Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Jul 24

CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. South winds 5 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy in the evening, then partly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms and chance of showers after midnight.

Lows in the upper 60s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of

precipitation 40 percent in the Jamestown area, 50 percent in the Valley City area.

.THURSDAY…Sunny. Slight chance of showers and isolated

thunderstorms in the morning. Highs in the mid 80s. West winds

10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 20 percent in the Jamestown area, 30 percent in the Valley City.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s. Southwest

winds 5 to 10 mph.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. West winds 5 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Clear. Lows in the lower 60s.

.SATURDAY…Sunny in the morning, then partly sunny with a

20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Highs in the upper 80s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. A 20 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the mid 50s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain showers and

thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs around 80.

 

On Thursday the chance of thunderstorms shifts into eastern North

Dakota and western Minnesota along the cold front, with a

marginal risk of severe storms over the far southern James River Valley, and a better risk east of the forecast area.

 

Friday and much of Saturday should be dry.

Late Saturday afternoon and Saturday night will bring the next chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Sunday into early next week cooler with minimal thunderstorm

chances.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to Crazy Daze, on Wednesday July 24.

The event runs from 7-a.m. to 7-p.m.

Special events and bargains at Valley City Stores, many will stay open later that evening.

 

 

Update…

 

Jamestown  (JPD)  The Jamestown Police Department requests any public information regarding a stolen auto, that was stolen about 10:10-a.m., on Tuesday from a Southwest Jamestown residence.

The police department statement said, “There is a good chance that it is still in the Jamestown area.”

The Vehicle, a Red 2013 Dodge Caravan  with North Dakota  License plate, 032 ACY.  (Photo is of a similar vehicle).

Anyone seeing the vehicle is asked to call the LEC  dispatch center at 701-252-1000.

 

Valley City police hope new technology will crack a 38-year-old cold case.

News Release from Police Chief Phil Hatcher Valley City, ND:

On April 15, 1981, officers with the VCPD were dispatched to the 200 Block of Viking Drive SW in Valley City for a report.   Officers found what appeared to be a newborn female baby that was deceased and left in the leaves and underbrush.  Investigation revealed the newborn child had died from asphyxia after a live birth.  A large, broad, investigation was conducted into this infanticide, ultimately finding no suspect and as such, no prosecution has been commenced. The infant was named Baby Rebecca and was buried in a local cemetery.

In the 38 years since, several members of the VCPD, ND BCI, and the ND State Crime Lab have continued the investigation, never allowing Baby Rebecca’s case to be forgotten. With advancements in DNA technology in the recent years and the ability to access numerous DNA databases, law enforcement, in conjunction with the Barnes County State’s Attorney’s Office, decided it was time to continue this investigation, because even though the wheels of justice sometimes turn slowly, justice never sleeps.

An order for exhumation was signed by Barnes County State’s Attorney, Tonya Duffy, and Barnes County Sheriff, Randy McClaflin on June 28, 2019.

On July 18, 2019, VCPD exhumed Baby Rebecca and sent her for another medical examination by the Medical Examiner’s Office at UND. Biological samples were able to be found. Subsequently, further DNA testing will be done on Baby Rebecca to determine her parental origins.

It is hoped that this new information will help bring closure and justice to this 38 year old unsolved case. Anybody with any information about this case is urged to contact the Valley City Police Department at 701-845-3110.

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Special Session Tuesday at 7-a.m., at City Hall.

Commissioners Continued discussing first draft of 2020 Budget.  All members were present.

 

City Auditor Avis Richter, and the commissioners heard from department head requests for funding.

Those included, Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals, requesting $1000, the same request as in 2019.

The organization has expenses of spaying and neutering of animals along with microchipping of the dogs and cats before adoption and shots. It also provides education in schools.

 

 

The Barnes County Museum, Historical Society request $4,000 the same amount as in the previous 4-5 years.  Wes Anderson explained the role of the organization siting difference avenues of providing services to the city.  He noted the museum is open every day pointing out tourists the come to Valley City, adding traveling exhibits at the museum.

