2022 Monticello/Drew County Visitors’ & Newcomers’ Guide FREEMonticello Arkansas
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Drew Foam Companies, Inc. has been a part of this community for the last 50 years and is one of the largest manufacturing employers in the area. We pride ourselves in creating jobs and creating a future in our hometown. We support the people of Southeast Arkansas through our spirit to make this one of the best places to live, work, and play. made the right choice by calling our community HOME, we are glad are here!
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For more information about us and JOB OPPORTUNITIES visit our social community at the following sites
Let us be the first to WELCOME you to Monticello and Drew County, the “Heartbeat of Southeast Arkansas.”
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1 Quick Facts ........................................ 4, 6 Local couple goes on hike of a lifetime... 9 Upholding the legacy of Mullis Ins ....... 16 Chris' Hair Care celebrates 50 years ..... 19 Go back in time with the Drew County Museum ............................................... 20 Visit the library for adventure ................ 20 Get outdoors in Southeast Arkansas ...... 23 UAM offers unique educational opportunities ........................................ 27 Chamber of Commerce Members ......... 28 Business & Industry .............................. 33 Community Service .............................. 33 Education ............................................. 34 Health Care .......................................... 34 Recreation ............................................ 35 Religion ................................................ 35 Entertainment ....................................... 36 Real Estate ............................................ 36 Table of Contents Index of Advertisers………………………………………………………………………….3 ABOUT THE FRONT COVER: The front cover photo was taken by Monticello Police Officer Shawn Curtis. Officer Curtis is a commercial drone pilot that uses the latest technology to take photos to assist the City of Monticello.
2 316 S Hwy. 425 • 870-412-4574 Hours: M-F 6am-5pm • Sat 7am-3pm • Closed Sunday www.monticellocoffeecompany.com Drive-thru window Find us on Facebook FEATURING: • Breakfast Sandwiches & Assorted Pastries • Panini Sandwiches, Salads, and Wraps • Specialty Cold Drinks FRESHIncludingSqueezedLemonade&SpecialtyTeas•Coffee•NitroBar•EspressoBar • House-Made Syrups • Lattes • CappuccinosFamily Owned MOBILE UNIT NOW AVAILABLE for special events, weddings, meetings, family reunions & more! Shop Local, Safe & Convenient. Follow us on Facebook HEARTBEAT OF SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS THEMONTICELLO DREWHEALTHCOUNTYUNIT 940 Scogin Drive Monticello, AR 870-367-623471655 www.healthy.arkansas.gov Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday - Friday 8AM-4:30PM Tuesday 9:30AM-6PM YOUR HEALTH Matters. 572 West Gaines • Monticello, AR • 870-367-5896 Monday - Friday 6:00 am - 5:00 pm Oil Change • A/C Service Front End Alignments Flats • Tires • Tune Ups Brakes • RotationMONTICELLOFashionedOldFullService
3 Ag Up Equipment Page 13 Annswood Apartments Retirement Center ................................. Page 13 Arkansas Department of Health ...............Page 2 Arkansas Superior Federal Credit Union Page 27 Connelley Family Medical PLLC ........... Page 25 Delta AssociatesCounselingInc....................... Inside Back Cover Delta Rivers Nature Center ................... Page 22 Drew Central School District Page 8 Drew Companies,Foam Inc Inside Front Cover Drug and Alcohol Safety Education Program ................................ Page 20 ESA Staffing & Screening Page 18 Farm Bureau.......................................... Page 19 First United Methodist Church Page 26 GPlex Subercenter ................................ Page 17 Head of the Class .................................. Page 17 Hope & Co. Realty Page 20 Hospice Home Care ............................. Page 26 Interfor Inside Back Cover Mainline Health Systems, Inc ............... Page 16 Majors Forest & Lawn ........................... Page 25 Maxwell Hardwood Flooring Page 21 Metal Mart ............................................ Page 22 Monticello Ambulance Service, Inc Page 14 Monticello Church of Christ.................. Page 15 Monticello Coffee Company ....................Page 2 Monticello DevelopmentEconomicCommission.................... Page 11 Monticello Exxon Page 2 Monticello School District .......................Page 8 Monticello, City of ...................................Page 2 North Hyatt Secure Storage Page 17 O’Fallon Veterinary Service, Inc ............ Page 25 Pafford Air One ..................................... Page 17 Patrick’s Auto Wash Page 13 Patrick's Spee-D-Lube ........................... Page 13 Pomeroy’s Hometown Ace .................... Page 10 Price Companies, The ........................... Page 25 Razorback Body Shop ........................... Page 23 Reinhart Family Healthcare Page 10 Ryburn Motor Company ....................... Page 18 Sammy Mullis Insurance ....................... Page 16 SeaArk Boats Page 25 Seark College ........................................ Page 14 Select Concrete Co., LLC ...................... Page 21 Silvicraft, Inc Page 9 Southeast Emergency Medical Service, Inc ................................Page 5 The Ridge on Wilson Mill ........................... Inside Back Cover The Woods, A Nightingale Community Page 16 Union Bank..............................................Page 9 University of Arkansas at Monticello Page 7 White Hall, City of ................................ Page 23 Index of Advertisers This publication produced by DREW www.advancemonticellonian.comP.O.NEWSPAPERS,COUNTYINC.Box486•314NorthMainMonticello,Arkansas71657(870)367-5325 Vicki Kelly Advertising Manager Theresa Perrigen Advertising Representative Kristie Nall Graphic Designer Ashley Hogg Editor Tom White President/Publisher For more information about this publication and/or advertising rates, call 870-367-5325. This publication was produced by Drew County Newspapers, Inc. Copyright 2022. Reproduction in whole or part of this publication without express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Monticello School District: 367-4000 Drew Central School District: 367-5369
The Arkansas State Police require that new residents acquire an Arkansas auto license and registration as soon as residency in the state is established.
In county: C & L Electric 870-628-4221Cooperative, Natural Gas CenterPoint Energy Arkla: 1-800-992-7552
Southeast Emergency Medical Service (SEEMS)
School Registration
The city of Monticello operates a recycling facility at 1466 Old Warren Road. Cardboard, aluminum cans, newspapers (not slick inserts), and plastic containers are accepted. Residents may also call the facility at 367-4407 to sign up for weekly curbside pickups each Wednesday. Participants in the curbside program are asked to separate cardboard from newspapers and to rinse out all bottles. Recycling center hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon day through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of the month.
Drew Memorial Health System: 367-2411 Emergency room is physician-staffed 24 hours a day Water City of Monticello: 367-3415 County water service is provided by the following seven independent water associations: Green Hill-Brooks Chapel, Bowser, Barkada-Green Hill, Selma, Enon and Lacey-Ladelle. Each association services a different area of the county. Ambulance - Call 911 or Monticello Ambulance Service Inc. (MASI)
The Arkansas State Police require that new residents acquire an Arkansas driver's license as soon as residency in the state is established. Auto Tags Department of Finance & Revenue: 367-5226
City of Monticello: City owned and operated service. One weekly residential pickup, $11.55 per month. Weekly business pickups are available for $35 per month. To establish service or for special or larger pickups, call the city sanitation department at 367-3415, or go by the Monticello City Hall at 204 West Gaines.
Electricity Inside Monticello city limits: Entergy Corporation, 1-800-368-3749
Propane Gas Cash and Sons LP Gas: 367-8227
Trash Pickups
Monticello Ambulance Service, Inc. operates two ambulanc es manned by paramedics and equipped to provide advanced cardiac life support. Yearly memberships are available. MASI is located at 325 West Shelton. Call 367-7384 for non-emergency business.Southeast Emergency Medical Services operates two am bulances manned by paramedics and equipped to provide advanced cardiac life support. Yearly memberships are avail able. SEEMS is located at 503 West Gaines. Call 367-2300 for non-emergency business. Cable Television Vyve Broadband (formerly Community Communications Company of Monticello): 367-7300. The expanded basic cable rate is $66.95 a month plus tax. Other premium channels are available for an additional cost per month. The offices are located at 1920 U.S. Hwy. 425 North. Internet Service Available from several local providers.
Driver's Licenses Department of Finance & Revenue: 367-5226
Matthews: 367-2709
Southern LP Gas: 367-3321
Residential Service: 800-464-7928
Commercial Service: 800-499-7928
In Monticello: Southwestern Bell
Voter Registration Drew County Courthouse: 460-6260
Quick Facts
Emergency Room
Telephone Service
Building Permits and Inspections Call 870-367-4400. The City Clerk's position is vacant now but the person answering can help. Fees are project-related, with prices determined by the size of the project to be undertaken.
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Persons can also register when obtaining a driver's license at the Department of Finance & Revenue or at the Southeast Arkan sas Regional Library, Monticello Branch (367-8583)
In County: County-owned and operated service. One weekly pickup, $16.86 per month. To establish service, and to secure a 911 address, call the Drew County solid waste/911 coordinator's office at 460-6293, or go by the Drew County Courthouse at 210 South Main. Recycling
5 10 Years of Excellence S OUTH E AST E MERGENCY M EDICAL S ERVICE INC. When Time Matters, Dial 911 & REQUEST: Office 870-367-2300 • southeastems@sbcglobal.net 503 W Gaines | P.O. Box 714 | Monticello, AR 71657 Lyle Welch, Owner/Operator
Drew County Quorum Court Members
County Judge - Robert Akin, (870) 460-6200
Sheriff - Mark Gober, (870) 367-6211
Tax Collector - Tonya Loveless, (870) 460-6220
Circuit Clerk - Beverly Burks, (870) 460-6250
Drew County Elected Officials
County Clerk - Nancy White, (870) 460-6260
State Senator Ben Gilmore - District 26, (870) 682-2902
Assessor - Cheri Adcock, (870) 460-6240
State Representatives
Facts
District 1 - Orlando Jones District 2 - Steven Morrison District 3 - Roger Harris District 4 - Carole Bulloch District 5 - Steve Pigott District 6 - Donna Usry District 7 - Joe Williams Jr. District 8 - Frank Appleberry District 9 - René Knowles
U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R) 500 Clinton Ave. Suite 401 Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone: (202) 224-2353 Fax: (501) 324-5230 Toll Free: 1401Johnwww.cotton.senate.gov1-877-259-9602BoozmanW.CapitolAve.,Plaza F. Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone: (202) 224-4843 Fax: (501) www.boozman.senate.gov372-7163
6 Population (According to 2020 Census) City's Count: 8,442 County's Count: 17,350 Climate Mean daily maximum temperature: 77 Mean daily minimum temperature: 53 Mean daily noontime humidity: 57% Mean daily midnight humidity: 77% Maximum temperature of 90 degrees and over: 96 days Minimum temperature of 32 degrees and under: 41 days Average annual rainfall: 42 inches Elevation: 280 to 410 feet above sea level Police Protection 911 Service: Yes Monticello Police Department Number of officers: 22 Full-Time, 8 Part-Time Police Non-Emergency Number (870) 367-3411 Drew County Sheriff's Department Number of paid deputies/officers: 13 Number of auxiliary members: 6 Sheriff Non-Emergency Number (870) 367-6211 Fire Protection City of NumberMonticelloofpaidfiremen: 12 Number of volunteers: 13 Fire insurance rating: Class 4 Fire stations: 2; training facility Fire Non-Emergency Number (870) 367-5433 Service available to industry outside city limits, and var ious volunteer fire departments are located in the com munities throughout the county. Health Services Drew Memorial Health System (870) 367-2411 49 24-hourbeds emergency room 53 active and consulting physicians City of Monticello Elected Officials Mayor - Paige Chase, (870) 367-4400 City Clerk - Jessica Hylton, (870) 367-4400 City Attorney - Whit Barton, (870)367-6288 Monticello City Council Members Ward 1 - Al Peer and Cedric Leonard Ward 2 - Craig McRae and Claudia Hartness Ward 3 - Michael James and Clarissa Pace Ward 4 - Mike Wigley and Mark Tiner
Quick
U.S. Representative - Fourth District Bruce Westerman (R) 100 E. 8th Avenue, Room 2521 Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Phone: (202)225-3772 Fax: (870) www.westerman.house.gov536-4058
Howard Beaty - District 9, (870) 304-6584A Mike Holcomb - District 10, (870) 879-6135
Treasurer - Charles Searcy (870) 460-6225
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8 870-367-5369 www.drewcentral.org MONTICELLO SCHOOL DISTRICT 935 Scogin Dr. Monticello, AR 870-367-400071655 MSD Schools are recognized for Academic Success MSD Schools are fully certified by the Arkansas Dept. of Education Award winning Band, Choir, and Art AP Classes, Concurrent College Credit Classes, NationallySTEMrecognized Career and Technical AccreditedClassesABCProgram for 3 and 4 year olds 21CC After School Progress ALE Program award for Academic Excellence CHECK THIS OUT! ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ To Be A Billie Is To Be A Champion.
