CSi Weather…

.REST OF TODAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s. West winds 10 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 30s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s. Northwest winds

5 to 15 mph.

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

winds around 5 mph.

.THURSDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 30s. Northwest

winds 5 to 15 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.

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

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around 15.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs around 30.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows 15 to 20.

.MONDAY…Partly sunny. Highs around 30.

 

North Dakota health officials are confirming 366 new cases of the coronavirus, marking the fourth straight day that positive tests for COVID-19 have dropped and continuing a trend of falling positivity rates.

ND Covid Stats

Mon Dec 7, 2020

10:00-a.m.

Barnes County

New Positives:  9

Total Positives: 1127

Active:  102

Recovered:  1007

 

Stutsman County

 NEW DEATHS 1
Man in his 70s

TOTAL DEATHS 50

 

New Positives: 8

Total Positives: 2717

Active:  120

Recovered:   2547

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


BY THE NUMBERS

4,824 – Total Tests from Yesterday*

1,196,950 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

365 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

83,342 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

8.17% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

4,758 – Total Active Cases

-211 Individuals from Yesterday

563 – Individuals Recovered from Yesterday (462 with a recovery date of yesterday****)

77,562 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

304 – Currently Hospitalized

-1 – Individuals from yesterday

 

9 – New Deaths*** (1,022 total deaths since the pandemic began) 

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Man in his 80s from Cass County.
  • Man in his 40s from Foster County.
  • Man in his 60s from McKenzie County.
  • Man in his 90s from Morton County.
  • Man in his 80s from Pierce County.
  • Man in his 90s from Pierce County.
  • Man in his 70s from Richland County.
  • Man in his 70s from Rolette County.
  • Man in his 70s from Stutsman County.

 

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED MONDAY

  • Adams County – 3
  • Barnes County – 9
  • Benson County – 15
  • Bottineau County – 2
  • Burke County – 1
  • Burleigh County – 36
  • Cass County – 110
  • Cavalier County – 1
  • Dickey County – 1
  • Divide County – 1
  • Dunn County – 1
  • Foster County – 2
  • Grand Forks County – 38
  • Griggs County – 3
  • Kidder County – 2
  • McHenry County – 2
  • McKenzie County – 2
  • McLean County – 3
  • Mercer County – 1
  • Morton County – 11
  • Mountrail County – 4
  • Nelson County – 3
  • Pembina County – 3
  • Pierce County – 2
  • Ramsey County – 23
  • Ransom County – 3
  • Richland County – 8
  • Rolette County – 21
  • Sargent County – 1
  • Sioux County – 1
  • Stark County – 2
  • Stutsman County – 8
  • Towner County – 1
  • Traill County – 4
  • Walsh County – 3
  • Ward County – 18
  • Wells County – 1
  • Williams County – 15

 

* 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.

Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (ND DOCR) reports the death of an incarcerated individual who was COVID-19 positive. The individual, in his 60s, tested positive on November 16, was admitted to a Bismarck hospital due to progression of symptoms on November 25, and passed away on December 4.

This is the first COVID-19-related death of an individual under the custody of the ND DOCR. The Department will not be releasing this individual’s name or medical records in order to protect the private health information of the resident. We extend our condolences to the individual’s family.

The ND DOCR continues to provide routine surveillance COVID testing at all facilities, as well as additional testing when requested. All facilities will continue to implement sanitation and hygiene measures to limit potential exposure and mitigate the spread of coronavirus to residents and staff.

As of Friday, December 4, there were 37 active cases among ND DOCR residents and 24 active cases among ND DOCR staff. Total tests administered since March is over 18,000 for residents and nearly 17,000 for staff. For more data and information regarding COVID-19 within the ND DOCR, please visit https://www.docr.nd.gov/covid-19-information.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  Jamestown Mayor, Dwaine Heinrich urges residents to contact their state legislators, to vote for additional funding for the newly arrived Jamestown City Fire Department’s ladder truck.

On Monday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Mayor Heinrich pointed out that the state has been requested to fund one-third of the approximately $1-million for the truck.

He thanked  the community, including businesses, industries and individuals for past donations, as the city was looking for two-thirds of the purchase price to come from local funds, including donations.

