Monticello Live

Broadband Grant to Benefit Schools & Hospitals in all 75 Arkansas Counties

August 20th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Wednesday, UAMS received a $102,131,393 federal grant – one of the largest ever received by an Arkansas institution – announced at UAMS by Rick Wade, senior advisor and deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Commerce. In addition to the $102 million grant, UAMS and its partners are providing a 20.6 percent match of $26,450,427.

The grant will enable fiber connections and/or bandwidth upgrades in all 75 counties and in 135 Arkansas communities, including 81 Arkansas hospitals, all two-year colleges (four-year colleges are already connected), eight public libraries, all state human development centers, the state’s trauma network, community health centers, mental health clinics and home health agencies.

For more information read the full article on MagnoliaReporter.com

Posted in Medical / Hospital | No Comments »

One Monticello Life: DCHS Principal Steve Noble

August 15th, 2010 by Mandy Moss

As summer comes to an end, and children gear up to head back to school, students of Drew Central High will be welcomed by a new face this year.

New to the district, Principal Steve Noble has had quite a journey that’s landed him right here in Monticello.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Feature: OML | 1 Comment »

Memories from the Museum – Frank & Jesse James’ Visit to Tillar

August 15th, 2010 by Sheilla Lampkin

Nearly every city has allegedly experienced a brush with a famous person whether he is “good or bad”. Bonnie and Clyde reportedly once visited Monticello. Tillar, a small farming community, also had a visit from legendary outlaws – the notorious James boys.

This event was recorded by Hie C. Birch of Tillar and found in the Drew County Archives. Mr. Birch was born August 24, 1874, on Macon Bayou and died in McGehee on January 10, 1956. At some point before his death he wrote his memories of the James’ visit to Tillar during his youth. This article is a summary of that ignoble visit. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Memories from the Museum | 1 Comment »

Drug Suspect Declines Lawyer, Requests Postmaster

August 2nd, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Police /Legal | 7 Comments »

Former Sheriff, Fireman, Teacher, Laron Meeks Passes Away

July 31st, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Laron Meeks, a former Drew County Sheriff, firefighter, and retired educator, passed from this life during the early morning hours, Saturday.

Our sympathies go out to Mrs. Jane and their family.

Posted in In memory | 8 Comments »

5 Area Residents in Jail on $50,000 Bond after Aggravated Robbery of Apartment

July 29th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Armonzo Watkins & Samantha Barnett at Bond Hearing

Brittany Garcia & Santonio Vaughn at 1st Appearance Hearing.

At 4:02, Saturday morning, a 911 call came into the Monticello Police Dept., reporting a robbery at one of the Park Hill apartments, on North Slemmons St.

Jeffery Thomas, after arrest.

Two of the victims were treated and released from Drew Memorial Hospital, later in the day, Saturday. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Police /Legal | 21 Comments »

ABC Approves Liquor License for Private Club on Winchester Road, with Earlier Denial Being Overturned

July 27th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in News | 77 Comments »

Gonder Pleads Guilty to Brother’s Murder

July 23rd, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Duane Gonder, age 25 of Monticello, plead guilty, Friday morning, to the charges of 1st degree murder of his brother, Marcus Gonder, aggravated assault, and attempted introduction of a prohibited item into a jail.

Gonder was sentenced to serve 46 years in the Arkansas Dept. of Correction.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Police /Legal | 54 Comments »

James and Rene Knowles Chosen as 2010 Drew County Farm Family of the Year

July 21st, 2010 by Mandy Moss and Joe Burgess

This year’s Drew County Farm Family of the Year title has been awarded to James and Rene Knowles. Both were raised in farming families and made the decision to keep that tradition alive in their own family, that now includes two sons and a grandson.

“I’ve been farming all my life,” James said as he recalled growing up in Valley Community. “Dad (Pharris Knowles) was originally a cotton farmer; when I was old enough to help farm he was a commercial hay farmer. He sold hay all over southeast Arkansas.” James’ mother is Marjorie Knowles Craig.

