– Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Dec 17

CSi Weather…

TODAY…SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 15. LIGHT WINDS BECOMING
EAST AROUND 5 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON.
.TONIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 5 TO 10 ABOVE. SOUTHEAST WINDS
AROUND 5 MPH.
.THURSDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 20. SOUTHEAST WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 10 TO 15. SOUTH WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH.
.FRIDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 20S. SOUTH WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 15.
.SATURDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 20S.
.SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 15 TO 20. HIGHS
AROUND 30.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW.
LOWS IN THE LOWER 20S.
.MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE
OF SNOW. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 30S. LOWS AROUND 20.
.TUESDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS IN THE MID 20S.

THE WEATHER SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR POTENTIAL WINTER WEATHER CHRISTMAS TRAVEL IMPACTS NEXT WEEK.

Jamestown (CSi) The Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a rural Jamestown man.

Sheriff Chad Kaiser, says about 9:30-p.m., Monday, a semi driver reported that his vehicle was sideswiped by a vehicle on U.S. Highway 281.

The vehicle left the scene, as debris was on the road.

An individual then reported Tuesday that a damaged vehicle was abandoned south of the North Dakota State Hospital.

When deputies went to the registered owner’s home, they found the vehicle’s owner dead outside his home.

Kaiser says an autopsy is being performed Wednesday as the investigation continues.

Carrington (Csi) Following Tuesday’s Foster County Commission meeting, Leslie Gregor resigned, with two years left on his term.

Gregor’s resignation comes two weeks after five other county officers, including the Sheriff and Clerk of Courts, resigned.

Recently, Foster County State’s Attorney Paul Murphy and Commission Chariman Bill Bauer, announced that the vacant positions would be filled as soon as possible.

Meanwhile the Carrington Police Department has offered to fill the gaps in the Sheriff’s Department until a new Sheriff and Deputy are found.

Valley City (CSi) Officials with Tuesday’s Pledge-A-Thon in Valley City report, that the event raised $117,720.

The Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation held the Pledge-A-Thon to raise money for the Valley City Health, Wellness and Physical Education Center.

Event co-coordinator Andrea Nelson says additional donations can be made on line at www.valleycitynd.org and click on the Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation button bar.

$12 million had already been raised for the $16 million facility. Another $4 million is needed for construction of the project.

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

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:

A Tree Trimming permit renewal for Pine Country Nursery.

A liquor license renewal for Boomer’s Corner Keg, American Legion Club,

A Game of Chance Raffle Permit for HHC 231 BSB ND Army National Guard.

A Mobile Home Park license renewal for Rockwater LLC (previously Sunrise Trailer Park)

Approved an LP Gas License for CHS, Inc. DBA Dakota Plains Co-op.

And other license renewals received by December 31, 2014.

PUBLIC FORUM

Gary Schlagel had a question concerning garbage pickup rates, concerning credit for cans used, enforcement of the two can policy.

City Administrator Schelkoph said the City Ordinance encourages recycling.

ORDINANCES

Approved a second and final reading of Ordinance 982, an ordinance recodifying the Fire Code, Chapter 9. City Attorney Myhre said the Ordinance was approved by the City Fire Chief.

It includes regulation of fire pits, but is essentially in line with the previous Ordinance.

Approved a second and final reading of Ordinance No. 978, an ordinance extending the one-half percent city sales tax to fund the Wellness, Health and Physical Education Center and Permanent Flood Protection.

The approval includes language that indicates that any taxes raised exceeding funding purposes would go toward funding Special Assessments relief, which can be applied when there’s a surplus.

NEW BUSINESS

The City Commission approved Year End Transfers from the Electric Fund to the Sewer, Water and Street Funds to eliminate negative cash balances. Details on the transfers were outlined by City Auditor, Richter.

Approved a Maintenance Certification for the Urban Federal Aid Project for the ND Department of transportation.

Approved a Gaming Site Authorization for Valley Twisters Gymnastics Club to conduct games at Woodland Steakhouse Bar and Grill. This is a transfer from Tavern 94 to Woodland for the rest of the license term.

Approved a Gaming Site Authorization for Eagles Aerie 2192 to conduct games at Main Street Off Sale, LLC dba Tavern 94.

