Morning Newswatch with Jay Caldwell

Today on WJON's Voices For Veterans program I was joined by Dr. Erik Vilen, RN Katie Skroch, and Public Officer Barry Venable from the St. Cloud V.A. The topic today was pain management and specifically the procedure called battlefield acupuncture.

The St. Cloud V.A. will be hosting another Veteran job fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the St. Cloud V.A. Auditorium Thursday March 21. Twenty-five employers will be on hand ready to meet with and interview veteran applicants.

The Minnesota lost 3-1 at home against Colorado last night but remain just 1 point back of Arizona for the last wildcard spot in the Western Conference with 8 games remaining. Arizona has 9 games left.

Twins' center fielder Byron Buxton is batting .400 and stole 2 bases yesterday. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me today on WJON. He suggested that Buxton start the year hitting 9th to take the pressure off and give him a chance to be a 2nd lead-off man.

Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall joined me on WJON today. She discussed their county planning efforts, the possibility of scheduling courts differently, where forfeiture and fine dollars go, legalizing marijuana and drones at festivals.

The Gophers received a bid to the NCAA tournament Sunday night when the pairings were announced and will play Louisville in the first round Thursday at 11:15, pregame on AM 1390-Granite City Sports at 10:45 a.m.

The Gopher basketball team defeated Penn State in overtime in the 2nd round of the Big Ten Tournament last night. The win may have cemented their place as an at-large team in the NCAA Tournament. The Star Tribune's Lavelle E Neal III joined me on WJON today.

WJON's Question of the Week is asking listeners to name a song from an Irish Singer or band. Let me know between 9:10-10 today by calling 320-252-5852, email jay@wjon.com

Twins top starting pitcher Jose Berrios got hit for 2 earned runs in 3 1/3 innings yesterday and his spring training ERA is now 5.19. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan isn't concerned about Berrios' spring ERA and feels he has a chance to be a real ace pitcher not just the best sta…

The Sartell-St. Stephen boys basketball team shared the Central Lakes Conference title with Apollo this season after winning just 4 games last season. The Sabres are 20-8 and will play for the Section 8-3-A Friday night in Brainerd against top-seeded Bemidji at 7 p.m.