Monticello Live

Arkansas Supreme Court Associate Justice Karen Baker issued a court opinion in the case of Ronald Wayne Magness overturned appeal before the court.

Ronald Wayne Magness claimed that the State failed to prove that he was “in custody,” which is a required element of the charged offense.

On March 31, 2010, a Drew County jury found appellant guilty of two nonviolent felony offenses. The circuit court entered an order releasing appellant on a $25,000 bond pending bed space, as long as he met certain requirement, including;  he must inform the sheriff of his address before release and not change it without the approval of his bondsman and the sheriff; and not leave the State of Arkansas without written permission of the sheriff.

In April 2010, Magness left the state without written permission and failed to contact the sheriff’s department and his bondsman in violation of the conditions of his release. He was charged with second-degree escape, a class B felony.1 A jury convicted Magness of escape. He was sentenced as a habitual offender to thirty years’ imprisonment in the Arkansas Department of Correction. (more…)

Annabel Grace Fowler turns 2 today!!!

She is the daughter of Jeff and Leah Fowler and the little sister of Elijah Schell.

Grandparents are Doug and Joann Fowler, Verda Schell, Barbara McElroy, and Allen Schell.

Happy Birthday Lucas!!!

Lucas is the son of Justin Linely and Christy Mansfield of Monticello. He is the older brother to Breannah Linely and Hunter McDougald both of Monticello.

We Love You Dubby!!!

Mom and Hunter

Save $$$ on  a New 2011 Toyota Camry LE

MSRP $24,574,
SALE PRICE $22,000

STOCK NUMBER 203504

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 Several arrests have been confirmed by Sheriff Mark Gober

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No one was seriously injured, around 3:45 Saturday, in a 3 vehicle collision at the HWY 425/278 intersection.

A Ford pick-up reportedly ran a red-light, and was struck in the driver’s door by a Pontiac Grand Prix.  Another vehicle was also struck, receiving less damage than the Ford and Pontiac.

Monticello Police and an Arkansas State Trooper responded to work the traffic and accident.

Parks Commission Chairperson Karen Connelly updated the Board on several items during the regular meeting Thursday night, including the city council’s actions concerning the parks budget and the re-building of the Sadie Johnson Community Center.

The Parks and Recreation Commission agreed to accept a contract to be used for all league and organizations that utilize city property. This would include swim team, girls softball, boys baseball, Babe Ruth, etc. – The purpose of the contract is “to protect leagues as well as city as far as injury and liability.”- Commission Chairperson Karen Connelly

Connelly stated that the recreational grant has been officially received in the amount of $111,000. This is part of a match grant so $222,000 will eventually be received by the Commission.

Amphitheater news revealed that the City needs to get one project started before receiving funding for anything else, and that Parks and Tourism has to approve what goes into bids before bidding can begin.

Mrs. Connelly said that the Commission has been trying to figure out funding for an ADA approved electric 9 passenger, 2 wheelchair capacity shuttle to be used at the Sports Complex. She stated that she had spoken with MEDC Executive Director Nita McDaniel, and Mrs. Daniel said that she would look into grants to help find funding.

As we progress along on this wet/dry issue three big myths have surfaced:

Myth #1: They are going to get alcohol anyway so we might as well legalize it.
For some this is true but the same can be said about marijuana, cocaine and all drugs. Are we willing to legalize those drugs? The truth is if we make alcohol harder to get, there will be less alcohol consumed and thus less alcohol associated problems with health, driving under the influence, crime and violence of all kinds. And let us consider recovering alcoholics who do not need or want the temptation around every time they go to grocery stores, convenience stores, etc.

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“I, Ronnie Adcock, am seeking the Office of Sheriff because I believe the citizens of Drew County deserve the very best protection and services from the Drew County Sheriff’s Office. I feel an obligation to help create a positive change for our communities, and I pledge to be a fair Sheriff, working for the people of this county. My door will always be open for citizens to express their concerns. I also look forward to forming a positive working relationship with the Monticello Police Department and their new Chief, Eddy Deaton. Residents of Drew County deserve a top notch Sheriff’s Department that is well trained and under my administration we will strive to achieve this by training both locally and at numerous others sites as funding allows.”

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20 mile per hour winds, with 30 mph gusts likely contributed to this large tree falling behind the Drew County Courthouse, around 1 pm, Thursday afternoon.

No one was injured, and since it was not a “court day” and during lunch, no vehicles were there to be damaged.

Photo submitted by a MonticelloLive reader.  Thank you.

Tom Henry of the Montongo community recently brought a copy of a northwest Arkansas newspaper to church with him.

“That’s my granddaughter”, Tom said with pride.  

After reading the article printed in The Times of Northeast Benton County, written by Annette Beard, it was plain to see that he had a reason to be proud.

“I can’t believe I get paid to do this,” the 23-year-old Air Force second lieutenant said of flying.

Kristin Henry earned her bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 2010, and is now stationed at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Okla. There, she is in the process of earning her wings – becoming a military-rated pilot.

In high school, when most teen-aged girls were getting their driver’s license, worrying about proms and their first car, Kristin had earned both her visual and instrumental pilot’s licenses.

