The wait is over. While some have already announced their intentions, months of speculation about who all would run for the local and area positions on the November 3rd ballot will finally be confirmed as candidates officially declare their intentions on Wednesday, August 5th, as qualifying for office begins.
The plethora of positions up for grabs includes District Judge, District Attorney, Jackson Parish School Board Member for District 1-7, Justice of the Peace and Constable in Districts A-E, and Mayor, Chief of Police and Aldermen in Jonesboro, Hodge, North Hodge, East Hodge, and Mayor and Aldermen of Quitman.
Qualifying information for the many local positions that will be on the ballot is as follows.
District Judge Divisions A, B, C Dem $625 Rep $475 No Party $325 District Attorney, 2nd JDC Dem $475 Rep $362.50 No Party $250 Jackson Parish School Board Member District 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Dem $255 Rep $197.50 No Party $140 Justice of the Peace District A, B, C, D and E Dem $175 Rep $137.50 No Party $100 Constable District A, B, C, D and E Dem $175 Rep $137.50 No Party $100 Mayor, Chief of Police and Aldermen of East Hodge Dem $105 Rep $85 No Party $65 Mayor, Chief of Police and Aldermen of Hodge Dem $105 Rep $85 No Party $65 Mayor and Aldermen of Quitman Dem $105 Rep $85 No Party $65 Mayor, Chief of Police and Aldermen of North Hodge Dem $105 Rep $85 No Party $65 Mayor and Chief of Police of Jonesboro Dem $105 Rep $85 No Party $65 Alderman Town of Jonesboro District A, B, C, D and 1 At Large Dem $105 Rep $85 No Party $65
For any questions, call the Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Office at (318) 259-2424.
It is expensive to run a school system. Very expensive. The financial requirements to provide the programs and a solid education needed for area students are almost mind-boggling. It takes not only good stewards throughout the entire system but also community support to keep up with the ever-growing financial demands.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that it costs a lot of money to pay salaries, buy school supplies, food, books, and classroom equipment, cover maintenance costs, cover athletic program expenses, and provide transportation to school and events. This doesn’t even include the day-to-day operating costs of electricity, gas, water, and sewage. You also have to consider the expenses required to participate in federal, state, and local programs, sales tax expenditures, insurance, and so on.
It requires great stewardship, as it takes not only great insight to decide what and when purchases or payouts need to be made, but also to determine which of the many funds set up are to be used so that the accounting of everything is done correctly.
The cost of “doing business” was never more evident than this past Monday, August 3rd, when the Jackson Parish School Board held its regularly scheduled monthly meeting at the Jackson Parish School District Central Office, located at 315 Pershing Hwy. in Jonesboro.
Over $150,000.00 was earmarked for payments by board members Mary Saulters (President), Gerry Mims, Rick Barlow, Paulette Belton, Wade McBride, and Dennis Clary as several required and ancillary programs received funding. Calvin Waggoner was absent.
And this comes during a summer month before school has even started.
Each month there is the standard payment of bills of the General Fund, Federal Programs, Food Service, Sales Tax, Special Education, and District Maintenance. A breakdown of the additional monetary outlay approved by the panel this month is as follows:
$11,000.00 – For support of the LSU Extension programs, to be paid from the General Fund. $15,800.00 – To CEV Multimedia, LLC for annual licenses for all CTE courses at Jonesboro Hodge High School, Quitman High School, and Weston High School, to be paid from 26-27 Career Development Funds. $79,405.53 – To Electronic Information Systems, LLC for managing Medicaid billing services for years 2021 – 2025, to be paid from General Fund. $40,000.00 – For the 2026-2027 MOU with the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office regarding the educational instructor for the Jackson Parish Juvenile Detention Center Alternative School
In additional business, the board approved the minutes of the July meetings, heard from Stephen Watts of the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office regarding School Resource Officers (SRO) staffing costs & r reimbursements, and recognized a public participation request from Windy Calahan. Superintendent Billy Carter was also given permission to sign the agreement by and between the Jackson Parish School Board and Electronic Information Systems and the job description for Special Education Compliance Coordinator was approved.
The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce announces that the annual Chamber Banquet will be held on September 24th in the Family Life Center of the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Featured as special guest speaker will be Dr. Jim Henderson, President of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston.
The always entertaining event will begin at 6:00 pm with a social hour and silent auction, followed by the program and dinner at 7:00 pm. Dress for the occasion will be business dress.
Tickets, which can be purchased from any JPCC board member or at the JPCC office located at 601 South Cooper Avenue in Jonesboro, will be $25 per person, or $250.00 for a table sponsorship, which includes 8 tickets. A table sponsorship allows you to be seated with friends and business associates. You are encouraged to make a reservation as soon as possible, as there is a limited number of available tables. Tables are assigned after receiving payment.
With a corporate sponsorship that includes two tickets, your logo will appear on the back of the program. Also, your name will be on a sign at the entrance, and you will receive special recognition during the banquet.
Corporate sponsorship costs are as follows: Platinum $ 1000.00 Gold $ 500.00 Silver $ 250.00
After nearly four decades in the legal profession and years of service on the bench, Judge Rick Warren is seeking to serve the people of Bienville, Jackson, and Claiborne Parishes as their next District Attorney.