He said more donations are need to reach paying the purchase price, otherwise, Jamestown tax payers will need to foot the balance, which will repay another city fund the money was temporarily borrowed  from for the upfront payment.

 

On another topic Mayor Heinrich said that with the local economy that local sales tax revenues have held up fairly well during the past months of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have met budgeted amounts.

He pointed that businesses have suffered reduced incomes during the pandemic.

He added that the Emergency Order in Jamestown remains in effect for the duration of the pandemic.

That includes such protocols as wearing face masks and physical distancing in public, along with people in retail and service businesses, plus wearing masks in all indoor and outdoor environments  where they are exposed to non-household members.   Businesses can mandate that face masks are required within the business which can be enforced by asking the customer to leave the business.

At this time there is not penalty in Jamestown for not following the Emergency Order.

Exemptions include while eating and drinking in public places, worship services, athletic events and activities and those with medical conditions where wearing a face mask will not be required.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council met in Regular Session Monday evening at City Hall.

All members were present, Council Members, Schloegel and  Buchanan joined by phone.

 

PUBLIC HEARING:

  • HEARING FROM THE AUDIENCE: No One spoke.

 

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:  No items were discussed separately, and the agenda was passed.

REGULAR AGENDA

RESOLUTIONS:

  • Considered was 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. After hearing specifics of the agreement and the reason for requiring the agreement, (contract) from Starion representatives Rick Geloff and Legal Council Kirsten  Spira, including termination by either party, the City Council, voted unanimously to approve.

 

ORDINANCES:

  • A PUBLIC HEARING was held, concerning the request to change 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. No one spoke at the hearing.

 

Following the Hearing, a SECOND READING: was heard to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 of the City Code 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 Second Reading was passed by the City Council.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

  • The City Council Appointed Craig Olien, to serve as a member of the Jamestown Regional Airport Authority for a five year term to expire December 2025.

 

HIGHLIGHTS, AND MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORT:

Council Member Buchanan highlighted the arrival of the New City Fire Department, and praised the Christmas lighting around the city this holiday season.  That was echoed by Council Member Kamlitz.

Council Member Steele said the airport has received the new snow removal equipment.

Mayor Heinrich said residents are responding nicely to the mask mandate and masking up.

He said the however even though the numbers have turned around, as of Monday’s NDDoH report, 50 Stutsman County residents have passed away from COVID-19, which he said is a “shocking number.”

He asked residents to contact their state legislators to support the state for one third funding of the new City Fire Department’s ladder truck.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

  • The City Council approved and authorized entering into an agreement with the NDDES for a Public Assistance Subgrant Agreement for FEMA-4509-DR., for the COVID-19 reimbursement funding.

Considered was approving the Spiritwood Energy Park Association’s request for an awarded $8,600,000 Bank of North Dakota infrastructure loan through the City at 2% interest over 30 years to develop infrastructure at the Spiritwood Energy Park, including access road and utility construction to be reimbursed by the SEPA tenants through the JSDC. Mayor Heinrich said the dollars will be use for necessary improvements at The Spiritwood Energy Park, including for the proposed Greenhouse business and possibly others at the Park.  The City Council voted unanimously to approve.

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

 

 

Dave Carlsrud

Valley City  (Chamber)  Valley City Mayor Dave Carlsrud, has updated his regular ‘COVID News & Notes’ report:

Heartfelt:  A “Blue Christmas Tree” in Veterans Park on Main Street is decorated with blue lights in remembrance of community members who died this past year.  Those who carry grief with them in this season are invited to visit the tree, be sad, be grateful be prayerful, and remember those you loved. Sponsors are: The Barnes County Ministerial Association, Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, and Lerud-Schuldt-Mathias Funeral Home. Thank you all.

 

There seems to be more walkers and joggers out around town enjoying the nice weather. Please remember to face traffic when running or walking, wear bright colors and reflective gear for protection from distracted drivers.

 

Thank you to all you motorists who have been stopping for pedestrians at intersections.

 

COVID is really raising havoc around our country and our county. Our positive cases per 10K are about 100. This is pretty high so please protect yourself and others. Mask-UP in respect for those you are near.

