wbPM4CSi Weather…

TONIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 10 TO 15. NORTHWEST WINDS 15 TO
20 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. BREEZY. HIGHS 15 TO 20. NORTHWEST
WINDS 15 TO 25 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS ZERO TO 5 ABOVE. NORTHWEST
WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.
.THURSDAY…SUNNY. HIGHS 15 TO 20. WEST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…INCREASING CLOUDS. LOWS 5 TO 10 ABOVE.
.FRIDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 20S.
.FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 15 TO 20. HIGHS
IN THE MID 30S.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE LOWER 20S.
.SUNDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW. HIGHS
IN THE LOWER 30S.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW. LOWS
15 TO 20.
.MONDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW. BREEZY.
HIGHS IN THE LOWER 20S.

A CLIPPER SYSTEM WILL BRING A CHANCE OF SNOW AND GUSTY WINDS
 SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT.

 

Valley City (CSi) A Spiritwood couple died from carbon monoxide poisoning Monday evening.

Barnes County Sheriff Randy McClaflin said in a news release late Tuesday afternoon, that Rodney and Janet Larson, both 71, passed away at their home at 4131 97th Ave. SE in Spiritwood, The Larsons’ home is located south of Eckelson. No foul play is suspected in this matter. They died of what appears to be carbon monoxide poisoning, due to a faulty furnace.

McClaflin says there was a strong smell of propane inside the home when rescue crews arrived on scene Monday night, about 7:30.

The call came from family and friends after they had not heard from residents living in the home.

Sharon Price, Janet Larson’s sister from Wisconsin, was transported to Mercy Hospital in Valley City and transferred to a Fargo hospital.

Her condition is unknown.

The Barnes County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident.

 

Bismarck (CSi) Jamestown airline boardings soared in October of this year.The State Aeronautics Commission reports, Jamestown boardings were 553 compared to 246 in October of 2013, an increase of 124 percent. The number surpasses the October 2011 boardings of 525, when Delta with larger aircraft serviced Jamestown.

The figures compare United Express/SkyWest numbers to Great Lakes Airlines boardings, as United Express/SkyWest began Jamestown Service in June of 2014, with larger aircraft and other amenities not previously available with Great Lakes planes.

In October of 2012 Jamestown boardings with Great Lakes were 261.

Statewide North Dakota continues to set record-breaking numbers.In October North Dakota airports posted 109,827 passengers, and increase of 12% from October of 2013.Through October this year, North Dakota airports logged over one million passengers, the earliest month the state has achieved that landmark number.

 Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council’s Finance & Legal Committee, Building Planning & Zoning Committee, and Civic Center and Promotion Committee met Tuesday evening at City Hall.  All members were present.

With Finance & Legal Committee business:

The committee considered the request from the JSDC for up to $50,000 to replace the elevator in the Center for Economic Development building with the City Share to be $45,000 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund. JSDC’s Holly Miller said the cost may be more if there is high voltage concerns with the installation. Sanford health provided a bid representing the elevator brand. The committee recommends approval of the request.

The committee recommends an amendment to the engineering services contract with RDG Planning & Design, the NDDOT and the City of Jamestown for the Land Use and Transportation Plan, Project, to extend the completion date to June 30, 2015.

The committee recommends engaging the law firm of Bliss & Stebbins to represent the City of Jamestown relative to the City’s participation in a six party agreement to provide treated waste water for the CHS project at the SEPA Industrial Park. Parties include the City of Jamestown, Stutsman Rural Water, Great River Energy, plants, CHS, and Cargill Malt. Mayor Andersen said the law firm has the expertise in water law, from prior experience in dealing with such contracts.

The committee considered one (1) day license suspensions for alcohol sales to minors to the following:

NPC International, Inc., Pizza Hut #2760

Buffalo Lanes, Inc. dba Buff Bar

Main Investment Corp. dba The Office Bar & Lounge

All have paid fines.

Mayor Andersen recommends the suspensions occur for all three businesses on Wednesday December 17, 2014. The committee concurred with the recommendation. Action will be taken at the December 1, 2014 City Council meeting, to allow notice of the date to the businesses.

The committee considered the request from Newman Signs to lease space for two (2) sign structures on Out lots A & B, Menards Addition. Council Member Gumke was granted permission to abstain from the vote, being a Newman’s employee. The committee recommends tabling the issue upon further review.

Considered the request from Daryl and Velma Dockter to lease Lot 2, Block 2, Homestead 3rd Addition. City Attorney Ken Dalsted said the city might want a memorandum of understanding with the State Historical Society regarding limitations and restrictions regarding Indian burial ground. The committee recommends voted to table, pending discussion with the State Historical Society.

Departmental and financial reports were presented.

With Building, Planning & Zoning Committee business:

Considered a Future Land Use Plan Amendment on Lot 1, Block 61, Klaus Second Addition (503 2nd Ave SW) from Low Density Residential to Commercial.

