NOTE: On January 25th, Quitman High School alum and Entergy Inc. Lineman, Hunter Alexander, suffered severe injuries to his arms and hands when he was electrocuted while helping restore power to Jackson Parish residents during the recent ice storm. 

Since, Alexander has endured multiple emergency surgeries at the LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, including fasciotomies to relieve deadly pressure in both arms, the removal of damaged tissue on his arms and hands and the placement of wound vacs, which removes pressure over the area of the wound.

Proving that the prayers by family, friends and a host of well wishers have been answered, Alexander is now up and moving around and most importantly has use of his hands and arms.

While the recovery process is coming along, Alexander still has a long way to go and continued prayers for hims and his family are asked for. 

To help with the tremendous costs associated with his hospitalization and recovery efforts and the finanical burden put on his family who has constantly been by Hunters side several fundraising events are taking place including:

GoFundMe account: Donate by clicking here or by going to https://gofund.me/93b055994

Raffle: Take chance to win a UKC registered redbone coon dog puppy. Tickets costs are $25.00 each or 5 for $100.00. Purchases can be made through Venmo: @Katie-Williams-390 or by sending instant message to the Romainjr Real Facebook page.

Prayers For Hunter Fundraiser: Purchase shirts / sweatshirts through from Tommy’s Tees until February 8th by going to PRAYERSFORHUNTER26.ITEMORDERS.COM

 

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If you lost food that you bought with your SNAP benefits because of a flood, fire, power outage, or other disaster, we may be able to replace your SNAP benefits. That is the message stated on a Louisiana  Department of Health (LDH) form regarding food lost in a household misfortune.

To request replacement of SNAP benefits, you must:

1. Report the loss within 10 days of the food loss.
2. Complete the form and submit it to LDH within 10 days after you reported the loss of food.
3. Provide the dollar ($) amount of the food loss. 

To get the form required to submit your loss click here or go to https://ldh.la.gov/assets/SNAP/SNAP38_ENG.pdf

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The month of January was National School Board Member Recognition Month. As a result, the Jackson Parish School District is recognizing the board members who have worked diligently to provide local students with the best education experience possible. Their leadership and countless hours of service help ensure strong schools and bright futures for every child we serve. Being recognized in this edition of the Jackson Parish Journal is Paulette Belton, who has represented District 5 on the Jackson Parish School Board for the past 2 years.

“During her time on the board, Ms. Belton has brought fresh insight, a student-centered mindset, and a strong voice for the community she serves. Her willingness to learn, engage, and serve has added value to board discussions and district decision-making. We appreciate her commitment to supporting our schools.” – Jackson Parish School District

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As Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center puts the finishing touches on another amazing week, this past one stands out through the celebration of Activity Professionals Week. The activity team is the heartbeat of Forest Haven, bringing joy, purpose, laughter, and meaningful engagement to the residents every single day, and turning ordinary moments into memories.

On behalf of the administration, thanks go to Shona Caskey, Micah Breeding, and Rikki Wheat, for their creativity, their passion, and their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for the residents. Their energy fills the halls, their compassion fills the hearts of everyone, and their dedication reminds us why Forest Haven is truly home for those we serve. You are—and always will be—our Forest Haven rock stars!

Happy Activities week!

They bring the joy, they bring the cheer,
They bring the smiles we love to see here.
They knock on doors with voices kind,
And lift the spirits, hearts, and minds.

“Come join us now,” they gently say,
And somehow no one turns away.
We know the work they put each day
For ten o’clock… and two o’clock play.

Arts and crafts and cookies too,
Fun-filled moments, tried and true.
Travel clubs that take us far,
Beyond these walls, just where dreams are

With songs and laughter filling the room,
Entertainers chase away the gloom.
There are three who stand as one,
A caring team till day is done.

Once a year this week appears,
So we celebrate them loud and clear.
We hope they feel the joy they bring,
This Activities Week — and everything.

We don’t own the rights to this music…Forest Haven Nursing Home

In the Thursday, January 29th edition of Gridiron Football Magazine (GFM) – Louisiana High School Preseason Special, over 100 prospects from all over the south were rated and ranked. 

Below is the featured article presented by GFM on Jonesboro-Hodge High School senior Dakota Knox, which was the lead story in the publication. 

Dakota Knox is a 5’11, 175-pound defensive back out of Jonesboro-Hodge High School in Jonesboro, Louisiana. Knox is a member of the Class of 2026 and carries a 3.8 GPA.

During his career, Knox has been a force on both sides of the ball, having 3500 all-purpose yards on offense, and on defense, he had 8 interceptions with 2 pick sixes and about 43 touchdowns.

Knox holds offers from Central Methodist University, Beloit College, and Bethel College and has earned First Team All-District Offensive MVP, First Team All-District Defensive Back, First Team All-District Athlete (ATH), and All-State Honorable Mention honors.

Knox recently competed in a bowl game setting where he welcomed the opportunity to test his skills against higher-level competition. He viewed the experience as a way to measure himself against top talent and appreciated the one-on-one coaching that came with the college-style environment.

Q&A with Dakota Knox

What got you started playing football?

“Ever since I was a little kid, the moment I picked up a football, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I’ve always wanted to have a career in football.

Why should college coaches recruit you?

“I’m an all-around player. I can play anywhere they need me to play. At my school, I played just about everything on the field. I’m also a leader in the weight room, in class, and when it comes to motivating my teammates. I can also speak to the team and hype them up.”

Why do you love football?

“I’ve loved football since I was a kid. It’s always been something I’m passionate about and something I’ve wanted to pursue seriously.”

What are your strengths, weaknesses, and goals?

“My biggest strengths are being coachable and being a leader. When a coach tells me something, I feel like I can pick it up quickly and apply it. I can always get faster, and my technique can always improve. My goal is to keep getting better and play at the next level.”

What did you like most about the bowl game experience?

“I liked how the coaches talked to you one-on-one.”

What were your takeaways from the bowl game?

