Monticello Live

The January article on recycling definitely brought out some new recyclers in our community. Cathy Davis, in charge of recycling for the city, says the increase has been positive.

Here are some reminders from her about recycling:

• Call 367-4407 if you have any questions or would like to begin recycling.
• Plastics with the number 1 or 2 on the bottom may be recycled. It is helpful but not mandatory if they are rinsed prior to sending to the recycle center.
• Fast food containers are not accepted (including cardboard pizza boxes or any styrofoam containers).
• Please do not send tissue, paper plates, paper towels, or napkins. Paper that has been shredded is the only paper accepted at this time.
• Please sort your recycle items into cardboard, plastics, paper, and newspaper.

Thanks for recycling.

Last night was a special night for our community. Monticello High held their prom, attended by many high school students decked out in tuxes and the fanciest dresses around.

Prom has been anticipated for weeks on end by both first-time attenders and those who have been before and know the ropes. In February, Meredith Grubbs was asked by MHS senior Sadler Morrison if she would go to prom with him. She said yes and has been looking forward to it ever since.

Meredith was interviewed for this story just a few minutes before Sadler’s arrival. Between applying make-up and getting dressed in her gorgeous prom dress, she took time to answer questions about her life as a teen in Monticello.

In addition to the excitement of prom, Meredith enjoys all aspects of life to the fullest. As a sophomore at MHS, she related that high school can be a little unnerving at first for most students. She says that the further along you get, though, the more comfortable it becomes, and the more fun it is. Needless to say, she’s looking forward to the next couple of years of being an upperclassman. Her favorite subject right now is world history, though she excels at all schoolwork. She thinks the best teachers are those who are truly passionate about the subject matter they teach and who love what they do.

Meredith is a track team and cross country runner for Monticello High. Involved in these teams since seventh grade, she has been a part of seven conference championship teams so far. Although it takes a lot of time, it’s time well spent. Beginning in the spring each year, she also participates in swim team. As an athlete she says she’s reaped more benefits than just physical fitness. It’s taught her the true value of teamwork, along with a remarkable amount of self-discipline and strong work ethic.

Many of Meredith’s closest friends have become so through running and swim team. They love these activities and have that in common. When they’re not practicing and at meets together, they can be found doing the normal teenage stuff, like going to a movie.

Asked what makes a good friend, Meredith replied, “A friend is someone who’s always there for you!” Her younger sister, Emily, considers Meredith a friend for life, too.

Meredith has lived in Monticello since the age of four and likes the small town because of knowing everyone. One thing is sure, those who know her, love her. At almost sixteen, she is an outstanding young lady who makes her family proud, and rightly so.

Celebrating youth at its best is this one Monticello life… Meredith Grubbs.

As many drove by Monticello High School this morning something out of the ordinary was happening on school property. Unfortunately, the scene was all too familiar for the many public servants who took part in helping. An organized reenactment of a drunk driving accident was staged for high school students to observe, complete with rescue teams from the Fire Department, Police Department, State Police and ambulance service. A helicopter even landed to med-flight some of the victims.

Teresa Belew, Executive Director for the Arkansas Mothers Against Drunk Driving, visited from Little Rock and spoke to students. She related to the audience that a survey of the youth of Drew County reveals shocking facts. Twelve years of age is the age most reported for having a first taste of alcohol. Of young people who regulary drink alcohol, most say they began regular use at age fourteen. She also reported that in Arkansas alone, there are four to five people killed each week because of an alcohol related accident. Countless others are injured.

Steve Brantley, organizer of the reenactment today, has first-hand experience of an alochol related accident. Today, he shared his story with students of how his wife, Patricia Brantley, was killed in a collision with a drunk driver on June 21, 1996. It forever changed his life and the life of their four children. Steve is passionate about educating others about the dangers of drinking and driving and is very involved in the local chapter of MADD as coordinator for the county.

On Saturday night, March 24, Faith Reed, two-year old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Chris Reed of Rison, AR, died after drowning. Her death is the result of an accident on a Polaris Ranger four-wheeled ATV. The accident occurred at Monticello Speedway in a resevoir used for watering the dirt track.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Drew County Sheriff’s Department.

Other News Sources:

• Log Cabin Democrat story (Conway)

On March 3, 1932 Thurston and Maude Berryman welcomed to the world a baby girl and named her Peggy. Seventy-five years later she’s just as full of life as ever. Peggy Berryman Evins is proud to call Monticello her lifelong home.

In 1950, Peggy married George Stanley Evins, a serviceman, and they began a family. Peggy spent her life caring for her late husband George, who became a parapalegic, and her children. Phyllis Evins Bone lives in Dardanelle, AR, David Evins in Waterloo, IA, and Michael Evins in Jonesboro, AR. Although they visit and remain close at heart, Peggy has no relatives here in Monticello. She is not alone, though, and considers her church family and her fellow employees her family.

