CSi Weather…

.REST OF TODAY…Sunny.  Highs in the upper 50s. Southwest winds around 10 mph.

.TONIGHT…Clear. Lows in the upper 30s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

.THURSDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 40s. South

winds 5 to 10 mph.

.FRIDAY…Partly sunny. Chance of rain showers in the morning,

then chance of rain showers and slight chance of thunderstorms in

the afternoon. Highs in the mid 60s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.

Chance of precipitation 40 percent.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with chance of rain showers and

slight chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 50s. Chance of

precipitation 40 percent.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain showers in

the morning. Highs in the lower 70s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 40s.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs around 80.

 

The potential for showers increase starting late Thursday night with at least slight chances through Saturday morning.

Greatest probabilities for precipitation will be in the southeast Friday and Friday evening.

 

Bismarck  (CSi)  Governor Doug Burgum held his weekly news briefing Tuesday afternoon, at the state capital in Bismarck.

The number of active COVID-19 cases have dropped for two straight days, including 301 fewer cases in the last day. Active cases in the state reached a record number of 2,653 on Sunday. That has been reduced by 389 in the last two days, for a total of 2,264. Hospitalizations have dropped by five in the last day, to 63, and for the second straight day there were no new deaths. The COVID Tracking Project reports that North Dakota ranks first in the country in the number of new cases in the last two weeks.

NDDoH

COVID -19 Stats.

Tues. Sept. 8, 2020

Posted 11-a.m.

BY THE NUMBERS

1,431 – Total Tests from Yesterday*

508,555 – Total tests completed since pandemic began

75 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

13,872 – Total positive individuals since pandemic began

5.24% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

2,264 – Total Active Cases

-301 Individuals from yesterday

206 – Individuals Recovered from Yesterday****

11,452 – Total recovered since pandemic began

63 – Currently Hospitalized

-5 individuals from yesterday


0 – New Deaths*** (156 total deaths since the pandemic began)


COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TUESDAY

  • Barnes County
  • New Positives 4
  • Total Positives 157
  • Active  Cases 54
  • Recovered 103
  • Burleigh County – 22
  • Cass County – 16
  • Emmons County – 1
  • Grand Forks County – 1
  • Hettinger County – 1
  • McHenry County – 2
  • McLean County – 1
  • Mercer County – 2
  • Morton County – 8
  • Mountrail County – 1
  • Ransom County – 1
  • Sioux County – 1
  • Stark County
  • Stutsman County
  • New Positives 3
  • Total Positives 355
  • Acitve 154
  • Recovered 198
  • Ward County – 8
  • Williams County – 2

 

* 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.

******Totals may be adjusted as individuals are found to live out of state, in another county, or as other information is found during investigation.

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.

He reviewed the county by county changes in the Risk Levels, made on Friday September 4, 2020, with no additional changes announced on Tuesday.

 

Stutsman, McKenzie and Cass Counties are being watched for possible changes to yellow moderate, by next week, when the next announcement is made on risk levels, trending with higher positive cases.

He urged extra precautions for those who may be in contact with those in long term care facilities.

 

He again outlined #NDSmart guidelines, including wear face masks and social distancing, and to be empathic toward those wearing face masks, such as health care workers and teachers.

He said social responsibility wearing face masks helps lessen the spread of the virus, over government mandates to wear face masks.

With COVID-19 testing, Burgum said, over the Labor Day weekend, testing events lessened.

He plans to implement higher testing events over weekends.  He said, North Dakota has the second highest rate of testing in the nation performing COVID-19 tests.

Static testing will continue on College and University campuses.

Burgum pointed out that September is National Suicide Prevention month, adding the 24 hour help line is 1-800-273-TALK. Also the behavior health web sight has more information.

In other state news updates:

Caring for friends or family members who have disabilities or chronic or terminal illnesses can be exhausting.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services and a coalition of partners who advise the agency on the implementation of a federal respite care grant announced a public awareness campaign Tuesday to inform unpaid family caregivers about resources and services that can help them take care of themselves while they care for others.

Aging Services Division Director Nancy Nikolas Maier, says “We know that family caregivers benefit from short breaks from their caregiving responsibilities – what we call ‘respite’ – as well as other support services. By supporting caregivers, we can help adults and children with special needs continue to live at home.  The department has offered programs for years that can pay for a substitute caregiver that the family and individual choose. These programs also offer training, support, some specific care-related supplies, and can help connect individuals and families to other available resources and help in their communities. Our challenge is that most people aren’t aware of the available services.”

North Dakotans can learn more and be connected to respite care programs and other related service and supports by contacting the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Link toll free at 855-462-5465, 711(TTY), by email at carechoice@nd.gov or online at www.carechoice.nd.gov.

The federal Administration for Community Living awarded the North Dakota Department of Human Services a $200,000 Lifespan Respite Care grant in 2017 to strengthen community respite care and support services for family caregivers of individuals of all ages with special needs. The department administers the grant in partnership with the North Dakota Respite Care Coalition and AARP.

