wbPM4CSi Weather…

TONIGHT…CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE MID 20S. SOUTH WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
.FRIDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA, IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA, A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF LIGHT RAIN…
FREEZING RAIN AND SLEET IN THE MORNING…THEN MOSTLY SUNNY IN THE
AFTERNOON.. BREEZY. HIGHS IN THE MID 40S. SOUTHWEST
WINDS 15 TO 20 MPH SHIFTING TO THE NORTHWEST 20 TO 25 MPH IN THE
AFTERNOON.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE LOWER 20S. NORTHWEST
WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
.SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. HIGHS AROUND 50.
LOWS IN THE 20S TO LOWER 30S. SOUTH WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
.SUNDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. HIGHS AROUND 60. LOWS IN
THE MID 30S.
.MONDAY…INCREASING CLOUDS. A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN. HIGHS
IN THE MID 50S.
.MONDAY NIGHT…CLOUDY. CHANCE OF RAIN IN THE EVENING…THEN
CHANCE OF RAIN POSSIBLY MIXED WITH SNOW AFTER MIDNIGHT. LOWS IN
THE MID 30S. CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION 40 PERCENT.
.TUESDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAIN AND SNOW IN THE
MORNING…THEN SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAIN IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGHS IN
THE LOWER 40S. CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION 20 PERCENT.
.TUESDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE MID 20S.
.WEDNESDAY AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS IN THE
LOWER 40S. LOWS IN THE UPPER 20S.
.THURSDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 40S.

(CSi) It was 50 years ago, this week The Blizzard of 66 made a lasting impression, of what extreme winter weather, specifically a huge blizzard, can have on people, animals, transportation, and the disruption of lives for days beyond the blizzard itself. The storm occurred March 2-5, 1966.
The blizzard went on for four days, killing 16 people in three states, the Dakotas and Minnesota, with high snowfall amounts coupled with extremely high wind. It claimed tens of thousands of cattle and other livestock. Winds 70-100 miles an hour drove the snow into drifts sometimes 20-30 feet tall, with snowfall amounts nearly three feet.

Kermit Sauer Family  Film of the Blizzard of 1966 on YouTube.

Vehicles in eastern North Dakota were buried, and after the snow plows inititially came through after the storm, it created canyons, the snow that was pushed to the side of the streets. Where the plows hadn’t come yet, the mode of transportation was snowmobiles, with schools and businesses closed.
Rural resident were pretty much stranded in their homes and farmsteads, for several days, until the plows were able to reach them. Then came the chore of digging out. The National Guard soldiers helped the area dig out using Caterpillars and large loaders. Meteorolgists are in general agreement that “The blizzard of 66,” was the worst snow storm in the Northern Plains in the 20th century.

 

Valley City (CSi) The Country Hoedown at the North Dakota Winter Show in Valley City features Dakota Drifters, Raw Sugar and Judge Mike Cummins on Tuesday, March 8th from 10 – a.m. to 5- p.m. at the Valley City Eagles Club.

The admission is $10.

Acts include The “Dakota Drifters” with Dick and Brenda Johnson, from the Turtle Mountains, Carl Kannianen from the Stanley area and Toby Nelson from Minot. All four band members are self-taught musicians, who enjoy playing a variety of music, including country, gospel, rock-a-billy and even some rock and roll. Dick plays guitar, handles most of the vocals and even includes a few Norwegian jokes in the performance.

Brenda plays the stand-up bass and is always looking for new “old” material. Toby is the newest member of the Dakota Drifters and is excited to help them keep traditional country western music alive. He plays the drums and, in addition to the Dakota Drifters, has been performing with the band Tin Star, for the past 20 years. Carl plays guitar as well, sings harmony on several songs and also does vocals. The music is in the tradition of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Chet Atkins and other similar old time country music.

The Raw Sugar a two piece band, comprised of Doug Adam and Brian Kramvik takes the stage. They formed in 2000 and play a variety of music, from old country, like Johnny Cash, Waylon and Willie, to Elvis and classic rock and roll. They perform in the tri-state area for weddings, fairs, anniversaries and other events and, depending on the venue, may hire other musicians to make a three or four piece band. If you love to dance, you will enjoy this band.

Classic Country Troubadour: Judge Mike Cummins entertains, a former judge, retired from the Superior Court of California. After spending years as a top-rate attorney and ultimately becoming a highly respected jurist, Mike decided at age 60 that he wanted to follow his dream and spend the rest of his time singing and bringing joy to audiences. So his life now is music – the songs of the great Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Kris Kristofferson and many other classic country stars, plus a good dose of Mike’s own original brand of music.

