– Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Jan. 28

CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Mostly cloudy. Chance of flurries through the day. Highs 15 to 20. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows around 10. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY…Cloudy. Highs in the mid 20s. Southeast winds around 15 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Cloudy. Lows 15 to 20. Southeast winds 10 to

15 mph.

.SATURDAY…Cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow in the afternoon in the Jamestown area, 30 percent in the Valley City area.

Highs in the upper 20s. Northeast winds around 10 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow in

the evening. Lows around 15.

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

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows around 10.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs around 30.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows around 15.

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

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow after

midnight. Lows around 20.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow.

Highs in the upper 20s.

A slight chance of snow in the James River Valley on Saturday. Little to no accumulation is expected from this. Temperatures will cool slightly on Saturday before rebounding on Sunday.

A potential storm system moving through the Northern Plains in the middle of next week in the far south central and James River Valley.

Almost a week out there is obviously time for major changes with the storm track, but, widespread accumulating snow is expected.

Cooler temperatures also look to move in after this system moves

through.

Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Public Works informs motorist that today, January 28, there is a road closure and a temporary water outage on 4th Ave NE, between 16th ST NE & 17th ST NE, until approximately 3:00P.M. Thursday.

Motorists will need to use alternate routes.
Motorists should use extreme caution in this area.

Jamestown (JPD Jamestown Police is asking anyone with information on an early Wednesday morning January 27, break-in at Rainbow Laundry in Jamestown, office, to contact police.

The break-in with two individuals seen inside on security camera footage, occurred about 3:30-a.m.

Anyone with cameras in the area that may have recorded footage of movement around that time, is requested to contact Jamestown Police at 701-252-2414.

Bismarck (CSi) – With active cases of COVID-19 in North Dakota at their lowest level since mid-August, Gov. Doug Burgum Wednesday announced the statewide risk level is being adjusted from moderate/yellow risk to low/green risk, effective 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29.

A low/green risk level increases the recommended occupancy limit for bars, restaurants and other food service establishments from 65 percent of licensed facility capacity up to 200 patrons, to 80 percent of licensed facility capacity up to 300 patrons, with social distancing. Face coverings should be strongly recommended or required. Banquet, ballrooms and event venues are recommended at 75 percent of room capacity, not to exceed the ND Smart Restart capacity limits.

Burgum noted active cases have decreased to 1,016 today, down from over 10,000 in mid-November, and the state’s 14-day positivity rate has decreased to 3.17 percent, the lowest since Aug. 22. Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 stand at 49, down from a peak of 334 on Nov. 11.

North Dakota ranked lowest among all states for test positivity last week, according to the state report distributed by the White House, and first among states in percentage of received vaccine doses administered as of Tuesday, at 87 percent, according to the CDC Data Tracker.

Burgum says, “We’re grateful to all North Dakotans, including our medical, education and business communities, for their actions that have contributed to these positive results. We continue to use a data-driven approach to navigate this pandemic, and all data indicates North Dakota is heading in the right direction. To continue these positive trends, we encourage North Dakotans to keep using the tools that got us here: physical distance, wear a mask when you can’t distance, get vaccinated when it’s your turn, get tested and, if positive, seek out monoclonal antibody treatments, which can dramatically reduce hospitalization and mortality rates if administered at the right time to eligible patients.”

Burgum encouraged residents to observe local protocols, including local mask requirements, and to get vaccinated when it’s their turn, to stay healthy, protect the vulnerable and keep children in school.

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

NDDoH Covid-19 Stats

Wed. Jan. 27, 2021

Barnes

New Positives 0

Total Positives 1276

Active 2

Recovered 1242

Stutsman

Positives 1

Total Positives 3230

Active 13

Recovered 3142

More information when available.

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

BY THE NUMBERS

7,354 – Total Tests from yesterday*

1,502,576 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

162 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

106 – PCR Tests | 56 – Antigen Tests
97,160 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

2.60% – Daily Positivity Rate**

1,016 – Total Active Cases

+8 – Individuals from yesterday.

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

94,728 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

49 – Currently Hospitalized

+1 – Individuals from yesterday.

