– Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Oct 23

CSi Weather…

.REST OF TODAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 20s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows around 10. West winds around 10 mph.

.SATURDAY…Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Highs in the lower 20s. East winds 5 to 10 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow in the Jamestown area, 50 percent in the Valley City area. Lows around 15. North winds 5 to 10 mph.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 20s. Northwest winds

10 to 15 mph.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows 5 to 10 above.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 20s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows around 10.

.TUESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 30s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s.

.WEDNESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s.

.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

Valley City (NDHP) The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports that a 31 year old Valley City woman was seriously injured in a rollover southwest of Sanborn Thursday, around 9-a.m

The report says, a 1998 Dodge Ram was traveling west bound on Interstate 94 near mile marker 278. The female driver attempted to overtake a ND Department of Transportation snowplow in the left lane.

The driver lost control and entered the median. The Dodge Ram overturned causing the female to be ejected. The 31 year-old female was transported by Barnes County Ambulance to CHI Mercy Hospital in Valley City. She was later transported to a Fargo hospital to be treated for her injuries sustained in the crash. Her condition has not been released. The crash is under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Assisting at the scene were, the Barnes County Sheriff’s Office, Barnes County Ambulance, Valley City Rural Fire District and the Sanborn Fire Department.

North Dakota remained as one of the worst spots in the nation for coronavirus spread on Thursday, with health official reporting a record day of new infections. North Dakota’s daily positivity rate topped 13%, with 1,038 new virus cases. Nine new deaths were reported, bringing the statewide death toll from the virus to 431. Gov. Doug Burgum has resisted issuing an order to require a statewide mask mandate. Leaders in Fargo and Minot this week moved to require face coverings in most settings, though the mandates are not enforced. Leaders in Bismarck are are considering a similar mandate next week.

NDoH COVID-19 Stats

Thurs. Oct 22, 2020

11 am

Barnes

New Positives 21

Total Positives 332

Active Cases 57

Recovered 274

Stutsman

New Positives 15

Total Positives 757

Active Cases 116

Recovered 635

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

BY THE NUMBERS

8,378 – Total Tests from Yesterday*

790,738 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

1,038 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

35,052 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

A private lab notified us that 137 individuals reported as positive between October 12-14 were inconclusive. The individuals have been notified and the positive results were removed from our total.

13.09% – Daily Positivity Rate**

6,350 Total Active Cases

+376 Individuals from yesterday

503 – Individuals Recovered from Yesterday (402 with a recovery date of yesterday****)

28,271 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

156 – Currently Hospitalized

+4 – Individuals from yesterday

9 – New Deaths*** (431 total deaths since the pandemic began)

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

Man in his 60s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.
Woman in her 60s from Grand Forks County with underlying health conditions.
Man in his 70s from Grand Forks County with underlying health conditions.
Woman in her 70s from Grant County with underlying health conditions
Man in his 70s from LaMoure County with underlying health conditions.
Man in his 50s from LaMoure County with underlying health conditions.
Man in his 80s from Morton County with underlying health conditions.
Man in his 70s from Richland County with underlying health conditions.
Man in his 90s from Ward County with underlying health conditions.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED THURSDAY

Adams County – 3
Barnes County – 21
Benson County – 7
Bottineau County – 2
Bowman County – 2
Burke County – 5
Burleigh County – 209
Cass County – 280
Cavalier County – 1
Dickey County – 5
Dunn County – 1
Eddy County – 2
Emmons County – 2
Foster County – 2
Grand Forks County – 59
Grant County – 2
Griggs County – 4
Hettinger County – 1
Kidder County – 3
LaMoure County – 11
Logan County – 2
McHenry County – 8
McIntosh County – 2
McKenzie County – 24
McLean County – 14
Mercer County – 8
Morton County – 62
Mountrail County – 19
Nelson County – 1
Oliver County – 2
Pembina County – 4
Pierce County – 4
Ramsey County – 12
Ransom County – 15
Renville County – 2
Richland County – 15
Rolette County – 14
Sargent County – 4
Sioux County – 15
Stark County – 6
Steele County – 2
Stutsman County – 15
Towner County – 1
Traill County – 15
Walsh County – 20
Ward County – 95
Wells County – 6
Williams County – 29

* 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. There is a lag in the time deaths are reported to the NDDoH.
**** 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.