A lifelong North Louisianan, Christian, conservative Republican, husband, father, and experienced jurist, Rick Warren has built his career on upholding the law, protecting families, and serving his community with integrity. Since January 2021, he has served as Judge for the 2nd Judicial District, Division B, following a distinguished 37-year legal career during which he successfully tried hundreds of criminal and civil cases, including jury trials, bench trials, and death penalty cases.
Rick’s legal experience spans criminal law, family law, real estate, personal injury, and insurance defense, giving him the broad perspective and courtroom experience needed to lead the District Attorney’s Office on day one.
A graduate of Castor High School, Louisiana Tech University, and LSU Law School, Rick remains deeply rooted in the values that shaped him. He is an active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon and Sunday School teacher, and is also a member of the Jackson Camp of Gideons International. Rick and his wife, Candice, are proud parents of two children and are committed to serving the communities they call home.
As District Attorney, Rick Warren will be a full-time prosecutor focused entirely on serving the people of the district. His commitment is simple: no outside employment, no distractions—just a dedicated focus on keeping communities safe and ensuring justice is served.
Rick will make the aggressive prosecution of violent offenders a top priority while ensuring victims receive the communication, compassion, and support they deserve throughout the legal process. He also believes preventing crime begins with accountability. By emphasizing early intervention and meaningful consequences for juvenile offenders, Rick is committed to helping young people change course before criminal behavior becomes a lifelong pattern.
“Our communities deserve a District Attorney who has the experience to lead, the integrity to serve, and the commitment to protect our families,” Warren said. “I am ready to devote my full attention to keeping our communities safe, standing up for victims, and ensuring that justice is administered fairly and faithfully.”
With proven courtroom experience, a lifetime of public service, and unwavering conservative values, Rick Warren is asking for your support to become the next District Attorney for Bienville, Jackson, and Claiborne Parishes.
To learn more about Rick Warren and his campaign, visit RickWarrenForDA.com.
The 2026-27 school year is fast approaching, and the Jackson Parish School District invites you to mark your calendars and join the Open Houses on August 12-13 at Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School, Jonesboro-Hodge High School, Quitman High School, and Weston High School.
Open House Dates and Times
Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School: Wednesday, August 12 (5:00 – 7:00 pm) Jonesboro-Hodge High School: Thursday, August 13 (5:00 – 7:00 pm) Quitman High School: Thursday, August 13 (5:00 – 7:00 pm) Weston High School: Thursday, August 13 (6:00 – 7:30 pm)
Good stewardship requires the discipline to save, but also the courage to invest in the future.
That philosophy guided Northwestern State University throughout the 2025–2026 fiscal year.
During the year, Northwestern strategically invested $4.5 million of accumulated reserves in campus improvements. Those investments included replacing aging technology infrastructure that had reached the end of its useful life; enhancing nursing instructional resources and biology laboratories; replacing fire alarm systems; completing painting, plaster and restroom renovations; improving HVAC systems; and upgrading athletic facilities.
Athletic improvements included a new NCAA Division I track surface, upgraded scoreboards in Prather Coliseum and instant-replay technology that meets Southland Conference standards.
These projects represent far more than expenditures. They are investments in Northwestern’s students, employees and future.
“When President Genovese arrived at Northwestern in August 2024, I had already been here about eight months and was developing a thorough understanding of the University’s finances,” Chief Financial Officer Rodney Wilson said. “We were fortunate to inherit healthy reserves that gave us the flexibility to invest in our campus. Good stewardship requires balance. We cannot spend every dollar we have, but we also cannot allow resources to sit unused while our facilities and infrastructure decline.”
The impact of those investments is already visible. Nursing students in Alost Hall will train with modern instructional resources designed for today’s healthcare environment. Biology laboratories serving more than 520 undergraduate students have been transformed with new flooring, refreshed instructional spaces and improved accessibility. The renovations provide current students with a modern learning environment while allowing the University to welcome hundreds of prospective students each year into facilities that reflect the quality of the education taking place inside them.
The University’s investments extended beyond facilities. Through Northwestern’s Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, new enrollment specialist positions will strengthen retention and student success by helping more students successfully progress from their freshman to sophomore years.
The University’s year-end financial results reflect these measured investments. Northwestern began the fiscal year with a $64.7 million fund balance and closed with $59.8 million. Of the $4.9 million reduction, $4.5 million (92%) was deliberately invested in the campus.
Even after making those investments, Northwestern finishes the fiscal year with one of the strongest liquidity and reserve positions among its peer institutions in Louisiana. These final results alleviate concerns raised by an earlier news report that pointed to a preliminary projection of a deficit rather than the University’s completed fiscal year.
Northwestern also made a deliberate investment in its employees by providing a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment during the fiscal year. The adjustment was not an extraordinary salary increase. It was intended to help employees keep pace with inflation while partially offsetting a 7.75 percent increase in state employee health insurance premiums. Without it, many faculty and staff members would have experienced a reduction in take-home pay.
