Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Jan 7

CSi Weather…

…DENSE FOG ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM CST FRIDAY…INCLUDES BARNES COUNTY

* WHAT…Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.

* WHERE…Cavalier, Ramsey, Nelson, Griggs, Steele, Barnes,
Ransom, Sargent and Western Walsh Counties.

* WHEN…Until 11 AM CST Friday.

* IMPACTS…Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of
distance ahead of you.

 

Forecast…

THURSDAY NIGHT…Cloudy with a 20 percent chance of light freezing drizzle. Areas of fog. Lows in the mid 20s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.

.FRIDAY…Cloudy with a 20 percent chance of light freezing

drizzle. Areas of fog. Highs in the lower 30s. Southeast winds around 5 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s. Southeast winds

around 5 mph.

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

around 5 mph shifting to the northwest in the afternoon.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 30s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows 15 to 20.

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

.MONDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around 15.

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

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

.WEDNESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

 

NDDoH

COVID 19 Stats

Thurs. Jan 7, 2021

11-a.m.

Barnes County

New Positives:  7

Total Positives: 1265

Active: 34

Recovered:  1202

 

Stutsman County

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

New Positives:  13

Total Positives:  3180

Active:  69

Recovered:  3040

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

BY THE NUMBERS

10,309 – Total Tests from yesterday*

1,392,125 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

350 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

264 – PCR Tests | 86 – antigen tests
94,156 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

3.97% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

2,088 - Total Active Cases

+101 Individuals from yesterday.  

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

90,726 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

83 – Currently Hospitalized

-2 – Individuals from yesterday.

 

7 – New Deaths*** (1,341 total deaths since the pandemic began)

 

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

• Man in his 70s from Grand Forks County.
• Man in his 30s from Kidder County. 
• Man in his 90s from McLean County.
• Man in his 70s from Ramsey County.
• Woman in her 80s from Ramsey County.
• Man in his 60s from Rolette County.
• Woman in her 50s from Ward County.

 

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY

• Adams County – 2
• Barnes County – 7
• Benson County – 6
• Billings County – 1
• Bowman County – 3
• Burleigh County – 32
• Cass County – 70
• Cavalier County – 1
• Dickey County – 6
• Divide County – 1
• Eddy County – 2
• Emmons County – 3
• Foster County – 1
• Grand Forks County – 14
• Grant County – 1
• Griggs County – 1
• LaMoure County – 10
• Logan County – 2
• McHenry County – 6
• McIntosh County – 4
• McKenzie County – 9
• McLean County – 4
• Morton County – 4
• Mountrail County – 3
• Nelson County – 7
• Pembina County – 1
• Pierce County – 1
• Ramsey County – 12
• Ransom County – 8
• Renville County – 1
• Richland County – 13
• Rolette County – 4
• Sargent County – 1
• Sheridan County – 1
• Sioux County – 11
• Stark County – 21
• Steele County – 1
• Stutsman County – 13
• Traill County – 1
• Walsh County – 4
• WardCounty – 27 
• Williams County – 30

 

* 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.

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 again on Fri., 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.

 

Valley City  (VCPS)  Valley City Public Schools Superintendent Josh Johnson says, the school district will be making a change to the district activity attendance plan effective on Monday, January 11, 2021. This change is a result of North Dakota moving to the yellow risk level and the North Dakota High School Activities Association providing member schools with updated guidelines.

Highlights Include:

The new attendance guidelines that will be followed until further notice for all large group gatherings and events held at Valley City Public Schools:

All spectators attending any large groups gatherings or events MUST:

* Wear a face mask (when not eating or drinking)

* Social distance from other individuals (outside of the family or pod)

* Practice proper hand hygiene

* Do not gather before, during, or after an event on the main floor

Valley City Public Schools will NOT be issuing wristbands prior to any regular season events and will be taking tickets in a traditional manner at the entrance of the event. A capacity limit per event venue has been established for the new guidelines and will be strictly followed at VCPS (see below). We will welcome students, staff, parents, families, and fans that will follow these guidelines and support VCPS in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Capacity Limits (Per Venue)

* Hi-Liner Activity Center (HAC)- 750 spectators

* North Gymnasium (VCHS)- 100 spectators

* Youth Sports Complex (YSC)- 100 spectators

* Theater (VCHS)- 130 spectators

The new attendance guidelines at Valley City Public Schools will be subject to change per the guidance from the state of North Dakota and North Dakota High School Activities Association. The local health team and school board reserve the ability to change these plans as necessary. Any questions regarding these changes may contact Superintendent Josh Johnson at 701.845.0483 ext.1 or Activities Director Mike Schultz at 701.845.0483 ext. 122.

