The Spring Into Health Community Health Fair and Block Party will be held from 12:00 – 5:00 pm in downtown Jonesboro this Saturday, March 25th. Sponsored by Pine Belt Multi-Purpose CCA, Jonesboro State Bank, Louisiana Healthcare Connections and Louisiana Department of Health, attendees will learn from a variety of vendors on how to better care for your mental, physical, emotional and financial well-being.
Free offerings and activities that will be available are:
Mental health assessment Immunizations Financial literacy Live music Line dancing Yoga Kid zones Inclusive play area Food trucks
This past weekend proved “twice as nice” for Landin Chatham of Weston High School and partner Jessie Parker from West Ouachita High as the pair landed a first and second place finish in two tournaments that were held at the same time.
With a five fish stringer of 13.08 pounds the pair won the third leg of the Northeast Louisiana High School Anglers (NELAHS) tour event and came in second place in the Student Angler Federation (SAF) state championship tourney. Pacing the outstanding finishes was a 6.11 lb. lunker that took top prize for Big Bass in the NELAHS tourney.
By virtue of their conquest of Lake D’Arbonne, Chatham and Parker now lead the year to date point standings in the NELAHS Angler Trail with a total of 530.25 points. which is nearly 15 points ahead of the next highest team.
Maddox Williams from Saline High and partner Eddie Hyatt from Lakeside High in Sibley finished second in the NELAHS event and third in the SAF state tourney which was won by Caleb Johnston and Colin Cosenza of Many High School with a catch of 13.13 lbs.
Hayden Davis and Maddox Duck of Quitman High School finished in 10th in the NELAHS tourney and 15th in the SAF event. The teams of Addison Ledford/Hailey Chatham and Joseph Irvin/Landon Pierce, both representing Weston High School, finished in a tie for 44th in both events.
Three extra special events are scheduled for this Thursday – Saturday (March 23-25) at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library. Beginning the festivities is the dedication of the new Bookmobile from 1:00 – 4:00pm on Thursday where local residents that submitted artwork displayed will be recognized.
On Friday, the second annual Book Fair will take place where local authors will be on hand from 1:00 – 4:00pm for a “meet and greet” and sale of their books. The weekend culminates in the annual Balloon Easter Egg Hunt from 9:00 – 11:30am on Saturday. Attendees are invited to bring their Easter baskets and dive in to a room full of balloons and find filled Easter Eggs, have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny and enjoy an Easter craft.
The Jackson Parish Police Jury accepted Registrar of Voters, Angie Roberts, resignation at their regularly scheduled meeting held on Tuesday at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center.
Jury members also voted to adopt an Opiod Resolution and a Jackson Parish Recreation Board Resolution requesting approval from the State Bond Commission for sale of Limited Tax Bonds not to exceed $1.5 million dollars.
In further action, Jury members: Todd Culpepper (President), Lewis Chatham, Amy Magee, John McCarty, Tarneshala “Niki” Cowans, and Regina Rowe increased the reimbursement to JPPJ employees for a CDL physical examination not to exceed $150.00, approved an overtime day for Solid Waste employees on Saturday, April 8th, and extended the services of Kenneth Folden & Associates for 45 days. Lynn Treadway was absent.
The session opened with Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) Director Aaron Johnson providing an update on what has taken place at the JPSAD.
“We had 3810 responses this past year, which is close to normal of what we see each year,” said Johnson. “We also were able to conduct 13 various teaching endeavors at our new training facility and have expanded our crew area and climate control storage area.
Johnson also stated that he is very pleased with the working relationship that the JPASD and the Jackson Parish School District has
“I think it is awesome that we have had seven students take classes which will be of great benefit to them if they decide to pursue a professional career in EMS once they graduate.”
The Jury followed by approving minutes of the Road Committee which reported the 2023 Revised Maintenance Program showing an increase from $200,000.00 to $300,000.00 and the 2023 Road program increasing from $700,000.00 to $800,000.00.
