Jody Smith has been named recipient of the annual Jack Fluitt Memorial Scholarship. Each year the award is given to a Cornerstone Christian Academy graduate who meets the criteria and who plans to further their education after high school.

The scholarship, which was presented by Kellie Fluitt, relies on donations made throughout the year in memory of Jack Fluitt, who passed away in 2022. To contribute in honor his memory and help a talented individual continue their education each year, contact Full Gospel Temple at (318) 259 – 4001.

---

The Jackson Parish Council on Aging recently hosted a Fish Fry for Senior Citizens at the Robert Riddle Senior Center in Jonesboro. The annual event was in celebration of Older American Month. Helping make the day of fantastic food, fun and fellowship a huge success was a bevy of Jackson Parish merchants who contributed door prizes.

JPCOA would like to thank the following for their support: Jonesboro State Bank, Jackson Parish Bank, Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Brookshire’s Grocery, Southern-Edmond Funeral Home, Wal-Mart, Catfish Inn, Tyme to Shyne, Tattered Rose, Salty Brahma, Hootenanny Soapworks, Jay Mallard Ford, Sonic Drive-In, Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Auto Zone Auto Parts, Pardue Builders, Always Eva Flowers, Kayes Designs, Blessings & Blooms, State Farm Insurance, Karen Linton, Mary Borland & Johnny’s Pizza.

---

As of Tuesday, May 23rd, Main Street Energy & Nutrition, located at 108 Jimmie Davis Blvd. in Jonesboro is under new ownership. Purchasing the business is Shane and Amy Wren Kelley. Currently closed during the transition, the blossoming business will now be adding even more healthy options to the already large selection of Herbalife products, energy drinks and healthy meal selections.  

“It has been such an honor to serve all of Jackson Parish for the past 2 1/2 years. We are so excited to see the Kelley’s continue the business and wish them all the success in the world!!!!” – Main Street Nutrition 

---

I’m already looking forward to June 3 when the next full moon makes its appearance. Out
where we live in the country, there is something mesmerizing to drive east down our road at dusk
and see the full moon pulling itself up from the wood line. If it’s a high pressure, low humidity
day, the moon is so bright its easy to see features on the moon’s surface.

The moon has made its way into popular movies. For example, the movie Picnic starring
the stunning actress, Kim Novak features the song Moonglow. Then there is Moonstruck starring
Nicolas Cage and Cher where the eccentric old grandfather gazes to the night skies with the
phrase ‘la bella luna’. In English, that’s ‘beautiful moon’.

Then there are popular songs that mention the moon.

It’s Only a Paper Moon…Buttermilk Sky…Moon Over Memphis are some that come to mind but probably the most popular one in more recent times was Bad Moon Rising by Creedance Clearwater Revival.

Interestingly, this song contains a phrase that is often misunderstood and folks scratch their heads
trying to figure out how it fits into the song. The mistaken phrase in the song is “there’s a
bathroom on the right” when CCR was actually singing “there’s a bad moon on the rise”.

As a fisherman, I love to be out on the lake at night during a full moon, casting along the
shoreline for bass. When the moon is bright, you don’t need any other light other than what the
moon provides to see where to cast.

The role the moon plays in the activity of fish was recognized a long time ago when in
1926, John Alden Knight came up with something serious anglers utilize today, the Solunar
Table.

The table identifies four lunar periods each day, two major periods and two minor
periods. Major periods last about two hours and begin when the moon is directly overhead as
well as when it’s directly below. Minor periods last about an hour while the moon rises and sets.
Knight’s idea is that fish become more active at these four times daily.

Following the Solunar Table, there are four lunar phases – new moon, first quarter, full
moon and last quarter. Many anglers swear that 90% of catches come on a full or new moon.
Additionally, some say you should only fish a full moon at night for best results and a new moon
during the day.

All this technical stuff aside, a big bright full moon has always been special to me. Back
in the day when I was in high school, there was nothing more romantic than to be courting my
girlfriend under a full moon. It wouldn’t have been nearly as romantic if the night had been
totally dark.

We didn’t know anything about a Solunar Table back when my brother, two cousins and I
spent the night on the creek bank setting out hooks for catfish. It was more fun and our catches
were better when we fished and camped under the light of a full moon.

When I was a kid, I was exposed to a totally different kind of “moon” one summer
Sunday morning in church. I was sitting with my first cousin, Doug and in the pew directly in
front of us sat one of the old patriarchs of Goldonna Baptist Church, an elderly gentleman
everyone knew as “Mister Bud”.

As the song leader announced the song and asked everybody to stand, Mister Bud stood,
bent forward to reach for a hymnal and when he did, the threadbare seersucker pants he wore silently ripped from waist to crotch exposing a bare bottom; he didn’t believe in wearing
underwear in summer.

Even before CCR came up with the song, Doug and I were witnesses to a “bad moon on
the rise”. We giggled so hard we probably needed to go find a “bathroom on the right.”

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Deep diving crank baits and Carolina rigged worms are picking up some bass on the deeper drops while swim baits are working fairly well along the grass lines. Crappie have moved back and some have been caught on shiners or jigs around deeper brush. The bream are bedded and hitting crickets and worms. No report on 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 – Bream are on the beds and hitting worms and crickets. Crappie and bass are around the trees. Bass hitting spinner baits. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE –Big bass in the 8-10 pound category are being caught flipping the brush along with spinners and square billed crank bits. Crappie have slowed; bream are on the beds and hitting worms and crickets. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The river is improving with crappie hitting jigs and shiners in river lakes and bream are on the beds in the woods. Bass are slow. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass are in post spawn mode and have moved deeper. Spinners, crank baits and soft plastics are picking up some fish. Crappie have moved to the deeper flats with some caught on shiners or jigs. Bream are on the beds and hitting worms and crickets. Catfish continue to be 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 – The bream bite is on as they have moved to shallow spawning areas and are hitting crickets. Crappie fishing has been best up the creeks on shiners or jigs. Bass fishing has been great at night with a 5 fish limit weighing over 37 pounds were brought to the scales. Best lures are big bladed spinners and soft plastics. No report on catfish or stripers. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfish and bream are biting. Bass and crappie slow to fair. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is falling and fishing is just now starting to improve with crappie, bass, bar fish and catfish beginning to show up. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

---

The end of the regular season has come to a close for all but the 7-8 and 11-13 age groups, which has only one more week left to play. Already finished is the Wee-Ball League, Tee-Ball League and both boys and girls division of the 9-10 age group leagues. 