 

The Valley City/Barnes County Library in a Special Revenue Fund, if approved will receive eight point one mills, amounting to $141,000 in the mill levy.  State dollars will also be available based on the mill levy.

The library is also requesting $5,000 in an initiative, to include converting a portion of the parking lot to public parking.  The library plans to establish branch locations in Valley City and Barnes County, including a museum branch.  Roof repairs were also noted.

 

With Culture and Recreation funds, The Bridges Arts Council requested $1,000 for programming.  It has been proposed to merge the Community School for the Arts, with the Arts Council, to expand programs, with a five year budget developed in a strategic plan.  An instructor is planned to be hired, at a cost of $10,000.  Grants will also be applied for. Funds have been provided by the Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation.

 

The Valley City Fire Department made its budget request, with Fire Chieg Magnuson.  Specific numbers not discussed at this meeting.

It was noted, new equipment purchases.

City Administrator Schelkoph said the Fire Department’s request for a new fire truck will come before the next regular commission meeting.  With the Fire Department’s building reserve fund, dollar are requested for structure improvements, and, replacement of the fire truck estimated at nearly $200,000.

 

With the Police Department Budget, Chief Phil Hatcher pointed out an increase in 2020 in revenues, based on a parking control person collecting more fines, plus an increase in parking and moving violation fees.  The School Resources Officer position will continue for another two school years.

He also pointed out Police Department salary increases, and purchasing new weapons.  He said the VCPD contributes $16,000 annually, to the Stutsman County Drug Task Force that serves multiple counties in the region, including Barnes and Valley City.

$20,000 is requested for officer body cameras, including software.  He added the equipment is not urgently needed at this time, but it can offer a measure of liability protection.

The 2020 Police Department requests amount to a 1.1-1.2percent increase over 2019.

 

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

 

Valley City (CSi)  Tuesday morning the Valley City Commission met in Special Session at City Hall.  All members were present.

 

ORDINANCE

 

The City Commission heard second and final reading of an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact portion of Title 4 (Alcoholic Beverages) of the Valley City Municipal Code.  City Attorney Martineck, said the Ordinance now pertains to Brewery Tap Rooms licenses, and certification, upon applications and renewals.  It also allows spot checks, of liquor establishments.

 

RESOLUTION

City Commissioners  took no action of  a Resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule. Discussion  included the City Commission approving a late fee for late liquor license applications, in the amount of $250 and a fee of $100 per day each additional business day in violation, and then  the establishment may request a hearing.  Also discussed was a $500 license fee for a brewer tap room license.

 

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

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  Ave Maria Village in Jamestown has set more fundraisers, to benefit the Kitchen Renovation Project.

Ave Maria Village, Development Director, Annie Hancock said, the Volunteer Pie Social is set for July 24, 12 noon to 1-p.m., with homemade pie, and coffee, tea or lemonade for a donation of $5, and the opportunity to bid on silent auction items, including  handmade baby blankets, quilted items, and gift baskets.  Proceeds will also to the Kitchen Remodel Project.

The 5th Annual Ave Maria Village Family & Friends Fun Walk is set for Saturday, August 10th.

Ave Maria Village is dedicated to the health and well-being of their residents and those in the community. Join the walk to promote a healthy lifestyle at any age. Everyone is welcome to walk… Just for the health of it!

The one mile loop will be marked on the north side of Ave Maria Village. You can walk the loop as many times as you’d like beginning at 9 AM, check in by 8:45-a.m.

Cost to register is $10 for heritage center tenants, $20 for adults, and $15 for adults 65+. Children and Ave Maria Village tenants walk for free. Registration will run through August 2nd and cost increases to $25 a person after that.

All funds raised through the walk and a raffle, will assist the ongoing Kitchen Renovation Project.

