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

For Sale:

Book – “100 year history of JHHS football” 

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

Business Services:

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

Harris Yard Beautification Service: 

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

Jackson Parish Recreation District Board Meeting Minutes

The Jackson Parish Recreation District met in regular session on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 6:00pm in the Jackson Parish Golf Course Banquet Room in Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Mr. Ricky Cash, Mr. Brandon Lamkin, Mr. Rodney Potts and Mr. Sullivan Stevens. Absent: Mr. Brent Barnett, Mr. Jeff Hairston and Mr. Chris Womack.

The Vice President, Mr. Cash, called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by
Mr. Potts and Mr. Stevens led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Cash opened the floor for public comments. There were no public comments.

Motion Mr. Stevens seconded Mr. Lamkin to approve minutes (October). All in favor. Motion carried.

Motion Mr. Potts seconded Mr. Lamkin to approve financials (October). All in favor. Motion carried.

Mr. Smith gave board update on some of the ongoing programs at the sports complex including archery/shooting range and basketball. He also gave the board an email from
Mr. Jonathan Plunkett thanking the JPRD for allowing them to have their LACC race at the sports complex.

Motion Mr. Potts seconded Mr. Lamkin to table bid from DG&E Logging, Inc. for timber at the golf course until more information is received from bidder on time and date of project. All in favor. Motion carried.

No action was taken on the finish mower.

Motion Mr. Potts seconded Mr. Lamkin to table playground equipment for Village of North Hodge until more information is received on total job cost and installation. All in favor. Motion carried.

Motion Mr. Cash seconded Mr. Stevens to set 2022 board meetings for every 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00pm excluding holidays. All in favor. Motion carried.

Motion Mr. Potts seconded Mr. Cash to declare Winn Parish Enterprise as the official journal for 2022. All in favor. Motion carried.

Motion Mr. Potts seconded Mr. Lamkin to approve resolution to retain the Law Office of Steven M. Gatlin, L.L.C. for 2022. All in favor. Motion carried.

Budget hearing scheduled for Monday, December 20, 2021 at 11:30am in the Jackson Parish Golf Course Banquet Room followed by the regular scheduled meeting at 12:00 noon.

Motion Mr. Potts seconded Mr. Lamkin to adjourn meeting. All in favor. Motion carried.

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Jonesboro-Hodge knew that after their second round victory over Mangham that they would be making a trip to south Louisiana for their quarterfinal matchup. They just didn’t expect to be going where they are. The Tigers “Road to the Dome” got extended a little when #15 Franklin upset #2 Loreauville in a battle between fellow district 7-2A members.

On paper the matchup seemingly puts the Tigers in a favorable position, despite having to travel about as far south as can be done before reaching the Gulf of Mexico. JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship knows his squad has their work cut out for them though if they can advance to their first semi-final appearance since 1990. 

“Their win over Loreauville may have been viewed as an upset but this team is very good and as dangerous as any stll playing,” said Blankenship. “Their quarterback is easily the best athlete we have seen this year.”

Opponent overview: Franklin sports a 7-3 record after finishing in third place in district 7-2A. Statistically the Hornets average scoring 34.6 point per game while giving up 20.6 points. After a 1-2 start to open the season where they lost 19-12 to Patterson and 47-42 to Loreauville 47-42 in the first district game of the year to fall to 1-2, Franklin has since won six of their last seven. This includes an opening round, 54-7 victory over D’Arbonne Woods Charter, who gave JHHS a district 1-2A loss, and the second round revenge over the #2 seed in Class AA.  Their only loss during that span was to Ascension Episcopal 66-38, who finished second in district 7-2A play behind Loreauville and was a Divison III quarterfinalist. 

Formidable foes: To give an idea of the talent that Franklin quarterback Zylan Perry possesses and how important he is to their team, you only have to look at the stats he compiled in the loss to Ascension Episcopal. Perry carried 17 times for 209 yards with two TDs, completed 10 of 19 passes for 227 yards and two scores, ran for a 2-point conversion, threw for two more, and scored on a 50-yard interception return.

“I can’t say enough about how good No. 3 is,” AEHS coach Matt Desormeaux said of Perry. “He’s a special player. I don’t know how many missed tackles we had on him. He made things happen.”

