Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. This year Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 31. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

Did you know? Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time. It is unclear where exactly this tradition originated; numerous different communities may have independently initiated the memorial gatherings. Nevertheless, in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day Traditions: Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Some of the largest parades take place in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C. Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials.  On a less somber note, many people take weekend trips or throw parties and barbecues on the holiday, perhaps because Memorial Day weekend unofficially marks the beginning of summer.

Traveling tips! The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts more than 37 million people will travel 50 miles or more this Memorial Day weekend. With this in mind, the Louisiana State Police would like to offer these travel tips:

· Inspect your vehicle and ensure tire air pressure and fluids are at the proper level
· Avoid distractions behind the wheel and pay attention to traffic around you
· Watch for motorcycles as many riders will venture out this weekend
· With more traffic than normal, allow extra time to get to your destination
· Speeding increases the likelihood of a crash as well as the severity of a crash
· Designate a sober driver before going anywhere alcohol will be consumed
· Never drive impaired or get in a vehicle with an impaired driver
· Ensure all vehicle occupants are properly restrained

Click it or ticket! Law enforcement agencies throughout our state are participating in the national Click It or Ticket campaign through June 6th and will be ticketing vehicle occupants who choose not to wear a seat belt. Vehicle occupants are encouraged to take a moment to buckle up. It could mean the difference between life or death in the event of a crash.

Motorists who observe impaired or reckless drivers are encouraged to dial *LSP (*577) or to dial 911.

Traffic information is available online at 511la.org, by using the 511la app, or by dialing 511 anywhere in Louisiana.

Coaches and Teachers become Principals. Principals move into the front office, some even becoming Superintendents of Schools. It is what could be labeled as the “progression of the profession.” At least for the good ones. David Brown easily falls into that category, so the announcement by the Jackson Parish School Board that the Jonesboro native would be the new Supervisor of Transportation and Maintenance was no surprise and just reward for a man who has dedicated his life to helping the youth of Jackson Parish mature. 

“To say I am honored to be selected for this position is an understatement,” said Brown. “It is what your long term goal is when you start a career in education and I am very appreciative of the opportunity.”

Brown, who has worked in the Jackson Parish school system for 24 years, most recently as Principal of the Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School, takes over for Roy Barlow, who retired this year. While “moving on up” was always a goal the decision to take the offer, which one would think would be easy, was a hard one.

“I loved what I was doing,” reflected Brown. “For me it has always been about wanting to help young people mature athletically, academically and as a person. To think about not working with the kids anymore made the decision difficult but in the end this was simply to good of an opportunity to pass up.”

The son of David and Judy Brown of Jonesboro is married to Jennifer (Calhoun) Brown and father of two daughters, Madison, age 21 who recently graduated from Louisiana Tech and Jessica (McClung) who has a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and resides at Fort Benning, GA where here husband is an Army Chaplin. 

After graduating from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in 1983 where he was a member of the Class 2A state championship winning boys basketball team, Brown worked with his father, who owned Jonesboro Motor Supply for more than a decade. Finally the longing that he had buried for years forced itself to surface.
“I always wanted to coach high school sports,” said Brown. “I was fortunate to watch many good coaches and teachers and saw how they impacted kids lives. As I grew older I knew I wanted to try and make a difference for young people too like they did.”  

Brown got his first opportunity as the Track and Boys Basketball coach at Quitman High in 1998. He stayed there until 2001 where he moved to his alma mater, leading the Tigers to the state tourney in 2002. In 2004 Brown completed the Jackson Parish tri-fecta by becoming a coach at Weston High where he stayed for 14 years. During his tenure there he led the WHS golf team to two state titles and a state runner-up finish in three years (2010-12)  and two state title in track, a boys title in 2011 and a girls state championship in 2014. He also coached the Lady Wolves basketball team and was an assistant on the boys team leading both to several district titles and Class B quarterfinal finishes. In 2018 Brown was promoted to Assistant Principal at Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School before taking over as Principal this past year. 

The Jackson Parish Police Jury encourages all local residents to mark your calendars for the June 12th, Jackson Parish Cleanup Event.  Police Jury Districts and Municipalities will be in competition to have the cleanest district in Jackson Parish! For more information on how to participate contact your district Police Juror. In the meantime gather up your neighbors to start cleaning up your areas. It’s never too early to show your love for our Parish.

