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January 10th, 2013 by Submitted

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 | No Comments »

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 | No Comments »

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 | No Comments »

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

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Posted in Site, Video | No Comments »

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 | No Comments »

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 | No Comments »

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 | No Comments »

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 | No Comments »

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.

The Toyota crossed into the west ditch and slammed into a driveway culvert, before becoming airborne.

The driver was transported by SEEMS to the DMH helipad, where he was transferred to Air Evac, to med-flight to Pine Bluff’s JRMC.

Posted in WRECKS | No Comments »

April Accounts – 2012 Headlines

January 3rd, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle at Walmart Stop-Light

Dancy Sentence Reduced by 8 Years, Still to Serve 28 Year Sentence

State Supreme Court Denies Convicted Murderer’s Petition from 2000 Mudrer Case

Sadie Johnson Community Center Site Being Cleared for Construction

The Great Monticello Egg-Drop, Pics & Videos

Spring Shindig on the Square – Gospel Videos with Haley Creek Boys, & The Martins

One Monticello Life – BrookLynn White, Setting an Easter Example with Good Deeds

UAM Provost David Ray Retiring

Fair Board & University Agree on 25 Year Lease Agreement

Man Injured in Moped – Truck Collision

Joint Committee on State Retirement Programs Meeting at UAM

Local Woman Wins National Award

Repeat Sex Offender with Child Victims Gets $200,000 Bond

JACKSON THROWS NO-HITTER, GETS TWO WINS ON DAY

DMH Old Patient Wing Razed, to Clear Area for Future Surgery Center

Drew Central Board Discusses Fiscal Distress Action Plan

MHS’s Kim Wilson, Arkansas’s Teacher of the Year, Visits Washington D.C.

Posted in Site, Video | No Comments »

May Milestones – 2012 Headlines

January 3rd, 2013 by Joe Burgess

City Council Votes to Accept Bids for Fire Station & Move Funds for Sadie Johnson Center

Rape Charges Filed Against Local Man

City Accepts Bid for Automated Trash Truck

One Monticello Life – Thad, Nikki, & Colton Mitchell – 2012 Drew County Farm Family of the Year

“Worst City Council Meeting Ever” – 4th Most Watched ML Video Ever

Drew Central Student Nominated To Attend Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Congress In Chicago

Reginald Glover Is UAM’s 50th Distinguished Alumnus

Drew County Attempted Murder Suspect Stabs 3 Corrections Officers, Near Batesville

Drew County Native to Donate Book Proceeds to Local Museum

Color Guard at Monticello Airport for Fallen Soldier

Downtown Festival Considered for November

Armed Suspect Fleeing from Police Killed in Car Crash

UAM’s First Three-Time Softball All-American

Bond Set for 7 Drug Sweep Suspects

Water Rates Rise, While $690,100 is Transferred from Water Fund for Other Uses.

Election Summary

“Brain-washed Socialist Cowards” Jury Sentences “Pot Growing Idiot” to Maximum Sentences on Drug Charges

$300,000 Bond Set for Employee that Set Fred’s Dermott Fire

Drew County “Most Wanted” Arrested in Florida

Lake Monticello Jet-Ski Rescue

More Info Released on Fatal Car Crash on HWY 278

Shotgun Robbery at Victim’s Home Reported to MPD

Attempted Captial Murder Youth Trio Appear in Court – 1 Mental Evaluation – 1 Bond Reduction Request

Child Drowning in Lake Monticello

Posted in Site, Video | No Comments »

Happy Birthday

January 3rd, 2013 by Submitted

Bailey Nicole Chapman is celebrating her 6th birthday.

She is the daughter of Jason and Amy Chapman of Monticello and little sister of Jacob Chapman.

Posted in Birthday | 1 Comment »

January Journal – 2012 Headlines

January 3rd, 2013 by Joe Burgess

DCHS Principal Steve Noble Arrested from Dec. 2011

City Council Votes to Build New Fire Station at W.C. Whaley Property from Dec. 2011

“She only eats at school.”

