For most prep boys basketball teams the regular season has drawn to a close as preparation for the upcoming LHSAA playoffs begin. There are four area schools that have final tune-up games slated for this Friday and Saturday though, although none are playing at home. Highlighting the action is Quitman traveling to Sterlington on Friday and Saline heading to the same place on Saturday. Two more games are scheduled for Friday with Cedar Creek heading to Doyline and West Ouachita making the short journey to Union High in Farmerville.

Only two Jackson Parish Journal Sports coverage area teams claimed district titles this year with Arcadia winning 1-1A and Calvin coming out in a tie with Atlanta for the 4C crown in the season that saw a disparity of games played due to COVID-19 epidemic. For Arcadia the results were positive as they and Calvary Baptist both finished undefeated in 1-1A play but the Hornets had one more victory. It wasn’t so good for Jonesboro-Hodge, Ouachita, Lakeview and Red River. Each finished in a tie for first in the loss column but had one less win  than the eventual champion due to not being able to play as many games. 

Final boys district standings 

District 2-5A	Overall	District
West Monroe	17-3	8-1
Ouachita	12-9	5-1
ASH	21-8	4-2
Ruston	17-6	4-5
West Ouachita	8-12	1-7
Pineville	6-20	1-7

District 1-2A	Overall	District
North Caddo	10-15	3-1
Jonesboro-Hodge	8-5	2-1
Lakeside	1-7	1-2
D’Arbonne Woods	5-14	1-4

District 3-2A	Overall	District
Many	14-2	4-2
Lakeview	17-7	3-2
Red River	11-8	3-2
Winnfield	11-6	1-5

District 1-1A	Overall	District
Arcadia	15-1	8-0
Calvary Baptist	23-5	7-0
Homer	9-11	6-4
Ringgold	11-15	3-4
Lincoln Prep	5-12	3-4
Magnolia SOE	0-7	0-2
Plain Dealing	1-12	0-5
Haynesville	0-11	0-8

District 2-1A	Overall	District
Delhi	12-10	11-1
Tensas	9-5	9-4
Oak Grove	9-3	8-3
St. Frederick	10-7	7-3
Cedar Creek	11-11	5-8
Ouachita Chrisitan	6-20	2-9
Delta Charter	4-11	2-10
Sicily Island	2-9	1-7

District 1B	Overall	District
Doyline	13-0	6-0
Saline	8-8	4-2
Dodson	8-10	2-4
Castor	4-15	0-6

District 2B	Overall	District
Simsboro	21-2	6-0
Quitman	16-6	3-3
Choudrant	14-11	3-3
Weston	9-19	0-6

District 4C	Overall	District
Calvin	12-6	7-1
Atlanta	9-10	7-1
Georgetown	6-14	3-4
Central-Jonesville	4-16	2-6
Harrisonburg	2-14	0-7

Beech Springs Baptist Church announces that the response they have gotten from their request to receive items for the upcoming rummage sale that will benefit the St. Jude’s Research Hospital and other various charitable organizations has been so overwhelming that they have reached their capacity faster than ever before. 

“We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our efforts. The  response has been overwhelming,” said rummage sale committee member, Susan Duck. “We now ask that everyone comes to the sale and help us raise more money than we ever have before so together we can be a great benefit to the children at |St. Jude’s and others who are in need. .” 

The rummage sale will take place on Saturday, February 27th from 7:00am-3:00pm in the Fellowship Hall at Beech Springs Baptist Church, located at 3942 Beech Springs Road in Quitman. Mark your calendar for that date Your support will not only be very beneficial for a needy child, It could even help save their life. 

Daniel was a political activist and pamphleteer in London, England, during the late 1600s and early 1700s. Pamphlets were a popular medium for authors to broadcast their opinions to a wide audience in that era because they were unbound and inexpensive. Authors shared their opinions in pamphlets as a way to shape public opinion. Daniel’s pamphlets were often controversial and critical of the English government. Daniel had earned a significant income from his writing, and was a sort of regional celebrity. With each pamphlet, Daniel’s following grew. King William III usually overlooked Daniel’s writing because Daniel usually defended the king.

In March, 1702, King William III fell from his horse and broke his collarbone. While recovering, he developed pneumonia. On March 8, 1702, fifty-one-year-old King William III died. Forty-six days later, on April 23, 1702, William III’s sister-in-law and cousin, Anne, who was next in the line of succession of the throne, was crowned Queen at Westminster Abbey. Hostility erupted in England following King William III’s death and with the accession of Queen Anne to the throne. In December of 1702, Daniel published a 29-page satirical pamphlet entitled “The Shortest Way with the Dissenters”. Daniel realized the controversial pamphlet would be received with criticism from some, therefore he published it anonymously.

Within a short time, however, critics of the pamphlet traced it back to Daniel. At that time, England had no freedom of speech, nor did they have freedom of the press. Queen Anne went on the offensive against political activists, including Daniel. He was arrested, charged, and, in a short trial presided over by Judge Salathiel Lovell, found guilty of criticizing and provoking dissatisfaction with the English government. The notoriously sadistic judge sentenced Daniel to a punitive fine of 200 marks, three days in a pillory, and an undetermined prison term which would only end after the fine was paid and once the judge was satisfied that he had learned his lesson.

The stocks and the pillory were often placed on scaffolding so everyone would have a good view, and in busy locations. The stocks and the pillory were meant to punish the prisoner and to show those who witnessed the punishment what could happen to them if they acted out. The pillory was a form of punishment by public embarrassment which is now considered cruel and unusual punishment in most countries. Many people confuse the pillory with lesser form of punishment called the stocks. Stocks held prisoners in a seated position with their ankles locked into two wooden boards attached together with a hinge. (As recent as 2020, police in Chinu, Columbia, locked people in stocks who broke COVID-19 quarantine.) The pillory consisted of a pole which held two wooden boards with holes for the prisoner’s hands and head. Rather than seated, as with the stocks, the pillory was designed so the prisoner would have to stand, usually in an uncomfortable, crouching position.

When people in the surrounding area heard that someone was to be locked into the pillory, they began making preparations. With few things to take their minds off of their day-to-day lives, they saw the pillory as a form of entertainment. They gathered items to throw at the prisoner. Many people spent hours taunting the helpless prisoners. Some people spat on and cursed the prisoner, while others threw rotten fruits and vegetables. The prisoner’s hands and head were secured in such a way that he was unable to wipe away the various waste from his face. For the most despised of prisoners, their turn in the pillory was much worse. Rather than rotten fruits and vegetables, the crowd threw more substantial items such as stones, sticks, and anything which would cause pain and suffering. On some occasions, the prisoner was pelted to death. There was no recourse taken against members of the crowd if a prisoner died in the pillory.

On July 31, 1703, jailers led Daniel to the pillory. The crowd roared when they saw Daniel. The jailers led Daniel up the steps and onto the scaffolding. One of the jailers opened the top board of the pillory, force Daniel’s head and hands inside, and let the top board slam shut. The cheering crowd watched their every movement. Another jailer secured the lock. Remember, Daniel would have to spend three days straight, a total of seventy-two hours, locked in the pillory. He would have no bathroom breaks, no opportunity to sit, no opportunity to eat or drink anything unless members of the crowd pitied him, which was unusual, and no opportunity to sleep. If a prisoner fell asleep, the wood surrounding his neck would cut off his air supply. Three days in the pillory must have seemed like an eternity for even the strongest of men. As was to be expected, the crowd had carefully selected items to throw at the prisoner. Even before the jailers were clear of the pillory, the crowd began their ritual of hurling objects at the prisoner.

To the jailers’ surprise, the crowd did not throw stones, nor did they throw rotten fruits and vegetables. This crowd was made up of people who agreed with what Daniel had published in his pamphlets. They were fans. Rather than stones and rotting food, the crowd threw roses. They brought food and drink for Daniel. The jailers kept anyone from climbing the steps to the pillory, so members of the crowd tied various types of food and cups of drinks onto long sticks and carefully lifted them up to Daniel’s lips. Several people in the crowd stayed with Daniel the entire three days.

On August 3rd, jailers released Daniel’s hands and head from the pillory. Daniel had survived three long days in the pillory with little injury other than exhaustion. Within a short time, Daniel secured enough funds to pay the fine and was released. He later wrote that his time in the pillory would stay with him forever. Had the crowd been against Daniel and throne stones instead of roses, it is likely that he could never have written the book which is purportedly second only to the Bible in its number of translations. Sixteen years after his three days in the pillory, Daniel wrote a book about a castaway who spent 28 years on a remote desert island. Daniel Defoe titled the book after the lead character, Robinson Crusoe.

Arrests made in Jackson Parish for the week of February 8th – February 14th

Paul Grezaffi Jr. (Bathcelor, LA) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving under Suspension, No Insurance, No License Plate, Failure to Register Vehicle
Phillip Andrews (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule I & II drugs, No License Plate, Bondsman out on Bail
Willard Todd Robinson (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule II drug
Amanda Walsworth (Jonesboro, LA) – Bench Warrant for Driving under Suspension, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Shelby D. Kelley (Jonesboro, LA) – Bench Warrant for Driving under Suspension
Zacherick Bishop (Jonesboro, LA) – Illegal possession of a stolen firearm, Certain prohibited lights around license plate
Samuel Watson (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated Assault of a Peace Officer with a Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Flight, Possession of  MDMA
Macario McNeal (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Marijuana
James Artez Jones (Jonesboro, LA) – Extortion
Vickie G. Anderson (Jonesboro, LA) – Bench |Warrant for Issuing Worthless Checks
Patrick M. Weaver (Chunchula, AL) – Illegal possession of a firearm
Cristia Bararo (Baldwin, LA) – Possession of Marijuana (1st offense), Speeding
Shannon Hammonds (Quitman, LA) – Bench Warrant for Prohibited Acts with Schedule II drug

 

Is it possible? Two times in one winter where accumulations of snow might take place in north Louisiana? According to the National Weather Service this is not only a possibility but highly probable over the next several days. The following Hazardous Weather Outlook was issued on Saturday, February 13th.

“A significant winter storm is expected to begin late Sunday afternoon with sleet, snow, and freezing rain possible. As even
colder air arrives on Monday, a gradual transition to all snow will occur. Snowfall accumulations of 1 to 3 inches along with icing on roads can be expected.”

“Yet another round of a potentially significant wintry mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow is expected Wednesday. In addition, extremely cold weather is expected Sunday through Wednesday. The coldest temperatures are expected Monday night and Tuesday morning as overnight lows fall into the teens.”

