MLive recently received an email from a local business leader saying, “I went through the Taco Bell drive-thru today and realized that for a very long time, I have heard this sweet little voice take my order, and how nice she always is, and I took the time to thank her for a job well done.

Keba has worked at Monticello Taco Bell since 1993, she is ALWAYS so sweet and willing to help. I don’t know about others, but if I go through the Taco Bell drive thru when she is not working, it disappoints me to hear some other voice.

Just thought it would be nice to give her recognition for customer service that is A+++”

Keba Brown, this week’s One Monticello Live, has impacted her entire city by simply being a hard worker that never fails to offer friendly service with a smile.

Keba has lived in Monticello since the day she was born on August 9, 1976. Her parents are Marilyn Lacy and Willie Brown and she was raised with her brothers and sisters enjoying the simple things in life and being brought up with a strong sense of morals.

“Life growing up was great. We had strong family values and put God first. Some of my favorite memories were having fun with my family and friends, riding go carts, playing dodge ball, kickball, basketball, hopscotch, and the list goes on.”

Ms. Brown attended Monticello Schools and went to work at Taco Bell in 1993 where she still works today. She explained that she enjoys her job because of the friendly working environment, and that “we’re a team at Taco Bell.”

MLive asked Keba if she was aware of the City’s affection for her, and how everyone looks forward to seeing her. She responded, “People tell me they love hearing me over the speaker. It makes the job so much easier when you know people appreciate your kindness and we do have really nice and friendly customers as they go through the drive through.”

When asked if rude customers ever come through her line Keba said, “Yeah, you get some that are, but I just shake it off because you never know what they have going on in their lives.”

Ms. Brown points to her faith-filled upbringing as to why she strives to be friendly to everyone, and says the reason why is very simple.

“I just feel that you should treat people the way you want to be treated.”

Keba is a member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.

“I help with the youth ushers, help with senior citizen baskets, & recreational activities for the youth.”

She has two children, 16 year old Quiterrius Brown, a 9th grader at Monticello High School and 13 year old Lyanna Brown, an 8th grader at Monticello Middle School.

“The best part about being a mom is knowing that my kids are healthy and have the essentials in life. I enjoy talking to them, going out to eat, and playing games with them.”

Ms. Brown says that in her free time she loves to read, and spending time with her children and family is top priority.

When asked about her own future goals, Keba pointed directly at her children’s futures saying, “Five years from now, I hope my children are in college, doing well, and everyone’s health is good.”

In today’s times it can be incredibly rare to be treated with respect and feel appreciated by business’s employees. MLive feels it is our honor to recognize Keba Brown for her excellence in her trade and her nearly twenty years of greeting people with a positive and uplifting attitude. The City’s appreciation for her kindness is obvious. A MLive reader, “Recia”, even commented on a past article mentioning Ms. Brown, saying, “The staff at our local chains could take a lesson on being cordial from that sweet girl at Taco Bell. You can tell from her voice on the drive thru that she’s grinning!”

Thank you Ms. Brown for striving for excellence!

 “I want to make the Monticello Police Department one of the best departments in the state. I want the officers to have the most updated training and equipment out there. I want to see all law enforcement agencies working together to accomplish a common goal of professional enforcement of the law, and community involvement, to aid in preventing and stopping crime.”

Born and raised right here in southeast Arkansas, Eddy Deaton has made it his priority to see that the area that he grew up in becomes one of the best cities Arkansas has.

John and Sharon Black raised their two boys, Eddy and Sam, in many areas surrounding Monticello. Eddy lived in Tillar until the 3rd grade. From there he moved to McGehee schools from 3rd to 6th grade, and to Monticello 7th to 9th grade, and finally back to McGehee for 10th to 12th. He graduated from McGehee High School in 1986.

Eddy worked his first job at 14 years old on a farm and also sacked groceries at Sunflower in McGehee. From ages 16 to 18 he worked for a janitorial company at Potlatch cleaning floors and dumping trash on weekends and also cleaned the AP&L office on week nights. At 18 he worked for Bassett Furniture in Dumas sorting wood. This job only lasted about 6 months because it was then time for Eddy to leave for the Air Force.

Of all of the jobs he worked as a teenager, Eddy said that farming was by far the hardest.

“Long hours, hard work, and very low pay. I worked all summer my freshman year and made a whole 300.00. I made 3 times that much sacking groceries.”

As an 18 year old leaving for the military, Eddy Deaton says that one of the most valuable life lessons he earned from his time in the Service was simply being a responsible adult.

“One thing I believe the military does, regardless of the branch of service, it makes most men and women grow up to be productive adults. You are tasked with a lot of responsibility to get a job done the right way the first time.”

After the Air Force, Eddy began his career with law enforcement when he started working for the McGehee Police Department in 1989. He stayed there until taking a job with the Monticello Police Department in February of 1993.

“The hardest part about working the streets was never knowing what was going to happen next, and the shift work. Each call could become a dangerous situation in a hurry.”

He went on to say, “I have had several experiences both good and bad, but the ones that stick with all officers are the ones that involve children. Those will remain with you forever.”

Since leaving the streets to work as supervisor’s positions, Eddy said that the difficult part of this unique job is the varied responsibilities it holds.

“It is a lot different than working the streets. You wear several hats as a supervisor from referee to marriage counselor. Somewhere in between you are still a policeman.”

Whether he’s working the streets or being a supervisor, the best part of the job is still the same.

“One of the best things that can happen to an officer, regardless of your position, is a simple Thank You. You don’t hear that a lot of times and when you do your job and help someone, that little gesture means so much. I really enjoyed, and still do, helping someone in a bad situation. Rather it be a citizen or an employee. That’s why we are police officers and we need to always remember that.”

Eddy and Trish Deaton married on December 5, 2009. He said that she is, “the love of my life and best friend. We do everything together… from cleaning house to vacations.” They are members of Second Baptist Church.

Eddy has one son Nick Deaton, and two stepdaughters, Laci Harris and Lindsey Watson. He and Tricia have two grandsons, Crayton and Parker Harris, and Baby Watson is expected to make his or her appearance in July.

“I enjoy time with my family more than anything. My wife and I like to go out of town to eat and shop every chance we get, which is sometimes hard to do with our schedules.”

Nick Deaton is a senior at MHS and leaves for the US Army in August this year. As his father, Eddy said, “It scares me to death, but I know he wants to make a career of the military and it’s a great option for a lot of people.”

MLive asked if his own experience in the military was a major contributing factor to his son’s career choice and Deaton replied, “Nick has talked about the military for a long time and he wants to make a career of it. My time in service may have encouraged him, but I think he wants to do it for himself more.”

MLive asked Chief Deaton if retirement ever seems appealing and he replied, “Retirement I think crosses everyone’s mind from time to time, but right now I’m looking to make the Monticello Police Department the best it can be and hopefully years down the road, when I retire, the new chief will walk in to a top notch department with the latest and greatest equipment available.”

MLive would like to extend our congratulations to Chief Deaton on his promotion, and many thanks to him for his service to the community.

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Deaton Sworn in as New MPD Chief
Jan 7, 2012

County Judge Damon Lampkin is shown swearing in Eddy Deaton as the new Monticello Police Chief, Friday afternoon.

Deaton is approaching his 22nd anniversary in law enforcement, having served 3 years in McGehee, before coming to MPD as a patrol officer, 19 years ago.

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Deaton Named New Monticello Police Chief, Rosegrant Retiring
Dec, 21, 2011

After 5 years of service as Monticello Police Chief, after a long, successful career as an Arkansas State Trooper, Robert Rosegrant has announced his retirement, effective January 5, 2012.