Rottweiler Attacks Walking Woman

8 Year Old Requests Dog Food for Birthday Present, Donates to Local Animal Shelter

USPS Answers Questions About Proposed UAM Post Office Closing – VIDEO

Drew Central Terminates Former Principal Noble, following Sex Crimes Arrest

State Supreme Court Overturns Drew County Verdict

MPD Chief Explains Arrest Warrant & Old Fine Issues to City Council

L ampkin Will Not Seek Re-Election as Drew County Judge – Video

Waste Disposal Service Likely to be “Thrown Out” by City & County

Monticello Sex Offender’s Appeal Denied by State Court

Man Arrested for Beating 82 Year Old Victim

One Monticello Life – Taco Bell’s Friendly Face & Voice – Keba Brown

Posted in Site | No Comments »

February Flashbacks – 2012 Headlines

January 3rd, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Presidential Candidate to Visits Monticello

MHS’s Brunson, Thornton Sign Letters to Play College Football

Nix Found Guilty of Second Degree Murder- Sentenced to 45 Years

Update Gllespie Not Seeking Re-election to City Council

City to Advertise for Bid s on Composting Equipment

City Moving Forward with Automated Trash Truck & Residential “Dumpsters”

“Outhouse” Added at City Hall

Mad Cow Attacks Man & Vehicle

After 20 Years of Service, Dunlap Not Seeking JP Re-election

Bear Removing Deer from Road Side – Video – Over 7,100 Views

Posted in Site, Video | No Comments »

March Memories – 2012 Headlines

January 3rd, 2013 by Joe Burgess

After 30 Years, Potter Not Running for Re-election to JP Spot

Multi Agency Investigation Leads to 170+ Pills & $50,000 Bond

Local Man Arrested on Rape Charges

Investigator’s Report on Mom & Step-dad’s Capital Murder Case of Infant
Fertilize Truck Overturns on Florence Road

Atwoods Ranch & Home Opens

Winchester Man Dies in Home Fire

“Not Guilty” Plea Entered by Local Man Charged with 1st Degree Murder of Infant Son

Wilmar Man Arrested for Murder & Rape in Oakland. Cal.

$100,000 Bond for Felon Fighting at Fairgrounds & Fighting with Deputies

Bathrooms, Doors, & Front Steps at MEDC / Court Building – Topic of City / County / Court Meeting

Parks Commission Disbanded, Re-instated as Parks Committee

Drew Central’s Fawcett Leaving for Superintendent Post in Paris

“Mulligan on the 9th Hole”

Mississippi Man Arrested for Sexual Indecency with 14 Year Old

Afternoon Winds Blow Over Softball Bleachers & Outfield Fence

Accidental Shooting Causes Death of Jefferson County Man, Visiting Drew County

Posted in Site | No Comments »

Local Fire Chief / Constable Dies, Following Dec. 22 Accident

January 2nd, 2013 by Joe Burgess

David Bawcom, age 38 of the Greenhill community passed away January 1.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in In memory | 5 Comments »

Quorum Court Declares Position Vacant – Appoints New Circuit Clerk to Serve Current Term

January 2nd, 2013 by Joe Burgess

The Drew County Quorum Court was sworn in New Years Day morning, and held a called business meeting immediately afterward.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in County, Video | No Comments »

Elected Officials Sworn into Local Offices

January 2nd, 2013 by Joe Burgess

Posted in City, County, Video | No Comments »

Swearing In Ceremony Photos

January 2nd, 2013 by Joe Burgess

: Judge Robert Akin’s opening comments

: Judge Robert Akin being sworn in by Circuit Judge Bynum Gibson

: Sheriff Mark Gober

: County Clerk Lyna Gulledge

: Assessor Beth Davis

: Treasurer Charles Searcy

: Collector Toyna Loveless

: Quorum Court Justices of the Peace

: Monticello City Council

: Wilmar Aldermen

: Karen Robertson – Tillar

: Winchester Officials

: Constables

: Circuit Clerk Sandra Erlanson

Posted in City | No Comments »

Jessie Mae Boyd Everett

January 2nd, 2013 by Christian Brothers Funeral Home

Jessie Mae Boyd Everett
December 11, 1948 – December 31, 2012

Jessie was born to Ruthie Mae Boyd and the late Jessie Leon Boyd. She was born and raised in the Strangers Rest/Plantersville Community by her grandparents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Julian and Hazel Gragg.

