Per a report issued by the State of Louisiana Auditors Office, the Mayor of the Town of Eros, a maintenance operator and the former police chief provided inaccurate and incomplete information to the Louisiana Workforce Commission to get COVID-19 pandemic unemployment benefits.

Addtional findings were also discovered that excess compensation was paid to town employees and officials, utility payments were received but not deposited into the town’s bank accounts and that the town should not be classified as a town at all.

Mayor, police chief, maintenance worker claimed more than $11K in unemployment each

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office said in September 2021, the office received a complaint from former Police Chief Aaron Rayburn that he, Mayor Kelly Gryder and two other public employees improperly received unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic while working for the town. The Legislative Auditor initiated an investigative audit to determine the validity of this complaint.

Auditors found the Louisiana Workforce Commission paid $13,047 in unemployment benefits to the mayor, $11,633 to Maintenance Operator Brian Costin and $11,406 to former Police Chief Aaron Rayburn between April 13 and Sept. 18, 2020. The three claimed they worked for Aaron Rayburn Enterprises LLC to claim the state benefits.

The investigation found the third person accused did not work for pay received from the town during that period, though they did claim to work for the same LLC and may have received benefits based on work with another employer.

Auditors reviewed town payroll records and bank statements, which show Gryder and Costin each received their regular payroll checks from the town while they received unemployment benefits from April to September 2020. During this period, the town paid Gryder her salary of $456 per week and paid Costin’s regular salary, which was $460 per week, then increased to $500 per week.

These records confirmed that payroll checks issued to Gryder and Costin were not processed through the computerized accounting system but were handwritten and appear to have been issued by Gryder, auditors said.

Initially, Gryder and Costin said they didn’t apply for benefits or know that any had been obtained in their names.

Later, both said they applied for benefits under Rayburn’s instruction, with him present and providing the details they’d need.

Gryder, in her response, also said the idea to write the checks and navigate around the paper payroll system was Rayburn’s and he wanted to get enough people to apply to help under his company to get Paycheck Protection Program money.

Rayburn disputed those findings in a written response to the audit. Writing in the third person, Rayburn said he earned no income from the town while receiving unemployment benefits.

“During the time he was receiving unemployment benefits, had Mr. Rayburn received his regular income, it would have been only $500 per month,” Rayburn wrote. “Again, he did not receive this money. As the money he would have received from the Town of Eros was nominal at best, he felt that he should not receive any money while he was receiving unemployment.”

He also said he didn’t know the others used his LLC to apply for benefits.

The auditors hold that the trio “may have violated state law.”

Auditors found that between April 9, 2019, and Dec. 28, 2021, the town paid the mayor and other town employees excess compensation totaling $7,930.

“This amount included improper leave payouts totaling $7,080 and Christmas bonuses totaling $850,” the audit read. “During this period, these employees/officials did not complete timesheets and may not have been entitled to leave benefits. Further, the payment of Christmas bonuses may have violated the Louisiana Constitution, which prohibits the donation of public funds. The payment of excess compensation to Town employees/officials may have violated the Louisiana Constitution and state law.”

$28,000.00 in utility payments weren’t deposited

Auditors found town records indicated utility payment transactions totaling $28,088 were received and/or recorded in the utility system but were not deposited into the town’s bank accounts between Jan. 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2021.

“During this period, Mayor Gryder and four different Town clerks were responsible for handling utility collections,” the audit read. “Records show that the Town did not issue receipts for all payments collected and failed to deposit collections daily into the Town’s bank account. By failing to ensure that all monies were properly documented and deposited on a daily basis, Mayor Gryder may have violated state law.”

In her response, Gryder disputed the result of the audit.

“The town … had a single audit done for the year in question and he did not find any of these things so it’s hard to understand why he didn’t find what you all found when he had the same paperwork,” Gryder wrote. “The town paid $9,000 for that audit.”

Population means the town is actually a Village

The auditor also said that the town should be properly classified as a village.

“Because the Town has less than 1,000 inhabitants, state law requires the Board to adopt a resolution requesting the governor to change its classification to the appropriate classification based on the Town’s current population,” the audit read.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Eros in the 2020 census was 130, down from 155 in 2010.

Census data shows the town had over 1,000 residents in 1920 and was the largest town in Jackson Parish when a sawmill operated in the area. The sawmill moved to Olla in 1926, however, and the population fell to 203 in 1930.

Eros has not been home to more than 285 residents in any census since.

This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Audit: Eros mayor, town officials received unemployment while getting paid during COVID

Three up. Three down. It is what a coach likes to see when his pitcher is on the mound. It meant even more to head coach Nick Tolar when it represented the number of teams his 11U All Star team played and beat at the Dixie Youth District 8 Tournament held in Many. By virtue of the “tri-fecta,” JP11U brings home the district championship and qualifies for the state tournament that will be held in July in Monroe. 

JP11U opened the tourney by slipping past home standing Sabine Parish by a 7-6 score. In the second contest the locals beat Buckeye 4-1 setting up a rematch with Sabine that went much like the first including JP11U winning by one run, this time by an 8-7 margin. 

Jackson Parish 7 Sabine Parish 6: Bryce Tolar and Hayden Seymore both got two hits, scored a run and knocked another in to help Jackson Parish early on. It was hits by Asher Rhodes and Kolt Keiffer, coupled with a walk to Rylan Mauthe, Aiden Rhodes getting hit by a pitch and Eli Henderson reaching base on what was ruled as a fielders choice despite no one getting out that plated two runs and proved to be the difference in extra innings to win it. 

Sngles by Tolar, Seymore and Dawson Griffin gave JP11U a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth but Sabine scored three in their half of the inning to retake the lead. The locals came right back in the top of the fifth with three of their own thanks to walks to Aiden Rhodes and Henderson and an error off the bat of Braydon Robinson, who later scored on Tolar’s scond hit of the game. 

Sabine tied it in the bottom of the sixth but hayden Seymore buckled down to end the inning with the bases loaded. The “home-standers” looked poised to tie it up again in the bottom of the seventh by scoring a run and having another on third with two outs but that is where Leyton Younse left him by striking out the final batter.  Of special note Jackson Parish swiped 12 bases in the game.  

RS – Tolar, Seymore, Asher Rhodes, Mauthe, Aiden Rhodes, Henderson, Robinson, 
RBI – Tolar, Seymore, Griffin, Aiden Rhodes, henderson
SB – Griffin 2,Tolar 2, Seymore 2, Aiden Rhodes 2, Henderson, Norton, Robinson, Asher Rhodes

Jackson Parish 4 Buckeye 1: Tucker Goss, Leyton Younse and Hayden Seymore limited Buckeye to just two hits and one first inning run and JP11U scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to take the victory. JP11U manufactured the tying run in the third when Braydon Robinson and River Norton coaxed walks and that led to Robinson scoring after Tolar bunted him to third and Seymore hit a grounder to first. 

In the bottom of the fifth Aiden Rhodes and Bryce Tolar walked before Seymore singled to give JP11U a one run lead. Dawson Griffin followed with his second hit of the game to load the bases before Goss  coaxed a walk to force Tolar and Eli Hendersonhit a grounder to third that plated Seymore. 

2B – Keiffer
RBI – Seymore 2, Goss, Henderson
RS – Tolar, Seymore. Aiden Rhodes, Robnison
SB – Goss

Jackson Parish 8 Sabine 7: it was de ja vu all over again in the championship game as ust like in the first game between the two, Jackson Parish scored two runs in the top half of the final frame and left Sabine with the tying run in scoring position to end the game. This time around though the home-standers were there own worst enemy in the final frame as a misguided attempt to steal third got thwarted by catcher Eli Henderson just before a double was hit that would have scored the runner with the tying run..

JP11U went up 8-6 in the top of the sixth when Bryce Tolar hit a double for his third hit of the game and then scored when Dawson Griffijn reached first on a passed ball after striking out. Tucker Goss then reached base for the third time in the game and plated Griffin with a single. 

Early on it looked like the locals would cake walk to the title as they broke out to a 5-0 lead after three at bats on runs by Griffin, Aiden and Asher Rhodes, Rylan Mauthe and Goss. SAbine would battle back to tie it at five each in the bottom of the third and both teams added a run in the fourth, JP11U getting theirs when Tolar singled, stole second and scored on back to back groundouts.  Once again Jackson Parish ran wild on the bases stealing nine in this one which gave them 21 total in the two games against Sabine

2B – Tolar
RBI – Tolar, Griffin, Goss, Henderson, Keiffer, Mauthe
RS – Tolar 2, Griffin 2, Goss, Asher Rhodes, Aiden Rhodes, Mauthe
SB – B Tolar 2, Aiden Rhodes 2, T Goss 2, E Henderson 2, Asher Rhodes

Have you ever been to a library where the staff invited you to run around and make some noise? When the Jackson Parish Library Board adopted the plans of a new interactive park and play area at the Jonesboro Branch on Monday during their regularly scheduled monthly meeting that is exactly what young patrons will be allowed to do.

Welcome to the Jackson Parish Library of the 21st Century!

The amenities you are able to make use of is a far cry from what past generations had at their disposal. This is due to the vision and creativity of the directors, managers and staff at both the Jonesboro and Chatham branches which has elevated the experience of visiting a library to a whole new level. 

Jackson Parish residents not only have the ability to make use of a plethora of written resources but also modern day technology and creative activities that is second to none in the state. This “out of the box” thinking has now taken your enjoyment ability completely “out of the building.”

Making use of the grassy area on the south and west end of building, the new interactive park and play area will soon feature a place where children of all ages, including those with special needs, will have a fun, safe and secure place to enjoy. The park will be open seven days a week from daylight to dusk and will be free for the public to use.

Surrounded by a concrete retainer wall that will have a four foot tall chain link fence along the top the park will offer four seperate activity areas all designed to give patrons the ability to enjoy the outdoors, expand their motor skills and have a place the family can come and enjoy without breaking the bank. 

“What is awesome about this is it doesn’t exclude any child but includes the ability for all kids to enjoy it, including those with special needs,” said Jonesboro Branch Manager Angela Walsworth, who has been the driving force in seeing vision become a reality. “It also gives parents an option to take their kids to a fun place that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. This will be free to our patrons and as a mother, I know how hard it is today to find a fun and safe place like that.”

The park amenities will include:

(1) Concerto Group Area: For those who like to make music there will be congo drums, cabasas, chimes, vibes and a xylophone.
(2) Activity Area: This includes a sensory zig zag path, sp;inatorium, momentum corridor, dynamic lab, odessy wall, tranquility corner and grand gallery. Each is designed to include the ability for children with special needs to use and incorporates feel and touch activities as well as use of moter skills.
(3) Happy to Chat Area: Borrowing from an idea that flourished in Europe during the Coronavirus Pandemic, when sitting in this area you are inviting other to come an share in conversation. 

To see the actual activity area modules click here. 

The meeting began with board members Judy Cooper, Ann Standley, Lisa Nunn, Vicki Jenkins, Carol Massey and JPL Director Floyd Knox welcoming new board member Robin Tew. The group then authorized Director Knox to request the Police Jury to give their approval for library park and play area
and, if approved, begin the advertising for bids process. It was also agreed to advertise for sponsorships of benches and bricks in the park. In final action the board agreed to adopt and investment policy for the Library. The next regulalry scheduled meeting is set for Monday, July 18th. 

Interactive playground and park plans submitted by Architect W.L. Coco of Coco & Company 

Jena, Tioga and Grant Parish have all taken their shot at the Jackson Parish 10U All-Stars at the Dixie Youth District Tournament being played in Jena. All have fallen. It has been a perfect beginning to the tourney for the “dandy dozen” who is now just two wins away from bringing home the district championship and just one victory away from qualifying for the state tourney. They best part is that each of the remaining games will be against one of the teams the locals have already beaten. 

 Jackson Parish 11 Jena 6: In a contest that more swings in it than a school playground JP10U broke open the back and forth game by exploding for six runs in the top of the sixth inning to put away the game home standers.

Talk about a ride on the emotional rollercoaster. 

UP: JP10U scored two runs in the top of the first without getting a hit as Bentley Ponder and Mason Thomas opened the game by coaxing walks. Both advanced a base on a fly out to right field and again on a wild pitch that scored Ponder. Thomas then tallied on a Jake Moak grounder.
DOWN:  With two outs in the bottom of the first, Jena tied the score on a walk, error and a base hit.
UP: Cason Rogers gunned down a Jena base runner to end the inning.
DOWN: A couple of walks and fielding errors leads to Jena scoring three runs without getting a hit in the bottom of the third inning.
UP: Locals tie it up at 5 each in the top of the fifth thanks to keen eyes and quick feet by Raylon Bradford, Thomas, Noah Spillman, Moak and Rogers, who all drew walks. 
DOWN: A pair of clutch hits by Jena gave the home team what looked like a possible game winning lead.
UP: Just when it looked like Jena had all the momentum JP10U grabbed it back by tagging out a Jena baserunner who was attempting to steal home to end the inning and keep the locals just one run down. 
BIG UP!!!!! JP10 got only two hits the entire ballgame.  That was in the third inning. Yet it was another hit, this one when the Jena pitcher plunked Jaxon Cheatwood that started the ball rolling that led to six runs being scored before the first out was made in the final frame. Again all the damage was done by the team being patient and earning base on balls. Five of them in fact, all in a row, right after the pitcher hit Cheatwood. Waylon Sullivan was the first to walk followed by Bradford, Ponder, Thomas and Spillman

Jackson Parish 14 Tioga 7: Jackson Parish burst out of the gates to score three in the first and second inning and then played Tioga basically even the rest of the way to move to 2-0 in tourney play. Once again it was walks that led to runs, especially in the first two frames but in this one JP10U also brought out the heavy lumber and showed their fleet of foot on the base paths.

Mason Thomas and Noah Spillman both drew walks in the first and scored on the locals first extra base hit of the tourney when Jake Moak, who would advance to third on an error and score and then steal home, smoked a double to center. 

Walks, stolen bases and passed balls brought home Raylon Bradford, Jaxon Cheatwood and Waylon Sullivan at JP10U extended the lead to 6-0 after two. Mason Thomas made it 7-0 in the third when he hit a single, advanced on an error and scored on a hit by Spillman. Bradford would push the lead to 8-0 in the top of the fourth when he hit a single stole second and third then scored on Cheatwood’s base hit.

Cason Rogers was the first to “leave the yard” in the tourney for JP10U to up the lead to 10-1 before Tioga scored four in the bottom half of the fifth to close the gap to five runs.  Once again the locals blew it open with a big sixth inning as Jensen Waggoner and Moak hit singles, Rayn Sandifer got hit and Bentley Ponder drew a walk which led to four runs. 

JP10U scored in every inning to stretch their streak of scoring a run in consectutive frames to eight. The locals also totaled nine hits compared to just four for Tioga who struggled at the plate against four JP10U pitchers.

2B – Moak
HR – Rogers
RBI – Moak 2, Rogers 2, Spillman, Cheatwood, Waggoner
RS – Spillman 3, Bradford 2, Thomas 2, Ponder, Moak, Rogers, Cheatwood, Sullivan, Waggoner, Sandifer
SB – Bradford 3, Cheatwood, Sullivan

Jackson Parish 7 Grant 6: Due it once you may be considered lucky. Twice is good but still may be a fluke. Do it three times and you have established a reputation. What the JP10U team has done is prove that when the game is on the line they are at their best. For the third game ain a row the sixth and final inning belonged to the locals this time allowing for the one run victory.  

The hero in this one was Hayden Essmeier who reached base three times. It was his run in the top of the second that got JP10U on the books after spotting Grant a 6-0 lead. Then he drove in a run in the third and single handedly scored the winner in the sixth by reaching on an error, advancing to second on a passed ball and then stole third and home. Two more who played vital roles in the impressive comeback was Jake Moak and Bentley Ponder who combined to thrown 5 2/3 innings of no run ball while striking out nine between them to allow for JP10U to rally. 

It was the third inning where JP10U did most of their damage and scored five runs to tie the game at six each. Ryan Sandifer got hit by a pitch to open the frame followed by Ponder and Mason Thomas walking to load the bases. Singles by Noah Spillmand and Moak brought in three runs before Cason Rogers, who would later score on an error off the bat of Essmeier plated another with a double.

