CSi Weather….

. REST OF TODAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. West winds 15 to 25 mph.

.TONIGHT…Clear. Lows in the lower 50s. Northwest winds around 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the evening.

.THURSDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. East winds around 5 mph

shifting to the southeast in the afternoon.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy in the evening, then mostly

cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms

after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. Southeast winds 10 to

15 mph.

.FRIDAY…Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and thunderstorms in

the morning, then showers and thunderstorms likely in the

afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. Southeast winds 10 to 20 mph.

Chance of precipitation 70 percent.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms in the

evening, then chance of showers and slight chance of

thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the upper 50s.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny with chance of rain showers and slight

chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 60s. Chance of

precipitation 30 percent.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the upper 40s.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around 50.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny with a 20 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 60s.

 

Widespread rainfall between one and 2 inches will be possible Thursday night through Friday night, with the highest amounts generally across

the north. A few severe storms will be possible late Thursday night and Friday

 

Cooler, but more normal temperatures in the 60s to around 70 are

Expected.  Sunday through Tuesday will see some

transient scattered showers, with highs in the 60s.

 

From the 125th Anniversary Calendar of Jamestown History

This Day In History, September 18, 1918 – Early morning fire destroys Old South Side School. 

 

The North Dakota Highway Patrol has issued  Silver Alert at the request of Harding County Sheriff Office in South Dakota. Clara Mae Braun of Buffalo South Dakota is a 87 year old White Female. She is 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighs 120 pounds and has Blue eyes.
HER last known whereabouts Monday September 16 and 6:30 am traveling northbound on South Dakota highway 73 15 miles south of Lemmon South Dakota. SHE is believed to be driving a 2012 Chrysler 300 South Dakota license plate 35C 5 8 8.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact South Dakota at
6 0 5- 3 7 5 -3 4 1 4.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  At Tuesday’s negotiating session,  the Jamestown Education Association JEA) and the Jamestown Public School Board did not  reach an agreement on a two-year contract with the school board declaring the negotiations at impasse, meaning the talks were not moving ahead.

Jamestown Public School Board President, Jennifer Schmidt added that  the JEA elected not to provide a counter offer.

Schmidt said the two parties have met five times since June, which was when the board gave JEA its last best offer.

JEA negotiator, David Dooley added,  “I don’t think it’s (negotiations) are in good faith.  The board is undervaluing teachers compared to everyone else in the district. Teachers help students become better people.”

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Fire Department was called out at 1:24-p.m. Tuesday to a residence at 501  8th Street Southwest.

Lt. Sheldon Mohr says the fire department extracted smoke from the home, caused by a self-cleaning oven.  No fire was evident.

Four City fire units, and 16 fire fighters were on the scene about 20 minutes

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met Tuesday evening at City Hall.  Commissioner Bishop was not present.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

A Raffle Permit for Sheyenne Care Center.

A Parade Application for Valley City State University Homecoming on September 28, 2019 on Central Avenue at 10:30 AM

Approved a Blocking off Street Request on 4th Street NE for City-County Health District on October 1, 2019 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM for the Welcome to the Block Party.

Approved was a raffle permit for Valley City Fast Pitch.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting. The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

No personal attacks to persons present or not

No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform

5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair

Thank you for participating in City Government.

A citizen, former City Commissioner, Madeline Luke indicated salary increases in the proposed 2020 city budget, for city officials, and compared them to  similar positions in other cities, saying the Valley City salaries in the proposed increases were higher than the average salaries in other cities.

She said the city is borrowing from the electric fund for other city budgets,

and indicated a bond rating decrease for Valley City.

City Auditor Avis Richter said, Moodys issued a negative notice, but the bond rating had not decreased.

No comments were made by the Commissioners.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

A Public Hearing for 2020 Annual Budget City Auditor Richter Declared the public hearing open.

Former Mayor Bob Werkhoven asked about how the salary increases are determined.  He asked if the City Attorney is still a paid position, along with a private practice, which could possibly lead to a conflict of interest. City Attorney Martineck said there is no conflict of interest between his private practice and handling city legal matters.

No other comments were made.

Commissioner Powell said salary increases should be considered on a merit basis.

Following the Public Hearing, the City Commission approve first reading of the 2020 Annual Budget Ordinance.

ORDINANCE

Approved was the second and final reading of Ordinance , an Ordinance Amending Title 14, Motor Vehicles & Traffic. City Attorney Martineck indicated a slight change in the First Reading, which was approved by law enforcement.