As a junior, Perry accounted for over 2400 all purpose yards and 25 touchdowns on his way to 1st team 7-2A status. Sporting elite 4.44 speed in the 40 yard dash, the versatile athlete, who is also an all-stater in track, is over 2000 all purpose yards again this year.

Others to watch for is running back Zamarrion Webber and wide receiver Jayshaun Johnson who have demonstrated game breaking ability all season as well. Dejuan Rudolph (5’11”, 271 lbs.); Tayshaun Johnson (6’0″, 225 lbs.) and Michael Moses (5’9″, 264 lbs.), anchors a strong line upfront on both sides of the ball. 

Franklin Faults: One disadvantage Franklin has is that there are only 32 players on the roster of which 12 are Freshman. As result just like the Tigers round one opponent Oakdale, virtually all eleven starters play both ways. This has proven a difficult challenge against teams that can move the ball up and down the field. Another problem Franklin has faced this year has been playing against teams that have good passing attacks. This plays right up the Tigers alley.

Keys to victory:

(1) Stop Perry from having special performance. The first and foremost is also the most obvious. JHHS must limit the Franklin quarterback to minimum production. A great athlete is hardly ever totally stopped you just hope to slow them down. 

(2) Defense must “stay in their lane.” It will be imperative for the Tigers defense, especially the guys up front to maintain their “lane integrity” and force play back to the middle of the field. Franklin has several players with the ability to take it to the house once they get to the outside. 

(3) Must make opportunities count. The Tigers got by with missing early opportunities to score in the first two playoff games. The deeper you get the less chances luck like that will hold out. JHHS should have many chances against Franklin. How well they make them count will play a big factor in moving on. 

How to get there: While it is a long way down there, the roughly 3 1/2 hours of driving time that Google Maps shows, looks to be actually done with ease. After driving to Alexandria on Hwy 167 South, you get on Interstate 49 south and basically stay there the whole way as once in Lafayette, I-49 turns into Hwy 90, which takes you all the way to Franklin.

Driving instructions:

Hwy 167 South to Alexandria
Hwy I-49 South to Lafayette
Hwy 90 East to Franklin
Turn left onto LA 3211 / Northwest Blvd. (go 1.8 miles)
Turn right onto Main St. (go 0.9 miles)
Turn left onto Cynthia St.
Arrival address is 1401 Cynthia St. 

Spectator bus chartered: Spangler Tours has confirmed a spectator bus will be available for fan transport to Franklin, La for the JHHS football game this Friday! If you’re interested, we have to move fast as it is a 56 passenger bus and your seat will be confirmed with payment on a first come, first serve basis. Payment of $45.00 per person must accompany reservation which will run thru Thursday, Nov 25. To make payment use: Cashapp $LatonyaAustinMoss, instant message Latonya Austin Moss on Facebook or bring cash.

Calling on all businesses! In support of JHHS Tiger Football team, all businesses are asked to express their support this week by decorating their store front in red, blue, and white.

Send Tigers South in Style! The Tigers will be heading to Franklin, La on Friday, Nov 26 @ 11am. The community is asked to join together to see them off in style. A lineup of supporters will take place from the intersection of Hwy 167 and Hwy 4 and continue along Hwy 167 South toward the Jackson Parish line. Bring your posters & balloons!!!!
GO TIGERS! 

 

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MARK YOUR CALENDERS! SET YOUR ALARMS! YOUR CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND AWAITS!

JACKSON PARISH 4H CARNIVAL AT RECREATION DEPARTMENT COMPLEX

CHRISTMAS PARADE LINEUP @ JONESBORO METHODIST CHURCH

Sheriff Andy Brown
Andrew Brown 
Dean Rushing
Brenna Cannady (C-4 Trucking) 
Pamela Jack
Motorcycles
Ricky McDowell group riding for God’s Little children
Dirt Bikes
Odie Bradley 
Trey Loyd 
Trey McNeal
Titus Nash 
4-Wheelers
Ronnie Madere
Trucks & Cars
Belinda Harville
Fire Trucks
Brandon Voss Ward #2 

Leaving from First Baptist Church – Remember you must have your number on a sheet of paper taped to the window of the passenger side of the vehicle.

