Monticello Live

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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As I was trying to decide who would be a good choice for last week’s One Monticello Life, I was driving through town.  One of the first people that I saw putting up Christmas lights was Sara Hartness.  She has lived in this same house for 18 years.

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Several years ago, the church I was attending had a visiting preacher, who preached like he knew exactly what all was going on in my life at that time.

That preacher was Bro. Larry Wilkerson.  Bro. Larry is now pastor of Ladelle Baptist Church, a “country church” that averages around 75-80 people attending on Sunday mornings.  One of Bro. Larry’s friends was at lunch with us, and described the church as “country people and potluck meals, that make you feel at home.”

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Tuesday night, after the election results were posted on MonticelloLive, everyone went home, and all of the election work was done.  Well except for the County Clerks office.  Most of the Clerks work involves tasks that most people do not realize. (more…)

Most Monticello residents know Truman Hamilton from when he owned the radio stations.  Others remember when he managed the Magic Mart store, but there’s more to know about Truman than where he used to work.

Truman has just accepted the position of executive director of the Monticello Economic Development Commission. 

I think the job is in good hands.

MEDC’s director, Derrill Pierce, is stepping down because of health reason, but is helping it’s new director during the transition. 

Truman has just been in the office a few days, but the first thing that I noticed about his desk, was that his Bible was on it.  That’s a sign of leadership.

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Mrs. Beverly Lobitz has been a member of UAM’s Music faculty for 35 years.  So many times, when someone has the same career, they just do their job.  That’s not the case with Mrs. Lobitz.

David Johnston, who’s daughter, Dailyn, is a first year piano student of Mrs. Lobitz, considers her to be “an outstanding piano teacher.  Dailyn is already reading sheet music, and can sing and play at the same time.”

Johnston added, ”She is a very sweet person who allows parents to sit in on lessons with their children. Seeing her work with kids the way she does, shows that she is a very patient and talented teacher.  She always seems eager to share her love of music.” 

Beverly Lobitz grew up in Manhattan, Kansas.  She earned her Bachelor of Music degree at Kansas State University, and then completed her Masters of Science in Voice degree, at Emporia (Kansas) State University.

Mrs. Annette Hall, her colleague in the Division of Music since 1972, considers Mrs. Lobitz to be “a multi-talented musician, dedicated teacher, and exemplary role model for students.”

Mrs. Hall added, “She has the heart of a teacher.” 

Mrs. Lobitz has taught piano and voice, both in school settings and privately, since college.  She has been a member of UAM’s Music Department for 35 years. 

Betty Matthews told me last week, how helpful Mrs. Lobitz was when she taught Ms. Matthews daughter, Laura.  “Personal involvement” makes a world of difference.”

Larry Lobitz, retired, is Mrs. Beverly’s husband, and has preached for many years.  Together, they serve at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, in Lake Village.  Mr. Larry leads the choir, and Mrs. Beverly has played the organ for 11 years.

Their son, Brice is a construction contractor in New Orleans, and his wife, Becky (formerly Becky Jacobs, of Monticello), is an electrical engineer with Shell Oil.  They spend many weekends working with church projects there, such as missions, and construction for people with special needs.

Mrs. Lobitz has 2 grandchildren, Colton and Tyler.

Mrs. Lobitz says she doesn’t watch very much television, but does enjoy an occasional “Extreme Home Makeover”, when someone does something helpful to improve someone else’s life.

Mrs. Lobitz considers music, “a vocation, and a hobby”, and has taught hundreds of students in private lessons, where she can make the most of “one on one” contact, in teaching.

She explained her ambitions with this phrase, “My goal is to see students succeed, not just in music, but in life.”

It seems that Mrs. Beverly Lobitz has reached her goal; many, many, times.  Including with me.

I became a voice student of Beverly Lobitz in 1982, when i started at UAM.  3 years later, while living and working in Dumas, but just a few hours short of graduation.  Mrs. Lobitz kept in touch with me by sending messages by my church’s pianist (also a student of hers), encouraging me to finish.  Mrs. Lobitz kept saying, “When you’ve got that degree, you’ll be so glad to have achieved that goal in life.”  25 years later, I see that she was right.  The fact that Mrs. Lobitz never gave up, has really made a difference, as it does to so many other students, that she still calls “My Kids”.

Thanks, Beverly Lobitz, for sharing your One Monticello Life.

I’ve known Calvin Murphy for several years, and the more I’m around him, the more I learn.

Calvin, and his wife Mrs. Carolyn, operate O&M Oil Co., on East Gaines street.

Mr. Calvin has always lived in Drew County, and was born in the “Sipio” community, south of Ladelle and Lacey.  At the time, the Ashley, Drew, & Northern Railroad had a stop in that area.  Calvin grew up and graduated from Monticello High School.

Calvin started out as a meat cutter at “Clay’s Grocery Store”, which was located on North Main St., across from where Union Bank is now.

Calvin served in the U.S. Army, and was stationed at Ft. Chaffee, AR, Ft. Sill, OK, and was sent to Germany, shortly after the Korean War.  After he was released from the Army, he joined the National Guard, and served there until he’d completed 39 years of service to his country.

Next month, Calvin & Carolyn Murphy will have been married to each other for 50 years.

They have 2 grown children.  Their son, Les lives in Star City, and runs O&M’s bulk plant there.  Les is married to Jacque, who teaches 1st grade.  Calvin’s daughter, Kim, lives in Springdale, and teaches 1st grade there.  Kim is married to Rob Tanksley, who works at the Tyson corporate office.

Calvin got into the oil business back in the 1950′s, when he went to work for his father-in-law, Mr. Hellums Owen.  Back then, the station was at the corner of S. Main, and Shelton streets, and the bulk plant was located right where O&M is now.  This was when all “service stations” were “full service” stations.

Mr. Calvin told me, “I believe a man should work 5 days.”  He added, “Saturday is mine, and Sunday belongs to the Lord.”

On Saturday’s, if the Razorbacks play a home game, Calvin is usually somewhere close.  If the Hogs are playing an away game, he’s probably at Monticello Speedway.

On Sunday, he’ll be at Northside Baptist Church.  Calvin is the senior deacon at Northside and sings in the choir. “Quietly,” he adds.  Northside has been the only church he’s been a member of.

Over the years he has served as Sunday School teacher and director, ”Training Union” teacher and director,  youth and building committees, and anywhere else that there was a need.

Calvin is also a member of Gideons, Int., which provides Bibles to schools, hospitals, and to our soldiers.

Mr. Calvin’s other passion, besides Mrs. Carolyn, is cars.  He has two “older” cars he’s working on restoring now. “Very slowly”, he comments.  One is a 1948 Lincoln Continental Mark I, and the other is a 1939 Cadillac LaSalle.

