INVITATION FOR BID
SEALED BIDS for construction at the Tensas Parish Airport consisting of Runway Rehabilitation, State Project No. H.016182 will be received by the Tensas Parish Police Jury (Attn: Pauline Doyle), 212 Hancock Street, St. Joseph, Louisiana 71366, until 2:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Bids will then be publicly opened and read aloud in the Police Jury Meeting Room. Bids received after the 2:00 p.m. deadline will be returned to the bidder unopened via certified mail. Received bids will be referred to the Tensas Parish Police Jury for action and award.
A Pre-Bid Teleconference will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Representatives from the Owner and Engineer will be present to discuss the project. Although the teleconference is not mandatory, bidders are encouraged to attend and participate in the teleconference. Teleconference information is as follows:
Phone No.: 1-469-965-2511
Access Code: 380 368 783 #
Contract Documents including bid proposal forms, plan sheets, and specifications for the project may be viewed and downloaded free of charge at www.civcastusa.com. Addenda will be posted at www.civcastusa.com. You will be notified of addenda automatically, through email, if you downloaded your plans and specifications via civcastusa.com. Please submit questions for the project 72 hours prior to bid opening through www.civcastusa.com in the Q&A portal.
Bids shall be received only on proposal forms furnished by the Engineer. In no event shall proposal forms be issued later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the hour and date set for receiving proposals.
Bid proposals, amendments to bids, or requests for withdrawal of bids, which are received after the time specified for bid opening, shall not be considered for any cause whatsoever.
An acceptable bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check payable to the Tensas Parish Police Jury, in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the bid price, shall be submitted with each bid. The successful Bidder will be required to furnish and pay for satisfactory performance and payment bonds. Bidders are advised that Performance, Payment, and Maintenance Bond, each in the amount of 100 percent (100%) of the contract price, will be required.
On any bid submitted in the amount of $50,000 or more, the Contractor shall certify that he is licensed under Louisiana Revised Statute 37:2150-2164 and show his license number on the bid and on the envelope. Bidders must be licensed in the following category: Highway, Street and Bridge Construction (or applicable sub classification). The licensee shall not be permitted to bid or perform any type or types of work not included in the classification under which his license was issued.
Bids may be held by the Tensas Parish Police Jury for a period of forty-five (45) calendar days after the date and hour set for the opening.
The Tensas Parish Police Jury reserves the right to reject any or all Bids for just cause and reserves the right to waive any and all informalities.
3/26, 4/2, 4/9
Cost is $57.60
TENSAS PARISH
POLICE JURY
REGULAR MEETING
March 11, 2025
10:00 AM
The Tensas Parish Police Jury met this day in regular session convened. There were present the following officers and members to-wit:
Bubba Rushing, President
Pauline Doyle, Secretary/Treasurer
Members: Billy Joe Arceneaux, Robert Clark, Bill Sid Crigler, Clay Foster, Terrence South, and Alex Watson.
Billy Joe Arceneaux, Invocation
Clay Foster, Pledge of Allegiance
Guest present were: Todd Merriett, Thelma Bradford, Kiley Sanders, Hyram Copeland and Ron Wilhite
There were no comments from the general public regarding the agenda item(s).
Upon a motion by Clay Foster, duly seconded by Billy Joe Arceneaux it was unanimously agreed to approve the agenda as printed. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Billy Joe Arceneaux, duly seconded by Bill Crigler, it was unanimously agreed to approve the minutes for the Regular Meeting held on February 25, 2025. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Alex Watson, duly seconded by Bill Crigler, it was unanimously agreed to approve payment of bills as authorized by the Finance Committee. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Presidents Report: Bubba Rushing reported Representative Johnson will be at our next meting to discuss the progress with the warehouse across the levee.
Secretary/Treasurer Report: Updated the Jury on finances and the Love Louisiana Outdoor Grant.
Parish Superintendent Report: Todd Merriett updated the Jury on Maintenance Unit activities.
OEP Report: Kiley Sanders updated the Jury on ongoing OEP activities.
