Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Mar 20

CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows in the mid 20s. West winds 5 to 15 mph.

.THURSDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 30s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around 20. North winds 5 to

10 mph.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 30s. East winds around 5 mph

shifting to the southeast in the afternoon.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain in the

afternoon. Highs around 40.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain and snow in the

evening, then chance of snow after midnight. Lows in the upper

20s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

.SUNDAY…Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow in the morning, then

slight chance of rain and snow in the afternoon. Highs in the mid

30s. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows 15 to 20.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 30s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.

 

Saturday,  will bring cooler temperatures and  a

chance of rain during the day and rain/snow Saturday night

On Sunday, look for cooler conditions with brisk northerly wind.

Expect highs Sunday in the 30s and lows Sunday night in the teens with chances of rain and snow.

After another cool day Monday, warmer conditions expected on

Tuesday.

 

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council’s Finance & Legal Committee, Building, Planning & Zoning Committee and Civic Center & Promotion Committee met Tuesday afternoon at City Hall.

 

Council Member Brubakken was not present.

 

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE:

Mayor Heinrich proclaimed, read by Council Member Buchanan,  April, 2019, as Fair Housing Month and urge all citizens to understand and exercise their right to equal housing opportunity.

An Informational presentation was made by Great Plains Housing and the High Plains Housing Center regarding housing in Jamestown and fair housing practices.

It was stated that the North Dakota Century Code is inclusive of the rights of those seeking housing without discrimination, and is enforced by the agencies and includes advocacy and education, and how to file a complaint.  Cases that were filed were also presented to the committee.

The committee considered developing  a resolution directing with concurrence of the Stutsman County Commission that the Jamestown Stutsman Development Corporation in the future forward all requests for funding from the South Central Dakota Regional Council directly to the City and County without recommendation.

The committee recommends approval of a Resolution as moved by Mayor Heinrich.

Recommended for approval, was the updated job descriptions for the City Forester, City Assessor, City Building Inspector and City Engineering Technician II.

Considered was the application from Timothy Prescott for a property tax abatement for 2018, on Lot 3, Block 10, Curtin’s Addition, 1105 7th Ave SE, by reducing the True and Full Value from $58,646 to $30,810.  City Assessor, Jamison Veil said the structure was extensively damaged in a  July 2018 fire. He said the owner plans to rebuild the structure.

The committee recommends approval of the abatement.

The matter goes on to the County Commission for consideration.

The committee considered the appointment of a second alternate municipal court judge.

No candidate has been chosen, and no action was taken.

Recommended for approval was the request from Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Mindak Inc., for a site authorization to conduct gaming at the Gladstone Inn & Suites (Ballrooms) on April 13, 2019.

The committee recommends approving the renewal of the Montana-Dakota Utilities Company franchise agreement for the right to construct, maintain and operate within and upon, in and under the streets, alleys and public grounds of the city a gas distribution system for transmitting and distributing natural or manufactured gas, or a mixture of both, for public and private use in the city for a period of 20 years.  The present franchise agreement expires at the end of this month.

A period of 10 years was suggested.  City Attorney Leo Ryan said the agreement terms will be reviewed and MDU contacted concerning the language changes.  The City Council will act on the matter at the April 1 meeting.

Recommened for approval  was  the request from the National Buffalo Museum to enter a lease agreement for January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2029.

Considered was the request from Otter Tail Power Company to lease city property next to the National Buffalo Museum for the purpose of erecting a solar photovoltaic energy generating facility.

The Museum has no problem in the city leasing adjacent property to Otter Tail.

The committee recommends tabling the issue pending additional information.

Consideration of the request from the Frontier Village to renew lease agreement for the period January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2025, was denied for lack of second for discussion purposes.

 

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

Recommended for approval was scheduling a public hearing at the April 1, 2019, City Council meeting, concerning the failure to comply with the notice of dangerous building condition at 617 3rd Avenue NW owned by Jonathan Satrom and Gate City Bank.

