Stories from Tuesday, December 19, 2023

BLYTHEVILLE- Blytheville Chief of Police Ross Thompson was put on administrative leave on Tuesday, Dec. 12 and then was returned to full duty Friday, Dec.15 at 3:30 p.m.. After returning to duty, Thompson informed Blytheville Mayor Melissa Logan of his intentions to retire on Feb. 24, 2024. ...

Congressman Rick Crawford is in Blytheville today speaking about the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act which is being sent to President Joe Biden for his signature. Part of the NDAA passed by Congress has a provision naming the National Cold War Center a Congressionally Designated Museum and “The” Cold War Center of the United States. Congressman Crawford is pictured speaking to Dr. Matt and Allison Jones, of Blytheville. More details to follow...

MURFREESBORO, Ark. – Jerry Evans, of Lepanto, visited Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro this spring, but only recently learned that he had discovered a 4.87-carat diamond. Evans visited the park for the first time this spring with his girlfriend. Within 10 minutes of entering the park, he picked up what he thought was a clear piece of glass that he spotted a few feet away on top of a plowed ridge. He put it in his pocket with some other finds and returned home later that day...

BLYTHEVILLE— The National Cold War Center in Blytheville has been recognized by a vote of Congress as the Cold War Center of the United States. The U.S. House and Senate’s passage of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), last Thursday, contained a provision naming the Center as a Congressional Designated Museum and the Cold War Center of the U.S. The bill passed the House by a vote of 310-118 and 87-13 in the Senate...

The Gosnell Jr. Choir performed last week at the state capitol. The choir, under the direction of Crystal Aronson, provided Christmas music in the capitol’s rotunda.

The City of Monette held it’s first Christmas Parade, after an absence of three years, on Saturday, December 16. The City sponsored the parade, under the leadership of Joe Russell. Byron Sparkman served as Santa again this year and rode on the last float in the parade. ...

For the second consecutive year, children have had a few extra presents under the tree thanks to the generous donations throughout the Leachville community. Lisa Baldridge, a local business woman and council member, has sponsored the toy drive and expressed her appreciation to everyone and especially members of the fire department. Members of the fire department held roadblocks and other activities to raise funds to purchase the toys...

The second fundraising event, held on Monday night at the Manila Lady Lions basketball game, raised more than a total of $2,000 for the Manila Lions Club Goodfellow baskets. The fund-raiser began last week at the boys basketball game and continued this week at the girls game. Cheerleaders had two minutes at half-time of the two senior high games to run through the stands collecting donations...

Diana Holmes (right) and Susan Parker donated two books to the Blytheville Library in honor of the national society, Daughters of the American Revolution. The titles are “Black Courage 1775-1783” and “African American and American Indian Patriots of the Revolutionary War”. Accepting the books is Billie Bowman, assistant director of the Mississippi County Library. (Courtesy Photo)...