Wednesday, March 17, 2010

PIAA swimming and diving championship underway

LEWISBURG – Over the next three days the Central Susquehanna Valley will welcome about 5,000 people thanks to the PIAA Swimming and Diving Championships taking place at Bucknell University.  Andrew Miller, of the Susquehanna Valley Visitors Bureau, says they helped businesses get ready for the influx of teams, coaches, officials, families and fans.  He says there is a big banner in downtown Lewisburg, and businesses are filled with balloons and banners.

Connie Buck is the General Manager at the EconoLodge in Shamokin Dam, and says they have nine teams staying with them during the event.  Buck says the championship is a financial boost for the area, and it is one of their biggest revenue generators of the year.

The championship takes place at Bucknell University’s Kinney Natatorium and runs through Saturday. (Sara Bartlett)

Spring cleaning, upgrades at NorCo Prison

SUNBURY – Tidying up and upgrades are underway at the Northumberland County Prison.  Recently completed were repairs to the wall surrounding the prison.  Warden Roy Johnson says there was a bulge in the wall causing a safety issue, but it was fixed this week.  In addition, Johnson says there is a plan in development to disconnect and remove an old coal-fired boiler, in order to reduce sludge found in the steam system. 

Some inmate cells will also be renovated, and there are plans to install additional showers in the prison as well.  Johnson also says fresh coats of paint inside and pressure washing outside of the prison is also in the future plans.  The 135-year-old prison has been the target of criticism, with some citing safety concerns in the outdated facility, as well as overcrowding. (Sara Bartlett)

More than 100 girls take part in a symposium just for them

LEWISBURG – More than 100 high school girls from all area school districts took part in Junior Achievement’s Young Women’s Futures Symposium on Tuesday at Bucknell University.  The girls were taught about the variety of career choices available to them, how to write a resume and cover letter, how to dress for success, how to budget your money and much more.  The guest speaker at the event was a nationally known motivational speaker Harriet Turk, who taught the girls to be proud of who they are. The career symposium took place all day on Tuesday and businesswomen from across the valley volunteered their time to work with the girls and help mentor them about making good choices.  (Ali Stevens)

Participate in a national study conducted by the ACS

SUNBURY – A new study is being conducted by the American Cancer Society and you can participate.  Karen Maurer of the American Cancer Society in Williamsport says this is the third cancer prevention study sponsored by the American Cancer Society’s research team.  The study is called “Research Today for a Cancer Free Tomorrow” and they are trying to enroll 500,000 people nationally.  And Maurer says local residents can take part with enrollment taking place at the Williamsport Relay for Life in May and the Selinsgrove Relay for Life in June. 

Those taking part in the study would be agreeing to be followed by the cancer society for the rest of their lives and must start the study not having previously been diagnosed with cancer.  Those who have been touched by a relative or friend with cancer are encouraged to participate. You can also call the Williamsport office of the American Cancer Society at 570-326-4149. (Ali Stevens)

Police look for Zerbe township car thief

TREVORTON – State Police at Stonington are looking for information on a theft from a car in Northumberland County.  Sometime on March 6^th or 7^th, police say an unknown person smashed the windows of a vehicle in a Zerbe Township parking lot along Route 890.  Over $1,600 worth of items, mostly power tools were stolen.  Anyone with information is asked to call police.  

Inmate charged with assaulting two corrections officers will go to court 

SHAMOKIN – An inmate at the State Correctional Institution in Coal Township is heading to court on charges that he assaulted two corrections officers.  56-year-old Dennis McKeithan is charged with aggravated and simple assault, assault by a prisoner and harassment for an incident at the prison on October 7^th.  State police say McKeithan assaulted two corrections officers causing multiple injuries.  He will be formally arraigned in Sunbury on April 23^rd at the Northumberland County Courthouse.  (Ali Stevens)

Construction of new Lewisburg Area High School favored

LEWISBURG – Tuesday’s meeting at Lewisburg Area High School was the latest step taken toward determining the future for that district’s school facilities.  More than 150 attendees sifted through the pros and cons of better than a dozen plans, including proposals to build a new high school.  Estimated price tags ranged from $27-to-$56 million dollars, with tax consequences uncertain.  Superintendent Dr. Mark DiRocco says a facilities committee will take the data collected and make its recommendations to the school board on April 8^th. 

