CSi Weather…

TONIGHT…Increasing clouds. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the mid 20s. North winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the southeast after midnight.

.WEDNESDAY…Partly sunny in the morning then clearing. Highs in the lower 50s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. East winds

5 to 10 mph.

.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s. East winds 5 to

10 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the upper 20s.

.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows around 30.

.SATURDAY…Sunny. Highs around 60.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s.

 

NDDOH

COVID 19 Stats

Tues. Mar. 2, 2021

11am

Barnes:

New Positives +4

Total Positives 1295

Active 9

Recovered 1253

 

Stutsman

New Positives  +2

Total Positives 3293

Active 6

Recovered 3192

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
134,771 Residents who received at least one dose of vaccine
227,152 Total COVID-19 vaccine doses administered
5,960 Total Tests from yesterday*
1,667,010 Total tests completed since the pandemic began
106 Positive Individuals from yesterday*****
52 PCR Tests
54 Antigen Tests
99,957 Total positive individuals since the pandemic began
2.30% Daily Positivity Rate**
576 Total Active Cases
+5 Change in active cases from yesterday
80 Individuals with a recovery date of yesterday****
97,934 Total recovered since the pandemic began
24 Currently hospitalized
-1 Change in hospitalizations from yesterday
2 New death(s)
1,447 Total deaths since the pandemic began

 
INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19
Woman in her 90s from Grand Forks County
Man in his 90s from Ward County
 

NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TUESDAY BY COUNTY
Adams 0 Grant 0 Ransom 1
Barnes 4 Griggs 0 Renville 0
Benson 0 Hettinger 1 Richland 9
Billings 0 Kidder 0 Rolette 1
Bottineau 1 LaMoure 0 Sargent 1
Bowman 0 Logan 0 Sheridan 0
Burke 0 McHenry 3 Sioux 0
Burleigh 16 McIntosh 0 Slope 0
Cass 18 McKenzie 4 Stark 5
Cavalier 1 McLean 0 Steele 0
Dickey 1 Mercer 1 Stutsman 2
Divide 2 Morton 0 Towner 0
Dunn 0 Mountrail 2 Traill 3
Eddy 0 Nelson 0 Walsh 2
Emmons 0 Oliver 1 Ward 9
Foster 2 Pembina 0 Wells 0
Golden Valley 0 Pierce 0 Williams 10
Grand Forks 5 Ramsey 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 (CVHD) Central Valley Health District this week will have COVID-19 Testing, again Weds Mar 3 and Friday Mar 5 at the Jamestown Civic Center from 11-a.m. to 12 noon.

Valley City  (CCHD) City-County Health District (CCHD) is prepared to move into Phase 1C in North Dakota’s COVID-19 vaccination plan: Essential workers and people of any age at increased risk for COVID-19.

Phase 1C includes:
National Guard, not previously covered
Workers enabling access to human food (i.e., grocery workers), not including restaurant workers
Public safety answering points (911)
Manufacturing related to the development or supply of COVID-19 vaccine
Other healthcare/public health workers not included in phase 1A
Free standing clinical laundries
Public transit, including bus, taxi, ride-share
Persons age 18 – 64 with one or more high-risk medical conditions
Blood bank workers not previously vaccinated
Information Technology
All other essential workers per Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

The Health District has been allocated Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, which is approved for individuals ages 18 and over. CCHD is offering a mass-vaccination clinic on Wednesday, March 3rd from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Valley City Jr/Sr High School Gym. This event is now open to Phase 1A, Phase 1B, and Phase 1C.

Those who are currently eligible, who wish to be vaccinated by City-County Health District must register for an appointment by visiting www.citycountyhealth.org/covid-19-vaccine. Those in need of clinic registration support are encouraged to call CCHD at 701-845-8518.

For information and updates related to COVID-19 vaccination in North Dakota, visit the NDDoH website at www.health.nd.gov/covid-19-vaccine-information.

 

Bismarck  (NDDoH) – The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) announced Tuesday that the state has integrated the recently approved Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine into the state’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization for the Janssen vaccine on Saturday, February 27, making it the third COVID-19 vaccine to receive an EUA from the FDA. Sunday, February 28, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Processes (ACIP) recommended the use of the vaccine in people 18 and older under the EUA.

Molly Howell, NDDoH Immunization Director, says,  “Some major benefits of the Janssen (J&J)  vaccine include only requiring one dose and being able to be stored in refrigerators.  The vaccine has shown 85% efficacy at preventing severe COVID-19—with complete protection against hospitalizations and death after 28 days.”

North Dakota is scheduled to receive an initial allocation of 6,300 doses, which will go to pharmacies and urgent care. The doses are expected to arrive in the state on Friday, March 5.

In North Dakota, most providers are in Phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout with some having moved on to Phase 1C.

North Dakotans can find when they will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at http://health.nd.gov/covidvaccinelocator.

 

Bismarck  (CSi) – The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) is reminding healthcare providers that COVID-19 vaccination of out-of-state residents must be limited to only those who live (college students, temporary residence) or work in North Dakota. COVID-19 vaccination is also permitted for out-of-state residents who are already established patients of North Dakota healthcare providers.

