Stories for March 9, 2012

UConn basketball teams await word from NCAA

STORRS, Conn. (AP) -- The University of Connecticut's basketball teams are preparing for the postseason.

High school scoreboard 3/10

High school sports results from Friday, March 9

Prommegger, Kummer win WCup parallel giant slaloms

LA MOLINA, Spain (AP) -- Andreas Prommegger of Austria and Patrizia Kummer of Switzerland won snowboard World Cup parallel giant slaloms on Saturday to lead the discipline standings with one race left.

House panel hearing in Elko on US lands in West

ELKO, Nev. (AP) -- County commissioners from Nevada and Utah are among the witnesses scheduled to testify at a congressional field hearing in Elko on Monday about federal regulation of public lands in the West.

Parental input sought in school restructuring

Venus, Jupiter provide display after sunset

CRC to begin testing foundation by I-5 span

Historic bowling alley burn set for March 24

Russian visitors, old and new

Chkalov anniversary to be feted; ambassador to give Marshall Lecture

An event Friday honoring the 75th anniversary of the historic Chkalov flight doubled as the opportunity to announce another distinguished Russian visitor.

Legislators gird for special session

Lawmakers must complete supplemental state budget

OLYMPIA -- Lawmakers only get a short reprieve after wrapping up a two-month legislative session Friday, as they are set to return next week to address an impasse over the supplemental budget.

Bills of local interest

Legislation passed during regular session:

Improving Kauto Star readying for Gold Cup

LONDON (AP) -- The trainer of Kauto Star says the veteran steeplechaser is "back to 100 percent" after a recent injury and should compete in the Cheltenham Gold Cup next week.

Local issues saw action in Olympia

New rules for CRC; effort to end sales tax exemption dies

The Columbia River Crossing project received new regulations, proposals to repeal nonresidential sales tax were defeated, and Southwest Washington lawmakers had both hits and misses during the regular 60-day legislative session that ended late Thursday night.

Roenning wins 50K World Cup classic race in Norway

OSLO, Norway (AP) -- Norway's Eldar Roenning has won the cross-country classical-style race, edging Swiss leader Dario Cologna by 0.6 seconds in the World Cup meet.

Orioles' Reimold OK after taking pitch to jaw

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) -- Baltimore's Nolan Reimold returned to the clubhouse Saturday, saying he had a chipped tooth a day after being hit by a pitch in the jaw.

Orioles' Reimold OK after taking pitch to jaw

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) -- Baltimore's Nolan Reimold returned to the clubhouse Saturday, saying he had a chipped tooth a day after being hit by a pitch in the jaw.

Local man indicted in threatening-letters case

A federal grand jury in Portland on Friday indicted a sometime Vancouver resident for allegedly mailing about 100 envelopes containing a white powder and threatening letters to House Speaker John Boehner and other American leaders.

Read, Puma come 2nd in 4th leg of Volvo race

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) -- United States skipper Ken Read produced a tactical masterstroke to leave the Volvo Ocean Race wide open again Sunday by taking his Puma team past pacesetting Telefonica into second place in the fourth leg.

2 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) -- Palestinian witnesses say a militant and a 12-year-old boy have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.

American Ted Ligety wins WCup giant slalom

KRANJSKA GORA, Slovenia (AP) -- Ted Ligety of the United States won the season's penultimate World Cup giant slalom Saturday.

Canada's Nick Zoricic dies after skicross crash

GRINDELWALD, Switzerland (AP) -- The International Ski Federation says Canadian racer Nick Zoricic has died after crashing in a World Cup skicross race.

Blazers fall flat in Boston, 104-86

Pierce and Allen lead way in Celtics’ rout

LaMarcus Aldridge led the Trail Blazers with 22 points, but Portland has now dropped five of six games and played the second of seven straight away from the Rose Garden.