1. Chief James Harris
2. Jonesboro Fire Truck Chief Brandon Brown, Engine #3, Rescue Asst Blalock Ladder Capt. Wilkerson
3. Honor Guard
4. Grand Marshal
5. Mayor–Jonesboro Lesile Thompson
6. Mayor—Chatham—Gregory Harris
7. Mayor-Eros—Kelly Gryber
8. Mayor Hodge
9. Mayor-East Hodge Hal Mims
10. Mayor North Hodge
10 Quitman Mayor Joe Vail
11
12 Senator Jay Morris
12 A Rep. Jack McFarland
13 JHHS – Miss Mary Christmas – Tyriana Sly
14 JH Middle Miss Mary Christmas – Miss Jaidon Venzant
15 Quitman-Miss Mary Christmas – Lajaesha Bailey
16 Weston-Miss Mary Christmas – Sarah Bond
17 Richard Lowery family 
18. Alice McWain
19 Amy’s Gymnastics – line up on 7th St.
20 Amy’s Gymnastics – line up on 7th St.
21 Tammy Gunter Vanguard Realty
22 Vanguard Realty
23 Ladies of the Lake 
24 CenterPoint Methodist Church
25 Jonesboro Animal Clinic
26 Jackson Parish Hospital 
27 QUITMAN Homecoming Court Homecoming Queen—Faith Odom
28 QUITMAN Homecoming Court Senior—Emily Borland
29 QUITMAN Homecoming Court Senior-Kaylee Ford
30 QUITMAN Homecoming Court Junior—Gracie Nalley
31 QUITMAN Homecoming Court Junior—Brayli Stewart
32 QUITMAN Homecoming Court Sophomore-Ellie Burris
33 QUITMAN Homecoming Court Sophomore -Abigail Temple
34 QUITMAN Homecoming Court Freshman-Cali Deal
35 QUITMAN Homecoming Court Freshman—Jaleigh Burns
36. JH Middle School Cheer leaders
37. JH Middle School Homecoming Court
38 Weston Homecoming Queen -Taylor Courtney Paige
39 Weston Homecoming Court Senior – Mary Catherine Hay 
40 Weston Homecoming Court Senior – Mattie Claire Beaubouef
41 Weston Homecoming Court Senior – MaKenzie Henderson
42 Weston Homecoming Court Junior – Heili Bryant
43 Weston Homecoming Court Junior – Emma Katie McBride
44 Weston Homecoming Court Junior – Kinleigh Harvey 
45 Weston Homecoming Court Sophomore – Lainee Trosclair
46 Weston Homecoming Court Sophomore – Carroll Ann Foshee
47 Weston Homecoming Court Freshman – Anslee Aldy & Olivia Marsh 
48 Lil Angels Day Care-Sharon Satcher
49 Brown Grove Baptist Church
50. Mercy Medical
51 Uptown Tanning
52. World Finance
53 John Cagle
54 Itty Bitty Boutique
55. Zachary Pepper & Connor St. Hayride
56 Ward #3 Freddy Tolar
Showing the Lights shine Brighter
57 Jonesboro Fire truck Tanker #1 Asst. Chief Siddon
SANTA CLAUS
Horses
Tayla Jackson 

Justin Calahan and Peyton Smith of Class AA quarterfinalist Jonesboro-Hodge wore the home red jersey’s this past Friday night. This past Monday, they were presented with another red top. This one indicated that they had been named an “Aaron’s Ace”

The two earned the weekly award given to a top athlete from northeast Louisiana by KNOE-TV sportscaster Aaron Dietrich following their performance in the Tigers second round Class AA playoff game against Mangham. 

“Really happy for those two to get the recognition,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “They have been kind of flying under the radar all year but are very important to our team. We wouldn’t be in the position we are in without them.”

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Calahan was responsible for two tiimely touchdowns and an important two point conversion. His first score, which was a 20 yard pass reception improved the Tigers lead to 13-6. His second, which came as result of a 45 yard interception return once again put JHHS by a touchdown after Mangham had narrowed the score to 13-12. As the holder on the Tiger extra point kick attempt with JH up by eight at 26-18, Calahan instead rose up, wheeled around and headed for the endzone. Seeing his path was blocked the heady Senior drew up and lofted a pass that was caught for the two point conversion that put the Tigers up by an all important “two scores.”