The minutes of the Parish Clean Up Committee was next to be adopted with Juror Magee offering suggestions for the April 15th Clean Up Day. Permission for Mr. Paul Riley, Parish Engineer, to advertise the 2023 Road Program was then agreed upon.
Following approval of department head and committee reports it was agreed to add a new employee at the Health Unit and Brandon Lamkin was reappointed to another term on the Jackson Parish Recreation Board.
In the first of three addendums to the agenda President Culpepper was granted authority to sign a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Town of Jonesboro in regard to the DOTD Grant and Sidewalk Project. Also agreed upon was health insurance for JPPJ employees to remain the same and a cost of living increase of 2% be granted as well as a company being hired to assist with grinding activities at the Solid Waste Department.
At their regularly scheduled monthly meeting held on Monday, March 20th, the Jackson Parish Recreation Board agreed to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (COA) in the amount of $10,000.00 with the Village of Chatham.
The move by Ricky Cash (President), Jeff Hairston, Brandon Lamkin and Rodney Potts followed a presentation by Jackson Parish Watershed Commission Vice President who was at the meeting on behalf of the Village of Chatham. Board members Brent Barnett, Sullivan Stevens and Chris Womack was absent
Joynor showed the quorum a photo of the existing fishing pier on Chatham Lake and adjacent areas on to the left and right. before detailing what work would be done. This includes installing a new seawall on both sides of the pier equipped with handrails for a total of 185 feet, providing SP2 rock for the parking area and constructing a flower bed.
In additional action the board passed a Resolution for the issuance of Limited Tax Bonds for the Pavilion Project agreed to allow the President to sign an engagement letter and the Secretary to sign a commitment letter.
JPRD Director Tommy Smith then gave an update on programs at the Sports Complex followed by a report on the Golf Course, which included a request to have additional grass sodded on the new driving range.
Following a discussion about the Purchase Order policy in place the session was adjourned.
The turnaround is simply astounding! After winning only one game in each of the last three seasons and opening this year with six straight losses, the JHHS girls softball team under first year head coach Matthew Pearce has won five of their last seven. This includes their latest victory, a 13-3 win over Class 3A Wossman on Tuesday to improve their record to 5-8 on the year.
“We are playing better and still coming along,” said Pearce. “The girls are focused and looking to improve our record next week where we have five games ahead of us.”
Kyla Hayes, who also drove in three and scored a run , Pam Cribbs (2RBI, 2RS), Zoie Anderson (2RS, RBI) and Sierra Bond (2RBI, 2RS) all got three hits apiece to lead the 15 hit attack. Saige Qualls, Alania Ashcraft, Alivia Anderson and Payge Christesen all scored a run apiece as well.
The victory offset a poor beginning to the week as the Lady Tigers fell to Simsboro 14-1, who with the victory won their 7th straight to improve to 11-5 on the year. Zoie Anderson scored the lone run while she and Janiyah Walker got hits.
Quitman 13 Minden 1 (Tuesday) Sensational seventh grader Hallie Kate Pullig connected on her 6th home run in her first year of varsity action and top ranked Quitman patiently coaxed 12 walks as a team to blow away their Class 4A opponent. Averie Williams, who has recently been on a power surge with her fourth extra base hit in the last four games after collecting only one in the previous 17, smashed a triple. Pullig, Skylar Hall, Williams, Maggie Guyotte, who walked four times, and Madison Chaplin all scored a pair of runs each while Cali Deal and Madeline Vail had 2 RBI’s each. Deal was dominant as usual in the circle for the Lady Wolverines scattering two hits and striking out 14 while allowing only one unearned run in the first inning to win her 11th straight without a loss. Minden, coached by former Weston High star, Shelby Leach, fell to 11-10 with the loss.
