Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Apr 7

CSi Weather…

.REST OF TODAY…Cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain in the afternoon. in the Jamestown area, 50 percent in the Valley City area.

Highs in the mid 50s. North winds 15 to 25 mph.

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain in the Jamestown area, 50 percent in the Valley City area. Lows

in the mid 30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.

.THURSDAY…Partly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain showers in

the afternoon. Highs around 60. North winds 10 to

20 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain

showers. Lows in the mid 30s.

 

.FRIDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 50s. North winds 15 to

25 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy in the evening then clearing. Lows

around 30.

.SATURDAY…Sunny. Highs around 60.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 30s.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Chance of rain possibly mixed with snow

in the morning, then chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs in

the mid 50s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain in the evening,

then slight chance of rain and snow after midnight. Lows in the

upper 20s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

.MONDAY…Partly sunny. Slight chance of rain and snow in the

morning, then slight chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs in

the lower 40s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain and

snow in the evening. Lows in the mid 20s.

.TUESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.

Valley City  (CSi)  By action of the Barnes County Commission the Barnes County Burn ban has been extended through April 20.

Barnes County Emergency Manager Sue Lloyd said the burn ban now includes the use of fire pits as well as the burning of leaves, grass clippings, garbage pits, construction debris, fallen trees, crop residue, sloughs, campfires and bonfires.

Gas or gas camp stoves, charcoal or wood-fired grills with a cover may be used so long as they are on a hard non-organic surface 15 feet away from vegetation and an extinguisher or water is available on site.

 

From the 125th Anniversary Calendar of Jamestown History

This Day In History, April 7, 1903 – President Theodore Roosevelt arrives by train, in Jamestown   . . .

He speaks to a capacity crowd at Lloyd’s Opera House

 

Valley City  (VCPD) Valley City Police reports that  a bicyclist was injured Monday just after 4:30-p.m. when it  struck the side of a pickup in the 900 block of Central Avenue North.

Police Chief Phil Hatcher says the 26 year-old female was leaving the Sheyenne Care Center parking lot when her bike ran into the side of a southbound pickup driven by a 58 year-old Valley City man.

The bicyclist was wearing a helmet.  She received non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital by Barnes County Ambulance.

NDDOH

COVID-19 Stats

Tues. Apr 6,  2021

Barnes

New Positives 4

Total Positives: 1345

Active: 17

Recovered 1297

Stutsman:

New Positives: 14

Total Positives: 3356

Active: 28

Recovered: 3249

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

Please note that from now on the daily news release will be sent Monday – Friday. The NDDoH dashboard will continue to be updated daily.

 

BY THE NUMBERS
246,651	Residents who received at least one dose of vaccine
434,810	Total COVID-19 vaccine doses administered
4,333	Total Tests from yesterday*
1,816,189	Total tests completed since the pandemic began
261	Positive Individuals from yesterday*****
75	PCR Tests
186	Antigen Tests
103,974	Total positive individuals since the pandemic began
8.09%	Daily Positivity Rate**
1,142	Total Active Cases
+37	Change in active cases from yesterday
186	Individuals with a recovery date of yesterday****
101,364	Total recovered since the pandemic began
30	Currently hospitalized
+1	Change in hospitalizations from yesterday
+2	New death(s)
1,468	Total deaths since the pandemic began
INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19
Woman in her 70s from Cass County
Man in his 40s from Grand Forks County
NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TUESDAY BY COUNTY
Adams		0	Grant	2	Ransom	4
Barnes		4	Griggs	1	Renville	0
Benson		0	Hettinger	0	Richland	8
Billings		0	Kidder	0	Rolette	0
Bottineau		0	LaMoure	0	Sargent	10
Bowman		0	Logan	0	Sheridan	1
Burke		0	McHenry	2	Sioux	0
Burleigh		22	McIntosh	0	Slope	0
Cass		138	McKenzie	1	Stark	2
Cavalier		1	McLean	0	Steele	0
Dickey		1	Mercer	0	Stutsman	14
Divide		0	Morton	4	Towner	2
Dunn		0	Mountrail	2	Traill	4
Eddy		0	Nelson	0	Walsh	1
Emmons		0	Oliver	0	Ward	17
Foster		2	Pembina	0	Wells	1
Golden Valley		0	Pierce	0	Williams	0
Grand Forks		15	Ramsey	2

 

* 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 has set more vaccination clinics for early April.

On Wednesday April 7  Second Dose Moderna Vaccine Clinic will be held from 1-p.m. to 3-p.m., at the Jamestown Civic Center, Exchequor Room.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 

Valley City  (VCSU)  A COVID-19 vaccination clinic will take place on Wednesday, April 7 for all VCSU students, employees and family members of employees/students ages 18 and up. The clinic will be held in Graichen Gym from 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. There will be 285 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine available.

Appointments are REQUIRED and can be made at https://www.ndvax.org//reg/0146051292 (link will not open in Internet Explorer).

