DOCSLIB.ORG

(870) 367-5301

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
(870) 367-5301 Free tax preparation Drew Central Pirates for Entergy customers improve record 1C Page 6A ADVANCE-MONTICELLONIAN 75¢ WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2020 SERVING DREW COUNTY SINCE 1870 Blue and You Foundation donates over $500,000 in grants Special to the Advance What do a splash pad, a nurse case manager, a cooking class and a telemedicine system have in common? These are just four examples of health-promot- ing requests funded by the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas as part of $3,467,872 in annual grant awards for 2020. The grants will fund 40 initiatives in 23 of Arkansas’ 75 counties. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield estab- lished the Blue & You Foundation in 2001. Since then, it has awarded more than $36 million to nonprofits and governmental agencies for 1,922 health-improvement programs in 248 communities and in all 75 counties. “Our grants this year went to programs through- out the state that address issues and needs that or- ganizations have identified as important to their communities. These include physical and mental health programs for all ages, opportunities to par- ticipate in exercise and good nutrition and build- ing the future medical workforce that will care for all our citizens,” said Patrick O’Sullivan, execu- tive director of the Blue & You Foundation. In the Lower Delta, the grants given were: • Mainline Health Systems, Dermott ($54,677) – The Diabetic Retinal Assessment Compliance Pro- gram will increase the compliance rate of retinal exams by 50% within the diabetic population in southeast Arkansas, by purchasing seven Retina- Vue cameras. • Boys & Girls Club of Phillips County, Hele- na-West Helena ($45,382) – The Reducing BMI in Phillips County Youth Program will encourage healthy lifestyles, using the Triple Play Wellness Program and the Recreational Sporting Develop- ment Program. • Arkansas Rural Health Partnership, Lake Vil- lage ($115,075) – The Youth Mental Health First Aid Program will train 30 individuals as instruc- tors to improve youths’ access to mental and be- havioral health resources in 12 south Arkansas Melissa Orrell/Advance Monticellonian counties. Mainline Health Systems, Dermott received $54,677 for The Diabetic Retinal Assessment Compliance Program which will increase the compliance rate of retinal exams by • McGehee Hospital ($150,000) – The Expand- 50% within the diabetic population in southeast Arkansas, by purchasing seven RetinaVue cameras. The cameras will be dispensed among the Mainline Health Clinics and will make life easier for those with diabetes in the community since they will not have to drive to another part of the state in order to have the exams performed. See BLUE & YOU Page 6A One cent sales tax special election to be held BY MELISSA ORRELL county property taxes down. raised, but they don’t have to be raised right now. the news out about the tax and explaining exactly [email protected] “And the other thing is by doing that our proper- “We are going to have to eventually raise prop- what the tax was for, was part of the reason the tax ty tax mills are only 1.8 mills,” explained Searcy, erty taxes,” continued Searcy. “But it is probably a failed to pass in June. Drew County citizens will head to the polls for “and the Quorum Court can vote to go up to 5 mills couple years down the road or longer. By extend- “We didn’t do a good job of letting the people a special election Tuesday, Feb. 11. The special without having a vote of the people and it has al- ing this it would allow us to keep from having to know that this was not a new tax, it was simply election will give citizens a chance to vote again lowed us to maintain that 1.8 mills. Being able to raise property taxes on property owners.” a continuation of one that has been in place for on whether or not to reinstate the one cent sales take that allocation of a quarter cent allowed the A large portion of property taxes passes through more than 20 years,” Akin said. “The tax has been tax that ended this year after failing to be renewed county to not have to raise property taxes to meet the county but it doesn’t stay there. Most of it goes renewed a number of times, and the election back during a special election on June 11. the general county needs.” to