Stories from Wednesday, February 9, 2011

They still call it Humphrey Coliseum, but Dysfunction Junction might be the more appropriately titled setting for tonight's Arkansas vs. Mississippi State SEC West game in Starkville, Miss. Tip-off is 7 p.m. and will be telecast on the SEC network.

The Blytheville Chickasaws bounced back from a disheartening defeat at Beebe on Saturday to beat the Paragould Rams, 56-49, Tuesday night in another tough 5A-East battle at Chickasaw Gym.

Osceola Seminole Coach Mark Williams has been arrested and put on a 30-day sus- pension from his duties at the school.

Mr. Jose Sanchez, 51, of Jonesboro, died Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Mrs. Vernice Logan, 85, of Wilson, died of heart failure Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011, in Osceola.

Mr. Richard M. Crawford, 74, of Blytheville, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, at Blytheville.

Tulula Adams Cagle, 70, of Leachville, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, at her home.

Jennifer Blankenship, born and raised in Blytheville, has committed to doing her life's work in her hometown, at her alma mater, Blytheville High School.

An inspector is currently evaluating the Blytheville Fire Department for the city's critical ISO rating, which determines insurance costs.

The following individuals had warrants for failure to appear from the Blytheville Police Department in December.

Revenues have been consistent in the Wastewater Department, Wastewater superintendent Kenneth Ellis told the Blytheville City Council's Airport and Utilities Committee Tuesday night.

Blytheville Firefighter Sam Bourland was recently chosen by his co-workers as Firefighter of the Year in Blytheville.

The Blytheville Planning Commission is gathering information for a future public hearing on potential new zoning, stemming from the future Highway 18 overpass project.

An Osceola man was shot and killed by a federal officer following the execution of a search warrant Tuesday at an Osceola home.

This 7-foot snow-woman at 713 W. Hardin in Blytheville was created by Devin, Jaelyn and Karla Ray. The children named her "Ms. Penny Frostella." She has a ruffled neckline with black buttons down the front. She has a red pigtail wig, and on top of the wig is a purple cowgirl hat. She is holding a broom in her right hand and waving with her left hand. Her eyes are made of buttons and her nose is sculptured, as well as her hands. Her mouth is shaped in the snow...

Mrs. Rosie Mae Stevens, 87, of Baton Rouge, La., formerly of Blytheville, died Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, in Baton Rouge.

The Blytheville Chickasaws remained third in the 5A-East with a victory over Paragould, Tuesday night.

Enough with the snow. I'm not much for the winter months, so the fact that the Groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted an early spring last week is welcome news.

Recent reports from the Blytheville Police Department.

Atascadero, Calif. -- Grace Bridges, age 92 of Atascadero, Calif., former longtime Manila resident, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at the Atascadero Christian Home. Born at Manila she was the daughter of the late Frank and Rosa Belle Ashabranner Dudley, the widow of Atlas Bridges, and a longtime member of the Manila Church of Christ...

Jonesboro -- Jose Sanchez, age 51 of Jonesboro, died Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born in Hichuacan, Mexico he was a U.S. citizen and was retired from the maintenance department at Riceland Foods in Jonesboro...

Benton -- Dorothy Lee (Odom) Wright, age 94, of Benton, passed away Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011. She was born December 30, 1916, in Bogota, Tenn., to the late Ernest T. Odom and Mary Francis Briggance Odom. Mrs. ...

An arrest has been made in the near-fatal crash involving Blytheville Police officer Cody Gentry on Jan. 13, according to Blytheville Police Chief Ross Thompson.