David Huckaby announced as new principal at Weston High School

David Huckaby has been announced as the new principal at Weston High School. The long-time educator and coach at Calvin High School replaces Ritchie Tolar who retired after a 35-year career in education, including the last 26 years at Weston, where he was principal from 2016 – 2023. 

Huckaby graduated from Winnfield Senior High in 1989 and earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. He comes to Weston after spending 27 years at Calvin High School, where he was the Social Studies Department head for 24 years and Assistant Principal for the last three.

Added is a tremendously impressive resume as Athletic Director for 17 years that included being the head coach of the boy’s basketball, baseball, and softball programs and an assistant on the girl’s basketball team. During his tenure, Calvin High celebrated its most decorated period of athletic achievement in school history including: 

Softball –  2004, 2005, 2007, and 2008 State Champions
Girls’ Basketball – 2006 and 2008 State Champions
Boys’ Basketball… 2022 State Runner-Up
Baseball… 2022 State Semi-Finalist

Huckaby is the son of Don and Joan Reeves of Quitman, La., and Gerald and Goldie Huckaby of Many, La. He is also the proud father of two sons, John David Huckaby (22) who works for Boardwalk Pipeline in Olla, La, and is finishing his degree at NSU, and Wayne Curtis Huckaby (19) of Elko, Nv who works for Nevada Gold Mines and received his associate’s degree from Great Basin College this summer.

“I am excited to be named the new principal of Weston High School and would like to thank Mr. David Claxton and the Jackson Parish School Board for this opportunity,” said Huckaby. “Weston has always been a place that I have held in high regard over the years. Through my years of coaching, I have always respected the fans and players of Weston as fierce competitors in whatever sport they were competing against my teams. I plan to bring a program of accountability to Weston High School for all.”

“Currently, I am ready to begin looking over the data that will be provided by the state and JPSB to start looking for strengths and areas of weakness that we can improve on academically. As principal, I will include all stakeholders in the community in ways to make Weston High School the best that it can be. Faculty, staff, students, and parents will all be encouraged to work with our leadership team to find ways to make this the best transition and school experience as possible. Our number one goal will be to produce students who will be able to go out into the world and be productive citizens. Preparation for college or technical school will be a priority at WHS.” 

 

 


LSWA Class B All-State Baseball / Softball teams announced

Jackson Parish was well represented on the 2023 Class B All-State Baseball and Softball teams as selected by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA). Four players from Quitman High and two more from Weston High received designation, including two being named first team in softball and one in baseball. 

After leading their respective schools to the LHSAA Division V state championship tournaments,  Cali Deal and Maggie Guyotte from Quitman and Tait Henderson of Weston were selected for the first team. 

Colton Blundell from Weston and Logan Ponder of Quitman earned Honorable Mention in baseball and Madison Chaplin of the Lady Wolverines was chosen in softball. 

Holden standout Taylor Douglas and Anacoco senior Reid Rodriguez were honored as the Class B Most Valuable Players.  The two state championship-winning coaches, J.C. Holt of Pitkin in baseball and Converse’s Chris Brumley in softball were honored as the Class B Coaches of the Year. 

Douglas had another phenomenal softball season for the Rockets as she batted .586 with 23 home runs and 60 RBIs. She also won 20 games in the circle while striking out 164 batters. Rodriguez went 7-1 on the season pitching for Anacoco with 89 strikeouts and batted .435 with 16 doubles, three home runs, 37 RBIs, and 36 runs scored.

The local contingency to the elite squad posted fantastic numbers this past spring as well leading Quitman to a runner-up finish at the state softball tourney and Weston to a state semi-final appearance in baseball. 

First Team Representatives from Jackson Parish 

Cali Deal – QHS Softball: Compiled a wonderful 21-2 record with two saves and a minuscule 1.344 earned run average. This included posting 8 shut-outs and 4 no-hitters and striking out an incredible 268 strikeouts in just 151 innings. At the plate Deal hit .490 with a team-high 13 doubles and 3 triples while socking 12 home runs, knocking in 46 and scoring 30 runs. 

Maggie Guyotte – QHS Softball: With stats that earned national rankings, the state’s premier Freshman batter blew away Jackson Parish and QHS single-season records after compiling 21 home runs, 60 RBI, and 40 runs scored in only 106 official at-bats. Attesting to her tremendous plate discipline was 24 walks against only 7 strikeouts. Guyotte also posted a 7-4 record in the circle. 

Tait Henderson – WHS Baseball: Starting nine games for the Wolves, Henderson posted a superb 7-1 record and a 2.981 ERA, including throwing a pair of three hitters and a two-hit effort in playoff games. Demonstrating supreme control, the lefty struck out 45 batters while walking only 27. 

Honorable Mention Representatives from Jackson Parish

Colton Blundell – Weston Baseball: Bursting into the limelight, the Freshman posted a .341 batting average, scored a team-high 29 runs, and had the second-highest total in Jackson Parish of extra-base hits. Included was the best single-game performance in the area of two doubles, a home run, and five RBI in a contest against Calvin. Just as impressive was his semi-final game performance of reaching base three times, and knocking in a run in his first game back from what looked to be an earlier season-ending knee injury. 

Madison Chaplin – Quitman Softball: More than just a “table setter” the Lady Wolverine lead-off batter for most of the year hit .453 and posted 14 extra-base hits, including a team-leading five triples. Adding to her impressive offensive exploits was a team-best 55 runs scored and 31 RBIs, a stunning total for a hitter at the top of the order. Chalin also led the team with 11 stolen bases. 

Logan Ponder – Quitman Baseball: Hit .325 against a difficult schedule and scored a team-high 26 runs. Ponder also led Quitman with 15 stolen bases and struck out only twice in 83 official at-bats. The versatile athlete also had a 3-3 record pitching with a 3.580 earned run average and a sterling .978 fielding average with only two errors in 93 total chances. 

2023 Class B All-State Baseball Team

Tait Henderson Weston Jr. 6-1
Conner Mayeaux Avoyelles Charter Jr. 9-0
Reid Rodriguez Anacoco Sr. 7-1
Jacob Hungerford Converse Sr. 7-2
Jaxon Perkins Pitkin Jr. .432
Landon Hennen Choudrant Sr. .418
Luke Johnson Grace Christian Sr. .608
Grayson Johnson Bell City Sr. .371
Aiden Coffman Hicks Jr. .423
Kane Broussard Lacassine So. .333
Brody Miller Holden Sr. .364
Chase Taylor Anacoco Sr. .526
Isaac Longino Pitkin Jr. .437
Bryce McGuire Choudrant Sr. .402
Brooks Boudreaux Converse Jr. .490
Mason Bordelon Avoyelles Charter Sr. .530

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: REID RODRIGUEZ, ANACOCO
COACH OF THE YEAR: J.C. HOLT, PITKIN

Honorable mention

Hayden Doyle, Hicks; Cy Johnson, Pitkin; Lakin Odom, Elizabeth; Slay Coleman, Elizabeth; Gabe Caillier, Bell City; Colton Blundell, Weston; Noah Spears, Doyline; Logan Ponder, Quitman; Seth Cook, Grace Christian; J.P. Bordelon, Avoyelles Charter; Kaden Bradshaw, Choudrant; Cohl Cunningham, Stanley.

