Monticello Live

MonticelloLive recently received a copy of a letter which was sent to Camden schools warning of a new form of crystal methamphetamine being manufactured, apparently to sell to children. From as far away as California and Nevada, and as close as Texas and Missouri, strawberry flavored crystal meth, known as “Strawberry Quick” has been finding its way into the hands of young people.

According to a recent USA Today report, crystal meth use has been on the decrease in recent years, and dealers and manufacturers have had to resort to new tactics in order to market the drug. Because methamphetamine is commonly white or brownish and bitter-tasting, the pink color and sweet taste make it more appealing to younger children, authorities say. Meth cooks have also been known to manufacture the drug in flavors such as cola and chocolate.

In a report aired on San Francisco television earlier this year, Dr. Alex Stalcup, a drug counseling expert, warns about a newer and more alarming danger associated with the drug. Whereas long-term addiction has been the biggest problem for meth users in the past, the new danger posed by flavored meth is overdose. Since dealers will often claim that it is a milder form of the drug, or not even meth at all, new users are prone to ingest potentially fatal doses.

According to an item from a Missouri TV news report, it hasnÂ’t taken long for this latest threat to spread to this part of the country. Parents and teachers are urged to educate themselves and talk to their children about the dangers associated with drugs.

This weekend hundreds of young girls showcased their talent at the Kim’s Dance Factory year-end recital. The dancers had practiced for months for their time to shine. One of the solo acts at the weekend performance was Jessaca Mioko Shepherd. At a young five years of age Jessaca took the stage with confidence. One reason for this was the influence of her mother, Yukiko Shepherd. This is her story.

Yukiko was born and raised in Fukuoka, Japan. Her parents still live in Japan where her dad, Kenichi Yamashita, holds an executive position at a gas company and her mother, Mariko Yamashita, is an accountant. She and her brother, Hirofumi Yamashita, were raised to learn at every turn and to experience all you could from life. Yukiko’s interest early on was the English language. It was her mother’s influence that brought her to get a Bachelor’s Degree in English Linguistics.

Taking her family’s advice opened the door for Yukiko to explore the world. Before coming to Southeast Arkansas she lived in Georgia, France and London. It is because of Jessaca that Yukiko now resides in Monticello. Yukiko met Jessaca’s dad in Japan. He was in the American Navy. The couple married while in Japan. Jessaca was born at the US Navy base in Japan on December 4, 2001. Wanting Jessaca to know her American grandparents, Walter and Rita Shepherd, is one reason Yukiko makes Monticello her home. Yukiko quickly found her nitch in Arkansas. She works at the District Court of Drew County Civil Division and teaches Japanese at UAM.

In the Japanese culture when you name your children you consider the meaning of the name and pick it based on what you want for your child. Yukiko means “to explore life on your own.” When her parents chose this name for her their wish for her was for her to experience all this world had for her. She definately has taken that challenge. In naming her own child she chose Jessaca Mioko which means “beautiful cherry blossom.” Because it takes ten years for a cherry blossom tree to bloom Yukiko takes these early years with Jessaca seriously. She feels that Jessaca is in the process of blooming. Her hope is that Jessaca will continue to be nurtured by the love of her family and friends. Yukiko feels this time is best for Jessaca to work on her talents and education in anticipation for the day she will blossom into a beautiful talented young lady. After last nights performance Jessaca proved that she is in bloom. Much of this is due in part by the loving care of her mother, Yukiko Shepherd – one Monticello life.

Last night was a special night for our community. Monticello High held their prom, attended by many high school students decked out in tuxes and the fanciest dresses around.

Prom has been anticipated for weeks on end by both first-time attenders and those who have been before and know the ropes. In February, Meredith Grubbs was asked by MHS senior Sadler Morrison if she would go to prom with him. She said yes and has been looking forward to it ever since.

Meredith was interviewed for this story just a few minutes before Sadler’s arrival. Between applying make-up and getting dressed in her gorgeous prom dress, she took time to answer questions about her life as a teen in Monticello.

In addition to the excitement of prom, Meredith enjoys all aspects of life to the fullest. As a sophomore at MHS, she related that high school can be a little unnerving at first for most students. She says that the further along you get, though, the more comfortable it becomes, and the more fun it is. Needless to say, she’s looking forward to the next couple of years of being an upperclassman. Her favorite subject right now is world history, though she excels at all schoolwork. She thinks the best teachers are those who are truly passionate about the subject matter they teach and who love what they do.

Meredith is a track team and cross country runner for Monticello High. Involved in these teams since seventh grade, she has been a part of seven conference championship teams so far. Although it takes a lot of time, it’s time well spent. Beginning in the spring each year, she also participates in swim team. As an athlete she says she’s reaped more benefits than just physical fitness. It’s taught her the true value of teamwork, along with a remarkable amount of self-discipline and strong work ethic.

Many of Meredith’s closest friends have become so through running and swim team. They love these activities and have that in common. When they’re not practicing and at meets together, they can be found doing the normal teenage stuff, like going to a movie.

