CSi Weather…

..WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT FRIDAY NIGHT TO 6 PM CST SATURDAY…INCLUDES BARNES, STUTSMAN

WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations
of up to one inch and ice accumulations of a light glaze.

* WHERE…Ransom, Barnes and Sargent Counties..Foster, Stutsman, LaMoure, and Dickey counties.

* WHEN…Until 6 PM CST Saturday.

* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Slow down and use caution while traveling. Prepare for possible
power outages.

Forecast…

FRIDAY NIGHT…Cloudy. Areas of fog through the night. Chance of

flurries in the evening. Chance of light freezing drizzle after

midnight. Lows 15 to 20. Southeast winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of

precipitation 20 percent.

.SATURDAY…Cloudy with a 20 percent chance of light freezing drizzle in the Jamestown area, 30 percent in the Valley City area.  Areas of fog through the day. Chance of flurries in the evening.  Highs in the upper 20s. Northeast winds around 10 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of light

snow in the evening. Lows around 15. Northwest winds around 10 mph.

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

5 to 10 mph.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows 10 to 15.

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY…Cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Highs in

the lower 30s.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of

snow. Lows 5 to 10 above.

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

morning. Highs around 15.

 

Patchy light freezing drizzle  Saturday across portions of the south central and much of the
James River Valley. Freezing drizzle may lead to some slick roads
and walking surfaces. Be sure to check the latest road conditions
and use extra caution if traveling.

Bismarck The National Weather Service reports that a potential storm system moving through the Northern Plains in the middle of next week in the far south central and James River Valley. Almost a week out there is obviously time for major changes with the storm track, but, widespread accumulating snow is expected.

Cooler temperatures also look to move in after this system moves through.

 

Valley City  (CHI) – CHI Mercy Health  CEO Keith Heuser informs the community with an update to the visitor’s policy.

“We understand how much it means to patients to have their loved ones with them during their hospitalization and outpatient visits. We at CHI Mercy Health want to keep the community informed of what our current visitation policies are.Social distancing, masking, and hand sanitizing requirements will be maintained in all hospital departments.

Any visitor who cannot adhere to the guidelines will be asked to leave the facility and if accompanying a patient, be asked to wait in his/her vehicle. CHI Mercy Health respects the rights of all community members; because of the services we provide, our first duty is to the safety and care of patients and staff. We will actively defend this duty and are confident that everyone visiting our facility will understand and do the same. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.”

CHI Mercy Health’s visitation restrictions February 1, 2021 are as follows:
Visitors are asked to stay home if they are experiencing any symptoms of illness.
All visitors are required to wear a medical-grade mask and will be screened at the front desk prior to entry.
No visitors under the age of 18 (exceptions may be made at the discretion of the care team).
All visitors will use the Main Entrance (Door #1) and will check in and check out at the front desk.
All PCU, Emergency Department, Surgery, Pain and Ambulatory Care patients may have two visitor per day.
Patient and visitor must remain masked and remain in patient’s room during visitation.
Compassionate care visitation – limited to two visitors at a time.
Pediatric patients or Adult patients requiring a caregiver may have two support persons with them at all times.

Please log onto CHI Mercy Health Website for COVID-19 updates.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota health officials say they have seen another day of low rates of positive COVID-19 cases and virus-related hospitalizations. The news comes as all counties moved to a “low” risk on the state’s five-level risk model, which means some restrictions can be loosened. Among them, bars and restaurants can now be filled up to 80% capacity and have up to 300 customers, with social distancing and masks strongly recommended or required. Health officials reported 153 new COVID-19 cases on Friday and two new deaths. In all, more than 97,000 people have been infected with COVID-19 in North Dakota and 1,419 have died since the pandemic began.

COVID 19 Stats

Fri. Jan. 29,  2021

Barnes

New Positives 0

Total Positives 1277

Active 3

Recovered 1243

 

Stutsman

Positives 0

Total Positives 3235

Active 16

Recovered 3144

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

 

Please note that from now on the daily news release will be sent Monday – Friday. The NDDoH dashboard will continue to be updated daily. 

BY THE NUMBERS

63,637 – Residents who received at least one dose of vaccine 

91,823 – Total COVID-19 vaccine doses administered

 

7,450 – Total Tests from yesterday*

1,516,609 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

153 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

101 – PCR Tests | 52 – Antigen Tests
97,458 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

2.50% – Daily Positivity Rate** 

 

1,073 – Total Active Cases

+22 - Individuals from yesterday.  

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

94,966 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

51 – Currently Hospitalized

+2 – Individuals from yesterday.

 

2 – New Deaths*** (1,419 total deaths since the pandemic began)
INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Woman in her 50s from Cass County.
  • Woman in her 100s from Richland County.

