After “living the dream” of playing collegiate baseball, former Jonesboro-Hodge High School baseball star, Seth Spangler, now gets to relish in seeing another come true.

Just call him “Coach”.

This past week the son of Jason and Leigh Spangler of Quitman was hired by Spring Hill High School in Arkansas as an assistant coach in football and baseball. Spangler,  who will also be a teacher on staff, begins his career in education after earning his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Arkansas-Monticello where he was a scholarship baseball player.  

 

---

“Hot enough for you?’ That’s something we are hearing a lot these days as our
temperatures have been consistently in triple digits. I suppose you can just forget about fishing when temperatures are baking our brains, right? Hold on; in case you don’t know it, you can catch crappie, big slab crappie, when temperatures are as hot as what we’re experiencing.

Most perch jerkers know that crappie tend to bunch up in deep water in winter
and lots are caught by anglers willing to brave the cold. However, what about the
blistering days of July and August? Do anglers seriously fish for them while risking heat stroke? You bet your best Bobby Garland Electric Chicken jig they do.

I had the privilege of fishing with a crappie expert, Bill Pettit, several years ago
and came away with a tackle box full of valuable information about summertime crappie fishing from this dyed-in-the-wool perch jerker.

I met Pettit on Ross Barnette Reservoir just out of Jackson, MS where I was
fishing as a guest of the B&M Pole Company. Pettit, a retired postal employee in Jackson, was a veritable walking encyclopedia of crappie knowledge and while we
caught fish, he shared tidbits of lore that has helped me over the years to know a bit more about these popular and sought-after fish.

One thing that stood out in my mind was Pettit’s comments about fishing for and
catching crappie in the heat of summer.

“In spring, you can find crappie on most any lake in shallow water where
spawning takes place. However,” Pettit noted, “once hot weather gets here, you can forget about fishing for them in skinny water. They’re going to be suspended in deep
water and it takes some searching to locate them. Once you locate them, you can catch one big old slab after another, provided you can stand the heat.

“Lots of times, I’ll get so hot sitting out there under the broiling sun that I’ll quit
fishing for awhile, crank my big motor and tear out across the lake at full speed with one purpose in mind, and that is to cool off. After I cool down a bit, I’ll go back and start catching crappie again.”

As Bill Pettit and others attest, crappie fishing can be downright super in summer,
provided you know where to locate the fish. In general, once the spawn is over and the weather begins heating up, crappie head for cooler water, which is usually deep water. Being school fish, once you catch a crappie this time of year, chances are excellent that plenty more are where that one came from.

In big open water bodies, such as rivers and reservoirs like Toledo Bend and Ross
Barnette, crappie congregate in or near channels. The moving water will attract pods of shad that the crappie will follow for easy feeding opportunities.
In most deeper lakes in Louisiana, crappie will gather around structure that is
located next to deep water. Drop-offs that lead to deep water that has structure near its edge are prime target areas.

In the heat of summer, one of the most productive areas to find the crappie
stacked up is around the deeper piers and bridge pilings that may dot the lake you’re
fishing.

When fishing bridge pilings, it helps to know where the bridge crosses the channel or the bayou or river. The pilings nearest the deep channels are where you’re
more likely to find the fish bunched up because likely as not, schools of shad will have taken a liking to the cooler depths as well. When you find shad, no matter the time of year, you’re likely to find crappie as well.

It’s August and I don’t have to remind you that the heat is on. However, if you
follow this expert’s advice and if you can handle the hot sun beating down on your head, you stand a good chance of bringing in a box of slabs.

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass fishing has been best fishing bouncing jigging spoons off the
bottom and also around the docks and grass lines early mornings on top water lures.
They’re also hitting 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 slow. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BLACK BAYOU –Crappie have been fair on jigs; bass best on topwater lures around the brush. Some bream are still being caught on crickets. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE –Bass fishing continues to be fair to good with spinners with trailers
and flipping jigs around the brush working best. The crappie are scattered around the
brush. Bream have slowed. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water level continues to be dropping. 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 around submerged tops. Some catfish are being caught fishing cut bait on rods and reels. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie fishing has been best fishing the flats and in the channels where water temps are cooler. Spider rigs are starting to produce. 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, soft plastics and swim baits working best. Bream are slow. 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 – Bream fishing has been fair on crickets. Stripers are beginning to school in the coves and hitting shad imitation lures. Crappie have been best at night fishing under the lights while the bass have been best early mornings on topwater lures and at night on dark plastic worms and spinner baits. Catfishing is fair to good on noodles using live bream for baits with a 30 pounder caught. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Pan-sized catfish are biting. Bass, bream 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 lake is experiencing a rise is expected which should help
fishing. Best fishing now is for catfish on trotlines, jugs and noodles. Bass and crappie
are slow. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

---

DISCLAIMER: The following is a paid advertorial and should not be construed to necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the staff of the Jackson Parish Journal.  

(Paid for by James Bradford)

We all have a part to play in keeping our community safe. “When you see something, say something,” we’re told every day. After much reflection and research, I’ve decided it’s time someone speak up about the minority group that sent four Cease and Desist letters to Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, asking him to change the location of the Jonesboro monument commemorating the civil rights group that originated in Jonesboro in 1964, known as the Deacons for Defense and Justice.

