Better late than never! After being postponed for nearly three months, he Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame inducted six new members and honored three more with Distinguished Service Awards on Saturday in ceremonies held at the Jonesboro-Hodge High School gymnasium. Also introduced was the boy and girl “Athlete of the Year” from JHHS, Quitman and Weston High Schools.

Being inducted into the prestigious circle of Jackson Parish sports greats was JHHS athletes Bob Garrett, Floyd Miles and Tyjuan Hayes, along with Phil Cockerham of Weston, Tommy Logan of Quitman and former JHHS coach and Jackson Parish School Administrator, Wayne Alford.

Also honored was sports writing legends and collegiate Sports Information Directors, Doug Ireland and Dan McDonald with the 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award, as well as, former JHHS and Henderson State University coach, Clyde Berry, who earned the 2021 Meritorious Service Award. Representing each school as “Athlete of the Year” was Xabrianna Jackson and Devontae Mozee of Jonesboro-Hodge, Joshua Smith and Clara Womack of Quitman High and Jace Holt and Mallory Tolar from Weston High.

2021 Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame inductees:

Wayne Alford – The Menard High School and Northwestern State University graduate is the all-time leader in boys basketball coaching victories having compiled a 308-132 record over 14 seasons. During his tenure from 1982 to 1995, the Tigers won four district championships and made the playoffs nine times, including being Class AA state runner-up in 1988-89. During the 1984-85 season he led the Tigers to a 31-3 record which still ranks as the best single season winning percentage (91%) in school history. After being named interim Principal at JHHS in 1996 he became the Principal at Weston High. In 2007, Alford became the Superintendent of Schools for Jackson Parish.

Bob Garrett – “Bullet” Bob, graduated from JHHS in 1984 after being named district MVP in baseball and All-State as quarterback in football. As a “top 10” recruit in the state of Louisiana, Garrett was courted by universities all over the south, including several from the SEC before deciding to play for Louisiana Tech which he did for three seasons before earning his degree from LSU in 1991. After his playing career Garrett became a coach and educator for nearly three decades at Opelousas High, Cedar Creek in Ruston, Adams County Christian in Natchez, MS and both Ruston Junior High and Ruston High School before retiring this past year.

Phil Cockerham – A rare five year starter for both the Weston High basketball and baseball teams, Cockerham was an integral part of Weston’s first state baseball championship team in 1997 and state runner-up squad in 1980. Over his career the slick fielding shortstop batted over .400 while earning All-District honors for four years and being All-State his junior and senior seasons. As a basketball player who scored over 1000 points in his career, Cockerham also was twice named All-District.

 

Tyjuan Hayes – The 1990 JHHS graduate was a member of the “three peat” state championship teams at JHHS from 1987-89 and starting quarterback in the final two. In the 1988 title game Hayes was named Offensive MVP and in 1989 garnered 1st team All-District, 1st team All-State and 1st team Academic All-State awards. Hayes was also selected to play in the Louisiana High School All-Star game and was the recipient of the prestigious Buddy Blair award given to the top student-athlete in northeast Louisiana. Hayes also played on the 1988 state runner-up team in basketball and was an outstanding baseball player. After attending Grambling State on a scholarship he earned an Electronics Engineering Technology which led to a distinguished career in oil and gas in Houston, TX.

Tommy Logan – A member of the back-to-back state basketball championship teams at Quitman High School in 1970-71 Logan was a two time All-District selection and was named first team All-State his senior year. Called by his coach, Stuart Toms, as the “sweetest shooter” he has ever seen, Logan was called into the ministry his senior year in high school. After obtaining a Master’s in Theology he served as an ordained Methodist Minister in Oklahoma and Louisiana for years touching thousands of lives through his “singing services.”

 

Floyd Miles Jr. – Better known as “Bubba” to his friends, the 1957 JHHS graduate was a member of the first boxing team in school history where he gained the Golden Gloves Welterweight title. His knockout power was so legendary that in a fight at the state tournament he had to promise to fight his opponent using only his left hand to just get his opponent to fight him. After graduation, Miles attended Louisiana Tech University where he majored in Forestry before working in the paper mill industry for 36 years.

 

Clyde Berry – Awarded for his Meritorious Service , Berry is recognized for founding the only boxing team in JHHS history and serving as head baseball and assistant football coach. The |Stuttgart High School (Arkansas) graduate was a tremendous athlete who played four sports at Henderson State University and had the opportunity to play professional baseball. After leaving JHHS, Berry coached at his collegiate alma mater for 25 years where he led both his football team and baseball teams to conference championships, IN 1990 Berry he opened and directed one of the top camps in the nation for eight years before hanging up his spikes for good to enjoy retirement.

Dan McDonald – The 2017 inductee into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame for his distinguished service as a sports journalist, McDonald is recognized by the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame for his Outstanding Achievement. In 1976 the JHHS graduate was hired by Northwestern State University as the Sports Information Director, becoming the youngest in the nation serving in that capacity. From there McDonald served the University of Southwestern Louisiana, what is now known as the University of Louisiana, in the same capacity for 23 years winning many CoSIDA awards for writing and editing media guides. He also was a member of the United States Olympic Committee in 1988 and again in 1996. After retiring as SID, McDonald became senior sports writers for the Lafayette Daily Advertiser where he won numerous Louisiana Sports Writers Association awards including being named “Writer of the Year” for three years in a five year span. He is also a two time Vice President and served two years as President of the LSWA.

Doug Ireland – This is the second induction to a Hall of Fame this year for the 1978 JHHS graduate. Not only is Ireland one of the newest members of the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame after receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award the recently retired Sports Information Director at Northwestern State University was inducted earlier this year into the Louisiana Sports Hall Of Fame in Natchitoches which he has served as Chairman of since 1990. As a sports journalist for the Alexandria Town Talk from 1987-89, Ireland captured 15 top three finishes in the annual Louisiana Sports Writers Association contest that included winning a record nine overall awards and six first place finishes in the 1987-88 competition. After becoming the SID at NSU, Ireland added dozens of LSWA awards for writing and publications, including 33 since 2000. His 1992 Media Guide was voted best in the nation for Division 1-AA and in 1997 was the runner-up in the national CoSIDA contest. In 2008, Ireland was presented with the “Distinguished American Award” by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame and in 2012 was named Cenla’s Sportsman of the Year. In 2016 the acclaimed writer won the LSWA “Story of the Year award and was presented the prestigious Louis Bonnette Sports Media Award by the Southland Conference. Ireland began his sports writing career at the age of 14 while working for the Jackson Independent under the tutelage of legendary local sports writer Raymond “Doc” Jeffress.

2021 High School “Athletes of the Year”

 

The Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors wishes to express their thanks and gratitude to Jonesboro-Hodge High School and Principal Chevonda Leonard for graciously allowing the school gymnasium to be used for the ceremony despite such short notice.

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If the opening two games of the 2021-22 boys basketball season is any indication, the aggessive style of in-your-face defensive pressure that Quitman head coach, Mike Black had his troops employ in his first season at the helm will be prevelant once again. There is a different look to the team on the offensive end in the early stages of the 2021-22 season though.

Instead of a deliberate, clock eating attack the Wolverines are looking to put up more shots per game. Quite a few more. In the decisive 89-44 victory over Epps in the season opener Quitman fired up 68 shots. Against Summerfield’s swarming defense that is known to limit possessions, the Wolvernes still managed to fire up 52 attempts. 

In comparison, last year Quitman attempted over 50 field goals only six times all season and scored over  scored over 70 points in a game only 3 times in 23 contests, with a high of 81 points. Already this season the Wolverines have tried 120 field goals, that included 68 against Epps and is averaging 74 points a game, topped by teh 89 poured in against Epps that is the highest point total scored in over two years. This with the top three scorers from a year ago gone. What is in place now is a deep and talented roster that attacks in waves and so far shows the tendency to be accurate as evidenced by the 50% and 42.3% field goa percentage’s posted. 

Quitman 89 Epps 44: The carnage started from the opening tip as Quitman raced to a 20-10 first quarter lead that was stretched to 43-22 at the break. Even with Black substituting freely the points kept adding up as Quitman scored 26 in the third period and 20 in the fourth, ending the game shooting an even 50% (34/68) from the field.

L.D. Manning led the charge with 19 followed by 14 each from Logan Ponder and John Pabaya. Eli Walker, Blake Carter, Ty Simonelli, Grant Williams and Brayden Smith all pitched in with five each and Gavin Caskey added four. Shane Rowe, James Pabaya and Bailey Keys pitched in with two and Jamall Johnson added a free throw to round out the scoring.

