– Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Mar 4

CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Partly sunny. Highs around 40. South winds 5 to 10 mph increasing to around 15 mph in the afternoon.

.TONIGHT…Partly cloudy in the evening, then clear after

midnight. Lows in the upper 20s. West winds 15 to 25 mph.

.THURSDAY…Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow

showers in the morning, then mostly sunny in the afternoon.

Windy. Highs in the mid 30s. Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with

gusts to around 45 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows 15 to 20. West winds

around 5 mph with gusts to around 30 mph shifting to the

southeast after midnight.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 30s. South winds 10 to

20 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows around 30.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s.

.SUNDAY…Cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow in the afternoon.

Highs in the lower 30s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow. Lows

around 10.

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow in the

morning. Highs in the lower 20s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 5 to 10 above.

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

Scattered showers of light snow and wintry mix are expected this

afternoon into evening. Showers may briefly reduce visibility and

house a lightning strike or two.

The majority of snow accumulation will be under 1 inch. Minor travel impacts are possible through briefly reduced visibility and slick conditions.

Windy conditions on Thursday with gusts 45 mph or

higher possible bringing the potential for patchy drifting snow.

Scattered light snow showers are expected through Thursday morning. A

wintry mix and light snow accumulations will be possible Sunday

and Monday. Minor travel impacts will be possible.

Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met 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 $1,247,966.06

Blocking off the Street Request for Sheyenne Valley Soapbox Derby Association on June 6, 2020 on Central

Approved Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following businesses: a. Bakkegard & Schell, Inc.

Dakota Electric Construction Inc., Co.
Enterprise Electric, Inc.
Grotberg Electric, Inc.
Grotberg Electric, Inc. dba Triton Mechanical
Hi-Line Electric, Inc.
John’s Refrigeration & Electric, Inc.
Kohn Electric, LLC
Moorhead Electric, LLC
Peterson Mechanical, Inc.
RJ’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Scott’s Electric, Inc.
Wrigley Mechanical, Inc.

13. Sheyenne Mechanical

Approved a House Movers License for Carrington House Movers, Inc.

PUBLIC COMMENTS No One Spoke

City Commissioners approved Declaring a Flood Emergency, in to have paper work in order in the event of a flood.

City officials stressed that at this date there in NO imminent flooding concerns at this time in Valley City.

The City Commission approved an Amendment to Engineering Agreement for Permanent Flood Protection Phase IV. KLJ said it will prepare modeling for the Corps of Engineers, and quantities of resources, for reimbursement of spending, again, if need during any flood event. Included is utilizing survey crews.

NEW BUSINESS

Commissioners receive an Update Regarding 2020 Census. The information was shared, relative to the government statement on specifics. Also it was said, for every person not counted the state will lose $19,000 over 10 years. The senior center will have assistance with computers, for those needing help in filling out the forms. Census taker ID’s were explained for those going door to door to collect census information.

Recommendations were discussed from the Visitors Committee. Chairman Bobby Koepplin said those include: A recommendation is to include and/or amend a 12 month deadline to use funds with an option for a 6 month extensions for the Image Enhancement Grant, and an Image Enhancement Grant for Historic Buildings, and the Food & Beverage Grant, to go along with other grants. He outlined specifics, including explaining time lines and extensions. He noted how the extensions will affect each funding request, and requirements.

The City Commission voted to approve the recommendations with current projects that are obligated being grandfathered out of this recommendation. Outstanding projects including Wild Prairie Bakery, Brockopp Brewing, Ivy Real Estate, Chamber of Commerce – Rosebud

Approved was a Site Authorization for Valley City Hockey and Figure Skating Club at Youth Sports Complex.

Approved was the Purchase of Freightliner Truck with Leach Packer for Sanitation Department for net purchase price of $175,316.00

Approved the Purchase of Trailer from M&G Trailer Sales in the Amount of $13,822.50 for the Electrical Department.

The City Commission approved an Amendment to Engineering Agreement for Permanent Flood Protection Phase IV.

Commissioners approved a Cost-Share Request to ND State Water Commission for Additional Engineering Services for CLOMR Process. The dollars have been previously approved. The State Water Commission will make recommendations in April.

Approved was a request submit an application for an infrastructure loan to the Bank of North Dakota, regarding Valley Plains equipment expansion which will also be annexation into Valley City.

