Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Mar 8

CSi Weather…

MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph.

.TUESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. South winds around 35 mph in the afternoon.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s. Northwest

winds 10 to 20 mph.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow possibly

mixed with rain in the afternoon in the Jamestown area, 30 percent in the Valley City area. Much colder. Highs in the mid 30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow possibly mixed with rain  in the evening. Lows in the mid 20s.

.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows 15 to 20.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s.

.SATURDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.

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

.SUNDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.

 

Just light accumulations expected, Wednesday…

Cooler temperatures expected Wednesday with highs in the 30s to

low 40s. Highs were nudged down in the southeast where cloud cover

and possible precipitation should prevail through the afternoon.

 

BURN ORDINANCE REMINDER

Jamestown  Stutsman County Emergency Manger Jerry Bergquist reminds residents that with the lack of snow cover, Stutsman County residents need to be reminded of the open burning ordinance that limits when burning can be safely carried out.  The ordinance is in effect 365 days a year.  However, it restricts burning only when the Fire Danger Rating for Stutsman County is in the “VERY HIGH” or “EXTREME” categories or if a “RED FLAG WARNING” has been issued by the National Weather Service.

Because of the continued dry conditions, Stutsman County will most likely be placed in either the “VERY HIGH” or “EXTREME” fire danger categories.  If this occurs, the ordinance dictates that NO burning is permitted within Stutsman County. This includes starting, conducting, allowing, maintaining, or soliciting any open burn activities.

Violations of the open burning ordinance will be enforced.  A violation is a Class B misdemeanor, for which a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail, a fine of $1,500.00 or both may be imposed.

This ordinance is in effect in all of Stutsman County including its incorporated cities that do not have their own open burning ordinances.  The ordinance does not include the City of Jamestown which has its own ordinances relating to burning.

The daily Fire Danger Rating can be found either by going to the Stutsman County website at www.co.stutsman.nd.us and clicking on the green “Fire Danger” icon at the top of the page, or by calling the Stutsman County Communications Center at 701-252-1000.  A full version of the burn ordinance can also be found at the website under Departments, choose Zoning, and click on “Burn Ban Ordinance” on the left-hand side of the page.

Because of the dry conditions, expect a series of days where burning may be restricted until the countryside greens up.  For more information contact the Stutsman County Emergency Manager’s Office at 701-252-9093.

 

NDDoH

COVID-19 Stats

Mon. Mar 8, 2021

11am

Barnes:

New Positives 0

Total Positives 1300

Active 11

Recovered 1258

 

Stutsman

New Positives 0

Total Positives 3305

Active

Recovered 3202

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
156,746	Residents who received at least one dose of vaccine
261,987	Total COVID-19 vaccine doses administered
1,161	Total Tests from yesterday*
1,694,342	Total tests completed since the pandemic began
28	Positive Individuals from yesterday*****
17	PCR Tests
11	Antigen Tests
100,419	Total positive individuals since the pandemic began
3.00%	Daily Positivity Rate**
578	Total Active Cases
-38	Change in active cases from yesterday
54	Individuals with a recovery date of yesterday****
98,392	Total recovered since the pandemic began
22	Currently hospitalized
-1	Change in hospitalizations from yesterday
+1	New death(s) since 3/5
1,449	Total deaths since the pandemic began
INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19
Woman in her 90s from Morton County
NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED MONDAY BY COUNTY
Adams		0	Grant	0	Ransom	0
Barnes		0	Griggs	0	Renville	0
Benson		0	Hettinger	0	Richland	3
Billings		0	Kidder	0	Rolette	0
Bottineau		0	LaMoure	0	Sargent	0
Bowman		0	Logan	0	Sheridan	0
Burke		0	McHenry	0	Sioux	0
Burleigh		0	McIntosh	0	Slope	0
Cass		7	McKenzie	0	Stark	3
Cavalier		0	McLean	0	Steele	0
Dickey		0	Mercer	0	Stutsman	0
Divide		0	Morton	1	Towner	1
Dunn		0	Mountrail	1	Traill	1
Eddy		0	Nelson	0	Walsh	0
Emmons		0	Oliver	0	Ward	3
Foster		0	Pembina	0	Wells	0
Golden Valley		1	Pierce	2	Williams	3
Grand Forks		2	Ramsey	0

 

* 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.

