Stories from Saturday, March 12, 2011

Sunday afternoon, I received a call from Sheila Johnson who lives in the rural area of County Road 650 (on the other side of Osceola). She has called for help from sources that inform her that they cannot help her with the animal problems that plague many of the rural areas.

The ISO inspector recently completed the city of Blytheville's audit, and local officials could know the results in four to five months, Blytheville Fire Chief Mike Carney said Friday.

The Gosnell Park is slated to re-open in April, with new swings and repaired picnic tables and other play equipment.

Every afternoon for the last several years when the Blytheville Gymchicks would arrive at the Auxiliary Gym for practice, each team member would look at the large photo of the 1997 state gymnastics champions and wonder how she would react if her team could win a title of its own.

Keiser native Rick Wilson has spent the last 37 years coaching the Colts. Now, the Rivercrest head coach has a state championship to show for his work and dedication to the area where he grew up

Cheryl Renee Penix, 31, of Leachville, died Friday, March 11, 2011, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born in Osceola, she had lived much of her life in Manila and had been a Leachville resident for the past two years. She was preceded in death by her brother, Marty Eddings...

Mr. Bobby Lynn White, 79, of Manila, passed from this life early Saturday, March 12, 2011, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born in Manila, he was the son of the late Albert and Oshia Shedd White and was a lifelong Manila resident. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, was a retired banker, and along with his wife, Zetta, owned and operated White's Grocery for many years. ...

Mr. Tex B. Turner, 68, of Byhalia, Miss., formerly of Blytheville, died Thursday, March 10, 2011, at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis. Born in Blytheville to Dink and Linnie Turner, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed watching football, especially when his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys, was playing...

The Gosnell Pirates lost a second round game in the Marion Tournament on Saturday to Piggott, 10-2.

he Rivercrest Colts defeated the West Fork Tigers 63-48 Friday afternoon, to claim the Class 3A state basketball title.

The Blytheville Police Department has a new officer to help them "put the bite on crime."