Click here for the full story from January. The video comes in at #23 for the year.
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28. Everybody Loves a Parade
December 27th, 2011 by Joe BurgessAlthough a parade may not be considered a “news story” the 2011 Drew County Fair Parade was the 7th most watched video of the year, with the Chamber of Commerce’s “Carols of Christmas” Parade coming in at #11.
Tillar’s 2nd annual Christmas parade also earned an impressive view level.
Note: An “engaging” event that occurred at the Christmas parade, which earned statewide news coverage, will rank higher in the “Top 40 Stories”.
30. Chicot & Desha County River Flood Warnings
December 27th, 2011 by Joe BurgessThe top story for the month of May was the Mississippi and Arkansas River Flood Warning, that covered Chicot and Desha Counties.
There was no regular online daily coverage of the event, so MonticelloLive stepped in, with total co-operation of the county judges and emergency personnel in both counties, to provide daily updates on the river levees and the battle to keep residents and property safe.
These two videos were viewed a combined total of 1600 times.
33. Arkansas Weather
December 27th, 2011 by Joe BurgessArkansas Weather held true to it’s reputation. If you don’t like it, wait for tomorrow and it will change.
2011 brought with it a drought and long burn ban, and weeks of rain. Many trees fell, some because of thunderstorms and strong winds, some not.
This video of February’s snow reveived over 500 viewings.
34. Local Residents Perform in National Spotlight
December 26th, 2011 by Joe Burgess
In 2011, a few Monticello residents were exposed to national audiences, in their specific fields of talent.
The featured performers included Kellie Moore, Cashbox, and Taylor Eubanks.
35. Gators
December 26th, 2011 by Joe BurgessThis alligator was captured near Lake Wallace in May. An alligator may not be worthy of the #35 story of 2011, but this video ha been viewed over 2,300 times.
36. The Ridgeway Opens
December 26th, 2011 by Joe Burgess
After several years of hard work, the “dream” of bringing the old Ridgeway Hotel back to life as a modern senior apartment complex, became a reality, in 2011.
40. Recycling
December 26th, 2011 by Joe Burgess
While recycling has only affected those who volunteer to take part, it will take a more prevalent roll in our lives in the near future.
Here’s an article that Mandy Moss recently posted on MLive about recycling in Drew County.
This 2007 article, Recycling, What It’s All About, was enough to stop my family from throwing away 1,000’s of aluminum cans (without any extra work).
Kellie Moore Performs In The 2011 Walt Disney World Christmas Parade
December 24th, 2011 by Submitted
Kellie Moore, a sophomore at Drew Central High School, performed in the 2011 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade, which aired on ABC nationwide. Kellie performedwith the National Cheerleading Association. She qualified for this by being chosen as an NCA All Star Cheerleader at cheer camp last summer.
MonticelloLive Gives Back at Christmas
December 24th, 2011 by Joe Burgess
In sharing the Christmas spirit, MonticelloLive.com donated the toys shown here to 3 worth programs.
One group went to the Ryburn Motor Company sleigh, which are distributed by the Junior Auxiliary.
Another group went to Cablevision’s Toys for Tots program, which will find good homes for the goodies, through the assistance of DHS.
The final third of the Christmas toys was delivered to the Baptist Home for Children.
All items donated will remain in Drew County, and bring joy to our local childrem.
Tillar 2011 Christmas Parade
December 24th, 2011 by Joe BurgessChristmas Parade – Video
December 24th, 2011 by Joe Burgess“Surprise Proposal at Christmas Parade” Video Gets 2,100+ Plays – Featured on Fox 16 News
December 24th, 2011 by Joe Burgess
Jay Dyson, of Monticello, invited his girlfried to watch the Christmas Parade, Tuesday night, at the Monticello Town Square.
Meagan Wilson, of Longview, TX, a senior at UAMonticello, was surprised when Jay “won” the chance to introduce the 4 guest judges.
Meagan was even more surprised when Jay proposed to her in front of the hundreds of onlookers, there for the parade.
She said “yes.”
We think events like this only happen at big league baseball games and in jewelry commercial, but having it take place at the Monticello Square, and on MLive video, was truly a unique event.
