Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Jan 17

CSi Weather…

Jamestown (CSi)  Jamestown Police reports a standoff that began shortly after 9-a.m., Tuesday in the 300 block of 3^rd Street Northwest in Jamestown ended at about 2-p.m.

Jamestown Police have arrested 31 year old Brandon Haugen.   Jamestown Police Chief Scott Edinger says Haugen was arrested on suspicion of Domestic Assault.

Scott Edinger says the initial call indicated that Haugen may have wanted to hurt himself, and that Haugen may have had access to a weapon, which was not confirmed.

It was determined that Haugen was not in the house, that was surrounded by police and that the investigation led authorities to focus on an area, outside of city limits.

He says, where Haugen was arrested will be included when the police report is completed.

Edinger adds that as the investigation continued it was determined that there allegedly was a domestic assault in connection with the situation at the home.

Edinger says more information on the arrest will be made clear after the police report is filed, however, he’s not sure if Haugen will be incarcerated at the Stutsman County Correctional Center.

He says there are also medical issues, along with criminal charges.

He says Haugen will  make a court appearance, after the charges are filed with the city prosecutor, possibly on Wednesday.

In court, the judge will make a determination on Haugen’s disposition.

Earlier, Tuesday morning police sealed off the area around the house, to traffic and pedestrians and suggested that the Anne Carlsen Center and the South Central Human Center go into a soft lockdown, which they did. The lockdown was lifted at 2-p.m.

Those with appointments at the Human Service Center, during that time will be rescheduled.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  Valley City Police are asking for help from the public in locating a vehicle that was stolen on Monday.

Valley City Acting Police Chief Phil Hatcher says police were called to a report of three vehicles and a gun taken from a home in the Riverside Drive area.

Hatcher says  two of vehicle’s and a gun have been recovered.

The search now centers on the third vehicle,  a 2016 Dodge Journey, Kelly green in color, with North Dakota License plate: 634-ANP.

Police is asking anyone seeing the vehicle to contact Valley City Police  immediately at 701-845-3110.

 

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at 5-p.m., at City Hall.

All members were present.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK PROCLAMATION WAS GIVEN BY MAYOR CARLSRUD.

The week is being observed from January 29 – February 4, with programs and activities at St. Catherine School which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year.

 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:

A Raffle Permit for Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS No One Spoke

Policy for speakers: Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting. The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

No personal attacks to persons present or not

No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform

5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair

Thank you for participating in City Government.

 

ORDINANCES

The City Commission approved the  Second and final reading of an Ordinance to Rezone of E 35’ of Lot 3 Block 1 of Northern Pacific East 3rd Addition from I-1 to R-4

 

City Commissioners approved the  Second and final reading of an Ordinance Amending Title 14, Motor Vehicles for the City of Valley City, North Dakota.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Approved  the Permanent Flood Protection buyout purchase of 519 8th Avenue NE for the appraised value of $144,000.

 

Approve the Permanent Flood Protection buyout purchase of 890 East Main Street for the appraised value of $119,000.

 

Approved  the Permanent Flood Protection buyout purchase of 606 East Main Street for the appraised value of $97,000.  Commissioner Pedersen said the buyout figures are $51,000 over budget, but with the city helping with demolition it should bring the over budgeted figure down to a break even point.  $1.7 million dollars was allotted for all the buyouts.

The City Commission  approved the  2016 Audit Engagement Letter with Eide Bailly for services in the amount of $24,900.

Commissioners  accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Ross, who resigned, January 4, 2017.

Commissioner Bishop said it was a sad day when a city commissioner resigned due to “Bullying tactics.”

Commissioners Magnuson and Pedersen echoed the sentiments, alont with City Attorney Myhre who added that he enjoyed working with Ross, and supports Ross’ resignation.

Mayor Carlsrud said “Toxic negativity should not influence our culture.”  He said the ‘silent majority’ needs to stand up to the negativity.

City Attorney Myhre said within 15 days of Ross’ resignation petitions to the city commission to hold a Special Election must be received.

An alternative is the City Commission appoint a commissioner, or call for a Special Election on its own.

 

Approved  offering an extension of  a $200 grant to City Commissioners who provide proof of annual membership to the fitness facility of their choice.

Approved offering an extension of $200 grant to volunteer firemen who provide proof of annual membership to the fitness facility of their choice.

 

Commissioners approved the promotion of Lt. Phil Hatcher, the Acting Police Chief, to Police Chief, effective immediately.  City Administrator Schelkoph said a search committee and the process would have taken three months to complete.  He and Commissioner Bishop the police portfolio holder agreed that promoting from within is positive and will save time and money for the city.

