SEARK Reading Council’s Young Writers Contest, is open to schools in our council area ( Bradley, Cleveland, Deshea, Drew, and Lincoln). This is an annual event. This year we had 94 entries from 7 different schools in the SEARK area. The students were asked to submit an original piece. It could be a story, poem, play, etc. SEARK Reading Council sponsors the writing contest as a part of the Arkansas Reading Council Honor Council Program.

K-3 Winners: 1 place Emily Haddox Drew Central

2nd place: Ally Grayson Star City

3rd place (tie): Emily McTigrit Star City

Alex Owens Drew Central

4 – 6 Winners: 1 st place: Alex McCombs Hermitage

2nd place: Bryan Cantrell McGehee

3rd place: Meagan Isbell Hermitage

Myth #1: They are going to get alcohol anyway so we might as well legalize it.
For some this is true but the same can be said about marijuana, cocaine and all drugs. Are we willing to legalize those drugs? The truth is if we make alcohol harder to get, there will be less alcohol consumed and thus less alcohol associated problems with health, driving under the influence, crime and violence of all kinds. And let us consider recovering alcoholics who do not need or want the temptation around every time they go to grocery stores, convenience stores, etc.

Myth #2: People are more educated today and therefore can handle alcoholic drink.
Have you been reading the newspapers lately or listening to radio or TV news? Some of the most educated are sometimes the worst alcohol abusers. I have never met an alcoholic yet that didn’t think their drinking was different—in other words they could “handle it”. They lie to themselves and others.

Myth #3: Legalizing the sale of alcohol will bring economic prosperity to Monticello.
A look around at the other wet counties will debunk that myth. It may bring prosperity to a few who sell it but at the expense of the majority. Some individuals will be poorer because money will be spent on alcohol that should be spent on the basic needs: food, shelter, clothing, transportation, medical and dental care, etc. Tax money generated will be swallowed up in extra law enforcement expenses and who can put a price on lives taken and injuries suffered?

Between now and July 6, 2012 you as registered voters of Marion Township which includes Monticello will be contacted to sign a petition to put the legalization of the sale of alcohol on the ballot. Please, for the sake of yourselves, your families, relatives and our youth do not sign a petition to have this dangerous drug legalized! We feel the scourge of alcohol enough already!

Ralph L. Wells

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Group Organizes to Get “Wet” Vote on Monticello Area Ballot
Sept. 29, 2011

A group of approximately 15 interested individuals met on the last Tuesday night in September at the Monticello County Club to to begin the process of placing a “wet / dry” vote, to allow beer, wine, and liquor sales in Marion Township, which include Monticello, and it’s immediately surrounding area.

Calling their effort “Vote for Growth in Drew County,” they plan collect signatures to get the wet-dry issue on the November 2012 election ballot.

At the meeting, Ron Echols explained the economic benefits of the change, including increased economic activity, jobs, tourism, as well as more restaurants and retail businesses.  Also tax revenue would increase.

Echols told the group that many people in surrounding counties come to Monticello to shop.  Then have to turn around and go the other way to purchase their alcohol.

Tom Wingard reported that Drew County spends approximately $1.4 million on alcoholic beverages in a year.  $700,000 of that is spent at the nearby stores, already open; and the rest leaves the area.   “That’s Drew County money being spent somewhere else.”

Echols told those present that reports from 3 cities that recently changed to “wet”, that their DUI’s and traffic fatalities decreased.  One of those 3 cities was Arkadelphia.

Monticello surgeon Dr. John Tedesco said that our area is a perfect location, being an hour and a half from other similar ciites.  Adding that this is one reason he started his business here.  It’s a great  place for restaurants, convenience stores, and hotels.

Nathan Chaney, an attorney from Arkadelphia, who led Clark and Boone Counties’ campaigns to allow sale of alcohol, was introduced, and covered some of the specifics from those elections.

Echols said that he expects the cost of the campaign to be around $25,000, with help from volunteers.

Over 2,000 signatures will be needed on the petition to get the proposed change on the ballot, which is expected to be for the November 2012 general election.

If it passes, this will allow the sale of beer and wine in grocery and convenience stores.  It will also add one liquor store.

There are two existing liquor permits in Drew County, both located inside Live Oak Township..

The City Council voted to extend Mt. Zion Water Association’s contract until May 7, 2012. This will give the City more time to collect data and stats on Mt. Zion in order to make a decision about allowing them to become part of the Monticello Water System. The issue will come back to the council after the 6 month waiting period is up for reconsideration.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mt. Zion Water Presents Financial Info to City Council
Oct. 24, 2011

Mt. Zion Water Association presented a financial report, as requested, to the Monticello City Council, Thursday night, in their request to become a part of the Monticello City Water System.

No action was taken by the Council, at the meeting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mt. Zion Water Assoc. Meeting Announced
June 7, 2011

There will be a regularly scheduled mnthly board meeting of the Mt. Zion Water Association, tonight at 7 pm, at the Mt. Zion Church.

Tonight, the board will vote on approving the temporary 6 month contract for multiple services required for water system management with the city of Monticello.

