– Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Jan 21

CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Mostly cloudy. Scattered snow flurries in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 20s. Temperatures falling into the upper teens in the afternoon.

Northwest winds 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 40 mph in the morning. Chance of snow 30 percent.

.TONIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Colder. Lows zero to 5 above. Northwest winds 5 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 20s. West winds 5 to

15 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows 5 to 10 above. South winds

5 to 10 mph.

.SATURDAY…Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Highs

in the mid 20s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows zero to 5 above.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Highs around 15.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows near zero.

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs around 10.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows near zero.

.TUESDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs 10 to 15.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows zero to 5 above.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs 15 to 20.

Valley City (CSi) Valley City, City Attorney, Carl Martineck has issued an explanation and details about the recently passed Valley City Commission approval of extending the face covering requirement within city limits.

“On January 19, 2021, following approval by the Board of City Commissioners, Mayor Carlsrud signed Emergency Order 2020-05.5, extending the face covering requirement within the City of Valley City. The Order is effective through February 19.

In addition to the face covering requirement, businesses and large gatherings are strongly encouraged to adopt protocols consistent with ND Smart Restart for the Yellow/Moderate Risk Level, which would include physical distancing and capacity limits.

Businesses are required to post at least one sign notifying customers of the requirement on the entrance to the establishment, and may also contact the City for assistance in enforcing the Order on their premises.”

Large Gathering Capacity Guidelines

ND Smart Restart Protocols

North Dakota health officials are reporting a dramatic drop in hospitalizations because of the coronavirus, due mostly to finding and fixing a computer glitch. The state Department of Health said Wednesday that the adjustment was made after officials resolved a problem with the flow of data in the last week from caseworkers to the state’s reporting system. The result was a drop from 88 hospitalizations to 55. The last time hospitalizations were that low was late August. The state’s hospital tracker shows there are 48 staffed intensive care unit beds and 381 staffed inpatient beds available in North Dakota.

NDDoH

COVID 19 Stats.

Wed. Jan 20, 2021

11-a.m.

Barnes County

New Positives: 1

Total Positives: 1275

Active: 7

Recovered: 1238

Stutsman County

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

New Positives: 3

Total Positives: 3211

Active: 19

Recovered: 3118

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

BY THE NUMBERS

6,308 – Total Tests from yesterday*

1,464,731 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

158 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

85 – PCR Tests | 73 – Antigen Tests
96,222 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

3.00% – Daily Positivity Rate**

1,177 – Total Active Cases

-57 Individuals from yesterday.

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

93,658 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

55 – Currently Hospitalized

-33 – Individuals from yesterday.

Yesterday it was discovered that there was a disruption in the flow of data between the software the caseworkers use and the Disease Surveillance and Reporting System (where the dashboard numbers are pulled from). The disruption happened on Jan. 13 and is now resolved.

1 – New Deaths*** (1,387 total deaths since the pandemic began)

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

Man in his 40s from Ramsey County.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED WEDNESDAY

Adams County – 1
Barnes County – 1
Benson County – 1
Bottineau County – 3
Bowman County – 4
Burleigh County – 21
Cass County – 16
Cavalier County – 1
Dickey County – 1
Divide County – 1
Dunn County – 1
Eddy County – 1
Foster County – 1
Golden Valley County – 1
Grand Forks County – 15
Grant County – 1
McHenry County – 1
McKenzie County – 1
McLean County – 4
Mercer County – 6
Morton County – 6
Mountrail County – 2
Oliver County – 1
Pembina County – 1
Renville County – 1
Richland County – 9
Sheridan County – 1
Sioux County – 1
Stark County – 10
Steele County – 1
Stutsman County – 3
Traill County – 3
Walsh County – 3
Ward County – 18
Williams County – 16

* 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 11 am to 12 noon at the Jamestown Civic Center, using the Rapid Testing, BinaxNow , Thursday January 21, at 11 am 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 (NDHP) The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports a one vehicle crash on Wednesday about 9:50-a.m. on I-94 at mile marker 285.5, west of Valley City injured a 49 year old Valley City woman.

