After a recent audit of the Jackson Parish Recreation district a former employee who had already been accused of misappropriating thousands of dollars has been arrested. Taken into custody by the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office was Edward Zehr, who last year managed the Pro-Shop at the Jackson Parish Golf Course.

According to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor report this past Sunday an independent auditor analyzed the organization’s financial records and noted that the former manager of the golf course admitted to misappropriating $12,000 over a seven-month period. However, the auditor estimated the amount missing was actually $19,000.00.

The auditor said the situation occurred due to a lack of appropriate internal controls at the Golf Course and suggested that procedures be implemented to ensure cash collections are properly handled, deposited, and recorded. At the time of the independent auditor’s report, a court hearing had yet to be set for the arrested individual.

NOTE:  (This is the first of a 12-part series by the Jackson Parish Journal focusing on the Jackson Parish Hospital, the people who work there and the services that are offered. Today’s feature – Jackson Parish Hospital Family Care Clinic)

How familiar are you with the Jackson Parish Hospital (JPH)?  Surely you know that the JPH has been the primary emergency healthcare provider in Jackson Parish for over a half a century. You most likely know some of the people who work or have worked there over the years as well.

Yet do you really know about “today’s” Jackson Parish Hospital? The best way to currently describe the JPH is to paraphrase a statement made in an old car commercial that said “This ain’t your daddy’s car.” Well, this isn’t the same hospital that your daddy knew either, not even close.

Speaking of statement’s the first sentence of the JPH “mission statement” says it all. “We at Jackson Parish Hospital are invested in caring from the heart every day of every year.”  Talk to almost anybody that have been treated at the JPH over the last couple of years and you will know this isn’t just words but a true working focus.

It isn’t just the reviews from patients or family members of one that prove this out either. Last year the JPH was listed as one of the top hospitals in the state by a leading healthcare auditing group who had them ranked in the top five percent in every single rating category of hospitals of their size.

Today we focus on the Jackson Parish Family Clinic which is a part of the JPH family tree that specializes on family medical needs ranging from disease care to management and care of all organs and organ systems.  Located at 107 Watts Street in Jonesboro, the medical staff of the Clinic is made up of Dr. William J. Slusher and Nurse Practitioner’s Dana Williams and Holly Knapp.

Doctor Slusher has been a Family Physician for over 20 years in north Louisiana. He is recognized not only for his diagnosis accuracy and professionalism but for forming lasting relationships with patients and paying special attention to their lives outside of their physical health, specifically their family and community relationships. It is very rare occurrence indeed that he isn’t familiar with you or someone in your family.  

It could be considered that Williams and Knapp are “two NP’s in the same pod.” This is not only in their credentials (both are APRN, FNP-Certified with nursing degrees from the University of Louisiana-Monroe) but also the reason they chose to practice their skills at the JPH Family Care Clinic.

What exactly is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)? An NP is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who has earned at least a Master’s degree and completed additional training in a specialty area of medicine. NP’s are trained to assess patient needs, order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests, diagnose disease, formulate and prescribe treatment plans.

When asked why they work here instead of the many other places they had the opportunity to work at they both said it because they not only wanted to be able to care for people but especially for the people of Jackson Parish and the surrounding area.

From providing medical care in their facilities to running vital programs in our community the Jackson Parish Hospital and the JPH Family Care Clinic is committed to supporting the health and well-being of the residents of Jackson Parish.

We at Jackson Parish Hospital are invested in caring from the heart every day of every year. Join us in thanking the many individuals who give their all to their neighbors. From providing medical care in our facilities to running vital programs in our community, we are committed to supporting the health and well-being in and around Jackson Parish Hospital. Jackson Parish Hospital serves our local community with excellent quality services with ancillary, emergency services, three clinic locations and swing bed availability.

As insistent and diligent as Black teachers taught and instilled in us that  Black Lives Matter, it has taken  years for the nation to come to grips with the realization that Black Lives Matter, which gave birth to the Black Lives Matter Movement in 2013.  The Black Lives movement and recent marches against police brutality, the protests for justice and equality have catapulted an international movement where young black, white, brown and  yellow citizens have taken to the streets, demanding and removing statutes of racist figures, U. S. slave holding Confederate generals, and they are calling for renaming military bases currently named for Confederate soldiers.  Young, old and in between citizens are marching, chanting, hoisting banners and signs displaying a unified message, down with police brutality, up with justice and equality for all, end racism in America  Black Lives Matter, chanting “no justice, no peace”.

Over the last one hundred years African Americans have felt the sting of the fact that  their lives did not matter especially Black citizens who lived in southern states such as Alabama, the Carolina’s, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas where they suffered at the hands of mean and brutal white citizens.  In these and in some northern states, citizens of color were and still are devalued, marginalized, considered inferior and unequal to their white counterparts and have been denied rights freely granted to white citizens.