Jay Mallard Ford in Jonesboro is proud to announce that “Little” Gary Harris has joined the local dealership as the new Parts and Service Coordinator. Harris may be new to Jonesboro but not new to the industry. Actually “Little” Gary is one of the longest tenured P/S Coordinators in the state bringing 35 plus years of experience for the benefit of Jackson Parish residents and Jay Mallard customers.

“We are very happy to have “Little” Gary join our staff,” said Jay Mallard. “He brings invaluable experience and will be a great asset to our team.”

For Harris the move is like “coming home.” His first job in the automotive industry was in 1985 working for Jay’s father at the Joe Mallard Ford dealership in Ruston and has been associated with the Mallard group of dealers ever since.

“Mr. Joe gave me my first job right out of high school,” reflected Harris. “To me the Mallard’s are my family and I can’t tell you how happy I am to now be working for Jay.”

Harris’s arrival this past week has immediately brought dividends to the dealership, as an uptick in parts orders and service requests has already been noticed. 

“Once the word got out that “Little” Gary was on board, the phones started ringing off the hook,” said Jay. “People he has dealt with for decades won’t do business with anyone but him as he has earned their trust. I am very happy our local residents are now going to get the opportunity to reap the benefits of his experience as well.”

The Parts and Service Department is open Monday-Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm. While drive-ups are always welcome it is recommended to call in advance to 318-259-9881 top ensure the quickest turnaround.   

Juliette “Judy” Pardue has been selected for the Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center Resident Spotlight for the month of June. A resident for over 16 years, Judy’s sense of humor is always uplifting to the staff and the other residents. 

She is an avid New Orleans Saints fan and will tell you “I have been a Saint all my life. Not because I’ve always been good but because my maiden name is Saint.”

“We are honored to have Mrs. Pardue staying with us,” said Forest Have Nursing Home director Sandra Billings. “We are thankful for uplifting spirit and an amusing stories that she shares with everyone.”

Her presence in the family business, Pardue Builders of Jonesboro, afforded her the opportunity to serve her community and amass a large network of friends that she still enjoys getting cards from and talking to on the phone. Judy has five children, 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren that she is very proud of and the source of constant conversation.  She loves to visit with her family and the staff and her favorite TV channel is QVC.

School may be out but opportunities to learn in a fun atmosphere will continue for area youth thanks to an exciting schedule on tap for the month of June at the Jonesboro and Chatham branches of the Jackson Parish Library. Many adult activities are slated as well. See below for the monthly calendar of events for both branches. Highlighting the activities for the month is the announcement that after an extended absence the Bookmobile will once again be making rounds across the parish. 

SUMMER READING PROGRAM KICKS OFF

WINNING D.A.R.E. ESSAYS ON DISPLAY

Join us to honor the 2021 D.A.R.E. 5th Grade essay winners from Jackson Parish. We are so proud of our students.

JHES- Zamayah Lewis
QHS- Jastyn JordanWHS
Kiley Stevenson

Many thanks to the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department, DARE Officers Lindsey and Cole Stevenson and Sheriff Andy Brown for allowing us to display the essays here at the library.

THE BOOKMOBILE IS BACK

The ongoing renaissance of new businesses opening in Jackson Parish continues as Superior Outdoors celebrated the grand opening of their newest location with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony this past Monday, May 24th. Hodge Mayor Gerald Palmer, Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce members , friends and family joined to welcome Scott and Heather Bennett at their store located at 4675 Quitman Highway in the Hodge Shopping Center. They invite you to come take a look at what they have to offer for all of the fisherman and hunters in our parish. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday from 10:00 am until 2:00pm.

The newest edition of Superior Outdoors locations joins the every growing network already established in Ball, Jena and Winnsboro, LA featuring one of the largest inventory of innovative and custom fishing, archery and hunting equipment offered in north Louisiana. 

If you are planning on going to the lake or celebrating Memorial Day outdoors it is best advised to bring the sunscreen. According to the National Weather Service sunny skies should be predominant for Sunday and most of Monday with clouds moving in later that evening bringing a chance of showers and thunderstorms into the Piney Woods on Tuesday. 

