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Twenty-five members of the Quitman High School Athletic program celebrated a day they will never forget when they received their letter jackets last week. Those who were honored participated in Cheerleading, Boys Basketball, Softball, Girls Basketball Track, Tennis Golf, Baseball and Powerlifting.

2022 QHS Letter Jacket Award winners:

Anna Bougues – Cheerleading
Maddie Kaye Bryme – Girls Basketball/Softball
Brenna Cannady – Basketball Manager
Emma Carter – Girls Basketball, Track, Tennis
Blake Carter – Boys Basketball, Baseball
Bryce Cotten – Track
Dorian Curtis – Track
John Aaron Davis – Golf
Cam Deal – Baseball
Kylee Ann Dixon – Cheerleading, Golf
Ansley Folks – Girls Basketball, Track
Emani Gomez – Tennis
Summer Grillette – Girls Basketball, Track
Sebastian Guin – Tennis, Track, Powerlifting
Skylar Hall – Softball
Carlie Horton – Tennis
Jamaal Johnson – Basketball, Track
Bethany Leach – Girls Basketball, Track
Jamikel Moffett – Track
Gracie Nalley – Cheerleading
Amelia Norris – Track
Merik Shively – Track
Brayli Stewart – Girls Basketball, Track
Madeline Vail – Girls Basketball, Softball
Averie Williams – Girls Basketball, Softball

A family legacy of being special in education that begin decades ago was continued this past week when Chatham resident, Alexander (A.J.) Woodard, was been named a Junior National Young Leader. Woodard who attends the 5th grade at Pinecrest Elementary in West Monroe was nominated by his teacher, Anna Whiteman.  

Woodard is a direct descendant of Jasper and Ida Henderson, who in the early 1950’s donated the land where the former Jasper Henderson High School  in Chatham sits, so that the youth in the area could have a quality education.

Chatham Mayor, Gregory Harris knew the school benefactors and says that A.J. would have made them proud and is a “chip off the block.”

“I have never seen a fifth grader who has acheived as A.J. has done at this level,” said Harris. “He has maintained a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) the whole time he has been at Pinecrest and continues the family tradition of setting and acheiving high standards”

It is not just the outstanding GPA that sets Woodard apart.

“He is a very humble, respectful, considerate and accomidating young man,” continued Harris. “He loves to read and do all kinds of activities to broaden his education. He is a great representative of the Town of Chatham and we are fortunate to have him in our midst.”

As such a talented, young man who is dedicated to his education like Woodard is doesn’t come around very often, Harris would like to see the residents of Chatham and Jackson Parish give their encouragement to him through financial support to help ensure that his dreams can become reality. 

“As Mayor of Chatham, I think we need to make investments in our youth, especially the ones who strive so hard to acheive,” said Harris. “As result, an account has been set up for A.J. at Peoples Bank in Chatham as I believe by investing in him will bring great dividends to our community later on.”

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As of January 1, 2022, the Public Protection Classification of the Ward 4 Fire Protection District changed from Class 5 to Class 4. All commercial and residential properties should see decreased insurance rates as a result of this new classification.

Upon receiving a Class 5 following the district rating in 2021 , the Ward 4 FPD and Board of Commissioners worked diligently to address all recommendation suggested by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana.

After implementing new practices where responses were concerned and outfitting apparatus to serve in the proper capacity, the district requested another rating in the hopes of regaining their prior status of Class 4.  A huge debt of gratitude is due to the work of retired Chief Scott Savage, the board of commissioners and the many volunteers that are dedicated to serving their community.

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One of Jonesboro-Hodge’s most accomplished female athletes and succesful coach has publshed her first book entitled Confronting the Fugitive Within. The book conveys and shares her experiences from early childhood continuing throughout the course of her life with the intent of helping others.

“In this book I have embraced vulnerability and transparency with the purpose of assisting others navigate through their own journey,” said Holland. “As you read and share in my journey to restoration, you’ll come to understand how God can renew body and spirit back to its original intent.”

Confronting a Fugitive Within can be ordered through Amazon.

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After putting together one of the more versatile performances in Jonesboro-Hodge High School football history, wide receiver/defensive back Devontae Mozee has received a scholarship offer from HBCU school Langston Univeristy in Oklahoma.

Recently selected to the 2020-21 Class AA All State first team as a defensive backafter intercepting six passes and returing four for touchdowns, Mozee also graduates JHHS with the school record for career receiving touchdowns, single season receiving yardage and touchdowns as well as the most receiving yards (188) ever gained in a game.

