CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 90s. South winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts to around 35 mph. Heat index 95 to 100.

.TONIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around 70. South winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts to around 30 mph. Heat index 90 to 95.

.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 90s. South winds

10 to 15 mph. Heat index 90 to 95.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and

thunderstorms in the evening, then showers likely and chance of

thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s. South winds

5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.

.FRIDAY…Showers and chance of thunderstorms. Not as warm. Highs

in the mid 70s. South winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the northwest

10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.  Chance of precipitation 80 percent.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Rain showers likely and chance of

thunderstorms in the evening, then chance of rain showers and

slight chance of thunderstorms after midnight. Locally heavy rainfall possible.  Lows in the lower 50s. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny with a 30 percent chance of rain

showers. Highs around 70.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear with a 20 percent chance of rain

showers. Lows in the lower 50s.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny with a 30 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. A 50 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s.

.MONDAY…Sunny with a 20 percent chance of rain showers and

thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny with a 30 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s.

 

Widespread showers and thunderstorms in the area Thursday evening into Friday morning. There appears to be some potential for strong to marginally
severe storms  from south central North Dakota into the James River Valley.

 

 

Update

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Fire Department was called to respond to a natural gas leak at 7:55-a.m. Wednesday, at 317 15th Street Southwest.

Lt. Sheldon Mohr says a natural gas line was struck by a contractor doing work there.

MDU was also dispatched to the scene.

No damages were reported.

14 city firefighters were on standby at the fire hall, and six were on scene.

The crews were released, about 8:37 a.m.

 

 

Previously

Jamestown  (CSi)  This morning about 8-O’Clock all fire fighters were call to the Jamestown City Fire hall to respond to a call.

Details as they become available will be posted at CSiNewsNow.com..

 

 

 

 

Jamestown (CSi)   The Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office reported Tuesday evening that the man being sought by authorities, was arrested Tuesday.

Sheriff Chad Kaiser reports that they were contacted Tuesday morning by beekeepers who were at beehives, and noticed a suspicious vehicle on an old farmstead.

Kaiser says, “The suspects in the vehicle fled, but upon investigating, there was a car up on a jack. It appeared the suspect was attempting to steal a catalytic converter off the old vehicle.”

While searching for the suspect, a vehicle matching the description was found. Following a brief pursuit, the suspect fled into a combined wheat field and then into a corn field near the intersection of 84th Avenue Southeast and 41st Street Southeast, after 12 noon. A female was apprehended from the vehicle as the driver fled on foot. The North Dakota Highway Patrol, a bloodhound, and drone were also used to search the field, only turning up an article of clothing.

Tuesday evening, a resident near Central Sales who has cameras was alerted to someone walking past their home.

Kaiser adds that, “We located the suspect near the home and took him into custody.”

Arrested on charges of fleeing and reckless driving is Daniel John Hoffer. Charges are pending for the theft of catalytic converters. He’s currently booked into custody and remanded to the Stutsman County Correctional Center.

Kaiser states, “We’d like to thank the residents of Stutsman County for remaining diligent and assisting us in the search.”

 

 

 

The North Dakota Department of Health dashboard is updated daily by 11 am and includes cases reported through the previous day. The investigations are ongoing and information on the website is likely to change as cases are investigated. The information contained in this dashboard is the most up to date and will be different than previous news releases. This dashboard supersedes information from previous news releases or social media postings.

Check out our other dashboards: The COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard, NDUS Dashboard.COVID- 19 stats:

 

Tues Aug 17, 2021

11:00- a.m.

Barnes

New Positives:  2

Total Positives:  1447

Active: 7

Recovered: 1408

 

Stutsman

New Positives: 5

Total Positives: 3610

Active: 22

Recovered: 3507

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Active cases of COVID-19 in North Dakota soared above 1,000 for the first time since spring, The state’s coronavirus dashboard on Tuesday showed 267 new virus cases. It’s the highest daily total since 303 cases on Jan. 8.  Active cases statewide rose to 1,101, up 112 from Monday and more than double the total just two weeks ago. Cases are spiking nationwide due primarily to the highly contagious and fast-spreading delta variant of the coronavirus. Health officials also confirmed three more virus-related deaths Tuesday, raising North Dakota’s pandemic death toll to 1,548.