On Thursday April 8 from 2:30- p.m., to 4:30-p.m., at CCHD there will be a Second Dose Moderna Vaccine Clinic.

On Friday April 9 from 8-a.m. to 11:30-a.m, at the Hi-Liner Activity Center there will be a Second Dose Pfizer Vaccine clinic.

Jamestown (CVHD)  Central Valley Health District this week will have COVID-19 Testing at the Jamestown Civic Center in April from 11-a.m. to 12 noon,  at the Jamestown Civic Center,  April, 7,12, 14, 16,19, 21, 23, 26,28, 30, using the Rapid Testing, BinaxNow.

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.

Jamestown  (SAFE Shelter)  Nationally, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich has  proclaimed Tuesday, April 6, 2021, Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Day in the city of Jamestown.

On Tuesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Jamestown SAFE Shelter, Sexual Assault Services Coordinator, Mary Thysell said,  National data shows that more than one in three women and nearly one in four men have experienced sexual violence during their lifetime  and one in ten children will experience sexual abuse often resulting in long term effects that can impact individuals, families, communities and society at large.

In 2020, Safe Shelter assisted 35 victims of sexual assault, fifteen of whom were primary victims with whom we had personal contact. Mary says,  “We ask that you show your support for survivors of sexual assault by wearing teal on Tuesday, April 6, 2021.”

The SAFE Shelter 24 Hour Crisis Line is 251-2300.

Photo Courtesy of Mary Thysell

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session, Tuesday evening at City Hall.  Available on the zoom platform for viewing.  All members were present.

 

RECOGNITION FOR MAYOR FOR A DAY WAS HELD.

Introduced was Haley Martin whose essay was chosen as the winner, and selected a Mayor for a Day, 2021.

She was given a ride to City Hall, on a city fire truck.  On Monday she was given a tour of the city fire hall.

 

CITY GOVERNMENT WEEK PROCLAMATION WAS  READ BY MAYOR CARLSRUD.

 

Mayor Carlsrud said Valley City has received recognition as being in compliance  with North Dakota Guidelines for Safe Drinking Water.

 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

 

Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.

 

Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,361,072.60.

 

Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following businesses: a. Magnum Electric, Inc.

1. On Demand Plumbing
2. Ace Plumbing
3. ASAP Electric
4. Home Heating, Plumbing & A/C, Inc.

 

1. Maple River Electric
2. Engel’s Electric ..those contingent with state approval.

 

A Raffle Request for a. St. Catherine’s Knights of Columbus.

 

Barnes County Wildlife Federation.

 

Approved  Blocking off Street Request for Thundering Saints Debbie Gabel Memorial from 12 PM on August 13, 2021 to 8 AM on August 14, 2021 for 3rd Ave SE from Main St. to 2nd St SE contingent on receiving payment.

 

Public Comments :No One Spoke

 

 

PUBLIC HEARING

For Application for Property Tax Incentives for New or Expanding Businesses (PILOT) for Trademark Tooling, LLC.   A letter of opposition was received, noting an unfair competitive advantage. Letters notifying the application was sent to three businesses, and to political subdivision, if they have opposition.

 

Following the Public Hearing, the City Commission unanimously Approved a Resolution approving Property Tax Incentives (PILOT) for Trademark Tooling, LLC.

 

ORDINANCE

Approved the First Reading of an Ordinance enacting a new section of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to Wireless Telecommunication Facility Guidelines. City Attorney Martineck said the Ordinance was reworked, and a first reading was redrafted, including a right of way fee, and other language.

 

Approved the  First Reading of an Ordinance to amend and reenact section of the Valley City Municipal Code related to numbers on buildings. City Attorney Martineck said the Ordinance is in line with state mandates including the size of numbers on buildings, and a penalty if not adhered to.

 

RESOLUTION

Approved a Resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule re Planning and Zoning Application Fees. City Administrator Crawford said a fee change was included in the Master Fee Schedule.

 

Approved  a Resolution Approving Modifications to the Electric Rates. Public Works Manager Jacobson said there is no rate increase, noting a rate decrease in the Green Energy rate, along with other ‘housekeeping’ items.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Approved a NDDOT Cost Participation and Maintenance Agreement for Project NHU-2-094(181)929, Paving Improvement District No. 122 (Main Street Seal Coat).  KLJ said the project includes a 10 percent local cost, not covered by NDDOT funding.

 

Approved a  Gaming Site Authorization for Thundering Saints, Inc. on April 6, 2021 through June 30, 2021 at Woodland Steakhouse, to conduct pull tabs.

 

Approved an  Amendment to Employee Salary Schedule.   Three positions were noted by City Attorney Martineck.

 

Approved with one vote in opposition,  a  Construction Engineering Agreement for Paving Improvement District No.119 and119B, SanitarySewer District No. 64, Storm Sewer District No. 52 and Water Main District No. 100. KLJ said the project was bid out, and was awarded, with work to start in the next few weeks.

 

Discussed was increasing the $10,000 maximum purchasing power of the city.

