One dead, thousands without power

Jackson Parish has endured many natural disasters over the years such as fires, floods and tornadoes but never before have residents had to deal with what took place this past Thursday. That is when Hurricane Laura tore through the area leaving a mind blowing wake of destruction that left the entire parish without power, many without water, forced the closures of almost every major artery. Worst of all was a death caused when a tree fell on a mobile home.

“We are still assessing the damage but I can say that from what I know right now this is going to go down as one of the worst natural disasters we have ever had to endure,” said long time Jackson Parish Police Jury Road Superintended Jody Stuckey just a few hours after the storm passed.

Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown was in agreement.

“In the 30 years that I have served Jackson Parish there have been many times I have seen certain areas of the parish receive terrible damage as the result of storms, tornadoes or floods,” said Brown. “I have never seen the entire parish be affected this bad. There was not one single road that I traveled on that there wasn’t a tree across it.”

Storm claims life of John Holland

The worst effect of all was when John Holland, who resided Ayers Loop which is located east of Jonesboro off of Hwy 4 East was killed when a tree fell through his mobile home. He was 51 years old. It is one of four fatalities across the state attributed to trees falling on homes with the others being in Acadia and Vernon Parishes. Two additional deaths were also reported in south Louisiana. One was from carbon monoxide poisoning when a person used a generator inside of his home and another who drowned when his boat was capsized.

Strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in state!

According to Governor Jon Bel Edwards during his Thursday afternoon press conference Laura is the strongest hurricanes ever to make landfall in Louisiana in modern history. The Category 4 storm with roaring winds of 150 miles an hour came ashore near Cameron, LA riding a 9-12 foot storm surge which caused devastating flooding took place along the coastline. Hurricane force winds stayed in place until the storm was nearly into Arkansas.

Devastating local effect!

Continuous heavy downpours and wind gusts that gradually became stronger until the eye passed west

of Jonesboro around 1:00 pm wreaked total havoc. By early afternoon all power in the parish had been knocked out and virtually every road was impassable due to trees falling. Water pumping issues then surfaced leaving residents having to endure the night without electricity and water. Later attempts by residents to purchase gasoline, food or supplies were futile as almost all businesses were forced to close.

Quick response!

The carnage was incredible. As soon as it became safe to react though the process of restoring power and services as well as clearing roads began. This is mainly due to the astute planning by state and local officials along with the Emergency Preparedness Response Team of Jackson Parish led by director Mark Treadway as electrical and tree cutting crews from surrounding states and neighboring parishes had already been stationed in the area in preparation of the damage caused.

Local residents played a big part in the restoration as well. Dedicated employees from the each town or village in the parish, area Fire Departments, crews from the Jackson Parish Police Jury and a score of private citizens pitched in to help their neighbors As of press date there was still no exact date or time as to when to expect energy services to be restored. Residents are advised to go to the Energy.com website for updates.

National Guard comes to aid of those in need!

On Friday the National Guard was stationed at the Delta Community College complex located on Industrial Drive in Jonesboro just off of Hwy 167 South as they handed out MRE’s and water to those in need.

Friday traffic accident indirectly caused by storm

Emergency response teams were called to the scene of an accident involving an 18 wheeler and a vehicle Friday morning. The location was at the intersection of Cooper Avenue and Jimmie Davis Boulevard. No further information was available at time of press but it is known that an Air Ambulance was called in to transport one of the victims. The red-light at that intersection was not working due to damages caused by the Hurricane.

Sheriff Brown urges residents to be safe

“You can replace material things but a lost life is never recoverable. I am deeply saddened for the family of John Holland and our prayers go out to the family,” said Brown. “I am also thankful to God for sparing us from what could have been possibly many more lives lost or people injured. Many trees came down that if they had fallen in the other direction would have destroyed homes and possibly injured or killed many others.”

“I urge our residents to realize that we have experienced a major natural disaster. Please be safe in what you do,” continued Brown. “If you don’t have to travel, please stay off the roads. Power lines are down

all over the parish and many are still not cleared completely. Stay home and stay safe.”

 

It is that time again. The time of year where school children don’t get to stay up late during the week and are up even before the sun comes up. That right – It’s time for school! The first day of classes begin this Friday, August 28^th at all Jackson Parish Schools.

For those who intend to participate in virtual online education the final day to register is Thursday, August 27^th. To register, contact the school that the student would normally go to.

 For a complete yearly schedule see below:

Jackson Parish Schools Schedule 2020-2021

Professional Development                           August 25,26,27, 2020

First Day for Students                        August 28, 2020

Parent Teacher Conference                         October 23, 2020

Seniors Last Day                                      May 13, 2021

Students Last Day                                  May 28, 2021

Teacher Work Day                                           May 28, 2021

Holidays:

Labor Day                                                            September 7, 2020

Parent Teacher Conference                         October 23, 2020 (No Students)

Presidential Election                                       November 3, 2020

Veteran’s Day Observed                                November 11, 2020

Thanksgiving                      Dismiss: Friday, November 20, 2020         Return: Monday, November 30, 2020

Christmas                            Dismiss: Thursday, December 17, 2020    Return: Monday, January 4, 2021

Dr. Martin Luther King                                   January 18, 2021

Winter Break/President’s Day Dismiss: Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021    Return: Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Spring Break                       Dismiss: Friday, March 12, 2021                 Return: Monday, March 22, 2021

Easter Break                       Dismiss: Thursday, April 1, 2021                 Return: Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Information Only:

End of Grading Periods: October 28, 2020 – January 20, 2021 – April 1, 2021- May 28, 2021

Do you know what the “millage rate” means in regard to the property taxes you pay? According to Investopedia.com the “millage rate” is the tax rate used to calculate local property taxes. The millage rate represents the amount per every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value.

Per the adoption of the 25.50 millage rate for 2020 by the Jackson Parish Police Jury at their regularly scheduled July meeting this means that property owners will pay $25.50 for e very $1000.00 of a property’s assessed value.  It would have been higher were it not for a motion to lower the library millage rate by 1.5 mills.

Breakdown of millage rates as assigned by JPPJ for 2020 tax roll:

1. General Alimony 39
2. Roads and Bridges 23
3. Roads, Asphalt, Paving 55
4. Recreation District 63
5. Health Unit 80
6. Library & Bookmobile 90

—————–

Total: 25.50 mils

Budget greatly reduced by Police Jury

The above heading is no misprint. At the regularly scheduled July meeting of the Jackson Parish Police Jury it was agreed by Lewis Chatham, Amy Magee, John McCarty, Regina Row, Tarneshala (Niki) Cowans and Lynn Treadway to reduce the 2020 budget considerably – as in $365,316.27 worth.  Todd Culpepper was absent.

All in all, there were nine adjustments to the budget with five increases and four decreases to certain areas agreed upon. The good news was that despite the higher number of items there was to be increased the amount of money of the decreased items was much more.

The largest addition was to the LCDBG fund that increased $84,748.78 with the next being to the General Fund which was increased by $53,376.49. Both of these were a far cry from the top two amounts that were taken. The biggest decrease came from the Capital Outlay Fund which showed a $438,000.00 reduction followed by the Statutory Reserve Fund which was set at $173,231.85 lower.

Breakdown of 2020 budget adjustments:

Dollar increases in budget items:

1. General Fund 53,376.49
2. Asphalt Fund 40,951.62
3. Coroner’s Fund 53,376.49
4. Federal Grants Fund 40,000.00
5. LCDBG Fund 84,748.78                            total increases: $272,453.35

Dollar decreases in budget items:

1. Statutory Reserve Fund 173,231.85
2. Capital Outlay Fund 438,000.00
3. Landfill Closure Fund   18,537.77
4. Court Witness Fees Fund     8,000.00                           total decreased: $637,769.62

Total difference:  $365,316.27 decrease in 2020 budget

The August 20th, Thursday night, Amateur 3 Bass Blast Tournament sponsored by the Caney Creek Bass Club is in the books. When it was all said and done a collective HALLELUJAH was heard from the ones who fished. To say conditions were tough is an understatement yet for a special few it was well worth it.

