Arkansas Monticello
Monticello/Drew county 2020 Visitors’ & newcoMers’ GuiDe
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E E R
Let us be the first to WELCOME you to Monticello and Drew County, the “Heartbeat of Southeast Arkansas.” 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. You’ve made the right choice by calling our community HOME, and we are glad you are here! Bill Givens, President For more information about us and JOB OPPORTUNITIES visit our social community at the following sites
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Table of Contents Index of Advertisers………………………………………………………………………….4 Quick Facts..........................................8-9 Business & Industry...............................37 UAM's Taylor House at Hollywood
Community Service...............................37
Plantation..............................................12
Education..............................................38
Go outdoors to enjoy Drew County.......10
Health Care...........................................38
Monticello's haunted Allen House.........16
Recreation.............................................39
UAM offers unique educational
Religion.................................................39
opportunities.........................................21
Entertainment........................................40
Chamber of Commerce Members..........31
Real Estate.............................................40
Welcome to
Monticello
When
there
is an
Start here. Go far.
211 Old Troy Rd • Monticello, AR 71655 • 870-224-7138
EMERGENCY Let us take care of you! Call 911 & Request
MASI
$AVE
Ask about a membership! Serving Monticello & Drew County Since 1972
Owners Scott & Sherry Carson
Monticello Ambulance Service Company 325 W Shelton • 367-7384
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Index of Advertisers Annswood Apartments Retirement Center ................20 Arkansas Ag/AG UP ..................................................18 Arkansas Department of Health ................................13 Arkansas Superior Federal Credit Union ...................12 B&S Memorials .........................................................12 Carrington Electric ....................................................29 Cheatham, Eddie.......................................................22 Connelley Family Medical PLLC ...............................18 Custom Wood Design ...............................................18 Days Inn by Wyndham .............................................23 Discount Merchandise ..............................................10 Drew County Farm Bureau .......................................15 Drew Farm Supply ....................................................17 Drew Foam Companies, Inc. ...........Inside Front Cover Drew Memorial Health System........ Inside Back Cover ESA Staffing & Screening...........................................19 Farmers Insurance, James Insurance Agency .............21 First United Methodist Church ..................................11 Griffin Heating, Air & Electric, LLC ...........................12 Hampton Inn ............................................................23 Holiday Inn Express ..................................................23 Hope & Co. Realty....................................................18 Hospice Home Care .................................................16 Interfor ........................................................................3 Jenkins Memorial Center...........................................24 Kim's Beauty Supply .................................................21 Mainline Health Systems, Inc. ..................................15 Majors Forest & Lawn .................................................3 Maxwell Hardwood Flooring ....................................20 Metal Mart ................................................................19 Monticello Ambulance Service, Inc. ...........................3 Vicki Kelly Advertising Manager Theresa Perrigen Advertising Representative Kristie Nall Graphic Designer Melissa Orrell Editor/Photographer Tom White Melissa Cason Reporter President/Publisher Front cover photo by Theresa Perrigen
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Monticello Church of Christ............................... 11, 26 Monticello, City of ......................................................9 Monticello Coffee Company .....................................13 Monticello Economic Development Commission ..............................................................10 Monticello Exxon ......................................................14 Monticello Realty......................................................13 Monticello Tire & Service..........................................17 North Hyatt Secure Storage.......................................20 O'Fallon Veterinary Service .......................................10 Outfitters RX .............................................................12 Prescription Pad, The.................................................13 Price Companies, The ...............................................14 Puryear, Crews ..........................................................25 Ray Ryburn Custom Homes, LLC..............................16 Ray Ryburn Real Estate .............................................16 Reinhart Family Healthcare.......................................21 Ryburn Motor Company ...........................................19 SeaArk Boats .............................................................14 Select Concrete Co. ..................................................16 Showcase of Floors ...................................................29 Silvicraft, Inc. ............................................................16 Southeast Emergency Medical Service, Inc ...................................................5 Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home, Inc .................21 Trinity Village ............................................................24 Union Bank...............................................................14 University of Arkansas at Monticello ..........................7 War Eagle Boats ........................................................19 White Hall, City of....................................................27
This publication produced by
DREW COUNTY NEWSPAPERS, INC. P.O. Box 486 314 North Main Monticello, Arkansas 71657 (870) 367-5325 FAX: (870) 367-6612
For more information about this publication and/or advertising rates, call 870-367-5325. This publication was produced by Drew County Newspapers, Inc. Copyright 2020. 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.
SOUTH EAST EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE INC.
VOTED #1 AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR 8 YEARS
southeastems@sbcglobal.net Office 503 W Gaines | P.O. Box 714 870-367-2300 Monticello, AR 71657
Lyle Welch, Owner/Operator 5
UAM's Taylor House at Hollywood Plantation; only surviving house of its kind in Arkansas The only surviving example of a 19th century two-story log dwelling with square notching in Arkansas sits in Drew County along Bayou Bartholomew, the world’s longest bayou, and serves as the hub of the 11,000 acre Hollywood Plantation. The Taylor House, built in 1846 by Dr. John Martin Taylor, and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Robertson Taylor, a two-story, cypress, dogtrot-style house, along with the family cemetery and immediate surrounding acreage were listed in the National Register of Historic Places on October 16, 1995. In 2012, the John Hancock family donated the house and site to the University of Arkansas at Monticello and will be used to interpret the history of one of Arkansas’ earliest major cotton plantations. The beginning of the Hollywood plantation began with
See TAYLOR Page 25
Ember Davis/University of Arkansas at Monticello
The Taylor House at Hollywood Plantation is the only surviving dwelling of its kind in Arkansas. The side of the house facing the road is actually the back of the house since the house was built facing the Bayou where the residents would use the waterway to reach steamboats further downstream.
Selected by Arkansas Business as a City of Distinction for it’s Quality of Life in 2014 and 2016, and Arkansas’ first Playful City USA, Monticello is an active place for people seeking progress, but in the relaxed comfort and charm of a small town located in the heart of Southeast Arkansas. Monticello is home to thriving businesses, progressive schools, and the University of Arkanas at Monticello; and where new friends are always welcome. For those attracted to the unique charm of southern culture served with a gracious portion of hospitality, in Monticello, we welcome your company!