The Commission voted to approve an increase of up to $30,000.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT: 

Gwen Crawford said attention has been paid to water tower improvements, including flow and pressure.

 

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS  Highlights

Carl Martineck said, Public Works is hiring for summer help.

Finance Director Avis Richter said the city has worked with Eide Bailey with budget auditing.

City Assessor, Sandy Hansen said the Board of Equalization meeting is April 14^th.

City Fire Chief Scott Maguson said the fire ban remains in the City and has been extended.

(By action of the Barnes County Commission the Barnes County Burn ban has been extended through April 20.

Barnes County Emergency Manager Sue Lloyd said the burn ban now includes the use of fire pits as well as the burning of leaves, grass clippings, garbage pits, construction debris, fallen trees, crop residue, sloughs, campfires and bonfires.

Gas or gas camp stoves, charcoal or wood-fired grills with a cover may be used so long as they are on a hard non-organic surface 15 feet away from vegetation and an extinguisher or water is available on site.)

Public Works Director, Gary Jacobson said residents may still contact the city to take part in E-Mail billing, with 860 respondents, or about a quarter of water customers responding so far.

Commmissoner Gulmon said updating  funding for the firehouse project is continuing.

Mayor Carlsrud said Valley City Citywide Cleanup week is May 24-28, 2021.  He asked that items not be placed out until that week.

Avis Richter pointed out that the next City Commission meeting will be on Monday April 19.

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

 

Bismarck  (NDSH)   – The North Dakota State Hospital (NDSH) will host three on-site job interview fairs on April 12, April 19 and April 26 from 2 to 6 p.m. each day for various full-time and part-time health care-related positions. Interviews will be held in the Learning Resource Building, 2605 Circle Drive in Jamestown. Cloth face masks are required, and social distancing and other health and safety practices will also be followed.

 

The state hospital is looking to fill several positions including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, certified medication assistants and direct care associates for various shifts. Prior work experience varies by position. Paid on-the-job training is offered for certified nursing assistants, certified medication assistants and direct care associates.

 

Interested individuals should bring a resume and be ready to be interviewed for the available positions. Preregistration is not required.

 

Tami Mitchell, registered nurse and recruitment coordinator, said the state hospital is working to build a recruitment plan to increase applicant engagement and reduce the time it takes to fill open positions.

 

“We are using a mix of new and time-tested strategies to recruit skilled health care professionals that can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable North Dakotans,” she said. “These on-the-spot job interviews offer flexible opportunities for interested individuals looking for employment. We are also increasing our recruitment efforts using social media and other platforms.”

 

The NDSH, which is part of the North Dakota Department of Human Services, offers a generous benefits package that includes fully-paid family health insurance with no monthly paycheck deductions, retirement, paid sick and vacation time and other benefits.

 

Job seekers who are unable to attend the on-site job interview fairs in April can access state hospital job listings at www.nd.gov/omb/public/careers.

 

Individuals who need accommodations to participate in any of the on-site job interview fairs can contact Tami Mitchell at 701-253-3844, 711 (TTY) or tmitchell@nd.gov.

 

The NDSH provides specialized inpatient and residential care to individuals with severe, complex, and persistent mental illnesses and substance use disorders or other co-occurring diagnoses such as traumatic brain injuries that result in significant behavioral challenges that exceed community resources. It serves as the secondary hospital for six North Dakota regions and accepts patients from other hospitals for specialized treatment response. About 330 people are employed by the hospital.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota will receive more than $14.6 million in federal aid to expand access to coronavirus vaccine, particularly among minorities. The funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is part of $3 billion being distributed across the country for vaccination efforts. The CDC says most of the money must go to support local health departments and community-based organizations, and be used for efforts intended to increase vaccine access among minority populations, the Bismarck Tribune reported. Officials say that might include training people to conduct door-to-door vaccine outreach and help people sign up for shot appointments.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Supreme Court plans to resume in-person oral arguments in June. The Bismarck Tribune reports that the arguments will be subject to parties agreeing to appear physically. If either party wants to appear remotely the proceedings will be conducted entirely remotely. District courts will still have discretion to conduct proceedings remotely. Chief Justice Jon Jensen said some courts may decide to increase in-person appearances but available facilities and local restrictions will dictate how proceedings are conducted. The Supreme Court also is considering making some pandemic protocols permanent, such as allowing defendants to plead guilty to Class C felonies in writing without appearing in court.

 

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A divided federal appeals court’s has effectively struck down key parts of a law governing adoptions of Native American children. Tuesday’s ruling from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upholds a lower court finding that the Indian Child Welfare Act’s preferences for Native American families in adoption cases are unconstitutional. It also said some of the provisions of the law “unconstitutionally commandeer” state officials’ duties in adoption matters. The 1978 law has long been championed by Native American leaders as a means of preserving Native American families and culture. Opponents of the law include non-Native families who have tried to adopt American Indian children in emotional legal cases.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s Republican-led Legislature has passed a bipartisan bill to recognize Juneteenth as a ceremonial holiday in the state. North Dakota is only one of three states that does not legally recognize the June 19 holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. West Fargo GOP Rep. Austen Schauer says the recognition of Juneteenth “is a step of good will toward becoming a nation of respect to each other.” Although the legislation would make June 19 a state-recognized holiday, it would not be an official paid holiday for state employees. The bill now heads to Republican Gov. Doug Burgum, who is expected to sign it.