Twenty five teams set out from Hook’s Marina but only seven teams weighed fish. Only three caught the small limit of three bass. Bradley Koonce and his partner Caleb Womack will be one of the few that will remember the night fondly after their first place finish that netted a nice payday. Womack will especially remember the evening after reeled in a 6.56 pounder which was the big bass of the tourney.

Final Results:
1st Place: Caleb Waters & Bradley Koonce (7.41 lbs.) Also Big Bass: (6.56 lbs.)
2nd Place. Kyle Reeves & Dusty Nomey (6.06 lbs.)
3rd Place. Lance Ledford & Addison Ledford (4.43 lbs.)
4th Place. Trey McGuire & Brayden McGuire (4.03 lbs.)

By: Glynn Harris

            My friend Jim McCafferty is a sleuth hound. When he gets a hint of something he’s looking for, he stays with it until he finds it, even if it takes a quarter of a century.

            Such was the case when in doing research for material regarding bear hunting in  the early days in the Mississippi delta, he found something written in the 1840s that described in detail the bear of the delta, it’s habits and the guns and dogs used in its pursuit.

            McCafferty was excited to find this treasured piece of writing but there was just one problem. The author’s name was not shown, only the initials H.J.P.

            Tucking this bit of valuable information in the back of his mind, twenty-five years later he wrote a book about 19^th century bear hunters of the lower Mississippi valley. As a result, Mc Cafferty’s book, “The Bear Hunter: The Life and Times of Robert Eager Bobo in the Canebreaks of the Old South” came off the presses.

            “In preparation for that project,” McCafferty said, “I reviewed my files and began to read and transcribe old articles I had collected over a quarter century before. Among those vintage magazine pieces was H.J.P.’s “Bears and Bear Hunting”.

            While transcribing the article written by the mysterious “H.J.P”, McCafferty came up with an ideal. Taking clues from the story, he searched the internet and within 20 minutes after a 25 year lag, he found the identity of the author, Dr. Henry John Peck of Sicily Island, LA along with a wealth of information on Dr. Peck, born in 1803 and died in 1881.

            Peck practiced medicine in the Sicily Island area, was owner of Battleground Plantation on Sicily Island, grew cotton and entered politics serving both as a Louisiana state representative and senator.

            McCafferty has put together a gem of a little 115 page book beginning with his introduction and notes as to how he finally came across Dr. Peck’s identity and events leading up to his publishing of H.J.Peck’s book, “Hunting Bear and Panther in the Old South”.

            A blurb introducing the book talks about the big game that populated the delta in the 1800s. “The bear and panther that populated the woods and canebrakes of the lower Mississippi Valley in the 1800s left a permanent mark on the collective memory of that region. Little survives, though, to provide real insight into how the early settlers hunted the big game of that time and place.”

            Peck’s book adds richly to that scant body of southern lore. Besides his writings on the animals named in the title, the book includes the doctor’s articles on hog – yeah, they had feral hogs even back then – and deer hunting. One thing of interest was his description of “fire hunting” for deer, an early description of something that would get one in trouble today, that being night hunting deer with spotlights.

            Peck details how “bear knives” were made and describes accounts of dangerous and sometimes fatal encounters with panthers and bears. Armed only with knives and muzzleloader weapons, it’s easy to imagine what risky business it was to head into a thick canebrake thusly armed.

            McCafferty has this fascinating little book back from the publisher and on sale. Search Amazon.com to purchase the book, priced at $12.95 plus handling. To order an inscribed copy, send a check for $12.95 plus $2.95 handling to Jim McCafferty at Canebrake Publishing Co., P.O. Box 822, McComb, MS 39649.     

 

BUSSEY BRAKE – Fishing overall has slowed. A few bass are being caught around the grass and pads and scattered catches of bream have been reported. No report on crappie or catfish.

BLACK BAYOU –  Bream are fair; others are slow. Contact 323-8707 for latest information.

OUACHITA RIVER – Bass have been fair fishing the mouth of the cuts on soft plastics. Crappie have been fair fishing submerged tops in the river. Some catfish are being caught on trotlines or tight lines using shiners or goldfish. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie fishing has been slow to fair on the flats. Some are being caught below the spillway around the submerged tops on shiners or jigs. Bass have been best fishing the edges of the channel along the drops on soft plastics and crank baits. Bream have slowed and are basically fair on crickets and worms. Catfishing has been good fishing off the banks with cold worms and night crawlers. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE CLAIBORNE – Some crappie are still being caught fishing the submerged tops with shiners or jigs. Bream are fair but running small to medium size. Some bass are being caught but they’re running rather small with best fishing late afternoons on plastic worms. A few catfish are being caught tight-lining cold worms. Stripers are schooling early mornings and hitting spoons, bucktails and spinner baits. For latest information, call Tim Loftin at Kel’s Cove at 927-2264.

CANEY LAKE – Fishing in general is slow. A few bass are being caught in breaking schools on shad imitations while some are hitting plastic worms or crank baits along the deeper channel drops. Crappie are slow this week. Bream fishing has been best fishing worms or crickets around the piers. Catfish are slow. For latest information contact Bateaux on Caney Lake at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfishing is fair  while crappie, bream and bass are slow. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318-878-0101.

LAKE ST. JOHN – Bass are catfish are fair while bream and crappie are slow. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.

LAKE YUCATAN – Water is on a slow fall and some fair reports this week on crappie and bass. Bream are slow but catfishing is good at both ends of the chutes. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

LAKE BRUIN – Crappie have been fair around the deep tops. Other species are slow. For information, contact Carlos Gray at 318/766-0075.

Darrell R. Avery, candidate for Second Judicial District Judge (Division A), has earned a top marks in legal ability and ethical standards as voted on by his peers. This is the 22nd consecutive year that Avery has been recognized for his abilities and ethics by Martindale Hubbell, the standard in attorney peer-to-peer ratings.

“Legal ability and ethics are qualities that every judge must have. Those in the legal community know that I will bring those to the bench as judge,” Avery said. “The people of Claiborne, Jackson and Bienville parishes deserve a judge with experience, knowledge of the law, and the backbone to do what’s right. That’s the judge I’ll be.”

Avery has practiced law for more than 38 consecutive years as a prosecutor, defense attorney and civil litigator. He has practiced extensively in Claiborne, Jackson and Bienville parishes, giving him a well-rounded understanding of the district that he hopes to serve as judge.

In an article written several weeks ago, I alluded to an incident that happened to me as a teenager growing up in the town of Jonesboro during the sixties.  The local Sheriff Van Beasley vowed that he would exact bodily harm upon me if I did not cease from “messing with those white girls,” a claim which  was a  total fabrication by local law enforcement at that time, a claim which I knew nothing about.  I shared with readers that in 1999 the same sheriff who vowed to harm me, in an act of contrition, honored me with a deputy sheriff commission and presented me with a deputy sheriff’s badge which I kept for many years.  Finally, I wanted to believe that Sherriff Beasley came to the realization that Black Lives Matter.

That story adds meaning and perspective to the Black Lives Matter movement.  It coincides with the Black Lives Movement in America today, a movement which has spread like wildfire all over the world.  Through my encounter with Sheriff Van Beasley, I developed fear of police officers because of the way I was treated.  I felt that the lives of Black boys from the backwoods of Jackson Parish really did not matter, and certainly, brutality against innocent Black boys and girls was the norm at that time.