 

Update

Valley City  City County Health in Valley City is hosting another COVID-19 drive thru testing Wednesday, September 9, 2020, from 3-p.m., to 5-p.m. at the VCSU Lokken Stadium parking lot.

Pre-register on line at testreg.nd.gov

 

 

 

Update…

Valley City  (VCPD) Valley City Police Chief Phil Hatcher reports, as the investigation into an incident on Sunday September 6, that a Moorhead, Minnesota man who was alleged to have been stabbed in Valley City, may not have been stabbed.  The incident occurred in the area of the 600 to 800 blocks of West Main Street.

Based on information from people on the scene, police determined the stabbing happened earlier in Valley City by finding a blood trail.

He was taken to Moorhead by a friend, then to Sanford Medical Center, for treatment of his injuries. His condition has not been released.

He was semi-conscious at Moorhead Estates, a mobile home park at 1224 15th Avenue North shortly before 5 a.m. Sunday.

Police Chief Hatcher says 24 year-old Rene Vazquez of Moorhead is not cooperating with police investigators. No other person was in a video in the area during the incident.

Moorhead Police Sgt. Rob Matheson says the incident had not been reported to Valley City police until contacted by Moorhead police.

Valley City Chief Hatcher says, the incident remains under investigation.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.   All members were present.  Council Member Buchanan joined by phone.

 

PUBLIC HEARING:

 

HEARING FROM THE AUDIENCE:   A resident  from Southeast Jamestown complained about Campers and or RV’s parking on streets, saying the view from her window is blocked.  She added that it has been several years, since that her street was swept by the city.

 

(Individuals may address the City Council about any item not contained on the agenda. A maximum of 15 minutes is allotted for the hearing. If the full 15 minutes are not needed, the City Council will continue with the agenda. The City Council will take no official action on items discussed at the hearing, with the exception of referral to staff or Committee.)

 

PROJECT PUBLIC HEARING:

 

This public hearing is being held because the City of Jamestown has used Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the State of North Dakota, Division of Community Services (DCS). CDBG funds are intended to provide decent housing, suitable living environments and economic opportunities, principally for very low and low income persons through rehabilitation and preservation, economic/job development and public facilities improvements. The project in Jamestown, ND was $100,000 Main Street Façade Improvements, Project 4455-SL18-MS.

 

The City of Jamestown is  asking for comments on this project and other community development and housing needs, including the needs of very low and low income persons, as well as other needs in the community that might be addressed through the CDBG program, and the performance of the City of Jamestown in carrying out its community development responsibilities related to the $100,000.00 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project No. 4455-SL18-MS for the Main Street Façade Improvements, and to obtain citizen views and to respond to proposals and questions. Written comments have also been asked for. Oral and written comments will be considered in deciding whether these monies were used for the purpose intended by this project.

 

COMMENTS:

Tracey Redland from South Central Regional Council attended on the phone.

 

The hearing was then closed.

 

NO CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS WERE ADDRESSED SEPARATELY, AND WERE PASSED.

 

To provide more time to discuss controversial or disputed issues, the Council will consider the items on the consent agenda together at the beginning of the public meeting. These items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. If a member of the City Council or public requests to be heard on one of these items, the Council will remove the item from the consent agenda and consider that item individually.

 

REGULAR AGENDA

RESOLUTIONS:

Considered was the bid for the James River Phase 3 Riverbank Restoration Project. Five bids were received, with four opened. One bid contained irregularities, according to City Attorney Leo Ryan, who said the bid from RTS Shearing was defective, and suggested it not be opened, and was likely an oversight.    A representative from RTS Shearing, explained the company’s legal position, and asked the city to waive provisions and oversight at issue and open the bid.

Mayor Heinrich said he feels the city should comply with the City Attorney’s opinion.

The Council voted to award the bid to Park Construction in the amount of $853,709.25.

 

Considered was the purchase of the recycling vactor truck from Sanitation Products of Fargo, in the amount of $517,895.

The purchase price will come from the Equipment Replacement Fund, which would expend a large amount in the fund. Council Member Steele said, the city will see long term savings, in the cost, over the next 10 years, of use. The city council voted to approve.

 

Approved was:

A Resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of $3,170,000 Wastewater Treatment Revenue Bond, Series 2020B.  A portion of the cost will be assessed to Cavendish Farms.

A Resolution to approve Payment No. 3 & Final, to Braun Intertec Corporation, on Jamestown Sanitary Landfill SW-213, Tier 2 Sampling Project, Title V Air Quality Permit, (CWSRF Project No. 380808-08), in the amount of $5,011.24.

A Resolution to approve Payment No. 9, to Scherbenske, Inc., for construction on 2019 Watermain Replacement Project, in the amount of $14,675.00.

 

ORDINANCES:

A FIRST READING was heard To consider 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. (No second required on a first reading).