Falling snow is a beautiful sight to see and having accumulations allows for a rare type of enjoyment but the very cold conditions are also dangerous if not dealt with correctly As this winter system moves through the area, residents are strongly encouraged to follow the safety tips below.

*Stay off roads if possible. If you must travel, give extra time and drive with extreme caution allowing extra distance in between vehicles when stopping. Roadway closures should be expected across the area. For road closure information, motorists can utilize the 511 phone system, 511la.org, or Louisiana 511 smartphone application.
*Stay indoors and dress warmly. If you must go outside make sure not only your torso but extremities are protected. It is also recommended that you dress in layers. 
*Prepare for possible power outages. If you have a portable generator make sure ahead of time that it is in good working condition and have plenty of fuel on hand. Never use a generator indoors or even near windows or doors. Carbon monoxide poisoning has been proven to be deadly. 
*Do not attempt to heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven. 
*Use extreme caution when utilizing space heaters. Make sure to keep them away from combustible items and monitor closely for the risk of overheating or overturning.
*Be a good neighbor. Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, while maintaining social and physical distancing. Connect often with family and friends by telephone, e-mail, text messages, video chat, and social media.
*Bring pets indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm, making sure the door to the shelter is facing south to avoid the cold north winds from entering the shelter. Also, make sure they have access to unfrozen water.
*Make sure exposed water pipes, water lines and back flow preventers are insulated. This is so your water supply will be less likely to freeze. If not able to wrap outdoor pipes or lines keep a light trickle of water flowing through your lines.

The offices of the Town of Jonesboro and Chatham will be closed to the public on Monday, February 15th in observance of Presidents’ Day. However, law enforcement, emergency personnel and utility personnel will be on call in case of an emergency. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

 

 

The Jackson Parish School Board announces that on Monday, February 15th and Tuesday, February 16th, that all schools in the parish school system will be closed. While it is ironic that a severe winter storm is forecast for the north Louisiana region for the same days, the closures were already scheduled in recognition of Presidents Day and the Winter Break. You can find any additional closure days that may be announced due to the winter weather that is expected to impact the area by going to the Jackson Parish School District website or through notification in the Wednesday, February 17th edition of the Jackson Parish Journal that usually publishes around 6:30 am. 

Toni Malone was named Mayor Pro-Tempore and Lynette Roberts as Town Clerk at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Chatham Board of Aldermen held on January 12th at the Town Hall, located at 1709 Oak Street in Chatham.

Unanimously agreeing to the two appointments  were attending town council members: Marvin Davis, Laverne Mixon, Sue Proffer, Mike Wilson and Malone. Chatham Mayor, Gregory Harris and a bevy of local residents were also present for the initial meeting of 2021.

Resolution #2020-13, that was first presented in December of last year and involved the setting of time and dates of regular town council meetings in 2021 and two new Resolutions (2021-01 & 2021-02) which allowed for a couple of state grants to be applied for, were then unanimously approved.

Resolution #2021-01 involved applying for a Community Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF) grant that will be used to clean and repair the elevated water storage tank. Resolution #2021-02 allowed for an application to be made for a grant funded by the  Local Government Assistance Program (LGAP) that will be used to purchase mowing equipment for the town.

Another Resolution (#2020-14) that was presented last year, involving the sale of the Garbage Truck owned by the Town, was tabled until more information can be obtained. Approval to accept the LA Compliance Questionnaire for the fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2020 and financial statements as presented were the final two actions taken before the meeting was adjourned. 

On January 19th, a special session of the Town Council took place with Aldermen Marvin Davis, Toni Malone and Laverne Mixon in attendance along with Mayor Harris. Sue Proffer and Mike Wilson was absent. The meeting centered on the adoption of Resolution #2021-03 which allowed for the 2004 Chevrolet model Garbage Truck, owned by the Town of Chatham, to be declared as surplus property. It was also agreed to offer the truck for sale and that sealed bids would be taken until Friday, February 5th and be opened at the regular Town Council meeting that was held on February 9th. 

 

The regularly scheduled monthly meeting of Jackson[ Parish Recreation Board that was scheduled for Monday, February 15th has been postponed due to the potential of hazardous weather conditions as forecast by the National Weather Service. The next meeting will be at 6:35pm on Monday, March 1st at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro. 

On Saturday, February 13th, the National |Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for all of north Louisiana, including Jackson Parish from 1200am Sunday through Monday at 6:00 pm. Total accumulations of  upward to 2-4 inches of snow mixed with ice is expected making conditions non-conducive for traveling. 

The Jonesboro-Hodge Lady Tigers closed out the regular season by tying five school, state and national records in their 48-0 victory over North Caddo this past Wednesday evening. With their fifth straight victory the Lady Tigers improved to 12-5 overall and  3-0 in district 1-2A play that secured a 2nd straight championship in as may years under the tutelage of head coach Britani Fields. North Caddo dropped their seventh straight to fall to 1-7 overall and 0-3 in district play. 

Zip, zilch, nada, nothing – However you want to describe it incredibly North Caddo was held without a single point which left those in attendance shaking their heads in stunned disbelief. The result forever etches the 2020-21 edition of Lady Tigers name five times in the school, state and national record books (0 points allowed for each quarter and the game) with a mark that can only be tied but never be broken. The contest was so apparently one-sided after a 1 1/2 quarters, that saw North Caddo have extreme trouble even advancing the ball up the court, that a running clock was used  the remainder of the way. Thank goodness or there is no telling how bad the carnage would have gotten.

Yahzmynne Andrews led the Lady Tigers in scoring with 17 points followed closely by Xabrianna Jackson who had 15. Both, along with the remaining starters, had taken a seat on the bench early in the third quarter. Chamya Waters chipped in with nine and Zymea Hoggro added four. Jessica Bradford and Sydney Malone had a basket each.

JHHS (12-5, 3-0)	18	18	8	4	48
North Caddo (1-7, 0-3)	0	0	0	0	0

JHHS scoring: Andrews 17, Jackson 15, Waters 9, Z. Hoggro 4, Malone 2, Bradford 2
NCHS scoring: none

Final District 1-2A girls standings

TEAM	District Record	Overall Record
Jonesboro-Hodge	3-0	12-5
D’Arbonne Woods	2-2	7-12
Lakeside	0-0	1-6
North Caddo	0-3	1-7

Tiger boys split with North Caddo

Jonesboro-Hodge secured a firm grip on the district 1-2A championship race with a 56-42 victory over visiting North Caddo this past Wednesday only to see it slip through their fingers two days later when the homestanding Rebels turned the tables by a 60-48 margin. The loss was a bitter pill to swallow as it dropped J-H into a tie in the loss column with North Caddo and put in jeopardy the possibility of the Tigers securing their 4th straight district title. Jonesboro-Hodge fell to 8-5 overall and 2-1 in district 1-2A play while North Caddo improved to 10-15 overall and 3-1 in district play. The disparity in games is because the Tigers still have three district contests still remaining on their schedule but as of Saturday, February 13th it was unclear whether any of the contests, which were postponed a couple of weeks ago, would be made up.

District 1-2A boys standings

TEAM	District record	Overall record
North Caddo	3-1	10-15
Jonesboro-Hodge	2-1	8-5
Lakeside	1-2	1-7
D’Arbonne Woods	1-3	4-14

Quitman girls complete most successful regular season in school history

Quitman beat Simsboro 46-36 this past Friday night to finalize their perfect 6-0 run through district 2B opponents and conclude a “season for the ages” that saw the Lady Wolverines end with a 23-2 overall record, that is believed to be the best regular season mark in school history. The victory was the 15th in a row and secured Quitman’s #4 ranking entering into the playoffs that are slated to begin on Thursday. Brackets will be posted on Monday. 

Despite not really having anything to play for Simsboro, who ended the year with an 8-10 overall record and 2-4 district mark after losing their last four, didn’t allow Quitman to cap the year in style without a fight. The homestanding Lady Tigers opened the contest by taking a five point first quarter lead and had a 32-27 advantage at the end of the third quarter causing a few anxious moments but there was no way that Quitman was going to allow their special season end on a sour note.

The play of the Lady Wolverines in the fourth quarter, that saw Quitman outscore Simsboro 19-4 to go from being down by five to the ten point winning margin, was a perfect example of what has propelled Quitman to such great heights. All season the Lady Wolverines had embraced head coach Kyle Leach’s philosophy of needing a complete team effort in order to be successful and they executed the plan to perfection in the fourth quarter as all five starters contributed points, led by six points from Bethany Leach who paced Quitman in scoring with 15 points. Brayli Stewart added five of her 11 points on the night, while Cara Womack and Cali Deal, who finished with 9 and 5 respectively added three each. Emma Carter also got into the act with two of the six points she ended with. Ivory Brown led Simsboro with 17. 

Quitman (23-2, 6-0)	4	12	11	19	46
Simsboro (8-10, 2-4)	9	14	9	4	36

QHS scoring: Leach 15, Stewart 11, Womack 9, Carter 6, Deal 5
SHS scoring; Brown 17, Hester 11,  Mitchell 4, Abney 2, Jones 2

Choudrant 59 Weston 50: A season best 25 points from Kylee Portilloz and Choudrant’s 15-8 first quarter advantage was too much for Weston to overcome in the season final that saw Choudrant take a 59-50 victory. With the loss the Lady Wolves ended district 2B play with a 1-5 record and enter the playoffs with a 13-14 overall record. Choudrant finished 3-3 in district and closed the season at 16-11.

It was the 15-8 first quarter Choudrant advantage that ended up spelling doom for Weston. While the season record wasn’t what head coach Stacy Tucker and his girls hoped for the play of a couple of underclassmen in the contest proved that the future looks bright. Eighth grader, Briley Peterson led Weston in scoring with 18 points, all but one of those over the final three quarters that saw the Lady Wolves play Choudrant to a virtual standstill. Sophomore Emma Kate McBride also came up big with 14 that included three trey’s.  Senior Mallory Tolar closed out her final regular season with five. 

