On August 1st, Jonesboro Mayor Leslie Thompson and Mayor Pro Tempere, Nia Evans Johnson, received a correspondence from Louisiana Legislative Auditor (LLA), Michael J. Waguespack. The opinion that was disseminated allowed for a couple of interpretations to be construed. In summary and borrowing from the old Clint Eastwood classic film, the information received could be classified as: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.

The Good: Waguespack confirmed that the most recent audit submitted on fiscal year ending 6/30/2021 showed that the Town of Jonesboro was in compliance with audit law. It was also stated that the LLA had discontinued the monthly fiscal and grants monitoring process. This was welcome news since for several years the town has been out of compliance.
The Bad: The correspondence also stated that the LLA was concerned about the Town’s poor fiscal health. It was also noted that the Town’s financial condition would be even worse than what was reported in the 2021 audit were it not for the influx of ARPA funds.
The Ugly: Waguespack recommended the Town take immediate action to resolve utility billing procedures and especially problems associated with meter reading and billing. As the Legislative Auditor clearly identified, utility revenue collections is significant to the Town’s fiscal health.
This has been known by local officials ever since they took office but despite the problem being brought
to the forefront in Town Council meetings many times over the past several years sadly, nothing but
continued banter has ever been the result. For the record it has been many years since meters have
been able to be accurately read because of their inoperable condition. Each month the town loses
revenue due to this when it should be a major revenue source.

 

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The new buzz word in regard to athletic competition over the past several years is analytics. Webster’s dictionary defines analytics as the information resulting from the systematic analysis of data or statistics. 
Some say the use of analytics helps a team play to their fullest capacity. Others say that by making decision based only on statistics that it ruins the game.

Then there are others, mostly those from the “old school” that don’t care one way or the other about analytics. They know that while stats are good to know that what makes a winner is what is inside a player. How much effort does a player give? How encouraging is a player to their teammates? How many times are they willing to sacrifice their body to help save a play? To sum it up, how much heart does a player have? These are things that can’t be measured but are easily noticed.

It is those intangibles that sets Bethany Leach of Quitman High apart from the others. They are the main reason that she has been selected as the Female Athlete of the Year and will be honored at the annual Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet that will be held on October 1st in the Family Life Center of the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro.

For the record, if you are of the persuasion to look only at the analytics, Leach easily qualifies for the selection in that regard as well. Since being inserted into the starting lineup in the opening game of district play when she was only in the eighth grade, Leach has earned first team All-District honors. That  ties her with only one other QHS girls basketball player in the last 20 years to have accomplished such a feat and barring any unforeseen injuries next year will certainly become a five time designee.

At the school awards banquet last year, Leach was named as the top Offensive Specialist for the third year in a row and led her team in Assists and Free Throw Percentage. As a 10th grader she led the Lady Wolverines in two-point field goal percentage and overall field goal percentage. Analytics anyone?

Basketball is just one of Leach’s talents. She also excels in track and field. This past year Leach helped her team earn point in the state meet by running legs in he 4×100 and 4×200 meter relays. As a junior she won the Outstanding Field Event Performer Award despite severely injuring her ankle prior to the district track meet. Perhaps most remarkable is that while in the 8th grade she ran cross country, participated in the state meet as a member of the 4×400 relay team and even won third in state in the long jump on her way to being named Team Track MVP.

Is analytics applicable to the classroom as well? If so, Leach meets the criteria there as well having compiled a perfect 4.0 grade point average for four straight years. That includes being a member of the prestigious BETA Club.

What sets Leach apart has nothing to do with the things that can be measured, but by what can’t. Analytics will tell you she is only a little over five feet tall. What can’t be measured is the size of her heart for winning and willingness to be a leader through a tremendous work ethic. In this she is a giant.

Maybe that is the result of her father also being her coach. Not only a coach but an “old school” coach who was around when teaching a player what it meant to be a winner had nothing to do with crunching numbers and pouring over statistics. Like father, like daughter!

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That special time of the year when “Friday Night” takes on a whole new meaning is now only a matter of days away. There is nothing quite like the glorious evening when you drive to your local high school and see the lights on the football stadium on. As you pull up a wide grin uncontrollably breaks out across your face. Your heart starts racing.  You just want to YELL! 

Are you ready for some football? YOU BETCHA! Been ready! Was ready for the new season to begin as soon as the last one ended. That is the way it is when your team has one of the most successful seasons in school history and the expectations of an even better one thyis year are on the horizon. 

This weekend the majority of the nearly 400 representative high schools of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) begins competitive play in pre-season scrimmages to mark the “un-official” opening of the 2022 prep football season. 

Locally, the fans of Jonesboro-Hodge will be treated to a matchup against Class 4A, Grant High School beginning at 6:00pm at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium. 

JHHS Head Coach Terrance Blankenship, now entering his school record tying 10th year as the Top Tiger, is eager to see the 2022 edition take to the field. 

“It has been a long hot summer and the guys are ready to hit someone beside their teammates,” laughed Blankenship. “We are excited about the prospects this season holds as the guys have worked hard. They want to take that next step.”

The “step” that Blankenship is referring to is advancing past the Class AA state semi-finals, which the Tigers achieved for the first time in three decades last season. 

On Saturday, August 27th, JHHS will participate once again in the annual Bayou Jamb. This year the season opening jamboree will be played for the first time at Joe Aillet Stadium on the campus of Louisiana Tech. JHHS will open the second day of play in the event that features 14 of the top teams in North Louisiana against another Class 4A school, Franklin Parish out of Winnsboro in a 1:00pm matchup.

The regular season begins with a bang the following Friday, September 2nd, when the Tigers venture to Lake Providence where JHHS will play General Trass High School. The contest will be one of the premier season opening matchups in the state as game pits last years best Class AA teams from northeast Louisiana  against each other. 