2B – Rogers
RBI – Spillman 2, Moak, Essmeier
RS – Essmeier 2,  Ponder, Thomas, Moak, Rogers, Sandifer
SB – Essmeier 2, Waggoner 1

Xavier Atkins’ smile felt audible through the phone.

Coaches from home-state, “dream school” LSU called to officially extend an eagerly awaited scholarship offer. The significance to the 2024 Jonesboro-Hodge star, one of Louisiana’s top rising junior prospects, extended well beyond football.

“It’s amazing, because my friend (LaJavion Nichols) wanted to play at LSU,” Atkins said. “And he died, which broke my heart. But when they offered, it was like I’m carrying on and living his dream, so it made me feel like I was doing something right.”

“It was a big impact getting this offer,” continued Atkins. “It means a lot not just for me, but for the community and for my friend’s mom, because she knew her son wanted to play at LSU, too.”

A tragic car accident last July claimed the lives of Nichols, fellow friend and teammate, Javious Holden and LaJavion’s older sister, Lajermanique Nichols and left the stunned community to rally together and support one another.

Atkins previously said he felt that impact throughout the fall as he and the Tigers mounted arguably their best season in decades, including a Class 2A semifinals run.

In the process, the previous LSU staff began to take notice of the 6-foot-1, 200-pound linebacker during a school record-setting 219-tackle, all-state breakout performance.

Atkins visited Baton Rouge during the season and continued to build relationships with the new staff throughout the past several months.

“It’s all good,” he said. “Like, when I talk to the recruiters, it won’t even be about football. We’re on a whole other level. When we talk, we keep it real with each other. Like a couple of the recruiters already told me, ‘You’re gonna be playing in that purple and gold. Don’t worry about it.’

“So that’s why I really wasn’t worried about the offer yet, because they told me every time I came down there, ‘We already know you can play. Just trust, and when we offer you, it’s gonna be out of nowhere.’ And he was right. It was out of nowhere today.”

Atkins was finishing a summer school session when he received the FaceTime call from recruiting specialist Sherman Wilson.

“He said, ‘Look who’s on the phone,'” Atkins recounted. “I saw (defensive coordinator) Matt House, and he’s my guy, too. So we were talking and he said, ‘Look, this is what I want to tell you. I’m proud of you keeping up with all your work and all the stuff you have going on.’

“Then he said, ‘We can’t wait to get you back down here, and we’re offering you,’ and that he can’t wait for me to play sideline-to-sideline against Alabama and being one of his linebackers. And when he said he was offering me, I busted out smiling because that’s where I want to play a lot. It was a good feeling, because I’ve been wanting that offer for the longest.”

Atkins said he hadn’t gotten at all impatient awaiting the offer, because of the strong rapport and trust with the coaches, and that actually thought they might wait until after his junior season. A strong camp performance this month only further bolstered his confidence.

“I was telling my little brother and we both just started smiling,” he said. “We were literally just talking about this the other night. After I did well at that camp, it was like, ‘Bro, they’re gonna offer you.’ So when it actually happened, it was crazy. And after we got off the phone, he was the first person I told. I called him. And we just both started smiling and said we were going to talk about it more when we get home. It was just a good feeling.”

Atkins said he plans to make another trip to Baton Rouge during the last week of July, including a pool party at coach Brian Kelly’s house.

“I’m going to be coming back down there a lot,” he assured.

The article written by Jerit Roser was first published in Tiger Details. 

The plethora of media moguls that are members of Journal Services LLC, embraced another gigantic addition this past week when Senior Associate Athletics Director Malcolm Butler, aka, the “Voice of La Tech”, joined the LIncoln Parish Journal. Butler will partner with Kyle and Judith Roberts as the co-publishers for the free daily, on-line, media outlet.

The Lincoln Parish Journal is one of ten subsidiaries of Journal Servicess LLC that include the Jackson Parish Journal, Shreveport/Bossier Journal, Sabine Parish Journal, Bienville Parish Journal, Red River Parish Journal, Winn Parish Journal, Webster Parish Journal, DeSoto Parish Journal and Natchitoches Parish Journal.

“We at the LPJ could not be more excited to have Malcolm formally join our efforts,” Judith Roberts said. “He has had a storied career at Louisiana Tech and knows Ruston and Lincoln Parish inside and out. For us, it only adds to the integrity and stability of the LPJ moving forward. This move will improve our ability to serve the residents of this community with free news and feature stories that they richly deserve.”

Butler has spent the past 23 years serving in a full-time capacity within the Louisiana Tech Athletic Communications Department. He announced his transition out of his current role last week, although he will remain as the radio voice for Tech football, men’s basketball and softball.

“First, I want to publicly thank Dr. Les Guice and Dr. Eric Wood for their support,” said Butler. “I made the decision about a year ago that this would be my last year in a full-time capacity at Tech. Both of them have been awesome in allowing me the flexibility to transition out of the athletic communications department while remaining as the voice of Tech Athletics. I look forward to continuing my deep connection to my alma mater.”

Butler has Lincoln Parish in his blood, attending AE Phillips Laboratory School, Ruston High School and Louisiana Tech during his educational days. He said he feels joining the LPJ as co-publisher is a great step that will allow him to continue to contribute to his hometown in a variety of ways.

“One of the things I loved about my job at Louisiana Tech was I had the ability to tell so many stories about the people at a school I love,” said Butler. “Everyone has a story. Even the stranger on the street. And I look forward to joining Kyle and Judith and the staff at the Lincoln Parish Journal in providing our area with a wonderful online media outlet.”

During the past 23 years at Louisiana Tech, Butler has won numerous awards state-wide for both his writing and his broadcasting.

“The Lincoln Parish Journal is made up of writers and content providers who have grown up in this parish,” said Butler. “So many of us were Wiley Hilburn disciples from the Louisiana Tech journalism program. And every one of us love our community.”

Readers can contact Butler at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.

The article Butler joins Lincoln Parish Journal was first published in the Lincoln Parish Journal on June 27th.

Inspired this spring by the Byrd High School girls bowling team knocking off the state’s No. 1 seed in the playoffs and finishing as the surprising, out-of-nowhere state runner-up, I accepted the challenge to captain a team last week in the 2022 “Surfs Up” Bowling Bash at the Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria.

The event was one of many that made up the always-good-times Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Week, which began Thursday with a press conference to meet the Class of 2022 and ended with the induction of that class Saturday at the Natchitoches Events Center.

In between was tomfoolery, something I know a little something about.

The Big Weekend rolls around every year at this time, and all are welcome, including at the bowling event. Grab five folks, a few bucks, and you’re in. Go to LASportsHall.com and see pictures and videos of all the events and start thinking about next year. I talked with a couple of dozen first-timers who say they’ll be back.

And why? Because a good time was had by all. Especially by me. And especially bowling, because we won.

Not only won, but shattered the events record with a score of 925 for our five-man team in 10 frames of team bowling. (They tell me that’s good. What I know about bowling, you could fit inside a bowling ball’s finger hole.)

As a nod to the 50^th anniversary of Title IX — and an equal nod (OK, a bigger nod) to them being really good — I recruited members of Louisiana Tech’s girls bowling team. They accepted. Even without under-the-table cash or an NIL deal.

Just solid old-school recruiting. It all comes back to that when you’re trying to build a one-game, winner-take-all team. Surround yourself with quality kegglers.

It is a plus that, besides finishing their most recent season with 33 wins over top-25 teams, 20 wins over Top-10 teams, 12 wins over Top-5 teams, three wins over No. 2 and two wins over the country’s top-ranked team at the time, these young female student-athletes are a joy to be around.

And even more fun since they earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament and finished as an Elite 8 team.

Friday in Alexandria, they finished as an Elite 1.

Our “five-man team” team is a figure of speech. There was me, bowling-lover-gone-bowling-madman/wizard Coach Matt Nantais, and three willing talents from the team, listed here with some of their 2021-22 accomplishments:

Averi Brown, a grad student from Columbus, Ohio who qualified for the singles national championships; Patricia Rosales, who made a pair of All-Tournament teams; and,

Danielle Jedlicki, who bowled two perfect games, was named to a pair of All-Tournament teams and earned a Tournament MVP.

