Monticello Police responded to a report of a theft that occurred at Parkway Bank’s Gaines Street location, Thursday night around 8 p.m., back on March 12.
A business customer from a check cashing business was making a night deposit, when a subject that the man is familiar with, grabbed the items that were to be deposited, and fled the scene. (more…)
The Monticello division of the Drew County District Court welcomes a new court clerk, Heather Carter.
The District Court office is located in the back of the MEDC building, with parking behind the Police Department.
Note: the sign behind Ms. Carter was saved from a court program a few years ago, which allowed shoplifters to wear the sign at the store where they committed the crime, instead of serving time in jail.
Private First Class Mark Chapman has completed his tour of duty with the 1st Infantry Division ( The Big Red One ) Bravo Battery 2/32 Field Artillery Regiment Ft. Riley Kansas and returned home to his beloved Monticello Arkansas.
He attended Ft Sill Oklahoma for Basic training and trained as a 13 Bravo Cannon Crew Man training in all climates and places such as Ft. Erwin CA ( Mojave Desert ), conducting live fire with the M119A2 Howitzer were he became profisent in his skill as a crewman setting fuses, implacing the Howitzer, loading and firing the weapon with great skill. He also became skilled in Air Assault manuvers with the Howitzer slinging the weapon system under the Army Blackhawk and Chinook twin rotor helicopter. (more…)
Josh Johnson has been promoted to manager of the Johnson’s Warehouse Showroom in Monticello.
The photo shows his dad and granddad congratulating Josh for his new position.  Josh represents a third generation that has served Monticelloand the surrounding area for many years.  Sandra Hunt, a long time and valued employee, will assist support and encourage Josh and his new endeavor.
Josh said, “We would like to thank our many friends and customers for their support throughout the years, and trust that our values and service will earn your business in the future. We would also like to thank Larry Tucker for his many years of service. Larry was forced to retire due to health problems, and we wish him well in the future.”
On Saturday May 2, meet the new manager and enjoy free hot dogs and drinks between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Johnson’s Warehouse Showroom
Terrence Newman is holding a 5K walk/run at UAM on Saturday, May 2nd at 8 a.m. for Sickle Cell Awareness.
Cost will be as follows to Pre-registered $15; Race Day – $20.
All donations will be accepted and appreciated greatly ! For further information or a registration form, please contact Terrance Newman, through Drew Central Schools.
Come out and help support the cause !
According to Drew County Sheriff Mark Gober, 3 Wilmar men were arrested following an incident that occurred around 10 p.m. Thursday night, after deputies received a call about gunshots in the area. (more…)
Madison Norris, age 5, daughter of Bo & Stephanie Norris, collected $80.00 for Relay for Life.
Madison collected change for Relay for Life in honor of her “Grandpa Thomas” who had cancer.
Madison collected her change at Small Wonder Daycare.
Rhonda Brooks recieved “Hospice Volunteer of the Year” at a volunteer appreciation “Luau”, Saturday, hosted by Hospice Home Care staff of Monticello.
Rhonda’s husband, Sanders Brooks serves as pastor of Northside Baptist Church, here in Monticello.
Article reprinted from the Drew Central High School Peg-Leg Pirate Online News: By Elizabeth Borse
 
Thomas Pierce, Kaynesha Vincent, Fancie Jackson, Elizabeth Borse, Kassie Smethers, Ammie Garcia, Olivia Taylor, and Andra Barnette.
Drew Central Journalism students attended the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association Convention at the Peabody Hotel and Statehouse Convention Center on April 16-17 and for the fourth year in a row bring home multiple awards.
Along with Karon Parrish, journalism adviser, attending were seniors Andra Barnette, Fancie Jackson and Elizabeth Borse, juniors Kaynesha Vincent, Ammie Garcia, and Thomas Peirce, and sophomore Olivia Taylor. The convention aims to improve the work ethic of students who are interested in developing their skills in writing, layout design, and photography. Students participate in on-site contests that test their creative abilities in these areas. Students and advisers alike attend workshops that teach new ways to improve yearbooks and newspapers.