 

MANDAN, N.D. (AP) — A plea agreement could be in the works for a former Mandan police officer charged with felony sex crimes. Court records show the prosecution has moved to amend the charges against Scott Warzecha and the defense has made a request to cancel his trial which was scheduled to start Thursday. Warzecha is accused of using his cellphone to record a minor. Warzecha was a 13-year police veteran and the department’s dog handler. He was placed on administrative leave at the onset of the investigation and fired a few days later. A change-of-plea hearing is scheduled for April 16.

In sports…

BISMARCK, N.D. (vcsuvikings.com) – The North Star Athletic Association announced its eighth baseball weekly honors edition Monday.  Corey Jackson of Bellevue (Neb.) was selected as the Pitcher-of-the-Week. Dustin Mertz of Valley City State (N.D.) was  named as the Player-of-the-Week.

North Star Athletic Association Baseball Player-of-the-Week
Dustin Mertz – Valley City State (N.D.) – 6’1″ – Freshman – catcher/utility – West Fargo, N.D. – Mertz smashed a home run in five of Valley City State’s (N.D.) six games as they went 4-2 record for the week.  He posted a batting average of .579 by going 11-of-19 at the plate. He registered an on-base percentage of .692 and a 1.474 slugging percentage. For the week, Mertz scored 13 runs, drove in 11 runs, reached on base by a walk six times, and hit two doubles. He also swiped two bases.

North Star Athletic Association Baseball Pitcher-of-the-Week
Corey Jackson – Bellevue (Neb.) – 5’10” – Senior – pitcher – Calgary, Alberta, Canada – Jackson struck out a total of 18 batters, setting a school record for a seven-inning game victory as Bellevue (Neb.) went 5-0 record for the week.  He tossed a complete game 3-0 victory at Viterbo (Wis.), limiting the V-Hawks to four hits.  It was Jackson’s third complete game shutout of the year and recorded at least 10 strikeouts for the third straight game.  He posted an earned run average (ERA) with 62 strikeouts in his last 38 innings for work (14.7 strikeouts per 9 innings).

(vcsuvikings.com)  For the fourth time this season, Valley City State University has swept the NSAA Softball Player of the Week awards. Senior Emily Smith has been named NSAA Pitcher of the Week, and junior Riley Perryman is the NSAA Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.

North Star Athletic Association Softball Pitcher-of-the-Week
Emily Smith – Valley City State (N.D.) – 5’7″ – Senior – pitcher – Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada – Smith picked up three wins on the week, allowing just four runs on 10 hits in 21 2/3 innings of work as Valley City State (N.D.) went 4-1 record. She tallied a total of 38 strikeouts, recording at least 11 strikeouts three times in four games. Smith held her opponents’ batting average to .133. It is the fourth time this season she has earned the weekly honor.

North Star Athletic Association Softball Player-of-the-Week
Riley Perryman – Valley City State (N.D.) – 5’7″ – Junior – outfielder – Cottage Grove, Minn. – Perryman hit three home runs and had three multi-hit games as Valley City State (N.D.) went 4-1 record for the week. She totaled eight RBIs and scored seven runs during VCSU’s 3-1 record weekend at Dickinson State (N.D.). Perryman was 9-of-18 at the plate and recorded a slugging percentage of 1.056 (three home runs, one double). She reached on base by a walk twice.

Tuesday High School Baseball

At Enderlin

Oakes 16 Enderlin/Maple Valley 0 (5 Innings)

 

NBA…

UNDATED (AP) — Joel Embiid (joh-EHL’ ehm-BEED’) and the Philadelphia 76ers have regained a share of first place in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, pulling even with the Brooklyn Nets by downing Boston.

Embiid scored 35 points as the Sixers finished a three-game season sweep of the Celtics, 106-96. Danny Green added 17 points for the 76ers, who have won both games with Embiid in the lineup since he missed 10 straight due to a bone bruise in his left knee.

Philadelphia led by 21 in the second half of the opener of a four-game trip.

Boston was trying for its first three-game win streak since early March. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 20 points.

Checking out Tuesday’s other NBA action:

— Kelly Oubre (OO’-bray) Jr. converted a pair of free throws with 7.7 seconds left to give Golden State the lead in a 122-121 downing of the Bucks. Stephen Curry poured in 41 points, nailing five 3-pointers, including a trey with 1:06 remaining. Oubre wound up with 19 points and Bazemore scored 18 in just the Warriors’ second win in nine games.

 

— The Clippers cruised to an easy win after setting a team record with 47 points in the first quarter of a 133-116 trouncing of the Trail Blazers. Paul George had 36 points on 11 of 18 shooting, making six 3-pointers and all eight of his free throws. Kawhi (kah-WY’) Leonard added 29 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists as Los Angeles ended Portland’s four-game road winning streak.

