One major misconception of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it has killed the flu. That is not true. Maybe you don’t hear about it as much as you did in past years but the flu is alive and well. Iot is still easy to get  and can still make you sick as it ever could. Also it is still just as dangerous. 

To help protect Jackson Parish residents, Mitchell’s Pharmacy is offering flu shots at their location on 202 East Main Street in Jonesboro, which is just north of the HWY 167 and Hwy 4 intersection. Owner Dwayne Mitchell invites you to come allow the skilled staff to provide you with protection from this age old virus. Walk ins are welcome but in order to avoid a possible wait it is recommended that you call in advance for an appointment to 318-259-7466.

---

There will be a limited amount of scheduled activity the rest of this week (10th-13th) with both branches of the Library being closed on Thursday, November 11th in celebration of Veteran’s Day. There are two activities on slate for Wednesday. Check in Fitness Classes will begin at 9:00am in Chatham and it will be “Toddler Time” at the Jonesboro branch from 10:00am – 11:00am.

---

---

Registration continues until November 19th for the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Youth Basketball League (YBL) for boys and girls of the ages 5-14 and junior cheerleaders from the ages of 4-12. The fee is $50.00. Games will be played at the J-H Middle School and JHHS gymnasiums from January 8th – February 26th.

To be eligible to play in the youth baskeball leagues boys must be at least five years old and no older than 14 by the dates of April, 30th. For the girls the cut off date is December 31st.  by cut off dates as follows:
Boys – April 30th
Girls – December 31st 

 

From its opening in 1974 until the late-1980’s recession, Louisiana Downs in Bossier City was an excessively loud and glorious dream of colors and sounds, impossibly attractive animals and tell-tale silks, screams and yells and excruciating moans, bulging neck veins in both patrons and ponies, a sea of torn hopes and tickets, and the ring of the cashiers’ “cha-ching!”, that deeply longed-for sound of a winner, winner, chicken dinner.

A mixture of thoroughbred prancing and pooping and people the likes of which you’ve never seen.

It was A Thing back then, Louisiana Downs, the new kid on the area’s racing block. A shiny, fresh-off-the-shelf toy. It’s where dreams lived and died — and often, it didn’t take long for either.

For those of us who found ourselves for whatever reasons hanging around the track back in its glory days, the news that Harrah’s Louisiana Downs horse racetrack and casino has been sold to Rubico Gaming for $22 million — a deal that’s been in the works for more than a year — made the memories come racing back. Not that some of us (me) knew anything about horse racing. The novelty and fascination was because of just the opposite: we’d never experienced, seen, smelled, or stepped in anything quite like it.

“We are prepared to bring this iconic track back to its iconic status,” Rubico President Kevin Preston said as the sale neared completion.

Harrah’s and Caesars Entertainment admitted to little interest in racing. Rubico feels differently, and the transition back to an updated casino — and track — is underway.

Which means that maybe we can go home again. At least for a visit.

During its heyday in the early 1980s, as many as 1.3 million fans attended the track over the racing season. Hard to imagine that scene today if you didn’t experience it then.

“As a senior in high school, everyone (principals, teachers, coaches) sent me to the track from Ruston to bet the daily double,” said my friend Hilly, and I was close enough to the situation to testify that this activity extended past Ruston High and into our shared time at Louisiana Tech. “You’d almost have to park on I-20. I hope for a small return to glory.”

Time out for a moment of clarity: Hilly studied and knew the horses. He was there for a very different reason than I was and for the very same reasons the thousands of others were. And that’s to cash tickets.

I grew up with horses. I owned a horse. Loved horses. Still do. But if you handed me a horse and saddle right now, I’d have to think a minute before putting it on. The bridle would be another five minutes.

This did not stop the Shreveport Journal, the area’s afternoon paper back then, from sending me and JJ, young sportswriters who gladly did whatever we were told, to the track to support turf writer extraordinaire Gary West. If you ask enough questions and listen, you can find out what you and readers need to know about the horses. Just go to the backside, to the stables.