Fast forward to 2020 America where it is becoming more and more difficult for one to vote, where once again states are using all kinds of schemes and tactics to suppress ones’ Constitutional right to vote.  Southern states are now requiring a valid state ID to vote which many African Americans do not possess.  It is an America where the late Congressman John R. Lewis’ fight to renew the 1965 Voting Rights Act for another ten years is purposefully being stalled in the U. S. Congress and is under immense scrutiny and attack by critics and voting rights adversaries.  President  Trump is threatening to try to derail and deny states the right to allow citizens to vote by mail in ballots, with Trump contending that the November election is rigged against him and that there will be massive voter fraud but more noticeable that his poll numbers are sagging and that he could possibly lose the election.  The .US. Postmaster is attempting to streamline Postal Services by eliminating overtime and limiting work hours.  It was reported that mail at some U.S. Post Offices is stacking up, which present optimal conditions for the coming of a disaster and are the conditions for a perfect storm during the November Presidential election.

Continue to fast forward to an America, where police officers have little or no regard nor remorse about putting their knees on the necks of Black men and holding them there until the last ounce of life is snuffed out of men like George Floyd and captured in real time.  America tolerates white supremacy groups marching  in the streets of Virginia chanting kill Jews and Blacks and look the other way when President Trump comments that “there were good and bad people on both sides” and in the Nation’s capital, the seat of power, in front of the White House where thousands of  Black Lives Matter protesters who were peacefully gathered, were pushed out of the way, beaten, tear gassed so that Trump could pass on his way for a photo opportunity in front of a church holding a Bible upside down.

One cannot forget the time when a Black man was jogging through the streets of a Georgia neighborhood and was apprehended by three white vigilantes claiming that they perceived the young man to be a burglar.  They shoot him not once, but three times with a shotgun killing him simply because he was Black and was not supposed to be jogging in a white neighborhood.  What about the murder of a young African Amerian female (Breonna Taylor) sleeping in bed in Louisville Kentucky, being shot and killed because she did not respond to police officers kicking in the wrong door  to her apartment under the belief and suspicion that she was hiding her ex-boyfriend.  What about the lives of  Sandra Bland who was killed while locked in a Texas jail cell, Michael Brown who was gunned down in the streets of  Missouri, Trayvon Martin who was murdered in Florida by Zimmerman, Eric Garner’s life choked out in New York by a band of rogue police officers, Orlando Castile in Louisiana shot and killed by police officers, Black women being pulled from their vehicles in Colorado and Washington, DC, for suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle.  (The Colorado incident involved four small children being handcuffed and forced to lay face down at gunpoint on hard concrete) with police officers contending that the women were believed or suspected to be driving a stolen vehicle.

The list of incidents of police brutality being heaped upon citizens of color is common, but totally unacceptable and must be addressed.  That is the mission and objective of the Black Lives Matter Movement, to seek peaceful non-violent protests until the nation moves to address the matter.  Many states are moving expeditiously to address police brutality.  The amount of change that the protests have produced in such a short period of time is noteworthy.  For example, in Minneapolis the site of George Floyd’s death, the City Council pledged to dismantle the police department.  In New York, policy makers repealed a law that kept police disciplinary records secret.  Across the nation towns and cities have enacted laws banning chokeholds.  The state of Mississippi has retired the state flag which included a Confederate battle image.  Many Confederate statutes have been removed from town and city squares across the nation.  The protests with the support and insistence of Black Lives Matter has set in motion a period of significant change, nevertheless the battle for social, political, and economic justice, the battles for renewal of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, gun control, climate change, immigration, and quality healthcare for all are ongoing and we must never give up on achieving such gains.

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.

 

An incident occurred this past Saturday at the Jackson Parish Correctional Center when a small number of inmates damaged their dormitories in protest of the fact there was no electricity or water available after damages caused by Hurricane Laura.

It wasn’t too long after, but in no way as result of the protest, that water and electricity services were re-established at the Correctional Center. The protest was then quickly squashed and activity resumed back to normal

“No one was injured and the public was never in any danger,” said Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown. “I also give thanks to the Jonesboro, Quitman and Ward 4 Fire departments.”

The three fire departments were very helpful in keeping the inmates from overheating after they were forced to go outside so the dorms could be repaired by providing a shower of water overhead to help alleviate the heat.   

By: Glynn Harris

            North Louisiana is known for lakes that produce big bass. Caney Lake holds the state record with other lakes such as D’Arbonne, Claiborne, Bistineau, Black and Caddo getting in on the action as well.

            There is one lake, however, that has quietly and without fanfare, been a quality bass producer since it was formed 63 years ago when Kepler Creek was impounded to form 2000 acre Kepler Creek Reservoir, locally known as Kepler Lake.

