Stories from Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Recent reports from the Blytheville Police Department:

The family of a young man from Gosnell is asking the public's help in locating him. Josh Wilson, 21, left his family's house Sunday morning and his whereabouts as of presstime today (Tuesday) remain unknown.

Even the most faithful Pirate fan couldn't have seen this coming. After starting the year 0-3, Gosnell has won four of its last five -- all in 3-4A play -- with a chance to host a playoff game. The latest victory was surprising to some, a 34-12 win at then 6-1 Pocahontas...

Mr. Marshall V. Malone, 86, of Blytheville, passed from this life Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Mary Frances (Buck) Long, 86, of Waller, Texas, died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in the home in Magnolia, Ark.

Mrs. Mary Lucille Beggs Edgin, 93, of Arbyrd, the widow of Mr. George Edgin, died Sunday Oct. 21, 2012, at the Monette Manor Nursing Center in Monette.

Mrs. Patsy Ann Bishop, 62, of Marked Tree, died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Marked Tree.

Many people speak to the decline of the Arkansas Delta, while others encourage mass exodus from these areas. There are those to say that "there is nothing here," or it is "boring." This past weekend of Oct. 12-13, 2012, was a testimony that while some things have left Blytheville and some things have actually changed, there is still a lot of good in the community -- namely, the people...

The Ladybug Garden Club would like to thank the residents of Blytheville who have been working in their yards. As our team of judges have driven through the five areas looking at all yards and especially those nominated each month, we are so proud of all those who are helping to beautify their neighborhood...

This is one of those weeks when I just can't find enough hours or energy to finish every project that seems to just spring to life around me. Fast approaching is something to which I have been looking forward since I heard about it -- the National Novel Writing Month...

Arkansas Secretary of State Mark Martin predicted that 65 percent of voters will cast a ballot in the Nov. 6 election, as residents began voting early throughout the state Monday.

The Blytheville School District gave its annual Public Report Monday night, and while school improvements in literacy and math are still a key focus, Assistant Superintendent Sandra Hughey said the district is making great strides in working its way toward being considered proficient by state standards.

Members of the community had an opportunity to take part in a discussion about plans for a New Tech School District Conversion Charter for Blytheville High School during a public hearing Monday night.

Blytheville Police are investigating a possible homicide after a shooting early Monday morning.

The Mississippi County Quorum Court meets at 7 p.m. tonight (Tuesday) at the Osceola courthouse, and discussions are likely to center around the county's most pressing issue -- a need for drastic budget cuts.

The Blytheville City Council will meet with Municipal League attorney Mike Mosley at 2:30 p.m. today (Tuesday) in the Municipal Courtroom.

Mary Lucille Beggs Edgin, 93, of Arbyrd, Mo., the widow of Mr. George Edgin, died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, at Monette Manor Nursing Center in Monette. Born at Sulphur Rock, Ark., she was the daughter of the late William M. ...

Bob G. Landrum passed away in St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 24, 2012. He was born in Mountain Home, Ark., May 24, 1936. The family moved to Leachville in the mid 1940s. After attending high school in Leachville, he joined the Army spending most of the time in Germany. Bob spent many years in Florida where he had several business ventures...

Betty Lou Stubblefield, 84, passed away Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital. She was born April 24, 1928, at Lake City to the late John and Hattie Comer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Lake City United Methodist Church...

Manila pulled off one of the biggest victories in school history, shutting out perennial power Osceola 14-0 Thursday night in junior high football action at Lion Field. The Lion defense stymied the Seminoles throughout the night while the Manila offense controlled the clock, keying the victory. ...

Riverside girls' tennis team, individual and doubles are celebrating their third consecutive state titles. The tennis team won their third state championship on Tuesday at the 2A state tennis tournament held at Harrison...

Rivercrest stayed tied atop the 3A-3 conference with Osceola by shutting out Manila 40-0 Friday night at Lion Field. It was senior night for the Lions, who watched the game ball be delivered via helicopter at midfield prior to the kickoff...

The harlem Wizards played against the Mustang Magic Friday, Oct. 12 at the Mustang Athletic complex in Monette. The event was a fundriaser for the BIC sophomore Class.

Lake City City Clerk/Treasurer Linda Simpson was elected to serve as treasurer of the Arkansas City Clerks, Recorders and Treasurers Association (ACCRTA), during its annual business meeting held June 20, in Hot Springs as part of the Arkansas Municipal League's 78th Convention...

Sherry Bunch Pratt, Manila Christmas parade chairman, gave Mayor Wayne Wagner and council members an update on the event at the Monday, Oct. 15, city council meeting. The parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. ...

Lake City Mayor Jon Milligan asked the city council to approve end-of-the-year bonuses at the Oct. 15 meeting. Milligan requested $45 each for the 12 full time employees and $225 for the part-time employee. Council members voted 5-0 in favor of the bonuses...

The missing Gosnell man's car has been found, according to Gosnell Police Chief Bobby Trump. Late Tuesday afternoon, Trump told the Courier News that 21-year-old Josh Wilson's car was found in Mountain Home with the keys in it as well as his personal belongings...