– Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Sept. 25

CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. West winds 10 to 20 mph.

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

.SATURDAY…Cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain showers in

the morning, in the Jamestown area, 50 percent in the Valley City area, then mostly sunny in the afternoon. Highs around 70.

South winds 5 to 10 mph increasing to west 15 to 25 mph in the

afternoon.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s. West winds

around 15 mph. Gusts up to 35 mph in the evening.

.SUNDAY…Increasing clouds. A 30 percent chance of rain showers in the Jamestown area, 40 percent in the Valley City area.

Highs around 60. Northwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts to

around 40 mph.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows in the lower 40s.

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

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

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain

showers. Lows in the lower 40s.

.WEDNESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s.

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

Near critical fire weather conditions are possible this afternoon

across most of western and central North Dakota.

Very windy conditions are possible Saturday and Sunday. Near

critical fire weather conditions are possible across portions of

the west and central Saturday.

Jamestown (CSi) Beginning Friday, September 25, 2020, there will be road closures in the northeast part of town on 11thSt NE, between 4th Ave NE and 5thAve NE. The closure will take place at approximately 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM Construction signing will be put into place by the contractor. Motorists should use extreme caution in this area.

The North Dakota Department of Health reported eight additional deaths due to complications from the coronavirus, raising the eight-day total to 34 and the overall total to 212. The fatalities confirmed Thursday included five combined in Burleigh and Morton counties, considered the state’s hot spot in the last two months. Burleigh leads the state in active cases with 705, out of a record 3,483 cases statewide. The update showed 471 positive COVID-19 tests from 38 counties in the last day after 7,022 tests were processed. Burleigh County had the most cases with 118, followed by Cass County with 78, Morton County with 43 and Stark County with 31.

NDDoH

COVID-19 Stats

Thurs. Sept 24, 2020

Posted 11-a.m.

Updates When Available

Barnes

New Positives 11

Total Positives 226

Active Cases 40

Recovered

Stutsman

New Positives 5

Total Positives 504

Active Cases 67

Recovered

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

BY THE NUMBERS

7,022 – Total Tests from Yesterday*

603,207 – Total tests completed since pandemic began

471 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

19,451 – Total positive individuals since pandemic began

7.09% – Daily Positivity Rate**

3,482 – Total Active Cases

+180 Individuals from yesterday

281 – Individuals Recovered from Yesterday (186 with a recovery date of yesterday****)

15,757 – Total recovered since pandemic began

89 – Currently Hospitalized

+0 – Individuals from yesterday

8 – New Deaths*** (211 total deaths since the pandemic began)

*The website currently shows 212 deaths and will be updated shortly.

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

Woman in her 70s from Benson County with underlying health conditions.
Man in his 80s from Burleigh County with underlying health conditions.
Woman in her 90s from Burleigh County with underlying health conditions.
Man in his 90s from Morton County with underlying health conditions.
Man in his 70s from Morton County with underlying health conditions.
Woman in her 80s from Morton County with underlying health conditions.
Man in his 90s from Ward County with no underlying health conditions.
Woman in her 60s from Ward County with underlying health conditions.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED THURSDAY

Barnes County – 11
Benson County – 2
Bottineau County – 12
Burke County – 1
Burleigh County – 118
Cass County – 78
Divide County – 1
Eddy County – 8
Emmons County – 12
Grand Forks County – 29
Grant County – 1
Hettinger County – 1
LaMoure County – 6
Logan County – 4
McHenry County – 1
McKenzie County – 10
McLean County – 1
Mercer County – 9
Morton County – 43
Mountrail County – 4
Nelson County – 2
Pembina County – 7
Ramsey County – 8
Ransom County – 1
Renville County – 5
Richland County – 9
Rolette County – 3
Sargent County – 4
Sheridan County – 1
Sioux County – 1
Stark County – 31
Stutsman County – 5
Towner County – 2
Traill County – 5
Walsh County – 5
Ward County – 18
Williams County – 12

* 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.

**Individuals who tested positive divided by the total number of people tested who have not previously tested positive (susceptible encounters).

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

UPDATE

BISMARCK, N.D. – An amended State Health Officer order issued Wednesday related to quarantining of close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases was rescinded Thursday.

The Department of Health clarified that the intent of the order was to align with CDC guidelines, emphasize the urgent need for those exposed to positive individuals to avoid potentially spreading the disease to others, and encourage local officials to work together on the best strategies to combat COVID-19.

