Winn Parish Journal Exec. Editor Chosen to be DLI Executive Academy Fellow

The Parish Journal’s family is proud to announce that one of our own, Executive Editor of the Winn Parish Journal, Jodi Taylor (third to left on last row in picture), has been chosen to be a Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy Fellow.
According to the press release distributed by the Delta Regional Authority, the DLI is an extensive, nine-month executive leadership program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt.

The DLI Executive Academy empowers fellows with the tools, experiences, and networks needed to address local and regional challenges. Sessions led by local, regional, and national experts cover policy areas such as infrastructure and transportation, small business and entrepreneurship, workforce development, public health, and other sectors necessary to facilitate economic growth in the region. As a result, DLI fellows graduate with improved decision-making skills, policy development know-how, strengthened leadership capacity, and a mutual understanding of regional, state, and local cultures and issues.

“Every Parish Journal’s editor strives to make a difference in the parish they serve. To that end, I’m very excited to be chosen to be a DLI Fellow to learn all I can to help Winn parish and the Delta Region of Louisiana,” stated Mrs. Taylor.

The 252 counties and parishes served by the Delta Regional Authority make up one of the most distressed regions of the country, facing profound economic, health, educational, and infrastructure challenges. The Delta Leadership Institute was created to empower a corps of leaders with the tools, experiences, and networks to address these local and regional challenges. The DLI Executive Academy trains leaders from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and industries to improve the economic competitiveness and social viability of the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is a federal-state partnership created by Congress in 2000 to promote and encourage the economic development of the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. DRA invests in projects supporting transportation infrastructure, basic public infrastructure, workforce training, and business development. DRA’s mission is to help create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of those who reside in the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state region.

To read the full press release click here. https://dra.gov/newsroom/press-release/delta-regional-authority-announces-2022-delta-leadership-institute-executiv/


Five tips for Handling Picky Eaters

NOTE: The Jackson Parish Journal is pleased to introduce Jennifer Stone as a special guest contributor. Stone is a Community Outreach Coordinator for Yumble Kids, LLC which specializes in publishing recipes and providing informational content about children nutrition for busy parents.

Picky eating refers to when someone either refuses to eat certain foods or only has the same thing over and over again. Sound familiar? This is commonly seen in toddlers, so you’re not alone if you’re trying to deal with it. This article will give you some practical tips for how to deal with your picky eater.

Tip 1: Keep it Healthy
As tempting as it may be, don’t give in to your child’s demands for sugary snacks! When making healthy lunches for kids, you should ensure they’re balanced, with a range of fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible. It’s absolutely critical that you eat healthy food yourself, as your child will learn from your behavior.

Tip 2: Make it Familiar
Parents’ and children’s food preferences have been shown to be linked. This isn’t particularly surprising because, as parents, we tend to prepare foods that we like to eat ourselves. Familiarity is pivotal regarding tackling picky eating; children may need to try certain foods as many as ten times before they’ll accept eating them properly.

Tip 3: Make it Together
There is a wealth of research that shows just how beneficial it is to involve your child in the process of meal preparation. This could be simple things like setting the table or mixing ingredients in a bowl, but it’s even better if your little one can get involved with the actual cooking. This will improve your child’s time management and planning skills, as well as their math abilities (weights and measures). As well as that, they’ll learn about potential hazards in the kitchen and how certain meals are prepared. Most importantly for you, they will have pride in the work they have done, making it more likely that they’ll eat the food. Ultimately, that’s what we’re aiming for with our picky eaters.

Tip 4: Show it’s Yummy
If you appear to dislike a particular food, or if you’re a picky eater yourself, your child is likely to emulate that reaction, as has been shown in scientific research. Therefore, it’s important that you lead by example and not show negative feelings when trying new foods with your little one.

Tip 5: Cook it Differently
Keep track of what your child does and does not like to eat. Bear in mind that this will change as their senses develop through their early years. Nonetheless, if they’re refusing to eat ‘mushy’ foods, give them a sliced apple instead of applesauce or boiled potatoes rather than mashed. They’ll still be eating the foods that you want them to and that are good for them, just in a different way. If you really want them to eat the ‘mushy’ food, combine it with something more solid that you know they already like. For example, let them dip crackers in the apple sauce.

 


Arrest Reports (November 12 – 23)

Amanda Morgan (Chatham, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
Jeremy Watson (Jonesboro, LA) – Remaining after forbidden, Sexual Battery
Traneka Richardson (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
Keary Sarey (Jonesboro, LA) – No Drivers License No plates
Shelby Kelley (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule II drug, Drug Paraphernalia, Warrant for DUS
Casey D. Cathey (Quitman, LA) – Reamining after forbidden, Resisting an Officer, Disturbing the Peace
Austin B. Gray (Jonesboro, LA) – Winn Parish Bench Warrant
Loren K. Desidere (Chatham, LA) – Simple Battery, Warrant
James N. McDaniel (North Hodge, LA) – Theft
Bruce Bryant (Jonesboro, LA) – Second Degree Battery
Demarcus K. Hicks (Jonesboro, LA) – Bench Warrant for no seat b and expired license plate charges


Death Notices

John Thomas Kennedy
02/11/1953 – 11/13/2021

Mr. John Thomas Kennedy, age 68 of Quitman, was escorted through the gates of Heaven Saturday, November 13, 2021. Mr. Kennedy was a retired truck driver and loved time spent with his family and friends.

Mr. Kennedy is survived by his daughter, Megan Kennedy; grandchildren, Kade Ougel, Madden McAdams, Kash McAdams; siblings, Wayne Kennedy & Texie, Shirley Williams & Bruce, Barbara Hawthorne & Floyd, James Kennedy & Jill, Sally Kennedy, and Ronnie Kennedy & Melody; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah and Lois Ethel (Smith) Kennedy.

Graveside services were held on November 17th at the Antioch Cemetery near Quitman with Reverend Ray Hearron officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Frances Parker Fowler
November 22, 1943 – August 22, 2021

Frances Parker Fowler died August 22, 2021, at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, after a short illness. She was 77 years of age.

Born in Jonesboro, LA on November 22, 1943, Frances was the third child and first daughter of Earl Edward and Ruby Weeks Parker. She graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in 1961 and a month later wed Don while he was on leave from the first of several tours in Vietnam. Just over a year later they welcomed their first child, Deborah, and two years later their second, Michael. As a military family, the Fowlers moved to Georgia, South Carolina, and finally to their longest posting in Mannheim, Germany, and then back to the States and their Louisiana hometown in 1976.

Frances worked at Rowe Plumbing in Jonesboro before taking a position at the soon-to-open Wal-Mart, first in Jonesboro and then in San Antonio. She retired from that company after 20 years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Jonesboro First Baptist Church, and in San Antonio St. Pius X Catholic Church. She volunteered for many years during Fiesta at NIOSA (Night in Old San Antonio) and made rosaries at St. Pius. She also loved watching the Food Network, particularly Cooking with Bobby Flay.

