CSi Weather…

TONIGHT …Mostly cloudy. Lows around 10. Temperatures rising into the upper 20s after midnight. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph.

.WEDNESDAY…Partly sunny in the morning then clearing. Windy. Not as cold. Highs around 40. West winds 20 to 30 mph.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s. West

winds around 20 mph.

.THURSDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s. Northwest winds

15 to 20 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows 5 to 10 above.

.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs 15 to 20.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 5 to 10 above.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny with a 20 percent chance of snow. Highs

in the mid 20s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of snow.

Lows 5 to 10 above.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Slight chance of snow in the morning.

Highs 15 to 20.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 5 to 10 above.

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs 15 to 20.

Winds will turn to the west-northwest on Wednesday, gusting up to 30 to 40 mph, especially along and west of the Red River Valley.
Drifting snow is anticipated, which could lead to travel impacts.
This could impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes.

There is a chance for snow Saturday into Sunday.

 

NDDoH

COVID 19 Stats

Tues. Jan. 19,  2021

11-a.m.

Barnes County

New Positives:  1

Total Positives: 1275

Active:  11

Recovered: 1233

 

Stutsman County

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

 

New Positives:  1

Total Positives:  3209

Active:  22

Recovered: 3113

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


BY THE NUMBERS

3,810 – Total Tests from yesterday*

1,458,437 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

138 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

88 – PCR Tests | 50 – Antigen Tests
96,071 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

4.24% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

1,234 – Total Active Cases

-143 Individuals from yesterday.  

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

93,451 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

88 – Currently Hospitalized

-3 – Individuals from yesterday.

 

2 – New Deaths*** (1,386 total deaths since the pandemic began)

 

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Man in his 60s from Cass County.
  • Man in his 80s from Ward County.

 

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY

  • Adams County – 4
  • Barnes County – 1
  • Bottineau County – 1
  • Bowman County – 3
  • Burke County – 1
  • Burleigh County – 16
  • Cass County – 18
  • Dickey County – 2
  • Divide County – 1
  • Eddy County – 1
  • Foster County – 1
  • Grand Forks County – 17
  • Hettinger County – 1
  • McIntosh County – 1
  • McKenzie County – 7
  • Mercer County – 1
  • Morton County – 3
  • Mountrail County – 1
  • Pembina County – 1
  • Ramsey County – 4
  • Renville County – 1
  • Richland County – 10
  • Rolette County – 2
  • Sargent County – 2
  • Stark County – 2
  • Stutsman County – 1
  • Traill County – 2
  • Walsh County – 3
  • Ward County – 20
  • Williams County – 10

 

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

The public may view the meetings on the Zoon platform and by phone.  Contact City Hall prior to each meeting for more information.

The City Commission discussed the Valley City Mask Plan.  Mayor Carlsrud said the mask mandate expired in line with the Governor’s repeal of the statewide mask mandate earlier this month.

Commission Gulmon said it should be expanded another month.  Commissioner Erickson said the mask mandate should be left to individual businesses.  Commissioner Bishop concurred with individuals decisions on wearing a mask.  Commissioner Magnuson is in favor of extending the mask mandate.

Mayor Carlsrud pointed out that since the mask mandates were put into effect the COVID-19 mitigation has improved, and is also in favor of extending the mask mandate.

Approved was extending the mask mandate in Valley City to February 19, 2021, with commissioners Erickson and Bishop voting in opposition.

 

Mayor Carlsrud read a Proclamation for Catholic Schools Week, in Valley City, January 31-February 6, 2021.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

 

Approved the 2021 Application to Sell LP Gas for Loves Travel Stop Contingent on the Approval of the Fire Chief.  Chief Magnuson said the tank will not be in place until the end of February, and the permit will be on the table, and not action until later.

 

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.

ü No personal attacks to persons present or not

ü No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform

ü 5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair

ü Thank you for participating in City Government.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

A Public Hearing was held for Approving the Rezone of Nextera Addition  (Valley Plains Equipment) to the City of Valley City. City Attorney Martineck, said the area is outside city limits to be annexed into the city.  The plan is to expand the business at the additional location, at the area of I-94.

