Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Jul 22

CSi Weather…

TONIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE UPPER 50S. NORTH WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH SHIFTING TO THE EAST AFTER MIDNIGHT.
.WEDNESDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 80. SOUTHEAST WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. LOWS IN THE LOWER 60S. SOUTHEAST WINDS
AROUND 10 MPH.
.THURSDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA, A 40 PERCENT CHANCE IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 70S. SOUTHEAST WINDS 10 TO
20 MPH.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE LOWER 60S. SOUTHEAST
WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
.FRIDAY…DECREASING CLOUDS. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 80S.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS AROUND 60.
.SATURDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 80S.
.SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE UPPER
50S. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 70S.
.SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS IN THE UPPER
50S. HIGHS AROUND 80.

 

THERE IS A CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.
THE NEXT BEST CHANCE FOR SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE
 THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT.

 

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council’s Finance & Legal, Building Planning & Zoning, and Civic Center and Promotion Committees met Tuesday evening at City Hall.

Council Member Gumke was not present.

With Finance & Legal Committee business:

The committee recommends approving the request from JSDC to provide Jamestown Row Homes (MetroPlains Development) with a $43,000 Flex PACE interest buy-down from the Economic Development Fund with the City Share to be $34,400 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund. Council Member Buchanan said the sales tax funds should not be used to employ part-time workers, as the intent was to develop full-time jobs. Council Member Buchanan voted opposed.

The committee recommends approving the request from the JSDC for $25,000 matching funds from the Economic Development Fund for a ND Department of Commerce Partners in Marketing grant with $15,000 used for Workforce Recruiting and $10,000 used for a marketing campaign for the JSDC South Park in Spiritwood Township, with the City Share to be $22,500 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.

The committee recommends approval of the 2014-2016 JSDC Strategic Plan.

Following discussion the committee moved to the city’s budget meeting the 2015 JSDC Budget.

The committee recommends approval of the request from the Jamestown Hockey Booster Club, Inc. for a gaming site authorization for an event to be held at the Gladstone Inn on February 4th, 2015.

The committee recommends approving the request from the Buffalo City Rotisserie Grill to conduct a street dance on 1st Street East from 1st Ave South east to entrance of parking, on September 20, 2014. Council Member Buchanan, whose office fronts on the street, indicated that he is working with the city to have a hole on the street repaired, at his cost, stemming from a water main break that occurred there last winter.

The committee recommends approving various amended clerical job descriptions and the associated salary range, with consolidations of Secretary I, Secretary II, Secretary III and Administrative Assistant. City Administrator Jeff Fuchs said the consolidations will save the city money.

The committee recommends approval of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Group Alternative Health Rates for Employees for the 2014-2015 Plan Year.City Administrator Jeff Fuchs said the plan takes effect September 1, 2014. He said under the self-funded plan, the city pays the first $20,000 per member per year. He added that BC/BS recommends an 11-percent increase. The fund currently has a reserve of $300,000. Under the plan suggested by Fuchs, about $30,000 would be used from the reserves. Mayor Andersen said during budgeting the council should look at picking up more of the city employees share of the premiums for retainment and recruitment.

The committee reviewed the draft ordinance for temporary special alcohol beverage permits and recommends the 2nd reading of the ordinance at the Aug 4, 2014, City Council meeting.

The committee considered whether a definition of Affordable Housing for the City of Jamestown/Stutsman County is appropriate at the present time, relative to the Bank of North Dakota criteria to participate in the Flex PACE Affordable Housing program. Mayor Andersen suggested using a census median income level and a percentage of it as a part of determining rents for low income housing.

Council Member Brubakken suggested more housing information come from Stutsman County Housing before making a decision.

The committee recommends tabling the issue to the next committee meeting with Mayor Andersen voting in opposition.

　

Discussion then centered on Fireworks within the City of Jamestown and allowable times for discharge.

Council Member Brubakken suggested the allowable dates July 1-4 into the 5^th at 1-a.m. The 1st-4th from noon to 11-p.m. unless on a Friday or Saturday.

From the audience Danielle Schmidt recommends allowable dates of July 3-5 from 9-a.m. to 11-p.m. the and 9-a.m. on the 4^th until 1-a.m. on the 5^th.