Considered was a recommendation to begin Renewal Application for Valley City Renaissance Zone Authority board, Chairman, Jim Knutson,  said the Zone came into effect in 2000, and 119 projects have been approved, at $36 million and the when finished while provide the city with a half million dollars.

Commissioners approved to start the renewal process.

Considered was a construction extension for Brockopp Brewing, LLC pursuant to V.C.M.C. 4-01-11(1.b.iii).  City Attorney Martineck recommended a six month construction extension, which was approved by the Commission.

Considered was the purchase of Christmas decorations for the new street lights on Central and Main St. for $14,000.  City Administrator Schelkoph said the existing decorations will not work on the new light poles.  The decorations have been approved by a city committee.  The City Commission approved on a 3-1 vote, just over $13,000 to purchase 42 new wreaths.  The dollars were previously earmarked for a cold storage shed.  Commissioner Erickson voted no.

Approved on a 3-1 votre was a  Construction Engineering Agreement for Permanent Flood Protection Phase III with KLJ in an amount not to exceed $182,500.  Commissioner Erickson voted no.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

David Schelkoph indicated the drop off location at the landfill, for trees and lawn debris is available 24/7.

He noted the street lighting improvements being installed.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS:

KLJ updated upcoming additional changes in traffic flows, which he will communicate with Valley City Public School, to pass along to parents and others.

Mayor Carlsrud noted the additional work performed by city employees during street constructed, and pointed to Jefferson School parents for handling access changes to the school stemming from street construction detours and changes in the traffic flows, as school began this year.

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

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Barnes County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning to Barnes County residents concerning phone scammers  targeting Barnes County residents.

If you have contact with a scammer and would like to report the incident, please call the Barnes County Sheriff’s Office at 701-845-8530 or ND Attorney General Consumer Protection Office at 1-800-472-2600/https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/consumer-resources.

Just a reminder, DO NOT give out personal information such as birth dates, Social Security numbers, addresses and phone numbers.

 

Valley City (CSi)  The Barnes County Commission informs residents that, all grass and weeds along Barnes County roads must be mowed on or before October 1st, 2019, by the landowner or operator-as required by the North Dakota Century Code 63-05-02. Mowing along the slope and ditch bottom must have a maximum stubble height of 4 inches. The width of cut shall be as such that no weeds or grasses will extend higher than the shoulder of the road.

Hay bales must be removed by October 1st or they will be disposed of so they will not create a snow problem.

Failure to comply with this order will result in the cost of mowing or hay bale removal being charged to the Barnes County Landowner. By order of the Barnes County Commission.

 

Valley City  (VCSU)  VCSU alumnus and president of North Dakota United, Nick Archuleta, will present “Choosing to Participate: Social Justice Is Not a Spectator Sport” on Thursday, Sepember 19, at 7 p.m. at the Barnes County Museum, 315 Central Avenue North, in Valley City.

Archuleta will speak on how individuals can step up within their community to promote social justice and combat racism.

His talk will be supported by posters, provided by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, that explore the history and impact of racism and prejudice in our country, and encourage viewers to consider the consequences of everyday choices and to make a difference in their own communities.

A graduate of Valley City High School, Archuleta holds a bachelor’s degree from Valley City State University and a master’s degree from the University of North Dakota. He has served as president of North Dakota United since the 2013 merger of the North Dakota Education Association and North Dakota Public Employees Association.

Sponsored by the community organization “What In The World Is Going On?,” the presentation kicks off season 21 of the Barnes County Historical Society Lecture Series. The event is open to the public free of charge.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  Trucks supplying fresh vegetables, bakery items and boxed goods will be in Valley City from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, in the parking lot of Epworth United Methodist Church, 680 8th Avenue, Southwest.

The distribution will be a drive-through, where clients will be able to stay in their vehicles and those who walk will be helped accordingly.

As part of the Great Plains Food Bank Pop-up Perishable Food Program , anyone in need of food assistance is welcome to attend and receive food at no cost.

 

 

 

Valley City (INFORUM) Authorities say the search for a missing Valley City,  Mark Davies is still very active.

The Barnes County Sheriff’s Office originally reported the disappearance of Mark Davies, 40, of Valley City on Friday, August 23 when he reportedly texted someone that he was heading home from the town of Kathryn, about 20 miles south of Valley City, but never made it back.