The amendment was recommended by SRF development consultants.

A nearby property owner, Ron Hemmer (Mayor Andersen’s father) asked that the lot remain low density residential, siting the need for residential development.

A nearly 24 percent protest has been received on the amendment.

Another resident, who lives across the street, at 506 2nd Street southwest, Pat Stockert said the land needs development, and commercial space is also needed in Jamestown. Mayor Andersen said the lot may be used for a business that may not be to the liking of the residents in the area.

City Planning Commission member Jane Trautman said the area is a mixed use area and that increased traffic would not be an issue if the lot is zoned commercial.

Commission Chairman Dave Hillirud added that the commission’s recommendation was in line with SRF’s.

Kevin Reuther, who plans a commercial entity on the lot spoke in favor of the commercial use of the lot, and that the city needs commercial development for growth.

The committee recommends approving the amendment to commercial, with Mayor Andersen voting in opposition.

 

The committee recommends the First Reading of an ordinance to change the zoning of Lot 1, Block 61, Klaus Second Addition (503 2nd Ave SW) from R-2-A (One to Six Family Residential District) to C-2 (General Commercial District).

 

Informational: A Public Hearing and Second Reading of an Ordinance to amend and re-enact Ordinance by amending the District Map to change the zoning of Lots 17, 18 & 19 Plus N ½ Vacated Alley, Block 7, Mill Hill Second Addition from M-1 (Limited Industrial and Manufacturing District) to C-1 (Local Commercial District).

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

 

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Fire Department was called out about 10:24 a.m., Tuesday, to the Legacy Center in downtown Jamestown with a report of smoke on the 4th floor.

City Fire Chief Jim Reuther says, the minor smoke was caused by cooking materials on the stove, and no fire. Legacy Center employees drew smoke from Apt 401, with no damage reported to the apartment, and no injuries.

Six city fire units, and 27 fire fighters were on the scene about 20 minutes.

 

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown Public Schools District will bring in a second agency to help do background checks for the district’s new staff members.

At Monday’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Rob Lech said the North Dakota Century Code requires schools to do background checks on staff and volunteers.

The meeting was recorded by CSi 10 THE REPLAY CHANNEL, with showings starting Tuesday morning.

 

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

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS;

A New House Movers Permit for Victory Home Sales, Inc.

A Parade Application for VC Area Chamber of Commerce on December 5.

A Game of Chance Raffle Permit for VCSU Golf Team and ND Winter Show.

 

Public Forum:  No one spoke.

ORDINANCES :

Approved the first reading of an Ordinance of Animals and Fowl.CityAttorney Myhre said changes in technology and legislative approval regarding animal cruelty have been addressed, noting limits city ordinances have. He pointed out that Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals added imput.

RESOLUTIONS:

Approved Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract to Swanberg Construction for Permanent Flood Protection Phase I, and selected alternates, contingent on approval from the State Water Commission.

Approved a Resolution designating depositories and authorizing officers to make deposits and withdrawals.

NEW BUSINESS

Approved fixed CROD Exhibit for WAPPA contract.

Approved a Special Alcohol Beverage Event permit for Bridges Bar & Grill for the Bull Ride at Winter Show on November 21 and 22.

Approved both, the Classification and Compensation Study Final Report prepared by Fox Lawson & Associates and approved the 2015 proposed increases in salaries. Commissioner Magnuson said the changes have been budgeted for in 2015. Mayor Werkhoven said the process needs to be reviewed every five years, and pointed out that the salaries range mid-point would be $47,000. The vote was unanimous.

Approved a language agreement with Certified Languages International. Police Chief Thompson said an language other than English is sometimes required in questioning individuals by police, and recommends approval.

Approved a Retail Image Enhancement Grant for Barnes County Health for an amount not to exceed $7,500.00, for transforming the former Community Credit building.

Considered approving a Retail Image Enhancement Grant for Lawn Realty, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $5,395.79, in the former Movieland Video location. Commissioners voted to approve.

Approved the purchase of three properties, 439 4th Ave SW, 492 6th St SW, and 651 5th Ave SW, for the flood buyout in the amount of $252,525.00. City Administrator Schelkoph said the purchases completes Phase One of the buyouts, and allows implementation of Phase One permanent flood control plans.

Approved a policy on Utility Service Ownership. City Administrator Schelkoph said there is an inconsistency in the current policy. He asked for a policy be established to allow all utilities to be under the policy concerning property owners responsibilities and costs that may be incurred. The property owners responsibilities include the boulevard.

Considered a Police Officer Hiring Contract that includes paying for academy training for new police hires. Police Chief Thompson said sending the new hires through the academy will aid in having qualified police officers. The Commission tabled a decision until the December 2, 2014 City Commission meeting.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT :

David Schelkoph said MRES has and 8% rate increase in store of 2015.

