2014-10-08

CSi Weather…

TODAY…INCREASING CLOUDS. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 50S. NORTHWEST

WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH.

.TONIGHT…DECREASING CLOUDS. LOWS IN THE LOWER 30S. NORTH WINDS

AROUND 5 MPH.

.THURSDAY…SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 50S. NORTHWEST WINDS AROUND

5 MPH.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS IN THE LOWER 30S. NORTHEAST

WINDS AROUND 5 MPH.

.FRIDAY…SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE MID 50S. SOUTH WINDS AROUND 5 MPH.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS IN THE MID 30S.

.SATURDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 60.

.SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. A 20 PERCENT CHANCE

OF RAIN SHOWERS. LOWS IN THE MID 40S. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 50S.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN

SHOWERS. LOWS IN THE LOWER 40S.

.COLUMBUS DAY THROUGH TUESDAY…PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER

50S. LOWS IN THE UPPER 30S.

Jamestown (CSi) The Stutsman County Commission has unanimously approved the county’s 2015.

Expenditures amount to $23.38 million down more than $700,000 from the 2014 budget.

Stutsman County Auditor, and CEO Casey Bradley, says the county will start 2015 with a $16 million fund balance, and if the 2015 budget is spent as presented the fund balance will be around $15 million at the end of the year.

The commissioners approved setting the 2014 property tax mill levy at 107.92 mills, down 5.27 mills from 2013. With property values up, the county will receive $580,869 more in property tax revenues than 2013.

For a home with a value of $100,000, the taxable value is $4,500. For 2015 that home will have a tax bill of $427.36, down from $448.23 from 2014.

Bradley says so far in 2014 the county performed 30 road projects, and in 2015 the county is planning on one, unless the state Legislature approves another round of road funding.

Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall. Commissioner Nielson was present, via conference call.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.

Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,511,809.15

A Game of Chance Raffle Permit for ND Hereford Assn., Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals, Mercy Healthcare Foundation and Kody Amann Benefit.

Approved new electric license for New Horizons Electric Inc., and new plumbing license for Laney’s Inc. and new heating license for Cass County Heating, Inc.

PUBLIC FORUM: Lloyd Nelson spoke, and thanked Commissioner Nielson concerning addressed the overloaded garbage issue. He said the city police department was operating patrol cars, without headlights on, especially during foggy conditions. Chief Thompson said the lights may be off for specific reasons, such as surveillance, or when visibility allows the lights to be off.

ORDINANCES

Approved the second and final reading of an Ordinance approving the 2015 Budget. City Auditor Richter said following the first reading, and the public hearing there were no changes to the budget.

RESOLUTIONS

Approved a Resolution for a Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for Market Place Liquors and Dakota Silver to serve wine at the Barnes County Museum on October 21, 2014.

NEW BUSINESS

The City Commission considered Replacement of 2012 Case TR270 Track Skid Loader. City Administrator Schelkoph, the present two year old equipment is not cost effective, due to repairs.

He said that he and City Engineer, Jeff Differding recommend purchasing a Caterpillar from Butler Machinery at a cost of $19,950, with trade in.

The City Commission approved the replacement.

An update was given by Commissioner Luke, on Public Utility Assistance.

She said a legal snag had occurred, and the application process and administration of the program is being handled by South Central Adult Services. Anyone wishing to donate to the fund may do so through a check to Barnes County Senior Citizens. Assistance dollars given to those eligible will be reimbursed to the city. Commissioner Luke asked the City Attorney to look into a roundup fund, North Dakota.

The City Commission took no action at Tuesday’s meeting as the program is not being run through the city.

The City Commission considered a Public Hearing on My Bar, Valley City for alleged violations. City Attorney Russell Myhre said the allegations stem from a complaint, consisting of three counts. One count of serving a minor has been resolved, and the establishment is working on server training, and the staff had partaken in drinking (dispensing, consuming) beer after the bar closed at 2-a.m.

Myhre said the City Commission was asked to determine if there is probable cause to go forward with the complaint, that would be followed by a hearing, and then a determination of any violation of the city alcohol Ordinance.

At Tuesday’s meeting, when Commissioner Nielson joined the meeting in person, City Attorney Myhre recommended a do-pass to hold a hearing.

Commissioner Pedersen said the My Bar owner has agreed to comply with the city Ordinance.

The City Commissioners voted to hold a hearing.

Considered an agreement between the ND State Water Commission and the City for the Sheyenne River Valley Flood Control Project Phase I – Engineering and Legal Services. Mayor Wekkhoven said a formal agreement had not been previously signed.

He said the City Attorney approved the agreement, which the Commissioners voted to approve.

