Weston High School opened the 2024 LHSAA baseball season with about as hard a test as a Class B school could have. The Wolves got things started by visiting Class 5A Natchitoches-Central on Monday , then turned around and played Class 5A Ouachita High on Tuesday at the “Love Shack” on the campus of Louisiana Tech University. 

How did Weston do? When you gain a split against two Division One schools then you have to be pretty pleased with the results. Weston scored a run in their first at bat of the 2024 baseball season to take an early lead on home standing Natchitoches-Central. Then the Chiefs bats came alive as the home standing Class 5A team scored 10 runs over the next three innings to take a commanding lead that led to the 12-3 final.

The script flipped against Ouachita as it was the Lions who pushed three runs across in the bottom of the first only to have Cooper Delaney throw blanks the rest of the way. This allowed Weston to peck away at the lead until scoring 2 runs in the top of the 3rd to take a 4-3 advantage and add another in the fifth for the final 5-3 margin. 

NCHS 12 Weston 3: Drew Browning and Braden Theriot gave the Wolves fans something to cheer about in the top of the fifth as the pair hit back-to-back “jacks” to plate their final two runs of the contest. Both Weston and NCHS managed only five hits over the contest with the difference being the 10 walks given by Weston pitching and the 14 strikeouts recorded by NCHS hurlers. Drew Williams, Ty Henderson, and Colton Blundell all hit singles for the Wolves while Cole Tolar reached base 4 times via walks. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Weston (0-1)	1	0	0	0	2	0	0	3	5	3
NCHS (1-0)	0	2	3	5	2	0	x	12	5	2

Weston 5 Ouachita 3: Braden Theriot tripled in the first to score Drew Browning as Weston opened the game by scoring a run in the first inning for the second straight time. The Wolves added a run in the second when Ty Henderson singled stole second and third and then cam home on a Jacob Gill sacrifice fly. Four walks and a single by Theriot led to two more runs in the third as Weston regained the lead that would hold up thanks to the stellar one-hit performance by Cooper Delaney, who ended with 9 strikeouts over six innings. Henderson struck out two in the final frame to earn the save. Theriot led Weston with two hits and 3 RBI with Bryce Zehr and Henderson also getting a hit and scoring. Drew Browning scored a pair of runs while Colton Blundell chipped in by reaching base three times via walks. The Wolves also swiped five bases with Zehr and Henderson stealing two apiece and Theriot getting one. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Weston (1-1)	1	1	2	0	1	0	0	5	4	0
Ouachita	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	2	0

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Ms. Jo Ann Deal of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) sends a warning to residents of north Louisiana, including those in Jackson Parish, to be on the alert for what is being labeled as Imposter Scams. 

While there are several of these being perpetrated currently the two that has most been reported are scams involving the non-accredited, Louisiana Certificate Service and another that announces they are with Social Security. 

Deal warns that just because you get a letter that looks and sounds official in the mail does not mean it always is. She also says if you get a message about your credit dropping significantly, do not click on a link.

If you feel you are a victim of these scams or others, contact the BBB at (318)-387-4600 or call the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 259-9021.

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The Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Young Adult Ministry is hosting their “Say Yes to the Dress” Event on Sunday, February 25th. The event will run from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at 1712 Church Street in East Hodge. Their is no charge and all local high schoolers are invited to attend. 

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“Eight dollars and five cents!”

I said it loudly and with all the patience I could muster without using unforgivable four-letter words. A commentary on the American educational system was playing out right in front of me.

They both looked at me like I was speaking in tongues.

I repeated myself, “Eight dollars and five cents! You owe the man eight dollars and five cents in change.” I was thinking that this was not brain surgery or rocket science.

I was shopping at a grocery store, which shall remain anonymous. The nice lady at the register was exasperated. She was telling everyone who would listen that she needed a break. It was time for her break. She was late for her break. “Someone needs to come relieve me, so I can take a break.” Meanwhile the nice man in front of me made a purchase. He bought several packages of bottled water. His total came to eleven dollars and ninety-five cents. He did something rarely seen in grocery stores across America. He paid cash.

He gave her a twenty-dollar bill.

She tapped in the amount tendered and the machine gave her the answer for how much change he would receive. But before she gave him the money. She tapped in another set of numbers so that she could go on her break. Her “taking a break” numbers erased the man’s change numbers.

A nice manager walked over and said, “Why don’t you go on your break.”

She said, “I will as soon as I give this man his change.” Then she looked at the register which she had now “erased.” She looked down at the twenty like it was a creature that was going to bite off her arm. She started fumbling for a piece of paper to do mathematical computations. While she was fumbling for the paper and pencil. The manager was pulling out her phone and trying to get her calculator program up and running.

The customer was distracted. He was talking to a guy two checkout lanes over. He couldn’t see the mathematical mayhem brewing at the checkout line.

“Eight dollars and five cents. That is what you owe the man in change.”

“Oh.”

About that time calculator girl finished punching in her numbers and said, “You owe him eight dollars and five cents in change.”

I had done the math in my head two separate ways. I had done the math. I also “counted the change” back to the nice man in my head. My brain is slow. I do not have a high-powered processor up there. But counting change, c’mon man! The year I went to work at Sears they introduced electronic cash registers. They trained us on those marvels, which would do a transaction and “tell” the clerk how much to give in change. Our store manager insisted that all the employees needed to be able to “count back” the change to the customers. He was especially insistent that all his High School part-timers learn the “right way” to make change.

These two didn’t know how to “make change.”

I was struck at that moment by the awesome responsibility that rests upon the shoulders of teachers.

