There’s gonna be a showdown! Quitman and Weston High Schools both won on Thursday to set the stage for a pair of crucial contests against each other this week that will have great bearings on who wins the District 1B baseball title.

The first battle will take place at Quitman on Monday, March 27th. Whoever loses that one will get a chance at redemption just two days later (March 29th) in a rematch at the Jackson Parish Recreation Dept. Sports Complex.

The pair of parish rivals both blasted their respective foes for a second time on Thursday with Quitman crushing Castor 14-3 and Weston whipping Doyline 11-0 to improve to 2-0 in 1B play while dropping both of their opponents to 0-2 and out of the race. The victories were similar to the results from two days before when Quitman beat Castor 11-1 and Weston topped Doyline 13-0.

Jonesboro-Hodge will also be in action on Tuesday, March 28th for the first time in eight days when they will host winless Wossman (0-5), looking to gain their third victory of the season and put an end to a three-game skid.

Weston 11 Doyline 0: Tait Henderson struck out four of the first five batters he faced and allowed only a fourth-inning single to lift Weston to their second straight shutout and third “ten run” rule victory in a row. Offensively the Wolves had 18 batters reach base in four innings via eight hits, eight walks, and two hit batsmen leading to four runs in the first and six more in the second to blow the game open.

Drew Browning led the onslaught with two hits that included a double, stole a base, scored a run, and knocked in a season-best five runs. Bryce Zehr also came up big, scoring three runs, stealing two bases, and collecting two hits for a third straight game that has lifted his batting average from .294 to .344 over the period.

Cole Blundell also contributed by getting on base three times with a single and two walks, scoring a run and knocking in two more. Cole Tolar got a two-base hit and also got hit to reach twice as did Sawyer Watkins who singled and walked and drove in a run. Braden Theriot walked twice, scored twice, and got an RBI and a stolen base while Jacob Gill also coaxed two free passes and scored a run. Cooper Delaney and Henderson, who also added an RBI, both scored a run as well after walking and getting a hit respectively. Drew Williams also crossed home plate to round out the scoring.
Doyline (2-12, 0-2)   0 0 0 0 0 – 0 1 0
Weston (10-10, 2-0) 4 6 1 0 x – 11 8 0
WP – Henderson 3-1, LP – Mingo
2B – Browning, Tolar
RBI – Browning 5, Blundell 2, Henderson, Theriot, Watkins
RS – Zehr 3, Theriot 2, Browning, Blundell, Henderson, Gill, Delaney, Williams
SB – Zehr 2, Browning, Henderson, Theriot

Quitman 14 Castor 3: Saddling the home team with their worst loss of the season by hitting eight singles, reaching base on eight errors, and getting eight free passes, Quitman saw every starter either get a hit or score a run. What was most impressive was what the Wolverines did once they reached base. Led by a career-high five stolen bases by Maddox Duck and four thefts each by Logan Ponder and Ian Tilley, Quitman ran wild to setting a new season standard of 17 steals in a game.

Cam Deal drove in three runs, Ponder and Duck scored three times while John Reagan Hasley and Riley Duck added two more. Blake Carter, Tilley, Kase West, Hasley, Jake Potts, and Pete Simonelli all drove in a run as well as Quitman posted a five spot in the third and fifth inning to win going away. Tilley ran his record to 2-1, striking out 8 over four innings before giving way to Ponder, who closed the game by striking out the side in the fifth and final frame.

Quitman (6-10, 2-0) 1 3 5 0 5 – 14 8 0
Castor (8-4, 0-2)       2 0 1 0 0 – 3 7 8
WP – Tilley (2-1), LP – Cooper
RBI – Deal 3, Carter, Tilley, West, Potts, Simonelli
RS – Ponder 3, M. Duck 3, Hasley 2, R. Duck 2, Carter, Tilley, West, Simonelli
SB – M. Duck 5, Ponder 4, Tilley 4, R. Duck 2, Hasley, Carter

 

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Shelby Cumpton, of Quitman, won the prestigious Kimberly S. Hanger Award, given to the top undergraduate research paper presented at the state meeting of Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society on March 17th in Alexandria. 

The LCU history major’s paper entitled: “Why Should Not Woman Seek to Be a Reformer?: The Relationship Between the Abolitionist Movement and Women’s Rights,” examined the connections between the women who advocated for the end of slavery and the advancement of women’s rights.

By virtue of her victory in the competition which included all Louisiana chapters from private and public universities across the state Cumpton took home a cash prize and a book award from the Phi Alpha Theta National Office.

The Hanger Award honors Dr. Kimberly Hanger, a history professor at the University of Tulsa from 1993 to 1999, when she died of leukemia at age 37. Her research focused on slavery in New Orleans, and she published two books before her death: “Bounded Lives, Bounded Places: Free Black Society in Colonial New Orleans” and “A Medley of Cultures: Louisiana History at the Cabildo.”

LCU Debate Team to compete at National Competition 

Five members of the Louisiana Christian University (LCU) Debate Team which includes Shelby Cumpton, a senior history major from Quitman, will travel to Boise State University this March 22-26 to compete in the final contest of the season. Four national champions will be crowned at this event, and debaters from LCU have a chance to win the top spot in the novice, junior varsity, varsity and professional divisions.

“Debate at the national level is both high-level and intense,” said Wildcat Debate Coach Brian Manuel. “These students that are traveling to represent LCU are seasoned debaters that have proven themselves in the trenches of competition. I know they will do well and all of them have the potential to return home with a national award.”

Also representing the LCU team which will compete against over 30 universities across the nation is Misty Tanner, Toriance Fontenot, Phoebe Lim and Madison Clarke.

“There are much larger programs that we will be facing, but in the realm of debate that doesn’t matter,” Manuel said. “ The quality and caliber of our LCU debaters are second to none. We don’t shy away from competing against anyone. All it takes is persuading the judge in the room to win the round, and our team is ready to compete.”

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The Jackson Parish Tourism Board held their regular monthly meeting in the Sunshine Room of the Jackson Parish Police Jury Administration Building this past Monday, March 20th where they attended to several items on the agenda involving the upcoming Major League Fishing (MLF) Tournament on Caney Lake.

After approving the minutes of the February meeting, agreeing to accept the financial statement for the month and paying all bills, attention turned to several items of old business.

First was the announcement that only four pictures of the original founders of the Department of Defense was lacking to complete the Civil Rights Trail. This was followed by learning that the Police Jury was working on a location for a rental space and that the LA High School fishing tournament was deemed a success.

Board members Deneise Barlow, Kelly Spangler, Christie Weeks (Chairperson) and Yumeaka Washington were then informed that the welcome signs for MLF were finished and on display, billboard designs had been selected and the gift cards were finished. Discussion on the Banner Contest was tabled.

It was also learned that the LTA Fishing / Recreation Guide had been completed and a list was being compiled in regard to promotional item ideas.

In final action up to but not to exceed $700.00 was approved for Chairperson Weeks to attend the Rural Tourism Conference and $500.00 was to be given to the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce for promotion of the Sunshine Festival.

Before the meeting was adjourned board members were reminded about the Jackson Parish Clean Up Day scheduled for April 22nd.

The next meeting of the Tourism Board is slated for Tuesday, April 11th.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – On a 213-208 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights Act by Congresswoman Julia Letlow, Ph.D. (LA-05).

“As a mom of two and a former educator, I believe for children to succeed, they need families and schools to work together as partners throughout the learning process,” Letlow said. “After spending nearly a year and a half working to pass this bill, I’m grateful that we’re finally able to advance this critical legislation.”