Schedule of Games May 29 – June 2

Age 7-8 Girls Softball

DATE	TIME	Field	HOME	VISITOR
May 30	6:00pm	Field 3	Pink Magnolia	Jackson Parish Hospital
May 30	7:30pm	Field 3	Pardue Builders	Vintage Marketplace
June 2	6:00pm	Field 3	Pardue Builders	Peoples Bank
June 2	7:30pm	Field 3	Vintage Marketplace	Pink Magnolia

Ages 7-8 Boys Baseball

DATE	TIME	Field	HOME	VISITOR
May 30	6:00pm	Field 2	Elite Roofing	Hodge Bank
May 30	6:00pm	Field 4	RYCA Energy	Cherokee Contractors
May 30	7:30pm	Field 2	LA Family Med Clinic	J&L Works
June 2	6:00pm	Field 2	Hodge Bank	J&L Works
June 2	6:00pm	Field 4	LA Family Med Clinic	RYCA Energy
June 2	7:30pm	Field 2	Elite Roofing	Jonesboro State Bank

Ages 11-13 Girls Softball

DATE	TIME	Field	HOME	VISITOR
May 30	6:00pm	Field 4	Farm Bureau	Mitchell’s Pharmacy
May 30	7:45pm	Field 4	4T Exterior Cleaning	Barksdale Fed Credit Union
June 1	6:00pm	Field 4	Todd’s Bail Bonds	Barksdale Fed Credit Union
June 1	7:45pm	Field 4	4T Exterior Cleaning	Mitchell’s Pharmacy
June 2	6:00pm	Field 4	Todd’s Bail Bonds	Farm Bureau

Ages 11-13 Boys Baseball

DATE	TIME	Field	HOME	VISITOR
May 30	6:00pm	Field 1	Traina’s	Jonesboro State Bank
May 30	7:45pm	Field 1	Mercy Medical	VP Racing
June 1	6:00pm	Field 1	Floors By Design	Jonesboro State Bank
June 1	7:45pm	Field 1	Traina’s	VP Racing
June 2	6:00pm	Field 1	Floors By Design	Mercy Medical

---

Amen.

The word is said at the end of prayers. The word is bellowed out in a church meeting to affirm what was said by the speaker.

The word has an interesting history. It is transliterated from the Hebrew language. In some cases translators didn’t have an equivalent in their language for a word so they would keep the original word. “Amen” is closely related to the Hebrew word for faith. It was transliterated into the Greek language. It found its way into the Latin and then into English. The word “Amen” exists in many languages as “Amen.” When Jesus used it at the beginning of a story it could be translated as “truly.” In church life it came to mean “absolute confidence or trust in.”

“Amen” is the last word in the Bible.

In your life what happens after the “Amen?”

Many Methodist ministers will serve a two point charge some time in their ministry. I served the Arcadia-Mt.Mariah charge for five years. The big church was First Church in Arcadia. The smaller church was the Mt Mariah church north of Arcadia. The Mt. Mariah church service was at 9:00 a.m. the Arcadia service was at 10:30 a.m. They were both delightful churches. The Sunday Morning Liars Club met each Sunday morning under the trees in front of the Mt. Mariah church. The meeting began at 8:30 a.m. When I left that church the guys made me an official member!

On the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, the Mt. Mariah church held “Decoration Day” at the cemetery next to the church. The culinary advantage of Decoration Day was the meal that was provided. It was the largest potluck lunch in the history of Christendom. There were eight, eight-foot tables butted together filled with food. It was glorious. After the meal the families would spend some time in the cemetery cleaning up the family plots.

The Arcadia church agreed to finish early on Decoration Day, so the minister could be present to say the blessing over the meal. It was a seventy year old tradition!

My first Decoration Day was memorable. I finished the service at Arcadia early. I drove with great haste back out to Mt. Mariah. I could not believe the food on those tables. I was overwhelmed by the hundreds of people who had gathered for this sacred event. Everyone there was waiting for me to pray. The whole church day schedule was changed so I could pray this very important prayer over Decoration Day. The elders gathered the crowds up and they stood next to the church.

I walked in front of the tables to face the crowd. I wanted to be sure they heard my powerful combination Decoration Day and meal blessing prayer. Facing the crowd meant my back to those tables filled with culinary goodies. Someone should have told the preacher to make sure a table of food was between him and the crowd. I was soon to discover that I was in “no man’s land.”

I prayed a great prayer! I arrived at the closing, “In Jesus name.” What happened next was a blur. My mouth formed the sound “Ah” but before I could form the rest of the word “men” the crowd rushed past me to the food. When my eyes opened I saw only the wall of the church. I felt that I was lucky to be in the upright position.

I did not make that mistake again.

“Amen” can be a dangerous word if you are in the wrong place. If you live as Jesus said, “Amen” is the opening of that great paradox of faith. We live right now but our hope is not yet. We save our lives by losing them. We are made rich by becoming poor. We inherit the world by being meek. We turn the other cheek and pray for our enemies. We follow the One who gave us life through his death.