Monticello Mayor Allen Maxwell, Monday announced the promotion of MPD Captain Eddy Deaton to the position of police chief, upon Rosegrant’s retirement.

Deaton is approaching his 22nd anniversary in law enforcement, having served 3 years in McGehee, before coming to MPD as a patrol officer, 19 years ago.  Since that time, he was earned several promotions in rank; including, patrol sergeant, CID sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and now chief. 

Deaton, who was instrumental in the recent total revamping of the old radio / telecommunication system, told MonticelloLive that his primary goal is to keep Monticello’s police dept. moving forward, in the ongoing battle against crime.

Sheila Gardner and Kim Wilson, Monticello & Statewide Teacher of the Year, at the Awards Banquet

At the MEDC / Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, each school district honored one teacher as their “Teacher of the Year.”

Born to the late William “Bill” and Willine Brantley Hall on January 17, 1956 here in Monticello, Sheila Gardner has lived in Drew County her entire life.

“My dad was from Star City and my mom was born here in Monticello. They both worked for Burlington. I am the oldest of 3 children. I have a brother, Ricky Hall, who works for C&L electric and a Sister, Sandra Carver, who works for Wal-Mart.”

Sheila began attended Monticello schools until she graduated from Monticello High School in 1974 and then she headed to college.

“I attended Central Baptist College in Conway during the fall semester of 1974. Then I transferred to UAM where I graduated in 1978 with a BS degree in Education. I received my Masters in 2000 from UCA in Library Science.”

School wasn’t Sheila’s only focus while growing up. Work became something she was quite familiar with from an early age. Her first job was babysitting at age 11, from there she began working for one of the most historical establishments in Monticello – Ray’s.

“At age 14 I began working at Ray’s. I worked for Mike Ray first, then Mr. C.L, and later Mark Ray. I also worked at the Hickory House for Mr. C.L. I worked there until I graduated from High School.”

From a young age Sheila realized that she had a desire to teach.

“I have wanted to be a teacher as long as I can remember. One of my early Christmases I received a Suzy Smart Doll which came with a desk and little chalk board. She was my student and I was her teacher. My brother and sister were often my students. I started teaching little kids’ classes at church when I was 13. I loved the interaction with my students. I enjoyed school and had wonderful teachers that inspired me in my goal to become a teacher. I never wanted to be anything but a teacher.”

During college, Ms. Gardner was able to put her passion for teaching to good use, subbing for Enon School.

“I loved teaching there because it was like being back in time. Each teacher taught 2 grades in their classrooms.”

Sheila Gardner’s said her first real teaching job was teaching the 4th grade class at Selma School. “It was the last year for Selma school before they all moved to Drew Central. I had 10 students….7 girls and 3 boys. I remember the cafeteria ladies would bring fresh vegetables from their gardens and cook for our lunches, our restrooms were outside, and our late bus duty was until 5 p.m. waiting on the last bus to get there from Drew Central. “

With it being Selma School’s last year to be open, Ms. Gardner took a teaching job at Bellaire Academy in Dermott teaching 5th and 6th grade Math and Social Studies. Her goal was to teach at Drew Central, but with it having no positions open, she took the job teaching at the private school.

“Private school is a whole lot different than public school. Every parent that paid for their child to attend considered themselves your boss.”

The next year, in 1980, Sheila began teaching at Drew Central Schools as a 6th grade Chapter 1 Reading Teacher. The next year she moved to Kindergarten where she remained for 11 years.

Ms. Gardner has rather unique favorite memories of being a Kindergarten teacher.

“My favorite things about teaching Kindergarten were pulling teeth (I am still the unofficial school dentist), having our cattle drive after the study of the Old West, and the eagerness of the children to learn as much as they could.”

Her teaching career simply continued to take off as the years went on.

“I then went to teach first grade where I remained until one day in 1998 when Mr. Johnston called me in his office and asked if I would consider going back to school to become the librarian. I had never thought about being a librarian, but I decided to give it a shot. I made him promise I could have my first grade class back if I didn’t like it. But here I am 14 years later. I guess I like it! I started out as the Elementary Librarian and that was extended to Elementary and Middle School Librarian. Last year, they divided that up into two separate libraries and I am now the Middle School Librarian (5 – 8 grades). I love to read and hope to instill a love for reading in each one of my students. This is my 34th year in education.”

MLive asked Ms. Gardner what career she would have wanted if she would not have become a teacher. She responded, “I used to think if I weren’t a teacher I would have liked to have been a nurse. However, I can’t watch “Untold Stories of the ER” without covering my eyes so I don’t think that would have worked out for me.”

Sheila Gardner has two children, Chip and Chad Gardner. Chad and his wife Brooke have two children, Reagen, a sixth grader at Drew Central, and Reid, who is 2. Ms. Gardner was honored by MEDC and the Chamber of Commerce during their annual banquet by naming her Drew Central’s Teacher of the Year. Her vast experience and dedication to her students definitely has earned her this title.

MLive conducted a question and answer session with Sheila to learn a little more about her life.

MLive: Do you attend church? If so, where and what participation do you have within the church?

Gardner:” I attend Faith Missionary Baptist Church where I am the church clerk, co-teach the Ladies Group, and help with the Wednesday Night Youth Group. I love my church family and they are a tremendous blessing in my life. Our Ladies Group do a lot of trips together and we can have fun just sitting outside on the porch at our retreats.”

MLive: Any mission type work you’ve done – with church or school or anywhere?

Gardner: “I haven’t been on any mission trips but I would love to someday if that is what God has in my future. I am the Sunshine Director at school (Mr. Bill White calls it my ministry :)). I take care of the cards and flowers for the elementary and middle school faculty. The sunshine reps and I make sure food is provided during sickness and deaths. It is such a blessing for me to be involve with the Sunshine Committee.

I have a card ministry of my own because I feel people just need to be encouraged and know that someone is praying for them and thinking of them.

At school, I have been involved in the Heifer Project for SEARK Reading Council. Our students raised money to buy chickens and goats to be given to families. But 5 years ago I heard about Teri Clark Ministries which is an Arkansas based ministry. Teri and her staff ask for sponsors for children in Uganda. For a donation of $240 you can pay for a child to attend school for a year. I decided to suggest that for an International Project to SEARK ( I am the International Project Chairperson). Once it was approved, I copied all the kids photos from the website and put them on poster board. Then I let the students vote on which child we should sponsor.

One child named Charles was living with his Grandfather because his mother could not afford to keep him if he was not in school. The students felt so sorry for Charles and wanted to help so they picked him. Then they decided we needed to sponsor a girl and they chose Dora. At first, some of the younger students thought that they would be moving in with me and going to Drew Central. We had a discussion about adopting ( sponsoring) and cleared that up. The students from Drew Central Elementary and Middle Schools have sponsored Charles and Dora for the last five years by collecting change in the “Changing” A Life Project each October. For the entire month of October, the students bring in change. We have a competition between the elementary and middle school libraries to see who can raise the most money. This year the elementary won. Also, I have a librarian friend in Gillette whose students have helped for two years by sending money they have collected. We try to send a couple of “care” packages each year with school supplies and fun activities for both children. We have Charles’ and Dora’s pictures in the libraries. Teri Clark Ministries sends letters from the children once a year. Our students get excited to hear from them. It is a good way for our students to learn to help others. We were recognized by the Arkansas Reading Association and Teri Clark Ministries for our participation in the program.”

MLive: Do you have future career goals that are different than what you are currently doing?

Gardner: “I think I put off thinking about retiring because I am not sure what I will do once I actually retire. I have promised Beth Thurman that I would join the Historical Society. That is the first thing on my list. My friend Sherry Woods and I have talked about opening a tea room. We have even gone so far as to collect tea cups and saucers (some were sent to us from Hawaii by our friend, Nancy), just in case.”