Jamestown (CVHD) Due to the change of the weather, Central Valley Health District will be offering it’s free COVID-19 testing this week indoors at the Jamestown Civic Center:

Friday Oct 23, 10am to noon
Indoors – use North ground-level door
Face coverings are required.
PRE-REGISTER if not done in past

Those seeking to be tested should enter the building through the north entrance. Testing will occur every Friday until further notice.

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/. If you have completely pre-registration in the past, you do not have to do it again.

Follow Central Valley Health District on Facebook for current and up-to-date information on local response information.

The 300 block of 3rd St NE will be closed for Covid-19 Testing. Testing will take place inside the Civic Center. Parking available in the east Business Center lot.

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

Bismarck (CSi)– The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) has successfully resolved the backlog of notifications for over 800 North Dakotans who tested positive for COVID-19. Earlier in the week, the department addressed the backlog which was due to a recent sharp increase in COVID-19 cases and announced changes to the state’s contact tracing process to more quickly notify individuals who test positive for COVID-19.

“We appreciate the patience of North Dakotans and are grateful for the expertise and hard work of our case investigation team,” said Disease Control Director Kirby Kruger. “Case investigation and contact tracing are two tools, but what allows them to be effective is the active participation of individuals and communities in taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

The NDDoH anticipates the change in the contact tracing process to be temporary and said they will be evaluating the effectiveness and resource need over the next several weeks and months.

As part of the new process, close contacts will no longer be contacted by public health officials; instead, positive individuals will be instructed to self-notify their close contacts. Individuals can visit the NDDoH website, where resources explain the recommended and required actions for both positive patients and close contacts.

Contact tracing for health care settings, K-12 schools and university systems is an exception and contact tracing will continue as usual.

The state is testing the process to deliver automated notifications to positive individuals. Currently, the system only delivers automated notifications to individuals with negative test results. Positive patients will still receive a follow-up call from a case investigator after their initial automated notification.

Individuals can be a part of the solution by taking simple steps like wearing a face covering, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings and staying home when sick. For more information on North Dakota’s COVID-19 response, visit www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus or www.ndresponse.gov.

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session on Thursday afternoon at City Hall.

Council Member Kamlitz and Council Member Buchanan joined by phone.

RESOLUTIONS:

A PUBLIC HEARING was held, concerning the special assessment list for the Seal Coat, Patching, Construction and Reconstruction District #19-41. Another Special Assessment Committee will be held Oct 26, to further review the matter.

Following the Public Hearing, the City Council approved the special assessments for Seal Coat, Patching, Construction and Reconstruction District #19-41, in the total amount of $2,887,000.00, less the City Share of $457,276.23, with the balance of $2,429,723.77 to be assessed to benefited properties within the district.

Mayor Heinrich moved to put on the November 12 Special City Council meeting agenda without recommendation, which was approved by the Council.

A Presentation was made by Linda Moen from Schauer & Associates, PC, on the 2019 City of Jamestown Audit Report.

Following the presentation the City Council voted to approve the 2019 City of Jamestown Audit Report as prepared by Schauer & Associates, PC.

Approved was the request from El Zagel Jamestown Clowns for a site authorization to conduct gaming at Stutsman Harley Davidson.

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

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 afternoon at City Hall.

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE:

INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION: given by Joe Rector, James River Valley Library.

He gave a brief update on recent improvements to the Alfred Dickey Public Library.

He said the libraries two facilities are in need of “People space.”

He said with the recently renovated Alfred Dickey Library and Stutsman County Library, they’ve maximized their use of their space.

He pointed out that the Stutsman County Library is looking at finding more space, under a plan similar to the fundraising efforts for the Alfred Dickey Library.

Rector said in 2019 after renovations at Alfred Dickey, they saw an increase of 1,000 more people.

Rector said fundraisers organized by Friends of the Library, will be started, to save money from the Library’ budget, along with planning to move from the current Stutsman County Library location.

Rector says a new location, would then become their primary branch.

Expansion options for both libraries may include further expanding Alfred Dickey Library or finding property at another location, with more space, and parking, and providing more visibility, along with easy access to patrons.

Another option is constructing a new building.

Another issue is affordability. Depending on the price of a property or building cost, the timeline is expected to be two to three years.

Grant funding will also be sought, including the USDA low interest grant program.

Rector said, he appeared at the meeting to inform the city of the library’s plans.

