– Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Jan 6

CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Cloudy. Highs 30 to 35. East winds 5 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.

.THURSDAY…Cloudy. Highs in the mid 30s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. South winds 5 to

10 mph.

.FRIDAY…Cloudy. Highs in the lower 30s. Southeast winds around

5 mph.

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

.SATURDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs around 30.

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

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs around 30.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around 15.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows 10 to 15.

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

A chance of snow returns Thursday night . A widespread light snow appears to be the favored.

In general it appears a light dusting of snow is the mostly likely scenario across most of western and central North Dakota with isolated higher amounts across the west.

As we head into the weekend, some flurries might linger into Saturday, but overall it looks dry into early next week. Temperatures should continue to stay above average, with highs generally in the mid 20s to upper 30s.

North Dakota health officials says its most recent date shows that the state has administered about two-thirds of its COVID-19 vaccine. The state has received 35,250 total doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and dispensed 22,241 doses, according to the state’s vaccine dashboard that is updated every Tuesday. The CDC website ranks North Dakota third in the country in first doses received per capita. Health officials on Tuesday confirmed 17 new deaths due to complications from the coronavirus, including five people from Ramsey County. That high number follows Monday’s update from John Hopkins University researchers showing that the state had dropped from fourth to sixth highest in the country for deaths per capita.

NDDoH

COVID 19 Stats

Tues. Jan. 5, 2020

11-a.m.

Barnes County

New Positives: 6

Total Positives: 1253

Active: 30

Recovered: 1194

Stutsman County

Antigen tests (BinaxNOW, etc.) were added to the website beginning Dec. 9.

New Positives: 14

Total Positives: 3163

Active: 86

Recovered: 3007

More information pending from the NDDoH

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

BY THE NUMBERS

4,172 – Total Tests from yesterday*

1,374,952 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

262 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

138 – PCR Tests | 124 – antigen tests
93,494 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

6.99% – Daily Positivity Rate**

1,884 – Total Active Cases

-31 Individuals from yesterday.

191 – with a recovery date of yesterday****

90,281 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

93 – Currently Hospitalized

-5 – Individuals from yesterday.

17 – New Deaths*** (1,329 total deaths since the pandemic began)

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

Man in his 50s from Cass County.
Man in his 80s from Cass County.
Man in his 70s from Cass County.
Man in his 80s from Grand Forks County.
Man in his 80s from Pierce County.
Man in his 90s from Ramsey County.
Man in his 80s from Ramsey County.
Woman in her 80s from Ramsey County.
Woman in her 80s from Ramsey County.
Woman in her 90s from Ramsey County.
Man in his 60s from Rolette County.
Man in his 60s from Sioux County.
Man in his 50s from Walsh County.
Woman in her 80s from Ward County.
Man in his 80s from Ward County.
Woman in her 80s from Wells County.
Woman in her 70s from Williams County.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TUESDAY

Barnes County – 6
Benson County – 2

Bottineau County – 1
Bowman County – 2

Burleigh County – 16
Cass County – 67
Dickey County – 1
Dunn County – 1
Emmons County – 1
Foster County – 3
Grand Forks County – 17
Hettinger County – 1
LaMoure County – 3
McKenzie County – 8
McLean County – 2
Mercer County – 3
Morton County – 8
Mountrail County – 3
Nelson County – 3
Pembina County – 1
Ramsey County – 8
Ransom County – 7
Renville County – 1
Richland County – 7
Rolette County – 8
Sargent County – 2
Sheridan County – 1
Sioux County – 1
Slope County – 1
Stark County – 6
Stutsman County – 14
Towner County – 1
Walsh County – 6
Ward County – 20
Wells County – 2
Williams County – 28

* Note that this includes PCR and antigen; it does not include individuals from out of state.

**Individuals (PCR or antigen) 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 with a PCR or antigen test and died from any cause while infected with COVID-19. Please remember that deaths are reported as they’re reported to us by the facility or through the official death record (up to 10-day delay).

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

*****Daily positive numbers include people who tested with a PCR or antigen test. 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) Central Valley Health District reports they will hold COVID 19 testing from 10 am to 12 noon at the Jamestown Civic Center, using the Rapid Testing, BinaxNow , again Weds, January 6. There will also be testing next week, January 11 and 12, 10 – a.m. t0 12 noon.

By screening with rapid antigen tests, event attendees will be able to receive their test results within 15 minutes via text notification. The test also is less invasive than a PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test in that it uses a nasal swab to collect a sample from the lower part of the nostril.

