Stephen Morgan, who passed away on September 23, 2020, was honored by the Jackson Parish Recreation Board at the regularly scheduled November meeting by dedicating the archery trail that is located at the Rec Complex on Hwy 4 East in his name.

A sign in his honor was presented to the board members in attendance: Mr. Brent Barnett, Mr. Ricky Cash, Mr. Jeff Hairston, Mr. Rodney Potts, Mr. Sullivan Stevens and Mr. Chris Womack by Jackson Parish Recreation Department Director Tommy Smith.

Mr. Barnett followed by giving thanks and appreciation to Mrs. Tammy Morgan, wife of Mr. Morgan, on behalf of the board and Ms. Kayla McGuire for all that he had done for the Recreation District, 4-H program and the community.

Before the meeting, that was held at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro began a public hearing regarding the 2021 budget was held. No comments were expressed and after the allotted time the hearing was closed.

Once the meeting began the October minutes and financials were approved the board agreed to adopt the 2021 budget. Director Smith followed by providing information on the ongoing programs at the sports complex and Ms. Rebecca Williams gave an update on the golf course including membership numbers, banquet rentals and a quote on a cart shed.

Engineer Paul Riley then gave an update on the concession stand project. Board President Barnett was then authorized to sign the substantial completion form once the project was finished pending all necessary inspections.

In additional action the Board agreed to set the 2021 meeting dates for third Monday of each month at 6:00 pm to be held at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center. The Winn Parish Enterprise was deemed the official journal for 2021 and Mr. Steven M. Gatlin was retained as attorney.  After announcing the next session will be held on January 18^th at 6:00 pm the meeting was adjourned.

The Jonesboro and Chatham branches of the Jackson Parish Library have announced their schedule of children and adult events for January. Both Branches will be closed on New Year’s Day, January 1^st, 2021 and again on January 18^th in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Due to the ongoing concerns of social gathering stemming from the Coronavirus Epidemic there are only three activities planned this month at the Jonesboro branch and none for the Chatham branch but arrangements are in place for at-home activities and programs.

Jonesboro Branch activities            

January 8 – Book signing (3:00pm – 5:00pm)

Local author Bridgett Plunkett will be on hand for the book signing of her debut novel Finn Rogers and the Heart of Elvelon!! Bring your copy or buy one on site for $10.00

January 11 – LifeShare Blood Drive (10:00am – 4:00pm)

To register you can go online to:  https://donor.lifeshare.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedules/219065

or call Joanna Gibson at 318-259-5697.

January 20^th (10:00am – 4:00pm) – Brown’s Hearing Market Research Program

Participants can evaluate a new digital hearing instrument. This new digital technology is revolutionary in its ability to provide a natural sound experience within a device that is at the same time comfortable, discreet and easy to use. No registration required.

Chatham Branch activities               

A take home Fitness Class Program is available for check out by calling 318-249-2980

Children programs

Call the Jonesboro branch at 318-259-5697 and speak to Terrye Shackleford to sign up to receive Take Home Art Projects and Surprises. 

Outreach Services     

Monthly personalized delivery of books, audiobooks, magazines and more are available to residents of Jackson Parish, including Nursing Home residents and in-home daycares. 

Traditional Services

Provided at both branches are the ability to check out Music CD’s, Graphic Novels, Books, Audio Books, Genealogy Resources, DVD’s, Magazines and E-books for your tablet/smartphone. Fax services at a $1:00 per page and copy services for pages sized 8.5×11, 8.5×14 and 11×17 at a cost ranging from 15-50 cents per page are also available.

Printing services from your Smartphone or Tablets through a free mobile printing app can be done by sending an email along with attachments to: jpl-jonesboro@printspots.com or jpl-chatham@printspots.com

Jonesboro Branch information:

Address: 614 South Polk Avenue

Phone: 318-259-5697

Fax: 318-259-3374

Hours of operation:  Monday – Friday (8:00am – 5:30pm), Saturday (8:00am – 12:00pm)

Chatham Branch information:

Address: 1500 Pine Street

Phone: 318-249-2980

Fax: 318-249-2981

Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday (8:30am – 6:00pm), Friday & Saturday (8:30am-12:30pm)

Players make plays. Justin Calahan is a player. A player also usually has a catchy nickname but this was something that previously was missing from the J-H junior guard’s portfolio. He has one now. From now on he should be known as “Clutch.”

Calahan earned the deserved moniker this past Monday night when, with his team trailing Winnfield by one with just 2.4 seconds remaining in the game, he calmly stepped to the line and drained two free throws to give J-H the thrilling victory.

The “clutch” free throws broke the hearts of visiting Winnfield who had overcome a nine point deficit heading into the final frame and taken the lead on a desperation three pointer by Keithan Hamilton with just 4.7 seconds left in the contest.

Credit for the victory also has to be given to J-H head coach Allen Tew. After gathering his team for a final huddle during the time-out that was called immediately following the visitors dagger, Tew designed a brilliant inbounds play.

Knowing Winnfield would apply full court pressure to try and make it difficult for J-H to get off a good shot in such limited time Tew had senior forward Ed “Robbie” Kary positioned at the half court line and then break into the backcourt to receive the inbounds pass. Kary immediately hit Calahan who was streaking up the court from the visitor’s free throw line with a pass at mid-court allowing “Clutch” to drive to the hoop forcing Winnfield to foul in order not to give up an easy lay-up.

Calahan had also been instrumental in the early going that gave J-H a 21-12 lead at the end of one period of play by making nine of the 17 points he finished with. Tydre Malone led the Tigers with a game high 20 points with Kary and Davion McGuire adding five. Ajay Tew had four and both Javious Holden and Cameron Leonard chipped in with two each to round out the Tiger’s scoring.

With the victory Jonesboro-Hodge improved to 3-2 on the season while Winnfield, who got a team leading 19 points from Des Duncan, dropped their first game of the year after opening the season with six straight victories. William Glover added 12 on the strength of four trey’s.

JHHS (3-2)    21  9  16   9 – 55

WHS (6-1)    12 14 11 17 – 54

JHHS scoring: Malone 20, Calahan 17, Kary 5, McGuire 5, Tew 4, Holden 2, Leonard 2

WHS scoring: Duncan 19, Glover 12, Hamilton 8, Roberson 7,  Womack 4, Starks 2, Espejel 2

Winnfield 33 J-H 30 (JV): Winnfield overcame a 17-5 halftime deficit by outscoring Jonesboro-Hodge 18-2 in the third quarter to take the three point victory in Junior Varsity action. DeVontae Mozee led J-H with eight points including four of the Tigers seven in the first quarter which ended with Winnfield scoreless.

Savantez Phillips added seven, LaJavion Nichols six and Aiden Price five for J-H while Tommy Walker and Cameron Leonard scored two each. Winnfield was led by Starks with 9, Duncan had 8 and Spears chipped in with 6 as the three scored all their points but two in the second half to fuel the rally. Randal and Mattey added two each.     

JHJV   7 10   2 11 – 30

WHJV 0   5 18 10 – 33

JHJV scoring: Mozee 8, Phillips 7, Nichols 6, Price 5, Walker 2, Leonard 2

WHJV scoring: Stark 9, Duncan 8, Spears 6, Randall 2, Mattey 2

Area Recap: In the only other game played over the Christmas holiday break by area teams, Ruston High, under the guidance of former Weston High star and coach Ryan Bond, destroyed visiting Gibsland-Coleman 79-32. The dominating performance continued one of the best starts to a season in Bearcat history, which now stands at 9-1, in Bond’s second year at the helm.

Markel Jones scored a game high 17 points for Ruston followed by 12 from Jackson Pilgreen and Joshua Dean’s eleven. Zhyavion Scott, Xavier Brewster and Jamadrion Lillard added eight each with Johntarious Thomas scoring six. Earnest Chatman chipped in with four while Dyson Fields and Jonesboro native, Rollin Belton had two each helping Ruston equal their entire win total from a season ago.

The Bearcats suffocating defense once again led the way to the victory by grabbing 17 steals and limiting Gibsland-Coleman to single digits in each quarter. The Bulldogs, who was led by 14 points from Terrance James, fell to 3-5 on the year after making just 10 makes on 50 shot attempts and only 2 of 17 from the three point line.