They had rosin bags. Little pieces of tape on their fingers. A hand fan. Braces for their wrists. Everything but eye black. In it to win it, they were.

Teddy wept.

Did you even know Tech had a bowling team? Now you do. And the state does. And next year, hopefully more of the nation will know. The national championships will be in Vegas next year. Maybe I’ll “need” to go cover it.

So think about going to some or all of the Hall of Fame events next year. And think about going bowling. Start now if you want a chance to beat us.

Which you will, because I think we’ve been, for future events, disqualified.

But it sure was fun while it lasted.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

There is an old saying that it is what an athlete does in the summer that leads to success during the season. If that is truly the case, then you can expect Emma Kate McBride of Weston High to be one of the premier girls basketball players in the area this coming basketball season. 

While most young ladies her age have been spending the summer at the beach to improve their tan, McBride has spent countless hours in the gymnasium and perfecting her skills as a member of the AAU affiliate LA Elite 18U Basketball team.

Two weekends ago, the daughter of Rebecca and Jeffrey McBride saw her dedicated effort came to full fruition as McBride scored a team high 42 points over four games to paced the LA Elite squad to a third place finish in the prestigious Pre-Nationals Tune-Up Tournament held in Dallas, TX.

It wouldn’t have been surprising if McBride wanted to take some time off after such a rigorous weekend but instead five days later she was off to Arkadelphia, AR to take part in an elite camp hosted by Henderson State  University. 

“I had a fantastic time at @ReddiesWBB elite camp! The experience and energy was great. Big thanks to @Coach_JThomas @coach_harveywbb and their team for teaching me ways to better my game.” tweeted McBride.

As stated, it is what an athlete does in the summer that leads to success during the season. Don’t be surprised if next summer, instead of being a camp member at an university, she is a scholarship player.  

State Farm paid more than $5.6M in 2021 to help Louisiana customers repair or rebuild their homes following damage from lightning strikes. According to a new report, that dollar number puts Louisiana at the 5th spot in the nation for lightning claims, preceded by Texas, Georgia, California, and Alabama to round out the top five. The average claim paid out by State Farm for lightning damage was $12,000.

The most common lightning-related claim is due to ground surge, causing a spike in electricity, which can short out electronics, appliances, and electrical systems. According to the Insurance Information Institute, ground surges account for 50 percent of lightning related claims. This means that if lightning strikes near a home, it can cause a spike in electricity and short out nearby electrical systems.

Although lightning is an amazing act of nature, it can cause damage far beyond a storm you watch through your windows. Take for instance, lightning can strike up to 15 miles away from a developed storm. That’s why the adage “When thunder roars, go indoors” makes so much sense and why we get so nervous when that one family member (we all have one) rushes outside when they hear thunder.

Lightning strikes can happen year-round, but the top five months for lightning activity are September, August, October, November, and December.

“Lightning strikes can happen year-round, but August and September are two of the most active months,” said State Farm Agent Shawn Murphy. “Now is the time to update your home inventory, have a conversation with your insurance agent, and take steps to prepare and educate your family about lightning.”

How can you prepare your home and family for lightning? Here are a few tips:

(1) Have a lightning safety plan to know where your family will go during a storm.
a. Indoors: stay away from windows, doors, and appliances
b. Outdoors: “When thunder roars, go indoors” seek safety immediately, avoid open areas, lay down (don’t be the tallest object in an area), stay away from isolated tall trees and utility poles, distance yourself from metal conductors such as fences and wires.
c. Do not attempt to unplug electronics during a storm.
(2) Make sure your animals have access to a safe place during storms and aren’t trapped outside.
(3) If someone is struck:
a. Call for help. Call 9-1-1
b. Give first aid beginning with CPR
c. Use an Automatic External Defibrillator if one is available.
d. Move the victim to a safer place​

Day one brought difficulties for one and the second day was unkind to the other but the teams of Landin and Taylor Chatham representing Weston High and Hayden Davis and Maddox Duck of Quitman were all smiles after it was over.

No, they didn’t win any of the thousands of dollars in college scholarships available, boats, equipment and other prizes that were up for grabs at the High School Fishing National Championship held on Pickwick Lake in Alabama but the experience is one they will cherish forever. 

The final results show that Landin and Taylor Chatham of Weston finished the two day tournament in 54th place overall out of the 236 teams that competed. On both days they managed to boat the three fish limt despite having battery problems on the first day that cost them lots of down time. It was their second day stringer that weighed 8.02 pounds tha timproved their position 27 spots from 81st after day one.  

For Hayden Davis and Maddox Duck the sledding was a little tougher as the pair from Quitman netted two fish on the first day and then had the misfortune of not catching any on day two which relegated them to 190th place. 

Both teams got to fish an additional day in the “Second Chance Round” with the Chatham’s once again catching three fish that weighed a total of 6.04 lbs to come in 71st overall. Davis and Duck once again failed to land a fish in the tough conditions. 

Each qualified for the prestigious national event by finishing in the top ten of the Northeast Louisiana High School Fishing circuit where the Chatham’s finished fourth overall and Duck and Davis came in 9th place. 

You couldn’t ask for a better way to close out a month full of activities than what both the Jonesboro and Chatham Branches of the Jackson Parish Library has in store. This Wednesday – Friday a full dayy of activities are scheduled for everyone from toddlers to adults.

Wednesday, June 29th

Check Out Fitness – 9:00am  (Chatham Branch)
Toddler Storytime with Ms. Terrye – 10:00am (Jonesboro Branch)
Storywalk with LaTonya Jackson – 11:15am (Jonesboro Branch) 
Teens n Tweens – 2:00pm (Jonesboro Branch)

Thursday, June 30th

Commotion in the Ocean @10:00am & 2:00pm (Jonesboro Branch) 
Baby Alligators with LDWF representative Tonya Sturman @11:00am (Jonesboro Branch)
Performance by Lady Chops – Drummer / Musician @ 2:00pm (Chatham Branch)

Friday, July 1st

Performance by Lady Chops – Drummer / Musician @ 10:00am & 2:00pm (Jonesboro Branch) 

Tayt Culpepper and Ashton Cruse fired a 12 under par score of 60 to win the championshjp flight in a scorecard playoff over Michael Simonelli and Preston Tubberville. Hunter Alexander and Cason Womack finished one stroke back to come in third.

The tournament was sponsored by the Quitman High School softball and golf teams to help pay for expected expenses this coming school year. 

The first flight found Noah Leach and Tommy Smith come out victorious on another scorecard playoff, this one consisting of three teams that finshed with a 3-under score of 69 over the par 72 course at the Jackson Parish Golf Club. Brian and Cam Deal took second and Garrison Hill and Brandon Joyner was relegated to third place. 

John Gate and Josh Smith shot par 72 to win the second flight, Bill and Ben Decou grabbed second in a scorecard playoff over third place finishers Josh and Wade Williams. 

The QHS golf and softball team would like to extend their thanks to all who supported and participated in the tournament. Special thanks go to Gunsmoke Energy Services, Traina’s Bakery, Leach Lawn Services and JET Enterprises as well as the many individuals who helped sponsor the tourney.

Championship Flight:

1st: Tayt Culpepper & Ashton Cruse (60)
2nd: Michael Simonelli & Preston Tubberville (60)
3rd: Hunter Alexander & Cason Womack (61)1st Flight:

First Flight:

Noah Leach & Tommy Smith (69)
2nd: Brian Deal & Cam Deal (69)
3rd: Garrison Hill & Brandon Joynor (69)

Second Flight:

1st: John Gates & Josh Smith (72)
2nd: Bill Decou & Ben Decou (73)
3rd: Josh Williams & Wade Williams (73)

This past week members of the Jackson Parish Watershed Commission were at the Spillway and Ebenezer boat launches on Candy Lake where they upgraded the collection boxes. Mr. Gary Joynor of the Watershed Commission also made a post on his Facebook page on June 25th in regard to launch fees which is as follows.