 

A PUBLIC HEARING: Concerning request to change 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. No one spoke, and the hearing was closed.

 

SECOND READING was heard: Ordinance No. 1539, , 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.  The Council voted to pass the Ordinance.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

Appointed was David Schloegel to serve as the City Council representative on the James River Valley Library System Board.

 

MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORT:

Council Member Steele, and Mayor Heinrich addressed the spike in the COVIC-19 positivity rate.

The Mayor added that he feels a vaccine will come sooner as later, however, he urges residents to be vigilant, in wearing masks, social distancing, and hand sanitizing.

He said he’s heard that those who have tested positive and not staying in 14 days quarantine.

He urges anyone that knows of someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and not self-isolating for the 14 days, to notify local or state health department officials.

 

He pointed out that the Jamestown Shriners are providing dollars, and equipment as volunteers are working on replacing the Christmas lights, on the evergreen trees, on Mill Hill.

 

He added the 2020 census filing deadline is coming soon, and urges those not filling out a form either on line, by mail, or through a census taker, to do so as soon as possible.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Approved was recognizing  Blue Jay Booster Club as an other public spirited organization to hold a raffle.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jamestown (CSi)  Jamestown Mayor, Dwaine Heinrich says, the city is yet to hear confirmation of the contacts being signed between the NDDOT and the contractor, under the agreement with the Main Street Road Diet plan.

On Tuesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, he said the city is also awaiting paving markings to be placed on First Avenue, outlining, the traffic flow patterns, to give motorists direction on how the final project will direct traffic, with new driving and turning lanes.  He added that pedestrian crossing signs will also be erected, however, the beacon installation will be coming later.

On another topic, Mayor Heinrich pointed out an increase in the daily State Health Department report of Stutsman County positive COVID-19 numbers.

He said with Stutsman County spiking in COVID-19 positive cases, it should serve as “a wakeup call,” to residents concerning complacency about catching the virus, and to observe safe practices, including wearing face masks, observing social distancing, and frequent hand washing.

The mayor also pointed out that due to the COVID- 19 pandemic, that parts have been delayed for the on order City Fire Department ladder truck, still at the factory.  He said the anticipated delivery date to Jamestown is in October this year.

He reminded residents to file census forms, and the importance to the city of an accurate count, concerning the distribution state funding to Jamestown, and state legislature representation.

He commented on the recent announcement of a greenhouse business agreeing to locate at the Spiritwood Energy Park, and it being and combination of Agriculture and Energy, on the planned 30 acres of land.  He added that the business is estimated to create 120 direct jobs, and about an equal amount  of indirect jobs, such as in the trucking industry.  He said once in full operation the facility should send six to seven loads of vegetables to markets, each day.

On another topic Mayor Heinrich pointed out that  the Jamestown Shriners are moving head with replacing the Christmas lights on the evergreen trees, along Mill Hill, at a cost of about $30,000 plus volunteer hours and equipment assistance.

Jamestown  (CSi)  Jamestown Tourism is offering grants to nonprofit agencies in Stutsman County for projects that will grow or enhance visitor experiences and increase the impact of tourism in the local economy.

The 2020 Visitor’s Promotion Capital Construction Fund purpose is to create economic benefits including overnight stays, create facilities that do not exist in the area, and/or create experiences that enhance the time visitors spend in Jamestown. Funds can be used for building new visitor attractions, expansions, creating new experience or supporting services for visitors. Funds cannot be used for marketing or ongoing operating expenses.

Opportunities to apply for these funds will be awarded twice per year. Applications for the fall process are due October 1, 2020, and agencies awarded funding will have one year after the announcement to use these funds. Applications for the spring process will be due March 1, 2021.

More details about the grant program and applications can be requested by emailing office@DiscoverJamestownND.com.  Applications must be received at Jamestown Tourism, 404 Louis L’Amour Ln, Jamestown, ND no later than 5 p.m. October 1, 2020. For more information, contact Searle Swedlund at 701-251-9145.