A Chuck Wagon Lunch will be available for purchase from 11:45 am to 1 pm, during the 2016 Country Hoedown inside the Valley City Eagles Club.

Senior Dance Day is Wednesday, March 9th from 10 am to 3 pm in the Valley City Eagles Club featuring “Marv and the Moonlighters” back to provide some great dancing music. Lunch will be available for sale and complimentary cookies and coffee will be served from 9:30 am to 11 am. $5 Admission.

Tasting Bee is Wednesday, March 9th from 11 am – 1:30 pm inside the National Guard Armory. A variety of tasty samples will be available for 50 cents each, so come meet some friends and enjoy the assortment of goodies! No admission fee.

 

Valley City (CSi) At the North Dakota Winter show, contestants will vie for the Crown of Miss Rodeo North Dakota, and the Junior Miss Rodeo North Dakota title.

Miss Rodeo North Dakota Winter Show pageant and coronation will be held during the 79th annual North Dakota Winter Show.

The pageant will be held on Friday, March 11th and the coronation will be held at 6:30m on Saturday, March 12th.

Three contestants will run for the Queen title:

22 year old Deann Berntson the daughter of Neal and Marla Berntson. She is originally from Kulm, ND and currently lives in Scraton, ND. Deann graduated from the North Dakota State University with an Agronomy Bachelor of Science Degree specializing in crop and weed science.

18 year old Amy Landsiedel is the daughter of Jay and Kerry Landsiedel. She was originally from Regan, ND and is currently living in Bismarck, ND. She hopes to graduate from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Minor in Therapeutic Horsemanship.

19 year old Cassidy Rasmusson is the daughter of Todd and Norma Rasmusson. She is from Fort Ransom, ND and is currently attending North Dakota State University. She is working towards a Bachelor of Agriculture Education with a minor in Animal Science.

Two contestants for the Junior Miss Rodeo North Dakota title:

16 year old Samantha Bergrud attends Lisbon High School. Her parents are Ken and Beth Wobbema and Vaughn Bergrud. Her future plans are to attend NDSU for Elementary Education. She is an Honor Student and a member of the National Honor Society and has been LHS student of the month.

15 year old Eva Vangsness attends Kindred High School. Her parents are Dianna Hersch and Gerald Vangsness. In her future she sees herself in nursing or education as she has always had a passion to help others. She is an active member of her local FFA and speech teams. Eva is also a member of the North Dakota High School rodeo association and competes in many rodeos. Her free time as she says is anything and everything horses and making leather tack and belts.

 

Bismarck (CSi) The committee that advises the North Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) on programs and services to meet the needs of people with brain injuries and their families will meet Wednesday, March 16, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Central Time, by video conference.

The Brain Injury Advisory Committee meeting agenda includes a review of bylaws and the North Dakota Brain Injury website, a subcommittee update, and updates on the needs assessment, budget, and Brain Injury Awareness Month activities.

The meeting agenda is available online at www.nd.gov/dhs/info/publicnotice/index.html.

The meeting is open to the public. Individuals can participate at these video conferencing sites in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot, and Williston

In Jamestown the site is The South Central Human Service Center, 520 Third St. N.W., Room 124,

Individuals who would like information on the committee or brain injury services and supports, and individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to participate in the meeting, can contact Stacie Dailey in the Behavioral Health Division at 701-328-8941, toll-free 1-800-755-2719, ND Relay TTY 1-800-366-6888 or 711, or sdailey@nd.gov.

The department also provides other programs and services that may be benefit people with brain injuries.

The committee includes legislators, advocates, service providers, individuals living with brain injuries, family members of people with brain injuries, and representatives of the North Dakota Department of Human Services, North Dakota Department of Health, North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Fargo VA Health Care System.

 

Bismarck (CSi) State Senators and Representatives have planned a meeting in Jamestown on March 8 and 9, 2016 at the State Hospital in Jamestown for their Human Services Committee.

The legislative group will be touring the State Hospital and James River Correctional Center their studies studies. Department of Corrections and Rehabilition, Judicial Branch and other organizations members will be in attendance of the meeting as well. Representatives of the Department of Human Services will also present on the effectiveness of the adult protective services program.

Representatives Kathy Hogan, Bert Anderson, Dick Anderson, Chuck Damschen, Alan Fehr, Curt Hofstad, Dwight Kiefert, Gail Mooney, Naomi Muscha, Kylie Oversen, Jay Seibel and Peter F. Silbernagel will be in attendance. Senators Tyler Axness, Dick Dever, Oley Larsen, Judy Lee, and Tim Mathern will also attend.

