Stories from Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Today (Tuesday) marks a momentous occasion in the world of sports. The U.S. takes on Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 on Tuesday marking the first time the U.S. has made back-to-back trips to the knock out round of the tournament. The U.S. team's recent international success has drawn much attention around the world and especially in the good ol' U.S. of A...

As the nation prepares for Independence Day celebrations, attention turns to fuel prices, which are peaking at a record price in advance of one of the biggest travel holidays of the year.

In a couple of days we will all be lighting our barbecue grills, pulling the steaks and burgers out of the fridge, spraying on the insect repellant, putting the pontoons into the lake, and sitting back to enjoy the fireworks displays as we celebrate Independence Day.

The nationwide identity theft epidemic hit home, recently. A couple of weeks ago, an automated service alerted me of some unusual activity on my wife's debit card.

Big River Steel says it has closed on the financing needed to build its $1.3 billion steel mill near Osceola.

Mrs. Catherine Deloes Kennedy, 53, of Blytheville, died Sunday at Heritage Square Nursing Center in Blytheville.

Buffalo Island Central School Board held a special meeting Monday, June 23, when it was agreed to ask voters for a millage increase and settled on a design direction for the proposed new preK-12 facility...

The Arkansas State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors held a public hearing at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, at the Manila Community Center to hear concerns and support for Tri-City LLC who applied for a permit to construct a crematorium at 1691 W. Highway 18 near Manila...

Buffalo island Museum has many lovely dishes and glassware. One striking item is a 65 year old heart-shaped candy dish covered with pink hand-painted flowers. On the back is stamped "Hand Painted, Lenwile China Ardalt, Japan."...

David and Kim Watkins of Bono have been named the 2014 Craighead County Farm Family. They are the parents of two daughters, Lauren Watkins Grissom and Breana Watkins, and the grandparents of Carter Grissom, 2. Lauren is married to Casey Grissom. Casey is resource manager at Frito Lay...

Robert Ballard with the Leachville Water Department presented the Leachville City Council with cost estimates of placing meters at Buffalo Island Central School in Leachville as well as the housing authority during its June 16 meeting...

The Manila Lions Club held its annual dinner Monday, June 23, where it recognized incoming officers at TC's restaurant in Manila. Manila Lions Club president Wendell Poteet welcomed attendees including the Manila Business Women. Wayne Shedd led the group in singing America the Beautiful followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by incoming vice president Jim Mills...

On Monday, faculty and staff of the Blytheville Public Schools said goodbye to its administrative assistant to the superintendent, Lisa Stovall, who retied after 23 years of working in the district.

The Gosnell School district has hired a new elementary principal, following Angie Middleton's retirement at the end of the 2013-14 school year.

Mrs. Gloria Ruiz Sharpe, 63, of Marked Tree, died Monday, June 30, 2014, at her home.