By Paige Nash
Webster Parish Police Jury (WPPJ) welcomed two newcomers on board at their first regular meeting of the year held on Monday, Jan. 8, Nancy Hines representing District 8 and Latanya “Tan” Grigsby representing District 10.
Hines said, “I am really appreciative of the people of District 8 for voting me in and I look forward to working with all of you. I think we will have a great year.”
Grigsby said, “I am thankful for the people of District 10 for having faith in me to vote me in as their juror. I am looking forward to a rewarding year.”
“We are proud to have you both. I know it’s going to work out good,” said WPPJ President Jim Bonsall. “We are looking forward to putting you to work.”
Clerk of Court Holli Vining swore in the jury members simultaneously. Bruce Blanton for District 1, Allen Gilbert for District 2, Daniel Thomas for District 3, Randy Thomas for District 4, Mike Griffith for District 5, Jim Bonsall for District 6, Steve Lemmons for District 7, Beverly Kennon for District 9, Steve Ramsey for District 11 and Adam Lee for District 12 all took the oath of office.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, an election of officers took place with the vote retaining Bonsall as President for another year and Ramsey as Vice-President.
Current Secretary-Treasurer Lisa Balkom and Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Alicia Owens were appointed to remain in their positions for another two-year term.
Other board appointments that were met with approval included the reappointment of Gart Greene to a two-year term for Webster Parish Fire District 7 and the reappointment of Brian Williams, Lisa Balkom, Butch Ford, Jim Bonsall and Col. Carl Thompson for the Pine Country Education District.
“This is a fire education center that is located out at Camp Minden. Col. Thompson and R.O. Machen were a big part of getting this done to train regional firemen that were having to go to Baton Rouge to get their training.”
The jury also voted to abandon Ridgeway Road, which is located off of La. Hwy. 371 following a public hearing that took place before the regular meeting and was met with no opposition from the public or jury members.