 

Bismarck  (CSi)   – Gov. Doug Burgum Monday appointed Dr. Nizar Wehbi (Nee-zar Wee-bee) to serve as North Dakota’s State Health Officer, effective May 1. Wehbi currently serves as deputy director of the Center for Health Policy and assistant professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

 

Wehbi has served as the Center for Health Policy’s deputy director since January 2016, conducting research and policy analysis to inform policymaking with a focus on improving population health and the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system. In that role, he led initiatives to address binge drinking and colorectal cancer and conducted analysis on the health care workforce shortage. As an assistant professor in the College of Public Health at UNMC, Wehbi directs the master’s in health administration (MHA) program, with teaching areas of focus that include health administration, health policy, the U.S. health care system and human resources management.

 

Prior to his current roles, Wehbi served as a senior planner in the Strategic Planning and Business Development Department at Nebraska Medicine. He began his career in clinical medicine, caring for patients in inpatient and outpatient settings and later, as an instructor of surgery at UNMC, joining a research team to identify biomarkers for early detection and risk assessment of bladder and prostate cancers.

 

“Dr. Wehbi brings the right combination of experience in clinical medicine, policy development and health administration that we need to create the best public health system in the country right here in North Dakota,” Burgum said. “We look forward to him serving the citizens of our state and leading the outstanding team at the North Dakota Department of Health, who through their tireless efforts during COVID-19 have shown what it means to empower people, improve lives and inspire success.”

 

Wehbi earned his medical degree in Lithuania and his master’s degrees in public health and in business administration from the University of Nebraska. He also holds a graduate certificate in quality, patient safety and outcomes research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and currently serves a three-year term on the Board of Governors of ACHE. Wehbi has served on the National Board of Public Health Examiners since 2013 and on the board of directors of Clarkson College since 2019.

 

“I am truly honored and humbled to join and lead the great team at the North Dakota Department of Health as they continue their critical work to improve access to and delivery of quality health care and wellness services, promote emergency readiness and response, and manage emerging public health challenges. They have been working hard to respond to the COVID pandemic, and there is still more work to be done as vaccine rollout continues,” Wehbi said. “I look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders including state, local, federal and tribal agencies to improve the health and wellness of North Dakotans. When it comes to health, North Dakota can be the leader and role model for the entire nation.”

 

Burgum expressed his gratitude for interim State Health Officer Dirk Wilke, who has served in the position since September and will return to his role as the Department of Health’s chief of staff.

 

“Dirk has gone above and beyond during his time as interim state health officer, tackling one challenging issue after another with the utmost professionalism and a laser focus on the health and well-being of all North Dakotans,” Burgum said. “We are deeply grateful for his service.”

 

Jamestown (CSi)  Jamestown Tourism held the City Promotion Capital Construction Fund March grant request meeting at the JSDC Lower Level Conference, Room, also available on the Zoom platform and phone conference call.

Members in attendance: Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund, Board Members:  President, Tena Lawrence, Taylor Barnes, Frank Balak, Pam Phillips, and Paulette Ritter.

 

The meeting started with Searle explaining Goals and Objectives of the Capital Construction Fund, with 20 -percent of the restaurant funds, distributed to Tourism by the City.  With applications due March 1 and October 1 each year.

The goal for expenditures this round is to distribute $65,000.

And then statements on conflicts of interest.  Tommy Nienhaus, said he does not have a conflict with the UJ funding.  Tena Lawrence,

Pam Phillips, employed by the National Buffalo Museum was allowed to participate in the discussion but not vote.

 

Requests

The Jamestown Arts Center – Arts Park Speaker Hangers – Director, Mindi Schmitz said, at the Downtown Arts Park, four of the 12 speakers are heavy, and she’s requesting the hangers, asking $1500 in the request to help cover the cost of $2,000.

The board voted to, grant the full request for $1,500.

 

National Buffalo Museum – Pasture Tours – Director, Ilana Xinos said, the pasture tour

has received a grant of $16,000, asking Jamestown Tourism for $10,000 the largest expense is for a vehicle.   Bump gates at the pasture will also be installed.  Seven day a week tours will take place, one for the north and one for the south pasture, each tour will last about one hour.  She said a charge will be made to those participating in the tour, with the amount to be decided, which includes admission to the Museum.

The board voted to, grant $10,000.

