Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Sept. 18

CSi Weather…

TONIGHT…DECREASING CLOUDS. LOWS IN THE UPPER 40S. NORTHWEST
WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY…SUNNY…WINDY. HIGHS IN THE MID 60S. NORTHWEST WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 40. NORTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
.THURSDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 60S. NORTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY IN THE EVENING THEN CLEARING.
LOWS IN THE MID 30S.
.FRIDAY THROUGH SATURDAY…MOSTLY CLEAR. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 50S.
LOWS IN THE MID 30S.
.SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS IN THE LOWER 40S.
HIGHS AROUND 70.
.SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS IN THE MID 40S.
HIGHS IN THE LOWER 70S.

 

Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 18, 2012).  All members were present.

Two Resolution pertained to water and sewer issues, for the Titan Addition area.

Steve Aldinger from Interstate Engineering presented the preliminary plans, and specifications, including borings, and hydrants, for the water portion.

He said signed easements have been obtained from the majority of landowners in the area, with more to come.

Bids will be advertised for the project work.

The Council members voted unanimously to accept and approve the plans and specifications, as prepared by the Interstate Engineering, Inc., for construction of the district.

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

 

Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — Following the Special Session, the Jamestown City Council committees met in joint session for September on Tuesday (Sept 18, 2012) at City Hall.

With Finance & Legal Committee business:

Leo and Kari Ness addressed the committee regarding interest in purchasing City Lots in Beverly Hills 6th Addition,  

including all lots, some were offered for purchase by Tim Dabill.

Dabill has made an offer on lots in that area, and said that he agrees with terms set by the city, pending a replatt.

Mayor Andersen said the city needs to look further at legal issues with the Dabill initial offer, for three lots, before proceeding with acting on other offers.

The committee recommends the City honors a standstill agreement, pending a CityAttorney’s opinion on the purchase agreement.

 

The committee considered the request from William Mickelson for a license to operate a Taxi Service.

Mickelson said he plans to have one cab in service, and pointed to comments he’s received concerning delays in service by the present taxi services.

City Administrator Jeff Fuchs says a background check is required by new applicants.

Mayor Andersen suggested the background check be satisfactory, before Council consideration.

Council Member Gumke said a criminal background check would be a priority.

The committee recommends, moving the request to the City Council meeting with no recommendation, pending the results of the criminal background check.

 

The committee then discussed the revised job description for a mechanic/operator II position in the Street department.

Deputy Auditor Jay Sveum said the position will be advertised within the Street Department.

The committee  recommends approving the revised job description.

Informational: Monthly departmental and financial reports were presented.

 

With the Building, Planning & Zoning Committee:

　Planning Commission Minutes of September 10, 2012, was presented.

The committee considered the plat of Berndt’s Addition, a portion of Blocks 39, 40 & 47 and a portion of vacated 18th Ave. adjacent to Block 32 together with a portion of those unplatted lands within Government Lot 12 of Section 26, T140N, R64W.

City Engineer, Reed Schwartzkopf said the action would “cleanup,” the legal description.

 

After review by Planning Commission Chairman, Harley Trefz, the committee recommends approval with the caveat that the developer have items in place required by the city, before full approval by the city.

 

Discussion was held relative to Section 8, Appendix B of the City Code as a result of the public input meeting previously held, concerning development in Jamestown.

No written comments were received by the public, in the time allowed.

Council Member Buchanan suggested further reviewing the Ordinances in other cities before drafting a Jamestown Ordinance.

Mayor Andersen suggested taking previously discussed items concerning the developer, plus taking input from other cities Ordinances and input the items to a draft of a Jamestown City Ordinance.

City Administrator Jeff Fuchs says a draft should be ready, for the next meeting to start to review and act on.

No action was taken by the committee, which acted on consensus.

 

Civic Center & Promotion Committee:

No items at this time.

 

Fire & Police Committee:

No items at this time.

 

Public Works Committee:

Seth Koch was scheduled addressed the committee, regarding fluoride in the city of Jamestown water supply.

