If there was one thing that the Jackson Parish 8U Girls All-Stars proved this past weekend it is that they have the ability to swing a strong stick. By collecting 86 hits and scoring 55 runs in just 15 innings of play, the locals won three of four games to finish as runner-up in the pre-district tournament played in Sterlington.  

JP8U opened the tourney by taking a 15-14 victory over Caldwell and then followed that up by blasting Benton 21-14. In game three, host Sterlington was no match as Jackson Parish won by a 14-2 margin setting up a finals matchup against West Monroe, who made a late rally to win by an 8-6 margin. 

Jackson Parish 15 Caldwell 14: Jackson Parish stormed out to an 11-1 lead after two and then hung on for the close victory. Abigail Sullivan, Caylee Mauthe, Presley Carpenter and Carrington Bond all got three hits apiece and both Ella Siddon and Ryleigh Puffer were a perfect 2/2 as JP8U collected 25 hits. Macie Halbrook, Kylee-Ann Allen and Savannah Porter also got two hits each while Charley Linton smashed a double and both Miriam Shuler and Cadie Conn hit singles as every player contributed to the impressive hit total.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	R	H
Jackson Parish	7	4	4	0	15	25
Caldwell Parish	0	1	7	6	14	21

Jackson Parish 21 Benton 14: Presley Carpenter hit two home runs, including a grand slam and both Miriam Shuler and Cadie Conn hit “round trippers” to pace JP8U to their highest run total of the tourney. Abigail Sullivan, Ella Siddon,  Carpenter and Conn led the way with three hits apiece with Kylee-Ann Allen, Macie Holbrook, Savannah Porter, Carrington Bond, Ryleigh Puffer, Shuler and Charley Linton getting two knocks each. It was a total team effort as all eleven on the roster got at least two hits and scored one or more runs in the three inning affair. 

TEAM	1	2	3	R	H
Jackson Parish	7	7	7	21	26
Benton	2	6	6	14	20

Jackson Parish 14 Sterlington 2: For the third game in a row, JP8U scored seven first inning runs Ten hits led to seven first inning runs. Abigail Sullivan and Presley Carpenter continued their perfection at the plate over three games with another three for three effort with Macie Halbrook and Cadie Conn also got three hits. Ella Siddon, Caylee Mauthe, Savannah Porter and Charley Linton chipped in with two knocks each while Miriam Shuler slapped a double and both Ryleigh Puffer and Kylee-Ann Allen hit singles as once again ever player got at least one hit. 

TEAM	1	2	3	R	H
Jackson Parish	7	3	4	14	23
Sterlington	1	1	0	2	7

West Monroe 8 Jackson Parish 6: A five run third inning by West Monroe proved to be the difference as a last inning rally by the locals fell short. Finally running out of gas after blitzing their way to the finals, JP8U managed just three runs over the first four innings before scoring three in the final frame. Abigail Sullivan and Presley Carpenter, who hit her third home run of the tourney, turned in another three hit effort to give both a perfect 12 for 12 showing over the four games. Cadie Conn reached base three times for the third game in a row with Macie Halbrook doing the same for her second straight time. Ella Siddon smashed a triple, Kylee-Ann Allen added a double and Miriam Shuler, Charley Linton, and Ryleigh Puffer all reached base. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	R	H
Jackson Parish	2	0	1	0	3	6	12
West Monroe	0	0	5	3	x	8	11

---

If you ask her she will say that she is “semi-retired.” Yet no one works harder and gives more of her time to the development and betterment of Jackson Parish than Wilda Smith. 

This past week the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce, which Smith has been the director of since 2005, recognized her tremendous commitment and dedicated service.

“It is through Wilda’s guidance, commitment, and love for our community that the Chamber of Commerce is strong and more vital than ever,” said JPCC President Yumeaka Washington. “Although she never gets the recognition she deserves, Wilda never stops pushing to make Jackson Parish more than just a spot on a map. Next time you see her, give her a big THANK YOU for all her dedication to our beautiful parish!”

---

In an effort to provide assistance to local senior citizens, Legacy Hospice in collaboration with the Jonesboro Council on Aging, is sponsoring a “Beat the Heat” Fan Drive until the end of June.   

Those wishing to participate are asked to donate new table-top, pedestal stand or boxed fans that will be provided to the elderly in need. Donations can be dropped off at the Legacy Hospice Office located at 726 Pershing Hwy. in Jonesboro. For more information or if you need your donation picked up call Megan Frederick at (318) 209 – 2024. Thank you for helping our senior citizens “Beat the Heat.”

---

The “best of the best” were honored this past week when the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) recognized several of their most outstanding First Responders. 

Awards were given by Director Aaron Johnson for milestones in years of Public Service, most calls responded to, most hours worked in the field, most medications provided in treatment of patients. 

JPASD Award Winners

Dawn Brown – 40 years of Public Service to JPASD
Tim Burns – 30 years of Public Service to JPASD
Robbin Willis – Most Calls responded to at JPASD
Wendi Johnson – Most Hours worked on the truck at JPASD
Kay Caldwell – Most Drugs given in treatment of patients at JPASD

---

The 2023 College World Series begins Friday at Charles Schwab Field in “Omaha! Omaha!,” or, as our LSU friends like to say, Geauxmaha! (Is there no END to this “geaux” stuff?!)

Love or hate LSU, you have to admit — in any moment that passes for sanity, even among the LSU Haters out there — that the college game is better when LSU is good.

And this year, the Tigers are pretty good, or whatever phrase you’d wish to use to describe a team that wins 48 games, a Regional, a Super Regional, and winds up in Geauxmaha.

