CSi Weather…
TODAY…CLOUDY. SNOW LIKELY AND SLIGHT CHANCE OF LIGHT FREEZING
DRIZZLE IN THE MORNING. PATCHY FOG IN THE MORNING. HIGHS IN THE
MID 20S. NORTH WINDS AROUND 10 MPH. CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION
60 PERCENT IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA, 50 PERCENT IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA.
.TONIGHT…DECREASING CLOUDS. LOWS 10 TO 15. SOUTHWEST WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH.
.THURSDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 30S. SOUTHWEST WINDS
10 TO 20 MPH.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE MID 20S. SOUTHWEST
WINDS AROUND 15 MPH.
.FRIDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 30S. NORTHWEST WINDS
AROUND 15 MPH.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…INCREASING CLOUDS. LOWS IN THE MID 20S.
.SATURDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW THROUGH THE DAY.
SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAIN IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGHS IN THE MID 30S.
CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION 20 PERCENT.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN
AND SNOW. LOWS IN THE LOWER 30S.
.SUNDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE MORNING…
THEN SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAIN AND SNOW IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGHS IN
THE UPPER 30S.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE LOWER 20S.
.MONDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE MORNING…
THEN SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAIN AND SNOW IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGHS IN
THE LOWER 30S.
.MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE LOWER 20S.
HIGHS IN THE MID 30S.
Jamestown (CSi) The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports, several Jamestown men and an Aberdeen woman were injured in a vehicle crash Tuesday morning, about nine miles West of Casselton.
Harrison Smith, James Smith, and Dwight Fennem of Jamestown were traveling on Interstate 94 when a jeep driven by 25 year-old Heather Cincurak of Aberdeen lost control and struck their vehicle head-on. The collision caused the jeep to roll and come to rest on its wheel’s in the ditch.
The pickup driven by Harrison Smith came to rest on it’s wheels, blocking the left eastbound lane. Traffic was blocked for approximately 48 minutes. All occupants were injured and transported to Fargo by ambulance.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol reported that seat belt usage played a significant factor in preventing more serious injury.
Jamestown (CSi) A smaller than anticipated number turned out for the Jamestown Public School’s public input meeting Tuesday evening at the middle school Thompson Room.
Community members, teachers and parents discussed growth in the community and the best way for the school district to prepare for it.
DLR Group’s Member Chris Gibbs addressed presented findings from the first of several community meetings to be held.
He said that the community’s input would help design the direction that DLR would recommend on what would better benefit the future growth of the school district.
Exercises were held with the members of the group, with results including
as school pride, security and safety, and better technology,
Gibbs noted that the review of the facilities in the Jamestown School District did not focus on the faculty at the schools, but rather the structure and ability to maintain growth in the community.
Jamestown Public School Superintendent Robert Lech added that
the turnout was not as large as hope for.
The next community meeting will be announced.
Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.
A Proclamation was read by Mayor Werkhovem proclaiming Catholic Schools Week, January 25-31, 2015.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
A new electric license for Pete’s Electric LLC and new heater installation license for Anderson Refrigeration & Heating.
A Game of Chance Raffle Permit for VCSU EBC Fraternity and Valley City Lion’s Club,
and the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce.
PUBLIC FORUM No one spoke
ORDINANCES
Approved the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 983, an ordinance increasing the commission salaries by $1,000 effective January 1, 2015.
Commissioner Nielson voted in opposition saying the item was not fully discussed by commissioners.
Commissioner Luke said she would not accept the the raise, and did not last year.
From the audience Lloyd Nelson said any commissioner raises should come from the City Administrator’s salary.
RESOLUTIONS
Approved a Resolution creating Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 61, North Central Avenue from 12th Street NW to 15th Street NW.
Approved a Resolution approving final plans and Specifications on Paving Improvement District No. 108, 8 ½ Avenue NW from 7th Street to 9th Street, and authorize advertisement for bids.
Approved a Resolution approving final plans and Specifications for Paving Improvement District No. 109, North Central Avenue from 12th Street to 15th Street, and authorize advertisement for bids.
Approved a Resolution approving final plans and Specifications for Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 61, North Central Avenue from 12th Street NW to 15th Street NW. and authorize advertisement for bids.
NEW BUSINESS
Approved a modifications to the 2015 VC Infrastructure Plan.
