Subscribe by RSS
CSi Weather…
.REST OF TODAY…Sunny. Highs 15 to 20. North winds 5 to 15 mph.
.TONIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows zero to 5 above. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY…Cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow in the afternoon.
Highs around 30. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20. South winds 5 to
10 mph.
.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s. West winds 5 to
10 mph.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20.
.MONDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.
.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows around 30.
.TUESDAY…Cloudy. Highs in the mid 40s.
.TUESDAY NIGHT…Cloudy. A 30 percent chance of snow after
midnight. Lows in the upper 20s.
.WEDNESDAY…Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow. Highs in
the upper 30s.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of
snow. Lows around 20.
.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.
Tuesday night through Wednesday will bring a chance for light rain and snow.
Spring thaw update… Overall the slow thaw process of March continues with some runoff
reaching into the southern valley with Wahpeton and Abercrombie
rising to around action stage. Our current cool down will stall
the thaw process through the weekend. Next week the temperatures
are set to continue the gradual thaw with daytime highs above
freezing and overnight lows below freezing. This will allow the
southern basin to continue to see snowmelt runoff begin to reach
the river system with slowly rising streams and rivers.
Update…
Valley City (CSi) The Rosebud Visitor Center will be closing its doors to the public effective Friday, March 20, 2020. The DMV will be closed to the public, and more service information will be forthcoming. The Chamber will be available by phone, email or by appointment. The Development Corporation, Workforce Center, and Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation will be working normal hours, 8:00-5:00, but ask that you please call for assistance before coming to the door.
Update…
Valley City (VCSU) On March 18, a Valley City State University student was tested for the possibility of COVID-19 — the coronavirus illness — at CHI Mercy Health in Valley City.
Test results are still pending from the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDOH), and the student is quarantined in secure isolation on the VCSU campus per NDDOH and Center for Disease Control guidelines. Further information will be released as it develops.
“We want our community to be aware of what’s happening on campus,” said VCSU President Alan LaFave. “We’re concerned about the health of the student being tested, and we are following all necessary protocols to protect the well-being of all of our students, faculty, staff, and their families, along with the Valley City community.”
Currently most VCSU students are away from campus on spring break, which runs through Sunday, March 22. From Monday, March 23, through Friday, April 3, 2020, classes will not be held on campus — the university plans to deliver courses online during this time. The VCSU Emergency Management Team is meeting daily and in constant communication as it strategically guides the university through the health crisis.
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum’s press briefing to discuss K-12 education with State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, State Health Officer Mylynn Tufte and other officials was held Thursday March 19,2020, at the State Capital, in Bismarck.
Gov. Doug Burgum Thursday announced Thursday that 12 additional COVID-19 cases have been confirmed bring the total so far is 15. 673 individuals have been tested.
Burgum has issued an Executive Order that restaurants and bars are not to serve on site, but are allowed take out, with on-site sale. He said private businesses have demonstrated leadership in already have limited public exposure. This area of the Executive Order is effect Friday March 20, 2020, until April 6. The order also includes gyms, movie theaters and other venues.
The Executive Order also includes that public access to state facilities, including the North Dakota State Capitol, will be restricted effective immediately until Monday, April 6, 2020.
He is set to sign another Executive Order to further restrict public access to school buildings, as schools will remain closed past this week. School staff will still be allowed access and perform work. The Executive Order will allow, age appropriate distance learning, on line, with school credit for seat time.
The governor’s executive order directs the transition of most state government team members to work remotely. Although access to the Capitol and other state facilities will be restricted, state services will continue to be available in alternative ways, such as online.
“The health, safety and well-being of our citizens remains our top priority,” Burgum said. “With cases of community spread now confirmed in North Dakota, focusing on the health and well-being of Team ND members is crucial to ensuring continuity of government services for our citizens.”
Burgum reinforced that state government remains open and functioning, but rather is modifying the way agency business is conducted during this unique and unprecedented time.
