Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Feb 1

CSi Weather…

..DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST /11 AM MST/ TUESDAY…

* WHAT…Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.
Visibility may improve for a little while this afternoon, but
will again become poor overnight into Tuesday morning.

* WHERE…Kidder, Stutsman, Sioux, Emmons, Logan, La Moure,
McIntosh and Dickey Counties. This includes the Tribal Lands
of the Standing Rock Sioux Nation.

* WHEN…Until noon CST /11 AM MST/ Tuesday.

* IMPACTS…Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility.
The fog may also deposit a thin layer of ice on roads and
walking surfaces, resulting in some slick spots.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of
distance ahead of you. Use extra caution at intersections and
railroad crossings.

Forecast…

.MONDAY NIGHT…Cloudy. Widespread fog. Lows 15 to 20. South winds

around 10 mph.

.TUESDAY…Mostly cloudy. Widespread fog in the morning. Highs in

the lower 30s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.

TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog. Lows in the lower

20s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.

 

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly cloudy. 30 percent chance of snow in the afternoon.

Highs in the mid 30s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain in the Jamestown area, 50 percent in the Valley City area.  Lows 5 to 10 above.

.THURSDAY…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of light snow. Patchy blowing and drifting snow. Highs around 15.

.THURSDAY NIGHT… Mostly cloudy. Patchy blowing and drifting

snow. Lows 5 to 10 below.

.FRIDAY…Partly sunny. Highs 5 to 10 above.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow in the

evening. Lows around 10 below.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny. Highs near zero.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows around 15 below.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs near zero.

There still remains chance for a winter system to impact the
region around in the Wednesday to Thursday timeframe. Potential
hazards from this system include light icing, blowing snow,
accumulating snowfall, and a sharp decrease in temperatures. This
may impact travel across the region.

There is high confidence in much colder temperatures starting
this coming weekend. Widespread subzero temperatures and breezy winds
will contribute to an extended period of hazardous wind chills.
This increases the potential for cold weather impacts like hypothermia and frostbite.

Many locations will see high temperatures at or a bit below zero. Of additional concern is the northerly breeze with these systems, which will bring very frigid wind chills.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)   As a continuation of ongoing partnership with the Jamestown Fire Department, and in a show of support for the critical work the first responders do, Cavendish Farms donated $50,000 towards a new ladder truck.

Mark Urquhart, a retired volunteer firefighter and Director Western Agriculture, Raw Procurement for Jamestown’s Cavendish Farms plant, says, “The previous ladder truck was at the end of its useful life but is required to protect high structures in Jamestown, like our frozen potato processing plant.  The Jamestown Fire Department is an important community partner for us. We conduct hazardous materials training together each year for the safety of our operations and employees. We also have several employees who are current or retired volunteered firefighters.”

While the Jamestown Fire Department has already received the new ladder truck, they are still in need of community support to help offset the cost to taxpayers. The ladder truck cost $1 million and the goal is to have a third of the cost paid by local donors and businesses.

City Fire Chief Jim Reuther says, “I want to thank Cavendish Farms for their generous donation. It helps us get closer to covering the cost of this critical piece of equipment.  We’re hoping additional community partners will join with Cavendish Farms to show their support for the work we do.”

Urquhart adds, “We encourage other organizations and groups to support this fundraising drive for the good of our entire community.”

About Cavendish Farms Cavendish Farms produces quality frozen potato and appetizer products for the North American and international food industry, supplying customers in the retail and restaurant sectors. They operate four potato processing plants – one in Jamestown and three in Canada (Lethbridge, Alberta and two on Prince Edward Island). They also operate a fifth plant specializing in appetizer products in Wheatley, Ontario, Canada. Cavendish Farms is part of the J.D. Irving Group of Companies.

Jamestown  (CVHD)  Central Valley Health Covid-19 testing:

Feb 1, 2, & 3

M-W

Jamestown Civic Center.

11am to noon

Rapid (antigen) testing will be conducted on all participants upon entry. For those who test negative on the rapid test, a confirmatory PCR test will be available if you choose to do so. Pre-registration is required prior to entry at https://testreg.nd.gov if you have not registered in the past.