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Quick Facts Emergency Room 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) Southeast Emergency Medical Service (SEEMS) Monticello Ambulance Service, Inc. operates two ambulances 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 ambulances manned by paramedics and equipped to provide advanced cardiac life support. Yearly memberships are available. 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 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 The Arkansas State Police require that new residents acquire an Arkansas auto license and registration as soon as residency in the state is established. 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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School Registration Monticello School District: 367-4000 Drew Central School District: 367-5369 Trash Pickups 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. 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 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. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Electricity Inside Monticello city limits: Entergy Corporation, 1-800-368-3749 In county: C & L Electric Cooperative, 870-628-4221 Natural Gas CenterPoint Energy Arkla: 1-800-992-7552 Propane Gas Cash and Sons LP Gas: 367-8227 Matthews: 367-2709 Southern LP Gas: 367-3321 Telephone Service In Monticello: Southwestern Bell Residential Service: 800-464-7928 Commercial Service: 800-499-7928 Voter Registration Drew County Courthouse: 460-6260 Persons can also register when obtaining a driver's license at the Department of Finance & Revenue or at the Southeast Arkansas Regional Library, Monticello Branch (367-8583)
Quick Facts
Population (According to 2017 Census estimates) City's Count: 9,627 County's Count: 18,547
Climate Mean daily maximum temperature: 74.2 Mean daily minimum temperature: 53.1 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: 53.46 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: 22 Number of auxiliary members: 11 Sheriff Non-Emergency Number (870) 367-6211 Fire Protection City of Monticello Number of paid firemen: 11 Number of volunteers: 13 Fire insurance rating: Class 4 Fire stations: 3; training facility Fire Non-Emergency Number (870) 367-5433 Service available to industry outside city limits, and various volunteer fire departments are located in the communities throughout the county. Health Services Drew Memorial Health System (870) 367-2411 49 beds 24-hour emergency room 63 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 Joe Meeks Ward 4 - Mike Wigley and Dr. Jack Lassiter
Drew County Elected Officials County Judge - Robert Akin, (870) 460-6200 Sheriff - Mark Gober, (870) 367-6211 Tax Collector - Tonya Loveless, (870) 460-6220 Assessor - Cheri Adcock, (870) 460-6240 Circuit Clerk - Beverly Burks, (870) 460-6250 County Clerk - Lyna Gulledge, (870) 460-6260 Treasurer - Charles Searcy (870) 460-6225 Drew County Quorum Court Members District 1 - Orlando Jones District 2 - Steven Morrison District 3 - Roger Harris District 4 - Carole Bulloch District 5 - Tommy Gray District 6 - Chris Barnett District 7 - Joe Williams Jr. District 8 - Frank Appleberry District 9 - RenĂŠ Knowles State Representatives LeAnne Burch - District 9, (870) 460-0773 Mike Holcomb - District 10, (870) 879-6135 State Senator Eddie Cheatham - District 26, (870) 364-5659 U.S. Representative - Fourth District Bruce Westerman (R) 100 E. 8th Avenue, Room 2521 Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Phone: (870) 536-3376 Fax: (870) 536-4058 www.westerman.house.gov U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R) 500 Clinton Ave. Suite 401 Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone: (501) 324-6336 Fax: (501) 324-5230 Toll Free: 1-877-259-9602 www.cotton.senate.gov John Boozman 1401 W. Capitol Ave., Plaza F. Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone: (501) 372-7153 Fax: (501) 372-7163 www.boozman.senate.gov
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Go outdoors to enjoy Drew County 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 wildlife 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 Regional Office in Monticello at 870-367-3553. There is also abundant information about some very unique areas near Monticello on the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission website. (naturalheritage.com)
WATER TRAILS
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 Bartholomew Water Trails are located in the county.
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 your boat a short distance if necessary. 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. See OUTDOOR Page 11
Cut-Off Creek Water Trail
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
Tom White/Advance Monticellonian
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PO Box 1890 Monticello, AR 71657 870-367-3076 www.monticelloedc.org Nita McDaniel, Executive Director
OUTDOOR
The creek flows south; flow is minimal most of the year (expect to travel 1-2 miles per hour). At Continued from Page 10 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.
Cut-Off Creek Ravines Natural Area
While at Cut-off Creek WMA you can visit the Cut-off Creek Ravines Natural Area which was acquired by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and included in the WMA and co-managed 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 acquired 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 (Collins-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 upper 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 seasons on the WMA.
Places of
Worship
Seven Devils Swamp Natural Area
Seven Devils Swamp Natural Area is located along Cut-off Creek at the point where the creek flows from the pine-covered hills of the Coastal Plain to the flat lowlands of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The area is comprised of a relatively narrow bottomland occupied by bald cypress and water tupelo on the wetter sites and bottomland hardwood tree species on drier, but still flood-prone, sites. Farther downstream, the area is almost permanently flooded, supporting a diverse swamp community. High-quality forested canebrakes are interspersed throughout the area. The natural area lies within the Seven Devils Swamp Wildlife Management Area and is co-managed with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). A couple of different urban legends surround the name of the area. The most common storyline involves a hunter seeing seven devils instead of seven lakes. In spite of the folklore, the area is a peaceful paradise.
First United Methodist Church www.fumcmonticello.com 317 S Main | 367-2471 facebook.com/ fumcmonticello twitter.com/ fumcmonticello1 instagram.com/ fumcmonticello
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Tom White/Advance Monticellonian
Cutoff Creek flows south. During normal water levels expect to travel about one to two miles an hour with paddling upstream an option.
Sunday Bible Class: 9:30 Sunday AM Worship: 10:30 Sunday PM Worship: 5:00 Wednesday PM Study: 6:30 870-367-3919 • 2078 Hwy 425 N
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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 Seven Devils since the swamp has a breeding population of
anhingas, great blue herons, little 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 Devils WMA listing in the current Arkansas Hunting Guidebook or visit the AGFC website. The area is widely known for its good duck hunting. Squirrel,
Tom White/Advance Monticellonian
Known scientifically as Serenoa repens, saw palmetto is native to the Southeast and can be found growing as far north as South Carolina and as far west as Texas..
Tom White/Advance Monticellonian
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..
deer and rabbits can be hunted on the area before the area is flooded usually in late October. The area is managed as a greentree area for waterfowl and the water is controlled 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.
Fishing During the spring and early summer this area provides an underutilized fishing resource. There are times that an adventurous paddler may have the area all to themselves. Directions Access to the east side and the parking area. From Monticello, See OUTDOOR Page 14
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OUTDOOR Continued from Page 12
travel east on State Highway 35 approximately 15.0 miles to Collins-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 approximately 1.3 miles to the boat ramp. Currently, there are no campsites on the Seven Devils area; however, camping is available on the adjacent Casey Jones Area 1, provided at least one of the campers has a valid Casey Jones permit. There are several private inholdings on the WMA be sure See OUTDOOR Page 28
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Monticello's haunted Allen House
Melissa Orrell/Advance Monticellonian
The Allen House, 705 North Main, is believed to be haunted by local Monticellonians and has been featured in a movie on Netflix.