Out of an abundance of caution, Team ND has been preparing to work remotely over the past several weeks. As of the end of today, the North Dakota Information Technology Department (NDIT) will have transitioned nearly 3,100 team members to platforms that allow for remote work.
Burgum stressed that every citizen needs to take responsibility to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and practice social distancing, noting that some North Dakota agencies have been piloting the work-from-home strategy for over a week, with no disruption in government services.
“We have had ongoing communications with Team ND about being prepared to work remotely,” Burgum said. “We are grateful for our robust NDIT team and all other statewide elected officials who are helping the transition go as seamlessly as possible for Team ND.”
A screening process is being developed to allow public access to several state facilities by appointment only. Until process is in effect, there will be no public access.
Burgum reminds North Dakotans to follow the guidelines released by the White House on Monday to slow the spread of coronavirus.
For the most updated and timely information and updates related to COVID-19, visit the NDDoH website at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus , follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Jamestown (CSi) With Governor Doug Burgum announcing Thursday the ND K-12 public schools ar closed indefinitely, Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Lech says the school district will continue to provide breakfast and lunch for those who call ahead.
On Thursday, Jamestown Public School food services served 223 meals. and more meals will be served.
Plans continue to provide distance a virtual learning education for JPS students. Monday, March 23rd is the date planned to implement online courses.
Bismarck (CSi) During Governor Burgum’s news briefing, Thursday, Valley City Public Schools Superintendent, Josh Johnson reported that VCPS has implemented a four Step plan for continuing education, and services available to students and parents while school is not in session.
He said 1700 meals have been served with Grab & Go meals. 1100 students have access to mental health counselors, and teachers have created plans for continuing education. He said every Valley City student will have access to computers and high speed internet for continuing education away from the classroom.
Ongoing efforts continue to improve child care service availability in Valley City, while schools are closed, and parents continue to work.
Valley City (CSi) Valley City Attorney Carl Martineck issued this news release to the media on Thursday, March 19th concerning Governor Burgum’s executive order to close bars, breweries, cafes and restaurants.
Pursuant to Executive Order of Governor Doug Burgum, as of 12:00 PM (noon) on Friday March 20, 2020:
1. All restaurants, bars, breweries, cafes and similar on-site dining establishments in North Dakota are closed to on-sale/on-site patrons; take-out, delivery, drive-through or off-sale services may continue;
2. Recreational facilities, health clubs, athletic facilities and theaters, including movie theater and music or entertainment venues are directed to close and cease operations.
A violation of Executive Order 2020-06 is an Infraction subject to a fine of up to one thousand dollars for each violation.
Essential businesses such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations are not affected by the order except to the extent that they provide on-site dining.
All businesses and organizations are highly encouraged to be proactive in adopting policies and procedures that promote social distancing and clean, sanitary spaces.
The City also encourages residents to avoid non-essential travel, avoid groups of 10 or more people, and practice social distancing, pursuant to guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and the President of the United States. We can all help to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Valley City Attorney
Carl Martineck
Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Parks and Recreation will extend the closure of all programming, rentals, permitted events and facilities except the OnTRAC Learning Center to the public following state and school district closures through March 31st and we will re-evaluate at that time.
The public notice states, that, the OnTRAC Learning Center re-opened its doors to enrolled families in our licensed preschool program on Wednesday, March 18. The Jamestown Parks and Recreation main office will remain open Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 4:30pm. We will no longer be allowing any walk-in traffic. Contact information for the main office is 701-252-3982 and office@jamestownparksandrec.com. TRAC will post facility related COVID-19 updates as well as At-Home Workouts, Recipes and more on their website www.tracjametown.com.
“We are empathetic to those who are disheartened or frustrated regarding the closing of facilities and the interruptions of activities. However, we value and trust the knowledge and advice of the Public Health officials approach to implement social distancing measures.
Policies and procedures are currently being developed to accommodate our members regarding our program fees, facility rentals and facility memberships. All memberships at TRAC have been put on suspend until we know when we are opening. When we have more information regarding this, we will give everyone appropriate notice to make changes to their memberships. All programming and rentals during this time will be credited to accounts or refunded. We will be in contact with anyone who has reservations during the time of our closure as soon as we know more. Please allow 30 days from the date of reopening for processing. As always, we will do our best to accommodate all our users in the fairest ways possible.