QHS          20 23 26 20 – 89
Epps          10 11 16   7 – 44

QHS Individual Stats:
Scoring; Manning 19, Ponder 14, John Pabaya 14, Walker 5, Carter 5, Simonelli 5, Williams 5, Smith 5, Caskey 4, Rowe 2, James Pabaya 2, Keys 2, Johnson 1
3-pointers: Walker 1, Williams 1, John Pabaya 1
Rebounds: Keys 6, Rowe 3, Manning 3, John Pabaya 2
Steals: Ponder 4, John Pabaya 3, Carter 2
Assists: Walker 1, Carter 1, Leach 1, Smith 1

Quitman 59 Summerfield 41: Despite making only 2 of 14 three points attempts and having Summerfield make 50% of their shots, the Wolverines blew past the home standing squad by an impressive 18 points. This was accomplished  by the Wolverines allowing only 32 shots all game and outrebounding Summerfield by a whopping 27-8 margin, led by 8 each from Blake Carter and John Pabaya, who had six on the offensive glass. In comparison, Quitman was also accurate from the field on the night with 52.6% of their two point field goals going in and made 9 of 12 free throws. 

L.D. Manning scored 19 points for the second straight game to once again lead the Wolverine attack. He was assisted by Logan Ponder’s 11 and seven each from Blake Carter and John Pabaya. Ty Simonelli added six, Eli Walker hit one of the two Quitman trey’s made and Shane Rowe hit a basket to round out the scoring. 

QHS (2-0)        13 12 16 18 – 59
Summerfield      7 11 12 11 – 41

QHS Individual Stats:
Scoring; Manning 19, Ponder 11, John Pabaya 7, Carter 7, Simonelli 6, Walker 3, Rowe 2
3-pointers: Manning 1, Walker 1
Rebounds: Carter 8, John Pabaya 8, Manning 5, Ponder 3, Simonelli 2, Walker 1
Steals: Ponder 3, Simonelli 3, John Pabaya 2,  Walker 1
    

Quitman girls split first two

For the last several years the book on the Quitman girls was they could kill you from behind the three point line but didn’t have much of an inside presence. Someone better start writing a new book. The Lady Wolverines apparently can still fill it up from behind the arc as evidenced by the 4/5 performance by Brayli Stewart in the season opening 55-33 win over Epps. With 6’1” freshman, Cali Deal patrolling the paint, Quitman looks to have a strong post presence as well. The ability to work an “inside/outside” game is something veteran head coach Kyle Leach is looking forward to.

“We have been I guess what you would call “vertically challenged” over the last several years,” laughed Leach when asked about the height of this team the last several seasons. “Last year Cali was out tallest player as an 8th grader and it looks like she has added an inch or two this year.  It also is obvious she has improved on her post game so adding her skills with her ability of the girls on the perimeter we have the potential to be strong offensively.”

Quitman 55 Epps 33: The new look post/perimeter attack was very effective in the opener as Stewart and Deal collaborated to score 16 and 15 points apiece. That was just two points short that the Lady Wolverines allowed the entire Epps team total as the deep Quitman roster played havoc on the visitors with wave after wave of defensive pressure that resulted in forcing 28 turnovers. Quitman also had plenty of help on the offensive end, as eight players scored, including Bethany Leach who also reached double figures with ten. Additional offensive contributors were Emma Carter, A.J. Gray, Ansley Folks, Summer Grillete and Anna Claire Leach.

QHS 15 9 24 7 – 55
Epps   6 5 14 8 – 33

QHS Individual Stats:
Scoring: Stewart 16, Deal 15, B. Leach 10, Carter 4, Folks 3, Gray 3, Grillete 2, A. Leach 1
3-pointers: Stewart 4, B. Leach 1
Rebounds: Stewart 6, Grillete 5, Deal 3, B. Leach 3, Carter 3
Assists: B. Leach 3, Grillete 2, Stewart 1
Steals: Gray 4, Stewart 3, B. Leach 3, Grillete 1, Folks 1, Deal 1

Summerfield 41 Quitman 35: The Wolverines played the talented Summerfield squad to a draw in the second half but a slow start that saw the Lady Wolverines tally only 15 first half points evened their season slate after two games. Once again, two players provided most of the scoring punch with Deal making 14 and Bethany Leach adding 13 as Quitman managed to make only 31.4% of their shots. Emma Carter added four, Brayli Stewart three and Summer Grillete chipped in with a free throw.

Quitman (1-1)       9   6 14 6 – 35
Summerfield       11 10 14 6 – 41

QHS Individual Stats:
Scoring: Deal 14, B. Leach 13, Carter 4, Stewart 3, Grillete 1
3-pointers: B. Leach 2, Stewart 1
Rebounds: Deal 6, B. Leach 6, Carter 3, Grillete 3, Stewart 1
Assists: Folks 1
Steals: Gray 1, Grillete 1, Carter 1

photos courtesy of Elizabeth Womack

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QHS offering Shirt/Sweatshirt/Hoodie’s 

As their have been so many people that have asked if there were anymore sweatshirts avaiable that was sold earlier in the year it has been decided to to not only offer them for sale again but expande the options to include short sleeve shirts and Hoodie’s.

Pricing is as follows:

Hoodies and Sweatshirts $25
Bella Canvas Short sleeve $20
Gildan Performance (drifit material) $20
Available in Youth and Adult
For 2XL-3XL please add $2.00

To order go to Facebook pages of Paige Rollinson Bowers or CandicenRyan Leach 

A two-vehicle crash in northern Jackson Parish on Wednesday, November 3rd, has resulted in a fatality. According to reports, the car driven by R.L. Axton of Ruston was hit from behind and pushed off the road while attempting to turn off of Hwy 167 onto Homer-Sisemore Road. 
Axton and passenger Rayne Atkins, was extracted from the vehicle by first responders on the scene and transported by ambulance to a local hospital where Axton later succumbed to the injuries sustained in the accident. Atkins was kept in the hospital for observation but injuries sustained were not considered life threatening. The driver of the other vehicle, Jason Handy of Downsville did not require further medical attention after being examined on site. No further details are available at this time.

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The Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ) and the town of Jonesboro Board of Aldermen will hold their regular monthly meetings this Monday and Tuesday. The meetings of the parish and town leaders will begin with the JPPJ holding session at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center on Monday at 5:30 pm. Primary topic of discussion will the disposition of several roads that are currently in the Jackson Parish Road Program.

At the Jonesboro City Hall, the Board of Aldermen will meet at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, with the agenda showing that once again discussion will be held on amending the General Budget, Water Budget and Sewer Budget and a recommendation for a Tax Collector will be made. A Mobile Home Ordinance modification and zoning change on Industrial Drive will also be presented. 

Also the JPPJ Project Committee of Lewis Chatham, Todd Culpepper and Amy Magee will meet on Tuesday, November 9th in Room 300 of the Jackson Parish Courthouse where what to do with the newly available offices at the Courthouse will be discussed 

Jackson Parish Police Jury Regularly Scheduled Monthly Meeting
Date: November 8th, 2021
Time: 5:30pm

LOCATION: Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251

AGENDA:

Call to Order
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments

1. Adopt the minutes of the October 12th and November 1st Jury Meetings, monthly purchase orders, and the payment of all bills.
   Approve Committee Reports:
   Project Committee
2. Adopt the minutes of the October 6th Project Committee meeting
   Finance Committee
3. Adopt the minutes of the October 15th, 21st, 29th, and November 3rd Finance Committee meetings
4. Consider and act on adopting the 2021 budget amendments to-date
   Operations Committee
5. Adopt the minutes of the October 18th Operations Committee meeting
6. Consider and act on removing tabled items from the October 12th Regular Meeting from the table
   a. Consider and act on the recommendation to send Viola Road to a public hearing to receive comments on how the road serves the public
   b. Consider and act on the recommendation to send C. Osborn Road to a public hearing to receive comments on how the road serves the public
   c. Consider and act on the recommendation to send Annie Tatum Road to a public hearing to receive comments on how the road serves the public
   d. Consider and act on the recommendation to send Henderson Road to a public hearing to receive comments on how the road serves the public
   e. Consider and act on the recommendation to send Flowers Road to a public hearing to receive comments on how the road serves the public
7. Consider and act on the recommendation to send Bolds Road to a public hearing to receive comments on how the road serves the public
8. Consider and act on the recommendation to send Bryant Road to a public hearing to receive comments on adjusting the parish maintenance ending point
9. Consider and act on the recommendation to send Canard Road to a public hearing to receive comments on adjusting the parish maintenance ending point
10. Consider and act on the recommendation to send Aberdon Road to a public hearing toreceive comments on adjusting the parish maintenance ending point
11. Consider and act on the recommendation to send McKeever Road to a public hearing to receive comments on how the road serves the public
12. Consider and act on the recommendation to send Buddy Gibson Road to a public hearing for removal due to landowners changing the surface type
13. Consider and act on the recommendation to send Jackson McCarty Road to a public hearing to receive comments on how the road serves the public
14. Consider and act on the recommendation to send Poverty Lane to a public hearing to receive comments on adjusting the parish maintenance end point
15. Consider and act on the recommendation to send Quail Ridge Road to a public hearing to receive comments on adjusting the parish maintenance end point
16. Consider and act on the recommendation to send a portion of Flat Creek Road to a public hearing to receive comments on how the road serves the public
    Policy & Personnel Committee
17. Adopt the minutes of the November 3rd Policy & Personnel Committee meeting
18. Consider and act on recommendation to amend the FMLA policy to authorize the Secretary-Treasurer to approve short-term extensions of FMLA eligible leave on a case-bycase basis of up to two weeks
19. Consider and act on recommendation to authorize the hiring of one General Laborer position in the Solid Waste Department Management Reports
20. OEP Director Report – Mr. Brad Roller
21. Operations Manager Report – Mr. Brad Roller
22. Road Superintendent Report – Mr. Jody Stuckey
    a. Accept the Emergency/Off-Schedule Report
23. Solid Waste Superintendent Report – Mr. Robin Sessions
24. Financial Report – Ms. Gina Thomas
    (report includes budget to actual comparisons for all funds)
    Other Business
25. Engineering Report – Mr. Paul Riley, The Riley Co. of Louisiana
26. Consider and act on hiring the Riley Company of Louisiana for the 2022 Road Program
27. Consider and act on rejecting all bids for the hospital drainage project
28. Consider and act on authorizing the recommended RFPs for waste collection at the bin sites
29. Consider and act on acceptance of 2022 material bids
30. Consider and act on Parish Board Appointments
    Announcements & Notifications
31. Announcement: Public Hearing for 2022 Consolidated Budget
32. Announcement: 2022 Liquor Applications
33. Announcement: 2021 Veterans Brunch on Thursday, November 11th at 9:30 am
    Juror Comments
    Adjourn

Dr. Michael O’Neal would no doubt have gotten a big 12 point buck even without his seven year old son, Wesley’s whispered encouragement but the fact that the youngster was there with him added something extra to the hunt.
O’Neal, an internal medicine physician who works Ochsner Health Center in Monroe had his son with him on October 9 on Ashbrook Island along the Mississippi River, a hunting club in which he holds membership.

“I was targeting a buck that first showed up on our cameras in 2017 as a 10 point. He was a 10 point the following year and then in 2019, he had developed two ‘kickers’ that carried over to this season,” said O’Neal.

Around 4:15 on the afternoon of Saturday, October 9, O’Neal had his son, Wesley, with him and chose a site to hunt from a lock-on stand that overlooked several persimmon trees that were producing fruit, a favorite food for deer.

“There were actually two lock-on stands in a tree and I got Wesley tied in and secured on one of the stands while I got in the other just above where he sat. I had been teaching him about the age difference in deer and that afternoon, we got to see several of different ages as the deer began showing up to feed on the persimmons,” O’Neal said.

With the first deer showing up within minutes after settling into their stands, the father and son got to speculate on the ages of the bucks.

“We had a small 6 point and then another little 8 point show up and Wesley was whispering to me correctly that these bucks were immature. Later, I saw a bigger deer standing behind some brush at around 50 yards and when it stepped out, Wesley whispered, ‘Dad, that’s a mature buck,’ He had my phone and began videoing the buck as it approached the persimmon tree. When it got there, Wesley whispered, ‘Dad, you gotta shoot this one; he’s mature’,” the doctor continued.

The youngster became impatient and wondered why his dad hadn’t take a shot at thebuck but there was a slight problem.

“Wesley had a good clear view of the deer but there was a small branch in the way obscuring my visibility. When the buck finally stepped out from behind the branch at 18 yards, I released the arrow,” he said.

O’Neal shoots a Mathews bow and uses Gold Tip arrows and Rage broadheads. His shot was dead on as the buck only ran 25 yards before tipping over. The buck, estimated to be 7 ½ years old, had lost weight over the years, probably weighing 220 pounds in its prime but weighed in at 199 pounds. The rack was a main frame 10 point with two sticker points making it a 12 point. Inside spread was 19 inches, main beams were 22 inches each with good mass throughout the rack. The buck was green scored at 149 6/8 inches.

“This hunt would not have been nearly as special had Wesley not been there with me to witness the whole thing. When we got down, he wanted to follow the blood trail even though the deer had fallen within sight of us. When it was all over, he said, ‘Dad, I was your good luck charm today and I think this is my favorite memory of all time.’”

It’s likely lessons learned on this hunt and a special memory are something the youngster will carry with him when he’s old enough to hunt on his own.

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass are on submerged points next to the deeper holes with deep diving crank baits and oversized plastic worms working best. Blair Sherman landed a 9.5 pounder. Crappie are still around the tops but some have started moving to deeper water where most will be once cold weather sets in. Bream are slow to fair on worms and crickets. No report on 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 – Bass are best in the river lakes on soft plastics and jigs. Crappie are best in river lakes and around tops in the river. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie have yet to begin moving to the channel. Fishing has been best fishing 12-14 feet deep in 20 foot water on the flats on shiners or jigs. Bass have been in deep water and hitting soft plastics and crank baits. Bream fishing has slowed 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 – Stripers have slowed with a few caught trolling white bucktails as most of the schooling activity has ceased since weather turned cooler. The bream have slowed but a few have been caught on worms and crickets off the banks. No report this week on bass fishing. Crappie are mostly in deep water with shiners or pink colored jigs picking up a few. Catfish have been caught using small bream for bait as well as wiener sections soaked in various concoctions. For latest info, call Misty at Kel’s Cove at 331-2730 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Bass have been fair around the grass and trees on crank baits and Rat-L-Traps. Crappie are scattered and fair; bream fishing is fair on worms and crickets. 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 info.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfishing has been good with mostly smaller fish being caught. Crappie are off and on using shiners or jigs. 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 rising a foot a day which has put a damper on fishing. A few crappie have been reported. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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The Jackson Parish Journal in conjunction with all Journal Services outlets would like to welcome award-winning columnist Teddy Allen.

Starting this Wednesday, the weekly effort will run each hump day as the Jackson Parish Journal and all of its Journal Service sister outlets will be the exclusive provider of Teddy Allen’s column.

Teddy covered local sports for Shreveport, Monroe and New Orleans dailies from 1984 until 1990, then wrote metro columns for Louisiana Gannett papers for 30 years. For his sports writing, he has multiple times won the Associated Press Sports Editors national feature writing award and the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Story of the Year, Columnist of the Year, and Sportswriter of the Year awards.

For his metro columns, he has multiple times won both the Ernie Pyle Award as the top columnist in Mississippi and Louisiana and Columnist of the Year in the Louisiana Press Association.

Teddy’s work has been featured in the Poynter Institute’s annual “Best Newspaper Writing.” He is a 1982 and 1984 graduate of Louisiana Tech and currently works with the school’s University Communications team; you can find his work at LATech.edu and LATechSports.com.

He is also in his 11th season serving as the color analyst for Bulldog football games on the LA Tech Sports Network broadcasts … mainly because he has the perfect face for radio and despite the fact that he has the perfect voice for newspapers.

TA is married to Linnea Fayard Allen. He has a son, Casey, and a daughter, Emily, who is married to Braden Hilton. His dog – and writing partner – is a Maltese named Gracie Lou.

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In an effort to say thank you for your service, Weston High School is extending a free invitation to all former and current members of the military to the 2021 basketball season opener against Doyline High School this Monday, November 8th. Three games are scheduled with the Junior Varsity tipping off the action at 5:00pm followed by the varsity girls and boys contests. 

Depleted Weston boys team falls to Summerfield in season opener

Trouble brewed in the season opener for the Weston High School boys basketball team even before the game began. One didn’t have to look further than names of the players listed in the scorebook before the game to see the problem.

Eli McBride- scratched
Seth Peterson – scratched
Kaden Shirley – scratched
Davis Tolar – scratched
Landon Roberts – scratched

These just happened to be the projected starters for the game against Summerfield this past Monday that were unable to play due to being quarantined as part of the COVID pandemic contact protocol. The remaining players available for Head Coach Jacob Otwell fought gamely but fell by the score of 62-38.