If a person tests positive, they should isolate at home immediately and a case investigator will be in touch with them within 24 hours. If the screening yields a negative result, individuals should continue to monitor for symptoms.

Interested individuals should fill out an online survey at testreg.nd.gov for faster registration.

For more information about rapid antigen tests and North Dakota’s screening strategies, visit https://www.health.nd.gov/rapid-antigen-screening

Valley City (CCHD) Free COVID-19 testing events for the VCSU and Valley City communities are being held this week from 1-2 p.m. at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, “The Bubble.” Rapid testing events will be held Jan. 6 and Jan. 8.

These are WALK-IN testing events. Colder temperatures have moved operations indoors. If you wish to be tested, please park your vehicle and enter through the west entrance. Handicap parking spaces and access are available at the east entrance. Preregistration at testreg.nd.gov is encouraged; one only needs to register once.

Face masks are required waiting in line at the test site. Those who need assistance should use the east entrance, others can use the west door. Register online at testreg.nd.gov. No need to registered more than one time.

City County Health District Administrator Theresa Will says over 100 health care workers, law enforcement and emergency personal have received the COVID-19 vaccine, with more vaccines arriving weekly.

Jamestown (CVHD 1-5-21)– Central Valley Health District (CVHD) would like to provide an update regarding COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the community. CVHD serves both Stutsman and Logan counties in North Dakota. CVHD is one of the enrolled providers for the COVID-19 vaccinations in the community and allocation of the vaccine will be distributed in both counties. To date, CVHD has provided 315 COVID-19 vaccinations.

CVHD Unit administrator Robin Iszler says,“We have been receiving lots of calls and messages regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. The first three weeks of vaccinations have gone well and we have been busy providing vaccinations to frontline health care workers, first responders and long-term care residents and staff from the Phase 1A priority group.”

Robin points out that COVID-19 vaccine supply continues to be very limited. Central Valley is currently not taking a list of those interested in getting a vaccination. The best way for members of the community to stay informed about when it is their turn for the vaccination is to monitor messaging from us in the media (Including CSiNewsNow.com), and the CVHD website.

The North Dakota COVID-19 Vaccination Ethics Committee has prioritized who will quality for vaccination in Phases 1B and 1C including the following:

Phase 1B (in order of priority):

Persons age 75 and older
Persons age 65 – 74 with two or more high-risk medical conditions
Staff and persons living in other congregate settings (i.e., corrections, group homes, treatment centers, homeless shelters, etc.)
Persons age 65 and older with one or more high-risk medical conditions
Persons age 65 and older with or without high-risk medical conditions
Persons with two or more high-risk medical conditions regardless of age
Child care workers
Workers employed by preschools or Kindergarten through 12th grade:
- Teachers, nutritional services, aides, bus drivers, principals, administrative staff, custodians, etc.

Phase 1C (in order of priority):

North Dakota National Guard, not previously covered
Grocery Workers
Public safety answering points (911)
Manufacturing related to the development or supply of COVID-19 vaccine
Other health care/public health workers not included in phase 1A
Free standing clinical laundries
Public transit, including bus, taxi, ride-share
Persons age 16 – 64 with one or more high-risk medical conditions
Blood bank workers not previously vaccinated
Information technology
All other essential workers per Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Central Valley Health will announce when will move onto Phase 1B. CVHD and other enrolled providers, including the pharmacies, clinics and other facilities will be providing the vaccinations. It is anticipated that this may occur in February. Depending on local vaccine acceptance and supply, it is possible that different areas of the state may be vaccinating within different priority levels.

Robin encourages that, “Everyone remains patient as they wait for it to become their turn.” In the meantime, remain vigilant on your health and safety practices and stay informed on the most up-to-date information by following us on Facebook.”

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine and phases of vaccination, visit https://health.nd.gov/covidvaccine.

Underlying Health Condition criteria: https://bit.ly/3hIKqGk

Essential Worker criteria: https://bit.ly/2LkhGrk

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota health officials says its most recent data shows that the state has administered about two-thirds of its COVID-19 vaccine. The state has received 35,250 total doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and dispensed 22,241 doses, according to the state’s vaccine dashboard that is updated every Tuesday. The CDC website ranks North Dakota third in the country in first doses received per capita. Health officials on Tuesday confirmed 17 new deaths due to complications from the coronavirus, including five people from Ramsey County. That high number follows Monday’s update from John Hopkins University researchers showing that the state had dropped from fourth to sixth highest in the country for deaths per capita.

Jamestown (JPD) The Jamestown Police Department is warning the public of a new convicted high risk sex offender residing within the Jamestown city limits.