She helped raise not only her grandchildren but also her great grandchildren and was known affectionately as “Other Mommy.”

As a military wife Frances took advantage of the ability to travel on her own (France, Israel, Greece, Spain, England, Italy), or to explore the rich history of Germany with the family. She never lost that love of traveling, and she and Don continued to travel the world after retirement, often by cruise ship where they always had a balcony room so she could enjoy her morning coffee on the patio. She and Don also served for several years as campground hosts, traveling to various national campgrounds in their RV.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Marion Fowler (2017), and is survived by her children, Deborah Kay Fowler of San Antonio, TX, and Michael Shawn Fowler and wife DeeDee of Quitman, LA; two grandchildren: Meghan Hurley and husband Jay, and Rebecca Froh; four great grandchildren: Danen (14), Kaylinn (10), Stellan (7), and Veyda (1 year 7 months); sisters Fonda McBride (husband Jim) and Shirley Parker, and sister-in-law Elizabeth Parker, and 9 nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Memorial was held Friday, November 19th at Sweetwater Baptist Church in Quitman, LA.

Thelma Faye Massey
February 20, 1939 – November 10, 2021

Faye Massey, age 82, of Conroe Texas passed away Wednesday November 10, 2021. She was born February 20, 1939 to Lamar and Grace Hathaway in Quitman, Louisiana. Faye grew up in Weston, Louisiana and graduated from Weston High School in 1957. She and her family moved to Texas in 1975. She started her career at Wackers in Kingwood before it moved her to Conroe where she also worked at Winns and Randall’s. Faye retired from Wal-Mart after many years of employment. She enjoyed retirement by sewing, reading, and visiting friends and family back home in Louisiana.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Geri Gaines, and grandson, Dakota Massey. She leaves behind her sons Tony Massey and wife Kim, Craig Massey and wife Veronica, and Lance Massey, grandchildren Felicia Massey, Alex Massey and wife Becky, Kyle Massey, and Ryan White, sisters Natalie Ford, Linda Hightower, and Sharron Hathaway, and many other family members in Louisiana.

Funeral services were held in Conroe, TX Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Cashner Funeral Home and again at Edmonds Funeral Home on Saturday, November 20, 2021. Faye was laid to rest in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Jonesboro, Louisiana.


Services offered, Items for sale, Legal/Public Notices, Advertisments for bids

To have your business service or items you have for sale listed or list any Legal/Public Notices, Advertisements for Bid, Requests for Proposals and/or Quotes – send email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com

For Sale:

Book – “100 year history of JHHS football” 

jh bookA year-by-year description of the first 100 years (1919-2019) of JHHS football. Included is summary of early beginnings, yearly results, rosters, updated team and individual records and a gallery of pictures. Perfect gift for that grandfather, father, uncle or cousin who would enjoy remembering their “glory days”. Cost is $25.00 per book plus $3.00 shipping and handling. To order call (318) 480-1206 or send email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com

Business Services:

Quality Electrical & Controls Service:

Screenshot

Over 60 years of combined Licensed and Certified experience in Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Control Panels, Electrical, HVAC and Inspections service. Located at 5039 Hwy 4 East, Jonesboro, LA. For free estimate contact: Billy Earl Wilhite: (318) 475-2403 or Richard Andrews: (318) 475-5136.  www.qualityecs.com
“Call us when you want the job done right.”

Dirt Cheap Lawn Care, LLC:

dirt cheapLicensed and Insured! Any type of lawn care work done at reasonable prices. For quotes or to schedule service call Owner – David Hammock at 318-533-7133 or go by 209 Talbot Street, Jonesboro, LA. “If you don’t look good, we don’t look good!”

4T Exterior Cleaning:

House wash, Metal roof wash, gutter cleaning, concrete, deck, and brick/ patio cleaning. For free estimates call Trevor Hall at (318) 475-0347 or email Trevor.hall62@yahoo.com

Harris Yard Beautification Service: 

For all your lawn and landscaping needs contact Greg Harris at (318) 245-2349. Free estimates and professional service guaranteed. Based out of Chatham. 

PUBLIC NOTICES

Village of Hodge
Advertisement for bid
November 7, 2021

The Village of Hodge will be accepting bids for the purchase of the old ball field containing 7.166 acres, more or less. The minimum bid for the property will be $40,000.00. All bids for the purchase of the Old Ball Field must be in writing, must state the name, address and telephone number of the bidder and must be in the hands of the Village of Hodge, Louisiana no later than Monday, December 6, 2021 at 12:01p.m. Bids may be delivered to the Village Hall or mailed to the Village of Hodge at P.O. Box 280, Hodge, LA 71247. No bid received after the deadline will be considered. Each bid must include a security deposit of five (5%) percent of the bid amount which shall be forfeited by the successful bidder if the successful bidder does not, within three (3) days of being notified of the bidder’s successful bid pay the remaining portion of the purchase price bid. Bid will be opened, in a public session at the Village of Hodge Town Hall at 2:30p.m. on Monday, December 6, 2021. The bids will be read aloud. At its meeting held on Tuesday, December 7,2021, beginning at 5:00p.m. the Board of Aldermen will examine all of the submitted bids, evaluate those bids and decide whether to accept any bid. The VILLAGE OF HODGE reserves the right to reject any bid for any reason. The content of the full ordinance can be reviewed at the Town Hall during the hours of 8:00a.m – 3:30p.m. Monday thru Friday. If, you any question please feel free to the call the office at 318-259-4704 or 318-278-0188.

 


Tigers surge past Mangham 28-18 to earn Class AA Quarterfinal berth

Head coach Terrance Blankenship figured JHHS would need to score 30 points against 10th seeded Mangham to advance to the quarterfinals of the Class AA playoffs. As it turned out, the 28 points they put up was good enough, plenty good.

That is because the Tigers defense stepped up to turn in one of their best performances of the year to hold the Dragons offense, that was averaging close to 36 points a game, to half of their norm. Actually the suddenly impressive, J-H defense didn’t allow but 12 points, which tied for the least amount of points the Dragon offense had scored all year. Mangham got their final score on a kickoff return.

“I felt that if we got 30 points that would be good enough,” said the soaked Blankenship, who got doused with a “Gatorade Shower” by his jubilant players after the game. ”I knew if the “D” played the way they have been playing over the last several games that we could hold Mangham to less than what they had been scoring but they took it to another level tonight.”

Did they ever! The stats prove it out. Mangham entered the game averaging 347 total yards per contest. This was impressively compiled against a schedule that featured three teams that are still undefeated on the year in Class 3A #1 Sterlington, Division IV’s top ranked team, Ouachita Christian and Class AA General Trass, ranked #4 in Class AA. Defending Class A champion Oak Grove, who is primed for a repeat this year, is also on the list. On Friday the Dragons mustered just 214 yards, over a full football field length below their average.

