CSi Weather…

TONIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. ISOLATED FLURRIES IN THE EVENING. LOWS
NEAR ZERO. SOUTHWEST WINDS AROUND 5 MPH SHIFTING TO THE NORTHWEST
AFTER MIDNIGHT.
.WEDNESDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS NEAR ZERO. NORTH WINDS 10 TO
15 MPH. WIND CHILLS AROUND 25 BELOW.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 10 BELOW. NORTHEAST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH SHIFTING TO THE SOUTHEAST AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND CHILLS AROUND 30 BELOW.
.THURSDAY…CLOUDY. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE MORNING…THEN CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE AFTERNOON. PATCHY BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGHS 5 TO 10 ABOVE. SOUTHEAST WINDS AROUND
15 MPH. CHANCE OF SNOW 50 PERCENT.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…CLOUDY. A 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE
EVENING. PATCHY BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW AFTER MIDNIGHT. LOWS AROUND 5 BELOW. SOUTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH SHIFTING TO THE NORTHWEST 15 TO 20 MPH AFTER MIDNIGHT.
.FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS NEAR ZERO. LOWS AROUND 15 BELOW.
.SATURDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS 15 TO 20.
.SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 10. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 20S.
.MONDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW. HIGHS IN THE MID 20S.
.MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 5 TO 10 ABOVE.
HIGHS AROUND 15.

 SNOW AND STRONG WINDS POSSIBLE THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT…
 
 A POTENT LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO MOVE ACROSS WESTERN AND CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND THURSDAY NIGHT PRODUCING LIGHT SNOW AND POSSIBLY STRONG WINDS.
 
 AT THIS TIME…IT APPEARS THE BEST CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW
 ACCUMULATIONS WILL BE ALONG AND NORTH OF A LINE FROM WILLISTON TO BISMARCK AND ASHLEY. LESSER SNOW AMOUNTS ARE ANTICIPATED OVER THE SOUTHWEST AND FAR SOUTH CENTRAL. HOWEVER…THE STRONGEST WINDS ARE  EXPECTED TO BE OVER THE SOUTHWEST AND FAR SOUTH CENTRAL.
 
 THERE IS STILL UNCERTAINTY IN THE EVENTUAL TRACK OF THIS SYSTEM AND WHERE THE STRONGEST WINDS AND SNOW WILL OCCUR. HOWEVER…THERE MAY BE A RISK OF TRAVEL PROBLEMS DUE TO STRONG WINDS…AND REDUCED VISIBILITIES AND SLICK ROADS IN BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT…ACROSS WESTERN AND CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA.

Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session on Tuesday afternoon (Jan 22, 2013) for the purpose of entering into Executive Session.

The City Council consulted with the City Attorney Ken Dalsted concerning territorial service claims by Stutsman Rural Water District.

At issue is whether the City of Jamestown, or Stutsman Rural Water District is to serve the area west of Jamestown, in this case, specifically the Titan Machinery building, under construction, across from Jamestown Regional Medical Center.

A city Ordinance outlines that any facility within city limits has to be serviced by the city, with this area previously annexed into Jamestown city limits.

Stutsman Rural Water District contends that a federal code protects rural water companies from cities going into their territory.

The City Of Jamestown and the Rural Water District are negotiating a royalty figure the city would pay and keep the rural water district from filing an injunction.

The City of Jamestown has retained outside legal counsel, and a consulting firm.

Those attending the Executive Session Tuesday were: Mayor Andersen, City Administrator, Fuchs, City Council Members, Gumke, Brubakken, Buchanan, and Kourajian, along with Assistant City Attorney Jensen, City Attorney Dalsted, City Fire Chief Jim Reuther, and City Engineer Reed Schwartzkopf

Following the Executive Session the Special Session was reconvened.

Mayor Andersen said one item for consideration was the hiring of  Levi Andrist  of Vogel Law Firm as legal counsel.

The Mayor so moved, and the motion carried unanimously.

The open portion of the meeting was shown live on CSi 67.

