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Roger Williams to sing at Manila Music at the MuseumWell known local guitarist and singer Roger Williams will be the featured guest at the Thursday, April 25, Music at the Museum in Manila. The show will begin at 7 p.m. Williams of Caraway sings rock and roll, country and gospel. There will be a drawing for free groceries compliments of Farmers Market of Manila. Two $25 gift cards will be given away after the performance. Must be present to win. $1 donation per chance...
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NARCAN training heldManila Resource Officer Sgt. Jarred Camp organized a NARCAN training course at Manila High School on Friday, April 19, with several staff members attending. NARCAN is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. The training course teaches how to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to administer the reversal drug...
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Chamber hosts ribbon-cutting for Mor StorageBy REVIS BLAYLOCK NEA Town Courier Mor Storage was welcomed with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Mississippi County Regional Chamber of Commerce on Friday, April 19. Family, friends and city and state officials were on hand for a tour of the new state of the art storage facility located on Fleeman Street in Manila. The new business is owned by the Irvin Morris Family who is well known throughout the area...
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Leachville man honored with top awardsBy REVIS BLAYLOCK NEA Town Courier Michael Webster of Leachville, a 20 plus year route salesman for Frito-Lay, received several top awards for 2023. Webster was named the District Route Sales Rep of the Year and Route Sales Rep of the Region and received the world-wide Ring of Honor, the sixth out of 10,000 in the nation...
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Health Dept. to host open houseThe Blytheville Health Department will host an open house from 1-3 p.m. Monday, May 6. The public is invited to join the staff as they celebrate returning to their newly renovated, modernized unit. Guests will be able to tour the facility at 1299 North 10th Street and learn more about the clinic and the services provided...
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City and County Youth Program to celebrate 40 years of service (4/23/24)The City and County Youth Program, a non-profit organization, will soon celebrate 40 years of service to the community. The director and founder of C.C.Y. Shannon Duck Sims said the program has been successful due to the community support which has a heart to make sure all children have school supplies, coats, etc...
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Dority murder trial continues in Blytheville (4/23/24)By SANDRA BRAND NEA Town Courier Editor The first degree murder trial of the State verses Malik Dority began in Mississippi County Circuit Court Monday with Judge Scott Ellington presiding. Maleke (aka Malik) Dority, 27, of Blytheville is charged with the Jan. 17, 2023 shooting death of Dandre Whitfield, 25, also of Blytheville...
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Governor receives FGA honor (4/23/24)LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders received the "Governor of the Year" award at the Arkansas Policy Recognition Dinner hosted by the Foundation for Government Accountability on Thursday, April 18. "I’m honored to receive this award – and even more honored by what it represents. ...
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County sponsors Spring Clean-up (4/23/24)The Spring County-Wide Clean-up will be Saturday, April 27. This is a time where each city/town that would like to participate can rally together and encourage residents to do some “spring clean-up". The how’s are left up to each municipality. The County Landfill is free that day to individuals. Any municipality will receive a 50 percent discount. Landfill hours will be from 7 a.m. -noon on Saturday...
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Blytheville police seek suspect in Sunday shooting (4/21/24)On Sunday, April 21, 2024, Officers with the Blytheville Police Department responded to the 100 Block S Division St in reference to a male subject being shot. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim, Kohnali Hunt (18, Caruthersville, MO). ...
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Manila School Board fills positions (4/20/24)By REVIS BLAYLOCK NEA Town Courier The Manila school board filled several positions, renewed contracts and accepted one resignation at the Thursday, April 18 meeting. Following an executive session, Superintendent Jason Evers recommended hiring several teachers with the board voting unanimously for each one...
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Concerned citizens voice thoughts on next police chief (4/20/24)By Joseph Fondren NEA Town Courier Contributor BLYTHEVILLE— Thursday night, roughly 30 citizens attended the Community Forum at the Ritz Civic Center concerning the selection of the next chief of police for the city of Blytheville. The forum was hosted by Blytheville mayor Melisa Logan and the city council. Five of the six city council members were in attendance...
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Blytheville seniors place in bean bag baseball (4/19/24)Members of the Mississippi County Senior Citizen Center, the Blytheville Chickasaws, won fourth place in the 2024 NEA Bean Bag baseball tournament on April 12. Members of the team include Daryl Johnson, Idell Jenkins, Donita Woolsey, Sammie Hayes, Joe Pope, Tom Hayes, Eddie Mae Purdue, Charles Rodgers, Mary Burton, Tobey Johnson, Dance Burge, Bernice Jenkins and Alberta Pritchett. ...
