Stories for March 12, 2010
Lead stories
Stories
Roy helps lift Blazers past Kings
Portland’s star guard scores 28 points in 110-94 victory
Back in a groove after missing considerable time with a hamstring injury, Brandon Roy scored 28 points on Friday night for the Blazers, who led practically from start to finish in beating the Sacramento Kings 110-94 for their third straight victory.
USGS: 4.9 magnitude quake off Ore. coast; not felt
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The National Earthquake Information Center in Golden, Colo., reports a magnitude 4.9 quake Friday night off the Oregon coast. There were no immediate reports of it being felt or causing damage.
Quinnipiac beats Union, NY, 3-2 in 5 overtimes
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (AP) -- It took five overtimes and nearly six hours, but Quinnipiac managed to edge out Union College 3-2 on Saturday night in the longest hockey game in college history.
Long Beach State tops Pacific 68-61
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Casper Ware had six assists, five steals, four rebounds and a career-high 22 points to lead Long Beach State to a 68-61 victory over Pacific in the Big West Conference tournament Friday night.
Young lifts New Mexico State over Nevada 80-79
RENO, Nev. (AP) -- Jahmar Young drove the lane for a basket with 3.8 seconds on the clock to give New Mexico State a wild 80-79 victory over Nevada in the semifinals of the Western Athletic Conference tournament Friday night.
Washington beats Stanford 79-64 in Pac-10 semis
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Quincy Pondexter scored 19 points and Washington defeated Stanford 79-64 in a matchup of poor shooting teams in the Pac-10 tournament semifinals Friday night.
Vitters, Fontenot lead Cubs past White Sox
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Josh Vitters' two-run triple in the seventh inning put the Chicago Cubs ahead to stay and they went on to beat the Chicago White Sox 6-5 Friday night.
UNLV upsets No. 14 BYU
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- UNLV and San Diego State have spent the last month making their case to join heavyweights New Mexico and Brigham Young in the NCAA tournament.
Webb takes Women's Australian Open lead
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- Four-time champion Karrie Webb shot a 3-under 70 on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead in the Women's Australian Open.
Irish police release US woman held in alleged plot
DENVER (AP) -- Irish police say an American woman and three others arrested in Ireland over an alleged plot to assassinate Swedish artist Lars Vilks have been freed without charge.
Irish police release US woman held in murder plot
DENVER (AP) -- Irish police say an American woman and three others arrested in Ireland over an alleged plot to assassinate Swedish artist Lars Vilks has been freed without charge.
Team New Zealand unbeaten at Louis Vuitton Trophy
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) -- Team New Zealand has beaten the French-German team All4One to stay unbeaten through four races at the Louis Vuitton Trophy regatta for America's Cup teams.
Roy, Blazers beat Kings for 3rd straight win
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Brandon Roy scored 28 points and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Sacramento Kings 110-94 on Friday night for their third straight victory.
Rinne, Predators beat Ducks 1-0
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Pekka Rinne made 31 saves for his fourth shutout of the season, Shea Weber had a power-play goal and the Nashville Predators strengthened their hold on a playoff berth with a 1-0 victory over Anaheim on Friday night.
UCLA routs Oregon St. to reach Pac-10 semis
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Jasmine Dixon scored 14 points, Markel Walker added 10 and No. 23 UCLA rolled into the Pac-10 tournament semifinals with a 60-44 victory over Oregon State on Friday night.
No. 9 K-State holds off No. 21 Baylor 82-75
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Dominique Sutton had a double-double and a key offense rebound that led to Jacob Pullen's 3-pointer with 2:02 left, helping No. 9 Kansas State survive for an 82-75 win over No. 21 Baylor on Friday night in the Big 12 tournament semifinals.
Nourishing a neighborhood
Activists search for ways to help Fruit Valley residents find - or even grow - nutritious food.
Union boys win, will play for state title
Mitch Saylor scored the go-ahead basket with 10 seconds left to send the Union boys basketball team into Class 3A state championship game with a 63-62 win over Lakes of Lakewood Friday at the Class 3A state tournament.
NC State upsets Florida State 58-52 in ACCs
GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) -- Freshman Scott Wood scored 18 points on six 3-pointers to help North Carolina State beat Florida State 58-52 on Friday night in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament.
No. 20 Vanderbilt downs Georgia 78-66 at SEC
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- John Jenkins scored 22 of his career-high 25 points in the second half, and No. 20 Vanderbilt held off Georgia 78-66 Friday night in the Southeastern Conference quarterfinals.
Prairie girls fall, look to the future
Seattle Prep’s Kari Luttinen scored 26 points Friday, leading the Panthers to a 44-35 victory over the Prairie girls basketball team in the fourth-place semifinals at the Class 3A state tournament in the Tacoma Dome.
Ohio beats Miami 54-42 in MAC semis
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Armon Bassett scored 28 points and DeVaughn Washington added 18 as ninth-seeded Ohio advanced to the final of the Mid-American Conference tournament by beating cold-shooting Miami (Ohio) 54-42 in the semifinals Friday night.
No. 7 West Virginia survives Notre Dame
NEW YORK (AP) -- Da'Sean Butler, West Virginia's last-second hero in the quarterfinals, scored 24 points to lead the seventh-ranked Mountaineers to a 53-51 victory over Notre Dame on Friday night in the Big East tournament semifinals.
UC Santa Barbara takes 76-62 win over UC Davis
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- James Powell scored 22 points to lead UC Santa Barbara to a 76-62 victory over UC Davis in the Big West Conference tournament Friday night.
Houston Baptist defeats NJIT 74-64
OREM, Utah (AP) -- Andrew Gonzalez scored 24 points to lead Houston Baptist past NJIT 74-64 Friday night in the Great West Conference tournament semifinals.
Spadafora stops Fiorletta in 8th round
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- Former IBF lightweight champion Paul Spadafora stopped Italy's Ivan Fiorletta in the eighth round Friday night.
Mom says daughter held in Ireland in terror plot
DENVER (AP) -- A Colorado woman says her 31-year-old daughter is one of seven Muslims arrested this week in Ireland in an alleged plot to assassinate Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks.
Minnesota upsets No. 11 Michigan St. 72-67 in OT
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Devoe Joseph made two 3s during a 10-0 overtime run and scored 17 points to lead Minnesota past No. 11 Michigan State 72-67 in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals Friday night.
After suspension for punch, Griner glad to be back
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- After playing her first game following a two-game suspension for punching and breaking the nose of an opponent, Baylor freshman star Brittney Griner said she missed her teammates and was glad to be back.
Gonzalvez scores 15 as Richmond beats UMass 77-72
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) -- David Gonzalvez scored 15 points and Richmond held off a frantic late rally by Massachusetts to post a 77-72 victory in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament on Friday night.
Lakers used balanced effort to beat Suns 102-96
PHOENIX (AP) -- Kobe Bryant had 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists -- along with seven turnovers -- but it was the all-around game of the Los Angeles Lakers that led to an intense 102-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.