 

Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Jamestown City Council’s Finance & Legal, Building, Planning and Zoning, & Civic Center and Promotion Committee met Tuesday afternoon (Jan 22, 2013) at City Hall.

With Finance and Legal Committee business:

 

The committee recommends establishing the sales price for 2013 on City owned property acquired by tax deed.

　

The committee then reviewed the draft agreement with Buffalo City Tourism Foundation.

No member of the BCTF was present as they were having their annual meeting.

The city committee then reviewed the proposed contract to be presented to BCTF.

The committee took no action at Tuesday’s meeting, postponed until next month’s committee meeting, as the 2012 contract is still active under a continuing resolution.

　

Monthly departmental reports were presented.

Next month the committee will discuss a request from South Central Dakota Regional Council for reconsideration of the JSDC recommendation to fully fund the Regional Council for Fiscal Year 2013, and sign a joint powers agreement.

The Stutsman County Commission has not taken action on the request so the city postponed any discussion on the topic with Regional Planning.

City Administrator Jeff Fuchs informed the committee that City Forester Vern Quam has tendered his resignation, effective Jan 21, 2013.

　

Building, Planning and Zoning Committee business:

 

Draft Minutes of the January 14, 2013, Planning Commission meeting, were presented.

Mayor Andersen said, based on the Planning Commission meeting that the city will be looking at a zone change, request from Eventide at Hi-Acres, in Northeast Jamestown, at future meetings.

　

The committee then considered the plat of Wanzek Addition. Mayor Andersen moved to recommend to approve, which was approved by the committee.

　

The committee reviewed the plat of the Berndt Addition.

Council Member Buchanan said the City Planning Commission has indicated that issue of concern have come under compliance.

The committee recommends approval.

　

Civic Center and Promotion Committee:

　

No items at this time.

Chairman Kourajian pointed out that the Frontier Village is advertising for a new manager, in light of the previous manager, Tina Busche tendering her resignation and has been appointed to the FVB.

He indicated that the National Buffalo Museum has about 3o applicants for a director, to succeed Felica Sargeant who resigned to accept the position of Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Executive.

He added that Searle Swedlund has been appointed as the Buffalo City Tourism Director.

The meeting was show live on CSi Cable 67 followed by replays

 

Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening (Jan22, 2013), at City Hall. President Werkhoven was not present and the meeting was conducted by Vice President Pedersen.  Commissioner Luke was not present.

Approval of Consent Agenda items included:

A new plumbing and heating license for Sheyenne Mechanical LLC.

A new electric license for Grace Electric.

 

Public Hearings:

A Public Hearing was held to Consider Annexation of the I-94 Regional Development Corridor Plan submitted by Valley City Barnes County Development, and recommended by the Planning & Zoning Board. Development Direct Jennifer Feist said three parcels are being annexed, in conjunction with the Joh Deere Seeding expansion.

Following the Public Hearing the City Commission, approved the First Reading of as Ordinance annexing a tract of land located at I-94 and Exit 294, to the City of Valley City for Valley City Development Corporation.

(legal description of Auditor’s Lots 1 & 5, east of the replat of the Greenline Addition).

 

A Public Hearing was held to Determine Sufficiency of Protest for Paving Improvement District No. 101.   The area includes a seal coat in the Southwest quadrant, and a mill and overlay on Viking Drive.

The mill and overlay received one protest, 2.47%, well below the protest sufficiency. The individual owns property on Viking Drive.

City Commissioners then approved a Resolution to Determine Sufficiency of Protest for Paving Improvement District No. 101.

 

Ordinances:

Approved the First reading of an Ordinance rezoning a tract of land located at 8

th Avenue SE and Winter Show Road, from O-Other to B-2 Highway Business Zoning Use.

(legal description of Auditor’s Lot 1 of NW ¼ Section 28 township 140 N, range 58 W…west of Sabir’s)

 

Approved the First Reading of an Ordinance rezoning a tract of land located at I-94 and Exit 294, to the City of Valley City, from A-Agriculture to I-1 Light Industrial.