As more proof to the tremendous job done by the Tigers defense, Mangham had two players who had eclipsed 2000 yards in total offense during the regular season but neither came close to their average. As a team the Tiger defense held the high octane Mangham offense to only 8 first downs all game. It wasn’t just that the Tigers were being stingy with the yards they allowed, when they needed a big play the most, they rose to an even higher level. Seventeen times the Dragons tried to make a third down conversion. Only twice did they succeed. Six times they went for it on fourth down, making it only twice and that was on the same drive. Most importantly when the “game changing” play was needed the defense came through.

To set the scenario, Mangham had scored their second and final offensive touchdown as time expired in the first half to narrow the Tigers lead to 13-12. Jonesboro-Hodge had scored twice on Tydre Malone touchdown passes of 18 and 20 yards to Devontae Mozee and Justin Calahan.

The second Tiger score had come with just 36 seconds left in the half but after Mangham got the ball at midfield it took them just 18 seconds to score on Williams second TD run of the second quarter to draw the Dragons to within one. They left the field at the half riding a wave of momentum and was going to receive the second half kickoff as well. It made for a very dangerous situation.

A short kick gave Mangham possession at midfield. Immediately the Tiger defense responded by making a tackle for a seven yard loss. Knowing the importance of making their field position count the Dragons managed to convert a fourth down attempt, then another. Their intensity level was at a peak as they methodically moved to the Tiger 20 yard line needing only four yards for another first down and having two attempts to make it. They never did.

“Mangham ended the first half with all the momentum. I felt strongly that we needed to make a stop on their first possession of the second half,” reflected Blankenship. “The last thing you want is a team as explosive as they are to get on a roll so to hold them there was big.”

It was big but it wasn’t nothing compared to what came next. Five plays later the Mangham offense was back on the field after forcing a punt that gave them the ball at their own 22 yard line. Two running plays netted just two yards. Mangham then tried to catch the Tigers napping by trying a rare downfield pass. It was completed too, only it was Tiger defensive back Justin Calahan who gathered the ball in and raced 40 yards down the sideline to paydirt.

“That was huge for us,” said Blankenship. “Mangham was beginning to show signs of getting untracked and instead of trying to protect a one point lead, just like that we were up by eight.”

Not for long though. Actually for only 17 seconds. Jalen Williams, the Mangham tailback who entered the contest with 26 TD’s on the year and had already scored twice in the game, snared the ensuing kickoff at his own 25 yard line and outran the Tiger coverage team to narrow the margin to just two. Faced with the prospect of Mangham tying the game the defense stepped up once again when a pass to the back of the end zone was deflected away by Devontae Mozee preserving the lead.

“That was a great recognition on his part,” recalled Blankenship. “It was a big play as instead of now being tied we still had the lead.”

Mozee followed that up with a great kickoff return of his own. The Mangham kick coverage team gave a little help as well with a “horse collar” that gave JH the ball on the Mangham 24-yard line. Methodically the Tigers drove the ball toward the end zone that culminated in a score when Malone lunged over from the one on a third-down play to, once again, put J-H up by eight.

It was not by design, but through tremendous improvisation the Tigers then made it a “two score” game. After mishandling the snap on the extra point kick attempt, Calahan rose, wheeled to his right and sprinted toward the endzone. Finding his path block, the heady senior then turned passer and found Mozee streaking across the back of the endzone for a two-point conversion.

From there it was the defense once again stepping to the forefront. Three straight Mangham drives ended with failed fourth down attempts that secured the hard-fought victory and propelled the Tigers into the quarterfinal’s where they will travel to play #15 Franklin, who upset #2 Loreauville.

“We needed a good defensive effort tonight if we were going to advance,” said Blankenship, who will lead his team into the quarterfinals for the second time in his nine year tenure and first ever as a Class AA school. “We got a great one.”

By virtue of the victory the Tigers gained title to the K104 Game of the Week trophy and  moved to 10-2 on the season, becoming the first JHHS team since 1997 to win ten games in a season. 

For video highlights of the game click here: https://www.facebook.com/427411564447229/posts

#7 Jonesboro-Hodge0137828
#10 Mangham0126018
YARDSTICKJHHSMHS
First Downs168
Rushes / Yards32-7840-176
Passes (A-C-Yards)13-24-1423-10-38
Total Yards220214
Turnovers01
Penalties / Yards3-208-74
3rd down conversion4/142/17
4th down conversion2/11

Scoring:
2nd quarter: JHHS – Mozee 18 yd pass from Malone (Kick NG)
2nd quarter: MHS – Williams 4 yd run (Kick NG)
2nd quarter: JHHS – Calahan 20 yd pass from Malone (:Leonard kick)
2nd quarter: MHS – Williams 3 yd run (Kick NG)
3rd quarter: JHHS – Calahan 40 yd INT return (Leonard Kick)
3rd quarter: MHS – Williams 75 yd kickoff return (pass NG)
4th quarter: JHHS – Malone 1 yd run (Calahan pass to Mozzee)

JHHS Individual Offensive Stats:
Passing: Malone 13-24-142-2TD’s, 1 INT
Rushing: Thompson 15-71, Malone 16-6-1TD, Waters 1-1
Receiving: Lewis 4-42, Thompson 4-38, Calahan 2-23-1TD, Mozee 1-18-1TD, Leonard 1-16, Andrews 1-5

JHHS Individual Defensive Stats:
Total Tackles: Atkins 17, Lewis 12, Smith 10, Andrews 8, Drayton 6, Strickland 5, Leonard 4, Waters 4
Solo Tackles: Atkins 15, Lewis 12, Drayton 6, Andrews 5, Mozee 3, Waters 3, Gray 3
Tackles for loss: Atkins 2, Lewis 1
Interceptions: Calahan 1 (TD)

Photos courtesy of Jason Strickland:


Jonesboro Board of Aldermen vote to increase garbage collection fees

Residents of Jonesboro will see the fee for garbage collection go up by $3.00 per month beginning in January. The increase was unanimously approved by Town Council members Pete Stringer, Devin Flowers and James Ginn at the monthly session of the Jonesboro Board of Aldermen held on November 9th at the Jonesboro City Hall. Robbie Siadek and Nia Johnson were not present.
In other action, Resolution #2021-19, in relation to the funding of a DOTD grant for the Town of Jonesboro Airport, was ratified as well as the zoning change for a piece of property located on Industrial Drive in Jonesboro from industrial to Residential 2. Amendments to the general budget, water budget and sewer budget were also approved.
A Nuisance Ordinance, Mobile Home Ordinance and Mayor Leslie Thompson’s recommendation for hiring a Tax Collector was tabled. In a corresponding move, a Public Hearing regarding the Tax Collector’s pay was scheduled to take place 15 minutes prior to the regularly scheduled monthly meeting in December.
Before the meeting began a Public Hearing was held that focused on the three budget amendment Ordinances that was on the agenda and how that related to the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funding received by the town. There was no comments or discussion offered during the allotted time frame.
Before the budget amendments were approved during the official meeting, Mayor Thompson indicated that the Jackson Parish School Board, Police Jury and other governmental bodies had already paid incentives to their employees from the ARPA funds. A brief discussion was also held about the increase from $82,000.00 to $92,000.00 for employee incentive pay and $66,000.00 to $56,000.00 shown as income loss.
In an explanation of why the garbage collection fees needed to be increased it was divulged that this was to cover costs of “tipping” fees charged by the Police Jury. This is result of the tax that was proposed earlier in the year not being approved by the citizens, thereby causing the Police Jury to have to pay this fee for dumping.
The session began with Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce Director Wilda Smith bringing the panel and those in attendance up to date on the various activities planned relating to the Christmas festival and holiday season.