James graduated from Drew Central High School, is a member of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association, and a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He worked on the farm with his father until he was married to Rene.

Rene’s dad (Bob Person) owned a hog farm and raised cattle over the years. Rene’s mom was the late Joyce Person, “but dad’s wife, Mrs. Judy, has been ‘mom’ for over 20 years.” Rene graduated from Monticello High School and completed 3 years of college. Rene is a Drew Central School board member and was just re-elected to her second term on the Quorum Court. They are active members of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Announcements, County | 14 Comments »

“But Officer, I Was Only Going ‘One Way'”

July 4th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

At 6:20, Saturday evening, the driver of this white sedan was stopped by MPD’s Rickey Fleming, who pointed out that they were traveling the wrong way on a one-way street, as they were driving east on on east McCloy Street, toward oncoming traffic, in both lanes.

It reminds us of the old joke, “but officer, I was only going one way.”

The driver was from Florida.

Posted in Photos | 4 Comments »

84 Year Prison Sentence for Felony Cocaine Arrest by DTF & 90 MPH Pursuit

June 21st, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Rodney Scales, age 36 of Dermott, was found guilty by a Drew County jury Friday, on the charges of possession of cocaine with intent to deliver and fleeing (without concern for human life).

Scales was sentenced to 80 years on the cocaine charge, and 4 years on the fleeing charge. The jury recommended the charges run consecutive, for a total of 84. Scales will not be eligible for parole for approximately 21 years.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Police /Legal | 42 Comments »

Drowning Victim Passes Away

June 17th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Antwon Clifton, age 16 of Wilmar, died Tuesday, after being removed from life support at Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.

The youth was the victim of drowning at Lake Monticello on Monday, June 7.

The obituary will be posted when detail are announced. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Police /Legal | 21 Comments »

Monticello Man Arrested After Shooting

June 11th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Police /Legal | 1 Comment »

Memorial Day Service at Courthouse

May 31st, 2010 by Submitted

43 Veterans Attending Memorial Service

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Veterans, Video | 2 Comments »

Child’s Drowning Prevented by Quick Actions of Motel Residents from Colorado

May 30th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

A small child’s life was saved Saturday afternoon around 1:30, at the Super 8 Motel swimming pool, thanks to the quick thinking and actions of a father and daughter (the Rose family) of Colorado. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in News | 5 Comments »

1,254 Patients, 3001 Extractions, $760,000 in Free Treatment — Thanks to ArMOM Free Dental Clinic – Edited

May 24th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

The weekend’s two day free dental clinic, sponsored by ArMOM (Arkansas Mission of Mercy) has come to an end, with a lasting benefit to 1,254 south Arkansas residents.

Dr. Terry Fiddler, director of the program, told MonticelloLive that 3,001 teeth were extracted from patients, and thousand’s of fillings were done.

The value of the services that were provided for free would have cost, $760,000, if they had to be paid for.

125 dentist and 798 volunteers made the event possible.

Comments from patients included, “Thank you so much, I couldn’t afford to have this done,” “This is such a blessing,” and “This will make my life so much better, I’ll be able to eat regular food again.”

Thanks to everyone that made this event possible; dentists, volunteers, UAM, and the other businesses that provided products and services. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Announcements | 12 Comments »

List of Local Websites

May 20th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

You can save most website as “shortcuts” or “icons” on your desktop by placing you mouse over a blank portion of the site, right clicking on it, and selecting “create shortcut”. Your computer will ask you if you want to, and just click yes. The icon will be there for “one click” access in the future. You can also use that method to go directly to specific pages of websites, such as “classifieds” or “UAM Sports” on MLive, or any page on other sites, to save you wasting time just “passing through” useless pages.

Here is a list of local websites that you may want to keep handy.

MonticelloLive.com

City of Monticello

Drew County Sheriff’s Dept.

Drew Memorial Hospital

Hope Place Pregnancy & Family Center

Workforce Training Center

Local Veteran’s Office Info.

