Monticello Live

Commercial Bank is proud to announce Tammy Allison as the recipient of the 2025 RISE Award for Leadership. The RISE Award, first introduced in 2024, recognizes a team member who demonstrates exceptional commitment, performance, and embodiment of the bank’s core values.

Due to a pre-scheduled conflict during the bank’s annual Christmas party, Tammy received the award in a surprise presentation on December 3^rd, 2025.

Over the past year, Tammy has distinguished herself in numerous ways, including:

• Initiative: Taking ownership of backlog issues related to organization, storage, and data security.
• Supply and Inventory Management: Collaborating to maintain organized, controlled, and optimal inventory levels, preventing service disruptions.
• Vendor and Facilities Oversight: Managing multiple vendors and working with custodial and facility teams to ensure timely and complete service.
• Financial Process Improvement: Streamlining payables and reimbursements digitally, reducing paper usage and improving efficiency, while acting as a first line of defense against illegitimate billings.

“Tammy starts each day with a positive, can-do attitude and consistently goes above and beyond to support employees and customers alike,” said Todd Smith, President of Commercial Bank. “Her efforts strengthen our bank and our community, and we are proud to recognize her outstanding contributions.”

Members of Union Bank & Trust Co.’s Board of Directors presented the donation to UAM on Wednesday December 3rd.

The Snowden Center is expected to bring several PHD level education professionals to work and teach in Monticello, as well as new graduate students and nationally recognized waterfowl related research projects. The brainchild of Dr. Osbourne, the Snowden Center is completely unique in its mission and organizational structure, and will put UAM at the forefront of waterfowl research in the United States.

Waterfowl hunting generates approximately $310 million dollars spent annually in the State of Arkansas each year.

Maxwell Hardwood made a 5 year monthly financial commitment to The Way; Home. Board members accepting the pledge are:  Marty Baker, Marilyn Patrick, Justice Mitchell, Jay Hilton & William West.

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

Lee Busby, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Monticello, recently received the firm’s Service Award for 25 years of hard work and enthusiasm with Edward Jones.

The Service Award is first earned after five years of service at the firm and at every five-year increment thereafter.

“I can’t believe it’s been 25 years,” Busby said. “This firm has proved to be everything I expected. It is truly dedicated to individual investors and understanding each investor’s unique financial goals. For that reason, I am proud to represent this firm in South Arkansas.”

Busby and senior branch office administrators Karen Withers and Penny Sturgis can be reached at 611 W Bolling St. in Monticello, or by phone at (870)367-5347. You may also visit Lee Busby’s website at www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/lee-busby.

Edward Jones is a leading North American financial services firm with more than 20,000 financial advisors. The firm serves more than 9 million clients with a total of $2.2 trillion in client assets under care as of March 28, 2025. Edward Jones’ purpose is to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society. Through the dedication of the firm’s approximately 55,000 associates and our branch presence in 68% of U.S. counties and most Canadian provinces and territories, the firm is committed to helping more people achieve financially what is most important to them. The Edward Jones website is at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website is www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

The chamber of commerce held a Ribbon Cutting event for Monticello Chevrolet GMC on Friday, June 27 to help celebrate their Grand Opening.

We have confirmed that Dollar General has purchased the land where the current construction is taking place on Highway 425 north, near its intersection with Highway 11, which is near Highway 530 going to Pine Bluff.

Of course, we encourage everyone to shop local, but this is a good location for a convenient store for “those things we forget.”

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Saturday, the Monticello area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting event to help celebrate the Grand Opening of Edward Jones/Yukiko Bivens.

This business is located at 109 Westgate Drive, Apt C, behind Patrick’s Spee-D-Lube.

As Correct Craft celebrates a century of innovation and excellence, SeaArk Boats proudly marks this milestone as a valued member of the Correct Craft family. For over three decades, SeaArk has built a reputation for delivering the most durable and reliable boats to anglers, hunters, and families, all while embodying a legacy of toughness and craftsmanship. (more…)