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CSi Weather…WIND ADVISORYT TO 9-pm WEDNESDAY
* WHERE…Western, south central, and southeastern North Dakota.Pembina, Eastern Walsh, Nelson, Grand Forks, Griggs,
Steele, Barnes and Western Walsh Counties.
This includes the Tribal Lands of the Standing Rock Sioux Nation and portions of the MHA Nation.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Forecast…
.TODAY…Mostly cloudy in the morning then clearing. Windy. Not
as cold. Highs in the lower 40s. West winds 20 to 30 mph with
gusts to around 50 mph.
.TONIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the lower 20s. West winds
20 to 25 mph.
.THURSDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s. Northwest winds
15 to 20 mph with gusts to around 35 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Colder. Lows 5 to 10 above.
Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 20s. West winds 5 to
10 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows 5 to 10 above.
.SATURDAY…Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Highs
in the mid 20s.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow in
the evening. Lows zero to 5 above.
.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Highs 15 to 20.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows zero to 5 above.
.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs around 15.
.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows zero to 5 above.
.TUESDAY…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow in the
afternoon. Highs around 15.
NDDoH
COVID 19 Stats
Tues. Jan. 19, 2021
11-a.m.
Barnes County
New Positives: 1
Total Positives: 1275
Active: 11
Recovered: 1233
Stutsman County
Antigen tests (BinaxNOW, etc.) were added to the website beginning Dec. 9.
New Positives: 1
Total Positives: 3209
Active: 22
Recovered: 3113
COVID-19 Test Results
The results listed are from the previous day. Additional data can be found on the NDDoH website.
BY THE NUMBERS
3,810 – Total Tests from yesterday*
1,458,437 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began
138 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****
88 – PCR Tests | 50 – Antigen Tests
96,071 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began
4.24% – Daily Positivity Rate**
1,234 – Total Active Cases
-143 Individuals from yesterday.
220 – with a recovery date of yesterday****
93,451 – Total recovered since the pandemic began
88 – Currently Hospitalized
-3 – Individuals from yesterday.
2 – New Deaths*** (1,386 total deaths since the pandemic began)
INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19
- Man in his 60s from Cass County.
- Man in his 80s from Ward County.
COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY
- Adams County – 4
- Barnes County – 1
- Bottineau County – 1
- Bowman County – 3
- Burke County – 1
- Burleigh County – 16
- Cass County – 18
- Dickey County – 2
- Divide County – 1
- Eddy County – 1
- Foster County – 1
- Grand Forks County – 17
- Hettinger County – 1
- McIntosh County – 1
- McKenzie County – 7
- Mercer County – 1
- Morton County – 3
- Mountrail County – 1
- Pembina County – 1
- Ramsey County – 4
- Renville County – 1
- Richland County – 10
- Rolette County – 2
- Sargent County – 2
- Stark County – 2
- Stutsman County – 1
- Traill County – 2
- Walsh County – 3
- Ward County – 20
- Williams County – 10
* 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.
(CSi) City/County Health in Valley City reminds residents that the COVID-19 Testing this week will be again Wednesday January 20 and Friday January 22 from 1-p.m., to 2-p.m., inside the VCSU Fieldhouse.
Preregistration is required.
Administrator, Theresa Will reports that the COVID-19 vaccine is planned to be administered this week.
Jamestown (CVHD) Central Valley Health District reports they will hold COVID 19 testing from 11 am to 12 noon at the Jamestown Civic Center, using the Rapid Testing, BinaxNow , January 20, 21, 2021 11 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 (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session, virtually, on Tuesday. All members were present.
The public may view the meetings on the Zoon platform and by phone. Contact City Hall prior to each meeting for more information.
The City Commission discussed the Valley City Mask Plan. Mayor Carlsrud said the mask mandate expired in line with the Governor’s repeal of the statewide mask mandate earlier this month.
Commission Gulmon said it should be expanded another month. Commissioner Erickson said the mask mandate should be left to individual businesses. Commissioner Bishop concurred with individuals decisions on wearing a mask. Commissioner Magnuson is in favor of extending the mask mandate.
Mayor Carlsrud pointed out that since the mask mandates were put into effect the COVID-19 mitigation has improved, and is also in favor of extending the mask mandate.
Approved was extending the mask mandate in Valley City to February 19, 2021, with commissioners Erickson and Bishop voting in opposition.
Mayor Carlsrud read a Proclamation for Catholic Schools Week, in Valley City, January 31-February 6, 2021.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Approved the 2021 Application to Sell LP Gas for Loves Travel Stop Contingent on the Approval of the Fire Chief. Chief Magnuson said the tank will not be in place until the end of February, and the permit will be on the table, and not action until later.
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.
