Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Dec. 20

CSi Weather…

TONIGHT…Cloudy. Chance of snow in the evening, then snow after midnight. Snow accumulation around 2 inches. Lows zero to 5 above. South winds 5 to 15 mph.  Chance of snow 90 percent. Temperature rising overnight. Southeast winds 5 to 15 mph.

.TUESDAY… Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of light snow in the

morning. Patchy blowing and drifting snow through the day. Highs

10 to 15. Northwest winds around 10 mph increasing to west around

20 mph in the afternoon.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows zero to 5 above.

Southwest winds around 10 mph.

.WEDNESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s. South winds

5 to 10 mph.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 30 percent chance of snow in

the evening in the Jamestown area, 40 percent in the Valley City area. Lows around 15.

.THURSDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 30s.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow

after midnight. Lows 15 to 20.

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

morning. Highs around 30.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around 5 below.

.CHRISTMAS DAY…Mostly sunny. Highs around 10.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows around 5 below.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of snow. Highs

5 to 10 above.

 

Accumulating snow is likely Monday night into Tuesday morning with 1
to 3 inches of snow expected. A few spots could see higher amounts.

Impacts to travel are possible through around midday Tuesday. Another
system will bring a chance for snow late this week and into the
Holiday weekend.

 

 

 

(NDDoH) – The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) has confirmed four cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant in the state.

Two cases were confirmed in Ward County, one in Burleigh County and one in Cass County. All four cases were identified in individuals under the age of 50. Two cases had traveled together to another state and two cases have no travel noted. Three of the four individuals had completed two doses of COVID-19 vaccine but had not received booster doses. One case was not vaccinated. None of the individuals have been hospitalized.

“The nature of two of these cases indicates that local or community transmission of the omicron variant is occurring within our state,” said Kirby Kruger, NDDoH Disease Control and Forensic Pathology Section Chief.

“As individuals are planning travel and hold holiday gatherings, it is of increased importance to take precautions to protect the health of those in our communities and of those we love,” said ND State Health Officer, Nizar Wehbi. “We encourage citizens to seek out testing before, and after holiday gatherings, and to use protective measures such as social distancing, sanitizing and masks. Those who are sick with any symptoms are urged not to attend gatherings.”

“The omicron variant was first detected in Southern Africa and reported for the first time on November 24, 2021. This variant is new and while we are still learning how it will impact those who it infects, what we understand now is that this variant is more infectious than the delta variant,” said Kruger. “Other countries and states where omicron has emerged have shown rapid increases in case reports. There is concern that a large number of new cases will result in increased hospitalizations, putting additional strain on an already difficult situation. Data also indicate that some of the monoclonal antibody therapies may not be effective in treating omicron, which may increase the risk for more people having severe outcomes with an omicron infection.”

Reports coming from Europe and South Africa are showing an increase in reinfections, those who previously have had COVID – 19 disease are at risk for reinfection when exposed to the new variant.

“Vaccination is critical to protecting the lives and livelihoods of North Dakotans. I choose to be vaccinated and I encourage all North Dakotans to take this important measure to reduce the risk to personal health and the health of others,” said Wehbi. “If you have already completed your primary series, getting a booster has been shown in early studies to provide important protection against this variant.”

Vaccination remains the best way to reduce the risk of infection and serious illness from all variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including omicron. The NDDoH urges everyone to choose to start their vaccine series as soon as possible and for those who have been vaccinated to seek their booster dose as soon as you are eligible.

“Booster doses are essential to ensure the highest level of protection against omicron,” said Molly Howell, Immunization Director with the NDDoH. “Early data from the United Kingdom is showing that a booster dose with mRNA vaccine and vaccination after infection will increase protection against infection and likely serious disease due to omicron.  Everyone ages 16 and older are recommended to receive a booster dose.”

In addition to vaccination, other measures to reduce the risk of spreading the SARS

CoV-2 virus include:

• Staying home when ill
• Testing for COVID-19 if ill with respiratory symptoms and/or fever
• Self-isolating for 10 days if you have COVID-19
• Testing twice after being exposed to COVID-19, once immediately and then five to seven days after exposure and self-quarantine for at least 7 days.
• Avoiding large crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces
• Social distancing
• Wearing a mask when indoors in a public space
• Washing hands frequently

The North Dakota Department of Health dashboard is updated daily by 11 am and includes cases reported through the previous day. The investigations are ongoing and information on the website is likely to change as cases are investigated. The information contained in this dashboard is the most up to date and will be different than previous news releases. This dashboard supersedes information from previous news releases or social media postings.