RHS (9-1)      22 21 14 22 – 79

GCHS (3-5)     9   9    5   9 – 32

RHS scoring: Jones 17, Pilgreen 12, Dean 11, Lillard 8, Brewster 8, Scott 8, Thomas 6, Chatman 4, Fields 2, Belton 2

GCHS scoring: James 14, Stevens 8, Woodford 5, Fields 3, Coleman 3

All the gyms in Jackson Parish will be lit up this coming Tuesday evening as JHHS, Quitman and Weston welcome visiting opponents for the start of the 2021 portion of the prep basketball schedule. That is providing the girls and boys contests that are slated will be played.

Given how the 2020 portion of the season has gone with many of the schools having to cancel or postpone many games due to the ongoing Coronavirus, it is advisable to check to make sure the games will be played before heading out to root for your favorite teams.

Actually, Weston tips off the New Year for local schools with a boys and girls matchup at home on Monday against Family Community Christi and then welcomes Castor on Tuesday. Jonesboro-Hodge hosts Neville and Quitman will see St. Mary’s of Natchitoches come to town in other January 5^th games.

In girls and boys games involving area teams, Simsboro will host Caldwell Parish on Monday and then Summerfield on Tuesday. In other January 5^th contests Calvin will be at LaSalle, West Ouachita goes to Choudrant, Dodson travels to Georgetown and Ruston will invade Richwood.

The contest between Ruston and Richwood has great local flavor, especially among the coaches. The Richwood girls is coached by former JHHS player and coach, Kristi Brothers, while the boys matchup features former Weston star and coach, Ryan Bond as the Ruston coach and former NBA player, Terry Martin, who hails from now defunct Shady Grove High School, as the Richwood head man. 

Season records for area girls teams in order of wins (as of 12/30/2020)

Quitman              9-2

Ruston                  9-4

JHHS                      6-1

Weston                7-6

Choudrant          6-4

Simsboro             4-3

Calvin                    1-4

Saline                    0-3

Dodson                 0-5

Season records for area boys teams in order of wins (as of 12/30/2020)

 

Simsboro             11-1

Ruston                  9-1

Choudrant           6-2

Quitman              5-2

Weston                5-9

JHHS                      3-2

Saline                    2-2

Dodson                 2-3

Calvin                    1-1

Beginning on Saturday, January 9^th  the gymnasium at the Jonesboro -Hodge Middle School and High School will be filled with young boys and girls from the age of 5-14 as the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Basketball leagues tips off. Games will be played each Saturday throughout January and February.

Almost 200 youth from the area will be competing in seven separate leagues consisting of a total of 25 teams. Four of the leagues (5&6, 7&8 boys, 9-10 boys, 11&12 boys) have four teams each while the other three (9-10 girls, 11-12 girls, 13-14 boys)  have three teams. Each squad consists of eight boys or girls each.

“We are very pleased to have such a large turnout of boys and girls,” said Jackson Parish Recreation Director Tommy Smith. “We are looking forward to lots of fun and excitement for the kids and families as well as giving the youth a chance to learn how to play basketball in a team environment.”

See below for a list of teams, coach and players in each league.

5&6 year old

BULLS – Coach Shane Ingram

Players: JAGGER INGRAM, RIVER WAGGONER, SAVANNAH PORTER, CLAY BURTON, KOPLEN TAYLOR, CARTER GREER, MADDOX GRAHAM, KUTTER BLALOCK

LAKERS – Coach Cheyenne Allen        

Players: KYLEE ANN ALLEN, BRAXTEN THERIOT, TOMMY SESSIONS, ISAAC SESSIONS, BENTLEY HALL, MADDOX NARON, BRANTLEY TUCKER, LANDRIE KATE WATSON       

PELICANS – Coach Micheal Bougues

Players: AINSLEY BOUGUES, ADELINE ANDERSON, GRANT WILLAIMS, JACOB TOMS, NATALIE SULLIVAN, JAYLEE HOUGH                , BRAXTON LAWSON      

WARRIORS – Coach Lance Seymore

Players: ANDREW SEYMORE, HINLEY HALL, JACK WALSWORTH, MASON GREER, HUDSON ST CLAIR, ELI STRINGER, JASPER OWEN  

7&8 year old

BLAZERS – Coach Donovan Schultz

Players: COOPER ROTON, COREY MIXON, CALEB ROBINSON, SAMONE MALLARD, DALLAS STRINGER, ELLIOT SAVAGE, THATCHER SAVAGE        

HAWKS – Coach Larry Ponder

Players: BENTLEY PONDER, JASE TINSLEY, RYDER PARDUE, LIZZIE SULLIVAN, BROOKLYN KEIFFER, JASE REED, AIDEN REED

MAGIC – Coach Samantha Aldy

Players: HANNAH ALDY, KAINE STASSEN, ANTLEY WRIGHT, BRYAR MCGUFFEE, KASH GANDY, KARRIGAN GANDY

JAZZ –Coach Candice Leach

Players: KYNLEIGH LEACH, ELLA SIMONELLI, CAIDEN JACKSON, EMERSON JAMES, JAXEN CULPEPPER, PARKEY NOMEY               

9&10 year old girls

STORM – Coach David Ray Pardue

Players: ANNA PARDUE, JALYNN JILES, TEEGAN HALL, SKYLEIGH WEBB, HALLAY TAYLOR, MADELINE HODNETT EMMA KATE TOMS, BRAELYN PATTON 

SPARKS – Coach Kenzie McCurdy

Players: DEMIE MCCURDY, BAILEY TINSLEY, SKYLAR LAMKIN, JULIE FORD, ANNALISE BOUGUES, ALLIE ROBERTSON, LILY DUCK, AVERY HASLEY    

MYSTICS – Coach Todd Culpepper

Players: ALLIE FENN, RACHEL BANDY, SYLA MALONE, SOPHIA KLIEBERT, MAGGIE WALL, TEYTON NARON, KLEA BLALOCK, RAELEIGH MEDARIES,KINSLEY PONDER

9&10 year old boys

GRIZZLIES – Coach Courtney Delaney

Players: JOSEPH DELANEY, JAKE MOAK, CARSON SAVANA, JAYDEN BURNS, ASHER BURNS               , RYDER GRAY, GRAYSON LOWE, TUCKER WALLIS            

ROCKETS – Coach Corey Thomas

Players: MASON THOMAS, ELI HENDERSON, JASEN MCNEIL, JAXON CHEATWOOD, LUKE ROWE, ELI ROWE, KOBIE WILLIAMS, QUANTAVIOUS CAMPBELL   

KINGS – Coach Lance Seymore

Players: HAYDEN SEYMORE, MATHEW ODOM, NOAH SPILLMAN, JENSEN WAGGONER, DAMON WHITMAN, BRODY TUCKER, LUKE SIMS, SPENCER STRICKLAND         

RAPTORS – Coach Donovan Shultz

Players: CARTER ROTON , AYDEN WATKINS, ANDREW WATKINS, ASHTON BORLAND, JAMEON JEFFERESON, BRYCE TOLAR, BRAYDEN MORGAN, LEYTON YOUNSE    

11&12 year old boys

SPURS –Coach Wayne Thomas

Players: LARSEN THOMAS, WILLIAM BRITTINGHAM, JACKSON THOMAS, BRODY TIDWELL, JACKSON BOUGUES, SCOUT JOHNSON, MATTHEW ODOM    

BULLS – Coach Derreck Kennard

Players: REMY KENNARD, CORBIN USSERY, AIDEN PHARES, SHANE REED, BRAYDEN MARTIN, ROMAN STRICKLAND, GUNNER FONTENOT     

LAKERS – Donovan Schultz

Players: ASHER SCHULTZ, DJ PALMER, ELIJAH JACKSON, CADEN JACKSON , DAVID GANDY, BRAEDYN TURNER, AYDEN GREER

WARRIORS – Coach Corey Thomas

Players: TADEN THOMAS, TY HENDERSON, BRODY TOMS, MASON HOWARD, CHRISTOPHER HARRELL, RYLAN REYNOLDS, GUNNER YOUNSE    

11&12 year old girls

DREAM – Coach Luke Walker

Players: EMMA WALKER, BRILEY JONES, BREELYN BOONE, SANAA TATUM, JAIDON VENZANT, AVA CASKEY, EVIE HASLEY, LANEE CHEATWOOD, MORGAN CHEATWOOD

LIBERTY – Coach Candice Leach

Players: ANNA CLAIRE LEACH, RALEI BRADFORD, CARLY JO GRIFFIN, AVERY WATSON, JADA CONNER, ABBY MARTINDALE, BROOKLYN BROWN, MAKAYLA HODNETT, JANA POTTS     

WINGS – Coach Brandon Lamkin

Players: BRENNA LAMKIN, LILY JONES, CARLYNN WATERS, TAYLOR BORLAND, HALLIE KATE PULLIG, ANNA KAY PATTON, MEGAN WALKER, ALLISON MORGAN  

13&14 year old boys

TIMBERWOLVES – Coach Ryan Leach

Players: NOAH LEACH, MASON DELANEY, CADEN BROWN, WALKER MEDARIES, TYLER PARDUE, SHELBY PEROT, JACOB GILL, KACE WEST             

CELTICS – Coach Thomas Ussery

Players: CASH USSERY, PEYTON JOINER, JUDE OTWELL, NICHOLAS KLIEBERT, BRAYDEN SMITH, COLE TOLAR, SKYLER STRICKLAND      

PELICANS – Coach Allen Tew

Players: DUKE TEW, SAWYER WATKINS, PAYTON NOMEY, BROCK HENDERSON, JEREMIAH JEFFERSON, CASE SIMS, BRYCE ZEHR       

By: Glynn Harris

This is a busy time of year for me with my assignment from LA Sportsman magazine to interview successful hunters and write stories about how they took trophy bucks. There has been little time to cover other matters regarding the outdoors as long as deer season is going on.

