CSi Weather…
TODAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. PATCHY DENSE FOG IN THE MORNING. NOT AS
COLD. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 30S. SOUTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH
INCREASING TO AROUND 20 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON.
.TONIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW POSSIBLY
MIXED WITH RAIN AND FREEZING RAIN AFTER MIDNIGHT A 30 PERCENT CHANCE IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA. NOT AS COLD.
LOWS IN THE UPPER 20S. WEST WINDS 15 TO 20 MPH.
.FRIDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 30S. NORTHWEST WINDS
AROUND 15 MPH.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE MID 20S. WEST WINDS
10 TO 15 MPH.
.SATURDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW POSSIBLY
MIXED WITH RAIN IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 30S. WEST
WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN
POSSIBLY MIXED WITH SNOW. BREEZY. LOWS IN THE LOWER 30S.
.SUNDAY THROUGH MONDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 30S.
LOWS IN THE LOWER 20S.
.MONDAY NIGHT…DECREASING CLOUDS. LOWS IN THE UPPER 20S.
.TUESDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE MID 30S.
.TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 20.
HIGHS IN THE UPPER 20S.
Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Police report a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Wednesday at 1:25 p.m., in the 900 block of 12th Avenue Southeast, near 10th Street Southeast.
Assistant Chief John Johnson says the pedestrian was walking south on 12th Avenue Southeast on the west side when the individual was struck by a vehicle traveling south on 12th Avenue.
The pedestrian was taken by Jamestown Area Ambulance Service to Jamestown Regional Medical Center, with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.
The accident remains under investigation.
Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission meeting in Special Session Wednesday morning voted unanimously to approve the city’s share of funding for the Valley Development Group request for $500,000 in economic development funds for the VC Health, Wellness & Physical Education Center.
The commission heard more testimony from the audience during the 20 minute meeting, along with comments from City Commissioners, and economic development Director, Jennifer Feist.
Before the vote Mayor Werkhoven expressed his concerns about funding without firm financial footing, and has a concern about the long-term financing.
He added the with several meetings each side of the issue has had the opportunity to add their voices.
Mayor Werkhoven pointed out that the City Commission upheld the voter advisory vote to approve the Wellness Center funding in the amount of $3-million dollars.
Commissioner Nielson said the project will not move forward until all funding is in place. She feels the project does fall under criteria of economic development.
She noted the support of young people in the community.
Commissioner Luke added Parks and Recreation has done a good job in developing the project, and that the mission is continuing.
She also expressed concerns over continued funding.
Commissioner Magnuson said the facility is needed in the community, adding that he too has concerns about continued funding. He said it’s now up to Parks and Rec and community support to continue the project.
Commissioner Pedersen added that support from the City Commission will keep the funding effort going, and a vote of confidence for Parks and Recreation concerning the continuance of the project.
Tuesday, a request to transfer $250,000 from the economic development fund to help finance the construction of the proposed Wellness Center in Valley City was denied by the Barnes County Commission on a 4 to one vote.
Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Regional Airport Manager Sam Seafeldt reported to the Jamestown Regional Airport Authority that bad weather has forced some recent United Express/SkyWest Jamestown flight cancellations or diversions.
Airport Authority Vice Chairman Jeff Wilhelm says Seafeldt should research why planes can land at Hector International Airport in Fargo but not in Jamestown when both areas are experiencing similar weather.
Wilhelm adds that Seafeldt should find out what improvements may be need to the Jamestown airport runways, equipment, and the like and find out how much it would cost to make the improvements, in order that United Express/SkyWest can land in Jamestown during bad weather conditions.
Jamestown (CSi) The James River Valley Library System Board of Directors has voted unanimously to move forward with the first phase of a possible four-phase remodeling and renovation project at Alfred Dickey Library.
A contract will be entered into with JLG Architects.
Officials say the consultant has a background in architecture and interior design.
First, JLG will conduct a schematic layout of the library and identify worker and patron traffic flow and how those areas can be best utilized to better accommodate people.
Library Director Joe Rector said the first phase would possibly include new furnishings and new shelving layouts to create better flow and open up spaces that are already overcrowded.
The first phase offers several options for new paint, carpet, finishes and woodwork. The cost of phase I will be roughly between $6,000 and $8,000.
In the latter phases is a $400,000 heating and cooling system renovation.
Development Director Bill Kennedy spoke about the formation of the new Friends of the Library group, to will help finance, raise funds for and/or promote future library projects.
The next Friends of the Library meeting on Weddnesday February 11, 2015 at 5 p.m. at the Alfred Dickey Public Library.
The board approved a request a final proposal for a new bookmobile from OBS Inc. Specialty Vehicles.
The total cost of the bookmobile will be around $215,000 with 15 percent of that covered by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program.
Jamestown (CSi) Recent snowpack measurements taken in the Jamestown/Pipestem Dam basin, earlier this week showed 5.2 inches of snow containing 0.9 inches of moisture.