SC State defeats Delaware State 70-66 in OT
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) -- Jason Flagler had 19 points to lead South Carolina State to a 70-66 overtime victory over Delaware State on Friday night to advance to the championship game of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament.
Stoll's SO goal lifts Kings past Stars
DALLAS (AP) -- Jerret Stoll scored in the sixth round of a shootout to give the Los Angeles Kings a 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Friday night.
California beats UCLA 85-72 in Pac-10 semifinals
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Jerome Randle scored 24 points and Theo Robertson had 15 of his 20 in the second half when California dominated UCLA on its way to an 85-72 victory Friday night in the Pac-10 tournament semifinals.
Seattle driver arrested, accused of pointing gun
SEATTLE (AP) -- The Washington State Patrol says a 21-year-old Seattle man accused of pointing a handgun at another driver during Friday morning's commute on Interstate 90 has been arrested.
San Diego State upsets No. 8 New Mexico 72-69
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Dairese Gary missed a runner in the final second and San Diego State escaped with a 72-69 upset of eighth-ranked New Mexico in the semifinals of the Mountain West Conference tournament Friday night.
Utah State rips Louisiana Tech 85-55; 17th in row
RENO, Nev. (AP) -- Jared Quayle scored 16 points to lead Utah State to its 17th straight victory and into the finals of the Western Athletic Conference tournament with an 85-55 win Friday night over Louisiana Tech.
Texas Southern knocks off Grambling 60-57
BOSSIER CITY, La. (AP) -- Junior Treasure scored 21 points and DeAndre Hall added 20 as fifth-seeded Texas Southern topped eighth-seeded Grambling State 60-57 in the semifinals of the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament on Friday night.
Heat suspend Alston for remainder of season
MIAMI (AP) -- Rafer Alston's season with the Miami Heat is officially over.
Bucks keep rolling with 95-87 win over Jazz
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Ersan Ilyasova scored on a putback with 27.2 seconds remaining for the lead and the Milwaukee Bucks knocked off yet another NBA powerhouse, holding on to beat the Utah Jazz 95-87 on Friday.
Man sought on murder charge arrested
EVERETT, Wash. (AP) -- Police say a Tulalip man sought on a murder warrant in the beating death of a baby has been arrested in some woods near the Tulalip Indian Reservation.
Grizzlies build huge lead, hold off Knicks
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Zach Randolph had 24 points and 11 rebounds, and the Memphis Grizzlies held on for a 119-112 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night.
Oklahoma beats Griner, Baylor 59-54
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Danielle Robinson scored 26 points, and Nyeshia Stevenson had 10 of her 12 points in the last five minutes as No. 12 Oklahoma spoiled Brittney Griner's return from suspension with a 59-54 victory over No. 16 Baylor in the Big 12 tournament quarterfinals Friday night.
Anthony leads Nuggets past Hornets 102-95
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Carmelo Anthony had 32 points and 12 rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets extended their winning streak to five with a 102-95 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.
Bynum's 20 assists leads Pistons over Wizards
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- Will Bynum had a career-best 20 assists, Jonas Jerebko scored 18 points, and the Detroit Pistons beat the Washington Wizards 101-87 Friday night in a matchup of two of the Eastern Conference's worst teams.
Durant sets franchise mark for 30-point games
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Kevin Durant scored 32 points, his franchise-record 36th 30-point game this season, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the NBA-worst New Jersey Nets 104-102 on Friday night for their 16th victory in 19 games.
R. Jefferson, Hill lead Spurs over Timberwolves
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Richard Jefferson had 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists in his first start in seven games to help the San Antonio Spurs to a 103-85 victory over the hapless Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
Harding shines for Wild in 3-2 win
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Josh Harding made 43 saves, and Andrew Ebbett, Guillaume Latendresse and Andrew Brunette scored to help the slumping Minnesota Wild beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 on Friday night.
Heat pull away from reeling Bulls, 108-95
MIAMI (AP) -- Jermaine O'Neal scored a season-high 25 points, Quentin Richardson added 23 and the Miami Heat added to Chicago's recent run of misery by beating the undermanned Bulls 108-95 on Friday night.
Hinrich hit with 2 technicals, ejected
MIAMI (AP) -- Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich was ejected with 4:43 left in the fourth quarter of the Bulls' game at Miami on Friday night after drawing two technical fouls.
Prospal scores twice, Rangers beat Thrashers 5-2
ATLANTA (AP) -- Vinny Prospal and Marian Gaborik gave New York the lead with goals 41 seconds apart in the first period and the Rangers beat Atlanta 5-2 on Friday night for the Thrashers' fifth straight loss.
Lamar wins Southland Tournament title
KATY, Texas (AP) -- Darika Hill had 22 points and 11 rebounds, and top-seeded Lamar cruised to a 86-59 win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in the Southland Conference tournament championship Friday night.
Pierce hits 20 in 3 quarters as Celtics coast
BOSTON (AP) -- Paul Pierce scored 20 points and Rajon Rondo had 16 points and 11 assists in just three quarters Friday night as the Boston Celtics snapped a two-game losing streak with a 122-103 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
CB Strickland agrees to 2-year deal with Bolts
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The Chargers have agreed to terms on a two-year contract with free agent cornerback Donald Strickland.
Last person texted by missing hiker not a suspect
STEVENSON, Wash. (AP) -- A Skamania County sheriff's officer says a friend who received a text message from a Portland hiker on the day she disappeared has been interviewed and is not a suspect. Undersheriff Dave Cox says officers conducted an extensive background check on the man.
Slew's Tiznow beats favorite to win at Santa Anita
ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) -- Slew's Tiznow ran down heavy favorite Aggie Engineer in the final yards to win the $56,000 allowance feature at Santa Anita on Friday.
San Diego explores possible role in America's Cup
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- City and port officials say they believe San Diego and San Francisco could collaborate to ensure that the next America's Cup is held in California.
Wozniacki rallies for 2nd-round win, Henin loses
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) -- Second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki rallied for a win in her first tournament in a month. However, former champion Justine Henin's comeback hit a roadblock.
Mississippi State beats Florida 75-69 in tourney
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Barry Stewart scored 17 points and hit five late free throws as Mississippi State held on to defeat Florida 75-69 in the Southeastern Conference tournament quarterfinals on Friday night.
Kovalchuk helps Devils beat Penguins
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Ilya Kovalchuk had a goal and two assists to snap out of a scoring slump and the New Jersey Devils beat the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins for the fifth straight time, 3-1 on Friday night.
Morgan State tops Hampton 74-67 in MEAC semis
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) -- Ameer Ali scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds as Morgan State defeated Hampton 74-67 in the semifinals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament on Friday night.
Collins, Henry carry No. 1 Kansas past Texas A&M
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Xavier Henry scored 11 points in a stunning 21-2 run that broke a tight game wide open and carried No. 1 Kansas past No. 23 Texas A&M 79-66 in a rough-and-tumble Big 12 semifinal Friday night.
