On Wednesday morning August 26, 2026 at 3:47am, Monticello Fire Department Rescue responded to a single vehicle rollover with entrapment on Hwy 278 West near Wilmar. Driver was extracted and air lifted from scene.

Mainline Health Systems announced today plans to assume operations of Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare System’s (SABHS) behavioral health clinics in Star City and Sheridan, ensuring continued access to essential behavioral health services as the nonprofit organization concludes an extraordinary 62 years of service to Arkansas communities.

At the same time, Arcare will assume operations of SABHS’s clinics in Stuttgart and Pine Bluff, creating a collaborative transition plan that preserves access to care for patients throughout southeast Arkansas.

Founded more than six decades ago, SABHS was Arkansas’ first community mental health center and has served generations of children, adults, and families through compassionate, community-based behavioral healthcare. While changes in the healthcare landscape have made it increasingly difficult for the organization to continue operating independently, its mission will continue through organizations committed to carrying that work forward.

“For more than 60 years, Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare has played a vital role in improving the lives of individuals and families across our region,” said G. Allan Nichols, Chief Executive Officer of Mainline Health Systems. “We are honored to continue that legacy in Star City and Sheridan and remain committed to ensuring patients have access to the high-quality,
compassionate behavioral healthcare they deserve.”

“For our Board of Directors, this decision has always been about protecting our patients, our employees, and the mission we have served for the past 62 years,” said Sherrie James, SABHS CEO. “We are grateful to have found partners who share our commitment to community-based behavioral healthcare and will continue serving the people who have trusted us for generations.”

The transition is not a traditional acquisition or purchase. As SABHS dissolves as a nonprofit organization, certain assets, including the Star City and Sheridan clinics, will become part of Mainline Health Systems, allowing services to continue without interruption.

Honoring the People Behind the Legacy
For decades, SABHS’s physicians, therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, and support staff have built trusted
relationships with patients and families throughout southeast Arkansas.

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Monticello Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 10:51pm Monday August 24th, 2026. Engine 2 and Tanker 1 dispatched to the 1500 block of Florence Road. No injuries were reported.

The Cherry Street and Highway 278 paving project has been completed.

We appreciate the patience of residents in the neighborhood who had to take alternative routes to work & school.

But thanks also to all citizens for their continued understanding as we pursue other projects to rebuild the City of Monticello’s vital infrastructure!

The 2026 graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) recently achieved a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

This achievement marks the program’s first 100% first-attempt pass rate since 2023.

The NCLEX-RN is a standardized licensure exam required by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for nursing graduates seeking to become registered nurses. Passing the exam demonstrates that a graduate has met the national standard of education and training necessary to begin practice as an entry-level nurse. 

The graduating cohort includes Kaitlyn Clark, from Hamburg; Annie Figueroa, from Warren; Harley Latta, from Warren; Fabiola Mondragon, from Dumas; Graci Philips, from Star City; Courtnee Poppy, from Maumelle; and Noemi Salazar, from Hope.

The Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met on Thursday July 16th at the UAM Ag Building. The meeting came to order around 7:00 pm and started with the blessing of the meal by Mr. Tanner Cater. The hearty meal of cheesy chicken spaghetti and the side dishes were sponsored by Drew Farm Supply. Desserts were brought by members.

Dr. Jason Cater, the night’s speaker, went over common diseases and issues of cattle. He covered common summertime topics for southeast Arkansas like anaplasmosis and perilla mint toxicity. Internal and external parasites as well as many management techniques and treatments were discussed. Dr. Cater also covered up and coming issues like the New world Screwworm and Theileria. Members also asked questions and discussed proper practices. Scholarship applications were also handed out in preparation of awards. The meeting was adjourned by President Cater and fellowship followed.

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Commercial Bank & Trust is proud to announce the promotion of Magan Rawls to Vice President – Financial Operations Supervisor. Rawls has been with Commercial Bank for more than six years and has become a key part of the bank’s financial operations team through her efficiency, dependability and commitment to excellent customer service.

Rawls was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Financial Operations in January 2025 and has continued to take on greater leadership responsibilities while supporting financial operations throughout the bank.

Todd Smith, President of Commercial Bank, stated: “Magan is capable, efficient and dependable, and she has become a key extension of Derek Grice, Senior Vice President, in assisting with a number of areas that positively impact the customer experience. We are proud to recognize her continued growth and leadership with this promotion.”

In her new role as Vice President – Financial Operations Supervisor, Rawls will continue her existing responsibilities while assuming greater authority in supervisory matters, supporting Derek and financial operations bank-wide.

Commercial Bank congratulates Magan on this well-deserved promotion and thanks her for her continued commitment to serving customers with excellence.