– Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Jan 8

CSi Weather…

.REST OF TODAY…Cloudy with a 20 percent chance of light freezing drizzle. Areas of fog. Highs in the mid 30s. Light winds becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

.TONIGHT…Cloudy. Slight chance of light freezing drizzle in the evening, then slight chance of light freezing drizzle and snow after midnight. Patchy fog through the night. Lows in the mid20s. Southeast winds around 5 mph shifting to the northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.

.SATURDAY…Cloudy. Patchy fog in the morning. Highs in the lower

30s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.

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

5 to 10 mph.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s. Southwest winds

10 to 15 mph.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows around 20.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20.

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

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

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.

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

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

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota health officials say the daily positivity rate for COVID-19 tests came in at less than 4% after workers processed more than 10,000 examinations in the last 24 hours. The update showed 350 new cases since Wednesday, for a total of 94,156 since the start of the pandemic. The COVID Tracking Project ranks 47th in the country for new cases per capita in the last two weeks. The state reported seven new deaths, including two in Ramsey County and one each in Grand Forks, Kidder, McLean, Rolette and Ward counties. The total stands at 1,321 fatalities, which is fifth highest in the country per capita. Hospitalizations dropped from 85 to 83, with 12 of those patients currently requiring intensive care.

NDDoH

COVID 19 Stats

Thurs. Jan 7, 2021

11-a.m.

Barnes County

New Positives: 7

NDDoH

Total Positives: 1265

Active: 34

Recovered: 1202

Stutsman County

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

New Positives: 13

Total Positives: 3180

Active: 69

Recovered: 3040

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

BY THE NUMBERS

10,309 – Total Tests from yesterday*

1,392,125 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

350 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

264 – PCR Tests | 86 – antigen tests
94,156 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

3.97% – Daily Positivity Rate**

2,088 - Total Active Cases

+101 Individuals from yesterday.

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

90,726 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

83 – Currently Hospitalized

-2 – Individuals from yesterday.

7 – New Deaths*** (1,341 total deaths since the pandemic began)

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

Man in his 70s from Grand Forks County.
Man in his 30s from Kidder County.
Man in his 90s from McLean County.
Man in his 70s from Ramsey County.
Woman in her 80s from Ramsey County.
Man in his 60s from Rolette County.
Woman in her 50s from Ward County.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY

Adams County – 2
Barnes County – 7
Benson County – 6
Billings County – 1
Bowman County – 3
Burleigh County – 32
Cass County – 70
Cavalier County – 1
Dickey County – 6
Divide County – 1
Eddy County – 2
Emmons County – 3
Foster County – 1
Grand Forks County – 14
Grant County – 1
Griggs County – 1
LaMoure County – 10
Logan County – 2
McHenry County – 6
McIntosh County – 4
McKenzie County – 9
McLean County – 4
Morton County – 4
Mountrail County – 3
Nelson County – 7
Pembina County – 1
Pierce County – 1
Ramsey County – 12
Ransom County – 8
Renville County – 1
Richland County – 13
Rolette County – 4
Sargent County – 1
Sheridan County – 1
Sioux County – 11
Stark County – 21
Steele County – 1
Stutsman County – 13
Traill County – 1
Walsh County – 4
WardCounty – 27
Williams County – 30

* 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.

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 again on Fri., 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.

In a news release from City County Health District Office in Valley City, it said,“Just before Christmas the first COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Valley City. Barnes County, like all counties in North Dakota will be following the state plan for the distribution of the vaccine.
Phase 1A identifies the first people to receive the vaccine, which includes health care workers and long-term care residents.

By the week of January 25th the expectation is to be able to move to Phase 1B (in order of priority) which includes people age 75 and older, people age 65-74 with high risk medical conditions, child care workers and workers employed by preschools or kindergarten through grade 12 (e.g. teachers, aides, bus drivers, principals, administrative staff, custodians, nutritional services, etc.).

The City County Health District (CCHD) will inform the public as to when various groups will be able to access vaccine, and provide instructions for registration, using the CCHD website. The state has established the priority list.

Sheyenne Care Center, is part of Phase 1A which is presently being completed. They received their own vaccine for both employees and residents. CHI Mercy Health also received their own vaccine for distribution to employees. Thrifty White will be giving vaccine to Maryvale and Bridgeview. CCHD is presently completing vaccinations for CCHD employees, Legacy Place, Emergency Responders and will be vaccinating Open Door staff and residents the weeks of January 4th and 11th.

