On Monday, names of the people subject to serve on the OCTOBER 16, 2023 PETIT JURY were drawn. Individuals listed should receive an official summons in the mail from the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office.

As always, events may occur whereby a Jury will not be needed. If your name is on the list you are instructed to call the Jackson Parish Clerk of Court (JPCC) office at 318-259-2424 over the weekend of OCTOBER 14-15 and listen to the RECORDING to find out if it is necessary for you to appear. The JPCC  Facebook page will be updated as well. 

To see if your name was drawn go to the following website: https://docs.google.com/…/13…/edit…

or see below:  

ALEXANDER, JAMES DAREN
ALLEN, MAY BELL S
ANDERS, JULIA MARIE
ANDERSON, ALVIS R
ANDERSON, GREGORY ALLEN
ANDERSON, JACKIE WAYNE
ANDERSON, WILLIE JUNIOR
ANTEE, MARGARET LINDER
ASHCRAFT, EMILY MARIE
ASKIN, DUSTIN PAIGE
ATKINS, MARIOLYN THOMPSON
AUCOIN JR, PHILIP CHARLES
BABERS, LINTERRIO DARNELL
BAKER, JESSICA LOWRING
BAKER, MADELYNN MICHELLE
BELTON, ASANTE’ CUREL
BLANKENSHIP, HAROLD G
BLOUNT, LINDA WOMACK
BOND, LINDA BABERS
BORLAND JR, BOBBY DOYLE
BORLAND, VICKI CHEATWOOD
BRADFORD, AMERE IMAGE’
BROADWAY, ASHLEY ELIZABETH
BROWN, ANDREW JOSEPH
BROWN, GARY DAVID
BROWN, MARY SAULSBERRY
BROWN, RONNIE DALE
BRYANT, MARY SMITH
BURNS, JEFFERY MORTEZ
BURRIS, LISA TREADWAY
CALDWELL JR, LARRY W
CARDIN, BRENDA COLEMAN
CARPENTER, TINSLEY ELIZABETH
CARROLL, LOUISE PHILLIPS
CHAUVIN, BRITTNEY JAN
CHAVERS, NICOLETTE NICOLE
CLIFT, RUBY NUGENT
COLE, TIMOTHY RICHARD
COLEMAN, CAMERON MATTHEW
COLLINSWORTH, TAMMY CARPENTER
COLVIN, AMBER POWLEDGE
COOPER, ALEXA TAYLER
COOPER, JOSHUA LANE
COTTONHAM III, ERNEST LAVELL
COTTONHAM, ZAHAVIEN EMIYAH
CRAWFORD, JERRY DEWAYNE
CROWELL, WENDY HARGROVE
DAIGRE, JUNIOUS WAYNE
DAVIS, JOHN ALLAN
DAVIS, SARITA VONSHA
DEAN, DONNA DESHEA
DOBBINS, EMMA HICKS
DOUGLAS, YVONNE S
DUOS, ROBERT BOHN
EADEN-HUNTER, DEBRA FAYE
FABER, LORRIE ANN
FENN JR, JACKY GLEN
FIELDS, ALLEN ROY
FIELDS, TRENDA MICHELLE
FLORES, PATSY MASTERS
FLOWERS, IVAN IANWAYNE
FOSTER, SHIRLEY CROW
GAINES, LOIS MCCRAVY
GARCIE, CAROL M
GARRETT, CANDY BAILEY
GAUBERT, PAULA ANDREWS
GIDDENS, DOUGLAS M
GOLDEN, BETSY GARNER
GRAY, ITALY
GRAY, KIMBERLY DION
GREER, JERRI MICHELE
GRESHAM, PAUL ERAN
GRYDER, HAROLD STANDLEY
HALL, CHRISTY WALKER
HANES, AMY LOUISE
HARLAN, JEFFREY LAMAR
HARPER, JESSIE LEE
HARRELL, MICHAEL A
HARVEY, COOPER LEE
HASSEN, BRIAN KEITH
HEARD, MICHAEL SCOTT
HEARN JR, TROY EDWARD
HENDERSON, ANDRE LEVON
HENKEL, IAN RICHARD
HICKS, DOROTHY MILDRED
HICKS, PARRIS ANAIS
HINES, SHARON STEVENSON
HINTON, CEARA LOGAN
HOGAN, LINDA JOHNSON
HORN, ANGELA KAY VAIL
HOWARD, MICKY DEAN
HUCKABY, RICKEY CARL
HUDDLESTON, SHAWN
HUDSON, DEMARIO LAMELLE
HUDSON, KRISTEN ROCHELLE
JACKSON, FABRECIA S
JAMES, JAYDAN LANE
JILES, BRIDGET NICOLE
JOHNSON, BRANDON MONTEZ
JOHNSON, ELIZABETH ARIEUX
JONES, CRYSTAL RENA
JONES, FRANK KENNETH
JONES, JOSEPH NEWTON
JONES, RONNIE DEVEN
KENNEDY, ELIZABETH ANN
KNIGHTEN, MARILYN SUE
KNOX, BEVERLY WOMACK
KOONCE, AMANDA ROGALA
KORNEGAY, CHARLES DAVID
LAGRANDIER, HANNA MARIA
LEGRANDE, JOSHUA DANIEL
LEONARD, ANDRE JEROME
LEONARD, ZENOBIA ZENAE’
LINSCOMB, BETTY E
LITTON, CHEREE MONAE
LOWERY, JAMES EARL
LOWERY, MARTHA HALBROOK
LUTRICK, BRADLEY TYLER
MACE, DEBRA MULLENAX
MACK, CHRISTENE H
ANGHAM, BEVERLY ANN
MANN, VICKIE PEEVY
MARTIN, KEITH DEWAYNE
MARTIN, SABRINA MICHELLE
MARTIN, SANDRA EDMOND
MARTIN, SUSIE MAE
MASON, DELLA HARRISON
MASSEY, JOHN R
MASTERS, RYAN LUCAS
MAXWELL, MICHAEL DENNIS
MAY, SAMANTHA JO
MAYO, MACOLOM JEROME
MCCARDIE, HOWLANDRE FREDTOINE
MCCULLIN, LEVI OTIS
MCGREW, BRIAN ERNEST
MCGURK, CHELSEA JEANETTE
MCKASKLE, MELISSA PORTER
MCKINNEY, CANDACE RAE
MCMAHON, ROBERT DANIEL
MCMILLAN, EMILY ROSE
MCMILLAN, JAMES LUTHER
MILLER, ROBERT BROCK
MILLS, TACHAU OSBORNE
MONTGOMERY, CARLEY CARTER
MORRIS JR, DAVID WAYNE
MORRIS, STEVEN RICHARD
NEWMAN, RELLA ROUSH
NEWTON, KIMBERLY LANE
NORRED, JIMMY TAYLOR
OBRYAN, JAMES MICHEAL
ODENBAUGH, CAMERON WADE
ODOM, BRANDON
OSBORNE, JESSIE REAN
OUSLEY, MONTIAL W
PABAYA, AMJONEL MATA
PAGGETT, LARRY LEVELLE
PARDUE, BAILEY MASON
PATTERSON, MALCOLUM STEVENTA’
PATTON, DENESIA LASHAWN
PEPPER, EDWARD LEE
PETRELLA, SOPHIA ELIZABETH
PIERCE, CAROLYN LOUISE
PONDER, JASON THOMAS
POOLE, STEVEN MATTHEW
PRATER, ANNA MAE
RAMSEY, MARTHA BALCH
RAYNER, CYNTHIA ANN
REED, MARY ATKINS
REED, RAJA EMANUEL
RHINE, YVONNE NELSON
RHODES, CAROLYN AVERY
RICHARD, OLLIE MAE JONES
RICHARDSON III, JOHN ANDREW
RISER, DORA BELL
ROBINSON, HAZEL RENA
ROBINSON, SHEILA RENEE
ROGERS, DANIEL BRIAN
RUSHING, WAYMON EUGENE
SANDIFER II, DOYLE ALLEN
SAVAGE, KIRSTEN HARVEY
SCHUTH, ZACHARY CLAYTON
SCOTT, SAMANTHA GENE
SELLERS, ASHLEY NICOLE
SESSIONS, CHRISTOPHER DALE
SESSIONS, JEREMY LEE
SHOVAN, STEVEN RAY
SHOWS JR, JIMMIE EARL
SIADEK, FLOR MCKINESS
SMITH, ANGELA NICOLE
SMITH, BRIAN LLOYD
SMITH, TONY CLAY
SNOW, JACK
SPRINGFIELD, BILLIE DAWN
STEVENS, ANNE MCCARLEY
STROUD, KENNETH JEFFREY
SWAFFORD, ALBERT LEE
TATUM, DE’MARION LA’TRO’N
TAYLOR, DOROTHY THOMAS
TERRAL, YVONNE D
THOMAS, ALAYNA PAIGE
THOMAS, ALTESHA SHANEE
THOMAS, CHARLES BRUCE
THOMAS, WILBER TROTTER
THOMPSON, CORNELL LORENZO
THOMPSON, KIMBLE LEE
TILLMAN, MICHAEL KERTREL
TOLAR JR, SHANE MICHAEL
TOLBERT, VERNON TREVOR
TRAINA, PATRICIA DIANNE D
TRAINA, TROY ALLEN
TRUELOVE, DELILAH ANN
TUBBS, MICHAEL ERNEST
TUCKER, MARIE LEONARD
TULLOS JR, PAUL TRAVIS
TYLER, BARBARA HARVEY
TYLER, ROBERT DOUGLAS
VERMILLION, DRAKE C
VILLAREAL, DAVID ALLEN
WALKER, HARSHAUN
WALKER, LINNA JANE WELLS
WALKER, SHIRLEY CULPEPPER
WALSWORTH, BLAKE WESLEY
WARNER, EMILY MATHEWES
WARREN, JELISHA
WATSON, RICHARD EARL
WATSON, WENDY SHIVELY
WATTS, BETTY MCBRIDE
WATTS, DARRELL JEROME
WEST, ANTONIO L
WHITE, GARY W
WHITE, RICHARD BENJAMIN
WHITE, VIRGINIA
WHITMAN, ALBERT DARRON
WHITMAN, STACEY BRUCE
WILDS SR, KYLE EDWARD
WILEY JR, JOE JEPHUS
WILKERSON, CONNIE KELLEY
WILKERSON, MISTI RENEE BROADWAY
WILLIAMS, EVANGELINE M
WILLIAMS II, ORLANDO CORTEZ
WILLIAMS, STEPHEN MICHAEL
WILLIAMS, WILSON
WILLIS, LOGAN RYAN
WILLIS, PATRICK RYAN
WILSON, DELORIS DEAN
WIMBERLY, LAKEIDRICK SHUNLEI
WINGERT, JOHNNIE DARRELL
WOMACK, ROBERT BARRY S
WOODS, WILLIAM URIAH
WOOLDRIDGE, KIRSTIN MYRANDA

