CSi Weather…

.REST OF TODAY…  Mostly sunny in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 70s. Northwest winds 5 to 15 mph increasing to around 20 mph in the afternoon.

.TONIGHT…Clear. Lows around 50. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the evening.

.SATURDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. Northwest winds around

5 mph shifting to the south in the afternoon.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s. Southeast

winds 5 to 15 mph.

.SUNDAY…Sunny with chance of rain showers and thunderstorms in

the morning, then partly sunny with rain showers likely and

chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s.

South winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation 70 percent.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Rain showers likely and chance of

thunderstorms in the evening, then chance of rain showers and

thunderstorms after midnight. Lows around 50. Chance of

precipitation 70 percent.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows in the upper 40s.

.TUESDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.

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

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear with a 20 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 50s.

.THURSDAY…Sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain showers and

thunderstorms in the morning. Highs in the upper 60s.

 

Chances for strong to severe thunderstorms on Sunday followed by
cooler temperatures highlight the long term period.

Monday through Wednesday…cooler and drier air will push in and

high temperatures will struggle initially to get out of the

60s…representing more fall-like conditions.

By Wednesday night…another wave crosses the area with more chances

for precipitation.  Slightly below normal temperatures to end the period.

 

Sheyenne River Level Through Valley City

Lake Ashtabula Level

James River level through Jamestown.

Jamestown Dam

National Weather Service 

Water amounts in the snow pack

The Latest Flood Warnings from The National Weather Service

https://ndresponse.gov/flood-region

Fire Danger Map for North Dakota

 

Update

Near Casselton (NDHP)    The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports that on Thursday August 27, troopers located a vehicle that had just been reported stolen traveling southbound on Barnes County 11.

Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle which fled entering I-94 eastbound west of Valley City. The vehicle fled eastbound on I-94 through Valley City where the pursuit was discontinued. The vehicle was located again in Tower City and a pursuit was initiated. A tire deflation device (spikes) was successfully deployed at mile marker 314. The vehicle continued to drive eastbound on I-94 with 3 flat tires reaching speeds of over 100 mph. The vehicle finally became disabled at mile marker 341 and the driver was taken into custody without incident.

The driver was identified as 23 year old Alexander Holbrook of Great Falls, MT. Mr. Holbrook was test driving the vehicle which was for sale by a private party in Jamestown, ND. The owner of the vehicle reported it stolen when Mr. Holbrook did not return from the test drive. Mr. Holbrook was charged with fleeing, reckless endangerment, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and driving under revocation.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota set a record for the number of daily positive tests for the coronavirus, increasing its per-capita figures to some of the highest in the country. The update Thursday shows that 337 of the 6,972 tests came back positive, with the seven most populous counties in the state all recording more than 20 cases. Of the 27 counties with positive tests, Grand Forks County led the way with 76. Figures from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering have North Dakota ranked second in the country in the number of new COVID-19 cases per capita in the last two weeks The state also confirmed its 114th death since the pandemic began, a man in his 40s from Burleigh County with no underlying health conditions.

NDDoH

COVID-19 Stats

Thurs. Aug. 27, 2020

Posted 11-a.m.

Barnes

New Positives 13

Total Positives 77

Active 29

Recovered 48

 

Stutsman

New Positives 2

Total Positives 154

Active 21

Recovered 130

COVID-19 Test Results
The results listed are from the previous day. Additional data can be found on the NDDoH website.

BY THE NUMBERS

6,972 – Total Tests from Yesterday*

449,865 – Total tests completed since pandemic began

337 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday

One case from Hettinger County, one from Stark County and one case from Williams County are from out of state and another case from Williams County was misreported.

10,800 – Total positive individuals since pandemic began

4.83% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

1,995 – Total Active Cases

+211 Individuals from yesterday

121 – Individuals Recovered from Yesterday****

8,666 – Total recovered since pandemic began

61 – Currently Hospitalized

+8 individuals from yesterday


1 – New Deaths*** (139 total deaths since the pandemic began)


INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Man in his 40s from Burleigh County with no underlying health conditions.


COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED THURSDAY

  • Barnes County – 13
  • Bottineau County – 1
  • Burleigh County – 44
  • Cass County – 37
  • Dickey County – 2
  • Eddy County – 5
  • Emmons County – 1
  • Foster County – 1
  • Golden Valley County – 1
  • Grand Forks County – 76
  • Hettinger County – 2
  • Kidder County – 1
  • McHenry County – 4
  • McKenzie County – 2
  • McLean County – 8
  • Morton County – 25
  • Mountrail County – 2
  • Ramsey County – 3
  • Ransom County – 1
  • Richland County – 5
  • Rolette County – 1
  • Sioux County – 2
  • Stark County – 54
  • Stutsman County – 2
  • Walsh County – 1
  • Ward County – 21
  • Williams County – 22

 

* 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.
**** The daily numbers are the actual date individuals are officially out of isolation and no longer contagious.

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  (VCPS)  In partnership with the City County Health District Valley City Public School District has added three nurses.

Superintendent Josh Johnson, urges those feeling sick to stay home.

Johnson said the school district is  following all CDC and ND Dept. of Health Guidelines once the school reopens, on Monday August 31.

He adds that  a few students have decided to stay home for virtual learning however most  students will be attending in person class instruction.

Today (Friday )J&S Marketing is giving away free cloth face masks and travel size hand sanitizers to any Barnes County student from 2pm to 4pm in the parking lot of J&S Marketing at 1025 Bottle Drive on Airport Road west of Barnes County Municipal Airport.

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 in joint session Thursday at 3-p.m., at City Hall. All members were present.  Council Member Buchanan joined by phone.

 

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE

 

Considered approving a Letter of Support for grant funds for the Great Plains Housing Authority for a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Lead Hazard Reduction Grant for the testing and removal of lead hazards in single family, multi-family, owner, rental, and multi-use buildings; the first time a ND agency will apply for this HUD grant, which coincides with the mandated U.S. EPA Lead and Copper drinking water requirements.

 

 

The committee recommends approval of the updated City of Jamestown Title VI plans and policies in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all related regulations and statutes, the amended Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and in compliance with all applicable Federal regulations governing workplace anti-drug and alcohol programs, and governing transit industry where applicable.

 

The committee recommends  approval and  to authorize signing of the Department of Transportation North Dakota State Aid for Public Transit Funding Agreement for Section 5311 and State Aid to Public Transit funding on behalf of Jamestown Taxi Service, and committing the local share of funds necessary as budgeted for (State FY 2021) CY 2020 – 2021.

 

The committee considered the request from IDK to amend a section of the City Code to add the definition of “mason jar”; to allow removal of beer, wine, and liquor from an on-sale license holder; to allow any on-sale license holder to fill, seal, and sell a mason jar with beer, wine, or liquor for consumption off-site without an additional license.

Council Member Steele pointed out the liquor moratorium end on November 1, 2020 unless extended.

He said he has heard complaints of mason jars not being returned, and disposed of improperly.

Mayor Heinrich said the adjustment of the liquor Ordinance was not intended for this purpose, and is meant for the Ordinance to be in conjunction  with the sale of food.

Council Member Buchanan suggested tabling the “broad request,” until possibly considered by the City Attorney, and receive input from businesses.

Heinrich suggested moving the item to next month Finance & Legal Committee meeting for further consideration.

Mike Harris from IDK said 40 -50 mason jar sales are now being sold per day, and has supplemented sales income.

He indicated properly factor type seals are in place.

The committee recommends placing the request to the September  Finance & Legal Committee meeting agenda.

 

 

The committee recommends approving the request from IDK Employee Group to be recognized as an other public spirited organization and authorize the issuance of a raffle permit.

 

INFORMATIONAL: Food Trucks and any vendors that originate outside Stutsman County must be licensed by the City to do business within the city limits, in addition to the ND Department of Health license required for the food trucks.

 

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

 

INFORMATIONAL: The public hearing and second reading is scheduled at the September 8, 2020, Council meeting for an Ordinance to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 of the City Code by amending the Distict 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.

 

The committee recommends approving the request from ARD Properties LLC, for a Special Use Permit for property located in the the NW 1/4, Section 27, Township 140 North, Range 64 West of the fifth principal meridian, Midway Township, Stutsman County, North Dakota. The property is located at 8126 34th St SE.