            Billy Willis, 62 year old bass angler from Ruston, has caught bass in virtually all these lakes but had not really tried for big bass on Kepler until this past weekend.

            “A guy I work with has a friend who has been telling him about catching big bass on Kepler so I decided to give it a try,” said Willis.

            Arriving at the lake around 7:00 Saturday morning August 22, the lake nestled and virtually hidden in the hills of Bienville Parish, Willis spent several hours without catching a bass. It was not until around 11:00 that his luck changed for the better.

            “There were a couple of other bass fishermen on the lake and they were picking up some schooling fish, nothing of any size. They eventually moved on so I moved into the area where they had been fishing. This lake is loaded with stumps and the bass had been schooling around a particular area. I noticed that the stump line was in about three feet of water but there was a drop off next to the stump line that dropped quickly to six feet. I decided to give it a try,” Willis said.

            He was fishing with a Shimano reel mounted on a 7’4” Falcon rod with 20 pound fluorocarbon line. His preferred method of fishing is using a Carolina rig and below a swivel, he had tied a two to three foot 12 to 15 pound leader, a 2-0 hook to which was attached a green pumpkin Fluke with gold flake.

            “There were lots of shad in the area so this color matched what the fish were feeding on. I caught a couple of school fish around the stumps and I decided to back off and fish the drop off that was away from the stumps,” he said.

            Casting to the edge of the drop off, Willis let the lure go to the bottom and immediately felt something hit. He set the hook and knew it was into something pretty big because it hardly budged, he continued.

            “Fortunately I was able to work the fish away from the stumps into the deeper water but because it never came to the top, I assumed I’d hooked a big catfish because most bass will come to the surface and try to shake off. This fish just kept pulling until it seemed to give up and I was able to bring it to the boat. It was only then that I saw I’d hooked a really big bass,” he said.

            Placing the bass in his live well, Willis noticed that the bass quickly turned belly up. He had planned to release the fish but because of the stress or the heat of the day, the fish soon expired.

            He had no scale with him and it was only after he returned home a couple of hours later that he weighed the dead fish which tipped the scales at 10 pounds, 9 ounces. One has to wonder what the big female would have weighed when she was full of eggs in March rather than in August.

FISHING REPORT  8-26-20

BUSSEY BRAKE –Bream are fair on worms and crickets. No report on crappie or catfish. Bass are fair with a few in the 5 pound range caught around the trees on soft plastics and jigs.

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

OUACHITA RIVER – Crappie are fair in the river around submerged tops and in the river lakes fishing 8 feet deep in 10-12 foot water. Bass have been fair fishing the mouth of the cuts on soft plastics. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie fishing has been best fishing the old sloughs 10-12 feet deep in 15-18 foot water on shiners or jigs. Bass have been best in the sloughs fishing around grass and moss on topwater lures, spinner baits and jigs. Bream have slowed and are 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 – Crappie fishing continues to be fair to good fishing around the deeper tops with shiners working best. Bass have been slow this week. Stripers continue to school and are hitting shad imitations, spoons and white bucktails. Catfishing has been fair to good tightlining cold worms. The bream bite has been quite slow. For latest information, call Tim Loftin at Kel’s Cove at 927-2264.

CANEY LAKE – A few smaller bass have been caught in breaking schools on topwater lures and shad imitations. Crappie are slow this week. Bream fishing has been slow to fair with a few caught 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 – Bass are slow to fair but one over 8 pounds was caught this week. Catfishing is fair for smaller sized fish while crappie and bream are slow. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318-878-0101.

LAKE ST. JOHN – No report. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.

LAKE YUCATAN – Water is falling and this past weekend fishing was good for crappie, bass and bream. Catfishing is good at both ends of the chutes. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

LAKE BRUIN – Fishing overall is quite slow this week. For information, contact Carlos Gray at 318/766-0075

State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning and Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain have issued a cease and desist order for all private burning for Jackson Parish as well as: Caldwell, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, Union and Winn in north Louisiana.

 “The extensive damage caused Hurricane Laura includes several water systems. That means many communities are without adequate water service for potential fire suppression needs,” said Browning, “This order will hopefully assist local first responders by reducing unnecessary fire calls that they will be challenged to answer due to a lack of infrastructure, resources and personnel already tasked with Laura recovery efforts.”

Private burning shall only be allowed by permission of the local fire department or local government. This order is effective as of 8 a.m., August 31, 2020 and shall remain in effect until rescinded. This ban shall not apply to prescribed burns by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, by those trained and certified by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, or by those who conduct prescribed burning as a “generally accepted agriculture practice” as defined by the Louisiana Right to Farm Law.