When Dr. Mark Spencer and his wife, Rebecca, first visited Monticello, they decided to drive around the town after checking into a local hotel. Mark was looking to take a position in the English department at the University of Arkansas at Monticello so he and Rebecca wanted to check everything out on their visit. Rebecca said as soon as she drove down Main Street, she knew she just had to have the house located at 705 Main Street. She said she was just drawn to the house and its unusual architecture. The house was a little grown up with a lot of greenery to hide it from the street. "Ever underneath that, the house was magnificent," she said. "I told (Mark) if we were moving here he'd have to buy me that house." Rebecca said the "interesting architecture" drew them to
house. "It was almost like it picked us," she said laughing. Rebecca said it wasn't until she'd already fallen in love with home that the couple started hearing the rumors about the house. "I told some people at work that we wanted to buy that house and they told us it was haunted," Mark said. "I thought it was ridiculous, but I wasn't going to argue the point with them." The couple was able to purchase the home from Dottie Simmons in June 2007. Because it took them a year or so to purchase the house, Mark began researching the house's history to learn more about why people thought it was haunted. Mark learned that the house was built by Joe Lee Allen and his wife, Caddye McKennon See HAUNTED Page 17
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Monticello Warren McGehee 367-8522 226-5382 222-4357 Dumas Star City 382-5602 628-3406
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HAUNTED Continued from Page 16
Allen, around 1905. Joe Lee, who was a local businessman moved into a smaller house across the street so that he could build a house the whole town would envy. "He was very important in Monticello," Mark said. "He wanted people to know it so he built this house." According to historical records, the house was designed by Sylvester Hotchkiss and built by Josiah Barkley White. Mark said the Allen family was known for their Christmas parties and during the party on December 26, 1948, the Allen's middle daughter, Ladelle, committed suicide in the master suite of the house. She was taken to the hospital, which was located at the end of the street at the time, where she later died. Mark said while the death certificate stated she had committed suicide, the newspaper made no mention of it at the
time. "I'm sure it was because she was from such a prominent family," he said. "(Her cause of death) was kept secret." Mark said Caddye sealed the master bedroom after her daughter's funeral. It would remain sealed until the house was sold to a non-family member in 1985. According to the house's historical information online, the house was purchased by Bill and Bobbie Painton at that time. The couple reported to finding a bottle of cyanide on a closet shelf in the room. During his research of the house, Mark found the book, "Scent of Lilacs," was based on the house. The author, Carolyn Wilson, lived in the house with her husband during the time the house was divided into apartments. "During the time this house was apartments, several tenants claimed to have paranormal experiences," Mark said. After the Spencers moved into the house, they noticed there was a lot of interest in the 306 N. Bailey St. Monticello 870-367-8537
house especially around Halloween. "One time this person just walked into my house as if it were open to the public," Rebecca recalled. "I knew right then we were going to have to have security." The interest in the house sparked the idea to open the house up for tours and to host a Halloween event. "The Halloween maze has
nothing to do with Allen family," Mark said. "We do it just let people have a good time. It's really a community service. We hire actors and professional people to come participate in the event. We don't make any money. After we pay for everything, we really just break even." They couple's first Halloween brought in 600 guests to the house.
Melissa Cason/File photo
The Allen House kitchen.
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Melissa Cason/File Photo
Rebecca didn't believe the house was really haunted until a paranormal investigation was performed.
Rebecca said the Halloween event is just something they do for fun. After a while, Rebecca said she decided to have the house investigated to see if it was really haunted like everyone claimed. "If you'd asked me when I first bought the house, I'd said no it's not haunted," Mark said. "But, today, I can tell you it's haunted because of the evidence they found during the investigation." In 2008, the first investi-
gation was conducted on the house. "(The investigators) got 40 EVP (electronic voice phenomena)," Rebecca said. "They said on a really good night they might get 10, and they got 40 in a very short amount of time here." The SyFy Channel's "Ghost Hunters" came to investigate. The house was featured on "Ghost Hunters" and "Paranormal Witness," another SyFy See HAUNTED Page 20
September16, 16,2019 2019 September
September 16, 2019 September 16, 2019
To my patients & medical colleagues, To my patients & medical colleagues,
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870777 Jordan Drive patients. Thus, I have personally selected physicians andfor other While on this journey, my primary concern the continuation medical care my healthcare profession of medical care for myispatients. Thus, I haveof personally selected 460-9001 Monticello, While AR on this71655 journey, my primary concern is the continuation of medical care for my that will be available to provide patient care atwill Connelley Family Medical. physicians and other healthcare professionals that be patients. Thus, I have personally selected physicians and other healthcare professionals patients. Thus, I have personally selected physicians and other healthcare professionals providecare patient care at Connelley Family Medical. that will be available toavailable provide to patient at Connelley Family Medical. I lookto forward topatient a full recovery and sincerely appreciate that will be available provide care at Connelley Family Medical.all the prayers, cards, and
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HAUNTED Continued from Page 18
Channel program in 2013. After the SyFy Channel left town, there remained interest in the house and
it became the set for the 2016 movie "The Perfect Host," written and directed by South Arkansas natives Derrick and Alaina McClellan Sims. The house gave the neighborhood a glimpse
into the world of movie magic as Fabled Motion Pictures began production of "The Perfect Host," which was being filmed completely in Drew County. See HAUNTED Page 27
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. FA / NOFMA NW
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Allen House Foyer
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UAM: unique educational opportunities for Southeast Arkansas area communities
The University of Arkansas at Monticello provides many educational opportunities for the community of Monticello. The Turner Neal Museum of Natural history is one of them. Located on the UAM campus, the Pomeroy Planetarium is an integral component of the mu-
seum, according to the University. The museum displays a variety of natural history materials including invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, fossils, minerals and plants. The planetarium sponsors presentations
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demonstrating the structure and diversity of the universe.
Museum Story
In the late 1960's Dr. Wallace Thomas of Dermott, then a member of the Arkansas Agriculture & Mechanical College Board of Trustees, now UAM, provided the impetus for a natural 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 instrumental in the planning and development of the museum. Turner Neal of McGehee donated a collection of big game animals and 197 acres of land to the University, 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 Huttig donated his large collection of North American and African mammals to UAM. The museum was named the Turner Neal
Museum of Natural History in honor of Neal. Construction 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 University aid of additional funds and labor have developed the museum to its present state. Additionally, 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 Science Foundation Grant to build a planetarium in the museum. The Planetarium was named the Pomeroy Planetarium in honor of Leslie K. Pomeroy, a local amateur astronomer, who served many years on the Arkansas A & M Board of Trustees. The Planetarium is one of only four planetariums in the state and has been used extensively by students in UAM's Astronomy classes and by the See MUSEUM Page 24
Melissa Orrell/Advance Monticellonian
Visitors to the museum are able to study the local fauna and wildlife as well as view some exotic wildlife.
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Minutes from University of Arkansas Monticello Find us off Highway 425, just steps from local dining, and less than five minutes from downtown Monticello. It’s only 10 minutes to Monticello Municipal Airport, and the University of Arkansas, home to the Turner Neal Natural History Museum, is five minutes away. Free hot breakfast is fuel for nature days at Lake Monticello, 15 minutes from the door, and WiFi’s on us.
480 Hwy 425 N 870.367.6600 23
MUSEUM Continued from Page 22
general public as well.