The first three letters were signed by a Monroe resident, Funyanna Kirkpatrick Saulsberry, claiming that “they” represented the citizens of Jonesboro. Saulsberry never defined who the “they” referred to. Only three people, including Saulsberry, her husband, and one other out-of-towner showed up wearing FDK T-shirts on the historic day of the unveiling ceremony. I later learned the initials stood for Fredrick Douglas Kirkpatrick Foundation, named after one of the founding Deacons and Saulsberry’s grandfather.

You might ask: What does the FDK Foundation have to do with the challenges and changes that the citizens of Jonesboro and Jackson Parish went through during the civil rights struggle? And, What’s the motive of a handful of out-of-towners in sending letters to the Lt. Gov. on behalf of the citizens of Jonesboro? I know little-to-nothing about the FDK Foundation and wish it the best in doing any good work. But I would recommend to Mrs. Saulsberry that while proudly wearing the FDK T-shirt, she might also want to file her 2021 Annual Report to bring the foundation into “active” status with the state of Louisiana. I would also want her to know that we have capable people in our own town to make decisions that are in our best interest. If we need help from the citizens of Monroe, we’ll certainly give them a call.

Most importantly, I found Saulsberry’s letter to be riddled with false statements and misleading information about Jonesboro and its citizens. For example, she claims that “they” had held several meetings with community citizens about the location of the monument. I find this statement seriously hard to believe.

As a lifelong resident and former mayor of the Town of Jonesboro, I have heard not one word about a civil rights marker until late Fall of 2022 when Mrs. Christie Weeks, President of the Jackson Parish Tourism Board, conducted extensive research on the Deacons for Defense and followed up with the Louisiana Office of Tourism which falls under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor. My personal thanks to Christie who worked very hard, unselfishly, to make known what she felt needed to be known about our town. And if you were in attendance on the day of the unveiling ceremony, you heard the passionate, powerful presentation made by Christie. She became emotional, almost to tears. It was great!

Moreover, Saulsberry’s letter states that “The citizens of Jonesboro community have spoken unanimously for placing the monument at its original site, near Hudson and Main Street.” One thing I have no problem believing is that three people spoke unanimously. But no one can make me believe that ALL the citizens of Jonesboro spoke unanimously about any issue.

In her attempt to explain why the marker was not being placed at the corner of Hudson and Main, Saulsberry wrongly cited me [James Bradford] as saying, “they didn’t want it there.” Saulsberry then follows up with the comment, “’they’ must be the white power structure, because the black community had voted to place it downtown. Her comparison of white and black responses was Saulsberry’s way of making the location a racial issue, with which I totally disagree. To me, it was an act  on her part of ‘pulling the last straw.’ I feel certain the marker’s location was decided exclusively by Mayor James Harris as the best spot for the most people to view it.

On first reading Salsberry’s letter, I questioned why and where between Hudson and Main? The answer came through clearly when I read the fourth Cease and Desist letter which was written admittedly, by Herbert Simmons, a local resident who owns the vacant building on the corner of Hudson and Main Street.

My next question was obvious: Could this be self-serving interest and not the interest of all the citizens of Jonesboro? Simmons’ letter also states that, “It is a disgrace for the marker to be located near Popeyes Chicken.” Now this statement really confuses me. Does Popeyes, a national franchise that provides jobs and a place to eat in our town, bring shame and dishonor to Jonesboro or to any small town? My answer is a resounding NO, for I recognize that with the Popeyes franchise, our town is all the better– has a stronger tax base, which helps
to provide better services to all Jonesboro residents.

Simmons’ letter states that he and his wife Jan had been working on this project for several years. If this were true, it had to be the best kept secret in Jonesboro, because I had the honor of serving as mayor of Jonesboro from 2015—2019, and never heard of anyone working to get a Louisiana Civil Rights Trail Marker in the town of Jonesboro. It seems to me that if any Jonesboro citizens were genuinely interested in getting a marker to honor the Deacons for Defense, those citizens would be happy and supportive of the marker being located at its current sight, 135 Richard Zuber Thruway (US 167), the most traveled highway in Jackson Parish.

As I think through these Cease-and-Desist letters, it appears also that there is a deeper concern for “Who gets the credit?” It does not matter—TODAY or 50 years from TODAY–who gets the credit as long as the Deacons for Defense get the honor.

Citizens of Jonesboro: I hope you see what I’m trying to point out: It’s dangerous to allow any outsiders to lead a movement in your town or community. I could go on citing other false and misleading claims stated in those letters, but space will not
permit. Before closing though, I want to give a shout out to our town leaders for forging ahead to bring into reality the historic events that took place in the Town of Jonesboro on July 6, 2023. It was a joyful, historic day for the citizens and many descendants of the Deacons who returned home from far and near to celebrate with family and friends.

My sincere thanks and gratitude to Mayor James “Spike” Harris and his committee for a job well done as they enlisted and worked with the Louisiana Office of Tourism in putting the Jonesboro Deacons for Defense and Justice on the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail.

Respectively submitted,

James Bradford

 

---

Each month the Heritage Quilting Guild of Jonesboro honors a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces by presenting a special, hand-made quilt to Barbara Arnold, who is a resident of Forest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jonesboro. 

Arnold served in the Hospital Core from 1959-63 achieving the Rank of E3. During her time, she worked the wards in Portsmouth Virginia, Charleston South Carolina, and Corpus Christi Texas tending to the patients. She also met her husband who was in lab school during her time serving.

The Heritage Quilt Guild meets at 9:30 am on the 1st Wednesday of each month  at the Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church, located at 402 4th Street in Jonesboro. The non-profit charity organization provides a means for quilters and guild lovers to promote the appreciation and preservation of quilts and share the art so it can be handed down to others.

