Registration for Pre-K 4 is available for all Jackson Parish Schools online. Please be sure you have all required documentation ready when you begin the registration process. You will be able to upload all documents using your phone camera. If you have questions, the best way to reach someone will be through email. All PK teacher emails are listed under the staff directory on each school website. Registration will close on April 17. To register click here: https://jackson.edgear.net/register

Arrests made in Jackson Parish this past week

JACKSON PARISH WARD TWO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
189 Vernon-Eros Road, Ruston, LA. 71270

The Ward Two Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners met in regular session on March 9, 2021 7:00 pm at the District Office. By Roll Call the following members were present: Charles Hopkins, and Mack Williams, George Gryder. Absent was Alton Fallin. Bill Wheelis enter the meeting at 7:45pm. There were no public attendants.

There were 1-additions 0-deletions the addition for contract renewal For Chief Manning. Meeting called to order by Chairman Williams, followed by invocation. Motion entertained by Mr. Gryder and seconded by Mr. Hopkins to accept the agenda as presented with 1 addition to new business and no deletions and proceed into business, motion Mr. Hopkins, second Mr. Gryder, motion carried. Motion entertained by Mr. Williams to accept the minutes from February 9, 2021 with no addition and no deletions, and proceed into business, motion to accept Mr. Gryder, second Mr. Hopkins, motion carried. Corrections/Approval: 0.

In the order of Old Business: Chief Manning delivered the February Fire report for 4 total calls as follows: 1 Fire, 0 Grass/Brush, 0 EMS, 0 MVA, 1 public tree removal and Other 2. Fuel report for February was on hand of 220.1 gallons, fuel usage was 92.0 gallons. There were no bids received for the purchase of the ¾ tone pickup. February training had 5 people in first responder class. Purchasing agent reports for February 2021 was reviewed. Gap Report is 100%. Motion entertained by Mr. Williams to proceed into new business, motion Mr. Gryder, second
Mr. Hopkins, motion carried.

In the order of New Business, Financial Report for m/e 2/31/21 was presented. The bill review was completed by Mr. Williams. Presentation of Bills for February was discussed. Mr. Williams entertained a motion to accept Presentation of bills Motion Mr. Gryder 2nd Mr. Hopkins motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Gryder and seconded by Mr. Wheelis to up the amount in account 4022 to $1000.00 over the limit where there is not a service fee charged. Motion carried. Mrs. Dona Snow resigned as of February 28, 2021. We will be advertising to backfill her position.

Motion was made to enter into executive to discuss Chief Manning contract session at 7:58pm exited session at 8:40pm. Chief Manning contract was approved. The Action List was reviewed- 1 item added.

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. Gryder to adjourn, second Mr. Wheelis, meeting declared adjourned by the chairman at 8:46 pm.

Minutes of Chatham Town Council Special Session
March 11, 2021
The Chatham Town Council met in a special called session with the following members present: Gregory Harris, Mayor, Marvin Davis, Toni Malone, Laverne Mixon, Sue Proffer and Mike Wilson. Meeting was called to order and invocation given.
Toni Malone offered the motion, seconded by Marvin Davis and approved by all, to adopt Resolution 2020-07, giving the Mayor the authority to sign all documents pertaining to water improvement FP&C Project No. 50-M42-18-01. Sue Proffer offered the motion, seconded by Marvin Davis and approved to go into executive session, to discuss personnel.
Toni Malone offered the motion, seconded by Marvin Davis and approved to go out of executive session.
Motion to adjourn was offered by Marvin Davis, seconded Toni Malone and approved by all.

Minutes of Chatham Town Council Regular month meeting
March 9, 2021
The Chatham Town Council met in regular session with the following members present: Toni Malone, Mayor Pro-Tem, Marvin Davis, Laverne Mixon, Sue Proffer and Mike Wilson. Absent: Gregory Harris.
Visitors: Sue Henderson, John Mize, Judy Cooper, Carrie Watts , Elizabeth Shoemaker, Lewis Chatham, Kelvin McGuire, Shawn Malone
Meeting was called to order and invocation given.
Marvin Davis offered the motion, seconded by Laverne Mixon, and approved unanimously, to accept as read, the minutes of the regular meeting held on February 9, 2021.
Toni Malone offered the motion, seconded by Sue Proffer and approved by all, to pay the monthly bills.
Motion by Sue Proffer, seconded by Davis Marvin and approved unanimously, to approve Ordinance 2021 01, setting the sewerage rates for service outside the city limits.
Laverne Mixon offered the motion, seconded by Marvin Davis and approved unanimously, to accept the bid from R & J Family Trucking & Construction, LLC., for cleaning the property located at 6357 Hwy 34. This is contingent on the property being donated to the town.
Sue Proffer offered the motion, seconded by Laverne Mixon and approve unanimously, to adopt Resolution 2020-14, giving the Mayor the authority to sign all documents pertaining to the donation of property located at 6357 Hwy 34.
Marvin Davis offered the motion, seconded by Sue Proffer and approved unanimously, to adopt Resolution 2021-05, giving the Mayor the authority to sign all document pertaining the 2019-2020 Community Water Enrichment Fund.
Marvin Davis offered the motion, seconded by Sue Proffer, to accept the recommendation from the police chief, to hire Micheal Stewart, as a part time officer.
The financial statements were reviewed and motion was offered by Sue Proffer, seconded by Mike Wilson and approved to accept the financial statements as presented.
Motion to adjourn was offered by Marvin Davis, seconded Laverne Mixon and approved by all.

If you haven’t already done so all your clocks need to be set ahead one hour in observance of Daylight Savings Time. The time officially changed at 2:00am on Sunday, March 14th allowing for longer daylight hours in the afternoon and evening for the next several months.  

Dawn Slezak, Rickey Cash, Oswald “Bert” Brown and Deneise Barlow were re-appointed to their various boards by the Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ) during their regularly scheduled monthly meeting held on March 8th at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro. More appointments and re-appointments are expected soon as terms expire.

Slezak and Barlow retained their position on the Tourism Board with Slezaks term running until the end of the year and Barlow’s extending until 

After a delay of 30 minutes due to the extended comments that were made during the Public Hearing that preceded the meeting Todd Culpepper, President Amy Magee, John McCarty, Tarneshala “Niki” Cowans, Regina Rowe and Lynn Treadway listened to comments made by James Ginn of Jonesboro and Lester Allen of Eros. 

Dawn Slezak, Rickey Cash, Oswald “Bert” Brown and Deneise Barlow were re-appointed to their various boards by the Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ) during their regularly scheduled monthly meeting held on March 8th at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro. More appointments and re-appointments are expected soon as terms expire.

Slezak and Barlow retained their position on the Tourism Board with Slezaks term running until the end of the year and Barlow’s extending until December 31, 2023. The reason for the different lengths of appointment was due to the JPPJ electing to stagger the terms of the board members at the February meeting. Rickey Cash will remain on the Recreation Board until February 28, 2024 while Brown will stay on the Watershed Board until 12/31/2022.

The meeting began 30 minutes later than normal due to the extended comments that were made during the preceding Public Hearing on the upcoming sales tax election. After JPPJ President Amy Magee called the session to order Todd Culpepper, Magee, John McCarty, Tarneshala “Niki” Cowans, Regina Rowe and Lynn Treadway listened to comments made by James Ginn of Jonesboro and Lester Allen of Eros. District Two representative Lewis Chatham was absent.

Ginn, who is an Alderman for the Town of Jonesboro but commented as a private citizen, thanked the Police Jury for their help with the water issues that plagued the parish during the winter storms. Allen, who stated he was speaking on behalf of the 13 families who live on Shennandoah Road in Eros, pleaded with board members to follow through with continued promises made over the last couple of years to repair the road as now it is virtually impassible by residents and emergency vehicles if required. 

“We need your help and we need it now,” pleaded Allen. “The road is impassible unless you have a four-wheel drive. There are 13 families that live on this road and if one of them needed a fire truck or an ambulance they couldn’t get there.” 

After President Magee promised she would look into the matter and get back with Allen the panel moved to approve the reports from the Operations and Finance Committee, as well as, reports from the Superintendents and heads of the Road, OEP, Solid Waste and Finance Departments. Of note was the approval of a letter of response to Plum Hill Missionary Baptist Church and the execution of a two year “exchange” contract with Acadian Fleet Management. Authorization to apply for a federal assistance grant for road maintenance on Gansville Road and the decline to purchase the land adjacent to the Blake Building in Jonesboro was also agreed on. The meeting was adjourned after comments made by Jury members where District 4 representative McCarty instructed other Jury members to begin forming teams in their respective districts in preparation of the “Jackson Parish Clean-Up Day” event slated for the 12th of June.  

