CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 5 to 10 below. West winds 5 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs 15 to 20. Southeast winds 5 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows zero to 5 above.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 20s.

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

.SUNDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows 20 to 25.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs 40 to 45.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 20s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs 35 to 40.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows 20 to 25.

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

A warming trend on Friday continues through the weekend into the start of the work week, with some locations in the southwest and south central possibly hitting 50 by Monday. A modest cooldown is then expected, though temperatures mid-week are still expected to be above average.

 

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Fire Department was called to a car fire at 8th Street and 11th Avenue SE, at 10:54am Thursday morning. The car was inspected, and no fire was found in the car.  Two city fire  units  and 22 firefighters responded.

 

 

 

 

NDDoH

COVID-19 Stats

Thurs. Feb. 18, 2021

Barnes:

New Positives  3

Total Positives 1292

Active 9

Recovered 1243

Stutsman

New Positives  0

Total Positives 3278

Active 16

Recovered 3177

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
104,832 Residents who received at least one dose of vaccine
171,413 Total COVID-19 vaccine doses administered
6,540 Total Tests from yesterday*
1,609,877 Total tests completed since the pandemic began
134 Positive Individuals from yesterday*****
79 PCR Tests
55 Antigen Tests
99,034 Total positive individuals since the pandemic began
2.61% Daily Positivity Rate**
836 Total Active Cases
+39 Change in active cases from yesterday
74 Individuals with a recovery date of yesterday****
96,763 Total recovered since the pandemic began
31 Currently hospitalized
-12 Change in hospitalizations from yesterday
4 New death(s)
1,435 Total deaths since the pandemic began

 
INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19
Man in his 80s from Adams County
Man in his 70s from Cass County
Woman in her 70s from Grand Forks County
Woman in her 80s from Stark County
NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY BY COUNTY
Adams 0 Grant 0 Ransom 0
Barnes 3 Griggs 0 Renville 1
Benson 1 Hettinger 5 Richland 2
Billings 0 Kidder 0 Rolette 4
Bottineau 3 LaMoure 0 Sargent 0
Bowman 0 Logan 0 Sheridan 0
Burke 1 McHenry 1 Sioux 1
Burleigh 16 McIntosh 0 Slope 0
Cass 32 McKenzie 0 Stark 16
Cavalier 0 McLean 1 Steele 0
Dickey 0 Mercer 3 Stutsman 0
Divide 1 Morton 6 Towner 0
Dunn 0 Mountrail 0 Traill 1
Eddy 0 Nelson 0 Walsh 4
Emmons 0 Oliver 0 Ward 6
Foster 2 Pembina 1 Wells 1
Golden Valley 0 Pierce 1 Williams 11
Grand Forks 7 Ramsey 3

 

* 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)  The Jamestown City Council met virtually in Special Session Thursday afternoon at City Hall. Council member Schloegel was not present.

RESOLUTIONS:

HEARING was held concerning the Notice of Alcohol Violation and consider the liquor license for Middles, LLC (a.k.a. Fred’s Den), on sale license.

 

More information in the City Council replay at CSi Cable 67.

A PUBLIC HEARING was held, Concerning the proposed Special Assessment Policy for the City of Jamestown.

Following the Public Hearing the City Council approved the Special Assessment Policy, dated December 17, 2020, for the City of Jamestown.

 

Another PUBLIC HEARING concerned the Seal Coat, Patching, Construction and Reconstruction District #21-41 protests and the sufficiency thereof.

 

Following the Public Hearing the City Council considered that the protests have been found to be insufficient to bar proceeding with Seal Coat, Patching, Construction and Reconstruction District #21-41.

 

The Council authorized the City Engineer to develop detailed plans, specifications and estimates for Seal Coat, Patching, Construction and Reconstruction District #21-41.

 

Approved was the request from Mule Deer Foundation, for a site authorization to conduct gaming at the Knights of Columbus on February 27, 2021.

 

Approved and authorized the emergency purchase of a replacement motive pump, necessary operating equipment at the city wastewater treatment facility which has these pumps proprietary to Flygt, to be purchased from Electric Pump at a cost of $107,500 to be paid from the Sewer Fund.

