Monticello Live

Happy 1st Birthday

January 17th, 2013 by Submitted

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY!!! I love you with all my Heart forever & always!! Love, Mom and Jace Wyatt.

Bryson Lee Harrison is celebrating his first Birthday today. He is the son of Blair Griffin & Casey Harrison. His grandparents are Fairy Howard of Monticello & Audrey & DH Williams of Warren. Great grandparents are the late Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Lee Forrest of Monticello. Joyce Griffin of Star City & Baba & Lou Diamittia of Blytheville. He has 3 brothers; Jace Hilburn 4, Rylan Harrison 5, & Kaden Harrison 5.

Posted in Birthday | Comments Off on Happy 1st Birthday

City Issues Drainage & Ditch Statement

January 17th, 2013 by City of Monticello

Monticello needs help protecting drainage ditches

The City of Monticello is responsible for maintaining storm drains in public areas and along city streets. Storm drains and ditches divert the water and debris after a storm or rain shower away from road surfaces, public access areas or low basins where water collection could be unhealthy or dangerous.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in City | Comments Off on City Issues Drainage & Ditch Statement

2.5 Car Wreck – With 2 More Close – edited

January 16th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Around 11 am Tuesday, as most of Drew County was getting pelted by ice pellets, several ice related accidents occurred.

On HWY 278 East, just before Dead Man’s Curve, a maroon Chevy pick-up was off in the ditch.

Just past the curve, near Bordeaux Road, a gold sedan had lost control in the ice, and came to a stop in a nearby bean field.

Just past the next gradual curve, were 3 vehicles, all involved or partially involved, in another mishap .

It started as a gray, westbound Mitsubishi lost control in the ice. The driver avoided colliding with an eastbound Chevy pick up, but the Chevy truck swerved and ended up in the ditch.

The Mitsubishi then struck an oncoming, white Volkswagen Jetta, which was being driven by the wife of the Chevy driver. sending both vehicles spinning into the ditch area.

Drew County Sheriff’s deputies worked the accident(s). No one was reportedly injured, however an ambulance resonded to check out one of the drivers.

Posted in WRECKS | 1 Comment »

Fallen Trees

January 16th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

The recent ice storm has produced fewer fallen trees and broken limbs than earlier predicted.

The top photo shows a tree that fell on Jordan Drive, Tuesday afternoon.

The lower photo was taken of a North Main St. home, Monday evening. No damage was reported.

Posted in Weather | Comments Off on Fallen Trees

Ice Causes Rollover on Overpass – 1st Wreck of Many, Tuesday

January 15th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Around 10am, Tuesday morning, a UAM student was traveling back to class, westbound on Jordan Drive, when he felt his Jeep loose traction in the ice, “fishtail”, and then rollover on the bridge.

The driver was not injured. Monticello Police worked scene, assisted by Arkansas State Police. The Fire & Rescue Squad was also paged out. Dan’s wrecker towed the vehicle.

Posted in Weather, WRECKS | 1 Comment »

Fire Chief on “Administrative Leave,” Interim Fire Chief Appointed

January 15th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Mayor Allen Maxwell, in a recorded statement Monday morning, confirmed that Fire Chief Steven Faulkner has been placed on administrative leave, and an interim Fire Chief has been appointed, effective last Friday.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in City, Fire | Comments Off on Fire Chief on “Administrative Leave,” Interim Fire Chief Appointed

Companies Team Up To Build Energy Efficient Homes

January 15th, 2013 by Submitted

Two Arkansas companies, The Reata Foundation, Inc, a non-profit institution commissioned to provide affordable and energy efficient housing for the American family, and Concrete & Foam Structures, LLC( CFS), a fabricator of expanded polystyrene (EPS) have joined together to produce a technological advanced building system. The result is an ultra energy efficient residential home for the future era of residential house building.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Announcements, Business | 2 Comments »

State HWY Road Cconditions Are Available at 1-800-245-1672.

January 15th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

The AHTD provides statewide highway road conditions at 1-800-245-1672.

Posted in Weather | Comments Off on State HWY Road Cconditions Are Available at 1-800-245-1672.

Happy 98th Birthday

January 15th, 2013 by Submitted

Happy 98th Birthday Barta Montgomery (Granny)

We love you

From your grandchildren

Posted in Birthday | 2 Comments »

Slick Roads & Bridges

January 14th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Around 10 am, the AHTD was putting salt/sand on the HWY 425 / Jordan Drive overpass, because of ice accumulation.