Interim State Health Officer Dr. Paul Mariani said, “This pandemic remains a threat. Nationally, 2.9% of reported COVID-19 cases have resulted in death. While that percentage is just over 1% in North Dakota thanks to strong coronavirus response efforts at the state and local levels, cases continue to rise and our state is on track for a record number of deaths of individuals with COVID-19 in September. While this order is being rescinded, we continue to stress the importance of quarantining and isolation to bend the curve back in the right direction in North Dakota. Whenever possible, all close contacts of individuals infected with COVID-19 should avoid contact with others for 14 days past the last day they were in contact with the person who tested positive.”

The rescinded order had expanded an existing quarantine order for household contacts to apply to all close contacts, following U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. The North Dakota Department of Health has always recommended close contacts quarantine to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but previously the order referred only to household contacts.

As required by state law, both the original order and amended order referenced that failure to cooperate with quarantine was punishable by a Class B misdemeanor, though that provision hadn’t been applied since the original order was issued in April. The order continued to allow for essential workforce exemptions for close contacts.

Governor Doug Burgum says, “From the beginning, our approach to this pandemic has emphasized personal responsibility and a light touch of government, as evidenced by the fact that we’re one of the most open states, with schools and universities back in session, the economy open and the nation’s sixth-lowest unemployment rate. Given the nature of this disease, it takes community collaboration to bend the curve, and in many counties right now as we reach record cases and positive rates, the curve is going the wrong direction. We need a light touch of government with more local leadership and collaboration, and we feel we can better support those efforts by working more closely with local public health and community leaders to identify mitigation strategies that will work and be supported in each community.”

For the most updated and timely information and updates related to COVID-19, visit the NDDoH website at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus.

Jamestown (CVHD) Covid-19 testing will continue this Friday, September 25, 2020, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Civic Center. 2nd St NE (road over viaduct) from 2nd Ave to 5th Ave NE; also 3rd Ave NE (in front of Civic Center) will continue to be closed during these days from 8AM – 1PM.

There will be signs put in place for entrance to the Depot as well as where to enter for testing.

This will continue EVERY FRIDAY from 8AM – 1PM through December 18, 2020.

These streets will be open on Friday, October 9, 2020.

Motorists should use extreme caution in this area.

Questions regarding testing; please contact Central Valley Health at 252-8130.

Appointment are not required but those who wish to receive a test are required to complete the online screening questionnaire in advance, which can be found here: https://testreg.nd.gov/. Completing the online screening questionnaire does not guarantee you a test.

Additional details:

There is no cost for the test and health insurance is not processed.
Proof of residency will not be required.
The testing process itself takes approximately 15 minutes. Wait time in line may be longer.
Those with a positive result will be notified by phone within 24 – 72 hours.
Those with a negative result will be notified by the state notification system within 5 – 7 days.
Testing will be conducted using oral swabs. Antibody testing will not be conducted at this event.
Drive-up testing only. Stay in your vehicle to be tested.
Location of event is subject to change. Follow Central Valley Health on Facebook for event updates.

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council Finance & Legal Committee Building, Planning & Zoning Committee

Civic Center & Promotion Committee Police & Fire Committee and Public Works Committees met in joint session Thursday at City Hall. All Council Members were present, Council Member Buchanan attended by phone.

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE:

INFORMATIONAL: The Special Assessment Commission is scheduled to meet on September 29, 2020, 10:00 AM, to hear objections to any such assessment under Seal Coat, Patching, Construction & Reconstruction District 19-41.

INFORMATIONAL: The public hearing and second readings of Ordinance No. 1537 and 1538, introduced by Mayor Heinrich, pertaining to the 2021 Budget, are scheduled at the October 5, 2020, 5:00 PM, City Council meeting. At Thursday’s meeting an amendment was introduced concerning adding employee compensation to the budget total.

Council Member Steele said the city has received additional dollars stemming from pandemic relief.

The committee recommends approving the amendment to allow for an increase in employee salaries across the board in the 2021 budget, amounting to an additional, $132,000.

INFORMATIONAL: The City Council Public Hearing for the 19-41 Paving Improvement District 19-41 special assessment project, is scheduled at the October 22, 2020, 3:00 PM, special city council meeting.

Considered was the request from IDK to amend City Code Sections 5.1 and 5.11.1, 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.