ü No personal attacks to persons present or not
ü No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform
ü 5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair
ü Thank you for participating in City Government.
PUBLIC HEARING
A Public Hearing was held for Approving the Rezone of Nextera Addition (Valley Plains Equipment) to the City of Valley City. City Attorney Martineck, said the area is outside city limits to be annexed into the city. The plan is to expand the business at the additional location, at the area of I-94.
Following the Public Hearing the City Commission approved the First Reading of an Ordinance approving the rezoning.
ORDINANCE
Approved was the Second and Final 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 there is no changes from the First Reading.
Approved the First Reading of an Ordinance Relating to the Annexation of Territory. City Attorney Martineck said, the annexation pertains to the Nextera property.
RESOLUTION
Approved was a Resolution approving the Plat of Nextera Addition to the City of Valley City. City Attorney Martineck said the land needs to be platted, and the application was approved by Planning and Zoning.
Approved was a Resolution approving Replat of Lot 2 of Hi-Line Estates and Legacy Townhomes PUD. City Attorney Martineck said additional townhomes to be located near Legacy Place, and was approve prior by Planning and Zoning.
Approved was a Resolution Authorizing Refinancing Special Assessment Improvement Bonds of 2011 and 2013. Mike Manstrom from Onstad Twitchel, presented information, replacing the higher interest rate with a lower rate, at the current rate, saving the city around $90,000.
Approved a Resolution Amending Master Fee Schedule re Fees for Residential Building Permits and Inspections. City Attorney Martineck said inspections and permitting fees under inspections are covered.
NEW BUSINESS
Approved the VCBCDC request for $15,000 from economic development funds to Support the Shop Local Campaign in Valley City, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce.
Approve Designating $20,000 from Renew and Replacement Fund 290 for 2021 Sidewalk, Curb, Gutter and Driveway Apron replacement. Finance Director Richter said the request is to reimburse property owners, 25-percent of the costs.
Approved was a Gaming Site Authorization for ND Chapters of Delta Waterfowl Inc. on February 27, 2021 at the Valley City Eagles Club 2192. Finance Director Richter said the application is on-going for an annual event, and the fees have been paid.
Approved was a Task Order for Design Engineering for Master Lift Station Upgrades. KLJ/Moore reported that the projects were approved in the city’s capital budget. Commissioner Erickson voted in opposition.
Also approved was a Task Order for Design Engineering for West End Lift Station, also included in the capital budget. Commissioner Erickson voted in opposition.
Approved a Task Order for Preliminary Engineering for 6th Street NW Reconstruction Project. KLJ/Moore reported that the project is funded through the NDDOT, which requires documentation by the city. Construction is planned for 2022. Erickson and Bishop voted in opposition.
Approve was an Amendment to Engineer-Owner Agreement for Paving Improvement District 119 & 119B (7th Ave W and 2nd Ave NE). KLJ/Moore said after rejecting prior bids, then $2.5 million dollars became available through the Prairie Dog Bill funding, which a part was applied to the paving district.
Erickson and Bishop voted in opposition.
CITY UPDATES &COMMISSION REPORTS
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Carlsrud, thanked employees including the development corporation.
The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.
Dave Carlsrud
Valley City (CSi) 1-19-21 Valley City Mayor, Dave Carlsrud with his latest message to Valley City Residents.
Hi Everyone,
I am thankful for another week of nicer than average January weather. Be careful for the ice when walking or driving and if you have ice on sidewalks, please spread some “grit” so your mail carrier can have some traction.
Governor Burgum elected to let the State Face Mask Mandate expire. Reflecting, the COVID began on the coasts, worked its way to the mid-states and north. It took quite awhile for it to reach North Dakota though it arrived with fervor. We battled it with “North Dakota Smart”, washing hands and social distancing. We slowed it, but eventually the virus over-ran us and we had the highest numbers in the USA. Now we have battled and brought numbers down. The only difference from when we didn’t control it until now seems to be the masking. Data shows masking works and now there is a more contagious strain coming. That said, I believe it is imperative for us to “Wash Hands and Mask-up when we can’t Social Distance”. Those mitigations will be meaningful for us, and those around us until the vaccinations catch up.
Good News: VCPS and VCSU represent approximately 3,000 people counting students and employees have had only miniscule “on campus” positives due to masking.
“You can’t unsay a cruel word.” (A Cowboy Guide to Life)
Blessings, Pray, Be Safe and Be Kind,
Dave
Dave Carlsrud
Jamestown (JRMC) — Meet R.U.D.I, the newest germ-zapping robot in Jamestown.
R.U.D.I. and his “best friend” R.O.S.I.E. are twin Xenex LightStrike germ-zapping robots, designed to destroy hard-to-kill microscopic bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms.