1 – New Deaths*** (1,416 total deaths since the pandemic began)

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

Woman in her 80s from Ward County.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED WEDNESDAY

Bottineau County – 4
Burke County – 2
Burleigh County – 15
Cass County – 27
Dickey County – 3
Dunn County – 1
Eddy County – 9
Foster County – 1

Grand Forks County – 6
Hettinger County – 2
McHenry County – 1
McKenzie County – 3

McLean County – 1
Mercer County – 2
Morton County – 4
Mountrail County – 1
Ramsey County – 4
Ransom County – 1
Richland County – 8
Rolette County – 10
Sioux County – 2
Stark County – 5
Stutsman County – 1
Towner County – 1
Traill County – 2
Ward County – 20
Williams County – 26

* 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) Registrations are being accepted on line through the City/County Health District for this week’s COVID-19 vaccinations.

The posted schedule this week:

75 years old and older:

Next vaccinations

Thursday Jan. 28, 2021 10-a.m., to 12:30-p.m

You will be asked to remain onsite for 15 minutes following the vaccination.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KWWL) — Collins Aerospace is reporting that more employees are being laid off due to the financial impact of COVID-19 and the hit the aviation business has taken.

A company official says the impact to the Jamestown staff should be “minimal.”

In a statement, the company said that the layoffs were announced on Monday, and impacted employees will receive a separation package.

“Our company continues to experience lower than expected commercial aviation business due to COVID-19. As a result, on Jan. 25, 2021, we announced a second Involuntary Separation Program for U.S. employees. Impacted employees will receive a comprehensive separation package, including outplacement services. These are difficult but necessary decisions to assure that our company is well-positioned for success when the industry recovers.”

Collins Aerospace

In December, Collins Aerospace announced 29 positions in Decorah and 36 positions in Bellevue would be cut, which took effect on January 2.

The company’s first round of layoffs due to the pandemic came at the end of July. The company later revealed 72 positions were cut from its Cedar Rapids plant at the beginning of September. Collins Aerospace’s parent company, Raytheon Technologies also announced in September plans to cut more than 15,000 jobs.

Collins Aerospace did not say how many employees will be affected by this round of layoffs.

NEW INFO

Jamestown (JRMC) The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.s) understand the impact a quality hospice program has on a community. Jamestown Regional Medical Center’s Hospice program has made such an impact on the members of their group. That’s why they host the Polar Pig “Walk the Plank” fundraiser each year.

After a few planning meetings, the H.O.G.s decided they couldn’t cancel this year’s event, especially when patients and staff needed care the most. However, to accommodate pandemic precautions, an online auction is sponsored by Orr Auctioneers and “walk the plank” is now an ice bucket challenge.

On Wednesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable Channel 2, Don Wegner said, proceeds from the event also goes to support the JRMC Cancer Center.

The Polar Pig, Ice Bucket Challenge is set for noon Sat., Jan. 30, with the ABATE chili feed beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Stutsman Harley-Davidson. The online auction started Mon., Jan. 25 and ends at 2 p.m. on the event day. Support the cause by bidding or donating auction items, making donations, or sharing a photo on Facebook for the challenge. He pointed out that as of Wednesday around 95 auction items have been donated, with more being accepted until the day of the event.

He thanked those who have donated the many very nice auction items.

He said the Chili Feed this year, consist of two roasters of chili with no competition, due to observing COVID-19 protocols of social distancing along with face masks required, except while eating. A donation of $5 is accepted for sampling the chili.

A news release from Jamestown Regional Medical Center says, proceeds provide important areas of hospice care, including chaplaincy, grief support, medical supplies and equipment, telecare and comfort items. This year’s event also benefits the JRMC Cancer Center.

Marla Wegner and her husband Don, started the event, with the motorcycle group in 2007. In 2007 they raised more than $230,000.

Marla says, “Hospice is so important and makes a difference for patients and their families. I just didn’t know if we’d be able to do anything this year,”

JRMC Hospice care never quit during the pandemic.

