CSi Weather…

…WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM TUESDAY EVENING TO 10 AM CST WEDNESDAY…

* WHAT…Very cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as
30 below zero.

* WHERE…Portions of north central, northwest, south central
and southeast North Dakota. Portions of northwest and west central Minnesota.

* IMPACTS…The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite
on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a
hat, and gloves.

 

Forecast…

.TONIGHT…Clear, colder. Lows around 10 below. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Wind chills around 30 below.

.WEDNESDAY…Sunny. Highs zero to 5 above. Northwest winds 5 to

10 mph. Lowest wind chills around 30 below in the morning.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Clear. Lows around 10 below. Southwest winds

5 to 10 mph.

.THURSDAY…Sunny. Not as cold. Highs in the lower 20s. Southwest

winds 10 to 15 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Clear. Lows around 15.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 30s.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows 15 to 20.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows 15 to 20.

.SUNDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 30s.

 

Wind chills in the 25 to 35 below zero range will continue into

Wednesday morning before some recovery in the afternoon. Some

hazardous wind chills are also possible in some areas late

Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

A warming trend will develop in the Northern Plains.

Temperatures Thursday will reach into the middle teens to lower 20s with widespread upper 20s to lower 30s on Friday and Saturday.

Heading into Sunday and Monday, middle 30s are in the forecast with a few locations possibly seeing near 40 degrees in West Central Minnesota.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council’s Finance & Legal Committee Building, Planning & Zoning Committee,  Civic Center & Promotion Committee  met Tuesday afternoon at City Hall.  Council Member Phillips was not present.

All members were present.

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE

Consider leases with Frontier Village tenants.   One was for a dollar, other leases varied.  City Attorney Leo Ryan presented Searle Swedlund on the phone who said The Kirkpatrick Gallery was put at a dollar, owned by the Jamestown Fine Arts Association.  Searle added that other rates varied based on coop agreements. The process of facilitating the leases will be handled by City Attorney Ryan.   The committee recommends adopting all leases as presented.

Then considered the Frontier Village stagecoach agreement, at a one dollar lease for the season.  The committee recommends approving the agreement.

 

The committee recommends establishing a budget for the operation and maintenance of the Frontier Village.   City Administrator Sarah Hellekson said the proposed budget would be added to the city’s general fund budget and would include liability insurance premium.  The addition will need to be approved by the City Council.

Overall Mayor Heinrich said it may be a year to assess the values and costs of the Frontier Village operations, and put the information before any entity that may wish to purchase the Village in the future.

The committee took no action.

In other business…

The committee recommends approving a request from RMEF Mindak Inc for a site authorization to conduct gaming at the Gladstone Inn (Ballroom) on March 14, 2020.

INFORMATIONAL: The issuance and sale of Series AC Refunding Improvement Bond warrants to fund the 18-41 paving project is scheduled for the March 2, 2020 City Council meeting.

INFORMATIONAL: Appointments to the Board of Adjustments (1 open position), James River Library System Board (1 open position), and Pension Committee (1 employee representative position and the City Council representative) are scheduled at the March 2, 2020, City Council meeting.

Also Meeting Was The City Council’s:

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

INFORMATIONAL: A public hearing is scheduled for the March 2, 2020, City Council meeting concerning the dangerous building at 202 Business Loop West.

INFORMATIONAL: The second reading of Ordinance No. 1523, introduced by Council Member Steele, to amend and re-enact Sections 9-12, 9-13, and 23-38 of the City Code pertaining to the Building Code and Plumbing Code, is scheduled at the March 2, 2020, City Council meeting.

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

No items were on the agenda.

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

Jamestown (CSi)   The Jamestown City Council’s Fire, Committee on Tuesday, considered an action plan to replace the State of North Dakota ladder truck.

Mayor Heinrich said the State of North Dakota has indicated that it will no longer pay the costs for the ladder truck.

He added the state legislature will meet in January of 2021.  He said area state legislators are supportive of a new ladder truck in Jamestown.

He said Fire Chief Reuther has indicated the cost of a new ladder truck for $1 million.

Mayor Heinrich proposes the cost to paid  from one-third state funds, and the city and local industry cover two-thirds of the cost.  He said donations, pledges, payment plans and the like need to extend over a five year period.  Once the agreements are reached the city would be able to order the ladder truck.

