CSi Weather…

.REST OF TODAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 30s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20. South winds around 5 mph shifting to the west after midnight.

.THURSDAY…Decreasing clouds. Highs in the mid 20s. Northwest

winds 5 to 15 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows 5 to 10 above. West winds

5 to 10 mph.

.FRIDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 20s. Southwest winds

5 to 10 mph shifting to the south around 15 mph in the afternoon.

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

.SATURDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the lower 30s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20.

.SUNDAY…Cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Highs in the

lower 20s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow.

Lows zero to 5 above.

.MONDAY…Partly sunny. A 20 percent chance of snow in the

morning. Highs around 10.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows around 5 below.

.TUESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs 5 to 10 above.

 

Expect a colder day on Thursday with highs in the lower 20s north to around 30 degrees far south.

Temperatures should easily plummet into the single digits

Temperatures will warm back up on Friday and Saturday.

Highs in the 30s can be expected across central North Dakota, especially where snowpack is still significant.

Precipitation chances return to the area late Saturday night

through Sunday night.

A widespread swatch of accumulating snow is expected Sunday through Sunday

night, with most of western and central North Dakota picking up an

inch or two of snow by Monday morning.

 

This Day In History, December 4, 1947 – James River Dam is to be built *** from the 125th Anniversary Calendar of Jamestown History ***  

Plans were underway for Army to build the James River Dam in 1952. Twelve million dollars is the estimated cost of this project.

 

Jamestown  (CSi) Jamestown Police is warning residents regarding a new convicted high risk sex offender living in Jamestown.

Colten Michael Pede resides at 1530 6th Avenue, SW, Room No. 18, Buffalo Motel, Jamestown, ND

He currently  has no vehicle.

Pede is a 35 year old white male five feet 10 inches tall, weighing 260 pounds with blue eyes and blond hair.

He has been assigned a high risk assessment by the North Dakota risk level committee of the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

Offense:  Criminal Attempt, attacking a 30 year woman from behind and taking her clothes off.  She was able to escape to her bathroom, but Pede forced her back to the living.  While attempting to rape her, her friend kicked in the door, and Pede released the victim.

Conviction Date: February 2008 in Grand Forks County, ND, District Court.

Disposition:  Five years, one year suspended, credit for time served since April 2007, One year supervise probation.

Pede is currently on GPS Monitoring.

Pede is not wanted by police at this time, and has served the sentence imposed by the court.

This notification is meant for public safety and not to increase fear in the community, nor should this information be used to threaten, assault, or intimidate the offender.

Any attempts to harass, intimidate or threaten these offenders, their families, landlords, or employers will be turned over for prosecution.

Printed handouts of the demographics of Colten Michael Pede are available at the Jamestown Police Department.

More information on registered sex offenders is available at the North Dakota Attorney General’s web site: www.sexoffender.nd.gov

Jamestown  (CSi)  Jamestown Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund praised Brian Lunde for his efforts to spearhead, the revitalization of Jamestown’s Frontier Village.

On Tuesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Searle said Brian was approached by Jamestown City Council Member Pam Phillips to see if Brian through his development contacts might be able to come forward with ideas, and financial backing for the project.

Searle added that Brian is looking at infusing his own dollars into the project, along with bringing on board major developers, and that no city finances will be used.

Searle stressed the disrepair of the Frontier Village buildings, that will need a large amount of money for repairs.  He pointed out that only about half of the buildings are historical in nature. He said, Jamestown Tourism will manger the Village this summer, as Frontier Village will be open as usual in 2020.

He said, officials will step back and take a look at the big picture of what Frontier Village needs to become, in the future, including being an interactive and entertaining tourist attraction.

He agrees that the Jamestown community will need to come together, with ideas, and other support for Frontier Village in the future.

As reported previously by CSiNewsNow.com at the November  Tourism Grant Executive Board Meeting, the board voted 3-0 to have Tourism request the City Of Jamestown to free up $15,000 from the Capital Construction Promotion Fund as matching dollars for a Grant Request to the State Historical Society, to assist in funding toward the future of Frontier Village, as a short-term solution to the immediate situation. Board embers at the Tourism meeting included President Matthew Woods, Paulette Ritter, and Frank Balak.

There currently is $50,000 available in the Capital Construction Promotion Fund.

