This week we’ll discuss the history and evolution of the south side of Monticello’s Square. Earliest memories recall a wooden two-story building on the southeast corner that housed the R. C. Bennett Saloon in the 1890s, as evidenced in an old partial picture of the Square we own at the museum. The second story once held a “private” poker room.
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Monticello Airport Chosen “Airport of the Year” Again
October 28th, 2011 by
The Arkansas Airport Operator’s Association has announced that Monticello’s Ellis Field has been chosen as the 2011 Arkansas Airport of the Year.
The Monticello Airport was also selected as Airport of the Year in 2008. Our Airport is the only “repeat winner” of this award in over 20 years.
Drew County Man Killed in Car-Pedestrian Accident
October 24th, 2011 byMonticello Memories – Tour of Monticello’s Main Street – #10
October 23rd, 2011 byLet’s continue our look around the Square by looking at the east side of the Square, beginning at the north end of Main Street where it intersects with East McCloy and continuing south to its intersection with East Gaines.
City Losing 47% Revenue Due to Old Water Meters – VIDEO
October 20th, 2011 by
During last week’s special city council committee meeting, Rick Shepherd and Dennington Moss with Faulkner Pipe Company addressed the Council about the city’s current water meter problems.
Samples of replaced city water pipes, shown at meeting.
Based on 25 randomly selected old meters pulled from different areas around Monticello and sent to Austin, TX to Fluid Meters for testing, it was determined that the old meters are costing the city quite a large sum of money each month.
No Charges Filed on “Hit & Run Trash Truck”
October 19th, 2011 by
When a resident of Oak View Apartments went to her car, last Wednesday morning, she discovered that it had been hit in the rear, overnight, and the accident was not reported.
When Monticello Police arrived, the investigation led to the discovery that the “hit & run” vehicle was actually a City of Monticello trash truck. Estimates to repair the vehicle came in at around $3,000.
Since a city vehicle was involved, the Drew County Sheriff’s Dept. took over the case.
City truck #116 was identified as the vehicle involved, which was confirmed by paint marks.
Another Local Resident Arrested While Their Home Burns
October 18th, 2011 by
Around 12:30 Sunday afternoon, the Monticello Fire Dept. responded to the report to a mobile home fire in the Koala Bear Trailer Park on Scott Street.
The resident of the trailer, Eric Burton Bell, attempted to get close to or enter the burning structure while firefighters were still battling the blaze and was arrested by MPD. Bell was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Obstructing Governmental Operations, Possession of Controlled Substance, and Resisting Arrest.
The cause of the fire was undetermined, but it appears that most of the damage was done in the living room / kitchen area of the trailer.
Another local resident was arrested after she set her own trailer on fire, and assaulted a family member, earlier this month.
What Happened to Southern Hospitality
October 18th, 2011 by
Being born and raised right here in Arkansas, I’ve always had a lot of pride at how the rest of the country tends to think of us. I had someone from Iowa once tell me, “It’s so strange to me how you can be on line at the store around here (yes, they say ON line, not IN line) and out of no where some person you’ve never seen before will strike up a conversation with you. It must be a Southern thing…”
That conversation took place many years ago, and as I stand in line at stores today, I wonder how things have changed so rapidly. Are people really less polite today than they have ever been in the past?
Arrested 3 Times in 1 Day
October 17th, 2011 by
A Monticello woman was very busy, Saturday, October 8, being arrested 3 times, on a wide variety of charges by the Arkansas State Police and the Monticello Police Dept.
Dermott Man Arrested for Voyeurism at Monticello Home
October 17th, 2011 by
A Dermott man was arrested by the Monticello Police Dept., Tuesday, and charged with voyeurism for his actions outside of a Monticello home.
James E. Dotson, Jr.’s bond was set at $15,000 by District Judge Ken Harper.
Dotson has since bonded out of jail.
Monticello Man Killed in Pine Bluff Car Accident
October 15th, 2011 byA 22 year old Monticello man died of injuries he received Friday morning, in a single vehicle car crash, in Pine Bluff.
At the Museum – 1900’s Crank Style Telephone
October 10th, 2011 by
This is an early 1900’s crank style telephone displayed in the kitchen area of the museum, When you would crank this telephone, it would get the attention of an operator who would ask who you were calling, then plug you into that line making a connection and alert the other party with a series of rings, also there would be up to 10 or more of your neighbors on this same “party” line all of whom could at any time pick up their phone receivers and listen in on your conversation.
