Stories from Friday, September 7, 2018

Jerry Dean Simpson, 76, passed away Monday, Sept. 3, 2018 at his home. He was born Jan. 28, 1942, in Milligan Ridge to the late Clarence and Lydia Ford Simpson. Jerry served his country proudly in the United States Marines during the Vietnam War. He worked in the citrus industry in Florida and retired from American Greeting after 28 years with perfect attendance. He enjoyed fishing and building anything and loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. ...

Charles “Charlie” Ellis Richardson, 88, of Blytheville, peacefully passed away Friday, August 31, 2018 at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Charlie was born August 13, 1930 in Blytheville to Wes and Birdie (Harper) Richardson. He was a lifelong area resident, a former truck driver, an employee of Randall Company and Hays Grocery Store. He was a member of Wellspring Church (formerly Blytheville First Assembly of God) and a member of the Blytheville Chickasawba Masonic Lodge #134...

Melba Pearl Williams, 92, passed away Monday, Aug. 27, 2018, at Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House. She was born June 28, 1926, in Hancock Community to the late William and Letha Calvert Brooks. She was a pecan farmer for 50 years and enjoyed making pecan pies. ...

Soon Main Street patrons will be able to access Wi-Fi outside of their favorite stores at no cost to them. Main Street Blytheville has partnered with Ritter Communications to offer the free internet service, which is expected to be available within the next two months...

The Democrat nominee for Arkansas governor was in Mississippi County Thursday. The nominee, Jared Henderson, spoke briefly to the Rotary Club of Blytheville, introducing himself and touching on some of his plans if elected. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Henderson explained that this is his first race...

GOSNELL — The Gosnell Pirates nearly climbed out of a 27-8 hole in the second half, pulling within five points of rival Osceola in the final quarter, Friday night, at J.W. Rea Stadium. However, the Seminoles held off the Pirates, 35-30, in a hard-fought — and at times chippy — game...

The Blytheville Chickasaws (1-1) were defeated, 35-15, by the West Memphis Blue Devils Friday night at Haley Field. The Chicks were intercepted five times in the loss. Earlier in the week, Chickasaws head coach Ben Fisher thought senior quarterback Jaheim “PWee” Carter was going to be able to play Friday, but after practice Tuesday he decided to start preparing senior backup quarterback Jackson Howard and junior quarterback Brian Denkins...

Political season for county candidates started back in February and for municipal candidates, the war just officially started earlier this month. However, some candidates have already made me do more headshakes and facepalms than I thought would happen, at least this early into the races...