Suspect arrested in Wash. courthouse attack

SEATTLE (AP) -- Police in Washington state have arrested a 34-year-old man accused of stabbing a judge and shooting a sheriff's deputy in a courthouse struggle, ending a manhunt that spanned two counties.

Activists seek to curtail restraining students

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Tens of thousands of students are strapped down or physically restrained in school. Disability advocates hope that a new Education Department report detailing the practice of "seclusion and restraint" will spur federal action to curtail it.

Russia to critics: We're not protecting Syria

CAIRO (AP) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says his government is not "protecting any regimes," speaking to Arab leaders angry over Moscow's blocking of international pressure on Syria's president to step down.

UC Santa Barbara defeats Cal Poly-SLO 64-52

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Orlando Johnson scored 20 points and James Nunnally 13 to lead UC Santa Barbara to a 64-52 victory against Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo in the semifinals of the Big West tournament on Friday night.

Charge reduced in fatal noise dispute

Chris Paul pleads not guilty to second-degree murder

New Mexico stuns No. 20 UNLV 72-67 in MWC semis

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Drew Gordon had 19 points and 13 rebounds for New Mexico, which raced back from deficits of 12-0 and 17-4 to stun No. 20 UNLV 72-67 in the Runnin' Rebels' home arena in the Mountain West Conference semifinals Friday night.

Louisiana Tech stuns Nevada 78-73 in WAC semis

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Trevor Gaskins scored 15 of his 21 points during Louisiana Tech's hot-shooting first half, and the sixth-seeded Bulldogs held on late to stun regular season champion Nevada 78-73 on Friday night in the Western Athletic Conference semifinals.

Columbian Editor Lou Brancaccio chats with readers

Read full transcript of live Friday event

Editor of The Columbian, Lou Brancaccio, joins us to chat about local issues and general information about the newsroom.

Judge, deputy attacked at Grays Harbor courthouse

SWAT team searches house; no one home

An attack at a courthouse in Washington state wounded a deputy and a judge on Friday and police were looking for a suspect, according to initial reports from the state patrol.

North Dakota State has new linebackers coach

FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- North Dakota State says former Tulane defensive coordinator Steve Stanard will be the new linebackers coach for the Bison.

Arkansas men, Texas women lead at NCAA Indoor

NAMPA, Idaho (AP) -- Arkansas freshman Andrew Irwin won the pole vault at 18 feet, 2 1/2 inches to help the Razorbacks top the men's standings, and Texas led the women's points race Friday night after the first day of the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Occupy Wall Street in NYC says low on cash

NEW YORK (AP) -- Occupy Wall Street in New York City could run out of cash in a matter of weeks.

Camas fire to burn bowling alley later this month

The historic Camas Bowling Alley is scheduled to go up in flames during a controlled burn by the Camas Fire Department on March 24.

New Mexico St holds off Hawaii 92-81 in WAC semis

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Wendell McKines led five New Mexico State players in double figures with 22 points, and the Aggies built a 20-point lead before holding off numerous Hawaii rallies in the second half for a 92-81 win over the Rainbow Warriors in the Western Athletic Conference semifinals on Friday night.

MVSU beats Arkansas-Pine Bluff 71-64 in SWAC semis

GARLAND, Texas (AP) -- Cor-J Cox had 19 points and 11 rebounds Friday night to help MVSU defeat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 71-64 in the SWAC tournament semifinals.

Franklin leads No. 18 SDSU over CSU, 79-69

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Jamaal Franklin, playing most of the second half with three fouls, scored 19 points and Chase Tapley had 10 of his 17 in the first five minutes of the second half to lead No. 18 and top-seeded San Diego State to a 79-69 victory against fourth-seeded Colorado State in the Mountain West Conference tournament semifinals on Friday night.

Norfolk St. tops Florida A&M 58-46 in MEAC semi

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) -- Kyle O'Quinn scored 13 points and helped Norfolk State pull away in the second half to defeat Florida A&M 58-46 Friday night in the semifinals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament.

