The lights are on but you’re not home…… lyrics from Addicted to Love by Robert Palmer

On April 13th the lights were turned on at football stadiums all across the nation including at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium at Jonesboro-Hodge High School in recognition of the prep spring sports athletes that because of the Coronavirus outbreak were forced to miss their senior season.

Those being remembered for not being able to participate are athletes that competed in baseball and softball as well as boys and girls track but due to the schools across the nation being closed were not able to have their final sports season conducted.

“I hate that these young athletes weren’t able to finish their high school career like they normally would have gotten to,” said JHHS Athletic Director Terrance Blankenship. “We wanted to participate in this so that our athletes know that our hearts go out to them.”

Since the founding of America churches all across the nation have traditionally been packed on Easter Sunday. Other than on Christmas there is no other time that Christians make it a point to go to the church of their choice as they celebrate the rising of Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately these days are not normal times as America deals with the Coronavirus and lives with the many social distancing restrictions that have crippled not only the economy but the ability for people to even go to church.

Thanks to the creativity of a local pastor one congregation was able to come together this past Easter and be able worship at their church. This was made able by Jonesboro-Hodge United Methodist pastor Paul Stearns who came up with an idea that not only allowed his congregation to worship at the church but also stay within the guidelines that have been handed down by federal authorities.

What the “out-of-the-box” thinking Pastor did was hold a sunrise service on the church grounds where his parishioners stayed in their cars in the parking lot while he conducted Sunday service.

“For the last couple of weeks we have not been able to hold service as we are used to,” said Stearns. “I felt it was vitally important that especially on this day that our congregation had the opportunity to come and worship.”

About half of the congregation that normally attends showed up for the unique service and all were very appreciative of Stearns, who stood in front of the mass of parked vehicles to deliver his short but concise sermon.

“It was different to say the least,” said one in attendance who echoed the sentiments of all there. “Still it allowed us to worship on this very important day and I am very grateful for the Pastor for thinking up this idea. “

As a leader on the offensive line for Jonesboro-Hodge High School from 1986-89 Jay Watson helped the Tigers win three straight state championships and reach the semi-finals in another. Now he hopes to lead another group of Tigers to the same hallowed ground.

Only this time it will be as head coach of Winnfield where this past Friday he was named head football coach and athletic director. The appointment was a “dream-come-true” for Watson who has wanted to be in this position ever since he was a player.

“I have wanted this for a long time and am very thankful to finally be in this position,” said Watson in an interview with the Jackson Parish Journal. “I can’t wait to get started.”

While this is Watson’s first opportunity to be a head coach and athletic director it is during his second stint at Winnfield that he has gotten the chance. As soon as he graduated from Northwestern State University where he played for two years he became an assistant at Winnfield where he stayed from 1997-2005. For six of those years he served as defensive coordinator.

“Not only am I very glad to get the chance to be a head coach it makes it even more special that I will be coaching here,”  added Watson. “I have a long history here with many great memories.”

While reminiscing on his coaching journey over the past twenty some odd years (WHS 1997-2005, JHHS 2006-09, West Ouachita (2010-16), Ruston Jr. High (2017-18) and at Winnfield again last year Watson made it a point  to mention several people that were so very important in him being where he is today.

“First and foremost I want to start with Joey Pender,” reflected Watson. “I am the coach I am today because of him. He has been a mentor of mine since I was a player and I only hope to be the kind of coach that he was. He taught a player how to compete in football but in life as well.”

“I also am thankful for my coaching staff while I was playing for Jonesboro-Hodge. I can’t tell you how fortunate I was to have coaches like Pender, Walter Causey, Jimmie Davis, Ted Reeves and Roy Barlow, “ said Watson. “It was a who’s who among great men who dedicated their lives to helping their players win in everything they did as a high schooler and as an adult. I hope I will make them proud.”

With his wife Rachael (Ponder), who is the nursing coordinator at the Jackson Parish Correctional Center and the children: Avery (10), Jayse (9) and Landrie (4) Jackson Parish is still is home and Watson says he always still pulls for JHHS and that will continue – except one weekend each season.

It is a guarantee that among the many friends he has from his playing and coaching days at Jonesboro-Hodge they will do the same for Watson – except for that same weekend.

The season ended earlier than Mason Jeane and Clara Womack of Quitman wanted it to but their contribution to the success of their squads was duly noted as evidenced by the QHS pair earning Honorable Mention Class B All-State designation as voted on by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.
For Jeane it is a fitting end to a strong career that saw him hold his own in head to head competition with the premier post players from the past two state champions in district play. Womack, who is one of north Louisiana’s premier three-point threats, will get another chance to improve her standing among the state’s elite next year.

