Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Feb 5

CSi Weather…

Jamestown Area…

REST OF TODAY…DECREASING CLOUDS. FLURRIES LATE IN THE MORNING.
PATCHY BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW THROUGH THE DAY. BREEZY. HIGHS
IN THE LOWER 20S. NORTH WINDS AROUND 25 MPH BECOMING NORTHWEST
10 TO 20 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON.
.TONIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. COLDER. LOWS AROUND 5 BELOW. NORTHWEST
WINDS AROUND 10 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 20S. SOUTHEAST
WINDS AROUND 10 MPH INCREASING TO 10 TO 15 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. NOT AS COLD. LOWS 10 TO 15.
SOUTHEAST WINDS AROUND 15 MPH.
.THURSDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW. HIGHS
AROUND 30. SOUTHEAST WINDS AROUND 15 MPH DECREASING TO 5 TO
10 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON.
.THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND
15. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 20S.
.SATURDAY THROUGH SUNDAY…PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 20S.
LOWS AROUND 10.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 20.
.MONDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. CHANCE OF SNOW POSSIBLY MIXED WITH SLEET
IN THE MORNING…THEN CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGHS IN
THE LOWER 30S. CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION 30 PERCENT.

Valley City Area…

TODAY…LIGHT SNOW IN THE MORNING…THEN MOSTLY CLOUDY IN THE
AFTERNOON. PATCHY BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW THROUGH THE DAY. HIGHS
IN THE MID 20S. NORTH WINDS 15 TO 25 MPH. CHANCE OF SNOW NEAR 100
PERCENT.
.TONIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS ZERO TO 5 ABOVE. NORTH WINDS 5 TO
15 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS 20 TO 25. NORTHEAST WINDS AROUND
5 MPH SHIFTING TO THE SOUTHEAST IN THE AFTERNOON.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 10 TO 15.
.THURSDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW IN
THE AFTERNOON. HIGHS IN THE MID 20S.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 15 TO 20.
.FRIDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS 25 TO 30.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. SLIGHT CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW. LOWS
10 TO 15.
.SATURDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE MID 20S.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 10 TO 15.
.SUNDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS 30 TO 35.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 20 TO 25.
.MONDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW. HIGHS 30 TO 35.

 

LATE THIS MORNING…GUSTY NORTHWEST WINDS WERE CAUSING AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW…REDUCING VISIBILITIES IN OPEN AREAS ACROSS THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY…ESPECIALLY ACROSS THE SOUTHERN END. VISIBILITIES IN OPEN COUNTRY MAY BE REDUCED AT TIMES TO BELOW ONE HALF MILE THROUG  EARLY AFTERNOON…ESPECIALLY ACROSS DICKEY COUNTY. AS WINDS DIMINISH AND SNOW SHOWERS END THE VISIBILITIES WILL IMPROVE THROUGH THE AFTERNOON. USE CAUTION AND EXPECT REDUCED VISIBILITIES IN OPEN COUNTRY.

Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News Mar 4, 2013) — Jamestown city street crews started snow removal from the latest storm on Monday morning plowing the snow Emergency Routes as necessary.

Monday morning crews started residential snow removal and then Monday evening went downtown to continue snow removal.

Motorists in Jamestown may encounter some snow windrows this morning

The snow removal schedule is always contingent upon changing weather conditions and snow accumulation totals.

 GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – A record-setting late-winter storm is moving out of the Dakotas.
 
     The storm that hit late Sunday and Monday brought freezing rain to parts of the two states and heavy snow to areas of North Dakota. As much as a foot was reported in several northern cities.
 
     The National Weather Service says Grand Forks on Monday received a record amount of snow for the date, with 7 inches. Minot not only got a foot of snow but also set a rainfall record for the date, along with Williston. Williston also got half a foot of snow.
 
     Motorists are still being urged to use caution in some areas in the two states and some schools are starting late, but the forecast calls for conditions to improve as the day goes on.

 

Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News Mar 5, 2013) — The Jamestown City Council met in Regular Session Monday evening (Mar 4, 2013) at City Hall. All members were present.