Upon a motion by Billy Joe Arceneaux, duly seconded by Bill Crigler, it was unanimously agreed to approve the Budget vs. Actual Financial Statements for the period ending February 28, 2025. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Bill Crigler, duly seconded by Billy Joe Arceneaux, it was unanimously agreed to approve the absence of Terrence South from the regular meeting held on February 25, 2025. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Billy Joe Arceneaux, duly seconded by Terrence South, it was unanimously agreed to approve materials for the Tensas Maintenance Unit. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Bill Crigler, duly seconded by Terrence South, it was unanimously agreed to approve an Alcohol Beverage Permit Application for Levee Side Inn and Grill-2. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Terrence South, duly seconded by Billy Joe Arceneaux, it was unanimously agreed to approve an Alcohol Beverage Permit Application for Levee Side Inn & Grill. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Bill Crigler, duly seconded by Billy Joe Arceneaux, it was unanimously agreed to approve the purchase of a commercial ice machine for the Tensas Maintenance Unit. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Billy Joe Arceneaux, duly seconded by Bill Crigler, it was unanimously agreed to approve the driver of the track hoe to carry a shotgun to shoot beavers while digging out dams. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Terrence South, duly seconded by Billy Joe Arceneaux, it was unanimously agreed to adjourn. Ayes have it. Motion carried.
4/2
Cost is $67.20
PUBLIC NOTICE
RESIDENTS OF WATERPROOF, LOUISIANA
Regarding Performance Rating for the 2021 LCDBG-CV
Love Louisiana Outdoors Program
The Village of Waterproof will hold a Public Hearing on April 9, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. at Village Hall to receive comments and opinions on the Village’s performance under the effectiveness of the Village’s LCDBG-CV Love Louisiana Outdoors Program. All citizens, particularly low and moderate income residents, are encouraged to attend. Accommodations will be made for handicapped and non-English speaking individuals provided a three (3) day notice is received by the Village of Waterproof. Those citizens unable to attend this hearing may submit their comments and opinions to:
Mayor Jarrod Bottley
Village of Waterproof
P.O. Box 248
Waterproof, LA 71375
4/2
Cost is $16.80
PUBLIC NOTICE
VILLAGE OF WATERPROOF, LOUISIANA
PUBLIC HEARING
LCDBG Program – FY 2026/2027
The Village of Waterproof will hold a public hearing at 4:30 P.M., on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at the Waterproof Village Hall. The purpose of the meeting is obtain views on community development needs of the Village and to discuss the submission of an application for funding under the State of Louisiana FY 2026/2027 Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) Program. The following items will be discussed at the hearing:
A. The amount of funds available for proposed community development;
B. The range of activities available that may be undertaken, including the estimated amount of funds proposed to be used for activities that will benefit persons of low and moderate incomes;
C. The plans of the Village of Waterproof for minimizing displacement of persons as a result of activities assisted with such funds and the benefits to be provided by the Village of Waterproof to persons actually displaced as a result of such activities; and,
D. The Village’s past performance on LCDBG Projects funded by the State of Louisiana.
All residents, particularly low and moderate income persons and residents of slum and blighted areas, of the Village of Waterproof are encouraged to attend this meeting.
Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking individuals provided that a three (3) day notice is received by the Village of Waterproof.
Those citizens unable to attend this hearing may submit their views and proposals until April 9, 2025 in writing to:
Village of Waterproof
P.O. Box 248
Waterproof, Louisiana 71375-0248
Jarrod Bottley, Mayor
4/2
Cost is $36
PUBLIC NOTICE
TOWN OF NEWELLTON, LOUISIANA
PUBLIC HEARING
LCDBG Program – FY 2026/2027
The Town of Newellton will hold a public hearing at 5:15 P.M., on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at the Newellton Town Hall. The purpose of the meeting is obtain views on community development needs of the Town and to discuss the submission of an application for funding under the State of Louisiana FY 2026/2027 Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) Program. The following items will be discussed at the hearing:
A. The amount of funds available for proposed community development;
B. The range of activities available that may be undertaken, including the estimated amount of funds proposed to be used for activities that will benefit persons of low and moderate incomes;
C. The plans of the Town of Newellton for minimizing displacement of persons as a result of activities assisted with such funds and the benefits to be provided by the Town of Newellton to persons actually displaced as a result of such activities; and,
D. The Town’s past performance on LCDBG Projects funded by the State of Louisiana.
All residents, particularly low and moderate income persons and residents of slum and blighted areas, of the Town of Newellton are encouraged to attend this meeting.
Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking individuals provided that a three (3) day notice is received by the Town of Newellton.
