The experience of competing in the 2025 Little League and Dixie Youth state tournaments came to an end for the five All-Star teams from Jackson Parish this past week.

While the local 8U, 10U, and 12U girls teams, as well as the 8U and 10U boys teams, were naturally disappointed that they didn’t bring home a state championship banner, the thrill and enjoyment of being in such a grand atmosphere, many for the first time, will far overshadow the results of the game as time goes on. 

For the record, the Jackson Parish 12U girls team and the JP10U boys had the most productive tournaments with each winning their first two games before falling in the next two. The JP10U girls won one of the three close battles they had, while the JP10U girls dropped their first two games, and the JP8U boys fell in all three of their “pool” play games. Overall, Jackson Parish had a combined 5-11 record in the games played in Broussard and Metairie, LA. 

It isn’t the “record” achieved in the 2025 state tournaments that matters, though. Ask anyone next summer what the record of this year’s all-star contingent was, and no one will know other than the few who actually played.  

What will take “front and center” and forever stay in the memory banks of not only the players and coaches but the families and friend as well is the experiences shared that will last a lifetime. 

Sure, there will be that hit, catch or throw that was important to the team, maybe even being the play that brought home a victory, that the one who achieved it will always remember.  

What will be recalled over time more often, though, is the friendships made and camaraderie developed by the players that they will build on next year and the years to come. Also, the bond that is established by the union of mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who came together to join in support of the kids develops a much larger “family”. Then there is the relationship forged between the players and coaches that will last forever, as each will always remember the sacrifice, love, and care that was held for the other.  

There is a thought regarding sports competition that the only thing that matters is who wins or loses. Otherwise, why do they keep score? It is important to keep score so that there is a winner and a loser of a game, but that is only so that a young person can learn how to win and how to lose, as they will have to deal with that all their lives. Winning or losing a game never defines who a person is, but how they handle that situation does. 

It is the experience and knowledge gained from all the “intangible” things that sports competition brings that is most important. The kind of “life lesson” that is learned that doesn’t have the first thing to do with scoring more runs or points than the other team or person. 

Things like learning to play with honor, to compete with pride, to be a good sport, to be a good teammate, to put your team above your individual desires, to listen to instruction, to practice your skills when no one is looking, simply because you want to be better at what you do. 

Those are the things that will stay with a person forever and be important no matter what they do or how old they are, and the ones who perfect those skills will be successful in life no matter what they do. 

Fortunately for the residents of Jackson Parish, the youth of the area are taught these “life lessons” at a young age by the tremendously dedicated men and women who sacrifice their time and money to help educate the boys and girls. They don’t get the accolades they should, but ought to be highly commended for what they do. 

That is why when you look at all the players who have competed in the Jackson Parish Recreation Department program over the past two decades, you see many who won state championships when they got to high school or went on to college success.

Even more important you see men and women who have become great moms and dads, tremendous team members at their job and step up to take on important roles in their communities. 

Congratulations to all the players who were a part of league play, district and state tournaments, as well as the coaches who gave the instruction and family members who made sure that the girls and boys got to the practices and games on time. You all played an important role in developing a winning legacy. 

Practice makes perfect! It doesn’t matter what task you are taking on; the more you practice at it, the better you will be. That is especially important when you are dealing with possible life-threatening and/or very dangerous situations where being less than your best can have a tragic result. 

This past week, the Jonesboro Fire Department, under the guidance of Fire Chief Aaron Blalock, honed their skills in putting out a fire when they conducted a training burn on a dilapidated building that was on Hwy 4 West of Jonesboro. 

“I was pleased with the response and ability our firefighters showed in controlling this burn,” said Blalock.

Blalock also reminds residents that if you have a dangerous or dilapidated structure, building, or home that you would like to have burned down to contact the Jonesboro Fire Department at (318) 259-5028 or come by the Fire Station located at 104 4th Street in Jonesboro. 

On July 17-20, the Ruston Community Theatre will present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Featured as Narrator of the sung-through musical based on the character of Joseph from the Bible’s Book of Genesis will be Ashton Thomas, the daughter of Kari and Wayne Thomas of Quitman.  

Tickets are on sale at the box office located at 504 East Georgia Avenue in Ruston, from 1:00 – 2:30 pm on Monday – Thursday, and can also be purchased online at rctruston.org/tickets

In the ever continuing effort to provide patrons with as many outreach opportunities as possible the administration and staff of the Jackson Parish Library announces that a special event entitiled Recovery Movie Morning featuring the movie My Name is Bll W. has been scheduled for Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 at the Jonesboro Branch.

Funded by Northeast Delta Human Services Authority or HSA, and managed by Second Chances Addiction Recovery, the showing is the inspiring true story of Bill Wilson and the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous.

This event that will take place at 9:30 am is free and open to the public so whether you are in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in stories of resilience and hope, this screening offers something meaningful for everyone. Popcorn and soft drinks will also be provided.