2023 Class B All-State Baseball Team

Cali Deal Quitman So. .490 
Maggie Guyotte Quitman Fr. .585
Taylor Douglas Holden Sr. .586
Gracie Duffy Holden Sr. .415
Sarah McDaniel Florien Sr. .409
Holly Bennett Choudrant So. .405
Bailey Davis Anacoco Jr. .493
Rayni Rivers Converse Sr. .541
Jozlyn Westfall Hicks Sr. .533
Mary Wicke Bell City Sr. .540
Wynlee Vincent Grace Christian Fr. .583
Summer Brumley Converse Jr. .500
Avery Prine Converse Jr. .489
Zoey Smith Choudrant So. .562
Cora Downs Florien Jr. .394
Hanna Jackson Anacoco Sr. .427

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: TAYLOR DOUGLAS, HOLDEN
COACH OF THE YEAR: CHRIS BRUMLEY, CONVERSE

Honorable mention

Jade Jones, Stanley; Madison Chaplin, Quitman; Ava Davis Anacoco; Courtlyn Dousay, Hicks; Shae Wetzel, Pitkin; Carlei Wheeler, Simsboro; Taylor Faust, Zwolle; Jessi White, Harrisonburg; Briana King, Monterey; Emma Wilson, Holden; Katelyn Glover, Negreet; Ryann Landry, Bell City.

 

 

 

 


Keith Burris fills vacant Ward 7 Police Jury seat

The Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ) met in a special session on Wednesday, May 31st in the Nathaniel Zeno Meeting Room of the JPPJ Administration Building. The reason for the meeting was the need to name a replacement for Lynn Treadway, who recently passed away leaving a vacancy for the Ward 7 seat. By unanimous vote, Quitman resident, Keith Burris, was chosen to complete the unexpired term.

Afterward, JPPJ President Todd Culpepper said Burris was very deserving of being selected for the post.

“Keith has demonstrated for a long time that he is very concerned about the well-being of Jackson Parish,” said Culpepper. “While we are saddened by losing our friend and colleague we are excited to have Keith join us.”

Burris was quick to express his gratitude for being selected to be on the Police Jury.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to be selected to represent Ward 7 and work with this great panel of folks who hard to see Jackson Parish prosper,” said Burris. “I am also humbled to be filling the seat that Lynn Treadway held with such honor for so many years and look forward to getting started and hopefully making a positive impact,”

In other action taken the Panel also unanimously agreed to amending the JPPJ Project Permit height requirement of telecommunication lines over Parish roads from 20 ft. to 16.5 ft. to comply with NEC standards.


Local churches part of 95 statewide to disaffiliate from UMC

The stance taken by the United Methodist Church (UMC) regarding human sexuality issues has resulted in thousands of UMC congregations across the nation severing ties with the organization. This includes several Jackson Parish churches which were part of 95 across the state who was granted the right to disaffiliate from the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church at a special session that was held in Baton Rouge on May 27th.

“After today, for some, life will be expressed differently as we depart from one another,” stated Delores Williamston, the Bishop of the Louisiana Conference.

Local churches that were granted the right to leave the Monroe District of the UMC at the session are:
Antioch United Methodist Church, Eros
Jonesboro-Hodge United Methodist Church
Quitman United Methodist Church

The Chatham UMC had already been granted the right to leave previously.

With the decision, now nearly 40% of all UMC churches in the state has left the denomination including the two largest congregations in north Louisiana located in Shreveport and Monroe.


Domestic incident leads to Jonesboro man being arrested in Grambling

(Lincoln Parish Journal) – Grambling Police arrested a Jonesboro man on several charges early Friday morning after responding to a domestic disturbance in progress.

Officers talked with a woman at a Mansfield Estates residence who said Lawrence Williams, 44, came inside her residence without permission. She said Williams heard her on the phone with someone else and became upset, grabbed her by the hair, and dragged her out of the bed and onto the floor. She said Williams continued to drag her across the floor into the living room and kitchen. She also said at some point Williams strangled her.

The victim stated she was able to grab a knife to protect herself from Williams who told her multiple times he was going to kill her. The victim told officers after she grabbed the knife, Williams attempted to leave the residence.

Williams told police he was attacked with a knife by the woman after she threw a chair at a television he had purchased. He denied putting his hands on the woman before she obtained the knife.

Another occupant of the residence confirmed Williams entered the residence without permission and dragged the victim through the house by the hair.

Williams was arrested and booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for domestic abuse battery, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, and a Ruston Police Department arrest warrant for a battery of a dating partner

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.

 


Jackson Parish Hospital once again offers discounts on payments due

Over the past several months the Jackson Parish Hospital (JPH) has provided welcome assistance to their patients by offering a 30% tax season discount for payment in full of their financial obligations. This tremendous benefit expired at the end of May but continuing to be a true partner to the community, JPH is now offering another discount on balances due. 

Now if you owe over $100.00, JPH will take 25% off the amount due when payment is made in full on self-pay accounts. The deadline to act on the current very generous offer is June 30th. To take advantage, call 318-259-4435.


Savantez Phillips commits to run track at Grambling State

Recently graduated JHHS track athlete, Savantez Phillips, who won the 110-meter hurdles at the Class 2A state championships held in May, has committed to take his talent to the next level at Grambling State University.

The rising star who clocked 14.35 to eclipse the field at the Bernie Moore Track and Field Complex on the campus of LSU to win the gold medal made his decision after being offered a scholarship from GSU head track coach LaMonte Vaughn, Jr.

“I am very thankful to Coach Vaughn for giving me the opportunity to compete on the next level,” said Phillips. “I also want to give thanks to God for helping me achieve my dream, my mom Shante Burns for always showing she believed in me and both Coach Blankenship and Coach Wayne at JHHS for always pushing me to do my best.”

JHHS athletic director and head football/track coach Terrance Blankenship was especially pleased with the news.

“I am very happy for Savantez,” said JHHS athletic director and head football/track coach Terrance Blankenship. “He deserved this opportunity as he worked hard in the classroom and was a pleasure to coach. He leaves a great legacy for our athletes to follow as he was a great representative of what we try to teach, which is if you work hard enough you can achieve your dreams and goals. We wish him the best!”


Louisiana Tech announces Spring 2023 honor roll

Louisiana Tech University has announced the names of students on its Spring Quarter 2023 President’s and Dean’s honor lists. Included were 22 residents of Jackson Parish

Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).

