CSi Weather…

.REST OF TODAY…Mostly sunny.  A slight chance of afternoon thunderstroms.  Highs in the lower 70s. Northwest winds around 10 mph.

.TONIGHT…Clear. Lows around 50. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Gusts up to 20 mph in the evening.

.THURSDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. Northwest winds 5 to

10 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s. Northeast

winds around 5 mph shifting to the south after midnight.

.FRIDAY…Partly sunny. Slight chance of rain showers and

thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. Southeast

winds around 10 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and

thunderstorms in the evening, then showers likely and chance of

thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. Chance of

precipitation 60 percent.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny with a 20 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain showers and

thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 50s.

.MONDAY…Partly sunny with a 50 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 70s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.

 

There are chances for thunderstorms Thursday night through

Tuesday. A few storms may be severe Friday afternoon and evening.

 

Update…

Tuesday afternoon and evenings thunderstorm caused wind and hail damage in the Medina, Cleveland area.  The Jamestown Weather station recorded a peak wind gust of 50 mph. In Medina 65 mph wind.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Southeast Stutsman County.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Strong thunderstorms with heavy winds have caused damage from Beulah to Bismarck to Jamestown.

The National Weather Service says the storms Tuesday night damaged buildings, vehicles, crops and trees. The Bismarck Tribune says wind gusts of up to 70 mph and egg-size hail were reported in Oliver County. Hail also fell in the Bismarck-Mandan area with similar strong wind gusts.

Another storm system south of the cities caused similar damage from Lincoln into Stutsman County to the east, packing wind gusts of 60 mph that toppled trees and power lines.

Meteorologists say the hot, humid weather triggered the storms.

RICHARDTON, N.D. (AP) — A medical examiner has confirmed a lightning strike caused the death of a man at the Schnell Recreation Area near Richardton.

The body of 33-year-old Kyle Brierley, of Dickinson, was found near his pickup truck Sunday. Friends say Brierley was working as a volunteer to spruce up the trails at the recreation area when some storms rolled through.

Stark County Sheriff’s Lt. Eldon Mehrer tells the Bismarck Tribune that Brierley’s death was a “rare, freak” occurrence.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  After being washed out, earlier this summer the  Jamestown Drag Racing Association  has planned to hold the drag races at Jamestown Municipal Airport on September 7, and 8.

On Tuesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Jamestown Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund also pointed out that Ft. Seward’s Old Guns of the Old West activities are also scheduled September 7.

He also noted continued improvements to recreational trails in Jamestown with the Builders organization and Bill Stenmetz looking to build a two and a half mile loop at the Jamestown Reservoir  island in the future.

He pointed out that Jamestown will host an upcoming state Disc Golf Tournament, adding that the National Buffalo Museum’s tourist numbers have gone up this year.

He said a few grant requests will be coming to the Tourism Grant/Executive Board meeting later this month, for consideration.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session, Tuesday evening at City Hall. All members were present.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

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

Approved Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,801,841.05

Approved  Block off Street Request for Sheyenne Valley Backing the Badge on August 29, 2019 for Community Extravaganza on 100 – 300 blocks of Central Avenue N

Approve Block off Street Request for Sheyenne Valley Backing the Badge on September 21, 2019 for Got your 6K on 4th Street NW, 9th Avenue NW, 12th Street NW, Central Avenue, Chautauqua Boulevard, and 6th Street NE

Approve an  Application for Retail Tobacco License for Dakota Silver, LLC

Approve an Application for Plumber License for TNT Plumbing

Approve an Application for Tree Trimming & Removal License for Z’s Trees

Approve Raffle Permits for Valley City USBC Association

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

NEW BUSINESS

Considered was a request from Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation for $25,000 per year for 2 years  from the City Sales Tax, to support workforce development, specifically a Salesforce instruction position at VCSU.

Development Corporation Director, Jennifer Feist said, the Barnes County Commission has approved a like amount.  She said the position will help grow the existing workforce and expand the workforce.  The position starts January 1, 2020.