By: Brad Dison

The brutal unsolved murders by the individual commonly referred to as Jack the Ripper is one of the most famous criminal cases in history.  In 1888, Jack the Ripper violently murdered at least five women in London’s Whitechapel district.  Some authors claim there were many more victims, several even speculate on the real identity of the murderer.  However, the case remains unsolved.

Since his horrifying murder spree, newspapers columnists have used the name Jack as a place name whenever the culprit of a crime was unknown.  There have been many bad Jacks such as “Jack the Kisser,” a man who kissed unwilling women, “Jack the Peeper,” what we now call a “Peeping Tom,” “Jack the Smasher,” who broke into homes and destroyed everything within without taking a single item.  One irritated newspaper columnist argued that “the ‘Jack’ business has become a fad among the vicious and nothing short of a few doses of cold lead will cure it.”

There was another Jack, who had his own unique crime spree.  Unlike Jack the Ripper, our Jack struck in broad daylight rather than at night.  Like Jack the Ripper, our Jack attacked and disappeared seemingly without a trace.  Jack the Ripper’s murder spree, by most accounts, only lasted a few weeks and occurred within a small geographic region.  Our Jack victimized girls in multiple cities and in multiple states.  The first reports of our Jack were in Brooklyn, New York. 

On Thursday morning, January 8, 1891, Miss Lulu Hewitt walked the several blocks from her home on Schermerhorn Street to her school at the corner of 3^rd Avenue and State Street in Brooklyn.  During her walk, Lulu felt something cold touch her neck, but thought little of it since it was a cold morning.  When she arrived at school, her friends pointed out that something of hers was missing.  She remembered that a man, whom she was unable to describe except that he was tall and slim, had passed unusually close to her while she was walking.

A week later, January 15, a young girl named Mamie McMurray peered into a store window on Grand Street.  After a few minutes, she realized something of hers was missing.  Mamie was focused on the items displayed in the shop’s window and failed to notice anyone approach her.  She looked around but saw nothing and no one unusual. 

On January 20, two young girls, Eva Whitehead and Nellie Kaiser, left their school at noon to visit Eva’s aunt’s home for lunch.  Eva’s aunt lived just a few houses down from the school.  In the middle of a crosswalk, Eva felt a slight tug and thought something had gotten caught on one of her jacket’s buttons.  She adjusted her jacket and continued to her aunt’s home.  When she and Nellie arrived, Eva’s aunt pointed out something was out of place.  Only then did Eva realize someone had tried to steal something from her.  Jack had failed this time.  Eva remembered that a tall, slim man had brushed close by her side in the crosswalk.  Nellie was unaware that anything had happened and had not noticed the man.  

At about 8:30 a.m. on January 26, Gertrude Breast left her home and walked toward her school.  During her walk, she noticed a man whom she had seen on several occasions.  She had previously suspected that the man was watching her.  As she neared her school, she noticed someone was walking unnaturally close to her.  She turned and saw the man whom she had suspected of watching her.  The man, armed with a large knife or a pair of scissors, grabbed the object of his obsession, cut it free, and quickly walked away.  Gertrude was in shock.  She was the first to give a proper description to police.  She said the man was “about 30 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches, medium build, light mustache, black derby hat, blue pea jacket.”  Even with Gertrude’s description, police were unable to locate a suspect. 

At first, police doubted that the attacks had taken place.  However, three young boys had seen Gertrude’s attacker, armed as Gertrude had described, just before the attack.  During their investigation, police learned of other girls who had been Jack’s victims.  In the Summer of 1890, Florence Billings had an almost identical encounter with Jack.  Unlike Gertrude, she was unable to provide a description of Jack.

Jack seemed to disappear for a while.  He, or most likely a copycat, began his dastardly deeds again in 1914, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  This Jack used the darkness of “5 and 10 cent ‘movie’ theaters” to commit his crimes.  Jack sat in theaters and watched as the crowd entered and took their seats.  Then, he selected his victims and calmly sat directly behind them.  Only after the film ended would the girls realize that they had been victimized.  These incidents became so frequent that movie theaters in the region began showing warnings on their movie screens before the feature presentation.

Although Jack put a cold blade next to the throats and necks of numerous young girls, he was no murderer.  Jack never physically harmed his victims.  Most of them only realized they had been victimized well after the attack had taken place.  Incidents such as these occurred in multiple cities in the United States.  Many more cases certainly occurred but were never reported to police or printed in newspapers.  Jack had a condition known as trichophilia.  Jack’s obsession was cutting and collecting long braided hair.  Because of his infatuation, newspapers dubbed him “Jack the Snipper.”

For more Real Stories about Real People …with a Twist, order your copy of “Remember This?” at http://www.BradDison.com.  Brad earned his masters degree in history from Louisiana Tech University.  He has written history books and has been published in newspapers and scholarly journals. 