As you can tell by the photograph, Calvin Murphy loves his cars, and Mrs. Carolyn doesn’t like being in pictures.

Thanks, Calvin Murphy, for sharing your One Monticello Life. 

It was around 1:30, Monday morning, January 29, 2007. Monticello Police Dept. Patrolman George Strain was working a call at the intersection of E. Gaines and Conley streets.

That was when officer Strain was run over by an oncoming vehicle. The force of the impact that cold, early morning, either fractured or broke his right wrist, left leg, left ankle, and multiple ribs. One of the broken ribs punctured and collapsed his right lung. He also had a broken pelvis.

George spent the next 19 days hospitalized. When he was able to go home, he still had to use a wheel chair.

It’s now 9 months later, and he’s still in physical rehabilitation to overcome some of the muscle deficiencies from the accident, but George never gave up.

George grew up in Tamo, AR., just north of Dumas and Grady.

He joined the U.S. Army, received his high school diploma, and even earned college credit, while he was serving his country.

In the military, George was stationed in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky,and was a member of the 101 Airborne, and the 2 / 17 Cavalry Unit.  His military duties carried him to Germany, Egypt, & Panama.

When he left the service, George worked in construction and in food-service, until he entered law enforcement.

George’s police career began in McGehee, then Grady, before coming to the Monticello Police Dept. in August, 1999.

Next month, George will be celebrating his eighth anniversary to Mrs. Dorothy.

They are very active in First Missionary Baptist Church, on Bailey street, here in Monticello, and Mrs. Dorothy sings.

Mrs. Dorothy is a member of the McLettic Stars, a family singing group, that has traveled to over 20 different states, singing about God’s love, mercy, and grace.

Through George’s accident and recovery, they’ve been blessed by that love, mercy, and grace.

George told me, “going through the accident, and everything that followed, has given me the chance to talk, and to witness, to many people that I wouldn’t have had the chance to, without the accident.”

When I was talking to him, I realized that he sees this as an opportunity to make a difference in other people’s lives.

George isn’t still in that wheel chair.

Last week I saw him at City Hall. He was on his way to work.

Officer George Strain is back in uniform, in Monticello, serving as the School Resource Officer for the Monticello School System. His office is at the high school, but he’s on duty at all of the Monticello School facilities, spending time with the students, and he’s teaching them something, simply by being there.

Officer George Strain, now there’s a good roll-model for our kids, and for us.

George Strain, thanks for sharing your One Monticello Life.

Click here to read MonticelloLive.com’s original story about the accident.

Click here to read MonticelloLive.com’s original report, Officer Comes Home.

When most people meet Rhonda Brooks, they see her as a “lady in a wheelchair”, but there are many things that they don’t realize about Rhonda.

Rhonda grew up in Dewitt, where she lived with her parents and two sisters.

Her hobbies include listening to music, her favorites are Christian and bluegrass.

She also enjoys computer crafts, such as making cards, boxes, and similar projects, that make other people feel appreciated.

She is also well known for making balloon animals for nurses, patients, and drive through bank tellers. 

Rhonda graduated from Dewitt High School in 1979, attended UAM, and received her teaching degree in 1983.

Rhonda also got married in 1983.

Her husband is Sanders Brooks, who grew up just east of Hamburg, and was also at UAM.

Rhonda taught kindergarten for the Hamburg School District, Portland Campus, from 1983-2000.

During this time, Sanders was pastor at Parkway Baptist Church (Lake Village) and New Hope Baptist Church (Eudora).

Life so many times changes.

Rhonda is in the wheelchair because of complications from juvenile diabetes, a broken leg, and knee deterioration.  She also had a kidney transplant in 1998.

So many people would have given up, but not Rhonda.

When her husband became pastor of Northside Baptist Church, in 2004, Sanders and Rhonda moved back to Monticello.

Rhonda may be in a wheelchair, but she still is able to teach her Northside Baptist Church Sunday School elementary class and serve on the youth committee.

Between the many trips to out of town doctors, Rhonda spends a lot of time with the Northside Baptist Sr. adults, and goes out with the Wednesday night missions group to visit the Guest House residents, and other shut-in elderly members, and feed 11 stray cats.

At other times during the month you may see her spending time at the Other Way; visiting patients as a hospice volunteer; or maybe even hear of her visiting patients at a clinic or hospitals, that need a “pep talk” to gain encouragement to help deal with life’s struggles.

Rhonda may be a “lady in a wheelchair”, but she certainly doesn’t live a “wheelchair life”.

Thanks, Rhonda for sharing your ONE MONTICELLO LIFE with us!

The Miss Arkansas Pageant will be held June 23 at the Hot Springs Convention Center. This year one of Monticello’s own will compete for the Miss Arkansas title of the Miss America preliminary pageant. Sarah Tucker holds the title of Miss Dogwood and is busy preparing for her chance at the crown. Here is her story.

Sarah’s parents are Gary and Beth Tucker. She and her family have lived in Monticello her whole life. She attended Monticello schools and graduated from MHS in 2006. She now attends the University of Arkansas where she received vocal and academic scholarships. She plans to major in Speech Pathology.

Sarah has not always competed in pageants. Her mother steered her away from competing when she was younger to protect her from the disappointment that comes with beauty pageants. When Sarah was 13 she talked her family into letting her enter the Petite Miss Drew County Pageant. She was crowned the winner and that sufficed her until she was 17. Then she entered the Teen Miss Arkansas preliminary pageants in Monticello and Star City. She placed 1st runner-up for Teen Miss Monticello. She received 1st place in Miss Teen Star City and secured her spot for Miss Teen Arkansas. The Miss Teen Arkansas Pageant is in conjunction with the Miss Arkansas Pageant. Sarah got a taste of the excitement of the state pageant in the Summer of 2005 where she placed in the top 10 and won Most Photogenic.

In the fall of that year, Sarah was crowned Miss Drew County. She represented our area in the Miss Arkansas State Fair Queen Pageant. She won the overall interview in the Southeast District and placed 2nd runner-up in the final pageant.

Sarah came to a point in her life where she did not want to pursue pageants but to focus on school and going to college. She quickly adjusted to college life. She does well in her classes and is a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Sorority. It was her sorority that encouraged her to enter another pageant. Lambda Chi nominated her as their representative for the Miss Sorority Pledge Queen Pageant where she placed 1st runner-up. The judges at the sorority pageant noticed Sarah’s talent and encouraged her to compete in the Miss Arkansas preliminary pageant in the Fayetteville area that would be held the following week. Sarah took the challenge, prepared for the pageant in several short days and won the title of Miss Dogwood.