The appropriately named “backside” is where you find all kinds of horse poop. Again, all kinds.

But, no one loves these horses more than the trainers and grooms and jockeys and exercise riders and veterinarians, and if you’re eager to learn, they’re eager to teach you. Fascinating people — and thoroughbreds.

We’d write, and during downtime, we’d ask West what horse or horses to bet on, then race to the window to make a standard $2 wager, then hold on and hope, same as your average railbird.

The next morning, we’d put together a sports section that contained almost an entire page of Downs results: how the races finished, that day’s races with probable odds, West’s picks, the “Barnburner’s Picks” — West’s semi-rival — and a feature called “$2 Bettor,” which one of us wrote — officially “TDB at the Downs” — complete with a pencil-drawing head shot of a guy in coat and tie and beret with a heater in his mouth and tickets in his hand. It wasn’t serious. I’m looking at one now from the mid-’80s, which is about “Lyrical Lewis, a poet of some note,” who came to the track as a newbie, picked horses by which names he liked, and of course won while the expert handicapper lost. Don’t know if I wrote that one or not, but it could have been about me. Except for the winning part.

When racing season rolls around in May and the transition is complete, consider a day at the races. Take six bucks and decide you’ll have no more than that much fun betting, no matter what. Food and checking out the crowd and enjoying the races and the competitive thoroughbreds and jockeys — there’s a lot more to do than wager, especially if you don’t know how. And if you don’t know how, not wagering is the safest bet. Take it from the old $2 Bettor.

xxxxxx

For anyone who has been kind enough to read my stuff through the years, it might interest you that Sunday will mark my final column for Gannett. First one was April of 1990. Gannett has been so good to me, especially since none of this was rehearsed; never as a kid did I imagine doing this. I tried to return their trust by not missing a column or deadline and by giving an honest effort — although in the writing racket, you die on the table now and then, same as in everything else. My goal now is to offer the same attitude and effort to my friends with Journal Services, and to you; readers are the key. I thank you for the opportunity, and thank you for hanging in there with me. Hopefully we can stay in touch. And before I forget, “Gomer says hey.”
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

---

On the heels of the recent reclassifications of schools for 2022-24, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) has released the new district alignments this week and all three Jackson Parish high schools are affected as well as Saline and Dodson. While the districts that JHHS, Quitman and Weston will be playing in are to be the same the composition of each has taken a drastic change. 

The Tigers will still compete in district 1-2A along with holdovers North Caddo, D’Arbonne Woods and Lakeside. The district will now comprise of seven schools from Shreveport as one has moved up from Class A and two have dropped from Class 3A. Moving up from district 1-1A is Calvary Baptist. Dropping down in class is Green Oaks and Loyola, who both competed in district 1-3A last season. 

Quitman and Weston are still slated to be in district 2B along with Simsboro with Doyline and Castor joining the mix. Choudrant will now compete in district 3B with Forest and Family Community. Area schools, Saline and Dodson, not only are changing districts but classifications as well. Both have dropped back to Class C where they will be competing in district 4C along with traditional rivals Calvin, Atlanta as well as Georgetown, Harrisonburg and Central-Jonesville. 

---

The annual Jonesboro, La. “Christmas Wonderland in the Pines” will take place on November 27th, the last Saturday of the month. Rick Rowe, the  television personality who broadcasts the ever popular Where in the ArkLaTex is Rick Rowe feature weekly on KTBS – Channel 3 was in Jonesboro on Monday. 

Not only was Rowe and his production crew in Jonesboro, he was here at 5:00am. Thanks to the diligent work of Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce Director, Wilda Smith, he arrived to a large throng of Christmas Festival supporters who braved the cold and sang Christmas Carols on Main Street as a backdrop to the segment. 