Approved 2015 Blue Cross Blue Shield Contract. Auditor Richter said the stop-loss portion increases by 12%, with the overall costs raised by 5.3%.

She said a family plan premium will be $1,526, a single $586. The city’s total is $1,063,168.

Commissioners discussed storm water drainage issues west of 9^th Avenue, Northwest.

Mayor Werkoven outlined the area to commissioners on a map, and includes the installation of small dams. More information will be forthcoming at the next city finance meeting.

On another topic:

Robert Drake asked “Why the citizens of Valley City where told that they couldn’t buy flood homes from the city of Valley City, then move them to lots within the city limits.”

Drake says there is no law enforcing that action, saying other city’s allowed and encouraged such moves.

He pointed out that 20 flood homes were demolished that could have been saved, and thus saving the city demolitions costs.

He also said if citizens were aware of his assertions there would have been more interest in purchasing the homes.

He said the saved homes would go toward reducing the Valley City housing shortage, and kept the houses on the property tax rolls.

Drake went on to say that the City Commission is responsible for investigating the “failure” of the City Administrator, and City Building Inspector, for there interpretation of the laws.

No comments were made by city officials and no action was taken by the commission at Tuesday’s meeting.

Approved the Final Documented CATEX for Project pertaining to the Main Street Shared-Use Path.

City Commissioners considered economic development request to renegotiate the contract for the Elks parking lot. Valley City/Barnes County Economic Development Director, Jennifer Feist explained the proposed investment exchange concerning the swimming pool, and street lighting the city was responsible for as part of the I-94 Regional Corridor project.

The City Commissioners voted to leave out Special Assessments in the agreement.

The Resolution was postponed until the next meeting, with Commissioners Nielson and Pedersen voting in opposition.

Discussion was held about the lime pit by the Water Treatment Plant.

Commissioner Luke said multiple partners would be involved in transforming the area into a space to be used for multiple purposes, when the land is covered by black dirt.

Issues concerning the proposal will be detailed in further discussions with the partners.

Approved declaring North Central Ave, north of 12th Street a cul-de-sac by definition. David Schelkoph said if approved Special Assessments will be reassessed.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

No report was given

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

Fire Chief Retterath said three bids were received for a new fire truck, which he will give to the city for approval.

Mayor Werkhoven told the commission that he attended an meeting outlining Roberts Rules of Order, that indicated that under certain circumstances the Commission President may second a motion.

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

Jamestown (CSi) Those dropping donations in the Jamestown Salvation Army Kettles today, will have the proceeds doubled.

Lt. Mitch Brecto says the Jamestown Lions club and friends of Lions will match kettle donations up to $6,000

Brecto adds, more bell ringers, contact the Jamestown Salvation if intersted in helping.

VALLEY CITY, N.D. (AP) – Some eastern North Dakota residents who live near a railroad crossing are complaining about the length of time that a county road has been blocked.

The Barnes County Sheriff’s Office has received complaints from residents about how long County Road 27 near the grain elevator in Peak has been obstructed.

Sheriff Randy McClaflin says his office has recently issued citations to BNSF Railway and Canadian Pacific in relation to the situation. He says the citations have gone nowhere and he is now considering presenting the matter to the state’s Public Service Commission to get their opinion.

The rail crossing in along County Road 27, about two miles north of the Peak exit on Interstate 94 near a grain elevator.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) – The U.S. Department of Labor is suing a Fargo-based hotel owner for allegedly failing to pay minimum wage and overtime rates in North Dakota and Montana.

The complaint says that Bharat “Brian” Patel owes about $100,000 in back wages and $100,000 in damages to front-desk clerks, housekeeping staff and other hotel employees. The case involves 193 workers at 13 hotels.

Authorities say Patel incorrectly classified some workers as exempt salaried employees. Hourly employees allegedly received straight-time pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek and were not paid the legally required time and one-half.

Patel has hotels in Fargo, Jamestown, Dickinson, Valley City, Wahpeton and Glendive, Montana.

The hotels involved included Econo Lodge East, Econo Lodge West, Fargo Quality Inn, Super 8 Fargo and Quality Suites, in Fargo; Hampton Inn and Suites, in Jamestown; Travel Inn, Super 8 Motel and Travel Host Motel, which operates as the Relax Inn, in Dickinson; Super 8, in Valley City; Rodeway Inn, in Wahpeton; and the Super 8 Glendive and Comfort Inn Glendive, in Montana. Patel’s company has headquarters in Fargo.