Weston (13-14, 1-5)	8	15	11	16	50
Choudrant (16-11, 3-3)	15	16	11	16	59

WHS scoring: Peterson 18, McBride 14, Tolar 5, Bond 4, Barmore 3, Austin 2, Hay 2, Trosclair 2
CHS scoring: Portilloz 25, Thomas 15, Wiley 11, Johnson 5, Duke 3,

Final District 2B girls standings 

TEAM	DISTRICT	OVERALL
Quitman	6-0	23-2
Choudrant	3-3	16-11
Simsboro	2-4	8-10
Weston	1-5	13-14

Quitman and Weston boys end district play on sour notes  

Quitman and Weston gave up 96 and 94 points respectively to lose by wide margins in their last district game of the season. Choudrant scored their most points of the year in the 94-49 victory that lifted the Aggies to a 13-11 overall mark and a 3-3 district  and dropped Weston, who has now lost six in a row, to 9-19 overall and 0-6 in 2B play. For Quitman it was even worse as Simsboro scored over 90 points for the 10th time this year in the 96-26 thrashing that extended the Tigers winning streak in district play to 54 straight and improved their district record to 6-0 and 21-2 on the year. Quitman fell to 16-6  overall and 3-3 in 2B play after losing their third of the last four games. 

Simsboro 96 Quitman 26: It was one of those nights where nothing went right from the get-go as the Wolverines lost by easily their largest margin of the year. If it was a boxing match it would have been called after the first quarter that saw Simsboro jump out to a commanding 31-8 lead. It got worse from there, as the high octane Simsboro offense outscored the Wolverines by 13, 24 and 10 over the final three frames. Twelve times Simsboro hit three point shots, with five players hitting two apiece. The total points resulting from the three-pointers were enough by themselves to down the Wolverines, who failed to reach double digits in scoring in any of the four frames.  Joshua Smith did reach double figures and led Quitman with 12 points. 

Quitman (16-6, 3-3)	8	7	8	3	26
Simsboro (21-2, 6-0)	31	20	32	13	96

QHS scoring: Smith 12, Manning 6, Simonelli 3, Williams 3, Pabaya 2
SHS scoring: Taylor 19, Cato13, Newton 11, Maryland 9, Tyler 8,Crawford 7, Wright 6, Outley 6, Abney 4, McAllister 2

Choudrant 94 Weston 49: It was just the opposite for Weston who lost the final two quarters by a 57-22 margin. Twelve players in all tallied for the Aggies led by Chris Williams who finished with 24 on the strength of a season best, 7 trey’s on the night. Jack Echols scored 14 and Troy Harris checked in with 11. Weston was led by Jace Holt who scored 15 in his final district game of his career and Davis Tolar with ten.

Weston (9-19, 0-6)	13	14	14	8	26
Choudrant (13-11, 3-3)	18	19	29	28	94

WHS scoring: Holt 15, Tolar 10, Shirley 7, Henderson 6, Theriot 5, Roberts 4, Harvey 3, McBride 2
CHS scoring: Williams 24, Echols 14, Harris 11, Thompson 9, Simonton 8, Smith 8, Carter 7, Jones 4, Case 3, Thompson 2, Stevens 2, Grant 2

Final district 2B boys standings

TEAM	DISTRICT	OVERALL
Simsboro	6-0	21-2
Quitman	3-3	16-6
Choudrant	3-3	13-11
Weston	0-6	9-19

Gov. John Bel Edwards signed a proclamation on Feb. 10 extending Louisiana’s modified Phase 2 guidelines, which include sensible restrictions meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 like a statewide mask mandate, for another 21 days. The new order is set to expire on March 3, 2021.

Hospitalizations and test positivity have improved in Louisiana, but cases are still very high and more people are in the hospital today than were last summer. January was the second deadliest month of the pandemic in Louisiana and, with Mardi Gras next week, Louisiana cannot afford to relax restrictions. Last year, before public health officials were warning against cancelling large events, COVID-19 was spread during Mardi Gras celebrations, leading to many cases and deaths in the New Orleans region.

“Our conduct should not change in the foreseeable future,” Gov. Edwards said. “Please, be very smart and very courteous about how you act and please wear your mask, distance, wash your hands frequently, stay home when you are sick, protect the vulnerable and, when you are able to do so, get vaccinated.”

Businesses are also encouraged to have as many workers as they can work remotely, as COVID is a major concern in Louisiana, especially as new variants have spread throughout the country, one of which has been confirmed in the state. The Governor also warned people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 already to continue to wear their masks and practice the other mitigation measures to protect those around them who have not yet received the vaccine.

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, should have as many employees work from home as 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 may open 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, whichever is less.
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.

According to the website: luckyshow.org and in an article entitled “Girl’s Basquette” – Women Basketball Pioneers, the first official woman’s basketball game was played 129 years ago at Smith College in 1892. It was a very different styled game in the “dawning days” of the sport as it was played on a court that was divided into three sections. Each player had a section that they had to stay in and only a select numbers of players from each team could score. It was set up that way because the game was thought to be strenuous for young females. 

In 1914 the rules were changed to allow for a “two-court” game to be played. Five and then later six players from each team, were restricted to either the offensive or defensive side of half-court. In most states, the rules were that a player could dribble the ball no more than twice before passing or shooting. Up until the early 1940’s, it was even illegal to guard a shooter.  Eventually the game began to slowly evolve into it’s modern day form and style of play. In the 1950’s some states began to allow a “rover” who was a player allowed to play in either zone but the 6 on 6, “two-court” game lasted in amateur women’s basketball until 1970.

Five on five, full court basketball, like it is played today had it’s beginning in 1966 but acceptance of the “modern game” varied. The state of Iowa didn’t allow the full court game until 1983, but the 6 player game lasted in that state for ten more years. Oklahoma also played “two court” until 1993, albeit with unlimited dribbles. The first college season and championship tournament under modern rules was in 1970-71. The last state to abandon high school “six-woman” basketball was Indiana in 1993-94.

Some national records of the “6 on 6” era border on unbelievable, such as the 156 points scored by Marie Boyd in 1924 where she did it TWICE. The worst margin of defeat was one of those games, where Lonaconing Central in Maryland  beat Ursuline Academy 163-3. The biggest shoutout ever recorded was in 1924 where Meriden Washington of Connecticut beat South Norwalk 148-0. OUCH! Edith Olsen scored 128 points in that one which ranks second all time in single game scoring. The single game scoring record in the “modern era” of five-on-five basketball is 113 points by Epiphany Prince of Murry Bergtraum High in New York City who scored 113  in the 137-32 victory over Louis Brandeis High in 2006. Even more incredible was the 54 of 56 field goals she made. 

Can you guess where the high school player who has scored the most career points in the nation hails from? The answer is Louisiana. Her name is Katie Antony, who scored 6,190 points for Anacoco High School from 1998-2003. She played for six years, first hitting the court as a seventh grader. The Louisiana High School career scoring record  in the “6 on 6” game is 4,147 points set by Doris Coleman of Longville High in 1957-61. The single season scoring record is 1,320 points by Danielle Whitehurst of Southfield High in 1988-89.

Carolyn Dossman of Bayou Chicot has the two best, single game scoring marks for the state of Louisiana with 70 points against Chataigner in 1959  and 65 against the same team in 1958. She also has the 7th and 9th best mark in the state of 57 and 55 points scored against Sacred Heart in 1959 in a two out of three game playoff for the district 8B championship. The series is important in LHSAA annals because the 112 points Dossman scored is the most ever in the state in back to back games and combining with the 47 and 53 points Tugg Davenport of Sacred Heart scored it marks the highest combined two scoring games by opponents.  

The Louisiana High School career scoring record  in the “6 on 6” game is 4,147 points set by Doris Coleman of Longville High in 1957-61. The modern day, single season scoring record is 1,320 points by Danielle Whitehurst of Southfield High in 1988-89 and single game record is 61 set by Vicki Johnson of Coushatta High in 1989-90. Lou Ann Simmons of Chatham High is the Jackson Parish single game scoring record holder with 49 points in 1962 against Weston.

The first high school girls basketball champion crowned was Lecompte High School in 1909. The first school from north Louisiana to win a title was Winnsboro in 1921. Fairview High School has the most state titles with 12, including the 2020 crown that broke the tie for the most with Jena and Southwood who both have eleven. Baskin is next with nine followed by Anacoco, Ouachita and Pitkin with eight each. Neighboring Bienville Parish has several schools that have earned the “hardware” including Arcadia (1997, 1998, 2000, 2010, 2016) with five state titles and the now defunct Bienville High with four (1951, 1952, 1953, 1998) and three straight years (1999-2001) where they finished as Class C runner-up. The former Shady Grove High School (1978, 1984, 1985) had three titles, Gibsland-Coleman (1963, 2003) has two and Saline (2009), Castor (1932) and Friendship High (1950), which also is no longer open, has one each. Winnfield (1963, 1964, 2011) leads the Winn Parish contention with three followed by Calvin (2006, 2008) with two. Simsboro (2004) and New Living Word (2017) from Ruston represent Lincoln Parish. 

No Jackson Parish school has ever won a LHSAA state title with only Quitman in 1975 and Chatham in 1989 even having the chance to play for one both losing in the finals. Jonesboro-Hodge has reached the state tournament twice, once in 1986 and again in 2016 but lost in the semi’s each time. Weston also fell in the semi’s in 2001. The best hope for another local team to have shot at a title or at least make it to the state tournament looks to be Quitman, who has a #4 ranking in Class B after a stellar 23-2 season, considered the best in school history. Where they are actually seeded in the playoffs may well play a big role in whether or not they can get there. Class B is very strong at the top in Fairview, Hathaway and Florien, whose resume proves they can play with anybody in the state regardless of classification. All three are down right scary this year and playing any one of them means almost certain elimination. By virtue of having a #4 seed Quitman wouldn’t be forced to play any one of the three until the state semi-finals.

It would be very gratifying to see the Lady Wolverines make it to the state tournament. If you have followed the team you know that there has seldom been such a classy group of young ladies ever assembled. They not only “got skills” but play the  game the right way displaying tremendous character and sportsmanship. This is a direct reflection on the leadership provided by head coach Kyle Leach and assistant April Simonelli as well as the entire Quitman faculty led by Principal Billy Carter. The environment at the school simply breeds quality. If any group deserves a day in the sun it is them. Nothing is given in this world and the Lady Wolverines will have to earn it but that is not out of the realm of possibility as they can  get hot and shoot the lights out. Maybe in a few weeks there won’t be alight left on in Quitman. Not because they got shot out but because everyone turned them off so they could take the trip on the “Highway to Hammond.”

The Red River also known as the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway is a 200 mile stretch from the Mississippi River to Shreveport, Louisiana. It consists of 5 lock and dam structures design for industrial navigation but as industrial ports continue to develop, the Corp of Engineers invested nearly $2 million in this project which has turned into a recreational bonanza. Northwest Louisiana has taken advantage of this waterway better than anyone else as a recreational resource. Shreveport, Natchitoches and Alexandria have brought in major professional bass and crappie tournaments like the Bassmaster Classic, the greatest bass tournament in the world. They’ve also welcomed the Forest Wood Cup (the World Championship for FLW), Costa Series and several BFL events that boasts some of the best professional anglers on the planet.