TEAM
1
2
3
4
5
6
R
H
E
Quitman (17-4)
0
2
3
0
5
3
13
8
0
Minden (11-10)
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
2
WP – Deal (11-0), LP – Ryan 3B – Williams HR – Pullig RBI – Deal 2, Vail 2, Chaplin, Brymer, Huckaby, Williams, Hall, Pullig RS – Pullig 2, Chaplin 2, Williams 2, Guyotte 2, Hall 2, Brymer, Gray, Huckaby
Work has begun in preparation for the annual Sunshine Festival that is slated to take place in Jonesboro on April 15th. Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce (JPCC) Director Wilda Smith is requesting help from the community to “dress up” Jimmie Davis Blvd. aka “Main Street” as stated in a post made on the JPCC Facebook page.
As we work towards our Annual Sunshine Festival, our goal is to have the town “dressed up” for the festivities. As well as flowers being planted, we would like to make repairs to the brick flower beds. This is a community-wide effort as we are seeking your help to achieve this goal! Please consider donating for the bricks and flowers. You may donate money for flowers and hanging plants in honor, in memory of, or in recognition of loved ones past and present. This goal needs to be reached prior to the Sunshine Festival so that all visitors and residents can experience the beauty and wonder our community has to offer. Let’s work together to bring the community back to the glory it once was and has the potential to become again. We can only achieve this goal with your help and generosity!
Monetary donations requested:
Flowers/Hanging Baskets: $35 each Brick Repairs: all monetary donations appreciated Flower Beds: $300 needed to replace/plant flowers in 3 flower beds
Jack McFarland, State Representative for Winn, Jackson and parts of Bienville and Natchitoches Parishes talks about his proposed legislation and attempts to relieve local Governments of their budget problems related to fixing our roads and bridges. Representative McFarland also talks about teacher pay raises and the $1.5 Billion surplus and how to be a good steward of that budgetary windfall.
Maggie Guyotte turned in an incredible performance during the week of March 6-12. The freshman at Quitman High School, was 10 for 18 at the plate with six home runs and 10 RBIs for the Lady Wolverines. In addition, during that span, Guyotte went 3-0 in the pitching circle.
For her efforts, Guyotte who entered this week with 17 home runs and 44 RBI, both second best in the state, was voted the SBLive Louisiana Athlete of the Week. This marks the second time that Quitman High School has had a softball player voted as SBLive Player of the Week this year following sophomore Cali Deal being designated earlier in the 2023 season.
This was a favorite time of year for Rolly Walker, not that he didn’t appreciate the other times because Rolly was if anything a day-to-day guy, not a prima donna or a guy demanding to sing lead. Rolly was blue-collar DeQuincy, Loooosiana, ready to chop wood and carry water soon as the sun came up.
“You always get to choose your attitude,” Rolly would say, then he’d strap in whether it was a cold day in January or his turn to go off on No. 10 in the Fall Church Scramble.
But springtime was his wheelhouse. Long and lean and smart and resourceful, he was a good athlete and natural at so many things, a hoops player who appreciated the wonder of March Madness and a track star — track was his favorite — and a golf nut because it put him outside in his Father’s World and with friends and you could play it forever and you could mess with people and do funny stuff, enjoy the pace, be at peace with the way the round and the day dripped away. You could slowly “celebrate the temporary,” another thing he’d say that kept this athlete-turned-coach-turned-preacher in the moment.
Years ago, a member of his Methodist congregation, Mrs. Loretta, she started writing down those sayings. She called them “Walker Wisdom — gems to ponder in your heart and live by daily,” and she drew a big heart in the script and around it wrote many of these “gems” so the sayings expanded into bigger hearts …
Don’t take yourself too seriously … Life is full of choices … Say, “I love you!” … You can’t please everybody …
And she splashed color all over it and his family appreciated that. So much so that at the recent celebration of his extraordinary 84 years, there were stacks of reprints at Trinity Methodist in Ruston, and anyone could get one, and I did, standing way in the back behind all those people there to honor Rolly.