LSU is back for the first time since 2017, an eternity for Tiger fans. LSU most recently won it in 2009 and won four in seven seasons — 1991, ’93 (Airline High’s Todd Walker was the CWS Most Outstanding Player), and ’96-’97. If the Tigers can win this year, they’ll have seven all-time, second only to USC and one ahead of Texas.

A lot’s going on …

(For the whole story, read Everything Matters in Baseball: The Skip Bertman Story, by our old friend Glenn Guilbeau, (or Guilbeaux, if you prefer. Page 51 is my favorite because yours truly is on it, as is the song I wrote for Skip in 1989ish. Thank you, Glenn. Mighty fine book. Baseball coaches in Louisiana should send the Skipster chocolates every day; he was the difference that made the difference for college baseball in our state.)

So back in the summertime, we offered an Introduction to ‘Sports Talking’ and determined that The World of Sports has a language all its own, and that each individual sport has an even more specialized lingo. A field goal is different in football than in basketball. “Pin” is one thing in bowling and another in wrestling. A skater spins lots and lands; a second baseman spins once and throws.

And on like that.

We wrote about football (played by gridders on a gridiron) and basketball, or roundball, played with a rock, and how in hoops, foul trouble is when you are in danger of disqualification because you’ve done an extreme number of illegal things, not to be confused with foul trouble caused by sitting next to a fan who

smells like an old sneaker, or fowl trouble, when the concession stand runs out of chicken tenders.

Now, let’s get ready for baseball or hardball, by introducing some everyday words that mean one thing in baseball (and sometimes, something else in real life).

A hose is an arm and if you throw fast and true, you have a hose. A good defender can flash the leather and has the good hands. Wheels are legs and good ones mean you are fast; no wheels mean you are no threat to steal or swipe a bag/base, but hopefully, you are not so terribly, horribly slow that you can’t score from third on a triple or even on a homer that leaves the yard/park.

Some of the CWS players had a chance out of high school to become bonus babies, or young players who sign for a big bonus payment on top of a salary. A bonus baby is also the second baby out of the womb when there are twins; triplets mean mom gets two bonus babies.

A cut fastball is a ball that breaks away from the arm that threw it; in other words, it breaks toward the pitcher’s glove-hand side. A cut fastball is also a fastball that wasn’t good enough to make the varsity.

A backdoor slider or backdoor breaker appears to the batter to be off the plate — right before it breaks over the plate and late. Bummer for the batter. (In real life, a backdoor slider it is one of us Baptists who used to attend church regularly but now gets to Sunday school late — if at all.)

A tater is a homer run; it’s also the nickname of the 5-9, 285-pound third baseman.

A twinbill is a doubleheader, a twin killing is a double play, and a twinbill killing is when a doubleheader gets rained out.

A yakker is a curveball, also called an Uncle Charlie — “Caught him looking at ol’ Uncle Chuck!” A yakker is also a female yak — a yak her — or one who hunts yaks, or a sick person who can’t keep their food down. A very good curveball hitter is a yakker whacker, sometimes called a yacker smacker.

If a player is on deck he is the next batter up after the one at the plate, and if a plyer is to bat after the batter on deck, he is said to be in the hole — although it began as in the hold, a nautical term like on deck is; in the hold is by definition just beneath the deck of a ship, as in the storage area. So, in baseball if you are on deck, then I am in the hold and batting after you.

Nautical terms were common in the 1800s when baseball started but things evolve, and “in the hold” is sadly gone forever; the great unwashed win again).

So … enjoy the CWS. “Let’s have a clue out there! Here we go! See you at the yard.

Ready BREAK!” Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

---

Disclaimer: The comments and opinions expressed in Letter to the Editor submittals are solely those of the writer and should not be considered as the opinions or beliefs of this newspaper.

Subject: District Attorney Failure

In just a few days, it will be one year since the Louisiana Legislative Auditor released the findings of his Village of Eros audit. That day, June 22, 2022, Eros citizens were shocked to learn of the corruption of our public servants. It would be another five months, before any action was taken against the mayor and maintenance man, but finally, November 16, 2022 they were arrested and charged with 2 counts of felony theft each, and the mayor with one count of malfeasance in office.

Since then Eros residents have made several inquiries to the District Attorney’s office requesting information about the disposition of the charges, but as yet, no concrete information has been given, that I know of. In four days it will be seven months since the day they were arrested and charged. Seven months that the village of Eros has been unable to begin rebuilding after the criminal acts of the corrupt mayor and maintenance man.

I can come to no other conclusion then the District Attorney has an unknown agenda. By not scheduling the mayor and maintenance man for trial yet, he has undermined the ability of our community to elect new leaders and begin the function of handling our local affairs again. His flagrant narcissistic attitude, has made it clear to concerned Eros residents, that his message is, “I’m in charge”, and our situation could not concern him less.

His failure to prosecute the mayor and maintenance man, leads me to believe there may be information we are unaware of, motivating his actions. Considering the short duration of time needed to try this case, what possible logical or ethical reason remains for his dismal performance in closing out this paramount issue. He knows that Eros has no choice but to remain in limbo until after the outcome of this trial. Anyone that took time to reflect on the proceedings thus far would arrive at the same conclusion I have, that there are unknown private factors in play.

Whatever the reason, it is not his struggle to see justice done for the municipality of Eros! That would narrow down the possible recipient list to either himself, Kelly Gryder, or both! After assimilating the facts, what other logical conjecture is there? This same thought process leads me to surmise that he plans on dismissing the charges all together or dropping them to misdemeanor level, or whatever you want to call it for throwing the case.