Shar Trevithick, JRMC Home Health & Hospice manager, says, “We’ve supported patients, family and long-term care facilities during visitor restrictions. It is hard when family and friends can’t be close. However, as always, when a patient needs us, we can be by their side in 30 minutes. Hospice best serves individuals when we are involved soon after stopping curative treatment. If you are in this situation, we can answer questions about the changes occurring for the individual and the family.”

For 25 years, JRMC Hospice has been an essential component of compassionate end-of-life care. It encourages individuals with a terminal diagnosis to enroll when they become eligible.

The JRMC team focuses on comfort by controlling pain and other systems so the patient can remain as alert and comfortable as possible. Hospice also has a social work team which helps the patient and family understand and cope. The chaplain provides additional spiritual support and grief counseling.

Care is available in the patient’s home, whether that is a home address, nursing home, assisted living community, independent living community or other location. A referral is not required; patients and families can choose JRMC Hospice.

Special gifts include, but not limited to:

Fraternal Order of Eagles Midway 2923, New Rockford
Fraternal Order of Eagles, Valley City
Stutsman Harley Davidson, Jamestown
District 8 ABATE, Jamestown
Sanford Health, Jamestown
J & L Bar and Grill, Sanborn
Page Fire Department
Thundering Saints, Valley City
Wilhelm Chevrolet Buick GMC, Jamestown

For questions, contact Don Wegner at (701) 269-7047 or Stutsman-Harley Davidson at (701) 252-5271. To support JRMC, visit www.jrmcnd.com/giving.

Jamestown (Chamber) Members of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Etc Salon. They recently moved to a new location at 1517 12^th Avenue Northeast her in Jamestown. You can reach them at 701-252-1429.

Businesses qualify for a ribbon-cutting ceremony if they open, move, remodel, are under new ownership or change their name. For more information, contact Emily Bivens by emailing: director@jamestownchamber.com or call the chamber at 701-252-4830.

Jamestown (Jamestown Tourism) Jamestown Tourism has elected Bethany Jobson to the Board of Directors at their annual meeting. The Board provides leadership in coordinating, promoting, and supporting tourism growth and development in Jamestown, N.D. and surrounding areas.

Bethany is the General Manager of MyPlace Hotel in Jamestown. She has a background in the hospitality industry with a great understanding of tourism in Jamestown.

Other Board Members and Officers are:

Tena Lawrence, President
Paulette Ritter, Vice President
Frank Balak, Treasurer
Taylor Barnes
Amanda Thrift
Pam Phillips
Sean Johnson
Christian Cairy

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A jury has acquitted a Fargo man who was arrested during violent protests in downtown Fargo after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Jurors on Tuesday deliberated for less than 30 minutes before finding 24-year-old Negasi Berhe not guilty of engaging in a riot and preventing arrest. KVRR-TV reports that three Fargo police officers testified they were ordered to arrest Berhe after he had been walking, shouting and pumping his fist near a police line that had been set up the evening of May 30. None of the officers could recall specifically what Berhe had said. All of the officers testified that there was no evidence Berhe was involved in any rock throwing, bottle throwing, vandalism to police cars, or assaults.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A federal judge says the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must outline its plans after an appeals court confirmed that the Dakota Access pipeline is operating without a key permit. Pipeline opponents want it shut down immediately. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has set a status hearing for Feb. 10 to discuss the impact of Tuesday’s opinion by the D.C. Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals that upheld Boasberg’s ruling ordering the Corps to conduct a full environmental impact review. Boasberg said in his one-sentence order the the Corps needs to show how it “expects to proceed given the vacating” of a federal permit granting easement for the pipeline to cross beneath Lake Oahe.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Some North Dakota lawmakers are pushing legislation aimed at shielding businesses and health care facilities from lawsuits due to COVID-19 exposure. The measures come despite criticism it may be unconstitutional and could relax protections for workers. Officials representing business and hospital groups spoke in favor of the legislation at a hearing Wednesday, while some attorneys and a union leader opposed it. The head of the state’s largest business organization says companies are unprotected against frivolous lawsuits without the legislation. Attorneys say North Dakota law already protects businesses from such suits.

