CSi Weather…

.REST OF TODAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 20s. Northwest winds 5 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Cloudy with a 20 percent chance of snow and freezing drizzle. Lows around 15. North winds 5 to 10 mph.

.THURSDAY…Cloudy. Highs around 20. North winds 5 to 10 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Cloudy. Lows around 10. North winds around

5 mph.

.FRIDAY…Cloudy. Highs in the lower 20s. North winds around

5 mph shifting to the south in the afternoon.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 10 to 15.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s.

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

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the lower 20s.

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

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.

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

 

Jamestown  (CSi)   Jamestown Public Works informs motorists that Wednesday, January 22, 2020, traffic will be restricted to one lane south bound along 1st Ave South in the 200 block area due to construction work at 214 1st Ave South. This lane restriction will continue throughout the day.
Motorist should use extreme caution in this area.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — President Donald Trump has approved a disaster declaration for North Dakota after an October storm dumped heavy rain and snow on a large part of the state. Gov. Doug Burgum made the request last month and announced Trump had approved it on Tuesday. Burgum’s office said the rainfall and blizzard caused up to $9.7 million in damage to public infrastructure. The presidential disaster declaration unlocks federal funds to help cities, counties and townships pay for the costs of repairing roads and other infrastructure. Burgum said the multiple weather disasters depleted local road and emergency fund budgets.

The presidential declaration unlocks public assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help cities, counties and townships pay for the costs of repairing roads and other infrastructure damaged by the October storm and flooding.

The declaration covers 16 counties: Barnes, Eddy, Foster, Grand Forks, Griggs, Kidder, LaMoure, Logan, Mountrail, Nelson, Sargent, Sheridan, Stutsman, Traill, Walsh and Wells. A copy of Burgum’s Dec. 13 request letter and supplemental materials can be viewed here.

Stutsman County Emergency Manager Jerry Bergquist reported that they were in the process of working through the declaration.

Bergquist says, “This is very good news, especially for township governments in Stutsman County that experienced more than 3 million dollars in road related damages last fall.  Details of how this declaration will work have not yet been made known to the Emergency Managers yet. It’s very unlikely that any road repair work will occur until after the snow melt.”

“This declaration will provide critical relief to local governments that incurred substantial costs from the historic early October rain and snowstorm,” Burgum said. “We’re deeply grateful to President Trump and FEMA for granting our request and making assistance available as our local jurisdictions continue to recover from an unprecedented wet fall and prepare for potential spring flooding.”

Jamestown  (CSi)  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reduced releases at  Pipestem Dam, as a rise in the river indicated ice formation.

The Corps continues to monitor the James River’s ice conditions.

Releases were reduced 50 cubic feet per second to 200 cfs from Pipestem Dam.

At Jamestown Dam releases are still at 450 cfs for a combined 650 cfs through Jamestown, which is planned to remain constant.

 

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

Commissioner, Magnuson, was not present.

PROCLAMATION

Mayor Carlsrud read a Proclamation declaring January 26 – February 1 as Catholic Schools Week.

 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

A Raffle Permit for Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals, Valley City High School Music Boosters

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  No One Spoke

 

RESOLUTION

Commissioners approved Refinancing of 2008 Bonds by Essentia Health.  Ronni Tansey, Chapman & Cutler, LLP joined the meeting by phone.

 

The City Commission approved a Joint Powers Agreement by and among Cass County, cities of Jamestown, Wahpeton, and Valley City, North Dakota for Issuance of Revenue Bonds under Municipal Industrial Development Act.

 

Approved was a Resolution Approving the Issuance of Bonds by Cass County, North Dakota on behalf of Essentia Health and its Affiliates under the Municipal Industrial Development Act.

 

Commissioners approved a Resolution Approving the Replat of Lots 2 Through 17, Walkers Addition. City Attorney Martineck said 10 feet of each lot will now be dedicated for a permanent flood control wall.

 

Approved were Resolutions for 2020 Valley City Public Works utility rate increase. Public Works Accountant Jacobson.

Resolutions included:

Establishing Electric Utility Rates an increase of three percent.

Establishing Water Utility Rates an increase of nine percent.

Establishing Sewer Utility Rates an increase of four percent.

Public Works Department Manger, Gary Jacobson said the last increase was in 2016.

 

Approved were Resolutions for Paving Improvement District No. 120.

 

Approved was a Resolution Creating Paving Improvement District No. 120 (NDDOT Project# UGP-2-999(051), PCN 22280), a mill and overlay project on Central Avenue S

Approved was a Resolution Approving Engineers Report & Directing Preparation of Detailed Plans, Specifications & Estimates of Probable Cost for Paving Improvement District No. 120

Approve Resolutions for Paving Improvement District No. 121.