“It was a good way to test my skills and see if I could keep up with better competition.”

Do you play any other sports, and how do they help you in football?

“I play baseball and track. In baseball, I play catcher, pitcher, and outfield, and that helps me use my legs and be observant of the field. Track helps my stamina and taught me how to stretch properly.”

Do you have a favorite player or inspiration?

“I like Sean Taylor and Deion Sanders. Deion is my favorite player.”

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The Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District has released its January call report, which showed an increase in responses to traffic accidents and falls, exacerbated by the recent ice storm that plagued the parish. 

Of the 388 total calls received, 276 resulted in transports, 71 were refusals, 27 were standbys/public assists, and 14 were cancelled. 

A further breakdown shows:

Interfacility Transfer: 13.9% 
Interfacility transport (IFT) is the medically supervised movement of patients between hospitals, using specialized ambulances or aircraft (ground or air) for patients needing critical care, ensuring they get timely access to specialized services, diagnostic tests, or surgery.

Traffic Accidents: 11.1% 
Traffic Accidents can be caused by a failure to maintain the vehicle or an impairment, which at times are acute medical impairments. 

Falls: 10.3%
Falls are a common occurrence, but more than usual was responded to due to the ice storm.

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The Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary Faculty and Staff recognize that school counselors are the center of the problem-solving process and help safeguard the mental and emotional well-being of students and parents alike.

“We are proud to celebrate Mrs. Rachelle Mason for her important role within the school system. Her duties include, but are not limited to: removing barriers to academic success, teaching classroom lessons, helping students see things in new ways and develop interests, problem-solving, listening, and, most of all, caring!” – JHES Principal Danielle Copeland

Appreciation is also given to the additional counselors in the Jackson Parish School District. Thank you for all you do for the students of the community.  

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A new year has begun, meaning that new entries are being accepted by the Jackson Parish Hospital for the 2026 1st Quarter Photography Contest. 

The winners for the October-December 2025 contest have been selected soif you submitted an entry, be sure to check your email – you may have great news waiting for you declaring you a winner in the final quarter.

The 2025 4th quarter portion of the photo contest ended up with nearly 200 entries, resulting in JPH selecting two bonus winners to celebrate the strong participation, meaning that a total of six winners have been contacted!

To enter the 2026 January-March contest quarter, simply click on the link below to enter or re-enter your submissions. Remember, it’s a new calendar year, and if your entry is not selected as a winner during the next voting period, your entry will roll over to the next quarter!

To enter go to: https://bit.ly/484jjzM

Thanks for sharing your talent and helping highlight the beauty of our community!

 

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James E. Bradford, President of the Jackson Parish Chapter of the Grambling State University National Alumni Association Inc. (GUNAA), invites all members and any local GSO alum who would like to join, to a meeting of the GUNAA on Thursday, February 5th. The event will take place at 5:30 pm at the Travelers Rest Baptist Church, located at 409 Congo Street in Jonesboro.

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The Jackson Parish Retired Teachers’ Association (JPRTA) held its first meeting of the new year on January 20, 2026, at the Jackson Parish Library.

The session opened with Dr. Mason introducing guest speaker Kim Brunson, Family Nurse Practitioner for Mercy Medical Center, who presented healthy retirement information about foods, vitamins, medications, exercise, clinic visits, and community involvement.

Members thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and participated in a question-and-answer session, followed by Ms. Irene Jones thanking Ms. Brunson for taking the time to speak to the members.

The regular business meeting then resumed with Ms. Irene Jones sharing the 2026 meeting dates and providing information from the state teachers’ retirement association. Next, the members sang “Happy Birthday” to our birthday honorees, Ms. Bettye Jones and Mrs. Valerie Tew. Following the meeting, everyone enjoyed a light snack prepared by Ms. Richards, Ms. Irene Jones, and Mrs. Tew, along with a birthday cake provided by Mrs. Bryan.

If you are a retired educator or retired employee of the Jackson Parish School District and would like to join the JPRTA, contact Ms. Irene Jones, President, at (318) 475-5517. The next meeting is scheduled for March 17, 2026.

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On Friday, January 30th, neighbors came together at the corner of Myrtle & Hill Street to host “Love a Lineman Day.” The event was done to thank the incredible linemen working long, cold hours to restore power after the ice storm

State Farm Office Manager Debra Fordham, who was without power, organized a snack station filled with fruit, cookies, doughnuts, coffee, water, and quick grab-and-go treats for these hardworking crews. Just a small way to say a BIG thank you.

State Farm Agent Shawn Murphy was also on hand, helping with setup and personally thanking the workers keeping our community going.

“These men and women are working around the clock, away from their families, in freezing conditions — and they do it without hesitation. Today was all about showing appreciation where it’s truly deserved,” said Fordham.

QHS BETA Students Deliver Snacks to Entergy Linemen

The Quitman High School BETA students honored Entergy workers by delivering snacks to local linemen and out-of-state crews working day and night to restore power across northern Louisiana.

With thousands of residents without electricity for several days, these workers have shown incredible dedication and sacrifice, often putting their own safety at risk.

As part of the BETA club’s “Thank a Hero: Wired for Success” service-learning project, this small gesture was their way of recognizing the real-life heroes who quite literally keep communities connected and moving forward.

The QHS students wanted to show appreciation to the men and women whose hard work, skill, and commitment ensure our communities stay wired for success—especially in times of need.

Quitman High School is proud of its BETA students for demonstrating leadership, service, and gratitude in action. QHS also has several alumni linemen they are especially proud to call fellow Wolverines. Thank you for all you do and have done for our community. 

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A family’s guide to navigating the biggest decision of a young adult’s life, and why a single Saturday in Natchitoches might hold the answer.

By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University

The kitchen table is often where the panic sets in. It starts with a stack of glossy mailers, each promising the best four years of a student’s life. Then come the spreadsheets, the deadlines, and the quiet, gnawing questions that keep parents awake at 3 a.m. Can we afford this? Will they be safe? Is this the place where my child becomes the person they are meant to be?