In sports…

Jamestown (JPS) The Jamestown High School Activities Department announces the hiring of Jack Bowman as the next head coach of Blue Jay Baseball.

Jack is currently assistant manager at Walmart in Jamestown and also owns and operates 2 Below Zero, Shave Ice in Valley City and Jamestown.

His recent baseball coaching experience includes serving as a volunteer assistant coach for the University of Jamestown Men’s Baseball Team. He has also previously worked as an Assistant Coach at Ricks College, Rexburg, ID as well as having served as Head Legion Baseball Coach in Idaho Falls, ID.

Jamestown Public Schools, Activities Director, Jim Roaldson says, , “We are excited to see where Coach Bowman can lead this program. Previous Head Coach, Kelley Kessler, has left the program in great shape and there is a nucleus of players returning on which to continue to build. Continuing to develop that positive, committed team culture while bringing in his own influences will be Coach Bowman’s biggest challenge.”

Wednesday

D-2 Hockey

Dakota College at Bottineau 5 Jamestown 1

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (UJ)— The ninth-ranked Morningside College women’s basketball team lived up to the billing Wednesday night, defeating the University of Jamestown 99-53 in GPAC action.

The Mustangs (18-2 overall, 16-1 GPAC) scored on their first six possessions, starting off with back-to-back three-pointers by Sierra Mitchell and Sophia Peppers, to take a 14-0 lead.

Morningside led 29-13 after the first quarter and opened up a 28-point lead just past the midway point of the second. Jamestown went into halftime behind by 25 after making just 11 of 34 field goal attempts, including 1-of-16 three-point shots. Morningside finished 20-of-38 in the opening half, and were an even 50 percent (9-of-18) beyond the arc. Peppers had 20 points and nine rebounds in the first half.

An 18-8 run to start the second half gave the Mustangs a 35-point lead, and Morningside took a 29-point edge into the fourth. The Mustangs would lead by as many as 43 before back-to-back three-pointers made it a 46-point game.

Kia Tower (SO/Bigfork, MN) paced UJ with 17 points, nine of them coming in the second half. Hannah DeMars (SO/Grand Rapids, MN) ended with eight and the duo of Noelle Josephson (JR/Ramsey, MN) and Audrey Rodakowski (FR/Dickinson, ND) scored six each. Correy Hickman (SR/Morris, MN) tied a career high with nine rebounds.

Peppers led the Mustangs with a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds. Mitchell was the only other Morningside player in double figures with 23.

The Jimmies, now 12-7 overall and 9-7 in the conference, host Doane (Neb.) Sunday at 11 a.m.

Men…

SIOUX CITY, Iowa– (UJ) The University of Jamestown men’s basketball team defeated its second Top-11 ranked squad in the last week, taking a 76-67 decision over No. 9 Morningside College Wednesday night.

Jamestown (15-5, 11-4 GPAC) extended its winning streak, which began last Wednesday with a 74-66 defeat over then No. 11 Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.), to three games. UJ also won the season series against the conference-leading Mustangs.

Morningside (17-3 overall, 13-3 GPAC) had its seven-game winning streak come to a close, losing for just the second time since December 16.

Allante’ Pickens (SR/Chicago, IL) had a season-high 21 points off the bench, making five of nine three-point attempts, to lead the Jimmies. Cole Woodford (FR/Redwood Falls, MN) added 13 and four assists, while Marc Kjos (SO/Lake City, MN) was also in double figures with 12.

Mason Walters (SO/Jamestown, ND) pulled down 21 rebounds, the second 20+ rebound game for the sophomore. Jack Talley (SR/Sioux Falls, SD) also passed the 1,000 career point mark, becoming the 31st UJ player to do so.

The Mustangs led 14-7 at the 11:55 mark of the first half, but the Jimmies outscored Morningside 25-11 over the rest of the half to lead 32-25 at the break. Neither team shot particularly well in the opening 20 minutes, with UJ making 12-of-31 shots, 7-of-20 from three-point range, and the Mustangs making 12-of-39 attempts and missing all five tries beyond the arc.