Valley City Police Chief Phil Hatcher says their department still gets a few tips called in every week, but until they get new information on his whereabouts, their search radius is the entire United States.  He says searches have stalled, but they still check in on every tip they receive and are asking property owners to check their land and for hunters to keep an eye out.

Davies drives a black 1999 GMC Yukon SUV with plates 327 CCM, but there was no sign of it or him in the area where his cellphone was last on.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact the Valley City Police Department at 701-845-3110.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The community is invited to the 12th Annual Patriots Banquet and Auction Fundraiser is on Thursday October 17, starting at 5-p.m., at the All Vets Club in Jamestown.

Tickets are available from area veterans and at the club.

Anyone wishing to donate an auction item, or make a monetary donation may do so by contacting the All Vets Club at 701-252-8994.

The All Vets Club is a non-profit 501-c19 Corporation.

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota State University freshman from Minnesota who was killed five years ago died of asphyxia.

Authorities have said little about the September 2014 death of 18-year-old Thomas Bearson of Sartell, Minnesota, other than it was a homicide.

KVLY-TV obtained Bearson’s death certificate, which says he died of asphyxia — meaning he was deprived of oxygen.

Besides alcohol, two prescription medications were in Bearson’s system — alprazolam, an anti-anxiety drug also known as Xanax, and temazepam, a sedative used to treat insomnia.

Bearson was last seen at a party in Fargo. His body was later found at an RV dealership in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Despite hundreds of tips, no arrests have been made. Moorhead Deputy Police Chief Tory Jacobson says the investigation remains active.

 

CENTER, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Highway Patrol says a motorcyclist has died after colliding with an animal in Oliver County.

The collision happened about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on Highway 200-A northeast of Center. The patrol says the man was thrown from his bike after losing control of it after striking the animal.

He died at the scene. Authorities did not say what type of animal was struck.

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota lawmaker says he will aim to ensure firearms are legal on the state Capitol grounds after a pro-gun rally he hosted there drew some supporters who were probably packing heat.

Bismarck Republican Rep. Rick Becker says he will introduce legislation to change the policy when the Legislature reconvenes in 2021.

Dozens attended the “Shall Not Be Infringed Rally” Sunday on the steps of the Capitol to support gun rights.

Becker says he learned a day prior to the rally of a no-gun policy at the Capitol grounds and warned followers on Facebook of it.

Still, Becker believed some supporters at the rally were armed.

North Dakota has had a policy against carrying firearms on the state Capitol grounds since 1989.

 

In sports…

(uj.edu)

Sydney Ellingson (JR/Langdon, N.D.) (women’s volleyball) and Garrett Mitchell (SO/Shakopee, Minn.) (football) have been named Jamestown Optimist Club Athletes of the Week for the week of September 9-15, 2019.

Ellingson was also named Great Plains Athletic Conference/Hauff Mid-America Sports Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week,

She ended the week with 39 digs (5.6 digs per set) as the Jimmies went 2-0 in GPAC conference play with wins over Mount Marty College and Dakota Wesleyan University on the road.

Jamestown (12-2) hosts Briar Cliff (Iowa) Saturday at 5 p.m.

Mitchell caught touchdown passes of 21 yards, 52 yards, and 6 yards from quarterback Jordan Mann (SR/Bismarck, N.D.) to account for all the Jimmie scores in a loss at Hastings. Garrett tied a school record with three TD catches in a game, last accomplished by Trent Roemmich in 2012.

Optimist International is an association of more than 2,900 Optimist Clubs around the world dedicated to “Bringing Out the Best in Kids.” Adult volunteers join Optimist Clubs to conduct positive service projects in their communities aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. With their upbeat attitude, Optimist Club members help empower young people to be the best that they can be.

Valley City  (CSi)  The North Dakota High School High Rodeo will be held September 21 and 22 in Valley City, at the North Dakota Winter Show, main arena, and at the outdoor arena, weather permitting both days.

Admission to the North Dakota High School Rodeo is $10 per day or $15 for the weekend, children 10 and under get into the rodeo free this Saturday and Sunday. Food vendors will be available during the event.