At a previous meeting, Mike Harris from IDK said 40 -50 mason jar sales are now being sold per day, and has supplemented sales income. He indicated properly factory type seals are in place.

Council Member Buchanan said he does not approve the request, with it “nibbling away,” at the city’s liquor ordinance.

He questioned the sanitation enforcement of discarded mason jars, such as broken glass.

Mayor Heinrich said, if approved the action would allow a bar to open a bottle of beer, and pour it into a mason jar, to be consumed off premises, and if passed the action would allow mixed drinks to-go. He added that the city is not likely to rescind the moratorium on liquor sales.

Mike Harris from IDK said he has on and off sale licenses. selling beer by the six pack only.

Mayor Heinrich said a motion needs to be positive, to be voted on.

A motion to approve the request died for lack of a second.

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

Considered was the variance application from Common Wealth Development Cooperation to the requirements set forth in Article I Section 9.9 of Fire Limits, at the former Eagles Club location.

Commonwealth Companies anticipates taking title to the Eagles property in October this year, and closing financing in April 2021, followed by construction, with completion now anticipated for the spring of 2022.

Eagle Flats will have 33 apartment units at the site of the vacant Eagles building on First Avenue South, in Downtown Jamestown.

Eagle Flats will provide ground level parking, and have 33 accessible apartment units over the three floors, with a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units in the secured building.

City Building Inspector, Tom Blackmore recommended allowing for a variance, in the type of fire rated wood to be used, in researching the product. Fire Chief Jim Reuther has no objections.

The committee recommends approval.

INFORMATIONAL: The proposed Ordinance No. 1540, introduced by Council Member Kamlitz, to amend and re-enact Section 4 – Establishment of Districts, and to enact Section 5.4.4, Uses Permitted- Planned Unit Development, all of Appendix C of the City Code will be discussed further at the October 12, 2020, 8:00 AM, Planning Commission meeting.

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

Considered was the proposed revised Civic Center rental rates.

Civic Center Manager, Pam Fosse said an increase in rental rates is to cover labor and other costs, currently operating at a loss. She said the last rental rate increase was a few years ago. She said long term rental agreements would not be affected. Mayor Heinrich said the proposed increase is steep, proposed at $1,500, and proposed rental rate increases implemented in steps.

The committee recommends approving the rate increase.

INFORMATIONAL: A Frontier Village update was given by Jamestown Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund.

He said last November the city took control of the Village, right now managed by Jamestown Tourism.

Searle’s presentation included that the Village car traffic has gone down each of the past several years, with the evolution of Frontier Village needing to be addressed, pertaining to economics. He said a more sustainable model needs to be in place.

He pointed out that the buildings are being patched and repaired, with most of the 46 buildings needing major reconstruction, including roofs.

Phase One is this year looking at where the Frontier Village is now, including identifying artifacts. Visitor surveys have been taken, indicating a more engaging experience.

Phase Two is taking the coming winter assessing this year’s information. He said the existing buildings need to be reassessed regarding their cost to maintain, versus their significance to the Village.

Phase Three is addressing a strategic development plan, and the future governing structure.

He said two buildings are identified for demolition due to being in bad shape, including the fire department building, allowing something new to be constructed in their place. He added the General Store’s condition is beyond cosmetic changes. He asked the city to address the commitments outlined.

Mayor Heinrich said this past summer has seen a significant improvement to the buildings and grounds and pointed out Jamestown Parks and Recreation in assisting in work.

The committee took no action.

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE

INFORMATIONAL: Fire department new ladder truck vehicle update was presented by Chief Reuther, who said,

the arrival date is still up in the air. He added the fire department continues with inspections and training.

INFORMATIONAL: Police department general update, was given by Chief Scott Edinger with training, COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented. He said a vacant position is about to be filled, and a promotion in the detective squad is upcoming, pending the addition of a police officer. He said another police academy session is being discussed for next spring.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

The committee recommends approval of a Change Order to Scherbenske Inc., for the 2020 Water Main Improvement District 20-61 (Approximately 11 Blocks).

The committee recommends a Change Order (Final Balancing Change Order) to Scherbenske Inc., for 2019 Water Main Improvement Project 19-61.