For high school seniors, the pressure is immediate. They are standing on the cliff of adulthood, trying to discern their future from a website or a brochure. For families, the challenge is different. You bring the weight of experience. You understand the long-term implications of student loans and the reality of living away from home. You want to protect them, yet you know you must let them lead.

This tension between parental wisdom and student autonomy is natural, but it does not have to be stunned by anxiety. The remedy is not found in more paperwork. It is found in experience. It is found in stepping onto a campus, walking the grounds, and feeling the texture of the community.

That is the philosophy behind Northwestern State University’s N-Side View Day.

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, NSU opens its doors for an event designed to cut through the noise of the college search. It is an invitation to move beyond the statistics and step into the reality of life in Natchitoches.

“Your future is calling and it begins here,” says Emily Miller, Director of Recruiting. “We want students and families to see not just what Northwestern offers, but how it feels to be part of our community.”

Finding the right college is about finding a value match. It is about aligning a student’s ambition with an institution’s culture. This is difficult to do from a distance. You need to see the residence halls. You need to sit in the classrooms. You need to look a professor in the eye and ask them how they will mentor your student.

N-Side View Day provides that access. It transforms the abstract idea of “going to college” into a tangible plan.

The day is structured to address the specific anxieties that families face. Financial stability is often the largest hurdle. Many students, and honestly, many parents, are inexperienced in managing large-scale finances. During the event, financial aid experts break down the process, comparing packages and explaining scholarships in simple terms. It turns a conversation about debt into a strategy for investment.

Academically, the event allows students to explore over 100 degree programs. This is where the student takes the lead. While parents look for security, students look for inspiration. They can connect directly with faculty, asking the questions that matter to them.

“We have designed N-Side View Day to go beyond information. It’s an experience that inspires,” Miller explains. “Families leave with clarity, confidence, and excitement about the future.”

There is also the undeniable influence of place. Natchitoches is Louisiana’s oldest city, a place where history and progress coexist. The campus reflects that balance. It feels grounded. It feels like home. When families visit, they often find that their preconceived notions shift. A parent might have envisioned a different path but seeing their student light up while walking through Alost Hall changes the conversation. It validates that the student knows themselves better than anyone else.

NSU President James T. Genovese views this day as a critical first step in a lifelong relationship. “We are committed to preparing students not just for jobs, but for meaningful lives of impact,” Genovese says. “N-Side View Day is a chance to experience that mission firsthand.”

The event acknowledges that this transition is emotional. Having family support provides a safety net that fosters confidence. By visiting together, you are not making the decision for them; you are standing beside them as they make it.

The day concludes with a classic collegiate experience: a Demon Baseball game. Every attendee receives a free ticket. It is a chance to sit in the stands, eat a hot dog, and watch the B-Stro Boys compete on the diamond. It is a moment to stop worrying about the application process and start enjoying the atmosphere.

“NSU is Louisiana’s best-kept secret,” Miller says. “Once students step on campus, they feel it. They know this is where they belong.”

The labyrinth of college admissions is navigable. It requires patience, honest conversation, and a willingness to explore. It requires a trip to Natchitoches.

Register today for N-Side View Day at www.nsu.la/nsideviewday.

What: N-Side View Day
Where: Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA
When: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Includes: Campus tours, academic sessions, financial aid guidance, and Demon Baseball.
Register: www.nsu.la/nsideviewday

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Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School Gym

9:00 am – Warriors vs. Tigers (5-6 b/g division)
9:45 am – Bulls vs. MLC (5-6 b/g division)
10:30 am – Dolphins vs. Mustangs (7-9 girls division)
11:15 am – Sparks vs. Lakers (7-9 girls division)
12:00 pm – Pelicans vs Nets (7-8 boys division)
12:45 pm – Lakers vs. Magic ( 7-8 boys division)

JHHS High School Girls Gym

9:00 am – Pelicans vs. Magic (9-10 boys division)
9:45 am – Thunder vs. Bulls (9-10 boys division)

JHHS High School Boys Gym

9:00 am – Spurs vs. Lakers (13-14 boys division)
9:45 am – Tar Heels vs. Pelicans (13-14 boys division)
10:30 am – Bucks vs. Pelicans (11-12 boys division)
11:15 am – Warriors vs. Lakers (11-12 boys division)
12:00 pm – Bobcats vs. Wings (11-13 girls division)
12:45 pm – Sparks vs. Fever (11-13 girls division)

Youth Basketball League Standings

Age 13-14 Boys Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Spurs	4	0
Tarheels	3	2
Lakers	1	3
Pelicans	1	4

Age 11-13 Girls Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Fever	5	0
Wings	3	2
Bobcats	2	3
Sparks	0	5

Age 11-12 Boys Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Warriors	4	1
Lakers	3	2
Pelicans	3	2
Bucks	0	5

Age 9-10 Boys Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Thunder	4	1
Bulls	4	1
Magic	2	3
Pelicans	0	5

Age 7-10 Girls Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Dolphins	4	0
Mustangs	2	2
Lakers	1	3
Sparks	1	3

Age 7-8 Boys Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Pelicans	3	0
Lakers	3	1
Nets	1	3
Magic	0	3

Age 5-6 Division (Boys & Girls)

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES	TIES
Bulls	3	0	1
Tigers	3	0	1
MLC	1	3	0
Warriors	0	4	0

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J.D. was born in 1924 near Annona, Texas. He was the eldest of seven children. His father, Edgar, named him J.D. after the character in a book. The initials stood for nothing. According to his family, J.D. was “a prankster, a cutup, and a ham. He always loved being with folks who he could cutup with; people who understood his humor, and all his inside jokes.”

When he was about 15 years old, J.D. quit school to help his father run the family farm. When the United States entered World War II, J.D. wanted to do his part, but he felt his duty was to help his father provide for the family.

From 1941 until July 1944, J.D.’s family could tell that his decision was bothering him. J.D.’s sister Joyce remembered that J.D. had “been acting like he had something on his mind and he was real edgy, which wasn’t like him because he was a pretty carefree, happy-go-lucky kind of guy.”

