Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Jan 9

CSi Weather…

..SATURDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS 5 TO 10 ABOVE. NORTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH. LOWEST WIND CHILLS AROUND 25 BELOW IN THE MORNING.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…INCREASING CLOUDS. LOWS AROUND 10 BELOW. NORTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH. WIND CHILLS AROUND 25 BELOW.
.SUNDAY…DECREASING CLOUDS. HIGHS 5 TO 10 ABOVE. NORTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS AROUND 15 BELOW. NORTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
.MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. HIGHS ZERO TO 5 ABOVE.
LOWS AROUND 5 BELOW.
.TUESDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 15 TO 20. LOWS
5 TO 10 ABOVE.
.WEDNESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS IN THE
MID 20S. LOWS 10 TO 15.
.FRIDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 30.

DRY AND COLD CONDITIONS ARE FORECAST THROUGH THE WEEKEND.

WIND CHILLS AROUND 25 BELOW  ZERO DURING THE OVERNIGHT/EARLY MORNING HOURS ACROSS THE JAMES RIVER  VALLEY SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY MORNING.

TEMPERATURES WILL BEGIN  TO MODERATE MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY AS PACIFIC RIDGING BUILDS INTO THE ROCKIES. HIGHS ARE FORECAST TO BE ABOVE NORMAL (IN THE 30S) BY THURSDAY.

 

Jamestown (CSi) The James River Humane Society reports the public responded over the Christmas holiday season, with a bake sale and donations Christmas trees at the Buffalo Mall, and Park Plaza Mall.

On Friday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, President, Matt Opsahl said, the shelter generated about $650 from the sale of baked goods, t-shirts, cookbooks, and blankets.

He added that the reduction of adoption fees for cats at the shelter will remain at $99 through January.
He pointed out the continuing need for dog volunteers, evening duties include cleaning kennels, feeding, administering meds and more.

He says the James River Humane Society is always seeking donations of cleaning supplies.

More information by calling 252-0747.

The shelter is located off the I-94 Bloom Exit.

on line visit

www.jamesriverhumanesociety.org

 

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation’s (JSDC) Executive Committee is recommending JSDC turn over the remaining seven lots in the I-94 Business Park to the city of Jamestown and is reviewing real estate policies.

The city would then have the possibility of selling the lots at auction, to a possible developer.

The sales proceeds would be paid back to the Stutsman County and Jamestown economic development funds.

The JSDC has been offering the lots for sale at $1 per square foot.

Lot purhasers are required to build within two years of purchase, and required to pay back a portion of the profits if the lot is sold at a profit within five or seven years, depending on the sales contract.

The properties also have covenants regarding the types of buildings that can be constructed, number of parking spaces and landscaping requirements.

JSDC plans to retain ownership of its industrial lots located at the Spiritwood Energy Park Association site.

Bismarck (CSi) The State Tax Department reports that in 2014, Jamestown and Stutsman County Taxable Sales and Purchases were off by more than seven percent compared to 2013.

Retail sales for the same periods showed a 1 percent decline.

The decline is the first in third quarter total sales since 2009.

The total taxable sales and purchases for Jamestown went down from $71.4 million in 2013 to $65.8 million in 2014. Retail sales dropped from $32.4 million in 2013 to $32 million in 2014.

public information officer for the Office of State Tax Commissioner, Jen Raab, says the biggest declines in total sales were in wholesale trade, which dropped about $2 million, and miscellaneous trade, which was down about $4 million.

Raab says the year-end report, due in April, would provide a better picture of the sales climate in Jamestown.

Total taxable sales and purchases. Barnes County was down 12 percent dropping from $26.6 million in 2013 to $23.3 million.

Foster County was down 9 percent with sales and purchases dropping from $17.6 million to $16 million.

LaMoure County saw a 26 percent decrease with sales of $7.9 million in 2014 compared to $10.7 million in 2013.

Kidder County saw an increase of 6 percent with sales climbing from $3.4 million in 2013 to $3.6 million.

Overall, North Dakota saw a 5 percent increase in total taxable sales and purchases within the state during the third quarter of 2014 compared to 2013. Sales and purchases increased from $4.5 billion to $4.7 billion.

Jamestown (CSi) The Stutsman County Area Retired Teachers will host a scholarship fundraiser on Sunday February 1, 2015, at the James River Sr/Community Center in Jamestown.

The time will be 1-4-p.m. as Whist, Pinochle or Bridge will be offered at a cost of $5 which includes lunch, with prizes in each division.

There will also be a silent auction and door prizes.

Proceeds go to the Scholarship fund for eligible area high school students.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The Bank of North Dakota set a record profit in 2014 for the 11th straight year.

