As tradition has it, when the clock strikes midnight, signifying the beginning of Wednesday, January 1st, a grand celebration is had all over the world in recognition of the beginning of a new year. From private gatherings with family to joining the crowd in New York City to watch the ball drop everyone loves to bring in the new year in hopes that this one will be the best yet. 

Civilizations around the world have been celebrating the start of each new year for at least four millennia. Today, most New Year’s festivities begin on December 31 (New Year’s Eve), the last day of the Gregorian calendar, and continue into the early hours of January 1 (New Year’s Day). Common traditions include attending parties, eating special New Year’s foods, making resolutions for the new year and watching fireworks displays.

Here is a little history on how the New Year’s Day Celebration got started…..

Ancient New Year’s Celebrations

The earliest recorded festivities in honor of a new year’s arrival date back some 4,000 years to ancient Babylon. For the Babylonians, the first new moon following the vernal equinox—the day in late March with an equal amount of sunlight and darkness—heralded the start of a new year. They marked the occasion with a massive religious festival called Akitu (derived from the Sumerian word for barley, which was cut in the spring) that involved a different ritual on each of its 11 days.

In addition to the new year, Atiku celebrated the mythical victory of the Babylonian sky god Marduk over the evil sea goddess Tiamat and served an important political purpose: It was during this time that a new king was crowned or that the current ruler’s divine mandate was symbolically renewed.

Throughout antiquity, civilizations around the world developed increasingly sophisticated calendars, typically pinning the first day of the year to an agricultural or astronomical event. In Egypt, for instance, the year began with the annual flooding of the Nile, which coincided with the rising of the star Sirius. The first day of the Lunar New Year, meanwhile, occurred with the second new moon after the winter solstice.

January 1 Becomes New Year’s Day

The early Roman calendar consisted of 10 months and 304 days, with each new year beginning at the vernal equinox; according to tradition, it was created by Romulus, the founder of Rome, in the eighth century B.C. A later king, Numa Pompilius, is credited with adding the months of Januarius and Februarius.

Over the centuries, the calendar fell out of sync with the sun, and in 46 B.C. Julius Caesar decided to solve the problem by consulting with the most prominent astronomers and mathematicians of his time. He introduced the Julian calendar, which closely resembles the more modern Gregorian calendar that most countries around the world use today.

As part of his reform, Caesar instituted January 1 as the first day of the year, partly to honor the month’s namesake: Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, whose two faces allowed him to look back into the past and forward into the future. Romans celebrated by offering sacrifices to Janus, exchanging gifts with one another, decorating their homes with laurel branches and attending raucous parties.

In medieval Europe, Christian leaders temporarily replaced January 1 as the first of the year with days carrying more religious significance, such as December 25 (the anniversary of Jesus’ birth) and March 25 (the Feast of the Annunciation); Pope Gregory XIII reestablished January 1 as New Year’s Day in 1582.

New Year’s Traditions and Celebrations Around the World

In many countries, New Year’s celebrations begin on the evening of December 31—New Year’s Eve—and continue into the early hours of January 1. Revelers often enjoy meals and snacks thought to bestow good luck for the coming year. In Spain and several other Spanish-speaking countries, people bolt down a dozen grapes-symbolizing their hopes for the months ahead-right before midnight.

In many parts of the world, traditional New Year’s dishes feature legumes, which are thought to resemble coins and herald future financial success; examples include lentils in Italy and black-eyed peas in the southern United States. Because pigs represent progress and prosperity in some cultures, pork appears on the New Year’s Eve table in Cuba, Austria, Hungary, Portugal and other countries. Ring-shaped cakes and pastries, a sign that the year has come full circle, round out the feast in the Netherlands, Mexico, Greece and elsewhere. In Sweden and Norway, meanwhile, rice pudding with an almond hidden inside is served on New Year’s Eve; it is said that whoever finds the nut can expect 12 months of good fortune.

Other customs that are common worldwide include watching fireworks and singing songs to welcome the new year, including the ever-popular “Auld Lang Syne” in many English-speaking countries. The practice of making resolutions for the new year is thought to have first caught on among the ancient Babylonians, who made promises in order to earn the favor of the gods and start the year off on the right foot. (They would reportedly vow to pay off debts and return borrowed farm equipment.)

In the United States, the most iconic New Year’s tradition is the dropping of a giant ball in New York City’s Times Square at the stroke of midnight. Millions of people around the world watch the event, which has taken place almost every year since 1907. Over time, the ball itself has ballooned from a 700-pound iron-and-wood orb to a brightly patterned sphere 12 feet in diameter and weighing in at nearly 12,000 pounds. Various towns and cities across America have developed their own versions of the Times Square ritual, organizing public drops of items ranging from pickles (Dillsburg, Pennsylvania) to possums (Tallapoosa, Georgia) at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

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The 2024 portion of the LHSAA prep basketball season is in the books and now the girls and boys squads from high schools all over the state of Louisiana are looking forward to the upcoming new year and the prospects that it brings. 

A look at how the three high schools in Jackson Parish fared during the past year shows that two of the three (Weston and Quitman) have winning records while Jonesboro-Hodge has won almost as many games as all over last year. On the boys side, Quitman has established itself as far and away the best team in the parish while Jonesboro-Hodge and Weston look for improvement. 

Girls Team Records

Weston 11-7
Quitman 10-8
JHHS 5-10

Boys Team Records

Quitman 15-2
Weston 6-12
JHHS 2-11

Upcoming Games

Friday, January 3rd

Jonesboro-Hodge vs Caldwell Parish (JV,G,B) 5:00 PM
Quitman at West Ouachita (JV,G,B) 5:00 PM

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Table Mountain is located in the Teton Mountain range in Wyoming near the Idaho border. Reaching a height of just over 11,100 feet, Table Mountain’s peak offers climbers breathtaking views of the Teton Mountain range. Experienced climbers consider it a challenging climb with steep, rocky inclines of about 1,300 feet per mile. Climbers who have reached the summit claim the views are worth the effort.
On July 31, 2000, 20-year-old Sarah George and 22-year-old Megan Freeman decided to hike to the peak of Table Mountain to take in the views.