Sources:

1. Buffalo Morning Express and Illustrated Buffalo Express, February 20, 1889, p.4.
2. The Brooklyn Citizen, January 21, 1891, p.1.
3. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, January 28, 1891, p.6.
4. The Hope Pioneer (Hope, North Dakota), April 22, 1892, p.2.
5. The Des Moines Register, June 5, 1905, p.5.
6. The Los Angeles Times, March 29, 1914, p.13.
7. The Sacramento Star, April 28, 1914, p.8.
8. The Ottawa Citizen, January 3, 1947, p.21.
9. The News (Paterson, New Jersey), January 22, 1947, p.30.
10. The Birmingham News, July 27, 1947, p.10.

Now that the clean-up process from Hurricane Laura has begun in earnest Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., reminds residents to hire only professional-licensed arborists to perform work on storm-damaged trees.

“Anyone doing tree work in Louisiana is required to obtain a license through the LDAF,” Strain said. “Hiring only licensed-professional arborists protects you, the homeowner, since licensed arborists are not only trained to properly execute tree work, but they must also maintain liability insurance.

I also urge you to get a written estimate and, while you may be required to pay a reasonable deposit, you should never pay for the job in full up front, ” continued Strain. “Following hurricanes, we see an increased number of people going door-to-door offering tree services. Always ask to see their license and a current copy of the arborist’s liability insurance certificate.”

According to the Louisiana horticulture law: No person shall receive fees, advertise or solicit business in a regulated profession or occupation unless this person holds the appropriate license or permit, or has a regular employee who holds the appropriate license or permit, or is employed by a person who holds the appropriate license or permit. In addition, all licensees are required to place their license numbers on all business-related vehicles that have advertisements on them.

 

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.  

Facemasks – Show your school pride with special designed cloth facemasks for Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman, Weston, LA Tech, Grambling, ULM, LSU and the New Orleans Saints. You can even add personal monograms. Adult and children sizes available. Only $5.00-$7.00.Call 318-475-0349

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.

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:

Meeting Minutes of Jackson Parish Museum and Fine Arts Association

The meeting of the Board of Directors for the Jackson Parish museum was called to order at 4:30 p.m. on August 20, 2020 by Judie Blalock at the museum.

Roll Call

Present: Mary Hoover, Wilda Smith, Barbara Johnson, James Fitzpatrick, Judie Blalock Absent: Mark Culpepper. One vacancy. A quorum was present.

Minutes were read & discussed with note of the cancellations due to the Covid quarantine. Motion to approve by Wilda Smith. Second by Mary Hoover. Motion carried.

Financial Reports (January-July 2020) were discussed with motion to approve by Barbara Johnson. Second by James Fitzpatrick. Motion carried.

Old Business discussed and information given for the following:

▪ October Photography Exhibit rescheduled for March 2021.

▪ April art exhibit will be rescheduled for a spring 2021 date.

▪ Protection One alarm system was repaired & charges covered by the protection plan.

▪ Annual Fall cleanup for the museum’s buildings & grounds by the community service volunteers from WoodMen Life Chapter 115 is scheduled for October 17.

▪ 2020 membership letters mailed in July with a delay due to the Covid-19 quarantine.

▪ Police Jury information included a review of the change in the membership number. The

Police Jury secretary will be forwarded the board minutes that approved the change.

▪ Discussion regarding the 7 member board that would represent each Police Jury district.

▪ Membership selection of board members will be delayed until more information is given.

New Business

Discussion and review of the research completed during the Covid-19 quarantine and the sharing of new information on the museum Facebook page.

Accessions

Donations will be received in the near future from the family of Mrs. Mary Burnum.

Announcements

Board meeting dates were given for September, October, and November with no meeting scheduled for December.

Comments

Note of gratitude to Police Jury Secretary Gina Thomas for her assistance and to Robert Anderson & his very limited crew who provide assistance as needed at the museum.

Adjourn

Motion to adjourn at by Wilda Smith. Second by Mary Hoover. Motion carried. Adjourned at 5:00 p.m

 

 JACKSON PARISH WATERSHED DISTRICT MINUTES

The Jackson Parish Watershed District met Thursday, August 20, 2020, at 5:00 PM in the Jackson Parish Sports Complex. Present: Mr. Lavelle Smith, Mr. Jay Mallard, Mr. Bert Brown, Ms. Vickie Pace and Mr. Daniel Ponder. Absent: Mr.VBenson Bagwell and Mr. Roy Barlow.

The invocation was given by Mr. Smith. There were no public comments.

Motion Mr. Mallard, seconded Mr. Ponder, to approve the July 16, 2020Vminutes. Motion carried.

Motion Ms. Pace, seconded Mr. Ponder, to pay all bills. Motion carried.VMr. Darrell Avery was present to present his background and desire to be elected Judge.