 

---

Jonesboro native and 1972 JHHS graduate, Dan McDonald, has been selected to be a member of the University of Louisiana (UL) Athletics 2023 Hall of Fame Class. Formal induction ceremonies for the eight member class will be on October 20th at Warehouse 535 in Lafayette with the class also being recognized during the Ragin’ Cajuns Homecoming Game against Georgia State on Oct. 21. 

Joining McDonald into the elite Hall is Tyrell Fenroy (football), Lexie Elkins (softball), Tarek El-Sakka (men’s tennis), Blake Trahan (baseball), Windell Dobson (men’s track and field), Bob Bass (golf), Bobby Paschal (men’s basketball).

The University’s Hall of Fame recognizes men and women who distinguished themselves as student-athletes and have made significant contributions to their professions and their communities. They are nominated and selected through a process that is overseen by the board of directors of the Ragin’ Cajuns Lettermen Club, an organization of former student-athletes who have lettered in their sport.

DAN MCDONALD
(Sports Information)

In a career dating to 1974, McDonald continues to pile up Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) writing and broadcast awards and remains involved in sports media relations in the private sector. He stands alongside state sports information legends Louis Bonnette (McNeese), Paul Manasseh (LSU) and Ace Higgins (LSU) as inductees into the College Sports Information Directors of America’s Hall of Fame (June 2011) … McDonald was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as the 2017 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism … In 26 years as an SID at Northwestern State (1975-80) and Louisiana (1980-99), McDonald became an industry leader in many aspects … Among those who benefited first hand from McDonald’s guidance include former assistants Herb Vincent, the associate commissioner of the Southeastern Conference; Greg Sharko, the media relations director for the Association of Tennis Professionals; Doug Ireland, the longtime SID at Northwestern State and current chairman of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches; and Pat Murphy, the head softball coach at the University of Alabama, who came to work as a graduate assistant SID for McDonald in Lafayette … After graduating in three years from Northwestern State, the Jonesboro, La., native spent one year as a sportswriter at the Alexandria Town Talk before Northwestern hired him – at 22 years old – to be the SID of what was about to become a Division I athletics department. In 1980, he moved south to Lafayette to handle the day-to-day operations of the then-USL Athletic program … McDonald won numerous CoSIDA awards for writing and media guides at both institutions, including national honors at NSU, and served two years on the CoSIDA Board of Directors … He was a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee media relations staff for two Olympic Games (Seoul, 1988 and Atlanta, 1996) and six U.S. Olympic Festivals … He also served two years as president, after a two-year term as vice president, of the LSWA and remains a key member of the LSWA Executive Committee and Hall of Fame Committee … McDonald retired from then-USL in 1999 to become the senior sports writer at the Lafayette Daily Advertiser and spent nine years in that role … Now a freelance journalist, he has won dozens of writing awards from the LSWA, including three ‘Writer of the Year’ awards in a five-year span, and was the 1999 recipient of the LSWA’s coveted Mac Russo Award recognizing members who remarkably represent the ideals of the organization … At the Advertiser, he captured a “Best of Gannett” national award for his coverage of the Little League World Series … McDonald has also done extensive broadcast and television work, including currently serving as a staff writer and television play-by-play announcer for Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics on ESPN+ … he has also anchored annual webcasts of Sun Belt Conference baseball, softball and golf tournaments and currently serves as the moderator at Sun Belt Conference Football Media Days … He and his wife, Mary Beth McDonald, operate the Lafayette-based McD Media marketing/public relations firm with an emphasis on sports PR.

---

The temperature was hot, the scoring low and the payouts high at the 6th annual Piney Woods 3-Man Scramble that was held on August 12-13 at the Jackson Parish Golf Course.

JJ Culpepper, Gavin Neatherland and Lance McGuire shot 115 (29 under par) over the two days to take home $3,000.00 for winning the championship flight. Coming in second place with a score of 117 (27 under par) and netting $1,500.00 was the team of Peyton Mitchell, Brad Porter and Thomas Bates. The Underwood trio of Marvin, Peyton and Taylor also shot 117 but was relegated to third place and the $600.00 payout on a scorecard playoff. 

Of special note was Nathan Barnett achieving the rare accomplishment of making a hole in one. Additional flight winners who also brought home the same prize money were:

1st Flight:
First Place – Hunter Alexander, Drew Huddleston, Cason Womack 
Second Place – Leigh Cathy, Rickey Huckaby, Don Birdsong
Third Place – Eli Walker, Tayt Culpepper, Aston Cruse

2nd Flight:
First Place – Jonathon Douglas, Lance Humphries, Dillon McCartney
Second Place – Drew Maxwell, Gary Rhymes, Derek Flowers
Third Place – Jacob Hopkins, Colby Mulhearn, Cody Stone

3rd Flight:
First Place – Dylan Brown, Toddy Gentry, Larry Foster
Second Place – Bobby Duck, Zach Duck, Eric Tolar
Third Place – Johnny Drake, Hank Thurston, Chad Roberts
 

 

---

---

The administration and staff of the Jackson Parish Library is pleased to announce that the Library Park on the campus of the Jonesboro Branch is now officially open. Complete with all the interactive equipment the park is open seven days a week during daylight hours offering great enjoyment and entertainment for youth of all ages.

The state of Louisiana is learning what the folks in Jackson Parish already knew. Briley Peterson is a special talent. The defending District 1B MVP raised eyebrows this summer by leading her LA Elite travel ball team to a very successful summer season. Now Louisiana Girls Ranking (LGR), the premier girls prep ranking service in the state, has taken notice.