Court documents do not list an attorney for Patel, who could not be reached for comment.

Jamestown (CSi) The Stutsman County Commission has voted to transfer supervision of the jail administrator position to the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office effective January 1, 2015.

The LEC Governing Board supported the trans

The position, oversees the Stutsman County Correctional Center, has been under the supervision of County Auditor/Chief Operating Officer Casey Bradley since 2012.

Bradley says at that time the commission approved transferring supervision of the jail administrator position from the Stutsman County Law Enforcement Center Governing Board to Bradley.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota man has been charged in a vehicle crash in Sargent County that killed a passenger.

21-year-old Jason Neiber, of Geneso, is charged with criminal vehicular homicide, drunken driving and refusing to be tested for drugs or alcohol.

Neiber was driving a pickup that rolled near Geneso on Nov. 13. Both Neiber and 20-year-old Kyle Nelson, of Lidgerwood, were thrown from the pickup. Nelson died from his injuries.

Court documents do not list an attorney for Neiber.

HILLSBORO, N.D. (AP) – Authorities have charged two men who they say led officers on a high-speed chase near Hillsboro in a stolen SUV.

    Rafael Buenfil of Thief River Falls and Rene Buenfil Torres of Red Lake Falls were charged this week with multiple crimes in the Friday morning chase. Authorities say a State Patrol officer followed the men after the SUV exited Interstate 29.

     They say the men sped down rural roads, got back on I-29 driving the wrong way and eventually became stuck in a ditch. They say the men fled the vehicle and threw items from their pockets that they had stolen from a Grand Forks store that day.

     Both men were arrested in a muddy field. Authorities determined the SUV was stolen from Crookston.

     It wasn’t immediately clear if they have attorneys.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – U.S. Sens. Heidi Heitkamp and John Hoeven are among the lawmakers who have voted in favor of extending a massive package of temporary tax breaks through the end of year.

     The U.S. Senate approved the last-minute bill Tuesday. It would enable millions of businesses and individuals to claim the tax breaks on their 2014 tax returns. Beyond this year, their fate is uncertain.

     Heitkamp says Congress needs to work toward reaching long-term solutions “because nail-biting and foot-dragging is no way to legislate.”

     The bill now goes to President Barack Obama, who’s expected to sign it.

     The 54 tax breaks benefit big corporations, small businesses and individuals. Of particular importance to North Dakotans is the extension of a provision allowing farmers and ranchers to expense the purchase of agricultural equipment.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota is receiving $1.2 million in federal funds for flood mitigation efforts and home buyouts in Cass County.

Members of the state’s congressional delegation on Tuesday announced the funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The funds are to be used for the acquisition and demolition of nine flood-prone residences in the county.

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven says the funds represent “another step toward providing permanent flood protection for the Red River Valley.”

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) –  A Turtle Lake man has claimed a Wild Card 2 jackpot worth nearly $328,000.

     North Dakota lottery officials say John Morris bought the winning ticket at a Minot convenience store. It won the jackpot in Saturday’s drawing.

     The odds of winning the Wild Card 2 jackpot are 1 in about 1.9 million. Morris says he plays the lottery regularly and has never won a prize bigger than $100.

North Dakota lottery players didn’t bother to cash in a lot of winning tickets in fiscal 2014.

     Lottery director Randy Miller says gamblers didn’t redeem $464,000 worth of lottery winners in the last budget year. He says that’s up from $440,000 the year before and well above the long-term average of about $370,000.

     Miller says the total last year includes a $22,000 2by2 ticket that the buyer didn’t turn in.

     Gamblers have to cash a winning lottery ticket within six months, or the money goes to the state.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – The new police chief in Grand Forks is coming from within the ranks of the city’s force.

City Administrator Todd Feland says Capt. Mark Nelson has accepted the job. He was among four finalists for the position.

Nelson has more than two decades of experience with the department. He will succeed longtime Chief John Packett, who retired at the end of February.