The drawing for the Summer Raffle, and door prizes will be at the Walk on August 10, at 10-a.m.  Must be present to win the door prizes.

Raffle Tickets are one for $5 or five for $20 and can be purchased at the front desk or call Annie at 701-952-5677.

Raffle Quilts donated by Ardina Bentz and Jill Bredahl.  The quilted wall hanging donated by Claudia Jacobson. The Spa Day Package donated by Licensed Beautician,  Deb Stafslein.

 

 

Valley City (VCPS)  Valley City Public Schools student registration is on Monday, August 12th and Tuesday, August 13th at the Hi-Liner Activity Center (H.A.C).

Community groups and organizations are invited to set up a table and have an opportunity to provide information that will be of benefit to students  this coming school year. The tables are available for use in the front lobby of the HAC.

Anyone interested in setting up a table at registration should contact Jess Storhoff at 701.845.0483 or at jess.storhoff@k12.nd.us before 12:00pm on Thursday, August 8th.

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

Council Member Phillips was not present.

 

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE

 

Considered was  recommending approval of maintaining the stop loss coverage at $20,000 per member and establishing the monthly premium rates for the City of Jamestown Employee Group Health Plan for the fiscal year September 1, 2019, through August 31, 2020, as follows:

City Share Employee Share Total Single Plan $673.14 -0- $673.14

Single Plus Dependent $827.80 $322.20 $1,150.00

Family Plan $981.76 $703.12 $1,684.88

The committee recommends approving, pending reviewing the figures as indicated and varified.

Considered was the request from JSDC for 2020 South Central Dakota Regional Council  Dues from Economic Development Funds, in the amount of $36,458.00, with the City Share to be $22,969.00 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund, to be requested in January from the city and county.

The committee recommends, approving the request.

 

The committee considered the recommendation from JSDC for Economic Development Funds for Train ND, in the amount of $45,000, with the City Share to be $36,000 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund. JSDC CEO, Connie Ova said, the dollars will go to a paid position, to train workers for another one year period and then reviewed.  The past year 400 workers were trained. The training is held in Jamestown.

The committee recommends approval.

 

 

The committee then  considered authorizing the City Administrator and staff to work with John Shockley, Ohnstad Twitchell, the City’s representative, to draft a project specific plan for the upper four floors, and schedule a public hearing regarding the request from EPIC Companies to form a tax increment finance  (TIF) district for the upper four floors of UJ student housing, only, at the proposed mixed-use facility on the University of Jamestown campus.   The building will be owned by EPIC, and with retail space on the first floor, taxable.  The land is owned by UJ and not taxed.  The building is being appraised at $20 million dollars, with and estimated annual income of $30,000.

The five story building is being constructed with site work, now in progress, across from Harold Newman Arena on the UJ campus, to help address the growing student population while also bringing business an opportunity to northeast Jamestown.  Weather permitting the building is anticipated to be finished by August of 2020.

Plans for the mixed-use building include local businesses having the opportunity to open a second location on the main level of the building to expand, with businesses serving the community and UJ students. It will have over 13,000 square feet of commercial space and house 112 student beds.  At the end of five years, the university plans to buy the building.

At Tuesday’s meeting the committee recommended, proceeding with the authorization.

 

 

The committee recommended approving the request from Stutsman Harley Davidson to conduct a dance in the dealership parking lot on September 7, 2019.

 

The committee recommends recognizing Ryker’s Run for Little Hearts as an other public spirited organization and authorize the issuance of a raffle permit.

 

 

The committee recommends holding a first reading of an ordinance to amend and re-enact Section 25.5 to increase the City Sales Tax by one-half percent from two percent (2%) to two and one-half percent (2.5%) effective January 1, 2020.  It will be allocated from one fund.

 

At the recent city budget meeting, Mayor Dwaine Heinrich said $2-million dollars needs to be in the 2020 budget to meet the balance and have a proper amount in the reserve fund.