 

 

Jamestown  (CVHD)  Central Valley Health District reminds residents that COVID testing has resumed  on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, at the Jamestown Civic Center, Exchequor Room, from 11-a.m. to noon.

Call CVHD at 701-252-8130 to register.

 

 

UPDATE

Jamestown  (City)  Please be advised that areas included in this years’ #21-41 street maintenance project will be chip-sealed as part of the City’s road maintenance program

Thursday, August 19, 2021, there will be chip-sealing done as part of the City Street Maintenance Program. This will continue into early next week.
Major traffic areas that will be impacted include:
8th St SW to 22nd St SW
8th Ave SW to 2nd Ave SW
17th St SW, from Highway 281 into the Frontier Village
Where signs are posted, remove vehicles and trailers from roadway during this operation.
Motorists and other traffic should use extreme caution when entering these construction areas and consider alternate routes, if possible.
The above schedule is contingent upon weather conditions.

 

 

Jamestown (Chamber)   Members of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Smile Studio, formerly known as Dental Specialists. They recently built a new building at 1517 12th Ave. NE and made the location move and name change. Smile Studio provides Orthodontics services through modern technology and intuitive treatment options. They can be reached at 701-252-1212.

For more information, contact Emily Bivens by emailing: director@jamestownchamber.com or call the chamber at 701-252-4830.

 

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.

All members were present.

 

Missouri River Energy Services Update.  CEO Tom Heller, talked about the partnership between MRES and the City, along with the power supply, and the four state area, served established in 1965 supplying  power wholesale,a $300-million company.   Loans are secured by support from power purchasers such as Valley City.  Hyrdo power is supplied by WAPA.  He said a five percent reduction in rates  from MRES will be coming in 2022. $660,00 was refunded to Valley   the last year, in the form of an energy rebate.  He said Valley City has 93-percent carbon-free power supply.  In the future MRES is looking at a solar power supply that would be installed in Valley City.

 

 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

An Application for a Raffle Permit for Barnes County Senior Citizens Council, Inc. from August 17th, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS ….No One Spoke….

 

 

ORDINANCE

Approved was the First Reading of an Ordinance Approving Text Amendments to Titles 11 and 16 of the Valley City Municipal Code.  City Attorney Martineck said, the Ordinance approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission, involves changes to zoning and subdivisions with guidelines. Among the issues are the Ordinance requires ADA compliant sidewalks in all residential areas.  It also outlines the number of off-street parking spaces, based on a formula, and includes multi family units.

 

 

RESOLUTION

Approved a Resolution Authorizing the City Administrator to Sell City Property if it’s below $2500. City Attorney Martineck said  the Resolution allows the City Administrator to do so administratively.

 

 

Approved a Resolution Approving the Replat of Original Townsite Block 17 Lot 15 (Fire Department Expansion).  

 

The City Commission approved a Resolution Approving the Replat of Grangers Subdivision Lots 9 & 10.

City Attorney Martineck said, stormwater runoff will be addressed, and incorporate sidewalks.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Approved was a request for the City of Valley City, to provide a Letter Supporting Changes that Support Development and Object Recent Changes Implemented by MDU. Valley City Barnes County Economic Development Director, Jennifer Feist said, the, changes require a Class One contractor license for work performed.  She said the issue needs to be elevated to community awareness, and statewide, concerning safety issues, and federal guidelines interpreted by MDU.  Support from the city and Barnes County, along with economic development is being requested.

 

The City Commission discussed Delinquent Electric Bills staying with Properties.

Commissioner Bishop, said the current Ordinance  procedure in place needs to be negotiated with landlords to possibly modify the policy, at a public meeting. Several North Dakota cities have the policy in place including Jamestown.  The City Commission voted to  set up a meeting with landlords regarding delinquent electric bills to protect the entities involved.

