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  

Residents of the Terrace Hills subdivision in Jonesboro were all prepared to give the Public Works Department the “what-for” this past Saturday morning after waking up to no water. After the response that Public Works Director Calvin Wortham and Water Department Supervisor Nathan Martin gave those jeers quickly changed to cheers.

The problem was a major water line blowing out on the lower end of Linda Lee Lane that caused the entire subdivision to be completely without water. Being that it happened on a Saturday when the office of the Public Works Department is closed it led to the thoughts it would be several days before water would restored to the area where many elderly people live.

That was not even close to being the case though as upon learning of the problem Wortham and Martin immediately got in touch with Cherokee Contractors of Jonesboro who by 2:00 that afternoon had not only identified the problem and ripped up the leaking line but had also installed and connected a new 6” pipe that had allowed the water to be turned back on after only a few hours of being unavailable. 

Covid-19 has already wreaked havoc on the 2020 preps hoops schedule especially at Weston where games scheduled for this Thursday and Friday had to be postponed and rescheduled or have another team substituted in.

Weston was supposed to play Atlanta this Thursday evening but due to the virus spreading throughout Winn Parish the game was cancelled.  Fortunately Weston was able to save the playing date when Hornbeck agreed to fill the spot for a girls and boys tilt. The girls game will begin at 6:00 pm with the boys game to follow.

Another virus victim was the Wolves scheduled Friday home game against Saline which is also fighting the epidemic that has not only affected the team but also head boys basketball coach Klint Robinson. That game was rescheduled for December 14^th. 

It took a little longer for the boys than it did for the girls but both squads entered the win column after the first week of play. The Weston girls enter the Thursday contest with a 1-1 record after dropping the season opener to Summerfield and then beating former district rival Doyline.  The boys lost to both Summerfield and Doyline before grabbing their first victory of the year over Grace Christian.

Game recaps:

Weston Girls (0-1)      10  6    8 22 – 46

Summerfield              12 14 12 21 – 63

WHS leading scorers – Mallory Tolar 10, Emma Kate McBride 10, Lainee Trosclair 9, Lauren Maxwell 9

Weston girls (1-1)       14 12 17 17 – 60

Doyline girls               11   7 17 17 – 52

WHS leading scorers: Lauren Maxwell 17, Briley Peterson 15, Mary Catherine Hay 11, Lexi Barmore 9

Weston boys (0-1)      21 10  6 13 – 50

Summerfield               16 11 16 17 – 60

WHS scorers: Jace Holt 19, Davis Tolar 15, Eli McBride 9, Seth Peterson 4, Cooper Harvey 3

Weston boys (0-2)                    7 12 11 13 – 43

Doyline                                   24 19 28 16 – 87

WHS scorers: Kaden Shirley 9, Ryan Feirn 9, Jace Holt 8, Davis Tolar 5, Braden Theriot 4, Mitchell Mathews 3, Seth Peterson 3, Landon Roberts 1, C.J. Stewart 1

Weston boys (1-2)                    7 24  5 14 – 50

Grace Christian                      10 13, 14 4 – 46

Leading scorers: Davis Tolar 16, Jace Holt 13, Kaden Shirley 10, Braden Theriot 5, Mitchel Mathews 4, Eli McBride 2

Quitman hits the road to Castor and FCCS

Quitman hits the road for Thursday, Friday tilts

Quitman plays road games on Thursday and Friday

Quitman girls and boys go on the road this Thursday and Friday as the Wolverines open their season against Castor.  The next game set for Friday ended up being a “schedulitis” case as Atlanta was forced to cancel but the date was not lost as Faith Community Christian out of Winnsboro invited the boys and girls squads to play. Game time for both contests is at 6:00 pm for the girls with the boys to follow.

I am truly honored and humbled that the voters of Bienville, Claiborne, and Jackson Parishes have put their trust in me to serve as District Judge in the 2nd Judicial District, Division A. Robin and I are enormously thankful to all who have lent their support, encouragement, and helped push us across the finish line. You have touched our hearts and our gratitude is overflowing. I pledge I will carry out my duties as judge with honesty, integrity, and fairness. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to serve you! – Walter May

Jonesboro-Hodge pitched their first shutout in three years to take a decisive 36-0 victory over D’Arbonne Woods in the district 1-2A opener for both teams this past Friday night in Farmerville. With the victory the Tigers improved to 3-2 overall while D’Arbonne Woods fell to 1-4.