(legal description of Auditor’s Lots 1 % 5, east of the replat of the Greenline Addition)

Approved the First Reading of an Ordinance rezoning a tract of land located within the one mile extraterritorial jurisdiction, from A-Agricultural to R-2 Residential.

(Legal description of Auditor’s Lot 3 of SE ¼ Section 18, township 140 N, Range 58 W, for the I-94 Corridor Development).

 

Resolutions

The City Commission, approved a Resolution to approve final plans and specifications and estimate for probable cost and directing advertisement of construction bids for Paving Improvement District No. 101.

 

Approved a Resolution approving the Engineers report and directing preparation of detailed plans, specifications and estimates of probable cost for Paving Improvement District No. 102.

Approved a Resolution approving the Engineers report and directing preparation of detailed plans, specifications and estimates of probable cost for Paving Improvement District No. 103.

Public Meetings will be held on the projects, followed by letters sent to property owners, and a protest period.

 

The City Commission approved a Resolution adopting the Water Service Agreement with Chad Wendel for property south of I-94.

City Administrator Schelhoph gave a history of the topic.

He indicated that the city has negotiated with Barnes Rural Water District to allow the city to serve the Wendel property, within the Rural Water District.

City water will be sold to Barnes Rural Water District, which in turn will sell the water to Wendel.

City Attorney Russell Myhre said the agreement maintains the status-quo. He added as the city grows, other like issues may arise.

 

New Business

The City Commission discussed authorizing the issuance of a Sales Tax Revenue Bond with a 15 year term backed by city sales tax ,dedicated to economic development.

City voters approved extending the City Sales Tax, and Economic Development Director Jennifer Feist says the action will allow longer term financing for the I-94 Corridor project.

 

The City Commission discussed if the city should proceed with the Army Corps of Engineers hydrolic and hydrology study, or if the city should conduct its own study.

City Administrator Schelkopf suggested not moving into the Corps’ second phase of the feasibility study. Commissioner Pedersen said it would be more cost effective to terminate the study, and work with local engineers, and the State Water Commission, and look at state funding from the State Legislature.

The City Commission voted 3-0 with two commissioners not present at the meeting to not move forward with the Corps’ second phase.

 

Commissioners considered a new job position/description for Police Records, Manager.

City Administrator Schelkoph said, the present position is Administrative Assistant.

He added the new position would handle those responsibilities plus other duties.

Those applying for the position will be advised if the new job description.

The City Commission voted unanimously to approve the new position.

 

City Administrator Report

David Schelkoph said calls of abandoned vehicles and junk in yards are being addressed, by the city, under the City Ordinance.

Those abusing the Ordinance will be apprised of the Ordinance, and to come under compliance within a time period.

He said a traffic study at the intersection of Winter Show Road and 12th Street Southeast indicates that by changing the stops signs around it would improve the traffic flow by 37%

He suggested a public meeting be set up to which the Commissioners concurred.

On another topic Schelkoph indicated the NDDOT is looking at options concerning its funding distribution shortfall to cities. He said the results of the NDDOT’s decision will affect funds received by Valley City. No city projects have thus far been affected.

 

He said the sale of the city auditorium is still be investigated in light of a proposed purchase falling through. Commissioner Pedersen questioned if the public school district might be interested in the purchase, and Schelkoph wondered if VCSU might be interested in the building.

Usage as an apartment building has also been suggested.

The building presently sits in the floodway in the city.

Commissioner Pedersen suggested the city keep the building for another, year, and “shrink” the floodway.

 

Schelkopf said the city is reducing its electrical output, in the wake of the current cold weather snap.

He added that lead mitigation in the city’s shooting range was tested by the health department officials, and is ongoing.

 

City Updates & Commission Comments:

Commissioner Nielson said the Safe Routes to School program is being addressed, with planned safety improvements for students/pedestrians.

The meeting was shown live on CSi 68 followed by replays.

 

Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News ) – An open house was held Tuesday afternoon, (Jan 22, 2013) at the Lantern Room, for the new executive director of Buffalo City Tourism, Searle Swedlund.

