Monticello Live

The Monticello Economic Development Commission will host a Ground Breaking Ceremony for Centerpoint Energy, today at 2:00 pm, at the construction site in the MEDC Industrial Park located on Highway 35 East. 

The proposed land-swap between Centerpoint and the MEDC was recently completed.  the MEDC received CPE’s property next to the old W. C. Whaley property, and Centrpoint received approximately 4 acres in the Monticello Industrial Park.

Centerpoint plans to move all ares operaiton for the southeast Arkansas region to the new facility, including construction, service and meter reading operation.

Centerplint’s southeast district includes 13 counties, and will likely have it’s 18 area employees based out of the Monticello facility.

Dirt work is already underway, and operations are expected to begin later this year.

(more…)

(more…)

Front door congestion and crowding issues came to a frustrating head in May of 2011 when Mayor Allen Maxwell and the MEDC decided that enough is enough. The MEDC and the District Court share a building, and therefore share the same entrances. It had been decided that Court access would occur through the doors at the back of the building, and MEDC would use the doors at the front. However, parking issues and over-crowding resulted in court traffic using and being shuffled to the front corridor, especially during closed-court sessions.

Flaring frustrations resulted in the Mayor having a confrontation with a bailiff, and Judge Ken Harper found himself with pending criminal charges after the way he chose to deal with MEDC Executive Director Nita McDaniel.

District Judge Ken Harper was reprimanded and censured by the state judicial discipline commission after DWI charge.

Monticello residents have been complaining about run-down properties for several years, and the City Council, assisted by former MEDC director Truman Hamilton, initiated the policies and procedures needed to bring many of these nuisance properties into better, safer maintenance conditions.

In April of 2011, City Property Inspection Manager Brian Rodgers was hired, to continue this ongoing process.  Since Rodgers’ hiring, there have been approximately 28 complaints filed each month (around 225 between April and now).

All but 32 have been brought into compliance, some with legal action being taken by the city, some simply with a letter to the property owner, as demonstrated by the “before & after” photos, shown above.

After several years of hard work, the “dream” of bringing the old Ridgeway Hotel back to life as a modern senior apartment complex, became a reality, in 2011.

Mandy Moss, reporter, and Joe Burgess, the "MonticelloLive Guy"

The Business of the Year Award is given to a business that strives everyday to provide outstanding community service while developing a quality product that attracts a wide range of customers. MonticelloLive is pleased and honored to accept the title of MEDC/Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year for 2011.

After purchasing MonticelloLive only 4 years ago, owner Joe Burgess has transformed a small, local website into a news site that, in the past 12 months, has had more than 2.7 million page views. In the past two months alone, MLive has also been linked on state-level news websites 3 times for its coverage of important local stories.  The business has been mentioned in Arkansas Business twice, and in Arkansas Times once

Burgess’ entertaining acceptance speech ranged from stand-up comedian to lay-preacher, as he took the opportunity to thank his sponsors, employees, and readers, but most of all, he took time to say, “I want to thank the Lord.”

Glen Dabney and the EFS Geo-Technologies staff

EFS Technologies was established over 20 years ago in Monticello and has experienced significant growth in recent years. The company provides a career path and opportunities for UAM students in the technology field in hopes that they will remain here after graduating. The presence of such industry in Monticello also allows for the recruitment of other technology-based employers to come to the area.

Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, EFS Geo-Technologies mapped 1.5 million acres of damaged forest lands with their Ariel GPS Systems. In 2010 the company collected imagery data on over 10 million acres of land area.

“Those are pretty impressive numbers, I don’t care who you are.” – MEDC Executive Director Nita McDaniel

Monteen McCoy was named as this year’s Woman of the Year. Mrs. McCoy has been married for 60 years and at the age of 87 years old, she says she looks forward to serving her community for many more years.

