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

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

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

Pictures provided by Thomas Barker.

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to each of these outstanding representatives!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Class B Cross Country state meet entrants from Jackson Parish

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

Quality Electrical & Controls Service:

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

Dirt Cheap Lawn Care, LLC:

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

4T Exterior Cleaning:

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

B3 Lawn Services:

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

Harris Yard Beautification Service: 

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

 

For Sale: “100 year history of JHHS football” 

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

 

INVITATION EXTENDED 

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

 

Village of Hodge
Advertisement for bid
November 7, 2021

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

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

Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana Paradise Point Water Supply is currently in violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids as set forth by the State [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:Xll)] and the Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141).

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (LDHH) set drinking water standards and requires the disinfection of drinking water. Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA and LDHH set standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acid (HAAs). Some people who drink water containing THMs in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Some people who drink water containing HAA5s in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

In December 1998, EPA set enforceable drinking water standards for TTHMs at 80 parts per billion (ppb) and for HAA5 at 60 parts per billion (ppb) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects. Compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 standards for public water systems servicing less than 10,000 individuals initially became effective and enforceable on January 1, 2004. Compliance with the TTHMs standard is determine by calculating a locational running annual average (LRRA) of quarterly TTHMs sample results. Compliance calculations performed for the third quarter of 2021 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 87 ppb at sample location DBP01 – 119 Eden Drive. Thus, the system is currently in violation of TTHMs standards.

UIL continues to monitor and adjust the flush valve to assist with the reduction of TTHM and HAA5 concentrations. UIL has kept LDH informed of our progress.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. If you have any questions, contact the UIL Compliance Administrator at 985-893-6646 – Opt. 2.

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. EPA and LDH do not consider this violation to have any serious adverse health effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure; however, continued long-term exposure to TTHMs and HAA5 levels above the standard (e.g., 20 years of exposure) has the potential to have serious adverse effects on human health.

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

Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana Spillway Water Supply is currently in violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids as set forth by the State [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:Xll)] and the Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141).

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (LDHH) set drinking water standards and requires the disinfection of drinking water. Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA and LDHH set standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acid (HAAs). Some people who drink water containing THMs in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Some people who drink water containing HAA5s in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

In December 1998, EPA set enforceable drinking water standards for TTHMs at 80 parts per billion (ppb) and for HAA5 at 60 parts per billion (ppb) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects. Compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 standards for public water systems servicing less than 10,000 individuals initially became effective and enforceable on January 1, 2004. Compliance with the TTHMs standard is determine by calculating a locational running annual average (LRRA) of quarterly TTHMs sample results. Compliance calculations performed for the third quarter of 2021 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 93 ppb at sample location DBP02 – 133 Suanna Road and 100 ppb at DBP03- 211 Spruce Drive. Thus, the system is currently in violation of TTHMs standards.

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

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. If you have any questions, contact the UIL Compliance Administrator, Vicki Spence at 985-893-6646 – Opt. 2.

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. EPA and LDH do not consider this violation to have any serious adverse health effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure; however, continued long-term exposure to TTHMs and HAA5 levels above the standard (e.g., 20 years of exposure) has the potential to have serious adverse effects on human health.

JACKSON PARISH MUSEUM & FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES

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

 

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(reprint from Natchitoches Parish Journal)

Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that three defendants convicted of armed bank robbery have been sentenced by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell.

Larcentursa Mayweather a.k.a. “Cent” a.k.a “Lacenturia,” 50, of Winnfield, Louisiana, was sentenced to 188 months (15 years, 8 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Paul Nash, Jr., 44, of Jonesboro, was sentenced to 124 months (10 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Tabitha Lee Gray, a.k.a. “Tabitha White,” 45, of Jonesboro, was sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Mayweather, Gray and Nash were also ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution.

Mayweather was convicted by a jury in federal court in Alexandria on May 28, 2021. Nash and Gray each pleaded guilty and agreed to testify truthfully about their involvement in the robberies. During Larcentursa Mayweather’s trial, evidence revealed that he conspired with his two co-defendants, Paul Nash, Jr., and Tabitha Lee Gray a.k.a. “Tabitha White” to rob two banks in the Western District of Louisiana in April 2019.

