CSi Weather…

TONIGHT.. Chance of light snow, possibly mixed with sleet in the evening, then snow likely after midnight. Patchy fog through the night. Snow accumulation around 1 inch. Lows in the mid 20s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60 percent in the Jamestown area, 50 percent in the Valley City area.

.WEDNESDAY…Patchy fog in the morning. Cloudy with a 20 percent chance of light snow in the morning, then partly sunny in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 30s. North winds around 5 mph shifting to the southeast in the afternoon.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20. South winds 5 to

10 mph.

.THURSDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the lower 30s. South winds

10 to 15 mph.

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

.FRIDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs around 30.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows around 15.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around 10.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around 10.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s.

..ACCUMULATING SNOW EXPECTED IN THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY TUESDAY  EVENING INTO WEDNESDAY MORNING…

Snow will develop Tuesday evening and continue through the night in
the James River Valley. A little freezing rain is possible Tuesday
evening before precipitation is expected to become all snow.
Accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are possible in the Ellendale to
LaMoure areas, with 1 to 2 inches expected from Ashley to
Jamestown.

Reduced visibility and light amounts of snow on untreated roads
may impact the morning commute on Wednesday. Those traveling
should exercise caution and keep up to date on the latest road
and weather conditions, On CSi Cable 2, and at CSiNewsNow.com

 

NDDoH

COVID Stats

Tues. Jan. 5,  2020

11-a.m.

Barnes County

New Positives:  6

Total Positives: 1253

Active: 30

Recovered: 1194

 

Stutsman County

Antigen tests (BinaxNOW, etc.) were added to the website beginning Dec. 9.

New Positives:  14

Total Positives:  3163

Active:  86

Recovered: 3007

More information pending from the NDDoH

 

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

BY THE NUMBERS

4,172 – Total Tests from yesterday*

1,374,952 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

262 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

138 – PCR Tests | 124 – antigen tests
93,494 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

6.99% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

1,884 – Total Active Cases

-31 Individuals from yesterday.  

191 – with a recovery date of yesterday****

90,281 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

93 – Currently Hospitalized

-5 – Individuals from yesterday.

 

17 – New Deaths*** (1,329 total deaths since the pandemic began)

 

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Man in his 50s from Cass County.
  • Man in his 80s from Cass County.
  • Man in his 70s from Cass County.
  • Man in his 80s from Grand Forks County.
  • Man in his 80s from Pierce County.
  • Man in his 90s from Ramsey County.
  • Man in his 80s from Ramsey County.
  • Woman in her 80s from Ramsey County.
  • Woman in her 80s from Ramsey County.
  • Woman in her 90s from Ramsey County.
  • Man in his 60s from Rolette County.
  • Man in his 60s from Sioux County.
  • Man in his 50s from Walsh County.
  • Woman in her 80s from Ward County.
  • Man in his 80s from Ward County.
  • Woman in her 80s from Wells County.
  • Woman in her 70s from Williams County.

 

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TUESDAY

  • Barnes County – 6
  • Benson County – 2
  • Bottineau County – 1
  • Bowman County – 2
  • Burleigh County – 16
  • Cass County – 67
  • Dickey County – 1
  • Dunn County – 1
  • Emmons County – 1
  • Foster County – 3
  • Grand Forks County – 17
  • Hettinger County – 1
  • LaMoure County – 3
  • McKenzie County – 8
  • McLean County – 2
  • Mercer County – 3
  • Morton County – 8
  • Mountrail County – 3
  • Nelson County – 3
  • Pembina County – 1
  • Ramsey County – 8
  • Ransom County – 7
  • Renville County – 1
  • Richland County – 7
  • Rolette County – 8
  • Sargent County – 2
  • Sheridan County – 1
  • Sioux County – 1
  • Slope County – 1
  • Stark County – 6
  • Stutsman County – 14
  • Towner County – 1
  • Walsh County – 6
  • Ward County – 20
  • Wells County – 2
  • Williams County – 28

 

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

**Individuals (PCR or antigen) 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 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.

