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Valley City (CCHD) Free COVID-19 testing events for the VCSU and Valley City communities are being held this week from 1-2 p.m. at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, \u201cThe Bubble.” Rapid testing events will be held again on Fri., Jan. 8.<\/p>\nBars, restaurants and other food service establishments have been operating at up to 50 percent of their licensed seated capacity, not to exceed 150 patrons, since Nov. 16. The capacity limits were one of several mitigation measures announced Nov. 13 to slow the spread of COVID-19 as active cases and hospitalizations were peaking.<\/p>\n Under the amended executive order, these establishments will be able to start operating at 65 percent of licensed facility capacity, not to exceed 200 patrons, beginning 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 8. Seating arrangements and tables must still allow for at least 6 feet of physical distance between individual parties; dance areas must be closed; service must be provided to seated patrons only; and masks must be worn by owners, managers and employees at all times, and by patrons except when eating or drinking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Banquet, ballroom and event venues, which have been limited to 25 percent capacity since Nov. 16, will be able to start operating at 50 percent capacity as of 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 8, not to exceed the ND Smart Restart capacity limits<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The amended order\u2019s requirements will remain in effect through 8 a.m. Jan. 29.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A State Health Officer order<\/a> requiring face coverings to be worn in indoor businesses and indoor public settings, as well as outdoor public settings where physical distancing isn\u2019t possible, remains in effect until 12:01 a.m. Jan. 18.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In addition, Burgum Thursday signed a separate executive order<\/a> eliminating three prior executive orders that have fulfilled their stated objectives and are no longer necessary. The orders pertained to absentee and mail ballots in school district elections and renewals of motor vehicle registrations and driver\u2019s licenses.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For more information on North Dakota\u2019s COVID-19 response, visit www.health.nd.gov\/coronavirus<\/a> or www.ndresponse.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Highlights Include:<\/p>\n The new attendance guidelines that will be followed until further notice for all large group gatherings and events held at Valley City Public Schools:<\/p>\n All spectators attending any large groups gatherings or events MUST:<\/strong><\/p>\n * Wear a face mask (when not eating or drinking)<\/p>\n * Social distance from other individuals (outside of the family or pod)<\/p>\n * Practice proper hand hygiene<\/p>\n * Do not gather before, during, or after an event on the main floor<\/p>\n Valley City Public Schools will NOT be issuing wristbands prior to any regular season events and will be taking tickets in a traditional manner at the entrance of the event. A capacity limit per event venue has been established for the new guidelines and will be strictly followed at VCPS (see below). We will welcome students, staff, parents, families, and fans that will follow these guidelines and support VCPS in preventing the spread of COVID-19.<\/p>\n Capacity Limits (Per Venue)<\/strong><\/p>\n * Hi-Liner Activity Center (HAC)- 750 spectators<\/p>\n * North Gymnasium (VCHS)- 100 spectators<\/p>\n * Youth Sports Complex (YSC)- 100 spectators<\/p>\n * Theater (VCHS)- 130 spectators<\/p>\n The new attendance guidelines at Valley City Public Schools will be subject to change per the guidance from the state of North Dakota and North Dakota High School Activities Association. The local health team and school board reserve the ability to change these plans as necessary. Any questions regarding these changes may contact Superintendent Josh Johnson at 701.845.0483 ext.1 or Activities Director Mike Schultz at 701.845.0483 ext. 122<\/p>\n Registration is encouraged, by walk-ins are welcome.