Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Oct 7

CSi Weather…

TONIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 40s. South winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts to around 25 mph.

.TUESDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. South winds around10 mph.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the mid 40s.

Southeast winds around 5 mph.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly cloudy. A 30 percent chance of rain in the afternoon in the Jamestown area, 20 percent in the Valley City area. Highs in the mid 50s. Northeast winds 5 to 15 mph increasing to north 15 to 25 mph in the afternoon.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Rain likely in the evening, then snow possibly

mixed with rain after midnight. Lows in the lower 30s. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.

.THURSDAY…Snow. Snow may be heavy at times in the morning.

Windy. Highs in the lower 30s.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Snow likely. Lows in the upper 20s. Chance of

snow 70 percent.

.FRIDAY…Snow likely. Snow may be heavy at times. Windy. Highs

in the lower 30s. Chance of snow 60 percent.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow.

Snow may be heavy at times in the evening. Windy. Lows in the

upper 20s.

.SATURDAY…Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow.

Windy. Highs in the mid 30s.

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

Windy. Lows in the upper 20s.

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

.COLUMBUS DAY…Partly sunny. Highs 35 to 40.

 

Accumulating snow will likely begin across northwest North Dakota

Tuesday night, and then spread across all of western and central

North Dakota Wednesday and Wednesday night. The heavier snow may

occur Wednesday night through Thursday across southwest and

central North Dakota. A second round of snowfall will be possible

for eastern areas of the state Friday and Saturday. Strong winds

are also expected with this storm, and may cause some blowing

snow. There remains plenty of uncertainty regarding snowfall

amounts and where the heavier snow will fall. Be prepared for

travel impacts from winter weather Wednesday through the end of

this week. Make sure to keep up to date with the forecast over the

next couple of days.

 

Omaha, NE (USACE) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers increased releases from Pipestem Dam Monday, Oct 7, 2019, to 700 cubic feet per second. After evaluating channel conditions through the City of Jamestown (N.D.), releases will be increased to 800 cfs.  Jamestown Dam will continue to release 600 cfs, for a total combined release of 1,400 cfs by the end of the week.

Additional rain has increased runoff forecasts into the reservoirs.

Pipestem Reservoir on Monday was  at pool elevation 1460.0 feet, 17.5 feet above the base of the flood control zone, and rising. The inflow is near 950 cfs. Jamestown Reservoir is currently at pool elevation 1432.6 feet, 1.6 feet above the base of the flood control zone, and rising. The inflow is near 900 cfs.

Basin conditions will be continuously evaluated and adjustments to the releases will be made as needed.  High river flows continue downstream of Jamestown into South Dakota on the James River, and conditions on the entire James River basin are considered in determining project releases. The target date for evacuation of flood control storage from Pipestem and Jamestown reservoirs is Nov. 1

The Corps of Engineers is coordinating with the Bureau of Reclamation and the City of Jamestown.  Combined releases could increase if basin conditions warrant.

Jamestown (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council met in Regular Session, 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.)  No One Spoke.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

A Resolution was considered and approved    regarding the City’s request, approved by the JSDC, for Economic Development Funds for the City of Jamestown to acquire for the National Guard one-time payment of up to $350,000 for a 40-year lease at the Airport Industrial Park at the City/County 80/20 split.

Mayor Heinrich told CSiNews.com the National Guard proposes building the Armory at a cost of between $24 million and $26 million at the Jamestown Regional Airport, Industrial Park.

He said that approval of funding also needs to come from federal officials, and the North Dakota state legislature. He said the city’s action is the first step in the process.

He pointed out that the National Guard now pays the city $14,000 a year for space at the Jamestown Civic Center. He added that with the Armory out of the building, the Civic Center will have additional space, as needed.

A Resolution regarding the request from the Jamestown Community Correction Program, a not-for-profit regional community service and restitution program organization, to fund the program in 2020 in the amount of $6 for each hour of community service ordered by Municipal Court (an increase of $2), $20 per noncompliance report (an increase of $10), and consider approval and authorize the signing of the Jamestown Community Correction Program Agreement for January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, and to approve these changes be made to the existing agreement, was moved to November’s Finance and Legal Committee meeting.

