Wayne Byers Show – Morning -Mar 18

CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Chance of drizzle, light freezing drizzle and snow in the afternoon. Widespread fog through the day. Highs in the mid 30s. Northeast winds 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

Highs in the lower 30s. Northeast winds 5 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Snow and chance of light freezing drizzle in the

evening, then snow after midnight. Patchy blowing and drifting

snow after midnight. Colder. Snow accumulation around 2 inches.

Lows around 15. North winds 15 to 20 mph.  Chance of precipitation 90 percent.

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

morning in the Jamestown area, 40 percent in the Valley City area. Patchy blowing and drifting snow through the day. Windy.

Highs 15 to 20. North winds 20 to 30 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph in

the afternoon.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Patchy blowing and drifting snow.

Lows zero to 5 above. North winds 20 to 25 mph.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs around 15. Northwest winds 5 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows zero to 5 above.

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

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

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around 20.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the mid 20s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow in the morning,

then slight chance of rain possibly mixed with snow in the

afternoon. Highs in the upper 30s. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.

 

A complex weather system will bring winter weather impacts to the

Northern Plains today into Thursday. Areas of freezing drizzle are

possible through tonight, mainly south of Highway 2. Light ice

accumulations may occur, but some melting will take place on

surfaces this afternoon as temperatures warm.

Accumulating snow is likely across much of western and central

North Dakota this evening through tonight. Around 2 to 4 inches of

snow is possible north of Interstate 94, with lower amounts to

the south. The snow is expected to taper off Thursday morning.

Thursday will be much colder, with strong northerly winds. The

James River Valley may see gusts to 45 mph Thursday afternoon.

There could also be some patchy blowing snow on Thursday, mainly

east of Highway 83

Keep up to date with the latest forecast on this developing

weather situation.

 

Update…

Jamestown  (UJ) University of Jamestown President, Dr. Polly Peterson, has announced that the University will move to online learning to support prevention efforts aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Dr. Peterson says, “Throughout the past few weeks, the Administration’s desire has been to retain the classroom experience for our residential programs while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those we serve. Unfortunately, with the rapidly changing circumstances that inform and influence our decisions, the Administration has made the decision to continue our semester in an online learning environment through Monday, April 13, with the goal of returning to campus on Tuesday, April 14.”

Originally, the University planned to have students return to in-person classes on March 23, after extending Spring Break one week.

Campus housing will continue to remain open with available dining options. To read Dr. Peterson’s full announcement, as well as past announcements pertaining to COVID-19, please visit uj.edu/coronavirus.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Stutsman County Commission has passed an Emergency Declaration  in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drafted by Stutsman County Emergency Manager, Jerry Bergquist, the declaration  allows Stutsman County access to any potential funding that would cover costs or damages accrued during the outbreak.

Stutsman County COO and Auditor, Nicole Meland, adds the closure of the Stutsman County Courthouse has been authorized, to start Monday, March 23,2020.  Courthouse staff will continue to work and be available by phone or the internet during the closure.

Southeast District Court has canceled all jury trials

 

Update….Wednesday Morning….

Bismarck  (State Health Dept., Mar 18, 2020) – The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) Wednesday confirmed a new case of COVID-19 which is the first confirmed case of community spread of the disease in North Dakota. 

Community spread means the spread of an illness for which the source of infection is unknown. In the Morton County case, the patient had no history of travel and no contact with any person who has been confirmed to have COVID-19. The individual from Morton County is a woman in her 30s who is not hospitalized and is self-isolating at home.   

The NDDoH is working to identify other individuals who may have come into close contact with the patient while she was symptomatic. These individuals will be contacted directly by the NDDoH. These individuals will be monitored by public health for fever and respiratory symptoms.

“This is the first confirmed case of community transmission in North Dakota, and it reinforces the importance for all North Dakotans to practice social distancing and stay home when you’re sick, even if it’s minor,” Gov. Doug Burgum said.