— The Lakers built a 34-point lead in the first 20 minutes and cruised to a 110-101 win over the Raptors. Talen Horton-Tucker led seven Lakers in double figures with 17 points and Markieff Morris scored 15 before leaving the game with five fouls in the third quarter. The Lakers converted 13 of their first 18 3-point attempts and led 66-32 after Morris scored seven straight points late in the second quarter.

— Nikola Jokic (nih-KOH’-lah YOH’-kihch) scored 27 points in 27 minutes to carry the Nuggets to a 139-119 romp over the Pistons. Jokic also dished out 11 assists, his 83rd career double-digit assist game, two more than Wilt Chamberlain had in his Hall of Fame career. Denver also got 25 points from Michael Porter Jr. and 24 from Will Barton in its seventh win in a row.

— Dillon Brooks scored 28 points on 10-for-16 shooting as the Grizzlies defeated the Heat, 124-112. Jonas Valanciunas (YOH’-nuhs val-ehn-CHOO’-nihs) scored 20 points, Kyle Anderson finished with 19 points and Desmond Bane added 15 points as Memphis won its third in a row. The loss ended Miami’s four-game winning streak, three weeks after the Grizzlies stalled another Heat streak at five.

— Trae Young scored 30 points and the Hawks drained 11 of their 20 3-pointers in the third quarter of a 123-107 victory against the Pelicans. Bogdan Bogdanovic provided four 3s in the third period and finished with 21 points. Kevin Huerter had 17 points and Young had 12 assists for Atlanta, which has won four consecutive games to improve to 13-4 under interim coach Nate McMillan.

— Nikola Vucevic (nih-KOH’-lah VOO’-cheh-vihch) took advantage of Indiana’s missing big men by posting 32 points and 17 rebounds to help the Bulls overwhelm the short-handed Pacers, 113-97. All-Star Zach LaVine added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in Chicago’s second straight win since a six-game slide. The Pacers started the game without two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis (doh-MAHN’-tahs sah-BOH’-nihs) and guard Malcolm Brogdon before losing Myles Turner in the third quarter with a sprained left ankle.

NBA-NETS-INJURIES

Durant returning, Harden sitting

NEW YORK (AP) — The Brooklyn Nets say one of their superstars is about to return, while another will be on the shelf for a few days.

The team has announced that Kevin Durant probably will play Wednesday after missing 23 straight games with a strained left hamstring. Durant has averaged 29 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 19 games this season.

News of Durant’s return comes as the Nets said an MRI on James Harden’s right hamstring has revealed a strain. Harden will be re-evaluated in about 10 days.

MLB..

— Rule 5 pickup Akil Baddoo added another big hit in a charmed start to his big league career, lining an RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Tigers a 4-3 win over Minnesota. Baddoo made his debut Sunday and homered on the first pitch thrown to him before hitting a grand slam in Monday’s 15-6 loss to Minnesota.

— The Phillies have their first loss of the season after Marcus Stroman held them to one run and three hits over six innings of the Mets’ 8-4 win. Dominic Smith and Pete Alonso each hit a two-run homer to back Stroman, who was pitching for the first time since 2019 after sitting out last year over COVID-19 concerns.

 

UNDATED (AP) — The Houston Astros have shown they don’t mind playing in hostile environments.

The Astros have completed a 5-1 road trip with a 4-2 win over the Angels, one day after fans threw an inflatable garbage can and a real one onto the warning track. Houston played amid constant booing in protest over the team’s sign-stealing scandal. It’s the first time AL West fans have been allowed to enter ballparks since the Astros’ sign-stealing scheme was made public.

The jeers didn’t bother Carlos Correa, who belted a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the ninth inning. Kyle Tucker and Aledmys (ah-LEHD’-mees) Díaz hit back-to-back homers in the second inning for the Astros.

Mike Trout hit a 464-foot homer in the first inning and Shohei Ohtani (SHOH’-hay oh-TAH’-nee) had two hits, but the Angels dropped to 4-2 and failed to match the best six-game start in franchise history.

Also around the majors:

— The Nationals finally opened their season by beating the Braves, 6-5 on Juan Soto’s walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth. Ronald Acuña Jr. hit two of Atlanta’s four solo shots off Max Scherzer during the first three innings, but Washington rallied on Jonathan Lucroy’s two-run double in the second and Trea Turner’s two-run homer an inning later.

 

— Tyler Naquin (NAY’-kwihn) homered twice and drove in a career-high seven runsto help the Reds cruise to their fourth straight win, a 14-1 assault on the Pirates. Rookie Jonathan India had three hits and four RBIs for Cincinnati, which has scored 46 runs in its first five games.

— Yadier (YAH’-dee-ehr) Molina hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly off former batterymate Sandy Alcantara to cap a three-run sixth that sent the Cardinals past the Marlins, 4-2. Dylan Carson hit his second homer of the season for an insurance run in the ninth.