The Parents Bill of Rights is built on five, common-sense principles.
Parents have the right to know what their children are being taught.
Parents have the right to be heard.
Parents have the right to see the school budget and spending.
Parents have the right to protect their child’s privacy.
Parents have the right to keep their children safe.
The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate where it will await further action.

A downloadable version of Letlow’s floor speech can also be accessed HERE.

A transcript of her remarks can be found below.

Mister Speaker, I rise today to join my voice with millions of American parents as the House considers H.R. 5 – the Parents Bill of Rights Act.

H.R. 5 is about one simple and fundamental principle – parents should always have a seat at the table when it comes to their child’s education.

We believe that learning is a partnership between a family and their child’s teachers. This bill is the vehicle by which we can put parents and educators together at the same table to have a productive dialog.

This bill is not complex or complicated, nor should it be partisan or polarizing. And contrary to what you may hear from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, it is not an attack on our hardworking teachers, who will always be the heroes in my eyes.

It is not an attempt to have Congress dictate the curriculum or determine the books in the library.

Instead, this bill aims to bring more transparency and accountability to education, allowing parents to be informed, and when they have questions and concerns, lawfully bring them to their local school board.

Over the past two years, we’ve seen too many instances where rather than opening their doors to welcome parents in as partners, some schools instead slammed them shut and said government bureaucrats know what is best for our children.

Parents across this country have overwhelmingly spoken out – they have had enough. They want a seat at the table because at the end of the day, these are our children, not the government’s.

Mister Speaker, I worked in education before I came to Congress, and I’m also a mother. I’ve seen firsthand how when you educate a child, you give them a future.

We know that when parents are involved, it is the students that succeed. We also know that when a family is shut out of their child’s education, it can lead to disastrous results.

Mister Speaker, let us give parents that voice in the learning process, let schools open the doors and welcome them in as partners, and let us work together to build a brighter future for America’s children.

Thank you and I yield back.

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On Friday, March 24th, the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s received the “Celebrating Excellence” Award presented by the United Way of Northeast Louisiana. Partners from Lincoln, Jackson, and Union Parishes came together at the Davison Athletic Complex located on the campus of Louisiana Tech University to recognize volunteers who went over and beyond during the 2022 United Way campaign.

“The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office is proud to be a part of “Team United” as we stand together to facilitate and support education, financial stability, and health of every person in our communities.” 

Shown in banner above accepting the awards on behalf of Sheriff Andy Brown are (L-R) Investigator Terry Brister, Retired Chief Deputy Paul Trosclair, Chief Deputy Brent Barnett, Deputy Bobbi Trosclair, Deputy Alayna Walsworth, and Chief Investigator Donovan Shultz.

JPSO visits Weston Elementary Classes

Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kelly Staples visited Weston High School recently to meet with the Pre-K and 3rd grade classes. While there Deputy Staples read the iconic children’s classic Dr. Seuss to the rapt audience. 

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In front of television crews from KNOE-TV8 and KTVE – Channel 10 and with many patrons in attendance the Jackson Parish Library (JPL) dedicated their new Bookmobile on Thursday, March 23, 2023. 

“We are pleased that through this new addition that we will be able to continue the long standing tradition that dates back to 1938 of providing bookmobile service to Jackson Parish,” said JPL Director Floyd Knox. “Amber (Paggett) and Emily (Webb) do a tremendous job and this bookmobile that has an exterior designed from art submitted by local kids is a great reflection on the pride they and our staff has for the parish.” 

Local artists who contributed to the design are: LaKerria Austin, Camden Flynn, Addisyn Garrett, Rainy-Estelle Harrison, Ronnecia Kimble, Cadence Kinman, Hannah McDowell, Anthony Paggett, Zoee Williams, Marcie Nelson, Emily Webb and the late Ms. Aline Pate.

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Remember “ragondin”? I didn’t think so. Several years ago, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in an effort to find a market for an exotic wildlife species threatening our coastal marsh introduced a wild game food source that was readily available and virtually free for the taking. Add to that the fact that ragondin is delicious and nutritious and Louisiana residents should jump all over it and add it to their list of favorite wild game to eat.

It didn’t work; Louisiana folks, well-known for being willing to eat just about anything,
turned their noses up at eating ragondin, which is actually a nice name for nutria, or nutria-rats. I have eaten nutria and to tell the truth, it’s good. I admit, however, it wasn’t easy getting the image of those ugly creatures with big yellow buck teeth out of my mind. Thus, nutria continue to munch away at our coastline largely because Louisiana residents weren’t willing to munch on ragondin.

Today there is another creature threatening to do harm to Louisiana’s fisheries and the
LDWF is once again attempting to get residents to give this new delicacy, “silver fin”, a try.

Silver fin, like ragondin, is a nice way of saying “carp”, not just any carp but two species
of Asian carp, exotic species that are competing with our native fish. These two, the bighead carp and the silver carp, are already in plentiful supply in the Mississippi River and all tributaries and distributaries of the river. Both species are filter feeders, competing with such species as paddlefish and shad and the young of all species of recreational and commercial fish.

The more popular of the two, the silver carp, is the fish you’ve seen on outdoor fishing
shows jumping out of the water at the approach of an outboard engine and slamming into boats and boaters, sometimes inflicting injuries and damage to boat windshields and electronic equipment. They can weigh up to 60 pounds and a flying carp smashing into a boater going 50 mph can deliver a blow like a Mike Tyson haymaker. On a writer’s trip to south Louisiana several years ago, I had a 30 pounder smash into the windshield of the boat I was riding in inches from my face. After recovering from the shock of nearly having to replace my dentures, I thanked the Lord for strong plexiglass.

In an effort to slow the spread of these fish – they can’t be eradicated – the LDWF called on renowned Chef Philippe Parola, to find ways these fish can be prepared so our residents will fill their freezers and frying pans with “silver fin”. Hopefully this experiment will work better than trying to get nutria into our crock pots.

I haven’t had the opportunity to taste silver fin but from the video clip I saw, the flesh is white and tender and can be prepared into tasty looking dishes. The only problem is that both the bighead and silver carp have “floating” bones that are not easily separated from the flesh. This calls to mind a fish I used to catch and try to eat, the chain pickerel or better known to north Louisiana anglers as the jackfish. Jacks are delicious but the flesh is filled with small bones which meant we usually released them rather than have to wrestle with all the bones.

I recall watching Ruston’s super-chef, the late Mrs. Ethel Stone, taking jackfish filets,
bones intact, and using her pressure cooker to virtually dissolve the bones and making some croquettes or fish cakes, much like those made with salmon or crab meat. They were delicious.

Chef Parola uses two methods of dealing with silver fin bones. One method, steaming the filets, leaves the bones in the flesh but makes them easier to remove. The other method, deboning, is more complicated but can be done.

So Louisiana, are you ready to do your part in creating a new market for a troublesome fish? If so, give silver fin, the ragondin of the river, a try.

You go first; I’ll wait.