the schools. in June was just to extend it again, but we didn’t With a count of 173 for and 187 against, the one “Passage of the tax is critical to the upkeep and “Our county general only gets 1.8 mills so most See TAX Page 6A cent sales tax failed during last year’s vote but the maintenance of the 362 miles of county roads our of your property tax that you are paying goes to county is hoping to change that. people travel every day; and…having that sales the school district,” explained Searcy, “it doesn’t “The last time it was voted in was six years tax revenue has kept us from having to raise prop- go to the county. It comes through the county but ago,” said Charlie Searcy, in June. “The last time erty tax rates or cut county services. If the road tax most of your personal property and real estate tax- we voted on it, they voted three-quarters of (one isn’t renewed, raising property taxes is something es are actually funding the school districts, not the 2020 Chocolate cent) strictly for roads. They took a quarter of it the county will have to look at in the very near county operations.” and allowed the Quorum Court to disburse those future,” stated County Judge Robert Akin. The one cent sales tax collected by the county funds anywhere we needed it in the county.” The property tax rate, also called a multiplier was originally voted in to effect in the 1990’s and Extravaganza This has allowed Drew County to put those or mill rate, is a percentage (expressed in decimal has to be voted on every six years. Since the tax funds back for later use since the county also re- form) by which the assessed value of your proper- failed to be extended in June, Drew County Quo- BY MELISSA ORRELL ceives funds from the state for the roads. ty is multiplied to determine your tax bill, accord- rum Court voted to have the special election to try [email protected] In June the county hadn’t spent any of the quar- ing to investopedia.com. and get the tax back. ter cent that had been set back until this year due Not that property taxes won’t ever have to be Akin and the Quorum Court agreed that getting Chocolate, chocolate and more choco- to the state sending extra funds for the roads, ac- late, all for five bucks, is what patrons can cording to Searcy. The State’s half cent sales tax expect during the Friends of the Library for roads will be back on the ballot in November to 2020 Chocolate Extravaganza. try and make the tax a permanent one. The Southeast Arkansas Regional Li- With the money from the state, the county was brary, Monticello Branch, 114 West Jef- able to put the additional funds they received back ferson Avenue, along with the Friends of for when they would need them. the Library are selling homemade choco- “It wasn’t quite a wash but the additional funds late boxes for Valentine’s Day in the larg- they were getting from the state mostly replaced est fundraiser they do every year for the that quarter cent to be used for other items,” ex- Monticello Branch Library. Tickets for plained Searcy before the failed attempt to get the the event are available now through the tax renewed. “Right now we haven’t had to use it Friends of the Library or at the Library but we will start using it in (20)19 going forward and will remain on sale though Feb. 14. to meet our county general needs. But up until now Proceeds of the extravaganza will be we have it set back as a reserve.” used for programs offered throughout the With the three quarters of the tax being spent on year at the library, and is the single largest roads, the state bond issue almost makes up for the fundraiser to raise funds for the Library. money the Quorum Court sets back every month According to Elizabeth Newman, for general use. Monticello Branch Library Manager, the “The quarter cent generates about $50,000 to funds raised provide new books for the $55,000 a month,” explained Searcy, “the bond children’s collection, the entire summer issue with the state was about $45,000 a month. It freed up that money to be used for other items, reading program, the Boo-Walk and other what the people in the last election allowed it to be miscellaneous events throughout the year. able to be used for that.” See CHOCOLATE Page 6A By allowing the county to hold on to the quarter of a cent, the Quorum Court has been able to keep INDEX Opinion ..............4A Calendar ............2A Religion .............3B EXTRA! Classifi eds ........ 