Bob Martin with the Corps of Engineers at Pipestem says, there are large areas with no snow cover.
Frost depth measurements went from about 18 inches on January 5, 2015 to 36 inches on the 20th.
Martin says snowpack measurements are now conducted every two weeks through the spring melt.
No major changes since an earlier report from Martin that releases from Jamestown and Pipestem dams are minimal at this time, with five cubic feet per second being released from Pipestem Dam.
Releases from Jamestown Dam were shut off in December.
Jamestown (CSi) The Daily Bread program in Jamestown has expanded with a food freezer at Gussner Elementary School and in the main office of the Gardenette living center in southeast Jamestown.
With the addition of Gussner Elementary School, freezers are at all public school locations, in Jamestown.
Daily Bread, Jamestown Steering Committee member, Joan Morris says, the program is experiencing a high demand for food at the Gardenette location.
Daily Bread can only rescue food from commercial North Dakota certified kitchens.
The food is free, and there are no registration requirements.
More food donors are needed, and kitchens are asked to consider donating to Daily Bread.
She asks if anyone knows of any commercial kitchens that are throwing away good food or wanting more information about Daily Bread – Jamestown, to contact Tom Geffre at 252-5660.
Carrington (CSi) The Foster County Commission has appointed positions left vacant by recent resignations.
Carrington resident Pat Copenhaver is the newest Foster County Commissioner. He was appointed and sworn-in, and will finish the remaining two years of ex-commissioner Les Greger.
Jess Earle is the new Emergency Manager.
Leasa Lura is the new Foster County, Clerk of Court.
Jamestown (CSi) Paint Our Town Purple is a chance to raise awareness of the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life in the community.
On Friday, May 1, 2015, at 5:30pm, a pre-celebration event will be held at the Frontier Fort by the buffalo. This year is the 30th anniversary since Relay for Life was founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt. The theme for 2015 is ‘30 Years Strong’. Purple is the signature color of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life program, which represents all cancers.
The American Cancer Society is seeking businesses, organizations , and families to get involved in the Relay for Life movement by displaying purple ribbons and other decorations from May 1, 2015 – June 5, 2015.
People can also help “Paint Our Town Purple” by doing other activities, including putting up purple-themed displays in storefronts, swapping out white light bulbs for purples ones, or selecting a day for everyone to wear purple at work or school.
Also, at the pre-celebration event on May 1st, is the opportunity to purchase purple tablecloths to decorate trees with, purple headbands as well as purple wristbands that say: ’30 Years Strong’ as well as some other items.
The proceeds raised will go to the 2015 Stutsman County Relay for Life event. There will be four certificates given out the night of the Relay for Life event on June 5th: Best Use of Purple, Most Original Purple Theme, Most Purple, and Best Purple Window Display.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A Fort Yates man accused in an attack that left a woman hospitalized and on a ventilator has been sentenced to six years in prison.
Ryan Thunderhawk is charged in federal court with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He pleaded guilty in October.
Witnesses say the victim was knocked unconscious three separate times in last summer’s attack on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The woman suffered a broken nose and several facial fractures.
A judge says restitution in the case will be determined next month.
A federal public defender was not available for comment.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota lawmakers are slated to consider legislation that would allow concealed carry permit holders to pack guns at more public places.
Rep. Roscoe Streyle (STRY’-lee), a Republican from Minot, is sponsoring the bill that would make it legal for concealed permit holders to have guns at churches, political functions, music concerts and public parks.
The House Energy and Natural Resources Committee is holding a hearing on the bill Thursday.
The measure also takes aim at other gun-related issues, including prohibiting medical workers from asking patients about gun ownership.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has signed an agreement with North Dakota’s Department of Human Services to boost child support enforcement on the reservation.
The tribe’s child support program is beginning its third year, with 10 full-time staff members serving about 300 children and 235 parents. The program expects to assume responsibility of additional cases that the state is currently handling, and both the tribe and state will work together on other cases.
Tribal Child Support Director Jerl Thompson says the agreement will help ensure that reservation children “receive the involvement and resources of both their parents emotionally and financially.”
State Child Support Director Jim Fleming says the agreement has been in the works for more than two years. He says, “We serve children best by working together.”
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s Legislature is considering having lawmakers set tuition and fees at the state’s 11 colleges and universities.
The State Board of Higher Education currently sets the rates. But it’s been criticized for raising them too much.
West Fargo Republican Rep. Kim Koppelman is sponsoring a measure that would give the Legislature the authority. Koppelman told the House Education Committee Wednesday that lawmakers are often blamed for “skyrocketing tuition,” but they have done little to control it.
University System interim Chancellor Larry Skogen opposed the idea.
Skogen says allowing the Legislature to set tuition and fees would create “another level of complexity and bureaucracy to an already complex process.” Skogen says it also “could greatly limit student input.”
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s attorney general says a Grand Forks organization violated open meetings law by holding unauthorized executive sessions to discuss firing its director.
