The server went down, Tuesday morning, leaving them only able to answer phones,wait on walk-in customers, and take notes, since all assessment documents are computerized.

Autumn Webb, Wind Symphony (1st band) 2nd chair Alto Clarinet
Joshua Williams, Symphonic Band (2nd band) 1st chair Bass Clarinet
Beth Fleming, Symphonic Band (2nd band) 22nd chair Clarinet
Skye Austin, Concert Band (3rd band) 4th alternate Flute

Around 11:15 Wednesday morning, an 18-wheeler turned short off of Conrad Street onto Westgate Drive, clipping a power pole.

Several power and utility lines were down, and power was disrupted for many local customers.

Around 300 customers were affected by the outage, including some local lunch favorites during noon. All power was restored during the afternoon

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.

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

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.

Parks Commission Chairperson Karen Connelly updated the Board on several items during the regular meeting Thursday night, including the city council’s actions concerning the parks budget and the re-building of the Sadie Johnson Community Center.

The Parks and Recreation Commission agreed to accept a contract to be used for all league and organizations that utilize city property. This would include swim team, girls softball, boys baseball, Babe Ruth, etc. – The purpose of the contract is “to protect leagues as well as city as far as injury and liability.”- Commission Chairperson Karen Connelly

Connelly stated that the recreational grant has been officially received in the amount of $111,000. This is part of a match grant so $222,000 will eventually be received by the Commission.

Amphitheater news revealed that the City needs to get one project started before receiving funding for anything else, and that Parks and Tourism has to approve what goes into bids before bidding can begin.

Mrs. Connelly said that the Commission has been trying to figure out funding for an ADA approved electric 9 passenger, 2 wheelchair capacity shuttle to be used at the Sports Complex. She stated that she had spoken with MEDC Executive Director Nita McDaniel, and Mrs. Daniel said that she would look into grants to help find funding.

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!

“That’s my granddaughter”, Tom said with pride.  

After reading the article printed in The Times of Northeast Benton County, written by Annette Beard, it was plain to see that he had a reason to be proud.

“I can’t believe I get paid to do this,” the 23-year-old Air Force second lieutenant said of flying.

Kristin Henry earned her bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 2010, and is now stationed at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Okla. There, she is in the process of earning her wings – becoming a military-rated pilot.

In high school, when most teen-aged girls were getting their driver’s license, worrying about proms and their first car, Kristin had earned both her visual and instrumental pilot’s licenses.

Click here for the full story from “The Times” / NWAonline.com.

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