J-H continued their mastery over the Timberwolves in the all-time series record, which now stands at 4-0, by completely stifling the D-Woods offense to 98 yards in total offense that included an interception and two fumble recoveries, one that was returned 25 yards by Ed’Tavious Drayton for a touchdown.

In contrast the Tigers had 266 yards in total offense led by the 110 yards passing and two TD performance by quarterback Tydre Malone who completed 8 of 13 attempts on the night. Malone also added 41 yards on 4 rushes and another touchdown while LaJavion Nichols pitched in with 70 yards on 7 tries and a touchdown. Recipients of the touchdown passes were Justin Calahan and Devontae Mozee. Davion McGuire also had a big night converting all four of his PAT attempts.

Tigers tie dubious record! The game was a complete mismatch but all was not well in the eyes of J-H head coach Terrance Blankenship who was not pleased with the number of penalties accrued by his squad. J-H tied an all-time school record with 17 flags in the game which ended up giving D’Arbonne Woods more yards in penalties than in total offense.

“We have got to clean that up and fast,” said Blankenship. “The worst part of it was that most of the penalties were simply because the guys were not focused. We got away with it this time but we won’t if we play like that next week.”

Quick start! J-H basically put the game away in the first quarter thanks to an offensive and defensive score. Nichols got the scoring started with a one yard plunge followed by the defensive touchdown by Drayton to give the Tigers a 15-0 lead after one period of play.

Third quarter dominance! After a scoreless second quarter Mozee caught an 11 yard pass from Malone to up the score to 22-0 early in the third. This was followed by Calahan reeling in a 10 yard aerial for the second passing TD of the quarter. Malone then ran one in from 9 yards out to complete the scoring on the night.

New faces shine! A pair of newcomers to the defense, Manuel Hernandez and Xavier Atkins continued their stellar play in the last couple of games to lead the defense in tackles. Hernandez, who moved into the starting linebacker role last week led J-H with 8 tackles (4 tackles for a loss) and 3 assists followed closely by the Freshman Atkins who tallied 7 tackles (2 tackles for a loss) and added 6 assists.

“We saw the way these two played in the JV games and thought they would make a good addition to the varsity defense,” said Blankenship. “They have made a good impact for us.”

Additional defensive stars! Javeon Andrews (7 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 FR), Connor Webb (6 tackles, 4 assist, 1 sack, 2 TFL, LaJavion Nichols (5 tackles, 5 assists, 1 TFL) and Ed’Tavious Drayton (5 tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack, 3 TFL, 1 INT) also had big nights. Peyton Smith 5 tackles) and Catavious Waters (4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL) also posted season best efforts as did the team with their 4 sacks and a whopping 14 tackles for a loss.

JHHS (3-2, 1-0)             15     0       21     0 – 36

DWHS (1-4, 0-1)          0       0       0       0 – 0

Scoring summary:

1^st quarter:

JHHS – Nichols 1 yd run (2 pt. conversion)

JHHS – Drayton 25 yd fumble return (McGuire PAT)

3^rd quarter:

JHHS – Mozee 11 yard pass from Malone (McGuire PAT)

JHHS – Calahan 10 yard pass from Malone (McGuire PAT)

JHHS – Malone 9 yd run (McGuire PAT)

 

JHHS Game stats:

Passing: Malone – 8/13/110 yards (2 TD’s)

Rushing: Nichols -7/70 yards (1 TD), Malone – 4/41 yards (1 TD), Leonard – 3/23 yards, Hernandez – 2/ 19 yards, Drayton – 3/5 yards, Calahan 1 / 2 yards, Williams – 1 / (-2) yards, Jackson – 1 / (-2) yards

Receiving:  Bowie – 2/34 yards, Calahan – 2/29 yards (1TD), Mozee – 2/25 yards (1TD), Nichols – 1/15 yards, Boston – 1-7 yards

Tackles: Hernandez – 8T/3A, Atkins – 7T/6A, Andrews – 7T,  Webb – 6T/4A, Nichols 5T/5A, Drayton 5T/1A, Smith 5T,