Sarah’s title, Miss Dogwood, may be from northwest Arkansas but her heart is from down south. The people of Monticello have been so supportive of Sarah and her upcoming pageant. Last week Sarah along with her family and friends hosted a dinner theater. The fabulous food was prepared by Paul Smith and Jean Alexander. The audience of close to 200 people were entertained by some of our local talent. There was a silent auction with items provided from different businesses in town. Many Monticellonians who believe in Sarah helped make the event a success. The money that was raised will help Sarah with the expenses that come with the Arkansas pageant. She is so thankful for the support of her home town and plans to use the money to buy her evening gown, interview outfit, voice lessons and interview coaching.

To compete in the Miss Arkansas pageant the contestant must come prepared with a platform they deem important. Sarah’s platform is voter apathy. If Sarah wins the title of Miss Arkansas she will use her platform to help educate young people she will meet through out her reign the importance of voting. Sarah feels so strongly about her platform that she is not waiting to get a crown before she shares her concerns. Sarah has personally helped register the last three senior classes of MHS to vote.

It is not a surprise that Sarah will sing as her talent at the upcoming pageant. She is singing “If I Had My Way” by Linda Edder. This song was written as a tribute for the events of 9/11. Sarah feels the song shows patriotism and is beautiful. If Monticello has it their way Sarah deserves to be the next Miss Arkansas. She is beautiful inside and out. With or without a crown, she is a winner. One Monticello Life – Sarah Tucker.

Shanna grew up in McGeehee with her mother who worked in a local restaurant. Shanna attended school in McGeehee. She married at a young age and found that she had to quit school and join the work force. In 1992 she dropped out of school in eleventh grade and worked as a waitress. Her husband was in the military which caused her to move to Oklahoma soon after she married. There she worked at the Great American Food Company where she decorated cookies. In 1996 she moved back to McGeehee. Soon after that she had her first son, Colby, who was born in 1997. She had another son, Blake, in 2001. But it was is in that same year her marriage ended.

Shanna traveled to different states in the years following her divorce. She lived in Oklahoma for a while where she worked at a postal store. She also lived in New Mexico and went back to waiting tables at a restaurant. She wanted to live in the southwest for a change in her life but found that she did not like the terrain. She not only missed the trees and grass but also her family, so she moved back to Arkansas in 2006.

One of the main reasons she moved back home was to help with her grandparents, Geraldine and Orlando Cingolani. She now lives down the street from her grandparents. This puts her near by to help them with their house or when they need someone to take them to the doctor. They are not the only ones who benefit. Shanna’s sons enjoy spending time with their grandparents as well.

Since moving back to Arkansas Shanna has realized how hard it is to get a job with a meaningful salary and benefits without a high school diploma. This spurred her on to get her GED. She wanted to be able to have a job that would support her family and also be able to start saving for her children’s education.

After the help of Monticello Adult Education, Shanna passed the GED test and received her Arkansas High School Diploma this past Thursday night. Her family and children were present and proud of her accomplishments. Shanna feels it is never too late to succeed. She plans to further her education in the fall by enrolling at UAM. Her goal is to become a nurse. The Adult Education philosophy that education enhances the ability to effect positive changes in lives is proven true for our one Monticello life - Shanna Cingolani.

Monticello High School graduation was Friday night. Many proud students, administration, family and friends were in town for the celebration. Of the 142 students that graduated, one that stands out is Anna Newberry. Here is her story.

Anna moved to Southeast Arkansas when she was four years old. Her dad transferred to this area to work for Potlach. Her mother is an art teacher but stayed at home until Anna and her sister, Rachel, were in Middle School. Anna attended school in Monticello her entire school career. She feels that being in Monticello schools for all 13 years makes graduation even more special. But this is not the only reason the people of Monticello are special to her.

When Anna was 13 years old, the summer before her 8th grade year, she was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) leukemia. Her family had noticed that she was tired, anemic and pale. After some blood work and a trip to Arkansas Children’s Hospital Anna realized that she would not be able to live life as normal for a while. Anna had danced at Kim’s Dance Factory since a young child and found dancing was her passion. She also had made the Middle School Cheerleading squad months before her diagnosis. Her fear was that she would not be able to continue doing her favorite things because of her diagnosis and the two year long treatment regimen.

This was not the case though because of the love and support of those close to her. Anna continued dancing and never missed a recital. She also was able to cheer at some of the football games. Her friends and teachers were so supportive. Debbie Morrison was her tutor during her eighth grade year. With her help Anna was able to stay on top of her school work. Anna is still very grateful for the support she received from the whole community either by their prayers, notes or flowers.

Today Anna is not only a MHS honor graduate but she is also cancer free. She continued dancing and cheering most of her school career. She was also able to be a part of the new EAST lab program that started her tenth grade year. This program is a community based project learning lab. It was her favorite class all through high school. The class allowed Anna to learn different computer skills like video editing, graphic design, architecture, computer-aided drafting. This class was not only spent behind the computer but it also involved getting out into the community. Some of the projects Anna was able to be a part of were getting broad ban into the rural areas of Southeast Arkansas, design the Monticello Billies football program and the city’s future Animal Shelter project.

Anna will attend the University of Arkansas in the fall. Although she was awarded the Dean’s scholarship at UCA and a $40,000 scholarship for the Savannah School of Art and Design in Georgia, she feels UA is the best choice for her mainly because she knows that she wants to pursue Architecture and Design. UA will allow her to be closer to home and friends. She also feels that what she has learned in EAST Lab will only prepare her for the UA incredible programs that are in her field.

What Anna has learned at school and in life even through cancer has only strengthened her. Her stamina and determination to succeed are tremendous. The people of Monticello will be anxious to see what achievements are to come for this one Monticello life- Anna Newberry.

He ran a farm for the same man for 33 years. She did a little bit of everything. But for the past 13 years, Floyd and Jane Killough have been houseparents at the Arkansas Baptist Home for Children here in Monticello. They care for upwards of 8 middle school and high school girls at any given time. Raising children of their own didn’t turn out to be part of God’s plan for their lives, yet they have had the privilege of parenting hundreds of young ladies at the Baptist Home in those 13 years.

Jane was born and raised in Lambert, MS, and her sister married a man from Carraway, AR. When Jane’s sister had complications during her first pregnancy, she went to Carraway to help her out. Shortly after her arrival she met Floyd, who had lived there his whole life. When Jane got ready to return to Mississippi, Floyd told her, “I’ll see you in 2 weeks.” And he went to see her every 2 weeks until they were married 10 months later in September of 1967.

