Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Mar 15

CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY..  Cloudy, with a 30 percent chance of  snow in the Jamestown area, 40 percent in the Valley City area.   Highs in the upper 30s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. Southeast winds 5 to 15 mph.

.TUESDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the lower 40s. Southeast winds

5 to 10 mph.

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

winds 5 to 10 mph.

.WEDNESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s. North winds

5 to 10 mph.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s.

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

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 20s.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 50s.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 30s.

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

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the upper 30s.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s.

 

Overall snow amounts are expected to be light, except

for in the southern James River Valley, where accumulations of 1

to 3 inches are possible primarily in eastern McIntosh and

western Dickey Counties.

 

Rain and snow will taper off in the southern James River Valley by

this evening as the surface low moves further off to our southeast.

Elsewhere in the forecast area, expect a cloudy and cool day, with

highs from the mid 30s in the southern James River Valley to the mid

40s in the northwest. Tonight, the chance of snow returns in the

northwest as a weak cold front begins to approach the area.

 

Monday morning travelers…

An area of precipitation continues to lift northwest through the

southern part of the area this morning.

NDDOT travel camera and road conditions show the worst conditions in the

Ashley to Ellendale area, but things quickly improve in eastern

Dickey County, as  has not reported any precipitation thus far.

Meanwhile, snow is making it further west than anticipated as

Dickinson started reporting snow as of 11 UTC, so did have to

expand POPs north and west to account for this.

With temperatures right around freezing and DOT road reports showing

some locations snow covered vs some locations wet, seems like that

is the case across the area.

 

— North Dakota health officials say there were 34 new cases of the coronavirus out of 1,650 tests that were processed at the state laboratory in the last day. Sunday’s update increased the total number of positive tests to 109,976 since the start of the pandemic. Johns Hopkins University researchers say one in every 1,299 people in North Dakota tested positive in the past week. The number of fatalities remained unchanged at 1,457, which researchers say is the 11th highest per capita in the country at about 196 deaths per 100,000 people.

NDDoH

Sun. Mar 2021

11-a.m.

Barnes: New Positives 0

Total Positives 1307

Active 8

Recovered 1268

Stutsman:

New Positives 0

Total Positives 3322

Active 15

Recovered 3215

Jamestown (CVHD)  Central Valley Health District this week will have COVID-19 Testing Monday March 15, Wednesday March 17, and Friday March 19 at the Jamestown Civic Center from 11-a.m. to 12 noon, using the Rapid Testing, BinaxNow.

By screening with rapid antigen tests, event attendees will be able to receive their test results within 15 minutes via text notification. The test also is less invasive than a PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test in that it uses a nasal swab to collect a sample from the lower part of the nostril.

If a person tests positive, they should isolate at home immediately and a case investigator will be in touch with them within 24 hours. If the screening yields a negative result, individuals should continue to monitor for symptoms.

Interested individuals should fill out an online survey at testreg.nd.gov for faster registration.

For more information about rapid antigen tests and North Dakota’s screening strategies, visit https://www.health.nd.gov/rapid-antigen-screening

 

Valley City  (CCHD)  Free COVID-19 testing events for the VCSU and Valley City communities will be held this week from 1-2 p.m. at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, “The Bubble”. Rapid and conventional testing will be offered at each event again  on Monday March 15 and Friday March 19.

These are WALK-IN testing events. If you wish to be tested, please park your vehicle and enter through the west entrance. Handicap parking spaces and access are available at the east entrance. Preregistration at testreg.nd.gov is encouraged; one only needs to register once.

 

 

Jamestown  (CVHD)  Central Valley Health District  will be offering a first dose COVID vaccination clinic for those in priority group Phase
1C on Tuesday, March 16, from 10:00am – 2:00pm at the Jamestown Civic Center in
the Exchequer Room. Appointments are required. To register for an appointment, visit the
CVHD website at www.centralvalleyhealth.org and click the “COVID-19” tab. Participants who
cannot register themselves are encouraged to call CVHD at 252-8130 for assistance.

Available 2nd Dose Clinics

Date:  Thursday, March 18

Time:  10:00am – 2:00pm

*Review the due date on the back of your CDC COVID vaccination record card prior to registering.

* 2nd dose clinics ONLY.  If you register as a first dose, your appointment will be canceled.