 

That we are a relatively small community in a smaller county in a smaller state, we need to work together for success.  So, kudos to Valley City Public Works and NDDOT as the two partnered to clean the ditch plugged by erosion from Exit 290 south towards the Landfill. Great job everyone & thank you.

 

Religious Faiths recognize a number of holidays this time of the year. Some traditions include illuminated decorations. Light can help our behavioral health too so if you have a little urge to display some holiday lighting, please do. You may help someone feel better, maybe you as well.

 

Another note:

 

PLEASE RECYCLE CARDBOARD: Cardboard thrown in the garbage costs ALL CITIZENS as we must pay for landfill disposal. Please recycle all you can, especially cardboard. Thank you.

 

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”                             (Lou Holtz)                                                  

 

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Jamestown  (UJ)  The  University of Jamestown has announced plans for the Spring 2021 semester.  UJ plans to fully return to classes on January 11, 2021.

President Dr. Polly Peterson has  given her support to the plans.

UJ  commencement is planned for December 18, 2020.

Commencement will be presented virtually, and will include graduates from December 2019, May 2020, Summer 2020, and December 2020.

UJ continues to work with the North Dakota Department of Health and Central Valley Health District  on the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021.

Jamestown (CSi)  The Jamestown Public School Board Monday approved continuing to operate with Instructional Plan 2, with full time, in person classes for elementary students and four days for Middle School and High School dedicating to a virtual day.

Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rob Lech says the Instructional Plan Review Team is pleased with the current school district COVID-19 cases in Stutsman County and North Dakota.

The window for families to participate in the second semester in the  Jamestown Virtual Academy has been opened  through December 11th.

Jamestown  (CSi)  Victory Lutheran Church in Jamestown announces the cancellation of this year’s Community Christmas Dinner.

The Church Statement says:  “It is with much thought and with concern for the health and safety of its volunteers and the community of Jamestown due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, Victory Lutheran Church has cancelled its 17th Annual Community Christmas Dinner.  Victory Lutheran has appreciated the efforts of the many volunteers the past 16 years who have made this dinner possible each year and look forward to serving the Community Christmas Dinner again next year.”

On line, visit: findvictory.org

 

Jamestown  (Chamber)  Members of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee and the Young Professionals of Jamestown presented the Customer Service Award for December to Peter Vondal of Menards for his outstanding customer service.  The chamber honors individuals who demonstrate a consistent commitment to delivering products or services that satisfy customers by exceeding their requirements or expectations.

 

His nominations said, “Peter is a cashier at Menards. I have received exceptional customer service from Peter many times. I will wait in a line for him even if there is another till open. Peter is always upbeat and extremely helpful. He makes my day every time I go through his line. If Peter is having a bad day, no one would ever know it. Peter definitely looks on the bright side.”

Congratulations to Peter, who along with all the other monthly winners, will be recognized at the Chamber’s celebration in January 2021.  Customer Service Award nomination forms are available at the Chamber office and on their website at www.jamestownchamber.com or call 701-252-4830.

 

Bismarck  (CSi)   The North Dakota Medical Expense Assistance Program (MEAP) applications are scheduled to open Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 10:00 AM CST and will close at 5:00 pm on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020 CST.

The MEAP is a new program designed for first responders and frontline healthcare workers and provides financial assistance for COVID-19 related expenses. Eligible applicants may qualify to receive funding up to $5,000.

Governor Doug Burgum says, “Healthcare workers and first responders are on the front lines of our fight against the coronavirus, and this program provides another measure of relief for those who become COVID-positiveWe’re deeply grateful for their tireless service and critical roles in saving lives and caring for our citizens during this pandemic.”

The North Dakota Legislative Budget Section reallocated federal CARES Act dollars on December 3, 2020, to the Department of Commerce for MEAP to provide medical expense assistance to support first responders and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state of North Dakota is required by federal regulations to spend the dollars by the end of 2020.

To be eligible for MEAP, an applicant must:

  • be a first responder or frontline healthcare worker infected with COVID-19 (employee or volunteer) per Executive Orders 2020-12 and 2020-12.2, and
  • have received a positive COVID-19 medical diagnosis, and
  • have been denied a claim, or have not applied, for workers’ compensation benefits from WSI for COVID-19.