I ran across one story, though, that temporarily placed Louisiana’s big bucks and how they were taken on the back burner for a bit.

This is a deer story but it reached its peak, not in Louisiana but in Kansas. The subject of this story is a 17 year high school senior at Cedar Creek school in Ruston. The subject happens o be a young lady. Anna Kate Scriber, daughter of Ruston painting contractor and police juror, Glenn Scriber.

Anna Kate developed an interest in hunting by tagging along with her dad as he chased turkeys and deer across Louisiana.

“She started hunting deer herself at the age of 11 when she was the recipient of a Whitetails Unlimited sponsored hunt,” her dad explained. Anna Kate was successful in downing a big doe on this hunt, and her deer hunting fever ramped up a notch

Glenn Scriber has been involved in a hunting club in Kansas for several years and has taken several nice bucks there. When Anna Kate was 15, it took very little arm twisting for her to talk her dad into letting her accompany him on his trip to Kansas.

“Anna Kate kept things going with her interest in hunting deer as she was able to down a very respectable 135 inch 9 point buck that season,” said Scriber.

When this year’s hunting season rolled around, Glenn Scriber began packing his gear for his annual deer hunting foray in Kansas taking Anna Kate with him. Here’s the way Scriber described the hunt where his daughter proved her prowess as a genuine deer hunter.

“Kansas has long been known for its trophy whitetail deer, but to down a really impressive one requires patience and preparation with a bit of luck to go along with it.

“On a beautiful sunny, cold crisp and calm afternoon, all of the above fell in place for my daughter,” Scriber explained.

While sitting in their deer blind, they watched a group of does and some smaller bucks feeding on the food plot. All of a sudden, all of the deer bolted from the plot and Scriber felt that something was about to happen.

“Ten minutes passed with no other activity and then five minutes later, a true Kansas trophy buck rushed out onto the plot chasing a doe. There was no doubt that this was a ‘shooter’ and Anna Kate was ready for action, placing her .308 on the sandbag getting ready for a shot,” Scriber continued.

However, the buck was anything but cooperative as he began trotting directly away from the blind chasing the doe.

“I whistled to get the buck’s attention hoping he would turn broadside but to no avail. He just kept going and by now, he was near the end of a 400 yard field when he finally stopped and at 375 yards, he turned broadside,” he said.

By putting the crosshairs of her scope on the top of the buck’s back, Anna Kate was able to squeeze off a shot. Walking down to where the deer was standing, there lay a fine 5 ½ year old 10 point buck that gross scored 150 inches.

“It is so special to watch a youngster with interest in learning to hunt be successful. It’s extra special,” Scriber said, “when it’s your daughter.

FISHING REPORT – 12-23-20

BUSSEY BRAKE – Bass fishing has been fair around the button willows on jigs, shakey tails and spinners.  No report on other species. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

BLACK BAYOU –  Bass have been fair to good around around structure on soft plastics. Crappie and bream are slow. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.

OUACHITA RIVER – Crappie have been fair in the river lakes and creeks on shiners or jigs. Bass fishing is fair in the cuts and in the back of the river lakes on soft plastics and spinners. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE D’ARBONNE –Crappie have been best on the edges of the channels on shiners or jigs with some better catches made at night around the lights. Bass continue to be best in the deepest holes in the channels on tail spinners and crank baits. Bream are slow while catfishing is good on cold worms and night crawlers. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has been good fishing deep and on the flats. In deep water, best results have come from dropping a shiner or jig to the bottom in 30 foot water and reel up four or five turns. Bass fishing has been fair with most of the fish being on the small to medium size. Catfishing has been fair with stripers slow to fair. No report this week on bream. For latest information, call Tim Loftin at Kel’s Cove at 927-2264.

CANEY LAKE – Fishing for bass and yellow bass has been best on jigging spoons and tail spinners bounced off the bottom. Crappie fishing has been fair around deep tops on shiners or jigs especially in the deep water out from the dam. No report on catfish or bream. For latest information contact Bateaux on Caney Lake at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE POVERTY POINT – Crappie have been best in the mornings on the south end while afternoons are working best around the boat slips. Catfishing has been fair to good while bass and bream are slow. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318-878-0101.

LAKE ST. JOHN – Bass have been fair to good fishing jigs and soft plastics. Catfishing has been slow to fair while crappie are slow. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.

LAKE YUCATAN – The water is on a three-day standstill before starting to fall. No fishermen this week.. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

LAKE BRUIN – Crappie fishing has been fair on shiners. Other species are slow. For information, contact Carlos Gray at 318/766-0075.                   

After more than a year of functioning without a permanent housing director, on December 17^th, the Town of Jonesboro Housing Authority selected Everette L. Johnson to become the new Housing Authority executive director.  This selection came on the heels of ousted director Jeanette Glover who was terminated because of a lack of confidence voiced by residents, staff, and members of the Board of Commissioners.  Following the termination and departure of Glover, Johnson was appointed interim director until a new director could be named.  Johnson is a native of Jackson Parish who attended Grambling State University majoring in Chemistry.  

There were two other local candidates vying to fill the position, one of which was Yolanda Barnes, a Grambling State University employee who is currently employed in the Office of Facilities at the University.  Barnes graduated from Grambling State University with a BA and Master’s Degree in Sociology.  Courtne’ Davis was also a top contender for the position.  Davis currently manages a public housing complex and holds both a BA in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Grambling State University.

Ms. Janice Simmons, Board of Commissioners’ Chairperson for the Jonesboro Housing Authority had this to say when asked about the task involved and the process of selecting the new director, she said “It was a challenging decision, especially given the fact that there were three outstanding, well qualified candidates from which to choose.  In the end the Board of Commissioners chose Johnson because using the point system to evaluate candidates, Johnson emerged with the highest point value.

Mayor Leslie Thompson commented he is pleased that the Jonesboro Housing Authority has reached a point of stabilization.  He indicated that the Authority has been a critical focal point of his administration since being elected in 2018, saying, “Affordable housing is a key component that fuels a municipality’s economic development efforts.  Not only were we determined to assist in the creation of an environment driven by compliance of law, but also an environment of respect for tenants and staff.  I believe that the Board of Commissioners made a good choice in the selection of Mr. Everette Johnson as Director of the Authority and I believe he will set a tone of excellence and a standard for the rest of the state to follow” said Thompson. 

The Jonesboro Housing Authority has been in a state of flux and has been mired in controversy for several years primarily because of poor management, questionable business dealings and unethical practices.  Equally concerning were winds of claims regarding Glover’s professional qualifications and skills.  Questions were also raised concerning how and to whom service contracts were awarded during her years in office.  Specially, several questions were raised about contracts being awarded for major work being conducted under Glover’s leadership as all major contracts were awarded to one contractor with familial connections without evidence of meeting necessary state bid laws.

More questions surfaced about the process and the manner in which Glover was appointed under the Bradford Administration and how Bradford insisted and fought vehemently to keep Glover in the position long after he suffered a decisive defeat in the 2018 election for town Mayor against now Mayor Leslie Thompson.  In an effort to hold on to the position Glover was encouraged and monies were raised through a local church where Glover attended to file a frivolous lawsuit that sought to remove Simmons, a Thompson appointee, from the Board of Commissioners and to have Glover reinstated to the position.  Glover was fired by majority vote of the Board of Commissioners.  Glover’s lawsuit went nowhere and the battle to remove Janice Simmons from the Board of Commissioners ended in a failed attempt.  The effort to have Glover reinstated to the position of Executive Director and the retention of an illegally appointed Board of Commissioners by the Bradford administration also ended with the Second Judicial Court issuing a ruling confirming Mayor Thompson’s legal right to appoint a new Board of Commissioners.  As a last-ditch maneuver, all of Bradford’s appointees desperately pleaded to remain on the Board of Commissioner until a new Executive Director was named, a clandestine plan that might have allowed them to reinstate Glover as Executive Director.  Suspiciously, their plea was ignored, and all members were decommissioned by court order and removed from the Board of Commissioners.  