Looking Ahead
Northwestern began the 2026–2027 fiscal year with a balanced budget. A budget is an estimate of anticipated revenues and expenditures. From this point forward, the University has the opportunity to maintain that balance, improve upon it and finish the year with a surplus, or make strategic investments from reserves to address emerging priorities and unforeseen needs.
Higher education continues to face significant challenges, and Northwestern has not been immune. Enrollment drives nearly every major source of university funding, making it the single most important factor in Northwestern’s long-term financial health.
Between fall 2021 and fall 2024, Northwestern’s enrollment declined by 2,212 students—an average loss of approximately 737 students per year. Losses of that magnitude cannot be reversed overnight. After two years of focused effort, however, the decline has begun to stabilize.
Recovery does not begin with growth. It begins by stopping the decline, and stabilization is the first important measure leading into progress.
“When an airplane loses altitude, the first step is to pull the nose up and level the aircraft before it can begin to climb,” President James T. Genovese said. “That is where Northwestern is today. We have worked hard to address a significant enrollment decline, and the indicators are beginning to move in the right direction. We are not yet at our destination, but we are level, gaining momentum and preparing to rise.”
Spring 2026 enrollment was essentially flat compared with spring 2025, providing encouraging confirmation that the years-long downward trend has begun to level. During summer 2026, student credit-hour production increased by 3 percent over the previous year, meaning students enrolled in fuller academic course loads. First-year retention continues to improve, the average ACT score of incoming students has increased, and on-campus housing is at or near full occupancy.
Together, these indicators point to a student body that is increasingly engaged, better prepared for college and committed to earning a degree. Stabilization is not the destination, but it is the necessary foundation for renewed enrollment growth.
Another important component of Northwestern’s enrollment strategy is the continuing expansion of dual enrollment, through which high school students earn college credit.
Dual enrollment presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Although Northwestern receives less tuition revenue from a dual-enrollment student than from a traditional undergraduate, each participating high school student is also a prospective Demon. Introducing students to Northwestern while they are still in high school creates an opportunity to welcome them back after graduation to complete their undergraduate degrees. That transition is critical to the University’s long-term enrollment strategy. If Northwestern is not serving those students, another university will.
Classes for the fall semester will begin Aug. 17. The University’s official fall enrollment will be determined on the 14th class day.
Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District is located at 115 Watts Avenue in Jonesboro, LA
Through a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the Jackson Parish Police Jury, the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) invites all who wish to learn basic CPR/AED, stop-the-bleed first aid, and what to do if someone is choking or not breathing to attend a FREE training opportunity on August 17, 2026.
The Basic Life Support (BLS) class, which will provide certification for attendees aged 12 and up, will be held at the JPASD Training Center, located at 115 Watts Avenue in Jonesboro, from 6:00 – 10:00 pm and is open to all who want to be better prepared for an emergency. To register, call (318) 259-2877.
All local and state candidates are invited to join the public for a “Connect With Candidates” event sponsored by the NAACP Branch #6309 and the Jackson Parish DPEC. The event will take place at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, August 11th at the Boyer-Bell Memorial Building, located at 763 Beech Springs Hwy. in Jonesboro. For more information, contact Dr. Herbert Simmons at (318) 533-7811 or Windy L. Calahan at (318) 680-5511.
(Linda Horn) – Just four short miles east of Chatham, LA, sits one of the most entertaining places to spend a Saturday night with family and friends. Matt and Casey Takewell, owners, along with the entire staff at Super Bee Speedway welcomed 115 race cars to the clay oval Saturday, August 1st for an exciting night of side-by-side racing action. Racers traveled from Texas, Mississippi and many areas of Louisiana to put on a great show for the fans.
Heat Race Winners in the Factory Stock class were: C28 Ben Merchant (Ruston), L88 Logan Gordan (West Monroe) and 37 Mickey Steele (Ball). The Top 5 drivers in the Feature were: 1st Mark Underwood Jr (Ruston), 2nd Matthew Lindsey (Jonesboro), 3rd Shane Walker (Choudrant), 4th Logan Gordan (West Monroe) and 5th Chase DelRio (West Monroe)
The Street Stock Heat Race Winners were: 25 Parker Cloud (Elizabeth, LA) and 63 Henry Baxley (Colfax). Cloud took the win in the Feature, followed by Justin Cook (Sterlington) in 2nd, Baxley in 3rd, Preston Shaw (Greenville, MS) in 4th, and Stephen Ray (Pollock, LA) rounded out the Top 5.
Southern Wing Modifieds were the visiting class for the night’s event and put on a great show for the fans. The 7R, piloted by Cody Robbins of Mansfield, LA, and the 9 of Tyler Morgan from Doyline, LA, were your Heat winners. The Top 5 Feature finishers were: 1st Tyler Morgan, 2nd Cody Robbins, 3rd Alan Myers, 4th Koty Adams and 5th Richard Reynolds.
Heat Race Winners in the Limited Modified class were: 99jr Mark Underwood Jr (Ruston) and 12 T.J. Bond (Calhoun). Finishing the Feature in the Top 5 were: 1st E8 Ethan Bailes (Elizabeth, LA), 2nd 54x Jarred Wallace (Calhoun), 3rd 37 CJ Howell (Dry Prong), 4th 19 Ronny Freeland (Bastrop) and 5th 12 TJ Bond.