CS Northridge fires women's hoops coach
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Cal State Northridge has fired women's basketball coach Staci Schulz after five seasons.
Ga. Tech knocks off No. 19 Maryland 69-64
GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) -- Iman Shumpert scored 14 points and made the key defensive play that lifted Georgia Tech past No. 19 Maryland 69-64 on Friday night in the Atlantic Coast Conference quarterfinals.
LeBron returns with 23, leads Cavs over Sixers
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- LeBron James had 23 points, 10 assists and six rebounds in his return from a two-game absence, and the Cleveland Cavaliers won for the 14th time in their last 19 road games with a 100-95 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night.
Walker, Niittymaki lead Lightning past Caps, 3-2
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Defenseman Matt Walker scored one goal and created another a few minutes later when his shot deflected in off Vincent Lecavalier, helping the struggling Tampa Bay Lightning edge the NHL-leading Washington Capitals 3-2 on Friday night.
Monroe leads Hoyas into Big East title game
NEW YORK (AP) -- Greg Monroe had 23 points and 13 rebounds, and No. 22 Georgetown finally got the better of Marquette in a 80-57 victory Friday night that sent the Hoyas to the Big East tournament title game for the third time in four years.
Bobcats beat Clippers for 5th straight win
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Stephen Jackson scored 24 points and the Charlotte Bobcats held off a fourth-quarter rally to beat the struggling Los Angeles Clippers 106-98 on Friday night.
Akron beats Western Michigan 66-64 in MAC semis
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Chris McKnight scored on a putback with 6.8 seconds left and defending champion Akron survived one last shot by Western Michigan's David Kool for a 66-64 win Friday night to advance to the final of the Mid-American Conference tournament.
South Dakota rallies past Texas-Pan American 76-71
OREM, Utah (AP) -- Tyler Cain had 16 points and 17 rebounds to lead South Dakota to a 76-71 victory over Texas-Pan American in the Great West Conference tournament semifinals Friday night.
Harness driver Brian Sears earns 7,000th win
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Harness driver Brian Sears has raced to his 7,000th victory.
Moore leads Purdue to 69-61 win over Northwestern
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- E'Twaun Moore tied a career high with 28 points to help No. 6 Purdue beat Northwestern 69-61 on Friday night in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals.
No. 24 Xavier rallies from 15 down to beat Dayton
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) -- Terrell Holloway hit a go-ahead three-point play with 1:22 to play and No. 24 Xavier rallied from a 15-point deficit in the final 10 minutes to defeat Dayton 78-73 in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament on Friday night.
Adam LaRoche helps Arizona beat Oakland 10-1
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Adam LaRoche hit a two-run homer off Brett Anderson in the first inning and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Oakland Athletics 10-1 on Friday.
Southern U. defeats Texas Southern 67-55
BOSSIER CITY, La. (AP) -- Hannah Kador scored 25 poiints and top-seeded Southern University defeated Texas Southern 67-55 in the semifinals of the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament on Friday night.
Houston reaches conference final with 74-66 win
TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- National scoring leader Aubrey Coleman had 27 points and Maurice McNeil had two critical offensive rebounds down the stretch as Houston held off Southern Miss 74-66 Friday night to advance to the Conference USA championship game.
Royals' Hochevar learning to avoid big innings
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) -- Luke Hochevar showed the Kansas City Royals he's learning to work out of jams.
Miami signs track, football star Latwan Anderson
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) -- Thanks to its track and field program, Miami's football team just got a late recruiting boost.
Love out with sprained left foot
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love has been deactivated for the game against San Antonio on Friday night because of a sprained left foot.
Riley's 43 points lead Cowgirls' 62-59 upset
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Andrea Riley scored 43 points to set the Big 12 tournament single-game record for the second straight game and 20th-ranked Oklahoma State upset No. 14 Iowa State 62-59 in the quarterfinals Friday.
Packers sign S Collins, NT Pickett to extensions
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- The Green Bay Packers have signed safety Nick Collins and nose tackle Ryan Pickett to long-term contract extensions, securing the services of two cornerstones in their much-improved defense.
MLS players say they're unified in labor talks
SEATTLE (AP) -- Kasey Keller wants to make sure fans who hear about a possible strike in Major League Soccer understand the current standoff is about player rights and not salaries.
Martinez glad to have time to learn Red Sox staff
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Victor Martinez was thrown into the fire of an American League East pennant race after joining the Red Sox as a trading deadline acquisition last season.
Beasley out for Heat
MIAMI (AP) -- Heat forward Michael Beasley missed Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls with a bruised left thigh.
Troopers: Driver killed in wrong-way crash was drunk
Driver had just left memorial service for her employer
A 29-year-old woman who was killed in collisions with three other vehicles while she drove the wrong way on state Highway 14 in January was heavily intoxicated, police say. Toxicology results made public Thursday show that Sheila M. Walls’ blood-alcohol level was 0.20, said Trooper Steve Schatzel with the Washington State Patrol. That is 2 1/2 times the basic legal threshold of 0.08 that constitutes drunken driving, Schatzel said.
5 more sea lions killed at Bonneville Dam
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Wildlife officials have killed five more sea lions at Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River as part of the campaign to protect fish.
Dubielewicz recalled by Wild
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Wade Dubielewicz was recalled by the Minnesota Wild on an emergency basis Friday to replace injured starting goalie Niklas Backstrom.
Harden out 2-4 weeks with strained hamstring
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks says rookie guard James Harden will miss two to four weeks with a strained right hamstring.
Wash. Legislature heads into overtime Monday
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Most state lawmakers are taking the weekend off to prepare for an overtime session that starts Monday.
Tide opens spring practice with holes on defense
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- National champion Alabama opened spring practice looking to fill key holes on defense.
Buonicontis celebrate relationship with Heat
MIAMI (AP) -- Celebrating a relationship dating back more than 20 years, disability activist Marc Buoniconti presented the Miami Heat with an award Friday to recognize the team's ongoing support of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.
Skip Kendall leads rain-delayed Puerto Rico Open
RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico (AP) -- Skip Kendall topped the Puerto Rico Open leaderboard at 5 under after nine holes when first-round play was suspended because of darkness Friday in the rain-delayed PGA Tour event.
FBI releases details about Baird threat probe
Incident traced to Kansan irked about congressman’s TV comment
Seven months after Rep. Brian Baird reported a telephoned death threat to the U.S. Capitol Police in Washington, D.C., more details have trickled out. It turns out it was an unidentified man in Kansas who left a message on Baird’s Washington, D.C., office phone last August advising him to “keep a close eye out for those Ryder rental trucks” after Baird made an ill-advised televised comment during the summer’s heated debate about health care reform.
Cubs have big plans under Ricketts
MESA, Ariz. (AP) -- The Chicago Cubs will listen to manager Lou Piniella if he wants to return when his contract runs out after this season.
