Stories from Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Manila Mayor Wayne Wagner hosted Mississippi County mayor's meeting Tuesday, July 11, at the Manila Depot Center. Mayors, as well as city and county officials and other guests, gathered updating events and activities throughout the county. Each mayor present spoke briefly about activities or projects in their hometowns...

The deadline to file for the school board election in September ended Tuesday. Candidates for the Manila, Riverside and Buffalo Island Central Districts have no opposition. Manila: Position2: Incumbent Tracey W. Reinhart. Position 6: Incumbent Johnny McCain...

Riverside School Board commended Superintendent Jeff Priest on his efforts of increasing the financial balance during his first year as superintendent. During a meeting with the central office staff and representatives of the Arkansas Department of Education on June 27 in Little Rock the superintendent and staff were complimented for improving the district's ending financial balance...

Lake City Spring Fest board member Daniel Haynes presented a $1,000 check to Riverside West Elementary Principal Lee Ann Harrell for alternative seating and other autistic items for the special education program. Katie Evans expressed to Ms. Harrell the interest for the items to be used in her classroom. This is Ms. Evans first year at Riverside...

Caraway City Council discussed minimal agenda topics during their somewhat abbreviated meeting Thursday evening. One topic of importance was the necessary street repair within the city. Mayor Barry Riley informed the board about a recent road grant that was applied for...

A ground breaking ceremony was held Wednesday, July 12, for the new Senior Citizen Center to be built in Manila. An amazing buffet was provided for over 100 in attendance. The new building will be constructed adjacent to the Airport Community Center where the senior citizens currently meet Monday through Friday...

The home of Billy and Tracy Gathright was chosen as Monette Yard of the Month for June. A special recognition ceremony was held July 7. City Beautification Committee member Barbara Suber presented the Gathrights with a commemorative certificate, which read, “The home of Billy and Tracy Gathright has been recognized as having the most beautifully landscaped and manicured yard in the entire Monette Community for the month of June 2017.” Member Shawn Nance presented Mrs. ...

Taylor Layne, son of Chip and Ashley Layne, is a 2017 graduate of Bay High School. Taylor will be attending Williams Baptist College this fall on a baseball scholarship. Taylor was chosen to play on the All Star East baseball team. He and his friend and East teammate, Gavin Stone, of Riverside represented their schools very well...

Billy Lee Hart, 76, passed away Monday, July 17, 2017, at his home in Lake City. He was born Jan. 25, 1941 in Phoenix, Ariz., to the late Varie Pannells Hart. He was a farmer, enjoyed driving around looking at crops, fishing, smoking, working on vehicles, watching old tv shows, especially old westerns, and was Dolly Parton’s biggest fan...

On Thursday, TMK IPSCO celebrated ramping back up, which has brought back numerous job opportunities not only to the city of Blytheville but also to Mississippi County. Plant Manager Bryan Belford began by welcoming those in attendance including Blytheville Mayor James Sanders and State Representative Monte Hodges, who he called “[both] such great representatives for our state and community and we would just like to thank you guys for being here.”...

Blytheville Assistant Police Chief Ricky Jefferson reminds citizens to be careful as temperatures continue to rise. Jefferson offers several tips to stay cool. They include: — Wear appropriate clothing. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing...

Alberta Battest passed away on July 8, 2017 at her home in Osceola, AR at the age of 70. She was a homemaker and a member of Bethlehem M.B. Church in Osceola, AR. Ms. Battest is survived by her son Clyde Kirkhom of Knoxville, TN, two brothers John and J.B. ...

Rose Marie Jones-Martin, 55, of Blytheville AR passed away on July 15, 2017 in Unity Health- Harris Medical Center in Newport, AR. Mrs. Martin was born on November 16, 1961 to the late Clay and Helen Jones in Luxora, AR. She was a homemaker and Avon sales person by trade...

Ralph Lee Rochelle passed away on July 12, 2017 at his home in Osceola, AR at the age of 71. He was a retired parts manager for Carlock Chevrolet and of the Baptist Faith. Mr. Rochelle is survived by his wife Joyce Anita Gray Rochelle of Slayden, MS, two daughters Amye Walker of Lake City, AR, Holly Brooks of Slayden, MS, two sisters Jean Gurley of Potts Camp, MS, and Betty Bennett of Holly Springs, MS, five grandchildren Hailei Rochelle of Bay, AR, Coleton Rochelle of Lake City, AR, Marshall Brooks, Tyler Brooks and Schyler Brooks all of Slayden, MS and two great-grandchildren Logan Richey and Kalep Lynn both of Bay, AR.. ...

The following are reports from the Blytheville Police Department. — Police arrested Arlester Hill on domestic battery charges in the 2300 block of Carolyn. — Officers took a theft report (license plate) in the 800 block of South Ruddle. — Officers investigated a battery report in the 2100 block of Edwards...