— Freddy Peralta (peh-TAHL’-tah) worked five innings and combined with Brent Suter and Brad Boxberger on a one-hitter as the Brewers blanked the Cubs, 4-0. Travis Shaw hit a three-run homer and Omar Narvaez added a solo drive to help Milwaukee end a three-game skid.

— Clayton Kershaw struck out eight in seven smooth innings of the Dodgers’ fifth straight victory, 5-1 over the winless Athletics. Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and Edwin Rios went deep as Los Angeles dropped Oakland to 0-6, matching the A’s’ worst six-game start since an 0-6 beginning in 1916.

— Victor Caratini hit a go-ahead, two-run home run and Yu Darvish pitched six strong innings for the Padres in a 3-1 verdict over the Giants. Darvish got a no-decision after allowing one run and three hits while striking out seven and walking one.

— The Diamondbacks blew leads in the ninth, 10th and 12th innings before Stephen Vogt (voht) hit a go-ahead single in the 13th to lead Arizona past the Rockies, 10-8. Vogt also homered and Colorado fell to 1-4 despite Ryan McMahon’s three solo home runs.

— The Yankees mowed down the Orioles, 7-2 as Gerrit Cole struck out 13 and walked none over seven scoreless innings. Jay Bruce hit his first homer as a Yankee and Aaron Judge added a three-run blast for New York.

— Randy Arozarena (ah-ROH’-zah-RAY’-nuh) misplayed J.D. Martinez’s fly ball into a two-run double with two out in the bottom of the 12th lifting the Red Sox over the Rays, 6-5. The Rays were in line for the win before Christian Vázquez belted Diego Castillo’s 0-2 pitch over the Green Monster for a tying homer leading off the ninth.

— Nate Lowe has 14 RBIs already this season after homering twice and driving in four to lead the Rangers to a 7-4 victory over the Blue Jays. Ronald Guzman and Jonah Heim also went deep for Texas in its first four-homer game in their year-old ballpark.

— Jose Abreu (ah-BRAY’-oo) launched a grand slam into the second deck for his 200th career home run as part of the White Sox’s 10-4 dismantling of the Mariners. Luis Robert and Zack Collins both went deep for the first time this season after Seattle starter James Paxton had to leave the game early because of a left elbow injury.

 

MLB-ALL STAR GAME

Major League Baseball confirms that All-Star Game will be played in Denver

DENVER (AP) — The All-Star Game will be played at hitter-friendly Coors Field this year.

Major League Baseball officially announced the new venue Tuesday after pulling the Midsummer Classic from Atlanta over objections to sweeping changes to Georgia’s voting laws. Coors Field last hosted the All-Star Game in 1998.

MLB-NEWS

Nats sideline many players before first game

UNDATED (AP) — Starting pitchers Jon Lester and Patrick Corbin, closer Brad Hand and four position players expected in the lineup have been put on the 10-day injured list by the Washington Nationals.

Left fielder Kyle Schwarber, first baseman Josh Bell, second baseman Josh Harrison and catcher Yan Gomes are on the IL, as are backups Alex Avila and Jordy Mercer. The Nationals’ first four games on the schedule were postponed because of a coronavirus outbreak within the team.

Elsewhere in the major leagues:

— The Padres say shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. should be able to avoid surgery on the left shoulder he injured while taking a hard swing on Monday. An MRI on Tuesday showed a slight labral tear and the Padres put the electrifying 22-year-old on the 10-day injured list.

— The Rangers have found a destination for infielder Rougned Odor (ROOG’-nehd oh-DOHR’), sending him to the Yankees for minor league outfielders Antonio Cabello and Josh Stowers. The 27-year-old Odor did not make the Rangers’ opening day roster and was designated for assignment on April 1.

— The Braves have acquired infielder Orlando Arcia from the Brewers for right-handed pitchers Chad Sobotka and Patrick Weigel. Arcia had been the Brewers’ starting shortstop from 2018-20 but was expected to split time between shortstop and third base this year in more of a utility role.

— The Rays have placed center fielder Kevin Kiermaier on the 10-day injured list with a left quadriceps strain. The defensive whiz experienced tightness in his leg Monday night before being removed from the lineup during the third inning of an 11-2 loss to the Red Sox.

NHL..

— The Rangers clobbered the Penguins, 8-4 as Artemi Panarin (ahr-TEH’-mee pah-NAH’-rihn) had a goal and three assists and Adam Fox had a goal and two assists. It was the first time in 11 years that the Blueshirts had eight different players score in the same game. Igor Shesterkin (shehs-TUR’-kihn) made 42 saves for New York, which is 3-0-1 in its last four.

 

UNDATED (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes sit just one point off the NHL’s Central Division lead after defeating the first-place Panthers.

Vincent Trocheck (TROH’-chehk) scored a power-play goal and had an assist as the Hurricanes downed the Panthers, 5-2. Jordan Staal scored twice, including the tiebreaking tally with 11:08 remaining. Aleksander Barkov scored both goals for the Panthers, who ended a six-game winning streak and fell to 18-1-1 when leading after two periods.

