Ruston Daily Leader (Jackson Parish Notices)
October 7, 2026
Jackson Parish Recreation District Board Meeting Minutes
August 12, 2026
Jonesboro, Louisiana
The Jackson Parish Recreation District met in regular session on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 12:00pm in the Jackson Parish Recreation Building, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Present: Mr. Tim Atkins, Mr. Ricky Cash, Mr. Reggie Hall, Mr. Brandon Lamkin and Mr. Chris Womack. Absent: Mr. Jeff Hairston and Mr. Robert Hunter. Also present, Mr. Justin Dodson, Director, Mrs. Jacqueline Blankenship, Secretary-Bookkeeper, and Mr. Clay Williams, Golf Course Manager.
The President, Mr. Cash, called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Mr. Cash and Mr. Hall led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Cash opened the floor for public comments. There were no public comments.
Motion Mr. Womack seconded Mr. Atkins to approve July minutes. All in favor. Motion carried.
Motion Mr. Womack seconded Mr. Atkins to approve June financials. All in favor. Motion carried.
Mr. Dodson recognized the 13–14-year-old Dixie Junior Boys Team for receiving the Sportsmanship Award at their recent tournament. He presented the team with a certificate of recognition and shared that, in his opinion, the Sportsmanship Award is one of the biggest honors a team can receive. Those present to receive the recognition were Thatcher Savage, Mason Tolar, Caston Zimmerman, Aiden Reed, Jackson Ables, Jase Reed, Eli Henderson, Coach Brandon Reed, and Coach John Ables. Those unable to attend were Jaxen Culpepper, Grant Griffin, Jake Moak, Shepard Norred, Corbin Powell, Carter Powell, and Coach Dusty Tolar.
Mrs. Jennifer Hawkins, CPA, presented the annual audit results to the Board and reviewed the financial statements, audit findings, compliance matters, and other required procedures. She reported that the audit went well, with no significant findings or instances of noncompliance, and discussed several areas for continued attention and follow-up. The Board also discussed related financial and administrative matters.
Mr. Williams provided an update on the golf course. The golf course currently has 208 members. There are 50 cart stall members and 36 driving range members. He reported that 4 events were hosted in the banquet room during the reporting period. Additionally, the golf course hosted the Piney Shootout Tournament with 58 golfers, generating a profit of $2,216.35. Quitman Softball/Golf Tournament with 44 golfers, generating a profit of $2,393.80. Piney Woods 3-Man Scramble Tournament with 156 golfers, generating a profit of $4,909.60. Five Tuesday Night Scrambles were also held, with a total of 99 golfers participating and generating a profit of $1,833.03. The Junior Golf Camp was a success, with approximately 24 participants ranging from ages 6 to 17. Attendance was strong, and several participants have continued returning to play and use the practice range. Pro shop sales through the end of July are up compared with the previous two years, while range revenue remains relatively consistent. The new golf carts have been placed in service and received positive feedback. Cart rates were increased, and management is introducing a $1,200 annual golf cart membership with unlimited cart access. A new tee-time software system will allow staff to track cart assignments and identify users if carts are returned damaged or improperly maintained. Management has also implemented improved cleaning and maintenance procedures, and a new shed will provide covered storage for 12 of the carts. Management plans to use proceeds from future Thursday night scrambles to build and stock the pro shop, with tournament winners receiving pro shop credit rather than cash. Initial inventory will include items such as golf balls, gloves, umbrellas, shoes, and apparel. Finally, the club is partnering with Winnfield in a Ryder Cup-style competition involving the top 20 members from each course. The event will include match play at both courses and has already helped generate approximately 15 new memberships, including several students who joined specifically to participate.
Motion Mr. Womack seconded Mr. Atkins to update the signature card for the Jonesboro State Bank account to authorize the current board members, director, and secretary to sign checks with one signature required at the bank and two signatures required in the office for checks. All in favor. Motion carried.
Under old business, the board discussion focused on misunderstandings and misinformation surrounding the previous election, particularly regarding the golf course and how its funding and plans were being interpreted by the public. Board members emphasized the importance of communicating more openly and consistently so people understand what is actually being planned and funded. There was also discussion about correcting misconceptions regarding taxpayer funding, the golf course lease, memberships, facility improvements, and youth activities. Members felt that sharing photos, explanations, and updates on Facebook could help people better understand the organization’s activities and financial decisions. Overall, the board agreed that staying active on social media, addressing questions directly, and providing more context could reduce misunderstandings and help the public make more informed decisions in the future.
Next board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 12:00pm in the Jackson Parish Recreation Building.
Motion Mr. Womack seconded Mr. Atkins to adjourn meeting. All in favor. Motion carried.
Published in the Ruston Daily Leader, Ruston, LA on Oct 7, 2026.