In an interview with the new Director Everette Johnson, he talked about the direction in which Jonesboro Housing Authority is heading under his leadership.  Johnson stated that his top priority is being directed toward residents and staff concerns regarding safety of residents especially as related to COVID 19 and renovating units. Many of the Jonesboro Housing Authority plans have been suspended because of the COVID 19 virus he said.  Johnson indicated that he and staff are exploring innovative ways to offer tenants educational training, specialized training that will enable them to improve the quality of life.  The agency will also be advocating home ownership and operating from a five-year strategic plan to enhance and/or greatly improve public housing in Jonesboro, said Johnson.  

The appointment of a new Executive Director will hopefully put the authority on track for growth and development which will be in the best interest of tenants.  Contracts for work should be properly bided and ethical practices will return to the operation of the Jonesboro Housing Authority.  Working collaboratively, let’s make the Town of Jonesboro Housing Authority one to be envied by others throughout Northeast Louisiana.  The citizens of the Town of Jonesboro deserve nothing less.  Congratulations on your appointment Everette.

Dr. Herbert Simmons, Jr. is an associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, Grambling State University, former President, Grambling State University Faculty Senate and former Chair, Department of Consumer Education and Resource Management, Howard University, Washington, D.C.  

“Happy New Year!” Everyone in New Orleans, it seemed, was out in the streets celebrating the passing of the old year, 1912, and was welcoming in the new, 1913.  Brass bands paraded through the neighborhoods playing Dixieland jazz by torch light.  People with expendable incomes shot off Roman candles and other fireworks, while others celebrated by making as much noise as possible with whatever they could find.  People banged on pots and pans, scrap pieces of metal and tin, anything that would make a noise.  Another popular form of ringing in the new year was firing guns into the air, which was and is illegal in most cities and towns.  They accompanied whatever noise they could make by yelling, “Happy New Year!” 

Eleven-year-old Dipper had no money for frivolities such as fireworks.  He grew up in one of the most impoverished and dangerous neighborhoods in New Orleans.  His father had left when he was just a few years old and his mother worked odd jobs to keep Dipper and his sister fed.  Dipper had several “stepfathers” through the years, some of which were good for Dipper’s family, but most were not.

Dipper took odd jobs to help his mother buy food for the family.  Even at the young age of eleven, he realized he needed to do his part for his family’s survival.  He hustled newspapers, coal, and anything else he could get his hands upon legally.  He and three of his friends became street performers and formed a singing quartet.  Dipper and his friends walked down street after street singing the popular hits of the day.  If someone liked their singing and had some spare change, they motioned for the quartet to sing a few songs for them.  Afterword, the customer gave them some spare change, which the quartet divided up.  Dipper gave his earnings to his mother. 

On December 31, 1912, Dipper and his four friends wandered through the streets looking for a customer with some spare change.  Dipper was well prepared to ring in the new year.  Earlier in the evening, he went into his mother’s trunk and found his stepfather’s .38 caliber revolver pistol.  He stealthily removed the pistol from the trunk and slipped it into his pocket.  He had found his noisemaker.

Dipper and the other members of the quartet were enjoying themselves on this New Year’s Eve.  They sang, laughed, joked around, and sang some more.  As they were walking and singing on Rampart Street, they were interrupted by six shots from a small caliber pistol.  “dy-dy-dy-dy-dy-dy.”  Someone yelled, “Happy New Year!”  Dipper heard what a pathetic sound the small caliber pistol made and motioned to his friends.  He pulled the .38 caliber pistol from his pocket, aimed it toward the sky, and fired.  POW!   POW!   POW!   POW!   POW!   POW!  “Happy New Year!”  People all around them laughed. 

After the laughter died down, Dipper pocketed the pistol and the quartet continued down Rampart Street singing for tips.  A little while later, Dipper reloaded the pistol, aimed it toward the sky, and fired six more shots.  POW!   POW!   POW!   POW!   POW!   POW!  Just then, Dipper felt two strong hands grab him from behind.  His friends ran.  For Dipper, there was no escape.  The two strong hands belonged to a New Orleans detective.  He begged, cried, and pleaded for the detective to allow him to go home, but the detective disregarded his pleas and took him to jail.

Dipper was scared.  He had never been arrested and wondered what would become of him.  The next morning, a juvenile court judge sentence him to spend an undetermined length of time in the Waifs’ Home for Boys.  A policeman transported Dipper and several other boys to the Waifs’ Home in a prison cart led by two horses.     

Dipper was terrified when they reached the Waifs’ Home.  He and the other boys were stripped of their clothes, forced into showers, were checked for lice, and received ill-fitting uniforms.  One of the keepers led the newcomers into the mess hall where other inmates sat eating “white beans without rice out of tin plates.”  For three days, Dipper was too afraid to eat.  The keepers and other inmates mocked Dipper for not eating, but he gave no response.  On the fourth day, his hunger was too strong for him to ignore.

In addition to scrubbing floors, making beds, and a myriad of other undesirable but necessary chores, the keepers at the Waifs’ Home taught Dipper and the other boys various skills.  Mr. Jones drilled the boys every morning and taught them the proper way to use rifles in formation with wooden rifles.  Mr. Alexander taught carpentry and gardening.  Mr. Davis gave the boys other vocational training, which included music.  One of the only choices the boys had in the Waifs’ Home was their selection of vocation.  Dipper had always been drawn to music and naturally gravitated towards Mr. Davis’s orchestra.  For the first six months, Mr. Davis refused to allow Dipper to actually play any instrument, and Dipper had been too afraid to ask.  Finally, Mr. Davis asked Dipper if he wanted to play in the band.  Dipper was excited.  Rather than hand him a cornet, the instrument Dipper had dreamed of playing, Mr. Davis handed him a tambourine.  Although disappointed, Dipper played the tambourine with such unique style that Mr. Davis immediately made him the drummer in their marching brass band.  Within a short time, Mr. Davis, pleased at Dipper’s quick progress with the drums, taught him how to play an alto saxophone.  Dipper was a quick student and progressed quickly.  Dipper became the bugler for the Waifs’ Home, which was a coveted position because the bugler was excused from most of the undesirable chores required of the other boys.  Dipper had so impressed Mr. Davis that he made Dipper the leader of the brass band and taught him how to play the cornet.  Dipper “was in seventh heaven.”  Dipper practiced the cornet faithfully and impressed everyone who heard his unique style. 

He was eventually freed from the Waifs’ Home.  For years, Dipper worked at manual labor during the day and played his cornet at night.  He eventually became world-famous for his unique playing and singing abilities.  Had it not been for Dipper’s arrest on New Year’s Eve and his incarceration at the Waifs’ Home for Boys, we may never have heard the musical talents of a man who went by many nicknames including Dipper, Dippermouth, Pops, and Satchmo (short for Satchel Mouth).  Dipper’s real name was Louis Armstrong.

Source:

Armstrong, Louis. Satchmo: My Life in New Orleans. New York: Da Capo Press, Inc., 1986.      

1. Edward J. Wyatt (Hodge, LA) – Execution of Sentence, Warrant for Theft charge
2. Joyce Tims (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant for Possession of Schedule II drug charge
3. Tarus A. Weatherford (Ruston, LA) – Burglary
4. Charles Soden (West Monroe, LA)- Probation and Parole
5. Kevin D. Sanders (Hodge, LA) – Warrants for failure to register, violation of protective order (x3)
6. Jahvarian Scott (Ruston, LA) – Speeding, Possession of schedule I drug with intent to distribute
7. Julius R. Williams (Jonesboro, LA) – Burglary
8. Michael J.Bland (Hodge, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery
9. Jess Hearold Jr. (West Monroe, LA) – Bench Warrant for Theft charge
10. Matthew J. Guy (Jonesboro, LA) – Bench Warrants for Expired License Plate charge, No Proof of Insurance charge, Expired MVI charge
11. Nathan E. Simpson (Columbia, LA) – Speeding, Possession of Schedule I drug, Resisting an Officer, Warrant for Expired Plates
12. Roosevelt Leonard Jr. (Jonesboro, LA) – Battery of a dating partner (Misdemeanor)
13. Benny R. Warren Jr. (Ruston, LA) – Possession of Schedule I drug
14. Gerald D. Howard (Ruston, LA) – Possession of Schedule I & II drug
15. Donniel D. Brown (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace ( Public Intoxication)
16. David L Barnett – DWI (1sr offense), Careless Operation
17. Troy Harper (Hodge, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery
18. Nekesha S. Ellison (Winnfield, LA) – Driving under suspension
19. Cassidi Kelley (Quitman, LA) – Failure to appear for seat belt charge, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

LEGAL AD

Anyone knowing information about, or the whereabouts of, the heirs or descendants of Melvin L. Baker and Charlotte Ann Beasley Baker, please contact: Steven M. Gatlin, Attorney at Law, 215 Sixth Street, Suite C, Jonesboro, Louisiana, 71251 or call (318)259-8812.