 

Bismarck (CSi) The North Dakota Department of Transportation has reminds motorists that most state highways and roadways in the state will undergo load restrictions beginning Friday, March 4, 2016.

In Stutsman County load restrictions on roads is under the county’s jurisdiction will take effect on Monday, March 7, 2016.

NDDOT says the only exception to the load restrictions are highways in the northeast region of the state.

Information on the state load restrictions is available by calling 511 or online at the DOT website.

 

In sports…

Jamestown (CSi-UJ) University of Jamestown head coach Dean Stork announces the signing of forwards Bryan Kromm and Destin Robinson. Both are currently playing for the English River Miners of the Superior International Junior Hockey League and will join the Jimmies for the 2016-17 season.
Kromm, who is from Penticton, British Columbia, has scored one goal and nine assists in 45 games this season.
Stork says, “Bryan Kromm is a relentless worker on and off the ice. He possesses extraordinary character and a very high hockey IQ which is revealed every time he touches the ice. He plays with desperation and is willing to sacrifice his body to help his team win hockey games. A strong power forward up and down the wing who makes opponents hurt. He captained the English River Miners this year due to his courageous leadership skills on the ice and in the locker room. He is the son of Richard Kromm who played several years in the NHL. The University of Jamestown Jimmies hockey team is very pleased to welcome Bryan Kromm to the family.”
Robinson, who is from Ponoka, Alberta, has three goals and five assists in 46 games played this season.
Stork adds, “Destin Robinson is another outstanding person. Character is a very important trait in order to be a successful hockey team and that’s the #1 key I look for when recruiting hockey players, and this individual is full of it. He is a smooth skating centerman that can really skate and will definitely increase our team speed. He is a smart player with outstanding hockey sense and will be an excellent addition to our penalty kill units. Destin has a strong stick in the faceoff circle which will help our team possess a lot of pucks and that is key to winning hockey games.

The University of Jamestown Jimmies hockey team is very pleased to welcome Destin Robinson to the family.”

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Several college basketball teams from the Dakotas have made the fields for the NAIA Division II men’s and women’s national championship tournaments.

The men’s teams from Valley City State, Dakota State and Dakota Wesleyan are among the 32 teams that will battle for the title.

The women’s teams from Dakota Wesleyan, Mount Marty, Jamestown and Dickinson State are among the 32 women’s qualifiers.

Both tournaments are March 9-15. The men’s tournament is in Point Lookout, Missouri, and the women’s tournament is in Sioux City, Iowa.

 

In world and national news…

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) – Donald Trump is responding to Mitt Romney’s biting criticism of him Friday by noting that that the 2012 GOP presidential nominee begged for Trump’s endorsement. Trump was reacting to Romney’s comments earlier, in which the former nominee and Massachusetts governor warned Republicans that Trump is a fake, a misogynist and dangerous. Trump told supporters in Maine that Romney proved he’s a “choke artist” when he lost the 2012 presidential race to Barack Obama. He adds that he’s made more money than Romney.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he won’t heed calls for his resignation and will continue helping Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Christie held a news conference Friday to try to steer the conversation back to his priorities in New Jersey after days of talk about his support of Trump. Seven New Jersey newspapers have called on Christie to resign. Six are published by the same company. Christie says he isn’t surprised by the newspapers’ stance because they haven’t supported him in the past.

UNDATED (AP) – A new analysis finds Hillary Clinton’s tax plan would raise $1.1 trillion from mostly wealthy taxpayers. The study by the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center finds that many taxpayers will pay a tiny cost – about one-tenth of one percent of their after-tax incomes – for a bevy of new taxes that the Democratic presidential contender is proposing. The biggest share by far would be paid by those in the top 1 percent. Among Clinton’s proposals is a minimum tax for top earners.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) – The mother of a 14-year-old girl who survived a mass shooting in southwestern Michigan says the teenager is able to walk with assistance. Vicki Kopf tells the Battle Creek Enquirer that Abigail Kopf opened her eyes Tuesday and took some steps at a hospital Thursday. Gene Kopf predicts their daughter, who was shot in the head, will be “very close to functional … with no serious repercussions” in the months ahead. Six people were killed during a series of random shootings in the Kalamazoo area on Feb. 20. Abigail and a 25-year-old woman survived.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) – Maryland’s highest court has heard arguments on whether a Baltimore police officer charged in the death of Freddie Gray can be forced to testify against his colleagues. The panel of seven judges listened today to two hours of arguments in two different appeals. They did not indicate when they would rule. The cases involve whether William Porter must testify against fellow officers charged in the death of Gray, a black man who died in Baltimore police custody. Porter’s trial in November ended in a hung jury and prosecutors say they want to retry him.