– Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Mar 25

CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Cloudy, colder. Highs in the lower 30s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.

.TONIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the lower 20s. East winds around 5 mph shifting to the south up to 5 mph after midnight.

.THURSDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s. South winds

around 5 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. Southwest

winds 5 to 10 mph.

.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 40s. Southwest winds

5 to 10 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the upper 20s.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 40s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows in the upper 20s.

.SUNDAY…Sunny. Highs around 50.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the mid 30s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s.

Mainly dry and a warming trend is expected through the weekend

with chances for precipitation in the forecast at the end of the

long term forecast period, with highs in the 50s to possibly 60s.

Monday into Tuesday will be the next opportunity for precipitation.

Jamestown (CSi) Central Valley Health District, (CVHD) Stutsman County Sheriff’s Department, Jamestown Police Department, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, Jamestown Ambulance, Jamestown Fire Department held a joint News Briefing Tuesday March 24, 2020, at CityHall,concerning local COVID-19 updates.

At the meeting, Central Valley Health District Administrator Robin Izsler said, as of Tuesday March 24, 2020, almost 50 individuals in the Jamestown area have been tested for the COVID-19 virus, with some testing results pending. No positive results have been received as of Tuesday.

She said the Unified Command Center for Stutsman County has been activated, with officials meeting daily via virtual meetings.

55 individuals have been fit tested for masks, including law enforcement individuals along with workers at the Anne Carlsen Center, and the James River Correctional Center.

Tested for the virus include hospital patients, healthcare workers, those working in congregate settings, and travelers. She urged all residents to practice social distancing, and hygiene including washing hands with soap and water, and if gathering outdoors, no more than 10 people in the group.

WIC federal waivers are in place to provide for new clients, with applications taken over the phone at the CVHD office, at 701-252-8130.

She added that the common cold and Influenza A virus are still in the community.

Before be screened for COVID-19 certain symptoms need to be present, including a fever and difficulty in breathing and a cough, and chills, along with body aches.

Jamestown City Fire Chief Jim Reuther said, the fire hall is off limits to the public. Annual Inspections have been cancelled. For immediate needs, call the fire hall. When the Ready Squad is called to investigate concerns, two fire fighters are sent, and will ask for additional information before responding. There is no change is responding to General Fire Calls.

Jamestown Police Chief Scott Edinger said, the LEC is closed to the public, and officers may respond to calls by phone, if appropriate. Officers responding have been fitted with face masks.

He pointed out that since the COVID-19 pandemic has been in affect there has been a reduced number of calls for service.

Stutsman County Sheriff, Chad Kaiser said the Sheriff’s Office remains open regular hours, with the lobby closed to walk-ins. Call the office for additional information. He stresses social distancing in groups, and stay home if sick.

Jamestown Ambulance Service spokesperson Andrew Berkey said, those calling for service should provide the symptoms of the patient when calling, and EMTs will be wearing protective gear. Expect a 2-3 minute delay from arrival until they enter the home or business. When responding to respiratory patients the EMT’s will be wearing respirators. The ambulance service lobby is closed to the public, on line courses are still being offered. Call 701-251-2273 for more information.

Jamestown Regional Medical Center President and CEO Mike Delfs said 17 patients have been tested for the COVID-19 virus, and NONE were positive. He added that no elective surgeries are being performed at this time, however post-op follow-ups are being done. New patients will be seen on a case by case basis.

He said the JRMC 25 hospital bed capacity can be expanded to 65 beds if needed for additional patients. Call before going to the E.R. at 701-952-4578, with symptoms so staff is ready to receive that person. He said, medical supplies are monitored daily, with adequate supplies currently on hand. Donations of hospital masks are being accepted if qualified for use.

Telecare is available by calling 701-952-4809.

Dan Kramer from South Center Human Service Center said, essential services continue with the doors open. Visitors will be screening including taking of temperatures.

The Crisis Line remains available at 701-253-6304. The office phone number is during days is 701-253-6300.

Telehealth services are available with therapy by phone accepted.

He concluded by saying the public should remain informed concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, but not preoccupied with the situation

The news briefing was shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays, along with CSi 10 The replay channel.

Bismarck NDDoH The North Dakota Department of Health has released their updated COVID-19 numbers for March 24.

