MonticelloLive

 
Tonight’s edition of One Monticello Life takes a look at a husband and wife, that between them, spent a total of 63 years working at Burlington.
Tom and Marsha Henry will celebrate their 47th anniversary later this year, are active members of Northside Baptist Church, and have raised 3 sons.
Marsha worked at Burlington for 25 years, […]

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

With today being Father’s Day, Mr. Pete Rowe has been chosen the the One Monticello Life for this week.
Mr. Pete is the father of 3 adult children; Vernon who works in the environmental field and lives in Pittsburgh, TX; Norman, who lives in Cabot, Retired from the Air Force after 20 years, and is employed in the computer field; […]

Dailyn Johnston, is the daughter of David and Lyndie Johnston, and has a younger brother, Josh, who is three.
I’ve known Dailyn and her family for several years, and at the age of 9, Dailyn is involved in more activities than most adults.
This fall, Dailyn will be in the forth grade at Monticello Intermediate School, after […]

Last night at the boxing match, I visited with Monticello Billies Coach Van Paschal, and asked to interview him for tonight’s One Monticello Life.  He agreed, and I learned a lot about Coach Paschal during our conversation, this afternoon.
Coach Paschal was born in Ft. Worth, TX, and moved to Brinkley as a small child.  He […]

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

Erica Hood is the daughter of Steve and Amanda Hood. She graduated from […]

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

Steve & Kim Pigott have recently purchased Clearview Glass & Mirror, here in Monticello, and had a booth at Rough & Ready Days to publicize their business.
Steve & Kim have had an impact on Monticello for years, through the work that they have done, and it seems appropriate to select them as this weeks One […]

Gretchen and James Cucurullo and their daughter Tessa left Mississippi and Louisiana, along with other family and friends, August 2005, to get out of the path of Hurricane Katrina.
Their intentions were to evacuate and to take Tessa to a motel for a few days of swimming and fun with her nieces, friends, and cousins, then return […]

Joe Williams, Jr. was born and raised in Monticello, and graduated from Monticello High School in 1982.  He attended and graduated from UAM with a B.A. in computer science.
Joe has spent the last 4 years employed as receiving manager for School Apperal’s Star City facility, but is best know from the more than 20 years he spent at Burlington Industries, […]

Doug Knight was born in Springhill, LA, but his family moved to Drew County when he was 2 years old.  Doug grew up in the Plantersville area, and graduated from Drew Central High School.
Doug continued his education by taking industrial electricity classes at Pines vo-tech in Pine Bluff. 
Doug spent 7 years working on off-shore oil […]

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

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

As the electronics field has changed over the years, so has Rick Hales.  Rick’s job description is “electronics technician”, but that covers a wide range of areas.  
Rick began in electronics back in 1981, when he worked at Cass Martin’s Radio Shack, behind the Union Bank University Branch. 
Rick was well known for years from the Drew […]

One Monticello Life, one of MonticelloLive’s most popular pages will have it’s newest edition posted tonight.
“One Monticello Life” features a different Monticello area citizen each week, by bringing you the personal stories, memories, and thoughts of our friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
Since “One Monticello Life” began in September, 2006, it has been a regular Sunday night event […]

Sgt. Larry Smith, Sr.
Criminal Investigator
Monticello Police Department
 
I have known Larry Smith for several years, but never really spent much time around him, until my wife’s truck was broken into a couple of years ago, and he worked the case.
When I started covering the Police Dept. for MonticelloLive,  I began to consider Larry to be a good […]

Last year, Jeff told about the life of Jesus, as the One Monticello Life for Easter Sunday. There’s not a more deserving subject for this week’s feature. Jesus, the One who has changed more lives than anyone else who ever walk on the earth, including mine. After reading, be sure to play the video at […]

Donna White is a special person.  April 1st will be Donna’s 4 year anniversary working at the Drew County Development Disabilities Adult Center. 
She began there working in The Other Way, their thrift store, and has since been serving as an instructor there, working with the organization’s clients, “not only in a classroom setting, but also with life-skills such […]

Aside from Monticello’s 2 Time & Temperature telephone numbers, the Monticello Police Department’s number probably got answered Friday and Saturday more than any other number in Monticello.
First, let me say that I’ve spent 3 years working in the field of law enforcement dispatching, and although MPD answers call for the Police Dept, Sheriff’s Office, all area fire depts., both ambulance […]

One year ago this week, Cliff Ferrell of Star City, purchased “Signs Plus Shirts” from the Davis’, and became a Monticello business owner.
Last October, he also took over operations of  ”Athletic Awards & Apparel”, and merged the two businesses into one, and moved from the “produce shed” on HWY 278 East, to the south side of […]

Usually, One Monticello Life is done in an interview type format, but this week will be a little different.
Someone suggested that we feature Kasey Earl a couple of months ago.  When I heard that he was playing at “the Coffee Bean” Friday and last night, I had to go.  It was great. But that’s not […]

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. 
Miyoshi grew up in the Selma community, and was raised by her grandparents, Sandy and Birdie Leonard.  She graduated from […]

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 […]

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.
Linda was the owner/operator of “the Mud Hut”.  The Mud Hut was a ceramics shop, that used to be located behind the old Young’s BBQ, and was owned by Charlotte Robbins, when […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