Robert Drake discussed a Human Resource/Training Position.

He said the application process for the position was not passed through the City Commission.

Adminstrator Schelkoph said he began the application process. Drake said the position is part of the City Administrators duties, which Schelkoph agreed with. Schelkoph said the city budget allows for hiring the position.

Schelkoph said the position being advertised for has been withdrawn, due to determining the job descriptions of a Personnel Director and Human Resources person.

The City Commission took no official action on the information.

The City Commissioners approved that KLJ advertise for bids for the Phase I Permanent Flood Construction.

The City Commissioners discussed a possible VCSU Lime pit replacement project. Casey Williams- VCSU Dept. of Biology supports the project. The city would make land available to the VCSU conservation class, which would be responsible for maintenance, with the green space area, in the center of town, available to the community.

The City Commission considered and then approved an interest rate of 4.5% on the following special assessment projects: Storm Sewer #48, Paving #102, Paving #103, Road Dust Control #1, Paving #100, Storm Sewer #47, Sanitary Sewer #60 and Water Main #95.

Commissioners approved an agreement with KLJ for Preliminary, Design and Construction Engineering Services for Hillside Addition in an amount not to exceed $38,500.

The City Commission approved the Preliminary, Design, and Construction Engineering Agreement for Central Avenue North Sewer Replacement and Paving Overlay (district numbers to be assigned) in the amount of $144,500.

Also approved is the Preliminary, Design, and Construction Engineering Agreement for Victory Park Phase 2 Water Replacement and 4th Street NW Water Service Transfer (district numbers to be assigned) in the amount of $89,500.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

Administrator Schelkoph said 68 percent of the AMI utility meters have been installed and 81 percent of the LCR units.

Cyber security information will be given to city employees during an upcoming meeting.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

Fire Chief Retterath said recruiting has ended for new volunteer fire fighters, and the full complement of 40 fire fighters will be met.

Police Chief Thompson said the police department computers have been outfitted with cyber security software.

City Police officers have their new rifles in service, replacing previous weapons.

Commissioner Nielson said Walk To School Day, is Wednesday in Valley City.

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

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session Tuesday afternoon.

Council Members met at the Alfred Dickey Public Library upper level area and the met with the library architect followed by a tour of the library.

Mayor Katie Andersen says the Council Members noted improvements to the library and looked at which would be the integration of the present building, and the possible addtion to the north.

City Council members also noted the layout of the proposed renovation and expansion of the library.

No action items were taken at the meeting.

Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) is now recruiting community members to volunteer for the Patient and Family Advisory Council for Quality and Safety. The council and its goals are part of a much larger picture for nationwide improvement in our healthcare system through the Affordable Care Act and its federally-funded program called Partnership for Patients.

The new council at JRMC will focus on hospital care for patients and help create informed decisions about hospital programs in how they deliver care and provide services. The council will be comprised of patients, family members and/or friends of patients and community leaders, as well as healthcare professionals.

JRMC Quality Manager, Jenna Bredahl says, “Together, partnering with patients and their families, we hope to design or discover the best and safest care possible, and to acknowledge that when we fail to deliver on this goal, we are all responsible.”

Candidates for the council should enjoy working on a team, want to help JRMC put patients first, are committed to improving quality and patient safety, want to strengthen partnerships with patients and families and can volunteer a few hours of their time.

To learn more or be considered for the Patient and Family Advisory Council for Quality and Safety, visit

www.jrmcnd.com to fill out an application or contact Jenna Bredahl at 701-952-4803.

About Jamestown Regional Medical Center

Jamestown Regional Medical Center is located at 2422 20th St. SW, Jamestown, ND and serves approximately 55,000 people in nine counties. Between JRMC, JRMC Clinic, Sanford Health Jamestown and Essentia Health Jamestown, the community is served by 30 local medical providers and a variety of visiting specialists. For more information on services at JRMC, visit

www.jrmcnd.com or call 701-952-1050.

(CSi) Halloween party activities area set in Jamestown and Valley City.

The Halloween “Ruckus at the Rec” in Valley City will be on Friday October 17, 2014, from 6pm to 8:00 p.m. Valley City Rec Center Gym, for Boys & Girls, preschool through the 6th Grade.

The free carnival has a variety of games for all children ages 2 through 6th grade with prizes for everyone.

Volunteers and donations are needed, contact the Valley City Parks & Recreation office at 845-3294.

Donations will also be taken at the door for the Barnes County Food Pantry.

The 25th Annual, James River Family Fitness (formerly the James River Family Y) Halloween Party will be held on Halloween this year, Friday October 31, 2014 from 5:30-p.m., to 8-p.m.