After five hours of climbing in the sweltering heat, they neared the summit. Sarah began to feel weak. She and Megan had exhausted their small supply of water quicker than they had anticipated. The combination of the heat, altitude, and dehydration made Sarah physically ill. The hike back down Table Mountain would take a climber in peak physical condition about five hours to complete, but Sarah could only take a couple of steps at a time before having to stop to rest. Megan tried to help Sarah, but they quickly realized how dire their situation was.

Megan pulled out her cell phone and called 911, but there was a problem. Neither Teton County, Wyoming, in which Table Mountain is located, nor adjoining Lincoln County could afford the $1,000 per hour cost to hire a private helicopter and pilot for rescues. They knew of a private pilot who lived just a few miles away who had offered his helicopter and piloting services free of charge for emergencies, but he only lived there part time. Luckily, the pilot was at his home in Jackson, Wyoming when the call came in. Within minutes, the pilot and his co-pilot picked up a paramedic in his Bell 407 helicopter and headed to Table Mountain.

Meanwhile, two other hikers came upon Sarah and Megan. Megan explained that she had called 911 and hoped a helicopter would come to their rescue, but Sarah had to get to the nearest clearing where a helicopter could land. Megan and the two other hikers carried Sarah about two miles to a meadow on Table Mountain. When the helicopter came into view, Megan and the two hikers waved their arms and got the pilot’s attention. The helicopter landed and the paramedic ran to Sarah. The paramedic told Megan that they only had enough room to take Sarah from the mountain. They loaded Sarah into the helicopter and began flying to a nearby hospital. Megan had no choice but to hike back down the mountain.

As they flew toward the hospital, Sarah glanced at the paramedic, co-pilot, and pilot. She noted that the pilot was not wearing the attire she expected of a typical rescue pilot. Sarah said the pilot was wearing a t-shirt and an old cowboy hat. Suddenly, she felt nauseous. They were only about a minute away from the hospital when Sarah said she was going to be sick. The pilot quickly handed Sarah his cowboy hat and she vomited in it. Just before they landed at the hospital, the paramedic revealed the identity of the pilot to Sarah.

She told reporters that “he didn’t look like I’d ever seen him before.” She had certainly seen the pilot many times before. She had seen him fly airplanes and spaceships on multiple occasions, but never in person. Sarah’s rescuer, the aviation enthusiast who offered his rescue services free of charge, is a cinematic cultural icon. Sarah was embarrassed when she told reporters, “I can’t believe I barfed in Harrison Ford’s helicopter.”

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The Lincoln Parish Elementary League will hold a Jamboree on Saturday, January 4th at the Ruston Sports Complex. Local teams that are slated for action in the eight games that are scheduled to be played on Court 2 and Court 3 are the girls squad from Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary and both the girls and boys teams from Quitman Elementary. 

The Quitman girls will open the action at 10:00 am on Court 2 against Choudrant with the J-HES girls playing Ruston Elementary at 11:30 am also on Court 2. The Quitman boys team will play Choudrant Elementary at 12:15 on Court 3. 

Admission is $5.00 per person with children under the age of 5 admitted free of charge. 

The participating schools are Cypress Springs, Ruston Elementary, Lincoln Prep, Simsboro Elementary, Dubach Elementary, Choudrant Elementary, Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary, Crawford Elementary, and Quitman Elementary. 

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My material grandparents were both born in the 19th century. They lived long enough that I knew them. I was particularly fond of my grandmother. Their house had a huge front porch with a swing and rocking chairs. After lunch we would all go out to the front porch. I asked my grandmother once, “What are we doing?”

She said, “We are watching the world go by.”

After we watched the passing world we were required to go inside and “be still.” Looking back, I understand that was grandparent for “we are napping, you kids don’t bother us.” Forced stillness is tough on a six-year-old. But even at that I have memories. When I was still, I would imagine what the people in that painting were doing.

That painting depicted a bearded man sitting with his wife and two children. My mother inherited the painting from her mother. When my mother died, I took the painting of the bearded man and his family. As a child, I had a vague notion that those people were family. When we cleaned out mom’s house, seeing that painting again after so many years brought back strangely comforting feelings. My siblings had no such affinity for the painting. I took it home.

We live in a world of reciprocal relationships. We say it like this, “what goes around comes around.” Don’t admit this to anyone, but you know that in your heart what you have received in life is what you have planted. This can be a hard truth to swallow in places. And it will break down at times because of evil and human sinfulness. With those caveats, it seems to be true. If you want to change your luck, then change your behavior. If you want to have more friends, be friendlier. If you want financial peace become generous. You get the idea; you have heard it enough in sermons!

Now back to my grandmother’s painting. Since I have inherited it, I have wondered about the identity of those people. Why did this painting pull at my heart?

The other day I was trolling the family tree on ancestry. I was working through the material side of the family. I was tracing my great grandmother who died soon after giving birth to my grandmother’s twin brothers. Her father, my second great grandfather, was Rev. Daniel Shephard Campbell from Kentucky. Attached to his information was a painting showing Rev. Campbell, his wife, and at least two of his ten children. One of the girls he named Katie Marvin Campbell. She was my great grandmother. My mother was named Katie Marvin. One of the girls in the painting was my great grandmother, Katie Marvin.