Now I’m going to give you my perspective of what the Red River has meant to me as an angler. Red River holds special memories for me as a lot of my success has come on this waterway. Why, not really sure but it seems to fit my style of fishing. Once it opened in 1994, I decided to become a river rat and I took the time to learn how to fish a river system. Fishing a river system is different than fishing a normal inland reservoir. Current or water flow plays a big role in how, when and where you fish when it comes to any river system. My first experience with a river system was back in early ‘90s when the Angler’s Choice (American Bass Organization) put their regional championship on the Arkansas River out of Pine Bluff. I learned really quick that river fishing is a different animal as my team partner, and I boated a grand total of 4 fish in four days of hard fishing. It was through this butt whipping experience on the Arkansas River that motivated me to learn how to fish the Red River.

The Red River has gone through a lot of changes especially in 2016 when record floods hit, and the river reached levels never seen in the last 100 years. These floods occurred not once but twice in the span of about 6 months and destroyed major habitat that had made the bass fishing some of the best in the south. In the last 4 years the river habitat has been making a comeback and that along with the restocking program (compliments of the Red River Waterway Commission) fishing is on the comeback. One great thing about the Red River, is the amount of great backwater areas that hold a lot of fish. Pools 3, 4 and 5 is where the majority of the back water is located. Areas where you’ll find coontail moss, water lilies, timber and reeds along with underwater rock jetties that are fish magnets. In early spring, this is where you’ll catch quality bass and tournament winning stringers. But once the hot summer days take hold, the main river is where you can catch good numbers of bass.

If you talk with ten people who have fished the Red River, you might get ten different opinions about this waterway. One thing you’ll hear is how hard it is on a boat, which is true. You’ll hear how dangerous it can be, which is true if you run your boat wide open in certain areas. For me, it’s like any other body of water, you have to learn it, just like I do on other bodies of water I’m not familiar with. Take your time and idle through areas you’re not sure about. The Red River is no different, you have to learn where you can and cannot run wide open. During high water periods, be careful and watch for what we call “floaters”(trees and logs coming down the river) especially when you’re running the main river channel. But when the river is stable and normal, there’s not much trouble you can get into other than shallow sand bars. Always pay attention to watercolor when your running; dark water usually means deep water but when you come across muddy brownish water, that can mean you running across a shallow sand bar. Bottom line just be careful and again take your time and learn the lay of the river and backwater areas. Another way to learn is to watch other anglers and see where they are running.

I’m here to tell you, if you’re looking for some good fishing (bass or crappie) that’s not getting a lot of pressure, hook up the boat and head for the Red River. Once again, I want to thank the Red River Waterway Commission for their dedication and commitment to bring the bass fishing back to a high level. The Red River truly is a great resource for all of Northwest Louisiana and has had a huge economic impact for this region. Next time you see one of the guys from the Red River Waterway Commission, make sure to say “thank you” for a job well done. You’ll find great Corp of Engineers top quality boat ramp facilities all up and down the Red River design to accommodate fishermen, skiers and campers. Till next time, don’t forget to set the hook! To learn more about the Red River and other area lakes, check out hutdshow.com. The official web site of the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show heard every Wednesday from 11:00 till 1:00 on AM 1130 The Tiger KWKH…home of LSU Sports!

The goal is to make this years rummage sale that goes toward benefitting the St. Jude’s Research Hospital as well as other worthy charities the best ever in it’s nine year existence. To do that, Beech Springs Baptist Church, located at 3942 Beech Springs Road in Quitman, is asking the residents of Jackson Parish residents and surrounding areas help them have the largest inventory of goods that they have ever had to date. Only a couple of weeks are left to stock up before the sale takes place on Saturday, February 27th from 7:00am – 3:00pm in the church Fellowship Hall. Through your support you can make a lasting difference in the life of a child and others who are in need.  To arrange to donate clothing, indoor and outdoor items or anything else that can be sold, please contact: Lisa Linton at 318-259-3654.

 The Ward 2 Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners re-appointed George Gryder and Alton Fallin to new, two-year terms  and completed the purchase of a 2003 KME, 2-door rescue truck at their regular monthly meeting held on February 9, 2021 at the District Office located at 189 Vernon-Eros Road. The action was approved by attending members Alton Fallin, Charles Hopkins, and Mack Williams. Absent was Bill Wheelis and George Gryder.

Chief Manning then delivered the January Fire report of five total calls consisting of  two fires, one motor vehicle accident and two public tree removals. The Fuel Report for January showed that 312.1 gallons were on hand and 98.9 gallons was used. Regarding Apparatus/Equipment Maintenance, issues with Pumper 230 have been fixed, the transmission on Truck One has been repaired and oil changes were done on both pickups. Also oil has been ordered for the big truck. Signs are being placed around the Ward and missing signs that need to be replaced have been ordered. The fencing project has been completed and January training session had five people in the first responders class. In final action before the meeting was adjourned the financial report and presentation of bills due for January were acknowledged and it was agreed that the contract renewal for Chief Manning will be discussed at the March Board meeting.

 

 

 

 

The Outpatient Medical Center seeks a skilled Compliance Auditor to investigate, audit, and prepare reports to executive officers and the policy-making Board. For assigned compliance matters, this executive level position will assess and track healthcare compliance with procedures, policies, federal requirements, Joint Commission standards, etc. Must have experience with healthcare compliance and ability to prepare reports that meet expectations. Salary based on job related experiences and qualifications. This is an exempt position that assumes assigned emergency duties when necessary. 

OMC is also looking for 3 ethical, personable, highly-responsible and highly-accountable experienced healthcare supervisors to run OMC clinics in Natchitoches (largest), Leesville, and DeSoto (RHC) under established policies and procedures. Outstanding, energetic, and experienced candidates are encouraged to apply. Must have a record of successful business management experience. Salary based on degree of job-related experience and qualifications. For a full set of responsibilities and qualifications contact the OMC executive office at 318-357-2071 or email info@outpatientmedical.org. 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is changing how hunting and fishing licenses are printed. Beginning March 15, 2021, licenses and tags will no longer be printed on durable stock paper. Instead, it will be printed on regular, 8.5 x 11 (letter-size) paper. The change is being made to eliminate aging hardware requirements associated with the traditional printed system.

Customers may also choose to have a digital copy of their license emailed to them. Simply ensure the license vendor has your email address recorded accurately on file, and the electronic license will be sent immediately after the purchase is complete. This can be saved on your smart device and used as proof of a valid license in the field. However, deer and turkey tags must be printed for use in the field. Additional questions can be answered by sending an email to: LDWFLicensing@wlf.la.gov.

Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana Joyce Water Supply is currently in violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids as set forth by the State [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:Xll)] and the Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141).

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (LDHH) set drinking water standards and requires the disinfection of drinking water. Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA and LDHH set standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acid (HAAs).

Some people who drink water containing THMs in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Some people who drink water containing HAA5s in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

In December 1998, EPA set enforceable drinking water standards for TTHMs at 80 parts per billion (ppb) and for HAA5 at 60 parts per billion (ppb) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects. Compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 standards for public water systems servicing less than 10,000 individuals initially became effective and enforceable on January 1, 2004. Compliance with the TTHMs standard is determine by calculating a locational running annual average (LRRA) of quarterly TTHMs sample results. Compliance calculations performed for the fourth quarter of 2020 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 95 ppb at sample location DBP01 – 6758 Hwy 84 and 94 ppb at sample location DBP02 – 340 Louisiana. Thus, the system is currently in violation of TTHMs standards.

Construction of the GAC (granulated activated charcoal) system has been completed and the filtration system is now online. The GAC system will assist with the reduction of TTHM and HAA5 concentrations. UIL has kept LDH informed of our progress.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. If you have any questions, contact the UIL Compliance Administrator at 985-893-6646 – Opt. 2.

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. EPA and LDH do not consider this violation to have any serious adverse health effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure; however, continued long-term exposure to TTHMs and HAA5 levels aBig Second Inning Propels Quitman Lady Wolverines Varsity Win Over Saline

Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana Paradise Point Water Supply is currently in violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids as set forth by the State [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:Xll)] and the Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141).

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (LDHH) set drinking water standards and requires the disinfection of drinking water. Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA and LDHH set standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acid (HAAs).

Some people who drink water containing THMs in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Some people who drink water containing HAA5s in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

In December 1998, EPA set enforceable drinking water standards for TTHMs at 80 parts per billion (ppb) and for HAA5 at 60 parts per billion (ppb) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects. Compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 standards for public water systems servicing less than 10,000 individuals initially became effective and enforceable on January 1, 2004. Compliance with the TTHMs standard is determine by calculating a locational running annual average (LRRA) of quarterly TTHMs sample results. Compliance calculations performed for the fourth quarter of 2020 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 83 ppb at sample location DBP01 – 119 Eden Drive. Thus, the system is currently in violation of TTHMs standards.

UIL will be installing by the end of February an automatic flush valve. The automatic flush valve will assist with the reduction of TTHM and HAA5 concentrations. UIL has kept LDH informed of our progress.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. If you have any questions, contact the UIL Compliance Administrator at 985-893-6646 – Opt. 2.

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. EPA and LDH do not consider this violation to have any serious adverse health effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure; however, continued long-term exposure to TTHMs and HAA5 levels above the standard (e.g., 20 years of exposure) has the potential to have serious adverse effects on human health.

 

Jackson Parish Police Jury Monthly Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2021

The Jackson Parish Police Jury met in regular session on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 5:30 PM in the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Mr. Todd Culpepper, Ms. Amy Magee, Mr. John McCarty, Ms. Tarneshala Cowans, and Mr. Lynn Treadway. Absent: Mr. Lewis Chatham and Ms. Regina Rowe. Also present, Mr. Darrell Avery, Assistant D.A.

The President, Ms. Amy Magee, called the meeting to order. Mr. Treadway gave the invocation and Ms. Cowans
led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The President opened the floor for public comments. Mr. Ben Ledbetter with the Jackson Parish Journal stated that he would like to share information regarding the upcoming sales tax election to share with his readers. The Jury thanked Mr. Ledbetter for getting the information to the people.

The President moved to the approval of minutes. Motion Ms. Cowans, seconded Mr. Culpepper to adopt the minutes of the January 19th and 26th Jury Meetings, monthly purchase orders, and the payment of all bills. Motion carried.