He said rather than raise property taxes, he proposes to take the Civic Center out of the General Fund budget, increase the sales tax by a half percent, and half of that, or a quarter percent be used to fund the city’s share of specials assessments.  He added that a half percent would generate $600,000 to the city annually.  The current seven percent city sales tax generates $1.2 million.

City Attorney Leo Ryan says an increase in the sales tax does not have to go to a public vote.

It takes three months from city approval for the sales tax increase to be implemented.

Also at Tuesday’s committee meeting:

 

The committee recommends the city enter into an agency access agreement with the State of North Dakota to access programs utilized in complying with Marsy’s law. The request was made by the City Attorney’s Office request.

 

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

 

A PUBLIC HEARING was held concerning the notice of floodway encroachment at 916 2nd Avenue  Northwest, specifically a deck on the property. City Building Inspector, Jamison Veil said one deck has been removed and other remains.  He said minimum regulations need to be in force, as part of the city participating in the flood district program.

City Attorney Leo Ryan said if the deck is not removed, the city can remove it at the cost of the property owner, Rodney and Shari Pettys.

At the meeting Rodney Pettys, the property owner presented photos of his deck, and compared it to other decks that could be in violation.  He indicated that he will tear out his deck.

 

Following the Public Hearing, Mayor Heinrich said a policy needs to be developed.

 

The committee recommends tabling until the August Building, Planning and Zoning Committee meeting.

 

 

INFORMATIONAL: Appointment applications received to serve as members of the Planning Commission to fill three open positions with three year terms to August 2022 will be held at the August 5, 2019, City Council meeting.

 

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

Considered was a  bid received for the Jamestown Civic Center Roofing Removal and Replacement Area “A” Project.

 

The committee considered bids received for the Jamestown Civic Center Expansion Joint Removal and Replacement Project.

The bids will be reconsidered at the City Council meeting, pending review of the bids and some irregularities.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.

 

WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) — The 18-year-old mother of an infant who died at a Willison hotel in late April is now facing a murder charge.

Hannah McMillin was originally charged with felony child abuse in the death of her 1-month-old son. KEYZ reports McMillin was arrested along with her husband, Tank McMillin, after police were called to the Sheraton Hotel for a report of an unresponsive infant. The baby was pronounced dead a short time later.

Both were charged with child abuse and have been held on $1 million bond. An affidavit of probable cause says the mother told investigators she had put her child on the bed, placed pillows around and over the upper part of his face. She is due in court Wednesday.

There’s no word on any amended charges against the father.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota health officials still don’t know the cause of a pair of pipelines spills last week that leaked oilfield wastewater into a tributary of the Missouri River and another that spread over pastureland.

State environmental scientist Bill Suess (sees) says Tuesday that cleanup of the “produced water” is ongoing at the two spill sites.

The spills were reported by Polar Midstream. The company on July 14 reported a 20,000-gallon spill east of Williston and about a mile from Lake Sakakawea, the largest reservoir on the Missouri River.

Suess says investigators don’t think the spill reached the river.

The second spill leaked more than 12,000 gallons of wastewater, impacting an unknown amount of pastureland.

Company spokesman Zak Covar says the cause isn’t known. He says the focus is on cleanup.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s Health Department is warning residents to avoid blue-green algae in a pair of Morton County lakes.

The agency issued the blue-green algae advisories Tuesday for Harmon Lake and Sweetbriar Lake.

Hot summer weather contributes to the production of the algae that’s also known as cyanobacteria. People and animals who ingest affected water can get sick and even die. There’s no known antidote for toxins blue-green algae can produce.

People are urged to avoid water that looks discolored or scummy or has a foul odor.

 

 

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — An airman from the Minot Air Force Base is accused of breaking into a local residence while armed with a gun and terrorizing a man and woman in the home.

Twenty-two-year-old Jonathan Bailey Geers is charged in district court with burglary, terrorizing and reckless endangerment.

