Larry Melvin Pardue                 May 13, 1938 – August 13, 2020

Mr. Larry Melvin Pardue Sr., age 82 of Jonesboro, LA passed away peacefully at his home while surrounded by his family on August 13, 2020. Larry was born in LeCompte, La on May 13, 1938. He is preceded in death by his parents Victor Carl and Jewel (Tumlin) Pardue, brothers Victor and John Pardue, sisters Max Quarles and Connie Spurlock.

Larry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Juliette Saint Pardue. Together they raised 5 children Tamera Morgan (Stephen), Lauri Brown, (Scott), Susie Nomey, Larry Jr. (Samantha), Joey Pardue (Kori), plus 2 bonus children Troy Dane Johnston and Wendy Davis, all of Jonesboro. He will be remembered by 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Larry was a proud graduate of Weston High School. He co-founded Pardue & Quarles in 1969, alongside his late brother-in-law John Ed Quarles. He created a business that felt like home to all that walked in, whether it was drinking coffee in the back or swapping stories about what the fish were biting even though he wouldn’t tell a soul what bait he used. He was the epitome of a hard working man. Larry was passionate about the community and his church. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. He was a staple in the Jonesboro community.  Larry was known for his quick wit, big smile, and love for his family. He kept things interesting with his jokes, dancing, and stubborn demeanor. Larry spent many hours with his kids and grandkids on the pond, in the deer stand, or in the garden. He’d take you fishing, but you can bet he stood at the back of the boat to put himself on the fish. And don’t think he’d give up a shot at a buck, even if it was his 10 year old granddaughters first hunt.

Larry was an avid outdoorsman, it didn’t matter what time of the year it was but you could find him pulling a 4-wheeler, a boat, or a tractor. He’s hunted all over the south and has the antlers to prove it. When hunting season was over, you could find him in his garden or on the lake. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: First Baptist Church Building & Grounds fund or the charity of your choice.

Brenda Michelle Bishop          Sept. 29, 1962 – August 15, 2020

Mrs. Brenda M. Bishop, age 57 of Hodge, entered into Heaven on Saturday, August 15, 2020.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a friend to many.  Mrs. Bishop was a retired merchandiser who loved spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren grow.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Michael Bishop; children, Michael Paul Ellington & Ashlee, Kevin Ellington & Rachel, Jason Bishop; grandchildren, Eli Ellington, Carson Ellington, Whitten Ellington, Ayla Ellington, Callan Ellington, James Ellington, Sadie Ellington; siblings, Denise Foy & James, Micheal Quinton, Amanda Woods & Brian; uncle, Robert Quinton, Jr.; step-father, Thomas Chesney; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Mrs. Bishop was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Quinton, Sr. and Sandra Faye (Whitten) Chesney; grandparents, Robert Whitten and Melba (Duck) Whitten.

A memorial service will be held 1:00 pm Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at North Hodge Assembly of God Church with Reverend Geary Phillips officiating. In lieu of flowers Brenda had requested that donations be made to Pilots for Patients at http://www.pilotsforpatients.org or Pilots for Patients, 3127 Mercedes Drive, Monroe, LA 71201

***COVID-19 Precautions of Mask & Social Distancing Should Be Observed For Service Attendance***

George Edward Freeman        Sept. 09, 1962 – August 15, 2020

Mr. George Edward Freeman, age 57 of Jonesboro, died Saturday, August 15, 2020, following a period of declining health.  Mr. Freeman loved the outdoors and he loved his family. Those left to cherish his memory are his life partner, Linda Boykin; son, Cody Freeman; siblings, Peggy Alford and Lewis Freeman; a host of other family and friends.  Mr. Freeman was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Edward Freeman and Iva (Davis) Freeman.

There will be memorial service held in his honor 6:00 -8:00 pm Tuesday, August 25, 2020 in the chapel of Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations in his honor be made to the charity of your choice.

***COVID-19 Precautions of Mask & Social Distancing Should Be Observed For Service Attendance***

Ted Bosch                  December 26, 1970 – August 11, 2020

Mr. Ted Warren Bosch, age 49 of Dry Prong, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2020.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Dorothy Bosch; father-in-law, Jon Odom. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carol Odom Bosch; children, Erin Bosch, Adam Bosch; grandchildren, Kai Matu’u, Kane Matu’u; siblings, Deidra Terral and Terry, Pat Bosch and Lisa, Christy Luke and Reynold, Tim Bosch and Melissa; mother-in-law, Barbara Otwell and Dennis; brother-in-law, Daryl Odom; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A memorial services will be announced at a later date.

 

Cleasy Ernest Futrell        February 02, 1942 – August 12, 2020

Mr. Cleasy Ernest Futrell, age 78 of Quitman, went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, August 12, 2020.  He retired from the Hodge Paper Mill after 42 years of employment.  Mr. Futrell was a very creative and talented artist who also enjoyed time spent gardening.  He was a devoted minister who truly loved the Lord and he will be remembered for being a wonderful man of God.  His family was his prized possession and he loved each of his family members with his whole heart.

Mr. Futrell is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Eula Murphy Futrell; his son, Adam Futrell and wife Rachel; grandchildren, Crystal Futrell, Chris Futrell and wife Traci, D.J. Futrell and wife Amanda, Courtney Futrell, John Walker and wife Jessica, Carrie-Lynn and Grace Futrell, Dakoda Morse, Cheyenne Nugent and husband Lee, Nathan Morse and A.J. Futrell; great grandchildren, Maci Futrell, Abigail Futrell, Gabi Lee Futrell, Chris Futrell, Jr., Nevaeh Futrell, Lucas Futrell, Laila Futrell, Alec, Bella Walker, Jules Walker, Ellington Walker, Nova Lee and Natalie Nugent; sisters, Diana Hammons and husband Charles, Pat Mason; brother, Charles Futrell and wife Becky; brother-in-law, Jerry Murphy and wife Wanda; sisters-in- law, Girline Smith, Martha Murphy; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.  He was preceded in death by his son, Dennis Futrell; parents, E.J. and Helen Futrell; siblings, Doyle Futrell, Mary Ellen, Deloris and husband Travis; nephew, Edwin Futrell; great grandchildren, Willow Raine, Mauryk-Renn; sisters-in-law, Allie Lunsford, Laverne Murphy, Lois Carlile; brothers-in-law, Wayne Murphy, T.D.”Doc” Murphy, J.C. Carlile, Marion Smith, Tommy Lunsford.

A graveside service was had at Springhill Cemetery at 3:00PM with Reverend Rick Cole officiating.  Burial followed under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home. Serving the family as pallbearers were Chris Futrell, D.J. Futrell, Dakoda Morse, Nathan Morse, A.J. Futrell, Lee Nugent.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Terry Carpenter, Randy Mason, Allen Hammons.

 

Murline Brooks                           March 12, 1944 – August 11, 2020

Mrs. Murline Brooks, age 76 of Monroe and formerly of Quitman, went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, August 11, 2020.  She was a nurse that enjoyed exploring her recipe books and cooking.  Mrs. Murline was a huge fan of Christmas time and loved making Christmas crafts.  She loved and adored her family and church family.

She is survived by her children, Tina Brooks, Staci Spurlock, Dr. Steven Futrell; siblings, Robert Barry Shug and Patricia Ann (Aldy) Womack; sister-in- law, Fannie Fletcher; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Aubrey Brooks; parents, Murlin and Willie Womack. A graveside service was held at the Mount Olive East Cemetery with Reverend Charles Penuell officiating.  Burial was under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home. Serving the family as pallbearers were Gilbert Pickens, Dwight Lamkin, Steve Matlock, Jody Terral, Mathew Boughton, Eric Holers, Tom Teprovich. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Jackson Parish Recreation Department Complex already offers more amenities than most any in north Louisiana. It is soon going to become second to none thanks to the approval of the Jackson Parish Recreation Board who agreed to move forward with a multi-million dollar outdoor pavilion project.

Board member’s Brent Barnett, Ricky Cash, Brandon Lamkin, Rodney Potts, Sullivan Stevens and Chris Womack unanimously agreed to move forward with the project at their July 20^th meeting after engineer Paul Riley of Riley Company in Ruston discussed the plans and costs involved for construction. Jeff Hairston was absent.

Per Riley, the budget money would consist of the following:

1. $278,000.00 to be paid by the state
2. $250,000.00 – $400,000.00 to be paid by the Jackson Parish Police Jury
3. $1,722,000.00 – $1,872,000.00 to be paid by Jackson Parish Recreation District (depending on how much the JP Police Jury provides)

“This is a great day for the people of Jackson Parish,” said Recreation Director Tommy Smith. “To be able to have an outdoor pavilion on the grounds is something that we have been wanting for years. Thanks need to be given to our board members who have worked diligently to make this dream come true.”

