On Monday, November 23^rd Jonesboro Mayor Leslie Thompson issued a written statement that the Town of Jonesboro would not be a participant in the 2020 Christmas Parade. As result, the annual event sponsored by the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce (JPCC) that was scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 28^thhas been cancelled.

JPCC Director Wilda Smith immediately followed up by announcing that those who have paid to enter the parade will receive refunds and encouraged would be visitors to still come and enjoy the Christmas Fesitival events scheduled for the day that will go on as planned, just without a parade.

There will still be the lights, Santa, fireworks, shopping, lots of food available and music for your enjoyment. Jon Sorenson (guitar & saxaphone) & Paul Tassin (piano/keyboard) will be playing & singing Christmas songs beginning at 2:00 PM outside the North entrance to the Jackson Parish Courthouse.

Statement issued by Jonesboro Mayor Leslie Thompson:

From the Office of Mayor Thompson:

It is the order of the office of Governor John Bel Edwards that due to the drastic increase in the pandemic there would be no parades or large crowds assembled. The CDC lists attending parades, shopping in crowded stores or being a spectator in a crowded race as among the higher risk activities for exposure to the Coronavirus.

For this reason, The Town of Jonesboro, in our efforts to provide the greatest protection for our citizens and to comply with the governor’s order will be unable to participate in the 2020 Christmas parade. Public works will not put up barricades or provide the services which would normally be provided by the Town. We apologize for having to take this action but are left with no alternative given the situation with the virus being worse than it’s been at any time since it started.

Leslie Thompson – Mayor of Jonesboro

Christmas Parade at State Park this Friday still a go

As of Monday, November 23^rd, the Christmas Parade that is being sponsored by the North Louisiana Camping Club and scheduled to be held at the Jimmie Davis State Park this Friday, November 27th is still a go!

Per host Trish McGraw Smith campers at the park will enjoy the parade free of charge while all others will be charged a fee of $3.00 at the office of the main entrance to the park. Due to the quickly changing scenarios involving the Coronavirus across the state it is recommended that before you make plans to attend you contact the Jimmie Davis State Park office to ensure the parade will still take place.

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced on Nov. 24 that the aggressive third surge of COVID-19 across all regions of Louisiana has made it necessary to impose tighter mitigation measures and step back to Phase 2 in order to protect public health.

The Governor’s updated Phase 2 proclamation, which is slightly modified from the summer, takes effect on Wednesday, November 25. It calls for reducing occupancy at some businesses, decreasing gathering sizes, limiting indoor consumption at many bars and urges everyone in Louisiana to avoid gatherings with people outside of their everyday households.

Cases are increasing, hospitalizations have climbed back up to more than 1,000, the highest level since August, and to date, the virus has claimed the lives of more than 6,300 Louisianans. According to the latest report by the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Louisiana had 474 new cases per 100,000 people last week, which is higher than the national average for states, which is 356 per 100,000 people.

Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate, which has been in place since mid-July, will continue. In addition, Gov. Edwards encourages any business that can allow its employees to work remotely to do so. He has directed all state agencies to do the same.

“There is not a single region of our state that is not seeing increases in new cases, hospitalizations and growing positivity of COVID tests, and I am incredibly concerned by Louisiana’s trajectory and our ability to continue to deliver health care to our people if our hospitals are overrun with sick patients,” Gov. Edwards said. “The data clearly tells us that we have lost all of the gains we had made and that our current mitigation efforts must be increased in order to adequately slow the spread. Now is the time to make changes, and stepping back to guidelines that closely resemble our Phase 2 restrictions is a tough but necessary step to take in order to protect the public.

“It is absolutely vital that Louisianans take this third surge of COVID seriously. While there is hopeful news about the development of an effective vaccine, the reality is that we are several months away from being able to widely vaccinate the general population in our state. This virus is with us and we must continue all of the mitigation measures including wearing a mask and social distancing in order to stay safe. All of us working together can slow the spread of COVID and flatten the curve – indeed, we already have twice. We now have more than 1,000 patients in the hospital with COVID, wiping out months of progress and leaving our hospitals in a perilous place.”

MAJOR CHANGES

Gov. Edwards’ updated order will go into effect on Wednesday, November 25 and will run for four weeks. The Governor intends to keep these restrictions in place at least through the end of the year.

Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate remains in place. Major changes to Louisiana’s COVID-19 restrictions include the below:

All Louisianans are encouraged to avoid gatherings of individuals not part of their households.

All businesses, private and public sectors, are encouraged to use remote work where they can.

All restaurants are limited to 50% of their indoor capacity. Restaurants should move as much dining outdoors as they can. Social distancing is required.

For bars in parishes above 5% positivity, bars are closed to indoor sales and consumption but open for outdoor consumption at tables only and at 25% capacity, with a maximum of 50 people. Social distancing is required. Take-out and delivery will still be available.

Retail businesses at 50% capacity, except for essential businesses, as defined by federal guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Gyms may be open at 50% of their capacity.

Places of worship will remain at a maximum of 75% of their capacity or the number of people who can physically distance with at least six feet between each immediate household. The State Fire Marshal will put out additional COVID mitigation measures to make services safer.

Barber and beauty shops, and nail salons may open at 50% of their capacity.
Movie theaters may open at 50% of their capacity.

Indoor gatherings at event/receptions centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 75 individuals.

Outdoor gatherings at event/reception centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 150 individuals when strict physical distancing is not possible.

All sporting events will be capped at 25% capacity.

Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate is still in place.

When it comes to LHSAA prep football lore there are not many schools across the state that can equal Jonesboro-Hodge’s legacy. This Friday night one of those schools, #18 seed Kentwood, invades Caldwell-Peacock stadium for a first round Class 2A playoff matchup. The contest will be the first ever between the two. Game time is set for 7:00 pm.

You think JHHS has a great tradition? Try this on for size. Where JHHS has five state titles and three second place finishes, Kentwood (which is probably more known worldwide as the home of Brittany Spears) has 9 state championships and 7 runner-up finishes. That includes three state title game appearances in the last five years.

Jonesboro-Hodge has 19 district championships since 1929 but only one since the year 2000. Kentwood has 19 district titles on their resume also but all but one is since 1996. Over the last 24 years the Kangaroos have claimed 18 district championships.

They are good this year as well. Kentwood finished the regular season with a 4-2 record and a perfect 3-0 slate in district 9-2A. The #18 seeding isn’t a result of their not be successful  but because of not being able to play the last two weeks due to Coronavirus precautions which cost them dearly in power points.

“I am really glad we ended up getting to host a playoff game but I couldn’t believe it when I saw that we would be playing Kentwood,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “They aren’t your typical #18 seed. They have a better record and have won their last three games by over 30 points. We have a real test ahead of us.”

As a team the Kangaroos have scored 183 points in six games and given up 113. In their last three games the ‘Roos scored 42, 47, and 42 points against district foes Independence, Varnado and Pine. Their two losses were 31-6 to Class 5A Live Oak and 21-7 to Class 2A Dunham in week two and three of the season.

The 9-2A member is led by 2019 Class 2A Honorable Mention All-Stater Kajuan Magee who excels on both sides of the ball, albeit, in an unlikely combination. On offense the 6”0” 167 pound senior is a threat to score from anywhere on the field from his wide receiver position. He is also just as effective as an undersized defensive end with incredible speed off the ball.

Others to watch for are senior QB/FS Otis Elzy who at 5’10” and 165 is cat quick and slippery as an eel. Kentwood likes to throw quick passes to their extremely talented wideouts and let them make plays. Besides Magee there is also 6’2” 190 pound Cornelius Dyson who can run by or over an opponent, 6’0” senior Shaquil Woolridge and 6’3” sophomore Jermichael Carter. The defense is led by linebackers 6’2”, 180 lb. Ja’Kevis Callahanand 5’9” 230 lb. fire plug Bryce Cooper.

JHHS, who ended the season at 3-3 overall and 1-1 in 1-2A play counters with a rested team of their own having been forced to sit on the sidelines this past week due to Lakeside (Sibley) cancelling the final district 1-2A clash of the year. It is the second game that was on the schedule lost due to the Coronavirus. Two other games (Winnfield, West Ouachita) were cancellation casualties before the season even started.

Junior QB Tydre Malone looks to rebound from his worst game of the year where he completed only 7 of 20 passes and had 3 INT’s. Conversely tailback LaJavion Nichols is coming off his best performance of the year after running roughshod over North Caddo for 164 yards and two TD’s on 19 carries.  Justin Calahan who has scored TD’s by rushing, receiving, kickoff return and a 94 yard punt return that set a new all-time school record, Manuel Hernandez, Devontae Mozee and JaMarriyea Lewis also look to come up big for the Tigers.

#15 JHHS (3-3, 1-1) season totals

37-8       Delta Charter (1A)

42-41    Rosepine (2A)

0-36       Mansfield (3A)

26-30     Huntington (4A)

36-0       D’Arbonne Woods (1-2A)

21-44    North Caddo (1-2A)

162 points for

159 points against

JHHS 2019-20 Final Regular Season Stats

Passing: Tydre Malone   46/92 -735 yards, 8 TD, 4 INT

Rushing: LaJavion Nichols 58 rushes / 477 yards, 6 TD’s

Receiving: Justin Calahan 15 catches / 206, 4 TD’s

Tackles: LaJavion Nichols – 52 tackles, 24 assists, 7 tackles for a loss

Longest kickoff return for a score: 70 yards by Justin Calahan vs Delta Charter

Longest punt return for a score: 94 yards by Justin Calahan vs. Huntington (new school record)

Linda Gregory, age 65, of Saline and her passenger, 69-year-old Kenneth Self, of Chestnut, were killed this past Sunday afternoon in a single car, rollover crash on US 79 near the east Texas community of Bethany located in Panola County.

According to DPS troopers, Gregory, the driver of a 2007 Honda Accord was traveling northbound when she changed lanes to the right and failed to negotiate the curve. The car then entered a ditch and struck a concrete culvert before rolling several times. Both were declared dead at the scene of the accident which remains under investigation.

Entering the 2020-21 season Quitman head girls basketball coach Kyle Leach knew his squad had the potential to be special this year. After six games his girls have proven to be just that. Quitman won three games last week to up their record to 6-0 for the best start in the new millennium and become the last remaining undefeated school from north Louisiana in Class B.

The Lady Wolverines put their season opening, best record in over 15 years on the line this coming Tuesday when they face perhaps their sternest test of the year when neighboring Jonesboro-Hodge comes visiting. The Lady Tigers enter the contest with a 1-1 mark after knocking off Weston in their season opener before falling 51-39 to East Iberville in the Lakeview Tournament.

The boys teams from both schools will play following the contest for the only action of the week for the Jackson Parish neighbors. Weston is scheduled to visit Dodson for a boys and girls matchup against Dodson on Monday and Grace Christian (Alexandria) on Tuesday in limited Thanksgiving holiday action.

