CSi Weather…
…WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TODAY…
.TODAY…SUNNY. HIGHS NEAR ZERO. NORTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
LOWEST WIND CHILLS AROUND 35 BELOW IN THE MORNING.
.TONIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS AROUND 15 BELOW. NORTHWEST WINDS
5 TO 10 MPH SHIFTING TO THE SOUTHWEST AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND CHILLS
AROUND 30 BELOW.
.THURSDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY IN THE MORNING…THEN MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH
SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGHS 5 TO 10 ABOVE.
SOUTH WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH INCREASING TO AROUND 15 MPH IN THE
AFTERNOON. LOWEST WIND CHILLS AROUND 30 BELOW IN THE MORNING.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…CLOUDY WITH A 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA, A 50 PERCENT CHANCE IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA . NOT AS
COLD. LOWS 5 TO 10 ABOVE. SOUTH WINDS AROUND 15 MPH.
.FRIDAY…CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA, A 40 PERCENT CHANCE IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA. NOT AS COLD.
HIGHS AROUND 30. NORTHWEST WINDS 15 TO 20 MPH.
.FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS ZERO TO 5 ABOVE.
HIGHS 5 TO 10 ABOVE.
.SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 15 BELOW.
HIGHS ZERO TO 5 ABOVE.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS AROUND 10 BELOW.
.MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS IN THE MID 20S.
LOWS 5 TO 10 ABOVE.
.TUESDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS 10 TO 15.
MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY…
ANOTHER COLD FRONT ON MONDAY WITH SLIGHT CHANCES OF
SNOW SHOWERS.
WEDNESDAY WARMER AIR WITH LIGHT SNOW TUESDAY NIGHT.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Icy air over the Dakotas is plunging temperatures and wind chills to dangerous levels.
Early morning lows Wednesday are in the single digits and teens below zero, and wind chills are in the minus teens, 20s and 30s. The wind child hit minus 40 in Grand Forks in eastern North Dakota.
Forecasters say frostbite can occur in less than half an hour under such conditions. The National Weather Service has issued wind chill advisories for eastern, central and northwestern North Dakota, and for eastern South Dakota.
Jamestown (CSi) The Stutsman County Commission has approved additional Communication Specialist at the Dispatch Center.
Three full-time communication specialists will be increased to nine.
Stutsman County Emergency Manager, and Communications Center Administrator, Jerry Bergquist requested the additional personnel, converting five part-time communication specialists to full time and combining two vacant part-time communication specialist positions into one vacant full-time position.
The changes will take effect March 1.
Bergquist also noted that the 2014 statistics for the Stutsman County Communications Center showed the call center handled 28,357 calls for service to the various law enforcement, fire, ambulance and other government agencies in Stutsman County. The number is up less than 1 percent from 28,289 calls for service in 2013.
Commsioners also approved a request from Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corp. to loan $785,000 to the Spiritwood Energy Park Association to connect BNSF’s mainline to the park association’s rail loop.
The City Council’s committee also recommends approval that will come before the March City Council meeting for approval.
Jamestown (CSi) All Jamestown City Council committees met Tuesday afternoon at City Hall. All members were present.
FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE:
The committee recommends unanimously approving the request from JSDC to provide a zero percent loan over 10 years, to Spiritwood Energy Park Association (SEPA) from Economic Development Funds, in the amount of $785,000, to pay for a BNSF heated and automated switch with the City Share to be $706,500, and paid from the City Sales tax Fund (90% city contribution…10% county participation, approved by the Stutsman County Commission).
JSDC Board of Directors Chairman, Bob Toso, explained the function of SEPA in conjunction with JSDC, in partnership with Dakota Spirit Ag-Energy a subsidiary of Great River Energy.
The committee recommends the First Reading of an ordinance to grant Otter Tail Power Company a continued franchise to maintain its system within the City for a 10 year period. Additional language may be added at the Second Reading.
An offer was recommended for approval from Steven Gapinski to purchase in the amount fo $4,500, Lots 10 and 11, Block 4, Kelly and Fuller 2nd Addition. (700 Block of 1st Street, West).
Recommends authorizing the submission of a grant application for State Aid to Public Transit funding on behalf of Jamestown Taxi Service.
Considered entering into a CORS Host Agreement with Butler Machinery Company d/b/a MidStates VRS to attach a CORS (GPS) Station at the Water Treatment Plant.