Approved an Urban Roads & Urban Regional project requests for 2016-2019.
By the request of Commissioner Luke, the City Commission consider an Open Gov program contract for financial transparency in the annual amount of $9,000.
She explained that OpenGov.com is a software program that would keep track of expenses in nearly every city department, available to the public on line.
City commissioners voted to approve based on the contract offered, reviewed by and approved by the City Commission.
Commissioners Pedersen and Nielson voted no.
City Commissioners discussed the Valley Development Group request for $500,000 in economic development funds for the VC Health, Wellness & Physical Education Center. Jennifer Feist/VC-BC Development Corporation said approval is one piece to make the Center, a reality. She also sited the Wellness Center’s job creation, and diversity of the area’s economy.
She said all funds need to be in place including another three and half million dollars for implementation of plans from private sector funds.
Earlier, Tuesday a request to transfer $250,000 from the economic development fund to help finance the construction of the proposed Wellness Center in Valley City was denied by the Barnes County Commission on a 4 to one vote.
Mayor Werkhoven pointed out that the City Commission upheld the voter advisory vote to approve the Wellness Center funding in the amount of $3-million dollars.
After listening to testimony from the audience, the City Commission voted to continue at 8:30-a.m. on Wednesday to consider the $500,000 request.
Information on the Homeless Coalition was presented.
The City Commission heard information and updates on the Police Department’s policy and procedure manual, from Police Chief Fred Thompson.
CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
David Schelkoph said he will testifiy at the state legislature concerning VCSU and permanent flood protection.
He also said he has information on the cost of the installation of street lighting in the area of 7th Street, and the new Industrial Park.
CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS
Commissioner Nielson said she’s heard from several younger people in the community about their support of the Wellness Center.
The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.
Valley City (CSi) A former Barnes County Auditor’s employee is questioning the legality of college student addresses used to cast votes in the November 2014 general election.
Karen Christenson asked Barnes County officials Tuesday to conduct a full investigation as to how votes from students living in dorm rooms were recorded in precincts 3 and 4.
She says became concerned about using Dorm names and room numbers as a street address because this didn’t appear to be a complete mailing address as specified under North Dakota Century Code.
Christenson says one of the student ID Certificates had only a PO Box number and many had dorm names and room numbers only, which is not acceptable according to the 2014 Election Official manual.
Christenson says student certificates did not prevent voter fraud as it was intended to do, but rather it appears they created a potential for voter fraud under North Dakota Century Code.
Jamestown (CSi) All Jamestown City Council committees met in joint session Tuesday evening at City Hall. All members were present.
FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE
The committee recommends approving the request from the South Central Regional Homeless Coalition for a letter of support regarding the coalition’s Revised 10 Year plan.
Considered the request from Jamestown Row Homes at the former Essentia Clinic site, a 24 unit complex, for a Flex PACE Affordable Housing of up to $81,013 in Economic Development Funds with the City Share to be up to $81,013, and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund….meeting the definition of affordable housing under the Jamestown criteria, per unit.
Mayor Andersen explained the request was late in coming in for approval, and she said the request was approved by the JSDC Board of Directors.
The committee approved recommending the request with Council Members Brubakken and Buchanan voting opposed.
The committee recommends approving the request from the JSDC for approval of Flex PACE program criteria.
Approved recommending the request from JSDC for $250,000 to fund the Flex PACE Program for 2015 with the City Share to be $250,000, and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.
Recommends approving the request from Allen Enterprises for Flex PACE loan, in the amount of $43,000, with the City Share to be $43,000, and paid from the City Sales Tax Fund. (Project in the I-94 Business Park.)
Considered the request from Allen Enterprises to purchase Lot 1 and the South Half of Lot 2, Block 3, I-94 Business Park Addition, in the amount of $123,710.
Then the committee recommended approving the request from Allen Enterprises for the first right of refusal on Lot 7, Block 1, I-94 Business Park Addition, at $1.00 / sq. ft.
The committee recommends approving the request from JSDC of the advertised rental price of $12.50 / sq. ft. for the Center for Economic Development building.
With that the committee recommends approval of the JSDC Secretarial Solutions lease agreement at that location.
The committee recommends approval subject to the city attorney reviewing the agreement, of the acceptance of a Warrenty Deed from JSDC for the remaining I-94 Business Park Addition Lots (Lots 1-6, Block 1 and Lot 5, Block 4).