 

Valley City (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.

All members were present.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

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

Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,470,469.82

A Raffle Permit for VCSU Student Chapter of Wildlife Society

A Mechanical Contractor license for Kemen Plumbing & Heating

A 6 month (January 1 – June 30, 2020) Liquor license for the following establishments: a. Main Street Off Sale, LLC dba Tavern Ninety-Four,  Hi-Line Hospitality, LLC dba City Lights

2020 Vehicles for Hire License for South Central Adult Services

2020 L.P. Gas Permits for the following establishments:

CHS Inc dba Dakota Plains Ag

Farmers Union Oil Company of Moorhead, MN dba PetroServe USA #071,

CBF Oil, Inc. dba Vining Oil & Gas

A 2020 Pawn Shop License for Northwestern Industries

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

No One Spoke

RESOLUTION

Approved was a Resolution Authorizing Filing Of Application With North Dakota Department Of Environmental Quality For A Loan Under The Clean Water Act And/Or The Safewater Drinking Act for 7th Avenue NW & 2nd Avenue NE Improvements.  City Auditor Richter said the loan will be repaid through Special Assessments.  The loan request amount is not known at this time

 

Considered was a Resolution accepting the Bid and Awarding Contract to KPH Inc. for 5th Ave NW from Main St to 12th St NW.  KLJ reported that four bids were received, but over the estimates.  The local share is $2.7 million, after federal funding.  Administrator Schelkoph said costs can be reduced by having the city do the street light installation.  Commissioners moved to accept the bid with an amendment to have the city perform the street lighting installation.  Overall costs will be brought back to the City Commission.

 

City Commissioners approved the following requests from the Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation, explained by Director, Jennifer Feist:

 

Valley Development Group Roundtable funds in the amount of $60,000 per year for the next three years beginning October 1, 2019 thru September 30, 2022.  Funds come from economic development dollars.

 

Small Projects Funds in the amount of $14,000, an increase from last year’s request of $12,000.

She said the funds go toward property tax relief.

 

Approved was Contract for Services with Village Business Institute for Employee Assistance Program 2019 – 2021. City Attorney Martineck said the increase is $60 and he recommends approval of the three year contract.

 

Approved was the bid for 2020 VCPD patrol vehicle a Dodge Durango, from Miller Motors in the amount of $31,947.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

David Schelkoph said a city employee Dale Knutson has retired after 19 years of service.

City officials will request assistance from the State Water Commission, $3.67-million loan for permanent flood control.

With garbage issues, he said the city has purchased a hook truck to deliver garbage to Fargo by city employees.

He added the city has purchase a new sand truck.

He reminds residents to remove vehicles from the streets to assist in snow removal.

 

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS:

KLJ said construction continues on phases of the permanent flood control project.

Commissioner Powell thanked the city crews for hanging the Christmas decorations.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked the city crews for their work in clearing snow, last weekend.

He reminds residents that it is in violation of the City Code to push snow from property into the streets, with fines in place.

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

 

Valley City  (Chamber)  The Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce’s  annual Holiday Parade of Lights starts at 6-p.m.  on Thursday December 5 in on Central Avenue in Valley City. There is still time to enter into the parade, call the chamber at 701-845-1891.

Chamber Executive Director Kay Vinje says, prior to the parade, the Lunchbox Café, Vicky’s Viking Room and Dutton’s Parlour will sell food to go on Central Avenue.

On a recent Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Kay said, The Holiday Pop Up Shop will be located in the former Sanford Eye Clinic on Central Avenue, Thursday from 4-p.m to 8-p.m., with local arts and craft vendors. Downtown businesses will be open late for shopping with complementary treats and family fun activities.

Christmas caroling by the Valley City High School Choir and Band Ensembles.

CSi Cable 10 The Replay Channel is showing encores of  the Parade of Lights from 2011-2018.

Jamestown  (JRVLS)  The James River Valley Library System presents the sixth annual Mitten Tree, 2019.  Items sought are new or gently used mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves.

It’s the time of year again when the weather turns cold and we need to dig our hats, mittens, scarves and other warm clothes out of storage. To help those who may not have those necessary items during this cold weather season, the James River Valley Library System has placed a Mitten Tree in the Adult Section of the Alfred Dickey Library. We are asking the community to help us decorate our Mitten Tree by donating new or gently used hats, gloves, mittens and scarves for all ages. All donations will be given to the Salvation Army, which will give these items to those who need them.