2023 Louisiana Tech Spring Honor Roll 

 Jackson Parish 

Eros: Brianna Daniell Jones, Jonah Michael Wall
Jonesboro: Sadie Eylien Beaubouef, Saxton Elijah Canady, Kaylee Susannah Davis*, Leana Louise Dillon*, Mary-catherine P. Hay, Jolea Grace Simpson*, Jonathan Everett Smith*
Quitman: Emily Claire Borland, Beau Lawson Bowen*, Audrey C. Duck*, Brittany Danielle Goss*, Cameron M. Hollis*, Abigail Diann Hood, Aston Michael Johnson*, Elizabeth Faith Johnson*, John Scharr, James K. West, Katelyn Leigh Wiley, Hunter Garton Williams, Cason R. Womack


Eli Walker among best in state at Junior Golf Tour event

Eli Walker proved this past spring that he was one of the best small school prep golfers in north Louisiana and in Division IV of the LHSAA. After his impressive finish in the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour (LJGT) event held at Cane Row Golf Club in New Iberia this past Thursday and Friday, the talented linkster who preps at Quitman High School has now shown he can compete with anyone from any school in the state.

Proving the “big fish” from a small pond could swim strongly in larger waters, Walker placed 7th overall while competing against the best 60 golfers in the state the Class of 2024 has to offer. This includes firing the best score of any “small school” golfer.

Walker wasn’t the only one from Jackson Parish to “represent” as Tayt Culpepper of Weston also had a fine tournament, carding rounds of 75 -78 (153) to nab a top twenty finish. 

Were it not for a horrific start to the tourney, Walker would have made an even stronger run at medalist honors. While he didn’t top the field on the course, he did take a victory over another kind of foe – adversity.  Not once, but twice. 

After the first four holes, Walker was sitting at four over par leading to a five over par score of 41 at the turn. It was a critical point in the tourney as it would have been easy to just pack it in but showing his character and determination, Walker steadied himself to fire three birdies on the back nine to overcome the bad start. 

Just when it seemed that things were looking up, adversity rose up to hit him again, even harder this time. It looked like a knockout punch had been delivered when Walker needed seven strokes to complete the second hole on day two, the most he had carded on a single hole in competition this year.

Once again, Walker showed his grit. On the strength of three birdies down the stretch  Walker stormed back to turn in the lowest score over the final 16 holes and one of only ten, under par rounds completed  over the two days. 

In the end, the results of the tourney carried a dual role. Walker’s top ten finish against mortal competition was impressive. The two mental victories over adversity will be more important. 

For final tournament results click here. 

 

  

 


Ponderings…..

How do you know what you believe?

The scientific answer is that you have a confirmation bias. You have decided what you believe and you don’t accept any information that contradicts that which you believe. In church life our confirmation bias causes us to point to the Bible. All of our Christian beliefs come from the Bible. Right?

Here are some things we believe and practice that are not in the Bible.

The Bible never says, “God helps those who help themselves.”

Scripture never says, “God will not give us more than we can handle.” Nor does scripture teach, “Everything happens for a reason.” One preacher said, “A sinner can repent but stupid is eternal.” I was thinking about all those things that happened after the phrase, “Hey Bubba watch this!”

Advent and Lent are not found in the Bible. There is no evidence that Jesus was born in the winter. Actually, the church “stole” Christmas from the Romans, I’ll let you Google that. Wise men and shepherds don’t show up at the same time. There could have been dozens of wise men, do you know why we only picture three?

Why do we worship on Sunday rather than Saturday?

There is no overwhelming evidence that Jesus was poor. There is also no evidence he was a carpenter that comes from the inaccurate translation of the Greek word “tekton.”

There is no prohibition against saying four letter words. Although preachers are cursed at times that we can’t curse at times. I like to have lay people play golf with me, that way I can call on them for “ventilation language.”

Most of what you believe about heaven, hell, the devil and angels comes not from scripture but from Milton’s Paradise Lost. Have you found the passage that says the devil has horns?

When you die, you don’t become an angel. There is also no evidence that angels have wings. You can’t find halos in the Bible.

“Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” is not in the Bible.

The first ministers of the church were not ordained, they were laypersons.

God calls us to be “our brother’s keeper.” Read the passage in Genesis, it was asked as a question by a human not stated by God.

The apple in the Garden of Eden is not there. The bible mentions fruit. It became an apple because of some confusion with the Latin words for “evil” and “apple” which look and sound similar.

Jesus never uttered the word, “grace.”

There is no prohibition against gambling. The Hebrews would determine the will of God by “casting lots,” which is basically shooting dice.

I hope you are reaching for your Bible.

Do you know why we celebrate Memorial Day? You might be surprised by that too.

Keep thinking, studying and growing in your beliefs!


Chamber selects Mark Kennedy Plumbing Business of Month for June

Mark Kennedy Plumbing has been selected as the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month for June. Located at 900 Pershing Hwy in Jonesboro, the utility contracting company has been a staple of the Jackson Parish business community for many years.

Holding an A+ Rating by the Better Business Bureau, Mark Kennedy Plumbing (MKP) handles a wide range of needs. This includes plumbing for new construction and remodels for both residential and commercial projects as well as all things related to plumbing repairs, replacements, tankless and tank-type water heaters, treatment plant, and septic system installation. MKP is also certified for natural gas and propane and can run water, gas, and septic lines.

For any of the needs described above call (318) 259 – 7807 or come by the office Monday – Friday anytime after 7:00 am.


Quitman High Cheerleaders continue winning ways at UCA Camp

POP QUIZ! Can you name the high school that fields an athletic program that has won multiple national championships, had a plethora of competitors earn All-American honors, and even has placed highly in WORLD competition? For a hint, the name of the school begins with the letter Q. Need more? It is in Jackson Parish.

The correct answer is Quitman High School.

For anyone who has resided in the Piney Woods over the past decade, the “test” surely was as simple as asking someone to spell their name. The Quitman High School Cheerleading squad has won so many state, regional, national, and even world competitions that it is hard to keep track of. Almost as impossible as trying to name all the young ladies who have earned All-American status.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT! Provide a year-by-year list of achievements by the Cheerleading squad, including names of the girls who were named All-American.

You will receive extra credit!

Under the tutelage of Cheer Sponsor, Elizabeth Womack, and Cheer Coach, Jordyn Wallis, 31 varsity and junior high cheerleaders took part in the annual UCA Cheer Camp held on the campus of ULM in Monroe this past week. QHS continued their incredible legacy of a sustained consistency of excellence with both squads coming home with multiple first-place honors as well as winning the Top Banana Spirit Award.

Even more impressive was that six girls earned All-American designation. Representing the varsity QHS squad were Ellie Burris, Maddie Grace Giddens, Ava Rogers, and Madison Patton, while Emma Kate Toms and Mollie Burris was chosen in the Junior High division.