Jason Shawn Gores lives at 1530 6^th Ave., SW, Buffalo Motel No. 37, Jamestown, ND

He presently has no vehicle.

Gores is a 37 year old white male, five feet ten inches tall, weighing 200 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair.

He has been assigned a high risk assessment from the North Dakota Risk level Committee, of the North Dakota, Attorney General’s Office.

Offense: Indecent Exposure involving exposing himself to a 12 year old boy. Gores has a long history of unajudicated sexual offenses, and has repeatedly failed treatment and has sexually re-offended while in residential treatment programs.

Conviction Date: April, 1997, in Ramsey, County, ND Juvenile Court.

Disposition: One year, custody of DJS.

Gores is not wanted by police at this time and has served the sentence imposed by the court.

This notification is meant for public safety and not to increase fear in the community, nor should this information be used to threaten, assault, or intimidate the offender.

Any attempts to harass, intimidate or threaten these offenders, their families, landlords, or employers will be turned over for prosecution.

Printed handouts of the demographics of Gores are available at the Jamestown Police Department.

More information on registered sex offenders is available at the North Dakota Attorney General’s web site: www.sexoffender.nd.gov

Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund says the year 2020 noted development gains in Jamestown.

On Tuesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Searle said improvements and progress continues on Frontier Village. He said in 2020, the Ft. Seward “Glamping Experience,” also attracted additional visitors, while the River Trail and Hiking Trail attracted visitors. He pointed out that in 2020 the 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse implemented the historical exhibit throughout the courthouse, the only one of its kind in the U.S.

2020 also included the evolution of the planned Buffalo City Park, for Jamestown, with the feasibility study showing the project is doable. He noted that funds are still be sought for the project.

Searle added that the new Tourism Community Calendar of events started to be distributed in the community. Also the Tourism E-Newsletter, is available to outline tourist attraction updates in Jamestown.

In 2020 Jamestown visitor counts were down about 1,500, compared to last year. He said tourist numbers began to increase in late 2020.

With Tax collections, Searle said hotel tax collections were down about 30 percent, along with a drop in tax collections from bars and restaurants, stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on decreasing business.

He added that the Jamestown Tourism Annual Meeting is planned for Monday January 11, 2021 at 5:15-p.m., at the Jamestown Civic Center’s, Exchequor Room, with the public invited.

Valley City (CSi) the Valley City Commission met in Regular Session, virtually on Tuesday evening. All members were present.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

Approved a 2021 Tree Trimming and Removal License for Pine Country Nursery.

Approved a 2021 Application to Operate Mobile Home Park for Plecity Mobile Home Park.

Approved paying bills in the amount of $1,290,121.10

Public Comments … No One Spoke…

Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting. The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

ORDINANCE

Approved the First Reading of an Ordinance Creating a Perpetual Restrictive Covenant for Structures to be removed in Accordance with the State Water Commission. City Attorney Martineck said, the structures are a part of Phase 4, of the Permanent Flood Protection.

RESOLUTION

Approved was a Resolution 265, a Resolution to sell Real Property at a Private Sale. City Administrator Crawford said the property is vacant having been removed by an explosion.

NEW BUSINESS

Transformer Purchase Request. Electrical Superintendent Senf said made the presentation at the Finance Committee meeting, and was approved by the City Commission.

Approved was the Economic Development Contract. Economic Development Director, Jennifer Feist said the contract is in force until December 21, 2029, when the city sales tax expires, and is reviewed every two years.

Approve Procurement Committee Final Report – 6th Street NW Engineering. City Attorney Martineck said funding comes from the State Water Commission. RFQ’s were received and KLJ, Moore was selected for Preliminary Engineering.

The approval passed on a 3-2 vote. Commissioners Erickson and Bishop voted in opposition.

The city Commission received a Payment In Lieu of Taxes request for Trademark Tooling and Schedule date for a Public Hearing. The business performs machining and welding, and has a store front to sell items. The payment information goes to the ND Commerce Department for approval. Each competitor will be informed of the Public Hearing date.

The request was unanimously approved.

City Commissioners, approved the Valley City CARES Business Assistance Program. Commissioners Gulmon and Magnuson spoke. Gulmon said a committee was formed to discuss the issue.

Proposed is $200,000 in CARES Business Assistance Program funds, to be run by the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce. $12,000 is earmarked for the Chamber to pay expense, $21,000 will go to waiving the liquor and beers license permit fees. The total funding expenditure is $233,000. The Chamber will have more information on how the program will work using Chamber Bucks, which will have turnover of dollars to benefit local Valley City businesses.

