Jason Cater DVM is announcing his candidacy for Drew Central School Board, Zone 3.

Cater is a 1996 Honor Graduate of DCHS and a 2000 Honor Graduate of UAM. He graduated from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. “I have deep family ties to Drew Central Schools including my two sons who are in elementary school as the 3rd generation of Drew Central Pirates.

“It is my desire to serve on the school board to help move the school into a positive direction for the future. In addition to my advanced education, I have 12 years of experience successfully managing my own business with my wife, Sara. Growing up on a farm taught me the value of hard work, family, and education. This life training will help me make wise decisions about all aspects of the school district, including the financial concerns. I enjoy working with people and have the positive future of Drew Central at heart. I assure you that if I am indeed elected to the Drew Central School Board, I will serve faithfully and do my best to represent the voters in Zone 3. Please vote for me, Jason Cater DVM. I will appreciate each vote.”

The recipients of the Annette Hall Memorial Scholarships were recently recognized at Oak Grove Assembly of God. The scholarships are awarded to college students annually at Oak Grove in recognition of academic and leadership qualities of Christian standards on campuses throughout Universities where each student attends. Pictured are from left:

Barry Hall, Committee Chairperson, Julie Crain, Alexis Pacheco, Candice Cox Cater, Kaitie Spencer, Megan Shelby and Pastor Dr. Bobby Spencer

The “Other Way Store” at 203 East Trotter will be closing effective June 29, 2012.

No further donations will be accepted.

Drew County Developmental Disabilities would like to say thank you for the support of this program.

Alanon is for friends and families of problem drinkers. Our meetings are confidential.

Alanon members find understanding, strength and support at meetings.

We meet from 6- 7 pm on Tuesday evenings at First Presbyterian Church, 821 N. Main.

For more information, call Jane at 870-723-2493.

Kaylee Ross celebrates her 5th Birthday Wednesday, June 6, 2012. She is the daughter of Niki Kelly Ross and the late Robert Ross, the little sister of Skylar Ross, and the granddaughter of Bobbie Ross, Tim and Virginia Kelly.

Happy Birthday Kaylee!! We love you! Love Grandma Bobbie and Aunt Louise (Weezie).

Triple the fun!
Happy 3rd Birthday Reagan, Rihanna and Ryan.
We Love You! Comanda (mom) and Camille (aunt)

A couple of Monticello Youth have set up a produce stand on South Main Street.

It’s called “2 Boys & a Truck..Patch”.

They also put out a sign honoring our Veteran’s.

Happy Third Birthday!

Peyton Myers

Son of Grant & Kelly (Sowell) Myers

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The Drew County Museum and Archives have recently been offered an opportunity to gain some much-needed income from the proceeds of a book written by Dr. James William Willis, who was inducted into the Drew Central Hall of Fame, last week.

Willis is a native of Drew County, who grew up in the White Hall Community south of Monticello and graduated from Drew Central. He was the son of Earl and Lela McKinstry Willis, local educators, who were both native Drew County residents. Willis’ father was a long-time superintendent of the Drew Central schools, and his mother was an English teacher at both Drew Central and Arkansas A & M College. Later, they moved to Little Rock to work with the state department of education before they retired in Monticello.

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Stephanie Hill has announced her candidacy for Monticello City Council Alderman Ward 2, Position 2, in the upcoming 2012 Democratic Primary Election that will take place on May 22nd. The position is currently being held by Ms. Claudia Hartness.

Stephanie, a native of Southeast Arkansas, graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Arkansas at Monticello and has made Monticello her hometown for the past 22 years.

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Tonda L. Ellis of Monticello and the Arkansas State Society has been awarded the AMT Leona Lyons Carter Award for 2011.  The award is handed out by the American Medical Technologists and will be awarded during the AMT Award Ceremony in conjunction with the 74th Annual Meeting and Educational Program on July 9-14, 2012.