Ellie Burris and Amelia Staggs also won the prestigious “Pin it Forward” Award given by the UCA staff to the competitor who best exemplifies what it is to be a cheerleader through their spirit, attitude, and willingness to help others. Winners of this award receive two pins, one for them and one to be given to another cheerleader who they think is deserving. Mollie Burris and Annalise Bougues also received the “Pin it Forward” Award that was given by another cheerleader. 

The Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) was founded in 1974 to provide the highest quality educational training for cheerleaders to incorporate high-level skills with traditional crowd lead. Today it is the largest cheerleading camp company in the world and hosts regional and national championship competitions.

UCA Camp Varsity Team Awards

First Place – Cheer
First Place – Camp Routine
First Place – Overall Game Day
Gold Ribbon – Game Day Evaluation
Blue Ribbon – Camp Routine Evaluation

Varsity Individual Awards

All-American:  Ellie Burris, Maddie Grace Giddens, Ava Rogers, Madison Patton 
Pin It Forward: Ellie Burris

Varsity Team Members

Ellie Burris, Maddie Grace Giddens, Emma Hardwick, Mackenzie Lamkin, Madison Patton, Ava Rogers, Baylee Caskey, Katy Cumpton, Kimberlea North, Taylor Williams, Kaney Wyatt, Taylor Borland, Cadence Pennington, Amber Spangler, Ashlyn Wyatt

Junior High Team Awards

First place  – Sideline
First place – Overall Game Day
Gold Ribbon – Camp Routine Evaluation 
Second place – Cheer
Second place – Camp Routine

Junior High Individual Awards

All-American: Mollie Burris, Emma Kate Toms
Jump off Princess: London Burks
Pin It Forward: Amelia Staggs
Pin it forward (by another cheerleader): Mollie Burris, Annalise Bougues

Junior High Team Members

Hallay Taylor, Emma Kate Toms, Jillian McFearin, Klea Blalock, Mollie Burris, Annalise Bougues, London Burks, Shyla Giddens, Christen Gray, Addyson Kees, Kymori Patterson, Chloe Lee, Emma Thomas, Kylee Dearman, Faith Burns, Amelia Staggs

2023 Quitman Junior High Cheerleaders

FINDING AN EAGLE FOR MY BELOVED

My first glimpse of a bald eagle in Louisiana took place when I was just a kid and the one I saw was sitting on a nest made of a huge pile of sticks and branches high up in a big pine tree not far from my home in Goldonna. Someone had alerted my dad to the eagle nest and he took my brother, sister and me to the piney woods to see it. Unfortunately, too many other people knew about the nest and all the activity caused the birds to abandon the nest.

According to officials with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the Goldonna eagle and just about all the others around the state disappeared. In the early 1970s, only seven nests were counted across the entire state. Not only had the birds disappeared in our state, the same thing was happening across the United States. The culprit responsible for the vanishing eagles was a pesticide we know as DDT.

The pesticide did a great job of controlling nuisance insects on crops. Many of the DDT- infested insects made their way into waterways where they were eaten by small fish, which were eaten by larger fish, which just happens to be a bald eagle’s main diet.

As eagles caught and ate fish, the DDT came with the eagle’s meal with the result being an increasing difficulty of the birds to absorb calcium, the absence of which made the eggs of nesting eagles thin. As a result, eggs were broken before they hatched.

Fortunately, the use of DDT was outlawed in the United States in 1972 and a slow but
steady recovery began. Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to spot eagles at inopportune times. I’m not looking for them but – BAM – there’s an eagle.

I was headed to my favorite fishing pond one morning several years ago. As I turned off the highway down the road to the pond, something caught my eye sitting in a tall pine. I saw the telltale white head of a bald eagle.

One of the most impressive sightings I ever had was one day a few years ago when James Ramsaur, director of Lincoln Parish Park, called me to bring my camera; he had something to show me. When I arrived at the park, I saw what looked like a feather pillow had exploded along the pond dam at the park. Sitting atop a tall tree nearby was a bald eagle. Ramsaur explained that an eagle had caught one of the white ducks making their home on the lake and enjoyed a meal on the pond dam.

More recently, I was driving home from town when I watched a bald eagle flying across a pasture toward a pond. The white head and tail feathers were dead giveaways.

While I have had the occasion to spot an eagle now and then, my wife has been denied that opportunity and I hoped she might be with me when I spotted one. Last week, I struck gold.

After a trip to town, I had noticed that the owner of a hay field across the road from my home had mowed hay that morning. Casting a glance onto the field of freshly cut hay, something caught my eye. There sitting in the field 100 yards from me was a bald eagle apparently enjoying a meal from a rat; snake; rabbit or something the mower had run over.

Since it was a few hundred yards from home, I hurried in, told my wife to jump in the car and come with me to see if it was still there. It was. We sat for several minutes observing the eagle which was being harassed by several crows. The eagle eventually flew to a branch on a tall tree across the field and having brought binoculars along with us, we enjoyed the scene for several minutes before the big bird grew tired of being harassed by crows and flew along the field giving us another spectacular view of the white head and tail as it flew.

If you really love your wife and she has never seen an eagle, be on the lookout for one to show her. I have a sneaking feeling I’ll be getting a chocolate pie out of the deal.

”Spotting a bald eagle in our part of the country is a special event.” Carla Johnston photo

FISHING REPORT 

CANEY LAKE – Deep diving crank baits and Carolina rigged worms are picking up some bass to 8 pounds on the deeper drops while swim baits are working fairly well along the grass lines. Crappie fishing has been best at night on shiners around the lights. The bream are bedded and hitting crickets and worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BLACK BAYOU – Bream are on the beds and hitting worms and crickets. Crappie and bass are around the trees. Bass hitting spinner baits. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Big bass in the 8-10 pound category are being caught flipping the brush along with spinners and square billed crank bits. Topwater lures working best early mornings. Crappie are scattered; bream are on the beds and hitting worms and crickets. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – Crappie fishing has been good in the river lakes on jigs and shiners. Bream are on the beds in the woods. Bass are fair on crank baits. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – The Majestic Big Bass classic kicks off this weekend. Bass have been best on spinners and crank baits along shallow grass lines. Crappie are on the edge of the flats. Bream are on the beds and hitting worms and crickets. Catfish continue to be caught fishing cold worms and night crawlers off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bass have been good on swim baits with good fishing for them at night with soft plastics and spinners. Bream fishing has been best up Isaac Creek on crickets and worms. Crappie fishing has been best up the creeks on shiners or jigs. No report on catfish or stripers. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfish and bream are biting. Bass and crappie slow to fair. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is falling and barfish and crappie along with catfish are starting to bite. Bass are fair. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.