Whatever his reason, it is not concern for Eros. As someone with limited knowledge of the involved parties, or whether or not they have family ties or a social relationship, I have come to the only conclusion I can. What could be the reason for Danny Newell’s dismal performance? What is the reason for his moral failure and dereliction of duty? He has provided no coherent reasoning to not seek convictions for the atrocities performed by the Mayor and maintenance man against the State of Louisiana and the Municipality of Eros. The appearance of protection for these corrupt “public servants” leads one to wonder, why?

The process of selecting new aldermen, electing a new mayor, and moving forward after enduring the local corruption cannot take place because the District Attorney is depriving our community of the right to conduct day to day municipal operations. In nine days, it will be one year since the results of the audit brought to light the illegal criminal activities in the municipality. Yet here we are, one year later, waiting for an elected official to step up and do the job he was hired to do. It’s pretty obvious that is not his focus. There is no reason our citizens have not been able to reclaim possession of our village offices, our only public setting to communicate with each other and new management.

The District Attorney’s flagrant lack of concern for justice should speak very loud come election time. In Eros, we are American citizens, proud of our Constitution, cherish our inalienable rights, and still believe in right and wrong, which is where our District Attorney abandons ship. He has proven one thing to me, he’s a dismal failure and needs to be kicked to the curb. Remember to get out and vote. Thanks for nothing.

Shannon G. Morris

 

---

Willie Johnson was born on January 25, 1897. His poor sharecropper parents struggled to survive off of what they grew in the poor earth in Pendleton, Texas. At some point, Willie and his family moved to a farm with far better soil near Marlin, Texas. When Willie was five years old, his father got Willie a homemade cigar box guitar. Willie quickly learned to play the cheap instrument.

According to Willie’s widow, when Willie was seven years old, his father and stepmother got into a physical altercation allegedly over Willie’s stepmother’s infidelities. During the brawl, Willie’s stepmother was holding a caustic solution of lye water. As Willie’s father and stepmother fought, the caustic solution splashed into Willie’s eyes and completely blinded him. From that moment on, he was known as Blind Willie Johnson.

Blind Willie’s lack of sight made working in the fields nearly impossible. Blind Willie sang and played his guitar while his family worked in the fields. In a way, Blind Willie helped more with his voice and guitar than he would have if he had not been blinded. His songs kept up morale in the fields and set the pace for planting and harvesting crops. In his twenties, Blind Willie began playing a Stella brand guitar and singing religious songs on the street corners of Marlin, Texas. He tied a tin cup to the neck of his guitar. Upon hearing the unmistakable clink of a coin or coins dropping into his tin cup, Blind Willie gave an appreciative nod and a smile.

In December 1927, a talent scout set up a makeshift recording studio for Columbia Records in Dallas, Texas. The scout had heard of Blind Willie’s talent and invited him to a recording session. On that cool December day, Blind Willie recorded six songs including “Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground.” Columbia initially released two songs from Blind Willie’s session “I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole,” and “Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed.” Selling more than 15,000 copies, Blind Willie’s first record sold more than Columbia’s most established star, Bessie Smith. With the success of his first record, Columbia’s talent scout brought Blind Willie in for four more recording sessions between 1927 and 1930. In total, Blind Willie completed 30 songs.

Blind Willie’s rise to stardom seemed to be assured until the Great Depression left most of his fans with no spare money for buying records. Blind Willie’s professional music career ended with little fanfare. Sadly, Blind Willie Johnson and his recordings are largely forgotten today. Although sales of his first record far exceeded expectations, he was far from reaching the required $1 million from the sale of at least 500,000 units for the Recording Industry Association of America to award Blind Willie a gold record.

In August and September 1977, NASA launched two robotic interstellar probes named Voyager 1 and Voyager 2. Both space probes carried numerous instruments for recording a wide array of measurements, taking photographs, recording audio, and transmitting that information back to scientists on Earth.

Also included on the space probes were two phonograph records which contained over a hundred imprinted images which displayed different aspects of life on Earth as well as the sounds of frogs, crickets, volcanoes, laughter, a human heartbeat, footsteps, animal sounds, 27 pieces of music, and greetings in 59 languages. Etched onto each record were pictures showing how to play the sound recordings and how to retrieve the photos using equipment which was located near the records on the space probes.

NASA included this information to show the diversity of life and culture on Earth in the event that they come into contact with an advanced alien civilization. Voyager 1 is traveling at over 38,000 miles per hour and has reached a distance of 14.8 billion miles from Earth. Voyager 2 is traveling at over 34,000 miles per hour and has reached 12.4 billion miles from Earth. At their current trajectories, it will take another 14,000 to 28,000 years before Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 will exit our Solar System.

Although Blind Willie Johnson never earned a gold record on Earth, he certainly earned a gold record in space. His recording of “Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground” is one of the 27 songs included on the gold-plated “The Sounds of Earth” record which is still traveling through space. Perhaps one day in the distant future, in a galaxy far away, one of the first sounds an advanced alien civilization will hear from our small planet will be that of Blind Willie Johnson. “The Sounds of Earth” records can remain playable for more than 1 billion years.