Informational: The Building Inspector Report regarding the notice of dangerous building condition at 609 4th Avenue NW owned by Buffalo City Rentals, LLC.

Tom Blackmore said the owner intends to demolish the structure.

 

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

No agenda items at this time.

 

The 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.

 

A PROCLAMATION WAS ISSUED BY MAYOR CARLSRUD, RECOGNIZING VIETNAM VETERANS DAY, ON MARCH 29, 2019.

 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:

1. Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor licenses for a. ASAP Electric
2. Bakkegard & Schell, Inc.
3. Bentson Electric
4. Dakota Electric Construction Co., Inc.
5. Differding Electric, LLC
6. Enterprise Electric, Inc.
7. Grotberg Electric, Inc.
8. Grotberg Electric, Inc. dba Triton Mechanical
9. Hi-Line Electric, Inc.
10. Home Heating, Plumbing & A/C, Inc.
11. Jamestown Electric
12. John’s Refrigeration & Electric, Inc.
13. Keith’s Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating, Inc.
14. Kohn Electric, LLC
15. Kollman Furnace Repair
16. Peterson Mechanical, Inc.
17. Scott’s Electric, Inc.
18. Sheyenne Mechanical
19. Tom’s Electric, LLC
20. Valley Electric Service, Inc.
21. And all license applications received before April 1, 2019 approved by the Auditor’s Office.

 

1. Approve House Mover licenses for a. Carrington House Moving, Inc.
2. Liechty Homes, Inc.
3. And all license applications received before April 1, 2019 approved by the Auditor’s Office.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS: No one spoke

RESOLUTIONS

The City Commission approved a Resolution Determining Sufficiency of Protests for Paving Improvement District No. 119.  City Auditor Richter protest numbers were insufficient.

 

Approved was a Resolution Determining Sufficiency of Protests for Paving Improvement District No. 119B.

 

Approved was a Resolution approving Engineers report & directing preparation of detailed plans, specifications & estimates of probable cost for Sanitary Sewer District No. 64, Storm Sewer District No. 52 and Water Main District No. 100.

 

City Commissioners approved, a Resolution Approving Final Plans and Specifications for Paving Improvement District No. 119, Paving Improvement District No. 119B, Sanitary Sewer District No. 64, Storm Sewer District No. 52 and Water Main District No. 100 and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

 

David Schelkoph said the city hosted the meeting on March 18th to make sure all of the key agencies including North Dakota Emergency Management, and local authorities including the Corps of Engineers, are on the same page if the city needs to declare an emergency and mobilize their flood fighting efforts.

He said the city is looking at a medium to moderate flood event, based on current snow melt, and snow to moisture content.

He said the city has reduced the need for sandbags after several properties that are located near the river have been a part of the flood buyout process over the last seven years.

He said the city had NOT issued a flood emergency at this time.

 

He added that the state legislature has approved the bill and is going to the governor for his signature that allows funding for infrastructure projects from oil taxes, called the Prairie Dog Bill.  He said under the anticipating funding, Valley City stands to gain $3 million to $3 and a half million dollars in funds.

He added the State Water Commission approved funding that will allow $11 million over the next biennium to Valley City for phase four funding of the Permanent Flood Protection and part of Phase five, designing.

 

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

Mayor Carlsrud thanked city commissioners and city employees along with all veterans for their service.

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

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The James River Valley Library System Board this month, noted changes in the board, and the end of a contract with Development Director, Bill Kennedy.

According to his LinkedIn post Bill is Marketing, Communication and Development Consultant at Kennedy Consultants ND.

Library Director, Joe Rector says, the past six years, Kennedy was the independent contractor and fundraising consultant to the JRVLS board. He headed fundraising for a bookmobile, the library renovation and the centennial.  Kennedy restarted the library’s adult programming.

Rector points out that with this  phase of the library system’s work concluded,  there just will not be a need for a capital campaign director and this is a time of transition,

Kennedy will continue to serve the Friends of the Library program.

