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CSi Weather…
FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CDT THIS MORNING…IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA 8 A.M. IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA…
.REST OF TODAY…MOSTLY CLEAR. WIDESPREAD FROST EARLY IN THE
MORNING. HIGHS IN THE MID 60S. NORTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH.
.TONIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS IN THE LOWER 40S. WEST WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH.
.THURSDAY…SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 70. NORTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS IN THE MID 40S. NORTHEAST
WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH SHIFTING TO THE SOUTHEAST AFTER MIDNIGHT.
.FRIDAY…SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 70S. SOUTH WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE UPPER 40S.
.SATURDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS AND SLIGHT
CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE MID 60S. CHANCE OF
PRECIPITATION 40 PERCENT.
.SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY…CLOUDY WITH CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS
AND SLIGHT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS. LOWS IN THE UPPER 40S. HIGHS
IN THE UPPER 60S. CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION 40 PERCENT.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. LOWS IN THE UPPER 40S.
.MEMORIAL DAY…PARTLY SUNNY WITH CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS AND
SLIGHT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 60S. CHANCE OF
PRECIPITATION 30 PERCENT.
.MONDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE UPPER 40S.
.TUESDAY…PARTLY SUNNY WITH CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS AND SLIGHT
CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 70S. CHANCE OF
PRECIPITATION 30 PERCENT.
THERE IS A SLIGHT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH THE WEEKEND AND
INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK. WIDESPREAD SEVERE WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED
AT THIS TIME.
Jamestown (CSi) The rainfall amounts last weekend in Jamestown has required a small water release from Jamestown Reservoir.
Pipstem Dam Manager Bob Martin with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says on Tuesday the release went from zero to 75 cfs, as the water level slightly rose by 1.5 feet, and puts the level, by eight-tenths of a foot, into the flood storage area.
This is the first release from Jamestown Reservoir since the first week in December of 2014.
Martin says, still, no release is being made from Pipestem Reservoir where the water level went up 2.2 feet since last week. Inflows at Pipestem were at 600-700 cfs during the heavy rainfall period. At Pipestem the the level is six feet above the freeze up level, compared to 30 feet above at this time last year.
No release has been made at Pipestem since March first this year.
The James River in Jamestown during the heavy weekend rain went up to 7.05 feet, from the pre-rain level of 2.9 feet. The level will be slightly higher than that when the run off is gone, due to the Jamestown Dam release.
The river level started dropping Monday morning after the rain and snow and was down to 4.28 feet on Wednesday morning.
In LaMoure the James is forecast to reach action stage, 11.4 feet on Wednesday this week.
The river level is forecast to decrease by Saturday, May 23rd to around 10 feet.
Martin says the river rise is LaMoure is also due to rainfall runoff, and that any releases from the Jamestown and Pipestem Dams takes from between 10 and 14 days to reach LaMoure.
LaMoure County Emergency Manager Kimberly Robbins is cautioning individuals living near the James River near LaMoure to stay aware of the temporary increased river levels and increased flows.
In Valley City, Tuesday the Bald Hill Dam releases was at 1700 to 1800 cfs.
City Administrator David Schelkopf said officials did NOT expect the release to reach 2300 cfs.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A lawyer representing more than two-dozen sex offenders who have filed a civil lawsuit over treatment at the North Dakota State Hospital says the hospital is retaliating against the plaintiffs by limiting their participation in the suit. The original complaint filed in February 2013 by three men incarcerated at the hospital and classified as sexually dangerous individuals accuses the facility of favoring unnecessary punishment over treatment. Lawyers have declined to talk about the case while it’s still open.
Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council’s Finance & Legal Committee
Building, Planning & Zoning Committee and Civic Center & Promotion Committee
met Tuesday evening at City Hall. All members were present.
FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE
Considered approving a re-allocation of up to 80 acres for a crew camp for temporary workforce housing at the JSDC Spiritwood property located within the East½ of SE¼ of Section 28-140-62, at the rate of $600 / acre per year. JSDC CEO Connie Ova said 40 acres will be needed just for parking. The population is expected to be around 2,250 individuals.
The committee recommends approving the re-allocation, also approved by the Stutsman County Commission.
The committee recommends approval of the April 2015 JSDC Policies Revision. The Stutsman County Commission approved, Tuesday morning.