Peterson received an invite to the regional LGR Pre-Fab 50 camp in Bossier City where her performance earned her an invite to the FAB 50 camp that will be held on September 16th that will include the best players from the state of Louisiana.  

Comment given by LGR on Peterson: Briley punched her ticket to Fab 50! She can play both inside & out as her skill set gave her opponents fits! We’re excited to see how you match up w/ the best players in the state.

---

(submitted by Danielle Copeland – JHES Principal)

Ready, Set, GROW! On Wednesday, August 16, Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary opened its campus for the First Day of School for the 23-24 Academic Year! The administration is claiming an incredible and productive year in advance and is pleased to announce they will continue the Wraparound Program focused on attendance, academic achievement, social-emotional wellness, parental involvement, and access to basic needs such as food and clothing.

On behalf of J-HES, I’d like to formally introduce our new administration members:

Assistant Principal – Ms. Lasonia Manning:

“It is my pleasure to introduce myself as the assistant principal at JHES. I have served as a Business Education teacher in Claiborne Parish, basketball coach, FBLA adviser, and many other leadership roles. I have also taught Business Education and Special Education for many years in Jackson Parish. Education has been a passion for me for the last 20 years. As I step into this leadership position, I want to focus on providing a conducive learning environment for every student every day, a mission that is easy to say but challenging to achieve. I believe that this mission is at the heart of everything we do in education, and I am excited to partner with JHES staff, Ms. Danielle Copeland, and our students to achieve this goal.”- Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal.

Curriculum Coordinator – Mrs. Amy Privitor

Amy Privitor graduated from Louisiana Tech in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Bachelor of Science in Elementary. She began her teaching career at Union Parish Elementary where she taught 4th and 5th grade. In 2013 Amy earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. In 2015 she came back to her hometown and joined the Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School Family. As a 4th grade math teacher at J-HES, Privitor consistently saw her academic growth with her students. In 2020, Amy completed her content leader certification for math, as well as Supervisor of Student Teaching; in 2022, she earned her Mentor certification with the Louisiana Department of Education. In 2023, she added her ED Leader endorsement.

Shown in the banner above is the 2023 J-HES Administration. Pictured from (l-r): Mrs. Jackye Belton, Certified Retired Teacher, Math Interventionist
Mrs. Amy Privitor, Curriculum Coordinator
Ms. Lasonia Manning, Assistant Principal
Ms. Danielle Copeland, Principal
Mrs. Tristen Bergholtz, School Counselor
Mrs. Rachelle Mason, School Counselor

---

Enjoyable and educational programming highlighted the week at the Robert Riddle Senior Center in Jonesboro and Chatham Mealsite Center for senior citizens  who participated in the daily activities presented by the Jackson Parish Council on Aging.

In Chatham, seniors got to enjoy an authentic Hawaiian Luau thanks to Mr. Bart & Mrs. Shirley Waggoner. Also thanks goes to Mrs. Debra with People’s Bank for supplying wonderful door prizes and to JPCOA Director Mrs. Linda Wyatt for having refreshments catered.

At the Robert Riddle Senior Center in Jonesboro, Attorney Darryl Avery took the time to speak on the topics of making Wills, how Successions worked and the giving of Power of Attorney.

The JPCOA would like to thank each of these and all those who help our senior citizens. 

---

Far Better Prize

Imagine that you’re a child and first year 4-H member. You have worked all year to care for a lamb; it hasn’t been easy. Your 4-H leader told you the rules and mom and dad have given you daily coaxing. The lamb was fed and watered before school and afternoons were busy with feeding, grooming and lastly cleaning of the lambs stall. There were many times of wanting to quit.

You didn’t.

The big day has arrived; you’re at the county fair and it’s time for 4-H lamb judging. All entries (including yours) have been paraded before this year’s judges. You wait to hear the decision over the PA system and glance toward your parents sitting in the bleachers. A screech comes from distant loud speakers.

“May I have your attention please? We have come to a final decision for the grand prize winner in this year’s lamb category. “

Is it you?

A far better prize awaits Christians!

“Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12-14 NASB).”

---

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. 

PUBLIC NOTICE

Jackson Parish Police Jury Meeting Minutes 
August 15, 2023

The Jackson Parish Police Jury met in regular session on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 5:30 PM in the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Mr. Todd Culpepper, Mr. Lewis Chatham, Ms. Amy Magee, Mr. John McCarty, Ms. Regina Rowe, and Mr. Keith Burris. Absent: Ms. Tarneshala Cowans. Also present: Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager; Mr. Jody Stuckey, Road Superintendent; Mr. Wayne Anderson, Interim Road Superintendent; and Mr. Robin Sessions, Solid Waste Superintendent.

The President, Mr. Culpepper, called the meeting to order. Ms. Magee gave the invocation and Ms. Rowe led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

The President opened the floor for public comments. There were no public comments.

Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Mr. Burris to enter executive session to conduct interviews of applicants for the Accounts Payable Clerk position. Motion carried.

Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Ms. Rowe to end the executive session noting that no action had been taken. Motion carried.

Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Mr. McCarty to approve the hiring of Ms. Sherrill LaRuth Malone for the Accounts Payable Clerk position. Motion carried.

The President moved to the approval of minutes.
Motion by Ms. Rowe, second by Mr. Chatham to adopt the minutes of the July 18, 2023, July 27, 2023, and August 8, 2023, Special Called Police Jury Meetings, monthly purchase orders, and the payment of all bills. Motion carried.