Other Consent Agenda items were all approved.

RESOLUTIONS:

Approved was Change Order No. 1, to Scherbenske Inc., on 2019 Watermain Replacement Project for a time extension to November 6, 2019, and for an increase in the contract price of $21,868.40.

Approved was Change Order No. 1, to LD Concrete, on 2019 Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter District #19-11, for an increase in the contract price of $17,729.20.

PUBLIC HEARINGS: Concerning the following special assessment lists:

1) Concerning the special assessment list for the Paving Improvement 5th St NE District 16-42.  No One Spoke.

2) Concerning the special assessment list for the Paving Improvement 20TH St SW District 16-43.  No One Spoke.

3) Concerning the special assessment list for the NW Watermain Rehabilitation District #17-61.  No One Spoke.

4) Concerning the special assessment list for the Safe Routes To School Sidewalk District 18-21.  No One Spoke.

5) Concerning the special assessment list for the Seal Coat, Patching, Construction and Reconstruction. District #18-41.No One Spoke.

Concerning the special assessment list for the Retaining Wall Assessment Frontier Village District #18-42.

Approved were the special assessments for the following projects:

Paving Improvement 5th St NE District 16-42, in the total amount of $2,838,689.21, less the City Share of $696,136.11, with the balance of $2,142,553.10 to be assessed to benefited properties within the district.

Paving Improvement 20TH St SW District 16-43, in the total amount of $2,443,008.04, less the City Share of $610,752.01, with the balance of $1,832,256.03 to be assessed to benefited properties within the district.

NW Watermain Rehabilitation District #17-61, in the total amount of $1,497,889.02, less the City Share of $679,171.38, with the balance of $818,717.64 to be assessed to benefited properties within the district.

Safe Routes To School Sidewalk District 18-21, in the total amount of $165,804.16, less the City Share of $41,451.04, with the balance of $124,353.12 to be assessed to benefited properties within the district.

Seal Coat, Patching, Construction and Reconstruction District #18-41, in the total amount of $2,627,904.29, less the City Share of $603,349.97, with the balance of $2,024,554.32 to be assessed to benefited properties within the district.

Retaining Wall Assessment Frontier Village District #18-42, in the total amount of $223,310.68, less the NDDOT Grant of $104,097.31, with the balance of $119,213.37 to be assessed to benefited properties within the district.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  None were given.

ORDINANCES:

PUBLIC HEARING: Concerning the proposed budget for City General and Special Funds for the fiscal period January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020.

Council Member Brubakken expressed concerns about hiring new positions, before seeing the results in Sales Tax increase.

The City Council Passed the SECOND READING: Ordinance No. 1521, pertaining to the appropriation of the General and Special Funds for the fiscal year January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020.

The City Council Passed the SECOND READING: Ordinance pertaining to the appropriation of the Revenue and Special Funds for the fiscal year January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORT:

Council Member Phillips reported on The League of Cities meeting, noting that Mayor Heinrich was elected to the board.   She also attended the Anne Carlsen Center meeting, outlining funds raised to construct the new campus, and updates to the plans.  She also reported on other recent meetings she attended.

Council Member David Steele also congratulated the Anne Carlson Center.  He said there was good participation in the recently held, Pop Up event, regarding the proposed trail through Jamestown. He pointed out the increase in flows from Jamestown and Pipestem Dams, and urged residents along the river to clear obstructions.

Mayor Heinrich said the city will keep its  eyes on the dam releases, and river levels.

 

Council Member Buchanan pointed out the recent Jamestown Arbor Day Celebration, on September 27, where 20 trees were planted at the Civic Center, and that six grade students also were present, along with Civic Center, staff, and the proclamation was read by Mayor Heinrich.

Mayor Heinrich wished Harold Sad, the best upon his retirement.

OTHER BUSINESS

A Resolution was approved to direct the City Administrator to notify the County that the City of Jamestown should be exempt from the County Library Levy as the City maintains its own library levy.

A Resolution was approved, to direct the City Administrator to certify the tax levies to the County for the fiscal period January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020.

Considered were options for the city-owned, damaged storage building, located at Railroad Avenue, on 3^rd Street and stormwater mitigation at 1100 Railroad Drive.

