CSi Weather…

Winds may continue to gust into the 30 to 40 mph range tonight and
Thursday morning with patchy blowing and drifting snow possible.
Minor travel impacts area possible, especially in open areas.

TONIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the lower 20s. West winds 20 to 25 mph.

.THURSDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to around 35 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Colder. Lows 5 to 10 above.

Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 20s. West winds 5 to

10 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows 5 to 10 above.

.SATURDAY…Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Highs

in the mid 20s.

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

the evening. Lows zero to 5 above.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Highs 15 to 20.

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

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs around 15.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows zero to 5 above.

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

afternoon. Highs around 15.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  Valley City, City Attorney, Carl Martineck has issued an explanation and details about the recently passed Valley City Commission approval of extending the face covering requirement within city limits.

“On January 19, 2021, following approval by the Board of City Commissioners, Mayor Carlsrud signed Emergency Order 2020-05.5, extending the face covering requirement within the City of Valley City.  The Order is effective through February 19.

In addition to the face covering requirement, businesses and large gatherings are strongly encouraged to adopt protocols consistent with ND Smart Restart for the Yellow/Moderate Risk Level, which would include physical distancing and capacity limits.

Businesses are required to post at least one sign notifying customers of the requirement on the entrance to the establishment, and may also contact the City for assistance in enforcing the Order on their premises.”

Large Gathering Capacity Guidelines

ND Smart Restart Protocols

Emergency Order 2020-05.5 – mask mandate.pdf

 

North Dakota health officials are reporting a dramatic drop in hospitalizations because of the coronavirus, due mostly to finding and fixing a computer glitch. The state Department of Health said Wednesday that the adjustment was made after officials resolved a problem with the flow of data in the last week from caseworkers to the state’s reporting system. The result was a drop from 88 hospitalizations to 55. The last time hospitalizations were that low was late August. The state’s hospital tracker shows there are 48 staffed intensive care unit beds and 381 staffed inpatient beds available in North Dakota.

NDDoH

COVID 19 Stats.

Wed. Jan 20, 2021

11-a.m.

Barnes County

New Positives:  1

Total Positives: 1275

Active:  7

Recovered: 1238

 

Stutsman County

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

 

New Positives:  3

Total Positives: 3211

Active:  19

Recovered: 3118

 

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


BY THE NUMBERS

6,308 – Total Tests from yesterday*

1,464,731 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

158 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

85 – PCR Tests | 73 – Antigen Tests
96,222 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

3.00% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

1,177 – Total Active Cases

-57 Individuals from yesterday.  

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

93,658 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

55 – Currently Hospitalized

-33 – Individuals from yesterday.

Yesterday it was discovered that there was a disruption in the flow of data between the software the caseworkers use and the Disease Surveillance and Reporting System (where the dashboard numbers are pulled from). The disruption happened on Jan. 13 and is now resolved.

 

1 – New Deaths*** (1,387 total deaths since the pandemic began)

 

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Man in his 40s from Ramsey County.

 

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED WEDNESDAY

  • Adams County – 1
  • Barnes County – 1
  • Benson County – 1
  • Bottineau County – 3
  • Bowman County – 4
  • Burleigh County – 21
  • Cass County – 16
  • Cavalier County – 1
  • Dickey County – 1
  • Divide County – 1
  • Dunn County – 1
  • Eddy County – 1
  • Foster County – 1
  • Golden Valley County – 1
  • Grand Forks County – 15
  • Grant County – 1
  • McHenry County – 1
  • McKenzie County – 1
  • McLean County – 4
  • Mercer County – 6
  • Morton County – 6
  • Mountrail County – 2
  • Oliver County – 1
  • Pembina County – 1
  • Renville County – 1
  • Richland County – 9
  • Sheridan County – 1
  • Sioux County – 1
  • Stark County – 10
  • Steele County – 1
  • Stutsman County – 3
  • Traill County – 3
  • Walsh County – 3
  • Ward County – 18
  • Williams County – 16

 

* 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 (CSi)   James River Valley Library System Director, Joe Rector thanks the community for its continued support during challenging months during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Wednesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, he pointed out many accomplishments the past few months of 2020.