No items were removed from the Consent Agenda to be discussed separately included:

 

Items included:

D. Resolution to approve the (10) requests for street closings and/or permits to allow alcoholic beverages in fenced areas for the March 16, 2013, St. Patrick’s Day Run, for the following: Buffalo Lanes, Inc.; Buffalo City Rotisserie Grill; Corner Bar; Cork and Barrel, Inc.(Elk’s location); Frontier Fort & Grill; Knights of Columbus; Office Bar & Lounge; Shady’s; Vets Club; and Wonder Bar Sports Bar.

E. Resolution to approve the following policy relative to street vendors during the St. Patrick’s Day Run:

1) Closing of 2nd Street SE in the 100 Block for vendors;

2) Allowing vendors to apply for a permit to locate on Second Street SE in the 100 Block, based on permit applications being submitted and processed, and city staff assigning them to a specific space based on the order of submitted applications;

3) That the City Council require a vendor permit fee of $50 for each vendor on 2nd Street SE in the 100 Block to cover the cost of closing the street and providing waste containers for the refuse.

4) That all vendors participating in the St Patrick’s Day activities only be allowed to park adjacent to curbs in order to maintain a fire lane down the center of the street;

5) Any bar which has been approved for the closure of a street will be allowed to have a vendor(s) in their authorized closed area without the payment of the $50 City vendor fee.

 

On the Regular Agenda:

A Public Hearing was held concerning an amendment to the Renaissance Zone Plan Boundaries to include Block 9, Kelley and Fuller’s 2nd Addition, subject to approval by the ND Division of Community Services.

Following the Public Hearing the City Council voted to approve the amendment.

　

The City Council tabled the application of Ben Maulding for an animal permit to pasture and keep horses at 605 10th Avenue NW in the City, pending review of a sunset clause by the City Attorney.

 

The council considered Traffic Engineering proposals, for traffic controller improvements, and costs for replacements in the downtown area.

Council Members voted to award the work to Midwest, the lowest bidder.

Ordinances:

 

FIRST READING

: Concerning an ordinance to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 of the City Code by amending the District Map to change the zoning of the southeast portion of Lot 2, Berndt Addition, from M-2 (General Industrial and Manufacturing District) to POC (Public, Open Development and Conservation District).

FIRST READING:

Concerning an ordinance to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 of the City Code by amending the District Map to change the zoning of Lots 1 & 2, Block 4, Hi-Acres Hillcrest Addition, from R-1 (One Family Residential District) to POC (Public, Open Development and Conservation District).

Hearing From The Audience: No one spoke

Appointments:

 

Doris Giedt(2014), Neil Barkus(2014), Harvey Schuh(2015), Harold Bensch(2016), Darrell Losing(2016), and Lisa Motacek(2016) to serve as members of the Board of Adjustment for terms to expire January of those years noted.

　

Appointed Charlie Kourajian(City Council member) and Ray Albrecht(City resident) to serve as members of the County Weed Board for terms to expire December 2016.

Appointed Blaine (Pat) Stockert(2015), Clyde Schmautz(2015), Trent Hillerud(2014), and Scott Roemmich(2013-unexpired term of Larry Hopland), to serve as members of the Fire Code Board of Appeals for terms to expire November of those years noted.

Appointed Gary Riffe(2016), Barbara Laraway(2015) and Roger Parsons(2014) to serve as City members of the James River Valley Library System Board for terms to expire March of those years noted.

Appointed Ramone Gumke to serve as a member of the Law Enforcement Center Governing Board for a term to expire December 2016.

Appointed John Gletne(City employee) and Ramone Gumke(City Council representative) to serve as members of the Pension Committee for terms to expire March 2014.

Appointed Lindsey Novak(2014), Bob Martin(2015), Sandy Eckelberg(2016) and Charlie Kourajian (2016) to serve as members of the Shade Tree Committee for terms to expire April of the years noted. An additional member will be appointed later.

Appointed Ramone Gumke to serve as a member of the South Central Dakota Regional Council for a term to expire September 2014.

Appointed the Mayor & Council Members to serve as members of the Storm Water Committee for terms to expire April 2015.

