Stories from Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Recent reports from the Blytheville Police Department:

Mr. Guy Stanley Long, 55, of Sherwood, formerly of Blytheville, passed from this life Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, at his home.

Mrs. Dorothy J. Dingler, 82, a resident of Mountain Home, passed peacefully Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, in Mountain Home with family at her side. She was born Dec. 21, 1929, in Tomato to the late Louis and Fannie Lucille Butler Malone. Dorothy married Max Milford Dingler Sept. 8, 1945, in Blytheville. Dorothy's hobbies were gardening, especially roses, cooking and most importantly her family...

Dear folks of Mississippi County, I think that I've got it figured out ... maybe. I am a resident of suburban Yarbro and have to travel on North Franklin Avenue to go to Blytheville several times each week. There are some holes in the pavement that want to gobble up my Michelin tires if I don't dodge 'em. ...

Congratulations to the managing editor on his editorial concerning the interference by a city councilman with the operations of the water plant. In this person's opinion, the city councilman had zero authority to discount or dismiss a water customer's water bill as stated by the newspaper article and it should be treated as a direct loss of revenue and should be replaced by the city councilman...

Since man first appeared on Earth, we have been mesmerized by and obsessed about the moon. Oh, the sun was worshipped as a greater "god" by the ancients, but the moon has always held a special place in our hearts for many different reasons.

Linda Sue Dunavin Cheadle, 56, of Fayetteville passed away Feb. 11, 2012, in Fayetteville. She was born Sept. 21, 1955, in Melbourne, Ark., (Izard County) the daughter of James Robert and Johnie Sue Gaston Dunavin...

Charles H. Henry, Sr., 79 of Manila, Ark., died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012, at the NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro, Ark. Born Sept. 12, 1932, in Sedgwick, Ark., he was the son of the late Dewey and Georgia Henry and had been a long-time area resident. Mr. Henry owned Henry Brothers Incorporated in Manila and enjoyed walking, driving and watching squirrels. He was of the Baptist faith...

Nucor Steel Arkansas has partnered with the National Weather Service to become recognized as a "Storm Ready Supporter" site.

Sammy G. Hicks, 68, of Caraway, Ark., died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, at his home after a prolonged illness. Born April 25, 1943, at Milligan Ridge, he was the son of the late Sam David and Mary Stoner Hicks and was a long-time area resident. Mr. Hicks was a brick mason, enjoyed working in his garden, tractors and spending time with family and friends...

Members of the Gosnell City Council's Finance Committee met Monday afternoon to discuss possible new procedures for the city's hiring process and other city financial matters.

Jimmie Everett Jeffers, 64, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012. He was born Sept. 4, 1947, in Black Oak to the late Fred and Essie Davidson Jeffers. Jim was a resident of Ash Flat Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center since 2007. He spent his days surrounded by many caring friends. Jim enjoyed listening to music, playing cards, bingo and all outdoor activities...

The life and work of Mrs. Monica Bevill was honored by members of the Gosnell School Board and administrative team during the board's Monday night meeting.

Jimmie J. Turner, 88, of Lake City passed away Tuesday Feb. 21, 2012, at Lakeside Nursing Center. Jimmie was born March 16, 1923, in Randolph, Miss., to the late Organ Henry and Ollie Mae Turner. ...

Police officers blocked off a large section of property in the area of Moultrie and North Ruddle Saturday afternoon, in response to a possible threat from an individual living in the area.

Blytheville Public Schools are setting the standard for success in education in northeast Arkansas, leading other schools and programs to wonder "how," Superintendent of Schools Richard Atwill told the school board during Monday night's meeting.

Scott Eubanks and Brady Jones combined for 38 points as Manila punched its ticket to the 3A State Tournament with a 48-28 win over host Flippin Thursday night in the first round of the 3A North Regional Tournament...

That Bookstore In Blytheville owner Mary Gay Shipley announced Monday that she has filed as a candidate for Arkansas State Representative District 55.

Farmers Bank & Trust president and Blytheville Baseball/Softball Booster board member Randy Scott was the guest speaker at Monday's Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Holiday Inn in Blytheville.

Riverside continued its Cinderella run to a state tournament bid when Logan Meurer hit a 15-foot jumper as time expired, giving the Rebels a heart-stopping 46-45 victory over Salem in the 2A North Regional Tournament Thursday night at the Mustang Athletic Complex in Monette...

East Poinsett County put together its most complete game of the season, posting a surprisingly easy 56-28 victory over Buffalo Island Central in the finals of the 2A North Regional Tournament Saturday night at the Mustang Athletic Complex...

Buffalo Island Central West elementary was one of 10 schools visited by children's book author Tom Birdseye. He was at BIC on Wednesday. The visiting author was made possible through the efforts of Craighead County/Jonesboro Public Libraries and an anonymous donor. Librarian Lisa Whitehead and Director of Youth Services Kay Taylor introduced Mr. Birdseye to the students...

Members of the Buffalo Island Relay for Life steering committee and team members met with Chairman Brenda Matheny on Thursday evening to discuss upcoming events. The theme for the 2012 Buffalo Island Relay for Life is Carnival Celebration -- Walking the midway, fighting for a cure, one step at a time...

Mississippi County Sheriff Dale Cook was welcomed by the Manila Lions Club Wednesday, Feb. 22. Sheriff Cook, introduced by Lion Danny Robbins, served as guest speaker for the noon meeting...

Members of the Lake City Council heard representatives from two companies on auto-read water meter systems at the Feb. 20 meeting. The council voted to table discussions until the next meeting to give more time for review of the products...

Monette City Council discussed the need for a dogcatcher to be on duty during daily working hours when they met Monday, Feb. 20. City Clerk Vickki Carroll presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Chub Qualls...

In the bedroom area of the Buffalo Island Museum in Monette is a 1914 Singer treadle sewing machine. This machine was in Joe Estes' office at Monette High School for many years. Pat Qualls Taylor was the music teacher and often stopped to admire the sewing machine. ...

The first annual Wild Pig Roast 2012 dinner was held Saturday, Feb. 25, at Adams Gin in Leachville to benefit the Butterfly House. A barbecue dinner and a live auction were held...

Hundreds of fans, friends and family members of the late Johnny Cash gathered in his hometown of Dyess on Sunday, Feb. 27, to pay tribute to what would have been his 80th birthday...

"Every year is a journey," said longtime Tiger head coach Charlie Brown. After three straight years of losing in the semifinals, Armorel finally got over the hump and gave Brown his second state championship in six years. If the Tigers are to defend their crown, they'll be doing it with a lot of new faces. ...

Mr. Michael Barnhill Richmond, 39, of San Diego, Calif., died of heart failure Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, in California.