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Monticello Sex Offender’s Appeal Denied by State Court
January 26th, 2012 by
In May, a Drew County Circuit Court jury of 5 men and 7 women only took 40 minutes to find a local man guilty of sexual indecency with a child and 2nd degree sexual assault. He had been arrested on September 2, 2010.
The jury sentenced him to 24 years in prison for those crimes, which were committed against a 7 year old. He was released on an appeal bond, pending this court decision. Read the rest of this entry »
Gray Seeking Re-election to JP District 8
January 25th, 2012 by
Tommy Gray has announced his intent to seek re-election to the Drew County Quorum Court, as District 5 Justice of the Peace.
Gray is a native of south Arkansas and a resident of Drew County for more than 35 years, Gray is president and manager of Monticello Tire and Service, Inc.
Lampkin Will Not Seek Re-Election as Drew County Judge – Video
January 25th, 2012 byGasps of surprise went around the table as Quorum Court members began reading a sheet of paper Judge Damon Lampkin passed to each of them. It was his letter to the Court expressing his decision to retire after serving this final year as Drew County Judge.
In an emotional statement to the Court, and the public, Judge Lampkin said that he would be 71 years old if he ran again next year, and it was time for him to put his health first. He then read his letter to the audience which said…..
MPD Chief Explains Arrest Warrant & Old Fine Issues to City Council
January 23rd, 2012 byChief of Police Eddy Deaton addressed the City Council Thursday evening on warrant issues the department is having due to mix-ups in District Court. He told the Council that over the past few years people were being arrested on warrants for fines that they had already paid.
One Monticello Life – MPD Chief Eddy Deaton
January 23rd, 2012 by
Eddy Deaton has a new title at the Monticello Police Department as of January 2012… Chief Deaton. He takes his future goals for the department very seriously.
“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.”
At the Museum – Antique Weaving Loom
January 23rd, 2012 by
This old loom still has some weavings on it that was started and never finished by the owner who donated it to the museum.
Several pieces of the looms work are hanging nearby.
Come see this and many other interesting items on display at your Drew County Museum, We are open Fridays from 1pm till 5pm, and Saturdays from 2pm till 5 pm and Sunday by appointment. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Drew County Historical Society, memberships are $25 Dollars for a single membership or $40 for a family membership.
Being a member gives you the right to attend meetings and have a voice for the museum and you will receive the yearly journal that the museum produces. All though your presence is not required at the meetings to become a member. Please mail your membership request to The Drew County Historical Society 404 South Main Monticello, AR 71655.
Monticello Memories – Tour of Monticello – # 22
January 23rd, 2012 by
Since we’ve covered the west side of South Main from the Square to Jackson Street, let’s go back to the square and look at the east side of South Main to Jackson Street. His area, too, has experienced a colorful history.
An 1886 plat map of Monticello shows that a dry goods store, a tobacco store, a millinery store, a sewing machine and gun store, a business involved in “fence making” and an “imagery” business were located on that first block from the corner to the railroad tracks in that year. Read the rest of this entry »
Council Approves Water Rate Increase – Update
January 20th, 2012 byDrew Central School Board Terminates Former Principal Noble, following his December Arrest – Video & Updated Info
January 18th, 2012 byDCSO Arrests – Cemetary Marker Thefts – Attack & Assault Arrests
January 18th, 2012 by
arrests confirmed by Sheriff Mark Gober
Read the rest of this entry »
3 Vehicle Crash at 425/278, Saturday
January 17th, 2012 by
No one was seriously injured, around 3:45 Saturday, in a 3 vehicle collision at the HWY 425/278 intersection.
A Ford pick-up reportedly ran a red-light, and was struck in the driver’s door by a Pontiac Grand Prix. Another vehicle was also struck, receiving less damage than the Ford and Pontiac.
Monticello Police and an Arkansas State Trooper responded to work the traffic and accident.
One Monticello Life – Drew Central Teacher of the Year; Mrs. Sheila Gardner
January 16th, 2012 by
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.”
Monticello Memories – Tour of Monticello – # 21
January 16th, 2012 byLast week we discussed the portion of South Main Street between the corner of South Main and East Gaines Street and the present Drew County Courthouse. This week we’ll look at the courthouse “property” and continue to Jackson Avenue.
The current Drew County Courthouse is the fourth courthouse to be built for the official business of Drew County since the county’s 1846 beginnings. Since a fairly thorough description of the building of the “new” courthouse and its history was written by me and published in the 2007 Drew County Historical Journal, I won’t repeat all of that at this time. (Multiple copies of the 2007 Journal may be purchased at the museum for $5.00 each.)