“If you are sick, you need to stay home. If you are being tested for COVID-19 or a family member is, you need to stay home until your test results are in,” said Mylynn Tufte, North Dakota State Health Officer. “Self-isolating, washing your hands and keeping six feet away from other individuals is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Burgum, Tufte and other state officials and health professionals will hold a press conference at 4 p.m. today at the NDDoH, 1720 Burlington Drive, Bismarck. The press conference will be livestreamed on the NDDoH Facebook Page.

Burgum, Tufte and state health officials strongly recommend that North Dakotans follow the guidelines released by the White House on Monday to slow the spread of coronavirus, including:

• Stay home and don’t go to work if you feel sick.
• Practice good hygiene: wash your hands, avoid touching your face and cover coughs and sneezes.
• If someone in the household has tested positive for coronavirus, keep the entire household at home.
• Older individuals and those with underlying health conditions should stay away from other people.
• Work from home when possible.
• Avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people.
• Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants and food courts – use drive-thru, pickup or delivery options.
• Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips and social visits.

Health officials also ask individuals returning from traveling on a cruise ship or individuals returning from skiing in Colorado to self-isolate for two weeks and self-report on the NDDoH website.

 

Symptoms of COVID-19 in people who have been exposed can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Individuals who think they may have COVID-19 but have minor symptoms should self-isolate at home. Individuals seeking medical attention should call before they go in.

 

For questions related to COVID-19, the public can call the NDDoH health hotline at 1-866-207-2880 daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Individuals who need medical advice should contact their health care provider.
For the most updated and timely information and updates related to COVID-19, including test result counts, visit the NDDoH website at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus , follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Valley City  (CSi)  The City of Valley City passed a Resolution Tuesday, declaring Health Emergency in response to the COVID-19 virus.

The declaration allows the city access to potential funding stemming from   damages from the global Coronavirus pandemic.

City Attorney Carl Martineck said the city commission decided to close access to city hall to protect staff members from contracting the virus.

City Commission meetings public attendance will be limited to 10 people.

Those wishing to speak may do so by phone.  Contact City Hall for more information and arrangements.

Also the Barnes County Commission on Tuesday, Declared a Health Emergency at the regular meeting, allowing the utilization of the Barnes County emergency reserve fund to assist with expenditures related to the health emergency.

If residents have questions about COVID-19 they can contact City County Health at (701) 845-8518 or the COVID-19 hotline at the department of health 1-866-207-2880.

 

Jamestown  (JPS)  Jamestown Public Schools Lunch Program,  has announced that free, Grab and Go Lunches will be available starting Thursday March 19, 2020, during the school closure period.

Meals will be  provided through a pick up process at certain school sites in Jamestown. Delivery options will also be available.

“Meals will be available for children up to the age of 18 years old. Students do not need to attend the pickup sites to receive a free meal. Due to current restrictions, meals are not allowed to be consumed on site. Adults can also pick up a grab-go lunch for $4.00.”  Available for pick up will will be: 1-cold breakfast, 1-cold lunch or both  per site.

Call food service by 9 -am each day at the site of pick-up. Only a limited number of meals will be available at each site without pre-ordering.

Sites that  will be open from 11 -am to 1 -pm Monday through Friday until schools have reopened:

Jamestown Middle School – 203 2nd Ave. SE, Kitchen phone 952-5905
Enter through the main front student door

Roosevelt Elementary – 615 6th Ave. SE, Kitchen phone 952-2395
Enter through the NE Gym door

Lincoln Elementary – 319 5th Street NE, Kitchen phone 952-2785
Enter through the SE Gym door

Washington Elementary – 705 4th Ave. NW, Kitchen phone 952-5548
Enter through the door closest to the playground

Meals will be available for delivery for those students unable to pick up at those locations. Please call for additional information.