Those citizens unable to attend this hearing may submit their views and proposals until April 9, 2025 in writing to:
Town of Newellton
P.O. Box 477
Newellton, Louisiana 71357-0477
Frankie Robinson, Mayor
4/2
Cost is $36
PROCEEDINGS OF THE TENSAS PARISH
SCHOOL BOARD
St. Joseph, Louisiana
August 8, 2024
The Tensas Parish School Board met in a regular meeting at the Tensas Parish Material Center, St. Joseph, Louisiana, at 6:00 p.m., August 8, 2024, with President John L. Turner presiding and the following members present with a quorum:
Mrs. Jennifer Burnside, Mrs. Knola Ransome, Mr. George Matthews, Mrs. Annice Miller, and Mr. Esaw Turner
Absent: Mr. Joseph Tarver
President Turner called the meeting to order and asked that all stand for the invocation. Mr. Turner led the invocation, and Superintendent Joyce M. Russ led the Pledge of Allegiance.
On motion by Mr. Matthews, seconded by Mrs. Miller, the Board approved the minutes from the regular board meeting held July 11, 2024. Motion passed.
On motion by Mr. Matthews, seconded by Mrs. Miller, the Board received June financial statement and budget to actual update as presented by Mrs. Eryn Rimmey, Business Manager. Motion passed.
On motion by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mr. Turner, the Board approved adoption of the Certificate of Parish
Governing Authority Resolution with Cross Keys Bank which authorizes signature authority for financial transactions for Tensas Parish School Board to the following individuals: John Turner, President; Sharon Robinson, TES Principal; Joyce M. Russ, Superintendent; Sybrina Jones, TES Secretary; Eryn Rimmey, Business Manager. Motion passed.
On motion by Mrs. Ransome, seconded by Mr. Esaw Turner, the Board approved the 2024-2025 Code of Conduct Plan. Motion passed.
Superintendent Russ asked permission to have Newellton Elementary School appraised for possible sale. On motion by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Miller, the Board granted permission.
Superintendent Russ made the following announcements:
We have had a great start to the new year. As of today, we had 139 students to show up at TES and 145 students to show up at THS for a total of 284 and that is 50 students down that what our count is so hopefully they will show up next week.
Senator Jackson-Andrews came today and present two students with $1000 scholarships, Nehemiah Gray who is a current 9th grader and Jamya Clark who graduate in May. She also left school supplies that we will pass out sometime next week.
The painting is completed at THS and they will start working on TES this weekend
Antasia Bass’s funeral will be held at the Tensas High Gym on Saturday at 1:00 my condolences go out to the family on such a tragic loss.
TES had open house last night and THS with have their open house on August 14th
There being no further business before the Board, on the motion offered by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mr. Turner, the meeting was adjourned.
/s/ John Turner
John Turner, President
/s/ Joyce M. Russ
Joyce M. Russ, Superintendent
4/2
Cost is $58.80
PROCEEDINGS OF THE TENSAS PARISH
SCHOOL BOARD
St. Joseph, Louisiana
January 9, 2025
The Tensas Parish School Board met in a regular meeting at the Tensas Parish Material Center, St. Joseph, Louisiana, at 5:00 p.m., January 9, 2025, with the following members present with a quorum:
Mrs. Jennifer Burnside, Mr. George Matthews, Mr. John Turner, Mrs. Annice Miller, and Mr. Esaw Turner
Absent: Mrs. Knola Ransome and Mr. Joseph Tarver
Superintendent Joyce M. Russ called the meeting to order and asked that all stand for the invocation. Mr. Turner led the invocation, and Superintendent Russ led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Superintendent Russ opened the floor for nominations for Board President and Vice-President. On motion offered by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mrs. Burnside, the Board approved keeping the same officers for 2025. Mr. John Turner, President and Mr. Esaw Turner, Vice-President. Motion passed.
President Turner then assigned Mr. Turner, Mrs. Miller, and Mr. Matthews to be Finance Committee members. Mr. Tarver will serve as an alternate. They will be held at 1 pm at the Central Office on the Wednesday prior to the regular board meeting. Mr. Matthews motioned, seconded by Mrs. Burnside, to accept this committee assignment. Motion passed.
On motion by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Miller, the Board approved the minutes from the regular board meeting held December 12, 2024. Motion passed.
