wbAM5 CSi Weather…

JAMESTOWN

…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING…
* EXPECT SNOW TO CONTINUE…DIMINISHING BY 6 PM.

VALLEY CITY

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST
WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

EXPECT SNOW TO CONTINUE…DIMINISHING AROUND MIDNIGHT
WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

SNOW WILL PERSIST ACROSS SOUTHERN AND MUCH OF CENTRAL NORTH
DAKOTA INTO LATE WEDNESDAY MORNING…THEN BEGIN TO DIMINISH FROM
WEST TO EAST. THE SNOW WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES ACROSS FAR SOUTH
CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA AND THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY. STORM TOTAL SNOW
ACCUMULATIONS BETWEEN 2 AND 4 INCHES ARE EXPECTED OVER FAR
SOUTHWESTERN NORTH DAKOTA…WHILE BETWEEN 5 AND 10 INCHES OF SNOW
IS EXPECTED OVER PORTIONS OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA. THE FOCUS OF
THE HEAVIEST SNOW WILL BE FROM LINTON AND ASHLEY TO STEELE…

NAPOLEON…AND JAMESTOWN.

* ADDITIONAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 6 INCHES ARE EXPECTED IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA

ADDITIONAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 7 INCHES ARE EXPECTED IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA.

WINDS / VISIBILITIES…WINDS GUSTING AS HIGH AS 40 MPH WILL
CAUSE PATCHY BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW…ESPECIALLY IN OPEN
AREAS.

* EXPECT SIGNIFICANT REDUCTIONS IN VISIBILITY AT TIMES.

* PLAN ON DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS…INCLUDING DURING THE
MORNING COMMUTE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
CONDITIONS ARE OCCURRING. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL…KEEP AN EXTRA
FLASHLIGHT…FOOD…AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN
EMERGENCY. THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE
CALLING FROM CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1.

Forecast…

.REST OF TODAY…SNOW. PATCHY BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. BREEZY.
NEW SNOW ACCUMULATION AROUND 1 INCH. STORM TOTAL 5 TO 6 INCHES.
HIGHS IN THE MID 20S. NORTHWEST WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH.

.TONIGHT…CLOUDY.    A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA…. PATCHY BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. BREEZY. LOWS
AROUND 15. NORTHWEST WINDS 20 TO 25 MPH.
.THURSDAY…DECREASING CLOUDS. HIGHS 15 TO 20. NORTHWEST WINDS
15 TO 20 MPH.
.THURSDAY NIGHT AND FRIDAY…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS ZERO TO 5 ABOVE.
HIGHS AROUND 15. NORTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS NEAR ZERO.
.SATURDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE MID 20S.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW. LOWS
10 TO 15.
.SUNDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW. HIGHS
IN THE LOWER 20S.
.SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 5 TO 10 ABOVE.
HIGHS IN THE LOWER 20S.
.MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 15. HIGHS
IN THE MID 20S.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation and the North Dakota Highway Patrol
have issued a Travel Alert for portions of Central North Dakota due to snow,
compacted snow and reduced visibility making travel challenging. Areas included in
the Travel Alert are Bismarck, Jamestown, Valley City and surrounding areas.
A Travel Alert means conditions are such that motorists can still travel in these
areas, but should be advised of rapidly changing conditions. Motorists are
encouraged to reduce speeds and drive according to the conditions.

 

This Wednesday morning…Jamestown Public Schools and St. John’s Academy, RURAL BUSES two hours late…city buses and  school  on time.

Jamestown (CSi) The city of Jamestown’s full snow removal program  began at 5 a.m. Wednesday, December 16, 2015.  Downtown and 10th Street SE has been cleared early Wednesday morning with windrows down the center…use caution.

Snow removal in residential areas will begin at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday. City crews will begin snow removal in the downtown area at about 11 p.m. Wednesday and continue during the night.