How much luck is involved in winning a bass tournament? Is it really skill or is it just pure luck when it comes to bass fishing? To the common person or those who just don’t understand bass fishing, a combination of both goes a long way to being successful. For the most part, it also depends on who you ask about the “luck” side of catching bass and winning events. Today we’ll look at it from a couple of perspectives…professional anglers and the common person.

First, let’s define luck. Luck is defined as the force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person’s life, as in shaping circumstances, events, or opportunities. To simplify in anglers’ terms…luck is defined as when preparation meets opportunity. Professional anglers take offense if you tell them they just got lucky. They look at the luck accusation from a standpoint that they were ready for the opportunity that came their way because of preparation and took advantage by landing the fish they had hooked. Basically, they were prepared for the situation by doing the little things right. What are the little things? This could be paying attention to detail like making sure they have fresh fishing line on their reels, that their hooks are sharp and their rods and reels are in great shape.

Another area where “luck” used to play a part; was in finding fish. But today’s electronics have made that process a lot simpler. Now these state-of-the-art electronic units give anglers a huge advantage in locating bass. The technology is and continues to go above and beyond anyone’s expectations. It has cut the learning curve in half for young anglers looking to become tournament ready. Gone are the days of anglers having to go out and locate bass by means of going down the bank and fan casting for bass. Well, that’s not totally true. You still need “time on the water” in order to compete, but the level of electronic depth finders on bass boats today is like something out of a sci-fi movie. So, locating bass has become relatively easy, or at least easier, than it used to be. Even though these new electronic units will help you find fish quicker, it does not guarantee you can catch them. Anglers still must figure out how to trigger bass into biting.

So, to answer today’s question, are bass anglers lucky or good? The answer is…. both; it takes both luck and skill to be a good tournament angler. The luck part is when you start to swing a bass into the boat and the hook comes out as the fish lands in the net. Luck is when a bass gets hung up in a brush pile and you end up getting it out and into the boat. Luck is when you catch a 6 pounder on the last cast of the day to give you the win. Luck is when a school of 5 pounders surface within twenty feet of your boat and you catch twenty pounds in 15 minutes. But one thing is for sure, the anglers that fish the highest levels of professional bass fishing really are the best anglers in the world… and are both lucky and good. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf

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Applications are being received for a wide variety of jobs locally that range from full time production positions at Jackson Parish’s largest employer, a school bus driver position and a commission based advertising sales opening. 

WestRock Inc is taking online applications for production positions until January 19, 2022. These positions offer a $17.50 per hour start along with a full benefit package. Addtional requirements and information are shown below. 

The Jackson Parish School Board also has openings for school bus drivers. Requirements are for applicant to have Commercial Drivers License along with passenger and school bus endorsements. If interested in position or acquiring assistance in training for a CDL License contact Tim Bosch at 475-9244 or David Brown at 475-1910

One additional position available is as an advertising sales specialist with the Jackson Parish Journal. This is a commission based position and applicants must have a High School Diploma or GED certification and should have outside sales experience but training will be provided for the right candidate. For more information call the Jackson Parish Journal at 318-480-1206

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Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana  – Spillway Water Supply

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 fourth quarter of 2021 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 93 ppb at sample location DBP02 – 133 Suanna Road and 99 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. UIL has begun construction to install the spray atomizer unit that will assist in the reduction of TTHM concentration. 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, 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.

Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana – Paradise Point Water Supply

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 fourth quarter of 2021 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 86 ppb at sample location DBP01 – 119 Eden Drive. Thus, the system is currently in violation of TTHMs standards.

UIL relocated the flush valve to assist in reducing TTHMs levels and will continue monitoring. 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.

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Marlene Noel Rome
July 19, 1942 – January 5, 2022

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 10, 2022 at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 1100 S. 2nd Street Hodge, Louisiana for Marlene Noel Rome, age 79. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial is to follow at St. Lucy Cemetery, 1100 S. 2nd Street Hodge, Louisiana. Celebrant will be Father George Thirumangalam.