Interesting things about families, things go around in circles. I sat for several moments and stared at the picture on the Internet of Rev. Campbell and his family. It was the same one that hung on my grandmother’s wall. The same painting I inherited from my mother. It was the painting I looked at for hours while “being still.” It was a painting of my second great grandfather, Rev. Daniel Shephard Campbell a Methodist preacher.

Not only do families have these connections and repeated patterns. They are a part of daily life. You cannot escape connection. We were created to be connected. We were created to be dependent if you want a stronger image. In the New Year, could we all depend on each other a little bit more and be more dependable for others?

One of the truths of a reciprocal life is that we are in danger when we decide to divide our lives into those things we can do ourselves and those things that requires God’s help. When we live depending on God’s presence in our lives, we become dependable people of faith and action. It is all about “what goes around comes around.”

That truth will either cause you to be grateful or to duck!

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• Survivors are 3 times as likely to meet the criteria for PTSD.
• Survivors are 2 times more likely to develop symptoms of depression and 3 times more likely to develop a major depressive order.
• Survivors are 3 times more likely to engage in self-harming behaviors.
• Survivors are 3 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts and 4 times more likely to attempt suicide.
• Survivors are 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
• Survivors are 6 times more likely to have a substance use disorder.

Data on Workplace and domestic violence statistics
• Current or former intimate partners accounted for nearly 33% of women killed in US workplaces between 2003 and 2008.
• In 2005, nearly 1 in 4 large private industry establishments reported at least one instance of domestic violence, including threats and assaults.
• 44% of full-time employed adults in the US reported experiencing the effect of domestic violence in their workplace; 21% identified themselves as victims of intimate partner violence.
• A 2005 survey found that 64% of respondents who identified themselves as victims of domestic violence indicated that their ability to work was affected by the violence. 57% of domestic violence victims said they were distracted; almost half (45%) feared being discovered, and 2 in 5 were afraid of an unexpected visit by their intimate partner (either by phone or in person).
• Nearly two thirds of corporate executives (63%) say that domestic violence is a major problem in society; 55% cite its harmful impact on productivity in their companies.
• 91% of employees say that domestic violence has a negative impact on their company’s bottom line; just 43% of corporate executives agree. 71% of corporate executives do not perceive domestic violence as a major issue at their company.
• Over 70% of US workplaces don’t have a formal program or policy to address workplace violence.
• Domestic violence issues lead to nearly 8 million lost days of paid work each year, the equivalent of over 32,000 full-time jobs.
• 96% of employed domestic violence victims experience problems at work because of the abuse.

Data on Firearm and domestic violence statistics
• Women in the US are 11 times more likely to be killed with guns than women in other high-income countries.
• Female intimate partners are more likely to be killed with a firearm than all other means combined.
• The presence of a gun in domestic violence situations increases the risk of homicide for women by 500%. More than half of women killed by gun violence are killed by family members or intimate partners.

Andrea Malone, Jackson Parish DART Rural Advocate
208 Hudson
Jonesboro LA 71251
318-395-8006

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Kids and the Outdoors

My outdoors experiences began before I was old enough to handle a fishing rod or even a BB gun. I was fortunate to have a dad who was an outdoors-oriented person. My dad was a career employee of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and he took my brother and me on outings not only related to his job but also on fishing and hunting trips.

I can still remember tagging along, sitting next to dad on the creek bank while he fished. Other times, my “tag along” experiences involved sitting beside him on a log while he watched the tree tops for a squirrel. I will forever be indebted to him for realizing the need to get us interested and involved in the outdoors before we were old enough to actually participate.

It wasn’t long before he put a fishing pole in my grubby little hands, instructing me how to watch the cork and set the hook when it bobbled and went under. The thrill of the pulsating fight of my first fat bluegill lingers even today. As we grew older, we graduated to casting rods, again under the watchful eye of dad. I can’t count how many times he’d have to take the rod from my hand and yank the lure out of an overhanging limb I’d nailed with an errant cast.

It was the hunting trips, though, that were the most exciting. While my short legs were hard pressed to step in dad’s footsteps, I tried to keep up. He’s shush me if I stepped on a stick or made too much noise rustling fallen leaves as I walked. I learned as I went along the value of being quiet and sneaky when trying to outwit a squirrel.

The day finally came when he handed me a single shot 22 rifle, unloaded, to carry to the woods with him. Dad laid his shotgun across a shoulder as he sneaked; I laid my 22 across my shoulder just like he did as I tried to be just like him. If a squirrel was an easy target, he’d let me take a crack at it with my 22. Usually, he’d have to down the fleeing squirrel with his 12 gauge because my marksmanship had not yet reached a proficient level. Nevertheless, I was there in the woods with him, serving my hunting apprenticeship under his watchful eye.

Eventually, I was permitted to hunt alone. At first, dad would sit me down on a log in a grove of oaks with the ground littered with cuttings while he slipped off to hunt alone, never too far to hear my call if I needed him. I watched for squirrels while fighting the feeling of fear and abandonment. Time would take care of this latter concern and I came to realize that dad only left me to hunt alone after he was sure I had learned enough to be responsible and safe.

Still later, dad bought a new shotgun for himself and he placed in my hands his trusty old 12 gauge Stevens double barrel. The gun was heavy but that didn’t matter. I was now the owner of a shotgun I could call my own.

I wish I still had that old double. I kept it until I was grown, eventually trading it for an automatic. The Stevens double knocked many a fox squirrel from the tall pines of the woods where we hunted and later, served as my first duck gun. I can still hear the sturdy “ping” when I opened the breech to drop to high brass #6 shells into the barrels; the solid “clink” when I snapped it shut.

Time marches on. My daughters are grown, married and gone from home but when they were younger, I had a covey of fine grandchildren to spoil and pamper.
On a particular squirrel hunt with dogs, I was an interested observer as another hunter and his grandson shared the woods with a group of us as we followed squirrel dogs on a hunt. Dr. Robert Pirtle, Shreveport dentist, had his 9 year old grandson, Jake Rodgers, visiting from Houston. Watching Pirtle instruct, assist, caution and teach young Jake was like turning back to a page from my past.