Valley City  (VCPS)  Valley City Public Schools Superintendent, Josh Johnson reported Tuesday  four key areas of the district’s  COVID-19 plan that allows  the continuance of meeting,  “The needs of our students and families.

A brief summary of the plan. Please know that additional information will be shared by email and social media.

Distance Learning (Principals)
Teachers will be designing distance learning plans on Tuesday and Wednesday and will be prepared to share these plans with students on Thursday. Information regarding the “Resource Blitz” will be provided from your school principals before the end of the day on Tuesday, March 17th.

Nutrition (Joleen Hagen)
Detailed information regarding the School Meal Pick-Up Plan that will begin on Tuesday, March 17th at 11:00am.

Mental Health (Vanessa Kocka)
Detailed information regarding the Mental Health Plan that will be initiated in our school district beginning immediately. Our continuation of these services is very important for supporting our students and families through entirety of this school closure.

Childcare for Healthcare Providers and Emergency Responders
Following the guidance from the state of North Dakota, we will sending an email with a survey that will identify the childcare needs of our parents who are employed as healthcare providers or emergency responders. Please be looking for this email coming in the next couple of days.

If you have any questions regarding  the four identified areas of the District COVID-19 Plan, please send your questions to josh.johnson@k12.nd.us.

Josh Johnson

Superintendent

Valley City Public Schools

(701) 845-0483

Update….

Valley City  (CSi) South Central Adult Services informs the community that it will continue to deliver meals to Seniors and provide transportation services following reports of the COVID-19 virus.

There will be no meals served on site.   To go meals available.

Call for more information..

Gaukler Family Wellness Center is closed through March 22.  A further decision will be made at that time, along with VCPR.

Jamestown (JRHS)    The James River Humane Society informs the community that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the shelter is only open by appointment.

To see cats, call Sheila at 701-367-6913

To see dogs call Kris at 701-269-2803

Jamestown  (CSi)  The City of Jamestown reported Tuesday morning that Jamestown City Hall has temporarily closed its doors to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

City Administrator Sarah Hellekson says, the doors will remain closed until further notice.

She says, “The public is being asked to place all utility payments in the utility box located in our parking lot unless they have automatic deposit or mail in payments. Staff is still working in City Hall. If you need to talk to someone or gain access, you can call.”

City Hall’s phone is (701)-252-5900.

Valley City, ND  Due to President Trump’s National State of Emergency Disaster Declaration and precautionary measures, CHI Mercy Health is implementing visitor restrictions until further notice.

Visitor restrictions include:

• Use Main Entrance Door # 1.
• South Door (nearest handicapped parking) will be locked.
• ONLY immediate family, without a fever, cough or runny nose will be allowed to visit
• Visitation is restricted to ONE healthy family member at a time
• All visitors will be screened upon arrival to the hospital

Valley City  (CSi)  Gaukler Family Wellness Center is closed, and Valley City Parks & Recreation has adjusted all plans for activities.

Valley City  (CSi) South Central Adult Services informs the community that it will continue to deliver meals to Seniors and provide transportation services following reports of the COVID-19 virus.

There will be no meals served on site.   To go meals available.

Other planned activities will not be held.

Call for more information..

Director Pat Hansen says  South Central Adult Services says precautionary measures have been taken since word was received of a North Dakota man tested positive for the virus last week in Ward County.

We’re requesting anyone who is suspicious of or concerned with COVID-19 exposure to PLEASE CALL 701-845-6400 FIRST prior to coming to the hospital / Emergency Room. Screening questions will be used during the phone call. These along with additional screening procedures have been implemented to keep our patients and staff safe.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The El Zagel Mystics Fish Fry that was scheduled for  March 20, as been cancelled, due to concerns of public gatherings in light of the COVID-19. Craig Melhoff says the fish fry may or may not be rescheduled in the future.

 

Jamestown (CSi)  The  James River Figure Skating Club’s 43^rd Annual Ice Show has been postponed.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)   The Jamestown Community Prayer Gatherings have been cancelled until further notice.