Check out our other dashboards: The COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard, NDUS Dashboard.COVID- 19 stats:

 

COVID-19 Stats

Mon. Dec. 20,  2021

10:20 -a.m.

Barnes

New Positives: 3

Total Positives: 2167

Active: 33

Recovered:  2091

Breakthrough Incidents Per 10K Fully Vaccinated Individuals: 392

 

Stutsman

New Positives: 0

Total Positives: 5081

Active: 45

Recovered: 4937

Breakthrough Incidents Per 10K Fully Vaccinated Individuals: 440

 

North Dakota

NEW CASES REPORTED MONDAY, DEC. 20: 110

ACTIVE CASES: 2,100

DAILY POSITIVITY RATE: 10.08%

TOTAL KNOWN CASES THROUGHOUT PANDEMIC: 169,545

TOTAL RECOVERED THROUGHOUT PANDEMIC: 165,465

The state’s 14-day rolling average positivity rate was 5.98% as of Sunday, Dec. 19.

North Dakota

ACTIVE HOSPITALIZATIONS: 141

DEATHS: 0

TOTAL DEATHS: 1,980

 

Jamestown  (CVHD)  Central Valley Health District reminds residents that COVID testing is  on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, at the Jamestown Civic Center, Exchequor Room, from 11-a.m. to 1-pm.

Call CVHD at 701-252-8130 to register.

 

 

Jamestown  (JRMC) — The Tree of Love event spreads joy and generosity to loved ones and future generations.

Each year, JRMC Foundation hosts the Tree of Love in December. Individuals purchase an ornament for a cherished family member or friend. In return, the recipient receives a tribute card in the mail and may pick up an ornament. All proceeds benefit patient care at JRMC.

JRMC Foundation Director Lisa Jackson, says, “This year, we’ve received $11,930 in honor and memory of 165 individuals.  Last year’s event raised $7,000. Proceeds benefited JRMC’s littlest patients and their caregivers and purchased fetal monitoring systems in the family birthplace.

Foundation gave a total of 191 complimentary ornaments this year in memory of volunteers and benefactors of JRMC Foundation.

The response this year is “overwhelming.”

Tree of Love is one of my favorite events because it is so heartfelt,” she said. “Individuals dedicate ornaments to colleagues, caregivers, educators and friends. They also dedicate ornaments in memory of loved ones. It’s a beautiful way to support the future of patient care as well as honor those memories.”

Ornaments are available through Dec. 31 for a year-end donation in any amount. Supporters can give online at www.jrmcnd.com/giving or by mail.

Lisa adds, “The Tree of Love is up through the New Year. The names upon it are cherished. Thank you for celebrating the holidays with us. We are grateful for your gift and the shared commitment to providing legendary care close to home. Your generosity provides resources and resiliency to achieve that.

For more information on the Tree of Love or funding projects, contact JRMC Foundation at (701) 952-4880.

 

Valley City (Chamber 12-20-21)  Valley City Mayor Dave Carlsrud has released this week’s message to the community

Hello Folks,

The weather forecast is for cool temperatures this week so we could have a beautiful “White Christmas” weekend if the wind doesn’t blow it all away.  As of Sunday evening, it was still white and pretty.

Recently there have been some pedestrians struck by motor vehicles in our region. While pedestrians have right-of-way in many areas, we as pedestrians must be prudent too. ** Walk against traffic, wear “hi-vis” clothing and remember vehicles cannot stop as readily in slick winter conditions.

We are approaching the holiday season and our city employees are having fun learning with some “team building” activities. There has been fellowship, lots of food, numerous contests among individual employees and departments.  Way to go everyone and thank you for your investment in Valley City.

In the past year there have been some changes in the MRES Board, two about which I’d like to share a bit. Don Johnston and Harold Schiebout served MRES Members for 43 & 44 years respectively.  Harold also served as “Chairman” for 34 years and a year as “Chair Emeritus”.  These two men were serving when the Laramie River Station was commissioned in 1980 through the completion of the $400,000,000.00 Red Rock Hydro-Project in 2020. As of the 61 member MRES family, Valley City Citizens can be grateful for folks like Don and Harold. Thanks guys.

The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign continues through December 24^th.

Thank you to contributors again this week.

