A little after noon on Wednesday fierce line of thunderstorms rumbled its way across Jackson Parish spawning a tornado that ripped the roof off the Hodge Shopping Center and causing severe damage to the General Dollar Store and Mercy Medical Hospital. 

Additional reports indicated that an 18-wheeler had been flipped by WestRock, Inc and that multiple instances of trees and power lines were down all over the Jonesboro-Hodge area. Outlying areas also lost power. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Quick response by Entergy crews had most of the power restored to the parish by 3:00pm.

 

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On Sunday evening a call was received by Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) about several disturbances and fights taking place during a large gathering at Pierre Park in Jonesboro. Deputies quickly responded. A few minutes later another call, this time to 911, was made indicating that shots had been fired at the same location. More JPSO Deputies arrived.

The question then arose about why were no Jonesboro Police Department (JPD) Officers on the scene? Here it was a gathering of roughly 500 people at a public location within the city limits of Jonesboro, yet there was not a single Officer from the JPD on site. Not before the disturbances took place. Not after. How could this be? The answer is simple. There were no JPD Officers on duty. 

When Jonesboro Police Chief, James “Spike” Harris, was questioned about this, he gave a simple explanation.

“We didn’t have anybody on duty because my Officers refused to work without being paid,” said Harris. “I don’t blame them either.” 

Harris then expounded further. 

“Now I am being questioned about why there were no Officers on site. My reply to that is who would go to work if they knew they weren’t going to get compensated for their time? I certainly wouldn’t and don’t know of anyone who would.”

“Our Officers are supposed to be paid for their service but now the JPD is in the spot-light and it shouldn’t be. What should be happening is the Mayor being brought to the table for not paying employees their due wages.”

To get a perspective on this you must backtrack to the Board of Aldermen meeting that was held in January where Mayor Thompson indicated that the Town of Jonesboro was in dire financial condition and that harsh changes had to be made. Of particular importance was the decision to change the wage scale for all town employees to a compensatory time schedule. 

Compensatory time is an arrangement by which eligible employees are entitled to take time off in lieu of overtime pay. Yet in this instance, this was not something the JPD Officers had an option of considering but instead had forced on them. 

Immediately after the new payment plan was instituted Chief Harris balked at signing the agreement on behalf of the JPD. His objection was two-fold.

“First of all, what Mayor Thompson did is highly illegal as he has no right to refuse to pay the Jonesboro Police Officers their due wages without the consent of the Chief of Police. Per Louisiana Revised Code 33:2213.1 (B) subsection (b) an agreement or understanding about wages must be arrived between the employer and employee before the performance of work.”

“The Police Department does not report directly to the mayor’s office. The Chief of Police in this municipality is an elected official who controls the budget set forth by the Board of Aldermen and handles day to day operations of the police department. So in effect, the JPD Officers don’t work for the Town of Jonesboro but for the Jonesboro Police Department. In my capacity as the head of this department, or their employer, no agreement or understanding has been reached with the Officers, who are the employees. other than the original agreement they signed when they were hired.”

“Secondly, the original agreement stated that employees who did not take their compensatory time within a 30-day period would lose it. This would require officers to be forced to miss work, which would cause serious manpower shortage problems or work without getting paid for their time.”

At the Board of Aldermen meeting in February, this was brought up again by Assistant Police Chief, Ciera Murphy. After hearing her objection, Mayor Thompson stated that he would look into this and make adjustments as necessary. 

When the JPD Officers received their pay this past week there was no overtime pay included. According to what Harris was told by his Officers, when they questioned why their check was “short” they were told by the City Payroll Clerk that the Mayor said not to include overtime pay in their checks.

Chief Harris said that this is just another ploy of Mayor Thompson in his long going, vendetta against him and the Police Department. He also added that sadly, it not only hurts the people who are trying to keep Jonesboro safe but puts the public at risk. 

“In Mayor Thompson’s previous administration, he had the police department defunded,” recalled Harris. “Since Mayor Thompson was re-elected, he has been tired time and again to take money and resources away from the JPD, but this time the town council has been wise enough to not vote to do so. He even went so far as to say in a public forum that He will have the Jonesboro Police walking or riding bicycles.”

Harris concluded by saying enough is enough and he will no longer sit idly by and see his department be subjected to this type of action anymore. 

“I am in contact with the necessary authorities about what is going on and am in the process of seeking not only criminal charges against Mayor Thompson and his staff, but also filing for civil litigation in this matter.”

KNOE-TV, Channel 8 does feature about dispute

On Monday a feature was done on the dispute by KNOE-TV, Channel 8 where Harris and Thompson were both interviewed. To see the news piece entitled Police chief in Jonesboro seeking legal action against Mayor click here.