Smith and the Chamber wish to thank all who participated in helping promote Jonesboro, Jackson Parish and the Christmas Festival. To see the video that was broadcast click here: https://www.ktbs.com/news/rick-rowe/where-in-the-arklatex-is-rick-rowe/where-in-the-arklatex-is-rick-rowe-jonesboro-la-christmas-festival/article_49e05780-407f-11ec-9de0-47518ff3c15a.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share

---

This Saturday, November 13th the polls will open as voters in all 64 parishes will be asked to decide four changes to the Louisiana Constitution. One of the four amendments on the ballot would allow five levee boards to raise taxes. Another offers budget architects a little more flexibility to tap dedicated funds when revenues are down and the state budget needs balancing.

It is the next two amendments that are attracting the most attention though as it would start the ball rolling toward sweeping changes in the state tax system. One would lead to centralizing sales tax collections. The other would dump one hefty deduction while decreasing the income tax rates for individuals and corporations.

Below is a short synopsis of each admentment and what it would mean:

Amendment 1: Creation of the State and Local Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Commission Measure

A “yes” vote supports creating the State and Local Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Commission tasked to provide streamlined electronic filing and remittance of all sales and use taxes.

A “no” vote opposes creating the State and Local Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Commission tasked to provide streamlined electronic filing and remittance of all sales and use taxes.

If approved would authorize a commission to handle collecting sales taxes and disbursing the proceeds to the proper jurisdictions, and would remove from the constitution the ability of local jurisdictions to collect their own sales tax. Louisiana institutionalized sales taxes in 1948 that allowed the state to charge a certain amount on sales at the cash register, which right now is 4.45% of every dollar. Additionally, local jurisdictions were allowed to add on and collect whatever their voters approve. 

Summary: This amendment will do nothing about the rates. It’s all about eventually having a state commission to be the sole collector of sales taxes.

Amendment 2: Reduction of the Maximum Individual Income Tax Rate Measure.

Louisiana income taxpayers are allowed to deduct from their state returns the amount paid to the federal government. Legislators propose removing the federal deduction from the constitution but also lowering income tax rates as shown below:

A “yes” vote supports amending the state constitution to decrease the maximum allowable individual income tax rate from 6% to 4.75% for tax years beginning in 2022 and providing in state law through House Bill 278 that the tax bracket rates beginning in 2022 for an individual would be 1.75% on the first $12,500 of net income; 3.50% on the next net income up to $50,000; and 4.25% on income above $50,000.

A “no” vote opposes decreasing the maximum individual income tax rates for tax years beginning in 2022, thereby maintaining the maximum individual income tax rates for an individual of 2% on the first $12,500 of net income, 4% on the next net income up to $50,000, and 6% on income above $50,000.

Median household income in Louisiana is $49,469, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

If approved, then three companion laws would take effect to reduce corporate income tax rates and franchise tax rates for corporations; and to cap the personal income tax rate in the constitution but allow for automatic future tax cuts if certain economic conditions are met.

Summary: Would start the ball rolling to a kind of tax swap that would eventually cancel a hefty state income tax deduction and lower income tax rates.

Amendment #3: Authorize Certain Levee Districts to Collect a Five-Mill Annual Property Tax Measure

A “yes” vote supports allowing Louisiana levee districts created after 2006 to levy an annual property tax of up to five mills ($5 per $1,000 of assessed value) without voter approval if those districts approve the 2021 constitutional amendment. In districts that do not approve the amendment, voter approval would continue to be required to levy a property tax.

A “no” vote opposes the amendment, thereby continuing to require that levee districts created after 2016 get voter approval levy a property tax.

A majority of voters in the state must approve as well as a majority of the voters in the parishes served by the five boards for the measure to pass.The boards are:

Chenier Plain Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority in Calcasieu, Cameron and Vermilion parishes
Iberia Parish Levee, Hurricane and Conservation District in Iberia Parish
Squirrel Run Levee and Drainage District in Iberia Parish
St. Tammany Levee, Drainage and Conservation District in St. Tammany Parish
Tangipahoa Levee District in Tangipahoa Parish.