The report says, a Buick Century was traveling west bound on Interstate 94 towards Jamestown. The driver, a 49 year old, unidentified Valley City woman, lost control of the Buick and overcorrected causing it to enter the median of Interstate 94. The Buick overturned and crossed the east bound lanes of Interstate 94. The Buick came to rest on the east bound shoulder facing south west. She was transported by Valley City Ambulance to CHI Mercy Hospital in Valley City to be treated for her injuries sustained in the crash.

A seat belt was not in use at the time of the rollover.

The crash is under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
Assisting at the scene were: The Barnes County Sheriff’s Office, Valley City Police Department, and Valley City Ambulance.

Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce, Ambassadors will be on hand today, to help celebrate the opening of Love’s Travel Center, in Valley City, with a ribbon cutting at the new McDonald’s restaurant located there.

Officials with Love’s Travel Center have announced that the new Valley City facility, located southeast of I-94 exit 292 opens Thursday.

Love’s spokeswoman Caitlin Campbell says, business will also have a Love’s Truck Care with tires, vehicle lube and light mechanical services.

The $4.5 million facility will have fueling islands, plus DOT inspections for professional drivers and fleets.

The Valley City Love’s Travel Center, will have several products and amenities for professional drivers and four-wheel customers.

She adds that the travel center will include fresh coffee and snacks including Hot to Go and Fresh to Go food options, a McDonald’s restaurant, Truck, car and RV parking spaces, a Mobile-to-Go Zone with the latest electronics and a dog park for travelers.

The $4.5 million facility will have fueling islands, a convenience store, restaurant and a tire shop all located southeast of exit 292 in Valley City.

According to a 2019 survey over 12-thousand vehicles pass through that stretch of I-94 daily.

Jamestown (CSi) James River Valley Library System Director, Joe Rector thanks the community for its continued support during challenging months during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Wednesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, he pointed out many accomplishments the past few months of 2020.

During COVID- 19 restriction at the library restrictions, he pointed out,

the sidewalk book sale last summer – being thankful for the great support of our community.

The Library is doing many things even though 2020 was a challenging year

He said, “We’ve missed our people – but we have still done great things to enhance our impact once the pandemic is under control.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic the library was:

One of the first libraries to close last March
Kept our employees working on projects to benefit our community
One of the first libraries in the state to reopen (June 15)
Retreated back to curbside during November spike
Reopening to the public January 25, 2021.
The Alfred Dickey Public Library will be open 10-a.m., to 6-p.m.
The Stutsman County Library will be open 9-a.m. to 5-p.m.
He added that the Stutsman County Bookmobile is operating, dropping off items, as social distancing does not allow people to safely enter the bookmobile.

During the pandemic, the library provided several services.

Summer reading program for all ages online
Facebook story times
Binge bags
Personalized item selection
Bookmobile has been delivering book bins to schools and daycares
Mitten tree

Safety of library patrons continues to be a major concern.

Frequent disinfecting of library surfaces
Bookmarks telling how to safely disinfect library materials
Social distancing
Limited use of library equipment (2 computers at each library)
Limit of 25 patrons in ADPL at a time; 10 at SCL

Joe pointed out new projects that will enhance the communities enjoyment of the library.

Remodeling SCL (landscaping, painting interior, shelving)
Meeting room AV project – donation in honor of Madeline Bellows (laser projector, built-in speakers, Xbox, DVD player, custom cabinet)
Creating Libraries of Things – puzzles, games, kitchen implements, tools, craft implements
Working on upgrading our programming capabilities to hit the ground running when the pandemic comes under control

The community can help with the “Libraries of Things.”