Andrew McCutchen leads Pirates past Red Sox

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Andrew McCutchen had two RBI doubles and also singled in three at-bats to help the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Boston Red Sox 7-4 in exhibition play Friday night.

Jets extend QB Sanchez's contract by 3 years

NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Jets have extended quarterback Mark Sanchez's contract and dropped out of pursuing free agent Peyton Manning.

Heroes recognized at annual breakfast

Around 600 people packed the Vancouver Hilton Friday morning to attend the Red Cross’ 15th annual Real Heroes Breakfast.

Romney picks up 9 convention delegates from Guam

TAMUNING, Guam (AP) -- Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has picked up nine more delegates, winning unanimous backing at the Republican convention on the U.S. territory of Guam.

Hiker falls to death near North Bend, Wash.

NORTH BEND, Wash. (AP) -- A King County sheriff's spokeswoman says a hiker is dead after falling about 300 feet at Rattlesnake Lake near North Bend, Wash.

Strasburg gives up 2 runs in Nats' loss to Marlins

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) -- One rusty inning proved costly to Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals in a 3-0 loss to the Miami Marlins on Friday night.

No. 12 Baylor upsets No. 3 Kansas in Big 12 semis

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Baylor sharpshooter Brady Heslip hit a pair of 3-pointers to keep No. 3 Kansas at bay, and Perry Jones III finished with 18 points as the No. 12 Bears beat the Jayhawks 81-72 on Friday night to reach the Big 12 tournament title game.

Laid-off Wash. man wins $250K on Mega Millions

KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) -- A $250,000 win on a Mega Millions ticket couldn't have come at a better time for a 36-year-old Kennewick, Wash., man who says he was laid off last September.

Montreal forward Erik Cole fined $2,500

NEW YORK (AP) -- Montreal forward Erik Cole was fined $2,500 by the NHL on Friday for slew-footing Edmonton defenseman Jeff Petry in the Canadiens' 5-3 victory over the Oilers on Thursday night.

Miami declares top scorer Durand Scott ineligible

ATLANTA (AP) -- Miami guard Durand Scott, the Hurricanes' leading scorer, is not playing in Friday night's ACC tournament game against Florida State.

Akron beats Kent State 78-74, moves into MAC final

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Nikola Cvetinovic scored 15 points and Alex Abreu made two free throws with 15 seconds left, giving top-seeded Akron a 78-74 win over rival Kent State in the semifinals of the Mid-American Conference tournament on Friday night.

Thornton, Rivers lead Duke past Va. Tech 60-56

ATLANTA (AP) -- Tyler Thornton scored a career-high 13 points, Austin Rivers hustled for a clinching three-point play and No. 6 Duke survived an ugly performance against cold-shooting Virginia Tech, beating the Hokies 60-56 in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament Friday night.

Oregon man gets life for killing stepfather

YUBA CITY, Calif. (AP) -- An Oregon man convicted of killing and mutilating his stepfather, then scattering his body parts in a Northern California river, has been ordered to spend the rest of his life in prison.

Jeff Hurd named interim WAC commissioner

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Jeff Hurd has been appointed the interim commissioner of the Western Athletic Conference after longtime commissioner Karl Benson accepted the same position with the Sun Belt Conference.

Arrest in threatening letters sent to Congress

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A 39-year-old man has been arrested in connection with threatening letters containing a suspicious powdery substance that were sent to members of Congress.

Miss Becca narrowly wins Santa Anita feature

ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) -- Miss Becca rallied on the far outside to beat Lindz Winz by a nose in the $59,400 Jersey Shore Purse for California-bred fillies and mares on Friday at Santa Anita.

Churchill Downs raises ticket prices for Ky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- It's going to cost more for a walk-up general admission ticket to the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.