 

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The corporate limits of Chatham will be reclassified as a Village. The move was made official by the Chatham Town Council members Marvin Davis, Toni Malone, Sue Proffer, and Mike Wilson during their regularly held monthly meeting on August 9th. Laverne Mixon was absent. 

While one important item on the agenca was approved, another got tabled. That involved possible raises for the Mayor and Council members. In addiitional action the July financial statement and meeting minutes were approved leading up to a a pair of Resolutions being passed.

Resolution 2022-13 authorized the take over of New Hope/ St. Clair bank account and other related
matters.
Resolution 2022-15 adopted the Residential Antidisplacement and Relocation Plan in accordance with a Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) for Fiscal Year 2022.

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On Wednesday, August 17th, students of the Jackson Parish School District will begin the 2022-23 school year. The day before, (Tuesday, August 16th) Jonesboro-Hodge Elemetary School, located at 2105 South Polk Ave. in Jonesboro, is hosting  a Back-to-School Prep Day from 4:30 – 6:30pm. The event hosted by new J-HES principal, Danielle Copeland, will take place in the school gymnasium.

Parents and students will enjoy a bevy of introductory activities such as meeting the teachers and administration as well as have the opportunity to complete required paperwork. Information about LEAP Scores, Title 1 Comprehensive Needs Assesment (CNA) and Wraparound Services will also be available along with the opportunity to sign up for Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) membership and register for the Online Spirit Store.

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NOTE: Today most people only know that Caney Creek Reservoir and Caney Lake State Park is considered one of the jewels of Sportsman’s Paradise, as the state is called. Few remember the countless trials, tribulations, pitfalls and roadblocks that had to be overcome or the role that Woody McDonald played in changing the woods into water. This week – Hubba Bubba!

Finally, it looked like all the I’s had been dotted and T’s crossed and the construction of the lake was moving along at a good pace. While it had taken a nearly a decade to get to that point the one thing that the project had always seemed to have going for it was that the political powers in Baton Rouge were generally on board with getting the lake completed.

One of the main cogs of the governmental machine that powered the process was State Representative, E.L “Bubba” Henry. The Jonesboro resident had been a key figure in getting things accomplished since day one. When Woody McDonald first pondered the idea of building the lake, Henry was one of the first people he talked to.

If McDonald is considered he “Father of Caney Lake,” then Bubba would be the favorite son.

“Bubba was very instrumental in Caney Lake getting built,” reflected McDonald. “It probably would have never gotten done were it not for the years of work he put into it.”

Whether by design or just plain luck, it seemed that Bubba was always in the right place at the right time every step of the way.

“Before he got elected as State Representative, Bubba was heavily involved with the state Public Works Department and held a lot of influence with them,” said McDonald. “He played a big role in getting the plans and engineering pushed through.”

In 1968 Henry was elected as the Louisiana State Representative from District 13 that covered Jackson, Bienville and Ouachita Parishes. Over the next four years no one in the state had their star rise in the political arena of Baton Rouge as high as Bubba, except for one.

That was Edwin Edwards, who in 1972 was elected as Governor of the state. Edwards and Bubba was tight as bosom buddies in those days, even to the point of Edwards playing a large role in Bubba being chosen as Speaker of the House through his strong endorsement. 

There couldn’t have been a better person to lead the voice in Baton Rouge for the completion of the lake than Bubba, now commanding in the third most powerful seat in Louisiana politics. That is until the summer of 1976. Suddenly the tremendous asset became a huge liability.

It really wasn’t Bubba’s fault. More so it was simply a case of the two “Alpha dogs” unable to share the limelight. Soon Edwards and Henry begin distancing themselves from each other. During the regular legislative session that summer the fued reached a boiling point when Henry refusal to back some of the Edwards administration spending programs.

That set the stage for a no-holds-barred political war between the two camps that at times got downright nasty. The battleground – Caney Lake!

Next Week – Shots are fired!

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Third Sunday in August! Sounds familiar? It’s Annual Homecoming at the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, located at 908 Evergreen Road, Jonesboro, LA. The worship service begins on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The guest evangelist will be the Reverend Dr. Robby D. Williams, Pastor, St. Rest Baptist Church, Minden, LA.

Pastor Reginald L. Staten and the entire Pleasant Grove church family shout out to each of you in the words of our homecoming theme: “Come Home to Friends and Family,” based on St. Mark 5:19, on this day of celebration and fellowship.

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If you live in south Louisiana, you call the name of the parish seat of Lafourche Parish, “Tibby-doe.”

If you live in north Louisiana up in red-neck country, you call the city by the same name as folks in Cajun country. North or south, its pronounced “Tibby-doe.”

I mention Thibodaux, home to some 16,000 residents because I just got back from there. Last weekend, the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA) held its annual conference to celebrate the 75th year the organization has been in existence.

From my front door in Ruston to the Hampton Inn on Canal St. in Thibodaux, your odometer reads 275 miles. It’s a long haul from just about anywhere north of Alexandria. I was there for a brief time but there are several things that stand out about this city. When I left Ruston, my yard was in the process of burning to a crisp due to lack of rain. I drove into town Saturday morning with windshield wipers slapping out a tempo. It was raining and folks I talked to mentioned that it rains there nearly every day due, I suppose from its close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. Saw an awful lot of greenery there.

If you looked on a map, move your finger down, down again and way down to Baton Rouge. Thibodaux is 68 miles south of Baton Rouge. It’s 60 miles south west of the Big Easy.

The country up this way is known for its plethora of pine trees and fields of corn and soy beans. Down there, I saw hundreds of thousands of acres of sugar cane. You’d drive by a field and it was sugar cane as far as the eye could see.

Water? You want to see lots of water? Thibodaux is surrounded by canals and bayous and streams and cypress breaks. It sits on the banks of Bayou Lafourche. I spotted several vehicles parked along Highway 90 with folks sitting in lawn chairs and holding fishing rods. Although I didn’t see any, these same waters are home to a whole boatload of alligators.

