Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Jun 2

CSi Weather…

A TORNADO WATCH  IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 PM CDT TUESDAY  FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS  NORTH DAKOTA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE BARNES, STUTSMAN, DICKEY AND MORE:
Forecast…

TUESDAY NIGHT…THUNDERSTORMS LIKELY. SOME THUNDERSTORMS MAY BE SEVERE WITH HEAVY RAINFALL IN THE EVENING.  RAINFALL, IN EXCESS OF 1.3 IN OVER THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY. LOWS IN THE MID 50S.
SOUTHEAST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH SHIFTING TO THE NORTH 10 TO 15 MPH
AFTER MIDNIGHT. CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS 70 PERCENT IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA, 60 PERCENT CHANCE IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA.
.WEDNESDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE MORNING IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA, 50 PERCENT IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA .   HIGHS IN THE UPPER 60S.
NORTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 50. NORTH WINDS
5 TO 10 MPH.
.THURSDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 70S. NORTHEAST WINDS
AROUND 10 MPH.
.THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE
MID 50S. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 70S.
.SATURDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 50 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 70S.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH RAIN SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS LIKELY. LOWS IN THE UPPER 50S. CHANCE OF
PRECIPITATION 60 PERCENT.
.SUNDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 70S.
.SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE MID 50S.
HIGHS IN THE UPPER 70S.

 

SCATTERED SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE LIKELY ACROSS EASTERN NORTH

DAKOTA AND ADJACENT PORTIONS OF MINNESOTA LATER THIS AFTERNOON AND INTO THE EVENING.

THE GREATEST THREAT IS IN THE AREA SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 2 AND EAST OF

HIGHWAY 85. ALSO…AN ISOLATED TORNADO IS POSSIBLE LATER TODAY

OVER THE SOUTHERN JAMES RIVER VALLEY.

THE MAIN THREATS WILL BE HAIL UP TO 2 INCHES AND

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS…AND PERHAPS AN ISOLATED TORNADO. HEAVY RAIN IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME IS ALSO POSSIBLE.

VERY HEAVY RAIN COULD LEAD TO FLOODING OF POOR DRAINAGE AND LOW LYING AREAS.

 

Jamestown (CSi)  Voter turnout in Jamestown on Tuesday for the TRAC one percent sales tax vote showed good numbers.

Stutsman County is in charge of the elections, and County CEO Casey Bradley says as of mid afternoon Tuesday, a total of almost 2,000 votes had been cast.

Of those, about 1,100 ballots were cast at the Civic Center on Tuesday.

Prior to that, a total of 891 Early Voting and Absentee ballots were turned in.

A simple majority is need to pass the issue.

The polls at the Civic Center remain open until 7-p.m. on Tuesday.

The votes will be canvassed by the City of Jamestown on Monday June 8, 2015.

 

Valley City (CSi) The official groundbreaking ceremony for the Valley City Health, Wellness & Physical Education Center will be on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at 10am at 755 Viking Drive Southwest.

The community is invited to attend.

Valley City Park Board president Dick Gulmon says “It never ceases to amaze me what can be done to enhance quality of life and quality of place when public-private partnerships work together for a common goal.”

Three major groups are involved with the development of the Valley City Wellness Center, including Valley City Park & Recreation, Valley City State University and the Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation.

 

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

The meeting started with former Valley City Forester Dave Dunham was presented a plaque for his service of 23 years. Mayor Werkhoven gave his appreciation, including searching out dutch elm diseased trees, and being on call. Dunham gave thanks to his botany instructor, and said he always did his best.

Next was the swearing in of Valley City Police Officer Amanda Lawrence. Following that Police Chief Thompson pinned her shield to her uniform.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:

Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.

Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,810,854.34.

Raffle Permit for North American Game Warden Museum and Phyllis (Miller) McDonough.

Beer & Liquor license renewal for Main Street Off Sale and Dakota Silver.

Parade Permit for Rally in the Valley on June 20, 2015, at 10-a.m.

PUBLIC FORUM

Lloyd Nelson spoke and asked what does AMAMAMIOPT mean on his electric bill?

He said he paid his late bill charges, without paying the $5 fee.

He added after questioning the bill he never received a response.

Information indicated that he opted out of the AMI meters, remote reading system, which the city said electrical employees substantiated, and requires a $5 meter charge, Nelson said he didn’t remember opting out of the meter plan. He said he’s paying a meter reader out the utility fund fees, so the $5 for not having AMI amounts to a double fee.

ORDINANCES

City Commissioners approved the first reading of an Ordinance rezoning Lots 5-8, Block 2 of the Original plat of the city of Valley City from B-1, Central Business District to PUD (Planned Unit Development). Attorney Myhre added that the rezoning is now under the redeveloped city zoning ordinance.