Games on boxcast! As most know by now the state of Louisiana has limited the number of fans that can come to a game to 25% of a gymnasiums capacity. For the three Jackson Parish schools that has caused some problems for the fans who normally would pour into the area gyms to support their schools.

Thanks to the Jackson Parish School Board who has partnered with the on-line web site Boxcast you can still follow the area teams, whether they are playing at home or on the road, by going to your favorite schools Facebook page and watch the games in real time.

Quitman 41 Haughton 27 (Girls)

It is suspected to be the first time ever that the Quitman girls have beaten a Class 5A school. It is certainly the first time since Kyle Leach became the girls head coach way back in 2004. Regardless the Lady Wolverines continued their season opening best start by outscoring the Lady Buccaneers 18-5 in the second quarter after both teams struggled to find the range in the early going.

Slow start! In the season home opener it seemed as though someone forgot to take the lid off the baskets at the Quitman gym as both squads combined for only 7 points in the first eight minutes. While Quitman finally warmed up in the second quarter it didn’t get much better for Haughton the rest of the way as Quitman limited the visitors to just 10 of 46 shooting (21.7%) and just one basket from three point range in 19 attempts.

Triple threat! Brayli Stewart led the Lady Wolverines with 14 points followed closely behind by Clara Womack and Bethany Leach who scored 11 each as the three combined for 36 of the 41 points scored and six of the seven three pointers that were made in the game. Cali Deal rounded out the scoring with five that included the other 3-pointer.

What’s up with that! Quitman defied logic by connecting on 7 of 12 three point attempts for a 58.3% shooting percentage. This is compared to making just 8 of 27 shots from inside the arc that tabulates to a .29.6% average and only 4 of 10 (40%) from the free throw line. Womack made 3 of 4 from behind the arc while Leach made 2 of 3. Deal made one of her two bombs taken with Stewart nailing one of three.

QHS (4-0)     3 18 10 10 – 41

HHS (1-1)     4   5 14   4 – 27

QHS scoring: Stewart 14, Womack 11, Leach 11, Deal 5

HHS scoring: Shyne 13, Chapple 4, White 4, Hooper 2, Phillips 2

Quitman 60 Claiborne Christian 37 (Girls)

Quitman exploded for 27 fourth quarter points to break open a close game for their fifth consecutive victory to start the season. Once again the Lady Wolverines started slow to fall behind by six after the first quarter but rallied to take a one point lead at the half.

Continued long range accuracy! For the second game in a row Quitman shot better from behind the arc than they did close up as the Lady Wolverines shot just 39.6% for the game but connected on 11 of 21 shots from three point land for an second consecutive above 50% average from downtown. Again it was Clara Womack, Bethany Leach and Brayli Stewart leading the way with four, three and three each with Cali Deal chipping in with a trey in her only attempt.

Pressure D! With the game still in question the Lady Wolverines picked up the intensity by forcing numerous turnovers in the second half and especially in the final quarter. For the contest the Quitman defense caused 21 turnovers compared to making just 8 in the game.

Balanced scoring: Quitman had three players finish with double digits in points scored and one more who finished just one point short. Bethany Leach paced the attack with 17 points followed closely by Clara Womack with 16. Cali Deal added 11 and Brayli Stewart chipped in with nine. Emma Carter and Ansley Folks scored two each.

 

QHS (5-0)       8 11 14 27 – 60

CCHS (3-3)   14   4   9 10 – 37

QHS scoring: Leach 17, Womack 16, Deal 11, Stewart 9, Carter 2, Folks 2

CCHS scoring: Russell 12, Head 10, Robinson 6, Bell 3, Towers 3, Miller 3

Quitman 46 St. Mary’s 41 (Girls)

In their first real test of the season Quitman extended their season opening streak to six straight by taking the five point victory over defending Division IV state champion St. Mary’s of Natchitoches for their second straight victory over a school from a larger classification.

Unique win! In every game this season to date, the Lady Wolverines have come out victorious by outshooting their opponent from the three point line to overcome a rebounding deficiency. Things were completely opposite in this one as St. Mary’s made more three pointers (7-6) but lost the rebounding battle 34-19. Emma Carter was the leading glass cleaner with a season best 9 boards followed by Cali Deal with six. Brayli Stewart grabbed four as every single Quitman player got at least one rebound.

Savior Stewart! While the rest of the team struggled to make only 7 of 32 shots (21.8%) and not a single three point shot Brayli Stewart stepped up to put the team on her back for 21 points on 7 of 15 shooting overall and 6 of 9 from behind the ar. Bethany Leach added 10 and Clara Womack 9 despite the normally sharp shooting pair suffering through an uncharacteristic 5 of 25 shooting performance and not making a trey for the first time all season.

QHS (6-0)     7 5 16 18 – 46

SMHS (0-1)  8 7 12 14 – 41

QHS scoring: Stewart 21, Leach 10, Womack 9, Deal 4, Carter 2

 

JHHS 69 Weston 63 (Girls)

Second-year JHHS head coach Britani Fields made it a perfect 2-0 in season openers this past Thursday evening as the Lady Tigers took the road victory. It is the sixth straight triumph for J-H in the series between the two schools separated by only 8 miles.

The contest brought both cheers and groans from fans from both sides as the two Jackson Parish schools experienced times where they were red hot and suffered through agonizing droughts.

In the end it was J-H who won after taking a sizable halftime lead, find themselves down in the fourth and then rally for the victory in the contest that was closer than the final score indicated.

Riding the Rollercoaster! The pace of the game resembled the Lady Wolves season to date as the 2020 roller coaster ride continued. Weston is now 3-4 on the year after the contest marked the seventh game in a row that the outcome was different from the game before.

Overcoming Emma! Behind 13 points from Xabrianna Jackson, who finished with a team high 27 points and 11 from Chamya Waters the Lady Tigers took a commanding 12 point lead early in the second quarter and held on for a 34-27 lead at the half.

Impressively J-H held all but one of the Weston starters to just three baskets and eight points in the first 16 minutes. That one though, Emma Kate McBride, was unstoppable as she lit Jonesboro-Hodge up for an impressive 19 first half points to keep Weston within striking distance.

Clawing back! With 5:14 to go in the 3^rd quarter Weston had narrowed the deficit to three at 38-35. After just short of two minutes gone in the fourth the Lady Wolves took the lead at 56-55 by scoring the first six points in the final frame. McBride, who ended the night with a career high 32 points continued to stay hot and Mallory Tolar (11 points) hit a pair of treys to lead the charge.

Lady Tigers regroup! The game see-sawed back over the next four and a half minutes with both teams taking one point advantages at different time before Yahzmynne Andrews, who finished with 19 points and Waters (16 points) made back to back baskets with 1:14 to play to give the Lady Tigers a 65-62 lead.

Sydney says hello! The two teams swapped a free throw each to make the score 66-63 and with less than 20 seconds to go Waters made the front end of one. That is Sydney Malone introduced herself to the scorekeeper and ended any hopes of a comeback for Weston as she grabbed the rebound and followed with her only basket of the night to give J-H the winning margin.

 

JHHS (1-0)    20 14 21 14 – 69

WHS (3-4)    16 11 22 14 – 63

JHHS scoring: Jackson 27, Andrews 19, Waters 16, Hoggro 4, Malone 2, Bradford 1

WHS scoring: McBride 32, Tolar 11, Peterson 7, Maxwell 6, Hay 4, Austin 2, Bond 2

 

Weston 74 JHHS 64 (boys)

In the only action for both teams this past week, Weston’s 74-64 victory over Jonesboro-Hodge this past Thursday night represented a series of firsts. For the Tigers it was their first game of the season. In regard to Weston it was head coach Jacob Otwell’s first victory over Jonesboro-Hodge and the Wolves first victory over their parish neighbor since 2014 breaking a string of four consecutive losses. The victory also marked the first time this season that Weston has won back to back games.

Holt Jolt! Senior forward Jace Holt shocked the Tigers by scoring 18 of his season high 25 points in the first two quarters to pace the Wolves to a commanding 32-21 lead. Holt opened and closed the half with a flourish as he scored 10 of Weston’s first 12 points and then put an emphatic exclamation point on his team’s early dominance by draining a three pointer as time expired in the second quarter.

Shorthanded struggle! Jonesboro-Hodge dressed only eight for the contest and most of them were underclassmen seeing their first varsity action as many of the expected contributors this season are still playing football. The two that will continue to see heavy minutes for the Tigers once at full strength, JaMarrion “Pork Chop” Atkins and Edward “Robbie” Kary carried the load for J-H scoring 22 and 16 points respectively.

Bombs Away! Weston made only three baskets inside the arc in the second and third quarters but the five players who drained a total of 8 long bombs helped keep the Tigers at bay. Davis Tolar (10 pts), Holt and Cooper Harvey (8 pts) made two apiece with Kaden Shirley (8 pts) and Braden Theriot (4 pts) adding a three pointer each.

Furious fourth! With J-H being forced to resort to fouling in order to try and rally the Wolves went to the line 16 times in the fourth, making ten after taking only 12 freebies in the first three quarter. Eli McBride scored 10 of his 12 points and Mitchel Mathews made all nine of his points in the contest in the final frame to help Weston outscore the Tigers 25-24 in the quarter to give Weston the 10 point victory.

WHS (3-4)    16 16 17 25 – 74

JHHS (0-1)    11 10 19 25 – 64 

Scoring:

(WHS) Holt 24, McBride 12, Tolar 10, Mathews 9, Harvey 8, Shirley 8 Theriot 4

(JJHS) Atkins 22, Kary 16, Joe 10, Tew 7, Beard 5, Lamkin 2

 

Quitman 63 Forest 32 (boys)

Quitman limited Forest to single digits in the first three quarters to win their season home opener going away in a Class B matchup. The victory was Quitman’s third straight to open the season while Forest fell to 0-3.

Balanced attack! Cooper Williams paced the Wolverines with 16 points followed closely behind by John Pabaya, who hit three of six three pointers for 14 points and Ethan Everett who scored 12. Joshua Smith added nine points and a team leading 8 rebounds and five blocks. Ladayrun Manning added four, Shane Rowe three, Ty Simonelli three and Eli Walker a basket to round out the scoring for Quitman.

Defense! It was the emphasis on defense which has been a major focus of first year head coach Mike Black that led the way to the easy victory as Forest never was able to score more than 7 points in the first three quarters. Quitman allowed Forest to make only 23% of their shots while forcing 23 turnovers and out-rebounded the visitors by a 29-14 margin.

QHS (3-0)     16 15 13 19 – 63

FHS (0-3)        7   6   6  13 – 32

QHS Scoring: Williams 16, Pabaya 14, Everett 12, Smith 9, Manning 4, Rowe 3, Simonelli 3, Walker 2

Quitman 65 Claiborne Christian 45 (boys)

Quitman opened the contest by taking a 21-11 first quarter lead and then blew the game open by taking an 18-7 advantage in the third to take the 20 point victory and remain undefeated after the first four games of the year.