I doubt that Jake realizes at this point in his young life just how special these moments were. Eventually, he will and he’ll be forever thankful that he had someone willing to take the time and effort to teach him the ways of the outdoors.

I was fortunate; Jake is fortunate. We all had the privilege of being introduced to and nurtured in the outdoors by someone who cared enough about us to offer us that opportunity.

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FISHING REPORT 

CANEY LAKE – Crappie fishing has been good with some slabs caught fishing shiners or jigs around the deeper tops. Bass are best fishing topwater lures and buzz baits early around the grass lines. Bass fishing has been best fishing secondary points on soft plastics and crank baits. 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 – No report. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Bass fishing is best flipping soft plastics along the wind rows and tree lines. Crappie are hitting shiners and jigs around deep brush along the flats. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The river is still low. Very few are trying the fish so reports this week are spotty. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – The lake is still down some 5 feet. Crappie are scattered a bit but return to colder weather will cause them to bunch up again. Some are caught along the stump lines on shiners and jigs. Bass fishing has been best fishing the points with soft plastics or crank baits. Bream are slow; catfishing good off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has been good with some slabs caught fishing shiners or jigs around the deep tops. Bass are best with Carolina rigs, square bill crank baits and Shaky Heads working best. Bream are slow. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Crappie have improved on both ends of the lake with some big slabs reported. Catfishing is good. No report on Bass. For information, contact the marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is rising which should help the fishing. Right now, fishing is quite slow. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Fredrique D. Langley (Ruston, LA) – Resisting, Possession of Schedule I Synthetic, Warrant from Outside Agency
Brea Ymon Renee Lewis (Hodge, LA) – Aggravated Assault, Disturbing the Peace
Joyce E. Tims (Lake Charles, LA) – Distribution of Methamphetamine, Execution of Sentence 
Michael Parker (Monroe, LA) – Simple Burglary, Issuing Worthless Checks, Execution of Sentence x 2
John L. Porter (Arkadelphia, AR) – Careless Operation, DWI
Nathan Lamkin (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
Cameron Bowen (Homeless) – Traffic Warrant
Christopher Palmer (Choudrant, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery, Child Endangerment
Cody J. Edmonds (Jonesboro, LA) – Fugitive from Winn Parish Sheriff Office
Kendrick Rachal  (Winnfield, LA) – Distribution of Methamphetamine
Nlusa Abdulsallew Ahemed (Detroit, MI) – Money Laundering
Farhan Al Ahmed (Detroit, MI) – Money Laundering
Shawn Horton (Quitman, LA) – Theft, Resisting an Officer, Introduction of Contraband, Possession of Schedule 2
Edward Kruebbe Jr. (Jonesboro, LA) – Taking Contraband to or from a Penal Instituion
Vytwan Richardson-Joiner (Houston, TX) – Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Cuttino Hicks (Hodge, LA) – Carrying of a Firearm on School Property, Possession of a Firearm with Obliterated Marks
Brianna Babers (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery with Child Endangerment
Giovanni Sotelo J. Augustin (Arcadia, LA) – Reckless Operation, No Insurance, Operating a Vehicle without Lawful Presence in the United States
Raynald Bolds (Jonesboro, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery, Resisting an Officer, Non-Support Warrant, EOS Warrant
JeMarion Holden (Jonesboro, LA) – Execution of Sentence Warrant

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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  or call 318-480-1206. Possible costs are dependent on content.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Benoit Ford – Need two outgoing people to train for professional sales representatives! Guaranteed income with unlimited potential commission! We offer a full benefit package including insurance and 401k. Apply in person Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at the dealership located at 601 Hudson Avenue in Jonesboro or call Anthony Gray @ 225-200-8289.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Eros Community Water System is currently in violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for trihalomethanes as set forth by the State [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:XII)] and the Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141).
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) set drinking water standards and requires the disinfection of drinking water.
Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA and LDH set standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acid (HAAs). Some people who drink water containing THMs in excess if the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
In December 1998, EPA set enforceable drinking water standards for TTHMs at 80 parts per billion (ppb) and for HAA5 at 60 parts per billion (ppb) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects. Compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 standard for public water systems serving less than 10,000 individuals initially became effective and enforceable on January 1, 2004. Compliance with the TTHMs standard is determined by calculating a locational running annual average (LRAA) of quarterly TTHMs sample results. Compliance calculations performed for the fourth quarter of 2024 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 90 ppb at DBP02- 2311 Hwy 548 and 110 ppb at DBP02- 290 Century Loop; Thus, the system is currently in violation of the TTHMs standard.
We experienced electrical issues at the well. They affected the aerator & chlorinator. We have made necessary repairs to fix the issue.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially
those who may not have received this directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. If you have any questions, contact the water system’s secretary, Heather Lewis, at 318-417-6700.
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. EPA and LDH do not consider this violation to have any serious adverse health effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure; however, continued long-term exposure to TTHMs and HAA5 levels above the standard (e.g., 20 years of exposure) has the potential to have serious adverse effects on human health.

Patricia Morgan Byrd
April 16, 1953 – December 27, 2024

Patricia Morgan Byrd passed away at her daughter’s residence on December 27, 2024. She was the wife of J. H. Byrd, Jr., who preceded her in death on August 1, 2022. Patricia and J. H. shared a nearly 50-year marriage and a lifelong career operating Salter Bus Lines, Inc. in Jonesboro, La.

