Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Apr 1

CSi Weather…

The National Weather Service in Bismarck has issued a

..A FLOOD WARNING FOR SNOWMELT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1230 PM CDT
FRIDAY FOR LAMOURE…DICKEY…KIDDER…LOGAN…MCINTOSH…EMMONS AND
STUTSMAN COUNTIES…

As of Monday afternoon, runoff from snowmelt has increased and is
expected to accelerate this upcoming week. Thus, overland flooding
and high water along small streams will expand across much of south
central North Dakota, between the Missouri River and the James River
Valley. This includes the Beaver Creek tributaries in Emmons County,
the tributaries of the James and Maple Rivers in Stutsman, LaMoure,
and Dickey Counties, as well as the Prairie Pothole region of
Kidder, Logan and McIntosh counties.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded
roads. Find an alternate route.

James River level through Jamestown.

Sheyenne River Level Though Valley City

Lake Ashtabula Level

National Weather Service 

Water amounts in the snow pack

 

 

Forecast…

.TONIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the upper 20s. West winds

10 to 15 mph.

.TUESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s. Northwest winds

15 to 20 mph.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. A 20 percent chance of light snow

in the evening. Lows in the lower 20s. Northwest

winds around 5 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the evening.

.WEDNESDAY…Sunny. Highs around 40. Southeast winds around

5 mph.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. Southeast

winds 5 to 10 mph.

.THURSDAY…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers in the

afternoon. Highs in the mid 40s.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows in the lower 30s.

.FRIDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows in the mid 30s.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain

showers. Lows around 40.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny with a 40 percent chance of rain showers.

Highs in the upper 50s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s.

 

Wednesday night-Thursday  the beginning of an extended period of warming temperatures that lasts through the weekend.

Various chances of showers. The threat of thunder  over the south Saturday.

 

 

Jamestown  (CSi) Jamestown Public works informs residents, that due to City utility repairs along 12^th Avenue SE from 11^th Street to 12^th Street, there will be temporary water outages throughout the day Tuesday, April 02, 2019.

12^th Avenue SE will also be closed from 11^th Street to 12^th Street, detours will be set up from 6:00 a.m. on April 2, 2019 until work is completed. Please proceed with caution and use alternate routes as available.

PLEASE NOTE:

The above schedule is contingent upon changing weather conditions.

PLEASE CALL THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT AT 252-5131 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council met in Regular Session on Monday evening at City Hall.  All members were present.

HEARING FROM THE AUDIENCE: (Individuals may address the City Council about any item not contained on the agenda. A maximum of 15 minutes is allotted for the hearing. If the full 15

minutes are not needed, the City Council will continue with the agenda. The City Council will take no official action on items discussed at the hearing, with the exception of referral to staff or Committee.)     No one spoke.

NO CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS DISCUSSED SEPARATELY:

 

REGULAR AGENDA:

 

RESOLUTIONS:

A  PUBLIC HEARING was held, Concerning the failure to comply with the notice of dangerous building condition at 617 3rd Ave NW.

No action as deemed necessary on the property at 617 3rd Ave NW.

City Building Inspector Tom Blackmore said the building was demolished on Monday.

ORDINANCES:

A  FIRST READING was held, concerning an ordinance to grant a non-exclusive gas distribution system franchise agreement to Montana Dakota Utilities.

APPOINTMENTS:

The City council appointed Leroy Gross  to serve as the City employee representative on the Pension Committee for a one year term to March 2020

Appointed Dan Buchanan to serve as the City Council representative on the Pension Committee for a one year term to March 2020.

Left open was an Appointment to serve as a member on the Forestry Committee for a three year term to April 2022.

Appointed Dan Buchanan to serve as the City Council representative on the Forestry Committee for a three year term to April 2022.

Appointed Carol  Jean Wolf  to serve as a City member on the James River Valley Library System Board to fill the unexpired term of Darlene Jung, March 2021.

Re-appointed the City Council to serve as members of the Storm Water Committee for a two year term to April 2021.

To re-appoint the City Engineer, City Administrator, City Building Inspector, Engineering Technician II, Public Works Chairperson, Street Foreman and Street Equipment Operator III to serve as members of the Storm Water Sub-Committee for a two year term to April 2021

Appointed Scot Hare, to serve as a member on the Special Assessment Commission for a six year term to April 2025.

 

MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORT:

Council Member Buchanan reported the State Legislature has approved and signed into law by Governor Burgum, for infrastructure from oil tax funds to pollical subdivisions outside the oil patch.  The dollars will be available in two years.