Jamestown Regional Medical Center revealed the new robot’s name Friday, after a Name-The-Robot contest last month.
JRMC purchased R.U.D.I. at a historic time, said Dane Grebel, Enviromental & Support Services manager. Grebel also serves as the hospital’s Emergency Manager.
“R.O.S.I.E. has cleaned rooms and even offce spaces throughout this pandemic,” he said. “Before R.U.D.I, our teams used R.O.S.I.E. to more than 100% of her capacity, meaning we were deferring maintenance, just to keep her going.”
The second robot is a blessing, he said.
“Now that we have R.U.D.I., we can keep one robot upstairs in our patient care and Family BirthPlace units and one downstairs in the Emergency Department,” he said. “Since the Xenex LightStrike robots kill superbugs including COVID-19, this means JRMC has an added safety measure for both our patients and our teams. These robots are one of the many reasons JRMC is a destination for care in the region.”
Xenex LightStrike robots are 99.9% effective in enhancing environmental cleanliness by destroying hard-to-kill super-bugs like COVID-19.
JRMC received more than 300 name submissions. The general public voted to select the name R.U.D.I., which means “Robot Used to Destroy Infection.” Dorrie Bergstrom as well as Dann Holm, from JRMC’s Plant Department, submitted the name. Holm said he said he chose R.U.D.I. because it and R.O.S.I.E. reminded him of the TV show, “The Jetsons.”
“It seemed like a good fit,” he said.
The community agreed. Of the six robot-name finalists, R.U.D.I. received 150 out of 328 votes.
In addition to the naming contest, JRMC also organized a coloring contest for children. More than 240 participated. Winners of that competition are first place, Kodi Graves; second place, Clara Seckerson; third place, Layla Anderson.
“We are proud of all the participants,” said Lisa Jackson, JRMC Foundation Director. “We hope they had a little fun during this challenging time. We’re also grateful to the community.”
Each robot costs about $100,000. A grant from the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Economic Resiliency Grant helped pay for R.U.D.I. while the community raised money for R.O.S.I.E. as part of 2018’s Giving Hearts Day.
For more information on funding projects, contact JRMC Foundation at (701) 952-4880.
About Jamestown Regional Medical Center
Jamestown Regional Medical Center is located at 2422 20th St. SW, Jamestown, N.D. and serves approximately 55,000 people in nine counties. In 2020, it was named a “Top 20 Critical Access Hospital” out of more than 1,300 CAHs in the country. Modern Healthcare has named JRMC a “Best Places to Work in Healthcare” each year since 2017. For more information, visit www.jrmcnd.com or call (701) 952-1050.
Photos Courtesy JRMC
Jamestown (Chamber) The chamber Young Professionals of Jamestown and the Chamber Ambassadors recently recognized Orn Family Dentistry as the January Business of the Month Award recipient for their outstanding customer service and continued commitment to the community.
The nomination stated, “Both Dr. Carrie Orn and Dr. Gardner are exceptional dentists. They are professional and knowledgeable, yet down-to-earth and always have what is best for the patient in mind. They have both provided dental care to me as well as my toddler-age children and I’ve always been so satisfied with their services. The hygienists and front office staff are amazing as well. Sarah is friendly so knowledgeable about the business side of things and Patty goes the extra mile. At the end of year, she called our insurance company and then made a point to call me and suggest spacing appointments out to save our family the most money we could. I am so appreciative of Orn Family Dentistry as a whole. The office is beautiful, clean, follows Covid-19 safety protocols, but yet has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Highly, highly recommend!”
The Young Professionals of Jamestown honor businesses that provide superior customer service, exhibit community spirit and provide a positive economic impact to the community. This award provides recognition throughout the month with a plaque and a recognition banner for the month. Monthly award winners will be considered for the Business of the Year to be awarded in January of 2021. Business of the Month award nomination forms are available at the Chamber office and online at www.jamestownchamber.com . Call 701-252-4830 for more information.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota legislative leaders are proposing a bill that spells out the process for filling the seat of a victorious candidate who dies or resigns before taking office. The bill was sparked by a similar scenario last fall that resulted in a clash between the governor and lawmakers. Republican House candidate David Andahl, of Baldwin, died due to complications from the coronavirus on Oct. 5 and then won one of two opens seats in District 8. Gov. Doug Burgum, who in the primary supported Andahl and another candidate over longtime Republican lawmaker Jeff Delzer, tried to appoint Washburn coal executive Wade Boeshans. That move was rebuffed when the state Supreme Court said a Republican district committee should pick the replacement. The proposal essentially mirrors that ruling.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Some lawmakers want a broader investment policy for North Dakota’s oil tax savings account to help finance projects in the state. The legislation unveiled Tuesday by Republican lawmakers would tap 20% of the money coming into the Legacy Fund primarily for investments within the state. It’s the latest attempt to use the voter-approved fund as a source of money to help finance expensive infrastructure projects as state’s oil-driven economy declines. Bismarck GOP Rep. Mike Nathe says only about 1% of the Legacy Fund’s principal is invested in North Dakota at present.