 

Approved was the Appointment of Tyler Marthaler as the Community at Large Representative for the Visitor’s Committee.  Deputy Auditor Klein said, the Visitors Committee approved the recommendation.

 

Approved was a Visitors Committee Recommendation for Image Enhancement Grant for Dakota Dogs in the amount up to $1,000 towards additional signage and $3,587 towards exterior and lobby improvements for a total grant of up to $4,587.00.

 

The City Commission Approved  Construction Engineering for West End Lift Station. Commissioner Erickson voted in opposition.

 

Approved was Design Engineering for 6th Street NW Reconstruction Project (NDDOT Project No. SU-2-990(060), PCN 23154). Commissioner Erickson voted in opposition.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Gwen Crawford said a downtown speaker issue has been addressed.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

Police Chief Hatcher outlined the agreement with local vehicle dealers concerning preventing the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles, by inscribing the vehicle’s VIN number on the part.  The service is free of charge.

With school starting ,crosswalks and pavement markings have been installed  around schools,  with some changes to traffic flows that motorists need to be aware of.

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

 

 

 

Valley City  (VCSU) – Valley City State University President Dr. Alan LaFave and Dacotah Bank in Valley City have announced a $500,000 donation to VCSU’s ongoing capital campaign. The donation from Dacotah Bank is one of several major gifts so far during the early stages of VCSU’s $25 million capital campaign: Forward Together.

LaFave says, “We are extremely grateful for this generous gift.  This contribution speaks to Dacotah Bank’s ongoing commitment to Valley City State University and the Valley City community. This gift, in addition to several others, clearly shows our campaign is gaining momentum and members of our community recognize this effort as an important part of the future of VCSU.”

The $500,000 one-time donation is the largest to VCSU in Dacotah Bank’s relationship with VCSU.

Dacotah Bank, Market President, Paige Bjornson adds, “As a committed, independent community bank we understand the value of creating quality experiences in our home towns and helping support the organizations that are shaping our future community members, leaders and families. We want our town to be a target for the best of the country’s youth to come and succeed. To celebrate VCSU’s legacy of successes we are more than excited to help the facility complete the new Dacotah Bank Viking Hall of Fame.”

Based in Aberdeen, S.D., Dacotah Bank has assets that exceed $3 billion, making it one of the largest independent banks in the upper Midwest. With dozens of hometown locations throughout North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, Dacotah Bank employs over 500 people and serves over 60,000 customers with banking, insurance, mortgage, and trust and wealth management services.

VCSU’s Forward Together campaign includes an expansion of the university’s athletic facilities, increased scholarship support and renovations of two key buildings on campus.

Athletic facilities on campus have remained largely unchanged since the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse was built in 1960. The number of athletes, teams and athletic staff have more than doubled. The expansion of the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse will include an indoor turf practice facility, a new weight room and locker rooms, and the new Dacotah Bank Hall of Fame to honor former Viking athletes.

The campaign also includes additional scholarship support for students. Forward Together also includes necessary improvements to the Memorial Student Center, and renovations for McCarthy Hall. McCarthy Hall will become the home for VCSU’s renowned School of Education and Graduate Studies.

LaFave says, “These improvements are long overdue and will meet actual needs of the university.  This campaign is critical in our efforts to continue to provide the highest quality education for students. We are grateful to supporters who have stepped up to the plate like Dacotah Bank, and look forward to welcoming more donors as the campaign continues.”

 

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  At Monday’s Jamestown Public School Board meeting, at the middle school’s Thompson Community Room, North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, Superintendent, Kirsten Baesler, explained an update on the process of creating course content standards. that the DPI will use to certify graduation, by the beginning of the next school year.

Baesler pointed out that the North Dakota legislature passed a bill that provides the state with flexibility to recognize a certified learning continuum as a personalized way for students to graduate high school.

Each school district will be given the opportunity of utilizing a learning policy that awards students the credits necessary to graduate from high school through demonstrated mastery of learning continuum competencies.  Students move through their learning at different paces and rates.