The City Commission approved the request.

Considered was a  recommendation from Visitors Committee for Image Enhancement Grant for Barnes County Historical Society in an amount up to $2,500 for an awning.

Bobby Koeplin said, the awning will be placed on the existing canopy, with a do-pass from the committee, with a monetary cap.

Commissioners approved the request.

Considered was a recommendation from Visitors Committee to send letters to all Food & Beverage vendors.  Bobby Koeplin said, there is a one percent food and beverage tax in place.  He added that all vendors need to aware to charge the tax.

The City Commission approved the recommendation.

Considered was a Renaissance Zone Authority Board recommendation for 5 year income tax exemption and 5 year property tax exemption for new construction, up to $250,000 at 546 Legacy Lane by Legacy Developments, LLC and designate it as VC-116 pending certificate of good standing.

Considered was Renaissance Zone Authority Board recommendation for 5 year income tax exemption and 5 year property tax exemption for new construction, up to $250,000 at 441 12 ½ St NE by Legacy Developments, LLC and designate it as VC-118 pending certificate of good standing.

 

Consider was a Renaissance Zone Authority Board recommendation for 5 year income tax exemption and 5 year property tax exemption for new construction, up to $250,000 at 461 12 ½ St NE by Legacy Developments, LLC and designate it as VC-119 pending certificate of good standing.

City Commissioners approved each recommendation.

Approved was an Application for Property Tax Exemption for Improvements at 535 4th Avenue SW.

Approved was an Application for Property Tax Exemption for Improvements at 107 6th Ave SW.

Approved was  Preliminary Engineering Reimbursement Agreement with NDDOT for Project No. IM-NHU-2-094(159)290 (2021 Drainage Work Project near Exit 290).  City Administrator Schelkoph, said the NDDOT has taken over the storm sewer project in city limits, and is seeking a partnership with the city.

Approved was a gaming site authorization to the VFW, at the AmVets.

Approved was a Labor Club August 23 event .

 

ORDINANCE

Approved was the second and final reading of an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact portions of Title 1 (General Provisions), Title 14 (Motor Vehicles & Traffic) and Title 17 (Offenses), Valley City Municipal Code.  City Attorney Martineck said the Ordinance changes is to come into compliance with the North Dakota Century Code, including changes and additions.  Traffic and parking fees have substantially increased.  Commissioner Erickson vote in opposition.

Another final reading of an Ordinance regarding changes in the Motor Vehicles & Traffic offenses was approved.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

A Public Hearing was held regarding Special Assessments confirmed by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No. 116 (Concrete Pavement Repair on 8th Avenue SW, Wintershow Drive, and 5th Avenue NE).

Following the Public Hearing the City Commission approved Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No. 116

Following a Public Hearing the City Commission approve the Issuance of Class H Brewer Taproom License to Brockopp Brewing, LLC.

A Public Hearing was held  for the Transfer of Class B and Class C Alcoholic Beverage Licenses to Mosby, LLC dba Boomer’s Corner Keg.

Following the Public Hearing City Commissioners approved the Issuance of Class B and Class C Alcoholic Beverage Licenses to Mosby, LLC dba Boomer’s Corner Keg.

A Public Hearing was held regarding alleged violation of V.C.M.C. 4-01-06 by Woodland Steakhouse City Attorney Martineck explained the violation, concerning the timely filing of an application for a renewal. The manager said she was not aware of the time frame.

Following the Public Hearing the Commission considered the suspension of alcoholic beverage licenses for Woodland Steakhouse due to violation of V.C.M.C. 4-01-06.    The City Commission voted for no suspension, but be aware of the City Ordinance.

A Public Hearing was held regarding alleged violation of V.C.M.C. 4-01-06 by Sabir’s Dining & Lounge It was stated the owner had medical circumstances and did not timely file the application for renewal.   

