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CSi Weather…
TONIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE
EVENING…THEN PARTLY CLOUDY AFTER MIDNIGHT. AREAS OF BLOWING AND
DRIFTING SNOW THROUGH THE NIGHT. BREEZY. NOT AS COLD. LOWS 15 TO
20. NORTHWEST WINDS 20 TO 25 MPH.
.TUESDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 20S. WEST WINDS 10 TO
20 MPH.
.TUESDAY NIGHT…DECREASING CLOUDS. LOWS 10 TO 15. SOUTHWEST
WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 20S. NORTHWEST
WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…CLOUDY. A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW AFTER
MIDNIGHT. LOWS NEAR ZERO. NORTH WINDS AROUND 15 MPH.
.THURSDAY…SNOW LIKELY. HIGHS ZERO TO 5 ABOVE. CHANCE OF SNOW
60 PERCENT.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…DECREASING CLOUDS. A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW.
LOWS AROUND 10 BELOW.
.FRIDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS 5 TO 10 ABOVE.
.FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS NEAR ZERO. HIGHS
5 TO 10 ABOVE.
.SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 10 BELOW.
HIGHS 5 TO 10 ABOVE.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS NEAR ZERO.
.MONDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW. HIGHS 10 TO
15.
LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW IS EXPECTED WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY.
AREAS ALONG AND SOUTH OF THE INTERSTATE 94 CORRIDOR ARE CURRENTLY
FAVORED FOR THE HIGHER SNOWFALL AMOUNTS.
SNOW
ACCUMULATIONS ALONG THE NORTH DAKOTA/SOUTH DAKOTA BORDER SHOULD BE
IN THE 2-4 INCH RANGE. FOR WESTERN AND CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA THE BULK
OF THE SNOWFALL SHOULD BEGIN WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN THE WEST…AND
EXPAND INTO CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA AFTER MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY
NIGHT/DAYBREAK THURSDAY MORNING…CONTINUE FOR MUCH OF THE
DAY THURSDAY…BEFORE TAPERING OFF IN THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY
THURSDAY EVENING.
VERY COLD AIR WILL ACCOMPANY THIS STORM SYSTEM WEDNESDAY NIGHT
THROUGH SATURDAY.
WIND CHILLS TO 25 BELOW ZERO ARE POSSIBLE THURSDAY NIGHT.
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – The state Transportation Department is warning motorists Monday about challenging winter driving conditions in eastern North Dakota.
Officials have issued a travel alert for the region due to slippery snow-covered roadways and blowing snow reducing visibility. Cities in the alert area include Grand Forks, Fargo and Wahpeton.
The department says conditions are such that motorists can still travel, but they should slow down and use caution.
On I-94 near Valley City Monday morning about 8:30 authorities reported a pickup truck accident, that may have been caused by slippery road conditions. The driver of the vehicle lost control and went into the median. It was not immediately known if there was an injury.
Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown City crews will begin snow removal in the DOWNTOWN area beginning approximately at 11:00 p.m. tonight – Monday, December 16, 2013, and continue during the night.
Downtown merchants and all public/private schools are asked to have their sidewalks shoveled by 9 p.m. tonight, Monday, December 16, 2013.
Please push snow directly into the street — DONOT create piles of snow.
PLEASE NOTE:
The above schedule is contingent upon changing weather conditions and snow accumulation totals.
Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Monday at 5-p.m., at City Hall. All members were present.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:
A Beer and Wine license renewal for Chinese Palace.
A Mobile Home Park license renewal for Sunrise Trailer Court and Plecity Mobile Home Park.
A Liquor & Beer license renewal for VFW Club, Eagles Club, and New Bar, Corner Keg, American Legion. Also all renewals that may come in before the end of 2013.
A Taxi License renewal for South Central Adult Services.
Public Forum No one spoke
RESOLUTIONS
A Moore Engineering representative gave a description of the areas involved.
The City Commission approved a Resolution creating Consolidated Sanitary Sewer and Water Improvement District No. 58 on 7th Street SE I-94 Regional Corridor.
Approved a Resolution creating the Storm Sewer Improvement District on 7th Street SE I-94 Regional Corridor.
Approved a Resolution creating the Paving Improvement District on 7th Street SE I-94 Regional Corridor
Approved a Resolution approving the engineers report and directing preparation of detailed plans, specifications and estimates of probable cost for Consolidated Sanitary Sewer and Water Improvement District No. 58 on 7th Street SE I-94 Regional Corridor.
