Wayne Byers Show – Evening – May 13

CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the mid 40s. Southeast winds 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 20 percent in the Jamestown area, 50 percent in the Valley City area.

.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny. Isolated rain showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 20 percent in the Jamestown area, 40 percent in the Valley City area.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 40s. Southeast

winds 5 to 10 mph.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain showers in

the afternoon in the Jamestown area. Highs in the mid 70s. Southeast winds 5 to 15 mph.

SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain showers in

the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s.

 

 

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows around 50.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s.

.WEDNESDAY…Partly sunny with a 40 percent chance of rain

showers. Highs in the mid 70s.

Isolated thunderstorms are possible Thursday  afternoon and early
evening. Severe weather is not expected.

Fire Danger Rating  in the moderate category  Thursday in Stutsman and Barnes Counties.

 

NDDoH

COVID-19 Stats

11:00 a.m.

Thurs. May 13,  2021

Barnes

New Positives:  1

Total Positives: 1414

Active: 5

Recovered:  1378

 

Stutsman:

New Positives: 2

Total Positives: 3514

Active: 15

Recovered: 3418

 

ND Case Rates Reported Thursday: 117

TOTAL ACTIVE CASES: 804

TOTAL CASES: 108,877

TOTAL RECOVERED: 106,570

DAILY TEST POSITIVITY 2.95%

Active Hospitalizations: 29

New Death: 1

Total Deaths 1503

 

Previously

NDDoH

COVID-19 Stats

11:00 a.m.

Wed. May 12, 2021

Barnes

New Positives:  1

Total Positives: 1413

Active: 3

Recovered  1378

 

Stutsman:

New Positives: 1

Total Positives: 3512

Active: 16

Recovered: 3414

ND case rates reported Wednesday

• NEW CASES: 113
• TOTAL ACTIVE CASES: 776
• TOTAL CASES: 108,763
• TOTAL RECOVERED: 106,485
• DAILY TEST POSITIVITY RATE: 3.29%

The rolling 14-day positivity rate at 4.18%

Hospitalizations

• ACTIVE HOSPITALIZATIONS: 32
• NEW DEATHS 0
• TOTAL DEATHS: 1,502

Jamestown (CVHD)  Central Valley Health District this week will have COVID-19 Testing at the Jamestown Civic Center in May Monday, Wednesday, and Friday’s from 11-a.m. to 12 noon,  at the Jamestown Civic Center, with the exception of Memorial Day, May 31, 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)  City/County Health reports, that testing continues to be important. If you have any symptoms, it is important to be tested. If you have symptoms and need to be tested at other times contact your clinic.

Administrator Theresa Will says Testing is now on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at the CCHD location.

415 2nd Ave NE

She says the testing is drive through at the area adjacent to the west door, with assistance by the National Guard.

The times are  12:30- 1:30p.m.  Quick testing will be available.

Pre-register for all clinics.

 

Bismarck  (ND Aeronautics Commission)  One year after COVID-19 concerns caused the largest monthly decline in airline passenger demand in history, North Dakota’s airports continue their work to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

The state’s eight commercial service airports posted a total of 62,163 airline passenger boardings during the recent month of April. This is a significant increase from the 4,964 passengers experienced during April of 2020 when the aviation industry experienced an astounding 95% decline in passengers due to the initial COVID-19 mitigations being put into place.

The demand for air travel has seen a steady recovery in recent months, however the current passenger counts are still approximately 32% below the normal pre-pandemic levels. The industry has been attributing the recent passenger increases to a recovery in the domestic leisure travel segment of the market.

Aeronautics Commission Executive Director, Kyle Wanner says, “Our airports and aviation industry have endured a long road to recovery since last April when passenger levels dropped 95% as our country worked together to slow the spread of COVID-19. Leisure travel has been growing and allowing for an in initial recovery in air travel demand. As the nation’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we would also like to see additional business travel begin to cycle back into the market.”

The monthly reports shows that, in April this year, Jamestown airline boardings were 761 compared to 41 in April 2020, effected by the COVID-19 pandemic, a decrease of 1770.73 percent.  The boarding percentage change from 2019 to 2021 was an increase of 10.52 percent.