Friends of the Library are raising funding
There will be opportunities for item donations – nice puzzles, games, kitchen items, tools
Donations aren’t being accepted yet, but stay tuned to our Facebook

With the expansion of expanding the Alfred Dickey Public library Joe said the board is

Looking to purchase property for a new or expanded library
Saving money through budget efficiencies
- Not seeking additional tax dollars
New facility would operate in conjunction with ADPL
Seeking high visibility, easy access, proximity to schools, etc.
Attractive spaces for programming, technology, study (people)
Looking to build 5 – 7 years after purchasing property
- Combination of saved funds & borrowing
Building might take place in 3 phases to spread costs
Will need approval from the City and County

Contact

The Alfred Dickey Public Library at 701-252-2990
On line, Jrvls.org
On Facebook: James River Valley Library System

COOPERSTOWN, N.D. (AP) — Sheriff’s officials are investigating after vandalism caused extensive damage at a Bible camp in eastern North Dakota. Authorities say someone set fire to a boys’ cabin and caused other damage at the Cooperstown Bible Camp Monday night. Officials say someone drove recklessly all over the camp, narrowing missing buildings, trees and propane tanks. The Griggs County Sheriff’s Office is looking for information on those responsible.

Bismarck (CSi) – Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement Wednesday after President Joe Biden revoked the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline.

“For decades, a primary policy goal of every presidential administration has been to put America in a position to sell energy to our friends and allies versus buy it from our enemies. Finally achieving this policy of U.S. energy independence in recent years due to American innovation and entrepreneurship has led to low energy prices that help working families keep more money in their pockets, a resurgence in American manufacturing jobs and the ability to bring our soldiers home. Now is not the time to abandon this essential strategy.

“In North Dakota, we’ve experienced first-hand how major modern pipeline infrastructure and an all-of-the-above energy strategy can create high-paying jobs, strengthen the economy, move product to market in the safest and most efficient manner, and advance U.S. energy independence. The Keystone XL pipeline accomplishes all of these goals, and revoking the permit is wrong for the country and has a chilling effect on private-sector investment in much-needed infrastructure projects, which is why we urge the President to reconsider.

“We’re ready to work with the new administration on developing policies that support our state’s priorities, and we will continue to oppose policies that harm North Dakotans, especially our energy and agricultural producers.”

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A bipartisan group of lawmakers want North Dakota taxpayers to pay for legislators’ meals. The legislation follows a ban on the once-frequent free feasts from lobbyists and interest groups under voter-approved ethics rules. Republican GOP Rep. Keith Kempenich is sponsoring the bill that will allow lawmakers who live outside Bismarck to claim reimbursement for meals. The bill has an estimated two-year cost of more than $424,000, or about $3,340 for each of the 127 qualified lawmakers. Kempenich says he used to get fancy dinners from lobbyists, but that now he has to eat spaghetti out of a can.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota lawmaker wants to ban the testing of wastewater for the coronavirus, saying the practice violates the privacy rights of college students. Republican Rep. Claire Cory introduced a bill that would prohibit wastewater testing “for genetic material or evidence of disease.” She says she brought the bill over concerns from people about wastewater testing tracing the virus on university campuses,. The Bismarck Tribune reports that a separate proposal by Republican Rep. Matt Ruby would require a public hearing and a vote before local officials decide to participate in state or national testing. Wastewater testing is an emerging science that is potentially an earlier indicator of active COVID-19 cases than testing of people.

In sports…

NDAPSSA CLASS A BASKETBALL POLLS

(First-place votes in parentheses)

BOYS

Team Rec. Pts. LW

1. West Fargo (15) 9-0 95 1

2. W.F. Sheyenne (5) 10-1 82 2

3. Minot 8-1 56 4

4. Bismarck 8-2 34 3

5. Jamestown 8-2 32 5

Others receiving votes: Bismarck Legacy (7-3).

GIRLS

Team Rec. Pts. LW

1. Century (20) 8-0 100 1

2. Devils Lake 7-0 73 2

3. Watford City 9-1 65 3

4. Fargo Davies 9-1 42 4

5. G.F. Red River 7-3 17 5

Others receiving votes: Bismarck (5-3), Bismarck Legacy (7-3), West Fargo (7-2).

Wednesday

At Harold Newman Arena

UJ Men’s Basketball

Jamestown 74 Dakota Wesleyan 66

Jamestown (UJ) The University of Jamestown men’s basketball team returned to Harold Newman Arena Wednesday and picked up its biggest win of the season, a 74-66 victory over 11th-ranked Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) University.