 

Applicants may be eligible for $1,000 award if they meet the above eligibility requirements. They may be eligible for an additional $4,000 if they did not have private health insurance coverage at the time they received treatment for COVID-19.

Interim Commerce Commissioner, Shawn Kessel said, “Healthcare workers and first responders are on the front line of COVID-19 and Commerce understands the importance of supporting these workers.  We appreciate the North Dakota Emergency Commission and the Budget Section of the legislature for approving the funds necessary to create this program.”

Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding will be approved if the application meets all criteria and funding is available. Contact MEAP Hotline at meap@nd.gov or 701-328-6004 with questions.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Authorities say a man whose body was found in a Grand Forks motel room over the weekend was the victim of a homicide. Police said Monday in a release that 55-year-old Jeffrey Shulzitski, of Grand Forks, suffered injuries that were consistent with “homicidal violence.” The statement said his death does not appear to be a random act and police do not believe there is any danger to the public. Officers discovered the body Saturday afternoon when they were called to the Budget Inn Express for a welfare check. Police say the investigation is ongoing and did not release further information.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — One of three adults charged in a stabbing in Mandan last March has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in an agreement with prosecutors. An attempted murder conspiracy charge against 19-year-old Ikenna Anugwom was reduced to aggravated assault under the terms of the deal. He also pleaded guilty Monday to burglary conspiracy and terrorizing. Prosecutors say Anugwom and two other adults attacked a man at a residence in Parkview Estates mobile home park. Authorities say the man who was stabbed suffered chest, abdomen and leg injuries and required several surgeries. Court records show the two other adults are scheduled for trial beginning Dec. 14.

In sports…

NFL MONDAY AFTERNOON, AND MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL…

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are perfect no more.

The Washington Football Team erased a 14-3 halftime deficit and beat the Steelers, 23-17. Dustin Hopkins broke a deadlock by drilling a 45-yard field goal with 2:04 remaining. Montez Sweat clinched it by deflecting a Ben Roethlisberger (RAWTH’-lihs-bur-gur) pass into the hands of Jon Bostic for an interception that set up another Hopkins field goal

Alex Smith was 31 of 46 for 296 yards, including game-tying, 15-yard scoring strike to Logan Thomas with 9:08 to play. J.D. McKissic grabbed 10 passes for 70 yards, and Thomas gained 98 yards with nine receptions.

Roethlisberger completed 33 of his 53 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns for the Steelers, who fell to 11-1.

The outcome leaves Washington in a virtual tie with the New York Giants for first place in the NFC East at 5-7. However, the Giants own the tiebreaker based on their season sweep of Washington.

NFL-BILLS/49ers

Bills beat Niners to stay ahead of Dolphins

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills are another step closer to ending the New England Patriots’ string of 11 consecutive AFC East titles.

Josh Allen was sharp in the Bills’ 34-24 win over the 49ers, completing 32 of 40 passes for 375 yards and four touchdowns. Cole Beasley caught nine passes for 130 yards and a touchdown to help the 9-3 Bills stay one game ahead of Miami and three in front of the Pats.

Dawson Knox, Isaiah McKenzie and Gabriel Davis also grabbed scoring passes from Allen, who tied a single game career high for TD throws.

Nick Mullens threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions as the 49ers fell to 5-7, keeping them at the bottom of the NFC West.

NFL-NEWS

Jets fire defensive coordinator after much-criticized play

UNDATED (AP) — The New York Jets have fired defensive coordinator Gregg Williams a day after his stunning play call cost the team its first win of the season.

The still-winless Jets were seconds away from their first victory Sunday until Williams inexplicably called for an all-out blitz against Las Vegas. Derek Carr heaved a perfectly placed 46-yard touchdown pass to Henry Ruggs III with 5 seconds left to lift the Raiders to a 31-28 victory. Ruggs was in man-to-man coverage with rookie cornerback Lamar Jackson.

In other NFL news:

— The Panthers have shut down their facility for the next two days after multiple players either tested positive for COVID-19 or were exposed to someone with the virus during the team’s bye week. Rookie defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos was among the three players.