---

Brandy N. Hayes (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant on charges of Possession or Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Methamphetamines
MaKayla Stevenson (Winnfield, LA) – Possession of Schedule I Drug
Johnathan Ashcraft (North Hodge, LA) – Criminal Trespass, Disturbing the Peace
Scott S. Thornton (Hamburg, AR) – Simple Possession of Marijuana
Delveico D. Edwards (Minden, LA) – First Offense DWI, Speeding, Open Container, No Insurance
Carlos Harris Jr. (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant on charges of Possession or Distribution of Legend Drug, Possession or Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia, Prohibited Acts Schedule V, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
Kenneth D. Shorts (Ruston, LA) – Warrant on charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Simple Criminal Damage to Property
Jesse M. Boyer (Hodge, LA) – Resisting an Officer, Possession of Schedule I, Possession of Schedule II, Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Jordy L. Astin (Jonesboro, LA) – Bench Warrant on Charge of Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance
Shane M. Crain (West Monroe, LA) – Possession of Schedule II, Expired Driver License, Tail Lamp Violation
Christopher Lamay (Jonesboro, LA) – Probation & Parole Violation
Carmen T. Anderson (Jonesboro, LA) – Traffic Bench Warrant on charge of Driving Under Suspension
Lisa Lindsey (Eros, LA) – Violation of Protective Order
Jacqueline Briggs (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant on charge of Issuance of Worthless Check
William Newton (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession with Intent to Distribute Synthetic Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Monetary Instrument Abuse
Paige Netherland (Dodson, LA) – Warrant on charge of Possession of Methamphetamine in amount less than 28 grams
Jason Wigley (Jonesboro, LA) – Resisting an Officer, Simple Assault 

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

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. Applications will be received until 4:30 pm on Friday, June 30, 2023. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: egibbs@jppj.org.

POSITION: Supervisor
DEPARTMENT: Jackson Parish Maintenance Department

Description:
Under administrative direction of the Operations Manager (or the Secretary-Treasurer in the absence of the Operations Manager), this position is a working supervisor role that plans, oversees, and coordinates the various operations of employees who repair, clean, and maintain Police Jury buildings and grounds. Supervisor performs complex maintenance tasks and other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma, or equivalent, required.
• Class E Driver’s License required; progression towards Class B Commercial CDL a plus.
• Requires specialized training beyond high school that can be obtained in one year or less.
• Three (3) years of journey-level experience in construction and/or maintenance work, including one year of experience in a specialty building trade and as a lead worker or supervisor or have equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities.
• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds frequently.
• Able to work safely in all weather conditions, including adverse conditions.
• Understands, follows, and communicates 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 Maintenance Department Supervisor is responsible for carrying out orders given by the Maintenance Superintendent which includes performing periodic (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) inspections of assigned areas, maintaining documentation records, and following up with staff to make corrections, adjustments, etc.
• Expresses ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to groups and individuals.
• Performs periodic (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) inspections of assigned areas and maintains documentation records; is expected to follow-up with staff to make corrections, adjustments, etc.
• Prepares work schedules, work orders, purchase orders, voucher requests, and other required forms.
• Reviews, approves, and submits Maintenance Department timecards in the absence of the Superintendent.
• Estimates material and labor costs for repairs, remodeling, alterations, and installation projects.
• Orders and issues tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Maintains material and equipment inventories; places orders when necessary while managing to budget.
• Performs complex repair and maintenance tasks.
• Oversees a staff of skilled and semi-skilled workers, as well as inmate trustees, in such maintenance duties as painting, carpentry, masonry, cement work, custodial tasks, building and grounds, and general upkeep involving structures, furnishings, equipment, floor coverings, acoustical ceiling, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and related systems.
• May establish new preventive maintenance programs and procedures.
• Directs and works alongside Maintenance Department staff.
• Handles routine personnel matters, recommends pink slips and other disciplinary actions or customer-related items that arise to Superintendent.
• Acts as fill in/backup staff in the event of absent personnel.
• Acts in the absence of the Superintendent and assists in managing the Maintenance Department staff and its overall operation.
• May be required to be on 24 hour call out.
• Works directly with the Secretary-Treasurer in Superintendent’s absence.
• Attends any required Police Jury or Committee meetings, training classes, or seminars that relate to the incumbent’s role within the department.
• 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 100 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.
• Able 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.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Detailed Job Description available upon request.

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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Affidavit of Succession and Certificate of Service

NOTICE OF VACANCY

APPOINTMENT OF JACKSON PARISH REGISTRAR OF VOTERS

THE JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY SHALL APPOINT AN INDIVIDUAL TO SERVE AS THE JACKSON PARISH REGISTRAR OF VOTERS. ALL INTERESTED APPLICANTS MAY PICK UP AN APPLICATION FROM THE JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY OFFICE.

ALL INTERESTED APPLICANTS FOR THE POSITION OF REGISTRAR OF VOTERS SHALL SUBMIT AN APPLICATION AND RESUME TO THE JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:

JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY
160 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE
JONESBORO, LA 71251-3446

OR THE APPLICATION AND RESUME MAY BE HAND DELIVERED TO THE JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY OFFICE AT THE

JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING
160 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE
JONESBORO, LA 71251-3446

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 4:30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2023. THE JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY SHALL CONDUCT INTERVIEWS OF ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPLICANTS FOR REGISTRAR OF VOTER:
• SHALL BE A REGISTERED VOTER. IF APPOINTED TO FILL THE OFFICE OF REGISTRAR OF VOTERS, THE APPLICANT SHALL BECOME A RESIDENT AND REGISTERED VOTER OF JACKSON PARISH PRIOR TO TAKING THE OATH OF OFFICE, AND SHALL POSSESS AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING AT THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT:
• POSSESS A BACCALAUREATE DEGREE FROM AN ACCREDITED INSTITUTION AND TWO YEARS FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
• POSSESS AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE FROM AN ACCREDITED INSTITUTION AND FOUR YEARS OF FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
• SEVEN YEARS OF FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
• FIVE YEARS OF FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT IN A REGISTRAR’S OFFICE IN LOUISIANA

NOTE: PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE MEANS EXPERIENCE IN AN OCCUPATION WHICH REQUIRES SPECIALIZED AND THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE USUALLY ACQUIRED THROUGH COLLEGE TRAINING OR THROUGH WORK EXPERIENCE AND OTHER TRAINING WHICH PROVIDES COMPARABLE KNOWLEDGE.