Body of boy, 2, found after WA home fire

SEQUIM, Wash. (AP) -- Clallam County sheriff's investigators have found the body of a 2-year-old boy in the rubble of a mobile home fire that also seriously burned the child's father.

Nets G Williams leaves game with sore calf

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- New Jersey guard Deron Williams left Friday night's game against the Charlotte Bobcats with a sore right calf and will not return according to the team.

Phelps posts 2nd-best 200 free in world this year

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Taking care not to push himself too hard and too stay on pace, star Olympian Michael Phelps cruised to a 200 freestyle win Friday at the Columbus Grand Prix in the second-best time in the world this year.

Love doubtful vs. Lakers with back spasms

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Kevin Love was scratched from the starting lineup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night because of back spasms.

Hanford reactor tours open to school children

RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) -- School children will be allowed inside a historic nuclear reactor at the Hanford nuclear reservation for the first time this year.

Kahne fastest on day of records at Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Kasey Kahne will start on the pole after setting a track record on a fast day of qualifying at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Bethune-Cookman beats Hampton 81-72

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) -- Adrien Coleman led six players in double figures with 16 points as Bethune-Cookman beat Hampton 81-72 Friday night in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference semifinals.

Reputed Mass. mobster girlfriend rethinking plea

BOSTON (AP) -- The brother of one of reputed mobster James "Whitey" Bulger's alleged murder victims says he's been told by a representative for federal prosecutors in Boston that Bulger's girlfriend Catherine Greig (Grehg) is considering pleading guilty to helping Bulger evade capture.

American Hampton, McHale win at Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) -- Two young American women stepped into the BNP Paribas Open spotlight Friday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Spurs rest banged-up Parker against Clippers

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Spurs guard Tony Parker won't play against Chris Paul and Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night because of a sore thigh.

Atlanta G Johnson back in lineup

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- Atlanta guard Joe Johnson is back in the lineup after missing four games because of left knee tendinitis.

Kayaker from Eastern Ore. dies in Colombia flood

BAKER CITY, Ore. (AP) -- Family members say a former Baker City man who worked as a smokejumper in Central Oregon during the fire season and spent the rest of the year kayaking the rivers of South America has died after a flash flood swept him from a campsite in Colombia.

Alabama's Jones shifts from left tackle to center

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Alabama Outland Trophy winner Barrett Jones opened spring practice at a new position.

Dacker, Clark homer to lead Padres over Angels 6-3

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- Jaff Dacker and Matt Clark each hit a solo homer during a three-run seventh inning to lead the San Diego Padres to a 6-3 win over Los Angeles in front of 9,562 fans -- the Angels' first home sellout of the spring.

Matt Jones takes 3-stroke lead in Puerto Rico

RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico (AP) -- Matt Jones shot a 5-under 67 in windy conditions Friday to open a three-stroke lead over George McNeill in the PGA Tour's Puerto Rico Open.

Former Olympic hoops player Hoag dies at 81

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Charlie Hoag, a four-sport standout at Kansas who helped the United States win the gold medal in basketball at the Helsinki Olympics, died late Thursday after a long illness. He was 81.

Jockey Gomez aborts comeback after recurring pain

ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) -- Eclipse Award-winning jockey Garrett Gomez returned to ride Friday after missing two months with a broken left heel but had to abandon his comeback after one race because of pain.

3 Broncos suspended for violating NFL drug policy

NEW YORK (AP) -- The NFL has suspended linebacker D.J. Williams, defensive tackle Ryan McBean and tight end Virgil Green of the Denver Broncos for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Putz makes debut as D-backs top Mariners 8-5

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) -- Diamondbacks closer J.J. Putz made his spring training debut on Friday, allowing a solo home run in an inning during Arizona's 8-5 win over the Seattle Mariners.

Brewers hit four homers in 12-2 win over Indians

PHOENIX (AP) -- Randy Wolf and five Milwaukee relievers held the Cleveland Indians to three hits and the Brewers belted four home runs in a 12-2 win Friday.

