wbAM2CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 80S. SOUTH WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.
.TONIGHT…SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS LIKELY. SOME THUNDERSTORMS
MAY BE SEVERE IN THE EVENING. LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL POSSIBLE IN
THE EVENING. LOWS IN THE MID 60S. SOUTHEAST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH
SHIFTING TO THE NORTHWEST 5 TO 10 MPH AFTER MIDNIGHT. CHANCE OF
PRECIPITATION 60 PERCENT, 70 PERCENT IN THE VALLEY CITYAREA.
.FRIDAY…PARTLY SUNNY IN THE MORNING A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS IN THE MORNING IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA. THEN CLEARING.  HIGHS IN THE LOWER 80S.
NORTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS. LOWS IN THE LOWER 60S. SOUTHWEST WINDS AROUND
5 MPH.
.SATURDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 80S. SOUTHWEST WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. LOWS IN THE MID 60S.
.SUNDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 80S.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS. LOWS IN THE UPPER 60S.
.MONDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY WITH A 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 80S.
.MONDAY NIGHT…DECREASING CLOUDS. A 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS. LOWS IN THE LOWER 60S.
.TUESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY…MOSTLY CLEAR. HIGHS IN THE LOWER
80S. LOWS IN THE LOWER 60S.

Jamestown (CSi) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports that the release from Jamestown Dam was increased on Monday from 13 cfs to 50 cfs.

Bob Martin in Jamestown said, the release was stepped up due to the reservoir level reaching the flood storage area.

He says Pipestem Dam continues to release 135 cfs., for a combined release of 185 cfs through Jamestown.

Martin expects the releases to stay at those figures, pending any additional heavy rainfall.

 

Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Public Schools and the Jamestown School Board each indicate progress in continued contract negotiations.

The administrators are negotiating for a one-year term with a second-year contract preferred.

The approximately 12 positions affected include elementary, middle and high school principals, assistant principals, activities directors and technology directors.

School Board President, Roger Haut, said Wednesday’s session, was “give and take.”

Negotiations ended with disagreement over a base salary increase agreement. Another negotiation meeting is scheduled August 5, 2015.

The School Board and the teachers through the Jamestown Education Association adopted a new teacher salary structure that increased the base for entry level educators to $39,635 in 2016 and $41,485 in 2017. It also included pay increases for non-teaching professionals and support staff which was all reflected in a two-year master agreement adopted by the school board on July 20.

 

Jamestown (CSi) Stutsman County/Jamestown committee has approved searching for a consultant to look at whether an addition to the county jail is feasible, and budgeting $60,000 along with and agreeing to divide the costs between the city and county.

The consultant will determine the probable costs of an addition to the existing Stutsman County Correctional Center.

The cost to build a new facility would also be included in case the existing jail’s structure could not support an addition with the necessary design requirements.

The current building was designed to allow for an additional floor, Bradley said, and the consultant would determine if it could support an addition that meets the project goals of doubling the inmate population to 96.

When a construction project is proposed the committee could look at what the splitting factors are at that point.

The Request For Proposals requires that an architect have experience with designing similar jail facilities and experience working with the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The RFP also requires a comparison study with a new separate facility.

 

 Valley City (CSi) The Barnes County Commission, on a 4-1 vote has approved a funding request, from Valley City/Barnes County Development, for the National Guard facility.

Barnes County Commissioner Rodger Berntson told Valley City Barnes County Director of Development Jennifer Feist he would not support a Development Corporation funding request concerning the corridor development and voted against the motion to approve.

Financing for the project is in place, as construction has started.

Feist said the funding is being used to finance infrastructure work like water, sanitary, and storm sewers and a lift station for the corridor development project.

Under the agreement the Development Corporation makes annual requests of $70,000 in funding dedicated for economic development for the project over a 15 year period.

 

Valley City (CSi) A four County Regional Truck Regulatory Group has voted unanimously to dissolve during their meeting in LaMoure.

The Truck Regulatory Commission is comprised of Barnes, Dickey, LaMoure and Stutsman Counties.

Board member John Froehlich, says the motion to dissolve and distribute equipment is subject to the approval of the State’s Attorney’s in Dickey and Stutsman Counties as well as the Truck Regulatory Board.