A.M. POSITIVE TEST RESULTS | March 23 at 3 p.m. – March 24 at 9 a.m.

Man in his 20s from Dunn County, travel
Woman in her 60s from Burleigh County, travel

P.M. POSITIVE TEST RESULTS | March 24 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Man in his 70s from Cass County, under investigation
Man in his 90s from Cass County , under investigation

Categories: Travel, Possible Travel, Community Spread, Close Contact, Under Investigation

BY THE NUMBERS

1602 – Total Tested (+162 individuals from yesterday)

1566 – Negative (+158 individuals from yesterday)

36 – Positive (+4 individuals new from yesterday)

7– Hospitalized (+3 individuals new from yesterday)

For the most updated and timely information and updates related to COVID-19, visit the NDDoH website at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Governor Burgum urges people to keep a journal who they have been in contact with, in the event a case tracker should contact them concerning an individual that tested positive.

Bismarck (CSi) Governor Doug Burgum held his daily News Briefing, concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, on Tuesday, in Bismarck.

Bismarck NDDoH The North Dakota Department of Health has released their updated COVID-19 numbers for March 24.

A.M. POSITIVE TEST RESULTS | March 23 at 3 p.m. – March 24 at 9 a.m.

Man in his 20s from Dunn County, travel
Woman in her 60s from Burleigh County, travel

P.M. POSITIVE TEST RESULTS | March 24 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Man in his 70s from Cass County, under investigation
Man in his 90s from Cass County , under investigation

Categories: Travel, Possible Travel, Community Spread, Close Contact, Under Investigation

BY THE NUMBERS

1602 – Total Tested (+162 individuals from yesterday)

1566 – Negative (+158 individuals from yesterday)

36 – Positive (+4 individuals new from yesterday)

7– Hospitalized (+3 individuals new from yesterday)

Governor Burgum urges people to keep a journal who they have been in contact with, in the event a case tracker should contact them concerning an individual that tested positive.

Bank of North Dakota (BND) shared its student loan relief plans to assist borrowers impacted by COVID-19 with the Industrial Commission Tuesday. Effective immediately, borrowers may request to defer payments for six months. To request the deferment of payments, borrowers can complete a simple form online at bnd.nd.gov/covid or call 800.472.2166 extension 328.5660.

Also the interest rate for variable rate borrowers decreases April 1, 2020, so BND will reduce payments to reflect the new interest rate. In addition, all borrowers with a fixed interest rate will receive a decrease in their interest rates by at least 1 percent when the Bank is able to work through technical issues.

Beginning Tuesday, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has temporarily lifted seasonal load restrictions on all state highways to minimize disruption of the supply chain during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

This change was made after Gov. Doug Burgum enacted an executive order in response to the public health crisis resulting from COVID-19.

(Barnes County Highway Road Superintendent Kerry Johnson says even though Governor Burgum lifted restrictions on State highway it does not include Barnes County roads., which will remain restricted until further notice.)

Burgum said, “This order temporarily lifts weight restrictions on our state’s highways to ensure our citizens are able to get the resources they need in a timely manner as we see an increase in demand for goods and services.”

During this time, the NDDOT director still has the authority to implement load and weight restrictions as deemed appropriate under current law if it is determined that removal of this restriction is negatively impacting the roadway or creating a safety risk.

Lt. Governor Brent Sanford said he was on the phone Tuesday with mayors and auditors with updates on Executive Orders, claim numbers, and state budget planning.

With long term care, Burgum said 20 percent of North Dakota residents are in long term care facilities. 218 long terms care facilities have been visited by 20 state officials. As of Tuesday no positive COVID-19 results in North Dakota nursing homes.

He stressed social (physical) distancing…covering coughing and sneezes, clean and sanitize surfaces, along with regular washing of hands with soap and water.

He suggested going on walks for activities.

He asked that people to check with access livestock sale barns, some are offering videos.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Gov. Doug Burgum says North Dakota could be one of the last states to lift restrictions meant to help contain the coronavirus, mainly because it’s part of the final wave of the pandemic, President Donald Trump said earlier in the day he would like the U.S. economy to begin revving up by Easter, when he believes it might be possible to relax some of the federal restrictions and put some people back to work. Burgum says it wouldn’t make sense to pick one date for every state. He says North Dakota’s controls came later than most states and may have to remain in place longer.