The President moved to Committee Reports.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Mr. Burris to adopt the following minutes from the July 31, 2023, Personnel Committee meeting. Motion carried.

Personnel Committee
July 31, 2023

The Personnel Committee met Monday, July 31, 2023, at 5:00 PM in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr. Meeting Room, Jackson Parish Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Mr. Lewis Chatham, Mr. John McCarty, and Mr. Keith Burris. Absent: none. Also present: Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager

The Chairman, Mr. McCarty, called the meeting to order. Mr. Burris gave the invocation and Mr. Chatham led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. McCarty called for public comments and there were none.

Motion by Mr. Chatham, second by Mr. Burris to recommend to the Police Jury the posting for the vacant position of General Laborer – Grounds Keeper in the Maintenance Department. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Chatham, second by Mr. Burris to adjourn. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Chatham, second by Mr. Burris to approve posting for the vacant position of General Laborer – Grounds Keeper in the Maintenance Department. Motion carried.

The President called for monthly management reports.
Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager presented the July 2023 Operations Manager Report.

Mr. Wayne Anderson, Interim Road Superintendent, presented the July 2023 Road report noting that $1,460.60 had been spent on emergency call-outs/off-schedule work.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Ms. Rowe to accept the July 2023 emergency call outs/off-schedule report. Motion carried.

Mr. Robin Sessions, Solid Waste Superintendent presented the July 2023 Solid Waste report.

The President moved on to Other Business.

Mr. Paul Riley, Parish Engineer gave an update on the anticipated start date of the 2023 Road Program Projects.

Motion by Ms. Rowe, second by Mr. Burris to adopt the tax millage rates for 2023.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the following millage(s) are hereby levied on the 2023 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by the Jackson Parish Police Jury:

General Alimony 5.51
Roads & Bridges 5.23
Roads, Asphalt, Paving 4.55
Recreation District 4.73
Health Unit 0.82
Library & Bookmobile 4.90

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment of roll of said Parish for the year 2023, and to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.

The foregoing resolution was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes:

District 1 – Yea, District 2 – Yea, District 3 – Yea, District 4 – Yea, District 5 – Absent, District 6 – Yea, District 7 – Yea.

Yeas: 6
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
Abstention: 0
Motion carried.

The President opened the floor for Juror comments.

Motion by Ms. Rowe, second by Mr. Burris to adjourn. Motion carried.

DIVORCE NOTICE

Jazmine A. Ellis, address unknown is hereby notified that his spouse, Maryann Ada-Nta filed for divorce in Wahkiakum County, WA in April, 2023

AFFIDAVIT OF SUCCESSION

Andrew Chretien
February 11, 1952 – August 16, 2023

Andrew Chretien, age 71, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, in Winnfield, Louisiana. Andrew “Wildman” was born on February 11, 1952, in Elton, Louisiana to Loretta Gobert and Harold Leon Chretien, Sr. He graduated from Elton High School and moved to North Louisiana to work on the No. 5 paper machine at Stone Container for many years. He enjoyed riding his Harley and visiting with friends. You could always find Wildman grilling at his home every Saturday or just making a loop.

Andrew is survived by his son, Shane Chretien, of Calhoun, Louisiana and wife, Shelley; daughter, JoAnna Chretien, of Jonesboro, Louisiana and fiancé, Bill Jones; grandchildren, Cassie Chretien, Madilynn Collins, and Hayden Collins; sister, Leona Chretien McConathy and husband, Arlon; niece Ashley McConathy of Ruston, Louisiana; great-nephews, Graham and Grayson Davis; great-niece, Ella Bryan; sister-in-law Josephine Robinson McEntee; niece LaRhonda Chretien; and nephew Larry Chretien, of Shreveport, Louisiana.

Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, Loretta and Harold Chretien; brothers Harold Leon Chretien,Jr., Henry Chretien, and sister, Eva Marie Chretien Kelley.

A graveside service was held on August 19th followed by burial in the Gayla Traina Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

---

The 2023-24 school year begins on Wednesday in Jackson Parish. The Louisiana State Police, Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office and Jonesboro Police Department would like to remind all motorists about the importance of safety in and around school zones, while driving near school buses, and when transporting a child. 

School Zone Safety:

According to Louisiana law, crossing guards have authority to stop traffic or send traffic through intersections for the safety of students. Please be observant of the crossing guards and the posted speed limits in designated school zones. Be prepared for sudden stops and increased pedestrian/vehicle traffic, especially during drop-off and pick-up times. Be mindful of posted Hands-Free Zones. These particular school zones ban all drivers, even those over 18, from using a cell phone to engage in a call, read/send a text, or use social media. Lessen distractions, stay alert, and always be mindful of children in the area.

School Bus Safety:

When approaching a school bus with flashing red lights, from either direction, traffic must come to a complete stop at least 30 feet away from the bus. Remain stopped until the bus’s stop arm is retracted and the bus resumes motion. Be extra cautious around school buses, as children may quickly enter into the roadway unexpectedly. While many drivers can be confused when to stop for a bus when traveling in the opposite direction, a good rule of thumb is always stop unless on a four-lane road with a physical barrier, a raised median, or continuous turn lane.

