CSi Weather…
TONIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY.A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS AFTER MIDNIGHT IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA.
LOWS IN THE UPPER 50S. SOUTHWEST WINDS
5 TO 10 MPH.
.FRIDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY WITH SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 70S. SOUTHWEST WINDS 10 TO
15 MPH.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE UPPER 50S. WEST WINDS
10 TO 15 MPH SHIFTING TO THE SOUTHWEST AROUND 5 MPH AFTER
MIDNIGHT.
.SATURDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 80S. WEST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. LOWS AROUND 60.
.SUNDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 70S.
LOWS IN THE UPPER 50S.
.MONDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 70S.
.MONDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE UPPER 50S.
.TUESDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE MID 70S.
.TUESDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE UPPER 50S.
.WEDNESDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS AROUND 80.
THERE IS A CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS WEST AND CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT. THE THREAT FOR SEVERE WEATHER WILL BE LOW.
FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.
WIDELY SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE FRIDAY THOUGH SUNDAY. SEVERE WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.
Bismarck (CSi) The National Weather Service in Bismarck reports that on Wednesday evening a straight line wind within a severe thunderstorm reached about 85 mph, in the Lake Isabel area, in Kidder County.
The damage report included a visible inspection of the area around the lake indicating uprooted and snapped trees all laying on the gournd in the same direction.
The roof over the patio on the Southeast side of the house was torn off with part of the house roof pulled off.
Roof debris then hit and snapped nearby power lines.
Another home had the railing of the patio torn and lifted.
Teams went to Ashley, in McIntosh County to assess damage in that area, with a tornado warning issued Wednesday evening in that area.
The National Weather Service got reports of winds estimated at 70 mph northeast of Ashley.
Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council committees met on Thursday afternoon at City Hall.
Council Member Buchanan was not present.
Central Valley Health District reported on a state grant received concerning substance abuse prevention, including addressing under-age drinking, and adult binge drinking.
Considered was the South Central Dakota regional Council lease agreement with the JSDC. CEO Connie Ova said the Regional Council will lease its present space at $1,500 per month until the end of September this year, when the Council will move into space at Legacy Center. The committee vote to recommend approval of the lease agreement. The Stutsman County Commission has also approved the lease.
The committee recommends approving the request from JSDC that UTC pay $241,790, which is half of the penalty required per the May 30, 2006, contract, to be paid by August 31, 2014, allowing payments to be made through December 31, 2014, and with the understanding that if not fulfilled by the end of the year it will go back to the full amount.
The committee then recommended for approval the request from the JSDC that Precision Results pay33% of the total dollars granted for a total of $10,732.84 to be paid by August 31, 2014, allowing payments to be made through December 31, 2014, and with the understanding that if not fulfilled by the end of the year it will go back to the full amount.
The committee approved the request from JSDC to provide Marvel Homes with a $43,000 Flex PACE interest buy-down from the Economic Development Fund with the City Share to be 80 percent….$8,600 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund. The property will be used for office space and displays of modular homes.
Considered recommending the City Council authorize placing covenants or conservation easements to prohibit any ground disturbance activities (on Lot 2, Block 1, of Hammer Addition, Lots 5 through 11, Block 1, Homestead III Addition, Lots 1 and 2, Block 2, Homestead III Addition, and Lots 7-9, Block 6, Homestead Addition, except under the authority of the ND State Historical Society.) (Undeveloped property south of 7th Street SW between 12th Avenue SW and 10th Avenue SW). The committee recommends approving.
Consideration was given to the offer to purchase Lot 5, Block 1, Homestead III in the amount of $10,500. The committee voted to recommend approval of the offer with restrictions on the deed, and confirmation that neighboring properties are not interested in the purchase.
Approved the affidavit from Trevor Peterson that City Check No. 7415 has been either destroyed or lost and to direct the issuance of a duplicate thereof.
Approved introducing the First Reading of an Ordinance to amend and re-enact Section 11-15 of the City Code by removing the position of the Fire Training Officer as an exempt employee for overtime purposes. City Fire Chief Reuther said the action will allow the individual to be compensated for his time.
The committee recommends delaying the Second Reading of an Ordinance No. 1431, adding a new Section 5-39 of the City Code pertaining to temporary, special alcohol permits in the city, pending review by the parties affected.
Considered granting an easement to Stutsman Rural Water District for water connection at the Cavendish tower site. No action was taken.
The request from Albert L. Boeckel for the City to provide him with a Quit Claim deed for the vacated alley lying adjacent to the S. 120’ of Lot 1, Block 1, Alana’s Addition was recommended for denial.
Considered the request from Clarice Liechty for the revocation of the property tax exemption of Prairie Hills Apartments. The committee recommends instructing that the City Attorney to request that the Prairie Hills verify terms being met under the original application.
Informational: Departmental and financial reports.