The committee tabled action pending more information.
Departmental and financial reports were considered.
BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE
Considered the request to vacate 11th Avenue NE/1400 Block, adjacent to Lot 6, Block 4, Leapaldt Addition, Replat of Block 4; Part of Lots 7 & 8 Less N.102.5’ of W.233’ & S.72.75’ of N.175.25’ of W.200’, Replat of Lots 7 & 8, Block 4, Leapaldt Addition, Replat of Block 4; and Lot 1, Block 1, Leapaldt 2nd Addition, to the City of Jamestown, Stutsman County, North Dakota.
The committee recommends moving the item to the March city council meeting without recommendation.
The committee recommends approving a petition for annexation of a part of the NE portion of the SW ¼ of Section 2, Township 139 North, Range 64 West, near the Fairfield Inn under construction, and to consider introducing the First Reading of an ordinance to annex same.
CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE
The committee recommends approval of the awarding bids for the Civic Center Basketball Floor and for the portable backstops.
One bid for $99,650, for the floor, and the other for $26,696, for the back-boards, not including a trade-in, as the present floor and backboards are sold to a party.
Nearly 3,600 chairs have been replaced at theCivic Center, a project that has been ongoing since December.
On the north and south sides, chairs in rows one through seven are cushioned and are molded plastic in rows eight through 22. The chairs are three different shades of gray.
The cost of the chair replacement project was just under $450,000,
POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE
The committee approves introducing the First Reading of an ordinance to amend and re-enact a of the City code pertaining to seizure of vehicles for certain violations, in compliance with state law.
Informational:
The Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1452 to amend and re-enact Section 15-33 of the City Code pertaining to Fireworks is scheduled for the March 2, 2015, City Council meeting.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
Recommends approval of the 2015 Jamestown Standard Specifications.
The committee recommends approving entering into an engineering services agreement with Interstate Engineering, Inc., for the proposed Sanitary Landfill – Cell 3B Construction.
The committee recommends approving entering into an engineering services agreement to provide Stormwater Utility research on revenue needs, potential expenditures, rate structure calculations, and possible rate fees to fund a Stormwater Utility Enterprise.
Requests for proposals will be going out.
An update was given on the Storm Water Cleaning Project. Sand, gravel rocks and other debris has been discovered, as the project continues, with some repairs needed at some locations.
The First Reading of an Ordinance regarding landscaping requirements was tabled to allow further review.
The entire meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.
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:
Renewal of plumbing and heating license for Air Anderson, Inc. and electric license for ASAP Electric.
A Special Alcohol Beverage Event permit for Eagles at the ND Winter Show from March 2nd -8th .
Blocking off Street for the Debbie Gable Memorial Cancer Ride on July 25, 2015, 3rd Avenue SE from Main Street to 2nd Street SE.
A Special Alcohol Beverage Event permit for Boomer’s Corner Keg for Debbie Gabel Memorial Cancer Ride on July 25, 2015, to serve alcohol in closed off street.
PUBLIC FORUM: No one spoke
ORDINANCES
Approved the first reading of an Ordinance to extend the Food and Beverage Sales Tax from 2020 to 2025.
RESOLUTIONS
Approved a Resolution approving the Western Area Power Adminstration Contract, from 2020 to 2050.
City Administrator Schelkoph Valley City Receives two-thirds of its power from WAPA.
Approved a Resolution awarding the construction contract for Paving Improvement District No. 108, in the area of 8 1./2 Avenue in the Hillside Addtion, Paving Improvement District No. 109 on North Central, north of 12th Street, and Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 61, in the total amount of $644,932.50
NEW BUSINESS
The City Commission approved a Food and Beverage Grant for City of Valley City Shared-Use Path in the amount not to exceed $127,500. Bobby Koepplin said the Visitor’s Committee approved the grant request. The local match being the R & R Fund.
Approved a Food and Beverage Grant for CVB for Scenic-By-Way signs for an amount not to exceed $107,009. Commissioner Nielson abstained from voting being affiliated with the Scenic By way organization.
Considered a Food and Beverage Grant for Valley City Park District for the Health and Wellness Center for an amount not to exceed $500,000 as funds are available and raised.
The commissioners voted 3-2 to approve, with President Werkhoven and Commissioner Luke voting in opposition.