Our staff has also been utilizing this time to deep clean the facility. Our tremendous fitness staff has been putting together workout plans, relaxation exercises, quick and easy recipes and more to be posted on Facebook page and website www.tracjamestown.com to keep everyone as healthy and active as possible.
JPRD will follow CDC and ND Department of Health recommendations to ensure we are making well informed decisions. We will continue to give regular updates to inform the community of our operations.”
Valley City (CSi) Reminders and updates from Valley City, concerning changes due to social distancing to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Doors to City Hall, Public Works Service Center, Transfer Station, Water Treatment Plant, and Fire Department are closed to the public with an anticipated re-open date of April 1. Protective measures have been taken by the Police Department and the PD lobby will remain open at this time. City offices are fully staffed and all services will continue to be provided without interruption, including but not limited to fire and police protection, flood protection, garbage collection, and street, water, sewer, and electric service. The purpose of the closure is to discourage discretionary travel and unnecessary person-to-person contact in the community.
Residents should call or email with any questions, concerns or business matters. City staff will determine if access to City facilities will be granted depending on the nature of the issue and the City’s ability to handle the issue remotely.
City Commission meetings and City Planning Meetings will continue to be held as previously scheduled in the Commission Chambers at City Hall; however, in furtherance of the emergency declaration access will be limited as follows:
- The doors to City Hall will be locked as indicated above.
- Any interested person must call 701-845-1700 to request access.
Also, the Barnes County Courthouse, Highway Department offices remain open.
Buildings are locked and the public will be admitted by appointment only.
Bismarck (CSi) Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem cautions North Dakota residents to be on the lookout for scam artists taking advantage of the current Coronavirus emergency to find new victims.
The Consumer Protection division warns that other states have already seen scams using the Coronavirus, including a report of scam involving a supposed automatic credit or bank charge for a Coronavirus test kit which can only be cancelled and refunded if the unsuspecting victim will “verify” their account information and mailing address.
“We see a surge in scams after every natural disaster, large and small, so it doesn’t surprise me that scam artists would try using this global pandemic in their efforts to prey on potential victims,” said Stenehjem. “A healthy dose of skepticism will help stop the scam artists in their tracks.”
Stenehjem provided the following tips to help North Dakotans to avoid scams:
1. Watch for “phishing” emails – ones that appear to come from legitimate government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control, especially if the email encourages you to click on a link for more information. Simply delete them without response.
2. Ignore phone calls, emails, advertising or mail items offering a miracle cure for, or protection against, Coronavirus. These are scams. There currently is no vaccine or cure. When one is available, residents can be sure that the appropriate government agencies will promptly provide information to the public.
3. Don’t be fooled by calls or text messages claiming that you are required to pay for testing or to provide personal information as part of a government response to the Coronavirus. These are scams.
4. Beware of unauthorized or fraudulent charities or solicitations. Bogus charities will try to solicit donations during these emergencies. Do not donate any funds without doing your homework. Check the Secretary of State’s website at http://sos.nd.gov/ to confirm if the entity is registered and contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-472-2600, or email ndag@nd.gov if you have concerns or suspect fraud.
Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Tourism held its City Promotion, Capital Construction Fund Grant Request meeting, Thursday, via Teleconference in respect to social distancing to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus
Those present on the phone included: Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund, Board Members Tena Lawrence, Paulette Ritter, Taylor Barnes, and President Matthew Woods.
Also present by phone, Ex-Officio Member Pam Phillips, representing the Jamestown City Council, and Wayne Byers from CSiNewsNow.com joining on the phone from the CSi Technology Center, at Historic Franklin School.
At the beginning of the meeting the Goals and Objectives of Capital Construction Fund were presented. Searle said at the outset there was $40,000 to be distributed this round from the City Promotion, Capital Construction Fund, and $150,000 available from the Tourism Grant fund.