In case you saw us out there this morning at the boat launches we were upgrading the collection box’s at spillway and Ebeneezer with new boxes and locks. We encourage our seniors and veterans to obtain the $5.00 life time mirror tag issued inside Hooks Marina on behalf of the watershed for launching at the Spillway and Ebeneezer sites. These mirror tags offer visual quick reference to the watershed, authorities or other fisherman the reason you our seniors and veterans are not having to paying the daily fee. Hooks Marina is documenting every mirror tag issued.
The 40.00 annual tags are ordered and should arrive next week. They will run June 30, 2022 until June 30, 2023.
If you don’t want the annual mirror tag then it’s 3.00/day at the spillway or Ebenezer. I will keep everyone posted when the annual tags arrive. Great Birthday gift, Fathers Day, Mothers Day gift. Thanks for your support of our beautiful lake.

Judging by the performance of the Quitman High School girls varsity basketball team at the Northwestern State University Team Camp held this past week the upcoming 2022-23 season has all the makings of another successful one. 

Sporting a core rotation of five experienced seniors and a talented sophomore the Lady Wolverines flourished in team competition winning three of the four games played against schools from larger classifications. 

Quitman opened team play at the NSU camp by beating Class 2A Many. That was followed up with victories over David Thibodeaux Academy out of Lafayette and Guyer High School out of Denton, TX. The lone loss came against Class A East Beauregard.

Playing without a senior on the roster last year, the Lady Wolverines finished the season with a 24-8 record and was the undefeated district 2B champion. This season Brayli Stewart, Ansley Folks, Emma Carter, Bethany Leach and Summer Grillette will represent one of the deepest senior classes in recent history. Also expected to be a major contributor is sophomore Cali Deal.

Disclaimer –The opinion and views expressed in all “|Letter to the Editor” submittals are solely the letter writers own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views or beliefs of the staff of the Jackson Parish Journal.

Submitted by Blanche Shows (Copy of original writing penned by an unknown author) 
June 27, 2022

Men, like nations, think they’re eternal. What man in his 20’s or 30’s doesn’t believe, at least subconsciously, that his lifespan is nearly indefinite? In the springtime of youth, an endless summer beckons. As you pass 70, it’s harder to hide from reality.

Nations also have seasons: Imagine a Roman of the 2nd century contemplating an empire that stretched from Britain to the Near East, thinking: ‘This will endure forever.’ Why not? Opponents of the time were irrelevant. But as it happened, forever turned out to be 400 years give or take.

France was a pivotal culture in Western Europe for over 1000 years. But now the land of Charles Martel is on its way to becoming part of the Muslim ummah. Worse, a majority of French indicate that they could care less.

In the 18th, 19th, and early 20th Centuries, the sun never set on the British empire. Unfortunately, Albion now exists in a perpetual twilight. Its 95-year-old sovereign is a fitting symbol for a nation in terminal decline.

In the 1980’s, Japan seemed poised to buy the world. Business schools taught Japanese management techniques. Today, its birth rate is so low and its population aging so rapidly that an industry has sprung up to remove the remains of elderly Japanese who die alone. Japan has literally willed itself to become nonexistent.

America’s prestige and influence were never greater than in 1946. Thanks to the ‘Greatest Generation’, we won a World War fought throughout most of Europe, Asia and the Pacific. We reduced Nazi Germany to rubble and put the rising sun to bed. It set the stage for almost half a century of unprecedented prosperity. We stopped the spread of communism in Europe and Asia, and fought international terrorism. We rebuilt our enemies and lavished foreign aid on much of the world. We built skyscrapers and rockets to the moon. We conquered polio. We explored the mysteries of the Universe and the wonders of DNA, the blueprint of life. But where is the glory that once was Rome?

America has moved from a free economy to a mad race to socialism – which has worked so well NOWHERE in the history of the world.

We’ve gone from a republican government guided by a constitution to a regime of revolving elites. We have less freedom with each passing year. Like a signpost to the coming reign of terror, the cancel culture is everywhere. We’ve traded the American Revolution for a replica of the “Cultural Revolution.”

The shambling creature in the White House is nothing but an empty vessel filled by his handlers. At the G-7 Summit, his wife ‘Dr. Jill’ had to lead him around like a child. In 1961, when we were young and vigorous, our leader was too. Now a feeble nation is technically led by the oldest and most enfeebled man to ever serve in the presidency.

We refuse to defend our borders, our history or past greatness. We’ve even given up defending our streets; our cities have become anarchist playgrounds. We are a nation of dependents, mendicants, and misplaced charity. Thousands of homeless camp in the streets while illegal-alien criminals are put up in expensive hotels.

The president of the United States can’t even quote the beginning of the Declaration of Independence (‘You know — The Thing’)

Ivy League graduates routinely fail history tests that 5th graders could pass a generation ago. Crime rates soar and we blame the 2nd Amendment, while slashing police budgets, and electing prosecutors who campaign on letting criminals go. Our culture is certifiably insane. Men demand that they are women. People fight racism by seeking to convince members of one race that they are inherently evil, while telling others that they are inherently good and perpetual victims. A psychiatrist lecturing at Yale told listeners that she fantasizes about ‘unloading a revolver into the head of any white person.’ We slaughter the unborn in ever-growing numbers, while our birth rate dips lower year by year.

Our national debt is so high that we can no longer pretend that we will be even remotely able to repay any of it one day. It’s a $28-trillion monument to our improvidence and refusal to confront reality. Patriotism is called insurrection, treason celebrated, and perversion sanctified. A man in blue gets less respect than a man in a dress. Yet we ask soldiers to fight and die for a nation our leaders no longer believe in.

How meekly most of us submitted to Fauci-ism (the regime of face masks, lock-downs and hand sanitizers). It shows nothing but the impending death of the American spirit.

How do nations slip from greatness to obscurity?
• Fighting endless wars they’ve decided not to win
• Accumulating massive debt far beyond their ability to repay
• Refusing to guard their borders and allowing the nation to be invaded by a massive uneducated, unskilled alien horde
• Surrendering control of their cities to mob rule
• Allowing communist indoctrination of their youth
• Moving from a republican form of government to an oligarchy
• Trading a national identity for a tribal identity based on race and ethnic origin
• Indulging indolence
• Abandoning, if not becoming hostile to, faith and family – the bulwarks of social order

In America, every one of these symptoms is pronounced, indicating an advanced stage of the disease.

Even if the cause seems hopeless, do we not have an obligation to those who sacrificed so much to give us what we had? I’m surrounded by ghosts urging me on: the Union soldiers who held Cemetery Ridge at Gettysburg, the battered bastards of Bastogne, those who served in the cold hell of Korea, the guys who went to the jungles of Southeast Asia and came home to be spit upon, reviled, and neglected.

This is the nation whose uniform my father and most of my uncles wore in the Second World War. I don’t want to imagine a world without America, even though it becomes increasingly likely.

During Britain’s darkest hour, when its professional army was trapped at Dunkirk and a German invasion seemed imminent, Churchill reminded his countrymen, ‘Nations that go down fighting rise again, and those that surrender tamely are finished.’

The same might be said of causes.

If we let America slip through our fingers, if we lose without a fight, what will posterity say of us?

“While the prognosis is far from good, only God knows if America’s day in the sun is over.”

– Author Unknown

In late July, 1923, Vice President of the United States Calvin Coolidge was greatly relieved by news that President Warren Harding was recovering splendidly from his bout of pneumonia at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.  Calvin was spending time at his summer home, his boyhood home, in Springfield, Vermont.  While taking a break from the politics of Washington, D.C., he performed amateur tree surgery on the beautiful old shade tree in his front yard.  He paid no attention to reporters and looky-loos as he concentrated on his work.  

 

On the afternoon of August 2, President Harding’s physicians sent Calvin a telegram and reassured him of the president’s health.  The Coolidge home had neither electricity nor a telephone.  At about 10:30 p.m. that night, Calvin went to bed.  Shortly after midnight on August 3, another messenger arrived by car at the Coolidge residence.  Calvin was in bed asleep when his father, John C. Coolidge, awoke him.  Calvin knew something was wrong by the sound of numerous cars pulling up at the normally tranquil home.  John read the telegram to Calvin: “The president died instantly while conversing with members of his family at 7:30 p.m.  The physicians report death was apparently due to some brain embolism, probably apoplexy.”  He immediately returned a telegram to Mrs. Harding: “We offer you our deepest sympathy.  May God bless you and keep you.”  He, Calvin, was now President of the United States.  