Earning an identity! Webster’s defines a Wolverine as being aggressive and quietly furious. That personifies Coach Mike Black’s bunch to a tee so far in the early season going as Quitman held an opponent to 45 points or under and under 40% from the field for the fourth straight game.

Continued quarter success! Quitman stretched their streak of winning a quarter to 11 straight before being outscored in the final frame with mainly reserves playing. The Wolverines still haven’t allowed more than 14 points to be scored in a quarter but once the entire year.

Manning up! Cooper Williams scored 16 for the second consecutive game and Joshua Smith added 14 and 8 boards but it was Ladayrun Manning that stole the show by providing season best stats with 9 points and 7 rebounds.  Ethan Everett chipped in with 6 while Shane Rowe, Ty Simonelli and Logan Ponder added four each. John Pabaya rounded out the scoring with two.  

QHS (4-0)     21 16 18 10 – 65

CCHS (3-3)   11 13   7 14 – 45

QHS scoring: Williams 16, Smith 14, Manning 9, Everett 6, Rowe 4, Simonelli 4, Ponder 4, Pabaya 2

By: Glynn Harris

            Our pretty fall colors sort of came and went rather quickly this year. The sweet gums and oaks and other deciduous trees were pretty for a week or so but except for a smattering of color, we’re mostly looking at brown.

            A few years ago, I had the privilege of visiting an enchanted part of the country when our writer’s conference was scheduled this time of year in Gatlinburg, TN and I got introduced to the beauty and majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains. I want to share some of my memories with you from that special week.

            “In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth. The Earth was without form and void….” (Genesis 1:1-2a). If I may speculate a bit, I think God probably looked over the world He created, pausing as His gaze settled on what is now the Tennessee-North Carolina border, feeling this would be an ideal spot to do something extra special. So he reached down and pinched up and molded a goodly portion of landscape to form the Great Smoky Mountains. 

            There is no other reasonable explanation; to behold these majestic forested peaks that reach Heavenward to over 6,000 feet is to sense the presence and the work of the Creator. The conference was great. The setting? Indescribable.

            Gatlinburg is a major tourist attraction in large part because of the scenery. Although the foliage had yet to change when we were there, visitors were in abundance in the area; I can only imagine what it would have been like in a few weeks when the hills and valleys catch fire in shades of red, gold and amber.

 We took a side trip one day to visit Ashville , NC some 90 miles from Gatlinburg and our trip took us through and over the Great Smoky Mountains. Although we were pressed for time, wild horses couldn’t have prevented me from stopping several times to try as best I could to capture with my camera some of the scenery passing before our eyes.

            On one particular look-out in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we beheld a scene a camera just can’t do justice. Two layers of mountain lay in the distance beneath a bank of white clouds. Incredibly, a third layer of mountain peaks arose above the clouds. We could only stand and gaze reverently, awestruck at the sight.

            As majestic as were the peaks, the little mountain streams demanded a couple of stops as well. The gurgling of the water rushing over smooth round stones suddenly tumbling over little waterfalls where dark pools formed put me in a mood to flip a fly into the pools. I had the mood; I didn’t have the rod so I could only look and imagine.

            A writer friend who grew up in that part of the world told me later that he could almost guarantee that those darker pools held a wild rainbow trout or two. “They may be only six inches long but you can bet one is there,” he said. It’s for sure when you behold those cold, clear and moving mountain streams, you don’t conjure up images of catfish and carp.

            Wildlife flourishes in these mountains. Although we didn’t see one, several of our group saw black bears; one friend was almost overrun by a bear when he parked in front of his hotel room and was startled when a bear rushed by between his car and the door to his hotel room. “I could have reached out and touched him,” he told me. As we left

Gatlinburg on our way back to Louisiana , a flock of wild turkeys fed contentedly a few yards from the highway.

            If you want to have your senses stirred to the point you can hardly stand the titillation, may I suggest a trip to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.

FISHING REPORT

BUSSEY BRAKE – Bass have been fair on spinners and soft plastics around pads and structure. Crappie fishing has improved a bit fishing the lower end of the lake around the dam with shiners working best. No report on bream or catfish. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

BLACK BAYOU –  Crappie are fair on shiners and jigs. Bass are fair around the grass on jigs and soft plastics. Bream are slow. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.

OUACHITA RIVER – Bass have been fair fishing shad imitation lures around the mouth of the cuts. Crappie have been best in the river fishing shiners or jigs around submerged tops. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie fishing has improved with best fishing being up the creeks. The area around Gill’s Ferry is producing some good catches on shiners and jigs with a 2.9 pounder reported. Bass fishing has been best fishing the edges of the channels on crank baits and soft plastics. A few bream have been caught deep on night crawlers. Catfishing is good on 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 improved as the fish are on the move. Not much happening up the lake with best catches being made on the south end of the lake. White swim jigs or white spinners seem to be working best with fish in the 2-3 pound range reported. Crappie fishing has been best fishing shiners around brush 11-12 feet deep. Stripers are fair trolling white bucktails with Beaver creek area producing best. Catfishing has been fair on trotlines baited with chicken livers or blood bait. Bream are slow. For latest information, call Tim Loftin at Kel’s Cove at 927-2264.

CANEY LAKE – Bass fishing has been best in deeper water with soft plastics such as drop shot rigs or jigging spoons picking up a few. The yellow bass are starting to bite in deep water with some caught on jigging spoons and tail spinners bounced off the bottom. Crappie fishing has been best around deep tops with some caught under the Hwy 4 bridge on shiners or jigs. No report on bream or catfish this week. 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.

LAKE POVERTY POINT – Crappie have been fair around the boat slips on jigs or shiners. Catfishing has slowed and no report on bass. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318-878-0101.

LAKE ST. JOHN – Fishing overall has been slow. A turn to cooler weather should improve success.  For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.

LAKE YUCATAN – The water is falling but a big rise is expected next week. Other than a few bass reported, fishing is slow. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

LAKE BRUIN – Bass fishing has been fair while other species are slow. For information, contact Carlos Gray at 318/766-0075.

Former Shady Grove High School and Louisiana Tech basketball legend Angela Turner will be a member of the 2020 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class which will be celebrated on December 15^th – 17^th.

A four-year starter from 1978-82 and a prestigious Kodak All-American in 1982, Turner helped Louisiana Tech to four Final Fours, four national title game appearances and two national titles (1981 AIAW, 1982 NCAA). The 5-foot-8 forward was a key in an undefeated season in 1980-81 when the Lady Techsters went 34-0 and defeated Tennessee 79-59 in the title game, when she was named Final Four MVP. The following season as a senior, she led Tech to a 35-1 record and the NCAA national title as Tech defeated Cheyney State 76-62.

She helped the Lady Techsters set the Division I women’s basketball record with a 54-game winning streak during the 1980-81 and 1981-82 seasons. “A.T.” scored 2,262 career points, still ranking third all-time at Tech, and averaged double figures all four seasons. Her 817 points scored in 1979-80 still ranks as the second most in a single season in school history.

Turner ranks No. 2 in field goals made (1,021), No. 3 in scoring (2,262 points), No. 3 in steals (358), No. 6 in rebounds (1,073) and No. 9 in assists (466) in the storied history of the program. Known for her picture-pretty jump shot, she made the 20-member LSWA All-Century Team for college hoops chosen in 1999. Her No. 5 jersey is retired.

After scoring 3,780 points in high school and leading Shady Grove to the 1978 Class C state championship Turner graduated as valedictorian. She was then was named to the U.S. National Women’s U20 team in 1978, leading the team in scoring at the Pam American Games.

After recently being elected for the LSHOF Class of 2021, two championship coaches, former LSU track and field coach Pat Henry and retired Monroe-Richwood High School football coach Mackie Freeze, will be inducted in December as part of the 2020 class.

Eight-time world bodybuilding champion Ronnie Coleman, a Bastrop native and Grambling graduate, was elected for induction in 2020, but will go into the Hall next June 24-26 with the Class of 2021. This year’s traditional June induction was postponed to December due to the coronavirus pandemic, while at the same time, Coleman’s biggest annual event, the Mr. Olympia competition, shifted from its planned September timetable to conflict with the Hall’s dates in December.

Freeze and Henry step into a star-studded Class of 2020. Other than Turner it includes outdoorsman Phil Robertson, recognized internationally as the Duck Commander, former LSU football coach Nick Saban, who won 75 percent of his games and the 2003 national championship in five seasons with the Tigers, Sweet Lou Dunbar of the Harlem Globetrotters, Pro Bowl football standout Chicago Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman, a star at UL Lafayette and New Orleans native Kerry Kittles, a two-time All-America guard at Villanova who averaged 14 points in an eight-year NBA career.

Inducted as winners of the Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism will be LSU sports publicist Kent Lowe and Baton Rouge Advocate prep sportswriter Robin Fambrough.

Opelousas native Joan Cronan, one of college sports’ most influential administrators in her career as athletics director at the University of Tennessee, will be inducted as the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award winner.

Enshrined as the first recipient of the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award will be Shreveport-based broadcaster Tim Brando, whose pride in his home state has been evident throughout his four decades among the best in his business around the country.

They will be honored in a series of events culminating with the annual Induction Dinner and Ceremonies presented by State Farm Agents of Louisiana on Thursday evening, Dec. 17, at the Natchitoches Events Center.

The 2020 Induction Celebration begins Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 15, with a nationally-televised (Cox Sports Television) afternoon press conference.

The press conference and a free public reception from 5-7 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, located at 800 Front Street, are presented by La Capitol Federal Credit Union.

The Wednesday, Dec. 16 schedule begins around lunchtime with the LSHOF’s Celebrity Bowling Bash, presented by BOM Bank, pairing 2020 inductees and more sports celebrities, including past inductees, with patrons at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria.

Wednesday evening, the third annual Rockin’ River Fest presented by Rapides Regional Medical Center will feature bands and fireworks over Cane River Lake in historic downtown Natchitoches in a free concert. The 2020 induction class will be introduced just before the fireworks show. The Taste of Tailgating Party, presented by Hancock Whitney Bank, will be held in Mama’s Oyster House and Blues Room on Front Street, overlooking the riverbank stage.

Thursday morning, Dec. 17, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Junior Training Camp, presented by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, will be held on the Northwestern State campus with 300 youth participating at no charge. Hall of Fame inductees will be the featured instructors for drills in football and basketball while healthy living initiatives and other positive lifestyle messaging will be presented to boys and girls.

Social distancing and other preventive measures will be practiced throughout the celebration per local and state government policies.

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Frank Gumm was the owner of the New Grand theater in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.  His wife, Ethel, was a former actress, pianist and singer.  Together, they had three daughters, Suzanne, Virginia, and Frances.  Being the youngest, the family called Frances “Baby.”  With the help of their mother, the three Gumm sisters developed their voices and their ears for music.  Before her third birthday, Baby showed an aptitude for singing and dancing.  Even at such a young age, Baby was persistent and practiced constantly. 

