The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) held its spring commencement exercises on Friday, May 8, in the Steelman Field House. Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, recognized graduates completing master’s degrees to associate degrees during the ceremonies.
Commencement was split into two ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The 10 a.m. ceremony included the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources (undergraduate and graduate), the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, the School of Nursing (undergraduate and graduate), the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Division of General Studies. The 2 p.m. ceremony included the School of Arts and Humanities (undergraduate and graduate), the School of Business, the School of Computer Information Systems and the School of Education (undergraduate and graduate).
Haven Taylor, a member of the Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship (MBSF) and a 2026 graduate receiving a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree, gave the invocation at the 10 a.m. ceremony. Robbie Jo Freeman, a member of MBSF and a 2026 graduate receiving a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree, gave the invocation at the 2 p.m. ceremony. Scott Bearden, associate professor of music, led the singing of the national anthem and alma mater at both ceremonies.
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Cross Roads Cemetery Association will meet for their Annual Meeting at 2pm on Sunday May 29th at the Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church located at 1337 Hwy 278 West. Everyone is invited to attend.
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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.”