 

Jamestown  (CVHD)  Central Valley Health District reports they will hold COVID 19 testing   from 10 am to 12 noon at the Jamestown Civic Center,  using the Rapid Testing, BinaxNow ,  again Weds,  January  6.   There will also be testing next week,  January 11 and 12, 10 – a.m. t0 12 noon.

By screening with rapid antigen tests, event attendees will be able to receive their test results within 15 minutes via text notification. The test also is less invasive than a PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test in that it uses a nasal swab to collect a sample from the lower part of the nostril.

If a person tests positive, they should isolate at home immediately and a case investigator will be in touch with them within 24 hours. If the screening yields a negative result, individuals should continue to monitor for symptoms.

Interested individuals should fill out an online survey at testreg.nd.gov for faster registration.

For more information about rapid antigen tests and North Dakota’s screening strategies, visit https://www.health.nd.gov/rapid-antigen-screening

 

Valley City (CCHD) Free COVID-19 testing events for the VCSU and Valley City communities are being held this week from 1-2 p.m. at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, “The Bubble.” Rapid testing events will be held Jan. 6 and Jan. 8.

These are WALK-IN testing events. Colder temperatures have moved operations indoors. If you wish to be tested, please park your vehicle and enter through the west entrance. Handicap parking spaces and access are available at the east entrance. Preregistration at testreg.nd.gov is encouraged; one only needs to register once.

 

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.

City County Health District Administrator Theresa Will says over 100 health care workers, law enforcement and emergency personal have received the COVID-19 vaccine, with more vaccines arriving weekly.

Jamestown (CVHD 1-5-21)– Central Valley Health District (CVHD) would like to provide an update regarding COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the community.  CVHD serves both Stutsman and Logan counties in North Dakota.  CVHD is one of the enrolled providers for the COVID-19 vaccinations in the community and allocation of the vaccine will be distributed in both counties.  To date, CVHD has provided 315 COVID-19 vaccinations.

CVHD Unit administrator Robin Iszler says,“We have been receiving lots of calls and messages regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. The first three weeks of vaccinations have gone well and we have been busy providing vaccinations to frontline health care workers, first responders and long-term care residents and staff from the Phase 1A priority group.”

Robin points out that COVID-19 vaccine supply continues to be very limited.  Central Valley is currently not taking a list of those interested in getting a vaccination. The best way for members of the community to stay informed about when it is their turn for the vaccination is to monitor messaging from us in the media (Including CSiNewsNow.com), and the CVHD website.

The North Dakota COVID-19 Vaccination Ethics Committee has prioritized who will quality for vaccination in Phases 1B and 1C including the following:

 

Phase 1B (in order of priority):

  • Persons age 75 and older
  • Persons age 65 – 74 with two or more high-risk medical conditions
  • Staff and persons living in other congregate settings (i.e., corrections, group homes, treatment centers, homeless shelters, etc.)
  • Persons age 65 and older with one or more high-risk medical conditions
  • Persons age 65 and older with or without high-risk medical conditions
  • Persons with two or more high-risk medical conditions regardless of age
  • Child care workers
  • Workers employed by preschools or Kindergarten through 12th grade:
    • Teachers, nutritional services, aides, bus drivers, principals, administrative staff, custodians, etc.

Phase 1C (in order of priority):

  • North Dakota National Guard, not previously covered
  • Grocery Workers
  • Public safety answering points (911)
  • Manufacturing related to the development or supply of COVID-19 vaccine
  • Other health care/public health workers not included in phase 1A
  • Free standing clinical laundries
  • Public transit, including bus, taxi, ride-share
  • Persons age 16 – 64 with one or more high-risk medical conditions
  • Blood bank workers not previously vaccinated
  • Information technology
  • All other essential workers per Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

 

Central Valley Health will announce when will move onto Phase 1B.  CVHD and other enrolled providers, including the pharmacies, clinics and other facilities will be providing the vaccinations.  It is anticipated that this may occur in February.  Depending on local vaccine acceptance and supply, it is possible that different areas of the state may be vaccinating within different priority levels.

