CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s. Southwest winds around 10 mph.

.FRIDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s. West winds 5 to

10 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the lower 20s. West

winds around 10 mph.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s. West winds 5 to

10 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20. West winds around

5 mph shifting to the north after midnight.

.SUNDAY…Cloudy. Highs in the mid 20s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. Lows 10 to 15. Highs in

the lower to mid 20s.

.MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY…Mostly cloudy. Lows 5 to

10 above. Highs in the lower 20s.

 

A slight chance of precipitation along the southern tier of central North Dakota Saturday afternoon. Temperatures are expected to be in the

mid to upper 30s in this area precip type could be rain or snow.

 

Saturday night and Sunday  Southern North Dakota (far south central

through the James Valley and east) will be on the northwestern

fringe of the precipitation associated with a storm system.

 

Northerly winds will develop over the Dakotas, and any precipitation will be

in the form of snow for North Dakota.

 

Light snow is expected across far south central ND into the James Valley Saturday night through Sunday night.  Snow amounts of 1 to 3 inches possible in the southern ND counties south of Jamestown, including in the McIntosh, LaMoure, and

Dickey county areas including towns of Ashley, Lamoure, Ellendale, Oakes).

 

Update…

New vehicle information:  White 2002 Subaru Legacy Outback – ND License 476BJY – Law
Enforcement received information the suspect was last seen in this vehicle
east-bound from Bismarck.

If you have any information about this suspect, please call 911 immediately.  Do not attempt to approach or apprehend the suspect.  The above BLUE alert information is
available to the public by calling 511 and at the nd.gov/publicalert website.

Previously…

Bismarck  (Bismarck, PD)  Bismarck Police is seeking a suspect as on Thursday January 18th officers at 10:55 a.m., were assisting Parole and Probation in the 3200 block of Montreal Street.  As one male was fleeing in his vehicle, he attempted to run over a Bismarck Police officer.  The officer fired at the suspect vehicle.

On Thursday afternoon police were still at the scene, and actively searching for the suspect.

The suspect is 22 year old Ulises Villalobos an Hispanic male, five feet nine inches tall, weighing 170 pounds with brown eyes, brown hair, last seen wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans.

The vehicle he fled in has been located, as police were seeking  a 2013 black Chevrolet Equinox, with a broken driver side window and has damage to one side in the rear.

Anyone seeing Villalobos, is asked to contact law enforcement immediately.

Do not attempt to engage.

The Bismarck Tribune reports, Bismarck Public Schools spokeswoman Renae Walker said Century High School was in shelter in place starting at about 11 a.m. Horizon Middle School and Liberty, Northridge and Centennial elementary schools were given a similar designation shortly after. The shelter in place was lifted for all schools at about 12:40 p.m.

Schools dismissed as normal today, according to Renae Hoffmann Walker, director of community relations for Bismarck Public Schools. Busing and after-school program will take place as usual.

Bismarck Police Officer Pat Renz said the shooting will be turned over to the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

The Blue Alert information is available to the public by calling 511 and at nd.gov./publicalert.

A blue alert is activated when a suspect is at large after killing or seriously injuring a law enforcement officer, or when an officer has been abducted or is missing.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Tourism Grant Advisory Board met Thursday at the CSi Technology Center, at Historic Franklin School.  Members present included, President Matt Woods, Jenna Bergstedt, Taylor Barnes,  and Tena Lawrence, along with Ex-Officio Member, Pam Phillips representing the Jamestown City Council, and Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund.

During his report, Swedlund moved and approved by the Board, to fund all Greeter Staff Requests at a rate of $10 per hour.

Grant requests considered included:

  • Jamestown Chamber Commerce, Beautification Committee – Refurbish Signs
  • Fort Seward – Staffing
  • Stutsman County Museum – Staffing
  • National Buffalo Museum – Staffing
  • Drag Races – Advertising & Capital Request
  • Frontier Village – Staffing (greeter)
  • Frontier Village – Horse & Stagecoach

 

The Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce, City Beautification Committee represented by Bob Martin, requested $400 for the replacement of the Welcome to Jamestown sign, near Jamestown Regional Airport, at the intersection of Highway 20, and 13th Street, Northeast, a 4X8 foot color sign.

The committee recommended funding approval, as the message targets visitors, and is a reasonable request to reprint the signs at entrances to Jamestown.

With Fort Seward representative Dale Marks requested $9,800 for summer staffing, at the Interpretive Center.

$500 is donated from brick sales.

The committee approved, $9,350 in funding, the same level as 2017.

 

The Stutsman County Museum, represented by Tom Lindberg requested $8,100, for summer staffing, from May 26-September 30th with $8,490 coming from the Stutsman County Mill levy, and $7,000 coming from donations and dues.

The committee approved $7,500 the same level as 2017.

 

The National Buffalo Museum , with the presentation given by Swedlund, requested $6,150 for seasonal staffing during extended hours from Memorial Day weekend to the day after Labor Day at an hour rate increase from $9 to $10 per hour.  The Museum did not request the taxes paid by the employer, which Tourism pays for other agencies.  The museum will pay for all additional payroll.

