CSi Weather…

WIND CHILL ADVISORY…

Includes Valley City and Jamestown Areas..

WIND CHILL VALUES…Expect wind chills to range from 20 below

zero to 35 below zero between 9 PM this evening and noon

Wednesday with the coldest wind chills occurring around 6 AM

Wednesday.

* IMPACTS…The cold wind chills will cause frostbite in as

little as 30 minutes to exposed skin.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A wind chill advisory means that cold air and the wind will

combine to create low wind chills. Frost bite and hypothermia can

occur if precautions are not taken. Make sure you wear a hat and

gloves.

 

Forecast…

TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 10 to 15 below. Northwest winds

5 to 15 mph. Wind chill readings 27 below to 32 below zero.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs zero to 5 above. West winds

10 to 20 mph. Lowest wind chill readings 29 below to 34 below

zero in the morning.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows 5 to 10 below.

.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs 15 to 20.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 10 to 15.

.FRIDAY…Partly sunny. Highs 35 to 40.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows 20 to 25.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 20 to 25.

.SUNDAY…Sunny. Highs 30 to 35.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows 20 to 25.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.

 

VERY COLD AIR AND DANGEROUS WIND CHILLS THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING.

A WINTRY MIX OF PRECIPITATION IS POSSIBLE THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT.

 

A wintry mix of precipitation is possible Thursday afternoon through

Thursday night.

 

Bismarck  (CSi)  North Dakota Governor,  Doug Burgum was joined by  leaders of Minnesota Soybean Processors (MnSP) and its subsidiary North Dakota Soybean Processors (NDSP) in announcing  Tuesday that MnSP is taking steps toward construction of a $240 million soybean processing plant – the first of its kind in North Dakota – at Spiritwood.

The plant would be an integrated soybean crush facility and refinery, crushing 125,000 bushels of soybeans per day. It would produce soybean meal, refined, bleached and deodorized soybean oil and biodiesel.

MnSP, a membership cooperative that owns and operates a soybean crush facility and biodiesel operation in Brewster, Minn., has selected a site on 150 acres near Spiritwood. The co-op would move forward with construction following further due diligence, necessary approvals and a successful engineering study.

By selecting the Spiritwood site, MnSP is able to conduct a preliminary front-end engineering and design study, which will be used to determine feasibility of construction. MnSP is working with the North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Commission to complete the construction feasibility study.

Burgum says, “The potential for this type of value-added project is great news for our farmers and the entire state of North Dakota, The NDSP plant will create value in the local community and beyond by creating 55 to 60 full-time jobs, supporting local service companies, vendors and suppliers and supporting the soybean price paid to local farmers.”

Burgum, MnSP Board President Bruce Hill and MnSP General Manager Scott Austin made the announcement during the annual Northern Soybean Expo and Trade Show in Fargo, joined by North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.

Austin says, “Our preliminary market analysis shows there are markets this facility would serve that would complement our current efforts at the Brewster facility to reach both global and domestic markets for meal and oil,”.We also believe that the biodiesel from this plant would serve both domestic and international markets.”

The NDSP plant would annually produce 900,000 tons of soybean meal, which is usually used as livestock feed for poultry and swine but can also be used for cattle, and 490 million pounds of oil. Half of the oil will be used to produce biodiesel, while the other half will be food-grade soybean oil.

The plant would utilize steam from the nearby Spiritwood Station, a coal-fired power plant operated by Great River Energy.

MnSP has been working with the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corp. and meeting with the appropriate state agencies, including the Department of Commerce, Office of State Tax Commissioner and Bank of North Dakota.

 

Valley City (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.

All members were present.

Phillip Hatcher was sworn in by Mayor Carlsrud, as Valley City Police Chief.

On January 17, 2017, Valley City Commissioners, unanimously approved the promotion of Lt. Phil Hatcher, the Acting Police Chief, to Police Chief, effective immediately, succeeding former Chief Fred Thompson who resigned on December 8, 2016.

