I learned life the hard way, I took all my knocks and lumps
But when I look back down the road at where I’ve been,
I can see that all the things I’ve done in this ol’ life have been more fun
’Cause I shared them with someone who was a friend.

— “A Friend,” written and recorded by Jerry Reed (and featured in the movie W.W. and the Dixie Dance Kings, which you should watch ASAP)

Few people if any enjoyed being themselves as much as Jack Brittain loved being Jack Brittain, or “Britt” as his friends called him, and he had more of those than you can find grains of sand and beer bottle tops at the Redneck Riviera.

This is the biggest weekend of the year for locals in my line of work; it’s the annual Louisiana Sports Writers Convention and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches, where Britt has served as unofficial mayor for decades. You can find out more about the weekend and how you can enjoy it at LASportsHall.com. You can find out more about Britt by asking anyone in Natchitoches or in the LSWA.

A piece of work and then some, this guy.

So, it was a profound and unwelcome sadness when Britt, our LSWA brother, died two weeks ago at age 67 after a short and surprising illness.

He was the red on the candy cane, the helium in the balloon, the sunshine through any cloud.

His attachment to the LSWA was solid and eternal, even though Britt was a lawyer and financial planner. He didn’t write any stories. He was the story.

He was so good at St. Mary’s that he’s in the high school’s Hall of Fame, then he lettered four years in football at Northwestern State before law school, but shoot, lots of people could do that. What set him apart was a heart and smile big as centerfield, his uncanny ability to see the best in people and the brightest side of things virtually all the time. He went around lettering every day in life, a seed-sower of joy and laughter and earthy charisma.

One of those ‘girls want to ride in his boat, boys want to be his best buddy’ kind of dudes.

It’s hard to describe the impact he had on the LSWA and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame because we don’t have anything to compare him to. He was just always there, a part of, a calm in a sometimes-stormy sea of egos and chaos, a smile to calm the tide.

In 2017, Britt was the recipient of the LSWA’s most prized honor, the Mac Russo Award, given to an individual who “contributes to the progress and ideals of the LSWA.” It was my lucky and treasured honor to present it to him. If memory serves, I said something clever like, “Here Britt; sorry it took us so long. We’d give you a half-dozen of these if we could — and you’d deserve everyone.”

“Think where man’s glory most begins and ends,
And say my glory was I had such friends.” — W. B. Yeats

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP), an Accredited Economic Development Organization, announces that their service territory will now cover Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Jackson, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, and Webster parishes. 

Since 2010, NLEP has served fourteen parishes across the top of Louisiana, which included two Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), Shreveport and Monroe, with three Micropolitan areas consisting of Ruston, Minden, and Natchitoches. NLEP will continue to service Shreveport MSA and the three Micropolitan communities. This decision comes as the City of Monroe and Ouachita Parish leadership move forward with restructuring their economic development strategy for the Monroe MSA.

“We applaud the City of Monroe and the leaders of Ouachita Parish for making this decision,” said NLEP President & CEO Justyn Dixon. “We wish them nothing but the best, as when any region in the state succeeds, it overtly shines a positive light for all of Louisiana.”

NLEP will continue to service Monroe MSA through the end of the year, allowing the area time to develop and begin running its economic development plan fully. After this timeframe, NLEP’s geographical region will adjust from fourteen to eleven parishes. NLEP will remain named and known as North Louisiana Economic Partnership, a 501(c)3 providing economic development services to build a thriving region.

The state of Louisiana consists of eight regions, each serviced by a Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO), as divided by the Governor’s economic development arm, Louisiana Economic Development. Each REDO is home to one MSA, while NLEP’s territory has been home to two MSAs for the past thirteen years. This movement for NLEP will allow a more substantial distribution of resources to better the communities they serve. 

The focus on bringing quality jobs and capital investment to the region will continue to be the priority for the team at NLEP. With a mission to improve the standard of living and the business climate for all, the organization’s economic development program, workforce initiatives, and advocacy goals will continue to foster a regional economy that delivers sustainable, inclusive prosperity. NLEP works towards a vision for North Louisiana to be a thriving and diverse region that attracts, grows, and retains companies and talent while offering a desirable quality of life for all its residents.

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Looking for a well kept and conditioned bus that with some modification to the interior would make a great recreational vehicle or even a hunting or fishing camp? The the Jackson Parish Library (JPL) may have just what you want? 

JPL Director, Floyd Knox, announces that the former Bookmobile that was recently “retired” upon the delivery of a newer version has been put up for public auction that will run until 3:00 pm eastern time on July 31st.

To view the particulars of the modified 2005 Blue Bird Bus and to place a bid go to https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.Item&itemid=22253&acctid=782 or  click here. 

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“Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered. Fentanyl is everywhere. From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison.” – United State Drug Enforcement Administraton 

NEW ORLEANS — They’re small strips of paper the Louisiana Department of Health hopes will help have a big impact.

“Our call to action is to save a life,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of Health Quinette Womack.

Working in the Office of Behavioral Health, Womack says fentanyl test trips are part of a statewide campaign focused on fentanyl awareness.

“Education is powerful, and we know that persons are continuing to use, but we need them to know some of the additional threats happening with the use of fentanyl,” said Womack.

Just small amounts of synthetic opioid can be deadly. The test strips are designed to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs.

“You can’t see it, you can’t taste it, and you can’t smell it,” said Womack.

The strips, along with more than 20,000 naloxone kits, a nasal spray that can help reverse an overdose, are being sent out to agencies like sheriff’s offices across the state. Last year, some private businesses in New Orleans were buying their own test trips for anyone to take.