Once completed such long standing traditions that have gone by the wayside over the past years as the Jackson Parish Rodeo and Play Days can take place again. The pavilion also will allow for many additional parish activities to take place as well.

In other action the board agreed to enter into a $8,287.01 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Town of Chatham to purchase 4 trash receptacles, 4 surface mount pedestals, 4 picnic tables and concrete for pads.

Nathan Crane of Watermark Golf presented his findings for the golf course renovation program and the board rejected all bids for the LCWF tennis courts. Director Smith gave an update on the ongoing summer sports programs, Rebecca Williams did the same on the golf course and all financials and minutes from June were approved.

The next regular scheduled meeting was set for Monday, August 17^th at 12:00 noon at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro.

At the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Ward 3 Fire Protection District held on August 3rd at the Chatham Fire Station training room board members Freddy Tolar, Dwight Cooper, Wayne Whitman and Margaret Waggoner unanimously agreed to adopt a resolution to set millage rates for 2020 at 9.99 mils. James Mixon was absent.

In other action the board received a final update on the sale of a truck, discussed purchasing a new mower and heard the updated plans on the new training building which now has the road completed to it. Also a policy was adopted announcing that the district would no long fill in swimming pools.

Entire minutes of the meeting are shown in Classifieds section of the Jackson Parish Journal.

It looks like we will have a prep football season after all. That is if the state of Louisiana has moved to Phase 3 by then. This past week the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) sent a memo to member schools by Executive Director Eddie Bonine outlining certain regulations and guidelines pertaining to football, volleyball, cross country and swimming.

Notable recommendations implemented for the sport of football now state that scrimmages and jamborees are no longer an option this fall. The association had previously mentioned the possibility of preseason contests taking place the week before an October 8th regular season start date.

Team boxes are now extended an additional ten yards to each team’s respective 15-yard line. Within the box only essential personnel is permitted and all must wear a mask and maintain a six foot distance at all times. Players, when not playing, must also wear a mask.

It has also been determined that instead of schools reworking schedules for a shortened season that the season would start with each school playing teams shown on the third week of the schedule . While some parameters have been set there is still discussion going on about how long the regular season will be and how many playoff teams would be considered.

Currently a six game regular season followed by the playoffs and the state championships to be played on the weekend of December 12^th, which is the normal time that the state title games are played in the Superdome, seems to have the most leverage.

A longer regular season with shortened playoffs and moving the state championship venues to other locations are also being considered as well as re-combining “select” and “non-select” schools in the playoffs for a one year period.  Also noted was that football teams could have the option of playing a bowl game as an “extra” contest should it not make its respective playoff field.

For olympic fall sports, similar guidelines were also established. You may read more about each sport’s guidelines by clicking HERE.

It was short and sweet and now it is over for summer league play of the Jackson Parish Recreation Department. All in all it turned out to be a very successful campaign as despite all the restrictions and problems caused by the COVID-19 epidemic the eight teams that competed were able to finish the season without a hitch.

“We were very happy with the way things turned out,” said JPRD director Tommy Smith. “To say that we had challenges to meet is an understatement but thanks to the staff, parents, coaches and the players we made it through with no problems.”

Six league champions were crowned with Leach’s Turf Divas’ (9-10 girls) and Catfish Inn (11-13 girls) winning titles in undefeated fashion. Additional league winners were:  Heyhunner’s (7-8 girls), Traina’s Bakery (7-8 boys), Rhode’s Farms (9-10 boys) and Jonesboro Glass (11-13 boys).

All-Star teams announced

Girl’s teams from the 7-8 and 12U leagues from Jackson Parish were selected that took part in All-Star competition this past weekend. Due to publishing deadlines complete tournament results and game scores will be provided in the August 19^th edition of the Jackson Parish Journal. Rosters for each are:

Jackson Parish 12U All-Stars: Players-  Maggie Guyotte, Peyton Muse, Skylar Hall, Anna Grace Lee, Madison Brymer, Elli Dickerson, Zoie Anderson, Allison Phelps, Gracee Barton, Chloe James. Coaches- Brian Guyotte, Reggie Hall, Scott Jach

Jackson Parish 7-8 Coach Pitch All-Stars: Players – Hannah Aldy, London Burks, Teegan Hall, Sally Keiffer, Landry Horsfall, Skylar Lamkin, Mykenzie Macoy, Tessa Reeves, Ella Simonelli, Amelia Staggs, Maggie Wall, Ryleigh Trahan, Rachel Bandy. Coaches – Patrick Staggs, Corey Aldy, Kristyne Anderson, April Simonelli

If you have kept up with my writing and broadcasting for the past bunch of years, I don’t

have to tell you of my interest in song birds. One of the pleasures I enjoy is to sit on my back porch, bird book, binoculars, camera and cup of coffee in hand and enjoy all the flit and flutter that is going on in my back yard.

            I keep my bird feeders filled, one for hummingbirds and one for song birds that are making sure they’re not going hungry.

            Several species are regulars, some almost too regular. I don’t know how many blue jays have been reared in the trees and bushes around the yard but I sometimes see as many as seven or eight at a time scarfing down sunflower seeds. One thing rather comical is to watch either a fledgling from this year of a teenager who lives in his mother’s basement, a bird fully as large as a grown-up jay, sitting and fluttering its wings begging for a parent to offer him a morsel. Big baby.

            Others that are regular daily visitors are cardinals. We were somewhat excited when we watched a female cardinal making regular trips to a gardenia growing just outside my office window. Upon investigating the shrub, I spotted a nest; they reared a brood of little cardinals within spitting distance of my window

            Others have taken advantage of the free lodging we have provided in the form of three bird boxes I have hung around the yard. First, there was a tufted titmice pair that reared a brood of six little fluffy fellows in one of the boxes.

            Next, a pair of Carolina wrens liked a box I mounted on the back fence, not that wrens needed a traditional nesting site. I have had them make nests in an old pair of boots on the porch, in my wife’s hanging basket by the front door and one time wrens kept me off the lake for a few weeks when they built a nest under the seat of my bass boat.

            A rather sad commentary happened with our bluebirds. I have a box mounted on a pole out front and I was pleased to note that bluebirds began building a nest. Soon there were four pretty blue eggs in the box. I would periodically check to see if the eggs had started to hatch and became worried after several weeks when there were no baby birds in the box and it appeared they had been abandoned.

            There is a feral housecat that hung around the yard and I assumed that perhaps the cat had caught the female bluebird, so it was with a bit of regret that I removed the nest and abandoned eggs. Within a week, bluebirds began constructing another nest and soon, there were four eggs. I was relieved that finally I’d have a clutch of baby bluebirds to watch out for.

            I was pleased to see that one of the eggs hatched and I kept an eye out for the others to follow suit. I walked out one morning to check on my birds and found the lone baby bird dead and the eggs missing. What happened? I have no idea except I know I won’t be watching four little bluebirds try their wings.

            I have spotted a new bird I had never seen around the back yard feeder. I thought at first I was looking at some species of miniature woodpecker because the little dark gray and white bird flew with the same undulating up and down way a woodpecker flies. When it lit on the trunk of a backyard oak, it scooted up the trunk just like a woodpecker. Checking my bird book, I learned I was looking at a white breasted nuthatch, a bird I had never seen. So far I have not been able to get a photo of the bird but I’m not giving up just yet because I’ve seen it several times

            This blasted coronavirus has curtailed so much of what we’ve been able to do but at least I have my back porch, my bird book, binoculars, camera and coffee to keep me occupied.  

Sometimes a person can have talent, ambition, take all the right steps, and make all the right moves, but is unable to achieve success.  It usually takes an act beyond their control to reach their goal.  It can be a chance meeting or just being in the right place at the right time.  Oftentimes, it can be a coincidence, and other times it can be as the result of an accident.  George’s life changed as a result of one such accident. 

Shortly after 3:30 a.m. on Friday, November 19, 1954, George and Charles left Las Vegas, Nevada, en route to Universal-International Pictures at Studio City, Los Angeles, California.  George was going to the movie studio to record the theme song “Six Bridges to Cross,” for the motion picture of the same name.  George agreed to record the song because he was good friends with Tony Curtis, star of the picture, and Jeff Chandler, the song’s lyricist and narrator for the picture, and because it was a good professional move to have his voice heard during the opening credits.  George had made some television appearances, but most of his work was on the nightclub circuit.  This was to be George’s first credited recording for a motion picture, and he hoped this recording would elevate his career to new heights.     

The trip should have taken them just over four and a half hours to complete.  George and Charles left Las Vegas following one of George’s performances as part of the Will Mastin Trio at the Last Frontier Hotel.  Unable to sleep from the adrenaline the show had produced, George told Charles that he could get some sleep.  He, George, would drive.  Charles climbed into the back seat of George’s convertible and quickly fell asleep.       