Jamestown (Cassie DuBray) Jamestown, ND, The North Dakota Region VI Homeless Coalition is partnering with regional businesses and organizations to provide bags of essential care items to people experiencing homelessness and or other financial hardships. The drive is set to run March 15 April 15, 2020.

During a time of crisis, the people who need us the most are suffering and unable to provide for their most basic needs. While national guidance has been issued to quarantine in place, or actively participate in social distancing, the homeless and impoverish households may not have access to basic hygienic supplies.

In response to agencies not being available to serve as drop off locations while practicing social distancing, an Amazon.com shopping list has been created at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist /ls/GZGSA816WWPO?ref_=wl_share.

Financialdonations can be made online athttps://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/blessing-bag-drive-2020 or mailed toSouth Central Homeless Coalition C/O GPHA 300 2nd Ave NE Ste 200, Jamestown, ND
58401.

The Homeless Coalition is asking for donations of new travel sized basic hygiene care items care items such as soap, lip balm, mouthwash, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, combs, facial tissue and wet wipes etc., nonperishable snacks, adult athletic socks, mittens, band aids, and feminine hygiene products.

In 2019, the coalition packaged around 300 blessing bags and distributed them tovarious agencies in the nine- county region.

For more information contact Cassie DuBray at Great Plains Housing Authority701-252-1098.

Bismarck  (CSi)  the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission reports a February increase in Jamestown boardings.

In February of 2020 boardings were 1,001, compared to 894 in February of 2019.

Through February 2020 there were 1,824 boardings in Jamestown, compared to 1,684 in 2019.

Bismarck   (NDDOT)  The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has many services available online for residents who wish to conduct driver license or motor vehicle business without visiting an office.

Motor Vehicle and Driver License items you can do online at www.dot.nd.gov:

• Renew motor vehicle registration.
• Renew a driver’s license for operating a standard vehicle or motorcycle online, if over 21 and under the age of 65 and you don’t want a REAL ID.
• Change your address on your driver’s license.
• Replace a lost, stolen or damaged ND license.
• Replace a vertical driver license after you are 21 to a horizontal driver license.
• Schedule an appointment to get a REAL ID. Online renewal is not applicable when obtaining a REAL ID.
• Schedule a driving test.
• Schedule an appointment to renew a ND license, permit, or ID card.

For more information about driver license and motor vehicle services, please visit our website at www.dot.nd.gov or call our toll-free number 1-855-NDROADS (637-6237).

 

In sports…

UNDATED (AP) — Tom Brady says he’s thrown his final pass for the New England Patriots, and it appears he could be headed to Florida.

The 42-year-old quarterback has posted on social media “my football journey will take place elsewhere.” The comments were the first to indicate he would leave the franchise he’s led to six Super Bowl titles, and the only professional football home he has had.

Brady’s representatives are in serious contract discussions with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Brady isn’t the only decorated quarterback to leave the only NFL team for which he’s played:

— Longtime Chargers star Philip Rivers has agreed to a one-year contract with the Colts, according to a person who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. Rivers spent his first 16 NFL seasons with the Chargers and has set almost every major team record for quarterbacks since being taken first overall in the 2004 NFL draft. The eight-time Pro Bowl selection joins a team that went 7-9 with Jacoby Brissett under center and faded badly during the second half last season.

— The Panthers are parting ways with 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton. Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said on Twitter the team is working with Newton and his agent to find a trade partner. The quarterback responded on social media by saying he never requested a trade, telling the organization to “stop the word play” because they’re trying to manipulate the narrative and act like he requested a trade.

Carolina has replaced Newton with Saints backup Teddy Bridgewater, who accepted a three-year, $63 million contract. That’s according to a person familiar with the negotiations.

The 27-year-old Bridgewater won each of his five starts for the Saints last season, completing 68% of his passes with nine touchdowns and two interceptions.