Even those of us who teach scripture know, “Not many of you should become teachers… for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” James 3: 1

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For five of the last six years, head coach Kyle Leach has led the Lady Wolverines from Quitman High School into the second round of the LHSAA girls basketball playoffs. It is quite an accomplishment to say the least. Here is hoping that one day in the near future they will be able to move on from there but it won’t be this year. Third ranked Anacoco made sure of that with a 56-35 victory that ended #14 seed Quitman’s season at 22-11, while Anacoco improved to 31-5 as they move on to face #6 Castor. 

The loss doesn’t overshadow the tremendous season enjoyed by the Lady Wolverines who lost only three games all year by more than 10 points despite entering the year with four new starters.  In all reality there is simply a big difference in brand of basketball that is played among girls teams in southwest Louisiana which is why schools from that area have dominated Class B for decades. A look at the Division V bracket proves this out as 7 of the 8 teams left are from that area. 

The Lady Wolverines fought gamely the entire contest but after playing close at 22-16, a 13-2 run by Anacoco opened the contest up followed by a 9 point run in the fourth quarter that put the game away. Cali Deal led Quitman with 19 points before fouling out followed by 9 from Anna Leach as the pair combined for 28 of the 35 points scored. Jaleigh Burns added three and both Emma Walker and Hallie Kate Pullig tallied two to round out the scoring for the Lady Wolverines who ended up making 11 of 39 shots for a 28% field goal percentage. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
#14 Quitman (22-11)	11	5	12	7	35
#3 Anacoco (31-5)	16	8	17	15	56

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Pastor Reginald L. Staten and the congregation of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, located at 908 Evergreen Road in Jonesboro, cordially invites you to attend Black History Celebration at 10:00 am on Sunday, February 25th. Special guest speaker for the event will be District 2 Representative, Steven Jackson of Shreveport. 

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Volodymyr Palahniuk was born to Ukrainian parents in rural Pennsylvania. In his youth, he worked alongside his father in Pennsylvania coal mines. In the late 1930s, Volodymyr became a professional boxer under the alias Jack Brazzo because no one could pronounce, much less remember, Volodymyr Palahniuk. Volodymyr won his first 15 bouts, 12 of which were knockouts, before he lost by a close decision to future heavyweight boxer Joe Baksi. Punches by his opponents usually left Volodymyr’s face bruised, swollen, and bloody. “Then, I thought, you must be nuts to get your head beat in for $200.” (Adjusted for inflation, $200 in the late 1930s would be about $4,400 in today’s money.) Thus ended Volodymyr’s professional boxing career.

There was a more important reason for Volodymyr’s career change. In 1942, the world was in the midst of World War II. Volodymyr wanted to do his part for his country and volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Corps. In the following year, 1943, Volodymyr was among a group of airmen on a mission in a B-24 Liberator bomber. During the flight, something went horribly wrong. The full details of the crash have never been released, but one of his outboard engines purportedly failed during an air battle. The engine failure was just one in a series of unfortunate events which led to a fiery airplane crash. Volodymyr sustained severe facial and head injuries and burns. Newspapers reported that Volodymyr’s injuries were so severe that he required facial reconstruction. For his service, Volodymyr was awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. After months in the hospital, Volodymyr was discharged from the military. Later in life, Volodymyr spoke vaguely about the crash. He mentioned the story about his airplane crash and repeated the rumor that his “face had to be put back together by way of plastic surgery. If it is a ‘bionic face,’” he quipped, “why didn’t they do a better job of it?” He also said of his airplane crash, “There are some moments you never get over. That was one of them.”

Following World War II, Volodymyr began studying journalism then drama at Stanford University under the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, more commonly called the G.I. Bill. Charles E. Miller, Volodymyr’s college roommate, remembered the wannabe actor “pacing back and forth past the fourth-floor windows as he rehearsed his lines for a play.” Volodymyr had a “face seemingly carved out of granite and a voice filled with equal parts gravel and menace.” In 1947, Volodymyr returned to the east coast and, due to his “distinctive looks and resonant voice,” got a part in The Big Two. In the following year, he acted in the Broadway production A Streetcar Named Desire, and eventually replaced Marlon Brando in the part of Stanley Kowalski. In 1950, he made his film debut in Panic in the Streets. Two years later, he was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of a villainous husband in Sudden Fear. Volodymyr’s menacing face and gravelly voice kept him working as film villains for the rest of his life. Four decades after his film debut, Volodymyr finally won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his work as a villainous cowboy Curly Washburn in the Western Comedy City Slickers. As Volodymyr, then 73 years old, walked onstage to accept the Oscar, he suddenly dropped to the floor and performed several one-armed pushups. The audience roared with cheers and laughter.

As far as the story of his facial reconstruction following his airplane crash during World War II, Volodymyr would probably repeat the line he used to end every episode of the television show he hosted in the mid-1980s, “Believe it….or Not.” You and I know Volodymyr Palahniuk as Jack Palance.

