CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Clear. Lows in the lower 60s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 20 mph after midnight.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. West winds 10 to 15 mph

increasing to northwest 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Clear. Lows in the lower 60s. Northwest winds

5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the evening.

.SATURDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. West winds around 5 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy in the evening, then partly
cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms
after midnight in the Jamestown area,  40 percent in the Valley City area. Lows in the mid 60s.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 50s.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 50s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Slight chance of showers and

thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the lower 60s.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.

 

An isolated severe thunderstorm is possible Thursday afternoon. The
primary hazards will be quarter size hail and wind gusts to 60
mph.

There is a chance of thunderstorms across portions of the region
Saturday night and again Monday night.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  Jamestown Public works informs motorists that beginning Friday, July 26, 2019 traffic will be restricted in areas to one lane north and one lane south on 5th Ave NE from 5th St NE to 13th St and one lane east and one lane west on 13th St from 5th Ave to 27th Ave. These lane restriction areas will change dependent on the work being done and will continue until work is complete.

Motorist should use extreme caution in this area.

 

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Corp of Engineers)  – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is reducing outflows into the Sheyenne River at Baldhill Dam, located northwest of Valley City, North Dakota, to approximately 50 cubic feet per second, or cfs, beginning Sunday, July 28.

 

Outflows are being reduced in order for the U.S. Geological Survey to perform maintenance on survey equipment downstream from the dam.

 

Lake Ashtabula’s pool is currently at an elevation of 1,265.8 feet and is expected to climb to near 1,266 feet during this time.

 

Corps staff plan to resume outflows to 470 cfs by mid-week next week.

 

Baldhill Dam forms Lake Ashtabula on the Sheyenne River. Congress authorized the construction of Baldhill Dam in 1944 to stabilize flows on the Sheyenne River. The dam, which was completed in 1951, serves as a multi-purpose facility, providing water supply, flood abatement, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council’s  Police & Fire Committee, Public Works Committee met Thursday evening at City Hall.

Council Member Phillips was not present.

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE  No agenda items at this time.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:

Considered was the New Phase Energy conclusions and recommendations from the Feasibility Study of the Biogas-to-Renewable Natural Gas Project for the City of Jamestown Wastewater Treatment Plant …. and recommending approval to correct maintenance concerns, and initiate the digester gas resource data collection program… and proceed with installation and operation of a biogas data collection system.

NPE presented the feasibility study converting sewage gas to natural gas, and cleaning the final natural gas product. Financing options were also considered and state grants available, and loan structures.  It was determined that oxygen was present in the system which needs to be remedied.  The flow volume was determined to be adequate.

No new pipeline will be necessary to connect to the Montana Dakota Utilities pipeline.

The study shows the project is feasible, for this purpose and selling renewable natural “Brown gas,” and “Green gas.”

To go forward, NPE recommends eliminating the oxygen in the system and addressing a hydrogen sulfide issue. Also to replace the existing flow meter, and to initiate a three month data collection, and monitoring program.  Costs were also discussed.

NPE recommends the project go forward, following steps to be taken.

The committee recommends approving going forward on the project as outlined by NPE.

The committee recommends  approval of the 2019-2020 Minnesota Valley Laboratories, Inc. testing cost proposals to monitor ground water, storm water, leachate and landfill gas to meet the landfill permits and storm water permits.   The cost is just over $59,000.

The committee recommends entering into an agreement with Interstate Engineering, Inc., for the design of plans and specifications of the 2019-2020 NDDOT Safe Routes to School Project which will be specially assessed to the Jamestown Public School District, as agreed to by the school board.

City Engineer project updates were presented in the committees drop boxes.

Garbage collection update.

Sanitation Foreman Roger Mayhew said due to muddy conditions the landfill was closed for a period of time, until it dries out.  With four day collections, some residents are not remembering to place the garbage out in the proper locations, due to recent changes, but he said the residents are adjusting to the changes.

 

Recycling collection update….  Recycle North Dakota manager Ralph Freibel said the old building will be closed out. He said the amount of garbage items found in recycling material is less than previously.

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

 

Jamestown   (CSi)  The Stutsman County Commission approved a final preliminary budget at a special meeting Wednesday, July 24.

