Monticello Live

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.

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…)

RELAY FOR LIFE-CARRIE WELLENBERGER’S TESTIMONY ABOUT HER CHILDREN-2009-04-24 from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

RELAY FOR LIFE AWARDS-2009-04-24 from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

RELAY FOR LIFE LUMINARIAS-2009-04-24 from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

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…)

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…)

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…)

This year’s MADD sponsored DWI mock accident was held on the parking lot area of the Monticello High School, Monday.

This year’s event was held in honor of Dustin “Rooster” Ferguson.

The first video show the accident re-enactment.
The second covers Steve Brantley’s comments about the event.
The last video is of Dustin Ferguson’s mother’s statements from Monday, which was the first time she has spoken publicly about the wreck that took Dustin’s life.

MADD MOCK DWI 2009-04-13 from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Dustin’s parents came out to speak for the first time since the accident. His mom told the students attending, ”Sept. 22, 2008, two days after his 19th birthday, our son lost his life from a drunk driver. One choice of an indivdual changed our lives and our community. I stand before you as Dustin’s voice. His plans and his dreams could not be achieved because of the choice of another. Remember your choice affects everyone.”

DVD video’s of last year’s presentation are available at James Quick Print.

(more…)

A Drew County jury said enough is enough to a former Monticello resident, Lyndall Golden, Tuesday, by sentencing him to serve 40 in the state prison system.

The charge is described as “theft of property over $2,500″, but the items Golden stole were valued to be around $654,825, and included in stocks, bonds, CDs, jewelry, and a substantial amount of cash from an elderly couple, in the Coleman area, while she was in a Little Rock hospital. (more…)

Photos by Brooke Burger, of MonticelloLive.com (more…)

Photos by Dani West, MHS EAST lab. (more…)

Photos by Susan Hollinger, of SouthEast Emergency Services. (more…)

Immanuel Baptist presented a Live Crucifixion 3 times this week.

Click here to see the Live Crucifixion presentation.

Click here to see Rev. Larry Wilkerson’s comments and invitation. 

Captain Eddy Deaton of the Monticello Police Dept. wishes to recognize patrolman Kenny Cox for his actions Sunday afternoon, in attempting to extinguish a fire caused by an overturned b-b-q grill at an apartment on HWY 278 West, while armed only with a standard garden hose.

The Fire Dept. soon arrived and the fire was put out.

 In an order issued April 3, Circuit Judge Sam Pope denied Kenneth Isom’s request for additional DNA testing as to a third cousin, Jerry Avery. The order states that “such an attenuated relationship could not possibly change the results of the testing in this case.” Judge Pope dismissed the petition. (more…)

Video 1–Dr. Lassiter’s opening remarks and introductions.

Video 2–U of A president, B. Alan Sugg.

Video 3–Presentation to B. Alan Sugg.

Video 4–Intro of Mike Akin, U of A board of trustees member.

Video 5–Comments from Mike Akin.

Video 6–Comment from Bennie Ryburn, UAM board of visitors.

Video 7–Composer Les Pack introduces commisioned piece for Centennial.

Video 8–Pack’s composition being played by UAM Symphonic Band.

Video 9–UAM Alumnus and Centennial Celebration committee member, Carrie Ashcraft.

Video 10–ROTC Color Gurar & Greg Pearson singing UAM’s Alma Mater.

Video 11–SGA president, Michael Thomas.

Video 12–Release of green and white balloons in honor of 100th birthday. (more…)

By the resonse that MonticelloLive.com has received after posting a recent recipe, we will be posting submitted recipes from time to time. 

Thanks for the great response.

TACO SOUP (more…)

Betty Lindsey, a community and church leader, passed away, Thursday night, unexpectedly.

Mrs. Lindsey was honored as the Chamber of Commerce’s “Woman of the Year” 4 months ago. 

Mrs. Betty also had served as president of the Drew Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and was recently awareded the “State Auxiliary Member of the Year”. (more…)

Monticello Police Dept. dispatcher, Gail Hyatt, is shown at Thursday’s Lions Club meeting being announced as MPD’s “Officer of the Year”.  (more…)