Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Dec 1

JAMESTOWN AREA…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BISMARCK HAS ISSUED A WINTER

WEATHER ADVISORY…WHICH IS NOW IN EFFECT  TO  4 PM TUESDAY.

SNOW… WILL CONTINUE TUESDAY  AFTERNOON BEFORE
DIMINISHING LATE AFTERNOON. SNOW AMOUNTS THROUGH TUESDAY WILL RANGE
UP TO 3 INCHES IN BISMARCK…MANDAN…ELGIN…AND STEEL...UP TO 5
INCHES FROM JAMESTOWN THROUGH LINTON…TO NEAR 6 INCHES OVER
ELLENDALE…OAKES AND ASHLEY.

 VALLEY CITY AREA….

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT TO 4 PM CST TUESDAY…

…FROM VALLEY CITY TO ADA TO LAKE ITASCA STATE PARK.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS PERIODS OF SNOW WILL

CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED

ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES…AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE CALLING FROM CAN

BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1.

Forecast…

.REST OF TODAY…SNOW WITH NEW SNOW ACCUMULATION AROUND 1 INCH. STORM
TOTAL 2 TO 3 INCHES. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 30S. NORTH WINDS AROUND
15 MPH.
.TONIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE
EVENING IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA 20 PERCENT IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA…THEN MOSTLY CLEAR AFTER MIDNIGHT. LOWS 15 TO 20.
NORTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.

.WEDNESDAY…SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 30S. WEST WINDS AROUND
10 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS IN THE LOWER 20S. WEST
WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.
.THURSDAY…SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 30S. WEST WINDS 10 TO
15 MPH.
.THURSDAY NIGHT AND FRIDAY…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS 15 TO 20. HIGHS
IN THE UPPER 30S.
.FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE LOWER
20S. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 30S.
.SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS IN THE
LOWER 20S. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 30S.
.MONDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 30S.

THE NEXT SURGE OF PRECIPITATION OVER THE CENTRAL RED RIVER AND
NORTHERN JAMES RIVER VALLEYS IS PROJECTED TO ADVECT WEST-
SOUTHWEST THROUGH MUCH OF THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY AND INTO THE
SOUTHERN MISSOURI RIVER VALLEY OF SOUTH CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA  THROUGH MID MORNING TODAY PRODUCING ANOTHER 2-3 INCHES OF SNOW.

Road Report…

Highways and roadways in the tri-state area are snow and ice covered and slippery with reduced traffic speeds, and visibility in falling snow.   Do NOT use cruise control, and be wary of slippery intersections, and allow for greater breaking distance.

Warmer temperatures have caused snowfall to melt and freeze, and roads  icy in the area. City crews were out early this morning Jamestown sanding intersections.

The latest road reports are available on line at CSiNewsNow.com

 

 

Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Police is warning Jamestown residents of a convicted sex offender who has changed addresses in Jamestown.

Matthew Jacob Lee Graham is a 27 year old white male, 5’11″ tall weighing 192 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair.

He currently has no vehicle.

He now resides at 120 3rd St. NW Jamestown, ND.

He has been assigned a high risk assessment by the North Dakot Risk Level Committee, of the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

His offense is listed as indecent exposure, stemming from exposing himself to a five year old male family friend.

He was convicted in April of 2004 in Kidder Count.

Disposition: remanded to the Mesabi Academy treatment facility.

Graham is not wanted by police at this time and has served the sentence imposed by the court.

This notification is meant for public safety and not to increase fear in the community, nor should this information be used to threaten, assault or intimidate the offender. Attempts to harass, intimidate or threaten these offenders or their families, landlords, or employers will be turned over for prosecution.

Printed handouts of the demographics of Graham are available at the Jamestown Police Department.

More information on registered offenders is available on the Attorney General’s web site www.sexoffender.nd.gov

 

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown Police Department is warning Jamestown residents regarding a convicted sex offender who has changed addresses in Jamestown.

David Merwood Oxtra now resides at 703 1^st West Street, Jamestown, ND

Oxtra is a 57 year old white male, five feet eight inches tall, weighing 200 pounds with hazel eyes and gray hair.

He presently has no vehicle.

Oxtra has been assigned a high risk assessment by the North Dakota risk level committee, of the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

Offense: Gross Sexual Imposition. On several occasions he fondled a developmentally disabled 12 year old girl who live in his trailer park.

Conviction Date: December 14, 2005, Stutsman County District Court.

Disposition: 1 year, 1 day, all suspended but 300 days for two years, two years supervised probation.

Oxtra s not wanted by police at this time and has served the sentence imposed by the court.