The President moved to Committee Reports. Motion Mr. Culpepper, seconded Mr. Treadway to adopt the following minutes from the January 21st Finance Committee meeting. Motion carried.
Finance Committee,
January 21, 2021
The Finance Committee met Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 12:00 PM in the Nathaniel Zeno Jr. Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members present: Ms. Amy Magee and Mr. John McCarty. Absent: Ms. Tarneshala Cowans. With the Chairman not present, the meeting was called to order by Ms. Magee. Mr. McCarty gave the invocation and Ms. Magee led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. There were no public comments. Ms. Magee noted that Ms. Cowans and the Secretary-Treasurer were both listening via teleconference due
to mandated COVID-19 quarantines. The Committee discussed the deadline for the 2020-21 LGAP application. Ms. Magee stated that only the Village of North Hodge had requested a letter of support from the Police Jury and that the maximum for
municipalities was $25,000, leaving $33,800 available. They discussed options for what the Police Jury could apply for and other grant opportunities available. Ms. Magee stated that if more municipalities applied, the Jury would not want to compete against them, but that the Police Jury should have an application prepared if no one else requested anything. Ms. Magee stated that a vehicle to be used by Administration, Maintenance, OEP, Administrative Clerks, and travel would benefit multiple departments.
Ms. Cowans agreed. Motion Mr. McCarty, seconded Ms. Magee to recommend the Jury use the 2020-21 LGAP application to
apply for the purchase of an SUV. Motion carried.

Ms. Magee stated that the 2020 Finance Committee had requested the President to talk to the Sheriff’s Office about the cost of prisoner housing. She stated that the Secretary-Treasurer had also been contacted  by the correctional center asking if the Police Jury is supposed to receive the invoices for the towns. Ms. Magee stated that in her research she found that the Police Jury has been paying for all of the municipal prisoners, even though it is not mandated. The Committee discussed the cost per day for different types of prisoners and the tickets and sentences imposed by the towns. Motion Mr. McCarty, seconded Ms. Magee to recommend the Jury notify the Sheriff’s Office that the Police Jury will only pay for their mandated prisoners. Motion carried.
Motion Mr. McCarty, seconded Ms. Magee to set the next Finance Committee Meeting for Tuesday, February 16th at 12:00 PM at the Administrative Building. Motion carried. Motion Ms. Magee, seconded Mr. McCarty to adjourn. Motion carried. Motion Mr. McCarty, seconded Mr. Treadway to table action on the mandated prisoner fees until Mr. Avery can research the Police Jury’s responsibilities. Mr. Culpepper shared information on how the Jury took over payment for all fees for municipal prisoners. Motion carried.

Motion Ms. Cowans, seconded Mr. Culpepper to adopt the following minutes from the January 29th Operations Committee meeting. Motion carried.
Operations Committee
January 29, 2021
The Operations Committee met Friday, January 28, 2021 at 11:00 AM in the Nathaniel Zeno Jr. Meeting Room, Jackson Parish Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Mr. Lewis Chatham, Ms. Amy Magee, and Mr. John McCarty. Absent: none. Also in attendance: Mr. Jody Stuckey, Road Superintendent and Mr. Paul Riley, Parish Engineer. The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Ms. Amy Magee. Mr. McCarty gave the invocation and Mr. Chatham let in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. There were no public comments. Mr. Riley presented the preliminary 2021 Road Program, 3-Year Road Program, and 2-year Maintenance Program. The Committee discussed the planned work and that the 3-year program is subject to change year-over-year. Mr. Riley explained the skipped roads from the Maintenance Program due to the required repairs being too extensive for the Road Crew and stated these roads would stay in their priority ranking
and go to the annual road program. Mr. Chatham asked why the crew couldn’t work on roads in the same area to save on costs for mobilizing the crews to different locations. Mr. Riley explained the restrictions on the priority list rankings. Ms. Magee stated that the Jury had received attorney opinions on this issue in the past with the conclusion
being that they cannot deviate from the list. Motion Mr. Chatham, seconded Mr. McCarty to recommend the Jury adopt the 2021 Road Program as presented. Motion carried. Motion Mr. McCarty, seconded Mr. Chatham to recommend the Jury adopt the 2021-2023 3-year Road Program as presented. Motion carried. Motion Mr. McCarty, seconded Mr. Chatham to recommend the Jury adopt the 2021-2022 Road Maintenance Program as presented. Motion carried. The Secretary-Treasurer announced that the Solid Waste Administrative Clerk would be moving into the Administrative Building on February 4th. Ms. Magee announced that the Secretary-Treasurer would send the Jurors the Committee Assignment worksheet on the 15th and 30th of each month. The Committee scheduled the next Operations Committee meeting for Thursday, February 11th at 3:00 PM at the Administrative Building. Motion Mr. McCarty, seconded Mr. Chatham to adjourn.  Motion carried. Motion Mr. Treadway, seconded Mr. McCarty to adopt the 2021 Road Program. Motion carried.
Motion Mr. Treadway, seconded Mr. McCarty to adopt the 2021-2023 Three-Year Road Program. Motion carried. Motion Mr. Treadway, seconded Ms. Cowans to adopt the 2021-2022 Road Maintenance Schedule. Motion carried.

With the conclusion of Committee Reports, the President called for monthly management reports.
Mr. Jody Stuckey, Road Department Superintendent, gave the January 2021 Road report noting that $19,062.51 had been spent on emergency call-outs/off-schedule work. He stated that the crews had started working on the 2021 road program preparations.
Motion Mr. McCarty, seconded Mr. Culpepper to accept the January 2021 emergency/off-schedule reports. Motion carried.
Mr. Robin Sessions, Solid Waste Superintendent, gave the January 2021 Solid Waste report noting the rise in tonnage from year to year.
The President updated the Jury on the activities of the OEP Department.
Ms. Gina Thomas, Secretary-Treasurer, presented the January 2021 Financial Report highlighting the actual vs. budget comparisons for all funds and discussed the accrual process and the receipt of 2020 ad valorem taxes.

The President moved on to Other Business.
Mr. Paul Riley, Parish Engineer with the Riley Co. gave the January 2021 Engineering report. Motion Ms. Cowans, seconded Mr. Treadway to authorize the President to sign the Letter of Assurances for the Uniform Relocation Assistance & Real Property Act to the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development. Motion carried.
Motion Mr. McCarty, seconded Mr. Treadway to authorize the Secretary-Treasurer to complete and submit the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for the 2020 audit. Motion carried.
Motion Mr. McCarty, seconded Ms. Cowans to appoint the following Parish Board members:
• Re-appoint Mr. Jeff Hairston to the Recreation District Board representing District 3 for a three-year term ending 2/28/2024.
• Appoint Mayor Greg Harris to replace Mr. Dwight Cooper on the Ward 3 Fire District Board in accordance with their by-laws designating the Chatham Mayor as a member on the board for a two-year term ending 12/31/2022.
• Accept the resignation of Mr. Philip Lawrence from the Tourism Board. Motion carried.

The Jury discussed the process for virtual meetings. Mr. McCarty requested that they discuss it at the March Business Session. No action was taken. The President opened the floor for announcements and notifications.
The President announced that the Jury would hold public hearings prior to the March and April Regular Jury Meetings to receive comments and answer questions regarding the sales tax election.
Mr. McCarty announced that the Parish Cleanup Committee would have information to present at the next Business Session for a 2021 cleanup event.
Mr. Culpepper requested that Mr. Avery provide guidance to the Jury on the law governing the Hospital Board appointments if the population changes from the 2020 census.
The President opened the floor for to Juror Comments.
Motion Mr. Culpepper, seconded Mr. Treadway to adjourn. Motion carried.

WARD TWO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT MEETING MINUTES
February 9, 2021
The Ward Two Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners met in regular session on February 9, 2021 7:00 pm at the District Office. By Roll Call the following members were present: Alton Fallin, Charles Hopkins, and Mack Williams. Absent was Bill Wheelis and George Gryder. There were no public attendants.

There were 2-additions 0-deletions offered to the agenda for rotation of board for Mr. Fallin and Mr. Gryder and contract renewal Manning, meeting called to order by Chairman Williams, followed by invocation. Motion entertained by Mr. Williams to accept the agenda as presented with 2 additions to new business and no deletions and proceed into business, motion Mr. Hopkins, second Mr. Fallin, motion carried.

Motion entertained by Mr. Williams to accept the minutes from January 12th, 2021 with no addition and no deletions, and proceed into business, motion to accept Mr. Fallin, second Mr. Hopkins, motion carried. Corrections/Approval: 0.

In the order of Old Business: Chief Manning delivered the January Fire report for 5 total callsas follows: 2 Fire, 0 Grass/Brush, 0 EMS, 1 MVA, 2 public tree removal and Other none. Fuel report for January was on hand of 312.1 gallons, fuel usage was 98.9 gallons. Apparatus/Equipment Maintenance –Pumper 230 issues have been fixed. Truck 1 transmission repaired. Oil changes done on both pickups. Oil has been ordered to change oil in the big truck this year. Purchase of 2003 KME 2 door rescue truck completed. Bids have been sent out to the Ford place in Jonesboro, Courtesy Chevrolet and Dodge in Ruston, Bids will be opened February 16, 2021 at 6:30 PM. Misc. the signs are still in process of being placed around the ward and missing signs ordered. PIAL – Fencing is complete and tower is ordered. January training had five people in first responder class. Purchasing agent reports for January 2021 was reviewed. Gap Report is 100%. Motion entertained by Mr. Williams to proceed into new business, motion Mr. Fallin, second Mr. Hopkins, motion carried.

In the order of New Business, Financial Report for month ending 1/31/21 was presented. The bill review was completed by Mr. Williams. Presentation of Bills for January was discussed. Mr. Williams entertained a motion to accept presentation, motion Mr. Hopkins, 2nd Mr. Fallin, motion carried. Board Rotation for Mr. George Gryder and Mr. Alton Fallin were re-appointed for
another two- year term, motion Mr. Hopkins, 2nd Mr. Fallin, motion carried. Chief Manning contract renewal will be discussed at the March Board meeting. The Action List was reviewed-nothing added.
Board members were asked if needed to make any comments, none. There being no further orders of business motion entertained by Mr. Williams to adjourn, motion by Mr. Fallin to adjourn, second Mr. Hopkins, meeting declared adjourned by the chairman at 7:39 p.m.