The committee recommends, moving forward with an engineering agreement for the rehabilitation and relocation of the University of Jamestown’s stormwater system by Taylor stadium. Travis Dillman said the contract under consideration includes the scope of the project to be discussed in upcoming meetings with UJ President, Dr. Polly Peterson

Discussed was the true cost of city water and recommended improvements. Darrell Hournbuckle of Interstate Engineering said water meters are over 50 years old and do not accurately reflect water usage. He explained the fee structure, saying the cost of production is being met with the current fee structure. Water Department Superintendent, Joe Rowell said about 50 to 100 meters are replaced annually, that are no longer functioning.

The committee recommends further action and moving forward on the issue.

INFORMATIONAL: The Water Department meter readers begin inside visual reads again October 15, 2020. Contact the Water Superintendent with concerns and questions.

INFORMATIONAL: City Engineer project updates. Travis Dillman says the NDDOT is taking bids on replacing the concrete barrier on the bridge next to the river, with the replacement project to be completed in October this year.

He added that removing and then installing pavement markings on First Avenue for the Road Diet project will be getting started next week, including for pedestrians.

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

Bismarck (NDDA) The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA), with support from the North Dakota Department of Human Services and the Indian Affairs Commission, awarded 80 grants totaling $2 million to help charitable food organizations and small grocers make necessary investments in tools to extend the shelf life of perishable foods.

The state Emergency Commission approved the funding from the coronavirus relief bill in August.

Ag Commissioner, Doug Goehring says, “The grants will help these organizations extend the shelf life of perishable foods in order to provide their clients with continued, uninterrupted access to foods such as fruits and vegetables, meats and dairy products. By investing in tools such as refrigeration units, freezer units, coolers, vacuum packers and dehydrators, these organizations will be able to serve current clients with greater efficiency and help even more people.”

Department of Human Services Executive Director Chris Jones, adds, “North Dakota’s charitable feeding network partners and senior nutrition program providers deliver vital nutritious food to thousands of vulnerable individuals, and these grants help support that mission and prevent hunger during this challenging time.”

Charitable food organizations include any organization that provides food and/or services, including local food pantries, soup kitchens, senior citizen centers, food distribution centers and hubs, churches, donation centers and more. Small grocers include any North Dakota grocer located in a community of 750 or less.

Some area organizations that will receive funding include:

Ruebs Inc/Ashley Super Valu, Ashley – $12,164
Carrington’s Daily Bread, Carrington – $470
Dickey County Senior Citizens – Ellendale Senior Center, Ellendale – $3,100
Tracy’s Market – Fessenden, Fessenden – $115,000
The Forbes Store/ Olson’s Mercantile, LLC, Forbes – $10,000
Central Dakota Food Pantry, Harvey – $2,500
James River Senior Center and Public Transit, Jamestown – $30,000
Kramlich-Deede Meats, Medina – $144,275
Del’s Super Market Inc, Napoleon – $58,482.96
T & V Grocery, Pettibone – $16,000
Kidder Emmons Senior Services, Steele – $900
Kidder Emmons Senior Services, Steele – $4,000
South Central Adult Services Inc., Valley City – $20,500
Wimbledon Community Grocery (WCG), Wimbledon – $27,850

Bismarck (NDHP) Friday, September 25, the North Dakota Highway Patrol and Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a DUI checkpoint at a predetermined location in Stutsman County.

Following the checkpoint on Friday and continuing Saturday, Sept. 26, the North Dakota Highway Patrol will conduct saturation patrols in the county.

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — A Minot man has been found guilty of assaulting a Ward County sheriff’s deputy while resisting arrest during a traffic stop. A jury handed down the verdict Wednesday, finding Joshua Lochthowe guilty of felony assault. He was acquitted of driving while intoxicated. According to court documents, the 27-year-old Lochthowe was stopped by Deputy Joseph Jackson last December, assaulted the officer while resisting arrest, then fled in his pickup truck. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 4 before Judge Gary Lee.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The owners of a defunct Bismarck spa have been ordered to pay nearly $380,000 for selling gift cards even as they made plans to close the business in 2017. Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem filed a civil lawsuit against Jill Becker and Brent Voorhees, owners of Spa D’Athena, accusing them of selling the worthless gift cards and using the money to pay expenses at a separate business owned by Voorhees and to make Becker’s child support payments. While the lawsuit was pending in Burleigh County, the two moved to Nevada and filed for bankruptcy. Officials said it’s unlikely customers will be able to recover the money they spent on the gift certificates.