Digging into the history of the city, it was founded in the late 1700s on the banks of the Lafourche and was a trading post between New Orleans and the Bayou Teche country. In 1808, Thibodaux became the parish seat of Lafourche Parish after the Louisiana Purchase was completed. The city was named for one of the early settlers Henry Schuyler Thibodaux. Probing a bit further, a travel guide commenting on Thibodaux a “classic Cajun community, big on fishing and reasons to party.”

I’ll bet that’s right.

Today, the city is home to Nichols State University, a four-year university offering over 100 programs of study with top ranked Nursing, Business, Biology, and Culinary Arts. For the sports fan, I learned that such well known college and professional football players are from this area. They include Eric Andolsek, Alan Faneca, Jarvis Green, Jordan Mills and Doug Moreau.

The city has been mentioned in several well known songs, such as Jerry Reed’s Amos Moses where he mentions the parents of Amos as “Doc Milsap”. I’m afraid Reed didn’t research the area well enough, located in his song as “forty-five minutes southeast of Thibodaux, Louisiana. Milsap? That doesn’t sound like a Cajun name. Doc “Broussard” or “Breaux” maybe.

I enjoyed my stay down there and would recommend to folks in this part of the country to plan a visit to the city of Tibby-doe. Oops….Thibodaux.

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass continue to school with some caught on topwater lures while bigger fish are hitting DD-22 crank baits of big plastic worms on the channel edges and drop-offs. Crappie are fair fishing shiners or jigs around the deeper tops. Bream fishing is fair around the lake on crickets or worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BLACK BAYOU – Bream fishing has been good on crickets fished around the trees. Bass and crappie slow to fair. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
OUACHITA RIVER – The river is on a slow rise Bass are best fishing the cuts with shad imitation lures. Crappie are best up the bayou and around tops in the river. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – The crappie are in the typical summer pattern as they have moved deep in the channels with jigs and shiners picking up a few. Bass are better around grass early mornings on topwater lures and buzz baits. Later in the day, some are being caught on crank baits and soft plastics. Bream are fair in the sloughs while catfish continue to bite fishing night crawlers or cold worms off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bass fishing has been fair this week with soft plastics picking up a few. The crappie have moved to brush along the channels and best catches have been made fishing shiners 8-10 feet deep in 16 foot water. Catfishing has been fair to good on cold worms or blood bait. Bream are fair on crickets. No report on stripers. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfishing is fair while crappie and bream are slow. Bass have been fair with a 6 pounder reported. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE ST. JOHN – Catfishing has been good on yo-yos. Bass are fair while bream and crappie are slow. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is on a slow fall and fishing in general has been rather slow. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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It remains to be seen how well Jonesboro-Hodge will play this season. One thing for sure, they will look sharp while playing their home games. That is due to Junior and Nikita Doshi, owners of Fine Wine and Liquor purchasing new uniforms for the team.

“We are very grateful to Nikita and Junior for their incredibly generous gift,” said an appreciated JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship.

The uniforms which feature bold blue jerseys and pants are adorned with a pair of brilliant white stripes atop the shoulder pads and white neckline. The numbers are large and easy to see allowing the fans the ability to recognize their favorite players.

“It was our pleasure,” stated Junior in a Facebook post. “We love to give back to the community that has always welcomed and supported us. Let’s go Jonesboro-Hodge! We love our Tigers!!!”

Fine Wine and Liquor is located at 529 Hudson Avenue in Jonesboro boasting the largest collection of “sprits” and frozen drinks in Jackson Parish. Open seven days a week, the large inventory is available by shopping inside or can be purchaed at the convenient drive thru window.

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Did you know that every day of the calendar is dedicated worldwide to honor a special event, place, thing or animal? Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, located at 171 Thrasher Drive in Jonesboro, helps residents be aware of how the day has been designated through their schedule of activities that are posted each month. See below for what is being honored on each day and for the activites planned at the facility for the week of August 14th – 20th. 

Sunday, August 14th (World Lizard Day)
10:00 Church Service
2:00 Solar Power Recharge

Monday, August 15th (World Greatness Day)
10:00 Karaoke
2:00 Personalized Pizza Bagels

Tuesday, August 16th (St. Roch’s Day)
10:00 Resident Council
2:00 Birthday Bash

Wednesday, August 17th (National Non-Profit Day)
10:00 Point Bingo
2:00 Point Bingo

Thursday, August 18th (Serendipity Day)
10:00 Solar Power Recharge
2:00 Corn Hole

Friday, August 19th (World Photo Day)
10:00 Bingo
2:00 Bingo

Saturday, August 20th (National Rodeo Day)
10:00 Corn Hole
2:00 Activity Packet

 

 

 

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If you never got the chance last month to see the movie Coldwell Springs that was written, produced and directed by local resident, Phillip Lawrence, thanks to the Jackson Parish Library you will get another chance.

This week the film, which features several local residents as part of the cast, will be shown at the Jonesboro Branch, located at 614 S Polk Ave. in Jonesboro. Viewing times are as follows:

Monday, August 15 – 3:00pm
Tuesday, August 16 – 3:00pm
Thursday, August 18 – 3:00pm

Register now for Children’s Art Classes 

Art Classes for children will begin in September but as space is limited you need to register now to reserve a spot. To sign up your child call 318-259-5697.

Reading Eggs and Math Seeds 

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There are a couple of positive personality traits that we over-look in today’s cultural dialogue. I want you to ponder the notion of patience and obedience. In terms of believing or working toward a noble goal these two traits are paramount.

Especially for the church people who are living in the great in between time. Jesus commanded us to work while we wait for His second coming. So for the church we are called to be patient and obedient. In life too, if you have a project or a goal in mind, patience and obedience are needed.

Let me tell you a story:
In 1894 on her seventy-fourth birthday Susan B. Anthony went out in dreadfully harsh winter weather to preside over the annual convention of the National American Woman Suffrage Association meeting in Washington D.C. Delegates gathered at the opera house at the corner of Twelfth and F Streets were anticipating hearing their leader speak.