Later that day, July 21, 1944, J.D. enlisted in the Army, where he became a paratrooper. J.D. spent months in heavy combat. In January 1945, he was injured while fighting in the Rhine Valley, the final major barrier between the Allies and Germany. When he learned he was to be awarded the Purple Heart, he refused it. The Army ultimately awarded him the Bronze Star for his combat duty.

Following the war, J.D. returned to farming alongside his father. In December 1946, J.D. married his high school sweetheart and moved to Dallas for better employment opportunities, along with other creature comforts such as electricity and indoor plumbing. J.D. worked at the Dearborn Stove Company followed by Sears, Roebuck & Company. After getting laid off from Sears and a failed stint at farming, J.D. decided to become a police officer. In June 1952, he joined the Dallas Police Department where he was assigned to the Oak Cliff area of Dallas.

J.D. had several notable incidents while a police officer. On April 28, 1956, J.D. and his partner Daniel Smith responded to a call in which a man was threatening to kill his wife with an ice pick. J.D. and Daniel arrived and confronted the man. While trying to subdue the man, Daniel was stabbed in the shoulder, and J.D. in the stomach and right kneecap. Despite their injuries, they arrested the man and received treatment at a nearby hospital.

Five months later, on September 2, 1956, J.D. and Officer Dale Hankins stopped at a bar called Club 80 for a routine check. While there, J.D. recognized a man from a wanted poster and asked him to step outside. The man stood, pulled a pistol, pointed it at J.D.’s face, and pulled the trigger. Snap! J.D. and Dale pulled their pistols, fired multiple shots, and killed the man. Luckily for J.D., the man had failed to take his pistol off safety. J.D. received the Meritorious Award and a commendation for his “outstanding judgment and quick thinking.”

Seven years later, J.D. was on patrol in the Oak Cliff area when a police dispatcher provided the details of a shooting suspect. At about 1:15 p.m., J.D. saw someone who fit the provided description near East 10th and North Patton streets. Based on eyewitness accounts, J.D. spoke to the suspect through his passenger side window briefly and exited his car. The suspect pulled a pistol, shot J.D. four times, and fled the scene. A passerby used J.D.’s own police radio to call for help, but there was nothing anyone could do.

After 11 years as a police officer, J.D. Tippit’s final shift ended at that intersection where a memorial plaque now stands, but it led to the arrest of the man who killed him, the same man who, just 45 minutes earlier, had killed President John F. Kennedy.

 

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To have your Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for sale, Wanted to Buy, and Public / Legal Notices published – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com  or call 318-480-1206. Possible costs are dependent on the content.

SHERIFF’S SALE

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

TRAINA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
vs 37954
SHEDRICK GREEN III

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale for cash at the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 18TH day of March. 2026. Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property, to wit:

LOT 36, UNIT 10, BOOKER T. WASHINGTON SUBDIVISION, JONESBORO, LA 71251

Seized as the property of the above-named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all cost, sale to be made for cash WITHOUT the benefit of appraisal.

BRENT BARNETT, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO AUCTIONEER

02/04/26
03/11/26

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Jackson Parish Library
Job Description
Tier: Level IV
Title: Bookmobile/Outreach Coordinator

Reports to: Level V to VIII
Supervises: Level I to III
Experience: High School Diploma or GED and 6 years of job-related experience.
Pay Rate/Hour: $12.00 – $15.00
Pay Rate/Annual: $22,880.00 – $31,200.00
Full Time

Duties:
• Maintain the bookmobile by daily inspection to ensure the vehicle is in good working order; check tires, fuel, oil, generator, etc., and report any problems to the supervisor; keep the inside of the vehicle clean and tidy.
• Maintain organized records of bookmobile maintenance and inspections.
• Schedule regular maintenance, and/or repair and cleaning of the outside as needed.
• Drive the Bookmobile to scheduled stops, appointments, maintenance/repair sites, special events, etc.
• Plan, prep, and facilitate Bookmobile and Outreach programs.
• Assist with in-house circulation and reference duties when needed.
• Assist with Summer Reading and other Programming planning, coordinate with Supervisors, Youth Librarians, and Programming Librarians.
• Supervise and train staff as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
This position will cross-train with other positions as deemed necessary by management.

Requirements:
• 18 yrs. of age or older.
• Maintain a Chauffeur’s License; able and willing to drive bookmobile.
• Successful completion of a two-month probationary period.
• Able to repeatedly lift 15-25 lbs.
• Be physically able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Good knowledge of basic library methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Some knowledge of reader interest levels.
• Good ability to maintain library records and carry out library procedures.
• Considerable ability to understand and follow written and oral directions.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public and to
conduct oneself with tact and courtesy.
• Demonstrated ability to perform essential job duties.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision.

The Library offers benefits, including an excellent retirement plan, vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Employees may advance to higher positions according to their abilities, qualifications, and based on the needs of the library.

Applications and resumes may be submitted by mail or in person at the Main Branch in Jonesboro, located at:
614 South Polk Avenue
Jonesboro, La 71251

or by email to mainbranch@jacksonparishlib.org

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so designated.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Jackson Parish Library
Job Description
Tier: Level III
Title: Bookmobile/Outreach Specialist

Reports to: Level IV to VIII
Supervises: None
Experience: High School Diploma or GED and 2 to 3 years of job-related experience.
Pay Rate/Hour: $8.00 – $12.00
Pay Rate/Annual: $16,640.00 – $ 22,880.00
Full Time

Duties:
Maintain the bookmobile by daily inspection to ensure the vehicle is in good working order; check tires, fuel, oil, generator, etc., and report any problems to the supervisor; keep the inside of the vehicle clean and tidy.
Maintain organized records of bookmobile maintenance and inspections.
Schedule regular maintenance and/or repair and cleaning of the outside as needed.
Drive the Bookmobile to scheduled stops, appointments, maintenance/repair sites, special events, etc.
Assist with Bookmobile and Outreach programs.
Assist with in-house circulation and reference duties when needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.
This position will cross-train with other positions as deemed necessary by management.
Requirements:
18 yrs. of age or older.
Maintain a Chauffeur’s License; able and willing to drive a bookmobile.
Successful completion of a two-month probationary period.
Able to repeatedly lift 15-25 lbs.
Be physically able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Good knowledge of basic library methods, techniques and procedures.
Some knowledge of reader interest levels.
Good ability to maintain library records and carry out library procedures.
Considerable ability to understand and follow written and oral directions.
Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public and to conduct oneself
with tact and courtesy.
Demonstrated ability to perform essential job duties.
Ability to work under minimal supervision.