CCHD Administrator, Theresa Will aays “Our staff at CCHD is trained and ready to provide COVID-19 vaccinations as fast as we are able to obtain the vaccine. We’ve given 195 doses to date. Our county continues to receive vaccine from the North Dakota Department of Health in quantities of less than 100 per week and are administered as quickly as possible each week,” Will notes.

Dr. James Buhr, Barnes County Medical Director Adds, “We are fortunate that these two vaccines were developed so quickly and that they are safe and 95% effective. I feel privileged to have been part of the Pfizer study myself. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated for COVID-19,” Buhr emphasizes.”

Bismarck (CSi) – As announced earlier this week, Gov. Doug Burgum Thursday signed an amended executive order officially increasing the capacity limits for restaurants, bars and gatherings.

Bars, restaurants and other food service establishments have been operating at up to 50 percent of their licensed seated capacity, not to exceed 150 patrons, since Nov. 16. The capacity limits were one of several mitigation measures announced Nov. 13 to slow the spread of COVID-19 as active cases and hospitalizations were peaking.

Under the amended executive order, these establishments will be able to start operating at 65 percent of licensed facility capacity, not to exceed 200 patrons, beginning 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 8. Seating arrangements and tables must still allow for at least 6 feet of physical distance between individual parties; dance areas must be closed; service must be provided to seated patrons only; and masks must be worn by owners, managers and employees at all times, and by patrons except when eating or drinking.

Banquet, ballroom and event venues, which have been limited to 25 percent capacity since Nov. 16, will be able to start operating at 50 percent capacity as of 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 8, not to exceed the ND Smart Restart capacity limits.

The amended order’s requirements will remain in effect through 8 a.m. Jan. 29.

A State Health Officer order requiring face coverings to be worn in indoor businesses and indoor public settings, as well as outdoor public settings where physical distancing isn’t possible, remains in effect until 12:01 a.m. Jan. 18.

In addition, Burgum Thursday signed a separate executive order eliminating three prior executive orders that have fulfilled their stated objectives and are no longer necessary. The orders pertained to absentee and mail ballots in school district elections and renewals of motor vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses.

For more information on North Dakota’s COVID-19 response, visit www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus or www.ndresponse.gov.

Valley City (VCPS) Valley City Public Schools Superintendent Josh Johnson says, the school district will be making a change to the district activity attendance plan effective on Monday, January 11, 2021. This change is a result of North Dakota moving to the yellow risk level and the North Dakota High School Activities Association providing member schools with updated guidelines.

Highlights Include:

The new attendance guidelines that will be followed until further notice for all large group gatherings and events held at Valley City Public Schools:

All spectators attending any large groups gatherings or events MUST:

* Wear a face mask (when not eating or drinking)

* Social distance from other individuals (outside of the family or pod)

* Practice proper hand hygiene

* Do not gather before, during, or after an event on the main floor

Valley City Public Schools will NOT be issuing wristbands prior to any regular season events and will be taking tickets in a traditional manner at the entrance of the event. A capacity limit per event venue has been established for the new guidelines and will be strictly followed at VCPS (see below). We will welcome students, staff, parents, families, and fans that will follow these guidelines and support VCPS in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Capacity Limits (Per Venue)

* Hi-Liner Activity Center (HAC)- 750 spectators

* North Gymnasium (VCHS)- 100 spectators

* Youth Sports Complex (YSC)- 100 spectators

* Theater (VCHS)- 130 spectators

The new attendance guidelines at Valley City Public Schools will be subject to change per the guidance from the state of North Dakota and North Dakota High School Activities Association. The local health team and school board reserve the ability to change these plans as necessary. Any questions regarding these changes may contact Superintendent Josh Johnson at 701.845.0483 ext.1 or Activities Director Mike Schultz at 701.845.0483 ext. 122

Jamestown (CSi) The 6th Annual Jamestown Battle of the Badges blood drive challenge continues Friday and Saturday, with Team Law versus Team Fire. After a donation is made, participants select which team receives their vote. The winning department will then have bragging rights for the year until the next Battle of the Badges.

Registration is encouraged, by walk-ins are welcome.

Remaining onation dates include January 8 from 10:30 AM to 5 PM, and January 9th from 7 AM to 11:30 AM at the Jamestown Civic Center in the Exchequer Room.