I HEREBY CERTIFY THE ABOVE IS A TRUE AND CORRECT LIST OF PETIT JURORS SELECTED BY DRAWING INDISCRIMINATELY BY LOT WITH NO DISTINCTION, NEITHER INCLUSION THEREIN OR EXCLUSION THEREFROM MADE ON ACCOUNT OF RACE, COLOR OR PREVIOUS SERVITUDE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH LA. CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ARTICLE 416. THE JURY COMMISSION OF JACKSON PARISH DREW THIS LIST FROM THE GENERAL VENIRE OF JACKSON PARISH, LA. ON , AUGUST 28,2023, TO SERVE AS PETIT JURORS ON THE ABOVE DATE OR FOR AS LONG AS MAY BE NECESSARY IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF THE OFFICE OF CLERK OF COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, THIS 28TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2023.

LAURA H. CULPEPPER, CLERK OF COURT, JACKSON PARISH

 

 

 

 

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Symeon Malone, Emory Caskey and Allie Robertson have been named the Student Athletes of the Week at Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman, and Weston High School for the week of September 24-30. 

The honorees are chosen by select members of the faculty and staff from each school after best exemplifying what it means to be a true student-athlete through academic achievement and athletic accomplishment. Each recipient is given a commemorative T-Shirt by the Jackson Parish Hospital, who sponsors the award.

Student-Athlete of the Week

Symeon Malone (12th Grade) – Football player for Jonesboro-Hodge High School

Emery Caskey (10th Grade) – Cross Country runner at Weston High School

Allie Robertson (8th Grade) – Basketball player for Quitman Junior High

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In one of the most thrilling games of the season, the Quitman girls beat Weston 31-29 in double overtime that saw the second overtime period played with a running clock.

It ended up playing a critical role in the outcome.

With Quitman up by one courtesy of a Hallie Kate Pullig free throw, Quitman’s top scorer got fouled again, sending her to the line with about 16 seconds left. By the time she made her second charity shot of the quarter, time had dwindled down to nothing. 

The victory improved Quitman to 13-2 on the year with both losses coming at the hands of Weston the Lady Wolves dropped to 14-6, half of their losses coming against Quitman.  

“It was a great game and it is a shame either team had to lose, especially with the officials forcing us to use a running clock and Weston not getting a fair chance to tie it up,” said QJH head coach Kyle Leach. “I am happy we won but hate it that it came down to that.” 