NEW TOWN, N.D. (AP) — Authorities say an explosion at an oil tank battery near New Town sent 14 tanks up in flames and caused oil and brine to spill. No injuries were reported in the Monday night blaze. New Town Fire Chief John DeGroot said the fire was allowed to burn out in a few hours. The Bismarck Tribune reports that the cause of the explosion is not yet known. A report filed with the state by Slawson Exploration Co. shows that the incident caused 25,200 gallons of oil and 10,206 gallons of brine to spill. The report said the spill was contained to the well site and the oil was consumed by the fire.
NEW TOWN, N.D. (AP) — Authorities say one man was killed in a camper fire at a mobile home court in New Town. Officials received a report about 5:11 p.m. Monday of man locked inside a 20-foot camper, which was fully engulfed in flames when fire crews arrived on scene. KXMC-TV reports that the blaze was extinguished in 20 minutes, after which time crews found the man’s body. The victim has not been identified. The North Dakota Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the blaze.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A Mandan couple is charged with child endangerment after their 4-year-old son, dressed in pajamas, was found outdoors in freezing temperatures. An affidavit says a caller told police the child was visibly shaking when found three-tenths of a mile from his home Saturday morning without shoes and wrapped in a blanket. The temperature was 19 degrees. Twenty-six-year-old Kasandra Denault and 42-year-old Peter Denault made their initial court appearances Tuesday. Court documents do not list an attorney who could speak on their behalf. The two are also facing misdemeanor drug paraphernalia charges.
In sports…
Valley City (VCSU Newsletter) Anna Bratsch, VCSU’s head athletic trainer, has been named the Staff Employee of the Quarter.
Bratsch was recognized for her ability to adapt and help lead the athletic department through multiple guideline changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She helped organize testing and return to play guidelines for the VCSU athletic department and has continued to prioritize the health and safety of VCSU’s student-athletes.
“Anna is an inspiration when it comes to handling all tasks thrown her way and being able to adapt to them efficiently and quickly,” her nomination reads. “Anna’s attitude is positive and outgoing which makes working with her beyond enjoyable. She truly shows how much she loves her job and wants all who are around her to strive to push themselves and work hard.”
BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=
West Fargo 90, Valley City 75
Carrington 54 MayPort CG 50
At Jamestown Civic Center
Central Cass 73 Linton HMB 68
Bismarck Century 83, Turtle Mountain 73
Bismarck Legacy 68, Bismarck High 60
Bowman County 62, Harding County, S.D. 50
Central Cass 73, Linton 68
Dickinson Trinity 82, Richardton-Taylor 31
Drayton/Valley-Edinburg 47, Larimore 41
Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier 66, Barnes County North 46
Fargo Davies 86, Grand Forks Central 67
Fargo South 57, Fargo North 56
Grand Forks Red River 69, Devils Lake 39
Hatton-Northwood 73, Cavalier 54
Heart River 65, Beach 54
LaMoure-Litchville-Marion 65, Midkota 26
Langdon-Edmore-Munich 61, Dunseith 58
Mandan 83, Dickinson 78
Northern Cass 67, Finley-Sharon/Hope-Page 61
Oak Grove Lutheran 77, Lisbon 64
Powers Lake 74, Tioga 37
Strasburg 75, Medina 45
Strasburg-Zeeland 75, Medina-Pingree-Buchanan 45
Williston 58, Watford City 54
Wyndmere-Lidgerwood 77, Richland 37
GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=
West Fargo 74, Valley City 53
Benson County 56, Rolla 47
Bismarck Century 90, Minot 48
Bismarck High 61, Bismarck Legacy 54
Bowman County 67, Killdeer 31
Central Cass 66, Linton-HMB 39
Central McLean 47, Washburn 15
Devils Lake 61, Grand Forks Red River 59
Drayton/Valley-Edinburg 42, Hillsboro/Central Valley 31
Fargo Shanley 56, Sheyenne 50
Fargo South 66, Fargo North 50
Glenburn 61, Des Lacs-Burlington 51
Grafton 75, Thompson 54
Kenmare 67, Stanley 45
Kidder County 56, Napoleon 31
LaMoure-Litchville-Marion 56, Griggs Central/Midkota Co-op 34
Mandan 76, Dickinson 58
Medina-Pingree-Buchanan 47, Strasburg-Zeeland 23
Midway-Minto 52, North Border 8
Mott-Regent 44, Bison, S.D. 43
North Star 48, St. John 47
Northern Cass 56, Sargent County 48
Richland 59, Lisbon 53
Rugby 55, Bottineau 36
Surrey 46, Our Redeemer’s 40
Trenton 64, Parshall 37
Velva 58, Drake-Anamoose 36
Watford City 79, Williston 42
Westhope-Newburg 58, Burke Central/ Bowbells Co-op 27
Wilton 64, Center-Stanton 63
Wilton-Wing 64, Center-Stanton 63
Wyndmere-Lidgerwood 49, Enderlin 37
NBA..