Downtown merchants and all public/private schools are asked to have their sidewalks shoveled by 9 p.m. Wednesday. Snow should be pushed directly into the street. Do not create piles of snow.

 

Update…

Valley City (CSi) The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports that the male occupant of a vehicle  was seriously injured after he lost control of the SUV he was driving in the westbound lane of Interstate 94 about 1:40-pm, Tuesday afternoon.

The Envoy driven by  31 year old Jusufu Hargrave, of Jamestown was westbound at 75 miles per hour while using cruise control.  The road surface was wet with the temperature below freezing.   Hargrave changed lanes to drive around two semis.  While crossing an icy overpass, Hargrave braked to avoid a truck that weaved onto his lane.  The Envoy began to slide. Hargrave drove into the median and lost control of the vehicle. The Envoy crossed the median, both eastbound lanes and entered the south ditch.  The vehicle rolled through the south ditch, a fence and across a frontage road before coming to rest on its top in a vacant lot in Valley City.

Hargrave suffered serious injuries. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Valley City, then transferred to a Fargo hospital.

The crash remains under investigation by the Highway Patrol.

 

Valley City (CSi) Valley City Auditor Avis Richter has sent out a response to the proposed “petition to initiate ordinance” committee members signed by Tony Drake, Lloyd Nelson and Robert Drake.

The petition was in regard to putting a question on a ballot, asking voters if they wanted to put the Valley City Police Department, after disbanding it, under administrative control of the Barnes County Sheriff’s Office.

City Administrator David Schelkoph says after exhaustive legal research with city staff members, they have rejected the proposed petition for signature circulation.

Schelkoph says the petitioners can choose to rewrite the document to conform to all legal requirements and clarifications.

If the petition is approved, the sponsoring committee would need to get the necessary signatures before the city could approve it and place it on a future ballot.

Once on the ballot, voters would have to approve or disapprove a city ordinance.

 

Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session on Tuesday evening at City Hall.  Commissioner Luke was not present.

Recognition of Eagle Scouts, Mickey Meester, and Lucas Jury.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:

A Game of Chance Raffle Permit for American Legion Auxiliary, ND Chapter of Delta Waterfowl, Inc.

Liquor License Renewal for Main Street Off Sale,

Slaughterhouse Renewal License for Valley Meats.

Tree Trimming License Renewal for Belling Tree Service, Ross’ Tree Service and Ground to Sky.

Mobile Home Park Renewal for Viking Drive Estates and Plecity Mobile Home Park.

And all license renewals received before January 1, 2016.

 

PUBLIC FORUM No one spoke

ORDINANCES

The City Commission voted 4-0 to approve the second and final reading of an Ordinance an ordinance amending the City Zoning Ordinance Zoning Matrix allowing “assembly from previously prepared or manufactured products, including food, plastic, electronics and metal products including sub-assemblies” in a B-2 District (Highway Business District).

Opposition came from the audience saying more industrial opportunities will arise, citing expansion of Pizza Corner, and pointing to an increase in property taxes.

Commissioner Magnuson said the city intends to limit the effects on residential areas.

He added that any zone changes would require a public hearing.

Valley City/ Barnes County Economic Development Director, Jennifer Feist said the thrust of the Ordinance is to allow assembly in a B-2 zone.

NEW BUSINESS

Commissioners reviewed and considered the 2016 Housing Incentive program for City of Valley City.  Commissioners then unanimously approved the program.

Considered placing a moratorium on the Service Retail Image Enhancement Grant funding for 2016. Visitor’s Committee’s George Gaukler said, it’s intended to enhance the historic value of downtownValley City. The City Commission voted to approve the moratorium.

Considered approving property tax exemption for improvements to a residential building. Assessor Hansen explained the location saying improvements will double the value of the structure. She also explained how the program works. City Commissioners voted to approve.

City Commissioners approved a Gaming Site Authorization for the ND Chapter of Delta Waterfowl Inc. at the Eagles Club on February 20, 2016.

