The latest improvement at the Monticello Airport, the new hangar that will be leased to the Price Company, has been completed, except for the parking area.

It is expected to be put into use, generating airport income, within the next month.

Recently MLive ran a story about AT&T’s cell phone antenna upgrade at the UAM water tank called “A Job with A View.”

Thanks to one of the friendly antenna contractors, we can now share that view with all of our MLive readers.

If you want to use it as your “desktop photo”; right click on your mouse, then click on “save as background.”

Wednesday afternoon, a Taxi from Hot Springs was delivering a fare to the Calhoun Street area.

That may not be a news item, but the bright yellow paint sure drew attention.

Monticello hasn’t had a taxi service in several years, but that might be a good business venture, for someone to consider.

Many middle-aged people remember the Shipley’s Donut Shop that were scattered across many towns back in the 1970’s. (I remember visiting Greenville’s shop a few years ago.)

In a month or two, that can be more than just a memory.

Shipley’s Donuts has announced their plans to open a new Monticello location, on HWY 425, next to Burger King.

Daniel Pedraza, a Drew County man facing a capitol murder trial with a possible death sentence asked the Arkansas Supreme Court t grant his petition of Writ for Certiorari, in an effort to get a continuance to for his attorney to prepare for his upcoming case.

(more…)

Eight local business leaders and government officials visited our elected officials in Washington D.C.Tuesday and Wednesday, to discuss our local infrastructure needs.

During their trip, members of the MEDC and 20 for the Future met with Congressman Tom Cotton, Senator Mark Pryor, and Senator John Boozman.

This photo was taken during their meeting with Senator Boozman.

Prosecutor Thomas Deen has filed criminal charges against Bryant Childs, the big-rig driver who jumped out of a loaded asphalt truck, causing he death of the driver of a mini-van, when it was crushed by his abandoned vehicle.

(more…)

Around midnight on March 5,  a Drew County man was arrested by Drew County Sheriff’s deputies, following an alleged domestic disturbance.  He reportedly assaulted his wife and was waving a handgun in front of witnesses.

(more…)

On March 4, a resident of  W. Trotter St. reported his vehicle of been broken into.  Items stolen included a Pioneer CD player, causing substantial damage to his dash.

On March 5, a resident of N. Hyatt St. reported that her Camaro had some offensive words scratched into it’s hood, drivers door, and rear fender.

On March 6, a resident of N. Cooper Street reported that her Chevy Malibu had been scratched or keyed down both sides. The drivers front window appeared to be cracked, as well.

Chuck Dovixh, with AETN, recently held a preview of the completed footage from the upcoming Bayou Bartholomew documentary scheduled to be broadcast on Thursday.

The interest history of “the Bayou” was discussed.  It had as many as 96 steamships traveling its waters, coming as far upstream as Baxter.  It also supported the early log-rafting industry, supplying logs to downstream sawmills

Bayou Bartholomew is the 3rd most diversified waterway in the US , with 117 species of fish in it.

A Monticello woman was killed  in a single vehicle truck accident on Florence Road, Sunday afternoon, around 3:45.

(more…)

Subcontractors for AT&T Cellular are working on the antenna on top of the  the UAM water tank, this week.  The top of the tank is 190 feet above the ground.

The improvements to the antenna system may cause short gaps in service between now and Friday, but will improve 4G cell service to the UAM area.

As the former Centerpoint Energy property on N. Chester St. is being cleared out, with the company’s move to the Industrial Site, the property will son belong to the MEDC, in receipt of the land-swap for the gas company’s new worksite.o

The first likely tenant will be contractor’s for the city’s new water system upgrade  project.

Chuck Dearman, Jr., of Stephenson Dearman Funeral Home has been appointed to the Arkansas Burial Association Board by Governor Mike Beebe.

Dearman replaces Sumner Brashears on the board. The appointment expires December 31, 2015. .

The Drew Central safety and security task force met Monday night to receive updates on the suggestions that were made at their earlier meeting.

Topics covered included doors, locks, playgrounds, among several others areas.

Around 7:30, Sunday morning, the driver of this Chrysler PT Cruiser was driving into the sunrise, when the glare caused him to travel too far onto the shoulder of Barkada Road.

The Chrysler could’ve easily overturned, as it narrowly missed the deep culverts in the area.

Dan’s Towing removed the vehicle, Monticello PD worked the wreck scene.

Drew County currently does not have an active parole / probation case officer dedicated for the county’s offenders. Currently, officers designated for other counties are covering Drew County, on top of their regular responsibilities. 

When questions about probation case in Circuit Court Monday, Judge Gibson said that was under the impression the each officer had a maximum case load of 25.  Court testimony later reflected that total has been increased up to 60.

(more…)

The Sadie Johnson Community Center is nearing completion, preparing for its opening ceremony on April 14.

Reservation will begin on April 1, for dates after the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The front steps were completed, Wednesday, with the handicap access ramp to be added next.

Mark Tiner, of Union Bank, has been appointed to served Drew County on the public facilities board.

Tiner replaces Charlie Searcy, who was elected to serve as county treasurer.

Tiner was appointed by the county judge, with the approval of the Quorum Court.

Mrs. Betty, as an employee of Guesthouse and Greystone Manor, touched many lives. 

She was a friend of the residents in that facility, and an important part of the families of those residents.

Like many other people in the caretaking field, Mrs. Betty never new how many people’s lives she touched.

Judge Robert Akin is shown signing the Proclamation of 100 years for the Arkansas Department of Health.

For your convenience, the Drew County Tax Collectors Office is now accepting Credit Card payments, for delinquent taxes and beginning March 1, on the Current 2012 Tax Year, according toTonya Loveless, Drew County Tax Collector.

Please note that there will be a 2.49% service charged by the supplier that will be applied to your tax payment amount for using your Credit Card.

(more…)

 Airport traffic has greatly increased this weekend, as crop dusters are working with area forests.

Several hundred take-offs are expected, and will likely continue through Monday.

The graphic above shows around a dozen unrelated flights that were in the Monticello area around 9 am this morning.

After several complaints about vehicles and ATV’s “mud ridin’ ” in the construction area of the future I-69, authorities have been patrolling the area.

(more…)

Around 8 PM Wednesday evening, Drew County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the report of an assault, with shots being fired at a residence on Carter Road, near Wilmar.

(more…)

After a year and a half of consideration, the Monticello City Council has accepted the Mt. Zion water association into the Monticello city water system.

(more…)

Around 1:00, Thursday afternoon, the driver of this water delivery truck got too close to the edge of Carpenter Road, when the water-soaked shoulder fell in beneath the weight of the water truck.

Reliable Towing used a heavy-duty strap to pull the truck upright, while another wrecker pulled the water truck forward.

DCSO blocked traffic while the road was cleared.  No one was injured.