Jamestown (CVHD)  – Central Valley Health District (CVHD) is working in collaboration with area
health and pharmacy agencies, including Medicine Shoppe, Sanford Health Jamestown, South
Central Health (Wishek Clinic) and Essentia Health Jamestown, to coordinate COVID
vaccinations in both Stutsman and Logan Counties. Robin Iszler, CVHD Unit Administrator,
reports that they have been using the COVID-19 Vaccination Interest Survey to contact people
when the vaccine arrives. “The State has notified us that more doses of vaccine will be arriving
at our clinic over the next couple weeks. We anticipate that we should be able to move quickly
to contact those 75 and older that are interested in being vaccinated,” stated Iszler. The interest
survey is available on the CVHD website.
Iszler is asking for help from the community to identify those over 75 who have not put their
name on the CVHD vaccination interest list and help those individuals fill out the survey. “If
you have a neighbor, church member, or family member that you know wants to be vaccinated,
please help them by providing their contact information on our website,” stated Iszler. CVHD
anticipate that they will be providing a significant amount COVID vaccination to anyone over 75
over the next 2 weeks.
Iszler reports that after the 75 and older population is complete that CVHD will be working on
the next priority group, which includes those 65 to 74 with underlying medical conditions.
Central Valley Health is following the priority groups that were determined by the North Dakota
Ethics Committee. To view the ND COVID vaccination priority groups, visit
https://www.health.nd.gov/covid-19-vaccine-priority-groups.
“We have taken vaccine to smaller communities in Stutsman and Logan Counties,” stated Iszler.
CVHD is working to provide access to rural communities knowing that taking the vaccine to
older residents in the rural areas is an essential part of the COVID vaccination process. Those
living in area rural communities are encouraged to fill out the vaccine interest survey.
So far Central Valley Health has provided 1,231 COVID vaccinations in the community since
December 22, 2020. “Our staff working diligently provide vaccinations to community
members,” expressed Iszler. CVHD is asking that the public to be patient while they wait their
turn for vaccine. Those interest in the COVID vaccine are encouraged to complete the interest
survey is located at www.centralvalleyhealth.org.

 

COVID 19 Stats

Mon.  Feb 1, 2021

11-a.m.

Barnes:

New Positive 0

Total Positives 1277

Active 4

Recovered 1242

 

Stutsman

NEW DEATH – 1

MAN IN HIS 70’S

 

TOTAL DEATHS 77

Positives 1

Total Positives 3239

Active 15

Recovered 3148

 

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

 

Daily numbers from over the weekend can be found at the bottom of the dashboard webpage in the Public Data Download. 

BY THE NUMBERS

66,408 – Residents who received at least one dose of vaccine

96,291 – Total COVID-19 vaccine doses administered

 

973 – Total Tests from yesterday*

1,525,127 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

45 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

21 – PCR Tests | 24 – Antigen Tests
97,683 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

5.45% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

953 – Total Active Cases

-28 - Individuals from yesterday.  

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

95,308 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

47 – Currently Hospitalized

-3 – Individuals from yesterday.

 

3 – New Deaths since 1/29*** (1,422 total deaths since the pandemic began)
INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

• Man in his 60s from Cass County.
• Woman in her 90s from Ransom County.
• Man in his 70s from Stutsman County.  

 

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED MONDAY

• Bowman County – 1
• Burleigh County – 5
• Cass County – 12
• Grand Forks County – 1
• McHenry County – 1
• Morton County – 7
• Ransom County – 1
• Richland County – 1
• Rolette County – 3
• Stark County – 2
• Stutsman County – 1
• Walsh County – 2
• Ward County – 7
• Williams County – 1

 

* 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)  Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich says the city of Jamestown has heard updates on the Land Use and Transportation Plan, in the recent committee presentation.

On Monday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, he said, the city’s planned projects include, in conjunction with NDDOT officials, working with them on the Road Diet Plan, along with proposals on the I-94 Exit 257 accessibility.

The State Department of Transportation is still proposing closing the exit, while city officials are still in favor of keep it, while improving the exit and entrance scenario.

Also still under consideration of a railroad under pass or over passing in Jamestown, in addition to the Viaduct.  The mayor points out that the location and plan  has been under consideration, and is still being looked at, and remains under study.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council met virtually  in Regular Session Monday evening at City Hall.  All members were present.

PUBLIC HEARING:

HEARING FROM THE AUDIENCE: (Individuals may address the City Council about any item not contained on the agenda. A maximum of 15 minutes is allotted for the hearing. If the full 15 minutes are not needed, the City Council will continue with the agenda. The City Council will take no official action on items discussed at the hearing, with the exception of referral to staff or Committee.) No one spoke.

