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McGehee Police Chase Leads Through Monticello Late Tuesday Evening-Twice
February 3rd, 2010 by Joe Burgess
Between 9:30-10 p.m., Tuesday evening, as many North and South Gabbert Street residents were getting ready for quiet night’s rest, police lights and sirens caught everyone’s attention, not once, but twice, as a police chase that began in McGehee, after a reported domestic disturbance, headed toward Lincoln County, and then turned south, traveling down HWY 83, North Gabbert Street, and South Gabbert Street, before the driver hit a dead end and reversed, traveling back north on South Gabbert and North Gabbert, then east on Oakland, north on Cooper, and finally gave up at the end of East Calhoun Street
The pursuit, which started with McGehee police, grew to include Arkansas State Police Troop E and Troop F patrol units, as well as Drew County deputies and Monticello police officers.
At the dead end of Calhoun Street, the suspect stopped the car, and officers quickly took the driver and female passenger out of the vehicle, and placed them under arrest. Read the rest of this entry »
Man Charged with Rape of a 5-year-old
February 3rd, 2010 by Joe BurgessCity Council Passes Ordinance over Property Clean Up
January 22nd, 2010 by Rebecca FriendThe Monticello City Council discussed an ordinance at their regular monthly meeting that will require citizens to clean their property and require a certain procedure to be followed. After much debate, the council decided that grass should remain below 12” and that if it exceeds 12”, they could require the owner of the land to clean it up.
City Council is considering exempting undeveloped land from the ordinance, but as it stands right now, all property is included. If the council exempts undeveloped land, landowners must still keep trash off that land. They are trying to clean up the city and keep it looking clean.
The ordinance was approved with only Clifton Bond objecting. Bond decided to clarify his reason for opposing the ordinance by stating that he is not against cleaning up the city, but he doesn’t “think this is the right way to go about it.”
The council also approved a resolution to authorize the mayor to apply for a grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, approved a resolution to accept the contract for the MEDC, approved a resolution to accept the contract for the Chamber of Commerce, and approved a resolution to accept the contract for the Boys & Girls Club.
Larry Smith, Jr. Announces Campaign for Sheriff
January 20th, 2010 by Submitted
Larry Smith, Jr..has announced his candidacy for the position of Drew County Sheriff and Collector. During my ten years in law enforcement I have graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in Camden, and have been certified in numerous law enforcement classes, such as postal inspection, special street crime operations, crime scene investigations, methamphetamine identification and safety, basic Spanish, and domestic violence. I also graduated from SSA K-9 Academy with several more certifications in law enforcement.
I am employed as a police officer by the City of Monticello. Previously, I was a Drew County Sheriff’s deputy for approximately seven years.
I am the son of the late Larry Smith of Monticello, who was my biggest mentor and friend. I am the father of four children; Lawton, Kelby, Karter, and Jalie.
I believe in strong family morals and will pledge to do the best possible job to uphold those values.
If elected, I will do my best to be fair and just, and also to have an open door policy for all Drew County citizens. I am asking you, the citizens of Drew County, to elect me Sheriff and Collector of Drew County, because I have the experience, heart, and leadership to make this a better community.
More New Year’s Eve Bullets Hit Homes
January 6th, 2010 by Joe Burgess
Following Monday’s MLive story “New Year’s Eve Bullet Lands in Child’s Bed”, reports of another home being hit by New Year’s Eve stray bullets have been reported to MonticelloLive.
A home near the intersection of East Jackson and Cherry Streets was hit, not only once New Year’s Eve, but twice. Read the rest of this entry »
New Year’s Eve: Some Folks go to Church, Some Folks go to Jail
January 1st, 2010 by Joe BurgessNew Year’s Eve brought with it the usual activities, Thursday night, however the rain and cool temperatures seem to reduce the number of people celebrating.
Monticello Police arrested 3 drivers that were charged with DWI, proving the phrase, “if you drive hammered, you’ll probably get nailed” to be true.
Several churches held New Year’s events as well. The top photo is from Mt. Pleasant Campground United Methodist Church held a “sing in the new year” recognizing the music of Gospel Music Publisher, Songwriter, Music and Singing School Teacher, Singer and Musician Marty Phillips, and his wife Ann. Marty’s song, “What a Meeting in the Air” has been featured in one of Bill Gaither’s Homecoming videos.