Just after 7:00 a.m., with about an hour left in their trip, George drove down Kendall Drive in San Bernardino, California.  Up ahead, a car operated by 72-year-old Helen Boss was stopped in the middle of the road.  She and her passenger, 69-year-old Bessie Ross, had missed their turn and were preparing to turn the car around.  George saw no brake lights, nor did he see a blinker.  Once he realized the car was stopped in the highway, he slammed on the brakes.  It was too late.  George’s convertible slammed into the stopped car.  Mrs. Boss suffered a back injury and Mrs. Ross suffered a broken leg.  Charles was thrown from the back seat into the rear of the front seat and broke his jaw.  The force of the impact slammed George’s face into the hard-plastic and metal steering wheel.  George received several cuts on his face, but the most damaging was a severe gash to his left eye. 

Paramedics rushed George, Charles, and the women from the stopped car to the hospital.  Dr. Frederick H. Hull, a well-known San Bernardino eye specialist, examined George’s eye.  Later that evening, Dr. Hull operated on George, but, unfortunately, Dr. Hull was unable to repair and save George’s left eye.  As a protective measure, Dr. Hull covered both of George’s eyes with bandages.     

Entertainers and movie stars called the hospital to check on George.  So many of them called that the switchboard jammed.  George received hundreds of telegrams from entertainers, some he knew, most he had never met.  He received hundreds of letters from fans wishing him a speedy recovery.  In addition to telephone calls, telegrams, and letters, George received flowers and gifts from famous people, many of whom were not personal acquaintances.  Well-wishers included such notables as Judy Garland, Louella Parsons, Jack Benny, Mary Livingston, Jeff Chandler, Will Mastin, Sammy Davis, Frank Sinatra, Eddie Cantor, and Red Skelton, just to name a few.

Some of his friends even offered to give George one of their own eyes.  However, whole eye transplants were, and remain, medically impossible.  During the operation, Dr. Hull repaired George’s eye socket so that he could eventually use a false eye, and the false eye would move in unison with his good eye. 

George was in good spirits throughout his recovery.  When George awoke from surgery and realized his left eye had been removed, he quipped to nurse Iona Smith, “Thank God it was my eye and not my leg.”  He would not allow the loss of one eye hinder his career as a nightclub entertainer.  Three days after the operation, Dr. Hull removed the bandages from both of George’s eyes.  Nurse Smith said George “was very happy that he was able to see again.”  “God must have had His arms around me,” George said, “Otherwise, I would be blind today.”  “This can’t hurt me,” George said bravely, “I can still dance as well as I could before.  I can still sing as well.  Nothing has changed.”    

Just as George had predicted, his return to the stage was triumphant.  In fact, he reemerged as a larger star than he had been before.  Suddenly, people with more clout in the entertainment industry started paying attention to George’s many talents.  Before the accident, George only appeared in three Hollywood “short” films.  Following the accident, however, George secured nightclub bookings in multiple cities for the Will Mastin Trio.  George received offers to appear on Broadway, television, and in movies.  He eventually starred in more than seventy television and film productions in a career which lasted until his death in 1990.     

Following his accident, he also began a ten-year recording career with Decca Records, followed by another ten-year contract with Reprise Records, and shorter recording contracts with companies such as Verve Records, Motown Records, and MGM Records.  Although he had many hit songs, his only number one single came in 1972, some eighteen years after his accident.

Had George not lost his left eye as a result of an automobile accident, we might never have seen him in “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Robin and the 7 Hoods,” and, “The Cannonball Run.”  We might never have heard him sing “Candy Man.”  The omission of Junior behind Sammy Davis’s name in the list of well-wishers was no accident.  You see, it was Sammy Davis’s son who lost his left eye in the car crash.  George was the middle name of Sammy Davis Jr.

For more real stories about real people with a twist, order your copy of “Remember This?” at www.BradDison.com or listen to his podcast “Brad Dison’s Remember This?”  Brad earned his master’s degree in the subject from Louisiana Tech University. He has written four history books and has been published in newspapers and scholarly journals. Keep up with Brad’s column through the Facebook group “Remember This? by Brad Dison.”

Sources:

1. The Napa Valley Register, November 20, 1954, p.1.
2. 2. The San Bernardino County Sun, November 20, 1954, p.19.
3. 3. The San Bernardino County Sun, November 21, 1954, p.17.
4. 4. Daily News-Post and Monrovia News-Post, November 22, 1954, p.14.
5. 5. Oakland Tribune, November 23, 1954, p.24.
6. 6. Pasadena Independent, November 23, 1954, p.16.
7. 7. The San Bernardino County Sun, November 23, 1954, p.26.
8. 8. Daily Independent Journal (San Rafael, California), December 1, 1954, p.4.
9. 9. The Sacramento Bee, December 4, 1954, p.11.
10. 10. The San Bernardino County Sun, December 4, 1954, p.29.
11. 11. Valley Times (North Hollywood, California), December 7, 1954, p.2.
12. 12. The Folsom Telegraph, December 16, 1954, p.11.
13. 13. The Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, California), January 10, 1955, p.2.
14. IMDb.com. “Sammy Davis Jr.” Accessed August 3, 2020. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002035/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1#actor.
15. YouTube.com. “The Candy Man.” Accessed August 4, 2020. https://youtu.be/o5vFvt3fJpw.

For the past several years it seems a pair of students from at least one of our local schools qualifies for the National High School Bass Fishing Championships. It should come as no surprise as Jackson Parish and surrounding area has some of the best fisheries in the entire nation that allows for all kinds of different strategies to be used.

It won’t be long that another season will begin as evidenced by the dates shown below for the fall qualifier rounds for the 2020-21 season. Teams can fish any or all of the qualifiers no matter what area they are located.

1. September 12- Doiron’s Landing, both sides, Stephensville, LA (East Division)
2. October 10- Red River, Grand Ecore Landing, Natchitoches (North division)
3. November 7th- Calcasieu River, Moss Bluff (West Division)

Fishing report for area waterways for August 9^th-16th

CANEY LAKE – A good many bream are being caught fishing around the piers on worms and crickets. Bass are schooling and running from small to average size. However some bigger fish in the 5-7 pound range are in deeper water with oversized plastic worms and crank baits picking up some. Crappie have slowed and are only fair this week. Catfishing has been good tight-lining cold worms and blood bait. Night tournaments are being held Thursday nights at Hooks Marina with a 3-fish limit. For latest information contact Bateaux on Caney Lake at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

OUACHITA RIVER – There is little current in the river this week. Crappie have been fair fishing 8-9 feet deep in 12 foot water around the tops on jigs, especially those with blue, chartreuse and purple colors. Bass have been best fishing the cuts with shad imitation lures. Bream are fair on worms and crickets. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie fishing has been fair on the flats on shiners and jigs. Bass have been good at night on dark colored plastic worms and dark spinner baits. During daylight hours, they are best fishing the deep holes and channel drops with crank baits, wacky worms, jigs and spinners. Bream are fair on crickets and worms. Catfishing has been good fishing off the banks with cold worms and night crawlers. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

 LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bass fishing has been fair with some caught at night on dark spinners and soft plastics. Crappie fishing continues to be good fishing jigs or shiners 12-15 deep around submerged brush sitting in 20 foot water. Catfish are fair tight-lining cold worms. Bream are fair but running rather small. Stripers are schooling and hitting shad imitations while trolling for them with white bucktails is also working. For latest information, call Tim Loftin at Kel’s Cove at 927-2264.

If you know much of anything about the history of WWII you’ll recall these two main arenas of battle: European Theater of Operations (ETO) and Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO). However, most people are unaware there was another, little known third arena, called the China-Burma- India Theater of Operations (CBI).

Due to its extreme isolation, the CBI theater was the most difficult to supply for Allied forces during World War II. The fighting was vicious and consistent. CBI provided the reason for the unit called the “FLYING TIGERS,” under command of Major general Claire Chennault. Early in the war, General Chennault’s American Volunteer Group (AVG) of fighter pilots had valiantly held off superior numbers of Japanese planes.

Chennault was from the great state of Louisiana and there’s an extensive museum in his honor in Monroe. The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, home of the “Flying Tigers” is currently closed due to Covid-19, but WELL worth the visit as soon as they reopen.