“It was a tough way to start the season to say the least,” reflected Otwell. “Playing Summerfield on their home court is a hard enough challenge.”

To their credit after a slow start that saw Weston go into the half trailing 33-13 the Wolves played better in the second half to only come up four points behind over the final two quarters.

“If there is a silver lining to this it is that we had a lot of our young players get good game experience,” said Otwell. “Hopefully that will be beneficial to us in the long run.”

Mitchel Mathews and Rylee McBride scored 8 points apiece to pace the Wolves with Bryce Zehr pitching in with seven. Additional contributors were Jude Otwell with five, Sawyer Watkins had four and Jacob Gill made three points. Skylar Strickland also made a basket and Tyler Pardue added a free throw to round out the scoring. Three players scored 59 of the 62 points for Summerfield.

Weston             5 8 11 14 – 38
Summerfield 15 18 20 9 – 62
WHS scoring: Mathews 8, McBride 8, Zehr 7, Otwell 5, Watkins 4, Gill 3, Strickland 2, Pardue 1

Lady Wolves gain first win of season

Apparently the Weston girls find the confines of the Dodson gymnasium to their liking. Especially from behind the three point line. Ten times Weston found the mark from downtown as the devastating, long range attack lifted the Lady Wolves to a resounding 49-28 over Dodson this past Thursday evening to give the Lady Wolves their first win of the season. 

Lainee Trosclair canned half of the three pointers en-route to a game and career high 20 points. Lexie Millien added nine and Emma Kate McBride eight with Faith Beamesderfer chipping in with five, Briley Peterson scoring four and Mary Catherine Hay three to round out the scoring. 

The Dodson Tourney tilt got out of hand early with Weston shooting down Dodson with five trey’s in the first quarter along to take a commanding 16-3 lead. Trosclair had three of the five “tri-fecta’s” with Hay and McBride adding one each.  

Weston (1-1)     16 8 23 2 – 49
Dodson                3 6 10 9 – 28

WHS scoring: Trosclair 20, Millien 9, McBride 8, Beamesderfer 5, Peterson 4, Hay 3
3-pointers: Trosclair 5, McBride 2, Hay 1, Millien 1, Beamesderfer 1

Summerfield 61 Weston 27: It was a completely opposite result in the season opener Summerfield as the shots went up but hardly any went down for Weston. On the other end it seemed like home-standing Summerfield couldn’t miss. The result was a disheartening 61-27 loss in the season opener. To put it into perspective the Lady Wolves were able to make only 8 field goals all evening which was the same amount Summerfield made in the first quarter alone

“Our shooting was off from the get go,” said Weston head coach Stacy Tucker. “I hoped we would find our range but we never did.”

Despite the misfires from the field, Weston stayed somewhat within striking range in the first half thanks to good free throw shooting but when even the charity shots started proving costly in the second half the score got out of hand. On the strength of two treys, Lakerria Austin led Weston with 8 points followed by six from Mary Catherine Hay who was a perfect 4/4 from the line. Emma Kate McBride added five first half points with Briley Peterson scoring all four of her points in the second half. Jessica Newton scored three and Lainee Trosclair added a free throw.

Weston            9   5   7   6 – 27
Summerfield 17 10 16 18 – 61
WHS scoring: Austin 8, Hay 6, McBride 5, Peterson 4, Newton 3, Trosclair 1
SHS scoring: Tate 16, Combs 14, Martin 11, Ford 7, Jones 7, Williams 4, Smith 2

See “Can’t Miss” video made by WHS Cross Country team

If the adage that a picture is worth a thousand words is true then the video that the Weston High School Cross Country team has made and aired on You Tube is worth millions. Actually WHS and the cross country program would be appreciative of any support that is received and give thanks in advance for your help.

See video by clicking here: https://youtu.be/C1yiZkE10ml

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William Henry Pratt was born just outside of London, England in 1887. William was the youngest of nine siblings. His father, Edward, was a government civil servant. William’s mother’s family descended from India, which gave William a darker complexion than most of his peers. To exacerbate his feelings of not fitting in, William was bow-legged, had a lisp, and stuttered. William eventually learned how to control his stutter by slowing his speaking, but he was never able to overcome his lisp.

William’s father died in 1897. His mother died nine years later, which left William under the care of his older brothers. When William was ten years old, he participated in a parish Christmas pantomime. William loved performing for an audience and told his brothers of his desire to become a professional performer. They wanted William to go into government work, as their father had, and forbade him from acting in church programs.

In 1909, 22-year-old William decided to leave the care of his dominant brothers. He left it up to the toss of a coin whether to emigrate to Canada (heads) or Australia (tails). William carefully placed the coin on his thumb and index finger, applied a small amount of force, and the coin flipped into the air. The coin flipped over and over until William caught it and opened his hand. Heads had won. William struck out on his own and moved from England to Ontario, Canada. While in Canada, he worked a host of jobs such as a farmhand, a laborer, and a logger. William held onto his dream of being a performer and joined the Harry St. Claire repertory company in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada.

After much success with the repertory company, William decided to try acting in Hollywood. In 1919, aided by his dark skin, William appeared in his first Hollywood film as a Mexican bandit in “His Majesty the American”. For twelve years, William played largely forgettable and sometimes uncredited film roles. Then, one fateful day in 1931, William was eating quietly in a Hollywood movie studio’s cafeteria. Film director James Whale was searching for someone to play a non-speaking role in an upcoming film. The character would only utter an occasional moan or growl. The director wanted a tall, stocky man. Little more was required for the part because the makeup and costume departments would transform the chosen person into the director’s vision of the character. After a quick look around the room, the director’s attention focused on William. At the request of the director, William stood and turned around. The director studied William’s body and face. William was approximately six feet tall and had a unique look. The director offered William the part, which he accepted without much enthusiasm. William had already played small parts in over eighty films. William quietly returned to eating his lunch.

Between August 24 and October 3, 1931, William donned some forty pounds of costume and underwent 4 hours of makeup per day for his non-speaking part. When the film came out in theaters in November of the same year, rather than including William’s name in the credits, the studio replaced it with a question mark. William’s name was also absent from theater marquees. He was not invited to the film’s premier. This was not an intentional snub from the movie industry. William’s character was not the star of the film… or so they thought. Although William did not receive top billing, it was his character that theatergoers wanted to see. William’s iconic character still attracts viewers to this film nine decades after it was first released.

William’s acting career spanned seven decades. William appeared in over 250 film and television productions as well as 1,400 Broadway performances in “Arsenic and Old Lace,” “The Linden Tree,” “The Shop at Sly Corner,” and “Peter Pan.” Even with such an astounding acting career, William will be forever linked to the non-speaking role, the big break he got during a lunch break. William became famous due to his portrayal of a monster, the monster, in Frankenstein. You know William Henry Pratt as… Boris Karloff.

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Want to be on TV? You can have the opportunity to do so but you will have to get up early. This Monday, November 8th, Rick Rowe of KTBS-TV in Shreveport will be in Jonesboro at 5am to film a segment about the annual Christmas Festival that this year is themed “Christmas in Toyland.” The public is invited to assemble in front of the courthouse and help promote the event by dressing in costumes, bringing signs and providing vocal support.

“I realize that the time of the filming is really early in the morning but it is not everyday that one of the major television stations in our area features our town so we want to give a good showing,” said Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce Director Wilda Smith who has worked tirelessly in promoting the annual event. “We are very grateful to them for coming all the way from Shreveport to do this and are hoping for a good crowd to be on hand so that north Louisiana can see how proud we are of our Christmas Festival.”

For over five years Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School has been forced to deal with an antiquated way of keeping score. That is all in the past now as thanks to the generosity of Jonesboro State Bank, the J-HMS gym has a beautiful, state of the art, scoreboard hanging on the wall. With Thurston Allen of the Jonesboro State Bank in attendance, the Middle Schooler’s new scoreboard was unvield this past Thursday in the contest against Winnfield. 

“On behalf of Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School, I would like to thank Mr. Thurston Allen with Jonesboro State Bank for their generous donation to fund our new wireless scoreboard. The middle school had been without a working scoreboard for 5+ years,” said J-HMS Principal Danielle Copeland. “While we know academics takes precedence, oftentimes sports are what keep students motivated in school. Therefore, I requested a donation from Jonesboro State Bank this summer, in which they did not hesitate to help. That is a true example of community partnerships. We are very appreciative and look forward to working with them in the future.”