The library board also accepted the resignation of member Dar Jung, wh served through the capital campaign, centennial initiative and the renovation of the Alfred Dickey Public Library..

The library board also elected new board officers, for 2019, President,Lynn Krueger Vice President Jay Nitschke, and Secretary, Charlotte Freeburg

*Jamestown City Council Member Pam Phillips will serve as an ex-officio board member

Valley City  (Chamber)  Who do you appreciate in the Chamber Membership? Nominate a business or individual for the Annual Chamber Awards

Nominations are being solicited for:

Community Image Award, Community Spirit Award, Business of the Year Award, and the Hi-Line Award.

Send nominations by email at  chamber@valleycitychamber.com or by calling 701-845-1891.
Nominations due by this  March 21.

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Fargo police are investigating after gunfire hit an apartment building.

Authorities say no one was injured when the gunshots hit the building about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. No one is in custody.

KFGO reports the Red River Regional Dispatch Center received a number of 911 calls from residents in the area who reported the gunfire.

 

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — Authorities say a man who broke into a residential garage and fired several gunshots into the adjacent home in Minot has surrendered to police.Authorities say five people were inside the home at the time, but no one was injured when the gunshots penetrated the house Monday afternoon. A warrant for the 27-year-old man was issued Tuesday and he turned himself in to Minot police. He’s being held in the Ward County Jail on possible charges of reckless endangerment, terrorizing and burglary. 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s Republican-led Legislature has voted to repeal the state’s longstanding Sunday business restrictions.

The National Conference of State Legislatures says North Dakota is the only state that prohibits shopping on Sunday morning. The ban is rooted in religious tradition.

Senators voted 25-21 to repeal the restrictions on Tuesday. That sends the bill to Republican Gov. Doug Burgum. He’s expected to sign it.

North Dakota law once required most businesses to stay closed on Sundays. It was changed in 1985 to allow grocery stores to open. In 1991, the Legislature agreed to let most businesses to open on Sundays but not before noon.

Lawmakers have defeated several measures over the years to end the Sunday morning shopping prohibition, most recently in 2017.

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota wildlife officials say a deer found dead just south of Williston has tested positive for chronic wasting disease.

The whitetail was found in late February. Wildlife veterinarian Charlie Bahnson with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department said Tuesday the discovery means that chronic wasting disease is much farther south than the positive deer harvested last fall in Divide County.

The department says the deer found near Williston is the first documented case of a death due to CWD in North Dakota.

CWD is a fatal, neurological disease of deer, elk and moose.

Since 2009, 14 other deer have tested positive for CWD in North Dakota — 13 from Grant and Sioux counties and the one taken last fall in Divide County.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The Plains farm aid nonprofit Farm Rescue is launching an effort to bring donated hay to flood-stricken Nebraska ranchers.

North Dakota-based Farm Rescue first activated its “Operation Hay Lift” program to help drought-stricken Upper Midwest ranchers in 2017. Dozens of volunteer truckers hauled hundreds of loads of hay to the region.

The organization now wants to do the same for Nebraska ranchers dealing with widespread flooding after a massive late-winter storm, and it’s seeking hay donations and volunteer drivers. The Nebraska Farm Bureau says farm and ranch losses in that state could reach $1 billion.

Farm Rescue provides free physical labor for farmers and ranchers dealing with an injury, illness or a natural disaster in six Plains states. It relies on volunteers from around the country, donations and corporate sponsors.

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A Republican senator from eastern North Dakota has announced he’s resigning due to health reasons.

Arne Osland of Mayville notified legislative leaders on Monday that he was stepping down. Colleagues say the 77-year-old retired farmer and businessman recently suffered a stroke and is convalescing in Arizona.

Osland was serving his first term, representing District 20 that includes all of Traill County and parts of Grand Forks and Cass Counties.

GOP District 20 Chairwoman Kim Lauf says several people are interested in the seat. She says someone will be appointed to fill the vacancy by the end of the legislative session.