Nine track and field athletes from the three area public high schools will be recognized by the Jackson Parish School Board at their monthly meeting to be held at 11:00 am on June 12th in the meeting room of the Jackson Parish School District Central Office. 

Being honored by board members Gerry Mims, Rick Barlow, Paulette Belton, Dennis Clary, Calvin Waggoner (President) Mary Saulters and Wade McBride along with JPSD Superintendent David Claxton will be:

Jonesboro Hodge High School
Zion Gray – Boys Triple Jump
Savantez Phillips – Boys 110 Meter Hurdles
Quitman High School
Emma Carter – Girls High Jump (3 Consecutive Years)
Bryan Lay – Boys Pole Vault (2 Consecutive Years)
Nathan Harvey – Boys 4X200 Relay
Brayden Smith – Boys 4X200 Relay
Geoffrey Maxwell – Boys 4X200 Relay
Jayden Harts – Boys 4X200 Relay
Weston High School
Jalexiah Claridy – Girls Shot Put

In additional action the Ruston Daily Leader will be considered to act as the Official Journal for JPSB for fiscal year July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024. The election results regarding the continuation of the tax millage for Consolidated School District #1 is also expected to be adopted. Acceptance of recommended by the various Committees will be the final items on the agenda.

In accordance with the Americans Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact David Claxton at 318-259-4456 describing the assistance that is necessary.

 

---

The Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ) is accepting applications for the position of Jackson Parish Registrar of Voters, which became open following the retirement of Angie Roberts.

The JPPJ shall appoint an individual from all interested applicants. An application form may be picked up and then returned along with a resume to the JPPJ Administrative Office, located at 160 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro. Applications and resumes may be hand delivered or mailed to:

JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING
160 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE
JONESBORO, LA 71251-3446

All applications must be received no later than 4:30 pm on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 after which the JPPJ will conduct interviews with all qualified applicants. 

QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPLICANTS FOR REGISTRAR OF VOTER:

• SHALL BE A REGISTERED VOTER. IF APPOINTED TO FILL THE OFFICE OF REGISTRAR OF VOTERS, THE APPLICANT SHALL BECOME A RESIDENT AND REGISTERED VOTER OF JACKSON PARISH PRIOR TO TAKING THE OATH OF OFFICE, AND SHALL POSSESS AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING AT THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT:
• POSSESS A BACCALAUREATE DEGREE FROM AN ACCREDITED INSTITUTION AND TWO YEARS FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
• POSSESS AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE FROM AN ACCREDITED INSTITUTION AND FOUR YEARS OF FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
• SEVEN YEARS OF FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
• FIVE YEARS OF FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT IN A REGISTRAR’S OFFICE IN LOUISIANA

NOTE: PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE MEANS EXPERIENCE IN AN OCCUPATION WHICH REQUIRES SPECIALIZED AND THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE USUALLY ACQUIRED THROUGH COLLEGE TRAINING OR THROUGH WORK EXPERIENCE AND OTHER TRAINING WHICH PROVIDES COMPARABLE KNOWLEDGE.

 

 

 

 

---

Local residents know of the many splendors that Jackson Parish has to offer. Thanks to the collaborated effort of the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board, the many amenities our area offers is no longer one of the best kept secrets in the South.

This past week the JPCC released a new video that highlights all the many things that makes Jackson Parish a special place to live and visit. Everything from the many sights, activities and events that the parish is known for is featured in the tremendous production. 

To view the video click here.  

The hope is that the video will inspire people who aren’t aware of what Jackson Parish has to offer to visit our “Jewel in the Pines.” You can do your part to spread the invitation to visit Jackson Parish by forwarding the video to a friend from out of the area. History has proven that if they come once, they will come again. 

---

The Little League District Tournament for the 10U girls division is set to be played at the Jackson Parish Recreation District Sports Complex on June 16-19. After three pre-tourney games played this past week, the local team that is under the direction of head coach Justin Wyatt and assistants Corey Aldy and Tamala Keiffer, looks to be more than just the host but a real threat to win the district title. 

JP10U proved to be a powerful offensive force in their three games played this past week beginning with a 15-12 victory over the Ruston Dixie Angels. The locals followed that up with two wins in the Sterlington Pre-Tourney Prep by beating Hamburg, AR 18-1  and Benton All-Stars 10-2.  

Team members are: Ella Simonelli, Raleigh Guilliams, Scarlett Parks, Amelia Staggs, Elliot Savage, Sky Watkins, Ryleigh McCormick, Ryan Kate Wyatt, Charleigh Newton, Hannah Aldy, Kynleigh Leach and Kate Keiffer.

JP10U 15 Ruston Dixie Angels 12: After spotting home standing Ruston a 8-1 lead after two innings the local All-Stars came storming back to score 14 runs in the final four innings, including 5 in the top of the sixth that broke a 10 all tie. 

The victory was truly a team effort as all 12 players on the roster either scored at least one run or knocked one in. The big blow came in the top of the sixth inning when Kynleigh Leach hit a three-run inside the park home run that plated Kate Keiffer and Hannah Aldy after Scarlett Parks and Ryleigh McCormick has already scored earlier in the decisive frame.  