Last year we received an outstanding amount of donations from our generous community, and we want to thank all those who helped make our Mitten Tree a huge success! This year we want to make it an even bigger success, so please stop by the library December 4, 2019, through January 3, 2020, and help us decorate our Mitten Tree again.

To learn more about the Mitten Tree, please contact the library at

701-252-2990 or adpl@daktel.com.

The James River Valley Library System is located in Jamestown, ND, and consists of the Alfred Dickey Branch, the Stutsman County Branch, and the Bookmobile.

We serve all of Stutsman County by providing access to free library services and materials.

 

Jamestown  (UJ)   University of Jamestown alumni, Dustin Jensen and Cassie DuBray, were named to Prairie Business magazine’s “40 Under 40,” an annual contest that honors 40 of the top business professionals under the age of 40 in the Dakotas and western Minnesota.

According to Prairie Business’ call for nominees, the magazine looks to recognize young professionals who are making significant impacts in their chosen profession, industry, and communities.

University of Jamestown President, Dr. Polly Peterson, says, “The University of Jamestown is proud to learn that Dustin and Cassie are being recognized in this way. Both are bright, talented, and committed individuals who make their organizations and their community better places to work and live.  The mission of the University is to provide a holistic education for our graduates as they seek opportunities to excel at their chosen careers. This award recognizes Dustin and Cassie for their early success as they strive to serve others both professionally and personally.”

Jensen serves as the Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs at University of Jamestown. In this role, he oversees the Student Life department including student activities, residence life, intramural and club sports, food service, campus safety, and the physical plant.

In addition to his role at UJ, Jensen also serves as the Regional Director for North Dakota Golf Association, works on the USGA Regional Affairs Committee, and is involved with the Knights of Columbus. Jensen graduated from University of Jamestown in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics with a minor in Information Technology.

DuBray serves as the Deputy Director for Great Plains Housing Authority, where she dedicates her time to helping and advocating for low-income households who receive rental assistance.

In addition to her role with the Housing Authority, DuBray also owns and operates DuBray Writing and volunteers on the executive board of the South Central Homeless Coalition and the Washington Elementary PTO. She completed four years on the Jamestown United Way board and has continued to champion for new programs in Stutsman County including the Diaper Drive, Blessing Bag drive, and partnerships with Firstlink. DuBray graduated from UJ in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication.

The “40 under 40” list will be published in Prairie Business magazine’s December issue.

Established in 1883, the University of Jamestown is a private, liberal arts university granting Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Science in Nursing degrees, as well as Master’s Degrees in Education, Leadership, Clinical Counseling, and a Fargo-based Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. With the Jamestown Journey to Success, emphasis is placed not only on preparing students academically in their chosen areas of study, but also on preparing them through a student-centered experience.

Wahpeton  (AP)  Sheriff’s officials say a man was seriously injured when his camper exploded in Richland County. It happened around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday near Dwight, which is about 10 miles northwest of Wahpeton.Authorities say the victim was rushed to St. Francis Medical Center in Breckenridge and then airlifted to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo.The state fire marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the explosion.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — A brigadier general and retired dean at the Air Force Academy will be the next president at the University of North Dakota. The state Board of Higher Education on Tuesday name Andrew Armacost to take over for Mark Kennedy, a former Minnesota congressman who earlier this year was named president at the University of Colorado. Armacost served more than 30 years on active duty and spent 20 years both a professor and executive at the Air Force Academy.

Bismarck (DEC. 3, 2019) – Officials from nearly a dozen agencies, including the Governor’s Office, Department of Emergency Services (DES) and North Dakota National Guard, began planning efforts Tuesday in anticipation of spring flooding after a record wet fall that has produced high river flows and left soils saturated heading into freeze-up.

The initial coordination meeting at DES headquarters in Bismarck was designed to lay the foundation for a unified approach to flood preparedness, response and recovery efforts. Other participating agencies included the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Department of Environmental Quality, Highway Patrol, Office of the State Engineer, State Water Commission and the National Weather Service. More information at CSiNewsNow.com

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s attorney general won’t pursue criminal charges against state library employees after an audit found some misallocated funds. Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says in a letter to state Auditor Josh Gallion that the issue did not reach a level of “criminal culpability.” The audit released last month found the library misallocated some funds, including giving nearly $12,500 to two public libraries that were not eligible to get it.