The Library offers benefits, including an excellent retirement plan, vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Employees may advance to higher positions according to their abilities, qualifications, and based on the needs of the library.

Applications and resumes may be submitted by mail or in person at the Main Branch in Jonesboro, located at:
614 South Polk Avenue
Jonesboro, La 71251

or by email to mainbranch@jacksonparishlib.org

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so designated.

 

 

Business Services

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Jackson Parish School Board Meeting Minutes
February 2, 2026

The Jackson Parish School Board met in a regular scheduled meeting at 11:00 a.m. on February 2, 2026 at Jackson Parish School Board, 315 Pershing Highway, Jonesboro, Louisiana.

The following were present for roll call: Mary Saulters, Rick Barlow, Paulette Belton, Gerry Mims and Wade McBride

Absent: Calvin Waggoner, Dennis Clary

Rick Barlow gave the Invocation.

Wade McBride led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting was called to order by Mary Saulters.

A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Gerry Mims and carried to approve the minutes from the Regular Scheduled meetings held on January 2, 2026.

A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Gerry Mims and carried to add the following item to the agenda as 4A & 4B:
Consider accepting low quote of $11,818.61 from Dodson Enterprises, Inc. for removal and replacement of Quitman High School Softball Bleacher cover, to be paid from General Fund due to damage during winter storm.

A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Gerry Mims and carried to approve accepting low quote of $11,818l.61 from Dodson Enterprises, Inc. for removal and replacement of Quitman High School Softball Bleacher cover, to be paid from General Fund due to damage during winter storm.

The School Board recognized the following:
• Audrey Lee – 5th Grade Student of the Year
• Amelia Staggs – 8th Grade Student of the Year
• Destiny Smith – 12th Grade Student of the Year
• Brittany Goss – New Teacher of the Year
• Holly Dodson – Elementary Teacher of the Year
• Shelby Chandler – Middle School Teacher of the Year
• Alberta Foster – High School Teacher of the Year
• Craig McBride – Support Staff of the Year
• Jessica Shultz – Health Professional of the Year
• David Huckaby – Principal of the Year

The 2025 CLU’s for Board Members were reviewed:
• Gerry Mims – 26.75
• Paulette Belton – 29.25
• Calvin Waggoner – 1
• Rick Barlow – 9.75
• Mary Saulters – 16.25
• Wade McBride – 17.25
• Dennis Clary – 19.25

School Board Member Training Resolution
WHEREAS, each member of a city and parish school board shall receive a minimum of six hours of training and instruction, as required by ACT 705 of the 2011 Louisiana Legislature; and
WHEREAS, this training and instruction shall consist of school laws of this state, laws governing the powers, duties, and responsibilities of city and parish school boards, educational trends, research and policy; and
WHEREAS, such instruction may be received from an institution of higher education in this state, from instruction sponsored by the State Department of Education, or by an in-service training program conducted by a city or parish school board central office or the Louisiana School Boards Association, or training provided at the national level; and
WHEREAS, each member of a city and parish board shall receive one hour of ethics training, per year, of their tenure as board member;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that it become public record that Gerry Mims,
Mary Saulters, Paulette Belton, Rick Barlow, Wade McBride and Dennis Clary, members of the Jackson Parish School Board, have successfully received and exceeded the six hours of required training as mandated by the Legislature of Louisiana and all board members have fulfilled the mandate of one hour of ethics training for the year 2026.
CERTIFICATE
I, the undersigned Superintendent of Jackson Parish Schools, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true copy of a resolution adopted at its regular School Board meeting on February 2, 2026

William Carter
Superintendent
Jackson Parish Schools

The School Board recognized Emily Smith, ELA Coordinator, who provided information on DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills)

A motion was made by Gerry Mims, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried to approve adopting a resolution ordering and calling an election to be held on June 27, 2026 in Consolidated School District 1 of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, to authorize the continuation and rededication of a special tax therein, making application to the State Board Commission, and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

The following resolution was offered by Gerry Mims and seconded by Paulette Belton:

RESOLUTION

A resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in the Consolidated School District No. 1 of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, to authorize the continuation and rededication of a special tax therein, making application to the State Bond Commission, and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana (the “Governing Authority”), acting as the governing authority of the Consolidated School District No. 1 of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana (the “District”), that:

SECTION 1. Election Call. Subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, and under the authority conferred by the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, including Article VIII, Section 13(C) Third thereof, the applicable provisions of the Louisiana Election Code, and other constitutional and statutory authority, a special election is hereby called and ordered to be held in the District on SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026, between the hours of seven o’clock (7:00) a.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, and at the said election there shall be submitted to all registered voters qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and laws of this State and the Constitution of the United States, the following proposition, to-wit:

PROPOSITION
(MILLAGE CONTINUATION & REDEDICATION)

Shall the Consolidated School District No. 1 of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy and collect an ad valorem tax of 5.98 mills on all the property subject to taxation within the District (an estimated $1,168,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2027 and ending with the year 2036, for the purpose of giving additional support to the public school system in the District, said millage to represent a .52 mills increase (due to reappraisal) over the 5.46 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2026 pursuant to an election held on April 9, 2016?