<\/p>\n Remaining onation dates include January 8 from 10:30 AM to 5 PM, and January 9th from 7 AM to 11:30 AM at the Jamestown Civic Center in the Exchequer Room.<\/p>\n To register for the blood drive, visit bloodhero.com and search Jamestown or call Vitalant at 1-877-258-4825. Chief Edinger adds that officers and firefighters are also calling members of the public asking for their donations.<\/p>\n Vitalant will also be accepting Convalescent Plasma during the event.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019ve tested positive for COVID-19 and recovered, your plasma may be able to help patients currently fighting the virus,\u201d the organization states. \u201cPlasma is the liquid portion of the blood. Using a specialized process, we separate and collect only the plasma portion of your blood and safely return the remaining components (red blood cells and platelets) to you.\u201d<\/p>\n A plasma donation takes around an hour, but with the medical screening and review of health history, those who make a Convalescent Plasma donation should plan for about 2 hours.<\/p>\n The renewal of membership and accreditation approved by the NASM Commission on Accreditation confirms that VCSU\u2019s music programs and instruction meet or exceed the national standards set forth by the NASM.<\/p>\n VCSU President Dr. Alan LaFave says, \u201cThis is validation of the outstanding education and experience our music students receive at VCSU.\u00a0 We recognize the monumental and collective effort it takes to achieve this renewal, and we thank everyone involved in the process.\u201d<\/p>\n VCSU\u2019s renewal of accreditation effort was headed by Dr. Christopher Redfearn, an associate professor of music. The renewal process began back in 2019 and was worked on by numerous music faculty and campus staff.<\/p>\n Redfearn adds, \u201cIt was a group effort at VCSU, and I\u2019m grateful for all the work put in by the music faculty and others around campus.\u00a0 I\u2019d like to extend a big thank you to the VCSU administration for their continued support of music education on our campus.\u201d<\/p>\n Accreditation with the NASM is completed every 10 years. VCSU\u2019s next accreditation renewal is scheduled for the 2028-29 academic year.<\/p>\n BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) \u2014 Some Republican lawmakers want to limit emergency or disaster declarations by North Dakota\u2019s governor. Proposed legislation would allow the Legislature more oversight of the executive branch action. A bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Janne Myrdal would limit such a declaration to 30 days. It could be extended another 30 days if the governor calls a special session of the Legislature. The legislation was inspired by a rash of executive orders filed by GOP Gov. Doug Burgum. Most of the orders were done in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus when the state’s hospital capacity was stressed.<\/p>\n FARGO, N.D. (AP) \u2014 No criminal charges will be filed against a former police official who went undercover without telling anyone during a May gathering in memory of George Floyd in Fargo. Deputy Chief Todd Osmundson resigned following that May 30 gathering that turned violent, resulting in damaged property, a dozen arrests and minor injuries to four police officers. Cass County State\u2019s Attorney Birch Burdick says the decision not to file charges against Osmundson was made after an independent investigation done by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Critics said Osmundson, while off-duty and not in uniform, should not have been mingling with protesters.