Appointed City Administrator Jeff Fuchs, City Engineer Reed Schwartzkopf, along with the City Building Inspector, Engineering Technician II and Public Works Chairperson to serve as members of the Storm Water Sub-Committee for terms to expire April 2015.

Mayor and Council Members Report:

Council Member Kourajian noted a Open House for Nina Sneider will be held on Thursday March 21, 2013, from 4:30-6:15 p.m., at the Gladstone Inn & Suites in Jamestown.

　

Other Business:

Approved the request from Progress Enterprises, Inc., for a gaming site authorization at the Jamestown Civic Center on March 16, 2013.

　

Mayor Andersen said the consideration of the Titan Machinery bids awarding the bid for Water & Sewer District #12-61 & 12-31, should be delayed pending negotiations with Stutsman Rural Water District on which entity will be serving SRWD.

The Council voted to table the bids.

　

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

　

Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Monday evening (Mar 4, 2013) at City Hall. All members were present.

The Mayor gave the oath of office to Susan Kringle as a new Valley City Park Board member.

Approval of Consent Agenda items included:

Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.

Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,440,705.63.

Game of chance Raffle Permit for St. Catherine’s Knights of Columbus #643 and Valley Quilters.

Plumbing and Heating License renewal for Home Heating Plumbing & AC.

　

Public Forum: No one spoke

　

Resolutions:

　

Approved a Resolution for the Sale of Refunding Bonds of 2013.

Auditor Richter, said the bond rate was 1.8492%, at a cost savings to Valley City, which will be used toward Special Assessment payments.

She noted that Valley City presently has an A-1 Bond Rating.

　

Public Hearing was held for an Application for 5 Year Commercial Property Tax Incentives for New or Expanding Businesses for DeepRiver Properties LLC located at 216 12th Avenue NE.

Following the Public Hearing…

The City Commission approved a Resolution for a 5 Year Commercial Property Tax Incentives to DeepRiver Properties LLC.

　

Commissioners then approved a Resolution for a preliminary plat for the Greenline Deere Addition.

　

A Resolution was approved for final plans and specifications and authorize advertisement for bids for Storm Sewer District No. 48.

New Business:

 

The City Commission accepted a Project on College Street.

　

Commissioners then approved a Renaissance Zone application for a 5 year income tax exemption and 5 year property tax exemption for First Community Credit Union, and designate it as VC-71.

　

The City Commission voted to appoint Tyler Marthaler to the Renaissance Zone Committee to replace Scott Provolt’s term to 2016.

　

A Retail Image Enhancement grant for Heritage Insurance Services in the amount of $5,000

was approved. Due to weather related issues the applicant was not at the meeting.

　

Approved was the request for transfer of liquor and beer license from VC Hospitality LLC to VC Developers LLC, dba Bridge’s Bar & Grill (AmericInn).

The Commission reviewed a request for a Conditional Use Permit for Cass County Electric for Replacement of 60’ tower for a 100’ tower.

　

The Commission postponed a stipend for the Planning & Zoning board members for each member, each meeting, in the amount of $45. It was suggested that there be an overall review of committees and stipends.

The City Commission appointed Bill Carlblom for the Planning & Zoning board to replace Scott Provolt’s term to July 1, 2013.

Commissioners tabled blocking off the street on Central Avenue from Main Street to 3rd Street for Barnes County Relay for Life on June 21, 2013 from 6 pm to 11 pm.

The City Commission approved a Cost Participation and Maintenance Agreement with the NDDOT for installation of a box culvert at 12th Avenue SE from Main Street to 7th Street, Project.

The City Commissioners tabled the consideration of bids for three city lots on Riverview Drive, as no bids were received.

City Administrator Report:

David Schelkoph said river channel cleanup will be in two stages, tree clearing now, including the bridges this fall.

With flood readiness, the 2013 flood plan has been reviewed and update…in the event of any possible flood in Valley City. 60 sandbags were purchased, to have on hand.

Schelkopf noted legislative house bills, that were discussed at the League of Cities meeting, with concerns to cities.