 

TRAC– Meidinger Splash Park, Pad – Amy Walters said, the request is for funding of 20X20 concrete pads, for the shade shelter.  The request was for $25,000 and the board voted, to grant $5,000.

 

Jamestown Soccer Club – Club Expansion – Tommy Nienhaus said there is a men’s and women’s conference within the leagues, with a men’s and women’s team in Fargo, and other teams in Minnesota, and South Dakota, LaCrosse, Wisconsin and St. Louis,  plus women’s teams as far away as Chicago.

He said the league is awaiting a decision from Jamestown to enter the league, and if so the league will consider a team in Bismarck. League operates during the summer months, and start up is in 2022.

He said there are expansion fees set by the league, plus operational fees.

Others outside sources of funding is Sanford Health and First Community Credit Union.  The request from Tourism is for a total of $40,000 in funds.  Other funding sources may also be sought.  The team expects to generate $30,000 to $40,000 per season.

The board voted, to grant $5,000.

 

Three requests were from Frontier Village:

Repairs to Church, Paint General Store/Church – Searle Swedlund said those are the largest structures at the village, with paint and siding replacement, low bids have been accepted with maintenance to be done this summer.  The budget request is at $13,000.

The board voted to, grant the full amount.

With  Mowing Equipment – Searle said the proposal is for enough equipment to manage general mowing  for this summer.  With bids let for the mowers.  The request from tourism is for $5,000.

The board voted, fund the full amount of $5,000.

With  Signage – Searle said, three signs are in need, in cooperation with the National Buffalo Museum, for directions.  The request is for $1,500.

The board voted to, fund the full $1,500.

Corps of Engineers – James  River Trail – Pipestem Dam Manger, James Dixon said, the request is to fund two kayak ramps, along the trail, ADA compliant,  including at Parkhurst, supported by the Corps of Engineers, in Omaha.

The grant request was for  $10,000.

The board voted to grant $7,000.

Dakota Motocross – Track Improvements – President of the organization, Jett Mutschler

said the track needs improvements in the way of hiring a professional track builder, with the estimate at $10,000 to $12,000, the request for tourism funding was  $15,000.

He said about 700 participants use the track over a given two day period during the motocross season, from the upper Midwest,  plus those in attendance.

The board voted to grant $10,000.

 

Fort Seward – Security Equipment – Sonja Thierer said the equipment consist of video cameras, as the guest experience is adding to such items as the glamorous camping (Glamping) and a playground.   The grant request was for $3,500

The board voted to fund the full amount.

 

GrantExec Committee Meeting:

ND USA Powerlifting request is for $7,000 for equipment purchase for – events in April, August, and November, 2021, at the Jamestown Civic Center.  Steve Davenport explained the categories within each Powerlifting event.  The meets serve as a gateway to national Powerlifting events.  He said Jamestown is a strategic location in North Dakota for participants from around the state, which typically overnight at the events, including other support personnel.

The board voted to table, and have the organization to re-apply in the October 2021 round of funding, to analyze a year’s participation in the sport in the state

Tourism Director Searle Swedlund will have more highlights during Tuesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2 at 8:25-a.m. followed later with replays.

 

Valley City  (Chamber 3-8-21)  Valley City Mayor Dave Carlsrud has issued another message to Valley City Residents.

“Following the 2 weeks of really cold weather; isn’t it nice having our current weather? Remember, fresh air and sunshine are things that can help us achieve good attitudes for each of us so take advantage of them.

Did you know that 7:00 AM, noon and 5:30 PM are the times we have our greatest demands for electricity? The 7:00 AM demand lasts about 2.5 hours while the noon and 5:30 demands are about an hour-and-a-half each. When a demand spike is too high, our cost of electricity is higher. You can help ease demand by running washers, dryers and dishwashers at other times. Perhaps try running the dishwasher, clothes washer or dryer over night. Every little bit helps, thank you.

RIGHT OF WAY. When vehicles arrive at uncontrolled intersection, we are to “YIELD” TO THE RIGHT, thus “Right of Way”. Pedestrians have “Right of Way” at intersections and crosswalks. “Being courteous is contagious, catch it.”

Recently there have been drivers who have been driving over the speed limit and some instances where drivers within the speed limit, were driving too fast for conditions. If it is slippery 25 MPH may be too fast. If in the area of schools or other gatherings of people, 15 MHP could be too fast. If there is an uncontrolled intersection, don’t feel you can drive through and be safe at 25 MPH.  Let’s all be defensive drivers and help keep each other safe.

