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.

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

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 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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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.