The committee recommends approving the request for Sabir’s II, LLC (Nam Sabir) to assume the CGBG $220,400 equipment loan of BCG Jamestown, LLC (James and Sherry Heyer) as part of the purchase of the restaurant business , Buffalo City Rotisserie Grille, located at 103 First Avenue South, subject to approval from the ND Division of Community Service.
The committee also recommends approving the Heyer’s $100,000 loan remain as it exists.
The committee reviewed the City Attorney’s memorandum regarding the Menard’s Agreement and consider the request from Newman signs to lease space for two (2) sign structures on Outlots A & B, Menards Addition.
The committee recommends moving the item to the City Council without recommendation pending further review by the City Attorney.
Considered entering into a CORS Host Agreement with Butler Machinery Company d/b/a MidStates VRS to attach a CORS Station at the Water Treatment Plant.
The committee recommends moving the item to the City Council meeting without recommendation.
The committee considered authorizing and determining a funding source for Storm Water Master Plan Study in the immediate vicinity of the City of Jamestown.
The committee recommends the funding come from 50-percent of the one percent the city sales tax earmarked for infrastructure.
The committee recommends approving the suggested selling price for City owned vacant lots for 2015.
The First Reading of an ordinance will be held to amend and re-enact Article IV of Chapter 15 of the City Code pertaining to fireworks, as approved by voters.
Informational: Departmental and financial reports.
BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE
The committee recommends approving authorizing a special use permit to Stutsman County in order to allow the property on Lots 133- 138, Jones & Venuum Addition (502 10th Ave SE) to continue to be used as governmental office space. The building formerly housed the James River Senior Center, and currently the Stutsman County Library.
The space has been earmarked by Stutsman County, for the NDSU Extension Service office.
The committee recommends approving Amendment No. 2 to the Planning and Zoning Technical Services Contract with SRF Consulting.
CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE
The committee recommends approving a revised Catering Agreement for Alcohol Beverage Sales at the Jamestown Civic Center to include a revision of the fees.
The committee recommends approving the request from Rod Wilhelm relative to a wall plate listing donors of original Civic Center seating.
The committee recommends approving the sale of the existing basketball floor and backstops with an offer of $18.000, to Tom Tracy, contingent on the purchase and installation of a new floor.
The closing date for the sale to be determined, to allow the purchaser to inspect and remove the floor.
Approved recommending the request from the North Dakota Patriot Guard to place a ‘fallen soldier’ statue on Civic Center property, with personalized plaques planned, attached to the statue, of soldiers fallen in the line of duty.
The outside location will be reviewed by the city so as not to interfere with access and water drainage.
A fundraiser to raise the necessary $5,000 will be held by the Patriot Guard.
POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE
Considered new Boat/Motor/Trailer 2015 replacement for the Fire Department.
The committee recommends awarding the bid to the low bidder, Gun-N-Reel of Jamestown in the amount of $35,700.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
Approved recommending the following Resolutions pertaining to 2015 Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter District#15-11:
To set up and establish the district.
To direct the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for the construction of the district.
To accept and approve the plans and specifications, as prepared by the City Engineer, for the construction of the District.
To direct the City Administrator to advertise for bids for the construction of the district.
Recommends approval of the Revised Urban Limits Plan for the NDDOT.
INFORMATIONAL:
City Staff and Park District Staff are working with the City Attorney to prepare a draft joint powers agreement for City Council and Park Board consideration that would provide for the City Forester assisting park district personnel with tree concerns and plantings in the parks in exchange for the Park District funding a portion of the Forestry Budget.
The meeting was shown live on CSi 67 followed by replays.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – Officials are investigating an early morning fire at a manufacturing company in Fargo.
Fire Department Battalion Chief Lee Soeth tells KFGO radio that firefighters found a pile of rags on fire near a paint booth inside Branick Industries after responding to a call shortly before 2 a.m. Wednesday.
The flames were quickly extinguished and little damage was reported, but smoke had to be ventilated from the building.
The cause of the fire was not immediately determined.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The two Republicans in North Dakota’s congressional delegation say Democratic President Barack Obama’s tone in his State of the Union speech wasn’t as cooperative as they’d have liked.