 

Valley City  (VCSU)  Valley City State University has been granted renewal of accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

The renewal of membership and accreditation approved by the NASM Commission on Accreditation confirms that VCSU’s music programs and instruction meet or exceed the national standards set forth by the NASM.

VCSU President Dr. Alan LaFave says, “This is validation of the outstanding education and experience our music students receive at VCSU.  We recognize the monumental and collective effort it takes to achieve this renewal, and we thank everyone involved in the process.”

VCSU’s renewal of accreditation effort was headed by Dr. Christopher Redfearn, an associate professor of music. The renewal process began back in 2019 and was worked on by numerous music faculty and campus staff.

Redfearn adds, “It was a group effort at VCSU, and I’m grateful for all the work put in by the music faculty and others around campus.  I’d like to extend a big thank you to the VCSU administration for their continued support of music education on our campus.”

Accreditation with the NASM is completed every 10 years. VCSU’s next accreditation renewal is scheduled for the 2028-29 academic year.

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — No criminal charges will be filed against a former police official who went undercover without telling anyone during a May gathering in memory of George Floyd in Fargo. Deputy Chief Todd Osmundson resigned following that May 30 gathering that turned violent, resulting in damaged property, a dozen arrests and minor injuries to four police officers. Cass County State’s Attorney Birch Burdick says the decision not to file charges against Osmundson was made after an independent investigation done by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Critics said Osmundson, while off-duty and not in uniform, should not have been mingling with protesters.

Denver  (FEMA)  – FEMA has provided an additional $2.3 million to the state of North Dakota to supplement unemployment benefits for those who lost employment because of the coronavirus pandemic. On August 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

FEMA previously provided $35.2 million for North Dakota lost wages payments, bringing the total amount provided by FEMA to the State to $37.5 million.

FEMA’s grant funding allowed North Dakota to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 $300 per week on top of their regular unemployment benefit. The assistance was provided for the period from July 26 to September 6, 2020. The grant also included funds for state management of the program.

To learn more about FEMA’s lost wages supplemental payment assistance, visit: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/fema-lost-wages-supplemental-payment-assistance.

 

Bismarck  (CSi)  Senator Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) and Democratic Leaders Senator Joan Heckaman (D-New Rockford) and Representative Josh Boschee (D-Fargo) have introduced legislation to create an infrastructure bonding program during the 2021-2023 biennium.

SB 2040 allocates proceeds from the bonds to four distinct project areas. First, it shores up the municipal infrastructure and county and township infrastructure funds created by the Prairie Dog bill by providing up to $230 million. This will ensure those buckets are filled even when oil and gas revenues are low.

“These communities can’t wait,” Mathern said. “We need to take advantage of low interest rates now and finance shovel-ready projects. These projects will only become more expensive if we delay.”

Second, it supports education infrastructure by providing $750 million to the School Construction Assistance Revolving Loan Fund. Under this program K-12 schools can borrow up to $10 million to meet construction needs in their districts. And, for the first time, it authorizes higher education institutions and career and technology centers to borrow up to $50 million. Loans can go toward remodeling or new construction.

“The growth in the number of school-age children statewide shows a continued need for expanding K-12 schools,” said Mathern.

Third, it addresses the need for affordable housing in North Dakota by providing $250 million to the housing incentive fund. This fund was created by the Legislature in 2011 to address workforce housing needs in Western North Dakota. Since then it has expanded to include affordable housing and programs to reduce homelessness. It can also provide rental assistance to individuals and families struggling to make ends meet due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SB 2040 will reduce the need for annual appropriations to the fund.

Finally, any excess revenues will go to a new grant program targeted at road and bridge construction in counties and townships. Up to $770 million would be provided for this program, which will fund projects in each county based on their respective needs.