Car Seat Safety:

Louisiana law requires children under the age of 13 to ride in the backseat of a vehicle when one is available. For younger children, rear-facing until the age of two and have outgrown the upper limits of the seat by weight or height. Children that are older and are able to face forward must utilize the internal harness to its upper limits, which on most seats that upper limit is 65 pounds. If any caregiver is ever unsure about their child’s seat installation, they are urged to contact their local State Police troop office to consult with a certified child passenger safety technician; this is always a free service.

As a community, we must work together to keep our children safe, whether it be traveling to and from school, to afterschool activities, or work. As a driver, please stay alert and stay safe. Our future is depending on you. – Louisiana State Police

---

In the never ending effort to keep area residents informed of local news, sports, events and information, the Jackson Parish Journal is pleased to announce the addition of two outstanding professionals to the staff.

Jennifer Sanford – Brings tremendous energy, creativity and experience in the area of account management and sales. The daughter of Robert and Ann Morgan of Jonesboro and mother to Adalie Sanford who attends Quitman High School joins the staff as an Account Executive responsible for advertising sales, account management and special promotional programming. In her spare time loves spending time with her family and going to QHS softball games to watch her niece Madison Chaplin play. 

Clay Williams – Possesses a deep rooted love of following local athletic programs and an enjoyable and informative style of writing. The son of Steve and the late Paula Williams joins the sports department where he will assist with event coverage and provide in-depth interviews of the athletes and coaches.  Tremendously savvy in modern social media, Williams hosts the “Dirty Boots Sports”  Podcast and has earned a Masters Degree in Sports Administration

“I am extremely pleased to have these two join the JPJ staff,” said Publisher/Editor Ben Ledbetter. “The talent they bring in their areas of expertise greatly improves the effort and goal of providing the residents of Jackson Parish with the type of coverage they will be pleased with.”

---

The Jackson Parish Police Jury held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 15th where the proverbial “welcome mat” was put out to open things and another “rode off into the sunset” at meeting end.

The short session began with the panel of Lewis Chatham, Amy Magee, John McCarthy, Culpepper, Regina Rowe and Keith Burris agreeing to hire Sherrill Malone to be the Accounts Payable Clerk over eight other candidates for the position that became open through the resignation of Tami Collinsworth. Tarneshala “Niki” Cowans was absent. 

Jurors then quickly handled their normal monthly deeds of approving the agenda, purchase orders and payment of bills from July and hearing reports from Committee Chairperson and Department Managers. 

Paul Riley then presented his Engineers Report leading to the panel adopting the 2023 millage rates and approving Sandy Joynor to be appointed to the Tourism Board. 

This led to Jody Stuckey being recognized and honored by the jurors for his long and distinguished career in commemoration of his service as Road Department Supervisor’s for over two decades.

“For nearly 25 years you have served our parish well,” said JPPJ President Todd Culpepper while presenting Stuckey with a commemorative plaque. “Words can’t express how much we appreciate you.” 

Following adjournment of the meeting the Juror’s, family and friends stayed at in the Charles H. Garrett Community Center to share memories and enjoy the cake and refreshments that were given in Stuckey’s honor. 

  

---

For decades “The Young and the Restless” has been the staple of daytime television.  The title of the multiple award-winning, daytime drama is also a good characterization of the 2023 Jonesboro-Hodge High School football team who is hoping that the upcoming season won’t be the “soap opera” endured last year.

“We are eager to get the season started,” stated JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “Hopefully this year we will have a little better luck and a lot less drama.”

Coming off an appearance in the 2021 Class 2A state semifinals the expectations were that in 2022 that JHHS would have another successful campaign. Then everything started to unravel even before the season got going good.

Right from the “get go” injuries felled starters at key positions. Adding to the misery was that several players who were supposed to be major contributors fell by the wayside to various other situations. By season end J-H was fielding mostly underclassmen with no previous varsity experience, including an all Freshman offensive backfield. 

There was also the factor of the Tigers moving into a new district and playing teams for the first time. Being the smallest school in 3-2A made things tough enough but as fate would have it many district opponents were senior laden giving them a distinct size and experience advantage over what turned out to be a very young JHHS squad.

“When you are a school the size we are, several guys always have to play both ways,” said Blankenship. “When you lose one of them, you are actually losing a starter on both offense and defense. When you lose a bunch of them like we did last year it really hurts.”

Adding to the complications was the schedule that forced JHHS to play most of the stronger teams in the district on the road. 

“I guess it was our baptism into the new district,” laughed Blankenship. “Opening district play against Red River, Mansfield and Many was tough enough but to do so with all three games on the road and us being forced to juggle the lineup each week was really a challenge.”

If there was a silver lining to the 3-8 season of a year ago it was that many underclassmen ended up getting lots of varsity game experience with several showing great promise.  

“We will be relying on guys who are young in years this year but have a lot of game experience,” said Blankenship, now entering his 11th season as head coach, setting a new JHHS record for tenure. “This should be an advantage for us this year as they are bigger and stronger and more prepared for the challenge we face.”

The Tigers take to the field for the first time this Friday, August 18th, when they will play host to a three team, round robin, scrimmage consisting of Class 4A Booker T. Washington from Shreveport and defending District 1-1A champion Glenbrook Academy out of Minden. 

“The guys are looking forward to hitting someone else,” laughed Blankenship. “It should be a good test for us as both schools are well coached and play contrasting styles.”

The following Saturday, August 26th, JHHS will take part in the annual Bayou Jamb where they will renew what has become a pre-season traditional matchup against St. Frederick. Game time is set for 11:00am. at West Monroe High School. 