 

The committee recommends accepting the SRF Consulting Group, Inc. quote to conduct the five-year land use transportation plan assessment at a maximum of $13,819, to be paid from the General Fund.  SRF’s Scott Harmsted told the committee the present agreement centers on Transportation.  He said the current plan may no longer be viable.   Council Member Steele said the League of Cities recommends a five year review.   Mayor Heinrich asked if the present plan no longer actionable be forwarded to the NDDOT, which Harmsted said it can.

 

The committee discussed introducing an ordinance to amend and re-enact Section 4 – Establishment of Districts, and to enact Section 5.4.4, Uses Permitted – Planned Unit Development (new section), all of Appendix C of the City Code as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Council Member Steele said the action needs to be approved by the City Council, and Planning and Zoning.  Scott Harmsted the action allows for more flexibility to protect sensitive issues.

The committee recommends considering the Ordinance as stated.

 

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

 

INFORMATIONAL: The Civic Center calendar was reviewed in September, October, November, December 2020 as compared to 2019; and update of facility and community promotions. Civic Center manager Pam Fosse said limited access is now in force at the Civic Center, stemming from sanitation procedures.   She said the Civic Center is receiving requests for small attendance meetings, to meet with social distancing protocols.  She said the rodeos have declined to hold its events there due to North Dakota Smart Restart guidelines, concerning limited attendance in the building.

 

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE

 

INFORMATIONAL: Police department general update.  With training, Police Chief Scott Edinger said there is now one opening in the police department with a number of individuals in training.  Leroy Gross will be promoted to Captain to succeed the retiring John Gletne.  Lt Sid Mann is acting in the open position  in the Task Force, until a permanent replacement is named.

COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented.   He said two officers are in Minneapolis, and in Fargo, catching up on training, since the pandemic began.

With parking, a section of Second Avenue Southeast is returning to no parking, and signage will be installed for parking regulations to allow for snow removal where necessary.   He said traffic flow pavement markings and being put in place, in the area of St. John’s Academy.   He thanked the community for their support in general and specifically. during the pandemic. and noted charitable organizations support including the Elks Club sponsored burger fry.

He said the traffic speeds on First Avenue since the traffic signals were turned off has increased some.

He added that three lanes of traffic is more beneficial to pedestrians crossing the street.

He cautions motorists to be weary of pedestrians crossing.

He noted that pedestrians school zoned are being observed by police during the school year.

 

INFORMATIONAL: Fire Department update, inspections, training, COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented.   Fire Chief Jim Reuther said inspections have resumed, as have trainings.   He said fire personnel are returning now to regular training. Three new fire fighters are in training, in addition to other new fire fighter hires, and recruitment is continues to improve.

He said the new ladder truck is delayed due to pandemic related issues, and the truck is painted and is waiting components.

The truck may be delivered in October this year.

Reuther thanked several businesses and individuals who have made monetary donations toward the purchase of the truck, including some for outside Stutsman County.

 

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

Considered was the development and implementation of a City Industrial Wastewater Discharge Pretreatment Permitting and Compliance Program beginning in 2021 as mandated by the State of North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, and in compliance with the U.S. EPA.   Darrell Hournbuckle from Interstate Engineering said, the industries in Jamestown include, permitted users, Cavendish, Newman Signs, Great River Energy, and Collins Aerospace.  A presentation was made of industrial wastewater pretreatment guidelines and requirements for each of the businesses.

Mayor Heinrich said the requirement will cost the city additional dollars, under the permitting, which would have to be passed along to the users in the form of a permit fee, to cover the city’s costs.  He asked if those officials have the permission to send the responsibility and costs to the city, under the compliance program.

The committee recommends sending to the city council with approval.

The committee discussed the cost to grind wood waste as sent to committee by City Council on July 23, 2020.

The committee recommends bringing the issue back to the committee when more information becomes available.

The committee considered the vactor truck cost as sent to committee by City Council on July 23, 2020.  The cost would have to come from the equipment replacement fund. The matter will be placed on the September city council agenda without recommendation.

 

The committee recommends  entering into an agreement with CPS to provide the 2020 Annual Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Groundwater Monitoring Report and additional consultation regarding the City’s Groundwater Monitoring Plan.