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JPYB League Games – February 24

Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School Gym

9:00 am – Bulls vs Lakers (Age 5&6 League)
9:45 am – Suns vs Bucks (Age 5&6 League)
10:30 am – Bulls vs Warriors (Age 5&6 League)
11:15 am – Sparks vs Stars (Age 7-8 Girls League)
12:00 pm – Thunder vs Kings (Age 7-8 Boys League)
12:45 pm – Sparks vs Aces (Age 7-8 Girls League)
1:30 pm – Hawks vs Magic (Age 7-8 Boys League)

JHHS Girls Gym

9:00 am – Bobcats vs Fever (9-10 Girls League)
10:00 am – Celtics vs Raptors (9-10 Boys League)
11:00 am – Bobcats vs Sky (9-10 Girls League)
12:00 pm – Rockets vs Grizzlies (9-10 Boys League)
1:00 pm – Raptors vs Jazz

JHHS Boys Gym

9:00 am – Lynx vs Wings (11-12 Girls League)
9:45 am – Dream vs Liberty (11-12 Girls League)
10:30 am – Spurs vs Lakers (11-12 Boys League)
11:15 am – Bucks vs Mavericks (11-12 Boys League)
12:00 pm – Spurs vs Bulls (11-12 Boys League)
12:45 pm – Blazers vs Magic (13-14 Boys League)
1:30 pm – Kings vs Pelicans (13-14 Boys League)

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The Jackson Parish Branch of the NAACP #6309 cordially invites you to come to the St. Rest MBC Life Center, located at 813 St. Rest Road in Quitman, at 6:00 pm on Saturday, February 24th to take part in the Annual Freedom Fund and Scholarship Banquet. 

Special guest speaker will be Ms. Alicia Williams who was the former Special Assistant to former Louisiana Governor, Jon Bell Edwards. Reservations for tables with a seating of 10 are being taken for $300.00 with individual tickets priced at $30.00 each. 

This is the largest fundraising event of the year with proceeds go towards the Jackson Parish Branch NAACP’s Scholarship Fund in support of the academic endeavors of local students and general funds for maintaining of organizational operations.

For reservation and/or ticket information call Annie Johnson, 318-680-7661 or Sandra Payne, 318-607-6083.

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Local high school anglers are looking forward to a “home-water” advantage this coming Saturday when the 2024 LHSAA Qaulifier 1 Fishing Tournament is competed on Caney Lake.

Two person teams from schools all  over are expected to descend on Jimmie Davis State Park to check in for the opportunity to earn the right to fish in the upcoming LHSAA state championships that will be held on Toledo Bend on March 22-23. 

Takeoff will be at 7:00 am with Weigh In scheduled for 3:00 pm at Jimmie Davis State Park, located at 1209 State Park Road. 

See below for tournament information.

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Don’t Know What We’re Missing

Something’s missing; at times, the loss is noticeable. A button is off a sweater. Maybe a young child proudly smiles to shows friends that he or she lost their first tooth. I could hardly believe it; I hadn’t even noticed it for hours. I was wearing only one bedroom slipper.

The laugh was on me. It was extra cold the night before; so, I wore knitted type slippers over a pair of socks to bed. I unknowingly left one under the covers when I got up the next morning. Sometimes we just don’t know what we’re missing OR that we’re missed.

Believers need the church and their church needs them.

“Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near (Hebrews 10:23-25 HCSB).”

Christians need the worship, sound Bible teaching, fellowship and encouragement of a church home. That’s how the church began. Christians met together at God’s house and with one another; house to house.

“Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved (Acts 2:46-47 HCSB).”

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

LEGAL NOTICE

SHERIFF’S SALE

BARCLAYS MORTGAGE TRUST 2021-NPL 1 MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES SERIES 2021- NPL 1, BY U.S.BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE

# 37088

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

PERRY KENNEDY A/KIA PERRY M KENNEDY & BRENDA KENNEDY

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 JACKSON PARISH SHERIFF OFFICE, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 27th day of March, 2024. Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:

LOTS 3, 4 OF THE ROLLING PINES ESTATES LOCATED IN THE NE 1/4 OF SE, SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 15 NORTH, RANGE 4 WEST, AS PER PLAT AND ORIGINAL SURVEY OF SAID ROLLING PINES ESTATES NOW ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE RECORDERS OFFICE OF JACKSON PARISH, LA, IN PLAT BOOK A, PAGE 89 OF THE RECORDS OF JACKSON PARISH, LA, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING, SITUATED IN JACKSON PARISH, LA. THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY, TO-WIT: I65-2: LOTS 1 AND 2 OF THE ROLLING PINES ESTATES LOCATED IN NORTHEAST AND SOUTHEAST, SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 15 NORTH, RANGE 4 WEST, AS PER PLAT AND ORIGINAL SURVEY OF SAID ROLLING PINES ESTATES NOW ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE RECORDER’S OFFICE OF JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA AT PLAT BOOK A, PAGE 58. TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS & APPURTENANCES, AND TOGETHER WITH ALL MINERAL RIGHTS.

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

ANDY BROWN, SHERIFF
2/14/24
3/20/24
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

SHERIFF’S SALE

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION.

# 36115

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

JEFFREY JERMAINE BRADFORD
A/KIA JEFFREY J. BRADFORD

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 JACKSON PARISH SHERIFF OFFICE, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 27th day of March, 2024. Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:
LOT #89-A OF UNIT 4 OF TERRACE HILLS SUBDIVISION TO THE TOWN OF JONESBORO, LOUISIANA, SITUATED IN SECTION 32, TOWNSHIP 15 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST, AS PER PLAT ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE RECORDER OF JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, ALL LOCATED AND 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
02/14/24
03/20/24
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Jackson Parish Police Jury is accepting applications for the position of Secretary-Treasurer. 

Applicants must be knowledgeable and proficient in performing all accounting functions in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, preparation of consolidated budgets, and responsible for compliance with procedures and policies under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.  The Secretary-Treasurer is required to attend all official Police Jury and committee meetings, is responsible for preparing the official minutes of all meetings for publication and adoption, and is responsible for all correspondence conducted on behalf of the Jackson Parish Police Jury.