“Our goal is to increase the number of providers in the state that could serve as a distribution site so that we can get more of those harm reduction products out,” said Womack.

According to the Department of Health, more than 1,000 people died in Louisiana last year because of counterfeit pills or illicit substances laced with fentanyl.

Overdose deaths linked to fentanyl have seen sharp increases in Louisiana since 2019. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, 41.6% of suspected drug-related deaths in the state in 2019 involved fentanyl. That shot up to 64.9% in 2022.

“Our hopes are that folks are educated, they know the dangers of fentanyl, they know the signs of an overdose and we are encouraging folks to carry naloxone and know how to administer it,” said Womack.

Through the state campaign, treatment services are being expanded by working with the Department of Corrections, increasing access to medication, and creating 24-hour access to care.

“One thing we want to do is to meet the person where they are,” said Womack. “If a person is in need of care at twelve o’clock midnight, we want to have someone available.”

Fentanyl test strips were once considered drug paraphernalia under state law, but lawmakers decriminalized them last year.

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The world is witnessing temperatures never experienced in recorded history this summer. According to a report filed in USA Today on July 21st, the American Southwest has been enduring record stretches of days over 110 degrees, and Florida has measured sea-surface temperatures nearing the century mark.

Across the world, Algeria recently recorded the highest nighttime low temperature in African history – just over 103 degrees and in Spain, land surface temperatures have soared to 140 degrees.

In Louisiana, the uncommon heat this summer has brought has been excessively oppressive as well, especially to the elderly. Heat related deaths have spiked above the average and per projections, the worst is yet to come. 

Thanks to the efforts of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, located at 708 Evergreen Road in Jonesboro, local seniors are staying cool. This past week the caring congregation came to the relief of the elderly in Jackson Parish by thoughtfully donating fans to the Jackson Parish Council on Aging (JPCOA) . 

“We want to extend special thanks to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church family & Pastor Reginald Staten for their thoughtful donation of fans to help keep our Senior’s cool this summer,” said JPCOA Director Linda Wyatt. 

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And the saga continues, once again anglers are taking advantage or blatantly ignoring the rules of their sport. Major League Fishing has brought to light a controversy that took place at the Stage 6 tournament on Lake Cayuga, NY. Four anglers have been under investigation for alleged cheating by not following the rules for “sight fishing”.

On Wednesday June 21st, Major League Fishing (MLF) announced that they were investigating accusations that four anglers may have violated sight fishing rules. For those that have no idea what sight fishing is, it’s a technique where anglers visually see a bass sitting on a bed looking to spawn and will try and entice these bass into biting their lure. But one very important rule must be followed. If you are sight fishing, you are required to hook the fish inside the mouth. If the fish is hooked outside the mouth, the fish is considered an unofficial catch and must be returned to the water immediately. This rule is in place so that anglers don’t go out trying to catch fish by snagging them.

Some analysts think it’s immoral or unethical to fish for bass on beds but it’s not that big an issue since the MLF Bass Pro Tour is a catch and release format. Meaning, as each fish is caught, they are weighed, recorded and released immediately.

But here’s what the accusations are; some anglers were not following protocol when they swing their catch on board the boat. Anglers who are sight fishing are required to show their on-board Marshall (an observer who weighs and monitors each fish caught; making sure anglers follow the rules) that the fish is hooked inside the mouth. If not, it must be released and is considered an unofficial catch. But in this event, some anglers were being discreet and hiding their fish as they brought them on board the boat so that the cameras nor the Marshall could see how the fish was hooked. They would just unhook the bass and proceed to weigh it without confirmation it was hooked inside the mouth.

The next issue from this event, was that some anglers were catching the same fish more than once during the day. The rule states that an angler cannot catch and weigh the same fish more than once in a day.

They can return and catch that same fish the following day if they choose. After video reviews 16 anglers were called in and subjected to a polygraph test. Out of the sixteen, one failed.

MLF officials have been hard at work reviewing video footage of the anglers in question in order to make sure all the rules were followed. If they find rules have been violated, MLF officials will have to decide to what extent they should be punished. This is where things could get a little weird and revealing. MLF has got to come down hard on this if they find violations were made. No longer is a slap on the wrist a strong enough punishment for violating the rules. MLF’s reputation and integrity are at stake with these rulings.

Extensive punishment like suspension for the next event or even worse…. suspension for a full season. The best way anglers will get the message that cheating will not be tolerated, is to hit them in their checkbook. But disqualifying their days catch and dropping them in the standings a few places is not strong enough. A message needs to be sent that will make anglers think twice about cheating. Yes, I said cheating! Since its inception, MLF has basically turned a blind eye to certain violations. Just like NASCAR, drivers are always trying to push the envelope and dabble in the grey area of the rules. Bass tournaments are no different as anglers are always looking for an advantage over their competitors by looking for loopholes in the rules.

Due to the amount of money involved in today’s bass tournament world with thousands of dollars up for grabs, anglers are thinking outside the box and looking for ways to get around the rules in order to be successful or gain an advantage. But now the time has finally come for anglers to be held accountable for their actions. While 98% of the anglers do a great job of self-reporting and holding each other accountable, it’s the other 2% that need to be made an example of. With the increase in live prime time TV coverage and national exposure, it’s important to preserve the integrity of the sport and show the anglers and their fans that rule violators will not be tolerated.

I hope MLF officials will come down hard on the angler or anglers if rules were violated. Nothing will bring the sport down faster than anglers who insist on cheating. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and always read and follow the rules for any tournament you’re competing in.

