Monticello Live

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…)

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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Friday night, between 300-400 people gathered at the Stop-the-Hate on 8/8/08 rally at City Park, to show unity for a safer community, and to remember the lives that have been lost by crime and violence in our area.

The program organized by Officer George Strain, who was a One Monticello Life topic in October of last year, and Susan Davis, who is this week’s feature.

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While waiting in line for Sunday lunch with my pastor and his wife at a local restaurant, I visited for a few minutes with Rick & Fran Haney.  After we had been seated, I noticed how many other people had stopped by their table to visit for a moment with the couple.  Over and over, people would pause just to say “high”.

“Burlington folks” will know Rick, while most people recognize Fran from her desk assisting customers at Union Bank’s main branch.  She has helped me many times by notarizing documents, and another time when a relative’s checks were stolen.  Both Rick and Fran are friendly, helpful people, and good selections for One Monticello Life.

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Tonight’s edition of One Monticello Life takes a look at a husband and wife, that between them, spent a total of 63 years working at Burlington.

Tom and Marsha Henry will celebrate their 47th anniversary later this year, are active members of Northside Baptist Church, and have raised 3 sons.

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This week’s edition of One Monticello Life will focus on Orlando Jones. A lot of people may not be familiar with Orlando, but his roll in Drew County will be important, as the new year comes around, and he takes his position on the Drew County Quorum Court, taking the spot that was formerly held by John Thompson.

Orlando is a home mortgage consultant for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, which is best described as being compatable to the job of a loan officer.  In this position, he assists clients who are interested in purchasing a home, or who may be interested in acquiring equity earned from their present residence.  His experience qualifies him to help with anything that deals with home financing.

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With today being Father’s Day, Mr. Pete Rowe has been chosen the the One Monticello Life for this week.

Mr. Pete is the father of 3 adult children; Vernon who works in the environmental field and lives in Pittsburgh, TX; Norman, who lives in Cabot, Retired from the Air Force after 20 years, and is employed in the computer field; and Sue, who lives here in Monticello, and is a former factory and health-care worker. 

 Pete Rowe was employed by Arkla gas, beginning as a serviceman, with meter reading responsibilities, and retiring 32 years later as district manager for the Dumas district.

He originally started with Arkla after working for the McGehee water dept for 3 years.

Mr. Pete was born and raised in McGehee, where he remained until 1976.

Mr. Rowe was in the 11th grade at McGehee, when he left school to join navy in 1944.  He completed his educaiton after returning from military service.

He served in the U.S. Navy with 2 years active duty, where he served aboard the U.S.S Seagull, stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After his active duty, he served 18 more years in the Navy reserve. 

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Dailyn Johnston, is the daughter of David and Lyndie Johnston, and has a younger brother, Josh, who is three.

I’ve known Dailyn and her family for several years, and at the age of 9, Dailyn is involved in more activities than most adults. (more…)

(Posted June 1, 2008)

Last night at the boxing match, I visited with Monticello Billies Coach Van Paschal, and asked to interview him for tonight’s One Monticello Life.  He agreed, and I learned a lot about Coach Paschal during our conversation, this afternoon.

Coach Paschal was born in Ft. Worth, TX, and moved to Brinkley as a small child.  He grew up there, playing football, baseball, and track, and graduated from Brinkley High School, before enrolling at UAM, where he played 2 years of baseball and 1 year of football.

Coach Paschal graduated from UAM in 1985, and later got his Masters in Administration from ASU in 1996.

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This week’s One Monticello Life person is the youngest that has been featured, since I took over the site last year.  But as a Drew Central High School Senior, she has made a big difference in small school, a long way from Monticello.

Erica Hood is the daughter of Steve and Amanda Hood. She graduated from Drew Central High School last Tuesday night.

At Drew Central, she was enrolled in the Honors Dept., which is also referred to as the “college prep” level of study.  She was also able to complete some college courses, as well.

Her plans are to attend UAM for two years, and then transfer to UCA, to complete her degree in speech and language pathology. (more…)

Election Day is Tuesday, and with all of the recent conversation about City Council Members, it seems like a good time to feature one of them on One Monticello Life.  Since a current candidate would not really be appropriate, we’ll visit with Al Peer, who did not have an opponent this election.