Free transportation to the 614 South Polk Avenue location in Jonesboro is available by Good News Counseling by calling 318.789.9910 to schedule a ride. To learn more go to the following link: https://recoverymoviemorningjacksonlibrary.eventbrite.com/ . You can also RSVP by using the scanner code shown below. 

To say that the past four months have rendered a life-changing experience for Jackson Parish native Kallie (Davis) Forte is an understatement. Beginning with celebrating her last birthday as a “single” in March, Kallie completed her first year as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) for the Jackson Parish School District in May. 

Then things really got busy as the month of June was spent preparing for her wedding to Michael Forte, which was followed by the newlyweds packing up and heading to their new home in Edmond, OK (along with new addition “Benny”).

The reason for the daughter of Jason and Michelle Davis making the move to Edmond is that Kallie is now the newest member of Edmond Speech Therapy. There she will specialize in pediatric outpatient speech and language therapy in the areas of Speech Sound Disorders (Articulation, Phonology, Apraxia of Speech), Early Language Delays (Receptive and Expressive Language Delays), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Congratulations, Kallie, on the beginning of your newest chapter in your life.

Along with the vessel that contained Grand Marshal, Tammy Gunter, a bevy of decorated boats and festive riders made the circuit of the 2025 Caney Lake Freedom Flotilla route on July 5th.

 As is usual with the annual event, the best-decorated boats were selected by a group of judges, with the top winners this year being:

First Place Winner: Viva Las Vegas Boat (Renea Wells)

People’s Choice Award Winner: The Turkey Boat (Kelli and Quinn Wall)

Congratulations to the winners and all who participated in making the event a great success. 

The administration and staff of Jonesboro-Hodge High School are pleased to announce that the JHHS Apparel Store is now open and will remain operational until August 11th.

All shirts that are available in the store have been approved by the school for wear, and all purchases must be made through the apparel store app. To make a purchase, please go to https://jonesboro-hodge-high-school.square.site.

The link to the store app can also be found on the Jonesboro-Hodge High School website or Facebook page. If you have questions or request more information, contact JHHS Assistant Principal Kris Cash at (318) 259-4138. 

Gracie Bourgeois, representing Jackson Parish 4-H, was named the Overall Reserve Champion High Point Western Rider for the Senior Division at the 2025 Louisiana AgCenter State Horse Show.

The Grace Christian Academy student and daughter of Jackson Parish 4-H director Kristi Bourgeois won the overall championship by garnering six top ten finishes, including three first-place awards in the event held July 8-11 at the Beauregard Parish Covered Arena in DeRidder, LA.

State 4-H Horse Show Division Results

1st Place – Showmanship
1st Place – Western Pleasure
1st Place – Horsemanship
7th Place – Quarter Horse Gelding Halter
9th Place – Open Trail
10th Place – Reining

Gary Mark Gilmore’s life of crime began when he was in his early teens. It started with petty theft and soon evolved into Gary leading a car theft ring. Gary was in a seemingly endless rotation of crime and prison. After his father died of lung cancer, news which he received from a prison guard, the speed of Gary’s downward spiral increased exponentially. When Gary was released from prison, he became more erratic and became an alcoholic. In his mid-twenties, Gary was convicted of assault and armed robbery and sent back to prison. Eight years later, he was released on a conditional parole. Within a month, he was arrested for armed robbery. After his conditional parole from prison in 1976, 35-year-old Gary moved to Provo, Utah, to live with a distant relative.

At about 11 p.m. on the night of July 19, 1976, three months after his release from prison, Gary robbed 25-year-old Max David Jensen, the night attendant at a service station in Orem, Utah. Max was a graduate of Utah State University and was working at the gas station to pay his way through Brigham Young University Law School. Max had married 14 months earlier and had an infant daughter. At the end of the robbery, Gary told Max to lie down on the floor. Then, Gary shot Max twice in the head with a .22 caliber pistol. Max lost his life for $150.

Just before 11 p.m. on the following night, Gary robbed 26-year-old Bennie Jewkes Bushnell, the night clerk of the City Center Hotel in Provo, Utah. Like Max, Bennie had been married a short time, had an infant child, and was working his way through Brigham Young University. Gary forced Bennie to lie down on the floor and killed him in the same manner as he had Max. Bennie lost his life for $125.

Gary had parked his truck at a nearby service station and walked to the motel. Following the robbery, an attendant at the service station saw Gary return to his car, noticed he was bleeding, heard about the shooting at the motel, and called police. The service station attendant knew Gary and told police where he was living. With that information, officers arrested Gary without incident within three hours.

On October 7, 1976, after a two-day trial, a jury found Gary guilty of murdering Bennie and sentenced him to death. After hearing the verdict, Judge J. Robert Bullock asked Gary if he preferred to be hung or shot. Gary replied, “I prefer to be shot.” On January 17, 1977, as he stood before the six-man firing squad, Gary told the warden his last words. At 8:07 a.m., Gary’s sentence was carried out.