The structure was significantly damaged from a roof collapse last winter from snow accumulations.

City Building Inspector Tom Blackmore there were no quotes received on reconstruction, and two demolition quotes.

The City Council voted unanimously to demolish the building, and request quotes.

The City Council discussed a recommendation for the position of Street Foreman, to succeed the retired, Harold Sad.

Council Member Brubakken said a four person city committee recommends the appointment of Richard Lipetsky, from the street department,which was unanimously approved.  A new hire will be added to the street department to take Lipetsky’s former position.

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

 

Jamestown (CSi)  Jamestown Mayor, Dwaine Heinrich reminds residents, that a Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, October 24, at 2:30-p.m., at City Hall, concerning the request by Eagle Flats Apartments, LLC on a Tax Abatement request.

On Monday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Mayor Heinrich said,  the tax abatement request is for a period of fifteen (15) years for the development of a four story, low to moderate income based multi-unit residential building with green space, parking and some commercial space downtown.  (The former Eagles Club Building, on 2nd Street and 2nd Avenue, Southwest).

Eagle Flats, involves demolishing the current vacant Eagles building and constructing a multi-story housing unit.

Following the Public Hearing a Special City Council meeting will be held to vote on the request.

That will follow the Council’s Public Works and Police & Fire Committee meetings that start at 4-p.m., to be shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.

Bismarck  (CSi)   Shane Hitch, a sophomore at Valley City State University majoring in software engineering, has been awarded a $22,000 scholarship to the Applied Cybersecurity certificate program operated by SANS Technology Institute. Hitch, one of only 100 students nationwide to receive the scholarship, was a finalist in the SANS Cyber FastTrack challenge, a free online cybersecurity program for college students and graduates designed to help improve the quality and preparation of cybersecurity professionals in this growing, global career field.

Hitch competed over several months to solve more than 250 cybersecurity challenges. More than 13,000 students completed the first phase of this year’s Cyber FastTrack. Over the course of several months, the competition was narrowed to 2,579 quarterfinalists, then 541 semi-finalists, and finally 100 finalists from 63 schools across 28 states who were selected to receive a full scholarship for advanced cyber skills training through the SANS Technology Institute.

More information and photos posted at CSiNewsNow.com

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A man whose life sentence was overturned in the death of a North Dakota woman whose baby was cut from her womb was re-sentenced Monday to 20 years in prison after he apologized and pleaded for leniency in front of a nearly empty courtroom.

(Ann Arbor Miller/The Forum via AP, Pool File)

There were no apologies from East Central District Judge Tom Olson for the life sentence he gave to William Hoehn last year for his role in the 2017 killing of Savanna Greywind, only for the state Supreme Court to overturn it on appeal.

“I want to sentence you to as long as I can by law,” Olson told Hoehn. The judge somberly noted that Greywind’s child, who survived the attack, will still be in high school when Hoehn is eligible for parole, although his exact release date will likely be decided by the state Department of Corrections.

“That is something that has struck in all of us,” prosecutor Leah Viste said afterward.

The state Supreme Court ruled in August that Olson had mistakenly deemed Hoehn a dangerous special offender based on his previous crimes, which would have made him eligible for a life sentence, and said Olson shouldn’t have strayed from maximum allowable sentence of 21 years. Olson handed out the maximum the second time around — 20 years for conspiracy to commit kidnapping and one year for lying to police — but said state statutes forced him to allow Hoehn to serve the sentences at the same time.

Hoehn pleaded guilty to those two charges, but he was tried and acquitted in September 2018 on a third charge, conspiracy to commit murder. His lawyer argued that Hoehn’s girlfriend, Brooke Crews, was the mastermind behind the killing and that Crews admitted she had sliced Greywind’s baby from her womb. Crews pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Viste believed Hoehn could have received the full 21 years but said Olson “read the law differently” and she wasn’t going to quibble over something “not terribly significant.”

Before the sentence was pronounced, Hoehn apologized to the Greywind family even though none of them appeared to be among the fewer than a dozen observers in the courtroom.