Local couple goes on hike of a lifetime
From 4-20-22: Second AT update from local hikers Since our last update Pops and Nana have hiked a portion of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The weather has been as unpredictable as the Appalachian Trail terrain. Today, for example, it is snowing. Pretty crazy for the day after Easter. So far, we have hiked roughly 140 miles up mountains, crossing creeks, and through open fields. The views and sights have been amazing! One interesting historical sight was seeing the Washington Monument. No, not the one
From 4-6-22: First update from local hik ers braving AT By: Stephen CoBurn On April 1, Jane and I loaded in the car with four of our grandchildren and daughter to be dropped off at the Appalachian Trail access point. After good byes, the trek began. Hiking the trail is an opportunity to experience the joy of nature, enter into a time of reflection and test your physical capabilities. Early in the hike, you experience a level of fatigue that tests you mentally and physical ly. For the first two days, we didn’t encounter many hikers.
While on the trails, hikers have “trail names” they use throughout the hike. On the second day we met Pebbles, TwoStep, and Terrapin. Hikers from all over the United States make the pil grimage to the Appalachian Trail. Our trail names are Pops and Nana. Our day consists mostly of walking the trail, setting up for the night and the waking up to do it all over again. Jane and I are keto eaters, meaning no carbs. One of the perks to hiking is eating all the carbs you want. Pizza, burgers, ice cream and cookies are man na from heaven! “We hike to eat!”, Jane says. We average about 8-10 miles a day hiking. It is all dependent on weather and terrain. The terrain can be exhausting.OnSunday we made our way through what is called “The Roller Coaster”. This is a ten mile stretch of trail traversing up and down five mountain peaks. We began the Roller Coaster at 8:30 a.m. and completed it at 4:15 p.m. A challenging day to say the least. Hiking the trail gives you time to disconnect, focus on the task at hand, and strengthening your body. Sore legs, feet and back are part of the daily routine. Everyday it is simply one foot in front of the other. Bill Bryson had it right, hik ing the Appalachian Trail is a “walk in the woods.”
See AT UPDATES Page 10 www.unionbnk.com | MEMBER FDIC | CONNECT WITH UNION BANK We’re Here For You!
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Earlier this year, Ste phen Coburn informed The Advance staff about the adventure he and his part ner Jane, were setting foot on, literally. The Appala chian Trail is hike that runs from Georgia to Maine in the Eastern United States. Every year, dozens of hikers attempt to tackle the AT, with only a quarter of them completing it. As the pair from Drew County hiked, updates were sent to The Advance and published in our weekly edition. Below is a compilation of their travels.
Snacks during the day are also important to maintain energy and strength. Trail mix, energy bars, snickers, and Oreo’s keep us moving. We are currently about half way through Pennsyl vania. We hope to enter New Jersey in a couple of weeks. But first, we have to navigate through boul ders in “Rocksylvania”. The rocks are relentless! So there are days it is a slow go, at least for us. It is important to not get caught up in the miles others are hiking. Hikers say, “hike your own hike.” We are still on course to arrive in Maine in late July or early August. Until then, we keep walking! Every morning Jane asks me, “What are we going to do today?” I respond, “ We get to hike the AT!” So, we hike on! We are amazed by the beauty and grateful for the opportunity to experience and explore this great coun
10 Valid at Pomeroy’s Hometown Ace in Monticello, AR on Sept. 2-16th, 2020, only. Coupon valid only at participating Ace Hardware locations. Not valid on prior purchases or on any of the following major categories/brands (plus those detailed at https://www.acehardware.com/customerservice?page=exclusions): sale/discounted items, rentals, services, gift cards, gov’t issued items (e.g., NOW OPEN Pomeroy’s Hometown Ace 500 Hwy 425 N $5 OFF your next purchase of regular priced merchandise of $25 or more at Pomeroy’s Hometown Ace Pomeroy’s Hometown Ace 500 Hwy 425 N • Monticello • (870) 412-4860 Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM • Sat 8AM-5PM • Sun 12PM-5PM The Best Brands Under One Roof 870-460-9777 Jeffrey Reinhart, M.D. Jamie West, Nurse Practitioner 8:00 AM - 5:00 Monday-FridayPM 777 Jordan MonticelloDriveREINHART FAMILY HEALTHCARE The perfect balance of health & care for you and your family. Healthcare you can trust. Now offeriNg TelehealTh FROM HEAD TO TOE... in Washington DC. Did you know the first Washington Monument built to honor George Washington can be found near Boonesboro, Maryland. Built by the towns people of Boones boro, the monument was celebrated on July 4, 1827. The monument was used in the Civil War as a lookout station by the Union Army. We continue to meet people from around the country on the trail. Cur rently we are hiking with new friends, trail names Last Minute and Why Not, from Rhode Island. On the trail there is a community that forms and the hike and life is Littleshared.things make a difference on the trail. Hot coffee, warm blankets, and dry socks are celebrated. The trail is teaching us how simple life can be. We are learning what is a necessary and what can be eliminated. You learn that life doesn’t have to be so complicated. Life is good! Enjoy the little things. Stay present and be encouraged!
From 5-4-22: AT update: Local hikers still on the trail Local hikers, Nana and Pops are still on the Appa lachian Trail! As I write this, we have now covered 240 miles. One of the questions I often receive is, “Where do you sleep?” Along the trail you will find a variety of shel ters and campsites. We prefer the shelter because it is easier at end of a long day. Shelters are built and maintained by Appalachian Trail Clubs. Sections of the trail are kept by the clubs. Some of the shelters are small sleeping 4-6 people. Other shelters are bigger sleeping up to 16 people. Sharing such a small space is interesting to say the least. You encounter loud snores, late night conver sation, early morning wake ups, and food ideas. I have included a couple of photos of a few shelters. These shelters provide cover in bad weather and help cre ateWecommunities.areoftenasked by non- hikers about our food. What do you eat on trail? We typically carry 3-4 days of food. Dehydrated meals are common on the trail. Our favorite is chili mac with Fritos! We eat a lot of Ramen Noodles! Some of the meals are hit and miss, but aren’t too bad. You do get hungry and enjoy when you can stop at a restau rant. One night I ate about 5000 calories at Wendy’s!
AT UPDATES Continued from Page 9 See AT UPDATES Page 12
11 PO Box 1890 Monticello, AR www.monticelloedc.org870-367-307671657 Nita ExecutiveMcDaniel,Director
From 5-18-22: Local hikers still on trail, covering more states Imagine for a moment a sea of rocks as far as you can see. Not just small rocks, but boulders. Step by step you make your way across each jagged edge. With each step your ankles ache and your feet are bending in ways contrary to creation. On the Appa lachian Trail we call that Pennsylvania. The good news is you finally leave the tortuous Pennsylvania rock field behind and enter the more tranquil landscape of NewWeJersey.arenow in New Jer sey and approaching 350 miles of hiking. Crossing the Delaware River into New Jersey was a wel comed change. Spring is coming to life all around us. The rhododendrons are preparing to bloom, the trees are in full green splendor, and before long wild blackberries will be plentiful. As the warm er weather awakens, so do the snakes and black bears. With each step now you listen intently for the rattling sound that stops you in your tracks. There have been multiple reports of rattlesnake sightings. Not for us yet and I hope it stays that way. Nana will tell you if Pops sees a snake he will “squeal like a girl.” She is a really smart Nana!
From 6-15-22: AT up date: Hikers get off the trail after more than 550 miles Do you remember playing on a jungle gym? Or, find ing your way through a corn maze, with each step trying toyourmaneuverwayaround the obstacles?Well,that is exactly what Nana and Pops did this past week. We are in Maine and made our way through the Mahoosuc Notch. The Mahoosuc Notch is called, “the hardest mile "INCH
12 try. You can also follow our adventure on Facebook @ SCoburnImages. Stay pres ent and be encouraged!
meals.dehydratedothersomethingandourshower,toopportunityantakeadolaundryenjoythanForinstance today we ordered two large de livery pizzas, one for Nana and one for Pops. In case you wonder, there are never anyAgain,leftovers!weare grateful that you are following along on this adventure with us. Life is good on the trail and the simplicity is refreshing. Until next time, stay pres ent and be encouraged!
See AT UPDATES Page 15 AT UPDATES Continued from Page 10 GERRY LARGAY
WORM"
There are also reports of a very aggressive black bear on the trail. Waking up hungry can make a bear a bit cantankerous. No bear sightings for us just yet, but my camera is ready. With a telephoto lens, of course. With each day, our legs are getting stronger and our feet more tired. Both of us have already had to replace our hiking shoes due to wear and tear. But hey, who doesn’t like a pair of new shoes. Every few days we stop in the nearest town for food re-supply. We roam the store aisle picking up Cliff bars, coffee, Mac and cheese, and whatever looks good. Which is usually everything! The good news is that we have more food. The bad news is that we have to carry it. The day af ter is usually a hard hiking day due to the extra weight. We continue to be amazed by the raw beauty of the outdoors and the spirit of friendship and community of the trail. And so, we hike on not knowing what is before us. With each step, turn, mountain and new friends we are on an adventure. Thank you for following along with us! Stay present and be en couraged!Nanaand Pops From 6-1-22: AT update: The adventure continues Nana and Pops are still on the trail. Last week we passed the 400 mile mark. We have been on the trail now for two months. Hard to believe it has been that long. It has been an amaz ing journey so far. The views have been outstand ing. One view we experi enced was on what is called Prospect Rock. From this spot we could see the sky line of New York City far in the distance. Prospect Rock is the highest point in New York on the Appalachian Trail. There was one slight encounter gave us pause. As we were walking up the trail we came face to face with another hiker. A black bear! The bear and I stopped looking at each other and Nana called out to the bear. After a moment, he wandered of the trail. We continued on, with one eye on the bear. Another time we saw a Momma and her cubs. We were more in terested in them than they were in us. We all kept our distance!Weare now in New York. The terrain has either been tranquil or steep. There are are number of times we literally climbed up the mountain! One hard climb was in Buchanan Mountain. At times we were on our knees moving up hoping the weight of our packs would not cause us to fall. The rough part of going up is knowing how steep the going down. But, so far we have been free of injury. Hiking the trail is an obvious adventure, but it takes its toll on us men tally and physically. One mountain after another is exhausting. Not to men tion the rocks! We have climbed rock cliffs using a rebar ladder only to arrive at what we thought was the top. The mountains seem to keep growing. One of the moments of celebration is when we get to the bottom and reach a highway with a great sense of accomplish ment.For today we are enjoy ing what is called a zero day. On zero days we get a room in a near by town or village. It gives us
13 PATRICK’SLUBEANDWASHPATRICK’SSPEE-D-LUBE 502 Hwy 425 S Monticello, AR Oil Change & Car Wash PATRICK’S AUTO WASH 125 Westgate Drive Monticello, AR ANNSWOODRETIREMENTAPARTMENTSCENTER PHONE: 870-367-5967 570 W. Conrad • Monticello, AR 71655 annswood@ccc-cable.net 1-800-285-1131 Arkansas Relay Service TTY Handicapped, efficiency & one bedroom apartments When available A family’s annual income must not exceed program income limits. Limits are very low and extremely low incomes. For more information write or call: Tracy Ballard, Office Manager, Equal Housing annswood@ccc-cable.netOpportunities. AGUP www.AgUp.comEquipment•662.314.9078 AgUp.com 870-265-5333870-222-4671 Dumas 602 HWY 65 N. | 870-501-7020 Portland 406 HWY 165 N. | 870-417-4370 OFFER EXPIRES 4/30/22. SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY. SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS.