A look back at the scorebook lends to believe another tie at the end of the second overtime would have been in the making. After all the two teams were tied at the end of each quarter and the first overtime. 

Pullig led Quitman with 14 points. Braelyn Patton was next with six on a pair of clutch three pointers in the second half.  Allie Robertson had five, Brenna Lamkin hit a key fourth quarter 3-pointer and both Klea Blalock and Kinsley Ponder made a basket each. 

Carly Jo Griffin scored nine to top Weston with Carlynn Waters and Teegan Hall adding seven each. Gracie Gray scored the remaining six points for the Lady Wolves including Weston’s only basket in the first overtime. 

QJH (13-2) 7 4 7 9 2 2 – 31
WJH (14-6) 7 4 7 9 2 0 – 29
Quitman Scoring: Pullig 14, Patton 6, Robertson 5, Lamkin 3, Blalock 2, Ponder 2
Weston Scoring: Griffin 9, Waters 7, Hall 7, Gray 6

Quitman 44 Weston 14 (boys):  Joseph Delaney scored 11 of his game high 14 points in the first quarter and Luke Rowe scored 8 of his 10 points in the contest in the second to lift Quitman to a commanding 28-7 halftime lead. Jack Thomas and Lucas Leach added five each and both Hayden Seymore and Eli Jackson finished with four. Keleb Maxwell tallied two as well for the Wolverines who beat Weston in all five games played this season and improved to 9-6 overall. Remy Kennard and Dawson Griffin scored four each to lead the Wolves who fell to 5-13 on the year. Gunner Younse and Eli Henderson chipped in with three each. 

Quitman (9-6) 16 12 13 3 – 44
Weston (5-13) 1   6   1 6 – 14

QJH Scoring: Delaney 14, Rowe 10, Leach 5, Thomas 5, Seymore 4, Jackson 4, Maxwell 2
WJH Scoring: Kennard 4, Griffin 4, Younse 3, Henderson 3

Weston 29 Cedar Creek 8 (Girls) – On Monday, Weston scored more in the first quarter that Cedar Creek did all game leading to the easy home victory. With Carly Jo Griffin, Carlynn Waters, Brooklyn Johnson and Teegan Hall all scoring the Lady Wolves exploded to a 12-0 first quarter lead. Brylee Cuthrell, Keely Davis, Addison Falkner and Marcela Gonzales chipped in with points in the second quarter to help Weston go into the half with a comfortable 22-2 lead. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Weston (14-5)	12	10	2	5	29
Cedar Creek	0	2	1	5	8

Cedar Creek 34 Weston 23 (boys) – Eight players scored for the Wolves but none had more than five as Cedar Creek methodically pulled away for the win. Leyton Younse led the way with five followed by four points from Remy Kennard. Bryce Tolar and Eli Henderson added three each and Dawson Griffin, Colt Guyotte, Malachi Harris and Colten Otwell all tallied two points each. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Weston	3	6	6	8	23
Cedar Creek	8	10	11	5	34

J-HMS gridders fall to Cedar Creek

Gregory Howard scooped up a fumble and rambled 78 yards for touchdown as Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School scored their first points at home on Tuesday but it wasn’t near enough in the 30-7 loss to the Cougars that left JHMS still searching for their first victory of the year. 

“As young as we are, we knew this season would be a works in progress,” said JHMS head coach Tre’Vaun Calahan. “The good news is that we have a lot of young players getting experience.” 

J-HMS will next be in action next Tuesday, October 10th when they play host to Lincoln Prep. Game time is set for 5:30 pm. 

Saline 42 Calvin 13 (boys) – Eduardo Quintana and Hayden Laborde scored seven first half points apiece while the Saline defense allowed Calvin just seven total as the Bobcats improved to 11-4 on the season. Gavin Bellard, Elijah Calloway and Braden Robinson got into the act in the third quarter that saw Saline stretch their 19-7 halftime advantage to 38-10 by the end of three. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Saline (11-4)	11	8	19	4	42
Calvin	3	4	4	2	13

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A large venue of activities await local residents and visitors to Jackson Parish as the calendar turns to October. From the beginning of the month to the last day, each week there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Step In To Fall

From 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Monday, October 2nd you are invited to join the merchants of Jackson Parish for the annual “Step In To Fall” event. Stop by your favorite shops and discover new places to frequent while getting the opportunity to find new treasures and meet with old friends. 

JHHS Homecoming 2023

A full week of festivities are scheduled at Jonesboro-Hodge High School during the first week of October. Climaxing the gala event is the annual crowning of the Homecoming Queen and King during the morning assembly in the JHHS Auditorium on October 7th followed by the Homecoming Parade in downtown Jonesboro at 1:00 pm and the Homecoming game and tailgate that evening.

“Pretty In Pink” Breast Cancer Luncheon

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mercy Medical Health Center and Sponsors are hosting a Survivor Breast Cancer Luncheon on Friday, October 13th. The event will take place at 12:00 pm (noon) at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center, located at 182 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro. To RSVP call 318-259-1100 or 318-533-4443 

Christmas in the Pines T-Shirts on sale

Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce Director, Wilda Smith, reminds that it is time to order the 2023 Christmas in the Pines Festival Commemorative T-Shirts. All orders must be entered and paid prior to October 23rd. Prices are as follows:

Long sleeve shirts
Small -Large $22.00
XL – $23.00
2XXL – $25.00
3XXXL – $28.00
4XXXXL – $29.00
Short sleeve shirts
All sizes  – $20 each

“Trunk or Treat” set for Tuesday, October 31st

Good times and LOTS of candy await kiddo’s of all ages on Tuesday, October 31st when the annual Trunk or Treat Halloween candy giveaway take place on Jimmie Davis Blvd. aka Main Street in Jonesboro. Come adorned in your favorite Halloween costume and enjoy the plethora of goodies and good times had by all from 6:00 7:30 pm.  

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It seems just like yesterday that the LHSAA season opened but already it is week five, where JHHS will travel to Pineville in the last of the Tigers pre-district schedule. The contest brings a unique irony in that the Rebels will be the second district 2-5A school JHHS has on their schedule while the Tigers are the second district 3-2A school on Pineville’s slate. 

That is where the similarities end. 

JHHS comes into the contest at 2-2 on the year and riding high after posting their first shutout in a little over two years and scoring as much in one game as Pineville has all season. Meanwhile Pineville is in the throes of a three game losing streak after shocking Winnfield in the season opener. 

Series History: The all time series between the two is tied at 8-8 with JHHS winning 25-7 in the first game played and again by a  20-10 score last year. From 1955-62 the two squads played every year with both winning four times each. Pineville won four straight from 1973-76 when both schools were in district 3-3A but since the Tigers have had the upper hand winning the last three. 