Wood pitches into third inning for Cubs in win

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Travis Wood boosted his chances of earning a spot in the Chicago Cubs' rotation, allowing one run while pitching into the third inning of a 5-1 win over the White Sox on Friday.

Florida beats Alabama, 66-63

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Bradley Beal scored 16, Erik Murphy added 15 and Florida beat Alabama 66-63 in the Southeastern Conference tournament quarterfinals on Friday.

Two suspects in Vancouver robbery arrested in Salem

Salem police found a stolen vehicle Thursday night that was used earlier in the day in an armed robbery in Vancouver.

Texas Southern repels Alcorn State 60-55 in SWAC

GARLAND, Texas (AP) -- Omar Strong scored 18 points to lead Texas Southern to a 60-55 victory over Alcorn State in the semifinals of the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament Friday.

Rolen feeling better, gets RBI as Reds top Royals

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -- Scott Rolen singled in a run to help a Cincinnati Reds split squad beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Friday.

Ruffino romps in the Big A feature

NEW YORK (AP) -- Ruffino, the 2-5 favorite, romped to a seven-length victory over Dakota Roadhouse on Friday in the $57,000 allowance feature at Aqueduct.

Dixon, Franchitti pace IndyCar spring training

SEBRING, Fla. (AP) -- Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti paced the four days of IndyCar spring training.

No. 2 Stanford beats Arizona St 52-43 in Pac-12

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Nnemkadi Ogwumike had 24 points and 12 rebounds, and second-ranked Stanford overcame its worst shooting of the season to beat Arizona State 52-43 Friday in the Pac-12 tournament semifinals.

All-Region Gymnastics

Columbia River senior is All-Region gymnast of year

Jennifer DeBellis is an expert on the floor exercise. Not so much, she says on the uneven bars.

In Our View: Free Ride for PCO Elections

On at least one bill, legislators show that parties matter more than public

Party loyalty trumped public service in the Legislature Monday when lawmakers approved what voters should see as an abuse of the state election system, an abuse that had been ruled unconstitutional by a U.S. District judge. Only four state senators and one state representative (none from Clark County, sadly) were courageous enough to oppose House Bill 1860, which forces the public to pay for the election of precinct committee officers (PCOs). In other words, the political parties get to conduct their private business on the public’s dime.PCOs are leaders of both political parties who direct operations in the state’s 6,500 precincts (194 in Clark County). With two parties, that means about 13,000 PCOs statewide and 388 here locally. As we reported in a Jan. 4 editorial, using the same formula for distribution of election costs that is used for other jurisdictions, the two local political parties would’ve been charged a combined $53,000 for election services in 2010.

Green faces his toughest test yet

Vancouver boxer will try to improve to 5-0 on Saturday

The way Virgil Green sees it, he’s not yet the top junior welterweight boxer in the Northwest.

Editorial cartoon: Romney plan on the roof

March 8

Weekly junior hockey report, March 9

Weekly update on the Portland Winterhawks and Vancouver Victory junior hockey teams.

Press Talk: Great live chat, green eggs and heroes!

‘Hello? What day is this? Friday? You’re kidding, right? My Press Talk column is on Saturday. What am I doing here?Would you believe I moved to Friday because it’s a much stronger readership day?"

‘Next Top Model’ to hold Vancouver casting call

The next contestants for “America’s Next Top Model” could be found in Vancouver on Saturday: Westfield Vancouver mall will host one of the few West Coast casting calls for the reality show’s 19th season.

Marcus: Uninspiring, plodding Romney has a rocky road ahead

The tedious fable of the Republican primaries, “The Tortoise and the Hares,” is limping toward its predictable close. But if “fear the turtle” turned out to be wise advice for Mitt Romney’s Republican opponents, the general election promises an even bumpier road for the plodding candidate. “We hit the reset button and the campaign begins anew with a different opponent,” Romney’s senior adviser, Eric Fehrnstrom, told reporters. “We’ll be able to draw sharp contrasts with the president and the president alone, not worrying about our competition. It will be a different race at that point, and the numbers will begin again.”