He said the city met with Valley Recycling concerning the lease of a garbage truck.

Grants are also being submitted through Coca-Cola.

He reported the city’s sirens are still be worked on this week.

　

City Updates & Commission Comments:

Commissioner Luke related information discussed at the Upper Sheyenne Valley Water Board meeting.

Commissioner Nielson encourages the public to attend the NDWS.

She said she will testify this week on flood protection funding at the State Senate on a House bill.

　

The meeting was shown on CSI Cable 68, followed by replays.

　

Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — Jamestown Mayor Katie Andersen says the city’s latest proposal to Stutsman Rural Water District was rejected.

On Monday’s (Mar 4, 2013) Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Mayor Andersen said, the city thought that their latest counter proposal was in line with requests made by SRWD.

She said, the Rural Water District’s last proposal included a newly proposed royalty figure, and outlined only certain areas the city could serve with water, in rural areas.

She pointed out the last proposal contained language that according to the Mayor appears to mean that Rural Water District water costs will be about 312% more than the cost of city water.

The Mayor said, before the city responds to the latest SRWD proposal, city officials will meet with attorneys, and that no joint meeting between the City and Stutsman Rural Water District has been set.

　

　BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has withdrawn North Dakota’s application for a waiver from requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind education law.
 
     States are allowed to opt out of the controversial law if they meet certain requirements including developing alternative standards that meet federal approval. Nearly three dozen states have been granted waivers. North Dakota applied last fall under former Superintendent Wayne Sanstead.
 
     Baesler says North Dakota officials couldn’t come to an agreement with federal officials on the issue of reducing the number of students who are deemed “non-proficient.”
 
     North Dakota will continue to operate under the No Child Left Behind regulations. Baesler says she will ask the state’s congressional delegation to push Congress to change the law.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota man has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison for a bar fight that happened nearly three years ago.
 
     Thirty-five-year-old Sean Conklin, of New Town, was charged in federal court with assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
 
     Authorities say the incident happened in April 2010 at the Four Bears Casino and Lodge. Conklin allegedly struck a man in the face at the casino’s entertainment bar.
 
     A jury found Conklin guilty in April 2012.
 
     U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland sentenced Conklin to three years and nine months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.

 

 MANDAN, N.D. (AP) – Two Mandan men have pleaded not guilty in the October death of a 30-year-old Bismarck man.
 
     Thirty-four-year-old Christopher Vernon and 28-year-old Joseph Houle are charged with felony reckless endangerment for their roles in the death of Derek Oshkeshequoam (awsh-KEESH’-kuh-wawm). The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
 
     Authorities say two men brought Oshkeshequoam to the hospital in a wheelchair on Oct. 28 and then left.  Oshkeshequoam had head injuries and was unable to speak, and later died from the injuries
 
     Twenty-three-year-old Colten Towry has been charged with felony manslaughter in the case.
 
    Vernon and Houle are scheduled to be back in court on April 8.

 

 DEVILS LAKE, N.D. (AP) – A Kentucky National Guard soldier has pleaded not guilty to charges in a vehicle crash in North Dakota that killed two passengers and injured a third.
 
     Twenty-three-year-old Christopher Brandt, of Lowmansville, Ky., faces two counts of manslaughter and one count of reckless endangerment. KZZY radio reports that he could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
 
     Authorities allege Brandt was driving drunk at a high speed last Sept. 13 when he lost control of his car. The crash killed 31-year-old Ronald Forsyth and 23-year-old Jason Burnette. Brandt and 23-year-old David Duncan were injured.
 
     All four were Kentucky guardsmen undergoing military training at Camp Grafton, near Devils Lake.
 

 MINOT, N.D. (AP) – Amtrak says repair work at its depot in Minot is slated for completion soon.
 
     Passenger service was interrupted for five months in 2011 in Minot due to Souris River flooding. The depot and boarding platform were damaged by the high water.
 
     Amtrak spokesman Mark Magliari says  the repair work should be done by late April.
 
     Amtrak had estimated the repair costs to be about $200,000.

