Stories from Monday, January 26, 2009

American Greetings Corp. says it is cutting about 200 jobs as the company adjusts for weaker sales in the ailing economy. American Greetings spokeswoman Patrice Sadd said Friday that employees were informed of the layoffs on Thursday. The Cleveland-based company is eliminating between 100 and 120 jobs at a plant in Bardstown, Ky. About 60 layoffs will be split among two plants in Osceola, Ark. and Ripley, Tenn...

The board of directors of the Blytheville/Gosnell Area Chamber of Commerce has unanimously agreed to support the proposed 1/4-cent sales tax designed to provide funding for Blytheville's police and fire departments. Chamber executive director Liz Smith said the board met Thursday and made the decision because the police and fire department's work is "essential" to our communities...

Thirty people have signed up to be trained as volunteer staff members of the Great River Charitable Health Clinic, said clinic director Connie Ash. Training of those volunteers started Saturday at Arkansas Northeastern College. Training will continue for the volunteer staff on subsequent Fridays and Saturdays, Ash said...

Who is Kevin Jackson Name: Kevin Jackson Occupation: EMT paramedic supervisor, MissCo EMS Education: South Pemiscot High School, class of 1984 Notable: Member of Blytheville Emergency Squad since 1995; director of Mississippi County first responders since 1998; director of Operation Prom Night since 2001...

The Arkansas Alumni Association will stop in Blytheville during The Pride of Arkansas Tour with a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 9 at the Grecian Steak House. The cost is $10 per person to attend. The event will include a short program, a video presentation produced by UA Productions and lunch. ...

Police probing thefts Blytheville Courier News Blytheville police are investigating the theft of a boat, motor and trailer, according to a report filed with the department. Police were called to the 3900 block of Promiseland Road, where Greg Galbraith told police that while he was away from home between Jan. 16 and Jan. 18, someone took his boat, motor and trailer, valued at $1,400. The boat is described as a camo greenish tan color, the motor was the same color...