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Although this cold snap has slowed fishing, sight fishing for bedded bass has been fairly successful with soft plastics, topwaters crank baits, spinners and jerk baits working best. Crappie are still in fairly deep water around brush and hitting shiners or jigs but will be moving in to spawn as the weather warms. No report on bream or catfish.. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BLACK BAYOU – Crappie have moved up closer to the banks with best catches made around brush on shiners or jigs. Bass are improved with slow rolling spinner baits working around the trees. No report bream. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Big bass are continuing to be caught on soft plastics around the trees. Crappie are scattered around the brush and fair. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water is still high with reports of crappie being caught up the bayou on shiners of jigs. No report on bass. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – This recent cold snap have moved crappie back into deeper water but as it warms up, they’ll be back in the shallow spawning areas. Bass fishing has been moving in and out depending on weather but should be back in the shallows as the big females are getting ready to move in. Bream should be showing up around shallow bedding areas soon and lots of catfish were caught fishing cold worms and night crawlers off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bass have moved back from the beds but will be moving back in as the weather starts to warm. A few good ones to over 9 pounds have been caught this past week. Crappie are still best fishing around brush with jigs and shiners picking up some fish as they too will be moving in to spawn as water temperatures warm up. No report on bream or catfish. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfishing is good. Crappie have backed off the banks with cooler weather moving them back. Bass fishing has improved. No report on bream. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is falling but is still over the road for the next week or
so. No fishermen this week. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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Thinking about sprucing up your yard or porches this spring? The let the members of the  Weston High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) help you out. The FFA is pleased to announce the  opening up the new greenhouse on Monday, March 27, 2023. You are invited to come by and visit Lone Wolf Nursery on the Weston High School campus from 9am-12 noon and 12:45 p.m. – 3:00 pm Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and 12:45 pm – 4:30 pm on Tuesday and Thursday.

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It was a day of mixed emotions this past Friday at the Jackson Parish Hospital. Friends and co-workers were very happy for Judy Bradford, who was honored after 27 years of dedicated service, but sad to see her go as she enters the retirement stage of her life. Bradford was a member of the JPH staff for 25 years and worked two year with Culinary Services Group.

“We thank Mrs. Judy for her hard work and dedication throughout the years, and we wish her the very best,” said JPH CEO John Morgan. “Mrs. Judy and her welcoming smile will definitely be missed.” 

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The Louisiana State Police has issued a phone scam alert after receiving multiple citizen complaints.

Scammers are reportedly contacting potential victims by what appears to be a phone number belonging to State Police, authorities say. Complainants have stated that the caller is impersonating law enforcement in attempts to solicit personal information over the phone.

Troopers would like to take this time to remind citizens to never give unsolicited callers any personal information, and the Louisiana State Police would never ask for any type of payment or monetary donation over the phone.

To report suspected fraudulent calls, contact the Louisiana State Analytical and Fusion Center (LA-SAFE) at 225-925-4192. The Louisiana State Police online reporting system is also available to the public through a reporting form that is submitted to investigators. Citizens can access the form by visiting the LA-SAFE website and clicking the “report suspicious activity” link.

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It takes less space to grow up these days than in the olden days.

Back in the day, teenagers had their stereo in their bedroom. It was usually a monster. There was a turntable, an amplifier, and speakers. The two speakers were the size of a medium end table. The speakers could put out some sound. Then the collection of materials played up space too.

If you were of the album era, those albums while thin had a large diameter. The album had the album jacket that slid into the album cover. Some artists would release double albums. There were transition times with the music. Albums would try to give way to eight-track, which never caught on. The eight tracks gave way to cassettes. Some of the stereo systems would handle two or three types of music media. Plus there were storage requirements for eight tracks and for cassettes.

If a kid was lucky they had a phone in their room. The phone would be attached by chord to the wall and the receiver was attached by chord to the base. Really lucky kids had phone with long chords so they could walk around their room to change albums while they were on the phone.

There was some kind of alarm clock or clock radio in the room. That was necessary so the kid could get that great sleep between the time the alarm goes off and the parent came into the room and made one get out of bed. We get that same great sleep today by hitting the snooze button.

Some studious kids had a desk in their room with a typewriter on the desk. The term papers looked better typed and if you had a Pica typewriter those pages added up quicker, or so it seemed. There was rarely a television in this ancient bedroom. The television was in the den. It was a 25 inch RCA color and the family would gather in the room to watch a show. Since there was no remote, channel changing was done manually by the youngest member of the family.

So today kids don’t need as much space as those of us of another era. Their music, alarm, computer, TV, telephone, and speakers are held in their hands. Pull your phone out and look at everything it does. There is a tool that allows us all to do things we never dreamed could be done by one tool. We know that tool.

iPhone

There are times you don’t know what to do or where to go. What can you do when you have lost something in your life and you are grieving? If you are ill and the doctors seem stymied, what do you do then? If you have a parent or a child who does not listen and they are doing hurtful thing what do you do? If you have done something wrong, hurting yourself or someone else, where do you go for healing and forgiveness? As you look at life, the decision you need to make the direction you need to discover, who will help you with that? There is one way to deal with these kinds of challenges.

Jesus

 

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The Jackson Parish School District announces that is now time to sign up for the Summer Enrichment Program for students completing grades K-8. The session will take place from 7:30am – 2:00pm on Mondays – Thursdays  from June 5th – 29th. Free breakfast, lunch and bus transportation will be provided. 

Students will be offered math skills review, reading exercises, science exploration, physical activities, STEM, art and music. 

If you have any questions, call 318-259-8802, ext 9107 or send email to ashley.cotten@jpsbschools.us.

You may also register at https://bit.ly/jpsummerenrichment.

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There is hardly anything you can do more important than save a life. You have the opportunity to do just that by donating blood at one of three Blood Drive locations in Jonesboro this Monday – Thursday, March 27-30. 

The first drive sponsored by LifeShare will be on Monday, March 27th at Mitchell’s Pharmacy in Jonesboro from 10:00am – 2:00pm. The second will be at the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro on Wednesday, March 29th from 5:00- 8:00pm with the Jackson Parish Hospital being the site on Thursday, March 30th from 10:00am – 2:00pm.

Donors will receive a FREE POWER OF YOU Lifeshare T-Shirt while supplies last. 

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The Jackson Parish 4-H held their Fun Pet Show on Tuesday, March 21st. Thank you to Jonesboro Animal Clinic and Coach Miles for bringing their educational program to help our 4-Hers become more responsible pet owners!

Also a huge thank you goes to the wonderful judges Ms. Wilda Smith with the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce and Dr. Ron Strahan from the Northwest Regional AgCenter Office who braved the cold and shared their time with us.

2023 JP 4-H Fun Pet Show Winners 

Tallest Dog – Roux (Ryder Gray from QHS)
Hairiest Dog – Roux (Ryder Gray from QHS)
Trickiest Pet – Roux (Ryder Gray from QHS)
Shortest Dog – Bobo (Jana Potts from QHS) 
Best Dressed Pet – Bobo (Jana Potts from QHS) 
Congratulations to Bryan McMillan from WHS and Buzz for winning the added class… Cutest Puppy Face – Buzz (Bryan McMillan from WHS)

One more shoutout to Harley Jordan from QHS and Sparkie. Who knew a Jack Russell Terrier could have stage fright??? But Harley handled it like a trooper!

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Once again, we’re going to venture away from the world of fishing and talk about what our youth of today need the most. A few weeks ago, while listening to a Sunday morning sermon on “life’s temptations” at the Natchitoches First United Methodist Church, our pastor, Gary Willis, asked the congregation a question. “If you knew you could get away with it and no one would find out, what would you do?” Now this question really intrigued me for some odd reason, and of course, my mind immediately went to something sinister…like stealing, cheating in a tournament, or even worse causing physical harm to someone who’s given me grief in the past. We all have enemies that we would like to inflict pain upon at some point in our lives, but 95% of us never act on any of these sinful ideas.

Then my mind went in another direction. What if I could do something good for someone and not reveal to them it was me who did the good deed? Nothing says more about a person who does good things for others and never wants the credit. Examples of a good deed could be something simple like buying someone’s lunch or dinner, paying for another person’s gas or groceries, or maybe assisting the elderly. But then it hit me! The best thing you can do for anyone is to give of your time. This could be taking a kid fishing and teaching them the tricks of the trade and helping them to become a better angler, or doing fishing seminars for high school and college youngsters by educating them on the unwritten rules of tournament bass fishing.