“I think it is really cool for the guys to get to play on the field named for one of the greatest coaches in JHHS history,” reflected Blankenship. “I am also excited to play against Coach (Andy) Robinson and his guys again as every time we have played them it has been good games.”

The regular season starts on September 1st with General Trass out of Lake Providence coming to town followed by a short trip to Class 5A West Ouachita. The third Friday in September finds the Tigers hosting Class 3A Bunkie before JHHS travels to Lincoln Prep on Sept. 22nd to play in their new stadium. The final non-district game is on September 29th at Pineville, the second district 2-5A school on the schedule. 

Homecoming will be celebrated on October 6th against Red River that also represents the opening of district 3-2A play. Mansfield comes to Caldwell-Peacock stadium next, followed by a rare third straight home game against Many on Thursday, October 19th which will also be Senior Night. JHHS then travels to Lakeview before concluding the regular season by traveling to arch-rival Winnfield on November 3rd.

“The schedule is much more friendlier to us this year in terms of travel,” said Blankenship. “Even though three of our first five games are on the road at least all but one of them is less than an hour away and we don’t have to make the all the long trips we did last year.”

---

Thanks to the partnership of the Region 8 Community Outreach Team and Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana, a Kinship Family Workshop and Resource Fair is coming to Jonesboro.

Help in the form of support, advice, and advocacy, along with the opportunity to connect with local resources, will all be available for families in need from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM,  on Monday, August 21st at the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, located at 182 Industrial Drive. Refreshments will also be served. 

Participants must provide the following:

(1) Completed application
(2) Copy of utility bill 
(3) Up to date rental agreement
(4) Proof of children under 17 living in the home (current lease with children’s name listed, SNAP award letter, school demographic letter with matching address to parent / guardian
(5) Statements of unearned income such as SSI award letter, disability, child support, etc.

To RSVP call (318) 801-5771. 

---

The following information was released by Governor John Bel Edward’s Office:

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency due to the multiple impacts of extreme heat affecting the state.

“This summer, the National Weather Service has issued a record number of excessive heat warnings for Louisiana,” said Gov. Edwards. “The Louisiana Department of Health reports that the state has already exceeded the average number of annual heat-related emergency room visits. Additionally, drought conditions and a significant drop in the Mississippi River’s water level have added stress on water supplies and agriculture. This declaration will allow the state to mobilize resources and aid those most affected. Please continue to take precautions when you are outside and check on neighbors who might need assistance.”

A state of emergency is an administrative step that authorizes the use of state resources to aid in emergency response efforts. The Governor’s Office and GOHSEP will continue to update the public on heat-related threats, in addition to any other weather emergencies.

Click here to view the official state of emergency declaration 

---

(This is the second and final guest column by Kenneth Sean “Ken” Carson, better known as The Ken Doll, who co-stars in the Barbie movie along with—duh! — Barbie.)

Yes, yes, for all that’s pink and blonde, go see the movie. Everyone else has.

Everyone but me.

I’m done.

No hard feelings. I’m just tired of being arm candy. Since I was born/created in 1961, the toy makers have put me in more goofy outfits than you’d see on a runway at any New York City/Tokyo/Milan fashion show.

Sure, I’m plastic. I’m a doll. But I have feelings too.

At heart, I’m a redneck. A lunch pail guy. The common clay. I’m not Fashionista Ken or Travel Ken or Tennis Ken or any of the other silly things Mattel has made me out to be over the past 60 lonely years. And I’m definitely not Dreamcamper Ken; the most primitive I like to get is a Motel 6.

I’m been enough idiotic things for Mattel the past 60 years to last several pretend lifetimes.

I mean, it’s a job. I get it. I do. And I appreciate it. And it’s been fun hanging with Barb, an absolute peach.

And yes, the plastic money’s been good.

But I’m retiring. Tired of living a lie.

Why didn’t they create me like Oppenheimer, the star of that other movie, maybe let me split the atom instead of being created as a gigolo for capitalism? Even if Barbie, my female bestie, is quite fetching, well … there’s more to me than just molded-to-perfection plastic alloys!

Oh, the humanity!

So there you have it. I tried to be Ken. And failed. Tried to go to the galas and keep up the crunches so I wouldn’t look like a Whale Doll at pool parties. Tried the surfing and the hairdos and even got a face scrape (Mattel paid for it).

Years ago I asked to be a farmer and what’d they do? They put me in a checked shirt and an apron. An APRON! And check this sales pitch for Farmer Ken from what Mattel calls Sweet Orchard Farm: “Ken doll has an adorable piglet that kids can help him tend for role-play and storytelling fun.”

What? They gave me a piglet? I’ve been on the farm on castration day more times than I’d like to remember and that’s no fun for ANYbody, especially the pigs.

You want role play? Let me be a real farmer with a hayloft and some corn and a pony. I can be a farmer/rancher. Ditch the piglet. At least give me a tractor.

Oh, and here’s the ultimate indignity for Farmer Ken, according to the box I come in: “Doll cannot stand alone.”

You see what I put up with? What am I supposed to do, sit and milk all day? That’s gonna be a hard pass for me, dog.

And the asking price? A salty $34.95. I wouldn’t pay that for me and I AM me!

Mattel said “Fine. We’ll make you a … (get this, gang) … writer. You know, with a little snapbrim hat and a trench coat and a typewriter.”

Said they’d even “throw in a piglet, like with the Farmer Ken deal.”

What’s with these people and piglets, for heavens sake?

Good grief. Please, just … no. Writers are either rail thin and alcoholic or have a pot belly and smoke a pipe and think they invented the vowels and use big words like pubescent and eschew and ebullient. I learned to write in second grade and moved on. Please just … no.