Ward 3 Fire Protection District Meeting Minutes
Chatham, La. 71226

The Ward 3 Fire Protection District met for its regular meeting Monday. February 1, 2021 @ 6 p.m. at the Chatham Fire Station training room. The meeting was called to order by Freddy Tolar. Opening prayer was given by Wayne Whitman. The following members were present- Freddy Tolar, Wayne Whitman, and Margaret Waggoner. Chatham Mayor Greg Harris was introduced as new board member when commissioned by Police Jury. Also attending was Ward 3 Fire Chief Danny Peel and one visitor, John Mize.Time for public comments was open. There were no comments.
A motion was made to amend the agenda to add #5 under new business. Whitman made motion and Waggoner 2nd the motion. All were in favor.
A motion was made by Whitman and 2nd by Waggoner to add discussion of #5 under new business. All were in favor.
The minutes from the last meeting were presented and a motion was made to accept the minutes by Tolar and 2nd by Whitman. All were in favor.
A motion was made by Waggoner and 2nd by Whitman to approve financial report as presented and approve checks and expenditures since last meeting. All were in favor.
Old business:
1-Discussed repairs to be made on Chatham #12
2-Discusssed Fire Chief position and finalized it.
Motion was made by Whitman and 2nd by Waggoner for Danny Peel to be employed as Ward 3 Fire Chief @ $3,000 per month. All were in favor.
New business:
1-A motion was made by Waggoner and 2nd by Tolar to enter a Letter of Engagement with Folden & Co. for bookkeeping services. All were in favor.
2-A motion was made by Whitman and 2nd by Waggoner to add Folden and Alayne Huckaby to our signature cards at People’s Bank. All were in favor.
3-Discussed purchase of leaf blowers.
4-Reported on status of Covid-19 vaccines.
5-Discussed repairs on Chatham fire hydrants. A motion was made for us to fix one hydrant and town fix one for no more than $1,500. Motion was made by Whitman and 2nd by Waggoner. All were in favor.
Being no further business, a motion was made by Whitman and 2nd by Waggoner to adjourn meeting. All were in favor.
Next regular meeting will be Monday, April 5th, 2021 @ 6 p.m. at Chatham Fire Station Training Room.

Robbin Michelle Buchan
April 20, 1973 – February 9, 2021

Robbin Michelle Buchan, age 47 of Quitman, gained her angel wings on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. She was a sweet and caring soul who would do anything for anyone that she could. She enjoyed life and had many talents. Some of her talents included sewing, painting, knitting and especially gardening. She had a green thumb and could grow anything. Robbin loved animals, her family and her children more than life itself.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Katelyn Browning, Michael Browning; father and stepmother, Charles Steven Buchan, Sr. and Laurie; siblings, Wendy Harrington, Charles Steven Buchan, Jr., Steven Ray Buchan (Faith), Toby Nathan Buchan; stepbrothers, Chris Henry, Josh Henry, Chase Henry; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Robbin was preceded in death by her mother, Debra Wood; stepfather, Charles Wood; sister, Melissa Kay Buchan. The family plans to hold a memorial service at a later date.

Patricia Elmore 
November 11, 1953 – January 26, 2021

Patricia Deloris Young Elmore, an earthly angel, was born on November 11, 1953 to the union of James Wilson Young, Sr. and Velma Lee Anders Young. Of this union were four children: Gwendolyn Young Drayton of Monroe, LA, the late Patricia Elmore, Winifred Veronica (Jerome) Mayo, and James (Shirley) Young, Jr. all of Eros, La.

At an early age, she united with the Robinson Chapel C.M.E. Church of Eros, La where she remained a dedicated and faithful member until her demise. She was steadfast in her unwavering love of God and she displayed her devotion through countless acts of service and diligence within the church. Patricia attended Jasper Henderson in her early years and later graduated from Grambling State University where she obtained an Associates Degree in Business Administration. However, she pursued a career in Cosmetology in which she spent the last 37 years touching lives through her love of beauty and people. She was indeed special to others through her “hair ministry”.

Patricia Elmore united in holy matrimony to Johnny Wayne Elmore who preceded her in death. To this union, two children were born. She was devout Christian as well as a devoted wife and mother. She was the Secretary of Robinson Chapel C.M.E. Church,
Patricia Elmore grazed the hearts of all those she encountered with her infectious smile and monumental heart. She was known to sacrifice her needs for the good of her family and friends, selfless in her acts of others. She had a quiet strength and her legacy was “love”, which will forever reign in the hearts and minds of those she inspired and guided along her earthly journey. God put His angel here on earth in the midst of our presence and her work is done. Her journey here is complete and God summoned for her return.

Her priceless memories will indefinitely be cherished by her two daughters, Kanitra (LaMario) Hicks of Chatham, La and Berkita Elmore of Calhoun, La; two grandchildren, Khy’lee Elmore and Khloe’ Hicks; three sisters, Gwendolyn Drayton, Veronica Mayo, and Olga Haulcy; one brother, James Young, Jr.; one niece whom she reared like a daughter Chasity Young; special niece Clemetriss Thomas; nephews Lawelldon Thomas, Maurice Mayo, and Cory (Melissa) Young; a cousin that was reared like a brother, Billy Anders; a god daughter, DeShannon Walton; a godson, Kerry Stringfellow; a great grandson she raised as a son Kesjan Harris; a special cousin and friend, Caroline Williams; and a host of other relatives and friends. There were so many family and friends that were near and dear to her heart that she would love to have included. Graveside funeral services were held on Saturday, February 6th at the Ziggler Cemetery in Eros, LA. Interment followed under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

David Bryan
May8, 1930 – February 8, 2021

David was born May 8, 1930 in Ansley, LA and passed away February 8, 2021. He was an officer for Central Bank and First National Bank, and for 20 years was owner of Central Commercial Cleaning Service. David was with West Monroe Civitan Club for 40 years, and Treasurer for many years. He also enjoyed working at the Ark-LA-Miss Fair sponsored by the Civitan Club and was a member of Faith United Methodist Church, West Monroe, LA.

David is survived by his wife of 69 years Lottie Gaskins Bryan; children Barbara Walters, Gary Bryan and wife Susie; grandchildren Angela Helmer (Jay), Tracey Culp (Larry), Matthew Bryan (Mindy), Miranda Gryder (Zach) and Molly Parker (Brandon); great-grandchildren, Marley Helmer, Lauren Culp, Arrow, Day and Isla Gryder, Malachi Bryan, Joanna, Gavin and Evelyn Parker; siblings, Ruth Leist, Beau Bryan, Priscilla Beach, Alma Puckett, Elizabeth Rowen, Johnny Bryan and Bobby Earl Bryan.

Graveside services were held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 11, 2021 at the Concord Cemetery, Chatham, LA with Rev. Robin Roark officiating. Pallbearers were Ken Schlessman, Don Newell, Mike Shields, Dale Shields, Fred Shields, and Alan Shields. Honorary pallbearers were the West Monroe Civitan Club members.

As reported by the Louisiana Voice and broadcast over the NewsBreak website in January, LaSalle Management Corporation aka LaSalle Corrections, paid out a $405,000 settlement to a former prisoner at the Jackson Parish Correctional Center. 

The settlement was paid to Lane Carter who said a fall at the jail left him severely injured and that he was subsequently denied physical therapy. The former inmate further claimed he was often forced to drag himself across the jail’s floors because guards refused to provide him a wheelchair. Moreover, following his injury, medical treatment was denied on several occasions and his only treatment was an over-the-counter pain medication.

According to Dun & Bradstreet, LaSalle Management generates $34 million per year in sales and operates nine facilities in Louisiana as well as other installations in Texas, New Mexico and Georgia. Operated by the McConnell family, the company’s headquarters are located in Ruston, LA.

In order to avoid having to replace entire boards and commissions at one time the Jackson Parish Police Jury  (JPPJ) staggered appointments from one to four years to the Tourism Board and Watershed Commission. The action took place at the regularly scheduled February meeting that took place this past Monday evening at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center.

Yearly appointments for  District 1-7 were done by random drawing by Jury President Amy Magee (District 3) following approval by attending members Todd Culpepper (District 1), John McCarty (District 4, Tarneshala “Niki” Cowans (District 5), and Lynn Treadway (District 7). Lewis Chatham (District 2) and Regina Rowe (District 6) was absent.

“This needed to be done so that we won’t have all new appointees coming it at the same time or in the same year,” said JPPJ President Amy Magee. “We felt it was important to have staggered terms so that there will always be experienced people serving that can help new members with a possible learning curve.”

Each of the new yearly appointment terms will to go into effect on the date a current board or commission member stated obligation expires. Schedule of yearly appointments per district are shown below. 

Jackson Parish Tourism Board
District 1 – 2 years
District 2 – 3 years
District 3 – 1 year
District 4 – 1 year
District 5 – 3 years
District 6 – 3 years
District 7 – 2 years

Jackson Parish Watershed Commission
District 1 – 2 years
District 2 – 3 years
District 3 – 1 year
District 4 – 2 year
District 5 – 4 years
District 6 – 3 years
District 7 -1 year

In additional action taken regarding Jackson Parish Boards and Departments the JPPJ agreed to accept the resignation of Phillip Lawrence from the Tourism Board and appoint new Chatham Mayor, Greg Harris, to the Ward 3 Fire District and Curtis Roller to the position of Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) Director on a temporary basis. This became necessary when former Director Mark Treadway resigned to take full time duties with the Louisiana State Fire Marshall’s office at the end of December.

After the meeting was called to order by President Magee the minutes of the January 19th and 26th Jury meeting were approved as well as agreement to pay all required bills. Recommendations from previous meetings of the Finance and Operations committee were then heard with corresponding action shown below.

Finance Committee:
1. Adopt minutes of the January 21st meeting. – Approved
2. Act on the recommendation regarding mandated parish prisoner fees – Tabled until more information could be learned.

Operations Committee:
1. Adopt minutes of the January 29th meeting – Approved
2. Act on recommendation to adopt the 2021 Road Program – Approved
3. Act on recommendation to adopt the 2021-2023 (three year) Road Program – Approved
4. Act on recommendation to adopt the 2021-2022 Road Maintenance Schedule – Approved 

Management reports of the Road, Solid Waste and Finance departments were then approved.  Comments from the Superintendent of each department were:
Jody Stuckey – Road Department: $19,062.52 was spent for emergency call outs. Work on replacing culverts as needed and doing asphalt overlays have begun. Request was made to have the January 2021 Emergency/Off-Schedule Report accepted which was approved.
Robin Sessions – Solid Waste Department: Land fill is operating at capacity. Comparison of volume is 68 tons more from same month last year.
Gina Thomas – Finance Department: Report reviewed that compared budget numbers to actual figures for all funds.

