Monticello Live

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The Southeast Arkansas Concert Association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enrich the life and culture of this region by providing quality artistic performances. This is made possible through memberships in the organization, corporate contributions, and grants, with memberships being the primary source of funding.

Membership Levels:
Associate $60 – 1 season ticket
Friend $120 – 2 season tickets
Patron $180 – 3 season tickets
Sustainer $300 – 4 season tickets
Benefactor $ 600 – 6 season tickets

Tickets will be available through Advance Memberships with limited general public seating.

Method of Payment
Mail tickets orders to:
SEARK Concert Association
P.O. Box 3072
Monticello, AR 71656

Phone 870-460-1412 or 870-460-1012

John Hoy began his life in the small town of Hughes, AR. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, James and Zenobia Graham. Mr. Hoy’s mother dropped out of high school in order to work on the farms in northeast Arkansas, and then earned her GED. She went on to receive her nursing license as well, and her promise was that all of her children would graduate from high school. They did.

Mr. Hoy, meeting with Monticello's new teachers, in preparation for the new school year.

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A Drew County jury took approximately 3 hours to determine the sentence for Jennifer Irene Bates, Wednesday afternoon, after one juror who didn’t want to send Bates to prison was replaced.  The dismissed juror told MonticelloLive, “That’s not the same lady that was drinking and driving that day,” referring to Bates’ current mental state.

The jury then sentenced her to serve 10 years on the negligent homicide case, and another 6 for the aggravated assault charge.

The charges are to run consecutively, for a total of 16 years, but Bates could be eligible for parole in less than 3 years.

A representative of the Arkansas Dept. of Correction had testified that they could provide care for disabled inmates, as needed.

For full background on the case, all related articles are included below. (more…)

This Infiniti G35 4dr Sedan was listed on MonticelloLive.com’s free classifieds Wednesday, and sold over the weekend.

Send your non-commercial classified listings to joe@MonticelloLive.com.

Although Drew County for the most part has been in a semi-drought situation and a good rain would be welcomed by most, we have had some unwelcome precipitation in different places at different times.

One such memorable rain may be the deluge that thoroughly drenched Monticello on October 13 th, 2009, and brought down part of a landmark. At approximately 12:15 p. m. during that “gullywasher” a significant portion of the rear of the old Fish Drug Store building at the corner of North Main and West Gaines gave way under the weight of the water and tumbled to the ground.

Fortunately, no vehicle passing through was caught in the rubble. City workers quickly blocked that portion of South Main and began to clear the debris from the street.

When the rain subsided, and the dust settled, a lone, silent and mysterious artifact could be seen hanging eerily from the remaining parts of the noble building.

This silent remainder from days gone by was a half-glass paneled door with the words “Patrick Henry” painted on its frosted surface. As passersby noticed the old door hanging haphazardly on one hinge above the pile of broken bricks, many wondered, “Who was this Patrick Henry?” More than a few called to ask that very question. (more…)

MonticelloLive.com Is Now “Printer Friendly”.

Just click on the story you want to print, such as your child’s list of school supplies, shown below, and click on “print”.

And thanks for reading (and sharing) MonticelloLive.com, Monticello’s Daily News.

As summer comes to an end, and children gear up to head back to school, students of Drew Central High will be welcomed by a new face this year.

New to the district, Principal Steve Noble has had quite a journey that’s landed him right here in Monticello.

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Drew County has been experiencing extremely hot weather lately. One of the best ways to help your body deal with this heat wave is to drink plenty of water.

Water makes up 50 – 75% of our body. It is an essential nutrient; our bodies must have water everyday. Most people need 6 – 8 eight ounce glasses of water each day. However, the amount of water you need depends upon the temperature, humidity, your level of activity, and other factors. Our bodies can survive without nutrients for months, but we can only live a few days without water. (more…)

We’re having a heat wave! Now I know why some say they don’t want to go anyplace hotter than August in Arkansas!

Last Monday began at the courthouse and shop as usual. Then I attended the dedication of the new Greenville bridge on an invitation from Dan Flowers and the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. It truly is a “thing of beauty”. I think minor jobs like smoothing the accesses and getting the orange barrels out of the way delayed its opening to the public last week though. (more…)

Each month, MonticelloLive rewards the reader who calls in the best news tip, or submits the best photo, with a $100 prize.Barbara Newton won the June $100 top prize for her news tip about an update in the MHS coahing change.

Barbara Newton won the June $100 top prize for her news tip about an update in the MHS coaching change.

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MonticelloLive.com offers free classified ads, for non-commercial items.

We’ve set up a new tab button on the top bar, so that everyone can easily access “the classifieds”.

To list your free classified, just e-mail them to joe@MonticelloLive.com.

A phone number must be included for conformation purposes.

Friday, around 2 pm, the driver of this pick-up accidentally press on the gas pedal, instead of the brake.

The truck then drove through a wall into the man’s Western Pines residence.

No one was injured in the accident.

An Ashley County road grader was attempting to cross a railroad crossing around 10 am, Thursday.

The grader operator reportedly coundn’t see the train, due to a line of trees.

The driver was treated for minor injuries later.

Photo courtesy of Bill Horn, Drew County office of emergency management.

You can save most website as "shortcuts" or "icons" on your desktop by placing you mouse over a blank portion of the site, right clicking on it, and selecting "create shortcut". Your computer will ask you if you want to, and just click yes. The icon will be there for "one click" access in the future. You can also use that method to go directly to specific pages of websites, such as "classifieds" or "UAM Sports" on MLive, or any page on other sites, to save you wasting time just "passing through" useless pages.

Here is a list of local websites that you may want to keep handy.

MonticelloLive.com

City of Monticello

Drew County Sheriff’s Dept.

MEDC

Chamber of Commerce

UAM

Monticello Schools

Drew Central Schools

Drew Memorial Hospital

Hope Place Pregnancy & Family Center

Workforce Training Center

Social Security Local Office Info.

Local Veteran’s Office Info.

CASA

Commercial Bank

Union Bank

Ryburn Automotive Superstore

Lucky’s

Monticello Airport Weather Conditions

County Assessor’s Records

Drew County Conservation District

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Recognize your graduating senior by purchasing a “Senior Salute” ad on MonticelloLive.com

Senior Salutes are available for only $30 for 1 week, or $50 for 2 weeks.

With a Senior Salute, you can include your graduate’s photo, name, school, and a short not of congratulations

Call Joe at 367-0000, or e-mail joe@MonticelloLive.com.

Daily Bible Scriptures are now available over the phone, day or night, by calling 367-7777.

367-7777 is the phone number for the MonticelloLive Info Line, and we are proud to feature “The Scripture of the Day” on extension 9.

Other information on the MonticelloLive Info Line includes;
Ext. 2.  Repeat the time & temperature.
Ext.  5.  Stephenson-Dearman funeral schedules.
Ext.  9.  Scripture of the Day.

367-7777.

Give it a call, you’ve already got the number memorized.

According to Drew County Sheriff Mark Gober, deputies received a report of a dog that had shot in an area behind the Monticello Country Club. A nearby resident found the dog while driving a golf cart. It appears that the dog had been shot in the chest area and had been dead for several days. The dog, a chocolate Labrador Retriever named Bear, belonged to, a resident of Country Club Lane. (more…)

Monticello Intermediate School, Director Haley Greet

Drew Central Middle School, Director Janine Eubanks

Students rehearsed throughout the day and enjoyed a performance by the UAM Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Kent Skinner. “The performance went very well and plans are being made to have the chorus again next year,” said Janine Eubanks.