Bismarck  (NDHP)  The North Dakota Highway Patrol conducted high visibility enforcement (HVE) over LaborDay weekend from Friday, Sept. 4 through Monday, Sept. 7 throughout the state. HVE is a traffic safety method designed to deter and change unlawful traffic behavior. HVE combines high visibility and proactive law enforcement that targets specific traffic safety issues. The targeted traffic behaviors this year were impaired driving, speeding, right-of-way, and seatbelt violations. During this four-day Labor Day weekend HVE period, troopers conducted 1,534 traffic stops focusing on these violations. Over the four days, 22 drivers were arrested for impaired driving. A total of 95 criminal arrests were made. The privilege of driving in our state means making the choice of responsible driving every trip. Responsible driving means never driving impaired or exceeding the speed limit as well as obeying right-of-way rules and wearing a seatbelt. Together, responsible drivers can help us achieve Vision Zero, a future with zero fatalities and zero serious crashes on North Dakota’s roadways.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Several groups in North Dakota are working to increase tribal participation in the 2020 U.S. census to ensure they are not under counted or underfunded. The U.S. Census Bureau figures show that North Dakota has a 86% total response rate and about a 64% self-response rate. But the data also indicates that participation of five tribal nations in the state ranges from 21-40% for self-response. The Bismarck Tribune reports that census advocates credit many factors to the low response rate, most notably the coronavirus pandemic. The Census Bureau counting efforts will end on Sept. 30.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota man whose profile in Popular Science magazine sparked an investigation into his pyrotechnics has pleaded guilty to illegally manufacturing and selling explosives. Federal agents raided the Brownsville home of Kenneth Miller in March, after the magazine article showed photographs of Miller shooting red flares off the hood of his pickup truck and packing powdered chemicals in a makeshift laboratory. The Star Tribune reports that the 58-year-old Miller had previous felony convictions that precluded him from touching the highly combustible material used to create these devices. Miller was first convicted of a felony for conspiracy to make illegal explosives in 1986. A few years later, he was convicted of illegally possessing a firearm in North Dakota.

 

In sports…

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A strong bighorn sheep population and record demand has wildlife officials increasing the number of hunting licenses in North Dakota this year. The Game and Fish Department has allocated six bighorn licenses for the upcoming season, up one from last year and double the number issued two years ago, the Bismarck Tribune reported. The number of licenses is based on a summer population survey which showed a 22% increase in rams. This year a record of nearly 17,000 people applied for licenses, which are distributed through a lottery drawing. The bighorn season opens Oct. 30 and runs through the end of the year.

High School Volleyball Polls

(First-place votes in parenthesis)

CLASS A

Team Rec. Pts.

1. Century (13) 2-0 65

2. Jamestown 3-0 43

3. West Fargo 6-1 40

4. Fargo Davies 5-2 25

5. Shanley 5-2 12

Others Receiving Votes (RV): Legacy (1-0) 6, WF Sheyenne (3-4) 2, Valley City (2-0) 2.

CLASS B

Team Rec. Pts

1. Langdon/Edmore/Munich (13) 1-0 130

2. Linton-HMB 3-0 105

3. Thompson 2-0 102

4. Oakes 2-0 82

5. Northern Cass 2-0 74

6. Dickinson Trinity 2-0 58

7. Our Redeemer’s 1-1 56

8. Rugby 2-0 45

9. Grafton 1-0 35

10. Hettinger-Scranton 3-0 8

Others Receiving Votes (RV): Carrington (1-1) 5, Kindred (1-0) 4, Hatton-Northwood (1-0) 4, Stanley (1-0) 2, Des Lacs-Burlington (2-0) 2, Beulah (2-0) 2, Hankinson (3-4) 1, Oak Grove (1-6) 1.

Tuesday

High School Boy’s Soccer

At Rotary Field

Jamestown 1 Dickinson 0

 

Bismarck 2, Minot 0

G.F. Central 2, Fargo Davies 1

G.F. Red River 3, Fargo Shanley 0

West Fargo 3, Fargo South 0

W.F. Sheyenne 3, Fargo North 0

Bismarck Century 6, Mandan 1

Bismarck Legacy 6, Williston 0

 

High School Volleyball

CLASS A

#2 Jamestown DEF. Bismarck 3-0 (25-20, 27-25, 29-27)

RV WF Sheyenne DEF. RV Valley City 3-1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-18, 25-23)

 

#3 West Fargo DEF. Wahpeton 3-0 (25-9, 25-13, 25-4)

#4 Fargo Davies DEF. #5 Shanley 3-1 (23-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-20)

GF Red River DEF. GF Central 3-2 (25-18, 25-21, 22-25, 22-25, 15-4)

Fargo North DEF. Devils Lake 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-17)

Mandan DEF. Dickinson 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-9)

Minot DEF. Williston 3-0 (25-11, 25-10, 25-11)

CLASS B

#4 Oakes DEF. Sargent County 3-0 (25-10, 25-12, 25-15)

#5 Northern Cass DEF. Park River-FL 3-0 (25-12, 25-12, 25-9)

#6 Dickinson Trinity DEF. Shiloh Christian 3-0 (25-13, 25-22, 25-15)

#7 Our Redeemer’s DEF. Hazen 3-0 (25-9, 25-12, 25-14)

#8 Rugby DEF. St. John 3-0 (25-9, 25-9, 25-3)

#5B Faith (SD) DEF. #10 Hettinger-Scranton 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-20)

RV Kindred DEF. Fargo South 3-1 (25-14, 15-25, 26-24, 25-19)

RV Hankinson DEF. Sisseton (SD) 3-0 (25-20, 25-11, 25-17)

North Star DEF. RV Carrington 3-1 (25-21, 14-25, 25-20, 25-18)