Living with contradiction is one of the secrets to a joyous life. There are times when things simply don’t and won’t add up. Still we trust in the one who “is the same yesterday, today and forever.”
“Amen ?”

---

Registration is now ongoing for Vacation Bible School at Ebenezer Baptist Church, located at 211 Ebenezer Church Road, which is just off of Hwy 4 East of Jonesboro. Designed for youth from the age of 3 to the 6th grade the event will run from 8:30 am to Noon each day, June 5th – 9th. 

This years theme is “Keepers of the Kingdom”. The youth will learn how they can be part of God’s kingdom through salvation in his Son and will be equipped with the armor of God to become Keepers of the Kingdom and strong in today’s battle for truth.

We are engaged in an epic battle for the hearts and minds of our youth. Every day, they’re bombarded with lies about who they are, who their Creator is, and where their salvation comes from. Thankfully, God has given his children armor to wear in this battle between truth and lies, light and darkness, good and evil.

Registration can be done on the Ebenezer Baptist Church Facebook Page, calling the church at (318) 259 – 8829 or by sending an email to: office@ebenezerfamily.com 

 

 

---

Over the past couple of years, there’s been some controversy with a certain professional angler having an unfair advantage. Today we’ll look at this particular angler who is at the root of this controversy. He’s a guy who is not a cheater, but an angler who takes advantage of how the rules of the game are written. He’s an angler, fishing at the highest level with both B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing, who has had a lot of success doing it his way.

The angler we’re talking about is Keith Poche. Keith was raised in Natchitoches, Louisiana, attended Natchitoches Central High School, and after graduation went on to play football at Troy State University. After a knee injury, Keith decided to walk away from football and pick up a rod and reel. Even though he grew up fishing the banks of Cane River, he decided to take his fishing to another level and pursue a career as a professional angler.

In 2014, Keith qualified to fish his first Bassmaster Classic, held on the Red River out of Shreveport, where he finished 3rd overall. To say Keith has had “a little success” is an understatement. He’s had 46 top 50 finishes, 21 top 20’s, and 7 top 10’s, with a few victories mixed in.

So, a few seasons ago, Keith made a decision to fish out of a custom-built aluminum boat that allowed him to get into areas that other anglers could not. He did not want the fully wrapped fiberglass boat that 98% of the professional anglers fish out of. But his competition was not happy with him having such an advantage with his custom boat. After several events, protests were made and there were many attempts to have him disqualified for the way he was accessing backwater areas. This special boat, built to his specifications, allowed him to gain access into backwater areas holding bass that had zero pressure and, in some cases, had never seen a bait before.

As I’ve illustrated in past articles, anglers are a fickle bunch and hate it when one guy figures something out they did not. Keith figured out quickly that this was his niche, and how he could have success without breaking any rules. Now he obviously pushes the envelope, but he never violates a written rule. Still, anglers and officials knew something had to be done to “level the playing field.” One rule implemented a couple of years ago was that whatever boat you start the season with, is the same boat you must fish out of in all the tournaments.

But here’s what is amazing…these same anglers complaining are not recognizing that Keith is at a huge disadvantage when tournaments are held on large bodies of water like the Great Lakes. His small custom boat with a 90-horsepower engine is not conducive for fishing the larger bodies of water, putting him at a distinct disadvantage. Keith is restricted on how far he can go compared to the guys running 20 to 21-foot boats with 250 horsepower engines. Now Keith has never complained about him being at a disadvantage when the tour reaches these massive lakes. He just puts his head down and tries to make the best of it. Not sure if it’s just a coincidence, but no one is complaining about Keith’s small aluminum boat unless he is at or near the top of the leaderboard.

The most recent issue came last week at the Toledo Bend B.A.S.S. Open Series where Keith ran up the lake and gained access into an area other anglers could not go. He finished 29th in this event, but a protest was made on the area and how Keith gained access.

This is a continuing story that I will make sure to monitor as Keith and his lawyers, along with B.A.S.S. officials, are working together to try and come to a mutual agreement on what’s allowed and not allowed. One thing is for sure…look for some major rule changes at B.A.S.S for the upcoming 2024 season to take away Keith’s advantage. Till next week, good luck, good fishing and make sure to wear sunscreen and good protective clothing. No one is immune to skin cancer like Melanoma.

Steve Graf
Angler’s Perspective

---

The Boys and Girls Club of North Louisiana kicked off summer sessions in grand style as each location held a special event this past week. Included was a kickball tournament at the local chapter, recognized as the McDonald Unit, located at 400 Jeffress St in Jonesboro and Taco Tuesday, where patrons were treated to a scrumptous Mexican style meal. 

Register Now for Summer Camp at McDonald Unit

---

A youth bass tournament, sponsored by Goldonna Baptist Church (GBC), will be held on June 2nd at the Mill Creek Reservoir in Saline. This will be an evening tournament with fishing starting at 6:00pm and the weigh-in taking place at 9:00pm.

Cost to enter is $100.00 per boat with 50% of the proceeds being paid back to tourney contestants and the remainder going to help fray expenses of the GBC Youth 2024 Summer Trip. There will be a 3 fish limit allowed to be weighed in with a .25 lb. penalty being accessed for any dead fish. 

Additional chances to win will be available through entering in the Big Bass and Trash Fish competition. which will cost $10.00 and $5.00 respectively. Payback in these two side events will be 100% of the amount taken in. 

For more information or to sign up call or text to (318) 413 – 7528.

---

Buried at Sea

I’m guessing most readers have seen movies depicting burial at sea.

Did the scenes make you feel sad?

There is a sense of finality. The dead are cast into the sea; never to be seen again.

Our sins (when confessed) are buried at sea.

“Who is a God like You, who pardons wrongdoing
And passes over a rebellious act of the remnant of His possession?
He does not retain His anger forever,
Because He delights in mercy.
He will again take pity on us;
He will trample on our wrongdoings.
Yes, You will cast all their sins
Into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:18-19 NASB).”

