– Wayne Byers Show – Morning – July 24

CSi Weather…

Excessive heat WARNING in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening. Includes Barnes County.

* WHAT: Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 105 possible.

* IMPACTS: Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase
the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those
working or participating in outdoor activities.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this
situation. Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-
conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives
and neighbors.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in
vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during
warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal
temperatures in a matter of minutes.

…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM CDT THIS
EVENING…

* WHAT…Heat index values up to 100 expected.

* WHERE…Stutsman, Logan and McIntosh Counties.

* WHEN…From noon today to 8 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur.

Forecast…

REST OF TODAY…Increasing clouds. A 40 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms in the afternoon in the Jamestown area, 30 percent in the Valley City area . Some thunderstorms may be severe.

Highs in the mid 90s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Heat index 95 to

100.

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely in the

evening, then chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight.

Some thunderstorms may be severe in the evening. Lows around 70.

South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 60 percent in the Jamestown area, 70 percent in the Valley City area. Heat index 90 to 95.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Slight chance of showers and

thunderstorms in the morning, then showers and thunderstorms

likely in the afternoon. Highs around 90. Southwest winds 5 to

10 mph. Chance of precipitation 40 percent in the Jamestown area, 60 percent in the Valley City area. Heat index 90 to 95.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of

showers and thunderstorms in the Jamestown area, 50 percent in the Valley City area. Lows in the mid 60s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. Northwest winds

10 to 15 mph.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Clear. Lows in the upper 50s.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 50s.

.TUESDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 50s.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.

.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.

Thunderstorms are likely this afternoon and evening. Some storms
may be severe with large hail up to the size of ping pong balls
and damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph. Very heavy rainfall may lead
to localized flooding.

There is a chance of thunderstorms Saturday. Severe weather may be
possible.

Update…

Jamestown (CVHD) Central Valley Health District reported on Friday morning that 603 were tested for the COVID-19 virus during the testing event on Thursday evening at the Stutsman County Fairgrounds, in Jamestown.

Previously

Jamestown (JRMC) As novel coronavirus cases continue to rise, Central Valley Health District worked in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Health, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, the North Dakota National Guard and local health and safety partners to facilitate a COVID-19 testing event on Thursday, July 23 from 3 – 6 p.m. at the Stutsman County Fairgrounds in Jamestown, N.D.

More information on the total numbers tested when the news release becomes available.

NDDoH COVID-19 Stats Thurs. July 23, 2020

COVID-19 Test Results
Results listed are from the previous day.

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

Man in his 70s from Burleigh County with underlying health conditions.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED THURSDAY

Benson County – 6
Bottineau County – 1
Bowman County – 2
Burleigh County – 48
Cass County – 19
Cavalier County – 1
Eddy County – 2
Grand Forks County – 5
Kidder County – 1
McHenry County – 1
McKenzie County – 3
McLean County – 1
Morton County – 11
Mountrail County – 1
Ramsey County – 2
Richland County – 1
Rolette County – 1
Stark County – 2
Walsh County – 1
Ward County – 11
Williams County – 8

BY THE NUMBERS

275,255 – Total Number of Tests Completed* (+4,318 total tests from yesterday)

140,816 – Total Unique Individuals Tested* (+1,550 unique individuals from yesterday)

135,323 – Total Negative (+1,424 unique individuals from yesterday)

5,493 – Total Positive (+128 unique individuals from yesterday)

After investigation it was discovered that someone from Burleigh County and Dunn County were from out of state.

3.0% – Daily Positivity Rate**

322 – Total Hospitalized (+5 individual from yesterday)

57 – Currently Hospitalized (+5 individuals from yesterday)

4,475 – Total Recovered (+68 individuals from yesterday)

97 – Total Deaths*** (+1 individual from yesterday)

* Note that this does not include individuals from out of state and has been updated to reflect the most recent information discovered after cases were investigated.

**Because the serial tests completed and added to the total number of tests completed can result in new individuals who test positive, the daily positivity rate will be calculated using the total positives for the day by the daily number of tests completed instead of the daily number of unique individuals tested.

*** Number of individuals who tested positive and died from any cause while infected with COVID-19.

For descriptions of these categories, visit the NDDoH dashboard.

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.

Valley City (CSi) Barnes County Road 19 The River Road remains closed for repairs at the junction of 115th Avenue Southeast. The culvert was washed out, there is no detour is provided, and motorists should use alternate routes, and use caution when traveling during and after heavy rainfall, as road conditions can rapidly change.