To register for the blood drive, visit bloodhero.com and search Jamestown or call Vitalant at 1-877-258-4825. Chief Edinger adds that officers and firefighters are also calling members of the public asking for their donations.

Vitalant will also be accepting Convalescent Plasma during the event.

“If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and recovered, your plasma may be able to help patients currently fighting the virus,” the organization states. “Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood. Using a specialized process, we separate and collect only the plasma portion of your blood and safely return the remaining components (red blood cells and platelets) to you.”

A plasma donation takes around an hour, but with the medical screening and review of health history, those who make a Convalescent Plasma donation should plan for about 2 hours.

Valley City (VCSU) Valley City State University has been granted renewal of accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

The renewal of membership and accreditation approved by the NASM Commission on Accreditation confirms that VCSU’s music programs and instruction meet or exceed the national standards set forth by the NASM.

VCSU President Dr. Alan LaFave says, “This is validation of the outstanding education and experience our music students receive at VCSU. We recognize the monumental and collective effort it takes to achieve this renewal, and we thank everyone involved in the process.”

VCSU’s renewal of accreditation effort was headed by Dr. Christopher Redfearn, an associate professor of music. The renewal process began back in 2019 and was worked on by numerous music faculty and campus staff.

Redfearn adds, “It was a group effort at VCSU, and I’m grateful for all the work put in by the music faculty and others around campus. I’d like to extend a big thank you to the VCSU administration for their continued support of music education on our campus.”

Accreditation with the NASM is completed every 10 years. VCSU’s next accreditation renewal is scheduled for the 2028-29 academic year.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Some Republican lawmakers want to limit emergency or disaster declarations by North Dakota’s governor. Proposed legislation would allow the Legislature more oversight of the executive branch action. A bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Janne Myrdal would limit such a declaration to 30 days. It could be extended another 30 days if the governor calls a special session of the Legislature. The legislation was inspired by a rash of executive orders filed by GOP Gov. Doug Burgum. Most of the orders were done in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus when the state’s hospital capacity was stressed.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — No criminal charges will be filed against a former police official who went undercover without telling anyone during a May gathering in memory of George Floyd in Fargo. Deputy Chief Todd Osmundson resigned following that May 30 gathering that turned violent, resulting in damaged property, a dozen arrests and minor injuries to four police officers. Cass County State’s Attorney Birch Burdick says the decision not to file charges against Osmundson was made after an independent investigation done by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Critics said Osmundson, while off-duty and not in uniform, should not have been mingling with protesters.

BISMARCK, N.D, (AP) — North Dakota’s oil industry is seeking to reduce the amount of interest and penalties the state can charge companies for unpaid oil and gas royalties. According to the Bismarck Tribune, the trade group representing the state’s oil industry, North Dakota Petroleum Council, is asking lawmakers for a break on late royalty payments. Currently, the state can charge interest and penalties on unpaid royalties at a maximum rate of 30%. During a hearing Wednesday, Petroleum Council President Ron Ness told the House Finance and Taxation Committee that such a level is “unnecessarily punitive.” The committee did not vote on the bill during the hearing.

In sports…

Stutsman Boy’s B Tournamnent

Edgeley – Kulm – Montpelier 62, South Border 26

Ellendale 60, Napoleon / Gackle – Streeter 36

Carrington 63, Kidder County 58, OT

Griggs Central/ Midkota Co-op 47, Medina -Pingree -Buchanan 38

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE:

2-pm – Consolation: South Border vs. Medina/Pingree/Buchanan

4-pm – Consolation: Kidder County vs. Napoleon/Gackle-Streeter

6-pm –Semifinal: Edgeley/Kulm/Montpelier vs. Griggs/Midkota

8-pm – Semifinal: Carrington vs. Ellendale (semifinal)