2C Sports ............... 1C ROVING REPORTERS Obituaries ..........8A Weddings ..........1B EXTRA! OUR 149TH YEAR ;OPZ`LHYTLTILYZVM[OL(K]HUJL4VU[PJLSSVUPHUZ[HќHYTLK NUMBER 6 • 18 PAGES with their smartphone cameras, will be out about town looking for interesting subjects. WILL YOU BE NEXT? 2A | Wednesday, February 5, 2020 NEWS Advance-Monticellonian | mymonticellonews.net | 870-367-5325 COMMUNITY CALENDAR GOING ON NOW City recycling guidelines THE ROVING Each Wednesday, barring a catastrophe, the city of Monticello is accepting recyclable items at the Transfer Station within the follow- ing guidelines: 1) Cardboard—must be flattened.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Drew Central School Board on June 27, 2019
    250 University Drive Monticello, Arkansas 71655 Telephone: (870) 367-6076 This handbook belongs to: NAME_______________________________________GRADE__________________ ADDRESS________________________________________________ _____________ CITY/TOWN______________________________ZIP CODE____________________ HOME PHONE__________________________CELL PHONE __________________ The Student Handbook policies were approved by the Drew Central School Board on June 27, 2019 Board of Education Mike Pennington, President Laura Whitaker, Vice President Rene Knowles, Secretary Curley Jackson, Member Gary Lucas, Member Kimbraly Barnes, Superintendent of Schools [email protected] Melissia Vincent, Director of Academic Instruction [email protected] Kenny Pennington, Principal [email protected] Michael Goad, Dean of Students [email protected] http://www.drewcentral.org Telephone Numbers/Fax: (Area Code 870) Elementary Counselor 367-8285 Elementary School Principal 367-6893 or 367-6894 Middle School Principal 367-5235 Middle School Fax 460-5502 Gym & Cafeteria 367-6011 High School Principal 367-6076 High School Counselor 367-5511 High School Fax 460-5501 Superintendent 367-5369 Superintendent Fax 367-1932 Vocational Building 367-8411 Bus Shop 367-3266 i Drew Central Schools 250 University Drive (870) 367-5369 Fax (870) 367-1932 TO: All Parents/Guardians FROM: Kimbraly Barnes, Superintendent of Schools DATE: August 1, 2020 SUBJECT: Signature on Student Documents State Law (80-1629.6-80-1629.8) requires documentation of student and parent receipt of student discipline policies. The student handbook contains pertinent information from Drew Central High School and both you and your child should read the handbook and keep it handy for future reference. In order for us to be sure that you received your copy, it is essential that we have your signature to that effect, on file in the high school office.
    [Show full text]
  • In the Circuit Court of Drew County, Arkansas Probate Division
    Busy awareness UAM tabs announces new weekend women’s basketball, softball coaches 1B 1C ADVANCE-MONTICELLONIAN 75¢ WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019 SERVING DREW COUNTY SINCE 1870 LOCAL GRADUATES SEE THE FIRST GLIMPSE INTO THEIR FUTURES Photos by Melissa Orrell/Advance-Monticellonian END OF THE BEGINNING 2019 graduates from Drew Central (left) and Monticello high schools donned their cap and gowns last week. Drew Cen- tral held its commencement ceremony last Friday at the Drew Central Gym- nasium, while Monticello handed out diplomas Tuesday at Dan Coston Field House. Top: Seventy-one students participated in the Drew Central gradua- tion while Monticello had 140. Bottom: Students at both schools enjoy the accomplishments. PRESERVING HISTORY City, county CASA volunteers holiday closings In observance of Memo- rial Day on Monday, the support children city of Monticello, Drew County and the state of Ar- kansas will all close their BY MELISSA ORRELL offi ces. [email protected] Part four • In the city: The transfer station will be closed. Mon- For children who experience As part of bringing day’s trash route will run on the devastating trauma of being awareness to Foster Care Wednesday. separated from their families in Arkansas, the Ad- • In the county: The court- and find themselves in the unfa- vance-Monticellonian is house, road department miliar and often confusing legal highlighting the agencies and landfi ll will be closed. system, there is a team of volun- who support our children County trash will not be teers who dedicate their time to in Foster Care. Each week picked up on Monday.
