Monticello Live

Andrea Chambers, a longtime participant in the local nonprofit dog rescue organization, Second Chance Fur Dogs, pleaded “no contest” to a reduced charge, Wednesday, of misdemeanor “falsifying business records,” in dealing with missing funds, while she was the group’s treasurer.

Judge Robert Gibson sentenced Chambers to one year of unsupervised probation, and ordered her “not to handle any cash for any nonprofit,” while she is on probation.

Chambers also agreed to make a $1500 “donation” to the Second Chance charity.

MPD’s investigator testified that Chambers allegedly received $15,000 in funds to purchase a van for the charity. Documentation only shows that $12,000 was spent on the van. The investigation was not able to confirm where the other $3000 went to.

According to Monticello Mayor Jason Akers, the City of Monticello has seen a 46% reduction of traffic accidents. 

The Mayor attributes the reduction to a focused effort by the City to address Monticello’s formerly high rate of traffic accidents. In 2019, there were 475 traffic accidents within the city limits. 2024 numbers show a reduction of 218 accidents since that time. 

“That’s 218 fewer chances for our loved ones to get hurt.”

In addition to safer streets, the reduction in accidents also means an estimated 3.2 million fewer dollars in claims filed. MPD has also saved countless man hours from working accidents and paperwork associated with accidents. 

According to the Mayor, “The most significant benefit is the reduction of injuries to our citizens. The safety of our community is priority one”. 

Traffic control devices such as speed bumps and signage, striping streets and law enforcement efforts are all proven methods to reduce accidents. 

Friday morning, at approximately 6:15 AM, Drake Woods, age, 19 of Monticello, lost his life in a single vehicle crash in Lincoln County, on Highway 425.

According to ASP, Woods’Dodge Ram exited the roadway on the left and drove across the concrete bridge rail, before becoming airborne and overturning, coming to rest on its passenger side.