The CRUSA Crate Late Models Top 5 in Qualifying lap times were Seth Traweek (West Monroe), Richie Patton (Quitman), Rob Litton (Alexandria), Bubba Mullins (West Monroe) and Waylon Morris (Bienville). The Feature finishing order brought 6x Rob Litton in 1st, 9x Bubba Mullins in 2nd, 1W Waylon Morris in 3rd, 12E Dewayne Estes (Sturgis, MS) in 4th and the 3 of Seth Traweek in 5th.
The ProMod class Heat Race Winners were: Wayne Patton (Ruston) and Justin Cook (Monroe). The Top 5 in the Feature event were: 1st Devin Richards (Monroe), 2nd Blake Doyle (Glenmora, LA), 3rd Donald Thomas (Ball), 4th Paul Pace Jr (Dry Prong), and 5th Stevie Howard (West Monroe).
The Sportster class is growing fast and taking Heat Wins Saturday night were Austin Wright (Eros) and Cody Womack (Jonesboro). The Feature race finishers were:1st Kobe Kulp (Eros), 2nd Austin Wright (Eros), 3rd Brandon Malone (Provencal, LA), 4th Richie Patton (Quitman), and rounding out the Top 5 Shane Walker (Choudrant).
The Tuners were the final class in the running order for Saturday night. The 250 of Zachary Riddick from West Monroe not only won the Heat race, but he was also first to the Checkered Flag in the Feature. Finishing 2nd was Billy Smith (9) of Rocky Branch, followed by Michael Thomas (40) of Lufkin, TX, Trevor Wright (11) of Leesville, and Charles Phillips (2) of Pineville.
If you enjoy watching any form of racing action on TV and the internet, or if you follow friends on social media that “go live” while at a racetrack, it is nice to see on a screen BUT…. The full experience can only be captured by being in the stands or in a lawn chair along the fence. The smell of race fuel, the wind in your face as the cars glide around the track, the rumble of the engines and the vibration in your feet, those are experiences that stay with you for days!
The next event is scheduled for Saturday, August 15th and will bring the ASCS Hurricane Area Super Sprints to Super Bee Speedway in Chatham. It is sure to be a night to remember; why not spend it with family and friends, trackside for the ultimate experience.
The Jackson Parish Museum and Fine Arts Association announces that Blair Fitzpatrick has accepted the position of President of the board, which meets regularly to review, discuss, and take action to help preserve the rich history of Jackson Parish and to make the museum available to any and all interested parties.
The Jackson Parish Museum & Fine Arts Association was created by the Police Jury in April of 2007 with the purpose of being a historical, cultural, and educational entity with the primary purpose of encouraging research, collecting, preserving and presenting, as an educational resource, objects of art, documents, artifacts, and the like that reflect the history, art, and culture of the Parish and the surrounding area.
Located at 515 South Cooper Avenue in Jonesboro, the Jackson Parish Museum, which features a wide range of entertaining, educational, and historic artifacts, is open from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month and Monday through Friday by appointment.
McDonald Recreation Center is the home of the Boys and Girls Club in Jonesboro
Sponsored by Men of Purpose and presented by Reaching 4 Rich & SOL Priority, Back to School – Volume 3, will be held on August 8, 2026. The event will take place from 5:30 – 8:00 pm at the Boys and Girls Club, located at 400 Jeffress Street in Jonesboro. Free backpacks and school supplies will be given to those who attend, along with the opportunity to enjoy food, drink, and entertainment provided by DJ Rocko. Vendors will also be on site.
The administration of Jonesboro-Hodge High School (JHHS) announces that the annual student/parent Orientation will be held for students in grades 7-12 on Thursday, August 6th, in the JHHS auditorium. During the session that begins at 12:00 pm for grades 7-9 and at 1:30 pm for grades 10-12, participants will learn about new campus changes, expectations, and more.
JHHS School Spirit Shirts Have Arrived
If you placed an order for JHHS school spirit shirts earlier this summer, you are invited to come to the high school front office to pick up your order.
Mark Treadway President of Louisiana State Firemen’s Association
The 121st annual conference of the Louisiana State Firemen’s Association (LSFA) is scheduled for August 4-8 at the Crowne Plaza Executive Center in Baton Rouge, bringing together firefighters, officers, and industry partners from across the state for training, education, and networking.
Presiding over the event will be Jonesboro resident Mark Treadway, who in 2025 was selected to serve as President of the LSFA, culminating a 36-year career of public service that began as a volunteer firefighter with the Jonesboro Fire Department.
“What an honor this is,” said Treadway. “Being the President of this long and rich fire service history has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my 36 years of Public Service career!”
Highlights of Treadway’s distinguished career include serving as Fire Chief for the Town of Jonesboro, Jackson Parish Homeland Security Officer, Director of the Jackson Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP), Executive Management Officer for the Louisiana Fire Marshal’s Office, and now President of the Louisiana State Firemen’s Association.