Meanwhile, the Lightning’s recent struggles have continued in a 4-2 loss to the Blue Jackets. Zac Dalpe scored for the first time in 4 1/2 years and Joonas Korpisalo (YOH’-nahs kohr-pih-SAH’-loh) made 36 saves as Columbus sent the Bolts to their fifth loss in seven games.

Max Domi (DOH’-mee) and Jack Roslovic (RAHS’-loh-vihich) each had a goal and an assist for the Jackets.

Elsewhere on NHL ice:

— The Islanders were 1-0 winners over Washington to pull into a first-place tie with the Capitals in the East Division. Brock Nelson scored with just under seven minutes left and Semyon Varlamov (SEHM’-yahn vahr-LAH’-mahv) made 29 saves as the Isles improved to 16-1-2 at Nassau Coliseum. Varlamov earned his fourth shutout this season and the 31st of his career.

 

— Brad Marchand’s short-handed goal midway through the third period led the Bruins to a 4-2 win over the Flyers. Boston forward Patrice Bergeron (pah-TREES’ BEHR’-zhuh-rahn) recorded a hat trick and reached 900 career points. Jeremy Swayman made his NHL debut and became the fourth goalie to play for the Bruins this season, making 40 saves.

— The Predators earned a 3-2 win over the Red Wings on shootout goals by Ryan Johansen and Roman Josi (YOH’-see). Mikael Granlund and Luke Kunin (KOO’-nihn) scored for Nashville and Juuse Saros (YOO’-see SAH’-rohs) made 25 saves. The Predators have won eight of their last nine to move into fourth place in the Central Division.

— Patrick Kane had a goal and an assist for the Blackhawks in a 4-2 decision over the Stars. Kirby Dach (dahk), Dominik Kubilik (koo-BAH’-leek) and Alex DeBrincat (deh-BRIHN’-kat) also scored in Chicago’s first win in three games. The Hawks saw a 3-0, third-period lead shrink to 3-2 before Kevin Lankinen stopped a shot in the slot with 93 seconds to play.

— David Backes (BAK-ehs) and Nicolas Deslauriers (deh-LOHR’-ee-ay) each had a goal and an assist as the Ducks whipped the Sharks, 5-1 to end San Jose’s four-game winning streak. Adam Henrique (hehn-REEK’), Isac Lundestrom and Max Comtois (KAHM’-twah) also scored for Anaheim, which had lost three in a row. John Gibson made 34 saves.

— Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (dah-LEEN’) scored and set up the winning goal by Casey Mittelstadt as the Sabres downed the Devils, 5-3 to snap a 10-game road winless streak. Linus Ullmark made 27 saves to beat the Devils for the fourth time this season. Ramus Asplund, Brandon Montour and Rasmus Ristolainen also scored for the Sabres, who recently snapped an 18-game winless streak.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL-NEWS

Dosunmu leaving Illini early

UNDATED (AP) — The list of players leaving college early for the NBA now includes junior Ayo Dosunmu (EYE’-oh dah-SOO’-moo).

The Illinois standout has announced on ESPN that he is giving up the remainder of his eligibility to enter this year’s NBA Draft. Dosunmu was a first-team All-American, averaging 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists in helping the Illini win the Big Ten tournament and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tourney.

Dosunmu also won the Bob Cousy award as the nation’s top point guard.

Also in college basketball:

— Iowa center Luka Garza of Iowa has won the John R. Wooden Award as the nation’s top men’s college basketball player. Garza led the nation with 747 total points, eight 30-point games and 281 field goals made.

— Iowa State leading scorer Rasir Bolton has entered the NCAA transfer portal and will be looking to play at his third school in four years.

— UConn senior Isaiah Whaley is taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility being offered to athletes by the NCAA and will return for a fifth year with the Huskies.

— Villanova forward Cole Swider has signed a financial aid agreement with Syracuse and will join the men’s basketball program after three seasons with the Wildcats.

— Texas Tech graduate Mark Adams has been introduced as the Red Raiders’ head coach. Adams replaces Chris Beard, who left last Thursday to become the new coach at Texas.

— San Jose State has hired former Nebraska coach Tim Miles to take over the Spartans’ struggling program.

— DePaul has hired longtime Oregon assistant Tony Stubblefield as head coach to rebuild a basketball program that has struggled for decades.

COLLEGE SPORTS-WISCONSIN-ALVAREZ

Alvarez stepping down as Wisconsin AD

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez is retiring on June 30 after a three-decade run in which he transformed the university’s football team and later guided the Badgers to their greatest all-around sports success in school history.

Alvarez arrived at Wisconsin in 1990 as football coach and turned one of the Big Ten’s weakest programs into one of its strongest. He became athletic director in 2004 and briefly served in a dual role before stepping down as football coach after the 2005 season.