So many youngsters today are growing up without the guidance of both parents. Boys and girls today are missing the male leadership necessary for them to grow into strong productive citizens. While I have nothing but admiration for the single moms and dads who are doing their best to raise this generation, the lack of having both parent’s influence and perspective has affected the devolvement of our young people. Nothing has a bigger impact on a young boy than a relationship with their dad. In the 1990’s the divorce rate started to skyrocket and so many men walked away from their families, leaving young boys looking for a path on their own on how to become a man. This trend has only gotten worse over the last twenty years. We’ve basically lost a whole generation of men who no longer understand their role as a father and how important it is for the self-esteem and development of a boy or girl.

Temptations for today’s youth are staggering and totally different than my generation. During my youth growing up in the 70s, we had landlines, not cell phones, and although alcohol was available, most just drank beer. Hard alcohol was not the choice of the majority. The hardest drug that was prevalent was marijuana, with speed and cocaine use on the rise by the end of the decade. Today’s drugs are so potent that one small pill might kill you! Drugs like crystal meth, cocaine, and opioids (specifically fentanyl), along with hard alcohol, social media, cell phones, and peer pressure are just a few of the temptations this generation of kids is facing.

Kids today are addicted to their phones and are constantly waiting for the “ding” to alert them about the latest incident or derogatory statement that was made about someone. Nothing has been worse for the youth of today than the invention of the cell phone, and no one is to blame but parents themselves. From this angler’s perspective, no child should be allowed to have a cell phone until they reach high school, and even then, they do not need access to social media until the drinking age of 21. I’ve seen that a bill has been proposed in a few states requiring that a person be 16 years of age to be on social media. This is a good start, but the age should be higher.

In today’s world, the temptations our youth face are tremendous. It’s important that we exposed this generation to God’s great outdoors. There’s an old saying…” Kids that hunt and fish, don’t deal and steal.” What a profound statement! Whoever said it, deserves a medal! So many of life’s lessons can be learned through the outdoors like hard work, dedication, and commitment. Other lessons they’ll learn are conservation, wildlife management, survival skills, and how to provide for themselves if times get tough.

Whether it’s hunting or fishing, it gives youngsters something to focus on besides all the negative temptations they face daily. Whether it’s related to the outdoors or a particular sport, kids today need hobbies to occupy their time. They need goals that are attainable that will encourage them to pursue their dreams. Bottom line, take the time to introduce a kid to the great outdoors…it just might save their life!

Till next week, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen and good protective clothing. Don’t be that guy who thinks they will never get Melanoma…because I was that guy.

Steve Graf
Angler’s Perspective

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Let’s Get Vaccinated! To help make that possible the Region 8 of the Louisiana Department of Health has scheduled free Covid-19, Flu, and Monkeypox vaccinations in Jackson Parish this week. The Jackson Parish Health Unit, located at 228 Bond St. in Jonesboro, will be giving vaccinations Monday – Friday (March 27-31) during times of 8am-4:30pm. Appointments are suggested, but not necessary. To schedule an appointment call (318) 259 – 6601.

 

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To have published your Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for sale, Advertisements for Bids, Requests for Proposals, Requests for Quotes, Public Notices, and Legal Notices – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com. Possible costs are dependent on content. 

BUSINESS SERVICES

Stump Removal and Grinding: Call James Stewart at (318) 243-1009 or (318) 768-2554 for your stump removal and grinding needs. Free Estimates! 

HELP WANTED

Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District – Full time Paramedic Supervisor, Paramedic and EMT positions available. For more information call JPASD Director Aaron Johnson at 318-259-2877.
Resumes can be emailed to: jacksonparishambulance@jpasd.com or sent by regular mail to: JPASD, attn: Aaron Johnson, 115 Watts St., Jonesboro, LA 71251

Jackson Parish Police Jury – Openings for an Operator 1 position at the Solid Waste Department and a Mechanic 1 position at the Road Department. Applications can be found on the Jackson Parish Police Jury Website, or by visiting the Administration Department at 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. Applications will be accepted through March 24, 2023. (For description of jobs see below in Public Notices)

Globe Life Insurance – Sales position available for motivated self starter to represent the Family Heritage Division that offers supplemental Life, Cancer, Heart, Stroke, ICU and Accident policies. To learn more contact Regional Director, Jamie Antley, at 318-488-1218 or send email to jamiefamheritage@gmail.com

FOR SALE

Book – “100-year history of JHHS football”  Comprehensive year-by-year description of the first 100 years (1919-2019) of JHHS football. Includes categorial individual and team top ten rankings. Perfect gift for that family member or friend who would enjoy remembering their “glory days”. The cost is $25.00 per book plus $3.00 for shipping and handling. To order call (318) 480-1206. 

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

REQUEST FOR BIDS: The Jackson Parish Recreation District is looking for a vendor to run the concession stand for the upcoming baseball season. If you want to submit a proposal or have questions, contact Tommy Smith at 318-737-8493.

Veteran’s Affairs Office Open: The Veteran’s Affairs Office, located at 322 6th Street in Jonesboro, is open on Tuesday and Wednesday each week from 9:30a.m. – 3:00p.m. Representative, Mr. Gary Poole, can be reached at 318-259-2100 or by email at gary.poole@la.gov

PUBLIC / LEGAL NOTICES

The Jackson Parish Police Jury is hiring for the following open position

Please submit all applications to Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: egibbs@jppj.org.

POSITION: Mechanic I
DEPARTMENT: Jackson Parish Road Department

Description:
Under close supervision, the Road Department Mechanic I is a skilled position responsible for performing minor and major repairs on automobiles, trucks, heavy trucks, tractors, heavy equipment, and related departmental equipment. Assignments are made orally or in the form of written work orders.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma, or equivalent, required.
• Class A Commercial Driver’s License preferred.
• ASE certified or two (2) years experience at the journey level, working with diesel engines, heavy trucks, and equipment, or three (3) years experience as an auto mechanic.
• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds frequently.
• Ability to work safely in all weather conditions, including adverse conditions.
• Can understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Able to work in elevated areas, confined spaces, and on and off ladders.
• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time.

Basic Responsibilities:
• The Mechanic is responsible for performing all types of routine maintenance and service duties on equipment, including repair work on engines, transmissions, differentials, electrical systems, front ends, and minor tune-ups. Arc welding, Mig Welding, and Acetylene Cutting with torch and plasma cutting.
• Road tests vehicles and confirms complaints, checks malfunctions, and determines necessary repair needs using experience and the use of various testing equipment and tools.
• Changes oil and oil filters, air filters, hydraulic filters, etc. on gas and diesel equipment.
• Greases truck chassis, wheel bearings, and end equipment moving parts.
• Performs repair work on small gasoline engines. Able to operate a chainsaw and weed eater.
• Repairs and adjusts brakes and clutches; replace brake linings and cylinders.
• Performs hydraulic systems repairs on trucks and equipment.
• Repairs flat tires and performs all related tasks incumbent to this endeavor.
• Uses manual and power equipment for breaking down and balancing of tires.
• Operates service/lube truck and performs maintenance duties on equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance work of vehicle air conditioning systems.
• Inspects and repairs suspension systems on automobiles and trucks.
• Tracks all warranty work available for equipment.
• Maintains all shop records, work orders, purchase orders, shop inventory, and shop work scheduling.
• Performs proper pre-start and daily maintenance and service of equipment including lubrication, changing tires, making minor adjustments and repairs, and cleaning.
• Requires a thorough knowledge of general maintenance requirements of various pieces of light to heavy motorized equipment.
• Services, changes tires and cutting blades, cleans machines including trucks, and makes minor adjustments.
• Recognizes and diagnoses equipment malfunctions or complicated services needs and reports to Supervisor.
• May be required to lift equipment, tools, or any combination in excess of 100 pounds.
• Skilled in the use of tools and the operation of machines and equipment used in automobile repair and maintenance.
• Adheres to all traffic laws, applicable Federal and State health and safety rules, local ordinances, and Jackson Parish Police Jury rules and regulations and policies and procedures.
• Ability to drive various pieces of equipment used by the Police Jury.
• Follows safety procedures and practices as required, as well as wearing required safety
• Performs other job-related duties, as assigned.

