wbPM3CSi weather…

Includes Stutsman, Barnes Counties

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 7 PM CDT THURSDAY FOR
DRY DORMANT FUELS…LOW HUMIDITIES AND STRONG WINDS FOR EASTERN
NORTH DAKOTA AND PORTIONS OF NORTHWEST MINNESOTA…

* WINDS…SOUTH 20 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH. AN
ADDITIONAL CONCERN WILL BE WINDS SWITCHING TO THE WEST IN THE
DEVILS LAKE BASIN LATE IN THE AFTERNOON.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…15 TO 20 PERCENT RANGE.
THERE IS A SMALL RISK OF ISOLATED AFTERNOON THUNDERSTORMS.
* TEMPERATURES…IN THE LOW TO MID 70S.

* IMPACTS…RAPID FIRE GROWTH CAN BE EXPECTED WITH ANY FIRES THAT
IGNITE.

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW…OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS…LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY…AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CONTRIBUTE TO EXTREME FIRE BEHAVIOR.

Forecast…

.WENESDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS IN THE LOWER 40S. SOUTH WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH. .THURSDAY…SUNNY…BREEZY. HIGHS IN THE MID 70S. SOUTH WINDS
10 TO 15 MPH INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN
SHOWERS IN THE EVENING IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA, A 40 PERCENT CHANCE IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA…THEN PARTLY CLOUDY AFTER MIDNIGHT. LOWS
IN THE MID 40S. NORTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
.FRIDAY…SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE MID 70S. WEST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS IN THE UPPER 40S.
.SATURDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN
SHOWERS. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 70S.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY WITH CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS AND
SLIGHT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS. LOWS IN THE UPPER 40S. CHANCE OF
PRECIPITATION 30 PERCENT.
.SUNDAY…PARTLY SUNNY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS.
HIGHS IN THE UPPER 60S.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY WITH SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS.
LOWS IN THE LOWER 40S.
.MONDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 60S.
.MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS IN THE LOWER 40S.
HIGHS AROUND 70.

 

Jamestown (CSi) Stutsman County participated in the simulated state-wide tornado exercise Wednesday morning, April 29, 2015 as part of Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week.  The exercise, which was scheduled to begin 11:15 a.m., started on time with a test tornado warning initiated by the National Weather Service.

Stutsman County Emergency Manager, Jerry Bergquist says, part of the exercise included testing the county’s emergency operations plan.  A portion of the plan consists of Law Enforcement Center dispatchers activating siren systems for several communities in the County.  The sirens in Medina, Buchanan and Cleveland proved to be operational and ready for the summer weather season.  However, the siren at Streeter and the siren located at Frontier Village in Jamestown malfunctioned.  An effort is underway to get both sirens repaired and ready for use.

In addition, the National Weather Service activated its All Hazards Radio System and local radio stations and CSi cable  tested the Emergency Alert Systems, with cable interrupt.

Even though an official “warning” was broadcast by the National Weather Service, the CodeRED Weather Warning notification system did not activate.   Bergquist,  believes the CodeRED activation didn’t occur because there were no specific boundaries attached to the warning.  CodeRED is designed to warn individuals that have addresses within the warned area.  And, for the tornado exercise, specific boundaries were not identified.

Those wanting to sign up for CodeRED can do so by going to the Stutsman County webpage at www.co.stutsman.nd.us and click on the CodeRED icon at the bottom of the page.  Choose to receive tornado, thunderstorm and/or flash flood warnings on land-line telephones, cell-phones (including text message capable phones), VOIP phones and also via email addresses.  CodeRED Weather Warning is a no-cost way to receive immediate weather warning information, but, you must register for the service.  For those needing assistance to register, contact Stutsman County Emergency Management at 701-252-9093.

 

Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Police and the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office is asking for any information the public may have into break-ins and thefts at local storage lockers.

The thefts break-ins and thefts have been occurring since last summer.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Jamestown Police Detective Leroy Gross or Stutsman County Sheriff’s Detective Jason Falk to schedule a time to come to the Stutsman County Law Enforcement Center and look at recovered stolen items.

Gross says, since last summer there have been at least 30 storage locker break-ins. So far there have been five searches of different buildings in which stolen property was recovered.

There are several suspects but law enforcement is looking for solid leads, for possible arrests.