The meeting went on to Approval of
The Agenda, Minutes from October 2019 meeting, and Conflict of Interest Disclosure.
No Conflicts.
Presentations for funds were made by:
The Jamestown Arts Center – Paint and Flooring – Mindi Schmitz
The Jamestown Downtown Association – History Markers – Lynn Lambrecht
The Jamestown Downtown Association – Art Mural – Lynn Lambrecht
Dakota Motocross – projects – Jett Mutschler
National Buffalo Museum – Kids Interactive Exhibit – Rachel Johnson
James River Rodeo – Bleachers – Casey Aldinger
Jamestown Parks & Rec Foundation – River Trail – Doug Hogan
With the Jamestown Arts Center Paint and Flooring project, Arts Center Director, Mindi Schmitz requested $7,000 is requested for painting and repairing the gallery walls that is planned, along with replacing the floor in the Hansen Studio. She said $1,000 is going toward the project from operating expenses. The total costs from the Requests For Proposals was $21,458.
The board voted to grant $6,000, distributed from the Tourism Grant Fund.
The Jamestown Downtown Association requested $ 13,500 for History Markers. Association President Lynn Lambrecht said the project entails granite inlays for the road project in Downtown Jamestown using historic figures or quotes. There will be 22 places where granite pieces are designed in the sidewalks. The Walk is in conjunction with Jamestown Tourism, and Jamestown Historian, Keith Norman. The material for the historic tiles are currently fundable through the Road Diet project grant, however, the engraving is not. Lynn said the JDA has 50/50 matching grant dollars for improving downtown business building signage, and for second floor windows for downtown buildings. Searle pointed out that a grant from North Dakota Tourism was denied.
The board voted to fund $12,000.
The Downtown Association is also requesting $3,000 for matching funds from the North Dakota Council on the Arts for $1,500 for mural/artwork for the alley exterior wall, at the Full Monte Salon, in the 200 block of First Avenue North. The JDA and the Jamestown Arts Center are working together commissioning the mural. An application would be submitted to the city to make sure the mural is acceptable to the public.
The board voted to fund $3,000 from the Tourism Grant Funds.
With the Dakota Motocross projects, President, Jett Mutschler requested between $2,000 and $25,000 to upgrade buildings bleachers, the PA system, entry gates and develop a mini track for youth.
He said the track also receives donations of grants, and from advertising.
He said the track anticipates $20,000 in profits in 2020.
The board voted to fund $5,000 for the track improvements, and share the bleacher request that was granted for the James River Rodeo. (See below).
National Buffalo Museum requested $15,000 for a Kids Interactive Bison PuzzleExhibit. Rachel Johnson said, Tourism previously granted $10,000 for the exhibit, however, they were unable to purchase the exhibit during the year in which the award was allotted for use.
The project is underway, and expected to be installed no later than February of 2021.
The board voted to fund $15,000 that included new funding, and the previously allocated $10,000 that is now allocated.
The James River Rodeo requested $5,000 for additional bleachers. Casey Aldinger said bleachers are currently being hauled to grounds at 27th Street, Northwest, from Jamestown Parks & Recreation. Additional funding is anticipated from concessions, and a contribution of $5,000 from Cavendish Farms.
The rodeo’s economic impact is estimated at $65,575 total, for the two day event.
The board voted to, fund $5,000 to share in the bleachers with Dakota Motocross.
Jamestown Parks & Rec Foundation requested $15,000 to create a River Trail, planned to flow from Nickeus Park to McElroy Park and include a kayak docking station and access point, ending at Klaus Park with another new kayak docking station, and access point. The River Trial will include docks, and boat launches, and wayfinding signage.
Additional funding stems from ongoing outside grants, and $1,700 in secured private donations,
Speaking on behalf of Parks and Recreation Director, Doug Hogan Searle Swedlund said the project is anticipated to start at the spring thaw and when flooding subsides, and completed when the final docks are installed, and signage erected. Jamestown Parks & Rec will manage the property. The total cost is estimated at $21,200, with the bid recommended to be received from Roughrider Industries.