Other Thursday Boy’s

Central Cass 69, Tri-State 45

Drake-Anamoose 74, Surrey 48

Grafton 80, Finley-Sharon/Hope-Page 46

Grafton/St. Thomas 80, Finley-Sharon/Hope-Page 46

Lewis and Clark-Berthold 75, Parshall 42

Midway-Minto 66, Larimore 40

Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood 82, Bottineau 54

New Salem-Almont 48, Strasburg-Zeeland 41

North Star 50, Dakota Prairie 47

Oakes 76, Leola/Frederick, S.D. 56

Ray 54, Burke County 37

Rugby 51, Des Lacs-Burlington 31

South Prairie 67, Max 30

Trenton 63, Tioga 54

West Fargo 57, Fargo Shanley 49

Westhope-Newburg 66, Kenmare 51

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=

Grand Forks Red River 80, Valley City 51

Benson County 82, Warwick 21

Beulah 62, Glen Ullin-Hebron 43

Bishop Ryan 64, Stanley 48

Center-Stanton 52, Grant County 40

Dunseith 63, St. John 56

Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier 53, South Border 32

Fargo South 59, Grand Forks Central 50

Four Winds/Minnewaukan 76, Towner-Granville-Upham 22

Glenburn 71, Harvey/Wells County 54

Grafton 82, Finley-Sharon/Hope-Page 30

Grand Forks Red River 80, Valley City 51

Hatton-Northwood 44, Park River-Fordville/Lankin 28

Heart River 44, Lemmon, S.D. 33

Kidder County 52, Ellendale 19

Kindred 77, Richland 44

LaMoure-Litchville-Marion 46, Medina-Pingree-Buchanan 35

Langdon-Edmore-Munich 69, Midway-Minto 62

Larimore 35, Hillsboro/Central Valley 22

Linton-HMB 72, Central McLean 47

Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood 58, Nedrose 39

Parshall 70, Lewis & Clark/Berthold/North Shore Plaza Co-op 31

Sargent County 55, Maple Valley 37

Sisseton, S.D. 41, Lisbon 34

Thompson 56, Pembina 15

Washburn 49, New Salem-Almont 26

Waverly-South Shore, S.D. 60, Tri-State 53

West Fargo 75, Fargo Shanley 55

Wilton-Wing 51, Garrison 45

Wyndmere-Lidgerwood 58, Enderlin 43

UJ Basketball

Thursday

FREMONT, Neb (UJ) — The University of Jamestown women’s basketball team had its three-game winning streak snapped Thursday night, falling 75-74 to Midland University in Great Plains Athletic Conference action.

Jamestown falls to 9-4 overall and 6-4 in the GPAC while Midland improves to 10-5 overall and 7-5 in the conference.

Hannah DeMars (SO/Grand Rapids, MN) scored 17 of her game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter as the Jimmies nearly rallied from a nine-point fourth quarter deficit.

Trailing 71-62, UJ went on an 8-0 run with all eight points coming from DeMars to make it a one-point game.

The Warriors answered with a three-pointer by Lexis Haase to go ahead by four with 46 seconds left.

After a DeMars layup made it 75-74 with eight seconds left, Midland was called for an offensive foul coming out of a timeout, giving the ball back to Jamestown with a chance to win the game. Two shots inside of the final six seconds came up short and the Warriors escaped with the win.

Midland led by 10 after the first quarter, but UJ found their offensive stride in the second quarter. The Jimmies made eight of 15 field goal attempts and held the Warriors to 4-of-18 shooting to take a 37-34 halftime lead.

Jamestown led by five early in the third, but Midland rallied to retake the lead for good after Erin Prusa scored with 3:16 left in the quarter.

DeMars was joined in double figures by Kia Tower (SO/Bigfork, MN) and Audrey Rodakowski (FR/Dickinson, ND) with 12 points each. DeMars and Rodakowsi both grabbed nine rebounds, while Tower and Emma Stoehr (SR/Woodbury, MN) each dished out three assists.

Peyton Wingert had 20 points to lead five players in double figures for Midland.

Jamestown returns to action Saturday at Concordia (Neb.) University. Game time is set for 2 p.m.

Jimmie Men

Jamestown 49 Midland 47

FREMONT, Neb. (UJ) — Cole Woodford (FR/Redwood Falls, MN)’s running layup at the buzzer gave the University of Jamestown men’s basketball team a 49-47 win over Midland University Thursday night in Great Plains Athletic Conference action.

Jamestown led for the entire game until Bo Sandquist made a three-pointer to give Midland a 45-43 edge with 3:24 to play.

Mason Walters (SO/Jamestown, ND) sank a pair of free throws to tie the game, then scored on a layup with 17 seconds left to put UJ ahead by two.

The Warriors got a game-tying shot by Jake Rueschhoff with four seconds left, leaving just enough time for Jamestown to attempt a game-winning shot.

Woodford took the inbound pass and drove the left side of the floor, making a running shot off the backboard as the final buzzer sounded.

It was a season-low 49 points for the Jimmies, who entered the game averaging 87.2 points per game. Prior to Thursday, UJ’s fewest points scored came in a 74-57 against Briar Cliff on December 15.