What: 2nd Dose COVID Vaccination Clinic

Vaccine Type: Moderna

Location:  Jamestown Civic Center Exchequer Room (North Entrance)

Date:  Thursday, March 18

Time:  10:00am – 2:00pm

Valley City  (CCHD)  City/County Health District in Valley City will hold FIRST DOSE COVID-19 Clinics on:

Wednesday March 17th | 9:00-10:30am

Wednesday March 17th | 1:00-2:30pm

 

The Clinic will be at CCHD.

Pre-Registration is required

 

Currently vaccinating in Phase 1C priority Groups, Barnes County essential workers, and ages 18 and older at increased risk for COVID-19.

You will be automatically registered for your 2nd dose at the same appointment time, 28 days following your first dose.

Second Dose Clinic on Wed. April 14, 2021.

 

Bismarck (CSi)  Unoccupied fish houses must be removed from all waters beginning March 15 until ice-out.  Please remove by mid-night.

Those remaining after the deadline will be impounded locally by the Stutsman County Park Board.

Fish houses may be used after March 15 if they are removed daily.

Mild weather conditions can  result in unstable ice conditions that can make removing a fish house with a vehicle difficult or dangerous.

 

Bismarck (NDAC)  The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission reports that North Dakota’s eight commercial service airports posted a total of 51,240 airline passenger boardings

during the month of February, 2021. This month saw the highest level of passenger traffic that North

Dakota has experienced since the Covid-19 pandemic began and passenger levels dropped an astounding

95% in April of 2020. These current passenger counts are approximately 50% below pre-pandemic levels.

North Dakota Aeronautics Commission Executive Director, Kyle Wanner says,  “We are excited to see the positive trend in airline passenger counts continue as we celebrate our best

month since the pandemic began.  We also remain optimistic that penned up demand will further drive the airline industry’s recovery as we move forward in 2021.”

February 2021 Jamestown airline boardings were 545 compared to 1,001 in February 2020.

Year to date, Jamestown boardings are 934 compared to 1,824 in 2020, down 48-percent.

 

Jamestown  (Chamber) The chamber Young Professionals of Jamestown and the Chamber Ambassadors recently recognized Sabir’s Buffalo Grill as the March Business of the Month Award recipient for their outstanding customer service and continued commitment to the community.

Their nomination stated, “Outstanding small business committed to excelling in product and customer satisfaction. Whitney Pickard, Mike Johnson and the ENTIRE Grill crew go far above and beyond to make memories and create outstanding service. Jim Boyd has been a constant Jamestown supporter, encouraging all who want to and do invest in our community.”

The Young Professionals of Jamestown honor businesses that provide superior customer service, exhibit community spirit and provide a positive economic impact to the community.  This award provides recognition throughout the month with a plaque and a recognition banner for the month. Monthly award winners will be considered for the Business of the Year to be awarded in January of 2021.  Business of the Month award nomination forms are available at the Chamber office and online at www.jamestownchamber.com. Call 701-252-4830 for more information.

 

Valley City  (CHI)  CHI Mercy Health Foundation has purchased a Techno gym for CHI Mercy Health Physical Therapy Department.

Rehab Manager,  Donna Smith says, this piece of equipment is very versatile with a wide range of weights along with a pulley system. The Techno gym will enable the Physical Therapists at CHI Mercy Health to expand their treatment options, to address strengthening of both upper and lower extremities, balance training, rehab with patient’s who have had a surgery and with patient’s who have had a stroke.

Please feel free to call the Physical Therapy Department at 701-845-6575 with any questions regarding services available. The Physical Therapy Department would like to express their sincere thank you to the Foundation Board for purchasing this equipment.

CHI Mercy Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization to serve the needs of CHI Mercy Health. The Foundation is dedicated to providing support for Mercy Hospital with supplemental funding for capital and program needs essential to the hospital’s growth and development. Through this service, the residents of Valley City and the surrounding communities have access to local, modern, quality healthcare that allows our family, friends and neighbors to stay close to home for their health care needs.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Gov. Doug Burgum is recovering after undergoing hip replacement surgery. The Bismarck Tribune reports the 64-year-old Burgum had surgery Friday to replace his left hip. Gubernatorial authority was briefly delegated to Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford on Friday morning. Sanford said he didn’t take any actions before Burgum resumed his authority. Burgum spokesman Mike Nowatzki says the governor is expected to be discharged from the hospital late Friday. Burgum issued a statement saying the surgery went well and he looks forward to pain-free horseback rides. He joked that his career as a college hurdler is over.