Considered a Retail Image Enhancement Grant for Valley City Park District for the Health and Wellness Center for an amount not to exceed $105,000 for 14 years. (Bobby Koepplin from Visitor’s Committee said the committee recommended approval.
The City Commission voted unanimously to approve.
Commissioners approved Change Order No. 1 for Robert Gibb & Sons for Water Main Improvement District No. 96.
Approved an Amendment to Engineer-Owner Agreement for Sheyenne River Valley Flood Protection (Phase 1 – University District). Mayor Werkhoven suggested the city install auxiliary generator at the sanitary sewer lift stations.
Paul Stenshoel discussed an Alley Enhancement on Central Avenue.
No action was taken by the Commission.
Police Chief Thompson and the City Commission discussed “Police In-Car Video Systems.”
He said the police department has the dollars available for funding.
He said the system has been tested, with access by city and state’s attorney’s offices, for burning of discs.
The City Commission voted to approve.
CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT no additional information was presented at the meeting.
CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS
Commissioner Nielson asked that the March 17th meeting be moved to Monday the 16th, due to a League of Cities meeting to be attended by city officials.
The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.
VALLEY CITY, N.D. (AP) – Valley City police say a trail of footprints in the snow led them right to a man suspected of burglarizing a home.
Officers who responded to the scene shortly before 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, at 507 7th Avenue Southeast, and observed the set of footprints leading to another home at 599 6th Street Southeast. They obtained a search warrant and found all of the reported stolen items: a laptop, camera case and rifle.
Police arrested 19 year old William Skywalker Weatherford, on charges of burglary at night, a Class B felony, and possession of stolen property, a Class C felony.
Formal charges bt the Barnes County State’s Attorney were pending, on Tuesday.
Anyone with additional information in this case is asked to call Valley City Police at 845-3110.
Jamestown (CSi) Officials with My Place Hotels of America LLC have announced that the chain will be opening their newest North Dakota Hotel this Spring in Jamestown, at Interstate 94 and US Highway 281.
The new 46-room, 3-story Economy Extended Stay Hotel will be independently owned by MP Jamestown and operated by Legacy Management, LLC.
The hotel will have daily, weekly, and monthly rate options. The property will be pet friendly and include on-site laundry facilties, free internet service and a 24-hour store in the hotel lobby.
MP developer, Ryan Bender said, “When we looked at Jamestown, we saw there was a real need for more rooms in the short term as well as in the long term. Recently there has been a lot of activity with several major construction projects including a new Menards store and the $3 Billion CHS fertilizer plant currently under construction. With our easy access and prime location on Interstate 94 and US 281, it’s a breeze to walk to the Buffalo Mall and local area restaurants.”
Valley City (CSi) The Barnes County Relay for Life Marketplace Foods team has organized “Carnations for Cancer.”
Order three carnations for a $10 donation or 5 carnations for a $15 donation at Dacotah Bank, MarketPlace Foods, 1st Community Credit Union and the Valley City Parks & Recreation office.
Place orders anytime during office hours with donations due at the time of placing the orders.
The carnations can be picked up Friday, March 20 at Dakota Rose Floral from 10 am to 2 pm.
Dakota Rose Floral is donating the carnations.
For more information call Diane at 845-0103 after business hours.
Jamestown (CSi) The Purses for a Purpose fundraiser held on February 8, 2015, raised more than $10,000.
The dollars will go toward training and placing service dogs with veterans in Jamestown who have post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.
about 100 people who attended about the issues of the importance of service dogs to those with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.
Organizer, Karmel Wanzek adds that asimilar event earlier this month in Minot raised $18,000 for North Dakota veterans, so over $28,000 for paying it forward to veterans.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota House committee is not endorsing a bill that would legalize medicinal marijuana in the state.
The House Human Services Committee voted 8-3 to give the measure a “do not pass” recommendation. The measure is slated for debate on the House floor this week.
Freshman Democratic Rep. Pam Anderson of Fargo is the sponsor of the bill that would allow pot or cannabis-related products for medical use. The bill has bipartisan support.
People suffering chronic pain and parents of critically ill children pleaded with North Dakota lawmakers earlier this month to pass the legislation to legalize medicinal marijuana in the state.