A double by Sky Watkins was one of the four hits JP10U got off of Ruston pitching, with Keiffer and Raleigh Gulliams also hitting singles. Ella Simonelle and Charleigh Newton had RBI’s. There were a total of 27 walks and 11 errors made that accounted for the high run total. Aldy picked up the win in relief of Ryan Kate Wyatt and Amelia Staggs. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H	E
JP10U	0	1	5	1	3	5	15	4	5
Ruston	5	3	0	0	2	2	12	4	6

JP10U 18 Hamburg, AR 1: Unlike the game before which required a late rally, JP10U put this one on ice in the first inning by exploding for 13 runs. Five runs in the second ended the game in their first contest in Sterlington as the locals took advantage of 15 walks and 7 errors. Kynleigh Leach scored three runs, stole two bases and collected one of the two hits gained by Jackson Parish with Scarlett Parks, who also stole a base and scored twice, getting the other base hit. Hannah Aldy stole two bases and scored three times followed by Amelia Staggs, Ryan Kate Wyatt, and Raleigh Guilliams all crossing home two times each. Also scoring was Ella Simonelli, Sky Watkins, Ryleigh McCormick and Elliot Savage. Wyatt picked up the win after striking out six in the two innings of work. 

TEAM	1	1	R	H	E
Hamburg, AR	1	0	1	0	7
Jackson Parish	13	5	18	2	0

JP10U 10 Benton 2: Amelia Staggs hit a three run inside the park home run scoring Kyneilgh Leach who had doubled in Elliot Savage in the prior at bat and Scarlett Parks to cap off a six run second inning.  Once again Jackson Parish showed their discipline at the plate by coaxing 10 walks. Ryan Kate Wyatt picked up her second win of the day by allowing just two hits over three innings and striking out five. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	R	H	E
JP10U	3	6	1	0	10	2	1
Benton	2	0	0	x	2	2	1

---

Cejay Colvin, Collin Shows, Ben Ramsey and Abel McBride of Weston High School won the state championship in the Food Science CDE at the Louisiana FFA competition held in Baton Rouge this past week.

According to WHS Ag Teacher and school sponsor, Derek Shields, the victory marks the 11th time that WHS has won an FFA state title since the school was founded in 1932. The 96th annual FFA National Convention and Expo will take place in Indianapolis, IN on November 1-4, 2023.

The Food Science and Technology CDE is designed to promote learning activities related to the food industry and assist students in developing practical knowledge of principles used in team decision making process. 

---

The orchard oriole is a bird that has always fascinated me. The black and burnt orange
color combinations of the male balanced with the olive green and yellow of the female make for an extremely attractive pair.

The song, a lilting melody usually sung from the highest branch of a tall tree is appealing. The nest is an unusual swinging basket that can withstand the most violent summer storm; most impressive.

That’s why to this day, I still don’t know what possessed me as a youngster of eight to
take aim with my BB gun at the beautiful male oriole singing from the top branch of a big oak in my grandma’s yard.

It was a quick, careless shot; I even shot left-handed to assure I’d miss. Maybe it was the curiosity and impulsiveness of a typical eight year old boy that made me do it. Maybe I thought there is no way I could hit that bird with my Daisy Red Rider, it being up so high and my shooting left handed. But I did. My heart sank as the oriole tumbled from the branch to land fluttering at my feet. I never told anyone about it; I was too ashamed at what I’d done.

I grew up during an age when if you lived out in the country and you were a boy, you
bird hunted. Starting out with a double-barreled sling shot made from a forked branch, two strips of rubber cut from an inner tube and a square of leather cut from a shoe tongue to hold a rock, we spent long summer days bird hunting. There were very few species that were off-limits to us.

Orioles, however, were.

We didn’t decimate bird populations because those old sling shots weren’t very accurate. However, when we graduated to Red Riders, that was a different story.

Looking through the eyes of age and experience, I feel pangs of guilt about my bird
killing as a youngster. Regular readers of my columns will attest to my fascination with
watching, feeding and identifying birds today.

Back then, I didn’t know any better; that’s what we all did. Most boys growing up today
have traded their BB guns for video games and such electronic gadgets but for those still clinging to their BB guns, all I can offer them a plea to pass up shots at song birds. One reason is that song birds are protected and you break the law when you shoot a song bird.

Here it gets difficult to try and impress youngsters to hold off on shooting song birds
when their dads did it, their granddads did it and this writer did it.

We as parents need to feed these young minds, these inquisitive and curious minds, with positive ethically correct teaching about shooting and hunting. Things such as shooting safety and marksmanship are important. So are ethics and teaching about when to hold back and let something go.

Although I have wished many times that I could give that little oriole its life back but
that’s impossible. The only thing I might hope to accomplish by sharing my story is that after reading it, some youngster might think twice before drawing a bead on a song bird.

I still get flashbacks today every time I see or hear an oriole.