He said City Forester Sheri Steckler has resigned and he praised her work as City Forester.

Council Member Pam Phillips has become an Ex-Offico Member of the James River Valley Library System Board of Directors.

Council Member David Steele said he has spent time at, and work with, the North Dakota League of Cities.

Mayor Heinrich further explained North Dakota Senate Bill 2275 that would have benefited infrastructure, with a proposal to bond future earnings of legacy  fund dollars, and establish a pool of money into a revolving fund.

He praised the University of Jamestown and the community for supporting and a successful NAIA Women’s National Wrestling Tournament.

He also noted the success of the 2019 Runnin O’ The Green, and commended Jamestown Police and other city departments.

Council Member Brubakken congratulated the 2018-19 Jamestown Blue Jays Boy’s Basketball team on an undefeated season, the winning the State Class A Boy’s Basketball Tournament.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Consider approval of the appointment of the Honorable Peter K. Halbach as the second alternate municipal court judge effective immediately.

The appointment was approved.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67 followed by replays.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  A stormwater Utility has been established in Jamestown, to manage runoff in the city that flows off grass surfaces and wooded areas that is not absorbed into the soil.  Rainwater and snowmelt not absorbed into the ground, flows into ditches, culvert and the storm water system.

It does not receive any treatment to remove pollutants before entering into rivers and streams.

On Monday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Jamestown Mayor, Dwaine Heinrich said, the City of Jamestown is adopting  a Stormwater Utility Rate to fairly distribute the cost of the community’s stormwater services across all properties based on the total property area or size.

The services include everything from cleaning stormwater, oxbows, and ponds to street sweeping, plowing street maintenance and infrastructure  management.

The Mayor said, prior to creating Jamestown’s stormwater utility rate, stormwater initiatives were main funded through the operating budgets of the Water, Sanitary Collection, and Street Departments.  He added that some properties are tax-exempt, therefore charging a rate to all property owner is more equitable  than funding storm water maintenance with property taxes.

Residential properties have an average runoff weighting  factor of 10.75 and average of single family residential samples.  All residential including vacant properties starting July 1^st 2019 will pay a $3 monthly rate, regardless of property size.

Non residential  including vacant properties are subject to specific calculations based on land use and a calculated runoff weighting factor.  The average runoff weighting factor for non residential properties is 19.25.  The minimal monthly stormwater utility rate is also $3 for those properties.

More information at the city’s web site then click on specific links.

 

Valley City   (CSi)  A two vehicle crash about 8:30-a.m., Monday, near Valley City High School and a second unrelated incident at the high school led to a statement from Valley City Public Schools, on Monday morning.

The news release from Valley City Schools Superintendent Josh Johnson:

“This morning we had two unrelated incidents occurring in and around Valley City High School prior to 8:30am that has drawn the attention and concern of a few parents and community members. An ambulance was called for precautionary reasons to the Junior High/Senior High to assist with a possible medical concern. Around the same time, a vehicle accident occurred at the intersection of Central Ave and 5th Street North. This accident did not involve any of our students.”

The crash between two SUV’s occurred at the intersection of Central Avenue and 5th Street North.

One person was taken to CHI Mercy Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The other driver was not injured.

The crash is under investigation by the Valley City Police Department.

Update…

MANDAN, N.D. (AP) — The Latest on bodies found at a business in the Bismarck, North Dakota, suburb of Mandan.

North Dakota authorities say four people were found dead inside a property management company in Mandan and police are looking for a suspect.

Mandan police say they have not yet identified the deceased but the victims were three men and one woman. Authorities are not saying how they were killed.

The company, RJR Maintenance and Management, is in a business district about 100 yards back from a busy main road in Mandan known as the Strip. Mandan is a town of about 22,000 adjoining the state capital of Bismarck.