Current displays Currently on display are the collections of North American and African big game animals, two 360 gallon aquariums of native and tropical fishes, archaeological materials, minerals, and various plant and animal displays. The museum houses the UAM Herbarium and UAM Collection of Vertebrates, which are used in teaching and research. Additional exhibits are planned for the future.
UAM Herbarium
The UAM Herbarium houses approximately 21,000 vascular plant specimens, the majority 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 REHABILITATION AND THERAPY
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 identifications of native and cultivated plants, and an active specimen exchange program is maintained with more than a dozen institutions in the eastern and central United States. The UAM Collection of Vertebrates in the Turner Neal Museum of Natural History contains an extensive collection of vertebrates for teaching and research. The collection, consisting primarily of Arkansas specimens, has been catalogued and computerized for more ready access to records. Catalogued specimens to date include 1000 fishes, 1900 amphibians and reptiles, 80 birds and 50 sets of bird eggs, and 630 mammals. A student mammal study collection numbers
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110 specimens. Vertebrate specimens are available for loan to qualified research scientists at other institutions. A vital component of any museum is the research and teaching 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, Ich-
J
thyology/Herpetology, Ornithology/Mammalogy, Natural History, Wildlife Ecology and Management, and Introductory Earth Science. The museum's displays and collections complement the education of students in all disciplines, but especially those in the sciences, forestry, and agriculture. Additionally, the collections See MUSEUMPage 27
Melissa Orrell/Advance Monticellonian
Displays in the museum are set up to show how the animals live in the wild.
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“Equal admissions regardless of age, race, creed, national origin or disability.”
TAYLOR
Continued from Page 6
Peter Gilam Rives, a surveyor from Virginia who in 1819 erected a “satellite improvement” on Bayou Bartholomew near an old footpath leading to the area’s best fording place. This “satellite improvement” was likely a small, log cabin, which indicated his claim to the site before official government surveys offered land for sale. It was his eldest step daughter who married Taylor and eventually settled at Hollywood Plantation. Taylor, originally from Winchester, Ky., purchased 355 acres along Bayou Bartholomew adjoining his step father-in-law’s land and began harvesting bald cypress trees in 1844 to build the home. A study of the home reveals some of the timber used to build the home had begun growing in the early 1600’s. Even though it was Peter Rives who owned thousands of acres along the bayou, the Taylors were responsible for building up the plantation, as Rives spent most of his time in Crittenden Coun-
ty. The Taylor House became the center of the Hollywood Plantation, named for the abundance of native holly trees on the property and eventually encompassed 11,000 acres in Drew, Desha, and Lincoln counties. The bayou is significant because it provided access to the otherwise landlocked area of the southeast Arkansas Delta before the arrival of railroads in the late 19th century. Bayou Bartholomew was a steamboat passage from the 1830s until the early 20th century. Early settlers used flat-bottom boats and rafts to transport cotton, timber, and other goods down the bayou to a steamboat. Dr. Taylor floated his cotton downstream on cypress log rafts until he reached a steamboat port. He accompanied the cotton and timber to New Orleans, where it was all sold. While in New Orleans, he bought supplies for the next year and traveled back up the Mississippi River by steamboat to either the mouth of Cypress Creek or Gaines Landing. He would then load supplies onto a wagon and make the overland trip home. Around 1880 the Taylor house was moved to its current location.
Regional flooding is believed to have impacted the Taylor house and due to bank erosion, the house had to be moved away from the Bayou. Dendrochronology studies revealed that the logs around the bottom of the Taylor House were cut in 18791880, indicating that the Taylors replaced some of the deteriorated lower timbers about 1880 when the house was moved back from
the receding bank. Disassembling the house was not necessary, rather the house was moved whole using logs and mules. While the house was not disassembled, the chimneys were rebuilt after the move. The west chimney was constructed with handmade brick made from Bayou mud. The east chimney was built with Dickinson Company brick from Little Rock that was shipped to the
Ember Davis/University of Arkansas at Monticello
This view of the Taylor House shows the ell and one of the chimneys that had to be rebuilt when the house was moved due to erosion of the Bayou banks in the 1880's.
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site. In 1882, Edward Palmer, the Smithsonian Institution’s archaeologist investigated the prehistoric mounds, “Mound Field” located across the bayou from the Taylor House. The area contained at least four Native American mounds dating from 800 A.D. Two mounds are still relatively preserved. Field notes and sketches provided by artist, H.J. Lewis of Pine Bluff, documented some of the Hollywood
fields and log outbuildings. A cotton gin, log stable, and farm manager’s house were located across the bayou from the Taylor House. Dr. John Martin Taylor, known to many as “Dr. Jack,” died on October 30, 1884, at Hollywood and was buried in the family cemetery. He was 65. The nearby town of Winchester, named after Dr. Taylor’s birthplace in Kentucky, grew up around the
Ember Davis/University of Arkansas at Monticello
The smokehouse was donated to the Drew County Historical Museum and remained on the property until it was returned to the Hollywood Plantation during UAM's restoration.
26
Little Rock, Mississippi River & Texas Railway, which arrived in 1878. In 1887 that railway became a division of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, and in 1888 a spur line was extended to Rives, named for Peter G. Rives, Mary Elizabeth Taylor’s step-father. The Rives post office may have been in the Taylor House. Henry Taylor was the first postmaster. After Dr. Taylor’s death, his sons managed to buy back much of the land that was lost after the Civil War. By the 1890s, 17 bridges had been built across the bayou to connect Hollywood lands. Some of these were floating log bridges anchored to trees that would move with the water level. And cotton was no longer floated down the bayou—it was loaded on a train. The Taylor house remained in the Taylor family until the 1950s and has remained vacant since that time. The rear kitchen ell had been removed and converted into a stand alone rental house. The front and rear porches were also removed around this time and the current shed roofs added for farm storage. The shed roofs protected the lower level of the house for more than 50 years. During the 1960 or 1970’s
the log smokehouse was removed from the property and relocated to the grounds of the Drew County Historical Museum. It has since been returned to the property. The Taylor House represents 168 years of architectural evolution, as the house changed to meet the needs and preferences of the people living in it. The square notching on the house is rare with most square-notched log houses meant to be covered with weatherboard siding, which provided stability for the non-locking corner joints. While the house was sided, it is unclear if it always had siding, but the areas under the north and south porches were never sided, but were instead just white-washed logs. The Taylor House is an example of architecture that used local builders using local materials and techniques and was built in a dogtrot style. Dogtrot means the house consists of two log pens separated by a breezeway or “dogtrot” and covered by a covered roof. The upper story contains mostly original flooring,along with 6-over-6 windows from the 1840’s, while the lower level consists of 4-over-4 windows which were most likely See TAYLOR Page 29
HAUNTED
Derrick, who is a native of Kingsland, made his directorial debut with "Come Morning," Continued from Page 20 which was an official selection at the Austin Film Festival and premiered there on October 21, 2012. In February 2013, the film received the Jury Award for Best Cinematography at the Oxford Film Festival. "Come Morning" went on to play at other festivals across the US and began its limited theatrical run in November 2013. While this is his second film as a director, Sims said he's been a part of 67 films in his career. Sims' "The Perfect Host" tells the story of a young woman who returns to Lake Village to bury her grandmother, and stays with a friend of her grandmother. It isn't long before the woman realizes there's something strange about the old people and their home, the old and infamous Allen House. As the young woman's time there draws on, she slowly unearths the depths of horror that befall the house and its dwellers. Derrick wasn't the only Southeast Arkansas native involved with the film. Alaina is from Warren, and collaborated with her husband on the script, and also served as a producer for the film. Alaina also served as a producer for her husband's first feature film, "Come Morning." Monticello resident Greg Fallon served as executive producer for the project. Fallon is a local attorney and a part time actor. The film was released in 2017. Since the release of the film, the celebrity of the Allen House has died down, except in October. The house is still popular with those wishing to get a peek at the haunted mansion. The Spencer family opens the house up for tours on occasion, but by reservations only. They also operate a haunted maze during the month of October, which is a year round work in progress. However, during this novel coronavirus pandemic, the house is closed to the public.