Immanuel Baptist Uth took part in a lock-in, overnight. Shady Grove and Holmes Chapel also had activities planned.
The Robin Hood Family, Andy Brannon, and others joined together in an “all night singing” at Christ Church.
Things Not To Do in Noon Traffic
December 22nd, 2009 by Joe Burgess
This photo was taken by a MLive reader, while she was waiting at the stop light on HWY 425 North at the HWY 278 intersection.
Like they used to say on Sesame Street, “one of these thing doesn’t belong here.”
There was no wreck, and no one was injured.
Ridgeway Hotel Approved by ADFA to Get $5.4 Million in Funding
December 21st, 2009 by Joe Burgess
MEDC president Benji Ryburn announced at the Monticello City Council meeting Thursday night that the Ridgeway Hotel project has been approved by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority to receive $5.4 million in funding.
The city agreed several months ago to provide up to $32,000 in sidewalk and lighting improvements to the area, which will house the Ridgeway’s 32 elderly, low income residential units.
The project is expect to have much better benefits from exchange tax credits, than have been available recently.
Ryburn received an e-mail shortly before the meeting, and expects all of the details to become official in a month, when the actual letter arrives.
The Drew County Housing Authority has agreed to provide gap funding, if needed, up to $500,000.
“The Ridgeway” was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in February. Read the rest of this entry »
Update–Briney Found Not Guilty of Aggravated Animal Cruelty in Admitted Beating Death of Shetland Pony
December 10th, 2009 by Joe BurgessA Drew County jury found Benjamin Briney not guilty of aggravated animal cruelty, following the admitted beating to death of a horse on August 1, with a baseball bat.
This is Arkansas’ first attempt at prosecuting someone under the new “felony aggravated animal cruelty” law that went into effect as of midnight on July 31. The death of this horse occurred approximately one hour later. Read the rest of this entry »
13 Victim’s to Recieve Restitution from Rick’s Auto Outlet Restitution Hearing
December 10th, 2009 by Joe Burgess
12 area residents and a local bank have been awarded money owed to them, following a recent restitution hearing against Rick Funderburg, former owner of Rick’s Auto Outlet, of Monticello, for damages done in the criminal case against him, in which he pled guilty in December of 2005. Read the rest of this entry »
Update–City Council’s 9 Step Process of Cleaning Up “Nuisance” Properties, 7 For-1 Against
December 8th, 2009 by Joe BurgessMEDC director Truman Hamilton met with the Monticello City Council, Thursday night, for their planned committee meeting to discuss the process of dealing with properties that have been reported to be run down and/or abondoned.
After the meeting, MonticelloLive asked each of the eight council members if they were in favor of proceeding with the process of dealing with potentially “nuisance properties”, as explained by Hamilton. The only council member who stated that he was opposed to the measures was Judge Clifton Bond. All others stated that they were in favor of proceeding with the 9 steps, as they were described in the meeting.
Hamilton presented the following list to the group, outlining the order in which events are to take place in the process of dealing with the property owners of those potentially “nuisance properties.” Read the rest of this entry »
Photos From War Memorial Stadium-Billies State Championship Victory, 38-7
December 5th, 2009 by Joe Burgess
Monticello Billies Win Championship Game: 38-7.
December 5th, 2009 by Shane GlassThe Monticello Billies defeat the Camden Fairview Cardinals 38-7 to win the 5A championship.
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Monticello second string goes in with 5:25 left in the game. Still 38-7.
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Caleb Bryant carries the ball in to take the Billies 38-7 after a series of penalties against the Cardinals. Extra point is no good.
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Joe Carmical keeps the ball to take the Billies 32-7. Extra point no good again.
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Beginning of fourth quarter. Score unchanged. Billies will start 2nd & 6 on the Cardinals’ 11-yd line.
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Cardinals TD, extra point good. 26-7 with 4:04 left in 3rd.
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Billies TD, extra point good. 26-0 with 6:09 left in 3rd quarter.
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Billies TD, extra point no good. 19-0 with 10:02 left in the third.
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At halftime, Billies lead the Cardinals 13-0. Billies’ field goal attempt no good.
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After their second interception of the game, the Billies have the ball on the 21-yd line, 2nd & 9 with 3:47 to go in the second.
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Billies score with 11:29 left in second quarter. Extra point good. Billies 13-0.