Previously…

MANDAN, N.D. (AP) — Police responding to a medical call at a North Dakota property-management business on Monday found “several” bodies, authorities said.The Mandan Police Department issued a three-sentence news release confirming that officers had found “several people who were deceased inside” the business in the city of about 22,000 just across the Missouri River west of Bismarck. Police did not say how many people were dead and did not immediately respond to requests for more details.People with friends or loved ones who work at RJR Maintenance and Management gathered beyond a police line outside the property, anxious for news about those inside, as several hours passed without additional information.Judy Praus, 70, said she was a longtime friend of the owner’s family and had just seen them at a restaurant Saturday. She said she also knew a lot of employees, and had no details on any of them.”When I was notified, I shattered. Unbelievable,” she said.Gina Kessel, 52, of Mandan, showed up at the business Monday to pick up her son, Mitchell Kessel, an employee there. She said Mitchell “called me, said something is going on.” She said he didn’t tell her what.The pair hugged, with both of them crying. Her son declined comment before going back behind a police line.A statement posted on the company’s website said the business was closed Monday. No one answered the phone at the business, which is somewhat isolated despite its location in a business district near a busy main road known as The Strip. A large empty lot sits in the front, a golf course in back and a soccer complex to one side.The state Bureau of Criminal Investigation said it was helping with the investigation but did not offer any details.Darin Helbling, a manager at a nearby bowling alley, said police asked to see his business’ surveillance video. Helbling said the video showed only a couple of vehicles on the road that separates the businesses since 10 p.m. Sunday.RJR’s website identified it as a family-owned company that has been handling commercial and residential properties in Bismarck and Mandan for more than 20 years. Its services include collecting rent for landlords, paying mortgages, re-renting apartments, building and grounds maintenance, lawn care, and snow removal. It also rents out storage units.

A “Meet Our Team” feature on the website pictured 22 employees.

Natasha Towne said her brother, Adam Fuehrer, has worked at the business for about eight years. She said she didn’t know his status and was frustrated at the lack of news. She declined to talk further.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s Senate has rejected a House bill that would create new concealed carry licenses allowing firearms at public gatherings.

The Senate killed the House bill on 36-11 on Monday.

The bill would require annual training equal to police and private security officers training.

Holders of the licenses would be exempt from state law’s ban on possessing a firearm at a public gathering, which includes athletic events, schools, churches and public buildings.

The Senate killed a similar House bill in 2017.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s House has killed a resolution that would expand the state’s higher education board from eight to 15 members.The House defeated the Senate resolution 46-42 on Monday.The House last month rejected legislation supported by Gov. Doug Burgum to change the state’s higher education governance from one board to two.Burgum wanted multiple boards, saying it would make North Dakota’s 11 colleges and universities more accountable.Backers say the resolution was a compromise.Voters must ultimately approve any changes to the higher education board because its structure is outlined in the state constitution.

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota farmers this spring are expected to plant a slightly bigger spring wheat crop than they did last year, and a record corn crop.

The Agriculture Department projects North Dakota’s staple spring wheat crop at 6.7 million acres, up 2 percent from 2018. The corn crop is forecast to be nearly 4.1 million acres, up 29 percent to a new high.

Soybean acreage is expected to fall 6 percent, to 6.5 million acres. The sugar beet crop is projected to be 203,000 acres, up slightly.

Other crops with expected increases are oil and non-oil sunflowers, barley and flaxseed.

Other crops with projected decreases are durum wheat, hay, canola, dry beans, dry peas, chickpeas, lentils and oats.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Gov. Doug Burgum’s plan to use millions of dollars from North Dakota’s voter-approved oil tax savings account for expansion of a National Guard training facility has been blunted by lawmakers as part of a compromise between the military and farmers and ranchers.

The first-term Republican governor in January unveiled the plan to use $15 million of the interest from the state’s Legacy Fund to purchase at least 6,000 acres of land for the expansion of Camp Grafton Training Center-South in Eddy County.

Farmers and ranchers in the area had worried about the safety of their families and livestock, increased noise and the loss of private agricultural land to the government,

A bill now considered by legislative budget writers would provide $600,000 for the purchase of 1,600 acres, and the potential long-term lease of 4,400 acres. The bill passed the Senate and is expected to be approved this week in the House.

Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, the commander of the North Dakota National Guard, said the expansion is needed to meet new military spacing and safety requirements for more powerful weapons, from machine guns to grenade launchers.

Dohrmann said the new plan “is the prudent way to advance” with the concerns from nearby landowners.

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, the state’s largest rancher organization, in September passed a resolution opposing the expansion, arguing private agricultural land should not be purchased by the government. The group represents more than 3,000 cattle-ranching families.

The group later walked back its opposition, saying it would not oppose land transactions between “willing sellers and buyers.”

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s top oil regulator is trying to convince legislators in Washington state that a proposal they’re considering to reduce the volatility of Bakken crude oil transported by rail is not supported by science.

The Washington Senate voted last month to mandate a lower vapor pressure limit for Bakken crude shipped through the state by rail, aiming to limit fiery derailments.