I was  born and reared in rural Jackson parish, where I observed first hand, signs labeled “Colored Only” displayed at water fountains in the local court house, when Black leaders laughed when they were not humored and scratched where they did not itch.  It was an era where Black leaders had to shuffle their feet when they were not nervous and bow their heads when they were not engaged in prayer.  During that era, Blacks entered the local theatre through a darkly lighted narrow door and stairway and were forced to sit in the rear of the old Palace  theater in frayed and broken seating, a theater that is now owned by Greater North Louisiana Community Development Corporation, a non-profit community service organization.

Moreover, I grew up in an America where Blacks were denied the opportunity to eat at local food establishments, denied the opportunity to dawn new clothing at local retail stores, Black folk had to contend with Jim Crow laws (passing a literacy test to exercise one’s constitutional right to vote), had to step aside on sidewalks so that whites could pass, where older Black men were called “boy” or “Nigger,” received hand me down outdated text books and football gear from white schools, attended segregated schools which were poorly equipped and furnished, a time when black maids could prepare meals for white families but could not sit and eat at the table with the family.  It was a time when parents were constantly telling and reminding their children not to get in trouble with white people, because they would harm and even kill you.  The stress of existing and navigating from day to day under such conditions and restraints produced unforgettable moments in one’s life, as the quality of life was greatly diminished.  Though we have a glimpse of slave life, it is difficult to truly imagine what life conditions must have been for our slave ancestors. These conditions existed back then and have continued simply because Black Lives do not matter and have resulted in a great racial divide in America which has now reached a boiling point and can no longer be ignored.

Dr. Herbert Simmons, Jr. is an associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, Grambling State University, former President, Grambling State University Faculty Senate and former Chair, Department of Consumer Education and Resource Management, Howard University, Washington, D.C.

One of the hardest things for an adult who is constantly on the go is to eat healthy. You have worked all day and often times it is simply easier to just go by the “burger joint” or some other restaurant to pick up something for supper. The bottom line though is this type of lifestyle isn’t healthy for you, especially as you grow older. The goo d news is that help is on the way.

Thanks to a collaborative effort by the Jackson Parish Library and the LSU Ag Center you can now take the “Let’s Eat for the Health of it” free adult nutrition class beginning the first Tuesday in September. Classes will run from 12:00-12:30 PM and take place each Tuesday through October. All you need is a computer, tablet or a smart phone.

The class is being taught by a trained nutrition educator with the LSU Ag Center and you will learn among other things:

1. Healthy eating and food planning
2. Managing your food dollar
3. Being physically active your way
4. Keeping your food safe

You may register or gain more information by calling Shelia Gibson at the Jackson Parish Library (318) 259-5697 or Cathy Judd at the LSU Ag Center (318) 251-5134. You can also go online and log into https://bit.ly/lsuadult.

Four Corners Global Outreach is hosting a 2-man scramble at the Jackson Parish Golf Course this coming Saturday, August 29th. The event is being held as a fundraiser for the local, non-profit, outreach organization with all proceeds going to support local and foreign mission projects.

Registration is at 8:00 AM and lunch will be provided to all participants. The cost is $200.00 per team. For more information you can contact David Broadway at (318) 475-0009. The Jackson Parish Golf Course is located at 524 Club House Drive in Hodge, LA.

With the stroke of a pen, President Harry S. Truman brought WWII to a screeching halt. He authorized the release of two Atomic Bombs over the nation of Japan that showed the world the United States would not relent in their endeavor to keep our soldiers from invading the Japanese Islands.

It was a well-known fact such battles would take the lives of thousands more Americans. You see, our parents could have been among those who died on a battlefield in Japan and we would never have been born. President Truman made the one and only choice he could have made.

That August day was one of the most important days in the history of America and the world. Japan’s Emperor Hirohito was heard on the radio for the first time ever when he announced the surrender. August 15, 1945 was officially named as Victory over Japan day and World War Two war was finally over.

On September 2, 1945, on board the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, General Douglas MacArthur and Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu signed the official Instrument of Surrender that was prepared by the War Department and approved by President Truman. It set out in eight short paragraphs the complete capitulation of Japan. 

Below are three from Jackson Parish who were aboard their ships in Tokyo Bay and witnessed this historic event.

Petty Officer 3/C NEWTON RAY COOK, son of Mr. and Mrs. M. F. Cool, Alexandria La, husband of Maxine Pixly, Jonesboro, La. Attended Gibsland High. He Entered the Navy in 1944 and trained in San Diego, Cal and Seattle, Wash. Served in New Guinea, New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Leyte, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Saipan, Tokyo Bay and Japan. He was awarded APO Ribbon, 2 Battle Stars, GCM and Victory Medal. Discharged in 1946.

S 2/C TOMMIE M. STEWART, son of Mrs. Belle Stewart, Dodson La., He attended Weston High and entered the U. S. Navy in 1943, trained in San Diego. He served in S. Pacific on USS Idaho. He was in Tokyo Bay when Peace Treaty was signed. He was awarded APO Ribbon with 7 Battle Stars and Phil. Lib. Ribbon. Discharged in 1945.

S 1/C JOSEPH E. JONES, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Newt Jones, Jonesboro, La, graduate of Jonesboro Hodge High. He entered the Navy in 1944 and trained in San Diego. He served on USS Shangrila in Hawaii, Panama, Okinawa and Tokyo Bay when the Peace Treaty was signed. He was awarded the APO Ribbon.

1. Alex Sharp (Winnfield, LA) – Simple possession of Marijuana, Off road vehicle on roadway
2. Christina Stanga (Quitman, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery
3. Delmon Horton Jr. (Quitman, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery
4. Lyndell Hall (Alexandria, LA) – Warrant for Felony Theft x2
5. Donald L. Morris (Hodge, LA) – Warrant for Criminal Conspiracy Arson w /intent to defraud x2
6. Kennard West (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant for Criminal Conspiracy Arson w/ intent to defraud x2
7. Dylan Wayne Delasalle (Trout, LA) – Contributing to the delinquency of a Juvenile, Unlawful possession of alcohol of one under 21 years old, Possession of drug paraphernalia
8. Angela R. Harris (Winnfield, LA) – Speeding, No Insurance, Switched Plates
9. Christopher Gay (Quitman, LA) – Warrant for failure to appear on Possession of Schedule 2 (x2), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
10. Lynette L West (Ruston, LA) – Bench Warrant for exploitation of the infirmed
11. Jonah M. Norred (Jonesboro, LA) –Warrant for Violation of Probation and Parole, Resisting an officer x2
12. Justin C Barr (Hodge) – Winn Parish Warrant for Careless Operation amended to No Driver’s License on person
13. James L Pittman Jr. (Jonesboro, LA) – Ruston Police Dept. Warrant for attempted 2^nd degree murder
14. Brian P Blanco (Chatham, LA) – DWI, Careless Operation, Simple Battery
15. Leslie A Pautard (Quitman, LA)- Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in presence of a juvenile
16. Linda Lamkin (Winnfield, LA) – speeding, driving under suspended license
17. Amana Beder (Sterlington, LA) – Theft, Criminal Tresspass, Possession of Marijuana (Union Parish)
18. Shawn M. Howard (Sterlington, LA) – Possession of Marijunana (Union Parish)
19. Coryono V. Chambers (Baton Rouge, LA) – Possession of Schedule I with intent to distribute, Possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding, improper lane usage, Possession of a firearm in presence of CDS
20. Jason T Ponder (Jonesboro, LA) – Theft under $100.00, Criminal Trespass
21. Latricia A Atkins (Jonesboro, LA) – Execution of Sentence
22. David L Harrell (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace, Public Intoxication
23. Kristina Woodall (Winnfield, LA) – Disturbing the Peace, Public Intoxication

Do you know what the “millage rate” means in regard to the property taxes you pay? According to Investopedia.com the “millage rate” is the tax rate used to calculate local property taxes. The millage rate represents the amount per every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value.