“We got advice from real-life journalists about working in the journalism field, and I was able to get an idea of what it is like in the real world. We really learned a lot,” said Jackson. (more…)
Drew County Judge Damon Lampkin, Monticello Mayor Joe Rogers, Drew County Health Nurse Karen Brown, OES manager Bill Horn, DMH CEO Mike Layfield, and DMH ER manager Linda Orrell took part in a statewide conference call, Monday afternoon, discussing the potential effects of swine flu in Arkansas.
At this time, there are no confirmed cases of swine flu in Arkansas, but there have been approximately 50 confirmed cases of the illness nationwide, following 149 suspected deaths in Mexico from the disease.
Some schools in New York, Ohio, Texas, and California have canceled classes, which shows that this is a nationwide concern. (more…)
The Monticello Fire Dept. responded to the report of a residential fire at 3:30, Monday afternoon, which was actually a home filled with smoke from a skillet of grease that had been left turned on. Although the home was filled with smoke, the was no fire, but soon would have been.
While at the scene, Kelly Reid was returning to the dept., after completing the firefighter’s required courses at the State Fire Training Academy.
Congratulations, Kelly.
Provided by Edward Jones Investments, Monticello Branch Financial Advisor, Rena Day.
During difficult times in the financial markets, it can be hard to stay committed to investing. After all, if many of your investments have lost value, you might be tempted to just put your money under your mattress. But that’s not really a productive use of your funds, and it almost certainly won’t help you achieve your objectives. (more…)
Time: 8:00 amAll proceeds form the tournament will benefit The Carol Ann Foundation and International Morquio Organization as part of Scott Hawkins’s Senior Project.
Everyone is invited to the Monticello High School Band’s spring concert and awards ceremony. The concert will be held at the MMS Auditorium on Monday,April 27th at 7pm.
Please come and support the Monticello High School Band program at this free concert event.
It was announced at a recent Intermodal Authority meeting,  that SeaArk Marine has agreed to sign a “letter of intent” with the intermodal authority, which may eventually lead to the Monticello boat manufacturer re-locating to the new industrial site, just west of Monticello, across from the sports complex.
The intermodal authority has applied for a grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), and one of the requirement for further consideration is a promisory “letter of intent” from an industry that would become a part of the facility. This part of the process of finalizing the grant process will hopefully lead to funding by EDA. (more…)
Travis Haynes, age 21, a former Monticello resident, was arrested after yet another chase from local law enforcement officers, Thursday evening around 10 p.m.
Haynes, who now lives in Chicot County, was reported to have been seen at the Economy Inn, and multiple police agencies covered the area, since Haynes has run from officers several times in the past.
Haynes bailed out a window, and fled the scene before being captured and arrested a short distance south on HWY 425. (more…)
Just a few days before students were to begin taking the Arkansas Benchmark Assessment, Drew Central held an assembly aimed at getting the students revved up and ready to tackle the exam.
Students created cheers, songs, and dances that rocked with motivational and inspirational messages. Several members of the school faculty let their hair down and lead cheers and boogied in the aisles. Some even braved the stage!
Who knew that Drew Central had its own American Idols? Mrs. Melanie Brotherton performed a dramatic rendition of “I Will Survive” followed by a duet with Mrs. Kristina Meeks entitled “We’ve Got Something to Talk About.”
Pictured are the Drew Central Hollywood Wannabes known as CW and the Soul Sisters. Lead vocalist, Mrs. Deborah Jones and back-up vocalist, Clark Wilmoth, delivered a stellar performance of “We’ve Got Soul, Man-Threes and Fours, Man” while Mrs. Rose Ann Adcock, Mrs. Melissa Eason, Mrs. Joy Holley, and Ms. Onnie Simpson got down with moves reminiscent of the Blues Brothers. Students left the assembly armed with “I Can” attitudes and the determination to “Do their BEST on the test!”
Students from the Monticello Occupational Education Center competed in the State SkillsUSA competition held in Hot Springs on April 14-15.
The following students were winners in their area of competition (from left to right):
3rd place Pipe Welding – Will Beaty
3rd place Precision Machining Technology – Dexter Smith
2nd place Technical Drafting – Caleb Bryant
2nd place Carpentry – Nick Cater
The Monticello City Council heard a presentation from ETC Engineering and Architects, Inc. in its regular meeting April 23. Two representatives of the company presented conceptual designs of a new splash pad at Jordan Park, a new fire station and a new city hall building.
PLANS FOR SPLASH PARK-CITY COUNCIL-2009-04-23 from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.
According to Perry Carr of ETC, they loosely based the design on a splash pad in Paragould, Ark., which totals 4,000 square feet. As the splash pad will be the only water feature at Jordan Park, the designers doubled the design of Monticello’s splash pad to 15,000 square feet. The design presented to the council Thursday evening totals approximately $600,000 with everything included.
The conceptual design places the splash pad near the existing pavilion at Jordan Park. The design features a concrete slab with several water features enclosed by an ornamental fence, as well as a new pavilion and benches inside and outside of the fence. Carr said they like to start big and cut back.
ETC may cut the design down by 10 percent to fit the budget. This will allow for a 10,000 square feet facility, which would cost $450,000. The smaller design may have less water features, but Carr said it will still be the most significant stand-alone splash pad in the state. (more…)
These students met the requirements for the Arkansas Long Term Care Facility Nursing Assistant Training and Competency Evaluation Program and are entitled to practice as a certified nursing assistant.
They obtained their classroom and clinical skills training through the Monticello Occupational Education Center under the instruction of Diane McRae.
Front Row; Monica Owens,Shanikia Williams, Brandi Painter, Whitnie Landsdale
Back Row; Kayla Guin, Tessa Cucurullo, Olivia Dottley, Klaire Wilson, Jessica Cruce, Megan Boykin
Not Pictured; Amy Flemister
Congratulations to the following students who were selected as Monticello High School Students of the 3rd Quarter. These students were nominated by teachers and voted on by the entire staff at MHS.
The criteria for being selected is to exhibit Monticello High School’s nine guiding principles: Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Compassion, Perseverance, Optimism, Loyalty, Cooperation, and Courage.
For exhibiting such outstanding character these students were treated to lunch in town by MHS Principal Kenny Pennington.
Freshmen: Ben Adcock, Peyton Fletcher
Sophomores: Tyler Jones, Day Davis
Juniors: Javion Mitchell, Amy Flemister
Seniors: Mason Hooker, Krystal Johnson
Preventing child abuse and neglect is one of the most complex and sensitive duties of state government.
Case workers must balance the need to protect vulnerable children against the rights of parents. Children who suffer abuse and neglect tend to be bad parents when they grow up, so the cycle is repeated for generations. Breaking that cycle was the purpose of several pieces of legislation passed in the regular session. (more…)
The Drew Memorial Hospital Board met in regular session Wednesday afternoon.
Shannon Jackson was announced as the current Health Hero, and was presented a plaque for her efforts, which had received praise from hospital patients.
Items discussed included the ongoing negotiations in reference to the possibility of building a medical office building near the hospital.
The offer to purchase the McKiever buildings was declined by the bank and no counter proposal was offered. CEO Mike Layfield asked for, and was granted, permission by the hospital board to gather estimates to compare expanses of building a medical support facility next to the hospital, saying, “our goal is to not rent space,”  Board President Jim Searcy agreed, saying, “At 5% interest, that’s $1.2 million in debt over a 10-year period. That’s what we’re paying out now as an expanse.”
Layfield listed many possible uses for a medical support building, such as a possible wound care clinic, sleep center, home health services, and educational and training area, among several other uses. (more…)
The Monticello High School Drama II class will present the comedy Mixed Nuts by Simon J. Donoghue and Nancy Manera. Performances will be April 24 and 25 at the Monticello Middle School Auditorium. The doors will open at 6:30 and the show will begin at 7:00. Tickets are $4 for students, $6 for adults.
