CSi Weather…

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM MDT /7 AM CDT/ TO 6 PM MDT /7
PM CDT/ FRIDAY…INCLUDES STUTSMAN COUNTY

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Cloudy, with a 50 percent chance of rain showers in the Valley City area. Lows in the upper 30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain showers in the

morning in the Valley City area. Windy. Highs in the mid 50s. Northwest

winds 15 to 25 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 20s. Northwest

winds 5 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the evening.

.SATURDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.

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

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain in the

afternoon. Highs in the mid 50s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain in the evening,

then chance of rain and snow after midnight. Lows in the upper

20s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow possibly mixed with rain

in the morning, then slight chance of rain in the afternoon.

Highs around 40. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

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

evening. Lows in the lower 20s.

.TUESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.

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

 

Fire Danger Rating

 

NDDoH

COVID-19 Stats

Thurs. Apr. 8   2021

11-a.m.

Barnes

New Positives 3

Total Positives: 1349

Active: 15

Recovered 1303

Stutsman:

New Positives: 5

Total Positives: 3367

Active: 35

Recovered: 3253

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
253,114 Residents who received at least one dose of vaccine
453,902 Total COVID-19 vaccine doses administered
8,183 Total Tests from yesterday*
1,829,646 Total tests completed since the pandemic began
201 Positive Individuals from yesterday*****
106 PCR Tests
95 Antigen Tests
104,364 Total positive individuals since the pandemic began
3.42% Daily Positivity Rate**
1,236 Total Active Cases
+65 Change in active cases from yesterday
128 Individuals with a recovery date of yesterday****
101,660 Total recovered since the pandemic began
33 Currently hospitalized
+3 Change in hospitalizations from yesterday
0 New death(s)
1,468 Total deaths since the pandemic began

 
INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19
No deaths to report
 

NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED THURSDAY BY COUNTY
Adams 0 Grant 0 Ransom  1 
Barnes 3 Griggs 0 Renville 0
Benson 2 Hettinger 0 Richland 3
Billings 0 Kidder 0 Rolette 1
Bottineau 0 LaMoure  2  Sargent 4
Bowman 0 Logan 0 Sheridan 1
Burke 0 McHenry 2 Sioux 0
Burleigh  30  McIntosh 1 Slope 0
Cass  66  McKenzie 3 Stark 14
Cavalier 0 McLean 1 Steele 0
Dickey  2  Mercer 1 Stutsman 5
Divide 0 Morton  4  Towner 0
Dunn 3 Mountrail 0 Traill  3 
Eddy 1 Nelson 0 Walsh 5
Emmons 0 Oliver 0 Ward 9
Foster 0 Pembina 0 Wells 0
Golden Valley 0 Pierce 0 Williams  3 
Grand Forks  30  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.

 

Valley City (VCSU)  A COVID-19 vaccination clinic will take place:

On Friday April 9 from 8-a.m. to 11:30-a.m, at the Hi-Liner Activity Center there will be Pfizer Vaccine clinic.

Appointments are REQUIRED and can be made at https://www.ndvax.org//reg/0146051292 (link will not open in Internet Explorer).

 

 

Jamestown  (CVHD)  Central Valley Health has set more vaccination clinics.

Vaccine Clinics:

Second Dose Moderna

Tuesday April 13

10-a.m. to 12:30-p.m.

Jamestown Civic Center, Exchequor Room

 

Second Dose:

Pfizer Vaccine

Monday April 19

1-pm., to 3-p.m.

Jamestown Civic Center, Exchequor Room

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.

Appointments are required and are first come, first serve. Once the clinics are full, they will be closed for registration.
.
. To register for an appointment, visit our website www.centralvalleyhealth.org and click the “COVID-19” tab.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The future of Frontier Village in Jamestown continues to be addressed.

Searle Swedlund says Jamestown Tourism and the City Of Jamestown has worked together to assess and measure what lies ahead for the Village’s future.

In 2020 despite the pandemic, and all the uncertainties,  Frontier Village welcomed visitors from around the world.

With inspections the disrepair showed the facilities are in need of significant repair.