In 1988, Dan Wieden, co-founder of the advertising company Wieden and Kennedy, was hired to come up with a catchy slogan for a struggling company. Dan remembered Gary Gilmore’s last words and tweaked it slightly. A killer’s last words, “let’s do it,” which Dan tweaked to “just do it,” became one of the most successful slogans in advertising history and transformed the fortunes of a struggling shoe company called Nike.

Jackson Parish Recreation Director Justin Dodson and Jackson Parish Golf Course Manager Clay Williams are pleased to announce a BodyArmor Golf Bag giveaway promotion sponsored by Coca-Cola. 

Every time you buy a BodyArmor product at Jackson Parish Golf Course, you can enter your name for a chance to win an awesome BodyArmor Golf Bag!
The drawing will take place on August 29th!

Piney Woods Shootout Results

July 12, 2025

Principal David Huckaby and the faculty staff of Weston High School have released the updated student supply list for the 2025-26 school year. See below for what is required for each grade indicated. 

Southern A’Chord, Ruston’s new women’s a cappella chorus, will present its first community performance at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31, in the fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston. The program, which the group hopes will become a twice-yearly tradition, will feature a mix of patriotic, gospel, and pop songs.

Formed in late 2024, and led by musical director Candice Bassett of Grayson, LA Southern A’Chord exists to bring music and joy to the community through song and the rich tradition of unaccompanied vocal harmony.

Southern A’Chord welcomes new members, at this time especially those who sing in the alto range, to fill the dynamic and harmony-rich baritone part. Interested singers can attend a rehearsal at 6 p.m. on July 17th at the Presbyterian Church of Ruston or contact membership chair Sallie Rose Hollis at sallierose@mail.com.

Admission to “Southern A’Chord: Songs of Summer” is free, and refreshments will be served following the performance. Donations will be accepted from those who wish to support the group’s musical mission.

“Our goal is to uplift, entertain, and create connection through the joy of singing,” said Judy Sisson, of Monroe, the group’s newly elected president and a longtime a cappella singer. “We hope our music brings a smile and maybe even inspires others to sing with us.”

For more information, visit the Facebook page Southern A’Chord Chorus or the website www.southernachordchorus.org. 

A Good Cry

Go ahead; have a good cry.

Flash back to the 60’s and remember your favorite hit records. Lesley Gore scored in 1963 with ‘It’s My Party.’ Brokenhearted teenage girls listened to lyrics and sang along. They were having their own pity parties and cried if they wanted to.

Boy meets girl… boy breaks the girl’s heart… girl cries her heart out.

Guys might not want to admit it but they can cry too. Roy Orbison pulled heartstrings in 1961 with ‘Crying.’ The popular record went to #2 on the charts and Orbison cried all the way to the bank.
When was the last time you had a good cry? It may be long overdue.

Is the sin in your life breaking your heart?

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! Be miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your joy to sorrow. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you (James 4:8-10 HCSB).”

God is merciful; He forgives.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Am I pleasing my Father?

“The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit.
God, You will not despise a broken and humbled heart (Psalm 51:17 HCSB).”

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

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF LOUISIANA, PARISH OF JACKSON,
SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
PROBATE DOCKET NUMBER 5086
VERDIE CHRISTINE JOHNSON

SECOND NOTICE

NOTICE IS GIVEN, that the Administratrix of this succession has filed a petition for authority to sell immovable property belonging to the deceased at private sale in accordance with the provisions of Article 3281 of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure for $133,500.00 Dollars cash. The immovable property proposed to be sold at private sale is described as follows:

A 0.834-acre tract of land situated in the NW¼ of SE¼, Section 23, Township 15 North, Range 2 West, Jackson Parish, Louisiana, and being more particularly described as follows, to-wit:

Commencing at a 2½” aluminum post (found) marking the Southeast corner of Section 23, T15N, R2W, Jackson Parish, Louisiana, as per plat of survey by Virgil T. Collins, P.L.S., and run West 2110.50 feet to a point; thence proceed North 1778.31 feet to a P.K. nail (found) marking an intersection with the centerline of Haven Loop Road and the East Right-of-Way line of Hancock Haven Road; thence leaving said centerline proceed the following two courses along the aforementioned East Right-of-Way; N08°01’34″E 56.19 feet to a 3/4″ iron rod (found) and N04°20’32″W 180.00 feet to a 3/4″ iron rod (found) marking the Southwest corner and POINT-OF-BEGINNING of the 0.834 tract of land hereinafter described; thence continue N04°20’32″W along said East Right-of-Way 125.00 feet to a 3/4″ iron rod (set); thence leaving said right-of-way proceed N88°35’27″E 291.00 feet to a 3/4″ iron rod (set); thence proceed S04°20’32” E 125.00 feet to a 3/4″ iron rod (found); thence proceed S88°35’27″W 291.00 feet to the POINT-OF-BEGINNING containing 0.834 acres and being subject to all servitudes of record or of use. All as is shown on that certain plat of survey dated May 27, 2003 by Walter Glen Kirkland, Professional Land Surveyor, Louisiana Reg. No. 4759 together with a Cavalier Model A5010 Mobile Home Serial No. BC03AL0132820A/B.