 

FORTUNA, N.D. (AP) — A leak of about 12,600 gallons of saltwater and 420 gallons of oil has been recovered at a well in Divide County.The state Oil and Gas Division says Future Acquisition Company on Monday reported the March 6 spill at a well about 4 miles southwest of Fortuna. The company said a tank leak was to blame.All of the oil and saltwater was contained by on-site diking. A state official inspected the site and will monitor any additional cleanup. 

In sports…

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Class B girls basketball all-state first team is loaded with youth, featuring Kindred Vikings freshman Abby Duchscherer.

Duchscherer is the lone unanimous selection on a first team that has no seniors.

Kidder County sophomore Madelyn Schmidt, Hettinger-Scranton sophomore Sam Oase, Trenton junior Kaity Hove and Langdon-Edmore-Munich junior Callie Ronningen rounded out the first team. The all-state team is voted on by the North Dakota Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.

Duchscherer capped her season by helping lead the Vikings to their second Class B state championship in the past three seasons.

“The kid is really, really athletic, but it’s her personality,” Kindred head coach Sam Brandt said of Duchscherer. “Everybody wants to be around her. Everybody wants to play with her.”

A 6-foot guard, Duchscherer averaged 21.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.0 steal per game. She made the all-state first team for a second consecutive season.

“Her ability to compete on the floor is what makes her that strong player,” Duchscherer said. “She connects so well with the girls on the team and she lifts them up.”

A 5-foot-5 point guard, Schmidt averaged 15.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 4.1 steals per game for Kidder County. She helped the Wolves, who finished 25-2, to the state tournament. Kidder County was undefeated entering the state tournament.

“She runs the show,” Kidder County head coach Dan Welder said. “It’s probably the most position on the court in my eyes. She’s still growing as a basketball player and a point guard.”

A 5-foot-7 point guard, Hove averaged 16.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 9.7 assists and 5.5 steals per game for Trenton, which went to the state tournament and finished with a 25-2 record.

“She’s as good of an athlete as I’ve ever coached,” said Trenton head coach Bob Turcotte, who has been a head coach for 21 seasons. “She’s quick and she sees the floor like very few girls. She does everything single thing for us.”

A 6-foot-1 center, Oase averaged 15.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 3.0 blocked shots per game for Hettinger-Scranton. The Night Hawks finished with a 24-3 record and made the state tournament.

“Sam was just an all-around impact player on the court,” Hettinger-Scranton head coach Kelly Pierce said. “On the offensive end, she was a force. Defensively, she’s a game-changer. She definitely can control the game.”

A 5-foot-10 guard, Ronningen averaged 18.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.2 steals per game for the Cardinals, who went 23-3 overall and made it to the state tournament. Cardinals head coach Rob Scherr said Ronningen played more of a guard role this season after playing in the post previously.

“Her game just elevated,” Scherr said. “When she is on the floor, everyone becomes better players. She was so flexible some games I’d have her bring the ball up as the point guard and I’d also put her in the post if there was a mismatch.”

All-state second team:

Emma Passa, 5-10, Jr., F, Velva

Carlee Sieben, 5-7, So., G, Grafton

Isabelle Boyer, 5-8, So., G, Grant County

Amanda Roller, 5-4, Sr., G, Fargo Oak Grove

Mackenzie Hughes, 5-5, So., G, Thompson

Alyssa Andress, 5-7, Jr., F, Hettinger-Scranton

Megan Roob, 5-7, Fr., G, Richland

Nicole Schmitz, 5-10, Jr., C, Oakes

Anni Stier, 5-5, Sr., G, Rugby

Leah Feland, 5-7, Jr., G, Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood

Ellie Holen, 5-4, Jr., G, LaMoure-Litchville-Marion

Abbey Kubas, 5-11, So., F, Dickinson Trinity.

 

College Softball…

University of Jamestown, Hockey, with a regular season record of 21-13-2 this season, will face Robert Morris (Ill.) on March 21 at 8:30 p.m. in the ACHA Division 1 National Tournament in Frisco, Texas.