 

Recreation District Board Meeting Minutes

A budget hearing for the Jackson Parish Recreation District was held on Monday, November 16, 2020 at 11:30am followed by the regular monthly meeting at 12:00pm in the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Mr. Brent Barnett,

Present were: Mr. Ricky Cash, Mr. Jeff Hairston, Mr. Rodney Potts, Mr. Sullivan Stevens and Mr. Chris Womack. Absent: Mr. Brandon Lamkin. Also present, Mr. Steven Gatlin.

The President, Mr. Barnett, called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Mr. Womack and Mr. Barnett led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Barnett opened floor for the 2021 public budget hearing.

Mr. Barnett closed the 2021 public budget hearing with no public comments.

Mr. Barnett opened the floor for public comments. There were no public comments.

Motion Mr. Cash seconded Mr. Womack to approve minutes and financials (October). All in favor. Motion carried.

Motion Mr. Cash seconded Mr. Womack to adopt the 2021 budget. All in favor. Motion carried.

Mr. Tommy Smith, presented sign dedicating archery trail in honor of Mr. Stephen Morgan. Mr. Barnett gave thanks and appreciation to Mrs. Tammy Morgan, wife of Mr. Morgan, on behalf of the board and Ms. Kayla McGuire for all that Mr. Morgan has done for the Recreation District, 4-H and the community.

Mr. Smith gave board update on some of the ongoing programs at the sports complex including archery/shooting range and basketball.

Mr. Paul Riley, engineer, gave board update on the concession stand project.

Motion Mr. Potts seconded Mr. Sullivan to authorize the President to sign the substantial completion for the concession stand project when the project is finished pending all necessary inspections. All in favor. Motion carried.

Ms. Rebecca Williams gave board update on the golf course including membership, banquet rentals and cart shed quote.

Motion Mr. Barnett seconded Mr. Cash to set 2021 board meetings for every 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00pm excluding holidays. All in favor. Motion carried.

Motion Mr. Barnett seconded Mr. Cash to declare Winn Parish Enterprise as the official journal for 2021. All in favor. Motion carried.

Motion Mr. Potts seconded Mr. Barnett to approve resolution to retain the Law Office of Steven M. Gatlin, L.L.C. for 2021. All in favor. Motion carried.

Mr. Smith gave board update on the damage assessment meeting held earlier in the day by the Police Jury.

Next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 18, 2021 at 6:00p.m. at the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, Jonesboro.

Motion Mr. Potts seconded Mr. Barnett to adjourn meeting. All in favor. Motion carried.

Christopher Kohler          April 27, 1983 – December 23, 2020

On Wednesday, December 23, 2020, Christopher Kohler received his heavenly healing after a strong and courageous fight against leukemia at the age of 37. He exceeded all expectations that were given by doctors at his diagnosis. Through his fight, the leukemia team was able to further their research and understanding of leukemia treatment to move closer to a cure.

He also left a lasting impression on everyone he met with his strong faith including many medical professionals who were shown just how important faith can be when fighting a disease such as this. On more than one occasion, he was referred to as a miracle.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Takahashi and his staff at MD Anderson in Houston; Dr. Osafo and his staff at Green Clinic in Ruston; his nurses at NLMC one day surgery; and the staff at Jackson Parish Hospital for all of their support and care throughout Christopher’s illness.

Christopher was born on April 27, 1983 in Ruston, Louisiana. He was a lifelong resident of Jonesboro, LA graduating from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in 2001. He always had a passion to care for others, and that was shown through his choice of career. He became a Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Deputy in 2005 and served the people of Jackson Parish until he retired due to his health in 2019. He was a 2007 graduate of The University of Louisiana at Monroe North Delta Regional Training Academy where he was the top cadet in physical fitness.

Christopher was an avid sports fan, and he could always be found sporting a jersey or cap in support of his favorite teams especially the Tigers of J-HHS and LSU. He also loved to support his local friends and family in all of their athletic endeavors and would be there to root for any team they played on whether it be little league, high school, or professional.

Christopher loved his large family but none more than his nieces, nephew, and younger cousins whom he cared for and doted on. He was always there for support, love, a nap, or sneaking snacks when mom said no.  He had an infectious personality with an unforgettable smile and never met a stranger. He did not just become an acquaintance; Christopher would capture a piece of someone’s heart and become a forever friend. No matter where he went, there was always someone there that knew him.

Christopher is survived by his mother, Regina Rowe; father, John Kohler (Phyllis); sisters, Melissa Johnson (Stacy) and Megan Rowe; brother, Tony Kohler (Sara); nephew, Aston Johnson; nieces Alli Claire Lynn Johnson and Autumn and Ava Kohler all of Jonesboro, LA; grandmother, Geneva Thomas of Shreveport, LA; and his very loved four-legged friends, Zoie, Rex, and Roux; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Tommy Rowe; maternal grandparents Dan Hughes and Sid Thomas; paternal grandparents, Harry and Donie Kohler; one cousin, Tanya Hughes; and two of his beloved dogs, Miley and Speckles.

Services were held on Sunday, December 26, 2029 at the First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home with the Rev. Brian McAllister, officiating.

Christopher had a special place in his heart for all children and was always willing to offer support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christopher Kohler Memorial Trust Account at Hodge Bank and Trust. All donations will be used to continue Christopher’s charitable acts for the youth of his community.

Randall Brian Aycock                July 22, 1976 – Dec. 17, 2020

Mr. Randall Brian Aycock, age 44, of Lakeland, Tennessee died Thursday, December 17, 2020.  He was born July 22, 1976 to Calvin and Sandra (Kyle) Aycock in Monroe, Louisiana. Graveside services were held on Monday, December 28, 2020 in the Community of Christ Cemetery near Eros with Elder Greg McManus officiating.  Interment followed in the cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

James Edward Brimer              Feb. 16, 1967 – Dec. 14, 2020

Mr. James Brimer, age 53 of Quitman, passed from this life into heaven on Monday, December 14, 2020.  He was a family man, a hard-working man and his family was his everything.  He was an avid hunter and passed his love of hunting to his children.  His biggest joy of all was his grandchildren and he loved spending time with them.

Those left to cherish his memory is his wife, Michelle Brimer; children, Danielle Tatum and husband Buck, April Wilson and husband Ike, Courtney Canady and husband Terrell, Cameron Walker, Gus Taylor, Nikki Walker, Teresa McMillan, Hunter Brimer, Winter Brimer, Ashley Brimer, Brandon Willamson, 24 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; sister, Patricia Brimer; brother, Stacy Brimer; a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Pearline (Cobb) Brimer; brothers, Michael Brimer, Tracy Brimer.

A graveside service was held on Friday, December 18, 2020 in Antioch Cemetery near Quitman at 2:00pm with the burial following under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home. Serving the family as pallbearers were Dashaun Foster, Terrell Canady, Isaac Wilson, Gus Taylor, April Walker and Courtney Walker.

Robert Earl Williams                 April 08, 1952 – Dec. 18, 2020

Robert Earl Williams, age 68, passed away on December 18, 2020. Graveside services were held on December 27th at the Bethany Cemetery in Quitman, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro, LA.

Peggy Ann Willis Greathouse          Jan. 09, 1935 – Dec, 21, 2020

Angels escorted Mrs. Peggy Ann Willis Greathouse, age 85 of Saline, into heaven and the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, December 21, 2020.  Mrs. Greathouse deeply loved her family and the grandchildren were the apple of her eye.  She was very active in her church, enjoyed to travel and to be a volunteer on many political campaigns.  She looked forward to the time spent with her family and friends and the morning coffee with “her ladies” was the only way to start a day.