Lewis & Clark DEF. RV Stanley 3-1

Enderlin DEF. Finley-Sharon-Hope-Page 3-2 (20-25, 25-19, 16-25, 27-25, 17-15)

Wyndmere-Lidgerwood DEF. Britton-Hecla (SD) 3-0 (25-20, 25-11, 25-12)

Napoleon/Gackle-Streeter DEF. Lisbon 3-0 (25-17, 25-8, 25-19)

Cavalier DEF. Larimore 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-8)

North Border DEF. Midway-Minto 3-1 (20-25, 27-25, 25-17, 25-21)

South Border DEF. Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-19)

Benson County DEF. TGU 3-0 (25-16, 25-13, 25-10)

Rolla DEF. Rolette-Wolford 3-0 (25-18, 25-13, 25-9)

Grant County DEF. Mott-Regent 3-0 (25-13, 25-15, 25-15)

Glen Ullin-Hebron DEF. New Salem-Almont 3-1

Wilton-Wing DEF. Washburn 3-2

Garrison DEF. Standing Rock 3-1

Bishop Ryan DEF. Nedrose 3-1

Surrey DEF. Bottineau 3-1 (25-21, 14-25, 27-25, 26-24)

Harding County (SD) DEF. Bowman County 3-2 (25-21, 25-8, 25-27, 16-25, 15-6)

Beach DEF. Killdeer 3-1 (25-9, 27-29, 25-21, 25-14)

Ray DEF. Alexander 3-0 (25-16, 25-12, 25-19)

 

 

NBA PLAYOFFS

Heat wipe out top-seeded Bucks; Lakers win

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — The top seed is out after just two rounds and 10 games of the NBA playoffs.

The Heat are in the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in six years following a 103-94 win over the Bucks.

Playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH’-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON’-poh) because of a sprained ankle, the Bucks raced out to a 28-15 lead but couldn’t sustain the momentum. Miami answered with a 30-9 spurt that put the Heat ahead, 45-37.

Jimmy Butler and Goran Dragic (DRAH’-gihch) each scored 17 points for the Heat, who overcame 22 turnovers and clinched their seventh trip to the conference finals since 2005.

The Bucks are just the sixth No. 1 seed to fail to advance to the conference finals since the playoffs expanded to 16 teams in 1984.

Khris Middleton scored a game-high 23 points for the Bucks.

Next up for Miami is the winner of the East semifinal series between the Celtics and Raptors, which Boston leads, three games to two.

The Los Angeles Lakers enjoy a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference finals after beating the Houston Rockets for the second straight game.

LeBron James scored 36 points and Rajon Rondo (RAH’-zhahn RAHN’-doh) sparked a fourth-quarter rally in the Lakers’ 112-102 win over the Rockets.

Rondo scored eight straight points during a 10-0 run early in the fourth quarter that put the Lakers ahead for good. He finished with 21 points and nine assists to help James set an NBA record with his 162nd career playoff win, surpassing Derek Fisher.

Anthony Davis had 26 points and Kyle Kuzma added 14. James Harden scored 33 points and Russell Westbrook had 30 for the Rockets.

NBA NEWS

Billy Donovan out as Thunder coach after 5 seasons

UNDATED (AP) — Billy Donovan won’t return after five seasons as coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Donovan took the Thunder to the playoffs every year. He was a finalist for Coach of the Year this season after his squad outperformed expectations and pushed the Rockets to seven games in the first round of the playoffs.

Donovan went 243-157 with Oklahoma City.

Donovan was at the end of his contract. He and the team described his departure as a mutual decision.

In other NBA news:

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH’-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON’-poh) was the Defensive Player of the Year, so it should be no surprise that he was also the leading vote-getter for the league’s All-Defensive team. The Bucks forward appeared on 97 of the first-team ballots out of 100 cast by a global panel of sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. Also on the first team: Lakers forward Anthony Davis, 76ers guard Ben Simmons, Jazz center Rudy Gobert and Celtics guard Marcus Smart.

— The Clippers have received final approval from Inglewood’s city government to begin construction on their new arena next summer. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is building a privately financed 18,000-seat arena along with a practice facility and corporate offices for his NBA franchise. Ballmer intends to open his new arena in 2024, immediately following the expiration of his team’s lease at Staples Center.

— NBA coaches or other team staffers could have guests in the bubble later this month. Team staffs would be limited to a total of 10 guests, all of whom would have to begin a self-quarantining period at home immediately. The would then travel to Central Florida next week to begin another week of even stricter lockdown.

NHL-STANLEY CUP

Knights draw even

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — The Vegas Golden Knights turned the tables on the Dallas Stars to even the NHL’s Western Conference final at a game apiece.

Two days after a shutout loss in the opener, the Knights allowed just 24 shots and blanked the Stars, 3-0.

Robin Lehner posted his second consecutive shutout and fourth of the postseason.