Per the adoption of the 25.50 millage rate for 2020 by the Jackson Parish Police Jury at their regularly scheduled July meeting this means that property owners will pay $25.50 for e very $1000.00 of a property’s assessed value.  It would have been higher were it not for a motion to lower the library millage rate by 1.5 mills.

Breakdown of millage rates as assigned by JPPJ for 2020 tax roll:

1. General Alimony 39
2. Roads and Bridges 23
3. Roads, Asphalt, Paving 55
4. Recreation District 63
5. Health Unit 80
6. Library & Bookmobile 90

—————–

Total: 25.50 mils

Budget greatly reduced by Police Jury

The above heading is no misprint. At the regularly scheduled July meeting of the Jackson Parish Police Jury it was agreed by Lewis Chatham, Amy Magee, John McCarty, Regina Row, Tarneshala (Niki) Cowans and Lynn Treadway to reduce the 2020 budget considerably – as in $365,316.27 worth.  Todd Culpepper was absent.

All in all, there were nine adjustments to the budget with five increases and four decreases to certain areas agreed upon. The good news was that despite the higher number of items there was to be increased the amount of money of the decreased items was much more.

The largest addition was to the LCDBG fund that increased $84,748.78 with the next being to the General Fund which was increased by $53,376.49. Both of these were a far cry from the top two amounts that were taken. The biggest decrease came from the Capital Outlay Fund which showed a $438,000.00 reduction followed by the Statutory Reserve Fund which was set at $173,231.85 lower.

Breakdown of 2020 budget adjustments:

Dollar increases in budget items:

1. General Fund 53,376.49
2. Asphalt Fund 40,951.62
3. Coroner’s Fund 53,376.49
4. Federal Grants Fund 40,000.00
5. LCDBG Fund 84,748.78                            total increases: $272,453.35

Dollar decreases in budget items:

1. Statutory Reserve Fund 173,231.85
2. Capital Outlay Fund 438,000.00
3. Landfill Closure Fund   18,537.77
4. Court Witness Fees Fund     8,000.00                           total decreased: $637,769.62

Total difference:  $365,316.27 decrease in 2020 budget

 

The date was Thursday, August 13th, 2020. It was a day like many others this time of year, just another one of those ho-hum, hot summer evenings. Then the call came through. Immediately Jonesboro Police Department Assistant Chief Cierra Murphy responded to the Jackson Square Apartments where gun shots had been reported.

“When I got there the first thing I noticed was a solid trail of blood leading to an upstairs apartment,” recalled Murphy. “I entered the apartment and saw a man lying on the floor in a large pool of blood.”

Seeing that the blood was pouring out of a wound in the injured man’s upper left leg, Murphy quickly realized that emergency procedures was needed or the victim would soon bleed to death.

“The way the blood was pumping out it was obvious that the shot had hit the major artery in his leg and I had to get the blood flow stopped or I knew he would soon bleed out,” said Murphy. “I saw a shirt nearby, grabbed it up and made a make-shift tourniquet which I applied above the wound.”

Within minutes additional Jonesboro Police Officers, Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Emergency Responders with the Ambulance Service arrived, secured the area and stabilized the victim who at last report was expected to eventually make a full recovery.

“There is no question that Assistant Chief Murphy saved this young man’s life,” said Jonesboro Police Chief James “Spike” Harris. “It is a true blessing to have someone with her knowledge and capability on our force.”

According to the police report the shooting victim Michael C. Stepps of Jonesboro had been arguing outside the apartment complex with Jimmie D. Amos, who is from Jonesboro but lists an East Raceland, LA address as his current place of residence.

The argument escalated to the point of Amos pulling a gun and shooting Stepps. Once upon the scene Jonesboro Police Chief Harris and Jackson Parish Sheriff Deputies began to canvas the area where they found Amos hiding in an apartment, arrested him without incident and transported him to the Jackson Parish Correctional Center for booking.

Amos, who was already on parole from a prior incident in Webster Parish and now has a hold on him by the Minden Office of Probation and Parole was charged with Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery and Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Further investigation into the matter is continuing.

The next payday is going to be a little more pleasant for several Jonesboro officials thanks to the action taken by the Jonesboro Board of Aldermen at their regularly scheduled meeting held at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro on August 11^th.

The board that consists of Devin Flowers, Pete Stringer, Robbie Siadek, James Ginn and Nia Evans-Johnson will now receive $700.00 per month per Ordinance #2020-005 that passed by a vote of 4-1 with Flowers casting the only negative vote.

“I just think this is a bad time to be raising our salary,” voiced Flowers. “There are still a lot of things that need to be straightened out and I think it would be better to wait until we get everything resolved that we need to get done before we do this.”

Also receiving an up in pay is Town Clerk Amanda Womack and Tax Collector Janice Jones.  Per Ordinance 2020-004 which was approved unanimously, Womack will now make $20.00 per hour while Jones will receive $18.00.

Additional Ordinances that were approved without opposition was #2020-006 and #2020-007 that were in reference to updated Sewer and Water budgets. Ordinance #2020-008 that dealt with declaring the 19^th of June each year as Juneteenth Day was also approved. This will go into effect beginning January 1, 2021.

Four resolutions were also brought up for discussion with two being approved and two being tabled. The board approved Fire Chief Brandon Brown to move forward with a lease-purchase agreement with Government Capital Corporation (GCC) for two American Lafrance Fire Trucks as well adopt the DEQ Sewer Compliance Upgrade recommendations. The authorization for Mayor Leslie Thompson to purchase new meters and for the town to be able to incur additional debt was tabled until the September meeting.

The meeting wrapped up with Ordinance #2020-009 regarding the water rates in the town of Jonesboro being introduced with a Public Hearing date set for the next regularly scheduled meeting set for September 8, 2020 at 5:30 pm. The meeting ended following Mayor Thompson and the Council giving their closing comments. 

See attachments below to review language in the Ordinances that were passed.

They knew they could do this. After all they were at the same location as they were last year when they were mostly eleven years old competing in the 12U bracket at the Little League Softball State Tournament where they came in second place.

They are twelve now. A year older, a year wiser and lightyears better. Not only did they know they could win the state championship, they did it in dominating fashion. Three games were played by the ten young ladies that made up the Jackson Parish 12U All-Star team. The scores of those games were 17-1, 17-2 and 20-1.  Talk about making a statement!

There are many words you could use to describe these talented ten. Vivacious, committed, cute, dedicated, personable, loving, caring, gritty, coachable, etc…..but the best description of all is STATE CHAMPIONS!

It was the three headed brain trust of Brian “Shorty” Guyotte, Scott Jach and Reggie Hall that worked diligently with the girls day in and day out in getting prepared for the return trip to Vidalia, LA. Team members were: Allison Phelps, Peyton Muse, Skylar Hall, Chloe James, Zoie Anderson, Maggie Guyotte, Elli Dickerson, Gracee Barton, Maddie Brymer and Anna Grace Lee.

