Stories from Saturday, November 13, 2021

Veteran Fred Greathouse, representing Veterans Helping Veterans of NEA, made the presentation thanking Ashabranner for his service. Ashabranner grew up in Manila and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1968. Airman Ashabranner was assigned to the 43rd Field Maintenance Squadron, (SAC) Little Rock AFB Jacksonville...

Joe Chipman served as emcee for the event welcoming veterans and guests. Judith Hampton sang the National Anthem with the invocation by Jason Sutfin. Manila Boy Scouts posted and retired the Colors. Rep. Johnny Rye sang America the Beautiful. Rep. Rye said with the district changes, he would not be representing the Manila area but expressed his appreciation for the time he did serve and the friendships he has made...

The Gosnell City Council tabled a proposal to provide premium pay for city employees who worked through the pandemic. The council was presented with two options, one that would cost $45,000 and the other $60,000. Funds would come from federal Covid relief money; the city received $321,000 from the American Rescue Plan...

Tuesday night, the Blytheville Planning Commission approved an expansion at Love’s on South Division in Blytheville. The addition will include adding a prep room and walk-in cooler, as well as exterior work that will match the current facade.

After a fatal shooting Sunday at the West Side Banquet Hall, the Blytheville City Council’s Police and Fire committee revisited a conversation concerning business and alcohol licenses in the city in its Nov. 9 meeting. Blytheville Police Chief Ross Thompson reported that when officers responded to the call, there was gambling, alcohol, and marijuana use. ...

Mississippi County health officer Dr. Valencia Andrews-Pirtle led Wednesday’s Covid briefing as the county saw its first spike in nearly a month. Pirtle reported 84 active cases, after only 56 were reported last week. After holding vaccine clinics specifically for children ages 5-11 on Nov.8-10, Pirtle also confirmed the county health departments will continue to offer children’s vaccines during regular department hours. ...