— The league is allowing only virtual interviews of candidates for coaches, general managers and various other football jobs until both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention. League Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent believes that will make for more opportunities for a diverse collection of candidates. Vincent stressed the importance of adhering to the spirit of the Rooney Rule. It was enacted in 2003 to enhance opportunities for minorities to be considered for coaching positions.

— The league has suspended Titans defensive end Teair Tart and Bengals strong safety Shawn Williams for unnecessarily stepping on opponents on Sunday. Tart will miss Tennessee’s game against Jacksonville and Williams will miss the Bengals’ game against Dallas next weekend.

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL-TOP 25 SCHEDULE

Spiders escape

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Richmond was the lone top-25 men’s basketball team in action on Monday, and the Spiders had to fight off an upset bid by Wofford.

Jacob Gilyard delivered 18 points, including a big 3-pointer with 19.5 seconds left in Richmond’s 77-72 victory. The 19th-ranked Spiders scored the game’s first 11 points and went on an 11-3 run that gave them a 56-44 lead. Wofford responded with a 20-7 spurt that gave the Terriers their first lead.

Tyler Burton scored in the lane to put Richmond ahead 73-72 with 1:09 left. After Jones missed for the Terriers, Gilyard hit his fourth 3-pointer of the game to give Richmond more of a cushion.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL-POLL

Gonzaga, Baylor remain on top

UNDATED (AP) — Gonzaga and Baylor remain atop the AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll after their hotly anticipated game in Indianapolis was called off about 90 minutes before tipoff last week because of positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing within the Bulldogs program.

Gonzaga received 54 of 61 first-place votes from a national media panel while the Bears had the other seven.

Iowa, Michigan State and Kansas round out the top five.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE BASKETBALL-BAYLOR

Baylor looks for opponent

WACO, Texas (AP) — The No. 2 Baylor men’s basketball team is looking for a replacement opponent for its scheduled home opener. The Bears were supposed to play Nicholls State on Tuesday night, but the Colonels had positive COVID-19 tests in their program.

Baylor said it was trying to find another opponent to play before its Big 12 opener at home Sunday against No. 13 Texas.

The cancellation of the home opener comes two days after Baylor’s showdown with No. 1 Gonzaga was scrapped only 90 minutes before tip Saturday because a player and another person with the Bulldogs’ traveling team tested positive.

Elsewhere in college basketball:

— No. 13 Wisconsin’s men’s basketball game with No. 25 Louisville scheduled for Wednesday has been postponed. The announcement comes four days after Louisville announced it was pausing team-related activities indefinitely due to a positive COVID-19 test and contact tracing measures within its program. That already caused Louisville to cancel a scheduled Dec. 4 home game with UNC Greensboro.

— The UConn men’s basketball team has suspended team activities for a second time this fall following another positive coronavirus test in the program. The school said the move will force the postponement of Friday’s home game against St. John’s. That was to have been the first Big East game for the Huskies since returning to the conference after seven years in the American Athletic Conference.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Michigan resumes workouts

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan’s football team has resumed limited workouts, taking a step toward possibly playing No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday.

The Wolverines paused in-person activities last week after a COVID-19 outbreak within the program.

The Buckeyes, who have Big Ten and national title hopes, played through what coach Ryan Day called a “mini outbreak” on Saturday in a 52-12 win at Michigan State after he was relegated to watching the game from home.

ARMY-NAVY-TRUMP

President to attend Army-Navy game.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Outgoing President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend Saturday’s Army-Navy game at West Point. That’s according to Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk, who said he was informed today of Trump’s plans to attend his final Army-Navy game as Commander In Chief.

It will mark the first time the storied rivalry will be held at an academy’s field since 1943.

NBA-NEWS

Harden doesn’t report to Rockets

UNDATED (AP) — Houston Rockets All-Star guard James Harden hasn’t reported to training camp.

Head coach Stephen Silas said today that he is unaware of any timetable for Harden’s arrival and doesn’t know if the former NBA Most Valuable Player is in Houston. Silas added that the team hasn’t discussed any possible penalties for the superstar if Harden doesn’t report soon.

