Monticello Live

Louis Dunlap, 49 year resident of Drew County, has announced his candidacy for re-election to another term as District 3 Justice of the Peace on the Drew County Quorum Court.

He is a graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he received a Master’s degree in math education. He taught for 12 years in the Monticello Public Schools, before going to University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he taught for 23 years before retiring in 1996.

Dunlap served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

In making his announcement, Dunlap said, “as J.P. of District 3, I pledge to be a promise-keeper and to make service my priority in the following areas:

1. I’m very proud to be a part of a knowledgeable Quorum Court, whose members believe in God and prayer. They are fair with all people of Drew County as they strive to do what is best for the county. The accountability, experience, and expertise of the Drew County Quorum Court will help the people to know that they are in good hands under the leadership of the present Quorum Court.

2. Another term on the Drew County Quorum Court will provide me the opportunity to continue my commitment to the task for which I am chosen, as a servant and torchbearer for Drew County.

3. I will do whatever I can to encourage economic growth and bring new jobs to Drew County. I am also interested in the spread of education and development of a fuller life for individuals with healthier surroundings and better conditions. (more…)

Private First Class Kenneth Kevin Trotter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Trotter of Wilmar, AR, has completed entry level training for the United States Marine Corps.

His graduation of boot camp for the USMC was on January 8, 2010. This accomplishment began for him on November 2008 when he weighed in at 320 lbs. He then talked to his first Marine Corps recruiter and learned that to leave for boot camp he must weigh 190Ibs or less. At this point he started his dieting and exercise regiment that brought him to the weight of 190 lbs by April 2009 when he signed up.

October 13 2009 began his thirteen week training were he was trained in Martial arts, expert marksmanship, customs and curtsies, first aid, drill, and he overcame the crucible. Now that he is a fully qualified United States Marine his next step will be Marine Corps Combat training on Camp Pendleton CA. After he completes that training he will report to Pensacola, Fl to complete his training as a Combat Photographic Specialist.

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Recently, Monticello Police Dept’s Michael Sharp was photographed hanging decorative owls on the top portions of the police radio tower, in an effort to reduce the number of birds that land in the tower, and the number of ”decorations from overhead”.

Sharp, a local officer, used proper safety equimpemt, and is an experienced, trained climber for  projects as cell phone towers.

The Monticello City Council discussed an ordinance at their regular monthly meeting that will require citizens to clean their property and require a certain procedure to be followed. After much debate, the council decided that grass should remain below 12” and that if it exceeds 12”, they could require the owner of the land to clean it up.

City Council is considering exempting undeveloped land from the ordinance, but as it stands right now, all property is included. If the council exempts undeveloped land, landowners must still keep trash off that land. They are trying to clean up the city and keep it looking clean.

The ordinance was approved with only Clifton Bond objecting.  Bond decided to clarify his reason for opposing the ordinance by stating that he is not against cleaning up the city, but he doesn’t “think this is the right way to go about it.”

The council also approved a resolution to authorize the mayor to apply for a grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, approved a resolution to accept the contract for the MEDC, approved a resolution to accept the contract for the Chamber of Commerce, and approved a resolution to accept the contract for the Boys & Girls Club.

Larry Smith, Jr..has announced his candidacy for the position of Drew County Sheriff and Collector. During my ten years in law enforcement I have graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in Camden, and have been certified in numerous law enforcement classes, such as postal inspection, special street crime operations, crime scene investigations, methamphetamine identification and safety, basic Spanish, and domestic violence. I also graduated from SSA K-9 Academy with several more certifications in law enforcement.

I am employed as a police officer by the City of Monticello. Previously, I was a Drew County Sheriff’s deputy for approximately seven years.

I am the son of the late Larry Smith of Monticello, who was my biggest mentor and friend. I am the father of four children; Lawton, Kelby, Karter, and Jalie.

I believe in strong family morals and will pledge to do the best possible job to uphold those values.

If elected, I will do my best to be fair and just, and also to have an open door policy for all Drew County citizens. I am asking you, the citizens of Drew County, to elect me Sheriff and Collector of Drew County, because I have the experience, heart, and leadership to make this a better community.

Many Canine Correction’s clients claim the number one reason their dogs misbehave is due to lack of exercise and mental stimulation. During the day they are left at home while their owners work, and this can lead to hyper-activity, barking, obsession, destruction, and other types of very annoying and frustrating behavior.

