Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Apr 15

CSi Weather…

.REST OF TODAY…SNOW. PATCHY BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. LITTLE
OR NO NEW SNOW ACCUMULATION. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 30S. NORTHWEST WINDS AROUND 20 MPH.
.TONIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE
EVENING. LOWS 15 TO 20. NORTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.
.TUESDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 30S. NORTH WINDS
5 TO 10 MPH.
.TUESDAY NIGHT…CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE LOWER 20S. NORTHEAST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY…CLOUDY WITH A 50 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW..a 60 PERCENT CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA. HIGHS IN
THE LOWER 30S. NORTH WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…CLOUDY WITH A 50 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW. LOWS IN THE MID 20S

 ANOTHER ROUND OF LIGHT SNOW IS POSSIBLE LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH  WEDNESDAY…WITH MODERATE SNOW AMOUNTS POSSIBLE ACROSS THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY.

The National Weather Service reported Monday, that the Sunday blizzard officially dumped a foot of snow on Jamestown.

From Jamestown City Engineer’s Office…

On Monday…City crews were plowing the snow Emergency Routes as necessary.

City crews will begin snow removal in the DOWNTOWN area beginning approximately at 11:00 p.m. tonight, Monday, April 15, 2013, and continue during the night.

Downtown merchants and all public/private schools are asked to have their sidewalks shoveled by 9 p.m. MONDAY night.

Please push snow directly into the street and DONOT create piles of snow.

Snow removal in the RESIDENTIAL areas began at approximately 11:00 a.m. today, Monday, April 15, 2013.

REMEMBER..

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

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP Apr 15, 2013) – Transportation officials Monday, reopened Interstate 29 between Fargo and Grand Forks in eastern North Dakota, U.S. Highway 83 between Bismarck and Underwood in the central part of the state and I-94 across the south.
 
     A Sunday storm dropped as much as a foot and a half of snow in western and central North Dakota, and lesser amounts in the east.
 
     No travel advisories have been lifted in most areas of the state, but motorists are still urged to use caution.

 

Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Jamestown City Fire Department was called out about 1-p.m., on Monday (Apr 15, 2013) to 1314 6^th Avenue, Southeast.

The fire was in an electric water heater.

Lt. Sheldon Mohr said the resident fought the fire with an extinguisher, and all occupants were evacuated safely.

Damage was confined to the water heater, and no injuries reported.

The units were on the scene about 20 minutes.

 

 Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Monday (Apr 15, 2013) at City Hall.  All members were present.

VCSU President, Dr. Steven Shirley read an Earth Day Proclamation, with Earth Day April 22, 2013.

 

Approval of Consent Agenda items included:

A Game of Chance Raffle Permit for Barnes County Wildlife Federation.

An Electric License Renewal for Maple River Electric.

 

Public Forum  No one spoke

Ordinances

The City Commission approved the Second and Final Reading of an Ordinance creating a Perpetual Restrictive Covenant where structures were removed in accordance with the State Water Commission. 

City Attorney Russell Myhre said the Ordinance concerns flood buyout structures.

Also approved was the Second and Final reading of an Ordinance rezoning property A-Agriculture to R-2 Single and Two Family Dwellings located at Auditor’s Lot 5 of the NE ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 27, Township 140, Range 58 of the Fifth Principal Meridian in Barnes County, North Dakota.

The Eberle property, recommended for approval by the Planning Commission.

 

New Business

City Commissioners approved blocking off the Street for the Bridge City Cruisers during the Rally in the Valley on June 15, 6 am to 4 pm.

 

A discussion was held concerning the hanging signage on the Elks Footbridge. 

Commissioner Nielson said the signage is for an annual CROP Walk, adding that the frozen ground prohibits installing the signs in the ground.

Mayor Werkhoven said there is a specific city Ordinance prohibiting such signage, that are a distraction. Sharon Buhr the Chairperson of the Local CROP Walk said a few years ago there was a change in policy on hanging signs from the bridge, and made suggestions to exceptions to the policy. She said there are other signs in Valley City that offer distractions.

City Attorney Myhre read from the agreement between Valley City and the NDDOT concerning signage, which Commission Nielson says the city signs off on and allows signage.

Commissioner Pedersen said he would make an exception due to weather.

Commissioner Nielson will contact NDDOT Valley City District supervisor John Thompson for and exception.

Discussion then concerned approving $1.2 million to purchase the Automated Meter Infrastructure system.

The discussion comes after a recent public hearing on the topic.

City Administrator David Schelkoph said line items have been outlined in the draft agreement.