NOTE – This is the second part of a series published exclusively in the Jackson Parish Journal regarding the upcoming sales tax election. Over the next several weeks we will look at among other things: what a sales tax represents, how the tax is derived, why parish officials state that an increase is needed, where the additional funds will be applied and when the new tax rate, if approved, will take effect. Today – How expensive is it to live in Jackson Parish?

Living in Louisiana is less expensive than it is on average across the U.S. as a whole. According to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, goods and services in the state cost 10.9% less than they do on average nationwide. Compared with all other states, Louisiana has the 10th lowest overall cost of living. Cost of Living in Jackson Parish is 12.8% lower than the National Average but increased 1.2% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.

According to 247wallst.com the statewide average of the cost of living in dollars for a family of four was $72,727.00 and in Jackson Parish $66,909.87, which ranked as the 18th least expensive in the state. For single households in Jackson Parish the amount was $34,995.38 which ranked 31st in lowest cost.

The cost of living estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits.

Two of these factors, transportation and food, weigh heavily in regard to a sales tax. In regard to transportation the average commute back and forth to work for Jackson Parish residents is 31.2 miles and 92% of commuters drive their own vehicle. This is compared to an 85.5% nationwide. On average the typical motorist in the state drives 10,538 miles a year. Taking into account an average cost per gallon price of $1.90 for 2020 that comes to $829.00 in money spent just on gas. 

Food is another every day expense that has a significant impact on the overall cost of living in an area. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that in Louisiana, a single adult spends an average of $3,119 on food annually, and a family of four spends $9,006 on average. For context, the nationwide average annual food expenditure is $3,240 for a single adult and $9,354 for a family of four. 

Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For instance, according to the livability.com website, 31.8% of Jackson Parish resident adults drank beer in the last six months, while 40.80% dined out at restaurant’s with an average of $539.00 per person being spent.  Additional information shows that 11.2% of the parish population attended at least one sporting event last year, 8.2% visited a zoo, 6.4% attended a theater and 3.8% went to an art gallery. 

 

 

At the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Jonesboro Board of Aldermen that was held on Tuesday, March 9th, the Town Council agreed to engage with Bosch and Statham CPA firm in regard to the 2019-20 audit. Members that were present were Devin Flowers, James Ginn, Robbie Siadek and Pete Stringer. Nia Evans-Johnson was absent. 

After Jackson Parish Police Jury President Amy Magee spoke briefly during the public comments portion of the meeting, Jonesboro Mayor Leslie Thompson updated the Council on the audit progress and gave recognition to all the Town employees for the diligent work to restore water to the town. 

Ordinance 2021-001 regarding surplus property owned by the town was then discussed culminating in the bid by Pamela McGuire in the amount of $500.00,which was the only one submitted, being accepted. Department head reports, February bills and the February minutes as well as the adoption of Resolution 2021-06 in regard to the LCDB grant was then accepted.

Two items met with dissent. The first was the approval by the Board to hire Sketea Walker to the Jonesboro Police Department on a part time basis that was vetoed by the Mayor citing that before he gave approval, Police Chief James “Spike” Harris needed to present an acceptable plan for redistribution of funds. The second was in regard to the February financials that the Council failed to approve after discussion found several errors that were contained in the report that was presented. 

Old friends and even some family members will be in enemy camps this Monday and Tuesday as all three parish high schools and neighboring Saline will play in a couple of juicy matchups at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department. The actions begins on Monday when a pair of first year coaches who have already proven their prowess square off against each other when Weston (3-1), led by Jacob Otwell hosts Saline (3-2), under the guidance of Micah Bougues. On Tuesday, Joe Lockhart, the longest tenured spring sport coach in Jackson Parish with 18 years under his belt leads Quitman into battle against Jonesboro-Hodge (3-2), who has won three in a row in Ethan Roberts first year. The contest marks the first home game of the year for the Wolverines after ten straight on the road, compiling an impressive 7-3 record. The Lady Tigers of Jonesboro-Hodge (0-4) will also be in action on Monday when they take the long journey to West Carroll Parish to play Kilbourne.

To recap action from Thursday to Saturday it wasn’t a very productive week for the six Jackson Parish squads who ended the three day stretch with a combined 6-8 record. It was definitely better for the boys though who combined for a 4-2 record with J-H winning their only game, Quitman winning two out of three and Weston earning a split of their two. Although the Lady Wolverines split four and lost two in a row for the first time all year they played well against powerhouse schools all from higher classificaitons in the Tioga Tourney. Weston and Jonesborto-Hodge lost both games they played. 

Jonesboro-Hodge 17 Ringgold 0 (Thursday)- The Tigers finally put it all together to take the dominating victory. Bryce Ethridge and Tydre Malone were impressive on the mound, combining to strike out ten and allowing just two hits. At the plate the Tigers got just five hits but two were for extra bases (Chandler Harvey – 2B, Layden Benavidez – 3B) and as a team drew 15 walks. More importantly, for the first time all year the Tigers didn’t kick it around as much, making only three errors which is less than half of their season average. JHHS scored five in the first with two outs. Logan Smith got it started with a walk and steal, then advanced home on a wild pitch and a passed ball. Manuel Hernandez also drew a walk and scored on Harvey’s two bagger to left center who crossed home when Marcus Thompson’s grounder to third was booted. Connor Webb followed with a single that plated Thompson, stole second and then scored the fifth of the inning when Dominick Strickland’s grounder to short ended up being the fourth Ringgold error of the inning. Smith scored another unassisted run in the second with a walk, two stolen bases and taking home on a wild pitch. Ringgold’s wildness really haunted them in the fourth as eight Tigers coaxed free passes including six in a row that allowed to seven runs, tying a single inning best for the year. Drew Davis and Titus Thompson drew walks in the fourth followed by a Chandler single that scored Davis. Trevor Fenn’s groundout drove in Thompson with a groundout before Malone got his first hit and scored his first run of his varsity career on Benavidez’s first career hit, triple and RBI. Harvey led the offensive parade with two hits, 3 RBI and 3 runs scored, followed by Connor Webb (3SB, 1B, 2BB, 2RBI, 2RS), Manuel Hernandez (2RS, SB, RBI, 3BB) and Logan Smith (3RS, 3BB, 3SB) all who reached base in every plate appearance. Marcus Thompson (RBI, BB) and Drew Davis (2SB, BB) scored twice apiece.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
Ringgold (1-4)	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	5
JHHS (3-2)	5	1	7	4	x	17	5	3

WP – Ethridge (1-0), LP – McCarty
2B – Harvey
3B – Benavidez
RBI – Harvey 3, Webb 2, Benavidez, Ethridge, Fenn, Hernandez, Malone, Thompson
SB – Webb 3, Smith 3, Davis 2, Harvey, Hernandez, Strickland, Thompson 

Quitman 16 Weston 0 (Thursday) – For the second time this spring, Quitman has beaten Weston by the same score. Only this time it count’s much more as it was the opening game of district 2B play. It was more of the same for the Lady Wolverines as once again the “kiddie corps” (no disrespect intended) led the way. Their explosion on to the prep softball scene has Quitman High quickly becoming one of the more entertaining stories in north Louisiana prep sports. At least two or three underclassmen and in a many instances, not even high schoolers, has led Quitman to an impressive 13-5 record against a stiff schedule that has the Lady Wolverines sitting at #4 in the Class B  power rankings. Against fellow Jackson Parish foe Weston in the district 2B season opener for both teams, Quitman got four home runs by their underclassmen and Maggie Guyotte threw a one hit shutout, hit a home run, scored twice and drove in four. Not bad for a seventh grader. Eighth grader’s, Cali Deal and Karley Huckaby, whose 5 RBI was a season best, also came up big with two hits and a homerun each in the first inning that saw Quitman open up a 7-0 lead. Lest we not forget Maddie Kate “Big Bopper” Brymer. Along with her two hits and two runs scored she also blasted her area leading 6th of the year and even more impressively her three RBI in the contest added to the 41 she has on the season, which according to MaxPreps.com leads the state of Louisiana by a whopping six runs. After sending 11 to the plate in the first frame, 14 more batted in the second that saw Quitman score 9 more as all of the above along with Madeline Vail, Madison Chaplin, Skylar Hall, Taylor Harvey, Jada Naron (the teams lone senior). Averie Williams and Katie Lynn Roberts all getting into the act. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

	1	2	3	R	H	E
Quitman (11-3, 1-0)	7	9	0	16	13	0
Weston (3-8, 0-1)	0	0	0	0	1	2

WP – Guyotte (4-1), LP – Tolar (0-3)
HR – Brymer, Deal, Guyotte, Huckaby
RBI – Huckaby 5, Guyotte 4, Brymer 3, Hall 2, Harvey, Deal
SB – Williams 2, Chaplin, Hall, Naron, Vail

St. Frederick’s 7 Weston 1 (Thursday) – What is known after the loss to St. Frederick High School out of Monroe in the Choudrant Tournament is that the Weston baseball team and first year coach Jacob Otwell won’t go undefeated this year. What is also known is that the loss doesn’t overshadow the good start to the year. Despite what looks like a lopsided scored the Wolves had a chance in this one. Nine men left on base and six untimely, free passes by the three Weston hurlers were the major culprits in the loss that saw St. Fred’s nick and pick their way to the win. The Warriors never score more than two in an inning but did that twice over the six they batted in and scored one in three of the others including the first two that gave them a 2-0 advantage before Weston scored. Ty Henderson got the only  Weston run after singling, going to second on Bryce Zehr, taking third on a Caleb Waters grounder that got Zehr out at second and scoring on a Kaden Shirley groundout to second. Tayt Culpepper, who took the loss on the mound, got the other hit along with Landon Roberts as the first five Weston batters went a combined 0-15. Waters did have a stolen base. 