City Fire Chief Jim Reuther this is the best plan of action, and that it “is doable.”

The committee recommends endorsing the action plan.

Chief Reuther said a similar ladder truck will be stopping in Jamestown on Wednesday February 26 from about 9:30-a.m. to 11-a.m., at the city fire hall, for the public to view.

In Police Committee Business:

Considered was the employee policy revision allowing law enforcement personnel to live within a specified response time. Police Chief Edinger said department members concurred that the officer live within 20 minutes driving time.

Fire Chief Jim Reuther said a 20 minute drive is too long to respond to a fire call.   The department has a policy that part-time fire fighters can live within one mile of Jamestown.

The committee recommends language be developed, approving the police officer live within  a 20 minute drive from Jamestown.  The approval will require an Ordinance change.

Under “housekeeping,” items:

Considered was the first reading of an ordinance to amend and re-enact Section 21-02-10 of the City Code pertaining to Classification and Disposition of Traffic Offenses; Fees; Duties of halting officer.

Considered was the first reading of an ordinance to amend and re-enact Section 21-04-06 of the City Code pertaining to Persons Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or Any Other Drugs or Substances Not to Operate Vehicle; Penalty.

Considered was the first reading of an ordinance to amend and re-enact Section 21-08-01 of the City Code pertaining to Immediate Notice of Accident; Penalty.

Considered was the first reading of an ordinance to repeal Section 21-10-01 of the City Code pertaining to Leaving Motor Vehicles Unattended.

Considered the first reading of an ordinance to amend and re-enact Section 22-15.1 of the City Code pertaining to Firearms Loaded in Vehicle.

Considered the first reading of an ordinance to enact Section 22-53 of the City Code pertaining to Service Animal – Misrepresentation; Penalty.

The committee recommends approval of the items.

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

Jamestown  (CSi)  A dog owner attempting to rescue their pet from the James River in Jamestown was able, with assistance, to get the dog into a canoe and bring it back to shore.

Jamestown City Fire Chief Jim Reuther says, police were initially called to the river in the area of the Lindberg Townhouses about 8:45 -p.m., Sunday, who notified Jamestown Rescue to possibly send the water rescue unit.

Chief Reuther said the dog owner was able to bring the dog into the canoe, and then the individual and the dog got safely back to shore.  The water rescue unit was called back before it arrived on the scene.

The dog was warmed, and was to be taken to a vet, for examination.

Chief Reuther said he was on the scene about 25 minutes.

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.  All members were present.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Approved was a Raffle Permit for Dakota Plains Ag.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  None were made

RESOLUTION

The City Commission approved Resolution No. 2244 Costs and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids for Streetscape II (NDDOT Project No. UGP-2-999(051), PCN 22280) and Paving Improvement District No. 120, and Mill and Overlay on Central Avenue.

Approved was Approving Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimate of Probable Costs and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids for Paving Improvement District No. 121 (2020 Seal Coat).

NEW BUSINESS

City Commissioners approved a Conditional Use Permit Application filed by CEI Engineering & Associates, Inc. for Love’s Travel Stop & Country Store.  City Attorney Martineck said, a restaurant space has been recommended for approval.

The City Commission also approved the application.

 

Discussed were  Recommendations from the Visitors Committee:

City Auditor Richter presented information including a Recommendation to include and/or amend a 12 month deadline to use funds with an option for a 6 month extensions for the Image Enhancement Grant, for Historic Buildings, and the Food & Beverage Grant.

The City Commission took no action.

The City Commission approved a recommendation to purchase receiver boxes for Transfer Station Sanitation Department Head, Swart, said the six new boxes will replace the six taken out of service.

Approved was a recommendation to accept bids for pickup for Transfer Station. Sanitation Department Head Swart, said the pickup would be used for dumpster repairs and run errands.

Approve Gaming Site Authorization for VC Eagles Aerie 2192 at North Dakota Winter Show February 29 – March 7, 2020. City Auditor Richter  a plan has been submitted to the city.

Approved was a Change for 2020 Board Calendar for March 3, June 2, September 1 and December 1 Finance Meetings to begin at 2:30 PM.  City Auditor Richer, the start is one hour earlier than now, to hold more discusses, and avoid additional meetings.

