Monticello Live

Just in time for Christmas, there will be a book sale and signing of Images of America: Monticello by Mary Heady and Mark Spencer at the historic Allen House at 705 North Main Street on Saturday, December 17th, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The book features the history of Monticello, Arkansas, in 210 historical images and approximately 18,000 words. Part of the popular national series “Images of America,” it is published by Arcadia Publishing of Charleston, South Carolina. The book sells for $22.00, and all proceeds go to the Drew County Historical Society. Also on sale will be Mark Spencer’s new book A Haunted Love Story: The Ghosts of the Allen House, which concerns the historical facts, folklore, and ghost stories associated with the Allen House. It will be on sale for $16.00.

If he has his way, the Director of Bands for the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) will be beating a new drum in Little Rock beginning in 2013. Gary Meggs, UAM’s Director of Bands has declared his candidacy for the Arkansas State House of Representatives District 9.

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CASA of the 10th Judicial District would like to ask everyone to give the gift that keeps giving, by making a Tax deductible donation to CASA you will be insuring that the abused children of our district continue to have a powerful voice in the court process. Please Mail donations to :108 N main St Monticello 71655 or 205 E Jefferson St Hamburg, 71646

Joy Alexys Thomas and Matthew Russell Landess are pleased to announce their engagement.

The bride-to-be is the daughter of Joey Thomas and Lisa Murray of Hot Springs, Ar. The groom-to-be is the son of Bryan and Dian Landess of Greenville, MS.

The couple met at Monticello High School. Matt graduated from Riverside High School in 2011 and is now attending the University of Arkansas where he is in the Gladson-Ripley Hall Senate. Joy graduated from Homeschool in 2011 and is also attending the University of Arkansas.

The couple plan their wedding to be on October 31, 2012 at Fayetteville, AR.

There will be no Drew H.E.A.L.T.H. coalition meeting for December, the next meeting will be in January.

The Drew H.E.A.L.T.H. coalition would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday!

The District Court of Drew County is currently seeking applications for two positions.

The duties of the Chief Clerk require accounting skills and general office management.

The deputy clerk position requires computer skills, filing duties, and court scheduling responsibilities.

Resumes will be received at The Harper Law Office, PLLC, 426 West McCloy in Monticello or at the District Court Clerk’s office in The Old Post Office on Gaines Street in Monticello.

The Monticello-Drew County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for 2011 Man of the Year and Woman of the Year.

The winners will be announced on December 13, at the annual Chamber/MEDC Awards Banquet.

Nomination forms are available at the Chamber or by calling 367-6741.

Ashley Simmons a 14 year old student of Chelle Danley’s Takewando received her First Degree Black Belt October 25, 2011.

Ashley is the daughter of Jeremy and Angela Simmons and the granddaughter of Curtis and Ann Donaldson and Joe and Pat Wheeler.

Sixteen year old, Tori Martin of Azel, TX ( formerly of Monticello) recently recorded her first CD in Nashville, TN.

The title of the CD is “Falling Straight Up” and contains five songs including “Love Came Looking”, “Love So Deep”, the title cut, “Let’s Just Go” and “Nobody’s Girl”. Tori has been blessed with a beautiful voice which serves her well in singing country and gospel music. The CD’s and 8X10 autographed photos are available through her website www.torimartinofficial.com Tori is the daughter of Tammy Smith Martin and Jack Martin. The granddaughter of Pam and Dennis Gladden, Nelda Smith and the late JB Smith, Jr and the great granddaughter of Dell Halsey all of Monticello.

 The Drew County branch of the NAACP is hosting its annual Freedom Fund Banquet on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at the Monticello High School cafeteria at 7:00 P.M. The banquet will recognize the achievements of several local authors.

Ms. Kymara Seals, Deputy State Director for Senator Mark Pryor’s office will be the keynote speaker and tickets are $20 per person. Tickets may be obtained from Ms. Peggy Orr at (870) 469-5647, Mr. James Ambrose at (870) 367-5277 or Mr. Tommy Daniels at (870) 723-7407.

Dear Citizens of Drew County.

This is the annual report of funds from the Drew County Salvation Army. Our current mission is utility assistance and some emergency assistance (fire) and we pay the vendors directly. Our fiscal year runs from January 1, 2011-September 30, 2011. Here are the overall numbers for the 2010-2011 Red Kettle drive. The 2011-2012 red kettle drive begins November 18, 2011 at the Walmart located on 425 in Monticello. Thank you for your continued support, we couldnt serve your fellow citizens without you.