At the Museum – Antique Camera Collection
January 15th, 2012 by
This display has just about every camera one can imagine, and probably some you couldn’t , come by and see if you have seen some of these in your lifetime.
Come see this and many other interesting items on display at your Drew County Museum, We are open Fridays from 1pm till 5pm, and Saturdays from 2pm till 5 pm and Sunday by appointment..
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Drew County Historical Society, memberships are $25 Dollars for a single membership or $40 for a family membership. Please mail your membership request to The Drew County Historical Society 404 South Main Monticello, AR 71655.
Local Resident’s Granddaughter is Flying High, with US Air Force
January 13th, 2012 by
Tom Henry of the Montongo community recently brought a copy of a northwest Arkansas newspaper to church with him.
“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.
Mark Gober Announces for Re-Election to 5th Term as Sheriff
January 9th, 2012 by
Mark Gober has announced his candidacy for re-election to a fifth term as Drew County Sheriff. “During the past seven years I have worked closely with county, local and state officials in the prevention and deterrence of crime. We have increased the level of drug detection and substantially increased the number of drug related arrests. I have enjoyed meeting many citizens of this county while performing my duties as Drew County Sheriff and look forward to the many challenges that I face daily in this office.”
At the Museum – Homemade Kerosene Lamp
January 8th, 2012 byThis is a homemade kerosene lamp made by MM Hardy. 
This goes to show the ingenuity of the people back then to be able to take old parts, weld them together and make a lamp to light the house and be safe enough to do so.
Come see this and many other interesting items on display at your Drew County Museum, We are open Fridays from 1pm till 5pm, and Saturdays from 2pm till 5 pm and Sunday by appointment..
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Drew County Historical Society, memberships are $25 Dollars for a single membership or $40 for a family membership. Please mail your membership request to The Drew County Historical Society 404 South Main Monticello, AR 71655.
Monticello Memories – Tour of Monticello – #19
January 8th, 2012 byI want to look briefly down West McCloy Street now to share information about the location of a public “meat storage locker” that once operated near the Square. Bill Dunlap, a kind gentleman who is a former Drew Countian and brother of the late Martha Sue McClain, called and supplied some information about the business. He also suggested I call his cousins, Shirley Burks of Wilmar and Hardy McKinstry of Banks, to hear their memories. I did and heard some delightful memories!
Rottweiler Attacks Walking Woman – Transferred to JRMC
January 7th, 2012 byAccording to MPD Chief Eddy Deaton, a woman taking a walk was mauled by a Rottweiler, Friday morning. Read the rest of this entry »
Letter to the Editor – “what goes up…must come down”.
January 5th, 2012 by
We have all heard the saying that “what goes up…must come down”. For some reason, there are those people who do not believe this saying (or the law of gravity) applies to bullets fired into the air from a gun during the course of celebration. Over the New Year’s Eve holiday, a stray bullet pierced the hood of my car parked three feet away from my house during someone’s trigger happy celebration. There was also another incident in the Monticello area where a stray bullet went through someone’s roof and stopped in the family’s headboard where the parents were asleep in that bed with their small child. And this isn’t the first year this has happened.
Savage Seeking Re-election as Circuit Clerk
January 3rd, 2012 by
Pat Scifres Savage announces that she is seeking re-election for the position of Drew County Circuit Clerk. She is currently serving her fourth term of office as the Circuit Clerk.
She graduated from Monticello High School and attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Pat is a Baptist and has three children: Chris Savage and wife, Kelly of Crossett; Brian Savage of Monticello, and Ashley Savage, a student at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. She is a grandmother of two, Gavin and Jaxson Savage from Crossett. Pat is the daughter of Martha Scifres and the late Tommy Scifres.
“She Only Eats at School.”
January 3rd, 2012 by
Grant presented by Delta Kappa Gamma
FEED THE KIDS RECEIVES GRANT
Delta Kappa Gamma recently awarded a grant of $500 in support of Feed the Kids weekend snack bags. The Extension Homemakers also contributed the proceeds from their winter fundraiser and the Shepherd Center gave a portion of their fall session registration to support the project. Feed the Kids is funded strictly through donations with some assistance from Rice Depot and a few grants. The group is awaiting final determination from the IRS to become a 501c3 entity.
Bags prepared for students.