Approved the first reading of an Ordinance rezoning the East Half of Lot 2 less West half of alley, Block 37, located in Benson’s Addition to the City of Valley City from R-2, Duplex/2family to R-4, Single/Multiple Family Unlimited. Attorney Myhre said the Planning Commission recommended approval.

RESOLUTIONS

Approved a Resolution amending Water Main Improvement District No. 96B, adding two blocks of water main at the intersection of Third Street and Third Avenue Northeast, and tow blocks north.

Approved a Resolution approving the Replat of Hyland Park Addition.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve a Special Alcohol Beverage Event license for Boomer’s Corner Keg for the Dakota Raiders Hill Climb on June 21. (Boomer’s)

Approved a Special Alcohol Beverage Event license for the VFW for the Mud Run during Rally in the Valley, June 13, 2015.

Considered options for sewer service for two homes north of the hospital, the Wright house and Winter house. KLJ indicated sewage backup has been and issue, for many years, and recommends installing ejector pumps. The home owners have agreed to the installation, and Administrator Schelkoph indicated the city will work with the owners on the installations. The City Commission voted to approve the recommended option.

Considered a request from the VC Development Corp to approve $50,000 to increase child care capacity with funds from the City Sales tax dedicated to economic development. Valley City Barnes County Economic Development Director, Jennifer Feist said the Barnes County Commission has approved the county’s $50,000 share out of the county’s economic development funds.She noted an increase in capacity is needed for childcare, which effects the workforce numbers and the ability to attract new employees to town.The City Commission approved the expenditure from the city sales tax fund.

Approved the renewal of Gaming Site Authorization for the Valley Twisters Gymnastics Club at Woodland Steakhouse and Bridges Bar and Grill.

Approved a Contract with the State of North Dakota authorizing the Office of the State Tax Commissioner to administer the City’s local Sales, Use and Gross Receipts Taxes for the 2015 through 2017 biennium.

Considered purchasing property for flood buyout at 474 5th Avenue SW. The property had been considered to be taken by eminent domain. Commissioner Magnuson and Mayor Werkhoven met with the home owner, and came to an agreement that includes paying $115,000 for a buyour and allow the owner to live in the house up to four months and provide closing costs of a new house.

Werkhoven said the action will not impact the permanent flood control flood wall planned for that area.

The City Commission voted to approve the negotiated agreement, with Commissioner Nielson voting in opposition saying the amount was over the assessed valuation.

Approved purchasing a Dump Truck from Fargo Freightliner in the amount of $64,326, and 16’ Body from Bert’s Truck in the amount of $30,065.

Commissioners approved an Amendment to the Preliminary Engineering Agreement with KLJ for Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 50, along Winter Show Road, and near the KLJ offices.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT No report was given.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT No report was given.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Attorney Myhre said the recodification process considered.

City Assessor Sandy Hansen said no protest were given at the County Equalization meeting.

City Building/Fire Inspector Dave Andersen reminds residents to mow their grass.

City Fire Chief Gary Retterath said the outdoor sirens are all working properly.

Police Chief Fred Thompson said, the new camera system are nearly completely installed. He said Valley City Police is participating in the “I Got Caught” program where when officers see a youngster wearing a safety helmet during appropriate outdoor activies,  the kids get a “citation,” good for an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen.

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

 

Jamestown (CSi) The James River Fire Fighters Association, will host the North Dakota Fire Fighters Association State Convention in Jamestown June 4^th –6^th 2015. The regional organization is an association of nine area fire departments. Around 300 fire fighters and family members are expected in Jamestown, during that time.

Jamestown Rural Fire Fighter, Brian Paulson says highlights of the convention includes the fire fighters parade, a memorial ceremony for those who have passed on in the last year, and participation in the Stutsman Relay for Life on June 5^th.

He says the memorial service will be held indoors at the Jamestown Civic Center, on Friday at 8:45 a.m., where the names will be read. The public is invited, and is asked to use the upper level seating.

On Friday evening starting at 5-p.m., the parade, featuring “Vivian The Pink Fire Truck,” and the Aberdeen Pipes & Drum Corps, will leave the west Civic Center parking lot, and travel east on Third Street Northeast, up the stadium hill to the University of Jamestown Taylor Stadium parking lot.

The parade will do one lap around the stadium track to honor an Association past-president who passed away this last year from cancer, and as a tribute to fire fighters who have passed away.

The fire truck will also be present at the R.M. Stoudt Running of the Pink event on Saturday morning.

Another feature of the state convention is a fire fighters golf scramble on Thursday in Carrington, with participants bused to Carrington.

Also on Thursday there will be a motorcycle run with registration at 10-a.m., at Stutsman Harley-Davidson, and will return in time for the Fire Chiefs meeting at 6-p.m.