The Police Department Third Quarter report review was given by Police Chief Thompson, with stats for the quarter.  He sees no major trends in crime during the time period.

Approved an Urban Roads & Urban Regional project requests for FY 2017-2020, as explained by KLJ concerning planned projects and revisions from the original plans.

Approved a Renaissance Zone application for Fred & Betty Jorissen for a 5 year exemption on property tax not to exceed $250,000 and 5 year exemption on income tax for a new residential purchase, and designate it as VC-88.

Also approved was a Renaissance Zone application for Michael & Debbie Kohler for a 5 year exemption on property tax not to exceed $250,000 and 5 year exemption on income tax for a new residential purchase, and designate it as VC-89.

Both applications were recommended by the Renaissance Zone, Committee.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR SCHELKOPH’S REPORT

He said at the January 5th Finance Committee meeting the 2016 budget will be presented.

He added that MRES is planning a rate increase which will be addressed by the city.

 

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Building Inspector, Dave Andersen noted that five house s have been demolished.

He reminded residents that snow is required to be removed from sidewalks with 24 hours of a snowfall.

Fire Chief Retterath restated fire safety during the holidays.

Police Chief Thompson said nine applications have been received for an officer position.

He reminded motorists to slow down during slippery driving conditions.

Commissioner Nielson note the Courthouse Carol Sing planned for Tuesday evening was cancelled due to the impending storm.

It was noted that a series of public meetings will be held in January, to address permanent flood control.

Mayor Werkhoven reminded residents to remove vehicles to allow efficient snow removal.

He said the city was able to hold the line on taxes, as reflected in the recent property tax statements.

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

 

Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown city officials say that the Sales Tax Division of the North Dakota State Tax Department has notified the City Administrator’s Office that the 1% City Sales Tax for the construction of Phase 1 of the TRAC Facility as approved by city voters earlier this year will be effective April 1, 2016, rather than January 1, 2016 as provided in the ordinance adopted by the City Council in September of 2015.

Communications with the Tax Department last week revealed that no one at the Tax Department recalled receiving the letter and enclosed ordinance mailed by the City to the tax department on September 22, 2015. The state tax department’s deadline for increasing or lowering a local sales tax effective January 1, 2016 was September 30, 2015.

 

Bismarck (CSi) The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission reports that boardings at Jamestown Regional Airport continue to climb.

The report says, in November this year  boardings were at 763 compared to 656 in November of 2014, an increase of 107 passengers, or 16.31%

 

 Jamestown (CSi) The Stutsman County Commission, Tuesday approved adding a full-time position to the Stutsman County Correctional Center.

The new position will be a sergeant position who will be in charge of various programs at the correctional center.

County Jail Administrator, Chad Jackson said part of the job’s responsibilities will include looking after minors who are involved in traffic stops involving adults that result in the adult being arrested.

This position will also be a “pre-investigator” with the 24/7 drug and alcohol screening program, will handle inmate property when inmates are initially brought into the correctional center, and will process any mail going in and out of the correctional center.

County auditor/Chief Operating Officer, Casey Bradley  said the full-time position pays $65,842, including pay and benefits. He added ath there is room in the correctional center budget for the position and he felt the position is needed.

Bradley said the some of the work this new sergeant position will do is covered by a grant from the federal government.

In other business the commission approved an agreement with the Sharlow Township Board that will have the township pay back to the county the $74,593 the township owes for road work it had done earlier this year.

 

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown Salvation Army as of Tuesday was still 30 percent behind attaining this year’s goal of $156,000.

On Tuesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Major Tim Nauta said, the $156,000 goal was reached two years ago, but the same goal fell short, last year.

He said if the goal is not met, it may mean cutting services and assistance provide by the Jamestown Salvation Army.

He added that the need by individuals and families continues to grow each year.

