CSi Weather…
TONIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS IN
THE EVENING. LOWS IN THE UPPER 50S. SOUTHEAST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH.
.THURSDAY…PARTLY SUNNY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 70S. SOUTHEAST WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. LOWS IN THE LOWER 60S. SOUTH WINDS
5 TO 10 MPH.
.FRIDAY…PARTLY SUNNY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 80S. SOUTH WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…INCREASING CLOUDS. A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS. LOWS IN THE LOWER 60S.
.SATURDAY THROUGH SUNDAY…PARTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE
OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 80S. LOWS IN THE
LOWER 60S.
.SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE UPPER
50S. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 80S.
THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.
THERE IS A CHANCE FOR THUNDERSTORMS THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.
Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Fire Department was called out about 2:41 p.m., on Wednesday, to an 18-plex apartment building at 1506 6th Avenue, Southwest.
Jamestown City Fire Chief Jim Reuther says the report was smoke coming from unit number 7 in the building.
Two fire fighters were on the scene before the fire units arrived, and discovered smoke coming from the bedroom that was occupied by a female.
She as removed to the living room.
She was taken to Jamestown Regional Medical Center, by Jamestown Area Ambulance Service for observation.
The building was evacuated at the time of the call.
He says there was smoke damage to the apartment unit, and a smoke smell to the building.
The cause is under investigation.
23 city fire fighters were on the scene, with five units, for about 40 minutes.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota company has agreed to let federal inspectors have unfettered access to a sand and gravel mine that is the subject of workplace safety complaints.
The U.S. Department of Labor filed a lawsuit against Jamestown-based Northern Excavating Co. last month accusing the company of hindering inspection efforts.
Court documents say workers have complained to the Mine Safety and Health Administration about the lack of protective equipment and other violations.
An order signed Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson says the company reserves its right to challenge any citations, but its business manager will remain inside the office or leave the premises during any inspections.
Defense attorney Maurice McCormick was not immediately available for comment.
VALLEY CITY, N.D. (CSi)– U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp Wednesday brought the top U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) official overseeing conservation compliance to a Valley City Roundtable, to call on him to improve conservation compliance requirements in the 2014 Farm Bill so that they work better for North Dakota’s farmers.
Heitkamp also wanted USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Robert Bonnie to hear directly from farmers about how conservation compliance requirements are burdening them.
During the drafting of the 2014 Farm Bill, Heitkamp – a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture – played a key role in eliminating the most harmful provisions associated with a new policy to require conservation compliance for crop insurance which would have seriously burdened farmers, and she continues to push for further changes. Prior to the passage of the 2014 Farm Bill, farmers already had to comply with significant conservation compliance requirements as a condition of participation in the farm program. The new requirements, which Heitkamp successfully opposed, would have only added to the burden. Today, joined by North Dakota farmers, she asked Under Secretary Bonnie to take special attention as the Administration implements the key changes Heitkamp helped make to the conservation compliance program in the 2014 Farm Bill so they better support farmers as Heitkamp intended.
Heitkamp says, “With conservation compliance tied to the crop insurance program in this year’s Farm Bill, it’s absolutely critical that we make sure North Dakota’s farmers can continue to be successful. As we worked on the 2014 Farm Bill, I fought these damaging requirements, successfully eliminating some of the worst provisions for our farmers. And today, Under Secretary Bonnie had the chance to hear firsthand from our farmers, just as I have, about the challenges they face in complying with these rules. Agriculture is a driver of North Dakota’s economy and we have to make sure the Farm Bill and its requirements are implemented in a way that works best for farmers in our state and throughout the country.”
North Dakota farmers have faced serious challenges complying with existing conservation requirements related to wetlands, which prevent farmers from moving water on their farmland without prior approval from USDA. Additionally, North Dakota farmers have dealt with uncertainty regarding what constitutes a wetland under the conservation compliance policy in wet seasons where water temporarily pools on a farm. This uncertainty makes it difficult for farmers to manage water that accumulates during wet seasons. If a farmer drains excess water in violation of conservation compliance, he or she may be subject to heavy payback penalties – with the potential to put growers out of business.