After several days of ballot counting with results going back and forth between President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, it has been declared that Joe Biden is elected as the 46^th President of United States of America.  Biden received more than the required 270 electoral votes and more than 45 million popular votes.  Citizens could not wait for a sooner conclusion, especially when the country is riddled with a host of major unwelcomed problems and issues including a health pandemic where over 237,000 thousand citizens have died from COVID 19, and the nation is experiencing over 1000 deaths per day.  We are suffering from a sagging economy where thousands of citizens have become unemployed and are being evicted daily from their places of abode.  We see American citizens in large numbers standing in long food lines or driving through spiraling food lines in towns and cities across the nation.  Racial injustice and strife is at an all-time high, police are routinely killing young black men and women in what seems like acts of over policing and the culture of white police officers throughout the country.

I have spoken to a number of individuals from across the nation regarding this historical win, Joe Biden becoming the oldest person to occupy the office of President and Kamala Harris soon to become the first African American and first female to hold the office of Vice President of the United States.  Historical in that Biden will be oldest President to hold the office at the time he takes office and he is the president to receive the most popular votes in the history of the presidency.  Everyone I talked to has expressed joy and excitement over the outcome and great confidence in President Elect Joe Biden’s ability to handle the nation’s business efficiently and compassionately.  My contacts believe that President Elect Biden has a and deep and abiding love for this country and that he is a president genuinely concerned about and holding high hope for all citizens.  They expressed that their hearts were filled with jubilation, their eyes were filled with tears of joy.  We have heard locally from other citizens expressing their pleasure at the predictable demise and soon departure of President Trump, noting that Trump is believed to be the most divisive and racist President known in modern history.  They noted that Trump’s daily tweets were designed to divide the nation (I have done more for the African Community than any president shy of President Lincoln), that his erratic and unconventional style of governance aided in shredding American values and weakened America’s power and influence in the world.  It is believed that Trump is a threat to our democracy, and he lost valuable credibility with our allies throughout the world.  One thing for sure Trump made it crystal clear that he was a proponent of isolationism and was an advocate for tax credit for the rich and rewarding friends while totally disregarding the needs of the middle class.  In fact, it is my considered opinion that four more years of Trump and there would be no more middle class.

As one reflects upon four years of a Trump administration, one could not help but to look and be concerned about a Trump movement that attempted to turn back the hands of time when it came to expanding voting rights, police brutality, social unrest, packing the federal courts with conservative judges and  justices.  Citizens shuddered at Trump’s policies especially when it came to handling the COVID-19 virus, handling race relationships and addressing inequality, immigration reform, equal access to quality health care, criminal justice reform, reparations for descendants of African American slaves, educational opportunities, renewing the equal voting rights act, and more importantly truth and honesty in government.

Citizens are also expressing their displeasure with President Trump’s refusal to accept defeat and allow for a peaceful and smooth transition of power.  Trump is contending with zero evidence, that the Democrats stole the election from him, and has declared that he will not go gracefully as all presidents have done in the last twenty or thirty years.  Trump is refusing to accept the outcome from states headed by Democratic governors.

Never in the history of the nation have we had a record-breaking voter turnout as was evidenced in the 2020 Election for the President of the United States.  Over 140 million votes were cast, which makes the 2020 voter turnout the largest in Amerian History.  Now is the time for the nation to get back to the business of serving the people, versus the president serving their own personal interest.  Yes, it is a time to celebrate but just for a moment because there is much work and planning to be done, problems to be solved in the coming months ahead to heal the great divide and bring America together again.  The three branches of our federal government must work together for the benefit of those who voted for them and sent them to Congress.  They know too well that a divided nation can never achieve greatness.  We note that too many Republican members of Congress have obviously had their spines severed or removed as evidenced by their inability to challenge Trump on any issues or proposals.

It is a regrettable and sad moment in that the late Congressman John Lewis, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Congressman Elijah Cummings, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Congresswoman Barbara Jordan and others are not here to share in the momentous celebration and historical moment.  The Biden and Harris win has produced new hope and inspiration for people across the nation, hope that better days are head.  Thousands of people wearing masks and, in some instances, practicing social distancing have taken to the streets all over the country in celebration of the soon departure of President Trump and the ascendancy of President Elect Joe Biden.

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.