CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows in the upper 30s. West winds 10 to 15 mph.

.WEDNESDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. West winds around 10 mph.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows around 40. Southwest winds around 5 mph.

.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Northeast winds

around 5 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain.

Lows around 40. Northeast winds around 5 mph.

.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny with a 20 percent chance of rain. Highs in

the upper 50s.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 40s.

.SATURDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around

40. Highs in the upper 50s to mid 60s.

.COLUMBUS DAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s.

.MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY…Partly cloudy. Areas of frost. Lows

in the mid 30s. Highs around 50.

 

Another chance of rain arrives Thursday into Friday,

A cold front across the region this weekend with windy conditions  Cooler temperatures back into the region for next  week.

 

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

Mayor Carlsrud read a Proclamation, declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

It urges all members of the Valley City Community to work together to end domestic violence.

 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

Approved Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.

Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $ 2,788,970.88

An  Application to Block off the Street for Sheyenne Valley Backing the Badge 6K on October 14, 2017

A Parade Application for Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce Parade of Lights on November 30, 2017

Raffle  permits for CHI Mercy Health Foundation, St. Catherine School, V.C. Men’s Bowling Association, Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce

PUBLIC COMMENTS   No one spoke

PUBLIC HEARING

A Public Hearing was held for an Application for Property Tax Incentives for New or Expanding Businesses (PILOT- Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) for Meridian Apartments II

Jim Knutson of Valley Realty the PILOT incentive would reduce monthly rental to tenants by $84 per month.   He said construction would start this fall, with completion in July of 2018.

Developer Paul Diegel who owns a 43 unit apartment building, said the project would be a competitor for housing in Valley City.

John Schneider an apartment building owner noted a 12 and half percent vacancy rate in his unit and opposes the application.

Dave Singleton spoke, who has the affordable housing units in Valley City.  He said the PILOT program adds units and will hurt existing apartment buildings, and opposes the application.

Commissioner Magnuson said tax incentives allows additional building and growth in the city.

City Attorney Lilie Mertins said the Commission’s decision should be based on impacts on existing industry and the best interests of the city.

Following the Public Hearing,  after discussion, commissioners voted  3-2 with commissioners voting  no including Pedersen and Bishop, to table the application until the October 17, 2017 Commission meeting.

ORDINANCE

The City Commission approved the Second and Final Reading of an adopting the 2018 City Budget.

The City Commission approved the Second and Final Reading of an Ordinance to repeal and re-enact Title 12, Nuisances & Property Maintenance.

Approved the Second and Final Reading of an Ordinance repealing and reserving for future use Title 10 and amending and reenacting Section 5 of Title 15, Municipal Utilities.

RESOLUTION

The City Commission approved a Resolution providing for the issuance and sale of City of Valley City, North Dakota Sales Tax Revenue Bond, Series 2017 for Permanent Flood Protection.  City Auditor Richter said the action will take care of Phase One buyouts with a $1.3 million loan for 30 years.

Approved a Resolution declaring necessity of improvements in Paving Improvement District No. 114

Approved a Resolution declaring necessity of improvements in Paving Improvement District No. 116

NEW BUSINESS

Commissioners discussed accepting a bid and awarding contract for 7th Street SE Pressure Reducing Valve.

KLJ recommends rejecting all bids that were opened, being higher than projected, a motion to do so, died for a lack of a second, so no action was taken.

Approved a Renaissance Zone Application for pro-rated transfer for Henry & Sandra Bruns for the remainder of the five year property tax exemption and five year income tax exemption period at 739 2nd Street NW #203 and designate it as VC-106.

Approved the 2018 Heath Insurance Contract between NDBCBS and the City of Valley City.   City Auditor Richter said there are few changes, and recommended continuing with the carrier and approve the contract, which was approved by the Commission.

Approved a Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for NuBar on October 26, 2017 for Rotary Wine & Beer Tasting.

Approved a Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for Dakota Silver on October 26, 2017 for Rotary Wine & Beer Tasting

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

David Schelkoph said the public input hearing on the land use and transportation plan was well attended, with two more public input meetings planned.

On line surveys, and hard copies of the survey are available at City Hall.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

Fire Chief Gary Retterath said next week is Fire Prevention week with the Valley City Fire Department holding an Open House on Sunday October 8, 2017, from 1-4 p.m.

A Battle of the Badges to give blood, between the City Fire Department and Police Department will be coming up in cooperation with United Blood services.

Commissioner Powell reminded motorists to be watchful for pedestrians with it getting dark earlier now.

KLJ reports the Main Street and parking lots projects are finished, with clean up continuing.

The meeting was shown live on csi cable 68, followed by replays.

 

 

Valley City  (CSi)  International Walk to School Day is  on Wednesday October 4, 2017.

Starting around 8:30-a.m, about a thousand students in Valley City  public schools and St. Catherine School in Valley City will walk with teachers, parents, school administrators and  community leaders, all  joining schools  in the  celebration.