Rep. Kevin Cramer says he found the speech “divisive” and not very inspiring. He says Obama “didn’t strike any type of a cooperative tone.”
Sen. John Hoeven says he liked that Obama talked about trade, cybersecurity and a highway bill. But Hoeven says he’s concerned Obama is steering the country toward “higher taxes, more regulation and bigger government.”
Obama called for higher taxes on wealthy Americans and new initiatives to boost the middle class. Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp says “the president is rightly focused” on those areas, but she’d also like to hear him speak more about supporting rural communities and agriculture.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A West Fargo man accused of attacking his neighbor with a tomahawk has entered a plea for attempted murder. Authorities say 30-year-old Kokouvi Afidegnon attacked a woman in April of 2014 while she was walking to her car. Officers found a tomahawk lodged into the side of a nearby apartment building.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A man accused of breaking into a high school on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation with the intent of assaulting a federal officer has pleaded guilty.
Lyman Black Cloud, of Fort Yates, is charged with burglary. Authorities say Black Cloud entered the Solen High School in June, when the school was closed.
No further details have been released.
Black Cloud faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A 24-year-old Mandan man accused of aggressive driving that led to the death of his passenger has pleaded not guilty to criminally negligent homicide.
Jacob Seth Cook entered the not guilty plea Tuesday after a judge found probable cause to bring the case to trial. He’s accused of causing the Nov. 8 traffic death of 24-year-old Joshua Leaverton of Ohio.
North Dakota Highway Patrol Officer Jeremiah Bohn was called on Tuesday to testify about witness statements and contributing factors of the accident.
Bohn said the woman driving a vehicle in front of Cook reported his pickup truck slid out of control, rolled several times and ejected the passengers after Cook attempted to pass her on a ramp. Bohn said the main cause of the accident was Cook’s aggressive driving.
The trial is scheduled at the end of June.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A Minot lawmaker is pushing a measure that would give state income tax breaks to low-wage earners in North Dakota.
Republican Sen. David Hogue says single people earning less than $36,250 would pay no state income tax under his proposal. A married couple filing jointly would pay no income tax if their wages are less than $62,600.
Hogue told the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee on Tuesday that the income tax cut would help people with low incomes and force lawmakers to control spending.
Hogue says the measure would cost the state an estimated $151 million annually in lost revenues.
The state Tax Department estimates there were about 465,000 North Dakotans who filed state income taxes last year. Hogue’s proposed legislation would affect about 170,000 low-wage earners.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A federal judge in North Dakota has put a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on same-sex marriage on hold pending a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.
U.S. District Chief Judge Ralph Erickson filed an order Tuesday staying the case brought by seven same-sex couples in June. The lawsuit challenges both North Dakota’s ban on gay marriage and its refusal to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples who legally wed in other states.
Last week the Supreme Court announced that it will decide whether same-sex couples have a right to marry everywhere in America under the Constitution.
The justices will take up gay-rights cases that ask them to overturn bans in four states. The cases will be argued in April, and a decision is expected by late June.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A spokesman for the union that represents more than 11,000 public employees in North Dakota says they would feel less safe if elected public officials are allowed to carry firearms at the state Capitol and other public buildings.
North Dakota United spokesman Stuart Savelkoul told members of the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday that his group opposes a bill that would allow elected public officials to pack a gun in a public building.
The measure is sponsored by 12 Republican lawmakers.
Rep. Ben Koppelman of West Fargo is the bill’s primary sponsor. He says the bill is a better and less-expensive option than installing metal detectors and boosting the number of armed security personnel at public buildings.
In sports…
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s Game and Fish Department is urging people who are interested in taking a hunter education class this year to get registered.
The agency says most classes are held the first few months of the year.
Registration is done online at the Game and Fish website, www.gf.nd.gov . People who don’t have access to the Internet can call the hunter education program in Bismarck at 701-328-6615.
Many classes will be added over the next several weeks, and the rest will be added throughout the year as they’re finalized.