Keys to victory!

Can Tigers take advantage of distractions? This is Homecoming week for Pineville and every coach will tell you that the hardest game to keep players focused.  A quick start by the Tigers could easily cause a lack of focus by Pineville. 

Which Tiger defense will show? Over the first three games, JHHS gave up a school record 128 points. Against Lincoln Prep they fired a shutout and allowed only 54 total yards in offense. 

Can Tigers overcome Pineville depth? JHHS will dress out around 30 players with at least five going both ways. Pineville will have close to 80 players on the sideline including eight that weighs over 280 lbs and twenty that top 200 lbs. or better.  The Tigers will have to dig deep to withstand the constant influx of fresh players. 

Prediction:

JHHS is trending in the right direction. Even with leading rusher Chance Leonard sidelined with a bad knee the Tiger offense is showing signs of becoming formidable and the defense seems to be gelling. Has the makings of a real barnburner that most likely will go down to the wire. JHHS 26 Pineville 24

 

 

 

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Courtney Nunn, who previously starred as a standout softball pitcher at Jonesboro-Hodge High School, East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi College, has been chosen as one of five members of EMCC’s Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

At Jonesboro-Hodge High School under the guidance of softball coach Harrell Bond, Nunn received first team All-State and first-team All-District honors during her junior and senior seasons (2007-08). She was a four-time All-District selection.

The two-time MACJC All-State softball pitcher averaged a strikeout per inning over her two EMCC seasons by fanning 373 batters and posting 26 career wins… Collected 2010 NJCAA All-Region 23 honors as a sophomore after recording 16 wins and 217 strikeouts… Continued her collegiate playing career at Mississippi College, where she developed into the 2012 American Southwest Conference Pitcher of the Year after compiling an 11-5 record and 1.52 earned run average… Posted a career mark of 16-7 for the MC Lady Choctaws… Spent four seasons (2013-16) as an assistant softball coach at East Central Community College and served as the Lady Warriors’ pitching coach during their 2015 NJCAA Division II national runner-up season… The Jonesboro, La., native worked as an umpire during the 2023 Little League Senior Softball World Series played in Delaware this past summer and currently works as Director of Parks and Recreation in Clinton, MS.

 

Nunn currently serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation in Clinton, Miss.

 

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In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35

His Hands Ministries is a missions oriented organization sponsored by Jonesboro First Baptist Church. Founded in the 1950’s to assist the needy in Jonesboro with clothing and household items, the agency expanded to include a food distribution in the late 1990’s before moving to a storefront location about a decade ago. 

It is presently located at 116 Jimmie Davis Blvd in Jonesboro and staffed completely by volunteers from area churches that include Baptist, Methodist and Catholic denominations. The hours of operation at 8:00 – 10:00 am every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 

Every month, the Outreach Ministry provides food to hundreds of individuals. Last year alone they served a total of nearly 1000 families. They not only serve residents of Jackson Parish with food, they also have continued to provide free clothing and household items once a month to anyone with an ID.

The financing of the operation comes from Jonesboro First Baptist Church, North Central Baptist Association and donations from other area churches and individuals. The money received helps to purchase food as needed, pay utilities, equipment and other necessary maintenance needed to keep the facility operational. 

Food is received primarily from the Northeast Louisiana Food Bank in Monroe and through donations from area churches and individuals. An additional food provider is the Jonesboro Wal-Mart, who weekly gives items such as pastries, prepared meals and assorted meats. Periodically donations are also received from area schools and the local Scouting Organization. 

A “Fill the Pantry” program has also been started. This allows donors to provide food items that aren’t available through the food bank with suggestions posted on the FBC website and in monthly announcements. 

Anyone interested in volunteering their time or participating in the “Fill the Pantry” program is asked to call His Hands Ministries Director, Randy Layfield, at 318-533-3313. 

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It was a hot July day in Nashville, Tennessee. Bill Dees and his friend Kelton were at Kelton’s home trying to write a song. They needed a melody, a clever phrase, a catchy guitar riff, or anything else that could spark an idea. They played anything that came to mind on their guitars, discussed several phrases, but they were unimpressed with the results. They kept at it. At one point, Kelton’s wife walked into the room. Bill and Kelton’s attention immediately shifted from their task at hand to Kelton’s wife. She was a knockout. Bill and Kelton’s gaze shifted to her yellow skirt and red shoes. Anytime Bill saw a woman he thought was pretty, he exclaimed, “Mercy!” Like the involuntary actions of our bodies such as blinking our eyelids or breathing, Bill exclaimed “Mercy!” before he could stop himself. Bill shifted his gaze from Kelton’s wife to Kelton. Kelton was smiling. He looked back and Kelton’s wife was smiling as well.

The three of them chatted briefly and Kelton’s wife said she was going to a nearby store to buy something. Kelton, ever the gentleman, asked if she needed any money. Before Kelton’s wife had a chance to respond, Bill spoke up and said, “a pretty woman never needs any money.” They all smiled. Kelton’s wife turned and walked away. As she walked out of the house and onto the sidewalk, Bill heard her red high heels clicking on the pavement. Click! Click! Click! Click! Bill tapped his finger on his guitar to the same tempo as the sound of Kelton’s wife’s clicking shoes. Before the sound of Kelton’s wife’s clicking heels had faded, Kelton came up with a fitting guitar riff. Lyrics came next as if they had been there all along just waiting to be written down. By the time Kelton’s wife returned, about 40 minutes later, Bill and Kelton had finished the song.

A week later, on August 1, Bill and Kelton went into the studio to record the song. Once again, Bill tapped his finger to the tempo he remembered of Kelton’s wife walking away in her red high-heeled shoes. Click! Click! Click! Click! The studio drummer played this tempo on his snare drum, Kelton’s guitar riff was added, and finally, Kelton sang lead and Bill sang harmony. In one point in the song, Kelton said there was something missing. He needed to say something short, just a word or two. He remembered what Bill said upon seeing his wife the previous week. He sang one more word, “mercy,” and the song was finished. Bill and Kelton were pleased with the song.

On August 15, 1964, Bill and Kelton’s song was released. Less than two weeks later, their song entered the charts at number 49. By early September, newspapers all over the world predicted that the song would sell well. On September 6, the number one song in the country was “House of the Rising Sun” by the Animals. Bill and Kelton’s song reached number 13. A week later, September 13, Bill and Kelton’s song was at number 2 just behind “House of the Rising Sun.” A week after that, on September 20, Bill and Kelton’s song had replaced “House of the Rising Sun” in the number one spot. “In a 68-week period that began on August 8, 1963,” during the British Invasion, Kelton “was the only American artist to have a number one single in Britain.” In addition to reaching number one in the United States and the United Kingdom, Bill and Kelton’s song reached the top spot in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland, and West Germany. Mercy!