Browns release TE Heiden
CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cleveland Browns have released veteran tight end Steve Heiden.
James returns after missing 2 games
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James was in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers after missing the previous two with an injured right ankle.
Chiefs sign free agent C Wiegmann
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Veteran center Casey Wiegmann is returning to Kansas City.
Bucs sign LB Jon Alston
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed free agent linebacker Jon Alston.
Death of OHSU president's daughter an accident
THE DALLES, Ore. (AP) -- The Wasco County Sheriff's Office has determined the death of 25-year-old Kathryn Robertson was an accident.
Kurt Busch still waiting to make drag-racing debut
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- NASCAR driver Kurt Busch is still waiting to make his drag-racing debut.
UTEP bounces Tulsa 75-61
TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Randy Culpepper scored 21 points to lead No. 25 UTEP to a 75-61 victory over Tulsa in the semifinals of the Conference USA tournament on Friday.
Lehigh tops Lafayette for NCAA bid
BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) -- C.J. McCollum scored 20 points to lead Lehigh to the Patriot League title and its first NCAA tournament in six years in a 74-59 win over Lafayette on Friday.
Figgins collects 2 hits as Mariners tie Royals 6-6
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) -- Chone Figgins ended his spring slump with two hits, including a two-run triple during Seattle's four-run fifth inning, and the Mariners tied the Kansas City Royals 6-6 on Friday.
Peavy looks sharp in first start for White Sox
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- Jake Peavy's first spring training outing looked more like a regular-season start.
Davis keeps hitting, Rangers beat Padres
SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) -- Chris Davis had three hits and drove in two runs, extending his streak of hits to eight consecutive at-bats before finally being retired, and the Texas Rangers beat the San Diego Padres 6-2 on Friday.
Chapman pitches well as Reds beat Dodgers
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Aroldis Chapman struck out two over two scoreless innings and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 on Friday.
No. 2 Stanford drops Arizona 72-52 in quarterfinal
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Nnemkadi Ogwumike scored 25 points and No. 2 Stanford got a second-half boost from injured star Jayne Appel in a difficult 72-52 victory over Arizona on Friday in the Pac-10 tournament quarterfinals.
Carolina Panthers increasing ticket prices again
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Panthers are raising ticket prices again even as they slash payroll.
RB Larry Johnson signs with Redskins
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- Running back Larry Johnson has signed with the Washington Redskins.
RB Larry Johnson signs 3-yr deal with Redskins
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- Running back Larry Johnson has signed a three-year deal with the Washington Redskins.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff tops Alabama State 46-44
BOSSIER CITY, La. (AP) -- Allen Smith stole an inbounds pass and then Terrance Calvin hit a jumper with 1 second left to lift second-seeded Arkansas-Pine Bluff to a 46-44 victory over Alabama State in the semifinals of the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament on Friday.
Cleveland's Carmona pitches well in 7-7 tie
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -- Fausto Carmona pitched three scoreless innings and the Cleveland Indians blew a three-run lead in the ninth against a Los Angeles Angels split-squad.
Injured Buffalo wrestler making strides
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- A University at Buffalo wrestler who suffered a serious spinal cord injury during the Mid-American Conference championships is off a ventilator and has moved one of his legs for the first time since undergoing surgery.
Wellemeyer effective, Giants beat Rockies 9-2
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Jason Giambi made his spring training debut Friday, flying out to center and taking a pitch off the forearm in the Colorado Rockies' 9-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants.
Edmonds impressive in Brewers' win over Cubs
PHOENIX (AP) -- Jim Edmonds hit a two-run homer to strengthen his case for making Milwaukee's opening-day roster and the Brewers beat a Chicago Cubs split-squad 12-3 on Friday.
Onuaku has quad injury, could return Monday
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) -- Syracuse center Arinze Onuaku has a right quadriceps injury and could return to practice by Monday.
No. 15 Tenn. beats Ole Miss 76-65 in SEC tourney
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Wayne Chism had 16 points and 15 rebounds as No. 15 Tennessee beat Mississippi 76-65 in the Southeastern Conference tournament quarterfinals on Friday.
Roethlisberger's lawyer hires private investigator
ATLANTA (AP) -- An attorney for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has hired a private investigator to look into a sexual assault allegation made by a 20-year-old Georgia college student.
Fredricks of US clinches WCup speedskating title
HEERENVEEN, Netherlands (AP) -- Tucker Fredricks of the United States clinched the men's 500 meters speedskating World Cup on Saturday despite finishing fourth.
Hardy, Hudson get acquainted
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Shortstop J.J. Hardy and second baseman Orlando Hudson, the Minnesota Twins' new double play combination, are getting acquainted.
Wash. Gov. Gregoire signs ballot design law
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Ballot layouts in Washington could be getting a little less confusing.
Jurrjens pitches 2 innings before showers end game
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) -- Atlanta Braves right-hander Jair Jurrjens managed to make his spring debut, anyway.
WA Legislature finishes session, looks to overtime
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The 60-day regular session was characterized by budget challenges and frustrations, forcing lawmakers to return to Olympia next week.
White Sox prospect Mitchell hurt
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- Chicago White Sox outfield prospect Jared Mitchell has been carted off the field after getting hurt while making a spectacular, against-the-wall catch on a drive off the bat of the Angels' Juan Rivera.
No major injuries in 9-vehicle crash in Roseburg
ROSEBURG, Ore. (AP) -- State police say only person was injured -- and it was minor -- in a nine-vehicle accident on Interstate 5 in Roseburg.
Posey to sit out vs. Nuggets with flu symptoms
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Hornets forward James Posey has been scratched from New Orleans' game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.
Cardinals agree to terms with OL Rex Hadnot
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- Free agent offensive lineman Rex Hadnot has agreed to a three-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals, who also have re-signed center Ben Claxton to a one-year contract.
Columbia crossing sponsors drive toward agreement
PORTLAND — Local elected officials on Friday merged closer toward consensus on a multibillion-dollar plan to replace the Interstate 5 Bridge across the Columbia River. That doesn’t mean the road ahead won’t be without speed bumps, however.
Missing hiker investigation continues
Friend not considered a suspect
The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office says it has questioned the friend of a Portland woman missing since last Thursday, and he is not considered a suspect in her disappearance. Kathrine Huether, 24, was last heard from on the afternoon of March 4 when she sent a text message to a male friend that she was going hiking on a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail just north of the Columbia River, near Bonneville Dam. She was reported missing on Saturday.
Federal govt pledges money for sage grouse in West
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to allocate up to $16 million through two programs to encourage farmers and ranchers in 11 western states to protect sage grouse and its habitat.
McCarty wins weight throw for 2nd straight year
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- Louisville's D'Ana McCarty has won the women's weight throw for the first individual title at the NCAA indoor track and field championships.
No. 11 Texas A&M tops No. 15 Texas 77-64
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Tanisha Smith scored 21 points, and Danielle Adams and Tyra White added 18 apiece as No. 11 Texas A&M used a big second-half run for a 77-64 victory over No. 15 Texas in a Big 12 tournament quarterfinal Friday.
