CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the lower 30s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows around 20. Northwest winds around 10 mph.

.THURSDAY…Sunny. Highs around 40. West winds 10 to 15 mph.

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

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 20s.

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

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.

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

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 20s.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.

 

ND Covid Stats  

Tues Dec. 1, 2020

11-a.m.

Update 1:38-p.m.

Barnes County

NEW DEATHS 4

  • Man in his 90s
  • Man in his 90s
  • Man in his 70s
  • Woman in her 80s

TOTAL DEATHS 18

New Positives:  7

Total Positives: 1043

Active:  116

Recovered:  909

 

Stutsman County

NEW DEATH 1

Man in his 70s

TOTAL DEATH 43

New Positives: 7

Total Positives: 2631

Active:  171

Recovered:   2417

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


BY THE NUMBERS

3,347 – Total Tests from Yesterday*

1,147,587 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

409 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

79,655 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

13.37% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

5,686 – Total Active Cases

-791 Individuals from Yesterday

1,167 – Individuals Recovered from Yesterday (879 with a recovery date of yesterday****)

73,015 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

319 – Currently Hospitalized

-12 – Individuals from yesterday

 

27 – New Deaths*** (954 total deaths since the pandemic began)
Please note that 7 of the 27 deaths were outside the typical 0-3-day lag in death reporting. It is more likely that a higher number of deaths are reported on Tuesdays because of the lag in reporting from over the weekend.

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Man in his 90s from Barnes County.
  • Man in his 90s from Barnes County.
  • Man in his 70s from Barnes County.
  • Woman in her 80s from Barnes County.
  • Woman in her 80s from Burleigh County.
  • Woman in her 90s from Burleigh County.
  • Man in his 90s from Cass County.
  • Woman in her 90s from Cass County.
  • Man in his 80s from Dickey County.
  • Woman in her 90s from Foster County.
  • Man in his 70s from Grand Forks County.
  • Man in his 80s from Grand Forks County.
  • Woman in her 100s from Grand Forks County.
  • Woman in her 80s from Mountrail County.
  • Woman in her 70s from Pembina County.
  • Man in his 80s from Renville County.
  • Man in his 90s from Renville County.
  • Woman in her 90s from Renville County.
  • Man in his 50s from Rolette County.
  • Woman in her 80s from Rolette County.
  • Man in his 70s from Stutsman County.
  • Man in his 90s from Walsh County.
  • Woman in her 90s from Ward County.
  • Woman in her 80s from Ward County.
  • Woman in her 90s from Ward County.
  • Man in his 80s from Ward County.
  • Man in his 80s from Ward County.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TUESDAY

  • Adams County – 1
  • Barnes County – 7
  • Benson County – 3
  • Bottineau County – 3
  • Burke County – 1
  • Burleigh County – 33
  • Cass County – 169
  • Cavalier County – 2
  • Dickey County – 2
  • Dunn County – 2
  • Eddy County – 2
  • Emmons County – 1
  • Foster County – 3
  • Grand Forks County – 18
  • Grant County – 1
  • Griggs County – 4
  • Kidder County – 4
  • LaMoure County – 2
  • McKenzie County – 8
  • McLean County – 2
  • Mercer County – 3
  • Morton County – 12
  • Mountrail County – 2
  • Pembina County – 9
  • Pierce County – 3
  • Ramsey County – 18
  • Ransom County – 1
  • Renville County – 2
  • Richland County – 15
  • Rolette County – 14
  • Sioux County – 8
  • Stark County – 8
  • Steele County – 1
  • Stutsman County – 7
  • Traill County – 3
  • Walsh County – 6
  • Ward County – 11
  • Williams County – 18

 

* 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.

 

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

All  members were present.  The members were present in the virtual presentation.

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 $1,482,996.62

A 2021 Pawn Shop License for Northwestern Industries.

2021 Tree Trimming and Removal License for a. Johnny B’s Trees and Service.

Z’s Trees

Mike’s Construction and Repair

Ground to Sky

2021 Vehicles for Hire License for South Central Adult Services.

Blocking off Street Request for Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on December 24, 2020 on 3rd St. NW between 2nd Ave NW and alley or Central for a Christmas Event mini-worship gathering on 12/24/2020.

A Permit to Sell L.P. Gas for CBF Oil, Inc. dba Vining Oil & Propane.

 

Public Comments … No one spoke.