Officials estimate the repairs to start Monday July 27 will take time.

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council’s Budget Committee met Thursday afternoon at City Hall, working on the 2021 budget. Council Member Buchanan joined by phone. City Administrator, Sarah Hellekson was present.

Mayor Dwaine Heinrich said, asked Ms. Hellekcson to review changes to the preliminary 2021 budget draft.

Highlights of the meeting included:

The Preliminary General Fund Budget is at $1.3 million. She reported on the transfers from utililits, and the the City Sales Tax Fund.

General Property Taxes amount to 94.8 million at $48.700 per mill.

The fund was reduced by 3-mills and transferred to another fund.

The Coal Conversion Tax income was reduced slightly.

The Highway Tax Distribution is projected at 897,000.

State Aid Distribution is based on Census.

City Fire Department and City Police Department are under projected expenditures.

Municipal Court remote viewing equipment was added to the budget.

Central Valley Health District request is unchanged.

The City Street Department request was slightly decreased.

She said at the end of the 2021 budget period the General Fund expenditures are down by $448,000, putting the General Fund at $1.1 million. Mayor Heinrich said the budget balance needs to be $3-million. Maintaining the Reserve Fund is critical, when looking ahead to future budgets. He pointed out that to balance the 2021 budget, funds have had to be transferred into the General Fund from other budgets.

Recent changes in the Group Health Insurance Fund, and General Equipment Replacement Fund was explained, including about $500,000 for a vactor truck, that Mayor Heinrich said he was not aware of.

The City Sales Tax budget is balanced, due to internet sales tax revenues. Mayor Heinrich said the funds need to be reviewed and discussed on the intent of the usage.

The City Motel and Restaurant taxes were down so far this year, stemming from reduced travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions. Projections for the 2021 budget are not known at this time, which Jamestown Tourism receives a percent for their budget.

The City Civic Center is expected to budget $250,000 less in 2021.

The Storm Water Utility Fund monthly fee will go from $3 to $4 per month, amounting to an increase in funds of $57,000 in 2021.

The preliminary budget to be approved will be sent to the county. The budget can be decreased but not increased, once approved. If the 2021 budget is not approved, the 2020 budget would remain in effect.

The Council Committee voted to send this budget to the August City Council meeting.

Thursday’s meeting was shown live on CSi 67.

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council’s Finance & Legal Committee, Building, Planning & Zoning Committee Civic Center & Promotion Committee, Police & Fire Committee and Public Works Committee

Met jointly on Thursday afternoon at City Hall. All members were present.

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE

Items considered were:

The Application for Abatement for 1317 5th St NE (74-2033000). City Assessor, Jamison Veil said, a 40 unit apartment unit. The project was reappraised by the city and approved by the city board of equalization at $1.9-million. The abatement request is for between $1.7 million and $2 million dollars. Drainage damage issues have been addressed at a cost of around $700,000. The committee recommends a 2019 an abatement valuation of $2-million.

The committee recommends approving the application for Renaissance Zone Incentives for up to five (5) years, one hundred percent (100%) state income tax exemption and one hundred (100%) five (5) year property tax exemption for Amy Anderson, (208 Lindwood Drive) pending approval by the State of North Dakota Department of Community Services.

The committee recommends approving a revised the contract for carbon dioxide for the Water Departments of the City of Jamestown, to Praxair, in the amount of $190 per ton, to expire December 31, 2021, with the similar chemical contracts.

The Water Department Superintendent said the contract, in order to receive the carbon dioxide needs to be executed soon.

The City Council will review for approval.

Recommended by the committee for approval was the request from JSDC for funding for a market and financial feasibility assessment for Buffalo City Park from Economic Development Funds, in the amount of $25,000, with the City Share to be $20,000 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund. Tourism Director Searle Swedlund said feasibility study “Builds a case,” for the project. Mayor Heinrich and Council Member Buchanan concurred on the importance of the Park for Jamestown.

Approved for recommendation was the request from JSDC for 2021 South Central Dakota Regional Council Dues from Economic Development Funds, in the amount of $36,458.00, with the City Share to be $22,969.00 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.