MUSEUM
serve faculty members and other visiting scientists engaged in research in areas such as the flora of Continued from Page 24 Arkansas, plant taxonomy, vertebrate taxonomy, wildlife biology, timber management and site analysis, silviculture, dendrology, and weed biology. The development of a museum 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 faunal collections, adding to their geographical coverage, historical 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 resource of the UAM Campus and provides the citizens of southeast Arkansas with an educational opportunity that otherwise would be unavailable.
Hours of Operation
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 870-460-1016 in advance to schedule a museum visit. Due to the current state of affairs with the COVID-19 pandemic ever changing climate and guidelines, museum access may be limited.
Shop, Dine, Play & Stay Stay safe, wear your mask BUT Let’s Have FUN in White Hall!!!
SAFELY
www.whitehallar.org 27
OUTDOOR Continued from Page 14
to obtain a free map of the area from the AGFC prior to planning your trip. (this information from naturalheritage.com and AGFC. com)
Bayou Bartholomew Water Trail
Considered the longest bayou in the world, Bayou Bartholomew begins North of Pine Bluff and flows 359 river miles to the Ouachita River in Sterlington, 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 problems with sediment, pollutants and logjams. The nonprofit Bayou Bartholomew Alliance was formed in 1995 by the late Monticellonian 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 leisurely bayou developed in the old river bed. Watch for alligators and basking turtles, wintering waterfowl, and migratory songbirds among cypress and tupelo trees.
Access Dr. Curtis Merrill Access in Pine Bluff
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.
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 downstream 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.
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 Boy-
dell, 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.
Fishing
The bayou offers fishing for crappie, bream and catfish. Minnows, jigs, spinners and light line are recommended for crappie and bream; fish for catfish on the bottom with worms, minnows and stink baits. Don't forget to check AGFC fishing regulations.
Warren Prairie Natural Area Nature Trail
This unusual ecosystem straddles the Bradley and Drew County line just west of Monticello. The Warren Prairie Natural Area consists of a mosaic of salt slicks, saline barrens, Delta post oak flatwoods, mound woodlands, pine flatwoods and woodlands, and bottomland hardwood forest communities. Soils at the site containing naturally high amounts of sodium and magnesium 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 aspect to the
area. The natural area provides critical habitat for the state's largest population of the federally threatened plant, Geocarpon minimum. According the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission it contains more than 30 rare plant species. A breeding population of the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker 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 management of the property. From the parking lot trailhead, visitors will meander through a pine flatwoods and saline barrens. After roughly a few hundred feet, the loop trail splits. There are many great wildlife observation opportunities. The area 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 guide book. From 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.
Tom White/Advance Monticellonian
The Warren Prairie Natural Trail Area has an unusual ecosystem that straddles the Bradley and Drew County line. The area consists of a mosaic of salt slicks, saline barrens, Delta post oak flatwoods, mound woodlands, pine flatwoods and woodlands.
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TAYLOR
Continued from Page 26
replaced during the move in the 1880’s. The Arkansas Archaeological Survey conducted the first historic archaeological excavations at the Taylor House in 1991-1992, which confirmed family histories that the house was moved away from the eroding bayou bank at least one time, if not more. Plow scars were preserved under the clay mud put down in the 1950s under the shed roofs, indicating that the current house site was previously farmland. And parts of the original cellar/basement were discovered to the north of the house’s current location. The dendrochronology study was also conducted as part of the 1991-92 digs, revealing the initial construction date of the house (1846), as well as the approximate year the house was last moved and lower logs replaced (1880). In 2012 the John Hancock family donated the Taylor House and about 4.5 acres to the University of Arkansas at Monticello with the intent of preserving the house and
site and using it for educational purposes. In 2013 the Arkansas Archaeological Survey conducted a geophysical survey at the site to determine the location of outbuildings around the house. And in 2014, the Arkansas Archaeological Survey conducted another dig at the Taylor House. Participants dug around the house in search of the porch piers, kitchen ell, and the north end of the cellar. After acquiring the Taylor House, UAM received a grant from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC) to produce a master plan for the restoration of the house and site. This plan was researched and written by Tommy Jameson and Joan Gould and was published in August 2013. The restoration and site development has been completed in phases. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the opening of The Hollywood Plantation and Taylor House has been postponed until further notice as of August 17. For more information about the Hollywood Plantation and Taylor House, contact the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Carrington ElECtriC
Ember Davis/University of Arkansas at Monticello
Top photo: The upstairs features original wood, flooring and windows from the 1840's. Bottom photo: UAM built a visitors' center and public use area that will be available for use pending the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Mayor Paige Cha
Dear Readers,
With Monticello, AR. of ity C ir fa e th me you to n, we are r for me to welco itecture downtow ch ar g in st re It is a great hono te city and in auty around the Monticello. all the natural be for everyone in ng hi et m so is e ity of sure that ther growing Univers st fa e th to e m s of ho at, Monticello is educational need e se th ty un ed rv co e se s th s ha A years, UAM ticello. For 110 on M at s sa an rk A rrounding areas. n to our Monticello and su r us, so in additio fo y rit io pr p to a entral are trict and Drew C their education is d D l an oo n re ch S ild lo ch el Our ols, Montic education. e two public scho and a first class ar ir e fla er th ue , iq ity un rs n ve Uni rs its ow Each district offe School District. countless opportunities with b jo e iv tit pe m co half a century. d to offer established for en be ve Monticello is prou ha ch hi y of w industries, man short businesses and ticello is never in on M n, tio ea cr re t and y, skating rink, to entertainmen ma, bowling alle ne etic ci When it comes ie ov m a le to provide athl to have ab te na be rtu to fo d is ou pr ty Miracle We are very supply. The ci y for the SEARK sports complex. lit d ci an fa er ed nt ct ce tru ng ns shoppi e newly co r all youth with th opportunities fo League. age you to try offer, we encour to s ha lo el tic ction of g all the fun Mon d of its wide sele in ou nc pr rie ry pe ve ex r is fte ty A rants. The ci excellent restau isine. one of our many and American cu tin La n, lia Ita , an your Asi make Monticello to g in ok lo e ar uch as tor or joy our city as m e a first time visi en u ar u yo yo pe er ho th d he W open arms an elcome you with w e w n, ow et m ho we do.