Minot Daily News reports a probable cause affidavit says Geers went to the man’s residence early Saturday, despite a no contact order, broke into the home, began beating him and threatened to kill him. The court document says Geers pointed the gun at the couple and also threatened to kill himself.

Police arrived and say they found Geers in the living room with a gun to his head. He was taken into custody.

Bond was set at $50,000 cash in court Monday. Geers was ordered to stay on base.

 

 

In sports…

Opening round of the East Division American Legion Baseball tournament at Charlie Brown Field Tuesday

Post 60

Valley City 15, Fargo Astros 0 F/5

Today….

7:30pm – Valley City vs. Kindred

 

12 noon – GF Blues vs. Casselton

2:30p.m. – West Fargo Aces vs. Fargo Astros

5:00p.m. – Devils Lake vs. Fargo Jets

 

American Legion Class A West Division tournament in Minot

Opening Round

Double Elimination

Jamestown Post 14

Dickinson 9, Jamestown 8 8 innings

Wednesday

Jamestown vs. Bismarck Capitals 11-a.m.

Other Tuesday Results:

(5) Mandan 5 (4) Bismarck Capitals 4

(3) Bismarck Reps 7 (6) Beulah 1

(7) Watford City 14, (2) Minot 2

Wednesday Matchups:

Jamestown vs. Bismarck Caps, 11 a.m.

Beulah vs. Minot

Dickinson vs. Mandan, 4:30 p.m.

Bismarck Reps vs. Watford City

 

MLB…

UNDATED (AP) _   Former Twin, Aaron Hicks made a game-saving catch in center field for the final out in the 10th inning, Didi Gregorius had five hits and seven RBIs, and the New York Yankees beat the Minnesota Twins 14-12 in a game that featured five lead changes or ties in the final three innings. Gleyber Torres scored Gregorius with an RBI single in the top of the 10th and New York tacked on another run on a wild pitch by Kohl Stewart. Hicks ended the game with a diving catch to leave the bases loaded.

_ Justin Smoak tied the game with a homer in the ninth inning and knocked in the winning run with a two-out single in the 10th as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Cleveland Indians 2-1.

 

Paul Goldschmidt homered for the second straight night, José Martínez added his 10th home run of the season and Dakota Hudson rebounded from a shaky start to lead the St. Louis Cardinals past the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3. Goldschmidt delivered a two-run blast to the left-field seats in the third inning off Chris Archer (3-7). Martínez put St. Louis in front with a solo shot leading off the fifth and Hudson and two relievers shut the Pirates down after spotting Pittsburgh an early 3-0 lead.

St. Louis moved to 9-2 since the All-Star break to close ground on the first-place Chicago Cubs in the quickly widening NL Central. The Cardinals and Pirates were separated by a half-game at the break. The gap has expanded considerably over the last two weeks.

Elsewhere in the majors:

_ Pablo Sandoval homered with one out in the 13th inning, sending the San Francisco Giants past the Chicago Cubs 5-4. Sandoval just cleared the left-field fence with his first-pitch drive off Brad Brach that went to replay and was upheld to formally finish the 3-hour, 45-minute game.

_ Dwight Smith Jr. hit a three-run home run, Dylan Bundy pitched six solid innings and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-2. Renato Núñez and Anthony Santander also homered for the Orioles, with Núñez raising his team-leading total to 24. Bundy allowed two runs, four hits and three walks while striking out five for his second win in three starts. Baltimore executed double plays in three straight innings and has won four of six.

 

_ Scott Kingery tripled to lead off the 15th inning and scored on a single by Rhys Hoskins as the Philadelphia Phillies outlasted the Detroit Tigers 3-2. Kingery, who had struck out four times, hit a drive to deep right off Daniel Stumpf to start the winning rally. Hoskins followed with a clean single to right.