Steve Graf
Angler’s Perspective

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Principal Brent Carpenter and the administration of the Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School has announced the Dress Code for the upcoming 2023-24 school year. Examples of acceptable school wear is shown below. 

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Mental health officials are celebrating the one anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. State Suicide Prevention Coordinator Dr. Robyn Thomas says since shortening the previous seven-digit number to 988, call volume has increased by 11 percent and they’ve increased the number of counselors from Louisiana

“We’re able to answer more of those calls from local crisis centers that are familiar with the resources here and are familiar with the culture here and the many stressors that Louisianans face.”

The in-state answer rate rose from 64 percent in June 2022 to 91 percent over the last year. The previous seven-digit number was shortened to easy-to-remember 988. Thomas says the goal is to remove barriers to make a connection with residents statewide…

“Easier to remember and easier to connect people to services. And we’re working on a more targeted Louisiana approach so that people can really see themselves and know that those services are for them.”

OBH launched an awareness campaign in May that included a 988 dashboard. The lifeline offers specialized support to veterans and their families, Spanish speakers, LGBTQ+ youth, and deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Thomas encourages anyone who is experiencing a crisis to call the 988 lifeline.

“If you identify with any of those options just press that corresponding number. If none of those first three options apply to you, then you just hold on to the line and you’ll be connected to a trained crisis worker.”

Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to receive support during a crisis.

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(Frederick Jackson – KNOE) A scam is going around threatening millions of consumers. Jo Ann Deal of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) joined Good Morning ArkLaMiss on July 24 to explain the scam and help prevent people from becoming a victim.

Deal says the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently cracked down on car warranty scams after a Florida-based group scammed millions of dollars out of people by offering them coverages they cannot provide. They found the American Vehicle Protection Corporation (AVPC) guilty of violating telemarketing sales rules.

She says the Corporation claims to offer bumper-to-bumper coverage on vehicles that may or may not be covered. She also says they claim to be the manufacturer and say they offer full refunds, which Deal says is false.

To avoid becoming a victim, Deal says to visit the BBB website and search the scam to see if other consumers have been scammed and have posted information about it.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – If you receive Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits, now is the time to check your account as 45.5 million in benefits have been distributed to around 186,000 children in Louisiana. The Department of Children and Family Services said additional benefits totaling around $66.5 million should be on the way.

“These benefits will be issued to eligible students based on the submission of student eligibility information by schools,” DCFS said.

For Summer P-EBT benefits, each eligible child will receive a single payment of $120 for June and July.

All Child Care P-EBT benefits were directly added to an eligible children’s household on July 18. K-12 benefits will be issued until September as schools provide information to DCFS.

More information about benefits to be received by K-12 students or for answers to any questions about your child’s P-EBT case can be gained by contacting the Department of Children and Family Services directly via e-mail or phone between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

LAHelpU.dcfs@la.gov
1-888-524-3578
1-844-224-6188 TTY
1-888-997-1117 EBT Card

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It’s almost showtime for the 2023 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in Natchitoches (except for Friday’s BOM Celebrity Bowling Bash in Alexandria), so it’s time to plan to take in as much fun as you can.

The most-asked question — can I still get tickets for the Saturday evening Induction Reception (from 5-6:30 at the Hall of Fame museum) and Ceremony (at 7 in the Natchitoches Events Center)?

YES. While the usual big turnout is coming, there is still time to go online at LaSportsHall.com to purchase admission to the signature event. But don’t delay – it could sell out.

The reception provides an array of food stations with fare from not only local restaurants, but some from around the state, along with refreshments and music. It’s a chance to see new exhibits (the Kim Mulkey showcase, for example), new display items to celebrate the museum’s 10th anniversary, the just-installed Class of 2023 display cases, and to meet all of the new inductees and perhaps snap a selfie.

The Induction Ceremony at the neighboring Events Center kicks off promptly at 7 with the National Anthem, followed by the stirring Walk of Legends showcasing past Hall of Fame members returning, then introducing the Class of ’23, set to music from The Natural. The 12 inductions begin immediately after, featuring compelling video introductions followed by on-stage conversations with inductees – producing lots of laughter and some misty-eyed moments certain to create lasting memories.

Saturday evening is the only “dress up” event of the Induction Celebration. Blazers for the men and cocktail dress-style attire for the women are requested.

Otherwise, it’s casual for the rest of the festivities, starting with the free, open to everyone Thursday evening Welcome Reception from 5-7 at the museum. La Capitol Federal Credit Union will mark its 20th year presenting that signature event – again with food, refreshments and music, and the new inductees and their families having traveled in some cases almost 2,000 miles to celebrate the occasion.

There’s still room for bowlers to join in Friday’s BOM Celebrity Bowling Bash at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. The doors open at 11:30 with lunch provided by Walk On’s, plenty of warm up bowling and music, and more mingling with inductees, their families, and other sports celebrities before they’re introduced and “competition” begins at 1. Again – sign up at LaSportsHall.com.

The biggest free event is Friday evening on the downtown Natchitoches riverbank stage – the Rockin’ River Fest Concert, from 6-10:30.

It’s family friendly. A free interactive kids zone presented by Louisiana Propane Dealers will include basketball, football, golf and science games for all ages to enjoy.

Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters are back as the headline act. Dopsie has played the White House to the Jazz Fest, boogied with James Brown and John Fogerty, and wowed crowds all over, described as “Mick Jagger of the marsh” as “a party seems to break out whenever and wherever Dopsie and his band show up.”