　

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The value of crops produced in North Dakota last year totaled almost $11 billion, nearly doubling the $6 billion value of crops produced during flood-plagued 2011.
 
     The federal Agriculture Department computes the value by multiplying the average price during the marketing year for each crop by the production.
 
     The value of spring wheat, the state’s staple crop, was $2.2 billion last year, up from $1.4 billion in 2011. The 2012 North Dakota soybean crop was valued at $2.3 billion and the corn crop at $2.9 billion – both well above 2011’s totals.
 
     Sugar beet production values are not yet available for the 2012 crop.

 

In sports…

GIRLS BASKETBALL
 Class B District 1 Tournament
 Region Qualifier
     Lisbon 75, Hankinson 73, OT
     North Sargent 53, Oakes 43
 Championship
     Fairmount-Campbell-Tintah 49, Milnor 32
 Class B District 2 Tournament
 Region Qualifier
     Kindred 58, Fargo Oak Grove Lutheran 52
     Northern Cass 53, Enderlin 39
 Championship
     Central Cass 52, Maple Valley 45
 Class B District 5 Tournament
 Third Place
     Pingree/Buchanan-Kensal 42, Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier 30
 Championship
     Ellendale 44, LaMoure-Litchville-Marion 34
 Class B District 6 Tournament
 Region Qualifier
     Central Prairie 58, South Border 47
     Kidder County 39, Strasburg-Zeeland 22
 Championship
     Napoleon 51, Linton-HMB 43
 Class B District 9 Tournament
 Region Qualifier
     Grant County 63, Flasher 41
     Standing Rock 96, Solen 34
 Championship
     New Salem-Almont 53, Shiloh Christian 49
 POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
 Class B District 10 Tournament
 Region Qualifier
     Washburn vs. Garrison, ppd. to Mar 5.
     Wilton-Wing vs. Max, ppd. to Mar 5.
 Championship
     Underwood vs. Turtle Lake-Mercer, ppd. to Mar 5.
 Class B District 11 Tournament
 Region Qualifier
     Bottineau vs. Rugby, ppd. to Mar 5.
     Westhope-Newburg vs. Dunseith, ppd. to Mar 5.
 Championship
     Velva vs. TGU-Towner-Granville-Upham, ppd. to Mar 5.
 Class B District 12 Tournament
 Region Qualifier
     Des Lacs-Burlington vs. Kenmare, ppd. to Mar 5.
     Glenburn vs. Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood, ppd. to Mar 5.
 Championship
     Minot Bishop Ryan vs. Minot Our Redeemer’s, ppd. to Mar 5.
 Class B District 13 Tournament
 Region Qualifier
     New England vs. Hettinger/Scranton, ppd. to Mar 5.
     Heart River vs. Mott-Regent, ppd. to Mar 5.
 Championship
     Beach vs. Bowman County, ppd. to Mar 5.
 Class B District 14 Tournament
 Region Qualifier
     Richardton-Taylor vs. Killdeer, ppd. to Mar 5.
     Glen Ullin-Hebron vs. Beulah, ppd. to Mar 5.
 Championship
     Dickinson Trinity vs. Hazen, ppd. to Mar 5.
 Class B District 15 Tournament
 Region Qualifier
     Parshall vs. White Shield, ppd. to Mar 5.
     North Shore – Plaza vs. Mandaree, ppd. to Mar 5.
 Championship
     Watford City vs. New Town, ppd. to Mar 5.
 Class B District 16 Tournament
 Region Qualifier
     Divide County vs. Trinity Christian, ppd. to Mar 5.
     Ray vs. Burke County, ppd. to Mar 5.
 Championship
     Trenton vs. Stanley, ppd. to Mar 5.

 

 NATIONAL  BASKETBALL  ASSOCIATION

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Dwyane Wade had 32 points and 10 rebounds last night in the Miami Heat’s 97-81 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. LeBron James added 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Heat, who earned their franchise-record 15th straight victory. Wolves guard J.J. Barea was ejected in the fourth quarter after a hard foul on Miami’s Ray Allen.
 
