Stories from Wednesday, November 23, 2011

A "special visitor" recently visited Little People Learning Center. One of the teachers at the center, Magen Smith, is the owner of the turkey, and she thought it would be exciting and educational for the children to see a real turkey. The turkey, and the children enjoyed feeding the turkey clover...

Black Friday is two days away. The National Retail Federation is offering the following tips to keep shoppers safe:

Thanksgiving is a holiday steeped in tradition and history. But how much of that history is authentic, and how much is based on legend?

This Thursday, members of Gospel Lighthouse, in cooperation with the Senior Citizens Center and several other groups and churches, will be providing a free Thanksgiving meal for any person in the area who cannot provide one for themselves.

Blytheville and Mississippi County officials will meet Monday to tour the Federal Building on Walnut and Broadway.

Mr. Jeremy Shane Carruth, 30, of Manila, died Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011, at his home.

ARMOREL -- The Armorel Lady Tigers defeated the Piggott Lady Mowhawks, 49-37, and gave coach Shannon Miller his first win as senior high head coach Tuesday night. "It feels good to finally get a win," said first-year head coach Shannon Miller. "We set a goal to get a win before Thanksgiving and we accomplished that."...

Every basketball coach needs production from their guards to be successful. For Gosnell Pirate head coach Len Whitehead, he's lucky enough to have two starting guards with the ability to produce night in and night out. Along with senior Darrien McKinney, junior Tre Howe has given Coach Whitehead a guard who can control the game at any tempo...

After losing 11 seniors to graduation off the 5A-East championship team, Blytheville is in the rebuilding process this season. Fortunately for the Chicks, they still have two of the top coaching minds in the state on their bench -- veteran head coach David Hixson and assistant Bill Tyer...

As we prepare to give thanks this holiday, there are no doubt a number of things on our minds.

Recent reports from the Blytheville Police Department:

Ricky and Jill Moore announce the birth of their daughter, Keegan Sky Moore.

Mr. Bobby Gene Willis Jr., 27, of Oil Trough, died Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, in Oil Trough.

Mr. Thomas A. Whatley, 70, of Luxora, died Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Mrs. Merlene Leota Stokes, 77, of Etowah, died of cancer Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Mr. Danny Jene Smith Sr., 62, of Blytheville, died Monday, Nov. 21, 2011, at St. Bernards Hospital in Jonesboro.

There's an old saying: Any day above ground is a good day. If you're reading this, chances are you fit in that category and have at least one reason for which to give thanks on Thanksgiving.

I would like to bring to attention on how important it is for our community that we all shop in Blytheville.

Blytheville Waterworks manager Gary Phillips is urging local residents to be cautious of a mailer some received Wednesday, offering water line coverage.

With the approach of this year's holiday shopping season, local retailers continue to face the growing challenge of remaining competitive and retaining customers.

Mr. Jimmy R. Atchley, 67, of Steele, passed from this life Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo.