Stories from Tuesday, September 30, 2014

A few years ago, the Blytheville Rotary Club provided a drug take-back box at the Blytheville Police Department in hopes of keeping some unused prescription drugs out of the wrong hands.

The Mississippi County Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Arkansas recently received $36,834 in grant funds from the Arkansas Cancer Coalition to participate in the National Cancer Institute''s Body and Soul Program.

It's that time again -- the Arts Council of Mississippi County is looking for volunteers to help with its annual Halloween haunted house fundraiser, "The Haunted Theater."

Billy Edward Russell, 77, of Joiner, died of heart failure on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014, in Joiner.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- The top 10 overall high school football teams in Arkansas and the top five in Classes 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A and 2A, as voted by a panel of Associated Press-member sports writers and broadcasters. Ranking is given with first-place votes received, records, total points and last week's rankings...

Michael Anthony Crews, 43, of Leachville, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Riverside and Manila golfers join BIC in qualifying for state tournament Buffalo Island Central ran away from the rest of the field in the 2A District Golf Tournament Monday afternoon at the Turkey Mountain Golf Club in Horseshoe Bend. ...

Dalton Romero had a banner night, scoring five touchdowns, to help power Melbourne to a convincing 41-8 3A-3 conference football victory over Manila Friday night at Lion Field. The 170 pound senior running back rushed for four scores and caught a touchdown pass in totaling 190 all purpose yards on the evening...

Manila Mayor Wayne Wagner has announced his plans to seek re-election. "As I attend mayor's meetings throughout Mississippi County, people will ask me, How has Manila accomplished so much in the last three years," Wagner said. ...

Manila City Councilman Jason Baltimore is seeking re-election to Ward 2 position 2. Baltimore said in the past four years, he has enjoyed serving the people of Manila. He is a lifelong resident of Manila and graduated from Manila High School in 1996 and went on to get his Bachelor's Degree from Arkansas State University and Master's Degree from the University of Arkansas. ...

Volume 2 of What's Cookin' at the Depot cookbook is completed and filled with delicious recipes from local cooks. Also featured are many "in memory" recipes from loved ones and friends throughout the area...

Manila School board members elected Jeremy Jackson to serve as board president for the upcoming school year at the Sept. 25 meeting. Other officers elected include Brandon Veach, vice president; and Tracey Reinhart, secretary...

Administrators of the Buffalo Island School District held the district's state mandated public meeting during the BIC school board's regular meeting Sept. 23 held in the MAC. Prior to building administrators beginning the annual report to the public, Superintendent Gaylon Taylor thanked the board, administrators, faculty and individuals that worked hard to pass the proposed millage.. ...

Arkansas Highway Department Director Scott Bennett visited the Blytheville Lion's Club Tuesday, confirming earlier reports that current delays on the overpass construction project are linked to issues with contractors.

Blytheville Waterworks General Manager Gary Phillips has resigned, though Blytheville Mayor James Sanders said he is unsure why.