After months of dirt moving by city and county workers, as well as the UAM heavy equipment training class, rails and crossties are now being laid in place for the new rail spur at the Industrial Park, on HWY 35 East.

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The recent re-application for cities to espresse interest in being home to the state’s new veterans care home is receiving the full attention of Quorum Court, MEDC, City of Monticello, and many other local residents and organizations.

When consttucted, the $22 million dollar facility ex expected to provide over $3 million in yearly payroll.

The deadline is November.

 The Monticello Fire Dept. has moved into its new Central Fire Station on Wood Street.

The new station has 3 bays for fire trucks, and even holds the long ladder truck, which was stored outside at the UAM station.

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Monticello’s City Council, Thursday night, discussed suggested changes to the city dog ordinance. Some council member described the current ordinance as “adequate, if enforced.”

Others said the fines need to be increased, since the current fines were set in 1972.

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The city of Monticello will be closed Monday, October 14th.

Monday’s trash routes will run on Wednesday.

Transfer station will be closed.

 The announced improvements to the Monticello Square began Monday, and will bring major changes to the beauty, and functionality, of the Downtown area.

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Around 9:15 Thursday night,  a fire was reported at the Drew County Detention Facility.

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MEDC reported that they have had on-going contact with a prospect, and it is still looking positive. They will be meeting with AEDC next week to negotiate incentives.

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Sunday afternoon, KARK/KLRT’s Jocelyn Tovar inerviewed Mike Fritts, who was trapped inside of Thursday’s wildfire.

As the report states, Mike will get to meet Ms. Gail and other emergency staff members, which he credits with saving his life, today, in a meeting set up by MLive.

Check back later for that video.

After serving the City of Monticello for 30 years, Kimberly Fletcher retired, Friday.

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T‘he City Council officially voted to close a portion of West Pauline Street, at their meeting.

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Monticello Police recently posted their “3 Most Wanted” suspects.

Thanks to the Drew County Sheriff’s Dept, their second suspect (accused of the theft of 2 City of Monticello trucks) in custody.

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At their last meeting, the Mayor addressed the Council about the possible construction of two roads with a grant from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. These roads would run from North Scogin Drive to Hwy. 278 and from Hwy. 278 to Barkada Road, for the purpose of reducing traffic congestion.

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On July 11 the City Council held a special meeting at which Brian Woodring with Utility Services, Inc., presented a proposal to repair the city’s water towers for a cost of approximately $500,000. Their proposal would repair the water towers and establish a service contract, which would allow the City to pay the project out over a five year period as well as keep the tanks maintained.

Here’s the full report from that meeting.

The City Attorney reviewed the contract and determined that due to the nature of the services, it would not be necessary to take bids on the work. To comply with all legal requirements, Utilities Services Inc. would be required to provide a bond. They indicated that would not be a problem. They also verified that the contract was drawn up based on the recommendation of licensed engineers. Under the contract, Utilities Services Inc. will be completely responsible for the care and maintenance of the water towers. The Council authorized the City to accept the contract, once it is updated with a bond.

Once the contract is signed, work will begin with the Burlington water tower in early Fall of this year. Burlington water tower has not been painted or refurbished since 1981.

The City Council also discussed, at their recent special called meeting, new road construction to alleviate traffic congestion in the areas between Drew Memorial Hospital and Barkada Road. The City had applied for a $1 million road improvement grant from the federal government through the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department.

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Joe Meeks, Ward 3 Position 2 Alderman, announced the creation of a Facebook page to enhance public awareness of current issues in the City.

Meeks told MLive, “I feel Facebook can be used as an effective tool to engage our community. When I ran for City Council, it was on a platform of transparency and openness to connect with citizens, to really be out there and easy to reach. The opportunities that social media can create through its inexpensive and widespread use are endless. By helping gather public opinion, feedback, ideas, and feeding these back to those responsible for the policy-making process, it can help rejuvenate direct democracy.”

You can like the page by visiting www.facebook.com/monticelloward3.

The City Council called a special meeting, recently, to discuss water tank repairs on the Burlington Tank on HWY 278 East.

The Burlington water tower’s repair issues have been an ongoing source of concern for the City of Monticello. Recently Mayor Maxwell contacted Utility Service Co. Inc. about repair and maintenance of the tower. An employee of Utility Service Co. was present at the Council meeting and discussed services the company can offer the City of Monticello.

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A residence on Texas Street had their weekly trash waiting by the road, Tuesday morning.

The containers, however, were marked at “BIO-HAZARD”.

Although it appears to be a simple case of re-using boxes, it wasn’t the best choice of boxes to choose to put your trash in. Not to mention, they’re not the approved city containers.