City Commissioners, considered a plan for City Administrator screening and interviews.  Mayor Carlsrud said, the proposed change was recommended by City Attorney Martineck, a three step process for screening, under executive session pertaining to confidential items.

CITY UPDATES &COMMISSION REPORTS

Avis Richter said, the city will meet with representatives of the state Deparment of Emergency Services on the application process if a flood disaster declaration is needed on behalf of the city.  She said any “trigger,” to implement such a declaration will like come if necessary, after the National Weather Service’s March 11, 2020 spring flood outlook is issued.

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

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A former officer in a North Dakota labor union is accused of embezzling from the organization. An indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Fargo accuses Chad Michael Waldoch of stealing more than $107,000 from the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, Transportation Local 980. Court documents say the assets were embezzled between January 2012 and October 2017 while Waldoch served as the union’s secretary-treasurer. KFGO reports Waldoch was arrested Friday in Fargo. A trial is scheduled to begin March 31. Waldoch did not immediately return a call for comment.

 

In world and national news…

(AP) Prosecutors allege a Milwaukee man of strangled his girlfriend and killed her two young daughters, telling the girls their mother wanted them in heaven with her. Twenty-five-year-old Arzel Ivery was charged Tuesday with three counts of first-degree intentional homicide in the deaths of 26-year-old Amarah Banks, 5-year-old Zaniya Ivery and 4-year-old Camaria Banks. The complaint says Ivery told investigators Banks was angry he had gone to work after the funeral of their 1-year-old son. Police found the burned bodies of Banks and her two daughters were Sunday in a Milwaukee garage.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has gone on a clemency blitz, commuting the 14-year prison sentence of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and a long list of others. In addition to Blagojevich, Trump pardoned former NYPD commissioner Bernie Kerik, who served three years for tax fraud, and and financier Michael Milken, who pleaded guilty for violating U.S. securities laws. Trump also pardoned Edward DeBartolo Jr., the former San Francisco 49ers owner convicted in a gambling fraud scandal. And Trump pardoned, among others, a technology entrepreneur who accessed a computer without authorization, a construction company owner who underpaid his taxes; and an author who served a six-month home sentence for her role in a stolen vehicle ring.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has pardoned Edward DeBartolo Jr., the former San Francisco 49ers owner convicted in a gambling fraud scandal. DeBartolo Jr. built the San Francisco 49ers’ 1980s-1990s dynasty. He was involved in one of the biggest owners’ scandals in the sport’s history. In 1998, he pleaded guilty to failing to report a felony when he paid $400,000 to former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards in exchange for a riverboat gambling license. The White House announced the surprise decision to reporters on Tuesday. NFL great Jerry Rice played on three of DeBartolo’s Super Bowl-winning teams and says DeBartolo “was like that 12th man” of the great 49ers teams.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is jabbing the Democratic candidates for president, saying their health insurance proposals would hurt business owners. At a speech in Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday during a conference for the Distilled Spirits Council, McConnell said he’s “never seen a Democratic party like we’re confronted with today.” He said even the centrist Democrat candidates who support a “public option” are supporting government-based insurance. He said he is “hoping the Senate will still be in Republican hands after this election.” McConnell said that any public option or “Medicare for All” proposal would not make it through the Senate.

 

(AP)  The Boy Scouts of America are urging victims to come forward after the 110-year-old organization filed for bankruptcy protection in the first step toward dealing with a barrage of sexual abuse lawsuits. The Scouts plan to create a huge compensation fund for potentially thousands of men who were molested as youngsters decades ago by scoutmasters or other leaders. The bankruptcy filing puts the lawsuits on hold for now. But ultimately the Boy Scouts could be forced to sell off some of their vast property holdings, including campgrounds and hiking trails, to raise money for a victims’ fund that could top $1 billion.

 

BERLIN (AP) — Russia says it will temporarily ban Chinese nationals from entering the country amid the outbreak of the new virus centered in China that has infected more than 73,000 people. A decree signed Tuesday by the Russian prime minister says the entry ban goes into effect on Thursday at midnight Moscow time (2100 GMT). Officials said the ban was approved due to the “worsening epidemiological situation” in China. Meanwhile, Germany says it will send to China a second shipment of medical aid supplies, worth 150,000 euros ($162,000), to help fight the epidemic. The shipment will include protection gear and disinfectants. The virus has killed 1,868 patients in mainland China and five elsewhere, including one in France.