 

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY

  • Adams County – 1
  • Benson County – 2
  • Bottineau County – 2
  • Bowman County – 2
  • Burleigh County – 17
  • Cass County – 33
  • Dickey County – 1
  • Eddy County – 3 
  • Grand Forks County – 11
  • McHenry County – 3
  • McKenzie County – 3
  • McLean County – 1
  • Mercer County – 2
  • Morton County – 4
  • Mountrail County – 4
  • Nelson County – 1
  • Pembina County – 1
  • Pierce County – 1
  • Ramsey County – 5
  • Renville County – 2
  • Richland County – 10
  • Rolette County – 4
  • Sheridan County – 1
  • Sioux County – 2
  • Stark County – 7
  • TraillCounty – 1 
  • Walsh County – 2
  • WardCounty – 21 
  • Wells County – 1 
  • Williams County – 5

 

* 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.

 

NEW INFO

Jamestown  (JRMC)   The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.s) understand the impact a quality hospice program has on a community. Jamestown Regional Medical Center’s Hospice program has made such an impact on the members of their group. That’s why they host the Polar Pig “Walk the Plank” fundraiser each year.

After a few planning meetings, the H.O.G.s decided they couldn’t cancel this year’s event, especially when patients and staff needed care the most. However, to accommodate pandemic precautions, an online auction is sponsored by Orr Auctioneers and “walk the plank” is now an ice bucket challenge.

On Wednesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable Channel 2, Don Wegner said, proceeds from the event also supports the JRMC Cancer Center.

The  Polar Pig “Ice Bucket Challenge”  set for noon Sat., Jan. 30, with the ABATE  chili feed beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Stutsman Harley-Davidson. The online auction started Mon., Jan. 25 and ends at 2 p.m. on the event day. Support the cause by bidding or donating auction items, making donations, or sharing a photo on Facebook for the challenge. He pointed out that as of Wednesday around 95 auction items have been donated, with more being accepted until the day of the event.

He thanked those who have donated the many very nice auction items.

He said the Chili Feed this year, consist of two roasters of chili with no competition, due to observing COVID-19 protocols of social distancing along with face masks required, except while eating.  A donation of $5 is accepted for sampling the chili.

A news release from Jamestown Regional Medical Center says, proceeds provide important areas of hospice care, including chaplaincy, grief support, medical supplies and equipment, telecare and comfort items. This year’s event also benefits the JRMC Cancer Center. 

Marla Wegner and her husband Don, started the event, with the motorcycle group in 2007. In 2007 they raised more than $230,000.

Marla says, “Hospice is so important and makes a difference for patients and their families.  I just didn’t know if we’d be able to do anything this year,”

JRMC Hospice care never quit during the pandemic.

Shar Trevithick, JRMC Home Health & Hospice manager, says, “We’ve supported patients, family and long-term care facilities during visitor restrictions. It is hard when family and friends can’t be close.  “However, as always, when a patient needs us, we can be by their side in 30 minutes.  Hospice best serves individuals when we are involved soon after stopping curative treatment. If you are in this situation, we can answer questions about the changes occurring for the individual and the family.”

For 25 years, JRMC Hospice has been an essential component of compassionate end-of-life care. It encourages individuals with a terminal diagnosis to enroll when they become eligible.

The JRMC team focuses on comfort by controlling pain and other systems so the patient can remain as alert and comfortable as possible. Hospice also has a social work team which helps the patient and family understand and cope. The chaplain provides additional spiritual support and grief counseling.

Care is available in the patient’s home, whether that is a home address, nursing home, assisted living community, independent living community or other location. A referral is not required; patients and families can choose JRMC Hospice.

Special gifts include, but not limited to:

  • Fraternal Order of Eagles Midway 2923, New Rockford
  • Fraternal Order of Eagles, Valley City
  • Stutsman Harley Davidson, Jamestown
  • District 8 ABATE, Jamestown
  • Sanford Health, Jamestown
  • J & L Bar and Grill, Sanborn
  • Page Fire Department
  • Thundering Saints, Valley City
  • Wilhelm Chevrolet Buick GMC, Jamestown

For questions, contact Don Wegner at (701) 269-7047 or Stutsman-Harley Davidson at (701) 252-5271. To support JRMC, visit www.jrmcnd.com/giving.

In news & sports

Jamestown  (JPS)Jamestown High School has updated attendance numbers for all winter student-activities Friday. The change came after Gov. Doug Burgum lowered the state’s COVID-19 risk level from moderate Jamestown  (yellow) to low (green).

JHS will be following the North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) guidelines. These guidelines call for a 75% capacity of all venues. The update went into effect Friday (Jan. 29) at 8 a.m.

