American Board of Pediatrics, board-certified pediatrician.
Chief of staff, Baptist Health Drew County.
Community involvement
Board member, SEARK Concert Association; board member, Arkansas chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics; member, First United Methodist Church Monticello; Little League baseball coach.
Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain announced today that Johntavious Owens has been sentenced to a total of 720 months (60 years) in the Arkansas Department of Corrections following his conviction for the fatal shooting of Kevin Morgan in McGehee.
The case stems from an incident that occurred on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at approximately 12:53 a.m., when McGehee Police Department officers were dispatched to 806 North 3rd Street in response to reports of gunfire. While en route, officers were advised that an individual had been shot.
Upon arrival, officers observed multiple individuals gathered around a white Chevrolet Avalanche parked in the driveway. Inside the vehicle, officers found the victim, later identified as Kevin Morgan, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of his head. The vehicle displayed multiple bullet holes consistent with gunfire directed into the rear of the vehicle. Morgan was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
Mainline Health Systems has been approved for funding through the ARORP Naloxone Hero Program and will receive support from the Arkansas Naloxone Bank to expand access to naloxone for families and community members across south Arkansas. This award represents a meaningful investment in overdose revention, public safety, and community health throughout the region.
Through this funding, Mainline Health Systems will receive $14,208.00 to obtain naloxone for dissemination in Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Drew, Lincoln, Columbia, Grant, and surrounding areas, as outlined in the approved application. The program period will officially run from May 18, 2026, through May 18, 2027, supporting year-long efforts to prevent overdose-related deaths while increasing access to life-saving resources for those at risk and the individuals who care for them.
Naloxone is a proven, life-saving medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses when administered promptly. Expanded access to naloxone empowers families, friends, first responders, and community members to take immediate action during overdose emergencies and strengthens local response efforts across rural and undeserved communities.
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On June 5th from 9 – 2 at the Sadie T. Johnson Community Center (707 US Hwy 278, Monticello), Commercial Bank will join partners, including the Drew County Health Coalition, to provide education and resources to protect Seniors from financial exploitation. In addition, the Drew County Sheriff’s Department will be on site to accept expired or unused prescription medication for safe disposal.
Criminals work day and night to deceive Americans out of their hard-earned money. The problem is getting worse. Our Senior community is especially vulnerable because they generally trust others, display kindness to strangers, and try to help those who report to be in need.
On March 12, 2026, a Drew County jury found Phyllis Faye Farmer guilty of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, arising from an April 7, 2025, incident in Wilmar, Arkansas, where Drew County Deputies responded to a report that Farmer had threatened another woman while displaying a firearm during a confrontation at a residence in Wilmar.
At trial, the State was represented by Kelley E. Fortenberry of the Tenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Ms. Farmer was represented by her attorney. Rickey Hicks.
The jury heard testimony that witnesses reported that Farmer entered the home yelling and making threats, then later produced a handgun while outside the residence.