“I think I would like to be a receptionist someplace or work with senior citizens. I know I will have to do something that involves being around people.”

MLive: Any plans for retirement in the near future?

Gardner: “I keep telling everyone I am going to retire in five years. I’ve done that for several years now and the number of years until retirement is always five! I love my job. I love my coworkers and the students. So my answer would be that I plan to be here as long as I am a productive part of the Drew Central Faculty. I have always thought that being able to say ” I taught school for 40 years” had a nice ring to it.”

MLive: What’s your favorite thing to do to have fun? To relax? Favorite family activities?

Gardner: “I enjoy reading, of course. Historical fiction is my favorite genre. I scrapbook. I have taken all my family photos and scraped them into 27 scrapbooks.

I am a reality TV junkie. Not the housewives or Snookie, but Amazing Race, Survivor, and Dancing with the Stars.

I love to travel. My goal is to visit all 50 states. I have 13 to go. I have had some wonderful experiences in my travels like going to South Dakota with 13 strangers to visit Wild Bill Hickok’s grave, visiting my friend Nancy in Hawaii two summers in a row, or a driving trip to Canada that lasted a whole month. I have always enjoyed taking family trips that would make memories for my children and grandchildren. Branson is one of our favorite places.”

At the age of 8 years old I started writing pen pals. Stamps were 3 cents. I started out with two or three pals that I got from the back of teen magazines. Over the years I have had as many as 100 pen pals at a time from all over the US and other countries. Today I still write about 30 pen pals from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Denmark, and England. One of my pals and I have been writing each other for more than 36 years. I have had the honor of meeting 7 of my pen pals and I have vacationed with 4 of them. Even though we all have computers we still correspond the old fashion way by hand written letters. I have been so blessed to have friends through the pen.

MLive: Do you have a favorite childhood memory?

Gardner:” I had a wonderful childhood. There were always neighborhood kids to play with ( back when it was safe to walk to your friend’s house or play in the empty lot). My favorite Childhood memory is the time my brother and I decided to build a scarecrow for my grandfather’s garden. We nailed the two boards cross ways for the body, put some old clothes on him, stuffed him with hay, put a Halloween mask on for a face and added a hat. He was a good looking scarecrow. We propped him up by our back door steps so our dad could put him in the truck and take him to our grandpa’s house. “

“Well….our dad worked 2nd shift at the rug mill (Burlington) and when he got off at 10 p.m., he always came in the backdoor. That night about 10:15, we woke to screaming, cussing, and a fight in our back yard. When my dad rounded the corner and saw the scarecrow, he thought it was a peeping-tom. He ran and got a board from our wood stake and beat the poor scarecrow to death. His remains were scattered all over our back yard. We almost got a whipping for almost giving my dad a heart attack. We still laugh about that today. I have shared this story with many of my students over the years.”

MLive: What do you hope the children that have been taught by you took away from the time spent in your classrooms?

Gardner: “I pray that they all knew I loved them and wanted the best from them and for them. I hope they took away fun memories of things we did throughout the year. I hoped they learned half as much from me as I learned from them. The best compliment for me as a classroom teacher is when one of my former students requested that their child be placed in my class.”

We at MLive have no doubt that many past students will be requesting their children’s placements in Sheila Gardner’s class as long as she continues to serve the community at Drew Central. Our congratulations to Drew Central’s 2011 Teacher of the Year!

Tuesday would have been your twenty second birthday.

It’s hard to believe that you have been gone three years, today.

We miss you everyday but have much comfort knowing “my soul finds rest in GOD alone: my salvation comes from HIM. He alone is my rock and my salvation: He is my fortress, I will never be shaken”.

I am sure that you have had the best birthday celebration ever and I am sure you are dancing around.If I know you: probally trying to teach the angels how to do the “motorcycle” dance that your NENE never mastered!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my baby boy!

Love you, forever and always,

Momma
(Based from a comment posted on Dustin’s birthday, Tuesday.)

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Jury Sentences Bates to 16 Years for Fatal Car Crash that Killed 19 Year Old
August 26, 2010

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.

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Posted August 25, 2010

Jury Finds Bates Guilty of All Charges for Fatal Car Crash that Killed 19 Year Old

Testimony began at 8:30 this morning, and concluded at 8:45 in the guilt portion of the trial of Jennifer Irene Bates, who is charged with negligent homicide (or a possible alternate charge of manslaughter) for the September 22, 2008, death of Dustin “Rooster” Ferguson. 

The jury was chosen by noon Tuesday, and the state presented it’s case, except for the blood alcohol witness, who testified this morning.

Tuesday’s witnesses for the state included an employee from Sonic, who testified that less than 10 minutes before she heard sirens responding to the fatal crash that day, she saw Bates drinking vodka and appearing to be intoxicated when she was ordering a soft drink and a corn dog at Sonic. One of the vodka bottles was left at the business, as was presented as evidence.

Four witnesses testified as to the speed of Bates’ vehicle, and that she was driving north, faster than the speed of traffic, in the turning lane, and also in the oncoming southbound lane, prior to the crash.

Testimony was also given by the Arkansas State Trooper that investigated the wreck.

Wednesday, a representative of the Arkansas Dept. of Alcohol Testing testified that Bates’ blood sample was analyzed to be. 0.27, more than three times the legal limit.

Closing arguments began just after 9 o’clock.   Then the jury deliberated until 10:15, when they came back with guilty verdicts on all 3 charges, negligent homicide, manslaughter, and aggravated assault.

The aggravated assault charge is for damage and injury to the driver of another vehicle that was also involved, and the accident.

Judge Bynum Gibson removed the charge of manslaughter from the jury’s decision, since it was basically a duplication of the charge of negligent homicide, except without the alcohol stipulation.  Also, both charges carry the possible sentence of 3-10 years.

The sentencing part of the trial began next, and included testimony from Dustin Ferguson’s father and sister about how Dustin’s death has affected their lives.

Two family doctors and a neurosurgeon were called to the stand to tell about her health conditions.

A psychiatrist and a psychologist were also called to explain Bates’ mental and cognitive situation.

An LPN from Bates’ nursing home told about her daily activites and limitations.  She told the jury that Bates needs help with dressing, bathing, and medication.  She was then asked about a signed form that stated that Bates’ understands the facilities smoking policies, and would be allowed to smoke, if she wanted to.

Ms. Bates took the stand, and said that she couldn’t remember that day, but that her family told her about it.  She also apologized for the events that occurred that September afternoon.

Bates’ sister testified about her condition, and about her limited activities, adding that Bates has an 85-90 year old roommate.

A psychologist testified that he felt Bates was “faking” during part of her IQ test, and explained his opinion.

During the closing arguments, Prosecutor Frank Spain told the jury, “the defense will tell you that she’s suffered enough, but her condition is a result of her actions,” and that “giving her probation is not the message you want to send.”

Public defender Tim Leonard, assisted in the case by Sandra Bradshaw, suggested that the jury give Bates probation.  He told the jury, “I’m not representing the Jennifer Bates that was drinking and driving,  but the childlike nursing home resident that is here today.”

Judge Gibson told the court, “the jury may only consider her health conditions if they choose to.”

The prosecution pointed out, in response to Bates and her sister’s desire for her to be able to speak to groups and tell her story, that testimony said that she has no memory of that day, and also that she didn’t have to be sentenced to “tell her story”, and she hasn’t done so yet.  Spain added, “All DWI’s are dangerous, and she did that at 2:50 in the afternoon on the most dangerous road in this town.

The jury went into the sentencing phase at 2:05.