Public Hearing and Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1440, to amend Ordinance No. 329 by amending the District Map to change the zoning of the East 81 feet of Lots 2 and 4, Block 2, Hi-View Second Addition, from M-1 (Limited Industrial and Manufacturing District) to C-2 (General Commercial District) and an unplatted 18.46 acre tract of land in the Southeast Quarter of Section 23, Township 140N,
Range 64W; bordered on the east by Fifth Northwest and Second Northwest Additions, and on the west by Fourth Northwest, First Northwest, Hi-View, and Hi-View 2nd Additions, from R-1 (One Family Residential District) to C-2 (General Commercial District), is scheduled for the July 7, 2014, city council meeting.
Public Hearing and Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1441, to amend Ordinance No. 329 by amending the District Map to change the zoning of Lots 2-12, Block 3; Lots 7-14, Block 4; Lots 7-14, Block 5; and Lots 7-10, Block 6; All of Country Side Estates Subdivision (A replat of City West Subdivision), from C-2 (General Commercial District) and R-1 (One Family Residential District) to R-2 (One to Six Family Residential District) ), is scheduled for the July 7, 2014, city council meeting.
Building, Planning & Zoning Committee:
Approved recommending the First Reading of an ordinance to change the zoning of Lot 2, Block 1, Proposed Hammer Addition; Lots 5-11, Block 1, Homestead III Addition; Lots 1 & 2, Block 2, Homestead III and Lots 7, 8, 9, Block 6, Homestead Addition from R-1 (One Family Residential District) to P-O-C (Public, Open Development and Conservation District).
Civic Center and Promotion Committee:
Recommends approval of Contingency Change Request No. 7 to Energy Services Group in the amount of $1,998.00 on the Jamestown Civic center Energy Services Agreement Project.
The committee recommends moving to the city council without recommendation the request of the Amended Contingency Change Request No. 2 to Energy Services Group in the amount of $3,427.00 on the Jamestown Civic Center Energy Services Agreement Project. The original agreement didn’t charge the city for the service.
Fire and Police Committee:
The committee recommends introducing the First Reading of an Ordinance to amend and re-enact Sections 15.26, 15-26.1 and 15-26.3 of the City Code pertaining to the Fire Code.
The committee recommends extending the agreement with Stutsman County to Jointly Operate the Stutsman County Communications Center. The present agreement expires at the end of July this year.
The committee recommends entering into an agreement with the Stutsman County Fair Association for a ground lease on the fairgrounds property to operate the Jamestown Law Enforcement Pistol & Rifle Range. The action is a renewal of the agreement.
Public Works Committee:
Considered a budget increase relating to Jamestown Infrastructure I&C Support from AE2S from $18,000 to $30,000 to $35,000. The committee recommends approval up to an amount up to $30,000.
The committee recommends approving a proposal from MVTL for the 2014-2015 Annual Ground Water Quality Assessment at the Jamestown Landfill.
The committee recommends approving a Contract with Midwest Testing to perform soil borings on the current Paving District #14-41 and on 5th Street NE.
The committee considered request from Stutsman County to close and possibly vacate 6th Street SE between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. The area would include an extended parking lot between the LEC and the present parking lot across the street. City Engineer, Reed Schwartzkopf asked if the city wants the closure on a temporary basis, first. Fire Chief Reuther has concerns of access that needs to be addressed. He received concerns if the street is closed, about traffic being diverted in the area of St. John’s Academy.The committee recommends a temporary closure, to determine the feasibility of the closure becoming permanent.
The committee recommends approval of a proposal from AE2S regarding structural building panel repairs that will lead to a permanent fix at the Baler Building at a cost of $7,900.
Considered request from Jamestown University to rename a portion of 7th Street NE near 12th Avenue, to North University Drive. The area is past the municipal swimming pool, and Wilson and Eagles Arenas. The roadway extends through the campus, and buildings will be assigned numbers, for 9-1-1 location purposes. The committee recommends approval of the request.
The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.
Jamestown (CSi) The James River Library System, Board of Directors discussed the
the expansion of the Alfred Dickey Public Library, in downtown Jamestown, noting preliminary drawings limiting changes to the historic Alfred Dickey building.
Library Director Joe Rector, says the public has told him that it’s preferred to keep the historic structure close to original.
The possible initial plan change is the addition of a second elevator, so patrons do not have to leave the secured area to go up to the bathroom or move books between floors.
Other changes to the original plan include not sloping the landscape, and the library’s Jennifer Senger, prefers higher windows for more interior shelf space.
The planned expansion of the building, with 16,000 square feet, will include the purchase of two buildings on the library’s north side, the Maranatha building and the Maple Mall, which together costing $774,000, with the total project cost estimate at about $9-million.
Roughly $1.25 million of the total would be paid for through donations.
The balance of the $7.75 million would come from a quarter-cent sales tax that voters needing voter approval.
To get the issue on the November 2014 election ballot, supporters need to gather 1452 petition signatures, with a month left to obtain the signatures and then turned into the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office by the deadline.
Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Regional Airport Authority will be hosting an open-house to welcome its new commercial air service provider, United Express, operated by SkyWest, on Friday, June 20, 2014 from 11AM until 2PM.
Governor Jack Dalrymple and Senator John Hoeven will be present along with representatives of local and regional government and business, SkyWest Airlines, North Dakota Aeronautics Commission and the Jamestown Regional Airport Authority. The public is cordially invited to attend.
WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple is choosing between three finalists to fill the Southeast Judicial District judgeship vacancy.
Dalrymple has 30 days to make a selection. The finalists were selected by the Judicial Nominating Committee out of a pool of six applicants.
The selected lawyer will fill the seat vacated by retiring Judge John Paulson. Paulson has been a district judge since 1980.
The three finalists are Cherie Clark, assistant state’s attorney for Cass County, Troy LeFevre, chief assistant state’s attorney for Sutsman County, and Jerod Tufte, legal counsel to the governor.
MINOT, N.D. (AP) – Authorities have arrested a Wildrose man and his daughter on drug charges.
The Williams County sheriff’s office executed a search warrant on a residence in Wildrose on Tuesday that resulted in the arrest of 69-year-old Terrence Nelson and 34-year-old Theresa Nelson.
Both were charged with possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
Authorities say Theresa Nelson also was charged with resisting arrest.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – The lawyer for a group of government officials managing a flood-control project for Fargo says a state lawsuit filed by Red River diversion opponents is no different from a federal complaint and has no merit.
President Obama signed a water project bill earlier this month that authorizes construction of the nearly $2 billion channel that would move floodwaters around the metropolitan area. Some upstream landowners believe there are better options and last year filed a federal suit.
Robert Cattanach is the attorney for the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority. He says the suit filed in Minnesota last week by the Richland-Wilkin Joint Powers Authority is meant to delay the project.
Wilkin County State’s Attorney Tim Fox, a member of the Richland-Wilkin group, says the issue deserves a trial in state court.
ELK POINT, S.D. (AP) – Crews are preparing to transform Interstate 29 into a makeshift levee to protect a South Dakota town from the rain-swollen Big Sioux River.
Gov. Dennis Daugaard says sandbagging of the interstate’s four lanes will start Thursday at Exit 4 to protect North Sioux City from flooding.
The river is expected to crest by Saturday, threatening up to 400 homes in the town’s McCook Lake neighborhood.
Daugaard declared an emergency after torrential rain Monday flooded roads, farms and the Big Sioux River. The waterway is expected to crest at 109 feet in Sioux City, Iowa, on Friday evening. That’s more than the 108.3 feet record set in 1969.
Sioux City is about 5 miles southeast of North Sioux City.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton has declared a state of emergency in 35 counties because of the recent storms and flooding.
He’s also directed the Minnesota National Guard to send 100 soldiers to Koochiching County to help in the fight against flooding on the Rainy River and Rainy Lake in the International Falls area.
The state-of-emergency declaration makes a wide range of state resources available to affected communities and gets state agencies more involved in the response.
The Department of Public Safety has now fully activated its State Emergency Operations Center, which it partially activated earlier this week. Emergency management director Kris Eide says they’re ramping up efforts to help communities across the state that are dealing with storm damage and high water.
WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) – The North Dakota National Guard’s 188th Army Band is performing in several North Dakota cities this week as part of their training.
Performances will take place in Bismarck on June 19 and 20, Stanley on June 20, Parshall on June 21 and Minot on June 22.
The 188th Army Band dates back to 1887. Its official mission is to provide music to instill morale in troops and entertain civilian audiences at home. Members of the188th Army Band have served in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo. The band was ordered to active duty to assist with floods in North Dakota in 2009 and 2011.
In world and national news….
WASHINGTON (AP) – The United States is edging back into a military role in Iraq. President Barack Obama says he’s sending as many as 300 military advisers to help put down the rising insurgency there. And Obama is calling on Iraqi leaders to govern with a more “inclusive agenda” to make sure Iraq doesn’t descend into civil war. Obama also said he’s leaving open the possibility of “targeted” military action in the future. But he says U.S. troops won’t be returning to combat.
BAGHDAD (AP) – After three days of fighting with Sunni militants for control of Iraq’s largest oil refinery, Iraqi soldiers and helicopter gunships still appear to have the upper hand. The two sides hold different parts of the refinery, which extends over several square miles of desert. Meanwhile, the fate of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has been the topic of closed-door meetings by political leaders.
MOSCOW (AP) – Pro-Russian insurgents in Ukraine say they’re losing their battle with government troops, and they’re begging Moscow for military help. A rebel chief says in a statement on YouTube that his men are outnumbered and outgunned. Meanwhile, NATO’s chief is accusing Russia of a military buildup on the border designed to intimidate Ukraine.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Newly released documents show prosecutors are alleging Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker was at the center of a nationwide “criminal scheme” to illegally coordinate with outside conservative groups. The documents were filed as part of an ongoing lawsuit challenging the probe by the conservative group Wisconsin Club for Growth. They were ordered publicly released today by a federal appeals court judge.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – A federal appeals court says a Los Angeles law that makes it illegal to live in a parked vehicle is unconstitutional. The court ruled today that the 1983 law was vaguely written and discriminates against homeless and poor people. The case was brought by four people who were arrested after police concluded the numerous belongings in their RVs and cars meant they were violating the law.