UNDATED (AP) — Nikola Jokic (NEE’-koh-lah YOH’-kich) had 27 points and 12 rebounds before calling it an early night as the Denver Nuggets routed the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-101.
Jokic also had six assists before taking a seat on the bench with the other starters for the fourth quarter after helping Denver build a big lead. Reserve Monte Morris added 15 points and Paul Millsap finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds to help Nuggets knock off the Thunder at home for the sixth straight time. Luguentz Dort kept the Thunder close early by scoring 15 of his 20 points in the first half.
In other NBA action:
— Donovan Mitchell had 28 points and seven rebounds, and the Utah Jazz beat the New Orleans Pelicans 118-102 for their sixth straight victory. Mitchell also made four of Utah’s 21 3-pointers. Jordan Clarkson added 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists, and reserve Joe Ingles scored 15 points. Rudy Gobert had 13 points, 18 rebounds, and three blocks. Zion Williamson scored 32 points for New Orleans, and Brandon Ingram had 15.
T25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
UNDATED (AP) — Noah Locke scored 14 points, Tyree Appleby added 13 and short-handed Florida stunned No. 6 Tennessee 75-49 on Tuesday night. Tre Mann chipped in 12 points for the Gators, who got unexpected help from several bench guys to offset being without three of their best four players. Guard Scottie Lewis (COVID-19 protocols) and forward Colin Castleton (ankle) missed the game.
— Mike Smith made three early 3-pointers as No. 7 Michigan raced to a 17-3 lead and cruised past Maryland. Michigan made its first five 3s — Isaiah Livers had the other two — in an opening flurry that put the Wolverines (12-1, 7-1 Big Ten) in immediate control. Livers led Michigan with 20 points and Franz Wagner contributed 15. Smith had 11.
— Jaden Ivey scored 15 points and made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 5 seconds remaining, and Purdue rallied to beat No. 15 Ohio State. Trevion Williams scored 16 points for the surging Boilermakers, who have won four straight, three of them on the road. Sasha Stefanovic also had 15 points. Duane Washington Jr. led Ohio State with 21 points.
— Jeremiah Tilmon had 19 points and 10 rebounds and No. 19 Missouri beat South Carolina. Missouri had its best shooting performance overall at 58.3%. Mark Smith scored 18 points and went 3 for 5 from 3-point range. Dru Smith added 16 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Reserve Keyshawn Bryant scored 19 points for South Carolina.
SPORTS-VIRUS OUTBREAK
UNDATED (AP) — The NFL says the latest round of COVID-19 testing turned up three positive tests among players and six among other personnel as the Super Bowl nears. In weeklong testing that ended Saturday, 3,888 tests were given to 590 players and 5,985 were administered to 1,016 personnel. The new results bring the totals since testing began in August to 262 players and 460 other personnel who were confirmed positive out of nearly 950,000 tests.
In other pandemic developments:
— The NHL has postponed its first game since the league’s season began, postponing Tuesday night’s game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Predators hours after the teams played the first of a two-game set in Nashville. The league only said the game was postponed to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and game-day personnel.
— Pro golfer D.J. Trahan has withdrawn from this week’s PGA Tour event, The American Express, after testing positive for the coronavirus. He was replaced in the field by Michael Gellerman. Trahan is the 22nd player to test positive since the tour returned to competition in June following a three-month shutdown.
— The Atlantic Coast Conference says this week’s women’s basketball games with No. 2 North Carolina State visiting Florida State and Clemson visiting Boston College have been postponed. The league announced the postponements Tuesday, two days before both games were scheduled to be played. N.C. State remains in COVID-19 protocols and hasn’t played since beating Boston College on Jan. 3.
— The No. 12 Texas Tech men’s basketball team has had its second Big 12 game postponed this week because of COVID-19 issues for its scheduled opponent. The conference on Tuesday postponed the Red Raiders’ home game Saturday against Iowa State, which will be the fourth game in a row the Cyclones will be unable to play.
— George Washington’s men’s basketball team is postponing two upcoming Atlantic 10 games after head coach Jamion Christian tested positive for COVID-19.Christian tweeted that he was told of his test result on Tuesday, a day after he said he was “experiencing some slight symptoms.”