They were not disappointed.

Anthony reminded her colleagues that they were now in their fifth decade of seeking the right to vote for women.

She told the assembly:
“We shall someday be heeded, and when we shall have our amendment to the Constitution of the United States, everybody will think it was always so, just exactly as many young people believe that all the privileges, all the freedom, all the enjoyments which woman now possesses always were hers. They have no idea of how every single inch of ground that she stands upon today has been gained by the hard work of some little handful of women of the past.”

When the US House of Representatives and the US Senate finally approved what was to become the Nineteenth Amendment of the Constitution, after being rejected by every Congress for forty years, Susan B. Anthony had been dead for thirteen years. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the original drafter of the amendment, had been dead for sixteen years.

These ladies were patient and obedient to the dream and vision of a woman’s right to vote. Their patience and obedience were catalysts for change.

How about it? Are you patient and obedient to the dream God has given you for your life? If you are not sure what dream God has given you, find a church on Sunday. We can help you dream in church.

Yes, the previous sentence was written that way on purpose.

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The Buildings & Grounds and Finance Committees of the Jackson Parish Journal held brief meetings this past Thursday and Friday in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr. Meeting Room at the Jackson Parish Administrative Building, located at 160 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro. 

Per protocal, the agenda items shown below were discussed in preparation of presenting recommendations to be considered at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Jackson Parish Police Jury that will be held on Tuesday, August 16th. 

Finance Committee:

Members: Lynn Treadway (Chairman), John McCarty, Regina Rowe

Agenda items:
Discuss and recommend action on adoption of 2022 millage rates.
Discuss the replacement of A/C at Solid Waste Landfill Office.

Building & Grounds Committee: 

Members: Todd Culpepper (Chairman), John McCarty, Tarneshala Cowans

Agenda Items:
Discuss and Recommend Lease of Community Center for Assisted Living Agency.
Discuss Other Police Jury Properties.
Discuss Veteran’s Park Sidewalk Replacement

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BATON ROUGE, LA –  The state of Louisiana allocated $25 million to homeowners who were affected by the pandemic and encourage more to apply, according to Governor John Bel Edwards.

The governor’s office said through the Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund Louisiana has distributed over $25 million in mortgage assistance to 2,769 homeowners who have been affected by COVID-19 and are behind on mortgages or facing foreclosure.

“Disbursing $25 million in assistance to homeowners throughout the state is an important milestone for the program and for Louisiana, as so many residents continue to face financial impacts of COVID-19,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “Our goal is to serve as many eligible homeowners as possible, and this is only the beginning. We know that there are many more of our people who could take advantage of this program, and that’s why I am encouraging those homeowners impacted by COVID-19 and meet the eligibility criteria to learn more and apply.”

The program launched in January 2022 and provides $10 billion in federal relief for vulnerable homeowners across the nation. Officials said Louisiana received $146.7 million and can give eligible homeowners up to $25,000.

In order to be eligible, homeowners must meet the criteria:

Own and occupy a home in Louisiana as their primary residence
Meet income qualifications
Must be at least 30 days delinquent on mortgage payments
Experienced a financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic

“The state has taken several steps to establish efficiencies in the review process so that funds will more quickly be delivered to approved homeowners, and we continue to work with partner lenders to streamline and simplify the process,” said Desireé Honoré Thomas, assistant commissioner of statewide services for the Division of Administration. “Our goal is to provide this assistance to residents in need as quickly as possible, and we’re doing everything we can to make that happen.”

Renters financially impacted during the pandemic who are behind on rent payments may also be eligible for assistance through the Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which launched in March 2021 and provides emergency rental and utility assistance to Louisiana residents in 57 parishes experiencing instability during the pandemic.

Homeowners and renters can find out if they are eligible to receive assistance and apply here.

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The Jackson Parish Library Board will at 4:30pm on Monday, August 15th, ain the McBride Room of the Jonesboro Branch, located at 614 South Polk Avenue.  One of the main topics to be discussed will be changes in personnel that is upcoming. Also setting the 2022 library millage rate will be considered along with an update on current projects, including the planned interactive outdoor park. 

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Floyd Knox at (318) 259-5697.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team, boasting former JHHS star Ladamien Bradford, had a busy schedule on its first full day of the summer tour in the capital city of Puerto Rico. The Bulldogs first took in the sights, roaming the streets of Old San Juan while learning the rich history of the U.S. territory, sneaking in some souvenir shopping, and sampling its local cuisine.

The latter part of day two on the island was spent at the Mario Morales Coliseum where LA Tech drained 20 three-pointers in route to a 113-67 blowout victory over the LPB White All-Stars in the first of three exhibitions scheduled.

“I was happy with the team’s energy level,” said head coach Talvin Hester. “They went out ready to play. While I am looking forward to adding our pieces that did not play tonight in David [Green] and Isaiah [Crawford], we showed how deep we can be. I think the strength of our team is our team. As long as we do not have to rely on one guy, we will be a hard matchup.”

The first quarter was back and forth with neither team able to gain separation. As a result, the two teams were knotted up at 22-22 at the end of the first 10 minutes. The Bulldogs started to get some separation though in the second quarter, opening the stanza up on a 16-4 run and ultimately taking a 15-point edge into halftime at 49-34. LA Tech ran the scoring margin up even more in the third quarter, producing a 24-3 run while outscoring the home team by 20 (31-11). The ‘Dogs added 33 more points in the fourth and final quarter.

It was balanced scoring throughout the night as five players tallied double-digit points – Kaleb Stewart (20), Keaston Willis (18), Dravon Mangum (15), Cobe Williams (15), and Terran Williams (14 all in the second half).

“This was a great experience tonight,” said T. Williams. “There has been a lot to learn with our new coaches and to come out and see how did in a live game was great. Energy is going to be a big key for us this season and tonight we had lots of energy.”