In sports…

Thursday…

UJ Scores

Baseball…

Mayville State 5 Jamestown 4 11-innings

Men’s Soccer…

Hastings College 5 Jamestown 2

Women’s Soccer

HASTINGS, Neb.– (UJ)The University of Jamestown women’s soccer team suffered its first loss of the season Thursday night, losing 2-1 to Hastings (Neb.) College in double overtime.

Alex Nowka (SO/Anchorage, Alaska) had four saves for the Jimmies 3-1), who play at Doane (Neb.) Saturday at 1 p.m.

High School Football…

Thursday…

Mandan 18 Dickinson 8

High School Boy’s Soccer…

Dickinson 2 Jamestown 0

Thursday..

Volleyball

CLASS A

#3 West Fargo def. Fargo South 3-0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-8)

RV Fargo Davies def. Oak Grove 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-13)

RV Mandan def. Bismarck St. Mary’s 3-1 (25-16, 25-17, 22-25, 25-18)

Bismarck def. Minot 3-2 (25-13, 29-27, 23-25, 24-26, 15-6)

CLASS B

#1 Thompson def. #4 Northern Cass 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-15)

#2 Linton-HMB def. Herreid/Selby Area (SD) 3-0 (25-16, 25-10, 25-17)

#3 Oakes def. South Border 3-1 (25-16, 25-13, 22-25, 25-13)

#5 Dickinson Trinity def. #9 Beulah 3-0 (25-18, 25-14, 25-13)

#10 Grafton def. Park River-FL 3-0

RV North Star def. Rolla 3-0 (25-18, 28-26, 25-17)

NBA PLAYOFFS-LAKERS/NUGGETS

Lakers top Nuggets for 3-1 series lead

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — In one sense, the Los Angeles Lakers are one win away from a berth in the NBA Finals after taking a 3-1 series lead against the Denver Nuggets. In another sense, the Nuggets have the Lakers right where they want them.

Anthony Davis scored 34 points and LeBron James had 26 in the Lakers’ 114-108 victory over the Nuggets in the Western Conference finals. Davis made his first six shots before another Laker made a basket.

James added nine rebounds and eight assists for Los Angeles, which had 12 offensive rebounds for a whopping 25-6 advantage in second-chance points.

Jamal Murray had 32 points and eight assists, but Nikola Jokic (nih-KOH’-lah YOH’-kihch) battled foul trouble and finished with just 16 points and seven rebounds.

The Nuggets are in a familiar position down 3-1 heading into Game 5 on Saturday. They were in identical situations in the first two rounds, only to storm back to beat the Jazz and Clippers.

WNBA…

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Jewell Loyd scored 20 points and the Seattle Storm beat the Minnesota Lynx 89-79 on Thursday night to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-5 WNBA semifinal series. Loyd had 10 points in a 12-0 run to end the first half, including consecutive 3-pointers, for a 46-33 lead and the Storm led the rest of the way, fending off multiple Lynx charges. Damiris Dantas made five 3-pointers and led the Lynx with 23 points. Odyssey Sims added 18 points.

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Alyssa Thomas, knocked out of Game 2 two days ago by a dislocated shoulder, made a surprise start and led the Connecticut Sun to a 77-68 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday night for a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five semifinal series. Thomas scored 23 points on 10-of-21 shooting and had 12 rebounds. Brionna Jones had 15 points and 10 rebounds, and DeWanna Bonner 12 points and 10 boards for the Sun. A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL-PAC-12

Pac-12 to play football this fall

UNDATED (AP) — There’s great news for West Coast football fans.

The Pac-12 has decided to play football this fall, reversing an August decision to postpone until spring because of concerns over COVID-19.

The conference’s CEO group of university presidents voted unanimously to resume football and basketball, lifting a Jan. 1 moratorium on athletic competition for Pac-12 schools. The football season will begin in early November and culminate with a championship game to be held on Dec. 18.

The men’s and women’s basketball seasons can start Nov. 25, in line with the NCAA’s recently announced opening date.

The Pac-12 is the latest Power-5 conference to reverse course after announcing the football season would be postponed. The Big Ten will open its season next month after initially deciding to delay or if necessary, cancel the season. The ACC and Big 12 began their seasons this month and the SEC starts up on Saturday.

MLB…

— Salvador Perez belted a three-run home run and Maikel (MY’-kehl) Franco hit a go-ahead blast in the sixth inning as the Royals outscored the Tigers, 8-7. Adalberto Mondesi had four hits and two RBIs for Kansas City.