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In the spring of 2019 Hunter Strickland and Ladamien Bradford were in Lake Charles leading their respective schools, Weston High and Jonesboro-Hodge, onto the court at the LHSAA state championship basketball tournament.

Now Strickland is in Alexandria and Bradford in Ruston as they are participating in their second season of collegiate competition. Strickland is entering his 2nd season at LSU Alexandria, which competes in the NAIA, while Bradford is at Louisiana Tech after spending a season with Texas A & M University.

 At 6’8″, 210 lbs. the son of Jason and Stacy (Saulters) Strickland is expected to provide a post presence for the Generals this season. Last year, “Porzingis” as he is called by his teammates at LSUA, appeared in eight games and averaged 2.9 points per game. He made 11 of his 13 shot attempts for an 84.6 percent shooting average and hauling down nine total rebounds. So far this season, Strickland has appeared in both Generals games where he scored four points in the 115-67 win over North American.  

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2019 Jonesboro-Hodge graduate, LaDamien Bradford, will make his regular season debut with Louisiana Tech on Tuesday,November 9th when the “Dunkin Dawgs” open their 2021-22 campaign at the University of Alabama. The 6’5” shooting guard transferred to Tech over the summer after spending a season with Texas A&M University of the SEC.

In his first year of NCAA competition, Bradford averaged 7 minutes of playing time in a reserve role for the Aggies that allowed him to retain red-shirt Freshman status at Tech. Highlights of the season included three points, two rebounds and an assist against LSU and two steals against South Carolina.

In Tech’s 86-50 exhibition game victory over Mississippi College on Thursday, November 4th, Bradford scored three points, had three rebounds and dished out two assists in a little over 15 minutes of playing time.

When it comes to soft plastic lures, one thing anglers will say is that “color does not matter.” But I’m going to give my perspective on why it does. For years both novice and professional bass fishermen have made a case for why the color of your bait doesn’t matter. They say it’s more about the presentation than it is the color of the bait itself. This may be true in some isolated cases, but if that’s true, then why do manufacturers make soft plastic worms in so many colors? Is it to catch fish or is it to catch anglers?

Today’s anglers are overwhelmed with color selection by many of the top name brands like Strike King, V&M, Gary Yamamoto, Zoom, and Reaction Innovation, just to name a few. Each of these manufacturers produce some of the best soft plastics ever made. But colors in the bass fishing world are not your standard red, blue or greens. They have very creative names like red bug, tequila sunrise, green pumpkin, watermelon and my personal favorite, black emerald. Bait companies are even more creative than the original box of 64 crayons when it comes to color options. You may remember this from your childhood days when Crayola crayons had names like Brick Red, Burnt Orange, Chestnut, and even Bittersweet. But today’s box of crayons might include Inchworm, Granny Smith Apple, Caribbean Green, Tropical Rainforest, or my personal favorite Permanent Geranium Lake. Who comes up with these names? How is a child or an angler today, suppose to understand or learn the different color pallets of this magnitude?

Well, bass fishermen new to the industry are in the same boat. How is an angler supposed to know the difference between crab apple or plum? Well crab apple, also known as red bug by some companies, are red worms with green flake. But back in the day when soft plastic baits were first invented by Nick Crème of Crème Lures, crab apple was the original red worm with green flake. By the way, it was at the Cleveland Sportsman’s Show in 1951 that Nick Crème introduced and sold over 9600 packs of soft plastic worms which jumpstarted the soft plastic industry. Today the king of soft plastics is a company by the name of Zoom, which started manufacturing soft plastic baits in 1977.

As you can see, the color pallets of the bass fishing world all depend on what company is producing the baits. But does color really matter when it comes to catching bass? I say yes, because I’ve seen days where you can throw red bugs and then switch to green pumpkin and start catching fish. Just like this past August, I was pre-fishing for a tournament on Sam Rayburn and was throwing one of my favorite V&M baits called a Baby Swamp Hog in watermelon/red with basically zero bites in the first three hours. I switched to Gleason Candy and it was like someone turned on a light switch. Making this change in color allowed me to finish in 2nd place in that event. I’m also of the opinion that if color doesn’t matter, then why do they make so many color options for anglers to choose from? Now I will admit that some colors are designed to catch anglers rather than fish, but in general, the array of color choices allows an angler to experiment and try something that maybe the bass have not seen.

So, the next time you’re in your favorite tackle store, make sure you know what color soft plastic you’re looking for. Know the difference between watermelon/red and green pumpkin with red flakes. If you’re not sure, ask someone to help you. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf

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In an effort to assist Jackson Parish residents in being able to “go to church” when they are not actually able to take in a service at their favorite place of worship the Jackson Parish Journal (JPJ) is pleased to host “Sunday Morning Service.” The hope is soon Churches from all over the parish will partner with the JPJ so that their services shown will be able to be accessed each Sunday. To include your church for “Sunday Services”  contact the JPJ at (318) 480-1206 or email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com

See below for the church services available for your enjoyment. 

Jonesboro First Baptist Church

Click on link below and follow the steps outlined.

http://fbcjonesboro.net/livestream

1. press RESOURCES tab located on the tool bar at top of the page
2. press RECENT VIDEO icon
3. press arrow to play

Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church 

Click on following link:

https://www.facebook.com/Pleasant-Grove-Missionary-Baptist-Church-444730749022201/

Sweetwater Baptist Church

click on following link:

https://facebook.com/sbc71268

Grace Church

click on following link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/176598142384058/permalink/4571385606238601/?sfnsn=mo

May God’s blessings be granted unto you!

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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:

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:

Licensed 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” 

A 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

 

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.

Jackson Parish Police Jury Finance Committee Meeting minutes
October 29, 2021

The Finance Committee met Friday, October 29, 2021, at 12:00 PM in The Nathanial Zeno Jr. Meeting
Room of the Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro,
Louisiana. Members present: Ms. Amy Magee, Mr. John McCarty, and Ms. Tarneshala Cowans. Absent:
none.
The Chair, Ms. Tarneshala Cowans, called the meeting to order. Mr. McCarty gave the invocation and
Ms. Magee led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
There were no public comments.
The Chair invited the Secretary-Treasurer to present the month-to-date financials.
The Committee reviewed the proposed 2021 budget amendments and proposed 2022 budget for the Recreation District Board, Museum and Fine Arts Association, Coroner fund, Library Board, and Tourism Board.
The date and time for the next Finance Committee was set for Wednesday, November 3rd at 12:00 PM.
Motion Ms. Magee, seconded Mr. McCarty to adjourn. Motion carried.

Jackson Parish Police Jury Business Meeting Minutes
November 1, 2021

The Jackson Parish Police Jury met in Business Session Monday, November 1, 2021, at 5:15 PM in the Nathanial
Zeno Jr. Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro,
Louisiana. Members present: Mr. Lewis Chatham, Ms. Amy Magee, Mr. John McCarty, Ms. Tarneshala Cowans,
and Ms. Regina Rowe. Absent: Mr. Todd Culpepper and Mr. Lynn Treadway. Also in attendance: Mr. Darrell
Avery, Assistant D.A.
The meeting was called to order by the President, Ms. Magee. Mr. McCarty gave the invocation and Ms. Cowans
led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
There were no public comments.
The President called for Committee Reports.
Mr. Chatham provided a summary of the October 6th Project Committee meeting.
Ms. Cowans provided a summary of the October 15th, 21st, and 29th Finance Committee meetings.
Ms. Magee provided a summary of the October 18th Operations Committee meeting.
The Jury reviewed the recommendations on parish road reviews.
A report was given for the Grants, Policy & Personnel, Veterans, Parish Cleanup, and Economic Development
committees by the Chairmen and committee members.
The President noted the Committee Assignments sheet in the meeting packet for review.
The Jury reviewed items from the other committees and boards.
Ms. Rowe asked the Finance Committee to consider funding an appropriation to the Sparta Groundwater
Commission.
With the conclusion of Committee and Board Reports, the President moved on to Continued Business.
The Jury reviewed the nominees and actions needed for parish board appointments.
The Jury discussed waiving fees for use of the Community Center. Mr. Avery provided information regarding
donations and Cooperative Endeavor Agreements.
Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager, provided a status update of the gravel bin site construction project.
The Jury reviewed the requested resolution for the Opioid Settlement.
The President moved to New Business.
Mr. Roller presented options for replacing the Freedom Tree in the Veterans Park.
Mr. Roller presented a safety report on tires for Police Jury equipment and vehicles.
The President opened the floor for discussion of other topics and announcements.
Ms. Magee announced the 2021 Veterans Brunch to be held on November 11th at the Community Center.
Motion Mr. McCarty, seconded Ms. Rowe to adjourn. Motion carried.