When Bill and Kelton’s songwriting session was interrupted on that hot July day in 1964, none of them could have realized the impact of Kelton’s wife walking into and out of the room. Kelton’s wife’s name was Claudette. The name of the Bill and Kelton’s song came directly from Bill’s comment that “a pretty woman never needs any money.” For almost fifty years now, you and I have heard Bill and Kelton sing “Oh, Pretty Woman.” Kelton is the middle name of Roy Orbison. Mercy!

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In honor or her late husband and in order to continue to serve her calling in the field of education, Bettye Pate, Louisiana Tech Class of 1959, is funding two $100,000 scholarships, one in Human Ecology and one in Nursing.

The endowed scholarships are given by Bettye in memory of her husband of 46 years, Aylon, who passed away in July 2022.

The purpose of both the Bettye and Aylon Pate Human Development and Family Science/Nutrition and Dietetics Scholarship and the Bettye and Aylon Pate Nursing Scholarship is to provide up to $1,000 per quarter to assist a student pursuing a profession in either one of those vocations.

“We are deeply honored that Ms. Betty Pate has chosen to develop the Bettye and Aylon Pate Scholarships — both in Human Development and Family Science/Nutrition and Dietetics and in Nursing — that will honor her late husband, Aylon, while providing significant support for our students,” Dr. Gary Kennedy, Dean of Tech’s College of Applied and Natural Sciences, said. “The School of Human Ecology, which houses the Human Development and Family Science and Nutrition and Dietetics academic degree programs, and the Division of Nursing, which houses the Nursing degree program, are academic units within the College of Applied and Natural Sciences. We appreciate Mrs. Pates’ recognition and support of these diverse academic areas, all of which are essential to the success of our society. Her commitment will be the difference-maker for so many students, and those students will make a difference in their careers for so many others.”

A Tech graduate in Home Economics, Bettye never had the opportunity to pursue her desire to become a nurse. Nonetheless, she spent her life serving the people of Jackson Parish as a home economics teacher, food service supervisor for Jackson Parish Schools, and as an officer in numerous civic service organizations, including the VFW, the Jackson Parish Garden Club, and the Jackson Parish Museum. She is the first female president of the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce and remains active in many capacities in the Jonesboro First Methodist Church.

Students who earn the scholarships must be pursuing a degree in either Human Development and Family Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, or Nursing.

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The Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center is now accepting applications for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class that will be held at the end of October. Applications, which should be brought to 171 Thrasher Drive in Jonesboro, will be accepted until October 10th with classes slated to begin at the end of October. If interested, you are encouraged to apply now as acceptance of applicants will be limited. 

Residents enjoy Outdoors Burger Bash

Forest Haven residents enjoyed a good old fashioned picnic when they were treated to an Outdoor Burger Bash this past week. Residents got the opportunity to enjoy food and fellowship and fun in the sun (and shade) as they dined underneath the opening to the facility. 

2023 Outdoor Burger Bash

Rehab Team Recognized

In recognition of National Rehabilitation Week, the administration and staff at Forest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center honored their nine member “Rehab Team” with a luncheon on Monday. 

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So it all comes back to Skittles.

Who knew?

Let us explain …

Between 2011 and 2014, Trey Hadnot was a seven-time All-America sprinter at Louisiana Tech, won 16 conference championships and was All-Western Athletic Conference 24 times.

It’s a ridiculous number of trophies and medals that his mom religiously dusts to this day in her Ruston home.

Now she has another trophy to shine since her boy and six other Tech standouts were inducted into the University’s Athletics Hall of Fame September 15.

Just five days later, the University honored its six Pro Football and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees, a once-in-a-lifetime sort of event with all six live and in person for a short Q&A ceremony before the unveiling of their individual statues in the new Sarah and A.L. Williams Champions Plaza in the northeast corner of Joe Aillet Stadium.

You can read about both events here and here. It was quite a lot to digest in the span of 120 hours. Wall-to-wall athletic gold. Star-spangled doubleheader for a school of any size, especially a mid-major.

And consider one Naismith inductee, former Bulldog player Leon Barmore (his jersey is retired) and Lady Techster coach, was in attendance for the statue unveiling but didn’t participate in the ceremony because he already has a statue (yawn…) over by the Thomas Assembly Center.

Hard not to be impressed.

All these stars included hometown hero Hadnot, who holds all 10 of the Tech program’s Top 10 indoor 200m records, including the No.1 time of 20.48, which is moving about as briskly as a human can. (The world record is 19.92, so …20.48 defines “moving.”)

Naturally, one would want to know the secret of Hadnot’s swift success. Pregame meal of bananas and baked chicken? An hour of stretching? Prayer?

“Skittles,” he said, with an honest little-boy smile that kids wear when they’re getting away with something.

Skittles? Is that a track-and-field word for a special kind of loosening-up scissor-kick? Another word for special spikes?

Negative. It’s the candy.

“Always ate Skittles before a race,” he said. “And water. Drank lots and lots of water.”

And there you have it. Skittles. Although something tells me that diet only works if you’re Trey Hadnot.

Funny, but he started out running cross country. His coach took him and some other long-distance wannabes several miles from the school, dropped them off, told them to run back, and drove away. It wasn’t but a few minutes before the others had run off and left Hadnot, who had no real idea where he was.

Bewildered and with no Skittles to save him, Hadnot decided sprints might be his future. At least he’d never get lost.

Another quick story. A linebacker out of tiny Clinton, Glenell Sanders became a three-time All-American at Tech. With tears on his face, he introduced his family — Gwen, his wife of 30 years; Genaye, a senior at the University of Houston where she’s a bio-medical engineering major on a full soccer scholarship; and soon-to-be Captain Geraud Sanders, a 2020 Air Force graduate and fighter instructor pilot who was at the controls of one of four T-38 jets that performed the flyover Saturday at Memorial Stadium before the Tech-Nebraska football game.

“All this started,” Sanders said quietly, “because of faith in God, and because some men believed in me, and gave me a chance.”

Theirs were just two of many stories from ordinary people who managed to exceed beyond their imaginations through developing their talent and believing what a coach or parent or friend believed about them and fed into them, a couple of sweet reminders that we can make it — if we all stick together, and coach each other up.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Last year, Cornerstone Christian Academy (CCA) was forced to travel for SLICE League volleyball games. This year the Eagles have their own nest and this past Friday, September 22nd, a historic occasion for the school took place as CCA played their first ever home game.

In front of a packed house at the schools events center, located at 773 Walker Road in Jonesboro, CCA played host to Heritage Academy for a set of junior high and varsity volleyball games. Coaching the Eagles are David and Shasta Broadway.