 

Tuesday High School Volleyball…

Jamestown def. Mandan, 23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 15-7

Valley City def. Fargo South, 22-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-18, 15-8

South Border def. Medina-Pingree-Buchanan, 25-20, 25-18, 19-25, 25-20

LaMoure-Litchville-Marion def. Ellendale, 25-12, 25-12, 25-13

Kindred def. Lisbon, 25-14, 25-20, 25-15

Linton-HMB def. Kidder County, 25-9, 25-16, 25-15

Benson County def. Four Winds/Minnewaukan, 25-10, 25-17, 25-23

Beulah def. Hazen, 3-1

Bismarck Century def. Dickinson, 26-24, 25-10, 25-16

Bismarck High def. Watford City, 25-12, 25-17, 25-8

Bismarck St. Mary’s def. Bismarck Legacy, 25-15, 23-25, 25-22, 26-24

Carrington def. Park River/Fordville Lankin, 25-21, 25-19, 25-17

Center-Stanton def. New Salem-Almont, 25-16, 25-12, 25-17

Des Lacs-Burlington def. Ray, 25-18, 25-15, 25-9

Dickinson Trinity def. Glen Ullin-Hebron, 3-0

Divide County def. Tioga, 25-20, 22-25, 25-15, 25-23

Fargo Davies def. Sheyenne, 25-20, 20-25, 25-14, 25-18

Finley-Sharon/Hope-Page def. Griggs County Central, 25-18, 25-12, 25-19

Flasher def. Washburn, 25-13, 25-12, 25-17

Garrison-Max def. Powers Lake, 25-16, 25-12, 25-19

Grand Forks Red River def. Fargo North, 25-20, 25-19, 18-25, 15-25, 15-8

Grant County def. Turtle Lake-Mercer-McClusky, 25-18, 25-20, 13-25, 25-23

Hankinson def. Maple Valley, 25-21, 25-22, 25-21

Hatton-Northwood def. Drayton/Valley-Edinburg, 3-0

Hettinger/Scranton def. Harding County, S.D., 25-21, 25-20, 25-16

Hillsboro/Central Valley def. North Border, 25-17, 25-19, 25-14

Kenmare def. Glenburn, 25-21, 25-12, 23-25, 25-14

Lakota def. Larimore, 3-1

Lemmon, S.D. def. Mott-Regent, 25-15, 25-19, 25-17

May Port CG def. Cavalier, 25-18, 19-25, 25-14, 22-25, 15-13

Midkota def. Barnes County North, 25-21, 24-26, 25-21, 8-25, 17-15

Midway-Minto def. Dakota Prairie, 25-12, 7-25, 25-20, 24-26, 15-10

Milnor-North Sargent def. Sargent Central, 3-0

Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood def. Velva, 25-13, 21-25, 25-21, 20-25, 15-6

Northern Cass def. Enderlin, 25-14, 25-20, 26-24

Oak Grove Lutheran def. Wyndmere-Lidgerwood, 25-21, 25-21, 25-12

Our Redeemer’s def. North Star, 22-25, 25-18, 25-13, 25-16

Richland def. Tri-State, 25-8, 25-18, 24-26, 25-22

Rolla def. Newburg-Westhope, 25-20, 19-25, 25-23, 25-20

Rugby def. Nedrose, 25-23, 25-15, 25-17

Shiloh Christian def. Wilton-Wing, 21-25, 25-9, 25-18, 23-25, 15-10

St. John def. Harvey-Wells County, 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 25-21

Stanley def. Killdeer, 25-21, 27-25, 18-25, 20-25, 15-10

Strasburg-Zeeland def. Napoleon, 25-19, 9-25, 25-16, 22-25, 15-10

Thompson def. Grafton/St. Thomas, 25-16, 25-21, 25-20

Towner-Granville-Upham def. South Prairie, 3-0

Trenton def. White Shield, 3-0

Underwood def. Standing Rock, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20

West Fargo def. Fargo Shanley, 25-21, 16-25, 25-19, 16-25, 15-12

Williston def. Turtle Mountain, 3-1

 

High School Soccer…

Jamestown 6, Mandan 1

 

College Baseball…

MAYVILLE, N.D.  (uj,edu) — Marcus Wohl’s two-run single with one out in the bottom of the eighth broke a 2-all tie and the Mayville State (N.D.) University Comets defeated the University of Jamestown baseball team 4-2 Tuesday evening at Scott Berry Field.

The Jimmies took an early lead in their first at-bat as Kendall Yackley (SO/Lynnwood, WA) led off with a walk, then moved to second on a single by Grant Okawa (SR/Mississauga, ON). Dylan Dudley (JR/Cottage Grove, OR) singled to right to score Yackley and UJ led 1-0.

Mayville State answered in the bottom of the second on a sacrifice fly by Brantt Wood, and the score stayed 1-1 until the sixth.