UNDATED (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have rebounded nicely since an eight-game losing streak seemed to knock them out of contention for the AL Central title.

The Indians completed a four-game sweep of the White Sox by putting together a four-run seventh in a 5-4 victory against the former division leaders. José Ramírez delivered a go-ahead, two-run double in the seventh, giving him a .485 average with eight homers and 20 RBIs over his last 13 games.

Chicago scored three times in the top of the seventh to take a 4-1 lead before suffering its fifth consecutive loss. The latest setback leaves the White Sox one game behind the division-leading Twins and one game ahead of Cleveland for the fourth seed in the AL.

Elsewhere on the big league schedule:

— The Blue Jays beat the Yankees for the third time in four days as Hyun Jin Ryu (hyoon jihn ree-OO’) scattered five hits over seven shutout innings of Toronto’s 4-1 victory. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smacked a solo homer and scored on Alejandro Kirk’s two-run double to help Toronto wrap up its first playoff berth in four years. The Jays also climbed within two games of New York for second place in the AL East.

— Jose Altuve (al-TOO’-vay) and George Springer each launched three-run homers and Alex Bregman delivered a two-run blast and three RBIs in Houston’s 12-4 dismantling of the Rangers. Josh Reddick also hit a two-run shot and rookie Cristian Javier gave up three runs over 5 2/3 innings for his fifth win. The Astros won for just the ninth time in 29 road games and moved a step closer to wrapping up second place in the AL West.

— The Cubs lost for the fifth time in six games as Chad Kuhl held them to two hits over seven innings of the Pirates’ 7-0 shutout of the NL Central leaders. Geoff Hartlieb and Blake Cederlind completed the whitewash in which the Bucs’ staff was backed by four homers. Colin Moran and Bryan Reynolds had home runs among their three hits as Pittsburgh kept the Cubs’ magic number at two for winning the NL Central.

— Rookie Dylan Carlson drove in three runs on a homer and a double as the Cardinals doubled up the Brewers, 4-2 to pull within 2 1/2 games of the NL Central lead. St. Louis starter Kwang Hyun Kim gave up a run over five innings to pick up the win. Milwaukee ace Corbin Burnes was reached for three runs on six hits over 3 2/3 innings, leaving the game with lower back discomfort.

— Walker Buehler (BYOO’-lur) worked four scoreless innings and combined with five relievers on a 3-hitter as the Dodgers silenced the Athletics, 5-1. Corey Seager had two RBIs, including a solo homer in the third inning. Kike (KEE’-kay) Hernandez contributed an RBI single that sparked the Dodgers’ three-run fifth.

— Raimel Tapia lifted a go-ahead, sacrifice fly in the 11th inning to push the Rockies past the Giants, 5-4. Brandon Belt hit a game-tying home run in the eighth for his 1,000th career hit before San Francisco fell behind the Reds for the first NL wild card.

— Miami snapped a four-game losing streak as Jon Berti had three hits, including a two-run double in a 4-2 verdict over the Braves. Pablo López allowed only two hits in five scoreless innings to help the Marlins bolster their NL playoff hopes. Atlanta rookie Ian Anderson threw five scoreless innings before giving up three unearned runs in the sixth.

— Robinson Chirinos (chih-REE’-nohs) slammed a two-run homer and drove in three as the Mets earned a 3-2 win over the Nationals to barely stay alive in the NL wild-card race. Lefthander David Peterson closed his rookie season with his longest outing, going seven innings and allowing four hits and one run for his team-high sixth win.

— José Iglesias, Pat Valaika (vah-LAY’-kah) and Austin Hays homered for the Orioles in a 13-1 laugher over the Red Sox. Hays, Valaika, Rio Ruiz and Ramón Urías each had three of Baltimore’s 18 hits as the Birds won for just the second time in eight games.

MLB-NEWS

Mets’ Conforto done for season…Royals’ Gordon retiring

UNDATED (AP) — The Mets have placed Michael Conforto on the injured list with a hamstring injury, ending the outfielder’s regular season. Conforto was hitting a career-high .322 with nine home runs and 31 RBIs this year, ranking sixth in the National League with a .412 on-base percentage and eighth with 40 runs scored.

Also around the majors:

— Royals outfielder Alex Gordon has announced he will retire after the season, after spending his entire 14-year career with Kansas City. While he never quite hit with the kind of average the Royals hoped he would, Gordon turned himself into one of the best defensive players in the game. He helped the Royals to two World Series trips and a championship in 2015.