The Most Valuable Players in Class B for the boys were Decari Markray of state champion Doyline with additional first teamers being Jackemin Abney and Kalep Crane from Simsboro, Garrett Edwards of Pitkin and Shaquay Clark of J.S. Clark Leadership Academy. Coach of the Year was Michael Normand of Doyline

On the girls side Rylee Jinks of Fairview was named MVP with Hathaway head coach Courtnee Young beinf named Coach of the Year. Additional first team selections were Maggie Manuel of Fariview, Gracie Sylvia of Florien and Vanessa Duhe from Lacassine.

(Born: November 12, 1996 – Died: April 11, 2020

Mr. Tracy Harold Rushing III was ushered through the gates of heaven on Saturday, April 11, 2020. Professionally the 23 year old man worked on a surveying crew for pipelines. In his free time he enjoyed hanging out with his friends, play video games and watching movies as well as spending time with his paternal grandmother Etta Catherine Rushing who he truly adored.

There was a private graveside service for family only on Tuesday, April 14th at the Antioch Community Church Cemetery in Brewton’s Mill with Reverend Russell Rhodes presiding with the interment being under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

Those left to cherish his memory are parents, Butch Rushing, Kim and Sonny Watts. Siblings are Savannah and Drew Amran and Kody Cannady. Also is his paternal grandmother Etta Catherine Rushing and maternal grandmother Alvern Cannady as well as step sisters and brother in laws Stephanie and Michael McBride, Heather and Josh Linton, Mallory and Jonathan Garrett and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

There will be a memorial service so family and friends can gather at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorials be made to Teen Challenge located at 411 E. California, Ruston, LA 71270.

According to numbers supplied by the Louisiana Department of Health on April 6th eight people have tested positive for the Coronavirus in Jackson Parish. The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office has been able to confirm that actually nine people had tested positive for the virus but a second test later confirmed that one who was thought to be infected tested negative. Four actual COVID-19 cases have been identified with no deaths.

Data from the state on April 4th showed that 12,496 cases have been reported with 409 deaths being attributed to COVID-19 with the majority of those being in or around New Orleans. Additional results show 1,726 state residents are in hospitals with 571 of those required to be on ventilators. With 61 of the 64 parishes in the state reporting there have been 4,196 tests completed by the state laboratory with 54,304 tests completed and reported to the state by commercial entities.

“We continue to encourage residents to please stay home if you don’t have to be out and abide by all CDC guidelines” said Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown. “The virus doesn’t move. People move it. If we stop moving, the virus stops moving. It’s that simple. Please be responsible and be patient. This too shall pass.”

Seniors Mason Jeane of Quitman and Hunter Strickland of Weston has been named first team All-District 2B in boys basketball. Head Coach Josh Brown and senior Kalep Brown of Class B state runner-up and district 2B champion Simsboro won Coach of the Year and Player of the Year honors.

Hunter Alexander and Joshua Smith of Quitman along with Jace Holt of Weston was named to the second team with Cooper Williams of Quitman and Kendrick Tatum of Weston earning Honorable Mention designation.

Additional first team awards went to Jakemin Abney of Simsboro and Chris Williams of Choudrant. Jamarion Cato and Braxton Taylor of Simsboro and Sammy Smith of Choudrant were the other second team selections.

First Team 2B All-District Team
1. Kalep Crane (MVP) Simsboro 23.0 ppg 6.0 rpg
2. Hunter Strickland Weston 16.5 ppg 12.2 rpg
3. Mason Jeanne Quitman 14.8 ppg 5.0 rpg
4. Jakemin Abney Simsboro 23.0 ppg 8.0 rpg
5. Chris Williams Choudrant 12.2 ppg 3.3 rpg

Second Team 2B All-District Team
1. Hunter Alexander Quitman
2. Joshua Smith Quitman
3. Jace Holt Weston
4. Jamarian Cato Simsboro
5. Braxton Taylor Simsboro
6. Sammy Smith Choudrant

Honorable Mention
1. Kendrick Tatum Weston
2. Cooper Williams Quitman
3. Nick Maryland Simsboro
4. Luke Holloway Choudrant

Geoffrey Underwood and Kylee Portilloz of District 2B girls champion Choudrant swept post season all-district Coach of the Year and Player of the Year honors but the backcourt on the 2B All-District girls team belonged to Quitman High as Clara Womack and Bethany Leach both earned first team designation.

Brayli Stewart of Quitman and Emma Kate McBride of Weston was named to the second team. Lauren Maxwell, Lexie Robinson and Mallory Tolar of Weston and Florence Curaza of Quitman received Honorable Mention.
Additional first team honorees were Alexia Hester of Simsboro and Katie Wiley of Choudrant with Jamillion Harris and Tytiana Jones of Simsboro and Alexus Tate of Choudrant being named to the second team.