 

Following the Public Hearing the City Commission approved the First Reading of an Ordinance approving the rezoning.

 

ORDINANCE

Approved was the Second and Final 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 there is no changes from the First Reading.

 

Approved  the First Reading of an Ordinance Relating to the Annexation of Territory. City Attorney Martineck said, the annexation pertains to the Nextera property.

RESOLUTION

Approved was a Resolution approving the Plat of Nextera Addition to the City of Valley City. City Attorney Martineck said the land needs to be platted, and the application was approved by Planning and Zoning.

 

Approved was a Resolution approving Replat of Lot 2 of Hi-Line Estates and Legacy Townhomes PUD.  City Attorney Martineck said additional townhomes to be  located near Legacy Place, and was approve prior by Planning and Zoning.

 

Approved was a Resolution Authorizing Refinancing Special Assessment Improvement Bonds of 2011 and 2013. Mike Manstrom from  Onstad Twitchel, presented information, replacing the higher interest rate with a lower rate, at the current rate, saving the city around $90,000.

 

Approved a Resolution Amending Master Fee Schedule re Fees for Residential Building Permits and Inspections. City Attorney Martineck said inspections and permitting fees under inspections are covered.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Approved the VCBCDC request for $15,000 from economic development funds  to Support the Shop Local Campaign in Valley City, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce.

 

Approve Designating $20,000 from Renew and Replacement Fund 290 for 2021 Sidewalk, Curb, Gutter and Driveway Apron replacement. Finance Director Richter said the request is to reimburse property owners, 25-percent of the costs.

 

Approved was a Gaming Site Authorization for ND Chapters of Delta Waterfowl Inc. on February 27, 2021 at the Valley City Eagles Club 2192.  Finance Director Richter  said the application is on-going for an annual event, and the fees have been paid.

 

Approved was a Task Order for Design Engineering for Master Lift Station Upgrades. KLJ/Moore reported that the projects were approved in the city’s capital budget.  Commissioner Erickson voted in opposition.

 

Also approved was  a Task Order for Design Engineering for West End Lift Station, also included in the capital budget.   Commissioner Erickson voted in opposition.

 

Approved a Task Order for Preliminary Engineering for 6th Street NW Reconstruction Project. KLJ/Moore reported that the project is funded through the NDDOT, which requires documentation by the city.   Construction is planned for 2022.  Erickson and Bishop voted in opposition.

 

Approve was an Amendment to Engineer-Owner Agreement for Paving Improvement District 119 & 119B (7th Ave W and 2nd Ave NE). KLJ/Moore said after rejecting prior bids, then $2.5 million dollars became available through the Prairie Dog Bill funding, which a part was applied to the paving district.

Erickson and Bishop voted in opposition.

 

CITY UPDATES &COMMISSION REPORTS

Mayor’s Report:

Mayor Carlsrud, thanked employees including the development corporation.

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

(CSi) City/County Health in Valley City reminds residents that the COVID-19 Testing this week will be again Wednesday January 20 and Friday January 22 from 1-p.m., to 2-p.m., inside the VCSU Fieldhouse.

Preregistration is required.

Administrator, Theresa Will reports that the COVID-19 vaccine is planned to be administered this week.

Jamestown  (CVHD)  Central Valley Health District reports they will hold COVID 19 testing   from 11 am to 12 noon at the Jamestown Civic Center,  using the Rapid Testing, BinaxNow ,  January   20, 21, 2021 11 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

 

Dave Carlsrud

Valley City  (CSi)  1-19-21  Valley City Mayor, Dave Carlsrud with his latest message to Valley City Residents.

Hi Everyone,

I am thankful for another week of nicer than average January weather. Be careful for the ice when walking or driving and if you have ice on sidewalks, please spread some “grit” so your mail carrier can have some traction.