Municipal Address: 407 Hancock Haven Rd., Jonesboro, LA 71226

Any heir or creditor who opposes the proposed sale must file their opposition within seven (7) days from this date.

Sylvia Dianne Walters, Administratrix

Currently, the Public Works Department of the Town of Jonesboro is in the middle of replacing old and non-working water meters with new electric meters. The project is the byproduct of the $1.6 million grant provided by the state of Louisiana and will allow the Town of Jonesboro to accurately read the amount of water consumption at each location. 

For over a decade, the Town of Jonesboro has been billing water rates on estimated gallons of usage per month due to water meters not working correctly. This has caused a serious shortage in funds that are supposed to be generated. 

At present, a little over 600 of the expected 2700 water meters to be replaced have been installed and are online. This has resulted in some consumers receiving bills that are, in some cases, extremely different from what has been received in the past, prompting calls to City Hall as to why the increase. 

To put it simply, the reason for the increase in water bills is that consumers are now being billed for actual usage and not the estimated usage as has been the case in the past.

There have been several instances where the new billing has reflected large increases, which, after investigation, have been proven to be the result of locations having either internal or external leaks at their property that are causing unwarranted water usage.

In an effort to help residents be proactive in getting these issues resolved, Mayor Harris has issued the following statement. 

Statement by Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris

Dear Jonesboro Residents and Business Owners,

As our new water meters are being installed and read electronically, please be aware of the following to help prevent leak-related issues:

Electronic Meter Reading
Your new meter will be read remotely—no on-site visits required.
If you notice an unexpected spike in usage, please contact City Hall at 318-259-5025 to speak with our staff.

Leak Detection Support
We are dispatching crews to inspect for leaks in and around your home or business.
Should we discover a leak, we will work closely with you until the issue is fully resolved.

What to Watch For
Running Toilets: Continuous water flow or silent leaks at the base.
Dripping Faucets: Check both indoor and outdoor fixtures.
Wet Spots: Look for damp areas on floors, around walls, or in your yard.
Unusual Water Bills: Compare bills before and after meter installation for anomalies.
I am proud of this upgrade, which will enhance our billing accuracy and support water conservation throughout Jonesboro. By moving to remotely read, truly metered consumption, we accomplish several important goals:

Fairness and Transparency
Every homeowner and business will now pay precisely for the water they use—no more estimating or flat‐rate assumptions. This ensures that you are only billed for the water you consume, fostering trust between the Town and our community members.

Early Leak Detection and Cost Savings
With real‐time usage data, our staff can spot unusually high flows immediately and dispatch crews to investigate. By catching leaks in toilets, faucets, or underground lines early, we help you avoid unexpectedly large bills and prevent costly property damage.

Empowering Residents to Conserve
Access to accurate, timely meter readings will allow you to track your daily or weekly water use and make simple changes—like fixing drips or installing low‐flow fixtures—that can lead to significant savings over time.

Strengthening Town Infrastructure
The data collected will guide our maintenance priorities, allowing us to target areas with recurring leaks or inefficiencies. By proactively addressing trouble spots, we extend the life of our water mains, reduce waste, and lower long‐term repair costs for the Town.

Environmental Stewardship
Every gallon of water we conserve helps protect our local aquifers and reduces the energy required to treat and pump water. Together, these savings translate into a smaller carbon footprint for Jonesboro and a healthier watershed for future generations.

Economic Resilience
More precise billing and lower system losses keep our utility fund stable and predictable. That financial strength means we can reinvest in upgrades—like new water lines or pressure management systems—without passing unexpected costs on to you.

By embracing this modern meter technology, we are not just upgrading equipment—we are investing in a fairer, more efficient, and more sustainable future for every resident and business in Jonesboro. Thank you for joining us in this important step forward.

Dr. J. Spike Harris
Mayor
Town of Jonesboro

The Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Office announces that names of those subject to serve have been drawn for the JULY 14, 2025, PETIT JURY. Individuals listed should receive an official summons in the mail from the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office. As always, events may occur whereby a Jury will not be needed. You are instructed to please call the Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Office (318) 259-2424 over the weekend of JULY 11-13 and listen to the RECORDING to find out if it is necessary for you to appear. Information will be updated as well on the Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Facebook page. 

To see if your name was one of those drawn click here or see below.

