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CSi Weather…
WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST WEDNESDAY…
.REST OF TONIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SNOW SHOWERS
EARLY IN THE EVENING…THEN PARTLY CLOUDY AFTER MIDNIGHT. BREEZY.
LOWS AROUND 15 BELOW. NORTHWEST WINDS AROUND 25 MPH DECREASING TO
10 TO 20 MPH. CHANCE OF SNOW 30 PERCENT IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA. LOWEST WIND CHILLS
AROUND 35 BELOW.
.WEDNESDAY…SUNNY. HIGHS NEAR ZERO. NORTHWEST WINDS 10 TO
15 MPH. LOWEST WIND CHILLS AROUND 35 BELOW IN THE MORNING.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS AROUND 20 BELOW. NORTHWEST
WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH SHIFTING TO THE SOUTH AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND
CHILLS AROUND 35 BELOW.
.THURSDAY…INCREASING CLOUDS. HIGHS 5 TO 10 ABOVE. SOUTHEAST
WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…CLOUDY WITH A 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW. NOT AS
COLD. LOWS ZERO TO 5 ABOVE. SOUTH WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.
.FRIDAY…CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW. HIGHS IN THE
UPPER 20S.
.FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS ZERO TO 5 ABOVE.
HIGHS 5 TO 10 ABOVE.
.SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 15 BELOW.
HIGHS 5 TO 10 ABOVE.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS NEAR ZERO.
.MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS IN THE MID 20S.
LOWS 5 TO 10 ABOVE.
.TUESDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS 15 TO 20.
FROSTBITE CAN OCCUR IN 30 MINUTES OR LESS TO
EXPOSED SKIN.
A WIND CHILL ADVISORY MEANS THE COMBINATION OF WIND AND VERY COLD
AIR WILL CREATE LOW WIND CHILLS. THIS WILL RESULT IN FROST BITE
AND LEAD TO HYPOTHERMIA IF PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN. IF YOU MUST
VENTURE OUTDOORS…MAKE SURE YOU WEAR A HAT AND GLOVES.
WIND CHILLS AROUND 30 BELOW ZERO ARE FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY MORNING…AND AGAIN SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY MORNING.
COLD DRY AIR DOMINATING THE WEEKEND. HIGHS SHOULD RANGE FROM ZERO TO 5 ABOVE NORTH CENTRAL TO THE TEENS SOUTHWEST.
MODERATING TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED EARLY NEXT WEEK…WITH HIGHS FORECAST IN THE 20S TO LOWER 30S.
VALLEY CITY, N.D. (AP) – Valley City police say a trail of footprints in the snow led them right to a man suspected of burglarizing a home.
Officers who responded to the scene shortly before 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, at 507 7th Avenue Southeast, and observed the set of footprints leading to another home at 599 6th Street Southeast. They obtained a search warrant and found all of the reported stolen items: a laptop, camera case and rifle.
Police arrested 19 year old William Skywalker Weatherford, on charges of burglary at night, a Class B felony, and possession of stolen property, a Class C felony.
Formal charges by the Barnes County State’s Attorney were pending, on Tuesday.
Anyone with additional information in this case is asked to call Valley City Police at 845-3110.
Jamestown (CSi) Officials with My Place Hotels of America LLC have announced that the chain will be opening their newest North Dakota Hotel this Spring in Jamestown, at Interstate 94 and US Highway 281.
The new 46-room, 3-story Economy Extended Stay Hotel will be independently owned by MP Jamestown and operated by Legacy Management, LLC.
The hotel will have daily, weekly, and monthly rate options. The property will be pet friendly and include on-site laundry facilties, free internet service and a 24-hour store in the hotel lobby.
MP developer, Ryan Bender said, “When we looked at Jamestown, we saw there was a real need for more rooms in the short term as well as in the long term. Recently there has been a lot of activity with several major construction projects including a new Menards store and the $3 Billion CHS fertilizer plant currently under construction. With our easy access and prime location on Interstate 94 and US 281, it’s a breeze to walk to the Buffalo Mall and local area restaurants.”
Jamestown (CSi) All Jamestown City Council committees met Tuesday afternoon at City Hall. All members were present.
FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE:
The committee recommends unanimously approving the request from JSDC to provide a zero percent loan over 10 years, to Spiritwood Energy Park Association (SEPA) from Economic Development Funds, in the amount of $785,000, to pay for a BNSF heated and automated switch with the City Share to be $706,500, and paid from the City Sales tax Fund (90% city contribution…10% county participation, approved by the Stutsman County Commission).
JSDC Board of Directors Chairman, Bob Toso, explained the function of SEPA in conjunction with JSDC, in partnership with Dakota Spirit Ag-Energy a subsidiary of Great River Energy.
The committee recommends the First Reading of an ordinance to grant Otter Tail Power Company a continued franchise to maintain its system within the City for a 10 year period. Additional language may be added at the Second Reading.
An offer was recommended for approval from Steven Gapinski to purchase in the amount fo $4,500, Lots 10 and 11, Block 4, Kelly and Fuller 2nd Addition. (700 Block of 1st Street, West).
Recommends authorizing the submission of a grant application for State Aid to Public Transit funding on behalf of Jamestown Taxi Service.
Considered entering into a CORS Host Agreement with Butler Machinery Company d/b/a MidStates VRS to attach a CORS (GPS) Station at the Water Treatment Plant.
The committee tabled action pending more information.
Departmental and financial reports were considered.
BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE
Considered the request to vacate 11th Avenue NE/1400 Block, adjacent to Lot 6, Block 4, Leapaldt Addition, Replat of Block 4; Part of Lots 7 & 8 Less N.102.5’ of W.233’ & S.72.75’ of N.175.25’ of W.200’, Replat of Lots 7 & 8, Block 4, Leapaldt Addition, Replat of Block 4; and Lot 1, Block 1, Leapaldt 2nd Addition, to the City of Jamestown, Stutsman County, North Dakota.
The committee recommends moving the item to the March city council meeting without recommendation.
The committee recommends approving a petition for annexation of a part of the NE portion of the SW ¼ of Section 2, Township 139 North, Range 64 West, near the Fairfield Inn under construction, and to consider introducing the First Reading of an ordinance to annex same.
CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE
The committee recommends approval of the awarding bids for the Civic Center Basketball Floor and for the portable backstops.
One bid for $99,650, for the floor, and the other for $26,696, for the back-boards, not including a trade-in, as the present floor and backboards are sold to a party.
POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE
The committee approves introducing the First Reading of an ordinance to amend and re-enact a of the City code pertaining to seizure of vehicles for certain violations, in compliance with state law.
Informational:
The Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1452 to amend and re-enact Section 15-33 of the City Code pertaining to Fireworks is scheduled for the March 2, 2015, City Council meeting.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
Recommends approval of the 2015 Jamestown Standard Specifications.
The committee recommends approving entering into an engineering services agreement with Interstate Engineering, Inc., for the proposed Sanitary Landfill – Cell 3B Construction.
The committee recommends approving entering into an engineering services agreement to provide Stormwater Utility research on revenue needs, potential expenditures, rate structure calculations, and possible rate fees to fund a Stormwater Utility Enterprise.
Requests for proposals will be going out.
An update was given on the Storm Water Cleaning Project. Sand, gravel rocks and other debris has been discovered, as the project continues, with some repairs needed at some locations.
The First Reading of an Ordinance regarding landscaping requirements was tabled to allow further review.
The entire meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.
Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.
All members were present.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
Renewal of plumbing and heating license for Air Anderson, Inc. and electric license for ASAP Electric.
A Special Alcohol Beverage Event permit for Eagles at the ND Winter Show from March 2nd -8th .
Blocking off Street for the Debbie Gable Memorial Cancer Ride on July 25, 2015, 3rd Avenue SE from Main Street to 2nd Street SE.
A Special Alcohol Beverage Event permit for Boomer’s Corner Keg for Debbie Gabel Memorial Cancer Ride on July 25, 2015, to serve alcohol in closed off street.
PUBLIC FORUM: No one spoke
ORDINANCES
Approved the first reading of an Ordinance to extend the Food and Beverage Sales Tax from 2020 to 2025.
RESOLUTIONS
Approved a Resolution approving the Western Area Power Adminstration Contract, from 2020 to 2050. City Administrator Schelkoph Valley City Receives two-thirds of its power from WAPA.
