The City of Monticello is moving ahead on $324,000 in Sports Complex improvements after Mayor Jason Akers secured grant authorization to advertise bids, then the City Council accepted a bid from WJ Excavating of Monticello for the sidewalk package.
Plans call for a new walking track circling a large portion of the complex, sidewalks linking the west and east sides in place of a dirt — often muddy — connector, and walkways improving access to dugouts. “Our goal is to complete the Sports Complex and do so using as much grant money as possible,” Akers said when bids were first opened.
The same June 23 council session also advanced water-line expansion west of town with A.L. Franks Engineering, Historic Post Office carpeting for the Monticello Economic Development Commission, and an Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas senior-center contract. Second Baptist Church reported its new food pantry had already served more than 1,000 people and 24,000 pounds of food.
Source: The Advance-Monticellonian — City receives approval to advertise for Sports Complex improvement project (May 1, 2026); City Council discusses property concerns, hears Second Baptist Church food pantry update (June 24, 2026).