Jackson Parish Police Jury Policy & Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes
November 3, 2021

The Policy & Personnel Committee met Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at 11:30 AM in The Nathaniel Zeno Jr. Meeting Room, Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Mr. Todd Culpepper and Ms. Regina Rowe. Absent: Mr. Lynn Treadway.
The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Ms. Rowe. Mr. Culpepper gave the invocation and Ms. Rowe led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
There were no public comments.
The Committee discussed extended medical leave for employees.
Motion Mr. Culpepper, seconded Ms. Rowe to recommend the Police Jury amend the FMLA policy to authorize the Secretary-Treasurer to approve short-term extensions of FMLA eligible leave on a case-bycase basis of up to two weeks. Motion carried.
The Committee reviewed the Solid Waste Department’s organization chart for upcoming vacancies. Mr. Sessions requested the hiring of two Operator positions. Mr. Roller requested the hiring of one Operator position.
Motion Mr. Culpepper, seconded Ms. Rowe to recommend the Police Jury authorize the hiring of one General Laborer position. Motion carried.
The date of the next Policy & Personnel Committee was not set at this time.
The Secretary-Treasurer requested a meeting in November to review the 2022 salary schedule.
Motion Mr. Culpepper, seconded Ms. Rowe to adjourn. Motion carried.

Jackson Parish Police Jury Finance Committee Meeting Minutes
November 3, 2021

The Finance Committee met Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at 12:00 PM in The Nathanial Zeno Jr. Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members present: Ms. Amy Magee, Mr. John McCarty, and Ms. Tarneshala Cowans. Absent: none.
The Chair, Ms. Tarneshala Cowans, called the meeting to order. Ms. Magee gave the invocation and Mr. McCarty led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
There were no public comments.
The Committee reviewed the proposed 2021 budget amendments and proposed 2022 budget for the General Fund.
The Secretary-Treasurer said she would have all of the 2021 budget amendments that had been reviewed prepared for adoption at the November Regular Meeting.
The date and time for the next Finance Committee was set for Wednesday, November 17th at 12:00 PM.
Motion Ms. Magee, seconded Mr. McCarty to adjourn. Motion carried.

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In a year of unbelievable tragedy, another heart wrenching moment took place this past weekend when nine year old Elizabeth “Lizzie” Grace Gray of Quitman lost her life in a freak accident. According to reports the fourth grade, daughter of Sandi Lowe of Quitman, was playing on an arched structure this past Friday when it fell over on her causing severe head trauma. CPR was done locally before Gray was airlifted to to LSU Medical Center where she died the next day. 

“I would like to thank everyone for all the kinds words and wishes that have been given,” said mother Sandi. “Lizzie was such a giving young lady. Someone who always thought of others more than herself and she is going to be greatly missed.” 

Vistitation will be held at the Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro from 4:00pm – 9:00pm on Wednesday, November 3rd with Funeral Services taking place at 2:00 pm on Thursday, November 4th at the North Hodge Assembly of God Church. Bubba Walsworth with be officiating. 

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A very special group of senior football players will be honored this Friday night when Jonesboro-Hodge closes out what to date has been their finest regular seasons since 1997 by hosting district 1-2A foe Lakeside. At stake will be the opportunity to improve their record to 8-2 and possibly claim a share of their first district title since 2002. The main reason for the success this year has been the play and leadership of the nine seniors that have left a tremendous mark on the program and with head coach Terrance Blankenship.

“We have had great guys come through our program over the years,” said Blankenship. “But as a group, this year’s class, is by far the best I have been associated with. They have provided great leadership to our younger players and have been a pleasure to coach.”

For an example of their impact this group has had on the Tiger football program you need to look no further than the record over the last four years. The Tigers have compiled a 20-19 overall record and a 9-4 district record where they never lost more than one district game in a season and includes three straight second place finishes and this years possible championship. A second championship was short circuited last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic as JHHS had the same number of losses as the district champion but was declared to be the second place finisher due to being able to play one less game. Not only has this group compiled team records of worth but also have  members that have etched their place in the all time annals of JHHS football. 

2021-22 JHHS Senior Players:

#1 – Justin Calahan: Versatile athelete who starts both on offense and defense as well as returns kicks and does place kicking duties. Leads the team in receptions with 23 for 308 yards, that include’s 3 TD’s. Also has a 71 yard interception return for a score to his credit. For his career, Calahan has 58 receptions for 788 yards and 9 TD’s. Calahan has been selected to participate in the LA Gridiron Bowl after the season is over.

#3 – Devontae Mozee: Exploded onto the scene in his senior season to become one of north Louisiana’s most dangerous weapons anywhere on the field. The “Impact Player of the Week” and “Beast of the Week” winner by area media, leads JHHS with 535 yards in receiving on 22 catches that have accounted for a team leading 11 offensive touchdowns. He also has a team leading five interceptions and 4 INT returns for a score, including a game changing, 99 yard INT return for a touchdown last week. Adding the 73 yard punt return for a TD earlier in the year, Mozee has accounted for 16 touchdowns this season overall. Following the season Mozee will participate in the I-20 Bowl and LA Gridiron Bowl. 

#4 – JaMarriyea “Jay” Lewis: Another “two-way” starter who rarely ever comes off the field. On offense Lewis has hauled in 19 passess for 316 yards and a touchdown. Also leads the defensive backfield with 41 tackles that include 33 solo stops and interception and a forced fumble. In two seasons of play Lewis has accumulated 30 receptions for 574 yards for a 19.00 yard per catch average. 

#8 – Tydre Malone: In 2 1/2 years as the starting Quarterback, Malone will end his JHHS career with every career passing mark in school history as well as being listed in the all time annals is several more categories. Heading into his final regular season game Malone already has set new all time marks in completions with 197 and passing yards with 3339. He is currently tied for career touchdowns with 38 and just two short of the all time attempts record with 368.  This season alone Malone has claimed the top two completions in a game mark with 20 and 16 part of his 89 total completions in 155 attempts for 1394 yards and 18 touchdowns. The lanky senior also has 241 yards rushing on 75 attempts for 6 scores. Malone will participate in the LA Gridiron Bowl following the season. 

#11 – Javeon Andrews: The two year starter at end Andrews has becomd a run stopping force on the Tigers  defense front. At 6’5″ and with a long wing span Andrews is third on the team with 57 tackles, 44 of those being solo stops. He ranks second with 11 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks. Andrews leads the team with four forced fumbles and tied for the lead with two fumble recoveries. The postseason LA Gridiron Bowl selection has 85 tackles in 14 games over his career for an average of five per game. 

#54 – Aiden Price: After an early season injury, Price worked tremendously hard to become an anchor on the offensive line. Of late has been in the defensive line rotation as well. Recognized as an excellent leader on the field and in the locker room.

#56 – Terry Williams: Plays both ways on the offensive and defensive lines. Sees most of his action on offense but has been productive of late on the defensive front as well, inlcuding getting a tackle for a loss game before last. Plays with a tremendous motor and is also a great motivator. 

#60 – Gregory Escobar: Top reserve on both lines who is considered a great motivator and team guy. This is exemplified by him being selected as team captain in two games this year, a rare honor for a primary reserve player. Through continued hard work has earned more playing time each week. Perhaps greatest attribute is positive reinforcement he provides on and off the field. 

#64 – Sullivan Stephens: Has been very effective this season while handling kickoff duties for the Tigers.Also sees time as a reserve lineman on both the offense and defense. His highlight of the year was against West Ouachita where he not only made an extra point attempt but made four straight tackles on kickoffs, an unheard of act for a placekicker. Great team player who is a tremendous motivator.  

GAME PREVIEW:

The Tigers close out the regular season by taking on Lakeside in a critical district 1-2A matchup that has as not only strong implications as far as the district race goes but also for the all important Power Points Rankings. Currently the Tigers are sitting at 1-1 in district play while Lakeside is winless at 0-2. A victory by the Tigers along with the expected win by pre-season favorite, North Caddo over upstart, D’Arbonne Woods would put JHHS into a three way tie for the district title with all three teams sporting 2-1 record. 

According to tie-breaker rules of the LHSAA the team with the highest Power Point Ranking would be declared district champion. This bodes favorable for the Tigers who are sitting at #5 in the current Class 2A rankings, two spots ahead of North Caddo, who is currently ranked #7. If D’Arbonne Woods, ranked #16, surprises the progasticators by beating North Caddo all is a mute point as the Timberwolves would finish 3-0 in district play. 