In other state news…

The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ eight regional human service clinics and their four satellite clinics are continuing to provide medically-necessary behavioral health services to vulnerable North Dakotans. The clinics located in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot and Williston with satellite clinics in Grafton, Rolla, Valley City and the Off Main location in Fargo, offer behavioral health services focused on chronic disease management and behavioral health crises.

The clinics primarily serve individuals with chronic, serious mental illness and substance use disorders, including pregnant women and others who use intravenous drugs.

Dr. Rosalie Etherington, chief clinical officer for the state’s human service clinic system, says,

“The clinics remain open and staffed by our dedicated behavioral health professionals. We will continue to serve individuals in crisis and others who are experiencing serious behavioral health needs.”

For more information, including a list of crisis phone numbers and behavioral health walk-in hours at each clinic, visit www.nd.gov/dhs/locations/regionalhsc/.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), awarded $249,297 to four health centers in North Dakota stemming from the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020. Health center recipients in North Dakota may use these awards to address screening and testing needs, acquire medical supplies and boost their telehealth capacity in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Jamestown (CSi) LeRoy Wegenast- President at the All vets Club in Jamestown says “The National Vietnam Vets Day event scheduled for Saturday March 28th has been canceled at the All Vets Club in Jamestown due to closure
directives and health concerns for patrons. We look forward to being able to resume service to our veterans and our community in the future.”

Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown City Administrator Sarah Hellekson says petition forms are available at City Hall, for those interested in running in the June 2020 city elections. There are two City Park Board seats up for election and three City Council seats up for election. She suggests the petitions be used drawn up by the city, so as to contain the proper wording.

The deadline to file the petitions is April 6^th at 4-p.m. at City Hall.

City Council seats up for re-election in 2020 for four year terms are those of Pam Phillips, Dan Buchanan, and Steve Brubakken. Brubakken has said that he is not running for re-election.

Currently, with petitions circulating are: Joshua Meade, Katherine Roth, Brian Kamlitz, Pam Phillips and David Schloegel. Dan Buchanan filed his petition on March 12.

On the Jamestown City Park board there are two open seats, Ron Olson and Mark Ukestad who have taken out petitions, with Olson having filed his on March 16..

The city elections, and Jamestown Public School Board elections, and county and state primary elections will be on June 9, 2020.

Valley City (City of Valley city) The filing deadline for the June 9, 2020 election is April 6, 2020 at 4:00 PM. ND Attorney General Al Jaeger stated that NDCC “sets the number of signatures required for a candidate’s name to appear on the ballot for a position in a political subdivision and that cannot be changed.” If you are filing a petition, you will need to submit the following number of signatures:

Commissioner (2 open positions for 4 year term): 133 signatures\

Park Board (2 open positions for 4 year term): 128 signatures

Park Board (1 unexpired 4 year term ending June 30, 2022): 128 signatures Municipal Judge (1 open position for 4 year term): 133 signatures

In light of COVID-19, circulators may scan the petition and return it electronically to the candidate. Petitions can be transmitted electronically, along with other required documents to City Auditor, Avis Richter at arichter@valleycity.us . Petitions may also be dropped off at the north door of City Hall (254 2^nd Avenue NE) during regular business hours, please call 845-8121 to let the City Auditor know you’ve dropped off a petition.

Jamestown (CSi) Due to concerns over the Coronavirus The Jamestown Arts Center will be closed for the near future.

Arts Center events, classes and gallery exhibit are canceled / closed until further notice (including Open Mic night).

Director, Mindi Schmitz thanks the community for understanding. Please use common sense, good hygiene and stay safe. We look forward to serving you again after this situation. She says unfortunately, the current exhibit “The Female Gaze” by Jaime Azevedo cannot be viewed by the public at this time. So, the Arts Center put together a short video to enjoy from afar.

Also, our amazing artist in residence, Linda Roesch, never stops! She has created some coloring pages straight out of her sketch book for your enjoyment.
Simply visit her website sketchingspot.com and click on projects. Here you will find the download for the 1st Jamestown Bundle of coloring pages. AND, coming shortly, video links to online lessons with Linda for all the students out there missing their lessons.

Be sure to thank Linda for being determined to continue sharing her art with Jamestown through this uncertain time.