 

College Men’s Basketball Tournaments…

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Kevin McClain scored 29 points and led the decisive second-half run as Belmont got its first NCAA Tournament win, pulling away to an 81-70 victory Tuesday night and ending Temple coach Fran Dunphy’s career in the First Four.

The 11th-seeded Bruins (27-5) play Maryland on Thursday in the East Region.

Belmont got at-large bid after losing to Murray State in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament title game. The Bruins showed that the selection committee’s faith was not misplaced, getting the breakthrough win on their eighth try.

NCAA-FARLEIGH DICKINSON-PRAIRIE VIEW

Fairleigh Dickinson rallies for first ever NCAA tourney win

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Darnell Edge scored a career-high 33 points, and Fairleigh Dickinson rallied to win its first ever NCAA Tournament game, taking down Prairie View A&M 82-76 in the tourney opener on Tuesday night.

Edge was 7 for 9 from beyond the 3-point line.

Prairie View threatened to run away with it early, ripping off a 14-0 first-half run as Fairleigh Dickinson committed nine turnovers in the first 10 minutes to fall into a 19-6 hole. The Knights chipped away, with Edge hitting a 3-pointer and a layup in the last minute of the half to reduce the deficit to 41-34 at the intermission.

 

NBA…

— Stephen Curry scored 22 of his 36 points in the third quarter and Klay Thompson pitched in 28 points, giving the Golden State Warriors more than enough production to beat the fading Minnesota Timberwolves 117-107 and regain first place in the Western Conference. Jonas Jerebko added 18 points and Kevin Durant scored 17 points for the Warriors, who moved a half-game ahead of Denver in the race for the top seed. Karl-Anthony Towns had 26 points and 21 rebounds for the Wolves.

 

Simmons, Redick lead 76ers past pesky Hornets 118-114

UNDATED (AP) — Ben Simmons scored 28 points, JJ Redick had 27 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists and the Philadelphia 76ers held on to beat the Charlotte Hornets 118-114 on Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory.

Jimmy Butler added 23 points and nine assists, and Tobias Harris chipped in with 22 points and 12 rebounds for the 76ers (46-25), who remained in third place in the Eastern Conference standings. Redick finished with seven 3-pointers, one shy of his career high.

In other Tuesday night NBA action:

— Danilo Gallinari scored 24 points, Montrezl Harrell had 20 points and 12 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Clippers held off Indiana 115-109, preventing the Pacers from clinching a playoff berth. Clinging to a 110-107 lead, Lou Williams hit a jumper with 40 seconds left to stop a 5-0 run by Indiana.

— D’Angelo Russell scored 27 of his career-high 44 points in the fourth quarter, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made a layup with eight-tenths of a second remaining, and the Brooklyn Nets rallied from 28 points down in the second half to beat the Sacramento Kings 123-121 Tuesday night and snap a four-game losing streak.

— James Harden had 31 points and 10 assists, Clint Capela added 26 points and 11 rebounds and the Houston Rockets won their third straight game with a 121-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. The Rockets have won 12 of 13 and have 10 wins in their last 13 road games.

 

NBA-CLIPPERS-RIVERS

Doc Rivers denies Lakers coaching rumors

UNDATED (AP) — Doc Rivers is denying rumors that he’s interested in leaving the Los Angeles Clippers to coach the Lakers.

The LeBron James-led Lakers are 31-39 under coach Luke Walton, whose job status is widely believed to be in jeopardy.

Rivers is so eager to tamp down the speculation that he says paperwork on a new contract extension is already being worked on. Rivers says he had an option to opt out of his contract this summer. However, he says that earlier this year he and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer mutually agreed to remove the clause, which existed to “make sure it was the right fit for everyone.”

The Clippers own the eighth and final Western Conference playoff berth.

In other NBA news:

— Darren Collision will miss his first game of the season for the Indiana Pacers because of a right quad contusion. The guard had started all 71 games until sitting out against the Clippers in Los Angeles.