    [Show full text]
  • Arkansas Is First Facebook Techstart
    Lack of snow Monticello secures crosstown disappoints rivalry trophy for 2016-17 youngsters 1C 1B ADVANCE-MONTICELLONIAN 75¢ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017 SERVING DREW COUNTY SINCE 1870 ROLLIN’ WITH TOLIN UAM men’s basketball team rewrites school record books with best start in 72 years BY HAROLD COGGINS son) remain from 2015-16. Tolin [email protected] revamped his entire roster, bringing in recruits from California to Flori- If this is a dream, it’s likely Kyle da for a new beginning to his third Tolin and his now No. 22-ranked season as head Weevil. University of Arkansas at Monti- “There’s 72 years of basketball cello men’s basketball Boll Weevils history here,” said Tolin, smiling never want to wake up. After two from ear to ear after Saturday’s more victories last week, UAM has win, “and to be able to have some established a new school record for kind of record is a neat deal. It’s best start to a season at 10-0. taken a little bit but that’s what I Thursday, the Weevils matched envisioned when got here. We’re the 9-0 beginning to a season fortunate to get to add to the history Mike Newell’s 2008-09 squad ac- of UAM basketball today.” complished with a 74-61 win over The streak almost didn’t happen, Southern Nazarene University. though. Saturday’s game, for the Saturday, this year’s team put that most part, was never in doubt but mark in its rear-view mirror with on Thursday, UAM trailed at the a 74-54 triumph over Oklahoma half by nine points and looked to Baptist University.
    [Show full text]
  • In the Circuit Court of Drew County, Arkansas Probate Division
    UAM profs confi rm Diamond Boll Weevils earn roadrunner sighting at-large regional berth 5A 1C ADVANCE-MONTICELLONIAN 75¢ WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019 SERVING DREW COUNTY SINCE 1870 UAM heralds THE END OF SOMETHING BIG, START OF SOMETHING BIGGER second big gift BY HAROLD COGGINS cello. [email protected] In a welcome address Thurs- day night, Hughes recognized Seven months after revealing the hard work of the graduating the largest private donation in nurses and commended students the history of the University of for their chosen profession. Arkansas at Monticello, Chan- “You will absolutely change cellor Karla Hughes has an- lives every day,” she said. “Mrs. nounced another generous con- Steelman learned, over and over, tribution. that her own capable nurses had The late Raylene Steelman studied at UAM. One nurse, one left UAM the vast majority of patient encounter, can have a her estate—a gift estimated to profound impact on the entire be $1.5 million. Whereas the region.” first private gift—more than $6 The additional scholarships million from the trust of the late come at a time of great nursing Merle and Deloris Peterson of shortages across the country, in Dumas, made public in Septem- particular in Arkansas. ber 2018—was undesignated, Dr. Brandy Haley, Dean of the Steelman’s gift was given with UAM School of Nursing, said the specific intent of providing the gift would provide about nursing scholarships. $70,000 per year—in perpetu- Thus, it was only fitting ity—for UAM nursing students. Hughes unveiled the news at the “This gift will enhance School of Nursing graduate rec- UAM’s reputation as the premier ognition ceremony last Thursday educator in the health sciences,” night on the UAM campus.
    [Show full text]
  • Drew Central Middle School
    WELCOME TO DREW CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL 2019-2020 Parent-Student Handbook Fifth, Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grades The policies and procedures in this handbook are the result of extensive collaboration between administration, faculty, staff, parents, community members, school board, the Arkansas Department of Education, and the Arkansas Legislature. This information has been carefully organized and presented in an effort to help you as parents to understand the policies of Drew Central Middle School. You are an important part of our school and we want you to feel welcome as an equal partner in your child’s education. As your child enters our doors each day, we will strive to provide the very best educational opportunities possible. It is my hope that these policies will guide and direct you in helping your child have a successful year at school. I would encourage you to read, explain, and discuss these policies with your child, so that they have a clear understanding of the expectations of our school. Becoming familiar with the policies of Drew Central Middle School will assist you in making decisions that will affect your child’s education. It is very important that teachers, parents, and administrators communicate openly and frequently in order to monitor the progress of your child. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me or your child’s teacher at 870-367-5235. Sincerely, Patti A. Smith Patti A. Smith, Principal Drew Central Middle School 1 Board of Education Rene’ Knowles [email protected] Curley Jackson
    [Show full text]
  • Gov. Hutchinson Declares May Arkansas Egg Month
    Special Olympics Monticello blows away competition in 8-4A; inspiring Diamond Weevils also secure league title 1B 1C ADVANCE-MONTICELLONIAN 75¢ WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018 SERVING DREW COUNTY SINCE 1870 DMHS to provide mental health help under ARHP grant BY HAROLD COGGINS [email protected] Embarking on a three-year project that will expand health- care service delivery by increas- ing prevention, education and access to mental and behavioral health services to residents of Drew County and other rural communities served by Drew Memorial Health System and its health care clinics, the Health Resources and Services Ad- plementation of these telehealth ministration recently awarded a services will enhance the treat- $600,000 grant to the Arkansas ment team by quickly evaluating Rural Health Partnership for the the patient’s mental health needs creation of the ARHP-Outreach and identifying additional re- Program. sources for the patient. Photos courtesy of Staci Reginelli To meet this goal, mental “Some rural hospitals in Ar- health assessments will be pro- LOOKING OUT FOR THEIR FUTURE Sponsor Shawn Poindexter (far left, above) watches members of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow En- kansas have noted that it may vided by DMHS for all 10 ARHP take five-plus hours for a pa- gine Challenge team, comprised of students from both Monticello and Drew Central high schools attending the Monticello School District’s partnering Emergency Depart- Occupational Education Center, work on an engine in preparation for qualifying competition. If the students (below, front left to right), Dylan tient to be evaluated by a men- Mann, Jamie Martin, Shane McLean, Cole Nash and Charlie Lytle, qualify for further competition, they will each receive scholarship money ments.
    [Show full text]
  • Drew Central Elementary School Website
    Drew Central Elementary Student Handbook 2018-2019 School calendar – 2018 – 2019 Date Event August 9, 2018 Open House from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. August 13, 2018 First Day of School for Students September 3, 2018 Labor Day – no school for students September 7, 2018 End of 4-Week Grading Period September 11, 2018 Parent-Teacher Conferences from 2:00 – 6:30 p.m.; Progress Reports October 9, 2018 Columbus Day – no school for students October 12, 2018 End of 1st Attendance Quarter (43 days) October 12, 2018 End of 9-Week Grading Period October 18, 2018 Report Cards Issued; Showtime & Awards Assembly at 12:30 p.m. November 9, 2018 End of 4-Week Grading Period November 15, 2018 Issue Progress Reports November 19-23, 2018 Thanksgiving Holiday – no school for students December 20, 2018 End of 9-Week Grading Period December 20, 2018 End of Second Quarter (44 days) December 21-31, 2018 Christmas Break – no school for students January 1-7, 2019 Christmas Break – no school for students January 7, 2019 Professional Development Day – no students January 8, 2019 Students return January 10, 2019 Issue Report Cards; Awards Assembly at 12:30 p.m. January 21, 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Day – no school for students February 1, 2019 End of 4-Week Grading Period February 7, 2019 Parent-Teacher Conferences – 2:00-6:30; Progress Reports February 15, 2019 Professional Development Day – no students February 18, 2019 Presidents’ Day – no school for students March 15, 2019 End of 9-Week Grading Period March 15, 2019 End of 3rd Attendance Quarter (46 days) March 18-22, 2019 Spring Break March 28, 2019 Issue Report Cards; Showtime & Awards Assembly at 12:30 p.m.