Reed Elementary School in Dumas, Director Terri Black

Selections directed by Haley Greer of MIS were “Little David, Play on Your Harp” (spiritual), “Dona Nobis Pacem” (Latin canon), “Skip to My Lou” and “Sandy Land” (partner song), “Shenandoah,” “Let Music Surround You” (a round), and “The Happy Wanderer.”

Crossett Middle School, Director Lucille Smith

 ”The performance went very well and plans are being made to have the chorus again next year,” said Janine Eubanks.

McGehee Elementary School, Director Claudia Horton

Rison Elementary School, Director Wilma Trout

Jimmy Brown Elementary School in Star City, Director Glynetta Burnett

Warren Elementary School, Director Melissa McBee

Dear Editor,

The power and responsibility to stop payments for insurance benefits to quorum court members lies solely in the hands of those nine sitting quorum court members who are justices elected to establish laws in Drew County. (more…)

The 53rd Annual Southeastern Forestry Conclave will be hosted by the University of Arkansas at Monticello, held at the Drew County Fairgrounds on March 25-27, 2010.

It is designed to encourage team work, promote cooperation and friendly competition, and develop long lasting friendships. The colleges that will be participating are Alabama A&M University, the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Auburn University, Clemson University, the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, the University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, Louisiana Tech University, Mississippi State University, North Carolina State University, Stephen F. Austin University, the University of Tennessee, Texas A&M University, and Virginia Tech University.

Each school will compete in both technical and physical events. The technical events are DBH estimation, wood ID, photogrammetry, pole classification, dendrology, timber estimation, wildlife ID, and compass & pacing. The physical events are archery, axe throw, bowsaw- men’s & women’s, birling, chain throw, crosscut- men’s, women’s, and Jack & Jill, knife throw, log chop, log roll, pole climb, and pole felling. On Thursday night, Stihl will sponsor the Collegiate Timbersports Challenge, held at the University Center Rodeo Arena located south of the UAM campus on HWY 425.

This will eventually be televised on ESPNU, date is to be announced. The UAM Forestry Club encourages the public to come out and cheer the students on. The cost to come and enjoy a great time is nothing. Hope to see you there!

Article by DMH CEO Mike Layfield, from DMH weekly newsletter.

Today is Valentine’s Day. I thought I would share a few thoughts with you regarding Valentine’s Day and what it means to me. Let it serve as a reminder, to you to not forget that special someone in your life, including your family and friends during this holiday.

Last Valentine’s Day, I did a lot of thinking and research of the origins of receiving  and sending Valentine’s Day cards. According to one legend, Valentine, a priest and early saint, actually sent the first “Valentine” greeting card himself, while in prison. According to the greeting card association, an estimated 1 billion Valentine cards are sent each year making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (more…)

Kindergarten Star Student for January
(Front Row, L to R) Jacob Davis, Cashis Carter, Tyler Henderson, Gracie Connard, Keonda Green, Marco Jimenez, Kaytlin Huff, Hailey Moore
(Back Row, L to R) Mercedes Hayes, Jordan Berryman, Jordan Woolford, Briani Marshall, Sydney West, Cheyenne Parks

First Grade Star Student for January
(Front Row, L to R)Kaylee King, Tylan Burke, DeyShaun Fellows
(Middle Row, L to R) Trevor McKinstry, Spencer Poe, Jace Barnett, Amarion Lucas, Austin Gustafson, Katelyn East
(Back Row, L to R) Keleb Simpson, Kane Taylor, Marshall Baker, Garrett Goggans, Brandon Brown, Ty’Asia Gilbert
Absent: Nathan Meeks

Around 2:30, Thursday afternoon, a maroon Honday Accord was reported driving at high speeds on HWY 425, in notthern Drew County.

As the Honda neared the county line, it rear ended the driver of a vehicle, near the Mt. Zion Road intersection.  No one was injured during the collision, and both vehicles drove from the scene.

The Accord then continued north into Lincoln County, reportedly exceeding speeds of over 100 MPH, according to witnesses, before crashing into the rear of a Chevy Impala, just north of Slingerland’s Furniture.