Survivors include her children Nathan Byrd, Stacy Byrd, and Kathryn Byrd, a host of grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, her brothers Robert Morgan and Michael Morgan, and her sister Mary Ann Morgan Richards.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 2nd at the Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church in Jonesboro. The Celebration of Life service will be at 11:00 am on Friday, January 3rd at the Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church followed by internment in the Gayla Traina Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Dominick Strickland, Skyler Strickland, Roman Strickland, Jayce Holtzclaw, Scott Morgan and Jubal Cheatwood.

Vivian (Black) Springfield
August 4, 1944 – December 28, 2024

Vivian Marie (Black) Springfield, age 80 of Jonesboro, was called home for a grand reunion on Saturday, December 28, 2024. Vivian was a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother that loved her family dearly. Her youngest son Jason was her baby until she met her new baby George. George was her baby doll that stayed wrapped in her arms and was a source of much love and comfort in her later years. In the years prior to going into the nursing home, Vivian loved getting outdoors and spending her free time fishing. She also enjoyed playing bingo and playing card games.

Those left to cherish her beloved memory are her sons, Butch Springfield and wife Kim, Jason Springfield; grandchildren, Derek Boone and wife Mindi, Jeremy Murphy, Evan Springfield and wife Megan, Asa Springfield; great grandchildren, Ethan Boone, Ryen Boone, Breelyn Boone, Addox Boone, Huxton Boone, Drake Murphy, Jaxon Murphy, Cataleya Murphy, Keely Springfield; siblings, Joe Smith, Charlie Smith, Net Smith, Kenneth Black, James Black, and a host other relatives and friends.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Springfield; daughter, Kay Springfield; grandson, A.J. Murphy; father, Bill Black; mother, Burline (Wilhite) Smith; siblings, J.C. Black, Lonnie Black, Faye Birch, Mary Alice Springfield, Rachel Beaubouef.

The funeral service was held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home with Bro. Hudey Beaubouef officiating. Burial followed in Old Bethel Cemetery under direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Richard Springfield, Derek Boone, Jeremy Murphy, Evan Springfield, Ryen Boone and Drake Murphy. Honorary pallbearers will be Asa Springfield, Addox Boone, Huxton Boone and Ethan Boone.

Lois (McCravy) Gaines
January 12, 1921 – December 26, 2024

Lois (McCravy) Gaines, age 103 of Quitman, ascended to her Heavenly home on Thursday, December 26, 2024. Her family and friends all loving called her by her nickname,” Granny Tickle”. Her sister called her “Granny Tickle” one day and the name stuck. Lois was a sweet soul with a very strong will. She was a people person that never knew a stranger and everyone that met her just loved her. She will be dearly missed.

Those left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Lois Howell; grandchildren, Tyrha Hayes and Terry, Frances McClanahan and Lloyd; great grandchildren, Jeffrey Pardue, Shayna (Pardue) Dickey and Gabe, Aaron Pardue and Tori Wells, Amy McClanahan, John McClanahan; great-great grandchildren, Presleigh, Kyleigh and Camryn; special friend, James Pardue; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, John Winford Greer; son, Gary Lynn Greer; second husband, Otis Gaines; her parents, Burnett and Priscella (Grissom) McCravy; siblings, Bud McCravy, Floyd McCravy, Ima Loe, Alta McCravy, Maudie Nunn, Mattie Monroe; nephews, Jimmy Mac Loe and John Loe.

Funeral services are set for 2:00 PM in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home on Friday, January 3, 2025 with Bro. Wayne Morrow officiating. Friends may come and visit with her family beginning at noon. Burial will follow in Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be James Pardue, Aaron Pardue, Lloyd McClanahan and Terry Hayes.

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BATON ROUGE- With fireworks tents and stands starting to see more sales following the Christmas holiday, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to encourage all Louisiana residents to not only be safe when using fireworks, but knowledgeable when buying them.

More than 300 retail fireworks permits have been issued for this end-of-the-year season, as it is state law for wholesale and retail fireworks business operators to be appropriately licensed by the SFM, in the parishes and municipalities where they are legally allowed. The sales season extends through 11:59 p.m. on January 1, 2025.
The SFM encourages, first and foremost, that families choose to enjoy public fireworks displays over creating their own.

However, if purchasing fireworks is your preference, we advise families to be mindful of whether the stand they are purchasing from has been permitted by this office. You can request to see permitting information from any retail fireworks business you visit. The SFM encourages reporting any suspicious or illegal sales of fireworks to
1-800-256-5452 or by visiting our website, www.lasfm.org.

In addition, we want everyone to enjoy fireworks in the safest way possible. A recent study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that fireworks-related injuries are on the rise across the country.

To avoid becoming part of this statistic, the SFM advises:
• Detonating devices at least 200 feet away from structures, vehicles and rubbish
• Never allowing children to light fireworks; instead, provide glow sticks and trinkets as alternatives
• Never use fireworks while impaired
• Lighting devices one at a time and monitoring embers released with a bucket of water or hose nearby
• Discarding detonated items by wetting them down to prevent re-ignition and do not dispose of them in a trash container until they have been doused with water

In addition, we encourage everyone to be mindful of the weather conditions in your area when considering whether to pop your own fireworks. Make sure you are aware of any burn bans established and take into account the dryness of your surroundings when choosing a safe location for popping fireworks.

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(Shreveport, LA) – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Shreveport confirmed that an EF1 tornado struck Jackson parish during severe storms Wednesday, December 25th. According to reports a tornado formed west of Clay in Jackson Parish along and near LA Hwy 818 around 7:59 p.m., producing 90 mph winds and traveled 1.29 miles with a 100-yard width. 

Earlier another tornado touched down west of Alliance in Sabine Parish around 5:49 p.m. Neither tornado caused injuries or fatalities but did cause damage to structures and downed trees. 

The NWS noted that both tornadoes highlighted the importance of monitoring severe weather alerts. Local residents expressed relief at the absence of casualties but remain wary of future storms.