This notification is meant for public safety and not to increase fear in the community, nor should this information be used to threaten, assault or intimidate the offender. Attempts to harass, intimidate or threaten these offenders or their families, landlords, or employers will be turned over for prosecution.

Printed handouts of the demographics of Oxtra are available at the Jamestown Police Department.

More information on registered offenders is available on the Attorney General’s web site www.sexoffender.nd.gov

 

Jamestown (CSi) 43 year old Lee Ellingson of Tracy, Minnesota, changed his plea in Southeast District Court Monday from not guilty to guilty.

Ellingson is the man who led law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase in southwest Jamestown on March 17, 2015.

He was sentenced Monday in Southeast District Court in Jamestown to serve two years in prison for his crimes.

He was charged with reckless endangerment and criminal mischief, both Class C felonies. He was also charged with driving while under the influence, a Class B misdemeanor, and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, a Class A misdemeanor.

Judge Thomas Merrick sentenced Ellingson to serve two years in the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on the the Class C felony charges. He will also serve a year in the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for the Class A misdemeanor. He will get credit for 16 days served, and all jail sentencing will be served concurrently. Ellingson will also forfeit the pickup truck he was driving — a 2002 Dodge Ram with a modified engine — and pay more than $12,000 in fines and restitution.

Merrick said the situation that Ellingson put himself in was unfortunate, and he was lucky that no one was killed during the pursuit.

Ellingson said he was sorry for his actions that night.

 

 

Jamestown (CSi) The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign is lagging about 40 percent behind last year at this time.

On Monday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Major Tim Nauta, said, with a short time left in this year’s Kettle Campaign, those interested in staffing the kettles, and perhaps competitions between service clubs, businesses and others need to make arrangements soon.

Volunteers bell ringers at the red kettle locations are still welcome in the community through December 24^th

Major Tim Nauta said, this year’s goal is to raise $156,000, the same goal as last year, that was not met, that will help provide items for the food pantry, clothing, furniture, help with rent assistance, utility and transportation assistance, emergency lodging and prescription assistance on occasion.

Donations also go to the Jamestown Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope Program, that assists families and individuals to become self-sufficient.

Kettle volunteers work in two-hour shifts from Monday through Saturday during store hours of the businesses where the red kettles are located.

This season red kettle locations include two spots at the Park Plaza Shopping Center at both entrances to Cashwise. Three red kettles will be located at the Buffalo Mall – two at entrances to Home of Economy, and a third will be at Sears. The only outdoor red kettle this season will be in front of Wal-Mart.

Also…

The Angel Tree program involves community members visiting the trees.

Children’s wish lists are on the trees, located at the Buffalo Mall at Home of Economy, and Sears, along with Stutsman Harley-Davidson in Jamestown. The public is invited to take a card, purchase one or more of the gifts on the list and drop them off…unwrapped… with the card at the Salvation Army, on First Avenue North, by December 10th.

About 200 children have signed up, and about the same amount signing up for the Christmas Baskets.

The Angel Tree gifts and Christmas Baskets will be distributed on December 16th.

More information by calling the Jamestown Salvation Army at 701-252-0290.

 

Valley City (CSi) The Barnes County Salvation Army Bell Ringing campaign is now underway.

Co-event coordinator Joe Lunde says for those who get monthly donation requests in the mail, to also drop those off into a kettle in Valley City during the bell ringing campaign.

Lee Isensee thanked all the people in the community for their generous donations in the last campaign.

Bell ringers are needed at Leevers Foods, Shopko and Marketplace Foods from 10am to 6pm. Those who want to be a bell ringer should call Joe Lunde at 840-0908 or 845-1974.

 

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown Rural Fire Department is recruiting volunteer firefighters.

Rural Fire Chief, Ben Mauldeing says the need is for four to six new recruits.

Prospective firefighters do not need to live in a rural area, and the department is open to men and women.

Maulding adds, it is important for a potential recruit to talk to his or her family and employer before applying as a firefighter, which includes twice monthly drills.

He adds, that three to four people complete the process of becoming a firefighter.

The department has received several applicants during open application periods in the past and has been satisfied with the quality and quantity of applicants, said Jakob Barnard, training officer for the department. It hopes to see the same this year.

Stipends of $20 per hour are paid to trained firefighters for responding to calls but not for attending meetings or drills.

The Jamestown Rural Fire Department currently has 25 firefighters and three men in the apprentice or training program. Those three apprentices and any additional people recruited in the next months will receive the training necessary to pass the test and become a firefighter 1 under the regulations of the North Dakota Firefighter’s Association.

The department responds to more than 100 fires each year with the busiest times in the spring and fall.