 

Bismarck  (CSi)  Seasonal load restrictions will be placed on additional North Dakota highways across the state Monday, March 15, at 7 a.m. CST. Load limit restrictions will be placed on the following highways:

• All highways south of and including Highway 2 from the Minnesota border west to the Junction of Highway 28 west of Minot
• Highway 2 Business Loop East from Highway 1804 north to the Junction of Highway 2
• Highway 8 from the Junction of Highway 2 south to the South Dakota border
• Highway 85N from the Junction of Highway 2 to the Junction of Highway 1804
• Highway 85S from the Junction of Highway 2 south to the South Dakota border
• Highway 1804 west to the Junction of Highway 2
• Highway 1804 from the Montana border northeast to the Junction of Highway 2

Motorists are encouraged to check the load restriction map daily as restrictions may change quickly due to weather.

Statewide seasonal load restriction information is available by calling 511 or online at https://travel.dot.nd.gov/. Load restriction email updates are also available at http://www.dot.nd.gov/roadreport/loadlimit/loadlimitinfo.asp.

Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (ND DOCR) is planning to resume in-person visitation at all facilities beginning the week of March 29. The ND DOCR is committed to ensuring the safety of all public, team members, visitors, and adult and youth residents while also recognizing the importance of their well-being by offering visitation with COVID-19 safeguards in place.

Each facility will have specific guidelines; however, all will follow the same basic rules, which are subject to change:

• A COVID-19 test must be administered no more than five days before the scheduled visitation date with negative results OR a rapid BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 test must be administered with a negative result at the specific facility prior to visitation
• There will be COVID-19 symptoms screenings which will include temperature checks

 

• One adult visitor is allowed per visitation

 

• N95 masks must be worn by the visitor

 

• The ND DOCR will share the identities of all visitors with the ND Department of Health (NDDoH) in order to trace visitors who show no signs of illness at the time of visit but subsequently test positive for COVID-19. Visitors must consent to being screened for COVID-19 and sharing the test results with the NDDoH.

 

“Allowing our adult and youth residents the chance to have in-person visitation at our facilities can hopefully bring a small sense of normalcy for everyone,” said Dave Krabbenhoft, Interim Director. “Visitation during this time can make us vulnerable, but we are aware of the risks and have specific guidelines in place to prevent, as much as possible, any illness from entering our facilities. We know it has been an extremely tough year on everyone by suspending in-person visitation early on; we are excited to welcome friends and family back in to visiting their loved ones.”

 

In order to maintain proper social distancing, all visits must be pre-scheduled due to limited occupancy. Cleaning and disinfecting measures have been put into place to ensure a safe visit. More information regarding visitation, as well as the updated guidelines, can be found by visiting https://www.docr.nd.gov/family-and-friends#Visitation.

 

For more data and information regarding COVID-19 within the DOCR, please visit https://www.docr.nd.gov/covid-19-information.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Observers say drought conditions have got worsened and are more widespread in North Dakota. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map, 80% of the state is now in severe drought, including the western two-thirds of North Dakota. The rest of the state is in moderate drought. North Dakota has been warmer and drier than average since last October. And according to the National Weather Service, the conditions are expected to persist or worsen through spring and into summer. That would increase the threat of wildfires. At least three dozen wildfires in the state have burned more than 20,000 acres, or more than 31 square miles.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Improving oil prices and pending federal coronavirus aid have North Dakota lawmakers expecting a slightly better revenue forecast than what was used as a budgetary starting point in January. State budget analysts and economic consultancies on Tuesday will present their budget predictions that will be used as guidelines to craft the state’s upcoming two-year budget. Republican House Appropriations Chairman Jeff Delzer and his Senate counterpart, Ray Holmberg, say lawmakers are expecting increased tax revenues but will be cautious with priorities when they adopt a blueprint. The revenue assumptions are important because the Legislature will use the numbers in making their final spending decisions.

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A Cass County District Court jury has found a Fargo man guilty in the death of his girlfriend. Forty-six-year-old Sheldon Davis was convicted Friday of murder, arson and endangering by fire in the death of 52-year-old Denise Anderson. Her body was found in Davis’ apartment after a fire on Aug 1, 2019. The jury deliberated about an hour before convicting Davis. He faces a maximum life in prison without parole. Davis had denied the allegations and said someone else had killed Anderson.