In June 2002 Peggy went to work for Union Bank and has not regretted it at all. What started as a courier position has now become something much more. Not only does Peggy deliver bank mail between brances, she takes care of most of the mail, sometimes operates the switchboard, helps get monthly statements to customers, and more. She loves her job, especially the parts that involve helping others in the community. As a bank representative she sends newspaper clippings to children and adults who’ve made newsworthy accomplishments, assists with the Grand Club of Union Bank, and took part in developing a benevolence program to reach out to Monticellonians who have lost a loved one. In addition to helping the bereaved, Peggy sends cards to shut-ins, customers who are ill and those living in nursing homes or other facilities. Basically, she’s in the business of doing whatever needs to be done. Having such a wide array of jobs definitely keeps her from becoming bored! Peggy says her favorite things about working for Union Bank are that she works for good people and that it’s such a good feeling to know that she’s helped others.

It’s apparent that the Union Bank family loves and cares for Peggy as much as she does them.

Brandon Hogg said in his recommendation of Peggy for One Monticello Life: “Peggy does a wonderful job for the bank, but I believe her true gift to our community is the heart and soul that she puts forth in her duties. She truly has a burden for the people of Drew County (and the surrounding counties) and I cannot tell you how many compliments and how much appreciation she receives. She goes above and beyond anything required of her by the bank.”

Michelle LaFever said: “She’ll do anything asked of her and really enjoys it. She just has a way with people!”

Ashley Echols said: “There’s so much to say but I can’t find the words. She loves entertaining customers and serving them. She’s a great help on customer appreciation days, Open House events, the Grand Club, and more. She knows everybody by name and is a ray of sunshine. She’s really a hoot. Mrs. Peggy thrives at what she does and has sincerity, which makes her a great voice for the bank.”

Kathy Lyons said: “I think she’s wonderful. She gives invaluable insight that’s age related for the Grand Club, our community group of senior citizens, and I’m honored that she helps me. She is such an asset to our bank as a people person who is so generous with her time. She has traditional values but is in touch with today and is a big part of our link between the bank and community. In a nutshell, everyone needs a Peggy working with them. She gives 110% and her effect on this bank is immeasurable.”

Peggy remembers her youth in Monticello with fondness. Things have changed a lot over the years. The bobby socks and long, swirly skirts are a thing of the past. It was a time she remembers as having nothing to be afraid of. She and friends could play in the street, walk to and from a movie at night, and go about daily life without fear. A favorite pastime was skating (roller-skating, that is). There were no computers, no world wide web with news in a flash; but there was a full and enjoyable life. At seventy-five she continues to live what she calls her wonderful life to the fullest.

Her advice to the younger generations is, “Thank God for your life because you don’t really know how fragile and short it is. Obey your parents and the law. Be honest in everything you do. Be active and stay healthy. Thank God for all He’s done for you.” Words of wisdom worth remembering from this one Monticello Life: Peggy Evins.

Theirs is a story of love…with an unusual beginning. Donny and Felicia actually knew one another because he dated her cousin for a while. Then after they’d broken up, he ran into Felicia by chance on a Friday night cruising town. Felicia was a little mad at her old boyfriend on this particular night and wanted to “get at him”; so when Donny asked her to “ride around”, a 1980′s-small-town-teenage-pastime, she said yes. The rest, as they say, is history.

After Donny and Felicia had dated a couple of years, they decided to make it forever and get married July 4, 1986. Instead of a big ceremony with lots of onlookers and fanfare, the couple wanted to keep it simple, so they called the preacher and were married in his home. Then they called their families from the hotel room on their honeymoon. Twenty years and two kids later, they’re just as happy to be together and more in love than before. Their marriage has stood the test of time.

Donny joined the Army National Guard when he was just seventeen years old because he just knew that was what he wanted to do. Although he enjoyed it immensely because of the work and the people he got to know, he had no idea where this job would land him. It wasn’t until he was almost to the end of his career with the Guard that he was called up to serve at Camp Cook, Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He left in October of 2003, leaving behind Felicia and two teenage children, and did not return until March 2005. During this indescribable 18-month separation, Felicia says they were able to stay in touch through instant messaging online. He worked in an office setting overseas, taking care of supplies for the troops, and had internet access after he’d been there a few months. She would set her alarm and get up at 2:00 or 3:00 am just to steal away some time to chat with him online. It’s how they kept up with one another and stayed connected. Four or five times a week they could communicate this way. Felicia says this helped her cope with him being gone, along with her involvement in the Monticello Family Support Group, where she served as President. The group did fund raisers to send care packages to the troops and leaned on one another for understanding and support. It was encouraging for Felicia to be around others who were going through the same thing.