Persons Subject to Service as Petit Jurors
2nd Judicial District Court, Jackson Parish, Louisiana
Monday, July 14, 2025, at 09:30 AM

ALDY, BRENDA SHELL
BABERS, BRIANNA RENEE
BATTERTON, DAVID A
BELL, HANNAH MADDEN
BLEWER, JAYDAN COLE
BOYD, JOSEPH KIM
BRADFORD JR, IVORY
BRADFORD, JEFFREIUNA TRACHELL
BRADFORD, WILLIAM MARCELLUSS
BRIDGES, CHARLES KENNETH
BROWN, AMANDA NICOLE
BRYAN, JERRY DONALD
BUN, KANHA
CHIPMON, CALEB WILLIAM
CHISHOLM, GARY KEITH
COLEMAN, MARY ELLA
COLEMAN, MICHAEL B
COLLEY, GLENN LOUIS
COOLMAN, MICHAEL A
COOPER, TODD HARVEY
COTTEN, BRYCE ALLEN
COX, MICHELLE RANAE
CROSS, JESSIE LEE
CUMBEE, CATHY JANE
DAILEY, TYREESE LAQUARAN
DARK, TONI ROBINSON
DAVIS, KAYLEE SUSANNAH
DELANEY, KIMBERLYN SHAY SNEED
DILLON, DEBORAH MAXWELL
ESSMEIER, PAULA SHOEMAKER
FAIRCLOTH, GLENN E
FANCHER, CURTIS SMITH
FERGUSON, AMIEE ELIZABETH
FERGUSON JR, HENRY D
FOWLER, BRITTANY KAILYN
FUTRELL, ERIC CADE
GARRETT, BRAD SCOTT
GATLIN, LYNDA KIRKLAND
GAUBERT, SETH PAUL
GORDON, ASHLEN CIERA
GRAY, JONATHON SCOTT
GREEN, MICHAEL WAYNE
GRIFFIN, DANIEL RYAN
HALL, ANGIE KIRKENDOLL
HAMMONS, REBECCA DURRETT
HARRELL, CINDY BRINSON
HARRELL, DAYILE CARYSE
HARRELL, GREGORY
HART, INDIA RUJAE
HARVESTON, CHERI JO
HARVEY, TYLER JAMES
HEISLER, EARLINE HAGAN
HENDERSON, PATRICIA ANN
HICKS, TERESA WALKER
HIGHTOWER, TABITIHA SUEANN
HILL, GARY L
HILL, LAVON
HOGAN, RONALD E
HUDSON, NICKI
HUGHES, JESSICA THOMAS
HUMPHRIES, SANDRA GAIL
INGRAM, JASON RYAN
JACKSON, IAN JARQUE’
JACKSON, IREE POCHE
JEANE, MATTHEW TATE
JONES, KENNETRIA K
JONES, MELIKA TENE
JONES, SHIRLEY LOWE
KENNERSON, DMARCUS
KILSON, LAKESHA MICHELL
LAFFITTE, STEPHANIE DEANN
LAMKIN JR, JEFFREY TODD
LEWIS SR, BILLY JOE
LEWTER, CASEY THOMAS
LOWE, KAYE PARKER
LOWREY, WILLIAM T
MACK, CHRISTENE H
MARTINEZ, SAVANNAH
MCNABB, NATHAN DELAYNE
MEDEARIS, DALE DOUGLAS
MILLER, JODY WAYNE
MIMS, SHANTA LASHAY
MOORE, LANA RICHARDSON
MOSS, JEROLYN HARRIS
MOTT, GERALD WAYNE
MYERS, CHRISTINA BOLES
NASH, LONZO MARTEZ
NORRED, DANIEL KENNETH
ODENBAUGH, CAMERON WADE
OLIVER, CHRISTOPHER LANE
OYETUNDE, MATTIE CHERE
PACE, ASHLEY CARPENTER
PENDER, DEBRA HOGAN
PERKINS, LUCAS BENJAMIN
PETERSON, JOSHUA WAYNE
PICKERING, HAROLD L
PORTER, MICHAEL LAVOE
PYLES, LYDIA RASBERRY
QUALLS, DALARIUS D
RAMSEY, CLIFFORD CARL
REED, RAJA EMANUEL
RICHARDSON, BARBARA CONN
ROBINSON, GRACE MARIE
ROBINSON, LISE’ LI
RODDEN, LAURA
RUDD, GLENDA MCGREW
SCOTT, LINDA JANE
SESSIONS, ROBIN LEE
SHAVERS, SHELIA SULLIVAN
SHIELDS, REBECCA ANN
SLAUGHTER, GARY D
SMITH, CHAD WESS
SMITH, ELIZABETH SAENZ
SMITH, HAKEELAH LASHAY
SMITH, SONJA MCMAHAN
SPEARS, LOGAN CHUCK
SPILLERS, JESSICA LYNN
SPILLMAN, KENNETH BRADLEY
STADTLANDER, STACY LYNN
STEVENSON, SHARON NELL
STEWART, MYRA AVERY
STOKES, CATHERINE SILK
STRINGFELLOW, MARQUETTA B
SUSAN, DAVID JOSEPH
SWANNER, PHYLLIS EUSEY
TASSIN, ROBBY JOSEPH
TAYLOR, JAMES AUSTIN
THOMAS, ALTESHA SHANEE
THOMPSON, DESHIKO D
TIDWELL, GARY DALLAS
TOLAR, KAREN HAY
TOLER, DEYA
TUMLIN, TAMELIA
WAGES, JAMIE LEE
WALKER, MARILYN BEDGOOD
WALKER JR, RALPH
WALSWORTH, MICHAEL GLENN
WARREN, CANDICE KIMBELL
WATERS, CATHERINE PATRICIA
WHITMAN, KIM DENISE
WILKERSON, JUDY TILLEY
WILLIAMS, RANA RENEA
WILLIS, TANYA MARIE
WINANS, NANCY RUTH
WOMACK, CASEY M
WOODALL, CALVIN LAMAR
WOOLDRIDGE, DEBORAH WALKER
WOOLDRIDGE JR, HARRY EARL
WYATT, BARBARA FAYE
ZEHR, BRYCE CLAYTON