2010-2011 Kettle intake 18, 900.00
Direct community support 15,925.00
Operating expenses 1940.00
Total expenditures 17865.00

Sincerely,
Jennifer McCarthy
(DCSA volunteer treasurer)

Kohl McCone, a 2008 graduate of Monticello High School was selected as a member of the 2011 Arkansas State University Homecoming Court. The ten member court is comprised of 5 men and 5 women and selection is based on interview and student voting. She is a senior History Major. Was nominated by her sorority, Chi Omega.

Parents Randy Paul and Rena McCone Grandparents are Marvin and Shelby Williams and Ruby McCone.

Homecoming ceremonies were 10/29/11 during halftime of the North Texas vs. Arkansas State.  Arkansas State won.

Well, it’s that time of year again.  Time change.

Tonight, most parts of the country will turn their clocks BACK.  So if it’s 2 a.m., it becomes 1 a.m. again.

Now that’s a deal, an extra hour of sleep.

By the way, using the excuse of, “I forgot to set my clock” won’t justify missing Church in the morning.  It would only explain why someone was there an hour TOO EARLY.

So, see you in Church.

Cornerstone Coalition’s leadership class discusses regional issues of Southeast Arkansas

The Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition is currently accepting applications for the 2012 class of the Cornerstone Leadership Development Institute (CLDI). “Strong leadership is the key to success for our communities and region.” says Zack Tucker, Director of the Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition, Inc., “The Cornerstone Leadership Development Institute has been extremely successful in building the skills individuals need to become more active and regionally connected as leaders and volunteers.”

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Jammin’ Jubilee was held on the campus of Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home in Monticello, Saturday. The day of gospel singing benefited the new Transitional Living Program to help older youth transition from group living to college or work life.

Highlighting the day’s entertainment was professional singer/songwriter Charles Graham. Gospel choirs who followed were: Rejoice from First United Methodist Church in Monticello; the youth and adult choir from Mt. Carmel Baptist Church of Warren; and Pardoned, a contemporary Christian rock group from Benton.

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Candidate must have an Arkansas Department of Education Early Childhood Special Education Instructional Specialist Degree, Birth-4th grade (P-4). Position will serve multiple sites. Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2011. Applications can be picked up and turned in at Drew County Developmental Disabilities Main Office, c/o Sandy Patrick, 168 College Street ,Monticello Arkansas.

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Zach Crossett of Monticello was awarded the 2011 Babe Ruth Baseball Scholarship for $1000.00. Zach currently attends Arkansas Tech University in Russellville where he is currently majoring in Pre-Med. Zach played Cal Ripken, Babe Ruth, and Sr. Babe Ruth Baseball in the local leagues for 15 years.

Zach was also a member of the Monticello High School Billies Baseball Team for four years and was a member of the Conference Champions and Runner- up State Champions in 2010. Zach received all-tournament team in 2011 in the El Dorado Promise Tournament. Zach is the son of Stephanie Hill of Monticello.

Enhancing Sport Performance (ESP) is pleased to announce that Seth Oxner has been named Director of Performance Training.

Oxner is a 2007 graduate of Monticello High School, and a 2011 graduate of the University of Arkansas, where he played football for the Razorbacks and earned a degree in Exercise Science. He is currently enrolled in graduate school at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he is also playing football for the Boll Weevils. (more…)

Governor Mike Beebe has announced that Carol Moore, of Monticello, has been appointmented to the Children’s Behavioral Health Care Commission.

Moore replaces Dr. Jeremy Thompson.

Her appointment will expire August 15, 2014.

Southeast Arkansas Community Action Corporation FY’2011 LI-HEAP Summer Cooling Program will end effective Friday, September 30, 2011 and will no longer be taking applications.

This news release applies to the following counties: Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha and Drew.

The 1122nd Transportation Company of the Arkansas Army National Guard formally of Monticello, AR will have a reunion for all former members Saturday, November 5, 2011 at the American Legion in Monticello, AR.

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The Monticello Police Dept. has begun posting information on the Internet, with their new website.

The site was designed to help keep the public informed and encourage residents to interact with the department.

The site includes  ”Submit a Tip,” ”Monticello’s Most Wanted,” and a link local sex offenders.

Residents may also download complaint forms from the site, but the forms must be turned in at the police department, since the documents must be signed.

MPD has also started a Twitter account, which can be signed up for on the website.