The Board recognized the Tensas Parish School District 2024-2025 Students of the Year:
Madison Bass, Tensas High School – High School Division
Jonesia Crockett, Tensas Jr. High School – Jr. High Division
Jayda Lynch, Tensas Elementary School – Elementary School Division
On motion by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mr. Matthews, the Board awarded the 169.76 acre agricultural property lease to Y&L Farms (Arch Yerger and Nathan Lee) for four years in the amount of $163.08 an acre ($27,684.46 yearly; January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2028). Motion Passed.
On motion by Mr. Matthews, seconded by Mrs. Burnside, the Board received November financial statement and budget to actual update. Motion passed.
On motion by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Matthews, the Board approved the Annual Sexual Harassment Report for the 2024 calendar year. Motion passed.
Mr. Turner motioned, seconded by Mrs. Miller, to approve the School Board Member Training Resolution for the 2024 calendar year. Motion passed.
On motion by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Miller, the Board approved resolution proclaiming January as “School Board Recognition Month”. Motion passed.
Superintendent Russ made the following announcements:
Thank you for coming tonight. I appreciate the support.
Congratulations again to the award recipients tonight. I am very proud of you and all of your hard work.
Schools and offices will be closed tomorrow due to the weather.
There being no further business before the Board, on the motion offered by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mr. Matthews, the meeting was adjourned.
/s/ John Turner
John Turner, President
/s/ Joyce M. Russ
Joyce M. Russ, Superintendent
4/2
Cost is $64.80
PROCEEDINGS OF THE TENSAS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
St. Joseph, Louisiana
February 13, 2025
The Tensas Parish School Board met in a regular meeting at the Tensas Parish Material Center, St. Joseph, Louisiana, at 5:00 p.m., February 13, 2025, with the following members present with a quorum:
Mrs. Jennifer Burnside, Mrs. Knola Ransome, Mr. John Turner, Mr. Joseph Tarver,
Mrs. Annice Miller, and Mr. Esaw Turner
Absent: Mr. George Matthews
President John Turner called the meeting to order and asked that all stand for the invocation. Vice-President Esaw Turner led the invocation, and Superintendent Joyce M. Russ led the Pledge of Allegiance.
On motion by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mrs. Burnside, the Board approved adding addendum item after agenda item number 9.
Addendum item: To consider wiving the first reading and approving the following policy revision:
FILE: JCDAE – Electronic Telecommunication Devices
Cf: JD
Motion passed.
On motion by Mrs. Burnside, seconded by Mrs. Ransome, the Board approved the minutes from the regular board meeting held January 9, 2025. Motion passed.
No bids were received for the Newellton Elementary School properties. On motion by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Miller, the Board voted to readvertise at 80% of the appraised value. Motion passed.
On motion by Mrs. Miller, seconded by Mrs. Ransome, the Board received December financial statement and budget to actual update. Motion passed.
On motion by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Tarver, the Board approved the 2025-2026 school calendar. Motion passed.
Mrs. Miller motioned, seconded by Mr. Turner, to approve changing February 18th from a professional development day to a regular school day. Motion passed.
On motion by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Miller, the Board approved to the sale of 1.22 acres of land, situated in Section 16, T11N-R12E, adjacent to TES, to the Tensas Parish Police Jury for $6,500 per acre, for a total of $7,930.00. Motion passed.
Mrs. Burnside motioned, seconded by Mrs. Ransome to wave the first reading and approved the following policy revision:
FILE: JCDAE – Electronic Telecommunication Devices
Cf: JD
Motion passed.
Superintendent Russ made the following announcements:
We had a great visit with the State Superintendent and his team this morning at Tensas Elementary! Great Job to Mrs. Robinson and her staff for all of their hard work. Thank you, Vice President Turner, for joining us this morning when the District Leadership team met with the state superintendent.
There are pictures of the visit on the state department Facebook page and on the Tensas Gazette Facebook page
TES Elementary will have Parishes around Louisiana on display tomorrow in the Gym starting at 9:15, they would love to see you there.
Monday is President’ Day, all offices and schools will be closed, and we will reopen Tuesday for a regular school day for students, paras, and teachers.
Tensas Panthers play General Trass tonight the game was moved from tomorrow night. Good Luck to our teams as they play their final home game of the season.
Happy Early Valentine’s Day to all of you!
There being no further business before the Board, on the motion offered by Mr. Turner, seconded by Mrs. Burnside, the meeting was adjourned.
/s/ John Turner
John Turner, President
/s/ Joyce M. Russ
Joyce M. Russ, Superintendent
4/2
Cost is $72