14 325 W Shelton 367-7384 Serving Monticello & Drew County Since 1972 Owners Scott & Sherry Carson A S I nc.ervicembulance
15 on the Appalachian Trail”. The notch is a deep ravine between two mountain peaks filled with boulders that create the notch. It is difficult to put in to words just how hard it is. For two hours and forty five min utes, we climbed over and under and around boulders with thirty five pounds on our back. After completing the notch, we then climbed “The Arm” up 3,200 verti cal feet. To gain perspec tive, I encourage you all to Google the Mahoosuc Notch.Some have asked why we are hiking the Appalachian Trail.Inaddition to wanting the experience, there is a personal reason for Nana. In 2013, Nana and her hiking partner, Inch Worm, hiked the trail. While in Maine, Nana had to leave the trail to head home due to our daughter breaking her ankle. Inch Worm, Gerry Largay, continued on her hike. She soon got off the trail and was lost. To make a long story short, she survived 26 days before she died on the trail. Rescuers did not find her until two and a half years later. Her story is documented in the book, “When You Find My Body”. Nana wanted to return to the trail one more time in memory of Gerry and to celebrate her life. Now, after more than 550 miles on the trail, our bod ies are exhausted. We have decided to end our hike. The experience has been a once in a lifetime experi ence. The people we have met, the places we have been will be with us for the rest of our lives. We want you to know how grateful we are for each of you following along. Your words of encourage ment have given us strength when we needed it. So, Nana and Pops are off the trail and will spend the next month traveling toward home, stopping to see the sights and creating new couraged.thisThankexperiences.youforsharingadventurewithus.StaypresentandbeenNanaandPops AT UPDATES Continued from Page 12
Sammy Mullis Insur ance Agency has been in Monticello since 1969. Serving the community with all their insurance needs, the office on Church Street is alwaysSadly,busy.thehard working and fun loving father of three and devoted husband, de parted this life in June 2021. “This has been so hard,” Connie Mullis, wife of the late Sammy Mullis said. “I depended on him for so much.”Sammy was known for his love of people. He worked hard and was constantly at the office, but he never turned down the chance to have a good time. When he wasn’t working, he could be found lounging with his friends, playing golf, or spinning Connie on the dance floor. The couple met in Wash ington D.C. when Mullis was in the Air Force. “I am originally from D.C.,” Connie noted. “We eloped and when he got out Ashley Hogg/Advance Monticellonian
A TRADITION Pictured (from left to right) Abby Mingo, Jennifer Mingo, Connie Mullis, Tammy Kno bloch and Kelly Knobloch.
16 Upholding the legacy: Connie and Tammy keep Mullis Insurance open
FAMILY
See MULLIS Page 18 MONTICELLO CLINIC 535 Jordan Drive • Monticello, AR 870-367-MAIN (6246) • www.mainlinehealth.net Mainline Health Women’s Clinic is conveniently located in Monticello to provide women in Southeast Arkansas with compassionate and comprehensive OB/GYN care. Whatever your stage of life or whatever medical attention you may need, our dedicated professionals are standing by to take the journey with you. Gynecology • Obstetrics Preventive Health Screenings Birth Control • Infertility Diagnosis & Treatment Pre-Pregnancy Counseling Delivery • Genetic Screening Family Medicine • Pediatrics Vaccinations • Ultrasound P.O. Box 1100 • Monticello, AR 71657 Business: 870-367-2431 • Fax: smullis@ccc-cable.net870-367-1241 “On The Square” 367-6852 | 1194 N. Chester St. • www.woodsofmonticello.com The Woods COME JOIN OUR FAMILY!
By AShley hogg editor@monticellonews.net
17 Corporate Headquarters: 1300 Commerce Street Ruston, Louisiana 71270 For Emergencies, Dial 9-1-1 PAFFORD AIR MEMBERSHIPONE covers all household members on all Pafford Air One owned & operated aircraft for $49/Year “The Difference is CRITICAL” ALPHA Ruston Regional Airport Ruston, Louisiana DELTA Pafford EMS Operations Clarksdale, Mississippi ECHO Monticello Municipal Airport Monticello, Arkansas Jackson,HawkinsFOXTROTFieldMississippi MEDICAID RECIPIENTS are prohibited by state law from being offered membership or accepted into membership programs. By applying, applicants certify to Pafford EMS, they are not Medicaid beneficiaries. Medicare and ApprovedMedicaid Ground and Air Communications24/7/365AvailableMembershipsFlightSpecialists Air Ambulances Available (Fixed and Rotor Wing) 24/7/365DispatchersMedical100%CertifiedFlightCrew Corporate Headquarters: 1300 Commerce Street • Ruston, Louisiana 71270 • 318.255.9114 The ONLY Helicopter Air Ambulance located in Drew County!! • Youth Activities • Sports Competitions • Educational Opportunities • Community Service • Fellowship • Banquets • Reunions • Dinners • Parties • Health Fairs • Fitness • Rummage Sales • Building the Total Youth • Travel HEAD OF THE CLASS Childcare & Learning Center “Quality Childcare With Proven Results” Sherrie Gillespie, Owner 119 Shay Gillespie St. • Monticello Bus. Phone www.headoftheclasschildcare.com870-367-1240870-367-0024 Undertheauspicesof:
Not much has changed over the past few months at Mullis Insurance. They are working on some minor office remodels but the employees are still serving all types of insurance needs. Currently, the office holds, Tammy Knobloch, Connie Mullis, and Jennifer Mingo as licensed insurance agents.
closing“Weheartache.neverconsideredthedoors,”Tammy stated. “It’s not what daddy would’ve wanted. We will keep on working, 24/7 just like he did. He was 83 when he passed but he still worked daily. He made deposits and scheduled customers and when he got tired, which was usually around 3 p.m., he went home. And he did it all again the next day. He loved being at this office and interacting with people in the community. He was very dedicated and he really appreciated his customers.”
“All of us are happy to help our customers,” Tammy noted. “We have them text us after hours and call us on the weekends. We value the relationship we have and the trust we have built. We are thankful for all the people that choose us to provide insurance.”
MULLIS Continued from Page 16 File Photo 367-2727 310 W. McCloy Monticello, AR 71655 • Job Search ServicesJob vacancies and labor market information • Job Placement Services • Career Counseling • Basic AssessmentSkills • Safety-EvaluatedWorksites • Never a fee for job seekers what we GEToffer:HIRED!
18 of the Air Force, we moved to Arkansas. We were mar ried for 64 years when he passed.”Mullis, a southeast Ar kansas native, moved from Camden to Monticello in 1965. Four years later, he opened his own insurance agency beside what is now Cash Saver grocery store. Mullis acquired the oldest in surance agency in Monticello in 1972 from A.T. Wells. After that, he acquired other small agencies and built his business from there. Since 1984, Mullis Insur ance has been located at 209 N. Church St. and has been a family affair. Though Connie has slowed down some, she is still faithful to her work at the office and has been since the“Sammy60’s. started in Life Insurance but we grew to servicing all types of insur ance needs,” Connie added. The tradition runs deep with the Mullis family. Tam my, Connie and Sammy’s daughter, is now running the business full time. “I have been working here since I was a kid,” Tammy said jokingly. “But I started full time after college.” Sammy and Connie have two other sons, one is a sur geon and the other one, you guessed it, is an insurance salesman in Dallas. In the Monticello office, they have added another generation to the work force. Kelly, daughter of Tammy, works in the office full time, serving the customers just as her grandparents did. When Sammy passed unexpectedly, the Mullis women persevered through the
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| www.arfb.com870-367-8585
• Disseminate information concerning the value and importance of agriculture
Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Mission:
LIKE A FAMILY Pictured above is Chris Barnett inside her salon with loyal customers she treats like family. See CHRIS' Page 21 your Farm Bureau... 800-863-5927
50 years of enhancing beauty
• Provide products and services which improve the quality of life for our members Arkansas Farm Bureau connects consumers with the farmers and ranchers who work hard every day to provide the world with food, fiber and shelter. Arkansas Farm Bureau speaks out on the issues that matter to farmers, ranchers and rural communities in the halls of government and shares the latest news, facts and stories about agriculture in Arkansas.
Chris Barnett, owner of Chris’ Hair Care, has been providing all types of hair care and beauty services for 50 years. She received her cosmetology license in JulySince1972.1989, Chris has been at her current loca tion on Bolling Street. Pri or to becoming the owner of her own salon, she worked in Crossett, a dif ferent salon in Monticello, and in 1976, she opened a place at her home in Wilmar.“Iworked out in Wilmar for 13 years,” Barnett stat ed. “Buddy and I married and bought a house in 76. I worked out of the shop at the house by myself until we moved to Green Hill, then purchased this location, which was called, The Hair Pen, from Diana Bates.”Today, Chris happily works with Sonya Potter and SaraBeth Wells and they offer an array of beau tification services. Ashley Hogg/Advance Monticellonian
• Advocate the interests of agriculture in the public arena
Working for Family Farmers Call or visit our website to learn more about
By AShley hogg editor@monticellonews.net
Drew County Museum is housed in the historical Cavaness House, a 14-room mansion on the National Register of Historic Places. See antiques from Drew County’s history including a wal nut spool bed and a pair of blue glass candlesticks original to the home.The Drew County Muse um got its start when the Drew County Historical Society of ficially incorporated as a non profit corporation on March 4, 1969. On February 27, 1970, the Drew County Historical Society purchased the historic Cavaness House from the Hoyle family in order to establish the museum. The Cavaness House is a South ern Colonial Revival Mansion on South Main Street that was built in stages from 1906 until 1916 by Monticello (Drew County) business man Garvin Cavaness and his wife, Phenton Wells Ca vaness. After his wife’s death in 1947, Cavaness sold the house to J. Porter Hoyle and his wife Lillian Hoyle. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. A walnut spool bed owned by Cavaness’s grandmother and a pair of blue glass candlesticks are original to the home. A large set of dinner china from the Taylor plantation in eastern Drew Coun ty is displayed prominently in the dining room. The museum also has themed rooms devoted to musical instruments, children’s toys, military artifacts, and Na tive American artifacts. In addi tion to the historic house, a cabin built by Drew County pioneers was moved to the property to preserve it and make it accessible to the Mostpublic.ofthe artifacts were made in Drew County or brought to Drew County by settlers. Mattie Butler Miles used cotton threads from the Monticello Cotton Mill to crochet a substantial decora tive coverlet in 1917. Later do nated to the museum, the thirtyfive-pound coverlet is displayed
20 310 S Main St. | Monticello, AR Searching for your “Home Sweet Home”? Look no further! CALL TODAY! Hope Hartness, GRI PrincipalRealtorBroker, www.hopeandcorealty.com • 870-723-3443 Drug and Alcohol Safety Education(DASEP)ProgramArea6 CALL OUR OFFICE AT 870-367-1701 FOR ANY HELP GETTING DRIVER’S LICENSE (DWI,FOLLOWINGREINSTATEDDRUGORALCOHOLCHARGESBWI,MIP,ORPOSSESSION)
Go back in time at the Drew County Museum
The Southeast Arkansas Regional Library, Monticello Branch, located at 114 West Jefferson Avenue, has served Monticello and Drew County for over 74 years. The Monticello Branch is the largest branch, having just over 60,000 visitors each year. Not only does SEARL offer many library services but they also offer, copy/fax services, nota ry services, children and adult programs (year-round), a public (non-commercial use) meeting room space seating up to 100 people, and most recently, they have added a Story Walk along the walking path. Movin' Monticello is a recent addition to the Library's pro grams, offering outside games for check out so the whole family can get out to enjoy the fresh air.
Visit the library for adventure See MUSEUM Page 22
nettThereadded.have been many ups and downs over the last 50 years but Chris said that the pandemic was the worst thing she has ever been through.“Covid-19 shut us down,” Barnett stated. “It was awful and when they did finally let us reopen, it was a crazy time trying to catch up with all theFellowclients.”stylist, Sonya Potter said that during the lock-down, Chris called many of her older clients just to check on them.
“That’s the kind of person she is,” Potter noted. It’s safe to say that 50 years cre ates lots of relationships and memo ries and Chris Barnett has countless of both in Drew County. 190 Wilson Mill Road | Monticello, Arkansas 71655 Phone 870-367-2436 | Fax 870-367-2968 www.maxwellhardwoodflooring.com
CHRIS' Continued from Page 19 CONCRETECO.,L.L.C. Monticello 367-8522 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS: Warren • McGehee • Dumas • Star City Select
21 NW NO M WOOD ORNG
As the ladies work on their sep arate clients in their individual booths, there is no sense of division. Everyone, worker and client, seems to be part of the family. Her friends describe Chris as always busy and a willing volunteer. She spends Wednesday’s at Grand Manor Assisted Living catering to residents who are unable to travel to her salon.
“I get to do something different everyday,” Chris said. “The phone rings non-stop and we see all types of hair styles and colors.”
“I enjoyed working alone for a while, but I don’t recommend it if you want to attend hair shows and events,” Barnett added.
