Stories from Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Following the financial review, Chuck Davis with the Leachville Fire Department addressed the mayor and council members at the June 17 city council meeting. Davis said they had raised $7,500 for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display. He went on to say, with the council's approval, they will purchase $6,500 in fireworks...

The 5th Mississippi County Juneteenth Celebration is this week. The Juneteenth celebration recognizes events from June 19th, 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were told they were free. Residents in Blytheville started participating in this nationwide celebration five years ago at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and the celebration has grown to a county wide event. Kicking off this year’s celebration on Wednesday, The Blytheville Book Company is sponsoring a Juneteenth Reading at 4 p.m...

The Mississippi County Finance Committee met Monday afternoon and approved the leasing of a John Deere tractor for the landfill, as well as discussed hiring temporary help at the landfill and road department. The board also discussed a way to possibly mow around the interstate...

The Blytheville Chaos rallied to win the 8-and-under Coach Pitch District Touranment in thrilling fashion, 9-8, over Paragould at the Blytheville Youth Sportsplex. The Chaos had trailed by as many as four runs, before forcing extra innings. In the bottom of the eighth, Robert Dean ripped a two-run walk-off base hit to center, driving in Jaibin Burnett and Colton Cox...

Without the weather to talk about, some of us could go days without talking at all. Have you ever noticed how many conversations start with words such as: sure is hot; sure is cold; the wind is about to blow me down; wish the rain would stop; we really need a rain; I hope it snows; I have had enough snow; can't wait until summer; beautiful day; and the list could go on and on...

Mary Robinson, 89, of Steele, Mo., passed away Monday, June 17, 2019, at her home. She was born March 16, 1930, in Neshoba County, Miss., and was the daughter of George and Pearlie Young Brookshire. Mary was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Steele, where she served as a Mother of the church...

Ella Faye Sinclair Smith, 79, of Blytheville, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at Gosnell Therapy and Living Center. Born to Ellie and Daisy Newman Sinclair in Ripley, Tenn., she was a cook at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Blytheville for 23 years and a member of Gospel Lighthouse Church. On Nov. 14, 1958, she married the love of her life, Richard Smith. Ella was an amazing cook and loved to sew. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved taking care of her grandchildren...

Linda Carol Smith, 71, of Black Oak, passed from this life Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. Born in Black Oak, she was the daughter of the late B.A. and Nola Morgan Grisham and was a lifelong area resident. Linda was a 1965 graduate of Monette High School and later received her B.S.E. ...