Meanwhile, the Saints are keeping their record-setting quarterback, giving Drew Brees (breez) a two-year, $50 million contract.

A person familiar with the situation spoke to The Associated Press about the contract on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.

The 41-year-old Brees is the NFL’s all-time leader in completions with 6,867, yards passing with 77,416, and touchdowns with 547.

However, these and other deals may not be finalized Wednesday as expected.

A person familiar with the discussions on Tuesday night told The Associated Press that deals might not be confirmed by teams Wednesday when the NFL’s business season begins. This is due to free agents being unable to travel and actually sign agreements, which is a recent league policy to safeguard against the coronavirus. The NFL has banned travel for players and team personnel while also advising clubs that physical exams can only be taken locally by free agents who reach deals.

In other NFL news:

— A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Broncos have agreed to a two-year contract with veteran free agent quarterback Jeff Driskel. Driskel is a former sixth-round draft pick out of Florida in 2016 who has appeared in a dozen NFL games with the Bengals and Lions.

— A person familiar with the deal says veteran tight end Jason Witten has agreed to a one-year contract with the Raiders. Witten ended a one-year retirement to return to Dallas this past season, grabbing 63 passes for 529 yards and four TDs. Witten has 1,215 receptions for 12,977 yards and 72 TDs in 16 seasons with the Cowboys.

— The Bears have agreed to a five-year, $70 million deal with former All-Pro defensive end Robert Quinn. Quinn recorded 11 1/2 sacks with Dallas last year despite a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancing drugs. The Bears also released outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, parting with a former first-round draft pick who never boosted their pass rush the way they envisioned.

— The Buccaneers are retaining a key piece of an improved defense by agreeing to re-sign linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul to a two-year, $27 million contract. Pierre-Paul has 21 sacks since being acquired in a trade from the Giants two years ago.

— Safety Tre Boston has accepted a three-year, $18 million contract that keeps him with the Panthers. Boston started all 16 games for Carolina last season, recording 59 tackles and three interceptions.

— The Eagles have released safety standout Malcolm Jenkins, who led their secondary for the last six years and helped them win the 2017 NFL title. He will cost the team $6 million under the cap, but the Eagles also save nearly $5 million by cutting Jenkins.

— The Titans have agreed to terms with defensive end Vic Beasley, who led the NFL with 15 1/2 sacks in 2016 for the Falcons. Atlanta declined to re-sign the eighth overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft after he managed only 18 sacks combined over the past three seasons.

— The Ravens have fortified their defensive front by obtaining free agent Michael Brockers. He agreed to terms on a three-year contract after spending his first eight NFL seasons with the Rams.

— Linebacker Sean Lee is returning for an 11th season with the Cowboys. The 2016 All-Pro has accepted a one-year, $4.5 million contract with $2 million guaranteed.

— Free agent linebacker Joe Schobert is joining the Jaguars after four seasons with the Browns. He led Cleveland in tackles twice and made a Pro Bowl.

— The Rams have declined their contract option on cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, who had been the team’s nickel cornerback and their top defender on slot receivers since the team signed him in 2017. The USC product had three interceptions and 122 tackles for Los Angeles.

— A person familiar with the move says defensive tackle Jordan Phillips has agreed to sign with the Cardinals. Phillips just finished a breakout season for the Bills, where he started nine of his 16 games and finished with a career-high 9 1/2 sacks.

— The Lions have released linebacker Devon Kennard. He matched a career and team high with seven sacks last season and equaled a personal best with 58 tackles as a team captain.

— The Giants have reached an agreement with Kyler Fackrell on a reported one-year contract. Fackrell spent the last four seasons in Green Bay, recording 17 1/2 sacks as a backup used mostly in passing situations.

— The Steelers have placed the inside linebacker Ryan Shazier on the reserved/retired list. But the team says the move doesn’t rule out the possibility of Shazier playing again. Shazier spent the last two seasons on the Physically Unable to Perform list while recovering from a spinal injury suffered in December 2017. Shazier has made remarkable progress since the injury and has continued working out in hopes of one day being cleared to play again.