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Posted at 4 pm, August 24, 2010

The trial for Jennifer Irene Bates finished its day around 3 pm, Tuesday afternoon, with the state expecting to call their final witness, to testify about blood alcohol content.

The prosecution isn’t expected to call any witnesses in this stage of the trial.

The case will likely be handed over to the jury to determine the guilt or innocence of Bates by 10 am.

The sentencing portion of the trial, if needed, would begin after the verdict comes back from the jury, with victim impact statements from the family members of both sides of the case.

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Posted at 12:30, August 24, 2010

Jury Chosen for Bates Trial for Fatal Car Crash; Opening Argument Begin at 1:30

A 12 person jury, along with 2 alternates has been chosen for the trial of Jennifer Irene Bates, charged with negligent homicide (or a possible alternate charge of manslaughter) for the September 22, 2008, death of Dustin “Rooster” Ferguson.  Bates has also been charged with aggravated assault in the alleged alcohol related accident for damage and injury to the driver of another vehicle that was also involved.

MonticelloLive.com will update the case later today.

The trial is expected to last two days.

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Posted Aug. 11, 2010

Bates Trial for Dustin’s Driving Death Set for August 24-25

Jennifer Bates had court hearings on Monday and Tuesday in the Drew County Circuit Court, dealing with motions and issues involved in the September 22, 2008 automobile crash, near Wendy’s and Walmart, which claimed the life of Dustin “Rooster” Ferguson.

Bates’ public defender presented motions dealing with mental evaluations of Bates’ condition after she sustained brain injuries in the wreck, and also a motion to move the trial to another county, due to pre-formed opinions by prospective jurors.

Judge Bynum Gibson ruled on the motions, and set the court date for August 24-25.

Judge Gibson ruled that the court record shows reports from both a psychiatrist and a psychologist at this time, and encouraged the public defender to seek another professional opinion, if they felt the need, as long as it didn’t affect the court date.

Dr. Kim, a licensed state clinical psychologist, testified, Monday, that he felt Bates had the ability to assist in her defense against these charges. Tuesday, an LPN from the nursing home where Bates lives testified to her abilities and daily activities.

Judge Gibson ruled that Bates would be able to assist her defense council in her case, to an appropriate level to allow the case to proceed.

Next the defense presented affidavits from members of the public, stating that they felt there could not be a fair trial in Drew County. A friend of the Bates family testified about comments that she had heard in various places around town.

The editor of the local paper, followed the owner of MonticelloLive, were asked about their news coverage, and if it would likely prevent an impartial jury from being seated.

Judge Gibson ruled that, if both jury panels were called, that there should be at least 12 jurors and an alternate to serve on the case.

A possible plea bargain was discussed , Monday, but the time for plea bargains had passed, due to a June 28 ruling.

Also, the prosecution added manslaughter as a possible alternative charge, for the jury to consider.

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Posted March 2, 2010

Charges Filed Against Driver for Dustin Ferguson’s Death in Sept. 2008 Car Crash

Jennifer Bates, of Star City, the driver of the vehicle that caused the fatal collision on September 22, 2008, that claimed the life of 19 year old Dustin “Rooster” Ferguson, has been charged with negligent homicide and aggravated assault, in Drew County Circuit Court by the prosecuting attorney’s office.

Bates had not been charged previously, because of her medical condion following the wreck.

The charge of negligent homicide includes the words “while intoxicated or with an alcohol concentration of in excess of .08%”.

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In Memory of Dustin Ferguson

Posted Sept. 21, 2009.

This week marks one year since the loss of Dustin “Rooster” Ferguson in an automobile crash on HWY 425 North, near Walmart.

The number of friends and acquaintances that have come to be heard from since Dustin’s untimely death has shown just how much of an impact that his short life has made on so many people.

When MADD presented their annual Mock DWI Accident at MHS, this year’s event was done in memory of Dustin.  MonticelloLive video taped the portrayal of what really happens at the scene of an alcohol related, fatality car crash, and it has been viewed over 400 times, click here to see the video.

This special edition of One Monticello Life was written by a relative of Dustin’s shortly after his death, and is tribute to how one young man, living for God, can change the world around him.———————————

What an honor it is for me to be able to write such a tribute to such a fine young man. What sorrow it is for me to sit here and wipe away tears thinking of how much he will be missed. A fine spirit, a big heart, and a love for everyone. Dustin Ferguson.

Dustin, better known as Rooster, was born September 20, 1989 to Ray and Tina Ferguson. Dustin grew up in Monticello and was a graduate of Monticello High School, and a Student at UAM. He was a free spirited guy who loved God, life, and people. Dustin was outgoing, and loved to tell stories, jokes, or just do something out of the ordinary to make people laugh. He loved to smile, and wanted to see others with a smile on their face. You could be having the worst day, and after spending about five minutes with Dustin, you forgot every problem, care or worry you had.

Dustin had many hobbies. He loved to hunt, fish, and spend time with his family and friends. Dustin also had another hobby: his faith, which he shared with countless people. His life was a testimony to the many he came in contact with.

Dustin lived his life to the fullest, never knowing if that day may have been his last. His heart was bigger than anyone I know, and he was always willing to give or to help someone in need, always putting others first. You could see Dustin’s testimony in his love, his giving and in all that he did. It was nothing to see Dustin out at Wal-Mart or a gas station in boxers, his boots and a hat. He made that wardrobe famous! But no matter what he was wearing, or where he was at, you could always count on a kind word and a smile from him.

Dustin built his life on friendship, and would fight giants for his friends or family, even if it meant getting “a little roughed up.” He always had a crowd of people around him, or could attract one very easily. If you ever needed something, Dustin was there instantly to lend a hand, a shoulder to cry on, or just a smile. It is hard to understand why God would take someone so young, who had his whole life in front of him. But we are taught not to question God, that He does all things for a reason.

Dustin believed that.

Even though he isn’t here with us on earth, you can bet that a day won’t pass, that he isn’t watching over every one of us. No one knew what the future held for Dustin, but God did, and He knew that life would be better for him in Heaven. That doesn’t make the pain any easier for any of us, and it will take weeks, months, and maybe years to get over his loss. But he will be with us in our heart, and our memories of him will help each of us get through those difficult days.

Dustin was a giver, and he gave his heart to help others, be an example, and to share his faith. Let’s not let Rooster down. Let’s continue what he did everyday: loving, helping, sharing and smiling. Rest in Peace Dustin, for we will see you real soon. Thank you for being an example to us all, and thank you for being such a great One Monticello Life

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The loss of Dustin Ferguson has received over 175 comments from MonticelloLive readers,  more than any story that’s ever been posted.

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The story below posted on September 23, 2008

Tuesday 4 PM Update–Fatality Wreck Near Wendys & Wal-Mart-Monday

The driver of the Chevy Silverado, shown on the left, was reportedly traveling north on HWY 425 North, near Wendy’s and Wal-Mart around 2:45, Monday afternoon, when she pulled into the turning lane, and crossed into oncoming traffic in the inside southbound lane.

Dustin Ferguson, age 19, of Monticello, was traveling south in the Ford Ranger pick-up, shown on the right, when the Silverado struck him head on.  According to witnesses, Mr. Ferguson died at the scene.Â

 After the original impact, the Ford struck a third vehicle, which sustained minor damage.Â

The driver of the Chevy, will be listed as being at fault, has been identified as Jennifer Bates, age 29, of Star City. She was ejected from the vehicle as it continued northbound. She has since been transferred to Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, where as of 6:30 Tuesday morning, she remained in critical condition. As of 4 PM, JRMC had made no notification of a change in her status.

The accident was investigated by Arkansas State Trooper Clayton Moss, with assistance on the scene from the Monticello Police Dept. and Drew County Sheriff’s Dept. The fire and rescue units also responded.

