Monticello Live

The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) will host a “Building Business Credit” workshop in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center on Wednesday, March 19, from 12 to 1 p.m. The session is free and open to the public, though pre-registration is recommended. Lunch will be provided by U.S. Bank.

During the workshop, Cassandra Kidd, a business access advisor at U.S. Bank with 30 years of banking and finance experience, will discuss key topics such as the differences between personal and business credit, creditworthiness and understanding business credit scores and reporting. Kidd will also explain how personal finances influence the ability to secure business loans and lines of credit, as well as provide guidance on managing debts and obligations to maintain a strong credit history.

“After working with hundreds of clients as a business access advisor, I’ve found that credit is one of the biggest obstacles people face in accessing capital for their business,” Kidd said.

The ASBTDC at UAM serves small businesses in seven southeast Arkansas counties: Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew and Lincoln. Current and future business owners can receive one-on-one business guidance at no charge.

The ASBTDC at UAM is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, in partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the UAM School of Business. All ASBTDC programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

Click here to register or visit asbtdc.org/asbtdc-events.

For more information about the workshop, contact Callie Becks, director of the ASBTDC at UAM, at becks@uamont.edu or 870-740-9031.

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Saturday, shortly after 1:30 PM, the driver of this westbound Dodge Challenger hit the underwater portion of Highway 278 east, near dead man’s curve, lost control of his vehicle, and crashed into trees, before overturning.

DCSO and Rangel Wrecker responded.

SEEMS transported the driver of the Challenger to JRMC, in Pine Bluff.

On March 14, 2025 at approximately 11:04pm members of the Drew County Sheriff’s Office, SEEMS Ambulance Service, Monticello Fire and Rescue, Reggie’s Wrecker and OEM responded to a single vehicle accident on Garnett Rd., involving a Ford Mustang.

The vehicle was traveling southbound on Garnett Rd when it exited the west side of the roadway and crashed into the Sawyer Branch.

Once on scene, first responders entered the body of water and rendered aid to the driver of the vehicle prior to removing him and transporting him to receive medical treatment.

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Tuesday night, shortly after 7:30 PM, Monticello firefighters responded to a single vehicle accident on Highway 278 E., near deadman’s curve.

One victim was transported to the hospital.

Photo courtesy of firefighters.

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