2023 CCA Volleyball Team Members 

3rd Grade
#33 Leah Grace Gaspard
#50 Jacey Long
#10 Allison DelRio

4th Grade
#25 Sophia Wilkerson

5th Grade
#70 Marley Madiar

6th Grade
#12 Paisley Broadway
#35 Johnny Jerred
#20 Sawyer McNaughton
#8 Levi Stevenson

8th Grade
#7 Kinley Aldy
#11 Jadyn West
#15 London Huckaby
#9 Adaya Diaz

Freshmen
#16 Jacob Henderson
#30 Ryston McNaughton
#1 Dane Stevenson

Sophomores
#21 Parker Broadway
#2 Lilith Gil

Juniors
#6 Kaden McNaughton
#45 Bradyn Stevenson

Seniors
#22 Samuel Gaspard
#23 Brock Henderson

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When it comes to being great, some people are gifted and blessed while others must work at it to be great. It’s one thing to have talent, but it’s sad when people waste that God given talent. During my athletic career, I have seen some very high-level athletes that never took advantage of the talent they were blessed with. Why is this? Is it a lack of self-confidence or is it that no one ever showed faith in them as a player or as a person? Could it be a lack of determination or competitive fire that all great players possess? Even though this article is not related to fishing, today I’ll give you my experience and perspective on not what makes a great athlete, but what makes an athlete great..…..when nobody is watching.

Years ago, there was a youngster from East Texas who was a talented athlete especially in baseball. But talent alone only goes so far. It must be groomed and nurtured. As a kid living in the country, this young boy was always looking for ways to improve his baseball skills and be the best. Daily he would retreat to his backyard and spend hours throwing a rubber baseball off a big fallen tree to work on his fielding skills like one-hoppers that baseball players often get when playing the game. He worked on making backhanded plays and fielding every ball with great technique. He did this daily…….when nobody was watching.

Then one day he was looking for a way to improve on his hitting. So, he took an old blanket his mom offered and hung it on a clothesline out behind his house. (This is how people used to dry their laundry before everyone got automated driers.) Putting his creativity to work, he took an old Folger’s coffee can and cut a three-foot piece of PVC pipe and cemented it into the coffee can. Then he found an old piece of radiator hose (that was very flexible) and slid it over the top of the PVC pipe. BAM!!! There it was….the perfect batting tee. He would hit for hours off this tee so he could become a better hitter. He hit so much that he wore the covers off the balls he was hitting into that blanket…….. all when nobody was watching.

Today, batting tees are available at pretty much any sporting goods store. But back in the early 1970’s, no one had even heard of a batting tee! But this young man used his creativity and designed his own batting tee in order to become a better hitter. Through this extra work he accomplished so much and developed his baseball skills when nobody was watching that he landed a scholarship which eventually led to him being drafted in the 1983 major league baseball draft.

Another great example of doing more than what was required would be a former high school teammate and friend of his by the name of Maury Buford. If this name sounds a little familiar it should, as he was an outstanding punter in the NFL for over 8 eight years during the 1980’s and 90’s. He was the punter for the 1985 Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears, one of the greatest teams in NFL history. Now as a youngster growing up, Maury discovered at a very early age that he had a talent for punting a football. He spent hours on a sandlot working on developing his punting skills. He went on to become an All-American at Texas Tech and had a great NFL career. Maury’s dedication and work ethic was on another level and allowed him to accomplished great things ……when nobody was watching.

This is how athletes become great, doing the little things and putting in the EXTRA time to develop their skills. A lot of kids today do not understand this concept and they think that the time they spend at their scheduled two-hour practice time is enough to be a great player. But great players are different. They realize that if you want to be great, you must put in the extra time away from regular practice. So remember, if you want to be great at anything like golf, tennis, basketball or tournament fishing, it’s the extra time you put in when nobody is watching that makes you great.

Till next time, if you have any comments about this or any other articles I’ve written, go to my Facebook page and give your feedback. I really appreciate all of you that take the time to read my articles. I hope in some small way you gain either knowledge or comfort in what you read.

Steve Graf
Angler’s Perspective

 

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President Christie Weeks called the meeting of the Jonesboro Study Guild to order on September 25 at the Jackson Parish Museum & Fine Arts Association. Hostess for the evening was Joann Teat.

Each member was requested to share with the group a book they had read and thoroughly enjoyed during the summer. After the program a delicious cake was served and enjoyed by all.

Those in attendance were:  Christie Weeks, Kathy Allen, Jolene Carson, May Salters, Stacy Albritton, Joann Teat, Rose Mary Ewing, Glo Weaver, Debbie Conner, Mary Cryer, and Wilda Smith.

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“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members” ~ Coretta Scott King

The Jackson Parish Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) sends an invitation to gather at The Pentecostals of Jonesboro Church, located at 1011 South Cooper Avenue at 6:00 pm on Thursday, October 12th.

Join for an evening where candles will be lit in remembrance of those whose lives were lost to domestic violence, those whose lives were shattered by domestic violence, and those who survived and lit the way for others to do the same.  

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NOTE: Football is sport where the majority of fans may know the names and numbers of the players but seldom see their faces and get to know them personally. In an effort to introduce the members of the 2023 JHHS football team, Jackson Parish Journal correspondent, Clay Williams, presents a question and answer interview series with Tiger players. Today – D’marrian Thompson!

Meet The Tigers

What’s your name, grade, number, and position?
D’marrian Thompson, 12th, #6, Wide Receiver/Safety

What are your hobbies outside of football?
I run track for the school, and I like playing video games at home with my friends.

What is your favorite video game?
Madden is my favorite game, and I like using the Chiefs and the Dolphins.

What is your favorite subject in school?
Biology, because it teaches me about all the body parts and the overall study of life.

Who would you say is your biggest motivation in life?
Travis Hunter, because of his ability to play both sides of the ball like I do, and he’s made his
way to be able to do it at the highest level.

What is your best memory from playing football?
The semi-finals run was really fun, and I loved seeing the community come together for us.

Are there any college or NFL players that you take inspiration from?
Travis Hunter obviously, but also Odell Beckham Jr. and Sauce Gardner.
Travis for his two-way ability, Odell for his famous catches, and Sauce for his lockdown skills at cornerback. 

How did you feel about the team’s 40-0 win against Lincoln Prep?
It felt good to finally beat somebody like that, and we were even able to get some rest towards the end of the game.

What are you wanting from the team this week?
Build on what we did last week and go out there and get another win.

Any advice for younger players on the team or at the junior high?
Stay with it because it might get hard sometimes, but never give up.

What are your plans after graduation?
Go to college to further my education, and hopefully get to play football. Haven’t thought about a major yet, but I would love to attend Grambling.

