Stories from Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Mr. William "Willie" Tibbs, 66, of Osceola, died Thursday, March 6, 2014, in Osceola.

Mrs. Alberta Rucker, 96, of Grand Rapids, Mich., formerly of Blytheville, died Saturday, March 8, 2014.

Mrs. Barbara Ann George, 59, of Blytheville, died Saturday, March 8, 2014.

I was blown away when I read the letter to the editor by the Bible thumper about marijuana. Times they are a changing, and if you don't agree that sick people can be helped by medical marijuana, then use your right to vote and vote against it. It's ludicrous to tell people all they need is a good dose of Jesus when they are in pain and can't eat food because they're going through chemotherapy. ...

As I visit with my Facebook friends in my writers' groups and book club, I have come to a very sad realization. Most of the people with whom I speak are not only not Christians, but have no problem stating this fact to the world.

The Armorel School Board unanimously approved adjustments to its school calendar Monday night during the board's monthly meeting.

Blytheville will be well-represented this fall at the police academy in Pocahontas.

The trial of 43-year-old Jimmy Northern was set began Tuesday morning, but the case was pushed back to June, giving prosecutors an opportunity to bring in a witness.

John Ed Regenold was honored during the Greater Blytheville Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet and Awards of Excellence with the 2014 Lifetime Community Achievement Award.

PARIS DEFEATS MANILA 47-39 Manila saw one of its most successful seasons end on a disappointing note when the Lady Lions fell in the first round of the Class 3A State Tournament to Paris Friday afternoon at Charleston. ...

Buffalo Island Central used a big fourth quarter to pull away from Bearden en route to a 70-51 victory in the first round of the Class 2A State Tournament Saturday afternoon at Hampton. It was the 30th victory of the season for the Mustangs, who celebrated their return to state tournament play under Head Coach Bill Taylor...

Buffalo Island Central's second half comeback bid fell just short in Monday afternoon's Class 2A State Tournament quarterfinals at Hampton, as Clarendon held off the Mustangs, 55-49...

Terry McNatt, Craighead County treasurer, announced he will seek reelection to that office. McNatt was elected in 2012 to serve the citizens of Craighead County. "My pledge was to bring honesty, integrity, and dedication to the office. At all times, our goal is to make sure the job is done correctly an in an efficient, honest manner. We have done that," McNatt said...

Dan Sullivan announces he will challenge for the House District 53 seat in the upcoming election. "Many issues face the citizens of Arkansas, none more pressing than taking back control of our local businesses, farms and schools. Party lines do not represent people, people represent people. And I want to be that representative," Dan Sullivan said...

Spring sports will finally get underway this week around the area. After missing an entire week because of last week's winter storm, baseball and softball teams will take advantage of the decent weather beginning today. Blytheville baseball heads to Obion County, Tenn. ...

The Gosnell Pirates open the 2014 baseball season Thursday afternoon at Jonesboro. The Pirates are coming of a 2013 campaign that saw them finish with a 5-5 record in the 3-4A conference and an opening round loss to Highland in the district tournament...

Raymond Abramson of Holly Grove has officially announced and filed as a candidate for the District One, Position One seat on the Arkansas Court of Appeals. Abramson is running to succeed Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge John Mauzy Pittman. ...

The Manila Depot Museum recently received a gift from the family of Mrs. Elvina Bollinger. The family donated a charming 1920/30s white porcelain enamel table to the museum in her memory. ...

The 29th Annual General Patrick R. Cleburne Memorial Service will take place in Helena's Confederate Cemetery on Saturday, March 15, according to Ron Kelley communications office with the Arkansas Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV)...

Manila Pack 32 hosted the 2014 Cherokee District Pinewood Derby at the Community Center on Saturday, March 8. Over 100 Scouts participated in the event. Not just the young Scouts, but parents and siblings had the opportunity to race in the vintage competition following the Scouts...

Madison Joy Finch and Michael Heath Hawkins were married in a double-ring ceremony solemnized Jan. 3 at the Beach Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico. The bride is the daughter of Jeff and April Finch of Monette. She is the granddaughter of Henry Dean and Alice Finch of Jonesboro, Steve and Barbara Suber of Monette and the late Donald Payne...

Nancy Spencer, junior high teacher at Buffalo Island Central, was named Region 8 Teacher of the Month. Spencer was nominated by a parent of one of seventh grade students. A Teacher of the Month is chosen by a committee...