— The Memphis Grizzlies expect guard/forward C.J. Miles to miss the remainder of the season after he injured his left foot over the weekend.

 

NHL.

UNDATED (AP) — Philipp Grubauer made 36 saves to lift the Colorado Avalanche to a 3-1 win over the Wild in a game that had playoff implications in Minnesota and elsewhere. Tyson Barrie, Tyson Jost and Ian Cole scored for Colorado, which won its second straight game. Minnesota remained one point behind the idle Arizona Coyotes for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

 

Andreas Athanasiou scored twice as the Detroit Red Wings beat the New York Rangers 3-2. Frans Nielsen also scored and Taro Hirose recorded an assist during his NHL debut for Detroit, which won its second straight but has already been eliminated from playoff contention. Jimmy Howard stopped 41 shots and improved to 10-3-3 in 16 career appearances against the Rangers.

Also in NHL action on Tuesday night:

 

— Pekka Rinne shut out Toronto for the second time this season and Brian Boyle, Wayne Simmonds and Filip Forsberg scored goals to give the Nashville Predators a 3-0 win over the slumping Maple Leafs. Nashville won its third straight and Toronto lost for the fourth time in five games.

— Alexander Radulov had two goals in the third period to lift the Dallas Stars to a 4-2 win over the Florida Panthers. In addition to Radulov’s two goals and an assist, Jamie Benn had a goal and two assists and Tyler Seguin assisted on all four goals.

— A 31-save outing by goaltender David Rittich helped the Calgary Flames to a 4-2 win over the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday. The Flames (45-21-7) were the first Western Conference team to clinch a playoff spot Sunday.

— Sean Kuraly scored twice and Tuukka Rask (TOO’-kah rask) earned his 45th career shutout as the Boston Bruins beat the New York Islanders 5-0. The Bruins won their second straight since a three-game skid that followed their 19-game point streak.

— Jaden Schwartz had three goals and an assist, David Perron added two goals and two assists, and the St. Louis Blues routed the Edmonton Oilers 7-2.

— Brendan Gallagher, Shea Weber and Max Domi scored goals, Carey Price stopped 32 shots and the Montreal Canadiens earned a 3-1 win over the fading Philadelphia Flyers.

— Dougie Hamilton scored in the shootout, Petr Mrazek stopped Pittsburgh cold and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Penguins 3-2. Justin Williams scored the tying goal with 1:56 left in regulation, and Brock McGinn also scored for the Hurricanes. They have won four of five.

MLB-ANGELS-TROUT

AP source: Trout, Angels close to record $432M, 12-year deal

UNDATED (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels are close to finalizing a $432 million, 12-year contract that would shatter the record for the largest deal in North American sports history.

The deal was disclosed Tuesday by a person familiar with the negotiations.

Trout would top the new $330 million, 12-year contract between Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies, and his $36 million average annual value would surpass Zack Greinke’s $34.4 million in a six-year deal with Arizona that started in 2016.

Progress toward an agreement was first reported by ESPN.

Trout’s deal includes a signing bonus and would supersede the $144.5 million, six-year contract that had been set to pay him $66.5 million over the next two seasons.

In other MLB moves:

— A person with direct knowledge of the situation says Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros have agreed on a $100 million, six-year deal that keeps the All-Star third baseman under contract with the team through 2024. The agreement includes this season, buys out three years of arbitration eligibility (2020-22) and pushes back his opportunity to become a free agent by two years.

NFL-GIANTS-BAER

District attorney: Giants CEO Larry Baer won’t face charges

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Giants President and CEO Larry Baer will not face charges following a physical altercation with his wife this month that led to him taking a leave of absence from the team.

The San Francisco district attorney’s office said Tuesday there isn’t evidence to file criminal charges against Baer stemming from his argument with wife Pam on March 1 in a San Francisco plaza.