What is an Interfacility Transfer? When a medical emergency strikes, getting to the nearest hospital is at times just step one. That is where an Interfacility Transfer comes in. Think of the advanced ambulances of the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) as mobile Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
The highly trained and dedicated EMTs do not just drive; they also bring high-level emergency care directly onto the highway to safely transport critical patients between facilities. Sometimes, saving a life means getting that patient to a specialized care Hospital, and whenever appropriate, generally in collaboration with the Louisiana Emergency Response Network, ambulances may be initially directed straight to these facilities and bypass the closest hospital.
Here is what you need to know about how these vital transfers work:
Specialized Care Transports: Patients are moved because they need advanced treatment like a trauma center, cardiac cath lab, or an ICU. These facilities can be as far away as New Orleans, Jackson (Mississippi), Covington, Metairie, Lafayette, Dallas, or as close as Monroe, Shreveport, and Alexandria.
Physician Directed: Every transfer is ordered and coordinated directly by the sending and receiving doctors to ensure seamless care.
JPASD Call Report for July
When you see the lights and sirens of a JPASD ambulance, it might be rushing to a 911 call—or it might be keeping a critical patient stable on their way to the life-saving surgery they urgently need. In the month of July, the JPASD responded to 356 total calls.
A disposition breakdown shows that 251 calls were transports, and 83 were situations in which treatment was provided, but no transport took place. In 11 cases, JPASD was on standby or provided public assists, and in 11 more cases, the calls were canceled.
Dispatch reasons by percentage showed that 61% were other transports, 16% were Interfacility Transfers, 11.5% were for traffic accidents, 9% were for falls, and 2.5% were stand-bys.
The administration and staff of the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library are pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge and to recognize those who attended ALL summer events and classes.
In recognition of their dedication, imagination, and love of reading, Summer Reading Challenge Winners will receive tablets, and all those who attended all events and classes will receive a gift card. All awards are available for pickup at the Jonesboro Branch circulation desk.
Each summer we discuss the unbearable heat as if we have somehow forgotten from previous years. This is nothing new. Our ancestors complained about it too. For thousands of years, people in our hemisphere have linked the hottest days of summer, which are often times of drought, disease, and unrest, with astronomy and folklore.
Our ancient ancestors paid more attention to the stars in the sky than we do today. During July and August, ancient keen observers noticed that a bright star appeared in the eastern sky just before dawn. Aside from the Sun, it was the brightest star in the sky. They concluded that the sweltering temperatures were produced by a combination of the heat from the Sun and this star which they named “Sirius,” the Greek word for “scorching.”
The Greeks and Romans believed Sirius was responsible for drought, fever, general discomfort, and a host of other unfortunate occurrences. Ancient Egyptians believed that the appearance of this star which they called “Sothis” signaled the annual flooding of the Nile. Egyptians depended on the annual flood because it delivered nutrients to the otherwise infertile land.
Today, Sirius is seen as little more than a curiosity. If you look to the east in the pre-dawn hours, you can spot Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, which is Latin for “greater dog.” Because Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky and the brightest star in the “greater dog,” it became known as the “Dog Star.”
Through the centuries, as our understanding of astronomy and knowledge in general improved, the old superstitions slowly faded away. Well, mostly. While trying to beat the heat this summer, you will undoubtedly hear an ancient folklore phrase based on Sirius’s appearance in the sky which has been spoken for millennia. Most people mistakenly associate the ancient phrase’s meaning with laziness brought on by heat and humidity. However, this phrase links the period of time when, as ancient people incorrectly believed, the Dog Star and the Sun combined forces to produce sweltering, almost unbearable heat. That phrase which you will undoubtedly hear this summer, which has been repeated every summer for years, refers to July and August as being the Dog Days of summer.
To have Public/Legal Notices, Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for Sale, and Wanted-to-Buy items 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
VANDERBILT MORTGAGE AND FINANCE, INC #38157 MARLON M. JARRELL, JR., MARLON JARRELL, JR., MARLON JARRELL
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 JACKSON PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 5th day of August, 2026, between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:
2006 CMH LOCEL MOBILE HOME BEARING SEARING NUMBER CS2008343TNAB, IMMOBILIZED ONTO AND INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: LOT 2, 3, 4, & 5 OF BLOCK 1 OF EROS, LOUISIANA, AS SHOWN BY ORIGINAL PLAT AND SURVEY OF SAID TOWN OF EROS, NOW ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE RECORDER’S OFFICE OF JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS THEREON AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING, SITUATED IN EROS, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA.
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 WITH benefit of appraisal.
BRENT BARNETT, SHERIFF EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER
June 24, 2026 July 29, 2026
SHERIFF’S SALE
PARISH OF JACKSON STATE OF LOUISIANA
21ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION #38218 KENNETH ALLAN MANNING
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 JACKSON PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 26TH day of August 2026 between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit: 2014 RIVER BIRCH 30X64 MOBILE HOME BEARING SERIAL NUMBERS RB13AL17879A AND RB13AL17879B Seized as the property of the above-named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all costs; sale to be made for cash WITHOUT benefit of appraisal.