_ Eugenio Suárez hit his third two-run home run in two games and the Cincinnati Reds battered Zach Davies for seven runs in a 14-6 rout over the Milwaukee Brewers. Jesse Winker and Joey Votto also hit two-run homers and pinch-hitter Phillip Ervin had a three-run triple as Cincinnati beat the Brewers for the fifth straight time. Davies allowed six earned runs and nine hits in four-plus innings. His ERA rose from 2.79, sixth-lowest among qualified pitchers, to 3.17.

_ Trea Turner hit his second career cycle, Stephen Strasburg earned his major league-leading 13th win and the Washington Nationals routed the Colorado Rockies 11-1. Turner led off the first inning with a homer, singled in the second and tripled leading off the fifth. After grounding into a double play in the sixth, he doubled home a run during Washington’s eight-run seventh. It was the fourth cycle for the Nationals since relocating to Washington in 2005.

 

_ Caleb Smith retired his first 17 batters and cruised through seven innings of two-hit ball, and the Miami Marlins beat the Chicago White Sox 5-1. Curtis Granderson hit a two-run homer to cap Miami’s four-run fourth inning against Dylan Covey.

_ Lucas Duda came through with Kansas City’s first pinch-hit homer of the season to break a tie in the eighth inning, and the Royals held on for a 5-4 victory over the first-place Atlanta Braves. Alex Gordon also homered for the Royals and drove in two runs.

_ Robinson Canó hit three home runs for the first time, breaking loose from a season-long slump in a huge way and leading Jason Vargas and the New York Mets over the San Diego Padres 5-1. The 36-year-old Canó drove in all five runs and went 4 for 4. Vargas pitched one-hit ball for six shutout innings, possibly enhancing his trade value. Canó began the day batting just .243 with six homers in his first season with the Mets.

_ Christian Vazquez hit his second career pinch-hit home run, snapping a seventh-inning tie and helping Chris Sale and the Boston Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-4 on Tuesday night. The defending World Series champions climbed a season-high 10 games over .500, pulling into a virtual tie with the reeling Rays for third place in the AL wild standings behind the Cleveland Indians and Oakland Athletics.

 

 

^MLB-NEWS

Yonder Alonso brought up to Rockies from Triple-A

UNDATED (AP) _ Yonder Alonso has been brought up to the Colorado Rockies from Triple-A Albuquerque. The 32-year-old was signed to a minor league contract on July 10, a week after he was released by the Chicago White Sox from a contract he signed with Cleveland.

 

In other MLB news:

_ The Cleveland Indians say the 3-year-old boy hit by a foul ball in Cleveland last weekend is showing no signs of serious injury. The boy, identified by the team as Henry, was hit by a line drive off the bat of Indians All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor on Sunday. Cleveland said in a statement the boy was released from a hospital on Sunday evening.

_ Nationals ace Max Scherzer is slated to start Thursday against the Colorado after recovering from inflammation under his right shoulder. The 34-year-old right-hander threw a bullpen session before Washington’s game against the Rockies on Monday was postponed.

_ The Dodgers plan to welcome the All-Star Game back to Dodger Stadium with a $100 million renovation of their historic ballpark. The Dodgers unveiled the logo for next year’s Midsummer Classic and their latest renovation plans that includes a Centerfield Plaza at their 57-year-old home, the majors’ third-oldest park.

_ Seattle second baseman Dee Gordon has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left quadriceps and could be sidelined for several weeks. Gordon was placed on the IL after leaving after the second inning of a win over Texas on Monday. Gordon said he strained the muscle rounding first base.

_ Former New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden has been arrested again in New Jersey. Newark police say Gooden was pulled over late Monday night after driving the wrong way down a one-way road and charged with driving while intoxicated. Last month, the 54-year-old Gooden was charged with drug possession after suspected cocaine was found in his car. In a text message to Newsday on Tuesday, Gooden said he is “going away for a while to try and save my life.”