Another distinguished combat group was Merrill’s Marauders who made an impact on the Burma campaign that far outweighed their numerical strength as the only American Infantry regiment in Asia. The Marauders fought much like our Special Forces of today. Numerous soldiers from Jackson Parish served in the CBI Theater in various countries and various capacities. Here are a few:

T/Sgt. DAVID L. CROWSON – Son of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Crowson from Jonesboro and husband of Helen Lockhart. He entered Army Air Corp, 1940 and trained in Louisiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. He served in ATO and APO in India and China. He was awarded Pre-Pearl Harbor, APO Ribbon and 1 Battle Star, Unit Citation Victory and Good Conduct. Discharged in 1945. (Crowson is the father of Jonesboro’s Charlotte Bailey, and she reports her father reenlisted in the U. S. Air Force in 1949 and served his country until 1963 until he retired from service)

F/O FLOYD B. FULLERTON- Son of Mr. and Mrs. F. F. Fullerton of Jonesboro and a graduate of Jonesboro Hodge High. He entered the army in 1940 and trained at Barksdale Field, La and Scott Field, Ill. He served in ETO, Awarded ETO, ATO, and CBI. He was KILLED in action in India in 1943 and received the Purple Heart.

Sgt. JAMES D. RASBERRY – Son of Mr. and Mrs. Sanders Rasberry of Hodge and graduate of Jonesboro High. He entered the Army Air Corp in 1943 and trained at Barksdale Field, La. Hamilton Field, Cal., March Field Cal., and Moffett Field Cal. Rasberry served in China, Burma, and India and was awarded Good Conduct, APO, CBI and Victory Ribbons. He was WOUNDED in Burma in 1941 and discharged in 1944.

Maj. GEORGE GIBBONS – Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Gibbons of Williamsport, TN and husband of Vera Smith. He entered the Army in 1942 and trained at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, He served in India and was discharged in 1946. (Dr. George Gibbons and Vera would make their home in Jonesboro, where he would serve the community as a primary care physician until his retirement)

T/4 ROBERT THOMAS – Son of Tempie Johnson of Colfax and husband of Louise Moore. He entered the army in 1942 and trained at Ft. Jackson, S. C. Served in CBI Theater and was awarded GC Medal and discharged in 1946.

Pfc FLOYD SMITH -Son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Floyd of Jonesboro and attended Jonesboro Colored High School. He entered the Army in 1941 and trained at Ft. Belvoir, Va. He served in China, Burma, and India. Was awarded two Battle Stars and a BRONZE STAR and discharged in 1945.

Want to show your support for Quitman High School and protect yourself when you go out in public at the same time? Then take advantage of the offer provided by softball and track team to order face masks that have the school name and mascot on it.

There are three styles to choose from and each costs $10.00. To place an order, simply contact Coach Justin Durbin or Coach Kyle Leach at Quitman High School or reach out to Coach Justin Dobson on his Facebook page. The masks will be available for pick up by the end of August.

The Jackson Parish Journal is pleased to add a new Classifieds section where you can post items for sale, offer job opportunities, professional services, etc… Cost per post is $10.00 per week and can be submitted by email at jpjjacksonla@gmail.com or by text to 318-480-1206.

For Sale:

5.06 acres of land (Price Reduced) – located one mile East of Jimmie Davis Tabernacle on Hwy. 542, Beech Springs Road, Quitman, LA.  Call (706)745-3933 for more information.  

Church Bus – Jonesboro-Hodge United Methodist Church is selling small Bus that is equipped with Handicap accessibility. Engine work needed. Contact Paul Sterns for more information at (360) 399-8347.  

Book for sale – “The 100 year history of JHHS football” – An in-depth, year by year review of each season that includes names of players from virtually every year and individual/school records. Cost is $25.00 per copy plus $3.00 shipping and handling. To place your order, call 318-480-1206.

Help wanted:

HODGE BANK AND TRUST COMPANY IS HIRING!!  BOTH EXPERIENCED AND ENTRY LEVEL POSITIONS AVAILABLE. SALARY, BENEFITS AND GREAT HOURS.  PLEASE CALL 318-259-7362 FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

Organizations:

Boy Scouts of America – For boys in 6^th grade through 18 years old. For more information contact: Dawn Slezak at (713) 824-1772.

Cub Scouts of America – For boys and girls in Kindergarten through the 5^th grade. For more information contact: Dawn Slezak at (713) 824 – 1772.

Services offered:

Harris Yard Beautification – Professional Lawn Care provided at reasonable rates. Call Greg at (318) 245-2349

A1 Honey Do, LLC – Boat house, deck building and repairs. A Limited Liability Corporation (LLC). For estimates contact Mark Droesser, Owner at 318-366-7598 “We do what your honey can’t do”.

 

Public Notices:

Jackson Parish Recreation District Board Meeting Minutes

July 20, 2020

Jonesboro, Louisiana

The Jackson Parish Recreation District met in regular session on Monday, July 20, 2020 at 12:00 noon in the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Mr. Brent Barnett, Mr. Ricky Cash, Mr. Brandon Lamkin, Mr. Rodney Potts, Mr. Sullivan Stevens and Mr. Chris Womack. Absent: Mr. Jeff Hairston.

The President, Mr. Barnett, called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Mr. Cash and Mr. Barnett led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Barnett opened the floor for public comments. Mr. Fred Tolar commented that 8-10 golf courses have closed due to the cost to maintain them and the outdoor pavilion would get a lot more usage and make more money than the golf course. Mr. Barnett moved on to the next item on the agenda.

Motion Mr. Cash seconded Mr. Womack to approve minutes and financials (June). All in favor. Motion carried.

Mr. Nathan Crace, Watermark Golf, presented his findings for the golf course renovation program.

Motion Mr. Barnett seconded Mr. Potts to reject all bids for the LWCF tennis courts. All in favor. Motion carried.

Motion Mr. Womack seconded Mr. Cash to table concession stand proposal until next board meeting. All in favor. Motion carried.

Mr. Paul Riley, engineer, discussed with the board plans to construct an outdoor pavilion. The budget would include $278,000 from the State and $250,000-$400,000 from the Police Jury, both amounts to be verified. Depending on the Police Jury match, the Recreation District would have to borrow or match with cash between $1.872 to $1.722 million in order to construct entire pavilion.

Motion Mr. Barnett seconded Mr. Potts to move forward with the outdoor pavilion project and give Mr. Steven Gatlin permission to talk to the State Bond Commission. All in favor. Motion carried.

Motion Mr. Cash seconded Mr. Womack to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor with the Town of Chatham for 4 trash receptacles, 4 surface mount pedestals, 4 picnic tables and concrete for pads in the amount of $8287.01. All in favor. Motion carried.

Mr. Tommy Smith gave board update on some of the ongoing programs at the sports complex including baseball/softball season and archery.

Ms. Rebecca Williams gave board update on the golf course including membership and banquet rentals.

Next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2020 at 12:00 noon at the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, Jonesboro.

Motion Mr. Barnett seconded Mr. Cash to adjourn meeting. All in favor. Motion carried.

WARD 3 FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT MEETING MINUTES

Chatham, La. 71226

August 3rd, 2020

The Ward 3 Fire Protection District met for its regular meeting Monday,August 3rd, 2020 @ 6:00 pm. at the Chatham Fire Station training room.

The meeting was called to order by Freddy Tolar. Opening prayer was given by Wayne Whitman.

 Roll was taken with the following member’s present: Freddy Tolar, Dwight Cooper, Wayne Whitman, and Margaret Waggoner with one absent, James Mixon. Also attending was Ward 3 Fire Chief, Danny Peel and one visitor, Eddie Waggoner.

 A motion was made by Cooper and seconded by Whitman to change agenda and add following Items under old business

#3 discuss mowers and under new business

#4 review equipment policies. All in favor.

Time for public comments was open, Eddie Waggoner asked about mowing.

The minutes from the last meeting were presented and a motion was made to accept the minutes by Waggoner and seconded by Cooper. All were in favor.

A motion was made by Whitman and seconded by Waggoner to approve financial report as presented and approve expenditures since last meeting. All were in favor.

Old business:

1. Final update on sale of truck
2. Update on Training Center grounds (road completed and considering Training Bldg. plans)
3. Discussed mower options

 New business:

1. A motion was made by Waggoner and seconded by Cooper to adopt resolution as stated to set mileage for this year at 9.99 mills and to authorize Tolar to sign resolution and affidavit. The roll was called on the adoption of resolution and it was adopted by the following votes: yeas-4, nays-0, abstained-0, absent-1.
2. Discussed mower options and will follow up on this.
3. Discussed proposed plans for new Training Building.
4. A motion was made by Waggoner and 2nd by Cooper to adopt policy that we would no longer fill swimming pools. All in favor.

Being no further business, a motion was made by Cooper and 2nd by Whitman to adjourn meeting. All were in favor. Our next regular meeting will be Monday, October 5th, 2020 @ 6 p.m. at Chatham Fire Station Training Room.