CITY UPDATES &COMMISSION REPORTS:

Commissioner Powell noted a High School sponsored fundraiser for the Erlandson Family who lost their home and belongings in last Wednesday’s explosion and fire at their Valley City home. It will be held Thursday evening, at the High School.

Commissioner Bishop noted the great work of the fire and police departments during the time of the fire.

Mayor Carlsrud pointed out zero electrical outages in Valley City in February this year.

He added that the weather service has reported, that to date, the snowpack in Valley City and snow-water equivalent is at the normal levels for this time of year.

City Attorney Martineck repeated that there is no imminent flooding concerns at this time in Valley City, and that the Emergency Flood Declaration is a formality that needs to be in place, with paper work in order, to submit to agencies, in the event that assistance would be needed, in a flood fight, and subsequent reimbursement of costs incurred by the city.

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

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (Bismarck Tribune) — Jamestown-area Republicans auctioned bottles of wine named for and signed by state Superintendent Kirsten Baesler just days after she was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. North Dakota District 12 and 29 Republicans held their Lincoln Day dinner last weekend. House Majority Leader Chet Pollert says that for years the dinner has included a wine auction as a fundraiser for candidates. Eleven bottles of “Baesler’s Bulldog Red” and “Superintendent Baesler’s Honor Roll White” were auctioned. The Bismarck Tribune says Baesler signed the bottles Saturday. The 50-year-old superintendent is seeking the North Dakota Republican Party’s endorsement for a third term. She was arrested on suspicion of driving drunk Wednesday night.

Jamestown (CSi) A number of organizations have applied in this round of Tourism’s City Capital Improvement Grants.

On Tuesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSI Cable 2, Jamestown Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund said one of those is on behalf of the National Buffalo Museum, requesting funds to purchase a kid’s interactive buffalo exhibit. He said children will have the opportunity to learn more about the American Bison, by being able to take the exhibit apart.

Other Grant Requests will be coming from officials with Jamestown Moto Cross, and Rodeo, along with plans for a Downtown Jamestown Wall mural.

He pointed out that a grant has been received from the North Dakota Historical Society, that will allow the hiring of an individual to catalog items at Frontier Village, for reference.

The Capital Improvement funds are distributed twice a year, in March and October.

Also discussed was the Jamestown City Council approving the lease agreements at Frontier Village, and the stagecoach and horse ride agreements.

Searle pointed out that Ft. Seward has received a grant toward the project that will install tent-type structures there, that he said with additional funding may enable to have the Fort installing them this summer.

Jamestown (CSi) The Runnin O’ the Green is Saturday, March 21, in Jamestown. Registration begins at 11 a.m., the first flight leaves Frontier Fort at 2 p.m., and the pub crawl finishes at Gladstone Inn & Suites. It will be held weekend after St. Patrick’s Day to not conflict with the NAIA National Women’s Wrestling Tournament in Jamestown and other pub crawl-type events around the region.

Event organizer Larry Knoblich tells CSiNewsNow.com, that this year’s Runnin O’ the Green will honor the Jack Brown family for its years of support for the event. The late Jack Brown was director of Jamestown Parks and Recreation Department many years ago when the Runnin O’ the Green changed its route to pass through McElroy Park.

Larry says last year, 1,550 people participated which was down from 1,770 people the previous year. Proceeds from the 2019 Run provided $25,000 in support to Elks Camp Grassick and about $10,000 to local cancer patients in the area.

More information to be posted at CSiNewsNow.com, when Larry Knoblich pays a return visit to the Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2.

Jamestown (UJ) Over the weekend of January 23, the Nursing Student Association of North Dakota (NSAND) met for their annual convention in Grand Forks, ND. Each of the schools of nursing in North Dakota are represented at this event.

University of Jamestown experienced outstanding results, with achievement of the following:

North Dakota State Student Nurse of the Year: Kelsey Marschke (junior)
North Dakota State Nursing Leadership Award: Megan Bidwell (senior)
Most Active NSA Chapter in the State: University of Jamestown

Faculty advisor of University of Jamestown Nursing Student Association (UJ NSA),Sheri Gunderson says, “Because of our emphasis at University of Jamestown on servant leadership on campus and in the community, our students not only strive to do well in their major, but excel in broader aspects. UJ students stand out in personal and group competitions. Kelsey and Megan achieved both of the individual awards given out at the state competition.”