Also around the NBA:

— Warriors star Draymond Green and No. 2 overall draft pick James Wiseman are sidelined with the coronavirus. While coach Steve Kerr didn’t actually say the two players had positive results, he made it clear they were the only two to miss practice on Day 1 of training camp today. Kerr told reporters today that he couldn’t elaborate on what Green and Wiseman were able to do at the moment.

— Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts says a player was among the three people connected to the team who tested positive for the coronavirus. The team did not identify the player as it prepares to begin its four-game preseason schedule Friday against the Kings. The Blazers announced the positive tests yesterday but did not specify whether they were among players or staff members.

MLB-NEWS

Feared slugger Dick Allen dies

UNDATED (AP) — Former National League Rookie of the Year and 1972 American League MVP Dick Allen has died at 78, according to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Allen’s No. 15 was retired by the Phillies in September, 56 years after he was named the NL’s top rookie.

Allen batted .292 with 351 homers, 1,119 RBIs and .912 OPS in 15 seasons, playing first base, third base and left field.

Allen fell one vote shy of election to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the veterans committee in 2014. His fight against racism during a tumultuous time with the Phillies in the 1960s cost him on and off the field.

Elsewhere in the majors:

— The Angels have acquired closer Raisel Iglesias from the Reds for right-hander Noé Ramirez and a player to be named or cash. Iglesias has been the Reds’ closer for the past four seasons, racking up 100 saves in 114 opportunities over that stretch with a career 3.15 ERA. The 30-year-old Cuban right-hander is coming off a strong performance in the shortened season.

— Japanese star pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano has been posted by the Yomiuri Giants and is available for bidding to major league teams. The bidding can begin Tuesday and runs through Jan. 7. The 31-year-old right-hander was 14-2 with a 1.97 ERA and three shutouts in 20 games last season, striking out 131 and walking 25 in 137 1/3 innings.

— Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger has accepted a one-year, $3.01 contract. Haniger did not play last season due to lingering issues from injuries suffered during the 2019 season. The 29-year-old Haniger had his best year in 2018, earning an All-Star berth and finishing the season hitting .285 with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs.

— Longtime Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright has won the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually by Major League Baseball for community involvement and philanthropy.

OBIT-AKERS

Former Longhorns coach Fred Akers dies

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Former Texas football coach Fred Akers has died at 82.

Akers coached the Longhorns’ first Heisman Trophy winner, Earl Campbell, and went 86-31-2 in 10 seasons with the Longhorns. But a bowl game rout in 1977 and a muffed punt six years later on the same Cotton Bowl field cost Akers and Texas a football national championship the Longhorns wouldn’t win for another 32 years.

His daughter, Lesli says Akers died of complications from dementia.

TRUMP-MEDAL OF FREEDOM

Wrestler Gable receives Medal of Freedom

WASHINGTON (AP) — Olympic gold medal wrestler and Iowa head coach Dan Gable has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House.

Gable was a champion wrestler at Iowa State University, compiling a 117-1 record and winning two NCAA titles. He would go on to an incredibly successful coaching career at the University of Iowa, where his teams won 15 NCAA titles.

BRITISH OPEN-SCHEDULE

British Open venues confirmed for 2023 and 2024

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (AP) — The R&A says that the British Open will be played at Royal Liverpool in 2023 and at Royal Troon in 2024.

The tournaments were rescheduled following the cancellation of this year’s Open at Royal St George’s because of the coronavirus pandemic. It was the first time since 1945 that the British Open was canceled.

NFL-BRADY-BUNDCHEN

Arrest after break-in at Tom Brady-Gisele Bundchen mansion

BROOKLINE, Mass. (AP) — Police have arrested a man they say broke into a suburban Boston mansion owned by Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen and made himself comfortable on a couch.

Police in Brookline responded early Monday after a security company reported alarms had gone off in the house. They reported seeing an intruder on a security camera. Police say a homeless man was found lying on a couch in the basement. No one was home.

The suspect faces charges of trespassing and breaking and entering.

OBIT-RALSTON

Grand Slams champ Ralston dead at age 78

NEW YORK (AP) — Five-time Grand Slam doubles champion Dennis Ralston has died at age 78.

Ralston was one of the initial players signed to the professional World Championship Tennis tour in the 1960s and a member of the sports’ Hall of Fame. Ralston reportedly died Sunday of cancer in Austin, Texas.