Don’t stir manure … Make every day a master-peace … Are you fun to live with? … Eat dessert first …
I never got to eat with Rolly. Never rode around in the car with him. I think we suggested it a time or two…
He read by stuff for years, and I listened to his sermons, and we saw each other here and there and exchanged many letters and books and he was just a joy. He was a man disinclined to condemn the world for all its injustices, although he understood better than most the dangerous pickle, we were in. Instead, he chose to walk with grace, to make sure grace happened whenever it might be his turn to get in the starting blocks.
Rolly was like a good medicine, a homespun cure. His whole secret, which he never tried to hide, was simplicity. His life was Poe’s purloined letter, left in plain view if we’d only take the time to look.
The jug is always full … Don’t keep score … Shalom.
When Grace and Mercy breathed, they sure did look a lot like my old friend.
On March 16th, nineteen (19) Gifted and Talented students from Jonesboro-Hodge High School, Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School, Quitman School and Weston School visited the Jackson Parish Museum and Fine Arts Association (JPMFAA).
Orchestrated by the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce (JPCC), the outing which included a pizza lunch, was in appreciation for the G/T’s performances at the Christmas open house and early morning Christmas video.
JPMFAA Board President Barbara Johnson provided a tour to the group of which only had ever visited the museum in the past and shared interesting facts.
As JPCC director Wilda Smith observed an obvious favorite of the group was seeing the special room that honors former Louisiana Governor Jimmie Davis.
“As the group exited the Jimmie Davis room, they were all singing You Are My Sunshine,” said Smith.
The Jackson Parish Museum and Fine Arts Association is open to the public from 9:00am – 1:00pm the first Saturday of each month. Tours by groups and individuals are also welcome by appointment. To arrange a tour contact Barbara Johnson at (318) 450-5561 or Wilda Smith at (318) 426-6511.
Caney Lake is known for producing many of the biggest bass ever caught in the state of Louisiana. The fishery in Jackson Parish cemented it’s reputation this past weekend when the Bossier Parish High School team of Mason McCormick and Alexis Virgillito caught what appears to be the heaviest stringer ever caught in a high school fishing tournament.
Competing in the Louisiana High School Bass Nation Youth Caney Lake “Hawgfest” on Saturday, March 19th, the pair landed five largemouth bass weighing an incredible 37.13 pounds led by a “Big Bass” of 9.22 pounds. Bossier Parish High School also took home the team trophy for weighing in a total of 66 lbs. with their top 3 teams.
Representing Jackson Parish out of the 184 two person teams from all over the state that entered the national qualifying tournament was Landin Chatham / Hagen Carter who fished as team Weston Bassmasters.
The Jackson Parish Golf Course (JPGC) held it’s first Tuesday Scramble of the season on March 20th. Winner of the 2023 inaugural event was Klayton Reeves, Hunter Alexander, Chris Knighten and Garin Knighten who shot a 7 under par score of 29 over the par 36 layout.
Each Tuesday the JPGC will hold the tournament played in scramble format. To sign up call the Golf Course at 318-259-7247 or register at the pro shop.
(Lincoln Parish Journal) A Quitman man was arrested in the Northern Louisiana Medical Center emergency room Saturday night after he allegedly caused a disturbance and threatened the staff.
Responding Ruston Police officers were told Shawn Ethan Barr, 27, had cursed and yelled threats of violence at staff and then punched the nurse’s station window, breaking the glass.
Officers escorted Barr outside where he said he was not going to comply with officers and began to flex and pull away. He was placed in restraints as he continued to make threats about what he would do to the officers.
Barr was arrested and taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where he continued to make threats of violence.
While waiting to be booked, Barr reportedly punched another window and broke the glass.
Bar was booked for eight counts of assault on emergency room personnel, three counts of public intimidation, disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, and simple criminal damage to property.
Bail was set at $126,000.