Approved a Resolution awarding the construction contract for Paving Improvement District No. 108, in the area of 8 1./2 Avenue in the Hillside Addtion, Paving Improvement District No. 109 on North Central, north of 12th Street, and Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 61, in the total amount of $644,932.50
NEW BUSINESS
The City Commission approved a Food and Beverage Grant for City of Valley City Shared-Use Path in the amount not to exceed $127,500. Bobby Koepplin said the Visitor’s Committee approved the grant request. The local match being the R & R Fund.
Approved a Food and Beverage Grant for CVB for Scenic-By-Way signs for an amount not to exceed $107,009. Commissioner Nielson abstained from voting being affiliated with the Scenic By way organization.
Considered a Food and Beverage Grant for Valley City Park District for the Health and Wellness Center for an amount not to exceed $500,000 as funds are available and raised. The commissioners voted 3-2 to approve, with President Werkhoven and Commissioner Luke voting in opposition.
Considered a Retail Image Enhancement Grant for Valley City Park District for the Health and Wellness Center for an amount not to exceed $105,000 for 14 years. (Bobby Koepplin from Visitor’s Committee said the committee recommended approval.
The City Commission voted unanimously to approve.
Commissioners approved Change Order No. 1 for Robert Gibb & Sons for Water Main Improvement District No. 96.
Approved an Amendment to Engineer-Owner Agreement for Sheyenne River Valley Flood Protection (Phase 1 – University District). Mayor Werkhoven suggested the city install auxiliary generator at the sanitary sewer lift stations.
Paul Stenshoel discussed an Alley Enhancement on Central Avenue. No action was taken by the Commission.
Police Chief Thompson and the City Commission discussed “Police In-Car Video Systems.”
He said the police department has the dollars available for funding.
He said the system has been tested, with access by city and state’s attorney’s offices, for burning of discs.
The City Commission voted to approve.
CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT no additional information was presented at the meeting.
CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS
Commissioner Nielson asked that the March 17th meeting be moved to Monday the 16th, due to a League of Cities meeting to be attended by city officials.
The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler has pleaded not guilty to simple assault in a domestic violence incident.
Baesler’s attorney entered the plea Tuesday morning in Bismarck municipal court. Baesler did not appear in court.
Baesler was arrested early Sunday morning. Court documents say she struck her boyfriend “with an object, causing injury to his face.”
A judge set a March 23 trial. Baesler was ordered to have no contact with the victim.
DICKINSON, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota man accused of sexually abusing a 5-month-old girl has been sentenced to life in prison.
45-year-old Dan Pruett was sentenced Tuesday. Pruett earlier entered Alford pleas to charges of gross sexual imposition and aggravated assault in the alleged 2013 incident.
An Alford plea is one in which a defendant acknowledges there was sufficient evidence for conviction but does not admit guilt. Pruett entered the pleas after his trial had begun.
Prosecutors said the infant suffered marks and bruises all over her body. Jurors saw a videotaped interview in which Pruett told authorities he’d tried to perform CPR on the child after waking up and finding her limp.
The child’s father testified she was on life support after the attack but is now doing well.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota man accused of threatening girls into engaging in sexually explicit conduct has been sentenced to 32 years in prison.
Dustin Coleman, of Wahpeton, was convicted on eight counts in the state’s first federal prosecution of so-called “sextortion.” Authorities say Coleman told one victim that if she didn’t send him nude photographs of herself, he would rape her younger sister.
A joint sentencing recommendation between prosecutors and Coleman’s federal public defender had called for 30 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson told attorneys at Tuesday’s sentencing hearing that he tacked on two years for the extortion charges.
Defense attorney Christopher Lancaster told the judge there are no excuses for the criminal conduct, but added that his client suffers from numerous mental health and addiction issues.
CARSON, N.D. (AP) – Leith Mayor Ryan Schock has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of failing to control or report a dangerous fire.
Schock was due in court on Tuesday, but court documents show he waived his initial appearance and entered his plea last Friday. A pretrial conference is scheduled March 16.
The charge against Schock stems from city officials’ efforts last year to clean up dilapidated buildings after their dispute with white supremacist Craig Cobb, who tried unsuccessfully to take over Leith.
Leith officials have said they think the charge against Schock is a case of “retribution” by Grant County State’s Attorney Todd Schwarz and the state attorney general’s office – an accusation Schwarz rejects.