Volunteer help will come from the University of Jamestown athletes.

More information is available by calling 701-253-4101

Jamestown (CSi) Float entries are being accepted for the 2014 Holiday Dazzle Parade, in Jamestown.

Jamestown Downtown Association, Ambassador Charilie Kourajian says, now is the time to start planning and constructing floats.

This year parade planners would like to have over 50 floats.

Those who have participated in past parades should have gotten

a letter, if not and plan to participate, call Charlie at 320-3015 for a registration form and instructions. Or E-mail mainstreet@csicable.net

Also anyone wishing to be a $100 parade sponsor should contact Charlie.

Sponsors will be listed in advertising as a valued sponsor.

The parade is planned for Friday November 28, 2014 on 1st Avenue in Jamestown.

There will be trophies and $100 cash for the best floats in the categories of :

Best Dazzle,

Most Original Theme,

Most Outstanding Amateur Built

Most Outstanding Civic or Non-Profit

More information will be coming soon.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – Grand Forks police have identified two suspects in connection with three armed robberies last weekend.

Formal charges are pending against the 22-year-old male and 20-year-old female suspects. They’re accused in all three crimes. Police say tips from the public and other evidence led them to the two suspects.

Authorities say a motel, a hotel and a convenience store were robbed on Saturday by a man wielding either a lead pipe or a tire iron. No one was hurt. The suspect got away with an undetermined amount of cash.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota woman has been ordered to pay back nearly $73,000 for keeping proceeds from loans and livestock that were mortgaged to the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Farm Service Agency.

Tara Thomas, of Fort Yates, pleaded guilty to conversion of mortgaged property. In exchange for plea, the government dropped a false statements charge.

Authorities say the scheme took place between September 2008 and September 2011.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland sentenced Thomas to six months in prison and ordered her to pay $72,701 in restitution.

A public defender was not immediately available for comment.

MANDAN, N.D. (AP) – A Mandan man accused of having sex with three teenage girls has pleaded guilty to four sex offense charges. Cameron Zahn will face a maximum of 31 years in prison rather than a possible life term. Authorities allege that Zahn offered a teen girl alcohol in exchange for sex, and also had sex with two teens he met on Facebook.

WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) – Two men arrested in an oil patch drug investigation remain locked up and their bond has been set at $2 million. Court documents say the men sold meth, heroin, cocaine and marijuana to a police informant. Authorities who raided their Williston hotel room say they found $300,000 worth of drugs.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A prominent Jamaican disc jockey charged for his role in a lottery scam targeting elderly victims in the Dakotas and elsewhere has filed a plea agreement in the case.

Deon-ville O’Hara, also known as ZJ Wah Wa, is among 26 people who have been indicted by a federal grand jury in North Dakota. He is charged with three counts, including conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering.

A plea agreement calls for O’Hara to plead guilty to conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. His plea hearing is scheduled for Oct. 24 in Bismarck.

Defense attorney Steven Mottinger declined to comment.

U.S. Attorney Timothy Purdon says people should be on guard and discuss possible scams with elderly family members.

CASSELTON, N.D. (AP) – A Colorado man was cited for a permit violation after steel tanks on a semitrailer he was driving crashed into an Interstate 94 bridge in southeastern North Dakota.

The Highway Patrol says 50-year-old Robert Bettini, of Lakewood, Colorado, was hauling two steel tanks on a flatbed trailer, bound for the western oil patch Monday afternoon.

Authorities say Bettini wasn’t following his permitted route when he drove underneath the I-94 overpass near Casselton and the tanks struck the concrete bridge girders.

Bettini told The Associated Press that he thought he was on the right route. He said roads were unclearly marked and he’ll fight the ticket.

Bettini wasn’t hurt. The tanks valued at $40,000 were destroyed. Damage to the bridge was still being assessed, though state inspectors deemed it structurally safe.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The Minneapolis attorney challenging North Dakota’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage says the state is on track to be one of the last states to allow such bans.

Josh Newville is representing the seven same-sex couples that filed a lawsuit against North Dakota in June.

The U.S. Supreme Court turned away appeals Monday that effectively raised the number of states allowing the practice from 19 to 30. On Tuesday a federal appeals court rejected bans in Idaho and Nevada, which could become the 31st and 32nd states.

Newville questioned Tuesday whether North Dakota wants to be remembered as one of the last states in the country to legalize same-sex marriage.

He says a federal district judge could rule or dismiss the case any time. He could also request oral arguments.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Dickinson will build a new middle school and Alexander will double the size of its school after special elections Tuesday. Voters in Devils Lake, however, rejected a city events center and community wellness center.