The preliminary budget contains,  a 0.95 mill rate increase, a $115,000 increase over the 2018 budget, from $73.5 million to $74.45 million.

On a $150,000 home the property tax increase amounts to $6.41 and on a commercial property, $7.13, with the same value.

Budget cuts include cutting a fulltime position, and a workforce reduction.

The new expenditures for County employees salaries, comes to six percent over last year’s budget, with the 7.5% cost of living adjustment, with county employees, receiving a 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment.  Some will have salary increases and grade adjustments, base on information received in a salary survey comparing Stutsman County to similar state positions.

The budget is due August 10 this year.

The final budget meeting is set Tuesday for October 1, at 6-p.m., following the Regular Meeting of the Stutsman County Commission.

 

Valley City (CSi)  The Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce announces that Sanford Health has organized the new series,  “Summer Nights, On Central.”

On a recent Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, the Valley City Chamber’s, Event Coordinator, Mikayla Gustafson said, the musical entertainment will feature three area bands on Thursday July 11, 18, and 25 on Central Avenue, from 6-p.m., to 9-p.m., with vendors setting up at 5:30-p.m.

The final band lineup is:

Enjoy live music, fun for the kids, late-night shopping and food from a variety of vendors. Beverages will be served by the Valley City Eagles Club (wristbands required for ages 21-plus). Vendors open at 5:30 p.m. and concerts run from 6-9 p.m. on Central Ave.

Admission is free with all ages welcome.

 

Jamestown   (CSi)  The Jamestown Arts Center, presents another Arts Market, at Hansen Arts Park, in Downtown Jamestown.

 July 25th at the Boulder Pavilion Stage is OPEN MIC NIGHT!   With: The Jamestown High School Prep Band.  Poets, writers, musicians, comedians, solos, duos, and any and all performers are welcome to share your talent at open mic night. Please limit your piece to 10 minutes. Facilitated by local musician Steve Kuykendall.

Come to the Arts Market on Thursday evenings 5:30 to 8:30-pm through August this summer.

August 1. Bolder Shades of Blue with Kevin Locke (Native Hoop Dancer)

August 8. Blue Wailers With the Steve K Band

August 15. Kicks Band of Fargo-Moorhead.  The Great Outdoors with Prairie Hills Singers, Men’s Quartet

August 29.  Open Mic Night with the Stevie K Band

Arts Center Director, Mindi Schmitz says, VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: With all the added activities, we are in need of additional volunteers. Every Thursday evening from 5:00 – 9:00 pm we are looking for extra help and every Saturday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm we are looking for gallery sitters.

 

Jamestown  (JRMC) – Golfers and golf enthusiasts are making cancer care in Jamestown a hole in one.

JRMC Foundation Director Lisa Jackson says, more than 100 golfers helped raise $20,000 at Jamestown Regional Medical Center’s Golf “FORE” Good event on July 19. The proceeds support the JRMC Cancer Center.

She says, “With the opening of the cancer center, this year was extra special,” Jackson said. “Thank you to the sponsors, players and volunteers who made it possible.”

Cancer is the leading cause of death for Stutsman County residents ages 45-84. And in a 60-mile radius of Jamestown, 252 people are diagnosed or die from cancer each year. Now that the JRMC Cancer Center is open, those residents no longer have to travel out of town for chemotherapy services.

In addition to raising money for the JRMC Cancer Center, golfers also raised $200 for the Continue Aiding Recipients Affected by Cancer Evermore (C.A.R.E.) Endowment Fund. The  C.A.R.E. fund, established by Barb and Curt Togstad, provides gas cards to patients at JRMC.

Each player also received a commemorative shot glass as part of the “Best Shot of the Day” celebration in memory of the late Jerry Baenen, a long-time supporter of JRMC and other community organizations.

“Golf “FORE” Good is always a great time for a great cause. We have fun, however, we also remember the people who need our help and have touched our hearts,” Jackson said.