The request was recommended for approval from JSDC for the Jamestown Area Chamber Commerce Give Get Grow Campaign for matching funds from Economic Development Funds, in the amount of $5,000.00 and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund. $4,000 from the city and $1,000. Chamber Executive, Emily Bivens said, if approved the matching pool will be at $25,000

Considered, then recommended for approval, subject to City Attorney review, and approval was the Easement Agreement with the State of North Dakota for a 99-year term for the purpose of constructing, maintaining, and replacing a water distribution system within the tract of land described in the agreement as located within the west half of Section 6, T139N, r63W of the Fifth Principle Meridian, being within Bloom Township, Stutsman County, North Dakota and northeast quarter of Section 1, T139N, R64W of the Fifth Principal Meridian, being within Midway Township, Stutsman County, North Dakota.

A redundant water supply is need for a State Hospital project, and the easement allows for a water line to be installed.

From Sabir’s Buffalo City Grill, Jim Boyd said the at the June Finance and Legal Committee meeting the establishment requested an off sale alcohol permit, for off sale wine and beer stemming from tasting events. He said those participating could then purchase the items to take home. Boyd asked if the mayor could issue an off sale license stemming from this type of sales. Mayor Heinrich said he will research the issue with the City Attorney for any possible action.

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

Consider were:

The committee recommends approving the Major Subdivision, Final plat of LD Concrete Addition, being within the City of Jamestown, Midway Township, Stutsman County, North Dakota, Lands in Jamestown, S31, T140, R63, NE 1/4 NE 1/4 SE 1/4 31-140-63 known as Parcel B 10 Acres. The property is located at 2400 10th St SE.

Recommended for approval was the request from ARD Properties, LLC, for a Future Land Use Plan Amendment for Auditor’s Lot 27-12, located in the Northwest Quarter Section 27, Township 140 North, Range 64 West of the fifth principal meridian, Midway Township, Stutsman County, North Dakota, from A-1 and C-2 to M-2. The property is located at 8126 34th St SE, County Road 34, at the Highway 281 By-pass. The City Planning Commission has recommended approval.

The committee recommends introducing an ordinance to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 of the City Code by amending the District Map to change the zoning of Auditor’s Lot 27-12, located in the Northwest Quarter Section 27, Township 140 North, Range 64 West of the fifth principal meridian, Midway Township, Stutsman County, North Dakota, from A-1 and C-2 to M-2. The property is located at 8126 34th St SE.

Considered was the request from Dean Hafner for a Future Land Use Plan Amendment for Lands in Jamestown, a portion of Lot 1, within the NE 1/4 of Section 26, Township 140 N, Range 64 W, lying and being North of a line extended from the intersection of the South boundary line of 9th St with the East boundary of said lot, consisting of 8.4 acres in Stutsman County, North Dakota, from R-1-A tp C-1. Urban Residential Low Density, to Neighborhood Conservation. The property is located at 901 4th Ave NW. Council Member Steele said the city needs to look at other than a C-1 zone, in the event the property is used for another use in the future. The item was tabled.

INFORMATIONAL: A public hearing and second reading is scheduled at the August 3, 2020, City Council meeting, to consider Ordinance No. 1536, to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 of the City Code by amending the District Map to change the zoning of LANDS IN JAMESTOWN, S31, T140, R63, NE 1/4 NE 1/4 SE 1/4 31-140-63 KNOWN AS PARCEL B 10 ACRES, City of Jamestown, Stutsman County, North Dakota, rezoned from M2 (General Industrial and Manufacturing District) & R1 (One-Family Residential District) to strictly M2. The property is located at 2400 10th St SE.

INFORMATIONAL: The appointment of a member to serve on the Planning Commission for a five year term to expire August 2025, is scheduled at the August 3, 2020, City Council meeting. Mayor Heinrich said he plans to recommend Paulette Ritter to be reappointed to the expired term.

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

No items at this time.

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE

INFORMATIONAL: Fire department vehicle update. Lt. Sheldon Mohr said delivery of the new ladder truck is still on schedule for August this year. It will either be delivered of picked up.

He added that with fire inspections, precautions are being taken at the locations due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

The committee recommends approving the plans and specifications for City of Jamestown James River Riverbank Restoration Project.

Six sites adjacent to city infrastructures will be addressed in the city that are failing, with riprapping. The city’s share of the cost is $237,000.

Recommended for approval was Change Order No 1, to Scherbenske Inc. for 2020 Water Main Improvement District 20-61 (Approximately 11 Blocks). The project is to replace two blocks of pipe to a larger size and installed at a lower depth.