During the trial, evidence was produced that Mayweather helped plan the bank robberies and instructed Nash and Gray on how to carry out the robberies and what to do and he acted as the getaway driver. On April 2, 2019, Mayweather drove Nash and Gray to Campti, Louisiana and dropped them off at the City Bank. There Nash and Gray entered the bank with firearms drawn and ordered tellers to give them money. After Nash and Gray left the bank with the stolen money, they fled in a stolen vehicle to meet Mayweather at a predetermined location and discarded the stolen vehicle. In an effort to divert the attention of law enforcement officers from the robbery, Mayweather provided Nash with a cell phone and instructed him to make a false report to law enforcement by conveying a bomb threat on the Lakeview High School property in Campti. The money stolen from the Campti bank was divided between the co-defendants.

The second armed robbery occurred on April 16, 2019 at the Bank of Montgomery in Castor, Louisiana. Again, Mayweather helped plan the robbery and instructed Nash and Gray on how to carry out the robbery. Instead of calling in a false report of a bomb threat, this time the co-defendants committed arson by setting a house on fire in another attempt to divert the attention of local law enforcement from the robbery. Mayweather dropped Nash and Gray at the bank and again they entered with firearms drawn pointing them at the tellers. After the money was stolen, Nash and Gray ran out of the bank intending to find Mayweather, who had promised he would be waiting to pick them up. Once they exited the bank, Mayweather saw law enforcement officers in the area and instead of picking them up, he accelerated and left Nash and Gray to fend for themselves. Nash and Gray ran into a nearby wooded area and were later apprehended. Mayweather was seen leaving the area of the Bank of Montgomery and was stopped and arrested by law enforcement officers. Gray’s purse and a receipt belonging to Nash were found in his vehicle.

Testimony at trial revealed that a glove belonging to Mayweather was found in the parking lot of the City Bank in Campti, Louisiana. After laboratory analysis, it was determined that Mayweather’s DNA was on the glove. Further, testimony at trial revealed that Mayweather provided the firearms and clothing including gloves, hoodies, and masks to Nash and Gray to complete the robberies.

The FBI, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Fire Marshal conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tennille Gilreath and Robert F. Moody prosecuted the case.

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For every LHSAA prep football team the goal was to end the season playing in the Louisiana Superdome competing for the Class 2A state championship. After last weekend, only 16 schools still have those hopes alive. One of those is district 1-2A tri-champion, Jonesboro-Hodge High School, who will host Mangham this Friday evening at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium in attempt to advance to the “Elite Eight.”

As the stakes get higher the competition gets stiffer. It is simply a fact of playoff competition. According to the seedings of the Class 2A playoff bracket, two of three strongest teams in northeast Louisiana will square off when the #7 Tigers meet #10 Mangham. JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship is fully aware of the challenge the second round game brings. 

“There are no weak teams left at this stage,” said Blankenship. “Mangham has a very good football team and presents a strong challenge.” 

Formidable Foe! The record shows the Dragons, under first year coach Scott Wilcher, have an 8-3 overall record and finished with a 5-1 record in district 2-2A, losing only to #4 seed, General Trass, 54-46 in the title game. Their other two losses were to Class 3A top-seed, Sterlington, 35-13 in the second game of the year and 48-12 to Ouachita Christian, the Division IV #1 seed, in the regular season final. All three of the teams that beat them finished the year with undefeated records. The Dragons advanced to play JHHS by beating Capitol of Baton Rouge 28-6 in the first round. 

Series history! The meeting will be the eighth time the two schools have met in the sporadic series that began with a 26-0 Mangham victory in 1933 & the two battling to a 7-7 tie in 1934. One of the most exciting and highest combined scoring games in JHHS history took place when the two schools met again 73 years later in 2007 with JHHS taking a 54-51 victory. A 17-10 Mangham win in 2008 was followed by a 14-6 Tiger victory in 2009 setting up the last time the two played when Mangham destroyed a deplected JHHS team 54-6 in the 2019 first round of the Class 2A playoffs. 

It is that loss that Blankenship has been thinking about every since the brackets came out and he saw the potential of the matchup.

“I have wanted another shot at them ever since,” said Blankenship. “We were missing alot of players that night and not to take anything away from Mangham, we were only a shell of ourselves. I am looking forward to playing them again as I think we will give a better representation this time around.”