 

Sports

Weekend local sports highlights

More local regional sports stories, recaps at CSiNewsNow.com Sports

 

Saturday… NAIA National Women’s Invitational

UJ, Harold Newman Arena

The University of Jamestown women’s wrestling team finished seventh at the NAIA National Women’s Wrestling Invitational, which concluded Saturday evening at Harold Newman Arena.

Jamestown had 77 points as a team, a half-point better than eighth-place Grand View University. Campbellsville (Ky.) took first with 185 points, followed by Life (Ga.) with 134.5 points in second and Wayland Baptist in third with 100 points.

Jamestown had seven wrestlers finish in the top eight of their respective weight class and earned All-American status.

 

In world and national news…

BRUSSELS (AP) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is urging the United States to quickly rejoin the international agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He says the Islamic Republic’s upcoming elections could be a major obstacle in future talks. The Trump administration in 2018 unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from the nuclear pact. The deal limits Tehran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. White House officials say the new U.S. administration is prepared to return to the deal as soon as Tehran shows “strict compliance” with its terms. Zarif said Monday that the U.S. faces having to deal with “a lame duck government” as Iran’s elections approach. He says “it is advisable for the United States to move fast.”

 

(AP)  Prison guards are refusing coronavirus vaccines at alarming rates. That’s causing some public health experts to worry about the prospect of controlling the pandemic both inside and outside of prison. Infection rates in prisons are more than four times as high as in the general public. Prison staff helped accelerate outbreaks by refusing to wear masks, downplaying people’s symptoms and haphazardly enforcing social distancing and hygiene protocols in confined, poorly ventilated spaces ripe for viral spread. A Florida correctional officer polled his colleagues earlier this year in a private Facebook group about whether they’d take the COVID-19 vaccine if offered. More than half said, “Hell no.”

 

LONDON (AP) — Facebook is adding informational labels to posts about vaccines as it expands efforts to counter COVID-19-related misinformation flourishing on its platforms. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a blog post Monday that labels will contain “credible information” about the vaccines from the World Health Organization. The social network is also adding a tool to help get users vaccinated by connecting them to information about where and when they can get their shot. Facebook and Instagram have been criticized for allowing anti-vaccination propaganda to spread and for being woefully slow in weeding out the misinformation, often with fact-checks, labels and other restrained measures.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their spouses are opening a cross-country tour this week to highlight the benefits of the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan. The road show starts Monday with Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, heading to Las Vegas while first lady Jill Biden visits Burlington, New Jersey. The president plans to stop in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday and he has an appearance with Harris in Atlanta on Friday. Stops at vaccination sites, businesses, schools and more are meant to educate the public about different aspects of the giant American Rescue Plan.

 

TOKYO (AP) — Worry about China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region is expected to be a main focus when two key members of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet visit Japan for their first in-person talks with their Japanese counterparts. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are heading to Tokyo to meet with top Japanese officials as they try to reaffirm America’s commitment to the region and their alliance after former President Donald Trump’s temperamental approach. The two secretaries are holding diplomatic and security talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi on Tuesday.

 

BANGKOK (AP) — Shares are higher in Europe but were mixed in Asia as China reported a variety of data that painted a complicated picture of its recovery from the pandemic. Benchmarks rose in Paris, London and Tokyo but fell in Shanghai and South Korea. U.S. futures are higher. The Chinese government reported Monday that the jobless rate increased and investment in factories and other fixed assets was weaker than expected in February, although retail sales and industrial production were strong. On Friday, a late-afternoon burst of buying helped nudge the S&P 500, the Dow industrials and Russell 2000 index of small company stocks to all-time highs Friday.

 

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jury selection is entering its second week in the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer who is charged in the death of George Floyd. Seven jurors have been chosen so far to hear evidence in Derek Chauvin’s trial — five men and two women. Four are white, one is mixed race, one is Black and one is Hispanic. Attorneys will continue the process of questioning jurors one-by-one on Monday. They need to pick 14 people — 12 will deliberate and two will be alternates. Floyd was declared dead May 25 after Chauvin pressed his knee against his neck for about nine minutes.