In world and national news…

LONDON (AP) — A retired British shop clerk has received the first shot in the country’s COVID-19 vaccination program, signaling the start of a global immunization effort intended to offer a route out of a pandemic that has killed 1.5 million. The U.K. is the first Western country to start a mass vaccination program after British regulators last week authorized the use of a COVID-19 shot developed by U.S. drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech. U.S. and European Union authorities may approve the vaccine in coming days, fueling a global immunization effort. Britain’s program is likely to provide lessons for other countries as they prepare for the unprecedented task of vaccinating billions of people.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump aims to take credit for the speedy development of forthcoming coronavirus vaccines, even as his administration is coming under scrutiny for failing to lock in a chance to buy millions of additional doses of one of the leading coronavirus vaccine contenders this summer. That decision could delay the delivery of a second batch of doses until manufacturer Pfizer fulfills other international contracts. The revelation comes on the eve of Trump’s plans to host a White House summit aimed at celebrating the expected approval of the first vaccine later this week. Officials from President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team were not invited.

 

BEIJING (AP) — China is lashing out at the U.S. over new sanctions against Chinese officials and the sale of more military equipment to Taiwan. The U.S. actions are part of what critics see as an effort by the Trump administration to put in place high-pressure tactics toward Beijing that could make it more difficult for President-elect Joe Biden to steady relations. The Cabinet’s office for Hong Kong affairs expressed “strong outrage and condemnation” over the sanctions leveled against 14 members of China’s legislature that passed a sweeping Hong Kong National Security Law earlier this year. Meanwhile, foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying demanded the U.S. cancel the new Taiwan arms sale and said China would make a “proper and necessary response.”

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden will nominate retired four-star Army general Lloyd J. Austin to be secretary of defense. That’s according to four people familiar with the decision who spoke on condition of anonymity because the selection hadn’t been formally announced. If confirmed by the Senate, Austin would be the first Black Pentagon chief. Austin retired from the Army in 2016, which means he would require a congressional waiver to take the job. One of the people who confirmed the pick said Austin’s selection was about choosing the best possible person but acknowledged that pressure had built to name a candidate of color and that Austin’s stock had risen in recent days.

 

BOSTON (AP) — Researchers at a cybersecurity firm say they have identified vulnerabilities in software widely used by millions of connected devices — flaws that could be exploited by hackers to penetrate business and home computer networks and disrupt them. There is no evidence of any intrusions that made use of the vulnerabilities. But their existence in data-communications software central to internet-connected devices prompted the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to flag the issue in a bulletin. Potentially affected devices from an estimated 150 manufacturers range from networked thermometers to “smart” plugs and printers to office routers and healthcare appliances to components of industrial control systems.

 

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says his country will continue to support Syria, urging Damascus to confront Israel in the occupied Golan Heights. Rouhani’s website said the remarks came during a meeting with visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad on Tuesday. Iran has been a key ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad since the beginning of Syria’s civil war in 2011, lending his government in Damascus vital military and economic support. Israel accuses Iran of building up its military presence along its northern frontier with Syria. It has repeatedly struck Iran-linked facilities and weapons convoys destined for Hezbollah.

 

BEIJING (AP) — Global stocks and U.S. futures have declined as surging coronavirus infections in the United States and some other countries temper investor optimism over development of possible vaccines. Markets in London, Shanghai and Tokyo retreated. Rising virus case numbers have prompted some U.S. states and European governments to reimpose curbs on travel and business, setting back an economic recovery. On Wall Street, the future for the benchmark S&P 500 index was down 0.3% after health care, finance and energy stocks declined overnight.

World War II flying ace Chuck Yeager, the first pilot to break the sound barrier, has died at 97. His wife, Victoria Yeager, said on his Twitter account that Yeager died Monday. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine called the death “a tremendous loss to our nation.” The retired Air Force brigadier general became the fastest human in 1947 when he piloted the experimental X-1 rocket plane past 660 mph. It was the first time anyone had flown faster than the speed of sound. Yeager became a fighter pilot in World War II and shot down 13 German planes. He was shot down over German-held France but escaped with the help of French partisans.