 

In sports…

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have traded four-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor (lihn-DOHR’) and pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets. Cleveland obtained infielders Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario, right-hander Josh Wolf and outfielder Isaiah Greene. Hedge fund owner Steven Cohen bought the Mets on Nov. 6 from the Wilpon and Katz families and pledges to increase spending. The 27-year-old Lindor is one of baseball’s best all-around players, capable of winning games with his bat, glove or legs. He’s a career .285 hitter and averaged 29 homers, 86 RBIs and 21 steals in his six major league seasons — all in Cleveland.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — On the day after, the violent siege of the U.S. Capitol by President Donald Trump’s supporters raised painful new questions across government. Discussions are underway about Trump’s fitness to remain in office for two more weeks, the ability of the police to secure the complex and the future of the Republican Party. The attack reinforced lawmakers’ resolve to stay up all night to finish counting the Electoral College vote, which confirmed Democrat Joe Biden won the presidential election. But the rampage is forcing a reckoning. One Republican lawmaker publicly joined Democrats in calling for the 25th Amendment to be invoked to force Trump out. Meanwhile, Trump promised an “orderly transition” on Jan. 20, when Biden is set to be inaugurated.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden is denouncing the rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol as “domestic terrorists” and he blames President Donald Trump for the violence that has shaken the nation’s capital and beyond. Biden says the protest by Trump supporters who breached the security of Congress on Wednesday was “not dissent, was not disorder, was not protest. It was chaos.” Biden says the actions Trump has taken to subvert the nation’s democratic institutions throughout his presidency led directly to the mayhem in Washington. And Biden says those who massed on Capitol Hill intending to disrupt a joint session of Congress that was certifying Biden’s election victory over Trump “were a riotous mob — insurrectionists, domestic terrorists.”

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s top congressional allies, says the president must accept his own role in the violence at the Capitol. The South Carolina senator said Thursday that Trump “needs to understand that his actions were the problem, not the solution.” Graham was a foe of Trump’s during the 2016 campaign and questioned his mental fitness for office. Once Trump was in office, however, Graham became one of his closest confidants and often played golf with him. Graham says that he has no regrets of his support of Trump but that “it breaks my heart that my friend, a president of consequence, would allow yesterday to happen.”

 

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Authorities have identified the woman who was fatally shot inside the U.S. Capitol as Ashli Babbitt. Family and her social media accounts say she was an Air Force veteran from San Diego and avid supporter of President Donald Trump and his efforts to stay in office. Police say she was part of a crowd that was breaking down the doors to a barricaded room where armed officers stood on the other side. The 35-year-old woman got married in 2019 and she and her husband run a pool company. Her husband says “she loved her country and she was doing what she thought was right to support her country.”

 

(AP) The U.S. registered its highest deaths from the coronavirus with nearly 3,900 deaths on Wednesday. The virus is surging in nearly every state. California is particularly hard hit, with skyrocketing deaths and infections threatening to force hospitals to ration care. On Thursday, there were 583 deaths in California for a record two-day total of 1,042. The confirmed death toll now stands at 28,045. The state has registered over a quarter million weekly cases. More than 360,000 people in the U.S. have died of the coronavirus. December was the nation’s deadliest month. Health experts are warning January could be worse because of holiday travel and family gatherings. About 1.9 million people around the world have died of the coronavirus.

 

BOSTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden has selected Boston Mayor Marty Walsh as his labor secretary, choosing a former union worker who shares his Irish American background and working-class roots. The 53-year-old Walsh has served as the Democratic mayor of Boston since 2014. His selection for Biden’s Cabinet was confirmed by two people familiar with the decision who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid preempting Biden’s official announcement. When he took the oath of office for his second term as Boston’s chief executive in 2018, Biden presided over the inauguration. Walsh is a former union worker who has a long history with labor. His nomination was praised by union leaders Thursday.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden has picked Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo to lead the Commerce Department, helping set trade policy and looking to promote U.S. opportunities for growth domestically and overseas.Raimondo, a former venture capitalist, is in her second term as governor and previously served as state treasurer. Her name had been floated for Biden’s health secretary, though she said last month she would be staying in Rhode Island and continuing to focus on the coronavirus pandemic.

 

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden has introduced Merrick Garland as his pick for attorney general along with three others he has selected for senior Justice Department positions. Biden said they will restore the independence of the agency and faith in the rule of law. The four lawyers were introduced by Biden at an event Thursday afternoon in Wilmington, Delaware. In picking Garland, Biden is turning to an experienced judge who held senior positions at the Justice Department decades ago, including as a supervisor of the prosecution of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing case.