Year to date through April 2021 boarding were 2,531 compared to 2,456 through April of 2020, an increase of three percent.

 

Washington  (FAA)  The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the award of more than $898.9 million in infrastructure and safety projects through the FY2021 Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

Carrington Municipal Airport – Rehabilitate Runway, Rehabilitate Taxiway $116,000

Jamestown Regional Airport – Rehabilitate Taxiway $2,207,432

Oakes Municipal Airport – Rehabilitate Taxiway, Seal Apron Pavement, Surface/Pavement Joints, Seal Runway Pavement, Surface/Pavement Joints, Seal Taxiway Pavement, Surface/Pavement Joints, $555,633

This total includes $113.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to award all grants at a 100-percent federal share.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, says, “Investing in our nation’s infrastructure is how our country helped spark an aviation industry that now supports millions of jobs.  These Airport Improvement Program grants will help modernize America’s airports and ensure that our air transportation system remains the safest and most efficient in the world.”

Grant projects funded through the Airport Improvement Program promote safety, efficiency, environmental stewardship, infrastructure, and security at the nation’s airports. Today’s announcement includes 488 grants to 447 airports in 49 states and American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico. Today also marks the 75th anniversary of the legislation that established federal investment in our Nation’s airport infrastructure.

FAA Administrator Steve Dickson.“These grants represent the legacy and vital role of airport infrastructure grant programs in helping the air transportation system operate safely. Investing in our nation’s infrastructure through AIP grants is a cornerstone of our commitment to safety.”

 

Valley City  (VCSU)  Valley City State University will hold a spring commencement ceremony on Saturday May 15, to honor its graduating class during the 2021 spring semester. VCSU will recognize 318 graduates – 278 will receive bachelor’s degrees and 36 will receive master’s degrees.

All graduates recognized at the Virtual Commencement Ceremonies in May 2020 and December 2020 have been invited back to participate in the face-to-face ceremony. Face coverings will be required for all attendees.

The in-person ceremony will also be livestreamed on VCSU’s Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/vcsuvikings

Well wishes may be sent to the Class of 2021 on VCSU’s Kudoboard at https://vcsu.kudoboard.com/boards/kcnn9HJO/classof2021. Find or share commencement related content on social media by using #2021Vikings.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The 14^th Annual Running of the Pink 5K Walk/Run – 10K Run will be a hybrid event, meaning it’s available both LIVE and VIRTUALLY.  The live event  on Saturday June 5 starts at R.M. Stoudt at 9-a.m., with registration that day starting at 7-a.m., if not pre-registered.  ALL ages and fitness levels are encouraged to participate.

On Thursday’s Wayne Byers Show, on CSi Cable 2, Tara Kapp from R.M. Stoudt said, to-date, this event has raised over $163,000 for the No Excuses Program through Jamestown Regional Medical Center and Women’s Way through Central Valley Health.

She said 100% of the proceeds stay local and go to those two organizations to make certain there are ZERO BARRIERS between those who need Breast and Cervical cancer screenings and the screenings themselves.  She pointed out that all costs related to the event are being picked up by Casey Stoudt, who is also matching the first $10,000 in proceeds raised.

The registration cost is Early Bird Adult $20, youth 12 and under $15, and seniors 60 and over $15.  After May 15-through June 5 the cost is up $5 in each category.

The virtual event can be completed anytime between now and June 5^th.  Meaning – anyone who signs up for the virtual event can walk or run their 5K or 10K at their leisure.  They can do it on their treadmill at home, on a route of their choosing or on the actual Running of the Pink route which can be found on the running app MapMyRun.  Anyone who participates virtually is asked to post their involvement on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and add the #VirtualROP OR email a photo or story of their participation to rmstoudt@csicable.net so we can celebrate with them.

Those who choose the Live event are asked to pre-register reducing  the amount of congestion at the registration tables the day of the event. Pick up your packets early in the two weeks prior to the June 5 race/walk date, starting Monday May 17.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women race finishing times.

Masks are asked to be worn before and after the race when you’re in closer contact with others outside of your family/friend pods. Jamestown Regional Medical Center, and Central Valley Health District ask participants to consider Vaccinations.

