Stories from Thursday, January 23, 2014

Recent reports from the Blytheville Courier News:

Two of the 25 charged in a 62-count indictment following a major drug bust last week, Antwon Bailey and Tamika Petty turned themselves in to the Blytheville Police, Tuesday night. Their initial court appearance was Wednesday afternoon in Little Rock...

Dixie Carolyn Tate, 67, of Caruthersville, Mo., died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014, in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Mrs. Pauline Riggs, 88, of Dell, passed from this life Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014, at Great River Medical Center.

Mrs. Chakeyia Johnson, 33, of Jonesboro, died Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Ms. Bridgette Gardner, 31, of Blytheville, died Friday, Jan. 17, 2014, at the University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock.

Monday I was in That Bookstore (In Blytheville) purchasing a book for one of our titleholders to read at the Kindergarten Center this week. While there, I met and started talking with new owner, Chris Crawley. As we were talking, he said, "What can we do to gain community support for your program?" Without thinking, I replied, "We have fantastic community support."...

As I was reading the Courier News the other day, I noted that several auxiliaries are planning a "Martin Luther King Day Celebration" to honor the late Dr. King. The program agenda indicated there would be singing and a church service with one of our state representatives, Monte Hodges, as guest speaker...

Candidates for local offices will have an opportunity to introduce themselves during Saturday's quarterly ward meeting.

After a recent break-in at the Osceola Courthouse, the Office of Emergency Management is looking to strengthen the security throughout the building by expanding the current system as well as adding a few new features.

The Arts Council of Mississippi County is preparing to host its Ritz Classic Movie Series, scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday.

The mayor's office is in the process of setting up interviews for finance director candidates, Blytheville Mayor James Sanders said Wednesday afternoon.