73 percent of voters in Dickinson favored a $65 million bond issue for the new middle school that will hold nearly 1,000 students.

88 percent of voters in Alexandria approved a $17 million project to double the number of school classrooms, add a second gymnasium, and expand the kitchen and cafeteria.

55 percent of Devils Lake voters opposed a half percent sales tax increase to generate $23.5 million for an events center in a former Wal-Mart building and a wellness facility at Lake Region State College.

In sports…

FARGO, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota State University has retained the top spot in both of this week’s Football Championship Subdivision polls.

The Bison came back to beat Western Illinois 17-10 on Saturday for the team’s FCS-record 29th straight win. NDSU is the three-time defending national champion.

NDSU got all but one of the 26 first-place votes in this week’s coaches’ poll and all but three of the 156 first-place votes in The Sports Network Poll.

The Bison are 5-0 heading into a homecoming game against Southern Illinois at the Fargodome on Saturday.

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL…

Beach def. Hettinger/Scranton, 25-15, 25-17, 22-25, 25-17

Beulah def. Richardton-Taylor, 25-19, 25-14, 25-23

Bismarck Century def. Minot, 25-22, 25-14, 25-7

Bismarck High def. Bismarck St. Mary’s, 25-15, 25-18, 25-16

Burke County def. Trenton, 26-28, 17-25, 25-12, 25-17, 15-9

Carrington def. Barnes County North, 25-17, 25-13, 25-22

Cavalier def. North Border, 21-25, 25-11, 25-13, 25-23

Center-Stanton def. Wilton-Wing, 25-19, 25-20, 25-21

Des Lacs-Burlington def. Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood, 25-23, 24-26, 25-21, 25-21

Dickinson Trinity def. New England, 3-0

Drayton/Valley-Edinburg def. Griggs County Central, 25-18, 25-16, 25-11

Ellendale def. Litchville-Marion/Montpelier, 25-13, 25-12, 25-14

Fargo Davies def. Wahpeton, 25-9, 25-12, 25-15

Fargo Shanley def. Grand Forks Central, 25-11, 25-14, 25-13

Flasher def. McIntosh, S.D., 25-11, 25-14, 25-8

Glen Ullin-Hebron def. Bowman County, 24-26, 17-25, 25-17, 25-23, 15-10

Grand Forks Red River def. Fargo North, 25-12, 27-29, 25-17, 25-14

Grant County def. New Salem-Almont, 25-15, 25-20, 25-8

Hankinson def. North Sargent, 25-16, 25-21, 25-14

Harvey-Wells County def. Benson County, 25-22, 25-11, 25-17

Hatton-Northwood def. Minto, 3-0

Hazen def. Mott-Regent, 3-0

Heart River def. Killdeer, 25-16, 25-9, 25-11

Hillsboro/Central Valley def. Park River/Fordville Lankin, 25-19, 25-19, 26-24

Jamestown def. Mandan, 25-12, 25-16, 27-25

Lakota/Adams-Edmore def. New Rockford-Sheyenne, 25-19, 25-19, 25-21

LaMoure def. Edgeley-Kulm, 25-10, 25-6, 28-26

Langdon def. Rolla, 25-23, 25-12, 25-12

Linton-HMB def. South Border, 25-22, 25-12, 19-25, 25-19

May Port CG def. Grafton/St. Thomas, 18-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-12

Medina-Pingree-Buchanan def. Strasburg-Zeeland, 25-21, 25-15, 25-27, 25-14

Minot Bishop Ryan def. Glenburn, 3-0

Minot Our Redeemer’s def. Lewis and Clark, 25-16, 25-9, 25-21

Moorhead, Minn. def. Fargo South, 22-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-15

Napoleon def. Kidder County, 25-17, 25-17, 27-25

Newburg-Westhope def. Drake/Anamoose, 25-23, 25-23, 25-20

North Star def. St. John, 25-7, 25-11, 25-8

Northern Cass def. Lisbon, 25-11, 25-17, 25-13

Oakes def. Midkota-Kensal, 3-1

Parshall def. New Town, 3-0

Powers Lake def. Trinity Christian, 25-14, 25-18, 25-12

Ray def. Divide County, 25-22, 25-13, 26-24

Richland def. Wyndmere-Lidgerwood, 24-26, 25-21, 25-21, 25-15

Rolette-Wolford def. Dunseith, 25-22, 25-18, 25-17

Rugby def. Velva, 3-0

Sargent Central def. Milnor, 25-11, 25-9, 25-16

Sawyer def. Bottineau, 25-13, 17-25, 18-25, 25-22, 15-9

Sheyenne def. West Fargo, 25-17, 25-12, 25-23

Thompson def. Finley-Sharon/Hope-Page, 26-24, 20-25, 22-25, 25-20, 15-10

Turtle Lake-Mercer def. Garrison-Max, 25-23, 25-20, 22-25, 25-21

Underwood def. Washburn, 25-11, 24-26, 28-26, 26-24

NATIONAL  LEAGUE PLAYOFFS….

