Monticello Live

(Submitted)  The guest speaker at a special meeting of the Southeast Arkansas TEA Party was Mr. Curtis Coleman. Mr. Coleman is a candidate for Governor of Arkansas in the 2014.

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New County Judge Robert Akin, being congratulated by former candidate Jessie Griffin, Tuesday night.

Robert Akin, the independent candidate, won Tuesday night’s run-off election and will be the next Drew County Judge.

Robin Hood, the chief deputy of the Sheriff’s Dept. won the general election, but lost to Akin in the run-off.

The final,unofficial ballot totals by voting wards are posted below.

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Former Drew County Judge candidate Jessie Griffin,this morning, endorsed Robert Akin for that position in the upcoming run-off election.

Griffin told MLive, “I’m supporting Robert because he’s the best candidate in the race.  Robert is a good honest man, who has good experience to serve in the position of county judge.  Robert ran a very clean campaign, and will do a good job for the county.  I feel Robert is the best choice for Drew County judge, and encourage everyone who supported me to vote for Robert Akin in the run-off election.”

Griffin also pointed out, contrary to rumors, if Akin is elected, Griffin will not be given a job with the county.

Drew County elections aren’t over for 2012, because on November 27, the Drew County Judge’s race will be determined by a run-off between Robin Hood (2927 votes) and Robert Akin (1903 votes.)  Jessie Griffin the third place candidate had 1761 votes.

In other local races…….

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State Senate # 26 and State Rep. #9 & #10 races decided by voters in other counties. 

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Most local candidates were present for the traditional “Election Night Poll Watch” at the county courthouse.

Shown here are successful candidates: Robert Akin, JP Renee Knowles, Collector Tonya Loveless, Robin Hood, and State Rep. Sheilla Lampkin.  Akin & Hood will face each other in a Run-off for County Judge on November 27

Today, MonticelloLive will be running “Meet the Candidates” articles with the County Judge Candidates.

Learn more about the men that are seeking the office of Drew County Judge, and then VOTE?

Larry Allen of Monticello was the drawing winner for a Remington model 770 Youthmaster 243 rifle.

The drawing was held as a part of the Robin Hood for Judge Campaign.

Political ad paid for by Robin Hood for Drew County Judge.

The Leadership Council of Ward 1 are hosting a Candidates Forum, featuring Candidates For Drew County Judge, tonight, Monday, October 22nd, at 6 pm at Revival Center’s Alpha Brooks Fellowship Hall, 311 South Pine St.

Candidates Jesse Griffin, Robert Akin and Robin Hood all plan to attend.

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Candidates Frank Appleberry and Rene Knowles notified the group that they had previous engagements at the time the meeting was scheduled.

Drew Memorial Hospital’s new Surgery Center became a much clearer vision, with Tuesday passage of the continuatino of the current millage for the local hospital, by a 2 to 1 margin.

DMH CEO Mike Layfield was busy calling board members and staff of the hsospital to thank them for their efforts, describing the successful outcome as, “A giant step forward for health services at Drew Memorial Hospital, and an improvement of the overall health of the citizens of Drew County.”

Here are the FINAL, but UNOFFICIAL election results for the proposed extension of the Drew Memorial Hospital millage, voted on, Tuesday, by Drew County voters……………..

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Today is Voting Day for the proposed millage extension for Drew Memorial Hospital.  If passed by voters, these funds will be used to construct a new, updated surgery center for the local hospital. 

Hospital supporters key phrase during recent months has been, “This is not a new tax.”  It is a continuation of the current millage that supports local medical care at Drew Memorial.

A total of 212 votes were cast

There are two questions on the ballots, shown below, and you will make a total of 5 “button pushes” in the entire voting process.

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

John Ratzenberger, the actor who played Cliff Clavin on Cheers, hosted the Made in America series on the Travel Channel, and has voiced many animated characters visited Monticello, Thursday as a part of Americans for Prosperity political bus tour, “Obama’s Failing Agenda Tour”, last week.  Most of his presentation is included in the videos.

Today is election day for a single seat on the Drew Central school board.  Miyoshi Smith currently holds the position, and local veterinarian Jason Cater is running for the position.

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When growing up, everyone faced difficult decisions and wondered how their choice would pan out. Many 18 year olds raise the question “Can I do this?”, when faced with overwhelming obstacles. As people grow older they begin to develop more self-confidence.

When someone continues on for 25 more years that self-confidence becomes a part of who they are, and “Can I do this?” no longer remains the question. “I can do this!” becomes the mentality of the person.

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“I didn’t come into this job thinking it would turn into an elected position one day.”

Tonya Loveless was born in Jonesboro, AR and raised here in Monticello by parents Van and Karen Brown, along with her four siblings.