 

A Resolution Creating Paving Improvement District No. 121 (2020 Seal Coat)

A Resolution Resolution Approving Engineers Report & Directing Preparation of Detailed Plans, Specifications & Estimates of Probable Cost for Paving Improvement District No. 121 (2020 Seal Coat)

 

NEW BUSINESS

Approved was a Construction Engineering Contract for 5th Avenue NW Reconstruction Project in an amount not to exceed $339,500.00 (Paving Improvement District No. 118; Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 65; Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 53; Watermain Improvement District No. 101.

The project is estimated to start in May this year, or sooner if weather permits. The public will be informed what areas will be worked at, and when.

 

City Commissioners approved the purchase of EZ-Screen 1200XLS in the amount of $45,898.79 for the screening of compost. Public Works Accountant Jacobson recommends approval.

 

The City Commission approved a Gaming Site Authorization for North Dakota Winter Show at the North Dakota Winter Show Event Center. City Auditor Richter said the authorization was standard allowing raffles to be conducted.

 

Approved was the 2020 Employee Policy & Procedure Manual. City Attorney Martineck explained the changes, including sick leave policy, and strengthening  background checks, and conducting random drug testing.

 

CITY UPDATES &COMMISSION REPORTS

City Attorney Martineck said a transition team will be formed in seeking a successor for City Administrator, David Schelkoph.  He said a job posting for the position will be made. He expects a new City Administrator to be in place in 60-90 days.

Dave Andersen reminded residents that it is unlawful to place snow in city streets.  He said piles of snow on street corners will be removed, as soon as crews finish clearing alleys.

Commissioner Powell and Mayor Carlsrud said city crews did a timely job of clearing snow from last weekend’s blizzard, and praised fire and police, and first responders in getting to calls through difficult conditions.

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

 

Valley City  (USB)  Customers of U.S. Bank in Valley City have been notified that the Valley City Branch will be closing its doors on April 16, 2020.

The statement from District Leader, Kathryn Astrup says, “ Customers Banking preferences and behaviors are changing influencing  how and where we operate.”

It adds, that the change will not affect accounts, and there will be no interruption of service.

The statement points out that customers can still manage their money anytime with their convenient online, mobile, and phone access.

A bank representative was fairly certain the ATM will be available after the Valley City Branch closes, and will contact CSiNewsNow.com with a more definitive answer.

A full list of U.S. Bank branches and ATM’s can be found at usbank.com/locations.

For more information contact the call center, at 888.713.9299

Valley City  (Chamber)  The Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce reminds members that the Annual Chamber Meeting is coming up Tuesday January 28th. This meeting is an opportunity to have input in the direction of your Chamber and discuss plans for the upcoming year. As part of the meeting, discussion will include current needs of Chamber Member businesses and brainstorm ideas as to how the Chamber can meet those needs within our current abilities. This will also be a great time to network your business.
Those wishing to attend the  meeting is asked to RSVP by Thursday January 23rd.

Jamestown  (Chamber)  Members of the chamber Young Professionals of Jamestown and the Chamber Ambassadors recently presented the Business of the Month Award to Premium Property Management, Inc. for their outstanding customer service and continued commitment to the community.

The nomination stated, “Tim Perkins has grown his business from working out of his home to his current location in downtown Jamestown. I have had the privilege of working alongside Tim for three years. He is so kind, thorough and delivers timely and kind customer service. Truly believe that him alongside his business is exactly the type of professionalism that is needed in Jamestown.”

 

The Young Professionals of Jamestown honor businesses that provide superior customer service, exhibit community spirit and provide a positive economic impact to the community.  This award provides recognition throughout the month with a plaque and a recognition banner for the month. Monthly award winners will be considered for the Business of the Year to be awarded at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet in January of 2021.  Business of the Month award nomination forms are available at the Chamber office and online at www.jamestownchamber.com .  Call 701-252-4830 for more information.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  Prairie Paws Rescue invites the community to support their efforts by attending the “Raise The Woof,” stand-up comedy show, Saturday, February 1, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Downtown Jamestown.  Doors open a 7-p.m., and the show starts at 8-p.m.  Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of show.  Only 200 tickets are available.

Advance tickets available at Dr. Dawn’s Pet Stop, Country Acres Vet, Southwood Vet, the Knights of Columbus Hall, or any Prairie Paws Rescue volunteer.