 

The committee recommends  entering into an agreement with Interstate Engineering, Inc., for the 2021 Water Main Improvement District.

 

INFORMATIONAL: Change Order No. 2, to Scherbenske Inc., for 2020 State Hospital Water Line Replacement District 20-62, pertaining to the easement agreement with the State of ND, with no time or dollar amount change in the contract price.

INFORMATIONAL: City Engineer project updates. Travis Dillman said, the NDDOT has notified the city that a pedestrian crossing signs will go up as part of the paving striping, on First Avenue, under the Road Diet project.  Pedestrian crossing beacons will be installed next spring.  He said the safe routes to schools program has implemented the improved traffic flows in the Middle School area, with bump outs and new pavement striping.  River bank stabilization is being addressed.

Review of 2019 Watermain Improvement District 19-61, was given.

INFORMATIONAL: University of Jamestown Stormwater related to renovations of UJ’s  Taylor Stadium.

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

Valley City  (VCPS)  In partnership with the City County Health District Valley City Public School District has added three nurses.

Superintendent Josh Johnson, urges those feeling sick to stay home.

Johnson said the school district is  following all CDC and ND Dept. of Health Guidelines once the school reopens, on Monday August 31.

He adds that  a few students have decided to stay home for virtual learning however most  students will be attending in person class instruction.

Jamestown  (CSi)  Jamestown Public Works informs residents, that mosquito fogging operations will take place on Friday, August 28th, 2020 between 8:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M. in the City of Jamestown.
Parents are advised to keep children out of the streets and away from the fogging machines.
Motorist’s should use extreme caution in this area.
All fogging operations are contingent upon weather conditions.
For more information visit jamestownnd.org, click on Departments/ Vector Control or call 701-320-5503

Jamestown  (Chamber)   Members of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors joined in the celebration with Jamestown Parks and Recreation for breaking ground for the Shirley R. Meidinger Splash Park. This project is part of the development plan at Two Rivers Activity Center, and is expected to be open in the spring of 2021.

For more information, contact Amy Walters, TRAC Facility Manager by calling 952-8722.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Rural Fire District announces that the Jamestown Rural Fire Department invites the public to an Open House to celebrate being located at the new fire hall on  Saturday September 12, 2020 from 10-a.m. to 2-p.m.

The location is 1209 9th Street Southeast, in Jamestown.

 

Carrington  (NDDOT)    NDDOT reports on their Facebook page, that Casey’s Fuel Stop in Carrington is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic concerns, after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

The notice says, the fuel pumps have been turned off as well. It’s expected the store will reopen following a deep cleaning is completed with a third-party cleaning provider. A store spokesperson said “This was also the recommended guidance from the Department of Health and consistent with CDC guidelines.”

BISMARCK, N.D.  (CSi) – The North Dakota University System (NDUS) has pulled together a list of public-facing web pages from each of the 11 public colleges and universities that offer public insight into how the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is impacting the state’s public institutions.

Each web page offers campus specific data on cases related to students, faculty and staff, where applicable. Some institutions use self-reported information while others use the data reported by the N.D. Department of Health.

According to NDUS Chancellor Mark Hagerott, this will serve as an additional resource for the public to be informed about the pandemic and its effects.

“Our institutions have been innovating since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hagerott said. “This set of web pages is one more way to ensure transparency and heighten measures of safety at the campus level.”

The dashboards vary in information, but can include the total number of active and recovered COVID-19 cases, the number of on- and off-campus students, the number of employee cases, the number of students who have entered quarantine, and the campus risk level.

The following link provides a view of the individual trackers: https://cts.ndus.edu/coronavirus/.