While Floyd farmed cotton, soybeans, wheat and corn, Jane worked in the local department store, in just about every department in the store! She later went to beautician school and worked as a hairdresser. Jane is also revered as an excellent cook and cake baker, which she also did for a living out of her home. The biggest cake she ever baked was actually made up of thirty-three 9×13 cakes put together on 3 pieces of plywood. It was ordered by a factory celebrating it’s 10 year anniversary, and she even decorated the cake with the company’s logo. Jane also did sewing from her home, worked as a florist and was activities director for 2 different retirement homes. All of these skills would come in handy later on…

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It is baseball season in Monticello. Kids four years old and up are busy playing ball on various leagues around town. Not only does baseball bring out the little tykes to play ball but with that comes the support and cheers of parents. At one of the local baseball games many supporters are near by to cheer on their favorite sport star. One of these parents is Curtis Barrow. Here is his story.

Curtis grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was raised most of his life by his mother. Curtis’s mother worked outside the home as a housekeeping supervisor. This did not keep Curtis’s mother from teaching him the qualities of being a supportive, involved and caring parent. Curtis lived in New Orleans until 2003. Curtis made his way to Monticello though not as a result of Hurricane Katrina He moved here to work in outside machineries department at Seark Boats. He quickly found Monticello a place to call home. That same year he married Katrina who is also from New Orleans. After they married Katrina moved here and became assistant manager at our local McDonalds.

Together Curtis and Katrina have a life-sized family. Curtis has two daughters, Rhonda and Curtiz, that live out of state. Katrina has a son, Darence, who is 12 years old and a 6th grader at MIS. The couple now have a new addition to their family, Curtis Jr., who is six months old.

But their own flesh and blood are not the only children they call their own. Curtis shared with his family in Louisiana about how he liked Monticello’s family atmosphere and great school systems. His sister felt that her children would do well living in Monticello with Curtis. So in 2003 Curtis and Katrina took on the responsibility of raising Curtis’s neice and nephew, Kendrial Barrow and Garry Hill. Kendrial is 12 years old, a 7th grader at MIS and is very helpful at home. She helps take care of the new baby and is always there to cheer on her brother,Garry, at his many sports activities. Garry is 9 years old and is very busy this time of year playing baseball. Curtis makes sure Garry is involved in all the sports that interest him.

Garry’s biggest fan would have to be his uncle. Curtis provides Garry with all the practicing tools he needs at home to excel in whatever sport is in season. Curtis is at every ball practice and game cheering on not only Garry but also all his teammates. Curtis is not only interested in his ‘kids’ when it comes to sports. His wife, Katrina, says Curtis is a family man. She says “He helps with anything we need him to do.” He is always available to care for his new baby whether it is fixing bottles or changing diapers. He also helps when he can with school work and is present at school activities, like Donuts for Dads.

Garry pitched Friday night in his little league baseball game. Many were there to cheer on the teams. As always, Curtis was close by in the dugout. He is faithful to be a great supporter on and off the baseball field. Curtis Barrow, one Monticello life.

This weekend hundreds of young girls showcased their talent at the Kim’s Dance Factory year-end recital. The dancers had practiced for months for their time to shine. One of the solo acts at the weekend performance was Jessaca Mioko Shepherd. At a young five years of age Jessaca took the stage with confidence. One reason for this was the influence of her mother, Yukiko Shepherd. This is her story.

Yukiko was born and raised in Fukuoka, Japan. Her parents still live in Japan where her dad, Kenichi Yamashita, holds an executive position at a gas company and her mother, Mariko Yamashita, is an accountant. She and her brother, Hirofumi Yamashita, were raised to learn at every turn and to experience all you could from life. Yukiko’s interest early on was the English language. It was her mother’s influence that brought her to get a Bachelor’s Degree in English Linguistics.

Taking her family’s advice opened the door for Yukiko to explore the world. Before coming to Southeast Arkansas she lived in Georgia, France and London. It is because of Jessaca that Yukiko now resides in Monticello. Yukiko met Jessaca’s dad in Japan. He was in the American Navy. The couple married while in Japan. Jessaca was born at the US Navy base in Japan on December 4, 2001. Wanting Jessaca to know her American grandparents, Walter and Rita Shepherd, is one reason Yukiko makes Monticello her home. Yukiko quickly found her nitch in Arkansas. She works at the District Court of Drew County Civil Division and teaches Japanese at UAM.

In the Japanese culture when you name your children you consider the meaning of the name and pick it based on what you want for your child. Yukiko means “to explore life on your own.” When her parents chose this name for her their wish for her was for her to experience all this world had for her. She definately has taken that challenge. In naming her own child she chose Jessaca Mioko which means “beautiful cherry blossom.” Because it takes ten years for a cherry blossom tree to bloom Yukiko takes these early years with Jessaca seriously. She feels that Jessaca is in the process of blooming. Her hope is that Jessaca will continue to be nurtured by the love of her family and friends. Yukiko feels this time is best for Jessaca to work on her talents and education in anticipation for the day she will blossom into a beautiful talented young lady. After last nights performance Jessaca proved that she is in bloom. Much of this is due in part by the loving care of her mother, Yukiko Shepherd – one Monticello life.

Last night was a special night for our community. Monticello High held their prom, attended by many high school students decked out in tuxes and the fanciest dresses around.

Prom has been anticipated for weeks on end by both first-time attenders and those who have been before and know the ropes. In February, Meredith Grubbs was asked by MHS senior Sadler Morrison if she would go to prom with him. She said yes and has been looking forward to it ever since.

Meredith was interviewed for this story just a few minutes before Sadler’s arrival. Between applying make-up and getting dressed in her gorgeous prom dress, she took time to answer questions about her life as a teen in Monticello.

In addition to the excitement of prom, Meredith enjoys all aspects of life to the fullest. As a sophomore at MHS, she related that high school can be a little unnerving at first for most students. She says that the further along you get, though, the more comfortable it becomes, and the more fun it is. Needless to say, she’s looking forward to the next couple of years of being an upperclassman. Her favorite subject right now is world history, though she excels at all schoolwork. She thinks the best teachers are those who are truly passionate about the subject matter they teach and who love what they do.

Meredith is a track team and cross country runner for Monticello High. Involved in these teams since seventh grade, she has been a part of seven conference championship teams so far. Although it takes a lot of time, it’s time well spent. Beginning in the spring each year, she also participates in swim team. As an athlete she says she’s reaped more benefits than just physical fitness. It’s taught her the true value of teamwork, along with a remarkable amount of self-discipline and strong work ethic.

Many of Meredith’s closest friends have become so through running and swim team. They love these activities and have that in common. When they’re not practicing and at meets together, they can be found doing the normal teenage stuff, like going to a movie.

Asked what makes a good friend, Meredith replied, “A friend is someone who’s always there for you!” Her younger sister, Emily, considers Meredith a friend for life, too.

Meredith has lived in Monticello since the age of four and likes the small town because of knowing everyone. One thing is sure, those who know her, love her. At almost sixteen, she is an outstanding young lady who makes her family proud, and rightly so.

Celebrating youth at its best is this one Monticello life… Meredith Grubbs.

