Monticello aldermen followed the recommendation of the LawrenceCounty Sportsplex Association Tuesday in hiring a director for thatfacility.

David Jones emerged as the top candidate from applicationsreceived by the recreation board, said board member Denise Weeks.He was the only candidate recommended by the sportsplex’s advisorycommittee.

“I’m really excited about the job and being able to providerecreation, not only for our children, but eventually for allages,” he said. “I love athletics in Lawrence County and I’m a bigfan of all sports.”

Mayor David Nichols asked Weeks and other representatives of therecreation board why they did not follow his instructions toprovide the town board with the top three candidates and rank them.Weeks said they were unaware of that request.

Despite the confusion, the top three candidates attended themeeting and were interviewed during an executive session byaldermen.

A start date has not been set, but will probably be around June1, Jones said. He has to finish closing out paperwork involved withretiring from the Mississippi Army National Guard after 28 years ofservice before he can move into the position.

Jones joined the Monticello unit in 1978, but did not move intotown until 1986.

Jones’ qualification for the position include coaching littleleague and girls softball teams, but his role in the leaguesponsored by the sportsplex was likely a telling point in hisfavor.

“I helped form the girls’ softball league when we were stillback at the high school and I wrote the bylaws they use,” hesaid.

The position also puts Jones in charge of the Atwood Water Parkand other recreational functions in the town as appointed byaldermen. He will not be involved in this year’s Atwood MusicFestival beginning May 26.