Health officials and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem opposed the measure. Stenehjem says the bill does not address numerous regulatory and public safety concerns.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s Senate has approved a bill to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The legislation heads to the state House. North Dakota law already outlaws discrimination based on such things as race, age, disability and political affiliation. The measure would add prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill has exemptions for religious organizations.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota man has pleaded guilty to felony aggravated assault in a bar brawl that resulted in another man’s death.
Carlos Mendez Jr. of Devils Lake was charged last summer in connection with the October 2013 assault outside of Old Town Bar in Mandan.
Jeff Pach fell to the ground and hit his head during a fight with Mendez. He later died as a result of his injuries.
An autopsy determined Pach’s cause of death was anoxic encephalopathy, described as the result of a blunt head injury and alcohol intoxication.
It’s unclear when sentencing will be held for Mendez.
DICKINSON, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota man accused of sexually abusing a 5-month-old girl has been sentenced to life in prison.
Forty-five-year-old Dan Pruett was sentenced Tuesday. Pruett earlier entered Alford pleas to charges of gross sexual imposition and aggravated assault in the alleged 2013 incident.
An Alford plea is one in which a defendant acknowledges there was sufficient evidence for conviction but does not admit guilt. Pruett entered the pleas after his trial had begun.
Prosecutors said the infant suffered marks and bruises all over her body. Jurors saw a videotaped interview in which Pruett told authorities he’d tried to perform CPR on the child after waking up and finding her limp.
The child’s father testified she was on life support after the attack but is now doing well.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Police in Bismarck say an officer shot a man in the leg during a scuffle following a traffic stop.
Police say the incident happened when an officer stopped a vehicle around 5:13 p.m. Tuesday. The driver exited his vehicle and a fight ensued, bringing both men to the ground.
Police say the suspect managed to remove the officer’s firearm from the holster during the scuffle. The officer and the man then wrestled for the firearm, which discharged hitting the suspect in the thigh.
The officer regained control of his firearm and arrested the suspect, who has not been publicly identified. The man was transported to a hospital to receive treatment for the gunshot wound, and the officer is also being checked for injuries as a precaution.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota man accused of threatening girls into engaging in sexually explicit conduct has been sentenced to 32 years in prison.
Dustin Coleman, of Wahpeton, was convicted on eight counts in the state’s first federal prosecution of so-called “sextortion.” Authorities say Coleman told one victim that if she didn’t send him nude photographs of herself, he would rape her younger sister.
A joint sentencing recommendation between prosecutors and Coleman’s federal public defender had called for 30 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson told attorneys at Tuesday’s sentencing hearing that he tacked on two years for the extortion charges.
Defense attorney Christopher Lancaster told the judge there are no excuses for the criminal conduct, but added that his client suffers from numerous mental health and addiction issues.
WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) – A former bouncer at a Williston strip club accused in the beating death of another man has changed his plea to guilty.
29-year-old Kyle Siler on Tuesday pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The California man earlier had pleaded not guilty to a murder charge.
Siler initially was charged with aggravated assault in the August death of Dean Niederklopfer, but the charge was upgraded to murder when Niederklopfer died from his injuries.
Defense attorney Ryan Sandberg previously said he believes prosecutors “overcharged this case.”
The incident happened outside the strip club. Siler and his girlfriend were arrested in South Dakota several days after Niederklopfer was taken off life support.
Northwest District Court Joshua Rustad has ordered a pre-sentence investigation.
CARSON, N.D. (AP) – Leith Mayor Ryan Schock has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of failing to control or report a dangerous fire.
Schock was due in court on Tuesday, but court documents show he waived his initial appearance and entered his plea last Friday. A pretrial conference is scheduled March 16.
The charge against Schock stems from city officials’ efforts last year to clean up dilapidated buildings after their dispute with white supremacist Craig Cobb, who tried unsuccessfully to take over Leith.
Leith officials have said they think the charge against Schock is a case of “retribution” by Grant County State’s Attorney Todd Schwarz and the state attorney general’s office – an accusation Schwarz rejects.
Schock and two other city officials last year accused Schwarz of acting unprofessionally while prosecuting Cobb.
CARTWRIGHT, N.D. (AP) – Health officials in North Dakota say about 1,300 gallons of oil have spilled in northwest North Dakota in an incident involving a tank trailer.
Karl Rockerman with the North Dakota Department of Health says the incident happened when a truck with some residual oil in its tank was being filled with fresh water at Caliber Midstream Water Depot about a mile west of Cartwright. The tank was overfilled with fresh water, which caused the oil to spill out through the truck’s overflow vent.