Linda Susan Wallis           August 28, 1949 – August 08, 2020
Mrs. Linda (Weeks) Wallis, age 70 of Jonesboro, LA, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 8, 2020. She was a graduate of Jonesboro-Hodge High School, Class of 1967. For many years she was a business owner and loved to play golf with her girlfriends. She loved big gatherings and being around people. In her later years she was a homemaker and spent most of her time cooking and watching old western movies and recently discovered Netflix. She loved her family unconditionally.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Robert L. Wallis, Jr.; daughter, Susan Wallis and Robbie; stepchildren, Tonya Yarbrough, Missy Shankle and Rickey, and Kim Smith;  grandchildren, Tiffany Ables and John, Josh Graham and Haleigh, Kallie Wallis, Lauren Yarbrough, Zack Yarbrough, Kayla Donaldson, and Cole Shankle; great grandchildren, Jackson and Jayce Ables, Maddox Graham, Lakynn and Hudson McDuff, and Millie Whiteside; mother, Maxine Weeks; sister, Carla Raborn and Ronnie; niece and nephew, Chad Raborn and Derek and Kristen Foster and Steven. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl Weeks; sister, Sandy Weeks; grandson, Blake Smith.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at 10:00 am in the chapel at Edmonds Funeral Home with Brother Randy Dark officiating.

***Per State Guidelines COVID-19 safeguards of masks and social distancing should be observed***

Helen Griffith           September 06, 1932 – August 03, 2020
Ms. Helen Griffith, age 87 of Jonesboro, passed through the heavenly gates on Monday, August 3, 2020.  She had a strong work ethic and held a bachelor degree in English Literature.  She worked as a librarian and as legal secretary.  Ms. Helen was a strong adventurous soul.  She loved to be outdoors and enjoyed hiking and camping.  In her 50’s she treated herself to the hike of her life time by hiking the Appalachian Trail.  She began this hike in Georgia and by the second summer she ended the hike in Maine.  She is a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.

Ms. Helen is survived by her loving children, Maria Lucca, Skip Courtney (Rhonda), Courtney Eastman; 3 grandsons; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husbands, Bud Courtney, Davis Griffith; parents, George Albert and Mildred Mae (Reed) Fisher; sisters, Roberta, Betty, Millie.

Shelia Jackson          November 22, 1059 – August 3^rd 2020
Ms. Shelia Jackson, age 60 went to be with the lord on August 3^rd, 2020. Graveside services were held at the Sandhill Cemetery in Quitman, LA on Friday, August 7^th under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

Guy Eldridge Farley                   March 24, 1923 – August 01, 2020
Guy Eldridge Farley, a native of Jackson and Lincoln parishes, passed from this life peacefully on Saturday afternoon, August 1, 2020 at the age of 97.  This great American Patriot had been declining but he was comfortable and doing well until COVID-19.  After fighting the virus with all he had, he simply closed his eyes and stopped breathing with God at his side and his daughter holding his hand.  He was able to see his last “beautiful” sunset the previous evening.

Daddy started this life as the sixth and last child of Zachary and Josie Campbell Farley on March 24, 1923 in Hodge, Louisiana.  He spent his childhood days on several North Louisiana sharecropper farms.  At the age of eight he lost his mother and was cared for by his sister for the next few years.  He quit school in the ninth grade because his father would not let him play football.  Around the age of 13 Daddy once again enjoyed a stable home life when his father married Etta Brewster.  Choosing not to sharecrop like his father he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Advance Paper Company (the mill).

Daddy met Mama for the first time at a party at which he was playing guitar.  Some time later they eloped and were married on August 16, 1941.  Their lives were interrupted by World War  II when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1943 to serve his country.

Radioman Third Class Farley served on the U.S.S. Barr (a destroyer escort), which was missioned to the Pacific Theater, where he experienced substantial hardship and consistent peril at sea.  He witnessed the raising of the U.S. flag over Iwo Jima, was at Okinawa and Nagasaki and was part of the liberation of American Prisoners of War in Tokyo.

After his discharge in January 1946 Daddy resumed his career at the mill.  While providing for his wife and four children Daddy earned his GED in 1962, the same year his oldest son graduated high school.  He went on to complete a correspondence course for Pulp Engineering.

Daddy retired at the age of 55 as an Assistant Superintendent.  He and Mama built a house on Lake Bistineau, by hand, where he enjoyed fishing and gardening.  They later moved to Shreveport to be closer to their children.  After Mama died in 2010 Daddy persevered on his own as long as he possibly could.  He learned to enjoy the company of the staff and residents at Summerfield Retirement Estates prior to a short stay at the Veterans Home before moving to his last residence, The Glen.

Throughout his adult life Daddy was a faithful Christian and was devoted to his family.  He served those in his community, volunteering for numerous civic and church duties.  Even on his deathbed he offered to help anyone he could, any way he could. He enjoyed getting his hands dirty and the challenge of fixing whatever needed fixing and building whatever needed building.  Daddy was never without a garden, a smile, or his sense of humor.  He enjoyed picking, whether it was a guitar, peas or with his grandkids.

“Little Guy” as he was called by his mother approached everyone and everything with endless patience.  He was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be sorely missed although we joyfully celebrate that he has added his powerful singing voice to God’s Glory Choir and is in His presence with those of his family that welcomed him there. Daddy was fond of saying, “Working on a beautiful day out there” and now he’s enjoying the most beautiful day of all.

He was preceded in death by his sweetie, Opal Farley, parents and stepmother, brother Sidney “Bud” Farley, sisters Norma Field, Maudie Ayres, Iva Norred, Mildred Lyles and son Mitchell Ray Farley. Daddy leaves behind son, Ladell Farley and wife Donna; daughter Violet Lindsey; son, Reggie Farley and wife Tommie; grandchildren, Ty Lindsey and wife Dusty, Jason Lindsey and wife Melissa, Eric Lindsey, Welcome Lindsey, Josh Farley and wife Jill, Luke Farley, Ashley Farley Coffey and husband Aaron; eleven great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren.  He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Velma Miller and Patsy Ray.

Funeral services were held Thursday, August 6, 2020 at McDonald Memorial Baptist Church in Jonesboro where Daddy was a long-time deacon and song leader.  Immediately after he was laid to rest next to Mama in the Garden of Memories Cemetery across the street from McDonald Church.  The Reverend Rocky Maddox, pastor of Rose Park Baptist Church in Shreveport presided with the Reverend Aaron Coffey assisting. Pallbearers wereTy Lindsey, Jason Lindsey, Eric Lindsey, Luke Farley, Eugene Lyles, Jerry Norred and Prentice Norred.

 

Marshall “Gwin”  Norman
Mr. Marshall “Gwin” Norman, age 62 of Jonesboro, passed from this world on Monday, July 27, 2020.  Mr. Gwin worked as a logger for over 40 years.  He enjoyed time spent working, camping, and fishing.  He will be best remembered for being a good ole country boy.  Mr. Gwin was many things to many people such as a father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and he will be missed by all.

Mr. Gwin is survived by his children, Chris Norman and Aimee, Misty Norman, William Norman and Melinda, Donna Bryant and Joseph, Candy Ann Dillon and Jack, Phillip Tims; 6 grandsons; 12 granddaughters; 1 great grandson; 1 great granddaughter; 4 brothers; 2 sisters; many, many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by a great grandson; parents, Marshall Hudson and Ima Louisa (Hogg) Norman; wives, Angella Wilson, Camille Norman; 2 brothers; 1 sister; 1 sister in law; 1 niece.

A graveside service was held at the Old Bethlehem Cemetery, near Calvin, with Reverend Freddie Shows officiating.  Burial followed under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

 

It was supposed to be a once in a lifetime memory. It still willl be but for all the wrong reasons. The good news is that both of the people who were in the small plane that crashed into a wooded area just west of the Jonesboro airport will live to tell about it.

According to reports from eye witnesses and first responders on the scene, a two seat Challenger II aircraft, commonly referred to as an ultralight, lifted off from the Jonesboro airport sometime around 7:00 pm. on August 2^nd.

The plane was piloted by Jackson Parish resident Gary Morris who was taking the wife of a friend on her first flight ever, while the husband remained on the ground at the airport. Soon after liftoff and just after the plane flew over the Wallace residence on Folks Road in Jonesboro, a loud noise was heard by the homeowners who were sitting on their porch and witnessed the terrifying ordeal.

“We were sitting outside and watched the plane come over when I heard this loud POP,” said Gary Wallace. “I ran out to the yard and noticed that the pilot was trying to circle the plane back around but that he didn’t have any power. He was basically gliding.”

“I told Jeanna to call 911and I took off towards the woods where I saw the plane going down,” continued Wallace who further credited Morris with doing a great job in a deadly situation. “I don’t know how he did it but somehow, even with half a wing ripped off, he kept that plane upright. He deserves credit for handling the situation like he did. It could have been much worse.”

Emergency responders quickly arrived and both people on board were transported to the Jackson Parish Hospital and later air-lifted to LSU-Shreveport. At last report the passenger was listed in critical but non-life threatening condition, while Morris was in stable condition with mostly minor injuries.