About the Opponent: Lakeside High, located just south of Minden in Sibley and under the direction of Mike Santelices, enters the contest with a 3-5 overall record and 0-2 in district 1-2A play having lost to D’Arbonne Woods 15-12 last week in a surprisingly close game and 46-6 to North Caddo the week before. Additonal losses have been to Lincoln Prep 44-27, West Ouachita 47-7 and North Webster 39-6, the latter two being teams that JHHS has beaten this season. Their victories were 39-0 over Magnolia School of Excellence which has won once this season and 54-20 over winless Beekman Charter. Lakeside was also credited with a forfiet win over Block. (Jonesville)., For the year the Warriors have scored 153 points and given up 211 for an average of 20.89 ppg scored and 31 points against. 

Series Record: The Tigers have won eight of the nine prior games between the two in a series that dates back to 1999 when the school went by Sibley High. Since the school became known as Lakeside, the Tigers have enjoyed six straight victories by a combined score of 254-68, including the 48-43 barnburner in the last game between the two in 2019.

Record Watch: Two individual career school records are expected to fall early in the contest. Quarterback, Tydre Malone, is just two pass attempts short of the school record 370 and is tied with the career touchdown record of 38. The senior signal caller will also be adding to the career records he has already broken with every completion and yard gained. 

Atkins named Defensive Player of the Week: For the third time this season senational sophomore linebacker Xavier Atkins has been named Defensive Player of the Week by LA Sportsline for his 17 tackle performance against North Caddo. Atkins is currently tied for the state lead in total tackles with 148 and his school record 120 solo stops leads the next closest competitor by an incredible 41 tackles. His 18.5 tackles per game also leads by 2.1 tpg. 

Mozee sets new JHHS record: With his 99 yard “pick six”, Devontae Mozee set a new JHHS record with four INT’s returned for touchdown in one season, which also leads the state. The senior defensive back is second in the state in INT return yards with 265 yard, just three yards from the leader and now has five INT’s on the year which is the fourth highest amount in the state.

See the “Play of the Year:”  To see Mozee’s interception return that is easily the “Play of the Year” click here: http://www.hudl.com/video/2/24698/618084693deb0e0b984dd3f2

 

 

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Have you ever really wanted to do something but couldn’t? That appeared to be the situation the Board of Aldermen for the Town of Hodge was in following a Public Meeting regarding the sale by sealed bid of the old “ball field” in Hodge. At least for the moment. 

Hodger Mayor, Gerald Palmer opened the Public Meeting that was held prior to the regular monthly session by announcing that the village had received one bid of $40,000.00 for the 7.166 acre tract located at 1211 South Elm Street that is commonly referred to a the Old Ball Field but it was unacceptable. 

“The bid received was unable to be considered because it didn’t meet the minimum amount ($70,000.00) that the Board had set forth as being acceptable,” said Palmer. “Since this was the only bid we received, I am going to ask the Board to consider reducing the minimum amount allowed to be accepted to $40,000.00.”

This led to several questions from the public about what the bidding company had planned and how it would benefit the town to accept a lesser amount. Kim Brunson, APRN, FNP-BC from Mercy Medical Health Center, who submitted the bid, addressed the requests for clarification.

“What we have planned is initially a 25,000 square foot facility that will allow local resident to receive all of their medical attention needs at one place,” said Brunson. “When we started at the Hodge Shopping Center we had three employees. Now we have 80.We have outgrown the Shopping Center and we need a larger place to continue to grow as we have planned.”

“The vision is to not only provide basic medical care for the low income and uninsured but also be able to locally provide specialists from different fields that would keep our residents from having to drive to places like Shreveport,” continued Brunson. “We are also looking at expanding our Pharmacy capabilities of providing low cost medicine and adding a Wellness Center that people could use for free.”

Village of Hodge Alderman, Steve Fox, added that the benefits received by having Mercy Medical build on the land provided many benefits in the long run to local residents and town and easily offset the decrease in money that that would be initially received for the sale of the land.

“Our sales tax base is going to go up. As a town we will receive more money from property tax income,” reflected Fox. “Jobs are going to be created for local people and then there is also the consideration of what is your time worth? It is much better to be able to drive a few blocks to see a specialist rather than having to take a trip to Shreveport. Plus our elderly who have transportation problems will be able to receive local care from specialists as well.”

In the end it was agreed that a new resolution with a minimum bid requirement at $40,000.00 would be offered and that new postings for sealed bids would be posted as prescribed.

The regularly scheduled monthly meeting ensued with much discussion held about the use and/or sale of fireworks within town limits and the advantages and disadvantages associated with it.

“We had an Ordinance in 2000 that allowed fireworks and then in 2005 adopted one that didn’t,” said Palmer. “This is being brought up again and is something that we need to look at next meeting.”

Next on the agenda was the disposition of the old Town Hall and what needed to be done.

“Originally the building was being leased for $1,000.00 with the tenant required to maintain upkeep,” said Palmer. “When COVID hit it caused problems with the tenant so we agreed to reduce the rent to $500.00 a month to help out, but the tenant was still required to provide upkeep on the building.”

Palmer then passed out several photos to the Board that showed how rundown the building had become and wasn’t being maintained.

“As you can see, the building looks like it has been vacated and it is obvious that the tenant is providing upkeep and living up to the contract. I propose to the Board that you make a decision on what needs to be done to solve this problem.”

It was decided that a close eye would be kept over the next 30 days and if proven that the tenant was not honoring the agreement that steps would be taken. The Fire and Police Department followed with their monthly report. Wilda Smith of the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce then announced the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony would be on Saturday, November 6th and gave an update on the upcoming Christmas Festivities before the meeting adjourned.

 

 

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All good things come to those who wait. The old adage is apropo to the event that is to take place this Saturday evening at the Jonesboro-Hodge High School Gymnasium when the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame inducts the Class of 2021. 

After being forced to reschedule from the earlier date established this fall due to COVID Contact restrictions, the festivities will begin with a “greet and meet” of the inductees and boy and girl “Athlete of the Year” representatives from JHHS, Quitman and Weston High Schools at 5:00pm followed by the induction ceremony at 6:00pm.

Being inducted into the prestigious circle of Jackson Parish sports greats is Bob Garrett, Floyd Miles, Phil Cockerham, Tyjuan Hayes, Wayne Alford, Tommy Logan, Clyde Berry, Doug Ireland and Dan McDonald. Representing each school will be Xabrianna Jackson and Devontae Mozee of Jonesboro-Hodge, Joshua Smith and Clara Womack of Quitman High and Jace Holt and Mallory Tolar from Weston High.

To learn more information, contact Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce (JPCC) Director Wilda Smith at (318) 426-6511 or (318) 259-4693. 

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Certified, non-certified and support staff of the Jackson Parish School Board (JPSP) will be seeing increases in their paychecks soon with the opportunity to receive even more. This is result of action taken by School Board members Gerry Mims, Ricky McBride, Wade McBride, Gloria Davis, Dennis Clary, Mary Saulters and Calvin “Bart” Waggoner taken at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting that was held on Monday, November 1st, in the meeting room of the JPSB central office, located at 315 Pershing Hwy in Jonesboro.

All certified staff and staff required to have a degree (IT Department, Nurses and Business Office Staff)will received a one-time compensation stipend in the amount of $2,000.00 with $1,000.00 be provided to non-certified staff.

Monthly stipends for those who qualify are to be distributed, effective immediately, as follows:
$500.00 – For Certified staff and staff required to have a degree (IT Department, Nurses and Business Office Staff) that has perfect attendance each month
$400.00 – For missing just one day.
$300.00 – For Support staff with perfect attendance each month
$200.00 – For missing just one day.

Addtional payment will be made to tutors for students in grades K-8 at Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School, Jonesboro Hodge Middle School, Quitman High School and Weston High School at a rate of $30.00 per hour for certified staff and $15.00 per hour for support staff.

“In the end it is about doing the best we can for our students,” said Board Member Ricky McBride. “It is a fact that when regular teachers are in the classroom students perform better so hopefully this will provide an extra incentive for them to be present.”

The original proposal was to pay a stipend just for perfect attendance but after much discussion it was agreed also to pay those who miss just one day, ableit, at a lesser amount.

The session began with JaKeshia Robinson Lard giving an impassionate plea to the Board about the plight of her child to which Superintendent David Claxton said he would folow up on. Payment to La. Delta Community College for Fall 2021 Dual Enrollment tuition, the purchase of 30 Dell All-In-One desktop computers and two (2) Pluxoptix S12C mobile vision screeners were then approved.