Feed the Kids is a snack pack weekend feeding program active in Monticello and Drew Central Schools. The mission originally started by the Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church has grown in the past five years from an experiment with six children to more than 150 children in both school districts. Children in Pre-K through 8th grade are identified by counselors, teachers, other school personnel, and sometimes even the children themselves as needing additional food.
beanie weenies to be distributed
The cost of each snack bag is about $6.00 and contains enough food to supplement a hungry child over the weekend. Clean-up bags are sent home on a quarterly basis and contain soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and seasonal items like socks, hats, and gloves. The cost to provide the bags has grown to over $2,000 per month.
Volunteers from the Methodist Youth Group, Second Baptist Church ladies’ mission group, Vera Lloyd Achievement Club, and individual community members pack and deliver the bags. The bags are packed the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. during the school year at the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church. For more information, to volunteer, or to donate to Feed the Kids, contact Louisa Smith, Chair 367-7439 or Allison Collins, Vice Chair 367-2987
Happy New Year from MonticelloLive!!
January 2nd, 2012 by
2011 Headlines – The Top 40 Stories of the Year
January 2nd, 2012 by
2011 brought with it many headlines that affected our lives. Some simply stirred our interest, while others changed the way we live.
MonticelloLive is posting the top 40 headlines of 2011, based on pageviews, video plays, and amount of public conversation that the stories inspired.
While we are reminiscing, here are links to the 2009 Headlines and the 2010 Headlines- The Year in Review.
New Year’s Eve Police Report – 1 Wreck, 5 DWI Arrests
January 1st, 2012 by
At least a dozen law enforcement officers were on patrol on New Year’s Eve, representing MPD, DCSO, and State Troopers, which may have been enough to convince some “celebrators” to “let somebody else drive.”
But that wasn’t the case for everyone, with 5 Drew County arrests being made on potential DWI charges, after the festivities ended well after midnight.
DWI Arrestee Attempts to bring Gun into Jail
December 31st, 2011 by
A 25 year old Lincoln County woman was arrested earlier this month by the Arkansas State Police.
She was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Careless Driving, Improper Lane Change, No Seat Belt, Furnishing Prohibited Articles in a Jail, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Carrying a Weapon.
City Council Votes to Build New Fire Station at W.C. Whaley Property —– “Top Headline of 2011”
December 30th, 2011 byIn a shocking turn of events, the City Council voted yes to building a new fire station on the W.C. Whaley lot. During Thursday night’s meeting Mayor Allen Maxwell asked MEDC Executive Director Nita McDaniel to present the slide show to the Council that was shown to the public during the ISO Rating Meeting (posted below).
“2011’s Top Stories” – Special Edition- “And One to GROW On”
December 30th, 2011 byThe Local Economy
2011 brought with it many changes in Monticello’s business climate. In August, SeaArk Marine announced their closing as of this month (SeaArk Boats remains unaffected by this change). Last month, Drew County Speedway told of their operations ceasing, as well. Larry’a Pizza, Topps Pizza, and other businesses closed during the year.
Even while experiencing the loss of several employers, and several dozen jobs, Monticello still remains one of the “brighter” spots in southeast Arkansas, based on the number of businesses that either started, expanded, hired more workers, were purchased by new owners, or added important equipment. Each of these entities showed a commitment to their employees, and their intentions to remain a part of Monticello’s future.
Those 75 businesses, industries, and organizations include…..
(Hold mouse over image to view business identity)
2. (Tie) DCHS Principal Steve Noble Arrested
December 28th, 2011 by
Drew Central High School Principal Steve Noble was arrested at his home on December 8, 2011. Charges were filed after detectives from Phoenix, Arizona Police Department posed as a 14 year old girl in a chat room and Noble allegedly asked the “girl” if she wanted to “watch him.” The same chat room had led the detectives to identify other sexual predators previously.
Search warrants of Noble’s home and office were executed where items listed to cease were computers, hard drives, jump drives, digital cameras, camcorders, cds and dvds. A warrant also allowed his iPhone to be taken and searched.
Noble is currently out on bond and faces possible extradition to Phoenix.
This was the 2nd leading pageview story in 2011.
2. (Tie) Michael Binns’ Conviction and Death – Autopsy Update
December 28th, 2011 by
Though the tragic case against Michael Binns came to light in November of 2010, it is a story that shook nearly all of 2011 for Monticello.