For all the latest in Bulldog Basketball, follow them on Twitter (@LATechHoops), Instagram (@LATechHoops) and Facebook (LATechMBB).

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Before I give my unsolicited opinion, understand one thing; I love that high school bass fishing is really taking off. I think it’s great for the sport and these kids are the future of bass fishing! These young anglers today are quick learners, especially when it comes to the electronics side of fishing. These mini computers on bass boats today are information superhighways and short cuts on how to catch bass. Operating these units is second nature for the up-and-coming generation of young anglers.

But I’m tired of watching You Tube videos where the dad, uncle or professional fishing guide tells them where they need to fish and what bait they should tie on. The sport has become who can hire the best pro or guide for their kid’s team. This is not good for the sport down the road and it’s simply not a level playing field!

Here’s what I question about high school tournaments on tournament day: Are kids being taught the right way? Are they being taught the ethics of fishing bass tournaments? Are they being taught how to find fish rather than a boat captain telling them where they need to make their next cast? Are they netting their own fish or is the boat captain? Are they making the decisions on tournament day or is the boat captain making them?

First, let’s look at this from my viewpoint as a self-taught angler that has fished tournament trails since the early 1990’s. This viewpoint is not only mine, but many other tournament anglers all across bass fishing. One thing that’s really starting to get under my skin is how parents or grandparents are employing pro anglers or fishing guides as their kids’ boat captain. So, if you’re the parent of a kid who wants to fish high school tournaments, please stop doing this! I understand boat captains can be hard to find and I appreciate anyone who volunteers to be a boat captain and take kids fishing.

I look at boat captains the same way I look at Dixie Youth or Little League coaches. Some have no clue on how to teach or play the game of baseball, but they are willing to volunteer their time for the sake of the kids. I applaud all volunteers who do this! But the purpose of the boat captain should be to drive the boat and make sure the kids are safe on the water, not to take kids out and show them exactly where the fish are! Baseball coaches can’t hit or pitch for their baseball teams, then why should a boat captain make decisions or net their kid’s fish.

The toughest thing to learn as a bass angler is how to find fish. So, when a pro guide or a seasoned tournament angler shows them exactly where to cast and how to catch the fish, then the kids haven’t learned anything. I’m not against the boat captain explaining why the fish are there after the kids have found them, but the teaching part should be done during the practice session…not on tournament day!

Next, the boat captains should not be allowed to net the fish the high school kids are catching. This too is part of the learning curve all young anglers need to learn to master along with bait tying, bait selection, map reading and how to cull their catch. These are TEAM tournaments and I emphasize the word TEAM! Let the kids do their own netting and learn to work together. Let them learn how to read the water and know what baits they should be using based on their observations. The reward for them personally will be so much greater than having a pro/guide or boat captain doing these things for them!

While I sound a little harsh, that’s my intent! I want kids to learn on their own. This is how the two “C’s” are built….confidence and character. I want kids to be able to stand alone as an angler years from now, whether they are a touring pro or just fishing open tournaments. When you learn on your own as an angler, it makes you a better fisherman. Do I want to see these kids have success? Absolutely!!!! But I want to see them learn for themselves and make their own decisions as a TEAM with no outside influence from a boat captain. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget your sunscreen!

 

Steve Graf – Owner Co-Host Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show & Tackle Talk Live

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To the citizens of Jackson Parish, I, Gloria Davis, am seeking a second term for District 5 of the Jackson Parish School Board. As you may know, my husband is the late David L. Davis and our children are Keith, Davy and Daveitra. I am the proud grandmother of Skyla, Chance, Tyree and D.J.

I have always been concerned about all of our children and have long strived for positive and worakable solutions to enhance the educational process. I remain committed to working hard and making the difference that really matters to our students, parents, teachers and members of the educational communities. We need to rebuld our schools stronger than before the pandemic. I need your support to continue thse important efforts. 

As a current member of the School Board, we provided our schools with some much needed physical and human resources. The physical resources included, but not limited to, replacing flooring for the Jonesboro-Hodge High School auditorium, installing softball field lighting at Quitman High School and improving restrooms at Weston High. 

Automated External Defilbrillators (AEDs) with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) were provided for all schools, Central Office and the Bus Barn. Also, we employed a speech therapist and established a Student Service Center at each school. This action will enhance communication development skills and provide academic support to assist in strengthening some of the weaknesses among our students. 

I invite you to get involved. I need your support. Your vote will enable me to continue serving and help make the educational difference. GET IN THE FLO – VOTE FOR GLO – VOTE #60 on Tuesday, November 8, 2022

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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

Business Services

Stump Grinding: Free estimates! Call James Stewart at (cell) 318-243-1009 or (home) 318-768-2554.

 

 

Johnny’s Stump Removal: No job too small or too large. Call Johnny McConnell at 318-548-5577 for stump grinding, clean up, top soil fill and other odd jobs. We have over 30 years of experience and insured. Mention code: Jackson Boot to receive a discount. 

 

Quality Electrical & Controls Service: Over 60 years of combined  Lic  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.  

 

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

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/LEGAL NOTICES

SHERIFF’S SALE

MIDFIRST BANK
# 36798

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

TAMMIE L. FOSTER
A/K/A TAMMIE LASHAY FOSTER WILEY

BEGINNING AT THE SE CORNER OF SE 1/4 OF NE 1/4 OF SECTION 4, TOWNSHIP 15 NORTH, RANGE I WEST AND RUN NORTH 586 FEET TO THE STATE HIGHWAY #17, THENCE RUN NORTHWEST 895 FEET FOR A STARTING POINT, THENCE RUN SOUTHWEST AND PERPENDICULAR TO THE HIGHWAY 150 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTHWEST PARALLEL TO THE HIGHWAY 60 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTHEAST AND PERPENDICULAR TO THE HIGHWAY 150 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTHEAST AND ALONG THE HIGHWAY 60 FEET TO THE STARTING POINT, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS THEREON AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING, LOCATED IN JACKSON PARJSH, LOUISIANA.