Mayor Heinrich commended Rector on his leadership, and the recent remodeling of the Alfred Dickey Public Library.

Rector updated the committee on the Stutsman County Bookmobile, noting the bookmobile has logged many more hours in service over the recent past years, and is serving more than just the immediate Jamestown area.

The committee recommends a non-binding approval of support be moved to next months committee agenda for further information.

Considered was a request for 2018 Abatement application for 1317 5th St NE, 58401.

The committee recommends approval be sent to the City Council.

Considered was a request for 2019 Abatement application for 1008 7th Ave SE, 58401, due to the property have been gutted by a fire, and the evaluation be placed of $16,100, which was recommended by the committee.

Recommended for approval was permit refunds in the amount of $905.00 for the 2020 St Patrick’s Day Run.

Considered was approving the agreement for paying agent services for municipal bonds with Starion and authorizing the City Administrator and Mayor to enter into the agreement on behalf of the City.

Assistant City Attorney Abby Gerioux said some terms of the proposal is “one sided,” that the city has concerns about. She suggested the city work with it’s bond counsel, John Shockley.

The item will be moved to next month’s meeting for further review.

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

Considered was the request for a Future Land Use Plan Amendment to the East 7.7 ft Lot3 and all of lots 1 &2, plus adjacent vacated alley of Block 12, Lowry’s Subdivision, within the SE ¼ of Section 2, T139N, R64W, Stutsman County, North Dakota, from Urban Residential to Commercial. The property is located at 2806 8th Ave SW. Council Member Kamlitz explained the request.

Zoning Administrator Tom Blackmore said the parcel is near Walmart and Hampton Inn and Suites, and no protests were received by nearby property owners.

The committee recommends approval.

The committee recommends introducing the first reading of an ordinance to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 by amending the District Map to change the zoning of the East 7.7’ of Lot 3, and all of Lots 1 and 2 and one half of the vacated alley, Block 12, Lowry’s Subdivision, within the SE ¼ of Section 2, T139N, R64W, Stutsman County, North Dakota, from Ag, Urban Residential to C2, Commercial. The property is located at 2806 8th Ave SW.

The committee recommends, setting a public hearing to be held at the November 12, 2020, Special City Council meeting, and to consider the second reading for 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, as amended October 9, 2020, by the Planning Commission.

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

The committee recommends the City Council approve the amended Jamestown Tourism Bylaws as required in the current and amended versions of the organization’s bylaws, as explained at the meeting by Jamestown Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund, and presented to the committee.

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE

INFORMATIONAL: Police Chief Scott Edinger gave a department general update, training, COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented. With the Road Diet pavement striping he said for the most part, traffic speeds have been reduced. He also pointed out a conflict with the turning lane at 7th Street South, concerning merging. He also pointed out problems with some sight lines, and making right turns onto First Avenue with long semi rigs

INFORMATIONAL: Fire department vehicle update was presented by city Fire Chief iReuther, who said updated information indicates the vehicle is about a month away from delivery to the Fire Department. On another item he said rescue tools, that were purchase 23 years ago were in need of repair, and teardown, showed, more replacement items were discovered.

Two quotes were received, for the purchase of the needed items. The mayor asked that the item be placed on the City Council’s November meeting, which was approved for recommendations.

Chief Reuther said the City and Rural Fire Departments will be sharing personnel during the time of certain incidences.

INFORMATIONAL: Fire Department updates, were given concerning inspections, training, COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Considered was approving a flat fee, small debris container program for the purpose of serving customers wishing to dispose of fewer than 30 cubic yards (less than a large roll-off container) of debris. The committee recommends approval.

Considered was the cost to grind the high volume of wood waste including equipment cost, maintenance, and availability of vendors to provide the service on a schedule, as requested by City Council on July 23, 2020. The committee considered equipment to possibly purchase, for grinding.

Council Member Steele suggested reviewing ideas, to obtain a grinder for future consideration, and the item was moved to the November Committee meeting.

Considered was a citywide water meter replacement program. Travis Dillman gave a presentation,

He said some water meters currently are forty years old and older, and slow down when registering water usage, and not measuring accurately. He said some of the meters are so old that replacement parts are no longer available. He also indicated the cost of reading each meter manually.

He pointed out systems that remotely reads meters. The costs of a new metering system, and how to pay for it, including possibly implementing user fees. The cost of replacing the system is estimated at $2.5 million. Mayor Heinrich said the update plan will be a hard sell, including a reduction in staff.