Binns was arrested and charged on 2 counts of rape, the victims being 16 and 18 year old males and later charges also included two counts of introducing a controlled substance, without the knowledge of the victim, for the purpose of engaging in an unlawful sexual act.
After a two-day jury trial, Michael Binns, Sr., former MHS and MJHS choir director, was found guilty of two counts of 2nd degree sexual assault and one count of introduction of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to twenty years each on the second degree assault convictions and five years for the introduction of a controlled substance, for a total of 45 years.
After his conviction on July 14, 2011 Binns went to the Drew County Detention Facility until July 20, when he was then transported to Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. He returned to the CDF on the 21st and was sent to the Arkansas Department of Corrections on July 22nd. He then passed away on July 31, after being treated at JRMC in Pine Bluff for seizures.
A spokesperson for he department of correction confirmed in late December that Binns” cause of death has been determined by the State Crime Lab to be a “pulmonary embolism, complicated by a seizure disorder.” They were unable to determine the cause of the embolism.
Binns’ arrest in November, 2011 was that year’s leading pageviews story. The updated coverage of his July trial day, was the leading pageview day for 2012. This shows the impact that this case had on the community.
Arkansas Teacher of the Year – MHS’ Kimberly Wilson – One Monticello Life
December 28th, 2011 by
“You aren’t much of a person if you can’t understand the finer things in life… you’ve done that with our kids… you deserve Teacher of the Year,” Governor Beebe told Mrs. Wilson.
After hugging her children and her husband, accepting her roses and her large check to represent her financial award of $15,000 (from the Walton Family Foundation) Mrs. Wilson said, “I want to thank you… thank you. It humbles me.” “First, I’m privileged to be part of a fantastic school district.” “The other half… here’s what makes the difference… it’s your [students’] effort that makes it all work.”
Mrs. Wilson then said to the 4th and 5th grade students present, “You made me a great teacher; you made this possible.”
In closing Mrs. Wilson said, “Thank you to my family, my 2 children are here. They spend a lot of hours in the classroom.” “I could not do it if I did not have a fantastic, loving, supporting husband.” “I would like to thank my Principals..” She went on to describe how they never tell her no when she comes to them with her “crazy” ideas.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kimberly Kaye Wilson – One Monticello Life
5. Airport Awards & News
December 28th, 2011 by
2011 was definitely “the” year for Monticello’s airport, Ellis Field. Numerous improvements have been made, and well deserved honors and awards have been given to the airport over the past year.
A few of the impressive improvements the airport has seen over the past 12 months include moving the fuel pump from their old office building to the new one, and resealing of the runway pavement.
A new office building and hangar is under construction, thanks to hard work by aiport commission chairman Bennie Ryburn III in applying for grants, to be leased to EFS Geo-Technologies, the MEDC / Chamber of Commerce Industry of the Year. This will provide long-term income to the airport, to help achieve it’s goal of being self sufficient.
Ellis Field had National recognition when Bob Worthington, writer for Fly Low magazine, wrote about his experience with the airport and its staff. His story of how the staff pulled together to provide him with transportation, when he was stuck due to weather, and being there to help problem solve was but one example of the prime service Ellis Field Airport provides to each of its customers.Benji Ryburn, Airport Commissioner, accepted the Outstanding Airport Award on behalf of the airport from the FAA. Monticello’s Airport was also given the honor of being chosen as Arkansas Airport of the Year in 2011. This was the second time the airport had received the award, the first time being in 2008.
Ellis Field definitely made news, and made Monticello quite proud in 2011.
9. Sadie Johnson Building
December 28th, 2011 by
October of 2010 brought the tragic news of the loss of the Sadie Johnson Building. A fire completely destroyed the well-loved and much used structure.
Bids were taken to see how much it would take to rebuild, and with the lowest bid coming in at a grand total of $757,900 (including the 10% engineering fee), the Parks and Recreation Commission would be left with a budget deficit of -$256,876 if they accepted.
The Commission voted to accept the low bid, and ask the City Council for more funding. With the City being projected as over budget for the 2012 year if the Sadie Johnson Building funding does occur, there has been no official vote yet on if they will grant the money to Parks and Recreation.
10. Movement Underway to Get Wet/Dry Vote in Marion Township
December 28th, 2011 by
In late September, a group of interested individuals met to begin the process of placing a “wet / dry” vote, to allow beer, wine, and liquor sales in Marion Township, which include Monticello, and it’s immediately surrounding area.
Their effort is called “Vote for Growth in Drew County,”
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