Following the Public Hearing Commissioners considered suspension of alcoholic beverage licenses for Sabir’s Dining & Lounge due to violation of V.C.M.C. 4-01-06.  No suspension was issued by the Commission.

A Public Hearing regarding was  held regarding the alleged violation of V.C.M.C. 4-01-06 by VFW Post No. 2764.  City Auditor Richter said the paperwork for license renewal was late.   

Following the Public Hearing the City Commission considered the suspension of alcoholic beverage licenses for VFW Post No. 2764 due to violation of V.C.M.C. 4-01-06, Alcoholic Beverage.  City Commissioners vote for no suspension having served a 10 day suspension.

A Public Hearing was held  to consider the  alleged violation of V.C.M.C. 4-01-14, Alcoholic Beverage by American Legion Club.   City Attorney Martineck said the organization admitted to the violation of serving past the 2-a.m. deadline.   Representatives asked the city for leniency, noting dollars raised for the baseball program.  The club is currently under a previous violation notice.

A Public Hearing was held  to consider the  alleged violation of V.C.M.C. 4-01-14, Alcoholic Beverage by American Legion Club.  The club is currently under probation for  a previous violation notice.  City Attorney Martineck said the organization admitted to the violation of serving past the 2-a.m. serving deadline.   Representatives asked the city for leniency, noting dollars raised for the baseball program.

Following the Public Hearing, Commissioners considered the proposed disposition for American Legion Club regarding violation of V.C.M.C. 4-01-14, Alcoholic Beverage.

The City Commission first voted on a motion to issue a $500 fine and a 7 day suspension of the liquor license, within a year, for the second violation that can be divided 3 days and 4 days…. that failed on a 3-2 vote…with Commissioners Erickson, Powell, and Carlsrud voting in opposition.

Commissioners then voted  3-2 to approve a 12 day suspension to be served, on non consecutive days for a year chosen by the American Legion, with the mandatory fine of $500.  Commissioners  Erickson and Powell voting in opposition.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT   No Report…

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

Mayor Carlsrud thanked the Commissioners and staff for their work on the 2020 City Budget.

He reminded motorists not to drive while texting, and be aware of construction zones.

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

 

Jamestown  (CSi)   The Jamestown City Council will hold a Special Meeting in conjunction with the Public Works and Police & Fire Committee meeting on Thursday August 22 at 4-p.m.,at City Hall.

During the meeting a Public Hearing  will be held regarding a council vote on a tax exemption for the top four floors of the planned UJ Place.

City Administrator, Sarah Hellekson says the meeting is timed to allow the city to meet legal notice guidelines regarding a special meeting while still attempting to meet the project’s construction schedule.

UJ Place is the planned mixed use project on the University of Jamestown Campus,  across the street from Harold Newman Arena. The ground floor will be occupied by businesses while the top four floors would provide housing for university students and staff.

The project Developer, Epic Management of Fargo, has requested a five-year property tax exemption for the top four floors of the building. The property tax exemption could be granted under North Dakota’s tax increment financing.  The building will be owned by EPIC, and retail space on the first floor, taxable.

On a recent Wayne Byers Show, on CSi Cable 2, Jamestown Mayor, Dwaine Heinrich said, the land is owned by UJ and not taxed.  The building is being appraised at $20 million dollars.

The Jamestown City Council had approved authorizing attorneys to prepare the legal documents granting the exemption for consideration, and approved working with John Shockley, with Ohnstad Twitchell, the City’s representative.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  In conjunction with the Buffalo Mall’s Senior Resource Day on Thursday August 8, the Jamestown Volunteer Center will hold a Pie Social and Bake Sale at the Mall from 10-a.m., to 2-p.m.

All baked goods are being accepted to sell.

Speakers and booths start at 10-a.m., Bingo at 12:30-p.m., and Prizes at 1:30-p.m.

James River Senior Center will have a Taco Bar available from 11-a.m., to 1-p.m., for a small price.