Lastly, what are your goals this season for yourself, and the team?
For the team, let’s try to make it back to the semis or maybe even farther. For myself, get
stronger every day and work on my craft.

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Ever thought about volunteering with our 4-H clubs? Now is the time to enroll as a new volunteer or to re-enroll for the new year. If you need help getting enrolled as an adult volunteer please call 318-259-5690.

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I Problem

Jesus shared a pointed parable about a greedy farmer…

The man had a serious ‘I’ problem. Self-centeredness and pride clouded his spiritual sight.

“And He told them a parable, saying, ‘The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began thinking to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and I will store all my grain and my goods there. And I will say to myself, ‘You have many goods stored up for many years to come; relax, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is demanded of you; and as for all that you have prepared, who will own it now?’ Such is the one who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich in relation to God (Luke 12:16-21 NASB).”

God opened the farmer’s eyes to his foolish pride.

It’s a fact; you can’t take it with you.

“There is a sickening evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth being hoarded by its owner to his detriment. When that wealth was lost through bad business and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him. As he came naked from his mother’s womb, so he will return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand (Ecclesiastes 5:13-15 NASB).”

 

 

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To have your Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for sale, and Public / Legal Notices published – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com. Possible costs are dependent on content. 

BUSINESS SERVICES

Brookwood Homes – Used and Repo Mobile Homes as low as $10,000.00. Call 318-644-2226.

AFFIDAVIT OF SUCCESSION

PUBLIC NOTICE

JACKSON PARISH TOURISM BOARD
Minutes for Meeting Held September 2023

Notice Posted: September 11, 2023 @ 9:00 AM
Meeting Date: September 12, 2023, TIME: 5:30
PLACE OF MEETING: The Sunshine Room 160 Industrial Dr., Jonesboro, LA 71251
Roll Call: T. Gunter, K. Spangler, C. Weeks, D. Barlow, S. Joyner
Invocation and Pledge: T. Gunter gave the invocation with D. Barlow leading the pledge.
Public Comments / Recognition of Guests:
WELCOME NEW MEMBER- Sandy Joyner
Approval of Minutes of the August 2023 meeting: Motion made by D. Barlow second by T. Gunter to approve the minutes as presented. All in favor, Yea.
Approval of the August 2023 Financials and Pay Bills: Motion made by K. Spangler second by S. Joyner to approve the financials as presented. All in favor, Yea.
Review Old Business:
a. Art contest- was a success with a beautiful reception following held at the library. Theme for
2024 contest will be Exploring Jackson Parish.
b. Promotional items-received partial order rest to arrive by end of October.
c. Tournaments-2024 tentative schedule -Northeast Anglers-February, Highschool March 23, National Crappie in Spring.
Discuss New Business:
a. Ebenezer Park sign-waiting for JPPJ -review next meeting
Other Business:
Adjournment – 6:30 – Motion by D. Barlow second by T. Gunter to adjourn the meeting. Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 5:30PM

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The Town of Jonesboro has been granted the Transportation Alternative Funding for improvements to the downtown area. The funding will replace old sidewalks, handicap ramps and railings, all safety features to improve walkability and safety for residents and visitors.

Until this year, rural communities in Louisiana had limited options for improving sidewalks. Thanks to recent changes in Louisiana’s Transportation Alternatives Program, Jonesboro has received funding to improve local pedestrian infrastructure.

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is a federally funded program administered through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) that focuses on creating “complete streets,” that address the needs of all road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and people with disabilities. This includes building safe, accessible sidewalks that connect residents to everyday destinations like schools, grocery stores, parks, and libraries.

Mayor James Spike Harris of Jonesboro expressed his utmost excitement upon receiving the grant from the Rural Community Transportation Alternatives Program. He emphasized the significance of this funding for our community, recognizing the immense impact it will have on our town’s infrastructure and beautification.

The grant opens incredible opportunities for Jonesboro by allowing us to invest in much-needed improvements to our sidewalks. With these improvements, we envision a variety of positive outcomes for our community. First, we hope to enhance accessibility for all residents, ensuring that our sidewalks are inclusive and accommodating to everyone’s needs. Additionally, the grant will enable us to create safer and more efficient transportation options, which will not only benefit our residents but also attract visitors to our town. By improving our roads and sidewalks, we aim to foster a sense of community and encourage a more active and sustainable lifestyle. Furthermore, this grant will boost economic growth in Jonesboro. Improved transportation infrastructure will facilitate easier access to local businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting our local economy. Moreover, it will attract potential investors, leading to job creation and further development opportunities. – Mayor J. “Spike” Harris

In summary, Mayor James Spike Harris and the entire community of Jonesboro are truly grateful for the funding received from the Rural Community Transportation Alternatives Program.

“We are excited about the positive changes it will bring to our town, including increased accessibility, enhanced safety, a more vibrant local economy, and an overall improved quality of life for our residents,” said Harris. “Together, we look forward to building a better future for Jonesboro through this project.”

Before 2023, communities with less than 5,000 residents that received TAP funding had to contribute a 20% cash match in addition to covering Design and Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) costs, which average an additional 20% of project costs. This means that in the past, a $500,000 sidewalk project would cost a small town $200,000.

“With new flexibility allowed in the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), our LSU AgCenter Healthy Communities team and I worked with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to make TAP a feasible funding option for rural communities,” said Jessica Stroope, LSU AgCenter physical activity specialist. “As a result, DOTD lowered the required construction match from 20% to 5% for communities under 5,000 residents and will no longer charge Design and CEI costs to communities under 50,000 residents. This means that a $500,000 sidewalk project will now cost small towns closer to $25,000.”

Brian Nunes, who oversees TAP in Louisiana, made sure that the new flexibility in the law translated into real change for Louisiana communities.

“Before we made changes to the match requirements to TAP, rural communities rarely applied. The program was out of reach, and the funds were unspent. During the previous application cycle, we only received two applications from communities of less than 5,000 citizens. Of those, one was withdrawn, and one was ineligible. Because of the changes and our partnership with LSU AgCenter, during the latest application cycle we received 15 applications from those same smaller communities. Louisiana is now using all federal funding designated for rural communities for the TAP program. The new flexibility in IIJA has allowed us to address previous equity issues and to reach our rural, distressed, low-income, and transit dependent communities.”

In October 2022, representatives from Jonesboro attended LSU AgCenter Healthy Communities’ Rural Complete Streets Summit. The summit matched communities with mentors, including rotations with program leaders at DOTD, to help rural communities understand and navigate the funding application process. All communities who attended the summit and submitted a TAP application received funding.

Barring any unforeseen delays, work will likely begin in the next twelve months. Keep your eyes peeled and walking shoes ready for improvements in 2024. For more information, please contact Mayor James Harris.

