Monticello Live

A TOWN HALL MEETING HAS BEEN SET FOR SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2010, AT 7:00 p.m. AT THE SADIE JOHNSON COMMUNITY BUILDING, 182 NORTH LARKIN STREET, CONCERNING CONSTRUCTION AND PLACEMENT OF A NEW FIRE STATION.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend, and express their opinions about the need for a new fire station in Monticello, as well as their preferred possible location for it to be located. (more…)

The Monticello Fire Dept responded to the report of a car fire at Walgreens, Sunday around 5:30.

The fire under the hood  of this Toyota Camry is believed to have originated from an electrical issue.

According to a report filed last week, a house fire on Maria Place has been determined to have likely been caused by an attempted plumbing repair.  Reports at the scene indicated that someone had tried to solder a pipe into place earlier in the afternoon, in the back wall of the residence.

The fire which occurred on August 5, around 5:30, was noticed by a neighbor, who saw smoke coming out of the vents in the roof, and notified a resident inside of the home.

Monticello fire and police departments responded.

Just after midnight, calls began coming into Monticello dispatch, reporting a tractor-trailer engulfed in flames on HWY 278 West, between the city limits and the sports complex.

Drew County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Monticello Fire Dept responded, to find the trailer of the big-rig (containing an estimated 40,000 of Uncle Ben’s rice products) on fire, on the shoulder of the highway.

The driver had unhooked the tractor from the trailer, and pulled it to safety.

After extinguishing the outside blazes, the firefighters then had to unload the back section of the trailer by hand, in order to get to the area of the floor and wall that were still a “hot spots”.

They then had to re-load the damaged product back onto the trailer by hand, in order to re-open that section of the roadway.

Triple A Towing was called to move the remains of the trailer off of the highway.

The driver picked up the load of rice products in Greenville, MS, and was to deliver it to Mesquite, TX.

Shortly after 6 o’clock this morning, a fallen tree was noticed across Wilson Lane, just north of Monticello on HWY 425.

A Drew County Sheriff’s deputy arrived, and called for a Drew County back-hoe to remove the tree from the road.  They realized that a power line was down, because of the tree, and Entergy was called.

Moments later, a pick-up was coming around the curve and swerved to miss the tree, and collided with a gas meter, prompting Centerpoint Energy and the Monticello Fire Dept. to be called to the scene.

Someone at the scene commented, “there were more people involved in the morning activities on Wilson Lane, than probably are residents that live on Wilson Lane.

During the Memorial Day Veteran’s Program at the Courthouse, the Veteran’s organizations recognized 3 local officers for their efforts, in serving the public.

A. C. Simpson was awarded the Sheriff’s Deputy of the Year Award.  Charlie Hammock was honored as the Firefighter of the Year, and MPD’s Steve Hood received the award for being named Police Officer of the Year.

Jim Lee is shown presenting plaques to the three honorees.

Children playing in a vehicle were reportedly the reason this GMC pick-up truck rolled down a sloping driveway, and into a mobile home, as well knocking over a gas meter.

Shortly after 9 o’clock, Sunday morning, a call came into the Monticello Police dispatch, reporting the accident.

MPD, as well as a Drew County Sheriff’s deputy, responded to the scene.  The Monticello Fire Dept. also was called, since there was also a risk of fire or explosion involved.

The residence was evacuated, the gas turned off, and Centerpoint Energy called to repaird the meter.

The “old Montongo Store”, which has served many purposes over the years, from an appliance store, to a church, was destroyed by fire Thursday morning around 10:30, as a nearby fire spread to the building, due to wind.

Earlier that morning, this home on Roosevelt Court also fell victim to flames, around 4 a.m.

The Monticello Fire Dept. responded to both fires, but the structures were fully engulfed in flames upon their arrival.

This partially burned out house, located in the 400 block of East Oakland Street, caught fire again Wednesday night, and burned almost to the ground.

The fire occurred around 6 pm.  The cause of the fire is undetermined.

There was another fire call around 10 pm Wednesday night, as firefighters responded to a mobile home fire in Colin Klute Trailer Court, and extinguished a fire that began in an electrical outlet, with only minor interior damage reported.

An elderly Drew County man was reported missing around 7 pm, Monday night, in the HWY 133 area of Lacey.

Friends, neighbors, members of the Lacey-Ladelle Volunteer Fire Dept., and a sheriff’s deputy quickly began searching for him.

The search and rescue team, and other deputies were called out, but the man was safely located at a neighbor’s home, approximately an hour and a half later.

Once again, thanks goes out to all of those who respond in times of need to help bring situations like this to a safe, peaceful end.

Arkansas Forestry Commission crews have suppressed 29 fires that have burned a total of 706 acres since 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. As of 4:15 p.m., AFC crews are working to contain five fires, and single engine air tankers are making drops on fires in Franklin, Newton and Izard Counties. AFC encourages Arkansans to avoid burning today due to the warm temperatures, low relative humidity and windy conditions.