Jessie was preceded in death by her father, Jessie L Boyd, grandparents, Julian and Hazel Gragg, her step-father, G.W. (Donnie) Vincent. One brother, David Vincent and one aunt, on her mother’s side, Priscilla Watson.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her mother, Ruthie M. Boyd; children, Rosalind Everett (Chester) Hampton and Reginald (Tamara) Everett; two grand-kids: Christopher Everett Goodman Sr. and Aiden A Everett; three great-grand kids: Toriona Goodman, Christopher Goodman Jr. and Anaria Goodman; Five sisters: Barbara (Willie) Wilbanks, Katherine (Scott) Wynn, Phyllis Vincent, Jennifer Vincent, Rita (Major) Miller; Four brothers: Lonnie (Shirley) Vincent, Gregory Vincent, Bryan Vincent and Michael Vincent; one aunt on her mothers side: Agnes (Ira) Lewis; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Viewing will be Monday, January 7, 2013 from 4-6 p.m. at Christian Brothers Funeral home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Mount Pleasant AME Church, Campground, Monticello.

Services entrusted by:
Christian Brothers Funeral Home
738 E Oakland
Monticello, AR 71655
Phone: (870) 367-6441

Posted in Second Page Files | 5 Comments »

Lee Anner Bealer

January 2nd, 2013 by Christian Brothers Funeral Home

Lee Anner Bealer, age 66, of Monticello, AR departed this life on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at the Arkansas Hospice Center in Little Rock, AR. She was born on March 20, 1946 in Thebes, AR. She was an excellent aunt, sister, cousin, and friend.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Bealer Sr. and Mary Bealer; one sister, Virginia Bealer; and by one foster daughter Lanesia Davis.

Lee is survived by one brother, James Bealer, Jr. (Geraldine) of Monticello and one sister, Pearlene Bealer of Monticello, and one foster brother Collie Anderson (Carolyn) of Monticello, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Although Lee never had any biological kids of her own she helped to raise many. These include foster son, Myron Davis. Nieces, Nephews and Cousins: Roger Sr., Alphonso, Karen, Antionette, Wanda, Yvonne, Mark, Cherie, Andrea, and LaRhonda. Great nieces and nephews: Kristie, Barry “Tank”, Donzamion, Latrina, Zelda, Quanta, Shadonna, Teandra, Devonta, Denarius, Bambi, Roger Jr., Brandon, Quintella, Quarhonda “Pooh”, Quashondra “Suga Foot”, Deshondra, and Lauren “Punkin”.

Services will be held at the First Baptist Church, 546 North Bailey Street, in Monticello, AR on Saturday January 5, 2013 at 11 am with Reverand Henry F. Richardson officiating. Services entrusted to Christian Brothers Funeral Home of Monticello,AR.

Posted in Second Page Files | No Comments »

Circuit Clerk Decides Not to be Sworn In – Quorum Court Expected to Declare Position “Vacant”

January 1st, 2013 by iPhone

Pat Scifres Montgomery, Drew County, Circuit Clerk who took a leave of absence after an audit led to charges being filed against her, has decided not to be sworn in, this morning.

In a Quorum Court meeting, following the ceremony, the county board is expected to declare the position “vacant.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Site | No Comments »

News Doesn’t Stop for the Holidays…….

December 31st, 2012 by Joe Burgess

Since news doesn’t stop for the holiday season, MonticelloLive will be covering any local news that developes during the holiday season. No meetings are planned, but you never know when something “newsworthy” will take place.

Keep checking MLive to know what’s going on in Drew County; we’ll watch the news; so you can watch football and the family.

Posted in Site | No Comments »

SEARK Judges – Changes in Southeast Arkansas as New Year Begins

December 30th, 2012 by Joe Burgess

MLive took this photo of 5 southeast Arkansas County Judges, at a library meeting, earlier this year.

Shown here areLincoln County Judge Charles Capps, Drew County Judge Damon Lampkin, Desha County Judge Mark McElroy, Bradley County Judge Keith Neely and Chicot County Judge Mack Ball.

Capps, Lampkin, and Emory Austin (of Ashley Co.) are retiring. McElroy and Mike Holcomb (of Jefferson Co.) were elected to serve in the legislature. Neely and Ball were re-elected as Judges.

Posted in County | No Comments »