The committee recommends approving the request for Street Dance permits by the Corner Bar for June 6th and 27th, 2015.
The committee recommends sending to the City Council without recommendation, pending review by the City Attorney, entering into a Letter Agreement concerning the amortization schedule 2(a) for the Water Supply Agreement with GRE for the City financed GRE share of cost of the City System Upgrades by the sale of Taxable Refunding Improvement Bonds of 2014 – Series X.
The committee recommends approval of the request from Wayne and Sally Albin for Renaissance Zone incentives by providing 5 years of property tax exemption and to request the ND State Tax Department to grant 5 years of State income tax exemption for the purchase of a residence on Lot 7, Block 1, Lindberg Addition.
Discussion was held relative to the operation of ATV’s on city streets. Currently only police and fire department personnel may operate them within city limits.
Police Chief Scott Edinger said no larger North Dakota cities allow residents to use the vehicles on the streets. He see no down-side to allowing in the city, with proper equipment, to make them street legal. Any adoption would NOT apply to golf carts.
The committee recommends the City Attorney review the state statues before the First Reading of an Ordinance revision at the July City Council meeting.
Discussion concerned possible amendments to Section 5-25 of the City Code pertaining to distances required between alcoholic beverage establishments, churches and schools, stemming from more restaurants coming to the downtown area. Council Members Gumke and Buchanan suggested removing restaurants from the Code.
The committee recommends research regarding restaurants before the First Reading of an Ordinance at the June City Council meeting.
Discussion requested by Mayor Andersen concerned the possible need of an ordinance pertaining to protest demonstrations such as Permit fees, security, clean-up deposits, etc. Currently the city has provisions regulating protest distances from funerals, and it has disorderly conduction penalties. The committee recommends the City Attorney research the issue further.
It was noted that the Second Reading of an Ordinance to grant Otter Tail Power Company a continues franchise to maintain its system within the City for a 10 year period, is cheduled for the June 1, 2015, City Council meeting. City Attorney Leo Ryan said after meeting with Otter Tail’s attorney, he’s satisfied with the change in language.
Informational: Departmental and financial reports were presented.
BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE
Informational: A Public Hearing and Second Reading of an Ordinance to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 of the City Code by amending the District Map to change the zoning of the North 600 feet of Auditor’s Lot 30-2, within the NE ¼ of Section 30,
Township 140 North, Range 63 West from R-1(One-Family Residential) to R-2 (One- to Six-Family Residential), is scheduled for the June 1, 2015, City Council meeting.
CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE
No items at this time.
The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.
Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall. Commissioner Luke joined via telephone conference call.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:
Renewal of electric license for Tom’s Electric.
A Memorial Day Parade for the AmVets Post 3 on May 25 has been cancelled.
In lieu of the parade the Valley City Jr/Sr High School bands will perform a patriotic concert in the 100 block of Main Street, starting at 10:30-a.m., which was approved by Commissioners.
PUBLIC FORUM: No one spoke.
ORDINANCES:
Approved the second and final reading of an Ordinance accepting the South Valley Addition plat.
RESOLUTIONS
Following a Public hearing the City Commission approved, a Resolution of Necessity to Replat Lots 2-10, Block 2 and Lots 4-6, Block 4, Hyland Park Addition, in Northwest Valley City.
Approved a Resolution to refer to a Professional Land Surveyor for the Hyland Park Addition.
NEW BUSINESS
Considered whether to move forward with appropriate legal actions to resolve Phase II Buyout program disputes. City Administrator Schelkoph said the buyout committee has recommended changes, specifically concerning the Gary Schlagel property.
Originally the plan was to construct a flood wall behind the home, however as construction proceeded it was determined the house would be in jeopardy if left in place.
Schlagel asked for another house in lieu of his present home, which officials felt was over the current valuation of the present home and property.
The state which partially funds the buyouts recommends removal of the property, through eminent domain if necessary, and was moved to approve including amendments by the City Commission. Mayor Werkhoven voted in opposition to the original consideration.
City commissioner Duane Magnuson and Mayor Werkhoven will be negotiating with Schlagel over the next two weeks to reach an agreement.
The City Commission moved to approve the 2016 City construction projects as outlined by KLJ,
Approved the renewal of Edgar A Fisher Post No. 60 of the American Legion Site Authorization in the Legion Club.