Those wishing to be a bell ringer at a kettle may call the Salvation Army at 252-0290, or stop by the headquarters on First Avenue North in Jamestown.

He pointed out that Wednesday and Thursday this week, December 16, 17, 2015 a benefactor has promised to double every dollar in the kettles.

The kettles are located at the two Cashwise entrances, two entrances at The Home of Economy, and Sears at the Buffalo Mall.

Nearly 200 Angel Tree gifts have been purchased, and the gifts and Christmas Basket distributions are set for Wednesday (Dec 16, 2015).

 

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Planning Commission has unanimously given final plat approval to Dakotah Hills Addition.

Dakotah Hills is located along 5th Street Northeast between 12th Avenue Northeast and 14th Avenue Northeast.

The new plat reconfigures the prior plat and places each of the apartment buildings on the property on a separate lot.

Planning Commission, Chairman, Dave Hillerud, said there currently are no agenda items planned for the Jan. 11 regular meeting of the commission, which might be used for discussion and planning purposes for the new year.

 

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation (JSDC). Board of Directors has denied a request from Kal Patel to reduce or eliminate the amount in repaying loans he had received as part of an economic development package.

JSDC CEO Connie Ova said, Patel had received Flex PACE interest buy down loans from the JSDC for the Cherry Berry frozen yogurt operation and the Bison Inn Jamestown amounting to about $40,000.

Patel has closed the Cherry Berry operation and sold the Bison Inn. Payments on the loan were scheduled to begin November. 1st, but no payment has been received. Patel, who submitted a written request to the JSDC, did not attend the meeting.

Flex PACE interest buy down uses a grant from the Bank of North Dakota and a loan from a local economic development organization to reduce the interest charges on a business loan.

Jamestown Mayor Katie Andersen, a board member indicated that Patel did not violate the agreement, but he is responsible for paying back the community share. She said, the loan from the JSDC can be repaid over a two-year period

Stutsman County Commission Chairman, and board member, Mark Klose agreed.

In other business, the JSDC Board of Directors presented plaques to Gary Riffe, Brent Harris and Eric Tuchscherer, whose terms on the board were expiring and were attending their last meeting.

 

 HETTINGER, N.D. (AP) – Authorities have identified the 95-year-old woman who died in a rollover crash near Hettinger, in southwestern North Dakota.
 
     The North Dakota Highway Patrol has identified the victim as Henrietta LeFebre, of Lodgepole, South Dakota.
 
     The Highway Patrol says there was dense fog at the time of the incident, which happened at 9:15 a.m. Monday. LeFebre was driving a 2006 Chevy Colorado and lost control on a curve while northbound on state Highway 8. The pickup truck entered the ditch and rolled.
 
     Authorities say LeFebre was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected. She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A man accused of stealing a package for a mail carrier as part of a scheme to pick up marijuana has pleaded not guilty in federal court.
 
     Raymond Stenson, of Enderlin, is charged in federal court with robbery, theft and assault. Authorities say he first followed the mail carrier into an apartment in an attempt to get the package, and then snatched it from the carrier outside of his mail van.
 
     The carrier chased after Stenson and tackled him to get the package back. Stenson allegedly told the mail carrier he looked like someone who liked to smoke pot and said he would give him some if he could keep the package.
 
     Trial is scheduled for Feb. 16. A federal public defender could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

 

 BOTTINEAU, N.D. (AP) – Law enforcement authorities are accusing a North Dakota high school science teacher of corruption of a minor. Twenty-four-year-old Marissa Deslauriers is facing one felony count of corruption or solicitation of a minor. Authorities say the Bottineau woman is a teacher in the Bottineau Public Schools system. Additional details in the case, including whether the minor involved was Deslauriers’s student, were not immediately released.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm is stepping down.
 
     Hamm tells The Associated Press he will not seek re-election in 2016. Hamm says he has not decided what he will do in the future.
 