BRENT BARNETT, SHERIFF EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER
August 12, 2026
SHERIFF’S SALE
PARISH OF JACKSON STATE OF LOUISIANA
NEWREZ, LLC, ET AL #38199 STEVEN J. MORRIS, STEVE MORRIS, SUSAN MORRIS
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 JACKSON PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 2ND day of September, 2026, between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:
LOT 38 OF GLENDALE ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF JONESBORO, LOUISIANA, AS PER THE PLAT OF SAME ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE JACKSON PARISH CLERK OF COURT TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS THEREON, APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING AND COMPONENT PARTS (PROPERTY).
Seized as the property of the above-named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all costs, sale to be made for cash WITHOUT benefit of appraisal.
BRENT BARNETT, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER
July 22, 2026 August 26, 2026
SHERIFF’S SALE
PARISH OF JACKSON STATE OF LOUISIANA
GITSIT SOLUTIONS LLL #38213 CLARENCE RAY JACKSON
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 JACKSON PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 16TH day of September 2026 between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:
BEGINNING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE NW 1/4 OF NE 1/4 OF SECTION 19, T15N, RANGE 3 WEST, AND RUN SOUTH 90 FEET, THENCE EAST 157-1/2 FEET, THENCE NORTH 90 FEET, THENCE WEST 157-1/2 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, TOGETHER WITH ALL OF THE IMPROVEMENTS THEREON AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS MORE FULLY SHOWN ON SURVEY OF JAMES WOOTEN DATED OCTOBER 12, 2007 (“PROPERTY”)
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 benefit of appraisal.
Brent Barnett, Sheriff Ex-Officio, Auctioneer
August 5, 2026 September 9, 2026
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
The Jackson Parish Police Jury is hiring for the following open position. Please submit all applications to: Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. Applications are being accepted until filled. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: nevans@jppj.org.
POSITION: Maintenance Work Leader DEPARTMENT: Jackson Parish Maintenance Department
Description:
Under the administrative direction of the Operations Manager (or the Assistant Operations Manager in the Operations Manager’s absence), this position plans, oversees, and works with the custodian and general laborer who repair, clean, and maintain Police Jury buildings and grounds. Work Leader performs complex maintenance tasks and other related duties as required.
Basic Responsibilities:
The Maintenance Department Work Leader is responsible for carrying out orders given by the Operations Manager, which include performing periodic (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) inspections of assigned areas, maintaining documentation records, and following up with staff to make corrections, adjustments, etc.
Expresses ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to groups and individuals.
Prepares work schedules, work orders, purchase orders, voucher requests, and other required forms.
Estimates material and labor costs for repairs, remodeling, alterations, and installation projects.
Maintains material and equipment inventories; places orders when necessary.
Performs complex repair and maintenance tasks.
Works with a staff of skilled and semi-skilled workers in such maintenance duties as painting, carpentry, masonry, cement work, custodial tasks, building and grounds, and general upkeep involving structures, furnishings, equipment, floor coverings, acoustical ceiling, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and related systems.
May establish new preventive maintenance programs and procedures.
Directs and works alongside Maintenance Department staff.
Handles routine personnel matters, recommends pink slips and other disciplinary actions or customer-related items that arise to the Operations Manager.
Acts as fill in/backup staff in the event of absent personnel.
Assists in managing the Maintenance Department staff and its overall operation.
May be required to be on 24-hour call-out.
Sets forth a professional appearance and attitude on and off the job.
May be required to lift equipment, tools, or any combination in excess of 100 pounds.
Adheres to all traffic laws, applicable Federal and State health and safety rules, local ordinances, and Jackson Parish Policy Jury rules and regulations and policies and procedures.
Able to drive various pieces of equipment used by the Police Jury.
Follows safety procedures and practices as required, as well as wearing required safety equipment.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Detailed Job Description available upon request.
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District – This is more than a job, it is a Calling! From the developing Pre-Hospital Blood administration program to Dialysis transports, from Community Paramedicine to the East Coast of the United States for Disaster Response. We are forward-thinking and seek to hire the best Paramedics to accomplish our mission of serving Jackson Parish and being a blessing to our neighbors.
Part-Time and Full-Time positions available for all levels of experience (Tuition Reimbursement available with an Employment agreement for Full-Time status) Part-Time EMT and AEMT positions are also available.
For more information, call the JPASD Office at 318-259-2877 or by Fax: 318-259-2099 or go to: www.jpasd.com
Bro. Randy E. Dark, a true servant of the Lord, his family, and his community, went to be with Jesus on Friday, July 31 after a sudden medical event. Born to Gene and Bobbie Dark on October 25, 1956 in Hodge, Louisiana and raised entirely in the McDonald community of Jonesboro, his love for his hometown started early and ran incredibly deep. He spent his early days riding in a Holsum bread box on his dad’s bread truck, and by age 10 he had begun his official work of serving the people of Jonesboro at his Grandpa Dickerson’s convenience store. Work ethic was a nonnegotiable trait of the Dark household, evidenced by Randy’s rising at 5:00 in the morning to work at what became his dad’s store and then returning after school to finish up the day’s duties. A member of the class of 1974, Randy attended Jonesboro Hodge High School and, as an avid sports lover from the very beginning, played football all four years of high school as an offensive tackle. The years he spent as a J-H Tiger wearing #75 were some of the best of his life, and he was often quoted as saying that he “would give anything to play just one more down.”