Approved a Resolution approving the engineers report and directing preparation of detailed plans, specifications and estimates of probable cost for Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 49 on 7th Street SE I-94 Regional Corridor.
Approved a Resolution approving engineers report and directing preparation of detailed plans, specifications and estimates of probable cost for Paving Improvement District No. 105 on 7th Street SE I-94 Regional Corridor.
Approved a Resolution a resolution approving final plans and specifications and authorize advertisement for bids for Consolidated Sanitary Sewer and Water Improvement District No. 58 on 7th Street SE I-94 Regional Corridor.
Approved a Resolution approving final plans and specifications and authorize advertisement for bids for Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 49 on 7th Street SE I-94 Regional Corridor.
Approved a Resolution approving final plans and specifications and authorize advertisement for bids for Paving Improvement District No. 105 on 7th Street SE I-94 Regional Corridor.
NEW BUSINESS
City Commissioners approved requests to NDDOT for Urban Roads and Urban Regional projects for federal fiscal year 2018. Chad Peterson of KLJ said three urban roads projects are included, plus city streets.
Commissioner Pedersen reviewed the appraised amount for Phase 2 buy-out of property at 512 5th Avenue SW and 474 5th Avenue SW. He said spending $350,000 for moving, legal, and asbestos costs, for these two buyouts about expends dollars available. The City Commission voted to approved the two agenda items.
The City Commission accepted the 12th Avenue, Southeast Box Culvert Replacement.
Commissioner Luke updated the AMI operating plan. Among the items included meters are being installed and load controls are 10 percent installed and operational. There is no installation cost to the property owner. Other eters currently indoors will have to be moved outdoors.The item will be voted on next month.
Vicki Rosenau speaking on Tobacco Free Valley City was rescheduled for January.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT:
David Schelkoph said the adjustments on city utility rates will be address after the first of the year.
CITY UPDATES AND COMMISSIONER COMMENTS:
City Attorney Myhre said, with recodification the proposed alcohol Ordinance is receiving amendents and further input meetings will be held in January.
City Building Inspector Dave Andersen reminded residents that city sidewalks need to be shoveled within 24 hours of a snowfall.
City Fire Chief Gary Retterrath reminded residents of care with appliances, and other items that can cause fires during the holiday season. He also pointed out the need for home and business owners to have a working carbon monoxide detector installed. He said a grant is being applied for a new city fire truck.
Mayor Werkhoven said he has concerns with rail cars carrying toxic materials, and oil coming through the city, and the city will meet with railroad officials on safety concerns.
Commission Nielson said the city will meeting with liquor and alcohol license holders after the new year, concerning working on revisions to city’s alcohol ordinance.
Commissioner Luke reported the Lake Ashtabula level went up point-nine feet this year, with the National Weather Service forecasting a drier than average winter.
Commissioner Magnuson asked about making, public, snow removal plans, which Mayor Werkhoven agree with.
The meeting was shown live on CSi 68 followed by replays
Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council’s Committees met in joint session on Monday at City Hall, at 2-p.m. All members were present.
With Finance and Legal Committee business;
The committee considered the plan to place a Bus Shelter in the City parking lot on 2nd Avenue SW, south of the former Eagles Club. City Administrator Jeff Fuchs said research into a bus shelter in Sydney, Montana indicated that the city is using a three-sided structure. Council Member Kourajian does not agree with liability issues that could arise with a structure. Council Member Gumke said the city should investigate issues further. Council Member Buchanan suggested that Jefferson Bus Lines be involved in the planning. The committee decided to table the issue to the January committee meeting.
The committee considered the request from the JSDC for Economic Development Funds, in the amount of $15,000, to cover the cost of participating in the ACT Certified Work Ready Communities Program, with the City Share to be $12,000 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund. The JSDC’s Holly Miller said the dollars would be used toward funding local individuals to attend the Academy. The committee recommends approving the request.
The committee considered the request for Renaissance Zone incentives from Casey Willman and Lucas Dockter for the property at 113 1st Avenue South (N ½ of Lot 13 less the East 40’, Block 32, Original Addition). Details have been approved to enter the Renasissance Zone. The committee had previously recommended to approval the request.
The committee considered the request from Metro Plains, LLC, for City of Jamestown Letter/Resolution of Support for Jamestown Court Rowhomes—an affordable senior housing rental project that contributes to concerted community revitalization plan known as the Renaissance Zone. The committee recommends drafting a letter of support, independently of a Renaissance Zone request, regarding the need for housing in Jamestown, prior to the January City Council meeting. Any action on the Renaissance Zone request will come after a public hearing.