Jamestown improves to 13-5 overall and 9-4 in the GPAC, while DWU falls to 14-4 overall and 10-3 in the conference.

An 8-0 run to open the second half turned UJ’s one-point halftime lead into a nine-point cushion at the 18:29 mark of the second half.

After maintaining the lead between four and seven points for the next six minutes, the Jimmies once again led by nine after Mason Walters (SO/Jamestown, ND) scored to make it 51-42.

Dakota Wesleyan responded with a three-point play by Ace Zorr, and baskets by Sawyer Schultz and Nick Harden were part of a 9-3 run that brought the Tigers within three points at the 10:11 mark.

The Jimmies responded as Walters, Jack Talley (SR/Sioux Falls, SD), and Brady Birch (SR/Melrose, MN) scored on three straight possessions, and Walters converted a three-point play to make it 63-53 with 7:13 to go.

A Schultz three-pointer and Zorr bucket made it a five-point game once again, but Allante’ Pickens (SR/Chicago, IL) drilled a three with 3:21 remaining to put UJ ahead by eight.

Walters led the way with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Talley finished with 13 and eight rebounds, while Pickens came off the bench to score 12, and Birch was also in double figures with 10 points.

Jamestown shot 47.5 percent (28-for-59) overall and made 6-of-17 three-point attempts (35.3 percent). UJ was 12-for-18 (66.7 percent) at the foul line. The Jimmies were outrebounded 41-31 but turned the ball over just nine times to DWU’s 15.

UJ is back in action Saturday hosting Mount Marty (S.D.) University at 2 p.m.

Wednesday

Wilson Arena

UJ D-2 Hockey

Jamestown 7 NDSU 3

NBA

— Cole Anthony hit a hurried 3-pointer at the buzzer and the Orlando Magic stunned the Minnesota Timberwolves 97-96 to stop a six-game losing streak. Nikola Vucevic (NEE’-koh-lah VOOCH’-uh-vihch) had 28 points and eight rebounds for Orlando. Evan Fournier (FOHR’-nee-ay) added 24 points in his return to the lineup after missing nine games with lower back spasms. Minnesota led by 20 before the Magic slowly chipped away in the second half. Jarred Vanderbilt missed a pair of free throws with a chance to ice the game for the Timberwolves.

— Joel Embiid had 42 points and 10 rebounds and Tobias Harris scored 22 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 117-109 win over the Boston Celtics. Embiid is off to the best start of his career and topped 40 points for the second time in three games. He made 12 of 19 from the floor and was 17 of 21 from the free-throw line. He did it in 34 minutes and scored 20 points in a half for the fifth time this season. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points and Marcus Smart had 25.

Deandre Ayton had season highs with 26 points and 17 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns beat the Houston Rockets 109-103 on Wednesday night to end a two-game skid. The Suns won for the first time since Jan. 9. Between the two losses, they had three games postponed because of health and safety protocols after playing at Washington. Devin Booker added 24 points for Phoenix. Victor Oladipo and Eric Gordon had 22 points apiece for the Rockets. They have lost three of four since James Harden was traded to Brooklyn.

UNDATED (AP) — Kyrie Irving returned from his personal “pause” to score 37 points in his first game with Kevin Durant and James Harden but the new-look, star-studded Brooklyn Nets struggled and lost 147-135 in double overtime to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Collin Sexton scored 15 of his 42 points in the second OT — most of them over Irving — for the Cavs, who outplayed the Nets all night.

Sexton dropped two 3-pointers and fed Taurean Prince for another in a span of 55 seconds as Cleveland put Brooklyn away. Durant led Brooklyn with 38 points and Harden added 21 for the Nets.

— Stephen Curry had 26 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, and the Golden State Warriors beat the San Antonio Spurs 121-99 while honoring new Vice President Kamala Harris and her Oakland roots. Rookie James Wiseman added 20 points, six rebounds and four assists and Draymond Green dished out six of the Warriors’ 31 assists. Golden State made it consecutive impressive wins after erasing a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter of a 115-113 road victory against the Lakers on Monday. Dejounte Murray scored 22 points to lead the Spurs, who had won the past three meetings with the Warriors and five of six.

— Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points, Paul George added 19 and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Sacramento Kings 115-96 for their season-high fifth consecutive victory. The Clippers handed the Kings a 38-point loss at their place last Friday. A new week didn’t change anything. Sacramento dropped its fourth in a row and sixth of seven. The Kings were led by De’Aaron Fox with 25 points. The Clippers broke the game open with 34 points in the third quarter, when they had scoring runs of 9-0 and 13-0.

— Kendrick Nunn scored 28 points and the injury-plagued Miami Heat pulled away in the second half for a 111-102 win over the Toronto Raptors. Bam Adebayo had 14 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists for Miami and Kelly Olynyk added 15 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Nunn had scored just 33 points all season before his 18-point game on Monday night. He came off the bench in this one and shot 9 of 12 and had eight rebounds in 35 minutes. Fred VanVleet had 24 points and nine assists for the Raptors whose three-game winning streak ended.

— Trae Young scored 38 points, John Collins had 31 and the Atlanta Hawks rallied to beat Jerami Grant and the Detroit Pistons 123-115 in overtime. Grant had a career-high 32 points, including all of Detroit’s nine points in overtime, to continue his hot start to the season. Clint Capela had 27 points and a career-high 26 rebounds for Atlanta. Young scored 21 points in the third period, when Atlanta charged back after trailing by 14 points. The Pistons have the worst record in the Eastern Conference.

— Kristaps Porzingis posted season-high totals of 27 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 124-112 victory at Indiana. Dallas was in control most of the game as it snapped a three-game losing streak against the short-handed Pacers. Malcolm Brogdon finished with 26 points and Domantis Sabonis had 25 points in Indiana’s first game with fans in the stands. Dallas took the lead for good on the final basket of the third quarter and pulled away with an 11-4 run in the fourth.

NBA NEWS

UNDATED (AP) — Washington got back on the practice court Wednesday for the first time in more than a week, and Bradley Beal wondered if the Wizards need more time there before returning to game mode.

The NBA apparently agreed. Not long after the league’s leading scorer said he believes the short-handed Wizards may be following “a recipe for injury” if they played Milwaukee as scheduled Friday night, the NBA said that game would be postponed in a move that simply gives Washington more time to get game-ready again.

Also, the Memphis-Portland game was postponed Wednesday and the league revealed that 11 more players in the past week have tested positive for COVID-19.

NHL..

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Joel Eriksson Ek had a goal and an assist, including the game-winning score early in the third period, and the Minnesota Wild capped a successful season-opening road trip with a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Ryan Hartman and Nick Bonino also scored for Minnesota, a winner of three of its first four games. Kaapo Kahkonen made 22 saves. Nicolas Deslauriers and Cam Fowler scored for Anaheim, and Ryan Miller stopped 29 shots.

TORONTO (AP) — Leon Draisaitl (DRY’-sy-tul) broke a tie on a power play midway through the third period in the Edmonton Oilers’ 3-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night. Kailer Yamamoto was credited with the opening goal for Edmonton after the Maple Leafs fumbled the puck into their own net in the first.

Mikko Koskinen (KAHS’-kihn-ihn) made 25 saves, Josh Archibald scored into an empty net with 1:06 left, and Connor McDavid added two assists.

Auston Matthews scored for Toronto, and Frederik Andersen made 19 saves.

Also in NHL action:

— Tomas Hertl scored the only goal in a four-round shootout to give the San Jose Sharks a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Marcus Sorensen scored the tying goal late in the second period and Martin Jones made 22 saves for the Sharks, who snapped a six-game losing streak to St. Louis that started in the 2019 playoffs. Jones denied all four Blues shooters in the tiebreaker. Brayden Schenn scored in his second consecutive game and Jordan Binnington made 37 saves for the Blues. San Jose appeared to get the game-winner with 11 seconds left in overtime, but the officials quickly waved it off for goaltender interference on Ryan Donato. After a replay review, the call was upheld.