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After the Billies intercept, they take it to the 20-yard line to end the first quarter.
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Billies score on the first drive of the game. Extra point no good. 6-0 with 7:32 left in first quarter.
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The Billies are practicing and warming up below the War Memorial lights. Game time in less than an hour!
Scores will be updated regularly throughout the game.
Combined Monticello & Drew Central Choirs Sing “Carol of the Bells” at Museum – Video
December 2nd, 2009 by Joe BurgessChristmas Fireworks Video
December 2nd, 2009 by Joe BurgessChristmas Parade Video
December 2nd, 2009 by Joe BurgessMonticelloLive on Vimeo.
Early Morning Friday Crash Rushes Rescue Team – Helicopter Lands in HWY for Emergency UAMS Flight
November 28th, 2009 by Joe Burgess
The “Dead Man’s Curve” area was the scene of another serious motor vehicle accident, Friday morning, around 3 o’clock.
According to reports from the scene, the driver of this eastbound Volkswagon Jetta crossed the center line, into the path of the oncoming westbound Plymoth Voyager, causing a head-on collision.
Both drivers had to be removed from their vehicles by Monticello Fire & Rescue, assisted by Drew County Sheriff Deputies.
SEEMS responded to aid the driver of the Voyager, and called for Air-Evac, an emergency helicopter transport, that has performed a training session with local emergency workers, but this is believed to be first “on scene” emergency pick-up in Drew County.
The victim was air-lifted to UAMS in Little Rock by chopper, from where it had landed, on the blocked off center line of HWY 278 East.
The driver of the Jetta was transported by MASI to Drew Memorial.
Triple A transported the Volkswagon, and J.A. Goad Towing removed the mini-van..
Gaines Street Re-opens, Clean Up Continues, After Sunday Night’s Path of Destruction
November 26th, 2009 by Joe BurgessClean up continues near Main St. and Gaines St. intersection, as shown in these photos, after Sunday night’s midnight crash, which closed the intersection overnight, and limited use of East Gaines St.
Here’s the informtion on the crash, with photos from Sunday night.
Gaines Street opens with 2 lanes of traffic and a 4-way stop sign.
The driver of this Dodge truck reportedly fell asleep, before the crash.
Traffic light from Main & Gaines, waiting on inspection.
Light pole on northeast corner of Main & Gaines, leaning over blocked roadway
Clearview Glass staff replacing Barber Shop window.
AT&T crews re-installing phone lines.
"Barber Shop Row" after clean up.
The power pole that was laying across the street has been replaced, in front of lawyer's office.
East Gaines Partially Re-opened, See Story Below
November 23rd, 2009 by Joe Burgess
Around 8 o’clock Monday morning, AHTD personnel took over the damaged section of East Gaines Street from Main Street to Gabbert Street, and opened that area to small vehicle traffic.
Large trucks will still be detoured back to HWY 425, to travel north to Rose Hill Cut-Off Road, and then turn either north to Dumas, or south to Dermott, McGehee, southbound destinations.
The daylight photos show the damage down by last nights wreck, which is described below.
Midnight Wreck Shuts Down East Gaines From Main to Gabbert Streets & Stop Lights on the Square
November 23rd, 2009 by Joe Burgess
A wreck just before midnight, Sunday night, shut down traffic on East Gaines Street, from Main Street, to Gabbert Street, as well as taking the two stop lights on the square out of service
A Dodge Truck, apparently veered into the light pole, which hold the traffic light, then continued down East Gaines Street, knocking another power pole to the ground, completely blocking the street.
Some businesses also received minor damage.
E. Shelton to S. Gabbert Street is a good detour route on the south side of the square, and N. Main to Trotter, Jefferson, or Oakland can serve as detours from the north.
Monticello Police and city crews responded to the scene, as did Entergy, to restore power.
SEEMS transfered the driver to Drew Memorial, while Tommy’s Wrecker removed the Dodge.
Rifle Shot Fired into County Vehicle in Courthouse Parking Lot, Accidentally, by Man in Lawyer’s Truck
November 17th, 2009 by Joe Burgess
Around 11 o’clock, Monday morning, as an attorney and his client were likely discussing their case before leaving the courthouse parking lot, the client reached into the back seat of the attorney’s pick-up truck to get a box.