Jamestown (CSi) The Buffalo Mall’s Soup Spectacular Cook-off held on March 7 raised $2,120 for the Home Delivered Meal program of James River Senior Center Inc. The total ncluded $500 raised from the RSVP/Jamestown Volunteer Center bake sale held in conjunction with the Soup Spectacular Cook-off.

Seventeen business leaders and organizations participated including:

Those taking part were Alpha Opportunities, Babb’s Coffee House, Bison 6 Cinema, Buffalo Mall, Community Garden Societies, Dakota Lawn Care, Dakota Store, eXp Realty, Eventide Senior Living Apartments, Gate City Bank, Home of Economy, James River Public Transit, James River Senior Citizens Inc., Jamestown Kiwanis, PATH ND, Stutsman County 4-H/Hippology Judging Team and Unison Bank.

Award winners:

The People’s Choice award for the best tasting soup went to Unison Bank.

The Most Money Collected award went to Dakota Store.

The Best Decorated went to Jamestown Kiwanis.

The award for the Most Unique Soup was presented to Babb’s Coffee House.

(Fergus Falls, Minnesota, March 24, 2020) Otter Tail Power Company is aware of recent scam activity in parts of its service area.

Customer Care Supervisor Collin Kremeier, says, “Scammers are taking advantage of potentially heightened anxiety around the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s important for our customers to know that we’ll never pressure you to make immediate payments, especially through services like MoneyPak, MoneyGram, or pre-paid credit cards.”

Otter Tail Power Company continues to put the health and safety of its employees and customers first—while it continues to maintain reliable electric service in the region. As always, the company is working with its customers to address specific concerns.

Kremeier outlines these red flags if you receive suspicious contact from a possible scammer:

The caller says he or she works for Otter Tail Power Company or a collection agency and your electricity is about to be shut off—even though you know you’ve paid your bill.
The caller references a phony bill date, account number, or balance. Otter Tail Power Company doesn’t offer this information over the phone and only will validate what customers provide.
If the scam surfaces via email, the message does not mention Otter Tail Power Company yet contains a clickable link that supposedly would allow you to view your bill.

Use these tips to help protect yourself:

Don’t call back the number the scammer provided, as scammers can spoof the company’s phone number, making it appear as though the call is coming from Otter Tail Power Company. Contact the company directly at 800-257-4044 or check your account using the company’s website, otpco.com.
Only share information by phone if you’ve initiated the call.
Don’t click on links in or reply to a suspicious email.
Never share business or personal information by email.
Contact your financial institution if you shared banking or credit card information.
Report illegal activity to local law enforcement and to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP.

Kremeier, adds, “An Otter Tail Power Company Customer Service Representative may call to remind you to make a payment—but never will ask to process your payment on the call. Please call us with questions about your account or to set up payment arrangements. Stay well during this difficult time.”

This news release is available on our website at otpco.com/Newsroom.

Otter Tail Power Company, a subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: OTTR), is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. With a balanced commitment to environmental, economic, and community stewardship, the company provides electricity and energy services to approximately 230,000 people in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To learn more about Otter Tail Power Company visit otpco.com. To learn more about Otter Tail Corporation visit ottertail.com.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — While leaders in Fargo and Moorhead, Minnesota, have been taking steps to limit the coronavirus, it appears they won’t have to deal with a significant flood on top of the pandemic. Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney tells KFGO radio that a near-perfect snowmelt in the last couple of weeks and below-average precipitation has him breathing easier in a year when the Red River Valley received record moisture from September through February. National Weather Service models are showing a crest between 34 and 35 feet, or about 17 feet above flood stage. That would shut down some roads and bridges but would not require the cities to place sandbags.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Native American tribes across the country are pressing the federal government for more resources to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. In the meantime, tribal leaders are suspending travel off reservations, closing casinos and hotels, instituting curfews in some places and strongly urging their citizens to protect the elderly. Tribes recently were included in a federal funding package for epidemiology, infection control, education and other things. But tribes say the $40 million is not enough. The federal Indian Health Service says it’s talking with tribes to determine how best to dole out the money.

In sports…

Bismarck (AP) Jamestown High School Junior Grace Hegerle was voted to the Class A girls basketball all-state second team by the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. Hegerle was the West Region’s leading scorer in 2019-20.

