Stories from Friday, November 13, 2015

The following are reports from the Blytheville Police Department. -- Police investigated a burglary in the 1000 block of Moore. Missing were a gaming system, laptop, two televisions, computer tablet and children's clothing. -- Officers took a harassment report in the 1600 block of Chickasawba...

The Blytheville Fire Department (BFD) responded to two structure fires Wednesday with no injuries reported at either. BFD received a call at 9:37 a.m. Wednesday morning reporting a residential house fire in the 1000 block of West Walnut. Upon arrival, smoke was observed escaping from both the roof vents and windows. ...

The Armorel school board held their monthly meeting this week. At the meeting the board approved the renewal of the Farm Lease agreements with Stout and Ashmore. Also at the meeting, the board approved a $300 adjustment to the roof contract to include whirly birds. They also approved the purchase of the CDW-G for $12,308.28...

Members of the Mississippi County Election Commission met Friday with Sen. David Burnett and Rep. Monte Hodges to discuss methods for combatting absentee ballot voter fraud in the upcoming election season. Commission chair Tom Wiktorek told the group that abuse of absentee ballots is an issue in every election, especially notable in south Mississippi County, and Hodges agreed that there is a definite problem...

The Gosnell City Council met in an abbreviated session Tuesday evening, November 10 and unanimously agreed to approve the installation of a gate for Westminster Village (WV) which will close Northside from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. seven nights a week. The gate is a compromise action approved as a result of Westminster's request to permanently close access to WV from the north due to over twenty break-ins last month...

Mississippi County Sheriff's Department Intake Report -- 11/2 through 11/8...

The Blytheville Gosnell Regional Airport Authority (BGRAA) had a busy schedule Thursday evening as they discussed numerous pressing issues in their bi-monthly board meeting. Topics included plans for improvements to the runway lights, opening up another set of four previously un-refurbished apartments, changing the way they pay "comp time" and complaints about mold...

Interim landfill director Will Allen met Thursday afternoon with members of the Mississippi County Quorum Court's sanitation committee to discuss the current state of landfill operations. Following a hearing last week, former landfill director Nathan Taylor was placed on leave and will either resign or be dismissed on Nov. 16...

First Baptist Church in Blytheville will serve as one of some 4,000 sites nationwide collecting gift-filled shoeboxes for children overseas during Operation Christmas Child's National Collection Week, Nov. 16 -- 23. The annual Samaritan's Purse project is a favorite of many Blytheville residents, families, churches and groups who spread joy to millions of children in need by filling shoeboxes with a "wow" item--like a doll or soccer ball--as well as other fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement.. ...

Elmer Edward Brashers, 81, of Tyronza passed away November 12, 2015 in Trumann. Born August 26, 1935 in Cowlake, Ark. To the late Simon Brashers and Hazel Brashers, he was the owner of a landscape business. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Johnson...

Ray Alan Gill, 64, of Steele, Mo. and formerly of Blytheville, passed from this life early Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at his home. Born in Blytheville to Ira Ray and Eva Bell (Lannum) Gill, Ray was the owner/operator of River City Spice Company. He graduated from Blytheville High School in 1969 and attended Kentucky State upon graduation. ...

Donna Hughes, 67, of Muskogee, Okla. and formerly of Blytheville, departed this life Monday morning, November 9, 2015 in Tulsa. Donna was born in Blytheville to Clarence Leo Wilson and Gearthery "Cranford" Wilson. She graduated Blytheville High School and attended Arkansas State University. She was a former greenhouse manager at Fasco Farm Supply. Donna held strong to her faith. She was a loving grandmother, mother, and wife...

Ms. Margaret Janette Richmond, 59, of Meridian, Miss., died Wednesday, November 11, 2015 in Jonesboro. Born September 10, 1956 in Dyess, to the late James Lang and the late Dolores King Alexander, she was a homemaker and of the Pentecostal faith. Ms. Richmond leaves two daughters, Amie (Roger) Strickland of Meridian, Miss. and Donna Stallings of Blytheville;...

According to the Blytheville Police Deparment, a shooting late Friday afternoon caused an auto accident which has left a large portion of Blytheville without electricity. Gunshots were exchanged between two as yet unidentified suspects, and one victim struck a utility pole at Franklin and Moultrie while attempting to drive himself to Great River Medical Center. ...

Friday's Scores The Associated Press Conway 42, Springdale 7 Fayetteville 67, West Memphis 36 FS Southside 38, LR Catholic 35 North Little Rock 35, FS Northside 0 Class 6A First Round Alma 28, Texarkana 23 El Dorado 31, Searcy 13 Marion 14, Lake Hamilton 13...

HOPE -- The Blytheville Chickasaws ended their season Friday night with a 31-21 loss to Hope in the opening round of the Class 5A playoffs. Hope scored 24 unanswered points in the final 17 minutes of the game to end Blytheville's tremendous year, which included tying for the 5A-East championship and watching head coach Ben Fisher earn Conference Coach of the Year honor...

Mrs. Jimmie Frances Tompkins, 85, of Franklin, Tenn., formerly of Burdette, and a 1948 graduate of Blytheville High School, died peacefully on Nov. 10, 2015. A loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she enjoyed cooking for her large family, dancing, reading, visiting her family, and volunteering at the local hospital. ...