Prairie Paws Rescue Co-Founder and Organizer, Kaye John says, proceeds raised go toward costs  for food, spaying/neutering, and other needs. Prairie Paws is non-profit and depends on on donations and volunteers to operate.   Volunteers include, Wells Fargo Bank Team Members, Tractor Supply Team Members, Walmart Associates, and Kiwanis Club members.

Raise the Woof will include raffles and silent auction items.

News this year is the Balloon Pop Game of Chance, where participants buy a dart for a $10 donation, allowing them to throw until they pop a balloon, and keep the prize inside.  Prizes range in value from $2 to $100.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The 2020 Polar Pig, Walk The Plank to support the JRMC Hospice program will be on Saturday, February 1, at Stutsman Harley-Davidson in Jamestown.

Don Wegner says, the event will include, a Silent and Live Auction from 10-a.m to 1-p.m.

Registration begins at 10:30-a.m., and Walk The Plank begins at noon.

Sponsors include:  Stutsman Harley-Davidson, the local Harley Owners Group (HOG) Chapter, and ABATE North Dakota.

Jamestown  (JSDC)   The Jamestown Stutsman Development Corporation (JSDC) reports that an extension of exclusivity agreement has been signed with a company interested in locating in Stutsman County.

SEPA COO, Connie Ova says the January 10 extension of exclusivity agreement is with a company exploring a value added Ag processing project in Stutsman County.

The news release says, “The extension to July 10th allows continued due diligence and progressive movement forwardSEPA board of directors and staff are pleased with great progress to date and optimistic about good news to come.”

No further details were released.

 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The amount of water being released into the Missouri River from Gavins Point Dam will be reduced slightly to protect drinking water supplies even though the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is still working to eliminate water from last year. The Corps said Tuesday it is trimming the amount of water flowing out of Gavins Point to 27,000 cubic feet (764.55 cubic meters) per second. Corps spokeswoman Eileen Williamson said the new lower releases will allow the level of Lewis and Clark Lake to stabilize and ensure communities will be able to continue drawing drinking water from the lake.

(AP)  North Dakota wildlife officials say chronic wasting diseases is growing significantly in the state’s deer herd with eight additional cases discovered after the fall deer hunt. The state Game and Fish Department says that brings the number of confirmed cases in hunted deer to 24 since 2009 when CWD was first found in the state. CWD is a contagious neurological disease affecting deer, elk and moose which results in emaciation and death. The Bismarck Tribune reports it was not detected in any deer harvested in eastern North Dakota. And, no elk or moose in the state have tested positive.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A former intern for the Democratic-NPL Party in North Dakota has been named as its new executive director. The party’s Policy Committee voted unanimously for Michael Taylor. He worked as caucus director for the House and Senate Democratic-NPL caucuses during the 2019 legislative session and also was a legislative assistant to House Minority Leader Josh Boschee. The Bismarck Tribune says Taylor, a native of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, was an intern for the party in 2016 and was later hired as a field organizer and then operations director in 2017. His family has lived in Bismarck since 2015.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Iowa regulators have gone beyond their counterparts in North Dakota by requiring owners of the Dakota Access Pipeline to provide expert analysis to back up the company’s claim that doubling the line’s capacity does not increase the potential of a spill. Energy Transfer wants to double the capacity of the pipeline to as much as 1.1 million barrels daily to meet growing demand for oil shipments from North Dakota, and is seeking permission for additional pump stations in the Dakotas, Iowa and Illinois to do it.

 

In sports…

Tuesday High School Bball

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=

Beulah 58, New England 48

Bismarck Legacy 66, Bismarck High 59

Bowman County 63, Harding County, S.D. 60

Central Cass 74, Linton-HMB 50

Dickinson 57, Mandan 56

Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier 62, Barnes County North 60

Fargo Davies 83, Devils Lake 39

Garrison 88, Parshall 44

Grand Forks Central 75, Wahpeton 67

Hatton-Northwood 47, Cavalier 42

Hillsboro/Central Valley 69, Griggs County Central 32

Kindred 72, Sargent Central 23

Langdon-Edmore-Munich 73, Dunseith 66

Leola/Frederick, S.D. 55, Ellendale 50

Maple Valley 49, Milnor-North Sargent 41

Minot 65, Bismarck Century 57

Mott-Regent 66, Grant County 59

Northern Cass 85, Finley-Sharon/Hope-Page 48

Oak Grove Lutheran 66, Lisbon 48

Richland 74, Wyndmere-Lidgerwood 38

Sheyenne 81, Fargo North 64

Tri-State, S.D. 65, Hankinson 53

Underwood 57, Turtle Lake-mercer 27

Watford City 65, Williston 39

West Fargo 66, Fargo South 52

 