Marlene was born July 19, 1942 in Donaldsonville, Louisiana to Frank Sylvester Noel Sr. and Constance Jackson Noel and passed away on January 5, 2022 in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Marlene was welcomed into a family of sugar cane legacies surrounded by a strong connection with her family, friends and coworkers. The growing family moved to north Louisiana and remained in that area. Her sons, Tag, Todd and Chris were an active part of her life. She was at every event they participated in with her intensity of love and pride regarding their achievements. Her love for her children, grandchildren and family allowed her so much pride and happiness. “Granny”, as we called her, was also known for her outstanding ability to cook anything we requested. We all had our favorites, but there was never a doubt that whatever she cooked it was going to be delicious. She was a wonderful friend to many, and always willing to be the person that made everyone want to be around her.

After having three children she went on to not only get her college degree for teaching, but also graduated number one in her class, Summa Cum Laude. She went on to teach at Jackson Parish Schools, and St. Joseph Catholic School for many years. After the loss of her husband, she went to work with the Clinton Insurance Agency, and finished her career as a life and health specialist at the Tag Rome Insurance Agency. During her time at the Tag Rome Insurance Agency, she exceeded all expectations and created an abundance of relationships with customers, co-workers and friends. We are confident knowing she is now back with the love of her life, Tony Rome.

Marlene is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Anthony Nicholas Rome Sr. She is survived by her sons, Anthony Nicholas Rome Jr., Todd Michael Rome and wife, Tammy, Christopher Noel Rome; daughter-in-law, Tammy Rome; grandchildren, Victoria Noel Rome, Anthony Nicholas Rome III and wife, Katie, Michael Anthony Rome, Sophia Arlene Rome, Camille Alise Rome; great-grandchildren, Gabriella Olivia Rome and Anthony Nicholas Rome IV.

Honoring Marlene as pallbearers will be Trae Brashear, Brady Dulaney, Doug Ireland, Shawn Murphy, Michael Rome and Nick Rome.

Visitation
Monday, January 10, 2022
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

St. Lucys Catholic Church
1100 South Second Street
Hodge, Louisiana 71247

Mass
Monday, January 10, 2022
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

St. Lucy Catholic Church
1100 South Second Street
Hodge, Louisiana 71247

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Jonesboro – In August, 2021 the Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud/Auto Theft Unit-Monroe Field Office received a complaint of a suspected fraudulent insurance claim from the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office. This suspected fraudulent insurance claim was a result of a two vehicle crash that involved two Jonesboro Fire Department vehicles. As a result of this investigation, 37-year-old Brandon Brown of Jonesboro and 58-year-old George Wyatt of Jonesboro were arrested. At the time of this investigation, Brown was the Fire Chief for the city of Jonesboro and Wyatt was a Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Deputy.

During the course of this investigation and from information obtained, it was determined that Brown and Wyatt falsified a crash report. The information contained in the crash report indicated Brown and Wyatt were the drivers of the vehicles involved. After interviewing several people, including Brown and Wyatt, it was determined that Brown’s juvenile son was actually driving one of the vehicles at the time of the crash. The fraudulent claim in question was for over $26,000.00.

Brown and Wyatt have been charged with insurance fraud, filing or maintaining false public records, and malfeasance in office. They were both booked into the Jackson Parish Jail.

This investigation remains active and on-going. For more information and/or to contact the Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft Unit visit www.lsp.org/ifu.html.

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More information has been provided per an official statment released on Sunday, January 2nd, by Michael Reichardt of the Louisiana State Police in regard to the officer involved shooting in Chatham that resulted in the death of 63 year old, Michael Dobbins. 

According to the Region 3 news release, the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) responded to a disturbance at a residence early in the afternoon on Saturday, January 1, 2022. Preliminary investigations revealed the suspect had broken into a vehicle and stole a weapon earlier in the day. He later broke into the home that was located in Chatham and assaulted one of the residents and threatened to kill another resident. The suspect, who was identified as Dobbins fled the residence prior to JPSO arriving. The JPSO later received calls in reference to Dobbins firing shots at a passing vehicle in the area of the burglaries.

Later that evening, at approximately 8:45 p.m., officers located Dobbins hiding behind some abandoned vehicles on Barnett Street. During the search for Dobbins on Barnett Street, he confronted and pointed a weapon at the JPSO Officers. The officers gave loud verbal commands for him to drop the weapon and he refused their commands. The officers fired their duty weapons at Dobbins striking him several times and resulting with him being pronounced dead at the scene.