THE NORTH DAKOTA WINTER SHOW will be March 10-14. Get your event tickets now. FREE ENTRANCE to the building.

“LOVE OF LOCAL”. Buy Chamber Bucks in the Rosebud Center or City Hall at a discount and redeem them in Valley City businesses at full face value. Each person can purchase up to $1,000.00 worth (including prior purchases).

COVID VACCINATIONS, visit the City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518.”

 

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”      (Mother Teresa)                                                    

 

Blessings, Be Kind, Be Safe and Pray

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Jamestown  (JPS)  Jamestown Public Schools will have no school on Wednesday, March 10, Thursday, March 11, and Friday, March 12, 2021 for spring break.  School will resume at the regular time on Monday, March 15, 2021.  Buses will run at the regular scheduled times.

 

 

 

Washington  (FEMA) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided $24 million in additional funding for COVID-19 response efforts in North Dakota.

To date, FEMA has provided more than $32 million in Public Assistance funding for COVID-19 response in North Dakota. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 1, 2020.

The $24 million was provided to the North Dakota Department of Public Health and Environment. They utilized materials and contracts to establish and operate a COVID-19 diagnoses – laboratory to assist in the management, control, and reduction of immediate threats to public health and safety. The department also extended their laboratory capacity, increased staffing, purchased laboratory equipment, supplies and software, and leased warehousing facilities.

All work for this project fell between October 1 and December 31, 2020. Funding for this project is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing a 75 to 100-percent funding share for eligible costs.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s Republican-led Legislature has relaxed a requirement for lawmakers to wear masks in House and Senate chambers. The Senate on Monday endorsed the rule change with the needed two-thirds vote. The House met the two-thirds threshold on Friday, before sending the change over to the upper chamber. Most Democrats opposed the change. Only a couple of lawmakers have announced publicly that they had been infected with the coronavirus since the session began Jan. 5. The new rule will take effect on March 15, when the Legislature returns from a weekend break.

GLENBURN, N.D. (AP) — Authorities say a small-town North Dakota fire department lost is building and likely six trucks in a fire. The blaze at the Glenburn Fire Department was reported about 5 a.m. Saturday. Fire crews from Lansford, Maxbass and the Minot Air Force Base also responded to the call, the Minot Daily News reported. The structure is considered a total loss. Lance Johnson, fire district board vice president and firefighter, says the blaze damaged a large pumper truck, a tanker, three grass fire units and a rescue truck. It is unknown at this time whether any of the vehicles can be salvaged. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Air National Guard’s 119th Wing based in Fargo has a new commander. Col. Mitch Johnson officially took over command of the unit known as the “Happy Hooligans” during a ceremony held at the base on Saturday. He replaces Col. Darrin Anderson, who will remain with the National Guard as assistant adjutant general. Johnson began his career in the U.S. Air Force when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in May 1997 from the ROTC Detachment 400 at Michigan Technological University. He served in multiple flying assignments with the Air Force. Johnson commanded the 119th Operations Group and was the vice commander of the 119th Wing prior to assuming command.

 

(AP) There may be fewer metro areas in the U.S. in the near future. The federal government is proposing to downgrade 144 cities from the metropolitan statistical area designation. Under the proposal, a metro area would have to have at least 100,000 people compared with the 50,000-person threshold that was implemented more than 70 years ago. Statisticians say the proposal is a long time in coming, given that the U.S. population has more than doubled since 1950. Some officials whose cities are on the list to be downgraded don’t believe it will have a major impact. Others worry it will lead them to lose federal funds.

In sports…

Jamestown  (UJ)  Due to the limited amount of spectators allowed inside Harold Newman Arena, tickets for this weekend’s NAIA Women’s Wrestling Invitational are officially sold out.

NDAPSSA Class B Basketball Polls

(First-place votes in parentheses)

Boys

1. Four Winds/Minn. (16) 20-1 160 1
2. Grafton 19-2 133 2
3. Enderlin 17-3 120 3
4. Edgele/KM 19-2 91 4
5. Dickinson Trinity 18-3 82 5
6. Beulah 17-4 69 7
7. Langdon/EM 18-3 67 6
8. Powers Lake 19-2 58 8
9. Linton/HMB 18-3 35 9
10. North Border 16-2 31 10

Others receiving votes: Kindred (15-4), Ellendale (18-4), Oakes (16-6), Central Cass (16-4), Dunseith (16-4), Flasher (16-4), Shiloh Christian (12-9), White Shield (14-7).