Al Peer is currently serving his 5th term on the Monticello City Council.  In 10 years of service he’s seen a lot of changes take place in Monticello.

Al first ran for Alderman in 1998, because he felt that he could make a difference in the city, especially in support of efforts benefiting the youth and the elderly.

Mr. Al has been employed by the State of Arkansas for 30 years.  He began with the Employment Security Division for one year, and then moved to Human Services, providing for the needs of developmentally challenged individuals.  He works at the Human Development Center in Warren, in the administration department.  He considers the best part of his job to be the times that he’s been able to help people in that area. 

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Steve & Kim Pigott have recently purchased Clearview Glass & Mirror, here in Monticello, and had a booth at Rough & Ready Days to publicize their business.

Steve & Kim have had an impact on Monticello for years, through the work that they have done, and it seems appropriate to select them as this weeks One Monticello Life.

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Gretchen and James Cucurullo and their daughter Tessa left Mississippi and Louisiana, along with other family and friends, August 2005, to get out of the path of Hurricane Katrina.

Their intentions were to evacuate and to take Tessa to a motel for a few days of swimming and fun with her nieces, friends, and cousins, then return home. Days turned into weeks, and Tessa began school in Monticello.

They have been profoundly impacted by what they have gone through, with not being able to find out if all their loved ones were safe, and not knowing if they had lost everything.  As the family sat in their motel room for weeks, they found out they were in a very special place.

Gretchen says she could not begin to tell anyone about her life without trying to let them know how one town (and its people) mean so much to them.  She could write a book about all the acts of kindness shown to them in Monticello.  She says, “We have received a lesson in the human spirit that we will never forget.”

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Joe Williams, Jr. was born and raised in Monticello, and graduated from Monticello High School in 1982.  He attended and graduated from UAM with a B.A. in computer science.

Joe has spent the last 4 years employed as receiving manager for School Apperal’s Star City facility, but is best know from the more than 20 years he spent at Burlington Industries, here in Monticello.

He started working at Burlington in 1982, but was told by the personnel manager that if he was going to quit school, that he wasn’t going to get hired, but that he should get promoted after he graduated.  Joe took the challenge, completed his education, and began his way up the Burlington ladder of supervision.

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Doug Knight was born in Springhill, LA, but his family moved to Drew County when he was 2 years old.  Doug grew up in the Plantersville area, and graduated from Drew Central High School.

Doug continued his education by taking industrial electricity classes at Pines vo-tech in Pine Bluff. 

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This week’s One Monticello Life breaks from the traditional “interview” format that is usually used, because something happened in Monticello Friday that may change, and save, many lives.

At the end of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Mock DWI Accident Re-enactment, Steve Brantley came forward to tell the approximately 900 students present why he became involved with MADD.

This week’s edition is based on the comments that Steve shared with them.

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2 years ago, Jeff told about the life of Jesus, as the One Monticello Life for Easter Sunday. I suppose that featuring my Saviour has become an Easter tration, but if Christ hasn’t become the most important part of your life, he’is there waiting to accept you, as the hymn says, “Just As I Am”.

There’s not a more deserving subject for this week’s feature. Jesus, the One who has changed more lives than anyone else who ever walk on the earth, including mine. After reading, be sure to play the video at the bottom.

May God bless you all. – Joe Burgess

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Today is Easter and celebrated many ways throughout Monticello. Children enjoy the candy received from new-found Easter eggs. Spiral ham, mashed potatoes and fresh rolls are served at many family gatherings. Much of this happens after a time of reflection and celebration at one of the 50+ Christian churches in the area. The Holy One that is celebrated on this holiday isn’t a local, but Jesus Christ is found in the hearts of many Monticellonians. This is His story.

Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, Israel. Roman historians subsequently used the birth of Jesus as the dividing line of history using A.D. (Anno Domini, which is Latin for “the year of our Lord”) to mark the coming of Christ.

Jesus was born into humble circumstances. His mother’s name was Mary who was of the Israelite tribe of Judah. At best, the circumstances of his birth were complicated. Mary was engaged to marry Joseph, also of the tribe of Judah. Joseph could trace his lineage back to Abraham. Jewish lineage and ancestry was sacred to the Israelites. However, before they were married, Mary confessed to Joseph that she was pregnant but claimed that the pregnancy was a result of news she had received from an angelic messenger. (more…)

As the electronics field has changed over the years, so has Rick Hales.  Rick’s job description is “electronics technician”, but that covers a wide range of areas.  