Gloryway Church in Dodson to present 32nd annual IWOGF Camp Meeting

Gloryway Church in Dodson, LA is pleased to offer an invitation to their 32nd annual International Word of God Fellowship (IWOGF) Camp Meeting. This year’s theme of the powerful three-day presentation is A Time of Healing.  Nightly services will be held June 13-15 at 7:00pm. A one day service will take place on June 14th beginning at 10:00am. Gloryway Church is located at 1194 Hwy 505 in Dodson. For more information call (318) 648 – 8002 or (318) 663 – 3334. 


Children’s Coalition for Northeast LA to hold roundtable discussion on June 8th

The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana invites you to participate in a community roundtable discussion on Thursday, June 8th. The session will take place from 4:30 – 6:30 pm on the Terrace Level of the Tower Place in Monroe, located at 1500 North 19th Street.  

As a community leader, your insights are needed as we explore the challenges and opportunities for young children and their families in Northeast Louisiana. Our goal is to make Northeast Louisiana a place where all children and families can thrive. Research has proven if you want to see what your community looks like today and in the future, just start by taking a look at our youth as they are a reflection of our entire community.


Watershed Commission aids Ladies of the Lake

The Jackson Parish Watershed Commission has proven time and again a willingness to combine its efforts with local organizations for the benefit of the outdoor enthusiasts of Jackson Parish.

At their regularly scheduled meeting on May 15th, the panel voted to once again be of assistance by agreeing to allow the Ladies of the Lake the use their 4 x 8 sign frames to advertise the cancer foundation benefit on Caney Lake slated for June 10th.

In additional action, board members Gary Joynor, Jimmy Waggoner, Roy Barlow, and Daniel Ponder approved building permits for (1) Paul Miller, and (2) Don & Karen Conner. Absent from the meeting were Wes Harvey, Jerry Chestnut, and Kent Hightower.

Updates on the Ebenezer pier and Ebenezer parking lot striping projects were also heard, and a reminder was given that the annual Ethics Training (required of the board members) was to be completed by the end of the year. Financial disclosure statements were also discussed.

Closing the session was comments from the board members including:
1. Mr. Barlow entertained the idea of meeting with the Office of tourism in Baton Rouge in 2024 to receive possible funding for watershed projects.
2. Mr. Waggoner discussed the Chatham Lake boat launch and Ebenezer Launch issue with silting and ramp issues at low water levels.
3. Mr. Joynor discussed two complaints he received from fishermen and recreational boaters entering and leaving the spillway launch area on the weekend from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. The first complaint was regarding poor vehicle parking along the road in no designated parking spots causing near accidents due to very little clearance being left by vehicles parked for the business weekend entertainment. The other complaint was about no boat\trailer parking spots available near the boat launch due to vehicles parked for the business weekend entertainment. Mr. Joynor added that trash left on the ground after the weekends at the spillway launch parking lot is also a problem.

NOTE: Complete minutes of the meeting can be found in the Classifieds section.


Daily Devotional by Pam Ford Davis

Today’s Cares and Worries

 

Why do we worry?

For me, it just comes naturally. My parents were worriers.

My mind goes back to final days before Mom’s death. She was recovering from lung cancer surgery and we were making important decisions.

Plans for Dad to enter assisted living were finalized. At the age of 87, his health was declining; he needed care that Mom could no longer provide. His social security payments would cover monthly payments to a nearby Veterans group home.

Mom’s small social security check would leave her little to live on. She was worried.

How would she pay her bills?

Ironically, (and providentially) Mom died just a few days later.

Her financial worries were rolled away.

Wanting to anoint Jesus’ body, the stone barrier to His tomb worried grieving women.

Who could fault them? The stone was too big for them to move.

“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so they could go and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. They were saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?’ Looking up, they observed that the stone—which was very large—had been rolled away (Mark 16:1-4 HCSB).”

Any concerns were unnecessary.

Their barrier was rolled away.

Lord, I give today’s cares and worries to You. I know how much You care.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you (1 Peter 5:6 HCSB).”

 

 

 

 

 

 


Free vaccinations available at Jackson Parish Health Unit

Let’s Get Vaccinated! That is the message that Ana Deloach VanEaton, Communications Coordinator for Regions 7 & 8 of the Office of Public Health is trying to convey to north Louisiana residents. To help make that possible, free Covid-19, Flu, and Monkeypox vaccinations are being offered a the Jackson Parish Health Unit, located at 228 Bond St. in Jonesboro, Monday – Friday (June 5-9) during times of 8am-4:30pm. Appointments are suggested, but not necessary. To schedule an appointment call (318) 259 – 6601.

 


Business Services, Job Openings, Items for Sale, Public / Legal Notices

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

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Forest Haven Nursing Home – Facility Maintenance Position. Must possess general knowledge in Plumbing, Electrical and performing inspection of building to confirm safety guidelines while following LTC, Life Safety and OSHA standards. Apply in person at 171 Thrasher Drive, Jonesboro, LA.

Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District – Full time Paramedic Supervisor, Paramedic and EMT positions available. For more information call JPASD Director Aaron Johnson at 318-259-2877. Resumes can be emailed to: jacksonparishambulance@jpasd.com or sent by regular mail to: JPASD, attn: Aaron Johnson, 115 Watts St., Jonesboro, LA 7125

Jackson Parish Police Jury – Hiring for the open position of Superintendent of the Road Department

Please submit all applications to: Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. Applications will be received until 4:30 pm on Friday, June 9, 2023. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: egibbs@jppj.org.

Description: The Road Department Superintendent position directs the daily operations of the Jackson Parish Road Department. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, and directing, through subordinate supervisors, the work of a staff of maintenance personnel engaged in a wide variety of road maintenance and road repair activities. The work includes: developing work plans and cost estimates along with assigning, supervising, and inspecting the work of crews engaged in activities including maintenance of drainage areas and structures, paved roads, and gravel roads. The work also includes responsibility for maintenance and care of all equipment. This position performs other work as required. Administrative direction is under the Operations Manager.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma, or equivalent, required.
• Class E Driver’s License required, Class A Commercial CDL preferred.
• Four (4) year Bachelor’s degree in Management, Public Administration, or a related field or a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative or managerial experience, preferably in the public works area specializing in road, highway, bridge and general construction and construction maintenance work.
o Four (4) year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred.
• Complete understand of DOTD and Louisiana Transportation Act regulations and requirements.
• Certified in bridge inspection.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the organization and operations of a public works department.
• Considerable ability to supervise and evaluate personnel.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with employees, other governmental agencies, and the general public.
• Comprehensive knowledge of computers and computer programs.
• General knowledge of budgeting techniques.
• General knowledge of the principles of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Ability to work safely in all weather conditions, including adverse conditions.
• Can understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Able to work in elevated areas, confined spaces, and on and off ladders.
• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time.