Other finalists were Grand Forks Lt. James Remer, Fargo Lt. Joseph Anderson and Chicago Lt. Maurice Richards.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – An advisory board for North Dakota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund has recommended 16 grant applications totaling $5.2 million to state officials for approval. Board chairman Wade Moser says the commission will consider the recommendations in January. The board selected the projects from a pool of 23 applications.

In sports…

Jamestown (CSi) University of Jamestown’s women’s volleyball coach Jon Hegerle announces the signing of Kennedy Conzemius, Breckenridge, MN who will join the Jimmies in the 2015-2016 season.

Conzemius will be a 2015 graduate of Breckenridge High School. As a sophomore she was awarded titles of leading blocker and most improved. During her junior year, she was team captain and Heart o’ Lakes All-Conference Team Member while receiving titles of most kills, outstanding hitter, outstanding blocker, and most aces. During her senior season, she was once again team captain and all-conference team member but also joined the Minnesota All-State Academic team. She was given titles of outstanding hitter, outstanding blocker (breaking her own record from the previous year), outstanding digger, and was voted MVP by her teammates.

Coach Hegerle says of Conzemius, “I am very excited to have Kennedy join our program. I was able to work with Kennedy in the summer prior to her junior and senior years and I believe that she will be a great compliment to our team culture. I was so impressed with her maturity and character in getting to know her on her visits. Kennedy is a young woman who has excelled in both the athletic arena as well as classroom and has a tremendous team first mentality. I am looking forward to seeing Kennedy’s growth as a Jimmie!”

Conzemius plans to major in exercise science as a stepping stone to UJ’s DPT program offered at the Fargo campus.

The University of Jamestown was established in 1883 and is ranked as a top regional school in both US News and World Report and The Princeton Review. The school features development of the whole person through its distinctive Journey to Success experience.

Jamestown (CSi) University of Jamestown head men’s basketball coach Alan Magnani has announced the signing of Christian Kvilvang of North Star High School, who will join the Jimmies in the 2015-2016 season.

Kvilvang (Cando, ND) averaged 18.6 ppg and 7 rpg as a junior at North Star. Christian was awarded All-District, All-State, and All-State Tournament Team in 2013-14.

Coach Magnani says of Kvilvang, “We are excited that Christian has chosen to attend the University of Jamestown to pursue his degree and to continue his basketball career. For us to sign one of arguably the best basketball players in North Dakota this fall is a testament to what everything at the University of Jamestown is about. We feel his abilities will translate well into our system and style of play.”

Christian plans to major in Mathematics/Secondary Education.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Minot 92, Jamestown 67
     Beach 65, Wibaux, Mont. 61
     Central Cass 70, Milnor 44
     Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier 49, Napoleon 44
     Fargo Davies 69, Sheyenne 47
     Grand Forks Red River 60, Fargo Shanley 59
     Hankinson 58, Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley, Minn. 34
     Linton-HMB 69, Turtle Lake-Mercer 46
     Maple Valley 62, Sargent Central 40
          Minot Bishop Ryan 74, Watford City 65
     Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood 55, Westhope-Newburg 38
     New Salem-Almont 50, Wilton-Wing 44
     New Town 66, Garrison 60, OT
     Northern Cass 51, May Port CG 50
     Richland 63, North Sargent 55
     Rolette-Wolford 73, Towner-Granville-Upham 51
     Rugby 84, Langdon-Munich 31
     Sidney, Mont. 58, Williston 49
     Standing Rock 91, Center-Stanton 48
     Valley City 63, Grand Forks Central 38
     Wahpeton 82, Fargo South 49
     West Fargo 68, Fargo North 44
     Wheaton/Herman-Norcross, Minn. 58, Fairmount-Campbell-Tintah 23
Roughrider Tournament
First Round
     Dickinson Trinity 84, Glen Ullin-Hebron 22
     Heart River 59, Richardton-Taylor 50
     Killdeer 71, Mott-Regent 39
     New England 66, Bowman County 36
Stanley Lions Tournament at Ray
First Round
     Ray 68, Powers Lake 38
     Tioga 72, Divide County 57
Consolation Semifinal
     Stanley 66, Burke County 42
Velva Tournament
First Round
     Glenburn 58, Velva 48
     Surrey 45, Underwood 43
POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
     Carrington vs. New Rockford-Sheyenne, ppd.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
     Barnes County North 64, Midkota 48
     Carrington 58, New Rockford-Sheyenne 21
     Des Lacs-Burlington 68, Stanley 65
     Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier 54, Oakes 36
     Fairmount-Campbell-Tintah 60, Wheaton/Herman-Norcross, Minn. 43
     Fargo Davies 86, Sheyenne 46
     Fargo Shanley 52, Grand Forks Red River 47
     Fordville Lankin-Park River 80, Cavalier 32
     Grafton/St. Thomas 65, Finley-Sharon/Hope-Page 62
     Grand Forks Central 79, Valley City 76, OT
     Grant County 57, Hettinger/Scranton 38
     Kidder County 57, Strasburg-Zeeland 38
     Lakota/Edmore 68, Rolla 32
     LaMoure-Litchville-Marion 41, Ellendale 30
     Lidgerwood-Wyndmere 54, Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley, Minn. 41
     May Port CG 52, Northern Cass 42
     Midway-Minto 77, Griggs County Central 32
     Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood 64, Westhope-Newburg 40
     Napoleon 43, Medina-Pingree-Buchanan 41
     North Border 61, Drayton/Valley-Edinburg 42
     North Star 64, Four Winds-Minnewauken 53
     Parshall 68, Kenmare 35
     Rolette-Wolford 60, Drake/Anamoose 41
     Rugby 58, Harvey-Wells County 52
     Sidney, Mont. 47, Williston 41
     South Border 38, Linton-HMB 36
     Thompson 58, Hillsboro/Central Valley 52
     Turtle Mountain 61, Minot 59
     Wahpeton 42, Fargo South 32
     Washburn 50, Underwood 48, OT
     West Fargo 75, Fargo North 46

