Monticello Live

It has been a privilege to serve you as Drew County clerk. As I seek re-election, I remain steadfast in my commitment to providing courteous and efficient service while upholding the highest standards of honesty, security, and transparency in our elections and county government as a whole.

Since assuming office, I have worked diligently to enhance public access and improve services. From the addition of Passport application processing, the digitization of all Ordinances, Court Orders, Election documents and Marriage Licenses dating back to 1940, I have and will continue to move Drew County forward.

I believe that public trust in local government is built upon accountability, professionalism, and accessibility. With your vote, my staff and I will continue to work towards that goal if re-elected.

It would be an honor to continue serving the citizens of Drew County and to earn your support once again in 2026.

Thank you for your support, and may God bless you and yours.

You’re invited to an important meeting to help Develop a Better Future for Southeast Arkansas. Your unique perspective and input are vital as we discuss important topics like the Benefits of Early Education, a Growing Workforce, Local Revenue & Tax Benefits, and Building a Thriving Economy.

Join us on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM!

RSVP today by calling 870-367-4864 or emailing jessica.griffin@searkcoop.com.

The 2025 Fountain Hill Alumni Reunion and Banquet…or All Classes Reunion, will be held Saturday October 18, 2025 at the JYM in Fountain Hill. Social hour will be from 4pm to 5pm. The program honoring our 50-year Class of 1975 to follow. Hamburgers, Hotdogs or Pulled Pork Sandwiches with chips and drinks will be served.  Look us up on Facebook at “Fountain Hill Alumni Association” to see the graduates of 1975.

Since first taking the bench in 2021, Judge Gibson has presided over a wide range of cases with impartiality and diligence. He has built a reputation for fairness, accessibility, and steady leadership in the courtroom.  

“It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of southeast Arkansas as Circuit Judge,” said Judge Gibson. “Every case is important, and every person who enters the courtroom deserves respect, fairness, and integrity. From day one, I pledged to uphold those values, and that commitment remains as strong today as it was when I began.” 

In addition to his judicial duties, he serves on the Committee for Civil Practice and Procedure, an appointment made by the Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, helping ensure clarity and consistency in Arkansas courtrooms statewide.  He also serves on the Sentencing Commission, an appointment made by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. 

“As I seek re-election,” Judge Gibson adds, “I do so with a deep sense of responsibility to the people of the 10th Judicial District. Our communities deserve a judge who will apply the law fairly, without bias or favor, and who will continue to safeguard the trust placed in this office. I look forward to continuing this work in the years ahead.” 

About Judge Robert B. Gibson, III 

Judge Gibson is a graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law and has been admitted to practice in both state and federal courts. Prior to taking the bench, he built a respected legal career in Crossett at Streetman & Gibson, PLLC.  His experience prepared him for the complex and varied caseload of Arkansas’s 10th Judicial District.  Judge Gibson is deeply involved in his community. He serves on the board of directors for the Crossett Rotary Club, is a volunteer baseball coach for the Ashley County Boys & Girls Club, and a member of the Crossett School District Booster Club.   He and his family attend First United Methodist Church in Crossett. 

A native of southeast Arkansas, Judge Gibson and his wife, Macy, are raising their two sons, Ivey and Turner, in Crossett. His dedication to both family and community informs his perspective on the bench, where he strives to balance accountability, compassion, and the rule of law. 

Frank Spain, Prosecuting Attorney for Arkansas’s 10th Judicial District, has formally announced his candidacy for re-election.

Spain has served the citizens of Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, and Drew counties for over two decades. First appointed as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in 2001, he has led the district’s criminal prosecutions through thousands of felony cases. 

“It has been a privilege to serve the people of Southeast Arkansas,” Spain said in a statement. “As Prosecuting Attorney, I’ve worked hard to protect our communities, uphold the law, and deliver justice for victims. I’m running for re-election to continue that mission.”

Spain has earned a reputation for being tough on violent and repeat offenders, while also supporting alternatives such as mental health and drug treatment programs when appropriate. 

He also works closely with local law enforcement agencies throughout the 10th Judicial District and other joint efforts aimed at targeting criminal activity and improving public safety.

Spain said his priorities in the upcoming term include continuing to hold violent offenders accountable, expanding support for victims and their families, and strengthening partnerships with law enforcement and community organizations.

“The work of a Prosecuting Attorney is about doing what’s right—ensuring the law is applied fairly and consistently, and making sure our communities feel safe and heard.”

 Frank and his wife, LaDonna, live in Monticello. They have three daughters and four grandchildren. 

Bill and Arlene Miller and Dick and Bernadette Carmical are pleased to announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their children Garyn Rebekah Miller to Jeff Carmical. 

Garyn graduated from Columbia High School in Columbia, Mississippi and earned her degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University.  She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Dyslexia Education and teaches first grade at Columbia Elementary in Madison, Alabama.  Garyn is the granddaughter of Perry A. and Barbara N.  Mercier, Sr. and Carmen R. Prewitt.

Jeff graduated from Monticello High School in Monticello, Arkansas.  He graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering and a Masters degree in Business Administration. He is employed by Capstone Research Corporation in Huntsville, Alabama.  Jeff is the grandson of Florence Rush and the late Dr. Joseph C. Rush and the late Virginia and Ted Carmical.

An October wedding is planned.  They will make their home in Huntsville, Alabama.

The annual fundraising dinner for the Drew County Republicans will be held on Monday, October 6^th at the Monticello Country Club.  The keynote speaker will be 4^th District Congressman Bruce Westerman.

Deep-rooted in Arkansas, Bruce Westerman was born and raised in Garland County. He graduated from Fountain Lake High School in Hot Springs before attending the University of Arkansas where he played football for the Razorbacks.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering, he received his Master’s degree in forestry from Yale University. For more than 22 years, Bruce worked in engineering and forestry at Mid-South Engineering in Hot Springs. Developing a passion for public service, Bruce served as a board member on the Fountain Lake School District.

That dedication to public service grew, and in 2010, he was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives. In 2012, Bruce was elected by his peers as the House Minority Leader, and in 2013 he became the first Republican House Majority Leader since Reconstruction. In the Arkansas legislature, Bruce championed conservative principles: lower taxes, limited government, and strong family values.

When the 4th Congressional District seat opened up in late 2013, Bruce was encouraged to take his conservative leadership to Congress. He won single-handedly, defeating both primary and general election opponents. In Washington, Congressman Westerman currently serves as Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, and is on the House Transportation Committee.

Tickets can be purchased on line at https://buytickets.at/drewcountyrepublicanparty/1796357 or for more information you can call 870-723-5701.

Halley Ryburn-Powell of Ryburn Motor Company, presented The Way Home a $2,500 donation.  The donation was in addition to $2,500 that was donated by Toyota Corporation for a total of $5,000.The Way Home is a non-profit Christian discipleship and residential care home for qualifying men who struggle with life-controlling addiction such as drugs and alcohol.  The mission is to provide a clean, safe and drug free home where men recovering from addiction can learn biblical principles that will teach them how to live free and begin the healing process in their lives, their families and their communities.
Board members William West, Jay Hilton, Justice Mitchell, Marilyn Patrick and Marty Baker accepted the donation.
For more information or to donate, visit The Way Home website:  thewayhomemonticello.org