Schock and two other city officials last year accused Schwarz of acting unprofessionally while prosecuting Cobb.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota regulators say a spill involving 21,000 gallons of saltwater was contained on-site at an oil well in Divide County.
The state Oil and Gas Division says the spill at a well site about 5 miles south of Fortuna was reported Sunday. Murex Petroleum Corp. reported that 500 barrels of saltwater were contained and recovered on site. One barrel holds 42 gallons.
Saltwater, or brine, is a byproduct of oil production.
A pump leak was listed as the cause of the spill. A state inspector visited the site.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s Senate has approved a bill to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Senate voted 25-22 on Tuesday to send the legislation to the state House.
North Dakota law already outlaws discrimination based on such things as race, age, disability and political affiliation. The measure would add prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
The bill has exemptions for religious organizations.
Supporters say the legislation protects gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents from being fired from jobs or denied public accommodations.
Opponents say there is no evidence of that happening in North Dakota.
Twenty-one states have similar laws outlawing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Similar legislation in North Dakota failed in two previous sessions.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s Senate has approved bipartisan legislation that would fund burials for veterans’ spouses at the state-owned cemetery near Mandan.
The Senate voted 47-0 on Tuesday to send the bill to the House.
The bill sets aside $160,000 over the next two years to pay for burials for spouses and children of veterans under the age of 21.
Belcourt Democratic Sen. Richard Marcellais (MAR’-sel-ayz) is an Army Vietnam veteran and the principal sponsor of the bill. Marcellais says the spouses of military veterans are deserving of the no-cost burials.
Currently, it costs $550 to bury a spouse at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery.
There are more than 6,400 veterans and family members buried at the cemetery. The cemetery opened in 1992 and averages approximately 450 burials per year.
In sports…
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – The University of North Dakota men’s hockey team is the top-ranked team in the country for the fifth time this season.
UND regained the top spot in both the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll and the USCHO.com poll, after a weekend series in which it beat No. 9 Denver and then tied the Pioneers the next night. UND moved up from No. 2 in the USCHO.com poll and from No. 3 in the other poll.
Previous No. 1 Minnesota State fell to No. 2 in the USCHO.com poll and to No. 3 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll. Boston was second in that poll.
UND travels to unranked Western Michigan this weekend.
In world and national news…
HOUSTON (AP) – Attorney General Eric Holder says the Justice Department is reviewing a ruling by a federal judge in Texas that temporarily blocks President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration. Holder says the department is confident the matter will ultimately be taken up by a higher court, possibly the U.S. Supreme Court. The ruling Monday put on hold Obama’s orders that could spare as many as 5 million people who are in the U.S. illegally from being deported. It gave a coalition of 26 states time to pursue a lawsuit aiming to permanently stop the orders.
WASHINGTON (AP) – The administration’s new defense secretary has been sworn in — and Ash Carter is promising to carefully consider decisions about sending troops into harm’s way. Vice President Joe Biden issued the oath of office at the White House, even as most federal offices in Washington were closed because of snow. Biden says Carter faces some “tough missions” — including the fight against Islamic State militants and strengthening the NATO alliance.
WEST WARWICK, R.I. (AP) – Religious leaders in a Rhode Island community say they’re standing together to denounce the vandalism at the Islamic School of Rhode Island. Someone tagged the entrance to the school with orange graffiti that included offensive references to Muhammad. Rabbi Sarah Mack, who was among more than 20 faith leaders and law enforcement officials who gathered at the school Tuesday in a show of support, said local Muslims had supported the Jewish community during trying times, so she wanted to do the same.
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) – Hundreds of thousands are without power after snow and ice blasted parts of the Mid-Atlantic and the South. And artic-like temperatures are gripping much of the U.S., from Nashville to Nantucket. The weather has made roads treacherous and prompted the cancellation of hundreds of flights. It also shut down schools and federal offices in the nation’s capital.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Revelers have been bundled up in winter coats Tuesday in the streets of New Orleans for the annual Mardi Gras bash. Celebrations are taking place throughout southern Louisiana and in coastal Mississippi and Alabama. In Louisiana’s swampy bayou parishes, costumed riders on horseback go from farm to farm on this day, collecting ingredients for a huge community gumbo.