Minimum Requirements:

Four (4) year college degree in Accounting/Finance; CPA certification preferred; five (5) years direct experience in management and supervision; advanced computer and data processing skills with expertise in Microsoft Office Suite required; proficient in training staff.

Resumes and job applications may be hand-delivered or mailed in a SEALED ENVELOPE marked “Application for Secretary-Treasurer” to the Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251.  No electronic submissions will be accepted.  A detailed job description can be obtained from Police Jury Office or from our website: www.jacksonparishpolicejury.org.

Jackson Parish Police Jury Secretary-Treasurer / Parish Administrator
Job Description

Job Title: Secretary-Treasurer / Parish Administrator
Location: Police Jury Office – 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA
Requirements: Four (4) year college degree in Accounting/Finance, CPA certification preferred; five (5) years direct experience in management and supervision; advanced computer and data processing skills required; Class E Driver’s License
FLSA Status: Salary, non-exempt
Work Schedule: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (1-hour unpaid lunch break) Monday – Friday unless scheduled for weekend work, plus all Police Jury and associated committee meetings.
On-call, holidays, weekends, overtime, etc. required when necessary

Description:
The Jackson Parish Police Jury appoints this position every two years in accordance with State Law. Must possess knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing all aspects of local governmental operations; must have excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills and is responsible for all correspondence conducted on behalf of the Jackson Parish Police Jury. Required to attend all public meetings of the Jackson Parish Police Jury and is responsible for preparing the official minutes of all meetings for publication and adoption. Also serves as Human Resources Manager, Equal Opportunity Officer, and Floodplain Administrator for the Police Jury. This position requires the ability to work without close supervision and possession of industrious work ethic.

Applicants must be knowledgeable and proficient in performing all accounting functions in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, preparation of consolidated budgets, and responsible for compliance with procedures and policies under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.

Responsibilities:
The responsibilities herein are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by this position, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Jackson Parish Policy Jury.

Administration (Secretary):
• Officially represent the Police Jury in the coordination and interaction with all outside agencies
• Coordinate with the Police Jury, Officers, Chairmen, etc. to establish public meeting agendas and documentation to be distributed to all members of the Police Jury, draft letters, forms, etc. for President’s signature on all official correspondence
• Prepare standard items and documentation for all Police Jury and Committee meetings including collating prior meeting minutes, reports, purchase orders, and the monthly financial packet
• Serve as custodian of all public records for the Jackson Parish Police Jury; responsible for responding to all public records requests in accordance with state law; responsible for official record keeping of all official proceedings of the Jackson Parish Police Jury
• Prepare official reports to various federal, state, and parish agencies, some concerning departmental activities
• Facilitate the general public relative to standard inquiries and/or grievances
• Have a thorough knowledge of the building permit process, regulations, and rules
• Directly supervise all administrative staff
• Administer over all personnel folders
• Be familiar with the process and all related documents for new hires, terminations, retirements, and other employee changes
• Oversee the annual employee training of ethics and harassment and the state reporting
• Administrate all general liability and accident claims as well as all worker’s compensation claims for all departments
• Be responsible for policy development, payroll and reporting, and maintenance of Parish employee benefit plan and general insurance and worker’s comp plans
• Address and resolve complaints and employee grievances within the Administrative Department
• Coordinate with 3rd party technology firm and assigned IT specialist on cyber security systems and monitoring and the general management of existing networks, email servers, and domains for all offices and departments
• Perform ongoing maintenance and content of the Parish website and Facebook accounts
• Serve as software administrator for all software platforms (financial system, time and attendance system, agendas & minutes system, telephone system, security system, grants portals, etc.)
• Administer over all open bid proceedings including interpreting bid law to determine applicability, proper publishing of public notices in compliance with state law, and attend all bid openings, tabulate results, and prepare the documents for audit inspection
• Possess independent management skills and extensive knowledge in public administration
• Possess qualifications of assertiveness, multi-tasking ability, verbal and written communication skills, grant proposal preparation skills, and interpersonal/human relation skills
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Treasurer:
• Directly responsible for the preparation of all financial reports, audits, and financial statements for the Parish of Jackson
• Analyze and report on financial status of the Police Jury; direct preparation of all operating budgets and controls; review of Special Program budgets and controls
• Responsible for all purchasing of investment securities for the Jackson Parish Police Jury
• Monitor and track capital assets, disposals, and physical inventories and calculate depreciation
• Oversee all functions of the financial processes and procedures including, but not limited to, budgeting and forecasting, accounts payable, payroll processing, purchasing, permits and licensing, billing, and bank reconciliations
• Responsible for the monthly and year-end closing process including preparation of adjusting journal entries, bank reconciliations, year-end accruals, budget amendment recommendations, and general financial analysis
• Responsible for grant submissions and related reporting requirements
• Responsible for overseeing the timely filings of all state and federal reporting including 1099s, 1095s, W-2s, and all quarterly and annual payroll reporting
• Capable of performing day-to-day accounting functions when other staff is unavailable such as cash receipts, deposits, accounts payable, payroll, etc.
• Responsible for the design and preparation of cost estimates of small and large construction projects, new programs, capital purchases, etc.
• Preparation of budgets, cost estimates, and damage assessments to be presented to the Police Jury
• Provide requested information to auditors and coordinate with them on financial reporting
• Responsible for the work of others for accuracy and completeness

Distinguishing Characteristics of Job:
This position is a highly responsible classification in the Police Jury organization and is distinguished from other classifications by the skills and knowledge required and the performance of more difficult and complex tasks.
Incumbents in this class are distinguished from other personnel by a greater knowledge of regulations, policies, and procedures. Employees in this class are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of assigned office duties.