Barnes County, this month, voted to have the county drop out of the Truck Regulatory Group amid concerns surrounding the pulled peace officers license and reprimand of truck regulatory officer Tim Gillespie.

 

Jamestown (CSi) The South Central Dakota Regional Council Board of Directors is seeking its first dues increase in two years from its member counties.

South Central Dakota regional Council Executive Director, Deb Kantrud says, the board of directors has approved a recommendation from its executive board to seek a 3 percent increase in dues from the nine counties in the council, first dues increase in two years.

Each participating county commission will decide if it will approve the request.

If the Stutsman County Commission approves the request, its annual dues to the regional council for 2016 will be $34,824, up from the $33,810 the county paid in 2015.

Barnes County’s dues will be $18,765 for 2016, up from $18,218. If all nine counties approve the dues increase, the regional council will receive $97,272 for 2016.

 

 Jamestown  (CSi)  Community Action Region VI in Jamestown Backpacks for Kids Program, ensures any child can receive a backpack to supplement their diets over the weekend.

To help with the project, the Jamestown HOGS Chapter 1955 will be hosting a Bike for Kids event on Sunday, July 26.

Food Pantry Coordinator Sarah Oberlander says the program went through roughly 40 to 50 backpacks in their first year of the program and has been growing.

Oberlander says it costs roughly $15 to pack every backpack that’s given out through the anonymous program.  For more details call 701-252-1821.

 

  BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A federal appeals court has affirmed a ruling that struck down a North Dakota law banning abortions when a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which can be as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.
 
     The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday upheld the decision last year of a federal judge who ruled the law was unconstitutional. Abortion rights supporters have called it the most restrictive abortion law in the country.
 
     The law was approved by the Republican-dominated Legislature in 2013, though it was quickly put on hold after North Dakota’s lone abortion clinic filed a lawsuit that July.
 
     The measure was among four anti-abortion bills that Republican Gov. Jack Dalrymple signed into law that year with overwhelming support from lawmakers.

 

RAY, N.D. (AP) – Authorities say an 18-year-old Ray man drowned while swimming with friends at a dam south of the city.
 
Justin Meckle died Tuesday at the Kota Ray Dam.
 
     Witnesses told the Williams County Sheriff’s Office that Meckle went under the water and did not come back up. Responders arrived, but Meckle spent approximately 30 minutes underwater.
 
     He was taken to Tioga Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

 

 PARK RIVER, N.D. (AP) – An 86-year-old woman has died days after she was injured in a collision between a car and a semitrailer at the intersection of two state highways in Walsh County.
 
     The North Dakota Highway Patrol on Wednesday reported the death of 86-year-old Joanne Schwappach, of Bismarck. She was a passenger in the car that authorities say ran a stop sign and was struck by the semi at the intersection of Highways 32 and 17 on July 15.
 
     Authorities say 81-year-old Louise Heupel, of Bismarck, and 84-year-old Mary Danielson, of Glendive, Montana, were passengers in the car and died at the scene.
 
     Eighty-year-old Erlys Fardal, of Bismarck, who was driving the car was treated and released from a hospital.
 
     The Canadian man driving the semi wasn’t hurt.
 
     The crash remains under investigation.

 

 UNDERWOOD, N.D. (AP) – Law enforcement authorities are accusing a North Dakota man of intentionally setting a garage on fire believing his wife was inside.
 
35-year-old Joshua Wirkus has been charged with endangering by fire and ingesting a controlled substance.
 
     Court records show Wirkus told a McLean County sheriff’s deputy he had been consuming meth before starting the blaze. Wirkus told the deputy he was delusional and believed his wife had poisoned him. 
 
     Records show Wirkus started the fire using PVC glue. His wife, 33-year-old Meagan Wirkus, also faces charges, which include possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver.
 
     The couple’s two children were found unattended at their Underwood apartment.
 
     Joshua Wirkus’ attorney didn’t immediately return a call seeking comment. Records for Meagan Wirkus don’t list an attorney.

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Representatives from the United States and Canada are working together on regulations for unmanned aircraft systems.
 
     North Dakota Rep. Kevin Cramer hosted a panel discussion in Washington Wednesday with key players in drone development from the two countries. Canada is America’s No. 1 trading partner.
 