Roadways and sidewalks are beginning to become slick in some areas, so use caution as you’re out and about, today.

Posted in Weather | 1 Comment »

City Hall Ceiling Collapses

January 14th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

When city hall employees arrived at work this morning, one of them went into the City Council meeting room, and found parts of the ceiling laying on the floor.

It is believed that the weight of the recent heavy rains cause a minor sag in the roof, which caused enough of a bowing effect for the staples holding the ceiling tile to pull loose.

Posted in City | Comments Off on City Hall Ceiling Collapses

Flooded Homes on N. Gabbert St. – Blame City & State for Nor Clearing Clogged Culvert

January 14th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Around 4 am, Sunday, flooding was reportedly enter homes homes on North Gabbert St.

In an interview with the family, they said they heard water running, and when they got out ot bed to see what was wrong, their feet touched the carpet, and that’s when then knew their home was flooded.

The family told KARK and MLive that they had requested the city and state clean out a culvert under North Gabberrt St. that was clogged up with leaves, but no one taken care of the impending problem.

After their hause was flooded, the AHTD cleared the culvert, and the water (in their yard) was soon gone.

Also see the KARK report.

Posted in Weather | 3 Comments »

Flooding Photos – Sixteen Section Road

January 13th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Posted in Weather | Comments Off on Flooding Photos – Sixteen Section Road

From Slicker Suits to Snow Boots…. SEARK Weather

January 12th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Posted in Weather | Comments Off on From Slicker Suits to Snow Boots…. SEARK Weather

Happy 3rd Birthday

January 12th, 2013 by Submitted

Happy 3rd Birthday, Reid
(His birthday was Friday)

Love,
JuJu, Grampy
Mom, Dad,
Rae Rae and Meme

Posted in Birthday | 1 Comment »

“Not Guilty” Verdict – Afterthoughts

January 11th, 2013 by iPhone

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Site | 7 Comments »

Sulisteen (Jude) Harden Riley

January 11th, 2013 by Christian Brothers Funeral Home

Sulisteen (Jude) Harden Riley, 84, of Lacey, AR died January 5th at Drew Memorial Hospital. She was born June 6, 1928 to the late Dan Wesley and Katie Mae Sims Harden.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Murl . Hendrix and five brothers, Johnny Lee, Will, D.S., Henry, and Eugene Harden.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Tyree; sisters, Larnie Mae Ferrell (Indianapolis, IN), Claudia Handley and Carline Satterwhite (Monticello, AR); three sister-in-laws, two brother-in-laws, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral Services 11am Friday, January 11th at Christian Brothers Funeral Home in Monticello, AR followed by Interment at Lacey Cemetary.

Posted in Second Page Files | Comments Off on Sulisteen (Jude) Harden Riley

All Time Fitness 24/7 Availability, Memberships as low as $9.99

January 10th, 2013 by Submitted

Posted in Business | Comments Off on All Time Fitness 24/7 Availability, Memberships as low as $9.99

More Rain Forecast, More Wrecks Possible, Due to Hydroplaning

January 10th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Around 8:30, Wednesday night, the driver of this eastbound Dodge Dakota lost control of her vehicle in the rain, near Dead Man’s Curve, on HWY 278 East.

Arkansas State Troopers worked the accident, assisted by the Drew County Sheriff’s Dept.

SEEMS transported the victim to Drew Memorial. Rod’s Wrecker removed the Dakota.

With another 100% chance of rain, today, be aware that hydroplaning can easily occur.

Posted in WRECKS | Comments Off on More Rain Forecast, More Wrecks Possible, Due to Hydroplaning

3 Walmart Employees Arrested for “Severe Shoplifting”

January 8th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Monticello Police arrested three Walmart employees, Friday, based on evidence that they were involved in the theft of around $5,000 each from the store.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Police /Legal | 4 Comments »

Monticello Schools Issue Statement about Illegal Passing of School Buses

January 8th, 2013 by Monticello Schools

In an effort to ensure the safety of its students while buses are loading or unloading, the Monticello School District would like to make sure laws regarding passing of school buses are available to area citizens.

We are working with the Monticello Police Department and Drew County Sherriff Department to curb violations. Both departments have assured us of their support. They will be making special efforts to observe violators of this law. Below you will see the School Bus Fleet Magazine report on deaths that occurred 2011 – 2012 due to illegal passing of school buses. Laws as they pertain to a violator or the school bus driver are also listed below.