Rick began in electronics back in 1981, when he worked at Cass Martin’s Radio Shack, behind the Union Bank University Branch. 

Rick was well known for years from the Drew Satellite business he operated, which was located on the old Lucky’s Chevrolet lot, where Ryburn’s is now.

Now, with the advancement of technology, Rick’s project for this week will be installing a “smart classroom” at UAM.  Smart classrooms bring the current high-tech of interactivity, into an educational setting.  Smart classrooms take power-point from a screen in the front of the room, and puts it directly into the touch-screen that is located in front of each student.  When the instructor writes on their work station, it instantly appears on each of the students panels, and becomes a part of the lesson.  Instant, color-sensitive, and it responds to the touch.  Now that’s a long way from the old chalkboards, that so many of us grew up with.  Rick has installed this type of system in Monticello and McGehee schools already.

Rick also has been in the field of installing sound and projection systems in churches and schools, for several years.  One of his recent projects was the MeGehee Elementary Cafetorium, which included a Dell projector, a 10 foot projection screen, and wireless microphones.

Rick is also a DirecTV dealer, and has been with them since the company began.

Rick told MonticelloLive that he considers the best part of his work to be what he does in the educational field.   ”It’s great to be a part of improving the classroom teaching setting”, he added.

Rick was born, raised, and graduated, here in Monticello, “actually I was born at the old hospital, where the empty lot is at N. Main and Jefferson,” he commented.

Rick attended UAM for 3 years, before entering the military, and taking part of many of their computer classes. 

Rick served in the National Guard for 13 years, and was stationed in Korea twice, and Germany once.  He entered the service as a private, and progressed to the ranks of Lieutenant, and then to Captain.  He also worked at the Pentagon for 2 years, while on the staff of the Army Chief of Staff.

Rick is shown here with his wife of 23 years, Cathy, and their year old golden retriever, Chloe.  Cathy can be considered a “professional grandmother”, since she is so dedicated to her grandchildren.

The Hales’ have 3 children;

Chris Owen, who is married to Laura, and has a 2 year old son, Jacob.

Candice, who is married to Keith Jordan.  They have a 3 year old son, Colton, and are expecting twins. (I noticed Grandma’s big smile), and

Jamie, who is a Senior at Drew Central.

Cathy describes Rick as, “a wonderful Christian man, and father.”

Rick and Cathy are very active at First Assembly of God Church, where Rick serves as media engineer, working with all types of electronic equipment.

Their hobbies include spending time with each other, sometimes while riding a Suzuki 1500 together.  Rick says, “I got it for me, but she loves it as much as I do.”

They also spend a lot of time working with ministry projects for First Assembly.  

Aside from Chloe, they have a 9 year old Shitzu, named Sadie.

Rick’s favorites include:

Restaurants-Aside from Monticello’s good ones, Molly’s in Warren.

TV show-Deal or No Deal.

Movie-Cool Hand Luke.

Actor-Robert DeNiro.

Book-The Bible.

Music-Praise and Worship.

Song or Hymn-He Reigns. 

Cathy told me that Rick’s favorite phrase is, “Nothing happens in our lives that the Lord can’t handle.

Thanks Rick for all you do to improve our schools and church facilities, and for sharing your One Monticello Life.

Click the tab above to view other editions of One Monticello Life.

Sgt. Larry Smith, Sr.
Criminal Investigator
Monticello Police Department
 

I have known Larry Smith for several years, but never really spent much time around him, until my wife’s truck was broken into a couple of years ago, and he worked the case.

When I started covering the Police Dept. for MonticelloLive,  I began to consider Larry to be a good friend.  I, like so many others was shocked to here about Larry’s battle with cancer.  There are a couple of links below that will take you to the story about the wristbands that local police officers are selling, information about the cook-out to help cover Larry’s medical expenses on April 11 & 12, and photos from Larry’s recent plane ride over Lake Monticello. 

But first, here is this week’s One Monticello Life edition, written by Larry’s longtime, family friend, Trish Harvey.

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Donna White is a special person.  April 1st will be Donna’s 4 year anniversary working at the Drew County Development Disabilities Adult Center. 