Smith finshed the game with 10 tackles from his defensive tackle position that kept one of the most prolific runners in north Louisiana, who had gained over 1500 yards rushing this season, in check. His impressive performance gave Smith 105 tackles on the year and continued a late season surge that has propelled the towering junior to the top of the leaderboard in the entire state regardless of classification in tackles among defensive linemen.

To see the Aaron’s Ace’s segment click here:

http://fb.watch/9tcCAEENI6/

T

(Ben Ledbetter – Jackson Parish Journal)

The crosshairs of the scope settled just behind the shoulder of the deer. The young man reached up and slowly traced his hand down along the stock of the .308 rifle. He slipped his index finger inside the trigger guard and slightly drew pressure. As had been practiced many times before, the countdown started. Three! Two! One! KERPOW! WHUMP!

He knew the shot was true by the sound but he didn’t see the big doe lying in the middle of the lane. He couldn’t. Tyler Harvey is legally blind!

His hunting companion, Brent Mize, saw the result though and was almost beside himself with joy. Ecstatically, he started pounding Harvey on the back in congratulations.

“Dang near knocked the breath out of me,” recalled Harvey.

Mize lifted the rifle again and peered through the scope to view the downed prize. That was not all he saw either. Surprisingly, roughly forty yards further down the line stood another. Even better, this one had horns.

“Tyler!” whispered Mize. “You aren’t going to believe this but I am looking at a spike just past where the doe is. You want him?”

“Heck Yeah!” answered Harvey.

What Mize didn’t know was that Harvey had always wanted to come home with a buck and doe after a hunting trip. He had taken part in killing a deer in other hunts he had gone on before but never had the chance to get two in one day. This was “bucket list” territory.

They quickly took their position again with Mize settling the rifle to his shoulder and drawing aim. Sitting behind and just to the right, Harvey reached around and found the trigger. Again, the countdown proceeded. Harvey slowly squeezed…..

“Let’s go get ‘em!” shouted Mize, who this time refrained from the physical congratulatory expression.

“I told him don’t go beating on me again,” laughed Harvey.

As it turned out, combining to shoot the two deer was the easy part. What proved to be difficult was trying to get them in the side-by-side. Mize recently had surgery on his hand and Harvey suffers from nerve and muscle damage in his right arm. Finally after about four or five attempts the pair succeeded in getting the deer on board.

“It was a chore for sure,” remembered Mize. “I’ve got a bad hand and he has a bad arm. For a little while there I was thinking it would be a miracle if we ever got them loaded up.”

All it really took was just a little coordination of both using their “good side.” The “miracle” had already taken place 21 years ago. That was when Harvey escaped death.

As a ten year old lad, the son of Troy Harvey and Lisa (Worthington) Howard, got run over by a drunk driver while riding his three-wheeler. The damage he suffered was so catastrophic he died on the way to the hospital only to be brought back to life by the paramedics.

Several emergency surgeries followed to repair broken bones, internal injuries and worst of all fluid leaking from his brain. While on the operating table the doctors had to bring him back to life again and again, as they ferociously worked to try and repair the damage.

After many days and multiple operations the prognosis for recovery was still dire.

“The doctor’s told my parents that I would be lucky to survive and that if I did, I most likely would never walk again,” reflected Harvey. “I knew I was going to be all right though.”

How did he know?

“God told me so!” explained Harvey, who then expounded on his statement.

“It was during the last time I had died. I could feel myself leaving my body but then I heard God’s voice tell me, Son, I am sending you back because I want people to see the miracles that I can do. Then I was back in my body.”

For two and a half months, Harvey laid inert in a coma. Doctors and Specialists had warned that even if he survived that he would be incapable of taking care of himself. Then family, friends and the hundreds of well-wishers, got to witness the miracle that God had promised.

“I woke up and walked out of the hospital,” said Harvey with a ‘mile-wide’ smile on his face.

His recovery effort was far from over though. Actually, it was just beginning years and years of rehabilitation and therapy. He now had to learn to live with impaired vision so bad that anything more than a foot away from his face was fuzzy due to unrepairable damage to the optic nerves in his eyes. He also had to retrain the right side of his body to function again due to severe nerve and muscle damage.

