– Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Dec 17

Wayne Byers Show Weekdays on CSi 2

CSi Weather…

TONIGHT…Cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow after midnight in the Jamestown area, 50 percent in the Valley City area.

Lows in the lower 20s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY…Mostly cloudy in the morning then clearing. Highs in

the lower 30s. Temperatures falling into the upper teens in the

afternoon. West winds 10 to 15 mph shifting to the northwest

15 to 25 mph in the afternoon.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Colder. Lows 5 to 10 above.

Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the south after midnight.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s. Southwest winds

10 to 20 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around 20.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs around 40.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows in the upper 20s.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs around 40.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the lower 20s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow in the

afternoon. Highs in the lower 30s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow in

the evening. Lows 5 to 10 above.

.WEDNESDAY…Decreasing clouds. Highs 15 to 20.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota health officials are reporting a rise in infections and deaths due to complications from COVID-19, but a drop in hospitalizations. The 10 new deaths confirmed Thursday bring the statewide death toll from the virus to 1,204. The state’s death count is the fourth highest per capita at 157 deaths per 100,000 people. The state said there were 148 people hospitalized with COVID-19 on Thursday, a decrease of 12. There have been more than 89,000 positive tests since the start of the pandemic, including 381 reported on Thursday.

NDDoH

ND Covid Stats

Thurs. Dec 17, 2020

11:00-a.m.

Barnes County

New Positives: 12

Total Positives: 1194

Active: 41

Recovered: 1131

Stutsman County

New Positives: 17

Total Positives: 2927

Active: 130

Recovered: 2730

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

BY THE NUMBERS

7,176 – Total Tests from Yesterday*

1,249,401 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

381 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

323 – PCR Tests | 58 antigen tests
89,064 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

4.97% – Daily Positivity Rate**

2,984 – Total Active Cases

+28 Individuals from Yesterday

340 – Individuals Recovered from Yesterday (335 with a recovery date of yesterday****)

84,875 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

148 – Currently Hospitalized

-12 – Individuals from yesterday

10 – New Deaths*** (1,204 total deaths since the pandemic began)

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID

Man in his 60s from Burleigh County.
Woman in her 90s from Burleigh County.
Man in his 70s from McLean County.
Man in his 50s from Richland County.
Man in his 60s from Richland County.
Woman in her 80s from Stark County.
Woman in her 90s from Stark County.
Man in his 70s from Traill County.
Man in his 90s from Ward County.
Woman in her 70s from Wells County.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY

Adams County – 1
Barnes County – 12
Benson County – 5
Bowman County – 2
Burleigh County – 36
Cass County – 89
Dickey County – 8
Dunn County – 2
Emmons County – 3
Foster County – 3
Golden Valley County – 2
Grand Forks County – 28
Hettinger County – 1
Kidder County – 1
LaMoure County – 1
Logan County – 1
McHenry County – 1
McKenzie County – 9
McLean County – 2
Mercer County – 6
Morton County – 14
Mountrail County – 4
Oliver County – 2
Pembina County – 3
Ramsey County – 10
Richland County – 17
Rolette County – 30
Sargent County – 2
Sheridan County – 1
Sioux County – 8
Stark County – 2
Stutsman County – 17
Towner County – 6
Traill County – 7
Walsh County – 4
Ward County – 19
Williams County – 22

* Note that this includes PCR tests and does not include individuals from out of state.

**Individuals who tested positive divided by the total number of people tested who have not previously tested positive (susceptible encounters). Antigen tests (positive or negative) are not included in the calculation.

*** Number of individuals who tested positive with a PCR or antigen test and died from any cause while infected with COVID-19. Please remember that deaths are reported as they’re reported to us by the facility or through the official death record (up to 10-day delay).

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

*****Daily positive numbers include people who tested with a PCR or antigen test. 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 (CCHD) The COVID-19 testing site in Valley City is now every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1pm to 2pm at the VCSU Fieldhouse, “Bubble.”

Theresa Will says BiNAX rapid test being offered on Wednesday’s and Friday’s is accurate.