Per the initial reports it appears the cause of the crash was due to an engine malfunction. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash but at present nothing new has been learned.

 

Most of the times when you think of a bass tournament you think of a bunch of grown-ups taking to the water in hopes of winning a prize. What you forget is that fishing is not just something you do for tournament competition but for family fun as well.

There is hardly any better way for a family to spend time than by going fishing together. For some it is a time tested tradition of passing down fishing knowledge from Grandpa, to father to the young one coming up. For others it is simply a rare occasion of family time that is never forgotten.

When you combine the two above mentioned scenarios you have one of the best times ever on a lake. This was evidenced recently when the Caney Creek Bass Club held their first ever Youth 12 years and under Bass Total Weight Tournament that saw 25 anglers age 5-12 participate with, of course,  their “boat captain” guiding the way. To say it made a “Big Splash” is an understatement.

Here are the results and a few pictures to remember the day by.

BIG BASS WINNERS

1st Place – Bella Caskey (8yrs old)             3.61lbs

2nd Place  -Jaxson Womack (7yrs old)      3.31lbs

TOTAL WEIGHT WINNERS

1st Place – Jaxon Womack (7yrs old)          7.03lbs.

2nd Place- Bella Caskey (8yrs old)              5.83lbs.

3rd Place – Cruz Nomey (5yrs old)              5.47lbs.

3rd Place – Grant Griffin (6yrs old)             5.47 lbs.

3^rd Place – Dawson Griffin (10yrs old)        5.47lbs.

4th Place- Jaylin Williams (10yrs old)        5.40lbs.

4^th Place – Drew Williams (12yrs old)        5.40lbs.

5th Place – Hunter Williams (6yrs old)      5.06 lbs.

5^th Place – Dane Clifton (8yrs old)               5.06lbs.

5^th Place – Alex Lewis (12yrs old)                5.06lbs.

6th Place- Dalton Blackman (10yrs old)   3.29lbs.

6^th Place – Denver Blackman (12yrs old)  3.29lbs.

7th Place- John Hilburn (6yrs old)              2.46lbs.

8th Place -Landry McAllister (8yrs old)    1.95lbs.

8^th Place – Bryar McGuffy (8yrs old)           1.95lbs.

8^th Place – Cade Mercer (9yrs old)              1.95lbs.

9th Place- Hailey Chatham (12yrs old)     1.46 lbs.

9^th Place – Ben Ramsey (12yrs old)             1.46lbs.

10th Place -Carter Green (10yrs old)        1.44lbs.

11th Place – Maddox Lee (10yrs old)         0.51lbs.

11^th Place – Austin Lee (12yrs old)              0.51lbs.

Three teams had fish on but could not get them in the boat. In this tournament everybody is a winner and went home with a gift.

Team # 6 – Parker Brown (7yrs old) & Bailey Brown (11yrs old)

Team # 14 – Dustin Blackman (5yrs Old)

 

FISHING REPORT FOR 8/5/2020

CANEY LAKE – Bass fishing has been fair to good fishing the deep drops and humps with deep diving crank baits and over-sized plastic worms. Some are also being caught early and late on topwater lures fishing in the shallows. Bream are fair on worms and crickets. Crappie fishing has fair fishing around the deep tops on shiners or jigs. Night tournaments are being held Thursday nights at Hooks Marina with a 3-fish limit. For latest information contact Bateaux on Caney Lake at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249- 2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

BUSSEY BRAKE – Bass fishing has been good with some big double digit fish caught along the edge of the pads and around the button willows on soft plastics, spinners and jigs. Bream are fair. No report on catfish or crappie.

OUACHITA RIVER – Bass have been best fishing the cuts with shad imitation lures. Crappie are fair in the river lakes fishing shiners or jigs 4-8 feet deep in 10-12 foot water. Bream are fair on worms and crickets. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie fishing has been best fishing the old channels and on the flats on shiners and jigs. Bass have been good at night on dark colored plastic worms and dark spinner baits. During daylight hours, they are best fishing the deep holes and channel drops with crank baits, wacky worms, jigs and spinners. Bream are fair on crickets and worms. Catfishing has been good fishing off the banks with cold worms and night crawlers. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or HoneyHole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bass have been better at night with some in the 5 pound range caught on dark spinners and soft plastics. Crappie fishing continues to be good fishing jigs or shiners 12-15 deep around submerged brush sitting in 20 foot water. Catfish are fair tight-lining cold worms. Bream are fair but running rather small. Stripers are schooling and hitting shad imitations while trolling for them with white bucktails is also working. Stripers are schooling and fishing has improved trolling bucktails and spoons.. For latest information, call Tim Loftin at Kel’s Cove at 927-2264.

 

It’s a go! Well at least for now it is. Unless something changes from now till then, which is still a possibility given the way things have gone back and forth over the last several weeks classes are scheduled to begin on August 28^th for schools in Jackson Parish.  The last day of the school year is set for May 28^th, 2021. See below for full year schedule.

JACKSON PARISH SCHOOLS REVISED SCHEDULE:

Professional Development              August    25-26-27, 2020    

First Day for Students                       August   28, 2020 

Last Day – Seniors                               May     13, 2021

Last Day – Students                          May     28, 2021

Teacher Work Day                             May     28, 2021 

Official Holidays:

Labor Day                                               September 7, 2020 

Parent Teacher Conference             October 23, 2020          

Presidential Election                           November   3, 2020 

Veteran’s Day Observed                    November 11, 2020 

Thanksgiving      Dismiss: Friday, November 20, 2020
                               Return:  Monday, November 30, 2020
Christmas            Dismiss: Thursday, December 17, 2020
                              Return:   Monday, January 4, 2021           

Dr. Martin Luther King     January  18, 2021 

Winter Break       Dismiss: Thursday, February 11, 2021  
                               Return:  Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Spring Break        Dismiss:  Friday, March 12, 2021
                                Return:  Monday, March 22, 2021 

Easter Break         Dismiss:  Thursday, April 1, 2021
                                Return:  Tuesday, April 6, 2021 

End of Grading Periods: 

• October 28, 2020 (2) January 20, 2021 (3) April 1, 2021 (4) May 28^th, 2021

For decades on end there have been a countless number of Jackson Parish residents that have traveled to Branson, Missouri and brought home wonderful memorabilia to remember the trip by. None has ever come back though with what Quitman resident, Cali Deal has from her trip – A WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP RING!!!!

Playing with the Marucci Patriots 2025, her regular travel-ball team that is based out of Jena, LA the dual threat, phenom was instrumental in leading her team to the 12U Fastpitch America Softball Association (FASA) 2020 World Series title. Not only did the team, who also has another Jackson Parish resident as a member in assistant coach Todd Culpepper, win the title, they did so in undefeated fashion against the best pre-teen, soft-ballers in the nation.

The fire-balling, southpaw went 3-0 on the mound highlighted by an impressive, gut-check, outing in the winner’s bracket final game. It was in that contest that Deal took a line drive off her pitching arm early on but stayed in to pitch a complete game victory. At the plate Cali, the daughter of Brian and Syble Deal, was just as important to the cause by batting over .500 for the tournament.

2020 FASA World Series Tournament Results (Branson, MO)

1^st round:             Marucci Patriots (LA) 8 – Lady Gators (TX) 0

2^nd round:            Marucci Patriots (LA) 8 – Top Gun White (MO) 1

3^rd round:            Marucci Patriots (LA) 4 – MOJO 2K7 Hranicky (TX) 3

4^th round:            Marucci Patriots (LA) 5 – Top Gun 07 (AR) 2

Finals:                   Marucci Patriots (LA) 6 – Top Gun 07 (AR) 1

Enjoyment and appreciation is always the result of seeing great plans come together. This coming Saturday you have the opportunity to see how a local organization and area businesses have combined their efforts for the betterment of locals at Pierre Park in Jonesboro.

To witness the revitalization of the park located behind Harvey Place in Jonesboro take Leon Drive off of Hwy 4 East and turn left on Congo Street. Free lunches for all and basketballs for the youth will also be provided but it is recommended to arrive early as supplies are limited. Once completed the park will have new picnic tables, see saws, swings, repaired basketball goals and even a new merry-go-round for area youth to enjoy.

The project is result of the locally based, Four Corners Global Outreach Organization desire to help renovate the park and Jonesboro State Bank, who through their “Pledge 10” program, gave a grant of 5,000.00. Additional businesses and organizations assisting are: Full Gospel Temple, Pardue Builders, West Rock, Cornerstone Christian Academy and Four Corners Coffeehouse.

By: Glynn Harris

            The ongoing and seemingly never ending Coronavirus pandemic has put a mask on, social distanced itself from and quarantined virtually not only Louisiana but the whole universe as well. We are having to adapt to a new way of living with no real end in sight.