Robin encourages that,  “Everyone remains patient as they wait for it to become their turn.”   In the meantime, remain vigilant on your health and safety practices and stay informed on the most up-to-date information by following us on Facebook.”

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine and phases of vaccination, visit https://health.nd.gov/covidvaccine.

Underlying Health Condition criteria: https://bit.ly/3hIKqGk

Essential Worker criteria: https://bit.ly/2LkhGrk

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota health officials says its most recent data shows that the state has administered about two-thirds of its COVID-19 vaccine. The state has received 35,250 total doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and dispensed 22,241 doses, according to the state’s vaccine dashboard that is updated every Tuesday. The CDC website ranks North Dakota third in the country in first doses received per capita. Health officials on Tuesday confirmed 17 new deaths due to complications from the coronavirus, including five people from Ramsey County. That high number follows Monday’s update from John Hopkins University researchers showing that the state had dropped from fourth to sixth highest in the country for deaths per capita.

Jamestown  (JPD)  The Jamestown Police Department is warning the public of a new convicted high risk sex offender residing within the Jamestown city limits.

Jason Shawn Gores lives at 1530 6th Ave., SW, Buffalo Motel No. 37, Jamestown, ND

He presently has no vehicle.

Gores is a  37 year old white male, five feet ten inches tall, weighing 200 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair.

He has been assigned a high risk assessment from the North Dakota Risk level Committee, of the North Dakota, Attorney General’s Office.

Offense:  Indecent Exposure involving exposing himself to a 12 year old boy.  Gores has a long history of unajudicated sexual offenses, and has repeatedly failed treatment and has sexually re-offended while in residential treatment programs.

Conviction Date:  April, 1997, in Ramsey, County, ND Juvenile Court.

Disposition:  One year, custody of DJS.

Gores is not wanted by police at this time and has served the sentence imposed by the court.

This notification is meant for public safety and not to increase fear in the community, nor should this information be used to threaten, assault, or intimidate the offender.

Any attempts to harass, intimidate or threaten these offenders, their families, landlords, or employers will be turned over for prosecution.

Printed handouts of the demographics of Gores are available at the Jamestown Police Department.

More information on registered sex offenders is available at the North Dakota Attorney General’s web site: www.sexoffender.nd.gov

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  Jamestown Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund says the year 2020 noted development gains in Jamestown.

On Tuesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Searle said improvements and progress continues on Frontier Village.  He said in 2020, the Ft. Seward “Glamping Experience,” also attracted additional visitors, while the River Trail and Hiking Trail attracted visitors. He pointed out that in 2020 the 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse implemented the historical exhibit throughout the courthouse, the only one of its kind in the U.S.

2020 also included the evolution of the planned Buffalo City Park, for Jamestown, with the feasibility study showing the project is doable. He noted that funds are still be sought for the project.

Searle added that the new Tourism Community Calendar of events started to be distributed in the community.  Also the Tourism  E-Newsletter, is available to outline tourist attraction updates in Jamestown.

In 2020 Jamestown visitor counts were down about 1,500, compared to last year.  He said tourist numbers began to increase in late 2020.

With Tax collections, Searle said hotel tax collections were down about 30 percent, along with a drop in tax collections from bars and restaurants, stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on decreasing business.

He added that the Jamestown Tourism Annual Meeting is planned for Monday January 11, 2021 at 5:15-p.m., at the Jamestown Civic Center’s, Exchequor Room, with the public invited.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  the Valley City Commission met in Regular Session, virtually on Tuesday evening.  All members were present.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

Approved a 2021 Tree Trimming and Removal License for Pine Country Nursery.

Approved a 2021 Application to Operate Mobile Home Park for Plecity Mobile Home Park.