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n BISMARCK, N.D, (AP) \u2014 North Dakota\u2019s oil industry is seeking to reduce the amount of interest and penalties the state can charge companies for unpaid oil and gas royalties. According to the Bismarck Tribune, the trade group representing the state\u2019s oil industry, North Dakota Petroleum Council, is asking lawmakers for a break on late royalty payments. Currently, the state can charge interest and penalties on unpaid royalties at a maximum rate of 30%. During a hearing Wednesday, Petroleum Council President Ron Ness told the House Finance and Taxation Committee that such a level is \u201cunnecessarily punitive.” The committee did not vote on the bill during the hearing.<\/p>\n In sports…<\/p>\n Stutsman Boy’s B Tournamnent<\/p>\n Edgeley \u2013 Kulm \u2013 Montpelier 62, South Border 26<\/p>\n Ellendale 60, Napoleon \/ Gackle \u2013 Streeter 36<\/p>\n Carrington 63, Kidder County 58, OT<\/p>\n Griggs Central\/ Midkota Co-op 47, Medina -Pingree -Buchanan 38<\/p>\n <\/p>\n FRIDAY\u2019S SCHEDULE:<\/em><\/p>\n 2-pm \u2013 Consolation: South Border vs. Medina\/Pingree\/Buchanan<\/p>\n 4-pm \u2013 Consolation:\u00a0 Kidder County vs. Napoleon\/Gackle-Streeter<\/p>\n 6-pm \u2013Semifinal: \u00a0 Edgeley\/Kulm\/Montpelier vs. Griggs\/Midkota<\/p>\n 8-pm \u2013 Semifinal:\u00a0 Carrington vs. Ellendale (semifinal)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Other Thursday Boy\u2019s<\/p>\n Central Cass 69, Tri-State 45<\/p>\n Drake-Anamoose 74, Surrey 48<\/p>\n Grafton 80, Finley-Sharon\/Hope-Page 46<\/p>\n Grafton\/St. Thomas 80, Finley-Sharon\/Hope-Page 46<\/p>\n Lewis and Clark-Berthold 75, Parshall 42<\/p>\n Midway-Minto 66, Larimore 40<\/p>\n Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood 82, Bottineau 54<\/p>\n New Salem-Almont 48, Strasburg-Zeeland 41<\/p>\n North Star 50, Dakota Prairie 47<\/p>\n Oakes 76, Leola\/Frederick, S.D. 56<\/p>\n Ray 54, Burke County 37<\/p>\n Rugby 51, Des Lacs-Burlington 31<\/p>\n South Prairie 67, Max 30<\/p>\n Trenton 63, Tioga 54<\/p>\n West Fargo 57, Fargo Shanley 49<\/p>\n Westhope-Newburg 66, Kenmare 51<\/p>\n <\/p>\n GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=<\/p>\n Grand Forks Red River 80, Valley City 51<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Benson County 82, Warwick 21<\/p>\n Beulah 62, Glen Ullin-Hebron 43<\/p>\n Bishop Ryan 64, Stanley 48<\/p>\n Center-Stanton 52, Grant County 40<\/p>\n Dunseith 63, St. John 56<\/p>\n Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier 53, South Border 32<\/p>\n Fargo South 59, Grand Forks Central 50<\/p>\n Four Winds\/Minnewaukan 76, Towner-Granville-Upham 22<\/p>\n Glenburn 71, Harvey\/Wells County 54<\/p>\n Grafton 82, Finley-Sharon\/Hope-Page 30<\/p>\n Grand Forks Red River 80, Valley City 51<\/p>\n Hatton-Northwood 44, Park River-Fordville\/Lankin 28<\/p>\n Heart River 44, Lemmon, S.D. 33<\/p>\n Kidder County 52, Ellendale 19<\/p>\n Kindred 77, Richland 44<\/p>\n LaMoure-Litchville-Marion 46, Medina-Pingree-Buchanan 35<\/p>\n Langdon-Edmore-Munich 69, Midway-Minto 62<\/p>\n Larimore 35, Hillsboro\/Central Valley 22<\/p>\n Linton-HMB 72, Central McLean 47<\/p>\n Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood 58, Nedrose 39<\/p>\n Parshall 70, Lewis & Clark\/Berthold\/North Shore Plaza Co-op 31<\/p>\n Sargent County 55, Maple Valley 37<\/p>\n Sisseton, S.D. 41, Lisbon 34<\/p>\n Thompson 56, Pembina 15<\/p>\n Washburn 49, New Salem-Almont 26<\/p>\n Waverly-South Shore, S.D. 60, Tri-State 53<\/p>\n West Fargo 75, Fargo Shanley 55<\/p>\n Wilton-Wing 51, Garrison 45<\/p>\n Wyndmere-Lidgerwood 58, Enderlin 43<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n Thursday<\/p>\n FREMONT, Neb\u00a0 (UJ<\/a>)\u00a0 \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>The University of Jamestown women\u2019s basketball team had its three-game winning streak snapped Thursday night, falling 75-74 to Midland University in Great Plains Athletic Conference action.<\/p>\n Jamestown falls to 9-4 overall and 6-4 in the GPAC while Midland improves to 10-5 overall and 7-5 in the conference.<\/p>\n Hannah DeMars<\/a> (SO\/Grand Rapids, MN) scored 17 of her game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter as the Jimmies nearly rallied from a nine-point fourth quarter deficit.<\/p>\n Trailing 71-62, UJ went on an 8-0 run with all eight points coming from DeMars to make it a one-point game.