The video of them shairng that special event has been viewed over 1,600 times, and was featurede on FOX16 news, Wednesday night.
Monticello Memories – Tour of Monticello – # 17
December 24th, 2011 by Sheilla LampkinNow let’s begin our look down the north side of West Gaines from the Square to North Hyatt. Today that first block is filled with the main branch and drive-thru of the Commercial Bank.
Warren Police Officer Arrested
December 21st, 2011 by Joe Burgess
A Warren police officer was arrested earlier this week, and charged with abuse of the public trust for accepting bribes.
Here’s the story from SalineRiverChronicle.com.
Chamber of Commerce / MEDC – BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
December 14th, 2011 by Mandy Moss
Mandy Moss, reporter, and Joe Burgess, the "MonticelloLive Guy"
The Business of the Year Award is given to a business that strives everyday to provide outstanding community service while developing a quality product that attracts a wide range of customers. MonticelloLive is pleased and honored to accept the title of MEDC/Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year for 2011.
After purchasing MonticelloLive only 4 years ago, owner Joe Burgess has transformed a small, local website into a news site that, in the past 12 months, has had more than 2.7 million page views. In the past two months alone, MLive has also been linked on state-level news websites 3 times for its coverage of important local stories. The business has been mentioned in Arkansas Business twice, and in Arkansas Times once
Burgess’ entertaining acceptance speech ranged from stand-up comedian to lay-preacher, as he took the opportunity to thank his sponsors, employees, and readers, but most of all, he took time to say, “I want to thank the Lord.”
At the Museum – 1930’s Icebox
December 12th, 2011 by Submitted
This is a 1930’s Icebox. Back in the day, delivery people would make weekly trips and deliver everything from groceries to milk and even ice from the ice house. A block of ice would be set in the top portion of the icebox, with the perishables in the bottom portion. The old ice house in Monticello is still located on McCloy Street. It is not a ice house anymore, but you can still see remnants of the operation out front, including the chute that the ice would come out of onto the loading dock.
Come see this and many other interesting items on display at your Drew County Museum, We are open Fridays from 1pm till 5pm, and Saturdays from 2pm till 5 pm and Sunday by appointment..
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Drew County Historical Society, memberships are $25 Dollars for a single membership or $40 for a family membership. Please mail your membership request to The Drew County Historical Society 404 South Main Monticello, AR 71655.
MHS Teacher Named “Arkansas Teacher of the Year” by Gov. Beebe
December 5th, 2011 by Mandy Moss
Kathy Smith of the Walton Family Foundation spoke to MIS and MHS students, and guests, at a “surprise” meeting this morning. She said, “We have some very exciting news today that we’ve been keeping secret.”
Smith spoke about how most adults with careers will always point back to a teacher that helped guide them in that direction.
Monticello Memories – Tour of Monticello’s Square areas – Part 16
December 4th, 2011 by Sheilla Lampkin
This week we will continue our tour of Monticello by looking from the Square down the south side of West Gaines Street.
Monticello Memories – Tour of North Main Street & Downtown Area
December 4th, 2011 by Sheilla LampkinHere are the links to the series of articles on Sheilla Lampkin’s “Tour of Monticello’s North Main Street
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12
Part 13
Part 14
Part 15
Part 16
UAM’s Clarence Denmark Played in 2011 Grey Cup for CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers
December 2nd, 2011 by UAM NewsDenmark won CFL Catch of the Year earlier this season.
The former Weevil wide receiver was the starting slot back for the Blue Bombers in their 34-23 loss to the British Columbia Lions in the CFL Championship, but the loss didn’t dampen the experience for Denmark. “The atmosphere of the game was great. This is the Canadian Super Bowl.”
Dumas Capital Murder Suspect, Facing Possible Death Penalty, Appears in Drew County Court
November 29th, 2011 by Joe Burgess
A 26 year old Dumas man, likely to be charged with Capital Murder and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, appeared before Circuit Judge Bynum Gibson for a First Appearance Hearing, Monday afternoon, at the Drew County Courthouse.
