On August 19th, 2026, an Ashley County jury found Rosario Ford Jr., a 34-year-old Crossett resident and violent habitual offender, guilty of multiple felony charges.
The conviction stems from an investigation by the Crossett Police Department into a report from the victim regarding an incident on December 13, 2025. The victim reported that Ford threatened to “blow her brains out” while possessing a firearm. The Tenth Judicial District Prosecution Attorney’s Office charged Ford as a habitual offender with the offenses of Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree, a Class D Felony and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, a Class B Felony.
During the one-day jury trial Chief Deputy Prosecutor Attorney Sandra Bradshaw presented testimony from the victim and additional witnesses along with home surveillance video. Ford was represented by attorney Joe Mazzanti. After hearing all the evidence, the jury found Ford guilty of both charges.
On September 2, 2026, after a two-day jury trial, a Drew County jury convicted Taiwan Collins of two counts of Murder in the First Degree and one count of Terroristic Act. The convictions stemmed from the December 3, 2023, shooting at the old Wilmar High School.
Agents from the Arkansas State Police and the Drew County Sheriff’s Office investigated the shooting that ultimately ended in the death of two people. The shooting occurred shortly after the party concluded at approximately 2:10 in the morning. The City of Wilmar uses the old high school as a community center and in the past has rented out the facilities for events.
Jurors heard testimony from witnesses at the scene and that officers arrived at the at the school to find the bodies of Suquorey Pitts, and Independence Young. Special Agent Bo Norris testified that while processing the scene 100 shell casings were collected. Those shell casings were sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for firearms and tool marks examination, and the bodies were sent to the medical examiner’s office to determine the cause of death.
Associate Medical Examiner, Dr. Teddi Tubre testified that the cause of death for both men was gunshot wounds. Further testimony indicated that multiple firearms were used in the commission of the indicating multiple individuals firing weapons.
On Wednesday morning August 26, 2026 at 3:47am, Monticello Fire Department Rescue responded to a single vehicle rollover with entrapment on Hwy 278 West near Wilmar. Driver was extracted and air lifted from scene.
Posted in Fire | Comments Off on MFD Rescue Responds To Single Vehicle Rollover
Mainline Health Systems announced today plans to assume operations of Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare System’s (SABHS) behavioral health clinics in Star City and Sheridan, ensuring continued access to essential behavioral health services as the nonprofit organization concludes an extraordinary 62 years of service to Arkansas communities.
At the same time, Arcare will assume operations of SABHS’s clinics in Stuttgart and Pine Bluff, creating a collaborative transition plan that preserves access to care for patients throughout southeast Arkansas.
Founded more than six decades ago, SABHS was Arkansas’ first community mental health center and has served generations of children, adults, and families through compassionate, community-based behavioral healthcare. While changes in the healthcare landscape have made it increasingly difficult for the organization to continue operating independently, its mission will continue through organizations committed to carrying that work forward.
“For more than 60 years, Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare has played a vital role in improving the lives of individuals and families across our region,” said G. Allan Nichols, Chief Executive Officer of Mainline Health Systems. “We are honored to continue that legacy in Star City and Sheridan and remain committed to ensuring patients have access to the high-quality, compassionate behavioral healthcare they deserve.”
“For our Board of Directors, this decision has always been about protecting our patients, our employees, and the mission we have served for the past 62 years,” said Sherrie James, SABHS CEO. “We are grateful to have found partners who share our commitment to community-based behavioral healthcare and will continue serving the people who have trusted us for generations.”
The transition is not a traditional acquisition or purchase. As SABHS dissolves as a nonprofit organization, certain assets, including the Star City and Sheridan clinics, will become part of Mainline Health Systems, allowing services to continue without interruption.
Honoring the People Behind the Legacy For decades, SABHS’s physicians, therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, and support staff have built trusted relationships with patients and families throughout southeast Arkansas.
Posted in Medical / Hospital | Comments Off on Mainline Health Systems to Welcome Two Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare Clinics, Carrying Forward a 62-Year
Commercial Bank & Trust is proud to announce the promotion of Magan Rawls to Vice President – Financial Operations Supervisor. Rawls has been with Commercial Bank for more than six years and has become a key part of the bank’s financial operations team through her efficiency, dependability and commitment to excellent customer service.