Travel:
• Travel is primarily local during the business day, but some overnight travel may be required

Supervisory Responsibilities:
• This position has direct supervision over the Administrative Departments and coordinates with the Operations Manager to oversee and support the Road, Solid Waste, and Maintenance Departments.

Security Requirements:
Must be able to pass a background check and periodic drug screenings. Must be legally able to work in the United State of America.

EEO Statement:
The Jackson Parish Policy Jury provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Other Duties:
Please Note: this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Jackson Parish Police Jury is accepting applications for the position of Secretary-Treasurer. 

Applicants must be knowledgeable and proficient in performing all accounting functions in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, preparation of consolidated budgets, and responsible for compliance with procedures and policies under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.  The Secretary-Treasurer is required to attend all official Police Jury and committee meetings, is responsible for preparing the official minutes of all meetings for publication and adoption, and is responsible for all correspondence conducted on behalf of the Jackson Parish Police Jury.

Minimum Requirements:

Four (4) year college degree in Accounting/Finance; CPA certification preferred; five (5) years direct experience in management and supervision; advanced computer and data processing skills with expertise in Microsoft Office Suite required; proficient in training staff.

Resumes and job applications may be hand-delivered or mailed in a SEALED ENVELOPE marked “Application for Secretary-Treasurer” to the Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251.  No electronic submissions will be accepted.  A detailed job description can be obtained from Police Jury Office or from our website: www.jacksonparishpolicejury.org.

Jackson Parish Police Jury Meeting Minutes
February 12, 2024

The Jackson Parish Police Jury met in regular session on Monday, February 12, 2024 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, Ms. Sheketia Combs, Ms. Regina Rowe, and Mr. Keith Burris. Absent: Ms.
Tarneshala Cowans. Also present: Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager; Mr. Wayne Anderson, Road Superintendent; and Mr. Robin Sessions, Solid Waste Superintendent.
The President, Mr. Culpepper, called the meeting to order. Ms. Rowe gave the invocation and Mr. Chatham led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The President opened the floor for public comments. Mr. Benson Bagwell spoke of his request to sell alcohol on Sunday’s.
The President moved to the approval of minutes.
Motion Ms. Magee, seconded Mr. Burris to adopt the minutes of the January 8th regular jury meeting; January 10th special called meeting; January 23rd special called meeting; February 5th special called meeting; monthly purchase orders, and the payment of all bills. Motion carried.
The President called for approval of committee reports.
Motion Mr. Burris, seconded Ms. Combs to adopt the minutes of the February 1, 2024 personnel committee meeting. Motion carried.
The President called for monthly management reports.
Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager, gave the January Operations Manager Reports.
Mr. Wayne Anderson, Road Superintendent, presented the January Road Report noting that $11,665.34 had been spent on emergency call-outs/off-schedule work.
Motion Ms. Rowe, seconded Mr. Burris to accept the January 2024 emergency/off-schedule reports. Motion carried.
Mr. Robin Session, Solid Waste Superintendent, presented the January Solid Waste Report.
Motion Mr. Burris, seconded Mr. Chatham to approve purchase of new trash bins and replacement bottoms.
Motion carried.
The President moved on to Other Business.
Mr. Paul Riley was absent, no report given.
Motion Ms. Rowe, seconded Ms. Magee to appoint Sheryl Holder to the Museum Board; reappoint Brent Barnett to Recreation Board; reappoint Margaret Waggoner to District 3 Fire District; reappoint Scotty Nunn to District 4 Board; reappoint Berry Dodson and Conchita Malone-Doyle to Jonesboro Fire District Board; reappoint Bill
Jimmerson to Quitman Fire District Board. Motion carried.
Motion Ms. Magee, seconded Ms. Combs on request from Benson Bagwell to allow alcohol sales on Sunday. Motion failed.
Announcements
Police Jury Association Conference begins February 28, 2024.
Next Road Committee meeting scheduled for March 5, 2024.
Motion Mr. Burris, seconded Ms. Rowe to adjourn. Motion carried.

Jackson Parish Library Board
Special Called Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2024

The Jackson Parish Library Board of Control met on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library for a special called board meeting. The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Massey, Board President.
Members present: Mrs. Essmeier, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Nunn, Mrs. Standley, Mrs. Tew, and Mrs. Massey.
Also present was Floyd Knox and Judy Robertson.
Members absent: Mrs. Jenkins and Mrs. Magee.
Mrs. Cooper led the invocation.
There being no public comments, the Board proceeded with the proposed agenda.
Mrs. Nunn made the motion to accept the bids received on the auction for the 2005 Bookmobile and if the highest bidder fails to appear, the Louisiana Property Assistance Agency is authorized to move to the next highest bidder until the sale of the bookmobile is completed. Mrs. Cooper seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Essmeier made the motion to update the library’s credit card policy to add that the purchase of postage for library related mailings can be applied to the general credit card. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Essmeier updated the Board on her meeting with the Jonesboro Hodge High School Student Council.
Announcements
Annual training is due by March 31, 2024.
Next scheduled meeting is set for Monday, April 15, 2024.
The Jackson Parish Library will be presented with the NAACP Business Community Service Award on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Tew seconded. All yes. Motion carried.