This was incorrectly announced as a membership meeting on MonticelloLive, this morning, but it is instead a board meeting, with the public invited to be present.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
City Council Passes Resolutions on Roof Bids, Trash Truck, & Mt. Zion Water Assoc.
May 25, 2011

The Monticello City Council met in a special called session Tuesday night and passed 3 resolutions.

The low bid of $184,233 was accepted for the roof replacement of municipal buildings. The new roof will have a significant slope and 4 drains. Work should begin within 60 days, and be completed in 60 days from that point.

The council approved a resolution waiving the bid process and approving the purchase of a 2000 Mack front loading trash truck.  The city is converting the side-mount trash bins to front-mount.  The old side-mount truck has broken down 3 times this year, according to Mayor Allen Maxwell.

The council also approved a resolution to accept a contract with Mt. Zion Water Association.  This is a temporary contract to provide meter reading, maintenance, billing and service.  Mt. Zion is already a Monticello water customer. Read more

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mt. Zion Water Assoc. Public Meeting – Video
May 11, 2011

Approximately 80 members of the Mt. Zion Water Association met Tuesday evening, following their recent notification of the severe issues with face their group.  They elected a new board of directors, and in a non-official show-of-hands vote, overwhelmingly preferred to ask to join the Monticello water system, which already supplies water to their system, over remaining a separate water system, operating on their own.

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

New Board Meeting to Discuss Miling and Maintenance.

Community Resource Group’s Jerry Kopke and Richard King led the meeting and answered several questions, including the following;

1. Is the city is going to charge each Mt Zion member a $1,500 fee to be on the system.
No. The City of Monticello does charge a $500 connection for new service. This charge pays for the cost of tapping onto the water line and installing meters and other fittings. We will request that the connection fee be waived for existing Mt. Zion water service customers. Water customers will be expected to pay the $75.00 refundable meter deposit.

2. The city will inspect Mt Zion members’ septic system.
No. The City of Monticello will not inspect the septic system for current Mt. Zion water customers. Arkansas Department of Health regulations require that before a public water systems connects to a new building or residence , there must be an approved plans for construction of a sewage disposal system or determination that no disposal system approval is required.

3. Will Mt Zion still have to pay the Safe Drinking Water back fee if we remain as an association?
It’s already been paid. The back fee of $4,639.14 was paid in November, 2010.

4. Will Mt Zion customers be required to pay the remaining loan principle and interest?
The remaining loan balance is a responsibility of the water association, not individual members. It must be paid and will be paid over time as part of your water bill.

5. Will Mt Zion have to pay the Civil Penalty if we remain an association?
By order of the Arkansas Board of Health, The Mt. Zion Water Association was found guilty of violations of Arkansas Department of Health rules and regulations and civil penalties of $27,360 were levied. The Board of Health recommended that Mt. Zion cooperate with the Department of Health and Community Resource Group to develop a plan for consolidation of the Mt. Zion system with the City of Monticello. If the plan is adopted and consolidation was achieved, then the civil penalties will be waived.

After the membership meeting, the board met briefly to elect officers, which are:
Jason Cater – president
Lisa Cater – vice president
Joe Williams – secretary-treasurer
Jay Forrest – board member
Jessie Washington – board member

The board agreed to meet with the City of Monticello to discuss the possibility of contracting with the city for temporary assistance with operations and billing, until the board is able to meet again, to decide which direction to proceed in on permanent basis..

Details on the issues that are facing the Mt. Zion water Association are detailed in the previous article posted below

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Water Association Meets; Asks “Where Did the Money Go?  – Re-organize or Consolidate with Monticello Water?
Mar 31, 2011

Members of the Mt. Zion water association met in a special called meeting Tuesday night, and learned of the many serious issues that are currently facing their water association.

Approximately 50 people attended the meeting, where they learned that Arkansas Department of Health has issued a final order to the Mt. Zion water association for violating many rules and regulations pertaining to water systems going back to 2006.

The violations include: failure to provide monthly water samples, violation of the maximum containment level, failure to submit lead and copper testing, failure to submit consumer confidence reports, maintaining a licensed operator, and failure to submit required fees to the Dept. of Health.

The association currently owes approximately $69,000 in old debt, which hasn’t been paid on since 2004.  There are also civil penalties of $27,360 from the state board of health

This was reportedly the first meeting of the association n approximately 15 years. (Associations are required to have yearly meetings.)

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Many members were not aware that the water association was having any problems, until they read a recent story on MonticelloLive, where the Mayor addressed the issue with the Monticello city council.  Several said, “This is the first we’ve known that there was any trouble.”

The board of health also recommended that the association consolidate with the city of Monticello water system; if they do, the Board of Health reportedly will waive their monetary penalties.

Current board members were the first topic of conversation among the group.  Board members reportedly included Don Wiley president; Raymond Jordan (who informed the group that he hasn’t been on the board for approximately 8 years); and Joyce Dowd, who is described by a knowledgeable source as “an innocent bystander”.  Only Jordan attended the meeting.

Reliable sources told MonticelloLive that there are currently around 180 water lines hooked to the system, but only half of those (approximately 90) received bills for their water.  The map shown above shows the approximate 4 miles that the system covers.