After graduating high school, Randy briefly attended Louisiana Tech University before leaving to pursue a career as an electrician in the local paper industry and marry his lifelong love, Toni Robinson of Danville. They married on November 10, 1977 and would have been married for 49 years this year. In 1980 their first child and only son, Nicholas, was born, and their two daughters, Miranda and Lauren, followed in 1984 and 1990. Randy was a beloved father who blended some of his rough around the edges ways with unwavering devotion, and there was love in every single decision made and action taken where his children were concerned. As many in our midst can attest, if ever Randy was called upon then he was coming, and that dependability was never more evident than with his family and most especially his children and grandchildren.
Randy’s dedication to both local athletics and serving young people extended far beyond his own children, with him participating in intramural softball as a formidable third baseman, as well as acting as a little league baseball coach, junior high football and baseball coach, volunteer Jonesboro Hodge High School varsity football coach, and president of both the J-H booster and touchdown clubs. Randy also served our local schools faithfully as a Jackson Parish school board member for nearly 18 years.
Furthermore, Randy’s work ethic continued to serve him well, as he was employed for 25 years at the Hodge bag mill, ultimately working his way up to management before its closure. Upon accepting a new position at another facility, Randy was tragically injured in a workplace accident that took his left lower leg and very nearly his life. Despite a mentally and physically grueling recovery, Randy was able to pivot – literally and figuratively – rebuilding a life here in Jackson Parish centered around those who carried him through his hardest times as well as those who also found themselves in a dark or desperate place. He began to serve as a probation officer for the Jackson Parish court system and, although he executed his official duties with conviction, he always made room for redemption. Randy also found new ways to serve the Lord and His people by working with the church youth group, teaching Sunday school, cooking Wednesday night supper for his church family, and sharing his testimony whenever called upon.
In 2013, the call he felt upon his life exceeded that of a volunteer and, after much prayer and counsel, Randy was officially ordained into the ministry. Randy went on to serve as the pastor of McDonald Memorial Baptist Church and Hodge Baptist Church, as well as providing guest pastoring to various congregations across North Louisiana. He served his congregants faithfully, attending every vigil, rejoicing in every milestone, and grieving alongside them through every heartbreak. Randy had a heart for the salvation of his community and never missed an opportunity to witness to those around him no matter the setting and invited every person he met to attend church. Without a doubt, Heaven will be more crowded because of Randy Dark.
Most recently, aside from the people of God and his church, Randy found the most joy in his role as Pop to his six grandchildren. There was no ceremony, game, recital, party, or program too far or too small for Pop to attend, and he often passed his phone around in a crowd to show off the latest photos of his grands. Above all, Randy loved people and was a force that felt larger than life. He brought a sense of joy and laughter, often at high volumes, to every room he entered. Although the loss of Bro. Randy leaves a void which can never be filled this side of Heaven, we are comforted by the fact that no single person was ever better prepared or more excited to meet his Savior, and the impact he left on the people of our town will be evident for generations to come. He would be thrilled to tell you all today that he is no longer on his last leg.
Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at North Hodge Assembly of God from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 7 at North Hodge Assembly with Bro. Lance Huckaby, Bro. Charles Wesley and Bro. Craig James officiating.
Matthew 25:21: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
Jessie James Parks August 14, 1948 – July 31, 2026
Jessie James Parks went to be with the Lord on July 31, 2026, at the age of 83. A devoted husband and father, Parks was a beloved friend to many and blessed residents of Jackson Parish and the surrounding area through his tireless work as a civic and social advocate.
Friends and well-wishers are invited to gather with the family at Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro at 6:00 pm on Friday, August 7th to pay final respects. The Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:30 pm on Saturday, August 8th at the River of Joy Ministries, located at 1723 East Main Street in Jonesboro, with Interment following at Sandhill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Quitman, LA, under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
Brian Michael Myers June 1, 1987 – July 25, 2026
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Brian Michael Myers, who left us on July 25th, at the age of 39.
Brian was born on June 1, 1987, in Ruston, Louisiana, to Joey and Karen Myers. He was raised in Jonesboro, LA, and attended Quitman High School, where he graduated Valedictorian. While there, he immersed himself in cross-country and track, showing early the determination and discipline that would define his life. He went on to earn degrees at Louisiana Tech University and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Louisiana State University Health.
Brian’s greatest joy was his family. He met his wife Melanie Leboeuf Myers at LSU Health in Shreveport, LA, where they were partnered together in a mutual class. They were married on December 7, 2013. Together they built a beautiful life in Broussard, LA, and later in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was a devoted father to his children, Mason and Madison, who were the center of his world.
Brian dedicated his career to helping others as a physical therapist, combining knowledge, compassion, and a strong commitment to improving the lives of his patients. He was also a man of many creative and personal interests, including cooking, reading, music, writing, hiking, and drawing. An avid reader, Brian had a lifelong love of learning and a constant curiosity about the world around him.