Summary: Would allow the boards of the districts that maintain flood-control levees created since 2006 to raise property taxes without voter approval.

Amendment #4: Increase Limit on Funding Reductions and Redirections During Budget Deficits Measure

A “yes” vote supports increasing the amount of funds (from 5% to 10%) that can be redirected to a purpose other than what was originally provided for by law or as stated in the constitution during a projected budget deficit.

A “no” vote opposes increasing the amount of funds that can be redirected to a purpose other than what was originally provided for by law or as stated in the constitution during a projected budget deficit, thereby maintaining the current limit of funding reductions to 5% of the total appropriation.

Because the state has so many dedicated funds, in past deficit years, budget cuts had to be limited to appropriations for higher education, health care and a handful of other services.

Summary: Would increase the amount from dedicated funds that could be tapped in a fiscal emergency from 5% to 10% of the money that had been legally locked away for a sole purpose. Because the state has so many dedicated funds, in past deficit years, budget cuts had to be limited to appropriations for higher education, health care and a handful of other services.

The Jackson Parish Branch NAACP #6309 is encouraging every registered voter to get out and vote on Saturday, November 13.

Your vote is seriously important, and here’s why: You elect candidates who support policies that improve lives; you decide control of the taxes that effect your local and state government and know that your vote matters because one vote does make a difference.
GET OUT AND VOTE

Anticipation is growing daily as the 2021 Christmas Wonderland in the Pines Festival, that is going by the theme “Christmas in Toyland and is expected to feature more lights this year than ever before, gets closer to becoming a reality. The date of the gala event is Saturday, November 27th. The current schedule of events is as follows: 

10:00am: Coffee at Town Hall honoring Grand Marshal’s Dipak and Gita Patel
12:30pm – 3:30pm: Children’s Choir Concert in Veteran’s Park 
4:30pm Christmas Festival Parade
5:30pm or after parade: Fireworks display

Santa Claus will be in his house and carriage rides will take place after the parade.  

---

On Sunday evening, November 5, 1967, 17-year-old Robin and his 19-year-old girlfriend, Molly, boarded a crowded 12-coach express train at Hastings, England, about 2 hours southeast of London on the English coast. Robin and Molly were returning to London from a weekend at her home in the country. The train cars were packed to capacity and many passengers had to stand for the duration of the trip.

Some of the passengers remarked that the train was travelling faster than they had expected. Just four months earlier, the speed limit on the route connecting London to Hastings was raised to 90 miles per hour. They had only about 30 minutes left in their journey and were nearing Hither Green when the train started to jolt. Molly reassured Robin that the train was always rough over that stretch of track and said it would soon smooth out. She was unconcerned but Robin was uneasy. The ride only got worse. Then, Robin heard “what sounded like rocks hitting the train.” He turned to Molly with a concerned look and said “this train is going to crash!” Without warning, the train lurched to one side. Robin reached up for the train’s emergency chain but missed it and fell. Robin instinctually grabbed Molly and held her tight. At that moment, the train rolled over and over.

Time seemed to pass in slow motion. Broken glass was flying everywhere and tangled in Robin and Molly’s hair. As the train cars tumbled, Robin heard the crunch of metal mixed with screams from some of the passengers. A piece of steel railway line shot through the cab of the train car and missed Robin’s face by only about an inch. Robin, Molly, and surrounding passengers were covered with oil which had spewed from an unknown source. He held tightly to Molly. After what seemed like an eternity, the tumbling train finally came to a stop. Eleven of the twelve train cars were destroyed.

The sound of crunching metal and breaking glass subsided. The screams and moans of injured and frightened passengers seemed to come from all directions. Robin and Molly were in a state of shock but were otherwise unhurt. Robin and Molly looked out of one of the broken windows and saw the silhouettes of what remained of the other carriages. Train cars were upside down, sideways, and some were little more than piles of twisted metal.

