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.
Cross Roads Cemetery Association will meet for their Annual Meeting at 2pm on Sunday May 29th at the Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church located at 1337 Hwy 278 West. Everyone is invited to attend.
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On May 13th, 2026, Drew County jury convicted Jimmie L. Foster of Dermott on a charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm following a traffic stop and subsequent investigation conducted by the Arkansas State Police.
The incident occurred on Friday, May 17, 2024, at approximately 11:30 a.m., when Arkansas State Police Trooper David Menotti initiated a traffic stop on State Highway 35 East in Drew County. The driver was identified as Jimmie L. Foster. Also in the vehicle were front seat passenger Larry Woods and rear seat passenger Jessica Hardie, both of Dermott.
During the stop, Trooper Menotti determined that Foster was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. Trooper Menotti asked all occupants to exit the vehicle and conducted a search. During the search, a loaded SAR Arms 9mm handgun was discovered beneath the driver’s seat where Foster had been seated. Foster was placed under arrest and transported to the Drew County Detention Facility for processing. Woods and Hardie were released at the scene.