Approve the renewal of Frank S Henry Post 2764 Site Authorizations for the VFW Club, The Captain’s Pub and the NuBar.
Considered increasing the hourly wage from $100/hour to $125/ hour for all legal work outside of the contract with Myhre Law Office. Commissioner Luke said she’s more comfortable in waiting for the budgeting period to approve any increase. City Administrator Schelkoph said the increase was fair, and City Commissioners voted to approve, with Commissioner Luke voting in opposition.
Approve a Retail Image Enhancement Grant for S & S Auto Electric in an amount not to exceed $7,500.
Consider Preliminary, Design, and Construction Engineering Agreement for approximately 10 blocks of Milling, Hot Bituminous Pavement Overlay, ADA Ramps and Incidentals for Paving Improvement District in the amount not to exceed 17%. (NDDOT Project Nos. SU-2-990(051)055, PCN 20855 – 6th St NE (Central Ave – 8th Ave NE) and SU-2-990(052)056 PCN 20856 – 2nd Ave NE (2nd St NE – 4th St NE) Mill and Overlay)
The City Commission voted to approve.
.
CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
David Schelkoph said Lake Ashtabula’s water level is dropping, following a rise from runoff from the recent heavy rain amounts, and that Bald Hill Dam’s release is at between 1700 cfs and 1800 cfs as of Tuesday. Officials do NOT expect the release to reach the 2300 cfs release. He says the Sheyenne River level is expected to drop over the next few days, and urges residents to use caution around the river.
CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS
Fire Chief Retterath said the outdoor siren that was out of commission has been repaired, and all sirens have been tested.
Commissioner Nielson commented that she will attend a state meeting that will allocate state funding approved by the legislature for permanent flood control. She will also attend a state water commission meeting representing Valley City.
The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.
Tower City (CSi) The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports, a semi rollover on I-94 on Tuesday about 2:50a.m., east of Tower City.
The semi was eastbound and entered the median and rolled.
The driver, 68 year-old Freddie Reyes of Yakima, Washington took evasive action and steered in an attempt to drive back onto the roadway. The semi jackknifed and rolled onto its driver’s side, blocking both eastbound lanes on I-94. No one was injured in the incident.
The roadway was blocked about three hours with traffic diverted to Exit 310. Reyes was wearing a seat belt with damages estimated at about $75,000.
The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Cass County and Barnes County Sheriff’s Offices along with the Tower City Fire Department.
The accident remains under investigation.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A stove fire in a Fargo apartment prompted the evacuation of the building and resulted in minor injuries to a firefighter.
Battalion Chief Bruce Anderson says the firefighter was injured forcing open the door to the locked, unoccupied apartment after responding to the fire shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday. The nature of the injury wasn’t disclosed.
The apartment where the blaze occurred suffered fire, heat and smoke damage. Damages were estimated at $20,000.
Other tenants were allowed to return to their apartments after smoke was cleared from the building.
MANDAN, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota couple accused of keeping their children in filthy conditions at their home have been charged with felony child neglect.
33-year-old Amber Wilkie and 34-year-old Ronald Wilkie were charged Tuesday. Amber Wilkie also faces one count of making a false report to law enforcement.
Authorities say police officers visiting the Mandan home of the Wilkies Monday to enforce a child custody order reported filthy conditions, including animal feces on the floor in the children’s bedrooms, soiled and torn mattresses, and kitchen counters and a sink stacked with dirty dishes.
Authorities say Amber Wilkie also originally denied that the child officers were looking for was at the home.
The child name in the custody order was released to relatives. The rest of the children were turned over to the Morton County Child Protective Services.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A man accused of leading a heroin ring on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation has been sentenced to five years in prison.
Zachariah Walker pleaded guilty in November to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. Two other charges, including tampering with a witness, were dropped as part of the plea deal.
Authorities say Walker regularly travelled to Utah to buy drugs to distribute in North Dakota. He is one of seven people charged in the case.
U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland ordered Walker to serve three years of supervised release when his prison term is completed.
WHITE SHIELD, N.D. (AP) – The family of a North Dakota soldier deemed missing in action during the Korean War is getting his medals and awards.