Chatham Town Council Meeting Minutes
February 13, 2024

The Chatham Town Council met at its regular meeting on February 13, 2024, with the following present: Mayor Greg Harris, Councilmembers Toni Malone, Mike Wilson, Laverne Mixon, Sue Proffer and Bernadean James.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Harris.
The pledge was led by Council member Toni Malone and prayer was given by Mayor Harris.
Toni Malone motioned, and Mike Wilson seconded and was approved by all to accept the minutes as read of the regular meeting held on January 9, 2024.
Toni Malone motioned, and Mike Wilson seconded and was approved by all to accept the minutes as read of the special call meeting held on January 29, 2024.
Mike Wilson motioned, and Sue Proffer seconded and was approved by all to pay the monthly bills.
Sue Proffer motioned and Bernadean James seconded and was approved by all to adopt Ordinance 2024-01 amending Ordinance 12-163.
The Mayor and Council discussed with some residents on Concord Rd about extending the Chatham water system to their area. Mayor Harris will be reaching out to the town’s engineer and Jack McFarland regarding capital outlay for the project.
Mayor Harris reminded the council and public of the public meeting to be held on February 20, 2024, at 6:00PM in the council room at Village Hall.
Toni Malone motioned, and Bernadean James seconded and was approved by all to accept the financial statements as presented.
Mike Wilson motioned, and Toni Malone seconded and was approved by all that the meeting be adjourned.

 

Around 12:30 am on Thursday, February 15, 2024, the Jonesboro Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire on the 500 block of Fourth Street. Homeowner, Susie (Halbrook) Lowery, was found deceased in a bedroom in what is believed to be the result of smoke inhalation. 

According to authorities, after an investigation took place, officials determined that the fire began in the attic area of the home and apparently remained undetected for a long period of time. The cause of the fire remains undetermined with the inability to rule out electrical malfunction. 

This was a unique tragedy in that the fire is believed to have started above the living area of this home and stayed undetected for quite some time due to its location. Even then, a smoke alarm inside of the home can alert occupants to a fire emergency anywhere, even outside of the home, because smoke spreads quickly and far. What most people don’t realize is that it’s not the flames they should fear; it’s the smoke. Smoke alarms provide critically fast warnings to escape those deadly clouds of poisonous gases. – State Fire Marshal Chief, Bryan J. Adams

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For the fifth time in the last six years and first since “classes” became “divisions”  Quitman High School has advanced to the second round of the LHSAA girls basketball playoffs. 

The Lady Wolverines, seeded #14 and under the guidance of head coach Kyle Leach, accomplished the feat by beating #19 Florien 51-40 in the opening round game played at Quitman this past Thursday.

NEXT UP! Quitman now heads to #3 seed Anacoco on Monday, February 19th. Tip off is scheduled for 6:00 pm and ticket pricing will be $8.00 per person for fans who will be making the trip to the home of the perineal small school power. The Lady Wolverines, who finished in a tie for second place in district 1B bring a 22-10 record into the contest while Anacoco, the second place finisher in district 4B, has a 30-5 record after receiving a first round bye. 

Quitman 51 Florien 40: After a back-and-forth first quarter that saw Quitman take a slim 14-12 lead the Lady Wolverines went on a 9-1 run that led to a 18-7 advantage in the second period and a commanding 32-19 lead at the half. Cali Deal led the way with a 25 point barrage on 7 of 14 shooting from the field and a sterling 11 of 15 effort from the free throw line. Anna Leach pitched in with 10 points that included a pair of three pointers in the pivotal second stanza. Taylor Borland, who entered the contest averaging 3.4 points per game, also came up big with a 7 point effort. Jaleigh Burns finished with five, Taylor Harvey tallied two and both A J Gray and Hallie Kate Pullig made a free throw to round out the scoring for Quitman. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
#14 Quitman (22-10)	14	18	9	10	51
#19 Florien (18-13)	12	7	12	9	40

Weston Girls eliminated with loss to Bell City

With the score 9-6, homestanding Bell City scored 23 straight points and never looked back, eliminating the Lady Wolves in the first round of the Division V playoffs. Despite the large deficit Weston continued to fight, outscoring the Lady Bruins 15-14 in the second quarter but a 22-2 third quarter advantage by the #12 seed ended all hopes of a second half comeback. Eighth grader Carly Jo Griffin led Weston in scoring with 10 points with Anslee Aldy chipping in with seven. Lexie Millien finished with four, Lainee Trosclair tallied three and both Nadia Siadek and Jacie Ledford made a basket on the night where Weston struggled mightily from the field making only 6 of 42 shots. With the loss the Lady Wolves, who finished in a tie for 2nd place in District 1B and was seeded #21, ends the season with a 16-14 record while #12 Bell City, improves to 18-10 on the year and now has a second round date against #5 Gibsland-Coleman. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
#21 Weston (16-14)	6	15	2	5	28
#12 Bell City (18-10)	27	14	22	6	69

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Make plans to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the  announcement and dedication of the future Habitat for Humanity home sites in Jackson Parish on Monday, February 19th.

In the presence of North Louisiana Habitat for Humanity CEO, Kathy Gardner, WestRock General Manager and Habitat of Humanity Board Member, Eric Taylor, along with local officials and civic leaders, the event will take place at 1:30 pm at 244 Bond Street in Jonesboro.

The location where the homes will be built is where Kim Brunson, CEO of Mercy Medical Health Center, has generously donated property to the Habitat of Humanity for this much needed project.

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Before the 2024 LHSAA indoor season track and field even began, Bryan Lay of Quitman High School was already the two time, defending Class B outdoor track and field state champion in the pole vault. On Saturday, Lay competed in the LHSAA Indoor state championships . It can now be said “Peanut”, as he is fondly called by family and friends, is the best pole vaulter in the state – indoor or out!