     The 44-year-old Republican was appointed insurance commissioner in October 2007 by then-Gov. John Hoeven to finish the term of incumbent Republican Jim Poolman, who resigned.
 
     Hamm is a former Cass County prosecutor. Just a year out of law school, he helped handle the 1999 murder case of a man convicted of killing an 11-year-old Fargo girl. The case received nationwide interest and helped prod North Dakota lawmakers to toughen state laws on tracking sex offenders.

 

  BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s employment agency is appealing to lawmakers spend $240,000 in state money for staffing to handle a huge increase in unemployment insurance claims.
 
     Job Service administers state unemployment benefits. The agency told the state Emergency Commission last week that it is expecting to see unemployment insurance claims jump from 700 to 2,500 in January. The agency blames the rise of claims is due to layoffs of seasonal workers and those who are losing jobs in the oil patch because of a drop in activity.
 
     The Emergency Commission approved the funding. But a separate legislative committee called the Budget Section also must approve the funding. The panel is meeting Wednesday at the state Capitol.
 

 

In sports…

The following is the list of the top ten teams in Class B Girls and Boys Basketball for the week of December 14, 2015 as voted on by members of the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.

First place votes are in parenthesis, followed by the team’s overall record and the number of total votes received.

This week’s boys poll is the first of the 2015-16 season.

Girls

1. LaMoure-LM (8) 4-0 138
2. North Star (3) 5-0 129
3. Thompson (2) 5-0 119
4. Watford City (1) 3-0 102
5. Rugby 5-0 86
6. Shiloh Christian (1) 4-0 70
7. Grafton 3-0 64
8. Kindred 5-0 45
9. Dickinson Trinity 2-1 40
10. Park River-FL 4-0 13
Others Receiving Votes: Our Redeemer’s (4-0), Grant County (5-0), Carrington (4-1), Garrison (3-1), Sawyer (5-1)

Boys

1. Four Winds-Minnewaukan (12) 0-0 142
2. Our Redeemer’s (2) 1-0 121
3. Hillsboro-Central Valley (1) 1-0 111
4. Shiloh Christian 1-0 100
5. Enderlin 0-0 94
6. Strasburg/Zeeland 2-0 89
7. Dunseith 1-0 41
8. Thompson 1-0 34
9. Parshall 0-1 28
10. Linton-HMB 2-0 19
Others Receiving Votes: Hettinger-Scranton (0-2), Milnor-North Sargent (0-0), St. John (1-0), Beulah (0-0), Dickinson Trinity (0-1), Carrington (0-0), Northern Cass (1-0).

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s state agriculture and wildlife agencies have launched the fourth year of a program that connects hunters and trappers with landowners who are dealing with coyotes.
 
     Last year nearly 50 landowners and about 650 hunters and trappers took part in the Coyote Catalog program.
 
     The program was activated this week and will remain active through the end of March.

 

NATIONAL  BASKETBALL  ASSOCIATION

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Randy Foye scored 19 points as the Denver Nuggets picked up their sixth win in seven games with a 112-100 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Kenneth Faried added 19 points and 10 rebounds as the Nuggets shot 56 percent against the porous Timberwolves defense. Foye broke out of a season-long slump to hit 5 of 6 3-pointers.
 
   Final    Cleveland        89    Boston            77
   Final    Denver            112    Minnesota    100
   Final    Sacramento    107    Houston          97
   Final    L-A  Lakers    113    Milwaukee      95
 
 
       NATIONAL  HOCKEY  LEAGUE

 ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Thomas Vanek scored one of Minnesota’s three power-play goals and pitched in three assists to lead the Wild on a 6-2 romp over the road-weary Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night. Mikko Koivu also scored and had three assists for the Wild. Ryan Miller gave up six goals in two periods before being pulled at the second intermission.
 