She began there working in The Other Way, their thrift store, and has since been serving as an instructor there, working with the organization’s clients, “not only in a classroom setting, but also with life-skills such as cooking, general housekeeping, basic money management, and picking out daily clothes,” Donna explained.  She continued, “We also spend time teaching them “people skills”, such as shaking hands, and not hugging people when you meet them in public.”

Donna explained, “Our students are normal people, just like everyone else, it’s just that some things take more time.  They desire love and attention, just like we do.  It really makes me appreciate what I do, when I see someone’s face light up, when they’ve achieved a goal, or accomplished a task that they’ve been working on.”

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Aside from Monticello’s 2 Time & Temperature telephone numbers, the Monticello Police Department’s number probably got answered Friday and Saturday more than any other number in Monticello.

First, let me say that I’ve spent 3 years working in the field of law enforcement dispatching, and although MPD answers call for the Police Dept, Sheriff’s Office, all area fire depts., both ambulance services, the rescue unit, and at times for the Arkansas State Police, just remember, they ARE NOT responsible for Cablevision, or for Entergy.

Now with that out of the way, let me tell you more about Gail Hyatt, this week’s One Monticello Life.

Mrs. Gail was born and raised in the Monticello area, and graduated from Monticello High School.  She then added a year of college, also here in Monticello.

She had worked at Arvin for 7 years, until the plant closed down, and was then hired as Monticello’s first female dispatcher, by Chief Otis Allen, back when dispatchers also worked as jailers.  That was 24 years ago.

She is now Lieutenant over the communications unit of the police dept.

In November, she will celebrate her 20th anniversary being married to former Drew County Sheriff David Taylor Hyatt.  They got married the year that he retired from being Sheriff.

Gail’s hobbies include shopping, cooking, and listening to audio-books.

They have 2 dogs, one is half lab and half Great Dane; the other is half Pyrenees.

Gail’s favorites include:

Restaurant-Q & Y, Ameca, and Young’s Country Cooking

TV shows-C.S.I. (all of them) and Grey’s Anatomy

Phrase-”no comment” was her reply

Movie-An Affair to Remember, starring Cary Grant

Actor-John Wayne

Music-country

Song or Hymn-Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art

Author-James Patterson

Lois Sanders, a dispatcher for MPD for 20 years, considers Gail to be, “a great co-worker, and a very good friend.”

Mrs. Gail told MonticelloLive that the best thing about her job is “Being able to help people.”  Over the past 24 years there’s no telling how many thousands of Monticello residents have gotten help, soon after Mrs. Gail answered the phone, “Police department”.

Unofficial counts estimate that MPD dispatch answered around 400 calls each day, Friday and Saturday.   Now that’s “serving the public.”

With the bad weather in Monticello over the weekend, and for the many times that they’re there, when very little is happening, except for that one person with a crisis, our thanks go out to all of the dispatchers of the Monticello Police Dept., including Mrs. Gail.

Mrs. Gail, thanks for sharing your One Monticello Life.

For other editions of One Monticello Life, click on the tab at the top of the page.

One year ago this week, Cliff Ferrell of Star City, purchased “Signs Plus Shirts” from the Davis’, and became a Monticello business owner.

Last October, he also took over operations of  ”Athletic Awards & Apparel”, and merged the two businesses into one, and moved from the “produce shed” on HWY 278 East, to the south side of the Monticello Square.

Tomorrow morning, the combined business will be know as “LA Graphics”.  (“LA” stands for Lower Arkansas.)

Cliff has been in the sign business for 18 years, mainly in the Star City area, and has spent 12 years in the field of law enforcement, including serving as a Lincoln County deputy.

Cliff told me he chose Monticello because he saw Monticello as an “excellent opportunity for business”.  He had considered Warren, Dumas, and other nearby towns, but was impressed by the possibilities in Monticello.

Cliff was born and raised in Warren, and graduated from Warren High School.  Cliff’s dad spent 38 years as a maintenance supervisor for the Arkansas National Guard.

Cliff has been married to Mrs. Sandra for 30 years.  She will be the new Clinic Coordinator for the new clinic affiliated with Delta Memorial Hospital in Dumas, working with Dr. David Chambers.  She has been the Nursing Administrator for Correctional Medical Services, based out of the Jefferson County Correctional Facility.