She said she has spoken to fireworks dealers who for the most part said the reduction of days from the current 9-days to a lesser amount is acceptable.

She again added the issue of people and animals being disturbed by the loud fireworks adding that veterans with PTSD also struggle with flashbacks with the loud fireworks.

She provided information on the dangers of fireworks.

Another audience member asked the fireworks Ordinance be amended to fewer days (3) and end the hours at 11-p.m., for use of fireworks for the previously stated reasons, plus property owners needing to cleanup spent fireworks.

Cory Bayer, owner of Fantastic Fireworks added that his business is successful, noting a wide-range of fireworks users. He added that the community has a diversity of interests, and noted that cities banning the use of fireworks has residents going out to the rural areas to use the fireworks. He said the committee should consider the number of people who DID NOT show up at Tuesday’s meeting that are in favor of the present fireworks Ordinance.

He said anytime restrictions are imposed, less of an item or service is used.

Another fireworks stand owner, Lucas Keller said many veterans he has talked to enjoy the fireworks, noting the freedoms of America. He said he has empathy for those having sleep disturbed, but doesn’t want freedoms taken away.

Another audience member had concerns about the loud noises injuring hearing.

Another audience member feared a fire as her house has a wood-shingle flat roof, noting that her pets need to be medicated to calm down during the use of fireworks.

From the audience, Gail Martin said if the Council fails to compromise, then, another petition may be forthcoming to ban fireworks.

From the committee, Council Member Kourajian said he favors reduction to five days. Mayor Andersen noted she has small children and needs to be up early for work at her business. She said less than 3 percent of days of the year are devoted to fireworks, adding that from the 40 E-Mails she’s received to reduce the days of use, those opposed only amount to 1.3 perent of voters in the last city election.

She said nine days allows for more usage, in the event of inclement weather.

She said she is not in favor of changing the Ordinance.

Council Member Buchanan, pointed out other cities in North Dakota have less days to use fireworks and the current nine days, is a dis-service in attracting new residents to Jamestown.

Council Member Brubakken suggested limiting hours and days of usage.

He also suggested a list of options be brought to the council or put on a ballot for voters.

A motion was made by Council Member Kourajian change the city Ordinance to use fireworks July 1-5- until 11-p.m., and 1-a.m. on the 5^{th and later until 11-p.m.} on the 5^th. failed on a 2-2 vote, with Mayor Katie Andersen and Councilman Dan Buchanan opposed.

The committee reviewed then tabled covenants prohibiting any ground disturbance activities on Lot 2, Block 1, of Hammer Addition, Lots 5 through 11, Block 1, Homestead III Addition, Lots 1 and 2, Block 2, Homestead III Addition, and Lots 7-9, Block 6, Homestead Addition, except under the authority of the ND State Historical Society.

(Undeveloped property south of 7th Street SW between 12th Avenue SW and 10th Avenue SW).

Departmental and financial reports were presented.

It was noted that a Public Hearing concerning the request of Buffalo Holdings, LLC for property tax relief on a project which the applicant will use in the operation of a motel at 2400 10th Avenue SW, a portion of Block 6, Buffalo mall Subdivision, is scheduled for the August 4, 2014, City Council meeting.

Developer Darin Trudeau said the planned hotel for Jamestown is a “Fairfield Inn, By Marriott.”

Building, Planning & Zoning Committee business:

The committee recommends approving the plat of Jamestown Court Rowhomes Addition, a replat of Jamestown Original Addition, Lot 9, Block 41, and Lots 3-5 and Lots 7,8, and the South 50’ of Lot 9, Block 42, with a quiet title be satified.

The committee recommends approving the plat of Witzig’s 5th Subdivision.

It was noted that a Public Hearing and Second Reading of an Ordinance to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 of the City Code by changing the zoning of Lot 2, Block 1, of Hammer Addition, Lots 5 through 11, Block 1, Homestead III Addition, Lots 1 and 2, Block 2, Homestead III Addition, and Lots 7-9, Block 6, Homestead Addition from R-1 (One Family Residential to P-O-C (Public, Open Development and Conservation District) is scheduled for the August 4, 2014, City Council meeting.

It was pointed out that applicants for Planning Commission appointments will come to the August 4, 2014 City Council meetings.