Representing the Waiver Direct Support Staff: Ricky Courtney, Kathy Campbell, Randall Davis, Rita Thomason & Chris Spencer

Adult Development Staff: Shunkelia Freeman, Andrew Brannon, Ruby Miller, Aaron Wallace & Cynthia DavisThe President of the United States along with Governor Mike Beebe has proclaimed September 11-17, 2011 as National Direct Suppot Staff.

Support Professional’s Week. Drew County Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. employs approximately 250 Direct Support Professionals (DSP). These caring staff members are used to provide services to our children at Sesame School, our Adult consumers at The OtherWay and in consumer homes located in 15 Southeast AR counties. DSPs at the preschool help the child work on age-appropriate developmental skills through music, art, reading, social activities and play.

Representing the Sesame School Staff: Gloria Warren, Candice Cater, Porscha Preddy & Kim Washington

DSPs at The OtherWay work with adult consumers in learning and maintaining independent living skills such as laundry, cooking, money management and social and leisure skills. The adults also work in the thrift shop where they are paid for their services. DSPs with the Medicaid Waiver Program work as supportive living and companions to adults and children who need assistance in order to live independently in their community.

These staff members are an integral part of the consumer’s life and many times become like a family member to the staff who works with them. Staff assists waiver consumers with everyday life management. All DSPs These employees are very important our mission to provide a community-based service system of individualized instruction and support geared towards independence, self-support and normal living. Take time to thank a Direct Support Professional during the week of September 11- 17, 2011.

According to the Monticello Police Dept, a missing woman has been located and is safe.

The 60 year old Monticello ladywas last seen 5 days ago.

MPD give credit for her whereabouts being learned to the report from their “tip line.”

Friday – September 9th
9:00am till ?

Saturday – September 10th
8:00am till sold out

½ Butts – $10.00
Slab Ribs – $11.00
½ Chickens – $2.99
BBQ Sandwich – $1.00
Smoke Sausage – $1.00

The Monticello Film Academy is still accepting new students for the 2011 Film Term.

Students from 5-15 years of age may join.

Visit us on the web or call 870-224-2271 for more information!

Congratulations to the Union Bank team for winning the Strike Out Cancer Softball Tournament on August 27, 2011.

The tournament was held at Drew Central Schools & was hosted by Union Bank & Trust Company’s Relay for Life Team. All funds raised benefit Relay for Life.

Pictured are: front row – Hannah Carter, Amanda Tucker, Trapper Denton, Jacqueline Denton, and Robin Knowles; back row – Kyle Wagnon, Matt Pace, Gary Pace, Kali Wagnon, Whitney Gorman, and Patricia Wilkinson. Not pictured are Shannon Wilkinson, Jenny Hollis, Steven Nuckles, and Sarah Pace.

The Arkansas Baptist State Convention would like to introduce you to the new Campus Minister at the BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministry)  at the University of Monticello.  

His name is Phillip Slaughter and he is presently pastor at Jennie Baptist Church outside of Lake Village. He is a graduate of UAM and loves south Arkansas. His wife Rose is also a UAM grad. They are an awesome team and have one child, John Michael who was born in February of this year. So stop by the BCM building (across from the football field) on the UAM campus and say hi.

The Drew County United Way met recently to disburse funds to area charities for 2011. In addition, the board elected officers and appointed duties for the upcoming year. Serving on the board for the 2011 Campaign are (from left to right)  Tony Cooper – Media Relations, Angela Case – President, Rowena Copico, Mary Whiting – Vice-President, Shawn Quinn – Treasurer, Dawn Marter – Secretary, Natasha Lucas – Public Relations, Denver Day – United Way, and (not pictured) Dr. Vera Lang-Brown.

Over $15,000 was contributed to Drew County charities by the local United Way.

An auction for the autographed Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball that was donated to the Baby D auction, was held Saturday, and brought in a high bid of $300.

Procedes from the auction will benefit for Baby Daniel Harville and his family.

The ball was autographed by the Razorbacks Men’s Basketball Team.

Governor Beebe issued proclamations that the United States and Arkansas flags be flown at half-staff Tuesday (yesterday), in honor of Air Force Tech Sergeant John W. Brown of Siloam Springs and Navy Master Chief Tommy Ratzlaff of Green Forest, who died August 6, 2011, from wounds suffered while serving their country during a night-raid mission over Afghanistan’s Tangi Valley.

View Air Force Tech Sergeant John W. Brown’s proclamation.

View Navy Master Chief Tommy Ratzlaff’s proclamation.