He took over as executive director of the Buffalo City Tourism Foundation on Monday, January 21, 2013. He succeeds Nina Sneider, who retired after nine years in the position.

She is staying onboard, for a few weeks, for the transitional period.

Swedlund says the biggest challenge in his new job is getting people to look beyond their preconceived notions about North Dakota, and getting the word out about what Jamestown and North Dakota offers travelers.

A new foundation website will make it easier for people around the country to understand what Jamestown and North Dakota can offer, like outdoor activities.

Swedlund said he served for 14 years at Concordia College in a variety of capacities, most recently as the Associate Director of Alumni Relations, which he said will serve him well in this position.

Searle views Jamestown as “A jewel on the prairie that provides wonderful access to historical events, social outlets and its people provide the element of hospitality that make it unique.”

　

Following the Meet and Greet, the foundation approved changes in the board including, Alden Kollman, president; Scott Hare, president-elect; Beth Dewald, treasurer; and Tanea Clocksene and Marlyn Bertsch as at-large members. Dave Smette will serve as past president. Charlie Kourajian will serve as Jamestown City Council representative to the foundation.

 

Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News Jan 22,2013) — Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Rib Fest, coming to Ava Maria Village in Jamestown June 1, 2013.

On Tuesday’s Wayne Byers Show, on CSi Cable 2 Lori Mettert with the Ave Maria Village, Activiities Department said, the event will be from 11-am to 4-p.m., with the proceeds going to Stutsman County Relay for Life.

Ms. Mettert says they will have one ton of ribs available to cook, and will NOT run out of ribs this year.

Volunteers are needed to do the cooking.

They along with concessionaires and vendors are welcome to get signed up now.

She added that those cooking the ribs may donate all or a portion of their proceeds to Relay For Life.

In 2013 there will also be concessions, inflatable games and barrel racing for the kids, and kids foods, like hot dogs.

She added there will also be a car, motorcycle, tractor show, with trophies awarded in various categories. No entry fee.

For more information, or to signup for activities, call Lori Mettert at Ave Maria Village in Jamestown at 7010252-5660.

By watching for more information as the June 1, 2013 date approaches.

Ms Mettert said last year, Rib Fest raised about $11,000 and another $4,000 was raised by others participating in the event.

　

Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News Jan 12, 2013) — The Jamestown Public School Board Monday, discussed the 2013-2014 school calendar and future possibilities for development.

Long range planning includes…

Reviewing the proposed $30 million Two Rivers Activity Center.

The center that may include tennis courts, a water park, basketball courts, day care and other facilities.

Other potential facilities also need to be included, such as more softball fields.

The School Board wants to get input from the community, along with cooperation with Jamestown College and the Jamestown Parks and Recreation Commission.

In other business:

The School Board a proposed school year calendar is going back to the Calendar Committee.

The proposal outlines that Jamestown Public School would start August 22 and graduation onMemorial Day weekend.

School Board member, Gail Martin said the committee should consider not starting the school year prior to August 27 or 28.

The School Board unanimously approved allocating $15,000 toward turning a slowpitch softball diamond into a fastpitch diamond.

The Jamestown Parks and Recreation Commission has approved $30,000 toward the project plus donations of $10,000 have been collected.

Jamestown College will be approached to contribute $15,000.

The meeting was recorded by CSi-T.V. 10 THE REPLAY CHANNEL..and started showing Tuesday (Jan 22, 2013) morning.

 

MANDAN, N.D. (AP) – Authorities in Mandan are investigating an armed robbery at a local bar.
 
     Police were called to the Last Call Bar on Main Street about 9:40 p.m. Monday. Sgt. Jay Grubele says a male reportedly entered the bar, displayed a semi-automatic handgun and demanded money from the bar’s gambling area. He fled with an undisclosed amount of money.
 
     Only a handful of people were in the bar at the time. Police are reviewing surveillance video.

 

DICKINSON, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota man who pleaded guilty to killing the mother of a child he believed was his daughter has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.
 