Basic Responsibilities:
• The Road Department Superintendent plans, organizes, and administers an extensive road maintenance program for the Jackson Parish Police Jury.
• Coordinates and directs the work of a large staff engaged in a variety of road maintenance and repair activities.
• Has a working knowledge of and follows the State Transportation Act making sure all funds and actions are for public use only as per LRS 48:751.
• Understands governmental operations in relation to public works operations, open meetings, surplus property, Police Jury jurisdiction, and public records.
• Has full understanding of public bid law and requirements for advertising, establishes necessary bid specs and public notices, gathers required estimates and bids from vendors, and makes recommendations for awarding projects.
• Oversees bridge inspections and works with state bridge inspectors.
• Expresses ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to groups and individuals.
• Attends any required Police Jury or Committee meetings, training classes, or seminars that relate to the incumbent’s role within the department.
• Conducts staff meetings to discuss current work projects, and to coordinate use of heavy equipment.
• Investigates complaints from the general public regarding hazardous road conditions or activities of road crews and determines appropriate action.
• Instructs subordinates on departmental policies and offers assistance to produce full cooperation and high moral conduct.
• Conducts periodic training sessions on safety practices.
• Handles personnel matters including interviewing job applicants, making recommendations for new hires, promotions, and raises, issuance of pink slips, disciplinary action, and other personnel activities, in coordination with Secretary-Treasurer.
• Maintains time and cost records, schedules vacations, relief, and emergency coverage with staff.
• Confers with subordinate supervisors and other departmental staff on injury accidents and safety hazards.
• Understands and interprets engineering plans and specifications.
• Skilled in using a variety of drafting and survey instruments in the conduct of a wide variety of complex engineering research projects.
• Prepares reports and correspondence.
• Prepares various budgets and reports on the condition of the department to present to the Police Jury.
• Directs, coordinates, and assigns supervisors to projects.
• Ensures work is performed in accordance with approved plans and specifications.
• Maintains accurate records.
• Reports work progress and problems to the Secretary-Treasurer.
• Coordinates with OEP Director and FEMA if needed during disasters and seeks for reimbursements.
• Prepares work schedules, work orders, purchase orders, voucher requests, and other required forms.
• May be required to be on 24 hour call out.
• Assures that incumbent’s performance meets or exceeds all Police Jury expectations.
• Sets forth a professional appearance and attitude on and off the job.
• May be required to lift equipment, tools or any combination in excess of 50 pounds.
• Adheres to all traffic laws, applicable Federal and State health and safety rules, local ordinances, and Jackson Parish Policy Jury rules and regulations and policies and procedures.
• Ability to drive various pieces of equipment used by the Police Jury.
• Follows safety procedures and practices as required, as well as wearing required safety equipment.
• May perform duties of the Road Permit Officer including video or still recording of road conditions, review and issuance of Heavy Haul Permits, and follow-up with recommended citations and/or fines.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Detailed Job Description available upon request. 

Jackson Parish Police Jury is hiring for the open position of Custodian in the Jackson Parish Maintenance Department.

Please submit all applications to: Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. Applications will be received until 4:30 pm on Friday, May 26, 2023. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: egibbs@jppj.org.

Description: Under close supervision, the Maintenance Department General Laborer – Custodian works to make sure that all types of buildings and offices are neat, clean, free from clutter, and safe. This position requires no special training or experience, and performs related work as required by the Supervisor. Laborers in this position class may also be responsible for the operation of a variety of construction and maintenance equipment and for performing manual labor activities as needed and/or required by the Maintenance Department. Job class may oversee in the instruction of inmate trustees assigned to the Maintenance Department General Laborer – Custodian.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma, or equivalent, required.
• Class E Louisiana driver’s license required.
• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds frequently.
• Ability to work safely in all weather conditions, including adverse conditions.
• Can understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Able to work in elevated areas, confined spaces, and on and off ladders.
• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time.

Basic Responsibilities:
• The General Laborer – Custodian is responsible for housekeeping and maintenance services at the assigned facilities; i.e., Courthouse, Community Center, Blake Building, Fain Building, Health Unit, Annex Buildings, etc. following the instructions from their Supervisor.
• Uses cleaning supplies and equipment to keep the interior of the office buildings looking clean and professional.
• Washes walls and equipment; using ladders when required.
• Cleans and sanitizes restrooms/bathrooms using established practices and procedure.
• Cleans, dusts, and wipes furniture, wood work, windowsills, and stair rails; sweeps, mops, or vacuums floors; empties/cleans wastebaskets and trash containers; empties and cleans cigarette urns; replaces light bulbs; checks and cleans all air handling units and filters, replacing filters as needed; refills restroom dispensers, etc.
• Assists with the setup of facilities for meetings, conferences, events, etc.
• Mops, vacuums, strips, clean, buffs and applies floor sealer and floor finish to hard surface floors; vacuums and shampoos carpets.
• Uses and maintains assigned power equipment and hand tools; buffers, auto scrubbers, high pressure washers, high speed buffers and vacuums, brooms, mops, and squeegees for the cleaning and general maintenance of floors, walls, carpets, furniture, etc.
• Responds to repair or custodial requests quickly and with a professional manner.
• Follows instructions regarding the use of chemicals and supplies; uses as directed.
• Moves furniture, equipment, supplies, and tools on an incidental basis.
• Washes accessible interior and exterior windows, clean blinds, launders cleaning rags and dust mops.
• Attends to emergencies when necessary.
• Loads and unloads materials from trucks.
• Ready to learn from on-the-job training when necessary.
• Follows safety procedures and practices as required, as well as wearing required safety equipment.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Detailed Job Description available upon request.

Jackson Parish Police Jury – Hiring for the following open position of Operator II in the Jackson Parish Road Department

Please submit all applications to: Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. Applications will be received until 4:30 pm on Friday, May 26, 2023. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: egibbs@jppj.org.

Description: Under general supervision, the Road Department Operator II is a skilled position consisting of complex and specialized trucks and equipment used in construction and construction maintenance work. May train lower-level operators, and acts as lead worker on site. May act as relief operator on all types of equipment as needed. Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma, or equivalent, required.
• Class A Commercial CDL Driver’s License required.
• Two (2) years of relevant experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to do the job, preferred.
• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds frequently.
• Ability to work safely in all weather conditions, including adverse conditions.
• Can understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Able to work in elevated areas, confined spaces, and on and off ladders.
• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time.