A pair of $47.3 million dollar options were favored that would build a new high school on land owned by the district in Kelly Township.  But, Chris Boyatzis of Kelly Township says he has safety and cost concerns.   And Jordi Comas of Lewisburg preferred a plan other than what got the most votes.  He says students could still walk to a comprehensive school campus in and around the Middle School and Linntown Elementary. 

That plan also had its critics who say it could damage a wetland, bring an unsafe increase in motorized traffic to Fairground Road , and leave most Lewisburg’s athletic teams where they are now.  That is, with no where to go to practice or compete, except off campus.  (Matt Farrand)

Call for public support of area community college

SUNBURY – In order for a community college to be located in the Susquehanna Valley, commissioners in each county must approve.  That’s where members of the Susquehanna Valley Community Education Project say the public comes in.  Member of the board Steve Connolley says they have laid the groundwork, done research and line up support, and now it’s time for the community to contact local officials.  Connolley says in talking to commissioners, the response they get is that they don’t hear enough support from the public.

A public meeting was held Tuesday night to discuss the project, and take residents questions.  Donna Tydryszewski of Sunbury has two teenage sons and says she favors the community college as a cost saving measure for higher education, and looks at it as revitalization to Sunbury.

Also speaking at the meeting was board member and immediate past president of the State Board of Education Karl Girton.  He calls a community college the pathway to longterm economic viability, showing current and prospective employers that there is a skilled workforce in the area. (Sara Bartlett) 

Riverfront Project walkway now under construction

SUNBURY – Motorists along Sunbury’s Front Street had to slow down at midday Tuesday as city employees and contractor Kinsley Construction prepped the area for some of the first visible signs of progress on the Sunbury Riverfront Project.  Foreman Arthur Goodling of Weikert says the initial steps included erosion control and preparation for a new water line. 

Only a single lane of traffic was allowed on a portion of Front Street as city crews removed planters and benches and PPL took away a utility pole in preparation for the project.  Supporters hope the $9 million dollar project will provide easy access to the Susquehanna River from the City of Sunbury.  (Matt Farrand)

Commissioners postpone security guard decision

SUNBURY – Security guards in Northumberland County are keeping their jobs…for now.  The commissioners tabled the action to hire an outside firm and will keep the eight guards.  The commissioners were vague at Tuesday’s meeting about why they are not firing the guards, as reported last week. 

They did say it is a personnel issue and that factors include the push back from the union, and others who say getting rid of workers to save the county $60,000 is unwise.  The issue is still alive and a contract with Allied Barton is still pending.  Guards will be notified that they will be kept on for now, and a decision could be made within the next month.

In other commissioner action, the county has changed electric companies.  They will now use Liberty Power, LLC, instead of PPL Generation.  The commissioners say they hope to save $70,000 a year with the change.

Local fallen solider to be honored

HARRISBURG – A stretch of highway in Snyder County will be named in honor of a local soldier who was killed in Iraq.  Governor Ed Rendell Tuesday signed into law that Route 35 from Selinsgrove to the Snyder County line near Richfield will be designated the Private First Class Justin W. Dreese Memorial Highway. 

State Representative Russ Fairchild (R-85^th, Winfield) was one lawmaker who introduced the bill and says it is a pleasure to honor one of our fallen soldiers in this manner.  State Representatives Merle Phillips (R-108^th, Sunbury) and Adam Harris (R-82^nd, Mifflintown) were also active in introducing the bill. 