Mrs. McCoy is a retired public school teacher and was awarded Volunteer of the Year at Drew Memorial Hospital after many years of service and has accumulated 5,917 volunteer hours at the hospital. She leads an effort to provide hand crocheted newborn caps for each baby born in the hospital. These are but a small portion of the many contributions Monteen McCoy has made, and continues to make, to Drew County.

Richard Akin was honored as Man of the Year, largely in part to his passion for keeping the Monticello Square functional and beautiful. He has seen to keeping the downtown area kept uniform and allowed business to continue there as it has since it was first constructed.

Mr. Akin said, “When I was a kid, going to Monticello meant going to the square,” as he explained what drives his passion to continue renovating the buildings.

His most recent project, commonly referred to as “The McKiever Building,” is moving along very quickly. Upstairs there will now be two apartments and downstairs will be home to a sandwich shop.

UAM Rookie of the Year – Dr. Laura Evans
UAM Teacher of the Year – James Crow
Drew Central Teacher of the Year – Sheila Hall Gardner
MHS Teacher of the Year – Kim Wilson

The Monticello Teacher of the Year Award was presented to Mrs. Kim Wilson, the visual arts teacher at MHS. Mrs. Wilson was also just pronounced as State Teacher of the Year. She has been teaching for 16 years and has her Bachelor’s Degree from Winthrop University in South Carolina and Trinity College in Vermont. She has Master’s Degrees from both Kent State University in Ohio and University of Arkansas in Monticello.

Drew Central Teacher of the Year was awarded to Mrs. Sheila Gardner. She is in her 33rd year of education and received a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Arkansas in Monticello and a Master’s Degree in Library Science from UCA. She began her teaching career in a rural school that was located at Selma. She taught 4th grade and only had 10 students in her classroom. She began teaching at Drew Central Elementary in 1980 and has remained at the school district since. She is currently the Middle School’s librarian. In 2007 Mrs. Gardner was named Outstanding Educator by the Drew Central School Board.

Dr. Laura Evans was named Rookie of the Year for UAM. She received her Doctorate or Philosophy Degree from UAMS. Her research has a major focus on health promotion and disease prevention, women’s health, and was a Project Director for two National Institute of Nursing Research grants. Recently Dr. Evans completed a quantitative study for rural black women in southeast Arkansas and plans to follow up with an intervention study.

UAM Teacher of the Year was awarded to assistant professor of nursing, James Crow.

The MEDC presented to the council a resolution asking for approval of a land swap with Centerpoint Energy. The MEDC land, located in lot #6 of the industrial park on HWY 35 E would be exchanged for Centerpoint Energy’s land on Chester Street.

“How is that going to benefit MEDC, to get that lot over there?” – Sherrie Gillespie

“Our board of directors voted in our board meeting last week, as soon as the land exchange is completed, we will market the lot on Chester St. to sale.” – Nita McDaniel

(more…)

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

The MEDC and the Chamber of Commerce hosted the dedication ceremonies for the Ridgeway Monticello and the Downtown Civic Center, Tues afternoon.

Ridgeway tours  led into the ceremony at the fully renovated hotel, where around 100 people attended.

The Downtown Civic Center dedication followed, and had an estimated 75 present.

Cablevisin’s “Hometown Monticello” program on Channel 19 will include a special video segment of the Ridgeway Monticello dedication event, repeating from Sunday at 5 pm, until Monday at 7 am, this weekend.

The MEDC, Wednesday, approved a plan to financially support Arkansas Midland Railroad’s service to Hood Packaging, by providing up to $20,000 of the $40,000 needed to repair their existing railroad spur, which would allow Hood to ship  finished products and receive  raw materials for their plant. In exchange, Hood would agree to give the MEDC an easement to install a  switch on the existing track, and also allow a track to be run from that track to the MEDC’s Industrial Site, which should improve the marketability of that area for future development.

(more…)

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Nita McDaniel, Executive Director of the Monticello Economic Development Commission gave an update on MEDC activities to the City Council. The MEDC and the Mayor will meet May 20th with representatives from Arkansas Midline Railroad in an effort to identify a solution for rail access to local industry.