Baer was granted a leave of absence from the team on March 4 following the release of a video that captured the altercation. The video posted by TMZ showed Pam seated in a chair when he reached over her to grab for a cellphone in her right hand and she toppled sideways to the ground in the chair screaming “Oh my God!”

Baer and his wife issued a statement shortly afterward, saying they regretted having a “heated argument in public over a family matter” and that they were embarrassed by the situation. Baer later issued his own apology.

NFL-MOVES

— The Los Angeles Chargers have re-signed wide receiver Geremy Davis to a one-year contract. Davis, who will be going into his fifth season, has contributed mostly on special teams.

— Los Angeles Rams running back Malcolm Brown has signed an offer sheet from the Detroit Lions. Los Angeles has five days to match the Lions’ offer, or to let Brown leave for Detroit. Brown has been Todd Gurley’s backup for all four of their NFL seasons.

— The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with free-agent receiver Randall Cobb. Cobb spent the first eight years of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers. Dallas also re-signed unrestricted free-agent long snapper L.P. Ladouceur and signed defensive end Kerry Hyder, a former Texas Tech player who was with Detroit last season.

— Indianapolis Colts long snapper Luke Rhodes has signed his contract to stay with the team next season. Rhodes was an exclusive rights free agent.

— The New York Jets have signed tight end Daniel Brown and re-signed tight end Eric Tomlinson and offensive lineman Brent Qvale.

— The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms on a new contract with kicker Dan Bailey, the ninth-year veteran who was signed last season to replace struggling rookie Daniel Carlson.

— The Panthers have signed unrestricted free agent linebacker/defensive end Bruce Irvin to a one-year contract. A former first-round draft pick in 2012 by Seattle, Irvin spent last season with the Raiders and Falcons, playing eight games for each

— Quarterback Blake Bortles has agreed to a one-year deal to become Jared Goff’s backup with the Los Angeles Rams. Bortles joins the Rams after spending his first five seasons as the up-and-down starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

— The Kansas City Chiefs have signed cornerback Bashaud Breeland to a $2 million contract for the upcoming season that could be worth an additional $3 million with certain incentives. The Chiefs have been looking for a cornerback to replace Steven Nelson, whom they lost in free agency.

— Long-snapper Zak DeOssie is returning for a 13th season with the New York Giants. The team announced the re-signing of its second-longest tenured player a day after giving Eli Manning a $5 million roster bonus that almost guarantees the 38-year-old quarterback will be back for a 16th season.

 

SEXUAL ASSAULT-SOUTH DAKORA-FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Ex-USD football player accused of rape gets plea deal

VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) — A former University of South Dakota football player who was accused of raping a woman in her dorm room has pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of aggravated assault and been sentenced to 10 years of probation.

Dale Williamson Jr., of Texarkana, Texas, entered the plea Monday. A no contest plea isn’t an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing. He also must pay nearly $1,400 in restitution to the victim, the Argus Leader reported.

Prosecutor Alexis Tracy told the court that Williamson went into the victim’s dorm room while she was sleeping, “pinned her down,” and raped her. The victim woke up, pushed him off of her, grabbed her phone and ran to the bathroom, she said.

“This matter has changed her forever,” Tracy said.

Judge Tami Bern didn’t consider certain details about the attack that Tracy offered during the hearing because she said Williamson was not being sentenced for a sex crime. Bern did say, however, that Williamson, 23, was in an environment that made him feel “entitled to sexual exploitation,” and “I find that abhorrent.”

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Danica Patrick will join NBC Sports’ inaugural coverage of the Indianapolis 500 as an analyst alongside host Mike Tirico.

Patrick retired from racing after last year’s Indianapolis 500. Her eighth appearance in “The Great American Race” prepped her for a return as a television personality.

She told The Associated Press racing at Indy last year after an eight-year run in NASCAR refreshed her knowledge bank and gives her plenty to discuss. Patrick will be a studio analyst on race day and contribute to NBC Sports’ pre-race, in-race and post-race coverage. She will also be part of the broadcast team for qualifying on May 19 and will promote the race across NBCUniversal platforms.