Rockerman says some of the oil affected an isolated oxbow of Charbonneau Creek, but did not enter the creek itself.
Rockerman says cleanup is underway. He adds that crews are removing any free oil at the site, as well as contaminated soil, ice and water.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The North Dakota Senate has unanimously approved bipartisan legislation that would fund burials for veterans’ spouses at the state-owned cemetery near Mandan.
Senators voted 47-0 on Tuesday to send the bill to the House.
The measure sets aside $160,000 over the next two years to pay for burials for spouses and children of veterans under the age of 21.
Belcourt Democratic Sen. Richard Marcellais (MAR’-sel-ayz) is the bill’s main sponsor. The Army veteran who served in Vietnam says the spouses of military veterans are deserving of the no-cost burials.
It currently costs $550 to bury a spouse at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.
There are more than 6,400 veterans and family members of veterans buried at the cemetery. The cemetery opened in 1992 and averages approximately 450 burials per year.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – Fargo officials say traffic on a former toll bridge that crosses the Red River has doubled since the 75-cent fee was dropped.
The cities of Fargo and Moorhead, Minnesota, took possession of the bridge from private owners earlier this month after a lengthy court battle.
Fargo traffic engineers say that 1,600 vehicles used the bridge the day before the toll was dropped, and now there are about 3,000 vehicles a day using the structure.
In sports…
GIRLS HOCKEY
Jamestown 8 Devils Lake 2
BOYS BASKETBALL
Beulah 75, Glen Ullin-Hebron 41
Bismarck Century 70, Jamestown 47
Carrington 68, Harvey-Wells County 65, OT
Cavalier 59, Park River/Fordville Lankin 53
Center-Stanton 64, Grant County 46
Devils Lake 70, Fargo South 49
Dickinson Trinity 77, Beach 40
Drayton/Valley-Edinburg 58, North Border 42
Dunseith 67, Langdon-Munich 45
Fargo Davies 64, Fargo North 57
Fargo Oak Grove Lutheran 88, North Sargent 68
Flasher 47, Washburn 42
Four Winds/Minnewaukan 108, Warwick 42
Garrison 53, Drake/Anamoose 50
Glenburn 60, Powers Lake 36
Griggs County Central 57, New Rockford-Sheyenne 39
Heart River 64, Hazen 47
Hettinger/Scranton 73, Bowman County 32
Hillsboro/Central Valley 57, Thompson 52
Kenmare 56, Stanley 45
Killdeer 42, Richardton-Taylor 36
Kindred 71, Sargent Central 48
Lakota/Edmore 68, Midway-Minto 57
Larimore 66, Finley-Sharon/Hope-Page 47
Lewis and Clark-Berthold 70, Velva 54
Lidgerwood-Wyndmere 51, Maple Valley 34
Minot Our Redeemer’s 96, Sawyer 75
New England 52, Harding County, S.D. 45
North Shore – Plaza 66, Tioga 51
North Star 66, Des Lacs-Burlington 37
Oakes 59, Milnor 57
Parshall 63, Watford City 52
Ray 58, Divide County 39
Richland 61, Lisbon 53
Rolla 59, Benson County 57
Rugby 65, Minot Bishop Ryan 51
Sheyenne 81, Grand Forks Central 45
Shiloh Christian 65, Wilton-Wing 27
St. John 80, Rolette-Wolford 71
Surrey 58, Westhope-Newburg 53
Turtle Lake-Mercer 58, New Salem-Almont 53
Underwood, Minn. 64, Fairmount-Campbell-Tintah 29
Wahpeton 75, Fargo Shanley 57
West Fargo 80, Grand Forks Red River 37
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Bismarck Century 76, Jamestown 46
Bismarck High 72, Mandan 70
Fargo Davies 71, Fargo North 43
Fargo Shanley 68, Wahpeton 48
Grand Forks Central 64, Sheyenne 44
West Fargo 72, Grand Forks Red River 56
Class B District 6 Tournament
Region Qualifier
Medina-Pingree-Buchanan 33, Linton-HMB 28
Strasburg-Zeeland 53, South Border 45
Championship
Napoleon 49, Kidder County 47
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Final Columbus 5 Philadelphia 2
Final N-Y Islanders 4 Carolina 1
Final Washington 3 Pittsburgh 1
Final 2OT New Jersey 2 Buffalo 1 (SO New Jersey 2-0)
Final Florida 3 Toronto 2
Final Dallas 4 St. Louis 1
Final Nashville 5 San Jose 1
TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Final ( 1) Kentucky 66 Tennessee 48
Final (10) Notre Dame 88 Wake Forest 75
Final (13) Wichita St. 84 S. Illinois 62
Final (17) Oklahoma 71 Texas 69
Final (20) Baylor 54 Texas Tech 49
Final (25) VCU 74 Saint Louis 54
TOP-25 WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Amanda Zahui B. scored a career-high 39 points and grabbed a conference-record 29 rebounds as Minnesota upset No. 13 Iowa 93-80 last night. Minnesota led 48-42 at halftime. Melissa Dixon opened the second half with three 3-pointers as the Hawkeyes battled to stay close. Samantha Logic led Iowa with 26 points and 13 assists.