JPSO ARREST REPORT (March 11 – 21)
Casey Smedley (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Bienville Parish Warrant for Aggravated Battery with a Dangerous Weapon Martavious Wyatt (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant on Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery charge Brandon T. Lewis (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery, Possession of Marijuana Daniel T Roane (Quitman, LA) EOS Warrant for no Drivers License and Expired Drivers License charges Brittain Barnes (Jonesboro, LA) Flight from an Officer, Open Container, Driving Under Suspension, Expired Plates, No Proof of Insurance, Obstruction, Possession of Schedule I with Intent to Distribute Maurice J Mayo (Eros, LA) – Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon Billy R. Hampton Jr. (Simsboro, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery, P&P Violation Jacob Watson (Quitman, LA) – Simple Burglary Mehann D McClure (North Hodge, LA) – Possession of Schedule I Synthetic Marijuana, Turn Signal Required, Expired Drivers License Demije M Patterson (Homer, LA) – Disturbing the Peace, Battery of an Officer x3, Resisting by Force x3 Tracy Hampton III (Homer, LA) – Disturbing the Peace, Battery of an Officer x3, Resisting by Force x3 Lester C Thompson (Jonesboro, LA) – Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile
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.
The residents of Washington Township’s Fourth Precinct in Ames, Iowa were unenthused about the upcoming 1972 presidential election. The Democratic Party’s nominee was Senator George McGovern, who ran an anti-war campaign against the incumbent Republican President Richard Nixon. The residents of the Fourth Precinct cared nothing for the campaign promises of either candidate. In fact, because of a new redistricting plan, the residents of the Fourth Precinct showed no emotion at all about the upcoming election.
In the spring of 1971, the Iowa Supreme Court drew up new legislative districts in an effort to produce House and Senate districts of equal size. Iowa state law required all precincts to be of nearly equal population but the precincts could not cross legislative lines. The law about legislative lines took precedent over the population provision. In not so simple terms, a precinct had to be wholly contained within a legislative district. No part of the precinct could extend into another legislative district. As the Des Moines Tribune explained, “the precinct is bordered on the north by a legislative line, and on the other three sides by the City of Ames to which it cannot legally be attached for voting purposes.” Therefore, the new redistricting plan created the Fourth Precinct.
On election day, Nixon won in a massive landslide and received nearly 18 million more votes than McGovern, the widest margin in presidential history, and all without the help of the Fourth Precinct. Not a single resident of the Fourth Precinct visited the polls on election day. Not one. None of the residents of the Fourth Precinct gave an opinion on the presidential election before or after the election. You see, due to the quirk in the Ohio State Legislature’s new redistricting plan, there was only a single building in the Fourth Precinct, a facility known as the Experimental Animal Production Area. All of the residents of the Fourth Precinct were pigs.
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.
Mark your calendars to Spring Into Health this Saturday, March 25th where from 12:00 – 5:00 pm the Community Health Fair and Block Party will be held in downtown Jonesboro.
Sponsored by Pine Belt Multi-Purpose CCA, Jonesboro State Bank, Louisiana Healthcare Connections and Louisiana Department of Health, attendees will learn from a variety of vendors on how to better care for your mental, physical, emotional and financial well-being.
Free offerings and activities that will be available are:
Mental health assessment Immunizations Financial literacy Live music Line dancing Yoga Kid zones Inclusive play area Food trucks
One incredible streak came to an end but two more continued as Quitman steamrolled their way to three straight victories in the Stanley Tournament this past Friday and Saturday.
In a battle between the two top teams in north Louisiana among small schools, heading into the weekend the Division V, 2nd ranked Lady Wolverines beat Logansport, ranked #1 in Division IV by a 10-1 margin on Friday. Quitman followed that up on Saturday by “ten running” both Glenbrook Academy and host Stanley by 10-0 and 16-6 scores.