 

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Local fire chiefs, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds that the statewide Burn Ban that was issued on August 25th is still in effect.

The message is simple.

DON’T BURN ANYTHING!

On September 20th a new statement containing what restrictions are in place was issued by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF).

The burn ban remains as is. The LDAF burn ban prohibiting all agricultural burning, including but not limited to prescribed burning, is still in effect. This order shall remain in effect until rescinded. The LDAF will be meeting with our partners at the National Weather Service and the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (SFM) weekly to reevaluate.

The same applies to the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal‘s burn ban. An active burn ban order that prohibits ALL private burning, with no limitations, pursuant to authority under R.S. 40:1602, remains in effect.

Louisiana residents can resume outdoor cooking with safety measures in place. These measures include using contained cooking equipment like grills and smokers, designed for cooking purposes only, on a flame-resistant surface with a water source or fire extinguisher nearby. The fuel source for this equipment (propane, charcoal, pellets, etc.) is not a factor in its acceptable use. The use of open flames in fire pits, campfires, barrels, bonfires, burn piles, and like open burning is still prohibited.

Simple facts regarding the Burn Ban

All outdoor burning is prohibited with NO exceptions. The use of open flames in fire pits, campfires, barrels, bonfires, burn piles, and like-open burning is included in the burn ban.

Outdoor cooking is not a citable offense, but if your cooking creates a fire that the fire department has to respond to, you will get a citation. Be sure to conduct all outdoor cooking with safety measures in place, including using contained cooking equipment like grills and smokers, designed for cooking purposes only, on a flame-resistant surface with a water source or fire extinguisher nearby.

Mowing and yard work is not banned; however, it is preferred to avoid mowing and/or driving/operating hot machinery and/or any activity that could produce a spark on or near dry, brown, dead grass because of its flammability.

If you have questions about the burn ban, please contact the LDAF Forestry Office at 225-925-4500.

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(Clay Williams) They say good things come to those who wait, and that was certainly the case for the Jonesboro-Hodge Tigers during Thursday night’s 40-0 victory over the Lincoln Prep Panthers.

The contest was initially set for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff, but after a scheduling issue with the officials led to there being no referees at the stadium for the planned kickoff, it delayed the game until 8:20 p.m. That wasn’t the only situation that had to be dealt with either. When Lincoln Prep finally did kick-off to the Tigers there were three officials on the field, and only half of the stadium lights working, but nonetheless, the game was underway.

J-Hodge got the offense going quickly, involving QB Symeon Malone, RB Chance Leonard, and WR Christian McGuire in a balanced rushing attack to move all the way down the field for an opening drive 2-yard touchdown run by Malone

Early in the second quarter, the Tigers were looking for a big play when backed up on their own 18-yard line. On 3rd down Malone hit WR Da’Marious Burns on a quick pass across the middle, and then Burns juked his way past the Panthers defense for an 82-yard touchdown. The successful two-point keeper by Malone made it a 14-0 game.

After starting RB Chance Leonard went out due to a knee injury in the second quarter, J-Hodge leaned on the legs of their two QBs. With Malone and Dakota Knox lining up in the backfield together, the Tigers trusted their offensive line and drove down into the end zone with a slew of runs. The drive was capped off by Malone scoring his second keeper of the night to give the Tigers a 20-0 lead at halftime.

The story of the second half was the J-Hodge defense, who after giving up a school record 128 points in the first three games, made it clear that even though it was a short week, they were prepared for everything the Lincoln Prep offense had to offer.

Lincoln Prep quickly went 3-and-out on their opening drive, and then a bad snap on the punt set the Tigers up at the Panther’s 2-yard line. Karmekizik Barber joined the offensive equation by pounding his way in for another Tiger touchdown, and a 26-0 lead.

Later in the third quarter, the J-Hodge’s defense joined in the scoring act. Not once, but twice, and on consecutive Lincoln Prep offensive possessions. Dakota Knox, who was sniffing out the Panther passing attack all night long, was first to intercept a pass and score after rambling through a host of would-be tacklers for a 60-yard pick-six. Two plays later, cornerback Jaylin Barnes joined the fun by jumping a Lincoln Prep screen past and returning it 26 yards to the end zone for another Tigers defensive touchdown. This gave the Tigers a 40-0 advantage, which would be the final score in the end.

With the big fourth-quarter lead, Head Coach Terrance Blankenship used the opportunity to get numerous reserves onto the field, many of them getting varsity action for the first time in their high school careers.

JHHS not only dominated the scoreboard but the stat line as well. Malone led the Tigers offensive thrust with 70 yards on the ground and passed for another 115 more as the JHHS piled up 285 total yards Led by fierce defensive line play, JHHS forced three turnovers and allowed only 57 total yards including holding the Panthers to just 14 yards passing and 1.6 yards per carry on the night. The Tigers also allowed L-Prep to just one successful conversions of third and fourth down attempts

With the victory, Jonesboro-Hodge evens up their record to 2-2 on the season while Lincoln Prep fell to 1-3 on the year. The Tigers will be back on the road again this Friday, September 29th when they travel to D.C. “Bill” Bates Stadium to take on the 1-3 Pineville Rebels. Game time is set for 7:00 pm.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
JHHS (2-2)	6	14	14	6	40
LIncoln Prep (1-3)	0	0	0	0	0

YARDSTICK	JHHS	L-PREP
First Downs	16	6
Rushing Yards	170	43
Passing	115	14
Total Yards	285	57
Third Down Conversions	5/10	1/12
Fourth Down Conversions	0/3	0/3
Turnovers	1	2
Penalties	5/55	9/67

JHHS PLAYER STATS:

Passing:
#4 Symeon Malone – 5/7, 118 Yards, TD
Rushing:
#4 Symeon Malone – 8 Rushes, 70 Yards, 2 TDs
#2 Chance Leonard – 11 Rushes, 38 Yards
#3 Dakota Knox – 5 Rushes, 34 Yards
#9 Karmikizick Barber – 3 Rushes, 10 Yards, TD
#1 Za’Mauryian Palmer – 1 Rush, 6 Yards
#8 Christian McGurie – 1 Rush, 5 Yards
#13 Tysen Burks – 4 Rushes, -5 Yards
Receiving:
#7 Damarious Burns – 2 Receptions, 88 Yards, TD
#8 Christian McGuire – 2 Receptions, 27 Yards

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Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin sends a reminder that you can avoid the long lines at the voting booths by voting early from September 30th to October 7th. This excludes the date of Sunday, October 1st. 

Are you ready to #GeauxVote? Visit GeauxVote.com or use the Geaux Vote app to find your early voting location, view your sample ballot, and sign up for electronic notifications to help you stay informed.

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