After looking at the current water meter reading system the committee, recommends looking at a plan and funding for an updated system.

INFORMATIONAL: City Engineer project updates. Travis Dillman said the city will contact the NDDOT of new issues concerning marking the pavement on First Avenue. He said new concrete has been poured and is curing at the bridge over the James River that was taken out from a crash there a few weeks ago.

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

Jamestown (JSDC) A reminder from the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation (JSDC) that just a few days remain to apply, as the state of North Dakota set aside $50 million of CARES Act funding to help local business owners. Bank of North Dakota (BND) is distributing this through the COVID PACE Recovery II (CPR II) program by reimbursing businesses for interest on business related debt accrued between April 1-September 30, 2020. These funds do not need to be repaid.

Applications are being accepted through October 30, 2020 at 5 p.m. CT. The interest expense eligible for these funds includes any debt on which a business owner accrued interest. It covers interest on all existing debt, held by any creditor, not just a local financial institution or BND. Examples include, but are not limited to, loans held by a financial institution, interest paid to a leasing company, working capital loans or credit cards used for business expenses.

Business owners can receive up to $50,000.

For more information, click here.

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division has awarded funding from two federal grants to 23 local public health units across the state to continue to implement evidence-based strategies aimed at substance abuse and opioid prevention efforts and effective treatment and recovery services.

Prevention remains a crucial part of supporting North Dakotans’ behavioral health needs. Between 2009 and 2019, the percentage of North Dakota high school students reporting past 30-day alcohol use declined from 43.3 percent to 27.6 percent (2019 North Dakota Youth Risk Behavior Survey). However, drug-related deaths claimed 79 lives in North Dakota in 2019. That was an increase from 66 deaths in 2018 and 76 deaths in 2017, according to the North Dakota Department of Health.

“Effective prevention relies on the active involvement of multiple community partners working together to address complex problems,” said Behavioral Health Division Assistant Director Laura Anderson.

The Substance Abuse Prevention Community grant, which is funded through the state’s federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block grant, supports evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs targeting underage drinking and adult binge drinking. This competitive funding opportunity was open to all local public health units in the state that were not currently receiving federal funding for substance abuse prevention programs.

The department will distribute $750,000 annually for two years to these local public health units: Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, Cavalier County Health District, Central Valley Health District, City-County Health District, Custer Health, Foster County Public Health, Lake Region District Health Unit, LaMoure County Public Health, Rolette County Public Health District, Southwestern District Health Unit, Upper Missouri District Health Unit and Wells County District Health Unit.

The second federal grant, the State Opioid Response grant, is a two-year grant from the federal Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration. It provides $4 million per year to North Dakota to support communities across the state to address local needs and gaps throughout the continuum of care specific to the opioid crisis, while also addressing stimulant misuse and use disorders. This funding opportunity was open to all local public health units in the state. It continues the investment made in 2018, when North Dakota was awarded its first State Opioid Response grant.

“The federal State Opioid Response grant provides opportunities to connect individuals to needed treatment services and also to prevent overdoses by implementing prevention strategies including increasing access to the life-saving medication naloxone,” Anderson said.

The grantees include: Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, Cavalier County Health District, Central Valley Health District, City-County Health District, Custer Health, Dickey County Health District, Emmons County Public Health, Fargo Cass Public Health, First District Health Unit, Foster County Public Health, Grand Forks Public Health, Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit, Ransom County Public Health, Richland County Health Department, Rolette County Public Health District, Sargent County District Health Unit, Southwestern District Health Unit, Towner County Public Health, Walsh County Health District and Wells County District Health Unit.

The department’s Behavioral Health Division currently provided funding to four federally-recognized tribal nations in North Dakota to implement evidence-based substance abuse prevention efforts.