Mrs. Greathouse is survived by her son, Paxton George Willis & wife Rebecca; grandchildren, Meagan Willis & Angie Willhite, Lauren Willis-Sanders & Jana; great grandchildren, Kori, Aiden, Mason and Mallory; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Paxton Willis; parents, Harry Eftee Enloe & Beulah Mae (Hall) Enloe; one brother, Harold Enloe.

Funeral services were held at Magnolia Baptist Church in Saline on Wednesday, December 23^rd, with Reverend Duane Moreno and Reverend Stan Foster officiating.  Interment followed in the church cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

Arden Dale Smith                       Sept. 10, 1934 – Dec. 20, 2020

Arden Dale Smith, Age 86, resident of Houston, Harris County, TX passed away on Sunday December 20, 2020.  He was born on September 10, 1934 in Enid, Garfield County, OK to the late Rev. Bernard R. Smith and Nellie Mae Lane Smith. 

At the young age of four, Arden’s father moved to Lake Charles, LA and then to DeRidder, LA where he attended elementary and middle school.  In 1949 the family moved to Jonesboro, LA where he graduated from Jonesboro Hodge High School in 1953.  He attended LA Tech majoring in Math and Accounting while working part-time at Louisiana Builders and driving the Tech bus.

Arden married Gloria Sue Wells August 10th, 1956 in Jonesboro, LA.  A short time later he was inducted into US Army for two years serving in the 36th Engineer Co.  After completing his service in the Army, he went to work for Lorac in New Orleans, LA, a subsidiary of Seismagraph Service Corp in Tulsa, OK who was eventually owned by Fugro. He was employed with the same company, but different names, for 40 years, retiring in 2004 in Houston, Texas. Arden enjoyed working in his wood shop, singing in the church choir, jigsaw puzzles, collecting antique cars and watching sports (professional or his kids/grandchildren), especially the Rockets.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, DeLila “De” Woolson and a brother, Robert Eugene Smith. Arden is survived by his wife Sue of sixty-four years: one daughter: Melanie Lane Smith and one son: Todd Arden Smith (wife Jill Marie) and four grandchildren: Courtney and Makenzie Smith, Emily and Charlie Allday, of Houston, TX: two sisters: Donna O’Neal of Nolanville, TX, and Jan Hennigan of Norman, OK; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on December 27^th at the Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend David Shaw officiating.  Interment followed at Gayla Traina Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home. Serving the family as pallbearers was: Charlie Allday, Allen Teston, Chad Tolar, Dawson Tolar, Jason Wells, Gregg Foshee, Emerson Wells and Paul Hart.

Per information provided by Chief Quality and Compliance Officer, Amber Brazzel, the Jackson Parish Hospital (JPH) received an allotment of COVID-19 vaccines to be administered to all Tier I recipients last week.  Tier I is defined as all hospital staff where there is an emergency room and surgical area.

Administration of the vaccine, in accordance with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, began last week and will continue to all employees that would like to receive it. It is a 2-dose vaccine. JPH employees will receive their second dose in 3 weeks.

Things you need to know about the new COVID-19 Vaccination Program and COVID-19 vaccines.

1. The safety of COVID-19 vaccines is a top priority. The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Learn how federal partners are working together to ensure the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. CDC has developed a new tool, v-safe, as an additional layer of safety monitoring to increase our ability to rapidly detect any safety issues with COVID-19 vaccines. V-safe is a new smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines.
2. COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. Two doses are needed. Depending on the specific vaccine you get, a second shot 3-4 weeks after your first shot is needed to get the most protection the vaccine has to offer against this serious disease. Learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated.
3. Because the current supply of COVID-19 vaccine in the United States is limited, CDC recommends that initial supplies of COVID-19 vaccine be offered to healthcare personnel and long-term care facility residents.
4. There is currently a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine in the United States, but supply will increase in the weeks and months to come. The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as large enough quantities are available. Once vaccine is widely available, the plan is to have several thousand vaccination providers offering COVID-19 vaccines in doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and federally qualified health centers.
5. After COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection. The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel likefl u and might even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.
6. Cost is not an obstacle to getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccine doses purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars will be given to the American people at no cost. However, vaccination providers may be able to charge administration fees for giving the shot. Vaccination providers can get this fee reimbursed by the patient’s public or private insurance company or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund.
7. The first COVID-19 vaccine is being used under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many other vaccines are still being developed and tested. If more COVID-19 vaccines are authorized or approved by FDA, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will quickly hold public meetings to review all available data about each vaccine and make recommendations for their use in the United States. All ACIP-recommended vaccines will be included in the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program. CDC continues to work at all levels with partners, including healthcare associations, on a flexible COVID-19 vaccination program that can accommodate different vaccines and adapt to different scenarios. State, tribal, local, and territorial health departments have developed distribution plans to make sure all recommended vaccines are available to their communities.
8. COVID-19 vaccines are one of many important tools to help us stop this pandemic. It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often.

Frequently asked questions

1. How are vaccines developed and tested? The most commonly used vaccines have been around for decades, with millions of people receiving them safely every year. As with all medicines, every vaccine must go through extensive and rigorous testing to ensure it is safe before it can be introduced in a country. An experimental vaccine is first tested in animals to evaluate its safety and potential to prevent disease. It is then tested in human clinical trials in three phases. Once the results of the clinical trials are available, a series to steps is required, including reviews of efficacy, safety, and manufacturing for regulatory and public health policy approvals, before a vaccine may be introduced into a national immunization program.
2. How does an mRNA vaccine differ from previous vaccines? mRNA vaccines are a new type of vaccine to protect against infectious diseases. To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. mRNA vaccines instead teach our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.
3. How is the research and development process being accelerated without compromising safety? The CEOs of AstraZeneca, BioNTech, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnston & Johnston, Merck, Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer and Sanofi have made a historic pledge to the world, outlining a united commitment to uphold the integrity of the scientific process as they work towards potential regulatory filings and approvals of the first COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, clinical trials are evaluating investigational COVID-19 vaccines in many thousands of study participants to generate scientific data regarding safety and efficacy. If FDA determines a vaccine meets required safety and effectiveness standards, FDA may permit the vaccine to be distributed and used in the United States under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) or licensure. Once FDA makes its determination, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will review available data before making vaccine recommendations to CDC. Once a COVID-19 vaccine is authorized or approved for use, CDC, FDA, and other federal partners will use multiple existing, robust systems and data sources to conduct ongoing safety monitoring.
4. Have Louisiana residents participated in the clinical trials? The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna clinical trials for the vaccine included patients from across Louisiana. The evidence for the vaccine’s safety comes in part from the people in our own community.
5. What are the side effects of the vaccine? Details on the vaccines and their safety data have not been presented to the general public yet, but they will be once they receive Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) from FDA. It is anticipated that you may experience similar side effects of the flu vaccine, which are: Sore arm at the injection site, fever, fatigue, headache, joint pain and muscle aches.
6. Why is it important to get the COVID-19 vaccine? Getting the vaccine has several benefits. The most important one being that we can safely establish herd immunity so the population at large can be protected from the virus if a threshold of vaccination is reached. It’s a tall order, as experts estimate that roughly 70% of people in the U.S. (200 million) need to be vaccinated to reach this level of protection for COVID-19 specifically. This is especially important for vulnerable, high-risk groups, like the elderly and immunocompromised.
7. Will the COVID-19 vaccine infect me with COVID-19? None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States use the live virus that causes COVID-19. There are several different types of vaccines in development. However, the goal for each of them is to teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever, but these symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity.
8. Will the COVID-19 vaccines cause me to test positive on COVID-19 viral tests? Vaccines currently in clinical trials in the United States won’t cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection. If your body develops an immune response, which is the goal of vaccination, there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus. Experts are currently looking at how COVID-19 vaccination may affect antibody testing results.
9. If I’ve already gotten sick with COVID-19, do I still need to take the COVID-19 vaccine? Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible people may be advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine even if they have been sick with COVID-19 before. At this time, experts do not know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called natural immunity, varies from person to person. Some early evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long. We won’t know how long immunity produced by vaccination lasts until we have a vaccine and more data on how well it works. Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are important aspects of COVID-19 that experts are trying to learn more about, and CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.
10. Is the COVID-19 vaccine more effective than the flu vaccine? Recent studies show that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness between 40% and 60% among the overall population during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are well-matched to the flu vaccine. Current COVID-19 vaccine results are showing efficacy ratings above 90%, making the COVID-19 vaccine more effective than the flu vaccine.