Former NorCo employee pleads guilty to theft

BLOOMSBURG – The Turbotville man who worked as the director of Northumberland County’s drug and alcohol treatment program for nearly 20 years has plead guilty to felony theft charges.  60-year-old Sam Williamson faces up to nine years in prison and will have to repay the county over $18,000, as well as giving up $157,000 of his pension benefits.

Williamson concealed his outside employment with businesses that had contracts with the county.  While serving as director, he allegedly approved contracts for outside counseling services and also performed private work for the same businesses.  In addition, between 2005 and 2007, he’s also accused of receiving payment for more than 400 hours of personal work that was performed during times when he was also collecting wages from Northumberland County. 

Williamson is also accused of misdirecting several thousands of dollars in cash payments that were made to the county drug and alcohol office.  According to criminal charges, there was over $12,000 missing; over $3,000 was used to purchase gift cards, flowers and groceries, while over $9,000 is unaccounted for.  Williamson retired from the position in December 2007.

A motorist died in Columbia County wreck

BLOOMSBURG – State troopers say a traffic fatality in Columbia County claimed the life of a man from Hughesville Monday night.  The 7:00p.m. crash on Route 42 killed 23-year-old Kurtis Simcox.  They say he was driving on Route 42 in Pine Township, Columbia County, crossed the road and hit an embankment.  He was thrown from the auto and died at the scene according to troopers.

Evan Gala a huge success
 

Lecture honors doc who passed away last year

LEWISBURG – A lecture to honor a local doctor who passed away last year will be held Wednesday in Lewisburg. Dr. Maria Fasano Bhangdia says it is the first annual memorial lecture for her father, Dr. Charles Fasano, who was the creator and managing corporate physician of the Family Practice Centers in our area.

Fasano Bhangdia says each year they hope to get a nationally recognized speaker. This year Dr. Arthur Caplan will speak about the ethics of healthcare. The lecture is free and open to the public, and will be held Wednesday in Trout Auditorium on the campus of Bucknell University at 7:00p.m. (Sara Bartlett)

Bloomsburg man charged with Danville area burglary

DANVILLE – A Bloomsburg man is behind bars after police say he burglarized a business in the Danville area Saturday. 33-year-old Kevin McCarthy faces a number of charges for the incident. Troopers say McCarthy entered the business around 4:20 Saturday morning.

He then stole cash and other items valued at more than $1,000. McCarthy was arrested by state police at his home and arraigned before District Judge Craig Long. He was sent to the Montour County Prison on $25,000 bail.

Seminar focuses on Susquehanna Valley Community College

SUNBURY – A seminar will be held today (Tuesday) for all to learn more about the Susquehanna Valley Community College movement. All are invited to Shikellamy High School Auditorium from 5:30-6:30p.m. this evening.

There will be commentary from Susquehanna Valley Community Education Project board member and past president of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education Karl Girton. In addition, there will be a question and answer session. For more information you can go to www.newcommunitycollege.com. (Sara Bartlett)

The American Cancer Society’s daffodil days

WILLIAMSPORT – This is the week to get fresh cut Daffodils while supporting the American Cancer Society. Daffodils have been pre-ordered and will be delivered to many area businesses this week, but they will also be on sale at locations in the area such as the mall.

Karen Maurer says they also have a special bear for sale each year. This year’s bear, donated by Boyd’s Bears is a birthday bear with a party hat and cupcake. Maurer says the American Cancer Society knows that you celebrate more birthdays if you fight back against cancer.

American Cancer Society volunteers are busy packaging the flowers and delivering them this week. Maurer says the Daffodil is a symbol of hope in the fight against cancer. (Ali Stevens)

Building collapse in Shamokin

SHAMOKIN – A portion of Market Street in Shamokin was closed for about six hours on Saturday after part of a building collapsed onto the street. The incident took place at an abandoned building at 23 South Market Street, near the intersection of Market and West High Streets.