Marc Kjos (SO/Lake City, MN) and Will Cordes (FR/Shakopee, MN) hit three-pointers and Walters scored back-to-back buckets as the Jimmies led 10-2 just under three minutes in. The lead grew to as many as 11 after Jack Talley (SR/Sioux Falls, SD) made all three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt.

Midland closed the half on a 14-4 run, holding the Jimmies scoreless for the final 5:36, and trailed by just one at halftime.

Cordes and Woodford opened the second half with threes, and another Kjos three-pointer gave UJ an eight-point lead with 16:12 remaining. The lead grew to 10 points at the 12:30 mark, but a 15-3 Warrior run capped off by the Sandquist three-pointer set the stage for a dramatic finish.

Walters finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Kjos and Woodford each scored seven, and Cordes ended with six.

Josh Lambert paced Midland with 14 while Rueschhoff was also in double figures with 10.

Jamestown shot just 35.4 percent for the game, but held Midland to 1-of-17 shooting from beyond the arc and did not allow the Warriors to attempt a free throw.

With the win, UJ is now 12-3 overall and 8-2 in the GPAC. Midland falls to 3-11 overall and 1-10 in the conference.

Saturday the Jimmies travel to Seward, Neb, to face Concordia University at 4 p.m.

NBA-

Nets stun 76ers

NEW YORK (AP) — No Kevin Durant? No Kyrie Irving? No problem for the Brooklyn Nets against the NBA’s hottest team.

Joe Harris poured in 28 points off the bench and Caris LeVert made the most of a rare start as the Nets topped the 76ers, 122-109. LeVert fell three rebounds shy of a triple-double, delivering 22 points and 10 assists to help Brooklyn drop Philadelphia to 7-2.

Jarrett Allen chipped in 15 points and 11 rebounds to the Nets’ second straight win.

Durant missed the game because of the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Irving was a late scratch due to personal reasons.

Shake Milton had a team-high 24 points and Joel Embiid (joh-EHL’ ehm-BEED’) added 20 with 12 rebounds for the Sixers.

In Thursday’s other NBA action:

— LaMarcus Aldridge led San Antonio with a season-high 28 points and was one of five in double figures during a 118-109 victory against the Lakers. Demar DeRozan added 19 points and eight assists, for the Spurs, who were 16 of 35 on 3-pointers after making 20 from beyond the arc against the Clippers this week. LeBron James scored 27 points and Anthony Davis added 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who had their four-game winning streak snapped.

— Luka Doncic (DAHN’-chihch) came within one rebound of his second straight triple-double, finishing with 38 points and 13 assists to lead the Mavericks over the Nuggets, 124-117 in overtime. Josh Richardson scored 14 points, including five straight in overtime to give the Mavericks the lead for good. Nikola Jokic (nee-KOH’-lah YOH’-kihch) scored 20 of his 38 points after halftime and grabbed 11 rebounds for Denver.

— Damian Lillard drained seven 3-pointers while scoring 39 points in the Trail Blazers’ 135-117 thumping of the Timberwolves. CJ McCollum added 20 points for the Blazers, who led by 33 in the second half before dealing Minnesota its sixth consecutive loss. Jusuf Nurkic (YOO’-suhf NUR’-kihch) had 17 points and seven rebounds before Portland rested its starters in the fourth quarter.

— The Cavaliers squeezed out a 94-90 win over the Grizzlies behind Andre Drummond’s 22 points and 15 rebounds. Larry Nance Jr. added 18 points on 7-for-7 shooting from the field as Cleveland ended a two-game skid. The Cavs were minus leading scorer Collin Sexton, who sat out with a left ankle sprain.

T25 MEN’S BASKETBALL-SCHEDULE

Garza leads Hawkeyes

UNDATED (AP) — Luka Garza showed why he’s the AP preseason men’s basketball player of the year by dominating the first half of Iowa’s game at Maryland.

Luka Garza scored 17 of his 24 points while the fifth-ranked Hawkeyes were building a 44-26 halftime lead in an 89-67 rout of the Terrapins. Iowa trailed 19-9 before rattling off 20 straight points to take control. The 6-foot-11 Garza later scored eight points during a 15-4 spurt that closed the first half.

Garza made nine of his 14 field goal attempts, went 4 for 4 at the foul line, grabbed seven rebounds and had four assists for the 10-2 Hawkeyes.