Louisiana State Police processed the scene for all evidence and is the lead investigating agency for the officer-involved shooting. This is an active and on-going investigation. After the evidence is processed and the report is completed it will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

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On Monday, January 3rd, the Spring Creek Water System issued a system wide boil advisory for their customers. According to reports issued from the facility located on Colby Jean Road in Chatham, there are issues with the water supply and therefore customers are directed to disinfect their water by boiling it for one full minute before consuming it. This advisory will remain in place until it is rescinded by the water system.

A boil water advisory means the water in the system has, or could have, germs that can make you sick. While boiling your water for at least one minute and then allowing to cool before using is considered a safe way to remove contaminents it is recommended that bottled water should be used for drinking, and to prepare and cook food.

How to properly boil water:
(1) If your tap water is cloudy, give it time to settle. Strain the water with a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter to remove the sediment. If your tap water is clear, skip this step.
(2) Hold water at a rolling boil for at least one minute to kill all harmful bacteria.
(3) Because coffeepots don’t boil water long enough to make it safe, you can’t use them to purify water.
(4) Let the water cool before drinking or storing it!

Mother Nature gave way to Old Man Winter the day after the calender turned to 2022 in Jackson Parish resulting in the first winter weather advisory of the year being issued by the National Weather Service. After an unseasonably warm December, frigid temperatures that dropped into the mid 20’s, blasted it’s way through over the weekend bringing with it a smattering of light sleet and snow across north central Louisiana. 

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The skill of the extremely talented medical staff at the Jackson Parish Hospital may be one of the best kept secrets in north Louisiana. How to get there is now easy for all to see. That is because of the new state of the art electronical information sign board that is in place now on Hwy 167 in Jonesboro. 

The impressive signage is just another improvement in the continual upgrade that the hospital has been undergoing over the last 12 moths that has helped the local medical facility become on of the top hospitals in the state in it’s class. 

Over the last year the hospital has seen upgrades in equipment, patient rooms and even in their food service. Now the sign that provides direction and information equals the quality of the service rendered. Addtional signs are also in place on the hospital grounds to help visitors go to the correct facility location and parking areas.

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Jackson Parish Journal coverage area teams will be “playing up” in most of their games this Thursday and Friday as eight of the ten games slated to be played are against teams from a higher classification. Action starts on Thursday with Class B schools Weston and Saline hosting Ringgold and Cedar Creek of Class A respectively in boys and girls action. On Friday the JHHS boys will venture to play Class 5A Ruston while the girls will host Rayville. Weston plays a second home game in as many days when they welcome Kilbourne for a boys and girls tilt while Quitman heads to Class 2A D’Arbonne Woods. 

Game schedule for Thursday / Friday

Thursday, Jan. 6th
Saline vs Cedar Creek (JV, G, B)	5:00pm
Weston vs Ringgold (G,B)	6:00pm
Friday, Jan. 7th
JHHS at Ruston (B)	6:30pm
JHHS vs Rayville (G)	6:00pm
WHS vs Kilbourne (G,B)	5:00pm
QHS at D’Arbonne Woods (G,B)	5:00pm

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The first game was much different than the second but in the end Weston opened the new year with two wins in two days by posting a season best in each. The back to back victories improved the Wolves to 8-11 on the year.

In the first game on Monday the Wolves belied the frigid temperatures outside by setting the nets of the Weston gym on fire to score a season best in points in a 81-45 thumping of FCCS out of Winnsboro. It was a total different story when Weston went on the road to Castor but thanks to a stellar defensive performance that resulted in the least amount of points given up this year the Wolves came out on top by a 41-33 margin. 

“Seemed like we couldn’t miss against FCCS and but shot terrible against Castor,” said WHS coach Jacob Otwell. “That is the way it goes sometimes.”

Eleven players scored in the FCCS game with four reaching double digits in points. Mitchel Mathews led the way with 13 followed by Skylar Strickland who posted his season best with 12. Both Ryan Feirn and Davis Tolar added ten. Tolar was the only one to reach double figures in scoring with 15 against Castor.

Weston girls beat FCCS  57-45

Briley Peterson scored 21 of her game high 25 points in the first and third quarters to help Weston run away from FCCS out of Winnsboro on Monday in the first game of the new year. The Lady Wolves were scheduled to play Castor on Tuesday but the game was called due to Covid precautions. 

The victory continued the improved play of head coach Stacy Tucker’s squad who now stands at 11-8 on the year after winning three of their last four games. Mary Catherine Hay added 14 on the strength of a season best four (4) three pointers while Lainee Trosclair hit 8 of 12 free throws and tossed in a trey to end with eleven. 