 

The news was a great blow to Calvin, though he took it with his characteristic calmness.  He dressed immediately and descended the stairs to the sitting room where an army of reporters had already gathered.  They could detect no difference in Calvin’s demeanor, as was his nature.  He calmly told the reporters, “Reports have reached me, which I fear are correct, that President Harding is gone.  The world has lost a great and good man.  I mourn his loss.  He was my chief and my friend.”  

 

Within half an hour, the Coolidge residence, which was normally a quiet and lonely farm house became “a mecca for hundreds.”  By 1:30 a.m., a telephone was installed at the Coolidge residence.  Calvin called Washington and received instructions on how to perform the oath of office.  He learned that he needed a notary public to administer the oath of office.  Just then, a congressman arrived with two federal employees to act as bodyguards.  Calvin’s father, John, a notary public, held a brief swearing in ceremony in his own home.  Calvin’s father beamed as he spoke in a trembling voice, “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”  A reporter asked Calvin’s father to describe his feelings while swearing in his son to which he replied, “One would not say that he was elated to have the President die.”  

 

Calvin’s first act as president after the swearing in was… to return to bed.  The two federal employees turned bodyguards stood on either side of the door to Calvin’s bedroom to ensure that no one disturbed the president and first lady.  Cars came and went as Calvin slept.  Reporters waited quietly but impatiently outside the Coolidge home.  Finally, at 7:20 a.m., Calvin looked out the front door.  Reporters bombarded him with questions, but Calvin spoke not a word.  Calvin bowed at them indifferently, posed for a few photographs, and went back inside.   Ten minutes later, Calvin and several others were “taken by motor car” to a special train which delivered him to the White House.  

 

Becoming president upon the death of a previous president had its challenges.  Everyone, especially Calvin, understood that he had not been selected by the people to become president.  That changed when he won the 1924 election.  Calvin strongly supported women’s suffrage and equality.  The economy during his presidency, one of rapid and expansive growth, became known as the “Roaring Twenties.” Calvin preferred to take a hands-off government approach and lived up to his nickname “Silent Cal Coolidge” as he seemingly only spoke out of necessity. 

 

In 1927, Calvin took everyone by surprise when he told reporters in as few words as possible, “I do not choose to run for president in 1928.”  Reporters gasped.  Calvin briefly explained, “”If I take another term, I will be in the White House till 1933. Ten years in Washington is longer than any other man has had it – too long.”

 

Following his presidency, Calvin published an autobiography and wrote a syndicated newspaper column entitled, “Calvin Coolidge Says.”  The columns most certainly were brief.  Just after noon on January 5, 1933, Calvin’s wife returned from shopping and found the former president unconscious on his dressing room floor.  A sudden heart attack struck as he was preparing to shave and he fell to the floor.  Although several people were present in the home at the time of his death, no one heard Calvin fall.  Even at the moment of his death, he remained silent.

 

On this fourth of July, as you enjoy hot dogs and burgers from the grill and drink cool refreshments, take just a moment of silence for “Silent Cal.”  Say Happy Birthday to America… and to Calvin Coolidge.  He is the only American president who was born on the fourth of July.

To have your job opportunities, business services or items you have for sale listed or any Legal/Public Notices, Advertisements for Bid, Requests for Proposals and/or Quotes listed – send email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com

Help Wanted

Medical- L.P.N.s – $34.24/Hr. L.P.N.s are needed for LTC and Veteran’s care units in Jackson, LA. There is full-time scheduling available. 12-hour shifts are being offered. Fully employer-paid medical and dental. 401(k) with 6% employer contribution and immediate vesting. Call Genna at Worldwide Travel Staffing, 920-618-3939

Jackson Parish School Board – Multiple openings ranging from teaching positions, school nurse, bus drivers and paraprofessionals. To learn more contact the Jackson Parish School Board office at 318-259-4456. 

Boundary Solutions Inc. – Looking to hire an experienced, or trainable, Rodman. Previous experience as a draftsman is highly desired, but not required. The ideal candidate will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day tasks of survey projects, while working as a member of the survey crew, under the company’s Party Chief. This is a temporary to possible permanent position. For more information, please contact 318.259.2900. Interested candidates may email their resume to: boundary.pls@gmail.com

Crawfish Basket – Lookiing for reliable, energetic and courteous staff member to join our team. If this sounds like you, message us on Facebook. 

Business Services

Swimming Lessons / Water Aerobics: Limited spaces available. Certified Instructor that gives one on one attention. To sign up call Pamela Pipes at 318-533-2983

Quality Electrical & Controls Service: Over 60 years of combined Licensed and Certified experience in Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Control Panels, Electrical, HVAC and Inspections service. Located at 5039 Hwy 4 East, Jonesboro, LA. Contact: Billy Earl Wilhite: (318) 475-2403 or Richard Andrews: (318) 475-5136.  

Dirt Cheap Lawn Care, LLC: Licensed and Insured! Any type of lawn care work done at reasonable prices. For quotes or to schedule service call Owner – David Hammock at 318-533-7133 or go by 209 Talbot Street, Jonesboro, LA. “If you don’t look good, we don’t look good!”

Harris Yard Beautification Service: For all your lawn and landscaping needs contact Greg Harris at (318) 245-2349. Free estimates and professional service guaranteed. Based out of Chatham. 

Robinson Lawn Care: For all your residential or commercial lawn and landscaping. Fast and courteous service with professional results. Call Klint Robinson at 318-548-3038. Free estimates. 

For Sale:

Book – “100 year history of JHHS football” 

A year-by-year description of the first 100 years (1919-2019) of JHHS football. Included is summary of early beginnings, yearly results, rosters, updated team and individual records and a gallery of pictures. Perfect gift for that grandfather, father, son, grandson, brother, uncle or cousin who would enjoy remembering their “glory days”. Cost is $25.00 per book plus $3.00 shipping and handling. To order call (318) 480-1206 or send email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com

Commemorative Plates – Beautifully etched china plates commemorating Jonesboro-Hodge High School and Jackson Parish. To order contact Wilda Smith at (318)426-6511 or Barbara Johnson at (318) 450-5561.

PUBLIC NOTICES

SHERIFF’S SALE

COMMUNITY LOAN SERVICING, LLC,
A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
# 36802

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

JOHN A LINER AND LINER HOMES, LLC

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court,
Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my
possession and will offer for sale for cash at the principal front door of the Courthouse, Jonesboro,
Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 3rd day of August, 2022. Between the hours governing judicial sales,
the following property to wit:

"BEGINNING AT THE SOUTH SIDE OF A PAVED HIGHWAY (JONESBORO-DANVILLE HIGHWAY) RIGHT OF WAY LINE AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTH BOUNDARY LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER, SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 14 NORTH, RANGE 4 VEST, AND RUN NORTH 50 DEGREES EAST A DISTANCE OF 100 FEET FOR THE STARTING POINT; THENCE RUN SOUTHEASTERLY PARALLEL WITH THE WESTERN BOUNDARY LINE OF LOT 2 OF P.C. LINDSEY PLAT AS RECORDED IN CONVEYANCE BOOK 64, PAGE 663, A DISTANCE OF 150 FEET; THENCE RUN NORTHEASTERLY PARALLEL WITH THE JONESBORO- DANVILLE HIGHWAY A DISTANCE OF 75 FEET; THENCE RUN NORTHWESTERLY PARALLEL WITH THE WESTERN BOUNDARY OF LOT 2 OF P,C. LINDSEY PLAT A DISTANCE OF 150 FEET TO THE SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF JONESBORO-
DANVILLE HIGHWAY; THENCE RUN SOUTHWESTERLY WITH SAID RIGHT OF WAY LINE A DISTANCE OF 75 FEET TO THE STARTING POINT, SITUATED IN JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA", SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS, SERVITUDES, RlGHTS-OF-W AY AND OUTSTANDING MINERAL RIGHTS OF RECORD AFFECTING THE PROPERTY.
Seized as the property of the above named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all
cost, sale to be made for cash with WITHOUT the benefit of appraisal.