Governor Burgum elected to let the State Face Mask Mandate expire. Reflecting, the COVID began on the coasts, worked its way to the mid-states and north. It took quite awhile for it to reach North Dakota though it arrived with fervor. We battled it with “North Dakota Smart”, washing hands and social distancing. We slowed it, but eventually the virus over-ran us and we had the highest numbers in the USA.  Now we have battled and brought numbers down. The only difference from when we didn’t control it until now seems to be the masking. Data shows masking works and now there is a more contagious strain coming. That said, I believe it is imperative for us to “Wash Hands and Mask-up when we can’t Social Distance”. Those mitigations will be meaningful for us, and those around us until the vaccinations catch up.

Good News: VCPS and VCSU represent approximately 3,000 people counting students and employees have had only miniscule “on campus” positives due to masking.

“You can’t unsay a cruel word.”  (A Cowboy Guide to Life)                                                  

 

Blessings, Pray, Be Safe and Be Kind,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Jamestown  (JRMC) — Meet R.U.D.I, the newest germ-zapping robot in Jamestown.
R.U.D.I. and his “best friend” R.O.S.I.E. are twin Xenex LightStrike germ-zapping robots, designed to destroy hard-to-kill microscopic bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms.
Jamestown Regional Medical Center revealed the new robot’s name Friday, after a Name-The-Robot contest last month.
JRMC purchased R.U.D.I. at a historic time, said Dane Grebel, Enviromental & Support Services manager. Grebel also serves as the hospital’s Emergency Manager.
“R.O.S.I.E. has cleaned rooms and even offce spaces throughout this pandemic,” he said. “Before R.U.D.I, our teams used R.O.S.I.E. to more than 100% of her capacity, meaning we were deferring maintenance, just to keep her going.”
The second robot is a blessing, he said.
“Now that we have R.U.D.I., we can keep one robot upstairs in our patient care and Family BirthPlace units and one downstairs in the Emergency Department,” he said. “Since the Xenex LightStrike robots kill superbugs including COVID-19, this means JRMC has an added safety measure for both our patients and our teams. These robots are one of the many reasons JRMC is a destination for care in the region.”
Xenex LightStrike robots are 99.9% effective in enhancing environmental cleanliness by destroying hard-to-kill super-bugs like COVID-19.

JRMC received more than 300 name submissions. The general public voted to select the name R.U.D.I., which means “Robot Used to Destroy Infection.” Dorrie  Bergstrom as well as Dann Holm, from JRMC’s Plant Department, submitted the name. Holm said he said he chose R.U.D.I. because it and R.O.S.I.E. reminded him of the TV show, “The Jetsons.”
“It seemed like a good fit,” he said.
The community agreed. Of the six robot-name finalists, R.U.D.I. received 150 out of 328 votes.
In addition to the naming contest, JRMC also organized a coloring contest for children. More than 240 participated. Winners of that competition are first place, Kodi Graves; second place, Clara Seckerson; third place, Layla Anderson.

“We are proud of all the participants,” said Lisa Jackson, JRMC Foundation Director. “We hope they had a little fun during this challenging time. We’re also grateful to the community.”
Each robot costs about $100,000. A grant from the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Economic Resiliency Grant helped pay for R.U.D.I. while the community raised money for R.O.S.I.E. as part of 2018’s Giving Hearts Day.
For more information on funding projects, contact JRMC Foundation at (701) 952-4880.

About Jamestown Regional Medical Center
Jamestown Regional Medical Center is located at 2422 20th St. SW, Jamestown, N.D. and serves approximately 55,000 people in nine counties. In 2020, it was named a “Top 20 Critical Access Hospital” out of more than 1,300 CAHs in the country. Modern Healthcare has named JRMC a “Best Places to Work in Healthcare” each year since 2017. For more information, visit www.jrmcnd.com or call (701) 952-1050.