— Longtime baseball executive Sandy Alderson will return to the Mets as team president if Steve Cohen’s purchase of the club is approved by MLB owners. The 72-year-old Alderson is currently a senior adviser for the Athletics. He was the Mets’ general manager from 2010-18 and stepped down after being diagnosed with cancer.

NFL-DOLPHINS/JAGUARS

Dolphins thump Jags for first win

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Well-traveled Ryan Fitzpatrick has become the first NFL quarterback to beat the same opponent with six different teams.

Fitzpatrick also led the Miami Dolphins to their first victory of the year, accounting for three touchdowns in a 31-13 downing of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He completed his first 12 passes for the first time as Miami scored touchdowns on its first three drives, something the Dolphins hadn’t accomplished since 2011.

Fitzpatrick passed for 160 yards and two scores while completing 18 of 20 attempts, the last one to himself. He also beat the Jaguars while with the 2008 Bengals, 2012 Bills, 2013 Titans, 2014 Texans and 2015 Jets.

NFL-NEWS

Fake Meadowlands turf gets green light from NFL

UNDATED (AP) — The new turf at MetLife Stadium is good to go for Sunday’s game between the Giants and 49ers. The NFL says an inspection of the field Wednesday found that the Field Turf surface meets all applicable standards and protocols for its field surfaces. It was conducted after the 49ers lodged complaints that the “sticky” surface caused at least four players to sustain knee injuries in a 31-13 win over the Jets last Sunday.

In other NFL news:

— Niners All-Pro tight end George Kittle practiced on a limited basis for the second straight day on Thursday, a sign that he could be ready to return after missing one game with a knee injury. Kittle got hurt when he was hit late in the first half of the opener by Arizona safety Budda Baker while trying to reach for a high pass from Jimmy Garoppolo (ga-RAH’-pah-loh).

— Jets coach Adam Gase says it’s doubtful wide receiver Jamison Crowder will play Sunday at Indianapolis. The Jets are expected to be without wide receiver Breshad Perriman for the next two games because of an ankle injury.

— Chiefs coach Andy Reid says top cornerback Charvarius Ward will return to practice in some capacity and could play Monday night against the Ravens. Ward missed last week’s win over the Chargers with a fractured hand.

— Patriots owner Robert Kraft won’t face trial on charges he paid for massage parlor sex. Florida prosecutors are dropping a misdemeanor charge against Kraft after a court blocked their use of video that allegedly shows him paying for sex at the Orchids of Asia spa in early 2019.

NHL-NEWS

Penguins trade Hornqvist to Panthers

UNDATED (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins have dealt away a key piece to their most recent Stanley Cup teams.

The Florida Panthers have acquired Patric Hornqvist from the Pens for Mike Matheson and forward Colton Sceviour. The 33-year-old Hornqvist scored 132 goals in 407 games for the Penguins. He added 22 more in the playoffs, including 14 during Pittsburgh’s run to consecutive Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.

In other ice news:

— The Sabres have signed forward Curtis Lazar (lah-ZAHR’) to a two-year, $1.6 million contract. The restricted free agent split last season between the NHL and the American Hockey League, scoring five goals and 10 points in 38 games with Buffalo.

TENNIS-FRENCH OPEN-DRAW

Nadal faces Gerasimov, Williams plays Ahn

PARIS (AP) — Rafael Nadal will begin his bid for a record-extending 13th French Open title against Egor Gerasimov in the first round of the tournament, which starts Sunday. The 34-year-old Nadal is aiming to equal the absent Roger Federer’s men’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles.

Serena Williams starts her attempt for a record-equaling 24th major against Kristie Ahn in all-American matchup. Williams turns 39 on Saturday. She fell short in her bid to equal Margaret Court’s record at the U.S. Open. WIlliams has won the French Open three times.

Thursday’s draw at Roland Garros also pits top-ranked Novak Djokovic (NOH’-vak JOH’-kuh-vich) against No. 80 Mikael Ymer of Sweden in their first career meeting.

NASCAR-HENDRICK FINE

NASCAR fines Hendrick $100,000 for too much wind tunnel time

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR has fined Hendrick Motorsports $100,000 for exceeding the amount of wind tunnel testing allowed in a year. The organization has also been docked 10 hours of wind tunnel time for next year.

The testing is defined as billable hours reported by the wind tunnel. Hendrick Motorsports self-reported the violation after discovering it had exceeded 70 hours by “less than an hour.”

