On May 13th, 2026, Drew County jury convicted Jimmie L. Foster of Dermott on a charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm following a traffic stop and subsequent investigation conducted by the Arkansas State Police.
The incident occurred on Friday, May 17, 2024, at approximately 11:30 a.m., when Arkansas State Police Trooper David Menotti initiated a traffic stop on State Highway 35 East in Drew County. The driver was identified as Jimmie L. Foster. Also in the vehicle were front seat passenger Larry Woods and rear seat passenger Jessica Hardie, both of Dermott.
During the stop, Trooper Menotti determined that Foster was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. Trooper Menotti asked all occupants to exit the vehicle and conducted a search. During the search, a loaded SAR Arms 9mm handgun was discovered beneath the driver’s seat where Foster had been seated. Foster was placed under arrest and transported to the Drew County Detention Facility for processing. Woods and Hardie were released at the scene.
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 10th 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.”
left to right) Dr. Arturo Quintero Ferrer, Nyla Compeaux, Lucas Warren, Daizy McKee, Ashley Wallace, Alexandria Lewis and Dr. Djamali Muhoza. (not pictured) Emily Esquivel
Students and faculty from the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) participated in the 2026 Arkansas STEM Posters at the Capitol event held at the Arkansas State Capitol Rotunda on March 4. The event brought together undergraduate researchers from universities and colleges across the state to present their work to legislators, policymakers, fellow researchers and members of the public.
The annual event highlights the wide range of research being conducted across Arkansas institutions of higher education. This year, the program included more than one hundred student researchers from multiple Arkansas colleges and universities presenting dozens of research projects spanning disciplines such as mathematics, natural sciences, agriculture and engineering.
Six UAM students participated in the event. Nyla Compeaux of Cut Off, Louisiana, Daizy McKee of Monticello, Arkansas, and Lucas Warren of Wilmar, Arkansas, presented research under the mentorship of Dr. Arturo Quintero Ferrer, assistant professor of biology at UAM. Emily Esquivel of Hermitage, Arkansas, Alexandria Lewis of Monticello, Arkansas, and Ashley Wallace of Little Rock, Arkansas, presented research under the mentorship of Dr. Djamali Muhoza, assistant professor of chemistry at UAM.
UAM Kids’ University will be held at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) from July 6 through July 9, 2026.
The summer enrichment program carries out a mission of serving capable and motivated students who are entering 1st through 6th grades in the fall. The day camp aims to cultivate new interests, expand knowledge and spark imagination and creativity in children in a non-graded environment.
The morning session is for students entering grades 1-3 and will be held from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The afternoon session is for students entering grades 4-6 and will be held from 1-5 p.m.
Early registration is open now and runs through May 28. If you sign up and pay by May 28, the registration fee is $80. If you sign up and pay between June 1 and June 25, the registration fee is $100. If you sign up and pay after June 29, the registration fee is $125. The fee includes a T-shirt and all supplies.
Checks made payable to “UAM Kids’ University” can be mailed to Attn: Rebecca Newton, P.O. Box 3608, Monticello, AR 71656. Payments may also be made over the phone by contacting the UAM Cashier’s Office at 870-460-1043.
To reserve each child’s spot, parents should complete a separate registration form and pay registration fees for each child who will participate.
Teen volunteers are needed. High school student volunteers will assist campers with activities, assist teachers with set up and clean up, lead students to classes and assist with drop-off and pick-up. Volunteers can complete an application at here.
For additional information, contact Rebecca Newton at kidsu@uamont.edu or call 870-460-1596.
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