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Ribbon-cutting welcomes new Manila bakery (4/19/24)By REVIS BLAYLOCK NEA Town Courier Small Town Treats in Manila was welcomed with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Mississippi County Regional Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, April 16. The new business is located at 305 Highway 18 in Manila and is owned by LaDonna Harvey...
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ANC Board approves 2024-25 operating budget (4/19/24)Members of the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees gathered for their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, April 17, where members approves the College’s operating budget for the 2024-2025 year. Based on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, the Board passed the College’s Operating Budget for 2024-25. ...
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Regional Chamber to host banquet (4/19/24)Thursday, April 25, will be a big night for the Mississippi County Regional Chamber of Commerce when it holds its annual banquet at the Arkansas Aeroplex. The theme is “Chamberitaville,” a take-off on Jimmy Buffett’s famous “Margaritaville.” According to Chamber President Seth Holifield, it will be fun and festive, but he notes it will be more than that. ...
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Zekelman Industries unveils $120 million investment Partners with Arkansas Northeastern College on Workforce Training Initiative (4/19/24)BLYTHEVILLE – Zekelman Industries, the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America, will invest up to $120 million to expand the manufacturing capabilities and product offerings of its subsidiary, Atlas Tube, in Mississippi County. The project will bring Zekelman’s total number of employees in the area to more than 300. During the unveiling, the manufacturer also announced it will partner with Arkansas Northeastern College on a new workforce training initiative...
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Suspects arrested in Wynne Block Party shooting (4/17/24)WYNNE, Ark. — On Tuesday, April 16, Special Agents from the Arkansas State Police (ASP) arrested four individuals in connection with a block party shooting that resulted in the death of one person and injuries to at least nine others. “I’m proud of how Arkansas State Police personnel worked with the Wynne Police Department to swiftly apprehend the suspects in this case,” said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar...
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Chickasawba Lodge to hold annual barbecue (4/17/24)Chickasawba Masonic Lodge #134 will hold its annual fundraiser barbecue April 27. The fundraiser will be held at 200 East Davis Street (Franklin and Davis) in Blytheville. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Francis Lewis or any other Lodge member...
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Leachville City Council hires police chief (4/17/24)By REVIS BLAYLOCK NEA Town Courier Leachville City Council voted unanimously to promote Officer Steven Pearson to serve as Chief of Police at the April meeting on Monday evening. Pearson had been serving as interim police chief in the absence of former Chief Alan Austin. Austin has been on medical leave for several months following a vehicle accident...
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Local police host Blytheville Citizen’s Academy (4/17/24)By REVIS BLAYLOCK NEA Town Courier The Blytheville Police Department is holding the first of two citizen’s police academy programs scheduled for 2024. The spring academy is underway. The academy, a six-week program, is held on Thursday nights for three hours. In addition to the classes, those participating will have a day at the firing range...
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NextEra makes appeal for solar panel projects (4/17/24)By Joseph Fondren NEA Town Courier Contributor BLYTHEVILLE— Thursday afternoon, inside the standing room only meeting room at the Mississippi County Annex Building, NextEra Energy brought a team to plead its case for the continuation of its three solar panel projects...
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Main Street Blytheville to host Mayfest Pageant (4/16/24)Main Street Blytheville will hold a Little Miss and Mister Mayfest pageant at 1 a.m. May 11. There are five divisions in the pageant. Mr. Mayfest will be for ages newborn-five years. Tiny Miss Mayfest is newborn to two years. Little Miss Mayfest is for ages three-five...
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Deadline draws near for Mayfest discounts (4/16/24)Main Street Blytheville has announced Friday, April 19 is the end for discounted rates to participate in the 2024 Mayfest. Arts, crafts and informational booths may register online at https://forms.gle/3KyMGD7ZnwavPpkZ9. Food and beverage booths/vendors may register online at https://forms.gle/tEFAMj7GVeJ3Xjkz7...
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Manila High School to host parent meeting (4/16/24)Manila High School will hold a parent meeting for ninth-11th grades Thursday, April 25 or Thursday, May 2. The meetings will be held at 6 p.m. in the MHS cafeteria. Topics include new graduation requirements, career focus opportunities, high school student resumes, free resources available to MHS students...