Motion Mr. Mallard, seconded Mr. Ponder, to approve two duck blinds for Josh Dietrich, two for Brock Adkins and one for Bradley McFarlin. Motion carried.

Motion Ms. Pace, seconded Mr. Ponder, to relocate the water gage to Hwy Four Bridge over Caney Lake. Motion carried.

Motion Mr. Ponder, seconded Mr. Mallard, to purchase three, six foot, galvanized, two inch pipe frames for building picnic tables. Motion carried.

Motion Mr. Ponder, seconded Mr. Brown, to cancel the December 17 meeting. Motion carried.

Motion Mr. Mallard, seconded Mr. Ponder, to adjourn at 5:35 PM Motion carried.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2020 at 5:00 PM.

 

Minutes of the Regular Called meeting of Jonesboro Fire District # 1

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL:

Mr. Dodson called the meeting to order at 18:04 pm the following members were present and the Board achieved a quorum.

Invocation by: Mrs. Doyle, Pledge of Allegiance by: Mr. Terrance Blankenship

Roll Call:

Board Members Present: Mr. Berry Dodson, Mrs. Conchita Doyle,Mr. Terrance Blankenship

Board Members Absent: Mr. Danny Folden,  Mr. Wayne Anderson

1. Public Comments: NONE
2. Recognize Visitors: Kyle Wilkerson, Fire Chief Brandon Brown
3. Approve Minutes – Mr. Dodson called for a motion to approve the minutes for the July 21, 2020 meeting,  Motion by Mr. Dodson, 2nd by Mr. Blankenship, all in favor, motion carried
4. Approve Payment of Monthly Bill

 Mr. Dodson called for a motion to approve the payment of monthly bills for the months of July and August, Motion by Mr. Blankenship, 2nd by Mrs. Doyle, all in  favor, motion carried

1. New Business: None
2. Old Business: NONE
3. NEXT MEETING DATE & TIME:

The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2020 at 6:00pm at the Jonesboro Fire Department, 104th Street, Jonesboro LA 71251

1. BOARD COMMENTS: None
2. ADJOURN: Mr. Dodson called for a motion to adjourn at 18:31 pm: Motion by Mr. Blankenship, 2nd by Mrs. Doyle, all in favor, Motion carried.

 

Jackson Parish Police Jury Operations Committee

August 21, 2020

The Operations Committee met Friday, August 21, 2020 at 12:00 PM in the Police Jury Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Courthouse, 500 E. Court Street, Room 301, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members present: Ms. Amy Magee, Mr. Lewis Chatham, and Mr. Lynn Treadway. Absent: none. Also in attendance: Mr. John McCarty, Mr. Jody Stuckey, Road Superintendent, Mr. Robin Sessions, Solid Waste Superintendent, and Mr. Paul Riley, Engineer.

The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Ms. Magee. Mr. Treadway gave the invocation and Mr. Chatham led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. There being no public comments, the Chair moved on to agenda items.

Motion Mr. Treadway, seconded Mr. Chatham to amend the agenda to include discussion and recommendation to the letter of request from the school board. Motion carried unanimously and the item was added to #6.

The Chair moved item #7 to the top of the agenda. Mr. Sessions gave an update on the status of the Solid Waste Department and discussed the closure of the recycle program and the state of personnel. The Committee discussed commercial pickup and dumping throughout the parish.

Motion Mr. Treadway, seconded Mr. Chatham to recommend the Jury send a letter to the known commercial businesses notifying them that they cannot dump commercial garbage at the bin sites. Motion carried.

Mr. Riley presented the cost estimate to have the Road Department perform the repair work on Shalimar Road for $42,000. Motion Mr. Treadway, seconded Mr. Chatham to recommend the Jury authorize the Road Department to schedule and perform the repair work on Shalimar Road. Motion carried.

Mr. Riley presented the cost estimate to have the Road Department perform the repair work on Rosco Road for $75,000. Motion Mr. Chatham, seconded Mr. Treadway to recommend the Jury authorize the Road Department to schedule and perform the repair work on Rosco Road. Motion carried.

Mr. Riley presented the cost estimate to have the Road Department perform the repair work on Hatten Road for $10,690.40. Motion Mr. Chatham, seconded Mr. Treadway to recommend the Jury authorize the Road Department to schedule and perform the repair work on Hatten Road. Motion carried.

The Chair clarified that all three estimated repairs would need to go through the Finance Committee for budget amendments.

The Committee discussed the planned work on Harris Loop.

Motion Mr. Chatham, seconded Mr. Treadway to recommend the Jury perform the work as originallyv planned on the asphalt maintenance schedule vs. the changes from the last Committee meeting. Motion carried.

Mr. Riley discussed the progress for reviewing roads for revocation from the parish road system. The Committee requested that he present 10 roads at one time for review with the understanding that the studies would continue and go through all districts.