In addition to removing the most harmful provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill associated with conservation compliance, Heitkamp also made several improvements to the conservation compliance requirement. Specifically, she worked to make sure the law is forward-looking; confirmed that it doesn’t hurt growers who unintentionally violate the rules of the program, but instead helps them comply with the law; and guaranteed that it provides a realistic timeframe for growers to reach compliance before they are penalized in the event that a violation is found on the farm. She continues to push for further changes to the program to better stand up for farmers. Click here to view a letter Heitkamp gave Under Secretary Bonnie today outlining the strong action she took to address conservation compliance in the Farm Bill.
Since the Farm Bill was signed into law, Heitkamp has also worked to make sure it is implemented properly. In the first month after the Farm Bill passed, she was successful in leading a bipartisan effort to get U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to expedite the new livestock disaster programs to help ranchers devastated by an unexpected fall blizzard. Heitkamp has also led an effort to support farmers who are prevented from planting crops due to adverse weather, as part of the newly-created safety net program in the Farm Bill.
The Roundtable was held at Valley City State University, at Froemke Auditorium, Foss Music Hall.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (CSi) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, will decrease outflows into the Sheyenne River at Baldhill Dam, located northeast of Valley City, ND, to around 50 cubic feet per second (or cfs) on Friday, Aug. 8.
Lake Ashtabula will be lowered to around elevation 1,265.3 feet by Aug. 7. Outflows will be reduced to around 50 cfs on Aug. 7 and 8 and held there until Aug. 12. The pool is expected to climb to around elevation 1,266.5 feet during this time. Outflow is expected to be raised to around 1,200 cfs by Aug. 13, and the pool will be back in band within a week.
Reduced flows are needed in order to conduct mussel surveys in the Sheyenne River and perform gage maintenance downstream of Baldhill Dam.
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 2011 $175 million budget, nearly 2,800 non-Corps jobs were added to the regional economy as well as $271 million to the national economy. For more information, see www.mvp.usace.army.mil.
Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown Area Grief Support Team is hosting a Widow’s Retreat September 19th -21st, 2014 at Maryvale Retreat Center in Valley City, ND. The weekend will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19th and concludes after a brunch on Sunday, September 21st. The cost of the retreat is $125.00 and includes 2 nights lodging in a private room, 5 meals and all supplies.
In Genevieve Davis Ginsburg’s book, Widow to Widow, she states “Widowhood is a club no one elects to join.… Only another widow knows what it feels like to become a widow. … Most widows are comforted and reassured when they can connect with others in the same human struggle.” These quotes describe the theme of the JAGST Widow’s Retreat. Women who have experienced the death of their husbands deal with many emotions, challenges and struggles as they grieve their loss. Although no one can take these struggles away and even though every widow’s experience is unique, spending time with others who have had a similar experience can often help in the journey of grief.
On Wednesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2 JAGST members Carol Arnold and Diane Witzig explained that the retreat is an opportunity for widows to immerse themselves in healing with no distractions in a relaxing, supportive and positively charged atmosphere with others who have experienced the loss of a husband. Participants will learn coping skills and about resources that may help during the grieving process.
Ms Arnold said, the weekend will include special guest speakers, Tracy Johnk, Social Worker at Jamestown Regional Medical Center and Grief Recovery Specialist, Jeanne Putnam from Wahpeton, ND. The weekend will also include a panel of Jamestown Area Grief Support Team members who are widows; time for personal sharing and discussion; a Service of Remembrance and workshops on journaling, self-nurturing/pampering and understanding the grief journey. There will be time for informal interaction among those attending and time for private reflection while walking the beautiful Maryvale grounds.
Ms. Witzig added space is limited to 12, with Registrations due by August 25, 2014, on a first come first served basis.
For a brochure and registration form, please call Eileen at 701-251-1280 and leave a message that includes your name and mailing address.
For more information, please call Carol at 701-320-3801 or Kathy at 701-952-8001 or 701-659-8001.