God is merciful: He forgives us.

“Let the wicked abandon his way,
And the unrighteous person his thoughts;
And let him return to the Lord,
And He will have compassion on him,
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon (Isaiah 55:7 NASB).”

It is finished; we are forgiven!

“If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:8-9 NASB).”

 

---

Cameron Leonard (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
Llewell Thompson (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule I with Intent to Distribute / Possession of Schedule II with Intent to Distribute / Possession of Schedule I / Driving Under Suspension / Speeding
La’Bradeon Chagois (Jonesboro, LA) – Ruston Police Department Warrant on Armed Robbery Charge
Bryan Mixon (Chatham, LA) – DWI 1st Offense
Leonza Davis (Jonesboro, LA) – Execution of Sentence Warrant
Jerry Gentry (Chatham, LA) – Remaining after Forbidden

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.

 

---

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. 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Forest Haven Nursing Home – Facility Maintenance Position. Must possess general knowledge in Plumbing, Electrical and performing inspection of building to confirm safety guidelines while following LTC, Life Safety and OSHA standards. Apply in person at 171 Thrasher Drive, Jonesboro, LA.

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 7125

Jackson Parish Police Jury – Hiring for the open position of Superintendent of the Road Department

Please submit all applications to: Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. Applications will be received until 4:30 pm on Friday, June 9, 2023. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: egibbs@jppj.org.

Description: The Road Department Superintendent position directs the daily operations of the Jackson Parish Road Department. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, and directing, through subordinate supervisors, the work of a staff of maintenance personnel engaged in a wide variety of road maintenance and road repair activities. The work includes: developing work plans and cost estimates along with assigning, supervising, and inspecting the work of crews engaged in activities including maintenance of drainage areas and structures, paved roads, and gravel roads. The work also includes responsibility for maintenance and care of all equipment. This position performs other work as required. Administrative direction is under the Operations Manager.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma, or equivalent, required.
• Class E Driver’s License required, Class A Commercial CDL preferred.
• Four (4) year Bachelor’s degree in Management, Public Administration, or a related field or a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative or managerial experience, preferably in the public works area specializing in road, highway, bridge and general construction and construction maintenance work.
o Four (4) year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred.
• Complete understand of DOTD and Louisiana Transportation Act regulations and requirements.
• Certified in bridge inspection.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the organization and operations of a public works department.
• Considerable ability to supervise and evaluate personnel.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with employees, other governmental agencies, and the general public.
• Comprehensive knowledge of computers and computer programs.
• General knowledge of budgeting techniques.
• General knowledge of the principles of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 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 Road Department Superintendent plans, organizes, and administers an extensive road maintenance program for the Jackson Parish Police Jury.
• Coordinates and directs the work of a large staff engaged in a variety of road maintenance and repair activities.
• Has a working knowledge of and follows the State Transportation Act making sure all funds and actions are for public use only as per LRS 48:751.
• Understands governmental operations in relation to public works operations, open meetings, surplus property, Police Jury jurisdiction, and public records.
• Has full understanding of public bid law and requirements for advertising, establishes necessary bid specs and public notices, gathers required estimates and bids from vendors, and makes recommendations for awarding projects.
• Oversees bridge inspections and works with state bridge inspectors.
• Expresses ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to groups and individuals.
• Attends any required Police Jury or Committee meetings, training classes, or seminars that relate to the incumbent’s role within the department.
• Conducts staff meetings to discuss current work projects, and to coordinate use of heavy equipment.
• Investigates complaints from the general public regarding hazardous road conditions or activities of road crews and determines appropriate action.
• Instructs subordinates on departmental policies and offers assistance to produce full cooperation and high moral conduct.
• Conducts periodic training sessions on safety practices.
• Handles personnel matters including interviewing job applicants, making recommendations for new hires, promotions, and raises, issuance of pink slips, disciplinary action, and other personnel activities, in coordination with Secretary-Treasurer.
• Maintains time and cost records, schedules vacations, relief, and emergency coverage with staff.
• Confers with subordinate supervisors and other departmental staff on injury accidents and safety hazards.
• Understands and interprets engineering plans and specifications.
• Skilled in using a variety of drafting and survey instruments in the conduct of a wide variety of complex engineering research projects.
• Prepares reports and correspondence.
• Prepares various budgets and reports on the condition of the department to present to the Police Jury.
• Directs, coordinates, and assigns supervisors to projects.
• Ensures work is performed in accordance with approved plans and specifications.
• Maintains accurate records.
• Reports work progress and problems to the Secretary-Treasurer.
• Coordinates with OEP Director and FEMA if needed during disasters and seeks for reimbursements.
• Prepares work schedules, work orders, purchase orders, voucher requests, and other required forms.
• May be required to be on 24 hour call out.
• Assures that incumbent’s performance meets or exceeds all Police Jury expectations.
• Sets forth a professional appearance and attitude on and off the job.
• May be required to lift equipment, tools or any combination in excess of 50 pounds.
• Adheres to all traffic laws, applicable Federal and State health and safety rules, local ordinances, and Jackson Parish Policy 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 equipment.
• May perform duties of the Road Permit Officer including video or still recording of road conditions, review and issuance of Heavy Haul Permits, and follow-up with recommended citations and/or fines.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Detailed Job Description available upon request. 

Jackson Parish Police Jury is hiring for the open position of Custodian in the Jackson Parish Maintenance Department.

Please submit all applications to: Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. Applications will be received until 4:30 pm on Friday, May 26, 2023. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: egibbs@jppj.org.