Married life is great for this couple. They have grown closer and closer and say it’s gotten better and better as the years go by. They lead a simple life, working hard and spending family time together. Attributing the success of their love story to God, Felicia says, “We have a really good marriage. He four-wheeler rides, I ride with him… honesty, respect, and trust made a good marriage. I think what makes the best marriage is having God come first and then your spouse second. If God’s not in it then you don’t have much of a marriage.” Donny agrees with her wholeheartedly.

Donny and Felicia Shepherd know what true love is. They experience it daily. They are… Together for life.

It’s about making a difference. Recycling is a concern across our nation, and it’s no different here in Monticello.

Some interesting facts about recycling:

• Recycling one aluminum can saves enough electricity to run a TV for 3 hours
• Aluminum cans thrown away by Americans in one month would reach the moon if stacked end to end.
• Throwing out one aluminum can wastes enough energy to equal half of the can filled with gasoline. Americans toss 35 billion cans each year.
• It takes an aluminum can 200 years to decompose.
• The average household generates 38 pounds of PET plastic bottles (examples are soda and juice containers) each year.
• If you drink one 20 oz. soda each day, you generate 23 pounds of PET plastic in a year. Two weeks worth, 14 bottles, will yield enough fiber for an XL T-shirt or one square foot of carpeting.
• Recycling one glass bottle saves enough energy to light a 110-watt bulb for 4 hours.

Monticello’s recycling center currently services only between 300-400 homes, but even that makes a difference. The recyclables from Monticello are compacted into large bundles using the machine pictured here and then sold to ORE-Recovered Material of Clinton, Arkansas. Last year, ORE reported concerning just the paper from Monticello that was recycled. 209.54 tons of paper was recycled from Monticello between the months of January and June, six months. Most of the shredded paper is from UAM but not all of it.

Because of the efforts of Cathy Davis and others at the Monticello Recycling Center and the university’s committment to recycling we saved in just six months:

• 3,562 trees
• 859,114 KWH of energy
• 1,466,780 gallons of water
• 691 cubic yards of landfill
• 12,572 pounds of air pollution

Although Cathy is doing a great job at recycling there are some steps to be taken to make this program even more effective. Recycle products are picked up each Wednesday morning within city limits. To be added to the route and begin recycling, please call Cathy Davis at 367-4407. She is more than willing to answer questions in order to help more and more people get involved.

Once a household is added to the program items for recycling should be grouped into the following categories:

-cardboard (if large quantity of boxes, please flatten)
-newspaper
-shredded office paper (paper that is NOT shredded is NOT accepted at this time)
-aluminum cans (no food cans, no aluminum foil)
-plastic milk jugs, soda bottles, water bottles, etc. (no wide mouth plastics such as peanut butter jars)

At this time, glass is not accepted along with paper plates or stryofoam containers.

To find out more about recycling search the web and the sites are endless. One such site is Recycle City, a great place for people any age, but especially younger students, to learn more about recycling.

The Monticello City Council met last night with a long list of topics to tackle, including the city pool issue. After much discussion, the Council voted unanimously to continue the repairs and replacement of the liner with contractor Kenny Johnson for a new contract price of $268,083. The original contract was for $242,585 but Mr. Johnson reported that once the project began it was discovered that “the pool is sub-standard construction-wise”. His concern is having to warranty the job for a year, wanting to be confident in the work he’s done. At $268,083 Mitch Rose, the engineer representing the city from McClellan Engineering, projects 5-10 more years use with the current restoration. At this cost, the liner will be replaced with upgraded material, some pipes will be replaced, the diving board will be repaired, a working drainage system will be installed, and the pool lights will be checked and replaced if needed. Alderwoman Sherrie Gillespie asked why the city keeps pumping so much money into the upkeep and maintenance of the old city pool, but was told that this is the first major renovation in the life of the pool, since 1993.

Another major decision reached on the initiation of new Mayor Joe Rogers was his proposal to abolish the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission. Extensive discussion followed this proposal. Rogers responded to Tim Chase’s statement that the city office was taking on more responsibility than they’ve ever had before by saying, “I take full responsibility, 100%”.

As part of this responsibility, Rogers proposed that the city’s Parks and Recreations Commission be done away with, leaving him in control of this area with an advisory board. The Parks Commission has been in place since 1998, serving the community by completing projects such as park improvements, a new baseball complex, a sports complex, among other things. Nevertheless, the Council voted 6-1 with Tim Chase opposing, to grant the disbanding of the Commission.

Just before the meeting adjourned, Parks and Recreation Commission chairman Steve Hartness was given the opportunity to speak. He wanted to voice his concern over the issue and let it be known that the Commission had worked diligently within the boundaries established for them, and that he didn’t understand the decision.