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Chamber Banquet planned (4/16/24)The Mississippi County Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Chamber Banquet Thursday, April 25. The banquet will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Arkansas Aeroplex.
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Finance Committee sets up line item for traffic study (4/16/24)By Joseph Fondren NEA Town Courier Contributor BLYTHEVILLE— The Mississippi County Finance Committee held a brief meeting Monday afternoon at the Annex Building in Blytheville where they agreed to send a new line item created in the road department budget for a traffic study reimbursement grant to the full quorum court for approval...
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The American Pickers to return to Arkansas (4/16/24)The American Pickers are returning to Arkansas. They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout the area in June 2024. AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques...
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One dead, at least 9 injured in Wynne Block Party shooting (4/14/24)WYNNE, Ark. – One man was killed and at least nine people were injured April 13, 2024, when shots were fired at about 10 p.m. at a block party near the corner of Williams Avenue and Martin Luther King Street in Wynne. Two victims were run over by vehicles at the scene. The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the incident at the request of the Wynne Police Department. Investigators have identified multiple people of interest and encourage anyone with information about the incident to call Troop D at (870) 970-6082.
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Hammett faces charges in Crittenden County (4/12/24)By Sandra Brand - NEA Town Courier/Osceola Times EditorDesmond Fredric Hammett, 43, of Blytheville, is scheduled to go to trial in West Memphis on Tuesday on charges of criminal trespass. Hammett serves on the Blytheville School Board and is a registered candidate on the democrat ticket for the District 34 seat on the State House of Representatives...
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Work Release Center plans expansion (4/12/24)By Joseph Fondren NEA Town Courier ContributorBLYTHEVILLE— The Mississippi County Quorum Court’s Energy and Property Committee met Wednesday afternoon at the Annex Building where a variety of topics were discussed including an increase of 100 beds at the ADC Work Release Center. Nine justices— Chairwoman Molly Jackson, Rick Ash, Michael White, Betty Hepler, Cecil McDonald, Neil Burge, Tobeye McClanahan, Drake Brown, and Harbans Mangat— were present and all but one committee member, Melinda Martin, were absent. ...
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Work Here - Live Here “The light bulb has come on” (4/12/24)By Sandra Brand - NEA Town Courier/Osceola Times Editor“The light bulb has come on that we need housing in Mississippi County,” Randy Scott recently told a room of industrial leaders. Scott, who serves on the board of the Great River Economic Development Foundation, explained there have been 72 new home owners take advantage of the county’s new “Work Here, Live Here” program in its first 18 months...
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Blood drive to be held at Ruddle Road Church (4/10/24)During National Volunteer Month in April, the American Red Cross asks donors to help protect the blood supply by making and keeping blood donation appointments in the weeks ahead. Donors of all blood types - especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets - are needed now to keep the blood supply strong enough to support critical patient care this spring...
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ANC to offer diamond art class April 20 (4/10/24)The Department of Community Education at Arkansas Northeastern College will offer Intro to Diamond Art Saturday, April 20. The class will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. in Room A101 on the ANC Blytheville campus. Rhoda Yost will instruct the class, which will show students the diamond painting technique. Students will create a decorative coaster that they will be able to keep, as well as trays and tools to make their own projects...
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Gamma Beta Phi attends the GBP 2024 National Convention (4/10/24)The Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) chapter of Gamma Beta Phi (GBP) attended the 2024 Gamma Beta Phi National Convention in Knoxville, TN, on March 1. ANC GBP members Whitni Mangum, Cheron Hunter-Wright, and Lacey Rogers with GBP Chapter Advisor Tonya Harris, attended the conference. ...
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Chamber welcomes 1st Choice (4/10/24)The Mississippi County Regional Chamber of Commerce welcomed 1st Choice Home Care to their new location in Blytheville with a ribbon cutting on Friday. The new location is at 510 West Main Street in Blytheville. An open house with refreshments and drawings was held as guests toured the new, renovated office and gathered information about the home care company...
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The Great River Charitable Clinic serves residents of Miss. County for 15 years (4/10/24)Fifteen years ago, on Feb. 16, 2009, The Great River Charitable Clinic opened its doors to begin registering people for care. Guided by the vision of Methodist Minister Chris Cooper, the Great River Charitable Clinic was born out of need and a desire to serve others. The Mississippi County River Delta, including Mississippi County, has long earned recognition for having poor health outcomes and a shortage of healthcare resources...