Lay won the indoor state title by clearing 14’6″ at the Carl Maddox Fieldhouse on the campus of LSU in Baton Rouge. Not only did Lay lay claim to his third state title he also now owns the top two vaults in the state this year.

Nearly each and every week over the 30 days, Bryan Lay of Quitman High School has reached new heights – literally. First it was setting a new a personal best of 13’9″ in the pole vault at the LSU High School Qualifier on January 20th. This was followed by clearing 14 feet at the McNeese Indoors one week later and earning Performer of the Week by Mile Split LA. Then at the LSU Last Chance Qualifier Lay went absolutely “orbital” improving his previous best by an incredible 10 inches to become the state of Louisiana’s #1 ranked pole vaulter. 

QHS 4×400 boys relay tops among small schools

Lay wasn’t the only QHS track athlete to score points at the LHSAA Indoors. As a group, four more scored points as well, with the 4×400 boys relay team coming in 5th place. Making the showing all the more impressive was that Nathan Harvey, Gage Horton, Jayden Harts and Brayden Smith finished behind schools all from higher classifications giving the Wolverines the designation of having the best 4×400 team among all Class B / Division V schools in the state. 

Kaeligh King and Nathan Harvey also competed in the 60 meter hurdles giving all the QHS athletes the distinction of being the first to compete in a state indoor track and field meet.  

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Want to know what the plans for the Village of Chatham are for the upcoming year? What about being interested in learning of what improvements have been made over the past year? 

Then you are invited to attend the annual “State of the Village” presentation given by Chatham Mayor Greg Harris at 6:00pm on Tuesday, February 20th that will be held at Chatham Village Hall, located at 1709 Oak Street. 

“We are excited to be hosting this event as it will give our residents an opportunity to ask questions, voice their opinions and learn of what we have planned for our community this year,” said Mayor Harris. “I hope we have a great turnout.”

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It is a a testament to the strength of the Quitman High School softball team. With three wins in past two days, the defending LHSAA Division V state runner-up squad has run their record to 4-0 in the early part of the 2024 season and this without their All-State pitcher even playing an inning yet. 

Quitman is one of the deepest teams in the state, regardless of classification. Head coach Justin Dodson’s team has tremendously talented players at every position. What makes their early performance all the more impressive is that many of the key contributors for the Lady Wolverines are young, very young. The line up in their last game played showed that one senior, two juniors, a sophomore, a freshman and FOUR 8th graders started. 

The Lady Wolverines stayed perfect on the year by winning three games in the Logansport Tournament. The first win was a 12-4 decision against Class 4A Minden, who is coached by former Weston High School standout Shelby Leach on Friday. Next came a pair of victories on Saturday, a 7-2 victory over Stanley followed by a 13-3 thrashing of Montgomery in the nightcap. 

Madi was Magnificent!  Northwestern State University may have gotten the steal of the 2024 signing class when Madison Chaplin inked to be a Lady Demon this past summer. Already considered one of the best seniors in north Louisiana, “Madi” displayed her blossoming talent in impressive fashion against the Class 4A Minden in the opening game of the tourney by hitting a lead off home run.  She followed that up with a 3rd inning triple and another “tater” in the fourth frame leading to a 3/4 day with three extra base hits, four runs scored and five RBI. Add reaching on a walk and an error along with stealing a base. Against Montgomery, Chaplin smashed a pair of doubles, scored two and drove in two more. 

Hammering Huckaby!  It is a rare achievement for a player to hit a grand slam home run. That is unless you are Karla Huckaby. For her it seems there is nothing to it. Huckaby not only blasted a “grand salami” in the victory over Minden but followed that up with another bases clearing jack against Stanley. Last year the junior knocked in 14 runs in 35 games. In the three games played in the Logansport Tourney she knocked in 11 and has at least one RBI in all four games played. 

Eight’s are great! Softball is supposed to be a game that takes a long time to master. Most very good performers have a ton of innings under their belt. Someone forgot to tell that to the 8th graders on the QHS team. In the three games played in the tourney the four 8th graders on the roster (Hallie Kate Pullig, Kinsley Ponder, Briley Bowers and Brenna Lamkin) reached base a total of 20 times, accumulating a total of 14 hits and six walks for a 350 batting average. Included was 8 RBI and 15 runs scored. In the field the “fabulous four” converted 26 chances without making an error with 25 putouts and one assist. It doesn’t end there either. In the circle, Lamkin threw 11.2 innings to the tune of a 2.40 ERA, including a complete game victory against Stanley. Again, these are 8th graders! WOW! 

Game Recaps

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Minden	0	0	2	0	1	0	1	4	7	2
Quitman	1	6	2	3	0	0	x	12	11	0

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Quitman	0	0	7	0	0	0	0	7	9	0
Stanley	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	2	5	2

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H	E
Montgomery	0	0	3	0	0	0	3	5	0
Quitman	12	0	0	0	0	1	13	11	1

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The Student / Athletes of the Week for 2024 has been selected at the three public high schools in Jackson Parish. Being chosen to represent their respective schools for the week of February 11-17  were Angel Moss from Jonesboro-Hodge High School, Lexie Millien  at Weston High School and Eli Walker from Quitman High School.

The honorees are chosen by select members of the faculty and staff from each school after best exemplifying what it means to be a true student-athlete through academic achievement and athletic accomplishment. Each recipient is given a commemorative T-Shirt by the Jackson Parish Hospital, who sponsors the award.