The Behavioral Health Division is responsible for reviewing and identifying service needs and activities in the state’s behavioral health system to ensure health and safety and access to quality services. It establishes quality assurance standards for the licensure of substance use disorder program services and facilities and provides policy leadership in partnership with public and private entities. For more information, visit www.behavioralhealth.nd.gov.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Sunflower farmers in the U.S. are expected to produce their biggest crop in five years, and North Dakota farmers are expecting their best yield in history. The National Sunflower Association says the first production forecast for 2020 is 2.81 billion pounds, up 44% from 2019. North Dakota leads the country in sunflower production. The state forecast is 1.23 billion pounds, up 64% from last year.. Higher yields are expected in five of the eight states in which sunflower production is tracked. Increases are forecast for Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and the Dakotas. Decreases are expected in California, Minnesota and Texas.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota officials say they want to repurpose $16 million in federal coronavirus aid and spend it on grants to encourage fracking instead of using it to clean up abandoned oil well sites. The Bismarck Tribune reports that regulators present the proposal as a way to create hundreds of jobs in the oil fields and help stabilize state revenue. But some in the environmental community view it as a bailout for the oil industry. The North Dakota Emergency Commission will consider the proposal Friday that would make oil companies eligible for a $200,000 reimbursement per well they complete.

In sports…

Valley City (VCSU) The Valley City State University football game at Dakota State, Saturday afternoon in Madison, South Dakota has been postponed.

The VCSU athletic department statement:

“Valley City State University’s scheduled football game this weekend at Dakota State University has been postponed to a later date.

The decision to postpone the contest was made out of concern for the health and safety of all participants. A makeup date has not yet been finalized. “

The Vikings next game at home is against Dickinson State next Saturday, October 31 at Lokken Stadium/Shelly Ellig Field

NFL-GIANTS/EAGLES THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

Eagles overcome deficit to beat Giants

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Carson Wentz threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Boston Scott with 40 seconds remaining and the Philadelphia Eagles overcame an 11-point deficit in the final seven minutes to beat the New York Giants 22-21 on Thursday night.

Daniel Jones shook off a stumble that prevented him from an 88-yard touchdown run and had the Giants leading 21-10 following a 2-yard pass to Sterling Shepard with 6:21 left.

But Wentz led a depleted offense missing eight starters back. His 3-yard pass to Greg Ward cut it to 21-16. After the 2-point conversion failed, the Eagles got the ball at their 29 with 2:02 to go. Wentz threw a perfect strike to Scott and the backup running back made an excellent catch to give Philadelphia the lead.

NFL-NEWS

Bucs-Raiders game moved from prime time after COVID-19 test

UNDATED (AP) — The NFL has shifted Sunday’s Las Vegas game against Tampa Bay out of prime time after several Raiders players have been unable to practice this week because of contact tracing from the coronavirus.

The game in Las Vegas was originally scheduled to be played at 8:20 p.m. Eastern time Sunday in the national television window on NBC but now has been moved to 4:05 p.m. EDT in a regional window on Fox. The game between the Seahawks and Cardinals in Arizona has been moved into the prime-time window.

In other NFL news:

— The Las Vegas Raiders have placed four starting offensive linemen and safety Johnathan Abram on the reserve/COVID-19 list after they were determined to be close contacts with a teammate who had tested positive for the coronavirus. Abram, Kolton Miller, Denzelle Good, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson were all placed on the list because of high-risk contact with right tackle Trent Brown. The league also moved the Raiders game this week against Tampa Bay from prime time to the afternoon.

—The Minnesota Vikings have traded defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (yah-NEEK’ en-GAH’-kway) to the Baltimore Ravens for draft picks. The deal comes less than two months after the Vikings acquired the fifth-year pass rusher in a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

— Bill Mathis, a versatile running back and an original member of the New York Jets franchise, has died. He was 81. Mathis had long been dealing with several health issues. Mathis played his entire career in New York. He joined the then-Titans in 1960 and helped the Jets win the Super Bowl in 1969 before retiring after the following season. He was selected an AFL All-Star in 1961 and ’63.

— Former San Francisco 49er Dana Stubblefield has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for raping a developmentally disabled woman. The Mercury News reports the sentence was issued yesterday by a judge in San Jose. A jury in July found the 49-year-old Stubblefield guilty of raping the woman with the threat of a gun.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Holiday Bowl becomes 4th game to cancel due to pandemic

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Holiday Bowl has become the fourth bowl game to be called off due to the coronavirus pandemic. Holiday Bowl officials say the board of directors voted unanimously to cancel what would have been the 43rd straight edition of the game. It would have been the first year of a six-year deal to match teams from the Pac-12 and ACC. Bowl officials had been seeking a suitable place to play after San Diego State announced it was closing SDCCU Stadium.

MLB-NEWS

MLB Players Choice award announced

UNDATED (AP) — — Minnesota Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz has been voted Marvin Miller Man of the Year and Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman has been picked as Player of the Year in annual Players Choice award voting by the Major League Baseball Players Association.

