Stories from Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Well, here we are, at the beginning of another year, at least according to the Roman calendar. Most ancient civilizations use the winter solstice (northern hemisphere)/summer solstice (southern hemisphere) on Dec. 21 as the beginning of their year, including the ancient Mayans, but that is a topic for another column...

DYERSBURG, Tenn. -- The Caruthersville Tigers came from behind to defeat the Blytheville Chickasaws 67-61 in the opening round of the Dyersburg Invitational Christmas Tournament here Tuesday night. The game featured a highly anticipated matchup of two teams featuring several high profile athletes. ...

The Osceola City Council has authorized Mayor Dickie Kennemore to "participate" in a lawsuit filed against the Mississippi County Election Commission and Justices of the Peace Emmanuel Lofton and Hattie Middlebrook. On behalf of JP Adonis Hopper, attorney Mike Bearden filed the lawsuit which contends the redistricting draft chosen by the commission is unfair to voters within its districts...

Blytheville citizens are again reminded not to shoot guns in celebration of New Year's Eve this weekend. According to Blytheville Police Chief Ross Thompson, the city of Blytheville has an ordinance against discharging a firearm within city limits. This includes firing a gun into the air on New Year's Eve...

The South Mississippi County School Board will take a millage increase to the voters once again Feb. 14, 2012. Voters defeated a millage increase, 354-207, in the regular September School Board election. The millage was proposed for the building of a new elementary school, which would cause the closing of the Wilson, Keiser and Luxora Elementary campuses. Mayors in two of these towns fought the millage increase...

With his first year winding down, Blytheville Mayor James Sanders didn't hesitate to say he would still seek the office if he had it to do over again. "I certainly would," he said. "People can always come in and give opinions about what they think this ought to be, how they think we ought to change this and if I was doing this, what I would do. ...

Officers were dispatched to 701 North Second in reference to residential burglary.