All the scoring came in a 10-minute span of the second period, beginning with Paul Stastny’s (STAS’-neez) goal at the 4:53 mark. Stastny also set up William Karlsson’s power-play goal about 3 ½ minutes later. Tomas Nosek (toh-MAHS NOH’-shehk) capped the scoring for the Knights, who put 32 shots on Anton Khudobin (hoo-DOH’-bihn).

Game 3 is Thursday.

TENNIS-US OPEN

Osaka, Brady reach semis

NEW YORK (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka set up a U.S. Open semifinal against 28th-seeded Jennifer Brady, who’s never been this far at a major tournament.

Osaka played far cleaner tennis than her opponent in a 6-3, 6-4 win over 93rd-ranked Shelby Rogers. Rogers finished with 27 unforced errors, Osaka with eight.

The former No. 1-ranked played won the U.S. Open two years ago.

Earlier, Brady defeated No. 23 seed Yulia Putintseva (poo-TIHN’-seh-vah), 6-3, 6-2.

It’s been quite a surge for Brady, whose big serve and forehand have carried her to an 11-1 record since tennis returned from its pandemic hiatus.

On the men’s side:

— Pablo Carreño Busta (sah-REH’-noh BOOS’-tah) reached the semifinals for the second time with a marathon 3-6, 7-6, 7-6, 0-6, 6-3 win over Denis Shapovalov. The four-hour tussle came two days after Busta advanced when top seed Novak Djokovic (JOH’-koh-vihch) was disqualified in the first set of their match.

— Alexander Zverev (ZVEHR-ehv) is a Grand Slam semifinalist for the second time in as many majors this year. The fifth-seeded Zverev advanced to the final four by rallying past No. 27 Borna Coric 1-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-3, overcoming 12 double-faults and 46 unforced errors.

MLB ..

— The Twins and Cardinals split a doubleheader in St. Louis. Josh Donaldson, Nelson Cruz and Miguel Sanó all homered to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 7-3 victory in the first game. Jose Berrios (beh-REE-ohs) picked up the win, striking out eight but allowing three runs and four hits over five innings.

— Matt Wieters (WEE’-turz) hit 14 foul balls during a 19-pitch at-bat that ended with a flyout as the Cards scratched out a 6-4 win in the nightcap. The Redbirds scored five runs in third, including a pair of bases-loaded walks, a hit batter and a fielder’s choice.

— Alec Bohm (bohm) hit a two-out, two-run single in the seventh inning to rally the Phillies over the Red Sox 6-5 in Game 1 of a twinbill. Bohm drove in four runs with three hits, including his winner off Matt Barnes.

— The Red Sox took Game 2 as Bobby Dalbec homered for his fourth straight game a two-run shot in the sixth inning of a 5-2 victory against the Phillies.

UNDATED (AP) — The New York Yankees’ slump continues as they threaten to fall out of the American League playoff picture.

Jonathan Davis belted a two-run homer in his first at-bat of the season to spark the Blue Jays’ third straight win, 2-1 over New York. Shun Yamaguchi (shoon yah-mah-GOO’-chee) allowed one run in two innings of relief to earn the win.

The Yankees have dropped five straight and 15 of 20 to fall to 21-21. They sit behind the Blue Jays and first-place Rays in the AL East.

Elsewhere around the majors:

— Juan Soto drove in a run in his return to the lineup and the Nationals used strong relief pitching to beat the Rays 5-3 and sweep the two-game series. Soto missed five games with left elbow soreness.

— The Orioles homered four times as Ryan Mountcastle belted a two-run blast and Rio Ruiz added a three-run shot in an 11-2 dismantling of the Mets. The Orioles won their fourth straight and improved to 20-21, moving within a half-game of the slumping Yankees for the second wild-card spot.

— Pinch-runner Jason Martin scored the winning run on catcher Yasmani Grandal’s (yahs-MAH’-nee grahn-DAHLZ’) error in the bottom of the ninth as the Pirates rallied for a 5-4 victory over the White Sox. The error came after Grandal hit a two-run home run and Jose Abreu (ah-BRAY’-oo) extended his hitting streak to 21 games for Chicago.

— Khris Davis homered and hit an RBI double against previously unbeaten Zack Greinke (GREHN’-kee) as the Athletics dealt the Astros their sixth straight loss, 4-2 in Game 1 of a doubleheader.

— The Astros ended their skid by getting a tiebreaking, sacrifice fly from Yuli Gurriel (YOO’-lee gur-ee-EHL’) in the seventh inning of a 5-4 win against Oakland. The split keeps Houston 4 1/2 games behind the AL-West-leading A’s.

— Kansas City snapped a seven-game losing streak by beating the Indians 8-6. Maikel Franco drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning and had an RBI single in the ninth for the Royals.

— Elvis Andrus (AN’-droos) homered and the Rangers snapped a six-game slide with a 7-1 win over the Angels. Lance Lynn struck out six, walked two and limited Los Angeles to one run on four hits over seven innings to help Texas end the Angels’ five-game winning streak.

— The Dodgers pulled out a 10-9 win over the Diamondbacks by tying it with a four-run eighth before surviving a wild 10th inning. Gavin Lux launched a three-run homer to put Los Angeles ahead by four in the 10th, but Kenley Jensen allowed three runs in the 10th before fanning Wyatt Mathisen, to end it.

— The Mariners’ six-game winning streak is over after pinch-hitter Darin Ruf homered with one out in the seventh to complete the Giants’ comeback in a 6-5 triumph over Seattle. Alex Dickerson and Mauricio Dubón also went deep for the Giants, who erased a 5-1 deficit to win for the seventh time in nine games.

 

— Sixto (SEES’-toh) Sánchez combined with four relievers on a four-hitter as the Marlins clobbered the Braves, 8-0. Jorge Alfaro, Garrett Cooper and Matt Joyce homered as Miami dumped Atlanta for the second straight day.

— Wil Myers homered twice, including San Diego’s seventh grand slam of the season as the Padres blasted the Rockies, 14-6. Austin Nola hit a three-run shot to back Mike Clevinger, who struck out eight but was reached for four runs and five hits in five innings.

— The Cubs were 3-0 winners over the Reds as Alec Mills pitched six sharp innings and David Bote (BOH’-tee) drove in two runs. Milles permitted four hits with six strikeouts and three walks in his first win since Aug. 24.

— Spencer Turnbull allowed three hits in six scoreless innings, and the Tigers broke the game open with five runs in the fifth on their way to an 8-3 victory over the Brewers. Jeimer (JAY’-mur) Candelario homered and drove in four runs for Detroit.

MLB-NEWS

More pitching woes for Braves

UNDATED (AP) — The Braves’ season-long rotation woes continue as Max Fried has been placed on the 10-day injured list. Fried had been the only current healthy member of the projected rotation before the season began.

The latest blow to the rotation could accelerate the team’s plans to have Cole Hamels rushed into action for his 2020 debut.

In other baseball news:

— The Padres have put first baseman Eric Hosmer on the 10-day injured list with a broken left index finger. Manager Jayce Tingler said the recovery time could be two to three weeks.

— The Cubs have added well-traveled outfielder Billy Hamilton to their active roster and optioned slumping slugger José Martínez to their alternate training site. Hamilton was claimed off waivers from the Mets on Monday after going 1 for 22 in 17 games with New York.

— The Brewers have released first baseman Justin Smoak, who had been designated for assignment last week. Smoak hit .186 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 33 games for the Brewers.

— Former American League President Gene Budig (BYOO’-dihg) has died. Budig brought an academic pedigree to the job and was the last one to hold the post, serving in the post from 1994 until 2000 when owners abolished league presidents.

— All Puerto Rican players will be allowed to wear No. 21 on Wednesday during Major League Baseball’s Roberto Clemente Day celebration. The move to wear the number started with the Pittsburgh Pirates and is similar to MLB’s celebration of Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 each April 15. Clemente died in a plane crash on Dec, 31, 1972, following takeoff from Puerto Rico on a flight to bring relief supplies to Nicaragua following an earthquake.

WNBA

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Myisha Hines-Allen had 26 points, nine rebounds and four assists, Tianna Hawkins made four straight free throws in the final eight seconds and the defending WNBA champion Washington Mystics beat the Minnesota Lynx 89-86 to keep their playoff hopes alive. Washington, which has won two of its last three following a five-game losing streak, is one-game behind the Dallas Wings for the final playoff spot with three games to play. Emma Meesseman and Ariel Atkins each scored 18 points for Washington. Napheesa Collier had 21 points and 11 rebounds and rookie Crystal Dangerfield added 20 points and seven assists for Minnesota.

Connecticut became the third team in WNBA history to start season with five losses and still earn a postseason berth. After reaching the WNBA championship series a year ago, the Sun have won 10 of their last 15 games and a big reason why has been the play of DeWanna Bonner. The veteran, who came to the Sun in the offseason from the Phoenix Mercury, watched video and felt that while she was scoring at a high rate, she wasn’t involving her teammates enough. So she decided to change her style of play to get her teammates the ball more on offense and the results have paid off for the Sun.

NFL NEWS

AP source: Broncos star Miller sustains serious ankle injury

UNDATED (AP) — A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press the Denver Broncos fear star linebacker Von Miller suffered a season-ending ankle injury toward the end of Tuesday’s practice.

Miller appeared primed for a big season following an offseason in which he added several pounds of muscle and said he had rededicated himself to the sport.

In other NFL news:

— Running back Kareem Hunt has signed a two-year, $13.25 million extension with the Browns. Hunt served an eight-game NFL suspension last year after joining Cleveland as a free agent.