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota company that claims it can build a U.S.-Mexico border wall cheaper and faster than competitors has been awarded a contract to construct a portion of the structure in Yuma, Arizona. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded the contract to Fisher Sand and Gravel. The company will receive nearly $270 million of a $400 million contract. Company President Tommy Fisher is a GOP supporter and has appeared on conservative media touting his company as the best pick for building the wall.

 

In sports…

Tuesday…

SIOUX CITY, Iowa

NAIA Women’s Volleyball National Championship

SIOUX CITY, Iowa- (uj.edu) – The eighth-ranked University of Jamestown volleyball team did not let a 17-day layoff affect their play Tuesday, as the Jimmies opened up pool play with a 3-1 victory over Xavier (La.) Tuesday afternoon at the NAIA Women’s Volleyball Championship presented by Mariott South Sioux City Riverfront.

The Jimmies had not played since defeating College of Saint Mary (Neb.) in the Great Plains Athletic Conference postseason championship on November 16, and were one of 20 teams to receive a bye to the final site.

Jamestown (30-4) won the first two sets 25-18 and 25-22 to take a 2-0 lead. However, Xavier posted leads of 7-5, 11-5, and 15-10 in the third set until the Jimmies were able to close the gap to 15-13. A service ace by Hannah Schiele (SO/Jamestown, N.D.) brought UJ level at 23, but the Gold Nuggets took the final two points for a 25-23 set win.

In the fourth set, Xavier went ahead 10-8 before a Britta Knudson (SR/Bismarck, N.D.) kill ignited a 6-0 run to give Jamestown a 14-10 lead. The Gold Nuggets would win the next point to get within three at 14-11, but UJ finished the set with 11 of the final 17 points to seal the victory.

Knudson led four Jimmies in double figures with 14 kills while hitting .565 in the match. Taylor Sabinash (SO/Kensal, N.D.) (11 kills, .474 hitting), Ellie Michaletz (JR/Aitkin, Minn.) (10 kills, .217 hitting), and Corina Ruud (JR/Breezy Point, Minn.) (10 kills, .280 hitting) were also in double figures. Isabel Wedell (SR/Ellendale, N.D.) added eight kills on .261 hitting.

Miranda Lowman (SR/Mandan, N.D.) passed out a career-high 30 assists while Jackie Meiklejohn (SO/Dickey, N.D.) posted a double-double of 20 assists and 12 kills.

Jamestown outdug Xavier 77-62, led by Schiele’s 19 digs. Anna Holen (SO/LaMoure, N.D.) added 16 digs and Sydney Ellingson (JR/Langdon, N.D.) totaled 14.

UJ outhit Xavier .259-.142, including .308-.114 in the fourth set.

The Gold Nuggets (31-7) were led by Ema Causevic’s 11 kills, followed by Kayla Black with 10 and Bria Mayes with nine. Jennifer Torres had team-high 15 digs and Eva Le Gillou finished with 21 assists.

The Jimmies play Westmont (Ca.) Wednesday at 2 p.m. while Xavier matches up against No. 9 Columbia (Mo.) at 4 p.m.

Men’s Hockey…

Jimmie D-II Hockey falls to Dakota College. Tuesday Men’s Hockey Dakota College at Bottineau 6 Jamestown 0

Tuesday….

BOY’S HOCKEY

Jamestown 4, Devils Lake-Cando 2

East Grand Forks, Minn. 3, Grand Forks Central 2, 2OT

Fargo Davies 3, Fargo North 2

Fargo South/Shanley 7, Sheyenne 0

Minot 3, Mandan 0

West Fargo 5, Grafton-Park River 1

Williston 6, Dickinson 5

GIRLS HOCKEY

Bismarck High 6, Minot 0

East Grand Forks, Minn. 3, West Fargo-Sheyenne United 1

Fargo North/South 4, Moorhead, Minn. 1

Grand Forks Knightriders 4, Devils Lake 1

 

Bismarck  (CSi)  The Class B girls basketball,  preseason’s top 10 poll.