Forecast for Sunday, May 30 – Tuesday, June 1

Sunday – Sunny in the day, while partly cloudy at night.
High – 80, Low – 64
Breezy at 0-5 mph

Monday – Partly sunny in the day, while mostly cloudy at night.
High – 85, Low – 64
Light wind

Tuesday – Mostly cloudy with 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms
High – 87, Low – 66
Light wind

The Jackson Parish Recreation Department summer baseball / softball leagues finished the regular season schedule this past week but still have a week’s worth of games to be played to make up for rainout dates during the season. Please check game times and dates as several changes have been made to the schedule. The 11-13 Girls season is has been completed. 

MONDAY, MAY 31

TUESDAY, JUNE 1

The Ward Four Fire Protection District will hold a Public Meeting at 7:00 pm on Monday, May 31 at the Ward Four FPD Central Station, located at 261 Hwy 505 in Jonesboro, LA. See below for stated agenda:

Call to Order
Invocation
Recognition of Guests
Public Comments, Comments restricted to agenda items only.
Read and Approve Minutes of the April 2021 Meeting
Consider and Approve May 2021 Financial Reports
Old Business:
1. Weston Water System Proposal
2. 2021 Parcel Fee Overview
3. Chief Job
New Business:
1. Move Water Meter and Propane Tank at Boat House
2. Comments by Board Members
3. Comments by Assistant Chief
4. Comments by Chief
5. Adjourn

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in taking part in a meeting of this fire district, please contact the district office at 318-259-6672 describing the assistance needed.

You’re sitting at home at night with the family watching television when you hear something in the attic, something bumping and crawling around. This happened to a Ruston family recently when they discovered that a screen-covered
vent to the attic had been compromised.

Checking to see what was making the noise, they were shocked at what they found. A mama raccoon had decided the attic was a good place to give birth to babies. Three tiny baby raccoons were discovered, removed and placed in a cat carrier.

A wildlife rehabilitator, Stacy Eagles, was contacted, she came and picked up the babies to do with them what rehabilitators do; nurture and raise them until they’re ready to be returned to the wild. This piqued my interest to the point I attempted without success to contact Eagles so after an internet search, I located Leslie Greene, a wildlife rehabilitator from Farmerville to discuss just exactly what and why and how a wildlife rehabilitator goes about doing what they do.

“By definition,” Greene began, “our job is to save injured, displaced or orphaned wildlife. Some of the animals I have dealt with include raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, coyotes, foxes and beavers.”

“To qualify to become a wildlife rehabilitator, you have to be licensed by the LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and you have to work under someone already licensed for a year. Then you have to have the proper equipment and facilities for animals with which you  will be working, develop a working knowledge of medications and antibiotics needed to care for animals that are injured,” Greene said.

An official with LDWF has to come and inspect your facilities before you are granted a license, which Greene acquired three or four years ago. Her interest in baby critters started when as a youngster, she had a baby raccoon she raised from an orphan.

“I became very interested in this little guy and my interest grew until I decided I wanted to do what I could for other juvenile wild animals,” she said.

Greene added that this time of year, from January through late spring, wild animals are giving birth to offspring and is the busiest time of year for a rehabilitator.

“It’s a 24-7 job especially this time of year as I get calls frequently to help out in a situation involving recently born wildlife that have encountered problems,” she added.

One of the more interesting and heart-warming situations Greene has encountered is on- going at the present time when she had to rescue three baby beavers she currently tends.

“I am having so much fun with the little beavers and find they are quite social animals. They make baby sounds almost like a human baby, are very social and need the emotional touch and bonding I am only too glad to give them,” said Greene.

While some animals can be released back in the wild in shorter times, beavers take quite a bit longer. Red foxes, for instance, can usually be released within six months, gray foxes five months, raccoons nine months, it can take beavers up to two years before it is safe to return them to the wild.

“Beavers live in family units with parents and older siblings and it takes up to two years before they’re ready to leave the den and go looking for their own pond. I don’t mind,” she said, “because these little fellows are so much fun.”

What to do if you find a raccoon in your attic or find a baby squirrel that fell out of a nest? Call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. You can find Leslie Greene on Face Book.