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Joe Panik scored the tiebreaking run on a wild pitch in the seventh inning as the San Francisco Giants beat Washington 3-2 to advance to the National League Championship Series. The Giants overcame Bryce Harper’s RBI double and solo homer by scoring three runs without an RBI hit. Ryan Vogelsong combined with four relievers on a four-hitter as San Francisco moved into the NLCS for the third time in five seasons.

ST. LOUIS (AP) – Matt Adams belted a go-ahead, three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh to give the St. Louis Cardinals a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers and a berth in the National League Championship Series for the fourth consecutive year. The Cardinals were held to one hit by Clayton Kershaw through the first six innings before he gave up back-to-back singles and Adams’ blast. Kershaw surrendered nine runs in the seventh inning of his two starts in the series.

NFL…

HOUSTON (AP) – A spokeswoman for Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson’s attorney says he plans to plead not guilty to a child abuse charge during his first court appearance in Texas since his indictment last month. Peterson is scheduled to be in court today in Conroe, located north of Houston. Peterson says he never intended to harm his 4-year-old son by spanking him with a tree branch earlier this year.

NEW YORK (AP) – NFL owners will discuss the league’s personal conduct policy, vote on the sale of the Buffalo Bills and look at further international play when they meet today. These are the league’s first owners meetings since Commissioner Roger Goodell (guh-DEHL’) came under fire for his handling of the Ray Rice case amid several high-profile player arrests involving domestic abuse.

DETROIT (AP) – The Detroit Lions have signed Matt Prater (PRAY’-tur) to a one-year deal in their latest effort to fix their early kicking woes. The Broncos cut ties with Prater earlier this month, when the 30-year-old kicker was about to come off a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Prater made 25 of 26 field goals last season, including a record-setting 64-yarder against Tennessee.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) – The NFL is attempting to shed light on who allegedly shined a laser pointer at Buffalo Bills players at Detroit’s Ford Field last weekend. A league spokesman says the league is investigating the Bills’ complaint and attempting to identify the person responsible. Quarterback Kyle Orton and holder Colton Schmidt said they had a laser directed at them during Buffalo’s 17-14 win over the Lions on Sunday.

Signora says the league will share the results of its investigation with police. All four North American major professional sports leagues bar the use of laser pointers at their facilities.

NBA…

DENVER (AP) – A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (fah-REED’) has agreed to a four-year, $50 million contract extension.

Denver had until Oct. 31 to negotiate a new contract for Faried or he would have become a restricted free agent next summer.

Faried averaged a career-high 13.7 points last season, and he also grabbed 8.6 rebounds per game.

Yahoo Sports and The Denver Post were the first to report the details of the agreement.

In world and national news…

MURSITPINAR, Turkey (AP) – Several Syrian human rights groups are calling for action from the international community to save a border town near Turkey from Islamic State group militants. The activists say that what’s going on in Kobani is nothing short of ethnic cleansing.

STOCKHOLM (AP) – Finding ways to push optical microscopes beyond their limits has won the Nobel Prize for chemistry for Americans Eric Betzig and William Moerner and German scientist Stefan Hell. Their work allows optical microscopes to see in much finer detail. The process is called “super-resolved fluorescence microscopy.”

MILAN (AP) – European Union leaders are holding a jobs summit today. The issue is how to create jobs for the continent’s 25 million unemployed. The summit comes amid growing popular frustration at authorities’ failure to return the continent’s economy to health. Several thousand union activists protested outside the venue, demanding a stop to austerity and calling for reforms to encourage investment.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) – Officials in some conservative states like Kansas and Wyoming say they’ll resist issuing same-sex marriage licenses until the end. They say they won’t act until court decisions specifically force their hand. The Supreme Court has refused to take up appeals of appellate rulings from five states seeking to preserve gay marriage bans. Six other states would be bound by those same appellate decisions.

LONDON (AP) – London police call it a “hidden crime” but they say its numbers are rising. Police say the year has seen 27 cases of child abuse cases linked to witchcraft and ritual beliefs. That’s up from 24 last year and 19 the year before. Authorities say it happens when a family or caregivers genuinely believe a child has been taken over by evil spirits. The Metropolitan Police have launched a training film for officers.

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