Comparable stats! If season statistics prove out local fans could be in store for plenty of offensive fireworks. Magham comes in having scored 369 points in 11 games for a 33.54 points per game (ppg) average. JHHS counters with 357 points scored in 19 games for 35.7 ppg. The Tigers have given up 190 points on the year for a 19.0 ppg average while Mangham has allowed 195 points in one more game which tabulates to 17.75 ppg. How each got the majority of their points is a contrast though.The Dragons scored 33 touchdowns on the ground compared to just 16 through the airways. JHHS has 28 TD passes and 15 rushing scores but also has 6 defensive touchdowns and two from the special teams. 

Opposing players to watch for! Three players are responsible for most of the Mangham offensive production this year including two who have over 2000 total yards to their credit. Senior quarterback Bell (#6) has passed for 1402 yards and rushed for 713 more for a total of 2115 total yards while compiling 16 TD’s. Junior running back Jalen Williams (#4) has tallied 1523 yards rushing and 505 yards receiving for 2028 total yards and 26 touchdowns, with 21 of those coming on the ground  Tyshawn Johnson (#9) is also a factor from his wideout position, having corraled 59 passes for a team leading 761 yards and seven scores.

“Magical” Malone! Jonesboro-Hodge will counter with record setting quarterback, Tydre Malone, who now owns virtually every career and single season passing record. The 6’5″ senior signal caller has completed 110 passes in 187 attempts for 1889 yards and 28 touchdowns this season. This includes back-to-back, five touchdown passing games.

Fab Five! On the receiving end of Malone’s aerials is perhaps the deepest receiving corp in Tiger history as five players have caught double digit passes on the year and have over 100 yards in receiving. Two are tied for most receptions with Jay Lewis and Justing Calahan each grabbing 28 passes this season while Devontae Mozee has the most yards receiving with 588 on 23 receptions. Brantrel Thompson, who has 568 yards rushing to his credit as the Tigers primary running back and Chance Leonard also both have 12 recpetions and over 100 yards  receiving with most of those coming over the last several weeks. 

Top Tackler! You would have to have been hiding under a rock over the last couple of months not to know that the Tigers sensational sophmore linebacker Xavier Atkins didn’t finish the regular season leading the state, regardless of classification, in tackles, solo stops and tackles per game average. Currently Atkins has 179 total tackles for a 17.9 tackles per game average. This includes 146 solo stops, which is incredibly over 40 more than the next closest competitor and 22 tackles for a loss. Atkins also has two INT’s (1 TD), 3 fumble recoveries and a kick return for a touchdown. 

Leading linemen: With just six more tackles junior defensive tackle Peyton Smith will eclipse the 100 tackle mark. Defensive end Javeon Andrews enters with 74 tackles, five sacks and 14 tackles for a loss while Cartavious “Hambone” Waters has 60 tackles on the year. Dominick Strickland has also come on strong in the second half of the season to register 46 stops. 

Opportunity knockers! The Tiger defense and special teams have been very opportunistic this year and instrumental to the Tigers success. The Tigers have six “pick sixes” this season led by Devontae Mozee who has four, including a 99 yard, game changing, INT return against North Caddo. He also has a punt return for a score to go along with TD kickoff returns by Brantrel Thompson and Xavier Atkins. That is not even counting the three more scoring INT’s and punt returns that have been called back due to penalty. 

Home field advantage! If you haven’t taken the opportunity to see one of the more exciting teams in Tigers history compete this year you need to do so Friday night as win or lose, unless something very strange happens, this will be the last opportunity to see the Tigers play at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium this season. Game time is set for 7:00 pm. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The office of the District Attorney, Daniel W. Newell has issued a press release regarding the sessions of criminal court held on September 13, 20, 28 and October 1, 202. With the Honorable Judge W. Rick Warren and the Honorable Judge Walter May presiding the following sentences were handed down:

Brandy Cannon, 52,086, pled guilty to Theft over $1,000.00 but less than $5,000.00. She was sentenced to 30 months at hard labor. She was given credit for time served. The sentence was not suspended. She was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving her sentence.
Nygel Carroll, 51,758, pled guilty to Possession of Stolen Firearms. He was sentenced to 18 Months at hard labor/suspended, 18 months active supervised probation and required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
Chadreck Carter, 51,349, pled guilty to Count 2 Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl) and Count 3 Possession of Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance (Heroin). He was sentenced to 2 years on Count 2 and 4 years on Count 3, concurrently. Credit for time served shall also run concurrently with any federal time defendant may be serving, or have to serve as a result of his plea. He was remanded back into Federal custody to continue serving his sentence.
Paul Choate, 52,088, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (Methamphetamine). He was sentenced to 18 months at hard labor/suspended, 18 months active supervised probation and required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office. Credit for time served.
Michael Edmonds, 51,723, pled guilty to unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling. He was sentenced to 4 years suspend all but 1 year, 3 years active supervised probation and required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
Kerskan Evans, 51,481, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (Methamphetamine). He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor/suspended, 2 years active supervised probation and required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
Marty Frith, 51,396, pled guilty to computer fraud. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor/suspended, 3 years supervised probation and required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
Roland Gibbs, 52,027, pled guilty to Count 1 possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (Methamphetamine) and Count 2 aggravated flight from an officer. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor/suspended on Count 1 5 years hard labor/suspended on Count 2, 2 years active supervised probation on Count 1 and 3 years active supervised probation on Count 2 all sentences to run concurrent and required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
Robert Lee Harmon, 51,717, pled guilty to domestic abuse battery involving strangulation. He was sentenced to 3 years at hard
labor/suspend all but 1 year, 3 years active supervised probation and required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
Donovan Lard, 50,776, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (Methamphetamine) and possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (Cocaine). He was sentenced to 18 months hard labor on each count, concurrent and required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
Steven Moore, 51,650, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute Schedule I (Marijuana). He was sentenced to 4 years at hard labor, credit for time served. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.
Justin Nash, 51,763, pled guilty to aggravated burglary, in which he was sentenced to 4 years at hard labor. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.
Leslie Pautard, 51,648, pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. She was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor/suspended, 2 years supervised probation and required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
Hope Harville, 50,750, pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. She was sentenced to serve a term of imprisonment at hard labor in the custody of the LA DOC for a period of 2 years/Suspended, 3 years supervised probation. Consecutive with 52,235.
Hope Harville, 52,235, pled guilty to Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. She was sentenced to serve a term of imprisonment at hard labor in the custody of the LA DOC for a period of 5 years, of which 2 years is suspended, 3 years supervised probation, credit for time served. Consecutive with 50,750.
Lametric Clark, 51,772, pled guilty to Possession of Schedule I controlled dangerous substance (Marijuana) over 14G. She was
sentenced to 6 months at hard labor/suspended, 2 years supervised probation and required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
Angel Babers, 51,994, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine). She was sentenced to 18 months at hard
labor/suspended, 18 months supervised probation and required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
Christopher Gay, 51,503, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II (Hydrocodone) and possession of Schedule II (Amphetamine). He was sentenced to 18 months at hard labor/suspended, 18 months supervised probation.
Amber Jackson, 50,880, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute Schedule I (Marijuana). She was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor/suspended, 2 years active supervised probation. Required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office with $1000 to be paid to LSP.
Brandon T. Lewis, 51,835, pled guilty to aggravated flight from an officer; attempted possession of a firearm by convicted felon. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor/suspended, 5 years active supervised probation on Count 1 and 5years at hard labor/suspended, 3years probation. Sentences are to run concurrent.
Aniya Qualls, 51,947, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II (Hydrocodone). She was sentenced to 18months at hard labor/suspended, 18 months active supervised probation. Required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
John Wayne Robertson, 51,786, pled guilty to attempted possession of a firearm by convicted felon. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor/suspended, 3 years active supervised probation. Required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
Andrea Tatum, 51,794, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine). She was sentenced to 2 years at hard
labor/suspended, 2 years active supervised probation. Required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
Kennard West, 51,718, pled guilty to simple arson with damages over $500. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor to run concurrent with 51,598 and any other sentence the defendant is serving. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence
Kennard West, 51,598, pled guilty to second degree battery. He was sentenced to 4 years at hard labor to run concurrent with 51,718 and any other sentence the defendant is serving. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.
Bobby Barnes, 51,830, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine). He was sentenced to 20 months at hard
labor/suspended, 20 months active supervised probation. Required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
Tammara Burks, 51,127, pled guilty to assisting escape; illegal possession of stolen things. She was sentenced to 4 years at hard
labor/suspended, 3 years active supervised probation on each charge to run concurrent. Credit for time served. Required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
John Clifton, 51,855, pled guilty to aggravated flight from an officer. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor/suspended, 5 years active supervised probation. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.
Joe Wayne, 51,853, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II (Cocaine). He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor/suspended, 2 years active supervised probation. Required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
Jason Pittman, 50,004, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine). He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor,
concurrent with docket numbers 52,100 and 51,252. Credit for time served. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.
Jason Pittman, 51,283, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine). He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor,
concurrent with docket numbers 50,004 and 51,252. Credit for time served. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.
Jason Pittman, 51,252, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine). Credit for time served. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor, concurrent with docket numbers 50,004 and 51,283. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.
Timothy Conerly, 51,081, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine). He was sentenced to 1 year at hard labor. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.
Jimmy Klobas, 51,970, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine). He was sentenced to 1 year at hard labor. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.
Phillip Andrews, 49,281, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II (Cocaine). He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor to run concurrent with 51,651. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.
Phillip Andrews, 51,651, pled guilty to possession of stolen firearm. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor to run concurrent with 49,281. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.
Lucas Carter, 50,687, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II (Oxycodone). He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor/suspended, 2 years active supervised probation. Required to pay fine and cost to the sheriff’s office.
Christopher Martin, 51,891, pled guilty to possession of Schedule I (LSD). He was sentenced to 18 months at hard labor to run concurrent with his sentence in Lincoln Parish. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.
Chad Moore, 50,957, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Methamphetamine). He was sentenced to 17years at hard labor to run concurrent with his master prison record. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.
Travis Nash, 51,831, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine). He was sentenced to 18 months at hard labor. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.
Jarvis Qualls, 51,890, pled guilty to aggravated battery. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor suspend all but 18months to run
concurrent with 51,130. 5 years active supervised probation. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.
Jarvis Qualls, 51,130, pled guilty to possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine). He was sentenced to 18 months at hard labor to run concurrent with 51,890. 5 years active supervised probation to run concurrent with 51,890. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections to continue serving his sentence.