FISHING REPORT 

CANEY LAKE – Bass fishing has been fair to good with the drop-shot rig working best with average sized fish reported. Crappie are around the deeper tops and hitting jigs and shiners fished 12 feet deep in 15-25 foot water. Bream are on the beds and hitting crickets and worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Bateaux’s on Caney Lake at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water is falling and fishing is improving. Bass are best in the river lakes on spinners and soft plastics. Crappie are fair to good fishing jigs and shiners around tops in the river and river lakes. No report on other species. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass fishing has been fair fishing the deeper holes in the channel with drop-shot rigs with some along channel edges on Rogues and plastic frogs. Crappie fishing has been fair on the flats on shiners and jigs fished 10-15 feet deep in 20 foot water. Bream fishing is good on worms and crickets. Catfishing continues to be good off the banks on night crawlers and cold worms. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bream are on the beds and fishing has been good on crickets and worms. Bass fishing has been best for medium sized fish around the docks and edge of grass on topwaters, soft plastics and spinners. Crappie fishing is fair around the tops and better below the spillway on shiners or jigs. Catfishing is good on night crawlers or cold worms while some stripers are being caught at night around lighted piers. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at
927-2264.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Bass fishing has been fair fishing spinners or jigs around the banks and edge of levee. Bream fishing has been good on crickets and worms on beds around the willows. No report on crappie or catfish. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BLACK BAYOU – Bass fishing has been good on jigs and spinners around the grass. Crappie are fair and scattered. Bream fishing is good on crickets and worms. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Bass to 5-7 pounds have been caught. Catfish and bream are good. Crappie are slow. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE ST. JOHN – Crappie are fair on spider rigs. Bass are best early on topwaters. Bream are on the beds and catfishing has been good on yo-yos baited with shiners. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water level is mostly stable with crappie, barfish and catfish biting quite well. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce (JPCC)2021 “Style Show” that scheduled for June 4th has been postponed until a yet to be determined date later this fall. The announcement was given by JPCC director Wilda Smith this past Saturday. The “Style Show” which was set to be held at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Golf Course was designed to give local businesses a chance to showcase their inventory to the public.

Free Adult Nutrition programs are offered through the month of June by the LSU-AgCenter that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home or office. Seven sessions are offered that will cover topics such as physical activity, stretching the food dollars, food safety, making healthy choices and more!

Sign up by clicking on this link: https://forms.office.com/r/i0qx89CiTM

Dates and topics to be covered:
June 2 – Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
June 4 – Make half your grains whole grains
June 8 – Dairy: Switch to Skim or 2% Milk
June 9 – Vary your Protein food choices
June 22 – Food Safety
June 23 – Shopping smart on a budget.

When you register you will see dates, times, and topics. Select the topics you are interested in, select one or more! Jackson Parish native,Cathy Schimmel Judd teams up with area nutrition agent, Layne Langley to provide this great learning opportunity for our area. Please call the LSU AgCenter for more information, 318-251-5134.

(1) The Y Liquors, LLC is looking for a person to work Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings, from the hours of 3pm-12pm or as needed. If interested please apply in person at 1309 Hwy 813 or call 318-395-2010 & ask for Shelia.

(2) Gracepoint Christian Academy is adding to their team. If you are interested, visit the website to download an employment application. Completed applications can be emailed to gcajonesboro@gmail.com or mailed to:
Gracepoint Christian Academy
1691 S. Hudson Avenue
Jonesboro, LA 71251

T

Jimmy Mack Loe
November 17, 1945 – May 25, 2021

Mr. Jimmy “Jim” Mack Loe, age 75 of Sibley, crossed through Heaven’s gates on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. He graduated Quitman High School and proudly served in the United States Army National Guard. He worked for Robert’s Wholesale in Shreveport for 23 wonderful years, it was his home away from home. He loved his coworkers and thought of them as his second family. Mr. Jim had a dry, but very funny sense of humor. He truly enjoyed keeping his yard mowed and tending to his flower gardens. He knew everyone and everyone that knew him loved him.

Mr. Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy (Dade) Loe; daughter, Allison Fox (John); stepdaughter, Starla LeMay; stepson, Lance LeMay; grandsons, John William Fox, John Wyatt Fox; brother, Johnny Earl Loe (AnnaBelle). He was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy Weldon and Ima (McCravy) Loe.