Testing will be done, as with all fatality accidents, to determine if there were any contributing factors to the events that took place.

Following the news of the accident, around 150 youth of our area gathered at Drew Memorial Hospital, and started a prayer vigil. Rev. Jimmy Albrecht and Rev. Ray Hearron, of Second Baptist Church, and Bro William West, youth pastor of Shady Grove Baptist, were also there to minister to those in need.

Bill Burchfield grew up in Halley, a small farming town. He lived on the farm his parents worked and said, “I knew all along I didn’t want to do that.” The long hours, hard work, and ample stress turned him away from farming as a profession.

Beverly Burchfield grew up in Pine Bluff and attended school in Watson Chapel. She was introduced to Bill by her uncle, and the two were married in Pine Bluff in 1968. Beverly said, “When we were dating the three things that attracted me to Bill were that he could play piano, he made me laugh, and he was active in his church. My parents dearly loved him.”

The Burchfields both began their professional careers working at Dermott High School. Beverly taught there for 7 years before leaving in 1977 to work at Potlatch. She retired from Potlatch in 2007. Bill taught at Dermott High School for 38 years before retiring in 2005.

Mr. Burchfield loved teaching his students. He said that he had many favorites, and he always strived to help them in any way he could. Bill has also been called a mentor by many of his fellow teachers that he helped along the way . His way of reaching youth is admired by many.

Bill also spent 12-15 years working at Stephenson/Dearman Funeral Home as the Assistant Funeral Director. He said, “I don’t like death, never have; but I like helping families with death.”

After working their entire adult lives, the Burchfields say that retirement has been a very welcome retreat. They keep busy, but enjoy the lack of a schedule that once tied them down.

Beverly said, “Since he’s retired he’s devoted himself to college guys – talking, texting, taking them to breakfast and lunch. He keeps up with their grades, their finances, and their family lives.

“I coordinate the Student Adoption Program out of our church for MBSF students. We have about 30 students right now.” – Bill Burchfield

The Burchfields are members of Pauline Baptist Church and are very active both inside and outside of the building. The Student Adoption Program’s purpose is to have church families “adopt” college students.

Bill said, “We want our church families to pay attention to the students, be available for them, feed them and things like that.”  Beverly joked, “That’s a big deal because college students are always starving!”

Beverly helps in the office at church, lends help to Bill with his ministries, and said, “I help wherever I’m needed.” Mr. Burchfield is a deacon and a Sunday School teacher. Both have a great love of playing the piano and organ.

Bill said, “We just got a Yamaha Grand built in Japan, which is my most favorite brand of piano. It was really a God thing… it just fell into our laps.”

When asked how they managed to enjoy retirement while others often find themselves bored, Bill said, “My life is so full now. I stay so busy! I have absolutely loved retirement.”

Beverly said, “I am so thankful that I was retired when my mother got sick. I got to help take care of her, be there for her, and I feel she got to die with a lot of dignity and respect because of that.” “My mother really influenced me to give. She was so poor growing up, but as soon as she had anything she gave it to someone in need… she gave all she could.”

Beverly also said, “We have one daughter, Jo Carol, and she has one daughter, Frankie Jo… Frankie is six and it is so nice to be able to run up to Little Rock to see her, pick her up, or take care of her if I’m needed. Frankie Jo is something else! She says she wants to be a firefighter.”

When not serving her church or spending time with family, Beverly loves to read. Her favorite types of books are autobiographies, self-help, and mysteries. She also spends a lot of time playing piano at home. She said, “Bill doesn’t… only at church.”

“She loves flea markets! If I didn’t declutter the house, we wouldn’t be able to walk through it,” – Mr. Burchfield

Most of Bill’s free time is spent with college students. “I feed on those college guys… they are nourishment for me.”

Beverly said that Bill cannot help but serve others. She gave this example; coming back from The Village after supper one night, we passed a man on the side of the road with his hood up. After a few miles Bill finally said, “Alright! Turn back around.. we have to go back!”"

Beverly said this is common for him to do. If he sees someone’s need, he is driven to help them. Bill said that he feels convicted by God if he tries to go on and ignore someone’s need or hurt. God drives him to go back and help.

The Burchfields both keep very active, and Bill said a major motivator to him to do so was his diagnoses of diabetes last year. He said, “I keep active and it keeps it under control.” Beverly laughed and said, “I’ve exercised off and on our entire marriage… that’s how I keep these hips at 42 inches!”

As for what they see themselves doing in the coming years, Beverly said that she wants to be a hospital volunteer. “I already crochet hats for the newborns, but I think I could do more.” Bill said, “As long as I’m able and healthy enough to do it, I plan to keep doing what I’m doing. Keep playing piano and such. I don’t have any goals set in stone, I just want to enjoy my life.”

In closing Beverly said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed living in Monticello. It’s convenient, it’s fun, and our best and closest friends are here.”

Monticello has thoroughly enjoyed having the Burchfields reside here, and MonticelloLive wants to take this opportunity to thank them for their lives of service.

Beverly’s Favorites
Food – Chocolate
TV – Good Morning America
Author – Mary Higgins Clark and John Grisham
Book – The Reluctant Entertainer
Music – Southern Gospel, Il Divo

Bill’s Favorites
Food – Fried Chicken and Desserts
TV – News, History Channel
Restaurant – Shorty Small’s and Larry’s Pizza
Music – Southern Gospel

This is how Allen Maxwell described life growing up in Warren, AR with parents Allen and Ruby Maxwell, and his 4 brothers and 1 sister. He was born April 19, 1943 and enjoyed all that country living had to offer, especially hunting.

“I know I was very young when Dad first took me squirrel hunting, probably age 6. He’d take us to hunt ducks and quail, and I loved it.”

Mayor Maxwell spoke of how much freedom kids had back then to roam and play without fear, and how the one major injury he had as a child happened in his own backyard.

“When I was about 6 years old I was walking through the yard barefooted and stepped on a rattlesnake. It bit me and boy you would’ve thought the world had ended. Thankfully it was a little baby snake, and it wasn’t as big of a deal as you would think.”

Allen Maxwell attended schools in Warren, and that’s where he met Dana, now his wife of almost 50 years.

“She was my high school sweetheart. She was a cheerleader, voted most beautiful, homecoming queen, and all of that stuff. I wasn’t voted the most handsome!”

The two were married on October 12, 1961 in Little Rock. Allen was 18 years old and had just graduated from Warren High School. Dana had attended school in Little Rock but had moved to Warren to live with her grandmother when Little Rock Central was shut down.

Allen and Dana have two children, Paige and Al. They also have a 10 year old guardian son, Tommy. Paige is married to Tim Chase and they have two daughters, Summer, age 13, and Madisyn, age 11. They live here in Monticello. Their son, Al, is married to Leigh and they have one son named Pearson that is 7 years old. They live in Madison, WI. Tommy is on the honor roll at MIS and Mayor Maxwell said, “He’s a great singer, and also a great athlete. He does swim team, basketball, and did football for a bit. We’re going to the Sugar Bowl and he’s really excited about that. He has really enriched my life.”

Mayor Maxwell lit up speaking about his grandchildren, “You’ll see one day how wonderful being a grandparent is. You love your own kids, but you just really love your grandchildren. And all of my grandchildren are really wonderful. Summer and Madisyn are both so mature and respectful. I think Summer was born grown. My grandson, Pearson, turned out to be a genius and a super athlete. They really are wonderful.”

Allen’s working life began early with his first jobs: delivering the paper and working on a dairy farm.