However Koch was not present at Tuesday’s meeting.

City Engineer, Reed Schwartzkopf says the city is using the recommended amount of fluoride in the city’s water supply.

 

The committee discussed a letter received from Dale Redinger, owner of S&R Truck Plaza, relating to the Business Loop East project.

He would like the city to vacate the frontage road adjacent to S&R Truck Plaza.

City Administrator Fuchs discourages vacation, or sale of right of ways near any city arterial, and suggested a lease agreement.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Redinger said no change in plans are indicated for the area, adding that the area doesn’t meet requirements of a roadway, in such areas as lighting, and curbs.

Mayor Andersen suggested the city and S&R may be able to work together to accomplish improvements.

The committee took no action.

 

The Committee considered a City Wide Instrumentation and Control System Needs Assessment Report. (AE2S)

Priorities were recommended by AE2S.

At the top of the list is replacement of the city’s radio control system, such as controlling the sanitary sewer lift station pumps.

Another recommendation is upgrading the computers and software at the water treatment plant.

Its suggested those items be updated soon.

The company suggests having a plan in place to phase in replacing other items, and aging equipment and phase out old equipment.

Mayor Andersen said the city needs to look at payment options.

Schwartzkopf said the top two priority issues of radios and computer software needs to be addressed for replacements soon.

Fuchs said to purchase new radios the city the funds would come out of the equipment replacement reserve fund.

The committee recommends the city proceed with purchasing the new radio equipment, as soon as possible.

 

Also considered was a Siren Instrumentation and Control System Needs Assessment Report. (AE2S)

The radio controlled system can be upgraded locally, with a change in frequency.

With electrical component issue, a heater can be installed to keep ice from building up in the siren rotation system, that closes the fuses so the sirens are inoperable.

The installation can also be done locally.

Fuchs says the items can be purchased under the fire department budget, or the general fund.

The committee recommends the two items be addressed at a cost of about $21,000.

The committee discussed a landscaping quotation relating to the Business Loop East project, available in part through enhancement funds, the balance coming from the city.

The committee recommends taking a phased approach, with budget constraints using the city’s staff to perform the work.

 

Snow Emergency Routes modifications were affirmed and recommended by the committee.

 

Discussion was held concerning decorative trash receptacles for the downtown parking lots, and concrete pads.

Interstate Engineer handed out a proposal for the design of the receptacles, and the costs.

The committee recommends putting two receptacles in each south lot, and one in each of the north lots, and matching the fence.

The cost including the concrete pads would be $5,400.

 

A site location for the Southwest City Water Tank, was discussed.

Three options were presented.

Schwartzkopf suggested the site be located at the  I-94 Business Park west of the Infinity Builders. 

A proposal on the location would have to come before the JSDC Board of Directors for any approval.

Other sites proposed are…land owned by the State Hospital, and leased to the Buffalo Foundation, and an area near Walmart and the Buffalo Mall.

The committee recommends the site at  the I-94 Business Park west of the Infinity Builders,  and submit a proposal to the JSDC.

 

It was noted that a Public hearing concerning the petition to vacate the portion of the north-south alley adjacent to the N29.76’ of Lot 6, and all Lots 7 thru 15, Tahran’s 2nd Addition, and Lot 1, Alana Addition, is scheduled for the October 1, 2012, City Council meeting.

 

　Residents appeared concerning water and lanscaping issues along 13th Avenue, Southwest.

Schwartzkopf said grading the area will help direct the water flow in the proper areas, away from driveways.

 

Tuesday’s meeting was shown live on CSi 67, followed by replays.

 

Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — Jamestown Regional Airport, Manager, Matthew Leitner says Great Lakes Airlines has improved its on-time performance.

On Tuesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Leitner said the airline’s reliability has improved from 50% to 85% for on time performance.

He pointed out that on-time means within 10 minutes of the scheduled flight.

He said Great Lakes has typically been within the 10 minute time frame.