 

ORDINANCE

Approved was second and final reading of an Ordinance creating and enacting Section 19-01-08 of Valley City Municipal Code re penalty for violation of City emergency orders. City Attorney Martineck said the penalty involves a fine of a maximum $1,000, under an infraction with citations at the discretion of local authorities.  The action is in line with the State of North Dakota, with any prosecutions in District Court, with fine collected at the local level.

Commissioner Erickson voted in opposition.

 

Approved was second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1068, an Ordinance Amending and Reenacting Sections 8-06-07 and 8-06-12 of the Valley City Municipal Code, related to removal of stumps and renewal of licenses. City Attorney Martineck  said the stumps need to be removed at the time of tree removal with a grace period of three weeks. The Commission approved a grace period of four weeks, following tree removal, with diseased stumps to be removed, no later than four weeks, as indicated by the City Forester.

NEW BUSINESS

Approved a Special Alcohol Event Permit for Bridges Bar and Grill at North Dakota Winter Show for Cattleman’s Ball and Sale on December 4th-6th, 2020.  City Auditor Richter said paperwork with drawings of the alcohol dispensing area, has been submitted, approved by law enforcement.

Approved the Scoring & Ranking Criteria for the Main Street Program.   Jennifer Feist said one applicant was received for the first year.  She said this year the funding level is capped at $40,000.  Visual impact of the project carries the most weight in the criteria for scoring.

Tentatively approved was  a Valley City Water Purchase Agreement, with Barnes Rural Water.  City Administrator Crawford said two properties, were under a base rate being charged, which needs to be put into the agreement for approval of Barnes Rural Water, before final approval.

Approved was a State Water Commission Agreement for Cost-Share Reimbursement for Mill Dam Rehabilitation Project.

Discussed was the cost share with City County health regarding the mask mandate funding concerning kits, provided to businesses, at $1,200 plus  advertising costs.  Commissioners approved the $1,200 funding.

 

Discussed was establishing  a procurement committee, of no more than seven to review RFQ’s for a business to be selected for an engineering firm, for a city improvement project.  The motion to approve passed.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Gwen Crawford said she will update the commission, as information is compiled on various department items.

 

 CITY UPDATES &COMMISSION REPORTS:

Avis Richter thanked the Public Works Department on budgeting, and noted specifically the water tower project, and funding to be set aside.

Fire Chief Scott Magnuson warned the public to stay off thin ice, noting his department was on scene within three minutes of the call of rescuing a man and his dogs from the river on Saturday.

With dry conditions residents are reminded to check the city ordinance concerning burning.

He said fire extinguisher inspections and fill are in progress.

Police Chief Phil Hatcher said Santa, Cops & Kids holiday shopping will be held under a different format to be safe under the pandemic protocols.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked Dr. and Sharon Buhr on their efforts regarding distributing face masks and the public service  awareness program in cooperation with City County Health, and the City of Valley City,

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

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota lawmakers decided to require masks at the state Capitol. for the three-day organizational session. The vote Tuesday is supported by legislative leaders but opposed by far-right members of the Republican-controlled Legislature. House Majority Leader Chet Pollert and Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner told reporters Tuesday they support a mask mandate at Capitol legislative spaces to help protect lawmakers and the public. Lawmakers are expected to finalize the rules Thursday for the upcoming session it convenes Jan. 5.

Jamestown  (CSi)  Riverbank Restoration (James River) – Road & Lane Closures Beginning Monday, December 7, 2020, there will be road and lane closures in three areas in town.
Area 1: Intersection of 1st Ave North and 13th Street NW.
Area 2: 1st Ave North and 10th Street NW (Nickeus Park Loop Road will be closed to through traffic when working on Area 2).
Area 3: 11th St NW from the intersection of 4th Ave NW along the road to Nickeus Park to the intersection of 2nd Ave NW and 10th Street NW.

 

Bismarck  (NDDOT)  The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) 2021-2024 Final Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is now available. The STIP is a four-year program of transportation improvements to be funded with federal highway and transit monies. Improvements include state and county highways, urban streets, roadway safety features, bikeways and busing programs.

An electronic copy of the Final STIP is located on the NDDOT website at www.dot.nd.gov by clicking on the Publications icon at the top of the page, then clicking on the “2021-2024 Final STIP” link under the Plans and Reports section. Copies will also be available for viewing at the district offices, or individual copies may be obtained from the NDDOT Programming Division upon request.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation is also requesting public comments as it prepares the 2022-2025 STIP. Public comments for any upcoming projects are being sought until December 31, 2020. In Bismarck-Mandan, Fargo-Moorhead and Grand Forks-East Grand Forks, urban area programs of projects are being prepared by the local Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO).