Golf “FORE” Good tournament winners include:

1st Hillerud Construction

2nd    University of Jamestown

1st Great River Energy

2nd Unison Bank

Hole Contest Winners include:

1          Closest in Two – Mark Domek

2          Men’s Longest Drive – Jakobi Lux

3        Closest to the Right Fairway Bunker… – Jeanne Witt

4          Closest to the Pin – Dustin Jensen

5          Ladies Longest Drive – Sierra Bennion

6          Aurelius Driver Challenge – Calvin Leyendecker

10         Men’s Shortest Drive –Dan McGough

11         Longest Putt – Sarah Lacher

16         Ladies Shortest Drive – Mallory Schulz

Other winners include:

  • Putting Contest: Mark Domek (3 Inches away)
  • 50/50 Cash Raffle: Michelle Bruns
  • Golf Pong: Mike Gergen, Calvin Leyendecker & Brent Giesler tied, Tie breaker went to Mike

Sponsors include:

  • JRMC Auxiliary
    • Community MRI
    • Hillerud Construction
    • Sanford Health

 

  • Great River Energy

 

  • Ottmar & Ottmar P.C.
  • Eide Bailly
  • BCBSND
  • Delta Dental
  • FocusOne
  • Climate Control
  • Compeer Financial

 

  • BWBR
  • Barb and Curt Togstad Continue Aiding Recipients Affected by Cancer Evermore (C.A.R.E.) Endowment Fund
  • Casey’s General Store
  • Davis
  • Dakota Central
  • DCI Credit Services, Inc.
  • Dixon Golf
  • Dr. Mary Aaland
  • Ed Ryan “Read to Them”
  • Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Jetstream Car Wash
  • Papa Murphy’s
  • Shady’s Restaurant & Lounge
  • The Pix Squad
  • Vaaler Insurance, Inc.
  • Vogel Law Firm
  • Wilhelm Chevrolet Buick GMC+

Next year’s event is set for Friday, July 17, 2019.

To learn more about the JRMC Cancer Center, visit www.jrmcnd.com/cancer. Photos and article

 

Update…

– Kaitlyn Heinonen, 16, has been located by officers, according to the Fargo Police Department.

Earlier, Thursday Fargo police said the missing 16-year-old girl had been communicating with her mother.

Previously…

(Valley News Live)  The Fargo Police Department is asking for help in finding Kaitlyn Heinonen.

Heinonen is 16-years-old, 5’9″, about 205 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Police say Kaitlyn has “Dorothy” above a rose on her right shoulder tattooed on her.

It is unknown what she was last wearing, and her last known location was at My Place Hotel, 2555 55 St. S.

If you have any information as to her whereabouts, you are asked to call 701.451.7660

 

 

Jamestown  (NDFU)  North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) welcomed on Thursday’s USDA release of Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payment details.

NDFU President Mark Watne says, “This is everything Farmers Union has worked on for months.  When other groups were telling us payments wouldn’t happen, we stood up and said, ‘It has to happen.  We appreciate Sen. (John) Hoeven’s leadership efforts on behalf of family farmers.”

With net farm income plummeting for a sixth consecutive year and crop markets devastated by a trade war with China, farmers will receive payments for every commodity covered under Title 1 of the Farm Bill, regardless of what crops they produce in 2019, according to USDA. Every county in the nation has been assigned a payment rate that ranges from $15 to $150.

Watne noted, “If the trade war continues, this will be the beginning of payments farmers will need for survival.  This payment isn’t peanuts. It will make a difference.”

Producers can sign up for MFP payments starting Monday, July 29, thru Friday, Dec. 6. Fifty percent of the payment will be distributed in mid-to-late August. If market conditions and trade opportunities improve, payments will be discontinued. If market conditions don’t improve, 25% of the payment will be paid in November and the final 25% in early January.

To learn more about payment rates, crops and livestock covered, and payment limitations, go to farmers.gov.

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Fargo is joining 2,000 cities, counties and tribal governments that are suing pharmaceutical companies they claim have been “fueling the flood” of opioids.

KFGO reports Fargo claims in its civil lawsuit that Purdue Pharma and several other drug companies are at fault for opioid addictions that have resulted increased crime in the city, primarily burglaries and thefts.

Police Chief Dave Todd attributes the increase to “rampant drug use and addiction.”