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 and Sundays from 2 pm till 5 pm.
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’s Main Street #7
October 10th, 2011 by
Last week we stopped at the charming little orange brick structure formerly known as the “Finn McCloy” house. Now we’ll move on south to the next McCloy house.
Monticello Memories – Tour of Monticello’s North Main Street #8
October 10th, 2011 byThis week we will discuss the last block on the west side of North Main. I have chosen to try to cover the entire block because it not only faces Main Street, but also the heart of Monticello – the town’s Square. I had stopped earlier at the First Baptist Church so we could return and review some of the other businesses on that last corner block on North Main Street as we begin our “sentimental journey” around the Square.
Tractor Trailer – Farm Trailer Collision on 425 South
October 8th, 2011 by
Around 5:30, Saturday morning, the driver of the trailer of hay bales (shown below) seems to have pulled out in front of the Tyson 18-wheeler. Both vehicles were traveling north on HWY 25 South.
The collision occurred between All-Occaision Florist and Jordan Drive.
The driver of the Tyson truck was transported to DMH to be checked for injuries.
Triple A Towing removed the big-rig, so the roadway could be re-opened.
Monticello Police, assisted by Drew County Sheriff’s deputies, worked the crash site.
MHS Teacher Recognized as State Teacher of the Year Finalist
October 6th, 2011 by
Four teachers from around the state were named finalists for the 2012 Teacher of the Year Award, by the state Department of Education, including a Monticello High School teacher.
Fatal Collision Near Lacey, Wednesday Morning
October 6th, 2011 by
HWY 425 South, just north of Ladelle, was the scene of a fatal motor vehicle collision, Wednesday morning around 6:15, as this Ford pick-up collided head on with this Toyota Corolla. Monticello’s Fire and Rescue Team was called out to extricate the occupants from one of the vehicles.
Monticello Woman Arrested Twice Friday, After Assaulting Beautician, Setting House on Fire, & Punching Family Member
October 4th, 2011 by
A Monticello woman was arrested Friday, around noon, after MPD responded to a call reporting that she had attacked a local beautician. The woman was charged with battery, and bonded out of jail, upon being taken to the County Detention Facility.
But that wasn’t the only time she was arrested, that day.
City Street Overlays Planned
September 29th, 2011 byThe Monticello City Council, at their recent meeting, approved the yearly city street overlays, which are divided as close to evenly between the city’s wards as possible.
Information Limited on Monticello Man’s Fishing Death
September 29th, 2011 byJohnny Donaldson, age 68, of Monticello, died in the waters of Big Bayou Meto, southwest of Gillett, Tuesday morning.
According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Donaldson, died Tuesday, around 11:30 a.m, when he apparently fell into the water, near a floodgate, near the Arkansas river. No one knows how he fell into the water.
Donaldson, who was fishing alone that morning, was best know in Monticello as a contractor, and as owner of several apartment complexes.
Friday Crash Victim Dies Monday
September 27th, 2011 by
James Glenn, age 85, of Drew County, died Monday from injuries sustained Friday afternoon around 3 pm, in an automobile accident on HWY 293, near Selma Mill Loop.
According to Arkansas State Police reports, Glenn’s Ford Ranger failed to stop and ran into the rear of a loaded log truck, which had stopped, and was waiting to turn left.
Glenn was transported to Drew Memorial Hospital, and them transferred to Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, where he died from his injuries.
Monticello Memories – Tour of Monticello’s North Main Street – Part 6
September 26th, 2011 bySince we began taking our little “imaginary stroll” down historic North Main Street the Hyatt family name has emerged several times so I wanted to begin this week by enlightening readers about this legendary family’s history.
The first Hyatts migrated from Chester County, South Carolina, in 1846 when Rev. Benjamin Culp Hyatt bought 40 acres for $80 on Rough and Ready Hill and moved his family to Drew County. There he operated a boarding house, preached at Scrough Out Church, practiced medicine, taught school and was a carpenter.
At the Museum – French Mirror from 1800’s
September 25th, 2011 by
This late 1800’s French mirror was bought by the home owners (Museum) from a plantation in Vidalia, Louisiana, and was shipped by mule and train to Monticello. This mirror hangs in the living room above the fireplace in the Museum.
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 and Sundays from 2 pm till 5 pm.
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.