Description: Under close supervision, the Maintenance Department General Laborer – Custodian works to make sure that all types of buildings and offices are neat, clean, free from clutter, and safe. This position requires no special training or experience, and performs related work as required by the Supervisor. Laborers in this position class may also be responsible for the operation of a variety of construction and maintenance equipment and for performing manual labor activities as needed and/or required by the Maintenance Department. Job class may oversee in the instruction of inmate trustees assigned to the Maintenance Department General Laborer – Custodian.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma, or equivalent, required.
• Class E Louisiana driver’s license required.
• 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 General Laborer – Custodian is responsible for housekeeping and maintenance services at the assigned facilities; i.e., Courthouse, Community Center, Blake Building, Fain Building, Health Unit, Annex Buildings, etc. following the instructions from their Supervisor.
• Uses cleaning supplies and equipment to keep the interior of the office buildings looking clean and professional.
• Washes walls and equipment; using ladders when required.
• Cleans and sanitizes restrooms/bathrooms using established practices and procedure.
• Cleans, dusts, and wipes furniture, wood work, windowsills, and stair rails; sweeps, mops, or vacuums floors; empties/cleans wastebaskets and trash containers; empties and cleans cigarette urns; replaces light bulbs; checks and cleans all air handling units and filters, replacing filters as needed; refills restroom dispensers, etc.
• Assists with the setup of facilities for meetings, conferences, events, etc.
• Mops, vacuums, strips, clean, buffs and applies floor sealer and floor finish to hard surface floors; vacuums and shampoos carpets.
• Uses and maintains assigned power equipment and hand tools; buffers, auto scrubbers, high pressure washers, high speed buffers and vacuums, brooms, mops, and squeegees for the cleaning and general maintenance of floors, walls, carpets, furniture, etc.
• Responds to repair or custodial requests quickly and with a professional manner.
• Follows instructions regarding the use of chemicals and supplies; uses as directed.
• Moves furniture, equipment, supplies, and tools on an incidental basis.
• Washes accessible interior and exterior windows, clean blinds, launders cleaning rags and dust mops.
• Attends to emergencies when necessary.
• Loads and unloads materials from trucks.
• Ready to learn from on-the-job training when necessary.
• Follows safety procedures and practices as required, as well as wearing required safety equipment.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Detailed Job Description available upon request.

Jackson Parish Police Jury – Hiring for the following open position of Operator II in the Jackson Parish Road Department

Please submit all applications to: Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. Applications will be received until 4:30 pm on Friday, May 26, 2023. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: egibbs@jppj.org.

Description: Under general supervision, the Road Department Operator II is a skilled position consisting of complex and specialized trucks and equipment used in construction and construction maintenance work. May train lower-level operators, and acts as lead worker on site. May act as relief operator on all types of equipment as needed. Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma, or equivalent, required.
• Class A Commercial CDL Driver’s License required.
• Two (2) years of relevant experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to do the job, preferred.
• 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 Operator II is responsible for operating light, medium-sized, and heavy haul Class A equipment as needed such as tractor-truck, track hoe, packer, and other trucks of like-kind, and to perform manual work functions associated with the maintenance and cleanup of the Road Department and off-site locations.
o Basic operating skills include hauling, loading, picking up and transporting debris, equipment, and supplies.
• Performs mechanisms that are somewhat complex, requiring more dexterity and finesse, as well as operates larger vehicles requiring a higher level of skill to drive/maneuver in and around confined spaces.
• 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 cutting blades, cleans machine including tracks and makes minor adjustments.
• Recognizes equipment malfunctions or complicated services needs and reports to Supervisor or Mechanic.
• May be required to lift equipment, tools or in combination in excess of 100 pounds.
• Skilled in use of tools and the operation of machines and equipment used in automobile repair and maintenance.
• Must adhere to all traffic laws, applicable Federal and State health and safety rules, local ordinances, and Jackson Parish Policy Jury rules and regulations and policies and procedures.
• Ability to drive various pieces of equipment used by the Police Jury.
• Expected to be cross trained on ALL equipment required of Operator II classification and be available to fill in in the absence of another Operator II as needed.
• May be asked to perform duties of Operator I as needed if qualified, trained, and licensed.
• May be asked to perform duties of Specialty Equipment Operator (Road Grader) if qualified, trained, and licensed (at the appropriate set-up rate).
• Follows safety procedures and practices as required, as well as wearing required safety equipment.
• Required to have the ability to shoot and read grade with laser level.
• Performs road and ditch maintenance and associated work.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Detailed Job Description available upon request

NOTICE TO BIDDERS
SP#7993

Sealed bids will be received by the Procurement Section of the Division of Administration, 1201 N. 3rd. St., 2nd. Floor, Suite 2-160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 10:00 A.M. for the following:

RFx No. 3000021220, Ice Cream Pints – DOC – DCI, 5/31/23

Bid proposal forms, information and specifications may be obtained by accessing the bid number in LaPac at www.doa.Louisiana.gov/osp or from the procurement section listed above. No bids will be received after the date and hour specified. The right is reserved to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities.

Tom Ketterer
Director of State Procurement
FAX (225) 342-8688

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Village of Chatham
Parish of Jackson
State of Louisiana

A public hearing will be held at 5:30pm June 13, 2023, at Chatham Town Hall located 1709 Oak St Chatham, Louisiana regarding the following Ordinances:
Ordinance 2023 – 01: An ordinance establishing and providing for an amended budget of receipts for the Village of Chatham, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana for the fiscal year 2022 – 2023 and appropriating out of the treasury the funds necessary for the payment of said expenditures as set forth on the budget.
Ordinance 2023 – 02: An ordinance establishing and providing for a budget of receipts for the Village of Chatham, Louisiana for the fiscal year 2023 – 2024 and appropriating out of the treasury the funds necessary for the payment of said expenditures as set forth on the budget.
Ordinance 2023 – 03: An ordinance allowing for a franchise agreement with Entergy, Louisiana, Inc., and other pertaining matters
A copy of these ordinances may be obtain at Chatham Town Hall. Anyone who needs assistance, please call Town Hall at 318-249-2541 during office hours of Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm and Friday 8pm – 12pm.