Approved were Updates to the Covid 19 Cares Act Relief Fund. Finance Director Richter said the dollars go toward city projects, and to reduce the city mill levy, plus to pay thee $233,000 in previously action.

It then leaves a balance of $28,000..

The City Commission approved amending the Valley City Emergency Order, concerning the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Original Order stated that the Order will be amended in accordance with the North Dakota Emergency Order. With the state change moving Barnes and all counties from High Risk to Moderate Risk, the Valley City Emergency Order is likewise amended under the Moderate Risk protocols.

The City Commission approved items in the 7^th Avenue Northwest and 2^nd Avenue Northeast reconstruction projects.

The City Engineer position was discussed. Commission Bishop said regarding transparency issues with the engineering scenario he pointed out that in the past, problems resulted in bringing in additional engineering firms to make corrections. He moved that KLJ not bid on city projects if they want to be the city engineer. Jennifer Feist added that based previous experience she feels the KLJ and Moore firms is having the “best of both world’s,” in performing engineering.

Mayor Carlsrud said he’s been supportive in the past engineering of KLJ, adding the city has a system of checks and balances, in making sure engineering by the firm is in accordance with city policy.

The motion was defeated, 3-2 with Commissioners Bishop and Erickson voting for the motion.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Gwen Crawford said city portfolio holders are being updated regularly. She noted that the recent snow removal process was reviewed for possible updates.

Police Chief Hatcher said, law enforcement is attending the ND legislative session to express possible changes in state law.

Commissioner Bishop complemented the City Fire and Police Departments for their work.

Commissioner Magnuson also praised the city staff for their work in 2020 during the COVID -19 pandemic.

Mayor Carlsrud reminded motorists to drive using winter time driving habits, now that the snow is falling more regularly.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.

Jamestown (CSi) The 2020 Jamestown Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign ended collecting $138,898.48, shy of the goal of $151,000.

Major Judy Lowder says a few more donations are expected to come in.

She points out that donations to the campaign are critical for the Salvation Army to continue their services throughout Stutsman County.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Gov. Doug Burgum used his State of the State address to convey optimism in North Dakota’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The Republican governor also made a pitch for lawmakers to endorse his budget proposals that he said would benefit residents for generations. Burgum’s speech came shortly after the 2021 Legislature opened its regular session. During the Legislature’s organizational session a month ago, Burgum outlined his spending blueprint in a separate address, and his Tuesday speech contained much of the same themes. Many of Burgum’s budget priorities in past sessions have failed to entirely pass the GOP-led Legislature’s scrutiny.

More information at CSiNewsNow.com

Bismarck (NDDOT) A Virtual Public Input Meeting will be available January 8, 2021 on the NDDOT website at www.dot.nd.gov, click “Public Meetings” under Quick Links. A pre-recorded presentation and other materials will be available on January 8, 2021. This is not a live event.

The purpose of the Virtual Public Input Meeting is to receive public input and comments on proposed roadway improvement project involving Interstate 94, 7 miles west of ND 49, at the Eagles Nest Interchange connection to County Road 139. The project consists of replacement of the eastbound and westbound Interstate 94 bridge structures and realignment of County Road 139 further away from the existing BNSF railroad.

The Virtual Public Input Meeting is being facilitated by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT).

Written statements or comments about this project must be postmarked or emailed by January 23, 2021 to Jake Wilder, Civil Science, Inc., 235 Sims Street, Dickinson, ND 58601, email: comments@civilscience.com with “Virtual Public Input Meeting” in the subject heading.

For any questions, help submitting comments, or to request hard copy materials please contact Jake Wilder, Civil Science, Inc. 235 Sims Street, Dickinson, ND 58601, email: comments@civilscience.com.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) will consider every request for reasonable accommodation to provide:

an accessible accommodation for people with disabilities,
language interpretation for people with limited English proficiency (LEP), and
translations of written material necessary to access NDDOT programs and information.

To request accommodations, contact Atiana Beck, Civil Rights Division, NDDOT, at (701) 328-2978 or civilrights@nd.gov. TTY users may use Relay North Dakota at 711 or 1-800-366-6888.

In sports…

Tuesday….