The Board voted to Grant, $15,000 from the City Promotion, Capital Construction Fund.
Jamestown (Chamber) Members of the chamber Young Professionals of Jamestown and the Chamber Ambassadors recently presented the Business of the Month Award to Triumph, Inc. for their outstanding customer service and continued commitment to the community.
The nomination stated, “Triumph helps people in the community and in their home maintain independence. Triumph has hired people of all ages. Triumph is a family for individuals and workers as well. Triumph has volunteered in the community. Triumph has people that has even saved a staff’s. There aren’t enough words in the world why I think Triumph should be nominated.”
The Young Professionals of Jamestown honor businesses that provide superior customer service, exhibit community spirit and provide a positive economic impact to the community. This award provides recognition throughout the month with a plaque and a recognition banner for the month. Monthly award winners will be considered for the Business of the Year to be awarded at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet in January of 2021. Business of the Month award nomination forms are available at the Chamber office and online at www.jamestownchamber.com . Call 701-252-4830 for more information.
Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the availability of The North Dakota Commerce Department’s COVID-19, Business and Employer Resources Guide.
The ND Commerce team is taking a proactive approach by temporarily redirecting human and financial resources to support the North Dakota business community.
Click Here to visit the web site.
Jamestown (CSi) New Hope Free Lutheran Church in Jamestown is transferring Services from in church, to on line.
The Services are Sunday’s at 10:30-a.m., and Wednesday’s at 7-p.m., and available on their Facebook page, newhopefreelutheran.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The driver of a SUV who struck and killed a Mandan woman has been sentenced to probation. Seventy-four-year-old Gene Mosbrucker pleaded guilty Wednesday to negligent homicide in the death of Shirley Lee. The 79-year-old woman was walking across the parking lot of an apartment complex last September when Mosbrucker backed up and hit her. She died at the hospital. The Bismarck Tribune reports South Central District Judge Pamela Nesvig suspended a one-year jail sentence and ordered Mosbrucker to served one year and 6 months of probation and pay about $9,000 in restitution. He must also write a letter of apology to Lee’s family.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota legislative leaders met Wednesday to discuss current and future costs of the livestreaming pilot project at the Capitol, and are set to revisit in September to decide whether or not to proceed. The Bismarck Tribune reported North Dakota’s Legislature is one of eight in the nation that does not livestream committee meetings. The House and Senate chambers both have livestreams for floor sessions. Legislative Council staff originally had a goal to implement the livestreaming by April, but due to the coronavirus, it is unclear when the cameras might be put to use.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of bankers in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states suggests they expect the economy to slow down over the next few months as the nation deals with the coronavirus outbreak. The overall index for the region fell to 35.5 in March from February’s healthy 51.6 reading. Any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said 61 percent of the bankers surveyed expect the measures being taken to fight the coronavirus to lead to a recession. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.
In sports…
Bismarck (CSi) Finalists for North Dakota’s Mr. Basketball Award have been announced.
Jamestown High senior Boden Skunberg was among the seven finalists.
The award will be announced on Friday, March 27th at 7pm.
The finalists for 2020 North Dakota Mr. Basketball are:
-Jackson Gunville, Minot
-Carson Henningsgard, H-CV
-Elijah Klein, Mandan
-Jaden Mitzel, Shiloh
-Cole Myers, Richland
-Grant Nelson, Devils Lake
-Boden Skunberg, Jamestown
Skunberg will play college basketball at North Dakota State, along with fellow Mr. Basketball finalist Grant Nelson.
TOKYO (AP) — The Olympic flame has arrived in Japan from Greece and was greeted in a scaled-down ceremony at an air base in northern Japan. The flame touched down amid doubts if the Tokyo Games can open as scheduled on July 24 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers and the IOC say it will, but postponement or cancellation is seen as a growing option.