Music City Bowl extends SEC partnership
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The Music City Bowl has extended its partnership with the Southeastern Conference through the 2013 season.
SWAT standoff ends in Hazel Dell
School placed under lockdown after a report of a suicidal person in the area.
Indians SS Cabrera leaves with injury
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -- Cleveland shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera left the Indians' game against the Los Angeles Angels with an undisclosed injury.
Illinois upsets No. 13 Wisconsin 58-54
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Mike Tisdale scored 21 points and Demetri McCamey had 13 as fifth-seeded Illinois hung on for a 58-54 upset of No. 13 Wisconsin in Friday's Big Ten tournament quarterfinals.
Miami stuns Virginia Tech 70-65 in ACC tourney
GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) -- Durand Scott scored 11 of his 17 points in the final 6 minutes and last-place Miami continued a stunning run in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament with a 70-65 victory over Virginia Tech on Friday.
Richmond 3s, Rhode Island D lead Rams to victory
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) -- Freshman Akeem Richmond hit four 3-pointers early and Rhode Island kept its NCAA tournament hopes alive with its best defensive effort of the season in a 63-47 win over Saint Louis in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament on Friday.
ISU's Brackins to turn pro
AMES, Iowa (AP) -- Iowa State coach Greg McDermott says junior forward Craig Brackins will skip his final year of eligibility and enter the NBA draft.
Auburn fires Jeff Lebo after 6 years
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- Auburn has fired basketball coach Jeff Lebo after six years, five of them losing seasons.
Tulane beats UAB 62-54 to earn 10th trip to NCAAs
TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Brett Benzio scored 11 points and grabbed 17 rebounds as top-seeded Tulane built a big lead early and beat UAB 62-54 Friday in the Conference USA championship game, earning its 10th trip to the NCAA tournament.
Weeks says he'll 'hurt' without Hardy
PHOENIX (AP) -- Rickie Weeks is eager to resume his career, but he's not exactly looking forward to opening day.
Court orders Port of Astoria to renew LNG lease
ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) -- U.S. District Court Judge Michael Mosman has ordered the Port of Astoria to renew its lease on the Oregon LNG site in Warrenton.
Wenatchee teen was strangled, stabbed in neck
WENATCHEE, Wash. (AP) -- The 17-year-old Wenatchee High School student who was killed last month was hit on the head, strangled and stabbed in the neck.
Woman dies from Spanaway house fire
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- An 81-year-old woman who was pulled from her burning home in Spanaway Tuesday died Thursday night at a Tacoma hospital.
Woods responders concerned about domestic violence
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Newly released documents show an ambulance crew that responded to golfer Tiger Woods' car crash wouldn't let his wife ride with him to the hospital because they thought it was a case of domestic violence.
Berkman out 2-4 weeks with knee injury
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) -- Houston All-Star first baseman Lance Berkman will have minor surgery on his left knee Saturday and miss two-to-four weeks, a recovery period that could sideline him for opening day.
Street throws 20 pitches in batting practice
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Rockies closer Huston Street says his 20-pitch performance in batting practice went well and his right shoulder was fine.
For the love of a glove: a Vancouver tale
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) -- Good luck getting your hands in these mitts.
Chicago Fire signs F John
CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Fire has signed Dutch forward Collins John, a free agent and former striker for Fulham.
Cardinals P Miller has Carpenter as role model
JUPITER, Fla. (AP) -- Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller could not have picked a better role model.
Baird issues health care statement
baird issues health care statement
Pacquiao and Clottey meet on the star
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- The phenomenon that is Manny Pacquiao grew with a series of wins against some of the biggest names around. Now he has a fight to win against a guy who has nothing to lose.
Heat suspend Wright for 2 games after DUI arrest
MIAMI (AP) -- Dorell Wright has been suspended for two games by the Miami Heat, one day after he was cited for driving under the influence.
No. 2 Kentucky downs Alabama 73-67 to start SEC
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- John Wall had 23 points, including seven straight in the second half to give the Wildcats the lead for good, and No. 2 Kentucky overcame an 11-point deficit Friday in beating Alabama 73-67 in the Southeastern Conference tournament quarterfinals.
Boise State fires Graham after 8 seasons
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Greg Graham has been fired as head coach at Boise State.
Kings activate Justin Williams after 212 months
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Right wing Justin Williams has been activated from the Los Angeles Kings' injured reserve after a 212-month absence with a broken leg.
Rose out for Bulls-Heat game with sprained wrist
MIAMI (AP) -- Chicago point guard Derrick Rose has been ruled out of the Bulls' game Friday night against the Miami Heat with a sprained left wrist.
Former ODOT worker wants guns returned
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A Medford man whose firearms were seized by when he was taken into protective custody this week has asked for their return.
ODOT worker wants guns returned
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A Medford man whose firearms were seized by when he was taken into protective custody this week has asked for their return.
Yanks' Pettitte pitches another simulated game
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Andy Pettitte peered over his raised black glove for a sign from the catcher, shook him off, nodded 'OK,' then froze Jimmy Rollins with a changeup for strike three.
Warriors sign Williams to second 10-day contract
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- The Golden State Warriors have signed forward Reggie Williams to a second 10-day contract.
Rays select Shields as opening day starter
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) -- The Tampa Bay Rays have selected right-hander James Shields as their opening-day starting pitcher.
Federal judge: Seattle gun ban is constitutional
SEATTLE (AP) -- A federal judge has ruled that Seattle's ban on firearms in city parks and community centers is constitutional.
Brown to drag race again after deadly crash
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Antron Brown is ready to return to the drag strip after his last run ended in a fiery crash that killed a spectator.
Orioles' Johnson hopes for revival in 8th inning
SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) -- After struggling when given a chance to replace George Sherrill as closer during the second half of last season, Jim Johnson hopes for a revival now that he's back to a setup role for the Baltimore Orioles.
Cardinals, Red Sox postpone game because of rain
JUPITER, Fla. (AP) -- The St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox postponed their on Friday because of rain and agreed to a rare spring training makeup date.
Obama spokesman loses bets, dons a Canadian jersey
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Robert Gibbs is a jersey boy now.
Taiwan All-Stars beat Dodgers' split squad 5-2
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) -- Manny Ramirez and the rest of the Los Angeles Dodgers had a quiet opening in Taiwan.
Woman is new coach of DC high school football team
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The new high school football coach in the nation's capital says being a woman has nothing to do with her getting the job.
Devotees of Fla. man drank snail mucus in ritual
MIAMI (AP) -- Devotees of a Miami man who claims to practice a traditional African religion say they were sickened when they drank the mucus of a giant African snail.
Turner's 37-foot buzzer beater lifts Ohio State
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Evan Turner drained a 37-footer at the buzzer to give No. 5 Ohio State a 69-68 win over Michigan on Friday in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals.