In other business, the school board, recognized Bob Toso for his service to the school district, first as assistant superintendent and then superintendent from 2001 to 2013 and as a member of the school board from 2014 to 2021.

Approved was a transportation agreement with St. John’s Academy for the 2021-22 school year.

Approved submitting a grant to the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission to assist in the defraying of the cost of aviation and drone technology classes.

 

 

 

Valley City  (CSi)   Music at the City Park Bandshell for 2021, Weds, at 7:15-p.m.

This is the final event for the summer of 2021, also the   conclusion of the recognition each week of those who have been instrumental in the arts and music in Valley City.

This  final week  is  credited to all the music and art teachers/instructors in our schools and area. This includes all those from the past and present, public schools and college.

Please come and join the Bridges Arts Council and VCPR and be recognized.

Bring your family & lawn chairs and enjoy the evening with neighbors & friends! A free will offering is taken each night for the continued support of the City Park Bandshell. (Due to inclement weather, the program will be held at the Foss Music Building on the VCSU Campus, College St. SW)

August 18 – DeMasi Brothers

Joseph and John, the DeMasi Bros., began their folk music career in the folk clubs and coffeehouses in and around New York City where they were born and raised. As part of the 80’s folk music revival scene, they appeared and performed regularly at Greenwich Villages famed music club “the Speak Easy” and were featured performers on the “Fast Folk” music series. They shared the stage with such folk legends as Harry and Tom Chapin, Christine Lavin and Oscar Brand and have appeared regularly on NPR radio.

This summer they will be celebrating 25 years in existence. Musicians are featured each week showcasing their talents for the community and surrounding area.

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota recorded the most deaths from drug use in a decade last year as the pandemic caused isolation and fentanyl became widely available. The Bismark Tribune reports that the state recorded 118 drug-related deaths in 2020 — a 49% jump from the previous year, according to the Division of Vital Records. Police and drug treatment counselors say social isolation due to the pandemic increased substance abuse problems, while fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid, has made overdoses more common. State lawmakers have attempted to address overdose deaths in recent years.

 

DEVILS LAKE, N.D. (AP) — The body of a fisherman has been recovered from a lake in Ramsey County. Sheriff Steve Nelson says the man’s body was discovered floating in Devils Lake Tuesday. Nelson says the man from Grand Forks, believed to be in his early 60s, was fishing from shore and somehow ended up in the water. An autopsy will be done. The man’s name is being withheld pending notification of relatives.

 

 

In sports…

Sioux City IA.  (UJ) –– The University of Jamestown football team was picked to finish ninth in the GPAC conference preseason poll, which was released this week.

The Jimmies received 27 points in the poll, ahead of Briar Cliff (Iowa) with 19, and Mount Marty (S.D.) with 13.

Morningside (Iowa) received eight of 11 first-place votes to finish in the top spot with 98 points, followed by Northwestern (Iowa), which received the other three first-place votes, with 93 points.

Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team in the poll.

UJ opens the season at Valley City State (N.D.) on August 26, then opens the GPAC conference schedule at home on September 11 against Mount Marty University in the first home game at the newly renovated Charlotte and Gordon Hansen Stadium.

Place Team Pts. (1st Place Votes)
1 Morningside (Iowa) 98 (8)
2 Northwestern (Iowa) 93 (3)
3 Dordt (Iowa) 82
4 Midland (Neb.) 73
5 Concordia (Neb.) 62
6 Doane (Neb.) 50
7 Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) 48
8 Hastings (Neb.) 40
9 Jamestown (N.D.) 27
10 Briar Cliff (Iowa) 19
11 Mount Marty (S.D.) 13

 

 

 

Valley City    The Valley City State volleyball will host three  teams for three friendly scrimmage games Wednesday August 18 at the Bubble.

In the first game, at 10-a.m., the Vikings will play NDSCS on court two at to unofficially kickoff their 2021 season.

Then at noon,  it’s a game versus Jamestown’s junior varsity squad on court one. The Jimmies’ varsity team is ranked #2 in the country.