Gross also offered some advises those renting a storage locker to use the round type of locks, and put to your name and/or phone number on items with a permanent marker or an engraving tool.

To contact Gross, at Jamestown Police at 252-2414. Contact Falk, at the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office at 251-6200.

 

Jamestown (CSi) Those wishing to participate in swimming lessons at James River Family Fitness in Jamestown should make arrangements before the pool officially closes July 1, 2015.

On Wednesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Executive Director, Frank Conlon said to enroll for lessons to be held the four weeks in June. Open Swimming hours will still be available until the pool closes.

There has also been a number of individuals who have used the facility to become certified as life guards.

He says call JRFF at 253-4101 to make swimming lesson arrangement.

The pool will close, as the University of Jamestown will be using the area, after it is converted for the UJ wrestling facility.

Conlon pointed out that the JRFF gym at the Larson Center, will host the regional Marketplace of Kids, on on May 12, 2015 starting at 7-a.m., and running most of the day.

He added that JRFF will start summer hours the day after Memorial Day, on May 26th.

The hours then will be, Monday Through Friday from 5-a.m., to close at 9-p.m. Saturdays from 6-a.m., to 4-p.m., and closed Sundays.

The gym will be hosting the after graduation party.

The facility will be close for a week in July for annual maintenance.

JRFF has recently hosted the University of Jamestown Volleyball Camp, and Dine & Bid dinner and auction, along with a regional high school volleyball tournament.

 

Valley City (CSi) Those attending the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce-Valley City/Barnes County annual banquet Tuesday evening, heard that over $98 million in new construction was accomplished in the county last year.

VC/BC Economic Development Director Jennifer Feist told the audience, that 82 new homes were built in 2014 and another 49 apartment units were added in Barnes County, adding that 746 jobs were created last year in Barnes County.

Awards handed out included:

The 2015 Hi-Line Award….Doreen Sayler.

Business of The Year….Stoudt Ross Ford.

Communitye Image Award… Pizza Ranch, Smith Lumber Company and First Community Credit Union of Valley City

Accepting the Community Spirit Awards were, Marcia Foss, Dave Vareberg and Dalene Brock.

 

Bismarck (CSi) State Senator, Larry Robinson of Valley City and Mayor Bob Werkhoven have thanked Governor Jack Dalrymple, and the State Water Commission, as the State Legislature has approved $3 million in funds which will go toward permanent flood control dike installation in Valley City.

The flood control is geared to aid in the protection of the VCSU campus.

Senate Bill 2023 now goes to the Governor for his signature.

 

Jamestown (CSi) Another Stutsman County Relay for Life fundraiser is set. The Wild West Players will hold “Hitchin for Hope,”  chili feed on Saturday May 2, 2015, at 5-p.m., at the All Vets Club in Jamestown.

The chili will be served until gone.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The North Dakota Legislature ended its 2015 session Wednesday afternoon but lawmakers left a measure unresolved that affects public employee benefits.

House and Senate leaders have been at loggerheads for weeks over certain parts of the legislation aimed at ensuring that thousands of public employees can keep the same health benefits and medical providers when their insurer changes July 1. Lawmakers also are affected by the change.

The session lasted 78 days, just short of the 80-day maximum set by the state constitution.

The session was highlighted by uncertainty over slipping oil prices though spending did not reflect that.

The state budget totals $14.4 billion during the 2015-17 budget cycle. That’s up from $13.7 billion in the current budget cycle.

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) – The prosecution in the sexual misconduct trial against a former North Dakota teacher of the year will ask the presiding judge to declare a mistrial following the medical incident of a juror.

KFGO-AM reports that the prosecution in the Aaron Knodel (kah-NOH’-dehl) trial will be asking the judge to put the case before a new jury after a female juror was taken to a hospital Wednesday morning.

The station reports the juror was disoriented and didn’t recognize her sister at the hospital, and may not have disclosed that she had been a prior sexual abuse victim during the jury selection process.

The 11 remaining members of the jury told the judge that they had voted to find Knodel “not” guilty on three of the five felony counts and had not yet decided on the two other charges.

The attorney general’s office, which is prosecuting the case, has 14 days to prepare a formal request for a mistrial.