 

In world and national news…

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand’s deputy prime minister has expressed condolences for Indonesian victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks.

Winston Peters spoke Wednesday while in Jakarta for a meeting with other leaders on Indo-Pacific cooperation.

Lilik Abdul Hamid, an aircraft maintenance engineer at Air New Zealand, was killed in the Al Noor mosque. Two other Indonesians, a father and son, were seriously wounded.

Peters also expressed his appreciation of Indonesia’s support during a difficult time for New Zealand. Earlier Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla expressed his gratitude that the suspect in the killings of 50 worshippers at the two mosques last Friday was arrested quickly.

Saying “our country changed forever,” Peters vowed the government would not detour from the sight of the victims and that questions about gun reforms would be answered quickly.

He said, “This time next week you will see the principles behind what we have said developing into a new law to go to the Parliament.”

 

 

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Pope Francis is praying for victims of the cyclone-induced flooding in southern Africa and is urging support for those affected.

Francis issued an appeal at the end of his weekly general audience Wednesday for those affected by the flooding in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi that have killed more than 350 people.

Francis said: “I express my pain and closeness to those dear people. I entrust the many victims and their families to the mercy of God and urge comfort and support for those who have been struck by this calamity.”

Aid workers are rushing to rescue victims from treetops after the cyclone unleashed the devastating floods.

 

(AP)Disney is closing its $71 billion acquisition of Fox’s entertainment business in a move set to shake up the media landscape.

The deal paves the way for Disney to launch its streaming service, Disney Plus, due out later this year.

By buying the studios behind “The Simpsons” and X-Men, Disney aims to better compete with technology companies such as Amazon and Netflix for viewers’ attention – and dollars.

Disney needs compelling TV shows and movies to persuade viewers to sign up and pay for yet another streaming service. It already has classic Disney cartoons, “Star Wars,” Pixar, the Muppets and some of the Marvel characters.

With Fox, Disney could add Marvel’s X-Men and Deadpool, along with programs shown on such Fox channels as FX Networks and National Geographic.

 

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is returning to Ohio, the state that foretold his 2016 victory and serves as the linchpin of his re-election effort.

Trump’s visit Wednesday marks his first trip to Ohio since last year’s midterm election campaign, when Ohio was a rare bright spot for Republicans in the upper Midwest. Relying on a victory in the state, Trump’s campaign is mindful of warning signs that Ohio can hardly be taken for granted in 2020.

No state may better illustrate the re-aligning effects of Trump’s candidacy and presidency than Ohio. Traditionally Democratic-leaning working-class voters have swung heavily toward the GOP, and moderate Republicans in populous suburban counties have shifted away from Trump.

Trump visit to Lima and Canton mark his 10th trip to the state since taking office.

 

BERLIN (AP) — British Prime Minister Theresa May is preparing to ask the European Union for a short delay to the country’s divorce from the European Union.

Britain’s Press Association is citing sources in the prime minister’s office as saying May will write to EU leaders on Wednesday to formally request “a bit more time.” Parliament last week voted for a three-month delay to the end of June, but some EU leaders have suggested another two years might be necessary.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds told the BBC on Wednesday that a shorter delay is the right option.

Hinds says the process has already gone on for more than two years, “and I think people are a bit tired of waiting for Parliament to get our act together and get the deal passed.”

 

 

COEBURN, Va. (AP) — Inaction by Congress and the Trump administration is threatening a fund that supports coal miners suffering from black lung disease.

The Associated Press has learned that lawmakers let an automatic tax rate cut on coal take effect in January.

Federal budget officials say that has cut the flow of money so sharply into the fund that it might not have enough to cover the cost of doctors visits and medicines for about 25,000 retired coal miners starting next year.

The cuts to the fund could save coal operators hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

President Donald Trump vowed to save the coal industry during the 2016 campaign and has repeatedly praised miners.

The shrinking of the fund comes amid a surge in black lung disease among Appalachian coal miners.