First place Votes are in parenthesis, followed by the team’s record and number of points received:

  1. Kindred (14) 0-0 176
    2. Langdon-Edmore-Munich (3) 0-0 153
    3. Grafton (1) 0-0 139
    4. Kidder County 0-0 86
    5. Trenton 0-0 79
    6. Hettinger-Scranton 0-0 69
    7. Thompson 0-0 68
    8. Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood 0-0 66
    9. Richland 0-0 46
    10. Four Winds-Minnewaukan 0-0 34

Others receiving votes: Linton-HMB (0-0), LaMoure-Litchville-Marion (0-0), Parshall (0-0), Shiloh Christian (0-0), Velva (0-0), Beach (0-0), Oakes (0-0), Grant County (0-0), Park River-Fordville-Lankin (0-0), Underwood (0-0), Carrington (0-0), Dickinson Trinity (0-0), Rugby (0-0)

 

T25 BASKETBALL…

UNDATED (AP) — Louisville has passed its first test since becoming the No. 1 team in The Associated Press men’s basketball poll on Monday.

The Cardinals are 8-0 after Jordan Nwora (NOHR’-ah) had 22 points and 12 rebounds in a 58-43 stifling of No. 4 Michigan. Steven Enoch had 10 points and 10 rebounds for Louisville, which held the Wolverines to a season-low 26% shooting.

Jon Teske had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Wolverines, who had sought their first victory over a No. 1 team since beating Duke 81-73 at home 22 years ago.

In Tuesday’s other top-25 men’s basketball action:

— Tenth-ranked Duke improved to 8-1 as Vernon Carey had 26 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in the Blue Devils’ 87-75 victory at No. 11 Michigan State. Blue Devils guard Tre Jones scored 20 points, matched a career high with 12 assists and made three steals as part of a defensive effort that forced 14 turnovers.

— Devonte Green scored a career-high 30 points and Trayce Jackson-Davis added 15 in leading undefeated and unranked Indiana past No. 17 Florida State, 80-64. The Hoosiers are 8-0 for the first time since 2012-13 and have beaten three straight ranked opponents under coach Archie Miller.

— Alex Lomax scored 17 points and 15th-ranked Memphis managed to beat Bradley, 71-56 despite shooting just 36.1%. The Braves hit just 26.8% of their field-goal attempts, including just 2 of 23 tries outside the arc.

 

— Jared Butler nailed six 3-pointers and scored 20 points in No. 18 Baylor’s wire-to-wire win over Maryland-Eastern Shore, 78-46. Devonte Bandoo added 14 points and Matthew Mayer added 12 in the Bears’ first win since capturing the Myrtle Beach Invitational nine days earlier.

— Obi Toppin scored 17 points and had a soaring, one-hand slam off one of his 10 rebounds to highlight No. 19 Dayton’s 99-68 romp over Houston Baptist. Trey Landers added 16 points and eight rebounds for the 6-1 Flyers.

— Kamar Baldwin scored 31 points and 24th-ranked improved to 8-0 with a 67-58 win over Mississippi. Baldwin shot 11 of 16 from the field, including 4 for 5 from 3-point range.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL-GEORGETOWN-SUSPENSIONS

Two Hoyas disciplined

WASHINGTON (AP) — Georgetown basketball starters James Akinjo and Josh LeBlanc will not play the rest of the season.

Coach Patrick Ewing has announced the sophomores are off the roster “effective immediately.” The written statement did not say why they are gone from the 4-3 Hoyas.

LeBlanc and teammates Myron Gardner and Galen Alexander had restraining orders filed against them in November amid allegations they harassed a female student and stole several items from her home.

No criminal charges have been filed.

NBA…

UNDATED (AP) —   Luka Doncic (DAHN’-chihch) scored 15 of his 33 points in the third quarter and grabbed 18 rebounds in just 28 minutes to power the Mavericks to a 118-97 rout of the Pelicans. Doncic had 12 points the first quarter and then broke open a three-point game by scoring 15 of the Mavericks’ 25 points in the final 9:18 of the third

Montrezl (MAHN’-trehz) Harrell scored 26 points and Paul George added 25 in the Clippers 117-97 thumping of the Trail Blazers. Kawhi (kah-WY’) Leonard added 11 points in helping extend the Clippers’ franchise-best start at home to 13-1.