Morningside came out hot in the second half, opening with a 14-6 run to take a one-point lead at the 14:17 mark. Six ties and five lead changes later, UJ took the lead for good on a Woodford three that broke a 52-all tie with 6:07 to play.

Jamestown would lead by as many six points only to see the Mustangs rally to cut the lead to one with 2:06 left. Kjos knocked down a three on the Jimmies’ next possession, starting a 10-2 run to finish the game.

Trey Brown had 21 points and 18 rebounds for Morningside. Zach Imig was also in double figures with 13 points, and added 11 rebounds and eight assists.

UJ had a 42-18 advantage in bench scoring and outrebounded Morningside 47-41.

The Jimmies return home to host Doane (Neb.) Sunday at 1 p.m.

NBA…

— Rookie James Wiseman came off the Warriors bench to score 22 points in 23 minutes of a 121-108 victory against the Timberwolves. Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 20 points and nine boards despite playing in early foul trouble.

UNDATED (AP) — The top team in the NBA’s Eastern Conference knocked off the best in the West.

The Philadelphia 76ers blew a 12-point, fourth-quarter lead before Tobias Harris swished a jumper with two seconds left to give them a 107-106 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The jumper ended a 13-0 run and allowed the Sixers to improve to 13-6.

Harris scored 24 points, Joel Embiid (joh-EHL’- ehm-BEED’) finished with 28 and Ben Simmons provided 17 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

LeBron James scored 34 and Anthony Davis had 23 for the Lakers, who dropped behind Utah for the league’s best record.

Checking out Wednesday’s other NBA action:

— The Jazz ran their winning streak into double digits as Rudy Gobert (goh-BEHR’) had seasons high of 29 points and 20 rebounds in a 116-104 downing of the Mavericks. Joe Ingles also had a strong game with a season-high 21 points, all on 3-pointers. The Jazz played without leading scorer Donovan Mitchell after he entered the NBA concussion protocol.

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH’-nihs abn-teh-toh-KOON’-poh) had 24 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists for the Bucks in a 115-108 decision over the Raptors. Khris Middleton also contributed 24 points and Brook Lopez added 20 for Milwaukee.

— Kevin Durant scored 32 points and James Harden came close to a triple-double to carry the Nets past the Hawks, 132-128 in overtime. Harden chipped in 31 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds for Brooklyn, which also received 26 points from Kyrie Irving.

— Nikola Jokic (nih-KOH’-lah YOH’-kihch) had 21 points and 11 rebounds as the Nuggets won their fifth straight, building a 25-point halftime lead in a 109-82 romp over the Heat. Michael Porter Jr. scored 17 points and JaMychal Green added 15 as Denver improved to 4-0 on its five-game road trip.

— DeMar DeRozan dropped in 21 points and Keldon Johnson added 18 with 10 rebounds as the Spurs earned their second straight home win, 110-106 against the Celtics. LaMarcus Aldridge added 20 points and Dejounte (deh-ZHAWN’-tay) Murray had 11 points and 11 rebounds to help San Antonio end Boston’s two-game winning streak.

— Doug McDermott had 28 points and Domantas Sabonis (doh-MAHN’-tahs sah-BOH’-nihs) registered a triple-double in the Pacers’ 116-106 win against the Hornets. Sabonis shot 9-for-10 and finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in Indiana’s third win in four games.

— The Thunder posted a 102-97 win over the Suns as Al Horford had 21 points and 11 rebounds in the victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also scored 21 points to help Oklahoma City withstand Chris Paul’s season-high 32 points in his first game against the team that traded him last summer.

— The Cavaliers came away with a 122-107 win over the Pistons as Andre Drummond had 23 points, 16 rebounds and five steals. Collin Sexton scored 29 points in helping Cleveland stop a two-game skid and move back to .500 at 9-9.

— Buddy Hield (heeld) drained seven 3-pointers while scoring a season-best 29 points as the Kings whipped the Magic, 121-107. Richaun Holmes had 20 points and 12 rebounds for his third double-double of the season.

— Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram each scored a season-high 32 points to highlight the Pelicans’ 124-106 thrashing of the Wizards. Bradley Beal almost single-handedly kept Washington in striking distance with 47 points.

NBA-NEWS

Nuggets’ Murray fined $25,000 for striking Hardaway’s groin

UNDATED (AP) — Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has been fined $25,000 by the NBA for a shot to the groin area of Dallas’ Tim Hardaway Jr. during Monday’s win over the Mavericks.

The initial call was a foul on Murray and was upgraded to a flagrant-2 foul after a video review.

Murray was ejected after the apparently intentional act in the third quarter of the game.

In other NBA news:

— Washington’s second-half schedule might not be as jam-packed as first thought. The NBA said it was rescheduling some Wizards games after a half-dozen of their contests were postponed in recent weeks for virus-related reasons.

— NBA All-Star voting opens Thursday, without any final determination yet if there will be an actual All-Star Game this season. The league said Wednesday that “discussions surrounding a potential NBA All-Star Game are ongoing.” The Associated Press reported Monday that there have been talks about having an All-Star Game that would benefit historically Black institutions and COVID-19 relief, though no plan has been finalized.

T25 MEN’S BASKETBALL-

— Mitch Ballock hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 41 seconds to play to cap a season-high 29-point performance in 17th-ranked Creighton’s 85-81 triumph over Seton Hall. Marcus Zegarowski scored 18 for the Bluejays, who overcame a 16-point, second-half deficit.

— No. 20 Virginia Tech earned a 62-51 win over Notre Dame as Nahiem Alleyne led four Hokies in double figures with 15 points. Keve Aluma and Justyn Mutts had 14 points each and reserve Hunter Cattoor scored 13 to help Tech rebound from Saturday’s 78-60 loss at Syracuse.

— No. 14 Wisconsin avenged a Dec. 28 loss to Maryland as Micah Potter had 23 points and 12 rebounds to send the Badgers past the Terrapins, 61-55. D’Mitrik Trice added 13 for Wisconsin, which blew most of an 18-point lead before moving to 7-3 in the Big Ten.

UNDATED (AP) — Davion (DAY’-vee-ahn) Mitchell has carried second-ranked Baylor to another lopsided victory.

Mitchell poured in a career-high 32 points and the Bears improved to 15-0 by drubbing Kansas State, 107-59. He missed his first two shots, but went on to finish 12-of-16 shooting, including 7-of-9 beyond the arc. He had a span of just over three minutes after halftime when he hit four 3s while making five consecutive shots for Baylor.

MaCio Teague (MAY’-see-oh teeg) had 18 points for the Bears, who were up by 31 just 11 1/2 minutes into the game.

In other top-25 action:

— EJ Liddell hit four free throws in the final minute and finished with 22 points in 13th-ranked Ohio State’s 83-79 victory over the Penn State. The Buckeyes wasted a 12-point, first-half lead and trailed by seven in the before winning for the fourth time in five games.

— Malik Osborne had 11 points and 10 rebounds as 16th-ranked Florida State clobbered Miami, 81-59. RaiQuan Gray added 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Seminoles, who are 6-1 in the ACC following their fifth straight win.

— Aamir Simms had 16 points and Al-Amir Dawes added 15 while Clemson was stifling Louisville in a 54-50 win over the Cardinals. The Tigers ended a three-game slide and held dynamic scorer Carlik Jones to 11 points on 4 of 14 shooting.

NFL-TEXANS-CULLEY

Texans pick Ravens assistant as head coach

HOUSTON (AP) — A person familiar with the hiring tells The Associated Press that David Culley has become the new head coach of the Houston Texans.

It will be the first head coaching job for the 65-year-old Culley, who has worked as an assistant for the Baltimore Ravens since 2019.

He becomes the fourth coach in Texans history. Culley replaces Bill O’Brien, who was fired after the team opened the season 0-4.

MLB-NEWS

DJ LeMahieu gets $90 million Yankees deal

UNDATED (AP) — The New York Yankees have finalized their multiyear package with the reigning AL batting champ while adding to their pitching staff.