BOYS HOCKEY
     Bismarck Century 5, Mandan 4, OT
     Devils Lake-Cando 3, Fargo North 1
     Grafton-Park River 3, Fargo Davies 2
     Grand Forks Central 4, West Fargo 2
     Grand Forks Red River 4, Fargo South 3
     Minot 5, Bismarck Century 1
     Williston 4, Hazen/Beulah 2
GIRLS HOCKEY
     Bismarck High 11, Mandan 0
     Fargo Davies 15, Devils Lake 1
     Minot 4, Williston 1
     Richland 4, Dickinson 3
     West Fargo 4, Fargo North 1

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

WASHINGTON (AP) – John Wall scored 21 points and equaled a career high with 17 assists as the Washington Wizards won 109-95 over the Minnesota Timberwolves last night. Washington scored 14 straight to take a 14-2 lead less than 4 1/2 minutes into the game. Wall had 10 points and six assists in the first quarter.

The Golden State Warriors’ team-record winning streak has come to an end.

     The Warriors had won 16 straight before Marc Gasol (gah-SAHL’) scored 24 points to lead Memphis past Golden State 105-98. Zach Randolph had 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who blew most of a 14-point lead before earning their fifth consecutive win.
    Final    Miami                      95    Brooklyn              91
   Final    Dallas                  107    New York              87
   Final    New Orleans        119    Utah                    111
   Final    Oklahoma City    104    Sacramento          92

       NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

CHICAGO (AP) – Patrick Kane scored a tiebreaking power-play goal with 3:28 left as the Chicago Blackhawks bounced back to beat the Minnesota Wild 5-3 last night for their 13th win in 15 games. Kane’s centering attempt from behind the net struck the skate of Minnesota defenseman Jonas Brodin and carried into the net. Jonathan Toews (tayvz) had a goal and two assists.

Final 2OT Florida 2 Washington 1 (SO Florida 6-5)

The Panthers and Washington Capitals shattered an NHL record by going 20 rounds in the shootout, five more than the previous mark set by the Caps and New York Rangers nine years ago.