Jamestown (CSi)  The James River Valley Library System will be hosting a used book sale event at the Alfred Dickey Library in the lower level meeting room, on Friday, December 4, 2015, from 10:00 am-6:00 pm & Saturday, December 5th from 11:00 am-4:00 pm. Book prices range from .5 cents to .25 cents each or fill a bag for $1.00. For more information, call the Alfred Dickey Library at (701)-252-2990.

 

St. Paul (CSi) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District,
seeks comments on a draft Environmental Assessment for an environmental
infrastructure project in Cooperstown, North Dakota.

The work will consist of the placement of five miles of an 8-inch polyvinyl
chloride, or PVC, pipe from the previously upgraded line from the
Cooperstown wells to its water treatment plant. The project is estimated to
cost $2.9 million of which the federal government will pay $2.2 million.

The Corps’ Environmental Infrastructure Program, also referred to as Section
594 program, authorizes the Corps to assist public entities, in the form of
design and construction of projects in North Dakota. These projects include
wastewater treatment, combined sewer overflow water supply, as well as
environmental restoration and surface water protection and development.
Similar projects have been completed in Fort Abercrombie, North Dakota, and Minot, North Dakota.
The draft Environmental Assessment, http://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Home/PublicNotices.aspx, is available for
public review and comment until Jan. 5, 2016. Please address all
correspondence on this project to the District Commander, St. Paul District,
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Attention: Regional Planning and Environment
Division North, 180 Fifth St. E., Ste. 700, St. Paul, MN 55101-1678. For
more information, contact Capt. Phillip Denker, Corps of Engineers, at
651-290-5605.

The nearly 650 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, employees
working at more than 40 sites in five upper-Midwest states serve the
American public in the areas of environmental enhancement, navigation, flood
damage reduction, water and wetlands regulation, recreation sites and
disaster response. Through the Corps’ Fiscal Year 2014 $100 million budget,
nearly 1,600 non-Corps jobs were added to the regional economy as well as
$155 million to the national economy. For more information, see
www.mvp.usace.army.mil.

 

MINOT, N.D. (AP) – Police in Minot have identified the fatal victim of the shooting that happened in a downtown alley over the weekend.

The victim was identified as 30-year-old Roger Falana, who had been living in Minot, but was originally from Florida.

Police say the shooting happened just after 3 a.m. Sunday. They say a caller reported multiple gunshots in an alley, and officers arrived to find two victims with gunshot wounds.

Falana was pronounced dead at a local hospital, and a 43-year-old woman was treated for her injuries. She has not being publicly identified.

Capt. John Klug with the Minot Police Department says no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. He says a reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A man who barricaded himself for 15 hours inside a Bismarck home last month and allegedly fired shots at police has pleaded not guilty to felony charges.

Thirty-six-year-old Brandon Lyon entered his pleas Monday to charges of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, two counts of terrorizing and prohibited possession of a firearm. He faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted of all counts.

The standoff began the night of Oct. 12, when police say Lyon threatened to kill two people. He was arrested hours later after police used tear gas.  Authorities say Lyon fired a gun at officers at one point during the standoff.

Prosecutor Julie Lawyer has said Lyon has an extensive criminal history in both North Dakota and South Dakota.

Lyon’s attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment Monday.

 

MINOT, N.D. (AP) – The former superintendent and high school principal in Sawyer has pleaded not guilty to the latest sex crime charges against him.

Fifty-one-year-old Charles Soper is accused of sexually abusing three teenage boys, and faces a total of eight charges including human trafficking, gross sexual imposition and child pornography.

He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. He could face life in prison without parole if convicted of the more serious allegations.

Soper resigned from the school after his arrest last May.

Judge Doug Mattson has barred anyone connected with the case from talking about it publicly.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A waitress at Sidelines Sports Bar in Bismarck is accused of stealing a customer’s purse and using credit cards inside for a $1,000 shopping spree.

Thirty-eight-year-old Sheila Wildman faces felony identification and property theft charges that could land her in prison for up to 25 years.

Authorities allege that the theft last Wednesday was captured on surveillance cameras. Police say they also found the purse in a trash bin at Wildman’s apartment, along with newly purchased items inside her apartment.

Wildman made her initial court appearance Monday but did not enter pleas. Court documents do not list an attorney for her, and a home telephone listing could not be found.

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) – Police in Fargo are looking into a burglary in which police badges and three guns were stolen from a detective’s home over the weekend.

Lt. Mike Mitchell says the burglary was part of at least five break-ins reported in the same area of the city. He says police believe the burglars were targeting homes that appeared to be vacant for the holiday weekend.