 

 

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What is the special connection between the date of March 28th and the Jonesboro-Hodge softball team? There obviously is one. When the Lady Tigers beat Dodson 6-0 on Monday, for the second straight year now the Lady Tigers have won their first game of the season on this date. If something happens once it may be considered a fluke, but twice in two years? Things that make you go hmmmm…….

In retrospect, you can go back to the final inning of the 20-10 loss to Northwood-Lena on March 23rd that dropped JHHS to 0-9 on the year to find the catalyst behind J-H being able to finally put an end to the 16-games of futility that extended exactly one calendar year and over two parts of two seasons.  

To set the stage, JHHS was down 14-5 heading into the top of the fifth inning and seemed destined to be on their way to another thumping. No one would have been surprised if the team would have just played out the string so that the game would get over as soon as possible. After all it is a long ride back from Alexandria and the girls not only had school to deal with the next morning but another game that night. 

Instead, the girls showed tremendous character and dug deep to score the most runs (6) in one inning than they have all year, sans one game. True, Northwood-Lena came back to complete the “ten run rule” victory by scoring five in the bottom of the inning but the momentum gained in the Lady Tiger’s final at bat of that contest carried over against Dodson. 

Led by a pair of runs scored by Zoie Anderson and individual tallies by Kyla Hayes, Realti Atkins, Madison Page and Madison Houston, JHHS scored in every inning. Adding to the thrill is Anderson hurling the shutout marking the first time that has been accomplished by a JHHS pitcher since 2018.

Sterlington stuns Weston

Only two times this year has Weston been in a close game. They have lost both of them as Sterlington did what the Wolves couldn’t. In the first one (4-3 to Teurlings Catholic) the Wolves rallied in the 7th inning to get to within one and had the score tying runner on base This past Thursday the roles were reversed as Weston was ahead heading into the bottom of the seventh. Sterlington not only tied the game but won it in stunning fashion with a three run, walk-off, home run. 

As Sterlington is the 7th rated team in Class 3A, the loss did not affect Weston’s #1 ranking in Class B but did narrow their lead over second place Zwolle. The defeat left the Wolves with an 11-4 record while Sterlington improved to 10-9 on the year. 

In the top of the second inning, Drew Browning slapped a double to left field to score Davis Tolar who had reached on an error. Weston doubled their score later in the inning when Kaden Shirley’s groundout plated Cooper Delaney who had singled. 

A run in the bottom of the second, third and fourth innings gave Sterlington a 3-2 advantage. Weston rallied to score a pair in the top of the fifth to take a 4-3 lead. Tait Henderson got things started with a two out single. After Caleb Waters got hit with a pitch, Davis Tolar hit a drive to right field that scored both runners with the help of a Sterlington throwing error. 

Three Sterlington pitchers combined to strike out 10 and give up only four hits over the seven innings. Barr got the win while Kaden Shirley got the loss after relieving Cooper Delaney who pitched 6 2/3 innings, struck out 7 and gave up only two earned runs.  

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Weston (11-4)	0	2	0	0	2	0	0	4	4	2
Choudrant (10-9)	0	1	1	1	0	0	4	7	9	2

WP – Barr
LP – Shirley (1-1)
2B – Browning
RBI – Shirley, Browning
RS – Henderson, Waters, Tolar, Garrett

Brymer’s big day lifts Lady Wolverines

For the second time in three days, Quitman defeated Class 3A North Webster and for the second time it was the second inning that made the difference in the game. It was also the second time that Maddie Kate “Big Bopper” Brymer feasted at the plate. 

In the 17-4 “ten run rule” victory on Monday, Brymer went 4 /4, scored twice and knocked in five. All but one of the RBI’s came in Quitman’s nine run second inning where she blasted a three run homer and hit a single. Over the two games Brymer has recorded 7 hits in 8 at bats, scored three and brought home six, giving her a team tying 34 RBI on the season. 

Maggie Guyotte also went 4/4 on the day scoring a pair of runs and knocking in two to tie Brymer for the team RBI lead.  Cali Deal (3RBI) and Skylar Hall went 3/4 (2 RS, 2RBI, 2SB) with Madison Chaplin (3RS, 2SB, RBI) and Averie Williams (2RBI, RS) adding two hits apiece as Quitman gathered a season best total of 19 on the day. Marley Bell and Anna Leach scored three runs apiece, with Karley Huckaby adding a run to round out the scoring. 