If you have any comments, or projects you would like to see in the near future, contact your district engineer, county engineer, MPO (Metropolitan Planning Office), BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs), or other appropriate agency.

Bismarck District
(701) 328-6950

Grand Forks District
(701) 787-6500

Devils Lake District
(701) 665-5100

Minot District
(701) 857-6925

Dickinson District
(701) 227-6500

Valley City District
(701) 845-8800

Fargo District
(701) 239-8900

Williston District
(701) 774-2700

Bismarck/Mandan MPO
(701) 355-1840

Fargo/Moorhead MPO
(701) 232-3242

Grand Forks/East Grand Forks MPO
(701) 746-2660

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new monthly survey of business leaders in nine Midwest and Plains states suggests faltering confidence in the region’s economy. After climbing every month since bottoming out in April, the overall index of the Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions survey fell to 69.0 in November from October’s 70.2. Any score above 50 on the survey’s indexes suggests growth, while a score below 50 suggests recession. Meanwhile, the survey’s confidence index looking ahead six months plummeted 20 points to 50.0 this month from October’s 70.4. The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit in Wisconsin seeking to disqualify more than 221,000 ballots in a longshot attempt to overturn Democrat Joe Biden’s win in the battleground state he lost by nearly 20,700 votes. Trump filed the suit with the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday. It came a day after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and the head of the Wisconsin Elections Commission certified Biden as the winner of the state’s 10 Electoral College votes. The state’s highest court also is considering whether to hear two other lawsuits filed by conservatives seeking to invalidate ballots.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A North Dakota man accused of shooting and wounding two police officers in Wisconsin has entered not guilty pleas to charges against him. Twenty-three-year-old Nathanael Benton, of Fargo, was bound over for trial in Waukesha County Circuit Court Monday after waiving his preliminary hearing. Benton is accused of shooting the two officers Nov. 6 after they responded to a Delafield hotel on a report of a possible hit-and-run. Benton is charged with two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide/use of a dangerous weapon as well as possession of a firearm by an out-of-state felon.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General William Barr said Tuesday that the Justice Department has not uncovered evidence of widespread voter fraud and has seen nothing that would change the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. In an interview with The Associated Press, Barr said U.S. attorneys and FBI agents have been working diligently to follow up on specific complaints and information they’ve received, but they’ve uncovered no evidence that would change the outcome of the election.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General William Barr has given extra protection to the prosecutor he appointed to investigate the origins of the Trump- ussia investigation, giving him the authority of a special counsel to allow him to complete his work without being easily fired. Barr told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he had appointed U.S. Attorney John Durham as a special counsel in October under the same federal statute that governed special counsel Robert Mueller’s in the original Russia probe. He said Durham’s investigation has been narrowing to focus more on the conduct of FBI agents who worked on the probe of allegations of cooperation between the Trump team and Russians in the 2016 presidential campaign.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the agency responsible for approving any COVID-19 vaccine has been summoned to the White House as an increasingly frustrated President Donald Trump complains approval isn’t coming faster. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows called in Stephen Hahn, the head of the Food and Drug Administration, as the agency weighs whether to approve the first vaccines that could help defeat the coronavirus. Trump has been livid with the FDA for not moving faster and has leveled unfounded claims that drug companies deliberately delayed vaccine development to hinder his reelection chances.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — An influential scientific panel has taken up one of the most pressing questions in the U.S. coronavirus epidemic: When the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine become available, who should be at the front of the line for shots? The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices convened a virtual meeting Tuesday to vote on a proposal that would give priority to health care workers and patients in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The two groups together represent around 23 million Americans out of a population of about 330 million.

 

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden has introduced top advisers he says will help his administration rebuild an economy hammered by the coronavirus pandemic. He declared on Tuesday, “I know times are tough, but I want you to know that help is on the way.” Biden says he’s chosen a “first-rate team” that is “tested and experienced.” He picked liberal advisers who have long prioritized the nation’s workers and government efforts to address economic inequality, as unemployment remains high and as the COVID-19 outbreak widens the gulf between average people and the nation’s most well off. The virus is resurgent across the country amid holiday travel and colder weather.

 

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is taking a veiled swing at President-elect Joe Biden. DeVos is blasting the push for free college as a “socialist takeover of higher education” that could damage the “already fragile economy.” DeVos didn’t mention Biden by name during an online conference. But she is railing against “politicians” who want to cancel federal student debt or make college free. DeVos has long opposed free college proposals and has been accused of undermining federal programs that let some borrowers get their student loans forgiven. Biden says he wants to make public colleges and universities free for families earning less than $125,000 a year.