Final ( 1) UConn 85 Houston 26
Final (19) Rutgers 80 Illinois 56
NFL…
The Packers have released tight end Brandon Bostick, who mishandled an onside kick in Green Bay’s loss to Seattle in the NFC title game last month. Bostick spent the entire 2012 season on the Packers’ practice squad before appearing in 24 games the past two seasons, making nine catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns.
MLB…
NEW YORK (AP) – Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez has issued a five-paragraph handwritten apology “for the mistakes that led to my suspension” without detailing specifics about his use of performance-enhancing drugs. He apologized to team officials in person during a meeting at the ballpark on Feb. 10. They suggested he hold a news conference before the start of spring training this Friday and offered the use of Yankee Stadium, but Rodriguez declined.
UNDATED (AP) – Barry Zito could be a part of the Oakland Athletics’ pitching staff once again.
Two people with knowledge of the agreement tell The Associated Press that Zito has accepted a minor league package with an invitation to spring training. Zito was a 23-game winner for the 2002 A’s and was 102-63 in seven seasons at Oakland before signing with San Francisco. He hasn’t pitched since 2013, when he was 5-13 with a 5.74 ERA for the Giants.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL HALL….
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Two-time Ohio State All-American John Havlicek (HAV’-lih-chehk), North Carolina All-American Charlie Scott and Kansas State standout Rolando Blackman have been elected to the College Basketball Hall of Fame along with former coaches Lou Henson, Don Donoher and Zip Gayles. The Class of 2015 is scheduled to be enshrined Nov. 20 in Kansas City and will include Quinn Buckner, and Ed Ratleff. Havlicek was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1984.
In world and national news…
ARTEMIVSK, Ukraine (AP) – Russia-backed separatists say they’ve taken hundreds of Ukrainian troops prisoner in the battle for a strategic rail hub in eastern Ukraine. Meanwhile, Kiev says most of its troops have withdrawn from the town, which has been the epicenter of recent fighting. Ukraine’s president denies rebel claims that the Ukrainians were surrounded and says the troops are leaving with their weapons and ammunition.
BERLIN (AP) – The German government is denouncing pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine for a “massive violation” of a cease fire that was supposed to have taken effect this weekend. The harsh criticism comes as the rebels appear to be taking control of a key rail hub while Ukrainian troops withdraw. Germany was among those brokering the latest cease fire.
WARSAW, Poland (AP) – After losing an appeal, Poland says it will abide by a decision from the European Court of Human Rights that Warsaw pay more than a quarter million dollars to two terror suspects who say they were held and mistreated at a CIA secret prison in Poland. Poland’s foreign minister is questioning how the money will be used and where it’s to be paid since the suspects are imprisoned in Guantanamo.
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) – Five Turkish lawmakers are nursing injuries today after members of parliament got into a brawl today. Chairs flew and members were allegedly attacked with the speaker’s gavel and bell. The state-run Anadolu Agency says the fighting erupted as opposition legislators attempted to delay the start of a debate on a contentious security bill that would give police greater search and arrest powers.
CAESAREA, Israel (AP) – A top archaeologist in Israel is calling it “fascinating and rare historical evidence” of an ancient era. A group of amateur Israeli divers has stumbled upon the largest collection of medieval gold coins ever found in the country. The coins date back to the 11th century and are likely from a shipwreck in the Mediterranean Sea. There are about 2,000 coins, weighing about 13 pounds.