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ANC Career Fair draws large crowd (4/10/24)Arkansas Northeastern College hosted the 19th annual Career Fair on Thursday with area businesses, industries, colleges, military, medical centers, banks, fire departments from Blytheville and Osceola, law enforcement departments, and others participating. It was open to the public with over 60 booths available distributing information. Several were accepting job applications. Space was available for interviews. (Photos By Revis Blaylock)...
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Anita Moore to be honored (4/10/24)Promiseland Church of God in Christ, 2141 S. US Highway 61, Osceola will present First Lady Appreciation Day on Sunday, April 21. The public is invited to honor First Lady Anita Moore. Morning services begin at 10:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be Lady Niki Nelson with Life Changing Outreach Ministry in Jonesboro...
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Fundraiser to benefit Osceola cancer patient (4/10/24)Family and friends of Jimmy Wright, of Osceola, will be holding a Bake sale Fundraiser Saturday, April 13 at 10 a.m. at Faith Chapel, 555 Ermen Lane, Osceola. Wright is battling cancer and is unable to work. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Wright to help pay travel expenses for he and his wife as they make trips to Little Rock for his doctor appointments and soon to begin chemo treatments...
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60 Plus commodities to be distributed (4/10/24)Mississippi County Arkansas EOC will distribute CSFP 60 Plus commodities to people who are already receiving the food. Everyone is asked to remain in their vehicle and show identification. The food will be placed in the vehicles. The following times and locations:...
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National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program - Local businesses to install electric vehicle charging stations (4/10/24)The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has announced the award recipients for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program in response to the 2023 Request for Proposals (RFP). In Mississippi County awarded was Francis Energy Charging, LLC at the Blytheville Holiday Inn and Jordan’s Kwik Stop, Inc. in Osceola. Francis Energy will receive $1,016,000 and Jordans will receive $1,068,000...
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Miss. Co. awards $720,050 in infrastructure grants (4/10/24)By REVIS BLAYLOCK NEA Town Courier MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, AR, (April 5, 2024) Mississippi County Government has announced the recipients of its 2024 infrastructure grant program, awarding $720,050 to support seven critical water and sewer infrastructure improvements and projects...
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MHS Lion Theatre presents The Outsiders (4/6/24)The Manila High School Lion Theater presented The Outsiders, a dramatic play, March 28, 29 and 30. The live production was adapted by Christopher Serger. It was directed by Manila’s MHS Theatre and choir director Candace Hawkins, assisted by Heath Hawkins...
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“Follow That Dream” (4/6/24)The Melody Theater at 301 S. Main St, Leachville, will be showing the 1962 classic film, “Follow That Dream”, starring Elvis Presley at 4 p.m. on April 13. Movies are free to the public, but a voluntary donation of $5 to help over the cost of the event is appreciated. Concessions are available...
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Blytheville Police Chief to be focus of public meeting (4/6/24)ill hold a community forum to gather public input in regards to what they want in Blytheville’s new police chief to keep the neighborhoods safe and the city moving forward. The public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at the Ritz Civic Center...
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– Arkansas Aeroplex – 238 abandoned duplexes to be removed (4/6/24)Mississippi County has secured $2 million in federal funding to initiate a comprehensive clean-up effort at the Arkansas Aeroplex, formerly known as the Eaker Air Force Base, in Blytheville. This funding, approved by Congress in March as part of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, is allocated for the "North End Clean Up" project, a pivotal step toward ongoing revitalization efforts at the aeroplex. ...
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The Delta School to close/Property donated to ANC (4/5/24)WILSON, AR (April 5, 2024) – The Wilson Works Foundation has agreed in principle to donate The Delta School property to the Arkansas Northeastern College Foundation. Once terms of the agreement are approved by the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees, the donation is expected to create an opportunity for the college to further support the region by offering affordable education pathways to college and career readiness...
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The Celebrate! Maya workshop held at ANC (4/5/24)The second Celebrate! Maya Youth Writing & History Immersion Workshop was held Saturday, March 23 at the Governor’s Ballroom of Arkansas Northeastern College. Students from the area interviewed residents who grew up in Mississippi County in the mid to late 1900’s...
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(Untitled) (4/5/24)Melody Theater to host date nightDate night will be held at The Melody Theater at 301 S. Main St, Leachville at 7 p.m. on April 13. They will be showing the 1987 hit, “Dirty Dancing”, rated PG-13, starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. Movies are free to the public, but a voluntary donation of $5 to help cover the cost of the event is appreciated...