Jackson Parish 17 Moss Bluff 1: Jackson Parish pounded Moss Bluff pitching for 15 hits in just four frames to win the opener in convincing fashion. Maggie Guyotte, Elli Dickerson and Chloe James each went 3 for 4 and combined for 11 RBI to lead the onslaught. Peyton Muse also came up big with a 2 for 3 night and 3 RBI. Maddie Brymer, who was the winning pitcher, added two hits with Anna Grace Lee and Skylar Hall getting a base knock apiece.

Jackson Parish 17 Shreveport 2: It didn’t matter if it was a team from the southwest corner of the state or the northwest corner. The names may have changed but the result was the same as Jackson Parish rolled up another 17 run assault to win in four innings again. Chloe James led the way with three hits and was one of four who knocked in three runs along with Anna Grace Lee, Elli Dickerson and Zoie Anderson who each got two hits apiece. Peyton Muse, Skyler Hall, Maddie Brymer and Gracee Barton added hits. Maggie Guyotte got the win by K’ing 6 in three innings.

(Championship) Jackson Parish 20 Vidalia 1: The home team had to think things were going to go their way. Everything was stacked for them. They were playing at home. Playing in front of all their family and friends and playing on the field they knew well. There was only one problem for them. They were playing a red hot group from Jackson Parish that had a chip on their shoulders from not winning it all last year.

People ask why I’m running for judge. The answer is simple – I can make a difference. I have the backbone and integrity to stand up for what’s right. I’ve spent my entire legal career with that goal in mind. The people of Jackson, Claiborne and Bienville parishes deserve nothing less in their judge.

I have deep roots and lifelong family ties to North Louisiana. I graduated from Louisiana Tech and earned my law degree at LSU. I’ve been privileged to help families and businesses navigate legal issues, and I have the credentials and experience to be a judge the people in the Second Judicial District, Division A can be proud to support.

In my thirty eight consecutive years of legal practice, I’ve worked as an assistant district attorney, a defense attorney and built a successful private practice from the ground up. I know what it takes to pull myself up from my bootstraps because I’ve done it.

I grew up hauling hay and herding cattle, and I worked offshore on an oil rig to help pay for school. My opponent recently made a sarcastic remark about my background, but you can rest assured that I understand the value of a hard day’s work.

A judge should never belittle working class families. Folks need somebody on the bench who not only understands the law, but also recognizes what people face when dealing with the legal system. My career has prepared me for this moment to be your judge.

A judge answers to the people, and a judge must understand that his or her role is public service. Public servants should be good stewards of the taxpayers’ money, and I promise that I will do that.

 I’ve been married to my wife Donna for 35 years, and we have three sons. We spent a decade of summers at the Jackson Parish baseball fields and participating in youth activities through our church. I’m a hunter and a lifelong member of the NRA.

This election is about choices. One candidate retired 12 years ago after spending a career putting people in jail. I’ve been here with you the whole time, building well-rounded experience that will make me the best choice for the bench. I want the people of Claiborne, Jackson and Bienville to know they can trust me to interpret the law, rule fairly and carry myself with the integrity they expect.

 

Even fishermen who don’t crappie fish know that one of the best times of the year to catch big old slabs is during the spring spawn when the urge to merge captivates the attention of these tasty fish and they move to the shallows to spawn.

Most also know that crappie tend to bunch up in deep water in winter and lots are caught by anglers willing to brave the elements. However, what about the blistering days of July and August? Do anglers seriously fish for them while risking heat stroke? You bet your best Bobby Garland Baby Shad Blue Thunder jig they do.

I had the privilege of fishing with a crappie expert, Bill Pettit, several years ago and came away with a tackle box full of valuable information about summertime crappie fishing from this dyed-in-the-wool perch jerker.

I met Pettit on Ross Barnette Reservoir just out of Jackson, MS where I was fishing as a guest of the B&M Pole Company. Pettit, a retired postal employee in Jackson, was a veritable walking encyclopedia of crappie knowledge and while we caught fish, he shared tidbits of lore that has helped me over the years to know a bit more about these popular and sought-after fish.

One thing that stood out in my mind was Pettit’s comments about fishing for and catching crappie in the heat of summer.

“In spring, you can find crappie on most any lake in shallow water where spawning takes place. However,” Pettit noted, “once hot weather gets here, you can forget about fishing for them in skinny water. They’re going to be suspended in deep water and it takes some searching to locate them. Once you do, you can catch one big old slab after another, provided you can stand the heat.

“Lots of times, I’ll get so hot sitting out there under the broiling sun that I’ll quit fishing for awhile, crank my big motor and tear out across the lake at full speed with one purpose in mind, and that is to cool off. After I cool down a bit, I’ll go back and start catching crappie again.”

As Bill Pettit and others attest, crappie fishing can be downright super in summer, provided you know where to locate the fish. In general, once the spawn is over and the weather begins heating up, crappie head for cooler water, which is usually deep water. Being school fish, once you catch a crappie this time of year, chances are excellent that plenty more are where that one came from.

In big open water bodies, such as rivers and reservoirs like Toledo Bend and Ross Barnette, crappie congregate in or near channels. The moving water will attract pods of shad that the crappie will follow for easy feeding opportunities.

In most deeper lakes in Louisiana, crappie will gather around structure that is located next to deep water. Drop-offs that lead to deep water that has structure near its edge are prime target areas.

In the heat of summer, one of the most productive areas to find the crappie stacked up is around the deeper piers and bridge pilings that may dot the lake you’re fishing.

When fishing bridge pilings, it helps to know where the bridge crosses the channel or the bayou or river. The pilings nearest the deep channels are where you’re more likely to find the fish bunched up because likely as not, schools of shad will have taken a liking to the cooler depths as well. When you find shad, no matter the time of year, you’re likely to find crappie as well.

Summer is here and the heat is on. However, if you follow this expert’s advice and if you can handle the hot sun beating down on your head, you stand a good chance of bringing in a box of slabs.

FISHING REPORT  8-12-20

CANEY LAKE – Bream have slowed but some can still be caught on worms and crickets fished around the piers. Bass have been fair in schools with most running small to medium in size. Crappie are fair around the deeper tops on shiners and jigs. Catfishing has been good tight-lining cold worms and blood bait. Night tournaments are being held Thursday nights at Hooks Marina with a 3-fish limit. For latest information contact Bateaux on Caney Lake at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707. 

OUACHITA RIVER – Bass have been fair fishing around submerged tops and in the cuts and around the drop-offs. Crappie are best fishing the middle of the day or late afternoons on shiners or jigs in 10-14 foot water. Bream are fair on worms and crickets. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie fishing has been fair on the flats on shiners and jigs fished 8 feet deep in 10-14 foot water. Bass have been best fishing the edges of the channel along the drops on Brush Hogs, Ole Monster worms and Shaky Heads. Bream have slowed and are basically fair on crickets and worms. Catfishing has been good fishing off the banks with cold worms and night crawlers. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bream fishing has been good on crickets and worms with most fish running medium to small in size. Crappie have slowed a bit this week with a few caught around the deeper tops on shiners or jigs. Bass have been fair to good with most running medium to small in size fishing soft plastics around the docks and sea walls. Stripers are schooling with best action early and late on spoons and bucktails. Some are also being caught around the lights at night. Catfishing is best tight lining a variety of baits. For latest information, call Tim Loftin at Kel’s Cove at 927-2264.

It was great fun had by all where youngsters were able to play on the brand new equipment and the parents were treated to useful school supplies. The event was the Yumeaka Robinson- Washington for Judge “Back to School” Bash where the candidate for the Division B Judges seat in Jackson, Bienville and Claiborne Parishes greeted the people and donated school supplies.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to not only get parents and children to see and enjoy this wonderful , newly equipped park but to also try and help those who may need it with upcoming school supplies and such.”