Ammann wins ski jumping overall title
LILLEHAMMER, Norway (AP) -- Olympic champion Simon Ammann of Switzerland has won the ski jumping World Cup overall title.
Singler, No. 4 Duke hold off Virginia 57-46
GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) -- Kyle Singler had 18 points and 11 rebounds, and No. 4 Duke pulled away late to beat pesky Virginia 57-46 on Friday in an Atlantic Coast Conference quarterfinal.
Griffin, No. 3 Nebraska top Kansas State 63-46
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Kelsey Griffin scored 16 of her 24 points in the first nine minutes of the second half to help unbeaten and third-ranked Nebraska overpower Kansas State 63-46 in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament Friday.
Duchscherer throws simulated game.
PHOENIX (AP) -- With all his injuries over the past few years, Oakland right-hander Justin Duchscherer wasn't about to let a line drive off his left thumb keep him off the mound.
Hoffman working toward spring training debut
PHOENIX (AP) -- Brewers manager Ken Macha says Trevor Hoffman is on track to make a few spring training appearances before the season begins.
Fernandez leads No. 17 Temple over Bonnies 69-51
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) -- Juan Fernandez hit three 3-pointers and handed out three assists in a game-opening 24-8 run that led No. 17 Temple to a 69-51 victory over St. Bonaventure in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament on Friday.
WaMu says it has settlement with JPMorgan, FDIC
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) -- Washington Mutual Inc. says it has resolved disputes with JPMorgan Chase & Co. and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. over some $4 billion at issue in the bank holding company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
4 incendiary devices found in eastern Texas mail
DALLAS (AP) -- Authorities say four incendiary devices have been found in the mail in eastern Texas in recent weeks.
With Fujita gone, Saints dive into free agency
METAIRIE, La. (AP) -- Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says the club could be in the market for a defensive end now that New Orleans is free to pursue free agents from other teams.
Bennati wins third stage of Tirreno-Adriatico
MONSUMMANO TERME, Italy (AP) -- Daniele Bennati of Italy won the third stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico race to overtake Linus Gerdemann of Germany for the overall lead.
ABC's Kate Snow makes jump to NBC News
NEW YORK (AP) -- ABC News reporter and "Good Morning America" weekend host Kate Snow is jumping to NBC News.
Adel, Ore., woman pleads guilty to extortion
LAKEVIEW, Ore. (AP) -- An Oregon woman who threatened a bank teller by telephone pleaded guilty to theft and extortion during a hearing in Lake County.
Bengals sign WR Antonio Bryant to 4-year deal
CINCINNATI (AP) -- Wide receiver Antonio Bryant has signed a four-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.
WR Hank Baskett signs one-year deal with Eagles
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The Philadelphia Eagles have signed free agent wide receiver Hank Baskett to a one-year contract.
Titans agree to terms with CB Rod Hood
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms with cornerback Rod Hood, an unrestricted free agent.
George Karl to miss 3 more road games
DENVER (AP) -- George Karl will skip the last three games on the Denver Nuggets' road trip as he adjusts to a feeding tube that was placed into his stomach as part of his cancer treatment.
Mets' bad luck extends into 2010
NEW YORK (AP) -- The injuries are starting to stack up again for the New York Mets, who are insisting they're better equipped than last year to withstand a crowded disabled list.
Toronto sends Serioux to Houston for draft pick
TORONTO (AP) -- Defender Adrian Serioux has been traded from Toronto FC to the Houston Dynamo for a third-round draft pick in 2011.
Childress testifies at Williamses' drug lawsuit
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Vikings coach Brad Childress says he is "absolutely not" the source who leaked the positive results of a doping test involving two of his players two years ago.
Seattle Police: pipe strapped to body was not bomb
SEATTLE (AP) -- Seattle Police say the suspicious looking device taped to the arm of a man wandering around downtown Seattle on Friday morning was not a bomb.
RB LaDainian Tomlinson meets with Jets
NEW YORK (AP) -- LaDainian Tomlinson is at the New York Jets' training facility in Florham Park, N.J., meeting with team officials about joining the offense that ranked No. 1 in rushing last season.
Seattle police stop man with device taped to body
SEATTLE (AP) -- Seattle police now have a man in custody who alarmed people downtown Friday morning by walking around with a wired pipe strapped to his arm and making threats.
Seattle police dealing with man who may have bomb
SEATTLE (AP) -- Seattle police have closed off an area of downtown Seattle near Third and James while they deal with a man who may have a bomb taped to his body.
Authorities: Corey Haim had illegal prescription
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Authorities say actor Corey Haim had a fraudulent prescription when he died that was linked to a major drug ring.
Mets-Twins game canceled because of rain
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) -- The New York Mets-Minnesota Twins spring training game has been canceled because of rain.
Man gets 23 years for 1984 Seattle killing
SEATTLE (AP) -- A 51-year-old man has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for a 1984 Seattle murder that was finally solved using DNA evidence.
Man facing 25-year term for 1984 Seattle killing
SEATTLE (AP) -- King County prosecutors are recommending a 25-year prison term for a 50-year-old man convicted after a cold case investigation into a 1984 killing in Seattle.
US terror suspect in Yemen worked at 5 nuke sites
BUENA, N.J. (AP) -- Federal regulators say a U.S. citizen in custody in Yemen as a suspected al-Qaida member worked at five nuclear plant complexes in Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Formula One is set to abide by WADA doping code
SAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) -- The governing body of motor sports says Formula One is on course to comply with WADA's anti-doping code.
Sagan wins 5th stage of Paris-Nice, Contador leads
AIX-EN-PROVENCE, France (AP) -- Peter Sagan of Slovakia won the fifth stage of the Paris-Nice race, and Alberto Contador of Spain kept the overall lead.
Bing hopes to lure Detroit Pistons back downtown
DETROIT (AP) -- Detroit Mayor Dave Bing would like to lure the Pistons back downtown, where they played when he was on the team.
Phillies-Rays canceled because of rain
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) -- The Philadelphia Phillies-Tampa Bay Rays spring training game has been canceled because of rain.
Sentencing for Shoreline convenience store killing
KENT, Wash. (AP) -- King County prosecutors are asking for a 23-year prison term when Julian Eduardo Reyes is sentenced Friday in superior court in Kent for killing a convenience store clerk.
Pelosi: Hill closing in on health care overhaul
WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is voicing fresh confidence there are enough votes to pass sweeping health care legislation, saying lawmakers are "one day closer" to a historic achievement.
Groenvold, Serwa win World Cup skicross races
GRINDELWALD, Switzerland (AP) -- Olympic bronze medalist Audun Groenvold of Norway and Kelsey Serwa of Canada have won World Cup freestyle skicross races.
Phillies-Tigers game rained out
LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) -- Rain has forced the cancellation of the Philadelphia Phillies-Detroit Tigers exhibition game.