Now, 21 years later, Harvey walks about a mile back and forth to work where he has been gainfully employed for the past seven years as a Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy assisting people that come to the Courthouse.

He still walks with a limp and his right arm and hand is still impaired. He also uses a walking stick to help feel his way around. Despite all that, Harvey doesn’t look at life as he is handicapped. Instead he fells luckier than most.

“Most people go through their whole life wondering what their purpose on earth is,” explained Harvey. “I am fortunate in that I know I am here so that people can see the miracles that God can do and does.”

With all that Harvey has achieved, there are still a couple of things that he would like to do. One is to take part in a hunt that ended up with a “trophy” buck hanging on his wall. Another is to drive a truck. Can these desires actually become reality? Who knows, but with all that Harvey has overcome in his life there is nothing that seems impossible. Call it a blind ambition!

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Jonesboro-Hodge won their appeal to the LHSAA to be moved into a new district while Quitman lost theirs, well, sort of. Both parish schools received the decision this past week along with the second plan for redistricting issued by the LHSAA for the 2022-2023 school years. There is still one more opportunity for schools to submit another appeal that must be received by the LHSAA by Monday, November 29th. 

In the original district plan that would be in place for the next two years, Jonesboro-Hodge had remained in district 1-2A along with North Caddo, D’Arbonne Woods and Lakeside but three additonal Shreveport area schools were added. This brought the number of schools in the district from Caddo Parish to four, which led JHHS administrative officials to ask to be moved to district 3-2A, citing undue travel expenses and burdens on the student athletes. 

The district that JHHS has now been placed in is comprised of holdovers Lakeview, Many, Red River (Coushatta) and Winnfield, along with new comer Mansfield, which dropped from class 3A to 2A. JHHS Athletic Director and head football coach Terrance Blankenship was happy with the decision, not only because of the “official” reasons the school appeled, but also because of the traditional rivalries that will now be re-established. 

“We have a long history of playing these schools,” said Blankenship. “I am especially glad to see us and  Winnfield back in the same district as now that game will take on even more importance other than just a “rivalry” game.”

Quitman had also appealed the original redistricting plan but they had asked to stay in district 2B instead of being moved with fellow former 2B schools Weston and Simsboro to district 1B where they would join Doyline and Castor.  

The reason for the appeal was that the “new” district 2B would be comprised of holdover Choudrant, Downsville Charter and Forest, both who had been moved from district 3B. Quitman had asked to be moved back to 2B in order to make the athletic competition, especially in regard to track and field, be more fair.

The way it was proposed, Choudrant would have the only track program in the district giving the entire team a direct line to regional qualification.  Meanwhile Quitman, Weston, Castor and Doyline, all who has won state track titles in the last several years, would fight in district just to get a few qualified for regionals. The appeal panel agreed that a change must be made but it was Simsboro that got moved back instead of Quitman. 

“I am glad to see that at least they listened and acted on the reason that we appealed the original district plan,” said Quitman principal Billy Carter. 

While the new plan didn’t totally alleviate the glut of traditional premier, Class B, track and field teams in one district it provide an advantage for local fans. If Quitman had been moved to 2B, then the Wolverines and Weston would have been in seperate districts, elimating some of the importance of the local rivalry. 

In relation to other area schools, the plan to reclassify Dodson and Saline back to Class C and compete in district 2C along with Atlanta, Calvin, Central-Jonesville and Georgetown remained in place. Cedar Creek and Lincoln Prep won their appeal as well. The Cougars got to remain in district 2-1A, after originally being placed in district 1-1A, while Lincoln Prep’s request to move out of 1-1A into 2-1A was granted. St. Frederick, Ouachita Christiana and River Oaks, all from Monroe, make up the realigned district. Oak Grove moved up to Class 2A where they will compete in district 2-2A.

There is still one more opportunity for schools to submit another appeal.  The petition must be received by the LHSAA by Monday, November 29th and the submitting Principal has to appear before the LHSAA Classification Committee on Wednesday, December 1st. 

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Former Times sportswriter Jim McLain died a little more than three years ago, something I’d forgotten about until I saw him the other day in Shreveport.