The Impala overturned on the east side of HWY 425, with it’s driver inside, while the Honda spun to a stop on the west side of the highway.

Witnesses had reportedly seen 3 occupants in the Honda, while it was in Drew County, but after it’s final crash, only one passenger remained in the vehicle, with no one else at the scene of the wreck.

That passenger was transported by E.A.S.I. ambulance to a medical facility north of the county line.  McKinney’s Wrecker responded to the scene, which was being investigated by Troop E (Pine Bluff) of the Arkansas State Police.

I just wanted to say “thank you” so much for posting the classified ad for our ‘house for sale” on MonticelloLive.  

Thanks to you we have now sold the house!

Many people mentioned to us that they saw the ad on MonticelloLive.com. Great advertising!

Have a great day!
Shannon

As 2009 comes to an end, here’s a look back at the headlines from MonticelloLive.com.

A tornado hit Drew County on May 6.  All of the buildings at the fairgrounds were destroyed, except for the auditorium.  The annual Rhythm & Roots Festival was moved to August, and the Drew County Fair had to cancel many of it’s regular events.  During the ongoing process of planning for this year’s fair, 5 board members have resigned.  The fair board is re-organizing, and in hopes of being able to secure a lease contract with the University of Arkansas (who owns the fairgounds property) in the near future, and re-build the fairgounds in time for 2010′s fair.

Once again, the past year saw too many lives come to an end too early.  In January, Jessica Mann, age 18, a Sav-a-Lot employee was killed in an automobile accident.  In March, Derrick Johnson, age 34 died following a motorcycle wreck.    In May, Latasha Strong, age 32, died, after the vehicle she was in ran off of a bridge over the Saline river.  Her body was found in the vehicle the next afternoon.  Later in May, Robert Brazeale, age 21, drowned in Lake Monticello. Nakeshia Page, age 21, was killed in an car crash in July.  In October, 18 year old Jake Casteel also died in an auto accident.  And December closed out 2009 with another young life lost, as Jesse Cash, age 16, a Drew Central junior, also lost his life in a motor vehicle accident.

Monticello lost two community leaders in 2009, with Betty Lindsey’s death in early April, and James Jordan’s passing in late December.

The Monticello Sr. Billies won the State Championship game, which was played at War Memorial Stadium.  The Billies completed their season with an undefeated record.  Billies fans showed support many ways, including hiring a helecopter to “blow dry” a rain-soaked Hyatt field one Friday afternoon.  

Monticello’s City Council approved the construction of a splash pad, which will be built at Jordan Park. 

Also on the City Council’s agenda was the clean-up of nuisance properties around town.  4 letters were sent to property owners, and now all 4 have either begun removing the houses in question, or at least have agreed to do so in the near future.

UAMonticello celebrated it’s 100th birthday in 2009, with it’s Centennial Celebration. 

Drew Memorial Hospital also made the news regularly in 2009, based on their approved $14 million expansion, their quality award from Gov. Mike Beebe, and the efforts of JP Ron Echols to encourage the DMH board to ask the Quorum Court for a hospital tax.

Two local doctors, Sidney Collins and Jeff Reinhart, and dentist Dr. Tim Chase were approved by the DMH board and Quorum Court to purchase a parcel of land next to the hospital for the construction of a medical office building.  There has since been a disagreement as to the appraised value of the property, and they have now asked for the county to agree to arbitration on the appraisal.

In January, Alicia Ammons was found guilty of manslaughter, for the death of Cortland Jones, who was stabbed in the neck, during a confrontation on July 4, 2008.  Her father, Clarence Ammons, was found not guilty. 

Another January court case came to an end, as a Drew County jury sentenced Michael Anthony Green, who had 17 prior drug charges to 60 years in prison.