The best fertilizer is the gardener’s shadow. ~Author Unknown

For one Monticellonian, gardening is a way of life. What started as spending time with her grandmother grew into a deep love of the outdoors and gardening. This is Estrallyn Jone’s story.

Estrallyn grew up in Monticello. Her mother was a school teacher and her father worked in a grocery store. Because her parents worked she spent much of her time with her grandmother, Thella Hankins. Thella was the President of the Garden Club in her day and did not neglect to teach those who came behind her the art of gardening. Not all who learn are blessed to have a green thumb, but for Estrallyn gardening came easy.

While raising her family, Estrallyn lived in Lacey. She lived on eight acres and found many ways to use the land. She had a large garden she used to feed her family. A gazebo in her yard was adorned with her favorite tropical plants and ferns. All the flower beds were beautifully covered with plants. She and her family also had a love for animals. She raised many different animals and eventually created a menagerie. The animals that she took care of were deer, beaver, bears, chicken, ducks, raccoons and fox. Local people would visit her land to see the animals but always left awestruck by her immaculate yard. At one point a local paper came to feature the animals, but her yard instead was the main attraction.

After her two children were grown, Estrallyn went another route with her love of gardening. She began working outside the home by helping others with their gardening adventures. She has helped many around town with flower selection. She is perfect to give advice on where flowers should be planted. She has spent the last 12 years at Greenscape Nursery owned by Terry Hopper. She orders all the plants. She sets up the displays at the store. She also runs the office and does the bookkeeping. She travels to Louisiana and Arkansas to bring back the best products for her customers. Estrallyn prefers to be outside and finds her line of work therapeutic. Ironically, her own yard is now neglected. She spends most of her time in town helping her many clients. Her advice for the local gardener is that it is too early for Periwinkles. She predicts the weather will stay cool until after Easter, so hold off to plant your bedding plants.

Estrallyn has six grandchildren. It is too early to tell if any of hers will follow in her footsteps. But she is grateful for what legacy her grandmother left behind. The love of gardening and the great outdoors has brightened many days for her and those she has helped around town. Estrallyn Jones – One Monticello Life.

“I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world.” These words can be heard from the mouths of millions of young 4-H members across our nation. What started in the early 1900s to educate the young children of rural farmers has now grown into one of the country’s largest extracurricular youth programs. 4-H is not absent in Monticello. In fact, one of the fastest growing features of our local 4-H is the shooting sports program, and this group is mainly organized by Terry Koone. This is his story:

Terry Koone grew up in Conway, Arkansas. His dad worked for Southwestern Bell and his mom was a Farmers Home Administrator. He was the second oldest of four boys in his family. He grew up hunting, fishing and camping. All of these were a family affair and happened almost every weekend. He attended UCA and received a degree in business. He has worked for Farm Bureau as a claims adjuster most of his life.

In 1981 he married Jackie who was from Vilonia. That same year they moved to Monticello and made it their home. Terry and Jackie have two children, Kristen, 21 and Steven, 16. Terry became involved in 4-H for them. When his daughter was nine, she joined the organization. She was involved in several aspects of the club. She won state competitions in cooking. In photography she once was featured in the national 4-H calendar. Although Terry was not a part of 4-H when he grew up, he loved that his kids were a part of a group that had a “hands-on” philosophy. He loved to see them “grow and excel.”

His son, Steven, received a bow for Christmas at age 12. Terry didn’t bow-shoot and found the Drew County Bow Club ready and willing to help him and his son with their new hobby. At that time, Terry realized that 4-H had a shooting sports program on a national level but not in Monticello . He made a decision then to help begin one for the Drew County 4-H.

This is now the sixth year for the 4-H shooting sports program. The first year there were two students. In the third year, they had 8 students but no full teams to compete on a state level. In 2005, they had enough students to compete on a state level. They had a Junior Team (ages 9-13) and a Senior Team (ages 14-19). That year the Junior Team brought home 34 trophies and received a total of 60 ribbons. Last year they raised the bar and brought home 86 ribbons. The group is excited about the possibilities this year now that it has grown to over 40 students.

The 4-H Shooting Sports Progam has been a “blessing” for Terry. He does not get paid financially for his involvement or time but says that watching the kids grow and learn is payment enough for him. Terry is passionate about the organization and what it teaches the kids.

Although there are no gun clubs in Drew County, and there are no gun ranges around for the kids to practice, it didn’t stop Terry from making this possible for the kids of the shooting club.The 4-H shooting club started and still meets in Terry’s 20-acre backyard. He uses old signs from around town for targets, and there is always a firearm for someone to use. When the program started they had no equipment. Terry has used his own money at times to see that the needs are met. He has also involved as many people and parents as he can to see the program succeed. The Drew County Bow Club lets the 4-H club run a concession stand for their invitationals and have also given several bows to the 4-H group. The Friends of the NRA has a grant program that the Drew County 4-H applies for each year, and the 4-H students sell raffle tickets for the Friends of the NRA which allows the 4-H to receive some of the proceeds and/or equipment. Terry has seen the program grow by leaps and bounds and says it is “the best kept secret in the state of Arkansas.”

This program is not just about kids and firearms. The 4-H Shooting Sports Program has 4 disciplines: shotgun, .22, black-powder and archery. Terry has completed the instructional programs to train in these areas both on the state and national levels. The participants not only shoot targets, but they also learn the importance of safety, competition, life skills and practice. 4-H is open to all students ages 9-19, and there are many different 4-H programs here in Drew County. For about 40 shooting-sport students who meet twice a month in Rock Springs, the lessons they learn and fun they have make them thankful for Terry’s dedication and vision. He is a great example of the 4-H pledge. His heart has helped many young Monticellonians. Thank you, Terry Koone – one Monticello life.

On March 3, 1932 Thurston and Maude Berryman welcomed to the world a baby girl and named her Peggy. Seventy-five years later she’s just as full of life as ever. Peggy Berryman Evins is proud to call Monticello her lifelong home.

In 1950, Peggy married George Stanley Evins, a serviceman, and they began a family. Peggy spent her life caring for her late husband George, who became a parapalegic, and her children. Phyllis Evins Bone lives in Dardanelle, AR, David Evins in Waterloo, IA, and Michael Evins in Jonesboro, AR. Although they visit and remain close at heart, Peggy has no relatives here in Monticello. She is not alone, though, and considers her church family and her fellow employees her family.