SECTION 2. Publication of Notice of Election. A Notice of Special Election shall be published in the official journal of the District once a week for four consecutive weeks, with the first publication to be made not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the date of the election, which Notice shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as “Exhibit A” and incorporated herein by reference the same as if it were set forth herein in full.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the publication of the Notice of Election, the President of the Governing Authority is authorized and directed to make any amendments to the foregoing proposition that may be required to comply with any state or federal regulatory agencies.

SECTION 3. Canvass. This Governing Authority shall meet at its regular meeting place, the Jackson Parish School Board Office, 315 Pershing Hwy., Jonesboro, Louisiana, on MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the said special election.

SECTION 4. Polling Places. The polling places for the precincts in the Parish are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, will be the same persons as those designated in accordance with law.

SECTION 5. Election Commissioners; Voting Machines. The officers designated to serve as Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners pursuant to Section 4 hereof, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, shall hold the said special election as herein provided, and shall make due returns of said election for the meeting of the Governing Authority to be held as provided in Section 3 hereof. All registered voters in the District will be entitled to vote at the special election, and voting machines shall be used.

SECTION 6. Authorization of Officers. The Secretary of the Governing Authority is hereby empowered, authorized and directed to arrange for and to furnish to said election officers in ample time for the holding of said election, the necessary equipment, forms and other paraphernalia essential to the proper holding of said election and the President and/or Secretary of the Governing Authority are further authorized, empowered and directed to take any and all further action required by State and/or Federal law to arrange for the election.

SECTION 7. Furnishing Election Call to Election Officials. Certified copies of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Parish Custodian of Voting Machines of Jackson Parish and the Registrar of Voters of Jackson Parish, as notification of the special election, in order that each may prepare for said election and perform their respective functions as required by law.

SECTION 8. Application to State Bond Commission. Application is made to the State Bond Commission for consent and authority to hold the special election as herein provided, and in the event said election carries for further consent and authority to continue to levy and collect the special tax provided for therein. A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the State Bond Commission on behalf of this Governing Authority, together with a letter requesting the prompt consideration and approval of this application.

SECTION 9. Employment of Counsel. This Governing Authority finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel on matters related to the special election, and accordingly, Foley & Judell, L.L.P., is hereby employed as special counsel for said purpose for a term not exceeding one (1) year from the date of this resolution. The fee to be paid said special counsel shall be an amount computed at hourly rate based on the Attorney General’s then current Maximum Hourly Fee Schedule, not to exceed $2,000 in the aggregate, together with reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, and payment for the work herein specified is hereby approved without further action of this Governing Authority as and when invoices are presented. The scope of this legal representation does not involve federal claims.

This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:

YEAS: Mary Saulters, Rick Barlow, Paulette Belton, Wade McBride and Gerry Mims

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Dennis Clary, Calvin Waggoner

And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 2nd day of February, 2026.

/signature /signature
Secretary President

EXHIBIT “A”

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION

Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana (the “Governing Authority”), acting as the governing authority of the Consolidated School District No. 1 of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana (the “District”), on February 2, 2026, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held within the District on SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026, and that at the said election there will be submitted to all registered voters in the District qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following proposition, to-wit:

PROPOSITION
(MILLAGE CONTINUATION & REDEDICATION)

Shall the Consolidated School District No. 1 of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy and collect an ad valorem tax of 5.98 mills on all the property subject to taxation within the District (an estimated $1,168,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2027 and ending with the year 2036, for the purpose of giving additional support to the public school system in the District, said millage to represent a .52 mills increase (due to reappraisal) over the 5.46 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2026 pursuant to an election held on April 9, 2016?

The said special election will be held at each and every polling place in the Parish, which polls will open at seven o’clock (7:00) a.m. and close at eight o’clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541.

The polling places at the precincts in the Parish are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those persons designated according to law.

The estimated cost of this election as determined by the Secretary of State based upon the provisions of Chapter 8-A of Title 18 and actual costs of similar elections is $39,000.

Notice is further given that a portion of the monies collected from the tax described in the Proposition shall be remitted to certain state and statewide retirement systems in the manner required by law.

The said special election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5 and Chapter 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the said election, as provided in this Notice of Special Election, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at its regular meeting place, the Jackson Parish School Board Office, 315 Pershing Hwy., Jonesboro, Louisiana, on MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the said special election. All registered voters of the District are entitled to vote at said special election and voting machines will be used.

STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF JACKSON
I, the undersigned Secretary of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana (the “Governing Authority”), acting as the governing authority of the Consolidated School District No. 1 of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana (the “District”), do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of the proceedings taken by the Governing Authority on February 2, 2026, ordering and calling a special election to be held in the Consolidated School District No. 1 of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, to authorize the continuation and rededication of a special tax therein, making application to the State Bond Commission, and providing other matters in connection therewith.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature at Jonesboro, Louisiana, on this, the 2nd day of February, 2026.

/signature
_________________________________
Secretary

Rick Barlow reported to the Board on the meeting of the Executive Finance Committee held prior to the Board meeting.

A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Gerry Mims and carried to approve for payment the following bills: General Fund, Federal Program, School Food Service, Sales Tax, Special Education and District Maintenance bills.

The School Board recognized Kristina Sage from Kolder, Slaven & Company, LLC who presented the audit report.

A motion was made by Gerry Mims, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried to approve changing the SLT stipend for Principals and Teachers to match the BESE Effectiveness Ratings as follows: Exemplary & Highly Effective (5.00 – 3.50) – $300.00, Proficient (3.49-2.5) $150.00, to be paid from General Fund.

A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Gerry Mims and
carried declaring as surplus the following items:

• (1) 2000 International School Bus, VIN 1HVBBABPXYH287793
• (1) 2002 International School Bus, VIN 1HVBBABM72H512264
• (1) 2001 Mercury Sable (VIN-1MEFM55S71A611904

These items will be auctioned, recycled or sold.

A motion was made by Paulette Belton, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried approving payment to Zoho Corporation in the amount of $11,601.00 for Manage Engine Endpoint (Annual Subscription fee for 1,000 endpoints) and User License, to be paid from General Fund. This is Network Management Software for District.