 

^NFL-NEWS

A look at what’s happening around the NFL

UNDATED (AP) —  Minnesota Vikings cornerback Holton Hill has been suspended for an additional four games, this time for violation of the NFL’s policy and program on substances of abuse. Hill will be out of action for the first half of the season, having previously received a four-game ban the league handed him in April for violation of the policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

 

The Atlanta Falcons’ defense, which was devastated by injuries in 2018, already has lost two players in training camp. Safety J.J. Wilcox will miss the season with a right knee injury, defensive tackle Michael Bennett has suffered a broken ankle and will miss the start of the season. Both were hurt on Monday’s opening day of camp. The injuries follow defensive end Steven Means’ season-ending Achilles tendon injury in organized team activities in May. Atlanta lost linebacker Deion Jones and both safeties, Neal and Ricardo Allen, to injured reserve last season.

In other NFL news:

_ Receiver Tyler Boyd signed a four-year contract extension today, coming off his breakthrough season with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals also are trying to work out a contract extension with A.J. Green, who is entering the final season of a four-year, $60 million deal. Green has fully recovered from a toe injury that required surgery.

 

_ The Washington Redskins have released inside linebacker Mason Foster on the eve of training camp. Agent Blake Baratz confirmed the surprise move on Twitter and blasted the Redskins for having “zero good faith” and tweeted that Foster couldn’t get a straight answer about why he was cut.

_ Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman was seen wearing a brace or splint on his left thumb at a youth camp he organized last weekend and he will reportedly be limited for three weeks. Training camp starts Thursday.

_ The Buffalo Bills have signed offensive lineman Isaac Asiata and safety Abraham Wallace two days before the start of training camp. Buffalo placed offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles on injured reserve and released receiver Da’Mari Scott.

_ The Jacksonville Jaguars will open training camp with two offensive starters and a rookie on the physically unable to perform list. The Jaguars placed veteran receiver Marqise Lee, left tackle Cam Robinson and fifth-round draft pick Ryquell Armstead on the PUP list two days before they open camp. The team also placed rookie offensive lineman Donnell Greene and linebacker Jake Ryan on the non-football injury list.

_ Seattle second baseman Dee Gordon has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left quadriceps. Gordon was placed on the IL after leaving after the second inning of a win over Texas on Monday. Gordon said he strained the muscle rounding first base. Manager Scott Servais says an MRI showed the injury will keep Gordon sidelined several weeks.

 

^BOXING-OBIT-DADASHEV

Boxer Dadashev dies after suffering brain injury in ring

MOSCOW (AP) — Boxer Maxim Dadashev has died after suffering a brain injury in a fight in Maryland. He was 28. The Russian Boxing Federation says Dadashev died “as a result of the injuries he sustained” in Friday’s light-welterweight fight with Subriel Matias at the Theater at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Dadashev was hospitalized shortly after the fight, which was stopped by his corner following the 11th round after Dadashev took numerous shots to the head.

Footage from the fight shows Dadashev shaking his head as his trainer, Buddy McGirt, pleads with him to stop the fight.

 

^NBA-NEWS

Suns sign Diallo

UNDATED (AP) _ The Phoenix Suns have signed big man Cheick Diallo to a multiyear contract. The 22-year-old Diallo played the past three seasons with New Orleans, averaging 6.0 points and 5.2 rebounds while shooting 62%.

In other NBA moves:

_ The Dallas Mavericks have signed free agent Boban Marjanovic (BOH’-bahn mahr-YAH’-noh-vihch), bringing the 7-foot-3 center back to Texas three years after he spent his rookie season with the rival San Antonio Spurs. Marjanovic was sent to Philadelphia from the Los Angeles Clippers before the trading deadline last season.

 

^NHL-MOVES

Knights sign defenseman Deryk Engelland to one-year deal

LAS VEGAS (AP) _ The Vegas Golden Knights signed defenseman Deryk Engelland on Tuesday to a one-year deal for the upcoming season. The contract includes a $700,000 base salary and incentives that could bring the total value of the deal to $1.5 million. Engelland played in 74 games last season and finished with 12 points and 18 penalty minutes.