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE –Crappie are best on shiners around the lights. The bream are bedded and hitting crickets and worms Deep diving crank baits and Carolina rigged worms are picking up some nice-sized bass on the deeper drops while swim baits are working fairly well along the grass lines. Crappie fishing has been best at night on. 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 are being caught flipping the brush along with spinners and square billed crank bits. Topwater lures working best early mornings. Crappie are scattered; bream are on the beds and hitting worms and crickets. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – Crappie fishing has been good in the river lakes on jigs and shiners. Bream are on the beds in the woods. Bass are fair on crank baits. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – The Majestic Big Bass classic was a big hit with lots of big bass, topped off by one over 11 pounds caught during the event. Bass have been best on spinners and crank baits along shallow grass lines. Crappie are on the edge of the flats. 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 – Bass have been good on swim baits with good fishing for them at night with soft plastics and spinners. Bream fishing has been best up Isaac Creek on crickets and worms. Crappie fishing has been best up the creeks on shiners or jigs. 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 on a slow fall and fishing is good for barfish, bass, catfish and crappie. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

---

Jackson Parish scored three runs in each of the first two innings but a five run rally by Ruston was too much to overcome in the 9-6 loss in the pre-district tourney tune-up.  The local 12U Girls All Star will be the host team in district tourney competition June 16-19 at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex.

Head coach for the 12U team is Brandon Lamkin with Trevor Hall and Courtney Edwards assisting. Team members include Hallay Taylor, Kylianne Barnes, Emma Kate Toms, Teegan Hall, Gracie Gray, Gabby Edwards, Skylar Lamkin, Jennalee Hall, Ryleigh Trahan, Bella Blewer, Tessa Reeves, Rachel Bandy, and Kamryn James.

Tessa Reeves and Jennalee Hall hit singles and Bella Blewer and Gracie Gray reached on an error and a walk respectively as JP12U got their first four batter on to take a three run lead to open the game. After Ruston came back to tie, JP12U scored three more in the second when Emma Kate Toms, Kylianne Barnes, Hallay Taylor all scored after walking to get the inning started.  Hall had two RBI and Skylar Lamkin one. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	R	H	E
JP12U	3	3	0	0	6	2	5
Ruston	3	5	1	x	9	3	2

---

The administration and staff of the Jimmied Davis State Park is pleased to announce the “Stuff the Bus” Back to School Supply Drive has begun. Those who donate throughout the month of June and July will be entered in our drawing to win a FREE 2-NIGHT STAY in one of our cabins. There will be one winner and the drawing will be held on August 4th. All school supplies will be going to Weston High School this year. 

Drop Off location for all donated items is at the Jimmie Davis State Park administration building located at 1209 State Park Road on Caney Lake. For an idea of items to donate see below. 

---

As I write this article, I celebrate my 49th anniversary of being a licensed driver. As with all males, I think I am a superior driver. The truth is I am just good enough not to hurt me or those walking down the sidewalks. I spend way too much time reading bumper stickers or watching what other drivers are doing in addition to driving their cars.

Last week I was driving a loaner vehicle while mine was being serviced. It was the luxury vehicle for a certain car company. That car had all the dials, buzzers, gadgets, and toys that you want in your luxury vehicle. It was power everything. It was keyless. To start a keyless vehicle, you put your foot on the brake and push a button. I am used to that because I have a hybrid vehicle that starts in that fashion. The loaner vehicle was not a hybrid; it was an old-fashioned internal combustion engine car.

My grandfather turned me loose driving his car about three years before I was legal.
Much of my self-taught Drivers-Ed took place in a 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe. I don’t think you really drove the car, so much as pointing it in the direction you wished to travel. The only luxury in the car was an AM radio. The 1949 Plymouth had a starter button too! On some cold mornings, you turned on the ignition, depressed the clutch, pushed the starter button, and pumped the gas pedal for all you were worth. Starting a car of that era on a cold morning was one of the ways to prove your male automotive competency skills.

That was the amusing moment I had driving the loaner vehicle. I started that engine by pushing a button with my foot on the brake. What happened to pumping the gas pedal? What happened to the choke? If automakers are going to return to the days of the push button starters, they could bring back some of the fun we used to have convincing a car to start. While they are at it, you think they could bring back the flooded carburetor smell and vapor lock? Cars have changed over these 49 years I have been driving them legally.

Sometimes I feel like I am not doing a good job keeping up with change.

There are times when I feel like I am not doing a good job of keeping up with Jesus.

He asks me to go and do and I would rather not. He asks me to love and forgive and I would rather not. He asks me to look deep into my life and my heart to see those things that are keeping me from following Him closely and I would rather not. There are times I need to look at myself in the mirror and I would rather not.

There are Sunday mornings when we preachers jump out of bed. We can’t wait to get to church and to see you and preach the love of God in Jesus Christ. There are other Sundays we wake up and pull the covers over our head. We think about going to church and preaching and we would rather not.

Sunday when you get up and think about church and think, “I would rather not.” We preachers know how you feel. Jesus knows how you feel. The prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane was Jesus saying to God about the cross, “I would rather not.”

Jesus did go to the cross for you and me. Preachers will get up Sunday and overcome the “I would rather not” feeling to preach the gospel. Some great blessings are found in overcoming that “I would rather not” objection.

How about it?

---

Chatham Mealsite, a division of the Jackson Council on Aging,  provides daily meals and activities for people 60 years of age and older. Meals are also delivered to those unable to come to the facility.

During the month of June those who were able to attend the daily lunchtime gathering at the CMS building, located at 425 Hwy 34 in Chatham have enjoyed a wide range of activities Many assisted by area agencies sponsored daily activities.  

Special thanks goes to Alara Home Health, Estates Assisted Living, Cenla Area Agency on Aging, and Forest Haven Nursing Home for providing gifts and helping make the days fun for all. 

June 1: What’s in the Bag? Fifteen items were put in a bag which patrons had to identify. Winners were Mrs Mary Kirkland, and Mrs. Judy Cooper. 

June 6: Bingo games with with Amber from Alara Home Health. Blackout winners Miranda McConnell, and Betty Lethcho.