— The Southeastern Conference has postponed Wednesday night’s game between Texas A&M and Vanderbilt. The league says the postponement is because of a combination of positive COVID-19 tests, contact tracing and subsequent quarantining inside the Vanderbilt program. A make-up game has not been set.
— Rutgers women’s basketball has postponed home games on Thursday against Penn State and Sunday against Iowa. The Scarlet Knights have not played since an outbreak of COVID-19 hit the team on Jan. 3. By the end of this week, they will have postposed six games with only 10 left on the schedule.
NBA-NETS-IRVING
Irving rejoins Nets
NEW YORK (AP) — Kyrie Irving has rejoined the Brooklyn Nets.
Irving says he took a leave of absence because he “just needed a pause.”
Irving practiced with the team and could play today in Cleveland. He has missed the last seven games — five while away from the team and two more while regaining his conditioning after he was eligible to return. Irving didn’t give a clear reason for his absence, saying he had a lot of family and personal stuff going on.
In other NBA news:
— Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum has a hairline fracture in his left foot. The team says McCollum will wear a walking boot and be reevaluated in four weeks. He was injured Saturday during a game against the Atlanta Hawks.
— Caris LeVert says he’s waiting for more test results on his left kidney before establishing a timeline for his debut with the Indiana Pacers. LeVert was traded to Indiana as part of a four-team trade that sent All-Star James Harden from Houston to Brooklyn and Victor Oladipo from the Pacers to the Rockets. Doctors found the mass during LeVert’s routine post-trade physical. He says the tests have not yet revealed if the mass is cancerous.
MLB-METS-GM FIRED
Mets fire GM after learning he sent explicit texts to female reporter
NEW YORK (AP) — New York Mets general manager Jared Porter has been fired after sending sexually explicit, uninvited text messages and images to a female reporter in 2016 when he was working for the Chicago Cubs.
ESPN reported late Monday that Porter sent dozens of unanswered texts to the woman, including a lewd photo. About nine hours later, new Mets owner Steve Cohen posted on Twitter that Porter had been fired.
New York hired the 41-year-old Porter last month after he spent the past four seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks as senior vice president and assistant general manager. Team president Sandy Alderson said in a statement that Porter “failed to meet the Mets’ standards for professionalism and personal conduct.”
In other MLB news:
— Jared Porter lasted just 38 days as New York Mets general manager, fired for cause about nine hours after ESPN reported he sent sexually explicit, uninvited text messages and images to a female reporter in 2016 while he was working for the Chicago Cubs. His brief term was less than half that of Carlos Beltrán, let go as Mets manager on Jan. 16 last year after 77 days in the fallout for his role in the 2017 Houston Astros sign stealing scandal. MLB will investigate Porter.
—Hall of Fame pitcher Don Sutton has died. He was a stalwart of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation spanning an era from Sandy Koufax to Fernando Valenzuela. The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, says Sutton died at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, after a long struggle with cancer. He was 75. The Atlanta Braves, where Sutton was a long-time broadcaster, said he died in his sleep. Sutton had a career record of 324-256 and an ERA of 3.26. He spent 16 of his 23 major league seasons with the Dodgers.
—Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda was memorialized during a private service at Dodger Stadium before his burial. He died on Jan. 7 after a heart attack at age 93. His casket, covered in a huge assortment of blue and white flowers, was placed on the pitcher’s mound with a blue 2, signifying Lasorda’s jersey number, on the back of the mound. Lasorda’s wife of 70 years, Jo, attended in a wheelchair, along with their daughter, Laura. The mourners stood socially distanced around the mound. Former Dodgers Mike Scioscia, Bobby Valentine, Eric Karros and Charlie Hough were among the 10 pallbearers.
—The San Diego Padres have brought right-hander Joe Musgrove to his hometown team, adding yet another starting pitcher in a seven-player trade involving the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets. The Padres will send major league reliever David Bednar and three prospects to the Pirates. As part of the agreement, the Padres will send left-hander Joey Lucchesi to New York, and the Pirates will receive catcher Endy Rodríguez from the Mets.
—Right-hander Hunter Wood has signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers that includes an invitation to major league spring training. Wood spent last season as part of Cleveland’s 60-man player pool but didn’t appear in any big league games. He had a 3.32 ERA in 66 games from 2017-19 with Tampa Bay and Cleveland.
NFL-FALCONS-GM
Falcons name Fontenot GM
ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons have named Terry Fontenot the team’s general manager. The 40-year-old Fontenot becomes Atlanta’s first Black general manager after spending 18 seasons with division rival New Orleans.
Fontenot helped build a consistent winner as the Saints’ vice president and assistant general manager in charge of pro personnel.