(more…)

Nita McDaniel, Executive Director for the Monticello Economic Development Commission, reported that their response to the RFI in February is still under consideration. MEDC has responded to an inquiry for information on available retail development sites. MEDC is working currently to identify rail transportation needs for local industry. One industry needs improvements on an existing spur, the other needs rail access.

(more…)

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Brian Rodgers has been hired at the new city property inspector.

Rodgers has 25 years experience as assistant fire chief in Monroe. LA.

He spoke briefly at the MEDC meeting, updating them on changes in the nusiance property list.

The Monticello Economic Development Commission reported at a recent City Council meeting the amount of grant money that they have assisted the Monticello/Drew County area in receiving.

The current total has now reached $3,014,971.11.

Click Here For PDF

Nita McDaniel, Executive Director of the Monticello Economic Development Commission reported that the new website design is nearly completed and will be reviewed March 18.

(more…)

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Nita McDaniel, MEDC director, presented their report.  Among other projects, they are working on updating their website. They have reorganized their budget to make the Workforce Training Center, which is part of their existing Industry Services, self-supporting. The center should now be self-supporting, and sales tax funds will no longer be needed to fund the Center. The computer lab at the Center currently has no functional computers. Available funds will be used to place new computers in the lab.

MEDC is currently working to recruit an interested industy, providing information about our area.  The specifics are confidential, but industry recruitment is an ongoing effort.

A position has been created to hire a Property Inspection Manager.

Grants assisted by MEDC, funded for the City to date amounted to $2,906,060.11.   This does not include $217,000 + for the Jordan Park grant that is pending. That grant has been approved, but not yet funded.

Members of Monticello’s 20 for the Future and MEDC are in Washington D.C., today. meeting with Congressman Mike Ross, Senator Mark Pryor, and Senator John Boozman.

The group includes Bennie Ryburn, Jack Lassiter of UAM, Scott Kuttenkuler of UAM, Michael Layfield (DMH CEO), Mayor Allen Maxwell, Tommy Maxwell of Maxwell Hardwood Flooring, Mike and Susan Akin,  Nita McDanie (MEDC Director), and David McDaniel of Maxwell Hardwood Flooring

Proposed funding needs to be addressed on the trip include projects for UAM, the city of Monticello,  Drew Memorial Hospital, The Ridgeway Hotel, and I-69 and I-530 construction, and the Yellow Bend Port.

Here are the specific requests for support and/or funding. (more…)

P.Q. Gardner and DeAnna Doherty

Drew County Developmentally Disabled, including Sesame School, The Other Way, and other operations in surrounding couties.

The Marketplace

Monticello Schools, Emily White

Drew Central Schools, Alan Goodding

UAMonticello, Jim Edson

James & Rene Knowles family, of Possum Valley.

Click here for the feature article that MonticelloLive posted when James & Rene were announced as the Drew County Farm Family of the Year, in July.

21 local business, education, and political leaders traveled to Washington D.C. last Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and met with Arkansas’ Congressional Delegation. (more…)

MonticelloLive.com would like to thank the members of the “20 for the Future” group that went to Washington D.C. for the photos that they have provided for public posting. 

(more…)

The Ridgeway Hotel Historic District at Monticello in Drew County is one of 10 Arkansas properties that have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the country’s official list of historically significant properties, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program Director Frances McSwain announced this week.

MEDC Director Truman Hamilton welcomed the proclamation, by saying, “We’re very happy with the honor, and are very optimistic that the Ridgeway Hotel Project will be funded,” speaking about the $4.8 million project to renovate the old, vacant structure into sr. citizen housing units.  Hamilton added that the Ridgeway Project could, “jumpstart the rehabilitation of Downtown Monticello.”

Monticello historian, Sheilla Lampkin added, “I’m thrilled that the property was recognized by the National Register, and look forward to the possibility of our goals being recognized with the building being used as a housing development.”