(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.) 
It was truly an honor for me to make this presentation this year.  When I was chosen 2007 Woman of the Year, I said at the time that there were so […]

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.
Sara is a practicing attorney, working in her […]

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 […]

With most of the Thanksgiving festivities over, except for the leftovers, the good football games have made their way to Sportscenter, why not take a look through the archives of One Monticello Life.
There are over 40 Monticello residents who’ve been featured in the ongoing feature, here on MonticelloLive.com, to enjoy until it’s time to re-heat the leftovers.
Check […]

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.
Drew County’s County Clerk is Lyna Gulledge.  Lyna started as a deputy clerk in the Clerk’s office in January 1, […]

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 […]

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.  […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

 
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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Spring break is in full swing for the kids of Monticello. The dogwoods are glistening white, and wisteria is everywhere in purple blooms throughout the woods of South Arkansas. Also awakening in our nearby forests are the protected and revered black bear. One of those who protect this amazing animal is Mark Hooks. This […]

“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 […]

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 […]

Recently Tony Hudson’s life changed in a major way. He retired from his twenty-six year career with Walmart, working his last day at the Monticello store on February 2, 2007. After almost thirteen years here the store employees are like family to Tony, so this day was full of tears.
Tony Hudson was born in Pine […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The flu is rampant in Monticello. Schools are being closed due to the virus. Channel 7 even made its way down to Southeast Arkansas to cover the story. What better person to feature this week for One Monticello Life than the school nurse - Linda Kemp. Here is her story:

Linda Moore Kemp was born and […]

“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 […]

A new year signals more than just the passing of time. It also brings change and newness. In January, Monticello saw the appointment of a new police chief, Robert Rosegrant. This is his story.
Chief Rosegrant has seen many changes in his own life and recounted them for MonticelloLive. He was born and raised just outside […]

What is a week in Monticello without eating at least once at Ameca? This Mexican food restaurant came to Monticello five years ago. It is not only the food that everyone loves but also the friendly staff and great service that keeps you coming back for more chips and salsa. A favorite Ameca employee is […]

Known around town as "the Taekwondo teacher," Richelle Danley is a part of many Monticellonians’ lives, but "Chelle" didn’t start out a martial artist. As a young child with a Dad in the military, the family moved around lots then settled in Humphrey, Arkansas when she was five years old. When Chelle graduated high school […]

Twas the week before Christmas and all through the storeShoppers were buying Coke products galoreWith a spring in his step and a smile on his faceRicky Owens is known throughout this place.
Ricky was born in Drew County and Monticello has been his home his entire life. He graduated from Monticello High School. His father hauled […]

It is Christmas time in Monticello, and Christmas decorations are up and out for all to enjoy. One house that captures the imagination of Monticellonians this time of year is 502 North Main. Behind the doors of  this beautiful home live James and Sue Cathey. This is their story.
Sue Moore Cathey grew up in Little […]

This past week at the First United Methodist Church Preschool there were many three- and four year-olds giving thanks. The children celebrated their annual Thanksgiving feast by bringing their favorite foods. This year’s feast included a bowl of cookie dough, macaroni and cheese, "pasgetty," marshmallows, and chocolate ice cream, to name a small selection. The […]

You may have seen a "Pray for Chase" bumper sticker around town with www.prayforchase.com on it and wondered what it was all about. Chase Wellenberger is a little boy with a big story. He is an eight year old whose roots run deep in Monticello. Although at first glance he is a typical kid, a […]

South Arkansas Rehabilitation recently moved to its newly-built facility on Old Warren Road. Among the busyness of workers still finishing the indoor pool and the staff of physical therapists working with patients last week was a dynamic blend of past and present in for Monticello. Nat Grubbs invited a friend and patient, as well as […]

Books can influence and change the way you see the world. At the Monticello Public Library, there are not only significant books, but there is also a special libararian. Mae Simpson has impacted many people not only through the world of books but also through her life. Here is her story:
Mae Everett Simpson was raised […]

What is Halloween without ghosts, goblins and haunted houses? Located in the center of Monticello, on Main Street is one of Arkansas’ most reputed haunted houses: the Allen House. Here is its story:
The Allen House was built in 1900 by Joe Lee Allen. It is still much like it was when it was built. Dottie […]

UAM will celebrate Homecoming this Saturday, October 28. For many who will attend, Rob Leonard dramatically impacted their college experience. As Director of the Missionary Baptist Student Union and music minister at Pauline Baptist Church for the past 23 years, Rob has invested his life in others for almost six generations of UAM college students. […]

Friday night, Monticello High School celebrated Homecoming. The Billies’ hopes were high, but White Hall proved too much for them this year, defeating MHS. However, the loss does not dampen the spirit of their coach. Behind a good football team is a great coach and person, Van Paschal.
Here is his story:
Van Paschal grew up in […]

Twins. One definition of twins is counterpart - a person or thing that closely resembles another. This is how you would describe Ruth & Ruby Brown. You might have seen these identical twins around town on Fridays. This is their day to eat lunch at a local restaurant. And most days, they wear […]

MonticelloLive is excited to begin a new tradition. Beginning today, we will run a feature story each week on Sundays. It will be called "One Monticello Life." We would love your help and suggestions with stories about the ordinary but special people that compose our community…
If you’ve lived in Monticello for long, you know or […]