Grant-funded program at Jonesville PD encourages exercise

Thanks in part to a 2023 Wellness Grant from the North Carolina League of Municipalities received by the Jonesville Police Department, workout equipment was purchased and set up for employees encouraging daily work out sessions.

Captain Scotty Vestal composed a new wellness program titled the Captain’s Fitness Challenge. The program encouraged participants to complete a minimum of 15 sessions (45 minutes to 1 hour in length) of approved exercise. Captain Vestal acknowledged the commitment and dedication to physical and mental health required by these participants to meet the challenge.

Law Enforcement officers and administration give daily to others as they serve the public providing safety and public order. Work out sessions are not only about staying physically fit for the job. They allow you to release stress and frustration, improving mental and emotional health.

Captain Vestal has stated numerous times, “if it doesn’t challenge you, it will not change you”. Everyone who participated stepped up to the challenge and WON.

Throughout the 2023 participants were challenged to meet the following tiers, receiving incentives along the way for their accomplishments.

Tier 1: 1 — 50 hours completed — 2 participants

Tier 2: 51 — 100 hours — 3 participants

Tier 3: 101 — 150 hours — 1 participant

Tier 4: 151 — 200 hours — none

Tier 5: 200 plus hours — 2 participants

The winner of the 2023 JPD Captain’s Challenge was Office Manager, Tasha Ferguson with a total of 283.48 hours of approved exercise. Ferguson was presented with a certificate to receive a Glock of her choice.

The 2024 Captain’s Fitness Challenge is underway, encouraging participants to increase their commitment and dedication to one’s own health providing a better person, mentally and physically for oneself, family, and residents.

In other recent news in the town of Jonesville, in February, Senator Eddie Settle of District 36 presented the Town with a NC Regional Economic Development Reserve Grant in the amount of $3.4 million for construction and improvements at Double Bluff Recreation Area, located at 2323 NC Highway 67. In 2019, the Town purchased 154 acres of rolling land adjacent to the Yadkin River with funding from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund (formerly known as the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund).

The Town reached out to the community for public opinion to gain a better understanding of recreational needs. The surveys identified the desire for more trails, river access and outdoor recreation. The top requested recreation activities were hiking, picnicking, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, natural playgrounds, and disc golf. Proposed structures for Double Bluff Recreation Area include restrooms, picnic shelters and an accessible fishing platform. For more information view the Double Bluff Recreation Area master plan on the towns website at https://townofjonesvillenc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/DBRA-Master-Plan.pdf.

Also the February town meeting in Jonesville, Roger Hurd with the Jonesville Softball League was in attendance to recognize and present a plaque to Coach Josh Matthews for his volunteer work through the 2023 softball season. In both the spring and fall softball seasons, Josh coached the 10U Jonesville Blue Jays. His dedication and commitment to the 13-member girl team resulted in third place in the spring season and first place in the fall season for the East Yadkin Softball Association (EYSA).

Chief Dane Mastin also recognized six officers for their life saving measures throughout 2023. Officer’s receiving the 2023 Life Saving Awards were Captain Scotty Vestal, Lt. Israel Moran, Sgt. Andrew Holleman, Officer Mitchell Kemp, Officer Cole Smith, and Officer Robert Cave.

Chief Mastin presented each one with a plaque and stated, “I am proud of these folks, they are not just good officers, they are good people”.

Mayor Darnell recognized Chief Mastin and Captain Vestal for their dedication to the Town and Police Department thanking them for their dedication to the community, staff, and board, “I want to express gratitude from the Council for your service to Jonesville. It is not just one person or department; it is everyone working together as a team that makes Jonesville the heart of the Yadkin Valley”.

In further business, Town Manager Michael Pardue provided an update for repairs of the S. Jonesville Boulevard culvert which is being fully funded by FEMA. The Yadkin Valley Sewer Authority is working to complete the relocation of a sewer line adjacent to the culvert. Replacement of the culvert is scheduled to begin in May with Smith-Rowe, LLC as the contractor.