Sincerely,
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Paige Chase, M
30
Monticello-Drew County
Chamber of Commerce Members
Accountants Certified Public Ralph McQueen & Co. Ltd. 971 Hwy. 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-0674 Searcy & Associates, LTD 201 South Main Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3580 Agriculture Credit Financing Delta ACA Farm Credit Services 656 Barkada Road Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5525 Air Conditioning Contractors Griffin Heating & Air Conditioning 542 West Gaines Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6531 Ambulance Service Southeast Emergency Medical Services P.O. Box 714 Monticello, AR 71657 870-367-2300 Apartments Lively Branch Apartments Hwy 425S & Hwy 278W Monticello, AR 870-941-9008 Parkridge Apartments 141 Market Street Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-0009
Pine Valley Apartments 1350 Hwy. 425 S. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-4307 The Vineyards at Monticello 125 Midway Route Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-4280 Appliances - Major - Retail Aaron's 307 Hwy 425 N. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3058 Attorneys The Barton Law Firm P.O. Box 507 Monticello, AR 71657 870-367-6288 Sara Hartness, Attorney 534 West Gaines Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-8304 Auto Dealers, Supplies & Service Crow Burlingame 313 Hwy. 425 South Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6102
Ryburn Automotive Superstore 156 Hwy. 425 S. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5353 Banks/Lending Arkansas Superior Federal Credit Union 1090 Old Warren Road Monticello, AR. 71655 870-460-9080 Commercial Bank 212 W. Gaines Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6221 Delta ACA 656 Barkada Road Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5525 Citizens Bank 555 W. Gaines Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-1935 Simmons First 473 Hwy. 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5334 Supreme Lending 467 Hwy 425 N Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6400
Beauty Supply Moe's Beauty Supply 406 US Hwy 425 South, Ste. A Monticello, AR 71655 (870) 412-4425 Bed & Breakfast UAM Trotter House Bed & Breakfast 404 North Main Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-0200 Boat Repair Harrison's Fiberglass Repair 2563 Hwy 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-9622 Boating SeaArk Boats P.O. Box 803 Monticello, AR 71657 870-367-5317 Team Ward, Inc. 2039 Hwy. 35 East Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-1554 Building Materials Barton's of Monticello 358 Hwy. 425 North Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-5388
Monticello Tire & Service 323 Hwy. 425 South Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-2401
Union Bank 102 W. McCloy Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-6400
Butane Gas Gresham Petroleum 1540 S. Main Warren, AR 71671 870-367-8227
Patrick's Spee-D-Lube P.O. Box 1047 Monticello, AR 71657 (870) 367-5244
Beauty Salon Oasis Salon & Boutique 1154 Hwy 425 S Monticello, AR 71655 870-820-5468
Carpet Distributors Paint & Lighting Plus Inc. 528 West Gaines Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3491
31
Monticello-Drew County
Chamber of Commerce Members
Cellular Telephone Equipment & Supplies AT&T US Hwy 425 N. Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-5562 Cricket Wireless/Apix Wireless 101 North Park Drive Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-0271 Custom Wireless P.O. Box 141 Monticello, AR 71657 870-367-1513 Child Care Head of the Class Childcare & Learning Center 119 Shay Gillespie St Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-0024 Jellybean Junction 849 North Gabbert Street Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-1523 Churches Brooks Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 1667 Old Warren Rd 367-1379 First Baptist Church 413 North Main Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-3449
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First Free Will Baptist Church 1351 Hwy. 278 W Monticello, AR 71655 870-413-8162
First Presbyterian Church 821 N. Main Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-6883 First United Methodist Church 317 South Main Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-2471 Life Church 910 Old Warren Road Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-0829 Monticello Baptist Temple 1693 Hwy. 425 S. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-2972 870-367-9429 New Relationship Christian Center 409 Kennedy Blvd Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-1566 Northside Baptist Church 351 East Pope St. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5860 Pauline Missionary Baptist Church 909 S. Hyatt St. Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-3085 Rose Hill Freewill Baptist 2130 Hwy 35 West Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-7867 Second Baptist Church 1032 Old Warren Rd. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-2459
Seventh Day Adventist 2656 Hwy 278 East Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-0244 Tabernacle Church of Deliverance 216 Kennedy Boulevard Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5123 Civic Organizations C.A.S.A. 175 Henley Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-9449 Lions Club 138 Grizzell Lane Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-7992 Clothing - Retail Options, Inc. On the Square Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-0684 Rogers Menswear 618 W. Bolling Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-7277 Clubs Black Business Men's and Women's Association of Monticello Society 248 East McCloy Street Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5396 Drew County Master Gardeners 870-367-6741
Coffee Monticello Coffee Company 316 S Hwy 425 Monticello, AR 71655 870-412-4574 Computer and Electronics Aaron's 307 Hwy 425 N. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3058 Walmart Supercenter 427 Hwy. 425 North Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-0409 Construction JEB Construction 1060 Goose Hollow Road Hamburg, AR 71646 870-723-2464 Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel 330 State School Road Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-8336 Counseling Delta Counseling & Associates 790 Roberts Drive Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-2461 The Centers for Youth and Families P.O. Box 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
Monticello-Drew County
Chamber of Commerce Members
Dentists & Orthodontists Monticello Dental Center 511 N Hyatt St. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6453 Moore, Jim DDS 3024 Olive Street Pine Bluff, AR. 71603 870-536-2650 Department Stores Walmart Supercenter 427 Hwy. 425 North Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-0409 Employment Service & Contractors Arkansas Department of Workforce Services 477 South Main Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-2476 Employers Service of America P.O. Box 1050 Monticello, AR 71657 870-367-2727
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 Price Land Company 218 Midway Route Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-9751
Entertainment Malco Monticello Cinema 120 Dearman Drive Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-2219
Silvicraft Inc. 2118 U.S. Hwy. 425 N Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-8564
Equipment Rental AM Rental & Sales 1016 Hwy 425 S. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3715
Funeral Home Paradise Funeral Home 600 U.S. Hwy. 425 N Monticello, AR 71655 870-224-8144
Farm & Ranch Supply Atwoods of Monticello 202 Hwy 425 S Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-4744
Stephenson - Dearman Funeral Home 943 Hwy. 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-2451
Furniture Dealers Discount Merchandise 206 N. Main Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-0038
State Senator Dist. #26: Eddie Cheatham 2814 Ashley 239, Crossett, AR 71635 870-364-8291
Queen City Furniture 253 Hwy. 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-7525
Grocery Store Cash Saver 345 S. Main Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6231
Gift Shop City Drug 201 East Gaines Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5301 Government Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of the Blind P.O. Box 8063 Little Rock, AR 72203-8068 501-682-0363 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Southeast Regional Office 771 Jordan Drive Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3553 Arkansas Department of Workforce Services 477 S. Main St. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-2476 Drew County Courthouse & Elected Officials 210 S. Main Street Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6200