According to the Arkansas Forestry Commission Dispatch Center in Malvern, Garland County is the only County currently under a burn ban. However, the wildfire danger is moderate to high for the entire state. (more…)

While most Drew County residents were in bed by midnight Monday night, several of our local Rural Fire Dept. were hard at work, serving Drew County residents.

Just before midnight, a call came in, reporting a house fire on Johnson Street, in Reed.  Reed, Tillar, Winchester, and Selma Fire Dept. all responded to the fire.  Reports are that most of the damage was limited to smoke and water damage.

Just a few minutes later, Wilmar’s fire dept. was called out to batle a blaze on Towler Lane.

Not many people realize, but we all should appreciate the dedicated work of all of our local fire departments, many times risking their lives, while the rest of us are comfortable in our beds.

The Monticello Fire Dept. responded to a house fire on East Willis Street, around 5 p.m., Friday afternoon.

Someone at the scene believed that the fire began in the area around the hot water heater.

It was believed, at the time of the fire, that a couple of pets were inside of home, but it was found out later that they were safely somewhere else at the time.

We would like to thank the Rock Springs Volunteer Fire Dept., and the friends and neighbors, who came out Saturday to help with the fire near our home.

We really appreciate everyone’s hard work in getting the fire under control quickly. Only a yard and field were burned.

We are blessed to have wonderful friends and neighbors. May God bless each of you & your families.

Thank You,
John & Brenda Ellingsburg

Monticello Fire Department firefighters Steve Hood and Jack Thiele graduated from the Arkansas Fire Training Academy, last Friday.

Congratulations to both men for their accomplishments.

The Monticello Fire Dept. responded to the report of a mobile home on fire, Friday evening around 5 p.m.

The fire was located on New Light Road, near Midway Route.

The fire is believed to have started in a wood stove.

Around 9 o’clock Christmas night, Monticello firefighters responded to the call of a house fire at 351 Cherry Street.  When they arrived, flames were blazing from the front of the home, and rising high above the roof.

The home appears to have been a total loss, and seems to have started in a front room, believed to be used as a bedroom.

The occupant told bystanders that he was not home when the fire began.

The Monticello Fire Dept. has been busy lately, answering grass fire calls.  This photo was taken near Rose Hill Cut Off Road and HWY 83, on Friday.

They also responded, Wednesday, to this fire on Old Troy Road, near Price Lumber Co., where a power line was down.

Just before 3 o’clock Monday morning, the Monticello Fire Dept. responded the the report of a house fire near the intersection of East Gaines and East McCloy.  The home located on the north side of the street was fully engulfed as firefighter arrived on the scene.

Monticello Police and a Drew County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived, to close the street to traffic, until the fire was extinguished.

The home was reported occupied “from time to time” by a neighbor at the scene.

The Monticello Fire Dept. responded to the report of a house fire around 3 o’clock Saturday afternoon.

The house, located in the 500 block of South Speer Street, was located in a section of residences behind the streetside homes.

A neighbor told Monticello that he was watching the ballgame, and then heard a “loud boom”.  Another person at the scene commented that “the house was gone in 3 minutes”.

The house was reportedly vacant.

Bobby Ray Sawyer, of the Monticello Fire Dept., recently graduated from the Fire Training Academy in Camden.

Sawyer has been a full-time firefighter for around a year, and had served as a volunteer fireman for two years prior to that.

Congratulations to Bobby Ray Sawyer.

Portions of the Fire Training Academy were destroyed by the tornado that hit Camden a couple of weeks ago.

The Arkansas Forestry Commission recently awarded $1,000 grants to six local volunteer fire departments. These grants are to be used to obtain firefighting equipment for the departments. There was a total of $250,920 set aside for the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant program state wide in 2009. The grant application period will open again in June of 2010.

The Fire Departments receiving grants this year were Monticello, Lacey/Ladelle, Valley/Green Hill, Selma, Collins/Cominto, and Winchester.

Pictured left to right bottom row: Logan Fuqua, AFC; Randy Lane, AFC; Ralph Calhoun, Barkada VFD; Charles Lanehart, Barkanda VFD; David Bawcom, Valley/Green Hill VFD; Eric Myers, AFC; Joe Friend, District Forester; Back Row: Dale Pace, AFC; Greg Jones, Lacey/Ladelle VFD; Steven Faulkner, Monticello FD; Russ Morrison, Collins/Cominto VFD.

Friday, a vehicle attempting to cross a wide wake of water on Winchester Road was washed off the highway, prompting Monticello Fire & Rescue to respond.  They were able to get the stranded motorist back to safe ground.  They were also dispatched out again late Friday afternoon.