Click here for the full story from “The Times” / NWAonline.com.

Fog has been a part of Drew County’s weather for a couple of days, and now winds have moved into the area.

A Lake Wind Advisory has been issud for local lakes and waterways for today.

Here are 3 recent reports from the Drew County Sheriff’s Office.

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Sub-freezing temperatures are forecast for this weeek.

Please remember to take proper precautions with your pets, pipes, and plants.

Extra bedding will help the critters stay a little bit warmer. Pipe insulation is suggestions…….

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After a 20 minute presentation, US Postal Service representatives spent an hour answering question from the public about the proposed closing of the UAM post office, Tuesday night.

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HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY HUNTER MORGAN!!!

Hunter is celebrating his 2nd birthday today!!

Hunter is the son of Christy Mansfield and Jason McDougald. He has two older brothers Lucas Linely of Monticello and William McDougald of Clarksville, AR.

We Love You Hunter Man!!!!

Due to the overwhelming success Discount Merchandise on the square in Monticello is extending their Inventory Reduction Sale through Saturday, January 14 open M-S 9-5:30

Everything with a red dot is 50% off, green dot is 25% off! New bedrooms are in! Black or Cherry sleigh groups starting at $749.00 for a queen bed, dresser, mirror, chest and night stand.

Also arriving faux leather beds starting at $229.00 for bed only. Sale items are going fast, so hurry in!

“Like” our Facebook page (Discount Merchandise) for pictures of new merchandise arriving daily and sales only available to Facebook fans!

The Drew Central Sr. Girls’ basketball team was ranked #4 in this weeks poll, in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

The DC Sr. Boys’ were ranked # 5 in 3A out of 53 teams!

Go PIRATES!

Mark Gober has announced his candidacy for re-election to a fifth term as Drew County Sheriff. “During the past seven years I have worked closely with county, local and state officials in the prevention and deterrence of crime. We have increased the level of drug detection and substantially increased the number of drug related arrests. I have enjoyed meeting many citizens of this county while performing my duties as Drew County Sheriff and look forward to the many challenges that I face daily in this office.”

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Trae Milburn celebrated his 8th birthday, Friday night, by inviting his friends not to bring gifts for himself, but a bag of dog food to donate to a local animal rescue shelter! His goal was 5 lbs, but he was able to exceed that goal tremendously! (more…)

Happy 5th Birthday little man..

We are so proud of you

Some left their cell phone in the tax assessor’s office.

Call 460-6240 to identify.

Happy 7th Birthday, Avery Jayne!!

Avery’s birthday was Thursday.

Love,

Mom

 Do you need help in filing a claim with the Veteran’s Administration for SC Disability Compensation, NSC Pension, Health Care ? The Drew County Veteran’s Service Office provides this service to veterans.

We also assist families of deceased veterans in requesting headstones and related memorials,also outreach services for V.A. Educational Programs, V.A. Guaranteed Loan Eligibility Certificates. Our office hours are 8 a.m. till 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

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According to Drew County Sheriff Mark Gober, on December 24 at approximately 10:30 pm, a Drew County Sheriff Deputy was notified by dispatch that there were three people at the Monticello Police Department who stated that they had been robbed at gunpoint.

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Jordan Smith & Jackson Hines are celebrating their 4th and 12th birthdays, today.

Jackson is the son of Ben & Dana Hines, & the little brother of Jagger & Tyler Hines. Jordan is the daughter of Mike & Shelley Smith, and the older sister of Karsyn Smith.

Your families love you both very much & hope you have a great day!

The Local Economy

2011 brought with it many changes in Monticello’s business climate.  In August, SeaArk Marine announced their closing as of this month (SeaArk Boats remains unaffected by this change).  Last month, Drew County Speedway told of their operations ceasing, as well.  Larry’a Pizza, Topps Pizza, and other businesses closed during the year.

Even while experiencing the loss of several employers, and several dozen jobs, Monticello still remains one of the “brighter” spots in southeast Arkansas, based on the number of businesses that either started, expanded, hired more workers, were purchased by new owners, or added important equipment.  Each of these entities showed a commitment to their employees, and their intentions to remain a part of Monticello’s future.

Those  75   businesses, industries, and organizations include…..
(Hold mouse over image to view business identity)

Sanitation routes were not run on Monday, January 2. Monday routes will be run on Tuesday, January 3. Tuesday routes will be run on Wednesday; Wednesday routes on Thursday and Thursday routes on Friday.

In other words, everyone will receive service; it will just be delayed one day.

The year 2012 has arrived. Let’s hope all of us have a healthy, happy one. New Year’s Eve was quiet at my house. Thankfully the weather was beautiful. Like most people I know, I am ready to get back into some sort of routine.

The courthouse and road department were closed last Monday in celebration of Christmas. Tuesday was a busy day begun at the courthouse and then shop. Later I rode out to check the hole on Old Military Road and Piney Creek Road. Office chores finished the day.

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Happy New Year from the staff and management team at Ryburn Automotive Superstore.

As we move into the new year, we also want to express our appreciation to our customres, and say “thank you” for your  business. 

Happy New Year from Ryburn Motor Company