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

 

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Council Committees met virtually at City Hall, Thursday evening.

Council Member Schloegel was not present.

 

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE:

 

Considered was the request from Dean and Wanda Albers to exchange their property located at 101 2nd Ave SE, for the City’s vacant property located at 1100 Railroad Drive, directing the City Attorney to draft the agreement, and staff to prepare for the land exchange. After review of the properties involved, and any environmental issues, the committee recommends approval.

 

The City Administrator contract was considered. Council members have received a copy of the contract, and the item was recommended for approval.

 

Considered the request from the NDDOT to approve an Agreement for City Permitting Small Cell Facilities in NDDOT Right of Ways. The tower is used for creating a 5G network.  Assistant City Attorney Abby Gerioux said under the agreement the city would have approval of the site location on a right of way, and the city responsible for permitting. She recommends that her office work with the city staff on creating an Ordinance.  The city has not yet received a request for a small cell facility on public property. The committee recommends drafting an Ordinance, for future consideration.

 

Recommended for approval was the request from Izumi Sushi & Hibachi, for an On-Sale Class D liquor license at 2612 8th Ave SW, for the period ending June 30, 2021.

 

Recommended for approval was the  request from ND Employee Wellness Committee to be recognized as an other public spirited organization and to authorize the issuance of a raffle permit.

 

Considered the request to allow chickens to be kept within City Limits at 1301 4th St NE.

The item was recommended for approval and  moved to the City Council.

 

Discussion was held on use of CARES Act Funds. Mayor Heinrich said $200,000 is proposed to be used of the $2-million to go to Jamestown Parks and Recreation to update restrooms for handicapped accessibility, and another $300,000 toward payment of the Fire Department’s new ladder truck.

The Committee recommends approval of the expenditures.

 

 

INFORMATIONAL: The appointment applications for the James River Valley Library System Board will be considered at the March 1, 2021, City Council meeting.

 

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

 

The committee recommends approval of the Jamestown Land Use Transportation Plan Audit, with amendments to language regarding the Viaduct structure that Mayor Heinrich said is misleading, Striking “structurally deficient.”

The committee recommends  approval of the Minor Subdivision, Preliminary Plat of Hidden River Acres, being with that part of Government Lot 1 of Section 26, Township 140 North, Range 64 West of the Fifth Principal Meridian, lying and being North of a line extended from the intersection of the South boundary line of 9th Street with the East boundary line of said Government lot westward of the middle of the James River, City of Jamestown, Stutsman County, North Dakota. The property is located at 901 4th Ave NW.

The committee recommends approving  the request for a Future Land Use Plan Amendment to a portion of Government Lot 1 within the NE ¼ of Section 26, Township 140N, Range 64W, Lying and being North of a line extended from the intersection of the South boundary line of 9th Street with the East boundary of said lot, consisting of 8.4 acres in Stutsman County, North Dakota from Urban Residential – Low Density to Commercial. The property is located at 901 4th Ave NW. (Proposed Hidden River Acres)

Approved the introducing the first reading of an ordinance to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 by amending the District Map to change the zoning of a portion of Government Lot 1 within the NE ¼ of Section 26, Township 140N, Range 64W, Lying and being North of a line extended from the intersection of the South boundary line of 9th Street with the East boundary of said lot, consisting of 8.4 acres in Stutsman County, North Dakota from R-1A (One-Family Residential District and Duplex or Two-Family District) to P-U-D (Plan Unit Development). The property is located at 901 4th Ave NW. (Proposed Hidden River Acres)

Discussion was held relating to shouses. (a shop and a house under one roof).  City Building Inspector Tom Blackmore said considerations concern construction material used within the structures, and the location and size of the structure, within the one mile extra-territorial limits outside the city.  The committee recommends giving Blackmore direction in revieing an Ordinance to bring to the city planning commission, and then city zoning committee.

Considered the Special Use Permit Application submitted by Scott and Shannon Bintz for the property located at 8382 31 ½ Street SE Jamestown, ND. The committee recommends the items be put on the March 1, City Council agenda without recommendation.

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

No items for discussion at this time.

 

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE

 

INFORMATIONAL: Police department and municipal court general update, training, COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented.