Gregory C. Harris
Mayor

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed Proposals will be received by the Jackson Parish Police Jury, Jonesboro, Louisiana, in the Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana, until 2:00 P.M., local time, on Thursday, June 15, 2023. No proposals will be received after this hour or date. On this date and specified time, bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

For: JACKSON PARISH COURTHOUSE
REPLACE Boiler Number 1
JONESBORO, LOUISIANA

Complete bidding documents may be obtained from:

JOHN J. GUTH ASSOCIATES, INC.
208 MILAM STREET
SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA 71101
PHONE 318/221-8638

upon deposit of $50.00 for each set of documents. Deposit on the first two sets are fully refundable to all bonafide Prime Bidders upon return of the documents, in good condition, no later than ten (10) days of receipt of bids. The deposit of all other sets of documents will be refunded 50% upon return of documents as stated above. Documents are also available in electronic format on CD upon payment of deposit.

All bids must be accompanied by bid security equal to five percent (5%) of the sum of the base bid and all alternates, and must be in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check, or Bid Bond written by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana.

The successful Bidder shall be required to furnish a Performance and Payment Bond written by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana, in an amount equal to 100% of the Contract amount.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held in the Police Jury Meeting Room 3rd Floor, Jackson Parish Courthouse, 500 E Court Street, Jonesboro, Louisiana on May 30th at 10:00 A.M.

Bids shall be accepted only from Contractors who are licensed under La. R.S. 37:2150-2163 for the classification of MECHANICAL Work.

Evidence of authority to submit the bid shall be required in accordance with R.S. 38:2212(A)(1)(c) and/or R.S. 39:1594(C)(2)(d).

Any person requiring special accommodations shall notify the Jackson Parish Police Jury of the type(s) of accommodations required not less than seven (7) days before the bid opening.

Jackson Parish Police Jury
Emmett Gibbs,
Secretary-Treasurer

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The Jackson Council on Aging has declared the following items as surplus property and authorized disposal of each item separately by sealed bids to the highest bidder.

One(1) 2010 Ford Transit
One(1) 2016 Ford Transit T-35 Passenger Van

These items may be inspected Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm & Friday 8am-2:00pm at Jackson COA Office, 120 Polk Ave. Jonesboro, LA
(318)259-8962

Bids submitted for each vehicle item must be submitted in sealed envelope, clearly marked SEALED BID
no later than 1:00pm Friday July 14,2023.

All items are to be sold “as is”.

The Jackson Council on Aging reserve the right to reject any or all bids.

 

 

 

For months questions, rumors and speculation have been bantered about among residents of Jackson Parish in regard to the November election of the Jackson Parish Sheriff. Who will run? Who will not? I heard this! I heard that! Everyday the conjecture grew as the picture remained fuzzy. All the people wanted was a sure fire sign of what top expect. This past week they got not one, but two!

Eyebrows certainly raised and heads nodded while driving through the intersection of Hwy 167 and Hwy 4 and other main byways of Jonesboro, as adorning the grassy area alongside was placard signs that provided the answer that at least two have thrown their proverbial “hat in the ring.” 

While official qualifying is still months away, it is now apparent that Hodge Assistant Police Chief Cody Cheatwood and five term Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown will be campaigning for the office. Will there be more to follow? Look for the signs!  

---

We shall meet but we shall miss him.
There will be one vacant chair.
We shall linger to caress him
While we breathe our ev’ning prayer. – The Vacant Chair / George Root – 1861

Never were lyrics to a song more apropo, as it perfectly describes the emotions felt by all at the monthly meeting of the Jackson Parish Police Jury held on Tuesday at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro.

The “Vacant Chair” that was appropriately and respectfully ordained with a black ribbon arrangement belonged to long time, Ward 7 Juror, Lynn Treadway, who lost his courageous and well fought battle to declining health on Monday, May 22nd. 

As evidenced by a statement made by JPPJ President Todd Culpepper, the dedicated public servant, church leader and family man leaves a great legacy and was a shining example to all of how one should handle themselves.

“The thing I will always remember is the last time I visited with Lynn in the hospital he looked up at me and asked what he could do to help,” reflected Culpepper. “That was Lynn. Always more concerned with the problems of others than his own. We should all be more like him.”

Visitation for the fallen friend to all of Jackson Parish will be from 9:00am – 11:00am at the Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro, located at the corner of Hwy 167 North and Beech Springs Hwy. His Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow with Pastor Thomas Ussery and cousin Reverend Buck Treadway officiating. Burial will be at Antioch Church cemetery in Quitman. For the complete Obituary see the Death Notice section of the Jackson Parish Journal.

 

 

 

 

---

From one of the largest collection of nominations in history, one of the largest classes of inductees has emerged. What is being referred to is the Class of 2023 that will be enshrined into the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame at their annual banquet that will be held on October 7th. 

Six new athletes and three more who will be recognized for Outstanding Achievement and Merit will now take their place in the Hallowed Hall during the ceremonial event that will be held at the Family Life Center of the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. 

Emerging from a long list of nominees to be elected at athletes to be inducted through secret ballot voting of the nine member panel of the Sports Hall of Fame Board were:

Casey Jackson  – Chatham High School
Charles Andrews – Jonesboro Hodge High School
Corey Bond – Weston High School
Michael Malone – Jonesboro Hodge High School
Marvin Thomas – Jonesboro Hodge High School
Harmon Ayres – Jonesboro Hodge High School 

Being selected as recipients of Outstanding Service and Meritorious Achievement Award were:

Roy Barlow – JHHS Coach, Jackson Parish School District Administrator
Barry Hinton – Head Baseball Coach at Ansley High School and at Louisiana Tech University 
Bill Staples – “Voice of JHHS Football” as radio broadcaster and long time JPSHOF Board Member

The Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame (JPSHOF) was created in 2008 to create a venue to recognize the talented athletes, coaches and administrators who lived or worked in Jackson Parish and made a great impact in the arena of athletic competition. 