Basic Responsibilities:
• The Operator II is responsible for operating light, medium-sized, and heavy haul Class A equipment as needed such as tractor-truck, track hoe, packer, and other trucks of like-kind, and to perform manual work functions associated with the maintenance and cleanup of the Road Department and off-site locations.
o Basic operating skills include hauling, loading, picking up and transporting debris, equipment, and supplies.
• Performs mechanisms that are somewhat complex, requiring more dexterity and finesse, as well as operates larger vehicles requiring a higher level of skill to drive/maneuver in and around confined spaces.
• Performs proper pre-start and daily maintenance and service of equipment including lubrication, changing tires, making minor adjustments and repairs, and cleaning.
• Requires a thorough knowledge of general maintenance requirements of various pieces of light to heavy motorized equipment.
• Services, changes tires cutting blades, cleans machine including tracks and makes minor adjustments.
• Recognizes equipment malfunctions or complicated services needs and reports to Supervisor or Mechanic.
• May be required to lift equipment, tools or in combination in excess of 100 pounds.
• Skilled in use of tools and the operation of machines and equipment used in automobile repair and maintenance.
• Must adhere to all traffic laws, applicable Federal and State health and safety rules, local ordinances, and Jackson Parish Policy Jury rules and regulations and policies and procedures.
• Ability to drive various pieces of equipment used by the Police Jury.
• Expected to be cross trained on ALL equipment required of Operator II classification and be available to fill in in the absence of another Operator II as needed.
• May be asked to perform duties of Operator I as needed if qualified, trained, and licensed.
• May be asked to perform duties of Specialty Equipment Operator (Road Grader) if qualified, trained, and licensed (at the appropriate set-up rate).
• Follows safety procedures and practices as required, as well as wearing required safety equipment.
• Required to have the ability to shoot and read grade with laser level.
• Performs road and ditch maintenance and associated work.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Detailed Job Description available upon request

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Village of Chatham
Parish of Jackson
State of Louisiana

A public hearing will be held at 5:30pm June 13, 2023, at Chatham Town Hall located 1709 Oak St Chatham, Louisiana regarding the following Ordinances:
Ordinance 2023 – 01: An ordinance establishing and providing for an amended budget of receipts for the Village of Chatham, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana for the fiscal year 2022 – 2023 and appropriating out of the treasury the funds necessary for the payment of said expenditures as set forth on the budget.
Ordinance 2023 – 02: An ordinance establishing and providing for a budget of receipts for the Village of Chatham, Louisiana for the fiscal year 2023 – 2024 and appropriating out of the treasury the funds necessary for the payment of said expenditures as set forth on the budget.
Ordinance 2023 – 03: An ordinance allowing for a franchise agreement with Entergy, Louisiana, Inc., and other pertaining matters
A copy of these ordinances may be obtain at Chatham Town Hall. Anyone who needs assistance, please call Town Hall at 318-249-2541 during office hours of Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm and Friday 8pm – 12pm.

Gregory C. Harris
Mayor

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed Proposals will be received by the Jackson Parish Police Jury, Jonesboro, Louisiana, in the Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana, until 2:00 P.M., local time, on Thursday, June 15, 2023. No proposals will be received after this hour or date. On this date and specified time, bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

For: JACKSON PARISH COURTHOUSE
REPLACE Boiler Number 1
JONESBORO, LOUISIANA

Complete bidding documents may be obtained from:

JOHN J. GUTH ASSOCIATES, INC.
208 MILAM STREET
SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA 71101
PHONE 318/221-8638

upon deposit of $50.00 for each set of documents. Deposit on the first two sets are fully refundable to all bonafide Prime Bidders upon return of the documents, in good condition, no later than ten (10) days of receipt of bids. The deposit of all other sets of documents will be refunded 50% upon return of documents as stated above. Documents are also available in electronic format on CD upon payment of deposit.

All bids must be accompanied by bid security equal to five percent (5%) of the sum of the base bid and all alternates, and must be in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check, or Bid Bond written by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana.

The successful Bidder shall be required to furnish a Performance and Payment Bond written by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana, in an amount equal to 100% of the Contract amount.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held in the Police Jury Meeting Room 3rd Floor, Jackson Parish Courthouse, 500 E Court Street, Jonesboro, Louisiana on May 30th at 10:00 A.M.

Bids shall be accepted only from Contractors who are licensed under La. R.S. 37:2150-2163 for the classification of MECHANICAL Work.

Evidence of authority to submit the bid shall be required in accordance with R.S. 38:2212(A)(1)(c) and/or R.S. 39:1594(C)(2)(d).

Any person requiring special accommodations shall notify the Jackson Parish Police Jury of the type(s) of accommodations required not less than seven (7) days before the bid opening.

Jackson Parish Police Jury
Emmett Gibbs,
Secretary-Treasurer

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The Jackson Council on Aging has declared the following items as surplus property and authorized disposal of each item separately by sealed bids to the highest bidder.

One(1) 2010 Ford Transit
One(1) 2016 Ford Transit T-35 Passenger Van

These items may be inspected Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm & Friday 8am-2:00pm at Jackson COA Office, 120 Polk Ave. Jonesboro, LA
(318)259-8962

Bids submitted for each vehicle item must be submitted in sealed envelope, clearly marked SEALED BID
no later than 1:00pm Friday July 14,2023.

All items are to be sold “as is”.

The Jackson Council on Aging reserve the right to reject any or all bids.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Jackson Parish Watershed Public Meeting Minutes

May 18, 2023
7:00PM

Meeting Called to Order by Mr. Joynor.
Members Present: Gary Joynor, Jimmy Waggoner, Roy Barlow, Daniel Ponder
Member Absent: Wes Harvey, Jerry Chestnut, Kent Hightower
Opening Prayer by Jimmy Waggoner
No public comments.
Motion by Mr. Ponder to approve meeting minutes from April 20, 2023. Second by Mr. Barlow. Motion carried.
Old Business: Ebenezer pier was approved by La State Fire Marshall on May 9th, 2023. Possible start date on project June 9th .
Motion by Mr. Barlow to approve financial statements and pay bills for April 2023. Second by Mr. Ponder. Motion carried.
Motion by Mr. Waggoner to approve building permits for: Don & Karon Conner & Paul Miller. Second by Mr. Barlow. Motion Carried.
Motion by Mr. Ponder to allow Ladies of the Lake Organization to borrow 4 x8 wood frames to display signage for a cancer benefit fundraiser on Caney Lake. Second by Mr. Waggoner. Motion Carried.
Member Comments: Mr. Barlow entertained the idea of meeting with the office of tourism in Baton Rouge in 2024 to receive possible funding for watershed projects. Mr. Waggoner discussed the Chatham Lake boat launch and Ebenezer Launch issue with silting and ramp issue at low water levels.
Mr. Joynor discussed (2) complaints he received from fisherman and recreation boaters entering and leaving the spillway launch area on the weekend from 6:00pm to 10:30 pm. The 1st complaint was poor vehicle parking along the road in no designated parking spots causing near accidents due to very little
clearance being left by vehicles parked for the business weekend entertainment. The other complaint was no boat\trailer parking near the boat launch due to no available spots because vehicles parked for the business weekend entertainment. Mr. Joynor added that trash being left on the ground after the weekends at the spillway launch parking lot is also a problem.
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Mr. Waggoner. Second by Mr. Barlow. Motion Carried.

