Stories from Monday, May 22, 2017

Melba Lee Chipman Sherrod, 81, lifelong Manila resident, passed from this life Saturday, May 20, 2017, at her home. She was the daughter of the late John and Ethel Meadows Chipman and was a 1953 graduate of Manila High School. Melba was a retired bus driver and custodian for Manila Public Schools and was a longtime member of New Harmony Baptist Church...

James Leon Sparkman Sr., 88, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2017, at his home. He was born Nov. 16, 1928, in Jonesboro to the late Louis Cleave and Nobie Claire Rutledge Sparkman. James served his country proudly in the United States Navy and retired after 20 years, serving during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a member of the Monette American Legion. Mr. Sparkman was a member of the Rowes Chapel Baptist Church...

Blytheville Primary School had a brief lockdown this morning, according to the Blytheville School District Facebook page. "Blytheville Primary School went into lockdown this morning in response to a domestic disturbance that was contained in the parking lot," the post read. "911 was called, Blytheville Police Department promptly responded, all students and faculty are safe. There was no shooting. The lockdown was over promptly and a normal school day resumed."...

The following are reports from the Blytheville Police Department. — Police arrested Larry Black, 25, on charges of domestic battery and burglary in the 1100 block of North Second. — Police arrested Deana Greer, 58, on charges of possession of a controlled substance (pills), following a traffic stop at 6th and Pecan...