Think I’d rather be a piglet.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

 

---

Calling on all JHHS football fans! Your support is needed!

A player from each of the 41 high school football teams in Northwest Louisiana, have been placed on the 2023 Shreveport Times “Fan’s Choice” Preseason Player of the Year ballot. Representing Jonesboro-Hodge High School is tight end / defensive end, Z’Maryuian Palmer.

Supporters of the schools and athletes can visit shreveporttimes.com to vote for the athlete of their choosing. Voting will conclude Aug. 24th with the winner announced Aug. 25th at shreveporttimes.com.

The top vote recipient will be presented a sports duffel bag with a Raising Cane’s boxed lunch gift card courtesy of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission and The Times.

---

The Council for the Village of Chatham held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on August 8th, where they adopted a pair Resolutions that adjusted the millage rate and rolled it forward

The two Resolutions that Councilmembers Bernadean James, Toni Malone, Laverne Mixon and Sue Ann Proffer approved was #2023-06 that adjusted the rate to 0.781 mils from 0.741 mils and #2023-07 that set forth the adjusted millage and rolled it forward. Mike Wilson was absent.

Visitors Sue Henderson, John Mize, Brenda Williams and Eddie Ruth Wyatt along with Chatham Mayor Gregory Harris also witnessed the Councilmembers approve Resolution 2023-08 that set up band accounts for USDA grants. 

After the July meeting minutes and monthly bills were approved, Toni Malone followed by providing information from the LMA conference she attended in Alexandria last week. She also offered all to visit the LMA website at www.lma.org for more information. 

Public Hearing held on tax millage increase

The Village of Chatham held a public hearing on August 8, 2023, at 5:30pm at Village Hall located at 1709 Oak St Chatham, LA to hear comments from the public regarding the rolling forward of the tax millage from 0.741 mills to 0.781 mills. The hearing was called to order by Mayor Gregory Harris. Present were council members Toni Malone, Laverne Mixon and Sue Ann Proffer. No public attended the meeting. Toni Malone motioned, Sue Proffer seconded and approved by all to adjourn. The public hearing
was adjourned at 5:57pm.

---

On Monday, August 14th, Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary announced that Asante Belton would be coaching the second edition of the schools girls basketball team. It is very unusual to find a professional basketball champion coaching an elementary school girls basketball team. But then again, Asante Belton’s life journey is far from normal.

It marks the first head coaching opportunity for Belton after serving as an assistant coach for the J-H Middle School in 2021 and for JHHS last year. All this while still playing professional basketball in the National Basketball League. How can someone do all this at the same time? If you know Belton, you know that this is nothing compared to the impossible accomplishments he has already achieved. for the former Jonesboro-Hodge High School graduate.

For those not familiar with the incredible journey Belton has taken to not only achieve a dream thought impossible but gain a drive and passion to help others it all starts with love.

In his early years it was simply a love for life. Being born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), his parents were told that he wouldn’t live past the age of five. That was nearly two decades ago. 

As he grew older it was his love of basketball that gave him the resilience to keep trying to play despite having to endure numerous surgeries and advice that he shouldn’t. Never once did the 2014 JHHS graduate get to complete a full season in junior high or high school but never once did he miss a practice when he was able. 

JHHS head coach Allen Tew remembers how inspiring it was to have Belton on his team. 

“What I remember about Asante is that he never really got the chance to play a full year due to his condition but whenever he was healthy enough he would be there for practice,” recalled Tew. “Even though he knew that he wasn’t going to play he would still come to practice and give it all he had.”

After graduating from high school and through a regiment of medicines and a monitored diet Belton stared adding weight to his 5’7″ frame. The stronger he got, the more encouraged he became and the harder he worked. Despite being frail in body and short in stature, he had the spirit of a giant. Refusing to listen to the many “nay-sayers” tell him it was impossible, he kept his eye on the goal of playing professional basketball. 

“I remember the day when it hit me that I wasn’t supposed to be here,” said Belton. “Not just to be in the position of being able to play ball but be alive. It made me more passionate about pursuing my goal of playing professionally.”

For three long and tedious years Belton continued to work, never losing sight of his dream. In 2017 he earned a spot on the Alexandria Armor of the American Basketball Association (ABA). He played in two games and didn’t score a point but he had achieved his goal. 

Instead of being satisfied he set his sights higher. Now he didn’t want to just be on a professional team, he wanted to be a major contributor. Two more years of hard work led him to becoming the backup point guard for the Baton Rouge Timberwolves of the United Basketball Association. 

In 2020 and now packing a solid 180 pounds he joined the Baytown Bobcats of the NBL where it all finally came together. Belton moved into the starting lineup and started delivering gigantic numbers, including a 36 point career high effort in the playoffs.

Through the journey of becoming an impossible star another love and passion developed. One that has become the focal point of his life today. 

I know that God has given me an opportunity to achieve things that is rare for someone that was born with my condition,” said Belton. “It made me want to be an inspiration to others and I look for opportunities to speak to others.”

He now has an rapt audience of young children who are in their formidable years, a place where he feels he can do the most good. 

“I am blessed and very thankful for what God has done and grateful for the opportunity to coach and be a mentor to our younger generation,” said Belton. “My goal is to not only train and coach but mentor and be there for them on and off the court. I want to inspire them to change their culture if needed and teach these kids you don’t have to be the complete package to complete the package.” 

 

 

 

 

---