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On Wednesday, December 25th, the girls on the Jonesboro-Hodge Lady Tigers basketball team celebrated Christmas by exchanging gifts with their families. The next day, the JH girls gave their head coach, Shan Jackson a gift as well. 

Now in her second year at the helm, Jackson has been working diligently to get that “complete game” from her girls. The effort has shown progress but it was at the Airline Tournament on Thursday that if finally all come together. 

By thrashing Green Oaks of Shreveport 65-12, on offense JHHS scored the most points the most points they have since the 2020-21 season while on defense set a new season best of holding an opponent to the fewest points in a game. 

The Lady Tigers had another game on Friday, December 27th against tournament host Airline (11-1), falling 54-21 to the 11th ranked team in Division I to close out the 2024 portion of the schedule with a 5-10 record, just one game short of the total number of wins in all of last season. 

JHHS 65 Green Oaks 12: Every players on the roster scored and the Lady Tigers never allowed more than five points in a quarter in their best win of the season. Tyya Davis paced JH by scoring a season best 22 points with Nesha Johnson also reaching “double digits” with 11 points. LaRonda and Lakayla McGuire finished with 9 and 7 points respectively while Morgan McGee scored 6 points. Angel Moss and Jakhorielle Lard finished with four points each and Jalenya Jackson scored a basket to round out the scoring. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
JHHS (5-10)	19	24	13	9	65
Green Oaks	4	1	2	5	12

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On December 19th the Jackson Parish Hospital hosted their annual Service Award Ceremony to honor the incredible dedication and commitment of the people who make up their wonderful team.

From celebrating milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service to recognizing standout achievements with the Employee Choice Award, Employee of the Year, and Leadership Excellence Award, this event was a meaningful celebration of those who embody the mission of providing the very best care to our communities.

Jackson Parish Hospital thanks you for your inspiring dedication and commitment. Because of you, we continue to advance our mission of delivering exceptional care and making a difference in the lives of those we serve. – John Morgan, CEO – JPH

JPH Awards Ceremony Honorees

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As we approach the end of 2024, the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) is filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible strides made, thanks to the support of grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Jonesboro State Bank (JSB) and the unwavering commitment of their dedicated staff, board members, and community partners.

This year, JPASD not only addressed critical issues like mental health and opioid overdose, but also laid the groundwork for a brighter, healthier future for our small, close-knit community.

Tackling the Mental Health and Opioid Crisis Together

In late 2023, the seeds of a critical initiative were planted to address the mental health and opioid crisis affecting Jackson Parish. Through the collaborative efforts of local leaders—from educators to mental health providers, and fire and law enforcement personnel—JPASD implemented a comprehensive curriculum for our EMS students and providers. This training includes essential skills like Narcan administration, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see the instructors rise to the challenge.

By October 2023, the JPASD training program was completed ahead of schedule, with 100% compliance and adherence to guidelines. This success is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of the JPASD team, who developed and integrated effective training methods to respond to mental health and substance abuse crises, ensuring that our community is in capable hands during critical moments.

Life-Saving Protocols and Community Training

In addition to training the EMS staff, JPASD worked to implement life-saving protocols across the parish. This includes distributing necessary supplies like Narcan, gloves, and bag-valve-mask devices to ensure responders are equipped for emergencies. In addition to training on how to use the supplies provided within the community, training was implemented to recognize the signs of mental health disorders, de-escalation techniques, communication strategies, and referral procedures.

As JPASD continues to reflect on the progress of their efforts, they also recognized an increasing demand for CPR training, EMT education, and other healthcare resources within our community. Thanks to SAMHSA grant funding, JPASD made training more accessible and affordable to minority populations.

Expanding Access to EMS Training

In response to the growing need for EMS training, JPASD offered two free CPR classes to the community in November 2023. These classes were a huge success, helping reach individuals who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to learn these life-saving skills. In addition, JPASD began offering financial aid-assisted courses starting in January 2024. Through these efforts, 54 people (38% of whom were minorities) have chosen to pursue a career in EMS, and many more are now equipped with the skills they need to help save lives in our community.

Number of EMS personnel recruited – 2
Number of EMS personnel trained – 84
Number of licensed/certified personnel as result of grant funding – 44
Number of courses qualifying graduates to serve in EMS – 3
Number of Mental Health First Aid courses as result of grant funding – 4
Number of Mental Health Opiod Overdose courses as result of grant funding – 4
Number of specific training funded to meet state/federal licensing/certification – 6
Number of overdose referrals in the field – 34
Number of individuals referred to treatment following overdose reversal – 34
Number of Narcan kits purchased and distributed in the field – 140
Number of technology-enhanced methods to educate EMS providers – 39 

To meet the growing demand for training, JPASD also recruited and certified new EMS instructors. Class sizes are now capped at 25 students, with multiple course offerings throughout the year. This means that more residents will be able to get the hands-on training they need to serve as EMTs, helping to expand our local emergency response capacity.

National Recognition and Cutting-Edge Training Tools

One of the proudest achievements in 2024 is the national recognition of the JPASD Training Center. After a rigorous approval process, JPASD was officially certified by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and licensed as a Stop the Bleed training facility. This accomplishment allows JPASD to continue providing top-notch education and training to our community and beyond.

Thanks to generous support from Jonesboro State Bank’s Pledge 10 program, JPASD enhanced their training facilities with new equipment, including advanced manikins and AI-driven simulation technology. These tools provide students with realistic, hands-on training scenarios that are crucial for preparing them to respond effectively in real-life emergencies.

Looking Ahead

Looking back on this year’s successes, JPASD is more motivated than ever to continue thier work and are excited for what the future holds. The proactive training and resources provided to the community have already improved performance in the field and improved outcomes for our residents.