AND BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SE 1/4 OF NE 1/4 OF SECTION 4, TOWNSHIP 15 NORTH, RANGE I WEST AND RUN NORTH 586 FEET TO THE STATE HIGHWAY 146, THENCE RUN NORTHWEST 955 FEET TO THE STARTING POINT, THENCE RUN SOUTHWEST PERPENDICULAR TO THE HIGHWAY 150 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTHWEST PARALLEL TO THE HIGHWAY 60 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTHEAST AND PERPENDICULAR TO THE HIGHWAY 150 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTHEAST AND ALONG THE HIGHWAY 60 FEET TO THE STARTING POINT TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS THEREON AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING, LOCATED IN JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA; SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS, SERVITUDES, RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND OUTSTANDING MINERAL RIGHTS OF RECORD AFFECTING THE PROPERTY.

THAT CERTAIN MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME SITUATED ON THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY, BEING
A 2005, CAPPAERT 3802, MANUFACTURED HOME, SERJAL NO. CHVM040587621932A AND
CHVM04058761932B, 75.6 X 27.5, WHICH SAID MANUFACTURED HOME/MOBILE HOME WAS IMMOBILIZED PURSUANT TO ACT OF IMMOBILIZATION DATED MAY 0 I, 2006 AND FILED FOR RECORD AS INSTRUMENT NO, 369394 OF THE RECORDS OF JACKSON PARJSH, LOUISIANA.

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

SHERIFF’S SALE

THE MONEY SOURCE, INC.
# 36803

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

PAULA SUE CASCIO

COMMENCING AT AN EXISTING I 1/2 INCH IRON SHAFT AT THE NE CORNER OF THE NE OF SE OF SEC-2-
TOWNSHIP 14 NORTH-RANGE 4 WEST, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS PER SURVEY BY ALBERT D.
HULETT, JR., R.L.S. DATED MAY 3, 1993; THENCE SOUTH 00 DEGREES 08’11” WEST FOR A DISTANCE OF 200.00 FEET TO AN EXISTING 3/4 INCH IRON ROD; THENCE RUN NORTH 89 DEGREES 57′ 42″ WEST FOR A DISTANCE OF 240.00 FEET TO AN EXISTING 3/4 INCH IRON ROD, SAID CALL BEING TO SAID IRON ROD; THENCE RUN SOUTH 00 DEG. 08’11” WEST FOR A DISTANCE OF 457.40 FEET TO A 1/2 INCH REBAR FOR THE STARTING POINT; FROM SAID STARTING POINT, THENCE RUN SOUTH 00 DEGREES 08′ 11″ WEST FOR A DISTANCE OF 435.05 FEET TO A 1/2 INCH REBAR AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE EMMETT A. BATSON, ET UX, TRACT AS PER DEED RECORDED IN CONVEYANCE BOOK 141, PAGE 351, RECORDS OF JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA; THENCE RUN NORTH 89 DEGREES 57′ 42″WEST FOR A DISTANCE OF 400.00 FEET TO A 1/2 INCH REBAR; THENCE RUN NORTH 00 DEGREES 08’11” EAST FOR A DISTANCE OF 435.05 FEET TO A 1/2 INCH REBAR; THENCE RUN SOUTH 89 DEGREES 57’42” EAST FOR A DISTANCE OF 400.00 FEET BACK TO THE POB, CONTAINING 3.005 ACRES, M/L, SITUATED AND LOCATED IN JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA,
TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING. (MUNICIPAL ADDRESS-348 DANI DR., JONESBORO, LA 71251)
TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTED UPON, AFFIXED TO OR LOCATED UPON THE ABOVE DESCRIBED REAL PROPERTY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING
LOCATED UPON OR TO BE LOCATED THEREON. WHICH DWELLING IS OR MAY BE A MANUFACTURED HOME, AS HEREINBELOW DESCRIBED, WHICH MANUFACTURED HOME IS OR UPON PLACEMENT AND AFFIXATION SHALL BE CONCLUSIVELY DEEMED TO BE REAL ESTATE (THE MANUFACTURED HOME) MAKE: SKYLINE MODEL: 1996 MEADOW RIDGE 0500 SERIAL NUMBER: 2K-53-0773-I YEAR BUILT: 1995

Seized as the property of the above named defendant and will be sold on August 14th, 2022 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

SHERIFFS SALE

HODGE BANK & TRUST COMPANY
# 36619

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

ASHLEY COLLETTE WALKER
INDIVIDUALLY AND AS NATURAL TUTRIX
FOR MrNOR

A CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND SITUATED IN JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, TOGETHER WITH ALL BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON, APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING, SITUATED IN THE SALTER SUBDIVISION AS REVISED, AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF JACKSON PARJSH, IN CONVEYANCE BOOK OF PLATS A, PAGE 5 OF THE CONVEYANCE RECORDS OF JACKSON PARISH AS LOT SIX (6) OF SAID SUBDIVISION.

TOGETHER WITH ANY AND ALL PRESENT AND FUTURE BUILDINGS, CONSTRUCTIONS, COMPONENT PARTS, IMPROVEMENTS, ATTACHMENTS, APPURTENANCES, FIXTURES, RIGHTS, WAYS, PRIVILEGES, ADVANTAGES, BATTURE, AND BATTURE RlGHTS, SERVITUDES AND EASEMENTS OF EVERY TYPE AND DESCRIPTION, NOW AND/OR IN THE FUTURE RELATING TO THE PROPERTY, AND ANY AND ALL ITEMS AND FIXTURES ATTACHED TO AND/OR FORMING INTEGRAL OR COMPONENT PARTS OF THE PROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOUISIANA CIVIL CODE.