INFORMATIONAL: City Engineer project updates. Travis Dillman said sandbags that were installed during last falls flooding event have been removed.

With the city Road Diet project he said with the bagged traffic signals on First Avenue, the project paving will be striped indicating where the lane changes will occurred, to be done in October this year, with the cost paid for by the NDDOT.

He said plans are to install flashing beacons to allow pedestrians to across at designated areas of the street. The beacons will flash to alert both motorists and pedestrians. Traffic will be required to stop for the crossing pedestrians.

INFORMATIONAL: Recycling collection update. Recycle North Dakota Manage Ralph Frieble said, the May participation rate was 73.4 percent and in June was 78.9 percent.

INFORMATIONAL: The public hearing for special assessments for 2019 Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter District 19-11 is scheduled at the August 3, 2020, City Council meeting.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.

Jamestown (CSi) The Buffalo Days Celebration is July 24, 25 & 26 in Jamestown. Chamber Executive, Emily Bivens says the citywide event will look a little different this year. It will still offer the parade and activities in McElroy Park.

More PIXS at Facebook from Buffalo Days 2019 by Matt Sheppard for CSi and The Replay Channel. .

84 Buffalo Days Parade Photos by Matt Sheppard @ Facebook

47 Buffalo Days Pixs: Cars – Wild West Shootout – Pancake Feed

The parade route has been extended. Floats will travel North on 1st Ave (like in the past), then turn on 1st St. before the railroad tracks and head east then come back towards McElroy Park heading south on 3rd Ave East.

We encourage the community to spread out and practice social distancing.
Let’s be smart and have a great event!

Society distancing requires the changes to stay safe during the pandemic. She says with that in mind, the parade route will be circular, so parade goers can maintain social distancing, as it will loop around and return down 3rd Ave SE.

Still planned are: activities in the park with a limited amount of vendors and entertainment, by Old Friends,along with the car show and shine. Ft. Seward will also hold its Big Guns of the Old West event. The 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse will be available with activities, and Ft. Seward.

Valley City (CSi) The 12th Annual Debbie Gabel Memorial Cancer Ride is Saturday, July 25, in Valley City.

Registration at Boomers Corner Keg, 264 East Main Strett from 9-11 a.m. Kickstands are up at noon, rain or shine. Ride will conclude at Boomer’s Corner Keg with a meal, and then a street dance.

The cost to participate is $20 per rider, with $10 per co-pilot. Ride will conclude at Boomer’s Corner Keg with a meal, and street dance to follow.

Sponsored by Rocky Gabel and the Thundering Saints, proceeds will benefit local individuals battling the hardships of cancer, and Hospice of the Red Rive Valley, in memory of his wife Debbie who he lost to ovarian cancer in 2009.

For more information, on line, visit www.thunderingsaints.com.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s 11 colleges and universities should develop policies and procedures that either strongly encourage or require the use masks as a precaution against the coronavirus when classes resume this fall. The North Dakota Board of Higher Education adopted unanimously adopted the resolution Thursday. The meeting was held as the number of deaths in the state approached triple-digits and the number of active cases and hospitalizations was the highest since the pandemic began. Joshua Wynne is the state’s chief health strategist. He told the board that widespread testing is planned at the state’s bigger campuses before classes resume and “as the semester evolves.”

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s Republican governor has denounced an anti-LGBTQ resolution that was passed by hundreds of delegates this spring by mail-in ballots, calling it insulting and divisive. Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement Thursday blasting the resolution, which includes the assertion that many “LGBT practices are unhealthy and dangerous.” The state GOP issued a statement apologizing for the language in that resolution and promising it would be changed at a future meeting. The party held its state committee meeting last Friday and Saturday, and the state Health Department sent a letter to attendees Wednesday saying someone who was there had tested positive for the coronavirus.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Police in Fargo are looking for a suspect in a stabbing. Authorities say the male suspect buzzed a woman’s apartment Wednesday and told her that her car’s alarm was going off. The woman and her friend went to investigate the alarm. Police say that when they returned, they found the man in the apartment. The woman ’s friend confronted the suspect and was stabbed. Police say the injuries are not life-threatening. The suspect fled from the apartment and has not been located.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A Bismarck martial arts instructor accused inappropriately touching a student and shooting video in a locker room has been sentenced to probation after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors. Twenty-four-year-old Adler Scheer pleaded guilty to promoting obscenity to minors. A charge of sexual assault and two counts of surreptitious intrusion were dismissed under the terms of the agreement. Scheer won’t have to register as a sex offender. Scheer was charged after a student at ATA Martial Arts Studio found a cellphone in a changing room.