Approved paying bills in the amount of $1,290,121.10

 

Public Comments … No One Spoke…

Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting. The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

No personal attacks to persons present or not

No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform

5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair

Thank you for participating in City Government.

ORDINANCE

Approved the First Reading of an Ordinance Creating a Perpetual Restrictive Covenant for Structures to be removed in Accordance with the State Water Commission. City Attorney Martineck said, the structures are a part of Phase 4, of the Permanent Flood Protection.

RESOLUTION

Approved was a Resolution 265, a Resolution to sell Real Property at a Private Sale. City Administrator Crawford said the property is vacant having been removed by an explosion.

NEW BUSINESS

Transformer Purchase Request.  Electrical Superintendent Senf said made the presentation at the Finance Committee meeting, and was approved by the City Commission.

 

Approved was the Economic Development Contract.  Economic Development Director, Jennifer Feist said the contract is in force until December 21, 2029, when the city sales tax expires, and is reviewed every two years.

 

Approve Procurement Committee Final Report – 6th Street NW Engineering.  City Attorney Martineck said funding comes from the State Water Commission.  RFQ’s were received and KLJ, Moore was selected for Preliminary Engineering.

The approval passed on a 3-2 vote.  Commissioners Erickson and Bishop voted in opposition.

 

The city Commission received a Payment In Lieu of Taxes request for Trademark Tooling and Schedule date for a Public Hearing. The business performs machining and welding, and has a store front to sell items.  The payment information goes to the ND Commerce Department for approval. Each competitor will be informed of the Public Hearing date.

The request was unanimously approved.

City Commissioners, approved the Valley City CARES Business Assistance Program. Commissioners Gulmon and Magnuson spoke.  Gulmon said a committee was formed to discuss the issue.

Proposed is $200,000 in CARES Business Assistance Program funds, to be run by the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce.  $12,000 is earmarked for the Chamber to pay expense, $21,000 will go to waiving the liquor and beers license permit fees.  The total funding expenditure is  $233,000.  The Chamber will have more information on how the program will work using Chamber Bucks, which will have turnover of dollars to benefit local Valley City businesses.

 

Approved were Updates to the Covid 19 Cares Act Relief Fund. Finance Director Richter said the dollars go toward city projects, and to reduce the city mill levy, plus to pay thee $233,000 in previously action.

It then leaves a balance of $28,000..

 

The City Commission   approved  amending the Valley City Emergency Order, concerning the COVID-19 Pandemic.  The Original Order stated that the Order will be amended in accordance with the North Dakota Emergency Order.  With the state change moving Barnes and all counties from High Risk to Moderate Risk, the Valley City Emergency Order is likewise amended under the Moderate Risk protocols.

 

The City Commission approved items in the 7th Avenue Northwest and 2nd Avenue Northeast reconstruction projects.

The City Engineer position was discussed. Commission Bishop said regarding transparency issues with the engineering scenario he pointed out that in the past, problems resulted in bringing in additional engineering firms to make corrections.  He moved that KLJ not bid on city projects if they want to be the city engineer.    Jennifer Feist added that based previous experience she feels the KLJ and Moore firms is having the “best of both world’s,” in performing engineering.

Mayor Carlsrud said he’s been supportive in the past engineering of KLJ, adding the city has a system of checks and balances, in making sure engineering by the firm is in accordance with city policy.

The motion was defeated, 3-2 with Commissioners Bishop and Erickson voting for the motion.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Gwen Crawford said city portfolio holders are being updated regularly.  She noted that the recent snow removal process was reviewed for possible updates.

Police Chief Hatcher said, law enforcement is attending the ND legislative session to express possible changes in state law.

Commissioner Bishop complemented the City Fire and Police Departments for their work.

Commissioner Magnuson also praised the city staff for their work in 2020 during the COVID -19 pandemic.

Mayor Carlsrud reminded motorists to drive using winter time driving habits, now that the snow is falling more regularly.