<\/p>\n The Warriors answered with a three-pointer by Lexis Haase to go ahead by four with 46 seconds left.<\/p>\n After a DeMars layup made it 75-74 with eight seconds left, Midland was called for an offensive foul coming out of a timeout, giving the ball back to Jamestown with a chance to win the game. Two shots inside of the final six seconds came up short and the Warriors escaped with the win.<\/p>\n Midland led by 10 after the first quarter, but UJ found their offensive stride in the second quarter. The Jimmies made eight of 15 field goal attempts and held the Warriors to 4-of-18 shooting to take a 37-34 halftime lead.<\/p>\n Jamestown led by five early in the third,\u00a0but Midland rallied to retake the lead for good after Erin Prusa scored with 3:16 left in the quarter.<\/p>\n DeMars was joined in double figures by Kia Tower<\/a> (SO\/Bigfork, MN) and Audrey Rodakowski<\/a> (FR\/Dickinson, ND) with 12 points each. DeMars and Rodakowsi both grabbed nine rebounds, while Tower and Emma Stoehr<\/a> (SR\/Woodbury, MN) each dished out three assists.<\/p>\n Peyton Wingert had 20 points to lead five players in double figures for Midland.<\/p>\n Jamestown returns to action Saturday at Concordia (Neb.) University. Game time is set for 2 p.m.<\/p>\n Jimmie Men<\/p>\n Jamestown<\/a> 49 Midland 47<\/p>\n FREMONT, Neb.\u00a0 (<\/strong>UJ<\/a>) <\/strong>\u2014 Cole Woodford<\/a> (FR\/Redwood Falls, MN)\u2019s running layup at the buzzer gave the University of Jamestown men\u2019s basketball team a 49-47 win over Midland University Thursday night in Great Plains Athletic Conference action.<\/p>\n Jamestown led for the entire game until Bo Sandquist made a three-pointer to give Midland a 45-43 edge with 3:24 to play.<\/p>\n Mason Walters<\/a> (SO\/Jamestown, ND) sank a pair of free throws to tie the game, then scored on a layup with 17 seconds left to put UJ ahead by two.<\/p>\n The Warriors got a game-tying shot by Jake Rueschhoff with four seconds left, leaving just enough time for Jamestown to attempt a game-winning shot.<\/p>\n Woodford took the inbound pass and drove the left side of the floor, making\u00a0a running shot off the backboard as the final buzzer sounded.<\/p>\n It was a season-low 49 points for the Jimmies, who entered the game averaging 87.2 points per game. Prior to Thursday, UJ\u2019s fewest points scored came in a 74-57 against Briar Cliff on December 15.<\/p>\n Marc Kjos<\/a> (SO\/Lake City, MN) and Will Cordes<\/a> (FR\/Shakopee, MN) hit three-pointers and Walters scored back-to-back buckets as the Jimmies led 10-2 just under three minutes in. The lead grew to as many as 11 after Jack Talley<\/a> (SR\/Sioux Falls, SD) made all three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt.<\/p>\n Midland closed the half on a 14-4 run, holding the Jimmies scoreless for the final 5:36, and trailed by just one at halftime.<\/p>\n Cordes and Woodford opened the second half with threes, and another Kjos three-pointer gave UJ an eight-point lead with 16:12 remaining. The lead grew to 10 points at the 12:30 mark, but a 15-3 Warrior run capped off by the Sandquist three-pointer set the stage for a dramatic finish.<\/p>\n Walters finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Kjos and Woodford each scored seven, and Cordes ended with six.<\/p>\n Josh Lambert paced Midland with 14 while Rueschhoff was also in double figures with 10.<\/p>\n Jamestown shot just 35.4 percent for the game, but held Midland to 1-of-17 shooting from beyond the arc and did not allow the Warriors to attempt a free throw.<\/p>\n With the win, UJ is now 12-3 overall and 8-2 in the GPAC. Midland falls to 3-11 overall and 1-10 in the conference.<\/p>\n Saturday the Jimmies travel to Seward, Neb, to face Concordia University at 4 p.m.<\/p>\n NBA-<\/p>\n Nets stun 76ers<\/p>\n NEW YORK (AP) \u2014 No Kevin Durant? No Kyrie Irving? No problem for the Brooklyn Nets against the NBA\u2019s hottest team.<\/p>\n Joe Harris poured in 28 points off the bench and Caris LeVert made the most of a rare start as the Nets topped the 76ers, 122-109. LeVert fell three rebounds shy of a triple-double, delivering 22 points and 10 assists to help Brooklyn drop Philadelphia to 7-2.