In sports…

District 6 Babe Ruth Baseball tournament in Steele.

Thurs….

Elimination Games

Game 5: #4 Steele 6, #8 Ashley 3

Game 6: #6 Linton-Wishek 8, Ellendale 3

Game 7: #1 Valley CityKings 14, Oakes 0 F/4

Game 8: #2 Lamoure 20, #3 Carrington 1, 3 1/2 innings

Game #9: Carrington 2, Steele 0, 9 innings (elimination game)

GAME #10: #6 Linton/Wishek 11, #5 Oakes 4, (elimination game)

FRIDAY SCHEDULE:

10AM – #1 Valley City vs. #2 Lamoure

20 minutes after – #3 Carrington vs. #6 Linton/Wishek (elimination game)

20 minutes after – winner of Carrington/LW vs. loser of VC vs. Lamoure

Valley City Royals..

Thursday…

At Charlie Brown Field

Senior Night

Valley City Royals in a 6-2 win over Casselton in the East Region finale.

MLB-

UNDATED (AP) — The New York Yankees have opened the Major League Baseball season by defeating the defending World Series champs, thanks in part to first-inning thunder and a sixth-inning storm.

Giancarlo Stanton and newcomer Gerrit Cole led the Yanks to a 4-1, rain-shortened win at Washington. Stanton opened the scoring with a two-run blast in the first inning off Max Scherzer, who struck out 11 over 5 1/3. Cole tossed one-hit ball over five innings and blanked the Nationals after Adam Eaton’s solo shot in the first.

The Yankees had runners on first and third with one out in the sixth when the game was called.

Dr. Anthony Fauci had the honor of throwing out the first pitch, a toss that skipped between home plate and the Nationals’ dugout.

Washington had to begin the season without slugger Juan Soto. The outfielder tested positive for COVID-19 and was put on the injured list hours before gametime.

The Dodgers began their campaign by scoring seven times over their final two at-bats to thump the Giants, 8-1 in Los Angeles.

Kike (KEE’-kay) Hernandez was the hitting star for the Dodgers, going 4-for-5 with a two-run homer and five RBIs. Hernandez delivered a two-run single while Los Angeles scored five times in the seventh.

Mookie Betts was 1-for-5 with two strikeouts in his first game since signing the second-richest contract in major league history. Betts scored the tiebreaking run in the seventh on a fielder’s choice.

Dustin May allowed one run over 4 1/3 innings of his first opening-day start. He was given the opportunity when Clayton Kershaw went on the injured list with back spasms.

Like the Nationals and Yankees, the Dodgers and Giants took a knee before the national anthem as a sign of unity for social justice.

NASCAR-KANSAS

Hamlin gets 5th Cup win of season

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Denny Hamlin was the winner of a crash-filled race at Kansas Motor Speedway, giving him five NASCAR Cup victories already this season. Hamlin avoided two major wrecks and later passed Kevin Harvick in the closing laps before holding off Brad Keselowski. Joey Logano, Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman were among the drivers to wreck.

Martin Truex Jr. came across third, Harvick wound up sliding to fourth and Erik Jones rounded out the top five to cap a banner night for Joe Gibbs Racing. JGR made all the right calls during a crash-filled final stage to win in front of empty grandstands.

— The Twins set their opening day roster on Thursday, with right-hander Jake Odorizzi (oh-duh-REE’-zee) on the 10-day injured list due to mild soreness in his upper back. Rich Hill will take Odorizzi’s place the first time through the rotation, scheduled to start on Saturday in Chicago against the White Sox. José Berríos will take the mound for the opener on Friday.

In other MLB news:

— Major League Baseball and the players’ union have agreed to expand the playoffs from 10 teams to 16 for the pandemic-delayed season. According to MLB, each of the 16 teams will participate in a best-of-three first round before heading into a best-of-five Division Series. A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that MLB agreed to guarantee a postseason pool that would be $50 million if the entire postseason is played.

— Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez will be shut down from all baseball activities for at least a week after he experienced a setback in his return from COVID-19. Manager Ron Roenicke (REHN’-ih-kee) says Rodriguez hasn’t had another positive test after testing positive for the coronavirus before the start of summer camp. But he said the left-hander did experience some minor complications that the team’s medical staff felt were serious enough to restrict him from activities for now.

— The White Sox have reinstated Yoán Moncada from the injured list. That clears the way for their star third baseman to open the season in the lineup after missing the start of summer camp because he contracted COVID-19. Moncada, hit .315 in a breakout season last year.

— The Cubs have placed left-hander José Quintana on the 10-day injured list because of a thumb injury suffered before the start of summer camp. The 31-year-old Quintana wasn’t expected to be ready for opening day after cutting himself washing dishes at his home in Miami last month. The Cubs also placed infielder Daniel Descalso on the 45-day injured list with a sprained left ankle and announced that outfielder Mark Zagunis opted out for the season.

— The Cardinals have recalled outfielder Austin Dean, right-hander Junior Fernandez, catcher Andrew Knizner and infielder Edmundo Sosa on Thursday as they finalized their roster for opening day against the Pirates at Busch Stadium. St. Louis also announced that right-hander Kodi Whitley made the initial 30-man roster for the start of the season.

— Nate Pearson was not included on the Toronto Blue Jays’ 30-man roster for Friday’s opener at Tampa Bay, a move that likely will delay free-agent eligibility of the hard-throwing right-hander by a year until after the 2026 season. He was 5-4 with a 2.30 ERA in 25 starts across three minor league levels last season that included three starts at Triple-A Buffalo.

— The Orioles placed left-hander John Means on the 10-day injured list with left shoulder fatigue. Means was originally scheduled to start the opener Friday night in Boston but has been replaced by Tommy Milone (mih-LOHN’), who pitched for Seattle last season. Dwight Smith Jr. is on the Brids’ roster after recovering from COVID-19.

— The Cleveland Indians will consult with Native American leaders as they consider changing the name of their franchise for the first time since 1915. Owner Paul Dolan gave more details on the steps the team is taking toward a potential name change amid a national movement to remove racist symbols and monuments.

— The Indians’ drummer won’t be silenced on opening day. Although John Adams won’t be allowed in Progressive Field on Friday because of COVID-19 protocols, he’ll be there in spirit and sound. The Indians are placing a cardboard cutout of their famed drummer in the ballpark and playing a recording of his familiar beat. Adams hasn’t missed a home opener since 1955, when he was 4.

NFL-WASHINGTON-TEMPORARY NAME

Redskins become Washington Football Team for 2020 season

UNDATED (AP) — The NFL team formerly known as the Redskins will go by the Washington Football Team for the 2020 season. The temporary name gives the organization time to choose a new moniker.

Washington will keep its burgundy and gold colors and replace the Indian head logo on helmets with a player’s jersey number.

Owner Dan Snyder recently dropped the Redskins name amid pressure from sponsors and after decades of criticism from Native American advocacy groups.

NFL-COWBOYS-LAMB

Lamb gets his 1st NFL contract

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys and rookie receiver CeeDee (SEE’-dee) Lamb have agreed to a four-year, $14 million contract with $7.8 million guaranteed.

Lamb joins a young receiving corps led by 26-year-old Amari Cooper and third-year player Michael Gallup, who is coming off his first 1,000-yard season.

The Oklahoma product was the third receiver taken behind Alabama teammates Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy (JOO’-dee).

PGA-3M Open

Werenski has 3M lead

BLAINE, Minn. (AP) — Richy Werenski sank a short birdie putt on the par-5 18th for an 8-under 63 and a one-shot lead over Michael Thompson through one round of the PGA’s 3M Open in Minnesota.

The 24-year-old Werenski is winless in on the PGA Tour and ranked 248th in the world. He broke a tie with Michael Thompson with his ninth and last birdie on the warm, windy afternoon at the TPC Twin Cities.

Dustin Johnson withdrew because of a back injury after a 78. Johnson’s departure comes after he posted back-to-back 80s last week at the Memorial for the highest 36-hole score of his pro career.

NHL-HURRICANES-HAMILTON

Hurricanes’ Hamilton doesn’t practice

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Hurricanes All-Star defenseman Dougie Hamilton didn’t practice today after leaving Wednesday’s workout early “in some visible discomfort. Hamilton’s status is unclear as the team prepares for the return to play next week. He hasn’t played a game since breaking his left leg in January, but he had returned for the beginning of training camp.