Friends may visit on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Church from 12:00pm until time of services. Services are set to begin at 1:00pm with Pastor Carolyn Michael officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Keith Johnson, Charlie Neeles, Roger Williams, Lovie Williams, Jr., John Fox, Will Fox, Wyatt Fox, Lance LeMay. The honorary pallbearers will be John Loe, Earl Johnson, Will Neeles and Tyler Neeles

Jessie Dean Gresham
February 25, 1929 – May 27, 2021

Jessie Gresham, age 92 of Jonesboro, went to her Heavenly home on Thursday, May 27, 2021. Jessie had a big heart in which she held her treasures, her beloved family. She loved her family, both those of blood and the ones she chose (adopted). Let me tell you, she definitely had adopted a lot of people as family. She loved to cook for her family and was not satisfied unless she knew that they were fed and comfortable. She also enjoyed to spend her time gardening and watching the hummingbirds. Above all she loved the Lord and there is no doubt that she is now by his side in Heaven.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Tom Gresham and Carol, June Thompson and Myron, Jeanette Higgins, Ed Gresham and Roberta; grandchildren, Benji Gresham, Leslie Ashcraft, Heidi FitzGerald, Will Gresham, Emily Gresham, Ashley McGimsey, Luann Oakes, Lacey Gresham, Casey Gresham, Kelley Gresham, Mark Canerday, Jacob Moses, Braddock FitzGerald, Macallen FitzGerald, Kayla Smith, Jeremy Smith, Brian Morrow, James Davis, Mallorie Ashcraft, Rayven Ashcraft, Drake Ashcraft, Ethen Ashcraft, Alaina Ashcraft, Hanna Ashcraft, Emily Ashcraft, Thomas Ashcraft, Alex Ashcraft; special chosen daughter, Kathy Tankersley Bernier; many, many beloved great granchildren, nieces and nephews; daughter in law, Sandra Gresham; special friend, Cherry Grimsley. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Thomas Gresham, Jr.; infant son, Gary Gresham; son, Billy Gresham; grandchildren, Tommy Gresham, Ted Rohr, Jamie Higgins, Shane Stuckey; parents, Charlie Drayton and Harriet Manilla (Blake) Dean.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 30, 2021 at 2:00pm in Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home chapel with Reverend Bill Staples officiating. Burial will follow in Cypress Creek Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Scott Mitchell Blackwell
May 20, 1954 – May 26, 2021

Scott “Mitch” Blackwell or “Papaw”, age 67 of Jonesboro entered the gates of Heaven on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. “Mitch” first met his wife in 1976 while working as a computer engineer at AT&T. After a brief six month courtship and a missed Elvis concert, they were married on October 8th 1976. Scott was an amazing father who was always there for his daughters, lending an ear and sharing every milestone. He was always pumping gas, removing snow from their cars, and coming to their rescue in the middle of the night for pest control, cursing the entire time. He was a big kid who loved remote control cars, drone helicopters, and the Dallas Cowboys. He was happiest sharing his passions with his family. He loved spending time outdoors with his grandkids Tyler and Sydnie Raye, they were his heart. His presence and love of the simple things in life will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Amy Lynette (Pullin) Blackwell; children, Jennifer Lyn Blackwell Micek, Cristi Michelle Blackwell; Tyler Mitchell Blackwell Micek, Sydnie Raye Blackwell Huie; parents, Ronald Victor and Lois Ann Schuler Blackwell; brothers, Ronnie Blackwell & Carolyn, Brian Blackwell & Melinda; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at the Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Trey Etheridge officiating. Interment followed at Strange Cemetery in Readheimer under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro. Serving the family as pallbearers were Christopher Blackwell, Michael Stewart, Brad Pullin, Matt Pullin, Cameron McLean and Chad Otwell. Perry Hawkins served as honorary pallbearer.

Evelyn Juanita Peterson
May 30, 1932 – May 25, 2021

Evelyn Juanita Peterson, 88 of Pine Ridge, died May 25, 2021. She was born May 31, 1932 to the late Willie Houston and Evelyn Viola (Smith) Jordan. She was a proud independent woman that loved her husband, Harvey Douglas Peterson and daughter, Debra Lynn Peterson very much. They preceded her in death, but her love and longing for them never ended. Along with her husband and daughter, she is also preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Mae Jordan Duck and Patsy Jean Jordan Hall.