Hardwood Flooring Maxwell Hardwood Flooring Manufacturing 190 Wilson Mill Road Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-2436 Health Care Arkansas Hospice 224 Hwy. 425 S. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3212 CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute 766 H.L. Ross Drive Monticello, AR 71655 870-412-4302 Comprehensive Pain Care West Gaines Monticello, AR 71655 870-224-4545 Hospice Home Care 990 Hwy 425 N Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-9008 LifeShare Blood Centers 2909 Kilpatrick Blvd. Monroe, LA 71201-5120 318-651-4404
33
Monticello-Drew County
Chamber of Commerce Members
Mainline Health Systems, Inc. 535 Jordan Drive Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6246 Reinhart Family Healthcare 777 Jordan Drive Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-9777 Home - Children Arkansas Baptist Home for Children P.O. Box 427 Monticello, AR 71657 870-367-5358 Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home 745 Old Warren Road Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-9035 Home - Elderly Care Belle View Estates Rehabilitation and Care Center 1052 Old Warren Road Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-0044 Superior Senior Care 506 US-65 McGehee, AR 71654 870-222-3970 The Woods of Monticello Health & Rehabilitation, LLC. 1194 North Chester Street Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-6852
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Hospitals Drew Memorial Health System 778 Scogin Monticello, 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 870-367-8555 Hampton Inn 480 Hwy 425 N. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6600 Holiday Inn Express 146 Dearman Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-0100 Super 8 306 Hwy. 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6271 Housing Drew County Public Facilities Board 444 Hwy 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3973 Hunting & Fishing Supply Outfitters RX 922 Hwy. 425 N Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-7296
Individuals Anderson, Bruce (Dist. Judge) Bridewell, Laurie (Circuit Judge Div. II) Burch, LeAnne (State Representative) 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 Hood Packaging 1829 Hwy. 35 E Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-8000 Maxwell Hardwood Flooring Manufacturing 190 Wilson Mill Road Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-2436 Insurance James Insurance Agency 613 W. Bolling St Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6623 Drew County Farm Bureau 224 South Main Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-8585
Merchants & Planters Insurance Robert Hargis, Agent 539 W Gaines Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-9090 Mullis Insurance 209 North Church Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-2431 State Farm Insurance, Mark Gray 372 Hwy 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6261 Lawn Mowers & Tractors AM Rental & Sales 1016 Hwy. 425 South Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3715 Logging L.D. Long, Inc. 941 Hwy. 278 East Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5881 Lumber Interfor 211 Old Troy Road Monticello, AR 71655 870-224-7138 www.interfor.com Media MonticelloLive.com Joe Burgess, LLC Monticello, AR 71655 MyMonticelloNews.net 314 North Main Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5325
Monticello-Drew County
Chamber of Commerce Members
Pines Broadcasting, Inc. 279 Midway Route Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6854 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 Main Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5325 Office Equipment & Supplies El Dorado Printing & Office Supply Robert Cavaness robert@eldoradoprinting. com 113 East McCloy Street Monticello, AR 71655 (870) 417-4029 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 Gaines Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-6537
Optometrist SEARK Eyecare Drs. Barrett Brown and James Price 408 W. McCloy Street Monticello, AR 71655 (870) 367-8511 Organizations Arkansas Heart & Sole Therapeutic Equine Center 1314 Old Warren Rd Monticello, AR 71655 870-814-1958 Boys & Girls Club of Drew County 175 Henley Drive Monticello, AR 71655 (870) 367-3224 Drew County Democratic Committee P.O. Box 103 Monticello, AR 71657 Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas P.O. Box 305 Little Rock, AR 72203-0305 501-372-4757 Miracle League of Southeast Arkansas P.O. Box 680 Monticello, AR 71655 miracleleaguear@yahoo. com The CALL of Drew County P.O. Box 464 Monticello, AR 71657 870-308-9502
Paint-Retail Paint & Lighting Plus Inc. 528 West Gaines Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3491
Real Estate Agent Bulloch Real Estate 224 Hwy 425 S. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6806
Pest Control Mr. Bug Pest Control 2021 Hwy 83 North Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-7889
Cass Martin Realty 625 W. Bolling Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6125
Pharmacy City Drug 201 E. Gaines St. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5301 The Prescription Pad Pharmacy 539 Hwy. 425 S. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-4227 Walmart Pharmacy 427 Hwy. 425 North Monticello, AR. 71655 870-367-3559 Printers Drew County Newspapers 314 North Main Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5325
Monticello Realty, LLC 107 Hwy 425 S Monticello, AR 71655 870-224-4040 Ray Ryburn Real Estate 537 W. Gaines Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5524 Rehabilitation Arkansas Rehabilitation Services 989 Hwy 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-9669 South Arkansas Rehabilitation 1200 Old Warren Road Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-1548
James Quick Print 112 East Gaines Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-2365
Retail-Store Space Cooper Realty Investments 4332 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR 71913 501-525-7271
Public Library Monticello Branch Library 107 East Jackson Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-8583
Restaurants Ameca Mexican Restaurant 149 North Park Drive Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-9348
35
Monticello-Drew County
Chamber of Commerce Members
Chef's 615 Hwy 425 N Monticello, AR 71655 870-224-0324 Dairy Queen 266 Hwy 425 N Monticello, AR 71655 870-460-9009 Domino's Pizza 512 Hwy 425 S Monticello, AR 71655 870-662-6606 Huddle House 910 Hwy 425 N. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-8888
Taco Bell 177 Hwy. 425 South Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-9229 The Crawfish Shack 181 U.S. Hwy. 425 S Monticello, AR 71655 870-224-8119 Restaurant Management LEESCO 149 Greenfield Drive Monticello, AR 71655
UAM College of Technology-McGehee 609 East Ash McGehee, AR 71654 870-222-5360
Veterinary Services O'Fallon Veterinary Services 1011 Hwy 425 S. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5242
Sports UAM Sports 346 University Drive Monticello, AR 71656 870-460-1026
Monticello Animal Clinic 831 Hwy 278 W. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-1500
State Agencies Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Southeast Regional Office 771 Jordan Drive Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3553
Schools Advantages of Southeast AR, Inc. P.O. Box 359 Monticello, AR 71657 870-367-6825
Better Business Bureau 12521 Kanis RD Little Rock, AR 72211 501-664-7274
Mazzio's Pizza 509 Hwy 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6100
Monticello Christian Academy P.O. Box 1004 Monticello, AR 71657 870-460-0829
Monticello Coffee Company 316 S Hwy 425 Monticello, AR 71655 870-412-4574
UAM P.O. Box 3596 UAM Monticello, AR 71656 870-367-6811
Surveying EFS Geo Technologies 360 Airport Road P.O. Box 90 Monticello, AR 71657 870-360-9994 870-460-9996 (fax)
Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits 431 Hwy. 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-7393
UAM School of Business P.O. Box 3616 Monticello, AR 71656 870-460-1041
Ray's Restaurant 718 Hwy 278 W. Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-3292
UAM College of Technology Crossett 1326 State Highway 52 W Crossett, AR 71635 870-364-6414
Los Arcos Mexican Grill 2270 Hwy 425 S Monticello, AR 71655 870-224-4720
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Sonic Drive-In 337 U.S. 425 Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6476
Utility Entergy 880 Hwy 278 West Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-6184 CenterPoint Energy 324 Hwy 425 South Monticello, AR 71655 1-800-992-7552 AT&T Communications 800-283-2020
Youth Organizations & Center Mookadee's 2624 Hwy 278 W Wilmar, AR 71675 870-224-3350
Got a business? Thinking about joining a business group? Call Glenda Nichols, Executive Director of the Monticello-Drew County Chamber of Commerce at (870) 367-6741.