One March weekend included an airplane hitting a white tail deer, at the Monticello airport; followed the next day with an SUV colliding with a John Deere.  Only in Arkansas could both of these events take place within 24 hours.

In May, MonticelloLive.com was proud to bring to local attention to the efforts of Monticello Fire Chief Steven “Blue” Faulkner as he entered a burning trailer, waking the man inside, and bringing him out of the burning home.  MPD Sgt. Carlos Garcia, who also responded, said, “Faulkner definitely saved that man’s life.”

In January, MLive ran an update on the 2008 story about the cellulosic diesel plant in Jerome, which should employee 250.  In May, cottonseed stored inside of the facility caught fire, and brought firefighters from all over southeast Arkansas.

MADD’s Mock DWI accident was performed in front of MHS students in April, before the prom.  This year’s event was done in memory of Dustin ”Rooster” Ferguson, who died innocently in an alcohol related crash last year.  MonticelloLive recorded the MADD Mock DWI and it has been viewed over 600 times. 

The month of June brought an end to Stanley Lucas’ election fraud charges stemming from the former convenience store owner, and supporter of legalizing the sale of alcohol in the Wilmar area’s charge of “election canvasser making a false statement” in last years wet/dry township election.  Lucas pled guilty and received no time to serve, but did get a $1 fine, and must pay reimbursement, and court costs.  The $1 fine will make the charge a part of his permanent record.

July began with the capital murder charges against Duane Gonder for the shooting death of his brother Marcus Gonder.

July also included the arrest of Benjamin Briney by the Drew County Sheriff’s Dept. for the beating death of a Shetland pony, that had been loaned to a family for a child’s birthday party.  A jury found Briney not guilty of the first trial of Arkansas’ new cruelty to animals law, later in the year. 

July crime continued as two Monticello men, Emery Riley and Patrick Lewis used a shotgun to commit an armed robbery against a worker at the Wash-O-Matic Laundromat.

In September, Amy Arrington, a MES special ed teacher was arrested by the DTF on alleged forged prescription charges.  She was terminated by the school in December, without a public notice as to the cause, due to confidentiality reasons.

The SeaArk Companies (formerly MonArk Boat Company) celebrated 50 years of boat building in September.

Other September news included the ongoing saga of the stadium lights over Monticello and UAM’s football fields.
The poles holding up the stadium lights were built by a company in Texas, and have been described as a safety risk to sports fans attending games where the Whitco poles are used.   Both Monticello Schools and UAM hired qualified welders install gusset plates to the base of each of the poles for safety, and both fields were returned to service.

In October, Monticello’s Ellis Field was named as the Arkansas Airport of the Year.

Also in October, events occurred that led to November arrest of Robert Avery, an employee of the Warren School District, charged with rape.

Also in October, the building on the corner of Main and Gaines Streets collapsed during heavy rains and a severe thunderstorm.  

A midnight wreck just before Thanksgiving again slowed traffic around Monticello’s square, as a pick-up truck driver fell asleep, and did major damage to several store fronts on East Gaines St, the stop-light, and knocked over a power pole.  The street re-opened as the damage was repaired.

December headlines included $1,000,000 Bond Set for Robbery/Kidnapping Suspect-$500,000 & $750,000 for Other 3 for Car Theft & Gun Shot, after 4 Pine Bluff men came to Monticello in a stolen car, attempted to steal a car from UAM, shot at a student,  and then stole yet another vehicle.  One of the men proceded to go to EZ-Mart on Hyatt Street, rob it, and force the clerk outside to the parking lot, and was assaulting her, as police arrived.

As we look forward into 2010, the past and the future will once again meet at “the Ridgeway”, as the former hotel has been approved by ADFA for a $5.4 million renovation, to serve as an elderly housing complex.

One other event worth mentioning is that congratulations are in order for Monticello’s newest national celebrity.  UAM’s Boll Weevil mascot was featured on ESPN and many other networks across the country, as a part of the advertising campaign for KGB’s information provider service.