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=

Valley City 69 Grand Forks Red River 68

Barnes County North 65, Warwick 60

Beach 65, New England 57

Beulah 70, Des Lacs-Burlington 36

Bishop Ryan 66, Kenmare 42

Bismarck High 82, Bismarck Century 71

Bismarck Legacy 78, Bismarck St. Mary’s 74

Bowman County 71, Killdeer 35

Central Cass 52, Oak Grove Lutheran 46

Central McLean 74, Washburn 59

Dickinson 72, Turtle Mountain 60

Drake-Anamoose 74, Glenburn 60

Fargo Davies 71, Devils Lake 43

Finley-Sharon/Hope-Page 46, May Port CG 37

Grafton 53, Thompson 33

Hankinson 60, Enderlin 56

Hatton-Northwood 57, Hillsboro/Central Valley 56

Kindred 59, Maple Valley 31

Lewis & Clark/Berthold/North Shore Plaza Co-op 66, Parshall 64

Lisbon 56, Richland 40

Minot 69, Mandan 67

Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood 54, Ray 38

Mott-Regent 58, Harding County, S.D. 42

Northern Cass 66, Sargent County 64

Sheyenne 78, Fargo North 61

South Prairie 60, Center-Stanton 36

St. John 62, Westhope-Newburg 50

Stanley 59, Tioga 46

Wahpeton 84, Grand Forks Central 68

White Shield 59, Trenton 27

Wyndmere-Lidgerwood 57, Tri-State 54

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=

Medina/Pingree/Buchanan 45 Carrington -42

Oakes 65, Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier 50

Alexander 41, Burke County 20

Alexander/Trinity Christian 41, Burke Central/ Bowbells Co-op 20

Barnes County North 61, Finley-Sharon/Hope-Page 46

Bismarck Century 84, Bismarck High 64

Bismarck Legacy 70, Bismarck St. Mary’s 27

Cavalier 73, Larimore 48

Devils Lake 78, Fargo Davies 70

Dickinson Trinity 51, Mott-Regent 42

Garrison 76, Standing Rock 41

Glen Ullin-Hebron 54, Heart River 33

Hankinson 62, Enderlin 56

Harvey/Wells County 66, Griggs Central/Midkota Co-op 47

Langdon-Edmore-Munich 81, Rolla 23

Lemmon, S.D. 52, Flasher 42

Linton-HMB 54, LaMoure-Litchville-Marion 48

Mandan 73, Minot 50

Medina-Pingree-Buchanan 45, Carrington 42

Midway-Minto 49, Park River Area 16

Nedrose 35, Surrey 34

Rugby 73, Towner-Granville-Upham 23

Sheyenne 87, Fargo North 36

St. John 61, Westhope-Newburg 57

Tioga 40, Stanley 32

Trenton 80, White Shield 19

Velva 30, Bishop Ryan 27

Wahpeton 49, Grand Forks Central 46

West Fargo 82, Fargo South 63

NDAPSSA Class B Basketball Polls

(First-place votes in parenthesis)

Fourth poll, January, 4

BOYS

1. Enderlin (7) 4-1 189 4

2. Four Winds/Minn. (5) 3-1 185 1

3. Grafton (8) 4-0 184 2

4. Dickinson Trinity (1) 5-1 168 3

5. Langdon/EM (1) 3-0 136 6

6. Kindred 3-0 116 7

7. Dunseith 4-0 71 9

8. Rugby 4-1 42 10

9. Edgeley/KM 4-0 37 NR

10. Beulah 2-3 28 5

Others receiving votes: Central Cass (5-0), Flasher (5-0), Powers Lake (3-0), Linton-HMB (3-1), Shiloh Christian (3-3), Oakes (0-0), Velva (4-1).

GIRL’S

1. Central Cass (10) 6-0 207 2

2. Kindred (12) 3-1 204 1

3. Grafton 3-1 161 5

4. Carrington 6-0 138 9

5. Linton/HMB 2-1 127 4

6. Trenton 4-0 107 6

7. Thompson 4-0 91 10

8. Langdon/EM 3-3 37 3

9. Our Redeemer’s 6-0 27 NR

10. Glenburn 4-0 23 NR

Others receiving votes: Wilton-Wing (5-0), Shiloh Christian (4-3), Kenmare (5-0), Oakes (3-0), Beulah (5-1), Kidder County (4-1), LaMoure-Litchville-Marion (3-0), Rugby (2-2), Benson County (2-1), Northern Cass (3-2).

HEISMAN TROPHY

Alabama’s Smith becomes 1st WR to win Heisman in 29 years

NEW YORK (AP) — Move over running backs, Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith has emerged as the best player in college football.

Smith became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy in 29 seasons Tuesday night, breaking the monopoly quarterbacks have had on college football’s most prestigious award by beating out three of them.