One of our most troubled areas is Hwy. 425. Oncoming traffic is not required to stop on multilane highways that are divided by a parkway or dividing strip of 20 ft. or more. This does not pertain to any area in Drew County. All oncoming traffic should stop as well as traffic following the bus!

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Drew Central News, Monticello School News, Police /Legal | 7 Comments »

December Details – 2012 Headlines

January 8th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

5 Year Old Bitten by Pit Bull
Sex Offender Arrested on Child Rape Charges
Man Charged with Rape & Kidnapping Accepts Plea
Panorama Restaurant Opens
New Library Groundbreaking – Video
No Bond Set for Capital Murder Suspect
UAM Planning Major Changes To On-Campus Residential Living
Humane Society Leader Addresses City Council about Pit Bulls
Judge, Treasurer, & JPs Honored with Plaques on Retirement
Monticello Superintendent to School Board on Security
Monticello School Board & Administrators Discuss School’s Drug Policy
Gillespie & McKiever Honored for City Council Service
10 Year Old Becomes Christmas Example During “Shop with a Cop”
Drew Central Hires LR Lawyer to Fight Discrimination Suit by Former Employee
Quorum Court Declares Position Vacant – Appoints New Circuit Clerk to Serve Current Term
Local Fire Chief / Constable Dies, Following Dec. 22 Accident

Posted in Site | Comments Off on December Details – 2012 Headlines

No Thank You

January 7th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

McDonalds on HWY 425 North is advertising a new product on their front sign.

Apparently, I’m not the only one who needs to use spell-check more often.

Posted in Business | 2 Comments »

November Notes

January 7th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Billies to Honor Zach Towers, Injured Star City Player
County Judge Race Ends in Run-Off
Sex Offender on Probation, Pleads Guilty to Another Sex Assault
UAM Professor Responds to Recent Arrest
UAM Chancellor Appointed To NCAA Division II Presidents Council
Update on Sadie Johnson Community Center Construction
“I”m Not Worried About the Cracks” (in the Floor of the Sadie Johnson Center)
MHS Player Signs Letter of Intent to Play for SAU
Attempted Capital Murder & Armed Robbery Charges Lead to 30 Year Prison Sentence for Last of Manhunt Suspects
Sunday Shooting Sends 1 to Hospital, 1 to Jail
Ross Sworn in as New District Judge – Video
Election Results – Robert Akin Wins County Judge Race
Calhoun Named Regional Library Director
4 Mayors Attend Groundbreaking at New Whaley Fire Station
Ashley County Man Receives 2 Life Sentences + 50 Years for Death of Expectant Mother

Posted in Site, Video | Comments Off on November Notes

October Occurances

January 6th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Area Doctor Charged with 53 Counts of Prescription Fraud

“Dancing with the Monticello Stars” – VIDEOs

Millage Passed for Future “State of the Art” Surgery Center at DMH, by 2 t o 1 Margin

Panorama Italian Restaurant Appli es for Liquor License

$4.3 Million Library Construction Bid Submitted

Car Crash Claims 2 Lives, including UAM Student

SPS, “Wilmar Post Office Will Remain Open” with Reduced Window Hours.

Judicial Charges Dropped Against Harper, when He Agrees to Not Serve as Judge in the Future

State Police to Investigate Driver Jumping from Big-Rig, Causing Fatal Accident

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Site, Video | Comments Off on October Occurances

Salvation Army Christmas Bell Ringers Receive Over $12,000 in Donations

January 6th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

The Salvatoim Army collected $12,792.76 in donations to their Bell Ringers at Walmart, on weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

They would like to thank everyone for their contributions, and extend their appreciation to the bell ringers for donating their service to th4e community.

Posted in Christmas | Comments Off on Salvation Army Christmas Bell Ringers Receive Over $12,000 in Donations

Happy Birthday

January 6th, 2013 by Submitted

Dakota Barbee is celebrating his seventh birthday today.

He is the son of Mark & Martha Barbee of Monticello, AR. He is the Grandson of Bobby Barbee of Monticello, AR. and the late Peggy Barbee of Jonesboro, AR. He is also the Grandson of David & Mae Dale Jones of Harrisburg, AR. He is the nephew of Bryan & Terry Goodwin Jones of Jonesboro, AR.