Molly Howell, NDDoH Immunization Director,  says, “According to the North Dakota Immunization Information Service, there have been over 15,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses provided to out-of-state residents.  Minnesotans account for 12,315 of these doses. The majority of these doses have gone to out-of-state residents who work in health care settings in North Dakota or patients who have their primary care physician in North Dakota. However, we are starting to see data showing that people are traveling to North Dakota from out-of-state just to be vaccinated; these individuals should be vaccinated in their own state.”

Over 4,600 North Dakotans have received COVID-19 vaccine doses in Minnesota. It also is likely that many North Dakotans were vaccinated in southern states this winter.

North Dakotans can find when they will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at http://health.nd.gov/covidvaccinelocator.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session, virtually via the Zoom platform,  Tuesday evening. All members were present.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:

 

Approved  Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.

 

Approved Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,555,294.84

 

Approved Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following businesses:

  1. John’s Refrigeration& Electric, Inc.
  2. Grotberg Electric Inc.
  3. Grotberg Electric Inc. dba Triton Mechanical
  4. Sheyenne Mechanical
  5. Differding Electric LLC
  6. PEC Solutions of the Dakotas LLC
  7. RJ’s Plumbing & Heating

 

Approved  Raffle Permit for the following:

  1. Sheyenne Valley Area Career and Technology Center
  2. Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals

 

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.

No personal attacks to persons present or not

No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform

5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair

Thank you for participating in City Government.

 

ORDINANCE

 

Approved a second and final reading of Ordinance 1073, an Ordinance enacting new section of Valley City Municipal Code related to demonstrations and assemblies. City Attorney Martineck said there is no changes from the first reading, adding the Ordinance does not restrict  the right to demonstrate.  Police need to be notified of specific plans including to observe distancing requirements.

NEW BUSINESS

Approved the request for funding from the State Water Commission for Storage Building and site costs for a 2022 project.

Approved  a  Task Order for Construction Engineering for Streetscape Phase II. KLJ reported the order outlines NDDOT requirements, budget information, and location.

Commission Erickson voted in opposition.

Approved an agreement with Western Dakota Energy Association for oversize and overweight vehicle permits on Valley City streets. City Administrator Crawford said the schedule will be reviewed.

Approved a Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for VC Eagles Aerie 2192 at North Dakota Winter Show March 10-14, 2021.  Finance Director Richter said the information includes an outline of the area, and includes the opening of the bar at 11-a.m., and closes each evening a half hour before the end of each of event.  Commissioner Bishop suggested if an event goes longer, than 11-p.m. that it closes a half hour earlier, which was approved in the vote.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Gwen Crawford said Valley City will have a visit from the Workforce safety officials to review city departments.

With the Hazzard Mitigation update, city officials will attend five meeting, required by FEMA every five years.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS:

Avis Richter said City Hall is selling Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Bucks, noting the sales are going very well.  Commissioner Gulmon added that so far the For Love of Local economic stimulus program as sold $500,000 in Chamber Bucks, with $500,000 left to purchase.

City residence are reminded to not pile refuse around the recepticles.

Public Works Manager, Gary Jacobson said if residents allow the water department to E-Mail utilities bills instead of mailing, the resident will receive a one- time credit of $5.

Fire Chief Scott Magnuson reminded resident to stay off the river and other bodies of water ice, now that thawing is occurring.

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

 

Jamestown  (JRMC)  Jamestown Regional Medical Center and Central Valley Health are surveying Stutsman County residents through March 10, 2021.  JRMC President, & CEO, Mike Delfs says, Results of the survey help health organizations improve community health and provide better services.

The survey is part of a community health needs assessment, required every three years.

He adds, “We encourage Stutsman County residents to participate in the survey. This helps us understand the pulse of the community and how we can better serve the people in it.”

Surveys are available online or in-person at JRMC.

All survey responses are anonymous, and there is no way to track responses back to individuals. Survey responses are returned to the Center for Rural Health to help ensure anonymity. A postage-paid return envelope is included with each written survey. Residents may access an interactive, online version of the survey here. It can also be accessed on JRMC’s website at www.jrmcnd.com.

Completing the survey takes about 25 minutes.

Central Valley Health District, Unit Administrator, Robin  Iszler says, “This is an exciting opportunity for us to put our finger on the pulse of healthcare.  We’ve got some big challenges here, and I’m hopeful this can produce big opportunities for us to improve health and quality of life.”

For more information, please call (701) 952-4795 or visit www.jrmcnd.com.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Tourism will be hearing requests from the City Promotion Capital Construction Fund, on Monday March 8, at 2-p.m.

On Tuesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2 Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund said the board will be hearing nine requests for projects.

Included is considering funding for the National Buffalo Museum’s Buffalo Tour, and dollars to continue with improvements to Frontier Village. Additional mowing equipment funding requests will be heard.  He said painting projects are scheduled this summer, as part of the on-going maintenance work.   He added that additional signage is planned at Frontier Village as well.

Searle pointed out that with less funds expended in 2020 due to less events and activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an additional $65,000 available for project requests.