Gunderson then expanded on the group’s achievement, saying, “Our chapter has demonstrated, year after year, our numerous activities including blood drives, hands-only CPR and AED training, community service, fundraisers, educational speakers, and outreach to university and high school students.”

Additionally, seven members of the University were elected to the NSAND state board. They are:

1st Vice President: Hayley Johnson (sophomore)
ND SNOY: Kelsey Marschke (junior)
Director of Community Health: Ruth Kpahn (freshman)
Local Arrangements: Amber Domres (sophomore) and Alexandra Glynn (sophomore)
Graduate Representative: Megan Bidwell (senior)
Faculty Advisor: Penny Briese (nurse faculty and UJ alum)

Gunderson says,“UJ NSA is one of nine chapters in the state, but UJ members were voted into seven of the 19 board positions, which is very impressive. All levels of students in the nursing program, from freshman to alumni, were ready to step up, give a speech about why they qualify, and commit to serving on the state level.”

University of Jamestown was the only University with a freshman nursing student at the convention. Gunderson commented on this unique situation: “UJ provides every freshman student with a foundations class that reveals their unique strengths and supports the use of these strengths in teams. The nursing program faculty encourage students to continue with co-curricular sports, arts, spiritual, service, and leadership activities throughout their time at UJ.”

This emphasis on co-curricular activities was made evident at the convention when UJ placed first in the Quarter Challenge Design Contest. In this contest, each chapter brought quarters collected locally for state award scholarships. They then had to quickly design a picture representing “The Year of the Nurse”.

“The University of Jamestown chapter won through teamwork and creativity by recognizing the achievements of the first professional nurse, Florence Nightingale,” explained Gunderson.

The primary purpose of NSA is to promote socialization into the nursing profession through education, leadership and service. The organization provides the opportunity for development of collegial and mentoring relationships among nursing students of all levels.

Sophomore Hayley Johnson, who was elected 1^st Vice President of the State Board, adds, “The experiences and opportunities that the University of Jamestown has given me is beyond what I thought I’d ever be blessed with,” explained “The friends, advisors and professors- I’m surrounded by the most positive and inspiring individuals.”

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. For more information, visit uj.edu.

Jamestown (CSi) SAFE Shelter in Jamestown announces the 3^rd Annual Rabbit Run, and Bunny Hop to benefit Mary’s Place, will be held on Saturday April 25, at Harold Newman arena on the University of Jamestown campus. Check in is from 8-a.m., to 8:45-a.m., and the Rabbit Run will start at 9-a.m., sharp, with prizes for the first three finishers in the men’s and women’s divisions.

The 3K Bunny Hop will start at approximately 9:05 AM and is a more casual walk/run through the UJ Campus. There will be treats along the way for the kids and Jamestown Inflatables will be there with a bouncy castle.

Costumes are encouraged! Make plans to bring the whole family for some fun and to help support Safe Shelter and Mary’s Place. And invite your friends!

The registration cost for both the Rabbit Run and the Bunny Hop is $25 for adults (12 and over) and $5 for children (under 12). Adult registration includes a T-shirt with this year’s logo. Children’s registration includes a medal with this year’s logo.

To register, text MPRUN2020 to 41444, or click here , or go to www.SafeShelterJamestown.org.

Bismarck (KFYR TV) Statement to the Public From Superintendent Kirsten Baesler Wednesday, March 4, 2020

“A week ago, I made an extremely poor decision when I got in my vehicle and drove after drinking alcohol. I recognize even more clearly today how deeply I disappointed so many people.

As a former teacher and a life-long learner, I understand that it is important to learn from your mistakes. To that end, I have decided to work with professional counselors in a formal treatment program to address my personal struggles regarding alcohol.

I understand and appreciate the need for the state superintendent to be an example for the students she serves. This incident was certainly one of my worst moments, and I’m so sorry.

It’s important to me to set an example by taking responsibility for my actions, with humility, and to learn from my mistakes — and with the help of professionals, that is exactly what I intend to do, with determination, humility and hard work to make amends for my mistakes.

I am asking for forgiveness, and the grace needed to get back up and take on my life with dedication and joy.

I remain committed to the work and results we are achieving at the Department of Public Instruction. I am proud of the work that my team and I have accomplished.

While I take this time to prioritize my health and well-being, I will recommit myself with even greater intention and focus toward serving North Dakota’s students and their families with passion and dedication.