THIS PROPERTY OR ITS ADDRESS IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS 105 SALTER AVE., JONESBORO, LA 71251

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 WITH the benefit of appraisal.

8/17/22
9/21/22

ANDY BROWN, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO AUCTIONEER
TINA M. SPILLERS, DEPUTY

Chatham Town Council Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2022

The Chatham Town Council met in regular session on August 9, 2022 with the following members
present: Mayor Gregory Harris, Councilmembers Marvin Davis, Toni Malone, Sue Proffer, and Mike
Wilson. Councilmember Laverne Mixon was absent. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Harris.
The pledge was led by Councilmember Marvin Davis and prayer was given by Mayor Harris.
Toni Malone motioned, and Marvin Davis seconded and was approved by all to accept the minutes as
read of the regular meeting held on July 12, 2022.
Under old Business the discussion of raises for Mayor and Council Members was tabled. Motion Marvin
Davis, seconded by Toni Malone and approved by all.
Under new business Toni Malone motioned, and Marvin Davis seconded and was approved to adopt
Resolution 2022-13 authorizing the take over of New Hope/ St. Clair bank account and other related
matters. Sue Proffer motioned, and Toni Malone seconded and was approved by all to re-classify the
corporate limits of Chatham, LA from a Town to a Village. Marvin Davis motioned, and Toni Malone
seconded and was approved by all to adopt Resolution 2022-15 adopting the Residential
Antidisplacement and Relocation PLN for LCDBG for Fiscal Year 2022.
Toni motioned, seconded by Sue Proffer and was approved by all to accept the financial statements as
presented.
Marvin Davis motioned, and Sue Proffer seconded and all approved that the meeting be adjourned.

Esther Laverne Bedgood
August 26, 1931 – August 10, 2022

Esther Laverne Durbin Bedgood was born August 26, 1931, in Winn Parish La. She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Calvin Durbin and Odessa Rushing Durbin, two sisters and one brother and loving husband of 48 years, Stevens Albert Bedgood.
She is survived by 2 daughters, Marilyn Walker (Jim), Susan Sullivent (Ray) and one son, Rodger Bedgood (Lori). She is also survived by her sister and constant companion, Betty Jean Green and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and friends.
Esther left for her forever home on August 10, 2022 just 16 days short of her 91st birthday and after being a good and faithful servant.
She has served as Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, youth director, counselor and spiritual Mother to many. She loved to share her love for the Lord to everyone she encountered. She was a wonderful cook, seamstress and gardener. She took immense pride in her appearance and everything she did. While she enjoyed Being a Mary Kay Consultant for many years, she became known as THE MARY KAY LADY. We have been a very blessed family because of her constant love, support and prayers. She will be sorely missed until we are united again in our Heavenly home.
Friends may visit from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Sunday, August 14, 2022, at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home. Services will be held at 2:00 PM at Southern-Edmonds Chapel. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories in Jonesboro.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Jason Walker, Jonathan Bedgood, Phillip Walker, Eddie Simpson, Drew Maxwell, and Daniel Wyatt.

Ela Carson
3/28/1936 – 8/7/2022

Ela Mae Carson, age 86 of Hodge, passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at Glenwood Medical Center in West Monroe. Ela attended Sikes High School and later completed business college. She worked for thirty-six years in the accounting department at Stone Container in Hodge. Ela was an excellent mother and dedicated herself to her children. She loved her grandchildren unconditionally and enjoyed spending time with them.
Ela is survived by her daughter, Melinda (Carson) Butler and husband, Darren; son, Brandon Carson and wife, Olivia; grandchildren, Stilez Carson, Skyler Carson, Scout Carson and wife, Candy, Kaitlin McKinley, Austin McKinley; great Grandchild, Luna Ray Carson; and sister, Linda Bustin.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Carson, Sr.; son, Bobby Carson, Jr.; and mother, Lavern Sanders.
The funeral service was held in the Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Brian McAlister officiating. Burial followed in the Garden of Memories in Jonesboro under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers was Stilez Carson, Skyler Carson, Scout Carson, and Austin McKinley.

Shirley Elizabeth Parker
November 17, 1964 – August 6, 2022

Shirley Elizabeth (Branch) Parker, age 57 of Jonesboro, ascended to her Heavenly home on Saturday, August 6, 2022. She is a graduate of Bastrop High School and attended technical college afterwards. Shirley had many talents such as painting, being a seamstress and being well known for her mastery of cooking. She also had an eye for design and could hold her own in any situation. She is a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. Shirley was a wonderful grandmother and absolutely loved to spend time with her grands and spoiling them any chance she could.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Amanda Hawthorne and Ryan, Leah Grace Hackett; grandchildren, Preston Hawthorne, Joseph Parker, Braylee Hawthorne, Laniyah Hackett, and Max Hawthorne; father, S.L. Branch; brothers, Darrell Leon Branch and Pam, James Douglas Branch and Linda, Brian Wade Branch and Carrie; aunts, Patty Harrell and Charles, Betty Morrow, Marie Stone. She was preceded in death by her son, Joseph Isaac Ezell; mother, Dorothy Lee Brown.
Funeral services were held on Friday, August 12th in the Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel with participants Ryan Hawthorne and Robert Douglas Tyler officiating. Burial followed in Walnut Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers was Brian Branch, Darrell Branch, Jim Branch, Spencer Branch, Allen Brown and Robert Tonnang.

Geraldine Perry
December 11, 1931 – August 9, 2022

Geraldine (Brown) Perry “Dean”, age 90 of Jonesboro, walked through the gates of Heaven on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. She is a Jonesboro-Hodge High School graduate, class of 1950. Dean enjoyed crocheting and reading. She was a huge fan of watching sports, especially college basketball. Dean worked for many years at the papermill in Hodge before she became employed at Walmart in which she retired from after serving many years as a sales associate.
A private family graveside service was held in her honor on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at the Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Bro. Randy Dark officiating. Burial followed under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Those left to cherish her memory is her brother, Kenneth Brown and Toni; sister, Barbara Warren; special nephew, Mark Warren; nieces, Susan Brown, Kathy Michaud; great nephews, Jeremy Warren, Justin Warren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Josie (Maxwell) Brown; nephew, Mike Brown.