 

Jamestown (CSi) A fundraiser for the James River Humane Society is ‘A very Special Elvis Presley Display,” presented by Jack and Betty Gorman of Jamestown.

On Wednesday and Thursday, June 24, 25, 2015 the All Vets Club in Jamestown will be open from 9-a.m., to 6-p.m.

All donations are welcome for admission, including monetary, a donation of dog and cat food and or toys.

Without the donation there will be a $5 admission charge.

Also inside there will be rare Elvis Souvenirs for sale.

Jack says that he and Betty support the James River Humane Society, those who take care of the dogs and cats, and the shelter’s efforts of finding homes for them.

Jack points out that Elvis loved pets and always has a dozen pets or more on the grounds of his Graceland home.

 

OAKES, N.D. (AP) – Authorities in the southeastern North Dakota community of Oakes are getting the word out about a group of scammers posing as students raising money for a trip.

Police say boys and girls between the ages of 15 to 18 visited residences Sunday claiming to sell magazines to fund a trip to Paris, France.

Oakes school officials say there are no students presently selling any items door-to-door.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The father of a worker who was shot by a U.S. airman at a Wal-Mart store in North Dakota is out of the hospital and in “good spirits.”

Larry Friesz says his daughter, Lisa Braun of Grand Forks, suffered a gunshot wound to her shoulder. Friesz says she was released from a hospital over the weekend.

Police say 21-year-old Marcell Willis walked into the store on May 26 and opened fire with a handgun, killing one worker and injuring Braun before turning the gun on himself.

Grand Forks Police Lt. Derik Zimmel says police have found no motive for the shooting. He says police are still awaiting an autopsy to determine whether Willis had drugs or alcohol in his system.
 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem (STEHN’-juhm) says the North Dakota State University Development Foundation and Alumni Association violated the state’s open meetings law.

Stenehjem says in a written opinion issued Tuesday that some action concerning a separation agreement with former CEO Doug Mayo should not have been done behind closed doors.

Stenehjem also says the group also broke the law by not posting notices of some meetings.

Stenehjem says the group must amend or reconstruct minutes of the meetings in question.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Bismarck police are returning to black-and-white patrol vehicles.

Chief Dan Donlin says the retro color scheme makes the vehicles more recognizable.

The current squad cars are plain white with black striping and graphics. That design has been in place for nine years.

Police also are phasing out patrol cars in favor of sport utility vehicles.

 

MINOT, N.D. (AP) – A zoo in Minot has announced the birth a serow (SEHR’-oh) calf that’s native to Japan.

The Japanese serow calf was born May 26 at Roosevelt Park Zoo. It’s the second calf born to the parents in the past two years.

The serow, which are considered goat antelope, are classified as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

A physical hasn’t been done on the calf, but zookeepers believe he’s male. Zookeeper Allison Suda says the calf is only about a foot tall, but she says a serow can weigh between 100 and 200 pounds and are as tall as 3 feet when fully grown.

 

In world and national news…

JIANLI, China (AP) – China’s premier is urging divers to keep searching for more survivors in a cruise ship that overturned Monday  night in the Yangtze River. The vessel had been listing heavily amid pounding rain before capsizing with 458 people aboard. Most are still missing. The country’s official news agency says five people are confirmed dead, and at least 15 others were rescued — including three who were pulled from the hull of the overturned ship. It was carrying mostly elderly tourists when it overturned.

JERUSALEM (AP) – President Barack Obama says remarks made by Israel’s prime minister before an election earlier this year have reinforced a belief in the international community that Israel is not committed to peace. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in March that there would not be a Palestinian state on his watch. Netanyahu has since walked back his remarks, saying he is committed to a Palestinian state under certain conditions. But in an Israeli TV interview that was aired Tuesday, Obama said that Netanyahu’s initial remarks were “fairly unequivocal.”

ZURICH, Switzerland (AP) – Elections are expected to take place as early as December for a new president for FIFA (FEE’-fuh), the governing body of international soccer. Sepp Blatter announced Tuesday that he will resign from the organization. He had just been re-elected to a fifth term on Friday. He said today that his “mandate does not seem to be supported by everybody” in soccer. Last week, the U.S. Justice Department indicted 14 men on charges connected to alleged corruption in soccer. And Swiss authorities are looking into the awarding of World Cup sites.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – The California Senate has approved legislation that would make the state the first in the nation to extend health coverage to children who are in the country illegally. Senators approved a bill Tuesday that would allow children under 19 from low-income families to qualify for state-funded Medi-Cal, regardless of their legal status.

WASHINGTON (AP) – A government investigator has told Congress that the IRS failed to put into effect dozens of security upgrades to its computer systems. And the investigator says some of those fixes could have made it more difficult for hackers to use an IRS website to steal tax information from 104,000 taxpayers. Ten of the upgrades were recommended more than three years ago.