“To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.”                       (Barbara Bush)

 

Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

 

 

Jamestown  (City)   Please note that due to the upcoming holidays, the Jamestown Baling Facility and Recycling Center will be CLOSED on Friday, December 24 & Saturday, December 25, 2021, in observance of Christmas Day. The Baling Facility and Recycling Center will also be CLOSED on Friday, December 31, 2021 & Saturday, January 1, 2022, in observance of New Year’s.

There will be no changes in garbage or recycling collections either week.

For further information you can contact the Baling Facility at 701-252-5223

and the Recycling Center at 701-320-9218.

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) — Authorities say preliminary autopsy results show seven people whose bodies were discovered inside a Minnesota home did not die from “any obvious trauma.” Police say all seven victims, including three minors, lived at the residence in south Moorhead. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office in St. Paul conducted the autopsies but did not determine a cause of death. Police say blood samples from the victims have been sent to a lab for further examination. The victims were found just before 8 p.m. Saturday by family members conducting a welfare check. Moorhead is on the Minnesota border next to Fargo, North Dakota.

Moorhead Police have identified the deceased as members of the Hernandez-Pinto family. They are 37 year old  Belin Hernandez, 34 year old Marleny Pinto, 16 year old Breylin Hernandez, 7 year old Mike Hernandez, 5 year old Marbely Hernandez, 32 year old  Eldor Hernandez Castillo, and  19 year old Mariela Guzman Pinto.

Police said the seven relatives were living at the home at 4403 13th St. S. where their bodies were found.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota state revenue is looking good five months into a two-year budget cycle. The Bismarck Tribune reports general fund revenues are 10% ahead of the Legislature’s forecast. That’s about $106 million, according to an update to North Dakota lawmakers last week. State budget director Joe Morrissette told a legislative panel last week that it’s “a very positive story” but said a single negative month could quickly wipe that away. He also noted the forecast was conservative. Oil prices are averaging about 30% above what was forecast. That’s a boost for oil taxes, a big part of the state budget. Sales taxes, the biggest part of general fund revenue, are about 11% ahead of forecast.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The jury has begun deliberating in the manslaughter trial of the suburban Minneapolis police officer who killed Black motorist Daunte Wright after she says she mistook her gun for her Taser. Kim Potter’s case went to the mostly white jury on Monday following closing arguments. Potter, who is white and who resigned from the Brooklyn Center police force after killing Wright, shot the 20-year-old as she and other officers were trying to arrest him on an outstanding warrant during an April traffic stop. The prosecutor told jurors during closing arguments that the shooting was “entirely preventable.” Potter’s attorney said she made a mistake and it wasn’t a crime.

In world and national news…

BOSTON (AP) — The nation’s second-largest city has called off its New Year’s Eve celebration, and its smallest state re-imposed an indoor mask mandate. The moves happened Monday as fears of a potentially devastating winter COVID-19 surge triggered more cancellations and restrictions ahead of the holidays. Organizers of the New Year’s Eve party planned for downtown Los Angeles’ Grand Park say there won’t be an in-person audience. The event will be livestreamed instead, as it was last year. In Rhode Island, a mask mandate went into effect for indoor venues that can hold 250 people or more.

NEW YORK (AP) — The sex trafficking trial of Ghislaine Maxwell is speeding to a conclusion with closing arguments. A prosecutor told jurors Monday that the 59-year-old Maxwell is a dangerous predator who helped Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse teenage girls. A defense lawyer told the Manhattan federal court jury that Maxwell is an innocent woman wrongfully accused of crimes she did not commit. Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan federal jail cell in August 2019 as he awaited a sex trafficking trial. Maxwell has been held without bail since she was arrested in July 2020.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump sued New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday, seeking to end her civil investigation into his business practices. The lawsuit was filed two weeks after James requested that Trump sit for a deposition next month. Trump alleges the Democratic attorney general’s investigation has violated his constitutional rights. He’s seeking a permanent injunction barring her from investigating him. Messages seeking comment were left with James’ office and Trump’s lawyers. News of the lawsuit filed in federal court in Albany was first reported by The New York Times.

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has revealed he received a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, drawing boos from a crowd in Dallas. Trump made the disclosure Sunday night during the final stop of “The History Tour,” a live interview show he has been doing with former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly. A clip of the response was shared online by O’Reilly’s “No Spin News.” While Trump has expressed opposition to vaccine mandates, he has long taken credit for the vaccines developed on his watch. But while other world leaders have received their doses publicly, Trump chose to receive his privately. The vaccine is unpopular with large swaths of his base.