Stories from Friday, February 1, 2013

Joan Smith was surprised early Monday morning as she was greeted by Manila Southern Bancorp staff from both branches with a cake, gift and well wishes for retirement. "She has been like a member of the family to all of us for over 40 years," Dan Robbins, president of Manila southern Bancorp, said. ...

Tina Reams has joined the staff of the Craighead County Eastern District Sheriff's Office in Lake City serving as secretary. She is filling the position previously held by Wanda Shasteen who has moved to the Craighead County Treasurer's Office...

Elsie Mae Brooks, 94, of Leachville, passed from this life, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, at Monette Manor Nursing Center. Born at Ash Flat, she was the daughter of the late James and Gertrude Hyslip Ford and the widow of Mr. Hubert Brooks. She had been a Leachville area resident since 1937 and was a longtime member of the Second Baptist Church...

Marjorie Poff, 87, of Linden, Ala., formerly of Blytheville, passed from this life earlier today in Linden.

Mr. Jesse Wilburn Palmer, 76, of Dresden, Tenn., died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, in his home.

Nadine Crotts, 92, of Blytheville, passed from this life earlier today at her home.

Mr. David Lester Cornwell, 74, of Marked Tree, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, in Jonesboro.

My Dear Sweet Sainted Wife is due to return to Blytheville later today after spending a week going to, coming from, and staying in Austin, Texas, where youngest son Zach currently resides.

Revenues for county general from Mississippi County's 1-cent sales tax were down in December.

With work on the railroad overpass progressing, South Broadway Street between West Ash and Cherry Street will be closed early next week because of the construction project, according to Blytheville Public Works director Marvin Crawford.

After a recommendation from Superintendent Richard Atwill the Blytheville School Board is considering closing Central Elementary School and Blytheville Charter School and consolidating with other campuses.

After three weeks of shaving about $700,000 from the original proposed budget, the Blytheville City Council unanimously passed its 2013 budget Thursday night.

The St. Paul MB Church of Homestown, Mo., and its pastor, the Rev. Emmanuel Lofton, wish to thank the supporters of the Black History Exhibit that appeared in The Blytheville Courier News. If anyone needs additional copies, contact the Rev. Emmanuel Lofton at 870-763-8944...

Several Mississippi County and surrounding area post offices are not carrying tax forms this year but the forms are available at the county libraries. Although post offices in Blytheville, Osceola and Manila will not have tax forms this year, the libraries in those towns will. ...