Civic Center & Promotion Committee:

It was noted that a bid opening is scheduled for July 31, 2014, for the replacement of permanent seating in the upper concourse of the Civic Center.

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

 

Jamestown, (CSi) The Tourism Jamestown Grant/Executuve Advisory Board met Tuesday at the CSi Technology Center, at Historic Franklin School.

The board approved three grants, one for Jamestown Youth Baseball, hosting the upcoming State Class “AA” American Legion Baseball Tournament at Jack Brown Stadium and two grant requests from the Jamestown Fine Arts Association.

Youth Baseball represented by Cory Anderson requested $2,000 and the full grant amount was approved.

Anderson said the Tournament dates are July 29-August 3, 2014, with a double elimination tournament featuring nine out of town teams, plus Jamestown. A total of 19 games will be played. The Jaybal organization will provide $5,000 in funding, toward the total costs of $10,000.

He pointed out that during the tournament each team will require five hotel rooms of at least two nights, with at least 10 rooms per team which will bring 18 players each. Anderson added the request to Jamestown Tourism was made, due to the economic impact the tournament will have on Jamestown with Class “AA” teams coming from around the state.

The board also approved the full grant funding request of $1,568.00 for the Jamestown Fine Arts Association to hire a person to staff the Jamestown Arts Center, for four hours on Saturdays from September 1, 2014, to August 30, 2015. The total cost of the program is $2,038.00, with $470 coming from general operating expenses.

The board approved the full grant funding request for Fine Arts to bring back to Jamestown, glassblower, Jon Offutt, in the amount of $1,568.00 of the total cost of $2,100. The Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce will fund $500.00 and Vining Oil providing $100.00 for a total cost of $2,100.00.

Offutt will participate in the August 28, 2014 Community Block Party, downtown which will involve activities at the Art Park, downtown.

Offutt will also give glassblowing classes at the Arts Center, earlier that day.

The Fine Arts Association was represented by Sally Jeppson.

Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund said in his report that this has been a full summer, with the re-branding, “Discover Jamestown, North Dakota,” and new name “Jamestown Tourism.”

Holly Miller, speaking for JSDC, CEO, Connie Ova gave an update on programs, and a report on the recent JSDC Executive, and Board of Directors meeting.

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – State health officials say an additional case has been linked to a hepatitis C outbreak in Minot, bringing the total to 47.
 
     Forty-five of the cases have been in former or current residents of the ManorCare nursing home. The Health Department says the last two cases are in residents of Somerset Court, but that all of the cases appear linked to blood or foot care services.
 
     Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can cause serious liver damage or even death.

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The U.S. attorney’s office plans to sell a home connected to a man who has been questioned in an alleged murder-for-hire scheme in Spokane, Washington, and is awaiting trial on weapons charges in North Dakota.
 
     The case centers on James Henrikson, who had business dealings in North Dakota’s oil patch with a man who was killed by an intruder in his Spokane home. Henrikson told police he was upset with the victim but denied any involvement in his death.
 
     Prosecutors have brought forfeiture action on a Watford City home owned by Henrikson’s wife and another man, Ryan Olness. The home will be sold for $440,000 unless the government gets a higher offer.
 
     A lawyer for Olness says the property hasn’t been widely advertised and might not bring a fair price.

 

　 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s congressional delegation is pressing Canadian Pacific Railway to provide specifics on its backlog of grain shipments.
 
     The U.S. Surface Transportation Board told Canadian Pacific and BNSF Railway in June to submit plans to address backlogs in northern Plains states and begin filing weekly updates.
 
     But the state’s congressional delegation says Canadian Pacific’s weekly report does not include a specific number of past-due rail cars or average lateness.
 
     Canadian Pacific spokesman Ed Greenberg says the railroad is working to provide a detailed plan to the North Dakota lawmakers.
 
     BNSF Railway reported 3,908 past due rail cars in North Dakota averaging 26 days late. That’s down about 14 percent from the previous week.
 
     BNSF says North Dakota had the most past-due rail cars followed by Montana, South Dakota and Minnesota.

　

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The new warden at the North Dakota State Penitentiary in Bismarck has 17 years of experience working in correctional facilities.
 