Mrs. Lampkin added, “It would be wonderful to see life brought back into the old, historic building that was such a large part of Monticello life, at one time.”

The Ridgeway Hotel Historic District at 200-206 E. Gaines St. features three buildings constructed between 1912 and 1958. (more…)

Steel framed building with 35′ x 50′ bays, a total of 50,088 square feet under a standing seam metal roof system. A glass storefront has been installed to accommodate an interior office, or provide an attractive entry.

Decorative split-faced block has been utilized on the front and street sides of the building. Footing and foundations have been built; the floor remains to be poured thereby allowing the owner to establish specifications.

For more information contact the Monticello Economic Development Commission, P.O. Box 1890, Monticello, AR 71657 or see our web site at http://monticelloedc.org/

(more…)

Tuesday night the Chamber of Commerce and MEDC held their annual awards banquet, at the UAM University Center.

The winners are:

Monticello teacher of the year; Jennifer Touchstone, MMS science teacher, also awarded regional teacher of the year.

Drew Central teacher of the year;  Rose Ann Adcock, DCMS 6th grade teacher.

Industry of the year: UAM.  “UAM’s impact includes millions of dollars into the local economy.  More than buildings and books,” quoted from Truman Hamilton during the presentation.

Business of the year; Head of the Class Child Care and Learning Center, Sherrie and Shay Gillespie-10 years with 40 employees now.

Woman of the year;  Betty Lindsey, president of Drew Memorial Hospital auxiliary-recruited 12 new auxiliary members in last 2 years. Awarded state “auxiliary member of the year”.

Man of the year; Drew County Judge Damon Lampkin.

 

 

Drew County Farm Family of the Year; Jeremy & Michael Oltmann families.

MEDC Director Truman Hamilton announced at last night’s City Council meeting that the Ridgeway Hotel Renovation Grant has been approved.

There is no set amount of the funding that will be provided by the grant at this time, but the approval of the grant is a big step in the process.

Here is a link that will lead you to an article from February 6, that goes into detail about the Ridgeway Hotel Project.

“20 for the Futrue” listens to Congressman Mike Ross, as he explains how he will support issues in Monticello & Drew County.

Monticello delegatin with Congressman Mike Ross ouside of his office.

Senator Blance Lincoln, Benny Ryburn, Dave Dickson, Sheilla Lampkin, and Judy Lassiter discussing Drew County’s needs in Senator Lincoln’s office.

Senator Blanche Lincoln with “20 for the Future”.

Photos courtesy of Curtis Larsen, of Union Bank.

——————————————————-

Monticello’s “20 for the Future” group left Tuesday, on their annual trip to Washington D.C., and returned late Thursday night.

While in Washington, they met with Congressman Mike Ross, Senator Blanche Lincoln, and staff members for our area’s other representatives.

They were also able to watch U.S. Senator Mark Pryor making a presentatin from the Senate floor.

MonticelloLive spoke to a couple from the group.  One member said, “with an effort like this, it will be next year before you know how much was accomplished”.  Another who was present commented, “Everyone we visited with seemed to be concerned.  They were also helpful with suggestions on other, possibly better, ways to achieve our goals.” 

Last year the group flew in to Nation’s Capitol during a snowstorm, and this year they arrived in Little Rock on the return trip with reports of snow as well.

Again recently, the sand sculptures at the old Post Office, currently the office of the Monticello Economic Development Commission, are drawing the attention of many people.

The subjects of the sculpture; a basket of tomatoes, a mule, and someone picking tomatoes, are a reflection of the importance of agriculture in Drew County’s history.

As it has been found out by research, the same creator of the Monticello Post Office’s artwork, is the same person who designed the work done in the Washington D.C. Post Office.

The Post Office construction began in early 1937, and the cost of the artwork was covered by the Dept. of Treasury’s Section on Fine Arts, at a cost of $750.

For more information, click here to read the original article from the Arkansas Preservation Society.