A WAPA contract extension is proposed.

The former Armory location now has a pedestrian cross walk.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS:

City Assessor Sandy Hansen said the property assessments have been essential completed for 2014.

Fire Chief Retterath reminds residents to be cautious as ice forms on the river.

Commissioner Pedersen thanked voters for approving the ballot issues of permanent flood protection and supporting the wellness center.

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

 

(CSi) The Canadian Pacific Railroad,U.S. Holiday, “Santa Train,” has stops planned in North Dakota.

All train stop locations are free and open to the public.

Food and monetary donations to local food banks and pantry’s will be on site to take collections.

Starting December 15, 2014, the train stops in Hankinson at 6:45 p.m., followed by planned stops in Enderlin, Carrington, and Harvey.

The Carrington stop is scheduled for December 16th at 1:45 p.m., featuring entertainment from Home Free and Kira Isabella.

Since 1999, the Holiday train has raised close to $9.5 million dollars and 3.3 million pounds of food for North American food banks.

 

 FARGO, N.D. (AP) – Police in Fargo have arrested two men in connection with an investigation into a vehicle that was found ablaze.
 
27-year-old Hyatt McAllister and 24-year old David Hanna have been arrested on initial charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and unrelated warrants.
 
     The station reports a witness reported seeing the vehicle traveling recklessly in Fargo and later seeing two men running away from the burning vehicle.
 
     Firefighters ruled the incident arson.
 
     It is unclear whether the men have legal representation.

 

  By JAMES NORD
 Associated Press
     The U.S. Senate is debating legislation to approve the long-delayed Keystone XL pipeline, which may be just shy of the votes it needs to pass.
 
     The upper chamber on Tuesday took up the pipeline, which could move up to 100,000 barrels of North Dakota crude a day if approved.
 
     The GOP-controlled House voted last week to move forward with the pipeline, which would predominantly move Canadian oil to the Gulf Coast. Legislation on the issue has previously stalled in the Senate, where North Dakota’s current delegation supports it.
 
     Democrat Heidi Heitkamp in a Tuesday speech on the Senate floor downplayed concerns about the pipeline and urged her colleagues to support the measure to help build North American energy independence.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The North Dakota Oil and Gas Division says workers have contained 317 barrels of saltwater and four barrels of oil after a spill in the state’s northwest corner.
 
     The agency says the spill was reported Monday by Whiting Oil and Gas at a tank battery near Alexander. The company says a frozen valve is blamed for causing the spill.
 
     The agency says less than a barrel of oil and 37 barrels of saltwater had not been recovered by Tuesday morning.
 
     The division didn’t report any environmental damage. It says a state inspector in at the site and monitoring the cleanup.
 

 

In sports…

 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The NFL has suspended Adrian Peterson without pay for at least the rest of the season.
 
     The league said Tuesday it informed the Minnesota Vikings running back he will not be considered for reinstatement before April 15 for violating the NFL personal conduct policy.
 
     The NFL Players Association quickly announced its plan to appeal the punishment.
 
     Peterson pleaded no contest Nov. 4 to misdemeanor reckless assault in Texas for injuries to his 4-year-old son he was disciplining. He had been on paid leave from the team since Sept. 17.
 
     Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Aug. 28 an enhanced crackdown on players involved with domestic violence.

 

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House is indicating that President Barack Obama would veto legislation approving the Keystone X-L oil pipeline. The Senate has scheduled a vote later Tuesday on whether to advance the measure. Sixty votes are needed, and supporters are nearly there. A spokesman today says Obama doesn’t support the legislation, because it’s a decision that should be made through “the regular process.” 
 
     WASHINGTON (AP) – Two weeks after the elections in which Democrats lost control of the Senate — and lost at least a dozen seats in the House — Democratic lawmakers have decided not to change their House leadership. Nancy Pelosi was re-elected Tuesday to another two-year term as House minority leader. It was a voice vote at a closed-door meeting, and Pelosi hadn’t faced any challengers. 
 
     NEW YORK (AP) – A prosecutor in New York says there’s an “absolute epidemic” of abusive practices carried out by debt collectors. In fact, he says, even one of the FBI’s top officials got a call from one of those companies. The prosecutor Tuesday announced the arrest of seven members of a Georgia collection agency. They’re accused of threatening people with arrest unless they paid debts that they sometimes didn’t even owe. According to prosecutors, the firm bullied people in all 50 states, collecting millions of dollars from them. 
 
     WASHINGTON (AP) – Immigrants entering the U.S. illegally are increasingly making states along the East Coast their home rather than states closer to the Mexican border. New Jersey, Florida and Pennsylvania were among seven states to register gains in unauthorized immigrants from 2009 to 2012, even as the total number of immigrants in the country illegally was unchanged. That’s according to a report released today by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center.