 


Tourney Time! Recap of weekend tournament play for area schools


It was “tourney time” for Jackson Parish schools as Weston hosted their annual tournament and Quitman made the short trek to Saline for their annual affair. A recap of the action of the boys and girls teams from both schools as well as neighboring Saline that took place from this past Thursday thru Saturday follows:

Weston Girls win three

Weston 61 D’Arbonne Woods 32: Briley Peterson scored 22 of her season and career best 28 points in the first half to help Weston to a commanding 39-15 first half advantage in the blowout of their Class AA opponent. It was the second time in the last three games that the Lady Wolves have taken down a school from a larger classification. The fourth straight victory improved Weston’s record to 7-3 equaling the best start to a season after ten games since 2016.Lainee Trosclair chipped in with 14 points on the strength of a pair of first half three pointers.
Weston 15 24 12 10 – 61
DWC 9 6 9 7 – 32
Scoring: Peterson 28, Trosclair 14, Millien 6, Ledford 4, Newton 4, McBride 3, Beamesderfer 2, Austin 1

Weston 51 Stanley 45: Briley Peterson scored six, Emma Kate McBride 5 and Jessica Newton 3 in the pivotal fourth quarter to help Weston erase a four point deficit after three periods. The contest see-sawed back and forth with Weston jumping out to a six point lead after one only to see Stanley claw back to within one at the half and take the lead before managing just four points in the final frame. Peterson led a balanced attack with 14 followed by Jessica Newton with 9, Emma Kate McBride – 8, Lakerria Austin – 7, Mary Catherine Hay – 6 and Lainee Trosclair who ended with five. Lexie Millien chipped in a first quarter basket as well to round out the scoring.
Weston 16 14 7 14 – 51
Stanley 10 19 12 4 – 45
WHS scoring: Peterson 14, Newton 9, McBride 8, Austin 7, Hay 6, Trosclair 5, Millien 2

Weston 65 Dodson 43: Lainee Trosclair has emergee in the early stages of the season as Jackson Parish’s top girl’s, 3-point marksman. Her four bombs in the first three quarters led to a game high 21 points and helped lift Weston to the easy victory. Emma Kate McBride enjoyed some “distance delight” of her own with three trey’s as she and Briley Peterson also reached double figures in points with eleven. Mary Catherine Hay added nine as ten Lady Wolves scored in all. Molly Conner scored 12 Sadie Beaubouf added 11 and Jada Conner pitched in 10 for Dodson whose season opening skid reached eight straight.
Weston 16 26 16 7 – 65
Dodson 11 6 10 16 – 43
WHS scoring: Trosclair 21, McBride 11, Peterson 11, Hay 9, Millien 4, Bearden 3, Austin 2, Beamesderfer 2, Siadek 1, Pineda 1
DHS scoring; M. Conner 12, Beaubouf 11, J. Conner 10, Uribarr4, Browning 2, Marken 2, Martin 2

Weston Boys almost perfect

Weston 53 D’Arbonne Woods 48: Mitchel Mathews poured in a season best 16 points and Seth Peterson added 15 as Weston spotted the Class AA team a four point lead after one before roaring back to take the win. With their first win over a school from a higher classification in a full calendar year and third win in the last four games this season the Wolves upped their season record to 4-6. Six additional Weston players scored with the highest being five each from Davis Tolar and Bryce Zehr.
Weston 12 14 12 15 – 53
DWC 16 8 13 11 – 48
WHS scoring: Mathews 16, Peterson 15, Tolar 5, Zehr 5, E. McBride 4, Shirley 4, Feirn 2, R. McBride 2

Stanley 54 Weston 50 (OT): Seth Peterson scored all 14 of his points in the second half to help Weston rally from a 7 point halftime deficit and send the game into overtime but Stanley recovered to pull out the victory. Davis Tolar led the Wolves in scoring with a season best 19 on the strength of three treys. Kaden Shirley chipped in with five and both Mitchel Mathews and Landon Roberts scored four.
Weston 13 4 14 13 6 – 50
Stanley 12 12 7 13 10 – 54
WHS scoring: Tolar 19, Peterson 14, Shirley 5, Mathews 4, Roberts 4, Feirn 2, R. McBride 2

Weston 63 Dodson 16: Thirteen players tallied for Weston in the rout. It was simply no contest as Weston rolled to a 17-3 first quarter advantage that grew to 27-6 at the half that allowed coach Otwell to empty his bench early. As result, reserve Jude Otwell led the way with a season and career best 12 points followed by ten from Mitchell Mathews. Kaden Shirley added nine. Also establishing season high scoring totals were Jacob Gill – 6, Tyler Pardue -5 and Skylar Strickland with four. Zach Engram scored six to lead Dodson, who dropped their seventh straight and failed to score over 24 points for the fourth consecutive game.

Saline Tourney (Quitman boys and girls)

After making the long trip to south Louisiana last weekend to battle two of the tougher Class B girls basketball teams in the state and then playing defending Division IV (Class A) state champion Ouachita Christian on Tuesday the Quitman girls needed a break. The Saline Tournament was just what the doctor ordered as the two opponents, Ringgold and home standing Saline, were winless on the year. As expected neither provided much trouble as Quitman beat Ringgold 52-21 this past Thursday and followed it up with a 42-28 victory over Saline on Friday. Cali Deal scored 21 and Bethany Leach added 11 to pace the Lady Wolverines against Ringgold.

To Saline’s credit after losing the first two games they gave the home fans plenty to cheer about on Saturday when they beat Ringgold 58-27 in a battle of non-winners. Prior the Lady Bobcats lost to Class 5A Haughton on Thursday 62-21 and Quitman 42-28 on Friday. Georgia Robinson led the way to the first win in ten tries by scoring 18 points.

The weekend results weren’t as good for the Quitman and Saline boys as the Wolverines lost all three of their games and Saline lost both of theirs. The Bobcats were slated to play another game on Saturday but the game was cancelled due to Hicks not coming back to the tourney after leaving on Friday. In fairness to both, they faced difficult draws as Quitman played Class A Ringgold, perineal Class B power Hicks and Class 5A Haughton while Saline faced off against not one but two Class 5A teams in Haughton and undefeated Ruston High, coached by Jonesboro native and former Weston athlete/coach Ryan Bond.