I ask that you please don’t allow this mistake of mine to undo all the good work we have begun and all we have yet to accomplish together.

Today I commit to you that I will work diligently – one day at a time — to earn back your trust.”

–Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota has received federal approval to run their own laboratory tests on potential coronavirus cases. Health officials and Gov. Doug Burgum made the announcement Tuesday. The news conference outlined preparations to combat the virus that causes the COVID-19 illness. Officials say no cases have been reported in North Dakota. Burgum says it’s likely the virus will spread to North Dakota at some point. But he said “right now, our focus is on preparation, not panic.” Health officials say there is no cost for the testing, but a patient is responsible for treatment.

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — Investigators say the cause of a fire that destroyed a three-story apartment building in downtown Minot has been classified as undetermined. The Feb. 26 fire started early in the morning in a first-floor apartment and spread to other parts of the building. KFGO reports Minot Fire Marshal Dean Lenertz says due to the compromised condition of the structure, it’s been difficult for investigators to determine a direct cause. Lenertz says arson is not suspected. Twenty-six of the building’s 28 units were occupied and all tenants made it out safely. Six firefighters were treated for minor injuries.

In sports…

NDAPSSA Class B Boys Basketball Poll

(First-place votes in parenthesis)

12th poll

Team Rec. Pts. LW

Four Winds-Minn. (19) 19-1 198 1
Hatton/NW (1) 19-2 176 3
Rugby 18-2 159 4
Beulah 18-3 131 5
Enderlin 18-2 109 2
St. John 17-3 89 6
Hillsboro/CV 17-4 80 7
Kindred 16-4 73 9
Dickinson Trinity 18-3 54 8

Tuesday

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=

Class A East Region=

Quarterfinal=

Devils Lake 72, West Fargo 64

Fargo Davies 97, Fargo North 75

Fargo Shanley 60, Grand Forks Red River 53

Sheyenne 90, Fargo South 53

Class B Region 1=

First Round=

Central Cass 85, Sargent Central 43

Maple Valley 59, Milnor-North Sargent 56

Northern Cass 81, Hankinson 51

Oak Grove Lutheran 90, Wyndmere-Lidgerwood 60

Tri-State 64, Lisbon 48

Class B Region 2=

First Round=

Cavalier 79, Larimore 46

Drayton/Valley-Edinburg 66, Midway-Minto 60

Grafton 64, May Port CG 39

Griggs County Central 60, Park River/Fordville Lankin 57

North Border 68, Finley-Sharon/Hope-Page 49

Class B Region 7=

First Round=

Beach 67, Richardton-Taylor 45

Glen Ullin-Hebron 69, Mott-Regent 50

Hettinger/Scranton 57, Killdeer 39

New England 59, Heart River 54

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=

Class A East Region=

Quarterfinal=

Fargo Shanley 70, Valley City 48

Next, Valley City plays West Fargo Sheyenne at 3:45-p.m. Friday at the Scheels Center, SHAC.

Devils Lake 69, Wahpeton 52

Fargo Davies 59, West Fargo 37

Grand Forks Red River 52, Sheyenne 50

Tuesday…

Jamestown (uj.edu) The University of Jamestown men’s v olleyball team opened this week’s three-game home stand with a 3-0 win over Morningside (Iowa) College Tuesday night at Harold Newman Arena. Set scores were 25-19, 25-16, 25-21.

The victory improves the Jimmies’ record to 8-2 overall and 3-1 in the American Midwest/Great Plains/Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.

UJ led for the entirety of the first set, with Morningside only getting as close as 4-4. Jamestown would lead 21-11 before the Mustangs rallied for eight of the next 11 points to cut the lead to 24-19.

Set two was a bit more contested earlier on as the Jimmies held onto a slim 14-13 lead, gradually stretching it out to 19-16 before scoring the final six points on the strength of Braden Neumann (JR/Costa Mesa, Calif.)’s serving.

In the third set, Morningside had leads of 6-4 and 9-8, and managed to tie the set at 14 only to have the Jimmies score four straight points and swing the momentum in their direction. The Mustangs closed the gap to 22-20 and 23-21, but a Riley Semmens (FR/Murrieta, Calif.) kill and a Morningside attack error sealed the set and the match for Jamestown.