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To the citizens of Jackson Parish, I, Gloria Davis, am seeking a second term for District 5 of the Jackson Parish School Board. As you may know, my husband is the late David L. Davis and our children are Keith, Davy and Daveitra. I am the proud grandmother of Skyla, Chance, Tyree and D.J.

I have always been concerned about all of our children and have long strived for positive and worakable solutions to enhance the educational process. I remain committed to working hard and making the difference that really matters to our students, parents, teachers and members of the educational communities. We need to rebuld our schools stronger than before the pandemic. I need your support to continue thse important efforts. 

As a current member of the School Board, we provided our schools with some much needed physical and human resources. The physical resources included, but not limited to, replacing flooring for the Jonesboro-Hodge High School auditorium, installing softball field lighting at Quitman High School and improving restrooms at Weston High. 

Automated External Defilbrillators (AEDs) with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) were provided for all schools, Central Office and the Bus Barn. Also, we employed a speech therapist and established a Student Service Center at each school. This action will enhance communication development skills and provide academic support to assist in strengthening some of the weaknesses among our students. 

I invite you to get involved. I need your support. Your vote will enable me to continue serving and help make the educational difference. GET IN THE FLO – VOTE FOR GLO – VOTE #60 on Tuesday, November 8, 2022

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Cali Deal set a goal this spring to lead her Quitman HIgh softball team to a state championship. That didn’t pan out. Instead, she pitched her summer league Texas Bombers Gold 14U – Malpass team to the 2022 Alliance Fastpitch Tier I National Championship. Not a bad trade off. 

To say that the sophomore phenom and her Bomber teammates had a great ride over the past few months is an understatement. Over the summer the elite group played all over the nation and compiled a 40-4 record. The 6th ranked team in American won the Texas Fastpitch League and then culminated the 
season by winning the national title by beating former #1 ranked Athletics Mercado two out of three games in the 80 team tourney played in Chino Hills, California. 

Played in the format comparable to the college baseball playoffs, the Bombers advanced through the regionals, super-regionals and elite eight to advance to the championship series played on the Cal State-Fullerton campus. 

Not only did Deal pitch her team to victory she did it in a must win situation.

Athletics Mercado won the first game of the best two out of three series in dominating fashion, taking a 10-2 victory. Then Deal took the circle for game two. Seven innings laters the series was evened as Deal gave up only two hits, struck out six and didn’t allow a single earned run in the 3-1 victory.

That set the stage for a winner take all one game title match. With her team ahead by a 7-4 score, Deal entered the contest in the fourth inning.  and gave up only two earned runs the rest of the way in the 11-6 championship clinching victory.

By virtue of her stellar peformance Deal was named to the All-Tournament team.

Her statistics over the summer season against some of the best softall players in the nation in her age group was as impressive as her national championship tournament showing. Deal finished with a 13-2 record with one save to her credit. In 89.1 innings the left handed flame thrower struck out 99 batter and compiled a minuscle 1.881 ERA. Included were two shutout and a combined no-hitter.

 

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The Town of Jonesboro Public Works Department employees won’t be getting a pay raise. The reason? They just got one last year. That was what Jonesboro Mayor Leslie Thompson told those in attendance, many who were the same employees hoping to hear their financial position would improve. 

Thompson opened the agenda item discussion by stating that even though this was on the agenda of the Board of Aldermen meeting held on Tuesday that the decision was his and not the Town Council’s. He went on to say that there was no way that he could approve a pay raise at this point when the town was in the financial condition it was. 

“It wouldn’t be in the towns best interest at point,” said Thompson. “I can’t in good conscious approve a pay raise that with our current financial condition can’t be sustained over the next several years.”

Thompson further stated that everyone knew that the town couldn’t give raises and bringing it up again after he had already had declared last month no raises would be given was just playing politics. 

“There are some people who wanted this on the agenda again so I would be forced to say in a public forum that they wouldn’t be getting a raise simply to try and make me look like the bad guy,” said Thompson. ‘I’m am not going to play politics just because an election is coming up. I have already given these employees a raise just last year and we can’t do it again this year.”

This led to further bantering by board members, the Mayor and Public Works Department Director Calvin Wortham over the role that being able to read the broken water meters that are all over town would play. 

“If the Board would have agreed to purchase new water meters three years ago when  it was first proposed we wouldn’t be in this position today,” reasoned Thompson.

Board of Aldermen representative Robbie Siadek then reminded Thompson that what was being proposed was electronic meters which had never worked in the first place and they couldn’t afford them at the time.

“You are right by saying if we had purchased meters back then we wouldn’t always be in financial trouble,” said Siadek. “But that is if we had purchased manually read meters like I suggested.”

More back and forth followed until Wortham then attempted to get the meeting back on track by stating that they weren’t here to talk about meters but rather or not the employees would get a raise. Approval of the July bills and financial followed. 

Board members Devin Flowers, Nia Evans Johnson, Siadek, Pete Stringer and James Ginn then went into executive session where they could discuss the Stringer vs Town of Jonesboro lawsuit. After returning a motion was made for Mayor Thompson to authorize special counsel to meet with the attorney for Renee Stringer to hold a settlement meeting. Mayor Thompson was also approved to authorize a settlement offer based on what was proposed in Julyby a 3-2 vote with Flowers, Johnson and Saidek giving approval Stringer and Ginn voted against the move. At that point Ginn left the meeting.

Isreal Smith and Sirena Jackson was then approved to be moved from part time to full time per the request of Jonesboro Police Chief James “Spike” Harris. In final action, Janice Simmons, who has been seving the town as Deputy Clerk was voted to be named Town Clerk.