The Wolverines lost to Ringgold 48-39, Hicks 49-40 and Haughton 63-43 to see their season record evened at 5-5. Saline almost pulled a serious shocker as they forced Haughton into overtime and then only fell by a 54-53 score when the Buccaneers put a missed shot back in as time expired. The Ruston game was a different story though as the Bearcats won easily by a 60-30 score. As a testament to the prowess of Ruston this year they also beat Ringgold 74-20.

Jackson Parish Museum receives new artifacts

The Jackson Parish Museum and Fine Arts Association has received a portrait of Alvern Davis, wife of Jimmie Davis that will be displayed in the room commemorating the former Louisiana Governor that already houses a podium, chair, bed and his favorite saddle.

The desk used for over 25 years by the past three Jackson Parish Sheriff’s has also been acquisitioned to be displayed along with a plaque honoring Alyce Colvin and Judie Blalock, who were instrumental in the forming and growth of the Museum.

The news was announced at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Museum Board that took place this past Monday. It was also agreed that the board members would decorate the Museum for the upcoming Christmas Festival along with the flower urns on Main Street that were not yet decorated. Board President Barbara Johnson also informed the panel that different photos of the Museum would be presented on the Facebook page to help promote interest.


JHHS roundballers falls to Winnfield in season opening Jamboree

Jonesboro-Hodge tipped off their 2021-22 basketball campaign by taking on rival Winnfield in the JHHS Jamboree to mixed reviews. Playing with a skeleton squad, due to several expected major contributors still playing football and having not yet joined the team, the Tigers fell to their neighboring namesake 43-30 but head coach Allen Tew was not overly disappointed in the results.

“We could have shot the ball better and had too many turnovers but the guys played hard and gave a good effort,” said Tew, who is entering his 13th season at the helm of the boys program and a new school record 15th overall counting his two years as the head girls coach.

Ajay Tew hit three of the five shots he took from behind the arc to lead the Tigers with 15 points followed by five each from Jarrious Lumpkin and Tre Beard. Savantez Phillips and Cameron Joe would add two apiece but made their presence felt on the glass with 7 and 6 boards respectively.

After playing to a 12 all tie in the first period the Tigers managed only two points in the second quarter to go down 21-14 at the half. A slow start to the third saw Winnfield take a 38-25 lead before both teams managed to score five each in the fourth and final frame. The Tigers are slated to open their regular season on November 30th when they will host Quitman.

Lady Tigers to open season Monday at Lakeview Tourney

The debut of new head coach, Kiyyah Deloney, was put on hold for a few days as transportation problems forced JHHS to pull out of the Rayville Tournament held this past weekend. Now the season opener will be in the Lakeview Tournament this Monday evening where they will play Red River (Coushatta). On Tuesday a matchup against perineal Class 5A power Southwood from Shreveport will follow. The home opener for JHHS is scheduled for November 30th against Quitman High.

J-H Junior High girls get defensive in win over Lincoln Prep

Points were a premium as the Junior High girls allowed only one field goal in the first half and two baskets in the second to win 20-7. J. Venzant paced the Lady Tigers with six points followed by four each from L. McGuire and J. Jackson.R. Bradford, Sky Dill and S. Mallard added two each. J-H Middle improved to 6-4 on the year with the win with four games left to play.

7th and 8th grade boys struggle

In boys action it was JHMS who had the trouble scoring as both the 7th and 8th grade to it on the chin with Lincoln Prep winning the 7th grade game 49-10 and the 8th grade contest 41-21.T. Burkes scored five and J. Jefferson added four in the first game for JHMS while R. Searcy scored 11 with D. Palmer adding 6 and D. Hayes four in the nightcap. The 7th grade boys are now 4-6 on the year while the 8th graders are 3-7.

 


Area prep schools gain good results from games early last week

For “old-timers” the Quitman and Weston basketball schedules for the first part of last week had to bring back memories. They will remember “back in the day” when Class B & C schools used to play seemingly every day leading up to the Thanksgiving holidays on their way to 50 and 60 games seasons.
Those days are long gone, but QHS and WHS did have a “blast from the past” as they played on back to back days this past Monday and Tuesday and did pretty well too. Quitman won two of the three games played while Weston won three of four as each prepared for weekend tournament action.

Monday, November 15th

To sum it up Quitman “Pinked-Out” while Weston celebrated the giving out of letterman jackets by going “big game” hunting. Both the boys and girls teams from Quitman won handily over Dodson on the evening when deceased QHS golf coach, teacher and counselor, Ginger Pullin, was honored and the American Cancer Society was promoted. At Weston, ten lettermen received their jackets and then watched the Lady Wolves smash Class 3A Sterlington while the boys team started the framework that would lead to better things by weeks end.

Quitman 56 Dodson 18: (Girls) After the tough weekend in south Louisiana competing against a couple of the best Class B girls basketball has to offer this year the Lady Wolverines needed a break. They got one. They also got a much needed win as Cali Deal scored 14 and Brayli Stewart added 11. Bethany Leach chipped in with 9, Emma Carter 8, A.J. Gray 6 and 4 each from Summer Grilette and Taylor Harvey rounded out the scoring.

Weston 52 Sterlington 43: (Girls) An age old adage states that “the bigger they are, the harder they fall” and boy did Sterlington fall hard. The final score of the contest played this past Monday shows Class B Weston outscored their Class 3A visitors by a 52-43 margin. The game was not nearly that close.
“We were up by 28 at one point in the second half,” said pleased Weston head coach, Stacy Tucker, after the first home victory of the year.

The Lady Wolves held only a three point advantage after the first period but blew the game open with a 21-4 second quarter advantage. Sharp shooting, Lainee Trosclair, who made a pair of three pointers and was a perfect 6/6 from the free throw line, led the balanced Weston scoring attack with 14 followed by eight each from Jessica Newton, Lakerria Austin and Mary Catherine Hay. Lexie Millien added seven, Emma Kate McBride five and Briley Peterson four.

Quitman 73 Dodson 17: (boys) The home fans just thought the first game the two girl teams played was one-sided. Then the boys squared off. OUCH! A season best 30 point first quarter opened up a 26 points lead. Then Quitman tied one of those never can be broken records when they didn’t allow Dodson a single point in the second quarter. At halftime it was 42-4. WOW!!!! Eli Walker led the way with five, three pointers for a season and career high 21 points. L.D. Manning, Gavin Caskey and Noah Leach scored eight each with Brayden Smith adding seven and John Pabaya getting six. Twelve players scored in all.