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

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Gov. Doug Burgum used his State of the State address to convey optimism in North Dakota’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The Republican governor also made a pitch for lawmakers to endorse his budget proposals that he said would benefit residents for generations. Burgum’s speech came shortly after the 2021 Legislature opened its regular session. During the Legislature’s organizational session a month ago, Burgum outlined his spending blueprint in a separate address, and his Tuesday speech contained much of the same themes. Many of Burgum’s budget priorities in past sessions have failed to entirely pass the GOP-led Legislature’s scrutiny.

Update

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin prosecutor has declined to file criminal charges against a white police officer who shot a Black man in the back last summer. Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley said Tuesday that he had decided not to charge Officer Rusten Sheskey and other officers, saying he didn’t think he could prove Sheskey and other officers weren’t acting in self-defense. Sheskey shot Jacob Blake in the back seven times after responding to a domestic dispute on Aug. 23. Cellphone video shows Blake walking away from officers and opening the door of an SUV moments before Sheskey opened fire. The shooting left Blake paralyzed and triggered several nights of protests in Kenosha, with some turning violent.

Bismarck  (NDDOT)  A Virtual Public Input Meeting will be available January 8, 2021 on the NDDOT website at www.dot.nd.gov, click “Public Meetings” under Quick Links. A pre-recorded presentation and other materials will be available on January 8, 2021. This is not a live event.

The purpose of the Virtual Public Input Meeting is to receive public input and comments on proposed roadway improvement project involving Interstate 94, 7 miles west of ND 49, at the Eagles Nest Interchange connection to County Road 139. The project consists of replacement of the eastbound and westbound Interstate 94 bridge structures and realignment of County Road 139 further away from the existing BNSF railroad.

The Virtual Public Input Meeting is being facilitated by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT).

Written statements or comments about this project must be postmarked or emailed by January 23, 2021 to Jake Wilder, Civil Science, Inc., 235 Sims Street, Dickinson, ND 58601, email: comments@civilscience.com with “Virtual Public Input Meeting” in the subject heading.

For any questions, help submitting comments, or to request hard copy materials please contact Jake Wilder, Civil Science, Inc. 235 Sims Street, Dickinson, ND 58601, email: comments@civilscience.com.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) will consider every request for reasonable accommodation to provide:

  • an accessible accommodation for people with disabilities,
  • language interpretation for people with limited English proficiency (LEP), and
  • translations of written material necessary to access NDDOT programs and information.

To request accommodations, contact Atiana Beck, Civil Rights Division, NDDOT, at (701) 328-2978 or civilrights@nd.gov.  TTY users may use Relay North Dakota at 711 or 1-800-366-6888.

In sports…

NDAPSSA Class B Basketball Polls

(First-place votes in parenthesis)

Fourth poll, January 4

BOYS

1. Enderlin (7) 4-1 189 4

2. Four Winds/Minn. (5) 3-1 185 1

3. Grafton (8) 4-0 184 2

4. Dickinson Trinity (1) 5-1 168 3

5. Langdon/EM (1) 3-0 136 6

6. Kindred 3-0 116 7

7. Dunseith 4-0 71 9

8. Rugby 4-1 42 10

9. Edgeley/KM 4-0 37 NR

10. Beulah 2-3 28 5

Others receiving votes: Central Cass (5-0), Flasher (5-0), Powers Lake (3-0), Linton-HMB (3-1), Shiloh Christian (3-3), Oakes (0-0), Velva (4-1).

GIRLS

1. Central Cass (10) 6-0 207 2

2. Kindred (12) 3-1 204 1

3. Grafton 3-1 161 5

4. Carrington 6-0 138 9

5. Linton/HMB 2-1 127 4

6. Trenton 4-0 107 6

7. Thompson 4-0 91 10

8. Langdon/EM 3-3 37 3

9. Our Redeemer’s 6-0 27 NR

10. Glenburn 4-0 23 NR

Others receiving votes: Wilton-Wing (5-0), Shiloh Christian (4-3), Kenmare (5-0), Oakes (3-0), Beulah (5-1), Kidder County (4-1), LaMoure-Litchville-Marion (3-0), Rugby (2-2), Benson County (2-1), Northern Cass (3-2).