Officials tell us sheet metal and bricks were found in the road around 11:30 a.m. after part of the building fell. The building has been vacant for several years and is said to be in poor condition. High winds may have been a factor in the collapse. The News Item reports the owner of the building plans to tear it down following the incident on Saturday. (Ali Stevens)

I-80 construction starts back up

BLOOMSBURG – For the second year in a row, construction will take place on Interstate 80 near the Buckhorn exit in Columbia County. Work starts today and will continue until the end of the summer. Motorists traveling on I-80 will experience one-lane travel conditions on both east and westbound lanes.

Route 42 at Interstate 80 is also under construction, so delays are expected on Route 42 and Interstate 80 in the area of the Buckhorn exit. The Interstate 80 project is in its second year and should wrap up by the end of the summer, with the entire project costing about $38-million. For all construction projects in our area go to our road report page at www.wkok.com. (Ali Stevens)

More people need to be screened for colon cancer

LEWISBURG – March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and a local doctor says more people need to be screened for colon cancer. Dr. Joseph Gallagher is a Gastroenterologist and says many people are afraid to get checked out, with only about 50 percent of the population getting a colonoscopy when they should.

Dr. Gallagher says many people associate colon cancer as a man’s disease, which is not an accurate assessment. He says colon cancer diagnosis is just about 50-50 with women and men. Dr. Gallagher tells us getting through the colon cleansing part of the procedure is the biggest hurdle for most.

However, he says the actual exam is much easier with patients on anesthesia so they don’t feel anything. Dr. Gallagher says many deaths can be prevented through routine colonoscopy screenings because colon cancer is treatable if caught early and if polyps are removed. (Ali Stevens)

Celebrating 4H this week in Central Pennsylvania

DANVILLE – Saint Patrick’s Day…Spring…4H. All things associated with the color green. This week is set aside to raise awareness about the 4H Youth Organization that has been around a little more than a century.

Montour County 4-H assistant Vonnie Young has been involved with the group in some fashion since she was young and says that as a leader, she is even more aware of its’ benefits. She says leadership skills, responsibility and good public speaking are just some of the assets acquired in 4H.

Young works out of the Penn State Cooperative Extension office on Woodbine Lane. She emphasizes that 4-H isn’t just an agricultural based group anymore. Members take part in projects as diverse as cake decorating, orienteering and making musical instruments. (Matt Bowen and Deanna Force)

Latest Pennsylvania news, lottery, business and entertainment

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - U.S. Senate candidate Joe Sestak is challenging the petition of a fellow candidate seeking to get his name on May's Democratic primary ballot.  Sestak's challenge filed late Tuesday in Commonwealth Court said Joseph Vodvarka's petition does not contain enough valid voter signatures.  Sestak is a second-term member of Congress and former Navy admiral from the Philadelphia suburbs. Vodvarka owns a spring manufacturing business in the Pittsburgh area and has never run for political office.  Both are challenging incumbent Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter.  Sestak is questioning the validity of more than 1,100 of the 2,600-plus signatures that he says Vodvarka filed.  Candidates were required to collect the name, address and signature of at least 2,000 registered Democratic voters by last week's deadline.  Vodvarka said Wednesday he would contest Sestak's challenge.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A former western Pennsylvania ACORN worker has pleaded no contest to charges stemming from allegations that voter registration group's workers forged, illegally solicited or illegally filled out voter registration cards for the 2008 general election.  Twenty-year-old Eric Jones, of Forest Hills, pleaded no contest Tuesday in Allegheny County Court to forgery, unsworn falsification, obstruction and interference with the function of the board of elections. Other charges, including dealing in quotas, were dropped.  Jones was sentenced to two years probation and agreed to cooperate in any voter fraud investigation.  Prosecutors charged seven ACORN workers in May.  ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, has denied using quotas.