Bank President Eric Hardmeyer told the state Industrial Commission Friday the bank’s net income last year was $111.1 million. That’s up from $94.2 million in profits in 2013.

The profit numbers aren’t audited, but Hardmeyer says they aren’t expected to change. The state-owned bank will publish its annual report in April.

The Bank of North Dakota is the nation’s only state-owned bank.

Hardmeyer says North Dakota’s strong economy, growing tax collections and deposits have helped propel the Bank of North Dakota’s profits to a record high.
MINOT, N.D. (AP) – A judge is deciding where to hold the trial of a truck driver accused of negligent homicide in a triple-fatal crash near Stanley in June 2013.

Fifty-year-old Vernon Wright, of Hiram, Georgia, could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted in the fiery crash that killed two Minot men and a Rhame man. He’s pleaded not guilty.

Judge Doug Mattson is sending questionnaires to 60 potential jurors in Mountrail County and to 40 in Ward County. He’ll decide where to hold the April trial based on the results.

Authorities allege Wright was driving a tanker trailer filled with oil and was at fault for the crash on U.S. Highway 2. The tanker trailer exploded and five other vehicles involved in the accident burned.

 

MINOT, N.D. (AP) – Bond has been set at $500,000 cash for a man accused in the September slaying of another man in Minot.

Thirty-seven-year-old Anthony Campbell is charged with murder in the slaying of 25-year-old Shannon Brunelle, who was found dead in a garage at an apartment building on Sept. 15. Campbell was arrested in Philadelphia in November after a nine-week manhunt.

Campbell made his initial court appearance Thursday. Court documents indicate he requested a public defender. He is due back in court on Feb. 12 and could enter a plea at that time.

The murder charge carries a maximum punishment of life in prison without parole.

 

Bismarck CSi    The Industrial Commission today approved $5,202,225 in Outdoor Heritage Fund grants for 16 projects.

“We are impressed with these projects recommended to us by the Outdoor Heritage Fund Advisory Board that will protect and enhance North Dakota’s resources across the entire state,” commission members said in a joint statement.

The Industrial Commission, chaired by Gov. Jack Dalrymple, Chairman, and including Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, oversees the Outdoor Heritage Fund.

The 2013 Legislature appropriated up to $30 million per biennium from oil and gas production tax revenue to support outdoor recreation and conservation projects including access to public and private lands for outdoor activities, farming and ranching stewardship practices, fish and wildlife habitat preservation, and outdoor recreation areas.  A total of $19,312,625 has been awarded during the biennium.

The projects approved in the area,included:

$1,200,000 – North Dakota Waterbank Program – ND Department of Agriculture

$695,424 – LaMoure County Memorial Park Streambank Restoration Project  – LaMoure County Soil Conservation District

$472,912 – Stump Lake Park Bank Restoration – Nelson County Park Board

$253,500 – Riparian Grazing Systems Project – Stutsman County Soil Conservation District

$197,550 – Sheyenne River Bank Stability Restoration Project – Phase 1 Bjornson Golf Course – Valley City Parks and Recreation Department 

The next application deadline is April 1, 2015. More information about the program, including the application process can be found on the Outdoor Heritage Fund website. http://www.nd.gov/ndic/outdoor-infopage.htm.

 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – Members of Congress from the Dakotas say President Barack Obama has lost a reason to veto a measure authorizing the Keystone XL pipeline after Nebraska’s Supreme Court tossed a lawsuit challenging a proposed pipeline route.

The decision upholds a 2012 law that allowed the governor to empower Canada-based TransCanada to force eastern Nebraska landowners to sell property for the project.

The White House has said Obama awaited a State Department review and the Nebraska ruling before making decisions on the pipeline, which would carry oil from Canada to the Gulf Coast.

South Dakota U.S. Sen. John Thune and North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven, both Republicans, say the decision leaves Obama out of excuses. North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, a Democrat, says she’s pleased a barrier to the pipeline is gone.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota lawmaker envisions the state’s wide-open spaces and wintry weather as the perfect testing ground for driverless cars and other automated vehicles.

Democratic Rep. Ben Hanson of West Fargo is pushing a bill that would allow the testing of the robotic vehicles on North Dakota highways.

The measure would require a person to be behind the wheel to take “immediate manual control” of the vehicle should something go wrong.

Hanson says a few states have laws in place that allow the testing of driverless vehicles.  But he says North Dakota would be the first “truly rural” state to do so.

North Dakota’s Transportation Department isn’t sold on the idea.

Driver’s License Division director Glenn Jackson says the agency needs more time for study.

 

In sports…

VALLEY CITY (VCSU/CSi) – Head volleyball coach Adam Longmore has turned to some hometown talent to help take the Valley City State University program to the next level.

Clarissa Olson, a senior at Valley City High School, signed a letter of intent Friday morning to attend VCSU and play volleyball for the Vikings starting this fall.