AA Winners Group

Alanon

CASA

Advantages of Southeast Arkansas

Commercial Bank

Union Bank

Ryburn Automotive Superstore

Luckys of Monticello

Monticello Airport Weather Conditions

County Assessor’s Records

Drew County Conservation District

Designs By A.J.

SeaArk Boats

War Eagle Boats

Posted in Site | 4 Comments »

Jackson Tosses No-Hitter; Blossoms Advance to Super-Regionals

May 19th, 2010 by UAM News

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Behind sophomore pitcher Kayla Jackson’s two wins in the circle, including her third no-hitter of the season, the 23rd-ranked University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team beat the 12th-ranked Alabama-Huntsville Chargers twice on Monday to advance to this weekend’s NCAA South Super-Region Tournament against host Valdosta State. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Sports | No Comments »

Duo Arrested for Intent to Deliver Over 300 Illegal Prescription Pills

May 17th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Police /Legal | 4 Comments »

Bio-Mass Energy Company, That Toured Monticello, In Trouble with State Securities Dept.

May 13th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Phoenix Renewable Energy, based out of Hot Springs, received a “cease and desist” letter from the Arkansas Securities Dept., for inducing investors to put up around $1.4 million, to be converted to stock in the German Stock Market.

A press release from the state also stated that over $330,000 had been paid out to Phoenix’s development director, Stephen Walker, and CEO Sam Anderson.

Phoenix Renewable Energy is the company that held their ceremonial ground breaking in Camden 9 months ago, but has done little else, there. They were also discussed at an Intermodal Facility meeting last year, as having contacted several other southeast Arkansas communities, about the possibility of expanding in this area, along with their $180 million Camden facility.

Locations toured in hopes of adding a large employer like Phoenix promised to be, included Monticello, Warren, and Rison, among others.

The “cease and desist” order doesn’t close the company, but certainly limits the availability of funds for a potential start-up.

This story has been covered by KTHV channel 11 and Arkansas Democrat, among others, but didn’t include the local references, except for Camden.

Phoenix Renewable is not affiliated with either of the other two bio-mass, bio-fuel entities that are also interested in expansion into the Monticello area.

Posted in Business | 2 Comments »

Monday’s Mayor’s Forum – Videos

May 11th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Rep. Allen Maxwell

Mayor Joe Rogers

Videos below from Monday night’s Political Forum at Pilgrim’s Rest AME Church, featuring mayoral candiate Allen Maxwell and Mayor Joe Rogers.

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Posted in Elections, Video | No Comments »

70 People, 30 Minutes, 1 Prayer, “God Bless the USA, Arkansas, & Monticello”

May 7th, 2010 by Submitted

A local National Day of Prayer Observance was held Thursday, around noon, on the front lawn of the Drew County Courthouse.

Around 70 people attended the event, as a series of prayers were lifted, asking God for his guidance over our country, state, and local leaders, schools, national security, military, law enforcement, justice system, churches, and people enduring hardships.

Posted in Church | No Comments »

Traffic Stop Results in Monticello Man’s 3rd Drug Arrest in 6 Months

April 21st, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Police /Legal | 20 Comments »

Local Pilot Performs Emergency Landing on HWY 425 North, Near Campground Road

April 15th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Just before 11 a.m. Wednesday morning, Ward Rabb, a local pilot, was returning to Monticello from a trip to Kansas, when the single propeller airplane he was flying, began having engine trouble, and had to perform an emergency landing, on HWY 425 North, near Campground Road.

According to Drew County Sheriff Mark Gober, Rabb had contacted the FAA, prior to landing the plane on the highway. Neither the pilot or the plane’s other passenger were injured.

The plane, shown here, was pushed into a nearby yard; repaired; and then took off, disappearing over a hill, as spectators watched.

Posted in Police /Legal | 3 Comments »

Meth Ring Busted by Law Enforcement, “Ice” Recovered

April 14th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

According to Lt. Jason Akers of the 10th Drug Task Force, a Central Arkansas based methamphetamine trafficking operation was shut down by Task Force Agents this past week.