Freeman was voted the National League’s outstanding player, Cincinnati’s Trevor Bauer outstanding pitcher, San Diego infielder Jake Cronenworth outstanding rookie and Colorado pitcher Daniel Bard comeback player. Chicago White Sox first baseman José Abreu (ah-BRAY’-oo) was voted the American League’s outstanding player, Cleveland’s Shane Bieber outstanding pitcher, Seattle outfielder Kyle Lewis outstanding rookie and Cleveland pitcher Carlos Carrasco comeback player.

In other baseball news:

— San Diego Padres right-hander Luis Perdomo has had reconstructive elbow surgery and left-hander Matt Strahm is scheduled to undergo patellar tendon repair in his right knee. Perdomo was 0-0 with a 5.71 ERA in 10 appearances, including one start, in his fifth season with the Padres. Strahm underwent a similar surgery on his left knee in 2017 while he was with Kansas City.

— The Washington Nationals have agreed to terms on a $1 million, one-year contract with utility man Josh Harrison. The 33-year-old returns to Washington after hitting .278 with two doubles, three home runs, 14 RBIs, six walks and 11 runs scored with the Nationals last season.

— The World Series has drawn a record-low audience of television viewers for the second straight night. Tampa Bay’s 6-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 was seen by an average of 8,950,000 viewers on Fox. Los Angeles’ opening 8-3 victory in Game 1 was seen by an average of 9,195,000 viewers on Fox. The low for any game before this year came the only other time the Rays were in the World Series in Game 3 against Philadelphia in 2008.

NHL-EVENTS CANCELED

NHL cancels 2021 Minnesota Winter Classic, All-Star Weekend

UNDATED (AP) — The NHL has canceled the 2021 Winter Classic and All-Star Weekend but still hopes to start the season on or around Jan. 1.

The Winter Classic was scheduled to be played New Year’s Day outdoors at Target Field in Minneapolis between the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues. The Florida Panthers were set to host All-Star festivities in Sunrise in late January. The league hopes to reschedule those events in those cities in future years.

In other ice news:

— The Dallas Stars have re-signed Denis Gurianov to a $5.1 million, two-year contract that counts as $2.55 million each season through 2021-22. The 23-year-old Russian right winger ranked second on the team with nine postseason goals.

— The New Jersey Devils have added experience to their defense, signing Russian Dmitry Kulikov to a one-year, $1.15 million contract. The 29-year-old Kulikov had two goals and eight assists in 51 games with Winnipeg last season.

GOLF-ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP

Munoz in the lead and Woods with his worst score at Sherwood

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) — Sebastian Munoz and Tiger Woods had unusual scorecards in the Zozo Championship at Sherwood. That was only good news for Munoz.

The Colombian holed out two eagles. He made eight birdies. He hit a wild tee shot for a double bogey. He only had five pars. But it added to an 8-under 64 for a one-shot lead.

Woods made bogey or worse on three par 5s, the first time he has done in a single round in his 1,277 rounds played as a pro on the PGA Tour. Woods shot a 76, his highest score in 49 rounds at Sherwood.

GOLF-LPGA TOUR

Kang, Song share lead in LPGA Drive On Championship

GREENSBORO, Ga. (AP) Danielle Kang leads the Race to CME Globe and, at No. 5 in the world, is the top-ranked player in the LPGA Drive On Championship-Lake Reynolds Oconee.

Kang shot a 7-under 65 for a share of the first-round lead with Jennifer Song. The event is the second tournament added to the schedule because of the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down women’s golf for five months.

NASCAR-HAMLIN-JORDAN

Slam Dunk: Jordan picks 23 for car number of new NASCAR team

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Michael Jordan has selected 23 as the car number for his new NASCAR team in 2021.

Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin had already announced they are forming a NASCAR team with Bubba Wallace as the driver. The name of the team is 23XI Racing. That stands for 23 and 11 in honor of Jordan’s retired uniform number with the Chicago Bulls and Hamlin’s car number for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Bubba Wallace, the only Black driver at NASCAR’s top level, will drive the No. 23 car.

TENNIS-BECKER-BANKRUPTCY

Becker accused of failing to surrender Wimbledon trophies

LONDON (AP) — Tennis great Boris Becker appeared in a London court on Thursday, accused of failing to surrender two of his Wimbledon trophies to be sold to settle his debts.