UNITED STATES-OLYMPICS

US weighs Beijing Olympics boycott with partners, allies

WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department says the Biden administration is considering a possible boycott of the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics to protest China’s human rights record.

Department spokesman Ned Price said Tuesday the U.S. is discussing China strategy, including participation in the Olympics, with a number of partners and allies in order to present a united front.

Human rights groups are protesting China’s hosting of the Games, which are set to start in February 2022. They have urged a diplomatic or straight-up boycott of the event to call attention to alleged Chinese abuses against Uyghurs, Tibetans and residents of Hong Kong.

NFL-TEXANS-WATSON-LAWSUITS

Woman alleges she was terrorized by assault from Texans QB

HOUSTON (AP) — The first woman to accuse Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and harassment in a lawsuit has spoken publicly on Tuesday.

Ashley Solis alleges she was terrorized by her encounter with the NFL player and that he needs to be held accountable for his actions. Solis said in a news conference that she was assaulted and traumatized when she tried to give Watson a massage in March 2020. She says she’s seeking justice for herself and other victims.

Watson has been accused of sexual assault or harassment in lawsuits filed by 22 women. Watson’s attorney has called the allegations “meritless.”

NFL-NEWS

Lions sign Dunbar

UNDATED (AP) — The Detroit Lions have signed cornerback Quinton Dunbar as they add desperately needed help in its secondary.

Dunbar had armed robbery charges dropped against him last year in a case that also involved New York Giants defensive back DeAndre Baker.

BEIJING (AP) — China’s government has warned Washington not to boycott next year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing after the Biden administration said it was talking with allies about a joint approach to complaints of human rights abuses. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson rejected accusations of abuses against ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region. He warned of an unspecified “robust Chinese response” to a potential Olympics boycott. He says a “politicization of sports” would damage athletes and the Olympic charter. Human rights groups are protesting China’s hosting of the games, due to start in February 2022.

 

TOKYO (AP) — The Tokyo Olympic torch relay will not run through the streets of Osaka prefecture next week because of rising COVID-19 cases. The move is a setback for the Tokyo organizers who began the relay two weeks ago from northeastern Fukushima prefecture with 10,000 runners planning to crisscross Japan over the course of four months. The Olympics open in just over 100 days on July 23. Organizers say runners and the torch will be involved in some event in an Osaka city park on April 13-14. Those are the days the relay was to cross the entire prefecture. Details are expected later this week or next week.

 

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — The American military is warning that China is probably accelerating its timetable for retaking Taiwan, the island democracy that’s widely seen as the most likely trigger for a potentially catastrophic U.S.-China war. Adm. Philip Davidson is the most senior U.S. military commander in the Asia-Pacific region and recently told a Senate panel the risks of a conflict over Taiwan are “going up.” Davidson says it could happen in the next six years. Davidson’s expected successor, Adm. John Aquilino, declined to back up the six-year timeframe but told his Senate confirmation hearing his opinion is “this problem is much closer to us than most think.”

 

 

 

LONDON (AP) — The European Medicines Agency will announce the conclusions of its investigation into the connection between AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine and rare blood clots later on Wednesday. Earlier this week, a senior EMA official said there was a causal link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and the rare blood clots that have been seen in dozens of people worldwide, among the tens of millions who have received at least one dose. The EMA, World Health Organization and numerous other health agencies have said repeatedly that the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective and that the protection it offers against COVID-19 outweighs the small risks of rare blood clots.

 

(AP)  A new survey from the Biden administration finds that large numbers of students are not returning to the classroom even as more schools reopen for full-time, in-person learning. The findings reflect a nation that’s been locked in debate over the safety of reopening schools during the coronavirus pandemic. Even as national COVID-19 rates continued to ebb in February, key measures around reopening schools barely budged. The survey shows nearly 46% of public schools offered five days a week of in-person learning to all students in February but just 34% of students were learning full-time in the classroom. White students were far more likely to be learning in-person than their nonwhite classmates.

 

PARIS (AP) — A leading human rights expert who is taking over leadership at Amnesty International is tackling vaccine equity as one of the major issues confronting the world today. Agnès Callamard is best known for her U.N. investigation into the killing of the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and has made a career uncovering extrajudicial killings. Last week she joined Amnesty International as its secretary general. On Wednesday, the organization releases its annual report. It alleges that governments are using the pandemic as an excuse to clamp down on human rights, and calls for equitable vaccinations to end a pandemic that disproportionally hits the world’s most vulnerable.

 

TOKYO (AP) — Global shares are mostly higher as progress on coronavirus vaccinations countered worries over flaring outbreaks in many countries. European indexes rose early Wednesday and shares advanced in Japan, Australia and South Korea. Chinese shares declined. Trading in Toshiba Corp.’s shares was suspended after the Tokyo-based technology conglomerate confirmed it had received a preliminary acquisition proposal. Investors are watching progress on the vaccine rollout after President Joe Biden bumped up his deadline by two weeks for states to make all adults in the U.S. eligible for inoculation. Recent market gyrations reflect varying assessments of the economic recovery from the pandemic.