The opening act is Jason Ashley & The Hot Sauce Band, featuring the Alexandria native and regional country music star playing hits from yesterday and today, an act popular around the Gulf Coast and all the way to Nashville.

If you want to beat the summer heat and enjoy a tasty collection of Louisiana foods and specialty refreshments, you can visit LaSportsHall.com to snap up some of the few remaining $100 tickets to the VIP Taste of Tailgating presented by Hancock Whitney.

That party runs from 7-10 p.m. in the air-conditioned comfort of Mama’s Oyster House and Blues Room that will provide exclusive access to the 12-member 2023 Induction Class. They will also be introduced on stage at 9:15, just before a 10-minute fireworks show set to sports-themed music.

Saturday morning’s Junior Training Camp hosted by the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans at NSU’s Webb Wellness and Recreation Center has only a handful of free spots left for kids 7-17. Advance registration is required at LaSportsHall.com.

There’s no more room for Saturday’s Round Table Lunch downtown at The Venue. It’s sold out.

But there are plenty of other chances to see the Class of 2023: Eli Manning, Alana Beard, Paul Mainieri, Matt Forte, Wendell Davis, Paul Byrd, Walter Davis, Ron Washington, Walter Imahara, M.L. Woodruff, and sports journalists Bruce Brown and Lori Lyons.

You’re invited to join the fun, starting Thursday evening in Natchitoches.

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In 1923, Garrett Morgan was driving along the busy streets of Cleveland, Ohio. By the age of 43, he had achieved the American dream which was characterized in the 1920s as the pursuit of material success, social status, and personal freedom. Garrett was the owner and editor of the Cleveland Call newspaper, but he came from humble beginnings. Garrett was born in rural Kentucky in 1877. His parents were former slaves who survived on the crops they grew. By the time Garrett turned 14, he realized he wanted more than to eke out an existence on the farm.

In 1891, the 14-year-old left Kentucky and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to look for work. His sights were not set too high. Garrett initially worked as a handyman. He had a mechanical mind and could build and repair any machine, even ones he had never seen before. Within a few years, Garrett left Cincinnati and moved to Cleveland. His ability to quickly repair machines enabled him to secure a position as a sewing machine repairman. By 1907, Garrett had saved enough money and opened his own sewing machine repair shop. Garrett’s reputation grew quickly based on the quality of his work and the speed at which he completed repairs. His business thrived. Two years later, Garrett added a garment shop to his business. In 1920, Garrett started the newspaper, the Cleveland Call, from scratch. Like his sewing machine repair shop and garment shop, the Cleveland Call was a huge success.

In 1923, when a lot of people in Cleveland still traveled by horse-drawn vehicles, bicycles, and streetcars, Garrett’s successes enabled him to purchase an automobile. One day in 1923, Garrett shared the busy road with all manner of vehicles including many other automobiles. At each major intersection, a policeman manually moved levers which raised and lowered metal signs. Painted on the signs were the words “GO,” or “STOP.” This type of traffic signal had been in use for decades and had saved countless lives.

As Garrett neared one of these major intersections, the policeman moved the levers and the signs changed. Specific details of the accident that followed vary depending on the source. Some sources assert that the collision was between a horse-drawn wagon and a car, and other sources claim that two cars were involved. What we know for sure is that there was a horrible collision which resulted in at least one person’s death, and Garrett witnessed the whole thing. Gruesome images of the collision replayed over and over in his mind. At night, he had nightmares of the collision. After a few days, Garrett began to take a different view of the collision. He began to analyze what he had witnessed to try to determine what had caused the collision. The traffic signals had worked as designed. The policeman moved the levers and one lane of traffic’s signal changed from “Go” to “STOP,” and, at the same moment, the signal from the crossing traffic changed from “STOP” to “GO.” Garrett found what he thought would solve the issue and, on November 20,1923, he received a patent for it. He eventually sold the rights to his invention to General Electric for $40,000.00, an enormous sum at the time.

Garrett’s invention evolved into something that we all still see and use today. Rather than slowing traffic down, Garrett’s invention makes most drivers want to increase their speed. Garrett’s invention added a “WARNING” sign to the two-sign traffic signal to warn drivers that the stop signal would soon change from “GO” to “STOP.” Garrett’s invention evolved into the yellow caution signal on traffic lights.

 

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Jackson Council on Aging – Applications are being accepted for a Transportation & Meal Driver to work 5 hours a day Monday – Friday. Must have valid driver’s license, good work ethics with Senior Citizens, and have the knowledge to do paperwork involved in job duties. Applications will be received at the Robert Riddle Senior Center, located at 120 Polk Avenue in Jonesboro from 8:00am – 3:00pm on Monday-Thursday and 8:00 am – 1:00 pm on Friday. For more information call (318)259-8962.

Jackson Parish Journal – Does making money while meeting new people and greeting old friends sound appealing? If so, you may be perfect for opening of Account Executive position selling advertising for the JPJ. If interested call (318) 480-1206 or contact us at jpjjacksonla@gmail.com.

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, August 11, 2023. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: egibbs@jppj.org.