   Final          New  York            102    Cleveland          97
   Final          Orlando              105    New  Orleans    102
   Final  OT    Milwaukee          109    Utah                  108
   Final          Denver                104    Atlanta              88
   Final          Portland            122    Charlotte        105
   Final          Golden  State    125    Toronto            118
 
 
       NATIONAL  HOCKEY  LEAGUE
 
   Final            Toronto              4    New  Jersey      2
   Final            Pittsburgh        4    Tampa  Bay        3
   Final  2OT    Phoenix              5    Anaheim            4  (SO  Phoenix  2-1)
   Final            Los  Angeles      5    Nashville        1
 
 
       TOP-25  COLLEGE  BASKETBALL
 
   Final    (  4)  Kansas              79    Texas  Tech      42
   Final    (  8)  Louisville      67    Cincinnati      51
 
 
       TOP-25  WOMEN’S  COLLEGE  BASKETBALL
 
   Final            (  1)  Baylor              90              Kansas  St.      68
   Final  3OT    (  2)  Notre  Dame      96    (  3)  UConn                87
   Final            (24)  Syracuse          68    (13)  Louisville      57

 

MENS BASKETBALL POLL…

 
      UNDATED (AP) – For the first time in school history, Gonzaga (gahn-ZAG’-uh) is the top team in The Associated Press men’s basketball poll. The 29-2 Bulldogs switched spots with former No. 1Indiana, which split its two games last week.
 
     Gonzaga received 51 first place votes while Indiana got seven, third-ranked Duke 5 and fifth-ranked Georgetown two. The fourth ranked school this week is Kansas.
 
     Gonzaga is the 57th school to earn the top spot in the AP poll since it was started in January 1949.
 
     Rounding out the top-10 this week are Miami, Michigan, Louisville, Kansas State and Michigan State.

 

 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota’s Trevor Mbakwe has been named the Big Ten Player of the Week. Mbakwe had a season-high 21 points and 12 rebounds last Tuesday in the Gophers’ victory over then-top-ranked Indiana. Mbakwe also had a double-double in Saturday’s win over Penn State.

 

NBA…

 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Flip Saunders is representing a group of investors that’s interested in buying the Minnesota Timberwolves. Owner Glen Taylor confirmed yesterday that he’s recently had discussions with Saunders on behalf of a group of owners who are looking to purchase the team. Saunders coached the Wolves for nine-and-a-half seasons.

 

NFL…

 OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) – Quarterback Joe Flacco (FLAK’-oh) has signed a six-year, $120.6 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens that makes him the highest paid player in NFL history. The deal for the Super Bowl winning quarterback guarantees him $52 million.

 

 In world and national news…

 SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – North Korea has issued a threat to cancel the 1953 armistice that ended the Korean War. The People’s Army Supreme Command made the statement today amid reports that Washington and North Korean ally China have approved a draft of punishing sanctions. North Korea is also angry about joint U.S.-South Korean military maneuvers this month. The 1953 armistice ended the fighting but left the region technically in a state of war.
 
     CHICAGO (AP) – The Illinois Department of Transportation has a fleet of 600 trucks to plow roadways today in Northern Illinois. The state is expecting as much as 10 inches of heavy, wet snow from a storm moving out of the Dakotas and Minnesota. The forecast also calls for 8 to 10 inches of snow in northwest Indiana as the storm moves east.
 
     WASHINGTON (AP) – Republicans controlling the House plan to use a huge spending measure to ease the pain of mandated across-the-board spending cuts, at least in the military. The bill to avoid a government shutdown would also give the Pentagon much-needed funding for readiness. It would also ease the pain felt by the FBI and the Border Patrol.
 
     VATICAN CITY (AP) – The Sistine Chapel has announced it is closing to visitors in the clearest sign yet that a papal conclave is at hand. Today also brought a second day of pre-conclave meetings with cardinals to organize the papal election process and get to know one another.
 
     ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – A new prosecutor has upped the ante on 10 defendants in the hazing death of a Florida A&M drum major. They have been given the stiffer charge of manslaughter. Prosecutors also charged two new defendants with manslaughter though they had not yet been arrested. A manslaughter conviction could mean up to 15 years in prison.