CSi Weather…

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs around 40. Northwest winds 20 to
25 mph with gusts to around 40 mph.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20.

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the lower 20s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows zero to 5 above.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs 15 to 20.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows 5 to 10 above.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 20s.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow after
midnight. Lows 15 to 20.

.THURSDAY…Partly sunny. A 20 percent chance of snow in the
afternoon. Highs around 30.

 

Additional rounds of cold air push through the region to start the

work week, with low snow chances over southern areas on

Monday/Monday night.

A rebound in temperatures is expected around

mid-week along with some low precipitation chances.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  Stutsman County Emergency Manager, Jerry Bergquist on Friday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2 updated information that was included in last Wednesday’s Flood Preparation meeting held in Jamestown.

He said, those looking into purchasing flood insurance should make a decision within the next week or so, as the policy takes effect 30 days, from the time of purchase.

He said water releases from Jamestown and Pipestem Dams continue through the winter.

At this time the combined release is at 650 cfs.

As of Friday, Jamestown Reservoir had just over seven feet of water, into the flood storage zone, with Pipestem Reservoir with six and a half feet left to get to winter elevations.  As this time the target date to reach those levels in March 1, 2020.

He added at this time it’s still to early to know what the releases will be this spring.

He said Jamestown is still diked to handle a combined release of 2400 cfs, with sand bags left in place from last fall’s sandbagging efforts.

He pointed out that many factors, are unknown at this time to take under consideration for spring flooding, including, the eventual soil moisture content, snow water equivalent and temperatures affecting snow melt.

The current snow-water equivalent is three inches of water.

Jerry said February 13 will be the next flood outlook information issued by the National Weather Service.

In rural areas, it’s anticipated that the pot hole regions, now filled with water will become  more of a problem in terms of travel in rural areas, with the snow melt and any additional precipitation added to the total.

He said, before the Presidential Disaster Declaration was issued on January  21,  2020, for 16 counties, including Stutsman and Barnes, Stutsman County reported $4.2 million in damages, including $3.4 million damages to township roads, including $600,000 in county road damages, and $101,000 in road damages in the city of Jamestown.

Remaining damages reported are in Medina, Streeter, Courtenay, and Cleveland.

Jerry said it may be possible that stemming from additional damages the counties could end up with back-to-back Presidential Declarations.

He added that local officials have yet to receive specific information concerning the disaster declaration until a February 19, meeting.

Jamestown  (CSi)   Middle school students in the area will come together at the University of Jamestown, on March 9,  for the annual TechSavvy & STEMtastic event.

More than 500 students will participate in a fun, daylong event to explore different careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). STEM professionals will be leading hands-on and interactive workshops over the day, which students sign up for ahead of time.

“The events would not be possible without the tremendous support of local, state and regional companies sending their STEM professionals to lead hands-on workshops,” stated Co-chair Erica Althoff, Engineer with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in North Dakota. “Students who have participated in the event have enjoyed it.”

Schools scheduled to participate this year include Jamestown Middle School, Medina, Pingree-Buchanan, Montpelier, Litchville-Marion, Gackle-Streeter, Hillcrest Academy, Barnes County North, and Edgeley. These 7th and 8th graders will participate in the one-of-a-kind experience at no cost.

Presenters from across the state will put on different workshops that will include dentistry, chemistry, pharmacy, engineering, wildlife biology, drones, graphic design, transportation and more.

“Through hands-on workshops, exposure to STEM professionals and role models, and a conversation on engineering problem solving principles followed by small group activity to put their knowledge into practices, students are encouraged to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and computer scientists. The atmosphere of a college campus helps them envision their future accomplishments,” Althoff stated.

The morning will begin with a welcome from University of Jamestown President Dr. Polly Peterson, followed by a keynote speaker from NASA.

The event is sponsored by AAUW Jamestown with numerous sponsors including the Optimist Club, Knights of Columbus, Interstate Engineering, Jamestown School District 1, University of Jamestown, and the ND Stem Network.

You can learn more about the event at techsavvynd.org.

 

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Optimist Spaghetti Supper will be on Friday January 31, from 5-p.m., to 7-p.m., at the Jamestown Civic Center, Exchequer Room, held in conjunction with the Sport & Recreation Show.

On Thursday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Optimist Club member’s Ken Astrup and Bob Toso said, proceeds to toward supporting youth in the community, including sports activities, and providing bike helmets.

Ken said this year 60 pounds of hamburger will go into the 45 gallons of spaghetti sauce, and 60 pounds of pasta will be cooked.  Bob said about 30 Optimist Club members will take part in the cooking and serving, expecting to feed around 500 people.

