In case of inclement weather, the commemoration will continue at The Great I Am Temple Ministries, 107 W. Gaines Street across from the Monticello town square.

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.

Fireworks & Food Trucks Fest returns to Monticello on Friday, July 3, from 6:00 p.m. until dark at the Monticello Sports Complex (1930 US-278). Bring the family out for an evening of great food, local music performances from 7:00–9:00 p.m., and a spectacular fireworks show at dark. Enjoy a variety of food trucks, live entertainment, and community fun as Monticello celebrates Independence Day. Admission is free and all are welcome.

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.

What Can You Do?

Enon Water Drinking Water Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

Public notice of our Annual Drinking Water Quality Report is available at:

www.health.arkansas.gov/eng/183

Copies are available from our office upon request.

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.

On the morning of May 5, 2026, community leaders, child welfare experts, church leaders and concerned citizens gathered on the Monticello Town Square in support of children in foster care in Drew County. 

The event was collaboratively developed by The CALL in Southeast Arkansas, CASA of the 10^th Judicial District and the Division of Children and Family Services as an initiative to raise awareness and support for children in foster care in Southeast Arkansas during National Foster Care Awareness Month. 

During the event, Mayor Jason Akers delivered a Proclamation of May 2026 as Foster Care Awareness Month in Drew County. Akers recognized, “Foster care involves a community effort, including social workers, foster parents, advocates, and volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of children and youth in foster care.”