First Team Girls 2B All-District Team
1. Kylee Portilloz (MVP) Choudrant 16.8 ppg 13.8 rpg
2. Clara Womack Quitman 15.8 ppg 5.6 rpg
3. Bethany Leach Quitman 8.9 ppg 3.5 rpg
4. Alexia Hester Simsboro n/a n/a
5. Katie Wiley Choudrant 15.0 ppg 4.3 rpg

Second Team All-District
1. Emma Kate McBride Weston
2. Brayli Stewart Quitman
3. Jamillian Harris Simsboro
4. Tytiana Jones Simsboro
5. Alexus Tate Choudrant

Honorable Mention
1. Lauren Maxwell Weston
2. Lexie Robinson Weston
3. Mallory Tolar Weston
4. Florence Curaza Quitman
5. Kaylie Bradshaw Choudrant
6. Emma Underwood Choudrant
7. Gracie Watts Simsboro

Jonesboro-Hodge head basketball coach Allen Tew has been named Coach of the Year as voted on by District 1-2A coaches. It is the second straight year that Tew has earned the honor after leading the Tigers to the district championship this year by virtue of winning a three team playoff after JHHS, North Caddo and Lakeside all finished the season with identical 4-2 district records.

JHHS senior and Texas A&M signee LaDamien Bradford was named first team All – District with seniors Jaylen Kendrick and Edward Kary along with sophomore Tydre Malone earning second team honors. Sophomore Justin Calahan earned Honorable Mention designation.

Reginald Martin of North Caddo was named MVP of district 1-2A. Other first team designees include Cortz Collin of North Caddo, Branthony Brown and Austin Sims of Lakeside and Austin Riser from D’Arbonne Woods. Lamar McKinsey and Orlando Roberson of Lakeside also were named to the second team.

First Team District 1-2A All-District
LaDamien Bradford – JHHS
Cortez Collin – North Caddo
Branthony Brown – Lakeside
Austin Sims – Lakeside
Austin Riser – D’Arbonne Woods

2nd Team All-District
Jaylen Kendrick – JHHS
Edward Kary – JHHS
Tydre Malone – JHHS
Lamar McKinsey – Lakeside
Orlando Roberson – Lakeside

Honorable Mention
Justin Calahan – JHHS
Alden Auger – D’Arbonne Wodds
Ondray Miles – Lakeside

MVP – Reginald Martin, North Caddo
Coach of the Year – Allen Tew, JHHS

With the world as we have grown to know it changing since the COVID-19 virus there are some important details that you need to know. Thanks to the Jonesboro Police Department and Chief James “Spike” Harris who encourages all residents to follow the guidelines that have been issued in dealing with the virus see below for some valuable information.

1. Needed food and supplies: All Jonesboro donation centers are being consolidated to one distribution center located at Grace Baptist Church on Aggie Rd. This location is open for anyone who needs these items, but you must show proof of a current address in an affected area. Open 8-5 Friday and 10-6 Saturday. Please give if able.

2. Monetary Donations: Two places are set up for monetary donations. This can be made by contacting the American Red Cross at 870-932-3212 or to the United Way at 870-935-3658. One hundred percent (100%) of United Way donations will be kept local. If you want your Red Cross Donation to benefit Jonesboro victims, you must make the donation in person at their Jonesboro office located at 2416 S. Madison.

3. Road Closed: Prospect Road is closed to thru traffic. This area is VERY congested so please avoid the area completely.

4. Curfew: Curfew is in effect again tonight and every night from 10pm-6am and until further notice. NO ONE should be on the streets after 10pm unless they are heading to or from work.

5. All COVID-19 restrictions still apply: You are encouraged to STAY HOME as much as possible. Your temperature will be checked before you enter any city buildings. City playgrounds and parks are still closed except walking trails.

6. Burn Ban: There is a burn ban effective in Jonesboro city limits that will stay in place until further notified.

7. Trash/Debris disposal: Household waste and construction debris must go to Legacy Landfill. All yard debris, tree limbs, and live vegetation must go to the pit on Strawflood Rd or to the incinerator site on Dan Ave.

8. Construction companies: Construction companies MUST obtain a privilege license from City Hall prior to doing ANY work in Jonesboro. These can be obtained (usually same day) at City Hall at 300 S Church. ALL
COMPANY VEHICLES MUST HAVE THE YELLOW PLACARD CLEARLY VISIBLE IN EVERY VEHICLE IN THEIR FLEET. These will be obtained from City Hall as well. If a vehicle does not have this placard clearly visible on every single vehicle in their fleet, DO NOT LET THEM DO WORK FOR YOU!