Just before Christmas, 1925, Baby decided that it was time to make her performance debut on amateur night at her father’s theater.  If her parents made any attempt to dissuade her, it failed miserably.  She was a determined three-year-old.  She selected a seasonal song and rehearsed it numerous times in front of the family on the stairs which led to the second floor of their home.  On the evening of the performance, Baby wore a white dress donned with sprigs of holly for a seasonal flare.  Someone led her onto the stage and showed her where to stand.  She waited patiently and calmly behind the curtain.  Perhaps she had not yet reached the age when stage freight develops. 

The curtains parted and the public got their first glance at Baby.  Seeing such a small child alone on such a large stage must have been a curious sight.  The crowd probably thought the performance was going to be just another “cute” act at which they were supposed to politely smile and clap.  The orchestra gave Baby a chord as a vocal cue.  That was all she needed.  Baby began singing the song and the orchestra came in right on cue.  As she sang “Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All the Way,” the audience members’ eyebrows raised and their mouths dropped.  Baby sang in perfect pitch, with perfect timing, and did not miss a single syllable of the lyrics.  The crowd cheered as the song neared the ending and the orchestra played the last few notes.  Baby’s successful debut was over, or so everyone thought. 

As soon as the orchestra finished the last note, Baby began singing the song from the beginning again.  The shocked conductor played along and led the orchestra through “Jingle Bells” a second time.  Again, Baby performed it flawlessly.  Just as before, the crowd cheered for Baby, but she was still not through.  She started the song over and the orchestra played along again.  She performed “Jingle Bells” the third time just as perfectly as her first two performances.  Fearing that Baby would begin the song for a fourth time, her father marched out onto the stage, picked Baby up, and carried her backstage.  Even over their cheering, the crowd chuckled as they heard Baby yelling from backstage, “I want to sing some more.”  However, this was to be her only performance at her father’s New Grand Theater.

Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Lancaster, California, about an hour and a half north of Hollywood.  Baby’s parents developed two different singing acts under different names.  One act featured Baby’s sisters, while the other act featured her parents.  For some unknown reason, Baby was not included in either act.

In 1926, when Baby was four years old, her parents enrolled her in a training program which prepared children for the stage.  Baby’s talent and wit quickly drew attention.  She tried out and got the feature role of Cupid in a production held in downtown Los Angeles.  Vaudevillian performer Gus Edwards watched Baby perform and met her and her two sisters after the show.  Their mother mentioned to Gus that Baby’s older sisters performed as a duo.  Gus watched eagerly as Baby’s sisters performed a song from their act, followed by another song from Baby.  At Gus’s suggestion, Baby and her sisters formed a trio.

The Gumm Sisters performed a wide variety of popular songs and became a popular act.  “Gee, we had a lot of fun,” Baby remembered.  “I was the smallest, so I was always in the middle with my arms around Suzanne and Virginia.  If things seemed to be dull, I used to tickle them in the ribs.  Virginia thought it was funny, but Suzanne took things more seriously.  I certainly did catch it when we got off the stage.” 

Ethel, acting as manager of the Gumm Sisters, drove the trio from California to Chicago to perform at the Oriental theater.  “We were to have billing and everything,” Baby reminisced, “and did we get it!  We no sooner arrived on the scene than we saw there, in lights on the marquee, a sign reading ‘The Glum Sisters.’”  The girls were disheartened.  George Jessel, another performer on the same bill, felt sorry for the girls.  He suggested they change the name of their act.  From then on, the trio performed under a new name.  Soon thereafter, the trio dissolved when Suzanne, and then Virginia, married.

Baby, now twelve years old, went on vacation with her parents to Lake Tahoe.  While there, she performed in a program at the lodge.  A talent scout from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios happened to be at the performance.  A few days later, the talent scout called and asked her to audition at the studio, as they were looking for girl singers. 

Entering the grand gates of the movie studio would have intimidated most aspiring performers, but Baby remained calm.  When she began singing at the audition, everyone within earshot stopped and listened.  Baby had a “childish freshness, naturalness and enthusiasm.”  More experts entered the room and she sang again.  Then another group of experts listened.  All of them agreed and suggested that Louis B. Mayer, head manager of MGM, give her an audition.  Mayer, usually busy with a myriad of tasks, auditioned her on the spot.  Baby sang beautifully and gracefully.  Mayer immediately signed her to a film contract. 

Baby went on to have a successful career in motion pictures, television, and as a recording artist.  She starred as a farm girl from Kansas in one of the most beloved films of all time.  You know Frances “Baby” Gumm by her world-famous stage name…Judy Garland.

 

Source:

1. The Atlanta Constitution, October 6, 1940, p.53.

 

On Wednesday, Nov. 11^th, my friend Zachary James Harris was struck by a car while riding his bicycle along Hwy 167 in Jackson Parish. He passed from this world the next day at 8:56 pm. In the following days it was widely reported in the area that he, for reasons that were under investigation, had left the relative safety of the highway’s shoulder and swerved into the active lane where the accident occurred. On Thursday, Nov. 19, the police formally concluded their investigation, stating that Zach was at fault for the accident that took his life. For this to be correct, we have to assume at least three things to be true: 1) An experienced cyclist entered the flow of traffic without checking his surroundings, or, rather, chose to swerve into traffic instead of away from it; 2) The evidence at the scene and the nature of his injuries clearly demonstrate that he put himself at risk; and 3) A disinterested party was the source of this story.

I see no reason to address point no. 1 above, as it is illogical. I suppose it is possible, but unlikely. Additionally, we know that Zach purposely avoided riding on the shoulder as he knew the rumble strip could potentially damage his bicycle and negatively affect his balance. He rode in the lane, and it was within his rights to do so. By Louisiana law, cyclists are to be given no less than three feet of space. Often people change lanes entirely for parked vehicles, emergency or otherwise. Cyclists should be given this courtesy, if possible.

Regarding the evidence at the scene and the injuries sustained, it is doubtful that they can be used to say he was definitively at fault. There appears to be no evidence that the driver attempted to slow down or swerve away prior to the collision. There were no traumatic lower limb injuries that would point to him being hit in any way other than directly from behind. The bicycle, its rear light still flashing after the accident, sustained minimal damage from the impact aside from the rear wheel and that portion of the frame being crushed. The skid mark his rear wheel made from the impact was straight.

The story of Zach unexpectedly swerving into the active lane from the shoulder was told by the person who hit him. I can’t think of any circumstance in which a person in that position would be considered credible. I do not mean to allege that this person lied to police; I point this out only because it seems unusual given the circumstances. There is another claim that someone saw him move into the lane in their rearview mirror prior to being hit. However, given Zach’s low estimated speed in relation to the person who had already passed and then glanced back, this statement warrants additional scrutiny as increasing distance and distraction by the road ahead would need to be addressed. 

As a friend who should have been a groomsman for the deceased on Saturday. Nov. 21^st instead of a pallbearer on Wednesday, Nov. 18^th, I understand that I can hardly be considered a neutral party in relation to this event. Those of us in mourning naturally want justice. But what constitutes justice in the wake of such devastating tragedy? No monetary compensation nor any outcome of criminal prosecution will replace what we’ve lost. My hope is that, in raising awareness of this event, people will make an effort to be both more courteous and alert drivers and more loving friends and family members. It’s up to us to make our fleeting physical existence into what we want it to be. Tell your friends and family that you love them. Don’t wait to be a good friend and person, do it now.

 

Sincerely,

Thaddeus J. Light

1. Terrion S. Atkins (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule II drug, Resisting an officer, Disturbing the Peace, Contempt of Court
2. Kelley L. Dukes (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant for theft
3. Lamanius Williams (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Marijuana, Resisting by flight, Prohibited (Oct.5)
4. Daniel Wayne Norris (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated flight from an officer, Driving under suspension of license, No inspection sticker, Switched plates, Bench Warrants in Caddo and Winn Parishes
5. Lewis Edward Russell Jr. (Jonesboro, LA) – Bench Warrant for failure to appear
6. Dakota Milstead (Georgetown, LA) – IWC Warrant
7. Jayson Allen Morrow (Jonesboro, LA) – First degree rape
8. David Ellington (Hodge, LA) – Warrant for failure to appear, no seatbelt
9. Christa Boatner (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant for failure to appear, no seatbelt
10. Zachary D. Latour (Winnfield, LA) – Possession of Schedule I drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Execution of sentence
11. Tellandra O. Collins (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
12. Rhett Price (West Monroe, LA) – Execution of sentences on possession of drug charge and resisting an officer
13. Paul L. Diffy (West Monroe, LA) – Possession of controlled substance schedule II, Possession of drug paraphernalia, No driver license, Turning signals violations
14. Jack T. Kent Jr. (Eros, LA) – Possession of controlled substance schedule II, Possession of drug paraphernalia

Annie Ruth Jackson                   May 20, 1928 – Nov. 14, 2020

Sister Annie Ruth Jackson, age 92, departed this life on Saturday, November 14^th, 2020 at the Forest Haven Nursing Home in Jonesboro, LA.  She was born on May 20, 1928 to the departed Israel and Mary D. Hall of Chatham.

Annie Ruth joined the Mt. Mariah Baptist Church in Chatham at an early age and served as an usher until her health failed. She was employed with the Jackson Parish School Board and united in holy matrimony to the late Isiah Jackson of Chatham. To this union, nine children were born.

She was preceded in death by her father, mother and husband as well four children, two grandchildren, two great grand-children and eight siblings. Cherishing her memories are five daughters: Jo Ann Buckner (Lattimore) of Jonesboro, LA; Mary Davis (William) of Chatham, LA; Deborah Robinson (Donald) of Pineville, LA; Sarah Foster and Janet Jackson of Chatham, LA. Also are thirty-three grandchildren, seventy-three great grandchildren, fourteen great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The funeral service was held on Saturday, November 21^st at the Mt. Mariah Missionary Baptist Church in Chatham, LA with Reverend Will Jefferson officiating. Pallbearers were Casey Jackson, Melvin Jackson III, Samuel Mayo, Domminie Jones, Khalif Jackson, Jayvonte Jackson, Lyndon Richardson and Gregory Harris. Honorary Pallbearers were the Mt. Mariah Baptist Church Deacons. Internment followed at the Mr. Mariah Church Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro, LA>

 

James Allen Choate                   Dec. 26, 1953 – Nov. 21, 2020

Mr. James Allen Choate, age 66 of Saline, died Saturday, November 21, 2020 in Monroe, La. following a period of declining health.  Mr. Choate was a retired logger who enjoyed the outdoors and loved to spend time with his family and friends.

Mr. Choate is survived by his wife, Joy Choate; children, Jamey Ambler & husband Larry, James Garland Choate and wife Shelly; 4 grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, James William and Mary Beatrice (Fowler) Choate. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be set by his family.