Mitchell says the burglary at the detective’s home is “concerning” because police credentials and weapons were stolen. He says the guns were locked inside a safe that was taken during the burglary.

Mitchell says other items stolen from area homes include jewelry and electronics.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger has approved for circulation a medical marijuana ballot measure petition.

Jaeger on Monday said the measure’s sponsoring committee will have to gather about 13,500 qualified signatures in order to put the measure on the ballot.

With voters’ approval, the initiative would make it legal for North Dakota residents to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana for medical purposes. It says those who qualify could obtain the drug from a state-licensed dispensary or grow a limited supply for personal use.

Jaeger says signatures must be turned in by Feb. 15 if the committee intends to place the measure on the June 14 ballot. If the committee wants it placed on the Nov. 8 ballot, its deadline to submit the signatures is July 11.

 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Figures have plunged in a fourth straight monthly survey of supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states, providing more evidence of a slowdown in the region’s economy.

A report issued Tuesday says the overall Mid-American Business Conditions Index dropped to 40.7 last month from 41.9 in October, 47.7 in September and 49.6 in August.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he again cites the strong U.S. dollar among the reasons for the region’s economic slide.

The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests economic growth. A score below that suggests decline.

The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

 

WATFORD CITY, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota oil regulators say more than 17,000 gallons of saltwater have spilled from a disposal well near Watford City.

The North Dakota Oil and Gas Division says Wyoming-based True Oil LLC on Monday reported that the 17,640 gallons were released, contained and recovered at the disposal well located about 15 miles southwest of Watford City. The cause of the spill is listed as a pump leak.

The division says a state inspector has been at the site of the release.

Saltwater, or brine, is an unwanted byproduct of oil production. It is many times saltier than sea water and can easily kill vegetation.
 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A check of counties shows that there isn’t a big rush to wedlock by same-sex couples in North Dakota.

The U.S. Supreme Court in June said same-sex couples have the right to marry nationwide. A federal judge shortly after ruled North Dakota’s ban on gay marriage unconstitutional and invalid.

A check of the state’s 53 counties shows that 18 of them have issued a total of 60 licenses to same-sex couples. That’s a small fraction of the 4,500 marriage licenses issued annually in the state.

Officials say there are several reasons for the low number. They include fear of discrimination in housing or the workplace, and the fact that same-sex couples have been able to get marriage licenses in neighboring Minnesota since 2013.

 

In sports…

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s darkhouse spearfishing season is underway on most state waters, and the Game and Fish Department is reminding anglers that they need to register before heading out.

The season for northern pike and nongame species opened Tuesday and runs through March 15.

Darkhouse spearing is allowed for all residents with a valid fishing license and for residents under age 16. Nonresidents may darkhouse spearfish in North Dakota if they’re from a state that offers the same privilege to North Dakota residents.

Last year, a record 3,339 people registered to darkhouse spearfish in North Dakota, an increase of more than 1,000 from 2013.
 

Jamestown (CSi) University of Jamestown athletic director Sean Johnson plans to hire a new football coach this month.He says there was a large pool of candidates, and a quality pool of candidates.

Around 90 applications were received for the job, which came open when Shawn Frank and the school parted ways on October 12th. Johnson adds they narrowed the list down to 20 and went from there. Johnson did not want to reveal names of the coaches involved.

The school  employed a hiring committee of current coaches on staff, faculty members and select community members, but the final decision rests with Johnson.

Travis Titus was named interim coach and led the Jimmies to a 3-1 record in their final four games.

 

ARBONDALE, ILL. — Dale Lennon, one of the most successful football coaches in University of North Dakota football history, was fired Monday as Southern Illinois’ head coach.

Lennon, took over the Southern Illinois program after Jerry Kill left for Northern Illinois following the 2007 season, compiled a 51-42 record in his eight seasons at Southern Illinois. His first two teams advanced to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs and were 15-1 in Missouri Valley Football Conference play.

But during Lennon’s final six seasons, Southern Illinois failed to make the playoffs and were 21-27 in the Missouri Valley.

 

University of Jamestown All-American Brequan Tucker poured in 37 points, but the NCAA Division II NSIC Wolves still outlasted the Jimmies 87-82.

It was an exhibition,contest, so the results, and stats, don’t count for the Jimmies.

 

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Jordan Murphy had 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead Minnesota to an 89-83 victory over Clemson in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Monday night. Murphy hit 9 of 16 shots for the Golden Gophers. Minnesota went 24 for 30 at the free throw line and only turned it over six times.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Big Ten Conference says Minnesota hockey player Nick Seeler has been suspended for one game. The suspension was for an incident in the Gophers’ game Sunday against St. Cloud State at Mariucci Arena. Seeler was called for contacting the head of Huskies defenseman Niklas Nevalainen early in the second period. Seeler was given a game misconduct and ejected.