It is not often you get to talk to your friends, in person, after they die. But Mr. McLain, a reporter for nearly 40 years and a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame since 1995 when he was presented the Distinguished Service Award, is nothing if not durable. Even after he’d died, he’d gone about his business, pro that he is.

Turns out that, according to Jim, the only really good part about being dead and not knowing about it is the being, as he describes it, “blissfully unaware.” But once he found out he was dead, well, it was a bit of a different ballgame.

“I might not have known I was dead for several more weeks if I hadn’t gotten a call from my doctor’s office,” he said.

The woman was pleasant when he answered but confused when, after she asked his name, he identified himself as the proposed deceased. The doctor’s secretary even asked to speak to his wife, who verified she’d been cooking and washing clothes all week for the same 80-year-old she’d been married to for half a century.

Mrs. McLain had done that work for nothing, according to the government. A recent Medicare claim filed on behalf of Mr. McLain had bounced back with the notation that, according to the latest records, he was dead.

Sorry. But there you have it. Who said life, or death, was fair?

Jim suggested refiling the claim. Probably a typing error had occurred, he reasoned. But the following Wednesday after the mail arrived, he heard his wife yelling through the shower door, something about the Caddo Parish Registrar of Voters removing him – well, removing his corpse – from the voter rolls. “Hate to say it,” she said, “but it looks like this time, you really are dead.”

Thought No. 1 for Mr. Jim: “Wasted shower.” Thought No. 2: “The government has lost me and if I’m to be found, I have to send out my own search party.” Thought No. 3: “Why am I still hungry?”

He called his local Social Security Administration, hoping to avoid the fiscal pinch of missed checks and the like since, as the Medicare episode had taught him – and as the mutual funds people who wanted to settle his estate would soon tell him – the money gets sort of shut off or redirected once you start showing up dead. This happens to an estimated 14,000 people a year; if the Social Security Administration accidentally kills you, or lists you as dead, it’s good to let them know they have fumbled. You want to get off their Death Master File. You want to be, in the parlance of the agency, “resurrected” or “un-dead.” It’s not too much to ask, and in simplest terms, this is generally what is advised for you to do: go into the Social Security office with proper ID, the forms listing you as deceased, and prove that you have not “got dead.”

Turns out that in Jim’s case, an out-of-state funeral home had turned in his social Security number, obviously by mistake. The problem was quickly solved, a real shot in the arm to Jim but also for his loyal wife, who wasn’t doing all that cooking and cleaning for nothing after all.

Though he never found out how he died, Jim did find out when: March 12. “I have circled the 12th of March on every calendar since,” he said. “The Feds attempted to eliminate me once. They could try again.”

In the spare time that he’s been alive since retiring, Jim has written “Double Team Trap,” a Cold War spy thriller available online. If you pick up a copy he’s sure to sign it for you – if you can get to him before the government does. – August 24, 2014

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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The “Employee Spotlight” for the Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center for the month of November is Infection Preventionist and Quality Assurance/Education Nurse, Amber Kornegay. Amber has been working with the facility for the past 22 years and has been a crucial component of our team during the past year’s pandemic keeping staff and residents safe and apprised of guidelines and education.

Her knowledge base and dedication to learning more about this virus is commendable. Amber has a strong faith in our Heavenly Father and shares it with employees and residents to lift them up and motivate them. She and her husband David, have two wonderful children, Storm and Tori. Amber is a blessing to all and is considered among the best the Forest Haven team has to offer. On behalf of everyone at Forest Haven, we thank you for going the extra mile and look forward to your future with our facility.

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The Jonesboro-Hodge Lady Tigers beat Red River 43 -31 in the season opener at the Lakeview Tournament to hand new head coach, Kiyyah Deloney, her first career victory. The girls parlayed an amazing 65 rebounds into 26 points in the paint and an 11-2 advantage in second chance baskets. 

Xabrianna Jackson scored 18 points to lead J-H, who held Red River without a point in the first quarter and stormed to a 30-10 halftime lead. Tyya Davis added nine with Zymea Hoggro chipped in with seven. Sydney Malone scored four, Keashiah Andrews 2 and Morgan McGee, Kaelin Palmer and Laila Johnson all hit a free throw to round out the scoring. 