Calvin Martin           Aug. 29, 1954 – Nov. 11, 2020

Mr. Calvin Martin, age 66, passed away on November 11, 2020. A graveside service and interment was held on Saturday, November 21^st at the Bethany Cemetery in Quitman, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro, LA

 

Betty Sue Brody                          Aug. 15, 1946 – Nov. 16, 2020

Ms. Betty Brody, age 74 of Jonesboro, went to glory on Monday, November 16, 2020.  Betty Sue Brody was born August 15, 1946 to Elijah Houston Owens and Vera Cantrell Owens in Ruston, Louisiana.  She retired from Forest Haven after nursing for over 20 years.  She lovingly cared for her residents.  She enjoyed travel, reading, and her “pet” babies, Sally, Tia, Rosey.  Sunday dinners with her wonderful cooking, gathering with family and friends will be a cherished memory.

Betty is survived by her sons, Timothy Lee Nunn and wife Tammy of Jonesboro, James David Nunn and wife Beverly of Dubach; grandsons, James Adam Nunn, Elijah Clark Nunn, Blake David Nunn and Christian Elijah Hay; granddaughters, Kristy Renee Nunn, Brandi Lee Nunn Freitas and husband Cesar, Courtney Nicole Nunn; great grandson, Esbon Lee Alexander Nunn; sister, Ruby Nell Otwell; nephew, Shane Otwell.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Ray Brody; daughter, Donna Sue Nunn Hay; parents, Elijah and Vera Owens.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Southern-Edmonds Chapel with President Don Walden officiating.  Burial took place at Walnut Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

 

Debra Kaye Denton                   Aug. 20, 1958 – Nov. 19, 2020

Mrs. Debra Denton, age 62 of Quitman, met her Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 19, 2020.  Mrs. Debra enjoyed time spent working in the yard and planting and caring for her flowers. 

Mrs. Debra is survived by her children, Christopher North, Michael D. North; grandchild, Michael Scott North; mother, Alice Denton; siblings, James Denton, Susie Harvey.  She was preceded in death by her father, David Denton; sister, Kathy Denton.

A graveside service was held at the Quitman Baptist Church Cemetery at 2:30pm with burial following under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

 

Ezekiel Harrell Jr               Sept. 17^th, 1950 – Nov. 14^th, 2020Mr. Ezekiel Harrell Jr., age 70, of Jonesboro, LA left this world on November 14^th, 2020. A graveside service and internment under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro, LA was held at the Sandhill Cemetery in Quitman, LA on Saturday, November 21^st.

 

Billy Joe Miller                   Dec. 02, 1957 – Nov. 16, 2020

Mr. Billy Miller, age 62 of Heflin, passed through the gates of heaven into a joyful reunion on Monday, November 16, 2020.  Mr. Billy was an avid fisherman, hunter and enjoyed spending time camping.  He was a carpenter and could always find something to do to keep his hands busy.  He loved his family and his children, but his grandchildren were his world.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Jody Miller (Ashley), John Miller, Tiffany Pylant (Chris), Movaline Elizabeth Miller, Tommy Miller (Mary); 9 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 9 siblings; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Ann (Wilson) Miller; parents, Joseph Henry and Shirley Elizabeth (Heyse) Miller; 1 sister.

A graveside service was held at the Chatham Cemetery with Reverend Bill Staples officiating.  Burial followed under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Quitman High School boys basketball coach / track coach Zachary Harris tragically lost his life this past Wednesday, November 11^th after being struck by a vehicle while cycling. Harris, who resided in Ruston, was 29 years old.  

Shortly after 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating the accident that took place on U.S. 167, just north of Louisiana 155. For reasons still unclear Harris, who was cycling on the northbound shoulder, entered the travel lane and was struck by a 2011 Buick Enclave. Harris was ejected from his bicycle and sustained life-threatening injuries. He was airlifted to a local hospital for treatment and the next day pronounced dead.

The Bridge Community Church in Ruston will host visitation prior to the funeral on Wednesday, November 18^th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Funeral services are under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston with Rev. James Skinner and Rev. Scott Byrd officiating. Pallbearers will be Geoffrey Larson, Michael Larson, Miles Arsenault, Josh O’Rear, Leyton Page, Dan Weeks, Tad Light, and Matt Sunseri. Interment will follow at Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens.

“Zach” was born on June 10, 1991 in Covington, Louisiana and was a graduate of Fontainebleau High School and Louisiana Tech University. He was a science teacher at Quitman High School, coached track and field where they won the state championship and was beginning his first year as boys basketball coach. His goals were to move into administration and ultimately teach at the college level. 

Zach loved God, his family, the love of his life, Victoria, and all who knew him- he was a friend to all.  He was a runner and cyclist, an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish.  He was a member of The Bridge Community Church. He loved Louisiana Tech and the Ruston community.

His final act was to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation that impacted multiple families of both Louisiana and Texas.  Zach was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jimmie Nell and R.S. Page; uncle, Keith Wayne Page; cousin, Anthony Marcello; and step-grandmother, Rosemary Kilcoyne.

Zach is survived by his wife, Victoria Sharplin Harris; parents, Brent Harris (Judy Larson/Harris) and April Page Harris; sister, Madelyn Page Harris O’Rear (Joshua); brother, Christopher Miles Arsenault; grandparents, Malcolm “Frank” and Jackie S. Harris; aunts, Linda Gayle Page, Cheryl Marcello (Gary); cousins, Nicholas and Natalie Marcello, and Paul Leyton Page; step-brothers, Geoffrey Larson (Ashleigh) and Michael Larson; and his beloved family and friends.

Tydre Malone scored from 16 yards out in the first quarter out to give J-H an early lead and hopes that the eight senior’s players being honored and Homecoming Queen Raivyn Anderson would be treated to a victory. NOT!  North Caddo ruined the evening by outscoring J-H 28-8 in the second half to take a decisive 44-21 victory to basically claim the district 1-2A championship.

With the news that the final district 1-2A game at Lakeside this Friday has been cancelled due to Lakeside having a COVID-19 outbreak the loss relegated J-H to second place in district play for the fourth year in a row. North Caddo will secure the district championship with an expected victory over D’Arbonne Woods.

The North Caddo victory was no fluke as they dominated the contest to win their third straight in the series. The Rebels had a decisive advantage in every offensive statistical category to more than double the Tigers in total offense (525 – 257).  

“I can’t tell you how disappointed I am with the way we played in the second half,” said Tiger head coach Terrance Blankenship

Two headed monster!The biggest advantage came through the passing game where the two headed North Caddo monster of Zion King and Chauntry Morris completed 12 of 14 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown. This is compared to the 7 of 16 for 76 yards and three interceptions performance suffered by Malone.

The pair also combined for 273 yards rushing which were 16 more yards than the Tigers had in total offense. Morris did most of the damage with 28 carries for 209 yards and three TD’s . The two were the only ones who carried the ball the entire game for the Rebels. 

Bright spot! Thanks to LaJavion Nichols the Tigers did have one bright spot to look back on. The brawny sophomore carried the ball 19 times for a career best 164 yards and two scores including a 39 yard jaunt that brought J-H to within 16-13 at the half.

“I was pleased with the way we ended the first half,” said Blankenship. “I thought we would capatilize on the momentum in the second half but it obviously didn’t turn out that way.”

Out of hand! The game got out of hand in the third quarter when King threw a 78 yard touchdown pass and the North Caddo defense returned an interception for a touchdown to take a commanding 30-13 into the final quarter. Two more fourth quarter scores by the Rebels accounted for the final margin and the most points ever scored by North Caddo against the Tigers.

Seniors play final regular season game! It was known that the contest would be the final regular season home game for the eight seniors: Cornelius Boston, Davion McGuire, Connor Webb, Datravien Bowie, Quiyontae Henderson, Phillip Beard, Chase Bryant and Skylar Levingston . With the cancellation of the final game of the year it now reflects their final regular season game ever as a Tiger.

“I hate we didn’t get a win in the seniors last regular season home game,” said Blankenship. “Hopefully they will work hard these next two weeks as we get ready for the playoffs to keep their season going.” 

JHHS (3-3, 1-1)             7 6   0   8 – 21

NCHS (4-3, 2-0)            8 8 14 14 – 44

JHHS scoring:

1^st quarter: Tydre Malone 16 yard run (Davion McGuire PAT)

2^nd quarter: LaJavion Nichols 39 yard run (PAT no good)

4^th quarter: LaJavion Nichols run (2 –point conversion)

JHHS stats:
Passing:               Malone 7/16 76 yards, 3 INT

Rushing:              Nichols 19/164, 2 TD’s, Calahan 2/9, Hernandez 2/7, Malone 7/1, 1 TD

Receiving:           Calahan 5/390, Lewis 1/31, Mozee 1/15

Defense stats:   Tackles Assists

Holden                  10

Atkins                   9             4

Nichols                 8             3

Hernandez          7

Andrews              5                              (2 sacks, 2 TFL)

Webb                    5

Drayton                4              2                          

The Silver Alert that had been posted by State Police Troop F on November 11^th regarding Eros resident George A. Moore, who was declared missing, was cancelled a day later when the 86-year old was found safe. 

Family members had contacted the State Police after Moore, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease,  never returned from being last seen in the Eros area just after lunch this past Thursday  in the Eros area driving his white 2017 Ford F-150  pickup truck.

Neighboring Weston will come to Jonesboro-Hodge for a girls and boys contest this Thursday to highlight area prep basketball action. The game is the only contest both Weston squads and the J-H boys will play this week while the Lady Tigers will play in the Lakeview (Campti) Tournament on November 23^rd and 24th.

The Quitman boys also have only one game scheduled this week which is at Claiborne Christian on Friday, November 20th while the Lady Wolverines not only play before the boys that night but also have a home contest on Thursday, November 19^th against Class 5A Haughton and a November 23^rd game at St. Mary’s in Natchitoches

Prep basketball schedule (November 19 – 23)

November 19^th – Thursday:

Weston at Jonesboro-Hodge (B & G) 6:00 pm

Haughton at Quitman (Girls only) 6:00 pm

November 20^th – Friday:

Quitman at Claiborne Christian (B & G) 6:00 pm

November 23^rd – Monday:

JHHS at Lakeview Tourney (Girls only) TBA

Quitman at St. Mary’s (Girls only) 6:00 pm

November 24^th – Tuesday:

JHHS at Lakeview Tournament (Girls only) TBA

 

Quitman 77 Castor 43 (Girls)

It wouldn’t be surprising if the fans that saw the Quitman girls beat home standing Castor 77-43 this past Thursday had a crick in the their neck the next day. The reason seeing Quitman make it rain to the tune of 14 three pointers. That is correct – 14!!!!

Clara Womack and Bethany Leach laid their claim as one of the best backcourt shooting tandems in north Louisiana by scoring 22 points and five 3-pointers each to lead the Lady Wolverines to the first of two victories last week that lifted Quitman to the first of two victories last week. Each nailed three from behind the arc to help Quitman score 30 points in the second quarter that blew the game open.

Brayli Stewart also assisted with the long range barrage with three, 3-pointers on her way to 12 points while Cali Deal chipped in with 15 points and a trey of her own.  Emma Carter added four points and Kaylee Ford scored two.   

