The May 7 meeting of the Webster Parish Police Jury (WPPJ) proceeded smoothly with all members in attendance, and all agenda items passing unanimously.
Among the approvals was a significant multi-jurisdictional consortium agreement for the Seventh Planning District Consortium Workforce Development Board with Coordinating & Development. Additionally, the board approved the appointments of Scott Boyett to replace Jim Bell and the reappointment of Roger Schumacher to the board of the Sarepta Fire District No. 5. The meeting also saw the approval of an amended Ordinance 688, Section 7 ½ of the Ordinance of Webster Parish, along with the appointment of Tan Grigsby to the 911 Board, replacing Drew White.
During the community reports section, Savannah Jones, representing Webster Parish Libraries, highlighted that registration is now open for the Discovery Dome, a portable planetarium, which will kick off this year’s Discovery Camp. Registration is required due to limited seating.
Furthermore, the library will introduce a service platform for professional development training and a program called Library IQ, which tailors content provided by the libraries to the tastes of the public in each branch’s area.
Shakera Williams from the LSU Ag Center reported on the success of the recent 4-H Fun Day held at the REC and announced the upcoming summer camp scheduled for May 20-23. However, there is an urgent need for a male chaperone over the age of 18 to assist with the camp, as approximately 40 students are already signed up. Additionally, on May 20, the LSU Ag Center will host a livestock interest day to boost their livestock program and will also conduct a SNAPed “germ cave” to educate youngsters about food safety.
Finally, Angie Chapman of 911 reported an increase in 911 hangup calls and urged the public to monitor children to prevent accidental calls. If a call is made accidentally, she advises speaking to the dispatcher to prevent them from having to call back or send police to check.
The WPPJ’s next meeting is scheduled for June 4 at 10:30 AM, in the WPPJ meeting room accessible through the west entrance of the Webster Parish Courthouse Annex, located at 401 Main Street. The public is welcome to attend.