Class A Girls Basketball

All-State Teams

First Team

Reile Payne, Fargo Shanley (unanimous); Alexis Dressler, Bismarck Legacy (unanimous); Lakyn Darras, Mandan; Jes Mertens, Devils Lake; Ryleigh Wacha, Fargo Davies.

Second Team

Grace Hegerle, Jamestown; Allie Nelson, Minot; McKenna Becher, West Fargo; Julia Fitterer, Bismarck Century; Peyton Selle, Dickinson.

TOKYO OLYMPICS POSTPONED

Virus forces postponement of Summer Olympics

TOKYO (AP) — The Tokyo Olympics have been postponed until 2021. The International Olympic Committee has decided that the Tokyo Games cannot go ahead as scheduled this year because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The IOC says the games will be held “not later than summer 2021” but they will still be called the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The announcement was a nod to the reality that training and qualifying schedules have been ruptured beyond repair as the coronavirus spreads.

Next up for the organizers is picking a date when it might be safe again to hold such a massive event. They’ll also have to rearrange the 2021 global sports calendar.

SPORTS-VIRUS OUTBREAK

Track world championships could be delayed a year

UNDATED (AP) — The track world championships in Eugene, Oregon, could be moved from 2021 to 2022 after the Olympics were postponed.

World Athletics says it is talking with organizers about “alternative dates, including dates in 2022.”

The championships in Eugene are due to run from Aug. 6-15, 2021. That would conflict with the Olympics if the same July-August slot as originally planned for 2020 is used next year.

In other news concerning the outbreak:

— A Boston Red Sox minor league player has tested positive for the coronavirus, prompting the team to close down its training complex in Fort Myers, Florida. The team didn’t identify the player, but said he was doing well. The New York Yankees announced earlier this month that two of their minor leaguers had the virus.

— North Carolina freshman point guard Cole Anthony says he’s delaying any announcements about whether he’ll enter the NBA draft amid the spread of the virus. Considered a likely one-and-done prospect, Anthony averaged 18.5 points for the Tar Heels, though he missed 11 games due to knee surgery and UNC went just 14-19.

— The NHL is extending its recommendation for players and staff to self-isolate and stay away from team practice facilities until at least April 6. Multiple people with knowledge of the update say the NHL has recommended players and staff extend their self-quarantine 10 days beyond the original March 27 timeline. The decision further pushes back the earliest date team facilities can reopen.

— NASCAR has informed its staff that pay cuts will be imposed across the company until the series returns to racing. NASCAR President Steve Phelps announced the moves in a memo to employees, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press from a person who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. The memo said series executives, including the presidents of NASCAR-owned tracks, will see a 25% reduction in salary. All other employees will have their salary reduced by 20%.

NFL-BUCCANEERS-BRADY

Six-time Super Bowl champ Brady looking forward, not behind

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tom Brady says one day he’ll have time to reflect on a historic 20-year run with the New England Patriots.

Right now the six-time Super Bowl champion and newest member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is focused on the challenge of helping the Bucs end the NFL’s second-longest playoff drought.

The 42-year-old quarterback declined during a conference call to discuss specifics about his decision to leave the Patriots. Instead he reiterated that while he cherishes what he accomplished in New England, he’s just as committed to helping Tampa Bay be successful.

NFL-NEWS

As expected, Panthers release Newton

UNDATED (AP) — The Cam Newton era is officially over in Carolina. The Panthers have released the quarterback after nine seasons.

The move became a formality after the Panthers made it clear last week they were moving on from Newton, giving him permission to seek a trade before agreeing to a three-year, $63 million contract with free agent quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

In other NFL moves:

— A person familiar with the situation says free agent wide receiver Robby Anderson has agreed to a two-year contract worth $20 million with the Panthers. He scored five touchdowns for the Jets last season and finished with 52 catches for 779 yards, both second-best totals for his career.

— The Jets quickly responded to losing Anderson by giving speedster Breshad Perriman a one-year contract. The 26-year-old wide receiver had his best season in the NFL last year, setting career highs with 36 catches, 645 yards receiving and six touchdowns for Tampa Bay.

— Oft-injured tight end Tyler Eifert has ended his seven-season run with the Bengals by accepting a two-year package with the Jaguars. Eifert played in 16 games last year for the first time in his seven NFL seasons, catching 43 passes for 436 yards and three touchdowns.