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All three Jackson Parish schools will take part in tournaments this weekend with local fans being able to enjoy the action at the Weston and Saline tourneys. Dodson will take part in the Weston tournament, while Quitman High will be participating in the Saline Tournament. The Jonesboro-Hodge Lady Tigers also will be opening their season at the Rayville Tourney.

Weston Tournament

Along with host Weston, D’Arbonne Woods, Dodson and Stanley will compete in boys and girls action over three days of action at the Weston High Gymnasium with Weston playing the final two game on both Thursday and Friday and both games on Saturday.  Four games are slated for Thursday, three on Friday and two on Saturday. 

Tournament Schedule:

Thursday: 
4:00pm – D’Arbonne Woods vs Stanley (Girls)
5:30pm – D’Arbonne Woods vs Stanley (Boys)
6:30pm – Weston vs Dodson (Girls)
8:00pm – Weston vs Dodson (Boys)

Friday
4:30pm – Dodson vs D’Arbonne Woods (Boys)
6:00pm – Stanley vs Weston (Girls)
7:30pm – Stanley vs Weston (Boys)

Saturday
4:00pm – Weston vs D’Arbonne Woods (Girls)
6:30pm – Weston vs D’Arbonne Woods (Boys)

Saline Tournament

Quitman High will take part in the always competitive Saline Tourney along with Class 5A schools Ruston High and Haughton as well as south Louisiana power Hicks, Ringgold and host Saline. Twelve games are slated with four games beiing played each day beginning on Thursday and running through Saturday  are slated over the three days. The Quitman and Saline boys as well as the Saline girls  will play all three days while the Lady Wolverines will play on Thursday and Friday. The Ruston boys are coached by Jonesboro native and Weston High grad Ryan Bond.