POSITION: General Laborer
DEPARTMENT: Jackson Parish Road Department

Description:
Under close supervision, the Road Department General Laborer performs unskilled manual labor, operation of light equipment requiring no special training or experience, and performs related work as required by the supervisor. Laborers in this position class are also 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 Road Department.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma, or equivalent, required.
• Class E Driver’s License; progression towards a CDL license a plus.
• Three (3) months of experience in the operation of equipment listed above preferred, but not 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 is responsible for performing industrial and safety housekeeping of assigned areas following the instructions from their Supervisor.
• Operates Police Jury-owned vehicles, such as pick-up trucks, backhoe, street sweeper, dump trucks, farm–type tractors, bush hog cutters, boom mowers, etc. as required.
• Operates hand and power tools and equipment, such as mowers, chain saws, air compressor, small compaction equipment, etc. as required.
• Mows grass and rights of ways with hand power equipment.
• Uses hand tools to load and unload sand, dirt, gravel, and hot and cold mix asphalt.
• Repairs pot holes.
• Required to inspect and repair equipment as directed by department procedures, as well as be able to make repairs to parish roads, curbs and sidewalks.
• Performs road and ditch maintenance and associated work.
• Cleans culverts and other drainage structures including placing rip rap and filter cloth.
• Sweeps streets, shop, and sidewalks; cleans up debris and materials from roads, bridges, and culverts.
• Flags traffic when needed.
• Manually moves and transports equipment, materials, etc.
• Loads and unloads materials from trucks including debris, sand, dirt, gravel, etc.
• Cleans trucks, replaces blades, and other maintenance of equipment as needed.
• Performs building maintenance, cleaning offices, restrooms, and shop as needed.
• Assists operators, truck drivers, mechanics etc. with specific projects as requested.
• Performs a variety of other heavy manual work in connection with the maintenance of streets, bridges, and drainage of parish roads.
• 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 TOURISM BOARD
Minutes for Meeting Held July 2023

Notice Posted: July 10, 2023 @ 9:00 AM
Meeting Date: July 18, 2023, TIME: 5:30
PLACE OF MEETING: The Sunshine Room 160 Industrial Dr., Jonesboro, LA 71251
Roll Call: T. Gunter, K. Spangler, C. Weeks, Y. Washington, D. Barlow
Invocation and Pledge: T. Gunter gave the invocation with D. Barlow leading the pledge.
Public Comments / Recognition of Guests:
Approval of Minutes of the May 2023 meeting: Motion made by Y. Washington second by D. Barlow to approve the minutes as presented. All in favor, Yea.
Approval of the May 2023 Financials and Pay Bills: Motion made by T. Gunter second by K. Spangler to approve the financials as presented. All in favor, Yea.
Review Old Business:
a. Civil Rights Trail- complete success
b. Art contest- Has been judged- reception tentatively set for September.
c. Promotional items- Motion made by T. Gunter second by Y. Washington for up to but not exceeding 200.00. All in favor. Yea.
d. Fishing Pier-ribbon cutting in a few weeks pending Fire Marshal inspection.
e. Christmas Ad- Motion made by D. Barlow second by Y. Washington to use 2,500 Grant Money to promote
Discuss New Business:
Other Business:
Adjournment – 6:30 – Motion by T. Gunter second by D. Barlow to adjourn the meeting. Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 5:30PM

Sheriff’s Sale

SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC
# 37171
ERIC MICHAEL MOORE

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale for cash at the principal front door of the Courthouse, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 2nd day of AUGUST, 2023. Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:

BEGINNING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SE 1/4 OF NE 1/4, SECTION 10, TOWNSHIP 15 NORTH, RANGE 4 WEST, AND RUN SOUTH TO SOUTH LINE OF THE HODGE-ARCADIA HIGHWAY FOR A STARTING POINT, SAID POINT BEING 30 FEET PERPENDICULAR FROM THE CENTER OF SAID HIGHWAY; THENCE RUN SOUTH 208.7 FEET; THENCE RUN SOUTH 60 DEGREES EAST 211 FEET; THENCE RUN NORTH 29 DEGREES EAST 208.7 FEET; THENCE RUN NORTH 61 DEGREES WEST, ALONG AND PARALLEL TO SOUTH LINE OF SAID HIGHWAY, A DISTANCE OF 313 FEET TO THE STARTING POINT, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING, ALL LOCATED AND SITUATED IN JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA; SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS, SERVITUDES, RIGHTS­ OF-WAY AND OUTSTANDING MINERAL RIGHTS OF RECORD AFFECTING THE PROPERTY.

Seized as the property of the above named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all cost, sale to be made for cash with WITH the benefit of appraisal.

ANDY BROWN, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

6/21/23
7/26/23

SHERIFF’S SALE

U.S.BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF LB-TIKI SERIES V TRUST
# 37182
GERALD ALAN WATTS, in his capacity As Administrator for the ESTATE OF RUTH WATTS

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale for cash at the principal front door of the Courthouse, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 9th day of August, 2023, Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:

BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE NE 1/4 OF SW 1/4, SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 15 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST AND RUN NORTH TO THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF STATE HIGHWAY N04 TO A DISTANCE OF 66 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 80 DEGREES 00 MINUTES WEST ALONG THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SAID HIGHWAY FOR A DISTANCE OF 871 FEET FOR STARTING POINT, FROM STARTING POINT RUN NORTH FOR A DISTANCE OF 163 FEET, THENCE EAST FOR A DISTANCE OF 246 FEET TO THE RIGHT OF WAY OF INTERSECTION OF CHATHAM-JONESBORO ROAD WITH CHATHAM-RUSTON ROAD THENCE AROUND SAID RIGHT OF WAY LINE TO STARTING POINT A DISTANCE OF 323 FEET ALL IN THE SW 1/4 SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 15 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST AND BEING ALL SITUATED IN JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING.

Seized as the property of the above named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all cost, sale to be made for cash WITHOUT the benefit of appraisal.

