wbPM3                                                                  CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…DECREASING CLOUDS. LOWS 10 TO 15. SOUTHWEST WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH.
.THURSDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 30S. SOUTHWEST WINDS
10 TO 20 MPH.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…INCREASING CLOUDS. LOWS IN THE MID 20S.
SOUTHWEST WINDS AROUND 15 MPH.
.FRIDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 30S. NORTHWEST WINDS
AROUND 15 MPH.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…INCREASING CLOUDS. LOWS IN THE MID 20S.
.SATURDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW THROUGH THE DAY.
SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAIN IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGHS IN THE MID 30S.
CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION 20 PERCENT.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN
AND SNOW. LOWS IN THE LOWER 30S.
.SUNDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE MORNING…
THEN SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAIN AND SNOW IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGHS IN
THE UPPER 30S.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE LOWER 20S.
.MONDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE MORNING…
THEN SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAIN AND SNOW IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGHS IN
THE LOWER 30S.
.MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE LOWER 20S.
HIGHS IN THE MID 30S.

THERE IS A CHANCE OF RAIN ACROSS WESTERN NORTH DAKOTA ON
 SATURDAY…WITH A CHANCE OF A RAIN OR SNOW MIX CENTRAL SATURDAY INTO SATURDAY NIGHT. ANY SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL BE VERY LIGHT.

GUSTY NORTHWEST WINDS ARE ALSO EXPECTED.

 

 Jamestown (CSi)  Jamestown Police report a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Wednesday at 1:25 p.m., in the 900 block of 12th Avenue Southeast, near 10th Street Southeast.

Assistant Chief John Johnson says the pedestrian was walking south on 12th Avenue Southeast  on the west side  when the individual was struck by a vehicle traveling south on 12th Avenue.

The pedestrian was taken by Jamestown Area Ambulance Service to Jamestown Regional Medical Center, with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.

The accident remains under investigation.

 

Follow up….

Valley City (CSi)  Media reports the vote by the Valley Commission on January 20, 2015 said the vote was unanimous to approve the request for the city’s share of funding for the Valley Development Group request for $500,000 in economic development funds for the VC Health, Wellness & Physical Education Center.

However, Mayor Werkhoven has clarified that he voted in opposition, with a “nay” vote, which sounded to many as an “aye” vote to approve.

According to protocol commissioner’s are  to say a loud “aye” sounds like eye for a yes vote and a loud “nay” for a no vote.

Administrative Assistant Becki Anderson says  she heard Werkhoven vote “nay” and she said the official vote will be recorded as 4 to one.

Werkhoven said he voted “nay” against the request, and has  apologized for his pronunciation and the confusion and frustration that his action may have caused the public.

 

Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission meeting in Special Session Wednesday morning voted unanimously to approve the city’s share of funding for the Valley Development Group request for $500,000 in economic development funds for the VC Health, Wellness & Physical Education Center.

The commission heard more testimony from the audience during the 20 minute meeting, along with comments from City Commissioners, and economic development Director, Jennifer Feist.

Before the vote Mayor Werkhoven expressed his concerns about funding without firm financial footing, and has a concern about the long-term financing.

He added the with several meetings each side of the issue has had the opportunity to add their voices.

Mayor Werkhoven pointed out that the City Commission upheld the voter advisory vote to approve the Wellness Center funding in the amount of $3-million dollars.

Commissioner Nielson said the project will not move forward until all funding is in place. She feels the project does fall under criteria of economic development.

She noted the support of young people in the community.

Commissioner Luke added Parks and Recreation has done a good job in developing the project, and that the mission is continuing.

She also expressed concerns over continued funding.

Commissioner Magnuson said the facility is needed in the community, adding that he too has concerns about continued funding. He said it’s now up to Parks and Rec and community support to continue the project.

Commissioner Pedersen added that support from the City Commission will keep the funding effort going, and a vote of confidence for Parks and Recreation concerning the continuance of the project.

Tuesday, a request to transfer $250,000 from the economic development fund to help finance the construction of the proposed Wellness Center in Valley City was denied by the Barnes County Commission on a 4 to one vote.

　

Jamestown (CSi) The Daily Bread program in Jamestown has expanded with a food freezer at Gussner Elementary School and in the main office of the Gardenette living center in southeast Jamestown.