ANYONE who would like to register can do so by picking up a form at the dealership or going to www.stoudtcars.com where forms can be printed OR you can register online for both the live and virtual options.

If anyone has questions they can call 701-252-2270, 800-279-2886, email rmstoudt@csicable.net or message on Google, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Valley City  (Chamber)  Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce, Executive, Kay Vinje invites chamber members to a VC Event Ideas meeting, on Tuesday, May 18, from 5:30-p.m., to 6:30-p.m. at The Vault.

She says the purpose of the gathering is to share your ideas, of what events you would like to see in Valley City in the future.  She says, after a long pandemic season of no events, “We’re looking at the future with fresh eyes.

Those unable to attend but have ideas to share can contact the VC Chamber office at 845-1891, or E-Mail chamber@valleycitychamber.com

 

Jamestown  (UJ)  On May 10, 2021, University of Jamestown held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening and naming of their new building, the Schuler Engineering Lab.

UJ’s Vice President of Alumni Relations, Development and Marketing, Brett Moser says, says, “This state-of -the-art engineering lab came to life because of the Schuler family’s generous gift. We are grateful for their dedication to our campus, as well as their ongoing commitment to scholarships for our engineering students.”

UJ began construction on what is now the Schuler Engineering Lab in the spring of 2018, after the University decided to add a mechanical engineering major to their undergraduate program. The new building, which is attached to Sorkness Hall, is home to the senior engineering lab and contains manufacturing, welding, and 3D printing equipment that seniors use to work on their final projects.

The lead donor for the project, George Schuler, graduated from University of Jamestown in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance and currently serves on the University’s Board of Trustees. As the founder of Schuler Development, G. Schuler is an expert in researching, planning, and developing commercial and residential real estate.

The Schuler Engineering Lab has been dedicated to Jack Schuler, G. Schuler’s brother. Explaining why he chose to dedicate the building to his brother, G. Schuler joked, “We all know there shouldn’t be an academic building named after me.”

Schuler is a healthcare investor and philanthropist who founded the Schuler Scholar Program, which helps immigrant, low-income, and students of color succeed in high school and apply to college. The program has enrolled more than 1,400 students in the Chicago area since its founding.

Both G. Schuler and J. Schuler attended the ribbon cutting, as well as their sister, Adele Douglas, and countless nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Also in attendance were former UJ President Dr. Bob Badal, a friend of the Schuler family, current UJ President, Dr. Polly Peterson, and the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.

 

Bismarck  (NDDOT)  The 80^th Street Bridge located about one mile south of 43^rd Ave NE crossing over I-94 east of Bismarck, has been opened to a single lane of traffic. A lane restriction of 14 feet and a maximum vehicle weight of 105,500 lbs. is in place.

The bridge was temporarily closed about one month ago due to an over height vehicle striking the bridge.

Motorists will need to take turns using the southbound lane to cross over the bridge. Traffic lights are in place directing traffic to take turns using only the southbound lane.

The northbound lane of the bridge will remain closed until further notice.

For more information about construction projects and road conditions throughout North Dakota, call 511 or visit the ND Roads map at travel.dot.nd.gov.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Fargo police say a woman has been taken into custody after three people were wounded in a stabbing Thursday outside a restaurant in downtown Fargo. Police say the woman barricaded herself in a vehicle on the east side of the Mexican Village restaurant before she was apprehended. All three victims sustained non-life threatening injuries.

 

(KFGO) – A Sibley, North Dakota truck driver was killed in a crash on I-94 near Albany, Minnesota Wednesday, May 12th.

The Minnesota State Patrol says the westbound semi, driven by 59-year-old Brian Lemly, veered off the interstate, crossed the median and entered the eastbound lanes where it collided with another truck and an SUV. Those drivers had minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota taxpayers are on the hook for nearly $3 million in rent over the next two years in unused office space for a state agency that intends to allow most of its more than 400 employees to continue to work from home indefinitely. Officials say the North Dakota Information Technology Department’s 85,000-square-foot leased space in a newly remodeled privately owned office building in north Bismarck is unoccupied, except for about a dozen employees. The agency says it has favored “teleworking” even before the coronavirus pandemic hit and will continue to do so.