INFORMATIONAL: Fire Department update, inspections, training, COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented. Chief Reuther said the new rescue tools have arrived, and thanked GRE for the large contribution to the purchase of the new ladder truck.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

The committee is recommending approval of the plans and specifications and authorize the advertisement for bids for 2021 Seal Coat, Patching, Construction and Reconstruction District No. 21-41.

 

The committee recommends approval of an engineering agreement with Interstate Engineering for radio read water meters.

 

Wastewater Biogas Energy Presentation by New Phase Energy, was given, followed by considering

 

approval of Amendment 3 to the New Phase Energy Consulting Agreement regarding the considering feasibility assessment of alternative biogas flaring solutions at the City Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The committee recommends waiting to make a decision on moving forward pending new industry, and readdress the issue in July this year, at committee.

 

The committee recommends approval of the plans and specifications and authorizing the advertisement for bids in March, for the rehabilitation of the Master Lift Station and coating of Lift Station 11.

City Engineer review was given, a recap of the completed AE2S controls system report.

.

 

INFORMATIONAL : City Engineer project updates were given.

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

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Tourism Grant/Executive Board met Thursday.

GRANT BOARD MEETING

In attendance: Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund

Board Members: President Tena Lawrence, Taylor Barnes, Paulette Ritter, and Pam Phillips.

Also in attendance: Emily Bivens, Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce, and  Corry Shevlin from JSDC, and Civic Center, Manager Pam Fosse.

The Jamestown Arts Center/Park – Chalkfest request for funding was made by Director, Mindi Schmitz.

The Jamestown Arts Center, along with the Jamestown Downtown Association is bringing a nationally known chalk artist, for the two and a half day event, June 24-26, 2021.  Shawn McCann is the artist coordinating the eight artists in attendance.  Also to entertain, will be Jesse Vedder.

The request is for $10,000.  Total expenses are put at $12,500, including Artist Transportation and Lodging $8,000, Marketing $2,000, Supplies $500, Food and Lodging $2,000.

Total advertising expenses at $1,954.

Income is listed as:  $1,500 from the Main Street Initiative Grant, In-Kind Food $500, In-Kind Lodging $500,  (Jamestown Tourism $10,000).

Also partnering is the Anne Carlsen Center, and Ave Maria Village.

The Tourism Grant Board, granted, the full amount requested of 10,000, and to engage the downtown community in the event.

 

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

 

Declaration of Conflict of Interest.  None.

 

Grant Allocation Report was given by Searle Swedlund who said the full report will be given at the full board meeting, which is also comprised of these board members.

 

Tourism Report – Searle Swedlund outlined funding requests successes, and bringing external dollars from outside the community into the mix.  He added that he’s been in touch with city officials on the future of Frontier Village, including a playground concept development.  With the planned Buffalo City Park he said progress is being made, with the facility looking good for coming to fruition, with optimism with funding from the State of North Dakota.

 

Ex-Officio Reports:

The Chamber’s Emily Bivens said the scholarship applications are now open in conjunction with the University of Jamestown.  Vendors are encouraged to sign up for the April 10 & 11 Home & Garden Show.  She added a virtual legislators Meet & Greet is planned for March 1, 2021, at 7-p.m., with Chamber members to be notified about access and how to ask questions during the event.  She added the Chamber will bring back the “CASH MOB,” promotion later this year.

Civic Center, Manager, Pam Fosse said the Civic Center, is hosting COVID-19 Vaccinations, and testing in cooperation with Central Valley Health District, scheduling around other events and activities.

JSDC’s Corry Shevlin said the 2021 FlexPace program is fully funded.  With Airport Park, he said progress is being made with new developments.  An update was given on the progress of the  Greenhouse business, at SEPA Park.  He added that JSDC is working with UJ for an internship program.

 

NEW BUSINESS

The Board approved a Payroll Protection Plan borrowing authority.

The Board Authorized Frank Balak, Tena Lawrence, and Searle Swedlund for signature authority for the application to Payroll Protection Program forgivable loan.

In other business:

Report Credit Card Cash Back was updated by Searle Swedlund.

 

With the Report on the County Mill Levy Expenditures for Tourism Entities, Searle explained each entity tourism has reimbursed and dollars they have received from the county.