Robin stood up and helped Molly to her feet. They climbed out of a window and hurried away from the twisted wreck. Then, they heard explosions and saw bright lights in the sky all around them. The explosions were not a result of the train crash, but were fireworks in celebration of England’s Bonfire Night, sometimes referred to as Guy Fawkes Night. Bonfire Night in England is a celebration of the failure of the gunpowder plot to blow up King James I and the British Parliament. What a contrast it must have been to see celebratory fireworks in the sky above such a horrific scene.

Robin made sure Molly was safe and returned to the crumpled train cars to help other people escape. He helped several people to safety, all the while making sure Molly was okay. Ambulances and surgeons from the nearby hospital rushed to the scene. Surgeons performed at least two major operations at the site before their patients were rushed to the hospital. In total, the crash resulted in 49 fatalities and 78 people were injured.

Robin later compared the sensation he felt to “falling over Niagara Falls in a barrel, tumbling over and over.” He said, “I don’t think I’ve ever been so physically scared in all my life. I mean, once you’ve got in a train you imagine you are perfectly safe.” It took Robin and Molly several days to remove all of the shards of glass from their hair. An investigation revealed that the train derailment was caused by a broken rail joint. Following the Hither Green rail crash, many of the jointed tracks were replaced with continuous welded rails. Even with the improvements to the line, Robin said, “I doubt if I will ever be able to travel over that stretch of rail again.”

Following the crash, Robin returned to work with his two brothers. The musical trio had originally performed in bands called The Rattlesnakes and Wee Johnny Hayes and the Blue Cats with little success. 1967, the same year as the train crash, was a life-changing year for Robin and his brothers. In that year alone, they released five songs which became worldwide hits. Their success continued as they recorded more top ten hits in each of the following four decades. Robin, Maurice and Barry Gibb were… the Bee Gees.

---

After the Tigers 46-0 victory over Lakeside Friday night, JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship was thankful. He was thankful for the 10 players on the field and the one up in Heaven that got honored on Senior Night. He was also thankful for his coaching staff that put together a dominating game plan. What Blankenship should also be thankful for is his quick feet as he was able to avoid the “Gatorade Bath” that his players tried to douse him with after the game. 

Unofficial champion! With North Caddo beating D’Arbonne Woods in the regular season finale, JHHS, North Caddo and D’Arbonne Woods each finished district play with a 2-1 record.As result the Tigers claimed a share of the district championship, which is the first title, or part thereof, in Blankenship’s nine year tenure. What’s more, it is the first title on the gridiron that JHHS can claim since 2002. Staying consistent with the “thankful” theme perhaps the Tigers should give thanks to North Caddo head coach John Kavanaugh. Maybe send him a card or something.

Won but lost! Despite winning the game the Tigers, which entered the contest at #5 in the state ended up being #7 in the final Power Points ranking system. Oddly enough, North Caddo who lost to JHHS and was listed at #7 before the Friday games ended up at #5. As result North Caddo is the official district 1-2A champion. Per the LHSAA tie breaker rules when three teams have the same record the district crown goes to the team with the highest Power Points ranking. So in effect the Tigers won but they lost. Maybe Kavanaugh ought to be sending the LHSAA a thank you card.

Special Seniors! Before the game the ten Seniors that have made the 2021-22 season one of the best the Tigers have enjoyed in the new millineum were announced to the crowd. Enjoying the special night was: Justin Calahan, Devontae Mozee, Jamarriyea “Jay” Lewis, Tydre Malone, Brantrel Thompson, Javeon Andrews, Aiden Price, Terry Williams, Gregory Escobar and Sullivan Stephens. Also recognized was Javious “J-5” Holden who lost his life this past summer.

“I have had the opportunity to coach for over 20 years and this is by far the most special class of seniors I have ever had the privelege of being associated with,” said Blankenship. “They have represented themselves, their school and the team with honor and class.”