9. Be aware of scams: If you hire someone to do work for you in the coming weeks, know that they are REQUIRED to be able to show you their privilege license before work is performed. Get ALL information you possibly can to avoid scams – get a photo of their ID, their privilege license, phone numbers, business cards, etc. ALL COMPANY VEHICLES MUST HAVE THE YELLOW PLACARD CLEARLY VISIBLE IN EVERY VEHICLE IN THEIR FLEET. These will be obtained from City Hall to show Authorized Contractors. If a vehicle does not have this placard clearly visible on every single vehicle in their fleet, DO NOT LET THEM DO WORK FOR YOU!

In May of 1970 the last graduating class of Jackson High earned their diplomas. Running through May 22-24 these prestigious graduates will celebrate their 50th anniversary reunion with a meet and greet scheduled for that Friday and a picnic and banquet slated for the next day. The school was closed in 1971 when through a mandated federal order all students were sent to Jonesboro-Hodge High School.

Registration materials have already been mailed out to classmates for whom contact information was available. If you were a member of the 1970 graduating class or know of a member who has not yet received their information you are asked to contact reunion organizer Linda Lee at (313) 836-1913 or through email at brcljc@aol.com.

Tri-District 1B champion Saline placed two the first team All-District team while Saline and Dodson had one each named to the first team in boys basketball. Senior Maria Barnett and Sophomore Georgia Robinson along with Sophomore Ethan Roberts of Saline were named as well as Dodson junior Xaiden Hall.

Additional first team award winners on the boys side were Jamaria Clark and Decari Markray (MVP) of Class B state and district 1B champion Doyline along with Jeffry Wallace of Castor. Macey Moss (MVP) and Kemi Bumgardner of Castor and Unnika Miller of Doyline was named first team for the girls.

Alana Gray of Saline and JaNiah Weary were named to the second team along with Tanner and Caleb Barton of Dodson. Eighth grader Xzander Washington of Saline and Sadie Beaubouef of Dodson earned Honorable Mention designation.

Samuel Larry Ledbetter
Born 1930- Died 2020
Age: 89 years old

Samuel Larry Ledbetter of Jonesboro, LA passed away on March 22, 2020 at the age of 89 years old due to complications from a lengthy illness of Dementia and Alzheimers. “Coach” as he is fondly remembered by his players from his time as head basketball coach at Jonesboro-Hodge High School was employed by the Jackson Parish School System for 26 years and then after retirement served as 911 Director for Jackson Parish for an additional 19 years.

After graduating from Simsboro High School in 1947 and Louisiana Tech in 1952 where he was named MVP of the mens basketball team and All-Conference during his senior year Ledbetter began his career with the Jackson Parish School System in 1954 assuming duties as the head boys basketball coach.

During his coaching career he compiled a career record of 178-104 which at the time was the most victories compiled in school history. Lebetter led his teams to two district championships (1956-57, 1957-58) and a Class AA state runner-up finish in 1956-57. The 30-4 record achieved in 1956-57 still stands as the second best record in school history.

In 1964 he became principal at Chatham High School a position he held until 1969 when he was selected to be the Superintendent of the Jackson Parish School System where he served until 1980. After retirement he became a store manager with Wal-Mart Inc. for seven years and in 1989 was selected to help implement and direct the 911 Emergency Response System in Jackson Parish remaining in that capacity until 2017.

Ledbetter is survived by his wife, Jane (Hills) Ledbetter; son Ben Ledbetter; daughter Anne Ledbetter Mollere along with three grandchildren, Whitney Ledbetter Robinson, Lauren Ledbetter and Roland Mollere. Also included is son-in-law Colvin Robinson and three great grandchildren, Trent Ledbetter, Ella Robinson and Jack Robinson as well family members of the Gullat, Taylor and Hills families. He is preceded in death by his parents Buck and Millege (Mimi) Gullat Ledbetter.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Memorial Fund of the Jonesboro-Hodge United Methodist Church.

Thank you for joining us for the first issue of the Jackson Parish Journal! The JPJ is an online news source for all of Jackson Parish.

My name is Ben Ledbetter, and I am the Executive Editor and Market Manager for JPJ. I am a resident of Jackson Parish and I have a passion for serving the community and connecting with people.

With a focus on parish news, sporting events and people our goal is to become the “go-to” news source for our parish. We understand that in a fast-paced world people need news at their fingertips and delivered in real-time. Our first step in making news simple & free is to provide the JPJ free to subscribers in their email on Wednesday and Friday by 6:55 AM. You can also access the JPJ via our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Jackson Parish Journal is honored to become the most recent addition to The Journal family including the Natchitoches Parish Journal, the Red River Parish Journal, the Winn Parish Journal and the Sabine Parish Journal.

I hope you join me in the excitement of bringing you local news when you need it, that is simple & free! Please let me know what you think at JPJjackson@gmail.com. I look forward to connecting with you.

Ben Ledbetter
Market Manager
318-480-1206