Payment of $24,700.00 to LocoRobo Innovations Inc. for registration fees and purchase of drone equipment needed for students in Grades 8-12 at all schools and $19,950.00 top APEL to provide K3 Literacy Training to a total of 50 educators at Jonesboro Hodge ElementarySchool, Quitman High School and Weston High School followed.

It was also agreed to authorize Superintendent Claxton to sign a Resolution of the JPSB regarding employment of Special Council and to declare a John Deere Tractor at JHHS as surplus to be auctioned or sold. As this was purchased by JHHS football funds the proceeds will be returned to the football account. The job description and salary schedule for a Grants Data Manager and revisions to four policies (BE, IDCC, JBC and ID) were approved in final action.

Before the meeting was adjourned the Board agreed to meet on Wednesday, November 10th in regard to possible redistricting and Superintendent Claxton gave an update on ongoing projects at the JHHS Auditorium and Girls Gymnasium.

The annual “Airing of the Quilts” by the Heritage Quilt Guild will take place Thursday and Friday, November 4th and 5th at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library (JPL). Come view for free the incredible work done by local quilters who will also provide demonstrations on quilting basics such as: Four and Nine Patch, Scrappy String Lattice and Playing with Dresden’s. The “Golden Beauty” has been offered as a donation quilt with funds used for supplies to make comfort quilts for families who have lost their home due to fire and donation stock tforCASA. 

Food for Fines: During the month of November, bring a non-perishable food item to either the Jonesboro or Chatham Branch of the JPL and receive $1.00 credit toward any current fines you have. The creative program goes to providing food items to Jackson Parish families in need during the holiday season. Credit may only be applied to overdue fines. Payments owed for lost items are not included. 

Examples of what to bring: Canned Beans, Canned Fruits, Canned Soup, Canned Vegetables, Canned Meats (Chicken, Tuna, Salmon, Ham), Mac and Cheese, Hamburger Helper, Peanut Butter, Rice/Pasta, Boxed Cereal, Dried Beans. NO GLASS CONTAINERS, PLEASE!

Activity Schedule for November 3rd – 6th:

Wednesday: Check Out Fitness Class at 9:00 am in Chatham 
Wednesday: Toddler Time at 10:00am in Jonesboro

Thursday: Play-Grow-Read (PGR) featuring Clay Tree Art at 4:30 pm in Chatham

Thursday and Friday: Quilt Show from 10:00am – 4:00pm in Jonesboro

Bookmobile schedule for November 3rd & 4th:

Wednesday:
8:00am – 12:00 pm: Weston High School
1:15pm – 1:45 pm: Pearrie Park
1:55 pm – 2:15 pm: Caney Creek

Thursday:

8:00 am – 10:30 am: J-H Middle School

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It is the best time of the basketball season. Everyone is undefeated  and optimism abounds for the boys and girls prep basketball teams from Jackson Parish as they prepare for their season openers. For some it will be sooner than others but it won’t be long that JHHS, Quitman and Weston will all be in action taking on the promises of the 2021-22 LHSAA prep season. Just what can you expect from each? The Jackson Parish Journal takes an inside look at our area squads.

Girls Basketball:

Jonesboro-Hodge: The Lady Tigers will be under the leadership of their third new coach in four years as Kiyyah Deloney takes the reins from Britani Fields. This will be Deloney’s first crack at a head coaching position after being an assistant with the Lady Tigers two years ago. Fortunately at her disposal will be 5’6″, senior, Xabrianna Jackson, who was listed as a top 100 player in the state of Louisiana by LA Girls Rankings after averaging better than 20 points per game as a junior to lead JHHS to an 11-7 overall record and second place finish in district 1-2A. Senior, Zymea Hoggro and her sister A’Joriana, who is a junior, expect to provide offensive depth along with Sydney Malone and Jessica Bradford. DaRaiyna Gray, Trinite’ Davis and Kaelin Palmer are also expected to contribute. 

Quitman: Veteran coach Kyle Leach is coming off one of his best season’s in his long tenure where the Lady Wolverines finished with a sterling 23-2 overall record and district 2B championship. Despite Quitman’s youth, where not a single senior resides on the roster, there is a lot of experienced players returningding top performers from a year ago, Bethany Leach, Emma Carter, Ansley Folks, Summer Grillette, Brayli Stewart and 6’1″ post player Cali Deal. Also expected to contribute is A.J. Gray, Jaleigh Burns and Lily Kate Odom along with junior high players Maggie Guyotte, Anna Leach and Emma Walker.  

Weston:  Head coach Stacy Tucker is hoping for a little better luck this year than the injury riddled season of the year before that saw Weston finish with a 13-14 record. The good news is that the misfortune of a year ago provides great depth for this year as virtually all 16 players on the roster has game experience. Senior’s Mary Catherine Hay and Lakerria Austin along with junior’s Emma Kate McBride and Lexi Barmore, all who went down at one time or another last year return to form a solid nucleus of upperclassment. Weston will also see sophomores Jessica Newton, Lainee Trosclair, Jacie Ledford, Faith Beamesderfer and freshmen Briley Peterson and Anslee Aldy provide scoring as well. Additonal contributors will be Tailan Bearden, Daisy Pineda, Lexi Millien, Nadia Siadek, Raelynn Shell and Olivia Marsh. 

Boys basketball:

Jonesboro-Hodge: Eager to move past the depleted schedule and strength resulting from the COVID pandemic that saw the Tigers struggle to an 8-6 overall record and second place finish in district 1-2A the Tigers return one of their more talented and tallest teams in school history. JHHS will feature at least  seven players standing 6’3″ or taller and return a game tested backcourt giving veteran head coach Allen Tew optimism about the upcoming season, especially when several would be starters join the team after football season. Justin Calahan, Ajay Tew, Tre Beard, Cameron “Chase” Leonard and Jarrious Lumkin will man the backcourt with “Tall Tigers” Javeon Andrews, Zion Gray, Cameron Joe, Tydre Malone, Devontae Mozee, Savantez Phillips, Aiden Price and Tommy Walker provided power in the paint. 

Quitman: Five seniors with tons of experience return for second year coach Mike Black who led the Wolverines to a fine 16-7 record and second place finish behind Class B state champion Simsboro. Senior’s John Pabaya, LD Manning, Shane Rowe, Bailey Keys and Ty Simonelli along with junior’s Blake Carter, James Pabaya and sophomore’s Logan Ponder and Riley Duck expect to do most of the scoring. Additonal contributors will be Braden Hobbs, John Reagan Hasley, Tyler Lay, Nicholas Kleibert, Noah Leach, Grant Williams, Gavyn Caskey and Braden Smith.

Weston: Second year coach Jacob Otwell looks to improve on the 9-19 season from a year ago through the return of six seniors, two juniors and a talented cast of underclassmen. Leading the offensive attack should be senior’s Davis Tolar, Eli McBride, Seth Peterson, Ryan Feirn, Landon Roberts and Kaden Shirley along with junior’s Mitchel Mathews and Daniel Moffett. Tyler Pardue, Rylee McBride, Jude Otwell, Bryce Zehr, Sawyer Watkins, Skylar Strickland, Jacob Gill and Cole Tolar will also be pushing for court time. 

Game schedules (November 3-6)

DATE	CONTEST	TIME
Wednesday	JHHS vs Arcadia (Scrimmage)	5:00pm
Thursday	QHS vs Summerfield	6:00pm
Thursday-Saturday	Weston at Dodson Tourney	TBA

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This Friday night the ongoing recognition program called, “JHHS Football First Family” that is designed to bring attention to family members who have been instrumental in providing the tremendous legacy that Jonesboro Hodge has created on the football field will honor the Brown family of Scott, Andy, Shannon and Wes. 

You would be hard pressed to find a family that bleeds red and blue more than the Brown brothers. For over two decades, including ten straight years, this foursome were main keys in JHHS reaching some of their greatest team acheivements both as players and coach. Scott, Andy, Shannon and Wes all were “two way” players known for not only their skill and ruggedness on the field but for their “team first” mentality in the locker room. Combined their efforts led to four district championships, a state championship, state runner-up, state semi-finalist and two quarterfinals appearances in ten years of competing in the playoffs as players. Shannon, who is currently on the JHHS staff, has also been head coach of the Tigers for eight years. 

Each will be introduced at halftime of the JHHS vs Lakeside football game this Friday, November 5th where they will be presented with “JHHS Football First Family” plaques and a copy of the “100 History of JHHS football” book. 

 

 

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