The regularly scheduled December meeting of the Jackson Parish Police Jury was moving along just like all others prior. Then the time came for Mark Treadway, Director of the Jackson Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) to give his department’s monthly update.  Instead he dropped a bombshell.

Treadway surprised those in attendance when he announced that this would be the last meeting that he would be attending as the Jackson Parish Homeland Security Officer and Director of OEP as he would be stepping down to focus on his duties as Executive Management Officer for the Louisiana Fire Marshall office.

In a prepared statement Treadway reflected on his years of service and expressed his gratitude to the people of Jackson Parish.

“In 2017 Jackson Parish Police Jury President Mr. Eddie Langston came to my office at the Jonesboro Fire Department along with Vice President Ms. Regina Rowe and GOHSEP Region 8 Director Mr. Joe Stewart. By the time they left I had accepted the position of Director for Jackson Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness.”

“I have tried to give the people of Jackson Parish the best service I could. Since I took the over office, the parish has had 4 tornados, COVID-19 and two Hurricanes. The one thing that I can say through all these emergencies is JACKSON PARISH people are resilient and very giving. To see you all work tirelessly during these past 4 years during all parish wide emergencies was amazing and I am truly proud to be living in this Parish.”

“As I leave the office at the end of this year, I would like to say THANK you to the people of Jackson Parish for all of your hard work and dedication to each other and your neighbors during times of emergencies. This parish is the BEST!”

“To all the departments of the Fire, EMS, Police, and Sheriff offices, you go above and beyond the call of duty and I proud to say that you all are the BEST and the residents of this Parish should be thankful and proud of you.”

“To the Jackson Parish Police Jury Presidents that I have worked for (Eddie Langston, Regina Rowe, John McCartney and Amy Magee) THANK YOU for your FULL Support, I could not have done it without each of you.”

”I have truly enjoyed my time as the Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for Jackson Parish and look forward to continue to serve as Executive Management Officer for the Louisiana Fire Marshal Office. I wish a Merry Christmas to each of you!”

Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce Director Wilda Smith received a token of appreciation from the Board of Directors and President Johnny Horton recently for her year-long commitment and especially during the times of the COVID-19 epidemic.

“Wilda deserves special recognition for the work she had done for the Chamber especially during the pandemic,” said Horton. “Her dedication, while often times being forced to work at home, communicating through phone calls, texts, emails and Facebook kept the Chamber right on track.”

Smith was deeply moved by the recognition but in her typical fashion deferred credit to those who work with her and instead expressed her gratitude of being able to represent the people of Jackson Parish.

“I am overwhelmed and very appreciative of our Chamber members and those in the community who have been so supportive,” said Smith.” After seeing how everyone pulled together during these stressful times it makes me even prouder that I am a part of this community.”

The rust showed early on after no practices or games were allowed for the 5^th ranked Quitman girls who were forced to shut down for ten days due to COVID-19 contact restrictions resulting in a 48-46 loss to Class C Summerfield this past Thursday evening in one of two games played last week.

The Lady Wolverines managed to get back on track the following day by beating Class A Cedar Creek 46-34 for their sixth win in seven road games under the guidance of assistant coach April Simonelli. Head coach Kyle Leach was in the hospital with the complications from the Coronavirus. With the victory Quitman ended the 2020 portion of the season with a fine 9-2 record.

Summerfield 48 Quitman 46 – Clara Womack scored 11 of her team high 17 points in the final quarter to help the Lady Wolverines draw within the final two point margin but being held to just 15 points in the first half put Quitman in too deep of a hole to overcome.

The loss overshadowed a fine team display from the free throw line where Quitman made 12 of 14 shots and a career scoring night for 8th grader Cali Deal was ended up with 16 points. Brayli Stewart added seven and Bethany Leach six on a pair of first half, three pointers to round out the scoring.  Summerfield was led by Melissa Tate who poured in a game high 28 points that included all but six of the Lady Rebels 24 first half points.

Quitman                     8   7 13 18 – 46

Summerfield           13 11  7  17 – 48

QHS scoring: Womack 17, Deal 16, Stewart 7, Leach 6

SHS scoring: Tate 28, Martin 12, McDaniel 6, Williams 2

Quitman 46 Cedar Creek 34 – The Lady Wolverines outscored home-standing Cedar Creek 19-7 in the final quarter to break open the contest that was knotted at 27 after three quarters of play. Clara Womack and Cali Deal were once again the catalyst for the Lady Wolverines, with22 and 12 points respectively.

Womack, who drained four trey’s in the contest nailed one long bomb and three of four free throws  on the way to eight points in the final frame which was also what Deal scored as result of three baskets and a pair of free throws. Brayli Stewart and Emma Carter also came up big in the fourth quarter by scoring their only two points of the contest. Bethany Leach chipped in with four and Summer Grillette added a second quarter free throw to round out the scoring.

It was a fine defensive effort by the Lady Wolverines that spelled the difference as they held the previously undefeated Lady Cougars, who lost for the first time in ten contests, to single digits in three of the four quarters and didn’t allow a player to score in double figures.

 

Quitman (9-2)                     8 9 10 19 – 46

Cedar Creek (9-1)              8 7 14   7 – 34

QHS scoring: Womack 22, Deal 12, Leach 4, Carter 2, Stewart 2, Grillette 1

CCHS scoring: Furr 9, Soto 8, Spradlin 8, Adams 7, Venters 2

Saline 59 Ringgold 52 (boys) – Neighboring Saline took to the court for the first time in 18 days to even their record at 2-2 and win their first of the season in three attempts against a Bienville Parish school after two early season losses to Gibsland-Coleman and Arcadia.

Kenton Lee Crawford, who ended with 13 points hit a pair of trey’s while Ethan Roberts (10 points) and Titus Malone (7 points) added four each in the first quarter that saw Saline break out to a 18-8 lead and never look back. Blake Clifton led the balanced attack with 15 points that saw eight players score overall. Ryder Blanchard and Titus Jackson added five accompanied by Will Dyson and Shawn Staggs who scored two each. The victory stopped a three game Ringgold winning streak.

SHS (2-2)      18 12 16 13 – 59

RHS (3-5)        8 15 13 16 – 52

SHS scoring: Clifton 15, Crawford 13, Roberts 10, Malone 7, Blanchard 5, Jackson 5, Dison 2, Staggs 2

RHS scoring: Johnson 22, Cook 9, McCarty 8, Adams 8, Manning 5

Several years ago as a member of the Jackson Parish School Board several years ago, Melissa Perry was touched by something that has been a driving force in her life ever since.  She was so deeply moved by the knowledge of just how many at-risk and needy children did not have a sound nutritional food program other than what they received at school that she began using her own money to buy food for families.

When the Coronavirus epidemic hit, causing many children to end up being home-schooled Perry, who is now the Quality Manager at Wesrock Inc., remembered those kids and decided that she wanted to do something to help.

“It seemed like every day I would think back on how many children simply wouldn’t get to eat right if it weren’t for what they got at school,” reflected Perry. “I had an idea of what I wanted to do but I knew that I needed help to make it something that would be really beneficial to the children.”

In her mind there was no better place to start than the largest employment center in Jackson Parish. Over the next several days she spoke with Westrock manager Eric Taylor and mill liaison James Bradford about her desire to get the people in the mill involved to which both whole heartedly threw their support behind. 

The result was the formation of the Hodge Strong Foundation. For the record the 501c3, non-profit organization is supported by many Hodge mill employees but is not directly affiliated with Westrock and is a separate entity.

Fundraising activities are scheduled to begin in January with the plan being that when school starts back in August the organization, in conjunction with the Northeast Louisiana Food Bank, would begin providing “backpack meals” to the at-risk and needy children of Jackson Parish on the weekends. Additional planned programs are to provide tutoring and college/career mentoring.

“I can’t thank (Mill Manager) Eric (Taylor) and Mr. Bradford enough for lending their support,” said Perry. “I also want to thank Hannah Goleman who has been instrumental in helping us with our logo and graphic designs as well as the Northeast LA Food Bank.”

Perry wants those who decide to contribute to their cause to know that every dollar given will stay in Jackson Parish and go solely toward helping the children who need it. Other than the donations that can be pledged by emailing Perry at melissa.perry@westrock.com a spring golf tournament is slated as well as a silent auction to be held.

For years Jonesboro Board of Aldermen President and District C representative Stringer and his wife Rekkeda have given back to the community. Recognizing the difficult times that the Coronavirus has caused this year Stringer and his wife wanted to do something special this Christmas season.

“This has been very difficult year for so many of our area families,” said Stringer.  “Many have suffered with being sick with the virus and some have even lost their jobs.”