At 2-p.m., in the final match, they’ll take on Mayville on court two at 2:00 p.m.

The Vikings take on the University of Mary in Bismarck on August 27  ahead of starting their regular season in Phoenix, AZ in the Firestorm Tournament on August 28.

 

 

 

Valley City  (VCSU)  The Valley City State University athletic department is hosting its Century Club Kickoff in conjunction with a VCSU football scrimmage on Thursday, Aug. 19.

The VCSU Booster Board will be grilling a free meal of burgers and hot dogs at the tailgate shelter located at Lokken Stadium. VCSU fans and supporters are invited to stop by for a free meal and watch the VCSU football team scrimmage M-State Fergus Falls.

People joining the Century Club will be able to register and pick up their season passes that night, and the VCSU Bookstore will also be on site selling Viking Apparel.

The Century Club Kickoff runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. outside the stadium. The football scrimmage starts at 5 p.m. There is no charge to attend the scrimmage or the Century Club kickoff.

 

 

MLB…

The Indians picked up a 3-1 win over the Twins as Eli Morgan threw six scoreless innings and Daniel Johnson smacked a two-run homer. Morgan allowed just three hits and struck out eight to win for the first time since June 28, his first major league victory. James Karinchak escaped a bases-loaded jam in the eighth and Emmanuel Clase earned his 17th save in 21 chances.

 

UNDATED (AP) — The New York Yankees have caught up to the Boston Red Sox in the American League East and AL wild-card standings.

The Yankees swept a doubleheader with the Red Sox in the Bronx, winning 5-3 in the opener and 2-0 in the nightcap.

In Game 1, Jonathan Loaisiga (loh-EYE’-sih-gah) worked in and out of a no-out, bases-loaded jam by retiring Travis Shaw before fanning Kiké (KEE’-kay) Hernandez and Hunter Renfroe to end the seven-inning game. Loaisiga worked a perfect sixth and notched his fifth save.

The Red Sox 3-2 until Luke Voit (voyt) poked a two-run single in the fifth and Giancarlo Stanton added an RBI single.

Luis Gil (heel) combined with two relievers for a five-hitter in the nightcap as the Yankees improved to 68-52, percentage points ahead of the Red Sox. Voit and Stanton hit solo homers for New York.

Checking out Tuesday’s other major league action:

— The Rays have expanded their lead in the AL East to five games over Boston and New York by blowing out the Orioles, 10-0. Nelson Cruz led the Rays’ attack with two home runs, a three-run blast and a two-run shot. Mike Zunino (zoo-NEE’-noh) also went deep, his career-high 26th home run.

— Seldom-used Hanser Alberto gave the Royals the lead with a two-run double in the sixth inning of a 3-1 victory against the Astros. Daniel Lynch allowed one run over seven crisp innings, blanking Houston after Carlos Correa’s RBI single in the third. Michael Taylor also drove in a run for the Royals, who have beaten the AL West leaders in each of the first two games of their four-game series.

— Jose Abreu (ah-BRAY’-oo) and Jake Lamb each hit a three-run homer for the AL Central-leading White Sox in a 9-0 thumping of the Athletics. Reynaldo López pitched five innings of one-hit ball in his third start since he was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte last month. Oakland still trails the AL West by 2 1/2 games and fell into a virtual tie with the Red Sox and Yankees for the two AL wild card slots.

— Tyler Anderson picked up his first Mariners win by allowing one run on three hits in six innings of a 3-1 decision over the Rangers. Rookie Cal Raleigh scored Seattle’s first two runs, on sacrifice flies by Ty France in the third inning and Mitch Haniger in the fifth. Luis Torrens homered in the ninth to add an insurance run.

— Jo Adell’s first home run of the season was a tiebreaking grand slam in the ninth inning of the Angels’ 8-2 win at Detroit. Kurt Suzuki followed with a solo blast, and Los Angeles kept Miguel Cabrera stuck on 499 home runs. Cabrera was 0-for-2 with two walks.