The Falcons fired general manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Dan Quinn following a 0-5 start, which led to a 4-12 finish. It was Atlanta’s third consecutive losing season. The Falcons signed Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Saturday to become their head coach.
In other NFL news:
The New York Jets officially announced they hired former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as their head coach after agreeing to terms with the team last Thursday. Saleh said in a statement issued by the team Tuesday that it became clear throughout the interview process that the Jets were the right decision for him. The 41-year-old Saleh is the first Muslim coach in NFL history.
— Sarah Thomas will cap her sixth NFL season by becoming the first female to officiate the Super Bowl in NFL history. Thomas, a down judge, is part of the officiating crew announced today by the NFL. Referee Carl Cheffers will lead the seven-person crew of on-field game officials for the Super Bowl on Feb. 7 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
NHL-SCHEDULE-DEVILS-RANGERS
Devils beat Rangers 4-3
UNDATED (AP) — Jack Hughes had two goals and an assist in New Jersey’s three-goal second period, Mackenzie Blackood stopped 47 shots and the Devils beat the New York Rangers 4-3. Miles Wood had a goal and an assist, and Travis Zajac also scored to give New Jersey at least a point in each of its first three games. Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad scored on the power play, and Filip Chytil also had a goal for the Rangers. Alexandar Georgiev gave up four goals on 20 shots through two periods. Igor Shesterkin came on to begin the third and finished with eight saves.
In other Tuesday action:
— Nathan MacKinnon became the first member of the 2013 NHL draft class to reach 500 points, Devon Toews and Mikko Rantanen scored power-play goals and the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 Tuesday night. MacKinnon, selected by the Avalanche with the first overall pick in 2013, had a pair of assists to become the fourth player in Colorado history to reach 500 points. He picked up the milestone point late in the second period when he fed Rantanen on a cross-ice pass for a power-play goal to give the Avs a 3-0 lead.
— Nikolaj Ehlers and the Winnipeg Jets have yet to lead a contest in regulation and yet they’ve won two of their three games to start the NHL season. Ehlers scored in overtime as Winnipeg twice rallied from a two-goal deficit en route to a 4-3 win over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night. The Jets (2-1-0) opened their season Thursday night with a 4-3 overtime victory over the Calgary Flames and were coming off a 3-1 loss Monday night to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
— Tyler Bertuzzi scored 15 seconds into overtime and Bobby Ryan became the first player to score four times in his first three games with Detroit, leading the Red Wings to a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Bertuzzi was credited with the winning goal after the puck went off him and into the net following a rebound off Dylan Larkin’s shot.
— Frank Vatrano scored 2:50 into overtime, and the Florida Panthers beat the winless Chicago Blackhawks 5-4. Carter Verhaeghe scored two goals for Florida, and Patric Hornqvist also scored. Keith Yandle had a goal and an assist. Dominik Kubalik scored his first two goals of the year for Chicago, which has dropped its first four games of the pandemic-shortened season. Patrick Kane also scored, and Phillipp Kurashev posted his first NHL goal.
— Sidney Crosby scored 1:11 into overtime to lift the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 5-4 victory over the Washington Capitals. Crosby collected his third goal of the season when he pounced on a rebound off a Kris Letang shot and flipped it by Vitek Vanecek and into the open net to give the Penguins their second win over their rivals in three days. Colton Sceviour, Evgeni Malkin, Teddy Blueger and Jake Guentzel also scored for Pittsburgh. Tom Wilson scored twice for the Capitals. Evgeny Kuznetsov and Lars Eller both picked up their first goals of the season but Washington let leads of 3-1 and 4-2 slip away.
— Brian Ellliott made 40 saves, Travis Konecny scored his fourth goal in four games and the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-0. Jakub Voracek also scored and Kevin Hayes added an empty-netter for Philadelphia, which bounced back from Monday night’s 6-1 loss to the Sabres. Konecny broke the scoreless tie with 2:09 left in the second on a breakaway, beating Carter Hutton with a backhand that went through the goalie’s legs. Oskar Lindblom set up the goal with a long bank pass from deep in the defensive zone that landed perfectly on Konecny’s stick in Buffalo’s zone.
NHL-WILD AVALANCHE TRADE
Avs send Cole to Wild for Pateryn in swap of defensemen
DENVER (AP) — Colorado and Minnesota have swapped veteran defensemen. The Avalanche are getting Greg Pateryn from the Wild in exchange for Ian Cole. The 30-year Pateryn has two assists in three games this season for the Wild. Cole, who turns 32 in February, hasn’t registered a point this season. he deal represents a significant salary-cap savings for Colorado. Cole was a $4.25 million hit compared with $2.25 million for Pateryn. It gives the Avalanche more room to work with for later deals.