— Bo Horvat scored the shootout winner and the Vancouver Canucks overcame Tyler Toffoli’s hat trick and beat the Montreal Canadiens 6-5. Horvat put a shot between the legs of Montreal goalie Carey Price to make the Canucks winners in their home opener. Horvat and Brock Boeser each finished with two goals and an assist for Vancouver in regulation. Tyler Motte also scored and J.T. Miller had three assists. In addition to Toffoli’s scoring, Jesper Kotkaniemi had a goal and an assist and Brendan Gallagher scored his first of the season in the loss.

— Shea Theodore scored two goals, Marc-Andre Fleury made 21 saves and the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Arizona Coyotes 5-2 Wednesday night. It marks the first time the Golden Knights have started 4-0-0 in their four-year existence. They’re the first team in the NHL to reach four wins this season. Alex Tuch added a goal and two assists, Mark Stone had a goal and an assist, and Alex Pietrangelo scored his first goal with Vegas. Nick Schmaltz and Phil Kessel scored for the Coyotes (1-2-1). Darcy Kuemper made 24 saves.

NHL-NEWS

UNDATED (AP) — The NHL has postponed games for the Carolina Hurricanes through “at least” Saturday after five Hurricanes players have been placed on the league’s COVID-19 protocol list, a day before the Hurricanes were set to host the Florida Panthers in their home opener. The teams were scheduled to play again Saturday afternoon.

The league is reviewing and revising Carolina’s regular-season schedule.

— Three-time MVP Alex Ovechkin and three other Washington Capitals players have been added to the NHL’s COVID-19 list and the team has been fined $100,000 by the league for violating coronavirus protocols. Center Evgeny Kuznetsov (kooz-NET’-sahv), defenseman Dmitry Orlov and top goalie Ilya Samsonov (SAYR’-gay SAM’-soh-nahv) are the other Capitals who can’t practice for the time being. Five players from the Carolina Hurricanes also have been on that list and that team’s games were called off by the league through “at least” Saturday.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

— Nate Watson scored a career-high 29 points and Providence turned back Creighton each time it pulled close to beat the 11th-ranked Bluejays 74-70. Creighton lost its second straight after one of its worst offensive games of the season. The Friars built an early 17-point lead behind the strong inside play of the 6-foot-10, 260-pound Watson. Creighton battled back to 39-34 at halftime, fell behind by double digits in the second half and then made late runs that fell short.

— Tyler Wahl paced a balanced attack with 14 points and No. 10 Wisconsin pulled away in the second half for a 68-52 victory over Northwestern. The Badgers gained control with a 12-0 run midway through the second half. Micah Potter’s 3-pointer put Wisconsin up 56-39. Northwestern went scoreless for almost six minutes until Chase Audige’s 3-pointer made it 56-42 with 10:26 left. D’Mitrik Trice added 12 points, Brad Davison 11 and Potter 10 for Wisconsin. Audige had 16 points and Miller Kopp 10 for Northwestern, which has lost six straight.

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Tech returned from a 17-day layoff with one of its most impressive showings of the season. The Yellow Jackets routed No. 20 Clemson 83-65 as three players scored more than 20 points. Michael Devoe led the way with 22 points, while Moses Wright and Jordan Usher chipped in with 21 apiece. The Yellow Jackets built a nine-point halftime lead and led by as many as 22 to stretch its winning streak to five in a row. They handed the Tigers their second straight blowout loss. Aamir Simms led Clemson with 19 points.

— Marcus Sasser scored 26 points, Quentin Grimes added 18 points and seven rebounds and No. 8 Houston avenged its only loss with an 86-59 win over Tulsa. Houston shot 43%, including 13 of 32 on 3-pointers. The Cougars outrebounded Tulsa 52-24 and held a 26-7 advantage in second-chance points.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL-NEWS

Judge rules in favor of Williamson

UNDATED (AP) — A federal judge in North Carolina has ruled in favor of New Orleans Pelicans player Zion Williamson in a case surrounding the validity of a contract he terminated with a Florida-based marketing agent who is seeking $100 million in damages from the former Duke star. U.S. District Judge Loretta Biggs in Winston-Salem ruled that marketing agent Gina Ford’s contract with Williamson was void because Ford was not licensed in North Carolina and because the contract did not comply with state laws meant to protect amateur athletes from being misled by sports agents.

