Stories from Monday, October 12, 2015

Blytheville police are investigating a shooting Saturday in the 800 block of South Lake. Derrick Whitfield, who was shot in the leg, said he was walking south on Lake Street, when a dark colored pickup truck pulled up beside him. "A light-skinned black male, ranging from 15 to 23 years old, got out of the truck and started to argue with him," the police report said. "The offender accused him of breaking into one of his friend's residence."...

Local authorities are investigating a reported arson, Saturday, at Dollar Tree, 201 South Service Road. An employee told police that a black male walked to an aisle and lit a paper decoration on fire with a lighter. "He placed it back and the wrapper that it was in began to melt on other paper items on the shelf," the report said. "(The employee) advised that she could smell something burning and later discovered the paper. She was unaware of how the fire was put out or if it went out on its own."...

The following are reports from the Blytheville Police Department. Saturday, Oct. 10 -- Police took a criminal mischief report in the 300 block of East Dougan. A vehicle window was broken. -- Police arrested Mark Galbraith for allegedly shoplifting $12.56 worth of items at Walmart...

Mississippi County Sheriff's Office Intake Report -- 10/5 through 10/11...

Numerous Blytheville voters have publicly expressed confusion regarding the exact wording selected for the ballot question (regarding a new permanent one percent sales and usage tax in Blytheville) that voters will decide on October 20, when they go to the polls in a special election...

Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Scott Ellington said Monday that the fatal July shooting involving a Manila police officer was justified. "I have reviewed the case file completed by the Arkansas State Police regarding the investigation of the death of Timothy Johnson of Manila, Arkansas," Ellington said in a letter to the Arkansas State Police. ...

Steven Dale Lemery, 56, of, Pea Ridge, died Monday, October 12 at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville. He was born April 6, 1959 in Blytheville to Dale Gordon Lemery and Betty Lou Ledbetter Lemery. He has lived in the area for 25 years and married Ginger Sue Easton August 8, 1988. He was a sandblaster, painter, and worked for Erwin Towing and Wrecker Service in Pea Ridge. He loved to ride his motorcycle and spend time with his grandchildren...

County Assessor Harley Bradley proposed Monday to the Quorum Court's finance committee that the county enter into contract with Tax Management Associates (TMA), a business personal property reappraisal group that he says could quadruple the amount of business personal tax funds being collected...

Monday afternoon, Mayor James Sanders announced to members of the Police and Fire Committee of the Blytheville City Council that he had received two replies to a published Request for Qualifications (RFQ) regarding the former National Guard Armory which he hopes to transform into a new justice center. He then showed the members two renderings of what one architectural firm believes possible...

Councilman Kevin Snow hand out to members of the Airport and Utilities Committee of the Blytheville City Council, along with City Finance Director John Callens, a sheet of paper containing approximately five questions that he said constituents have asked him about...

CHICAGO (AP) -- The young sluggers of the Chicago Cubs are making themselves at home in the playoffs. On a rare off night for Jake Arrieta, the Windy City rookies bashed their way to the brink of the NL Championship Series. Jorge Soler, Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber connected during a six-homer show for the Cubs, who beat the St. ...