<\/p>\n Jarrett Allen chipped in 15 points and 11 rebounds to the Nets\u2019 second straight win.<\/p>\n Durant missed the game because of the NBA\u2019s health and safety protocols. Irving was a late scratch due to personal reasons.<\/p>\n Shake Milton had a team-high 24 points and Joel Embiid (joh-EHL\u2019 ehm-BEED\u2019) added 20 with 12 rebounds for the Sixers.<\/p>\n In Thursday\u2019s other NBA action:<\/p>\n \u2014 LaMarcus Aldridge led San Antonio with a season-high 28 points and was one of five in double figures during a 118-109 victory against the Lakers. Demar DeRozan added 19 points and eight assists, for the Spurs, who were 16 of 35 on 3-pointers after making 20 from beyond the arc against the Clippers this week. LeBron James scored 27 points and Anthony Davis added 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who had their four-game winning streak snapped.<\/p>\n \u2014 Luka Doncic (DAHN’-chihch) came within one rebound of his second straight triple-double, finishing with 38 points and 13 assists to lead the Mavericks over the Nuggets, 124-117 in overtime. Josh Richardson scored 14 points, including five straight in overtime to give the Mavericks the lead for good. Nikola Jokic (nee-KOH’-lah YOH’-kihch) scored 20 of his 38 points after halftime and grabbed 11 rebounds for Denver.<\/p>\n \u2014 Damian Lillard drained seven 3-pointers while scoring 39 points in the Trail Blazers’ 135-117 thumping of the Timberwolves. CJ McCollum added 20 points for the Blazers, who led by 33 in the second half before dealing Minnesota its sixth consecutive loss. Jusuf Nurkic (YOO’-suhf NUR’-kihch) had 17 points and seven rebounds before Portland rested its starters in the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n \u2014 The Cavaliers squeezed out a 94-90 win over the Grizzlies behind Andre Drummond\u2019s 22 points and 15 rebounds. Larry Nance Jr. added 18 points on 7-for-7 shooting from the field as Cleveland ended a two-game skid. The Cavs were minus leading scorer Collin Sexton, who sat out with a left ankle sprain.<\/p>\n T25 MEN\u2019S BASKETBALL-SCHEDULE<\/p>\n Garza leads Hawkeyes<\/p>\n UNDATED (AP) \u2014 Luka Garza showed why he\u2019s the AP preseason men\u2019s basketball player of the year by dominating the first half of Iowa\u2019s game at Maryland.<\/p>\n Luka Garza scored 17 of his 24 points while the fifth-ranked Hawkeyes were building a 44-26 halftime lead in an 89-67 rout of the Terrapins. Iowa trailed 19-9 before rattling off 20 straight points to take control. The 6-foot-11 Garza later scored eight points during a 15-4 spurt that closed the first half.<\/p>\n Garza made nine of his 14 field goal attempts, went 4 for 4 at the foul line, grabbed seven rebounds and had four assists for the 10-2 Hawkeyes.<\/p>\n Iowa\u2019s Jordan Bohannon chipped in with 18 points.<\/p>\n In other top-25 men\u2019s basketball action:<\/p>\n \u2014 Top-ranked Gonzaga opened on a 23-2 run and improved to 11-0 by routing BYU, 86-69. Corey Kispert finished with 23 points in a hastily scheduled game after both teams lost their original opponents to COVID-19 issues. Jalen Suggs provided with 16 points, while Drew Timme (TIH\u2019-mee) and Andrew Nembhard each scored 12 in Gonzaga\u2019s 45th straight home win.<\/p>\n \u2014 Tyler Wahl drained consecutive 3-pointers in double-overtime and finished with a career-high 12 points as eighth-ranked Wisconsin pulled out an 80-73 win over Indiana. D\u2019Mitrik (dih-MEE\u2019-trihk) Trice scored a team-high 21 points, had seven assists and extended the game by draining a jumper with 7.7 seconds left in the first OT.<\/p>\n \u2014 Kofi Cockburn scored 13 of his 18 points in the second half and finished with 12 rebounds as 12th-ranked Illinois blew out Northwestern, 81-56. Ayo Dosunmu (EYE\u2019-oh doh-SOO\u2019-moo) added 15 points for the Illini, who actually trailed by 16 in the first half.<\/p>\n \u2014 McKinley Wright IV recovered from a scary fall to score 21 points, including a game-sealing scoop layup with 27 seconds left in Colorado\u2019s 79-71 upset of No. 17 Oregon. Grad transfer Jeriah Horne added 17 points for the Buffaloes, who improved to 10-0 against the Ducks all-time in Boulder.