With the addition of Gussner Elementary School, freezers are at all public school locations, in Jamestown.

Daily Bread, Jamestown Steering Committee member, Joan Morris says, the program is experiencing a high demand for food at the Gardenette location.

Daily Bread can only rescue food from commercial North Dakota certified kitchens.

The food is free, and there are no registration requirements.

More food donors are needed, and kitchens are asked to consider donating to Daily Bread.

She asks if anyone knows of any commercial kitchens that are throwing away good food or wanting more information about Daily Bread – Jamestown, to contact Tom Geffre at 252-5660.

 

Carrington (CSi) The Foster County Commission has appointed positions left vacant by recent resignations.

Carrington resident Pat Copenhaver is the newest Foster County Commissioner. He was appointed and sworn-in, and will finish the remaining two years of ex-commissioner Les Greger.

Jess Earle is the new Emergency Manager.

Leasa Lura is the new Foster County, Clerk of Court.

　

Jamestown (CSi) Paint Our Town Purple is a chance to raise awareness of the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life in the community.

On Friday, May 1, 2015, at 5:30pm, a pre-celebration event will be held at the Frontier Fort by the buffalo. This year is the 30th anniversary since Relay for Life was founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt. The theme for 2015 is ‘30 Years Strong’. Purple is the signature color of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life program, which represents all cancers.

The American Cancer Society is seeking businesses, organizations , and families to get involved in the Relay for Life movement by displaying purple ribbons and other decorations from May 1, 2015 – June 5, 2015.

People can also help “Paint Our Town Purple” by doing other activities, including putting up purple-themed displays in storefronts, swapping out white light bulbs for purples ones, or selecting a day for everyone to wear purple at work or school.

Also, at the pre-celebration event on May 1st, is the opportunity to purchase purple tablecloths to decorate trees with, purple headbands as well as purple wristbands that say: ’30 Years Strong’ as well as some other items.

The proceeds raised will go to the 2015 Stutsman County Relay for Life event. There will be four certificates given out the night of the Relay for Life event on June 5th: Best Use of Purple, Most Original Purple Theme, Most Purple, and Best Purple Window Display.

 

    FARGO, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota transportation officials say that automated crossing arms will be installed at the intersection where a school bus and train collided earlier this month.
 
     The crash east of Larimore killed 17-year-old high school student Cassidy Sandstrom and 62-year-old bus driver Max Danner, and injured 12 other students. The cause is still being determined.
 
     The state Department of Transportation says it will pay for 90 percent of the project, which could cost as much as $500,000. The remaining amount will be split between BNSF Railway and the Grand Forks County Commission.
 
     The DOT says the crossing currently meets federal safety standards. The intersection is marked on either side with a crossbuck, which is a white “X” marked with the words “railroad crossing.” The crossbuck posts also have stop signs.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Attorneys for a North Dakota mother accused of leaving her two young daughters to die in an unheated parked car during a frigid winter day are asking a judge to order a psychiatric evaluation.
 
     Public defenders for Michelle Wounded Face say she appears delusional and has acted oddly in jail, drinking toilet water, eating pillow stuffing and “engaging in bulimia.”
 
     The U.S. attorney’s office is not objecting to the evaluation proposal. Magistrate Judge Charles Miller hasn’t yet ruled on the request.
 
     The 24-year-old Wounded Face is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. She’s been living on the Fort Berthold Reservation. She’s accused of abandoning her 2- and 4-year-old daughters in a car for more than three hours on Jan. 3, in bitter cold weather. They survived.

 

 ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota railroad regulatory official says lower oil prices have caused train traffic from North Dakota to level off. That’s given Minnesota officials space to work on safety issues.
 
     About seven trains haul crude from the Bakken oilfields through Minnesota daily. Dave Christianson from the Minnesota Department of Transportation says he expects that traffic to stay level as long as oil prices stay down.
 
     Christianson calls it “breathing room” to address safety concerns. He and other railroad experts addressed a House transportation committee Wednesday.
 
     The state is working on plans to improve railroad crossings across Minnesota. Transportation officials are also considering adding a fourth railroad inspector.
 
     A recent study found many Minnesota firefighters and first responders aren’t prepared to handle an oil accident.

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s Senate has passed a measure that would grant immunity for someone who calls authorities to report a drug overdose.
 