Vital Statistics

Births, Marriage dissolutions. marriage licenses, court sentencings.

Every show’s a celebration for Flogging Molly

It doesn’t need to be St. Patrick’s Day for Irish/punk band to have a good time

In recent years, Flogging Molly has become famous for playing its “Green 17” tour, a winter-spring road trip that leads up to St. Patrick’s Day.

Obstacle course race on Sunday is March "mudness"

The 3-mile walk/run is a dirty dash

If mud were a commodity, the Pacific Northwest would easily be one of the richest spots on the planet.

Make room for hearty Breakfast at Valerie’s

Why: Breakfast at Valerie’s opened six months ago and has already become a habit for many seeking the ever-popular supersized All-American breakfast. Menu items are numerous, ensuring something to please a range of appetites, and lunch is served as well. Prices and atmosphere focus on family-friendly dining.

Clark County Fire & Rescue pact ‘well-crafted’

Clark County Fire & Rescue commissioners and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3674 approved a contract last month that will help the department improve staffing levels and work with decreasing revenue.

Talking Points: Tournament bid for UW?

What's the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking: Washington's NCAA hopes, MLS soaring popularity

Outdoors blog 3/9

Big number of boats chasing spring chinook counted Thursday on lower Columbia River

New rules for home child care

State stresses safety, development issues; local providers have some concerns

Family home child care providers will soon be subject to a host of tighter rules designed to boost child safety and edification.

Letter: Protect ANWR from drilling

Washington’s U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, voted to sacrifice our natural heritage by supporting the terrible House Resolution 3408. This bill opens the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, and part of our Pacific and Atlantic coasts that are currently protected because they are sensitive.

Letter: Elections limited to those in power

What kind of high-handed political shenanigans goes on in Olympia? Suspending the 2012 presidential primary election? Hmm, let me see now … what countries have we heard wherein the ruling parties cancel elections because they want to shut out opposition parties?

Letter: A tale of two bridges

Let’s compare the bloated Columbia River Crossing I-5 replacement bridge with the award-winning I-35W bridge in Minneapolis.

Letter: Disorganized caucus disappointing

Never before witnessing a political caucus, I expected a very business-like moving-right-along style of meeting. At first glance, the March 3 Republican presidential precinct caucus appeared very unorganized with no direction. I believe a microphone must have been in charge. There was never a person to be seen talking to the microphone.

Letter: Judge’s conduct acceptable

It is unfortunate that Judge John Wulle has been made to appear as a rogue judge as he conducts his day-to-day affairs in our county’s courtrooms.

Death notices

A daily list of death notices

John ‘J.J.’ Burke tapped to lead Woodland chamber

Woodland — John “J.J.” Burke has been named director of the Woodland Chamber of Commerce, an appointment announced Wednesday by Judy Bartlett, board president of the nearly 200-member group.

Bits 'n' Pieces: Davis takes her fame on 10-venue tour

Rebecca Davis has played several major roles in her 11 years performing with PHAME Academy, but never in front of a hometown crowd in Vancouver.

Board: Ore. food co-op resisted unionizing efforts

ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Employees at an Ashland co-op market have been trying since April to win union representation, but the National Labor Relations Board says the store's management has interfered with the process.

Ashland food co-op resist unionizing efforts

ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Employees at an Ashland co-op market have been trying since April to win union representation, but the National Labor Relations Board says the store's management has interfered with the process.

O's Reimold hit in head by pitch from Rays' Cobb

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) -- Baltimore Orioles left fielder Nolan Reimold was taken to a hospital after he was hit in the left side of the head by a fastball from Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Alex Cobb in the first inning of a 3-3, 10-inning tie on Friday.