Posted in Birthday | 5 Comments »

September Stories – 2012 Headlines

January 5th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Local Doctor Changing Medical Clinics

“America’s Most Wanted” Arrested in Monticello

UAM Professor Arrested on Indecent Exposure Charge

City’s Trash Transporter Files Bankruptcy

Regional Library Director’s Death Being Investigated as Murder / Suicide

DTF Arrests Local Woman for “Large Drug Fraud Conspiracy”

Emergency / Weather Warning System with 30 Sirens Becoming a Reality

Drew County Circuit Clerk on Leave, Pending Audit & Criminal Investigation

Judicial Commission Files Formal Charges against Ken Harper

Drugs Seized In Route to Monticello

Armed Robbery at Economy Inn

Yeiser Named UAM Provost and Vice Chancellor

TV’s Cliff Clavan Visits Monticello on Political Tour

DMH Earns 3rd Governor’s Quality Award

Former Monticello Resident Pleads Guilty to DWI Death

Posted in Site | Comments Off on September Stories – 2012 Headlines

Happy Birthday

January 5th, 2013 by Submitted

Avery Jayne Barnes turns eight years old on January 5th. She is a 2nd grader in Mrs. Mann’s class at Monticello Elementary School. She is also a 6th year student at Monticello Dance Academy where she is under the instruction of Allison Neill and Toni Harris.

She is the daughter of Julie Barnes of Monticello and Jason Barnes of Star City. She is the granddaughter of Jimmy and Sandy Holt of Fordyce, Randy and Wendy Barnes of McGehee, and Steve and Tammy Sullivan of Monticello. She is the great-granddaughter of Elizabeth Barnes of McGehee and Steve and Penny James of Monticello.

Posted in Birthday | 1 Comment »

2012, The Year in Headlines

January 4th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

MonticelloLive has looked back at the full year of 2012, and listed the headlines of stories that made the year what it was.

Some are good; some are sad; and some we can only wonder about.

Just click on the headlines to go to the original story behind it, as we take a short trip back to 2012 Memory LANE.

Posted in Site | Comments Off on 2012, The Year in Headlines

July Jottings – 2012 Headlines

January 4th, 2013 by Joe Burgess

City ISO Rating Improves

75 Acre Fire near Lacey and The Valley

“Chris Was Stabbing Him, & I Was Pushing Him Out of the Truck” – 2 of 3 Saline County Youths Plead Guilty

Angry Parent, that Crashed School Bus in Teachers Car, Gets 2 Years Sentence

Death Penalty Possible in Capital Murder Case of Infant

Convention Center Funding Leads to Discussion of Extending Library Tax

Principal Kenny Pennington Leaving MHS after 13 Years

Monticello Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Crime

Trapped Teenagers Inside of Railroad Chip Car, Rescued at Midnight

Commercial Burglar, with Medical Marijuana & Pills, Doesn’t Remember Crime or Arrest

Quorum Court Approves Status Change of Hospital & Vote on Millage Continuation

DC Red Brick Building Demolition Update

Armed Robbery Suspect Was Parolee from Texas for Murder & Multiple Robberies

Detroit Lions’ Corey Williams Local DWI Charge “Taken Under Advisement” (still under advisement, new judge to decide outcome)

State Trooper Accepts Marraige Proposal from “Traffic Stop” Driver

Mom Pleads Guilty, Will Testify in Husband’s Death Penalty Trial

These 3 Stories, All Same Night
Ashley County Deputy Sheriff’s Abductor Arrested, Deputy Released, at Circle N
13 Gunshots Fired at Local Apt. Complex
Stolen Truck Recovered (with Suspects), 30 Minutes after Theft

Coleman Dairy Opens Facility in Monticello

Level 4 Sex Offender Sentenced to Prison (Again) for Child Sex Crimes

4 Marlins Competing in Junior Olympics

Egg Truck Likely Cause of 80 Acre Forest Fire

Posted in Site | Comments Off on July Jottings – 2012 Headlines

Happy Birthday

January 4th, 2013 by Submitted

Jordan Smith is celebrating her 13th birthday today!

Jordan is a 7th grade student at MMS & is the daughter of Mike & Shelley Smith.

She has one sister; Karsyn Smith.

Happy Birthday Jordan!

Posted in Birthday | 1 Comment »

Single Car Crash Victim Air Evac-ed to PB

January 3rd, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Around 9:30, Thursday morning, the driver of a northbound Toyota Camry was traveling from Ashley County toward Monticello, near HWY 172, when he lost control of his vehicle.