The Yanks put the final touches on a six-year, $90 million contract with second baseman DJ LeMahieu (leh-MAY’-hyoo), who became a free agent after hitting a league-best .364 last year. LeMahieu is the only player to win batting titles in both leagues, including an NL-leading .348 mark with the 2016 Rockies.

New York also has a pending $11 million, one-year contract with right-handed starter Corey Kluber and a $2.5 million, one-year deal with submarining right-handed reliever Darren O’Day.

Both those deals are subject to successful physicals.

In other MLB news:

— The Mets have added lefty reliever Aaron Loup on a one-year package. That’s according to a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press because the agreement was subject to a successful physical. The 33-year-old Loup was 3-2 with a 2.52 ERA in 25 innings over 24 games for AL champion Tampa Bay last season, allowing 17 hits while striking out 22 and walking four.

— Jurickson Profar (JUR’-ihk-suhn PROH’-fahr) is staying with the Padres after inking a three-year, $21 million package. Profar played five positions during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, hitting a career-best .278 with seven homers and 25 RBIs.

— Zack Scott has been promoted to acting general manager of the Mets, eight days after GM Jared Porter was fired. Scott was hired as assistant GM on Dec. 23 after 17 seasons with the Red Sox, the last two as assistant GM.

— Left-handed starter Jon Lester and the Nationals have finalized a $5 million, one-year contract. He gives the team a fourth member of a rotation led by Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin.

NHL..

UNDATED (AP) — The Nashville Predators seem to have found a formula for defeating the Chicago Blackhawks.

The two sides went past regulation for the second straight day before Matt Duchene (doo-SHAYN’) netted the lone shootout goal in the Predators’ 2-1 victory over the Hawks. Nick Cousins had the regulation goal for Nashville, which earned a 3-2 win over Chicago on Roman Josi’s (YOH’-seez) overtime tally.

Ryan Carpenter had the lone goal for the Blackhawks, who have earned a point in their last five games.

Chicago’s Kevin Lankinen finished with 41 saves in regulation and overtime, including 20 in the third period.

Wednesday’s other NHL game had J.T. Miller scoring twice and providing an assist in the Canucks’ 5-1 thumping of the Senators. Tyler Motte (maht) also tallied twice as Vancouver handed Ottawa its sixth consecutive loss.

NHL-NEWS

Pens’ GM Rutherford steps down

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford has resigned, citing personal reasons behind the decision.

Patrick Allvin will serve as the interim general manager while the club searches for a permanent replacement.

The 71-year-old Rutherford arrived in Pittsburgh in the summer of 2014 and oversaw a roster rebuild that helped the Penguins win consecutive Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. His resignation comes with Pittsburgh off to a solid 4-2-1 start.

NFL-NEWS

Witten retires again

UNDATED (AP) — Tight end Jason Witten says he is retiring again, apparently for good this time.

Witten told ESPN on Wednesday that he was walking away “knowing that for 17 seasons I gave it my absolute all.” He retired the first time after the 2017 season with Dallas to become an analyst for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” but he returned to the Cowboys for a team-record 16th season.

The 11-time Pro Bowler joined several former Dallas teammates with the Raiders last year and had career lows with 13 catches for 69 yards.

Witten ended his career fourth overall on the NFL career list and second among tight ends with 1,228 catches. Tony Gonzalez is the lone tight end with more receptions and yards receiving.

In other NFL news:

— Pro Football Hall of Famer and “Good Morning America” host Michael Strahan has tested positive for COVID-19 and is self-quarantining, according to people familiar with the situation. Strahan is currently not experiencing any severe symptoms from COVID-19. TMZ first reported about Strahan testing positive.

— The Seahawks say offensive lineman Chad Wheeler is no longer a member of the team following his arrest last weekend for investigation of domestic violence. Wheeler was arrested by police near Seattle and booked into the King County Jail early Saturday for investigation of felony domestic violence. He had an initial court appearance Monday and was released from jail Tuesday after posting $400,000 bond.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL-NEWS

New AD Danny White hires Josh Heupel to join him at Vols

UNDATED (AP) — Josh Heupel (HY’-pul) has been hired as Tennessee’s football coach, giving the Vols a package deal with athletic director Danny White, who started in his job last week.