I HEREBY CERTIFY THE ABOVE IS A TRUE AND CORRECT LIST OF PETIT JURORS SELECTED BY DRAWING INDISCRIMINATELY BY LOT WITH NO DISTINCTION, NEITHER INCLUSION THEREIN OR EXCLUSION THEREFROM MADE ON ACCOUNT OF RACE, COLOR OR PREVIOUS SERVITUDE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH LA. CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ARTICLE 416. THE JURY COMMISSION OF JACKSON PARISH DREW THIS LIST FROM THE GENERAL VENIRE OF JACKSON PARISH, LA. ON DECEMBER 10, 2024, TO SERVE AS PETIT JURORS ON THE ABOVE DATE OR FOR AS LONG AS MAY BE NECESSARY IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF THE OFFICE OF CLERK OF COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, THIS 12TH DAY OF JUNE, 2025.

LAURA H. CULPEPPER, CLERK OF COURT, JACKSON PARISH, JONESBORO, LA

The Jackson Parish Police Jury will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, July 14th. The session is expected to begin at 5:30 pm in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr. Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Administrative Building located at 160 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro.

Jackson Parish Police Jury Meeting Agenda

Call to Order
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments

Approve Minutes
1. Adopt the minutes of the June 9, 2025, Regular Police Jury Meeting, monthly purchase orders, and payment of all bills.

Approve Committee Reports:

Finance Committee
2. Adopt the minutes of the June 25, 2025, Finance Committee Meeting
3. Consider and approve the 2nd quarter budget amendments.
4. Consider and act on adopting the 2025 Tax Millage rates resolution. (Roll Call Vote)
5. Consider and approve entering into a CEA with the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department in the amount of $147,014.75 for their opioid request and the Jackson Parish District Attorney’s office for $45,000 for their PTI program.
6. Consider and approve purchasing a new stretcher for the Jackson Parish coroner’s office.
7. Consider and approve a 5% across-the-board increase in salary for the Jackson Parish Police Jury employees.

Management Reports
8. Operations Manager Report – Mr. Brad Roller
9. Road Supervisor Report – Mr. Wayne Anderson
a. Accept the Emergency/Off-Schedule Report
10. Solid Waste Supervisor Report – Mr. Ed Howard

Other Business
11. Engineering Report – Mr. Paul Riley, The Riley Co. of Louisiana
12. Consider and act on accepting the 2024 Quietus tax roll.
13. Consider and accept the bid from TLT Enterprises for the Old Road Barn property.
14. Consider and adopt the revised Sexual Harassment Policy as advised by the auditors.
15. Consider and act on requesting an AG’s opinion on the Hospital Board vacancy.
16. Consider and act on Parish Board appointments

Announcements and Notifications
Juror Comments
Adjourn

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

Tracy Ginn, wife of former Town of Jonesboro Board of Aldermen District A representative James Ginn, who tragically passed away on June 6th, 2025, has been appointed to fill the vacant seat. 

After being recommended by Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris and officially appointed by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Ginn took her official Oath of Office from Town of Jonesboro Attorney Pam Breedlove on July 9th. 

“A heartfelt congratulations and thank you to Tracy Ginn for stepping up to finish her husband James Ginn’s term! Your willingness to carry on his legacy is truly commendable, and we know that District A is in great hands. James is deeply missed, but his spirit continues to inspire us all. We are excited about the future of Jonesboro with your leadership, Tracy. Together, let’s work towards making our community even better!” – Jonesboro Mayor J. “Spike” Harris

The way they went about it was different but the results were the same as Jackson Parish won both of their first two games at the Dixie Youth 10U state tournament being played in Metairie, LA.

In the tourney opener, Jackson Parish jumped out to an early lead by exploding for 11 runs in the first three innings, including scoring six in the opening frame to drop Franklington 11 – 3. That set up a second-round matchup in the ten-team, modified double elimination tournament against Winnsboro, which saw the locals fall behind by a 7-3 score after one inning of play, only to come roaring back to take a 13-10 victory. 

Jackson Parish 11 Franklinton 3: A tide-turning double play in the first inning executed by Asher Cooper, Carter Kelley, and Cruz Nomey after Franklinton had taken an early 1-0 lead led to an offensive explosion by Jackson Parish in the tourney opener.

Franklinton opened the contest by coaxing a walk and hitting a double, but Jackson Parish quickly doused the uprising when Cooper fielded a grounder at shortstop, fired to Kelley at first, who then threw across the diamond to third base, where Nomey applied the tag on the Franklinton runner for the “twin killing.”