The flame will stay in northern Japan for almost a week until the four-month torch relay begins officially on March 26 from the northern Fukushima prefecture. This is the northeastern part of Japan that was devastated by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and meltdown of three nuclear reactors
VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTS
Saints head coach test positive
UNDATED (AP) — New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton told ESPN that he learned Thursday he has tested positive for the new coronavirus. Payton is the first employee of either an NFL team or the league to make such a diagnosis public. He tells the network he came forward to motivate people to educate themselves about what they can do to help fight the pandemic. Payton says he has not been admitted to a hospital and does not have a fever or cough. The 56-year-old coach says he has been resting comfortably at home, where is in in self-quarantine.
In other virus-related developments:
— The number of known coronavirus cases within the NBA has doubled to 14. Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics pleaded with people to take social distancing more seriously Thursday and the league ordered all teams to shutter their training facilities indefinitely. Smart revealed that he tested positive and the Los Angeles Lakers said two of their players tested positive as well, bringing the number of players who have acquired the virus to 10. The Philadelphia 76ers said three members of their organization tested positive and the Denver Nuggets said someone within their franchise was positive as well.
— The NBA has told its teams to close its training and practice facilities to all players and staff starting Friday. The league says the shuttering will last indefinitely in the latest response to the global coronavirus pandemic.
—The Philadelphia 76ers say three members of the organization have tested positive for the coronavirus. The Sixers did not identify the members. They say players, coaches and specific basketball operations support staff were tested for COVID-19. The tests were secured and processed privately. The individuals are in self-isolation and will be monitored closely by medical professionals.
-Celtics guard Marcus Smart says he has tested positive for the coronavirus. in a video posted on Twitter. he added that he is not exhibiting any symptoms and is feeling well thus far. Boston played the Utah Jazz on March 6. Since then, Jazz All-Star players Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell have both tested positive for the virus.
— The Denver Nuggets say an unidentified member of the organization has tested positive for the new coronavirus. The person was tested after experiencing symptoms Monday and is under the care of the team’s medical staff and in isolation.
— The American East Conference announced that two people on the floor during recent tournament games have tested positive for the coronavirus. The games involved teams in the America East, Horizon League and Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference during play from March 7-11.
— The Seattle Mariners have shut down their spring training facility in Arizona because of the virus outbreak and told their players to view the coming weeks as though they’re in offseason mode. The Mariners had initially planned to keep the facility open and work with players in small, staggered groups of 10.
— Minor league players shut out of spring training camps will receive allowances from teams through April 8, and a plan is underway to compensate those players during the postponed portion of the regular season. Minor leaguers will receive allowances of $400 per week from teams in a lump sum. Teams hope that will allow players to cover housing, food and other expenses through the previously scheduled end of spring training. The minor league season was supposed to open April 9.
— Roger Penske (PEN’-skee) tells The Associated Press no decision has been made yet regarding the Indianapolis 500 in May — a race that draws more than 300,000 spectators annually. Penske bought Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the IndyCar Series in January and has been preparing to host his first Indy 500 on May 24.
— Horse racing at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York has been suspended indefinitely after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus. The New York Racing Association says there will be no live racing until further notice.
— The first player under the PGA Tour umbrella has tested positive for the new coronavirus. The tour says Victor Lange of South Africa was diagnosed with COVID-19 upon returning home to Johannesburg on March 9 from playing a PGA Tour Latinoamerica event in Mazatlan, Mexico.
— Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff and left tackle Andrew Whitworth have donated $250,000 apiece to pay for 2 million meals with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. The money raised will benefit the food bank and United Way of Greater Los Angeles’ Pandemic Relief Fund. The 38-year-old Whitworth agreed to a three-year contract Wednesday to stay with the Rams.
— Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and his wife, Emily, are donating $50,000 toward food during the coronavirus outbreak. The Mayfields announced on Instagram that they’re making their donation to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
— Two senior Italian sports executives have issued emotional appeals to the International Olympic Committee to revise its stance over the Tokyo Games. The calls come as the death toll in Italy from the coronavirus overtakes China’s.
— An Italian company that makes cycling apparel for some of the world’s best teams along with jerseys for the world championships will shift production to masks to help the nation confront the coronavirus crisis. Santini said Thursday it would work with a local textile company to begin making masks next week. It hopes to provide up to 10,000 per day.