NHL-SEATTLE KRAKEN

Release the Kraken: Seattle unveils name for NHL franchise

SEATTLE (AP) — The NHL’s newest team finally has a name: the Seattle Kraken.

The expansion franchise unveiled its nickname Thursday, ending 19 months of speculation about whether the team might lean traditional or go eccentric with the name for the league’s 32nd team.

Seattle bypassed options like Sockeyes, Evergreens or Metropolitans, the last of which would have been a nod to Seattle’s hockey history.The primary logo is a tentacle shaped into an “S” in the style of the old Seattle Metropolitans jersey and logo. The Metropolitans were the first American team to win the Stanley Cup in 1917.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL-BLAKE-OBIT

UNDATED (AP) — Former Oklahoma football player and head coach John Blake has died at age 59.

Blake became the Sooners’ first Black head coach in any sport when he was hired in December 1995. He had a 12-22 record in three seasons, but his recruiting success laid the foundation for the program’s resurgence.

Blake’s wife, Freda, said he had a “heart-related emergency” at his home in Dallas on Thursday morning. She said attempts to revive him at home failed and he died at Baylor University Medical Center.

In world and national news…

CHICAGO (AP) — A statue of Christopher Columbus in downtown Chicago’s Grant Park was taken down early Friday, a week after protesters trying to topple the monument to the Italian explorer clashed with police. Crews used a large crane to remove the statue from its pedestal as a small crowd gathered to watch. Several work trucks were seen in the area, but it was unclear where the statue would be taken. The Associated Press sent an email Friday seeking comment from Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office. The removal also comes amid a plan by President Donald Trump to dispatch federal law enforcement agents to the city to respond to gun violence, prompting worries that the surge will inhibit residents’ ability to hold demonstrations.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Black leaders and protesters say the surge in protest activity targeting the federal intervention in Portland, Oregon, hasn’t distracted from their anti-racist message. Instead, it’s shined a spotlight on it. Crowds that came out in droves to protest police brutality and racism after George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis had dwindled to a few dozen as the weeks went by. Since President Donald Trump deployed militarized federal agents to the progressive city, the numbers of protesters have swelled again into the thousands. While chaos has engulfed the streets and demonstrators chant “feds go home,” they’re also still calling for racial justice.

(AP) President Donald Trump is now acknowledging that some schools may need to delay their reopening this fall as the coronavirus continues to surge. It marks a shift from Trump’s previous demand for a full reopening of the nation’s schools this fall. In recent weeks, Trump has said that it’s safe to open schools and that Democrats have opposed it for political reasons. But speaking at a White House news conference Thursday, Trump said districts in some virus hot spots “may need to delay reopening for a few weeks.” But even as he tempered his position, Trump insisted that every school should be “actively making preparations to open.”

BEIJING (AP) — China is ordering the United States to close its consulate in the western city of Chengdu in an increasingly rancorous diplomatic conflict. The order follows the U.S. closure of the Chinese Consulate in Houston after Washington accused Chinese agents of trying to steal medical and other research in Texas. The Chinese foreign ministry appealed to Washington to reverse its “erroneous decision.” Chinese-U.S. relations have soured amid a mounting array of conflicts including trade, technology, spying accusations, Hong Kong and allegations of abuses against Chinese ethnic Muslims.

HONOLULU (AP) — The first hurricane to threaten the United States since the start of the coronavirus pandemic is presenting new challenges to officials long accustomed to tropical storms. Meteorologists warn Hurricane Douglas should weaken by the time it hits Hawaii with strong winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous surf beginning Sunday. Honolulu authorities are preparing extra shelter space so people can maintain physical distance from others. Evacuees at Honolulu shelters will have their temperatures taken. Those with high temperatures or with a travel or exposure history will either be isolated at that shelter or taken to a different site. Officials are reminding residents to make sure they have masks and hand sanitizers in their emergency supply kits.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is having to shift plans for the Republican National Convention again. Trump has scrapped convention events scheduled for Florida next month, citing a “flare-up” of the coronavirus. Trump’s formal renomination will still go forward in North Carolina. Trump made the announcement Thursday at the White House. He had moved parts of the GOP convention to Florida last month amid a dispute with North Carolina’s Democratic leaders over holding an indoor gathering with maskless supporters. But those plans were steadily scaled back as virus cases spiked in Florida and much of the country over the last month.