 

Opening bids for the sale of impounded/abandoned vehicles.

Budget Auto bid $360 on a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer.

 

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

To provide more time to discuss controversial or disputed issues, the Council will consider the items on the consent agenda together at the beginning of the public meeting. These items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. If a member of the City Council or public requests to be heard on one of these items, the Council will remove the item from the consent agenda and consider that item individually.

 

All items were approved, including,

 

Approved was a Resolution to approve the easement agreement with Eagle Flats Apartments LLC, pertaining to the Eagle Flats project at 211, 213 and 217 Second Ave SW, Jamestown and the city-owned parking lot located at 116 3rd St SW Jamestown, ND.

 

Approved a Resolution to approve the request from JSDC for Economic Development Funds for 2021 Flex PACE Program to be held by the JSDC incentive fund account in the amount of $250,000, with the City Share to be $200,000, and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.

 

A Resolution to approve the request from JSDC for Economic Development Funds for a Jamestown Tourism Grant in the amount of $75,000, with the City Share to be $60,000, and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.

REGULAR AGENDA

RESOLUTIONS:

Approve was a Resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of $1,344,000 Water Treatment Assessment Warrant, Series 2021 (Project 20-62). State Hospital water line project.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Awarded the bid for the sale of impounded/abandoned vehicle a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer,to Budget Auto, in the amount of $360.

 

ORDINANCES:

A PUBLIC HEARING: Was Held, concerning an ordinance to annex property located at 2806 8th Ave SW, Jamestown, ND, legally described as LOWRY’S SUBDIVISION, BLOCK 12, LOTS 1 AND 2, & THE EAST 7.70′ OF LOT 3, & ONE HALF OF THE VACATED ALLEY ADJACENT TO THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE SAID LOTS 1 AND 2, & THE EAST 7.70′ OF LOT 3 (CERTIFICATE OF SURVEY #0230635), within the SE1/4 of Section 2, T139N, R64W, Woodbury Township, Stutsman County, North Dakota. Jamestown Monument.  No one spoke.

Following the Public Hearing, A SECOND READING: An Ordinance to annex property located at 2806 8th Ave SW, Jamestown, ND, legally described as LOWRY’S SUBDIVISION, BLOCK 12, LOTS 1 AND 2, & THE EAST 7.70′ OF LOT 3, & ONE HALF OF THE VACATED ALLEY ADJACENT TO THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE SAID LOTS 1 AND 2, & EAST 7.70′ OF LOT 3 (CERTIFICATE OF SURVEY #0230635), within the SE1/4 of Section 2, T139N, R64W, Woodbury Township, Stutsman County, North Dakota. Was approved.

NO APPOINTMENTS THIS MONTH.

 

MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORT:

Council Member Buchanan spoke about an individual hanging around his property.

After calling authorities he learned it was a visiting bird from the northwestern U.S., which is still around.

Council Member Steele complemented the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerece for it virtual presentation of the awards.

Mayor Heinrich joined Steele in congratulating the award winners.

The Mayor also said the COVID-1 vaccines are continuing with the schedules from Central Valley Heath District.  He said positive cases have declined in Stutsman County, stressing that the Jamestown Mask Mandate will continue for the fore seeable future.

He pointed out that Cavendish Farms has donated $50,000 toward the purchase of the new City Fire Department ladder truck, and thanked Cavendish owners for the donation.

OTHER BUSINESS:

The City Council approved the request from Jamestown United Way to be recognized as an other public spirited organization and authorize the issuance of a raffle permit.

 

Approved was the request from Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Mindak Inc., for a site authorization to conduct gaming at the Gladstone Inn (Ballroom) on March 13, 2021.

Awarded was the bid to Northland Truck Sales the low bidder, for the purchase of One (1) New Single Axle Truck (Cab, Chassis & Packer Body), for the City of Jamestown Sanitation Department, in the amount of $141,879.44

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.

Valley City  (CSi)  A message from Valley City Mayor Dave Carlsrud, Feb. 1, 2021

“Congratulations. With your efforts our COVID Numbers reached a point where the Governor declared North Dakota is now at the Green Risk Level. Great job everyone! That we are “Green”, more opportunities are available to us such as greater seating capacities in restaurants, bars and large venues. That said, how about checking activities schedules at VCPS, St. Catherine’s and VCSU. There are still some ballgames to be played and perhaps it would work out for you to give the kids a “boost” by your attendance where allowed.