            In years prior to 2020, summer was the time when plans were being put together for events that this year are just flat-out not going to happen. For example, the inability to hold annual banquets for groups like Ducks Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation has put a serious damper on plans going forward for these popular and worthwhile organizations.

One of the biggest local summer time fund raising events over the past few years has been the Lincoln Parish chapter of Whitetails Unlimited.

This organization, only a few years out of the gate since being formed, has captured the interest not only in area deer hunters but has turned some heads nationally. Special recognition in the form of national awards has been granted to the group not only for the number of attendees at the banquet but for funds raised.

I have been fortunate to attend and promote these annual affairs and have come away seriously impressed with not only the number of folks attending but the air of enthusiasm I have seen. It has been seriously amazing.

When the Lincoln Parish chapter was formed, Ruston’s Glen Scriber served as president, a role he handed over to his predecessor, Daniel Taylor after last year’s record-setting banquet. Taylor was set to pick up where Scriber had left off with even more plans for keeping the local banquet on top of the heap.

Then came something nobody saw coming nor were we prepared for, COVID 19.                 

The annual banquet is normally held each year in late summer but because the pandemic put the skids on large gatherings, the banquet will not be held this year.

            Will the local chapter just fade away and become a distant memory? Not so, says chapter president Taylor.

            “We have had some large banquets the last couple of years that has allowed us to have left over funds to be used in our community to promote the type of activities we sponsored before the virus hit,” said Taylor. 

            “Our local 4-H kids are involved in such activities as archery and shotgun competition and before we got involved, the number of kids involved was not so great because they couldn’t afford the expenses. Once we supported them with such things as targets, arrows, clay pigeons, etc., a large number of kids are now participating and thankfully, we will be able to continue our support this year,” he said.

            “Another activity in which we have been involved with support is Med-Camps which each summer holds a week-long camp at Camp Alabama for kids with special needs. These kids get to do things like learning archery, canoeing and such and we’re really proud to help make this happen.”

            The local chapter has been financially involved in other activities such as providing a wheelchair for a wildlife enforcement agent who was shot and partially paralyzed while on the job.

            Even though there will be no banquet this year, we are thankful that financial support for these worthwhile activities are forthcoming this year. It is our hope and our prayers that this horrible menace will soon fade away and things can soon return to a semblance of normalcy.

Walter May, who served as District Attorney for 18 years, has announced his plans to continue to serve the citizens of Claiborne, Bienville and Jackson Parishes. He has announced his candidacy for District Judge in the Second Judicial District.

May is running for Division A district judge. In the race for Division B district judge, Yumeaka Robinson Washington and Rick Warren have announced they are running against each other.

 “I was born and raised in Jackson Parish,” May said. “As District Attorney I worked and prosecuted cases in Claiborne, Bienville, and Jackson parishes. I worked with law enforcement, judges, and attorneys in all three parishes. Three of my six children graduated from high school in Claiborne Parish.

“My work as District Attorney was a reflection of my strong desire to serve the citizens of this area. As judge, I will continue to be consistent and fair. I pledge to you, that if elected, I will continue to treat every person with respect and dignity, just as I did as a DA, regardless of their background or station in life.”

May was elected to three terms as District Attorney for the Second Judicial District, Claiborne, Bienville and Jackson, serving for 18 years. During that time, the office set records in the number of successful cases, the number of trials, and the amount of child support collected, among other accomplishments. New, innovative programs were established that had never existed before to try and divert young people from criminal activity and to protect the rights of victims.

May has more jury trial experience and has had vastly more prosecutorial experience than any candidate for judge. As a prosecutor he tried more than 25 felony jury trials. In addition to his work as a prosecutor, he has had many civil jury trials.

May had the experience of researching and helping to draft appellate court opinions when, following law school, he was selected to serve as a law clerk for the Third Circuit Court of Appeal. He has practiced in courts all across the state of Louisiana and argued cases before the Courts of Appeal and Louisiana Supreme Court.

If elected District Judge, May said his goals include:

• Apply the law equally and consistently to all parties, regardless of their circumstances.
• Respect and follow the law as it is written. 
• Install a Drug Court to help rehabilitate drug offenders.
• Be respectful of everyone that enters the courtroom.
• Always be accessible and available to law enforcement officers at all hours of the day and night, in all three parishes for search warrants, arrest warrants and other duties required by the judge.
• Make sure the rights of victims, as well as the rights of defendants, are respected.
• Maintain an efficient courtroom that starts on time, ends on time and where a 15-minute recess means only 15 minutes. May said he strongly believes a person’s times is valuable and the court should make every effort to respect the time of each individual in court.

May also has experience outside of the legal system, experience that is important to understanding the needs and concerns of everyday families. He helped pay his way through school by working in the Gulf on crew boats and on natural gas drilling platforms. He worked in Simsboro at the glass plant and worked for the Jonesboro utility department doing everything from clearing rights of way to digging up sewer lines.

He used the GI Bill he earned serving in Iraq to go to night school at Louisiana Tech to get a Master’s Degree in Teaching.  Thereafter he taught English and social studies to junior high and high school students and coached high school basketball.

For more than four years, he taught adult education classes, helping students to complete their GED, classes which often were made up primarily of inmates from local jails. He finished his teaching career as an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Louisiana Delta Community College.

May received a commission as an Officer in the US Naval Reserve Intelligence Program and afterward was awarded credentials as a special agent in the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). After serving for 12 years and achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserve, May transferred to the Louisiana Army National Guard.

As a Judge Advocate General (JAG) Officer in the Louisiana Army National Guard, Walter served twelve years, and achieved the rank of Major, with assignments to Honduras and Belize.

May was deployed to Iraq as a JAG officer in the U.S. Army, where he served as Officer-in-Charge of the Central Criminal Court of Iraq – Liaison Office, which  oversaw the prosecution of all crimes committed against U.S. and coalition forces within the country of Iraq. For his service in Iraq, he was awarded the Army Meritorious Service Medal.

May has announced that, if elected, he will not accept any benefits from the Judges’ Retirement System.

“If elected, I will not accept any benefits from the Judges’ Retirement System,” May said. “In fact, I have pledged to donate any and all retirement benefits from the judgeship into a scholarship fund. The fund will be for criminal justice and pre-law students from our district who attend Grambling or Louisiana Tech.”

Walter and his wife Robin have been married for 40 years and have six children and 13 grandchildren.

The whole May family was raised to place a high priority on service to their community and country. His three sons all served in the military, and were highly decorated for their service, with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. All three have served, or are serving, as law enforcement officers. His three daughters have all worked in education.

“I was born and raised in North Louisiana,” May said. “It was here that I learned core values, such as service to your community and the importance of treating everyone honestly, equally and fairly. I pledge to you, that if elected judge, I will treat every person with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or station in life. I pledge to be consistent and fair, applying the law equally.

“The Second Judicial District, Claiborne, Bienville, and Jackson parishes, is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family because of the residents who live here. It would truly be an honor to serve as your District Judge, and I humbly ask for your vote and support.”

By: Blanche Bishop

Seventy-five years ago, this week and next, are two of the most influential and important weeks of the 20th century. The events occurring were so secretive, very few people including Vice President Harry Truman, knew anything about it. After the death of Franklin Roosevelt, the new President Truman was finally alerted to the secret the country had been working on for years; how can we swiftly, bring an end to the horrific and deadly, four year war with Japan and Germany?

It had to be one of the most heart pounding, mind boggling, despicable, world changing decisions any leader, of any nation, would ever make. It remains so to this day. He was told that thousands of Japanese men, women, and children would instantly turn to dust as would the entire cities they were dropped on.

However, thousands of American and Allied warriors and civilians would die if he didn’t stop the murderous rampage of the socialists, communists, and fascists leaders attempting to take over the world. I wonder how many millions of people living on this earth would be alive today, if President Harry S. Truman, had failed in doing his job, to protect this nation. President Truman had to personally sign off on the use of the most powerful, destructive weapon ever invented by man.

Thus, began a tale for the history books. The USS Indianapolis sailed from San Francisco, California on July 16, 1945 on a special high-speed run to Guam, carrying essential atomic bomb material. She delivered her unusual cargo of the “LITTLE BOY” and “FAT MAN” and the world changed forever.

What would turn out to be the last mission of this gallant cruiser was to bring Pacific bases, which are within bombing range of Japan, materials for atomic bomb attacks on the enemy. The Indianapolis arrived, unloaded her cargo and slipped away without a single sailor leaving the ship.

Shortly after midnight on July 31, 1945, a Japanese sub blasted the Indianapolis, and she was gone in twelve minutes.  About 300 sailors were trapped and went down with the ship and another approximately 900 men went into the water.  Because the mission of the Indianapolis was so secretive, nobody began looking for the ship. Four days later, on August 2, an anti-submarine plane on routine patrol spotted the crew and radioed for help. By then, there were only 316 men left to save.