During the month of August 2010, approximately 417,000 gallons of water went into association supply lines, but were not billed for by the association.

The board of health has asked Community Resource Group to facilitate plans for the consolidation.  Tuesday night’s meeting was led by Jerry Kopke and Richard King of CRG.  CRT may be contacted by calling 1-479 -443 -2700 , extension 128.   Monticello Mayor Allen Maxwell and city clerk Andrea Chambers also attended the meeting.

Kopke told the group that their options include:
1. Do what you’re doing now, but at your own risk.
2. Reorganized the association, with the new board members and bylaws.
3. Consolidate with Monticello, and become a water customer, or
4. Start a management contract with the city of Monticello.

Someone asked Mayor Maxwell if Monticello wants to consolidate, and what plans the city has regarding billing and deposits.  He responded that he was pleased with the level of concern expressed by the large number people at the meeting, and that he considers Drew County residents to be “Monticello people”, because most shop here and are associated with Monticello.

Maxwell told the group that he really couldn’t say at this point what the city would do; but, if they want to consolidate, that the city would certainly meet with their board and consider their proposal. He also pointed out to the group that Monticello has had three consecutive years with a water rate increase, after nine years without a raise in water fees.

When asked, Kopke told them, “You could reorganize a board of directors; finance your debt; and the debt-free in 10 years.”  “If you want to re-organize it can be done.”

“Where did the money go!” was heard more than once during the meeting, since water bills have been mailed to association members on a regular basis; and checks have been cashed/deposited.  However it seemed to many in attendance, that fees and mortgage payments were not being made.

Kopke told the group, “With a new board, you can shut water (meters) off, if the bill is not paid.”  He added, “Your customers deserve good clean drinking water; and your customers deserve to know that if they’re paying a water bill, then everyone else getting water is also paying a water bill.”

The next membership meeting of the Mt. Zion water association will be held on Tuesday, April 26, at a location to be announced, who approve by-laws, elected Board of Directors, and begin the process of deciding if the association will continue to operate on its own, or consider consolidation with the city of Monticello’s water system.

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

MonticelloLive.com tried to conntact Mr. Wiley, before and after the meeting, but he was unavailable to comment or answer questions.

According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Donaldson, died Tuesday, around 11:30 a.m, when he apparently fell into the water, near a floodgate, near the Arkansas river.  No one knows how he fell into the water.

Donaldson, who was fishing alone that morning, was best know in Monticello as a contractor, and as owner of several apartment complexes.

Kohl McCone, Drew Higginbotham, and Taylor Parker were chosen to participate in Little Rock Fashion Week, July 11-16. Hundreds of people tried, out but only 87 models were chosen.

Brandon D. Campbell is the director of LRFW. After interviewing with Higginbotham, Campbell signed her as one of his models. Parker was also offered a modeling contract with Campbell. McCone is with IMinc Agency in Little Rock.

Little Rock Fashion Week is  the fastest growing fashion week in America, “Little Rock Fashion Week” was held July 11-16 in downtown Little Rock. This annual event showcased collections of emerging local, regional and national clothing and jewelry designers, as well as the best of the region’s hairstylists, makeup artists and musical performers.

The models participated in several activities during the week to promote the runway shows on Friday and Saturday night. On July 11 the girls participated in a Music Remix Experience at Sticky Fingerz. On July 12 LRFW Presented “The Artist Statement” at The Butler Center for Arkansas Studies Institute. On July 13 the girls participated in a Media & Industry Mixer at Lulav. On July 14 LRFW presented Shoppers’ Night Out where the models visited various boutiques at Pleasant Ridge Town Center and the Promenade at Chenal to receive discounts and treats. The week’s activities led up to the July 15 Young & Fabulous Experience Runway Show held at the Statehouse Convention Center and The Posh Expression Experience Runway Show held at Statehouse Convention Center Ballroom on July 16. According to the girls, “it was an experience of a lifetime!”

McCone is the 21 year old daughter of Randy and Rena McCone; Higginbotham is the 19 year old daughter of Scott and Karen Higginbotham; and Parker is the 14 year old daughter of Gaines McNeese and John Parker, Jr. all of Monticello.

According to witness statements, the victim, Lee Monk, age 56, was at the top of the triangle portion of the tower and had removed the extension part of the unit when the base of the tower collapsed, causing the structure to fall, landing on top of him.

Two other workers were there when the fall occurred to call for help.

The victim was transported to Drew Memorial Hospital where he later died from injuries sustained in the fall.

Yukiko is well-known to many Monticello residents from her job as a deputy court clerk at the district court; and she also teaches the Japanese language at UAM.

Yukiko talked with her mom Friday morning, and her family is fine. She said, “The death toll is still rising. Houses, cars, and ships were tossed about like toys.”

Yukiko said, “Please continue to be in prayer for the people who are missing and their families. Also remember the deceased and their families, the survivors, and the emergency workers there.”

“If you want to help, text REDCROSS to 90999 from an AT&T phone to donate $10 to the effort to help Japan. It adds to your bill, and the full amount is donated,” she told several people who asked if they could help.