The honors will be given May 30 to the family of Cpl. Elmer Bear, who is from the Fort Berthold Reservation. The ceremony will take place in White Shield with North Dakota National Guard commander Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk (sprihn-sihn-AT’-ik) on hand.
The newspaper says Bear was reported as missing in action since Nov. 26, 1950 after a battle with Chinese forces in North Korea. His wife and son have since died.
Bear was born in 1927 in Elbowoods, which is now covered by Lake Sakakawea (suh-kah-kuh-WEE’-uh).
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – The Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority is appealing a judge’s order to stop construction on a levee south of Fargo until an environmental review is completed.
U.S. District Judge John Tunheim of Minnesota issued the order last week after opponents of a Red River diversion argued that the dike should not be built until the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources completes its study.
A notice of appeal was filed Tuesday.
A group representing about 20 cities and townships in North Dakota and Minnesota filed a lawsuit in August 2013 against the diversion and added a motion to stop construction of the dike meant to protect structures in Oxbow, Hickson and Bakke.
Those three North Dakota communities are located upstream in an area that would be intentionally flooded in times of high water.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The North Dakota National Guard will have a female general for the first time in its history.
Col. Giselle “Gigi” Wilz, of Bismarck, is being promoted to brigadier general during a Wednesday afternoon ceremony at the North Dakota Heritage Center.
Wilz has served in the state Guard for 32 years. She enlisted in 1983 as a military police officer with the 191st Military Policy Company. Throughout her career, she has held various leadership positions, most recently as the Guard’s chief of staff.
She will leave this month for a one-year tour in Bosnia, where she will command NATO forces operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
MINOT, N.D. (AP) – Ticket sales have begun for concerts at this year’s Norsk Hostfest in Minot.
Headline entertainers lined up include The Band Perry and 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.
The annual Hostfest 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 celebrating the culture of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
This will be the event’s 38th year. It will run from Sept. 29 through Oct. 3. Tickets went on sale Monday.
In sports…
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – A University of North Dakota committee has narrowed the list of potential nicknames for the school to 63. The group went through about 1,200 nickname ideas that were approved by a consultant after a month-long campaign to solicit suggestions from the public. The committee plans to release a short list of finalists for another public vote.
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – The University of North Dakota men’s hockey team next season will face nonconference opponents from the Big 10, Hockey East and the WCHA.
UND competes in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. It unveiled its 2015-16 nonconference opponents on Tuesday.
They include Wisconsin and Michigan State in the Big 10, Vermont and Maine from Hockey East, and WCHA teams Alabama-Huntsville, Bemidji State and Lake Superior State. The series against longtime rival Wisconsin will be in Grand Forks Nov. 6-7.
UND last year made it to the NCAA Frozen Four for the seventh time in 11 seasons under coach Dave Hakstol, who on Monday was named head coach of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers. Longtime UND assistant Brad Berry was named the team’s new head coach.
NEW YORK (AP) – The NBA’s biggest losers were the big winners in the draft lottery.
The Minnesota Timberwolves will have the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. It’s the first time since 2004 the team with the worst record has won the lottery.
The top pick gives the Wolves an opportunity to take big men Karl-Anthony Towns of Kentucky and Jahlil Okafor of national-champion Duke to put next to Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins.
The Los Angeles Lakers moved from the fourth spot to second, keeping a pick they would have sent to Philadelphia if it had fallen outside the top five. The 76ers are third, followed by the New York Knicks. The Knickerbockers entered the lottery with the second-best chance to get the No. 1 pick.
Orlando has the fifth pick, followed by Sacramento, Denver, Detroit, Charlotte and Miami.
MLB…
INTERLEAGUE
PITTSBURGH (AP) – Brian Dozier got Minnesota started with a home run in the first inning as the Twins held on for an 8-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates last night. Pedro Alvarez hit a 461-foot home run that landed in a boat docked along the Allegheny River beyond the right-field stands. Alvarez became just the third player to reach the water on the fly since PNC Park opened in 2001.