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=

Benson County 56, Rolla 54

Bismarck Century 62, Minot 54

Bismarck Legacy 62, Bismarck High 59

Bowman County 45, Killdeer 29

Central Cass 63, Linton-HMB 55

Des Lacs-Burlington 45, Lewis and Clark-Berthold 32

Devils Lake 91, Fargo Davies 76

Divide County 45, Ray 40

Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier 45, Barnes County North 20

Ellendale 38, Leola/Frederick, S.D. 24

Glen Ullin-Hebron 50, Richardton-Taylor 39

Glen Ullin-Hebron 50, Richardton-Taylor-Hebron 39

Glenburn 49, Bishop Ryan 42

Grafton 52, Thompson 39

Grand Forks Central 58, Wahpeton 47

Hillsboro/Central Valley 43, Griggs County Central 26

Kenmare 56, Stanley 52

Mandan 65, Dickinson 51

Medina-Pingree-Buchanan 48, Strasburg-Zeeland 26

Midway-Minto 66, North Border 31

New Rockford-Sheyenne 47, Lakota 42

Northern Cass 59, Finley-Sharon/Hope-Page 41

Park River/Fordville Lankin 45, May Port CG 38

Rugby 59, Bottineau 49

Surrey 38, South Prairie 35

Trenton 71, Parshall 52

Underwood 31, Turtle Lake-Mercer-McClusky 29

Velva 62, Drake-Anamoose 25

Watford City 65, Williston 39

West Fargo 90, Fargo South 49

Westhope-Newburg 58, Towner-Granville-Upham 57

 

Tues. High School Hockey

BOY’S HOCKEY

Jamestown 5, Dickinson 3

Devils Lake-Cando 2, Fargo North 2, tie

Fargo South/Shanley 3, Fargo Davies 0

Grand Forks Central 6, West Fargo 0

Grand Forks Red River 5, Sheyenne 1

Mandan 4, Bismarck High 1

May Port CG 4, Breckenridge-Wahpeton Blades, Minn. 0

Minot 10, Hazen/Beulah 0

 

 

GIRLS HOCKEY

Fargo Davies 9, Jamestown 1

Bismarck High 10, Dickinson 0

Fargo Davies 9, Jamestown 1

Fargo North/South 3, West Fargo-Sheyenne United 0

Minot 7, Mandan 0

 

Tuesday

VCSU Bball

VALLEY CITY   (VCSU)  – Four Vikings scored in double figures as the Valley City State women’s basketball team defeated Trinity Bible College, 88-26.

Valley City State dominated the floor Tuesday as the Vikings recorded 23 steals, 10 blocks, and 48 rebounds including 23 on the offensive glass. The Vikings also scored 40 points off of 34 Lion turnovers.

Adriana Torres led the Vikings with a double-double, scoring 21 points and pulling down a career-high 14 rebounds in the game. Dani Schwanke added 17 points while Taryn Dieterle scored 12. Emily Schafer tallied 14 points and five assists for the Vikings. Maara Nelson added a team-high six assists and six steals Tuesday.

The Vikings struck first and never looked back in the dominant win over the Lions. With 6:22 on the clock in the first quarter, a layup from Dieterle began a 10-0 run to build a double-digit lead they would maintain throughout the game. Torres scored 11 of her 21 points in the second quarter as Valley City State led 46-18 at halftime.

Valley City State had their biggest quarter of the night coming out of the locker room, scoring 25 points in the third quarter. With 4:17 on the clock, the Trinity Bible possession featured three straight blocks by the Vikings, two by Macey Kvilvang and one by Maara Nelson, as they forced a shot-clock turnover.

The Vikings held Trinity Bible to just two points in the fourth quarter as they took the win 88-26.

Valley City State shot 43 percent from the field (36-83), 30 percent on 3’s (6-20), and 63 percent from the free throw line (10-16). Trinity Bible College shot 23 percent from the field (11-48), 11 percent on 3’s (2-18), and 67 percent from the free throw line (2-3).

Valley City improves to 7-9 overall and currently sit at 4-1 in the NSAA. Trinity Bible falls to 2-11 this season.

Trinity Bible College was led by Stacia West who recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Lions.

UP NEXT: Valley City State hosts a pair of conference doubleheaders this weekend when they face Mayville State on Friday, Jan. 24 at 5:30/7:30 p.m. The Vikings host Presentation College on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 3/5 p.m.