Sterlington 71 Weston 56: (boys) The Class 3A invaders were simply better as they methodically whipped the Wolves by winning each of the first three periods and entering the final frame with a 21 point lead. There were bright spots to take away from the contest. One being that eight of the eleven players on the roster scored. Another was the five three pointers that Kaden Shirley made along the way to his team leading 15 points. Seth Peterson also turned in a season best performance with 13 followed by nine points, all coming in the second half, by Rylee McBride

Tuesday, November 16th

Weston 67 FCCS 44: (Girls) Lakerria Austin and Emma Kate McBride set new season bests by nailing five and four shots respectively from three point land as Weston continued their early season, torrid shooting pace in Winnsboro on Tuesday. It was over early as the Lady Wolves stormed out to a 22-12 lead that they stretched to 39-22 at the half on their way to their fourth 65 plus points effort in seven games to lift their record to 4-3 on the young year. Briley Peterson also reached double digits with a season best 11 points and Jessica Newton added eight as eight players tallied.

OCS 62 Quitman 31: (Girls) In a way it almost seemed fitting that OCS should win the game. After all, on the day that Quitman honored Veteran’s it stands to reason that the veteran and defending Division IV state champion should win. They did with ease to stay undefeated on the year, while Quitman fell to 3-5. Cali Deal scored 16 and Brayli Stewart added nine as Quitman was held to single digits in the first three quarters.

Weston 71 FCCS 52: (Boys) It was the performance that head coach Jacob Otwell had been waiting on. Finally his Wolves found the mark consistently as they scored a season high in points to down the fellow Class B foe. Four players reached double figures in points led by a season best 16 from Davis Tolar. Just two points behind was Ryan Feirn with Seth Peterson chipping in with 13, his season best to date as well. Rylee McBride added ten with brother, Eli, checking in with seven as did Mitchel Mathews. Kaden Shirley added four. The victory improved the season record to 2-5 and put an end to the four game losing streak.

In other area games early last week:

Saline 84 Atlanta 77: After a slow start to the season that saw the Bobcats lose their first four is now a distant memory after the second win in four days over their one time district foe and third victory in the last four games. The firepower that head coach Klint Robinson knew was possible finally emerged as Saline turned in their best early season scoring performance that ended up being 11 more than in any game they have played this season. Titus Jackson led the way with 27 points with Ethan Roberts chipping in with 21. Titus Malone also reached double figures with 12 as nine Bobcats scored in all.

Photos contributed by Elizabeth Womack, Thomas Barker and Kristie Tolar (Sasse Lynn Shenanigans)


BRASHEAR RETRIEVES HER BUCK – BUT JUST “BEARLY”

Dedria Brashear, who lives south of Ruston, is a serious deer hunter. Her husband hunts ducks; she concentrates on big bucks.

On October 12, Brashear had a hair-raising experience when she attempted to recover a big 12 point buck she shot in late afternoon when a big bear beat her to her trophy. Brashear, who works as a relief pharmacist for several pharmacies around the area, hunts on a 1500 acre hunting club in Madison Parish. A 500 acre tract within the club is restricted to bow hunting only.

“I have hunted only with my bow for the past 15 years because I love the challenge of getting a deer close to my stand. I hunt with a Matthews Triax bow, use Carbon Express arrows tipped with Rage Tripan broadheads,” Brashear said.glynn harris

The area she chose to hunt is a prime spot inside a large food plot. Brashear had found trails leading through the area so she hung her stand 30 yards off a main trail realizing that deer stage in the thicket before coming out on the food plot to feed.

“The weather was warm with daytime temperatures approaching 90 degrees. On October 11, I hunted both morning and evening and only saw a few young deer. The next morning was about the same as the warm temperatures kept the deer from really moving. I rely on the Moon Guide which lets me know when wildlife is more likely to be moving. The Guide indicated that the peak times for movement would be afternoons for the next three days so I was somewhat optimistic as I climbed into my stand that afternoon,” she said.

Sitting in her stand as the afternoon wore on, Brashear watched some does, fawns and small bucks venture out onto the food plot. Then with 15-20 minutes of shooting light left, a squirrel began barking excitedly.

“I have always found that when something disturbs a squirrel like that, it is often a mature buck so I began search the woods and in a small opening, I caught a glimpse of antlers. Light was fading fast when the buck stepped into an opening at 25 yards. I released an arrow, knowing I had made a good shot when I heard him crash at 75 yards,” she continued.

Brashear went back to camp to give the buck time to expire. Informing friends about her shot, she was offered help but, in her words, “I hate to be a burden to other hunters and felt like I could handle it myself.”

Driving back in an ATV to where she had shot the deer, her flashlight shined on a white belly and she was preparing to use the hoist on the machine to lift the buck and transport it to the camp.

“As I walked around the deer to admire what I had shot, I saw that a goodly portion of one of the hindquarters had been eaten; I assumed that coyotes had beat me to it. Then I heard movement in the nearby thicket and realized it was not coyotes; it was a big bear. Here I was by myself in the dark with a big bear nearby, one that was upset because I had interrupted his meal. I waved my arms and shouted and when the bear ran away, it sounded like a big bulldozer crashing through the woods,” she said.

Brashear was finally able to get the big bodied buck, which weighed 265 pounds, field dressed and in a cooler and she did it all by herself.

“When I got it all done, it was breaking daylight; I worked on the buck all night before finally getting it in the cooler,” she said.

The buck was a main frame 10 point with two kickers giving the rack 12 points total. Inside spread was 15 4/8 inches, bases were huge with mass that carried throughout the rack. The buck, aged at 6-plus years old was green scored at 145 1/8 inches.

“I made a vow to never hunt alone this late in the day especially in this kind of heat. Obviously,” she said, “I forgot my vow because I was back there hunting alone a week later with temperatures once again quite warm.”

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Jigging spoons bounced off the bottom in deep water are producing catches of yellow bass.. Bass are on the deeper points and some are being caught on deep diving crank baits and oversized plastic worms. Crappie are on the move to deeper water with jigs and shiners picking up a few down deep. No report this week on bream or catfish. For information contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – Crappie fishing has been best fishing around the deep tops in the river, fishing 20 feet deep in 30 foot water on shiners or jigs. Bass are fair in the cuts on soft plastics, crank baits and Rat-L-Traps. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie have started their move to the deeper channels now that cooler temperatures are sending the shad down deep. Best bet is to fish shiners or jigs in a variety of patterns. Bass are also moving deep with best catches made on deep diving crank baits or jigs. Bream fishing is slow while catfish are still biting cold worms fished off the banks.. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – No report this week on stripers. Catfishing has been best on trotlines or stump hooks using small bream for bait. Crappie have started moving to deeper water with Electric Chicken and Lites Out jigs and shiners picking up a few, especially around stumps fairly deep. Bass fishing has been fair with some larger fish hitting jigs, soft plastics and crank baits in fairly deep water. For latest information, call Misty at Kel’s Cove at 331-2730 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
BUSSEY BRAKE –Crappie are scattered and fair. No report on bass, bream or catfish. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BLACK BAYOU – Fishing overall is rather slow. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfishing has been good with mostly smaller fish being caught. Crappie are fair around boat slips with some larger fish caught on the south end of the lake. No report on bream or bass. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE ST. JOHN – The lake is being lowered but the gates have now been closed. Fishing overall has been quite slow. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is high but on a slow fall. A few barfish have been caught. No report on bass or crappie. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.