ANDY BROWN, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

6/28/23
8/2/23

LEGAL NOTICE

Affidavit of Succession and Certificate of Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shirley Stewart Holland
August 1, 1949 – July 23, 2023

Ms. Shirley Stewart Holland of Jonesboro, Louisiana passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at the age of 73 surrounded by her family.

Born August 1, 1949, to John and Lena Stewart of Weston, Louisiana. Ms. Shirley was proceeded in death by her father and mother, John and Lena Stewart, sister, Bonnie Wilkerson, maternal grandparents, Bessie and Henry Young, paternal grandparents, J.W. and Fannie Stewart.

She was a retired hairdresser with a firm foundation in Christ. She passed on a love of Christ to all her children. She enjoyed spending her free time sewing and crafting. She loved working in her garden and cooking for her family.

Mr. Shirley had a multitude of friends, she never met a stranger. You could always count on her having an open door and a pot of coffee to share. She loved her grandchildren with all she had. Sunday dinners were a standing tradition with enough food to feed an army and a seat for everyone at the table.

Without a doubt, God created a woman that blessed the lives of all those who had the pleasure to meet her. She will be dearly missed, a piece of her goodness lives on in each one of her children.

She is survived by her children, Telena Culpepper and Randy, Tina Pierce, and Frank, Judy Robertson and Chucky, Jamie Holland and Kim, Tommy Holland, and Heather; grandchildren, Todd Droddy and Jessica, Toby Pardue, Kari Stebbins and Hunter, Landon Pierce, Nathan Pierce, Aidan Pierce, Landon Hartis and Hannah, Kailyn Hartis and Brandon, Gracie Hartis, Cassidy Holland, Donavon Holland, Alyssa Holland, Johanna Holland, MacKenzie Holland; great-grandchildren, Layla Droddy, Miles Stebbins, Jaxson Hartis, Klayton Hartis, and soon-to-be Sawyer Linton; siblings, Charlie “Bo” Stewart and Melinda, Gail Faircloth and Glen, Bobby Stewart, and Regina.

Visitation will be held from the hours of 4:00 – 8:00 pm on Wednesday, July 26th, at the Weston Baptist Church. A Celebration of Life service will take place at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 27th followed by Interment at the Ebenezer Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro. 

Patsy Sue Adcock
September 12, 1934 – July 22, 2023

Patsy Sue Robinson Adcock passed away on July 22, 2023, at the age of 88 in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was born on September 12, 1934 in Danville, Louisiana, to Dewitt and Beatrice Frances Robertson Robinson. She was raised in a wonderful and loving family. They moved from Danville to Jonesboro, Louisiana. She attended Highway Chapel Church of God in Quitman, Louisiana, where she made many lasting, lifelong friendships. She graduated from Jonesboro Hodge High School in 1952, went to work at BellSouth Telephone Company, and retired from AT&T in 1991 after 35 years of service. She married Billy Joe Adcock on April 15, 1955, and they had 58 wonderful years together. Patsy enjoyed hard work, especially outside, reading, quilting, dogs, and taking care of her family. She was kind, tender-hearted, loving, caring, patient, and concerned for the welfare of everyone around her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe; their infant son, Sherwood Alan; her father and mother; brother, Carole Robertson; brother, Talmadge Robinson; and sister, Gladys Austin.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Kenneth Joe and Patrick Ryan Adcock; grandson, Christopher Bryan Adcock and wife Jana; great grandchildren, Chloe Rion and Chandler Paul Adcock; and numerous nieces, nephews, loved ones, and friends. She will be warmly remembered for her kind generosity and for taking such loving care of her family.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 28, 2023, at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home at 228 Allen Avenue in Jonesboro, Louisiana. Visitation will be at 10:00 am for the family and 10:30 am for the public. Service will be at 12:00 pm, followed by a graveside service to be held at Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Quitman, LA.

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The public is invited to come and help celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Jackson Parish Jail, located at 1828 Gansville Road in Jonesboro, with a traditional Ribbon Cutting ceremony scheduled for 10:00 am on Friday, July 28th.  A tour of the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) will follow for those interested. 

On Wednesday, July 20th, Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown and staff provided a tour of the new jail to local ministers who gathered for a special prayer and blessings to be granted to all those who will be associated.

“We pray for safety of all and that anyone who enters that their life may be restored through the many ministry programs that will be offered,” quoted the JPSO in a Facebook post showing the ministers gathering at the facility.

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In a tremendous pitchers duel where both teams managed only two hits each, Jackson Parish fell to Bossier 3-1 this past Wednesday to finish as state runner-up in the Dixie Youth state baseball tournament played at Osterland Park in Monroe. 

It was the second loss of the tourney to the eventual state champions following a 7-5 defeat in the finals of the winners bracket this past Sunday.  Jackson Parish earned a spot in the finals by winning three games, beating DeQuincy 6-3 in the tourney opener and blasting Monroe twice by 10-0 and 16-6 margins.

Bossier scored all their runs in the first two innings, plating one in the bottom of the first on an error, walk and a single and then scoring twice in the second via a single, hit batsman, sacrifice fly and an error. 

Jackson Parish scored their only run of the contest when  Rylan Mauthe singled to open the inning and went to second when Hayden Seymore got hit by a pitch. Mauthe then  stole third base and stole home for the locals only run of the contest.

“We played well enough on defense to win,” said JP12U head coach Nick Tolar. “You have to give the Bossier pitcher credit as we threatened several times but couldn’t capitalize when we had our chances. 

Bryce Tolar pitched a tremendous game as well giving up only one earned run and just two hits, but was the unlucky loser. Byce Tolar allowed only one earned run and just two hits but was the unlucky loser despite completely shutting down the Bossier offense to no hits and no runs after the second inning. 