In 2009, Bob Hopkins, Jo Ann Jackson-Buckner, Dr. Arnold Kilpatrick, and Edgar Walker were selected as the inaugural class to be inducted. Along with the many others since who have been given the ultimate honor of being named as the finest Jackson Parish has to offer in athletics, their images and other memorabilia are on display in the JPSHOF Building in the JPRD Sports Complex, located at 5254 Hwy 4, east of Jonesboro. 

Ever growing, the JPSHOF is always eager to receive historic athletic memorabilia to add to the enjoyment of touring the facility. To donate or visit the site, which is through appointment only, send email to  wsmithcoc@aol.com or call (318) 259 – 4693. 

 

---

In celebration of National EMS Week, the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District is hosting an Open House this Friday, May 26th at 6:00pm in the Training Center located at 107 Watts Street in Jonesboro. 

Authorized in 1974 by President Gerald Ford, the 49th annual weekly event honors Emergency Medical Service practitioners and the important work they do in our nation’s communities. This year’s theme is EMS: Where Emergency Care Begins.

Open House attendees will get the opportunity to meet our local EMS team, tour the newly built training center and test out the training equipment. Refreshments will be served and all will have the opportunity to go home with safety information and giveaways. 

 

---

The Jackson Parish Library is pleased to announce the “Kick-Off” of the Summer Reading Challenge. Both branches celebrate the always entertaining and educational time with events planned for Thursday and Friday, May 25th-26th.

Patrons are invited to register now for the Summer Program complete with chances to win in several categories and earn participation badges that go toward winning prizes such as a $25.00 Gift Card and a Fire 7 Tablet. 

The Chatham Branch will get things going on Thursday with inflatables and snow cones by Willy T’s from 12:00 – 3:00pm and a presentation by Lady Chops at 2:00pm. On Friday the activity shifts to the Jonesboro Branch where Willy T’s will once again be providing fun and refreshment and Lady Chops will put on shows at 10:00 am and again at 2:00 pm. Activities scheduled for next week are also shown below. 

Both Branches to be closed for portion of Thursday

Both the Jonesboro and Chatham Branches of the Jackson Parish Library will be closed for a portion of Thursday, May 25th in honor and respect of Lynn Treadway, who passed away on Monday, May 22nd. Treadway was a revered public servant who spent years as a member of the Jackson Parish Police Jury while also serving as a Library Board Member.

Adult Art Class in Chatham on Wednesday

---

After much prayer and consideration along with the encouragement of many citizens of Jackson Parish, I am announcing my candidacy for the Office of Sheriff in Jackson Parish. I bring almost 40 years of combined public service to the citizens of Jackson Parish. I have a strong desire to continue this service as your Sheriff.

I will be the people’s Sheriff. I will have a true open door policy and promise to be accessible to all the citizens, all the time. I pledge to work with all elected officials for the betterment of Jackson Parish.
I began my law enforcement career in October of 1983 when I was hired by Chief Mack Walker as a patrolman for the Jonesboro Police Department.

In April of 1984, I was hired by Sheriff Van Beasley as a patrol deputy for the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office. I continued my career there until retirement in December 2014 as Chief Criminal Investigator. I had the honor of working for Sheriffs Van Beasley, Richard Johnson and Andy Brown.
In January of 2015, I continued my public service when I became an investigator for Coroner Hoot Caskey. I continue to hold this position today.

After three years in the private sector, I resumed my career in law enforcement when I became the Assistant Chief of Police with the Hodge Police Department in June of 2018. I also hold this position today.

I promise to take a firm but fair position on crime. I will work with other elements of the criminal
justice system to ensure that criminal matters are handled in a timely manner. In the coming months, I look forward to visiting with as many of you as I can to discuss the future of the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office. I humbly ask for your vote this October. If you have any questions or concerns, I can be reached at 318-533-2727,

---

For the past few years, the Hodge Strong Foundation a 501c3 foundation founded by Mrs. Melissa Perry, has provided standard backpack meals for students in our parish. Although the foundation is supported by Westrock employees, it is not directly affiliated with the mill, and it is a separate entity.

This summer backpack meals will be on hand daily at JHHS, delivered to the school like clockwork by the dedicated employees who gratefully assist in this endeavor. Any J-HHS student may come by and discreetly get what they need.

The administration of Jonesboro-Hodge High School would like to thank “Hodge Strong” for being a partner in the ongoing attempt to benefit the schools of Jackson Parish. 

---

The problem with making homemade ice cream when you were a kid is it seemed to take forever to freeze.

For-EVVV-er.

I scream, you scream, we all scream if the homemade ice cream won’t freeze.

It was like waiting for school to let out or Christmas morning to come. Though the object is the polar opposite, waiting on ice cream to freeze is the same metaphorically as waiting for the watched pot to boil.

“Is it ready yet?”

But some things are worth waiting on: A woman. Game 7. That first autumn day.

And homemade ice cream. The best things just won’t be rushed.

Seems like when we were kids that making homemade ice cream was about as common as shucking corn. On our back porch were muddy boots, a mop and broom, emergency dog food in case scraps were in short supply, a deep freeze filled with stuff in white packing paper and clear quart bags, and a gradually rotting wooden ice cream tub and briny crank handle contraption. Always in the bottom of the tub was the white rock salt residue that never quite came out.

Never did I know as a child what the rock salt was for, only that you “needed it” to “make the ice cream freeze.” That’s what the grownups said. Grownups took a lot of time not explaining stuff to us back then.