Photos Courtesy JRMC

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota legislative leaders are proposing a bill that spells out the process for filling the seat of a victorious candidate who dies or resigns before taking office. The bill was sparked by a similar scenario last fall that resulted in a clash between the governor and lawmakers. Republican House candidate David Andahl, of Baldwin, died due to complications from the coronavirus on Oct. 5 and then won one of two opens seats in District 8. Gov. Doug Burgum, who in the primary supported Andahl and another candidate over longtime Republican lawmaker Jeff Delzer, tried to appoint Washburn coal executive Wade Boeshans. That move was rebuffed when the state Supreme Court said a Republican district committee should pick the replacement. The proposal essentially mirrors that ruling.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A man accused of using an ax to smash windows at the entrance of Republican North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven’s office in downtown Fargo has been indicted in federal court. Court documents unsealed Tuesday charge Thomas Starks with injury or depredation against government property for allegedly causing the damage discovered by staffers on Dec. 21. Starks, of Lisbon, about 75 miles southwest of Fargo, has also been charged in state court with criminal mischief. Starks was appearing in federal court Tuesday morning. U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley is planning a news conference to discuss the case after Stark’s court appearance.

NEW TOWN, N.D. (AP) — Authorities say one man was killed in a camper fire at a mobile home court in New Town. Officials received a report about 5:11 p.m. Monday of man locked inside a 20-foot camper, which was fully engulfed in flames when fire crews arrived on scene. KXMC-TV reports that the blaze was extinguished in 20 minutes, after which time crews found the man’s body. The victim has not been identified. The North Dakota Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the blaze.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Some lawmakers want a broader investment policy for North Dakota’s oil tax savings account to help finance projects in the state. The legislation unveiled Tuesday by Republican lawmakers would tap 20% of the money coming into the Legacy Fund primarily for investments within the state. It’s the latest attempt to use the voter-approved fund as a source of money to help finance expensive infrastructure projects as state’s oil-driven economy declines. Bismarck GOP Rep. Mike Nathe says only about 1% of the Legacy Fund’s principal is invested in North Dakota at present.

Jamestown  (JRMC) — Meet R.U.D.I, the newest germ-zapping robot in Jamestown.

R.U.D.I. and his “best friend” R.O.S.I.E. are twin Xenex LightStrike germ-zapping robots, designed to destroy hard-to-kill microscopic bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms.

Jamestown Regional Medical Center revealed the new robot’s name Friday, after a Name-The-Robot contest last month.

JRMC purchased R.U.D.I. at a historic time, said Dane Grebel, Enviromental & Support Services manager. Grebel also serves as the hospital’s Emergency Manager.

“R.O.S.I.E. has cleaned rooms and even offce spaces throughout this pandemic,” he said. “Before R.U.D.I, our teams used R.O.S.I.E. to more than 100% of her capacity, meaning we were deferring maintenance, just to keep her going.”

The second robot is a blessing, he said.

“Now that we have R.U.D.I., we can keep one robot upstairs in our patient care and Family BirthPlace units and one downstairs in the Emergency Department,” he said. “Since the Xenex LightStrike robots kill superbugs including COVID-19, this means JRMC has an added safety measure for both our patients and our teams. These robots are one of the many reasons JRMC is a destination for care in the region.”

Xenex LightStrike robots are 99.9% effective in enhancing environmental cleanliness by destroying hard-to-kill super-bugs like COVID-19.

JRMC received more than 300 name submissions. The general public voted to select the name R.U.D.I., which means “Robot Used to Destroy Infection.” Dorrie  Bergstrom as well as Dann Holm, from JRMC’s Plant Department, submitted the name. Holm said he said he chose R.U.D.I. because it and R.O.S.I.E. reminded him of the TV show, “The Jetsons.”

“It seemed like a good fit,” he said.

The community agreed. Of the six robot-name finalists, R.U.D.I. received 150 out of 328 votes.

In addition to the naming contest, JRMC also organized a coloring contest for children. More than 240 participated. Winners of that competition are first place, Kodi Graves; second place, Clara Seckerson; third place, Layla Anderson.

 

“We are proud of all the participants,” said Lisa Jackson, JRMC Foundation Director. “We hope they had a little fun during this challenging time. We’re also grateful to the community.”