ANDY BROWN, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

Jackson Parish Police Jury Meeting Minutes 
June 21, 2022

The Jackson Parish Police Jury met in regular session on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 5:30 PM in the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Mr. Todd Culpepper, Mr. Lewis Chatham, Ms. Amy Magee, Mr. John McCarty, Ms. Regina Rowe, and Mr. Lynn Treadway. Absent: Ms.Tarneshala Cowans.
The President, Mr. Treadway, called the meeting to order. Mr. McCarty gave the invocation and Ms. Rowe led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion Ms. Magee to amend the agenda so that Item #12 reads “Consider and approve revision to the Paid Leave Accrual Policy to clarify dates of maturity.” Second Mr. Chatham. Motion carried
The President opened the floor for public comments, and they were heard.
The President moved to the approval of minutes.
Motion Mr. McCarty, seconded Ms. Magee to adopt the minutes of the May 17, 2022, Jury Meeting, monthly purchase orders, and the payment of all bills. Motion carried with Ms. Rowe voting Nay.
The President moved to Committee Reports.
Motion Ms. Magee seconded Mr. Chatham to adopt the following minutes from the June 7, 2022, Road
Committee meeting. Motion carried.
Road Committee
June 7, 2022
The Road Committee met Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at 5:00 PM in The Nathaniel Zeno Jr. Meeting Room,
Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members
Present: Mr. Lewis Chatham, Ms. Amy Magee, and Mr. Lynn Treadway. Absent: None. Also present: Brad
Roller, Operations Manager and Jody Stuckey, Road Superintendent.
The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Ms. Amy Magee. Ms. Treadway gave the invocation and
Mr. Chatham led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ms. Magee recommended that there be an amendment to the agenda on item 3 changing the bridge from
Keppler Creek to Flat Creek. Motion Mr. Chatham, seconded Mr. Treadway. Motion carried.
Ms. Magee called for public comments and they were heard.
The Committee discussed actions needed on the chip pile at Solid Waste. Motion Mr. Chatham, seconded Mr. Treadway to recommend that the Finance Committee approve up to $18,000 for the Road Department to re-locate the chips to Pardue Loop. Motion carried.
The Committee discussed the need for a fence at the Chatham yard of the Road Barn Department for
reasons concerning liability, theft, and protection of equipment. Motion Mr. Treadway to fence the yard
and give the job to the lowest bid, seconded Mr. Chatham. Motion carried.
The Committee discussed more topics including the Flat Creek bridge, noting that no news concerning
state funding had been received on this project. Updates on gravel road spraying were given by Mr.
Stuckey, Road Superintendent stating all roads should be finished by June 10, 2022. Other updates
included Mr. Roller, Operations Manager reporting on the new work order system, Brightly.
The Committee discussed and made the following recommendations for the Policy and Personnel
Committee: Motion Mr. Chatham, seconded Mr. Treadway
1. Change the Organizational Chart to add a supervisor position and remove the laborer position to the Road Department based on the recommendation of the Superintendent
2. Post an opening for the open mechanic position Motion carried
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 7, 2022, at 5:15 PM
Motion Mr. Chatham, seconded Mr. Treadway to adjourn. Motion carried.
Motion Mr. Chatham, seconded Mr. Culpepper to fence the Chatham Road Barn yard based on the
recommendation of the Road Committee. Motion carried.
The President called for monthly management reports.
Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager, gave the May 2022 Operations Report, May 2022 OEP Report and the May 2022 Maintenance Report.
Mr. Jody Stuckey, Road Superintendent, presented the May 2022 Road report noting that $660.55 had been spent on emergency callouts/off-schedule work and that all roadside spraying had been completed. Motion Ms. Magee, seconded Mr. Rowe to accept the May 2022 emergency/off-schedule reports. Motion carried.
Mr. Robin Session, Solid Waste Superintendent, presented the May 2022 Solid Waste report noting that tonnage was down.
The President moved on to Other Business.
Mr. Paul Riley, Riley Company of Louisiana, Inc. gave the March 2022 Engineering Report.
Mr. Treadway introduced Credit Card Ordinance 01-0719-2022 that will allow for the establishment of service charges/convenience fees on credit card transactions.
Motion Ms. Rowe, seconded by Mr. McCarty to adopt the 2022 Jackson Parish Museum and Fine Arts Association budget. Motion carried
Mr. Treadway introduced Ordinance 02-0719-2022 establishing funding for the Jackson Parish Museum and Fine Arts Association for 2022.
Motion Ms. Rowe, seconded by Ms. Magee to adopt the revision of the Paid Leave Accrual Policy to clarify dates of maturity with a correction of a typographical error on the revision date to read “June 21, 2022.” Motion carried.
No action was taken on the tabled roads from the April 19, 2022, Jury meeting
Mr. McCarty presented winners of the Parish Cleanup Day with plaques. The winners are as follows:
1st Place for Municipality, Village of Hodge.
2nd Place for Municipality, Town of Chatham
1st Place Police Jury District, District 1, Juror Todd Culpepper
2nd Place Police Jury District, District 3, Juror Amy Magee
Motion Mr. Culpepper, second Ms. Magee to approve the following parish board reappointments:
Reappoint Freddy Tolar to represent District 2 on the E-911 Commission for a 4-year term ending on
12/31/2025
Reappoint Hal Mims to represent District 4 on the Hodge Fire Protection District Board to serve a 2-year
term ending 12/31/2023
Reappoint Thomas C. Holland Jr. to represent District 4 on the Hodge Fire Protection District Board to
serve a 1-year term ending 12/31/2022
Motion carried
Announcements
The Administrative office of the Jackson Parish Police Jury has completed the software conversion.
The President opened the floor for Juror comments.
Motion Ms. Rowe, seconded Mr. Chatham to adjourn. Motion carried.

Spillway Water Supply Notice by Utilities Inc of Louisiana

Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana Spillway Water Supply is currently in violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids as set forth by the State [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:Xll)] and the Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141). 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (LDHH) set drinking water standards and requires the disinfection of drinking water. Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA and LDHH set standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acid (HAAs). Some people who drink water containing THMs in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Some people who drink water containing HAA5s in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

In December 1998, EPA set enforceable drinking water standards for TTHMs at 80 parts per billion (ppb) and for HAA5 at 60 parts per billion (ppb) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects. Compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 standards for public water systems servicing less than 10,000 individuals initially became effective and enforceable on January 1, 2004. Compliance with the TTHMs standard is determine by calculating a locational running annual average (LRRA) of quarterly TTHMs sample results. Compliance calculations performed for the second quarter of 2022 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 86 ppb at sample location DBP02 – 133 Suanna Road and 88 ppb at DBP03- 211 Spruce Drive.    Thus, the system is currently in violation of TTHMs standards. 

In June 2022, UIL completed the installation of the spray atomizer.  UIL continues to monitor and makes adjustments accordingly to reduce TTHM concentration.   UIL has kept LDH informed of our progress.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. If you have any questions, contact the UIL Compliance Administrator, Vicki Spence at 985-893-6646 – Opt. 2.

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.  EPA and LDH do not consider this violation to have any serious adverse health effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure; however, continued long-term exposure to TTHMs and HAA5 levels above the standard (e.g., 20 years of exposure) has the potential to have serious adverse effects on human health

Murle Wayne Cheatwood
September 23, 1939 – June 26, 2022

Mr. Murle Cheatwood of Saline, Louisiana passed away Sunday, June 26, 2022 at the Carpenter House in Shreveport, Louisiana.  He was married to Dianne Guin Cheatwood and together they had six children.

Murle and Dianne along with their mules and wagon worked for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for twenty-five years.  They raised many thousands of dollars which they donated to the hospital. 

Murle and Dianne worked with the Saline Watermelon Festival for many years and he was honored as grand marshal two times.  Together they helped to develop Rails to Trails which is used by many riders today.  While traveling across the United States, Murle attended dozens of trail rides when he had time off from his job at Continental Can Company.  He worked in the wood yard for thirty-nine years.

Murle was also a high school basketball official and over the years called hundreds of games.  He once called a foul on NBA great Karl Malone when he played for Summerfield High School, but his greatest memory was calling a foul on his future wife, Dianne.  Murle, along with his white mules and wagon appeared in the motion picture “The Great Debaters” starring Denzel Washington.