The Crimson Tide senior is the fourth receiver to win the Heisman, joining Michigan’s Desmond Howard in 1991, Notre Dame’s Tim Brown in 1987 and Nebraska’s Johnny Rodgers in 1972. The other finalists were Smith’s Alabama teammate Mac Jones, Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Florida’s Kyle Trask. Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris finished fifth in the voting. Quarterbacks had won 17 of the previous 20 Heisman trophies, including the last four.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Reported virus issues at Ohio St raise specter of CFP delay

UNDATED (AP) — College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock says the national championship game between Alabama and Ohio State is still a go for Monday night.

Hancock said there were no changes and the game in Miami Gardens, Florida, between the top-ranked Crimson Tide and the third-ranked Buckeyes was still scheduled for Monday night as planned. AL.com reported that Ohio State has been in contact with CFP officials about possible player availability problems that could force the game to be delayed.

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith says the Buckeyes continue to follow the same protocols they have all season and plan to play Monday in suburban Miami.

The pandemic threatened to shut down major college football altogether in the summer, but a season was played through dozens of postponements and cancellations, and with teams getting through games shorthanded because of the virus.

About 87% of the regular-season Bowl Subdivision schedule was played.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-NFL-BROWNS

Browns coach will miss playoff game

CLEVELAND (AP) — Two days after celebrating their return to the NFL playoffs, the Cleveland Browns have been knocked flat. Coach Kevin Stefanski has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss Cleveland’s first playoff game since the 2002 season.

Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will be the acting head coach on Sunday against the Steelers. Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge also tested positive, along with two more assistant coaches. NFL rules state that anyone testing positive must sit out at least 10 days.

It’s a major blow to the Browns, who qualified for the playoffs for the first time in 17 seasons with a win last weekend over the Steelers. The league says the status for the game in Pittsburgh has not changed.

NFL-HALL OF FAME FINALISTS

No surprise: Peyton Manning a Hall of Fame finalist

UNDATED (AP) — Peyton Manning, no surprise, is among 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2021. The star quarterback and owner of a record five NFL Most Valuable Player awards and two Super Bowl titles was one of the most prolific passers in NFL history.

In 18 pro seasons and 265 starts out of 266 games played since being the top overall draft choice by Indianapolis in 1998, he had 14 seasons with 4,000-plus yards passing. When he retired following leading Denver to the 2015 league title, Manning held NFL records for career passing yards (71,940), career passing touchdowns (539) and consecutive seasons with at least 25 passing touchdowns (13).

In other NFL news:

— A person familiar with the situation says Carson Wentz needs time away to think about his future with the Philadelphia Eagles and is hopeful it won’t end in a divorce. Wentz was benched for the final four games after the worst season of his five-year career and was inactive Sunday in a loss to Washington. He hasn’t spoken to reporters since Dec. 6 and declined interview requests Monday.

—The Atlanta Falcons have interviewed two directors of college scouting, Brad Holmes of the Los Angeles Rams and Morocco Brown of the Indianapolis Colts, for their general manager position. The Falcons say they conducted remote interviews with Holmes and Brown. Atlanta is looking to replace Thomas Dimitroff, who along with coach Dan Quinn was fired following a 0-5 start this season. The 41-year-old Holmes has been with the Rams for eight years.

—The Panthers say they have completed interviews with six potential candidates for their general manager position. Carolina announced that it interviewed Bills assistant GM Joe Schoen, Titans director of player personnel Monti Ossenfort, Saints assistant GM and college scouting director Jeff Ireland and Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio, as well as Browns vice president of football operations Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and former Giants GM Jerry Reese on Monday. The Panthers fired GM Marty Hurney last month.

— Georgia quarterback JT Daniels says he’s returning for another year between the hedges. Daniels transferred from Southern Cal and started the final four games for the Bulldogs after fully recovering from a knee injury. He led Georgia to four straight wins, including a victory over Cincinnati in the Peach Bowl.

— Tennessee cornerback Bryce Thompson has declared early for the NFL draft, saying he feels ready for the challenge as he tries to fulfill his lifelong dream. Thompson announced his decision Tuesday in a social media post. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound cornerback from Irmo, South Carolina, started 28 of 31 games and has eight career interceptions.

— New York Giants defensive coordinator Pat Graham is staying put. The Giants say Graham signed a contract extension to remain as Joe Judge’s defensive coordinator. He is adding the title assistant head coach. The Giants defense improved markedly this past season and Graham reportedly was being considered for the vacant head coaching job with the Jets.