Tournament Schedule:

Thursday

4:00pm – Quitman vs Ringgold (Girls)
5:15pm – Quitman vs Ringgold (Boys)
6:30pm –  Saline vs Haughton (Girls)
7:45pm – Saline vs Haughton (Boys)

Friday

4:00pm – Ruston vs Haughton (Girls)
5:15pm – Hicks vs Quitman (Boys)
6:30pm – Saline vs Quitman (Girls)
7:45pm – Saline vs Ruston (Boys)

Saturday

4:00pm – Quitman vs Haughton (Boys)
5:15pm – Ruston vs Ringgold (Boys)
6:30pm – Saline vs Ringgold (Girls)
7:45pm – Salne vs Hicks (Boys)

Rayville Tournament

The Jonesboro-Hodge Lady Tigers begin a new year with a new coach this Thursday, November 18th when they play Richwood at 5:00pm in the Rayville Tournament. JHHS will also take on West Monroe at 12:00pm on Saturday, November 20th. Former assistant, Kiyyah Deloney, takes over the reins for the Lady Tigers, becoming the fourth head coach in the last five years. 

JHHS Tourney Schedule

Thursday (5:00pm) JHHS vs Richwood
Sauturday (12:00pm) JHHS vs West Monroe

Recap of games played this past weekend:

Quitman, Weston and Saline were in tournament action last week as well, with Weston and Saline taking part in the Calvin Tournament and Quitman venturing to south Louisiana to play in the Plainview Tourney. In Calvin, the Lady Wolves of Weston and the Saline boys split a pair of games while the Weston boys and Saline girls both lost to the tourney host in their only game played. The Quitmam boys won one of two close games  and the Lady Wolverines dropped a pair to stiff competition.

Boys game scores:

Quitman 56 Holden 54
Plainview 53 Quitman 52
Saline 73 Atlanta 58
Calvin 67 Saline 53
Calvin 83 Weston 57

Girls game scores:

Weston 67 Atlanta 59
Calvin 52 Weston 49
Holden 55 Quitman 32
Oak Hill 57 Quitman 45
Calvin 51  Saline 37

 

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This week in 1969, the children’s television program Sesame Street first aired on PBS.

What started with Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch launched an assortment of misfit, humorous, glorious creatures known as Muppets, and the world has never looked at a frog or at a pig the same way since.

Take your tacky comedians and your crude comics and give me Muppets any day.

Sesame Street was the idea of public television documentary producer Joan Ganz Cooney, who wanted to create an educational series for pre-kindergarten children, something that would help teach them their ABCs and how to count. It was set in a fictional New York City neighborhood with nice adults and the creations of puppeteer Jim Henson.

Immediate smash hit. Big Bird dominated the 1970s every bit as much as bellbottoms, tie-dye, and the Cincinnati Reds.

I was never a big Sesame Street guy. I was older by then and my pre-Sesame Street allegiance was to Captain Kangaroo (more on that another time). But Henson kept creating more and more characters, and each was bound for stardom and the silver screen — funny and clever and sometimes smart and sometimes silly — so by the 1980s, I was all about any Muppet movie that showed up.

The best in one small-brained man’s opinion is “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” released a mind-boggling 29 years ago in 1992. (I’d have guessed 10 years, tops.) During this holiday season — and Thanksgiving Eve is a week from tomorrow, Nov. 24 — you might want to give it a look-see. The songs aren’t great, but I think it’s overall genius, like most everything else this bunch creates and performs.

This adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella “A Christmas Carol” stars Michael Caine as the miserly, Christmas-hating Ebenezer Scrooge, and he plays it straight as if he’s working with “the Royal Shakespeare Company,” he said. True to his word, he does nothing “Muppety.”

But the Muppets do.

The narrators are Gonzo the Great and, to add humor and wisecracks, the brilliant Rizzo the Rat. Love, love, love the Rizzo.

Kermit the Frog, the greatest Muppet of them all, maybe the Robert De Nero of Muppetdom, is, of course, Bob Cratchit. Miss Piggy is Mrs. Cratchit, and a tiny Kermit is Tiny Tim.

There is an understated scene early in which Bean Bunny shows up at Scrooge’s place of business on Christmas Eve, singing carols in the snow, and Scrooge sneers down and throws a wreath at him. It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a rewind part for me, one of many tiny touches that make this must-see Muppets.