Quitman High School honors Veterans with special program


This past Thursday, November 16th, Quitman High School honored local Veteran’s of Wars with a stirring program. Highlighting the special event was the appearance of keynote speaker and 1984  Quitman High School graduate, 2nd Circuit Court Appellate Judge, Jeff Robinson, a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.Judge_Robinson

QHS Principal, Billy Carter, opened the program by welcoming all those who attended followed by the invocation given by Abi Temple, posting of colors by the QHS FFA and pledge of allegiance led by Blake Smith.  

A medley of songs and recitations were then performed by the Jackson Parish gifted and talented chorus and QHS students Kash Gandy, Abram Toms, Carley Perry, Cam Hollis, Gabe McMillan, Dillon Pardue, Skylar Hall, Abi Temple, Jerriona Leonard, Emma Walker, Emma Toms, Hallie Pullig, Skylar Hall, Marlee Bedgood, Addison Fenn, Megan Kelly, Kari Beth Gates, Skylar Hall and Hannah McDowell.

Pictures provided by Thomas Barker.

School Board receives donation from Jonesboro State Bank and Ruston Rotary Club

The Jonesboro State Bank and Ruston Rotary Club collaborated recently to donate 50 new coats and 48 dictionaries to the Jackson Parish School Board. The coats will be distributed to each school by our Homeless liaison, Cherrise Bryan, before the Christmas break while the dictionaries will also be distributed among the schools in the Jackson Parish School District.  On behalf of all the students who will benefit from this wonderful act of generosity, the Jackson Parish School Board offers a special thanks to the Jonesboro State Bank and Ruston Rotary Club for their continued support of Jackson Parish Schools.


Student Athletes of the Week award winners announced

Each week, select faculty from Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman and Weston High Schools select a “Student Athlete of the Week. The award is sponsored by the Jackson Parish Hospital and presented to the one who best epitomizes excellence in the classroom and in their athletic endeavors.

The three recipients for the week of November 14th-20th are:

Jamarriyea Lewis – Senior football player at Jonesboro-Hodge High School
Ryan Feirn – Senior basketball player at Weston High School
Bethany Leach – Junior basketball player at Quitman High School

Congratulations to each of these outstanding representatives!


Jackson Parish Recreation Department Golf Course receives 20 new carts

Even with the recent change in temperature you will still be in comfort when playing a round of golf at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department (JPRD) Golf Course. That is because earlier this past week 20 brand new carts were delivered and are available for rent.

“We are very excited to have the new carts,” said JPRD Director Tommy Smith.

The new carts, which run on gasoline instead of batteries, were made available through a four year lease with E-Z-GO carts out of New Iberia, LA.

The JPRD Golf Course is located at 524 Club House Road in Jonesboro and open daily from 7:30am – 5:30pm. Tee times can be reserved by calling (318) 259-7247.


Simonelli sees offers to play baseball start to stack up

Not one, not two……So far the count is at three, but the way the offers to play baseball collegiately are starting to pour in for Ty Simonelli, surely more are on the way. To date the senior to be has received offers from East Texas Baptist, Bossier Parish Community College and LSU-Shreveport.

It is not surprising, given that the talented infielder had such a productive junior season for Quitman High School. Last spring, Simonelli batted .373 with a team leading 8 doubles while driving in 20 and scoring 22 runs. Adding the ten times he was hit by a pitch he accumulated a .495 on base percentage, second best on the team.

As good as that was, according to his father, Mike, it was his hard work and dedication to becoming a better player over the summer that has made a difference. The result was that while playing travel ball and attending various camps his performance and potential caught the eye of several would be suitors.

“Ty had a good summer and performed well in the camps he attended,” said the elder Simonelli. “He has worked at getting better and it looks like it is starting to pay off for him.”

Quitman High School baseball coach Joe Lockhart was not surprised by the offers.

“This is an example of what happens when someone with talent works extremely hard,” said Lockhart. “Ty is a leader through actions both on and off the playing field and is a high character young man who is always looking for ways to make himself better.”

Simonelli not only works hard at his athletic prowess but in the classroom as well. He enters his senior season with a cumulative 3.96 grade point average and has scored a 28 on the ACT. This makes him even more attractive to college coaches, especially the ones who deal with limited scholarships as he would also qualify for academic assistance as well.

“His mother and I (April) couldn’t be prouder of him,” continued Mike. “You can’t ask more than for your son to work hard to try and achieve as much as he can.”


WHS/QHS competes in cross country state meet

Cross country runners from Weston and Quitman High ventured to Natchitoches this past week to take part in the LHSAA Class B state cross country meet held on the campus of Northwestern State University. In team competition, Weston finished 16th overall in the boys classificaiton while Faith Odom of Quitman and Daniel Albert of Weston finished with the top individual times run by the locals. Of special note, the Class 5A and overall individual meet winner was Lily Garrett of Ruston High, the daughter of Jonesboro native, Bob Garrett.

Class B Cross Country state meet entrants from Jackson Parish

Weston High – Daniel Albert, Tyler Pardue, Sterling Stroud, Kaden Shirley, Jude Otwell, Dillon Pardue, Elizabeth Mudge, Alyssa Holland

Quitman High – Tyler Lay, Kaden West, Chance Chaplin, Faith Odom, Lillian Crawford and Maddie Grace Giddens


Tourism Board approves advertising expenses

The Jackson Parish Tourism Board set a maximum on what would be spent for advertising in a top state outdoors journal and a banner for the High School Fishing Tournament that will be held on Caney Lake in March, 2022. The action was taken at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting that was held on Tuesday, November 16th in the Sunshine Room of the Jackson Parish Police Jury Administration Building, located at 160 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro. 

The four panel board agreed to spend no more than $2,000.00 for an advertisement about the bass tournament in the Louisiana Sportsman Magazine and to pay no more than $700.00 for a banner that will be displayed at the weigh in site. Addtional discussion was also had about the High School Fishing Tournament with the agreement to revisit ideas again at the January meeting. 


JPSO K-9 Deputies give demonstration toQuitman Elementary DARE classes

On Tuesday, November 16th the pre-k, kindergarten and 5th grade students enrolled in the D.A.R.E. program received a hands-on demonstration from the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit. Students got to see close up the specially trained dogs and how they follow commands from their handlers.  

D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) was founded in 1983 and has proven so successful that it has been implemented in thousands of schools throughout the United States and many other countries. This is a law enforcement led series of classroom lessons that teaches children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives.

 


Cabins at Jimmie Davis State Park officially re-opened

The “Good Ole Days” are back at Caney Lake. Not only does the reservior in Jackson Parish provide some of the best fishing in the state, as it was once known to do, but now finding comfort in an overnight stay  is once again available as well.

This was made possible this past Tuesday when the state of Louisiana Lieutenant-Governor, Billy Nungesser, directors from the Louisiana State Parks and elected officials officially re-opened the cabins at Jimmie Davis state in Jackson parish.