“When I was in the 6th grade I delivered the Arkansas Gazette on my bike. I was sleepy all of the time. I delivered 90-something papers on my route. From there I worked on a dairy farm starting in 7th grade. We milked cows there, I did it until the 9th grade. It was tedious and I learned I didn’t want to deal with cows. I haven’t dealt with a cow since then, unless I want a steak!”

After high school Allen went to UAM to play football.

“I didn’t finish… we had children and I didn’t have any money left. I quit and went to Southwestern Bell. I stayed for 33 years and retired in 1991.”

While working at Southwestern Bell, Allen and his team developed a much more streamlined approach to solving problems in the phone lines.

“We had the highest complaint rate of probably anywhere in the nation, and no real efficient way to reach all of the customers each day. Calls were dispatched randomly, you might be on one side of town and when you got done with that repair they’d send you 20 minutes away to a different problem, when all along there were maybe 5 other issues in that same area. It just didn’t make sense.”

Maps and grids were developed through their team to better pinpoint where problems were, and where workers were during the day.

“We saved the company $10,000 a day in overtime once we got this system in place and our customers were much happier.”

They also created what is known as SCAN. They found a way to trick the testing computers into running two tests, instead of one. They found that 80% of their problems were occurring in only about 20% of places. This drastically improved the quality of service they could provide.

“AT&T thought we were lying about our cable trouble report rate. It went from 4 something down to .39. Now they have SCAN. The plant engineer fell out of his chair when he saw where we were doing and how we were faking out the computer to accomplish this task.”

After moving up the ladder over 33 years and retiring, Allen and Dana entertained the idea of moving to Florida.

“We thought about retiring there, so we went and stayed for about 2 weeks. I got very bored. I came back to Monticello because I thought it had the best economy of southeast Arkansas.”

Mayor Maxwell’s political career began in 1992 when Jay Dickey ran for Congress.

“I went to his fund raiser and I was impressed. I helped him in his first and second campaigns. Then around Christmas in 1994 he called me and asked if I’d go to work for him and I thought “you’ve gone crazy!” He asked me to be his district manager and it was an outstanding job… it was really a lot of fun. I was Chief of Staff for four years. I worked for him until he was defeated.”

From there Allen Maxwell went to work for Timberland and said he promised himself he’d never run for office.

“Jerry Taylor called and said I need to run for State Representative to take his spot. I decided to run, and no one else did so I got it. I ran unopposed for three terms. Then I decided to run for Mayor.”

Mayor Maxwell says that his experience managing people in different careers has taught him an important lesson. “When you fix the 5-10% of trouble-makers, the majority will follow. Most people want to work, and want to do a good job.”

MonticelloLive asked Mayor Maxwell what his immediate plans in office involve. He said, “Right now we have an issue with the city and the county operating completely separately instead of together. They’re not really cooperating right now, and I want us to.”

When asked if he has any plans to fire anyone, he stated, “I have no intentions of firing a single person. How would I know if anyone deserves to be dismissed right now? If I get in and see that someone deserves to be fired, then I’ll handle that then. But, right now, I don’t have enough information to make that decision.”

Mayor Maxwell has said that many people have come to him with what they feel is important in this city. The Mayor said that he believes Monticello needs a Civic Center and a year-round swimming pool. He also stated, “I want Drew County to be run so well that everyone in southeast Arkansas wants to come visit here at least a few times a month. Then, maybe they’ll decide they’d like to live here. For that to happen we have to be a city that creates jobs, and is investing in our youth. The youth is the future of this city, not people like me. I’m the past. We want our youth to want to stay here.”

FAVORITES

Food – New York Strip with baked potato and veggies; Bradley Tomatoes

Restaurant – Olive Garden

Actor/Actress – John Wayne; Sandra Bulloch

Movie – Doctor Zhivago

TV Show – anything on Discovery or NatGeo

Book – Rising Tide by John M. Barry “It’s a lesson about politics, corruption in a few, how things can get done wrong and how they get done right. It’s also a great Arkansas history lesson.”

C.L. Ray’s grandson, Chris Ray was born February 24, 1974 to Mark and Laurie Ray. Chris grew up here in Monticello, and described it as “a great place to live, and a wonderful place to raise a family.”

Chris attended Monticello schools where he had a lot of friends and loved sports, especially baseball. He was a good student in high school, making A’s and B’s, and he began working when he took a job at “Baseball Cards, Etc.” when he was 15. Being a teen in small town Monticello didn’t bother Chris.

“There was never a lot happening, but it wasn’t too far from anything.”

After graduating from Monticello High School in 1992, Chris went to Hendrix College. He laughed and said, “I did a short stint there, but that didn’t work out. So I came back to Monticello and started at UAM. I started working at Ray’s in 1993 for my dad. I never thought I’d work in the restaurant business.”

While working his way through college, Chris met a young woman named Wendy Huskey. She also worked at Ray’s, and they became good friends. A couple of years later, the two began dating. Chris recalled that it was January 1, 1994 when they went on their first date, and they were married four years later on July 25, 1998.

Wendy Ray is a registered nurse and works at Drew Memorial Home Health and also at The Centers for Youth and Families. Chris said that Wendy has a huge heart and while many people would find this type of work draining, for her, it’s a way she loves to give back to others.

Though a career in the restaurant industry had never appealed to Chris during his youth, as he began watching his father’s success with “Ray’s”, he began seriously considering the possibility of entering the family business.

“In 1996 I started taking over daily operations for my dad, and in 2001 I became co-owner with him. We’re still partners to this day. I run stuff by him and I ask for his advise. I am so grateful for the opportunity he gave me, and am very appreciative of our loyal customers.”

With so much tough competition, MLive asked Chris why he thought Ray’s continued to do so well, even when other businesses are going under.

“What we do is a little different. We’re not the cheapest and fastest, but we’re not expensive and fancy either. Our variety is bigger than most places, as well. If you want a great burger and fries you can get it, and if your dad wants fried fish, he can get that. We really go out of our way to offer as much as we can. The catering is really popular, too. Especially the BBQ and catfish.”

Their hard work was formally appreciated when they became the Chamber of Commerce’s 2008 Business of the Year.

Being co-owner of a restaurant comes with many stresses and challenges, especially the schedule.

“The schedule is tough. You have to work weekends, Sundays, and some holidays. Thankfully we’ve been really blessed with our crew. If I need to take off I know I can, and they’ll keep things running smoothly without me there. You really need that type of support if you’re going to make it in this industry.”

Mr. Ray mentioned several employees by name, such as Reathel Wall and Pearl Jones. “They have worked with my family for decades and they do a great job.”

Also, Amy Forrest, Dana Hughes, Donna Prickett, and Reggie Jones. “They have been with me a long time and do a good job making sure things flow smoothly when I’m not there. Finding dependable labor is very tough. So we appreciate it when we get it.”

When not running one of the most recognizable businesses in Southeast Arkansas, Chris uses almost all of his time off to spend with his family. He and Wendy have two sons, Carson, age 7, and Cameron, age 5. His passion for sports has definitely been shared by his boys, and Chris loves coaching their teams.

“I really love coaching baseball, and this year I helped coach Carson’s flag football team. The kids can really have a lot of fun with sports, and the kids I’ve coached in past years still come up to me and call me coach.”

“I recently took Carson to the World Series game in Dallas, and we’re going to the Sugar Bowl. It’s really neat to share that love of sports with him.”

Chris looks back on how his parents raised him and how it impacts the way he parents his children.

“My parents were model parents. I’m really lucky that they were so great. It’s hard to measure up to how great they were, but I’m definitely trying.”

With the Ray’s dedication to raising a good family, feeding all of our families day after day, and keeping the legacy of “Ray’s” alive and well, it is MonticelloLive’s honor to recognize Chris Ray as this week’s One Monticello Life.