Supporting the walk are Dietrich Bus Service,  Valley City Police including School PTO’s and Barnes ON THE MOVE, walking from  staging areas close to each school.

Walk to School Day raises awareness of creating safer pedestrian, and bicycling routes, while emphasizing the importance of increasing physical activity among children.

Additional information, by contacting Andrea Winter at 845-8192 or email awinter@barnescounty.us

 

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City community is invited to the Open House and Ribbon Cutting at CHI Mercy Health on Wednesday October 4, 2017, to view the new CT Scanner in installed in August this year, and in operation since this September.

The Radiology Department will conduct tours of the CT Room, and provide treats between 2-and-4-p.m, with the ribbon cutting held by the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce.

The scanner was made possible stemming from a $400,000 grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust’s Rural Healthcare Program.

 

Jamestown (CSi)  Visitor attendance at the National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown, May-August this year (2017) increased 115 percent from the same period in 2016.

On Tuesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Jamestown Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund said during the same time frame, the Museum’s gift shop sales were up substantially.

He pointed out the many improvements at the Museum, including the video viewing room with the production outlining the history of the bison, and its role in Native American history.

The now preserved Albino Buffalo, White Cloud is now in a see-though display case, allowing visitors to see her in a 360 degree presentation.

Also on our show Swedlund said the Tourism Board has established a Task Force reviewing efforts to attract more athletic games to Jamestown, working with the Jamestown Civic Center, using that venue and the Newman Arena at the University of Jamestown, and the new Two Rivers Activity Center (TRAC) in Jamestown to host the games and events.

Swedlund added that on October 19th the Grant/Executive Board will review this round of requests for dollars from the City Promotion Construction Fund, grants.

He said four entities have made requests.   The next round of requests are due on March 1, 2018.

He pointed out that Jamestown will host the annual Pride of Dakota event on October 21, and 22, 2017 at the Jamestown Civic Center, with items for sale that are produced in North Dakota, on the 21at from 9-a.m., to 5-p.m., and Sunday the 22nd from 11-a.m., to 4-p.m.

It’s promoted as North Dakota’s premier local business shopping event.

Admission is $2, however, bring a fresh produce product donation and save $1, and bring your own reusable cloth bag and save another dollar.

Swedlund said that the 2018 Drag Races will be earlier on May 19, and 20th, due to the planned runway projects at Jamestown Regional Airport.

Coming up is the Roughrider Rodeo Association rodeo with national competitors on October 27-29, 2017 at the Jamestown Civic Center.

He pointed out that two kiosks are being installed on the bike trails at Overlook Trail and the Pipestem Creek Trail.  In addition to the elaborate signage, provided by Roughrider Signs, the kiosks also contain informational items.

 

Bismarck  (CSi)  A Jamestown project has been awarded funds from  The Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program.

In Jamestown $900,000 was awarded to finance improvements to the wastewater treatment plant’s raker building.

In Horace, ND, $3,192,000 was awarded to finance construction of a lift station, sanitary sewer gravity mains and force mains to convey wastewater to the City of Fargo for treatment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides part of the funding for the CWSRF Program, which offers below-market interest rate loans to political subdivisions for financing projects authorized under the Clean Water Act. CWSRF programs operate nationwide to provide the funding necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects the nation’s valuable water resources.

 

 

Valley City  (CSi)  VCSU is the 2017 Homecoming plans set in Valley City, October 8 – 14, 2017.

Homecoming Button required at all events, available for $3 each starting Wednesday, Oct. 4. They can be purchased at the Student Center Information Desk or at the Fieldhouse.

On Sunday October 8th

Get to Know Your Homecoming Court, 8-p.m., Vangstad Auditorium.

 

Monday October 9th

Dippin’ Dots,  11a.m., to 1-p.m. Student Center, while supplies last

35th Bill Osmon Fun Run, 4-p.m. Lokken Stadium

Musician Noah Hoehn, 8-p.m., Vangstad Auditorium

 

Tuesday October 10th

Triva Transportation, 8:30-a.m., to 3:30-p.m., VCSU Campus

Tator Tots, 11-a.m., to 1-p.m., Student Center

Team Theme Bowling, 9:30-p.m., at Sky Lanes

 

Wednesday October 11th

Succulent Planters, 10-a.m., to 2-p.m., Student Center, while supplies last

Volleyball vs. Dakota State 7-p.m., Graichen Gym

Dance, 10-p.m., to 1-a.m., Valley City Eagles

 

Thursday October 12th

Caricature Artist, 12 noon to 4-p.m., Student Center

Pep Rally, 11-a.m., Graichen Gym

Coronation, 7-p.m., Vangstad Auditorium

Talent Show, 8-p.m., at Vangstad Auditorium

 

Friday October 13th

Caramel Apples & Cider,  11-a.m., to 1-p.m.