“My family was awesome. We did a lot of camping, fishing, and hunting. I think I was on a deer stand before I was bigger than my rifle. We loved water skiing and boating and having so many siblings made everything fun… I had a pretty good life.” “My grandparents were great, they were here in Monticello. (Albert and Willie Mae Hobbs, and Jim and Toni Holcomb – they were a big part of my life. I was rotten because they treated me so great.” “Willie Mae is my last living grandparent.”

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Future Treasurer Charles Searcy Addresses TEA Party from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

TEA Party Questions Searcy from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Searcy Speaks to TEA Party – Closing from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

MLive usually doesn’t post editorials, but the discussion about Charles Searcy’s upcoming position as Drew County Treasurer has drawn an amazing amount of debate.

With over 30 comments posted, it seems all positions on this topic have been thoroughly discussed;  but here are a few that deserve to be mentioned.  (more…)

It’s almost time to GO VOTE, and then GO VOTE, and then GO VOTE.

There are 3 unrelated election days approaching Drew County in the next 2 months.
September 18, Drew Central School Board Election,
October 9, the Drew Memorial Hospital Millage Extension, and
November 6, Nationwide general election.

Here’s more information on each individual election…….

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The Drew County Election Commission held their political candidate drawing for ballot pssitition, Friday morning.

The candidates will be listed in this order……

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Jason Cater DVM is announcing his candidacy for Drew Central School Board, Zone 3.

Cater is a 1996 Honor Graduate of DCHS and a 2000 Honor Graduate of UAM. He graduated from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. “I have deep family ties to Drew Central Schools including my two sons who are in elementary school as the 3rd generation of Drew Central Pirates.

“It is my desire to serve on the school board to help move the school into a positive direction for the future. In addition to my advanced education, I have 12 years of experience successfully managing my own business with my wife, Sara. Growing up on a farm taught me the value of hard work, family, and education. This life training will help me make wise decisions about all aspects of the school district, including the financial concerns. I enjoy working with people and have the positive future of Drew Central at heart. I assure you that if I am indeed elected to the Drew Central School Board, I will serve faithfully and do my best to represent the voters in Zone 3. Please vote for me, Jason Cater DVM. I will appreciate each vote.”

CLICK TO ENLARGE

With all boxes counted, here are the final, unofficial results:

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County Clerk Lyna Gulledge reads poll results to onlookers at the Courthouse, Tuesday night.

Here are the summary notes about Tuesday night’s run-off elections, including district-wide totals, provided by KHBM.

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The Drew County Collector’s run-off will be between Tonya Loveless (1186 votes) and Josh Frost (1153 votes), as that race will be narrowed down, as Cherri Norris’ 621 votes are divided.  The June 12 winner will then face Republican candidate Andrea Huskey in November.

In the bid for State Senate District 26, Gregg Reep, of Warren, won four of seven counties (Bradley, Drew, Cleveland, Desha) but fell short by 99 votes to Eddie Cheatham who carried only two counties (Ashley and Chicot). Cheatham, of Crossett, garnered 4156 votes, while Reep had 4057 votes cast for him. Johnnie Bolin, also from Ashley County, came in third with 3243 total votes. Cheatham and Reep will meet again in a runoff election which will be held in three weeks. The winner of this election will face Republic opponent Mike Akin of Monticello in November.

Gene Jeffress and Q. Byrum Hurst will also meet in a run-off election for the Democratic nominee for 4th District Congressman. The winner of this run-off election will face Republic Tom Cotton who won the Republican nomination for candidate for 4th District Congressman.

Regional vote totals provided by SalineRiverChronicle.com

Robin Hood won the Democratic Primary. He will now face Republican Jessie Griffin and independent Robert Akin in November.

All precinct votes have come in and the unofficial numbers show two new faces will be added to Monticello’s City Council in 2013.

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All ballot boxes have been counted.

Here are the final, unofficial vote totals:

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Mark Gober is well known in Monticello for being Sheriff since 2005, but few may know what brought him to this point in life.

Growing up, Sheriff Gober said that his family often moved every year due to his father’s career in the ARMY. It was a move to Alaska that put him on a path right back to Drew County.

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Monticello native Ronnie Adcock has held several jobs over his lifetime. From gravel trains to pawn shops and a wrecker service, he hopes to add Drew County Sheriff to his resume this year.

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“I really thought I was done that day, and even though this person was very irate and taking it out on me, I still managed to get my job done correctly and it didn’t sway me from getting things done in the office.”

Cheri Norris grew up the oldest of three siblings, and said she had a great time doing family activities like roller skating, having picnics, and playing at the lake. At the age of five she moved from Southeast Arkansas up to Michigan with her mom, Betty Maloney.

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