 

 

LONDON (AP) — English soccer’s anti-racism monitors say cases of discrimination have risen for the seventh straight year.

The Kick It Out group says it tracked 581 cases of discrimination in the 2018-19 season, compared to 520 the year before. The figures include games from the top professional leagues to grassroots youth level, as well as some incidents on social media.

Racist incidents made up 65 percent of total reports. The sharpest rise was in cases of discrimination based on religion — including anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim incidents — with 63 cases noted compared to 36 the season before.

Kick It Out’s chief executive Roisin Wood says “football reflects the society it is played and watched in and these figures are sadly not surprising.”

 

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — The former special counsel in the Trump-Russia probe, Robert Mueller, will finally face congressional interrogators on Wednesday, testifying in televised hearings.

Democrats hope Mueller’s testimony will weaken President Donald Trump’s reelection prospects in ways that Mueller’s book-length report did not. Republicans are ready to defend Trump and turn their fire on Mueller and his team instead.

The back-to-back Capitol Hill appearances in the morning and at noon are Mueller’s first since wrapping his two-year Russia probe last spring. The hearings carry the extraordinary spectacle of a prosecutor discussing in public a criminal investigation he conducted into a sitting U.S. president.

Mueller is known for his taciturn nature, and he has warned lawmakers that he will not stray beyond what’s already been revealed in his report.

 

 

LONDON (AP) — Boris Johnson is set to form a “cabinet for modern Britain” as he prepares to become prime minister following his victory in an election to lead the governing Conservatives.

The incoming leader has just over three months to make good on his promise to lead the U.K. out of the European Union by Oct. 31.

Johnson easily defeated Conservative rival Jeremy Hunt, winning two-thirds of the votes of about 160,000 party members across the U.K. He becomes prime minister once Queen Elizabeth II formally asks him to form a government.

He will replace Theresa May, who announced her resignation last month after Parliament repeatedly rejected the withdrawal agreement she struck with the 28-nation bloc.

 

 

BEIJING (AP) — China says reports of it setting up a military outpost in Cambodia’s port city are not true.

The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that China and Cambodia signed a secret pact allowing Beijing exclusive use of a naval base in Sihanoukville in the Gulf of Thailand.

Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said Wednesday that the Chinese and Cambodian militaries have “always carried out good exchanges and cooperation in military training.”

He adds, “Such cooperation does not target third parties.”

Speaking to the pro-government website Fresh News, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen called the report “the worst distorted news” and said Cambodia has never discussed setting up a base with China.

 

 

DETROIT (AP) — Dozens of black leaders, activists and voters in pivotal swing states in next year’s presidential election say they won’t forget President Donald Trump’s racist tweets about four congresswomen of color

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s annual NAACP convention in Detroit, they say they are as motivated by Trump’s attacks on the congresswomen as some of Trump’s supporters, but in opposition to his reelection.

Black turnout in 2016 was down about 7 percentage points compared to 2012, the last election with Barack Obama on the ticket.

A Wisconsin state representative from Milwaukee who is black, David Bowen, says incidents like Trump’s racist tweets will remind people that four more years with Trump as president won’t benefit the country or black people.

Democratic candidates for president will be speaking at the NAACP gathering.

 

 

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A federal judge has blocked three new abortion restrictions from taking effect in Arkansas, including a measure that opponents say would likely force the state’s only surgical abortion clinic to close.

U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker granted a 14-day temporary restraining order shortly before midnight Tuesday. The 159-page order blocks the state from enforcing the new laws, including a measure prohibiting the procedure 18 weeks into a woman’s pregnancy. They also included a requirement that doctors performing abortions be board-certified or board-eligible in obstetrics and gynecology. An official with a Little Rock clinic that performs surgical abortions says it has one physician who meets that requirement, but he only works there a few days every other month.

Baker also blocked a law prohibiting doctors from performing an abortion if it’s being sought because the fetus was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.