HWY 83, approximately a mile past Rose Hill Cut-off Road, is shown here.   Notice the shoulder of the highway has been washed away by the fast moving flood waters that poured across the pavement.

The construction signs on HWY 278 can be seen at the far side of the bottom photo, taken Friday by a MonticelloLive reader.

Thanks to everyone who sent in photos.

Just before 4 o’clock Saturday morning, a call came in to Monticello PD Dispatch, reporting this residence on fire, in the 600 block of South Maple Street.

The Monticello Fire Dept. responded, as did the Police Dept. and Drew County Sheriff’s Dept.

The home appears to have been fully engulfed in flames, when the fire was noticed and reported.

Kyle Berryman has been announced as the “Firefighter of the Year” by the Monticello Fire Dept.

Berryman, shown here with Fire Chief Steven Faulkner, has been with the fire department for 3 years, with two of those years being a full time firefighter.

The Monticello City Council’s fire dept. location committee met Friday.

Fire Chief Steven Faulkner showed the group maps detailing 2008 and 2009 fire and accident calls, as well as a map designed by UAM students using GPS, which shows the location of all known city fire hydrants.

During a recent meeting, the group was told by an ISO expert, that the best location would be with the most fire hydrants within 1.5 miles of the station.

The Whaley property covers 210 hydrants within 1.5 miles; the Edgewood & Chapman area reaches 183: and the 2 North Hyatt St. spots would count only 175 and 135 fire plugs.

As the potential new fire station location moves west and/or north, the 1.5 mile perimeter begins to cover undeveloped areas that have no fire hydrants.

ISO ratings are based on a cumulative point system, including many factors such as personnel, equipment, stations, fire hydrants, and coverage areas. (more…)

At a recent City Council meeting, 4 members were chosen to serve on the “fire dept. location committee”.  Those city council members were, Carolyn Brown, Raymond Hubbard, Sherrie Gillespie, and Beverly Hudson.

They, along with Mayor Joe Rogers and fire Chief Steven Faulkner toured Fire Station #3, which is located on Commerce Road, near Airport Road, and then looked at the W. C. Whaley site, a city owned lot at Patton and Edgewood (located behind Oakland Cemetary), and two privately owned parcels on N. Hyatt Street. (more…)

The Monticello Fire Dept. responded to the report of a mobile home fire, Sunday afternoon, at 2:37 p.m.

The trailer, which was located at 431 North Larkin Street, sustained a small amount of damaged, with an electrical fire being contained to an area above the hot water heater.

The house located at 424 East Jackson that was on fire Tuesday night at 9 o’clock, was on fire again this morning, around 2 a.m.

A 911 call came into MPD Dispatch, reporting the fire.  When police arrived, the residence was fully engulfed.  with fire endangering a nearby home as well.

This fire is being investiagated to determine the nature of the second fire.

State Representative Eddie Cheatham, who is a Crossett resident, but represents a part of Drew County at the state capitol, recently contacted Drew County Judge Damon Lampkin about the availability of $22,032.86 in state General Improvement Fund grants, that can be applied for, and will likely be distributed to the 9 fire depts. in Drew County.

The process included a required Inter-governmental Council meeting, which was held Monday, and was attended by Judge Lampkin, County Clerk Lyna Gulledge, Tillar Mayor Robert Landfair, Winchester Mayor Merle Jackson, Wilmar Mayor Curley Jackson, and Monticello Mayor Joe Rogers.  State Representative candidate Sheilla Lampkin, and a city council member from Winchester were also present for the meeting.

The next step is to receive approval from the quorum court, which will meet September 21.

Each of the county’s 9 fire depts. should receive approximately $2,448.

The garage-front building, located at E. Gaines and Godfrey Streets, reportedly caught on fire around noon Saturday while someone was cleaning the area around the building.

The building had been described as an old gas station, but has seen very little activity in recent years.

The Monticello Fire Dept. responded, and extinguished the blaze.

The home of Bruce & Margie Savage, located at 156 Beard Hill, just off of Barkada Road was destroyed by fire during the early morning hours, Tuesday.

THE MONTICELLO FIRE DEPARTMENT IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

APPLICATIONS MAY BE PICKED UP IN PERSON AT THE CENTRAL FIRE STATION MONDAY–FRIDAY 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

This Dodge pick-up caught fire on HWY 425 South near Lacey, Friday afternoon, and due to the near full tank of gas, caused quite a scene, as the Monticello Fire Dept. fought the blaze.

This photo was taken (from a safe distance) and submitted to MonticelloLive by one of our readers, and will be entered in the $100 Monthly Reader Photo/News Tip Contest.

A fire was called into the MPD dispatch just before 5:30 a.m., Sunday morning, reporting this house fire at the corner of Conley and East Shelton St.

The Monticello fire dept. responded, but the house was fully engulfed when the call came in.

It is unknown if anyone was home at the time of the fire.