Face masks are required waiting in line at the test site. Those who need assistance should use the east entrance, others can use the west door. Register online at testreg.nd.gov. No need to registered more than one time.

She also says, the first Moderna COVID-19 vaccines in Barnes County will be available the week of December 21, 2020, to be administered first to healthcare workers.

In January of early February the vaccine is anticipated to be available to the general public.

She says a few individuals will be susceptible to an allergic reaction to the COVID-10 vaccines.

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council’s Committees met in joint session Thursday afternoon at City Hall. All members were present.

Due to the pandemic, physical access to City Hall is restricted. The Council Chambers is currently limited to 8 occupants. The lobby is limited to 10. Masks are required. You may access an agenda at www.JamestownND.gov or by emailing info@JamestownND.gov.

Access the meeting remotely through Microsoft Teams.

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE BUSINESS:

Considered was accepting the proposal from SRF Consulting for Planning and Zoning Technical Services for 2021 in an amount not to exceed $60,000. The Committee recommends approval..

Considered the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Abatement applications for 909 9th Ave NE, 58401. City Assessor Jamison Veil said the property owner said the property was over evaluated, and had the property reassessed, and the committee recommended approving each abatement after the properties were re-evaluated. For 2018, $147,000, for 2019 152,000, for 2020 $154,000.

Also recommended for approved was the 2019 and 2020 Abatement applications for 518 14th St NE, 58401. Jamison Veil said his office approved the abatements, as requested, for reductions.

The committee is recommending the City Council accepting the updated Special Assessment Policy and to publish notice of a public hearing to be held at the February 1, 2021, City Council meeting. The changes were detailed by City Administrator Hellekson, while others remained in the original policy and were recommended by the committee for approval.

Recommended for approval was the request from Andrea Huus, owner of Blazer Inc d.b.a. Shady’s, which is a separate entity from the Gladstone Inn and Suites, but located within the Gladstone Inn and Suites, to alter the on/off-sale liquor license to on-sale liquor license only as of January 1, 2021 through the remainder of the licensing year, June 30, 2021, since the hotel has been closed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The off-sale was used for patrons to bring drinks to their rooms.

(To be addressed at the 17th Spcl Council Mtg to follow)

Considered the request from the ND Department of Human Services to approve an MOU between the Jamestown Police Department and the South Central Human Services Center for the collection of abandoned property, unknown substances or illicit/controlled substances, and authorize the Police Chief to enter into the agreement on behalf of the City. Assistant Police Chief, Major Justin Blinsky said the agreement is so each party is aware of the policy in effect. He said the police department has no concerns about approving the MOU, and the committee recommends approval.

INFORMATIONAL: The appointment applications for Stutsman County Weed Board (city resident), Civil Service Commission, Fire Code Board of Appeals, and Board of Adjustment will be placed on the January 4, 2021, city council agenda.

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE BUSINESS:

Considered was the request from Paul Goehner for annexation of property located at 2806 8th Ave SW, Jamestown, ND, legally described as LOWRY’S SUB DIV, BLOCK 12, Lot 1 – 2, ACRES 1, & THE EAST 7.7′ OF LOT 3, & 1/2 OF THE VACATED ALLEY ADJACENT TO THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE SAID LOTS 1, 2, & EAST 7.7′ OF LOT 3 (CERTIFICATE OF SURVEY #0230635), within the SE1/4 of Section 2, T139N, R64W, Woodbury Township, Stutsman County, North Dakota. Zoning Administrator Tom Blackmore was on hand, with no questions asked, and the committee recommends approving the request.

Considered the request from Commonwealth for a license agreement pertaining to the city-owned parking lot located at 116 3rd St SW Jamestown, ND. Tom Blackmore as City Building Inspector said the request pertains to the set back, and requested an 11 foot set back of no-build in the parking lot in the license agreement. Mayor Heinrich’s concern is that a clause be included, if in the future, a building is no longer at the property, and will then not be in force. The committee recommends the request be reviewed and forwarded to the city council.

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE BUSINESS:

Considered recommending the City Council approve the changes to the Frontier Village vendor leases, authorize the City Attorney to modify the leases, and authorize the City Administrator to enter into the agreements. The committee recommends the city attorney review the modified vendor leases, authorization agreement.