Robinson thanks all those who assisted with making the day a successful one and reminds everyone to remember that school will soon be starting so everyone should be extra careful while you are driving to pay attention to the little ones who may be near roadways.

As result of the pandemic many HBCUs are cautiously and hopefully opening their doors for the Fall 2020 semester and are resorting to a combination of in person classes and virtual learning. They must do so to combat potential financial losses, although, some schools are offering online classes only.  Online classes can present serious challenges for some students who live in rural impoverished communities because of the lack of availability of internet and broadband access where they live and more importantly a lack of funds and resources to purchase and support online learning

Recently I spoke with Grambling State University President, Dr. Richard (Rick) Gallot regarding how the Pandemic will impact opening of the university.  Gallot indicated that the campus will open this fall and will adhere to a hybrid approach to learning.  Most students will access classes via the internet from their dormitory rooms on campus.  Students, teachers and staff will be required to follow and abide by CDC guidelines, such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, practicing good hygiene such as washing of hands, no parties or hosting of mass gatherings, avoiding indoor crowded spaces and sanitizing hard surfaces.  Due to the State of Louisiana nursing requirements, nursing students will be required to attend in class face to- to face settings.

President Gallot also mentioned that on campus students are being provided with new state of the art technology through the FEDERAL CARES ACT with computers, tablets and state of the art Wi-Fi internet connections which will allow students to connect to seven devices including smart TV.  All sports activities are postponed to spring.  Gallot also indicated that dormitories are 90% occupied and online graduate classes are proceeding without interruption

Dr. Walter Kimbrough, president of Dillard University in New Orleans addressing the opening of  universities, noted in a statement to Politico, said:  “A lot of schools are trying to figure out, can we open safely in the fall knowing that we serve a population that is disproportionately impacted by this disease.  Dillard is watching coronavirus rates in Louisiana and will follow state guidelines for schools.”

Recognizing the potential threat of COVID 19, other HBCUs across the nation in consideration of safety and health concerns are optioning to host class entirely online this fall.  Some schools have indicated that they will mandate and employ the use of digital thermometers, COVID 19 test kits for students, restructuring of classrooms for social distancing and reducing campus population.

A recent survey by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), conducted  with a network of over 37 private HBCUs, including more than 5,000 students, found that 10 % fewer students said they’d return to school if all instruction is online, that students mental and financial well-being was being diminished by the pandemic, and students were three times more likely to consider transferring to a school that’s closer to home”

It is worth noting that many HBCUs representatives are of the considered opinion and warn that a high percentage of students who take time off from school are unlikely to return and graduate, and that many African American students are also having to overcome socioeconomic disparities, thereby exacerbating the effects of the pandemic.

We also note that according to a recent POLITICO/Morning poll, 60 percent of Black voters strongly or somewhat oppose reopening colleges and universities this fall, compared with 48 percent of white voters. When it comes to reopening K-12 schools,66 percent of Black voters are opposed versus 49 percent of whites.

Without question education of minorities is the single most important tool that has been used to liberate people of color from the dungeons of ignorance, grips and depth of poverty.  No question, it is so important that we save Historical Black Colleges and Universities, but we must never place the jingle of a few dollars or financial gains over life, safety and public health issues of our students, faculty, and staff.  We want our children to be educated but we must always be focused on safely opening our schools.  We may be impacted by some of the detriments caused by kids staying at home and learning online, nevertheless the loss of life due to ill equipped, unprepared and unsafe schools due to COVID 19 is totally unacceptable.

Once again, we must pray mightily, asking Almighty God to help and guide us during this crisis situation, to protect our children, faculty and staff, and  to help us to do the right thing, to make the right decisions and leave the rest and right results up to God who has the whole world in his hands.  Students, faculty, and staff be safe!!

Dr. Herbert Simmons, Jr. is an associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, Grambling State University, former President, Grambling State University Faculty Senate and former Chair, Department of Consumer Education and Resource Management, Howard University, Washington, D.C.

What the….. We don’t have any water? This question was asked by virtually everyone on the southern and eastern end of Jonesboro this past Thursday as a major blowout in the line on the Beech Springs Road caused an outage that lasted for hours.

Eventually the water crew of the Jonesboro Public Works system got things back on line but the after effect was that there was a Boil Advisory in place until the lines could be cleared and purified. That was lifted the next day and everything was back in working order as normal.

As one resident who wished not to be identified said. “You don’t think about the guys who work on the lines every day until you don’t have any water, but you sure are thankful for them after they get your water back running.” Well said!

At about 9:30 p.m., July 27, 1975, 33-year-old bank teller Mennie Person was walking by a car dealership called Madison Cadillac when she spotted a unique, custom-made, Cadillac parked on the lot.  She and her husband, Troy, were Cadillac fans.  They owned a 1974 model and were familiar with the 1975 models, but this one was unlike anything she had ever seen.  She was not in the market to buy a new Cadillac, she and Troy were still paying on the one they had, but she just had to get a closer look.  What would it hurt? 

Mennie got closer to the car and noticed that one of the windows was lowered.  She stuck her head in and was admiring the car when someone walked up to her from out of the back parking lot.  The man asked her if she liked the Cadillac, and she said she liked it very much.  The man thanked her and said “That one’s mine, but I’ll buy you one.”  Mennie’s mouth fell open.  She said she and her husband already had a Cadillac and would not be able to pay for a second one.  He explained that he was paying for the car.  It was to be his gift to her.  Mennie was in shock.

The man gently took Mennie by the arm and escorted her to the back parking lot from which he came.  Dozens of brand-new shiny Cadillacs sat waiting for their new homes.  Mennie and the man looked at the different models for just a few minutes.  The man turned to Mennie and told her to “pick one out.”  Mennie was still in a state of shock.  Why would a man she had never met buy her a brand-new Cadillac.  The man patiently waited as Mennie selected a gold and white Cadillac Eldorado.  It listed for about $11,500, which, adjusted for inflation, is just under $50,000 in today’s money.  The man motioned for someone to bring him the keys.

Mennie, still in shock, made small talk with the man.  She thanked him several times and told him that the car was a wonderful birthday present.  Her birthday was just two days away.  Within just a few moments, the man handed Mennie the keys to her brand-new Cadillac and wished her a happy birthday.  The man assured her that all of the paperwork would be taken care of for her.  Since her birthday was coming up, the man handed her a check for an undisclosed amount “to buy some clothes to go with the car.” 

When Mennie mentioned again that she and her husband already owned a Cadillac, the man told her to keep it or to give it to her husband.  She could do whatever she wanted with either Cadillac.  As Mennie provided the necessary information to the dealership to have the vehicle titled in her name, she thought it was too good to be true.  If it was true, would anyone believe her? 

Mennie had never met the generous man who bought her a brand-new Cadillac of her choice, wrote her a check to buy new clothes to go with it, and wished her a happy birthday, but she certainly knew of him.  Everyone, it seemed, knew of him.  Mennie did not need to worry if anyone would believe her.  On her birthday, newspapers around the world shared the story of how Mennie just happened to be in the right place at the right time to receive the generosity of a king.  His name was Elvis Presley.              

For more real stories about real people with a twist, order your copy of “Remember This?” at Amazon.com or listen to his podcast “Brad Dison’s Remember This?”  Brad earned his master’s degree in the subject from Louisiana Tech University. He has written four history books and has been published in newspapers and scholarly journals. Keep up with Brad’s column through the Facebook group “Remember This? by Brad Dison.”

Sources:

1. The Evening Sun (Baltimore, Maryland), July 29, 1975, p.2.
2. Tucson Citizen, July 29, 1975, p.1.
3. The Tennessean (Nashville, Tennessee), July 29, 1975, p.29.