UJ Football players will participate, assisting the Optimist Club members.

Adult tickets at $10, Students $5, children under 5, free.

Tickets available at the door or from any Optimist Club member.

Valley City  (CSi)  The annual Valley City Fire Department’s Fireman’s Smoker will be held Friday, January 31st, at 6-p.m., at  the Valley City Eagles Club.  Those attending must be 21 years of age or older to attend. A $10 ticket includes food, games, a raffle and a pinochle tournament. The event starts at 6-p.m.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Annual Sports and Recreation Show will be at the Jamestown Civic Center, Friday January 31,  4-p.m., to 8-p.m., and Saturday February 1,  from 9-a.m., to 4-p.m., with free admission.

On display will be campers, along with watercraft, and other home and sports items to view, including Caves, from Bismarck with items to stock your “man cave,” like pool tables, arcade games, home theater items, and neon signs.

The United way fundraising Soup Cookoff, “Super Soup Bowl,” will be held, and the Optimist Club’s Spaghetti Supper returns, on Friday January 31 in the Exchequor Room 5-p.m. to 7-p.m.

The new Kids Zone will be on Saturday with activities for the young people.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The 2020 Polar Pig “Walk The Plank for JRMC Hospice”  will be on Sat Feb 1  at Stutsman Harley-Davidson in Jamestown.

Sponsors include:  Stutsman Harley-Davidson, the local Harley Owners Group (HOG) Chapter, and ABATE North Dakota

(See CSi Video of previous events below)

On The Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Don Wegner said, activities start at 10-a.m., the Silent and Live Auction is from 10am – 1pm, Registration  at 10:30 am, and the Polar Pig Walk The Plank starts at noon.  Usually around 15-22 jumpers take part in the plunge.

He said organizers hope that the accumulative dollars raised during this 14th year of the event will top the $200,000 for the JRMC Hospice program.  Those wishing … not to take the plunge may make a monetary donation with representatives on hand at the event.

Don pointed out that District 8 ABATE is hosting the Chili Cookoff, and pre-registration of chili entries can be made by calling Stutsman Harley-Davidson in Jamestown at 701-252-5271, or call Marla Wegner at 701-320-1506.  He added that over 120 people on average are served.

Those wishing to vote on their favorite chili may get in line to sample the bowls, at a donation of $5.  The Chili Cookoff winners will receive prizes.

He added that numerous Jamestown businesses have contributed items for the Live and Silent Auctions, with Roger Nenow auctioning the larger items.

Stutsman Harley-Davidson will offer discounted Harley-Davidson items that day.

 

(Check to see if tickets are still available by calling at their Facebook page)

Jamestown  (CSi)  Prairie Paws Rescue invites the community to support their efforts by attending the “Raise The Woof,” stand-up comedy show, Saturday, February 1, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Downtown Jamestown.  Doors open a 7-p.m., and the show starts at 8-p.m.  Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of show.

On the Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Prairie Paws Rescue Co-Founder and Event  Organizer, Kaye John said just a few Advance Tickets are available at Dr. Dawn’s Pet Stop, Country Acres Vet, Southwood Vet, the Knights of Columbus Hall, or any Prairie Paws Rescue volunteer.  Only 200 tickets are available.

Those attending must be at least 21 years old.

Kaye pointed out that proceeds raised go toward costs for food, spaying/neutering, and other needs. Prairie Paws is non-profit and depends on donations and volunteers to operate.   Volunteers include, Wells Fargo Bank Team Members, Tractor Supply Team Members, Walmart Associates, and Kiwanis Club members.

Raise the Woof will include raffles and silent auction items.

New this year is the Balloon Pop Game of Chance, where participants buy a dart for a $10 donation, allowing them to throw until they pop a balloon, and keep the gift card prize inside.  Prizes range in value from $2 to $100.

Raffle prizes include;  an Air Fryer, a kayak, a wine rack, trips to Medora, and Deadwood, and a diamond necklace, valued at $386.

Among the Live & Silent Auction items, is a car care kit, and more.

The Mug Raffle ticket bundle has a value of $75, when you buy a mug filled with 35 white raffle tickets,  and four red tickets with a value of $50.

Kaye said Prairie Paws Rescue has recently added seven more dogs, all under one year old from a rescue in the New Rockford area.

She added that the Foster Homes care for the animals, and is the first socialization the animals have with people, as they await adoption to their “forever home.”

The cost to adopt a dog is $150, and $50 for a cat, and includes immunizations chipping and spaying and neutering of the animals.