INFORMATIONAL: Community calendar distribution this week from Jamestown Tourism.

Director Searle Swedlund said the calendar was distributed, Thursday to the city and other entities in Jamestown, for the public to pick up.

INFORMATIONAL: Civic Center January 2021 events scheduled. Manager Pam Fosse said there have been an increase in rescheduled events that were previously postponed.

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE BUSINESS:

INFORMATIONAL: Police department and municipal court general update, training, COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented. Major Blinsky explained that virtual trainings are being added, for certifications. In Municipal Court proceedings are in person with physical distancing being observed. He said the police officers are still masked and observing physical distancing, added that officers will be receiving COVID-19 vaccinations when available.

INFORMATIONAL: City Fire Chief Jim Reuther with the Fire Department update, inspections, training, COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented. He said fire fighters continue with training with the new Ladder Truck 1 with the manufacturer representative in town to oversee the training. He added that the fire fighters will receive the vaccine when it becomes available.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE BUSINESS:

The committee is recommending the City Council approve and authorize entering into Supplemental Agreement No. 1, as a part of the September 8, 2016, agreement between the City and Interstate Engineering to close Cell 3B Jamestown Sanitary Landfill. ( To be addressed at the Spcl Council Mtg to follow).

The committee recommends the City Council approve the verbiage for the engraved pavers for the Main Street Road Diet Project, the pavers and installation to be paid by the NDDOT, and the engraving to be paid by the Jamestown Downtown Association with grant funds. The committee members have received specific information on the plan. The JDA is asking for city approval.

Searle Swedlund said the pavers will note historical aspects of Jamestown including people from the past and still living. He said there are plans to be a booklet published to further tell the stories.

The committee recommend approving the following pertaining to the 2021 Seal Coat, Patching, Construction and Reconstruction District No. 21-41:

To create the district.
To direct the preparation of a preliminary engineering report concerning the district.
To approve the preliminary engineering report on the district.
To declare it necessary to construct the district and direct the City Administrator to publish notice

of a public hearing concerning the district.

Discussed and considered was the State Transportation Improvement Projects List (STIP List) and recommend a final prioritized list to the City Council for approval at the January 4, 2021, City Council meeting. Interstate Engineering’s Travis Dillman said on the priority list in concreting the base of Mill Hill starting at the Dairy Queen location. In the future the railroad viaduct may be address to improve traffic flows, and needs to involve the railroad in discussions.

The committee recommends approving the prioritization list.

The committee further discussed the high volume of wood waste, as requested by this committee at the October 22, 2020 meeting. Suggested was increasing the price of disposal, to offset costs of handling the disposal at the landfill. Also discussed was grinding processes of the disposed of material. The committee made no recommendation, and will further discuss options in the future.

The committee recommends the City Council award the quote for 2021 Chemicals for the City of Jamestown water treatment and wastewater collection and treatment, to Marc Chemical of Fargo, ND, as outlined (for bacteria enzymes in the amount of $131.50 per 25-pound container, and to Hawkins Water Treatment of Fargo, ND, for chlorine at $748 per one-ton cylinder, hydrofluosilicic acid at $4.65 per gallon, and sulfur dioxide at $1,284 per one-ton cylinder.) (To be on the following Spcl Council Mtg).

Recommended by committee is that the City Council award the quote for 2021 Lime to Killoran Trucking of Buffalo, ND, in the amount of $166.07 per ton, at an estimated annual amount of 1,900 tons of lime for an estimated annual cost of $315,533. (To be addressed at the Spcl Council Mtg to follow).

The committee recommends approving Change Order No. 2, to CC Steel, LLC, for construction on Sanitary Sewer Lift Station Improvements 20-31 (Lift Station No. 20), for a net increase in the contract price of $8,250.00, and the completion time to March 1, 2021.

Recommended by the committee was the Final Balancing Change Order (Change Order No. 4) to Scherbenske Inc., for a decrease of $65,377.09 for the 2020 Watermain Improvement Project (J19-00-088, City Project 20-61).