The 52-year-old Becker, who was declared bankrupt in 2017, has also failed to turn over his two Australian Open trophies, according to a new 28-count indictment that claims he hasn’t complied with orders to disclose information. The German pleaded not guilty to all counts. Becker has allegedly concealed property holdings and more than 1 million pounds, or $1.3 million, held in bank accounts.

The indictment lists Becker’s Wimbledon trophies from 1985, when at age 17 he became the youngest men’s singles champion at the All England Club, and 1989. Becker also won the tournament in 1986. He won the Australian Open in 1991 and 1996.

Becker, who lives in London, faces several years in jail if convicted. He remains free on

RACETRACK WORKER CHARGED

Charges: Fired Belmont worker’s retaliation led horse to die

ELMONT, N.Y. (AP) — Prosecutors say a backstretch worker at New York’s Belmont Park caused the death of a $200,000 racehorse by releasing the filly onto blacktop where she fell and broke her leg.

The Nassau County district attorney says worker Ramzan Antooa released the 2-year-old filly named Pasta from her stall on July 30 in retaliation for being fired.

The worker was arraigned Thursday on charges including grand larceny, burglary and criminal mischief. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on November 19.

In world and national news…

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden fought over how to tame the raging coronavirus in the final 2020 debate. They largely shelved the rancor that overshadowed their previous face-off in favor of a more substantive exchange that highlighted their vastly different approaches to solving the major domestic and foreign policy challenges facing the nation. Trump sought to portray himself Thursday as the same outsider he first pitched to voters four years ago, arguing anew that he wasn’t a politician. Biden argued that Trump was an incompetent leader of a country facing multiple crises and tried to connect what he saw as the Republican president’s failures to the everyday lives of Americans.

Poland’s government has announced all of the country will become a “red zone” of strict anti-COVID-19 restrictions starting Saturday, just short of a lockdown. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki appealed to Poles to strictly observe the restrictions in order to protect lives. The appeal came as the nation of 38 million hit another daily record of new registered infections — over 13,600, with 153 deaths. The measures, which are being expanded from local red zones to the whole nation, include wearing masks at all times outdoors and switching all primary schools to remote learning.

BEIJING (AP) — China is vowing to retaliate if the U.S. proceeds with the sale of advanced weaponry to Taiwan worth more than a billion dollars. The statement from China’s defense ministry gave no specifics but the development marks a further deterioration in ties between Beijing and Washington that have hit their lowest ebb in decades. The State Department on Wednesday announced it had greenlighted the sale of 135 precision land attack missiles, associated equipment and training to Taiwan to improve its defense capabilities. China regards Taiwan as its own territory to be annexed by force if necessary. Washington maintains only unofficial relations with Taipei but U.S. law requires it to ensure Taiwan can maintain a credible defense.

MIAMI (AP) — A weakened Hurricane Epsilon is moving northward over the Atlantic Ocean, a day after after skirting well east of Bermuda. Epsilon’s top sustained winds fell Thursday to 85 mph, dropping it from a Category 2 to a Category 1 storm. The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Epsilon was about 195 miles east of Bermuda on Friday morning. Bermuda weather officials on Thursday evening had discontinued a tropical storm warning for the Atlantic island. Gradual weakening is expected into the weekend, but large ocean swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the coasts of New England and Atlantic Canada in coming days.

World shares and U.S. futures have advanced after President Donald Trump and his challenger former Vice President Joe Biden faced off in their second and final debate before the Nov. 3 election. Stocks rose Friday in Paris, London and Tokyo but declined in Shanghai. The debate over, investors will again be focused on hopes for another round of aid for the U.S. economy. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said progress was being made on talks to deliver more stimulus but it remains unclear if the Democrats and Republicans will manage to set aside their differences to provide help for businesses and millions of people who have lost their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic.

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping has condemned what he called unilateralism, protectionism and extreme egoism in a jab at the United States made during a rally to mark the 70th anniversary of China’s entry into the 1950-53 Korean War. China refers to the conflict in which it sent troops to aid North Korean forces against a United Nations coalition led by America as the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. Fighting ended in a stalemate but established China as a major player on the world stage. Friday’s commemorations closely fit with Xi’s drive to promote patriotism, resist U.S. political and economic pressure and maintain the unquestioned leadership of the ruling Communist Party.