Searle points out that through a visitors experience survey with over 1400 participants, it was determined that visitors are looking for ways to engage in high-touch, hands-on experiences.

He says the coming summer will be the same.  Continued will be addressing and planning for the needs of Frontier Village and its visitors.

Two new projects will be initiated, focusing  on education and experimental play.

With lead gifts from the Jamestown Eagles Club and the Jamestown Kiwanis Club, to create two new park areas, that honor  the heritage  of Frontier Village and provide a vision for the next chapter.

Those include:  Homestead Park, that will include a true to size claimshack playhouse, that will have a play homesteaders kitchen with an open floor plan, and covered porch.  The park will include interactive experiences related to settlement and sustainability of that time.

Railroad Park adds a  miniature train to the west side of the Village, an homage to Jamestown’ railroad origins.  Steel rails hand cranked cars for both adults and children, as well as  a playhouse depot will be settled on the east side of the south tower.  The Jamestown Eagles Club has agreed to be a major sponsor.

Items are in need for the parks.

Proposed maintenance  schedule this year includes, the General Store, and Church.  In 2022 the Town Hall, and the  Depot, and in 2023, the Church interior, and Pony Ring area.

A Community Solicitation has started as officials continue to re-imagine  the future of Frontier Village in the form of a donation or pledge.

Gifts can be made to the Jamestown Area Community Foundation, ear marked for the Frontier Village, with a flyer available with more information, and including a form to fill out with the donation amount.

In person, deliver it to the Jamestown Tourism Office, at 404  17 Street, Southeast, open 8-a.m. to 5-p.m. Monday through Friday. Or mail it  and the form to the same address.

Donations are tax deductible.

 

Jamestown  (CSi) Stutsman County Veterans Service Officer, David Bratton says, President Biden has signed the “Save Lives Act.’

On Thursday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2 he said, the act expands COVID-19 Vaccinations provided by the VA, including veterans, family members and caregivers.  He said the Jamestown VA Clinic continues to give COVID-19 vaccinations.

He added that the Department of Veterans Affairs is preparing to launch the Veteran Rapid retraining Assistance Program, a 21 month program.  His office has more information, along with the VA  still offering the debt moratorium  through May this year.

The VA is providing free support to help veterans heal from sexual trauma.

He added that he VA is strengthening  the PTSD claims process.

David said,  the Burleigh County Van for veterans visits to the Fargo VA is still not operating, due to COVID-19 mitigation, and they are hoping to start the van for veterans who need to travel to the Fargo VA and back again.

He reminded veterans that the V indicator for drivers licenses available in North Dakota, showing proof of being veteran by showing the license.

The Stutsman County Veterans Service office is available by calling 701-252-9043, open weekdays from 8-a.m. to noon, and 1-p.m. to 5-p.m.  In person visits are available if needed, by meeting with David at LEC lobby.

Bismarck  (CSi)  On Thursday Gov. Doug Burgum  signed House Bill 1425, which sets targets for investing a greater portion of the Legacy Fund principal in North Dakota and requires that the State Investment Board (SIB) give preference to qualified investment firms with a presence in the state.

Joining Burgum at a bill signing ceremony were Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford, who chairs the SIB; the bill’s lead sponsor, Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck; Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread, an SIB member and leading proponent of the concept; Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner; and other bill sponsors.

 

The legislation sets targets for 10 percent of the Legacy Fund principal to be invested in equity investments in the state and 10 percent in fixed income investments within the state. The bill was approved 85-8 in the House and 47-0 in the Senate.

 

Burgum says, “We’ve heard from innovators about the need for better access to capital. We hope that they’ll come forward and utilize this program, help us keep entrepreneurs in our state, help us diversify our economy, help create jobs, all while ensuring positive investment returns to provide for future generations.  Before signing the bill Burgum said,   “Our goal here is not only to provide capital for in-state ventures, but if we can do so, we can attract, accumulate and retain more private sector capital and more private sector talent.”

He added, “With this bill, we’re going to do what we all want to do for the citizens of our state: We want to tip the scales further in our favor to empower people, improve lives and inspire success.   This does set us up for a starting line for a new era of investment in North Dakota.”