When he moved the box, a 243 rifle, reportedly, accidentally fired, sending it’s bullet out the back passenger side of the attorney’s truck, and into the tailgate of the Drew County Environmental Enforcement vehicle, a Jeep Cherokee, parked next to the north entrance of the courthouse. Witnesses said that there were several rifles in the back of the vehicle. Read the rest of this entry »
Millage Tax to Remain at 1.8 Mils, Discussion, and Public Comment on QC Insurance & Taxes
November 17th, 2009 by Joe BurgessAs the topic turned to tax related issues, Gay Griffith asked the County Attorney Cliff Gibson for a clarification as to what limits would bind the use of the “1400” account, which is a sales tax fund, that can have multiple designated purposes. Basically, Gibson responded the court can set it’s own purpose for the money in that fund, as long as it’s done in a public forum, once a year.
Next, Arlene Russell asked to come before the court and discuss her feelings on the possible increase of millage taxes. Russell is reluctant to support the tax increase due to the fact that the county is not “hurting” for money. She feels that the county is likely going to be getting more money. She also mentioned that the Quorum Court should be paying for their own healthcare benefits.
“We pay for our own, and I don’t see how you can in good conscience take it out of the general fund,” stated Russell.
After several comments from the Quorum Court about the ad velorum (millage) tax issue, they voted to leave the tax on property at the same rate that it has been set at since 1983, which is 1.8%.
Monticello Man Accepts Guilty Plea in Sexual Assault Case
November 12th, 2009 by Joe BurgessLocal Musicians Entertain Major League Stars
November 11th, 2009 by Submitted
Tom Martin, Chipper Jones, Michael Murphy, Adam LaRoche, Jeremy Payne, Mitchell Murphy, Ryan Langerhans, Andrew Brannon, Willie Robertson, Matt Duff, and Tyler Chambers
CashboX, a local southern rock band, recently got the opportunity to perform for some “big time” stars. CashboX is made up of singer Andrew Brannon, from Monticello, guitarist Tyler Chambers, from Monticello, drummer Michael Murphy from Dermott, and Bassist Jeremy Payne from Lake Village. The band recently recorded the theme songs for the Duckmen 13: Fear the Beard, already out on DVD, and the Buck Commander 3: “The Bigs,” due out next year. The Duck Commander, a reality show about the Robertson family, airs weekly on The Outdoor Channel.
Michael Murphy, Tyler Chambers, Jason Aldean, Jeremy Payne, and Andrew Brannon.
Because of CashboX’s success with the theme songs, Willie Robertson, star of the Buck Commander DVD series and Duck Commander DVD series and Duck Commander reality show series, sent the band and their families to the ranch of Major League Baseball player Adam LaRoche in Fort Scott, Kansas, where they played a concert for the Buck Commanders themselves. The Buck Commanders present were: Chipper Jones,3rd base for the Atlanta Braves; Adam LaRoche, 1st base for the Atlanta Braves; Matt Duff, a former St. Louis Cardinal pitcher; Tom Martin, a former New York Mets pitcher; Ryan Langerhans, outfielder for Seattle Mariners; and Willie Robertson. Read the rest of this entry »
DTF Busts Indoor Marijuana Growing Site
November 6th, 2009 by Joe Burgess
According to Lt. Jason Akers of the Tenth Drug Task Force, task force agents arrested a Monticello man after executing a search warrant at his Monticello apartment. Read the rest of this entry »
City Council Fire Dept. Committee Discusses Plans for 1 or 2 More Fire Stations
November 4th, 2009 by Rebecca FriendThe city council met Tuesday night for several special committee meetings. The first meeting was for the Fire Department Committee. The council met to discuss locations for a new fire department. Fire Chief Steven Faulkner presented the committee with maps and drawings of possible locations for the new fire department, and what the mile and a half response time area would be for those locations.
Alderman Tim Chase stated that he believed that if the council was going to build a new fire department, they needed to renovate and maintain the central location, and build a fourth one in another location. Alderman Beverly Hudson stated that while that would be ideal, it would cost more money to do that.
The committee decided to meet again in December to discuss the future location of the fire department.
$100 Prize Winner in Photo / News Tip Contest
November 1st, 2009 by Submitted
This photo, taken of Lake Monticello, by Paul Francis, was the $100 prize winner for the month of September, in the monthly contest on MonticelloLive for the best news tip or photo submitted.