 

Bismarck (Gov. Burgum’s Office)   – Gov. Doug Burgum has announced the speaker lineup and agenda for the third annual Governor’s Summit on Innovative Education Aug. 14-15 at Jamestown High School.

The summit, which is open to the public, convenes local and national education leaders to share best practices and engage with educators, administrators, parents and students.

Among the featured presenters is Dr. Stuart Ablon, director of Think:Kids in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor and Thomas G. Stemberg Endowed Chair in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, who will address the topic of school discipline. Ablon conducts training for parents, educators and clinicians and helps organizations implement the Collaborative Problem Solving approach, an evidence-based model designed for children and adolescents with a wide range of social, emotional and behavioral challenges.

A full list of presenters and registration information is available here. The summit agenda also can be viewed here, and a copy is attached.

The first day of the summit will focus on innovative instructional best practices to personalize learning, as well as other community-derived solutions to best prepare young people for the 21st century economy and global citizenship. The summit’s second day will focus on behavioral health in an educational setting and how school personnel can play a key role in identifying the early warning signs of an emerging mental health condition and in linking students with effective services and supports.

The summit also will include presentation of the #InnovativeND education awards, which recognize the great work being done by educators to prepare students for success in a global economy being driven by rapid technological change.

This year’s summit is being held in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders, ND United, North Dakota School Boards Association and the state Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division. The Bush Foundation is sponsoring the event.

 

Jamestown   (Chamber)  Members of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee and the Young Professionals of Jamestown presented the Customer Service Award for August to Kelly Olson of Professional Eyecare for her outstanding customer service.  The chamber honors individuals who demonstrate a consistent commitment to delivering products or services that satisfy customers by exceeding their requirements or expectations.

Their letter of nomination stated, “Every time I come, she is always positive and friendly. She is knowledgeable about what insurance will cover and always explains this well. She has excellent style and is great at helping me pick out frames. She goes above and beyond with a positive attitude.”

Congratulations to Kelly, who along with all the other monthly winners, will be recognized at the Chamber’s annual banquet in January 2020.  Customer Service Award nomination forms are available at the Chamber office and on their website at www.jamestownchamber.com or call 701-252-4830.

 

New Salem  (NDHP)  Semi trailer with mechanical issues jackknifed causing closure of eastbound I-94, at MM 130, near New Salem for approximately 2 hours, on Tuesday about 9:05-p.m.,

The North Dakota Highway Patol reports, the semi driven by 60 year old Dennis Howery from Wisconsin,  experienced a mechanical failure to the air system on the truck causing the truck’s brakes to engage. The semi and trailer skidded on the roadway crossing both lanes of travel and into the median. The driver corrected back onto the roadway, before jackknifing. The semi and trailer came to rest across both east bound lanes of travel. The interstate was shut down from mile marker 127 to 134 until the semi could be removed from the scene for approximately 2 hours. No injuries were reported from the crash. The crash is being investigated by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

 

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — A North Central District Judge has rejected a plea deal for a man accused of choking and punching his girlfriend causing her to lose consciousness.

Matthew Herschlip and prosecutors reached an agreement that had the 27-year-old Bottineau man pleading to a misdemeanor assault charge instead of felony aggravated assault for the attack last September.

The Minot Daily News reports Judge Gary Lee, already annoyed that the Ward County state’s attorney was nearly 20 minutes for court, said Monday the plea deal was coming to him on the eve of a jury trial scheduled to begin Tuesday. Lee then told attorneys to take the proposed plea deal to the trial judge.

 

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — An audit of Minot State University has found the school did not properly track immunizations of its students.

State Auditor Joshua Gallion released an audit Tuesday of Minot State which shows from July 2017 through June 2018, the university had no proof of an immunization tracking system and allowed students to register for classes without immunization records.

Gallion also says the school was not testing “all high-risk international students” for tuberculosis.

The school says it will begin complying with the proper procedures.

The audit also found the school was not following proper purchasing policies and the requirements for bidding capital projects.