The 36-year-old West Fargo High School English teacher is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old female student over a period of several weeks in early 2009.   He was suspended without pay last fall.  He has pleaded not guilty to five counts of felony corruption or solicitation of a minor.

 

GWINNER, N.D. (AP) – A Gwinner-area man was killed when a piece of equipment he was operating fell on him.

Ransom County Sheriff Darren Benneweis says the man was crushed by a loader Tuesday when the hydraulics failed because of a cut hose.

The man was found by a relative. His name was not immediately released.

 

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – One of a half-dozen people charged in a case involving numerous overdoses involving the powerful synthetic drug powdered fentanyl says he will plead guilty.

Eighteen-year-old David Noye Jr., of Grand Forks, is charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances resulting in serious bodily injury and death. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Grand Forks police have issued two public warnings about the dangers of fentanyl since 18-year-old Bailey Henke, of Grand Forks, died from an overdose in January.

Federal prosecutors say that the drugs were obtained from Brandon Hubbard, of Portland, Oregon, who is scheduled to make his first North Dakota court appearance Wednesday in Fargo.

A change of plea hearing for Noye has not been scheduled.

 

Update…

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The lawyer for a man on trial in North Dakota for his role in a Jamaican lottery scam says authorities should have investigated whether his client was himself a victim of stolen identity.

Twenty-five-year-old Sanjay Williams, of Montego Bay, Jamaica, has pleaded not guilty in federal court to conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering. He the first of 32 defendants to go to trial.

Defense attorney Charlie Stock said during questioning of FBI Special Agent Frank Gasper Wednesday that investigators should have looked into an incident where Williams’ email account was hacked and should have checked whether Williams’ credit card information was stolen.

Gasper said there’s plenty of other evidence against Williams.

Stock says so many people in the case used fake names that it’s hard to believe any witnesses.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Michigan-based SpartanNash Co. is buying more grocery stores in North Dakota.

SpartanNash is buying the Dan’s Supermarket chain in Bismarck-Mandan. Financial terms of the deal haven’t been disclosed.

Dan’s Supermarket CEO Dennis Bosch and Board Chairman Terrance Rockstad plan to retire after more than 40 years. The six stores being sold will continue operating under the Dan’s name and employees will keep their jobs once the deal is complete in early June.

SpartanNash will ship products to the Bismarck-Mandan stores from a Fargo distribution center, replacing current distributor Supervalu.

Dan’s sold its two Dickinson stores to SpartanNash in December 2013.

 

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve has downgraded its assessment of the economy after a winter that saw growth slow to a trickle. It kept its key interest rate unchanged. On a day when the government said the economy barely grew in the January-March quarter, the Fed gave no indication it is any closer to raising a key rate from its six-year low near zero. The Fed notes in a statement that growth slowed, business investment softened and exports declined.

BALTIMORE (AP) – Baltimore police say they arrested 35 people, including one juvenile, after the city imposed a curfew Tuesday night. A police spokesman adds that more than 100 people are still waiting in jail to be charged in the riots Monday night. He says police have a 48-hour window to charge them or else they will go free. About 100 people who were also arrested have already been charged.

BALTIMORE (AP) – A six-to-nothing lead in the first inning is something for Baltimore Orioles fans to cheer about — but none of them are in the stadium where Wednesday’s game against the White Sox is being played. In the aftermath of Monday’s unrest, it was decided that the game would be played in an empty stadium. Orioles manager Buck Showalter says it’s a reminder of how unimportant a ballgame is “compared to some things that are going on.” Even in an empty stadium, they played the National Anthem before the game.

BOSTON (AP) – His third-grade teacher says Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev (joh-HAHR’ tsahr-NEYE’-ehv) was quiet and hardworking, and “always wanted to do the right thing.” The teacher testified Wednesday on the third day of the defense case in the penalty phase of the bombing trial. Defense lawyers are arguing that his older brother, Tamerlan, was a domineering influence who led Tsarnaev down the path to terrorism.

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama has spoken to Nepal’s prime minister, to express sympathy over the death and destruction caused by a massive earthquake on Saturday and pledge further assistance. A spokesman says the two men discussed U.S. military and civilian efforts already underway to help Nepal and international aid groups in their emergency rescue and response. Police in Nepal say the death toll from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake has topped 5,000.