June 6: Ring Toss competition – Winners were Sonny Kirkland, Eddie Ruth Wyatt, Helen & Ronald Austin, and David Lockett

June 7: Medicare Info provided by Mrs. Paige w/ Cenla Area Agency on Aging

June 7: Bingo with Azelea Estates Assisted Living. Blackout winners were Peggy Parker and Rodean Jones.

June 8: Bingo with Micah of Forest Haven Nursing Home in Jonesboro. Blackout winners were Geneva Stuckey, and Betty Lethcho.

---

Go Fund Me accounts have been established and a raffle is underway to provide financial support to three teams of high school anglers who hail from Jackson Parish to help pay expenses to the 2023 TBF/SAF High School World Finals & National Championship tournament in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. In addition a raffle is being conducted as well. 

Hoping to land the national and/or world title is Hayden Davis and Maddox Duck from the Quitman High School, Addison Ledford and Hailey Chatham from Weston High, and Landin Chatham from Weston and his partner Jesse Parker from West Ouachita High School. The tournament will take place June 20-24, 2023 on the Mississippi River (pools 7, 8 & 9).

Your support is being asked to help defray the costs of travel, fuel expenses (truck & boat), food, and accommodations for this trip. Any amount of donations are greatly appreciated. 

Ways of making donations:

Go Fund Me accounts can be accessed by going to Go Fund Me.com, or Facebook pages of Lance Ledford, Jeannie Chatham, QHS Fishing Team, and Weston Fishing Team or by clicking here.

A raffle sponsored by Weston High School and the WHS Fishing Team is ongoing with prizes donated by Texas Roadhouse, Academy Sporting Goods, Taco Bell, Honey Hole and Toledo Tackle. Ticket cost is $10.00 each. Drawing for winners will be held on June 16th. Ticket purchases can be made through Lance Ledford or Jeannie Chatham Facebook Messenger Pay, Venmo @ jeannie-chatham, Cash Ap @ $jeanniechatham9 or PayPal @jeannie Chatham. For questions call to (318) 366-6390 to Lance Ledford or (318) 366 – 2818 to Jeannie Chatham. 

---

I recently had the opportunity to be the guest speaker for the Hemphill High School Bass Club banquet. It’s always both a blessing and an honor to get to share my fishing knowledge and experiences with up-and-coming anglers. My goal is to always make sure they understand how lucky they are to participate in a sport that can last a lifetime. In most sports like football, baseball, or basketball, an athlete is on a timeline. He has a short time frame to be great and get the most out of his God given athletic ability. But with bass fishing, it’s a sport you may never reach your full potential because it’s a sport that you just keep learning year after year.

But the one thing I really stressed during my message to these young anglers was that there are no shortcuts to being great. It’s no different than being a great shooter in basketball where you must get in the gym and shoot extra. For a baseball player to be a great hitter, he needs to get in the batting cage and take a lot of swings. Bass fishing is no different. To be a great angler, you must spend a lot of time on the water. Nothing makes an angler better than TOW… time on the water.

One skill an angler must have in order to compete at a high level is the ability to cast. Anglers who can cast and put the bait where they need to are the anglers who will be the most successful. So, it’s important to practice your casting, flipping or pitching techniques. Anglers who struggle with casting will not be competitive on the tournament trails. You’ll simply be donating to someone else’s cause.

So many youngsters today want instant gratification in whatever sport they are playing. Bass fishing is a sport that requires time and lots of practice. Patience is another key component to being great. Some anglers learn quickly while others may take a little longer to reach a level where they can compete. The high school and college series fishing circuits have really sped up the learning curve for a lot of young anglers.

The advancement in electronics, especially with forward-facing sonar, has really enabled a lot of anglers to advance and shorten their learning curve. These young anglers today have been raised during the computer age and adapt to today’s fishing sonars very quickly. They’re not intimidated by their electronics like so many of the older generation.

Getting back to the topic of today’s message, there are no shortcuts when it comes to being a great angler. If you want to be one of the best, you must practice techniques, but more importantly, believe in yourself. I asked Kevin Van Dam, the greatest angler of all time, “What’s the number one tool in your tackle box?” His response was not a specific bait or a certain technique, it was one word… confidence. KVD said that it’s the one thing you can’t buy in a tackle store in order to be great. Nothing replaces confidence! Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and please don’t forget your sunscreen.

Steve Graf Angler’s Perspective

 

---

Over 500 boys and girls from Jackson Parish took part in JPRD Baseball and Softball Summer League play the last couple of months. Thanks to Ashley Wyatt and Ruffled Feathers Photography a picture of each team has been presented below. 

Boys 11-13 League

Girls 11-13 League

Boys 9-10 League

Girls 9-10 League

Boys 7-8 League

Girls 7-8 League

Tee Ball League (Age 5-6)

Wee Ball League (Age 3-4)

Legacy League

---

Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center residentlbert Jules Schmitt served in the Navy from 1969-1971 at Alvin Callender Field in Belle Chasse, Louisiana earning the rank of E3.  In recognition of his service in the United States Armed Services, the Jackson Parish Heritage Quilt Guild presented him with this month’s veteran’s quilt. 

The presentation was part an on-going program of Veterans the Quilt Guild conducts each month where they honor a Veteran at Forest Haven with a handmade quilt. The guild is a forum in which the skills of quilt makers are shared so the art will be handed down to others.

The Heritage Quilt Guild meets meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 9:30 am at the Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church, located at the corner of 4th Street and Cooper Avenue in Jonesboro. All level of quilters are welcome.

 

---