Over all the annual budget is $80,000 in that fund.  Funding requests are due on March 1 and October 1, each year.  The funding comes from the Hospitality Tax, distributed by the City of Jamestown.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — An Iowa company is leading a $2 billion effort to capture carbon dioxide from Midwestern ethanol plants and pipe it to North Dakota where it would be buried deep underground. The greenhouse gas is generated during the fermentation process and contributes to climate change when it’s released into the atmosphere. Summit Carbon Solutions says the plan is to gather carbon dioxide from at least 17 ethanol plants and pipe it to North Dakota where it would be injected into wells and stored underground. The carbon dioxide would be compressed into liquid form at the ethanol plants where feeder pipelines would send it to a larger pipeline that would extend across the Upper Midwest to North Dakota.

In world and national news….

WASHINGTON (AP) — Drugmaker Merck & Co. will help produce rival Johnson & Johnson’s newly approved coronavirus vaccine in an effort to expand supply more quickly. That’s according to the White House, which said President Joe Biden would address the partnership in a speech Tuesday afternoon. Officials have said J&J faced unexpected production issues with its vaccine and produced only 3.9 million doses ahead of its receiving emergency use authorization on Saturday. The company is on pace to deliver 100 million doses by the end of June. The assistance from Merck was expected to help J&J meet its production commitments and expand supply even further.

 

(AP)  The White House is announcing an increase in available coronavirus vaccines to 15.2 million doses a week, up from 14.5 million. White House press secretary says only 8.6 million doses a week were available when Joe Biden became president in late January. States are receiving 2.8 million doses of the newly approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week. That means a total of 18 million doses will go out this week. Upcoming shipments of the J&J vaccine could be uneven during the next few weeks as the company ramps up production.

 

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is facing calls for resignations from some members of his own party as most leading Democrats signal they want to await the results of the attorney general’s investigation into claims the governor sexually harassed aides. As of midday Tuesday, at least one Democratic Congress member, four state senators and numerous left-leaning Assembly members have called on Cuomo to resign. Still, the remaining Democrats in New York’s congressional delegation have refrained from calling on the governor to step down and are urging the public to await the attorney general investigation. Cuomo himself has avoided public appearances for days.

 

ATLANTA (AP) — Family members say Vernon Jordan, a civil rights activist and former adviser to President Bill Clinton, has died. His niece, Ann Walker Marchant, confirmed the death to The Associated Press. After stints as field secretary for the Georgia NAACP and executive director of the United Negro College Fund, he became head of the National Urban League, becoming the face of Black America’s modern struggle for jobs and justice for more than a decade. He was nearly killed by a racist’s bullet in 1980 before transitioning to business and politics. His friendship with Clinton took them both to the White House.

 

LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City police officer who shot and killed a Black man last year will not be charged. The Jackson County prosecutor announced Monday that investigations into the death of 47-year-old Donnie Sanders did not find enough evidence to support charges against the officer, whose name has not been released. Sanders was shot in March 2020 after the officer began following him for alleged traffic violations. The officer confronted Sanders when he got out of his vehicle in an alley. The officer told investigators that he believed Sanders was pointing a gun at him. Investigators determined Sanders did not have a gun.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats are sorting through lingering disagreements over emergency jobless benefits and other issues and preparing to commence Senate debate on a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan. The bill would deliver a major victory to President Joe Biden. Democrats have no margin for error in the evenly split 50-50 Senate, and Biden is expected to urge them on by conference call. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he planned to bring the sweeping bill to the floor as early as Wednesday, teeing up first votes on a bill aimed at energizing the nation’s battle against the pandemic and its wounded economy.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court appears ready to uphold voting restrictions in Arizona in a key case that could make it harder to challenge a raft of other voting measures Republicans have proposed following last year’s elections. All six conservative justices, appointed by Republican presidents, suggested Tuesday they would throw out an appellate ruling that struck down the restrictions as racially discriminatory under the landmark Voting Rights Act. The three liberal members of the courts, appointed by Democrats, were more sympathetic to the challengers. Less clear is what standard the court might set for how to prove discrimination under the law, first enacted in 1965.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s choice to head the Securities and Exchange Commission has told Congress that the agency should address how to protect investors who use online stock-trading platforms with flashy gimmicks that entice them to trade more. Gary Gensler testified by video Tuesday for his confirmation hearing by the Senate Banking Committee. He was asked about the roiling stock-trading drama involving GameStop shares that has spurred clamor for tighter regulation of Wall Street. Among the issues to be examined, he said, is the use of “behavioral” technology in stock-trading apps. He asked: “What does it mean when you have behavioral prompts to get investors to do more transactions?”

 

El CENTRO, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say a semitruck has crashed into an SUV carrying 25 people on a Southern California highway, killing 13 people. The head of the California Highway Patrol says 12 people died at the scene Tuesday and another died after arriving at the hospital. Hospital officials earlier reported there were 15 killed and more people in the SUV. Multiple people from the SUV were flown or sent to hospitals for injuries that included fractures and head trauma. Authorities say it’s unclear if the SUV had stopped at a stop sign before crossing into the path of the semitruck, which hit the vehicle.