T25-IOWA STATE-TEXAS TECH

Jones scores 23, No. 4 Texas holds off Iowa State 78-72

UNDATED (AP) — Andrew Jones scored a career-high 23 points and No. 4 Texas held off Iowa State 78-72 to continue its torrid start to the season. Texas led by as much as 15 early in the second half and appeared to be cruising to an easy win over an Iowa State team that is still winless in the Big 12. But the Cyclones kept chipping away and made it tough for Texas to close out the game. Javan Johnson scored 21 points to lead Iowa State. Matt Coleman III added 13 points and Jericho Sims had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Longhorns.

In other T25 action:

—DJ Stewart scored 24 points and Mississippi State overcame a 12-point halftime deficit to roll past No. 13 Missouri 78-63. Mississippi State trailed by 14 points early in the second half before taking the lead with a 15-0 run and then pulling away with a 21-4 burst. Iverson Molinar added 20 points for the Bulldogs.

—Terrence Shannon Jr. beat the first-half buzzer with a jumper on his way to 22 points, Mac McClung added 16 and No. 18 Texas Tech beat Kansas State 82-71. Marcus Santos-Silva scored 11 of his 14 points in the first half as the Red Raiders picked up their first conference home victory after losing two. Nigel Pack, one of three freshmen making a seventh straight start for Kansas State, scored 15 of his season-high 17 points in the first half.

—Aamir Simms hit a go-ahead basket for a second straight game as No. 19 Clemson rallied from nine-points down in the second half to beat North Carolina State 74-70 in overtime. Nick Honor had 21 points and tied things at 62 with 38 seconds left in regulation to set up the extra period. North Carolina State took its last lead on DJ Funderburk’s 3-pointer with 3:12 to go in OT. That’s when Simms got the ball down low for a basket to put Clemson in front to stay.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Virus leads to more postponements

UNDATED (AP) — The Georgia Tech men’s basketball team has shut down all athletic activities and postponed Wednesday night’s game at Notre Dame because of COVID-19 protocols. No date has been set to make up the game against the Fighting Irish.

Elsewhere, the Memphis Tigers’ men’s basketball game at UCF has been postponed hours before tipoff because of positive COVID-19 cases and ensuing contact tracing at the Florida school. This is the second straight road game for Memphis affected by the opposing team’s COVID issues.

And Oregon State’s men’s basketball game at Colorado scheduled for Saturday in Boulder has been postponed because of COVID-19 protocols in the Beavers’ program.

NBA-SCHEDULE

Kyrie Irving leads undermanned Nets to 130-96 rout of Jazz

UNDATED (AP) — Kyrie Irving scored 20 of his 29 points in the first half to lead the undermanned Brooklyn Nets to a 130-96 win over the Utah Jazz.

Brooklyn, which entered the game having lost two straight and four of five, never trailed. The Nets led 35-14 after the first quarter, and 63-44 at the half. Brooklyn’s 19-point halftime lead was its biggest in about 10 months. In the Nets’ 139-120 win over San Antonio on Mar. 6, 2020, they had a 21-point (75-54) halftime lead.

In other Tuesday NBA results:

— Coby White had 21 points and 10 rebounds and the short-handed Chicago Bulls downed the Portland Trail Blazers 111-108. Otto Porter Jr. added 19 points and 13 rebounds for the Bulls, who have won four of their last five games. CJ McCollum led the Blazers with 26 points, including six 3-pointers. Damian Lillard had 24 points and nine assists. The Blazers led by as many as 20 points early in the game but the Bulls chipped away at the lead before pulling in front in the final quarter.

—Anthony Davis and LeBron James each scored 26 points, rallying the Los Angeles Lakers to a 94-92 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. James added 11 rebounds and seven assists. Dennis Schroder finished with 12 points for Los Angeles. Jonas Valanciunas, Dillon Brooks and Gorgui Dieng led Memphis with 13 points apiece.

— Nikola Jokic scored 13 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter after losing his cool earlier in the game, and the Denver Nuggets scrambled late to beat Minnesota 123-116 for their 10th straight win over the Timberwolves. Jokic shook off two second-quarter technical fouls to lead the Nuggets to the comeback victory. He also had 15 rebounds. Will Barton added 20 points for the Nuggets. They squandered an 18-point lead in the first half and later fell behind by eight. Denver went on a 15-0 run in the fourth quarter to take control. D’Angelo Russell scored 33 points and Juancho Hernangomez added 25 against his former team. It was the fifth straight loss for the Timberwolves.

— Patty Mills hit a career-high eight 3-pointers and scored 27 points off the bench, and the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 116-113 to snap a four-game skid. Dejounte Murray added 21 points, Rudy Gay had 16 points, LaMarcus Aldridge 14 points and Keldon Johnson a career-high 11 rebounds for the Spurs. They led by 24 in the first quarter and withstood an onslaught by Kawhi Leonard in the third before nearly blowing their lead in the fourth. Leonard scored a game-high 30 points and had 10 assists, but his jumper missed with five seconds left.