Armed Robbery at EZ-Mart on HWY 425 , Wednesday Night
November 29th, 2011 by Joe Burgess
400 Thanksgiving Meals Served by Pauline Baptist Church
November 28th, 2011 by Joe Burgess
In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, Pauline Baptist Church members spent yesterday morning preparing, serving, and delivering around 400 Thanksgiving dinners to Monticello area residents.
Giving their holiday to serve and minister to others; now that’s really celebrating the meaning of Thanksgiving.
Monticello Memories – Tour of Monticello – The south side of East Gaines – #15
November 28th, 2011 by Sheilla LampkinThis week we will continue our “look” at some remembered businesses along the south side of East Gaines Street in Monticello. Starting at the business on the corner of East Gaines and South Main, one of the earliest businesses there was a dry goods store owned by a Mr. Ely, a Russian Jew. It has been pictured as a two-story building with a wooden sidewalk on the south side.
However, records also indicate that one of the two water wells for the courthouse preceded the mercantile store. (There were originally two wells for the 1870 structure – one for people and one for the livestock.) That well is believed to still be buried under the present buildings.
Home for the Holidays, but not by Choice
November 28th, 2011 by Joe Burgess
A Monticello man, arrested for stealing multiple items from his employer, was released on a $20,000 bond in February.
He allegedly fled to Los Angeles, CA, and was recently arrested there by U.S. Marshals.
Sex Offender on Probation Charged with Rape of Juvenile, $125,000 Bond Set
November 23rd, 2011 by Joe Burgess
Fredrick “Alex” Rayford was arrested Sunday, and charged with the rape of a juvenile victim in Drew County, earlier that day.
Rayford is a registered sex offender and was on probation at the time of the alleged event.
Sex Offender Gets 45 Year Sentence for Living Close to Daycare & Failure to Register
November 23rd, 2011 by Joe Burgess
On Monday, James Edward Green, Jr., was convicted of Failure to Register as a Sexual Offender, and Registered Sex Offender Living Near a School or Daycare, by a jury in the Drew County Circuit Court.
Green still faces drug charges from an arrest last week, while he was out on bond, for this trial.
$75,000 Bond on 2 Local Men with Over a Dozen Break-Ins
November 21st, 2011 by Joe Burgess
Local Judge Reprimanded, Censured by Judicial Discipline Commission
November 21st, 2011 by Joe Burgess
Monticello District Judge Ken Harper reportedly agreed to accept letters of reprimand and censure by the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission, last week.
By reaching an agreement with the JDDC, Harper will remain in the position of District Judge, with no other disciplinary action being taken against him. if he follows the guidelines outlined in the agreement.
Below are the context of those 2 letters.
Monticello Memories – Tour of Monticello’s West Gaines from South Main to N. Gabbert Street #14
November 21st, 2011 by Sheilla LampkinBefore we journey down South Main Street, let’s look briefly at the business history of the primary streets that begin at Monticello’s Square. We’ll start on the corner of East Gaines Street and travel to the railroad tracks, but first let’s examine how Gaines Street was named.
At the Museum – Sunday Go-To-Meetin’ Clothes
November 20th, 2011 by Submitted
This is a Little Boys “Sunday best” early 1920’s clothing along with other clothing from different periods on display,
Come see this and many other interesting items on display at your Drew County Museum, We are open Fridays from 1pm till 5pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 2 pm till 5 pm.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Drew County Historical Society, memberships are $25 Dollars for a single membership or $40 for a family membership. Please mail your membership request to The Drew County Historical Society 404 South Main Monticello, AR 71655.
Airport Receives Award From FAA
November 19th, 2011 by Mandy Moss
Monticello Municipal Airport received yet another award this year. Benji Ryburn, Airport Commissioner, went to Fort Worth, TX on Tuesday to accept the Outstanding Airport Award from the FAA. Five states were represented at the event.
Only one airport from each state is selected.
“To put into perspective what a big deal this is, there are 91 airports in Arkansas. If you were the worst, it could take you 91 years to get one [the award].” – Benji Ryburn
In other airport news, Mr. Ryburn asked the council to consider looking into a match grant, an 80/20 grant, to pay for a hanger to house larger planes. This is based on one of the airport’s client’s decision to possibly purchase a plane too large to be housed by any existing hangers at Ellis Field.
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