— The Giants knocked off the Mets, 3-2 as Tommy La Stella hit a two-run homer in the first inning to back Logan Webb’s sixth straight win. Webb scattered seven hits and blanked New York until Pete Alonso hit a two-run homer in the eighth. Evan Longoria connected leading off the seventh against Marcus Stroman as the major league-best Giants improved to 78-42 overall and 7-1 on their homestand.

— The Dodgers stayed four games behind San Francisco by getting 4 1/3 shutout innings from their bullpen in a 4-2 win over the Pirates. Matt Beaty broke a 2-2 tie with a two-run double in the fifth inning. AJ Pollock hit a two-run single in the Dodgers’ fifth win in a row.

— Josh VanMeter hit a two-run homer and Taylor Widener pitched five quality innings for the Diamondbacks in a 3-2 verdict over the Phillies. Bryce Harper homered for the Phils, who have dropped five of seven since an eight-game winning streak put them atop the NL East. Philadelphia starter Kyle Gibson gave up three runs and seven hits over six innings, falling to 2-2 since being acquired from Texas.

— Germán Márquez had two hits, drove in two runs and pitched into the seventh of a 7-3 win over the Padres. C.J. Cron and Charlie Blackmon hit back-to-back homers in the bottom of the seventh to help the Rockies beat the Padres for the sixth straight time in Denver. Colorado overcame seventh-inning round-trippers by Fernando Tatis (tah-TEES’) Jr., Tommy Pham and Jake Croneworth, the last an inside-the-park home run.

— Jorge Soler (HOHR’-hay soh-LEHR’) snapped a scoreless tie with a two-out RBI single in the eighth inning of the Braves’ 2-0 shutout of the Marlins. Austin Riley hit his 26th homer and Freddie Freeman had two hits for the NL East leaders, who won their fifth straight and 12th in 14 games. Atlanta leads its division by 2 1/2 games over the Phillies.

— Corbin Burnes took a no-hitter into the sixth inning and Kolten Wong went 3-for-4 with an RBI as the Brewers beat the Cardinals, 2-0. Burnes allowed two hits and two walks while striking out three in six innings, helping the NL Central leaders move 8 1/2 games ahead of the second-place Reds. He is 6-0 in his last 13 starts and has not lost since May 25, against San Diego.

— Kyle Hendricks became the majors’ first 14-game winner of the season and the Cubs halted a 12-game losing streak by nipping the Reds, 2-1. Hendricks gave up three hits in six innings, including a two-out homer by Nick Castellanos (kas-tee-AH’-nohs) in the sixth. Ian Happ homered among his three hits.

— Riley Adams homered and drove in three in his first game against his former team, leading the Nationals’ 12-6 win versus the Blue Jays. Erick Fedde (FEH’-dee) won for the first time in more than two months and Washington snapped a season-high, seven-game losing streak. Yadiel Hernandez went deep and drove in three for the Nats.

 

MLB-NEWS

Woman says violence by Trevor Bauer left her in pain, fear

UNDATED (AP) — A woman seeking a five-year restraining order against Trevor Bauer testified that her horror grew as bruises emerged and her pain surged the day after a sexual encounter in which she said the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher choked her and punched her.

The woman testified about the aftermath of the night with Bauer in her second day on the stand in an LA court. She said she was at first determined to tell no one. But her injuries sent her to an emergency room, and brought a visit from police. Bauer has said that everything that happened between the two was wholly consensual.

Bauer’s attorney challenged the 27-year-old San Diego woman on why she omitted a text message to Bauer before their meetings saying she would have her “feelings turned off” and joking that she would have a nondisclosure agreement “signed and sealed” when she came to see him. The attorney also asked why she got back into bed and slept next to Bauer after the traumatic experience she testified that she had.

In other MLB news:

— Athletics right-hander Chris Bassitt was carted off the field Tuesday night after he was struck on the side of the head by a comebacker. Bassitt went down on the mound right after he was hit by Brian Goodwin’s line drive, holding his head, and his teammates quickly waved to the dugout for assistance. He is in the midst of a breakout season for Oakland, leading the AL in victories with a 12-3 record and a 3.06 ERA.