Heupel says he sees potential NCAA sanctions as a minor speed bump for Tennessee. Heupel accepted a six-year package worth $4 million to become Tennessee’s 27th head coach overall and fifth since the end of the 2008 season.

He was 28-8 in three seasons at UCF after being hired to replace Scott Frost.

In other college football news:

— Northwestern and coach Pat Fitzgerald have agreed to a new contract that runs through the 2030 season. The 46-year-old Fitzgerald is by far the program’s winningest coach with a 106-81 record since he took over at his alma mater in 2006.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE SPORTS

UConn postpones 2 men’s basketball games

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — UConn says it has postponed its next two men’s basketball games, including Thursday’s scheduled contest with No. 3 Villanova. The school made the decision after learning that an official who worked its Tuesday win over Butler has tested positive for the coronavirus. The Huskies have been placed in a daily testing protocol and a modified quarantine that also will prevent them from traveling to New York for a game at St. John’s on Sunday.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is taking his first steps to reverse Trump administration health care policies. The White House says Biden on Thursday plans to sign orders on a range of issues including getting more Americans covered and removing curbs on abortion counseling. The most concrete short-term impact will come from reopening HealthCare.gov insurance markets as coverage has shrunk amid economic turmoil due to the coronavirus pandemic. That could happen as soon as Feb. 15. Biden also is directing health officials to weigh repealing a Trump rule that barred federally funded family planning clinics from referring women for abortions.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The role that race should play in deciding who gets priority for the COVID-19 vaccine in the next phase of the rollout is being put to the test in Oregon. An advisory committee will vote Thursday on whether to prioritize people of color, target those with chronic medical conditions or some combination. The debate shows the growing commitment to put racial equity at the heart of the nation’s mass vaccination campaign as COVID-19 disproportionally affects people of color. Experts say 18 states included ways to measure equity in their original vaccine distribution plans last fall and more have likely done so since the shots started arriving.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says “we can’t wait any longer″ to address the climate crisis, and that’s driving his ambitious effort to stave off the worst effects of global warming. Biden has issued executive orders to cut oil, gas and coal emissions and double energy production from offshore wind turbines. The orders target federal subsidies for oil and other fossil fuels and halt new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters. But there’s political risk for Biden and Democrats as oil- and coal-producing states face job losses from moves to sharply increase U.S. reliance on clean energy.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iranian state TV says Iran has exceeded 17 kilograms of 20% enriched uranium within a month’s time. That moves Iran’s nuclear program closer to weapons-grade enrichment levels amid heightened tensions with the U.S. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, during a visit to the country’s Fordo nuclear facility, said in a televised speech Thursday that in less than a month, scientists would reach 17 kilograms (37.5 pounds) of 20% enriched uranium. Uranium enriched to 20% is a short technical step away from weapons-grade 90% enrichment. Western nations have criticized Iran’s enrichment activity and called on Tehran to adhere to a 2015 nuclear accord.

TOKYO (AP) — Global shares have fallen as a reality check sets in about longtime economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic, giving Wall Street its worst day since October. Shares in France, Germany and Britain are falling in early Thursday trading, while benchmarks in Japan, South Korea, Australia and China finished lower. The region is looking ahead to earnings season for a read on how companies are faring amid COVID-19 infections, which have been relatively low in some nations such as New Zealand, compared to other global regions. Investor attention is on the global vaccine rollout and President Joe Biden’s promised fiscal stimulus.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Homeland Security Department has issued a national terrorism bulletin warning of the lingering potential for violence from people motivated by anti-government sentiment after President Joe Biden’s election. The bulletin suggests the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol may embolden extremists and set the stage for additional attacks. The department isn’t citing a specific threat. But DHS points to “a heightened threat environment across the United States” that it believes “will persist” for weeks after Biden took office. The wording suggests national security officials see a thread between recent violence over the past year motivated by antigovernment grievances, whether over COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 election results or police use of force.