In 2018 it was damage by a hail storm, In 2019 there were also impacted by a tornado and following in 2020 Hurricane Laura also hit the state park. In total the tornado and Hurricane damaged 38 of the 48 structures at Jimmie Davis state park. By September 2019, four cabins were repaired and able to open in January of 2020 with work still underway on the remaining cabins and lodges.

 


J-HMS students particpate in Thanksgiving Food Drive

On Wednesday, November 17, members of Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School’s Jr. High Beta Club, 4-H Club, and Cheerleading Squad took a quick field trip Christian Community Action of Ruston. This non-profit organization provides clothing, food, and financial assistance to families in crisis. Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School faculty and students collected 500+ canned food items to help needy families this Holiday Season.

“This is the season to not only be thankful, but give service. We know that food pantries and charitable organizations often run short on food. I am very proud of the families of JHMS, as they did not hesitate to donate this Holiday season” said J-HMS Principal Danielle Copeland. “We thank Ms. Stepahnie of CCA for this service opportunity and for including students in the actual delivery of items, which made the experience that much more meaningful. We look forward to working with CCA in the future.” 


Services offered, Items for sale, Legal/Public Notices, Advertisments for bids

To have your business service or items you have for sale listed or list any Legal/Public Notices, Advertisements for Bid, Requests for Proposals and/or Quotes – send email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com

 

Quality Electrical & Controls Service:

Screenshot

Over 60 years of combined Licensed and Certified experience in Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Control Panels, Electrical, HVAC and Inspections service. Located at 5039 Hwy 4 East, Jonesboro, LA. For free estimate contact: Billy Earl Wilhite: (318) 475-2403 or Richard Andrews: (318) 475-5136.  www.qualityecs.com
“Call us when you want the job done right.”

Dirt Cheap Lawn Care, LLC:

dirt cheapLicensed and Insured! Any type of lawn care work done at reasonable prices. For quotes or to schedule service call Owner – David Hammock at 318-533-7133 or go by 209 Talbot Street, Jonesboro, LA.
“If you don’t look good, we don’t look good!”

4T Exterior Cleaning:

House wash, Metal roof wash, gutter cleaning, concrete, deck, and brick/ patio cleaning. For free estimates call Trevor Hall at (318) 475-0347 or email Trevor.hall62@yahoo.com

B3 Lawn Services:

No job to large or small. For complete lawncare and select landscaping services contact: Todd Lowe (318) 623-8532, TJ Wilkerson (318) 480-1328 or Josh Henry (318) 480-1596.
email: littleballgame93@yahoo.com

Harris Yard Beautification Service: 

For all your lawn and landscaping needs contact Greg Harris at (318) 245-2349. Free estimates and professional service guaranteed. Based out of Chatham. 

 

For Sale: “100 year history of JHHS football” 

jh bookA year-by-year description of the first 100 years (1919-2019) of JHHS football. Included is summary of early beginnings, yearly results, rosters, updated team and individual records and a gallery of pictures. Perfect gift for that grandfather, father, uncle or cousin who would enjoy remembering their “glory days”. Cost is $25.00 per book plus $3.00 shipping and handling. To order call (318) 480-1206 or send email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com

 

INVITATION EXTENDED 

Town of Jonesboro Councilman Devin Flowers and the Booker family invite you to join them for their annual Thanksgiving Dinner to be held on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center located at 182 Industrial Drvie, Jonesboro, LA 71251

PUBLIC NOTICES

 

Village of Hodge
Advertisement for bid
November 7, 2021

The Village of Hodge will be accepting bids for the purchase of the old ball field containing 7.166 acres, more or less. The minimum bid for the property will be $40,000.00. All bids for the purchase of the Old Ball Field must be in writing, must state the name, address and telephone number of the bidder and must be in the hands of the Village of Hodge, Louisiana no later than Monday, December 6, 2021 at 12:01p.m. Bids may be delivered to the Village Hall or mailed to the Village of Hodge at P.O. Box 280, Hodge, LA 71247. No bid received after the deadline will be considered. Each bid must include a security deposit of five (5%) percent of the bid amount which shall be forfeited by the successful bidder if the successful bidder does not, within three (3) days of being notified of the bidder’s successful bid pay the remaining portion of the purchase price bid. Bid will be opened, in a public session at the Village of Hodge Town Hall at 2:30p.m. on Monday, December 6, 2021. The bids will be read aloud. At its meeting held on Tuesday, December 7,2021, beginning at 5:00p.m. the Board of Aldermen will examine all of the submitted bids, evaluate those bids and decide whether to accept any bid. The VILLAGE OF HODGE reserves the right to reject any bid for any reason. The content of the full ordinance can be reviewed at the Town Hall during the hours of 8:00a.m – 3:30p.m. Monday thru Friday. If, you any question please feel free to the call the office at 318-259-4704 or 318-278-0188.

Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana
1100 North Causeway Blvd.
Suite 104
Mandeville, LA 70471

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 third quarter of 2021 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 87 ppb at sample location DBP01 – 119 Eden Drive. Thus, the system is currently in violation of TTHMs standards.

UIL continues to monitor and adjust the flush valve to 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.

Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana
1100 North Causeway Blvd.
Suite 104
Mandeville, LA 70471

Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana Spillway 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 third quarter of 2021 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 93 ppb at sample location DBP02 – 133 Suanna Road and 100 ppb at DBP03- 211 Spruce Drive. Thus, the system is currently in violation of TTHMs standards.

Utilities Inc of Louisiana continues to monitor and adjust storage tank capacity. The engineering plans for the spray atomizer unit have been completed. The spray atomizer unit will assist in the reduction of TTHM concentration. UIL has kept LDH inform of our progress and anticipates completion by end of 2021.

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, Vicki Spence 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 MUSEUM & FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES

The Jackson Parish Museum and Fine Arts Association November meeting was called order by Barbara Johnson.
The prayer was offered by Mary Hoover, the pledge by Melinda Garrett.
Present: Barbara Johnson, Melinda Garrett, Mary Hoover, Wilda Smith, Mark Culpepper, James Fitzpatrick.
Absent: Ben Ledbetter
Motion James Fitzpatrick second Mark Culpepper approving the October minutes.
Motion carried.
Motion James Fitzpatrick second Mark Culpepper approving the financial
statement. Motion carried.
Barbara gave a report relative to conversations with the schools doing tours of the museum, new signs on the doors to each room and forms that could be used to hand out to any students taking a tour.
Old Business:
Wilda Smith gave report all the return of the portrait of Alvern Davis. Should arrive Friday. At which time the Secretary of State would also do an inventory of items which are on loan from the Secretary of State to the parish museum.
Motion Melinda Garrett second Mary Hoover not to exceed $200 for plants on Main Street in the flower eurns. Motion carried.
Motion Mary Hoover second Melinda Garrett not to exceed $200 for Christmas decorations of the building. Motion carried.