Call in your news tips to 367-0000, and e-mail your photo submissions to joe@MonticelloLive.com,
Helicopter Hovers Over Hyatt Field “Blow Drying” Playing Surface
October 24th, 2009 by Joe BurgessAnonymous supporters offered the Monticello School District the chance to have Hyatt Field dried out by having a helicopter hover over the muddy playing surface, Friday afternoon, at no expense to the district. Read the rest of this entry »
Will Duct Tape Really Fix Anything?
October 23rd, 2009 by Joe Burgess
After the collapse of the building on the east side of the square’s south side, a temporary repair was noticed that had recently been applied to the building on the west end of that same row of building.
The tape appears to be Duct Tape, a product that is usually made of aluminum, and used in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry, and not the standard grade of “duck tape.”
But it is still a shining example of a potential problem.
18 Year Old Monticello Man Killed in Wreck at County Line
October 21st, 2009 by Joe BurgessAn 18-year-old Monticello man was killed in a head-on collision between the Toyota pick-up he was driving and a truck from the Arkansas Highway & Transportation Dept., around 8 a.m. Tuesday morning.
Council Discusses Cleaning Up “Eyesore” Buildings
October 19th, 2009 by Rebecca Friend
Beverly Hudson lead a debate last Thursday during the regular city council meeting on condemning buildings for city clean ups. She opened the topic by showing pictures taken by Truman Hamilton depicting the old, abandoned buildings. Hudson wanted the council to enforce the ordinance already in place that states that if the council deems a building to be a nuisance they can condemn it and ask the owner to tear it down and clean it up, or if the owner refuses, the city can take down the building. Read the rest of this entry »
Building Collapses & Shuts Down Traffic around Square-More Photos
October 14th, 2009 by Joe BurgessThe back section of the former Thrifty Chicks, also known as the old Tree-0 and Apples & Amens building collapsed, shortly after noon, Tuesday afternoon, likely under the weight of heavy rain.
Monticello Police and Fire Units responded, and Drew County Deputies also assisted.
The front of the top floor was reportedly being used as an office by Judge Clifton Bond, a retired attorney and judge.
Centerpoint energy was also called to the site to turn of the natural gas supply, which was smelled immediately after the rumble of falling bricks came to an end.
The building collapse was covered on TV by KATV-7 and KLRT-16, who used photos provided by MonticelloLive.com
Channels 4 & 11 were also reported on the event.
MonticelloLive Celebrates 2nd Birthday Under Burgess
October 13th, 2009 by Joe Burgess
MonticelloLive.com is celebrating it’s 2nd birthday this week, since business operations and reporting duties were taken over by Joe Burgess (“the MonticelloLive guy”) back in October, 2007.
Readership has grown constantly over the 2 year period, as shown by the 1.6 million pageviews that the site has received over in the past year.
While another website keeps posting impressive numbers, MonticelloLive makes it possible for readers to view our actual daily pageviews totals. Just click on the black, white, & orange One Stat.com logo at the bottom left of MonticelloLive newspages.
MonticelloLive is designed to be “User Friendly”, we don’t make you play “hide & seek” to find stories. All new news stories at that the top of the front page.
When you click on the MonticelloLive icon on your desktop screen, it doesn’t take you to a roadmap of the website, you’re immediately taken to the most recent news items posted that day. I’ts that simple. If you want to see school lunch menus, obituaries, yard sales, or the classifieds, they’re just one click away, at the top of the page.
News and events may be submitted to MonticelloLive by sending an e-mail to joe@MonticelloLive.com.
And if you around town and see a big guy in a MonticelloLive.com shirt, that’s probably Joe. You many want to slow down, because there may be a car wreck, fire, or other event nearby that would be better to read about, than be a part of.
If there are no flashing lights around, just stop and say “hi”. Joe’s usually a friendly fellow, who likes to hear what folks think about Monticello.
Finally, say “Happy Anniversary” to the sponsors that make our time together each morning possible.
MHS Recycling
October 12th, 2009 by Monticello Schools
Monticello High School EAST is making an effort to “go green”.
Every Thursday, students collect paper from the recycle bins that are placed in every high school classroom.
They also collect from the OEC and Administration Building.
After all of the paper is collected, the Drew County Recycling Center picks it up and starts the recycling process.
Each student on the recycling team feels that they are doing their part in helping the economy.
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