Murle will truly be missed by his family and friends, but most of all by his love, Dianne.  He will never be forgotten.  He is survived by his wife, Dianne (Guin) Cheatwood; Six Children, Teresa Cheatwood Watson, Jeff Cheatwood and Sheryl, Tammy Cheatwood Barrett and Mike, Chris Ward and Xhochotti, Mark Ward and Melissa, Jerri Diane Nall and Wesley; sister, Aline Cheatwood Tyler; seventeen grandchildren; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; two special nieces; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Noah Franklin Cheatwood; mother, Gracie Lee (Phillips) Cheatwood; and siblings, Nellie, Ellie, Bobbie, Christene, William, Willie, Syble, Barbara, and Frankie.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Ryder Blanchard, Tony Davis, Chase Cheatwood, Randy Corley, Jeff Davis, Brandon Davis, Kevin Guin, and Tray Blanchard.  Honorary Pallbearers will be the grandchildren.

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at Magnolia Baptist Church in Saline from 5 PM until 9 PM.  The funeral service will be on Thursday, June 30, 2022 with Brother Buddy Davis and Brother Chase Green officiating.  Burial will follow at Old Saline Baptist Church Cemetery in Saline under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation released their list of endangered sites adding 14 this year that are in need of restoration. Three of the sites are in Northeast Louisiana, including the Palace Theater in Jonesboro.

This entertainment venue was built in 1925 and was updated to its current style of Art Deco (and some Spanish Colonial Revival) shortly after in the 1930s when stucco was applied to its facade. It has been vacant for decades, but recently the Greater North Louisiana Community Development Corporation has been working to return National Register landmarkt back into an entertainment attraction again.

Founded in 1979, the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation (LTHP) advocates, promotes and preserves historic places representing our diverse culture. This helps communities restore their identity as these buildings are part of the unique fingerprint they have on them. Brian Davis, the LTHP Director, explains the process.

“We decide which ones were able to hopefully help by doing some advocacy work and providing more technical services to those sites and their owners,“ said Davis.

Once selected, they visit the sites and speak to the owners to see if it has a possibility to be restored.

“We really do a deep dive on the site’s their owners, their needs, the threats that they’re faced and seeing if there are historic tax credits like state or federal tax credits, other grants or anything else like that that may be able to help fund these projects and get them back in good shape,” said Davis.

To see the full llist of endangered sites selected for 2022 click here. 

The goal that head coach Dusty Nomey and staff of Wayne Anderson, Railey Garrett and Michael Davis had was for their Jackson Parish Dixie Youth 7U All-Star baseball to make it to the Dixie Youth Baseball state tournament. 

The locals won only one of the three of the games played during the District 8 tournament that was held in Glenmora but with their third place finish, qualified for state play that will be held in Tioga in July. All’s well that ends well. 

Pineville 17 Jackson Parish 4 – Tournament action began with Pineville racing out to a 4-0 and 9-2 lead in the first two innings of play before taking the “ten run” rule victory by a 17-4 margin. Maddox Graham and Wyatt McGrew paced the locals with two hits and a run scored each with Ryder Gray and Barrett Smith adding a triple and a double respectively. Ridge Lewter, Leland Anderson, Nash Moak and Landry Garrett all added a base hit but three home runs, three doubles and two triples by Pineville, all with men on base, proved to much. 

Jackson Parish 20 Buckeye 11 – The game got cut short due to a power line that ran to a light standard started smoking. That wasn’t the only thing that was smoking hot that evening though as JP7U opened the game with red hot bats that led to 15 hits and 13 runs in the first inning. It was a total team effort that blasted out 29 hits and every player having at least one hit and scoring at least one run. Maddox Graham led the offensive onslaught with four hits including a pair of doubles while scoring a pair of runs in the first frame. Ridge Lewter (2-2B, 3 RS), Hunter Williams (2 RS), Leland Anderson (2B, RS), Nash Moak (2B, 2 RS) and Landry Garrett(3B, 2 RS) all went 3/3  with Cruz Nomey (2 RS), Barrett Smith (2B, RS), Grant Williams (RS) and Remington Davis (2 RS) getting two hits each. Ryder Gray and Wyatt McGrew added a hit and scored a run.

Alexandria 16 Jackson Parish 6 – The locals jumped out to a 4-1 lead after one inning of play but the eventual District 8 tourney title winners scored 15 over the next three to elimnate JP7U after three games. Maddox Graham (2B, 3B, 2 RS), Ryder (2B, RS) and Wyatt McGrew (3B, RS) all got two hits in two at bats with Ridge Lewter (RS), HunterWilliams (HR, RS), Nash (2B) , Grant Williams and Landry Garrett (2B) getting a hit each. 

A Public Hearing in regard to the amending of the Town of Chatham budget for the fiscal year 2021-2022 and setting of the budget for the fiscal year 2022-2023 has been announced by the Town Council. The Hearing will take place at 6:00pm on Tuesday, June 28th at the Town Hall, located at 1709 Oak Street in Chatham. 

The date for the hearing was set by Councilmembers: Toni Malone, Mike Wilson, Laverne Mixon and Marvin Davis during their regularly scheduled monthly meeting held on June 14th. Councilmember Sue Proffer was absent. Also in attendance was Chatham Mayor Greg Harris. 

The Jackson Parish 8U All Stars outscored their four opponents by a 38-30 margin in the four games  played in the Dixie Youth Region 8 Baseball Tournament held in Alexandria. They also seemingly got all the breaks but unfortunately not the kind wanted. In all four games the locals were designated the visiting team and In three of the four games, JP8U had 14 runners total get fcalled out on bases and fell by a run to late inning rallys.

Rapides East 15 Jackson Parish 14 –  The tournament started in fine fashion for JP8U as they bolted out to a 8-4 first inning lead but Rapides East rallied to tie the game at 12 and again at 14 apiece before scoring a run in the bottom of the sixth inning to win it.  Thatcher Savage and Grant Griffingot on base in all four at bats to lead the locals while Carter Kelly, Mason Tolar, Asher Norred, Brock Cragihead, Koplen Taylor, Ryder Pardue and Caleb Robinson reached twice. Kutter Blaylock and Andrew Seymore got on base twice and Jake once. Eight times JP8U runners got called out on the bases

Jackson Parish 13 Sabine South 2 – Thatcher Savage scored three runs and Mason Tolar, Brock Craighead, Koplen Taylor and Caleb Robinson scored two runs apiece to help lift JP8U to the “ten run” rule victory. Ryder Pardue and Grant Griffin also scored runs while Asher Norred and Kutter Blaylock got a hit as JP8U scored in each of the four innings including three runs in the first and second inning and six in the fourth. 

Alexandria 6 Jackson Parish 5 – Down by a 6-0 score, JP8U scored two in the fifth and three more in the sixth with no one out but that is where the rally fell short as Alexandria held on for the victory sending the locals to the consolation bracket and eliminating any chances of making the state tourney. Thatcher Savage reached base in all three at bats to lead JP8U on offense with Caleb Rpbinson, Mason Tolar and Ryder Pardue reaching twice. Grant Griffin, Kutter Blaylock, Andrew Seymore, Brock Craighead, Carter Kelly, Koplen Taylor and Jake Tinsley all reached base once.

Tioga 7 Jackson Parish 6 – JP8U scored three in the first and three in their last at bat but once again fell one run short. Mason Tolar led the offense with by reaching base in all three at bats and scoring two runs and Thather Savage got two hits and scored two runs. Andrew Seymore and Asher Norred also reached base twice and Caleb Robisnon and Grant Griffin scored scored runs. 

After months of taking applications the selection of a new Secretary / Treasurer for the Jackson Parish Police Jury is getting nearer. The next step in the process will take place at 5:00pm on Monday, June 27th when the Policy and Personnel Committee will hold session in Nathanial Zeno Jr. Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Administrative Building, located at 160 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro.

Committe members Amy Magee, Tarneshala Cowans and Chairperson Regina Rowe will first discuss among themselves the character, professional competence and  physical or mental health of the applicants. Individual interviews with each candidate will follow

All disscussion will be held in executive session, which pursuant to La. Rev. Stat. 42:16 and La. Rev. Stat. 42:17(A)(1) the public is not allowed to attend.

No binding or final action will be taken during the meeting. Discussion of the appointment of a candidate by the Police Jury will be held at a subsequent open meeting. 

It is possible that a quorum of the Police Jury may be in attendance at the meeting, but no
action of the Police Jury as a whole will be taken.