He pointed out the annual cost to the city with the city is $21,400, with MRES, which supplies I.T. support of software. He said new meters on hand can be used, lower the overall costs.

He added the city could save $116,000 is labor and other costs, plus saving regarding load control, using the AMI system. He said the system will eliminate estimated meter readings.

He pointed out that through employee attrition, the city will see savings.

An audience member Keith Koble suggested use of the automated meters should be a free choice of the consumer.

Also from the audience, Bob Drake said some individuals are sensitive to the RF radiation from the meters, pointing out liability issues, adding that some states the automated meters are not mandatory. He agreed that the consumer should be able to opt-out of the plan.

Mayor Werkhoven said there are some issues that need to be “ironed out,” before making a decision, and the city needs an operational plan.

The motion to approve was passed on a 4-1 vote with Mayor Werkhoven voting against.

 

The City Commission approved sale of house in the flood buyout area at 542 5th Avenue SW (aka The Pink Flamingo) to Earnest Bailey in the amount of $10.00.

 

Commissioners discussed  entering into a contract with URS in the amount of $60,000 for a Comprehensive Erosion Study of the Sheyenne River in Valley City.

Commissioner Luke told the commission why she favors the contract with URS.

Commissioner Nielson said an erosion study should be part of the permanent flood control.

Commissioners voted to approve a phased erosion study, between URS and KLJ.

The vote was 4-1 with Commissioner Nielson voting against.

 

Discussion was held on water and sewer hook-up fees:

$2,000 per hookup if done in conjunction with total reconstruction of street.

$3,000 per hook-up if done within 10 years after water or sewer replacement.

$1,000 per hook-up if done after ten years of sewer or water main replacement.

No action was taken by the Commission.

City Administrator Report

Dave Schelkoph, said City Fire Chief Retterath will be attending a convention.

Also, the Barnes Rural Water Committee will meet with the City Commision, on present issues on water usage.

He brought up a topic at the recent public input meeting concerning AMI about meter fires, which he said was not an issue.

He said load control boxes are UL listed.

House Bill 1440 is in a joint conference committee…which addresses city and rural water districts working together.

City Updates & Commission Comments

City Building and Fire Inspector Dave Andersen said City Clean Up Week will be the first week in May.

Police Chief Thompson said the Department is at full staff, adding that the lead mitigation at the fire range is continuing.

City Fire Chief Gary Retterath said the outdoor sirens are repaired and in working order.

Commissioner Magnuson brought up a plan to bring to the Barnes County Commission regarding the move of 9-1-1 dispatch center.

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

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – U.S. Sen. John Hoeven says the Internal Revenue Service has agreed to extend the deadline for filing tax returns in North Dakota, and waive penalties for late returns.
 
     Midnight Monday is the deadline to file. But residents across the state are digging out from a record-breaking snowstorm.
 
     The IRS says people who can’t meet the deadline due to the storm still must file “within a reasonable time,” after transportation problems and power outages have been resolved.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The Sunday snowstorm that hit North Dakota shattered records in the state’s capital city.
 
     The National Weather Service says 17.3 inches of snow fell in Bismarck – the snowiest day in city history. The snowfall broke city records for April 14, for any day in April and for any day of the year, and pushed the snowfall total for the month to more than 21 inches – also a record.
 
     The previous high mark for a one-day snowfall in Bismarck was 15.5 inches, set on March 3, 1966.
 
     Meteorologist Bill Abeling says the snow even prevented about half a dozen weather service employees from making it to work Monday.
 
     Hardware store owner Jeff Hinz says the storm marked a first for his business – he sold a snowblower in April.

 

HUDSON, Wis. (AP) – A psychiatrist who evaluated a man accused of killing his three daughters testified the father was mentally aware of his criminal actions.
 
     Dr. Erik Knudson testified Monday as the sanity trial for Aaron Schaffhausen entered its third week in St. Croix (KROY) County Circuit Court. Knudson, testifying for the prosecution, said that after Schaffhausen killed the girls, he drove around aimlessly, discarding items from his car that could possibly connect him to the crime. KSTP-TV reports the psychiatrist says Schaffhausen’s action shows he was “capable of conforming his conduct.”
 
     Aaron Schaffhausen has pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree intentional homicide, but he maintains he’s not responsible for killing 11-year-old Amara, 8-year-old Sophie, and 5-year-old Cecilia because of a mental illness. Jurors will determine his sanity.
 

 WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) – A 19-year-old man accused of ramming his vehicle into a Williston business has been arrested after he attempted to report the car had been stolen.
 