FAVORTIES

TV Show – Sports; Entourage

Actor – Ed Norton

Movie – The Godfather; Goodfellas

Music – 90s Alternative like Pearl Jam and Radio Head

Food – “Cheeseburgers, fries, pizza… all the low fat stuff.” he joked.

Restaurant – “Of course, Ray’s! But, really, it is my favorite.”

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The Drew County Industry of the Year award was recently presented to Launius Enterprises, also known as The Marketplace, at the MEDC/Chamber of Commerce banquet. The Marketplace is a 47,000 square foot building in which space is offered to individuals and businesses in order to sell their products. This week’s One Monticello Life tells of the beginning and growth of The Marketplace and its owners, Gene and Shelly Launius.

When Gene and Shelly Launius moved to Monticello from Hector in order for Gene to continue his education in forestry, an idea like The Marketplace never crossed their minds. Years later after owning J&L Timber Company and Prestige Home Furnishings, they purchased the old building that currently houses The Marketplace in hopes to lease the property to other companies. After numerous failed attempts, Gene had an idea and started the wheels rolling.

The Marketplace opened in September of 2009 with 77 booth spaces available and one man’s dream of becoming “THE” place to shop in Southeast Arkansas. The booths completely filled up within a few months so work quickly began to open up more of the building for additional spaces. Located at 249 Hwy 425 North in what most Monticellonians remember as the old Safeway grocery store, The Marketplace currently has 190 retail booth spaces between two parts of the building with future plans of more being added once the third phase of the building is finished.

On an average week The Marketplace sees anywhere from 700 to 1,000 individuals walk through the doors. Many of these visitors are from outside Monticello and even from surrounding states. The busiest day of the week at The Marketplace is Saturday when people pack the place from open to close. Once a quarter The Marketplace goes all out in hosting a 2 day Sale-A-Bration with plenty of refreshments, special prices and sales in each booth and numerous vendors on hand to meet the customers. On a Saturday during one of the quarterly sales, The Marketplace has seen over 1,000 customers coming in and out. For the most part these additional visitors to the Monticello area make a day of it by visiting restaurants and other shops while they are in Monticello.

So, how does a place like The Marketplace actually work as far as the vendors are concerned? A multi-vendor mall like The Marketplace can work in a variety of ways, but at The Marketplace it’s simple. You rent your space, tag your items with their price and booth number then display your items to sell. The Marketplace provides its own staff to work on behalf of each vendor. They take care of everything from assisting customers to ringing up purchases. Most multi-vendor malls have their own set of rules and regulations as to what they allow and what they do not allow. For instance, The Marketplace does not allow used clothing or shoes for fear of the “flea market” stereotype normally associated with this type of inventory. Vendors are allowed to have their own rummage sale outside of the building on Saturdays for items like used clothes and shoes. Of course, it is what each vendor puts in to it. Some vendors go all out in creating their own unique “shop-like” areas even decorating for each season as they come. What started out as a way for individuals to sell a few things they no longer needed has quickly grown to over 100 individual businesses catering to a variety of interests.

According to Gene and Shelly, the biggest obstacle they’ve had to overcome is acquiring the financing to renovate the property as well as investing many long hours to keep it going. When asked what they enjoy most about The Marketplace, the Launiuses stated, “Working with the vendors and helping them achieve their goals for their business. We have a strong core of vendors that invest a lot of time and effort in making The Marketplace a great place to shop.” What most people do not realize is that for a lot of the vendors, their booth space at The Marketplace is their second job. It’s a way to supplement their income in an otherwise tough economy. For others, it’s a full-time business that they could not otherwise afford to have if not for The Marketplace. “Renting or leasing space, hiring and training employees, advertising and investing in enough product to fill the shelves is a huge investment and risk for anyone to take these days. Being able to do everything on a much smaller scale by renting space at The Marketplace has allowed smaller businesses to open and flourish in our area without the risk of losing everything,” stated vendor Wendy Tassin.

If there’s anything the community needs to know about The Marketplace, it’s that it is not just a place for women to shop. There are plenty of things for the men, too and the selection is ever-changing. Items like new hunting boots, Columbia clothing, tools, and let’s not forget all the gift items when you need something quick for the lady in your life.

Since it’s opening, The Marketplace has created 10 jobs for Monticello, turned an eyesore in the community into a thriving business and is continually adding sales tax money to the economy.

The Marketplace offers more than 200 booths providing an ever-changing selection to satisfy everyone’s taste and budget. Hours for The Marketplace are: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Booth sizes and prices are: 10’x12’=$90, 10’x10’=$75, 5’x10’=$40 and odd sized booths are priced per square foot. Future plans for The Marketplace include developing the outparcels of the property to make it a premier shopping and dining place for Southeast Arkansas. Gene and Shelly attribute the success of The Markeplace to all the vendors who have adopted their dream for establishing a place where everyone can afford to shop for the most unique gift items as well as new clothing, jewelry, health and beauty items, antiques, furniture and home decor in Southeast Arkansas. For more information, call 870-723-4988.

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The Drew County Business of the Year award was presented to the Drew County Developmentally Disabilities Council, Tuesday night at the MEDC/Chamber of Commerce banquet.

The DCDD operates several facilities in Drew and surrounding counties; has 275 employees;, and has a $4,p00,000 annual payroll.

This week’s One Monticello Life tells of the beginning and growth of the Drew County Developmental Disabilities Council, and their organizations.

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The concept for the SESAME SCHOOL program began in the fall of 1970, shortly after the opening of DELTA COUNSELING and GUIDANCE CENTER. At that time, children were being seen in the Counseling Center who were in need of special programs and services that were not available in Drew County.

A steering committee of Drew County citizens formed in January, 1971, to study this problem and incorporate as the Drew County Mental Retardation Council, a non-profit corporation, with the purpose of opening and operating a program for retarded children.

A grant was obtained from the Arkansas Children’s Colony in Conway to run a five week pilot program beginning June, 1971. Miss Suzanne Cooke was hired as the teacher, a position she held for three years. Additional staff included volunteer aides from interested women in the community and Monticello Junior Auxiliary.

The Monticello Jaycees made the Jaycee House on Oakland Street available to the program and contributed their time and efforts to renovation of the building to make it suitable for the program The program began operations as a full day program in the fall of 1971 with thirteen children enrolled.

In the spring of 1974, needing additional space, SESAME SCHOOL moved to Williams Hall at the Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home.  In March, 1973, SESAME SCHOOL began raising money for the construction of a new facility to be built in the Health, Education, and Cultural Complex. Construction funds were awarded on a 90/70 matching basis through DDS moneys with the other 10% being raised locally.

The ground breaking ceremonies for the new SESAME SCHOOL building was held March 18, 1975. The opening ceremonies for the new facility was September 14, 1975. Board of Directors at the time were Charlene Cavaness, Billy J. Barnett, Leola Pace, Tommy Free, James Ross, Jr., Norma Eubanks, Classie Jones, Jesse Coker, Olen Cockrell, Raymond Bagwell, Irene Puckett, Curtis Merrill and Sandra Webster.

During the 1970′s, DELTA COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE served as Administrator of services. SESAME SCHOOL contracted with Delta for services and part-time staff: program administrative services, mental health support services and speech consultant. Jeannette Poe served as Head Teacher form 1975-1977. Betsy McIntire served as Head Teacher from 1977-1980. Mr. Richard Wallace, Administration services; Mrs. Reatha Mae White, aide; and Mrs. Oledia Crook, Program Coordinator.