Judge, deputy wounded in Wash. courthouse attack

MONTESANO, Wash. (AP) -- Officials say a man stabbed a Washington state judge and shot a sheriff's deputy with her own weapon in a courthouse struggle, and authorities placed the tiny town where the attack happened on lockdown as they hunted for the assailant.

Judge wounded in attack sued over court security

MONTESANO, Wash. (AP) -- A judge who was wounded in a courthouse attack in Washington state had sued last year to protest budget cuts that he said were making the courthouse dangerous.

Body found in fire at Malaga homeless camp site

MALAGA, Wash. (AP) -- The Chelan County sheriff's office says a body found at a brush fire Friday morning at Malaga may have been a homeless camper.

Leslie leads NC State past Virginia, 67-64

ATLANTA (AP) -- C.J. Leslie had 19 points and 14 rebounds and North Carolina State, attempting to remove all doubt about its NCAA tournament status, beat Virginia 67-64 on Friday to advance to the semifinals of the ACC tournament.

Cards' Wainwright's return to mound a success

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Adam Wainwright pitched two scoreless innings in his first start in over a year, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Friday.

LA Sparks sign Ashley Shields

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Los Angeles Sparks signed guard Ashley Shields to a training camp contract.

Cardinals make offers to 3 restricted free agents

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- The Arizona Cardinals have made one-year qualifying offers to restricted free agents LaRod Stephens-Howling, Greg Toler and Rashad Johnson.

Wisconsin beats Indiana 79-71 in Big Ten tourney

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Rob Wilson scored a career-high 30 points and No. 14 Wisconsin tied the Big Ten tournament record with 13 3-pointers to get past No. 15 Indiana 79-71 in Friday's Big Ten tournament quarterfinals.

Mixed results for Blackmon at Okla. State pro day

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) -- Justin Blackmon's fast feet may have helped solidify his position as a top NFL draft prospect. It was his usually sure hands that let him down at Oklahoma State's pro day.

Braves' Teheran rebounds from six-homer start

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Hoping to earn a spot in Atlanta's rotation, Julio Teheran allowed one run and three hits over three innings as a Braves split squad lost 3-0 to the New York Yankees on Friday.

NJIT stops Utah Valley 88-78 in OT in Great West

CHICAGO (AP) -- Chris Flores scored 27 points to lead NJIT to an 88-78 overtime victory over top-seeded Utah Valley in the Great West Conference tournament semifinals Friday.

Kitzhaber extends supervisor hiring freeze

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Gov. John Kitzhaber's administration has told many state agencies to hold off hiring managers and supervisors. That extends part of a freeze it began three months ago when Oregon's state revenue collections came up short

Zenyatta nurturing newly born colt

VERSAILLES, Ky. (AP) -- Zenyatta was nurturing her newly born colt a day after she gave birth for the first time.

Gee gives up two runs in Mets' 5-3 win over Braves

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) -- Dillon Gee allowed two runs and five hits in three innings as the New York Mets defeated an Atlanta Braves split squad 5-3 on Friday.

Broncos' Carter takes charity trip to Africa

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Quinton Carter's charitable works are now taking him to another continent.

Cooper, Lawrie lead Blue Jays in win over Astros

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) -- David Cooper drove in three runs with a single and a double and reliever Luis Perez struck out four in two innings Friday as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Houston Astros 11-2.

NRC orders safety changes after Japan crisis

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is ordering sweeping safety changes for U.S. nuclear power plants, triggered by the crisis in Japan.

Cochran-Siegle adds 2nd gold at Alpine juniors

ROCCARASO, Italy (AP) -- Ryan Cochran-Siegle of Starksboro, Vt., won the men's combined title Friday for his second gold medal of the 2012 Alpine Junior World Ski Championships.

Controller involved in 2nd potential collision

WASHINGTON (AP) -- An air traffic controller who nearly caused a midair collision last year is again relieved of duty after putting two planes on what could have been a collision course.

