Stories from Wednesday, March 5, 2014

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a column about the unpredictability of high school athletics, in particular, end of the season prep basketball. I covered just about every aspect except one thing -- the weather. There's an old saying, "If you wonder if God has a sense of humor, just make plans." Well, plans were made for the state tournaments to begin on Tuesday, then Wednesday and now Thursday (If I were a betting man, I wouldn't bet on it.) I guess in this day and age, even God tries to get as much milage out of a good joke as he can.. ...

Jason Troy Ward, 42, of Arbyrd, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2014, at St. Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Doris "Delois" Taylor, 61, of Osceola, died Monday, Feb. 24, 2014, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Mrs. Mary Gray, 89, of Blytheville, departed this life Monday, March 3, 2014, at the Flo and Phil Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Mr. Ralph Eugene Goacher Sr., 81, of Blytheville, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2014 at the Lakeside Nursing Home in Lake City.

Barbara Sue Byrd Betts, 65 of Steele, died Monday, March 3, 2014, at the NHC Center in Kennett.

I'm writing because I am tired of the way our government officials operate with two sets of rules. What's good for the goose is not good for the gander. It is disrespectful for Sheriff Cook to refer to the police officers as "brand new guys." They went to police academy and completed the required course of instruction. They are not guys. They are officers. Would he like to be referred to as the old guy since he is experienced?...

The Little Rock Marathon/Half-Marathon is billed as "Arkansas' Race for any Pace." The theme for this year's event, which was held Sunday morning, was "Epic" -- a fitting theme, considering the race was run as a winter storm descended on the region.

Scott Ellington, Second Judicial District prosecuting attorney, filed for re-election Monday at the State Capitol in Little Rock.

Poor road conditions continue to be one of the biggest concerns for Blytheville and the surrounding areas, and local authorities are urging drivers to use extreme caution.