     North Dakota is home to one of six drone test sites in the U.S. and is building the nation’s first unmanned aircraft systems business park.
 
     Cramer says it’s important that drone regulations are aligned between the two countries “as much as possible from the beginning.”

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s congressional delegation says Bismarck is getting more than $287,000 to provide affordable housing options to low-income families
 
     The money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will go to the city of Bismarck to fund low-income housing programs.
 
     The delegation says federal funds will help make a difference by providing safe and accessible housing.

 

WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) – The Williams County Commission has adopted new rules that are intended to phase out temporary housing, including crew camps, RV and trailer parks and modular homes.

The commission voted Tuesday to adopt the new guidelines that put restrictions on new or renewed applications for temporary housing starting Aug. 1.

Commissioners say they don’t want to completely ban temporary housing because they fear it could increase apartment and permanent housing costs.

Data show that Williams County has at least 18 total temporary housing facilities. But the number of beds at the facilities has dropped from about 8,000 in 2012 to less than 4,200 at present.

 

 FARGO, N.D. (AP) – The roar of the Blue Angels fighter jets flying into Fargo may have been the loudest announcement for Navy Week, but more subtle efforts to promote the military are being held on the ground.
 
     Fargo is one of 12 cities to host Navy Week activities this year and the farthest city away from any ocean. The event culminates this weekend with performances by the Blue Angels and Leap Frogs parachute team.
 
     Navy representatives are visiting with students and others showing off bomb squad gear, robots, simulators and other equipment. The popular Navy Band is giving numerous performances.
 
     The Navy Week host is Rear Adm. Stuart Munsch (munch), a native of Oakes, North Dakota. He says it’s appropriate to hold festivities in Fargo because the state is historically a recruiting hotbed.

 

  MINOT, N.D. (AP) – Officials say attendance at the North Dakota State Fair in Minot is down slightly from a year ago.
 
 Attendance through the first five days of the fair is about 2,400 fewer than in 2014.
 
     Fair officials say a total of 35,209 people came through the gates Tuesday.
 
     Officials say top acts such as Keith Urban and Aerosmith should bring the numbers up by the time the fair closes Saturday night.
 

In sports…

AA..

 New Jersey 10, Fargo-Moorhead 2

 

MLB…

INTERLEAGUE
 
   Final          Philadelphia        5    Tampa  Bay              4,  10  Innings
   Final          Cleveland              7    Milwaukee              5
   Final          Texas                    10    Colorado                8
   Final          Kansas  City          5    Pittsburgh            1
   Final          St.  Louis              3    Chi  White  Sox      2
 
 
       AMERICAN  LEAGUE

 ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – Huston Street earned his 300th save as the Los Angeles Angels beat the Minnesota Twins 5-2 on Wednesday night for their seventh straight victory. Chris Iannetta homered and Albert Pujols had an RBI double for the Angels. Brian Dozier had an early two-run single for the Twins.
 
 
   Final          N-Y  Yankees          4    Baltimore              3
   Final          Detroit                  9    Seattle                  4
   Final          Houston                  4    Boston                    2
    Final          Oakland                  4    Toronto                  3,  10  Innings
 
 
       NATIONAL  LEAGUE
 
   Final          L.A.  Dodgers        3    Atlanta                  1
   Final          Cincinnati            9    Chi  Cubs                1    (first  game)
   Final          Chi  Cubs                6    Cincinnati            5    (second  game)
   Final          Washington            4    N-Y  Mets                3
   Final          San  Francisco      7    San  Diego              1
   Final          Miami                      5    Arizona                  3
 
 
       WNBA  BASKETBALL
 

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Camille Little hit a jumper with 8 seconds left to help the Connecticut Sun beat the Minnesota Lynx 78-77 in overtime on Wednesday. Maya Moore had one final chance but her shot with under 2 seconds left missed. Shekinna Stricklen led Connecticut with 15 points. Alex Bentley added 12 and Elizabeth Williams scored 10. 
   