Each second Saturday of the month the Meet & Greet is held at Tractor Supply Company in Jamestown.

To become a Foster Home, or for other volunteer opportunities visit www.prairiepawsrescue.com, or of Facebook

 

(AP)  A veterinarian from western North Dakota said she is seeking the Democratic endorsement for governor. Shelley Lenz made the announcement Friday at the party’s headquarters in Bismarck. Lenz lives in Killdeer and Dickinson and has veterinary clinics in those cities. She previously served as a school board member in Killdeer. Lenz is originally from Ohio and moved to North Dakota in 2007. Republican Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford are seeking a second term. They won with 76% of the vote in 2016. Democrats haven’t won the governor’s office in North Dakota since 1988. The party holds no statewide offices.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators have ordered an oilfield services company to pay a $1 million penalty for a saltwater spill last summer and other violations. The Bismarck Tribune reports that settlement was reached following an Aug. 25 blowout at a saltwater disposal well owned by Henry Hill Oil Services, which is based in nearby Williston. The blowout spilled 250 barrels or 10,500 gallons of brine. Regulators say the company failed to immediately report the blowout, didn’t pressure test the equipment designed to prevent blowouts and didn’t adequately clean up the spill. The company declined to comment.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump appears poised for acquittal in his impeachment trial. Senators are preparing to vote late Friday to reject efforts to call more witnesses and instead start bringing a close to the third such trial in American history. Democrats’ hopes of prolonging the trial dimmed after a late decision from Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee to oppose calling more witnesses. Another Republican, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, also announces she will vote against more witnesses. Timing of a final vote on acquittal is still up in the air. But Trump wants it over before next Tuesday’s State of the Union Address.

NEW YORK (AP) — Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are suspending all flights between the U.S. and China as the coronavirus outbreak spreads. United Airlines is suspending flights to three big Chinese cities but will continue flying to Hong Kong. The move follows a State Department warning against travel to China. American says it is suspending flights beginning Friday through March 27. Delta and United said their actions will take effect Feb. 6 to allow time for customers in China to leave the country. Several European airlines had already suspended service to China.

 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — U.S. health officials have issued a quarantine order for all 195 American evacuees from China. it’s the first time in 50 years that the government has taken such a step. The evacuees will spend two weeks at a military base in California. They were flown earlier this week from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the center of the new virus outbreak. Officials believe it can take up to 14 days for someone who is infected to develop symptoms. So far, tests for the virus have been negative. In the meantime, the State Department is preparing additional flights for Americans who want to leave China.

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped more than 500 points Friday as a virus outbreak that originated in China continued to widen, stoking stock investors’ worries about the potential global economic fallout. The broad sell-off erased the S&P 500’s gains for January. The index is on track for its second weekly loss and its biggest weekly decline since early August. Airlines fell Friday after Delta and American Airlines suspended flights to and from China. Technology stocks led the losses. Amazon was the standout after issuing a blowout earnings report. The S&P 500 fell 1.7%. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 1.53%.

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A law enforcement official says investigators believe an SUV that breached a security checkpoint at Mar-a-Lago was driving very fast and did not appear to brake in any way. The law enforcement official spoke on condition in anonymity in order to discuss the incident Friday at President Donald Trump’s resort in Palm Beach, Florida. The breach happened hours before the president was scheduled to arrive at the resort. The checkpoint is a series of concrete barriers and armed officers and is blocks away from the actual resort. Authorities from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office say officers fired shots at the vehicle. After a car and helicopter chase, police were able to stop the SUV and arrest two suspects.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is curbing immigration for six countries as part of an election-year push. But the move isn’t a full travel ban like President Donald Trump’s initial order in 2017. Department of Homeland Security officials say the six countries didn’t meet security screening requirements for identification and information-sharing. The new effort restricts certain kinds of visas and the countries affected are Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan and Tanzania. Seven other countries are subject to a more strict ban. The current restrictions are the third version of Trump’s travel ban, and those new restrictions comes as Trump tries to show progress on his immigration priorities.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has canceled an Obama-era prohibition on the use of anti-personnel landmines outside of the Korean peninsula. A White House announcement Friday said the U.S. policy shift authorizes military commanders, “in exceptional circumstances,” to use landmines designed to reduce unintended harm to civilians. President Barack Obama in 2014 had prohibited the use of landmines except in defense of South Korea. Earlier Friday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper made the case for giving military commanders the latitude to use landmines as a means to “shape the battlefield” and protect American forces. Critics of the new Trump policy call it dangerous.