In world and national news…

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge has stopped the 2020 census from finishing at the end of September and ordered the once-a-decade head count of every U.S. resident extended for another month through the end of October. U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh said in her ruling late Thursday that a shortened schedule would likely produce inaccurate results. A coalition of civil rights groups and local governments had sued the Census Bureau in an effort to prevent the 2020 census from stopping at the end of the month. They said the shortened schedule would undercount residents in minority and hard-to-count communities.

(AP) A 17-year-old accused of killing two protesters days after Jacob Blake was shot by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, faces a hearing to return him to Wisconsin to face trial on homicide charges that could put him in prison for life. Kyle Rittenhouse was arrested at his home in Antioch, Illinois, a day after prosecutors say he shot and killed two and injured a third on the streets of Kenosha on Aug. 25. His attorneys have said Rittenhouse acted in self defense. A Friday court hearing in Illinois was to determine whether to send Rittenhouse to Wisconsin to face charges.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Police in Portland, Oregon, have declared an unlawful assembly at a demonstration where a fire was set outside a police union building late Thursday. Several photos and videos posted online showed flames erupting outside the doors of the Portland Police Association office. News outlets report the fire was quickly extinguished. On Wednesday night people hurled several firebombs at officers in Oregon’s largest city during a demonstration over a Kentucky grand jury’s decision to not indict officers in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor, police said. The city has already seen nearly four months of nightly protests over racial injustice and police brutality.

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal appeals court is set to hear arguments Friday in President Donald Trump’s long-running fight to prevent a New York top prosecutor from getting his tax returns. Trump’s lawyers appealed to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after a district court judge last month rejected their renewed efforts to invalidate a subpoena issued to his accounting firm by the office of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. A temporary restraining order remains in effect, preventing any tax records from being turned over at least until the latest appeal is decided. Trump has said he expects the case to return to the Supreme Court, making it unlikely the dispute will be resolved before the November election.

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg is back. On Friday, she joined fellow demonstrators outside the Swedish Parliament to kick off a day of socially distanced global climate protests. The coronavirus outbreak has prevented the Fridays for Future movement that Thunberg inspired from holding its mass rallies in recent months, lowering its public profile. The movement demands that lawmakers stick to the 2015 landmark Paris climate deal to curb the rise in global temperatures that is melting glaciers, raising sea levels and shifting rainfall patterns.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Police in Louisville, Kentucky, say at least 24 people were arrested from a protest in the city on Thursday. A statement says charges included unlawful assembly, failure to disperse and riot in the first degree. Authorities allege the protesters broke windows at a restaurant, damaged city buses, tried to set a fire and threw a flare into the street. Protests have broken out across the country following the announcement Wednesday that no officers were directly charged in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor. The Black woman was killed during a police raid in March. Police pulled back from the Louisville protest on Thursday night after negotiating an ending with demonstrators.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg becomes the first woman in American history to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol, capping days of commemorations of her extraordinary life. The justice died last week at age 87. She also will be the first Jewish-American to lie in state and just the second Supreme Court justice. The first was Chief Justice William Howard Taft, who also had been president. Ginsburg’s casket will be brought to the Capitol Friday morning for a private ceremony in Statuary Hall attended by her family and lawmakers. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, plan to attend.

LONDON (AP) — A British police officer has been shot dead inside a London police station while detaining a suspect. London’s Metropolitan Police force said the officer was shot at the Croydon Custody Center in the south of the city early Friday. The 23-year-old man being detained was also shot and is in a critical condition in a hospital. The force said no police weapons were fired. The force has launched a murder inquiry and the independent police watchdog is also investigating. It is rare for police officers to be shot and killed in the U.K., which has strict firearms laws. The last London police officer killed in the line of duty was fatally stabbed in March 2017.

TOKYO (AP) — Global shares are mixed, cheered by a modest rally on Wall Street and hopes for fresh stimulus for the U.S. economy. Benchmarks in Europe fell in early trading Friday, but major markets apart from China’s were higher. Despite signs of a global economic rebound in the third quarter, worries remain the upturn may be running out of steam. Layered on top of all the myriad concerns are the still-raging coronavirus pandemic and the threat that worsening outbreaks around the world could lead to more business restrictions. Despite festering partisan divides, pressures are building for Congress to forge a compromise and produce another round of economic stimulus.