Masks are still required to be worn by all fans, table workers, sideline personnel and media. Appropriate social distancing protocols are also expected.

A press release issued by JHS provided the following details:

Basketball: Ticket sales for basketball games will be limited to the first 1350 tickets sold. JPS reserves the right to voucher games where projected attendance may exceed the 1350-person capacity. In these instances, vouchers will be distributed to teams in advance with remaining tickets available for purchase at the door.

Hockey: Ticket sales will be limited to the first 475 tickets sold. Individuals purchasing tickets for others will be limited to no more than two per person unless your party is present at the time of the purchase.

Wrestling: Ticket sales for wrestling contests will be limited to the first 675 tickets sold. Individuals purchasing tickets for others will be limited to no more than two per person unless your party is present at the time of the purchase.

Gymnastics: Due to a limited capacity of 75, the voucher system will continue to be used. Each home gymnast will be supplied with four vouchers to issue to family/friends allowing them to purchase an admission ticket.

Swimming: The JHS Pool will be limited to the first 375 tickets sold. Individuals purchasing tickets for others will be limited to no more than two per person unless your party is present at the time of the purchase.

Concerts/Fine Arts: Based upon the event, instructors will share appropriate information with students and families regarding attendance.

Other Schools: Attendance procedures at schools throughout the state may vary with some schools continuing to issue vouchers and in some instances, attendance being restricted or fans not being allowed. Please check with your coach.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The fossil fuel and ethanol industries are seeking to advance cleaner energy technologies in North Dakota at a time when a new administration in Washington is tackling climate change. A proposal introduced in a House committee would create a new arm of the North Dakota Industrial Commission. It would be tasked with overseeing the distribution of $25 million in state grants and loans for projects that “reduce environmental impacts and use energy sources derived from within the state.” Critics say the proposal leaves the renewable power sector behind.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI says two pipe bombs left at the offices of the Republican and Democratic national committees, discovered just before thousands of pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, had actually been placed the night before. The FBI says the investigation revealed that the explosive devices had been placed outside the two buildings between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 5. The devices were not located by law enforcement until the next day. It is not clear whether that means the pipe bombs were unrelated to the next day’s riot or were part of the riot planning. Both buildings are within a few blocks of the Capitol.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Capitol Police say they are stepping up security at Washington-area transportation hubs and taking other steps to bolster travel safety for lawmakers. The moves come as Congress continues to react to this month’s deadly assault on the Capitol. The Associated Press obtained an email Friday in which the House’s chief law enforcement officer said Capitol Police will be stationed at area airports and Washington’s Union Station on busy travel days. Timothy P. Blodgett is the acting sergeant at arms, and he wrote that the agency was also setting up an online portal for lawmakers’ offices to use to notify them of their travel plans.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — A former FBI lawyer has been sentenced to probation for altering a document the Justice Department relied on during its surveillance of an aide to President Donald Trump during the Russia investigation. Kevin Clinesmith at his sentencing hearing Friday apologized for doctoring the email about Carter Page’s relationship with the CIA. He said he was “truly ashamed” of what he had done. Prosecutors sought several months in prison for Clinesmith, but the judge said Clinesmith’s action was the only stain on his record and that he had already endured public vilification.

 

(AP)  Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill extending the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between Russia and the United States a week before the pact was due to expire. Both houses of the Russian parliament voted unanimously Wednesday to extend the New START treaty for five years. Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden had discussed the nuclear accord a day earlier, and the Kremlin said they agreed to complete the necessary extension procedures in the next few days. The pact’s extension doesn’t require congressional approval in the U.S., but Russian lawmakers had to ratify the move before Putin could sign off on Friday.

 

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union has introduced tighter rules on exports of COVID-19 vaccines that could hit shipments to nations like the United Kingdom, as the 27-nation bloc and AstraZeneca made public a heavily redacted version of their vaccine deal that’s at the heart of a dispute over the delivery schedule. The contract agreed to last year allows the EU’s member countries to buy 300 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, with an option for a further 100 million doses. The EU said it has invested $408 million to finance the production of AstraZeneca’s serum at four factories, but it lashed out at the British-Swedish drugmaker this week after it said it wouldn’t be able to deliver the 80 million doses that it hoped to provide initially.

 

TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is announcing stricter restrictions on travelers response to new, likely more contagious variants of the novel coronavirus. The new requirements make it mandatory for travelers to quarantine in a hotel at their own expense when they arrive in Canada and includes suspending airline service to Mexico and all Caribbean destinations until April 30. Trudeau says in addition to the pre-boarding test Canada already requires, the government will be introducing mandatory PCR testing at the airport for people returning to Canada. He says travelers will then have to wait for up to three days at an approved hotel for their test results, at their own expense.