Iowa’s Jordan Bohannon chipped in with 18 points.

In other top-25 men’s basketball action:

— Top-ranked Gonzaga opened on a 23-2 run and improved to 11-0 by routing BYU, 86-69. Corey Kispert finished with 23 points in a hastily scheduled game after both teams lost their original opponents to COVID-19 issues. Jalen Suggs provided with 16 points, while Drew Timme (TIH’-mee) and Andrew Nembhard each scored 12 in Gonzaga’s 45th straight home win.

— Tyler Wahl drained consecutive 3-pointers in double-overtime and finished with a career-high 12 points as eighth-ranked Wisconsin pulled out an 80-73 win over Indiana. D’Mitrik (dih-MEE’-trihk) Trice scored a team-high 21 points, had seven assists and extended the game by draining a jumper with 7.7 seconds left in the first OT.

— Kofi Cockburn scored 13 of his 18 points in the second half and finished with 12 rebounds as 12th-ranked Illinois blew out Northwestern, 81-56. Ayo Dosunmu (EYE’-oh doh-SOO’-moo) added 15 points for the Illini, who actually trailed by 16 in the first half.

— McKinley Wright IV recovered from a scary fall to score 21 points, including a game-sealing scoop layup with 27 seconds left in Colorado’s 79-71 upset of No. 17 Oregon. Grad transfer Jeriah Horne added 17 points for the Buffaloes, who improved to 10-0 against the Ducks all-time in Boulder.

T25 MEN’S BASKETBALL-TEXAS TECH-BURNETT

Top recruit Nimari Burnett leaving Texas Tech after 12 games

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Texas Tech freshman Nimari Burnett is leaving the program just 12 games into his college career.

The program’s first McDonald’s All-American was a high school standout in Chicago and consensus top 30 recruit nationally. But Burnett never cracked the starting lineup in a crowded backcourt while averaging 5.3 points.

Burnett was struggling offensively, shooting 28% from the field and just 17% from 3-point range.

MLB-METS-INDIANS TRADE

Mega deal: Indians trade star Lindor, Carrasco to Mets

CLEVELAND (AP) — The New York Mets have pulled off their biggest trade since Steve Cohen purchased the team in November.

The Mets have landed shortstop Francisco Lindor and pitcher Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland. The Mets part with infielders Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario, right-hander Josh Wolf and outfielder Isaiah Greene.

A two-time Gold Glove winner, Lindor is a career .285 hitter and has averaged 29 homers, 86 RBIs and 21 steals in his six major league seasons. Carrasco is one of the game’s best comeback stories, overcoming leukemia to reemerge as one of the AL’s steadiest starters.

Rosario was a Mets mainstay the last two seasons, and Gimenez showed major league ability following his recall last year.

Lindor can become a free agent after the 2021 season, and Carrasco has two years and an option left on his contract. Mets president Sandy Alderson says he hasn’t spoken to Lindor’s agent about an extension.

In other MLB moves:

— The Yankees have acquired switch-hitting outfielder Greg Allen from the Padres for minor league left-hander James Reeves. The 27-year-old Allen has a .239 average with eight homers and 57 RBIs in 557 at-bats and 221 games over four seasons with Cleveland and San Diego.

— Bianca Smith will make history in March when she begins her job as a Red Sox minor league coach, becoming the first Black woman in Major League Baseball history to serve as an on-field coach. She comes to Boston from Division III Carroll University where she was an assistant athletic director and baseball team hitting coordinator. She also has previously interned for the Cincinnati Reds, Texas Rangers and in the MLB league office.

NFL-NEWS

Browns place safety Ronnie Harrison on COVID-19 list

UNDATED (AP) — The Cleveland Browns continue to receive bad news as they deal with COVID-19 while preparing for Sunday’s AFC wild-card game against Pittsburgh.

The Browns have placed safety Rodney Harrison on the COVID-19 reserve list as they await permission from the NFL to practice for their first playoff game in 18 years.

Harrison is the latest on the list for the Browns, who will be without coach Kevin Stefanski against the Steelers after he tested positive with the virus. The NFL’s chief medical officer says there has been “some spread” amongst the Browns players.

Safety Andrew Sendejo was activated from the COVID list as Harrison was added, but the team is down seven rotational players and six coaches at this point and its training facility in Berea, Ohio, remains closed.