The committee recommends the approval of a final loan application under the Drinking Water Act to fund the 2020 Watermain Improvement Project (J19-00-088, City Project 20-61) and authorize the City Administrator to execute and file the application with the ND Department of Environmental Quality on behalf of the City. (On the Spcl Council Mtg to follow).

The committee is recommending using up to $500,000 Municipal Infrastructure Funds (Prairie Dog Funds) to finance the Stormwater Project 21-71 (UJ Stormwater). (Also on the Spcl Council Mtg to follow). The design is currently in process in conjunction with the UJ Taylor Stadium reconstruction project. Mayor Heinrich said the $2.5-million from the state funding has been received by the city, adding the funds in this case will lessen the Special Assessments that otherwise would have been incurred by residents. The reconstruction project is a cooperative venture between the Jamestown Public School District and the University of Jamestown.

INFORMATIONAL: City Engineer project updates including improvements to various sewer lift stations. The river banks stabilization project is proceeding as scheduled. Travis Dillman noted recent water main breaks, that have been repaired.

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

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session on Thursday evening at City Hall.

All members were present.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE WITH OUT OPPOSITION:

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

Items recommended for approval at the committee meetings held prior on Thursday.

A Resolution to accept the quote and authorize the City Administrator and Mayor to enter into an agreement for 2021 Chemicals for the City of Jamestown water treatment and wastewater collection and treatment, to Marc Chemical of Fargo, ND, for bacteria enzymes in the amount of $131.50 per 25-pound container, and to Hawkins Water Treatment of Fargo, ND, for chlorine at $748 per one-ton cylinder, hydrofluosilicic acid at $4.65 per gallon, and sulfur dioxide at $1,284 per one-ton cylinder.
A Resolution to accept the quote and authorizing the City Administrator and Mayor to enter into an agreement for 2021 Lime to Killoran Trucking of Buffalo, ND, in the amount of $166.07 per ton, at an estimated annual amount of 1,900 tons of lime for an estimated annual cost of $315,533.
A Resolution to approve the request from Andrea Huus, owner of Blazer Inc d.b.a. Shady’s, which is a separate entity from the Gladstone Inn and Suites, but located within the Gladstone Inn and Suites, to alter the on/off-sale liquor license to on-sale liquor license only as of January 1, 2021 through the remainder of the licensing year, June 30, 2021, since the hotel has been closed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
A Resolution to approve the Supplemental Agreement No. 1, as a part of the September 8, 2016, agreement between the City and Interstate Engineering to close Cell 3B Jamestown Sanitary Landfill and authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to enter into the agreement.
A Resolution to approve the final loan application under the Drinking Water Act to fund the 2020 Watermain Improvement Project (J19-00-088, City Project 20-61) and authorize the City Administrator to execute and file the application with the ND Department of Environmental Quality on behalf of the City.

Item F was removed for further discussion by Council Member Buchanan, aResolution to approve up to $500,000 Municipal Infrastructure Funds (Prairie Dog Funds) to finance the Stormwater Project 21-71 (UJ Stormwater). He said that the approval of 25 percent of the Praire Dog Funds is acting in haste for a project still in progress, adding the other infrastructure projects should be considered.

Mayor Heinrich said the half million dollars is less that 25 percent. He said the UJ Place project was in his opinion not subsidized by the city. He added that Taylor Stadium will be used by others in the committee as a joint use facility, and he does not see the funding as subsidizing UJ.

Council Member Steele said the storm water rerouting is a project that would have to be performed at a later date, and is not a stadium project.

A motion to approve passed 4-1 with Council Member Buchanan voting in opposition.

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

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown Arts Center suggests giving the Gift of Art for Christmas.

On Thursday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Director Mindi Schmitz said again this Saturday from 10-a.m. to 2-p.m. the Arts Center invites the community to meet Artist in Residence, Linda Roesch as she talks about her inspiration behind the art work created during her time in Jamestown, working with Jamestown Public Schools since 2017.

Original Art and Studio prints are for sale through the Arts Center, with dozen on display in the gallery.

Also ask about commissioning a portrait of your special, person, pet or place.