335 E Gaines Street 870-367-6741 Email: monticellochamber @sbcglobal.net
Website: www.montdrewchamber.com
Business & Industry 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 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. The WTC has also offered special training courses to teach employees a particular skill at the request of a local business or industry. 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. 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. 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 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.
Community Service 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 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. 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. A number of churches in the area operate food pantry programs, collecting and distributing food for those in need. 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 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 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. 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 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.
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Education
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. 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. 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 scholarships. The Monticello school district offers students a chance to take classes at its occupational education center, where they have hands-
on instruction to learn welding, auto repair, drafting and health care skills. The district is one of 15 in Arkansas which offer a vocationaltechnical program. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Health Care
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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 problems early. Visitors 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Recreation
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. 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. 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. The University 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 public. Monticello's 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. 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. 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.
Religion 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Churches in the smaller communities outside Monticello often serve a dual purpose—acting as both social and religious gathering places for the residents. Continuing 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. 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. 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. 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. Finally, the Drew County Ministerial Alliance sponsors a communitywide Thanksgiving service and aids in a variety of charitable programs.
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Entertainment Monticello may be a small town, but the number of fun things to do here is big. 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 cinema, the only theater within a 50-mile radius of Monticello, draws thousands 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. The University of Arkansas at Monticello also offers a variety of activities for the community. Each semester, the music department presents a musical theater production, and there are seasonal concerts, senior recitals, and guest artists. The art department holds regular exhibitions at the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center, drawing works from regionally famous artists as well as UAM students. The college also sponsors the Governor Winthrop Rockefeller Distinguished Lecture Series. For more than a quarter of a century, the Southeast Arkansas Concert Association has provided cultural activities for the area. The concert association 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. 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 Concert Association at 870-460-1060.
Real Estate
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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 estimated to have gone up by just over 10 percent in recent years. 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—selling 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 preferring 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, condominiums and townhouses, as well as individual apartments and complexes with their own amenities such as swimming pools, business centers and gymnasiums. There are older homes in long-established neighborhoods, and new homes in recently-built subdivisions that have covenants regulating 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 provides a number of outstanding examples of different styles of architectural design. The owners have worked diligently to maintain the charm and value of those houses.
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 Bistro," which offers a low-cost meal and an evening of musical entertainment 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 local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter sponsors a dance each Friday night, with live music at the VFW building located in McCloy Park. The Drew County Historical Society operates the Drew County Museum, housed in the beautiful two-story former home of Garvin Cavaness on South Main Street. It also sponsors quarterly programs on different aspects of local history, and publishes a yearly journal with similar stories. Bowlers can find a welcoming community at Timberlodge Lanes, which hosts several different weekly leagues; The Rink offers roller skating, pool tournaments and pizza; and 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. Seasonal entertainment includes the annual Christmas parade, sponsored by the chamber of commerce; the Possum Valley Fun Day held each October, and the Drew County Fair and Livestock Exhibition, held each September.
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. Developers are constantly building new subdivisions which feature 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-established neighborhoods. Because Monticello is a college town, apartments and patio homes have sprung up in several areas around the city to accommodate 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 redevelopment in older parts of the city. In the summer of 2011, renovations were completed on the old Ridgeway Hotel, once a showplace but long abandoned, and it reopened to provide 32 units of housing for low-income senior citizens. The hotel and two adjacent buildings have transformed an entire city block, and brought a neglected area to life again. Many people in Drew County prefer the charm of country living, and have chosen to build homes outside the city limits. These dwellings 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.
AR 71655
(870) 367-2411
Cancer & Infusion Center
Radiology & Imaging
cancer support group meets monthly, second Mondays
medicine, fluoroscopy, and digital mammography
Offering hematology, chemotherapy, and infusion therapy;
Offering low-dose 80-slice CT scans, digital X-Ray,
Chronic Care Management
Rehabilitation Therapy
out of the hospital
Respiratory Therapy
In partnership with local family physicians, CCM aims to
Drew Surgical Specialists
Offering EKGs, airway management, oxygen therapy, arterial blood gases, nebulizer therapy and more
a variety of surgical procedures
Sleep Center
Classes are available to patients, employees and the public, with topics including CPR, First Aid, nutrition, diabetes management and prevention, breastfeeding and childbirth
apnea in a comfortable four-bed sleep lab
Education
Home Health
Specialty Care Center
Convenient visiting physicians in podiatry, general surgery, ENT, cardiology, pulmonary and orthopaedics
Offering nursing care, wound care, social workers, aides,
Transitions
Laboratory
group and individual counseling sessions to
Nursing Services
Two OB/GYN physicians providing comprehensive care for women of all ages
Lab results are typically available within 24 hours and can be easily shared with out-of-town physicians
Women’s Services
include the medical/surgical floor, intensive care unit, emergency room, labor/delivery/recovery, nursery,
Wound Center
DrewMemorial.org
Treating chronic or non-healing wounds with specially trained nurses and physicians
OUR BOATING HISTORY MEANS MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME
Our rich boating history remains an integral part of our community and lifestyle. For over forty years, several boat-building companies have called our city home, and the tradition continues today with SeaArk Boats and War Eagle Boats. Abundant waters and streams make boating here a natural. Lake Monticello is best known for its fishing – bass, crappie, bream and catfish can be caught here. Other recreational activities include swimming, water skiing, picnicking, hiking and biking. Locals also like to fly hobby craft in the area. Seven Devils Swamp WMA and Cut-Off Creek WMA are true wetland ecosystems offering some of the best duck hunting in the state. Enjoy watchable wildlife at these wildlife management areas and at Lake Monticello as well.
Monticello
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