The Monticello Lions Club recently awarded the Policeman of the Year award.

Eddie Deaton, Police Chief, recommended Kenny Cox for the award.

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Johnnie Merrion “Cowboy” Hilburn 82, of Tillar, Arkansas passed away April 14, 2012. He was born July 23, 1929 in Bluffton, Arkansas to the late Thomas and Ocie Hilburn.

He was a member of Richland Baptist Church in the Richland Community and a retired farmer. His son Johnnie Hilburn and daughter Peggy Hood preceded him in death.

His wife Juanita Hilburn and two sons, Jimmy Hilburn of Monticello, Arkansas and Tommy Hilburn of Crossett, Arkansas, one sister Vivian Carter of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren survive him.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 17, 2012 from 6-8 pm at Griffin Funeral Home Chapel and services, Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at Griffin Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 pm and burial following at Jefferson Cemetery with Rev. Bill Hilburn officiating. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, Arkansas.

One young girl caught the attention and the heart of one local mom (and the rest of Monticello) last week when she showed an act of kindness to the mom’s son who came up empty handed during a mad rush at the Easter egg hunt. Seeing the young man with an empty basket, the young girl gladly shared her spoils. The mom was so moved, she wrote in to MonticelloLive to share the story. A story which ended up with a new day, but similar story when the same two children crossed paths again the next day, and, again, a moment of grace was exchanged when the young girl shared her eggs with her newfound friend (see the story below). At the recommendation of a few readers, this week’s One Monticello Life highlights BrookLynn White.

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Katlin Lidge was tragically taken from us on March 5, 2011. Katlin may well be remembered by the public as a fine athlete, but to those who knew him well Katlin was far more. He was a kind soul. He was a young man of character and spirit.

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Heaven received a new angel…….Sara Frances McMahon Marter, age 61, of Monticello passed away Tuesday, March 27th, 2012 at the home of Jennifer and Randy Gavin after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Sara was born March 11th, 1951 in Monticello, Arkansas to Van Felton Sr. and Marguerite McMahon. She was preceded in death by her parents, Van and Marguerite, a very special friend, Mary Vining and by her husband of 40 years, Charles R. Marter, Sr.

Sara’s biggest pride was being “Granny”. She loved her grandchildren and loved spending time with them. A lot of the children that called her Granny weren’t related at all but that hardly seemed to matter. She enjoyed drawing and sketching, arts and crafts, taking pictures, researching family history, “her girls night out”, shopping, time spent with friends and she was an avid “facebooker”. She was raised as an Assembly of God; she loved the Lord Almighty and Jesus Christ.

Survivors include two daughters, Jennifer Gavin and husband Randy of Monticello, Krista Newkirk and husband Lester of Hot Springs, one son Charles Marter, Jr. and wife Andrea of Monticello. Six grandchildren; Heath Loveless, Cassidy Gavin both of Monticello, Jeffrey Newkirk of Hot Springs, Taylor, Trenton and Sydnee Marter all of Monticello, and Shannon Gavin of Rye. Two great-grandchildren Autumn and Noah Gavin of Rye. One honorary great-granddaughter, Micah Montgomery of Hamburg. One sister, Diana Shoptaw of Magnet Cove, one brother, Van McMahon, Jr. of Monticello, two brothers-in-law, James Marter and wife Debbie of Monticello, Don Marter and wife Donna of Monticello, two sisters-in-law Nancy Forrest Doggett of Monticello, Juanita Smith and husband Shine of Oak Grove, LA Sara left behind many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. A day-care of children that new her as Granny, and a very awesome group of ladies she called her best friends; Deed Shoptaw, Kim Reed, Lynn Marshal, Erma Lee Maness Foster, Dolly Rhodes Farmer, Jeannie Coffman, Sharon Hoppers Barnes and Lisa Coon. One dog, Sheba, her crazy cat, Dahli and his sidekick Toby.

