Stories from Thursday, February 14, 2013

Teresa Hiser is the new supervisor of the housekeeping/laundry department at Monette Manor. Teresa has worked in housekeeping for almost four years. She will be assuming the position of former supervisor, Lavern Austin, who retired...

A reception welcoming new administrator Jerod Straver was held at the Manila Nursing Center Thursday evening. Straver, a native of Trumann, is a 2010 graduate of Arkansas State University. Manila Nursing Center staff hosted the reception serving refreshments and welcoming the community to meet the new administrator...

Recent reports from the Blytheville Police Department:

Jay'Den Dai Quan Canada, 1, of Memphis, died Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, in Memphis.

Mr. Robert L. Campbell Sr., 83, of Blytheville, died Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Regarding the article about last week's meeting of the Mississippi County Quorum Court, I was appalled to see the words "In an impromptu meeting of the Finance Committee ..." This is clearly a violation of Arkansas' Freedom of Information Act, which states that notice of all meetings of public bodies, including committee meetings, must be given at least two hours prior to anyone who wishes to be notified...

I attended the Gosnell City Council meeting this past Tuesday night (Feb. 12). During the meeting, questions went unanswered, a theatrical show was put on and citizens were left with more questions. I am writing to just ask, where is morality anymore? What happened to representing your constituents instead of seeking your own agenda? What happened to leaders that cared about what voters want? What happened to electing people with ethics to political office?...

Saying the wrong thing can get you in the doghouse with your significant other on Valentine's Day.

A $150,000 bond has been set for 17-year-old Rodney Willis, who was charged with first-degree murder for his role in the murder of a Blytheville man in December.

According to the city's new police chief, Darrell Watkins, a plan is in place to repair the city of Gosnell's tornado sirens. During Tuesday night's city council meeting, it was discussed that none of the sirens are currently working.

The board of the Great River Economic Development Foundation met Wednesday to discuss the recommendation to appropriate county funds for Big River Steel, the new mill which John Correnti recently announced plans to construct near Osceola.

As of Jan. 25, city of Blytheville finance director LaVera Kuykendall is bonded through efforts of local insurer, United Agencies.

BAY--The Armorel Lady Tigers defeated the Black Rock Lady Zebras, 66-42, Tuesday night in the opening round of the 1A-3 East District Tournament. The Lady Tigers outscored the Lady Zebras, 42-19, in the second half on their way to the victory and a spot in the Regional tournament next week at Hillcrest...

BROOKLAND -- The Gosnell Pirates advanced to the conference 3-4A District Tournament championship thanks to a 59-52 win over the Pocahontas Redskins Wednesday night in the district semifinals. The Redskins, who are the only team to beat the Pirates since Christmas, led for most of the first half before Gosnell exploded for a 26-point third period to take control of the game...