 

NATIONAL  FOOTBALL  LEAGUE…
CLEVELAND (AP)- The Cleveland Browns lined up for what they thought would be a game-winning field goal. But Baltimore’s Brent Urban blocked it, Will Hill returned it 64 yards for a touchdown as time expired, giving the Baltimore Ravens a 33-27 win over the luckless Browns. The Ravens are 4-7 while the Browns slip to 2-9 after their sixth straight defeat.

NATIONAL  BASKETBALL  ASSOCIATION

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)-Stephen (STEH’-fihn) Curry scored 26 and hit the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 51 seconds left to lead the Golden State Warriors past Utah 106-103. Klay Thompson added 20 for the 19-0 Warriors, who have won 23 straight regular season games dating back to last season.

Final    Boston                105    Miami                      95
Final    Detroit              116    Houston                105
Final    Milwaukee            92    Denver                    74
Final    Atlanta              106    Oklahoma  City    100
Final    Chicago                92    San  Antonio          89
Final    Sacramento        112    Dallas                    98
Final    L-A  Clippers    102    Portland                87

NATIONAL  HOCKEY  LEAGUE

Final    N-Y  Rangers          4    Carolina        3
Final    N-Y  Islanders      5    Colorado        3
Final    Toronto                  3    Edmonton        0
Final    Anaheim                  4    Vancouver      0

TOP-25  COLLEGE  BASKETBALL

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP)- The top-ranked Kentucky Wildcats shot just 43 percent but that was enough to beat Illinois State 75-63. Isaiah Briscoe scored 18 points and Jamal Murray added 16 for the 7-0 Wildcats.

Final    (15)  Oregon          78    Fresno  St.          73

TOP-25  WOMEN’S  COLLEGE  BASKETBALL

Final    (  1)  UConn      79    Chattanooga      31

T25 MEN’S BASKETBALL-POLL…

UNDATED (AP) – Kentucky stays at the top of this week’s The Associated Press men’s basketball poll. The Wildcats are off to a 7-0 start and got 59 of the first place votes. Second-ranked Maryland, which is also unbeaten after six games, received four first place nods while third-ranked Michigan State, which is 7-0, got the remaining two.

Rounding out the top-five this week are Kansas and Iowa State. The second five consists of Oklahoma, Duke, Villanova, North Carolina and Virginia.

T25 WOMEN’S POLL…

UNDATED (AP) – Connecticut remains No. 1 in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll. The 3-0 Huskies got all 32 first-place votes.  They head into a busy three-game week in which they face third-ranked Notre Dame on Saturday. South Carolina stayed second with Baylor fourth and Maryland fifth.
In world and national news…

LE BOURGET, France (AP) – Renewable energy and the Great Green Wall were priority topics today as France’s president met with 12 African leaders about the threats from climate change. France is promising 8 billion euros over the next five years for investment in renewable energy. The meeting also focused on an African Union initiative known as the Great Green Wall, to plant trees to combat the encroaching Sahara Desert.

CHICAGO (AP) – Security experts say the response by the University of Chicago to a tip about an online threat against students and staff was probably the only available option. The university canceled all activities yesterday. The arrest of Jabari R. Dean on a federal charge of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce eased the tension and activities are resuming today. Authorities say the threat was motived by the police shooting of a black teenager.

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – Juneau, Alaska, has lost its mayor after voters just elected him. Police are investigating the death of 70-year-old Stephen “Greg” Fisk, whose body was found at his home. Police have moved to quash rumors about suspicious circumstances. Police Chief Bryce Johnson says the cause of death won’t be known until after an autopsy.

ATHENS, Greece (AP) – Greece’s ailing Piraeus Bank is getting a lifeline. Europe’s eurozone bailout institution has approved a 2.72 billion euro ($2.88 billion) disbursement to recapitalize the bank. Piraeus had covered about 2.2 billion euros of a 4.93 billion euro shortfall identified during recent stress tests and the fund, called European Stability Mechanism, will provide the remaining amount.

MOSCOW (AP) – Today is World AIDS day, and the latest statistics show the world is going in one direction while Russia is heading in another. While the rate of HIV infection is on a global decline, the number of new infections in Russia continues to rise. The country’s Federal AIDS Center says the total of HIV cases is heading toward 1 million, many of whom are injecting drug users. Yet the Russian government refuses to fund programs like distribution of clean needles and condoms, saying they enable addictive lifestyles.