Wounds, and burns, had to be dealt with, but the absolute worst were vicious, hungry sharks that brought fear and death, during those 4 days afloat in the ocean. They were barely out of the water when their “cargo” left Tinian for Hiroshima. What these young men did and what they endured saved the lives of countless numbers of Americans who did not have to invade Japan. Only 316 men were saved and that mission would go down as the worst sea disaster in naval history.

On August 6, 1945 a B-29 Super-fortress “THE ENOLA GAY”, (Named for pilot Paul Tibbets mother) left Tinian bound for the Japanese city of Hiroshima where “LITTLE BOY” caused 130,000 causalities and destroyed 60% of the city. The Emperor of Japan would not surrender, so “FAT MAN” did it for him on August 9, 1945. This time, it was the city of Nagasaki where causalities were over 60,000.

On August 15, 1945, President Harry S. Truman announced “Japan has surrendered and the WAR IS OVER.” What a glorious day for the WORLD. Since we’re in that time frame right now think about what was happening 75 years ago and say a prayer of THANK YOU, to all who served.

Here is some information of four from Jackson Parish that served on the island of Tinian.

S 1/c JACK MORROW , son of Mrs. Cora Morrow, Jonesboro, attended Jonesboro Hodge High. He entered the Navy in 1943 and trained in San Diego and Shoemaker, Cal. Served in Gilberts, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Palau, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Philippines. He was awarded APO Ribbon, 9 Battle Stars, Navy Unit Citation, GC and ATO Ribbons. He was discharged in 1945

S 1/c CHARLES G. PHILLIPS, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Phillips of Eros, a graduate of Eros High School and entered the Navy in 1945. He trained in San Diego Cal. Served in Guam and Tinian.

MM 1/c JAMES HARVEY RHYMES, son of Mrs. Minnie Rhymes, Jonesboro, husband of Eunice Williams. Entered the Navy in 1943. Trained at Norfolk, VA and Rhode Island and served in the Pacific Theater at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan and Tinian. Awarded APO Ribbon, GC Medal and Victory Ribbons. Was discharged in 1945. Mrs. Minnie had three other sons who served during this war. One didn’t make it back home, Cpl. HUGH H. ‘BUG’ RHYMES, of Army Air Corp. was taken prisoner during the Death March on Luzon in the Philippines and died as POW.

Pfc. ALLEN MURRAY McCLAIN, son of Mrs. Lizzie Rushing Houston. He attended Jonesboro High and entered the Army in 1943. He trained in Lincoln, Neb., Bowen Field, Idaho and McDill Field, Fla. Served in Guam, Saipan and Tinian. He was awarded GC Medal, American Theater, Victory and Pacific. Was discharged in 1946.

 

There is still no definite date that has been provided by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) as to when the prep football season will begin but at least teams across the state got the opportunity to begin practices.

In a statement provided by the LHSAA last week, schools across the state were given the option to begin official practices on Monday, August 3. Programs will be allowed to wear helmets, use hand shields, allow 7-on-7 scrimmages (with no contact), and groups of 25 will be allowed.

“I was hoping that by now we would know more about when the season will start but at least this a step in the right direction,” said JHHS head football coach Terrance Blankenship. “We are excited about getting the opportunity to work with the guys again.”

Several weeks ago, I wrote an article concerning opening of our elementary and secondary (K-12) schools.  The focus of this article is the struggles of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Colleges and universities all over the nation are grappling with ways to address and survive the effects of COVID 19 which is wreaking havoc across the nation.  Currently, there are more than 4.3 million cases of COVID 19 infections in the United States, more than 150,000 American citizens have died from COVID 19, and there is no known cure or vaccine to halt the surge and limit the spread of the virus.  The death rate from the virus continues to soar and is overwhelming hospitals treating COVID patients and filling mortuaries throughout Texas, Florida, California, and Arizona.

HBCUs are struggling to survive and trying to determine how best to serve a vulnerable, at-risk population.  These colleges and universities serve many students who are first generation college students and who are often academically challenged, students who come from impoverished communities and from single family homes with parents who live at or below the federal poverty line.  They also serve communities of color where parents and caregivers happen to be front line workers with predisposed health conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, heart, kidney and lung disease, and who work under enormously high stress conditions, which makes them even more susceptible to the COVID 19 virus.

Unfortunately, HBCUs do not have large endowments, philanthropic donors, and benefactors as compared to prestigious predominately white colleges and universities such as Harvard, Yale, Stanford, or LSU.  These institutions of higher learning have little to worry about because they have billions of dollars in their foundations that make it almost impossible to fail during tough times, even during a pandemic.  State supported HBCUs on the contrary must rely on state formula driven results, high graduation rates, increased student enrollment and increase in state funding and mandated student fees.  HBCUs have no windfall, no parachutes to soften the impact and loses due to catastrophic and tragic events such as COVID 19.

The story is quite different for HBCUs.  These institutions of higher learning have been strapped for cash and support long before the appearance of the COVID 19 virus.  They have never been adequately funded or enthusiastically supported and yet they have performed and discharged their herculean responsibilities with determination, with devotion, with compassion and with incredible courage.

As a professor who currently teaches and has taught and lectured  at several major universities, including Howard University, University of the District of Columbia, Federal City College, Texas A&M at College Station and Southern University, I am well acquainted with the disparities that exist between HBCUs and predominately white institutions of higher learning. There is simply no comparison between the night and day lack of resources among or between these institutions.

During the institution of slavery and shortly after its abolition, HBCUs were established  to provide (through education), the development of leadership and equality to serve as instruments for the liberation of a people subjected to a “bondage of the flesh” as well as  to a “bondage of the spirit”.

It is from these campuses that have emerged renown African American lawyers, doctors, engineers, dentists, architects, clergymen, teachers, college professors, social workers and many top-notch scholars.  These institutions have been characterized as the single most important vehicle, avenue, and factor for the liberation of people of color.  From their inception in 1865 onward, none of the HBCUs have had broad public support for their creation and many-faced stern opposition.  Though somewhat smaller in numbers compared to white educational institutions, hundreds of HBCUs have endured and today still graduate more African American students than all of the predominantly white institutions combined.

Dr. Herbert Simmons, Jr. is an associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, Grambling State University, former President, Grambling State University Faculty Senate and former Chair, Department of Consumer Education and Resource Management, Howard University, Washington, D.C.

 

It was a tremendous weekend for the Jackson Parish 13U All-Stars as they won three of four games at the Dixie Boys World Series played in Sterlington, LA. The tourney started with Jackson Parish splitting a pair of games on Saturday and then fighting back to win two straight in two days.

Jackson Parish 13 Chapel Hill, TX 0 – JP opened with Cooper Delaney and Dawson LaComb limiting Chapel Hill, TX to just one hit in a 13-0, four inning skunking. Braden Theriot led the offense with 2 hits and three RBI’s followed by Jacob Gill and Bryce Zehr with a hit apiece.  Cole Tolar knocked in a pair of runs and John Reagan Hasley reached twice on walks. The locals also took advantage of six Chapel Hill errors.

Fairhope, AL 20 Jackson Parish 3 – The tables were turned in the second contest played by the locals in three hours as Fairhope, AL scored 20 runs on 14 hits in the contest that was called after four innings of play. Jackson Parish managed only four hits and committed three errors in the contest that dropped them into the consolation bracket.

Jackson Parish 8 Springhill, FL 6 – it looked bleak for the locals after Springhill, FL put up three in the bottom of the fifth to take a 6-3 lead. By the time Jackson Parish had finished batting in the top of the sixth the locals had not only erased the three run deficit but had a two run advantage.

Dawson LaComb then made the lead hold up by blanking the Floridians the rest of the way to earn the complete game win. Braden Theriot, John Reagan Hasley and Cooper Delaney each had a pair of hits in the back and forth game that saw the lead change six times.  Theriot, Delaney and Kenden Freemen also knocked in a pair of runs each.

Jackson Parish 9 Sterlington 2 – The consolation finals was an all north Louisiana affair with Jackson Parish ripping home standing Sterlington by putting up a four spot in the second and never looking back. Cooper Delaney and Tait Henderson combined to give up just three hits while striking out ten.

Bryce Zehr led the way at the plate with three hits and two RBI’s followed closely by Peyton Dearmon who had two hits and 2 RBI’s. Braden Theriot reached base four times with a pair of hits and two base on balls.

Leading the way for the successful venture was coaches: Chris Dearmon, Mark Delaney, Greg Hasley and Nick Tolar. Players included: John Reagan Hasley, Bryce Zehr, Cooper Delaney , Jacob Gill, Braden Theriot, Tait Henderson, Dawson LaComb, Peyton Dearman, Kenden Freeman, Sawyer Watkins, Gavyn Caskey and Cole Tolar.