Stories from Wednesday, January 30, 2019

We are only 50 days away from spring. It is closer than it has been. In today's busy world, 50 days pass fast. I have had enough winter and I am ready for spring to arrive. Spring is my favorite time of year. The official first day of spring 2019 is March 20...

New Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson probably feels like he’s back on the campaign trail. Nelson has spent the last several weeks in front of any group willing to listen to him pitch the extension of the 1/2-cent hospital sales tax, which would provide a revenue stream for the hospital system for years to come and allow for major renovations to the Blytheville courthouse, as well as improvements to the Osceola courthouse...

Buffalo Island Central EAST students have once again stepped up to undertake a community project working with Monette city employee, Jerry Lamar. EAST stands for education accelerated by service and technology. Students are encouraged in critical thinking and creative problem solving in real-world experiences. Community service projects are a major part of the program...

On Monday, Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson spoke at the first 2019 Blytheville Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Nelson's primary topic while speaking dealt with the special election, which will be held on Feb. 12 after a week of early voting, to help modify and extend the hospital's current half-cent sales tax. ...

Newly named Manila Chief of Police Chris Hill, on behalf of the department and the city council, presented former Chief James Skinner with his duty weapon in a presentation at the regular January city council meeting Monday. Chief Skinner retired at the end of 2018...

The Gosnell School Board extended superintendent Bonard Mace’s contract another year Monday night. Mace’s three-year contract was extended to June 30, 2022; he has been the district’s superintendent since 2010. “I’ve worked with Mr. Mace more than anybody and he does an excellent job, with all the hats he has to wear and the things he has to do — many different things,” Gosnell School Board president Donnie Wright said. ...

Riverside threw in 15 long range three-point bombs and went on to rout Buffalo Island Central 67-20 in 2A-3 girls basketball action Monday night at Lake City. The Lady Rebels canned three treys in the opening quarter, including a pair of triples by Lotti Hoffman, to grab an 11-3 lead after the first break...

Sloan Hendrix outscored Riverside 18-6 in the fourth quarter to post a 54-42 victory over the Rebels in senior boys basketball action Friday night at Imboden. Riverside clung to a 19-16 lead at the half before the Greyhounds rallied in the third quarter to square the contest at 36-all entering the final frame. ...

Manila came one step closer to clinching the outright 3A-3 conference championship by corralling Hoxie 76-36 Friday night on the road. The Lions broke out to a 23-6 lead after the first quarter and held a 41-18 halftime advantage. Manila took an overwhelming 70-30 lead into the fourth period...

Buffalo Island Central defended its home court Friday night at the Mustang Athletic Complex, posting a 59-50 victory over Salem in 2A-3 conference basketball action. Salem held a 23-18 halftime advantage before the Mustangs rallied to take a slim 40-39 edge into the final frame...

On Monday, the Blytheville School Board met for their first meeting in January, more than a week after the school's "Leadership Group" went before the state to make the case that the high school's charter designation should be renewed even after the high school received an "F" in its ESSA rating...

On Wednesday, agents of the 2nd Judicial District Drug Task Force (East) and officers of the Blytheville Police Department executed a search warrant at 1001 North 2nd Street, Apartment No. 102. According to Sergeant Branton Hall, more than 10 ounces of methamphetamine, digital scales, and an AR-15 styled semi-automatic rifle were located during the search. ...