The other day I drove for one of our local car dealerships. Did you know our local dealers would search for nearly any kind of vehicle for which you may be looking? Stop in and check them out …… “Give it a shot”.

Barnes County is in a good position with COVID as of this writing. Until vaccinations are almost complete, it is important we continue doing the things that allowed us to reach the Green Risk Level. Wash hands, Social Distance and Mask-up when we cannot Social Distance. Thank you.

If you want COVID VACCINATIONS, visit the City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518 for help. Currently, people 75 and older are eligible.

Watch for information on “Love of Local”. About $240,000.00 of CARES Funding will be used to provide approximately 23-25% savings for people who purchase Chamber Bucks to be redeemed in Valley City businesses. It is a great way to leverage some of your stimulus check.”

Valley City Mayor

Dave Carlsrud

Jamestown  (Tourism)  Jamestown Tourism is offering grants to nonprofit agencies in Stutsman County for projects that will grow or enhance visitor experiences and increase the impact of tourism in the local economy.

The 2021 Visitor’s Promotion Capital Construction Fund purpose is to create economic benefits including overnight stays, create facilities that do not exist in the area, and/or create experiences that enhance the time visitors spend in Jamestown. Funds can be used for building new visitor attractions, expansions, creating new experiences or supporting services for visitors. Funds cannot be used for marketing or ongoing operating expenses.

Opportunities to apply for these funds will be awarded twice per year. Applications for the spring process will be due March 1, 2021, and agencies awarded funding will have one year after the announcement to use these funds. Applications for the fall process are due October 1, 2021

More details about the grant program and applications can be requested by emailing office@DiscoverJamestownND.com.  Applications must be received at Jamestown Tourism, 404 17^th ST SE, Jamestown, ND no later than 5 p.m. March 1, 2021. For more information, contact Searle Swedlund at 701-251-9145.

Valley City  (VCSU)  The VCSU Foundation is one of over 500 charities that will be participating in Giving Hearts Day on Feb. 11.

 

 

 

 

 

On Giving Hearts Day a gift may be designated to the VCSU Foundation’s Annual Fund help support scholarships and other Alumni Association initiatives, including The Bulletin, alumni socials, reunion events and alumni award programs. On Thursday, Feb. 11, donate $10 or more at giving heartsday.org by choosing the VCSU Foundation and your donation will be matched up to $5,000!

Donations can be dropped off anytime between now and 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 at the VCSU Foundation Office. If you drop off your check before Feb. 11, please make sure the check is dated and you have referenced Giving Hearts Day in the memo section in order for the donation to be counted for the match. Matching gift provided by Ludvigson, Braun & Co. — Matt Pedersen.

Schedule your donation:
1. Find us at https://app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/383
2. Choose your amount.
3. Make sure “Pay on Giving Hearts Day, February 11th, 2021” is checked in your cart.

Jamestown (CSi) Organizers of last Saturday’s Ice Bucket Challenge report a successful fundraising event to support the JRMC Hospice program, and Cancer Center.

Don Wegner says the official total of funds raised is being tabulated.

The Harley Owners Group (HOGs) this year to accommodate protocols of being safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and not holding the former Walk the Plank, Polar Pig event, changed this year’s activity of an Ice Bucket Challenge at Stutsman- Harley Davidson.   It included  an online auction  sponsored by Orr Auctioneers.