Clark Steele (JR/Lake Forest, Calif.) had 13 kills and hit .440 while Caylor Cox (FR/Helena, Mont.) finished with a double-double of 11 kills and 11 digs, hitting .450 for the match. Austin Jacob (FR/Houston, Texas) (eight kills, .417) and Derek Owens (FR/Andover, Minn.) (five kills, .500) also played a big role in UJ’s offense.

Derek Correa (FR/Vega Baja, Puerto Rico) passed out 36 assists in helping the Jimmies hit .366 as a team. Neumann had three of UJ’s five service aces and added seven digs. Owens had three total blocks (one solo) with Steele adding a pair of block assists.

Jamestown is back in action Thursday at 6 p.m. against Briar Cliff (Iowa) University at Harold Newman Arena.

NBA….

UNDATED (AP) — Malik Beasley contributed 28 points and D’Angelo Russell scored 14 of his 23 in the second half of the Timberwolves’ 139-134 downing of New Orleans. James Johnson scored 19 points and helped Minnesota shoot 55.7% from the field and 17-for-20 from the line. Zion Williamson scored 25 points and Jrue (jroo) Holiday had 27 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for the Pelicans, who are four games behind Memphis for the final Western Conference playoff berth.

— Caris LeVert pumped in a season-high 51 points and the Nets halted a four-game losing streak by outlasting the Celtics, 129-120 in overtime at Boston. Brooklyn erupted for 51 points in the fourth quarter to erase a 17-point hole before outscoring the Celtics, 11-2 in OT. Jaylen Brown finished with a team-high 22 points and Kemba Walker had 21 for the Celts, who fell 1 ½ games behind the Atlantic Division-leading Raptors.

— Anthony Davis scored 18 of his 37 points during the second-quarter to lead the Lakers past the 76ers 120-107. LeBron James had 22 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds for the Lakers, who moved to 47-13 with their ninth win in 10 games. Glenn Robinson III matched his career high with 25 points and Tobias Harris had 18, but the 76ers suffered their ninth straight road loss since Jan. 20.

Kawhi (kah-WY’) Leonard delivered 25 points and the Clippers picked up their fifth straight win by defeating Oklahoma City, 109-94. Paul George received a warm reception from Thunder fans before scoring 16 points against the team that traded him last summer. Montrezl (MAHN’-trehz) Harrell also had 16 points against the Thunder, who matched their most lopsided home loss of the season.

Dennis Schroder (SHROO’-dur) scored 24 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari each added 15 for Oklahoma City.

The Nuggets were stunned by the lowly Warriors as Eric Paschall (PAS’-kul) furnished nine of his 22 points in the fourth quarter of Golden State’s 116-100 win at Denver. Andrew Wiggins finished with 22 points and 10 assists in the Warriors, second win in their last 11 games. The Nuggets led by 12 midway through the third quarter before the Warriors embarked on a 43-15 run.

— Toronto ended a three-game skid as Pascal Siakam (see-A’-kam) provided 33 points and Kyle Lowry added 28 in a 123-114 win at Phoenix. Siakam scored 12 in the third quarter to help the Raptors erase a seven-point halftime deficit. Norman Powell added 26 points while backup Chris Boucher furnished 19 points and 15 rebounds.

— Dejounte (deh-ZHAHN’-tay) Murray scored 21 points and the Spurs gave Tim Duncan his first victory as an acting head coach with a 104-103 victory at Charlotte. San Antonio longtime coach Gregg Popovich missed the game while dealing with “personal business,” according to the team. Bryn Forbes added 15 points for the Spurs, who trailed by 17 in the first half.

— De’Aaron Fox poured in 31 points and the Kings blew a 28-point lead before winning for the sixth time in seven games since the All-Star break, 133-126 versus the Wizards. Bogdan Bogdanovic finished with 21 points and Buddy Hield (heeld) added 17 as Sacramento had seven players score in double figures.

NBA-NEWS

Kyrie Irving has shoulder surgery

UNDATED (AP) — Kyrie Irving has undergone surgery to repair the injured right shoulder that ended his first season with the Brooklyn Nets after just 20 games.

The Nets say the procedure to relieve the impingement was performed Tuesday at the Hospital for Special Surgery. The team says Irving is expected to make a full recovery.

Irving began having trouble with the shoulder as he worked to get back in shape after another injury in the preseason. He missed 26 games before returning in January.