Hartness stated, “Everything we have done has been upfront. I have come to you for two years with budgets and laid it on the line for the city council to approve or disapprove. We’ve accomplished a lot in the past five years. I’m proud of what we’ve done. I’m a little disappointed tonight. I wasn’t considered important enough to even know about this except through the grapevine.”

The mayor argued that he had left a message with Hartness’s wife but Hartness reiterated that he had been contacted at work and on his cell phone on other occasions but wasn’t about the meeting and what was proposed to happen to the commission.

Hartness continued, “There were things in the paper that skirted right on the verge of us being irresponsible with tax money. I hope you don’t think that. I’m not understanding what the difference is in a 15-member advisory board and a parks commission. I’m not understanding how it’s different, other than you’ve got eight more voices or opinions. If something needed done, it’s gotten done.”

He concluded, “I wish ya’ll the best and I’ve enjoyed working with you guys.”

Appreciation for the commission was expressed by Alderwoman Beverly Hudson who said, “I’d like to say they’ve done a tremendous job, and I think that we should thank them for the many hours. I certainly have had no complaints. I think the mayor just wants to take us in a different direction, and we should give him the opportunity.”

Another issue that stirred discussion was the proposal to grant Rogers the ability to approve up to $20,000 in city expenditures without engaging in a competitive bidding process. The previous limit was $10,000. The council also approved that initiative, by a vote of 6-1, with Chase voting against.

Rogers gave his first State of the City address, reading from a prepared manuscript. In it, he stated, “…where others have found persistent problems; let us discover new opportunities.”

Listen to the full meeting on the MonticelloLive-provided podcast here.
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A new year signals more than just the passing of time. It also brings change and newness. In January, Monticello saw the appointment of a new police chief, Robert Rosegrant. This is his story.

Chief Rosegrant has seen many changes in his own life and recounted them for MonticelloLive. He was born and raised just outside El Dorado and Junction City, where he graduated high school in 1965. He wanted to join the United States Marines but wasn’t quite eighteen, legal age to become a Marine, so he passed his time by going to school at Louisiana Tech. When he came home for Christmas break as a legal adult he headed straight for the recruiter’s office and then home to tell his mom. She, like most mothers, was none too excited about the adventure he was about to begin.

Young Robert went to war in Vietnam with the 7th Marines in July of 1966. Serving there a little less than a year, he was wounded and medivac-ed back to Millington, TN where he recuperated for four months. From there he became an “in camp instructor” at Camp Pendleton, CA until 1969. After his years of service with the Marines he returned to Arkansas, not to move out of state again.

On April 27, 1973 Robert Rosegrant married Penny. She currently serves as the Circuit Court Case Coordinator for Judge Bynum Gibson. Together they happily raised two children, Tracy and Michael and now enjoy three grandsons and one granddaughter, all of whom call Monticello home.

Robert began his lifelong career in law enforcement with the Arkansas State Police on June 1, 1973, his first assignment being in Camden. From Camden he went to McCroy and then in May of 1975 came to Monticello. He’s been here ever since. He retired from the State Police force in June of 2005 after spending the better part of his adult life as a State Trooper. For his last ten years with the state, he was the Assistant Troop Commander for Troop F, based in Warren.

Mr. Rosegrant didn’t grow up watching cop shows on television to pique his interest in becoming a policeman. Instead, his older brother David was the reason. David was the first in the Rosegrant family to choose a career in law enforcement as a State Trooper, and Robert followed in his footsteps. Since then, their younger brother and one of Robert’s nephews have also joined the ranks of law enforcement and made a career out of it.

Now the new Chief of Police for our city, Robert is dedicated to tackling problems and facing issues here in Monticello daily. Our Police Department employs one chief, eighteen police officers, three criminal investigators, four radio operators and one secretary. The department also houses the office of one State Police criminal investigator.

Chief Rosegrant says that the biggest challenge facing the Police Department is the city’s growing drug problem, but he knows that it’s a state-wide problem that is being constantly combatted behind the scenes. Because drug users are always coming up with new ways to manufacture and transport drugs, new tactics must continually be created by our law enforcement entities.

Even though the job is tough, Chief Rosegrant says that it is rewarding. Asked what makes it rewarding he said, “It’s just the satisfaction of knowing that maybe something you did changed a person’s attitude and lifestyle.”
You’ll undoubetedly see Chief Robert Rosegrant around town. He and Penny have purposefully chosen to make Monticello their lifetime home and plan to stay because of the people. They like that it is “the friendliest town” and the family atmosphere that is sensed here.

Because his job literally promotes safety and peace in our community, we’ve chosen to focus on his one Monticello life, Robert Rosegrant.