   Final          New  York            59    Los  Angeles      53

 

TOUR…

 PRA LOUP, France (AP) – Germany’s Simon Geschke won a tough and dangerous Stage 17 of the Tour de France. The bearded Geschke won the stage held in the Alps with a solo breakaway and on a treacherous descent. Race leader Chris Froome showed his bike-handling skills on the last high-speed descent where 2007 and 2009 winner Alberto Contador suffered a problem with his bike, costing him time.

  Tour de France riders have started the second of four punishing days in the Alps with race leader Chris Froome keeping close watch on his main rivals for the yellow jersey.
    
     Froome beat back several attacks during the previous day’s entree into the Alps. The 30-year-old Briton leads Colombia’s Nairo Quintana who is second by 3 minutes, 10 seconds.
 
     The race finishes Sunday on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

 

 SOCCER-GOLD CUP…
 
     ATLANTA (AP) – Jamaica, ranked No. 76 in world soccer, stunned the United States with a pair of first-half goals in a 2-1 victory in the Gold Cup semifinals.
 
     Darren Mattocks put the Reggae Boyz ahead with 31st-minute header off a throw-in. Giles Barnes followed five minutes later with a goal on an 18-yard free kick after Team USA goaltender Brad Guzan was caught going outside the penalty area on a routine throw.
 
     Michael Bradley scored in the 48th minute for the Americans, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a stunning setback in front of sold-out crowd at the Georgia Dome. Jamaica now advances to the Gold Cup final for the first time and will face Mexico in Sunday’s championship.
 
     The Americans had played in five straight Gold Cup finals. Instead, Team USA will face the loser of Wednesday’s second semifinal in the third-place game on Saturday against Panama.

 

NBA…

 NEWARK, N.J. (AP) – NBA commissioner Adam Silver says the league is leaning toward not guaranteeing a playoff spot to a team that wins its division. Silver says no decision has been made, but he believes it’s likely that teams will qualify for the postseason only if they have one of the top eight records in their conference. Being a division winner would not assure a team of a playoff spot.
 
     Division winners are currently guaranteed no worse than the No. 4 seed, though that’s expected to be changed before next season. Portland got that spot in the Western Conference last season by winning the Northwest Division, but the Trail Blazers would have been seeded sixth by win-loss record.

 

In world and national news…

 HELENA, Mont. (AP) – A wildfire in Glacier National Park in Montana has grown to more than 6 square miles. When the blaze swept down the park’s most popular roadway yesterday, it sent visitors packing and residents scrambling to protect their homes and businesses in the small community of St. Mary. In Washington state, about 600 firefighters are attacking a wildfire that’s ripped through nearly 6 square miles in the southeastern part of the state near Walla Walla. And a fast-moving 6-square-mile wildfire in northern California prompted evacuations in two communities about 30 miles north of Napa.
 
     UNDATED (AP) – Secretary of State John Kerry is part of a Cabinet-level lobbying team that will be on Capitol Hill today to try to get Congress to accept the nuclear deal with Iran. President Barack Obama is trying to build support for the easing of sanctions on Tehran in exchange for concessions on its nuclear program. But Republicans are challenging the deal. Meanwhile, thousands of protesters gathered in Times Square, last night, shouting, “Kill the deal!”
 
     SAN ANTONIO (AP) – Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump heads for the U.S.-Mexico border today, where he’ll meet with the union that represents U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents and he’ll speak to other law enforcement officers. Trump has gone beyond the party’s hardline stance on illegal immigration, calling immigrants who cross the border illegally “criminals” and “rapists” and accusing Mexico’s government of deliberately sending felons into the U.S.
 
     BROKEN ARROW, Okla. (AP) – Two teenagers – a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old – have been taken into custody after five of their relatives were found dead in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, southeast of Tulsa. Police went to an address late last night and found the bodies, and a child who was still alive, but is in critical condition. Another child was found unharmed. Police are calling it a homicide investigation. 
 
     BRUSSELS (AP) – The European Union has opened an antitrust case against six major U.S. movie studios for preventing British satellite broadcaster Sky from showing their products outside the U.K. and Ireland. The EU Commission, which assesses antitrust matters for the 28-country EU, says it has sent a statement of objections to Disney, NBCUniversal, Paramount Pictures, Sony, Twentieth Century Fox and Warner Bros. The EU commissioner says “European consumers want to watch the pay-TV channels of their choice regardless of where they live or travel in the EU.”