Having been in the business since the 1970’s, Chris recalls a time when the beauty salon was mainly for women. Men’s hair cuts dayhairshops.marilyperformedwerepriatbarber“Wedomen’scutseverynow,”Bar
SINCE
“I love serving my clients and see ing how hair styles change and go in and out of style,” Barnett said. “For instance, the Mullet haircut is back. I wish it would’ve stayed back where it “Butwas.”hair is more casual now. It is so different from the old days. There has been so much change in the hair world since I have been working. When I started, I never dreamed I would get a request to put rainbow colors in someone’s hair. Now, its a normal occurrence.”
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED 1992 #realwoodreallife #keepitreal
In 1824, a deputy surveyor named Charles Drury, used this beautiful majestic white oak tree in southern Arkansas as a “witness tree”. It was just 14 inches in diameter at the time. Today, at well over 200 years old and 48 inches in diameter, this historical Original Bearing Tree, which is a link to the beginning of the surveys of the Louisiana Purchase, is a great reminder of why we are so passionate about this natural renewable resource and about manufacturing solid wood flooring. There is no other building material on earth that is more environmentally friendly, durable, safer for your family, and economically sound than wood. Because of its beauty, strength, value, and performance, real wood flooring is highly sought after. Many products may mimic the look of real wood flooring, but none can come close to offering the benefits of a real wood floor. When you are looking for floors that will last through the generations, promote healthy living, and add value to your home along with timeless beauty, choose a floor made from one of the most renewable resources in nature... Choose real wood floors.
Chris believes that a person’s style should be preserved even in their last earthly appearance. When called upon, Chris serves the local funeral homes in preparing the deceased loved ones to look presentable and like themselves for funeral or memo rial“Chrisservices.isto hair care in Monticello like Ray’s is to eating,” long time friend and fellow Quorum Court member Patty Mitchell said. “She is loyal, a great mother and wife, and everyone needs a friend like Chris.” Her friendly nature has attributed to her decades of success.
“I love meeting and learning people,” Barnett added. “I have some clients that just randomly stop by the shop to visit and chat and I welcome them. I enjoy working and I am not ready to retire yet.” “She is the most hard working person I know,” Laci Bratton, Chris’s daughter stated. “She never stops, she is always doing something for others. She loves her family, her friends, her church, her community, and her job. I have often asked her when she is going to retire and she always tells me, why would I stop working, I love what I do. So many of her clients are like family to her. She is the definition of selflessness and I am so proud of her and her many accomplishments.”Oneofthemanyjoys of cosmetolo gy is there is little to no monotony.
On any given week, Chris sees approximately 60 clients. Having a good reputation for five decades serves well for repeat business. When you step into Chris’ Hair Care, you are immediately greeted with a smile and a warm, southern lady“Wewelcome.dolotsof work in here, but we gab a lot too,” Barnett added.
22 WE UNDERSOLDNOTWILLBE Just Bring In Our Competitors’ Quotes. 4400 Hwy 65 South in Pine Bluff Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00 am-4:30 Completewww.metalmarts.compm870-536-0161LineofMetalBuildingMaterials•Panels•Purlin•Trim•Insulation•Fasteners•Skylights•Doors•Sealants•Buildings•Carports•PatioCovers $avings www.deltarivers.com (870) 534-0011 Group Tours and Programs Available! Call to Schedule! Discover the Natural State around you! RegionalInPark BluffPine Free Admission Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm on a bed on the second floor. On the first floor is displayed a pair of pierced gold earrings worn by the great-grandmother of Af rican-American educator Sadie Johnson. According to oral histo ry passed down through the fami ly, this jewelry was brought from Africa while she was aboard one of the last slave ships to America.
Another especially rare artifact is a painting of the town square on Election Day, circa 1876. Featur ing the 1871 French Castle–style Drew County Courthouse, the painting was restored in 2005 and displayed on the first floor in the music room. Other notewor thy artifacts include a Victorian memorial necklace fashioned out of human hair, a German flag brought back by a World War II veteran, a cotton spinning wheel, two looms, a baby bed used in Drew County by five genera tions, a display of photographs of numerous doctors who have served in the county over the years, and a portrait reported to have been painted by an Italian prisoner of war. Starting in the 1980s, the so ciety collected documentary evi dence of Drew County history for the establishment of an archive. In 1991, the society moved the archival materials into the former home of George and Mabel Sher ry; the three bedrooms and kitch en serve as storage areas, while the living room and foyer serve as an area for visitors to conduct re search. Located behind the Drew County Museum, the Southeast Arkansas Research and Archives Center holds photographs, school records, family histories, maps, business records, scrapbooks, and an extensive vertical file on Drew County history.
MUSEUM Continued from Page 20
Get outdoors See OUTDOORS Page 24 Body & Fender Work Frames Straightened • Glass Installed COMPLETE AUTO BODY PAINT & REPAIR
23 Shop,Hall&StayInWhiteToday!Dine,Play
Cutoff Creek flows south. During normal water levels expect to travel about one to two miles an hour with paddling upstream an option.
Paddling sports are one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the country. The AGFC Water Trails Program has two water trails for paddlers in Drew County. The Cut-Off Creek and Bayou Bar tholomew Water Trails are located in the county.
Cut-Off Creek Water Trail
Dine,
WATER TRAILS
Drew County is home to several unique ecosystems and offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. If paddle sports are your thing then you can find plenty to keep you busy within a short drive. Many of the mentioned also provide some of the best watchable wild life and birding the state has to offer. The hunting and fishing in some of these areas is hard to beat if your timing is right. Check the Arkansas Game and Fish website for current hunting and fishing regulations (AGFC.com). You can also call the AGFC Re gional Office in Monticello at 870-367-3553. There is also abundant information about some very unique areas near Monticello on the Ar kansas Natural Heritage Commission website. (naturalheritage.com)
The Cut-Off Creek Water trail is 4.3 miles long from the upper weir to the lower weir access. It is part of the Cut-Off Creek Wildlife Management Area. Cut-Off Creek is slow flowing most of the year, but during high water the current around trees and other obstacles can be dangerous. The creek contains numerous ancient bald cypress trees and the cypress knees that come with them. Keep a watchful eye for underwater obstructions and floating logs. At certain times of the year, log jams can block parts of the creek so be prepared to portage
Tom White/Advance Monticellonian
www.visitwhitehallar.org
While boat lanes in the Seven Devils Swamp are marked with paint, the AGFC suggests marking the ramp with your GPS before paddling around the swamp.
Tom White/Advance Monticellonian
See OUTDOORS Page 26 OUTDOORS Continued from Page 24
Dr.AccessCurtis Merrill Ac cess in Pine Bluff
Seven Devils Swamp Natural Area
Seven Devils since the swamp has a breeding population of anhingas, great blue herons, lit tle green herons and American herons. There are occasional sightings of eagles in the fall and winter. There are some alligators present on the area. Hunting Specific types of hunting are allowed on this natural area. For details, see the Seven Dev ils WMA listing in the current Arkansas Hunting Guidebook or visit the AGFC website. The area is widely known for its good duck hunting. Squirrel, deer and rabbits can be hunted on the area before the area is flooded usu ally in late October. The area is managed as a greentree area for waterfowl and the water is con trolled by a 3/4 mile dam and a stop log structure that impedes the flow of Cut-Off Creek. The water control structure gates are shut from September 15 and opened around February 15.
Cut-Off Creek Ravines Natural Area
24 your boat a short distance if nec essary. The Upper Weir Access and the Lower Weir Access pro vides paddlers in a group with a way to put in at the upper access and shuttle a vehicle to the lower access for the take out. The AGFC website has this to say about the water trail. The creek flows south; flow is mini mal most of the year (expect to travel 1-2 miles per hour). At normal water levels, paddling upstream is an option. Please respect private property marked by fences, signs, or purple paint. Visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website for more information and maps of the WMA and the Water Trail.
Seven Devils Swamp Natural Area is located along Cut-off Creek at the point where the creek flows from the pine-cov ered hills of the Coastal Plain to the flat lowlands of the Mis sissippi Alluvial Plain. The area is comprised of a relatively nar row bottomland occupied by bald cypress and water tupelo on the wetter sites and bottom land hardwood tree species on drier, but still flood-prone, sites. Farther downstream, the area is almost permanently flood ed, supporting a diverse swamp community. High-quality forest ed canebrakes are interspersed throughout the area. The natural area lies within the Seven Dev ils Swamp Wildlife Management Area and is co-managed with the Arkansas Game and Fish Com mission (AGFC). A couple of different urban legends surround the name of the area. The most common sto ryline involves a hunter seeing seven devils instead of seven lakes. In spite of the folklore, the area is a peaceful paradise. Some of the boat lanes in the swamp are marked by paint but they may prove difficult to follow. The AGFC advises the best thing to do is simply mark the boat ramp in your GPS and paddle around the swamp. The cypress and tupelo trees make you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere but using a GPS and following the markers will keep you from getting lost. Birders will enjoy a trip to
While at Cut-off Creek WMA you can visit the Cut-off Creek Ravines Natural Area which was acquired by the Arkansas Natu ral Heritage Commission and in cluded in the WMA and co-man aged by the AGFC. The Natural Area contains two deep ravines that drain the adjacent upland to Cut-off Creek. The ravines are covered in old growth pine, oak and beech trees. The ANHC ac quired this site because the "area represents a valuable example of a Coastal Plain forest and of the transition from Coastal Plain to Mississippi Alluvial Plain." Directions From Monticello, travel east 14 miles on State Highway 35 to Collins. From Collins travel south on County Road 51 (Col lins-Line Road) for 9.3 miles. Turn left onto a gravel road marked by an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission sign for Campsite 2. Travel east 1.2 miles to the boat launch ramp at the up per weir access. From the access you can paddle north or south. Be sure to check current AGFC regulations before visiting this area and take note of regulations in place during open hunting sea sons on the WMA.
Fishing During the spring and early summer this area provides an underutilized fishing resource. There are times that an adventur ous paddler may have the area all to AccessDirectionsthemselves.tothe east side and the parking area. From Monticello, travel east on State Highway 35 approximately 15.0 miles to Col lins-Selma Road. Turn north on Collins-Selma Road and proceed north 3.6 miles to Bernard Road. Turn west on Bernard Road. Travel 1.5 miles to the boat ramp. Access to the west side and the parking area. From Monticello, travel east on State Highway 35 approximately 13.5 miles to Seven Devils Lake Road. From there proceed north and east ap proximately 1.3 miles to the boat ramp. Currently, there are no campsites on the Seven Devils area; however, camping is avail able on the adjacent Casey Jones Area 1, provided at least one of the campers has a valid Casey JonesTherepermit.are several private in holdings on the WMA be sure to obtain a free map of the area from the AGFC prior to planning your(thistrip.information from natural heritage.com and AGFC.com)
Considered the longest bay ou in the world, Bayou Bar tholomew begins North of Pine Bluff and flows 359 river miles to the Ouachita River in Ster lington, Louisiana. It contains over 100 aquatic species making it the second most diverse stream in North America. History Bayou Bartholomew was one of the most important waterways for transportation in the interior Delta during the 1800s. Once a pristine stream that people drank from, today's bayou has prob lems with sediment, pollutants and logjams. The nonprofit Bay ou Bartholomew Alliance was formed in 1995 by the late Mon ticellonian Dr. Curtis Merrell. It was Merrell's vison to restore the bayou to its former glory with the cooperation of concerned citizens, landowners and others. The access near Pine Bluff was named in his honor. The Arkansas River created the bayou about 2,000 years ago when it moved east and the lei surely bayou developed in the old river bed. Watch for alliga tors and basking turtles, winter ing waterfowl, and migratory songbirds among cypress and tupelo trees.
