Ellen Payne
UAM Trap Shooting starts season with team and individual medals
In its first team competition of the season, the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Trap Shooting team won second place at the Pink Out Big 50 Shoot “Save a Pair” Breast Cancer Awareness …
A rendering of what City Hall is expected to look like once renovations have been completed.
City Hall renovation underway
According to Mayor Jason Akers, the first significant renovation of City Hall in 48 years is underway.   The renovation will repurpose and modernize the original Monticello Fire Department …
Let the games begin
SEAR Cards and Trainer's Guild had their official ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, October 30. They officially opened for business on Halloween Day.
Candidates, along with their families and friends, awaiting election results at the Drew Co. Courthouse
Akin returns as county judge, Nichols wins another term as Drew County sheriff
Drew County voters returned a former county judge to office and gave their sitting sheriff another four years Tuesday, November 3, as local races took center stage in the 2026 midterm general …
Second Baptist Church celebrates a century of faith, fellowship and service
What began with one woman's desire to share God's Word more than a century ago has grown into a lasting legacy of faith, fellowship and service in Monticello. Second Baptist Church celebrated …
Ray’s named to 2026 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame finalists
Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage, announced the finalists for the 2026 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame at the Arkansas Hospitality Association’s Stars of the Industry awards …
LOCAL NEWS

Shepherd selected for SAU's 2026 Homecoming Court

Kailyn Shepherd of Monticello has been selected for the 2026 Southern Arkansas University Homecoming Court. Shepherd is a Social Work major and was nominated by Student Activities. The 2026 …

Centerwell Home Health-Monticello recognized by Newsweek

CenterWell Home Health - Monticello has been recognized as one of Newsweek's America's Best Home Health Agencies 2027, ranking No. 3 in Arkansas. This recognition reflects the compassion, dedication, …

City Council approves water meter upgrade, reviews utility rate ordinances

The Monticello City Council took steps toward updating the city's water and sewer ordinances Tuesday night, while approving an upgrade to its water meter reading system that officials say will …

Kohl Phillips inspires through leadership, music, and heart for others

For Kohl Phillips, success is not defined by titles or academic achievement but by how well she cares for others and dedicates herself to what she loves. A senior at Drew Central High School, …

Monticello sweeps the 4-A State Tennis Tournament

The Monticello Billies are bringing home both 4-A State Tennis titles! Jacob Romero — 4-A Boys Singles State Champion! Parker Hill and Pierce Terry — 4-A Boys Doubles State Champions! …

UAM Division of Music to host 2026 Fall Faculty Showcase

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Division of Music will host its Fall Faculty Showcase on Monday, October 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center on UAM’s Monticello campus. The …

Educator Spotlight: Jackson’s leadership leaves lasting mark

For Anthony Jackson, being an elementary school principal is not just a career but a way of life, one that he leads with purpose, intentionality, and an infectious joy that impacts every student he …
The Revival Center

2nd Annual Praise in the Park

The City of Monticello hosted the 2nd Annual Praise in the Park event from 5-8 p.m. at City Park on Saturday, October 17. The event had vendors, food trucks, and worship music provided by The Revival …

Second Baptist Church Food Pantry awarded $45,000 to strengthen fight against hunger in Drew County

Second Baptist Church Food Pantry (2BC Food Pantry) has received a combined $45,000 in grant funding and food credits through Arkansas Foodbank, a member of the national Feeding America network, …

Local student awarded prestigious P.E.O. Foundation Scholarship

The P.E.O. Chapter AB of Monticello has announced that local nursing student, Zaratta Ingram, is the 2026-2027 recipient of the P.E.O Foundation Scholarship. Ingram, who previously earned her …

Newton finds purpose in serving Monticello’s youth and community

For Jeff Newton, being a hometown hero is not about one accomplishment or a single title. It is about showing up, getting involved and helping create opportunities for the community he has always …

Healthcare Hero Jamie Casey builds lasting relationships with patients

For Jamie Casey, being a physician assistant is about more than diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications and helping patients feel better. It is about earning trust, educating patients and …

Extension releases 2026 Arkansas Ballot Issues Voter Guide

Arkansas voters can read up on the statewide ballot issues they will decide Nov. 3 by downloading the 2026 Arkansas Ballot Issues Voter Guide or picking up a printed copy at their county Cooperative …

Food Pantry receives grant from Clearwater Paper

Revival Center Church Food Pantry received a $5,000 donation from Clearwater Paper Company October 8, 2026.  The pantry is located at 311 South Pine Street in Monticello.  Its hours of …
SPORTS

Billies defense holds off Crossett Eagles on the goalline for win 

The Monticello Billies travelled to Ashley County on Friday, October 30, to take on the Crossett Eagles. For the Billies, the final two games of the season are important in determining the final …

Monticello, Drew Central set for final regular season contests

The Drew Central Pirates and the Monticello Billies will wrap up the 2026 regular season football schedules this week with both teams playing at home. For the Drew Central Pirates, who got their …

Bulldogs shut Weevils out in second half to secure 37-21 win

The University of Arkansas at Monticello Weevils travelled to Weatherford, Oklahoma on Saturday to face the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Bulldogs. The Bulldogs would win the coin toss …

#2 Harding Bison pull away from Weevils in second half 56-17

The University of Arkansas at Monticello Weevils returned to Convoy Leslie Cotton Bowl Stadium on Saturday for the annual “Pink Out” game hosting the #2 nationally ranked Harding Bison. The …
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Obituaries
Elizabeth Anne (Smith) Ojalehto
Elizabeth Anne (Smith) Ojalehto passed away peacefully at Sunnyside Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, Va,. on Monday, November 2, 2026. A native of Monticello, she was the only child of …
Robert L. Green Jr., 62
Robert L. Green Jr., 62, of Monticello, died October 23, 2026. Born August 30, 1964, to Robert Sr. and Nancy Green. Survivors: Mother – Nancy Fiance – Ronica Children – …
Morgan Elizabeth Nall, 30
Morgan Elizabeth Nall, 30, of Lincoln, Neb. passed away on October 29, 2026. She was born on January 15, 1996, to Rodney and Amanda Nall of Monticello. Morgan earned her Master’s degree from …
Arthur "Glenn" Deckelman, 79
Arthur "Glenn" Deckelman, 79, of Hot Springs Village, passed away Monday, October 19, 2026 at his residence.  Glenn was born October 26, 1946 in Monticello to Arthur E. and Gladys Cason …
Dr. Jim Edson, 84
Dr. Jim Edson, 84, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, with his wife, Jennifer, by his side. He leaves behind a life defined by family, education, curiosity, and a genuine love of science and …
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