     Williston Police Detective David Peterson says Calum Kinstler allegedly rammed his vehicle repeatedly into the glass entry doors at MonDak Motorsports Thursday night. Officers pursued the vehicle until Kinstler abandoned it and fled on foot.
 
     Peterson says officers seized the station wagon, but Kinstler was arrested the next day when he came into the law enforcement center to report the vehicle stolen.
 
Kinstler faces charges of attempted burglary, criminal mischief, fleeing or attempting to elude police, making false reports to law enforcement officers, and carrying a concealed or dangerous weapon in a vehicle.
 

 In world and national news…

BOSTON (AP Apr 15, 2013) – Boston police say two people were killed and 23 people were hurt when a pair of bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
 
     The blasts shattered the end of the race Monday, sending authorities out on the course to carry away the injured while stragglers in the 26.2-mile race were rerouted away from the smoking site.
 
     Bloody spectators were being carried Monday to the medical tent that had been set up to care for fatigued runners. Police wove through competitors as they ran back toward the course.
 
     “There are a lot of people down,” said one man, whose bib No. 17528 identified him as Frank Deruyter of North Carolina. He was not injured, but marathon workers were carrying one woman, who did not appear to be a runner, to the medical area as blood gushed from her leg. A Boston police officer was wheeled from the course with a leg injury that was bleeding.
 
     About three hours after the winners crossed the line, there was a loud explosion on the north side of Boylston Street, just before the photo bridge that marks the finish line. Another explosion could be heard a few seconds later.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House says President Barack Obama has been notified about the explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
 
     The White House says the administration is in contact with state and local authorities and directed his administration to provide whatever assistance is necessary in the investigation and response.
 
     Vice President Joe Biden was on a conference call with gun control activists when staffers turned on televisions in his office Monday to view coverage of the explosions. Biden said during the call that his prayers were with those who suffered injuries.

 

 BOSTON (AP) – Boston police say there’s been a third explosion in the city, following two blasts near the finish line of the Boston Marathon that killed two people and injured many others.
 
     Police Commissioner Edward Davis says authorities aren’t certain that the explosion at the JFK Library was related to the other blasts, but they’re treating them as if they are.
 
     David says there are no injuries stemming from the third explosion.
 
     He urged people to stay indoors and not congregate in large groups.
  BOSTON (AP) – The NHL says Monday night’s game between the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins at TD Garden has been postponed in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings.
 
     No makeup date has been scheduled.
 
     The league says it “wishes to express its sympathy to all affected by the tragic events that took place in Boston earlier this afternoon.”
 
     Two bombs exploded near the finish line of the marathon on Monday, killing two people, injuring 23 others, and sending authorities rushing to aid wounded spectators. A senior U.S. intelligence official said two other explosive devices were found nearby.

 

 NEW YORK (AP) – New York City police are stepping up security at hotels and other prominent locations following explosions at the Boston Marathon.
 
     Chief NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said critical response teams are deployed around the city until more about the explosion is learned.
 
     The blasts occurred at the finish line of the marathon Monday afternoon.

 

KAUFMAN, Texas (AP) – A law enforcement official says Texas authorities investigating the killings of a district attorney and his wife are building a case against a former justice of the peace who was prosecuted last year for theft. The official says investigators are focused on 46-year-old Eric Williams, who’s jailed on a charge of making a terroristic threat. The investigators are looking into the deaths of Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife. The official says at least 20 weapons found in Williams’ storage locker are being tested.
 
     WASHINGTON (AP) – It’s a case that could have a huge impact on U.S. medical research, and the fight against diseases like breast and ovarian cancer. The Supreme Court has heard arguments over whether companies can be given patents for genes that can be found inside the human body. Those patents have been given for almost 30 years. But opponents of a Utah company’s patents on two genes linked to increased risks of cancer say patents shouldn’t be issued for something that can be found inside the body. Several justices were concerned, however, that companies would abandon the research if they couldn’t be assured it would be profitable.
 
     WASHINGTON (AP) – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is canceling the creation of a new military medal for drone and cyber warriors, and instead wants military leaders to develop a special pin or device that would be attached to already existing medals or ribbons. The Distinguished Warfare Medal was created by Hagel’s predecessor, Leon Panetta, and it immediately triggered bitter complaints from veterans and lawmakers who said it should not be ranked higher than traditional combat medals such as the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
 
     JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Officials in Mississippi are confirming for the first time that a second detective was in the room when a murder suspect began struggling with a detective who’d been questioning him. They say the suspect wrestled away a gun, fatally shot one of the detectives, and then committed suicide. Police say the second detective fired one shot before her gun apparently jammed, and that she then left the room to get help.