Stories from Friday, March 8, 2013

Buffalo Island Central Students were honored at an awards ceremony presented by the Jonesboro Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). ...

The Buffalo Island Relay for Life Committee met Thursday evening, Feb. 28, setting a date for the annual gong show, survivor's social, and bank night. The Relay Gong Show will be held May 3 at the Melody Theater. Anyone interested in taking part will be welcomed. More details for the show will be forthcoming...

Recent reports from the Blytheville Police Department:

Ramona Sue Vandergriff, 60, of Jonesboro, passed from this life Thursday, March 7, 2013, at Ridgecrest Health and Rehabilitation in Jonesboro.

Betty Riggs, of Manila, widow of Mr. Ronald Riggs, died earlier today at her home.

Mr. Glenn E. Poff, 65, of Jonesboro, passed from this life, Thursday, March 7, 2013, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro.

Mrs. Mary Copeland, 89, longtime Leachville resident, died Friday, March 8, 2013, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Herb Smith popped his head in my office early this morning and started (I guess you could say) bragging about how much better the Blytheville High School baseball team is looking this year in comparison to recent years.

The Arkansas Northeastern College Music Department will present a concert of vocal and chamber music, titled "Musical Moments" on Sunday in the Adams/Vines recitall hall on the main ANC campus.

Mississippi County Sheriff Dale Cook met Thursday afternoon with the Quorum Court's Police, Fire and Safety Committee to give an update on the condition of his fleet.

Blytheville movie-goers will be treated to a new viewing experience at the Blytheville Cinema 3 starting this weekend as the theater moves to a 100 percent digital screening process that will include two 3-D screens.

During Thursday night's Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, Blytheville Parks and Recreation director Elroy Brown lobbied for the city to purchase an aerator that he believes will eliminate the annual fish kills at the Walker Park pond.

With daylight saving time coming up this weekend, Blytheville Fire Chief Mike Carney is reminding everyone that it is time to change the batteries in their smoke detectors.

JONESBORO--The Gosnell Pirates opened the 3-4A conference season on the road with a 3-1 win over Jonesboro Westside Thursday night. Senior Blake Sullivan picked up the win for the Pirates (2-1, 1-0 3-4A). A solo home run in the bottom of the second was all Sullivan allowed. ...

The Blytheville Chickasaws let one get away Thursday afternoon. Leading Buffalo Island Central, 10-2, heading into the top of the seventh inning, the Chicks gave up eight runs in the inning and wound up losing, 11-10. "We just couldn't get it done," said head coach Randy Smith. "We had a chance to win it and we just couldn't get it done."...

ARMOREL --The Armorel Tigers opened the 1A-3 East in what has become typical dominant fashion. The Tigers needed just two and a half innings to dispose of the visiting Maynard Tigers in a 20-0 shutout. Senior hurler Ty Wagganer continued his dominance over conference foes with a three inning no-hitter. Wagganer struck out the side in all three innings, fanning nine for the game. He shut down Maynard in order in the first and third innings...

Betty Dapthlene Riggs, age 71, of Manila, the widow of Mr. Ronald Wayne Riggs, died Friday, March 8, 2013, at her home. Born at Biggers, Ark., she was the daughter of the late William Henry and Eleanora Brantley Daniel and was a longtime Manila resident. ...