Tayler Cullen (JR/Santa Rosa, Calif.) singled to left with two outs, then pinch-hitter Brian Rice (JR/Vancouver, WA) doubled to deep right-center to score Cullen.

UJ’s lead was short-lived as the Comets tied the game in the bottom of the sixth. Theo May homered on the first pitch of the inning from Dylan Haney (SR/Brandon, MB, Canada) to make it 2-2.

Joshua Rodriguez (1-0) was the winning pitcher for Mayville State. He allowed two runs on nine hits over eight innings, walking two and striking out eight. Ryan Froemke worked a scoreless ninth for his first save.

Austin Pesicka (SR/West Linn, OR) (0-1) took the loss for Jamestown. Mitchell Dennis (FR/Okotoks, AB, Canada) started and went three innings, giving up a run on three hits while walking two. Andy Reed (SR/Woodinville, WA) pitched two shutout innings in relief and Aaron Pugh (SR/Boissevain, MB, Canada) scattered two hits as part of a scoreless seventh inning.

Okawa and Cullen each had two of UJ’s nine hits. Adrian Zubia, Michael Theisen, Gunner Garpestad, and Marcus Hughes all had two hits for Mayville State.

Jamestown’s next game is Monday, September 23 at Valley City State. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. from Charlie Brown Field.

College Golf…

Jimmies Fall Invitational

Sept. 16-17

CrossRoads Golf Course

Men

Two University of Jamestown men’s golf scoring records were set Tuesday during the final round of the Jamestown Invitational, held at CrossRoads Golf Course in Carrington.

In winning individual honors, Austin Rene (SR/Jamestown, N.D.) set a new UJ 36-hole scoring record with a 138 (69-69), breaking the previous mark of 144 (72-72) set by Michael Strain at Jamestown Country Club in 2014.

The team of Rene, Tate Olson (SO/Cook, Minn.), Treyton Forsman (SO/Lewiston, Idaho), Hudson Roling (SO/Thermopolis, Wyo.), and Cade Kilkenny (FR/Centennial, Colo.) took first with a 581 (295-286), which broke the 36-hole team score of 588 (296-292), set at CrossRoads in 2013.

Team Results

1. University of Jamestown 581; T2. University of Jamestown (B) 595; T2. Dakota Wesleyan 585; 4. Valley City State 608; 5. Dickinson State 622; 6. Minnesota State Tech 625; 7. University of Jamestown 648.

Women

Paige Argent (JR/Minot, N.D.) shot a second-round 81 to take individual honors and help the University of Jamestown women’s golf team capture the team title at the Jamestown Invitational, which concluded Tuesday at CrossRoads Golf Course in Carrington.

Team Results:

1. University of Jamestown 655; 2. Dickinson State University 681; 3. Valley City State 707; 4. UJ (B) 724.

 

WNBA  PLAYOFFS…

Elena Delle Donne scored 24 points and hit a crucial turnaround jumper late, Emma Meesseman added a career postseason high 27 points and 10 rebounds, and the Mystics held on for a 97-95 victory over the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of their WNBA semifinal series.

Alyssa Thomas had 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead a balanced Connecticut offense and the Sun opened the WNBA semifinals with an 84-75 win over the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday night.

 

MLB

UNDATED (AP) _ The Minnesota Twins trimmed their magic number for winning the AL Central to seven by scoring three runs in the bottom of the 12th to knock off the White Sox, 9-8. Ronald Torreyes (toh-RAY’-ehs) was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to end it after Marwin Gonzalez tied it with a two-run single. Ryan Cordell’s two-run blast in the top of the 12th put Chicago ahead before Minnesota rallied for the second time in extra innings.

_ The Indians beat the Tigers for the 15th straight time as Adam Plutko pitched six innings and rookie Oscar Mercado homered in Cleveland’s 7-2 win. Plutko allowed two runs and four hits in his first win since Aug. 27, also against Detroit. Pinch-hitter Jordan Luplow provided a two-run triple and Roberto Pérez had two hits and two RBIs.

The Milwaukee Brewers have climbed back into a tie with the Chicago Cubs for the second NL wild card, two games behind the NL Central-leading Cardinals.

The Brew Crew won for the 11th time in 12 games as Mike Moustakas (moos-TAH’-kahs) and Lorenzo Cain homered in a 3-1 win against the Padres. Moustakas teed off on a 1-2 pitch from reliever Matt Strahm for his 35th homer of the year, breaking a 1-1 tie in the seventh inning.