     Republican Sen. Howard Anderson says his bill is aimed at saving lives. The retired Turtle Lake pharmacist says there have been cases in North Dakota in which drug overdoses have gone unreported for fear of criminal prosecution.
 
     The Senate voted 46-0 Tuesday to approve the measure, with one senator absent. It now goes to the House for consideration.
 
     The National Conference of State Legislatures says 22 states have enacted some form of a drug immunity law.

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s Legislature is considering a proposal to allow lawmakers to set tuition and fees at the state’s 11 colleges and universities.
 
     The State Board of Higher Education sets the rates at present but has been criticized for raising them too much.
 
     West Fargo Republican Rep. Kim Koppelman is sponsoring the measure that would give the Legislature the authority. Koppelman told the House Education Committee Wednesday that lawmakers should set the rates so there is more control over them.
 
     University System interim Chancellor Larry Skogen opposed the idea.
 
     Skogen says allowing the Legislature to set tuition and fees would create “another level of complexity and bureaucracy to an already complex process.” Skogen says it also “could greatly limit student input.”

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s Health Department says it will sample drinking water at Williston and possibly other sites to see whether oil that spilled into the Yellowstone River in Montana is cause for public concern across the border.
 
     A ruptured Bridger Pipeline Co. pipeline spilled an estimated 50,000 gallons of oil into the river near Glendive, Montana. Authorities are working to clean up the water supply for Glendive after cancer-causing benzene was detected. Bridger Pipeline says it will provide bottled water for city residents.
 
     The pipeline breach is about 50 river miles from the North Dakota border. Health Department Environmental Chief David Glattsays  officials don’t think oil has reached the North Dakota border, but they’re continuing to monitor and sample.

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The Band Perry will be among the headline entertainers for this year’s Norsk Hostfest.
 
     The popular country music act will be joined in the Great Hall of Vikings by The Beach Boys, singers Ronnie Milsap, Martina McBride and Marty Stuart, the Celtic Thunder musical group, comedian Jeff Foxworthy and the ABBA tribute band Abbacadabra, which will perform with the Minot Symphony Orchestra.
 
     Tickets go on sale Monday, May 18.
 
     The annual Hostfest in Minot is billed as the largest Scandinavian heritage festival in North America. Each year it draws about 60,000 people from around the world for food, music and other entertainment.
 
     This is the 38th year for the event. It will run from Sept. 29 through Oct. 3.
 

In world and national news…

CINCINNATI (AP) – A federal grand jury has indicted the 20-year-old Ohio man accused of plotting an attack at the U.S. Capitol. Justice Department officials and the FBI say the grand jury has charged Christopher Lee Cornell with attempting to kill U.S. officials and employees, solicitation to commit violence and a firearms charge. Cornell was arrested a week ago outside a gun shop west of Cincinnati. The FBI says Cornell planned to “wage jihad” by attacking the Capitol with pipe bombs and shooting government officials and employees.
 
     SANAA, Yemen (AP) – Yemen’s state news agency is reporting that Shiite rebels holding Yemen’s president captive in his home have reached a deal with the U.S.-backed leader to end a violent standoff in the capital. The SABA news agency says agreement promises to give the rebel Houthi (HOO’-thee) movement more say in the affairs of the Arab world’s poorest country in exchange for the group removing its fighters from President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi’s (HAD’-eez) home.
 
     MOSCOW (AP) – Separatist forces in eastern Ukraine are sending large quantities of arms and manpower to new flashpoint near the rebel-held city of Luhansk (loo-HAHNSK’). The deployment has prompted Ukraine’s president to cut short an overseas trip and is undermining hopes for a new peace initiative.  Earlier in the day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (SEHR’-gay LAHV’-rahf) proposed that both Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed rebels pull back their heavy weapons from a previously agreed-upon division line to help reduce hostilities.
 
     ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) – Investigators have begun excavating the ruins of a mansion near Annapolis, Maryland, that burned to the ground on Monday. They are searching for a man and a woman and their four grandchildren who have been missing since the blaze. Relatives say they were likely inside when the building caught fire.
 
     JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) – Mitt Romney has accepted an invitation to speak at Jacksonville University’s spring graduation in the key presidential battleground of Florida. Advisers say the 2012 Republican presidential nominee is mulling another campaign. Florida delivered Romney a primary victory in 2012 that helped him distance himself from a crowded GOP field.