PGA-WOOD BACK SURGERY
Woods has 5th back surgery, to miss Torrey Pines and Riviera
UNDATED (AP) —Tiger Woods has undergone a fifth back surgery that has put the start to his new year on hold.
Woods did not say when he had the microdiscetomy, only that doctors deemed it a success and expect a full recovery. He will miss two tournaments he normally plays in Southern California — the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines and the Genesis Invitational at Riviera. Woods still plans to be at Riviera as the tournament host. He says the surgery was to remove a pressurized disc fragment that was giving him nerve pain last month when he played the PNC Championship with 11-year-old son Charlie.
TENNIS-AUSTRALIAN OPEN
3 more COVID-19 cases linked to Australian Open, total is 10
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Three more people linked to the Australian Open have tested positive for COVID-19 in Melbourne. That increases to 10 those associated with the Grand Slam tennis tournament which begins February 8. Victoria state Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville confirmed the new cases had been detected, adding that authorities are “very confident” one of the cases is a tennis player who is shedding the virus and is not infectious. The player is already in hard lockdown as they were on board a flight into Melbourne with another positive case. The other two cases are a player and their support person.
DREAM SALE-LOEFFLER
Dream close to being sold, taking Loeffler out of WNBA
UNDATED (AP) — The Atlanta Dream are close to being sold, ending defeated Sen. Kelly Loeffler’s contentious stint as a WNBA owner.
The league says in a statement that a sale of the franchise is close to being finalized. Players around the league have called for Loeffler to sell her 49% stake in the Dream after she wrote a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert over the summer objecting to the league’s initiatives to advocate for racial justice and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Loeffler is a Republican who was appointed to her Georgia Senate seat by President Donald Trump. She lost a runoff election to Democrat Raphael Warnock.
In world and national news…
WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden swears the oath of office at noon Wednesday to become the 46th president of the United States. He will take the helm of a deeply divided nation and inherit a confluence of crises arguably greater than any faced by his predecessors. The very inaugural ceremony in which presidential power is transferred will be a jarring reminder of the challenges Biden will face. It will unfold at a U.S. Capitol battered by an insurrectionist siege just two weeks ago, encircled by security forces evocative of those in a war zone and devoid of crowds because of the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.
WASHINGTON (AP) — In his first hours as president, Joe Biden will aim to strike at the heart of President Donald Trump’s policy legacy. Aides say Biden on Wednesday plans to sign a series of executive actions that reverse his predecessor’s orders on immigration, climate change and the handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Biden also is expected to end construction on Trump’s U.S.-Mexico border wall, end the ban on travel from some Muslim-majority countries, rejoin the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization and revoke the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. The 15 executive actions are an attempt to essentially rewind the last four years of federal policies with striking speed.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has walked out of the White House and board Marine One for the last time as president Wednesday morning, leaving behind a legacy of chaos and tumult and a nation bitterly divided. After standing on stage at his own inauguration and painting a dire picture of “American carnage,” Trump will depart the office twice impeached, with millions of people out of work and 400,000 dead from the coronavirus. He will be forever remembered for the final major act of his presidency: inciting an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol that left five dead, including a Capitol Police officer, and horrified the nation.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has pardoned former chief strategist Steve Bannon as part of a late flurry of clemency action benefiting nearly 150 people, including rap stars and former members of Congress. The pardons and commutations for 143 people, including Bannon, were announced after midnight Wednesday in the final hours of Trump’s White House term. The last-minute clemency, announced earlier Wednesday morning, follows separate waves of pardons over the last month for Trump associates convicted in the FBI’s Russia investigation as well as for the father of his son-in-law.
TOKYO (AP) — Global shares were mostly higher ahead of Joe Biden’s inauguration as U.S. president, though worries about surging coronavirus cases sapped the Japanese market’s early gains. Benchmarks in France, Germany and Britain rose in early trading. Hopes are growing that Biden’s planned stimulus for the American economy as well as measures to curb the pandemic will boost regional markets. While many Asian nations have fared better in the pandemic than European countries and the U.S., worries in the region still run high. Tokyo and other urban areas of Japan are under a state of emergency and deaths related to COVID-19 still are rising.
DETROIT (AP) — President Donald Trump has commuted the prison sentence of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who has served about seven years of a 28-year sentence for corruption. The announcement Wednesday morning was part of a flurry of clemency action in the final hours of Trump’s White House term. A White House statement noted that prominent members of the Detroit community had supported the former Democratic mayor’s commutation and it said that while in prison Kilpatrick “taught public speaking classes and has led Bible Study groups with his fellow inmates.” Kilpatrick was convicted in 2013 of racketeering conspiracy, fraud, extortion and tax crimes. The government called it the “Kilpatrick enterprise,” a yearslong scheme to shake down contractors and reward allies.
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