Lady Wolverines upend St. Mary’s

Bethany Leach poured in a season high 22 points and Cali Deal added 16 as short handed Quitman upended Class A St. Mary’s 54-49. The victory was the fourth of the season over a team from a higher classification and improved the record to 15-8 after winning their ninth of the last eleven played. Brayli Stewart scored eight and Summer Grillette chipped in with seven. 

Game effort comes up short in OT for QHS boys

It is hard enough to beat a team from a higher classification. It makes it even worse when you are missing two starters. Despite the negative factors Quitman still almost pulled it out against St. Mary’s of Natchitoches before falling 55-52 in overtime.

Covid quarintine protocol required QHS to play short handed Twelve points by Logan Ponder and Eli Walker, who drained three trey’s, along with 11 from L.D. Manning gave Quitman a shot at winning their fifth straight but ten points by St. Mary’s in overtime dropped the Wolverines to 10-11 on the year. 

 

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With new head girls basketball coach, Kris Cash, on the sidelines for his first game as a varsity head coach it was “money in the bank” for JHHS in their 2022 opener. Entering into the contest with a 2-10 record over the 2021 portion of the schedule the Lady Tigers dominated the second half to upset Class 4A Neville 54-33.

JHHS responded to Cash’s first halftime speech to his new team by reeling off 12 straight points to stretch a 24-21 halftime lead to 36-21 before Neville made their first points  of the third quarter. The second half onslaught continued from there on the strength of a suffocating 3/4 court press that allowed the higher classed school only three field goals and 12 total second half points. 

“I guess we couldn’t have asked for a much better start together as a team,” said Cash of the results of his first game on the sidelines. “I am glad to have the opportunity to coach these girls and very happy with the way they responded.”

While the “new direction” brought “new results”  Cash is not new to the Jonesboro-Hodge athletic program. For several years he has served as the head football coach at Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School and as an assistant for the boys football and basketball teams. 

Xabrianna Jackson scored 34 points to lead all scorers. It marked the second consecutive home game that she has eclipsed the 30 point barrier. Tyya Davis also reached double figures with ten. Maddison Houston added three and Zymea Hoggro, A’Jouriana Hoggro, Sydney Malone, LeRonda McGuire and Keasiah Andrews all added two each.   

Short handed Tigers fall to Neville 57-36

The combination of not having two of their normal starters available and poor first half shooting was to much to overcome for Jonesboro-Hodge who fell to Neville High out of Monroe for the second time this season. The home standing Tigers outscored Neville 16-5 in the third quarter but a 19-6 first quarter deficit that balloned to 30-9 by the half was to much to overcome. The loss dropped JHHS to 7-3 on the year while Neville improved to 15-3 and protected their #5 ranking in Class 4A power ranking.

Devontae Mozee led JHHS with 9 points followed by Savantez Phillips and Tydre Malone with eight each. Zion Gray added seven and both Jarrious Lumpkin and Cameron Leonard scored two. Neville was led by P.D. Mcraney who poured in a game high 27 points.

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Last year began in bizarre fashion at the U.S. Capitol with a mass break-and-entering that included a guy dressed up like either Buffalo Bill or an elk that Buffalo Bill had bagged. Dude had paint on and everything, like he was going to a Buffalo Bills game.

Then it ended with the passing at age 99 of the priceless, charming, beautiful Betty White, our devilishly funny, loveable, television great-grand momma.

So no, 2021 was not the greatest year, sort of like the maiden voyage of the Titanic wasn’t the greatest boat ride.

But there were some good things, especially if you were named the new head football coach at LSU. Friends of the university paid the fired coach $17 million to leave and hired a new one — Brian Kelly of Notre Dame — for 10 years at $95 million, give or take.

That’s serious dough, but the incentives are what put this contract over the top.

For every full season Kelly last, he receives an extra $500,000 the next July;

If he wins a championship, he gets an extra $500,000;

If LSU is bowl eligible — and the Tigers have been every year since 1999 — he gets an extra $500,000. Because who couldn’t use an extra $500,000, right?

And all this time I’d thought your salary was your incentive, at least your main one.

Not so when it comes to corporate ’Murica. Then it’s all Monopoly money.

In addition to incentives, the LSU coach gets an allowance – 50 hours of travel each year on LSU’s planes and a loan of $1.2 million for a house and two cars, interest free (as if!).