Each robot costs about $100,000. A grant from the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Economic Resiliency Grant helped pay for R.U.D.I. while the community raised money for R.O.S.I.E. as part of 2018’s Giving Hearts Day.

For more information on funding projects, contact JRMC Foundation at (701) 952-4880.

In world and national news…

(AP) The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus has surpassed 400,000, providing a grim coda to Donald Trump’s presidency. The milestone comes almost exactly a year after health officials diagnosed the nation’s first case of the virus, and months of efforts by Trump to downplay the threat and his administration’s responsibility to confront it. The number of dead is greater than the population of New Orleans, Cleveland or Tampa, Florida. The coronavirus has killed nearly as many Americans who are lost annually to strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, flu and pneumonia combined. By week’s end, the toll is likely to surpass the number of Americans killed in World War II.

 

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden is making his entrance in the nation’s capital, ready to assume power as the nation reels from the coronavirus pandemic and soaring unemployment. There’s also serious concern about whether more violence could be in the offing as he prepares to take the oath of office on Wednesday. Biden had planned to take a train into Washington on Tuesday ahead of Inauguration Day. But he scratched the plan amid security concerns after this month’s riot at the U.S. Capitol. Instead he’s flying into a military airbase just outside the capital and motorcading into a city that’s been flooded by some 25,000 National Guard troops.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden’s nominees to lead his national security team promised a turnabout from the Trump administration’s approach to national security. They said they would keep politics out of intelligence agencies, restore an emphasis on cooperating with allies, and push for a stronger American leadership role in the world. Antony Blinken, Biden’s choice to be secretary of state, pledged to repair damage done to the State Department and America’s image abroad over the past four years. He said he planned to restore career officials to prominent positions in the department and strive to promote inclusivity in the ranks for the diplomatic corps.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — Authorities say a U.S. Army soldier has been arrested in Georgia on terrorism charges after he spoke online about plotting to blow up the 9/11 Memorial in New York City and attack U.S. soldiers in the Middle East. A spokesperson for Manhattan federal prosecutors says Cole James Bridges of Stow, Ohio, was arrested Tuesday on charges of attempted material support of a terrorist organization and attempted murder of a military member. Nicholas Biase said the 20-year-old soldier was with the Third Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, and was acting in support of the Islamic State group. It was not immediately clear who would represent him.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — The College Board is removing the optional essay from the SAT and doing away with subject tests amid a changing college admissions landscape. The not-for-profit College Board says the pandemic has highlighted the importance of being innovative and adaptive going forward. The pandemic has forced the widespread cancellation of group testing sessions for the SAT and rival ACT since March, leading numerous colleges to eliminate testing requirements for the current admissions cycle. Other institutions have permanently made entrance exams an optional part of applying to college. Before the pandemic shut down schools, nearly 2.2 million 2020 high school graduates took the SAT.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Twelve U.S. Army National Guard members have been removed from the presidential inauguration security mission after they were found to have ties with right-wing militia groups. That is according to two U.S. officials, who said there was no threat to President-elect Joe Biden. The officials, a senior U.S. intelligence official and a U.S. Army official briefed on the matter did not say which fringe group the Guard members belonged to or what unit they served in. A law enforcement official says the removal comes as the FBI has warned law enforcement about the possibility that right-wing fringe groups could pose as members of the National Guard called in to help secure the city after a deadly riot this month at the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — In an emotional farewell, President-elect Joe Biden promised that even as he departs for Washington, D.C., to be sworn in, “I’ll always be a proud son of the state of Delaware.” Speaking Tuesday at an event at the National Guard headquarters in Delaware named for his late son, Beau, Biden’s voice became thick with emotion as he told the crowd that “when I die, I’ve got Delaware written on my heart.” He’s leaving Wilmington via plane Tuesday afternoon and will appear at a memorial for COVID-19 victims at the Lincoln Memorial in the evening. Biden will spend the night at Blair House before moving into the White House on Wednesday.