Irving signed with Brooklyn in July along with Kevin Durant, who is recovering from surgery to repair his Achilles tendon.

In other NBA news:

— The Pistons say guard Derrick Rose suffered a sprained right ankle during the first quarter of Sunday’s loss at Sacramento and is expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks. The 31-year-old Rose is averaging 18.1 points over 50 games this season, his highest scoring output since 2011-12. He was the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2010-11 but hasn’t played more than 66 games in any season since.

— Suns forward Kelly Oubre (OOL’-bray) Jr. will miss at least four weeks after having surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. Phoenix has gone 0-3 while the 6-foot-7 Oubre sat out because of the injury. Oubre ranks third on the team with 18.7 points per game and is averaging 6.4 rebounds.

T25 MEN’S BASKETBALL…

UNDATED (AP) — Michigan State has pulled into a first-place tie with Maryland in the Big Ten.

The 16th-ranked Spartans are 13-6 in the conference after turning a 19-point, first-half deficit into a 78-71 victory at No. 20 Penn State. Xavier Tillman Sr. scored 23 points and had 15 rebounds for Michigan State, which trailed 46-31 at intermission before scoring the first nine points of the second.

Rocket Watts added 18 points, Cassius Winston had 14 and Aaron Henry chipped in 12 for the Spartans.

The Terrapins lost for the third time in four games as Jacob Young came off the bench to score a team-high 17 points in Rutgers’ 78-67 win against Maryland. Montez Mathis added 15 points and Gio Baker had 11 as the Scarlet Knights snapped a three-game losing streak and improved to 19-11 overall.

Jalen Smith had 16 points and 10 rebounds for Maryland, while teammate Anthony Cowan added 19 points. But the Terps shot a horrendous 6 of 32 from 3-point range, including 2 of 16 in the first half.

The Spartans and Terrapins will have company atop the conference if Wisconsin and Illinois each win their next game.

— Eric Hunter Jr. dropped in a career-high 19 points and Evan Boudreaux added 14 with 14 rebounds to help Purdue beat No. 18 Iowa, 77-68. The Boilermakers dominated inside, scoring 30 points in the paint and enjoying a 47-33 edge in rebounding. Luka Garza led the Hawkeyes with 26 points and 12 rebounds, his 15th double-double of the season.

— John Fulkerson scored a career-high 27 points and Tennessee rallied from a 17-point deficit to upset sixth-ranked Kentucky, 81-73 at Lexington. The Wildcats appeared in control leading 51-34 early in the second half before the Volunteers outscored them 29-9 over the next 10:09. Tyrese Maxey had 21 points and Immanuel Quickley 15 for the Wildcats.

NHL…

UNDATED (AP) — Kevin Fiala (fee-AH’-lah) scored for the fifth straight game and Minnesota moved ahead of Nashville in the Western Conference playoff race by topping the Predators, 3-1. Luke Kunin (KOO’-nihn) and Zach Parise (pah-REE’-say) also had goals and Alex Stalock (STAY’-lahk) made a season-high 37 saves for the Wild, who have won four times during Fiala’s streak. The Predators lost their third straight game and had a seven-game winning streak against Minnesota snapped.

The Boston Bruins have added two more points to their lead in the NHL’s Atlantic Division by notching their third straight win.

Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk provided power-play goals in the Bruins 2-1 triumph at Tampa Bay. Marchand opened the scoring in the last minute of the opening period and DeBrusk doubled Boston’s lead midway through the second.

Tuukka (TOO’-kah) Rask stopped 20 shots and blanked the Bolts until Mitchel Stephens notched a short-handed goal late in the second period.

The Bruins lead the division by nine points over the Lightning and pace the entire NHL with 96 points.

— Brayden Schenn broke a 1-1 deadlock midway through the third period before the Blues completed a 3-1 victory over the Rangers. Jaden Schwartz added an empty-netter and set up the deciding goal as St. Louis won its eighth in a row to expand its lead in the Central Division to three points over Colorado. The Rangers remain seventh in the Metropolitan Division after their third straight loss.

— The Penguins ended their six-game losing streak as Sidney Crosby scored and collected his 800th career assist in their 7-3 rout of Ottawa. Bryan Rust collected his third career hat trick for the Penguins, who tied a season high in goals and ended their longest slide in eight years. Pittsburgh defenseman John Marino tallied 48 seconds into his return after missing 11 games due to facial surgery.