 

In sports…

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION…

Fargo-Moorhead 5, Gary Southshore 3

 

WNBA…

Minnesota Lynx beat the Atlanta Dream 85-69

 

MLB..

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Atlanta Braves set the tone for what turned out to be a big offensive night from the very first pitch.

Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman hit first-pitch homers off Minnesota ace Jose Berríos and the Braves routed the Twins 12-7 Tuesday night.

The first three batters in Atlanta’s lineup — Acuña, Ozzie Albies and Freeman — combined to go 10 for 16 with nine runs and eight RBIs. Acuña scored four runs and Freeman drove in four.

Acuña sent the first pitch by Berríos into deep center field for his sixth leadoff homer of the season and the 14th of his career.

_ The game between the Texas Rangers and Cleveland Indians wwas postponed by rain. The teams will play a traditional doubleheader Wednesday at 1:10 p.m.

 

DETROIT (AP) — Miguel Cabrera had three hits and scored twice to help the Detroit Tigers to a 10-6 win over the Chicago White Sox and a split of their doubleheader Tuesday. Chicago won the opener 5-3.

Drew VerHagen allowed one run in five innings for Detroit in the nightcap, then left the game after a 61-minute rain delay. Héctor Santiago yielded four earned runs in 4 2/3 innings.

In other action:

_ The New York Yankees continued their home run binge against the Baltimore Orioles, hitting six more and getting three RBIs from Austin Romine in a 9-4 rout Tuesday night, their 14th consecutive victory at Camden Yards. One night after going deep five times, the Yankees went one better against the Orioles’ beleaguered pitching staff.

_ Yuli Gurriel hit two of Houston’s four homers to help Zack Greinke to a win in his Astros debut _ an 11-6 victory over the Colorado Rockies Tuesday night. Playing in front of a season-high crowd of 43,243, Yordan Alvarez added a two-run home run and Carlos Correa homered and drove in three runs for the Astros as they won their fifth straight.

_ Tucker Barnhart hit two of Cincinnati’s five home runs, Aristides Aquino included one among his three hits and came up with a clutch catch as the Reds beat the Los Angeles Angels 8-4 to complete a sweep of their two-game interleague series. José Iglesias hit a two-run homer and Eugenio Suárez added a solo shot, helping Cincinnati overcome home runs by Justin Upton and Mike Trout and send the Angels to their sixth consecutive loss, matching their season-worst losing streak.

_ Kevin Kiermaier scored the winning run on a wild pitch with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning and the Tampa Bay Rays came back from a six-run deficit to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-6. Kiermaier led off the 10th by stretching a hit into a double off Buddy Bosher (0-2), and scored the game-ending run after a walk and Willy Adames’ bunt.

 

_Jorge Soler hit a pair of long two-run homers, Jakob Junis pitched six effective innings and the Kansas City Royals snapped their seven-game losing streak by beating the Boston Red Sox 6-2. Ryan O’Hearn also homered for Kansas City, which had lost eight in a row to the Red Sox. A night after halting its eight-game losing skid, the Red Sox were held without a home run, stopping a club-record stretch of at least one homer in 18 straight games in Fenway Park.

_Zack Wheeler ground up Miami over eight innings, Wilson Ramos and Pete Alonso homered, and the New York Mets beat the Marlins 5-0 for their 12th win in 13 games. The hard-charging Mets improved to 58-56 a night after surpassing the .500. New York has the best record in baseball since the All-Star break and improbably entered the day 2 1/2 games behind Philadelphia for an NL wild card despite looking like trade deadline sellers in mid-July. Wheeler threw just 99 pitches.

_ Kurt Suzuki hit a two-run homer and RBI single during a three-hit night, Trea Turner added a solo drive to help back Anibal Sanchez, and the Washington Nationals beat the San Francisco Giants 5-3. Sanchez allowed one earned run on four hits in six innings, struck out three and walked one to win his seventh straight decision since a loss at the Dodgers on May 10.