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Weston (2-1)	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	4	2
St. Frederick (5-4)	1	1	2	0	1	2	x	7	7	2

WP – n/a, LP – Culpepper (0-1)
RBI – Shirley
SB – Waters

Quitman 4 St. Frederick 2 (Friday) – Quitman took advantage of three batters getting hit by pitches, an error and two singles to score four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning that erased a 2-0 deficit and lead Quitman to the Choudrant Tournament victory. Ian Tilley improved to 2-1 on the season by scattering four singles and giving up one earned run over six inning. Logan Ponder got the last out of the seventh by a strikeout, leaving the bases loaded, for the save. Ponder got the big inning started by getting hit, went to second on a single by Ty Simonelli and both advanced when Luke Morgan also got plunked for the fifth time this season. OUCH! Ponder scored on a Joshua Smith flyout to center then with two outs, Cam Hollis became the third of the inning to “take one for the team” that reloaded the bases. The Wolverines then got a huge break when an errant throw to first on Cam Deal’s dribbler to the mound scored two. Kyler West then followed with a sharp single up the middle to plate Hollis. Simonelli had two of the three Quitman hits.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
St. Frederick (5-5)	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	2	5	2
Quitman (5-4)	0	0	0	4	0	0	x	4	3	1

WP – Tilley (2-1), LP – Neal
RBI – Smith, West

River Oaks 12 Weston 8 (Friday) – The Lady Wolves out hit River Oaks 11-6 but eight walks, three untimely errors and two River Oaks home runs helped the Lady Mustangs even the season series at one apiece. There were six lead changes in the game that saw Weston lose the lead twice in three innings. It looked like the Lady Wolves were fast on their way to a repeat of the 25-8 victory earlier in the season when hits by Lexi Barmore, Emma Kate McBride and Audry Welch along with a walk to Mary Catherine Hay and an error on a grounder hit by Alaina Trosclair led to five runs in the top of the first. A double by Reyes, three free passes and the first of Herrington’s home runs evened it up where it stayed until the top of the third. Back to back hits by Hay and Jacie Ledford led to a Sac fly by Welch and a single by Trosclair to put Weston back on top by two but once again River Oaks would rally, this time taking the lead on the strength of four walks and an error. Weston got one back in the top of the fourth to tie it up at 8-8 when Barmore reached on an error and was brought home by Taylor Chatham’s single but that was as close as Weston would get as River Oaks added four more the rest of the way. The third straight loss dropped Weston to 3-9 on the year while River Oaks improved to 5-3 with their fourth straight win. Lexi Barmore had three hits and scored twice for Weston, Audry Welch had a pair of hits, stole a base and drove in three. Jacie Ledford scored two runs and had an RBI. 

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Weston (3-9)	5	0	2	1	0	0	0	8	11	3
River Oaks (5-3)	5	0	3	1	3	0	x	12	6	3

WP – Simmons, LP – Aldy (0-1)
2B – Barmore
RBI – Welch 3, Chatham, Ledford, Trosclair
SB – Hay, Welch

Grant 7 Quitman 3 (8 innings) (Friday) – Cali Deal struck out a career high, 18 batters over seven innings including eight in a row at one point but ran out of gas in the eighth as tournament host, Grant High hit four singles, coaxed a walk and had a batter reach on an error to score four that broke open a 3-3 game and gave the Lady Wolverines their fourth loss of the year. Two singles and a home run gave Grant a 3-0 lead in the first but Quitman tied it up with a run in the third and two more in the bottom of the sixth. Deal helped her cause in the third when she smacked a triple for her second hit of the game and scored when Madison Chaplin’s grounder to second was misplayed for an error, on of six made by Grant on the day. In the sixth Chaplin knocked herself in with a leadoff homer followed by Skylar Hall slapping a single, stealing two bases and coming home on a passed ball.  Hall would add a double in the bottom of the eighth for her second hit of the game and Jada Naron would single but both were stranded. Quitman fell to 11-4 on the year while Class 4A, Grant improved to 9-1 with their seventh straight win. 

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	R	H	E
Grant (9-1)	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	7	10	6
Quitman (11-4)	0	0	1	0	0	2	0	0	3	6	5

WP- n/a, LP – Deal (6-3)
2B – Hall
3B – Deal
HR – Chaplin
RBI – Chaplin
SB – Hall, Naron, Vail

LaSalle 9 Quitman 7 (Saturday) – Two errors made by Quitman and a LaSalle triple in the first three batters of the bottom of the fifth inning led to seven runs, erasing a 6-2 Quitman lead and sending the Lady Wolverines to their first two game losing streak of the year.  Maggie Guyotte, who had come in relief of Cali Deal with one out in the fourth, was the hard luck loser despite giving up only one earned run. It was not a well played game defensively by either team as each gave up only one earned run after combining for nine errors. Quitman scored three in the top of the first when Maddie Kaye Brymer socked a double to score Madison Chaplin and Guyotte, who had reached on back to back LaSalle errors. Cali Deal followed with single to score Brymer. The lead ballooned to 5-0 in the third when Brymer and Jada Naron hit singles and both scored on LaSalle’s third boot on a ball hit to third by Karley Huckaby. LaSalle cut the lead to 5-2 in the bottom third after Quitman got generous with two straight errors to open the frame. Chaplin and Guyotte got back to back singles in the fourth setting the stage for  Brymer’s third RBI of the game with a sacrifice fly. Then came the disastrous fifth inning….. 

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Quitman (11-5)	3	0	2	1	0	1	0	7	9	5
LaSalle (9-3)	0	0	2	0	7	0	x	9	6	4

WP – n/a, LP – Guyotte (4-2)
2B – Brymer, Deal
RBI – Brymer 3, Deal, Huckaby
SB – Deal 2, Huckaby 2, Naron

Quitman 7 University Academy 6 (11 innings) Saturday – Madison Chaplin, who had opened the bottom of the 11th inning with a single and then stole second, scored on Skyler Hall’s grounder to third to lift Quitman to the thrilling victory in their third game of the Grant Tournament. The victory broke a two game Quitman losing streak as well as stopping University’s five game winning streak. The two teams combined for 23 hits in the back and forth contest that saw five lead changes over the first seven innings. Quitman was down 4-0 in the third when Madison Chaplin hit a one out double and scored on Maggie Guyotte’s single. A walk to Cali Deal brought up Maddie Kaye Brymer who plated both with a double to left center. Hall followed with a triple to right center for her second hit in two innings that evened the score. Another Chaplin single and Brymer double in the fifth along with Jada Naron’s single gave Quitman their first lead of the game in the fifth that held up until University scratched a run across in the top of the seventh on the strength of three walks. Hall and Guyotte had three hits, Chaplin scored three and Guyotte, Brymer and Hall had two RBI each to lead the offensive attack. Deal got her 7th win of the year with 6.1 innings of relief. 

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	R	H	E
University Acad. (6-5)	1	0	3	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	6	11	3
Quitman (12-5)	0	0	4	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	7	12	2

WP- Deal (7-3), LP – n/a
2B – Guyotte 2, Chaplin, Brymer
3B – Hall
RBI – Brymer 2, Guyotte 2, Hall 2, Naron
SB – Hall 2, Huckaby, Brymer, Chaplin, Deal

Quitman baseball splits pair at Choudrant Tourney (Saturday) – After dropping an 11-1 decision to Oak Grove to start the day, Logan Ponder pitched a three hit shut out to lead the way to a 4-0 victory over Claiborne Christian gave the Wolverines a 2-1 record at the Choudrant Tournament and improved their record to 6-4 overall. Ponder was masterful with first pitch strikes to 21 of the 29 batters he faced to gain his first victory of the year and his career.  Quitman scored one run in the first, third, fourth and fifth innings through ten singles on the night and six stolen bases. Ponder, Ian Tilley and Joshua Smith got two apiece and Cam Hollis, Jordan Vail, Kyler West and Riley Duck all got one. Luke Morgan and Ponder stole two bases followed by Smith and Tilley with one each.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
CCHS (1-6)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0
Quitman (6-4)	1	0	1	1	1	0	x	4	10	2

WP – Ponder (1-0), LP – n/a
RBI – Ponder, Smith, Vail
SB – Morgan 2, Ponder 2, Smith, Tilley

Weston 2 Oak Hill 1 (8 innings) (Saturday) – Cooper Delaney scored Weston’s first run with a hit in the second inning to give Weston the lead and then got hit in the bottom of the eighth to drive in the winner to earn the Wolves a split in the Choudrant Tourney and improve their record to 3-1 on the year. Oak Hill falls to 5-4. Bryce Zehr drew a walk to open things and went to second on a wild pitch. A long drive to right that was caught allowed Zehr to tag and move to third. Kaden Shirley reached on a fielders choice and then Davis Tolar walked to load the bases bringing up Delaney who after fouling off a two strike pitch earned his way to first the hard way. Kaden Shirley earned the win in relief of Tolar who struck out 8 in five innings of shut out ball.  Oak Hill outhit the Wolves 9-4 but left 12 on base. Tait Henderson, Delaney, Tolar and Shirley got Weston’s hits. 