Record setting performance! Tydre Malone sliced up the Lakeside defense to the tune of 9 completions in 11 attempts for 240 yards and 5 touchdowns. The quintet by the quarterback tied the all-time single game touchdown passes mark set by Byron Anderson in 1997. Malone also set new marks for career passing attempts (379) and touchdowns (43) to go with the career completion (206) and yardage (3579) marks he already owned along with the top two completion totals (20 & 16) in one game. With just one more TD pass he will also own a share of the single season touchdown mark of 24. Making his totals even more impressive is that Malone was the QB for only five games his sophomore year and seven his junior, before being able to play a full ten game schedule this year. One can only imagine what his numbers would look like with three full seasons under his belt.

Defensive Dominance! The Tigers defense turned in their best performance of the year when it mattered most. JHHS allowed only six first downs and 111 yards in total offense all night. Actually that should be 111 yards in rushing in 52 attempts as Lakeside never attempted a pass. That equates to a 2.1 yard per carry average. Only two times did Lakeview gain more than 10 yards on one single play all night and that was on the first two possessions of the game. After that the Warriors managed only 57 yards in offense in 39 attempts. Fifteen times the defense forced a loss, including the last eight plays the Warriors ran. Two more times the Tigers forced a fumble.

“Big Play” Jay! Wide receiving / defensive back, Jamarriyea “Jay” Lewis is an “all-around” good player. On Friday he looked “all-world.” Lewis ended up with a team leading 98 yards receiving on the three spectacular grabs, two of which he took to the house from 71 and 21 yards away. Lewis also forced a fumble and finished with a season high 14 tackles on the night of which two were for a loss. 

Dialing long distance! Lewis wasn’t the only one who had long scores. Brantrel Thompson scored on an 18 yard reception and scampered 55 yards for the second of his two TD’s. Devontae Mozee caught a 53 yard bomb for six and Justin Calahan caught a pass at the line of scrimmage and dashed 43 yards to paydirt. Reserve running back Chance Leonard also got into the scoring act with a 26 yard run.

Close to perfect! Jonesboro-Hodge finished the regulars season with an 8-2 overall record. What is even more impressive is that the Tigers were just two plays and four points from being undefeated. In their two losses the Tigers had a shot at winning each as a last second pass in the endzone fell incomplete against Winnfield in the season opener and in the district loss to D’Arbonne Woods the Tigers converted a game tying two point conversion only to have it called back due to a penalty. 

JHHS (8-2)	8	18	14	6	46
Lakeside (3-6)	0	0	0	0	0

JHHS scoring summary:
1st Quarter: Thompson 18 yd pass from Malone (Malone pass to Andrews for 2-points)
2nd Quarter: Lewis 71 yd pass from Malone
2nd Quarter: Thompson 55 yd run
2nd Quarter: Lewis 21 yd pass from Malone
3rd Quarter: Mozee 53 yd pass from Malone (Calahan 2-point run)
3rd Quarter: Calahan 43 yd pass from Malone
4th Quarter: Chance Leonard 23 yd run.

YARDSTICK	JHHS	LHS
First Downs	12	6
Rushes / Yards	14 / 113	52 / 111
Passing (A-C-Yds)	9-11-240	0-0-0
Total Yards	353	111
Fumbles / Lost	2/2	2/2
Penalties / Yds	5 / 36	2/20
3rd down Conv.	1/3	2/14
4th down Conv.	1/2	1/8