Rawls was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Financial Operations in January 2025 and has continued to take on greater leadership responsibilities while supporting financial operations throughout the bank.
Todd Smith, President of Commercial Bank, stated: “Magan is capable, efficient and dependable, and she has become a key extension of Derek Grice, Senior Vice President, in assisting with a number of areas that positively impact the customer experience. We are proud to recognize her continued growth and leadership with this promotion.”
In her new role as Vice President – Financial Operations Supervisor, Rawls will continue her existing responsibilities while assuming greater authority in supervisory matters, supporting Derek and financial operations bank-wide.
Commercial Bank congratulates Magan on this well-deserved promotion and thanks her for her continued commitment to serving customers with excellence.
Posted in Business | Comments Off on Commercial Bank Announces Promotion of Magan Rawls
Please use caution when driving the public roadways throughout the county due to flash flooding. The forgotten about wet substance falling from the sky known as rain has come down quickly and has caused several areas to flood. Portions of Highway 278 E. around Deadman’s Curve, Highway 138, McCloy Ave. just to name a few.
Law Enforcement from within the county have been working single vehicle accidents this morning caused from drivers going to fast and hydroplaning. So please slow down and use caution. Many of us have prayed for this rain and now that we have it we must be thankful and take our time reaching our destination.
Posted in County | Comments Off on Flash Flood Warning, August 24th 2026
A jury in Ashley County has found Michael Hicks guilty of sexual assault in the second degree following a trial in Ashley County Circuit Court before Judge Robert Gibson III.
The conviction stems from a 2023 investigation by the Arkansas State Police Crime Against Children Division and the Ashley County Sheriff’s Office concluding that Hicks engaged in illegal sexual contact with a minor under the age of 14.
Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sandra Bradshaw, represented the State of Arkansas. Hicks was represented by defense attorney Joe Mazzanti. After both parties presented their sides of the case, the jury found Hicks guilty.
Edward Jones Financial Advisor Katelyn Martin of Monticello was named to the 2026 Forbes | SHOOK Best-in-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisors. The ranking recognizes financial advisors 40 and younger who have at least four years of experience.
“This is an incredible honor. As a member of the next generation of financial advisors, I look forward to helping clients navigate life’s financial decisions for many years to come. It is a privilege to help clients pursue their goals with confidence and serve as a trusted resource through every stage of their financial journey,” Martin said.
Martin’s office is at 611 W. Bolling St in Monticello, AR. She and her branch team can be reached at (870) 367-6457, or you can visit edwardjones.com/katelyn-martin.
Posted in Business | Comments Off on Local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Katelyn Martin Named to Forbes | SHOOK Best-in-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisors
Mainline Health Systems, Inc. (MHSI) has been awarded a $15,906 grant from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation to implement its Smile Smart oral health education program, bringing engaging dental health lessons to 1,963 elementary students across Southeast Arkansas.
Smile Smart is designed to inspire lasting behavior change among young learners by making oral health education fun, interactive, and memorable. Through age-appropriate lessons, hands-on activities, and practical resources, the program teaches children the importance of daily brushing, flossing, and healthy eating habits.
The curriculum uses engaging visuals, games, and real-life examples to help students understand the connection between oral health and overall well-being. By introducing healthy habits early, the program aims to equip children with the knowledge and confidence needed to maintain good oral hygiene throughout their lives.
Posted in Medical / Hospital | Comments Off on Mainline Health Systems Receives Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Grant to Expand Oral Health Education in Southeast Arkansas
There is construction work going on at the Sports Complex. Be sure to be careful in the areas where work is occurring, and stay off of any equipment and/or materials out there, whether workers are present or not. Parents especially need to watch and keep track of your children at all times.
If a city or league representative asks you to stay off or leave an area, it is for safety reasons. Failure to respect these requests will result in you being asked to leave the area/complex
Posted in Announcements, Sports | Comments Off on Construction At Monticello Sports Complex