 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Raffle Permits for Barnes County Ducks Unlimited, ND Appaloosa Horse Club, Valley City Lions

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Procedures:

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.

From the audience Lloyd Nelson attempted to speak and was told by the Mayor that he did not prior to the meeting, request a time to speak, and to sit down.

 

RESOLUTION

The City Commission  approved a calling for a Special Election to elect a City Commissioner, to succeed, Richard Ross who resigned on January 4, 2017.

Petitions may be taken out starting February 13, 2017.

Petitions must be returned to City Hall be March 14th, with 142 valid signatures.

The Special Election Day will be on Tuesday May 23, 2017.

The time line will include time to officially publish notice of the election in the official newspaper.

In a letter dated January 4, 2017,  to the Valley City Commission, Commissioner Rick Ross tendered his resignation.

Ross was elected to the City Commission in June of 2016.

Ross resigned following what he alleges were threats of violence against him and his family that occurred over several weeks by some Barnes County residents.

 

Commissioners  approved a Resolution approving the  Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimate of Probable Cost for Construction of Improvements for 2017 City Parking Lots Improvement District, and authorizes advertisements for bids.  Storm water runoff and green areas will be taken under consideration.

 

The City Commission approved a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Paving Improvement District # 113 to Bituminous Paving Inc. in the amount of $1,826,300.75

 

NEW BUSINESS

The City Commission approved  the Final Acceptance of the West Main Street Hot Bituminous Pavement Shared-Use Path Construction & Incidentals

 

Approved Final the Acceptance of the 6th St NE, 2nd Ave NE – Paving Improvement District No.110, Mill and Overlay & Incidentals.

 

Commissioners approved a 5 year income tax exemption and a 5 year property tax exemption up to $250,000 in building value, for Renaissance Zone applicants, Ronald & LeeAnn Peterson, and designate it as VC-82.  George Dutton said the Renaissance Zone Committee recommends approval with the applicants meeting all requirements.

 

The Commission approved a 5 year income tax exemption and a 5 year property tax exemption up to $250,000 in building value. for Renaissance Zone applicant Ruth Nathan, and designate it as VC-104.) George Dutton again said the Renaissance Zone Committee recommends approval with the applicants meeting all requirements.

 

Following discussion, Commissioners approved the appointment of David Schelkoph to the MRES Board of Directors.

Schelkoph said issues concern regulation by the federal government are being addressed, adding that he will provide input to the MRES from Valley City.  He told the commissioners that he will have time to take on the extra responsibilities.

Commissioner Bishop noted that Schelkoph still needs a job evaluation performed.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioners voted 3-1 to approve with Commission Bishop voting in opposition.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

David Schelkoph reminded residents not to push snow into the streets when clearing snow from their property.

He said compacted snow forms icy conditions on the streets, which is difficult to remove.  The exception is the downtown area.  Sidewalks are to be cleaned within 24 hours following the end of a snow event.

Contractors removing snow are reminded to do the same, as Schelkoph pointed out fines to those not following  the city ordinance.

 

He added that residents purchasing energy efficient items, are entitled to rebates from the city.   Over $100,000 was rebated to Valley City residents last year, under the Bright Energy Solutions program, plus savings in their electricity bills.

 

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Attorney Russell Myhre said with the Phase Three Flood protection buyouts, they are continuing.

City Fire Chief Gary Retterath reminds citizens to help keep fire hydrants clear of snow.

Police Chief Hatcher reminded residents of the 72 hour parking on streets Ordinance.

 

Mayor Carlsrud pointed out that citizens need to be respectful of all elected officials.

 

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

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Public School District is moving ahead with the planning phase in order to hold a special election for a bond referendum in the spring of 2017, concerning the renovation or expansion of school buildings.

The School Board has approved a negotiations agreement with Consolidated Construction Co. which will provide construction management at-risk services for pre-referendum planning and design.