JHHS Individual Statistics:
Passing: Malone 9/11-240yds, 5 TD’s
Rushing; Thompson 5/61, 1TD; Leonard 3/44, 1TD
Receiving: Lewis 3/98, 2TD’s; Mozee 1/53, 1TD; Calahan 1/43, 1TD; Thompson 1/18, 1TD; Atkins 1/12, Moss 1/11, Gray 1/5
Tackles: Atkins 16, Lewis 14, Strickland 8, Andrews 6, Waters 5, Jackson 4, Chance Leonard 4
Solo Stops: Atkins 13, Lewis 13, Strickland 6, Andrews 6, Chance Leonard 4, Chase Leonard 3, Waters 3
Tackles for loss: Atkins 5, Lewis 2, Andrews 2, Strickland 1, Waters 1, Jackson 1, S. Malone 1
Fumbles Recovered: Waters 1, Chase Leonard 1

Brown family honored at halftime as “JHHS Football First Family”

As part of the ongoing recognition program sponsored by the Jackson Parish Journal and in conjunction with the JHHS Athletic Department another “Football First Family” was honored at halftime. Being recognized was the Brown family consisting of brothers Scott, Andy, Shannon and Wes.
You would be hard pressed to find another family that bleeds red and blue more so than the Brown’s. For over a decade these four brothers represented JHHS on the gridiron demonstrating tremendous leadership and helping the Tigers to a state championship, state runner-up finish as well as semi-final and quarterfinal playoff appearances. After graduation each has been instrumental in continuing to assist the team through either their coaching efforts or support through their various professional endeavors.

Game action from JHHS vs Lakeside 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

---

Dipak Patel and his wife Gita, owners of the Budget Inn in Jonesboro, have been named Grand Marshals of the 2021 Christmas Parade, Part of the November 27th Christmas Wonderland in the Pines Festival that will take place on November 27th the parade will begin at 4:30pm followed by a fireworks display.
The selection is in honor of their faithfulness to the community where they have always given of themselves to the needs of Jackson Parish and tremendous benevolence they have demonstrated over the years.
Their continued effort of providing a warm welcome that always make weary travelers feel at “home away from home” has caused many to think positively of the time they have spent in Jonesboro. A prime example of their kindness to others is how they provided shelter and food to over 300 people from south Louisiana who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina despite their inability to pay.
“There were a lot of people in desperate need of shelter and food,” said Patel in an interview with the Jackson Independent in 2005. “We told them they were welcome to stay as long as they needed and if they could pay now that was fine but if they couldn’t then they could pay later when they got things straightened out. There were many families who stayed with us for over two months that my wife and I cooked for daily.”
It is not only travelers from afar that have benefitted from their generosity but locals who have needed refuge as result of a tragedy. The Patel’s have also always been gracious of their time and resources to the needs of the business community as well.
“I was raised to show hospitality to others,” added Patel in the interview. “My wife and I believe that no one should go hungry if we can help it and everyone should have a place to stay when the need it.”
A further example of how the Patel’s feel that doing for others is just something you are supposed to do was portrayed by Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce Director Wilda Smith after informing the Patel’s that they had been selected as Grand Marshal’s.
“I have just visited with one of the most humble, caring individuals I have had the pleasure to know,” said Smith. “When I told Mr. Patel that they had been selected it meant so much to him it moved him to tears. He said he didn’t feel they were worthy of such an honor. The gratitude he expressed is just one of the reasons we couldn’t be prouder than to have him and his wife be the Grand Marshals of this year’s parade.”

 

Sugarplums & Vintage Marketplace named JPCC “Business of the Month” for November

The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Sugarplums & Vintage Marketplace has been named the “Business of the Month” for November. Located at 1672 South Hudson or better known as being on Hwy 167 South in Jonesboro the collaborated effort of providing unique treasures of the past is owned and operated by Salien Liles, Relani Garrett and Rachette Pardue.
The three sisters invite you to come browse their tremendous selection of antiques, memorabilia and unique items beginning at 10:00am Monday – Thursday. Curbside Pickup of items to be sold on consignment is also available as well as delivery of purchased items by calling (318) 395-5086.

---

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.

. 

---

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

• 

• 

---

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.

---

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

---

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.

---

---

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.”

---

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.  

---

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

---