Student-Athlete of the Week

Eli Walker  (12th Grade) – Quitman High School Boys Basketball

Angel Moss (11th Grade) – Jonesboro-Hodge High School Girls Basketball

Lexie Millien (12th Grade) – Weston High School Girls Basketball

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The Weston and Quitman baseball teams were “jambing” on Saturday. Both played a pair of three inning contests with pitching ruling the day leading to Weston blanking two opponents in the D’Arbonne Woods Jamboree and Quitman dropping a game despite allowing only two hits and playing to a scoreless tie in the other at the Choudrant Jamboree.

Local schools open season on Monday

The regular season begins for all three Jackson Parish high school baseball teams on Monday, February 19th, highlighted by Jonesboro-Hodge making the short journey up Hwy 167 to Quitman High School for a juicy “all parish” season opener. Weston will hit the road for their first regular season game as they travel to Class 5A Natchitoches-Central 

The early season ambitious schedule put together by Wolves coach Joey Kemp continues on Tuesday, February 20th when Weston hits the road again to another Class 5A school in Ouachita High.

Jamboree Recaps

Weston 3 D’Arbonne Woods 0
Weston scored three runs in the top of the first with two outs to slip past the Jamboree host. Cole Tolar opened the game by getting hit by a pitch. Landon Garrett came in to pinch run for him and after taking second on a groundout scored on a Drew Browning single. Braden Theriot then hit a grounder to third but Browning beat the throw to second setting up a walks to Jacob Gill and Sawyer Watkins that scored Browning and loaded the bases. Drew Williams then got hit by a pitch that scored Theriot. Three Weston pitchers, (Garrett, Colton Blundell and Cooper Delaney each threw an inning of shut out baseball. 

TEAM	1	2	3	R	H	E
Weston	3	0	0	3	1	1
D’Arbonne Woods	0	0	0	0	1	2

Weston 1 Beekman Charter 0
It was almost like de-ja-vu all over again in the second contest at D’Arbonne Woods as once again Cole Tolar led off the top of the first by getting hit by a pitch. Landon Garrett pinch ran and went to third on a single by Cooper Delaney, who took second on the throw to third. Drew Browning then hit a grounder to second that scored Garrett for the only run of  the game. Drew Williams got the win after striking out the side in the first, with Tayt Culpepper and Browning also both throwing shut out innings. 

TEAM	1	2	3	R	H	E
Weston	1	0	0	1	2	1
Beekman	0	0	0	0	1	1

Winnfield 3 Quitman 2
The Wolverines fell despite allowing only two hits and not giving up an earned run. A first inning error after a double and a single gave Winnfield two runs. After Quitman had rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the second, another error in the third along with a balk and a passed ball gave Winnfield the winning run. The Wolverines got their runs when John Reagan Hasley opened with a walk followed by a single from Pete Simonelli. Hasley scored on a Braden Hobbs sacrifice fly. Tucker Newton scored the second run after pinch running for Simonelli and scoring on a single by Jake Potts.

TEAM	1	2	3	R	H	E
Winnfield	2	0	1	3	2	0
Quitman	0	2	0	2	3	2

Quitman 0 Choudrant 0
Hudson Pullig struck out five in the first two innings while Cail King and Zach Smudricks closed out the third by striking out one Choudrant batter apiece, leaving the Aggies with the bases loaded as the two former district foes battled to a scoreless tie. Kace West got the only hit for the Wolverines. 

TEAM	1	2	3	R	H	E
Quitman	0	0	0	0	1	0
Choudrant	0	0	0	0	1	0

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The Chatham Town Council held its regular monthly meeting on February 13, 2024, with the following present: Mayor Greg Harris, Councilmembers Toni Malone, Mike Wilson, Laverne Mixon, Sue Proffer and Bernadean James.

Once the meeting was called to order by Mayor Harris the minutes of the January meeting and payment of bills due was approved. Financial statements were also accepted. Councilmembers then adopted Ordinance 2024-01 amending Ordinance 12-163 which allows for Mayor Harris to set fines for failure to keep property clean and presentable. 

Extending the Chatham Water System to residents on Concord Road was next to be discussed with agreement to have Mayor Harris reaching out to the town’s engineer and Representative, Jack McFarland, regarding capital outlay for the project.

In closing, Mayor Harris reminded those in attendance of the scheduled public meeting to be held on February 20, 2024, at 6:00PM in the council room at Village Hall located at 1709 Oak Street in Chatham. 

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The 2024 State Livestock Show was held Feb. 10-17, 2024, at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, Louisiana with Jackson Parish 4-H members Lane Diffy and Jastyn Jordan bringing home top awards in their respective divisions. 

Lane was a winner multiple times, earning Grand and a Reserve Champion in Breed with his exhibition birds and placing 5th in Poultry Showmanship. Jastyn and her calf Athena also won a pair of first place blue ribbons coming in first in class and in LA breed. 

Jonesboro-Hodge High School has taken another step into the age of using modern technology. On Thursday, February 15th the administration and athletic department announced that supporters of any of the spring sports programs can now purchase tickets by using digital, online ticketing services.

At this time you may download the “GoFan” app and search for Jonesboro-Hodge High School and begin purchasing your tickets for both baseball and softball. When you arrive at the gate for any event, all you have to do is pull up your ticket on your phone and the admission staff will verify your ticket and you will be admitted into the event.

If you arrive at the gate without purchasing before hand, you will be able to purchase your tickets via a debit or credit card or with Google or Apple Pay at the gate. Also to save you money, if you know that you intend to go to each home game throughout the season, a season ticket pass is available on the platform for purchase right now. This season ticket pass will allow for you to be admitted into all home regular season games for that repective season and sport. To begin purchasing tickets, either scan the QR code shown below or use the following link:

https://gofan.co/app/school/LA19870

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