 

City Promotional Capital Construction Fund process for March, Searle said applications are reviewed based in part on the visitor experience. He added there remains dollars in the fund, and he expects, a significant amount of funding to be provided, in this round.

 

Bismarck (NDDC)– The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced seven recipients of 2021 Main Street Tourism Expansion Grants.

Main Street Expansion Grants support new or expanding businesses and activities that provide an improved visitor experience, with an emphasis on attracting new visitors to North Dakota communities.

“These grants will help develop new tourism experiences and facilities that will draw visitors to enjoy unique lodging, local cuisine and diverse activities,” North Dakota Department of Commerce Interim Commissioner Shawn Kessel said.

The grants are intended to fund new projects that attract visitors from outside of North Dakota for at least one overnight stay with the goal of giving communities and the state another experience to entertain visitors and attract potential new residents.

2021 grant recipients:

National Buffalo Museum Bison Pasture Tour: The National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown is developing a bison pasture tour to take visitors safely near the grazing bison. The museum is working to acquire a large, customized vehicle capable of transporting a household of people through the grazing pasture. The retrofitted vehicle will be wrapped to provide a pleasing backdrop for photos. Tours will be personalized and presented by a qualified guide so the vehicle will include a speaker system that will allow visitors to hear and communicate with the guide.

Fargo Air Museum Flight Simulator Lab: The Fargo Air Museum will develop a virtual reality-based flight simulator lab at the museum in Fargo. The lab will feature virtual reality flight simulator experiences with force feedback controls that will be used in enhanced youth camp curriculum, education programs and events like challenges and tournaments.

Folly Hill Farm Lodging and Restroom Facilities: This project will expand demonstration and farming facilities at Folly Hill Farm north of Bismarck. Grant dollars will be used for the relocation and repurposing of surplus oilfield infrastructure for restroom facilities and lodging on the farm. The project will allow the farm to host day visitors and overnight agritourism guests, interns or paying regenerative agriculture students. Folly Hill Farm was established in 2017 on 40 acres of native grassland as a working demonstration farm and agritourism destination.

Historic Hygge Hotel Restoration: The project will complete the renovation of the historic hotel in Powers Lake. Hotel owners began renovation of the original 1909 structure in 2018. The grant dollars will help complete the lower-level renovation of a hospitality area for guests and locals to hold private parties and meetings. The reopening of the restored hotel after sitting vacant for nearly 30 years will provide much-needed lodging at Powers Lake and will bring hunters and travelers into the community.

Pioneer Trails Regional Museum Paleontology Program Expansion: Pioneer Trails Regional Museum in Bowman is enhancing and expanding its paleontology program to include new museum fossil displays and daily tours to fossil dig sites. Participation in longer proposed tour events will keep visitors in the community longer. The planned field and lab activities will involve personal interaction between museum staff and visitors that will create new experiences for entertainment and learning.

The Springs Golf Course Dining Igloos: The Springs Golf Course clubhouse in Gwinner is planning the addition of a pair of enclosed clear “igloo” outdoor dining structures. The unique structures will allow patrons to safely enjoy outdoor dining overlooking the main pond at the Springs Golf Course. These will also provide a new place to enjoy drinks or a break area for conference attendees at the clubhouse’s meeting facilities.

Up North Cabins: The Up North Cabins project is planning development of unique rental cabins near the Pembina Gorge in northeastern North Dakota. The cabins would be developed in two phases on 8.7 acres of land that was previously a horse ranch. The first two cabins are expected to open summer 2021 with a total of 6-8 cabins available in the future. The project will provide needed unique lodging from which to explore the great outdoors in the Rendezvous Region. The location of Up North Cabins will support the economic growth of surrounding communities, including Langdon and Walhalla.

Sanborn  (CSi) Following the water shut off in Sanborn on Thursday, for about four hours, the water was turned back on to residents about 1-p.m., Thursday.  Two water leaks were repaired during the water outage..