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	R	H	E
Oak Hill (5-4)	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	9	2
Weston (3-1)	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	4	3

WP- Shirley (3-0), LP – n/a
RBI – Delaney, Henderson
SB – Theriot

Lady Tigers lose three at Saline Tourney – The winless streak to open the season and first year head coach Tracy Taylor’s career has now reached eight in a row after Jonesboro-Hodge lost to Summerfield, Red River and Saline on Friday and Saturday. There was a bright spot as the Lady Tigers exploded for 11 runs against Summerfield which almost doubles the scoring out put for the year in the other seven games. No stats were available. 

Remember the day when you would come to the Jackson Parish Library and see patrons of all ages gathered in the glass enclosed area using the many computers available?  Now that the state of Louisiana has moved into Phase 3 that loosened some of the restrictions that had been imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Computer Center at the Jonesboro Branch is open once again. After nearly a year the doors have been reopened that will allow you to type and print documents, do research, surf the internet, listen to music and audio instruction or engage in social media sites.

“We are pleased to be able to reopen this very popular area of the library,” said Director Floyd Knox. “While there won’t be as many stations available as there was in the past due to social distancing guidelines more patrons at one time can now have access to computers.”

CHATHAM BRANCH REOPENS: Certain sections, such as the Children’s area, remain closed off while renovation and repairs from damage caused by winter storm is still going on but the Chatham Branch of the Jackson Parish Library is now open once again. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. No fines will be accessed on books or materials that were supposed to be checked back in during the time the branch was closed.

WIN A T-SHIRT: The Jonesboro Branch opened the month by celebrating the March 2nd, birthday of Dr. Seuss. As part of the festivities a challenge to all readers up to the 4th grade was issued to read as many Dr. Seuss books as possible throughout the month of March. For those who read ten or more books the JPL will issue a Dr. Seuss T-Shirt. Come by or call (318-259-5697) to register which is required in order to insure there will be enough T-Shirts in the correct sizes available and to get your reading log which is used as verification of books read. While it is preferred that the reading material be checked out from the library, any Dr. Seuss books that you own can be logged in once they are read.

MARCH IS A MONTH OF “SPECIAL DAYS”– Did you know that the month of March has more “special days” than any other? Twelve of the 31 days in March commemorate a wide variety of event’s, activities and important people of American history.  Palm Sunday, the beginning of Passover, moving to daylight savings time and the beginning of the Spring season all take place this month as well. Almost half of them have already been celebrated but there are several more “special days” still ahead as shown below. 

March 14	Pi Day
March 15	Susan B. Anthony Day
March 17	St. Patrick’s Day
March 20	World Storytelling Day
March 21	World Poetry Day
March 30	National Pencil Day
March 31	National Crayon Day

SCHEDULE OF ADULT ACTIVITIES FOR MARCH 14-20

Monday, March 14 and Thursday, March 18: Do you have questions concerning the COVID-19 vaccine? By appointment only, Ms. Jeanette White from the Office of Public Health will be available at the Jonesboro branch at 1:00pm to answer any questions you may have and provide information. To secure an appointment either call (318) 259-6601, (318) 332 – 9204, send fax to 318-259-1146 or send email to: jeanette.glver@la.gov.

Wednesday, March 17: Pine Belt Multi-Purpose representative TyAnne Williams is available for consultation by appointment only from 9am – 12:00pm. You can receive help with Unemployment Application Assistance, SNAP Benefits Application, Medicaid/Medicare Enrollment, Social Security Benefits Application and Social Security Card Applications. Information on Financial Counseling Courses, Commodities Distribution and Senior Food Boxes will also be provided. To secure an appointment please call 318-259-6444.

You are also invited to participate in a market research program sponsored by Brown’s Hearing to help evaluate a new digital hearing instrument at the Jonesboro Branch on from 10:00am – 4:00 pm. To secure an appointment call 888-781-3978.

SNAP Program assistance – Ms. Jerlissa Elzy, who is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Outreach Coordinator is available for assistance with Food Stamp Applications and redetermination as well as helping with a simplified report by calling 318-237-7764 or 318-322-3567.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Reading Eggs and Math Seeds program: If you would like to enroll your child in this education enrichment program please contact: Terrye Shackleford at 318-269-5697. Please be prepared to provide a cell phone number that can be used for a text to be received that will contain your child’s username and password for the program. Please note that this program is NOT HELD AT THE LIBRARY but is for use at home. As a requirement you must have internet service at your home to participate. Your child can work on an iPad, Laptop, Computer or Kindle of any kind. There is no cost to participate.

OUTREACH SERVICES

Monthly personalized delivery of books, audiobooks, magazines and more are available to residents of Jackson Parish, including Nursing Home residents and in-home daycares.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Binge Box – Checkout multiple movies for one week that counts as only one checkout. 

Vox Books  (Books that talk) – The first audio books that live in print books. The attached VOX Reader transforms an ordinary print book into an all-in-one read along. No need for computers, tablets or CD’s. Simply push a button to listen and read. 

Flipster – An easy to use resource for viewing best selling digital magazines. 

Freegal Music – Service that provides access to virtually every song ever recorded in over 100 countries. Includes catalog of legendary artists and over 40,000 music videos. 

Chilton Automotive Guide – A must for those do-it-yourself auto repair projects. Provides detailed sketches and instructions on virtually every repair job and new parts installation for all makes and models of automobiles. 

PrinterOn – Printing can be done from your Smartphone or Tablets through this free app by sending an email along with attachments to: jpl-jonesboro@printspots.com or jpl-chatham@printspots.com

Fax and copy services: Available at both branches. Pricing dependent on size. 

JONESBORO BRANCH INFORMATION

Address: 614 South Polk Avenue
Phone: 318-259-5697
Fax: 318-259-3374
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday (8:00am – 5:30pm), Saturday (8:00am – 12:00pm)

CHATHAM BRANCH INFORMATION

Address: 1500 Pine Street
Phone: 318-249-2980
Fax: 318-249-2981
Hours of operation: Monday – Thursday (8:30am – 6:00pm), Friday and Saturday (8:30am – 12:30pm)

Thousands of people in Louisiana have either received the one-shot, Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or two shots of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Those vaccinations are not the end of the battle against the virus though.

“Taking the vaccine doesn’t get you a hall pass from wearing the mask,” LSU Health Shreveport Vice Chancellor of Research Dr. Chris Kevil said. “What we know is that the vaccine reduces severity if you get the virus and reduces hospitalization and death. We don’t know if it reduces one’s ability to spread it. Wearing a mask helps prevent the spread. Until that data becomes more clear and we understand what the vaccines are really doing, mask usage is still going to be important.”

Kevil said mask wearing isn’t the only part of pandemic life remaining after being vaccinated but as more is learned about how well the vaccinations work, there could be some changes coming.

“I do think the CDC will come out, and they have hinted as much, with some changes or recommendations for people who have had the vaccine that they may be able to change later on, but I think basic preventive measures such as social distancing will probably still be in place,” Kevil said.

While mask wearing and social distancing are still advised, Kevil said those who have been vaccinated should be able to eat dinner or go to a movie without fear.

“I know personally, knowing how strong an immuno response these vaccines illicit, I feel comfortable having dinner inside. That doesn’t mean I walk around without a mask. I don’t do that. And obviously you can’t eat with a mask on so when you sit down at dinner to eat, you take your mask off. But when you leave the restaurant, those kind of things still help and are still good prudent exercises to engage in.”

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gives further specific guidance for what fully vaccinated people can do:
(1) Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.
(2) Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.
(3) Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure to COVID-19 if asymptomatic.

Macie Hall, Alfonzo Calahan and Madison “Maddie” Kaye Brymer were named the Student Athlete of the Week for Weston, JHHS and Quitman High Schools for the period of February 28th – March 6th. The  winners were chosen be select faculty members of each school based on their performance this past week in the classroom and in athletic competition. Hall is a Senior who plays softball at Weston High School while Calahan is a freshman on the JHHS baseball team. Brymer is a sophmore softball player at Quitman High. The  winners were announced by the Jackson Parish Hospital who sponsors the award after being chosen by select faculty members at each school based on their performance this past week in the classroom and in athletic competition. 