Men…

VCSU  113  Trinity Bible College 73

VALLEY CITY   (VCSU)  – Six Vikings scored in double figures Tuesday night as the VCSU men’s basketball team rolled to a 113-73 victory over Trinity Bible College.

Playing their final non-conference game of the season, the Viking men held a 53-37 lead at halftime and then put the game out of reach with a 60-point second half.

Valley City State improves to 6-13 overall and is now 4-2 over its last six games. The Vikings are currently tied for fourth in the NSAA standings with a 2-3 conference record. VCSU resumes NSAA play by hosting conference-leader Mayville State University on Friday night.

On Tuesday, eight Vikings scored at least eight points in the victory over Trinity Bible College. Logan Nelson led the way with team highs of 22 points and five assists. Connor Entzi poured in 18 points, while Matthew Schlottman made three 3’s off the bench and scored 17 points.

Kevin Schramm had a big double-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Hunter Sand also posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds – including seven offensive rebounds. Denzel Kennedy turned in 10 points, six rebounds and three steals.

The Vikings shot 59 percent overall (44-75) and 63 percent in the second half. VCSU was 10-for-26 on 3-pointers and went 15-for-20 at the free throw line. VCSU had 46 points off the bench and held a 64-22 advantage in paint points.

Trinity Bible College had all five of its starters score in double figures, including a team-high 17 points by Logan Klitzke. Khalil Bolden added 16 points and Austin Molan had 14 points and seven rebounds.

The Lions shot 39 percent overall (29-75), 33 percent on 3’s (12-36) and went 3-for-4 on free throws.

VCSU held a 55-26 rebounding advantage, including an 18-11 edge in offensive rebounds. The Vikings had 19 assists, 13 turnovers, three blocks and nine steals. Trinity Bible finished with seven assists, 12 turnovers, two blocks and nine steals.

Up next: Valley City State (6-13, 2-3 NSAA) hosts conference leader No. 24 Mayville State University on Friday night. The men’s game tips at 7:30 p.m., preceded by the women’s game at 5:30 p.m

 

MLB-NEWS

Derek Jeter, Larry Walker elected to Hall of Fame

UNDATED (AP) — Derek Jeter and Larry Walker will be giving speeches in Cooperstown, New York, this summer.

Jeter was a near-unanimous selection for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The former Yankees shortstop and longtime team captain appeared on all-but one of the 397 ballots cast by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Ex-teammate Mariano Rivera is the Hall’s only unanimous first-ballot selection.

Walker will join Jeter on the induction stage after being elected in his 10th year on the ballot. Walker was named on 76.57% of the ballots, just above the required 75%.

Jeter won five World Series while batting .310 with 260 home runs and 1,311 RBIs in a 20-year career spent entirely with the Yankees. Walker spent 17 seasons in the majors, hitting .313 with 383 home runs and 1,311 RBIs for the Expos, Rockies and Cardinals.

Pitcher Curt Schilling was third with 278 votes to fall short of the 75% mark in his eighth ballot appearance.

In other MLB news:

Brewers…

The Milwaukee Brewers home ballpark will have a new name next year after a 20-year deal with Miller comes to an end. American Family Insurance announced Tuesday evening that Miller Park will become American Family Field next Jan. 1. A new logo and other branding elements will be revealed later. The Brewers a year ago announced the 15-year naming rights deal with American Family, but the name of the ballpark wasn’t known until now. No terms of the agreement were announced. The deal with Miller was worth $40 million. The brewing company, now MillerCoors, showed little or no interest in extending the naming rights.

— The Braves and free-agent outfielder Marcell Ozuna (oh-ZOO’-nuh) have worked out a one-year, $18 million deal that puts him on the team he helped beat in the playoffs last October. Ozuna hit .429 with two home runs for the Cardinals in their five-game win over Atlanta in the NL Division Series. He batted .241 with 29 home runs and 89 RBIs during the regular season.

— The Red Sox say second baseman Dustin Pedroia (peh-DROY’-uh) has suffered a significant setback while rehabbing his left knee injury. It is the latest blow to the four-time All-Star’s attempt to return to the field. The 2008 American League MVP has been on the mend since 2017. Pedroia has had multiple surgeries on the knee, has been limited to just nine games over the past two seasons.

— The Los Angeles City Council wants Major League Baseball to strip the Astros and Red Sox of their World Series titles and award the trophies to the Dodgers. The symbolic resolution, meant as a statement against cheating, was introduced after it was revealed that the Astros used a system by then-coach Alex Cora in 2017 to tip off batters on what pitch was to be thrown.