— The Falcons have agreed to a contract with free-agent linebacker LaRoy Reynolds. Reynolds played in 15 games with Cincinnati in 2019. He is expected to add depth and contribute on special teams.

— The Lions have agreed to terms with offensive lineman Oday Aboushi to add depth. Aboushi started two games and was a backup in five other games last season in Detroit.

— The Seahawks have made a significant addition to their wide receiver group by agreeing to a one-year deal with Phillip Dorsett. Dorsett addresses another need for Seattle, providing depth and additional speed on the outside for quarterback Russell Wilson.

— The 49ers have officially announced a deal to re-sign safety Jimmie Ward to a three-year contract. The sides came to an agreement on the deal worth a reported $28.5 million last week but the team had to wait until Ward passed a physical before announcing. The 49ers also have agreed to a one-year deal with free agent receiver Travis Benjamin, according to a person familiar with the contract.

— Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst says he’s signed tight end Marcedes Lewis, who is back for a third year in Green Bay. The 35-year-old Lewis caught 15 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown last season.

— Journeyman cornerback Rashaan Melvin and the Jaguars have agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth $2.25 million. Melvin had 68 tackles and 11 pass breakups in 13 games for Detroit last season.

— Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says the club has agreed to free-agent contracts with defensive end Noah Spence and XFL interception leader Deatrick Nichols. Spence was a 2016 second-round draft choice by Tampa Bay and returns to the Saints after joining New Orleans for three regular season games and one playoff game last season.

— The Chiefs have agreed to a one-year contract with Jordan Ta’amu, the highest-rated quarterback during the abbreviated XFL season. He will compete with veteran Chad Henne for a backup job next season.

— Case Keenum has reunited in Cleveland with the coach who brought out the best in him. The veteran quarterback signed a three-year, $18 million free agent contract with the Browns. He’ll again be working with coach Kevin Stefanski. The pair spent 2017 together in Minnesota.

— The Chargers have agreed to a one-year contract with free agent linebacker Nick Vigil. He spent the last four seasons with the Bengals and started every game last year, finishing second on the team with 111 tackles.

— Receiver Isaiah McKenzie has reached an agreement to re-sign with the Bills.

— The Cardinals have agreed to terms on one-year deals with offensive lineman Max Garcia and safety Charles Washington.

MLB-METS-SYNDERGAARD

Syndergaard needs Tommy John surgery

NEW YORK (AP) — If the New York Mets ever start their season, they’ll do it without Noah Syndergaard (SIHN’-dur-gahrd).

The flame-throwing right-hander will undergo Tommy John surgery Thursday after being diagnosed with a torn elbow ligament. General manager Brodie Van Wagenen says Syndergaard underwent an MRI after experiencing discomfort in his elbow before spring training was suspended due to the pandemic.

The right-hander received a second opinion on the damaged ulnar collateral ligament from the Los Angeles Dodgers’ head team physician.

The 27-year-old Syndergaard is coming off his worst major league season, going 10-8 with a 4.28 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 197 2/3 innings.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL-PLAYER AND COACH OF THE YEAR

Toppin, Grant bring top honors to Dayton

UNDATED (AP) — Dayton’s Obi Toppin and Anthony Grant have claimed top honors from The Associated Press after leading the Flyers to a No. 3 final ranking.

Toppin was voted the AP men’s college basketball player of the year. Grant is the AP coach of the year. They led the Flyers to a program-record 29 victories.

Toppin won the player award with 34 votes from AP Top 25 poll voters. Iowa’s Luka Garza was runner-up with 24 votes.

Grant won the coaching honor with 30 votes in his third season at his alma mater. Baylor’s Scott Drew was second with 13 votes.

NBA-CLIPPERS-FORUM

Clippers own buying L.A. Forum

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is buying the Forum for $400 million. That clears the way for the billionaire to build a new arena down the street in Inglewood, California.

Ballmer, the former Microsoft executive, and Clippers vice chairman Dennis Wong are making the cash purchase through a newly formed corporation that will continue to operate the Forum as a live music venue.

The Forum has been owned by Madison Square Garden Company, which had been in litigation to block Balmer and Wong from building a new arena nearby.

The purchase abruptly wraps up the litigation fight and allows the Clippers to move ahead on their goal to open a new arena when their Staples Center lease expires in 2024. The Clippers currently share the downtown arena with the Los Angeles Lakers and the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings.