Cliff’s business partner, Dixie, a 6 year old, extremely gentle black lab, is uaually around the store with him, unless she’s helping him on a service call.

The Ferrells are members of Yorktown First Baptist Chur ch.

Cliff’s favorites include…..

TV-National Geographic Channel

Movie-old westerns

Restaurant-several Monticello favorites

Actor-John Wayne

Radio station-K-Love, Christian Contemporary

Singers-The Lisemby’s from New Edinburg

In closing, I asked Cliff for any closing thoughts, “See LA Graphics for your political signs”, he replied with a smile.

Cliff Ferrell, along with Signs Plus Shirts and Athletic Awards & Apparel have been a fixture on Monticello store-fronts and doors for a year, as of this week, and look forward to serving you as LA Graphics in the upcoming years.

Thanks Cliff Ferrell for sharing your One Monticello Life.

To read other editions of One Monticello Life, click on the link at the top of the page.

Usually, One Monticello Life is done in an interview type format, but this week will be a little different.

Someone suggested that we feature Kasey Earl a couple of months ago.  When I heard that he was playing at “the Coffee Bean” Friday and last night, I had to go.  It was great. But that’s not all.  Kasey is also the drummer for Gary Meggs & Ezekiel 3:18, who will be featured in the “Branson Comes to Monticello” event tonight.  It’s been a busy week for Kasey Earl, this week’s One Monticello Life.

This weeks edition may be in a different format, but I think you will be blessed by learning more about Kasey Earl.

When I asked Kasey to tell me about himself, and how he got to where the Lord has led him today, he sumed it up this way……

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Miyoshi (Leonard) Smith is the Drew County 911 Coordinator, dealing with mapping and addresses.  She has been with Drew County for 8 years.  Miyoshi considers the best part of her job to be meeting and serving the citizens of Drew County. 

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Well, Thursday is Valentine’s Day, and I couldn’t think of a better time to pick a “couple” to feature on One Monticello Life.

Keith & Terri Montgomery own and operate Monticello Exxon, and have been married for 12 years. 

When Keith was in high school, he worked at Monticello Exxon, when Mr. Davis owned the business, and it was located on 425 North.   After several years of pipeline construction, and working at Bone’s Auto Parts, he and Terri bought the business from Charlie Nichols, around 1996.

Terri is the office manager, and Keith is involved in pretty much everything else that takes place at the only full-time, full-service, service station in Monticello.

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Most people in Monticello know Linda Caldwell.  Linda has gone from being the “Mud Hut Lady”, to being “the Lady at Curves”, with a couple more “the ladies at…….” along the way.

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When Brenda Jacobs left an encouraging comment for last week’s “One Monticello Life” person, Lyle Welch, she had no idea that we were thinking about featuring her in the near furture.

Brenda is the Patient Care Coordinator at Hospice Home Care of Monticello.
 
Actually, her office is located just across Hyatt Street from Lyle’s office.
 
Mrs. Jacobs is responsible for the coordination of care for patients of all ages with terminal diagnosis.   Brenda says, “I consider it a great privilege to work with a talented group of people who get up every day and focus on helping patients add quality to life. Hospice Care is not about dying, but living.”

She has been at Hospice Home Care since May of 2007.

Brenda told me, “The death of a very close friend allowed me to appreciate and understand the hospice experience.”  She added that feeling loved and appreciated by families experiencing loss is the most rewarding part of her career.   She also said, “Working with professional people who are able to balance professionalism and crying with a family member when they lose a loved one” is an important part of the service that Hospice provides.

Brenda will graduate on May 10, 2008 from Delta State University with a graduate nursing degree and will be eligible to sit for the Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam.
 
Brenda was born and raised in Monticello.  She graduated from MHS and UAM, before continuing her education at Delta State.
 
She has been married to Carl Jacobs for 16 years.  Carl is a service technician for United Medical.

They have 2 sons, Zachary and Kevin, ages 3 and 27, and 2 beautiful little girl grandchildren.

Carl and Brenda are both active in Holmes Chapel Presbyterian Church.