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On February 11, 1802, Lydia Maria Francis was born in Medford, Massachusetts. She went by her middle name, Maria, pronounced Muh-rye-uh. She was well-educated and after finishing high school became a school teacher. In addition to teaching, Maria wrote for newspapers and other publications on a wide variety of subjects. She became something of a local celebrity. At 22 years old, Maria published her first book entitled “Hobomok” too much success. Her second book entitled “The Rebels: A Tale of the Revolution”, was set in her home state of Massachusetts. It, too, was successful. She wrote a cookbook, “The Frugal Housewife”, which was considered the authoritative cookbook for much of the United States.

Maria’s passion, however, was for the abolition of slavery. In 1828, Maria married David Lee Child, a Massachusetts lawyer. Together, Maria and her husband edited the National Anti-Slavery Standard in New York. As early as 1833, Maria fought for the abolitionist cause with her “Appeal for that class of Americans called Africans,” the first anti-slavery work printed in book form in the United States. In 1859, when John Brown was arrested for leading an anti-slavery raid in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, Maria wrote to Brown and volunteered to be his nurse. She sent a copy of her letter to Virginia’s governor who denied her request and reprimanded her for her sentiments. The author of her obituary contended that Maria’s writings “undoubtedly had a great effect in helping to create the anti-slavery sentiment of New England,” and noted that “her pen never grew weary in the cause of abolition until the unexpected end was reached.”

Maria is less remembered for her anti-slavery writings and more for a simple poem she wrote about the anticipation she felt at visiting her grandfather’s house near the Mystic River in Medford, Massachusetts. If you visit Medford today, you can still see Lydia’s grandfather’s house and the Mystic River. However, the house looks much different than the one from Maria’s childhood. Maria’s grandfather transformed the small single-story farmhouse into a majestic 2-story home. Sadly, the lush woodland surrounding grandfather’s house has been replaced by residential housing. You will probably recognize her poem though it has been altered with the passage of time. Originally, Maria’s poem spoke of “wood” in the singular usage rather than its plural form, “woods.” Maria’s poem mentions going to her grandfather’s house, not grandmother’s house, and most of us incorrectly associate it with Christmas. Lydia Maria Child’s poem recalls a visit on Thanksgiving Day:

Over the river and through the wood,
To grandfather’s house we go;
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh
Through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river and through the wood–
Oh, how the wind doth blow!
It stings the toes
And bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river and through the wood,
To have a first-rate play,
hear the bells ring,
“Ting-a-ling-ling!”
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river and through the wood,
Trot fast my dapple grey!
Spring over the ground,
Like a hunting hound!
For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river and through the wood,
And straight through the barnyard gate,
We seem to go
Extremely slow,
It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the wood
Now grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun!
Is the pudding done?

hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

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The administration and staff of the Jackson Parish Library (JPL) wishes a Happy Thanksgiving holiday to all residents of Jackson Parish and announces that the Jonesboro and Chatham branches will be closed Thursday thru Saturday, November 25-27. Both branches will reopen on Monday, November 29th.

The JPL also reminds patrons that time is running out on the “Food for Fines” program that has been running throughout the month of November but will end this coming Tuesday, November 30th. The program allows anyone with Library fines to receive $1.00 credit toward the amount owed by bringing a non-perishable food item. See below for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

For Sale:

Book – “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

Business Services:

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

Harris Yard Beautification Service: 

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

Village of Hodge
Advertisement for bid
November 7, 2021

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#7 Jonesboro-Hodge	0	13	7	8	28
#10 Mangham	0	12	6	0	18

YARDSTICK	JHHS	MHS
First Downs	16	8
Rushes / Yards	32-78	40-176
Passes (A-C-Yards)	13-24-142	3-10-38
Total Yards	220	214
Turnovers	0	1
Penalties / Yards	3-20	8-74
3rd down conversion	4/14	2/17
4th down conversion	2/11

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

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

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

Photos courtesy of Jason Strickland:

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

 

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

Weston Girls win three

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

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

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

Weston Boys almost perfect

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

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

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

Saline Tourney (Quitman boys and girls)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lady Tigers to open season Monday at Lakeview Tourney

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

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

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

7th and 8th grade boys struggle

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

 

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

Monday, November 15th

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, November 16th

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

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

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

In other area games early last week:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FISHING REPORT

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

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