In other NFL news:

— Rams coach Sean McVay and Jared Goff both declined Thursday to say whether the quarterback will return from a one-game absence with a broken thumb to start against the Seahawks. Although backup John Wolford led the Rams to a season-ending win over Arizona last week, observers say Goff emerged from this full week of practice at the Rams’ training complex looking like he’s ready to play.

— The Texans have hired Nick Caserio to be their general manager. The longtime executive with the New England Patriots replaces Bill O’Brien, who was the team’s coach and GM before he was fired after this season’s 0-4 start. Caserio has spent the last 20 seasons with the Patriots and has been the director of player personnel in New England since 2008.

— The playing status of Bills’ receivers Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley is uncertain for Saturday’s game against the Colts. Both were listed as questionable after practicing on a limited basis on Thursday. Beasley has been dealing with a knee injury and Diggs is bothered by am oblique issue.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL-AWARDS

UNDATED (AP) — Alabama receiver and Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith has added to his collection of postseason honors by receiving the Maxwell Award as the college football player of the year.

Smith won the Maxwell over Alabama quarterback and Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, becoming the first wideout to win the award since Michigan’s Desmond Howard in 1991.

Smith also won the Walter Camp player of the year and the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver.

It was a big haul of awards for Alabama products. Jones won the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Year Award. Najee Harris captured the Doak Walker Award as the top running back. Offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood became the sixth Crimson Tide player to win the Outland Trophy as the outstanding interior lineman, and teammate Landon Dickerson won the Rimington Trophy as the top center.

NHL-2021 SEASON-CANADA

Canadiens approved for home games during pandemic

MONTREAL (AP) — The Montreal Canadiens will be able to play home games despite the Quebec government’s imposition of a curfew aimed at curbing COVID-19 in the province.

Quebec’s premier says the new measures will take effect Saturday and remain in place until at least Feb. 8. There will be no fans at games.

Alberta and British Columbia also have given the green light for their NHL teams to play home games during the pandemic. Manitoba says it is confident the Winnipeg Jets can play home games. Ontario has yet to make a final decision.

In world and national news..

WASHINGTON (AP) — With 13 days left in his term, President Donald Trump has acknowledged his electoral defeat amid growing talk in Washington of trying to force him from office early.

His statement (Video) came at the end of a day when the president stayed out of sight in the White House, silenced on some of his favorite internet lines of communication, while watching the resignations of several top aides, including two Cabinet secretaries.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A police officer has died from injuries sustained as President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol, intensifying questions about the defeated president’s remaining days in office and the ability of the Capitol police to secure the area. The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement that Officer Brian D. Sicknick died Thursday after being injured “while physically engaging with protesters” during the Wednesday riot. He is the fifth person to die in the melee. Discussions are underway about Trump’s fitness to remain in office. One Republican lawmaker publicly joined Democrats in calling for the 25th Amendment to be invoked to force Trump out. Meanwhile, Trump promised an “orderly transition” on Jan. 20 when President-elect Joe Biden is to be inaugurated.

WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s employers likely cut back again on hiring last month — and might even have shed jobs — with the economy under pressure from a resurgent virus that has led many consumers to reduce spending and states and cities to reimpose business restrictions. Economists have forecast that employers added just 105,000 jobs in December. That would mark the sixth straight month that hiring has slowed from the previous month and the lowest job gain since May. It would also leave the economy 9.8 million jobs short of the number it had before the pandemic intensified in March. The unemployment rate is projected to rise from 6.7% to 6.8%, which would be the first increase since April.

TOKYO (AP) — Global shares are rising on hopes for additional economic stimulus after the U.S. Congress confirmed Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election. Benchmarks in France, Germany and Britain rose in early Friday trading. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 surged 2.4% to close at 28,139.03, its highest finish in more than 30 years, as the government’s declaration of a state of emergency, meant to curb surging coronavirus cases, did little to dampen market optimism. South Korean and Australian shares rose. Hong Kong’s index gained but Shanghai shares fell. The overnight surge to record highs on Wall Street buoyed global sentiments.

(AP) World Health Organization experts have issued recommendations saying that the interval between administration of two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can be extended to up to six weeks. WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunization published guidance Friday saying that an interval of 21 to 28 days between the first and second doses is recommended. But the U.N. health agency also noted that some countries with vaccine supply constraints and large number of infections are considering postponing the administration of second doses as a way to expand the number of people initially immunized. WHO said this “pragmatic approach” could be considered as a response to “exceptional epidemiological circumstances.”