State law requires anyone born after Dec. 31, 1961, to pass a certified hunter education course to hunt in the state. Hunter education is mandatory for youth who are turning 12 years old, and children can take the class at age 11.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Bismarck St. Mary’s 56, Jamestown 52
Cavalier 61, Hatton-Northwood 60
Devils Lake 83, Valley City 80, 2OT
Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier 65, Barnes County North 51
Ellendale 62, Leola/Frederick, S.D. 41
Fargo Davies 85, Grand Forks Red River 70
Fargo South 50, Grand Forks Central 49
Griggs County Central 45, Hillsboro/Central Valley 33
Hancock, Minn. 88, Fairmount-Campbell-Tintah 37
Heart River 65, Beach 31
Hettinger/Scranton 110, Mandaree 54
Killdeer 39, Glen Ullin-Hebron 38
LaMoure-Litchville-Marion 51, Midkota 22
Larimore 69, Drayton/Valley-Edinburg 48
Lidgerwood-Wyndmere 47, Richland 44
Linton-HMB 64, Central Cass 50
Max 62, Glenburn 46
May Port CG 83, Finley-Sharon/Hope-Page 54
Minot 72, Williston 67
New England 56, Beulah 46
North Border 63, Midway-Minto 48
Standing Rock 77, Mobridge-Pollock, S.D. 68
Strasburg-Zeeland 67, Medina-Pingree-Buchanan 53
Surrey 52, Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood 44
Thompson 54, Grafton/St. Thomas 47
Tioga 59, Powers Lake 41
Trinity Christian 62, North Shore – Plaza 51
Wahpeton 66, Sheyenne 61
Washburn 60, Mott-Regent 46
POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
Blue Jays boy’s swimming and diving @ West Fargo-Sheyenne
North Sargent vs. Fargo Oak Grove Lutheran, ppd.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Barnes County North 56, Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier 47
Benson County 57, Rolla 50
Bismarck St. Mary’s 66, Jamestown 64
Bowman County 78, Killdeer 66
Carrington 80, Griggs County Central 29
Central Cass 58, Linton-HMB 43
Divide County 47, Ray 39
Grand Forks Red River 80, Fargo North 52
Harvey-Wells County 67, Warwick 54
Hazen 65, Beulah 46
Kidder County 59, New Salem-Almont 38
Lakota/Edmore 79, New Rockford-Sheyenne 31
LaMoure-Litchville-Marion 37, Midkota 35
Lewis and Clark-Berthold 56, Minot Our Redeemer’s 48
Max 56, Glenburn 50
Milnor-North Sargent 44, Lisbon 33
Minot 54, Williston 37
Minot Bishop Ryan 91, Des Lacs-Burlington 22
Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood 43, Surrey 36
Napoleon 76, Oakes 42
North Star 84, St. John 31
Park Christian (Moorhead), Minn. 45, Northern Cass 41
Parshall 76, Garrison 53
Powers Lake 76, Tioga 25
Rugby 66, Rolette-Wolford 46
Sawyer 78, Bottineau 66
Standing Rock 59, Flasher 56
Strasburg-Zeeland 51, Medina-Pingree-Buchanan 47
Thompson 48, Grafton/St. Thomas 45
Towner-Granville-Upham 53, Westhope-Newburg 47
Turtle Lake-Mercer 59, Underwood 52, OT
Valley City 55, Devils Lake 53
Velva 71, Drake/Anamoose 41
Wahpeton 63, Sheyenne 26
Washburn 51, Solen 23
Wilton-Wing 61, Center-Stanton 45
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Final Oklahoma City 94 Miami 86
Final San Antonio 109 Denver 99
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
DETROIT (AP) – Gustav Nyqust and Pavel Datsyuk scored in a shootout as the Detroit Red Wings outlasted Minnesota for a 5-4 victory last night. Detroit won for only the second time in nine shootouts this season and came away with their fifth consecutive victory overall. Nyquist also scored in regulation.
Final 2OT Edmonton 5 Washington 4 (SO Edmonton 2-1)
Final OT N-Y Rangers 3 Ottawa 2
Final OT Montreal 2 Nashville 1
Final OT Philadelphia 3 Pittsburgh 2
Final Tampa Bay 4 Vancouver 1
Final Chicago 6 Arizona 1
Final Boston 3 Dallas 1
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Shavon Shields scored 13 of his 15 points in the second half as Nebraska survived an eight-minute field-goal drought to end the game to beat Minnesota 52-49 last night. The Cornhuskers made 11 of their last 12 free throws after starting 3 for 9 from the line. Minnesota has lost six of its last seven games.