Bombs away! The Lady Wolverines played long ball, going “yard” eight times in the three contests. Included were three bombs by Maggie Guyotte and both Averie Williams and Madison Chaplin hitting their first-round trippers of the year. Seventh grader Hallie Kate Pullig hit her 5th of the year and first-ever grand slam and Maddie Kaye Brymer connected for her third round-tripper this season as Quitman’s upped their team total to 35 in the 20 games played.
One streak ends! All good things must come to an end according to an old saying but in this case, it just took a game off. What is being referred to is the incredible consecutive-game home run streak that Maggie Guyotte had put together that was stopped in the second game of the tournament after eight straight games. Guyotte responded by hitting two out in the third game to up her total to 17 which leads the nation for freshmen and is the second-highest in the state among all classes. She also increased her RBI total to 44, which ranks 2nd in the state and tops among 9th graders in the nation according to MaxPreps.
Two streaks continue! Cali Deal beat both Logansport and Glenbrook in consecutive days to run her record this year to a perfect 10-0 with two saves. Against the top-ranked Lady Tigers, the lanky lefty gave up just one hit and struck out a season-high 17 while also striking out 11 and tossing her second no-hitter of the season against Glenbrook. For the year Deal now has 122 strikeouts in just 68.1 innings pitched while compiling a minuscule 1.53 ERA.
With the three weekend wins, the Lady Wolverines upped their season record to 16-4 and also ran their current win streak to 15 straight. During the span, Quitman has scored 10 or more runs in the last six games in a row and the tenth time overall.
Jonesboro-Hodge continued their remarkable turnaround this season by winning a pair against Arcadia by 15-1 and 13-12 scores. With the two victories, on the same day, which equals the win total for the last two years combined, JHHS improved to 4-7 on the year and has now won for the fourth time in the last five games. No game stats were available.
Lady Wolves fall to Claiborne Christian
(Thursday) It was one of those days where nothing went well as Claiborne Christian, ranked #1 in Division V among “select” schools beat Weston 15-0 in four innings. With the loss, the Lady Wolves fell to 4-11 while CCA improved to 14-3 on the year.
One doesn’t have to look past the first inning to gauge what kind of day it was. In Weston’s first at-bat, all three batters fanned. Conversely, Claiborne Christian’s first three all walked and before the inning was over four errors had been committed. By game end, Weston still had not managed a hit and made a season-high 12 boo-boos. Weston did have four batters reach base during the contest with Lainee Trosclair walking twice, and both Josie Irvin and Jacie Ledford coaxing a free pass.
The Jackson Parish School District (JPSD) announces that the deadline to request a transfer to the school of your choice is March 28th. Jackson Parish is an open enrollment school district, but students must attend the school in the attendance zone where they live unless the receiving school has an available seat, based on a teacher to student ratio, in the students’ grade.
Certain regulations are to be considered. If a student transfers outside of their normal attendance zone no transportation will be provided according to Jackson Parish School Board policy JBCE. Also a student granted a transfer remains subject to the rules and regulations of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association. Furthermore, students will not be allowed to transfer back to their zoned schools during the school year.
To apply for transfer, parents/guardians must complete the transfer request form and return to the Jackson Parish School Board Office, located at 315 Pershing Highway in Jonesboro. Do not mail or give to any school.
In a final tuneup before district 1B play begins, Weston and Quitman both will be at home on Monday. The Wolverines will be looking to beat Choudrant for a third time this season after a Junior Varsity game between the two will be played at 4:00pm. Weston will host St. Mary’s of Natchitoches at 5:00pm at the Jackson Parish Sports Complex. Jonesboro-Hodge also will be in action at Simsboro for a 5:00pm contest. There is only one softball game scheduled the first part of the week when Quitman travels to Class 4A Minden for a 5:30pm contest.
At the request of Chatham Mayor Gregory Harris, Village Attorney Gary Nunn reviewed the Nuisance Ordinance (12-163) that is in place with the Chatham Town Council at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting held on Tuesday, March 13th.
“There had been some confusion about what all the Ordinance covered so I asked Mr. Nunn to come and give our Council members a review” said Harris.