• 

• 

• 

Skyleigh Webb, a fourth grader at Quitman High School, recently won second place in the statewide Louisiana School Boards Association (LSBA) artwork contest in the K-5 classification. As result her artwork is to be framed by the LSBA and displayed in the Louisiana Governor’s mansion.

“This is a great honor and to say I am so very proud of her is an understatement,” said mother, Emily Webb. “We give thanks to her art teacher, Taryn Toms, for helping Skyleigh and encouraging her develop and reach her full potential.”

The daughter of Russ and Emily Webb of Quitman qualified for the contest by winning the Jackson Parish (K-3) Art Contest last year. 

Editor’s note: It is our goal to bring content to readers that they enjoy, so the Jackson Parish Journal is pleased to have the opportunity to publish once again the ever popular, “Glynn Harris Outdoors” column and “Fishing Report.” In order to know that you would like to see this on a weekly basis, comments would be appreciated. 

I was a late bloomer when it came to hunting wild turkeys. About this time 29 years ago, I took my first step into the turkey woods, downed the first gobbler I ever hunted and like a drug addict doing whatever it took for another hit, I was hooked. Since that April morning in Coosa County Alabama when that long-bearded gobbler came strutting up, spring time has meant turkey hunting time for me.

Over these past almost three decades I have chased turkeys from Alabama to Florida Texas to South Dakota and Louisiana and with turkey season just around the corner this year, I’m ready to give it a go again. I have been reading some material and talking with turkey hunters around the country and
something I have learned is disturbing. In the southeast, the overall number of wild turkey has been in a slow but steady decline over the past several years, the decline attributed to several factors. Nest depredation, brood habitat loss, and the burgeoning population of feral hogs seem to be the principal culprits. Ron Jolly, long time turkey hunter from Alabama contacted me to tell me about a group that has been formed to attempt to stop the decline in turkey numbers, particularly in the southeast.

“Of the factors contributing to the decline in turkey populations, no one of the factors alone has created this problem. It’s a combination of these that are taking a toll on our turkey population,” said Jolly.

A group of what Jolly calls a “bunch of old gray beard turkey hunters” decided to see what could be done to at least slow the decline.

“We came together as a group of concerned turkey hunters who have had a total of over 500 years of chasing gobblers. In June 2020, we formed a non-profit 501-c-3 group we’re calling Turkeys for Tomorrow. We are working with the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and are targeting our state wildlife agencies that are already charged with the protection of wildlife resources. They already have the personnel and equipment and are the only people who can do this,” Jolly explained.

He noted that each of the 17 southeastern states has a wild turkey biologist that collaborate each year together to identify problems that affect turkeys.

“We are going to let them convince us where we need to focus on work and projects needed to improve the lot of wild turkeys and we plan to go directly to turkey hunters in those states. We don’t plan to have fund raising banquets or fund raisers but we’re asking turkey hunters to partner with us because when you get right down to it, hunters are responsible for the wild game we have,” Jolly continued.

Hunters and organizations interested in becoming partners in this endeavor can get involved by going to the website, turkeysfortomorrow.org and click on becoming a partner. The organization is growing and has already signed up a group of partners including Pistol Creek, Great Day Outdoors, Pittman Game Calls and Jager Pro. As Turkeys for Tomorrow grows, Jolly said the efforts will enhance what the National Wild Turkey Federation is doing, an organization that has suffered this year because the COVID pandemic has put the skid to that organizations fund raising efforts. It’s the hope and prayer of every turkey hunter that these far-sighted efforts will slow the decline of these special birds and I’m sure they’ll want to get involved.

“The plight of wild turkeys has become an issue as numbers are declining. Hopefully, Turkeys for Tomorrow can find some answers and help fix the problem.” – Jeff Perot photo

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Crappie are beginning to leave the deep holes and starting to move shallow. Also some are being caught under the Highway 4 bridge on shiners and jigs. Bass fishing is beginning to pick up as the big females are starting to ease into shallow spawning areas. Sonny Watson, Ruston, landed two last week that were near 10 pounds each. No report on catfish or bream. 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 D’ARBONNE – Crappie are on the flats and starting to move to shallow spawning areas. Some good ones have been caught on shiners and jigs. Bass are also starting to make a move toward the shallows and Flukes, Rogues and crawfish colored lipless crank baits are starting to pick up a few. No report on bream but catfish are probably biting on cold worms and night crawlers fished off the banks. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – The water has been high but falling and crappie are showing signs of moving from the depths to more shallow water. Some are being caught on yo-yos baited with shiners. A good many catfish are being caught on yo-yos as well. Bass fishing has been fair with mostly small to medium sized fish reported on a variety of lures in fairly shallow water. No report on stripers or bream. For latest information, call Tim Loftin at Kel’s Cove at 927-2264.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Cold icy weather has slowed fishing a bit but both bass and crappie are showing signs of moving up to shallow spawning areas. No report on bream or catfish.. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BLACK BAYOU – Crappie fishing has been off and on with some good fish caught when they’re biting. No report on bass or bream. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
OUACHITA RIVER – The river is high and rising. No fishing report this week. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Crappie are showing signs of moving to the banks where another slab weighing 3.04 pounds was caught. Bass are fair with a 9 pounder reported. Catfishing has been good off the back deck at the marina. No report on bream. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE ST. JOHN – The water is at pool stage and bass fishing has improved. Other species are slow. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is very high and rising. No fishing this week. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
LAKE BRUIN – No report. For information, call 318/766-0075.

 

All good things must come to an end. Thankfully it is just for the remainder of the year. The 2021 Jackson Parish Recreation Department Youth Basketball league played their last games on Saturday, March 6th with only a handful of games on tap.  See below for results. 

Results from Saturday, March 6th 

Bulls 31 Pelicans 11 (age 5 & 6) 
Scoring: (Bulls) Kutter Blalock 12, Koplen Taylor 9, Jagger Ingram 2, Savannah Porter 1, Clay Burton 1, Maddox Graham 1 (Pelicans) Adeline Anderson 5, Ainsley Bougues 2,. Braxton Lawson 2, Jaylee Hough 1

Rockets 25 Grizzlies 13 (age 9 & 10 boys)
Scoring: Kobie Williams 18, Jasen McNeil 4, Quantavious Campbell 2, Mason Thomas 1 (Grizzlies) Joseph Delaney 9, Jake Moak 3, Jayden Burns 1

Warriors 32 Lakers 22 (11 & 12 boys)
Scoring: (Warriors) Taden Thomas 16, Mason Howard 6, Christopher Harrell 6, Ty Henderson 4 (Lakers) Asher Schultz 10, D.J. Palmer 4, Elijah Jackson 2, Caden Jackson 2, David Gandy 2 Braedyn Turner 2

Bulls 27 Spurs 19 (11 & 12 boys)
Scoring: (Bulls) Brayden Martin 14, Shane Reed 8, Gunner Fontenot 3, Corbin Ussery 2 (Spurs) Larson Thomas 8, Brody Tidwell 8, Jackson Bougues 3

Dream 19 Wings 12 (age 11 & 12 girls)
Scoring: (Dream) Jaidon Venzant 13, Ava Caskey 4, Briley Jones 2 (Wings) Lily Jones 4, Hallie Kate Pullig 4, Taylor Borland 2, Megan Walker 1, Allison Morgan 1

Pelicans 29 Timberwolves 28 (13 & 14 boys)
Scoring: (Pelicans) Bryce Zehr 15, Payton Nomey 9, Case Sims 3, Sawyer Watkins 2 (Timberwolves) Jacob Gill 10, Tyler Pardue 6, Noah Leach 5, Walker Medaries 4, Mason Delaney 3

High scorers of the week: 

Age 5 & 6 (B & G) – Kobie Williams 18, Joseph Delaney 9
Age 11 & 12 (Boys) – Taden Thomas 16, Brayden Martin 14, Asher Schultz 10
Age 11 & 12 (Girls) – Jaiden Venzant 13
Age 13 & 14 (Boys) – Bryce Zehr 15, Jacob Gill 10, Payton Nomey 9

What was already considered a fine professional learning resource for many years got even better when the building that houses the JHHS Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program recently received an upgrade. The program, under the supervision of Lesley (Caskey) Duck, delivers an engaging curriculum that focuses on critical thinking, decision-making and team concepts as well as elements of care and communication/interpersonal skills that meets all state regulations. Theory and skills practice, including a clinical experience at a nursing facility is also conducted under registered nursing supervision. 

“There are some awesome CNAs, Nurses, Doctors and other healthcare professionals that have completed this program over the years,” said JHHS Principal Chevonda Leonard. “Words can’t express how thankful we are to Mrs. Duck for carrying on this great tradition.”