Final ( 6) Wisconsin 82 (25) Iowa 50
Final ( 1) Kentucky 65 Vanderbilt 57
Final ( 9) Iowa St. 77 Kansas St. 71
Final Davidson 77 (22) Dayton 60
COLLEGE HOCKEY…
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – The University of North Dakota men’s hockey team is now ranked second in both national polls. UND maintained its spot in this week’s USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll and moved up one spot in the USCHO.com poll. The team swept Niagara over the weekend.
NFL…
UNDATED – The NFL says its investigation into whether the New England Patriots used under-inflated footballs in the AFC championship game is ongoing following a report Tuesday night that claimed the league found 11 balls were not properly inflated. ESPN cited anonymous league sources saying 11 of the Patriots’ 12 allotted game footballs were under-inflated by two pounds. The network did not say how that occurred.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) – Gary Kubiak (KOO’-be-ak) is back with the team he spent most of his career with, as a player and coach.
Kubiak has been introduced as the 15th head coach of the Denver Broncos. He said he was prepared to remain Baltimore’s offensive coordinator after turning down opportunities to interview for two other head coaching jobs. He says he changed his mind after hearing from Broncos president John Elway.
Kubiak spent 13 seasons either backing up Elway at quarterback or drawing up blueprints as his offensive coordinator.
UNDATED (AP) – Former Bears head coach Marc Trestman has been named the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, replacing Gary Kubiak.
Doug Marrone (mah-ROHN’) has joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as assistant head coach and offensive line coach after one season as Buffalo’s head coach.
The New York Jets have hired Chan Gailey as their offensive coordinator.
Vic Fangio becomes the Bears’ defensive coordinator after four seasons in that capacity with San Francisco.
The Redskins hired San Diego linebackers coach Joe Barry, who was once in charge of the only 0-16 defense in NFL history.
Bill Musgrave has been hired as the Raiders offensive coordinator under new head coach Jack Del Rio.
TENNIS…
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) – Rafael Nadal persevered through stomach cramps to fend off American qualifier Tim Smyczek 6-2, 3-6, 6-7 (2), 6-3, 7-5 in a second-round match Wednesday at the Australian Open. The number two seeds have won through at the Australian open, but not without some effort. Second seed Maria Sharapova came very close to becoming a second-round upset victim. Sharapova made 51 unforced errors and saved two match points in a narrow escape against No. 150-ranked Alexandra Panova, 6-1, 4-6, 7-5. Roger Federer dropped the first set, and asked for medical advice on his sore right pinkie finger, before beating Simone Bolelli 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to reach the third round. Seventh seeded Eugenie Bouchard’s strong record in Grand Slam tournaments continues. She defeated Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands 6-0, 6-3 in 54 minutes to advance to the third round.
In world and national news…
TOKYO (AP) – Japanese officials are still mum on whether Japan will pay a $200 million ransom demand from the Islamic State group to free two citizens being held hostage. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (shin-zoh ah-bay) says Japan will “make an all-out effort and use every diplomatic route that we have developed to win the release of the two.” Abe says he is consulting with leaders in the region.
HAVANA (AP) – Cuba is apparently trying to hold down expectations as talks with the United States begin today in Havana about normalizing relations. The highest-level U.S. delegation to Cuba in decades begins two days of negotiations but Cuba says reforming the communist government is out of the question. And a Cuban official says that after 50 years of enmity, no one should expect a full relationship.
WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama and Republicans who control the new Congress are staking out their turf following the State of the Union address. Obama says it’s time to turn the page from years of crisis. Republicans say the voters have expressed their views by electing enough GOP candidates to run the House and Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky says Obama’s remarks are nothing new.
REDMOND, Washington (AP) – Microsoft plans a big event today around the latest version of its flagship Windows operating system. The company is planning to show off new features, possibly including an improved Internet browser and more uses for Microsoft’s voice-controlled digital assistant, Cortana. Executives plan to demonstrate how Windows 10 is designed to provide a more consistent experience and a common platform for software apps on different devices, from personal computers to tablets, smartphones and even the company’s Xbox gaming console.
CINCINNATI (AP) – The investigation continues today into the deadly overpass accident that killed a worker and injured a truck driver in Cincinnati. The southbound lanes of Interstate 75 are open again after work was completed last night to remove tons of debris. Transportation officials said heavy equipment was being used to separate a concrete deck from structural steel when the span fell Monday night.