Stories from Thursday, June 7, 2012

I've seen a lot of inspiring sporting events over the years. As a kid, I remember watching Walter Payton break Jim Brown's rushing yards record on an overcast October afternoon in Chicago in 1984. A year later, I cheered on Payton and the '85 Bears in one of the most historic seasons recorded by any team in any sport at any time. As a teenager, it was Michael Jordan and his plethora of game-winning shots that inspired me and the Chicago Bulls' six championships...

Mr. Johnnie Lee Mitchell, 62, of San Francisco, Calif., died Wednesday, May 30, 2012, in San Francisco.

Mrs. Vera Elizabeth Arnold, 88, of Mountain Home, died Sunday, June 3, 2012, in a local hospice facility.

It struck me funny as I started typing the words: they lost their battle with cancer. After more thought, I changed the wording to a more accurate depiction of one dying from the disease.

Deanna Dismukes, trustee with the Matilda and Karl Pfeifer museum in Piggott, was at the Blytheville Welcome Center Tuesday to talk to kids from the DCOM Boy and Girls Club out of Luxora.

Relay for Life Honorary Survivor Teresa Whatley was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2010. During an annual mammogram, Whatley's test showed a micro-calcification that turned out to be a very aggressive form of breast cancer.

Arkansas 1st District congressional candidate Scott Ellington (D) was in Blytheville Thursday reaching out to local residents in preparation for Tuesday's voting.

A Kennett man was killed Wednesday night in an accident which occurred in the Armorel area.

According to city attorney Mike Bearden, Blytheville officials have turned over the pending lawsuit from Mississippi County to Municipal League attorneys. The city must file an answer to the complaint within 30 days of receipt, which occurred on May 30.

Mrs. Elizabeth "Mellow" Lark, 85, of Blytheville, died Monday, June 4, 2012, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Okla.