— A person familiar with the deal says the Raiders have agreed with free agent linebacker Cory Littleton on a three-year contract. NFL Network reported the contract is worth up to $36 million. In addition, two people familiar with the deals say Las Vegas has agreed to contracts with defensive tackle Maliek Collins, safety Jeff Heath and defensive end Carl Nassib.

— A person with direct knowledge of the move confirms to the Associated Press that defensive tackle Vernon Butler has agreed to a two-year contract with the Bills. Butler is coming off a breakout campaign in which he became a starter for the first time and finished with 32 tackles, six sacks and three forced fumbles.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTS

Durant among four Nets to test positive

UNDATED (AP) — Kevin Durant is one of four Brooklyn Nets players to have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the total to seven known players in the NBA. The Nets did not name the players Tuesday, but Durant confirmed he was one of them to The Athletic, saying: “Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine. We’re going to get through this.” The Nets announced that one player is exhibiting symptoms, while the other three are asymptomatic.

Utah’s Rudy Gobert (goh-BEHR’) and Donovan Mitchell and Detroit’s Christian Wood are the other players who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

In other sports news involving the outbreak:

— Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and pop star wife Ciara have announced they are donating 1 million meals through Seattle’s Food Lifeline to help provide meals for those in need during the coronavirus outbreak in the region.

— The Ottawa Senators say one of their players has tested positive for COVID-19, has mild symptoms and is in isolation. Ottawa is notifying those who came in contact with the player and have told other members of the team to monitor their health and seek advice from the medical staff.

— A person involved in the discussions tells The Associated Press the PGA Championship will not be held in San Francisco during the third weekend of May. San Francisco now is among six counties in the Bay Area where residents are ordered to venture outside only when necessary for the next three weeks. There was no indication when the PGA Championship would be played, or if it would remain in San Francisco.

— The U.S. Tennis Association says it is considering “the possibility” of postponing the U.S. Open because of the coronavirus pandemic. What is usually the last Grand Slam tennis tournament each year is currently scheduled for Aug. 31 to Sept. 13 in New York.

— The French Open has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. It is the first Grand Slam tennis tournament affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The French tennis federation says the clay-court tournament will be played from Sept. 20 to Oct. 4. The main draw was originally scheduled to begin in Paris on May 24. The next major tennis championship currently on the calendar is Wimbledon, which is to start in late June in England.

— NASCAR has vowed to reschedule the seven Cup Series events already postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Figuring out how to cram the events and the All-Star race into the crowded 36-race schedule is potentially difficult. NASCAR President Steve Phelps says the series has no specifics on how it is moving forward. He says he wants the postponed races rescheduled before the playoffs begin in September.

— The governing body of European soccer has postponed its marquee championship for one year. Euro 2020 became Euro 2021 in a major shift for an international soccer calendar that is on lockdown because of the coronavirus outbreak and with no clear end in sight. The tournament that was due to open on June 12 in Rome is now scheduled for next year from June 11 to July 11, in the same 12 host nations.

— A person familiar with the diagnosis tells The Associated Press a second New York Yankees minor leaguer has tested positive for the new coronavirus. New York had announced a first positive test on Sunday and general manager Brian Cashman said the player had been isolated and the Florida Department of Health notified. The two Yankees minor leaguers are the only baseball players known to have tested positive.

MLB-ASTROS-VERLANDER

Verlander has surgery

HOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander is using the interruption to the Major League season to recover from surgery.

The Houston Astros ace has undergone surgery on his right groin and is expected to be out about six weeks. The timing gives Verlander time to heal before opening day, which has been pushed back to mid-May at the earliest because of the new coronavirus.