MLB-NEWS-SALE
Sale to get Tommy John
BOSTON (AP) — The Red Sox announced Thursday that left-hander Chris Sale would have Tommy John surgery. The operation would keep him out the entire 2020 baseball season if and when it resumes after the coronavirus pandemic.
Other MLB teams will also take advantage of the downtime to treat players.San Francisco Giants right-hander Tyler Beede will undergo Tommy John elbow surgery.
And Houston’s Justin Verlander underwent groin surgery.
BASEBALL-MINORS
Minor league players to receive allowances
UNDATED (AP) — Minor league players shut out of spring training camps will receive allowances from teams through April 8, and a plan is underway to compensate those players during the postponed portion of the regular season. Minor leaguers will receive allowances of $400 per week from teams in a lump sum. That’s a significant bump from their usual spring per diems of $100-200 per week. Teams hope that will allow players to cover housing, food and other expenses through the previously scheduled end of spring training. The minor league season was supposed to open April 9.
.
NFL-NEWS
NFL allowing teams to announce free agency agreements
UNDATED (AP) — The NFL’s off-the-field business has joined most of the rest of the country in full work-from-home mode. That has turned signings and trades into tests of patience and technology. Conducting a free agency period during a global pandemic has produced complications well beyond the usual salary-cap constraints. Because team facilities have closed out of concern for the spread of the coronavirus, players have not been able to take the physical exams required to finalize contracts with team physicians.
In other NFL news:
—The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to a deal with safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, adding a familiar name for new coach Mike McCarthy. Clinton-Dix’s representatives, SportsTrust Advisors, announced the move early Friday on Twitter.
— The Los Angeles Rams have released Todd Gurley. The superstar running back had a massive contract and a troubling injury history. The Rams made the move several minutes before roughly $10 million in the three-time Pro Bowl selection’s contract became fully guaranteed. The Rams signed the 2015 first-round pick to a four-year, $60 million contract with $45 million guaranteed in June 2018.
— A person with knowledge of the move tells The Associated Press that the Denver Broncos are waiving Joe Flacco after he failed his physical. Flacco sustained a neck injury last season and missed the final two months of the season. He was eventually replaced by rookie Drew Lock. Earlier this week the Broncos agreed to terms with new backup quarterback Jeff Driskel.
— The Baltimore Ravens have announced the deal that secured defensive end Calais Campbell, a skilled run-stopper who also has a knack for getting to the quarterback. To get Campbell, Baltimore gave Jacksonville the 2020 fifth-round pick it got from Atlanta in a trade that sent tight end Hayden Hurst to the Falcons.
— The Minnesota Vikings and kicker Dan Bailey have agreed to terms on a new contract. Bailey was fourth in the NFL in 2019 with a 93.1 percent field goal rate, his best since 2015. Bailey made 27 of 29 kicks, including all three tries from 50-plus yards. Bailey also landed touchbacks on 66 of 87 kickoffs.
— Darius Slay got what he was waiting for — a trade out of Detroit and a big new contract. The Lions agreed to trade Slay to the Philadelphia Eagles, ending the standout cornerback’s seven-year stint in Detroit. His agent sats Slay has agreed to a three-year, $50 million extension with Philadelphia. The Lions drafted Slay 36th overall in 2013, and he earned All-Pro honors in 2017.
— The Cleveland Browns beefed up their defensive front, agreeing to terms with former Bengals tackle Andrew Billings. Billings is the third defensive player to strike a deal with the Browns in 24 hours. The team reached deals with linebacker B.J. Goodson and safety Karl Joseph on Wednesday.
— The Buffalo Bills have confirmed signing safety Jordan Poyer to a two-year contract extension, which locks up the three-year starter through the 2022 season. Poyer was entering the final year of the four-year contract.