It has been a busy first two weeks of August for Jackson Parish law enforcement officials as evidenced by the long list of offenders shown below. Forty eight arrests in all were made between the dates of August 3^rd thru August 17^th. Twenty two of those were for bench warrants enforced after failing to appear in courts from not only Jackson Parish but surrounding parishes as well. Contributing law enforcements groups were the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jonesboro Police Department , Hodge Police Department and North Hodge Police Department.

List of offenders:

1. Christopher R. Tyler (Jonesboro, LA) – Bench Warrant, No proof of Insurance, Failure to Secure Driver’s License, Simple Burglary
2. William Baker (Jonesboro, LA) – Disobeying Stop Sign, Expired Driver’s License , Attempted Flight (Resisting)
3. Albert Martin (Bienville, LA) – Theft of Goods, Flight from an Officer, Improper Lane Usage.
4. Michael L. Waldroup (Eros, LA) – Fire Raising on Land, Simple Battery, Disturbing the Peace
5. Troy G. Wiley (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrants – Aggravated Assault , Criminal Mischief
6. Amanda Walsworth (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant – Driving under Suspension
7. David Flowers (Jonesboro, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery
8. David Brown (Jonesboro, LA) – Parole Violations
9. Michelle Murphy (Jonesboro, LA) – Bench Warrants – no seat belt, Expired driver’s license, Disobey Stop Signs
10. Shawn J. Lassere (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrants for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving under suspension
11. Jaclyn Duncan (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrants for forgery and theft
12. Carrie Swift (North Hodge, LA) – Bench Warrants for Possession of Schedule II and Legend Drugs
13. John C. Roane (North Hodge, LA) – Warrant for expired driver’s license
14. Sadie L. Mixon (Jonesboro, LA) – Bench Warrants for DWI (1^st offense), Improper Lane Usage
15. Melanie Murphy (West Monroe, LA) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Schedule II drug
16. Stevon Tipton (Calhoun, LA) – Fugitive from Lincoln Parish (Violations of Protective Order)
17. Kenneth R. Shows ( Chatham, LA) – Possession of firearm by convicted felon, Possession of Marijuana
18. Jimmy W. Caskey ( North Hodge, LA) – Theft under $100.00
19. Michaela Sneed (Shreveport, LA) – Possession of Schedule I drug
20. Kennard C. West (Jonesboro, LA) – Jackson Parish Bench Warrant ( 2^nd degree battery)
21. Desmond Campbell (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
22. Sadie Mxon (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
23. Dusting W. Lebrun (Jonesboro, LA) – Bench Warrant for Possession of Synthetic Cannibas
24. Amy Marie Kelley-Lopez (Quitman, LA)- Possession of Stolen Things, Failure to dim lights, Ouachita Parish Warrants – Simple Burglary x 2, Lincoln Parish Warrants – Simple Burglary x 7, Ruston Police Department – Simple Burglary, Introduction of Contraband, Possession of Schedule II drug
25. John Coy Malachi Parks (Chatham, LA )- Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
26. Daniel B. Rogers (Jonesboro, LA) – Speeding, Reckless Driving, Resisting Arrest x 2
27. Jacob D. Smith (Quitman, LA) – Theft
28. Sidney Daniels (Jonesboro, LA) Bench Warrant for Traffic Violations
29. Debra R. Hughes ( Opelousas, LA – Theft
30. Stephen Doucet (Jonesboro, LA) – Bench Warrant for Driving under suspension
31. Joshua F. Wallzer (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant for Failure to pay child support
32. Marcus Jackson (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant for Simple burglary of a motor vehicle, Possession of Schedule I drug (3^rd offense), Possession of Schedule II drug , Possession of Synthetic Drug
33. Chris B. Bowe (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
34. Charles W Aytens (Chatham, LA) – Execution of Sentence on Warrant
35. Aliswon Mason (Ruston, LA) – Possession of Marijuana, Resisting officer
36. Jimmie Don Amos (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated 2^nd degree batters, possession of firearm by convicted felon
37. Derek N, King (Quitman, LA) – Bench Warrant from Lincoln Parish
38. Samuel Watson (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule I drug , Expired driver’s license
39. Ricky Caskey (Jonesboro, LA) – Open Container, failure to appear
40. Samantha D. Adams (Jonesboro, LA) – Winn Parish Warrant – issuing worthless checks
41. Jamer Norris (Jonesboro, LA) – Driving under suspension, speeding
42. Tony Lee Sesley JR (Jonesboro, LA) – Jackson Parish Warrant for 2^nd degree battery
43. Charles M. Thompson (Ashland, LA) Disturbing the Peace, Resisting an officer x2
44. Samantha P. Dianne ( Ruston, LA) – Grambling Bench Warrant for Driving under suspension, driving in fire lanes, no seat belt
45. Samuel D. Watson (Jonesboro, LA) – Bench Warrant for Illegal carry of a weapon
46. Kyowa D. Reynolds ( Jonesboro, LA) – Simple Battery
47. Oscar Grimsley (Jonesboro, LA) – Execution of Sentence
48. Alex Sharp (Winnfield, LA) – Simple possession of marijuana, operating off road vehicle on roadway

 

The Jackson Parish Journal is pleased to add a new Classifieds section where you can post items for sale, offer job opportunities, professional services, etc… Cost per post is $10.00 per week and can be submitted by email at jpjjacksonla@gmail.com or by text to 318-480-1206.

For Sale:

5.06 acres of land (Price Reduced) – located one mile East of Jimmie Davis Tabernacle on Hwy. 542, Beech Springs Road, Quitman, LA.  Call (706)745-3933 for more information.  

Church Bus – Jonesboro-Hodge United Methodist Church is selling small Bus that is equipped with Handicap accessibility. Engine work needed. Contact Paul Sterns for more information at (360) 399-8347.  

Book for sale – “The 100 year history of JHHS football” – An in-depth, year by year review of each season that includes names of players from virtually every year and individual/school records. Cost is $25.00 per copy plus $3.00 shipping and handling. To place your order, call 318-480-1206.

Help wanted:

HODGE BANK AND TRUST COMPANY IS HIRING!!  BOTH EXPERIENCED AND ENTRY LEVEL POSITIONS AVAILABLE. SALARY, BENEFITS AND GREAT HOURS.  PLEASE CALL 318-259-7362 FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

Organizations:

Boy Scouts of America – For boys in 6^th grade through 18 years old. For more information contact: Dawn Slezak at (713) 824-1772.

Cub Scouts of America – For boys and girls in Kindergarten through the 5^th grade. For more information contact: Dawn Slezak at (713) 824 – 1772.

Services offered:

Harris Yard Beautification – Professional Lawn Care provided at reasonable rates. Call Greg at (318) 245-2349

A1 Honey Do, LLC – Boat house, deck building and repairs. A Limited Liability Corporation (LLC). For estimates contact Mark Droesser, Owner at 318-366-7598 “We do what your honey can’t do”.

Public Notices:

Town of Jonesboro Board of Alderman Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Public Hearing

Called to order by Mayor Leslie Thompson at 5:30 P.M.

Roll Call:  Flowers-Present, Stringer-Present, Siadek-Present, Ginn-Present, and Johnson-Present.

Invocation was conducted by Siadek. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Stringer.

Ordinance #2020-004 Tax Collector Raise, Ordinance #2020-005 Council Raise, Ordinance #2020-006 Sewer Budget, Ordinance #2020-007 Water Budget, and Ordinance #2020-008 Juneteenth Holiday The public was given the opportunity to ask questions regarding any of the ordinances. There was some discussion.