Four Arrests Made after String of Vehicle Break-ins
September 23rd, 2011 by
A call of “shots fired” came through the Monticello Police Department’s dispatch at approximately 1:00am on Monday.
“Concerns” Discussed in Intermodal Authority Board Meeting
September 23rd, 2011 byClick here for the story from SalineRiverChronicle.com.
2009 & 2010 Fair Parade – Videos
September 20th, 2011 byMonticelloLive on Vimeo.
Monticello Memories – Tour of North Main Street – Part 5
September 18th, 2011 byThis week we’ll resume our journey south down historic North Main Street and begin at the handsome buff brick Tudor-style home sitting on the attractively manicured lawn at the beginning of the next block on the east side of the street. Built in the late 1920’s by Henry Trotter who married Lucille Simmons from Pine Bluff, the home is one of the most admired in the city. (Henry Trotter was a son to V. J. Trotter and grew up in the house that is now the Trotter House, a bed-and-breakfast.) In 1937 the young couple moved to Pine Bluff and Dr. Johnny Price bought the home. Dr. Price’s daughter, Ann, has many delightful stories and memories centered on growing up in the beautiful home. It was there that Ann was married to Dr. James F. Clark in 1964. Read the rest of this entry »
Arkansas Midland Railroad to Receive $2.7 Million Federal Grant
September 15th, 2011 by
U.S. Representative Mike Ross and U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and 
John Boozman have announced the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department will receive a $2,721,435 federal grant to rehabilitate and improve 40 miles of railroad track along the Warren Branch of the Arkansas Midland Railroad, a short line railroad located in southeastern Arkansas. The grant will help fund improvements to tracks in Bradley, Chicot and Drew counties.
Happy Birthday, Cliff
September 14th, 2011 by
Happy Birthday Cliff!!
From the Gang at Gibson & Keith, PLLC
Montiello Memories – Tour of Monticello’s North Main Street – Part 4
September 12th, 2011 byThis week we’ll continue our tour of Monticello’s North Main Street by returning to the north end of the street where the site of the new library sits and “strolling” down the east side of North Main Street.
At The Museum – Edison Amberola (before records, cassettes, CDs, & MP3s)
September 11th, 2011 by
This is a Edison Amberola DX on display in the living room at the museum, It was produced in July of 1914 and retailed for $30 dollars. It was the first model that had a internal speaker instead of the “horn” and played a 4 minute plastic disc instead of the old fragile wax disc. This model was also the last of the Edison line to be belt driven and was said to be Edison’s “final achievement”. He later came out with a more inexpensive worm gear driven model.
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 and Sundays from 2 pm till 5 pm.
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.
Luna Bros. Cirucs to Entertain “Under the Big Top”, Friday Night
September 11th, 2011 by
Luna Bro’s Circus will put on an exciting performance for children of all ages, Friday at 7 p.m. in front of the Marketplace, at the intersection of HWY 425 and HWY 278.
Clown, animals, jugglers, vendors, and all types of circus entertainment will be presented.
Luna Bros. Circus thrilled the crowd in Monticello back in 2008, and again in 2010. The show has grown since that time, so come on out and see the many new attractions, and their new “Big Top”.
Crossett G-P to Suspend “Indefinitely” Plywood and Stud Mills
September 10th, 2011 by
700 employees to be laid off.
Paper and Chemical Operations Not Affected.
Click here for the full story from AshleyCountyLedger.com
Brishen Mathews Makes Tackle on ESPN
September 7th, 2011 by
Local college football fans watching the Ole Miss vs. BYU game, Tuesday night, couldn’t help but smile when they heard the name of former Monticello Billie Brishen Mathews getting credit for a tackle on a Cougar’s kick returner, early in the second half of the nationally televised game.
Good work, Brishen.
DMH Contruction Update & Photos
September 5th, 2011 by
Drew Memorial Hospital’s phase I and Phase II of the building modernization project were discussed. The new inpatient wing under construction should be completed and ready for occupancy by February 1, 2012. The allied health building should be completed and ready for occupancy by March 1, 2012. The final phase of this project, which is the new surgery center and a new concept and a line drawing, was reviewed. A cost estimate should be available within the next few weeks, based on the new concept of locating the Women’s Center on the front side of the hospital rather than on the backside and relocating the new geri-psych unit closer to the hospital.
Reports indicate that the construction of the new Pre-Post/Op area should be complete by October 1, 2011.
Reprinted from DMH Hospital Report.
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