 

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — Police say they’ve arrested the husband of a Minot woman who died after what was initially reported as an accidental shooting. Officers were called to a Minot residence May 21 where 37-year-old Connie Rod had been shot. Her 42-year-old husband, Erik Rod, reported the shooting was an accident. She died at Trinity Hospital on May 25. Police say their investigators discovered evidence that led them to believe the shooting wasn’t accidental. The Ward County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and issued a felony murder charge. Erik Rod was arrested Thursday and is being held in the Ward County Jail. It was not immediately clear if he has an attorney to speak on his behalf.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A federal grand jury has indicted a man prosecutors say led a criminal gang that carried out a string of violent attacks and robberies. Prosecutors say 26-year-old Abbot Aho, of Fergus Falls, is the leader of a criminal gang known as the “Slither Gang” whose members stole from drug dealers and sold the drugs they took. Authorities say the gang members targeted alleged drug traffickers in North Dakota, Minnesota and elsewhere. Aho is charged with using a gun in committing a crime of violence, continuing a criminal enterprise and conspiracy to commit robbery, among other counts.

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — Police say they found a large amount of methamphetamine in the vehicle of a Minot man who led officers on a high-speed chase in northwestern North Dakota. The pursuit started in Berthold on Highway 2 after the driver sped away from a traffic stop for a minor offense Tuesday. Authorities say the suspect at times drove into the oncoming traffic lane before the chase ended in Burlington. The driver and a female passenger fled from the vehicle along a river bank. The woman was arrested. The driver is still at large.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Supreme Court has sided with a family in a case involving mineral rights on land taken for the construction of a dam that created Lake Sakakawea. In a unanimous ruling Thursday, the high court upheld a lower court ruling last year that concluded the William Wilkinson family and not the state own the oil and gas mineral rights under a portion of the Missouri River reservoir. Wilkinson attorney Josh Swanson called it a “resounding victory” and “landmark decision” that will impact mineral rights owners along river.

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — Prosecutors have charged a 17-year-old from Illinois in the fatal shooting of two protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and the wounding of a third. Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley filed five felony charges against Kyle Rittenhouse Thursday afternoon. He could face a mandatory life sentence if convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, the most serious crime in Wisconsin. The shootings late Tuesday followed the weekend police shooting of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black father of six who was left paralyzed from the waist down. Blake’s shooting has made Kenosha the latest focal point in the fight against racial injustice that has gripped the country.

In sports…

WDA Preseason Coaches Poll shapes up:

Ranking followed by team, total points and (first place votes)

  1. Century 80 (9)
  2. Jamestown 71 (1)
  3. Bismarck High 62
  4. Mandan 57
  5. Legacy 54
  6. St. Mary’s 35
  7. Dickinson 31
  8. Minot 30
  9. Watford City 18
  10. Williston 12

 

2020 GPAC Preseason Volleyball Coaches’ Poll:

Place – Team – Pts (1st Place Votes)
1. Northwestern – 117 (9)
2. Jamestown  – 102 (2)
3. Concordia  – 97
4. Midland – 92 (1)
5. Dordt  – 85
6. College of Saint Mary – 70
7. Morningside  – 55
8. Hastings – 48
9. Doane – 41
10. Dakota Wesleyan – 36
11. Briar Cliff – 32
12. Mount Marty – 17

Bristol, CT  ESPN 2 CSi Cable 27, 84.18 HD will show the High School football game between Bismarck Legacy and Bismarck Century on  Saturday August 29 at 8-p.m. CDT.

The game is part of ESPN’s continuing coverage of high school football teams playing around the nation, in the absence of College Football games being played, stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

MLB..

UNDATED (AP) — It was a typical start to a major league game Thursday at Citi Field as players from the New York Mets and Miami Marlins stood in their dugouts for the national anthem.

Players took their positions, then reserves and coaches filed out of both dugouts and stood silently for 42 seconds to honor Jackie Robinson, the first Black player in modern major league history. Both teams then returned to their clubhouses, leaving only a Black Lives Matter T-shirt at home plate.

It was yet another MLB game to be boycotted following the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last weekend.

Oakland’s game at Texas was among six other major league contests that were postponed Thursday as teams boycott over racial injustice. Also postponed were Philadelphia at Washington, Tampa Bay at Baltimore, Minnesota at Detroit, Colorado at Arizona and Boston at the Blue Jays in Buffalo, New York. Without much apparent guidance from MLB, teams were left to make decisions for themselves.