Remember Statler and Waldorf, the two cranky hecklers in the balcony in Muppet skits? They are the brothers Marley who come back to warn Scrooge and tell him he’ll be visited by three spirits. The loveable Fozzie Bear plays Scrooge’s old employer — Mr. Fezziwig in the original but Fozziwig here — who runs a rubber chicken factory.

And of course, a lot of rats like Rizzo are Cratchit’s co-workers, huddled about trying to keep warm underneath their shawls and stovepipe hats. A rat in a stovepipe hat? Now that’s comedy. (It’s the little things.)

Don’t get caught up in the gimmicks and forget the acting though. You’d think that after 50 years, Kermit the Frog would be typecast. Not hardly. Guy’s such a quality actor that I don’t see a frog when I see Kermit as Cratchit; I see Cratchit as Dickens might have imagined him — had Dickens imagined him as a frog.

Take 85 minutes, gather the loved ones, and enjoy yourself some “Muppet Christmas Carol” in the next few weeks. You’ll probably send me chocolates if you do.

God bless us, everyone.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Caleb Waters was hoping that another good season this spring for the Weston Wolves baseball team would parlay into him receiving an offer from a college to continue his career after graduation. Apparently what he did last year has been good enough. This past week Waters saw his dream realized when South Arkansas Community College (SACC) offered the standout second baseman an offer to play.

Waters helped the Wolves make a quarterfinal appearance in the Class B playoffs after compiling a .369 batting average, 24 hits, 6 doubles, 5 home runs and 29 RBI’s, all which led the Wolves. He also stole 10 bases and had a .903 fielding average after making only 6 errors in 62 total chances and turning a pair of double plays.

South Arkansas, which is located in El Dorado, expanded their athletic program to include baseball and softball this year and will compete in the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association Division II which allows for athletic scholarships.Baseball programs that make up the NJCAA Region 2,which “SouthArk” is assigned—are Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa, National Park (Hot Springs), Rich Mountain (Mena), Murray State (Tishomingo, Oklahoma), Northern Oklahoma-Enid, Carl Albert State (Poteau, Oklahoma), Western Oklahoma State (Altus, Oklahoma) and Redlands (El Reno, Oklahoma).

Mr. Roy Smith has been chosen as the Forest Haven “Resident Spotlight” for the month of November. Mr. Smith came to reside with at Forest Haven 14 years ago in July 2007. Mr. Smith is a United States veteran, having served in the United States Navy. His service and dedication to our country makes his “Residents Spotlight” selection special this month, since we observe Veteran’s Day in November. Mr. Smith has made numerous friends during his residence here and enjoys the activities he attends. Singings and church are two of his favorites. His daughter Cathy is the apple of his eye, and he looks forward to being able to visit his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“We have been thrilled to have Mr. Smith residing with us and look forward to many more years serving him,” said Shona Caskey.

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This Friday night at the JHHS vs Mangham playoff game being held at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium, Mrs. Jackye Belton will be honored as a “Super Fan” of the JHHS football team. The recognition that will take place at halftime, is part of the continuing “First Family of JHHS Football”program the Jonesboro-Hodge High School Athletic Department, in conjunction with sponsor, Jackson Parish Journal has established to honor local family members who have played an important role in establishing the proud 100 plus year legacy of the JHHS football team.

At each home game this season, family members who were outstanding players have been recognized for their excellence demonstrated on the gridiron and  presented with a plaque and copy of the “100 year History of JHHS Football” book. It is not only the players who make a program great but the supporters of the team as well and no one has demonstrated more loyalty to the team than Jackye Belton, a 1972 JHHS graduate and wife of former track coach David Belton.  

It all began back in 1971 when as a junior student at JHHS, she attended her first football game. Other than one or two since, Belton has never missed a game. Rain or shine, home or away, good teams and bad, this incredible supporter has always been found in the stands lending her support. To put her incredible loyalty to the team into persepective this computes to an amazing 602 games in a 40 year period. 

Her devotion is remarkable and has allowed her to witness many cherished moments over the years. Belton was there when Bobby Stone led JHHS to an undefeated regular season mark in 1971. She watched the 1977 and 1981 teams play for the state championship and witnessed every one of the “Three-Peat” titles won from 1987-89. She also endured the only winless season in Tiger history in 1994 and has seen coaches Joey Pender and Shannon Brown coach the Tigers, leave and return again. Belton has seen dozens of players perform their skills that led to college scholarships and professional football contracts. 