Entering her third year as Instructor for the CNA program, Ms. Duck came to JHHS after being employed as a Registered Nurse for the Winn Parish School Board and Medistar Home Health. She expressed her gratitude not only for the renovations to the facility but to those who were leaders of the program before as well as those who support her and provide opportunities for participants today.

“I am so grateful to be apart of such a wonderful program and school family at JHHS. We are very fortunate to have our newly remodeled classroom and lab. I have enjoyed it as much, if not more than, the students this year,” said Duck. “The CNA program truly is an amazing opportunity for the students throughout Jackson Parish. I realize this program is what it is due to those before me like Mrs. Kelly Staples, the faculty who have and continue to support the program as well as opportunities we are provided by Mrs. Sandra Billings and staff at Forest Haven, who are so welcoming to our students during our clinical rotation.”

The renovation to the building that remodeled the classroom and lab was met with excitement from not only those who are currently associated with the program but former participants as well. 

“This is so awesome,” said Alvetta Thompson in a Facebook post. “The CNA program was the beginning for me of a wonderful career that is that I still enjoy18 years later.”

 

It is time to “drive for show and putt for dough” as the first “Tuesday nigh scramble” of the year will take place on March 16th at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department (JPRD) golf course, located north of Hodge, LA at 524 Clubhouse Drive which is just off Hwy 147.

“We are looking forward to getting this started again,” said JPRD Director Tommy Smith. “This is annually one of our best attended events and always enjoyable for golfers of every age and ability .”

Teams are assigned equally among participants based on handicap with each team having an A player, B player, C player and so on. Cost to play is $20.00 which included a meal after play is complete. All participants must sign up by phone at 318-259-3031 or in person by 5:00pm on Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

Town of Jonesboro Board of Alderman Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 9th, 2021

Call of order: The meeting was called to order by Mayor Leslie Thompson at 6 P.M.
Roll Call: Johnson-Absent, Flowers-Present, Ginn-Present, Siadek-Present, and Stringer-Present.
Invocation was conducted by Siadek.
Pledge of Allegiance was conducted by Stringer.
Public Comments: Police Jury President, Amy McGee, spoke briefly.
Mayor’s Update: Mayor Thompson updated the council on the audit progress. Thompson gave recognition to all the Town employees who worked diligently during and after the snow storm to restore the water to the Town.
Ordinance 2021-001 Surplus Property bid discussion: Bids for Ordinance 2021-001 Surplus Property were submitted by March 8th and opened March 9th. There was only one bid submitted. Pamela McGuire submitted a bid of $500.00. Stringer made a motion to accept the bid, seconded by Siadek. Motion carried.
Police New Hire– Sketea Walker: Ginn made a motion to hire Sketea Walker at $13.00 an hour on a part time basis, seconded by Siadek.. After discussion of the Police department budget the council voted as follows: Ginn- Yes, Siadek- Yes, Stringer- Yes, Flowers- Yes. Mayor Thompson then vetoed the approval of the new hire until Chief presents an acceptable plan for redistribution.
Department head reports: Fire Chief Brown, Assistant Police Chief Murphy, and Public Works Director Wortham gave updates for each department. Flowers made a motion to approve the department head reports, seconded by Siadek. Motion carried.
Approval of February Bills: Ginn made a motion to approve February bills, seconded by Flowers. Motion carried.
Approval of February Financials: A motion by Siadek was made to veto February financials, seconded by Flowers. After discussing several errors in the financial report the council voted as follows to veto the February financials: Ginn-Yes, Siadek-Yes, Stinger-Yes, Flowers-Yes. Motion carried. The February financials were not approved.
Approval of February minutes: Siadek made a motion to approve the minutes for February seconded by Stringer. Motion carried.
Resolution 20201-006 LCDBG: Flowers made a motion to adopt Resolution 2021-006 LCDBG, seconded by Siadek. Motion carried.
Audit 2019-2020 Engagement Authorization: A motion was made by Siadek to approve authorization to engage in the 2019-2020 audit with Bosch and Statham CPA, seconded by Stringer.
Council Comments: Comments were expressed.
Mayor Comments: Comments were expressed.
Adjournment: Flowers made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Siadek. Motion carried.

 

Alona M. Howard (Choudrant, LA) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Brandon Lamkin (Jonesboro, LA) – Parole and Probation Hold
Undrio Cheffin (Ruston, LA) – Ruston Police Dept. Warrant on Aggravated Assault with a firearm charge
Timothy R. Conerly (Eros, LA) – Criminal Trespassing
Terrie Sue Biggars (Downsville, LA) – Criminal Trespassing
C. M. Wyatt (Winnfield, LA) – Introduction of Contraband into a Penial Institution
Victoria A. Magee (Hodge, LA) – Disturbing the Peace (Public Intoxication)
Jimmy Dickson (Coushatta, LA) – Possession of Marijuana, Malfeasance in Office, Obstruction of Justice, Theft
Alijwon L. Mason (Ruston, LA) – Bench Warrant

Based on the opinions given at the Public Hearing held by the Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ) on Monday, March 8th, at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro there is deep concern among the residents about the proposed one cent increase in the sales tax in the upcoming election slated for April 24th.

The hearing that began at 5:15pm and was scheduled to last fifteen minutes but lasted close to forty began with JPPJ President Amy Magee thanking those in attendance for coming to express their opinion. Magee then directed those in attendance to the information in packet that was given that showed how the ballot measure was worded followed by an explanation of why the additional funds are necessary and how it was decided the best way to accrue these funds would be through a sales tax. 

Proposal language is as follows:

Shall the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), be authorized to levy and collect and adopt and ordinance providing for such levy and collection, a tax of one percent (1%) (the “Tax”) (an estimated $1,850,000.00 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use of consumption, tangible personal property and on sales of services in the Parish, all as defined by law, for a period of ten (10) years from July 1, 2021, with all proceeds of the tax (after paying the reasonable and necessary expenses of collecting and administering the Tax), to be dedicated and used for the purpose of waste management, jail and courthouse expansion, road construction and maintenance, and to pay any debt service requirements on bonds issued for such purpose, or any part thereof? 

This language comes directly from the Louisiana Revised Statute 47:338-173 giving the authority to the Jackson Parish Police Jury to levy a sales tax for the defined uses. While the Police Jury does not control the language of the statute, they do control the direction of the funds within these parameters. 

“No one, including me, likes to see an increase in taxes but we are in a desperate situation.Over the past five years revenues have decreased by roughly $300,000.00 while expenses to operate the solid waste department / landfill have increased,” said Magee. “After examining the best way to raise the needed money it was determined that an increase in the sales tax would be more fair as it would be more evenly spread than increasing the Ad Valorem tax.”

Magee proceeded to caution that without the additional funds the added tax would raise drastic changes would have to be made, even to the point of possibly having certain operations shut down and the landfill closed, that would have a long term detrimental effect.

“Currently the landfill allows for free drop-offs for residents and municipalities,” continued Magee. “Without these additional funds we would be forced to have to require payment in order to accept items and process what is brought. Also it should be noted that if the landfill is forced to close, which we hope won’t happen, we would not be able to reopen this at a later date and there is no where else to take these kind of things.”

The opinions expressed by those in attendance indicated that they acknowledged that an increase in the sales tax was more fair than adding to the Ad Valorem tax, which is levied annually based on the value of property owned, but didn’t agree with certain areas of the proposal. 

“I am not in support of the ten year length,” said Sarah Dark, who was first to comment. “I agree that a sales tax is more fair but the amount this would raise ($1,875,000.00) is not needed every year. One year of added tax revenue is all that is needed and I would feel better about it if the time frame would be adjusted.”

Linda Devine was next to comment and asked why additional tax money is required when there was such a surplus in funds in other departments that she felt should be able to moved to where it would be of better use. 

“The Library has over four million and the Tax Accessor has roughly ten million dollars. There is also a surplus in the Recreation Department and Sheriff’s Department,” said Devine. “Why can’t this money that is just sitting there be moved to where it would do more good? This needs to be changed. 

Devine also stated that she knew that per recorded statements made at previous meetings that two years ago the Police Jury declared that the money was there for the model bin sites and landfill and wanted to know what became of that money. 

Margaret Watts was the final to comment, raising a question about why issues regarding theft at the bin sites and people who are not residents of Jackson Parish are allowed to use the landfill for free are not being addressed.

“Jackson Parish residents are not the only ones who use the landfill and theft is constant at the bin sites, especially from the metal bins,” said Watts. “I see it all the time and usually it is the same people. There are cameras at all of these sites so why is this allowed to take place with nothing being done about it?