Mr. Paul Riley of Riley and Company of Ruston, then presented his January 2021 Engineering Report where he stated that they have begun working on the road program and are still waiting on a response from FEMA in regard to the Jackson Parish Hospital Drainage Project.

In final action it was agreed to authorize President Magee to sign a letter of assurance for the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Act to the Louisian Department of Transportation and Development
and authorize Secretary/Treasurer Gina Thomas to complete and submit the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for the 2020 audit. 

 

The Louisiana College Wildcat Debate Team has the best novice debater in the state. She is Shelby Cumpton, a freshman history major from Quitman, who was named the Louisiana Champion Novice Debater at the Annual Southern Forensics Championship Tournament hosted virtually this year by the University of Central Arkansas.

“All I set out to do with this tournament was to do better than I did in the last one and to learn from other competitors,” said Cumpton. “I did not expect to break into out-rounds, so it was a complete surprise. I give all the glory to God and hope to keep learning and improving through future tournaments. I am so grateful for our awesome coach and incredible debate team.”

Debate topics cover anything and everything going on in the world—from serious to silly. Cumpton said her favorite topic during this tournament was the quotation from National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman at the Presidential Inauguration “While democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated.”

The tournament included debaters from 29 schools, including several large universities such as the University of Florida and Mississippi State along with state school, Louisiana Tech.

“I am very proud of the way our team is competing despite the challenges of virtual competition,” said Coach Brian Manuel. “For one of our own team to bring home the title of Louisiana champion speaks volumes about her and the quality of students we have here at Louisiana College.”

The team will compete in three more tournaments this semester with the last one being the national competition in April.

There are several schools of thought on how to achieve it but every coach in the state will tell you that they want to be playing their best ball of the season heading into district play and then the playoffs. The goal is to have their squad, as it is said in modern jargon, “trending” in the right direction.

Also, in regard to power rankings and playoff seedings their are certain spots that you just don’t want to see your team sitting at like #15 & #16 or #31 & #32 . Those places are down right ugly. The reason is that means you are in line to play one of the top two teams in the state, usually on their home floor, in the first two rounds. Being #7 & #8 isn’t all that good either as you are most likely destined for a quarterfinal matchup against the same. Of course the worst of all rankings is #33 or below as that means you are sitting home watching the others in your class play. 

Let’s take a look at some of the schools in the Jackson Parish Journal coverage area that are showing trends, both good and bad, as well those who are sitting in those very precarious ranking positions. We will call it the Good, Bad and the Ugly. LHSAA rankings are as of 2/9/21

BOYS TEAMS:

THE GOOD: Do you think playing at home makes a difference? The gym at Ouachita Parish High School (OPHS) is affectionately called the “Madhouse at Milhaven,” and is traditionally one of the toughest environments in the state to play at. OPHS has won all five of their district home games including a 15 point whipping of  #4 West Monroe when they were the top ranked team in the state. . The four teams in District 3-2A are all in the top ten (Many -#2, Red Ricer #6, Winnfield – #7,  and Lakeview – #9) and combine for an average  district ranking of #6, the best in the state. Calvary Baptist became the first north LA squad to reach the 20 win plateau and has won six straight. In the “I wish I had been there” category, Arcadia  who is ranked #4 in Class A beat twenty game winner, Simsboro by a 63-62 score. Sound like one “whale” of a game. Delhi is 12-9 overall but is a perfect 11-0 in district 2-1A. Doyline is 13-0 this year and riding a 42 game winning streak over the last two. They are also the first team to clinch a district championship. In 4C play Calvin was 4-4 but now sits at 11-5 after winning all six district games and losing only to a Class 3A team. 

THE BAD:  Ruston went 12-1 to start the year. Since they are 3-5, including losing 3 out of their last 4 district 2-5A games. Pineville was also trending downward having lost nine in a row but Tuesday night beat West Ouachita, who has now lost 5 of their last six 2-5A games. District 1-2A is one of the weakest in the state. Combined the four teams (JHHS – #12, North Caddo – #26, D’Arbonne Woods – #42 and Lakeside – #49) have an average ranking of #32.2. Not good. Many is ranked at #2 in Class 2A and was one of the few undefeated teams in the state at 12-0 but has lost to a couple of district 3-2A in the last seven days. Is this a sign they are just “paper” Tigers?” Winnfield opened the season at 9-1 but since have dropped 4 of 6 and are dead last in district play. Quitman was riding an 11 game winning streak but have since dropped their last two district games before righting the ship Tuesday against Weston, who has lost five in a row and is in the cellar of district 2B. Magnolia School of Excellence (MSOE) is 0-7 and Haynesville is 0-9.  Haynesville is #30 and dead last in the Class A rankings. MSOE is #13. Can’t figure that one out. 

THE UGLY: St. Frederick is also at #15 in but that is in Division IV where that isn’t as bad as would seem as “non-select school brackets always have  lot of first round byes . Choudrant is at #15 in Class B and both Ringgold (Class B), Georgetown (Class C) and St. Frederick is at #16 but for them that is not such a killer spot as there are never 32 teams in any of the division brackets, meaning many byes are given which changes the normal pairings up. Alexandria Sr. High (ASH) and Winnfield is sitting at #7 meaning for the Tigers a possible third date with district foe Many, in the quarterfinals, who has already beaten them twice this year, Oak Grove is at #8. Those who are in danger of missing the playoffs altogether are #36 West Ouachita, #42 D’Arbonne Woods, #49 Lakeside, #51 Pineville. 

GIRLS TEAMS

THE GOOD: After five 2-5A wins in a row and a 20-5 overall and 6-1 district record  Ruston stood 20-5 overall and in prime position to win their first district title since 2009-10. West Monroe was 2-2 in 2-5A play but five straight wins, including a crucial Tuesday night victory over Ruston, now has the Lady Rebels with a half game lead. Lakeview has won 10 straight after going 7-3 in their first ten. Homer has won 9 straight, all but one being district 1-1A victories after starting 2-6. Ouachita Christian (OCS), the top ranked team in Division IV, has won 12 straight and has the most wins (24) in north Louisiana, boys or girls.  Cedar Creek is 18-1 other than the two losses to OCS. Castor has won their last five to tie Doyline for the top spot in district 1B.  Quitman, #5 in Class B, has won 14 straight and at 22-2 has one of, if not, the best all time winning percentage (91.67%) in school history. Calvin lost 11 of their first 12 games but is 4-0 since.

THE BAD: Four straight losses has knocked Pineville from the district title race. West Ouachita was 6-3 in 2020 but has gone 2-7 in 2021. In Class 2A, North Caddo won their first game of the year but have dropped six straight since. Winnfield has lost all four of their district 3-2A games after starting  the season at 8-3. Delhi won their first three 2-1A games, since they have lost four straight. The four teams in District 4B (Castor – #17, Doyline – #22, Saline – #27 and Dodson – #30) has an average of #24.25 in the Class B rankings. That is the worst total district rating in the state in girls play. Choudrant won their first six of the year but is 8-11 since.

THE UGLY: District 2B foes Weston and Simsboro sit at #15 and #16. Of all the classes you don’t want to play a top two team it is Class B  Pineville has gone from the top ten to #16 in just two weeks. Plain Dealing is one better at #15 in Class A as is Central-Jonesville in Class C and Red River in Class 2A. Jonesboro-Hodge is at #7. With the victory on Tuesday and two more games this week  against #44 Lakeside and #46 North Caddo that they should win hopefully they will move up at least one spot. Could work in reverse though due to horrible rankings of both opponents. Winnfield is at #30 and hanging on to a playoff spot by a thread. Alexandria Sr. High is at #41 in 5A and in serious danger of missing the playoffs. Same for Lakeside – #44  & North Caddo – #47 in 2A . St. Frederick will always be able to say they were undefeated in 2021. Problem is that they are only 2-0 and has cancelled the rest of the season.

Friday games for area boys and girls teams:

Jonesboro-Hodge at North Caddo
Choudrant at Weston
Quitman at Simsboro
West Ouachita at Ruston
ASH at West Ouachita
Many at Winnfield
Lincoln Prep at Arcadia 
Ringgold at Lincoln Prep
Delta Charter at Cedar Creek
Dodson at Doyline 
Calvin at Atlanta

BOYS STANDINGS

District 2-5A	Overall	District
#12 – Ouachita	12 – 8	5-0
#4 – West Monroe	16-3	5-1
#7 – ASH	19-8	3-2
#18 – Ruston	15-6	3-5
#37 -West Ouachita	8-10	1-6
#51 – Pineville	6-19	1-6

District 1-2A	Overall	District
#26 – North Caddo	9-14	3-0
#12 – Jonesboro-Hodge	7-4	1-0
#42 – D’Arbonne Woods	5-13	1-3
#49 – Lakeside	0-7	0-2

District 3-2A	Overall	District
#8 Red River	10-7	3-1
#2 -Red River	13-2	3-2
#11 – Lakeview	16-7	2-2
#5 – Winnfield	11-5	1-4

District 1-1A	Overall	District
#4 -Arcadia	14-1	7-0
#4 – Calvary Baptist	20-5	6-0
#10 – Homer	8-11	5-4
#16 – Ringgold	11-14	3-4
#23 – Lincoln Prep	4-11	2-3
#25 – Plain Dealing	1-11	0-4
#13 – Magnolia SOE	0-7	0-2
#30 – Haynesville	0-9	0-6

District 2-1A	Overall	District
#5 – Delhi	12-9	11-0
#9 – Tensas	7-4	7-3
#16 – St. Frederick	10-7	6-3
#8 – Oak Grove	7-3	6-3
#18 – Cedar Creek	9-10	4-7
#23 – Ouachita Chrisitan	6-18	2-9
Sicily Island	2-6	1-4
#22 – Delta Charter	3-11	1-9

3istrict 1B	Overall	District
#4 – Doyline	12-0	6-0
#10 – Saline	8-8	4-2
#23 –Dodson	8-10	2-4
#27 – Castor	4-14	0-6

District 2B	Overall	District
#2 – Simsboro	20-2	5-0
#12 – Quitman	16-5	3-2
#15 – Choudrant	13-11	2-3
#24 – Weston	9-18	0-5

District 4C	Overall	District
#6 – Calvin	11-5	6-0
#13 – Atlanta	7-10	5-1
#16 – Georgetown	6-14	3-4
#19 – Central-Jonesville	4-14	2-4
#22 – Harrisonburg	2-14	0-7

GIRLS STANDINGS

District 2-5A	Overall	District
#17 – West Monroe	12-5	7-2
#9 – Ruston	20-6	6-2
#14 – Ouachita	12-6	5-3
#16 – Pineville	14-7	5-4
#26 – West Ouachita	8-11	1-7
#41 – ASH	8-13	0-6