The only games being played Thursday are doubleheaders, three of which were makeup games following Wednesday boycotts:

— Clayton Kershaw struck out four and didn’t walk a batter over six scoreless innings Thursday, leading the Dodgers past the Giants, 7-0 in the opener. AJ Pollock belted a two-run homer and Dodgers star Mookie Betts reached 1,000 hits in his 824th game with his sixth-inning single. Austin Barnes doubled in two runs to highlight the Dodgers’ four-run fourth, when they also got RBI singles from Joc Pederson and Corey Seager.

— Joc Pederson was the hitting star in the Dodgers’ 2-0, Game 2 victory, hitting a solo homer and scoring an insurance run on Will Smith’s double. Seven pitchers combined on a two-hitter as Los Angeles completed the sweep. The Dodgers won the nightcap despite collecting just three hits.

— Cole Tucker singled home in the go-ahead run in extra innings and the Pirates beat the Cardinals, 4-3 in Game 1. The seven-inning game went to extras tied at one before the Bucs scored three times in the eighth, including an RBI single by Bryan Reynolds and an error by third baseman Brad Miller. Chad Kuhl delivered six innings of one-run ball for Pittsburgh.

— The Pirates came away with a sweep as Erik Gonzalez and Adam Frazier provided RBI singles in a 2-0 decision over the Redbirds. Cody Ponce earned his first big league victory by pitching into the sixth inning of his first start, limiting St. Louis to five hits.

— There was a thrilling end to San Diego’s 10-7, Game 1 win over the Mariners. Wil Myers hit a game-ending three-run homer with two outs in the Padres’ seven-run seventh. Manny Machado homered twice and had four RBIs, and Fernando Tatis (tah-TEES’) Jr. hit his big league-leading 13th homer an estimated at 448 feet onto the roof of the Western Metal Supply Co. Building.

— Rookie José Marmolejos hit his first grand slam and Shed Long Jr. also connected in a six-run first that carried the Mariners to an 8-3 victory and a split of their twinbill with San Diego. Manny Machado also went deep for his third home run of the doubleheader.

— The Reds knocked off the Brewers, 6-1 in Game 1 as Jesse Winker homered twice and prized prospect Jose Garcia singled in his first big league at-bat. Cincinnati starter Sonny Gray allowed four singles over five scoreless innings, striking out four and walking two. Omar Narvaez (nahr-VY’-ehz) accounted for Milwaukee’s run with a sixth-inning homer.

— Eugenio (AY’-oo-HEH’-nee-oh) Suarez slammed a two-run homer and Wade Miley combined with two relievers on a one-hitter as Cincinnati blanked Milwaukee, 6-0 to complete a sweep. Winker and Kyle Farmer produced two hits and an RBI in the nightcap. Luis Urias singled off Miley in the third inning for the Brewers’ lone hit.

MLB-BLUE JAYS-MARINERS TRADE

Mariners trade Walker to Blue Jays for player or cash

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Mariners have traded right-hander Taijuan (TY’-wahn) Walker to the Toronto Blue Jays for a player or cash.

Walker was 2-2 with a 4.00 ERA in five starts this season, with 25 strikeouts and eight walks. He is 33-33 with a 3.95 ERA in parts of eight big league seasons.

RACIAL INJUSTICE-SPORTS

2nd day of NBA playoff games halted over racial injustice

UNDATED (AP) — An unprecedented walkout over racial injustice has postponed a second day of the NBA playoffs.

The NBA decided to postpone three more games Thursday to join the three that weren’t played Wednesday, when players from six NBA teams decided not to play postseason games in a boycott that quickly reverberated across other professional leagues. The Milwaukee Bucks initiated the action in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the league hoped to resume Friday or Saturday.

President Donald Trump criticized the NBA’s action, telling reporters that the NBA has become like “a political organization.”

The WNBA also called off its three games for a second night.

In related developments:

— The NHL postponed its Stanley Cup playoff games scheduled for Thursday and Friday in response to the Blake shooting. The decision was reached by the league and the NHL Players’ Association, and was made after members of the Hockey Diversity Alliance asked the NHL to postpone the playing of games. San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane says the HDA strongly feels this sends a clear message that human rights take priority over sports.

— Several NFL teams canceled practices. The Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans and Washington Football Team all decided to not take the field Thursday.

— The tennis tours paused play Thursday at the Western & Southern Open in Flushing Meadows, New York.