She is survived by Jimmy and Debra Jordan. Juanita was Maw Neeter to their grandsons, Tyler, Tucker and Ethan.

A graveside service was held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 in Yankee Springs Cemetery with Bro. Shawn Garner officiating. Burial followed under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home. Jimmy and Debbie Jordan would like to thank all the caregivers, nurses and staff at Forest Haven. She gave them all a run for their money.

Vivian Burnette Peel
May 27, 1922 – May 23, 2021

Vivian Burnette Thornton Peel, age 98, of Jonesboro, Louisiana, passed away Sunday, May 23, 2021, at Alpine Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Ruston, Louisiana.

Mrs. Peel was born in Jonesboro, Louisiana, on May 27, 1922, to Willie Benton Thornton and Mattie Mae Neal Thornton. She married James Murray Peel on June 10, 1939, and soon thereafter, she bore the responsibility of caring for their two young children until he returned from serving in the United States Army during World War II. She later worked in a Jonesboro clothing store for a short time, but she was predominantly a homemaker, known to her family as an excellent cook, seamstress, and gardener. Mrs. Peel was a devoted Christian and a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Louisiana, teaching children’s Sunday School for many years.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband of fifty-four years, her daughter, Myrna Jeanette Peel DeCou, and her son-in-law, James “Jimmy” DeCou. Also preceding her in death were her seven sisters and two brothers: Clarence Thornton, Mertie Walker, Hazel Duck, Eunice Walker, Mary Jewel Hammett, Morris Thornton, Bernice Myers, Faye Nash, and Raye Templeton.

Mrs. Peel is survived by her son, James Maurice Peel (Pat) of El Dorado, Arkansas, and four grandchildren: Mitch DeCou (Kim) of Quitman, Louisiana; Lesley DeCou Simmons (Al) of Winnfield, Louisiana; David Peel of Columbia, Tennessee; and Lauren DeCou Phillips (Shane) of Ruston, Louisiana. She leaves behind her ten great-grandchildren: Megan Geter (Jay), Hillary Bradford, Zach Lowe (Anna), Ryan DeCou (Katie), Alison DeCou, Daniel Simmons, David Simmons, Micah Simmons, Beau Phillips, and Emma Phillips. Mrs. Peel has three surviving great-great-grandchildren: Olivia Geter, Aria DeCou, and Alana DeCou. She is also survived by a number of beloved nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service for Mrs. Peel will be held Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at the Gayla Traina Memorial Cemetery in Jonesboro, Louisiana, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home, also of Jonesboro. Pastor Benjamin DeCou will conduct the service, and Mrs. Peel’s six great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

The class of 2021 walked across the stage recently at local Jackson Parish High Schools. Each achieved a special accomplishment by earning their diploma but at Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman and Weston High Schools there were two and in once case, three special students that earned special distinction as class Valedictorian and Salutatorian. The Jackson Parish Journal offers Congratulations to:

Valedictorians:

Madelyn Freeman – Jonesboro Hodge High School 
Jayda Naron and Savannah Dowden – Quitman High School
Lauren Maxwell – Weston High School 

Salutatorians:

Kirsten Dark – Jonesboro Hodge High School
Lake Vine – Quitman High School
Jolea Simpson – Weston High School

A special called meeting of the Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ) was held Tuesday evening at the Nathaniel Zeno Jr. Meeting Room of the JPPJ Administrative Building located on 160 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro. Items on the agenda  and consequent action taken by board members Todd Culpepper, Lewis Chatham, Amy Magee (President), John McCarty, Tarneshala Cowans, Regina Rowe and Lynn Treadway are as follows:

(1) Consider and act on recommendations regarding the Solid Waste Department and possible departmental changes – After much discussion it was decided to take a vote at the regularly scheduled June meeting on charging area municipalities a cost of $27.63 per ton to dispose of their refuse at the Union Parish Landfill in Farmerville. What this action would do is basically pass along the cost currently being absorbed by the Police Jury. 
(2) Consider and act on request from Pinebelt CCA concerning a Summer Worker Program – Agreement was made to participate in the programs designed to help local teens gain employment over the summer and contribute $6,500.00 to the cause.
(3) Consider and act on proposal from Enterprise Fleet Management – After discussion no action was taken. 