A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Gerry Mims and carried rescinding the following motion made on October 6, 2025:
A motion was made by Paulette Belton, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried approving payment to United Automation in the amount of $10,864.04 for the installation of a wall mount reader and door integration kit at Weston High School, to be paid from the 2025-2026 LCSS School Safety Grant.

A motion was made by Gerry Mims, seconded by Wade McBride and carried to approve payment to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Co. in the amount of $20,714.40 for Amira Student and Teacher Suite License for Grades K-6 at all schools, to be paid from Direct Student Services fund. (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Co. is a Sole Source provider)

A motion was made by Paulette Belton, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried accepting low bid of $387,092.21 from Uniti Fiber for E-Rate Category 2 – FY 2026-2030, funded with E-Rate at 90% discount and 10% to be paid from General Fund.

A motion was made by Gerry Mims, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried granting Superintendent Carter permission to enter into a five (5) year contract with Uniti for WAN and Internet Service at a cost of $118,490.00, funded with E-Rate at 90% discount and 10% to be paid from the General Fund.

A motion was made by Paulette Belton, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to approve a reimbursement to District funds from LCSS School Safety Grant in the amount of $2,611.00 for additional fencing at Weston High School, pending the approval of the modified LCSS budget.

A motion was made by Rick Barlow, seconded by Wade McBride and carried approving payment to Jackson Parish Recreation Department in the amount of $16,000 for the purchase of a 2020 Ford F150 VIN # 1FTEW1C53LKE09880 to be used by the Maintenance Department, to be paid from Parish Wide District funds.

Kristi Bass, Business Manager presented the Financial Report.

Gerry Mims reported to the Board on the meeting of the Policy Committee held prior to the Board meeting.

A motion was made by Gerry Mims, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried approving the following policy revisions:

• EE – Child Nutrition Program Management
• JGB – School Wellness

A motion was made by Rick Barlow, seconded by Gerry Mims and carried to adjourn at 11:40 a.m..

 

Bruce M Bryant
November 27, 1987 – January 20, 2026

Bruce M. Bryant, who was born on November 27, 1987, passed away on January 20, 2026, at the age of 38 years old. After a public viewing was held on Friday, January 30th, his Life Celebration Service was held in the Paradise Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, LA, on January 31, 2026. 

Burnie “Buddie” Watson
March 4, 1950 – January 30, 2026

Funeral services for Burnie “Buddie” Watson will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Choudrant First Baptist Church with Rev. Gil Arthur officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Calhoun, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

Burnie Mims Watson, III, affectionately known as Daddy, Pop, Colonel, and Buddie, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the age of 75. Born on March 4, 1950, Buddie was raised in China, Texas, where his love for faith, family, country, and the cowboy way of life took root.

Buddie was a man of deep and abiding faith. He loved the Lord and served Him faithfully, allowing his faith to guide his life as a husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend.

Buddie was a proud former student of Texas A&M University, Class of 1972, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. A true Aggie through and through, he was an avid supporter of Texas A&M Football and proudly “bled maroon and white.” Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Buddie served his country honorably in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1997 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 25 years of dedicated service.

After retirement, Buddie continued shaping young lives as an ROTC instructor at Ruston High School from 1997 to 2009, where he also coached the school’s first soccer team for two years. He later served as a substitute teacher at West Ouachita High School. During these years, Buddie impacted countless students—many of whom stayed in touch with him throughout the years, a true testament to the relationships he built and the lives he touched.

Buddie was a strong, loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend. He loved and protected his family with all his heart and was always in the stands, on the sidelines, or at the arena, cheering his grandchildren on in whatever they pursued. He could often be found at the track, shooting range, baseball fields, or rodeo arena, proudly watching them do the things they loved most.

Buddie’s stories were legendary, his humor infectious, and his smile could light up any room. He was witty, patriotic, positive, and always saw the best in people. He never met a stranger, especially if you were an Aggie, served in the military, or had any connection to rodeo life. He had a remarkable memory for names and dates, always had a word of encouragement or advice for anyone who asked, and always looked out for others.

Buddie was preceded in death by his parents, Burnie Mims Watson, Jr. and Bobbie Faye Surles Watson; in-laws, Augden Walden Short and Mildred Porter Short; and dear friends who were family in every sense of the word, the Schroeder brothers, Ronnie and Tommy.

Buddie is survived by his devoted wife, Jane Anne Short Watson; son, Matthew Watson, Sr. and wife Brandie; daughter, Ammie and husband Lane Mckenzie; sister, Rosemary and husband Mike Randolph; his beloved grandchildren, Augden Watson, Corbin Watson, Saige McKenzie, and McKenzie Lovett; and dear friends who were family, the Schroeder brothers, Bill and Donnie.

His family and friends mourn the loss of a hero, a cowboy, a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a faithful friend. Perhaps Buddie’s legacy is best captured in the simple, powerful words of his granddaughter: “He was kind, brave, and smart.”

A cowboy rides on, his work here complete.

 

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Medical professionals don’t make “house calls” anymore, but thanks to the heroic efforts made by several off-duty members of the local medical community on a “truck call”, the life of Ray Williams of Jonesboro was saved on Thursday, January 29th.

According to reports, a truck driven by a man who has not yet been identified slid off Hwy 167 north of Quitman, LA, tumbled down an embankment, and landed upside down in a swampy area, with most of the cab submerged.

As fate would have it, Jackson Parish Hospital Doctors William (Jaime) and Tonya Slusher, nurses Hanna Williams and Summer LeBlanc, Sergeant Koby Saucier of the Louisiana National Guard, and concerned citizen Jacob Hady, were traveling along the highway at the same time, saw the accident, and immediately went into action.

According to a report filed by Johnette Magner of KTBS TV-3 in Shreveport, LA, the Good Samaritans braved the chilling waters and unknown conditions below, pulled the unresponsive man from his truck, and placed him on the bank. Hanna Williams then performed chest compressions while Dr. Tonya Slusher administered mouth-to-mouth breathing treatment. Their joint efforts resuscitated the victim.

