Stories from Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Paul Vitale, well known author and professional speaker, was the guest at Manila High School for the fifth consecutive year...

Recent reports from the Blytheville Police Department:

Mrs. Barbara R. Odom, 55, died Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, peacefully at her home.

Damarcus Derrelle Mosley, 15, of Blytheville, died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Mrs. Katherine Elizabeth Metz, 44, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, at her home in Blytheville.

Mrs. Cora Lee Bell, 89, of Blytheville, died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, in her home.

Lately, I have been seeing a lot of TV shows about 12-21-2012 and the Mayan colander ending. For some reason, there are apparently a lot of people who worry about this event and the end of the world. Maybe I'm too simple, but I don't get it. Every year on Jan. ...

It is unfortunate, but it seems most of the time that people are only willing to take a moment of their time to share with the public when they have something negative or critical to say. I, for one, wish people would be more willing to share positive messages regarding our community. ...

It's hard to say exactly what it is that makes the Christmas season so special. So instead of trying to fully explain it, I have compiled here a list of a few of the things I most look forward to during the holiday season.

Farmers Bank has begun its annual toy drive for the Mississippi County foster children and the Haven. Toys are needed from ages infant to teenager for boys and girls and cash donations are welcome.

The Mississippi County Quorum Court passed its 2013 budget Tuesday night, a budget that will give the county nearly half a million dollar surplus at the end of the cycle.

As officials continue to wait for a signed agreement with Internal Revenue Service collectors on repayment of the multimillion dollar payroll tax debt, the city of Blytheville recently submitted its third large payment.

Blytheville Mayor James Sanders hopes to submit a proposed 2013 budget to members of the City Council before Friday.

The Arkansas Northeastern College presidential search committee has narrowed its search for a new president to two finalists.

The last two open slots on next year's Blytheville City Council were filled Tuesday night after runoff elections in Wards 1 and 3.

Manila businessmen Chris Gamble and Dan Gamble addressed Manila Mayor Wayne Wagner and the city council about water meters and other issues they wanted to discuss with city officials...

The Monette City Council met Monday, Nov. 19, passing two ordinances, setting employee bonuses, and completing plans for the Christmas Parade. Mayor Chub Qualls announced the members of the newly formed City Planning Commission, which include Mark Hurst, Shawn Nance, Landon Barrett, Phillip Duffel and Dick Pace...

ARMOREL--The Gosnell Lady Pirates were bumped from the Gerald Jennings Tournament in the first round after a 65-58 loss to the East Poinsett County Lady Warriors Tuesday night at Armorel. Gosnell (2-3, 1-1 3-4A) led early but EPC center Alicia Ross scored 16 first half points as the Lady Warriors wore down Gosnell...

STEELE, Mo. -- The third-seeded Gosnell boys basketball team defeated second-seeded Hayti 81-69 Tuesday night to earn a return trip to the championship of the Bulldog Classic. The Pirates will take on host South Pemiscot at 8:30 p.m. Friday, after the Bulldogs knocked off top-seeded Caruthersville, 111-107...

The Blytheville Chickasaws and new head coach Jeff Flanigan are still looking for their first victory of the 2012-13 season after a 79-34 loss to Missouri powerhouse Sikeston, Tuesday night, at Chickasaw Gym. "First of all, coach (Gregg) Holifield does a great job," said Flanigan. "There is a reason why they won a state championship two years ago and made the final four last year."...