At JPASD, we believe that every life in Jackson Parish matters, and we are committed to ensuring that our emergency responders and community members have the skills and support they need to make a difference. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our local partners, and we look forward to continuing this important work together in 2025 and beyond.

Here’s to a safer, stronger future for Jackson Parish—one where we continue to rise to the challenges we face and work together for the health and well-being of our entire community.

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Presented as a tribute to his lasting impact on the cutting horse industry, Jackson Parish native, Gerald Alexander, has received the inaugural National Cutting Horse Association Excellence Award.

This prestigious award, which is named the NCHA Gerald Alexander Excellence Award in honor of this true industry legend, recognizes two-year-old trainers who exemplify outstanding character and commitment to the development of cutting horses. 

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On December 19th, Jackson Parish native Sebastian Guin, a former Jackson Parish 4-H member, completed graduated from the United States Navy Bootcamp. Earning his high school diploma from Quitman High School in 2023, Guin also studied Physics Engineering at Loyola University in New Orleans.

On behalf of the Jackson Parish 4-H, the Quitman High School administration, faculty and student body, as well as, all area residents, we are proud of you and thank you for your service.

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Aspen Atkins, a sophomore at Jonesboro-Hodge High School, recently entered the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District poster contest. She placed first in Jackson Parish and second in the district. By virtue of her placement, Atkins, who is the drum major for the JHHS band won a total of $75. 00. 

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Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, located at 175 Thrasher Avenue in Jonesboro, is accepting applications for CNA classes that are slated to begin in mid-January. Training if free. 

To apply go their location or click here. 

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New Book Published by Amazon Out This Month

I’m as excited as a kid with a new toy. My third book, “Fathers, Sons and Old Guns” was recently released by Amazon and is now available for purchase from Amazon.com with book signing sites to be announced and shared. The book is a revised edition of my “Talking Outdoors” released in 1995 and includes articles I have written over the past 50-plus years. Here is the title story in the book.

FATHERS, SONS AND OLD GUNS

It began for the boy along about the Christmas of his sixth or seventh year. Dawn was still an hour or more away when the youngster crept out of bed. Peering sleepily around the corner through the living room door, his eyes scanned the brightly-wrapped packages spangled with tinsel and glitter beneath the tree.

His breath caught in his throat when he saw it – twinkling colored lights reflecting off the blue steel barrel and walnut stock. His first gun….the .410 he’d dreamed about.

That was thirty Christmases ago. Today, the boy is a man; a father with a son of his own. This Christmas, the old .410 will be passed down along with the memories it helped create; like the tomato can he peppered with holes the first time he shot it….the surprise he felt when his shoulder was whacked from the recoil….the rusty fox squirrel he rolled off a hickory limb….how he rushed up to it, picked it up and held it up for his proud father to see….remembering the expression on his father’s face was one he’d never seen there before.

Before he takes his son out with the old .410, there’ll be time for instruction; for answering youthful questions fired out from behind eyes wide with excitement. He’ll hand the boy the gun, unbreached, chamber empty, explaining how it functions; how it can be a faithful companion; how it can turn on you coldly if handled carelessly.

After the lesson, they’ll walk out back and prop a tomato can against a clay bank. The father will watch his son’s startled expression change to one of pride as the can spins and careens wildly when pellets perforate it.

It’s Saturday, and the man and boy make preparations for this, their first hunt together…..the teacher and student.

Dawn brushes the eastern sky in a blend of delicate pastels as the two wait in the woods in suspenseful silence. A fallen log serves as a comfortable seat in the hardwood glade. On all sides of the ridge are hickories, the ground littered with fresh cuttings. At the foot of the ridge past the thicket, a creek meanders out of the hills to course lazily at the feet of silvery beeches and ancient cypresses.

The raspy rattle of a brown thrasher serves as a woodland wake-up call and a wren, scolding softly, hops to the end of the log where the two sit. Blue jays argue and fuss over acorns in an oak overhead.
The boy is drinking it all in when his dad touches his elbow and points to movement in a nearby hickory. It’s a squirrel, the boy spots it and then looks at his dad with a perplexed expression that says, “What do I do now?”

Regaining control, he remembers his dad’s instructions and waits until the squirrel scampers to the opposite side of the tree. Standing slowly, he eases forward a few steps. As the squirrel reappears and begins whacking away on a hickory nut, the youngster slowly raises the old gun, nestles the butt against the hollow of his slender shoulder, aims…..and touches the trigger.

There is no startled expression from the recoil this time. He feels no jolt but is aware only of the squirrel tumbling in a shower of leaves to the ground. With a whoop, the youngster rushes to it, picks it up, and grinning, looks back at his dad. For a moment, the man doesn’t speak. He can’t. A unique bond has been created, an intangible essence of oneness that needs no explanation. It can only be experienced by a man and boy – teacher and student – together under the hickories.

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Finding Joy Amid the Challenges

The holidays can be a challenging time for victims of domestic violence. While others celebrate the season with laughter and togetherness, victims may feel trapped, isolated, or overwhelmed by their circumstances. However, it’s still possible to find moments of joy and peace during the holidays, even in difficult situations. Here are ways victims can reclaim the season for themselves and experience a sense of hope, healing, and happiness.

Your safety and well-being come first. If you’re in an unsafe situation, consider creating a holiday safety plan. This might include identifying safe spaces to go, trusted people to call, or reaching out to a local shelter or hotline for support. Knowing you have a plan in place can provide a sense of control and comfort during uncertain times.

If you are still in contact with your abuser or in the process of leaving the relationship, set firm boundaries to protect your emotional and physical well-being. This might mean limiting interactions, avoiding topics that escalate tension, or finding ways to minimize conflict.