December 27 saw the passing of another member of the “greatest generation” – one who spent his adult life in service of others. Born in Drew County in 1925, James Jordan leaves a long legacy of service that should serve as a role model for generations to come.

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Glenda Strickland was chosen as Health Hero for the month of October at Drew Memorial Hospital.

Glenda works in the environmental services department, and won the awared by going over and beyond the call of duty in assisting a visitor by driving their car up to the front entrance allowing them to get in their car on a rainy day.

In order to facilitate approval of comments on news articles, MonticelloLive will require users to register in order to leave comments after Saturday at midnight.

Registration is free and simple, requiring a valid e-mail address. If you have a Facebook account, you can easily create a MonticelloLive account that ties to your Facebook account.

Commenting on stories on MonticelloLive helps build interaction within the community. Stories with diverse topics are posted monthly, and this site can be a great avenue for discussion. To curb possible complications, comments must be approved before they are posted. This ensures MonticelloLive remains a family-friendly, tolerant community.

MonticelloLive respects freedom of speech and civil debate. As such, comments that attack individuals with harshness and/or libel will not be approved.

Rebecca Friend recently joined MonticelloLive as a news reporter.

Rebecca is a Modern Languages Major at UAM, after having received her first Bachelor’s Degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing last May. She is hoping to graduate with her second degree in May 2010 and continue to pursue her Master of Arts in Teaching. 

Rebecca worked as a reporter for the Ashley News Observer during the summer and winter of 2006 and loves writing articles for the news media. She is excited to be a part of MonticelloLive.

Rebecca hopes to teach English and Spanish after she receives her Master’s, and one day hopes to publish novels for teens and young adults.

After the collapse of the building on the east side of  the square’s south side, a temporary repair was noticed that had recently been applied to the building on the west end of that same row of building.

The tape appears to be Duct Tape, a product that is usually made of aluminum, and used in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry, and not the standard grade of “duck tape.”

But it is still a shining example of a potential problem.

Due to lack of participation and lack of publicity, the promotion day set for Tuesday at City Park has been canceled. Thanks to those of you who agreed to help. We will try again in the spring.

Please remember the annual 4-H Banquet is on Tuesday, October 27 at 6:00 p.m. at Pauline Baptist Church. You MUST sign-up by Thursday, October 22nd to attend. PLEASE make sure everyone in your club is aware of this deadline. It will be a great evening out for the whole family. Hope to see you there! Thanks – Amber

MonticelloLive.com is celebrating it’s 2nd  birthday this week, since business operations and reporting duties were taken over by Joe Burgess (“the MonticelloLive guy”) back in October, 2007.

Readership has grown constantly over the 2 year period, as shown by the 1.6 million pageviews that the site has received over in the past year.

While another website keeps posting impressive numbers, MonticelloLive makes it possible for readers to view our actual daily pageviews totals.  Just click on the black, white, & orange One Stat.com logo at the bottom left of  MonticelloLive newspages. 

MonticelloLive is designed to be “User Friendly”, we don’t make you play “hide & seek” to find stories.  All new news stories at that the top of the front page.

When you click on the MonticelloLive icon on your desktop screen, it doesn’t take you to a roadmap of the website, you’re immediately taken to the most recent news items posted that day.  I’ts that simple.   If you want to see school lunch menus, obituaries, yard sales, or the classifieds, they’re just one click away, at the top of the page. 

News and events may be submitted to MonticelloLive by sending an e-mail to joe@MonticelloLive.com.

And if you around town and see a big guy in a MonticelloLive.com shirt, that’s probably Joe. You many want to slow down, because there may be a car wreck, fire, or other event nearby that would be better to read about, than be a part of.

If there are no flashing lights around, just stop and say “hi”.  Joe’s usually a friendly fellow, who likes to hear what folks think about Monticello.

Finally, say “Happy Anniversary” to the sponsors that make our time together each morning possible.