Stories from Friday, March 22, 2013

Vela Williams of Cardwell, Mo., received 68 birthday cards from friends and family. Mrs. Williams celebrates her birthday on Feb. 28. She is a leap year baby born on Feb. 29 and celebrates each year on Feb. 28. She always receives a large number of birthday cards, some years up to 50, but this year she received a record 68 cards...

Amy Thomas of Monette has been named Monette Manor March Employee of the Month. Thomas is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and has been with Monette Manor since October. "I love it here," she said. "This is my first job as a CNA and I enjoy helping the residents."...

The city of Blytheville is pursing a state grant to help fund an estimated $3.3 million job to overlay and widen Elm Street and Byrum Road. Earlier this month, Mayor James Sanders submitted a letter to the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department notifying the state of the city's intent to apply for State Aid Construction Project grant funding for street improvements...

Blytheville native Staff Sgt. Jamal Young, currently serving with the 603rd Air Control Squadron at Aviano Air Base in Italy, was recently named a performer with Tops in Blue, the United States Air Force's entertainment unit. According to a release from Aviano, Tops in Blue, an active duty unit comprised of talented service members selected for their performing abilities, will begin training Young in April. ...

A light layer of snow blanketed much of Mississippi County Thursday night -- the first day of Spring. The snow hung around throughout Friday morning in places like open lots and Walker Park where foot traffic appeared to be light.

LITTLE ROCK (AP) -- State economic development officials overestimated the long-term benefits of a proposal to help finance a $1.1 billion steel mill proposed in northeast Arkansas, because they didn't consider uncertainties surrounding the project, according to report released Thursday by a consultant that lawmakers hired...

Second Judicial District prosecuting attorney Scott Ellington said Friday morning that his office is still investigating information collected by the FBI and Arkansas State Police regarding the city of Blytheville's multimillion payroll tax debt. "It's still under investigation," Ellington said Friday morning...

A funeral service for Mr. James Monroe Forshee of Mountain Home will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro with the Rev. Larry Bailey officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Saturday at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mountain Home and Monday, March 25, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church...

Recent reports from the Blytheville Police Department: March 19 Officers responded to a residential fire on West Ash Street. The residence was abandoned and had no utilities. The Blytheville Fire Department has not determined the cause of the fire yet...

My Dear Sweet Sainted Wife is making plans to spend several days in points north during the granddaughter Alexandra and Leah-Bo's spring break next week, and I think she has plans for me to join her at some point in time. The most likely reunion location is opening day of Six Flags St. Louis next Saturday, particularly if I can swing a few press passes and the weather turns out to be decent...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- It turns out there is someone who can tone down the taunting and irreverent antics Marshall Henderson is becoming known for. His name is Marshall Henderson. Mississippi's flamboyant guard missed 12 of his first 13 shots and was 0 for 6 from 3-point range Friday when he finally connected for a long 3-pointer in a second-round NCAA game against Wisconsin. ...