     Colby Braun most recently has been director of transitional facilities for the state Corrections Department, overseeing about 450 inmates. He’s taking over at the State Penitentiary for Robyn Schmalenberger, who resigned as warden in February after about four years on the job.
 
  Braun began his career in 1997 at the regional jail in Dickinson. In 2004 he became warden of the Dakota Women’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Center. He was named to his current post in 2010.
 
     State Corrections Director Leann Bertsch says Braun’s experience will be an asset in his new job.

 

　BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler wants American Indian culture taught in the state’s classrooms.
 
     Baesler says she wants to establish curriculum similar to Montana’s “Indian Education for All” program that mandates Montana schools teach all students about its American Indian tribes and reservations.
 
     Baesler and Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau attended an Indian Education Summit on Tuesday in Bismarck.
 
     Juneau is a member of the North Dakota’s Three Affiliated Tribes. She also is a former teacher on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota.
 
     Baesler and Juneau say the idea of the program is to integrate Indian education into existing curriculums such as math, reading, music, history and other subjects.
 
     Juneau says the program “is not Indian education for Indians – it’s Indian education for all.”

 

In sports..

Jamestown (CSi) There will be a meeting for all Jamestown High School students and their parents planning on participating in fall sports on Monday, August 4^th @ 6:00 PM in the Jamestown High School Theater.

For questions concerning the meeting please contact the JHS Activities Department at 952-4005.

 

  BAGNERES-DE-LUCHON, France (AP) – Michael Rogers of Australia has won the longest stage of the Tour de France, leading a breakaway to a downhill finish as the race entered the Pyrenees mountains.
 
     Vincenzo Nibali, several minutes back, reined in his top challengers and appeared set to retain the yellow jersey after Stage 16.
 
     But the contest for the podium spots below him was shaking up: Thibault Pinot of France appeared set to rise in the standings, while Tejay van Garderen of the U.S. was losing crucial minutes.
 
     Rogers took a bow as he crossed the line after the 237.5-kilometer (147-mile) leg from Carcassonne to Bagneres-de-Luchon featuring an ascent up the super-tough Port de Bales.
 
     Rogers, a former world champion, collected his first Tour stage victory.

 

In world and national news..

TEL AVIV (AP) – International air carriers will be avoiding Israel’s main airport. The Federal Aviation Administration has told U.S. airlines they are prohibited from flying to Tel Aviv for 24 hours. The move came after a Hamas rocket exploded near the airport. At least two U.S. airlines, Delta and United, had already suspended service to Israel indefinitely, and US Airways canceled its one flight to Tel Aviv Tuesday. And now, Germany’s Lufthansa and Air France have also suspended flights.
 
     WASHINGTON (AP) – There’s another legal battle involving President Barack Obama’s health care law. Two federal appeals courts Tuesday have issued contradictory rulings on a key financing issue. The rulings came within hours of each other. A divided court panel in Washington called into question the subsidies that help millions of low- and middle-income people pay their premiums. The court said financial aid can only be paid in states that have set up their own insurance exchanges. But in Virginia, another appeals panel unanimously came to the opposite conclusion. The White House says policyholders will keep getting financial aid as the administration sorts out the legal implications.
 
     OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) – A destructive wildfire in Washington state has grown slightly but firefighters have made progress in their efforts to get it under control. A spokeswoman for the firefighting effort says the complex of fires in north-central Washington has burned about 380 square miles, but the fire was 16 percent contained as of this morning. Monday, it was just 2 percent contained.
 
     EVERETT, Wash. (AP) – Sheriff’s officials in Washington state say search and rescue personnel believe they have found the last body from the March 22 mudslide that killed 43 people. Although the search for victims ended in April, workers had been screening debris and watching for the body of 44-year-old Molly Regelbrugge (reg-el-BROO’-gee). Her husband was also killed in the slide that hit their home.
 
     NEW YORK (AP) – Someone has replaced two American flags on New York’s Brooklyn Bridge with mysterious white flags. The white flags – international symbols of surrender – fluttered Tuesday from poles on the stone supports that hold cables above the bridge connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan. Police say it isn’t clear what time they were placed there – or by whom. Several officers scaled the bridge and were seen lowering the flag on the Manhattan side in late morning.  The bridge is one of the most heavily secured landmarks in the city, constantly monitored by surveillance cameras.