YORK, Pa. (AP) - A large sinkhole has forced the demolition of a central Pennsylvania duplex.  Officials in York ordered the building knocked down Tuesday after 20-foot-deep sinkhole weakened its foundation.  York City emergency officials say the sinkhole was noticed in late December. York City Fire/Rescue Services Chief John Senft says the sinkhole was likely worsened by the weekend rain and made the duplex structurally unstable.  Authorities say the owner had tried unsuccessfully to plug the sinkhole himself.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Poker, blackjack and other table games should be up and running at two Pennsylvania casinos later this year.  The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board on Tuesday approved the first two petitions filed under a new law that allows table games to be added to the state's slot-machine casinos.  The initial approvals are for the Mohegan Sun Casino at the Pocono Downs racetrack near Wilkes-Barre and Parx Casino at the Philadelphia Park racetrack in suburban Philadelphia.  Officials from the two casinos told the gaming board they would hire almost 1,000 new full-time employees to staff the table games. Each of the casino owners must pay a $16.5 million table games license fee by June 1.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania will join other major natural-gas states in requiring the prompt disclosure of production results.  State senators unanimously approved the measure Tuesday, six days after the House did the same. Gov. Ed Rendell is expected to sign it.  State legislators are peeling back the cloak of secrecy just as exploration companies are flocking to Pennsylvania in pursuit of natural gas in the sprawling Marcellus Shale formation.  The measure will require the disclosure of well-specific production data every six months. Currently, a 25-year-old state law requires state regulators to keep oil and gas production data confidential for five years.  Supporters say faster disclosure will help companies harvest the gas and let landowners see whether they are getting the royalties they are owed.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Jurors in the public corruption trial of a once-powerful Pennsylvania lawmaker are soon to begin their fourth day of deliberations.  The jury of eight women and four men will go behind closed doors again on Wednesday. The panel has already deliberated for 20 hours on the charges against former Democratic state Rep. Mike Veon and three of his former aides.  The defendants are accused of theft, conspiracy and conflict of interest. Prosecutors say they ran a scheme to siphon off taxpayer resources to wage political campaigns and underwrite other activities. Testimony lasted nearly six weeks.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) - Another company is kicking in support for West Virginia University's new Natural Gas Education Program.  EQT Corp. of Pittsburgh, the largest natural gas producer in the Appalachian basin, is giving the Extension Service $25,000. Company spokesman Kevin West says the importance of the oil and gas industry to the state economy is growing every year.  Last month, Virginia-based Dominion provided $50,000 to start the public-education program.  Industry expects WVU Extension to provide unbiased information to people affected by exploration, drilling and production.  EQT operates in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Updates on the latest in business:

Dow: + 47.69 (10,733.67)

S&P 500: + 6.75 (1,166.21)

NASDAQ: + 11.08 (2,389.09)

Wells Fargo signs up for loan modification program

NEW YORK (AP) - Wells Fargo & Co. has become the second bank to sign up for a government program to modify second mortgages.  The program is part of the Obama administration's mortgage modification program that is aimed at reducing monthly payments to help customers stay in their homes.  The modification program offers lenders who made "piggyback" loans - second mortgages that allowed consumers to make a small or no down payment during the housing boom - incentives to lower payments or eliminate the loans entirely. During the market's peak, even customers with spotty credit history were extended second mortgages.  By signing up for the program, all customers of Wells Fargo or Wachovia who have already modified their first mortgage through the modification program, known as the Home Affordable Modification Program or HAMP, can also modify their second mortgage.

NJ: Asian casino boss has mob ties in China

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey casino regulators say they have evidence Asian casino magnate Stanley Ho has extensive ties to organized crime in China.  Their suspicions led MGM Mirage to agree last week to sell its half of Atlantic City's top casino - rather than abandon the lucrative Chinese market, where it has a joint venture with Ho's daughter.  Considered the father of modern gambling in China, Ho lets criminal gangs "operate and thrive" inside his casinos, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement said in a report made public Wednesday. The division found Pansy Ho remains under her father's influence.  The Hos did not respond to requests for comment. MGM Mirage defended the pair and noted they haven't been charged with wrongdoing.