With boardings, Leitner said Jamestown Regional Airport has seen about a 20% increase in each of the past two months.

In June this year, Jamestown boardings were 175, improving to 281 in July and 263 in August.

He said local officials are working with Delta Airlines to implement its Sky Mile program with Great Lakes Airlines.

He added that will likely happen in November this year.

On another topic, Leitner said Great Lakes Airlines is conducting its Flyin’ 4 Food program.

During the month of September 2012, the public may bring non-perishable food items to the Great Lakes Counter at Jamestown Regional Airport, with the food being donated to Progress Community Center, in Jamestown.

Those bringing in the items may register to win one of four round-trip tickets to Minneapolis, on Great Lakes.

Two more drawings will be held, on September 24, and October 1, 2012.

 

Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News Sept 18, 2012) — The Jamestown Public School Board Monday (Sept 17, 2012) voted to approve the request of School Superintendent, Robert Toso to not hold classes on Thursday September 20, 2012, to allow staff and students to attend the funeral service for

Jane Aune, who died at her home Sunday, September 16, 2012 ending a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.

This day will be made up, that will be announced at a later date.

The Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 20, 2012 at the Jamestown High School, Theater.

Also at Monday evening’s school board meeting, Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Robert Toso announced that he will retire at the end of this school year.

The announcement was made official at the school board, meeting, and the board unanimously approved Toso’s resignation letter.

School Board President, Roy Musland said the board has taken steps to begin looking for the next superintendent, working with Toso to find his replacement.

Toso has spent 37 years as an educator, as a teacher, administrator and superintendent.

He joined the Jamestown school district twelve years ago as an administrator and has been superintendent since 2006.

 

Toso highlighted improvements in facilities, technology and the overall performance of the district that have taken place during his tenure.

Toso said, in the future specifically, Toso pointed to preparing for a new state assessment in the spring of 2015.

He also pointed to adopting Common Core standards for next school year.

Other improvements concern overall reading proficiency, developing a statewide pre-K program and balancing the district’s budget.

He also addressed the need to improve Jamestown Public Schools facilities.

The meeting was recorded by KCSi-T.V. THE REPLAY CHANNEL, and started showing Tuesday morning.

 

WATFORD CITY, N.D. (AP) – Three students and a teacher suffered
minor injuries when a semitrailer crashed into their rural school
in northwestern North Dakota after colliding with a car.

The driver of the car was killed.
     The Highway Patrol says  students, a teacher and the semi driver, 36-year-old Jason Owen, of Watford City, were treated at a hospital and released after the mid-day crash on Monday 16 miles east of Watford City.

The driver of the car was 65-year-old Althea Mandan of Dickinson.
     Authorities say the car failed to yield to the semi at a McKenzie County intersection.

After the collision, the semi went through a ditch and a chain-link fence, clipped a parked school bus and pickup truck and slammed into the Johnson Corners Christian Academy, going about 60 feet inside.

There were 17 students and seven teachers in Johnson Corners
Christian Academy at the time of the crash.

The semi went through an area of empty classrooms
and demolished the boys’ restroom, sending one boy who was in the
bathroom running for his life.

Witnesses said the semi also went through the office of the principal, who was out of town.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Residents within the Bismarck School
District are deciding whether to approve an $86.5 million bond
issue to build three new schools.
     If voters approve the measure in Tuesday’s special election,
Bismarck and nearby Lincoln each would get a new elementary school
and Bismarck would get another high school.
     School district officials are pushing for the new facilities
because of crowding problems and anticipated enrollment growth.

 

 FARGO, N.D. (AP) – The harvest of corn and beans in North Dakota
is well ahead of the average pace because of continued dry
conditions over the week.
     The Agriculture Department says in its latest crop and weather
report that 10 percent of the corn, 28 percent of the soybeans and
72 percent of the dry beans are in the bin.