Prior to the special called meeting the Operations Committee of Amy Magee (Chairperson), Lewis Chatham and John McCarty discussed concerns and requests of the Maintenance, Administrative, Road and Solid Waste Departments. All recommendations will be presented to the full board during the June meeting.

Grant Committee to meet Wednesday! The Grants Committee of the JPPJ will meet at noon on Wednesday, May 26 at the Nathaniel Zeno Jr. Meeting Room. Committee chairman Amy Magee along with members Todd Culpepper and Tarneshela Cowans will discuss and recommend action, if necessary, on eligible items for the American Recovery Plan funding.

The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce presents the 2021 Style Show at 6:00pm on June 4th at the Jackson Parish Country Club. Tickets are $12.00 each. For those 12 years old and under the cost is $5.00 and for children 3 years and younger there is no charge for admission. The 2021 Style Show features items from businesses in downtown Jonesboro. Tickets can be purchased from participating businesses or you can purchase them in the chamber office starting Monday from 8:00am to 12:00pm.  

Chamber of Commerce Director Wilda Smith is hoping for large turnout to the gala event.

“There are so many in our community who do not realize that so many of our stores downtown offer clothing apparel.” said Smith. “This gives our local businesses a chance to show what they have to offer.”

Louisiana is recognized nationally as the “Sportsman’s Paradise”. Judging by the rave reviews received after the inaugural edition of the new television series Louisiana Law,  many of the agents of the Louisiana Department Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division will also be widely recognized.

The new series which aired last Sunday on the Animal Planet channel features LDWF agents from all over the state pursuing hunting and fishing law breakers. Local viewers got a real treat in the second show as Jackson Parish was featured in one of the segments called ‘Road Kill’. The segment featured local LDWF agents Tarver and Hatton as well as having a cameo appearance by Lane Tippen of the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, as they followed up on a report of a hunter shooting a deer from a public road. 

LDWF Enforcement Division Colonel, Chad Hebert, says the program showcases what a game warden does daily as they traverse the Louisiana wilds from the wooded north to the coastal marshlands.

“We have agents on boats, on four-wheelers, on foot, we have them check in on all different types of licenses, pretty much everything to do with the conservation efforts here in Louisiana,” said Hebert.

The Jackson Parish Recreation Department summer baseball / softball leagues continue to play under a revised schedule that has caused games to be added due to rainouts of previous dates. Of special consideration is the 7 & 8 year old boys and girls leagues which have added games during the week and the 11-13 year old leagues that have changed their normal days of play. Please note upcoming Thursday and Friday schedule of games. 

THURSDAY, MAY 27TH

FRIDAY, MAY 28TH

The 1st Annual Chase Frasier Memorial 5k Walk/Run will be held on June 12, 2021 beginning and ending at the Jackson Parish Courthouse, located at 319 Jimmy Davis Blvd in Jonesboro, LA. Early registration fee is $30.00 until June 1st. (All registrants before June 1st will receive a t-shirt) Fees for late registration will be $35.00.

Please visit Rise and Grind Nutrition @ 4637 Quitman Hwy Hodge LA 71247 to register for the race or register online @ runsignup.com/chasefrasiermemorial5k

Check in will begin at 7am on June 12th and the Race will begin at 8am. The event is a fundraiser and in memory of former Weston High School teacher/coach Chase Frasier who tragically lost his life last year and all proceeds will benefit Chases sweet daughter, Lillie and the Frasier family!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Dustin or Halee Siddon @ 318.355.7950 or 318.732.1407.

The Quitman High School Softball Camp will take place on June 1st and 2nd. Your child will experience a high school level practice and be shown the proper way to execute advanced and basic plays of the game. The camp is held for softball players in grades 3-6. Cost is $75.00 per camper. The camp schedule is as follows:
June 1st: 8:00am – 4:00 pm
June 2nd: 8:00am – 12:00pm

All checks and money orders should be made payable to Quitman High School Softball. 

Grades 3rd- 6th
$75 per camper
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. June 1
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. June 2

*Make checks payable to Quitman High School Softball.*