— Football practices were canceled at Boston College, Kentucky and South Florida in joint decisions made by coaches and players.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL-NEWS

No. 4 Georgia loses WR Blaylock to season-ending knee injury

UNDATED (AP) — Georgia wide receiver Dominick Blaylock will miss the 2020 season following his second serious knee injury in two years. Blaylock, a part-time starter in 2019, was one of the team’s top returning receivers and return specialists.

Georgia says Blaylock, a sophomore, hurt his left knee on Wednesday in a non-ontact drill. Blaylock will need surgery and is expected to make a full recovery for the 2021 season.

In other college football news:

— A group of Nebraska football players filed a lawsuit Thursday asking a jury to force the Big Ten Conference to reinstate a fall football season. The lawsuit in Lancaster County District Court in Lincoln contends, among other things, the players lost opportunities for development in football, will lose exposure for possible professional football opportunities and won’t be able to market themselves in order to eventually capitalize on name, image and likeness revenue opportunities. The Big Ten had no immediate comment.

NFL-JAGUARS-CONLEY’S CHARGE

Jaguars’ Conley calls on NFL QBs to lead charge for change

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Chris Conley called on “figures who are the face of the league” to do more to help fight social injustice.

The sixth-year pro made it clear Thursday he was talking about the NFL’s top quarterbacks, the ones who have the most influence in games, in locker rooms and in communities. Think Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson, for starters.

Conley said those in the NFL “who are irreplaceable” need to step up, but he doesn’t see it happening. He says there are leaders in the league who are speaking up and willing to make a sacrifice.

In other NFL news:

— The missing father of Bengals cornerback Mackensie Alexander turned up early Thursday at a ranger station at a Florida state park. The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office said in a Twitter post Thursday morning that 65-year-old Jean Alexandre walked up to the ranger station at the Kissimmee (kih-SIH’-mee) Prairie Preserve State Park. He was reported to be in good health and will be reunited with this family. His son, cornerback Mackensie Alexander, was jailed Wednesday on a misdemeanor battery charge after deputies say he beat up a man who had last seen his father.

— 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan called off practice after losing two more key players this week to injuries. Shanahan opted to hold a walkthrough instead of a full practice a day after a physical session with a roster with a number of players hurt.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL-OLSON OBIT

Wildcats coach Lute Olson dies

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Longtime Arizona basketball coach and Hall of Famer Lute Olson has died, according to his family.

Olson spent 24 seasons with the Wildcats, revitalizing a fan base in the desert while transforming a program that had been to the NCAA Tournament just three times in 79 years before he was hired in 1983.

Arizona began a string of 25 straight NCAA Tournament appearances in Olson’s second season. The streak would have been the third-longest in NCAA history, but the 1999 and 2008 appearances were later vacated by the NCAA for impermissible benefits to players and recruiting violations.

The Wildcats won the 1997 national championship under Olson with a team led by Mike Bibby, Jason Terry and Miles Simon. Olson’s Arizona teams reached the Final Four four times and lost the 2001 national title game to Duke.

The cause of death wasn’t immediately released by his family.

PGA-BMW CHAMPIONSHIP

Matsuyama leads amid tough conditions

OLYMPIA FIELDS, Ill. (AP) — Hideki Matsuyama (maht-soo-YAH’-mah) birdied two of his last three holes for a 3-under 67 and a one-shot lead over Tyler Duncan through one round of the BMW Championship.

Matsuyama carded one of only three rounds under par on a course that was long, tough, firm, fast and nothing like the last two weeks on the PGA Tour.

Dustin Johnson opened with a 71 after winning The Northern Trust last week to move to No. 1 in the world.

Tiger Woods finished with three straight bogeys for a 73. Woods needs to finish around fourth to have any hope of returning to East Lake next week in Atlanta to chase the $15 million bonus for the FedEx Cup winner.

TENNIS-US OPEN-DRAW

Osaka-Gauff rematch could happen in US Open’s 3rd round

NEW YORK (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and 16-year-old Coco Gauff could face each other at the U.S. Open again. The tournament draw set up a possible third-round rematch.