In June 2002 Peggy went to work for Union Bank and has not regretted it at all. What started as a courier position has now become something much more. Not only does Peggy deliver bank mail between brances, she takes care of most of the mail, sometimes operates the switchboard, helps get monthly statements to customers, and more. She loves her job, especially the parts that involve helping others in the community. As a bank representative she sends newspaper clippings to children and adults who’ve made newsworthy accomplishments, assists with the Grand Club of Union Bank, and took part in developing a benevolence program to reach out to Monticellonians who have lost a loved one. In addition to helping the bereaved, Peggy sends cards to shut-ins, customers who are ill and those living in nursing homes or other facilities. Basically, she’s in the business of doing whatever needs to be done. Having such a wide array of jobs definitely keeps her from becoming bored! Peggy says her favorite things about working for Union Bank are that she works for good people and that it’s such a good feeling to know that she’s helped others.

It’s apparent that the Union Bank family loves and cares for Peggy as much as she does them.

Brandon Hogg said in his recommendation of Peggy for One Monticello Life: “Peggy does a wonderful job for the bank, but I believe her true gift to our community is the heart and soul that she puts forth in her duties. She truly has a burden for the people of Drew County (and the surrounding counties) and I cannot tell you how many compliments and how much appreciation she receives. She goes above and beyond anything required of her by the bank.”

Michelle LaFever said: “She’ll do anything asked of her and really enjoys it. She just has a way with people!”

Ashley Echols said: “There’s so much to say but I can’t find the words. She loves entertaining customers and serving them. She’s a great help on customer appreciation days, Open House events, the Grand Club, and more. She knows everybody by name and is a ray of sunshine. She’s really a hoot. Mrs. Peggy thrives at what she does and has sincerity, which makes her a great voice for the bank.”

Kathy Lyons said: “I think she’s wonderful. She gives invaluable insight that’s age related for the Grand Club, our community group of senior citizens, and I’m honored that she helps me. She is such an asset to our bank as a people person who is so generous with her time. She has traditional values but is in touch with today and is a big part of our link between the bank and community. In a nutshell, everyone needs a Peggy working with them. She gives 110% and her effect on this bank is immeasurable.”

Peggy remembers her youth in Monticello with fondness. Things have changed a lot over the years. The bobby socks and long, swirly skirts are a thing of the past. It was a time she remembers as having nothing to be afraid of. She and friends could play in the street, walk to and from a movie at night, and go about daily life without fear. A favorite pastime was skating (roller-skating, that is). There were no computers, no world wide web with news in a flash; but there was a full and enjoyable life. At seventy-five she continues to live what she calls her wonderful life to the fullest.

Her advice to the younger generations is, “Thank God for your life because you don’t really know how fragile and short it is. Obey your parents and the law. Be honest in everything you do. Be active and stay healthy. Thank God for all He’s done for you.” Words of wisdom worth remembering from this one Monticello Life: Peggy Evins.

One is blessed indeed to find true love and “extra blessed” to be together for life. One Monticello couple has experienced this first hand, Bob and Louine Leech. Here is their story:

Louine was born in 1917 and grew up in McGehee. Her father owned the local grocery store, and her mother was a housewife. After she graduated from high school in 1934, she attended UAM where her uncle was the President. She graduated in 1938 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and History and a certificate in teaching.

After college, she traveled to Missouri’s Chilacotti Business College, her father’s alma mater. Upon completion of business college, she had planned to work in civil service in Washington, D.C.; however, the trip was cancelled because her friend who was to accompany her backed out. Her parents didn’t like the idea of her going that far alone. Louine decided to hunt for work in Little Rock. It was there in 1941 at a dance at the Fredericka Hotel that she met Bob.

Bob Leech grew up in Kansas City, MO. His dad was in the Western Auto business. His mother was a housewife but died when he was five years old. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Missouri where he played halfback for the football team. Playing in the 1940 Orange Bowl was a sports highlight for him. One of his college classmates was Wal-Mart’s Sam Walton. Bob graduated with a degree in accounting and business.

That night at the Fredericka Hotel, Bob drew Louine as his dance partner. After that evening, their courtship began. A year later, on March 22, 1942 they were married in the parsonage of First Baptist Church in San Luis, California. This March will be their 65th wedding anniversary.

One of the special and unique charms about this couple is their love for travel. The trip to California in 1942 to get married was just the beginning of many road trips and globe trotting for them. Throughout their marriage they have traveled on every continent except for Antarctica. Some of their trips were to China, Russia, Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia, Germany, the Holy Land, Nova Scotia, and the New England states.

Bob served for five years during World War II, and following the war, He and Louine settled in McGehee where Bob worked in Louine’s father’s grocery store. His work there opened a long career in the grocery business which led them to owning stores in McGehee, Dermott, and Monticello.

In 1964, they relocated to Monticello with their three children. For 26 years, they operated the Sunflower Food Store here in town, first on Gaines Street and then on Main Street. They sold the stores and retired in 1986.

They stay busy these days in their golden years. If they’re not traveling on bus trips, then they’re most likely spending time with their family and friends. They remain active members of First United Methodist Church. Louine is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and plays bridge regularly. Bob still enjoys football and keeps up with his favorite teams.

Recently, on a cruise the couple was recognized as being married longer than anyone else on board. When asked what they attributed their successful, long and happy marriage to, Bob quickly said, “Two words: Yes Ma’am!”

Laughter and love for life characterize this special couple. They have truly been blessed. And in Bob’s words, “Blessed a little extra.” They are together for life: Bob and Louine Leech.

If you don’t have it in your heart, it doesn’t matter what you’ve got in your head. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.
Barbara Johnson

This quote is an expression of how one Monticello couple has been ‘together for life’. Committed to education and committed to each other have gone hand in hand for Louis and Bobbie Dunlap. Here is their story:

Louis and Bobbie met at Shorter Junior college in NLR in 1956. Bobbie Binns Dunlap grew up in Monticello. And Louis was raised in West Helena. They both transfered to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff after they completed junior college. It was UAPB they started dating. They loved spending time together and knew that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, but they did not let their love for each other keep them from completing their education.

Bobbie graduated with an Elementary Education degree in 1960, and Louis finished his math degree in 1962. The couple committed their lives to each other at a house wedding with friends and family on December 23, 1961. After a couple of short teaching jobs around south Arkansas, Louis and Bobbie decided to make Monticello their home. They both landed their first Monticello teaching jobs at the segregated Drew Schools east of town. Bobbie taught for 9 years at the Drew Schools. She spent the majority of her 31 years as a teacher teaching first grade at WC Whaley. Her love of teaching paid off for her in 1990 when she was named Monticello’s Teacher of the Year. After she retired from teaching she worked for the school district in the Parenting Program.

Louis loved to teach and be taught. He taught math at Drew Schools for 11 years. After integration he taught math at MHS. In 1969 he completed his Masters degree at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. But because of his love for math and teaching he took many advanced study classes. UT Austin, Texas Southern University, U of A, Southeastern University of Oklahoma. He felt that it was important to stay updated in the different ideas and trends in math. He often shared his findings with colleagues. It was after a lecture in 1973 Louis gave at a teachers conference that E.V. Gray, chairman of UAM math department, approached him and asked him to consider becoming a math professor at UAM. That fall Louis became the first African-American professor at UAM. He enjoyed the smaller classes and close-knit atmosphere at UAM. He taught there for 23 years and retired in 1996.