<\/p>\n T25 MEN\u2019S BASKETBALL-TEXAS TECH-BURNETT<\/p>\n Top recruit Nimari Burnett leaving Texas Tech after 12 games<\/p>\n LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) \u2014 Texas Tech freshman Nimari Burnett is leaving the program just 12 games into his college career.<\/p>\n The program\u2019s first McDonald\u2019s All-American was a high school standout in Chicago and consensus top 30 recruit nationally. But Burnett never cracked the starting lineup in a crowded backcourt while averaging 5.3 points.<\/p>\n Burnett was struggling offensively, shooting 28% from the field and just 17% from 3-point range.<\/p>\n MLB-METS-INDIANS TRADE<\/p>\n Mega deal: Indians trade star Lindor, Carrasco to Mets<\/p>\n CLEVELAND (AP) \u2014 The New York Mets have pulled off their biggest trade since Steve Cohen purchased the team in November.<\/p>\n The Mets have landed shortstop Francisco Lindor and pitcher Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland. The Mets part with infielders Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario, right-hander Josh Wolf and outfielder Isaiah Greene.<\/p>\n A two-time Gold Glove winner, Lindor is a career .285 hitter and has averaged 29 homers, 86 RBIs and 21 steals in his six major league seasons. Carrasco is one of the game\u2019s best comeback stories, overcoming leukemia to reemerge as one of the AL\u2019s steadiest starters.<\/p>\n Rosario was a Mets mainstay the last two seasons, and Gimenez showed major league ability following his recall last year.<\/p>\n Lindor can become a free agent after the 2021 season, and Carrasco has two years and an option left on his contract. Mets president Sandy Alderson says he hasn\u2019t spoken to Lindor\u2019s agent about an extension.<\/p>\n In other MLB moves:<\/p>\n \u2014 The Yankees have acquired switch-hitting outfielder Greg Allen from the Padres for minor league left-hander James Reeves. The 27-year-old Allen has a .239 average with eight homers and 57 RBIs in 557 at-bats and 221 games over four seasons with Cleveland and San Diego.<\/p>\n \u2014 Bianca Smith will make history in March when she begins her job as a Red Sox minor league coach, becoming the first Black woman in Major League Baseball history to serve as an on-field coach. She comes to Boston from Division III Carroll University where she was an assistant athletic director and baseball team hitting coordinator. She also has previously interned for the Cincinnati Reds, Texas Rangers and in the MLB league office.<\/p>\n NFL-NEWS<\/p>\n Browns place safety Ronnie Harrison on COVID-19 list<\/p>\n UNDATED (AP) \u2014 The Cleveland Browns continue to receive bad news as they deal with COVID-19 while preparing for Sunday\u2019s AFC wild-card game against Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n The Browns have placed safety Rodney Harrison on the COVID-19 reserve list as they await permission from the NFL to practice for their first playoff game in 18 years.<\/p>\n Harrison is the latest on the list for the Browns, who will be without coach Kevin Stefanski against the Steelers after he tested positive with the virus. The NFL\u2019s chief medical officer says there has been \u201csome spread\u201d amongst the Browns players.<\/p>\n Safety Andrew Sendejo was activated from the COVID list as Harrison was added, but the team is down seven rotational players and six coaches at this point and its training facility in Berea, Ohio, remains closed.<\/p>\n In other NFL news:<\/p>\n \u2014 Rams coach Sean McVay and Jared Goff both declined Thursday to say whether the quarterback will return from a one-game absence with a broken thumb to start against the Seahawks. Although backup John Wolford led the Rams to a season-ending win over Arizona last week, observers say Goff emerged from this full week of practice at the Rams\u2019 training complex looking like he\u2019s ready to play.