He also maintained a lifelong dedication to health and fitness, competing in numerous triathlons and ultramarathons. He continually challenged himself to grow stronger in both body and mind, even until the end, and he encouraged others to do the same. Brian will be remembered for his quiet presence and private nature, but those who knew him best knew to listen closely – because he was often the funniest person in the room. His wit was sharp, effortless, and always on point.
He was loved and respected by so many and will be deeply missed.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Melanie Lebeouf Myers; his children, Mason and Madison Myers; his parents, Karen and Joey Myers; his brother and lifelong best friend Daniel Myers (Alyssa), as well as many nieces, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Brian was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Otis and Jody Myers, and his maternal grandparents, Armed and Sarah Mathews, whose love and influence remained a meaningful part of his life.
A memorial service was held at Sweetwater Baptist Church in Quitman, LA on Saturday, August 1st. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Joey Myers, Daniel Myers, Eddy Myers, Matt Layfield, Tyler Maxwell, and Jake McCoy
Town of Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris announces that the sidewalk improvement project on Jimmie Davis Blvd. is scheduled to begin soon. The project is being funded by a Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) grant of $1 million, received in 2023.
“This investment is about more than sidewalks. It is about beautification, pedestrian safety, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, and strengthening our community’s infrastructure,” said Harris. “We are continuing to build on the progress we have made one project, one street, and one investment at a time.”
The project announcement continues the ongoing improvements to Jonesboro’s infrastructure, with enhancements in water and sewage, trash disposal, and street repair that have taken place in the last couple of years.
“There is still work to be done, but Jonesboro is moving forward,” concluded Harris.
Per Act 751, which was approved during the 2026 Regular Legislative Session, businesses will no longer be able to charge additional fees when payment is made by debit card. The new Louisiana law went into effect on August 1st. Businesses may still offer cash discounts, and the law does not prevent merchants from charging lawful fees on credit card transactions where permitted.
The legislation was passed to help protect consumers from unexpected checkout fees and to ensure customers are not penalized for using money directly from their bank accounts. The law applies whether the purchase is made in person or online.
Louisiana residents who notice a debit card surcharge after Aug. 1 are encouraged to bring it to the business’s attention. Consumers who believe a merchant is violating the law may also file a complaint with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.
The Jackson Parish School Board will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on August 3rd. The session will take place at 11:00 am in the Conference Room of the Jackson Parish School District Central Office, located at 315 Pershing Hwy in Jonesboro. Prior to the open meeting, the Executive/Finance Committee will meet at 10:30 am.
Board members Mary Saulters (President), Gerry Mims, Calvin Waggoner, Rick Barlow, Paulette Belton, Wade McBride, and Dennis Clary will address the following agenda items.
AGENDA
Invocation– Paulette Belton
Pledge of Allegiance – Rick Barlow
Call to Order
Consider approving the minutes as presented from the Regular Scheduled meeting held on July 6, 2026.
Consider approving the minutes as presented from the Special Called Meeting held on July 14,
Recognize Stephen Watts, Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office – SRO Staffing Cost & Reimbursements
Recognize Windy Calahan – Public Participation Request
Consider granting Superintendent Carter permission to sign the agreement by and between Jackson Parish School Board and Electronic Information Systems.
Consider adopting items per the Committee Reports attached hereto.
Superintendent’s Comments
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.
Honoring the generation that paved the way with wisdom, strength, and love, a Senior Citizen’s Dinner has been scheduled for 12:00 pm on Sunday, August 2nd, at the Jonesboro Housing Authority, located at 203 Hightower Road in Jonesboro. To show their appreciation for the senior citizens who laid the foundation for others to stand on, the Bayou Boyz are sponsoring the special event.
The Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Office announces that qualifying for the November 3 election will take place from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on Wednesday, August 5th through Friday, August 7th at the Clerk’s Office located on the first floor of the Jackson Parish Courthouse, located at 500 East Court Street in Jonesboro.
Qualifying information for the many local positions that will be on the ballot is as follows.
District Judge Divisions A, B, C Dem $625 Rep $475 No Party $325 District Attorney, 2nd JDC Dem $475 Rep $362.50 No Party $250 Jackson Parish School Board Member District 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Dem $255 Rep $197.50 No Party $140 Justice of the Peace District A, B, C, D and E Dem $175 Rep $137.50 No Party $100 Constable District A, B, C, D and E Dem $175 Rep $137.50 No Party $100 Mayor, Chief of Police and Aldermen of East Hodge Dem $105 Rep $85 No Party $65 Mayor, Chief of Police and Aldermen of Hodge Dem $105 Rep $85 No Party $65 Mayor and Aldermen of Quitman Dem $105 Rep $85 No Party $65 Mayor, Chief of Police and Aldermen of North Hodge Dem $105 Rep $85 No Party $65 Mayor and Chief of Police of Jonesboro Dem $105 Rep $85 No Party $65 Alderman Town of Jonesboro District A, B, C, D and 1 At Large Dem $105 Rep $85 No Party $65
For any questions, call the Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Office at (318) 259-2424.