Schlumberger CEO's pay falls 4.2 percent in 2009

NEW YORK (AP) - The Associated Press has found that the chairman and CEO of Schlumberger Ltd., the world's biggest oilfield services company, saw his total compensation fall 4.2 percent in 2009 from a year earlier.  Andrew Gould's pay was $13.1 million last year, compared with $13.7 million the year before.  The company, based in Houston, was hit hard last year as crude prices sagged and drilling companies idled half of all rigs in the U.S.  The AP's executive pay calculation, based on a regulatory filing, aims to isolate the value the company's board placed on the CEO's total compensation package. The figure includes salary, bonus, incentives, perks and the estimated value of stock options and awards.

Pennsylvania Lottery

     HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - These Pennsylvania lotteries were drawn on Wednesday:

Midday Big 4

     9-0-9-3

Midday Number

     0-1-3

Midday Quinto

     9-3-4-7-7

Treasure Hunt

     07-12-13-25-27

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Alicia Keys, Shakira among stars for World Cup concert

JOHANNESBURG (AP) - Alicia Keys, Shakira, Black Eyed Peas and John Legend will perform at the World Cup kickoff concert in Johannesburg.  FIFA announced the lineup of musical stars Wednesday for the concert on June 10, the day before the opening match.  The concert also will feature a strong African presence with South African folk singer Vusi Mahlasela and Malian artists Amadou and Mariam. South African rock bands BLK JKS and The Parlotones also will perform as the country prepares to be the first African host in the 80-year history of the tournament.  FIFA selected Emmy Award-winning producer Kevin Wall to produce the concert at Soweto's Orlando Stadium.  FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said the concert would celebrate the unifying power of soccer and music.

Posner says he failed to source material for book

NEW YORK (AP) - An author and journalist who resigned last month from the Internet news site The Daily Beast over allegations of lifting material acknowledged that passages in his latest book are similar to those of another writer. Gerald Posner says a flawed research methodology for "Miami Babylon," a nonfiction work released last fall, led him to use text from Frank Owen's "Clubland" without giving proper credit.  Posner says he'll revise the material in question and would check the rest of the book for possible problems.  His publisher, Simon & Schuster, didn't have an immediate comment.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Obama fills out tournament bracket again for ESPN

BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) - President Barack Obama predicts Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky and Villanova to make the men's basketball Final Four.  Obama filled out a bracket for ESPN for the second straight year. This time, he's also making picks for the women's tournament, selecting Connecticut, Notre Dame, Stanford and Tennessee.  ESPN will reveal the full brackets Wednesday. His interview about the men's tournament will air that day during the 12 p.m.  SportsCenter, with the discussion of the women's tourney broadcast Friday during the 9 a.m. show.  Last year, Obama correctly picked North Carolina to win the national championship. His bracket ranked 903,125th overall, just above the 80th percentile in the ESPN's online contest.

Tattoo teacher

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Teach, keep your tats covered! That's the order from Ogden, Utah, school officials to English teacher Mark Johnson. He's been warned about violating a new district reg against faculty having visible tattoos, facial piercings and baggy pants. Johnson's left forearm is covered with ink, including his wife's initials and tributes to his kids. He says the rule against tattoos sends the wrong message to kids about free expression.  Johnson's now thinking about sending out his resume and looking for another job.

TV ratings

NEW YORK (AP) - Moving Jay Leno out of prime time has turned out to be a good thing for NBC. NBC's audience for that final hour of prime-time TV has increased by a whopping 45 percent. Even with that, NBC doesn't necessarily have any hits in that hour. But, the instant increase shows that viewers are more comfortable with the traditional mix of drama, news and reality rather than a late-night show moved into prime time. CBS won last week, followed by Fox, ABC and NBC. Here are last week's top-10 TV shows: "American Idol" on Tuesday and then, Wednesday, "NCIS," "American Idol" results show on Thursday, "Two and a Half Men," "NCIS: Los Angeles," "The Big Bang Theory," "The Mentalist," "CSI" and "The Good Wife."