<\/p>\n \u2014 The Texans have hired Nick Caserio to be their general manager. The longtime executive with the New England Patriots replaces Bill O\u2019Brien, who was the team\u2019s coach and GM before he was fired after this season\u2019s 0-4 start. Caserio has spent the last 20 seasons with the Patriots and has been the director of player personnel in New England since 2008.<\/p>\n \u2014 The playing status of Bills\u2019 receivers Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley is uncertain for Saturday\u2019s game against the Colts. Both were listed as questionable after practicing on a limited basis on Thursday. Beasley has been dealing with a knee injury and Diggs is bothered by am oblique issue.<\/p>\n COLLEGE FOOTBALL-AWARDS<\/p>\n UNDATED (AP) \u2014 Alabama receiver and Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith has added to his collection of postseason honors by receiving the Maxwell Award as the college football player of the year.<\/p>\n Smith won the Maxwell over Alabama quarterback and Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, becoming the first wideout to win the award since Michigan\u2019s Desmond Howard in 1991.<\/p>\n Smith also won the Walter Camp player of the year and the Biletnikoff Award as the nation\u2019s top receiver.<\/p>\n It was a big haul of awards for Alabama products. Jones won the Davey O\u2019Brien National Quarterback of the Year Award. Najee Harris captured the Doak Walker Award as the top running back. Offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood became the sixth Crimson Tide player to win the Outland Trophy as the outstanding interior lineman, and teammate Landon Dickerson won the Rimington Trophy as the top center.<\/p>\n NHL-2021 SEASON-CANADA<\/p>\n Canadiens approved for home games during pandemic<\/p>\n MONTREAL (AP) \u2014 The Montreal Canadiens will be able to play home games despite the Quebec government\u2019s imposition of a curfew aimed at curbing COVID-19 in the province.<\/p>\n Quebec\u2019s premier says the new measures will take effect Saturday and remain in place until at least Feb. 8. There will be no fans at games.<\/p>\n Alberta and British Columbia also have given the green light for their NHL teams to play home games during the pandemic. Manitoba says it is confident the Winnipeg Jets can play home games. Ontario has yet to make a final decision.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n In world and national news..<\/p>\n WASHINGTON (AP) \u2014 With 13 days left in his term, President Donald Trump has acknowledged his electoral defeat amid growing talk in Washington of trying to force him from office early.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Burgumsigning-300x200.jpg\")
Bismarck\u00a0 (CSi) \u2013 As announced<\/a> earlier this week, Gov. Doug Burgum Thursday signed an amended executive order<\/a> officially increasing the capacity limits for restaurants, bars and gatherings.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/vcpsbldg-300x249.jpg\")
Valley City\u00a0 (VCPS)\u00a0 Valley City Public Schools Superintendent Josh Johnson says, the school district will be making a change to the district activity attendance plan effective on Monday, January 11, 2021<\/strong>. This change is a result of North Dakota moving to the yellow risk level and the North Dakota High School Activities Association providing member schools with updated guidelines.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/BattleoftheBadges-UBS-300x202.jpg\")
Jamestown\u00a0 (CSi)\u00a0 The 6th Annual Jamestown Battle of the Badges blood drive challenge continues Friday and \u00a0Saturday, with Team Law versus Team Fire.\u00a0 After a donation is made, participants\u00a0 select which team receives their vote. The winning department will then have bragging rights for the year until the next Battle of the Badges.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/vcsu-300x201.png\")
Valley City\u00a0 (VCSU)\u00a0 Valley City State University has been granted renewal of accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/UJbasketball1-300x201.jpg\")
UJ Basketball<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/wbam-300x200.png\")
CSi Weather…<\/p>\n