As the Monticello community met for the annual Easter Community Service recently, many familiar faces were present.

There was a new face, who was introduced as a part of the program, to sing “How Great Thou Art”, before the message.

Sarah Beth Pippen, the worship leader at Immanuel Baptist Church,  then led the room into worship, as she followed with a strong, spirit-filled rendition of the old, familiar hymn.

MLive recently spoke with Sarah Beth, as a part of our One Monticello Life series.

(more…)

Concrete has been poured this week for seven of the piers of the new livestock barn at the Drew County Fairgrounds.

The new barn is expected to be completed by the County Fair in September.

Madelynn Gates has been chosen as a Razorback Cheerleader for the 2013-2014 season.

This will be Madelynn’s 2nd year to cheer for the University of Arkansas.

At their recent Drew Central school board meeting, the board heard a report from Katie Taylor about her recent trip to Washington DC, as well as her plans to expand her service project “Pack of Hope” to more DC students in need.

Circuit Court Judge Kenny Johnson, Monday, set a $150,000 bond for the man accused in the First Degree Murder of an area woman, who was located in a grave behind the suspect’s house.  She had been missing for nine days. 

The suspect is also charged with Abuse of Corpse. (more…)

The SEARK Concert Association is presenting a special concert performance by Monticello’s own Rob Shrock, April 19, at 7 pm.

Rob spoke to MLive and is excited to be returning to Monticello. He is looking forward to performing for his friends and classmates again.

Rob has led an exciting musical career, since graduating from MHS, including performing and recording with legends of the industry.

He is best known for his associations with Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick, as well as his work on the 72nd Academy Awards show.

The concert will be held at the UAM fine arts center. Tickets are available by calling 460-1060

MPD officers are shown working the car accident that occurred at the Murphy Oil Station on HWY 425 north, around 1:50 pm.

No information about injuries was available.

A 25-year-old Drew County man was killed instantly around 5:45, Thursday morning, in a collison with an 18 wheeler, near the Lincoln-Drew County line.

(more…)

(more…)

Another old building, was recently taken down by it’s property owner.

The building, located at the south end of Bailey Street was removed by Bud Bulloch.  Bulloch told MLive that the area will be used for parking area, for awhile; although he wasn’t sure what the future use of the property located west of the Ridgeway Apt. would be.

The demolition of the structure caused the wall of an adjacent building to collapse.  Bulloch also owns that building, and reported that it was vacant at the time, and no notable damage was done to any contents of the structure.

Two other downtown area structures were cleaned up by their property owner, last week.

Two tin covered structures, adjoining Baker’s Supply, that had been there for decades, were taken down. 

Baker didn’t announce any specific plans for the property..  One building was on Edwards street, across from the Ridgeway, the other was “lean’to”, added onto the former Prestige Furniture building, at 300 E. Gaines. St.

The former home of Prestige Furniture, located at 300 E. Gaines, and is also slated for possible removal.

Anyone interested in removing the structure, in exchange for salvaging the material (including the brick from several decades ago) should contact Baker’s Supply at 367-8676.

Around 8 pm Thursday night, the Monticello Fire Dept. was paged out to the report of smoke at City Drug, on E. Gaines Street.

Due to their quick response, only a box in the storage area was damaged.

Nikki Hood, co-owner of City Drug told MLive how much she appreciated the quick response of the local fire and police depts, and added that City Drug will open at 8 am, as usual, with breakfast and all services in full operation.

Around 1:45 Wednesday afternoon,  the drivers of a Toyota Camry turned Monticello’s busiest intersection into a demolition derby, as he allegedly “ping ponged” into 4 other vehicles.

(more…)

Two local homes were destroyed by house fires, Monday and Tuesday

(more…)

 A Drew County jury of 2 men and 11 women are hearing the case of an Ashley County landowner suing the county over a bridge on a county road. 

(more…)

Monday night, members of our local veterans organizations met with Boy Scout Troop 67, to teach them flag etiquette for the retiring (burning) of worn US flags.  The VFW, DAV, and American Legion were represented.

The process is educational and patriotic.

The Drew Central school board, along with selected staff members and students, held thorough interviews Wednesday and Thursday with the five potential superintendent candidates.

(more…)

Around 8 pm Wednesday evening, an employee of Price Lumber sustained serious injuries, as he was operating a machine at lumber mill.

Monticello Fire & Rescue responded, along with SEEMS, MASI, Drew County Sheriff’s deputies,  Drew County OES and ADEM.

(more…)

Tuesday, around 2 pm, MLive pageviews sharply increased.  This usually means that a topic was making its way around FaceBook or text messages.

The rumor in this case was that a man was walking down a road near Midway Route with a gun.

Here are the details of that incident.

(more…)

KATV, channel 7 recently had viewer’s poll to honor active seniors as a part of the “Full of Life” campaign.

Cleo Young, a longtime Monticello resident was featured on the most recent installment of the series.

Click here for the video link from KATV.

Several of Mrs. Cleo’s family and church family were present for the taping of the segment.

Before we leave this office/front bedroom of the Drew County Museum there are a few more noteworthy items to discuss. One is a photograph of the wood-framed, original First Baptist Church built in 1860 and torn down in 1902. It stood where the newer one stands today. Actually I believe the fourth building is the church we see today. First Baptist Church has a long, illuminating history in Monticello.

(more…)

Around 3:45, Friday afternoon, a BMW motorcycle, with 2 passengers was traveling on HWY 278 West, when a Ford car pulled out in front of it.

(more…)

Early Monday morning,, while responding to a suspicious vehicle parked at a cemetery report, Monticello Police Department officers stopped a vehicle at the AT&T store on HWY 425 North.  During that stop, a registered sex offender was identified and charged with Failure to Report Change of Address.

(more…)

The Drew County Quorum Court called a special meeting, Tuesday night, to discuss the proposed continuation of the county’s one cent road tax, which will be set for July 9.

The main discussion topics were whether to designate a 75/25 or 80/20 split to be designated for the Quorum Court to be able to direct to shortfalls in other budget areas, would thee be a better chance of voter passage if it were divided into two questions, and should the proposed continuation should be for 4 or 6 years.

(more…)

Two men in a pick-up were stopped by a Chicot County deputy sheriff for speeding, last Tuesday.  While  approaching the vehicle, the deputy noticed the green copper wire in the back of their truck. 

(more…)

Around 1:30 Saturday afternoon, the driver of this southbound Nissan lost control of the vehicle on HWY 425 (north of Lacey) and stuck a C&L power pole.

The driver declined medical attention and left with a family member.

Drew County Sheriff’s deputies worked the wreck scene. C&L power crews replace the damage pole.