complaints after erasing entire arguments they’re using to challenge results.