 

Sanford satsm “These entrepreneurs want to start their businesses and keep their businesses here in North Dakota, but that startup capital is very light in its availability coming from the coasts.  We can take a piece of this opportunity ourselves and invest in North Dakota.”

 

Godfread says, “(House Bill) 1425 sends a really strong message that the people of North Dakota believe in investing in themselves and investing in our great state. This bill certainly puts the Legacy Fund to work for North Dakota. It recognizes the true, inherent possibilities that we have with the Legacy Fund.”

 

North Dakota voters approved a constitutional amendment creating the Legacy Fund in 2010. The Legacy Fund receives 30 percent of state tax revenues from oil and gas production and extraction. The fund currently has a value of $8.3 billion and has generated net income of about $2.8 billion since receiving its first deposit in September 2011.

 

The SIB is currently in the process of selecting an investment manager to direct the in-state equity investments. Three firms are being considered, and the board is expected to select a manager by the end of April to target the first $100 million of in-state investments.

 

North Dakota already allocates part of the Legacy Fund for in-state investments. Last year, the SIB and Legacy and Budget Stabilization Advisory Board doubled the Legacy Fund’s commitment to the Bank of North Dakota’s Match Loan CD program, from $200 million in 2019 to $400 million in 2020 for in-state investments. The program provides cost-efficient funding to businesses looking to grow existing operations or establish a new business in North Dakota.

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced Thursday that the State Water Commission has reactivated the Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program, as the governor declared a statewide drought disaster for extremely dry conditions across North Dakota.

The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor map released today by the National Drought Mitigation Center shows 70% of North Dakota in extreme drought – up from 47% last week – with the remainder of the state in severe or moderate drought.

Burgum  said, “For the second time in five years, North Dakota ranchers are facing widespread, extreme drought conditions that threaten their herds and livelihoods.  As part of our whole-of-government approach to drought response, today’s action by the State Water Commission provides relief to help livestock producers manage these hardships and invests in infrastructure that allows them to remain resilient against future droughts.”

 

Created in 1991 and last reactivated in 2017, the Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program provides eligible livestock producers with 50 percent cost-share assistance of up to $4,500 per project, with a limit of three projects per applicant. Eligible projects include new water wells, rural water system connections, pipeline extensions, pasture taps and associated works, labor, materials, and equipment rentals to develop new water supply projects.

 

The 2017 program supported more than 500 projects with total cost-share of approximately $1.5 million. Today’s unanimous vote by the State Water Commission will utilize the remaining balance of $557,277 from the 2017 program to support this year’s program reactivation. Burgum chairs the commission and Goehring serves as a standing member.

 

Goehring said, “The Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program has been invaluable in the past for livestock producers facing water shortages.  Reopening the program will again help producers as we navigate this season of drought.”

 

Livestock producers in counties impacted by extreme drought (D3) intensity levels, and adjacent counties, will be eligible for the program. Details are available on the Water Commission’s website at www.swc.nd.gov.

 

ELIGIBLE LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS: For more information about the Program, please contact the State Water Commission at 701-328-4989 or swclivestock@nd.gov.

To view maps showing current burn ban restrictions and fire danger levels, and for information on how to prevent wildfires, visit www.ndresponse.gov.

 

4/8/2021 – As of 1:00 PM MDT Thursday, firefighters are reporting 65% containment and an estimated 5000 acres burned for the Horse Pasture Fire in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) and the McKenzie District of the Little Missouri National Grassland. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Responders conducted burnout procedures last night, which involves eliminating vegetation with controlled burns to establish a perimeter to contain the fire. At this time, no structure damage has been reported, but the CCC campground and other infrastructure in the park could still be at risk.

The USDA Forest Service maintains closures for the areas affected by the Horse Pasture wildfire, as well as the area in the South Unit of TRNP impacted by the wildfire last week. These orders are to protect public health and safety, and are in effect until further notice.