At the March School Board meeting, a negotiation agreement is expected to be formalized and presented to the School Board.

A Special Election for September 29, 2015, for $19 million in general obligation school-building bonds for school construction and renovations at elementary and middle schools failed, with 58% “yes” votes, not  mustering the 60 % majority of “yes” votes needed to pass.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The  Jamestown Arts Center holds its Gala fundraiser on February 18, 2017.

The non-profit center relies on fundraisers and donations to continue their services. The gala is the single biggest fundraiser that the Arts Center holds every year.

Tickets are going quickly at  $100 each, and all funds support the Arts Center and the children’s programs. You can contact the Arts Center for more information, at 251-2496.

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Senate has killed a bill that would put an end to daylight saving time and make Central time the state’s official time zone.

The measure failed 11-33 on Tuesday.

A dozen of North Dakota’s 53 counties, all of them west of the Missouri River, are either partially or wholly within the Mountain time zone.

The idea of one time zone has been proposed in the Legislature several times over the years but has never gotten needed support.

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — National Transportation Safety Board investigators say a broken axle caused a 2013 train derailment that led to a series of explosions in North Dakota.

The train carrying soybeans derailed and was struck by a train carrying oil, setting off explosions near the small town of Casselton, about 30 miles west of Fargo. About 1,400 residents were evacuated from their homes. No one was hurt.

NTSB investigators said Tuesday at a meeting in Washington that after finding the grain train’s broken axle, others like it that might have had similar defects were recalled.

The group also discussed federal rules on buffer cars between locomotives and cars carrying hazardous materials, and the development of advanced braking systems.

 

Washington, DC  (CSi) Congressman Kevin Cramer announced Tuesday, that  the U.S Army Corps of Engineers has provided the Notice of Intent to Congress to grant the easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross beneath the Missouri River.  Acting Secretary of the Army Robert Speer informed Cramer today of the intent to issue the Congressional notification, which was received by  the House Natural Resources Committee this afternoon. The easement is expected to be issued tomorrow.

 

This follows President Donald Trump’s Jan. 24 memorandum to the Secretary of the Army directing that all federal agency review and approvals be expedited to complete the remaining portions of the pipeline.  Cramer was notified Jan. 31 by the Department of Defense the granting of the easement was imminent.

 

“After months of unnecessary delay, the Missouri River easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline is being issued by the Army Corps of Engineers,” Cramer said. “North Dakota looks forward to the safe completion and operation of this modern energy infrastructure to improve America’s economy and security.  Once again, I am grateful for President Trump’s commitment to taking swift action on this and other issues of concern to the American people.”

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A former University of North Dakota police officer has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on child pornography charges.

Forty-three-year-old Paul Bradley Meagher, of Grand Forks, pleaded guilty to three counts of receipt and possession of prohibited materials after police found that an IP address belonging to him was trading child pornography.

Investigators found more than 50,000 pornographic images and videos on his devices. Meagher was fired from the UND police department in November 2015. He had served there since 2004.

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

In addition to his 10-year prison sentence imposed Monday, Meagher must serve 10 years of supervised release, pay $300 to the Crime Victims’ Fund and pay restitution of $16,000.

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota State University President Dean Bresciani (bruh-SHAW’-nee) says he is no longer interested in leading Ohio University, where he was one of four finalists for president.

Bresciani said in a campus-wide email Tuesday that he has received strong support from NDSU boosters since he applied for the Ohio University job “and it is greatly appreciated.”

Bresciani’s tenure in Fargo has been rocky at times. The state Board of Higher Education last June declined to extend his contract over complaints about his communication, teamwork and decision-making skills. The board gave Bresciani six months to show improvement, and voted in November to give him another year.

Supporters say Bresciani has spearheaded record-setting fund-raising at the school.

Bresciani was named NDSU president in May 2010. He makes about $355,000 annually.