The Bismarck Tribune reports that the Department of Mineral Resources has requested state money to sue Washington if the legislation advances. Data from North Dakota’s Pipeline Authority shows that refineries in Washington state are the primary destination for Bakken deliveries of crude by rail, with daily averages of 200,000 barrels.

Federal authorities have mandated regional response teams for oil train wrecks after a series of fiery derailments since 2013.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A spiritual leader from Nevada is delivering the North Dakota Legislature’s first Hindu prayer.Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, visited the Capitol on Monday and offered the opening floor session prayer in the Senate. He is scheduled to deliver a prayer in the House on Tuesday.Zed is a native of India. He says he has delivered prayers in about 17 statehouses and the U.S. Senate.In his prayer, Zed told senators in Sanskrit and English to “do your work with the welfare of others in mind.”Zed wore an orange robe and paint on his forehead that he said symbolized auspiciousness.

 

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — A career official in the White House security office says dozens of people in President Donald Trump’s administration were granted access to classified information despite “disqualifying issues” in their backgrounds including concerns about foreign influence, drug use and criminal conduct.

The official, Tricia Newbold, says she compiled a list of at least 25 White House officials who were initially denied security clearances because of their backgrounds. But she says Trump aides overturned those decisions.

Newbold’s allegations were laid out in a letter released Monday by Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, the chairman of the House Oversight and Reform committee.

Cummings, a Democrat, has been investigating White House security clearances. He says he plans to issue subpoenas to White House officials as part of the probe.

 

 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Grammy-nominated and widely respected West Coast rapper Nipsey Hussle was killed outside his Los Angeles clothing store, Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted Sunday.

Police confirmed three men were shot Sunday and one of them killed outside Marathon Clothing, the store Hussle owns. All three men were taken to hospitals, where one of them was declared dead.

Police didn’t say that 33-year-old Hussle was the person who died. Representatives for the rapper didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking confirmation.

Police said the other two men were in stable condition. The gunman fled, and no arrests have been made.

Garcetti tweeted, “Our hearts are with the loved ones of Nipsey Hussle.”

Hussle released successful mixtapes and earned a Grammy nomination for his 2018 major-label debut album.

 

 

 

LONDON (AP) — British lawmakers have started voting on four alternatives to the government’s thrice-rejected Brexit deal.

Rather than the usual procedure of voting with their feet by walking through “aye” and “no” lobbies, members of Parliament are each receiving a paper ballot listing all four options.

Legislators have half an hour to vote before ballots are collected and counted. Results are due around 2100 GMT (5 p.m. EDT).

The options include remaining in a customs union with the EU and holding a new referendum on Britain’s membership in the bloc.

 

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden is pushing back against comparisons of the former vice president’s embrace of women during official ceremonies and an allegation he touched a Nevada Democratic candidate without invitation.

Aides say specifically that an image of Biden with his hands on the shoulders of Stephanie Carter, the wife of former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, during his 2015 swearing-in was misleadingly used to bolster the claim by 2014 Nevada lieutenant governor nominee Lucy Flores.

Stephanie Ashcroft wrote in a Medium piece Sunday that “it is high time that I reclaim” the story, which she writes included Biden comforting her when she was nervous.

Biden says he does not recall Flores’ allegation in a Friday New York Magazine piece that he approached her from behind, touched her shoulders and kissed her head.

 

EL PASO, Texas (AP) — The Trump administration says it may pull as many as 2,000 inspectors from border crossings to handle a surge of families arriving at the U.S.- Mexico border, many of them Central American asylum seekers.

The temporary reassignments, up from 750 inspectors previously, threatens to slow the movement of trucks bringing televisions, medical devices and other goods to the U.S. It also could create delays for cross-border commuters who come for work and school.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said Monday the reassignments are necessary to help manage a massive influx of migrants straining the system and overflowing border facilities.

The administration is also ramping up its efforts to return asylum seekers to Mexico, and planning to expand the program to other areas beyond the Calexico and El Paso ports in Texas and the San Ysidro port in California.

 

 

ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Embattled Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika says he will step down before his fourth term ends on April 28.

In a short statement issue on Monday, the president’s office said Bouteflika would take “important steps to ensure the continuity of the functioning of state institutions” during a transition period following his departure from the post he’s held since 1999.

Millions of Algerians have been holding weekly protests nationwide to demand that Bouteflika leave office along with his cadre of loyalists. The 82-year-old president has been in public rarely since he suffered a stroke in 2013.

He originally declared his candidacy for a fifth term, then withdrew and postponed the election in response to the massive protests.