The committee approved the full funding request.

Jamestown Drag Racing Association, represented by Brian Kamletz requested $6,000 for advertising and posters, for the May 19 & 2O event at Jamestown Regional Airport, plus $2,200 for the purchase of two leaf blowers for safety at the starting line, and replacement of a water pump in the total amount requested of $8,220.

Other local anticipated funding sources include:  $14,775 from local business sponsors, for poster ads, plus, $12,215 from racer entry fees, $10,671 from gate admissions, $3,850 from t-shirt sales.

The economic impact is estimated at $250,000.

The board approved funding the entire amount of $6,000 for advertising, the dates have been moved, earlier in the summer, due to the runway improvement project at the Jamestown Regional Airport site.

The board, also approved $2,220 for  the leaf blowers and water pump granting, noting safety issues.

The Frontier Village, represented Tina Busche, requested $29,713 divided, with $14,906 for greeter salaries, and $11,700 including a request to move horse boarding from 8-12 months, in addition to requesting dollars for deferred maintenance of the stagecoach.

The board considered the $11,700 as a subsidy for the program, saying that requesting more dollars only makes sense if the scope of the experience in growing.

The board approved the $11,700 request for horse boarding, at the 2017 funding level.

The board approved $14, 789 for greeter salaries, at an hourly rate of $10 per hour

The board granted $2,075 for stage coach maintenance, again noting safety concerns.

 

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

 

Financial Report  was previously approved at the Annual Meeting.

Ex-Officio Reports:

City Council Member Pam Phillips reported a candidate was recently interviewed for the City Administrator position.  She pointed out that residential recycling is delayed until March 1st.   She added that if the recycler does not initiate residential recycling by that date, the city may bring litigation action.

She added that the Jamestown Recycling Center has reopened at the drop off site.

 

NEW BUSINESS

The Report on the Credit Card Cash Back noted $100 at 1,000 points.

The County Mill Levy Expenditures for Tourism Entities was presented.

 

Jamestown Tourism is offering grants to nonprofit agencies in Stutsman County for projects that will grow or enhance visitor experiences and increase the impact of tourism in the local economy.

The 2018 Visitor’s Promotion Capital Construction Fund purpose is to create economic benefits including overnight stays, create facilities that do not exist in the area, and/or create experiences that enhance the time visitors spend in Jamestown. Funds can be used for building new visitor attractions, expansions, creating new experience or supporting services for visitors. Funds cannot be used for marketing or ongoing operating expenses.

Opportunities to apply for these funds will be awarded twice per year. Applications for the spring process are due March 1, 2018, and agencies awarded funding will have one year after the announcement to use these funds. Applications for the fall process will be due October 1, 2018.

More details about the grant program and applications can be requested by emailing office@DiscoverJamestownND.com.  Applications must be received at Jamestown Tourism, 404 Louis L’Amour Ln, Jamestown, ND no later than 5 p.m. March 1, 2018. For more information, contact Searle Swedlund at 701-251-9145.

 

Jamestown (Chamber News Release)  One voice for the community was the common theme addressed at a recent meeting of community leaders organized by the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce.

Partnering with Jamestown Tourism, Jamestown-Stutsman Development Corporation, The Arts Center, and the Jamestown Downtown Association, the chamber and partners identified an initial core group to meet and discuss what the next steps should be to prepare and engage Jamestown for future growth and development. The discussion is a result of the initial Main Street Initiative meeting that was held in November with Governor Burgum and staff from the Dept. of Commerce; and the desire to move forward with a plan of action for the community. This core group of leaders determined that the most important aspect of a plan and engagement was to have one voice from the community that the residents and visitors alike hear, so they will understand what the goal and vision for the community will be.

 

Chamber Executive, Becky Thatcher-Keller says, many positive projects have taken place or are taking place that will enhance the quality of life that new and current residents alike are looking for. It was noted that in order to grow the community, this group needs to engage the younger generation and the professional community. We need to determine what, in the community, we have and what we may need, to improve to ensure they want to stay here to live, play, work and raise their families. There were some key priorities that were identified to begin the process, but more interaction and communication with additional groups and/or leaders will be taking place to move this process forward.

 

Some of the key segments represented included education; economic development; financial; business; tourism and the city government. The partners will continue working to facilitate future meetings and task force groups to address the identified priorities and additional priorities to develop a comprehensive plan.

For information, please contact Becky Thatcher-Keller, Executive Director of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce by emailing: director@jamestownchamber.com

 

Valley City  (NDDOT)  A Public Input Meeting will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on January 18, at the Eagles Club, 345 12th Avenue Northeast, Valley City, ND.  The meeting will utilize an open house format.

The purpose of the Public Input Meeting is to discuss the stabilization of Interstate 94 westbound roadway embankment and reconstruction of the damaged or distressed pavement.  Additionally, back slope stabilization will be required along the eastbound exit ramp at Interchange 290.  Stabilization is required due to an active landslide in the area.  Drainage improvements will be made along both locations. The meeting will provide opportunity for public input. Representatives from the NDDOT will be on hand to answer your questions and discuss your concerns.