_ Clayton Kershaw struck out nine in seven strong innings, Justin Turner had two hits and drove in the game-winning run and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 for their seventh win in eight games. Kershaw allowed only one run on four hits.

_ Eduardo Escobar and Alex Avila both homered and drove in three runs, and the Arizona Diamondbacks came from behind for an 8-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. David Peralta also homered for Arizona, which has won three of four as it fights for a National League wild-card spot.

MLB-MARINERS-BECKHAM

Mariners infielder Beckham gets 8-game ban

UNDATED (AP) _ Seattle Mariners infielder Tim Beckham has been suspended 80 games as part of baseball’s joint drug agreement after testing positive for a banned substance.

Beckham’s suspension is effective immediately and ends his season. Beckham was hitting .237 with 15 home runs and 47 RBIs in 88 games this season, his first in Seattle.

In a statement released through the players’ association, Beckham says he took a product from a “trusted source, who had advised it was safe to take.”

In other MLB news:

_ The Toronto Blue Jays say they’ll extend protective netting at Rogers Centre next season. They join other teams that have taken measures after foul balls injured fans. The Blue Jays also announced they’ll extend the nets at their spring training home next season in Dunedin, Florida. Last month, the Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals became the first teams in the major leagues to extend protective netting from foul pole to foul pole. The White Sox acted shortly after a foul ball in their ballpark sent a woman to the hospital.

NFL-NEWS

Bills cornerback EJ Gaines sidelined with groin injury

PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) _ Buffalo Bills cornerback EJ Gaines is out indefinitely with a groin injury. Coach Sean McDermott didn’t reveal the severity of the injury. But he says Gaines is expected to miss a number of weeks. Gaines returned to Buffalo in free agency in March after spending last season with Cleveland. He was limited to playing just six games with the Browns before sustaining a season-ending concussion.

Buffalo also shuffled its offensive line by placing LaAdrian Waddle on injured reserve, and signing Jarron Jones.

Waddle is out after tearing his right quadriceps in practice Sunday.

Jarron Jones has yet to appear in an NFL game and is now on his seventh team since completing his college career at Notre Dame in 2016.

Elsewhere in the NFL:

_ Jordy Nelson’s NFL career ended in the same place where it began: Lambeau Field. Nelson signed a one-day contract with the Packers and announced his retirement after 11 seasons, 10 of which he spent in Green Bay. Nelson will be remembered for his speed, size and chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The pair won a Super Bowl after the 2010 season, with Nelson catching a touchdown in the victory over the Steelers. Nelson is third in Packers history in receptions.

_ New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa injured his groin during practice and was set to have tests to determine the nature and severity. Enunwa wanted to return to practice but the team was being cautious. Defensive lineman Leonard Williams has missed two straight practices with a hip injury and seems unlikely to play. Safety Marcus Maye has sat out all of camp reportedly with a nerve injury in one of his shoulders.

_ Panthers coach Ron Rivera says quarterback Cam Newton and linebacker Luke Kuechly will not play in Carolina’s preseason opener against the Bears in Chicago. Rivera said Tuesday he is being cautious with both players. Newton is coming off offseason shoulder surgery while Kuechly missed time last week after he got “rolled up on” during practice.

_ The Washington Redskins will become the first NFL team to have a gambling-focused telecast of their games. They will offer cash prizes to viewers who correctly predict in-game outcomes during the preseason. The telecasts on the regional cable network NBC Sports Washington will follow a formula established by the Redskins’ NBA neighbors, the Washington Wizards. The contests are free to play, but the channel could eventually use the same format to offer real-time wagering if laws allow it.

NHL-BLUES-EDMUNDSON

Blues’ Edmundson awarded $3.1M, 1-year deal in arbitration

ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis Blues defenseman Joel Edmundson has been awarded a $3.1 million, one-year contract in arbitration. Edmundson was one of four St. Louis restricted free agents to file for player-elected salary arbitration this summer after helping the team win its first Stanley Cup in franchise history. The 26-year-old Canadian had 11 points in 64 regular-season games and seven points in 22 playoff games during the Blues’ Cup run.