— William Karlsson notched his 100th career goal and Robin Lehner stopped 27 shots in his 300th career game to spark the Golden Knights to a 3-0 win over the Devils. Lehner recorded his first shutout of the season and improved to 2-0-0 since joining Vegas from Chicago at the trade deadline. Max Pacioretty (pash-uh-REH’-tee) and Ryan Reaves also scored as the Knights kept their two-point lead over Edmonton atop the Pacific Division.

— The Oilers pulled out a 2-1 win over the Wild on Alex Chiasson’s (CHAY’-sahnz) power-play goal 1:08 into overtime, Mikko Koskinen (MEE’-koh KAHS’-kih-nehn) stopped 42 shots and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tallied in Edmonton’s third straight win. Oilers forward Leon Draistaitl (DRY’-sy-tul) picked up his league-high 108th point with an assist.

— San Jose ended Toronto’s three-game winning streak as Evander Kane provided two goals in the Sharks’ 5-2 victory against the Maple Leafs. Stefan Noesen (NAY’-sehn) and Antti Suomela (soo-oh-MEH’-lah) each added a goal and an assist for the Sharks. The Leafs wasted Auston Matthews’ 46th goal of the season.

— The Islanders continued their slide from an Eastern Conference playoff berth with their fourth straight loss, 6-2 against the Canadiens. Joel Armia (ahr-MEE’-uh) and Brendan Gallagher each had a goal and an assist as Montreal beat New York for the sixth time in seven meetings. Carey Price needed to make just 20 saves and blanked the Islanders until Brock Nelson made it 4-1 with just under 14 minutes left.

— Forward Kyle Connor has a career-high 35 goals after scoring twice while furnishing an assist in the Jets’ 3-1 victory over the Sabres. Connor scored on the power play and at even strength, and he set up a short-handed goal. Tucker Poolman also tallied and Connor Hellebuyck (HEH’-leh-buhk) made 25 saves for Winnipeg.

— Dylan Strome (strohm), Alex Nylander (NEE’-lan-dur) and Patrick Kane hit the net on consecutive shots late in the second period of the Blackhawks’ 6-2 trouncing of the Ducks. Strome scored twice and added an assist in the rout.

MLB-NEWS

Sale has elbow soreness

UNDATED. (AP) — The Boston Red Sox say starter Chris Sale has undergone an MRI after experiencing soreness in his throwing elbow.

Manager Ron Roenicke (REH’-nih-kee) said Sale felt the soreness in his elbow Monday morning, the day after his 18-pitch batting practice session. Sale missed the last seven weeks of last season due to elbow inflammation, finishing the year 6-11 with a 4.40 ERA in 25 starts.

Sale already was slated to start this season on the IL after reporting to camp with pneumonia.

In other MLB news:

— Carlos Carrasco made his first start for Cleveland since last May, allowing two runs over two innings against the Angels. He was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia last May and missed three months while undergoing treatment. He returned to pitch 15 innings of relief in September.

— An arbitrator has accepted Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein’s rationale for delaying Kris Bryant’s debut at the start of the 2015 season. The ruling was that there was no proof of “a nefarious motive” by Epstein to delay the third baseman’s eligibility for free agency. The decision accepts Epstein’s explanation that injuries to Mike Olt and Tommy La Stella prompted the timing of Bryant’s call-up to the Cubs in April 2015. Had Bryant been brought up one day earlier, he would have been eligible for free agency after this season.

—Yankees outfielders Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton are likely to miss the team’s season opener at Baltimore on March 26 because of their injuries. Judge is having more tests to determine the cause of soreness in the right pectoral area near his shoulder. Stanton strained his right calf last month.

— Houston ace Justin Verlander says the groin tightness that has slowed him this spring is no longer worrisome. Verlander made his Grapefruit League debut on Tuesday, throwing 2 2/3 innings against the Cardinals.

— St. Louis pitcher Andrew Miller will be sidelined for an undetermined amount of time as he tries to regain the feel for his pitches. The two-time All-Star and 2016 ALCS MVP with Cleveland says there’s no pain, but that his release simply doesn’t feel right.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NCAA TOURNAMENT

An NCAA Tournament with empty arenas? It can’t be ruled out

UNDATED (AP) — The NCAA is ruling out no contingencies when it comes to coronavirus and the NCAA Tournament.