QHS (2-0)        13 30 15 19 – 77

CHS (0-2)           8 15 10 10 – 43

QHS Scoring: Womack 22, Leach 22, Deal 15, Stewart 12, Carter 4, Ford 2

Quitman 52 FCCS 43 (Girls)

Quitman limited Family Community Christian School  (FCCS) to just five second half field goals on their home court to erase a one point half time deficit and take a 52-43 victory. With the victory the Lady Wolverines remained unbeaten after three games. The loss was the first of the season for FCCS after opening the year with two victories.

Brayli Stewart kept Quitman close in the first half by pouring in 15 of her game high 17 points that included three bombs from behind the arc. Clara Womack scored 10 of her 12 points on the night in the third  to help Quitman to a 15-10 advantage in the frame and Cali Deal (14 points) added six in the final frame to help keep FCCS at bay.  Bethany Leach also was instrumental in the comeback by scoring all seven of her points in the second half.  Emma Carter chipped in with a basket.

QHS (3-0)          7 16 15 12 – 52

FCCS (2-1)        11 13 10   9 – 43

QHS scoring: Stewart 17, Deal 14, Womack 12, Leach 7, Carter 2   

Hornbeck 56 Weston 55 (Girls)

Emma Kate McBride, who led Weston with 19 points, drained three 3-pointers and 11 points in the fourth quarter and the Lady Wolves outscored Hornbeck 19-9 but the furious comeback attempt from an 11 points third quarter deficit fell one point short in the excruciating home loss. 

The loss was the second in three games for Weston while Hornbeck won their first of the year after two losses. Mallory Tolar and Lauren Maxwell chipped in 8 apiece with Briley Peterson adding five. Lakerria Austin and Lexi Barmore scored four.

WHS (1-2)       11 10 15 19 – 55

HHS (1-2)         15 15 17  9 – 56

WHS scoring: McBride 19, Maxwell 8, Tolar 8, Peterson 5, Austin 4, Barmore 4

Weston 83 Simsboro 67

Weston rallied again in the fourth quarter but this time not only came all the way back but won going away as they blitzed district foe Simsboro in a non-district contest. Weston, who had four players reach double figures in scoring, trailed 58-56 after three but won the fourth by a 27-9 margin to take the 16 point victory in their best scoring showing of the early season.

Briley Peterson led the way with an early season best 20 points followed by 17 from Lauren Maxwell. Mallory Tolar and Emma Kate McBride scored 14 each with Lexi Barmore and Mary Catherine Hay chipping in five each. Lakerria Austin scored four and Sara Beth Bond two as Weston won again after a loss to even their record at 2-2. Simsboro fell to 1-2 on the year.

WHS (2-2)    19 18 19 27 – 83

SHS (1-2)      13 18 27   9 – 67

WHS scoring: Peterson 20, Maxwell 17, Tolar 14, McBride 14, Barmore 5, Hay 5, Austin 4, Bond 2

In boys action Quitman beat FCCS 67-14 to move to 2-0 on the year and Weston fell to 1-3 after losing to defending Class B state champion Simsboro 86-42 in the only games played last week. No individual scores reported for either team.

By: Glynn Harris

Any way you look at it, the year 2020 has been one for the books, a book you’d like to toss into a big roaring fire.

The first couple of months of 2020 were a mirror image of January and February 2019. Folks were going about doing normal stuff. Hunters were celebrating a good deer season, squirrel hunters were glad to see deer season end so they could hit the woods with their squirrel dogs unencumbered. Crappie and bass fishermen were on the lake targeting big slabs and sway-bellied bass that were getting ready for the spring spawn. Then came March.

I always loved the month of March because it meant I’d be king for a day for 24 hours because on March 29, I celebrated a birthday with greetings and gifts and cake and such, things that made me feel sort of special. March 29, 2020 was markedly different. Oh I had a birthday and friends and kin sent greetings. There were even gifts and cake but something was lacking. Folks who stopped to greet me were wearing masks. There were no hand shakes or hugs. I got elbow or fist bumps.

I looked forward to church and Sunday school where my birthday was acknowledged with good natured ribbing suggesting I needed to wipe drool from my chin because I’d grown so old. By the end of the month, I could no longer attend church. If I wanted to hear the pastor’s sermon, I watched it on my computer in the safety of my office. Why all the drastic changes?

COVID 19. We are now in the ninth month of virtual shut-down created by an unseen but present enemy, the coronavirus that has sickened and killed thousands. I know people who have had the virus, I’m kin to several. I know some dear friends who have succumbed to this plague.

Then came the hurricanes. Laura was not only devastating and deadly in southwest Louisiana but she reached where I live way up here in north LA as a category one storm causing damage up this way somewhat like the tornado caused in early 2019. Then there was another following on Laura’s heels a month later and just about every week we saw another and another forming in the Caribbean posing a possible threat to our state.

Political unrest? Oh my goodness; this country became torn apart and divided by factions at each others throats followed by a presidential election that has done little to settle the unrest.

We have been in sore need of something to take our minds off all the negative nasty stuff the year 2020 has dumped on his. Thank God for Autumn. The changing of colors of the leaves from green to purple and red and gold as they flutter down to create a lovely multi-colored carpet has given us something warm and soothing to take the edge off all things nasty and mean.  

I took off my mask, picked up my camera and drove out to Lincoln Parish Park one day this week. Oh my, what a pleasure it was to see the unfiltered beauty and majesty of the changing of the seasons. Not a single thought entered my mind about a virus or a hurricane or political unrest. All I saw was peace and tranquility created by God.

As I was drinking in all I was seeing and experiencing, the thought entered my mind that as bad as everything has been during this nine months of hell, could what Autumn 2020 is showing us be a sign; an omen, of better things to come?

            I hope and pray it is.  

FISHING REPORT

BUSSEY BRAKE – Bass have been fair on spinners and soft plastics around pads and structure. Crappie fishing has improved a bit fishing the lower end of the lake around the dam on shiners or jigs. No report on bream or catfish. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

BLACK BAYOU –  Crappie are slightly improved on shiners and jigs. Bass are fair around the grass on jigs and soft plastics. Bream are slow. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.

OUACHITA RIVER – Bass have been fair fishing shad imitation lures around the mouth of the cuts. Crappie have been best fishing the river lakes on jigs with Monkey Milk, Gum Drop and Glacier jigs working best. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE D’ARBONNE – The lake level has risen slightly and should be around the 5 to 5 ½ foot drawdown level. Bass fishing has been best fishing the edges of the channels on crank baits and soft plastics. Crappie have been fair in the channel fishing 15-18 feet deep in the deeper holes on shiners or jigs. A few bream have been caught deep on night crawlers. Catfishing is good on 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 – The crappie have moved from the deep tops and are more in open water with shiners or jigs picking up some. Stripers have been fair in open water. They’re not schooling on top but some have been caught trolling bucktails or spoons. Bass have been hit and miss with them biting one day and slow the next. Crank baits and soft plastics are picking up a few. Catfishing has been good on trotlines baited with chicken livers or blood bait. Bream are slow. For latest information, call Tim Loftin at Kel’s Cove at 927-2264.

CANEY LAKE – Bass fishing has been best in the deeper channels on drop-shot rigs and swim baits. The yellow bass are starting to bite in deep water with some caught on jigging spoons and tail spinners bounced off the bottom. Crappie fishing has been best around deep tops with some caught under the Hwy 4 bridge on shiners or jigs. No report on bream or catfish this week. 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.

LAKE POVERTY POINT – No report. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318-878-0101.

LAKE ST. JOHN – The lake level is dropping apparently from the gates being opened. Fishing has been slow.  For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.

LAKE YUCATAN – The water was rising rapidly but is now falling rather fast. As a result fishing is slow.  For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

LAKE BRUIN – Bass and stripers are fair at night on crank baits fished around the lights. Bream are fair; crappie and catfish are slow. For information, contact Carlos Gray at 318/766-0075.

Many Americans were under the belief and impression that the 2020 Presidential election was behind them following the November 3^rd election.  After days of sitting on the edge of their seats watching and waiting with great anticipation, the political pundits and major news media networks called the election for President Elect Joe Biden.  We learned shortly thereafter that acceptance of such was not so with the Trump administration.  In fact, as one of the  headlines of my weekly articles was entitled Its Finally Over, Biden Wins Presidential Election, I unfortunately, I fell prey and subscribed to pronouncements of the national pollsters in calling the election for Biden.  We had no idea that events and disinformation such as we are receiving and experiencing from the Trump administration would surface.  With all the political rancor, wrangling and false claims of voter fraud alleged and promoted by President Trump and right wing supporters claiming that Biden was wrongfully declared the winner, Trump is fighting desperately using baseless claims and innuendoes to hang on to power, and refuses to concede the election to Biden.  Yes, many missed the call on the outcome of the 2020 election, thinking that the call was final, oh how wrong we were!

President Trump has gone so far as to deny President Elect Biden access to the daily classified intelligence briefings. The head of the General Services Administration has been ordered by Trump to stand down and not certify the election outcome which would allow access to and release of resources to the Biden transition team.  Trump is unwilling to provide for a smooth transition of power which no doubt will have serious consequences regarding the security of the nation.  Those close to Trump have no political courage and under no circumstance will  urge or  tell Trump that it is time to get out of the way and  allow a smooth transfer of power because his action is putting our democracy at risk and  too much is at stake.  What a message is being sent to the rest of the world!

As a result of Trump’s refusal to accept reality, the nation now finds itself embroiled in a political crisis in addition to having to face the historic and surging numbers of COVID 19 infections and deaths from the Virus,( on November 12^th there were over 184 thousand new cases, (the highest number that has ever been reported in a single day), with hundreds of thousands new cases being admitted to hospitals in a single day, and soaring daily death rates.  Over 245 thousand Americans (mothers, fathers, spouses, children, grandparents, nurses, doctors, caregivers and first responders) have lost their lives to COVID 19. It is predicted that by February 2021 the nation could see over 400 thousand new cases of infections per day.  Wow! The nation is in a crisis that includes record unemployment, racial tensions, and unrest throughout the nation.  Another lingering crisis is that of global warming which is producing more and more hurricanes, more flooding and destruction throughout the nation. 

What is The Trump Administration doing to address these crises?  Apparently, nothing.  Recently, he has been cooped up in the White House, or spotted on the golf course while states are running out of hospital beds, makeshift morgues with refrigerated containers are springing up and being used at hospitals throughout the nation.  The nation’s health pandemic has worsened to such a degree that Doctors Without Borders, a world-renown health provider is now lending aid and assistance to one of the world’s COVID hot spots, the United States of America.  Although there is hope and the promise of a forthcoming vaccine, the nation is imperiled and is enduring a period in its history that citizens will long remember.  We must get this pandemic under control now for it is holding the nation hostage.

What is needed most is really committed and effective leadership at the national and state levels and a coordinated national strategy for defeating this virus.  We note and extend our thanks to some of the governors ,who feel they can no longer look to the national government for solutions, and are stepping up to the plate to guide their states through safety measures during this pandemic, given the silence at the White House.  Governors are sounding the alarm in their states advising and encouraging citizens to following the CDC’s national guidelines of simply wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and limiting attendance of large social events and gatherings.  Governors are admitting that we are running out of time as ICU units are being filled.  These governors are tightening up on restrictions, just short of imposing a state lockdown. They are threating to close bars, fitness centers and are on the verge of implementing a stay at home mandate as a last-ditch effort to get the virus under control. 