Brain Clay leads heptathlon at indoor worlds
DOHA, Qatar (AP) -- Olympic champion Bryan Clay led Trey Hardee in the heptathlon competition at the world indoor championships Saturday with only the 1,000-meter race left.
Bryan Clay leads heptathlon at indoor worlds
DOHA, Qatar (AP) -- Olympic champion Bryan Clay led Trey Hardee in the heptathlon competition at the world indoor championships Saturday with only the 1,000-meter race left.
Isinbayeva reaches worlds final on last attempt
DOHA, Qatar (AP) -- Yelena Isinbayeva has qualified for the pole vault final at the world indoor championships on her last attempt.
Sentencing for Federal Way stabbing death
SEATTLE (AP) -- Prosecutors are recommending 16 years in prison for a man in his late 60s when he is sentenced Friday in King County Superior Court for the stabbing death of his girlfriend.
Marlins-Orioles game rained out
SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) -- Rain has forced the cancellation of the Florida Marlins-Baltimore Orioles exhibition game.
Oregonians asked to drop off expired prescriptions
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon residents will be able to drop off unused or expired prescription drugs at dozens of locations across the state on Saturday.
16 years for Lacey woman for raping daughter
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- A 47-year-old Lacey woman was sentenced to 16 years in prison for raping her 8-year-old daughter, adopted from China.
Sochi Olympic chief assails environmentalists
MOSCOW (AP) -- A Russian Cabinet official in charge of preparations for the 2014 Winter Olympics says the country's environmentalists are harming preparations for the Sochi Games.
Attorney: Leach's case stronger after depositions
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) -- An attorney for former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach says his case against the school is "substantially stronger" following depositions about whether he mistreated a player with a concussion.
Leach deposition begins in lawsuit vs Texas Tech
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) -- Former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach is giving sworn testimony in his lawsuit against the school over his firing.
Aberdeen City Council turns street lights back on
ABERDEEN, Wash. (AP) -- The street lights are coming back on in Aberdeen.
Clemency denied for Spokane police officer killer
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- The man who killed an undercover Spokane police officer in 1983 will remain in prison.
Advertising removed to help protect WCup fields
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) -- South Africa's World Cup organizing committee has persuaded rugby officials to remove on-field advertising logos to avoid damaging the fields.
Mudslide blocks Amtrak trains north of Seattle
EDMONDS, Wash. (AP) -- Heavy rain overnight caused a mudslide that covered one of the two parallel Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks at Richmond Beach in the city of Shoreline, 13 miles north of Seattle.
Mudslide blocks railroad tracks south of Edmonds
EDMONDS, Wash. (AP) -- A mudslide has blocked the railroad tracks south of Edmonds.
SAfrican boxer Lovett banned 2 years for steroids
JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- South African boxer Jared Lovett has been banned for two years after testing positive for steroids.
SOU plans for potential NCAA move
ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Southern Oregon University athletic department is exploring a move from the NAIA level to NCAA Division II.
Coffee Party meeting in Richland park
RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) -- Coffee will be served at a Coffee Party gathering 1 p.m. Saturday at Howard Amon Park in Richland.
Police arrest Tacoma park rape suspect
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- Police have arrested a man accused of sexually assaulting a developmentally disabled man in a restroom at the Point Defiance boat house in Tacoma.
Medford man gets 6 years for attempted rape
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A Medford man convicted of sexually abusing and attempting to rape a 14-year-old girl has been sentenced to more than six years in prison.
Police investigating role of alcohol in collision
Vancouver police are investigating the role of alcohol in an early morning crash that required firefighters to use the Jaws of Life to extricate two females from a Toyota pickup.
Yankees-Nationals spring game washed out by rain
VIERA, Fla. (AP) -- Heavy rains washed out Friday's scheduled exhibition game between the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals.
Alonso tops final Bahrain practice; Rosberg 2nd
SAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) -- Ferrari's Fernando Alonso has topped Saturday's final practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Rosberg leads Bahrain practice; Schumacher 3rd
SAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) -- Nico Rosberg was fastest in practice for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, with teammate Michael Schumacher finishing third to put Mercedes at the front of the Formula One grid.
MLS strike may mean Donovan extends Everton loan
LIVERPOOL, England (AP) -- Everton manager David Moyes says a possible Major League Soccer players' strike could enable Landon Donovan to extend his loan at the Premier League club.
Browns sign TE Ben Watson to multiyear deal
CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cleveland Browns have signed free agent tight end Ben Watson to a multiyear contract.
Webster struggles in present situation
Brian T. Smith: Commentary
Martell Webster is no longer a starter. His old job belongs to Nicolas Batum now. And while Webster is not seeking sympathy or compassion, he is looking for a little guidance.
Hockinson sent packing by Mount Baker, 59-56
Hawks have another fourth-quarter lead vanish at 2A state
YAKIMA — This state tournament experience wasn’t the ending the Hockinson boys basketball team envisioned. In fact, the ending was bad — twice.
In Our View: ‘Take 10’; Be Counted
Census questionnaires arrive next week; help our state get its fair share of funding
Will a 10th congressional district be added to our state? Will Vancouver and Olympia separate into different districts? How many legislative districts will Clark County have? When Congress doles out $400 billion in annual funding to the states, how much will our state snare? You can help answer those crucial questions by participating in “Take 10,” the decennial counting of Americans as mandated by the Constitution. Washington households will receive the Census Bureau questionnaire next week, and The Columbian urges full participation for several reasons that are both patriotic and parochial.
Death Notices, March 12
Bertram, Max C., 85, Vancouver, died March 9, 2010. Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, 360-892-6060. Bilo, Michael, 81, Vancouver, died March 10, 2010. Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, 360-892-6060.
You're Hired: Vancouver’s Rebecca Warberg excited to work at Manpower
Vancouver resident Rebecca Warberg made the transition to employment recruiter at Manpower after years in marketing. Here’s how she did it: Old job: My old job was marketing manager for TigerStop LLC, a small manufacturing company. I did a lot of graphic design, public relations and writing marketing copy.
Science Guy wows students
Bill Nye challenges local sixth-graders to change the world through science
Serenaded by the piercing roar of a thousand sixth-graders, a bow tie-wearing science geek bounded down the aisle of the Skyview High School auditorium Thursday morning. “I want you to change the world,” Bill Nye implored the students. “With science.”
Port of Longview hits revenue record in 2009
The Port of Longview posted a $2.7 million profit in 2009 on record revenues of $25 million in 2009, up 7 percent compared with the previous record of $23.5 million in 2008.
Our Readers' Views
Pet projects get pushed upon us After reading the March 9 story “Light-rail alignments divide community,” it seems like a foregone conclusion that light rail is going to be shoved down our throat. Clark County voters have voted this down in previous years, yet our elected officials are following the example of our elected officials in D.C. and Olympia by going against the will of the people.