NBA-HEAT-HASLEM

Udonis Haslem returning to Heat for a 17th NBA season

MIAMI (AP) _ Udonis Haslem has made his decision: He’s returning to the Miami Heat.

Haslem, who was considering retirement, announced Tuesday that he is returning for a 17th season. The 39-year-old has spent his entire NBA career with the Heat, and should become just the sixth player in league history to play such a long career with only one franchise.

It’s a veteran’s minimum contract, worth just under $2.6 million this season. Haslem made the announcement on Instagram, saying “to be continued.”

MEMPHIS PLAYER-RAPE

Ex-Memphis player sues school over handling of rape claim

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A former University of Memphis football player is suing the school over its handling of a rape allegation.

The federal lawsuit filed Monday by Ernest Suttles says the school branded him as a rapist and cost him a possible NFL career. Court records say the state dismissed the charge last month after finding it couldn’t “carry its burden of proofs.”

Suttles was accused of raping a long-term girlfriend in 2017 just before the team was set to play the Liberty Bowl. The defensive lineman was kicked off the team and suspended campus.

The lawsuit says the school didn’t interview a potential witness or close a related complaint barring him from appealing the suspension and withheld financial aid. Suttles wants a jury trial and all records of the complaint destroyed.

 

 

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s plan to carry a message of national unity and healing to the sites of the most recent mass shootings in America is drawing skepticism from some local residents as well as Democratic candidates.

Trump is expected to visit Dayton, Ohio, on Wednesday morning and El Paso, Texas, in the afternoon to praise first responders and console family members and survivors. A White House spokesman, Hogan Gidley, says Trump also wants to have a conversation about ways to head off such violence in the future.

Critics of the president point to his own divisive language and his anti-immigrant rhetoric that sounds much like that of the El Paso gunman. Some go so far as to say he has helped to create the hatred that made the shootings possible.

 

 

 

(AP)  The mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart struck a city that some call a Mexican American intellectual, political and literary center.

Investigators believe the white shooter wrote an anti-Hispanic, anti-immigrant online rant before killing 22 people in a community where Mexican Americans once faced violence from white mobs.

However, since World War II Mexican Americans have transformed the city into a key bicultural center that has helped reshape U.S. Latino life.

El Paso-born novelist Sergio Troncoso says Mexican Americans helped make El Paso one of the safest big cities.

But he says the shooting is triggering memories of when Mexican Americans faced racial violence and highlighting the nation’s trouble with white nationalism today.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea says leader Kim Jong Un supervised a live-fire demonstration of newly-developed short-range ballistic missiles he said would send an “adequate warning” to the United States and South Korea over their joint military exercises.

The announcement by Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency on Wednesday came a day after South Korea’s military said it detected the North firing two projectiles that were likely ballistic missiles into the sea.

Tuesday’s launches were the North’s fourth round of weapons tests in less than two weeks. Experts say the country’s testing activity could intensify if progress isn’t made on nuclear negotiations with Washington.

KCNA says two missiles launched from a western airfield flew cross-country and over the area surrounding capital Pyongyang before accurately hitting an island target off its eastern coast.

 

 

 

 

BEIJING (AP) — China’s yuan has weakened again after signs its decline was stabilizing helped to reassure jittery financial markets.

The currency edged down to 7.0488 to the U.S. dollar on Wednesday, about 0.4 percent below its level late the previous day.

Financial markets tumbled after Beijing allowed the yuan to fall to an 11-year low against the dollar this week. That prompted Washington to label China a currency manipulator, opening the way to possible sanctions.

The central bank promised to keep the currency stable, which helped to reassure investors.

Despite that, the central bank set the opening level for trading Wednesday at 6.9996 to the dollar, almost 0.5 percent below Tuesday’s starting level.

The central bank allows the yuan to rise or fall 2% during the day.