The row crop harvest typically would just be getting under way at this time of year.
     The report says the lack of rainfall is a problem, however.
Nearly two-thirds of the pasture and rangeland in the state is in
poor or very poor condition, and more than half of the stockwater
supplies are rated short or very short.

Topsoil moisture is 83 percent short or very short.

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The National Association of State
Departments of Agriculture is calling on the federal government to
revise new standards for school meals.
     North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring introduced
the policy statement that was approved by the group during its
annual meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, this week.

It says the new standards are well-intentioned but won’t solve the problem of
childhood obesity.
     The standards approved by the federal Agriculture Department
earlier this year set limits on calories and require schools to
offer at least one vegetable or fruit per meal.

Critics say the lunches are too light for some active teens and leave them hungry.
     Goehring says children from low-income families might be
affected most by the new standards because school lunches might be
the most nutritious meals they get.

 

 FORT TOTTEN, N.D. (AP) – The Bureau of Indian Affairs has set Oct. 1 as the date it will take control of social service programs on the Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota.
 
     Interior Department assistant secretary Donald Laverdure says the BIA in the meantime will work with the tribe to ensure a smooth transition.
 
     The move is being made because of criticism that the tribe has failed to protect vulnerable children.

The tribe has been running social service programs under contract with the BIA, but starting next month the federal government will administer the programs.
 
     North Dakota’s congressional delegation has issued a statement expressing approval of the handover.
 
     Tribal Chairman Roger Yankton has said most problems predate his administration.

 

  BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s Water Commission has
approved state funding for two dredging projects on the Missouri
River in the Bismarck-Mandan area.
     The 2011 flood altered the river, depositing silt and creating
new sandbars. The goal of the dredging projects is to help prevent
ice jam flooding.
     North Dakota Public Radio reports  that the two projects will cost about $500,000.

The state will pay 75 percent and local governments 25 percent.
     The work is to be done this fall.

The projects are a short-term solution while the state continues working with federal officials to study long-term measures to control and remove sediment from the river.

 

In world and national news…

 WASHINGTON (AP) – Mitt Romney’s running mate, Paul Ryan, is promising today that the two will put Americans back to work, instead of encouraging dependency on the government.

But he didn’t directly mention the video that surfaced yesterday, in which Romney said nearly half of Americans don’t pay taxes and think they are entitled to government support.

Vice President Joe Biden, campaigning Tuesday in Iowa, said he’d let Romney’s words “speak for themselves.”
 
     WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House says it doesn’t have any indication that last week’s deadly attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, was premeditated.

But White House spokesman Jay Carney says the matter still is under investigation and that assessment could change.

Carney said that, so far, there is no evidence to back up claims that the attacks that killed four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador to Libya, were planned.

He said the violent protest appears to have been sparked by an anti-Islam film made in the U.S.
 
     BRUSSELS (AP) – NATO’s top official says the transition of security responsibility in Afghanistan will continue unchanged, despite the alliance’s decision to scale back joint operations with the Afghan army and police. 

The move follows a series of attacks by Afghan forces or militants wearing Afghan uniforms that have killed 51 coalition troops in Afghanistan this year. 
 
     HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – Pennsylvania’s highest court is ordering a lower court to determine whether voters are getting easy access to photo ID cards under a new law requiring identification at the polls.

The state Supreme Court says if the lower court is convinced there will be no voter disenfranchisement then the law can stand.

Otherwise, the high court says it should be halted. Republicans passed the law in the name of deterring election fraud.

Democrats accuse them of trying to steal the White House from President Barack Obama by making it harder for people to vote.
 
     NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Two-time Olympic snowboarding champion Shaun White is apologizing for what he calls the “unwise choices” he made that left him facing charges of public intoxication and vandalism.

Police responded to a hotel in Nashville, Tenn., at 2 a.m. on Sunday

A drunken man identified as White pulled a fire alarm, forcing the hotel to evacuate all guests.

An employee also reported seeing White destroy a hotel phone. White has posted on Facebook that he was “celebrating a happy occasion with a ton of family and friends and got carried away.”