The Arts Center also has gift certificates available to purchase, for memberships, art classes, and art purchases.

As always Mindi said when at the Arts Center, wear a face mask and observe social distancing.

Other classes coming up with Lisa Lang The Happy Mermaid include Editing Photos with Lightroom or Photoshop, January 9, 2021 from 1:30-p.m., to 4:30-p.m. The class is for those wanting to learn how to use Adobe Lightroom, to organize digital files and edit photos. If you have a lap top computer bring it along with you to class, along with some digital photos for editing.

Coming up on January 16, 2021 there will be photo learning opportunities for middle school and high school students.

Contact the Jamestown Arts Center, for more information and to sign up of classes, at 701-251-2496.

On line visit: jamestownarts.com

Jamestown (CSi) Please note that due to the Christmas & New Year’s Holidays, the Jamestown Baling Facility and Recycling Center will be CLOSED on Friday, December 25, 2020 and Friday, January 1, 2021. The Baling Facility will be closing at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 24, 2020 for Christmas Eve.

The Baling Facility and Recycling Center will resume regular hours on Monday, December 28, 2020.

Baling Facility Open: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and monthly on the second Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to11:00 a.m.
There will be no changes in garbage & recycling collections.
For further information you can contact the Baling Facility at 701-252-5223
and the Recycling Center at 701-320-9218.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Bismarck orthodontist Dr. John Warford has been appointed to the North Dakota Board of Higher Education. Gov. Doug Burgum announced Thursday that Warford will serve out the term of Joseph Wetch Jr., who resigned from the board in August. The term expires in June 2024. Warford served as mayor of Bismarck from 2002 to 2014. He was dean of the Gary Tharaldson School of Business at the University of Mary in Bismarck from 2014 to 2017. The higher education board oversees the state’s 11 public colleges and universities.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new monthly survey of bankers suggests the economy is improving in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states. But Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said the region still has about 95,000 fewer jobs than it did before the pandemic began, and it will take many months of growth to erase all the job losses. The overall index for the region improved to 51.6 in December from November’s 46.8. Any score above 50 suggests a growing economy while a score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s taxable sales and purchases for the third quarter of 2020 decreased 19.5% percent over the same time period the previous year. Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger said taxable sales and purchases for July, August and September totaled $4.72 billion. Rauschenberger said the report released Thursday reflects a similar drop reported in the second quarter. He said the drop “is due to economic disruptions related to the coronavirus and decreasing oil prices.”

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The president of North Dakota State University has issued a personal apology and outlined plans to address recent hate speech incidents and improve the racial climate on campus. In a message to the university community, President Dean Bresciani said it’s important to aggressively speak out against bigotry, racism, and prejudice. A group of NDSU students were recently discovered to be using a slur against Black people on a messaging app, officials said. Bresciani also said two other instances of “potential hate speech” were discovered and brought to the school’s attention. He did not elaborate.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota taxpayers are on the hook for legal expenses in Gov. Doug Burgum’s failed attempt to fill a legislative seat won by a man who died before taking office. Billing records obtained late Wednesday by The Associated Press after an open records request say the Republican governor’s office is claiming more than $12,000 in attorney fees and court costs. The North Dakota Supreme Court in a unanimous ruling last month said Burgum does not have the authority to appoint someone to the state House seat. Burgum had backed the now-deceased winning candidate against an incumbent member of his own party known as a staunch protector of public money.

In world and national news…

(AP) President-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland as interior secretary. That’s according to a person familiar with the selection who wasn’t authorized to discuss it publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday. The historic pick would make her the first Native American to lead the powerful federal agency that has wielded influence over the nation’s tribes for generations. If confirmed by the Senate, the first-term congresswoman would also be the first Native American member of a president’s Cabinet. Tribal leaders and activists around the country, along with many Democratic figures, have urged Biden for weeks to choose Haaland.