    [Show full text]
  • Drew Central High School and Both You and Your Child Should Read the Handbook and Keep It Handy for Future Reference
    250 University Drive Monticello, Arkansas 71655 Telephone: (870) 367-6076 This handbook belongs to: NAME_______________________________________GRADE__________________ ADDRESS________________________________________________ _____________ CITY/TOWN______________________________ZIP CODE____________________ HOME PHONE__________________________CELL PHONE __________________ The Student Handbook policies were approved by the Drew Central School Board on July 13, 2017 Board of Education Jason Cater, President Laura Whitaker, Vice President Rene Knowles, Secretary Curley Jackson, Member Mike Pennington, Member Billy Williams, Superintendent of Schools [email protected] Kimbraly Barnes, Director of Instruction [email protected] Melissia Vincent, Principal [email protected] Michael Goad, Dean of Students [email protected] http://www.drewcentral.org Telephone Numbers/Fax: (Area Code 870) Elementary Counselor 367-8285 Elementary School Principal 367-6893 or 367-6894 Middle School Principal 367-5235 Middle School Fax 460-5502 Gym & Cafeteria 367-6011 High School Principal 367-6076 High School Counselor 367-5511 High School Fax 460-5501 Superintendent 367-5369 Superintendent Fax 367-1932 Vocational Building 367-8411 Bus Shop 367-3266 i Drew Central Schools 250 University Drive (870) 367-5369 Fax (870) 367-1932 TO: All Parents/Guardians FROM: Billy Williams, Superintendent of Schools DATE: August 1, 2017 SUBJECT: Signature on Student Documents State Law (80-1629.6-80-1629.8) requires documentation of student and parent receipt of student discipline policies. The student handbook contains pertinent information from Drew Central High School and both you and your child should read the handbook and keep it handy for future reference. In order for us to be sure that you received your copy, it is essential that we have your signature to that effect, on file in the high school office.
    [Show full text]
  • Monticello Makes Soccer History 1C ADVANCE-MONTICELLONIAN
    INSIDE TODAY Monticello makes soccer history 1C ADVANCE-MONTICELLONIAN 75¢ WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 SERVING DREW COUNTY SINCE 1870 STEPPING OUT INTO THE WORLD Former DCFB treasurer Reed arrested for theft BY ASHLEY FOREMAN amount of money that was stolen [email protected] by Reed comes to $167,000. On March 15, Reed was inter- Former Drew County Fair Board Treasurer Brenda D. Reed was ar- viewed about the theft of monies. rested Tuesday, May 8 on charges According to court documents, she of theft of property over $2,500. admitted that over the past several According to an affi davit for years as treasurer, she took money warrant of arrest, Raymond Chi- from the Fair Board accounts to som, president of the Drew County pay her personal bills as well as her Fair Board, contacted the Arkansas son, Brison Reed’s business (B&M State Police on Nov. 2, 2017 in ref- Land Management) bills. erence to the possible theft. Reed, who is also employed Reed was removed from the by Pomeroy and McGowin Land board and an investigation began Management, used their accounts into the alleged misappropriation to funnel money in the amount of of funds was started. approximately $39,843. The DCFB uses both Com- In the interview, Reed stated that mercial Bank and Union Bank in she could not remember where all Monticello. According to court the monies went or exactly how documents, bank statements ob- much she took. tained from both banks showed Reed bonded out of jail the same that checks were written for cash day she was arrested.
    [Show full text]
  • In the Circuit Court of Drew County, Arkansas Civil Division
    Spotlighting the Sr Billies Read all about ‘changing Football critters’ on Page 2B Page 10A ADVANCE-MONTICELLONIAN 75¢ WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2020 SERVING DREW COUNTY SINCE 1870 SENIOR CENTER TO AUCTION QUILT Quorum Court discusses hospital business, funds BY MELISSA ORRELL he continued. “It is very import- have gotten $1.3 billion. The [email protected] ant that we get these things done counties have not seen a whole and hopefully people get more lot of money but the state has Hospital business, better than comfortable.” gotten that much money. This is expected revenue for the county Barrilleaux continued to re- something the state should par- and announcements about July’s port that the health system is at ticipate in whether they want to Quorum Court meeting were the 23% total revenue and their total or not and it should not be just topics of discussion at the June operating revenue is currently at on the counties because they regular meeting held Monday, $7 million dollars, down at least have gotten so much federal June 8. $1 million from the usual oper- money. It is $1,800, I am sure During the meeting the court ating revenue pre-COVID-19 the courthouse has the money to listened as Drew Memorial and is indicative of the lower do that, it is just the thought that Health System Chief Executive volume. A higher volume of pa- it should be paid for by some Officer Scott Barrilleaux report- tients equals more revenue for federal money.” ed hospital volume was inching the hospital. During the meeting the Court back up, however, some areas Barrilleaux also reported also heard form County Trea- are more depressed than others.
    [Show full text]