Today the Dunlaps have been married for 45 years. They enjoy being together every day. Louis keeps himself busy with work around the house and loves to garden. Bobbie is a member of the Effie Brooks Civic Club and stays busy with community service projects. They attend Holmes Chapel Presbyterian Church. The couple enjoys exercising together throughout the week at South Arkansas Rehabilitation’s Healthy STEPS program for senior citizens. They have one daughter, Sharon, and two grandchildren who they enjoy spending time with now that they are retired.

The secret to their love story is in how they treat each other. The fact that they are both teachers has only helped in their marriage. They learned early on the importance of communicating and respecting each other. They make a point to treat each other today the same way they did when they were dating. A day does not go by without affection and words of affirmation which has kept them together for life – Louis and Bobbie Dunlap.

Theirs is a story of love…with an unusual beginning. Donny and Felicia actually knew one another because he dated her cousin for a while. Then after they’d broken up, he ran into Felicia by chance on a Friday night cruising town. Felicia was a little mad at her old boyfriend on this particular night and wanted to “get at him”; so when Donny asked her to “ride around”, a 1980′s-small-town-teenage-pastime, she said yes. The rest, as they say, is history.

After Donny and Felicia had dated a couple of years, they decided to make it forever and get married July 4, 1986. Instead of a big ceremony with lots of onlookers and fanfare, the couple wanted to keep it simple, so they called the preacher and were married in his home. Then they called their families from the hotel room on their honeymoon. Twenty years and two kids later, they’re just as happy to be together and more in love than before. Their marriage has stood the test of time.

Donny joined the Army National Guard when he was just seventeen years old because he just knew that was what he wanted to do. Although he enjoyed it immensely because of the work and the people he got to know, he had no idea where this job would land him. It wasn’t until he was almost to the end of his career with the Guard that he was called up to serve at Camp Cook, Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He left in October of 2003, leaving behind Felicia and two teenage children, and did not return until March 2005. During this indescribable 18-month separation, Felicia says they were able to stay in touch through instant messaging online. He worked in an office setting overseas, taking care of supplies for the troops, and had internet access after he’d been there a few months. She would set her alarm and get up at 2:00 or 3:00 am just to steal away some time to chat with him online. It’s how they kept up with one another and stayed connected. Four or five times a week they could communicate this way. Felicia says this helped her cope with him being gone, along with her involvement in the Monticello Family Support Group, where she served as President. The group did fund raisers to send care packages to the troops and leaned on one another for understanding and support. It was encouraging for Felicia to be around others who were going through the same thing.

Married life is great for this couple. They have grown closer and closer and say it’s gotten better and better as the years go by. They lead a simple life, working hard and spending family time together. Attributing the success of their love story to God, Felicia says, “We have a really good marriage. He four-wheeler rides, I ride with him… honesty, respect, and trust made a good marriage. I think what makes the best marriage is having God come first and then your spouse second. If God’s not in it then you don’t have much of a marriage.” Donny agrees with her wholeheartedly.

Donny and Felicia Shepherd know what true love is. They experience it daily. They are… Together for life.

We’ve enjoyed bringing you the One Monticello Life feature each Sunday. During the month of February, we will be featuring four different couples, from four different eras. We felt this would be an interesting twist for this Valentine’s month! The theme will be Together for Life.

JB & Amy Duncan met as college students at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. They both attended the Baptist Collegiate Ministry and became involved there. Although the saw each other often, their first “date” came by accident.

Several of their friends went bowling one evening and had planned to meet afterwards at the movies. However, upon arrival at the theater, JB found that Amy was the only one present, and vice versa. They proceeded to the movie together, and after the show, JB asked Amy, “So, what are we doing tomorrow night?” This began an interesting courtship.

For six weeks after the night at the movies, JB & Amy were together just like any other dating couple, but their courtship had begun during the Iraq war. When JB was 17, he had joined the Army National Guard and committed to serve his country. However, he admits that he mainly joined for the college money offered.

Four days before Valentine’s Day, JB was called up to serve in Iraq. He spent two months at Fort Polk, Iowa for mobilization training. Their physical separation, however, did not keep JB and Amy from connecting with one another. They continued their relationship by talking daily on their cell phones. They both realized that their relationship was becoming more significant.

In March, JB had a weekend pass to go home. Although only a month away from deployment, he knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Amy. During the weekend, JB asked Amy to marry him on his knees while on a nature trail at Cane Creek. Amy excitedly accepted, although she knew the details of a wedding would be overshadowed by the war in Iraq.

JB left for his service assignment in April 2003, engaged but unsure of how long his term would be. He was a motor transport operator who escorted convoys. His job was to protect the trucks that carried U.S. Postal mail from troop to troop.

His busy schedule did not keep him from writing Amy everyday. Amy also was busy writing daily. It took 2-3 weeks for the letters to arrive in each place. They communicated by phone every two weeks. It was on a call in November 2003 that Amy and JB set the date for their wedding – the next month, on December 13.

Amy planned her Christmas wedding in a short month. After JB found out he would get to come home for several weeks, they knew this would be perfect opportunity to get married. Their Saturday wedding was held at First Baptist Church Monticello. Although Amy had only a month to plan it all, the wedding was a success.

Amy had time to buy her favorite wedding dress. Her grandmother managed to make all four bridesmaids’ dresses. Since it was Christmas time, the church was decorated with candles and poinsettias. JB and Amy even had a four-day honeymoon at Big Cedar Lodge.

Although they did not let war stop them from pursuing their dreams, it did force JB to return to Iraq for the rest of his assignment.

JB had essentially flown in to the States, gotten married and then returned to the Middle East. So the beginning of their marriage was anything but normal. They were unsure of when his service would end due to the volatility of the Iraq situation. Amy decided to sit out of school for a semester and moved back home to Warren to live with her parents and work at a bank there.

Amy and JB continued their letter-writing and talked on the phone as often as they could. They are glad that they learned early in their marriage the importance of communication. They also learned to not worry about the small things in life. It was hard for them to get stressed about everyday struggle when people were dying daily in the war.

After only three more months, JB was grateful to learn that his division was being sent home. He had completed his term of service. JB returned to Monticello, college and his new wife. They moved into married student housing at UAM.

JB is a senior majoring in speech communication, and he plans to graduate in May 2007. His goal is to return to the Army and work full time in counter terrorism.

Amy finished her bachelor of science degree in exercise science in May 2006. She currently directs the Healthy STEPs program (for senior adults) at South Arkansas Rehabilitation.