High school scoreboard, March 12
High school scoreboard for March 12
Corrections, March 12
St. Patrick’s Day events: Battle Ground folk singer Tom May will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Irishtown Bar & Grill in Vancouver; there is a $10 cover charge after 5 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day. He is also performing at Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub in Portland; there is a $20-$25 cover charge at the festival on March 17. Incorrect time and price information was included in a story about May’s performances on Pages F3 and F9 of today’s Weekend and Beyond section.
’Tis time for singin’ o’ the green
Irish melodies swept up folk singer and changed his life
Folk singer Tom May didn’t know much about Irish music until some friends gave him a cassette tape in the late 1970s that included the Furey Brothers’ rendition of “From Clare to Here.” The Battle Ground resident loved that song so much he learned to play it, and he began voraciously searching for and listening to other traditional Celtic tunes, adding them as quickly as he could to his repertoire. While his career blossomed in many different directions during that decade, May decided to also create a niche from his interest in Irish music, That led him to Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub in Portland, which hired him to take part in the establishment’s first St. Patrick’s Day celebration 19 years ago. While Kells has grown to become a nationally significant Irish Pub — hosting this region’s largest party to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland — May’s influence in folk music also has soared.
Bits 'n' Pieces: Woman’s unlikely career change earns TV coverage
Betsy McCarthy’s e-mail inbox is full after she appeared on Tuesday’s “Today” show. Jane Pauley interviewed the Vancouver woman for a series called “Your life calling.” Ten years ago, McCarthy ditched her high-powered career as a health care administrator to pursue her passion — knitting.
New Web search tallies crime in neighborhoods
Current crime rates and statistics are available for each neighborhood in Clark County at <a href="http://www.columbian.com/datacenter/crime_stats.">http://www.columbian.com/datacenter/crime_stats.</a>
Vineyard offers monthly dinners
Catered meals in Tuscan atmosphere are a chance to learn about wine pairings
Once a month, the Rusty Grape Vineyard transforms its tasting room into a Tuscan-style restaurant for the evening. Diners are provided a catered meal along with wine pairing suggestions. The idea is to showcase the wines Rusty Grape produces in Battle Ground including its chardonnay, pinot noir, riesling and even strawberry wine.
Washougal High School students host Japanese Festival
Washougal High School students will host the fifth-annual Japanese Festival this weekend.
O’Brady’s Drive-In plans final St. Paddy’s Fest
O’Brady’s Drive-In will give away free green ice-cream cones one last time at its Dollars Corner location on St. Patrick’s Day.
Late choir teacher's praises sung
Bay’s Morrison, who died in horse-riding mishap, taught for 3-plus decades
The show must go on. That was the message sent from Candace “Candy” Morrison’s students Thursday to Hudson’s Bay faculty following the death of their beloved choir teacher. Morrison died Wednesday evening when she was thrown from a horse on Northeast Rawson Road, southeast of Hockinson.
Manchester Orchestra is all about the rock ’n’ roll
Band is aiming for music that’s ‘daring and challenging’
Manchester Orchestra isn’t from Manchester. Neither is it an orchestra. It’s a rock band from Atlanta and it’s taken on a mission — to revamp and re-energize the genre. The quintet isn’t looking to reinvent the form or add something new like the African styles incorporated by Vampire Weekend. They just want rock to be gripping again.
FYI, March 12
Our daily offering of meetings and events in and around Clark County
Briatore rules out F1 return
MILAN (AP) -- Former Renault principal Flavio Briatore says he has left Formula One for good, despite having a lifetime ban from the series overturned.
VT forward will play big game after mom's death
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) -- Vermont basketball player Evan Fjeld will play in the America East Conference championship despite the recent death of his mother.
Chambers cruises in 60-meter heat in Doha
DOHA, Qatar (AP) -- Britain's Dwain Chambers ran the fastest qualifying time in the 60 meters at the World Indoor Championships on Friday.
Retail sales rise 0.3 percent in February
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Retail sales posted a surprising increase in February as consumers did not let major snowstorms stop them from storming the malls. The advance, the biggest since November, provided hope that the recovery from the Great Recession is gaining momentum.
Shiite group leads in southern Iraq province vote
BAGHDAD (AP) -- An Iraqi Shiite religious alliance with ties to Iran is leading in one southern province according to the latest vote tallies released.
Iraqi PM starts laying groundwork for new govt
BAGHDAD (AP) -- The Iraqi prime minister's bloc says it has started laying the groundwork to form a coalition government after preliminary election results showed it winning in at least two southern provinces.
King leads Iditarod mushers into Ruby, Alaska
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- Tracking information shows four-time winner Jeff King of Denali Park is the first musher into Ruby early Friday in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
NYC funeral home van towed _ with body inside
NEW YORK (AP) -- A police tow truck removed a minivan parked outside a New York City funeral home, giving its dearly departed passenger an unexpected side trip.
Ligety wins GS title, Janka takes World Cup
GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) -- Ted Ligety won the World Cup giant slalom title and Carlo Janka won the overall World Cup title.
3 people found dead at home near Sunriver
BEND, Ore. (AP) -- Three people including an 8-year-old boy have been found dead at their home south of Sunriver.
Pope's former diocese admits error over priest
BERLIN (AP) -- Pope Benedict XVI's former German diocese says it made a mistake in allowing a priest suspected to have abused a child to return to pastoral work when the pope was archbishop. But it says he was unaware of the decision.
Bishop: Pope dismayed at clerical abuse scandal
VATICAN CITY (AP) -- Germany's top bishop has informed Pope Benedict XVI about cases of clerical sex abuse in the pontiff's native Germany and said the pope encouraged him to pursue the truth and assist the victims.
Lindsey Vonn wins 3rd straight overall World Cup
GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) -- Lindsey Vonn has won her third straight overall World Cup title.
Suicide attack in northwest Pakistan kills 5
ISLAMABAD (AP) -- Officials say at least five people have been killed in a suicide car bombing in northwest Pakistan.
Reports: Another bomb hits Pakistan's Lahore city
LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) -- Pakistani news reports say another bomb has exploded in the eastern city of Lahore, hours after twin suicide bombings killed at least 43 people and wounded about 100.
Pakistan: 39 killed in twin suicide bombing
LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) -- Police say the death toll in a twin suicide bombing in Pakistan's Lahore city has risen to 39 and that nearly 100 others have been wounded.
Suicide bomb kills 12, wounds 35 in Pakistani city
LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) -- Police say at least 12 people were killed in a suicide bombing in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore.
Italy's Sergas has 2nd-round Australian Open lead
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- Italy's Giulia Sergas shot a 4-under 69 to take a three-stroke lead after the second round of the Women's Australian Open.
Drug raid pleases neighbors, police say
Alleged meth dealer arrested near mall
Folks who live in Vancouver’s Ogden neighborhood applauded sheriff’s detectives Thursday night after they raided a home and arrested an alleged methamphetamine dealer. About 7 p.m. Thursday, members of the Clark County Sheriff’s Tactical Detective Unit arrived with a court warrant to search the home at 8400 N.E. Lewis Drive, north of Fourth Plain Road and the Royal Oaks Country Club.