Movie Night, 9:30-p.m., Valley Twin Cinema

 

Saturday October 14th

Parade, 10:30-a.m., Central Avenue

Football vs. Mayville State, 2-p.m., Shelly Ellig Field

Dance, 9-p.m.,to 1-a.m., Valley City Eagles

 

 

Dickinson ND (Dickinson Press)  The former LaMoure police chief accused of continuous sexual abuse of a child, with charges spreading across four counties in southwest North Dakota, pleaded not guilty to all charges during a joint preliminary hearing in Dickinson on Monday afternoon.

The Dickinson Press reports,  52 year old James G. Watson, of LaMoure, was originally charged with:

  • Stark County: One count of continuous sexual abuse of a child, a Class AA felony.
  • Golden Valley County: One count of continuous sexual abuse of a child, a Class AA felony.
  • Hettinger County: Three counts of gross sexual imposition, two of these counts were Class AA felonies and the other was a Class A felony.
  • Billings County: Two counts of gross sexual imposition-sexual act by force, both Class AA felonies and one count of gross sexual imposition, a Class A felony.

Southwest District Judge Rhonda Ehlis dismissed one Class AA felony and one Class A felony in the Hettinger County case, as she believed there was not enough probable cause presented by the state to prove that the victim was “forced” to perform the acts. In Billings County, Ehlis dismissed both Class AA felonies, again citing lack of probable cause.

Watson pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Ehlis also indicated that each case will have its own separate trial in its respective county, dates for those trials have not been set.

State’s attorneys in each county were present including: Stark County state’s attorney Tom Henning, Golden Valley state’s attorney Christina Wenko, Hettinger County state’s attorney Amy Pikovsky and Billings County state’s attorney Jay Brovold.

North Dakota Bureau of Investigations special agent Timothy Helmer painted a disturbing picture for the court, as he described interviews with the victim. Helmer said the victim told him the abuse began when she was in first grade and her family lived in a different state.

 

SHOREWOOD, Minn. (AP) — The parents of a Minnesota man missing after celebrating his 44th birthday at the Las Vegas concert where a mass shooting took place say they’re desperate to learn what happened to him.

Mary Berger says her son, Steve, was at the concert with his roommate and other friends and has not been heard from since a gunman in a high-rise hotel killed 59 people and wounded more than 500.

Berger said Tuesday her son’s Shorewood roommate called to tell her that he saw Steve get shot and fall to the ground, but when he tried to go to help him he was herded out of the venue.

Berger says she and her husband, Richard, have been trying every phone number they can find to learn what happened to their son, a native of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The federal government wants some land bordering Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota in an oil and gas lease sale.

The Bismarck Tribune reports that the Bureau of Land Management recommends including the 120-acre parcel in McKenzie County in the lease sale scheduled for March 2018.

BLM says its recommendation is consistent with the “administration’s goals of promoting America’s energy independence” and also follows approved resources management plans.

Park Superintendent Wendy Ross says in a letter to BLM that she’s worried that the nearby oil development will affect the park’s scenic beauty, natural sound, wildlife habitat and dark night skies.

The agency is accepting public comments through Oct. 30.

 

In world and national news…

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A concertgoer from Washington state says he hid under bleachers with his wife when shots rang out in Las Vegas and victims started falling to the ground. Jeff Bannerman says  the rat-a-tat-tat would begin again just as people thought the shooting was over. A man in front of Bannerman was shot and a garbage can that Bannerman had been leaning on was hit. Bannerman and his wife Deanna joined others trying to help victims to safety who could not move.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The gunman who unleashed hundreds of rounds of gunfire on a crowd of concertgoers in Las Vegas had what is called a “bump-stock” that could have made his semiautomatic rifles shoot rapidly and continuously like fully automatic ones. The devices have attracted scrutiny in recent years. California Sen. Dianne Feinstein has long railed against them. Several years ago, she said she was concerned about the emergence of new technologies that could retrofit firearms to make them fully automatic.

MESQUITE, Nev. (AP) — Stephen Paddock was a former accountant with no criminal record. Former FBI supervisor Clint Van Zandt says he doesn’t see anything in his background that would suggest he would carry out the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, leaving 59 people dead Sunday night in Las Vegas. But there are signs that he planned the attack for a period of days. A sheriff says some of his rifles had scopes, and he had gun stocks that could have let him make the weapons fully automatic.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says Puerto Rico suffered a relatively low death toll from Hurricane Maria compared with “a real catastrophe like Katrina.” Trump spoke as he toured the island Tuesday. He pledged an all-out effort to help the island. The president said that while “every death is a horror,” he drew a distinction between “a real catastrophe like Katrina” and “what happened here” in Puerto Rico, where at least 16 people died

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are pushing a bill banning many late-term abortions toward House passage. President Donald Trump is prepared to sign it, but it won’t reach him because it lacks the votes to clear the Senate. The measure has been a top priority for anti-abortion activists. The House debated it a week after the crash of a GOP effort to repeal the Obama health care law that would have also blocked federal money for Planned Parenthood.