(AP) President-elect Joe Biden has offered the leadership of the Environmental Protection Agency to Michael Regan, a North Carolina regulator who’s made a name pursuing cleanups of industrial toxins and helping low-income and minority communities hit hardest by pollution. Regan is head of North Carolina’s environmental agency. Biden also plans to nominate New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland as interior secretary, making her the first Native American to head that agency. The developments were confirmed by two people familiar with the selection process. They were not authorized the discuss the matter publicly before the official announcement and spoke on condition of anonymity.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — U.S. wildlife officials have finalized a rule to exempt some areas from habitat protections meant to save imperiled species. Thursday’s announcement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would place greater weight on the economic benefits of development when deciding if land or water should be protected. It’s the latest move by the Trump administration in a years-long overhaul of how the Endangered Species Act is used. Wildlife advocates say it would allow more drilling, mining and other activities in areas crucial to the survival of dwindling populations of plants and animals. Administration officials say the proposal gives more deference to local community needs.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. authorities are expressing increased alarm about an intrusion into computer systems around the globe that officials suspect was carried out by Russia. The cybersecurity unit of the Department of Homeland Security said Thursday the hack “poses a grave risk” to the federal government and state, local, tribal, and territorial governments as well as critical infrastructure entities and other private sector organizations. The hack, if authorities can indeed prove it was carried out by a nation such as Russia, creates a fresh foreign policy problem for President Donald Trump in his final days in office. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned that it will be difficult to remove the malware inserted through network software.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Authorities say fraternity members at North Carolina’s flagship school were part of a drug trafficking ring that funneled huge quantities of drugs into three college campuses. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Greensboro announced Thursday that 21 people have been charged in connection to the ring. Investigators say the drug ring funneled more than a half-ton of marijuana, several hundred kilograms of cocaine and significant quantities of other drugs into UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University and Appalachian State University. The majority of the suspects are in their mid-twenties. It’s unclear how many are students or were students at any of those three schools.

(AP) New Jersey lawmakers have passed a measure setting up a recreational marijuana marketplace. Their action Thursday sends the legislation to Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy. He is expected to sign the bill but it is unclear when. The Democrat-led Assembly and Senate passed the bill during remote sessions because of the coronavirus pandemic. Voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in November allowing for recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. The amendment takes effect Jan. 1. The legislation sets out a timetable that could see recreational cannabis available in New Jersey in about six months.

GLENVILLE, N.Y. (AP) — The Northeast’s first major snowstorm of the season buried parts of upstate New York under more than 3 feet of snow and broke records in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. The National Weather Service in State College, Pennsylvania, said the Williamsport Regional Airport “made history” with 24.7 inches of snow. In eastern New York, more than 30 inches of snow fell between 1 and 6 a.m. Thursday in suburban Glenville near Albany. The snow caused poor road conditions in many states, with at least 50 crashes and disabled vehicles reported in New Hampshire. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, noting there were about 600 accidents and two fatalities.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California health authorities have reported a one-day record of 379 coronavirus deaths and more than 52,000 new confirmed cases. The staggering new figures released Thursday mean California has seen more than 1,000 deaths in the last five days and nearly 106,000 cases in just two days. Many of the state’s hospitals are now running out of capacity to treat the severest cases. California’s pandemic death toll now stands at 21,860. The state has also seen the most cases in the nation with more than 1.7 million confirmed.

ELM GROVE, Wis. (AP) — Eight nuns living at a suburban Milwaukee convent have died of COVID-19 in the last week, according to the School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province. A statement from the congregation says there are other confirmed cases of the coronavirus among the 88 sisters living at the Notre Dame of Elm Grove. The deaths of the eight nuns occurred since Dec. 9. The statement says the sisters are following recommended safety guidelines. The outbreak comes months after six nuns at Our Lady of Angels Convent in Greenfield died of the coronavirus in less than a month.

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — The mayor of Bethlehem says Christmas celebrations in the birthplace of Jesus will be limited to just a handful of people this year. Mayor Anton Salman delivered the news as Palestinian officials announced a strict new lockdown across the West Bank due to a soaring coronavirus outbreak. Salman said in an interview on Thursday that the town will hold its traditional welcoming ceremony for the Latin Patriarch. But the children’s bands that greet the patriarch will be limited to local residents. He says the number “will be very limited.” The coronavirus has decimated the normally festive Christmas season, closing hotels, restaurants and gift shops.