   Final            Tampa Bay          3    Philadelphia      1
   Final            Toronto              6    Anaheim                2
   Final            Montreal            4    Carolina              1
   Final 2OT    Columbus            1    Detroit                0 (SO Columbus 2-1)
   Final 2OT    Nashville          3    Boston                  2 (SO Nashville 1-0)
   Final            Winnipeg            5    Buffalo                1
   Final            St. Louis          5    Los Angeles        2
   Final OT      Arizona              2    Edmonton              1
   Final            N-Y Rangers      5    Calgary                2

       TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL

   Final    ( 3) Arizona                  101    Oakland                    64
   Final    ( 9) Texas                      106    Lipscomb                  61
   Final    (11) Wichita St.            53    Alabama                    52
   Final    (15) Oklahoma                  85    Oral Roberts          53
   Final    (24) North Carolina      79    UNC Greensboro      56

       TOP-25 WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

   Final    (16) Oregon St.          70    ( 6) North Carolina      55
   Final    (11) Tennessee            54              Wichita St.            51
   Final    (18) Michigan St.      77              Alcorn St.              41
   Final    (19) Syracuse              70              Canisius                  37

NBA…

MILWAUKEE (AP) – The Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff chances have taken a serious hit.

     A person with direct knowledge of the situation says Bucks rookie Jabari Parker will miss the rest of the season with a left knee injury suffered in Monday’s win at Phoenix. The second-overall pick in this year’s draft averaged 12.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game this year.

     Milwaukee is 13-12 after winning just 15 games all of last season.

MLB…

UNDATED (AP) – The Chicago White Sox have announced a three-year, $42 million contract agreement with free agent Melky Cabrera. The Los Angeles Angels have acquired outfielder Matt Joyce from Tampa Bay for right-handed reliever Kevin Jepsen. And a person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press the Miami Marlins and first baseman Mike Morse have come to terms on a two-year, $17 million deal.

NEW YORK (AP) – Alex Rodriguez is no longer considered an everyday player by the New York Yankees. General manager Brian Cashman says that Rodriguez, who missed last season after being suspended by baseball, will solely be a designated hitter.

The Royals have finalized a $17 million, two-year deal with former Twin, veteran Kendrys Morales, who becomes the team’s designated hitter. Morales hit just .218 with eight home runs playing for the Twins and Mariners last season.

NASCAR…

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Sprint has informed NASCAR it won’t extend title sponsorship of the circuit’s top series beyond 2016, when its current contract expires. The wireless carrier assumed a 10-year sponsorship agreement with NASCAR when it acquired Nextel in 2005. The Nextel Cup Series became the Sprint Cup Series in 2008, and Sprint later agreed to a three-year extension that took the contract through 2016.

In world and national news…

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) – Afghan officials say at least 10 people are dead after insurgents raided a bank in southern Helmand province today. Officials say one bomber detonated his explosives at the door of New Kabul Bank and four other insurgents stormed inside. A gunfight erupted once security forces arrived and surrounded the building. Meanwhile, Afghan police say a drone strike in the eastern province of Nangahar killed 11 insurgents yesterday.

     PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) – The military-run school in northwestern Pakistan where Taliban gunmen massacred at least 148 people remains a scene of devastation this morning. Officials allowed media inside where blood was still pooled on the floor and stairs and broken glass, torn notebooks, clothing and shoes lay scattered on the ground. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (nah-WAHZ’ shah-REEF’) is pledging to step up the military campaign against the insurgents, saying: “We must not forget these scenes.”

     BAGHDAD (AP) – Kurdish Iraqi forces say they have launched an operation to retake the militant-held town of Sinjar in northern Iraq. The Kurdish Regional Security Council says peshmerga forces have moved into the town with the support of U.S.-led coalition airstrikes. Sinjar first fell to the Islamic State group in August, causing tens of thousands of residents, mainly from the minority Yazidi (yah-ZEE’-dee) group, to flee into the nearby mountains.

     BOSTON (AP) – Fourteen people have been arrested this morning in connection with a deadly 2012 outbreak of fungal meningitis. Federal prosecutors say those arrested include two co-founders and 12 other former employees of a Massachusetts compounding pharmacy identified as the source of the outbreak. About 750 people in 20 states developed meningitis or other infections after receiving the contaminated steroids from the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, and 64 people died.

     UNDATED (AP) – The U.S. military will begin testing a new cruise-missile defense system near Baltimore today. The blimp-like airship is known as JLENS, short for Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System. By February, two helium-filled airships will be tethered to concrete pads four miles apart at Aberdeen Proving Ground. They will float 10,000 feet high for the three-year test, carrying radar, not weapons. One ship will scan an area roughly from Norfolk, Virginia, to upstate New York while the other pinpoints targets.