 

NBA-CLIPPERS/MAVERICKS

Clippers down Mavericks to extend win streak

DALLAS (AP) — The Los Angeles Clippers picked up their fourth straight win while dealing the Dallas Mavericks their first loss in five games.

Kawhi (kah-WY’) Leonard poured in 36 points and Landry Shamet (SHAM’-eht) hit two clutch 3-pointers late in the Clippers’ 110-107 downing of the Mavs. Dallas had a one-point lead until Shamet nailed a 3 with 2:48 remaining to put Los Angeles ahead to stay. He added another trey and finished with 18 points.

Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis (KRIHS’-tahps pohr-ZIHN’-gihs) scored 10 points on 4-for-17 shooting in his return after missing 10 games with right knee soreness. Dallas finished the game without Dwight Powell, who went down on a non-contact play with a right Achilles tendon injury late in the first quarter.

Luka Doncic (DAHN-chihch) had 36 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists for the Mavericks.

NBA-STERN MEMORIAL

Magic Johnson at Stern memorial: I’m going to miss my angel

UNDATED (AP) — Current and former NBA stars gathered in New York Tuesday in a 2 ½ hour tribute to former NBA commissioner David Stern, who died earlier this month after a brain hemorrhage.

A tearful Magic Johnson called Stern “his angel.” Johnson recalled how Stern supported him playing in the 1992 All-Star Game despite some players concerns and fears about Johnson being HIV positive.

Others former stars who packed Radio City Music Hall included big men Bill Russell and Yao Ming to dazzling distributors such as Johnson and Isiah Thomas. Stern spent 30 years as commissioner.

In other NBA news:

— The Trail Blazers have pulled off a multi-player deal that brings them Trevor Ariza (ah-REE’-zah), Wenyen Gabriel and Caleb Swanigan from the Kings for Kent Bazemore, Anthony Tolliver and two second-round draft picks. Ariza is a 15-year-veteran who was averaging six points and 4.6 rebounds for the Kings this season. Bazemore has started 21 of his 43 games this season, averaging 7.9 points and four rebounds.

T25 MEN’S BASKETBALL

Brawl caps Kansas-Kansas State game

UNDATED (AP) — Kansas and Kansas State renewed their rivalry on Tuesday, and the ending was rather ugly.

The third-ranked Jayhawks rolled to an 81-60 win over the Wildcats in a game that was capped by a wild melee behind a basket. Kansas was trying to run out the clock when Silvio De Sousa was stripped by the Wildcats’ DaJuan Gordon near midcourt. Gordon tried to go in for a layup, but De Sousa recovered and blocked his shot, sending Gordon to the floor before barking at the fallen player.

That triggered benches to empty and punches to be thrown in what amounted to a rugby scrum. At one point, De Souza picked up a stool and held it above his head, looking like he was about to swing it at a Kansas State player before assistant coach Jerrance Howard grabbed it from him.

Christian Braun (brown) scored a career-high 20 points and Devon Dotson added 18 as Kansas improved to 15-3. Udoka Azubuike (oo-DOH’-kah az-oo-BOO’-kay) finished with 10 points and 14 rebounds to help the Jayhawks beat the Wildcats for the 14th straight time at Allen Fieldhouse.

— No. 8 Duke has followed back-to-back losses with an 89-59 rout of Miami. Freshman Matthew Hurt scored 15 of his 22 points while the Blue Devils were outscoring the Hurricanes, 48-24 in the opening half. Tre Jones added 16 points for the 16-3 Blue Devils.

— Jalen Smith dropped in a career-high 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as No. 17 Maryland topped Northwestern, 77-66. Aaron Wiggins had 17 points in the Terrapins’ first win in five road games

— Ashton Hagans scored 14 of his 23 points in the second half to help 15th-ranked Kentucky close out an 89-79 victory over Georgia. The Wildcats led just 55-52 until Keion Brooks Jr. scored six points during a 14-4 run.

Brad Davison scored 14 points, D’Mitrik Trice added 11 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists and Wisconsin used a big second half to power past Nebraska 82-68. After leading 39-38 at halftime, the Badgers opened the second half on a 20-4 run to hand the Cornhuskers their fourth straight loss. Davison sparked the surge by knocking down back-to-back 3s out of the locker room. Dachon Burke Jr. had a game-high 20 points and Kevin Cross scored 17 off the bench for Nebraska, which countered with a 19-7 run of its own to pull within 66-61.

The Aztecs reain the only unbeaten team in men’s Division One after Malachi Flynn scored 18 points and Yanni Wetzell dominated inside with 14 points in a 72-55 stifling of Wyoming 72-55. The 20-0 Aztecs matched the longest winning streak in program history and equaled the 20-0 start by the 2010-11 team led by Kawhi (jah-WY’) Leonard.