Life is now somewhat normal for this married couple, but their early years together will always be special to JB and Amy. Through love and war, they have learned commitment and are Together for Life.

Linda Moore Kemp was born and raised in Helena, Arkansas. Her father farmed grains, and her mother was a housewife. Linda is the youngest of four children.

Being a nurse was always a dream; however, it was not a career Linda pursued early in life. After high school she married and raised 2 children. It wasn’t until 1981 that she and her family moved to Monticello. That was the year she began her journey to become a nurse.

She found herself always “wanting to make things right when they are wrong.” Linda wanted to work after her kids were grown and found nursing the next step she would take.

She took classes toward a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at UAM. Her teenage children kept life busy. But balancing family life and school paid off in 1987 when she earned her associate’s degree in nursing and became a registered nurse.

Linda worked for her state boards and licensing while employed at Jefferson Regional Hospital in Pine Bluff. She stayed there a year working in medical surgery. In 1988 she was hired as a home health nurse for the Arkansas Department of Health of Chicot County. She mainly cared for patients who had returned home after surgery. Her patients were mostly elderly. She advanced in her career and became a Home Health Specialist where she supervised home health nurses in Lincoln, Ashley, Chicot and Cleveland counties.

This prepared her for her last position with the Arkansas Department of Health. For four years Linda held the position of supervising administrator for Drew, Lincoln, Cleveland and Desha counties. On this level she made sure the clinics as a whole were up to code. She supervised the clinics administrators by helping them meet their target population goals. Each clinic is required to reach a certain amount of people according to their population. They were to offer immunizations, family planning and WIC. Linda enjoyed working with people from around the state. After working collectively for 17 years she retired from the Arkansas Department of Health.

At that point, Linda was ready for a slower pace of life. Her husband had retired and she was looking forward to spending more time with him. So in October 2005, she became the Monticello School District school nurse. She loved the school hours and working for the Health Department prepared her for working with children. Her office is at Monticello Elementary School where she works Monday, Tuesday and Friday. On Wednesdays she is at Monticello Intermediate School. Thursday she spends the day at Monticello Middle School. She is available MHS when she is needed. She also covers the Preschool, Adult Ed. and Occupational School.

She enjoys being there for the kids. She helps out when they are sick or they get hurt. Her motto is to “make a decision as if I were the parent.” Her other responsibilities are:

This has been a busy week for Linda. The schools average 25 students absent a day. Last week has seen record-breaking absences. On Thursday at MES there were over 150 absent. This is the worst the district has seen in years which led to the school canceling school this past Friday. The staff sanitized the school and hoped that it would give the children time to get better.

Linda’s advice for all of us is to get a flu shot every year but also to wash your hands often. If you contract the virus, stay home and rest. Drink lots of fluids, and do not go out in public until you are fever-free for 24 hours.

Although the flu season is tough this year, Linda is thankful for her job. Her goal is healthy children. She believes that if they are sick, can’t see or hear, then they can not learn. Nursing for Linda is a way of life. And she is glad that the Monticello schools are a part of hers. She loves the added bonus of seeing her granddaughters on a regular basis at their particular schools. Linda considers it a privilege to make sure the Monticello Schools has healthy students. And because of this year’s flu season, Monticello is thankful for her! Linda Kemp – one Monticello Life.

“There is a place where dreams come true, where wishes big and small lead to happily ever after.” This is the current advertising campaign for Walt Disney World. It can be heard on most television and radio stations. One of Monticello’s own, Rebecca Akin, just finished being a part of this magical experience. Here is her story:

Rebecca was born and raised in Monticello. Her dad is President/CEO of Akin Industries, which is a furniture manufacturing company. Her mother is a speech pathologist. Rebecca’s fond memories of growing up in Monticello are many. As children, she and her brother John spent time at Akin Industries where they creatively built trampolines out of excess chair foam. She also remembers city parades, her favorite teachers, ninth grade cheerleading, homecoming court and competing in a UAM monologue competition. She graduated from Monticello High School in 2002.

She attended Ouachita Baptist University, mainly due to the influence of her mother and grandfather. Her mother, Susan, was an OBU graduate, and her grandfather, Raymond Coppenger, taught religion and philososphy at the university. OBU had always played special role in her family and was already a special place for her. Rebecca had known from an early age that she wanted to pursue theater.

“OBU is a safe environment to do theater. I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about racy characters at their small theater,” she said.

She also enjoyed spending time with her grandfather who is now 97 years old. She attended church with him and could walk to his house from campus. She graduated from OBU in August 2006 with a bachelor’s of art, double-majoring in Theater and Mass Communications. She was encouraged to find a theatrical internship, and was excited to land one at Walt Disney World.

At the Disney Internship, Rebecca took entertainment and communication classes. The classes were hands-on, and she experienced the in’s-and-out’s of how theater works at WDW. Rebecca also worked daily as a tour guide for the The Great Movie Ride at MGM Studios. On each tour, she would read a fifty-page script to a group of 70 people. She could not deviate from the script unless the car would get stuck for mechanical reasons. This happened quite often. During the wait, Rebecca enjoyed entertaining her tourists. She would usually end up telling jokes like her favorite, “Why was Cinderella so bad at soccer? Because her coach was a pumpkin, and she always ran away from the ball’. Because most of the riders were at a point of impatient frustration, she usually received more groans than laughs. But this did not stop Rebecca from having fun and making the most of her situations.

At the end of the internship she was voted on by her peers and manager for the Thunderous Applause Award. This award was confirmation to Rebecca that although she might be different than most of her classmates, her fun spirit and attitude paid off.
Rebecca learned more than theater at Walt Disney World. She also grew in her Christian faith. Walt Disney World is known as a “happy” place, but she found herself unhappy at times. It proved to be quite a culture shock as she discovered the variety of people and backgrounds at the park. There were parts of her experience that she “hated” but that she wouldn’t trade them. She said she grew as a Christian and learned to rely on God on a new level.

Rebecca is unsure what is next for her now that her Walt Disney experience is over. Currently she is working for Akin Industries creating a furniture catalogue. She likes this stage of life where “nothing can hold her back,” and possibilities are endless. She loves theater and wants to keep that avenue open. Already, she has many credentials:

• Stage Performances- This is Where We Came In, The Art of Self Defense, Anything Goes, Sound of Music, and South Pacific
• Directed one-act play, The Diary of Adam and Eve
• Created and directed Monticello Children’s Theater Camp
• Semester study in Salzburg, Austria

It is obvious that many dreams have already come true for Rebecca. But because of her love for theater and her love for life, it will be interesting to see what other wishes of this Monticellonian are granted. She is proof that there is a place that dreams come true, not only at Walt Disney World but also in Monticello. Thanks, Rebecca Akin- one Monticello life.