Bayou Bartholomew Water Trail
777 Jordan Drive Monticello, AR 71655 (P) 870-460-9001 (F) 870-412-4575 Your Health is Our Mission! 777 Jordan Drive • Monticello Jay Connelley, M.D. Katelan Welch, APRN 870-460-9001 We offer for All Ages: • Annual Wellness Visits • Preventative Health • Geriatric Health • Pediatric Health • Women’s Health • Diagnostic Services and (Labs,ScreeningX-Rays, EKG) • Weight ManagementLoss • Telemedicine The Right Vet for YOUR PET. • Large Animal Farm Calls • Complete Hospital Facility • Emergency Treatment • In-House Coggins Test • Surgical Services • Dentistry • Equine Dentistry • Spay & Neuter • Professional Groomer • Vaccinations • X-Ray/Lab Services • Digital Radiology • Heartworm Prevention • Flea/Tick Prevention • Preventative Health Care • Hill’s Science Diet/ Prescription Diets caring for SMALL & LARGE ani mals 1054 Hwy 425 S. • 870-367-5242 Mon-Wed. Fri. 7:30am - 5:30pm Open Thurs. ‘til 8:30pm V eterinary s erVice , i nc . O'FALLOn Proudly Serving Drew County For Over 20 Years
To my patients & medical colleagues, I was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and am undergoing treatments for the next few months. I have remained involved in determining the plan of care for my patients, and plan to actively return to practice at Connelley Family Medical around the
September 16, 2019
the prayers, cards, and
To my patients & medical colleagues
September 16, 2019
I look forward to a full recovery and sincerely appreciate all the prayers, cards, and Withsupport.Deepest
Gratitude,
Gratitude, Dr. Jay Connelley 777 Jordan Drive Connelley Family Medical PLLC (P) 870 460 9001 Monticello, AR 71655 (F) 870 412 4575
To my patients & medical colleagues
September 16, 2019
While on this journey, my primary concern is the continuation of medical care for my patients. Thus, I have personally selected physicians and other healthcare professionals that will be available to provide patient care at Connelley Family Medical. forward to a full recovery and sincerely appreciate all support. Jay Connelley
I was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and am undergoing treatments for the next few months. I have remained determining the plan of care for my patients, and plan to actively return to practice at Connelley Family Medical around the beginning of While2020 on this journey, m oncern is patients. Thus, I have personally selected physicians and other that will be available to provide patient care at Connelley Family Medical.
DeepestWith Gratitude, Dr.
I was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and am undergoing treatments for the next few months. I have remained determining the plan of care for my patients, and plan to actively return to practice at Connelley Family Medical around the beginning of While2020 on this journey, m the continuation of medical care for my patients. Thus, I have personally selected physicians and other that will be available to provide patient care at Connelley Family Medical. I look forward to a full recovery and sincerely appreciate all the prayers, cards, and Withsupport.Deepest
25 777 Jordan Drive Connelley Family Medical PLLC (P) 870 460 9001 Monticello, AR 71655 (F) 870 412 4575
September 16, 2019
Dr. Jay Connelley
777 Jordan Drive Connelley Family Medical PLLC (P) 870 460 9001 Monticello, AR 71655 (F) 870 412 4575
To my patients & medical colleagues, I was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and am undergoing treatments for the next few months. I have remained involved in determining the plan of care for my patients and practice at Connelley Family Medical around the beginning of y primary concern is the continuation of medical care for my I have personally selected physicians and other professionals to provide patient care at Connelley Family Medical. I look forward to a full recovery and prayers, cards, and Withsupport.Deepest Gratitude, Dr. Jay Connelley
I look
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P:
Warren Prairie Natural Area Nature Trail
Tom White/Advance Monticellonian
Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Desha and Drew Counties to Each and Every Day Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-9008 F: 870-367-9098 TF: 800-479-0756
OUTDOORS Continued from Page 24
26 Directions: From Monticello travel north to Pine Bluff. From I-530 in Pine Bluff take exit 43 and travel 0.3 miles on 63 B North. At the stoplight, turn right into the Wal-Mart parking lot and follow the signs to the boat launch.Trail Length: Paddle about 2 miles upstream or downstream from this access.
This unusual ecosystem strad dles the Bradley and Drew Coun ty line just west of Monticello. The Warren Prairie Natural Area consists of a mosaic of salt slicks, saline barrens, Delta post oak flatwoods, mound wood lands, pine flatwoods and wood lands, and bottomland hardwood forest communities. Soils at the site containing naturally high amounts of sodium and magne sium salts account for the sparse and irregular distribution of trees and the resultant dominance of grasses and other herbaceous vegetation in the barrens and associated woodlands. Stands of dwarf palmetto are distributed irregularly and lend a tropical as pect to the area. The natural area provides critical habitat for the state's largest population of the federally threatened plant, Geo carpon minimum. According the Arkansas Natural Heritage Com mission it contains more than 30 rare plant species. A breeding population of the federally en dangered red-cockaded wood pecker also calls the area home. Trail Length: 2.2 miles roundtrip; not ADA accessible A trailhead near the parking lot contains a number of interpretive panels that share information about the flora, fauna, and man agement of the property. From the parking lot trailhead, visitors will meander through a pine flat woods and saline barrens. After roughly a few hundred feet, the loop trail splits. There are many great wildlife observation oppor tunities.Thearea is part of the AGFC Warren Prairie Natural Area WMA and is co-managed by the AGFC and ANHC. Check the AGFC regulations on their website on in the current hunting guideFrombook.Monticello take Hwy. 278 West through Wilmar to the junction of Hwy 172. Turn left (south) and travel 2 miles to the parking area and sign on the left (east) side of highway. Notes: Maps and regulations for all these areas are available on AGFC.com or naturalheritage.com.
Cane Creek Access near Star City From U.S. Hwy. 425 in Star City go east on Arkansas Hwy. 11 for 3.5 miles. Turn south on Gateway Road and travel 4.6 miles to the boat launch. Paddle upstream or down stream on the bayou from this access. Paddlers can also enjoy time at Cane Creek Lake which is located at accesses at the state park and near the spillway.
Fishing
The bayou offers fishing for crappie, bream and catfish. Minnows, jigs, spinners and light line are recommended for crappie and bream; fish for cat fish on the bottom with worms, minnows and stink baits. Don't forget to check AGFC fishing regulations.
Monticello Region
Adding Life
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First MethodistUnitedChurch 317 S Main | instagram.com/fumcmonticellofacebook.com/fumcmonticellowww.fumcmonticello.org367-2471twitter.com/fumcmonticello1
Little Bayou Wildlife Management Area Access Trail Length: Paddle 4.5 miles downstream to the Arkansas Highway 82 Access. Driving Directions: From Monticello take Hwy. 65 east to Dermott from there take U.S. Hwy. 165 south to Boydell, turn west on Ashley County Road 58 and travel 2 miles. Turn south on Ashley County Road 104 and continue 0.5 miles. Continue west on Ashley County Road 104 and travel 2.5 miles. Turn south on Buck Run Road and travel 0.75 miles to the boat launch. Total distance is 40 miles.
990
In the late 1960's Dr. Wal lace Thomas of Dermott, then a member of the Arkansas Ag riculture & Mechanical College Board of Trustees, now UAM, provided the impetus for a nat ural history museum. Thomas felt such a museum would add support to the new Wildlife and Fisheries Program which he helped UAM obtain in 1971. Thomas, Herman Steelman and Dr. Claud Ward were instrumen tal in the planning and devel opment of the museum. Turner Neal of McGehee donated a collection of big game animals and 197 acres of land to the Uni versity, with the stipulation that the land be sold and the monies utilized for the construction of a museum of natural history. In the interim Fred Johnson of Hut tig donated his large collection of North American and African mammals to UAM. The muse um was named the Turner Neal Museum of Natural History in honor of ConstructionNeal. was initiated in 1974 and the outer shell of the museum was soon completed. Private contributions of funds and building materials from many parties as well as Univer sity aid of additional funds and labor have developed the muse um to its present state. Addition ally, the family of the late Albert Garrison of Fordyce donated his collection of big game animals to the museum. In 1977 Joe Guenter applied for and received a National Sci ence Foundation Grant to build a planetarium in the museum. The Planetarium was named the Pomeroy Planetarium in hon or of Leslie K. Pomeroy, a local amateur astronomer, who served many years on the Arkansas A & M Board of Trustees. The Plane tarium is one of only four plane tariums in the state and has been used extensively by students in UAM's Astronomy classes and by the general public as well.
27 ArkAnsAs superior FederAl Credit union SEARCHING FOR A GREAT FINANCIAL INSTITUTION? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN WARREN BRANCH 313 South Martin St • (870) 226-3534 MONTICELLO BRANCH 1090 Old Warren Rd • (870) 460-9080
The museum is open during the academic year, Monday through Friday, from September through April. Visitors are welcome to the museum, however, since the faculty responsible for the museum also teach full time, there may be short periods during the day when the building is not open. For organized groups, such as school classes, call 870-4601016 in advance to schedule a museum visit.
UAM: unique educational opportunities
The UAM Herbarium houses approximately 21,000 vascular plant specimens, the majori ty from southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana. Included are 316 historically significant Dwight Moore collections of Arkansas trees and grasses and more than 500 specimens from Warren Prairie, a local site and state Natural Area comprising the largest saline soil prairie in the state. At least ten species of vascular plants are known in Arkansas either exclusively or principally from within its borders. The plant collections serve as an important resource for both teaching and research. The UAM Herbarium provides free to the general public identi fications of native and cultivated plants, and an active specimen exchange program is maintained with more than a dozen institu tions in the eastern and central United States.
The UAM Collection of Ver tebrates in the Turner Neal Mu seum of Natural History con tains an extensive collection of vertebrates for teaching and re search. The collection, consist ing primarily of Arkansas spec imens, has been catalogued and computerized for more ready access to records. Catalogued specimens to date include 1000 fishes, 1900 amphibians and rep tiles, 80 birds and 50 sets of bird eggs, and 630 mammals. A stu dent mammal study collection numbers 110 specimens. Verte brate specimens are available for loan to qualified research scien tists at other institutions.
The University of Arkansas at Monticello provides many ed ucational opportunities for the community of Monticello. The Turner Neal Museum of Natural history is one of them. Located on the UAM campus, the Pome roy Planetarium is an integral component of the museum, ac cording to the University. The museum displays a vari ety of natural history materials including invertebrates, fish es, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, fossils, minerals and plants. The planetarium spon sors presentations demonstrat ing the structure and diversity of the universe.
for Southeast Arkansas area communities
A vital component of any mu seum is the research and teach ing collections it houses; ours is no exception. Specimens from the museum's collections have been used in teaching General Zoology, Invertebrate Zoology, General Botany, Regional Flora, Ichthyology/Herpetology, Or nithology/Mammalogy, Natural History, Wildlife Ecology and Management, and Introductory Earth Science. The museum's displays and collections comple ment the education of students in all disciplines, but especially those in the sciences, forestry, and agriculture. Additionally, the collections serve faculty members and other visiting sci entists engaged in research in areas such as the flora of Arkan sas, plant taxonomy, vertebrate taxonomy, wildlife biology, tim ber management and site analy sis, silviculture, dendrology, and weedThebiology.development of a mu seum is an ongoing endeavor. In reality a museum is never finished and shouldn't be, for it's constantly changing. We are adding new natural history displays and improving older ones. New specimens regularly augment to the floral and fau nal collections, adding to their geographical coverage, histor ical significance, and scientific value.Since opening in 1978 over 50,000 individuals have toured the facility. The museum serves as an educational center for public school students, UAM classes, senior citizens, scouting and 4-H groups, and the general public. The museum is a vital re source of the UAM Campus and provides the citizens of south east Arkansas with an educa tional opportunity that otherwise would be unavailable.