MLB-DODGERS-TREINEN

Dodgers re-sign pitcher Treinen to $17.5M, 2-year deal

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers have re-signed pitcher Blake Treinen to a $17.5 million, two-year deal.

The team said Tuesday the deal that runs through the 2022 season includes a team option for the 2023 season. Treinen receives a $4 million signing bonus. He will earn $6 million in both 2021 and 2022. The team option in 2023 is worth $8 million and includes a $1.5 million buyout. The 32-year-old right-hander earned $3,703,704 during the abbreviated 60-game season last year prorated from a $10 million, one-year contract. He was 3-3 with a 3.86 ERA last season.

In other MLB moves:

—The Detroit Tigers have signed outfielder Robbie Grossman to a two-year, $10 million contract that includes performance bonuses. The 31-year-old Grossman spent the past two seasons with the Oakland Athletics. He hit .241 with eight home runs and 23 RBIs in 51 games in the shortened 2020 season. Prior to his stint with the A’s, Grossman played for Minnesota and Houston.

WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP

US upsets Canada 2-0 to win world junior hockey championship

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Spencer Knight made 34 saves and the United States upset Canada 2-0 to win the world junior hockey championship. Tournament MVP Trevor Zegras had a goal and an assist, and Alex Turcotte also scored as the U.S. won its first gold medal at the event since 2017. The Canadians were undefeated coming into the game and hadn’t trailed once. They were aiming to repeat as gold-medal winners, but had to settle for silver on home ice. The U.S., which finished sixth in 2020, won six straight games to capture its fifth under-20 title following a round-robin loss to Russia on opening day. Finland beat Russia 4-1 to take the bronze medal.

NHL-OBIT-MUCKLER

Former NHL coach John Muckler dead

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — John Muckler, who coached four NHL teams and won five Stanley Cup championships with the Edmonton Oilers, has died. He was 86. The Oilers confirmed Muckler’s death Monday night. No cause was given. Muckler was part of the staff that put together the Oilers dynasty of the 1980s. He joined Edmonton in 1982 as an assistant coach under Glen Sather and won five Stanley Cups with the organization from 1984-90, the last one as head coach. He also coached the Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers and Minnesota North Stars.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s extraordinary effort to overturn the presidential election is going before Congress. Lawmakers are set to convene Wednesday for a joint session, required by law, to confirm the Electoral College vote won by Joe Biden. The typically routine proceeding will be anything but that. The president’s Republican allies plan to object to the election results. Many say they are heeding the pleas of the president’s supporters’ to “fight for Trump.” Trump is planning a rally outside the White House. The longshot effort is all but certain to fail. Bipartisan majorities in Congress are prepared to accept the results.

ATLANTA (AP) — Democrat Raphael Warnock has won one of Georgia’s two Senate runoffs, becoming the first Black senator in his state’s history and putting the Senate majority within the party’s reach. Warnock, a pastor who spent the past 15 years leading the Atlanta church where Martin Luther King Jr. preached, defeated Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler. It’s a stinging rebuke of outgoing President Donald Trump, who traveled to Georgia to rally for Loeffler and the Republican running for the other seat, David Perdue. The focus now shifts to the second race between Perdue and Democrat Jon Ossoff. That contest was too early to call as votes were still being counted.

(AP) World shares are mixed and U.S. futures have declined as investors await final results of Senate runoff elections that will determine whether Democrats take control of both houses of Congress. Benchmarks edged higher in Europe. Shares traded lower for most of the day in Asia, although markets in Hong Kong and Shanghai ended higher. U.S. stocks advanced Tuesday, regaining their footing a day after starting out 2021 with their worst loss in months amid the worsening pandemic and the Senate elections in the state of Georgia. Speculation that Democratic victories might lead to more government spending that could fuel inflation have pushed Treasury yields higher.

BEIJING (AP) — China is accusing Washington of misusing national security as an excuse to hurt commercial competitors after President Donald Trump signed an order banning transactions with payment services Alipay and WeChat Pay and six other apps. The order escalates a conflict with Beijing over technology, security and spying accusations that has plunged U.S.-Chinese relations to their lowest level in decades. It followed confusion in financial markets after the New York Stock Exchange announced last week it would remove three Chinese phone companies and then withdrew that plan on Monday. A foreign ministry spokeswoman criticized Trump’s order as “bullying, arbitrary and hegemonic behavior.”