 

The Miami Heat have ended Toronto’s seven-game winning streak and became the first team to knock off the Raptors in Canada this season.

Jimmy Butler had a triple-double of 22 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists as the Heat outlasted the Raptors, 121-110 in overtime. Butler scored eight consecutive points in 55 seconds to begin the extra session. He bailed out the Heat after they coughed up a seven-point lead in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter.

Duncan Robinson scored 22 points Bam Adebayo scored 18 points as Miami dropped Toronto to 9-1 at home.

Norman Powell had a team-high 23 points and Pascal Siakam (see-A’-kam) added 15 points with 12 rebounds for the Raptors.

Checking out Tuesday’s other NBA action:

— The Lakers share the league’s top record with Milwaukee at 18-3 after LeBron James had 25 points, nine assists and a crucial dunk off a miss late in the fourth quarter of a 105-96 victory over the Nuggets. Anthony Davis shook off flu-like symptoms to score 25 points and add 10 rebounds for the Lakers.

 

— The Spurs overcame James Harden’s 50 points by rallying from a late 10-point deficit to beat the Rockets, 135-133 in double overtime. Lonnie Walker IV had a career-high 28 points and DeMar DeRozan added 23 points, nine assists and five rebounds in San Antonio’s second straight home win.

 

— D.J. Augustin added 16 of his 24 in the fourth quarter of the Magic’s 127-120 verdict over the Wizards. Evan Fournier had a team-high 31 points against Washington, which lost for the fifth time in six games despite Bradley Beal’s 42 points.

— Blake Griffin was 6-for-7 from 3-point range while scoring 24 points in the Pistons’ 127-94 victory over the Cavaliers. Andre Drummond had 17 points and 14 rebounds for Detroit, which has won two straight for the first time this season.

NBA-NEWS

Wizards‘ Bryant, Grizzlies’ Clarke sidelined

UNDATED (AP) — Washington Wizards center Thomas Bryant has a stress reaction in his right foot and will be sidelined for at least three weeks before he’s re-evaluated.

Bryant is averaging 13.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. He was diagnosed Tuesday after experiencing pain in his foot following Sunday’s 150-125 loss at the Clippers.

In other NBA news:

— Five-time All-Star Kyle Lowry has returned to the Raptors’ active roster after missing the past 11 games because of a fractured left thumb. Lowry was averaging 21.8 points and 6.5 assists before he was injured in the first quarter of a win Nov. 8 at New Orleans.

— Grizzlies power forward Brandon Clarke has aggravated a sore left oblique muscle and now is week to week after getting hurt in the first half of Sunday’s win at Minnesota. Clarke has been productive in his first NBA season, averaging 11.8 points and 5.9 rebounds in 18 games.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL-CFP RANKINGS

Buckeyes stay atop CFP rankings

UNDATED (AP) — Ohio State goes into championship weekend as the top team in the College Football Playoff selection committee’s rankings, followed by LSU, Clemson and Georgia.

The Buckeyes take on Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game on Saturday, while the Tigers battle the Bulldogs for the SEC crown. Clemson is preparing for an ACC title game matchup with Virginia.

Utah is fifth in the CFP rankings, followed by Oklahoma, Baylor, Wisconsin, Florida and Penn State. The Sooners and Bears square off for Big 12 bragging rights.

Alabama has dropped to 12th, its lowest ranking in the six years the committee has been doing a weekly top 25 over the final third of the season.

The final rankings that set the pairings for the national semifinals come out Sunday.

NFL-NEWS

Panthers fire Rivera

UNDATED (AP) — The Carolina Panthers feel a coaching change is in order amid a four-game losing streak that has dropped the team out of playoff contention at 5-7.

Ron Rivera has been dismissed and replaced by secondary coach Perry Fewell on an interim basis. Rivera is the team’s all-time winningest coach, going 76-63-1 in the regular season and 3-5 in the playoffs. He guided the franchise to one Super Bowl appearance, two trips to the NFC championship game and three NFC South titles.

The Panthers are just 29-31 without a playoff victory since losing to the Broncos in Super Bowl 50 four years ago.

Elsewhere in the NFL:

— Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has confirmed that quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges will make his second straight start Sunday at Arizona. Hodges was 14 of 21 for 212 yards, one touchdown and an interception in helping the Steelers beat the Browns, 20-13 on Sunday.