Detailed Job Description available upon request.

The Jackson Parish Police Jury is hiring for the following open position.

Please submit all applications to: Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: egibbs@jppj.org.

POSITION: Operator I
DEPARTMENT: Jackson Parish Solid Waste Department

Description:
Under close supervision, the Solid Waste Department Operator I is a semi-skilled to skilled position consisting of equipment operation, manual labor, and maintenance repair of various pieces of light and heavy motorized equipment and trucks used in solid waste management, maintenance, inclement weather, and other generalized work. Incumbent may be used as a relief operator on equipment of a higher class if qualified and trained.

Minimum Qualifications:
• In good standing as an employee in current position
• Class B CDL Driver’s License required; progression towards Class A CDL a plus

Basic Responsibilities:
• Primarily operates trackhoe/packer located at the Solid Waste Landfill.
• Directs compact trucks and the public to the proper dumping areas in the landfill.
• Packs and tarps the garbage in the trailers and prepares the trailers to be transported to the Union Parish Landfill.
• Keeps the wall area washed and clean.
• Cleans out drains and bins, when necessary.
• Monitors the water transport and hauls and empties, when necessary.
• Picks up general litter and debris around the landfill, keeping it clean and organized.
• Cross-trained on all Operator II positions; prepared and able to operate any and all equipment used at the landfill.
• Serves as a backup for the Specialty Equipment Operator (Compact Truck), if qualified, trained, and licensed and Operator I and II positions, if necessary (at the appropriate set-up rate).
• Physically present to perform the duties of the position.
• Performs walkaround safety checks at the beginning of every day noting any deficiencies found on equipment and report to Supervisor.
• Complete daily paperwork noting equipment and materials used each day and daily equipment forms.
• Must have good working knowledge of equipment and safety habits.
• Performs manual work functions associated with construction, maintenance, and cleanup of the solid waste landfill and off-site bin sites in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures.

Detailed Job Description available upon request.