Northside Baptist Church of Monticello’s Pastor, Sanders Brooks is a Chaplain for Hospice Home Care.  Bro. Brooks said of Mrs. Jacobs, ”I’m impressed with how she is able to make people who are in a troubling situation feel that they are not alone.”  He continued, ”Brenda is also espicially able to encourage the staff to continue to maintain a positive atmosphere, in what many people would feel is not a positive environment.”

She is a member of the Arkansas State Nurse’s Association, Drew County Single Parent Scholarship Board, and the Arkansas State Hospice and Palliative Care Association.

Brenda’s favorites list includes:
SPORTS-Football
HOBBIES-Reading
PETS-Yellow Lab
PHRASE-“Nobody gets to live life backward. Look ahead-that’s where your future lies. (Ann Landers)
RESTAURANT-Leon’s
TV SHOW-HGTV House Hunters
MOVIE-Message in a Bottle
ACTOR-Denzell Washington
MUSIC-Christian
SONG OR HYMN-We Shall Behold Him
BOOK-“The Battle is the Lord’s (Tony Evans)
SPORTS TEAM-Billies and Weevils

When I asked Brenda for a closing thought, she responded, “My role model as a child was my mother. Her perseverance through many trials taught me the importance of never giving up. Life is 100% of what you make it. My life is so blessed!”

Brenda Jacobs,  thanks for sharing your One Monticello Life.

Click here to see the One Monticello Life archives.

On May 12, 2006, Southeast Emergency Services began operation, serving Monticello and Drew County with ambulance service.

SEEMS is owned and operated by Lyle Welch.  He also is a Paramedic. 

Lyle was born, raised, and graduated High School at Arkadelphia.

Lyle attended Henderson State University and became a paramedic on February 21, 1996.  He had taken an EMT class, since he was a member of the local Volunteer Fire Department.  The instructor complimented his work in class, and encouraged Lyle to enroll in the upcoming Paramedic class, that was being taught.  Lyle did, and has been a Paramedic for 12 years now.

Lyle started his EMS career here in Monticello on April 1, 1996 and has been here working on an ambulance in Monticello ever since, with the exception of 6 months he was at MEMS in Little Rock.

He is married to Kim Fenton Welch. They have four children:  Shea Welch, who is planning on starting her junior year of college at the University of Arkansas in the fall.  Tyler Welch, an upcoming basketball star at Emmit High School.  Kayla Fenton who attends Monticello schools.  Jordan Welch, the youngest of the four.

Lyle and his family attend Serenity Baptist Church.

His hobbies include hunting, fishing, and remote control model airplanes.

Lyle is show above with “A.C.”, who arrived at the office a couple of days after SEEMS opened.  Lyle said, “A.C. adopted us. Not the other way around.” 

Lyle’s favorites include:

Restaurant-Young’s on Thursday, “It’s chicken and dumplin’ day.”

TV show-M*A*S*H.

Movie-Days of Thunder.

Actor-Clint Eastwood.

Music-Classic country and today’s rock.  Sometimes “disco” on XM.

Song-Long, Black Train.

Sports team-Excluding Billies, Pirates, Hogs, & Weevils-Dallas Cowboys & St. Louis Cardinals.

Favorite book-A Look At Life From A Deer-stand, by Steve Chapman.

Lyle Welch and SEEMS, another “person behind the scenes” that keeps Monticello going strong.

Click here to go to Southeast Emergency Services’ website. It’ll give you information on what are classified as “emergencies”, as well as info about their services.

Lyle Welch, thanks for sharing your One Monticello Life.

Click here to see the One Monticello Life archives.

Tammy Vaughn was the guest speaker at yesterday’s Memorial March and Breakfast, held at Holmes Chapel Presbyterian Church, by the NAACP.

I met Tammy at that event, as she was visiting with her 6th grade math teacher, fellow “One Monticello Life” alumni, Sheilla Lampkin.

Tammy was born and raised here in Monticello, and is the youngest of five children. 

She and her husband, Terry, are both attended UAM.  Tammy completed her BA-Social Work at UAPB, and her Master of Social Work at UA-Little Rock.  She has served as a Licensed Social Worker for 10 years.

Tammy is employed at the UAM Academic Partnership for Public Child Welfare as Coordinator and Principal Investigator.  When asked to describe what her agency does, she told me that they are a “mentoring” service for new workers in the Division of Children and Family Services for our area.