A 5-foot-9 athletic middle hitter, Olson excelled on the volleyball court as a Hi-Liner the past three seasons, earning All-EDC three times and Team MVP three times. In her senior season, she led the Hi-Liners to a 22-16 record and an appearance in the EDC Tournament.

Longmore says, “We are extremely excited that Claire is joining our program,” Longmore, was on hand Friday as Olson signed her letter of intent at VCHS.

He went on to say, “I had the opportunity of watching her play several times throughout the season, and every time I watched her play I was more and more impressed with her. As our volleyball seasons neared the end I knew she was someone that we wanted to have on our team.”

Olson tallied 423 kills (11.1 per match), 309 digs (8.1 per match), 67 blocks and 42 assists in her senior season. She led the team in kills the past two seasons and helped the Hi-Liners win the Optimist Tournament championship this year. Longmore says she has almost all the qualities he looks for when recruiting pointing out that “Athletically, she is quick, jumps well, and has a nice arm,” he said. “Her work ethic is great, and her attitude is unbelievable. She plays with such excitement that it is contagious. She loves the game and loves to celebrate; not only when she gets a kill but maybe even more when her teammate makes a great play. She has some great attributes you can’t coach.”

Outside of volleyball, Olson is also a standout in tennis and basketball for the Hi-Liners. She had a few different options to play college basketball or tennis, but ultimately chose to play volleyball at VCSU.

Longmore added, “Claire has a very high ceiling when it comes to potential and we are excited to see what she can do once she focuses on volleyball year-round.”s

Olson plans to major in math education while at VCSU. She has been named a distinguished student and received a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math education) scholarship to VCSU. She is the daughter of Al and Trisa Olson.

Valley City State University finished last season 15-18 in Longmore’s first year as head coach, tying the program’s most wins in a season since 2006. The Vikings compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and play their conference games in the North Star Athletic Association.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Members of Congress from North Dakota and Illinois have placed friendly food wagers on the outcome of Saturday’s Football Championship Subdivision title game in Frisco, Texas.

Three-time defending FCS champion North Dakota State is playing Illinois State. Kickoff is noon Central time. NDSU is trying to become the first team to win four straight championships in what was formerly known as Division I-AA.

North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven is betting bison steaks, and Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk is wagering Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

North Dakota Rep. Kevin Cramer has wagered bison jerky and sausage. Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis is putting up cupcakes from a bakery near the Illinois State campus.

 

FRISCO, Texas (AP) – Three-time defending national champion North Dakota State and Illinois State shared a conference title without having to play each other this season.

Until now, with a much bigger trophy at stake for the Missouri Valley Football Conference co-champions in the FCS championship game Saturday.

North Dakota State (14-1) is going for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title in the Football Championship Subdivision. The Redbirds (13-1) are making their first FCS championship game appearance.

With the eight-game league schedule in the 10-team MVFC, each team misses one conference foe. North Dakota State and Illinois State, who both lost to Northern Iowa, didn’t meet in the regular season for the first time in eight years.

This is the first time two teams from the same conference face off in the FCS championship game.

 

In world and national news…

PARIS (AP) – French security forces have put an end to a three-day terror rampage around Paris. They’ve killed the two brothers who staged a deadly attack at a satirical newspaper. And they’ve also killed an associate of the brothers, after he seized a kosher supermarket to try to help them escape. In addition to the three terrorists, at least four hostages were killed Friday.

PARIS (AP) – France remains on edge, amid fears that a wider terror cell might launch additional attacks. Authorities in Paris today shut down stores in a famed Jewish neighborhood. And France’s interior minister warned his nation to remain “extremely vigilant.”

PARIS (AP) – A French news network says it spoke directly Friday with two of the terrorists who held hostages at separate locations in the Paris area. It says one of them claimed allegiance to al-Qaida in Yemen, and the other to the Islamic State group. The organizations are normally rivals. BFM television says it spoke to one of the brothers suspected in the newspaper shooting, as well as the gunman holding hostages at a kosher grocery. That man is quoted as saying the three were coordinating their activities.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – With the end of two hostage sieges in Paris — and the deaths of the two suspects in the newspaper shootings — President Barack Obama says he’s hopeful that the immediate threat posed by terrorists in Paris has now been resolved. But he says the French government continues to face the threat of terrorism. He made his remarks at the beginning of a speech on education in Knoxville, Tennessee.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) – Some western New York roads are re-opening to limited traffic after a blustery, snowy morning commute, but authorities say the storm isn’t over yet. The nearly 60-mile stretch of the state Thruway between Buffalo and the Pennsylvania border remains closed. Several inches of lake-effect snow off Lake Erie and high winds caused hazardous driving conditions overnight and through this morning.