 

 

 

Death Notices

Jimmy Bond Golden
October 16, 1938 – June 1, 2023

goldenJimmy Bond “Daddy J” Golden of Jonesboro passed away on Thursday, June 1, after suffering a massive stroke on Sunday, May 28. Mr. Golden was 84.

Born in Jonesboro on October 16, 1938, to J.W. and Audrey Golden. Mr. Golden was a long-standing resident of Jonesboro with short stints spent in Prescott, AR, (1 year) and Crosset, AR, (7 years). He was involved in church, business, the community, and served on the Jackson Parish School Board for multiple terms.

Mr. Golden attended Jonesboro-Hodge High School where he was an outstanding athlete. He was considered one of the top lettermen in his career at Jonesboro-Hodge with a total of 11 in four sports: three in football, basketball and track and two in baseball. He was a member of the 1956-57 basketball team that had a 30-4 record and was state runner-up. He was the leading batter on the 1954 JHHS team
with a .386 average. At Henderson State University, he was named All-ATC for two years in football, playing on the 1959 championship team in the Rice Bowl. He played safety on a defense that was named No. 1 in the nation in pass defense. He returned punts and kickoffs, including one 94-yard TD and played QB on offense. He had a .333 career batting average in three years of baseball and was selected on the All-ATC team his senior year when the Reddies won the conference championship. Mr. Golden was selected into the Henderson State Hall of Fame and the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame.

In 1968, Mr. Golden left a successful career in coaching for a management position at Continental Can Company in Hodge, LA. During his career as a Bag Converting Manager he served with a group of incredible supervisors that set numerous company-wide production records. Mr. Golden retired from the plant that eventually became Stone Container in 2001 without ever missing a single day of work.

Mr. Golden was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, a Kiwanian, member of the Jonesboro Town Council and a member of JHHS Booster Club. He enjoyed coaching little league baseball, playing tennis, golf, softball, hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends in family.

Jimmy married Betsy Lou Garner of Rison, AR on December 19, 1961. The couple celebrated their 62nd anniversary earlier this year. He is survived by Betsy, their 2 sons, Gary of Prairieville, LA and his wife Machaela and their daughter Madeline, of Starkville, MS; Russ of Ruston, LA and his wife Lori and their children Bailee and Zack, both of Ruston, LA. He is also survived by his siblings are: Lora Faye Peacock and husband Glen of Santa Rosa, FL; Mary Ann D’Avy and husband Dane of Ruston, LA; Johnny Golden and his wife Jan of Ruston, LA. Daddy J is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will take place from 2:00 – 5:00 pm on Sunday, June 4th at the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, The funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church on Monday, June 5th at 10:00 am with interment following at Greenwood Cemetery in Rison, AR under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston.  

Serving as pallbearers are: Earl Kelley of Tyler, TX; Jerry Shankles of Jonesboro, LA; Glynn Saulters of Quitman, LA; Pat Moore of Houston, TX; Ed Rich of Jonesboro, LA; Kyle Kirkpatrick of Breaux Bridge, LA; Lee Green of Baton Rouge, LA; Billy Adcox of Ruston, LA; Taylor Davis of Baton Rouge, LA. Honorary pallbearers are: Clyde Berry of Queen City, TX; Charlie Donalson of Memphis, TN; Karl Salb of Sandpoint, ID.

Donice Allwell
October 12, 1947 – June 1, 2023

atwellDonice Nedra (Lancaster) Allwell, age 75 of Jonesboro, ascended to her Heavenly home for a grand reunion on Thursday, June 1, 2023. She was a member of Hodge Baptist Church. She loved the Lord, her family, her church family and serving others. She will lovingly be remembered as a good Christian woman that was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She worked hard to provide a good, loving home for her family and it is hard to imagine life without her in it. She will be missed dearly by family and friends alike.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, William Allwell, Jr. of Winnsboro, Blaine Allwell of Gaars Mill, Elizabeth Truelove (Joe) of Chatham, Amy Allwell of Clinton, MS; grandchildren, Joshua Allwell of Winnfield, China Ficher of Winnfield, Slade Allwell of Winnsboro, Nicholas Truelove of Chatham, Danielle Truelove of Chatham, Chloe Truelove of Chatham, Cheyenne Truelove of Chatham; great grandchildren, Jackson, Aiden, Madeline; brother, Jimmy Marlette (Patricia) of Star City, AR; sister in law, Sherry Reech (Rodney) of Moreauville; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Allwell, Sr.; parents, Fred and Nancy Lancaster.

Funeral services are set for Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 2:00PM with Reverend Norris Curry officiating. Burial will follow in Ebenezer Baptist Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Blaine Allwell, Joe Truelove, Nick Truelove, Matt Truelove, Albert Shavers.


Special Called Police Jury Meeting to be held on Wednesday, May 31st

The Jackson Parish Police Jury has called for a Special Meeting to be held at 5:15pm on Wednesday, May 31st in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr. Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Administrative Building, located at 160 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro.

The agenda of the special session calls for the following two items to be considered. 

  1. Consider and act on a replacement for Juror Lynn Treadway’s unexpired term.
  2. Consider and act on amending the JPPJ Project Permit height requirement of
    telecommunication lines over Parish roads from 20 ft. to 16.5 ft. to comply with NEC
    standards.

Discussion of other topics along with announcements and notifications that may be necessary will follow before adjournment of the meeting. 

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Emmett Gibbs, Secretary/Treasurer at (318)259-2361 Ext. 3 describing the assistance that is necessary.

 


Drew Browning selected to 2023 LBCA Underclassman All-State Games


The second annual LBCA Underclassman All-State Games are set to get underway June 5-7 at Alumni Field on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. Drew Browning of Weston High will represent the North Team which will compete against teams from the East, West, and South Region of the state.

Staged by the Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association and presented by Marucci Sports, the showcase is designed to give exposure to approximately 100 of the top underclassmen baseball prospects (Class of 2024, 2025, 2026)) from across the state to colleges across Louisiana and the nation.

Players for each team were nominated by their head coach prior to selection. This year’s participants will be evaluated during the three-day event and considered for the team selected to play in the Southeastern Underclassman Shootout in Troy, Alabama later this month.

Browning, who hit .364 for the Wolves with a team high 10 doubles and 25 RBI, while also scoring 21 runs is the only player to make the north Louisiana team that hails from a school smaller than Class A. Admission to the event is free.

Trish Smith named Grand Marshal of 2023 Caney Lake Freedom Celebration Flotilla

Trish Smith has been named as Grand Marshal of the 2023 Caney Lake Freedom Celebration Flotilla that will take place on Saturday, July 1st. The vibrant member of the Ladies of the Lake has been a long time supporter of charitable and civic causes in Jackson Parish and of the Caney Lake Community Foundation. 

To enter the 2023 Flotilla or for more information, go to www.caneylakecommunityfoundation.org