The story takes place in New York during the summer of 1984. The main character, Michael Caldwell, is trying to become a writer and “find himself.” What he finds is a whirlwind of lively characters all under one roof. Among this assortment is the hero’s not-always-helpful alter-ego who appears on stage to complicate life and enliven an already crazy situation. The audience will enjoy dealing with this stage full of “mixed nuts.” (more…)
Monticello Elementary school hosted an Earth day/ Arbor day ceremony, Wednesday, to celebrate trees and the environment around them. Mrs. Hope Bragg, chair of the Monticello Tree Board welcomed guests and engaged the student in questions regarding the care of the environment.
The Arbor Day proclamation was read by Mr. Truman Hamilton of the MEDC, and Mr. Jerry Lynn of the Arkansas Forestry Commission presented the city with road signs proclaiming Monticello as a Tree City USA. Citizens should watch for these signs at the entrance of the city in the coming weeks.
Smokey Bear emerged from back stage to bring the elementary students trees to plant around the community or their yards that were dontated from the Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC). The AFC also provided a Tulip-poplar tree for recogintion of Monticellos 2nd Arbor Day. This tree will be planted on the Campus of Monticello Elementary as a thanks for helping gain Tree City USA status, and to remind the children that they are an important part of maintaining the future enivironment of Monticello.
 
Watch for future events from your Monticello Tree Board, as we try to keep Monticello a community that we are all proud of. Any questions or concerns regarding your trees or community forest can be directed to Hope Bragg
In light of the news last week involving four students  at the Monticello Elementary School campus, several concerned parents attended the Monticello School Board’s regular meeting Tuesday, April 21 to address the issue.
Board President Lee Busby commended the crowd for coming to the meeting and the manner in which they came. The crowd waited patiently to be addressed by the board, and quietly left after the board explained why they could not speak at Tuesday’s meeting. (more…)
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Judge Damon Lampkin said attending the flag ceremony at the VFW Saturday, April 18 made him remember reciting the Pledge of Allegiance everyday during his school days. After talking with those attending the ceremony Lampkin decided to add the Pledge of Allegiance to the court’s sessions.
“It dawned on me, we’ve got our flag here and I don’t remember ever saying the Pledge of Allegiance,” Lampkin said. “We’re going to start that tonight.”
UAM's American National Government Class attend Quorum Court
In new business, the court approved Ordinance No. 2009-4 to renew the one-cent special road tax, and Ordinance No. 2009-5 to hold a special election for the tax. County Attorney Cliff Gibson drew up the ordinances. (more…)
Ciff Ferrell, of LAGraphics on the square, celebrated ANOTHER birthday, yesterday.
Dixie gave him a large basket of candy; as of 5 p.m, Sandra was still undecided.
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Please send birthday announcements in to MonticelloLive a day of two in advance of the event.
According to Monticello school district officials, 4  elementary students were suspended, following an incident that occurred on the school’s playground after lunch Thursday. (more…)
The Woodmen of the World Fraternal Insurance Company held a dedication ceremony for a new flag and flagpole at the VFW / American Legion buildings, Saturday.
This ceremony honored not only the heroes and victims of September 11, 2001, but those who fought, and lost their lives, and those who are currently serving in the fight against terrorism.
Others honored include policemen, firemen, rescue workers, and other first responders.
Drew County Judge Damon Lampkin told the group that the Quorum Court will now begin their meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance as well as a prayer. He also  thanked the veterans for the sacrifices that they have made, which have brought us our freedoms.
Judge Lampkin also paused to remember 3 recently deceased veterans: Robie Scott, Lawrence Allen, and Roy Grizzell, who were very active in the veteran’s organizations, and always attended events like this one.
The new flag was presented to the leaders off the VFW, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans, who raised the flag, before lowering to half-staff for the rest of the day.
 (more…)
Sandy Erlanson of the Drew Caunty Circuit Clerk’s office celebrated her birthday Friday.Sandy is shown here with her sister, Debbie Feeser, and Circuit Clerk Pat Savage.
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