Mr. Stuckey presented an update on the new drainage crew and the asphalt repairs and maintenance schedule. He discussed the recent new hires and the evaluation process. He presented the Committee with the reports from DOTD on bridge inspections. The Committee discussed the new bridge inspections and ratings.

The Secretary-Treasurer presented the update for the Maintenance Department and discussed the pressure washing at the Health Unit and Community Center. She detailed the electronic work order program proposal and gave an update on the Maintenance staff and current vacancy.

The Committee reviewed the letter of request from the School Board to perform repairs at the Quitman High School parking lot. They discussed that this project would not take precedence over the scheduled work for the Road Department. Mr. Stuckey stated that after they completed asphalt maintenance they would return to their major asphalt repair sites and then start special projects from the Jury and municipal appropriations. He estimated that it would take one week to complete the requested work and that it would have to be when school was out on break.

The Committee deferred the request to the Business Session.

The Secretary-Treasurer updated the Committee with the planned work at the Industrial Drive office building and the submission for CARES Act reimbursements.

Mr. Stuckey asked for clarification on the scheduled work on Garner Road and asked for permission to carry the repairs to the end of the road. Mr. Riley stated that it had likely been a mis-print and the intention was for the repairs to extend to the end of the road.

Motion Mr. Treadway, seconded Mr. Chatham to adjourn. Motion carried.

 

Helon Louise Earle            February 23, 1923 – August 21, 2020

Helon Louise Allen Earle was born in Jonesboro, LA on February 23, 1923 and died peacefully there August 21, 2020 at the age of 97. She is survived by her son, Robert Allan Earle “Bob” and wife Mary Katherine Weeks Earle “Kat” of Greeley, CO; daughter, Ann Elizabeth Earle Allred of West Monroe, LA; daughter-in-law, Brenda Sue Millegan Earle of Alto, NM; nieces, Janet Littlefield Luther of San Antonio, TX and Christine Louise Allen Weeks of Jonesboro; nephews, Charles “Chuck” Harold Allen, Jr. of Jonesboro, Donald Joseph Allen “D.J.” of Ruston, Richard Samuel Allen “Rick” of Auburn, AL.  Also surviving is a host of great-and great great-nieces and nephews.

Helon married F.A. “Al” Earle June 6, 1945 in the Methodist Church her mother helped establish.  They moved to Al’s hometown of Escanaba, MI where Bob was born in 1948 and Ann in 1950.  They returned to Jonesboro where Joe was born in 1952.  Helon was a gracious, loving woman active in her church and community.  She had a zest for life, loving many things including her family, her church, friends, traveling , skiing, horseback riding, her flowers, football –and was happiest surrounded by the little ones in the family.

Helon attended Centenary College where she was a member of the Centenary Choir and was a founding member of the Centenary Equestrian Team.  She was the first lady to be inducted into the Jonesboro-Hodge Kiwanis Club and served as a Pink Lady volunteer at the Jackson Parish Hospital.  Helon was honored as Grand Marshall of the Jackson Parish Christmas Parade along with her husband Al, sister Dot and brother Harold.  She was an Honorary member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

She is predeceased by her parents, Isum Josiah Allen and Elizabeth Lenora Jeffress Allen; husband, Frederick Allan Earle; son, Joseph Charles Earle; son-in-law, Mitchell Allred; sisters, Pauline Allen Littlefield, Martiel Allen Michaud and Dorothy Jo Allen; brother, Charles Harold Allen, Sr.; nephew, John C. Michaud, Jr.

Funeral services were at the Jonesboro-Hodge United Methodist Church with Reverend Bill Strawbridge and Reverend Paul Stearns officiating.  Interment followed at the Jonesboro Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro. Serving the family as pallbearers were Thurston Allen, Grayson Allen, John Allen, Ricky Keith, Wade McBride, Paul Peters, Winston Allen.

Billie Ann Miller                          March 17, 1960 – August 24, 2020

Mrs. Billie Ann Miller, age 60 of Heflin, passed from this life into heaven Monday, August 24, 2020 after a brief period of declining health.  She was fond of gardening, fishing and camping.  Mrs. Miller enjoyed reading and working on her coloring application when she had free time.  Her favorite time was  loving on her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her dogs and treasured anytime she could spend with them.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 45 years, Billy Joe Miller; children, Jody Miller and wife Ashley, Johnthn Miller, Tiffany Pylant and husband Chris, Movaline Elizabeth Miller, Tommy Miller and wife Mary; 9 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; sisters, Lisa Parker, Renee Wages; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Edjer Udall and Movaline (Fenn) Wilson; brother, Edjer Udall Wilson, Jr.