— Dolphins running back Kalen Ballage has been placed on injured reserve after hurting his left leg in Sunday’s victory over Philadelphia. The second-year pro finishes the season with just 135 yards in 74 carries.

— Rams kick returner JoJo Natson has been placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. The Rams also signed rookie tight end Kendall Blanton from their practice squad.

— Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley has been placed on injured reserve after playing in just two games this season. Mosley suffered a severe groin injury in New York’s season-opening loss to Buffalo.

— The Browns have released defensive end Chris Smith, whose girlfriend was killed in a roadside accident earlier this season. He did not play in Sunday’s loss at Pittsburgh despite the Browns being short-handed on the defensive line with Myles Garrett out due to an indefinite suspension.

NHL..

UNDATED (AP) —  Carson Soucy broke a 2-2 deadlock early in the third period of the Wild’s 4-2 victory at Florida. Luke Kunin, Mats Zuccarello and Jason Zucker also scored and Kaapo Kahkonen stopped 44 shots as Minnesota won its fourth in a row.

 

— The Lightning pulled out a 3-2 win at Nashville on Nikita Kucherov’s (KOO’-cheh-rahvz) goal at 2:35 of overtime. Victor Hedman and Ondrej Palat (AHN’-dray pah-LAHT’) also scored and Andrei Vasilevskiy (va-sih-LEHV’-skee) stopped 30 shots as the Lightning snapped a three-game skid.

The Boston Bruins continue to share the NHL’s best point total with Washington after stretching their winning streak to eight games.

Jaroslav Halak (YAH’-roh-slahv) Halak notched his second shutout of the season and 49th of his career by handling 24 shots in the Bruins’ 2-0 win against the Hurricanes. Neither team scored until Charlie Coyle beat James Reimer with 4:05 remaining. David Krejci (KRAY’-chee) doubled Boston’s lead 68 seconds later as the Bruins improved to 20-3-5, good for 45 points.

Reimer stopped 32 shots in Carolina’s third loss in four games.

The Capitals kept pace by getting two goals apiece from Nick Hathaway and Jakub Vrana in a 5-2 victory at San Jose. John Carlson had a goal and two assists to reach 40 points for the season, tops among all NHL defensemen. Carlson had a hand in all three Washington goals during a span of 3:01 in the first period.

Elsewhere on NHL ice:

— The Canadiens’ eight-game winless skid is over after Phillip Danault (dah-NOH’) and Shea Weber each had a goal and an assist in a 4-2 triumph over the Islanders. Danault put Montreal ahead to stay by beating Thomas Greiss (grys) with 0.3 seconds left in the first period.

— Claude Giroux provided the go-ahead tally while the Flyers erupted for five goals in the third period of a 6-1 trouncing of the Maple Leafs. Travis Konecny had a goal and an assist for Philadelphia, which scored three times in the final 2:06 to wrap up its fifth straight win.

— Kyle Connor had a goal and two assists as the Jets handed the Stars their fourth straight loss since a seven-game winning streak, 5-1. Nikolaj Ehlers (NIH’-koh-ly) EE’-lurz), Josh Morrissey, Patrik Laine (LY’-nay) and Mark Scheifele (SHY’-flee) each had a goal and assist in Winnipeg’s fourth win in five games.

 

— Jonathan Marchessault (MAHR’-sheh-soh) scored three straight goals in the third period to rally the Golden Knights to their fourth straight win, 4-3 at New Jersey. Malcolm Subban (SOO’-ban) had 32 saves and Chandler Stephenson scored in his first game since being acquired Monday from the Capitals.

 

— The Coyotes ended a two-game skid as Darcy Kuemper (KEHM’-pur) stopped 33 shots in a 4-2 victory at Columbus. Carl Soderberg had an empty-netter and had assists on goals by Christian Fischer and Lawson Crouse.

— Zack MacEwen’s first NHL goal gave the Canucks a 4-0 lead in the first period of a 5-2 verdict over the Senators. Thatcher Demko turned back 40 shots in Vancouver’s second win in five games.

NHL-NEWS

Devils fire Hynes

UNDATED (AP) — The New Jersey Devils have fired coach John Hynes, one day after a 7-1 loss to Buffalo left the team 9-13-4 heading into tonight’s game against Vegas.