The western part of North Dakota reports very high fire danger today, and critical fire weather is expected through Saturday. As of today, 52 out of 53 counties in North Dakota have instituted a burn ban. Billings County has declared a total burn ban, which prohibits open burning regardless of the fire danger risk. To see details about your county’s burn ban and fire danger, visit https://ndresponse.gov/burn-ban-restrictions-fire-danger-maps.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A Mandan man will serve four years in federal prison for bank fraud and transporting stolen livestock across state lines. Prosecutors say Kelly Glatt took out a $1.5 million loan to purchase cattle and supplies, but took steps to hide collateral and assets from the bank. The 39-year-old Glatt was also convicted of stealing cattle from other ranchers and transporting the stolen livestock from North Dakota to South Dakota. A federal jury found Glatt guilty last October of the crimes committed from February 2014 to July 2017.

In world and national news…

(AP)  Nations around the world are setting new records for COVID-19 deaths and new coronavirus infections, and the disease is surging even in some countries that have kept the virus in check. Brazil this week became just the third country, after the U.S. and Peru, to report a 24-hour tally of COVID-19 deaths that exceeded 4,000. India hit a peak of almost 127,000 new cases in 24 hours, and Iran set a new coronavirus infection record for the third straight day, reporting nearly 22,600 new cases. In the United States, Michigan has averaged more than 7,000 new virus cases a day.

 

MIAMI (AP) — The state of Florida has filed a lawsuit against the federal government to demand cruise ships be allowed to start sailing immediately. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis says the no-sail order is outdated and hurts the state as the industry generates billions for the economy. The CDC issued new guidelines last week for companies on how to respond in the event of COVID-19 cases but has so far not lifted its no-sail order. The CDC shut down sailing last year when several coronavirus outbreaks were tied to ships worldwide. DeSantis says cruising has resumed in much of the world, forcing Americans to fly to other ports.

 

DETROIT (AP) — The global shortage of semiconductors is forcing General Motors to further cut production at six North American factories as chip supplies seem to be growing tighter. The shutdowns likely will crimp dealer inventory of vehicles made at the plants, but GM says it has managed to keep factories humming that make hot-selling and profitable full-size pickup trucks and SUVs. The chip shortage has already been rippling through various markets since last summer, but it has hit the global auto industry hardest. GM says Thursday that production cuts will take place at its Spring Hill, Tennessee; Ramos Arizpe, Mexico; Ingersoll, Ontario; Fairfax, Kansas; Lansing, Michigan, Delta Township; and Lansing, Michigan, Grand River factories.

 

(AP  A civil rights group is suing Facebook and its executives. The group says CEO Mark Zuckerberg made false and deceptive statements to Congress when he said Facebook removes hate speech and other material that violates the giant social network’s rules. The lawsuit was filed Thursday by Muslim Advocates in Washington, D.C., Superior Court. It claims Zuckerberg and other senior executives have engaged in a “coordinated campaign to convince the public, elected representatives, federal officials, and non-profit leaders in the nation’s capital that Facebook is a safe product.” Facebook said it does not allow hate speech on its platform and it regularly works with experts and others to help make the social network a safe place.

 

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A moderate earthquake Thursday was widely felt throughout the central portion of Alaska, including the state’s largest city, nearly 200 miles away from the epicenter. The Alaska Earthquake Center says the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.7, and was located at a depth of about 48 miles. The quake was recorded just after 9 a.m. local time. It was centered about 25 miles southeast of Denali National Park and Preserve. The park entrance is about 240 miles north of Anchorage. There were no immediate reports of damage.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. authorities say they picked up nearly 19,000 children traveling alone across the Mexican border in March. It’s the largest monthly number ever recorded and a major test for President Joe Biden as he reverses many of his predecessor’s hardline immigration tactics. A complex mix of policies and conditions in the United States and Central America is driving the increase. It coincides with the Biden administration’s decision to exempt unaccompanied children from pandemic-related powers to immediately expel most people from the country without giving them an opportunity to seek asylum.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — In President Joe Biden’s first notable gun control measures, he has announced executive actions aimed at addressing what the White House calls a “gun violence public health epidemic. In his actions announced Thursday, Biden is tightening regulations for “ghost guns” — homemade firearms that usually are assembled from parts without serial numbers — and tightening regulations on pistol-stabilizing braces, like the one used by the Boulder, Colorado, shooter in a rampage last month that left 10 dead. Gun-control advocates praised the actions but said much more must be done in Congress — where chances are much dimmer.