“But why?” a little person would say.

“Because I said so,” a big person would say.

It was a simpler time.

Naturally, we just assumed the salt kept the ice cream from contracting rickets.

I have since learned (off the streets) that the salt combines in some chemical way with the ice to lower the temperature a bit below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, thus assuring that the mixture inside the Magic Silver Tube, surrounded by ice, freezes.

It’s one of those science deals.

A couple of weeks ago at the beach, my high school friend J.C. Penney (the four-time Louisiana state 4-H Good Grooming Champ back in the day, which is another column for another time) ran out of salt and out of luck while attempting a homemade batch. He bought salt the next morning and added it to the ice. Less than 20 minutes of churning later, the ice cream was tight as Dick’s hat band and cold as a penguin’s nose. Sweet.

Folks don’t seem to make homemade ice cream as much today as they used to. And that’s a shame. Making homemade ice cream taught us some handy life lessons that today’s kids miss out on.

True, food folk have figured out how to make Food You Buy At The Store better. Preservatives and whatnot. Cake mixes are about as good from the box now as the ones you can make from scratch. What I’m saying here is that if you’ve eaten Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla, I can pretty much rest my case.

But in the days before electric churns, making homemade ice cream taught you patience and safety. The first thing our dads had us boys do was sit on the top of the freezer while they hand churned. This took a calendar day and you couldn’t feel your frozen butt until Tuesday.

The next growing-up step was to sit on the churn and turn it at the same time. This required dexterity and skill, because you haven’t lived until you’ve been churning and accidentally hit yourself in a delicate area. Some things you can feel, even frozen. I scream, you scream…

(From July 2012)

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu or Twitter @MamaLuvsManning

---

The Beautification of Jonesboro Project continued on Tuesday with a control burn of an abandoned house on the corner of Harrison Street and Hwy 167 South. With five fire trucks and firefighters from the Jonesboro, Quitman and Ward Four Fire Districts on site the secure blaze sent smoke pummeling into the evening sky. 

The Beautification Project instituted two years ago provides for the removal of unsightly and unsafe, abandoned and dilapidated structures within the incorporated confines of the Town of Jonesboro through burning or razing of the structures. A dual purpose is also served as the control burns provides important multi agency training for the local fire districts as well as the paid and volunteer fire fighters of each in a non-emergency situation.

Owners of a structure(s) that is located within the defined project area that would like to be included in the Beautification Project call (318) 259-2385 or go by the Jonesboro Town Hall, located at 128 Allen Avenue in Jonesboro. Please note that as a condition of being part of the project is that the property owner is required to clean up of the area after a structure has been burned or razed. 

---

Jonesboro-Hodge High School alum, Asante Belton, had already seen one dream become a reality. Now another that goes beyond what he had ever hoped for has also reached fruition. On May 20th, Belton became what is believed to be the first Jackson Parish native to be a member of a professional championship winning team when his East Houston United team won the National Basketball League title. 

To win a championship at any level is quite an achievement but to do so on a professional level is something only a very few ever accomplish. To say it is remarkable is an understatement but even this fails in comparison to Belton even getting the chance to be in this position. 

“I was born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD),” reflects Belton. “The doctors told my parents I probably wouldn’t live past the age of five.”

What the doctors didn’t know was that while his heart was weak, Belton’s will to survive was stronger and he refused to let the reality of his medical condition destroy the dream he had of growing up to play the game he loved.

“What I remember about Asante is that he never really got the chance to play a full year due to his condition but whenever he was healthy enough he would be there for practice,” said JHHS head coach Allen Tew in a 2021 interview with the Jackson Parish Journal. “Even though he knew that he wasn’t going to play he would still come to practice and give it all he had.”

After graduating high school in 2014 Belton continued to work hard. Through a continued regiment of medicines and a monitored diet he started adding weight to his 5’7″ frame. The stronger he got, the more encouraged he became that maybe one day he could achieve his dream.

“I knew I had been given an opportunity that so many others with my condition didn’t have,” said Belton. I wasn’t supposed to be here. Not just being able to play ball but be alive. It made me more passionate about pursuing my goal of playing professionally.”

In 2017 his dream came true when he earned a spot on the Alexandria Armor of the American Basketball Association (ABA). Belton played in two games and didn’t score a point. Still he had reached his goal. Was that enough? Not hardly. Now that he had achieved one plateau he set his sights on more loftier goals. 

In 2019 Belton earned a roster spot with the Baton Rouge Timberwolves of the United Basketball Association (UBA) as a backup point guard. All the while he was growing stronger inside and out. In 2020 and now packing a solid 180 pounds he joined the Baytown Bobcats of the NBL-US where it all finally came together. Belton not only moved into the starting lineup he started producing gigantic numbers, including his 36 point career high effort in the 2020 playoffs. 

“It is kind of hard to believe that after all the surgeries and setbacks when I was young that now I am healthy as an ox and not only making a living doing what I love, but being on a championship winning team” said Belton.

When not playing Belton uses his time in an attempt to inspire young boys and girls. This past year you could find him on the sidelines at the Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School as a volunteer football coach and at JHHS where he assisted with the basketball teams. 

“My hope is that my journey inspires others who have it hard coming up or have adversities that they have to overcome,” said Belton. “My message is DON’T GIVE UP! I don’t care if you don’t have money, support or even good health, as long as you don’t give up on your dream and keep your faith, you will succeed.”

The National Basketball League is a unique American based Exposure League. It is designed to bridge the gap between USA, Asia, Caribbean, African and European basketball, in order to provide opportunities for professional players to showcase their talent on a global platform, which is the next goal Belton hopes to achieve. 

There is an old saying that the past is often times a predictor of the future. What you want to bet Belton already has gotten his passport. 

 

 

---