Belton was not only a supporter of the football team but all sports at Jonesboro-Hodge, especially enjoying the years where she got to watch her son play basketball for JHHS and daughter be a cheerleader. On top of that she was always by the side of her husband David, during his tenure as a track coach for JHHS and has also been responsible for the education of thousands of students in the Jackson Parish school system over her 32 years of service as a teacher. 

As result it is with great pride that Jonesboro-Hodge High School recognizes Mrs. Jackye Belton as a “Super Fan.”

 

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Several parish wide board meetings are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday including two that have been rescheduled for this week. On Wednesday, November 17th, the 911 Administration Board and Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ) Finance Committee will both convene at 12:00pm (noon). The 911 Board will meet a the Blake Office Building located at 319 Jimmie Davis Blvd. in Jonesboro while the JPPJ Finance Committee will gather in the Nathaniel Zeno Jr. Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, located at 160 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro. On Thursday, November 18th  the Library Board will meet at the Jonesboro Branch at 4:30 pm with the Watershed District Board holding session at 5:00pm in the Sunshine Room of the Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building.

Posted agendas are as follows: 

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Joshua Hicks is no stranger to being a part of the media world and receiviing publicity. The 26-year old son of former Jonesboro native, Larry Hicks and his wife Sabrina, has been recognized in media circles ever since his college days when he posted a weekly syndicated blog and authored a successful book about college life. This past weekend, Hicks was part of a feature article published by the New Yort Times as his “star” continues to rise.  

“My freshman year of college, we had to read the New York Times every class. Now I’m being featured in The New York Times,” reflected Hicks on how his life has changed in the past few years.

The article by New York Times journalist, Giulia Heyward, entitled Substitute Teachers Never Got Much Respect, but Now They Are in Demand focused on the important role substitute teachers are playing in the nations schools this year. Three substitute teachers, one from Arlington, TX, one from Seattle WA, and Hicks, who has been teaching at the Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts in Miami, FL were interviewed to give their perspective on their role.

Hicks, who hails from a family of educators, began his “substitute” career while in graduate school in sports administration.When the pandemic paused his plans, he started substituting more frequently. He now teaches a range of classes, from physical education to dance to history, at the Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts. At one point, he substituted for a month in two different classes, after each teacher got sick. 

To read the entire article click here: https://www.nytimes.com…/substitute-teachers-demand.html

 

 

 

 

 

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The “Student Athlete of the Week” from Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman and Weston has been announced by the Jackson Parish Hospital, who sponsors the award. Winners are selected based on their academic and athletic acheivements Representatives who were chosen to be recipients of the first weekly award for this school year are: 

Tydre Malone (JHHS) – Record setting senior quarterback for the JHHS football team.
Ty Simonelli (QHS) – Senior basketball player for Quitman
Grady Peevy (WHS) – 8th grade cross country runner for Weston 

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“Rad Tech” Week Celebrated

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This past week the Jackson Parish Hospital celebrated National Radiologic Technology Week in thanks to the local Radiology Department for all their hard work! NationalRadiologicTechnologyWeek is done annually to recognize the vital work of R.T.s across the nation and to commemorate the discovery of the x-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on November 8th of 1895. The week-long affair calls attention to the important role medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals play in patient care and health care safety.

The JPH Radiology Team enjoyed donuts and a Chick-Fil-A breakfast this week as well as a brisket lunch from Imagecare Ultrasound. There was also a skeleton hunt game and the winners were: 1st-Lindsay Hall, 2nd-Jessica Middleton, 3rd-Caitlin Fursov.

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In order to help for drugs around the house from falling into the wrong hands the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) is offering drug disposal kits free to the public. The patented Deterra® System deactivates prescription drugs, pills, patches, liquids, creams and films. Deterra renders them inert, unavailable for misuse and safe for the environment. In a simple 3-step process, a user deactivates the drugs by putting them in a Deterra pouch or container, adding water, shaking and throwing it away. 

Call the JPSAD at (318) 259-2891 to reserve kits before coming to the office at 115 Watts St. in Jonesboro. Delivery of kits are aviailable to those who are unable to drive. 

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