President Magee replied by asking Solid Waste Superintendent Robin Sessions if the cameras were being monitored to which he replied they were and tickets have been issued by the Sheriff’s Department but that was the extent of what was being done. Legal representative Darryl Avery was then asked what he knew about how this was being handled to which he replied that these tickets were misdemeanors and that didn’t fall under his jurisdiction in court proceedings so he couldn’t give an answer. 

With no further comments being offered President Magee thanked everyone for attending and expressing their opinions. the hearing was then closed. A second Public Hearing on the tax issue is scheduled for April 12th.

NOTE – This is the first part of a series published exclusively in the Jackson Parish Journal regarding the upcoming sales tax election. Over the next several weeks we will look at what a sales tax represents, how the tax is derived, why parish officials state that an increase is needed, where the additional funds will be applied and when the new tax rate, if approved, will take effect. Today – What is a sales tax?

As defined by Investopedia a sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by the government on the sale of goods and services. A conventional sales tax is levied at the point of sale, collected by the retailer and passed on to the state and local government. As an example, if you make a purchase of $100.00 and the sales tax is 10% you would pay $110.00 to the retailer with $10.00 going to the state and local government to be used as designated.

The current Sales Tax rate in Jackson Parish is 9.45%, which is the lowest among neighboring parishes in north Louisiana and second lowest in the state among parishes with similar population. The standard sales tax rate required by the state is 4.45% but the rate in each parish varies due to other designated percentages that go to the School Board, Police Jury, Town or other local areas. A breakdown of how the tax is used in Jackson Parish, as well as, neighboring and similarly populated parishes are shown below.  

Comparative Sales Tax rates in Jackson Parish region

PARISH	SCHOOL BOARD	POLICE JURY	TOWN	OTHER LOCAL	STATE	TOTAL RATE
Jackson	2.00%	1.00%	2.00%	0.00%	4.45%	9.45%
Caldwell	2.00%	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%	4.45%	9.45%
Bienville	2.00%	1.00%	2.50%	0.00%	4.45%	9.95%
Winn	2.00%	1.50%	1.50%	0.50%	4.45%	9.95%
Ouachita	2.00%	0.00%	2.50%	1.49%	4.45%	10.44%
Lincoln	2.50%	0.75%	2.50%	0.25%	4.45%	10.45%
Union	3.00%	1.00%	2.00%	1.00%	4.45%	11.45%

Comparative Sales Tax rates in similarly populated parishes 

PARISH	SCHOOL BOARD	POLICE JURY	TOWN	OTHER LOCAL	STATE	TOTAL RATE
Jackson	2.00%	1.00%	2.00%	0.00%	4.45%	9.45%
Concordia	2.00%	0.00%	2.50%	0.25%	4.45%	9.20%
East Feliciana	2.00%	3.00%	0.00%	0.00%	4.45%	9.45%
West Feliciana	3.00%	2.00%	0.00%	0.00%	4.45%	9.45%
LaSalle	3.00%	0.50%	1.00%	0.50%	4.45%	9.45%
Claiborne	2.00%	0.00%	3.38%	0.63%	4.45%	10.45%

Head boys basketball coach Mike Black has been named Coach of the Year in district 2B while seniors, Joshua Smith of Quitman and Jace Holt of Weston were named first team All-District.  Wolverine senior, Cooper Williams earned second team honors with Davis Tolar of Weston and Quitman’s Blake Carter and Ethan Everett having honorable mention designation.

In his first season at Quitman, Black led the Wolverines to a 17-7 record and into the regionals of Class B. Smith averaged 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4.8 assists while Holt scored 17 points per game. Jamarion Cato, who led Simsboro to the district 2B title was named Most Valuable Player and joined on the first team by teammate Chilaydrien Newton and Choudran’t Chris Williams. 

 

2B All-District First Team

NAME	SCHOOL	POINTS	REBOUNDS	ASSISTS
Jamarion Cato -MVP	Simsboro	19.5
Joshua Smith	Quitman	15.0	8.0	4.8
Jace Holt	Weston	17.0
Chris Williams	Choudrant	12.2	3.0	1.7
Chilaydrien Newton	Simsboro	12.8

2B All-District Second Team

NAME	SCHOOL	POINTS	REBOUNDS	ASISTS
Cooper Williams	Quitman	13.4	4.5
Nick Maryland	Simsboro	11.0
Sammy Smith	Choudrant	10.0	6.0	1.7
Braxton Taylor	Simsboro
Jordan Crawford	Simsboro	9.7

Honorable Mention – Davis Tolar (Weston), Blake Carter (Quitman), Ethan Everett (Quitman), Brandon Carter (Choudrant), Jackson Case (Choudrant), Reggie Taylor (Simsboro)

You can be assured that Castor is glad they aren’t in the same baseball district as Weston and Quitman anymore, especially this year. Both took decisive victories with one hit, shut outs over their former district foe on Monday and Tuesday. It was a great two days for Quitman as the boys and girls teams both got two victories and even the Quitman JV baseball team got a win. At Jonesboro-Hodge they may be the called the Tigers but “Rally Kings” would be more appropriate after their second straight come from behind victory. The news wasn’t as good for the softball teams from Jonesboro-Hodge and Weston.

Weston 14 Castor 0:  The Wolves erupted for14 runs in the first two innings and Kaden Shirley, Cooper Delaney and Tayt Culpepper combined to strike out ten and allow just one hit in the shut out of the former district foe.  The victory improved Weston to 2-0 while Castor dropped to 2-9 after losing their sixth straight. Caleb Waters and Braden Theriot hits doubles, Delaney hit a grand slam for his first home run of his career and both Shirley and Davis Tolar earned free passes before Weston made their first out in the first inning.  Waters also homered in his second at bat of the inning, Tolar singled and Landon Roberts, Tait Henderson, Shirley and Delaney all reached on errors as the Wolves sent 15 batters to the plate and score ten to put the game away early.  Culpepper got the second inning started with a single, Henderson walked and Bryce Zehr reached on an error that scored Culpepper.  Waters, who went 3/3 with five RBI and a stolen base, followed with his second double of the game to score two and then came home on a Shirley groundout after stealing third.  Shirley won his second of the year by striking out four in two innings. Delaney came in to strike out five in 2 1/3 inning before giving way to Culpepper who got the final two outs of the fifth ending the game due to the “ten run” rule. 

	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
Castor (2-9)	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	5
Weston (2-0)	10	4	0	0	x	14	9	1

WP – Shirley (2-0), LP – n/a
2B – Waters 2, Theriot
HR – Waters, Delaney
RBI – Waters 5, Delaney 4, Shirley, Tolar
SB – Roberts, Waters, Culpepper

Quitman 12 Castor 0 – It was a day to be remembered for the Simonelli family as Ty won his first game in his varsity career and little brother Pete got his first hit and RBI’s. Simonelli and Warren King combined to strike out eight and limit Castor to just one hit and Quitman jumped on Castor for four in the first and six in the second inning to blow things open.  The Wolverines walked and ran their way to the early lead as Simonelli, Jordan Vail and Cam Hollis all coaxed free passes and Logan Ponder got a hit setting the stage for an incredible eight stolen bases in one inning that led to four runs.  Quitman showed the “good eye” again in the second as Kyler West, Blake Carter and Luke Morgan opened with walks before Simonelli and Ponder hit back to back doubles that scored three. Ian Tilley knocked in a run with a groundout then Vail plated the fifth of the frame with a single before being driven in by a single from Joshua Smith. The final two runs were result of a Vail single, Smith double and Pete Simonelli driving in both with his first hit of his varsity career. Ponder and Vail led the offensive attack with two hits apiece while Ty Simonelli stole three bases and scored two. Hollis, Ponder, Vail and West also swiped a pair as Quitman ran their way to a season best 13 bases. 

	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
Quitman	4	6	0	2	0	12	9	1
Castor	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1

WP – Ty Simonelli (1-0), LP – n/a
2B – Ty Simonelli, Deal, Ponder
RBI – Ty Simonelli 2, Pete Simonelli 2, Tilley 2, Smith
SB – Ty Simonelli 3, Hollis 2, Ponder 2, Vail 2, West 2, Carter, Smith

Quitman 4 D’Arbonne Woods 2 (Junior Varsity) – While memories were made on Monday byr the Simonelli brothers it was the Carter’s who ruled in the Tuesday JV contest against DWC. Blake Carter threw three innings of one hit ball on the mound and reached base all three times with a run scoring triple and a pair of free passes while Jonathan stole two bases and got on twice with a hit and stole two bases. After leaving the bases loaded in the first Noah Vail opened the second with a single, stole a base and scored on a strikeout RBI by Camden Barnett that eluded the catcher. With two outs in the third Cam Deal got plunked and scored on Carter’s three bagger to left center who then was knocked in by a single from Riley Duck to give Quitman a 3-0 lead. The final run came after John Reagan Hasley walked, stole two bases and scored when Shane Rowe’s grounder was ruled an error. Eli Walker struck out five over the final two innings to earn the save. 