Matt Albers got the win despite surrendering Hunter Renfroe’s tying homer in the seventh. Drew Pomeranz struck out the side in the eighth and pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save in as many chances.

Sonny Gray and the Cincinnati bullpen stymied the Cubs’ offense in a 4-2 victory at Wrigley Field. Gray struck out nine and allowed two runs over 6 2/3 innings before two relievers finished a five-hitter. Rookie Aristides (ar-eh-STEE’-dehs) Aquino hit his 16th homer for the Reds, who quieted a Chicago offense that had scored 59 runs in winning its previous five games.

In St. Louis, Howie Kendrick fell a triple shy of the cycle and Patrick Corbin struck out 11 over six innings of the Nationals’ 6-2 decision over the Cardinals. Corbin didn’t allow an earned run and helped Washington open a 1 ½-game lead over the Cubs and Brewers for the first NL wild card. Victor Robles supplied a pair of RBI singles for the Nats.

Elsewhere on major league diamonds:

_ Rhys Hoskins and Jose Pirela (pih-RAY’-uh) hit two-run homers off Dallas Keuchel (KY’-kul) in a five-run fourth before the Phillies withstood a chaotic ninth inning to beat the Braves, 5-4. Vince Velasquez gave up two runs in the first before recovering with four straight scoreless innings to get the win. Adam Duvall led off the ninth with a homer off Phillies closer Héctor Neris, who later put runners on first and third with one out before posting his 27th save.

_ Marcus Stroman pitched seven shutout innings of four-hit ball and the Mets belted three homers in the sixth en route to a 6-1 victory at Colorado. Pete Alonso slammed his major league-leading 48th home run for New York, which also received round-trippers from Amed Rosario and Brandon Nimmo (NIH’-moh). The Mets won for the second time in five games and moved four games out of an NL playoff berth with 11 to play.

 

_ The Athletics scored twice in the seventh to beat the Royals, 2-1 and take a two-game lead over Tampa Bay for the first AL wild card. Matt Olson led off the seventh with a homer and Seth Brown supplied a go-ahead double two batters later. A.J. Puk followed Brett Anderson and struck out two over two shutout innings to help Oakland win for the seventh time in eight games.

_ Corey Seager produced four RBIs, including a go-ahead, two-run double in the seventh inning to lead the Dodgers to a 7-5 win over the Rays. The Dodgers broke the game open with a five-run seventh before Tampa Bay cut into a 7-2 deficit. The Rays put together a three-run eighth before their lead for the second AL wild card was sliced to a half-game over the Indians.

_ The Yankees have a magic number of one to clinch their 21st playoff berth in 25 years after Luis Severino worked four innings in his season debut, an 8-0 pounding of the Angels. The two-time All-Star injured his shoulder while warming up before his first scheduled spring training appearance on March 5. Gleyber (GLAY’-bur) Torres belted a three-run homer and Didi Gregorius (DEE’-dee greh-GOHR’-ee-uhs) delivered a two-run double while New York put together a six-run fourth.

_ The Astros also cut their playoff magic number to one as Justin Verlander picked up his major league-leading 19th win in a 4-1 verdict over the Rangers. Verlander scattered four hits and struck out eight over six shutout innings to move to 19-6. Yuli Gurriel (YOO’-lee gur-ee-EHL’), Alex Bregman and Yordan (yohr-DAHN’) Alvarez all homered in Houston’s 99th victory.

_ Miguel Rojas laced a three-run double and collected a career-high six RBIs as the Marlins hammered the Diamondbacks, 12-6. Arizona led 4-2 in the fifth before falling 5 ½ games out of an NL playoff slot.

_ Mike Yastrzemski (ya-STREHM’-skee) hit a solo homer in his first game where his grandfather played, and Alex Dickerson lifted a pinch-hit sacrifice fly in the 15th inning to send the Giants past the Red Sox, 7-6 in Boston. The 5-hour, 54-minute game featured a major-league record-tying 24 pitchers, including a team-record 13 by the Giants.

_ Cavan Biggio (BEE’-zhee-oh) hit for the cycle, drove in four and scored three times in the Blue Jays’ 8-5 win over the Orioles. Cavan and his father Craig are now the second father-son duo in major league history to hit for the cycle, joining Daryle and Gary Ward.