 

— Saddiq Bey (sah-DEEK bay) hit four 3-pointers and scored 14 points in ninth-ranked Villanova’s 76-61 win against No. 13 Butler. Jermaine Samuels had 20 points in helping the 15-3 Wildcats send the Bulldogs to their third consecutive loss.

 

— Desmond Bane scored 27 points and TCU returned home following an 0-2 road trip to beat No. 18 Texas Tech, 65-54. Kevin Samuel grabbed 11 rebounds and had 11 points, including three straight baskets that put the Horned Frogs ahead by double-digits.

— No. 21 Illinois was a 79-62 winner at Purdue behind Kofi Cockburn’s 22 points and 15 rebounds. Trent Frazier added 21 points for the Illini, who have won five straight Big Ten games for the first time in nearly seven years.

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Evansville makes coaching change

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Evansville men’s basketball coach Walter McCarty has been fired and replaced by assistant Bernie Seltzer for the remainder of the season.

McCarty was placed on administrative leave on Dec. 26 so university officials could investigate allegations of sexual misconduct and violations of the school’s Title IX policy. Seltzer had been running the club during McCarty’s absence.

NHL..

UNDATED (AP) —  Brian Elliott stopped 19 shots and the Flyers made it five wins in their last seven games by blanking the Penguins, 3-0. Jakub Voracek and James van Riemsdyk (REEMZ’-dyk) tallied to back Elliott’s first shutout of the season and 39th of his career. Justin Braun added an empty-netter for Philadelphia, which dealt Pittsburgh just its fourth in 19 games since Dec. 12.

 

Joel Quenneville’s (KWEHN’-vihlz) “Q” rating remains very high in Chicago.

The sellout crowd roared and bellowed “Q!” during a sustained standing ovation after the Blackhawks aired a tribute video during the first period of their game against Quenneville’s Florida Panthers. The 61-year-old Quenneville was back at United Center for the first time since being dismissed by the Hawks last year following three Stanley Cup titles in 10-plus seasons behind their bench.

Quenneville watched as Frank Vatrano recorded a hat trick in the Panthers’ sixth straight win, 4-3 over the Blackhawks. Evgenii Dadonov (dah-DAH’-nahv) ran his goal streak to four games, Mike Hoffman had two assists, and Sergei Bobrovsky (boh-BRAHF’-skee) made 32 saves for the Cats.

Elsewhere on NHL ice:

— The Bruins pulled out a 3-2 win over the Golden Knights on David Krejci’s (KRAY’-cheez) goal with 7:42 left. Jake DeBrusk tied it early in the third period and Krejci also assisted on Jeremy Lauzon’s first goal of the season. Jaroslav Halak (YAH’-roh-slahv hah-LAHK) stopped 27 shots as Boston entered the All-Star break with a win following a 1-2-1 stretch.

 

— The Islanders avenged their two losses to the Rangers last week as Josh Bailey delivered a goal and two assists in the Isles’ 4-2 win at Madison Square Garden. Brock Nelson netted his team-high 20th of the season for the Islanders, who also got goals from Anthony Beauvillier (boh-VIH’-lee-ay) and Anders Lee. Thomas Greiss (grys) stopped 40 shots and blanked the Rangers until Pavel Buchnevich (booch-NEH’-vihch) scored on a power play with 6:15 remaining.

— Justin Williams scored twice in his second game back in the league to push the Hurricanes past the Jets, 4-1. Williams furnished the winning goal in Sunday’s shootout for a 2-1 win over the Islanders, his first game after signing a free-agent contract with Carolina. Teuvo Teravainen (TOO’-voh tehr-ah-VY’-nehn) had a goal and two assists for the Hurricanes, who enter the All-Star break with two straight wins after a three-game skid.

TENNIS-AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Day 3

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Roger Federer extended his streak of reaching the third round at the Australian Open by beating Filip Krajinovic 6-1, 6-4, 6-1. The 20-time major champion needed only 1 hour, 32 minutes to win. He has won the title in Australia six times and made the third round or better every year since his debut at Melbourne Park in 2000.

In women’s action, Serena Williams moved a step closer in her bid for a record 24th major title with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Tamara Zidansek to reach the third round at the Australian Open.

In other men’s action:

Defending champ Novak Djokovic (JOH’-koh-vihch) fired 16 aces in a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 downing of Tatsuma Ito (tat-SOO’-mah EE’-toh). Sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas got a walkover into the third round when Philipp Kohlschreiber pulled out of their scheduled match because a muscle strain.