— A former Pirates relief pitcher has been sentenced to two to four years behind bars for statutory sexual assault and other charges in a case involving a girl who was 13 when the encounters began. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Tuesday that 30-year-old Felipe Vazquez has already served almost two years in jail. He faces related charges in Florida and Missouri.

— The Athletics have reinstated shortstop Elvis Andrus (AN’-droos) from the paternity list. Andrus is batting .231 with three homers and 28 RBIs in 113 games.

NBA-NEWS

AP source: 76ers, Embiid agree to $196 million, 4-year deal

UNDATED (AP) — Joel Embiid (joh-EHL’ ehm-BEED’) is now under contract for six more years.

The Philadelphia 76ers have signed the All-Star center, who was the NBA MVP runner-up this past season. A person familiar with the situation says it’s a four-year, $196 million extension that takes Embiid through the 2026-27 season.

Embiid led the Sixers to the best regular-season record in the Eastern Conference before losing to the Hawks in the second round. He averaged more than 28 points and 10 rebounds while becoming eligible for the NBA’s super-max extension.

Elsewhere in the NBA:

— The Knicks have acquired swingman Evan Fournier in a sign-and-trade with Boston. The Knicks also get two future second round draft picks, the Celtics receive for cash considerations and Fournier gets a four-year, $78 million contract. Fournier spent last season with the Orlando Magic and the Celtics, averaging 17.1 points, 3.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 42 games.

— The Pistons have signed second-round pick Luka Garza and undrafted free agent Chris Smith to two-way contracts. Garza played well for the Pistons during the NBA Summer League, averaging 15 points and 9.6 rebounds.

NFL-NEWS

Tebow’s comeback stalls after Jaguars cut him

UNDATED (AP) — Tim Tebow’s NFL comeback seems over. The Jacksonville Jaguars waived Tebow on Tuesday, parting with the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner who switched from quarterback to tight end in hopes of rejuvenating his pro football career.

Tebow’s blocking ranged from awkward to awful in Jacksonville’s preseason opener against Cleveland on Saturday night, his 34th birthday. He failed to get a catch and played no snaps on special teams. Tebow says he’s “thankful for the highs and even the lows, the opportunities, and the setbacks.”

Elsewhere in the NFL:

— A person with knowledge of the deal says the Seahawks and Jamal Adams have reached agreement on a contract extension that is expected to make the former All-Pro the highest-paid safety in the NFL. The agreement is for four years and is expected to include $38 million guaranteed.

— Coach Jon Gruden says he supports the Las Vegas Raiders’ new policy requiring fans attending regular-season home games to show proof of vaccination for COVID-19. The policy will take effect for the Raiders’ home opener on Sept. 13 against Baltimore.

— Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith participated in some team drills at Tuesday’s practice, continuing his return from a knee sprain. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner’s status is still uncertain for Thursday night’s preseason game against New England.

— The Chiefs have waived wide receiver Antonio Callaway and tight end Evan Baylis with injury designations while placing running back Elijah McGuire on injured reserve. Wide receiver Chad Williams was released and defensive back Manny Patterson was waived to get the Chiefs to the required roster limit by the first cut-down deadline.

— The Panthers have traded 2020 second-round draft pick Greg Little to the Dolphins for a seventh-round draft pick in 2022. Little has been a major disappointment in Carolina, playing in just 14 games with six starts in part because of concussion problems.

— Saints coach Sean Payton says the Saints have cut cornerback Prince Amukamara (ah-moo-kah-MAR’-ah) and waived kicker Brett Maher with an injury designation. The Saints have not disclosed Maher’s injury which again leaves New Orleans without a place kicker.

— The Browns are starting another week of practice with defensive ends Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney watching from the sideline. Garrett is dealing with a hamstring issue while Clowney has an unspecified injury.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL-BIG 12-COVID

Big 12 prepared to forfeit games for COVID-19 outbreaks, other reasons

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Big 12 teams unable to play a game this fall because of COVID-19, or any other reasons, will have to forfeit and be given a loss in the conference standings.