To help these clients, “Doggie Daycare” was created. With convenient pick-up and drop-off services, dog owners simply go to work in the morning and come home to happier and calmer dogs in the evening.

For two weeks only Canine Corrections is holding a special for new customers. If you sign up for at least 3 days of daycare between January 18 and February 1, you will get your first week for half the regular price.

 **Make sure to ask about special rates for more than one dog. Email   caninecorrections@gmail.com with “MonticelloLive Ad” in the subject line, or call Mandy Moss at (870)308-1403, and mention this ad to get your half price discount.

For more information please check our website: www.caninecorrections.weebly.com

The  HALEY CREEK BOYS will be in concert at Northside Baptist Church, on Saturday, January 23, beginning at 7 pm.

Northside Baptist is located at the corner of Pope and Samuel Streets.

Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the evening of southern gospel music.

According to Sheriff Mark Gober, Drew County Sheriff’s Department officials executed a search warrant on the home of Anthony D. McCraney, age 44, Thursday. (more…)

BETH DAVIS OF MONTICELLO HAS ANNOUNCED HER CANDIDACY FOR RE-ELECTION TO THE OFFICE OF DREW COUNTY ASSESSOR IN THE UPCOMING DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTION.

MRS. DAVIS IS SERVING HER SECOND TERM AS ASSESSOR, SHE SERVED AS DEPUTY ASSESSOR FOR 15 YEARS BEFORE BEING ELECTED.

SHE IS A MEMBER OF ASSOCIATION OF ARKANSAS COUNTIES, ASSESSOR’S ASSOCIATION, ARKANSAS CHAPTER OF INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ASSESSING OFFICERS AND THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ASSESSING OFFICERS.

MRS. DAVIS AND HER HUSBAND BRUCE HAVE ONE CHILD.

“IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE SERVING THE CITIZENS OF DREW COUNTY AS ASSESSOR. WITH MY EXPERIENCE IN THE OFFICE, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND VOTE IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION”

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Following Monday’s MLive story “New Year’s Eve Bullet Lands in Child’s Bed”, reports of another home being hit by New Year’s Eve stray bullets have been reported to MonticelloLive.

A home near the intersection of East Jackson and Cherry Streets was hit, not only once New Year’s Eve, but twice. (more…)

According to Sheriff Mark Gober, the Drew County Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of Monticello Police Department, executed a search warrant at a residence located at 796 Highway 278 West on December 29th.  Sheriff Gober had information of drugs being sold out of the residence. Prior to this date the department had received complaints of traffic in and out during all our hours of the day. (more…)

According to Drew County Sheriff Mark Gober, deputies were dispatched to a disturbance call on January 1 at approximately 10: 15 pm at 119 North Cominto Road. (more…)

Flood waters are finally dropping in the southwest corner of Drew County, following last week’s heavy rains.

HWY 172 in closed south of the Possum Valley Pavilion, and many county roads are still underwater, as well.

Boats were again used to move residents across flooded areas to their vehicles, and farm animals were led, as best as they could be, to higher, dryer land, although some didn’t survive.

A local farmer explained the December flood, had caught many folks unaware, since local creek flooding was followed so closely to backwater flooding from the Saline River.

The top photo shows HWY 172, still underwater, as of Saturday afternoon.  The next photo shows a flooded pasture, and an underwater fence line, north of HWY 172.

The south side of the highway is shown in the third photo, where the floodwaters stretch as far as the eye can see, into the distant forest, and beyond.

The last picture shows Ben Loveless Road, which runs north of HWY 172, just another example of the many county roads, such as Ozment Bluff Road and Gees Landing Road,  that are closed due to the slowly falling floodwaters.

New Year’s Eve brought with it the usual activities, Thursday night, however the rain and cool temperatures seem to reduce the number of people celebrating.

Monticello Police arrested 3 drivers that were charged with DWI, proving the phrase, “if you drive hammered, you’ll probably get nailed” to be true.

Several churches held New Year’s events as well.  The top photo is from Mt. Pleasant Campground United Methodist Church held a  ”sing in the new year” recognizing the music of Gospel Music Publisher, Songwriter, Music and Singing School Teacher, Singer and Musician Marty Phillips, and his wive Ann.  Marty’s song, “What a Meeting in the Air” has been featured in one of Bill Gaither’s Homecoming videos.

Immanuel Baptist Uth took part in a lock-in, overnight.  Shady Grover and Holmes Chapel also had activities planned.

The Robin Hood Family, Andy Brannon, and others joined together in an “all night singing” at Christ Church.