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.

January 31, 1945 was a freezing cold day in Frederick, Maryland.  The temperature dipped down to just 15° Fahrenheit.  Wind gusts up to twenty-seven miles per hour made the cold temperature feel even colder.  Most people remained indoors by their fireplaces to keep warm. 

Over forty-five years earlier, three elderly ladies who had never married moved into a two story, drafty house in Frederick.  Its only source of heat was a couple of small fireplaces.  The three spinsters had decided to pool their money together and share all of their expenses.  Through the years, the three spinsters relied on each other for everything.

January 31, 1945, was no different.  The three spinsters were in their twilight years and were totally devoted to each other.  Lillie, the youngest of the three at seventy-five years old, was bedridden and depended on the other two for her very survival.  Fannie was seventy-eight years old and Ellen was eighty-eight.  The two able-bodied spinsters cooked, cleaned, tended to the fire, and did the other various chores required of the household.  However, a series of unfortunate events befell the spinsters.

On the evening of January 31, grocery store clerk Grayson Haller was making his normal grocery delivery to the spinsters’ home.  The roads and sidewalks were covered in ice and snow.  Grayson struggled to keep his footing.  As he carefully walked on the sidewalk, he saw a large bundle lying near the icy path to the spinsters’ home.  He curiously but cautiously entered the spinsters’ yard.  He starred at the bundle as he drew closer.  Suddenly, he recognized the shape.  He dropped the groceries and knelt down beside the bundle.  It was 88-year-old Ellen, the oldest of the three spinsters.  He tried to help Ellen, but he was too late.  Her body was frozen.  Grayson ran as fast as he could on the slippery ice for help.

Within a few minutes, Grayson and a police investigator returned to the spinsters’ home.  The investigator knelt down beside Ellen and tried to determine what had happened to her.  Grayson knocked on the door, took a deep breath, and prepared himself to deliver the bad news to Fannie and Lillie.  No one answered.  The investigator found that Ellen had a serious injury on her head.  Grayson knocked again.  Still no answer.  He and the investigator feared that something bad had also happened to Fannie and Lillie. 

Grayson and the investigator cautiously entered the house.  It was as cold inside the house as outside.  The investigator noted as he looked through the first-floor rooms that there were no signs of a struggle.  No chairs or other furniture was overturned.  Nothing appeared to be broken.  The house was neat and tidy.  The fire in the fireplace had burned out.  In the kitchen they made a ghastly discovery.  The cold, lifeless body of 78-year-old Fannie lay on the kitchen floor.  Sadly, there was nothing Grayson or the investigator could do for her.  They continued to search the house. 

Grayson and the investigator walked up the stairs to the second floor.  In one of the bedrooms, they made another shocking discovery.  Lillie, the bedridden spinster who relied on Ellen and Fannie for everything, was not in her bed.  Her cold, lifeless body, dressed only in her undergarments, lay on the bedroom floor.  Grayson was overcome with grief. 

Other investigators converged on the home of the three spinsters.  They found no evidence that anyone had broken into the home.  There was no damage to any of the doors or windows.  There was no evidence of a struggle.  Nothing seemed to be missing or out of place.  Upon looking at the bodies of the three spinsters, Ellen was the only one with an apparent injury. 

Following a short but precise investigation, the police concluded that the three spinsters, Ellen, Fannie, and Lillie, died on the same day, but not as a result of foul play.  They surmised that Fannie was in the kitchen and had either a brain aneurism or a heart attack.  When she fell to the floor, Ellen ran to her aid.  Unable to revive her, Ellen ran from the house to get help.  Ellen slipped on the icy path and hit her head, an injury which incapacitated her.  They concluded that she had frozen to death where she had fallen.  Lillie lay in bed until the fire was in danger of going out.  Apparently, Lillie dragged herself from her bed towards the fireplace with the intent of adding more wood and stoking the fire.  Lillie’s strength gave out before she reached the fireplace.  The fire burned quickly out.  Clad only in her undergarments, she also froze to death.  The three spinsters died from what can only be described as a series of unfortunate events.  The three spinsters all shared the last name of Flinn.  Ellen, Fannie, and Lillie were sisters.

For more Real Stories about Real People …with a Twist, order your copy of “Remember This?” at http://www.BradDison.com or from Amazon.com.   

Sources:

1. The Evening Sun (Baltimore, Maryland), January 31, 1945, p.32.
2. The Centralia Enterprise and Tribune (Centralia, Wisconsin), February 1, 1945, p.13. [erroneously listed as July 11, 1891]
3. The Daily Times (Salisbury, Maryland), February 1, 1945, p.3.
4. The Morning Herald (Hagerstown, Maryland), February 1, 1945, p.12.
5. The Old Farmer’s Almanac. “Weather History for Frederick.” Accessed November 15, 2020. https://www.almanac.com/weather/history/MD/Frederick/1945-01-31.
6. Find A Grave. “Ellen J. Flinn.” Accessed November 15, 2020. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25163497/ellen-j.-flinn.
7. Find A Grave. “Fannie M. Flinn.” Accessed November 15, 2020. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25163489/fannie-m.-flinn.
8. Find A Grave. “Lillie L. Flinn.” Accessed November 15, 2020. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25163479/lillie-l.-flinn.

Matt Sheppard slid up front of Stewart Friesen in the final turn to clinch a three-race sweep and a $20,000.00 payday on the final night of the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series fueled by Sunoco’s Cajun Swing at Chatham Speedway this past Saturday night.

“This feels really good,” Sheppard said. “Stewy scared the crap out of me on the final lap but when you are racing against him, you have to be up on the wheel at all times.”

On Friday night, Friesen won his heat race but redrew ninth of nine cars. On Saturday he quickly advanced to the front before eventually taking the lead only to see Sheppard take command and hold off Friesen who had charged to within a half a car length as they passed the checkered flag.

“I am really proud of our guys that we held pace with Sheppard tonight,” said Frieson. “It’s been a really fun couple of days down here and I am happy to have met a lot of awesome people.”

From his outside pole starting spot Sheppard led the opening lap ahead of Jeff Strunk, Mike Gular and Tyler Siri. With 40 laps to go Sheppard led Mike Gular, Friesen, Matt Strunk, Jeff Heotzler and Tyler Siri when Gular was forced to the pits. When the green flag flew once more Friesen scooted around Sheppard who retook the lead six laps later as the front runners battled through slower traffic.

When the two leaders stormed down the backstretch for the final time, Sheppard elected to stay in the middle of the track while Friesen put it all on the table by taking an extreme outside line. Coming off of turn four the two made contact as Sheppard slid up and Friesen made contact with Sheppard’s right rear. Jack Lehner nailed down the final spot on the podium, finishing third.

Mods in the Marsh 75 sees Freisen, Strunk and Rauscher win heat races

Stewart Friesen, Jeff Strunk and Dave Rauscher shined on Mons in the Marsh 75 qualifying races this past Friday night at the Chatham Speedway.  The three heat races locked nine drivers in a redraw for Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series feature race on Saturday.  Additional starters for the Saturday feature race after the three Friday night heats were Eric Williams, Matt Sheppard, Mike Gular, John Willman, Derrick McGrew Jr. and Tyler Siri.

Freshman Maids:

McKenzie Bradford

Zya Napper

Sophomore Maids:

Zoie Anderson

Ajoriana Hoggro

Junior Maids:

Madelyn Freeman

Adayshia Jones

Abrianna Paggett

Tyrianna Sly

Senior Maids:

Natalie Fenn

Ma’Hogneney Flowers

T’Keiriyah Martin

Vivian Paggett

Queen: Raivyn Anderson

1. Michael Malone (Quitman, LA) – Non-support (x2)
2. Joseph W. Gray (Quitman, LA) – Domestic Abuse, Battery
3. Gerald Lafield II (Jonesboro, LA) – Failure to appear to register as sex offender
4. Milton B Houston (Jonesboro, LA) – Battery of an officer, Resisting an officer
5. Nicole A. Martin (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the peace
6. Jacob C Watson (Jonesboro, LA) – Contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile
7. Mary McMillan (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of schedule IV drug, No head lamps, No insurance, No driver license, No inspection sticker, No license plates
8. Nygel Carroll (Winnfield, LA) – Illegal possession of a firearm, Distribution of Marijuana, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Illegal window tint, Winn Parish warrant for non-support
9. Anita Williams (Chatham, LA) – Simple criminal damage to property
10. Deshun Smith (Farmerville, LA) – Simple battery, Criminal damage to property
11. Jontae C Nichols (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated flight by officer, Simple criminal damage to property
12. Dequan Tobias (Metairie, LA)- Improper lane change, No driver license, Possession of Marijuana
13. Ashley L Cribbs (Jonesboro, LA) – Theft
14. Courtney D Davis (Jonesboro, LA) – Speeding, No driver license
15. Kelly L Dukes (Lake Providence, LA) – Remaining after being forbidden
16. Miya Vega (Quitman, LA) – Simple battery
17. David Patton (Quitman, LA) – Simple battery, simple damage to property
18. Shane W Fitzpatrick (Jonesboro, LA) – Resisting an officer (x2)

Dollie Elaine McCarty Phillips

The family of Sis. Dollie Elaine McCarty Phillips would like to express our deepest appreciation for every expression of love for our precious wife, mother and friend. Dollie broke free of her earthly chains and entered eternity to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, November 6, 2020.

We are so thankful for our loving church family at NORTH HODGE ASSEMBLY OF GOD.  You have all been so supportive and understanding. Thank you for allowing me to be your Pastor while also remaining very involved in caring for my beloved wife for over eight years. You’re the BEST!!!

We are also very grateful to Forest Haven Nursing Home. Forest Haven was Dollie’s home for most of her illness. To the administration, Nurses and all of the staff,
thank you for the loving care you all gave to Dollie. We will never forget any of you. God Bless you all!!!

There were many caregivers who cared for Dollie throughout her illness. We would like to thank all of you for everything you have done for her!
For the short time she was with us, Ms. Pam McGuire provided excellent care for Dollie & we are grateful!
We would like to make a special expression of gratitude to Mrs. Julie Loyd Evans for her faithfulness to graciously provide Dollie and our family loving care for over eight years. Julie, you have become like part of our family. We will never be able to repay you for the love and care you have given to Dollie, and to us!

A heartfelt Thank you to Compassus Hospice, for the professional, loving care you gave my wife in the last days of her life on this side of heaven. Your professionalism and care helped each one of us to be prepared for Dollie’s home going. For that we are very thankful! God bless you continually as you make a difficult time in the lives of grieving families just a little easier.

For every expression of love through gifts of food and flowers in her memory, for every text, call and prayer we are eternally grateful!!! To all of the churches and the community that has surrounded our family with love, WE LOVE YOU!!! WE THANK YOU!!!!!