In other virus-related postponements:

— The Atlantic Coast Conference announced that Saturday’s Pittsburgh-Boston College men’s basketball game has been postponed following a positive COVID-19 test, subsequent quarantining, and contact tracing within the Boston College men’s program. No makeup date was given. The conference also said Pittsburgh’s men’s game at Wake Forest scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 7, will move to this Saturday evening.

— Georgetown’s men’s basketball game at Xavier scheduled for next week has been postponed because of a coronavirus-related issue in the Hoyas program. The game was supposed to be played Tuesday. No makeup date was announced.

MLB-NEWS

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins and veteran starting pitcher J.A. Happ have agreed to an $8 million, one-year contract, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person confirmed the agreement to The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced it. The 38-year-old Happ spent the past 2 1/2 seasons with the New York Yankees. Happ finished with a 2-2 record and 3.47 ERA in nine starts last year.

UNDATED (AP) — Outfielder Michael Brantley has agreed to a $32 million, two-year contract with the Houston Astros, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The deal is pending completion of a physical. Brantley spent the last two seasons in Houston after playing for Cleveland for his first 10 MLB seasons. Brantley hit .300 with five homers and 22 RBIs in 46 games in last year’s pandemic-shortened season.

Elsewhere in the majors:

— A person familiar with the negotiations says the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to contracts with free agent pitchers Kirby Yates and Tyler Chatwood. Yates received a $5.5 million, one-year deal with $4.5 million in potential performance bonuses. Chatwood agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract with incentives that could take it to $5.5 million. Yates led the major leagues in saves in 2019 with 41 saves for San Diego and earned a place on the National League All-Star team. Chatwood went 2 – 2 with a 5.30 ERA in five starts with the Chicago Cubs last year.

— Reliever Wade Davis is returning to the Kansas City Royals, the team he helped pitch to the 2015 World Series title. Davis and the Royals agreed Wednesday to a minor league contract, and the 35-year-old right-hander will go to spring training trying to earn a spot on the major league roster. If added to the 40-man roster, Davis would get a one-year contract paying at a rate of $1.25 million while in the major leagues and $200,000 while in the minors.

NFL-NEWS

Colts QB Rivers retires from NFL after 17 seasons

UNDATED (AP) — Longtime NFL quarterback Philip Rivers has decided to retire after playing one season with the Indianapolis Colts.

His decision at age 39 comes less than two weeks after the Colts suffered a 27-24 loss at Buffalo in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Rivers finishes his career ranked among the league’s top five in career completions, career yards passing and career TDs. His 240 consecutive regular-season starts was the second-longest streak since 1970, trailing only Brett Favre. He never played in a Super Bowl.

In other NFL news:

— Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (mah-HOHMZ’) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol, but he practiced in a limited capacity today, raising hopes that the reigning Super Bowl MVP can play in Sunday’s AFC title game against Buffalo.

— The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with Dan Campbell to be their coach. The Lions announced the agreement with the New Orleans Saints tight ends coach a day after formally introducing Brad Holmes as their general manager. A person familiar with the situation says Campbell will sign a six-year contract.

— The Browns can pick up Baker Mayfield’s fifth-year option this offseason and may look to sign him to a long-term contract. Before the Browns drafted him first overall in 2018, the team went through 29 starting quarterbacks. The team has until May to pick up Mayfield’s fifth-year option.

TENNIS-ADELAIDE-ASH BARTY

Top-ranked Ash Barty to make return in Adelaide exhibition

ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) — Top-ranked Ash Barty is to return to the tennis court for something other than practice for the first time in 11 months.

Barty says she plans to play in a one-day exhibition event in Adelaide which includes Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Simona Halep. Called “’A Day at the Drive,” the January 29 exhibition at Memorial Drive also features four of the top men’s players.

