Stories from Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Valley Springs drained 18-20 fourth quarter free throws to break open a close game and went on to defeat Manila 64-52 Thursday night in the Region 3 Tournament at Mountain View, ending the Lions' hopes of a state tournament appearance. The two teams battled to a 35-35 tie after three quarters, but the Tigers outscored Manila 9-1 to begin the final frame, taking a 44-36 lead with 5:36 left. ...

The weather is once again wreaking havoc with the local basketball and now baseball schedules. The 1A state tournament in Harrison has been moved back one day. The Armorel Tigers, scheduled to play Kirby at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday night, will now play at the same time on Wednesday night. As for when he can get his team on the road, Tiger head coach Justin Ward still wasn't sure as of Tuesday morning...

Cedar Ridge's Shannon Butler sank two free throws with one second left to help the Lady Timberwolves to a stunning 56-54 victory over Riverside in the first round of the 2A North Regional Tournament Wednesday afternoon at Pangburn. The victory sent Cedar Ridge to the Class 2A State Tournament while putting a heartbreaking end to the Lady Rebels' 2013-2014 season...

Well the weather has officially gone crazy. I am sitting here in my office as I write this watching the ice storm and listening to the rolling thunder. And reminding myself that I live in Arkansas.

The chairman of Arkansas Term Limits believes legislators are being deceptive and self-serving regarding a measure on the November ballot.

The Act 2! presentation of the play "Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch" is being rescheduled because of inclement weather conditions.

The Delta Gateway Museum celebrated the 1950s Saturday night with its Second Annual Heritage Party.

Because of the conditions of the streets and roadways, the garbage and trash pickup will be delayed for at least one day, Blytheville Public Works Director Marvin Crawford said Tuesday.

The southbound lane of Interstate 55 was at a standstill Tuesday morning from north of Blytheville to south of Turrell, and the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department said little can be done until the temperatures start to rise.

Manila senior basketball players were recognized for reaching over the 1,000 point mark during their high school basketball years. Scott Eubanks, Kirsten Adcock and Emily Cook were presented a basketball at senior night in recognition of the milestone. Scott is the son of Brad and Tonia Eubanks; Kirsten is the daughter of Michael and Mitzi Adcock; and Emily is the daughter of Bill and Lisa Cook. (photo provided)...

Manila entered Friday night's regional semifinals against Melbourne with a state tournament bid already safely tucked away. The Lady Lions were in search of their fourth straight tournament title this season, and looked to be well on their way to reaching the finals, building up a 15 point third period lead. ...

Manila claimed their second consecutive Class 3A State Tournament bid, defeating Flippin 51-41 Wednesday night in the first round of the Region 3 Tournament at Mountain View. The Lady Lions trailed 16-12 after the first quarter, but turned up the defense, holding the Lady Bobcats to just eight total points in the second and third quarters combined. ...

The Buffalo Island Central Mustangs punched their tickets to the Class 2A State Tournament, slated for later this week at Hampton High School, with a dominant 70-48 victory over the hosting Pangburn Tigers in the first round of the 2A North Regional Tournament Wednesday night...

Buffalo Island Central Mustangs found themselves down six early in the fourth period before their offense stepped it up with a 16-0 run and their defense only allowed one point over the last five minutes as they advanced to the 2A North Regional finals with a 59-48 win over Augusta in Pangburn this past Friday...

Defending Class 2A State Champion Cedar Ridge rallied from six down in the final three minutes to pull out a thrilling 67-64 victory over Buffalo Island Central in the finals of the 2A North Regional Saturday night at Pangburn...

The American Cancer Buffalo Island Relay for Life committee and team members met Thursday evening setting dates for the Relay and to discuss possible upcoming fundraising events. Chairman Brenda Matheny said the theme will be "Back in the 50s, Rocking and Rolling for a Cure". This year's event will be held on Friday, June 13, at the Leachville City Park...

JONESBORO - Craighead County Tax Collector Marsha Phillips announced she will seek re-election as she filed Monday for a second term in office. Prior to her election to the tax collector post in 2012, Phillips served as a deputy collector in the office...

Scott Ellington, Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, filed for re-election recently at the State Capitol in Little Rock. Ellington, 50, of Jonesboro is seeking a second term as the elected prosecutor for the Second Judicial District, including Clay, Craighead Crittenden, Greene, Mississippi and Poinsett Counties. ...

Craighead County Sheriff Marty Boyd officially announced recently he would be seeking re-election to the office of Sheriff of Craighead County. Boyd, a lifelong resident of Craighead County, has spent almost 25 years with the Sheriff's office, the last two as sheriff. He will be running for his second term as the county's top law enforcement officer...

David Wallace, Leachville City Councilman, announced recently he is running for the District 54 seat in the Arkansas House of Representatives. "My experience as a veteran and small business owner uniquely qualifies me to serve in the General Assembly," Wallace said. "I have spent my career defending our nation, creating jobs, and putting people to work."...

The Mississippi County Extension Service will host three irrigation meetings in March. The meetings will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday, March 7, at the Research Center at Keiser; 1:30-5 p.m. Monday, March 10, at the Manila Airport Center; and 8:30 a.m. until noon Wednesday, March 12, at the Blytheville ANC Crisp Center...

Dan Ritchey of Blytheville has been selected to serve as the chairman of the Board of Trustees of Arkansas Northeastern College. Ritchey, a longtime proponent of access to higher education, has served on the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees since 2003 when he became an ex officio member. ...

Buffalo Island Central freshmen Drew McFall and MaKensie Walker won first place in state with the STAR Event project, Focus on Children. The FCCLA (Family Consumer Community Leaders of America) was held in Conway on Feb. 20...