In other women’s action:

— Women’s No. 1 Ash Barty rolled into the third round with a 6-1, 6-4 triumph over Polona Hercog (poh-LOH’-nah HURTS’-ahg).

— Defending women’s champion Naomi Osaka won her second-round match by overcoming swirling winds on Margaret Court Arena to beat Zheng Saisai 6-2, 6-4. American teenager Coco Gauff trailed 4-6, 0-3 before pulling out a three-sets victory against Sorana Cirstea to move into the third round against Osaka.

— Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova (kuh-VIH’-toh-vah) saved three set points in the second set before beating Paula Badosa 7-5, 7-5 to advance to the third round. Kvitova lost last year’s final here to Osaka.

— Also advancing to the Round 3 were No. 14-seeded Sofia Kenin, No. 18 Alison Riske, No. 25 Ekaterina Alexandrova and Julia Goerges, who beat 13th-seeded Petra Martic 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

NFL-NEWS

Beckham recovering from surgery

UNDATED (AP) — Cleveland Browns star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is recovering from surgery to repair a core muscle injury.

Beckham played most of last season with a sports hernia. He didn’t miss a game, but the three-time Pro Bowler didn’t make the same kind of game-breaking plays that made him so dangerous for the New York Giants. A full recovery is expected.

In other NFL news:

— Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (TOO’-ah tuhng-ah-vy-LOH’-ah), Ohio State defensive end Chase Young and Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor are among 99 juniors granted eligibility by the NFL into the draft. The league released the official list of 120 players entering the draft.

DOCTOR-SEXUAL ASSAULT-COACH

Investigators search home, gym of coach tied to Nassar

GRAND LEDGE, Mich. (AP) — Michigan authorities have searched the home and former gym of a gymnastics coach who had ties to disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar.

The Lansing State Journal posted photos of a man with a police coat carrying a box away from John Geddert’s house near Lansing, Michigan.

A spokesman for the state attorney general says Geddert was a U.S. Olympics gymnastics coach who worked closely with Nassar. Gebbert’s gymnastics club was where many of the Nassar sexual assault victims were abused.

In world and national news..

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s official news agency says that masked gunmen ambushed and killed the local commander of a paramilitary security force in a southwestern town. The slain commander was an associate of Iran’s top general who was recently killed in an American drone strike in Baghdad. The commander header a paramilitary wing of the Revolutionary Guard used for internal security and other tasks. He was shot to death early on Wednesday morning in front of his home. A motive was not immediately clear, but his units had been involved in violent clashes with demonstrators in the area in November in which many protesters were injured and killed.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has approved rules for President Donald Trump’s trial on two articles of impeachment. Nearly 13 hours after the first full day of the trial began, senators voted along party lines to accept the rules at close to 2 a.m. Wednesday. Democrats failed to persuade Republicans to agree to issue subpoenas for documents and witnesses, though those matters can be revisited later. After one particularly bitter exchange, Chief Justice John Roberts admonished the Democratic House managers and the White House counsel to “remember where they are.” Earlier, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell dropped plans for two late-night sessions to hear opening arguments, instead spreading arguments over three days.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — Opening statements and the first witness testimony are expected Wednesday in Harvey Weinstein’s New York City rape trial. The once-celebrated “Pulp Fiction” producer faces the possibility of life in prison if he’s convicted. Though dozens of women have accused Weinstein of misconduct, his New York trial involves just a pair of allegations. Prosecutors say he raped a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and sexually assaulted a different woman in 2006. Weinstein’s lawyers say any encounters were consensual. They point to emails they say show Weinstein and some of his accusers were in consenting relationships.

 

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — A U.N. report says more than 70% of the world’s people live in countries where inequality has grown since 1990, including China and India. But the World Social Report 2020 released Tuesday says increasing inequality is not a universal trend. It points to a decline of income inequality over the last two decades in most countries of Latin America and the Caribbean and in many African countries. The report that says despite such progress, the share of income going to the richest 1% of the global population has increased significantly.

 

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese health authorities are urging people in the city of Wuhan to avoid crowds and public gatherings after warning that a new viral illness infecting hundreds of people in the country and causing at least nine deaths could spread further. A national health official says 440 cases are confirmed in China. The nine deaths are all in Hubei province, where the first cases were reported last month. The illness comes from a new coronavirus that experts say may be spread through the respiratory tract and may be mutating. A World Health Organization meeting in Geneva later Wednesday will determine whether to declare the outbreak a global health crisis.