Hynes was 150-159-45 with one playoff appearance during his four-plus seasons behind the New Jersey bench.

Alain Nasreddine (ah-LAYN’ NAZ’-reh-deen) is serving as interim coach and Devils pro scout Peter Horachek (HOHR’-ah-chehk) has been added to the coaching staff as an assistant.

In other NHL news:

— Matt Stajan (STAY’-jan) has retired after 14 seasons in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames. Stajan had 146 goals and 413 points in 1003 NHL games.

MLB-NEWS

Oakland reaches deal with Diekman

UNDATED (AP) — Left-handed reliever Jake Diekman has accepted a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Oakland Athletics.

Diekman split last season between the Royals and A’s, going 1-7 with a 4.65 ERA and 84 strikeouts in 62 innings. He’s compiled a 15-22 record with seven saves and a 3.90 ERA in 441 big league games, all in relief.

In other MLB news:

— Top free agent pitcher Gerrit Cole was set to meet with Yankees officials in California. Cole finished second in the AL Cy Young Award voting after leading the league with 326 strikeouts and a 2.50 ERA while going 20-5. The Yankees took him in the first round of the 2008 draft, but he didn’t sign a major league contract until the Pirates made him the first overall choice in 2011.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS-BRIBERY

Stanford says college scam mastermind approached 7 coaches

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stanford University says a review found that the mastermind behind the college admissions bribery scandal had approached seven of its coaches about potential sports recruits over the past decade.

University President Mark Tessier-Lavigne said in a statement Tuesday that former sailing coach John Vandemoer was the only one of the seven to go along with the scheme proposed by college consultant Rick Singer. Vandemoer has pleaded guilty to charges that he accepted $270,000 in contributions to the program for agreeing to recommend two prospective students for admission.

In world and national news…

PARIS (AP) — France is getting ready for massive, nationwide strikes against government plans to overhaul the state pension system that will disrupt trains, buses and flights and force many schools to close. In Paris, where workers’ unions are planning a march on Thursday, police warned Wednesday of possible violence and damages and ordered all businesses, cafes and restaurants along the way to close. Air France said about 30% of its domestic flights will be cancelled.

 

WATFORD, England (AP) — President Donald Trump is meeting with NATO leaders near London as House Democrats get ready to resume their impeachment inquiry into whether he abused his presidential powers. Trump will also hold separate talks Wednesday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. But Trump’s biggest moment will come after the summit ends. That’s when he addresses journalists at a news conference as the House Judiciary Committee holds its first impeachment hearing in Washington.

 

WATFORD, England (AP) — NATO leaders have played down their differences and insisted that they remain united over security issues and determined to defend each other despite a series of spats between the presidents of some of the alliance’s biggest member countries. The leaders are holding a short meeting at a luxury hotel and golf resort outside London. They are due to issue a joint declaration underlining their commitment to NATO and to defend each other, despite the tensions.

 

WATFORD, England (AP) — Several NATO leaders have been caught in an unguarded exchange on camera apparently gossiping about U.S. President Donald Trump’s behavior. Footage was recorded during a reception at Buckingham Palace with the leaders of Canada, France, Britain and the Netherlands standing in a huddle with a British royal. Trump wasn’t mentioned by name during the exchange, but they appeared to be talking about Trump’s unscheduled question-and-answer session with journalists.

 

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The bishop of the Roman Catholic diocese of Buffalo has resigned following widespread criticism over how he handled allegations of clergy sexual misconduct. Pope Francis has accepted Bishop Richard Malone’s resignation and named the bishop of Albany, New York, to run the Buffalo diocese temporarily until a permanent replacement is found.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Judiciary Committee is moving swiftly to weigh findings by fellow lawmakers that President Donald Trump misused the power of his office for personal political gain and obstructed Congress’ investigation as possible grounds for impeachment. The Judiciary Committee is responsible for drafting articles of impeachment and prepared Wednesday morning for its first hearing since the release of a 300-page report by Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee that found “serious misconduct” by the Republican president. The report did not render a judgment on whether Trump’s actions stemming from a July 25 phone call with Ukraine’s president rose to the constitutional level of “high crimes and misdemeanors” warranting impeachment.