During COVID- 19 restriction at the library  restrictions, he pointed out,

the sidewalk book sale last summer – being thankful for the great support of our community.

The Library is doing many things even though 2020 was a challenging year

He said, “We’ve missed our people – but we have still done great things to enhance our impact once the pandemic is under control.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic the library was:

  • One of the first libraries to close last March
  • Kept our employees working on projects to benefit our community
  • One of the first libraries in the state to reopen (June 15)
  • Retreated back to curbside during November spike
  • Reopening to the public January 25, 2021.
  • The Alfred Dickey Public Library will be open 10-a.m., to 6-p.m.
  • The Stutsman County Library will be open 9-a.m. to 5-p.m.
  • He added that the Stutsman County Bookmobile is operating, dropping off items, as social distancing does not allow people to safely enter the bookmobile.

During the pandemic, the library provided several services.

  • Summer reading program for all ages online
  • Facebook story times
  • Binge bags
  • Personalized item selection
  • Bookmobile has been delivering book bins to schools and daycares
  • Mitten tree

Safety of library patrons continues to be a major concern.

  • Frequent disinfecting of library surfaces
  • Bookmarks telling how to safely disinfect library materials
  • Social distancing
  • Limited use of library equipment (2 computers at each library)
  • Limit of 25 patrons in ADPL at a time; 10 at SCL

Joe pointed out new projects that will enhance the communities enjoyment of the library.

  • Remodeling SCL (landscaping, painting interior, shelving)
  • Meeting room AV project – donation in honor of Madeline Bellows (laser projector, built-in speakers, Xbox, DVD player, custom cabinet)
  • Creating Libraries of Things – puzzles, games, kitchen implements, tools, craft implements
  • Working on upgrading our programming capabilities to hit the ground running when the pandemic comes under control

The community can  help with the “Libraries of Things.”

  • Friends of the Library are raising funding
  • There will be opportunities for item donations – nice puzzles, games, kitchen items, tools
  • Donations aren’t being accepted yet, but stay tuned to our Facebook

With the expansion of expanding the Alfred Dickey Public library Joe said  the board is

  • Looking to purchase property for a new or expanded library
  • Saving money through budget efficiencies
    • Not seeking additional tax dollars
  • New facility would operate in conjunction with ADPL
  • Seeking high visibility, easy access, proximity to schools, etc.
  • Attractive spaces for programming, technology, study (people)
  • Looking to build 5 – 7 years after purchasing property
    • Combination of saved funds & borrowing
  • Building might take place in 3 phases to spread costs
  • Will need approval from the City and County

Contact

  • The Alfred Dickey Public Library at 701-252-2990
  • On line, Jrvls.org
  • On Facebook: James River Valley Library System

 