Hours of Operation
Current displays Currently on display are the collections of North American and African big game animals, two 360 gallon aquariums of na tive and tropical fishes, archaeo logical materials, minerals, and various plant and animal dis plays. The museum houses the UAM Herbarium and UAM Col lection of Vertebrates, which are used in teaching and research. Additional exhibits are planned for the future. UAM Herbarium
Museum Story
Monticello-Drew
County Chamber of Commerce Members
28 Accountants - Certified Public Ralph McQueen & Co. Ltd. 971 Hwy. 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Searcy870-367-0674&Associates, LTD 201 South 870-367-3580Monticello,MainAR71655 Air ConditioningContractors Griffin Heating & Air 870-367-6531Monticello,542ConditioningWestGainesAR71655 Ambulance Service Southeast Emergency Medical Service, Inc. P.O. Box Monticello,714AR 71657 870-367-2300 Apartments Lively Branch Apartments Hwy 425S & Hwy 278W Monticello, 870-367-4280Monticello,125The870-367-4307Monticello,1350Pine870-460-0009Monticello,141Parkridge870-941-9008ARApartmentsMarketStreetAR71655ValleyApartmentsHwy.425S.AR71655VineyardsatMonticelloMidwayRouteAR71655 Attorneys The Barton Law Firm P.O. Box Monticello,507AR 71657 870-367-6288 Sara Hartness, Attorney 534 West 870-367-8304Monticello,GainesAR71655 Auto Dealers, Supplies & Service Crow Burlingame 313 Hwy. 425 South Monticello, AR 71655 Monticello870-367-6102Tire & Service 323 Hwy. 425 South Monticello, AR 71655 (870)Monticello,P.O.Patrick's870-367-2401Spee-D-LubeBox1047AR71657367-5244 Banks/Lending Arkansas Superior Federal Credit Union 1090 Old Warren Road Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-6400Monticello,467Supreme870-367-5334Monticello,473Simmons870-367-1935Monticello,555Citizens870-367-6221Monticello,212Commercial870-460-9080BankW.GainesAR71655BankW.GainesAR71655FirstHwy.425NorthAR71655LendingHwy425NAR71655 Union Bank 102 W. 870-460-6400Monticello,McCloyAR71655 Beauty Salon Oasis Salon & Boutique 1154 Hwy 425 S Monticello, AR 71655 870-820-5468 Beauty Supply Moe's Beauty Supply 406 Hwy 425 S, Ste. A Monticello, AR 71655 (870) 412-4425 Bed & Breakfast UAM Trotter House Bed & Breakfast 404 North 870-460-0200Monticello,MainAR71655 Boat Repair Harrison's Fiberglass Repair 2563 Hwy 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-9622 Boating SeaArk Boats P.O. Box Monticello,803AR 71657 870-367-1554Monticello,2039Team870-367-5317Ward,Inc.Hwy.35EastAR.71655 Butane Gas Gresham Petroleum 1540 S. Main Warren, AR 870-367-822771671 Carpet Distributors Paint & Lighting Plus Inc. 528 West 870-367-3491Monticello,GainesAR71655 Cell Phone Repair Moe's Beauty Supply 406 Hwy 425 S Monticello, AR 71655 870-412-4425 Cellular EquipmentTelephone&Supplies USAT&THwy 425 N. Monticello, AR 71655 Cricket870-460-5562Wireless/Apix Wireless 101 North Park Drive Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-1513Monticello,P.O.Custom870-460-0271WirelessBox141AR71657 Child Care Head of the Class Childcare & Learning Center 119 Shay Gillespie St Monticello, AR. 71655 849Jellybean870-367-0024JunctionNorthGabbert Street Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-1523 Churches Brooks Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 1667 Old Warren Rd First367-1379Baptist Church 413 North Monticello,MainAR. 71655 First870-367-3449FreeWillBaptist Church 1351 Hwy. 278 W Monticello, AR 71655 870-413-8162
29 First Presbyterian Church 821 N. Monticello,MainAR. 71655 First870-367-6883UnitedMethodist Church 317 South Monticello,MainAR. 71655 910Life870-367-2471ChurchOldWarren Road Monticello, AR 71655 Monticello870-460-0829Baptist Temple 1693 Hwy. 425 S. Monticello, AR 71655 New870-367-9429870-367-2972Relationship Christian 409CenterKennedy Blvd Monticello, AR 71655 Pauline870-367-1566Missionary Baptist 909 S. Hyatt St. Monticello, AR. 71655 Rose870-367-3085HillFreewill Baptist 2130 Hwy 35 West Monticello, AR 71655 Second870-367-7867Baptist Church 1032 Old Warren Rd. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5123Monticello,216DeliveranceTabernacle870-460-0244Monticello,2656Seventh870-367-2459DayAdventistHwy278EastAR71655ChurchofKennedyBoulevardAR71655 Civic Organizations Lions Club 138 Grizzell Lane Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-7992 Clothing - Retail Options, Inc. On the Monticello,SquareAR 71655 870-367-0409Monticello,427Walmart870-820-4822Monticello,536Sweet870-367-7277Monticello,618Rogers870-460-0684MenswearW.BollingAR71655asSugaWGainesSt.AR71655Hwy425NAR71655 Clubs Black Business Men's and Women's Association of Monticello Society 248 East McCloy Street Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6741MasterDrew870-367-5396CountyGardeners Coffee Coffee & Cakes 292 Hwy 425 S (inside Marketplace II) Monticello, AR 71655 Monticello870-308-6248Coffee Company 316 S Hwy 425 Monticello, AR 71655 870-412-4574 Computer and Electronics Walmart Supercenter 427 Hwy. 425 North Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-0409 Construction Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel 330 State School Road Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-8336 Counseling Delta Counseling & Associates 790 Roberts Drive Monticello, AR. 71655 Mainline870-367-2461Health Systems, Inc. 535 Jordan Drive Monticello, AR 71655 The870-367-6246Centersfor Youth and P.O.FamiliesBox 251970 Little Rock, AR 72225 501-660-6801 Credit Union Arkansas Superior Federal Credit Union 1090 Old Warren Road Monticello, AR. 71655 870-460-9080 Dentists & Orthodontists Monticello Dental Center 511 N Hyatt St. Monticello, AR 71655 870-536-2650Pine3024Moore,870-367-6453JimDDSOliveStreetBluff,AR.71603 Department Stores Walmart Supercenter 427 Hwy. 425 North Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-0409 Employment Service & Contractors Arkansas Department of Workforce Services 477 South 870-367-2727Monticello,P.O.Employers870-367-2476Monticello,MainAR71655ServiceofAmericaBox1050AR71657 Entertainment Malco Monticello Cinema 120 Dearman Drive Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-2219 Equipment Rental AM Rental & Sales 1016 Hwy 425 S. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3715 Farm & Ranch Supply Atwoods of Monticello 202 Hwy 425 S Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-4744 Financial Planning Edward Jones, Jay Jones 975 Hwy 425 N Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-4358 Fitness & Weight Loss Alltime Fitness 24/7 Wal-Mart Access Road Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-0676 Florist Town & Country Florist 957 Hwy 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6241 Forestry Kingwood Forestry Services 145 Greenfield Dr. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-8567 Chamber of Commerce Members Monticello-Drew County
30 Price Land Company 218 Midway Route Monticello, AR 71655 2118Silvicraft870-367-9751Inc.U.S.Hwy. 425 N Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-8564 Funeral Home Stephenson - Dearman Funeral Home 943 Hwy. 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-2451 Furniture Dealers Discount Merchandise 206 N. Monticello,MainAR 71655 870-460-0038 Gift Shop City Drug 201 East 870-367-4227Monticello,539The870-367-5301Monticello,GainesAR71655PrescriptionPadPharmacyHwy425SAR71655 Government Arkansas Department of Human 870-367-3553Monticello,771SoutheastCommissionArkansas870-367-2476Monticello,477WorkforceArkansas501-682-0363LittleP.O.DivisionServicesoftheBlindBox8063Rock,AR72203-8068DepartmentofServicesS.MainSt.AR71655GameandFishRegionalOfficeJordanDriveAR71655 Drew County Courthouse & Elected Officials 210 S. Main Street Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6200 Grocery Store Cash Saver 345 S. Monticello,MainAR 71655 870-367-6231 Hardware Pomeroy's Hometown Ace 500 Hwy 425 N Monticello, AR 71655 870-412-4680 Hardwood Flooring Maxwell Hardwood Flooring 190ManufacturingWilsonMill Road Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-2436 Health Care Arkansas Hospice 224 Hwy. 425 S. Monticello, AR 71655 CHI870-367-3212St.Vincent Heart Institute 766 H.L. Ross Drive Monticello, AR 71655 Comprehensive870-412-4302 Pain Care West Monticello,GainesAR 71655 Hospice870-224-4545Home Care 990 Hwy 425 N Monticello, AR 71655 LifeShare870-367-9008Blood Centers 2909 Kilpatrick Blvd. Monroe, LA Mainline318-651-440471201-5120HealthSystems, Inc. 535 Jordan Drive Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6246 Reinhart Family Healthcare 777 Jordan Drive Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-9777 Hearing Center Natural Hearing Centers 127 N Park Drive Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-9889 Home - Children Arkansas Baptist Home for P.O.ChildrenBox Monticello,427AR 71657 Vera870-367-5358LloydPresbyterian Home 745 Old Warren Road Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-9035 Home - Elderly Care Belle View RehabilitationEstatesand Care Center 1052 Old Warren Road Monticello, AR 71655 Superior870-367-0044Senior Care 506 McGehee,US-65 AR 71654 870-367-6852Monticello,1194HealthThe870-222-3970WoodsofMonticello&Rehabilitation,LLC.NorthChesterStreetAR.71655 Hospitals Drew Memorial Health System 778 Monticello,Scogin AR. 71655 870-367-2411 Hotels Days Inn 317 Hwy. 425 North Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-1881 Economy Inn Express 617 W. Gaines St Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6271Monticello,306Super870-460-0100Monticello,146Holiday870-367-6600Monticello,480Hampton870-367-8555InnHwy425N.AR71655InnExpressDearmanAR716558Hwy.425NorthAR71655 Housing Drew County Public Facilities Board 444 Hwy 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3973 Hunting & Fishing Supply 202AtwoodsHwy 425 S Monticello, AR 71655 922Outfitters870-460-4744RXHwy.425 N Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-7296 Individuals Anderson, Bruce (Dist. Judge) Bridewell, Laurie (Circuit Judge Div. II) Harris, Gloria James, Lou & Carol Koonce, Kelly & Anna Nichols, G. Allan Nichols, Glenda Wells, Ralph Industries/Manufacturing Drew Foam 144 Industrial Drive Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6245 Chamber of Commerce Members Monticello-Drew County
31 Hood Packaging 1829 Hwy. 35 E Monticello, AR 71655 Maxwell870-367-8000Hardwood Flooring 190ManufacturingWilsonMill Road Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-2436 Insurance James Insurance Agency 613 W. Bolling St Monticello, AR 71655 Drew870-367-6623CountyFarm Bureau 224 South 870-367-6261Monticello,372MarkState870-367-2431Monticello,209Mullis870-460-9090Monticello,539RobertInsuranceMerchants870-367-8585Monticello,MainAR71655&PlantersHargis,AgentWGainesAR71655InsuranceNorthChurchAR71655FarmInsurance,GrayHwy425NorthAR71655 Lawn Mowers & Tractors AM Rental & Sales 1016 Hwy. 425 South Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3715 Lending Supreme Lending 497 Hwy-425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6400 Logging L.D. Long, Inc. 941 Hwy. 278 East Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5881 Lumber 211InterforOld Troy Road Monticello, AR 71655 www.interfor.com870-224-7138 Media 870-367-6854Monticello,279PinesMonticello,JoeMonticelloLive.com870-367-5325Monticello,314advancemonticellonian.comNorthMainAR71655Burgess,LLCAR71655Broadcasting,Inc.MidwayRouteAR71655 Medical Supplies United Way - Heart of Arkansas United Way P. O. Box 798 North Little Rock, AR, 72115 501-376-4567 Newspapers Advance – Monticellonian 314 North 870-367-5325Monticello,MainAR71655 Nutritional Drinks Monticello Nutrition 1011 Hwy 425 S Monticello, AR 71655 870-723-4596 Office Equipment & Supplies El Dorado Printing & Office RobertSupply (870)Monticello,113robert@eldoradoprinting.comCavanessEastMcCloyStreetAR71655417-4029 South Arkansas Business Solutions, Inc. 3801 Camden Rd. Suite 23 (Chapel Village) Pine Bluff, AR 71603 870-879-6400 Oil O & M Oil Company 700 East Monticello,GainesAR. 71655 870-367-6537 Optometrist SEARK Eyecare Drs. Barrett Brown and Walker Jarrett 408 W. McCloy Street Monticello, AR 71655 (870) 367-8511 Organizations Arkansas Heart & Sole Therapeutic Equine Center 1314 Old Warren Rd Monticello, AR 71655 870-308-9502Monticello,P.O.Themiracleleaguear@yahoo.comMonticello,P.O.ArkansasMiracle501-372-4757LittleP.O.ofHistoricMonticello,P.O.CommitteeDrew870-814-1958CountyDemocraticBox103AR71657PreservationAllianceArkansasBox305Rock,AR72203-0305LeagueofSoutheastBox680AR71655CALLofDrewCountyBox464AR71657 Paint-Retail Paint & Lighting Plus Inc. 528 West 870-367-3491Monticello,GainesAR71655 Pest Control Mr. Bug Pest Control 2021 Hwy 83 North Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-7889 Pharmacy City Drug 201 E. Gaines St. Monticello, AR 71655 The870-367-5301ClinicPharmacy of 535MonticelloJordan Drive Monticello, AR 71655 The870-224-0650Prescription Pad Pharmacy 539 Hwy. 425 S. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3559Monticello,427Walmart870-367-4227PharmacyHwy.425NorthAR.71655 Printers Drew County Newspapers 314 North 870-367-2365Monticello,112James870-367-5325Monticello,MainAR71655QuickPrintEastGainesAR71655 Public Library Monticello Branch Library 107 East 870-367-8583Monticello,JacksonAR71655 Real Estate Agent Bulloch Real Estate 224 Hwy 425 S. Monticello, AR 71655 Monticello870-367-6806Realty, LLC 107 Hwy 425 S Monticello, AR 71655 870-224-4040 Chamber of Commerce Members Monticello-Drew County