Final Washington 8 N-Y Yankees 6, 10 Innings
Final Milwaukee 8 Detroit 1
Final Tampa Bay 5 Atlanta 3
Final Kansas City 3 Cincinnati 0
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Final Baltimore 9 Seattle 4
Final L.A. Angels 3 Toronto 2
Final Boston 4 Texas 3
Final Cleveland 3 Chi White Sox 1
Final Houston 6 Oakland 4
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Final Arizona 4 Miami 2
Final St. Louis 10 N-Y Mets 2
Final Colorado 6 Philadelphia 5
Final San Diego 4 Chi Cubs 3
Final San Francisco 2 L.A. Dodgers 0
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – The Golden State Warriors have taken Game 1 of the NBA’s Western Conference finals by erasing a 16-point, second-quarter deficit in a 110-106 triumph over the Houston Rockets. Stephen (STEH’-fehn) Curry shot 6-for-11 from 3-point range and scored 34 points for the Warriors, including a pair of game-clinching free throws in the closing seconds. Shaun Livingston scored 10 of his 18 points while Golden State was closing the first half on a 25-6 run to take a three-point lead. Game two is Thursday.
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – Marcus Kruger scored on a tip-in of Brent Seabrook’s shot at 16:12 of triple-overtime to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 win over the Ducks in Anaheim. The next game set for Thursday.
NFL…
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – NFL kickers will have a tougher time hitting extra points after connecting on 99 percent of their tries in recent years. League owners have approved the competition committee’s proposal to snap the ball from the 15-yard line on extra-point kicks. That proposal also keeps the 2-point conversion at the 2 and allows the defense to return a turnover to the other end zone for the two points.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – The NFL players’ union has asked Commissioner Roger Goodell (guh-DEHL’) to recuse himself from the appeal hearing for Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who received a four-game suspension for his role in the use of deflated footballs in the AFC championship game. The union calls Goodell a “central witness in the appeal hearing,” adding he is not impartial. However, Pats owner Robert Kraft says he won’t appeal his team’s $1 million dollar fine and the loss of two draft picks for their part in the deflated footballs.
LOS ANGELES (AP) – The San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders have moved a step closer to building a new stadium near Los Angeles. A complex land deal has been finalized on a site in Carson that could become the home of a shared $1.7 billion venue.
The Raiders and Chargers are planning a shared stadium if both fail to secure new stadiums in their current hometowns.
MLB…
The Chicago Cubs have shipped catcher Welington Castillo to the Seattle Mariners for right-handed reliever Yoervis Medina.
Former NL Rookie of the Year Rafael Furcal (fur-KAL’) is retiring after 14 major league seasons.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL…
UNDATED (AP) – Former Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson says he is transferring to Florida State, where he will have the chance to replace Jameis (JAY’-mihs) Winston.
Golson graduated from Notre Dame on Sunday. He will be immediately eligible to play under NCAA graduate transfer rules. He will also immediately become the most accomplished quarterback on Florida State’s roster.
In world and national news…
WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama is adding national security to his list of reasons why action is needed now on climate change. In excerpts of a commencement address prepared for delivery today at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut, Obama says climate change threatens to aggravate poverty and political instability around the globe and jeopardize the readiness of U.S. forces.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – Iran’s supreme leader says military sites and Iranian scientists will be off limits to international inspectors under any nuclear agreement with world powers. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made the remarks today to military commanders as negotiators from Iran and six world powers launched a new round of talks focused on reaching a final deal that curbs Iran’s nuclear program by a June 30 deadline.
KIEV, Ukraine (AP) – A senior Ukrainian security official says Russia has become an increased threat since annexing Crimea and increasing its military presence there. Oleksandr Turchynov (oh-lek-SAN’-dur tur-CHY’-nahv) also tells a Ukrainian news agency that Kiev is open to placing a ballistic missile-defense system in Ukraine to ward off the potential risk of attacks from Russia. The comments mark an intensification of hostile rhetoric between Russian and Ukraine.
BEIJING (AP) – Local officials say 98 residents have been found safe and 16 are missing after a nine-story residential building in southwest China collapsed following a landslide. The officials say cellphone signals of 15 of the missing have been traced to the site. The government said in a statement that heavy rainfall led to the collapse.
ATHENS, Greece (AP) – The parliament spokesman of Greece’s governing party says priority will be given to salaries, pensions and the general running costs of the state rather than a scheduled loan repayment to the International Monetary Fund unless bailout funds are released. Greece’s new government has been struggling for four months to agree on reforms that creditors require in return for the release of the remaining 7.2 billion euro ($8 billion) bailout program.
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