The men’s lineup includes Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem. Barty didn’t contest the U.S. Open or French Open last year because of travel restrictions in place for the COVID-19 pandemic.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott stepping down at end of June

UNDATED (AP) — Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott is stepping down at the end of June, ending an 11-year tenure in which the conference landed a transformational billion dollar television deal, but struggled to keep up in revenue and exposure with some of its Power Five peers.

Sports Business Journal first reported the news Wednesday night and a person with knowledge of what was being called a mutual decision between Scott and university presidents who make up the league’s executive committee confirmed it to AP.

Scott’s current contract was set to expire June 2022, but he will only finish out this academic year and assist with the transition to his successor.

OBIT-SADEK

Mike Sadek, former Giants catcher, dies at 74 after illness

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Mike Sadek, a popular backup catcher who played all eight of his major league seasons with the San Francisco Giants, has died. He was 74.

The team announced Sadek died Wednesday in San Andreas, California, following a short illness.

Sadek was a .226 career hitter with five home runs and 74 RBIs in 383 big league games from 1973-81. His 64 games in 1980 were a career high. After his playing days ended, Sadek went on to work in the Giants’ community relations department from 1981-99 before retiring.

In world and national news…

GENEVA (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci says U.S. President Joe Biden will order the United States to support projects to deploy COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics to people in need around the world. Fauci also says the United States will cease reducing U.S. staff counts at the World Health Organization and will pay its financial obligations to it. Fauci, Biden’s top medical adviser on the pandemic, told the WHO’s executive board that the president will issue a directive Thursday that shows the United States’ intent to join the COVAX Facility, a project to deploy COVID-19 vaccines to people in need around the world — whether in rich or poor countries.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is putting the United States back into the worldwide fight to slow global warming as one of his first acts in office. Biden signed an order returning the United States to the Paris climate accord within hours of his oath-taking Wednesday. Biden in his inaugural address said the need for climate action couldn’t be “any more desperate or any more clear.” Biden signed other orders launching a series of climate-friendly efforts that could transform how Americans drive and get their power. That includes a moratorium on new oil and gas leasing in the Arctic wilderness.

BEIJING (AP) — China has expressed hope the Biden administration will improve prospects for people of both countries and give a boost to relations after an especially rocky patch, while getting in a few final digs at former Trump officials. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson says China and the U.S. need to relaunch cooperation. She particularly welcomed the administration’s decision to remain in the World Health Organization and return to the Paris Agreement on climate change. She criticized ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo after Beijing imposed travel and business sanctions on 30 former officials, including national security adviser Robert O’Brien and U.N. ambassador, Kelly Craft. The markedly more friendly tone Thursday appeared to signal Chinese hopes to cool the rhetoric on both sides.

BAGHDAD (AP) — Officials say twin suicide bombings have ripped through a busy market in Iraq’s capital, killing at least 28 people and wounding over 70 others. The rare suicide bombing attack hit the Bab al-Sharqi commercial area in central Baghdad amid heightened political tensions over planned early elections and a severe economic crisis. Blood smeared the floors of the busy market amid piles of clothes and shoes as survivors took stock of the disarray. Iraq’s military said at least 28 people were killed and 73 wounded in the attack and said some of the injured were in serious condition.

TOKYO (AP) — Global shares are mostly rising on the optimism over the new leadership in Washington. Benchmarks in France, Germany and Britain are rising in early Thursday trading. Shares finished higher at major Asian bourses, with the exception of Hong Kong. Hopes are high President Joe Biden’s administration will mean more support for the struggling U.S. economy, helping set off a global recovery. Japan’s economy, like many others across the region, has been slammed by the coronavirus pandemic, which has crushed tourism and economic activity. Biden has pitched a plan to pump $1.9 trillion more into the struggling U.S. economy.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Three new Democratic senators have been sworn into office, giving Democrats the majority in the Senate. In a first vote, the Senate has confirmed President Joe Biden’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines. The Senate is now split 50-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential tie-breaking vote. That’s alongside Democratic control of the House and White House — unified government to tackle the new president’s agenda. Harris delivered the oath of office to Democrats Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock and Alex Padilla. But Republican leader Mitch McConnell