COOPERSTOWN, N.D. (AP) — Sheriff’s officials are investigating after vandalism caused extensive damage at a Bible camp in eastern North Dakota. Authorities say someone set fire to a boys’ cabin and caused other damage at the Cooperstown Bible Camp Monday night. Officials say someone drove recklessly all over the camp, narrowing missing buildings, trees and propane tanks. The Griggs County Sheriff’s Office is looking for information on those responsible.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Paul Erickson, a former conservative operative once romantically linked to Russian agent Maria Butina who was convicted in investment schemes, has been pardoned by President Donald Trump. A White House statement early Wednesday said that Erickson’s conviction “was based off the Russian collusion hoax,” even though Erickson was convicted in schemes that had nothing to do with Butina or Russia. Butina was deported in 2019 after serving time for failing to register as a foreign agent. Erickson, of Sioux Falls, was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2020 for defrauding investors in a proposal to develop land in the North Dakota Bakken oil field by persuading people to buy real estate and build single-family homes.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A bipartisan group of lawmakers want North Dakota taxpayers to pay for legislators’ meals. The legislation follows a ban on the once-frequent free feasts from lobbyists and interest groups under voter-approved ethics rules. Republican GOP Rep. Keith Kempenich is sponsoring the bill that will allow lawmakers who live outside Bismarck to claim reimbursement for meals. The bill has an estimated two-year cost of more than $424,000, or about $3,340 for each of the 127 qualified lawmakers. Kempenich says he used to get fancy dinners from lobbyists, but that now he has to eat spaghetti out of a can.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota lawmaker wants to ban the testing of wastewater for the coronavirus, saying the practice violates the privacy rights of college students. Republican Rep. Claire Cory introduced a bill that would prohibit wastewater testing “for genetic material or evidence of disease.” She says she brought the bill over concerns from people about wastewater testing tracing the virus on university campuses,. The Bismarck Tribune reports that a separate proposal by Republican Rep. Matt Ruby would require a public hearing and a vote before local officials decide to participate in state or national testing. Wastewater testing is an emerging science that is potentially an earlier indicator of active COVID-19 cases than testing of people.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden has taken the helm as the 46th president of the United States, summoning the tradition of American resilience to confront a historic confluence of crises. He used his inaugural address to urge people to come together to heal a nation left deeply divided by a tumultuous four years. Biden declared that “democracy has prevailed” as he took the oath at a U.S. Capitol that had been battered by an insurrectionist siege just two weeks earlier. As he took the oath, he gazed out over 200,000 American flags planted on the National Mall to symbolize those who could not attend in person because of the coronavirus pandemic.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The highest-ranking Black member of Congress says former President George W. Bush lauded his role as a “savior” in helping get President Joe Biden elected to the White House. U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn said Wednesday on a call with reporters that the former president told him ahead of the inaugural ceremony that, if he had not given Biden the boost he did ahead of South Carolina’s primary, “we would not be having this transfer of power today.” Clyburn says Bush also said Biden was “the only one who could have defeated the incumbent president.” Clyburn’s pivotal endorsement ahead of South Carolina’s Democratic primary helped propel Biden to the nomination.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s President Joe Biden’s moment, and Washington is pivoting to life after Donald Trump. Centuries-old rituals marking the peaceful transfer of power played out in the capital as the Democrat ascended to the presidency. Biden took office after an intense effort by Trump to upend the election results, and violence at the Capitol by his supporters. Biden nodded to that when he declared “Democracy has prevailed.” Trump left Washington after refusing to concede, attend the inauguration or follow most of the other traditions of inauguration day. But the rituals went on without him, with crowds sparse by design in a time of security worries and a pandemic.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden was safely sworn in as president in a Washington on edge. There were a few scattered arrests but no major protests or serious disruptions in the city during the inauguration ceremony, which took place just two weeks after rioters loyal to former President Donald Trump besieged the U.S. Capitol. Law enforcement officials contended not only with the potential for outside threats but also with rising concerns about an insider attack. Authorities monitored members of far-right extremist and militia groups, increasingly concerned about the risk they could stream into Washington and spark violent confrontations.

 

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Normally quiet streets around state capitols have looked more like battlegrounds recently amid protests. It has put those who live and work there on edge. But their sense of foreboding has been lightened, just a little, by Wednesday’s inauguration. More than most people, these Americans will have front-row seats on whether the change of leadership Wednesday in the White House will lead to a lessening of tension that has been afflicting the nation. They’ll be watching what the next chapter brings from storefronts and the porches and stoops of their own homes. Some expect President Joe Biden to bring a unifying tone, but say that alone won’t be enough.

 

(AP)  U.S. stocks are rallying to records Wednesday on encouraging earnings reports and continued optimism that new leadership in Washington will mean more support for the struggling economy. The S&P 500 was 1.4% higher in afternoon trading and topped the record closing level it set earlier this month. Joe Biden took the oath of office to become U.S. president, and he has already pitched a $1.9 trillion plan for the struggling economy. The hope is that such stimulus will help carry the economy until COVID-19 vaccinations get daily life closer to normal later this year.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — The push to inoculate Americans against the coronavirus is hitting a roadblock: A number of states are reporting they are running out of vaccine. Tens of thousands of people who managed to get appointments for a first dose are seeing them canceled. About half of the 31 million doses distributed have been administered so far. Only about 2 million people have received the two doses needed for maximum protection against the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.