“I think about and pray for them every single day. Every day,” Hoehn said, beginning a five-minute speech that Viste said “fell flat” with her.

Hoehn showed little reaction after being sentenced, although his attorney, Scott Brand, said in an interview that his client was “quite distraught.” The two men chatted for several minutes at the end of the hearing about possible next steps, which Brand said could include an appeal.

Bismarck  (NDDOT) – As fall back to school activities increase, law enforcement across the state will have extra patrols to enforce the law on underage drinking, as well as conduct compliance checks and shoulder taps as a part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

This enforcement effort is to remind those under 21 that drinking alcohol underage is illegal.  Law enforcement will educate young drivers that no matter your age, driving under the influence of alcohol is not only illegal but also dangerous. If underage persons are found to be consuming or in possession of alcohol, those individuals could face fines and end up in court.

Preliminary data in 2019 indicates 40% of crash fatalities in North Dakota are alcohol-related.

Consuming alcohol underage is illegal and choosing to drive while under the influence can result in a lifetime of consequences. It is vital underage drivers understand the importance of taking personal responsibility and refraining from this risk-taking behavior,” says Stutsman County Sheriff Chad Kaiser.

Alcohol and drug-related crashes are 100% preventable. Many lives would be saved in North Dakota each year if every driver consistently makes the choice to always drive sober, designate a sober driver, or use a ride-hailing service.

This campaign is part of the Vision Zero strategy to eliminate motor vehicle crash fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roads.

 

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is opposing President Donald Trump’s plan to pull U.S. troops from northern Syria. It’s a rare policy split between the Senate’s top Republican and Trump.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is also against Trump’s decision. But the California Democrat is using far stronger language than McConnell.

McConnell says an early U.S. withdrawal “would only benefit Russia, Iran” and Syrian President Bashar Assad, who’s waged an eight-year civil war against Syrian opposition forces. The Kentucky Republican says it would make it easier for ISIS to rebuild. McConnell says U.S. interests are not well served by “retreat or withdrawal.”

Pelosi says a withdrawal is “reckless” and would “betray” Kurds who have helped fight ISIS. She calls it “a foolish attempt to appease an authoritarian strongman” — a seeming reference to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats have issued subpoenas to Defense Secretary Mark Esper and acting White House budget director Russell Vought as part of the impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump.

Three Democratic committee chairmen demanded that Esper and Vought produce documents previously requested by Democrats by Oct. 15.

The House Intelligence, Oversight and Foreign Affairs committees are investigating Trump’s actions pressing Ukraine to investigate his Democratic rival Joe Biden and his son. Trump also withheld hundreds of millions of dollars in military assistance to Ukraine.

Democrats say the documents are needed to examine the sequence of events and the reasons behind the White House’s decision.

Esper and Vought are among a host of Trump administration officials issued subpoenas as part of the impeachment inquiry.

 

SEATTLE (AP) — Ethiopian Airlines’ former chief engineer says in a whistleblower complaint filed with regulators that the carrier went into maintenance records on a Boeing 737 Max jet after it crashed this year — a breach he contends was part of a pattern of corruption that included routinely signing off on shoddy repairs.

Yonas Yeshanew, who is seeking asylum in the U.S., says that while it is unclear what, if anything, was altered, the decision to go into records that should have been sealed reflects an airline with plenty to hide.

Yeshanew is the latest insider urging investigators to take a closer look at human factors in the Max saga and not just focus on Boeing’s anti-stall system, which has been widely blamed for two crashes.

Ethiopian Airlines has emphatically denied Yeshanew’s allegations, calling him a disgruntled worker out for revenge.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — An appeals court has temporarily blocked the release of President Donald Trump’s tax returns to New York state investigators.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan Monday granted the delay requested by Trump’s lawyers until the appeals court could consider the issue expeditiously.

It came as Trump tweeted that “Radical Left Democrats” were pushing local and state “Democrat prosecutors to go get President Trump.”

The action froze the effect of a ruling by Judge Victor Marrero that concluded Trump could not stop his accounting firm from complying with a subpoena seeking his tax returns.

The returns were sought in a criminal probe of the Trump Organization’s involvement in buying the silence of two women who claimed to have had affairs with the president.