In world and national news…

NEW YORK (AP) — Fully vaccinated Americans can gather with other vaccinated people indoors without wearing a mask or social distancing. That’s according to long-awaited guidance from federal health officials. The recommendations were announced Monday. They also say that vaccinated people can come together in the same way with people considered at low-risk for severe disease, such as in the case of vaccinated grandparents visiting healthy children and grandchildren. Officials say a person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last required dose of vaccine. About 30 million Americans or only about 9% of the U.S. population have been fully vaccinated with a federally authorized COVID-19 vaccine so far.

 

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jury selection in the trial of a former Minneapolis officer accused in the death of George Floyd is on hold while a court considers whether to reinstate a third-degree murder charge. Derek Chauvin is already facing a second-degree unintentional murder charge and a manslaughter charge. But there’s an active appeal on whether the third charge, which was dropped by a judge, can be restored. The reason is simple: reinstating the count could increase the prosecution’s odds of getting a murder conviction in what will be one of Minnesota’s highest-profile trials ever. While prosecutors could win a conviction without the third-degree charge, legal experts say the case isn’t a slam dunk.

 

LONDON (AP) — Oprah Winfrey’s two-hour prime-time interview with Prince Harry and Meghan contained revelations and allegations that have left Britain’s royal family reeling, painting a picture of racism, insensitivity and deep-rooted dysfunction. Among the claims was an allegation that family members were concerned about the skin color of Harry and Meghan’s child. Meghan revealed that she had had suicidal thoughts, while Harry said he felt trapped within the royal institution and disclosed the breakdown in his relationships with his father, Prince Charles, and brother Prince William. And the couple disclosed that they exchanged vows in private three days before their 2018 wedding. The palace has not responded to the interview.

 

Wall Street ended mixed as slumps in several Big Tech companies offset gains in many other parts of the market. Because of their huge size, the drops in Apple, Google’s parent company and other major technology stocks pulled the S&P 500 to a loss of 0.5% on Monday even though more stocks rose than fell in the index. The tech-heavy Nasdaq dropped 2.4%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1%. Technology companies have been sliding in recent weeks as investors start to doubt whether the huge gains they made during the pandemic months can continue. Treasury yields rose again.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is reviving a lawsuit brought by a Georgia college student who sued school officials after being prevented from distributing Christian literature on campus. The high court in an 8-1 decision Monday sided with the student and against Georgia Gwinnett College. At issue was whether the case could continue because the now-graduated student was only seeking so-called nominal damages of $1. Lower courts said the case was moot, but the Supreme Court disagreed. Groups across the political spectrum have said that the case is important to ensuring that people whose constitutional rights were violated can continue their cases, even when governments repeal the policies they were challenging.

 

DALLAS (AP) — Dallas’s mayor has formed a committee to investigate why a police officer was allowed to remain on active duty for more than a year and a half after he was implicated in two 2017 killings. Mayor Eric Johnson established the city council committee Monday following the arrest last week of Bryan Riser on two charges of capital murder. Its creation comes after days of questions as to why the veteran officer was kept on patrol after being identified as a “person of interest” in an alleged murder-for-hire scheme. Johnson says, “this is an awful situation, and the public deserves answers.”

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A judge in Kentucky has signed an order permanently closing a criminal case against Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend. Kenneth Walker shot a police officer during the deadly raid that killed Taylor last March. Prosecutors dismissed an attempted murder of a police officer charge against Walker in May. But they left open the opportunity to revisit the charge against Walker if new evidence surfaced. Judge Olu Stevens’ order on Monday dismissed the 2020 indictment against Walker with prejudice, meaning it can’t be reconsidered.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — Two more men wanted in the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol have been arrested — including one who reportedly served as a bodyguard to former President Donald Trump’s longtime confidant, Roger Stone. The FBI said Monday that Roberto Minuta and Isaac Steve Sturgeon were taken into federal custody. Minuta is accused of breaching the Capitol grounds and berating police officers. The New York Times previously reported he had provided security to Stone in the hours before the attack. It wasn’t known whether he has an attorney. Sturgeon was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport after being deported from Kenya.