Mason Thomas and Mauthe, who scored the only run posted by the locals, got a hit each. Kolt Keiffer, Leyton Younse and Jaxon Cheatwood all drew walks and Jackson Parish stole four baes for good measure. Mauthe swiped two. followed by Asher Rhodes and Thomas who swiped one each.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H	E
Jackson Parish	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	2	2
Bossier	1	2	0	0	0	0	3	2	1

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Members of Jackson Parish 4-H along with Director, Kristi Bourgeois, were recognized at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Jackson Parish Police Jury on  Tuesday, July 18th. 

Sharing their experiences of going to 4-H University and participating in the state of Louisiana “Shooting Sports” competition was Alley Hines, Jana Potts and Amelia Emanus.

Several others were honored by Jury members, Todd Culpepper (President), Lewis Chatham, Amy Magee, John McCarthy, Tarneshala “Niki” Cowans, Regina Rowe and Keith Burrs as shown below.

Additional items considered and acted on by the JPPJ were as follows.

Adopt the minutes of the May 31, 2023, June 14, 2023, and June 23, 2023, Jury Meetings, monthly purchase orders, and the payment of all bills
Approve reports and accept following recommendations of the Road Committee:
(1) Remove the class B CDL requirement from the Operator I description.
(2) Move Jack Williams into a working Supervisor position.
(3) Not remove one of the Operator II positions under Asphalt Crew, but change it to an Operator I position.
(4) Move Dale Layfield into the Operator I position under Asphalt Crew.
(5) Promote and move Paul Aldy into the open Operator I slot to fill the vacant spot under Brush-Ax Crew.
(6) Change one of the General Laborer spots under the Drainage Crew to Operator I and move Mathew Connor into this slot.
(7) Hire Mr. Charles Robertson as Mechanic I in the Road Department, dependent on him obtaining his class A CDL within 60 days from his employment date.
(8) Adopt the Revised Org Chart for Road Department.
(9) Adopt Management Reports of Operations, Road and Solid Waste Departments as well as Financial Report and Engineering Report
(10) Hire Mr. Todd Brazil for the Solid Waste Operator I position.
(11) Approve posting for two (2) vacant Laborer positions in the Road Department.
(12) Approve Parish Board Appointments

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The sixth annual Piney Woods 3-Man Scramble Tournament scheduled for August 12-13 at the Jackson Parish Golf Club. If you want to play you better sign up now as of Saturday evening only a ten more spots in the morning flight were still available. 

Four flights will play to a “shotgun” start on both days, with sessions being conducted at 7:30 am and 1:00 pm. Flights will be determined at the end of play on Sunday based on team total score of both rounds. Players 59 & under will use the white and blue tees while those 60 & up will tee off from the yellow and black tees. 

Cost to enter is $185.00 per player or $555.00 per team. The payout in each flight, based on a full field of 48 teams, will be $3,000.00 per team for first place, $1,500.00 for second and $600.00 for third. All ties will be settled by a scorecard playoff with beginning hole being randomly selected by tournament officials. 

To sign up text or call Peyton Mitchell at (318) 245 – 4915 or Josh Stringer at (318) 475-0812.

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On Thursday,  July 19th, the Heritage Quilt Guild (HGC) presented Robert Tyler with a special designed Veteran’s Quilt. The presentation was part an on-going program HGC conducts each month where they honor a Veteran who is a resident at Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Jonesboro with a handmade quilt.

Tyler was honored for his service in the United States Armed Services in 1954-56 and  an additional 6 years in the reserve. While at the Great Lakes Illinois Naval Base, Tyler achieved the rank of HM3 (Hospital Man Petty Officer), along with being a worker for the Neurosurgery Board, and being a floor nurse/corpsman/scrub nurse.

The Heritage Quilt Guild 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 to the forum in which the skills of quilt makers are shared so the art will be handed down to others. 

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Although the sun had not yet appeared over the horizon, the air was already warm
and sticky, typical of the onset of another hot July day in Louisiana just like what we
woke up to this morning. This would have been a good day to work on articles in my airconditioned office but fishing guide and friend Eddie Halbrook’s call the night  before had a sense of urgency about it.

“I don’t care what you have planned for tomorrow,” Halbrook said, “put it off.
The bass are schooling on Grand Bayou and you need to come with me.”

The “Grand Bayou” Halbrook mentioned is Grand Bayou Reservoir, a small 2500
acre impoundment located 50 miles south of Shreveport. I don’t mind admitting a degree of skepticism when Halbrook mentioned that for the past week, he’d been catching at least a hundred bass a day. Skeptical or not, I found myself in the back of Halbrook’s boat as the bright, and soon to be hot, sun made its appearance in a cloudless July sky.

Somewhere around 7 am, Halbrook caught the first bass of the day. At a little past
noon, I released bass number 100. We had, indeed, hit the century mark with bass in a half day of fishing that can only be described as “hot”…in more ways than one.

Grand Bayou Reservoir is like so many lakes around the country. The lake has a
thriving population of baitfish, in this case, threadfin shad, that seek the highest levels of oxygen. In warm months, oxygen is more plentiful in the top of the water column. Wave action near the surface continues to replenish dissolved oxygen and huge schools of baitfish move about in comfort just beneath the surface.

For predator fish like largemouth bass, these roaming pods of baitfish are seen as
a gourmet feast there for the taking. Slashing into baitfish schools, bass gorge themselves and in the process, make their presence known to alert bass fishermen from hundreds of yards away. Their feeding activity agitates the surface, often sending plumes of water flying in all directions.