42-year-old Dirk Huber pleaded guilty to murder in October. He could have faced life in prison, but the deal with prosecutors capped his sentence.
 
     Authorities say Huber suffocated 39-year-old Nicole Radebaugh with a pillow in her apartment bedroom after the argument about the paternity of her daughter. Huber evaded police for several days before being arrested in a remote area north of Medora.
 
     Huber in October told a judge that he and Radebaugh were having an argument in Belfield in August 2011 when he “just snapped.”

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota lawmakers are considering further restrictions to the state’s anti-abortion laws.
 
     The proposal by a dozen Republican lawmakers would prohibit abortions for “sex selection or genetic abnormalities.”
 
     Rep. Bette Grande (BET’-ee GRAN’-dee) of Fargo was one of the bill’s sponsors. She says allowing abortions for the purpose of sex selection or genetic abnormalities “have no place in civilized society.”
 
     North Dakota Women’s Network director Renee Stomme (STRAWM’-ee) spoke in opposition of the measure. She says the bill does not include exemptions for genetic disorders that may be fatal.
 
     Testimony before the House Human Services Committee on Tuesday came on the 40th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that declared abortion legal.

 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Nebraska’s governor is approving a new route for the Keystone X-L oil pipeline — a route that avoids an environmentally-sensitive region of the state. The Republican governor has sent a letter to President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, saying he would let the pipeline proceed through Nebraska. Opponents have urged Obama to deny a federal permit for the project — a permit that would be needed because the pipeline from Canada to Texas crosses an international border.

 Senator John Hoeven today called on President Obama to approve the Keystone XL pipeline project expeditiously now that Nebraska has given the green light to an alternative route for the project through the state. Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman Tuesday notified the Obama Administration that he has approved the pipeline, saying its new route will avoid the environmentally sensitive Sand Hills region of the state.

 In November, of 2012, North Dakota Senator John  Hoeven and Senator Max Baucus of Montana organized a bipartisan letter signed by 18 senators, nine Republicans and nine Democrats, calling on the President Obama, to approve the project once Nebraska’s concerns were addressed.

 

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – Funeral services are scheduled Saturday in Grand Forks for Ben Clayburgh, who was a state and national leader in the Republican Party for five decades.
 
     Clayburgh died Monday at age 88. His wife, Bev,says he had been suffering from dementia.
 
     Clayburgh, an orthopedic surgeon, was a former state Republican Party chairman and a member of the Republican National Committee. In 1994 he made an unsuccessful bid to unseat Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D. Son Rick Clayburgh is a former state legislator and tax commissioner.
 
     Amundson Funeral Home says Clayburgh’s funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks.

 

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) – A law enforcement official says Texas authorities have at least one person in custody in connection to a shooting on the Lone Star College campus in the Houston area. The community college was placed on lockdown amid reports of a shooter on campus. Lone Star College System issued an alert on its website telling students and faculty to take immediate shelter or avoid the campus.
 
     JERUSALEM (AP) – Even among some of his opponents, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seen as the man best suited to lead his country through a turbulent time — amid tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, and the rise of fundamentalist Islam in Egypt and elsewhere. Voters in Israel Tuesday were expected to give Netanyahu another term in office. The White House, which has recently had a turbulent relationship with Israel, says no matter the outcome, the U.S. approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict won’t change.
  
     WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama and his wife have been personally welcoming surprised tourists to the White House. First dog Bo joined the welcoming committee Tuesday as the president decided to spend part of the first full workday of his second term chatting up people taking the White House tour. Visitors congratulated Obama on the inauguration, chatted about the weather and admired Bo. Most got hearty handshakes; a few got hugs.
 
     WASHINGTON (AP) – The Marine Band was performing live — but it turns out Beyonce’s singing of the National Anthem at President Barack Obama’s inauguration yesterday was pre-recorded. A Marine Band spokesman says the band was notified at the last minute that the singer would perform to the pre-recorded music. As for Kelly Clarkson, a representative says she sang live when she performed “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.”