Stories from Friday, December 12, 2014

Fidelity/Bethlehem Chapter Order of Eastern Star recently donated gloves to Rivercrest Elementary School. The gloves will be given to students who need them. Chapter members Louise Pugh and Eloise Moore presented the gloves to the school. Pictured are (front, from left) Gracie Smith, Alice Watkins, Johnetta Orr, Louise Pugh, Gussie Depriest, (back) Lena Gibson, Carolyn Hampton, Jackie Handy, Eloise Moore, Lillie Burton, Consuela Wilson and Teresa Flie...

Every year, God's Holy Temple Church gives turkeys to those that are in need. This year's recipients were Mr. Jo and Mrs. Renee Miller. The church also takes part in other charitable programs during the holidays, such as Toys for Tots, canned food drives and coat drives. "The Bible speaks of 'give and it shall be given unto you' (Luke 6:38)," noted church leaders. "As a Christian community, let us continue to be hospitable in our giving."...

Dorothy Crockett was recently recognized by the Republican Party of Arkansas for her chairmanship of the Mississippi County Lincoln Day Dinner. The event was named the "Best First Annual Event" for 2014. The award was presented during the party's annual state meeting...

If the citizens of Blytheville truly wish to save this town and bring it back to its former glory, there are several things that must be done. Code Enforcement must crack down and start writing tickets for the eyesore that is wide spread across the city. Old buildings and houses that are empty and falling apart need to be gone to make room for new houses. It should not matter whose property it is, it's time to clean this town up...

MANILA -- The Gosnell Pirates bowed out of the Gerald Jennings Tournament Thursday night after a 74-53 loss to former 3-4A rival, Valley View, in the semifinals. The Pirates (3-2) hung close for a half but a deadly mix of poor Gosnell shooting and turnovers mixed with a Blazer squad that was on fire kept the Pirates from advancing Saturday's championship game in the annual tournament...

Mr. Henry "Doc" Jones Jr., 67, of Osceola, died Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, in his home.

The trial for the man accused of murdering Daniel Goodwin in July of 2013 is slated to begin Tuesday.

Described by many as a hard worker whose passion was fired by a love for her community, Mrs. Hattie Middlebrook dedicated her life to public service and improving the lives of those around her.

ARMOREL -- By halftime, Armorel left little doubt in the outcome of Friday's conference contest with Maynard. The only question was the final score. The Tigers cruised to a 66-41 win in front of the home crowd. Armorel (6-7, 2-0) took control early, jumping out to a 16-2 lead in the first quarter. Behind 14 second quarter points from Zack Gray, the Tigers' lead swelled to 43-12 by halftime thanks to a 27-point period...

For three and a half periods, the Blytheville Chickasaws could not shake the Manila Lions. Finally, with five minutes left to play and clinging to a 40-39 lead, the Chicks finished on an 18-6 run to put away Manila, 58-45, Friday night at Chickasaw Gym...