City spokeswoman Julie  Franklin, thanked the residents and businesses for their cooperation and patience during the shut-down.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A proposal to add the agriculture commissioner to a North Dakota government board that manages state land and minerals has cleared the Senate. If the House approves, voters would weigh in because adding a commissioner would require a constitutional amendment. The original proposal called for replacing the state treasurer with the agriculture commissioner, but lawmakers instead approved adding the commissioner as a sixth member of the Board of University and School Lands. The proposal comes after ranchers became frustrated with leasing auctions that moved online because of the coronavirus pandemic. Ranchers weren’t happy that the switch to online auctions was made with no agricultural voice on the board.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new monthly survey of bankers suggests the economy is slowly improving in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states, but employment remains below the level it was at before the coronavirus pandemic began last year. The overall index for the region increased to 53.8 in February from January’s 52. Any score above 50 suggests a growing economy. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said the number of jobs in the region is down roughly 146,000, or 3.3%, from the level it was at before the pandemic began. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

In sports…

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to trade Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts. The Eagles will receive a third-round pick in this year’s draft and a conditional second-round pick in 2022 that can turn into a first-round pick if Wentz plays 75% of the snaps this year or 70% and the Colts make the playoffs. Wentz is an ideal fit to succeed Philip Rivers, who retired after leading the Colts to the playoffs in his only season in Indianapolis. Wentz is coming off the worst season of his five-year career and was benched for rookie Jalen Hurts after 12 games. In 2017, he led the Eagles to an 11-2 record before a knee injury ended his season and Philadelphia went on to win its only Super Bowl title.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Former Minnesota second baseman Brian Dozier has retired after nine years in the major leagues and 167 career home runs. Dozier played his first seven seasons for the Twins. He won the World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019. The 33-year-old Dozier was drafted by the Twins in 2009. Dozier was an All-Star in 2015 and won a Gold Glove award in 2017. He hit 42 homers in 2016. That matched Rogers Hornsby for the second-highest single season total by a second baseman in major league history.

In world and national news…

NEW YORK (AP) — States are beginning to ease coronavirus restrictions, but health experts say we don’t know enough yet about variants to roll back measures that could help slow their spread. As more people are vaccinated and the daily number of COVID-19 cases and deaths decline, public health officials have relaxed mask mandates and re-opened businesses like restaurants, bars and retail establishments. But the country’s genetic surveillance system is still not robust enough to accurately track variants, which means they could be spreading unchecked. Experts say continued public health measures like social distancing can help avoid a variant-powered surge of the virus.  (State Department of Health officials say the variant strain of the coronavirus first detected in the United Kingdom has now been confirmed in North Dakota.)

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Power has been restored to more Texans, with fewer than half a million homes still without electricity. But many people were still without safe drinking water after winter storms wreaked havoc on the state’s power grid and utilities this week. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says 7 million people have been ordered to boil their water before consuming it, following days of record low temperatures that damaged infrastructure and froze pipes. Little Rock, Arkansas, got 15 inches of snow in back-to-back storms, tying a 1918 record. The Appalachians, northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania braced for heavy snow and ice as wintry weather returned to the Northeast.

 

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador called on Mexicans to conserve electricity after rolling blackouts in the north and central parts of the country following problems caused by bitterly cold weather in the United States. The cold snap had interrupted the flow of natural gas from Texas to power plants in northern Mexico. Meanwhile, he said Thursday that Mexico was working diplomatic channels to head off an order from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for gas suppliers in that state to not ship any out of state until Feb. 21.

DALLAS (AP) — Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has traveled to Mexico for a family vacation as his home state struggles with a powerful winter storm that’s left many residents without power or safe drinking water. The high-profile Republican senator traveled with his family for a long-planned trip to Cancun and he was expected to return immediately. That’s according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to share private conversations. The revelation opens Cruz to significant criticism in Texas and beyond as he contemplates the possibility of a second presidential run in 2024. The two-term senator’s current term expires in early 2025.

 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Former longtime Sen. Bob Dole has announced that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Dole, who is 97, said in a short statement that he was diagnosed recently and would begin treatment on Monday. He said: “While I certainly have some hurdles ahead, I also know that I join millions of Americans who face significant health challenges of their own.” Dole, a Republican, represented Kansas in Congress for almost 36 years, serving twice as majority leader. He resigned from the Senate in 1996 when he became the Republican presidential nominee. He lost to incumbent President Bill Clinton.