According to Akers, an investigation into methaphetamine traffickers from Little Rock, Arkansas that began in Monticello resulted in the arrest of several suspects believed to be involved in bringing the drug to Bradley, Drew and other counties throughout the State.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Police /Legal | 9 Comments »

Local Man Accepts Plea to Sexual Assault, 2nd Degree

April 8th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Police /Legal | 1 Comment »

Monticello Man Being Held on $300,000 Bond of 1st Degree Battery Charge

March 29th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

A 21 year old Monticello man was arrested on a warrant by the Monticello Police Dept, last week and is being held on a $300,00 bond, following his 1st appearance hearing Thursday. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Police /Legal | No Comments »

City Council Approves Water Rate Increase

March 19th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

The Monticello City Council approved an increase in city water rates at Thursday evening meeting.

Water rates will increase by 3%, except for the minimum usage bills, which will increase by 50 cents per month.

Posted in City, Video | No Comments »

Charges against Taylor “Nolle Prossed” in Parole/Probation Vandalism Case

March 12th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Documents filed with the Drew County Circuit Clerks office show the the charges against Robbie Taylor have been “nolle prossed”, by the prosecuting attorney’s office, due to issues involving evidence.

The court order includes the phrases,”without prejudice,” and “insufficient evidence to convict the defendant at this time.” Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Police /Legal | 45 Comments »

Star City Man Gets 6 Year Sentence for Sexual Assault Case Against Minor

March 1st, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Police /Legal | 15 Comments »

Gray seeking re-election to Quorum Court for District 5 Position

March 1st, 2010 by Submitted

Tommy Gray has announced that he will seek re-election to another term as District 5 Justice of the Peace.

A native of south Arkansas and a resident of Drew County for more than 33 years, Gray is president and manager of Monticello Tire and Service, Inc. Goodyear. He is a member of Pauline Baptist Church and the Monticello Lions Club, a 32nd Degree Mason, past master of Eureka Lodge #30, a member of the Eastern Star, a Shriner in the Sahara Temple, and a board member of the Drew County Historical Museum and the Drew County Historical Society.

Gray and his wife, LaWanda, have four children: Tess Kilcrease and Ted Gray of Monticello, Jackie Jarrett of Dumas and Debbie Fraser of Gould.

In seeking reelection, Gray states that he will work with and for all the citizens of Drew County. “I pledge to continue work and support for our hospital, library, schools and economic development. I will continue to work for new industry and will support the industry and growth of what we now have.

“I care about Drew County and all of its people. I take pride in my service to District 5. Thank you for the trust and support you have placed in me,” he said.

Posted in Elections | No Comments »

‘Twenty for the Future’ Meets With Elected Officials in Washington D.C.

February 25th, 2010 by Joe Burgess

U.S. Representative Mike Ross met with representatives of Drew County’s “Twenty for the Future” group in his Washington, D.C., office Wednesday, during their visit to the nation’s capital to meet with federal legislators.

Ross, as well as our other elected Washington delegation members, met with the group to discuss Monticello and Drew County’s economic challenges and needs and how best to facilitate economic growth in the region.

Items on the agenda to be covered included:
University of Arkansas at Monticello, for funding of projects for the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, the School of Nursing, and to replace the university’s current phone system.
Drew Memorial Hospital intended to request funding for an electronic medical records system, a nurse call system, a digital mammogram machine, a 64-slice tomography scanner, and a telemetry system for the E.R.
The City of Monticello planned to point out the benefits of a potential Monticello community center.
Other topics to be discussed were: I-530, the Southeast Arkansas Regional Library to build a new library the local Intermodal Facility, and nearby Yellow Bend Port.

Meeting were held Wednesday, and the group is returning to Monticello, today.

Posted in City, County | No Comments »

Car Drives into Western Sizzlin’, 3 Customers Injured

February 23rd, 2010 by Joe Burgess

Just before noon Monday, the driver of the vehicle shown here was attempting to park outside of Western Sizzlin’, and reportedly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal of the car.