 

If unable to attend the Public Input Meeting, written statements or comments must be mailed by February 2, 2018, to James Rath, ND Dept. of Transportation, 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505 or jrath@nd.gov with “Public Input Meeting” in the e-mail subject heading.

 

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) will consider every request for reasonable accommodation to provide:

 

  • an accessible meeting facility or other accommodation for people with disabilities,
  • language interpretation for people with limited English proficiency (LEP), and
  • translations of written material necessary to access NDDOT programs and information.

To request accommodations, contact Paula Messmer, Civil Rights Division, NDDOT, at 701‑328‑2978 or civilrights@nd.gov.   TTY users may use Relay North Dakota at 711 or 1‑800‑366‑6888.

 

 

Jamestown (CSi)  The Jamestown Arts Center, will host the annual Wine and Cheese Tasting event on Saturday January 20th from 7-p.m., to 9-p.m.

On Thursday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Arts Center Director, Larry Kopp said the funds raised will go toward general operating expenses.

Tickets at $35 dollars each are available at Cork & Barrel, the Arts Center or at the door.

He pointed out that at the event there will be six types of wines to taste along with various cheeses.

Wines will be available for purchase through Cork & Barrel.

The new exhibit is by Emily Williams Wheeler, with a Meet the Artist Luncheon set for Wednesday January 31st an noon at the Arts Center.  A small fee will be charged.

Kopp added that the Jamestown Arts Center will participate in Giving Hearts Day on February 8th with on line donations in conjunction with the Dakota Medical Foundation.

He said plans are to have a weekly series of programs at the Hansen Arts park in Downtown Jamestown, one night per week.

The Arts Center is working on the schedule with the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jamestown Downtown Association.

 

Thompson (NDHP)  The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports two people were killed Thursday morning about 10:45 in a head on crash  12 mile west of Thompson on Highway 15.

A 2007 Nissan Ultima driven by 19 year old Brendon Myron of Northwood was  westbound on Hwy. 15 negotiating a curve in the roadway.

A 2008  Chevrolet Uplander driven by 59 year old Scott Grund of Hatton was eastbound on Hwy. 15 negotiating the same curve in the roadway. The Nissan crossed the centerline into the eastbound lane of Hwy. 15. The Nissan and the Chevrolet struck head-on in the eastbound lane. After the collision, both vehicles came to rest upright on the north shoulder/partially in the north ditch of Hwy. 15.

Myron and Grund were transported by ambulance to Altru Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Occupants in the Uplander, a 59 year old female was transported by ambulance to Altru Hospital and was pronounced dead at the hospital, and  97 year old female was pronounced dead on scene.

The crash remains under investigation by the NDHP.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A task force assembled by the governors of North Dakota and Minnesota has released its final recommendations for re-starting a stalled Red River diversion project meant to protect Fargo and Moorhead, Minnesota, from a frequent spring flood threat.

But the recommendations released Thursday by the 16-member panel don’t include a location for a dam that would hold back water in times of serious flooding.

Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney says he expects engineers from the state of Minnesota and from the two cities to identify a location within a month.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton assembled the task force last year following a federal judge’s decision to shut down the $2.2 billion, 30-mile diversion project until it gets the necessary permits from Minnesota.

 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Declining numbers in a new monthly survey of bankers suggests the economy remains weak in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states.

The overall economic index for the region dropped to 46.8 this month, compared with the December reading of 47.8. The November figure was 44.7. Survey organizers say any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy in the months ahead.

The confidence index reflects expectations for the economy six months out, and it fell to 46.7 in the January survey from 51.2 in December.

However, Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says “year-over-year indices are trending higher.” The January number a year ago was 42.8.

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

 

 

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — Mexico is disputing President Donald Trump’s claim that it is the “most dangerous country in the world.” Mexico also says, again, that it will not pay for a border wall. Mexico’s Foreign Relations Department points out the most recent global comparison by the United Nations put Mexico far from being one of the most dangerous countries.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is creating an office aimed at protecting the religious rights of medical providers, including those who oppose abortion. The new enforcement unit will be part of the civil rights office at the Department of Health and Human Services. Democrats say it will undermine women’s rights to a legal medical procedure and could open a path for discrimination against transgender people.

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon has narrowed its search for a second headquarters city to 20 locations, concentrated mostly in the East and the Midwest. Toronto made the list as well Tuesday, keeping the company’s international options open. Other contenders include: Boston; New York; Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Indianapolis; Columbus, Ohio; and Los Angeles, the only West Coast city to make the cut.

KISSUFIM, Israel (AP) — Israel’s military says a secretive project building an underground wall along the border with the Gaza Strip is proving a major deterrent against militant digging attack tunnels from the Palestinian territory. In a briefing to reporters along the border, the military says the wall extends hundreds of feet below ground and that it is studded with sensors. It is also topped by a 26-foot metal fence.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health says the institution is in a “scramble” to prepare for a potential government shutdown at midnight Friday. Fauci spoke to The Associated Press Thursday as President Donald Trump and the GOP-led Congress sought a budget deal that would keep the government operating. Fauci said a shutdown would be “really quite disruptive.”