Woods returns to golf

NEW YORK (AP) – CBS Sports' president thinks that Tiger Woods' return to golf will be one of the "biggest media spectacles in recent memory." Sean McManus told The Associated Press last week before Woods announced when he would play again that he believed only President Barack Obama's inauguration would rank higher as a media event.  CBS will get to televise the spectacle now that Woods has said he will come back at next month's Masters. Huge numbers of viewers will undoubtedly tune in to see how Woods plays following a four-month break from golf brought on by revelations of his infidelity.  ESPN airs the first two rounds of the Masters before CBS takes over for the weekend.

Glitch leads to adult video on kids channels in NC

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A cable TV spokeswoman says preview clips for adult programming appeared on two channels dedicated for kids in North Carolina because of an "equipment failure." Time Warner Cable Inc. spokeswoman Melissa Buscher said the problem lasted about two hours Tuesday morning in areas around Raleigh, and several parents called to report it.  Buscher said it happened on two "Kids on Demand" channels that were showing viewers a list of children's programming such as Dora the Explorer. The titles listed didn't match up with the preview videos in the right-hand corner of the screen, which showed a preview of adult programming instead of kids programming.  Buscher said the company regrets the glitch and has fixed the problem so it won't happen again.     

Heavyweight to featherweight: Tyson races pigeons
 

AVATAR to come out on DVD on Earth Day

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Although "Avatar" takes place on Pandora, the DVD and Blu-Ray are being released in conjunction with Earth Day. If you're in France, Belgium, the Netherlands or Spain, you can buy it on Earth Day: April 21. It'll be available April 22 in the U.S. and Canada. It'll roll out the next few days after that in other parts of our world. "Avatar" is the highest grossing movie of all time. So far, it's taken in more than $2.6 billion worldwide.

Film company promoting healthy snacks

LAS VEGAS (AP) - The head of Sony Pictures has suggested that movie theaters offer healthier snacks to help fight obesity and give audiences a broader range of food choices. Michael Lynton told theater owners at their annual ShoWest convention Monday that a survey by the studio found that two-thirds of moviegoers said they would be likely to buy healthy concessions if available. The chairman and chief executive officer for Sony says the survey also found that 60 percent of parents thought that healthier concessions would enhance the movie going experience and that 42 percent of parents would buy concessions at theaters more often if healthier choices were offered. His remarks came in the keynote address as the four-day convention opened.

Cubs-Broken Bus

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - The Chicago Cubs showed up for their exhibition game against Colorado about an hour later than expected after their bus broke down on the highway because of engine trouble. The Cubs chose to skip batting practice when they got to Hi Corbett Field in Tucson on Monday. They decided to just stretch instead. The Cubs were making a two-hour drive south when the bus broke down. Starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano was lucky - his cousin was following in a car, so they drove with catcher Koyie Hill to the park. Cub’s manager Lou Piniella wasn't with the team on the bus. He was driving separately with pitching coach Larry Rothschild.

Genesis inducted into Rock Hall in NYC ceremony

NEW YORK (AP) - English progressive rockers turned 1980s pop stars Genesis have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at a New York City ceremony. They're being joined by two other acts that thrived in second lives - ABBA and The Hollies. Genesis was inducted Monday by Trey Anastasio of Phish, whose band paid tribute to both incarnations of Genesis by performing "Watcher of the Skies" and "No Reply at All." The new inductees were missing Peter Gabriel, the theatrical lead singer whose departure was the dividing line between the band's two styles. Other scheduled inductees at the annual ceremony at The Waldorf-Astoria hotel were reggae superstar Jimmy Cliff and the raucous Iggy Pop and the Stooges. Music executive David Geffen and songwriters whose work sold hundreds of millions of copies join as non-performers.