In an interview with Bloomberg News, Chief Operating Officer Donald Remy did not dismiss the possibility of games being played with no fans in arenas. The games presumably would still be televised.

The NCAA declined further comment to the AP on the possibility of no fans in the stands. Also, the NCAA announced it has established a coronavirus advisory panel of medical, public health and epidemiology experts and NCAA schools.

OBIT-PORTAL

Portal, who helped guide Chris Froome at Tour, dies at 40

PARIS (AP) — Nicolas Portal, a team official who helped guide four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome to victory at the race, has died. He was 40.

Portal’s cycling team, Ineos, says the former rider turned sports director died suddenly at his home in Andorra on Tuesday. Media reports say he had a heart attack.

As Froome’s sports director, Portal helped plot the Briton’s wins at the Tour, speaking into his ear via radio from a team car.

Froome says on Twitter that “He was the kindest, happiest guy I knew and always lived life to the fullest.”

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — A resurgent Joe Biden scored sweeping victories from Texas to Massachusetts on Super Tuesday, revitalizing a presidential bid that was teetering on the edge of disaster just days earlier. But his rival Bernie Sanders seized the biggest prize with a win in California that ensured he would drive the Democrats’ nomination fight for the foreseeable future.

Minnesota favored Joe Biden over Bernie Sanders

Suddenly, a Democratic Party presidential field that once featured more than two dozen candidates has transformed into a two-man contest. Biden and Sanders battled for delegates as 14 states and one U.S. territory held a series of high-stakes elections that marked the most significant day of voting in the party’s 2020 presidential nomination fight.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Technical issues have plagued voting sites throughout California, including in the nation’s most populous county. Long lines and an overloaded new voting system in Los Angeles County prompted a legal complaint Tuesday from Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. Registrar Dean Logan apologized for the problems and said they’ll need to fine-tune the system. Some locations saw delays of two hours or more, including at the University of Southern California and in Beverly Hills. Separately, the secretary of state’s office said election workers in 15 counties couldn’t connect to the statewide voter registration database.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iranian state television says Friday prayers have been canceled across all provincial capitals amid the country’s growing coronavirus outbreak. The report Wednesday comes as Tehran and other areas canceled Friday prayers last week over the outbreak. Iran earlier announced that the new coronavirus has killed 92 people amid 2,922 confirmed cases across the Islamic Republic, the highest death toll in the world outside of China.

A steep drop in business trips is dealing a gut punch to a travel industry already reeling from the virus outbreak. Amazon has told its nearly 800,000 workers to postpone any non-essential travel. Swiss food giant Nestle told its 291,000 employees to limit domestic business travel and halt international travel until March 15. Industry events like the Geneva Motor Show have been canceled, and companies including Twitter have told employees to work at home. The changes will be costly for airlines and hotels. One analyst says airlines depend on business travel for 55% of their revenue. The Global Business Travel Association estimates the virus is costing the business travel industry $47 billion per month.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Joe Biden ended a triumphant Super Tuesday with a narrow victory in Texas. He handed rival Bernie Sanders a disappointing loss, even though he snatched a larger prize in California. The win capped a resounding and resurgent Super Tuesday across the South for the former vice president, who won at least nine states, but none was bigger or more symbolic than Texas.

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey says that two more of its soldiers have been killed in a Syrian government attack in northwestern Syria, as steady clashes between the two national armies continued to rack up casualties. Turkey has sent thousands of troops into the area to support Syrian insurgents holed up there, but hasn’t been able to stop the Russian-backed Syrian government offensive to retake the Idlib province. The assault came as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to depart for Moscow where he says he aims to broke a cease-fire in Syria with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Moscow has sought to lay the blame for the escalation on Ankara.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The U.S. military says it has conducted an airstrike against Taliban forces in southern Afghanistan, only days after American and Taliban officials signed an ambitious peace deal in the Mideastern state of Qatar. U.S. military spokesman Col Sonny Leggett said in a tweet Wednesday that it was the first U.S. strike against the militant group in 11 days. He said the attack was to counter a Taliban assault on Afghan government forces in Nahr-e Saraj in the Helmand province. President Donald Trump confirmed Tuesday that he spoke on the phone to a Taliban leader, making him the first U.S. president believed to have ever spoken directly with the militant group responsible for the deaths of thousands of U.S. troops in nearly 19 years of fighting in Afghanistan.