Probation ends early for ex-Bengal 'Pacman' Jones

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones has been released from a year's probation after completing court-ordered community service 10 months early.

Report of courthouse shooting in Washington state

MONTESANO, Wash. (AP) -- Emergency responders have been dispatched to a report of a shooting at a courthouse in Washington state.

Report of courthouse shooting in Montesano

MONTESANO, Wash. (AP) -- Emergency responders have been dispatched to a report of a shooting at the Grays Harbor County Courthouse in Montesano.

Orioles LF Nolan Reimold hit in head with pitch

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) -- Baltimore Orioles left fielder Nolan Reimold has been taken to a hospital after being hit in the side of the head by a pitch from Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Alex Cobb in the first inning Friday.

Stabbings injure 3 in Salem

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Police are searching for two suspects in a Salem stabbing that injured three people, one critically.

Wash. school shooting raises supervision issues

SEATTLE (AP) -- The father of a girl who was shot after a 9-year-old boy brought a gun to his elementary school in Washington says the state failed his daughter.

School shooting raises child supervision questions

SEATTLE (AP) -- The anguished father of a little girl who was shot in her third-grade classroom after a 9-year-old boy brought a gun to his Bremerton elementary school says the state failed his daughter.

Couple finds love while being treated for cancer

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) -- A young couple who met and fell in love while being treated for cancer married in the basement of Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital.

Longtime MLB umpire Harry Wendelstedt dies at 73

NEW YORK (AP) -- Longtime big league umpire Harry Wendelstedt has died after an extended illness. He was 73.

Romney's victories leave GOP leaders unimpressed

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Mitt Romney's Super Tuesday victories have been met with a collective yawn from GOP leaders who could play an important role at the party's convention this summer.

Wash. lawmakers return next week to address budget

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Lawmakers only get a short reprieve after wrapping up a two-month legislative session, and are set to return next week to address an impasse over the supplemental budget.

LB Kellen Jones transferring from Oklahoma

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Linebacker Kellen Jones plans to transfer after only one season at Oklahoma.

NCAA denies Georgia Tech's appeal of sanctions

ATLANTA (AP) -- The NCAA has denied Georgia Tech's appeal to have sanctions reduced that were announced last year.

Woman found dead in Grandview apartment

GRANDVIEW, Wash. (AP) -- A woman has been killed in Grandview and police are looking for a man as a person of interest.

Wheldon's death looms as racing returns to Vegas

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Racing returns to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the first time since IndyCar star Dan Wheldon was killed in a fiery crash last fall.

Wash. creates website to report wolf sightings

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- People who think they've seen a wolf, heard one howl or found other evidence of wolves in Washington have a new place to share their story.

Lions DT Suh cited for speeding in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was pulled over Thursday afternoon and ticketed for speeding.

Crosby feels good, but won't rush return

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby says he's been symptom-free since being cleared for contact, but remains in no rush to get back from the concussion-like symptoms that have sidelined him since early December.

Bills LB Morrison agrees to 2-year contract

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Linebacker Kirk Morrison has agreed to a two-year contract potentially worth more than $4 million with the Buffalo Bills.

McKenna can raise money for gov.'s race - briefly

SEATTLE (AP) -- Attorney General Rob McKenna is temporarily able to raise money again for his gubernatorial bid.

Clippers sign Simmons to 2nd 10-day deal

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Los Angeles Clippers have signed forward Bobby Simmons to a second 10-day contract.

A's release backup catcher Powell

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- The Oakland Athletics have released catcher Landon Powell, a non-roster invitee to spring training this year.

Cartoonist: 'Doonesbury' pushback not surprising

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Cartoonist Garry Trudeau says it would have been surprising if there hadn't been pushback against an upcoming series of his "Doonesbury" comic strip that lampoons a Texas abortion law requiring women to have an ultrasound before an abortion.