The committee considered amending the alcoholic beverage ordinance to allow for special permits to dispense alcoholic beverages in non-public buildings. Mayor Andersen said the intent is to make sure to entity is following the letter of the law. Assistant City Attorney Mary Jensen said an amendment would be significant, under the City Code. The committee decided to ask the City Attorney to research the issue and make a recommendation on any amendments, at the Janaury committee meeting.
The committee considered the adoption of a formal Computer Systems Usage Policy relative to City owned property. The committee recommends approval.
The committee considered amendments to Chapter 26 of the City Code pertaining to taxicab licenses and taxicab driver’s licenses, which is scheduled for Second Reading at the January 6, 2014, City Council meeting. Administrator Fuchs said the current language would include, licensing the James River Transit and drivers. He said the amendments may not be ready of the January City Council meetings. The committee will review changes at the January City Council at the Second Reading.
Mayor Andersen said the Jamestown Regional Airport Authority is asking the City Council for a letter of support, for an Essential Air Service contract bidder for the Jamestown route. She recommends the SkyWest bid package, with service to the Denver hub, under United Express, one mid day flight daily with 50 seat jet aircraft service. Community feed back is due by January 6, 2014.
Council Member Brubakken noted the CsiNewsNow.com survey on airline preference. On Monday afternoon the poll showed 60 percent favoring SkyWest, 40 percent Great Lakes.
The committee recommends on a 4-1 vote sending a letter of support for SkyWest.
Building, Planning & Zoning Committee
Draft Minutes of the December 9, 2013, Planning Commission meeting was presented.
The committee considered amendments to the City Code pertaining to simple lot splits and boundary line adjustments, which is scheduled for Second Reading at the January 6, 2014, City Council meeting. City Assessor
Darrell Wollan suggested putting the issue on hold pending additional research. The committee recommends Wollen’s recommendation.
The committee considered the plat of Platinum Commerce Second Addition, near Wal-Mart and the Buffalo Mall being proposed for a new bank location. The committee recommends approving the plat.
Considered the Southwest Conceptual Development Plan map, from SRF Consultants. JSDC’s DeAnn Brunner said the map indicates the area between Jamestown Regional Medical Center, and Wal-mart, including concerns of drainage. She said the map is a concept, a tool, for the City Council and planning to utilize. No action was taken by the committee.
The committee reviwed the application for appointment to the Board of Adjustments. (Two Openings). The committee recommends the appointment of Neil Barkus.
Civic Center & Promotion Committee: No offiicals items.
Council Member Kourajian noted that Buffalo City Tourism is continuing with the re-branding process.
Police & Fire Committee:
Reviewed the applications for appointment to the Fire Code Board of Appeals. (Two Openings). The committee recommends the appointments of Scott Roemmich and Rod Johnson.
Public Works Committee:
Considered allowing permanent curbside trash pick-up at certain locations. The committee noted a change, with letters sent out to those property owners affected. Four indicated opposition at their location. The committee moved the topic to the January committee meeting.
An update on computer and telemetry problems was given at the Water Treatment Plant. Superintendent Steve Suko said with the upcoming water supply to GRE,, plus other issues of concern, the computer system needs an update. The committee recommends approval of the request for new computer equipment and software and costs of an upgrade.
An update was given on evaluation related to claims of utility conflicts by Sellin Brothers on Wastewater and Lift Station Replacement and Force main Improvements Project, Phase II – Force Main and Gravity Sewer project.
An update was given on evaluation related to claims of utility conflicts by Sellin Brothers on Wastewater and Lift Station Replacement and Force main Improvements Project, Phase II – Force Main and Gravity Sewer project. The City Attorney is conducting an investigation. The item will be placed on the January City Council meeting for further consideration and the attorney’s opinion.
The committee considered an estimate for clean-up of city-owned LeFevre buildings, (SE Building) littered with rodent and bird droppings, and ridding the building of the pests. The building is used for city cold storage. The committee recommends approval of a cleanup costs as proposed by Service Master.
The committee considered a Change Order relating to the Wastewater & Lift Station Replacement & Force Main Improvements Project Phase II – Force Main and Gravity Sewer. The changes stem from such items problems encountered with such items as piping, lift station work, removing of railroad ties, and additional manhole work. The committee recommends approving the change order.
The meeting was shown live on CSi 67 followed by replays.
Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown Arts Center officials will meet Wednesday-Friday this week with representatives a planning and design firm, to discuss information on development ideas for the Arts Park in downtown Jamestown.
On Monday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Arts Center Director, Taylor Barnes said public information has been, and is still be solicited on new ideas for the Arts Park.
She said the space has flexibility to accommodate new ideas, including possibly showing outdoor movies and more.
She added that the planning and design firm will offer what may be feasible for the Arts Park.
Anyone with ideas may still become part of the public input by calling the Jamestown Arts Center, at 701-2512496.
Ms. Barnes pointed out that the next phase will be obtaining dollars, primarily through grants plus, public fundraising.
Other Arts Center notes include:
A Caravansari presentation January 16, 2013.
The next exhibit will be “Creative Spirits,” Mixed Media Works by Lydia Richez-Bowman, and Tammy Jones, January 9-March 1, 2014.
Exploring Islamic Culture will be at the Arts Center, January 16, 2014 at 7:30-p.m.
On January 18, 2014, the Arts Center will host “An Evening With-featuring Steve and Nancy Kuykendall at 7:30-p.m., with a musical presentation.
On January 25, 2014, Wine and Cheese Tasting from 7-p.m., to 9-p.m.
Tickets are available at Cork & Barrel, the Arts Center, and from a board member.
In March the Arts Center hosts the next 2nd Act Community Theater production, Noel Coward’s “Relative Values.” Auditions are still be held by contacting the Arts Center, or the production’s director Lori Doerr at 701-320-9579.
Ms. Barnes said Arts After School classes start January 6, 2014.
For more information and to sign up for classes call the Jamestown Arts Center at 701-251-2496, on line visit JamestownArts.com
BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota State Hospital, which is part of the N.D. Department of Human Services, was recently named Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for its exemplary performance in providing evidence-based clinical measures that are shown to improve patient care for hospital-based inpatient psychiatric services. This recognition was presented by the Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.
State Hospital Superintendent Alex Scheweitzer says, “This recognition validates the quality work and commitment of North Dakota State Hospital staff to provide person-centered care based on nationally recognized evidence-based clinical practices. We are honored to be recognized for this commitment to high quality care that contributes to better health outcomes for our patients.”
To be considered a Top Performer, a hospital has to achieve a performance rating of 95 percent or more for each accountability measure reported to the commission annually. Each accountability measure represents an evidence-based practice. Psychiatric hospital performance measures include appropriate admission screenings, patient safety practices, creating and implementing patient care plans, and appropriate usage of multiple anti-psychotic medications.
Out of 3,343 eligible hospitals that submitted accountability measures, the North Dakota State Hospital was one of 1,099 hospitals in the United States to earn the distinction of Top Performer on Key Quality Measures.
As part of the honor, the State Hospital will be recognized in the Joint Commission’s Improving America’s Hospital’s annual report, and on the Joint Commission’s Quality Check website at www.qualitycheck.org.
The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. They evaluate and accredit more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States.
The North Dakota State Hospital is the primary provider of inpatient mental health and addiction treatment services for the Devils Lake, Dickinson, Jamestown, and Williston regions (a 26-county area) because those regions do not have community hospitals that provide these inpatient services.
For information about the North Dakota State Hospital call 701-253-3964, ND Relay TTY 800-366-6888, or visit
www.nd.gov/dhs/locations/statehospital/index.html.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A man convicted in the brutal killings of two children on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation has been sentenced to life in prison without parole.
A federal jury in September found Valentino “Tino” Bagola guilty for the May 2011 slayings of 9-year-old Destiny Shaw-Dubois and her 6-year-old brother, Travis DuBois Jr., of St. Michael.
Investigators say the victims were stabbed a total of 100 times.
The U.S. attorney’s office says U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson in Fargo sentenced Bagola on Monday to life in prison on each of two counts of first-degree murder.
The case is one of two high-profile indictments involving the deaths of children on the reservation. Last month, a Spirit Lake woman was sentenced to 30 years in prison for throwing a child down an embankment.in the brutal killings of two children on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation is facing life in prison without parole.
A federal jury in September found Valentino “Tino” Bagola guilty for the May 2011 slayings of 9-year-old Destiny Shaw-Dubois and her 6-year-old brother, Travis DuBois Jr., of St. Michael.
Investigators say the victims were stabbed a total of 100 times.
The case is one of two high-profile indictments involving the deaths of children on the reservation. Last month, a Spirit Lake woman was sentenced to 30 years in prison for throwing a child down an embankment.