The summer of 1980, the Board of Directors chose not to renew its administrative contract with DELTA COUNSELING and GUIDANCE. Ms. Jane Cross was hired as Director/Head Teacher and Mr. Richard Wallace, CPA, continued to handle the administrative services. During these years of operation, the SESAME SCHOOL program was geared primarily for children and these children were now becoming adults. The inappropriateness of jointly serving children and adults was apparent. In 1983, the Board applied for and received from DDS, an Adult Development Component.

The Adult Development Component opened in a residential building on Gaines Street, November, 1983. There were ten adult consumers with Mrs. Crook and. Mr. Bob McManus as staff. The goal for this component was to train developmentally disabled adults with in-depth home and community skills. The house was furnished as a home rather than a school.

With the adults moved out of SESAME SCHOOL to another location, the agency was able to expand its preschool program at SESAME SCHOOL to serve more children under the age of six, and was now housing two components; preschool and school age.

In 1987, the Board of Directors was approved by DDS to pilot a comprehensive community based service system for people with disabilities. This program was to include not only Day Habilitation, as in the Adult Development component, but also included work and living options for developmentally disabled adults. The first adult work began in January, 1988 and two residences, with five consumers, were started in September, 1988.

The Board of Directors of Drew County Mental Retardation Council approached the Board of Directors of The Other Way to operate their Thrift Store. The Adult Developmen agency was again looking for more appropriate day services for adults not working. The consumers and staff from Adult Development moved to The Other Way Store in November, 1989 and the Agency began managing the store for The Other Way.

In January, 1990, Drew County Mental Retardation Council changed its name to Drew County Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc., (DCDDC). The Council was composed of five components: Preschool, School Age, Adult Development, Supported Employment, and Alternative Community Services. This Council served fifty-five consumers and had 28 full and part-time staff. The Foster Grandparent Program and volunteers are also utilized.

In 1991-1992, the State of Arkansas began funding new services.  The components were serving 58 consumers with 47 staff at that time.

In June of 1996, Drew County Developmental Disabilities Council purchased the Other Way building and the Other Way officially became a service component run by the adults in the Adult Development Center. By June of 1998, Drew County was serving over 100 consumers in 11 South Arkansas counties.

In November, 2000, Drew County Developmental Disabilities Council purchased the home of the late Dr. Van Binns, located at 203 East Trotter. The two story home, which also served as. Dr. Binn’s office, was renovated and housed the Drew County Adult Center and Other Way Thrift Store on the lower level, and Administrative offices on the 2nd floor. Staff was now at 170 full-time and part-time employees, 20 of which were our Adult Development Consumers, who were paid 1 hour each day to work in the Thrift Store. We had 110 consumers and provided services in 13 counties. The ACS Waiver continued to be our largest component andDrew County was the second largest per capita Waiver provider in the state of Arkansas, with 80 Waiver clients.

In 2004, Ms. Cross retired, and Sandra Patrick was hired as Director.  Sesame School out-grew the capacity of the existing building, and two portable classrooms were added to the site in 2006. The Board and executive staff members began writing a long-range plan for expansion of services. Property located at 168 W. College was purchased with plans to renovate the old school buildings into administrative offices and classrooms. The project was completed in March, 2007.

The original Sesame School became known as Sesame School #1 and the new site became Sesame School #2. Administrative Staff is housed in the front portion of the College Street property and the Adult Development Program remains at 203 E. Trotter.

Sesame School grew to over 100 children in July, 2007 and is now the largest component of the Agency.  In June, 2007, DDS declared that Ashley County was an underserved area for children’s services. The Agency began the process of developing a preschool component in Crossett, AR. Sesame School of Crossett was opened and temporarily housed in Hastings Elementary in July, 2007.

In March, the Drew County Developmental Disabilities Council held a public meeting to discuss their plans for a proposed pre-school, which could serve up to 180 students, age 5 andunder, year round.

After the public meeting, the DCDD council voted to continue with their application for grants and loans to assist with the projects construction.  The $3.2 Million Pre-School addition is  proposed to be built at the old Monticello High School location, at the intersectin of South Hyatt and West College Streets.

The goal is to have the facility completed within 2 years.Traffic access will be from West College Street, with the structure being located at the “old high school” property, on the former football field site.

The project recently received governmental approval, and constructin will begin soon. 

The mission of Drew County Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. is to provide a community based service system of individualized instruction and support geared toward independence, self-support, and normal living for persons residing in Drew County and Southeast Arkansas regardless of sex, age, disability, creed, marital status, or ethnic or national membership.

This article mainly based on information provided by the DCDD.

Life growing up was good in the Maxwell home. Allen worked with Arkansas Power and Light plus other side jobs that the kids were allowed to work with him.

“As kids, we helped dad with little odds and ends jobs like wiring and trimming trees. For fun, we loved to hunt and play sports. My favorite sport was football. I played until I hurt my back as a Junior in high school. I was injured during a game against Monticello High.”

After graduating from Warren High School in 1967, Tommy went right to college at UAM. He majored in Business and Marketing with a minor in Political Science. He was President of Student Government Association and he graduated in 1971.

College offered Tommy more than just an education; it was also where he met his future wife, Beth.

“We met at UAM, she had transferred from A-State. She was a cheerleader and she loved football. As much of a fan as I am, she was an even bigger fan.”

Tommy and Beth Maxwell were married on May 15, 1971. They went on to have two children, Kristi and Will Maxwell.

During college Tommy worked at Bradley Flooring Mill, and after graduation he became the manager at the Crossett Chamber of Commerce. From there he had ended up in banking at First State Bank of Warren, and then the start of his future career began with his decision to work at Sykes Flooring.

“Sykes Harris recruited me to work for him in the mid 70s, and I’ve been in hardwood flooring ever since.”

“After working for other companies for 20 years, including working for the largest and second largest companies, in 1991 I decided it was time to put myself on the map. My family helped me purchase this property from P.E. Barns Lumber out of Hamburg. Without their help I couldn’t have done this. I can’t do anything by myself, it’s all team work.”

Mr. Maxwell says that teamwork is what’s helped his business become so successful.

“When we first started, we’d sit and talk about we did that day, what worked and what didn’t work, and the next day we’d do it all again. We might meet until 9:00 at night, but it was necessary. Today we still have staff and production meetings daily, and prayer and safety meetings every Monday.”

Mr. Maxwell’s idea of teamwork is obviously working, with the expansion of Maxwell Hardwood Flooring into Warren.

“I feel very positive about this new plant. It’s an extension of our already very extensive hardwood line. I think it is going to work out great.”

Tommy Maxwell isn’t only known for his business. He is also on the Board of Visitors at UAM, the Vice President of M.E.D.C., a member of 20 for the Future, on the board of Union Bank and Trust, the board of National Wood Flooring Association, which is the largest in the world, and also a member of First Baptist Church where he rotates as a Sunday School teacher for an older adult class. He also received the Distinguished Alumni Award from UAM.

Tommy and Beth Maxwell have many blessings, but one of their favorites is the gift of their 3 grandchildren. Five-year old, Sarah, Three-year old, Rachel, and Two-year old, Addy Beth.

“Being a grandfather is a lot of fun. My grandchildren are really special.”

When he’s not working, Tommy enjoys spending time preparing hunting properties for customers. North Glory Hunting Club serves as a place for fun, and work preparation. The Maxwell’s bring in around 150 customers a year to hunt and visit the plant and receive training.

“I work very hard and I have been truly blessed by the good Lord. You have to have faith, and share what you’ve been blessed with. When I die I hope that people will say that I was fair and generous… to our people and to the community.”

FAVORITES
TV Show – The Unit
Movie – The Blind Side
Actor – Charlton Heston; John Voight
Food – Steak and Catfish
Restaurant – Ruth Chris Restaurant