The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of damages, the establishment of an abatement fund, plus related medical and law enforcement costs.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (NDNG) – Six Soldiers from the North Dakota National Guard’s 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge) will be honored at 1 p.m. on July 27 as they prepare to serve in the U.S. Central Command (CENTOM) area of operations in Kuwait. The sendoff open house will be held in room 386 at the Raymond J. Bohn armory in Bismarck, and is open to the public.

Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, adjutant general for the North Dakota National Guard, will host the event.

The Soldiers train at Fort Bliss, Texas before traveling overseas where they will serve as engineer technical assistance and advisors for at least one year. The unit was alerted in Nov. 2017.

The officer in charge of the detachment is 1st Lt. Ryan Blumhagen of Drake, North Dakota and the senior non-commissioned officer is Staff Sgt. Taylor Braaten, of Fargo.

The unit deployed to Iraq from 2003 to 2004 and sent about 90 to Kosovo from 2009 to 2010 in support of North Dakota National Guard-led NATO peacekeeping mission.

Who: Six Soldiers from the 957th Engineer Company

What: Sendoff off open house in preparation for mobilization

When: 1 p.m., Saturday, July 27

Where: Raymond J. Bohn armory (room 386), 4200 Miriam Ave, Bismarck, N.D.

 

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is blocking election security bills in Congress, despite former special counsel Robert Mueller’s warning that Russian interference is going on right now.

That’s according to Democrats, who are being rebuffed in attempts to advance the bills.

The Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer of New York, is pledging to keep putting forward requests to vote on legislation, including a House-passed bill. It would authorize $775 million in grants over the next two years to help states secure their voting systems.

Schumer says Mueller’s testimony “should be a wake-up call.”

McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, has said federal officials are making strides at improving election security. Republicans are saying no new money is needed immediately.

Mueller testified Wednesday that Russians were interfering “as we sit here.”

 

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department says it will carry out executions of federal death row inmates for the first time since 2003.

The department says five inmates will be executed, starting in December.

In 2014, President Barack Obama directed the department to conduct a review of capital punishment and issues surrounding lethal injection drugs. That review resulted in what effectively was a freeze on executions.

The department says the Bureau of Prisons has completed the review and the executions can continue.

 

 

NEW YORK (AP) — Jeffrey Epstein was found injured on the floor of his cell in the federal jail where he is awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, a person familiar with the episode tells The Associated Press.

The person said Thursday that it wasn’t clear whether bruising on his neck was self-inflicted or from an assault.

The financier was treated and remains in custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City.

The person wasn’t authorized to discuss the case and spoke on condition of anonymity.

There was no immediate response from jail officials and one of Epstein’s lawyers.

A judge has denied bail to Epstein, ruling that he poses a danger to the public.

Epstein is accused of having sex with girls as young as 14. He’s pleaded not guilty.

 

 

DETROIT (AP) — A top California official says four automakers who reached a fuel economy and pollution deal with California came to the state with the proposal.

California Air Resources Board Chairwoman Mary Nichols says the state hopes others will join them, and Gov. Gavin Newsom says they’re reaching out to other automakers.

State officials say they haven’t heard from the Trump administration since February.

Ford, BMW, Volkswagen and Honda reached a deal with California to increase fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards through 2026. The move is an end run around the Trump administration, which wants to freeze the requirements at 2021 levels.

 

LONDON (AP) — EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker has told Britain’s new Prime Minister Boris Johnson that the bloc’s member nations will not give in to his demand to renegotiate the Brexit withdrawal treaty.

Juncker called the existing deal “the best and only agreement possible.”

Juncker and Johnson had their first phone conversation late Thursday since Johnson took over from Theresa May as Britain’s leader.

Johnson has insisted that the current agreement to leave the EU and arrangements regarding the Irish border were not good enough and had to be renegotiated.

An EU official with knowledge of the exchange said that despite Juncker’s refusal to reopen the legal 585-page legal agreement, Juncker said he “remains at the disposal of the United Kingdom to add language” to a political text on future relations and “to analyze any ideas put forward by the United Kingdom, providing they are compatible with the withdrawal agreement.”

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the confidentiality of the phone call.