Scott and White Blood Center, like many blood banks across the country, is facing critical shortages. The nation’s blood banks — represented by the American Association of Blood Banks, America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross — called Monday for immediate blood donations to boost already dangerously low blood supplies.

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation plans to permanently close its Temple plant at 1900C Industrial Blvd in early March, putting 41 employees out of work. The Smurfit-Stone Temple location Monday referred questions to corporate headquarters.

BELTON

TIKRIT, Iraq (AP) — Humvees have become a regular target for roadside bombs planted by Iraqi insurgents, so who better to call on to strengthen U.S. military vehicles against future blasts than Iraqis themselves. While driving through the Kurdish-controlled northern city of Kirkuk several months ago, Master Sgt. Dana Watson, 43, of St. Johns, Mich., came up with the idea to seek local assistance when he spotted men at a metal works shop grinding and welding pieces of steel.

MONTERREY, Mexico (AP)

WASHINGTON (AP)

HOUSTON (AP) — Roger Clemens throws quite a curveball, too. Clemens changed course Monday, ending his much-balleyhooed retirement after only 78 days and agreeing to pitch with close friend Andy Pettitte on their hometown Houston Astros.

BELTON — Competing for the first time at the Class 5A level last year, the Belton girls soccer team took a defense-first approach. After surrendering only 14 goals during a 13-5-4 campaign in which they captured second place in District 13-5A, the Lady Tigers figured there’s no reason to change.

ARLINGTON (AP) — Kenny Rogers agreed to a $6 million, two-year contract to return to the Texas Rangers, who also bolstered their bullpen Monday by signing setup man Jeff Nelson. The deal for Rogers, who pitched a perfect game for Texas in 1994, is contingent of him passing a physical. The 39-year-old left-hander would get $2.5 million this season and $3.5 million in 2005 for his third stint with the team — he also pitched for the Rangers for 1989-95 and 2000-02.

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) — Tall and tan, the most prolific passer in NFL history stood before a cluster of microphones, looking very much like he did during his final season four years ago. Still, when he began to discuss his new job as the Miami Dolphins’ senior vice president of football operations, it was hard to believe.