32 Ray Ryburn Real Estate 537 W. Monticello,GainesAR 71655 870-367-5524 Rehabilitation Arkansas Rehabilitation 989ServicesHwy 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 South870-367-9669Arkansas Rehabilitation 1200 Old Warren Road Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-1548 Retail-Store Space Cooper Realty Investments 4332 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR 71913 501-525-7271 Restaurants Ameca Mexican Restaurant 149 North Park Drive Monticello, AR 71655 Monticello,200Bella870-460-9348LunaNMainSt.AR 71655 City870-367-3370DrugBreakfast & Lunch 201Bar E. Gaines St. Monticello, AR 71655 292Coffee870-367-5301&CakesHwy425S (inside Marketplace II) Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-9009Monticello,266Dairy870-308-6248QueenHwy425NAR71655 Domino's Pizza 512 Hwy 425 S Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-9229Monticello,177Taco870-367-6476Monticello,337Sonic870-367-3292Monticello,718Ray's870-367-7393Monticello,431Popeye's870-412-4574Monticello,316Monticello870-367-6100Monticello,509Mazzio's870-224-4720Monticello,2270Los870-367-8888Monticello,910Huddle870-662-6606HouseHwy425N.AR71655ArcosMexicanGrillHwy425SAR71655PizzaHwy425NorthAR71655CoffeeCompanySHwy425AR71655Chicken&BiscuitsHwy.425NorthAR71655RestaurantHwy278W.AR71655Drive-InU.S.425AR71655BellHwy.425SouthAR71655 Restaurant Management 149LEESCOGreenfield Drive Monticello, AR 71655 Schools Advantages of Southeast AR, P.O.Inc. Box Monticello,359AR 71657 870-367-6825 Monticello Christian Academy P.O. Box Monticello,1004AR 71657 P.O.UAM870-460-0829Box3596 UAM Monticello, AR 71656 UAM870-367-6811Schoolof Business P.O. Box Monticello,3616AR 71656 UAM870-460-1041Collegeof Technology 1326CrossettState Highway 52 W Crossett, AR 870-222-5360McGehee,609McGeheeUAM870-364-641471635CollegeofTechnology-EastAshAR71654 Sports UAM Sports 346 University Drive Monticello, AR 71656 870-460-1026 State Agencies Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Southeast Regional Office 771 Jordan Drive Monticello, AR 71655 Better870-367-3553Business Bureau 12521 Kanis RD Little Rock, AR 72211 501-664-7274 Surveying EFS Geo Technologies 360 Airport Road P.O. Box Monticello,90 AR 71657 870-460-9996870-360-9994 (fax) Tax Forms Preparation H&R Block 514 W Gaines St. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5042 Utility CenterPoint Energy 324 Hwy 425 South Monticello, AR 800-283-2020AT&T1-800-992-755271655Communications Veterinary Services Monticello Animal Clinic 831 Hwy 278 W. Monticello, AR 71655 O'Fallon870-367-1500Veterinary Services 1011 Hwy 425 S. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5242 Youth Organizations & Center 2624Mookadee'sHwy278 W Wilmar, AR 870-224-335071675 Got a business? aboutThinkingjoiningabusiness group? Call Glenda Nichols, Executive Director of the Monticello-Drew County Chamber of Commerce at (870) 367-6741. Chamber of Commerce Members Monticello-Drew County
The Drew County Log A Load for Kids Committee raises money for the Arkansas Children's Hospital. Log A Load, which is celebrating its 26th year, has raised more than $7 million for the ACH, and Drew County alone has contributed more than $1 million to the cause. In 2012, ACH honored Log A Load's efforts by naming the new emergency department after Log A Load For Kids of Arkansas.
The city's retail and industrial base has remained stable and strong in recent years, and the key roles that forestry and agriculture play cannot be underestimated. New businesses have continued to locate here, previously-existing businesses have expanded and a number of service and support businesses have sprouted up to help serve the needs of local companies.
The need for adequate infrastructure and the ability to easily move goods in and out of this area are at the forefront of community leaders' minds, and have led to work on a number of different transportation initiatives. Work is continuing on the forerunner to Interstate 530 in this part of the state, with the first and second legs completed.
The Monticello Economic Development Commission operates a Workforce Training Center, which has been used to provide a number of classes, including Microsoft programs, Spanish for business and law enforcement, orientation-to-work and Certified Nurse's Assistant courses.
Holmes Chapel Presbyterian Church offers an after-school tutoring program, and the Friends of the Library Board helps raise funds to purchase new materials and operate a summer reading program.
The WTC has also offered special training courses to teach employees a particular skill at the request of a local business or industry.
The chamber also promotes the town's sense of pride and celebrates its history with a nighttime Christmas parade, the annual "Weevil Welcome" cookout for University of Arkansas at Monticello staff and faculty members and "morning coffees" held at different member locations.
The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program provides volunteer advocates for children involved in the court system, and the Drew County Fair Board helps sponsor the annual county fair each year.
Dozens of members of the Drew Memorial Health System Auxiliary provide invaluable service to the local hospital, assisting with filing, operating the gift shop, giving directions, and bringing juice, soda, magazines and newspapers to patients. Auxiliary members also help with infant immunization and assist in the cafeteria. The auxiliary sponsors a number of events each year to raise money to help buy needed equipment for the facility.
The Monticello-Drew County Chamber of Commerce works hard at promoting the area, stressing the outstanding quality of life, and the county's economic opportunities, educational offerings and recreational activities available in the area.
The local adult education program is also housed in the Workforce Training Center, enabling persons to take their General Equivalency Diploma (GED) test there, and the WTC acts as a "one-stop" center for persons wishing to access employment and education services.
When people live in a community, they often take a personal interest in making that community the best it can be, whether that means aiding the city's less fortunate residents, helping students succeed in school, volunteering time and effort to benefit the local hospital, or participating in a recycling program. Many Drew County residents do some or all of those things, and our community is better for it.
The Intermodal facility, located off U.S. Highway 278 West near the existing railroad and the connector highway, will join with the nearby Yellow Bend Port on the Arkansas-Mississippi rivers to open up trade with the Port of New Orleans. An access road has been completed, water and sewer projects have been completed as well as the installation of rail siding. The project will receive a major boost as Arkansas Midland Railroad uses a federal grant money to replace its track in the area.
Industries like Interfor Corporation, a growth-oriented lumber company with operations in Canada and the United States; Correct Craft, the world's leader in tournament inboard, freshwater fish and utility and recreational boats (and the parent company of Monticello's own SeaArk Boats); and Starko, Inc., a construction company that specializes in the installation of towers, plastic machinery, silos and resin systems, call Monticello and Drew County home. The MEDC is continuing to search for more businesses like these that will bring jobs and stability to the area.
Business & Industry Community Service 33
In recent years, many Monticellonians have begun participating in a voluntary recycling program which has a two-fold goal—keeping garbage out of the landfill and providing job training. The program has enjoyed great success, with more than 100 families placing their recyclable materials at the curb once a week. The items are picked up, sorted and prepared, then sold. Persons in the training program learn job skills as they work at the city's recycling center, which prepares them to move on to jobs in the private sector.
The interstate runs just south of Monticello; workers continue to make progress.Highways are not the only area of infrastructure to which local, state and federal leaders have turned their attention. The Southeast Arkansas Intermodal Authority continues to build on their facility located just west of town across from the Monticello Sports Complex. The governing bodies of Drew County and Monticello have joined with their counterparts in Bradley County and Warren in building this facility which can be utilized to coordinate the moving of goods into and out of this area by several different means of transportation—highway, rail, air and water.
Monticello is known as the "Hub of Southeast Arkansas" and the businesses and industries that have chosen to locate or remain in Monticello are the key to the city's success in keeping that designation.
The Monticello Junior Auxiliary sponsors a number of projects which benefit the children of Drew County, including providing backpacks and school supplies for dozens of needy children, collecting clothing and toys for Christmas boxes, purchasing diapers and formula and providing emergency assistance with utility bills to families referred by the Department of Human Services and other non-profit organizations. JA also offers low-cost swimming lessons each summer, and gives a college scholarship to a deserving high school graduate each year.
A number of churches in the area operate food pantry programs, collecting and distributing food for those in need.
City leaders and government officials have done their best to provide a welcoming climate to business, focusing on ways to attract new industries and take advantage of new opportunities. Tenants are already established in the industrial park on Arkansas Highway 35 East, and rail access is in the works to add to the existing utilities on site.
The local Salvation Army chapter collects funds for emergency assistance each year through its red kettle drive, and then disburses those monies throughout the year.
The groups mentioned above are just a few of the clubs, churches, nursing homes, schools and civic organizations providing opportunities for community service for those residents wishing to better the lives of others in Drew County.
Ground was broken in 2011 on the first local segment of Interstate 69, which will eventually cross the United States in a north-south route, linking Canada to Mexico and opening up more trade in this area.
Drew Memorial's emergency department is designed to provide privacy and security for patients utilizing it, and features a number of treatment rooms, including ones devoted to trauma, cardiac events and casting of broken limbs. The ER is staffed 24 hours a day.
As an option, Mainline Health Systems, Inc. also opened a new facility within the past year on Jordan Drive. A common misconception about Mainline is that it is a free health clinic and only serves patients with Medicaid or no health insurance coverage.
34
The strong educational programs offered in the area will equip students to do just that, and are one of Monticello's most tempting incentives to families thinking about relocating here. There are two public school systems, a private kindergarten and an independent Christian school from which parents can choose. When students complete their high school educations, they can remain here and pursue a degree at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, a fouryear college offering a variety of undergraduate degrees and several master's programs. The Monticello School District educates children from the county's largest city. It has a student population of more than 1,900, with approximately 184 faculty members and 126 support staff. Grades K-12 are housed in one central location between Jordan Drive and Old Warren Road. Students at Monticello can take a wide range of challenging classes and participate in extracurricular activities including football, basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, golf, cross country, track and field, gymnastics, pom pom squad and cheerleading. Exposure to the fine arts is an important component of the Monticello School District, with band, choir and art programs attracting many students.
Jellybean Junction is a private kindergarten and Monticello Christian Academy is an independent, non-denominational Christian school which offers a traditional curriculum with an emphasis on Christian principles for students.
Educational opportunities for Monticellonians don't stop after high school. The city offers post-secondary education through the UAM. The institution employs more than 160 professional faculty and staff members with a variety of geographical and ethnic backgrounds and offers both bachelor's and master's level degrees. It also has two satellite campuses in the nearby communities of McGehee and Crossett.
The Drew Central School District serves students whose families live outside the Monticello city limits and in the unincorporated areas of the county. It has a student population of approximately 1,110, with 77 faculty members and 71 support personnel. Through the Freedom of Choice Act, parents and children can exercise their option to attend whichever district they feel best meets the needs of their children.
Each classroom in the Monticello district is equipped with at least one computer and students start using them in kindergarten. An EAST (Environmental And Spatial Technology) lab at the high school requires students to use computer skills and software to complete projects, all of which must have a community-service component.
HealthEducationCare
If a health care need arises as the result of a sudden accident or illness, however, residents can be assured of receiving first-class care at DMHS, a 49-bed facility located on Scogin Drive. In late May 2018, DMHS held the grand opening for a $31-million expansion project that includes a larger surgery center with six operating rooms, two dedicated C-section suites, and pre-op and post-op areas. The new facility also offers a more convenient outpatient clinic, allowing for two visiting specialists to hold clinic hours simultaneously. Additionally, the labor, delivery and recovery unit was relocated and expanded to three times the size of the current unit. The main entrance and the auxiliary-operated gift shop was also expanded in size.
All classrooms on the Drew Central campus have computers and Internet access. Drew Central also has an EAST lab, and many of the same extracurricular activities offered by Monticello.
While the clinic is different from all other doctors' offices in the city in that it offers a wider range of services, all types of patients with all kinds of insurance plans are welcome at Mainline. For those who do not have insurance, it operates on an income-based sliding scale. The clinic offers medical, dental and mental health services, as well as pediatric services—all in one place.