	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
Quitman JV	0	1	2	1	0	4	4	2
DWC JV	0	0	0	2	0	2	2	3

WP – B. Carter, LP – n/a
3B – B. Carter
RBI – B. Carter, Barnett, Duck
SB – J. Carter 2, Hasley 2, Keiffer, Rowe, Deal, Duck, Vail

Quitman 6 D’Arbonne Woods 0 – Joshua Smith turned in the best pitching performance of the young year for area teams by striking out 13 and giving up just one hit in the complete game shut out of the Class 2A team. Evening his record to 1-1, Smith dominated DWC batters by throwing 61 strikes in 85 pitches over the seven innings and getting 15 first pitch strikes to the 23 batters he faced, just two over the minimum. Smith also got the offense going with a double in the third and scored on another double by Logan Ponder. Luke Morgan drove him in with the third two bagger of the inning to give Quitman a 2-0 advantage. The Wolverines added three more in the third after two outs. Blake Carter grounder that was ruled an error was sandwiched by walks to Jordan Vail and Kyler West that loaded the bases setting the stage for Logan Ponder’s grounder that got through the shortstop for an error and Ty Simonelli’s double to right that scored a pair. Ian Tilley accounted for the final run in the fifth when he walked went to second on another error off of Vail’s bat and stole his way around. Keeping with the “family” theme Jordan and Noah Vail both scored a run and Noah stole two bases. Quitman managed only four hits on the night but was the recipient of 6 DWC errors. With the victory the Wolverines climbed above .500 with a 4-3 record while D’Arbonne Woods fell to 3-6 on the year. 

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Quitman (4-3)	0	0	2	3	1	0	0	6	4	1
DWC (3-6)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	6

WP – Smith (1-1), LP – Riser
2B – Smith, Morgan, Simonelli, Ponder
RBI – Simonelli 2, Hollis, Morgan, Ponder
SB – Noah Vail 2, Tilley

JHHS 9 River Oaks 7 – It ain’t over till it’s over! The phrase first uttered by Yogi Berra in 1973 was apropos Tuesday night as Jonesboro-Hodge overcame a five run deficit after two innings for their second straight game winning rally that evened their record at 2-2. River Oaks fell to 0-3. The Tigers made six of their nine errors on the night to stake the Mustangs to a 6-1 lead that held up until the bottom of the fourth when J-H pushed across seven runs for their best inning to date. Connor Webb, who reached base in all four of his at bats by coaxing a pair of walks and getting hit twice, got the big inning started by walking. Dominick Strickland then got plunked for the second time setting up a Nathan Vines single that scored Webb. Ajay Tew followed with his second hit of the game and Strickland scored when Drew Davis walked. Logan Smith, followed with a double that scored two. After a groundout by Manuel Hernandez plated another run, Chandler Harvey raked an RBI triple to right and then scored on a single by Marcus Thompson as the Tigers sent 12 to the plate in the inning. Drew Davis scored the final run after reaching base for the third time, via his second walk, before being driven in by Smith’s second consecutive two bagger. Vines went the full seven innings for the victory allowing no earned runs and striking out five for his first career win.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
River Oaks (0-3)	2	4	0	0	0	0	1	7	5	1
JHHS (2-2)	1	0	0	7	1	0	x	9	8	9

WP – Vines (1-0), LP – Odom
2B – Smith 2
3B – Harvey 
RBI – Smith 3, Hernandez 2, Davis, Harvey, Thompson, Vines
SB – Webb 2, Davis, Harvey, Smith, Strickland, Tew, Thompson

Quitman 17 FCCS 7 – The Lady Wolverines became the first team in the area to reach double digits in wins by scoring seven runs in the seventh inning to break open a close game against stubborn Family Community Christian in the contest played in Winnsboro on Monday. Madison Kaye “Big Bopper” Brymer led the way offensively with 3 hits, including her fifth home run of the year, knocked in four and scroed twice. Cali Deal, who earned her fifth victory of the season, helped her cause as well by getting three hits, scoring a pair and knocking in three. Madison Chaplin scored four times after a double, single and a walk and Madeline Vail got two hits and scored three times. Maggie Guyotte also came up big with three hits, two RBI and a run scored. 

A triple by Chaplin followed by singles from Brymer, Guyotte and Skyler Hall, who stole two bases on the night got Quitman off to a 3-0 start. The lead ballooned to 6-1 after two when Madeline Vail reached on an error and Chaplin walked setting up Deal’s triple to right center that drove in two. Deal would later scored on another FCCS error off the bat of Guyotte.  FCCS rallied to tie in the bottom of the third but Brymer hit a two out double and scored on an error off the bat of Hall. Vail, Chaplin and Deal scored in the fifth to up the lead to 10-7 setting the stage for the big final inning. Bymer’s blast scored the first two after Deal had singled the Hall, who had gotten plunked, scored on Karlee Huckaby’s single. Averie Williams reached on FCCS’s 11th error of the game setting up three straight hits by Vail, Chaplin and Deal, who got her second hit of the inning.  

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Quitman (10-3)	3	3	0	1	3	0	7	17	15	3
FCCS (2-1)	0	1	5	0	1	0	0	7	7	11

WP – Deal (5-2), LP – n/a
2B – Brymer
3B – Chaplin, Deal
HR – Brymer
RBI – Brymer 4, Deal 3, Guyotte 2, Chaplin, Hall, Huckaby
SB – Hall 2, Chaplin, Guyotte, Huckaby, Vail

Quitman 8 Calvin 5 – Maggie Guyotte got three hits and scored twice and Jada Naron hit a double and a single to drive in two and scored two runs to help pace Quitman to the victory that wasn’t secure until three runs in the top of the seventh squelched a late Calvin rally. Averie Williams also collected a pair of hits, including a double and scored a run. Cali Deal earned her sixth win of the season by going six innings and striking out nine. Maggie Guyotte closed out the seventh to earn the save. 

After spotting homestanding Calvin to a 1-0 first inning lead, the Lady Wolverines scored three in the top of the fourth. Guyotte led off with a hit and scored followed by a Naron single and a Calvin error on a ball hit by Williams. Madeline Vail then reached on a second straight error that plated Naron and Williams. Both teams added a run in the fifth with Guyotte scoring on a Naron double to right field. Vail was responsible for Quitman’s fifth run of the game when she doubled and stole her way around in the sixth. Calvin rallied for two in the bottom of the inning to narrow the margin to 5-4 but Guyotte singled and scored when both Karley Huckaby and Naron reached on errors, who crossed home on a wild pitch and a steal of the plate respectively. 

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Quitman (11-3)	0	0	0	3	1	1	3	8	9	0
Calvin (5-3)	1	0	0	0	1	2	1	5	8	5

WP – Deal (6-2) , LP – n/a
2B – Naron, Vail, Williams
RBI – Naron 2, Chaplin, Hall
SB – Vail

Caldwell 16 Weston 0 – The Lady Wolves saw their three game winning streak come to a screeching halt when Class 3A, Caldwell Parish scored 13 runs in the top of the fourth to end the game via the “mercy rule.” Seven of the eight errors Weston made in the game and six walks was the culprit to the big inning that saw Caldwell send 19 batters to the plate. Offensively Weston could only scratch singles by Lexi Barmore and Emma Kate McBride and walks by Taylor Chatham, Mallory Tolar and Audry Welch, all who were left stranded on base. 

	1	2	3	4	R	H	E
Caldwell (4-2)	1	2	0	13	16	10	1
Weston (3-7)	0	0	0	0	0	2	8

WP – Smith, LP – Hay

Simsboro 16 JHHS 1 (Game One) Simsboro 11 JHHS 0 (Game two) – The Jackson Parish Lady Tigers were no match for the Lincoln Parish Lady Tigers as Simsboro smashed JHHS both games that saw both get called per the “mercy rule.” Simsboro evened their slate to 5-5 with their third straight victory while Jonesboro-Hodge and first year coach Tracy Taylor is still searching for their first win after five starts. No statistics were available on either game. 

The Jackson Parish Tourism Board named officers for 2021 at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting held on March 2nd in the Sunshine Room of the Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ) office building located at 160 Industrial Avenue in Jonesboro. Serving as Chairperson for 2021 will be Christine Weeks with Denise Barlow being selected as Vice-Chairperson. Dawn Slezak will be the Secretary/Treasurer.

The Board also thanked and said goodbye to Phillip Lawrence who resigned after three years of service and agreed to hold all future meetings in the Sunshine Room of the JPPJ office building on the third Tuesday of each month, beginning on March 16th.

A deadline of April 30th was set as the last day art submittals from students of Jackson Parish Schools could be sent in. The board also agreed to start soliciting photos from the general public to be exhibited on rack cards. Promotional items in the amount of, not to exceed $2,000.00, were approved to be purchased including 500 floating key chains, 1,000 magnets and 1,000 fans. Discussion regarding the JPPJ’s decision to stagger terms.