Wayne Stenehjem concluded in his ruling that Circle of Friends Humane Society is a public entity that’s subject to the open records and meeting law because it receives public funds and acts as an agent of Grand Forks city and Grand Forks County.
Stenehjem ordered Circle of Friends to disclose the recording of the Sept. 25 and Oct. 8 executive sessions to Steve Wagner and any member of the public upon request, at no cost.
He says not complying within seven days could lead to a civil case and related costs as well as personal liability for people responsible for not complying.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota transportation officials say automated crossing arms will be installed at the intersection where a school bus and train collided this month.
The crash east of Larimore killed 17-year-old student Cassidy Sandstrom and 62-year-old bus driver Max Danner. Twelve other students were injured. The cause is still being determined.
Installing the crossing arms could cost as much as $500,000. The state Department of Transportation says it will pay for 90 percent of the project. The remaining amount will be split between BNSF Railway and the Grand Forks County Commission.
The Transportation Department says the crossing currently meets federal safety standards. The intersection is marked on either side with a crossbuck, which is a white “X” marked with the words “railroad crossing.” The crossbuck posts also have stop signs.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Low-income North Dakotans are getting some added help to pay heating and other energy costs this winter.
Families and seniors living in low-income households will receive more than $1.7 million in Low Income Heating Assistance Program funding from the Department of Health and Human Services. Another $540,000 is available for North Dakota’s Native American tribes.
The state’s three members of Congress announced the award Wednesday. They say the money is in addition to more than $23 million the state received through the program last fall, bringing the total sent from Washington this winter to more than $25.4 million.
In sports…
COLLEGE BASKETBALL…
Wed Jan 21
Men
Jimmies 95 VCSU 63
Jimmies record 13-5 1-0
Women
UJ 68 VCSU 61
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Final Charlotte 78 Miami 76
Final New York 98 Philadelphia 91
Final Cleveland 106 Utah 92
Final Atlanta 110 Indiana 91
Final Detroit 128 Orlando 118
Final Dallas 98 Minnesota 75
Final New Orleans 96 L-A Lakers 80
Final OT Oklahoma City 105 Washington 103
Final Memphis 92 Toronto 86
Final Phoenix 118 Portland 113
Final Brooklyn 103 Sacramento 100
Final Golden State 126 Houston 113
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Final Ottawa 4 Toronto 3
Final 2OT Chicago 3 Pittsburgh 2 (SO Chicago 2-0)
Final Winnipeg 4 Columbus 0
Final 2OT Colorado 3 Boston 2 (SO Colorado 1-0)
Final Anaheim 6 Calgary 3
Final San Jose 4 Los Angeles 2
TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Final (12) Utah 86 Washington St. 64
Final (14) Wichita St. 76 Missouri St. 53
Final (15) North Carolina 87 Wake Forest 71
Final (20) N. Iowa 66 Indiana St. 60
Final (21) Baylor 81 Huston-Tillotson 61
TOP-25 WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Final ( 2) UConn 100 UCF 45
In world and national news…
PANGKALAN BUN, Indonesia (AP) – The recovery of bodies following the December crash of an AirAsia jetliner has been slow. There were 162 people on board and only 59 bodies have been recovered so far. Six bodies were plucked from the waters of the Java Sea today. Rescuers are still struggling to lift the fuselage and what appears to be the plane’s cockpit from the seabed at a depth of 100 feet.
HAVANA (AP) – Talks today between delegations from the U.S. and Cuba are expected to focus on the broader question of how the U.S. and Cuba can end a half-century of enmity. The nations hope to re-establish embassies and post ambassadors to each other’s capitals in the coming months. The two days of talks began yesterday.
DONETSK, Ukraine (AP) – Local authorities in the separatist stronghold in east Ukraine say at least seven people have been killed after a city bus was hit by an artillery shell. The shell struck the vehicle this morning in Donetsk, instantly killing a number of passengers and blowing out the windows of a nearby building. A rebel official at the site says up to 10 people may have been killed. Fighting between Ukrainian government troops and separatist forces surged after the New Year following a month of relative tranquility after a truce was declared in early December.
WASHINGTON (AP) – A new report ranks the top international cities based on economic performance. The report by the Brookings Institution and JPMorgan Chase lists Macau (muh-KOW’), the Chinese territory known for casino gambling, as outperforming the rest of the world’s major cities economically last year. Three U.S. cities – Austin and Houston, Texas, and Raleigh, North Carolina – cracked the top 50.
DENVER (AP) – Nearly 40 percent of the tickets originally purchased for Bill Cosby’s comedy shows in Denver were returned for refunds. The director of Denver’s Arts & Venues department tells the Denver Post that there were 1,200 ticket refunds for the 3,100 tickets sold for two January 17 shows. Cosby is facing sexual assault accusations from at least 15 women, with some of the claims dating back decades. He’s denied the allegations through his attorney and hasn’t been charged.