Other potential women’s quarterfinals: No. 1 seed Karolina Pliskova vs. No. 8 Petra Martic; No. 2 Sofia Kenin vs. No. 5 Aryna Sabalenka; and No. 3 Serena Williams vs. No. 7 Madison Keys.

Only two of the top eight women in the WTA rankings entered the hard-court tournament. Among those missing are No. 1-ranked Ash Barty and 2019 U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu.

Defending men’s champion, Rafael Nadal, and 20-time Grand Slam title winner Roger Federer are also among those absent in New York this year. Top-ranked Novak Djokovic did decide to play.

The U.S. Open begins Monday.

In world and national news…

TOKYO (AP) — Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, says he will resign because a chronic illness has resurfaced. Concerns about Abe’s health began this summer and grew this month when he visited a Tokyo hospital two weeks in a row for unspecified health checkups. Abe has acknowledged having ulcerative colitis since he was a teenager and has said the condition was controlled with treatment. Abe, whose term ends in September 2021, is expected to stay on until a new party leader is elected and formally approved by the parliament.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump blasted Joe Biden as a hapless career politician who will endanger Americans’ safety as he accepted his party’s renomination on the South Lawn of the White House. While the coronavirus kills 1,000 Americans each day, Trump defied his own administration’s pandemic guidelines to speak for more than an hour Thursday night to a tightly packed, largely maskless crowd. Facing a moment fraught with racial turmoil, economic collapse and a national health emergency, Trump delivered a triumphant, optimistic vision of America’s future. But he said that brighter horizon can only be secured if he defeats Democrat Joe Biden, who leads in most national and battleground state polls.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hundreds of demonstrators gathered around the White House for a “noise demonstration and dance party” to try to drown out President Donald Trump’s speech accepting the Republican presidential nomination. And later, a crowd enveloped U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky as he left the convention and demanded that he acknowledge police shooting victim Breonna Taylor. There was no indication Trump heard the protesters as he delivered his speech from the White House’s South Lawn on Thursday night. But there were a few points when a mix of sirens, music and blowhorns could be heard in the background and spectators in the back turned to see where the sounds were coming from.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — A crowd of protesters surrounded U.S. Sen. Rand Paul as he was leaving the White House following the Republican National Convention early Friday, shouting for the legislator from Kentucky to acknowledge the shooting of Breonna Taylor. Video posted on social media showed Metro Police flanking Paul and his wife as dozens of people confronted him in a Washington street after midnight. Protesters could be heard shouting “Say Her Name” before one appears to briefly clash with an officer, pushing him backward and into Paul’s shoulder. Taylor’s name has become a rallying cry among demonstrators after the 26-year-old was fatally shot by Louisville police. Paul kept walking and didn’t appear to have been injured.

 

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand’s government and its foreign spy agency are getting involved after cyber attacks disrupted trading on the nation’s stock market several times this week. The attacks have affected the private company NZX which hosts the market, halting trading for up to several hours at a time. Finance Minister Grant Robertson said Friday that ministers had asked the Government Communications Security Bureau intelligence agency to help stop the attacks. He said the government was treating the case very seriously but security concerns prevented him saying much more. Neither the NZX nor Robertson said if the attackers sought a ransom, as some have speculated. The security bureau declined to comment. NZX did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

 

 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — More than 50,000 people forced to flee their homes are being allowed to return after firefighters made progress in putting out massive and deadly wildfires in Northern California. Cooler weather, higher humidity and an influx of equipment and firefighters helped hard-pressed crews battling some of the largest fires in recent state history. Evacuation orders for more than 20,000 people in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties were lifted Wednesday and Thursday, and orders for another 35,000 people in the wine country also were downgraded. The fires burning in and around the San Francisco Bay Area have killed seven people.

 

World markets are mostly higher after the Federal Reserve chair said the U.S. central bank will keep its easy money policy even if inflation hits its 2% target. Shares in Japan retreated after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he is resigning due to health problems. The Nikkei 225 index lost 1.4%, though no major changes in policy are likely. Benchmarks in Europe were mostly higher, as were U.S. futures. The hoped for change in the Fed’s strategy is important for markets that have been rescued by central banks slashing short-term interest rates and buying all kinds of bonds to help weather the coronavirus pandemic.