During the challenge, participants were timed for how long they could hold themselves under the freezing water.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota House has endorsed a bill requiring the state’s courts to seal drunk driving records if the offender has stayed out of trouble for at least seven years. Representatives voted 89-3 on Monday to approve the bill that backers said was aimed at giving convicted drunken drivers who stay out of trouble better odds of getting a job. Devils Lake Republican Rep. Dennis Johnson also sponsored successful legislation two years ago that sealed the court records of convicted first-time drunken drivers who aren’t charged with another DUI or any other crime for seven years. Johnson says the latest legislation is retroactive.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Legislature is considering a measure that requires the state’s health officer to be a practicing licensed physician. The Republican-backed bill comes after a trio of health officers hand-picked by Gov. Doug Burgum quit during a time the coronavirus pandemic was worsening. Dirk Wilke, who has no medical training, has been the interim state health officer since September. A spokesman for Burgum says a new health officer will be hired soon, and the “candidate” is a physician from out of state. The state health officer oversees the Department of Health and implements state laws governing the department.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new monthly survey shows continued economic improvement in nine Midwest and Plains states, but business leaders indicated the coronavirus pandemic is still hurting business. The overall index for the region in January suggests improved growth, coming in at at a strong 67.3 from December’s 64.1. Any score above 50 on the survey’s indexes suggests growth, while a score below 50 suggests recession. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey. He estimated a rosier economic outlook in the coming months, citing an increase in the survey’s confidence index. The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota energy officials are reporting that 2,100 gallons of oil and 12,600 gallons of produced water released at a well near Parshall has been recovered. State Oil and Gas Division officials say EOG Resources, Inc. reported the spill on Sunday. Officials say it was released due to an equipment failure within the containment system. Produced water is a byproduct of oil extraction and is typically taken from the well to a disposal site. A state inspector has been sent to site to investigate and monitor the well.

In world and national news…

NEW YORK (AP) — A sprawling, lumbering winter storm is walloping the Eastern U.S., shutting down coronavirus vaccination sites, closing schools and halting transit. Snow piled up Monday from the Appalachians to New England, with the heaviest weather yet to come in many places. With flakes falling since Sunday evening, New York City and northern New Jersey braced for as much as 22 inches of snow, and parts of New England for a foot or more. The National Weather Service warned that high winds winds and snowfall could persist into Tuesday in New York and Wednesday in New England.

(AP) The White House is tamping down expectations for a potential boost in vaccine distribution if Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 shot is approved by federal regulators. The White House’s deputy COVID-19 coordinator Andy Slavitt tells reporters that the single-dose shot would undoubtedly help the Biden administration meet its goal of 300 million vaccinated Americans by the end of summer. But he says: “The expectation should not be that there’s an immediate, dramatic shift.” The pharmaceutical company reported strong results for the efficacy of its vaccine on Friday and is expected to file for emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration in the coming days.

 

(AP) Only a little more than a third of nursing home workers have been getting shots against COVID-19 when the vaccinations are first offered. That’s according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report Monday. It’s a national accounting of a problem that’s been noted anecdotally — many nursing home workers are not getting vaccinated. The CDC looked at more than 11,000 nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities that had at least one vaccination clinic between the middle of December and the middle of January. A CDC expert says more staffers do get vaccinated when a second or third clinic is held at a nursing home.

 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The deadliest month of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. has drawn to a close with certain signs of progress: COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are plummeting, while vaccinations are picking up speed. The question is whether the the nation can stay ahead of the fast-spreading mutations of the virus. The U.S. death toll has climbed past 440,000, with over 95,000 lives lost in January alone. Deaths are running at about 3,150 per day on average, down slightly, by about 200, from their peak in mid-January.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is threatening new sanctions on Myanmar after its military staged a coup and arrested the civilian leaders of its government, including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Biden assailed the country’s army for the coup, calling it a “direct assault on the country’s transition to democracy and rule of law.” Myanmar has been a Western democracy promotion project for decades and had been a symbol of some success. But over the past several years, there have been growing concerns about its backsliding into authoritarianism. Disappointment with Suu Kyi has run high, especially over her resistance to reining in repression of Rohingya Muslims.

 

MOSCOW (AP) — Moscow is bracing for more protests seeking the release of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who faces a court hearing Tuesday. Tens of thousands filled the streets across the vast country Sunday for a second straight weekend calling for his freedom, with thousands of arrests in the largest outpouring of discontent in Russia in years. They chanted slogans against President Vladimir Putin. Navalny was jailed last month and faces years in prison. A human rights group says over 5,400 protesters were detained, and some were beaten. One of those taken into custody for several hours was Navalny’s wife, Yulia, who was ordered to pay a fine of about $265 for participating in an unauthorized rally.

 

(AP)  The Congressional Budget Office expects the U.S. economy will grow at a robust 4.6% annual rate this year, but that employment won’t return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024. The 10-year outlook issued Monday said the economic recovery from the coronavirus has been boosted by an unprecedented wave of government spending to combat the outbreak. While the growth estimates suggest a quick snapback in gross domestic product, the CBO shows that hiring will lag as consumer spending returns and employers become more comfortable with adding workers. The CBO projected an average of 521,000 jobs will be added monthly this year, a pace that would fall to 145,000 in 2022.