Strengthened by the twin killing, Jackson Parish struck back in force to score six runs as 8 of the first 9 batters reached base.  Clay Burton got the fireworks started by stroking a single to open the frame, followed by Nomey getting a one-out hit. Walks to Kelley and Sutton Vail followed, setting up singles by Hunter Williams and Grant Williams that loaded the bases and gave JP10U a 3-1 lead. Walks to Landry Garrett and Ryder Gray and a steal of home plated three more runs to give JP10U the insurmountable 6-1 lead.

Jackson Parish upped the lead to 10-1 the next inning by sandwiching Hunter Williams’ second single in as many innings around six free passes with two outs. Showing a keen eye were Nomey, Kelley, Vail, Grant Williams, Garrett, and Gray. Clay Burton scored the final run of the contest for the locals in the bottom of the third when he smashed a drive to right field and circled the bases for an inside-the-park home run. 

Jackson Parish 13 Winnsboro 10: JP10U scored three runs each in the first three innings and then added four more runs late to break a 10-10 tie in the contest  that saw the locals rally from an early 7-3 deficit. 

JP10U scored three in their first at bat when Sutton Vail and Hunter Williams broke out the “big sticks” with a two-out double and a triple, respectively, after Andrew Seymore had singled and Carter Kelley got hit by a pitch. 

Facing elimination after losing their first-round game, Winnsboro refused to exit the tourney quietly and rallied to score seven runs in their half of the inning. Undaunted, Jackson Parish narrowed the deficit to just one run in the top of the second when Railey Garrett and Asher Cooper reached base via a single and a walk, setting up Clay Burton’s second inside-the-park home run in as many games.

The local tied it up at 9 – 9 the following frame with yet another three-run outburst when Hunter and Grant Williams blasted back-to-back doubles after Nomey and Vail had reached with a single and a walk. 

Franklinton would take the lead back in the bottom of the third, but once again the “Cardiac Kids,” as the local contingent has been dubbed for their continued resistance after falling behind, rallied to tie the score again at 10 each when Seymore doubled in Burton, who had walked.  

From there, Kelley took control on the mound to quiet the Winnsboro bats the rest of the way, allowing Jackson Parish to take control as Nomey, Kelley, and Hunter Williams added the final three-run burst in the top of the fifth inning for the winning margin.

The thrilling contest saw five lead changes with both teams rapping out 12 hits each, including seven that went for extra bases for Jackson Parish, led by Hunter Williams, whose double and triple were part of a perfect 3/3 and 4 RBI effort at the plate. Grant Williams also came up big with a pair of doubles that included two RBI while Clay Burton added 2 RBI and 2 runs scored that included his “round tripper.” Andew Seymore (RBI, RS) and Sutton Vail (2 RBI, 2 RS) also slapped doubles with Cruz Nomey (2 RS),  Carter Kelley (2 RS), and Ryder Gray (RS) adding a hit each. Nash Moak also added an RBI, and Asher Cooper coaxed two walks and scored a run. 

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) South Central Region announced its FY25 Third Quarter toplines, revealing a remarkable period of growth and support for small businesses. Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Administrator Kelly Loeffler, the SBA is supporting an entrepreneurial boom, empowering small business owners by enhancing access to capital, fostering crucial job creation, and revitalizing manufacturing throughout the South Central Region.

The SBA’s flagship 7(a) and 504 loan programs have seen significant growth in terms of loan approvals. In the South Central Region, SBA loan approvals are up 10% over the 3rd quarter of the last fiscal year. The SBA places the federal guarantee on traditional lending products which are underwritten and funded by private dollars from SBA lenders.

“Since President Trump took office, the SBA has facilitated over $2.8 billion to small businesses across the South Central Region with 4,446 SBA-backed loans that have created or supported nearly 49,000 jobs,” says SBA South Central Regional Administrator Justin Crossie. “This exceeds the lending across the same time period during the previous administration when $2.2 billion was guaranteed to 3,556 small businesses, creating or supporting 38,000 jobs regionwide.”

FY25 year-to-date 7(a) and 504 loan approvals by SBA District include $279 million in SBA-backed loans approved creating or supporting over 5,700 jobs

According to Regional Administrator Crossie, the continued impact of these local efforts is further amplified by the broader national strategies spearheaded by the SBA. In line with these efforts, President Trump’s Economic Agenda has streamlined access to capital, making it more accessible for entrepreneurs.

As part of President Trump’s Economic Agenda, Administrator Loeffler also rolled out the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative and created the SBA Office of Manufacturing & Trade within the first 100 days of the administration. This initiative aims to create jobs, secure our supply chains, and promote fair trade.

To further the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, the SBA has also prioritized onshoring opportunities, providing the same tools to small American entrepreneurs that large businesses have. The SBA’s free Make Onshoring Great Again portal connects small businesses with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers to strengthen their supply chains and source all the components they need domestically, providing small business owners the opportunity to say, with authority, that their products are 100% “Made in America.”