Aside from new workers, they also work with established social workers, providing support, training, and updates in the field.  Tammy’s role in this process, is to servve as Coordinator and Superviser over “Area X”, which includes 11 offices, scattered throughout 9 counties.  There are 4 staff members in her area.

 Tammy has been married to her husband Terry Vaughn for 24 years.  Terry works at the Cypress Bend Potlatch plant at Arkansas City.  They have 2 children, Terrance and Olivia; 2 grandchildren, Brianna and Eden.  Her parents are Bobbie Lambert and J.D. Lambert.

Tammy is a member of several profesional organizations, including the National American Association of Christian Social Workers.

The Vaughns are members of Metropolitan AME Zion Church of Monticello.

“Find a way, or make a way”, is her favorite phrase, “There’s always a way to get something done, without having to give up,” she said. 

Her favorites include…….

Restaurant-Chen Chen at Crossett.

TV shows-Law & Order, all of them.

Movie-The Color Purple, “and the book was even better than the movie.”

Actor-Denzell Washington, also Will Smith.

Music-Gospel.

Song-Precious Lord, Take My Hand.

Book-The Bible.

Sportsteam, besides the Billies, Pirates, Weevils, & Hogs-UAPB Golden Lions, Tammy’s Alma Mater, and Mississippi State Bulldogs(her husband’s home town is Starkville, Mississippi.)

Tammy is one of the many people in Monticello that make a big difference in the lives of many of our children.  One of the many people that work “behind the scenes”, but deserve much more credit than they received.

Thanks Tammy Vaughn, for sharing your “One Monticello Life”.

To read other editions of One Monticello Life, Click here.

As i was selecting a good subject for this weeks edition, I realized that there is a family of 5, that will be starting back to school tomorrow, in fact 5 different schools.  That would be the Darrell & Lee Ann McDaniel family.

Darrell & Lee Ann have been married for 25 years, as of last September.  The family is very active in Northside Baptist Church, where Darrell was brought up, and where Lee Ann began attending, when she and Darrell got married.

Darrell was born in Heber Springs, and moved to Monticello in the 5th grade.  Lee Ann was raised in Arkadelphia, until the 8th grade, when her family also moved to Monticello. 

Monday morning, when all of Monticello and Drew Central schools start their 2008 school years, the McDaniels will also go back to school.

All 5 of them, each going to a different school.

Darrell is an instructor at the Occupational Education Center (vocational technical school) for the Monticello School District.  Actually he’ll be teaching the same “Metal Trades” class that he took, when he was attending vo-tech.  Darrell took what he learned in that class, and spent over 20 years working at Burlington as a machinist, before coming full circle back to teaching.

Lee Ann will return to UAM. She works in the purchasing office for the University.  She has been there for 4 years.  Prior to UAM, Lee Ann worked at Bartons

As you’re reading this, Katie, a freshman at UA Fayetteville, is probably already on her way back to school.  She’s working on her Pre-Med major.

Julie, a MHS freshman, plays saxophone in the band, and is in EAST Lab.

Jordan is a 4th grader at MIS.

The family all likes to spend time outdoors, especially around the water.

Darrell’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, and metal craft.

Lee Ann likes to spend her free time reading, gardening, or watching NASCAR.

Katie spends her free time on the phone, according to her mom, when she should be studying.

Julie’s favorite past-times include reading and playing video games.

Jordan likes hunting and fishing, like his dad, and killed his first deer this year.  Jordan spends any free time he has harassing his older sisters (just ask them).

The family pets include Buddy, the dog, and 9 cats.

Usually now is the time in the interview when I ask about “favorites”, so this week will represent the family’s ”combined” answers.

Their favorites include:

Restaurant-Rays.

TV show-NASCAR.

Movie-Toy Story and Santa Clause movies.

Music-Lee Ann likes contemporary Christian music and the family usually listens to country.

Favorite actors & books-Too hard to agree on.

Favorite songs-Amazing Grace and Sweet Beulahland.

Favorite sports teams-Billies and Hogs.

Monday morning, as we are all getting back in the habit of “school”, remember the McDaniel family.

5 family members, 5 different schools.

Thanks to all of the McDaniels, for sharing your One (or 5) Monticello Life.

To read other editions of One Monticello Life, Click here.