District 1-2A	Overall	District
#8 – Jonesboro-Hodge	11-5	3-0
#19 – D’Arbonne Woods	7-11	2-2
#44 – Lakeside	1-6	0-1
#46 – North Caddo	1-6	0-2

District 3-2A	Overall	District
#4 – Lakeview	17-3	5-0
#15 – Red River	7-9	3-2
#10 – Many	7-9	2-3
#30 – Winnfield	8-8	0-5

District 1-1A	Overall	Record
#5 – Homer	11-6	8-0
#14 – Lincoln Prep	6-9	5-2
#13 – Haynesville	8–9	5-3
#15 – Plain Dealing	6-9	3-3
#23 – Calvary Baptist	3-5	2-4
#21 – Arcadia	5-11	2-6
#26 – Ringgold	3-16	0-7

District 2-1A	Ovrall	District
#1 – Ouachita Christian	24-2	8-0
#3 – Cedar Creek	18-3	7-2
#10 – Delhi	6-10	5-3
#9 – Oak Grove	11-6	4-5
#12 – Tensas	3-5	3-5
#17 – Delta Charter	6-9	2-7
#27 – Sicily Island	0-8	0-5
#13 – St. Frederick (season cancelled)	2-0	0-0

District 1B	Overall	District
#23 – Doyline	9-7	4-1
#18 – Castor	12-7	4-1
#28 – Saline	2-12	2-3
#30 – Dodson	1-15	0-5

District 2B	Overall	District
#5 – Quitman	22-2	5-0
#16 – Simsboro	8-9	2-3
#14 – Choudrant	15-11	2-3
#15 – Weston	13-13	1-4

District 4C	Overall	District
#11 – Atlanta	7-10	5-1
#10 – Georgetown	10-6	5-3
#12 – Calvin	5-11	4-2
#15 – Central-Jonesville	7-13	1-5
#20 – Harrisonburg	3-14	1-6

For the nine from JHHS and seven from Quitman High School the night couldn’t have gone any better. Not only were the seniors associated with the basketball teams from both schools honored in fine fashion the boys and girls teams for both won district battles in convincing fashion.

The festivities started at Jonesboro-Hodge where before the girls basketball contest the following were recognized:
Yahzmynne Andrews and Chamya Waters – Girls Basketball
Cornelius Boston, Edward Kary and Davion McGuire – Boys Basketball
Ja”Kaya Phillips and Amber Melton – Cheerleaders
Maya Vega – Cheerleader Manager
Amerson McQuinn – Anthem Vocalist

(Boys) JHHS 72 D’Arbonne Woods 49 –  After it was all said and done there was really only question about this one. Was it a plan for Seniors Cornelius Boston and Edward Kary to both drain a three pointer and score more points by themselves in the first quarter than the entire DWC team?  The pair was just two of five players to make three pointers on the night that saw J-H drain made 8 trey’s in all.

The Tigers took a seven point lead after the first period and blew it open in the second half in the Tigers district 1-2A opener that marked a season best fourth win in a row. Twelve players in all tallied, including the other honoree on the night, Davion McGuire, who also got a trey and ended with 7 points. Kary was the top long range bomber with three trifectas on his way to 11 points followed by a pair from behind the arc by Tydre Malone, who scored ten. Team leading scorer Justin Calahan (12 points) and Ajay Tew (5 points) were the other two deep deadeyes.

Jonesboro-Hodge (7-4, 1-0)	12	19	15	26	72
D’Arbonne Woods (5-13, 0-2)	5	21	8	15	49

JHHS scoring: Calahan 12, Kary 11, Malone 10, McGuire 7, Joe 6, Andrews 5, Tew 5, Gray 5, Boston 5, Mozee 2, Holden 2, Leonard 2
DWC scoring; Riser 15, Davis 12, Archer 12, Godina 6, Roberson 2, Auger 2

(girls) JHHS 33 D’Arvbonne Woods 26: The two senior honorees, Chamya Waters (8 points) and Yahzmynne Andrews (4 points) scored six and two points respectively in the third quarter to help lead JHHS to a 15-6 advantage that proved pivotal in giving the Tigers their second straight district 1-2A win and saddle D’Arbonne Woods with their first loss. Xabrianna Jackson added five of her team high fifteen. Zymea Hoggro chipped in with seven on the night as J-H won their tenth of the year in the defensive battle that saw both teams scored in single digits in three of the four quarters.

Jonesboro-Hodge (10-5, 2-0	9	4	15	5	33
D’Arbonne Woods (7-10, 2-1)	2	11	6	7	26

JHHS scoring: Jackson 15, Waters 8, Hoggro 7, Andrews 4
DWC scoring: Scoskle 10, Fine 9, K. Hayes 4, Phelps 2, A. Hayes 1

Wolverines sweep Weston as girls clinch district 2B title

The scene of the combined gala event then shifted to Quitman High School when in between the girls and boys game these Seniors were honored.
Joshua Smith, Cooper Williams, Ethan Everett – Boys basketball
Clara Womack – Girls Basketball / Cheerleader
Harley Burns, Gracie Robinson – Cheerleaders
Brooklyn Bond – Boys and Girls Team Manager 

(boys) Quitman 77 Weston 48 – The three seniors (Ethan Everett, Joshua Smith and Cooper Williams) that took center court before the game scored every point for Quitman in the first quarter that saw the Wolverines race out to a 22-3 lead. Everett led the way with ten of his twelve on the night while Smith (9 points) and Cooper, who was games top scorer with 22,  added six each. Blake Carter also stepped up to finish with 14, one of his best games of the year.

The victory snapped a two game losing streak for the Wolverines who improved to 16-5 overall and more importantly 3-2 in district 2B play, which guaranteed Quitman of finishing no worse than in a tie for second place. Jace Holt scored 19 and Freshman Braden Theriot addeed 12 to lead Weston who saw their late season slide continue to a season worst five games and left the Wolves winless after five tries in 2B play and 9-18 overall. 

Quitman (16-5, 3-2)	22	16	14	25	77
Weston (9-18, 0-5)	3	18	17	18	48

QHS scoring: Wililams 22, Carter 14, Everett 12, Smith 9, Ponder 6, Manning 4
WHS scoring: Holt 19, Theriot 12, Shirley 7, Roberts 4, Henderson 3, Tolar 3

(Girls) Quitman 68 Weston 53: Quitman clinched their first outright district title since 2017 by scoring eight points before Weston got on the scoreboard. As bad as the start was, it got worse for Weston as the lone Quitman senior on the squad, Clara Womack, made seven straight points on the strength of three straight steals to  up the lead to 15-3 on the way to a commanding 46-13 halftime advantage. 

Eighth grader Cali Deal had a season high 19 and Bethany Leach added 13 as Quitman improved to 22-2 which represents a north Louisiana best record among “non-select” schools and a perfect 5-0 with only regualr season final against Simsboro on Friday left. 

Weston, who scored 28 points in the fourth quarter against only two for Quitman to make the final score more respectable after Quitman coach Kyle Leach had emptied the bench, was led by eighth grader Briley Peterson’s 13. Late season bloomer Lainee Trosclair added nine and Emma Kate McBride scored seven for the Lady Wolves who saw their overall season record evened at 13-11 and district slate fall to 1-4. 

Quitman (22-2, 5-0)	19	27	20	2	68
Weston (13-13, 1-4)	7	6	12	28

Tuesday’s Topper: Saline works overtime to clip Castor 80-72

Desperation often helps a team play better than they normally do. This was evidenced Tuesday evening when Saline had to work overtime to defeat home-standing Castor, who was giving it all they had to try and win their first District 1B contest in the last one of the season. The result was the best game of the night  and earning the designation as the Tuesday Topper. 

The two Bienville Parish rivals went at it tooth and nail in the contest that had more swings to it than the school playground. Castor went into the half with a 30-27 advantage and feeling good that they had gotten Saline post, Ethan Roberts, who had led the Bobcats in scoring in the first two quarters with 8 points, in serious foul trouble. Jacob Jones also came up big for Saline early on with seven points in the second quarter.

A primary factor in why Saline has orchestrated a major improvement this season after suffering through winning only 3 of 27 games last year is the play of the two Titus’s, Malone and Jackson. Knowing Roberts was not going to be effective this night, Bobcats head coach Klint Robinson told the two at the break they would have to pick up the scoring slack. They both responded and in a big way.

Malone scored 8 points in the third, including four on a pair of rim rattling dunks and Jackson added six through hitting four of four from the foul line and the Bobcats limited Castor to just three points to reverse the three point deficit into a twelve point lead. Knowing they had a big deficit to make up the Tigers, who fell to 4-14 overall and 0-6 in district 2B play refused to go down without a fight and started bombing away from behind the arc.

When the buzzer sounded denoting the end of the very entertaining fourth quarter that saw the two teams combine for 54 points and had fans from both sides screaming their support it was necessary to play five additional minutes as Castor had made five trey’s and scored 31 points, which was a season best mark for a quarter to tie the score at 64 apiece. 

In the extra frame Jackson and Malone took over to make 8 and 6 points respectively and lift Saline, who improved to 8-8 on the season and 4-2 in 1B play to victory, which secured a second place finish in district.  Malone ended the night with 33 points with Jackson  checking in with  24 points Despite fouling out early in the third period, Roberts managed to reach double figures in points with ten. Castor was led by Clark who tallied 24 and Young with 13. 

Saline (8-8, 4-2)	13	14	18	20	15	80
Castor (4-14, 0-6)	13	17	3	32	6	71

SHS scoring: Malone 33, Jackson 24, Roberts 10, Jiles 7, Crawford 4, Clifton 1, Williams 1
CHS scoring: Clark 24, Young 13, Jordan 9, Matheus 8, Shuley 7, Sales 6, Cooper 6

 Additional Tuesday scores:

Boys: Arcadia 60 Homer 56; Calvin 80 Harrisonburg 38; Simsboro 94 Choudrant 40; Doyline 97 Dodson 54; Pineville 73 West Ouachita 64; Lakeview 65 Winnfield 53; West Monroe 54 Ruston 51

Girls; Homer 40 Arcadia 26; Calving 35 Harrisonburg 24, Cedar Creek 55 Sicily Island 10, Choudrant 45 Simsboro 38; Doyline 69 Dodson 37; Lincoln Prep 32 Haynesville 28; PIneville 46 West Ouachita 27; Lakeview72 Winnfield 48; West Monroe 42 Ruston 27