Fishing for schooling bass can be at the same time exciting and frustrating. Here’s
a typical scenario…a couple of anglers see a school of feeding bass erupt from 100 yards away. Starting the engine, they rush to within casting distance of the school only to see the surface become quiet again before the first cast is made. Looking back to where they just came from, they’re frustrated to see the fish thrashing the surface back there.

Thus, patience is one of the key ingredients in fishing for schooling bass. When
the fish are active, the best bet is to avoid the temptation of dashing from school to
school. Just be patient; they’ll soon be thrashing the water’s surface where you are.

If you take a youngster along, there is no better way to spark an interest in bass
fishing that could last a lifetime than to introduce him/her/them to fishing for school bass.

For starters, school bass are generally easy to catch, the fishing experience is
filled with spine-tingling excitement, and the neophyte angler is almost always anxious to do it all over again another day. Equipment needs are simple and can be easily handled by a less-experienced angler.

As bass slash into baitfish on the surface, some of the bait will be injured or killed
in the process and will likely be floating in the area. Scoop up a couple and determine
their color but more importantly, the size. If they’re silver in color, as most baitfish are,
and are two inches long, it’s not brain surgery to know what to do next. Simply dig in your tackle box and select a silvery lure, two inches in length. If you’re hungry for an ice cream cone, you’re not likely to head for the refrigerator and go slap-happy over a celery stick. Bass are no different; they want what they want when they want it.

If you get excited at the sight of bass exploding on the surface all around you; if you thrill to strike after strike; if you get pleasure at the look on the face of your youngster fighting a tenacious bass, then school bass fishing may be right up your alley.

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass fishing has been best at night with Carolina rigs, big 10 inch
plastic worms and deep diving crank baits picking up some nice sized fish. Crappie are
fair around the deep brush on shiners or jigs. The bream bite is slowing as the spawn is
about over and they’ve moving from the shallow spawning areas. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BLACK BAYOU –Crappie and bass have both been biting around the grass and brush..
Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE –Bass fishing continues to be good with a 9 pounder caught this week. Spinners with trailers and flipping jigs around the brush have both been working. The crappie are scattered around the brush. Bream have slowed. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The river is on a slight rise. Bass are best fishing in the cuts where
there is a bit of current. Topwater lures, crank baits and spinners best. Crappie are best
fishing shiners or jigs in the river lakes as well as around sunken tops in the river. Bream are fair. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie fishing has been best fishing the flats fishing 6 feet deep
in 8-12 foot water. Bass fishing has been good early mornings fishing topwater lures
around the grass. Later in the day, look for them on the points with square bills and swim baits picking up some good fish.. Bream are on starting to slow down off the beds on 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 Majestic Big Bass Classic is set for this weekend with
fishing beginning Friday night and concluding Saturday morning with pay-outs every two hours. Bass fishing has been best fishing around the docks and grass lines with swim baits and soft plastics or spinners. Night fishing has been best for crappie fishing shiners under the lights around the piers and boat houses. Some stripers are beginning to show up in the coves and hitting shad imitation lures. Bream are fair. Some nice catfish have been caught on noodles baited with live bream. 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 have slowed.
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 rise with lots of catfish being caught. Bass and
crappie have slowed. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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Several of the first units of the Jonesboro Senior Village, the gated retirement community that will be located on Industrial Drive is nearing completion. Others in the development are in various stages of construction. 

“Our construction team from Magnolia Construction Group has been working diligently,” said MGM Development Group partner, Jeff Glover. “Hopefully Mother Nature will continue to cooperate over the summer months.”

Jonesboro Senior Village will feature a free community-wide Wi-Fi network and is expected to offer remote medical monitoring services to residents utilizing the network. The Village will also have a full-time manager to assist residents while also monitoring security cameras deployed throughout the retirement community. More than 20% of the units will be handicap accessible for seniors with physical, hearing or audio-visual needs.

“This modern, retirement village, will offer big-city amenities with the hometown feel of living in Jonesboro,” said Glover.

Projections have the development being completed sometime in the early of months of 2024, weather permitting. Potential residents can sign up now to be put on the list by sending an email to: jonesboroseniorvillage@gmail.com

 

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Let’s review how it works. You get the message portrayed in the banner above from someone you know. You agree, and a code is sent to you. You give them the code. They say thank you, and the scam is done.

What just happened?

Most people open Facebook by clicking an app on their phone and it just opens, already logged in. Maybe you go to a website and your Facebook is already saved or logged in. BUT, if you login on an “unusual” device, Facebook will send you a code. You have to enter the code to verify it is you.

The scammer knows this. They first will ask you if you will help them, and when you agree, they attempt to login as YOU. Then, you will receive a code, which you then give to the scammer. NOW, you have helped the scammer login to YOUR Facebook. They can change your password, change your profile pic, post to your page, and take full control over your account. This is one of the reasons you constantly see friends saying, “Don’t accept a friend request from me, my account was hacked.”

Be vigilant. Share this with your friends and loved ones.

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The Summer Reading Program has come to an end at the Jonesboro and Chatham Branches of the Jackson Parish Library. To help celebrate the “Grand Finale” patrons of both branches were treated to the opportunity to enjoy petting and handling animals presented by Jubilee Zoo. 

“We would like to thank our sponsors and  summer staff members: Zaylen Harrell, Makenzie Lowrey, Tyriana Sly, Lexie Millien, and Marlon Malone for helping us have such an amazing summer,” said JPL Director Floyd Knox. “We sincerely appreciate each of you.”

Food Preservation Workshop

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