Agenda

Amendments- Resolution #2020-031, Ordinance #2020-010, Ordinance #2020-011, Executive Session, Take off Kenneth Folden Contract. Motion by Stringer, seconded by Siadek. Motion carried.

Stringer made a motion to change the order of the agenda to move the Public Hearing discussed Ordinances below “Mayor’s Update”, seconded by Siadek. Flowers opposed. Motion Carried.

Public Comments- There were no public comments.

Approval of July Minutes: Motion by Flowers to approve July’s minutes, seconded by Stringer. Motion carried.

Approval of July Bills: Motion to approve July’s bills made by Johnson. Seconded by Stringer. Motion carried.

Approval of July Financials:  Motion by Stringer to approve the July financials, Seconded by Flowers. Motion carried.

Mayor’s Update: “One team, one dream.”

Ordinance #2020-006 Sewer Budget: A motion was made by Stringer to amend Ordinance #2020-006, seconded by Flowers. Motion carried.

Ordinance #2020-0010 Sewer Budget Amendment: A motion was made by Stringer to adopt Ordinance #2020-010, seconded by Flowers. Motion carried.

Ordinance #2020-007 Water Budget: Motion by Siadek to amend Ordinance #2020-007, seconded by Stringer. Motion carried.

Ordinance #2020-011 Water Budget Amendment:  Motion by Siadek to adopt Ordinance #2020-011, seconded by Johnson. Motion carried.

Ordinance #2020-008 Juneteenth Holiday: Stringer made a motion to adopt Ordinance #2020-008, seconded by Flowers. Motion carried.

Ordinance #2020-004 Tax Collector Raise: Motion by Stringer to adopt Ordinance #2020-00, seconded by Flowers. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Stringer to correct the wording on the Clerk and Tax Collector’s salary from “fixed” to “salaried”, seconded by Johnson. Motion carried.

Ordinance #2020-005 Council Raise: Stringer made a motion to adopt Ordinance #2020-005, seconded by Siadek. Flowers opposed. Motion carried.

Audit Questionnaire: Motion by Flowers to adopt the Audit Questionnaire, seconded by Johnson. Motion carried.

Department Head Reports:  Fire Chief Brandon Brown, Police Chief James Harris, and Public Works Director Calvin Wortham gave a monthly update on each of their departments.

Approval of Department Head Reports: Flowers motion to approve the Department Head Reports, seconded by Siadek. Motion carried.

Police Termination-D’Corrian Livingston: Flowers made a motion to accept the termination, seconded by Johnson. Motion carried.

Police New Hire-Faylon  Napper: Motion by Siadek to approve the new hire, seconded by Stringer. Motion carried.

Mobil Home-920 S. Polk St.- Flowers made a motion to approve the mobile home on 920 S. Polk St., seconded by Siadek. Motion carried.

Consent Decree: There was some discussion regarding the consent decree the Town was served with.

Resolution #2020-029-Authorizing Mayor to purchase new meters: Siadek made a motion to table Resolution #2020-029, seconded by Johnson. Motion carried.

Resolution #2020-030-Incur Debt: Siadek made a motion to table Resolution #2020-030, seconded by Johnson. Motion carried.

James Bradford-zoning: Mr. Bradford expressed his concerns regarding the zoning of 705 Leon Dr. He requested the council to consider rezoning the area as Residential instead of Business.

Surplus Bids-Fire Trucks: Flowers made a motion to accept the bid made by Emergency Vehicle Resource, seconded by Stringer. Motion carried.

Resolution #2020-028-Fire Trucks: Johnson made a motion to adopt Resolution #2020-028, seconded by Siadek. Motion carried.

Fire Trucks Lease Agreement-Government Capitol : Johnson made a motion to accept the terms of the lease agreement, seconded by Flowers. Motion carried.

Resolution #2020-031 DEQ- Sewer Compliance Upgrade: Flowers made a motion to adopt Resolution #2020-031, seconded by Stringer. Motion carried.

Executive Session: Stringer made a motion to enter executive session, seconded by Siadek. Motion carried.

Stringer made a motion to come out of executive session, seconded by Flowers. Motion carried.

Ordinance #2020-009 Water Rates: Stringer made a motion to introduce Ordinance #2020-009 and set a public hearing for September 8, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.

Council Comments: Comments were expressed.

Mayor Comments: Comments were expressed.

Adjournment: Flowers made a motion to adjournment the meeting, seconded by Stringer. Motion carried.

JACKSON PARISH WARD TWO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

189 Vernon-Eros Road, Ruston, LA. 71270

Office 318-249-3300 Fax 318-249-3340, e-mail – w2fpdjackson@gmail.com

Tax I.D. #72-1400917

 The Ward Two Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners met in regular session on August 11, 2020 7:00 pm at the District Office. By Roll Call the following members were present: Alton Fallin, Charles Hopkins, and Mack Williams. Absent were George Gryder and Bill Wheelis. There was one public visitor recognized, Mrs. Deana Thomas.

There were 1-additions 0-deletions offered to the agenda, meeting called to order by Chairman Williams, followed by invocation. Motion entertained by Mr. Williams to accept the agenda as presented, addition of apparatus per Mr. Hopkins request, and proceed into business, motion Mr. Hopkins, second Mr. Fallin, motion carried. Motion entertained by Mr. Williams to accept the minutes from July 14, 2020 meeting minutes, motion Mr. Hopkins, second Mr. Fallin, motion carried. Corrections/Approval: None.

 In the order of Old Business: Chief Manning delivered the July Fire report for 5 total calls as follows: 2 Fire, 0 Grass/Brush, 0 EMS, 2 MVA, 1 public tree removals. Fuel report for July was on hand of 327.9 gallons, fuel usage was 33.1 gallons. Apparatus/Equipment Maintenance – None. Misc. the signs are still in process of being placed around the ward, need to order some more signs. PIAL – Getting bids on clearing and leveling new training site have received oneVbid so far. July training 9 members attended. Purchasing agent reports for July 2020 was reviewed. Gap Report was noVchange at 100%. P card addressed with 2 signatures, Mr. Jim Manning and Ms. Donna Snow, on account and $2000.00 monthly limit and a P Card policy developed for P Card use, Mr. Williams entertained motion, motion Mr. Fallin second Mr. Hopkins, motion carried. Land clearing bid by J & L Works LLC acceptance if no lower bids, motion entered by Mr. Hopkins, second Mr. Fallin, motion carried. Motion entertained by Mr. Williams to proceed into new business, motion Mr. Fallin, second Mr. Hopkins, motion carried.

In the order of New Business, Financial Report for m/e 07/31/20 was presented. The bill review was completed by Mr. Williams. Presentation of Bills for July was discussed. A resolution was read in full as follows: BE IT RESOLVED, that the following millage(s) are hereby levied on the 2020 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by Ward Two Fire Protection District:

MILLAGE

Ward Two Fire Protection District, Maintenance & Operation 11.23 mills

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment roll of said Parish for the year 2020, and to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.

The foregoing resolution was read in full; the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes: Yeas-3 Nays-0 Abstained-0 Absent -2 Mr. Williams entertained motion to retain Mrs. Deana Thomas as Ward 2 Fire Protection District notary, motion Mr. Fallin, second Mr. Hopkins, motion carried.

 The Action List was reviewed- added equipment apparatus for acquisition of rescue truck for Vernon Station. Board members were asked if needed to make any comments, none. There being no further orders of business motion entertained by Mr. Williams to adjourn, motion by Mr. Fallin to adjourn, second Mr. Hopkins, meeting declared adjourned by the chairman at 7:50 p.m.

M.A. Williams, Chairman

Donna Snow, Secretary