A special thank you to Dr. Tim Simon, his staff at Monticello Medical Clinic, especially Mandy Hayden, Dr. Mark Gibbs and the nurses of the 6th floor oncology wing at Baptist Hospital and to Dr. Omar Atiq and his staff at the Arkansas Cancer Institute…….each and every one of you were so loving and kind.

Sara donated herself to science through the Genesis program in Memphis, TN. Any memorials can be made to Relay for Life at Arkansas Cancer Institute, Team Name “The Incredibles” Contact Person is Kelly Peckham 7200 S. Hazel St., Pine Bluff Ar, 71603.

There will be a memorial service held at a later date. This lady will be forever missed and if you knew her she will always be engraved somewhere in your heart.

This display is an assortment of home made nails and is on display in the Taylor cabin along with a number of tools from a long gone era. 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 from 2pm till 5 pm and Sunday by appointment..

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.

James Roderic Dye, 57 of Heber Springs passed away Thursday, March 15, 2012 at his home. He was born Saturday, December 4, 1954 in Monticello, Arkansas. James was of the Baptist faith and served the country he loved as a life-long U. S. Marine. James was preceded in death by his father, James Roderic Dye Sr.

James is survived by his wife of the home, Janet Dye; his mother, Nellie Chambers; sons, Jimmy Dye, John Dye, Shawn Dye; a brother, Chuck Dye (Melanie); Sisters, Nancy Tranthan (James), Carolyn Taylor, Karan Mathis (Bryon), Jane Coleman (John), Jackie Williams (John); a grandchild, Steven Dye; nieces, nephews, numerous other relatives and many friends.

Visitation for James will be 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 18, 2012 in the Chapel of Heber Springs Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 19, 2012 at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church located on Good Springs Road in the Pine Snag Community. Arrangements are entrusted to Heber Springs Funeral Home, 1199 Wilburn Road, Heber Springs, Arkansas, 501-887-9152. You may sign James’s online guestbook at heberspringsfuneralhome.com

Doris Allene Harrell Witcher, 97, of Monticello passed away Thursday, March 15, 2012. She was born and raised in Cato, Arkansas and then moved to North Little Rock where she spent the majority of her years and raised her family. She spent her latter years in Monticello close to her family. She was a member of Sylvan Hills Community Church, the Ladies Organizations in Monticello and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family.

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Happy 43rd Birthday, Charlie!

Love Becky C.J.

And all the Hammock and Meier bunch

If you look all over Facebook these days you will see photos of peoples brooms standing up, Well check this broom out, It is made of corn shucks and is in the Taylor plantation Cabin on display at 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 from 2pm till 5 pm and Sunday by appointment..

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.

Ben Crossett has announced his candidacy for Alderman for the City of Monticello, Ward 4, Position 2.

Ben is a 1994 graduate of Monticello High School, a 1994 graduate of Forest Echoes Technical School (now UAM College of Technology) in Crossett and a 2005 graduate of SouthArk Community College in Eldorado.

Ben has been an Emergency Medical Technician for 17 years and a certified Law Enforcement Officer for 12 years. He is currently employed by Southeast Emergency Medical Services (SEEMS) of Monticello and is a part-time dispatcher for the Monticello Police Department.

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“I would like to thank District 1 for the opportunity to serve on the Quorum Court and hope that I have reprented well. I do have the people at heart. It is with this thought in mind that I decided to file as a Republican this term.

Although locally we may share similar views, the Democratic Party has increasingly moved away from the principles and values that I grew up on. I hope that my decision is viewed with my heart’s intent and that everyone will take a closer look at the direction our country is headed. I will do everything in my power to stand for what I believe.”

Change your light bulbs. Not just when they burn out. Exchange any incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescents. You will use only 30% of the energy and still get just as much light.

Look for the Energy Star logo. The symbol designates appliances that are energy-efficient. If you purchase only those that are certified, you may pay more initially for these items. Over time, however, you’ll save on energy bills while helping the environment.

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