The group continued to use their life-saving medical, trauma, and emergency care knowledge to keep this man alive until Jackson Parish first responders and paramedics arrived on scene to take over the recovery efforts. Showing extraordinary calmness and professionalism during the ordeal, Williams even delivered a “time-stamped” report – recording the time the truck flipped, the amount of time the victim was in the water, when he was pulled out, when CPR was administered, and when the victim was resuscitated.

A video of the heroic rescue efforts was taken by fellow National Guardman William Cox and is able to be seen by going to the following link – https://www.facebook.com/1015780882/posts/pfbid0xKyVvXVmTF6T9ARPAnEkWU5tyhtyh3G1i8pbixrMzHgM1qFWN2NTdJC38U48Q7eTl/?sfnsn=mo&mibextid=VhDh1V

The condition of the victim who was transported to a hospital in Shreveport, LA, is unknown at this time, but thanks to the heroic efforts of these Good Samaritans, he will have a chance to recover. God bless everyone who put aside their own personal safety and thought more about saving the life of this man.

The 2026 Ice Storm has claimed the life of a Jackson Parish man. Per the Jackson Parish Coroner’s Report, on Wednesday, January 28th, Robert Brock Miller, age 65, of 151 Hwy 148 in Clay, La, was found dead in his home by Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies, having succumbed to hypothermia.

Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing your core body temperature to drop below 95°F (35°C). Common causes include exposure to cold environments or water, even if the person is not properly dressed.

According to Jackson Parish Sheriff Brent Barnett, a JPSO Senior Division member went to Miller’s home on Tuesday to do a welfare check and offered to take Miller to the warming center that was at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro. Despite his home having lost power, Miller refused to leave his residence.

The death is the 8th across the state that has resulted from the ice Storm. No further information is available at this time.

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(January 29, 2026)

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to provide the following update as recovery efforts continue across Jackson Parish.

The Charles Garrett Community Center remains open and staffed as an emergency warming center. Transportation to and from the Community Center will continue to be provided as needed.

Many parish roadways remain impacted by ice and storm debris. Residents are urged to use extreme caution when traveling, as hazardous conditions still exist in several areas.

As recovery efforts continue, JPSO litter crews will be working alongside the Police Jury to remove debris from roadways in some of the hardest-hit areas of the parish.

With temperatures expected to dip into the teens on Friday and Saturday night, residents are encouraged to continue checking on elderly family members, neighbors, and others who may need assistance.
If you are aware of someone who may require a welfare check, please contact the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office directly at (318) 259-9021 so deputies can respond in person.

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to thank our residents, first responders, utility crews, and partner agencies for their patience, cooperation, and resilience throughout this event.

One Parish. One Team. One Mission.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises motorists that the low-hanging power lines and trees along LA 146 between Chatham and LA 145 in Jackson Parish have been CLEARED.

According to Jackson Parish Police Jury Road Department Director Wayne Anderson, all roads in the JPPJ road system are passable as well.

While all roads are cleared and passable, motorists should continue to use caution on overpasses and bridges, especially in the early hours of the morning as temperatures are still falling below the freezing level and the decks of these structures may freeze over. 

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The Ice Storm that descended on Jackson Parish beginning on the night of Friday, January 23rd, left lasting memories on local residents who got to enjoy true winter conditions and frolic about in the ice but also had to suffer from losing electricity, internet abilities, and, in one case, even the loss of a life.

Below are some images taken during the ice storm, ranging from truly beautiful shots of nature, locals enjoying the fun of playing in the ice, to dangerous and perilous conditions that resulted from the excessive amount of ice that fell and brought Jackson Parish to a standstill as roads were unpassable and power to homes were severed.

ICE STORM 2026

 

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On January 29th, Madonna Caldwell with the Hodge Water System reported that the Water Boil Advisory that had originally been put in place due to power being lost to the water pumps that filled tanks and service lines on January 26th was still in place.  

The Water Boil Advisory will stay in effect until samples that were sent to the Louisiana Department of Health on January 30th have been cleared and the water is ruled safe for consumption. 

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The Jackson Parish School Board will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting at 11:00 am on Monday, February 2nd. The session will take place in the Conference Room of the Jackson Parish School District Central Office, located at 315 Pershing Hwy. in Jonesboro. 

Meeting Agenda

1. Invocation– Dennis Clary

2. Pledge of Allegiance – Wade McBride

3. Call to Order

4. Consider approving the minutes as presented from the Regular Scheduled meeting held on January 5, 2026.

5. Recognize:

• Audrey Lee – 5th Grade Student of the Year
• Amelia Staggs – 8th Grade Student of the Year
• Destiny Smith – 12th Grade Student of the Year
• Brittany Goss – New Teacher of the Year
• Holly Dodson – Elementary Teacher of the Year
• Shelby Chandler – Middle School Teacher of the Year
• Alberta Foster – High School Teacher of the Year
• Craig McBride – Support Staff of the Year
• Jessica Shultz – Health Professional of the Year
• David Huckaby – Principal of the Year

6. Review 2025 CLU’s for Board Members:

• Gerry Mims – 26.75
• Paulette Belton – 29.25
• Calvin Waggoner – 1
• Rick Barlow – 9.75
• Mary Saulters – 16.25
• Wade McBride – 17.25
• Dennis Clary – 19.25

7. Recognize Emily Smith, ELA Coordinator – Information on DIBELS

8. Consider adopting a resolution ordering and calling an election to be held on June 27, 2026 in Consolidated School District 1 of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, to authorize the continuation and rededication of a special tax therein, making application to the State Board Commission, and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

9. Consider adopting items per the Committee Reports attached hereto.

10. Superintendent’s Comments

11. Adjourn

In accordance with the Americans Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact William Carter at 318-259-4456 describing the assistance that is necessary.

 

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