The Jamestown Area Grief Support Team is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering support to those who have experienced losses.
Valley City (CSi) Construction on Main Street in Valley City has started, for the water main replacement project.
Construction on West Main Street requires a detour with various lanes being closed, during construction.
Motorists are advised to follow detour and caution signs.
Valley City (CSi) A public input meeting will be held Wednesday August 13,2014 at 7-p.m, at the Hi Liner Activity Center, concerning the proposed $16 million dollar Health, Wellness and Physical Education Center in Valley City. The community is encouraged to attend the meeting to hear a presentation followed by a public comment period.
Valley City (CSi) The Barnes County Commission has approved expending $70,000 from the Barnes County Economic Development Fund for support of the development of construction in conjunction with the new National Guard facility and the I-94 Regional Corridor project east of Valley City.
The vote was 3-2 withCommissioners Knutson and Berntson voting in opposition.
Knutson says his concerned about the precedent set for purchasing land near the Interstate Corridor for future development.
Economic Development Director Jennifer Feist says the sale involves a willing seller, willing buyer, adding that Guard would only accept that location.
Construction of the first National Guard building, a 35,000 square foot, Facility Maintenance Center will start in the spring of 2015.
Bismarck (CSi) The North Dakota Highway Patrol has announced the promotion and reassignment of Trooper Benjamin Kennelly.
Beginning August 1, 2014, Kennelly was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and has been assigned to serve the Jamestown area. Kennelly began his career in 2007, attending the training academy. He previously served in Cooperstown, Valley City and Jamestown.
Kennelly is a graduate of the University of Jamestown.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Supporters of requiring North Dakota schools to start the academic year after Labor Day have submitted petitions to Secretary of State Al Jaeger.
Jaeger says the sponsoring committee on Wednesday delivered 403 petitions that the group said contained about 16,500 signatures. Supporters need 13,452 valid signatures to get the proposal on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.
Jaeger’s office has until Sept. 10 to determine whether there are enough valid signatures to force a public vote.
Supporters of mandating a post-Labor Day start to the school year say it would give families more time to enjoy summer weather, and also boost tourism. Opponents say many students are participating in fall sports before Labor Day anyway, and a later start would push the end of the school year past Memorial Day.
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – A jury has found a Michigan man guilty of stabbing his friend to death at an oilfield crew camp in North Dakota.
Ryan Anderson, of Iron River, Michigan, was convicted Wednesday of killing 32-year-old Christopher King, also of Iron River, in March 2013.
Authorities say the attack was part of an alcohol-fueled dispute at a crew camp between Ray and Tioga, northeast of Williston. A defense attorney argued that Anderson had acted in self-defense.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole.
Anderson’s trial earlier was moved to the eastern North Dakota city of Grand Forks after his attorney successfully argued he couldn’t get a fair trial in Williams County because of extensive news coverage of the case.
MINOT, N.D. (AP) – A Minot man has been charged in a methamphetamine bust on Interstate 94 in Minnesota.
Justin Allen Hanson was arrested last weekend while Highway Patrol troopers were participating in a special enforcement campaign along Interstates 94 and 90. Police received a tip that Hanson was driving erratically on the highway.
Hanson is charged in Douglas County, Minnesota, with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Authorities allege that he had more than 50 grams of meth.
Bail has been set at $600,000.
Court documents do not list an attorney for Hanson.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota oil officials presented state regulators an industry-funded report Wednesday that says Bakken oil is no more dangerous to transport by rail than other crudes and fuels.
The North Dakota Petroleum Council’s report is contrary to a federal assessment that says Bakken oil may be more flammable than other crudes.
The reports come after a string of fiery accidents involving Bakken crude.
Industry consultant Dennis Sutton told the North Dakota Industrial Commission the two reports agree that characteristics of Bakken oil are similar. But he says the reports reached different conclusions on its volatility.
Gov. Jack Dalrymple says he intends to question U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx on the federal report when the men visit Bismarck on Friday for a national energy policy conference.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – Farm and ranch production expenses in the Plains region last year saw little change from 2012.