The Stringer’s more than accomplished their goal of putting smiles on the faces of some of the children who reside in his ward. This was done through giving bicycles to ten children in Ms. Jones class at Union Bee Head Start.

“My wife and I wanted to do something special this year so that at least for a little while the parents and kids could forget their troubles and have something to smile about,” reflected Stringer when asked the reason for the tremendous gifts. “On behalf of my wife and I we would like to thank Ms. Jones and the Union Bee Head Start school for allowing us to be a blessing to these children.”

The Yuletide season and a very successful year was celebrated recently when the Jonesboro Fire Department (JFD) had their annual Christmas Party.  The highlight of the event that was attended by virtually every member of the JFD was the recognition given to Captain Wayne Anderson who was named Fire Fighter of the Year.

The 22 year veteran of the department, who is also the Vice-President of the Fire District Board, has served under six Fire Chief’s during his tenure including current Fire Chief Brandon Brown who praised Anderson for his work.

“I know I speak for all the members of all the fire districts in the parish when I say that Wayne is very deserving of this award,” said Brown. “For over two decades Wayne has put his own personal safety and the security on the line for the people of Jonesboro and Jackson Parish. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and skilled person helping to protect us.”

The Christmas holidays are known as the season of giving. Beginning on Wednesday, December 23^rd and continuing on Saturday, December 26^th Jackson Parish residents can give the greatest gift of all – LIFE! This can be done through the much needed donation of blood under the guidance of LifeShare Blood Center who will have mobile drive units at three locations in Jonesboro. See schedule below.

Wednesday – December 23^rd

Forest Haven Nursing and Rehab Center (9:00am till 2:00pm)

Jackson Parish Hospital (11:00am to 5:00pm)

Saturday – December 26^th

Walmart in Jonesboro (1:00 – 6:00pm)

The blood donation process generally follows these steps:

1. Before giving blood, make sure that you meet the requirements, get a good night’s sleep, eat regular meals and drink plenty of fluids.
2. After you present a photo ID and read the information sheet you will undergo a mini exam (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and iron level) and then provide confidential answers to health history questions.
3. The donation takes place in a comfortable chair. Most donors feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted and nothing after that.
4. After the donation, you should sit down and have a snack and beverage. If you experience any light-headedness let your donor technician know and lie down until you feel better. Do not use tobacco products for the next 30 minutes. Leave the arm bandage on and do not engage in strenuous activity or lift heavy objects for the next two to four hours. For the next 24 – 48 hours be sure to increase fluid intake.

You can also make financial contributions to the organization that helps ensure a continuously sufficient blood supply for your local medical facilities. You can give in memory or honor of a friend, family member, or other special person and your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Don’t look now but Main Street in Jonesboro is taking on a new life. After years of seeing businesses move out the downtown area has seen the resurgence of businesses opening along the center street this year.

The latest is Main Street Energy and Nutrition owned by Amber Gandy which had a ribbon cutting ceremony on December 10, 2020 with Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce members, Jonesboro Mayor Leslie Thompson, friends and family on hand.

The store which will feature energy and nutrition drinks and accompanying products will be open Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM.  Ms. Gandy invites everyone to come and visit and especially try her loaded tea.

The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) would like 15 minutes of your time. For those who qualify, they are even offering a chance to win a $100.00 gift card to Walmart if you would help them by taking part in a survey.

To be eligible you must meet the following three requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Be SNAP eligible
3. Live in a rural parish in Louisiana specified in the following link: HTTP:/BIT.LY/SNAPSURVEY

At the end of the survey you will have the opportunity to sign up for a raffle to win a $100.00 gift card from Walmart. For any questions, please contact: Linda Fergus at: Lfergus@agcenter.lsu.edu. 

LEGAL AD

Anyone knowing information about, or the whereabouts of, the heirs or descendants of Melvin L. Baker and Charlotte Ann Beasley Baker, please contact: Steven M. Gatlin, Attorney at Law, 215 Sixth Street, Suite C, Jonesboro, Louisiana, 71251 or call (318)259-8812.

 

Jackson Parish Police Jury Public Hearing on 2021 Consolidate Budget minutes

The Jackson Parish Police Jury met on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 5:15 PM in the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana to conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the 2020 Amended Budget and the 2021 Consolidated Budget.

Members Present: Mr. Todd Culpepper, Mr. Lewis Chatham, Ms. Amy Magee, Mr. John McCarty, Ms. Tarneshala Cowans, and Mr. Lynn Treadway. Absent: Ms. Regina Rowe. Also present, Mr. Darrell Avery, Assistant D.A.

The President, Ms. Amy Magee, called the hearing to order. The invocation was given by Mr. Treadway and Ms. Cowans led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

The president opened the floor for comments on the 2020 Amended Budget. The Secretary-Treasurer spoke about the final 2020 budget amendments.

There were no public comments.

The president opened the floor for comments on the 2021 Consolidated Budget.

Ms. Magee asked about the travel stipend for Jurors in 2021 and asked that it be removed from the budget.

With no other comments, the President called for an adjournment to the hearing.

Motion Mr. Treadway, seconded Mr. Culpepper to close the public hearing. Motion carried.

 

Jackson Parish Police Jury Public Hearing on Parish Roads minutes

The Jackson Parish Police Jury met on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 5:25 PM in the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana to conduct a public hearing to receive comments on changes to the Parish Road System.

Members Present: Mr. Todd Culpepper, Mr. Lewis Chatham, Ms. Amy Magee, Mr. John McCarty, Ms. Tarneshala Cowans, and Mr. Lynn Treadway. Absent: Ms. Regina Rowe. Also present, Mr. Darrell Avery, Assistant D.A.

The President, Ms. Amy Magee, called the hearing to order.

The President opened the meeting discussing the ongoing audit finding for the Police Jury spending public funds on roads in the Parish Road System that do not benefit the public. She stated that roads that had the same property owner on both sides of the road and the end of the road were deemed as a private driveway.

The President called for public comments on the road changes and read aloud the details as follows:

1. Ironwood Road: to adjust the parish maintenance to end at the Joyce Harvey property line. No comments were made.
2. Burney Road: to adjust the parish maintenance to end at the 181 Burney Road mailbox. No comments were made.
3. Culpepper Road: adjust the parish maintenance to end at the John Everett property line. Ms. Magee read aloud a letter from Mr. John Everett in opposition to the adjustment of the maintenance line.
4. Branch Creek Road: to remove the road from the Parish Road System based on only one property owner on all sides of the road. Mr. Chatham stated that he had spoken to the property owner and they did not have any issues with the removal.
5. Tree Lane: to remove the road from the Parish Road System based on only one property owner on all sides of the road. Mr. Chatham stated that he had spoken to the property owner and they did not have any issues with the removal.
6. Bill Cole Loop: to remove the portion of the road that is south of the intersection of Jade Road from the Parish Road System. Mr. McCarty stated that he was in favor of the change as the only property owner on that section of the road.
7. Jade Road: extend the road to include the east-west portion of Bill Cole Loop to the intersection with Harris. No comments were made.

With no other comments or questions, the President called for a closing of the public hearing.

Motion Mr. McCarty, seconded Mr. Chatham to close the public hearing and adjourn. Motion carried.

1. Brandon Lewis (Jonesboro, LA) – Bondsman off bond, Failure to appear on Possession of Synthetic Marijuana charge
2. Ranita L. Harrell (Fayetteville, NC) – Ist offense DWI, Improper headlights, Aggravated flight from and officer, Expired plates
3. Andrew J. Abraham (Ruston, LA) – Ruston Police Department warrants (x10), Possession of Schedule I synthetic drug, Possession of drug paraphernalia
4. Clinton D. McDaniel (Choudrant, LA) – Ouachita Parish Sheriff Office warrants (x5), Criminal Trespass, Disturbing the peace
5. Ricky T. Caskey (Jonesboro, LA) – Jackson Parish Sheriff Office warrants, Failure to appear on Driving under suspension and seatbelt charges, Bench Warrant
6. Jerry L. Askins (Jonesboro, LA) – Simple Escape, Possession of Schedule I drug, Resisting and Officer, Speeding
7. Andrea Tatum (Farmerville, LA) – No insurance, Speeding, Switched license plates, Flight from an officer
8. Bobby L Barnes (Winnfield, LA) – Hodge warrant, Driving under suspension, Improper taillights, Introduction of Contraband (x2)
9. Edward J. Wyatt (Hodge, LA) – Execution of sentence ( 2^nd offense), Open container, Warrant for theft