Abuse often isolates victims from their support systems. Use the holiday season as an opportunity to reconnect with family, friends, or community members who care about you. A simple phone call, text, or visit can remind you that you are not alone and that there are people who want to support you.

Holidays don’t have to look the same every year, and starting new traditions can be empowering. Whether it’s watching a favorite holiday movie, baking cookies, or volunteering at a local shelter, these small acts can bring comfort and joy. Choose activities that reflect what makes you feel safe and happy.

Many communities offer special holiday programs to support those in need, including victims of domestic violence. These might include free meals, gift drives, or holiday gatherings hosted by local organizations. Participating in these events can provide a sense of belonging and celebration in a safe environment.

During the holidays, carve out time for activities that nurture your mental and physical health. This could include journaling, meditating, exercising, or treating yourself to small, meaningful gifts like a new book or a cozy blanket. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s a vital part of healing and resilience.

If you have children, focus on creating a positive holiday experience for them. Even simple gestures like reading holiday stories together or crafting decorations can make the season special. Seeing their joy and excitement can be a powerful reminder of hope and resilience.

Therapists, counselors, and support groups can offer guidance and encouragement as you navigate the holidays. Many organizations provide free or low-cost counseling for victims of domestic violence. Speaking with someone who understands your situation can provide valuable coping strategies and emotional support.

The holiday season often comes with pressure to create picture-perfect moments, but remember that it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. You don’t have to pretend everything is fine. Acknowledge your feelings, whether they’re joyful, sad, or somewhere in between, and allow yourself to experience the holidays on your own terms.

The holidays can be a time of healing and new beginnings, even in the face of adversity. By prioritizing safety, seeking support, and focusing on small moments of joy, victims of domestic violence can reclaim the season for themselves. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources and people ready to help you find peace, hope, and happiness—during the holidays and beyond.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, reach out for help by calling 395-8006. Every step toward safety is a step toward a brighter future.

Andrea Malone, Jackson Parish DART Rural Advocate
208 Hudson
Jonesboro LA 71251
318-395-8006

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An usher was escorting visitors to a seat in the sanctuary. As they walked down the aisle the usher inquired, “Clapping or non-clapping?” You can stir up some hot mess debates about clapping in the church, especially when the clapping follows a musical selection. Congregations have been applauding children’s programs and Choir cantatas as we roll through this season. Applause breaks out every Christmas season, even in the most staid of congregations.

I think we should add applause to our Christmas celebrations.

A brief history of applause tells us that it became a more formalized cultural convention in the early days of the theater. Roman theater audiences, for example, were told “Valete et plaudite!” “Goodbye and applause” at the end of every performance, which was the ancient equivalent of today’s “Give it up for “Your favorite home team” as they enter the arena!

Given that the theater was the only place in those days where you could gather the bulk of the people, politicians also used applause as a form of early polling data, gauging the crowd’s reaction when they entered the venue and took their seats. Once, when the Roman emperor Caligula attended a performance, a certain actor received more applause upon his arrival than had the emperor himself when he arrived at the venue.

The maniacal emperor Caligula reportedly muttered (while fingering his sword, no doubt), “I wish that the Roman people had one neck.” Whether it’s in an ancient theater or in a modern arena, the strength of applause is still the thing that can make or break a performer or a politician.

The Romans, in fact, had three categories of applause that further made its connection to the sounds of the material world. “Bricks” was the flat-handed clapping of polite applause, while “roof tiles” or the clapping of cupped hands meant that the audience liked you a lot.

The best type of applause, however, was the sound of “bees” — a cacophonous buzz that included not only clapping hands but shouting voices as well. Listen to a modern audience clapping and you can definitely tell the difference between the smattering of applause that sounds like raindrops and the full-throated roar that sounds like thunder. In Europe especially, synchronized applause is common.

And applause is accompanied by vocal acclamation, i.e., cheering.

One part of the Christmas story reads: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

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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  or call 318-480-1206. Possible costs are dependent on content.

Free Puppies Offered

Free Golden Retriever puppies who need a new home due to owners relocating are being offered. One male and one female, excellent temperament and both are house trained. Preferably email me first at: stephaniechristensen59@gmail.com before sending text to (980) 353-7582.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Benoit Ford – Need two outgoing people to train for professional sales representatives! Guaranteed income with unlimited potential commission! We offer a full benefit package including insurance and 401k. Apply in person Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at the dealership located at 601 Hudson Avenue in Jonesboro or call Anthony Gray @ 225-200-8289.

Public Notice

Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana Joyce Water System is currently in violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes as set forth by the State [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:Xll)] and the Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141).

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (LDHH) set drinking water standards and requires the disinfection of drinking water. Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA and LDHH set standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acid (HAAs). Some people who drink water containing THMs in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Some people who drink water containing HAA5s in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

In December 1998, EPA set enforceable drinking water standards for TTHMs at 80 parts per billion (ppb) and for HAA5 at 60 parts per billion (ppb) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects. Compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 standards for public water systems servicing less than 10,000 individuals initially became effective and enforceable on January 1, 2004. Compliance with the TTHMs standard is determine by calculating a locational running annual average (LRRA) of quarterly TTHMs sample results. Compliance calculations performed for the fourth quarter of 2024 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs is 94 ppb at sample location DBP01 – 6758 Hwy 84. Thus, the system is currently in violation of TTHMs standards.

The media exchanged on the granulated activated carbon (GAC) filter on November 20, 2024. In the first and second quarters of 2025, UIL anticipates the TTHM levels to begin to decrease. UIL will continue to monitor.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. If you have any questions, contact the UIL Compliance Administrator, Vicki Spence at 985-893-6646.

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. EPA and LDH do not consider this violation to have any serious adverse health effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure; however, continued long-term exposure to TTHMs and HAA5 levels above the standard (e.g., 20 years of exposure) has the potential to have serious adverse effects on human health.