The Agriculture Department says 2013 expenditures totaled $87.6 billion, down from $89 billion. That’s a drop of less than 2 percent.
The Plains region includes the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
In sports…
Jamestown (CSi) The Dakota Anglers Steak Fry outing will be held Saturday, Aug 9, 2014 at Joos’ Grove at Jamestown Reservoir. This is a fishing tournament for the contestants followed by a Steak Fry and potluck meal for the membership.
Two person teams may enter; at least one team member must be a Dakota Anglers member ($15 annual membership fee to join). Registration is from 7:00-8:00 at Joos’ Grove. Bring your boat to the registration point for an ANS (Aquatic Nuisance Specie) Inspection of your boat. If you are not able to bring your boat for an inspection, please call Dave Zuck at 320-9194.
Fishing Starts at 8:00 AM. Weigh in at 3:00 pm sharp. If you are going to be late for Weigh In due to troubles, you must call Dave Zuck no later than 2:30 pm. Teams may fish any one legal ND water (anglers must declare the water they will be fishing at registration and species weighed in will be determined by Game and Fish stocking reports for lake declared). Please bring a dish to pass; you don’t need to fish to participate in the steak fry meal.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Center fielder Alexi Amarista made a game-saving catch in the bottom of the ninth inning and Seth Smith followed with a solo homer in the 10th to lift the San Diego Padres to a 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday.
Amarista ran backward on a dead sprint and laid out for a brilliant diving catch of a drive off the bat of Eduardo Escobar to keep the game tied. Smith had two hits and two RBIs.
Joaquin Benoit picked up his fourth save and the Padres split the two-game series.
Trevor Plouffe had a homer and three RBIs for the Twins, but All-Star closer Glen Perkins blew his fourth save in 32 chances.
San Diego trailed 4-3 going into the ninth against Perkins. But Everth Cabrera tied the game with a sacrifice fly and Yonder Alonso added two doubles and a single for the Padres.
In world and national news…
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) – A Red Cross disaster response manager in London says it’s “critically important” that people in Africa with symptoms of Ebola are identified quickly. Ben Webster is reacting to the news that authorities in Nigeria didn’t initially treat Patrick Sawyer as an Ebola patient and isolate him after he arrived in Nigeria last month. He later died from the disease. Authorities say a Nigerian nurse who treated Sawyer is now dead, and five others are sick with Ebola. The death toll from Ebola has now reached at least 932 people in four West African countries.
BAGHDAD (AP) – Iraqi authorities say car bombs have killed more than 50 people in busy shopping areas of Baghdad. The city has been on edge since Sunni militants captured large areas of the country’s north. While the fighters haven’t advanced on the capital, there’s been a steady campaign of car bombs in Baghdad — though none this deadly. The attack came as state-run TV announced a rare government victory — an airstrike against a key building in the city of Mosul that killed some 60 suspected militants earlier Wednesday.
CAIRO (AP) – Egypt’s foreign minister says Israel and the Palestinians have “reviewed what they consider as issues of concern,” as indirect talks get under way in Cairo. Israel wants Hamas to disarm — or, at least ensure that it can’t re-arm — before Israel will consider the group’s demand for a lifting of an Israeli and Egyptian blockade of Gaza’s borders.
WASHINGTON (AP) – Americans appear to be split about evenly heading into the fall midterm elections. One-third of those responding to a new poll say they hope Republicans take complete control of Congress. A similar number want to see Democrats in the leadership. And another third say it doesn’t matter which party controls Congress. Three-quarters of those responding to the Associated Press-GfK poll say they doubt the federal government will address the important problems facing the country this year.
BREMERTON, Wash. (AP) – More details are emerging about the father of a missing 6-year-old girl in Washington state. Court records show that James Wright was previously charged with molesting two girls, ages 8 and 15. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge related to the older girl, but the molestation charges were dropped. Six-year-old Jenise (juh-NEES’) Wright was last seen Saturday night at her home. Her family reported her missing Sunday night. Authorities say her parents have cooperated with the search for her.