Verlander dealt with the problem early in spring training. His first start was delayed until March 3 because of discomfort in his right groin. He recorded a 3.86 in 4 2/3 innings over two spring starts.

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL-FINAL POLL

South Carolina finishes on top for first time

UNDATED (AP) — South Carolina is No. 1 in the final Associated Press women’s basketball poll of the season for the first time in school history.

The Gamecocks received 26 first-place votes and No. 2 Oregon got the other four. Baylor, Maryland and UConn round out the top five.

The AP has always released its final poll of the season before the start of the NCAA Tournament, which has been canceled because of the virus pandemic.

Louisville, Stanford, N.C. State, Mississippi State and UCLA round out the top 10.

The final men’s basketball poll will be released Wednesday.

IDITAROD

Norwegian musher wins Alaska’s Iditarod sled dog race

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A Norwegian musher is once again the winner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Thomas Waener of Norway easily won this year’s race, running his sled dog under the famed burled arch in downtown Nome early Wednesday after driving his team off the Bering Sea ice. It took him 9 days, 10 hours, 37 minutes and 47 seconds to travel nearly 1,000 miles across Alaska.

Waerner’s closest competitor was three-time champion Mitch Seavey, who was about five hours behind.

This is the second time the 47-year-old Waerner has run the Iditarod. He earned Rookie of the Year honors for his 17th place finish in 2015. Two other Norwegian mushers have won the Iditarod.

 

In world and national news…

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — With the coronavirus spreading at an alarming rate, California is preparing to deal with worst-case scenarios that could overwhelm hospitals and drain the state’s spending reserves. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday that he is putting the California National Guard on alert for duties such as ensuring food distribution. Newsom also says the state is negotiating with about 900 hotels to acquire tens of thousands of rooms that could be used for hospital patients and for the homeless. And with many school districts closing classrooms, the governor says it’s likely “few if any” schools will reopen before summer break.

(AP)  Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi says China will provide testing kits, ventilators and other medical equipment to deal with the country’s coronavirus outbreak. Qureshi told the independent Geo news channel after a visit to Beijing that China will also provide cash in grants to Pakistan to be used to set up a state-of-the-art isolation center to combat the new highly infectious disease. He said China will also share its medical expertise to combat the coronavirus. His comments came as health officials confirmed more nine cases of coronavirus among Muslim pilgrims who recently returned from Iran. There are 246 confirmed virus cases in Pakistan.

 

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Some lawmakers want Congress to allow remote voting in the House and the Senate as the coronavirus spreads around the country. But congressional leaders are resisting the idea. The dispute pits the scourge of the infection against two centuries of tradition. It underscores Washington’s struggle to adapt to recommendations about how to handle the pandemic. Advocates of the voting change cite the health perils of traveling to the U.S. Capitol — especially by air — when health experts want people to avoid crowds. Congresswoman Katie Porter says “we cannot stand on tradition” if it puts lives at risk. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell oppose the change.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden’s sweeping victories in Florida, Illinois and Arizona are building his delegate lead over rival Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential race. And that is increasing the pressure on Sanders to admit defeat and leave the race. The former vice president’s third big night in as many weeks came Tuesday amid tremendous uncertainty as the Democratic contest collides with efforts to slow the spread of a virus that has shut down large swaths of American life. Biden’s quest for his party’s nomination now seems well within reach. Biden’s trio of wins doubled his delegate haul over Sanders, giving him a nearly insurmountable lead.

 

BEIJING (AP) — Global stock markets have sunk in a third day of wild price swings after President Donald Trump promised to prop up the U.S. economy through the coronavirus outbreak. The White House’s proposal could approach $1 trillion. Markets in London and Frankfurt opened down more than 3% and Shanghai, Tokyo and Hong Kong closed lower. Investors increasingly see a U.S. recession as likely if not already here, despite plans for stimulus and the Federal Reserve’s moves to soothe markets. Analysts say the measures are a good start but investors need to see the number of infections slow before markets can find a bottom.