College-bound students can prepare while still in high school by taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes, allowing them to forgo college entry-level English, math and science courses. The AP classes give students credit for college hours and a better chance for Thescholarships.Monticello school district offers students a chance to take classes at its occupational education center, where they have handson instruction to learn welding, auto repair, drafting and health care skills. The district is one of 15 in Arkansas which offer a vocationaltechnical program.
A person's first exposure to medicine in Monticello may be a routine checkup to establish a new relationship with a family practitioner, or an unplanned visit to the emergency room as a result of illness or an accident. If that first exposure is indeed a routine visit, there are multiple general practitioners who operate clinics in Monticello to diagnose and treat the basic health care needs of patients. They treat a broad spectrum of ailments and conditions, and offer some in-house screenings, as well as referrals to specialists in the event one is needed. Monticello is also home to two full-time OB/GYNs, as well as two general surgeons, who have been hired by Drew Memorial Health System.
DMHS also operates an outpatient clinic which offers a variety of specialists in such areas as gynecology, cardiology, podiatry, orthopedics, urology, nephrology and ophthalmology. The hospital is further equipped with an a chemotherapy clinic, a sleep center, a rehabilitation facility and an intensive outpatient psychiatric center used for group therapies.
Both school districts offer small classes and dedicated teachers and administrators. Both offer band and choir, football, basketball, track and field, tennis, baseball, softball and cheerleading.
As our world grows increasingly smaller and yet more complex, one thing has become undeniably clear: Only those who are equipped with a strong educational background will be ready to take their part in the next generation of leaders and make the tough decisions in the future.
There are few things more important than quality health care, and receiving it can mean the difference between life and death, whether that care comes in the form of critical treatment in an emergency or in the form of routine screenings and tests which catch diseases or problemsVisitorsearly.and those who have recently moved to Monticello will be pleased to find that the quality of health care available locally is among the best to be found in any area of this size, and the number of procedures that can be done without leaving Drew County is substantial.
ReligionRecreation
Those churches and communities come in all denominations: Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Catholic, Church of Christ, Mormon, Assembly of God, African Methodist Episcopal, Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah's Witness, Pentecostal—and more.
The busy schedule of church programs, revivals, musical concerts, vacation Bible schools and youth activities are evidence of the support local church members show for their houses of worship. They are also eager to share their faith with others, inviting new friends to attend services with them and including them in fellowship activities.
Drew County is also home to some of the nation's finest deer hunting, and sportsmen also enjoy duck hunting at Seven Devils Swamp each winter.
A series of "Shepherd's Center" classes alternates a couple of times a year between different churches and offers fun courses in such subjects as bridge and knitting, along with book reviews, history discussions, exercise and fellowship.
Jordan Park, located on the east side of the city, has a pavilion, community center, basketball courts, baseball fields, playground and splash pad. The Western Pines Mini-Park, located in the Western Pines subdivision, also has tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground and a pavilion.TheUniversity of Arkansas at Monticello's Weevil Pond is also home to a walking track which provides walkers with a scenic route around the water's edge where they can observe the ducks, which inhabit the pond, as they take in the college atmosphere and activities. The Monticello School District's track on Old Warren Road is also available for use by the Monticello'spublic.
Churches in the smaller communities outside Monticello often serve a dual purpose—acting as both social and religious gathering places for the Continuingresidents. church traditions in the next generation is an important focus, and during the summer, children may take part in many religious activities, attending vacation Bible schools and participating in other church-sponsored programs. Several churches also offer Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed (AWANA) Bible-centered clubs for their younger members during the school year.
A group of local churches are also attempting to combat local hunger by operating food pantry programs, which collects and distributes food for those in need on a weekly basis.
Hunter. Fisherman. Runner. Golfer. Walker. Swimmer. Committed spectator. No matter which of those categories you fall into, Monticello is able to supply the means to satisfy your leisure time desires.
Youth groups and special services targeted for their demographic provide good reasons for teenagers to be active in their church. Many local congregations sponsor special events, youth ministries and afterschool tutoring programs.
In the weeks following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Drew County's churches stepped up to the challenge, meeting the needs of the dozens of evacuees who sought refuge here. Teams took needed supplies of water and food to the stricken area, and others collected, sorted and distributed clothing, cooked meals and helped find temporary housing. The relief efforts continued for weeks and months following the hurricane, with local people reaching out to their neighbors who had lost everything and doing whatever they could to assist them in transitioning to their new life.
Persons of the Jewish faith can also find a welcoming congregation in a synagogue in a nearby community and a growing number of Hindus are now residing in the Monticello area and meet for worship. Special efforts are being made to reach out to Spanish-speaking Christians in the area, with a program devoted to helping them assimilate and improve their English skills housed at First United Methodist Church.
Drew County's churches offer something for everyone—from very young to very old. Several offer nurseries and day cares, while others have groups or activities for senior citizens, often sponsoring meals or trips. Marrieds and singles are both encouraged to participate in church activities, and those who are hurting because of death or divorce can find solace in grief and divorce recovery classes.
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1,550-acre lake, located north of the city, has become a recreational refuge. Lake Monticello offers a place to water ski, jet ski, swim, fish, picnic and fly radio-controlled aircraft.
Finally, the Drew County Ministerial Alliance sponsors a communitywide Thanksgiving service and aids in a variety of charitable programs.
In 1997 and 2007, Monticello voters approved a special one-cent sales tax, a portion of which was dedicated to creating more recreational facilities, with an emphasis on the community's youth. A significant amount of the revenue from the sales tax was used to purchase land and build a sports complex approximately four miles west of town, headed toward Wilmar on U.S. Highway 278. The complex currently offers nine soccer fields, which draw hundreds of children and parents to the site every fall to compete in the Monticello Youth Soccer Association. The complex is equipped with six baseball and softball fields as well as a large, centrally-located concession stand. Recently, the Miracle League of Southeast Arkansas added a field there to afford disabled children and adults the opportunity to play baseball. However, baseball, softball and soccer are by no means the only leisure choices available for area residents. The city of Monticello operates three parks, a public swimming pool and several lighted tennis courts.McCloy Park, which is found on the south side of the city, features two large pavilions that serve as gathering places for many community events and family celebrations. The park includes several groupings of playground equipment, a popular public swimming pool, three baseball fields, lighted tennis courts, basketball courts and a well-used walking track.The Monticello Marlins' youth swim team practices and competes in meets at the city park pool during the summer, and dozens of Drew County children take advantage of low-cost swimming lessons provided by the Junior Auxiliary of Monticello at the pool each year. Finally, the park is also home to Hyatt Field, where hundreds turn out to watch the Monticello junior and senior football teams each fall. The field has been renovated in recent years (now including a turf field), and the stadium is often home to tailgate parties or other pregame activities prior to the Billies' and Junior Billies' matchups against rival teams from throughout the southern part of the state.
The construction of a new library was completed in 2016 and is located at the north end of Main Street. It features lots of computers, beautiful reading spaces and a walled garden, as well as a place for children's activities.
Finding a religious home—a community of caring, like-minded individuals who share beliefs and practices—is another aspect of life that must be considered when residents choose to make the move to a new community. There are many such "homes" to be found in Drew County, with more than 300 churches and religious communities found here.
The art department holds regular exhibitions at the Fred J. Taylor Li brary and Technology Center, drawing works from regionally famous art ists as well as UAM students.
The college also sponsors the Governor Winthrop Rockefeller Distin guished Lecture Series. For more than a quarter of a century, the Southeast Arkansas Concert Association has provided cultural activities for the area. The concert as sociation has hosted performances of Shakespearean plays, ballet and modern dance, and well-known recording artists such as legendary soul singer Percy Sledge and country favorite Collin Raye.
On the first Friday of the warmer months, the Monticello Merchants Association hosts an acoustic jam on the downtown square beginning at 6 p.m. Musicians and music lovers are welcome to attend and admission is free for everyone.
Once a quarter, First Presbyterian Church presents "Main Street Bis tro," which offers a low-cost meal and an evening of musical entertain ment in a coffeehouse-style setting. If your idea of entertainment runs more toward learning a new skill, you can do that in Monticello as well. The Shepherd's Center program is held twice yearly at different local churches, and features classes on such things as knitting, bridge, computer skills, dominoes, easy home repairs and book reviews.
The University of Arkansas at Monticello also offers a variety of ac tivities for the community. Each semester, the music department presents a musical theater production, and there are seasonal concerts, senior recitals, and guest artists.
Let's start with going to the movies. Cinema buffs can view first-run films at the six-screen Malco Hollywood Cinema. The 1,056-seat cine ma, the only theater within a 50-mile radius of Monticello, draws thou sands of moviegoers from throughout the region, as well as providing entertainment opportunities for those traveling through Monticello on business. It has full digital sound and was the first theater in the United States to use all Klipsch speakers, widely regarded by experts as some of the best in the world.
Seasonal entertainment includes the annual Christmas parade, spon sored by the chamber of commerce; the Possum Valley Fun Day held each October, and the Drew County Fair and Livestock Exhibition, held each fall.
The national housing slump that so many other cities and towns have been negatively affected by has, with a few exceptions, missed Monticello. Homes in this area have held their value, and in fact, the value of starter homes—those under 1,400 square feet—is esti mated to have gone up by just over 10 percent in recent years.
A safe, kid-friendly neighborhood in which to raise children is of paramount importance for many families. There are many such neighborhoods in Monticello, with easy access to parks and other recreational facilities such as walking tracks, the municipal pool and baseball fields.
The Drew County Historical Society operates the Drew County Mu seum, housed in the beautiful two-story former home of Garvin Cavaness on South Main Street. It also sponsors quarterly programs on different as pects of local history, and publishes a yearly journal with similar stories.
The average sale price of a home in Monticello is around $110,000, with the starter homes selling for around $85 a square foot and upscale homes—those larger than 2,500 square feet—sell ing for around $100 a square foot. Whatever a person or family's price range, Monticello and Drew County offer a housing choice to fit it—whether the family is one person or a dozen, of moderate means or wealthy, and oriented toward neighborhood life or prefer ring acreage in the country. Different sizes, different types. Dwellings here cover the full spectrum, from small efficiency apartments for singles and young professionals to big family homes with spacious lawns and even guest quarters. There are single-family homes, duplexes, condo miniums and townhouses, as well as individual apartments and complexes with their own amenities such as swimming pools, busi ness centers and gymnasiums. There are older homes in long-established neighborhoods, and new homes in recently-built subdivisions that have covenants regu lating issues of concern to property owners.
Several of the homes in Monticello have been placed on the National Historic Register and the Main Street Historic District pro vides a number of outstanding examples of different styles of archi tectural design. The owners have worked diligently to maintain the charm and value of those houses.
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In the summer of 2011, renovations were completed on the old Ridgeway Hotel, once a showplace but long abandoned, and it re opened to provide 32 units of housing for low-income senior cit izens. The hotel and two adjacent buildings have transformed an entire city block, and brought a neglected area to life again.
The local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter sponsors a dance each Friday night, with live music at the VFW building located in McCloy Park.
Developers are constantly building new subdivisions which fea ture elegant, modern homes, wide streets, sidewalks and large lots with plenty of green space.
While there are a number of these upscale areas, prospective homebuyers can also find moderately-priced dwellings in well-es tablishedBecauseneighborhoods.Monticellois a college town, apartments and patio homes have sprung up in several areas around the city to accom modate the student residents who live here most or all of the year during their school tenure. Efforts are also being made by the city to tear down and clean up abandoned homes and vacant lots in an effort to encourage redevel opment in older parts of the city.
Many people in Drew County prefer the charm of country living, and have chosen to build homes outside the city limits. These dwell ings offer the peace and serenity of the country, but are located near enough to the conveniences of town to combine the best of both worlds.
RealEntertainmentEstate
Monticello may be a small town, but the number of fun things to do here is big.
The group aims to include something for everyone in its offerings each year, from classical and instrumental music to swing and big band sounds.Season tickets are available, or may be purchased individually for each event. From more information contact the Southeast Arkansas Con cert Association at 870-460-1060.
Bowlers can find a welcoming community at Timberlodge Lanes, which hosts several different weekly leagues. The Monticello Riding Club sponsors a rodeo each year in conjunction with the Drew County Fair, as well as "playdays" and regional high school rodeo competitions. Also, Deer Creek Disc Golf, which is free to public, has an 18-hole course open on U.S. Highway 278 West.
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