GOD BLESS EVERYONE OF YOU!!!
Reverend Geary Phillips and Family

Leroy Roebuck                   May 10, 1944 – November 14, 2020

Mr. Lee Roebuck, age 76 of Hodge, was escorted through the Gates of Heaven Saturday, November 14, 2020, following a brief illness.  Lee was a very outgoing and friendly person who loved his family and friends.  He was a former funeral director and spent he spent most of his life helping others and being a good friend.

Mr. Roebuck is survived by his wife of 30+ years, Annie L. (Culpepper) Roebuck; son Wendell Roebuck; daughter, Melissa Cheryl Broxton; grandchildren, Joshua, Katie, Brandon & Cameron; 7 great grandchildren; siblings, Paul Roebuck, Bobbie Green; brother-in-law, Jimmy Culpepper; sisters-in-law, Sharon Milks, Carmen Harper; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Frankie Lee (Brown) Roebuck; sister, Mary Ann Parker.

Graveside services were held Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at Springhill Cemetery with Reverend Jeff Stroud officiating. Serving the family as pallbearers were Donnie Jordan, Steve Fox, T.C. Harper, Chris Harper & Wyatt Harper.

John Robert Conville                Dec. 04, 1937 – Nov. 12, 2020

On Thursday, November 12, John R Conville of Jonesboro, LA, entered into the presence of the Lord after a lengthy illness at the age of 82. In spite of the difficulties of the past several months, John never lost his joy and smile and he cherished the love of his family more than ever before.

John was a graduate of Jonesboro-Hodge High School where he enjoyed  playing running back for the Jonesboro-Hodge Tigers.  He was President of his Senior class and was also voted “Most Popular”.  John later attended Northwestern State University where he was a member of the swimming and gymnastics teams. He was employed by the paper mill in Hodge until his retirement and loved all his co-workers.

John was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a proud member of the Lowe’s Pasture Hunting Club, where he considered each of his fellow members to be family.  John was also a long-standing member of Hodge Methodist Church.  Both he and his wife Patty loved to sing in the church choir.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patty Conville; parents, Doyle Shelby and Bertha Mae (Crowell) Conville; brothers, Doyle James Conville, Lee Roy Conville; brother in laws, Forrest Hall and Bobby Chamberlain; sister-in-law, Carol Conville.

Those left to cherish his memory is his son Robbie Conville and Kevin; grandchildren, John Clyde Conville, Shelby Conville, Sam Maggio;  great-grandson, Silas Aries Conville; step-daughter, Vanette Sears and husband Mike; six step-grandchildren; fourteen step-great grandchildren; siblings, Johnnie Hall, Bonnie Townley and husband J.E., Leonard Conville and wife Jan,  Brenda Chamberlain, Sylvia Kinman and husband Mark and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.

A graveside service was held at the Driskill Cemetery on Saturday, November 14^th under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home with Reverend Ken Richmond officiating.

Jeffrey Hammons             Oct, 21, 1961 – Nov. 08, 2020

Mr. Jeffrey Hammons, age 59 of Quitman, passed through heaven’s gates on Sunday, November 8, 2020.  Jeff Hammons loved life and lived it to the fullest.  His gift was making family and friends laugh.  He enjoyed his job as a lead man over the fork lift shop at West Rock.  He was a member of Beech Springs Baptist Church.

Mr. Hammons is survived by his loving wife, Cindy Hammons; children, Ashley and husband Jeff Hines, Jr. of Liberty Hill, Daniel and wife Mollye Hammons of Ruston; grandchildren, Alley Marie Hines, Evelyn Grace Hammons, Jacob Hodge Hammons, Logan Claire Hammons; sister, Jo Ellen and husband Rusty Allen of Quitman; brother, Jamie and wife Catina Hammons of Quitman.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Hodge Elmer and Doris Evelyn (Varner) Hammons.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Beech Springs Baptist Church at 10:00AM with Reverend Larry Jinks officiating.  Burial followed in the church cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers were Robbie Riehn, Nick Brown, Jay Dunham, Mark Hammons, Jody Edmiston, Richie Patton, Tommy Womack, Rusty Kelly.  Honorary pallbearers were Bill Cooper and Billy Mize

Charles “Charlie” Harper                  Oct. 31, 1961 – Nov. 07, 2020

Charles G. Harper was born on October 31, 1961. He departed this life on November 7, 2020 at the age of 59 years old.

He was employed as a Tool Pusher in the oil field where he worked on land rigs with H & P and Patterson Drilling Companies in West Texas.

Charles G. Harper was united in matrimony to Carmen Harper. To this union, five children were born. He was preceded in death by his parents Grayson and Mae Harper.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife Carmen Harper; five children: Chris (Meranda) Harper, Mandi (Jared) McMurray, John (Abbey) Kezerle, Tori (Walter) Burton, and Troy (Brooke) Harper; four brothers Tommy (Donna) Harper, Joey (Tammy) Harper, Bruce Harper, and Leonard Harper, and eleven grandchildren.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, November 10^th at the Gayla Traina Cemetery in Jonesboro, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

Michael Bryant                  January 01, 1958 – October 29, 2020

Michael Bryant, age 62, passed away on October 29^th, 2020. Funeral services were held at the Living Gospel Church in West Monroe, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Arcadia, LA.

Ophelia Wyatt Green               Feb. 18, 1929 – Oct. 31, 2020

Ophelia Wyatt Green, age 91, passed away on October 31, 2020. Funeral Services and were held on Saturday, November 7^th at the Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in Dodson, LA. Interment followed at the Christian Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro, LA.

Ruby Lee Heard-Paggett                   June 10, 1943 – Oct. 31, 2020

Ruby Lee Heard-Paggett, age 77, passed away on October 31^st, 2020. Graveside services were held on November 7^th at the Friendship Baptist Church in Dodson, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

Welcome to LHSAA prep football, Covid-19 style. With the first two games of the season being cancelled the schedule took some serious revamping. As result this Friday night’s contest against North Caddo takes on double duties as Homecoming and Senior Night will both be celebrated.

That’s not to minimize an even more importance to the contest which is the winner will be basically the de-facto district 1-2A champion. This is the result of both JHHS and North Caddo taking resounding shutout victories in the season opener of the four team district race with the Tigers dominating D’Arbonne Woods 36-0 and North Caddo skunking Lakeside by a 42-0 margin.

Not a normal Homecoming! Anytime a high school head football coach has the opportunity they always try to schedule what looks like their easiest opponent for Homecoming. This is because of the always troubling distractions that are associated with the event.  Float preparations, parades, school assemblies, tailgating crowds and the fact that normally classes are let out early always causes game focus problems.  If there is a silver lining in this year’s unusual season for the Tiger staff is they won’t have to deal with most of these distractions as there will be no parade or tailgating behind the south endzone.

“Naturally I am disappointed that we won’t get to celebrate Homecoming like we normally do this year,” said Blankenship. “With the importance of this game though and the fact that the winner of this game will have a leg up on the district title I can’t say I am glad our guys won’t have as many distractions.”

Senior Night! Eight Tigers will take the field for their final regular season at Caldwell-Peacock stadium. Being honored before the game will be Cornelius Boston, Davion McGuire, Connor Webb, Datravien Bowie, Quiyontae Henderson, Phillip Beard, Chase Bryant and Skylar Levingston. During their tenure JHHS has compiled a 22-20 overall record that included two winning seasons (going on a third), four playoff appearances and three district runner-up finishes.

For all the marbles! For all accounts the district 1-2A title will be decided this Friday night. It is hard to imagine either JHHS losing to Lakeside or North Caddo falling to D’Arbonne Woods in next week’s games after the ways the action unfolded last week.

Stop the skid! Jonesboro-Hodge leads the all-time series against North Caddo/Vivian 7-6  but has dropped the last three contests including last year’s 34-28 barn burner that gave the Rebels the district 1-2A title. The losses dropped Blankenship’s record in the series to 2-3 after leading the Tigers to victories in his first two contests.

Formidable foe! North Caddo enters the contest with a 3-3 record after beating Class A St.Mary’s of Natchitoches 36-3 in the season opener before dropping the next three against strong competition. Class 3A Green Oaks started the slide 32-12 followed by Class 2A power Mangham winning a 53-34 shootout and Homer surprisingly taking a 20-18 victory.    This was followed by a 20-16 victory over Class 3A Bolton of Alexandria and the district 1-2A opening 42-0 whitewash of Lakeside.

“North Caddo has always been a tough matchup for us and we are catching them while they are playing their best ball of the season,” said Blankenship. “It is going to take a good effort on our part to win this one but I am expecting our guys to be ready for the challenge.”

Players to watch!  North Caddo’s wildcat offensive set has primarily featured a pair of players behind center that has performed admirably this year.  Junior Zion King (#2) lead the aerial attack with 21 completions in 37 attempts for 354 yards and 6 TD’s while rushing for 413 more with a pair of touchdowns. King is also a special teams weapon with a 34.4 yard per punt average.

Senior Charzay Morris (#11) also lines up at QB when not at tailback and has passed for 267 yards and 4 scores while also rushing for a team leading 535 yards on 74 totes for a 7.2 yards per carry average and 5 TDs. Tailback LJ Dixon (#1) has added 271 yards on 31 carries for an 8.7 yards per carry average that included a 95 yarder for a score and Slotback KJ Black (#6) has averaged 16.1 yards per carry while reeling in 15 passes for 213 yards and four scores. The leading receiver is Omarion Miller (#4) with 16 receptions for 438 yards and six scores. 

JHHS weapons! The Tigers bring explosive threats to the contest as well, especially in the passing game where a bevy of receivers have shown game breaking ability. Tydre Malone leads the aerial attack with 659 yards on 37 completions in 74 attempts and 8 touchdowns while adding 104 yards on the ground.

LaJavion Nichols leads the rushing attack with 313 yards on 39 carries and 4 scores while Justin Calahan who also has two special teams scores including a school record 95 yard punt return lead the receivers with 11 catches for 185 yards and 4 TD’s. Close behind is JaMarriyea Lewis with 5 receptions for 153 yards for a 30.60 average and DaTrevien Bowie with 5 catches for 128 yards. Devontae Mozee has added four catches for 89 yards and 3 TD’s.

Keys to victory!

1. Tame the Wildcat! North Caddo enters with a 27 point per game average. J-H must keep the Rebels in check.
2. Eliminate silly miscues! J-H was able to overcome 17 penalties against D’Arbonne Woods. A similar showing will spell defeat against a much stronger North Caddo team.
3. Not be distracted! Homecoming and Senior Night during the same game? Tigers must play with best focus of the season in the most important game of the year.

Prediction: The challenge was hard enough without all the outside activities taking place. Last years contest on North Caddo’s Senior Night was a thrilling 34-28 barnburner. Expect more of the same this year with both teams lighting it up. Look for Tigers to snap the three game skid against the Rebels and give Homecoming court and seniors a win.
JHHS 36 North Caddo 34