Young’s Bar-B-Q has meant “lunch” to Monticello residents for decades.   The local restaurant has been chosen as Monticello’s “Best Bar-B-Q” for 7 years by the voters in the local newspaper, as well as having won “Best Lunch Buffet” and “Best Country Cooking” several times, along the way.

Sharon’s mom & dad, Ben & Cleo Young, sold Bar-B-Q out of their grocery store from 1954 until 1983.

In 1989, Sharon and her husband Billy Joe Hancock, re-opened “Young’s Bar-B-Q”.  They ran their ”take out only” business in the back of the building, where Mr. Ben’s Bar-B-Q pit had remained.

In 1996, they moved the business into the front of the building, and opened a full service restaurant.  In July of 2003, the business burned and closed for a brief time.  But the Hancocks decided to close their laundromat operation, and moved the restaurant, complete with their famous buffet, into the newer building next door.  After a complete remodeling process, and a new kitchen, “Young’s Bar-B-Q with Country Buffet” re-opened in October of that same year.

When most people think of Young’s, they think of it’s owner, and daily hostess, Sharon Hancock.  She’s always there, with a “How are you doing, today?”, or her cheerful, “Ya’ll come back!”  She’s open every weekday for lunch, as well as Sunday lunch buffet.  They also serve catfish, fried shrimp, and BBQ ribs on Friday nights.

When I asked Sharon how she ended up in the restaurant business, she replied, “Well, I was 9 when we moved into the store………….”

She said that the best part of her job is pleasing folks.  “Full people are happy people.”

Sharon was born and raised in Monticello, and graduated from Monticello High School.

“I’ve been married to Billy Joe all my life”, she added with a smile.  Billy Joe served in the U.S. Army until 1962, and was stationed in Germany for a part of that time.

They have 2 sons, Mike, who works at the Pine Bluff Arsenal, and Steve, who is now part-owner of the restaurant, and handles the inventory and catering, as well as doing all of the B-B-Qing.

The Hancock’s have 3 grandchildren: Jake (age 17), Laura (age 14), and Somer (age 13).

Saron’s response to the usual “Get to know” type questions included:

Hobbies-Painting, especially Santa portraits and birdhouses.  (Her Christmas present from her husband was painting classes.)

Pets-”He has pets. They’re all his”.

Restaurant-She smiled, no response was needed. 

Favorite phrase-”‘Have a good day’ seems to say it all.”

TV show-Paula Dean’s Cooking Show, on the Food Network.

Favorite actor-Richard Gere.

Favorite movie-Sweet Home Alabama.

 Favorite music-Country.

Favorite author-James Patterson (mysteries).

Favorite sports teams-Billies, Pirates, Weevils.

In closing, Sharon considers herself a, ”Plain old, what you see is what you get” type of person, but that’s the kind of person, business, and cooking that keeps so many Monticello people coming back for lunch. 

Thanks, Sharon Hancock, for sharing your One Monticello Life.

To read other editions of One Monticello Life, Click here.

John Carter, shown here during an emergency drill a few months ago at Drew Central Schools, is an agent of the 10th Judicial District’s Drug Task Force.

John began his law enforcement career with the Monticello Police Dept., where he remained for 4 years, until November of this year.  He had originally been a member for the Monticello Fire Dept. (he’s still a volunteer firefighter), and when Lt. Eddie Deaton suggested he become a member of the Police Auxiliary Unit, he soon became a full-time officer.

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At the Chamber of Commerce/MEDC banquet recently, Deborah Jones, Drew Central School District’s 6th grade math & literacy teacher, was announced as the district’s “Teacher of the Year”.

Mrs. Jones has been a teacher for 34 years.  She began teaching at Selma for 5 years, then moved to the Drew Central district, when Selma consolidated with them.

Her high school principal was Mrs. Sadie Johnson, and then Larry Johnston.

Deborah was born in a small town in Texas, called El Campo.  Her family moved to Arkansas, when her father, who was a mechanic, was asked to move here, by his boss, who owned land in Arkansas.

She attended school at Selma, which only went to the 8th grade, and then graduated from the Drew High School.

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(This week’s One Monticello Life was not authored by me, but was instead the introduction speach given by Anna Koonce, 2007 Woman of the Year, announcing this year’s honoree.) 

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