Additionally, the SBA Office of Advocacy also launched the Red Tape Hotline, allowing small business owners and manufacturers to share feedback and submit onerous regulations for review. The goal is to cut $100 billion in regulation, which will ease the financial burden on small businesses and manufacturers.

“The capital assistance that SBA is bringing to U.S. manufacturers continues to be successful. Since President Trump took office, the South Central Region has guaranteed almost $108 million in SBA-backed loans to small manufacturers, creating or supporting over 1,800 jobs. I’m confident that the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative under Administrator Loeffler’s leadership will realize continued success not only in Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico but across the nation,” concluded Regional Administrator Crossie.

Stay up to date with SBA programs by visiting www.sba.gov or following is on X or LinkedIn.

SBA South Central
X/Twitter: @SBASouthCentral
LinkedIn: @SBA-South-Central

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Amelia Staggs gave up just one hit and struck out 10 batters in a six-inning complete game effort to help lift Jackson Parish to a 3-0  victory over Vidalia in the first round of the Little League 12U Softball state tournament.

Facing the district 3 champions, Staggs was virtually untouchable as she opened the game by striking out the side and allowed just a meaningless ground ball single in the top of the third inning of what turned out to be a tremendous pitching duel that saw both teams manage just a combined 3 hits. 

Elliot Savage gave Jackson Parish a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third when she coaxed a base on balls, stole second, went to third on an error by the Vidalia catcher and scored on a passed ball with two outs in the inning. 

Jackson Parish got a little breathing room in the bottom of the fifth when Jessie Walker’s smashed an RBI triple to right that scored Brooklin Keiffer, who had reached on a fielders choice. Emma Gray followed with the only other hit of the day by JP12U to up the lead to 3-0. 

Hannah Aldy, Kate Keiffer, Lizzie Sullivan, Charleigh Newton and Brylee Ingles also all reached base in the contest, taking advantage of the 7 free passes given up by Vidalia pitching.

With the victory, JP12U, who qualified for the 8-team state tourney being played in Broussard, LA, as the District 5 runner-up, advanced to play District 6 champion, Lake Charles, late Saturday evening in the second round. 

In an effort to give Jackson Parish residents better access to one of the best resources available, the Jackson Parish Library is looking to add new Bookmobile stop locations all over Jackson Parish, and would like to make your location/site one of the stops! 

The Bookmobile is NOT just for kids and serves patrons of all ages, just like one of the main library branches, offering books, DVDs, and audiobooks for checkout, as well as programming at certain stops with plans to visit each location once every two weeks (with Holiday exceptions).

Requirements of a Bookmobile Stop
• Ample space to pull the Bookmobile in and out of your parking lot or neighborhood;
• Help in advertising when the Bookmobile will be at your location by sharing it in any way you communicate with people;
• Access to a bathroom (for our library staff, not the public) would be nice, but not required.
The Bookmobile typically schedules stops during the mornings and early afternoons, Monday-Thursday. The Bookmobile does not run on Fridays, as that is our designated maintenance and Outreach day each week.

You are asked to specify a good time for the stop to be made, as the Bookmobile schedule can be adjusted accordingly.

The effort is to find the best locations for the Bookmobile to reach the most patrons, and as new stops are added, there may be a possibility of schedule changes during the process.

Please feel free to stop by either the Jonesboro or Chatham Branches to pick up a “New Stop Request Form” at the front desk or follow this link to submit a form online: https://forms.gle/t72oKMkBCaHqMp6q9.

Alternatively, you can
Fax the form to: 318-259-3374 (ATTN: Emily)
Email the form to: outreach@jacksonparishlib.org
Mail the form to: 614 S. Polk Ave, Jonesboro, LA 71251.

A representative of the Jackson Parish Library will communicate with you once a schedule has been set and will send a schedule to you.

Ruston, LA – Louisiana Delta Community College Ruston proudly hosted 100 high school juniors from the Grambling State University Seeking, Observing, and Achieving Results (SOAR) Scholars Program, an initiative under the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

These aspiring young scholars had the opportunity to explore LDCC’s hands-on, career-focused programs in Industrial Instrumentation Technology, Practical Nursing, and Welding. Through immersive activities and engaging demonstrations, students gained valuable exposure to high-demand technical fields.

The day included a relay race with nursing students focused on properly putting on and removing personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as live welding demonstrations from LDCC faculty and students. The visitors also participated in a hands-on challenge to create a working circuit in the Industrial Instrumentation lab.

“This event was a fantastic opportunity for these students to experience what career and technical education can offer,” said Ruston Campus Director, Patience Talley, “They left energized and inspired—and we were just as inspired by their curiosity and excitement.”

LDCC extends sincere thanks to Grambling State University and Mr. Adarian Williams for facilitating this collaboration. Special recognition also goes to LDCC faculty, staff, and students for coming together to create this experience.

For more information about LDCC programs, visit ladelta.edu.