— The Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to terms with center/guard Tyler Shatley on a one-year contract worth $1.5 million. The deal includes $600,000 guaranteed. The Jags previously agreed to terms with Cleveland linebacker Joe Schobert, Cincinnati cornerback Darqueze Dennard and Arizona defensive lineman Rodney Gunter over the last two days.
— A person familiar with the deal says the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a one-year contract worth about $3 million with free agent guard Tom Compton. Compton will help fill the void created by the planned release of Mike Person.
NHL-PREDATORS-SMITH
Predators sign forward Cole Smith to 1-year deal
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Nashville Predators have signed forward Cole Smith to a one-year, two-way deal for the 2020-21 season.
Smith just finished his senior season at North Dakota, where he scored a career-high 11 goals and had 18 points in 34 games. The 6-foot-3, 197-pound forward played on both the power play and penalty kill as a senior and helped North Dakota win its conference’s regular-season title.
In world and national news…
PARIS (AP) — The U.S. has warned Americans to avoid all international travel and told citizens abroad to return now or face an “indefinite” absence. California’s governor is asking all 40 million residents to stay home to try to slow a pandemic toll that on Friday surpassed 10,000 people worldwide. Wuhan, China, where the outbreak began, offered a ray of hope with no new infections reported for a second day in a row and only 39 cases reported nationwide. Globally, governments are trying to balance the need to lock down residents with the need to keep food, medicine and other essentials flowing.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran has announced 149 more fatalities from the new coronavirus, bringing its death toll to 1,433 amid nearly 20,000 confirmed cases. Iran is battling the worst outbreak in the Middle East, and has been widely criticized for its slow response. The country’s leaders struck an upbeat tone earlier Friday, however, issuing messages in honor of the Persian new year in which they vowed to overcome the pandemic. Other countries in the region have imposed far stricter measures to contain the virus, including cancelling flights, sealing borders and forcing all non-essential businesses to close. Saudi Arabia said it would shut down domestic air travel, buses, taxis and trains for the next two weeks.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Members of President Donald Trump’s economic team will convene on Capitol Hill to launch negotiations with Senate Republicans and Democrats racing to draft a $1 trillion-plus economic rescue package amid the coronavirus outbreak. It’s the biggest effort yet to shore up households and the economy as the pandemic and its nationwide shutdown hurtles the country toward a likely recession. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has unveiled a sweeping economic rescue plan to pump $1,200 checks directly to taxpayers, $300 billion for small businesses to keep idled workers on payroll and $208 billion in loans to industries. Some Republicans object, and Democrats say it doesn’t go far enough. Negotiations take place Friday.
BEIJING (AP) — Global stock markets and U.S. futures have risen on hopes government aid and central banks can shield the global economy against the rising impact of the coronavirus pandemic. London, Frankfurt, Shanghai and Hong Kong advanced Friday and U.S. futures were also higher. Investors were encouraged after seeing more steps by the Federal Reserve and other central banks as well as governments to support credit markets and the economy. They are trying to reduce the impact of a global recession that forecasters say looks increasingly likely as the United States and other governments tighten travel controls, close businesses and tell consumers and travelers to stay home.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — An Afghan official says that at least 25 police and army personnel have been killed in an insider attack in southern Zabul province. A provincial council member said the Taliban carried out the attack but with the assistance of Afghan police and army personnel inside the base. The Ministry of the Interior says it is investigating the attack. No one has taken responsibility, but Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed said he would look into the allegation. The attack comes as U.S. and NATO start a staged withdrawal of its troops in line with a peace deal signed last month between the United States and the Taliban.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The coronavirus has disrupted American life, and the 2020 presidential campaign is no exception. Amid calls for social distancing to stop the pandemic’s spread, Democrats Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, as well as Republican President Donald Trump, have had little choice but to call off large-scale public events in favor of politicking online and over the airwaves. They’re being replaced with tools of the digital world: tele-town halls, virtual fundraisers and livestreamed speeches. The abrupt shift has infused the contest with an added degree of uncertainty. With control of the White House at stake, candidates have been forced to ditch well-honed strategies in favor of untested tactics.
Comments are closed
Sorry, but you cannot leave a comment for this post.