Jackson Parish Police Jury Meeting Minutes
March 21, 2023

The Jackson Parish Police Jury met in regular session on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, 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. Tarneshala Cowans, and Ms. Regina Rowe. Absent:
Mr. Lynn Treadway. Also present: Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager; Mr. Jody Stuckey, Road Superintendent; Mr. Robin Sessions, Solid Waste Superintendent; and Mr. Darrell Avery, Assistant District Attorney.
The President, Mr. Culpepper, called the meeting to order. Mr. McCarty gave the invocation and Ms. Cowans led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion by Ms. Cowans, second by Mr. Chatham to amend the agenda for the following items:
• Give the President the authority to sign the Resolution for the DOTD Grant for the Town of Jonesboro and add the agenda item as No. 20;
• Continue funding 100% of the health insurance for all employees and give all employees a 2% salary increase and add the agenda item as No. 21;
• Give Solid Waste Department the authority to schedule grinding activities and add the agenda item as No. 22.
Motion carried.
The President opened the floor for public comments. There were no public comments.
Mr. Aaron Johnson, Jackson Parish EMS Director of Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District presented an overview of the Ambulance Service District’s construction of a Training Center, training classes opportunities, and new equipment recently received and expected to be received.
The President moved to the approval of minutes.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Mr. McCarty to adopt the minutes of the February 22, 2023, and March 13, 2023, Jury Meetings, monthly purchase orders, and the payment of all bills. Motion carried.
The President moved to Committee Reports.
Motion by Mr. Chatham, second by Ms. Cowans to adopt the following minutes from the March 16, 2023, Road Committee meeting. Motion carried.
Road Committee
March 16, 2023
The Road Committee met Wednesday, March 16, 2023, at 12:00 PM in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr. Meeting Room, Jackson Parish Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Mr. Todd Culpepper, Mr. Lewis Chatham, and Ms. Amy Magee. Absent: none. Also present: Mr. Paul Riley, Parish Engineer
and Mr. Jody Stuckey, Road Superintendent.
The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Ms. Amy Magee. Mr. Culpepper gave the invocation and Mr. Chatham led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Chairman opened the floor for public comments. There were no public comments.
Mr. Riley presented the 2023 Revised Maintenance Program. Motion by Mr. Culpepper, second by Mr. Chatham to
recommend the Jury approve the 2023 Revised Maintenance Program. Motion carried.
Mr. Riley presented the 2023 Road Program. Motion by Mr. Culpepper, second by Mr. Chatham to recommend the Jury approve the 2023 Road Program with the increase to $800,000. Motion carried.
Motion by Mr. Culpepper, second by Mr. Chatham to recommend the Jury give permission to Mr. Paul Riley, Parish Engineer to advertise the 2023 Road Program. Motion carried.
The Committee discussed other road issues, but no action was taken.
The date of the next Road Committee meeting was set for Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 4:30 PM.
Motion by Mr. Culpepper, second by Mr. Chatham to adjourn. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Mr. Chatham to approve the 2023 Revised Road Maintenance Program. Motion carried.
Motion by Mr. McCarty, second by Ms. Magee to approve the 2023 Road Program with an increase to $800,000.
Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Ms. Cowans to give permission for Mr. Paul Riley, Parish Engineer to advertise the 2023 Road Program. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Ms. Rowe to adopt the following minutes from the March 16, 2023, Parish Cleanup Committee meeting. Motion carried.
Parish Cleanup Committee
March 16, 2023
The Parish Cleanup Committee met Monday, March 16, 2023, at 12:30 PM in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr. Meeting Room, Jackson Parish Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Mr. Lewis Chatham, Ms. Amy Magee, and Mr. John McCarty. Absent: none.
There were no public comments.
The Committee discussed the place(s) to meet for the volunteers to get grabbers, vests, and trash bags and have a group picture taken. It was decided that the parish would be divided into four (4) areas. Jurors will be the team leader(s) for each area and will need to pick up grabbers, vest, and trash bags at the Jackson Parish Police Jury
Administrative Building on Friday, April 21, 2023, by 2:00 PM. Jurors Mr. Todd Culpepper and Mr. John McCarty will lead the Quitman area. Juror Mr. Lewis Chatham will lead the Chatham area. Juror Ms. Amy Magee will lead the Weston area. Jurors Ms. Tarneshala Cowans, Ms. Regina Rowe, and Mr. Lynn Treadway will lead the
Jonesboro area. A Fire Station in each area will be the meeting place for the volunteers to get their needed items at 7:00 AM and have a group picture taken.
Motion by Mr. Chatham, second by Ms. Magee to adjourn. Motion carried.
The President called for monthly management reports.
Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager presented the February 2023 Operations Manager Report.
Mr. Jody Stuckey, Road Superintendent, presented the February 2023 Road report noting that $11,181.94 had been spent on emergency call-outs/off-schedule work.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Ms. Rowe to accept the January 2023 emergency call outs/off-schedule report.
Motion carried.
Mr. Robin Sessions, Solid Waste Superintendent presented the February 2023 Solid Waste report.
Mr. Emmett Gibbs, Secretary-Treasurer presented the February 2023 Financial Report highlighting the budget vs. actual comparisons for the major funds.
The President moved on to Other Business.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Mr. McCarty to adopt the Opioid Resolution. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 0321-2023-02
A Resolution authorizing the Parish of Jackson (herein referred to as this “Governmental Unit”) to join with the State of Louisiana and other local governmental units as a participant in the LOUISIANA STATE-LOCAL GOVERNMENT OPIOID LITIGATION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (the “MOU”) and any subsequent Formal Agreements necessary to implement the MOU, including but not
limited to, the Subdivision Settlement Participation Form(s) in Exhibit K of the Distributor Settlement Agreement and the Janssen Settlement Agreement.
WHEREAS, the Parish of Jackson has suffered harm from the opioid epidemic;
WHEREAS, the Parish of Jackson recognizes that the entire State of Louisiana has suffered harm as a result from the opioid epidemic;
WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana has a pending action in state court, and a number of Louisiana Cities and Parishes have also filed an action In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, MDL No. 2804 (N.D. Ohio) (the “Opioid Litigation”) and the Parish of Jackson is a litigating participant in that action;
WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana and lawyers representing certain various local governments involved in the Opioid Litigation have proposed a unified plan for the allocation and use of prospective settlement dollars from opioid related litigation;
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) sets forth sets forth a framework of a unified plan for the proposed allocation and use of opioid settlement proceeds and it is anticipated that formal agreements implementing the MOU will be entered into at a future date; and, WHEREAS, participation in the MOU by a large majority of Louisiana cities and parishes will materially increase the amount of funds to Louisiana and should improve Louisiana’s relative bargaining position during additional settlement negotiations;
WHEREAS, failure to participate in the MOU will reduce funds available to the State, the Parish of Jackson, and every other Louisiana city and Parish; 1 Available at https://nationalopioidsettlement.com/
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THIS GOVERNMENTAL UNIT:
SECTION 1. That this Governmental Unit finds that participation in the MOU would be in the best interest of the Governmental Unit and its citizens in that such a plan ensures that almost all of the settlement funds go to abate and resolve the opioid epidemic and each and every City and Parish receives funds for the harm that it has suffered.
SECTION 2. That this Governmental Unit hereby expresses its support of a unified plan for the allocation and use of opioid settlement proceeds as generally described in the MOU, attached hereto as Exhibit “A.”
SECTION 3. That Michael G. Stag and/ or John F. Young are hereby expressly authorized to execute the MOU in substantially the form contained in Exhibit “A.”
SECTION 4. That Todd Culpepper is hereby authorized to execute any formal agreements implementing a unified plan for the allocation and use of opioid settlement proceeds that is not substantially inconsistent with the MOU and this Resolution including but not limited to the Subdivision Settlement Participation Form(s) in the Distributor Settlement Agreement and the Janssen Settlement
Agreement.
SECTION 5. That the Clerk be and hereby is instructed to record this Resolution in the
appropriate record book upon its adoption.
SECTION 6. The Clerk of this Governmental Unit is hereby directed to furnish a certified copy of this Ordinance/Resolution to:
Attorney General Jeff Landry
c/o Bill Stiles
Post Office Box 94005
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
SECTION 7. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
Adopted this 21st day of March, 2023.
ATTEST: /s/ Todd Culpepper
Todd Culpepper, President
Motion by Ms. Rowe, second by Ms. Cowans to accept the resignation of Jackson Parish Registrar of Voters Angie Roberts. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Ms. Rowe to approve Jackson Parish Recreation Board Resolution requesting approval from State Bond Commission for sale of Limited Tax Bonds not to exceed $1,500,000. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Rowe, second by Ms. Magee to increase CDL Physical exam reimbursement not to exceed $150. Motion carried.
Motion by Mr. McCarty, second by Ms. Magee to approve overtime for Solid Waste employees on Saturday, April 8, 2023. Motion carried.
Motion by Mr. Chatham, second by Ms. Magee to extend the services of Kenneth Folden & Associates for 45 days.
Ms. Rowe voted Nay. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Ms. Rowe to approve the following changes at the Health Unit: increase Andrea Gates’ rate of pay from $11.44 per hour to $12.45 per hour and hire a part-time receptionist in the $11.00 per hour range. Motion carried.
The Jury reviewed Parish Boards and Commissions Appointments.
• Motion by Ms. Rowe, second by Ms. Magee to re-appoint Mr. Brandon Lamkin to the Recreation Board for a 3-year term ending 02/28/2026. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Rowe, second by Ms. Magee to give the President the authority to sign the Resolution for the DOTD Grant for the Town of Jonesboro. Motion carried.
Motion by Mr. Chatham, second by Mr. McCarty to continue funding 100% of the health insurance for all employees and give all employees a 2% salary increase. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Ms. Rowe to give Solid Waste Department the authority to schedule grinding activities. Motion carried.
The President opened the floor for Juror comments.
Motion by Ms. Rowe, second by Ms. Magee to adjourn. Motion carried

Jackson Parish Tourism Board Meeting Minutes Minutes
March 21, 2023

Notice Posted: March 20, 2023 @ 9:00 AM
Meeting Date: March 21, 2023, TIME: 5:30
PLACE OF MEETING: The Sunshine Room 160 Industrial Dr., Jonesboro, LA 71251
Roll Call: D. Barlow, K. Spangler, C. Weeks, Y. Washington Invocation and Pledge: C. Weeks gave the invocation with D. Barlow leading the pledge.
Public Comments / Recognition of Guests:
Approval of Minutes of the February 2023 meeting: Motion made by Y. Washington second by D. Barlow to approve the minutes as presented. All in favor, Yea.
Approval of the February 2023 Financials and Pay Bills: Motion made by D. Barlow second by Y. Washington to approve the financials as presented. All in favor, Yea.
Review Old Business:
a. Civil Rights Trail-only lacking four pictures of original founders of the DOD to be complete.
b. Rental space-Police Jury is working on a location.
c. La fishing tournament- was a success.
d. Major League Fishing Tournament-
1. WELCOME SIGNS- Finished and out on display.
2. BANNER CONTEST- moved to nest meeting.
3. Billboard designs-design has been selected.
4. Gift cards-finished
e. Promotional items- getting list together- may get person to come with ideas.
f. LTA Fishing/ Rec Guide- completed.
g. Rural Tourism Conference- Motion Made by D. Barlow second by Y. Washington for up to but not exceeding 700.00 for C. Weeks to attend. All in favor. Yea.
Discuss New Business:
a. Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce-Motion made by D. Barlow second by Y.
Washington for 500.00 dollars for promotion of the Sunshine Festival. All in favor. Yea.
Other Business:
a. Clean up the Boot- April 22, 2023
Adjournment – 7:03 – Motion by D. Barlow second by K. Spangler to adjourn the meeting.
Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 5:30PM

Jackson Parish Watershed Meeting Minutes
March 17, 2023

Members present: Mr. Hightower, Mr. Joyner, Mr. Chestnut, Mr. Waggoner, Mr. Ponder, Mr. Barlow. Members absent: Mr. Harvey
Agenda Item Number.
1. Mr. Hightower called the meeting to order.
2. Mr. Waggoner gave the opening prayer.
3. No Public Comments
4. Motion Mr. Waggoner second Mr. Ponder to approve minutes from February 16, 2023, meeting. Motion carried.
5. Old Business: Three broken buoys were removed by A-1 Honey Do’s. No update from JPPJ on adding JPWD to permit list.
Ebenezer Pier Drawings are being reviewed by Professional Engineer. LA Striping, will re-stripe Spillway parking lot on April 23 late evening while ramp and parking lot is closed prior to MLF tournament.
6. Motion Mr. Waggoner second Mr. Chestnut to approve financial statement and pay
invoices for February 23. Motion Carried.
7. It was learned that Political Subdivisions cannot loan, pledge or donate money to any person, association or corporation public or private. No Action Taken on Agenda Item #7
8. The board decided due to current financial deficit reported for FY 2022, to continue collecting daily and annual launch fees for persons launching at Ebenezer and Spillway launch. No action needed since previous ordinance to pay launch fees was still in place.
9. Motion Mr. Chestnut second Mr. Barlow to approve Building permits for Dr. Roy
Kennison, DKA Construction, Amy Moore and Brian Stevenson. Motion carried.
10. No Action
11. No Action
12. No Members Comments
13. Motion Mr. Chestnut second Mr. Ponder to adjourn Motion carried.

Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana Spillway Water Supply Notice

Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana Spillway Water Supply Noticeis 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 HAA5 standard is determine by calculating a locational running annual average (LRRA) of quarterly HAA5 sample results. Compliance calculations performed for the first quarter of 2023 show that the system’s current HAA5 LRAAs are 69 ppb at sample location DBP02 – 133 Suanna Road and 66 ppb at DBP03- 211 Spruce Drive. Thus, the system is currently in violation of HAA5 standards.

Water Sector Program has approved UIL to receive grant funding for the design improvements to the water system. The upgrades include the installation of a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter to reduce HAA5 concentration. The project is in the bidding process. Construction and purchasing materials will begin once the public bid and contract are complete. UIL continues to work with the engineering firm and 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.

NOTICE OF PERMIT TO SALE

 

Rodger Dale Caskey Sr.
November 11, 1949 – March 20, 2023

Rodger Dale Caskey Sr. passed away on Sunday March 19, 2023, after reaching the age of 73 years old. After months of failing health, he died peacefully within his home in Jonesboro, Louisiana with his Beloved wife of nearly 50 years holding his hand. Rodger was born on November 16, 1949, in Jonesboro, Louisiana, where he grew up and lived most of his life.

He later found himself proudly serving as a soldier in the United States Marine Corp. Rodger was medically discharged after being wounded in combat during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his courage and sacrifice. Rodger would marry his wife, Janis, in 1973. They together raised a large family, consisting of 6 children, 15 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

Rodger was simply a genuinely good man. He was stern, when necessary, gentle when needed, proud but humble. He was giving and faithful. He was also a true country boy, loving every minute of fishing and hunting that he could squeeze in. He spent numerous hours throughout his lifetime on the lake or in the woods and shared his love for this with his children and grandchildren.

Family was the pivotal essence of Rodger’s life. He was proud and honored to be the patriarch, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to our large family. He has been a major presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren. This wonderful man has left a permanent mark etched on our hearts and will be supremely missed and fondly remembered by his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, many nieces, nephews, cousins extended family and many good friends.

Rodger is survived by loving wife, Janis Caskey (Jonesboro, LA). His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren Rodger Caskey Jr and Jessica their sons Rodger III and Devon (Jonesboro, LA). Rodney Caskey his children Kinsley, Rylen, Rayden (Jonesboro, LA). Tonya Tibbits (Stonewall, LA) her children Kandis Brown daughters Savannah, Leighton, Charliee (Stonewall, LA), BJ Brown and Carrie children Dakotah, Xander, Brantley (Dallas, TX), Kaylynn Bautista and Jonathan children Christian, Jennifer, Izzy, Gabby (Stonewall, LA). Destiny Tibbits, Desiray Tibbits, Matthew Tibbits (Stonewall, LA). Terri Dye (Jonesboro, LA) her children Kelli Calhoun and Michael sons Blaine, Ashton, Mikey (Doyline, LA), Karrie Strickland and Kyle children Brodie, Tristen, Megan, Nickolas (Hot Springs, AR), Great granddaughter Madison Kemp. Brother Billy Caskey Sr and Honey (Haughton, LA), Bobby Caskey and Kari (Noble, LA), Chris Caskey (Noble, LA). Sister Linda Gaspard and John (Jonesboro, LA). A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Robin and his son Jimmy Ray. His grandson Andrew. Favorite son in law Buster. Brothers Robert, Charlie, Tommy, Jimmy, and Johnny. His sister Bootsy. His in laws Charles and Sadie Edwards and parents Bingo and Verna Caskey.

Funeral services were held at Weston Baptist Church in Jonesboro, LA, Thursday March 23, 2023. Rodger was laid to rest in Springhill Cemetery, Jonesboro, LA.

Pallbearers were BJ Brown, Rodger Caskey III, Jonathan Bautista, Ashton Sparks, Mikey Calhoun Jr, Matthew Tibbits, TJ Spivey, and Trenton Spivey. Honorary Pallbearers were Rylen Caskey, Christian Bautista, Dakotah Brown, Xander Brown, and Brantley Brown.

Sandy Stuckey
December 6, 1963 — March 16, 2023

Funeral services celebrating the life of Mrs. Sandy Stuckey, 59, of West Monroe, LA, were held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe, LA, with her pastor, Bro. Mike Holloway officiating. Interment will follow in the Community of Christ Church Cemetery in Eros, LA.

Mrs. Stuckey was born on December 6, 1963, in Monroe, LA and passed away on March 16, 2023, in Houston, TX.

She was a faithful and devoted follower of Christ. Her family is thankful to the Lord for her salvation and redemption through the blood of Jesus. Apart from her faith in the Lord, her family was the most important thing in her life. Her family was her pride and joy and her ultimate earthly blessing. She loved to spend time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. If she wasn’t spending her time with her family, she was spending time with her church family at Ouachita Baptist Church in West Monroe, LA, where she had many beloved friends.

She was a nurse for 35+ years and saw her job as a mission field. She allowed the Lord to use her as a vessel and witnessed to and prayed over countless work friends and patients throughout her career. Her favorite place to be was the beach. If she couldn’t go to the beach, she could be found in a deer stand.

Sandy is preceded in death by her parents, Redmond and Marie Thornell; and brother, Kenneth Thornell.

Survivors include her husband, Danny Stuckey; daughters, Lindsay Mathews and husband Frank, and Alexis Bosely and husband Blake; grandchildren, Kypton and Graysha Mathews, Loen Bosely, and Baby Bosely who is on the way; sister, Barbara Shurling and husband Reg; brother, Sheldon Thornell and wife Nichole; and uncle, George Phillips and wife Betty.

Pallbearers were Frank Mathews, Blake Bosely, Gary Stuckey, Barry Bell, Reg Shurling, Earl Stuckey, and Kypton Mathews.

 

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What started as a birthday memorial celebration for Lajermanique Nichols, the Jonesboro teen that was one of three killed in a horrific car accident in 2021, turned into a major crowd disruption resulting in two arrests made and two others still at large.  Also three Jonesboro Police Department Officers sustained injuries. 

Arrested and charged with Disturbing the Peace, three counts of Battery of a Police Officer and three counts of Resisting by Force was Demije M. Patterson and Tracy Hampton III, both of Homer, LA.

Still at large and being sought is Rayonjarnae Stewart and Justice Castro, who were handcuffed and put in a Jonesboro Police Department (JPD) unit but escaped with aid from members in the crowd while Officers were attempting to break up the disturbance.