Established in 2012, the Ordinance identifies what is a public nuisance within the corporate limits of Chatham as well as includes procedures of remedy and penalties for violations.
In other action, a resolution (Resolution #2023-03) was accepted authorizing the Village of Chatham to state their intent to maintain permit requirements as set forth by national pollutant discharge elimination system to prevent wastewater permit violations and other matters with respect thereto.
Council members Laverne Mixon, Toni Malone, and Sue Proffer approved Mobile Home Permit 2023-01 for Chelsea Wyatt at 206 Hwy 146 and agreed to repair the fence at the sewer plant. Mike Wilson was absent.
The session began with the February meeting minutes and the payment of all monthly bills being approved. Acceptance of the financial statements closed the meeting.
A full schedule of activities are on tap at both the Chatham and Jonesboro branches of the Jackson Parish Library this Monday – Wednesday. The Chatham Branch kicks off the three days of fun and education with Check Out Fitness on Monday at 9:00am. That afternoon Crafting with Clay will take place at 3:00pm for Tweens and Teens.
The action shifts to Jonesboro on Tuesday with the Brown’s Hearing being on site from 10:00am – 4:00pm to discuss hearing issues. Children will be able to participate in Art Club with Miss Lynn at 4:00pm where they will be making stamps out of Styrofoam.
On Wednesday, both branches have activities scheduled with Bookworms meeting at 10:00am and the Adult Craft Class holding session at 2:00pm in Jonesboro. The second Check out Fitness program of the week begins at 9:00am at Chatham which will also feature Movie Mania where the film Devotion will be shown at 2:00pm.
Adult Crafternoon features wreath making
Using fabric donated by Ms. Martha Stanley adults had a great time making wreaths at Adult Crafternoon this past Thursday. See below for the wonderful creations that were made.
Cornerstone Academy visits Jonesboro Branch
The Youth Division of Cornerstone Christian Academy visited the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library on Wednesday where they participated in Storytime.
The Quitman High boys and girls track teams finished in third place at the Castor Invitational held this Wednesday. With all four district 1B schools present, both squads served notice that they would be strong contenders at the upcoming district 1B championship meet.
In the girl’s competition, the Lady Wolverines outpointed 4th place Castor 68 – 63.5 while Doyline and Weston scored 62 and 51.50 points respectively to end up in 5th and 7th places among the ten schools that competed. Class 2A Rayville High School won the division with 98 points with Class C Gibsland-Coleman scoring 79 to come in second. Neighboring Saline finished in 8th with 29 points.
Host Castor won the boy’s division with 140 points with Quitman tallying 103, just one point behind second-place finisher Gibsland-Coleman. Saline came in 6th with 34 points, Weston tied for 8th with 10 points and Doyline scored 3.5 points to finish 10th out of the 11 teams that participated.
The meet was scored using the ten-point system with the top six in each event scoring points. A total of 60 participants from Quitman, Weston, and Saline earned points with 26 earning podium (1st, 2nd, 3rd) places.
There were several outstanding performances of note including:
Jalexia Claridy (WHS) won both the Shot Put and Discus Taylor Huddleston (QHS) won 1600 & 3200 Meters, 2nd in the 800 meters Kaleigh King (WHS) won the 300 Meter Hurdles, 3rd in the pole vault Nathan Harvey (QHS) won the 110 Meter Hurdles. 3rd in 300-meter hurdles Trent Ledbetter (SHS) won the 800 Meters for first ever victory Bryan Lay (QHS) won the Pole Vault in record fashion
NOTE: With his 13-foot mark in the Pole Vault, Lay set a new QHS record and also tied one of the two oldest track and field records in Jackson Parish history, equaling the mark set in 1963 by Alden Reeves of Jonesboro-Hodge.
Stump Removal and Grinding: Call James Stewart at (318) 243-1009 or (318) 768-2554 for your stump removal and grinding needs. Free Estimates! 
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. 