— The Cardinals have agreed to a two-year contract extension with star receiver DeAndre Hopkins that will keep the three-time All-Pro in Arizona through the 2024 season. The NFL Network reported that the extension is worth $54.5 million over two years, with $42.75 million guaranteed. The deal also has a no-trade clause and no-franchise tag clause.

— Washington coach Ron Rivera missed his team’s first game week practice to start treatment for a form of skin cancer. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio stepped in and ran practice as planned when Rivera was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma.

— The Giants have waived cornerback DeAndre Baker, with the 22-year-old facing armed robbery charges relating to an incident in Florida in May. Baker has been on the commissioner’s exempt list since July 27.

— The Jaguars have promoted quarterback Mike Glennon from the practice squad to the active roster and placed linebacker Quincy Williams on injured reserve. Glennon gives the Jaguars an experienced backup heading into the opener against Indianapolis on Sunday.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Legislative leaders urge Big Ten to reconsider fall season

UNDATED (AP) — Leaders of six state legislatures in the Big Ten footprint have sent a letter to Commissioner Kevin Warren asking the conference to reconsider its decision to cancel the fall football season.

The letter is written on the letterhead of Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield and also signed by statehouse leaders from Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

The Big Ten, and Warren in particular, have received strong pushback since the conference announced that university presidents voted to push back football and other fall sports until the second semester because of the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, Baylor became the third Big 12 team to postpone its scheduled season opener this week because of the coronavirus. The Bears were supposed to open at home Saturday against Louisiana Tech, but the visiting school announced that it would not be able to play because of a number of recent positive COVID-19 tests.

TRACK-SEMENYA APPEAL

Semenya loses appeal

GENEVA (AP) — Two-time Olympic champion Caster Semenya has lost her long legal battle against track and field’s rules to limit female runners’ naturally high testosterone levels.

Switzerland’s supreme court says its judges dismissed Semenya’s appeal against a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling last year that upheld the rules drafted by track’s governing body affecting female runners with differences of sex development. The Swiss Federal Tribunal said CAS had the right to uphold the rules to guarantee fair competition for certain running disciplines in female athletics.

In world and national news…

SHAVER LAKE, Calif. (AP) — More than a dozen firefighters were overrun by flames while trying to protect a fire station in rugged mountains near the central California coast. One was in critical condition Tuesday. The injuries came as military helicopters rescued more than 150 people stranded in a burning forest in the middle of the state. California has already set a record with 2 million acres burned this year. More than two dozen major fires are burning. The state’s largest utility has turned off power to 172,000 customers to try to prevent more blazes.

 

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry says a bombing in Kabul targeting the convoy of the country’s first vice president killed 10 people and wounded more than a dozen others, including several of the vice president’s bodyguards. First Vice President Amrullah Saleh suffered minor burns in the attack on Wednesday morning. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing but the Taliban denied they were involved. The Interior Ministry says the bomb went off as the vice president’s convoy was passing through a section of Kabul with shops that sell gas cylinders. The blast ignited a fire that set ablaze a number of shops.

 

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Southeast Asia’s top diplomats are holding their annual talks by video to discuss the immense crisis wrought by the coronavirus pandemic and tensions in the South China Sea. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations meetings are being held online due to COVID-19. The meetings come amid an escalating rivalry between Washington and Beijing, and meetings later will include representatives from the U.S. and China. Vietnam’s prime minister called for regional solidarity amid the headwinds. He spoke at an austere opening ceremony attended by a few dozen diplomats. A key ASEAN project is establishing a COVID-19 response fund to help member nations buy medical supplies. A regional stockpile has been approved.

 

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka’s navy says a fresh fire on a large oil tanker drifting off Sri Lanka’s coast has been extinguished after burning for two days, as experts prepared to salvage the vessel. A new blaze broke out Monday on the MT New Diamond, which was carrying nearly 2 million barrels of crude oil, and reached the magnitude of last week’s fire, only a day after it was extinguished. Officials have warned of massive environmental damage to Sri Lanka’s coast if the ship leaks or explodes.

 

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australian regulators have ruled out prosecuting TikTok over an apparent suicide video under tough new laws prohibiting some forms of violent online images, but the prime minister is urging social media companies to take more responsibility for offensive content. The Chinese-owned social media platform says it is working to remove videos of a man apparently taking his own life with a gun and banning users who keep trying to spread the clips through the app. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s online watchdog, is taking “strong action” against what he describes as a “disgraceful video.”

 

European stocks and U.S. futures are higher after a day of losses in Asia following a sell-off of big technology stocks on Wall Street. Shares rose Wednesday in Paris and London but fell in Tokyo and Shanghai. Troubles with Astra-Zeneca’s coronavirus vaccine trial and simmering China-U.S. tensions also have rattled investors. Oil prices also rebounded after sharp losses the day before. Overnight, the S&P 500 fell 2.8% and clinched its first three-day losing streak in nearly three months. Apple, Microsoft and Amazon were among the Big Tech stocks to sink more than 4%, torpedoing broad market indexes.