Good for him.

Plus, if LSU wins a title and later fires him, the school owes him 100 percent of his remaining salary. If he’s fired without cause and hasn’t won a title, the school owes him 90 percent of his remaining salary, which he’ll have to figure out a way to squeak by on.

Gnaw on those numbers for a moment: this means that with no titles won — say by 2026 — the school could fire him, would have invested $50 million for nothing, and would still be on the hook for about $40 million more. Kelly’s agent must be descended from the people way back in the day who negotiated for Manhattan Island and the Louisiana Purchase.

We all know the money in college coaching has reached boggle-the-brain levels, but this amount of mostly guaranteed money for a decade is hard to conceive, especially with the new NIL and transfer portal phenomenon still working themselves out.

True, LSU has more than a few rich and loyal supporters, but that’s a lot of football money. So much is invested in the coach, it’s going to be nearly impossible to fire him. Is there any way you think this will turn out well?

(Yeah, me either.)

But good for people making as much money as others are willing to pay, and who am I to tell super-rich people how to spend their money? So … good luck.

Kelly’s giant payday inspired me to check my own contract to see if A) I had one and B) if there were any incentives in there. Like, turn in a story without typos and I get a box of Moon Pies. A small box, but a box just the same.

Or write something that makes at least a little sense, I get an oil change. Write something semi-poetic and BOOM!, Cracker Barrel gift card.

Tried. Didn’t happen for me. Kelly gets incentives; my salary — I’m a big food and shelter guy — is my incentive.

Kelly gets an interest-free car loan. If I do not pay my non-interest-free car note on time, I have to pay a late fee; there’s my incentive again — avoiding a late fee.

And I’m scared to ask the bosses about a buyout; they might cut my salary and give me more work to do, sort of a buyout in reverse.

So, I have incentives. Just not the same as Kelly and a lot of other coaches.

But on the bright side in my world, sometimes I get a Saturday off. And, I’m not responsible for beating Alabama.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

 

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The Jackson Parish Recreation Department (JPRD) Basketball League’s for boys and girls from the ages of 5 to 14 will begin play this Saturday. Eight leagues in all will be in action at the Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School and Jonesboro-Hodge High School in games each Saturday running through the end of February

“We are excited to once again be able to provide our youth with an opportunity to play in a structured environment,” said JPRD Director Tommy Smith. “I would like to thank all the coaches and parents who will give of their time on behalf of our young boys and girls.”

Schedule of Week One games:

Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School

5 & 6 Year Old (B&G)
9:00 BULLS vs LAKERS
9:45 CLIPPERS vs SPURS
10:30 PELICANS vs WARRIORS
11:15 BUCKS vs CLIPPERS

7 & 8 Year Old Girls
12:00 ACES vs STARS

7 & 8 Year Old Boys
12:45 HAWKS vs KINGS
1:30 THUNDER vs CELTICS
2:15 BLAZERS vs MAGIC

Jonesboro-Hodge High School Boys Gym

9 &10 Year Old Girls
9:00 SKY vs SPARKS
9:45 MYSTIC vs FEVER
10:30 SKY vs STORM

9 & 10 Year Old Boys
11:15 RAPTORS vs GRIZZLIES
12:00 ROCKETS vs KINGS
12:45 THUNDER vs CELTICS

11 & 12 Year Old Boys
9:00 SUNS vs BUCKS
9:45 LAKERS vs BULLS
10:30 SUNS vs HORNETS
11:15 SPURS vs MAVERICKS

11 & 12 Year Old Girls
12:00 WINGS vs LYNX
12:45 LIBERTY vs DREAM
1:30 WINGS vs SUN (GIRLS GYM)

13 & 14 Year Old Boys
1:30 CELTICS vs HEAT
2:15 MAGIC vs BLAZERS

The first winners of “Student Athlete of the Week” for the new year has been announced at Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman and Weston High Schools. The award sponsored by the Jackson Parish Hospital and chosen be select faculty at each of the high schools in Jackson Parish is given to the person who best demonstrated what it means to be a student athlete by excelling in the classroom and in their athletic endeavors.

Student Athlete of the Week Winners:

JHHS: Ke’Asiah Andrews – Senior – Girls Basketball 
QHS: Cali Deal – Freshman  – Girls Basketball
WHS: Quetzal Webster – Sophomore – Cheerleading 

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Louisiana State Parks are offering a discount on overnight stays to encourage outdoor travel in the cooler months. When campers book one night, they will get one night free when they use the promo code, NORTHPOLE at nine state parks.