COLLEGE SPORTS-KANSAS-MASSAGE THERAPIST

Kansas massage therapist accused of misconduct with athletes

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A massage therapist charged with a sex crime involving a girl also engaged in inappropriate behavior toward at least six female athletes at the University of Kansas, including unwanted touching during massages.

Chancellor Doug Girard and Athletic Director Jeff Long said in a joint statement that investigators also found an athletic trainer was aware of at least some of the alleged incidents involving Shawn P. O’Brien but failed to appropriately report the conduct.

The school says O’Brien provided free massages on campus to the general student population through the university’s Alumni Association’s finals dinner beginning in 2011 and as recently as last fall.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL-OBIT-GREEN

Ex-Red Storm player dies

NEW YORK (AP) — A former St. John’s basketball player has died, reportedly of the coronavirus. Lee Green was a defensive standout who played on two NCAA Tournament teams.

The Big East Conference school announced the death Tuesday without identifying a cause. The New York Post quoted former teammate and friend Lamont Middleton, linking Green’s death to the coronavirus.

Green was with St. John’s from 1991 to 1994. He played his first season under Lou Carnesecca and his final two for Brian Mahoney.

Green was from New York City. He was 49 years old.

In world and national news…

LONDON (AP) — Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, has tested positive for the new coronavirus. The prince’s Clarence House office says the 71-year-old is showing mild symptoms of COVID-19 and is self-isolating at a royal estate in Scotland. It says his wife Camilla has tested negative. The palace says Charles “has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House and Senate leaders of both major political parties have agreed on an unprecedented $2 trillion measure to rush aid to businesses, workers and a health care system slammed by the coronavirus pandemic. The urgently needed pandemic response measure is the largest economic rescue measure in history. It’s intended as a weekslong or monthslong patch for an economy spiraling into recession and a nation facing a potentially ghastly toll. A top White House aide announced the agreement in a Capitol hallway early Wednesday. The deal caps days of often intense haggling and mounting pressure. The package still needs to be finalized in detailed legislative language.

NEW DELHI (AP) — Spain has now the world’s second-highest tally of coronavirus deaths after 738 more were reported Wednesday. It was the country’s deadliest toll in one day. With 3,434 deaths of coronavirus patients, Spain surpassed China’s toll of 3,285 dead. Italy still has the most deaths of any nation in the world with 6,820 dying from the pandemic that is sweeping the world. Infections in Spain also rose 20% from a day earlier to 47,610. Meanwhile in Britain, Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, has tested positive for the new coronavirus. In India, the world’s largest democracy is under the world’s biggest lockdown, with 1.3 billion people ordered to stay home to stop the coronavirus.

AP-FINANCIAL-MARKETS

Tokyo soars 8% as US stimulus deal lifts world markets

BANGKOK (AP) — Japan’s Nikkei 225 has surged 8% and other world markets also jumped after Congress and the White House reached a deal to inject nearly $2 trillion of aid into an economy ravaged by the coronavirus. The advances Wednesday followed the best day since 1933 for the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which rocketed 11.4% higher on Tuesday. The gains were a respite from a brutal month of nearly nonstop selling. But with cases of the virus still climbing, investors are leery of saying markets have hit bottom. Rallies nearly as big as this have punctuated the last few weeks, none lasting more than a day.

CAIRO (AP) — An international aid group says closures aimed at containing the coronavirus pandemic are preventing it from reaching 300,000 people in conflict zones across the Middle East, after authorities in Libya’s capital reported the first case in the war-torn country. The Norwegian Refugee Council said it was unable to reach people in Syria, Yemen and the Gaza Strip, where authorities have imposed strict measures to halt the spread of the virus. All have fragile health care systems that could be overwhelmed by an outbreak, and only Yemen has yet to report any cases.

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. says it will close factories in Africa, the Middle East and India, heeding the advice of governments and safeguarding its staff and the public. Companies in China say they expect delays in resuming normal business to last through the second half of this year as Beijing tries to revive its economy after declaring victory over the coronavirus. Olympics broadcaster NBC Universal faces the loss of ad-related profits after the Tokyo Games were postponed to next year as other governments tighten travel controls and cancel public activities. Canada’s second-largest airline says almost half its workforce is leaving. Hotels and home-sharing companies are offering free or discounted rooms to medical workers around the world.