The graveside service was Friday, August 28th in the Chatham Cemetery with Reverend Bill Staples officiating.  Burial followed under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

Marjorie Laverne Richards     Jan. 28, 1929 – August 31, 2020

Mrs. Marjorie Laverne Richards, a resident of Winnfield, was escorted into Heaven on August 31, 2020 at the age of 91.  A visitation will be held 1:30 – 2:30 Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, La.  Funeral services will follow at 2:30 in the chapel with Reverend Brian McAllister and Reverend Trey Etheridge officiating.  Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Winnfield. Full obituary details will be posted when available.

Thera Durbin            November 09, 1936 – August 24, 2020

Mrs. Thera Lee Durbin, age 83 of Jonesboro, went to meet her Lord and Savior Monday, August 24, 2020.  She was a member of Antioch Community Church and Antioch Bible Way Church.  She always enjoyed writing articles about her beloved church for the newspaper.  She also enjoyed singing and sang with a singing group.  She was fond of gardening which is a hobby she maintained her whole life until she no longer could.  Her biggest love of all was her grandchildren; they held her heart!

Mrs. Durbin is survived by her children, Phoebe Durbin, Michael Durbin and his wife Sondra, Ellen Hammonds and her husband Tommy, Penny Dillon and her husband Jim; 7 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; brother, Wilburn Fred Smiley; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Hesley “Bus” Durbin; children, Kathy LaRue, Ricky Fred Durbin; grandson, Chad Hammonds; parents, Fred Ander and Lottie Mae (Cunningham) Smiley; siblings, Lavell Smiley, L.V. Smiley, Glen Smiley, Alvin Smiley, Vera Mae Grishom.

Funeral services were Monday, August 31, 2020 with Reverends Richard Harmon and Elton Gunter officiating at Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial followed in Antioch Community Church Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Caitlin Chantae (Mosley) Bishop    Dec. 03, 1992–Aug. 24, 2020

Caitlin Chantae Mosley, as we all know as Caitlin Bishop, age 27, passed away surrounded by family and friends. She went peacefully and on her own terms. Caitlin looked her husband and parents in the eyes, and made them pinky promise they would be alright and would find her on the other side. Despite cancer, she was her true self and left this world as courageous, loving and full of life.

She was born in Minden, Louisiana, on December 3, 1992. She passed on August 24, 2020. Regardless of her battle with cancer, she won the battle with death and we know she is waiting for us to find her in heaven. Caitlin was married to Alex Bishop. They met in the fall of 2014, and were married on March 21, 2020.

Caitlin was a resident of Pace, Florida. She graduated from Pace High School class of 2011; Troy University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences in 2014; and Masters of Health Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of South Alabama class of 2016.

She began martial arts at age five, and participated in her first North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA) in 2001 where she earned two first place awards at the Battle of Atlanta. She was a member of Won’s Martial Arts KICK Team, (Kicking in Christ’s Kingdom) in Columbus, Georgia. She also went onto to be an integral team member of the Pro Rank Team. She went on to win 19 World Championship Martial Arts titles in NASKA and was featured on ESPN.

She was named Miss Pace High School and was in the top 10 of her graduating class. During her time at Troy she was a proud member of Alpha Gamma Delta where she made lifelong friendships. While obtaining her Physician Assistant Degree she volunteered at USA’s student run free clinic and the Christian Medical Ministry of South Alabama. She went on two medical mission trips to Peru during her studies.

She practiced as a Physician Assistant in Cardiology for two years and in Hospitalist Medicine for over two years. She was awarded the Shining Star Award for healthcare members who make a positive impact on the lives of patients and coworkers. She worked up to the end effortlessly, even through a pandemic to help her patients.

She was actively involved in Distinguished Young Women after she was crowned the 2011 Florida Distinguished Young Woman. She was Chairwoman and Founder of Distinguished Young Women of Northwest Florida for five years. She truly built this local program from the ground up.

She is survived by her husband, Alex Bishop; stepdaughter, Caroline; parents, Max and Rhonda Mosley; brother, Skyler; sister, Brandi, and her family; as well as, many more aunts, uncles and cousins. She is also survived by her dearly beloved dogs, Gizmo and Susie.

She is preceded in death by Rhode and Winnie Turner of Quitman, Louisiana; as well as, Max Sr. and June Mosley, of Bienville, Louisiana.

Friends and family may visit 10:00 – 10:30am Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Brooks Chapel Cemetery near Quitman, Louisiana.  Graveside service will follow under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro. Everyone attending will need to wear a mask.

The family would like to especially thank Dr. Eldawy, Morgan, everyone at the Sacred Heart Infusion Center, Dr. Brown, her Hospitalist Family and Lecresa from Covenant Home Health. Their kindness and support was always noticed and appreciated.

Caitlin loved flowers, and any other donations can be made in Caitlin’s honor to Distinguished Young Women of Northwest Florida towards the Caitlin Mosley scholarship fund at Pen Air Federal Credit Union.

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.