   Final  OT    Philadelphia      4    Carolina                3
   Final          N-Y  Rangers        4    Edmonton                2
   Final          Florida                5    N-Y  Islanders      1
   Final          New  Jersey          2    Buffalo                  0
   Final          San  Jose              3    Montreal                1
   Final  OT    Tampa  Bay            5    Toronto                  4
   Final  OT    Calgary                2    Nashville              1
   Final          St.  Louis            4    Winnipeg                3
   Final          Colorado              3    Chicago                  0
   Final          Dallas                  5    Columbus                1
 
 
       TOP-25  COLLEGE  BASKETBALL
 
   Final    (  7)  Duke                  99    Georgia  Southern            65
   Final    (22)  UCLA                  89    Louisiana-Lafayette      80
   Final    (23)  Cincinnati      75    Norfolk  St.                      59
 
 
       TOP-25  WOMEN’S  COLLEGE  BASKETBALL
 
   Final    (  7)  Oregon  St.            75              CS  Bakersfield      51
   Final    (11)  Florida  St.          79              Mercer                      36
   Final    (12)  Northwestern        91              Alcorn  St.              47
   Final              S.  Dakota  St.      88    (16)  DePaul                      79
 
   (20)  South  Florida    at    N.  Colorado    (9:00  p.m.,    canceled,  Snow)

 

Bo Ryan retires…

 MADISON, Wis. (AP) – There’s been a shocking announcement in college basketball. Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan says he’s retiring, effective immediately.
 
     Ryan coached the Badgers to a school-record 364 victories and seven Big Ten titles. He coached Wisconsin into the national championship final last season before losing to Duke. His Badgers are off to a slow start, sporting a 7-5 record after Tuesday night’s 64-49 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
 
     Ryan said the decision was “months in the making,” and he had several talks with athletic director Barry Alvarez. But he said now is the right time to make the move.
 
     Assistant Greg Gard takes over as interim coach.

 

MLB…

LAS VEGAS (AP) – Pete Rose says Monday’s ruling by baseball commissioner to not reinstate the all-time hits leader was disappointing. But the 74-year old says he still holds out hope to be elected to the Hall of Fame.
 
     Commissioner Rob Manfred rejected his bid to get back in the game partly because Rose still bets legally in this gambling town, but Rose says he still has a lot to offer the sport.
 
     Rose received a lifetime ban from baseball commissioner Bart Giamatti (jih-MAH’-tee) in 1989 for betting on baseball.
 
     MLB-NEWS
  
     UNDATED (AP) – The Chicago Cubs have announced the signing of free agent outfielder Jason Heyward. He agreed to a $184 million, eight-year contract with the team last week. It’s been a busy off-season for the Cubs, who won 97 games last season and advanced to the National League Championship Series before losing to the Mets, as they have also added pitchers John Lackey and Adam Warren along with infielder Ben Zobrist.

 

In world and national news…

 LAS VEGAS (AP) – Round 5 of the GOP presidential debates saw Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio clashing over national security and immigration. Donald Trump stood by his call to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. And Jeb Bush seemed more comfortable in taking Trump on, though it’s not clear how much that will help his campaign.
 
     WASHINGTON (AP) – Congressional leaders are braced to push a Christmas compromise on tax cuts and spending through the House and Senate by week’s end. Republicans and Democrats reached agreement on a legislative package extending dozens of tax breaks and financing 2016 government operations.
 
     BAGHDAD (AP) – Defense Secretary Ash Carter has met with Iraqi leaders and his commanders. The unannounced war zone visit is aimed at broadening U.S. assistance to Iraq to defeat the Islamic State group.
 
     PHOENIX (AP) – Only one survivor is reported after a medical helicopter crashed last night east of Phoenix. On board the chopper were a pilot, a paramedic and a nurse. No word yet on who died – and who survived.
 
     SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Autopsies for a 3-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy whose bodies were found at a storage facility in Redding, California, are planned for today. A 39-year-old woman and a teenage boy are suspected in the children’s deaths.