Asked what makes a good friend, Meredith replied, “A friend is someone who’s always there for you!” Her younger sister, Emily, considers Meredith a friend for life, too.

Meredith has lived in Monticello since the age of four and likes the small town because of knowing everyone. One thing is sure, those who know her, love her. At almost sixteen, she is an outstanding young lady who makes her family proud, and rightly so.

Celebrating youth at its best is this one Monticello life… Meredith Grubbs.

One Monticello resident is dead, and two others are injured after a one-vehicle accident in Drew County yesterday.

According to a report by the Arkansas State Police the accident occurred at 12:48 p.m. on Midway Route in Drew County. The report states that a 1999 Mercury Sable driven by Don Simpson, age 18, of Monticello was traveling north on Midway Route at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control after over-compensating for a curve, and the vehicle left the roadway and overturned multiple times. All three passengers were then ejected from the vehicle.

Also injured in the accident were Steven Piper, age 34 and Austin Piper, age 4, both of Monticello. According to the State Police report Simpson was pronounced dead at the scene by a Drew County coroner. The other passengers were transported to Drew Memorial Hospital and Austin Piper was later transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. The report states that no seatbelts or child restraints were in use by any of the occupants. According to officials at the Arkansas State Police, toxicology tests results are pending.

As many drove by Monticello High School this morning something out of the ordinary was happening on school property. Unfortunately, the scene was all too familiar for the many public servants who took part in helping. An organized reenactment of a drunk driving accident was staged for high school students to observe, complete with rescue teams from the Fire Department, Police Department, State Police and ambulance service. A helicopter even landed to med-flight some of the victims.

Teresa Belew, Executive Director for the Arkansas Mothers Against Drunk Driving, visited from Little Rock and spoke to students. She related to the audience that a survey of the youth of Drew County reveals shocking facts. Twelve years of age is the age most reported for having a first taste of alcohol. Of young people who regulary drink alcohol, most say they began regular use at age fourteen. She also reported that in Arkansas alone, there are four to five people killed each week because of an alcohol related accident. Countless others are injured.

Steve Brantley, organizer of the reenactment today, has first-hand experience of an alochol related accident. Today, he shared his story with students of how his wife, Patricia Brantley, was killed in a collision with a drunk driver on June 21, 1996. It forever changed his life and the life of their four children. Steve is passionate about educating others about the dangers of drinking and driving and is very involved in the local chapter of MADD as coordinator for the county.

In another large media sale, Monticello radio stations KHBM, KGPQ, and KXSA owned by Community Radio Network were purchased recently by Pines Broadcasting Inc., owned by Jimmy and Gwen Sledge. The sales prices of the stations was $1.05 million, according to the broadcastingcable.com site. In a letter to advertisers and businesses, Jimmy Sledge stated, “We have retained all of the employees at the stations, and we appreciate your patience during this time of transition of ownership.”

Pines Broadcasting announced that it plans to provide more local news, weather, and sports, as well as offering six different music formats to listen to on the stations.

The best fertilizer is the gardener’s shadow. ~Author Unknown

For one Monticellonian, gardening is a way of life. What started as spending time with her grandmother grew into a deep love of the outdoors and gardening. This is Estrallyn Jone’s story.

Estrallyn grew up in Monticello. Her mother was a school teacher and her father worked in a grocery store. Because her parents worked she spent much of her time with her grandmother, Thella Hankins. Thella was the President of the Garden Club in her day and did not neglect to teach those who came behind her the art of gardening. Not all who learn are blessed to have a green thumb, but for Estrallyn gardening came easy.

While raising her family, Estrallyn lived in Lacey. She lived on eight acres and found many ways to use the land. She had a large garden she used to feed her family. A gazebo in her yard was adorned with her favorite tropical plants and ferns. All the flower beds were beautifully covered with plants. She and her family also had a love for animals. She raised many different animals and eventually created a menagerie. The animals that she took care of were deer, beaver, bears, chicken, ducks, raccoons and fox. Local people would visit her land to see the animals but always left awestruck by her immaculate yard. At one point a local paper came to feature the animals, but her yard instead was the main attraction.

After her two children were grown, Estrallyn went another route with her love of gardening. She began working outside the home by helping others with their gardening adventures. She has helped many around town with flower selection. She is perfect to give advice on where flowers should be planted. She has spent the last 12 years at Greenscape Nursery owned by Terry Hopper. She orders all the plants. She sets up the displays at the store. She also runs the office and does the bookkeeping. She travels to Louisiana and Arkansas to bring back the best products for her customers. Estrallyn prefers to be outside and finds her line of work therapeutic. Ironically, her own yard is now neglected. She spends most of her time in town helping her many clients. Her advice for the local gardener is that it is too early for Periwinkles. She predicts the weather will stay cool until after Easter, so hold off to plant your bedding plants.

Estrallyn has six grandchildren. It is too early to tell if any of hers will follow in her footsteps. But she is grateful for what legacy her grandmother left behind. The love of gardening and the great outdoors has brightened many days for her and those she has helped around town. Estrallyn Jones – One Monticello Life.