The online discount code NORTHPOLE is valid on new bookings for both cabins and campsites (excludes Tentrr Sites) at the following Louisiana State Parks: Chemin-A-Haut, Jimmie Davis, Lake Bistineau, Lake Bruin, Lake Claiborne, Lake D’Arbonne, North Toledo Bend, Poverty Point Reservoir and South Toledo Bend.

The trip must take place by February 28. The offer is not valid on holidays.

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Family Pharmacy in Jonesboro has been named Business of the Month for January by the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce. The business located at 500 Alexander Street in Jonesboro not only dispenses  medication but also provides pertinent information and instruction as well as having a large inventory of medical related items. Hours of operation are 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday -Friday and 8:30am – 12:00pm on Saturday.

To contact either Pharmacist in Charge, Lonnie Menzina,  senior pharmacy technician,Kelly Williams or any of the knowledgable staff call (318)-259-7334 or fax to (318) 259-3013. You can also send an email to family@sincereerx.com.

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During the summer of 1871, Mike Williams worked as a jailer for the Abilene, Kansas, Police department. Mike and the town’s marshal became close friends. At the end of the summer, Mike took a job as a saloon keeper but helped the police anytime he could. On October 4, 1871, Mike received a letter from his wife in Kansas City in which she said she was terribly sick and requested him to come home as soon as possible. Mike made arrangements to leave at 9:45 pm the following evening on the Denver Express train from Abilene to Kansas City.

On the following day, Thursday, October 5, a large group of Texas cowboys (some sources say as many as 50) had planned to attend the Dickinson County Fair in Abilene. The cattle season had just ended and the large group of cowboys were eager for entertainment. Bad weather, however, made the cowboys change their plans. Rather than going to the fair, the large group spent the evening barhopping along Texas Street. Among the group was Phil Coe, a gambler who people regarded as “a man of natural good impulses” when sober, but was a detestable character when plied with alcohol.

The cowboys “compelled several citizens and others to ‘stand treat,’ catching them on the street and carrying them upon their shoulders into the saloons.” The cowboys even “compelled” the town marshal in the same manner. The marshal went along, not out of fear, but to keep an eye on the rowdy group. The marshal was friendly but firm. He told the group to keep order or he would stop them. Coe glared at the marshal.

The drunken cowboys paid little attention to the marshal’s warning and got rowdier with each passing moment. They considered the marshal “green” because he had been on the job less than six months. At around 9 p.m., the drunken cowboys made their way toward the Alamo Saloon. Suddenly, someone fired a pistol. The marshal stepped from the shadows to quell the “spree.” He demanded to know who had fired the shot. Several of the cowboys had pistols in their hands. With a cold, glossy gaze, Coe said he had fired at a stray dog. Before the marshal had a chance to respond, Coe pulled another pistol and fired twice. One of the shots whizzed between the marshal’s legs and struck the sidewalk behind him. The other shot left a hole through the tail of the marshal’s coat.

“As quick as thought,” the marshal pulled his pistols and began returning fire. Three of his shots took effect. Two bullets struck Coe in the stomach. One bullet struck another man who ran in between Coe and the marshal. Several people at the scene received minor injuries from the gunfight. One Abilene newspaper reported that “the whole affair was the work of an instant.”

The marshal watched the drunken cowboys for a moment just in case someone else was trigger happy. Their attention, along with the marshal’s, quickly turned to the injured men. Coe writhed in agony on the ground. The marshal failed at first to recognize the second man he had shot during the gunfight. When he was able to take a closer look, he realized the gravity of the situation. When Mike heard the first shot, shortly before his train to Kansas City was scheduled to depart, he ran to help the marshal. He ran around the corner of a building just as Coe and the marshal began firing.

This was Phil Coe’s last gunfight. He “lived in great agony” and died three days after the shooting spree. This was Mike Williams’s last gunfight. He died within seconds of being hit in the chest by a bullet from the marshal’s gun. The marshal was terribly distraught. Although he paid all of Mike’s funeral expenses, Mike’s death haunted him for the rest of his life. This was also the marshal’s last gunfight. Less than two months after the gunfight, the marshal was relieved of his duties. He never worked in law enforcement again. He died five years later while playing poker. The marshal’s name was James Butler Hickok. You and I know him as “Wild Bill” Hickok.

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