_ The Mariners posted a 6-0 shutout of the Pirates as Marco Gonzales allowed six hits in seven innings. Austin Nola and Omar Narvaez (nahr-VYZ’) had three hits apiece, including back-to-back home runs to help Gonzales get his career-high 16th victory.

NFL-NEWS

Manning benched, Jones to start for Giants

UNDATED (AP) _ Eli Manning’s NFL career began when he took over for Hall of Famer Kurt Warner midway through the New York Giants’ 2004 season. Giants coach Pat Shurmur is making a quarterback change following the team’s 0-2 start, announcing that Daniel Jones is replacing Manning under center.

Jones was taken by the Giants with the sixth overall pick in this year’s NFL draft and looked impressive during preseason. He started three seasons at Duke, completing 60% of his passes for 8,201 yards, 52 touchdowns and 29 interceptions before turning pro after his junior year.

Manning led the Giants to Super Bowl titles following the 2007 and ’11 seasons, beating Tom Brady and the Patriots both times. He’s broken every Giants career record for quarterbacks and has started all but one game since taking over for Warner 15 years ago.

Elsewhere in the NFL:

_ Saints quarterback Drew Brees (breez) says he is scheduled to undergo surgery on his throwing thumb tomorrow, adding that he’ll dedicate himself to a rehabilitation process to get back to playing as quickly as he can. Brees tore a ligament in the right thumb when he made contact with Los Angeles defensive tackle Aaron Donald during the follow-through of a throw in Sunday’s loss to the Rams. Rehabilitation is estimated to take about six weeks, but that timeline could change after surgery.

_ Panthers quarterback Cam Newton sat out Tuesday’s practice and could miss Sunday’s game at Arizona after the 2015 league MVP reaggravated a mid-foot sprain. Carolina coach Ron Rivera gave no timetable Tuesday for Newton’s potential return. Rivera said backup Kyle Allen would make his second career NFL start Sunday if Newton isn’t able to play.

_ Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian (SIH’-mee-an) is out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury and Luke Falk will be New York’s starter until Sam Darnold returns from mononucleosis. Siemian was injured in the second quarter of the Jets’ 23-3 loss to the Browns on Monday night. Darnold hopes to return in Week 5 against the Eagles.

_ Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey confirmed he wants out of Jacksonville and took shots at Jaguars coach Doug Marrone in a 16-minute interview session that added more confusion to an already-awkward situation. Ramsey insists he doesn’t want to be a distraction as the Jaguars prepare to host Tennessee on Thursday night.

_ The Texans are changing punters after just two games, releasing Trevor Daniel and re-signing Bryan Anger. Daniel played all 16 games for Houston as a rookie last season and ranked 25th in yards per punt this year, averaging 43.5 yards. Houston signed Anger in the offseason but released him just before the start of the regular season.

_ The Lions have picked up Paul Perkins off waivers from the Giants and released fellow running back C.J. Anderson, who helped the Rams reach the Super Bowl last season. Anderson ran for 43 yards on 16 carries in two games as a backup to Kerryon Johnson. He has 3,497 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns in his career in Denver, Carolina, Los Angeles and Detroit.

_ A Guatemalan man convicted of drunken driving in a crash that killed Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson and his Uber driver has been sentenced to an additional 42 months in prison for illegally re-entering the U.S. after being deported. Federal prosecutors announced Tuesday that 38-year-old Manuel Orrego-Zavala will serve the additional time after he completes a 16-year state sentence handed down last September. He was convicted for the February 2018 crash that killed Jackson and Jeffrey Monroe.

MLB-NEWS

Pirates’ Vázquez arrested on porn, solicitation charges

UNDATED (AP) _ Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star closer Felipe Vázquez has been arrested on charges of pornography and soliciting a child.

Vázquez was taken into custody by State Police on one count of computer pornography/solicitation of a child and one count of providing obscene material to minors. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says it began investigating Vázquez in August after learning of an alleged sexual relationship between Vázquez and a 15-year-old girl living in Lee County, Florida.

The girl allegedly received a video text message from Vázquez in July in which he was performing a sex act. Vázquez also allegedly texted the girl to ask if she wanted to meet for a sexual encounter after the baseball season.

The Pirates said they have informed the MLB commissioner’s office and expect Vázquez to be placed on administrative leave.

Elsewhere in the majors:

_ The Yankees plan to activate Giancarlo Stanton on Wednesday or Thursday in an attempt to get the oft-injured outfielder ready for the playoffs. Stanton has been limited to nine games this season because of a strained biceps, shoulder, calf and knee. The four-time All-Star is hitting .290 with one home run and seven RBIs.

_ Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis has a broken hand and will miss the remainder of the season. The loss of Kipnis is another blow to Cleveland, which is chasing a wild-card playoff berth and has been ravaged by injuries all season. The Indians said Kipnis will need surgery and could take up to six weeks to recover.

_ The Braves have placed infielder Charlie Culberson on the 60-day injured list. Culberson’s season ended when he was hit in the face by a pitch from Washington’s Fernando Rodney.

_ Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog is recovering from a minor stroke. The 87-year-old Herzog became ill Monday at his charity golf tournament at Forest Hills Country Club in suburban St. Louis. The Cardinals say Herzog is “currently resting and doing well.”

NHL-NEWS

Bruins’ Carlo signs extension

BOSTON (AP) _ Defenseman Brandon Carlo has signed a two-year extension to remain with the Boston Bruins.

The deal will pay the 22-year-old $2.85 million per season. He had not been in camp since it opened last week and was the Bruins’ last remaining unsigned free agent after Charlie McAvoy agreed to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $4.9 million.

 

In world and national news…

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s two main political parties are deadlocked after national elections, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing an uphill battle to keep his job.

Seeming kingmaker Avigdor Lieberman says Wednesday he’ll insist upon a secular unity government between Netanyahu’s Likud and Benny Gantz’s Blue and White parties, who are currently tied.

Lieberman says that is the “one and only option” on the table.

Without Lieberman’s endorsement, both parties appear to have fallen well short of securing a parliamentary majority with ideological allies.

Gantz, a former military chief, has ruled out sitting with a Netanyahu-led Likud at a time when the prime minister is expected to be indicted on corruption charges in the coming weeks. That could spell the end of Netanyahu’s lengthy rule.

However, final results could still swing toward Netanyahu.

 

 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s state-run news agency is reporting that Iran sent an official warning through Swiss diplomats to the U.S. that any action taken against Tehran “will face an immediate answer.”

That’s according to a report Wednesday by the IRNA news agency.

It said that Iran sent the diplomatic note to the Swiss on Monday. The Swiss Embassy has looked after America’s interests in Iran for decades.

There was no immediate reaction from U.S. diplomats.

The note also reiterated that Iran says it has nothing to do with Saturday’s attack on oil installations in Saudi Arabia. While Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have claimed the assault, the U.S. has alleged Iran was behind it.

 

 

STRASBOURG, France (AP) — EU lawmakers have adopted a non-binding resolution supporting another extension to the Brexit deadline if Britain requests it.

After a three-hour debate Wednesday, lawmakers voted 544 in favor, 126 against with 38 abstentions in the parliament’s plenary in Strasbourg, France.

Britain’s departure from the 28-nation bloc is set for Oct. 31. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been adamant that the U.K. will leave the EU on that scheduled date with or without a withdrawal agreement.

Attending the debate, EU Brexit chief negotiator Michel Barnier said he wants to keep working “night and day” in order to find a satisfying Brexit deal for both parties. He urged Johnson and his team to make concrete proposals.

 

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Judiciary Committee’s first impeachment hearing against President Donald Trump has concluded on a combative note after six hours of testimony from Corey Lewandowski.

Chairman Jerrold Nadler of New York gaveled the proceedings closed Tuesday after Republicans refused to offer up a staff member to question Trump’s former campaign chairman. Ranking Republican Doug Collins started to do so, but Nadler noted that Collins is a member of Congress, not a staff member. The proceedings ended with Collins refusing to yield to a staff questioner and vowing to “litigate” the GOP’s case in other ways.

The closing squabble came after committee counsel Barry H. Berke sharply challenged Lewandowski on why he did not carry out Trump’s directive to deliver a message to then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to encourage him to reverse himself and oversee the Russia investigation.

 

 

NEW YORK (AP) — A new report shows that the number and rate of abortions across the U.S. have plunged to their lowest levels since the procedure became legal nationwide in 1973.

The report from the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights, counted 862,000 abortions in the U.S. in 2017. That’s down from 926,000 tallied in the group’s previous report for 2014.

One reason for the decline is that fewer women are becoming pregnant. The Guttmacher Institute noted that the birth rate, as well as the abortion rate, declined during the years covered by the new report.

Guttmacher is the only entity that strives to count all abortions in the U.S., making inquiries of individual providers. Federal data excludes California, Maryland and New Hampshire.