According to JPD Asst. Police Chief Warren Johnson a large crowd was in attendance this past Sunday, March 19th, at Congo Park located at 200 Pearrie Street in Jonesboro honoring Nichols on what would have been her 21st birthday. During the event a physical altercation started between two females which when JPD Officers attempted to defuse the situation became an all out brawl.

Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris has issued the following statement.

“Due to the unfortunate situation that occurred there will be no further unsanctioned events held at any public parks within the city limits of Jonesboro until further notice.”

The Jonesboro Police Department requests that if anyone has any knowledge of the whereabouts of Stewart and/or Castro please call 318-259-2164 or come by the JPD, located at 100 4th Street in Jonesboro. 

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Twenty four (24) of the top softball teams from all classifications will descend on the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex this Friday and Saturday for the third annual Quitman Lady Wolverine Softball Tournament. 

Games will take place on all four fields of the JPRD Complex, located at 5254 Hwy 4, east of Jonesboro with the first contests beginning at 3::30pm on Friday followed by games at 5:30 and 7:30pm. Highlighting Friday’s schedule of 12 games for local fans is Weston taking on Montgomery at 3:30pm on Field 2 and host Quitman, ranked #1 in Division V,  playing Oak Grove, ranked #7 in Division IV. 

Saturday will see a total of 19 games played with the first contests set for 9:00am and the tourney finals scheduled to start at 5:00pm. Quitman will play Class 4A Evangel at 3:00pm and Class 5A Parkway at 5:00pm, while Weston will take on Parkway at 3:00pm and Winnfield at 5:00pm. 

Additional local prep baseball and softball schedule for Wednesday – Friday

Wednesday, March 22nd:
Quitman vs Doyline (Softball) 3:30pm

Thursday, March 23rd:
Weston vs Doyline at JPRD (Baseball) 5:00pm
Quitman at Castor (Baseball) TBA

Friday, March 24th:
Weston at Many (Baseball) 5:00pm

2023 QHS Softball Tourney Schedule 

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On March 16th, local historian Brad Dison recorded a YouTube video that investigates the connection of three grave sites and the mystery behind the 1936 explosion of the Jackson Parish Courthouse.  

“Someone sent me to the Jonesboro Cemetery and had me find the connection between three specific headstones, those for the graves of Luther Barnes, Ona Mae Barnes, and Jack McCain,” quoted Dison. “Find out the explosive connection in this episode.”

To view the episode click here. 

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Both Quitman and Weston opened district 1B play in grand style on Tuesday by “ten run” ruling Castor and Doyline respectively. It was the second game in two days for both with Weston stomping St. Mary’s of Natchitoches and Quitman falling to former district foe Choudrant on Monday. Also on Monday, Jonesboro-Hodge lost to Simsboro in a game played at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex. 

Weston 13 Doyline 0: (Tuesday) Cooper Delaney was utterly dominant as he no-hit Doyline while striking out ten in five innings. Jacob Gill led the offensive attack with a 3/4 performance that included his first home run of the year, 4 RBI and two runs scored. Drew Browning also hit his first “tater”, one of his two hits on the day, knocked in three and scored three times. Bryce Zehr (2B, RBI, RS), Colton Blundell (RBI, RS, SB) and Cole Tolar (2B, RBI) also added two hits each. Sawyer Watkins (RBI, RS, SB) reached base three time via a hit and two walks, while Delaney and Tait Henderson each got a hit and coaxed a base on balls. Braden Theriot chipped in with a hit, RBI and a run scored. Layton Garrett scored twice and Drew Williams once to round out the attack that saw Weston compile 15 hits and 7 walks against Doyline pitching. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
Weston (9-10, 1-0)	0	0	3	7	3	13	15	0
Doyline (2-11, 0-1)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2

Quitman 11 Castor 1 (Tuesday) Blake Carter struck out 9 and limited Castor who had won 8 of 10 coming in to only a first inning run.  Six Quitman batters collected a hit with Cam Deal getting two in three at bats and scoring three runs. Logan Ponder also scored three times while Carter knocked in three both Riley Duck and Ian Tilley, who also scored twice, got 2 RBI each. Hudson Pullig who got a hit and got hit twice, one of five Quitman batters to get plunked on the day, chipped in with an RBI and a run scored. The Wolverines also stole 9 bases on the day with Deal, Ponder and Pullig swiping two each. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
Castor (8-3, 0-1)	1	0	0	0	0	1	6	2
Quitman (5-10, 1-0)	3	0	2	5	1	11	8	1

Weston 11 St. Mary’s 1 (Monday) Weston scored 7 runs in the second inning to blow the game open and Bryce Zehr gave up one run and one hit over five innings as Weston put an end to a 3 game losing streak. Zehr helped his cause by getting two hits, including a double, scoring twice and knocking in a run while Braden Theriot knocked in three, Jacob Gill two and both Tait Henderson and Blaine Graham scored two runs. WHS was the recipient of six St. Mary’s errors and coaxed 9 free passes with Henderson, Cole Tolar and Cooper Delaney getting two each. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
St. Mary’s (11-8)	1	0	0	0	0	1	1	6
Weston (8-10)	2	7	1	1	x	11	6	0

Choudrant 13 Quitman 2 (Monday): One of the hardest thing to do in sports is beat a team three times in a row. Especially when the one you are trying to complete the tri-fecta against the defending state champion and current #1 ranked team in Division I among “non-select” schools. By pounding out 14 hits and scoring six runs in the top of the third and adding five more over the next two innings, Choudrant made sure that they would salvage a game out of the three game set. Conversely QHS managed just four hits, including a Cam Deal double off winning pitcher Eddie Callendar. Deal and Ponder both stole two bases for the Wolverines.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
Choudrant (14-4)	2	0	6	2	3	13	14	0
Quitman (4-10)	1	0	1	0	0	2	4	0

Simsboro 12 JHHS 2 (Monday) The Tigers lost their third straight after winning two of the previous three to fall to 2-8 on the year. Simsboro continues their three year resurgence improving to 10-5 just two seasons removed from not winning a game all year and barely breaking .500 last year. No game stats were reported. 

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It didn’t take long for freshman Taylor Huddleston of Quitman High School to establish himself as the premier long distance runner in Jackson Parish. After finishing in the middle of the pack in the first two meets of the year, Huddleston exploded onto the scene at the Castor Invitational by winning the 1600 and 3200 meter races and coming in second in the 800 meters. 

As result of the near tri-fecta of long distance races Huddleston, who has only three varsity meets under his belt, has been named the Jackson Parish Journal Spring Sports Standout of the Week for March 12th – 18th.

This award that is being sponsored by VP Raceway FastLube of Jonesboro, honors the best weekly performance by an athlete from JHHS, Quitman or Weston High School in the spring sports of baseball, softball, track, tennis or golf. 

Honorable Mention:

Jalexia Claridy: (Weston High)  – Senior field specialist staked her claim to being tops in Jackson Parish in the discus and shot by winning both events at the Castor Meet. With a throw of 90′ 07″ won the discus by a whopping 18 feet and grabbed gold in the shot put with a toss of 32’6.5″ a solid foot and a half further than the competition. 

Nathan Harvey: (Quitman High)  – Another Freshman that has made his name known in the hurdles by winning the 110 meter hurdles by nearly a second and a half and coming in third in the 300 meter hurdles. Also ran a leg on Quitman’s third place 4×200 relay team. 

Bryan Lay: (Quitman High) – The junior Pole Vaulter won the Castor Meet by a foot and a half over the next closest competitor. Even more impressively, his vault of 13 feet set a new school record and tied one of the oldest track and field records in Jackson Parish history, that was first set in 1963. 

 

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