Stories from Saturday, November 30, 2013

The Blytheville Chickasaws dropped a 51-50 decision to eStem on Friday at Philander Smith College in the Arkansas Alumni Classic. The Chicks bounced back from an 11-10 deficit at the end of the first quarter to lead, 22-17, at halftime. eStem rallied for a 34-28 advantage going into the fourth quarter...

Mrs. LaVerne Baker, 81, of Blytheville passed from this life Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, at Gosnell Health Care in Gosnell. Born in Dell to James Calvin and Ella Mae Clayton Gallagher, she was a homemaker who loved working in her yard, taking care of her house and loved taking care of her husband and children...

Several Christmas concerts, presented by the music department of Arkansas Northeastern College, are upcoming. On Dec. 5, "Christmas at ANC" will begin in the Adams/Vines Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. It will feature performances by the Buffalo Island Central Singers, ANC Concert Singers, Treble Chorale, Community Choir and ANC Community Chamber Chorale...

Last week, Lights of the Delta opened with a bang, having its biggest opening week since the tour began, despite a relatively slow opening night on Monday. Executive Director George Hubbard said he's looking forward to these numbers continuing to grow as the season progresses...

Blytheville Mayor James Sanders has released his proposed 2014 budget, which projects nearly a $900,000 surplus. Total proposed expenditures add up to $15,483,385.62, while projected revenues are $16,369,456, for a difference of about $886,070. The proposed expenditures by department include: General Administration, $679,097.00; Finance, $152,819.94; City Collector, $53,561.64; City Clerk, $64,373.00; Municipal Court, $204,836.00; Police Department, $2,926,817.41; Animal Control, $92,020.43; Fire Department, $2,270,145.54; Code Enforcement, $139,980.35; Youth Sportsplex, $144,115; Delta Gateway Museum, $86,535; Shop, $94,283; Street Department, $901,418; Corrections, $132,650; Health and Sanitation, $1,822,470; Transfer Station, $37,020; Signs & Signals, $377,532; Communications, $299,916.31; Wastewater, $1,410,550; Thunder Bayou Golf Links, $489,700; City Parks and Pool, $338,708; Waterworks, $2,679,784; and City Attorney, $85,053.. ...

Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is on the horizon, bringing with it a wide variety of traditions and celebrations. One time honored tradition for many is "Black Friday" shopping, which has risen to new heights in recent years turning into a weekend long event that both business owners and consumers look forward to...