A no contest would be declared only if both teams are unable to compete, and there are no plans to make up any games not played as scheduled.

The Big 12 said a forfeit can happen at any point before a completed contest, and when possible would occur prior to the visiting team traveled to the game site.

In world and national news…

 

GRIZZLY FLATS, Calif. (AP) — Pacific Gas & Electric says it has begun shutting off power to about 51,000 customers in 18 Northern California counties to prevent wildfires. The utility announced Tuesday evening that it has begun enacting the shutoffs as a precaution to prevent gusting winds from damaging power lines and sparking blazes in a tinder-dry region that already is struggling with a series of wildfires that have destroyed hundreds of homes. In the Sierra Nevada, the Caldor Fire has exploded to nearly 50 square miles (129 square kilometers), injured two people and devastated the town of Grizzly Flats. The nearby Dixie Fire has burned more than 600 homes.

 

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Tropical Depression Fred has weakened to a depression and spawned several apparent tornadoes in Georgia as it dumps heavy rains into the Appalachian mountains. It’s on a path that could cause flash floods into upstate New York. Thousands were without power in the Florida Panhandle, where it came ashore as a tropical storm on Monday afternoon. The National Weather Service spotted three likely twisters, and said severe thunderstorms could unleash mudslides in mountainous areas of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. The National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Grace has moved west of Haiti and could become a hurricane as it moves through the Caribbean toward Mexico.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban have blown up the statue of a Shiite militia leader who fought against them during Afghanistan’s civil war in the 1990s. Photos of the destroyed statue circulated on social media Wednesday. That is sowing further doubt about their claims they have become more moderate. The insurgents every action in their sudden sweep to power is being watched closely. They insist they have changed and won’t impose the same draconian restrictions they did when they last ruled Afghanistan, all but eliminating women’s rights, carrying out public executions and banning television and music. They also promised not to seek revenge against those who have opposed. But many Afghans remain deeply skeptical.

 

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghanistan’s former president has met with a senior leader of a powerful Taliban faction who was once jailed and whose group has been listed by the U.S. as a terrorist network. Former President Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah, a senior official in the ousted government met with Anas Haqqani as part of preliminary meetings that a spokesman for Karzai said would would facilitate eventual negotiations with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the top Taliban political leader. The U.S. branded the Haqqani network a terrorist group in 2012, and its involvement in a future government could trigger international sanctions.

 

(AP)  Australian airline company Qantas says it is requiring all of its workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The Sydney-based company said in a statement Wednesday that front-line employees such as cabin crew members, pilots and airport staffs must be fully vaccinated by Nov. 15, while remaining Qantas employees have until the end of March. It says exemptions will be made for employees who are unable to be vaccinated for documented medical reasons but expects such exemptions to be “very rare.” A labor union that represents workers for Qantas Airways and subsidiary Jetstar criticized the company for making the announcement without a plan to ensure employees could secure vaccine shots.

 

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia’s State Election Board plans to take a step Wednesday toward a possible eventual takeover of elections in the state’s most populous county. Fulton County is a Democratic bastion that includes most of the city of Atlanta. It has long been the target of Republican lawmakers’ ire and their attacks only increased after former President Donald Trump made unfounded claims that fraud in the county contributed to his narrow loss in Georgia. GOP lawmakers last month asked the state board to appoint a panel to investigate the county’s handling of elections. The Republican-controlled state board could replace the county’s board of registration and elections with an administrator it chooses.

 

BEIJING (AP) — European stock markets have opened lower while Asia advanced as investors await an update from the Federal Reserve on possible plans to reduce U.S. stimulus. Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney advanced. Wall Street’s benchmark S&P 500 index declined from a record high after U.S. retail sales in July were weaker than expected. Investors watched for the Fed’s release of minutes from its July policy meeting for an update on when the central bank might start reducing bond purchases that pump money into the financial system and look at raising interest rates.