 

In world and national news…

(AP)  Sen. Kelly Loeffler is urging Republican voters to turn out in Georgia’s runoff elections to ensure the GOP holds the Senate as a “firewall” against President-elect Joe Biden and congressional Democrats. Loeffler told reporters while campaigning in the Atlanta suburb of Sandy Springs that “the future of the country is on the ballot.” Tuesday’s election pits her against Democrat Raphael Warnock and Republican David Perdue against Democrat Jon Ossoff. The outcome will determine which party controls the Senate. Warnock is criticizing Loeffler for saying she will join a number of Senate Republicans on Wednesday in challenging Congress’ certification of Biden’s victory.

ATLANTA (AP) — Some of the Georgia voters casting ballots in a crucial U.S. Senate runoff say they’re ready for the election to be over and weeks of attack ads to end. Thirty-seven-year-old Kari Callaghan of Atlanta used to always vote for Republicans but she says she cast her ballot for Democrats on Tuesday. She says that’s because she believes the GOP has opted for cronyism over conservative values. Fifty-six-year-old Will James of Fulton County said he didn’t like that David Perdue and Sen. Kelly Loeffler were backing President Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn November’s presidential election. But he says it didn’t affect his vote. He says he’s backing Republicans because he doesn’t want Democrats to have full control of the government.

 

ATLANTA (AP) — A federal judge has rejected President Donald Trump’s latest bid to overturn his election loss in Georgia during a hearing that the president’s lawyer blocked members of the public from listening to remotely amid the coronavirus pandemic. U.S. District Judge Mark H. Cohen on Tuesday denied from the bench a motion seeking to de-certify Georgia’s election. But only those present in the courtroom were able to watch the hearing held via videoconference because the judge’s staff said that Trump’s lawyer did not consent to providing remote access to the public.

(AP)  A number of taxpayers who use tax preparation services, such as H&R Block and TurboTax, say their second relief payments were sent to the incorrect bank account. The IRS and the Treasury Department began issuing the Economic Impact Payments last week. The payments of $600 for each eligible adult and dependent sent via direct deposit were largely available on Monday. Some payments are also being sent via paper check or debit cards during January. However, many people who paid their tax preparation fees with their refund said that their relief payments were sent to an account they did not recognize.

 

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Trump administration finalized changes to a century-old law protecting most American wild bird species, despite warnings that billions of birds could die as a result. A U.S. District Court judge in August had blocked the administration’s prior attempt to change how the Migratory Bird Treaty Act is enforced. But urged on by industry groups, the Trump administration has remained adamant that the act has been wielded inappropriately for decades to penalize companies when birds land in oil pits or collide with power lines. More than 1,000 species are covered under the law. Conservationists said they’ll push President-elect Joe Biden to reverse Tuesday’s move by Trump’s Interior Department.

 

ATLANTA (AP) — Former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter will not attend President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. It marks the first time the couple, 96 and 93, will have missed the ceremonies since Carter was sworn in as the 39th president in 1977. A spokeswoman at The Carter Center in Atlanta says the Carters have sent Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris their “best wishes” and “look forward to a successful administration.” Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, and his wife have spent the coronavirus pandemic mostly at their home in Plains, Georgia, where both were raised and where they returned after leaving the White House in 1981.

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — As light snow fell around the church, Andre Hill’s family, friends and strangers angry about his death walked into a Columbus church to honor his life. Inside the church on Tuesday morning, a photo of Hill, 47, surrounded by the faces of Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor and the other Black people killed by authorities in recent years leaned against the stage next to his open casket. The Rev. Al Sharpton delivered Hill’s eulogy. Columbus has been shaken by the December killings of 23-year-old Casey Goodson Jr. by a Franklin County Sheriff’s Office deputy and Hill by a Columbus police officer.