 

In sports:

Jamestown  (KFYR)  The North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame 2020 Inductee’s will be honored on June 26, 2021, at the Jamestown Civic Center, Jamestown, ND.

Jeff Boschee, Whitney Carlson Bruins, Doug Beaudoin, and Mike Peluso will receive the Cliff Cushman Award as they are inducted into the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame. Cliff Cushman, A Grand Forks native, and 1960 Olympian lost his life in the Vietnam War. However, his legacy and inspiration live on.

The event includes induction banquet, auction, and awards program.

For more information contact the NDSHF at (701) 252-4835, at the Jamestown Civic Center.  Email Pam Fosse: pfosse@daktel.com or jjackson@daktel.com.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A defendant accused of fatally stabbing a man in Mandan last summer has been convicted of manslaughter. A jury in Morton County deliberated about three hours before reaching the verdict Wednesday. The jury found that Arthur Funk was not guilty of murder and negligent homicide. A murder conviction carried a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. The maximum punishment for manslaughter is 10 years in behind bars. Authorities say Stockert was stabbed nine times during a dispute over the return of a car belonging to Stockert’s girlfriend. Funk allegedly had been staying with her and hadn’t returned her car. Funk claimed self-defense.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is easing indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and inside in most places. The new guidance is a major step toward returning to pre-pandemic life. It still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters but will help ease restrictions for reopening workplaces and schools. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, says, “We have all longed for this moment — when we can get back to some sense of normalcy.”

(AP) The president of the American Federation of Teachers is calling for a full return to in-person learning in the fall and says the union is “all in.” Randi Weingarten says in a social media address that the availability of vaccines and an infusion of federal education money have removed many obstacles that prevented schools from opening. She says the nation “must reopen schools in the fall for in-person teaching, learning and support.” If local unions heed her call, it would be seen as a major stride in the effort to reopen schools. Teachers unions have been blamed for slowing the process with safety demands. Her address came after a unanimous vote from the union’s executive council approving her message.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The police department in the nation’s capital has suffered a massive leak of internal information after refusing to meet the blackmail demands of Russian-speaking ransomware syndicate. Experts say it’s the worst known ransomware attack ever to hit a U.S. police department. The gang released thousands of the Metropolitan Police Department’s sensitive documents on the dark web Thursday. A review by The Associated Press found hundreds of police officer disciplinary files and intelligence reports that include feeds from other agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service. The police department didn’t immediately return a request for comment, but has previously said some officers’ personal information was stolen.

 

CLEMMONS, N.C. (AP) — The pumps remain shrouded by plastic bags at thousands of gas stations across the southeastern U.S. But a pipeline company reported “substantial progress” in restarting the line. Georgia-based Colonial Pipeline says the gas is flowing again but it could take days before it’s totally back to normal. A hack forced a temporary shutdown and prompted panic-buying. Gasbuddy.com reports that 68% of North Carolina’s gas stations and 73% of stations in the nation’s capital are still without fuel, along with half the stations in South Carolina and Georgia. In Virginia, the run on gas prompted a warning Thursday that people should never siphon gasoline due to the risk of poisoning.

 

(AP) President Joe Biden has warned gasoline stations not to engage in price gouging as motorists wait for fuel to start flowing reliably through the Colonial Pipeline. He also pledged an aggressive response on Thursday to the cyberattackers who caused the interruption. Biden’s quick, all-hands response is fresh evidence of his administration’s awareness of the political perils associated with the shutdown and of White House efforts to turn the situation into a new reason to argue for his infrastructure package. The sudden supply crunch after last week’s pipeline company hack showed the challenges that can pop up for a White House that must constantly respond to world events.

 

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government is providing $7.4 billion to expand the nation’s public health capacity. That will mean hiring school nurses to vaccinate kids and creating a service corps around health care as well as bolstering traditional disease detection efforts. Biden administration coronavirus testing coordinator Carole Johnson said it’s part of a strategy to respond to immediate needs in the COVID-19 pandemic while also investing to break the cycle of ‘boom and bust’ financing that traditionally has hampered U.S. response to health emergencies. About $4.4 billion of the new money will go to immediate priorities in fighting the pandemic.