SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

The Advance-Monticellonian: A Trusted Voice in Drew County

For well over a century, local newspapers have served as the heartbeat of communities, preserving history, celebrating achievements, reporting imp

ortant news, and connecting neighbors. In Monticello and throughout Drew County, few institutions have fulfilled that mission more faithfully than The Advance-Monticellonian.

A Rich Legacy of Community Journalism

The roots of The Advance-Monticellonian stretch deep into the history of Monticello, Arkansas. Historical records show that The Monticellonian was being published as early as 1894, providing residents with local news, public notices, business information, and updates on community life.

As the years passed, the publication evolved into what is known today as The Advance-Monticellonian, becoming one of the most established and respected sources of local news in the region. Editions dating back to the 1920s document nearly a century of continuous community reporting, reflecting the newspaper's enduring commitment to the people of Drew County.

That commitment continues today as The Advance-Monticellonian serves readers throughout Drew County and has historically maintained a weekly circulation of approximately 4,000 copies, making it an important source of local information and community connection for thousands of residents.

The newspaper operates alongside Advance Printing under the ownership of Smith Newspapers, Inc., a Fort Payne, Alabama-based company that has served local residents, businesses, and organizations through publishing and printing services for decades. In 2022, the company expanded its regional presence through the acquisition of The Eagle Democrat, extending its commitment to local journalism into Bradley County and surrounding communities.

Much of the newspaper's modern history is connected to Frank Jackson and his wife, Mary Emily Jackson, who served as publishers from 1964 until 1996. During their more than three decades of leadership, the Jacksons helped guide the newspaper through a period of growth and community engagement, strengthening its role as a trusted source of news and information for the people of Monticello and Drew County. Their dedication helped establish a foundation that continues to influence the publication today.

A key figure in the newspaper's more recent history is Tom White, a respected Arkansas newspaper publisher who became publisher of the Monticello newspaper in 1996. Following the acquisition of the Warren newspaper in 2022, White continued to strengthen community journalism across Southeast Arkansas before retiring in 2023 as publisher and president of Drew County Newspapers, Inc. His leadership helped shape the publication into the trusted news source it remains today.

Moving Forward While Honoring Tradition

Today, The Advance-Monticellonian continues its mission under the leadership of Rhett Dean, the newspaper's current publisher. A South Arkansas native, Dean brings a deep appreciation for community engagement and local relationships. Since joining the newspaper, he has expressed a strong commitment to becoming an active member of the Monticello community while carrying forward the publication's longstanding tradition of serving readers, businesses, schools, and organizations throughout the area.

Located at 314 North Main Street in Monticello, The Advance-Monticellonian continues to provide the local coverage residents depend upon each week. The newspaper reports on city government, county affairs, education, University of Arkansas at Monticello activities, local businesses, community events, sports, public notices, and the stories that make Drew County unique.

Recognizing the changing ways people access information, the publication has also embraced digital media through its online platform, providing readers with access to breaking news, feature stories, photographs, and electronic editions.

Supporting the newsroom is Managing Editor Jeff McDonald, who joined The Advance-Monticellonian in 2023. McDonald oversees news coverage, feature stories, community reporting, and editorial content, helping ensure that local journalism remains relevant, informative, and community focused.

Printing Local, Supporting Local

At the heart of the operation is a valuable piece of American manufacturing heritage: the Goss American-made printing press. More than simply machinery, the press serves as an essential tool for local communication and economic development.

The press enables newspapers, advertising inserts, special publications, and commercial printing projects to be produced right here in Monticello, Arkansas. By maintaining local printing capabilities, Advance Printing helps businesses, industries, educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations share information efficiently while keeping printing services accessible within the region.

A Community Partner Beyond the Newsroom

Beyond publishing local news, Advance Printing serves as an important part of Drew County's business infrastructure. Working alongside The Advance-Monticellonian, the printing operation provides services that help area businesses market their products, schools share information, governments communicate with citizens, and nonprofits promote their missions.

By keeping publishing and printing services local, the company helps retain investment within the community, supports local employment opportunities, and contributes to the economic vitality of downtown Monticello. Together, The Advance-Monticellonian and Advance Printing play a dual role in strengthening the flow of information while supporting the continued growth and success of local institutions throughout Southeast Arkansas.

More Than a Newspaper

For generations, The Advance-Monticellonian has been more than a newspaper. It has been a historical record, a community storyteller, a business partner, and a trusted source of information for thousands of residents.

From the decades-long stewardship of Frank and Mary Emily Jackson to the leadership of Tom White, and now under the guidance of Rhett Dean, the newspaper has remained committed to informing, connecting, and serving the people of Drew County.

As local journalism continues to evolve, The Advance-Monticellonian remains guided by the same principles that have sustained it for generations: accurate reporting, community engagement, and a steadfast commitment to the people of Drew County.

The Advance-Monticellonian - Serving Drew County with trusted local journalism, community connection, and hometown pride for generations. 📰❤️

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