The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs took over control of the tribe’s child social services about a year ago.
Sentencing for Bagola is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday in Fargo.
LINCOLN, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota prosecutor has cleared the former Lincoln police chief of child abuse accusations.
Chief Marcel Sim was placed on administrative leave in September after his wife filed a restraining order against him that accused him of domestic violence.
He resigned but withdrew the resignation and the City Council fired him in October.
McLean County State’s Attorney Ladd Erickson reviewed the case and found no evidence of criminal conduct, so no criminal charges will be filed.
The Burleigh County state’s attorney had Erickson handle the case to avoid a conflict.
Sim says he’s not surprised he was cleared because he “knew there was nothing there.” He says he doesn’t know whether it’s possible to get his job back.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota officials are considering crafting a report aimed at disproving that hauling the state’s crude by rail is dangerously explosive.
State Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms told North Dakota lawmakers last week that some people are attempting to raise fears about railing North Dakota crude, after a train hauling it derailed and exploded in a small Quebec city in July. The derailment killed 47 people and destroyed much of the town.
Helms says his agency and the state Pipeline Authority are working to create a white paper that would study the characteristics of the state’s oil.
North Dakota Pipeline Authority Director Justin Kringstad says the idea of the report — and who would do it and how it would be funded — haven’t been finalized.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Incoming North Dakota Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger has named a deputy.
Longtime state employee Joe Morrissette will fill the role, beginning Jan. 1. For the past 12 years, he has served as a budget analyst with the Office of Management and Budget. Before that he worked for the North Dakota Legislative Council for eight years.
Gov. Jack Dalrymple last month appointed Deputy Tax Commissioner Rauschenberger to serve the remainder of Commissioner Cory Fong’s term. Fong is resigning at the end of the year to work for a Bismarck-based advertising agency. His term expires in a year.
WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) – The western North Dakota oil patch hub of Williston is considering a nine-month moratorium on metal-sided industrial buildings in the city’s downtown.
City planner Rachel Ressler says the moratorium would be in place while officials develop new standards for downtown construction. City staff is looking at potential requirements for such things as building materials, height, signing and lighting.
Ressler and City Commissioner Brad Bekkedahl say the goal is to enhance the appearance of Williston’s downtown and make way for more retail opportunities.
The commission has given initial approval to the moratorium and could finalize it by the end of the year.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s dry edible bean crop is estimated at 7.1 million hundredweight, down more than a third from last year.
The Agriculture Department says the significant drop was due to a 37 percent decline in planted and harvested acres from 2012, and a 3 percent drop in yield. Yield is the amount produced per acre.
Production nationally is estimated at 24.1 million hundredweight, down 25 percent over the year. North Dakota leads the nation in the production of dry edible beans.
In world and national news…
CLEVELAND (AP) – A judge in Cleveland has handed down a 28-year prison sentence to a man convicted of masterminding a $100-million, cross-country fraud involving a Navy veterans charity. He’s also been ordered to pay a $6 million fine. The man calls himself Bobby Thompson, but authorities say he’s a Harvard-trained attorney, John Cody.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – A Rhode Island lawyer has been sentenced to six years in prison for his role in a $46 million investment fraud that preyed on terminally ill people. Joseph Caramadre (kah-rah-MAH’-dray) had pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy. Prosecutors say he and a former employee got personal information from terminally ill people and used it to buy bonds and annuities that would pay out when the person died.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – It’s at nearly $600 million, and it could go higher. The jackpot for Tuesday night’s Mega Millions lottery drawing has been boosted, amid brisk ticket sales. And lottery officials say it could be bumped up once more Tuesday morning. No tickets matched the six numbers that would have been needed to win Friday’s $425 million prize.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) – Harvard University has issued an all-clear for two of the four campus buildings evacuated because of a report of possible explosives. Students have been told that they can return to Thayer Hall, which is a dorm, and Emerson Hall, a classroom building. The two other buildings, the Science Center and another classroom building, remain closed. A search has yet to turn up any explosives. It’s exam time at Harvard and some students were just about to start finals when the alert went out.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) – It’s now up to a federal jury to determine whether a former BP engineer broke the law — or whether he just harmlessly swiped his finger across a cell phone — when he deleted hundreds of text messages in the aftermath of the company’s massive 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Jurors heard closing arguments today in the trial of Kurt Mix. He didn’t testify at his trial on two counts of obstruction of justice. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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