 

 

BOTTINEAU, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota National Guard unit in Bottineau is leaving town after 75 years.

A  decommissioning ceremony is scheduled to take place on Feb. 20, Presidents Day.

The ceremony will be followed by a community luncheon in the Bottineau National Guard Amory. The event will be open to the public, and Guard members are encouraged to attend.

Bottineau city auditor Penny Nostdahl says the community is saddened by the news of the unit leaving and wants to honor the Guard and their longtime presence. She says the Bottineau Guard has housed 10 different units since its establishment in 1941.

Units in several locations in the state, including Bottineau are moving or being deactivated, as part of a federally directed nationwide force structure reduction.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — State health officials are backing bipartisan legislation that would establish a needle-exchange program in North Dakota to help fight the spread of HIV and hepatitis C.

Republican Sen. Howard Anderson is the primary sponsor of the bill. The retired Turtle Lake pharmacist and former member of the state narcotics coalition told a legislative committee Tuesday that intravenous drug use is on the rise in North Dakota.

Anderson says allowing people to exchange used needles for sterile ones will reduce the risk of contaminated needles being shared.

Health Department HIV/AIDS Program Manager Lindsey VanderBusch says 33 states already have such programs.

VanderBusch says HIV and hepatitis C cases are increasing in North Dakota and needle-exchange programs in other states have proven effective in reducing the spread of the diseases.

 

CROSBY, N.D. (AP) — A man accused of causing a crash that killed a father and two children in North Dakota’s oil patch has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

William Koehler entered the plea to three charges of felony manslaughter during a hearing in Divide County Monday. Koehler’s trial was to start this week after it was moved to Watford City at the request of the defense.

The 50-year-old Minot man was arrested in September, several weeks after he was involved in a crash near Crosby that claimed the lives of Lesley Gunderson and his two daughters, ages 2 and 8. Gunderson’s 4-year-old son was seriously injured in the crash.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled May 1.

 

In world and national news…

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Parts of eastern New Orleans are looking like a disaster area following a line of severe weather that just blew through the city. The storm flipped over cars, tore roofs off homes, broke tall power poles off their foundations and flipped a food truck upside-down. The city’s mayor says there are initial reports of dozens of injuries, including two that are serious. One man says his whole neighborhood shows storm damage, but his house escaped a tornado with a near miss. James Thomas says he saw the twister coming, grabbed his motorcycle helmet and ran into his bathroom.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House insists that President Donald Trump “respects the judicial branch” despite his tough talk over the pushback against his immigration ban. Spokesman Sean Spicer says there is “no question” over the president’s respect of the courts. Earlier, the president told members of the National Sheriff’s Association that the court fight over his refugee and immigration executive order could end up in the Supreme Court. Trump lashed out last weekend over a court order to block the ban, referring on Twitter to what he called a “so-called judge” and his “ridiculous” ruling.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Supporters of Betsy DeVos are hailing her confirmation Tuesday as Education secretary, saying it’s a chance to breathe new life into a troubled American school system — and a chance to shift power to the local level. But critics say they will keep making themselves heard on the importance of strong public education. DeVos has spent more than two decades promoting charter schools and publicly funded voucher programs for private schools in her home state of Michigan and in other states.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A White House spokesman says President Donald Trump will host Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (shin-zoh ah-bay) at Mar-a-Lago this weekend. Sean Spicer says the Japanese leader will first visit the White House before traveling to Palm Beach, Florida, with Trump. The president has been calling his Florida resort the “Winter White House.”

PARIS (AP) — A French newspaper says presidential candidate Francois Fillon (frahn-SWAH’ fee-YOHN’) not only employed his wife for an allegedly fake job — he twice gave her severance pay. The newspaper (Le Canard Enchaine) reports that she was paid a total of $48,000 from public funds after she stopped working as his parliamentary aide. The conservative candidate says the paper’s latest reports are “lies.”