Stories from Wednesday, October 5, 2011

I recently saw a news report that said that the death rate for police that die in the line of duty is markedly up, so I felt compelled to send you this thank you note. Over 10 years ago, I was beaten and robbed at my business. The assailant said that he was going to kill me. And I believed him. However, in a moment of distraction, I dialed your number. When the criminal realized that I had you on speakerphone, he fled, leaving me bloody and bruised, but alive...

During my first tour of Blytheville in March of 2001, Ron Dawson was showing me all the sights and attractions Blytheville had to offer while trying to convince me to take the job as superintendent at Thunder Bayou. Thunder Bayou and the Sportsplex were a real leap of faith for Blytheville, and everyone involved was apprehensive about coming through for the city and its residents. ...

Thunder Bayou is a great place for a run. I was out there on a Wednesday evening, just before sunset a couple of weeks ago. I was struck by how epically beautiful that golf course really is.

For many, Facebook has become a part of everyday life. Lately, though, it's being used for more than just keeping up with friends.

The next city cleanup date is scheduled for Saturday. Crews will be meeting at 8 a.m. Saturday in Williams Park for the second cleanup date of the "Cleaner Safer Blytheville" initiative.

Gosnell's 21st Annual Cotton Festival will kick off Thursday, with events continuing Friday night and Saturday.

A new residency policy is one of several proposed changes to the city of Blytheville personnel handbook.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will make an encore appearance on stage at the Ritz Civic Center in Blytheville at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4.

Gladys Whitehead, 61, of Manila, passed from this life Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born at Manila, she was the daughter of the late Lovie and Gladys Inez Griffin Cooper and had been a lifelong Manila resident. Gladys was a longtime member of the Apostolic Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Leachville...