Bishop said he’s looking at longevity in Hatcher’s appointment.

City Attorney Myhre added that Hatcher is highly professional and understands the law, and endorses Hatcher’s promotion.

Former Police Chief Fred Thompson resigned on December 8, 2016 and the City Commission accepted the resignation.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

David Schelkoph reminded residents that the State Legislative Session in happening, and that a number of changes are coming that will affect the state and local governments.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Attorney Myhre said he encourages women to apply for city positions including police and fire department positions in the future.

He added that Phil Hatcher needs to have a swearing in ceremony as police chief.

City Fire Chief Retterath asks residents to clear fire hydrants of snow, and lead a path to them.

He added that applications are still being accepted for volunteer fire fighters.

Newly appointed Police Chief Phil Hatcher said he was humbled by the appointment, and thanked his wife a family and police officers for their support.

KLJ reported on the cause of water main breaks that occurred in December and June of 2016.

The meeting was show live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.

 

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Choralaires will be traveling in February to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, with a fundraising raffle in progress.

Choralaires Director, Pam Burkhardt sys the group will be in concert at Carnegie Hall, on February 19, 2017, and will be performing Randall Thompson’s “Testament of Freedom.”

Ahead of the New York City trip and performance the Choralaires will perform  concerts at the University of Jamestown’s Reiland Fine Arts Center, at 7:30-p.m., on January 20 and 21,  when they perform Randall Thompson’s “Testament of Freedom,”  which they will perform at Carnegie Hall.

Joining the Choralaires will be the Jamestown Boys Choir under the direction of Meredith Meidinger.

Tickets are $12 for adults, and $5 for students available from any Choralaires member or at the door..

A raffle is in progress to raise funds for travel expenses.

Choralaires member, Mark Sherfy points out that costs for the stay in New York will be picked up by the company, but, he pointed out that the air travel will  be about $1,500 to $2,000 each.

The drawing for raffle tickets will be on the 21^st.  Raffle tickets are $20 and available from Choralaires members. Sherfy says 30 singers and 25 spouses and guests will be making the trip.

Ms Burkhardt received an E-Mail in June last year with an invitation to Carnegie Hall from the company that organizes concerts for the Hall, and handles air travel and hotel and food arrangement.

Ms. Burkhardt added that the Choralaires will leave for New York City February 16^th and return on the 20^th.  The group will leave by air in two groups, on from Jamestown and the other from Fargo.

Pam has more information, along with Mark on other ways to make a charitable donation.

Again the raffle drawing prizes include:  First Place:  A trip for two to New York City, or $2,000 cash.

Second Prize: $999 in cash.

Third Prize:  A bolt-action rifle.

The Jamestown Choralaires currently has 48 members and was  formed in 1955.

They rehearse Wednesday evenings at 8:45 p.m., at the Jamestown Middle School.

 

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A judge says the last of four men to be sentenced in the beating death of a man outside a Fargo bar must serve 20 years in prison.

Prosecutors had recommended a sentence of 15 years for Scott Moen, who pleaded guilty to murder and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault.

Moen and three other men were convicted in the May 2015 death of 35-year-old Joey Gaarsland. Police say he was defending his wife during an argument that began in the bar and ended up in the parking lot.

Two other defendants, Jessy Olson and Nicholas Morris, were sentenced to 20 years in prison. A fourth man, Jason Oien, was sentenced to 15 years.

 

 

 

WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) — A former employee accused of embezzling more than $2.8 million over nearly a decade from a Williston heavy equipment company is being sentenced this week in federal court.

44-year-old Daphney Harstad is charged with wire fraud for allegedly dipping into funds while working as an office manager and bookkeeper for Borsheim Crane.

Authorities say Harstad used the money to buy luxury jewelry and other merchandise from companies, including Louis Vuitton and Tiffany and Co.

Court documents say Harstad allegedly used fraudulent checks from the company to pay for merchandise she ordered online.

Harstad pleaded guilty in the fall and faces a possible maximum sentence of 30 years. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — For the fourth time in eight years, the North Dakota Legislature will consider legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The bipartisan legislation introduced this session would add sexual orientation to the list of classes of individuals who are specifically protected against discrimination.

Similar legislation failed during the 2009, 2013 and 2015 sessions.

Opponents have said it’s unnecessary, and argued it could force businesses and religious organizations to go against their own convictions.

Backers say many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people fear they could lose their jobs or residences under current state law.

 

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