Only 2 of the 4 runs North Webster scored as Quitman struggled in the field with 6 errors. Cali Deal went the distance to improve her record to 9-2 on the year. Her 11 K’s marked the 5th time this season she has recorded double digits in strikeouts and put her total at 133 in just 74 2/3 innings pitched. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
Quitman	4	9	3	1	0	17	19	6
North Webster	3	0	1	0	0	4	4	2

WP – Deal (9-2)
LP – Campbell
2B – Williams, Deal, Bell
HR – Brymer
RBI – Brymer 5, Deal 3, Williams 2, Hall 2, Bell 2, Guyotte 2, Chaplin
RS – Leach 3, Chaplin 3, Bell 3, Guyotte 2, Brymer 2, Hall 2, Huckaby, Williams
SB – Hall 2, Chaplin 2

North DeSoto sends Quitman to 4th straight loss

North DeSoto, the 6th ranked team in Class 3A, scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to break open a 1-0 game enroute to the 6-2 victory. The loss was the fourth in a row and fifth in the last six games as Quitman continued to struggle against a stacked schedule comprising of teams from higher classifications. 

Ty Simonelli, who took the loss on the hill, had a great day at the plate, reaching base in all three at bats by coaxing a walk and slapping a double for one of his two hits. He also scored both of Quitman’s runs and stole a base. Logan Ponder and Riley Duck were the only other two Wolverines to touch up North Webster pitching for hits. The loss put Quitman at .500 on the season with a 7-7 record while North Webster improved to 11-8 on the year.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Quitman	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	2	4	1
North DeSoto	0	0	1	3	1	1	x	6	7	2

WP – Richardson
LP – Simonelli 
2B – Simonelli
RBI – Duck
RS – Simonelli 2
SB – Simonelli

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The Jonesboro Board of Aldermen agreed to introduce an Ordinance that was needed in order to secure a $750,000.00 grant that has been earmarked for the town by the Department of Environmental Quality. (DEQ)

The move was done at a special called meeting on Monday where Devin Flowers, Pete Stringer, James Ginn, Robbie Siadek and Nia Evans-Johnson all gave their approval after listening to City Engineer Brad Graff explain why it was necessary to get the process of receiving the money right away.

As Graff explained to the council, the language of the grant requires that the money be used by October. The plan in place is for the reconstruction of the 12″ main sewer line off the lift station located at the end of 5th street in Jonesboro. A line extension to South Polk Avenue is also on the schedule.  

The process of receiving the grant money started last fall, when Graff made several applications for funding from various departments and government entities. The DEQ responded with approval for $750,000.00 providing that the town could show a revenue and expense projection regarding the sewage program. 

This was submitted but the plan fell short of one of the requirements set forth.  This was that the town had to be able to show solvency in the sewage program over a ten-year period. Original projections submitted indicated that the town would be incurring more expenses than revenues beginning in 2025. 

In the original plan there were no increases in sewer rates for in town and out of town residents and businesses other than a standard 3% cost of living increase. In order to alleviate the shortfall of revenue, Graff devised a plan to increase rates by 4% yearly from the year 2025 to 2030 which would suffice the requirement of showing positive revenue over expenses. He then submitted this to the DEQ for their review and got a favorable reply.

The Ordinance (2022-001), which had the terms of the planned yearly rate increases published in the March 27th edition of the Jackson Parish Journal, now will be on the May 10th meeting agenda for ratification. Prior to the session a Public Hearing will take place to allow comments to be made.

 

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The Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame Board is taking nominations for the Class of 2023. Deadline for submittals is April 20th, 2022. For a person to be nominated the following qualifications must be met.

1. Prospective inductees must have been retired from their respective field of endeavor at least three (3) years prior to their selection.
2. Inductees must have competed for at least two (2) years at the varsity level in high schools located in Jackson Parish, Louisiana or have coached for at least five (5) years at the varsity level in high schools located in Jackson Parish, Louisiana.

In submitting the form have all biographical information as complete as possible as well as a picture of the nominee. Also state reasoning as to why the individual is being submitted as a possible inductee to the Hall.

To make a nomination you should send email to one of the following:

Wilda Smith: wilda@wsmithcoc@aol.com
Bill Staples: bill@jacksonsportshall.com
Harrell Bond, Jr.: harrell@jacksonsportshall.com

Nominations can also be mailed to:
Jackson Sports Hall of Fame
PO Box 200
Jonesboro, LA 71251

Joel Crowson, raised in Hodge, Louisiana, will debut his new book, Play the Game, at the Sunshine Festival in Jonesboro on April 16. Joel is the youngest son of Blanche and Leslie Crowson of Hodge, and the brother of Cyndi Crowson Nunn of Quitman.

Play the Game is a historical fiction novel based on the true story of Joel’s great uncle, Neal Crowson, who grew up in Bienville, LA. His story includes baseball, a sea voyage, murder, flight as a fugitive, narrow escapes, the Secret Service, and the love of a beautiful woman. Play the Game is a good read, and reading it is the only way to discover Neal’s fate.

Look for Joel’s booth at the festival. He’ll be glad to sign each copy of the book upon purchase. The official book release is April 21st. It will be available online and at all the major bookstores.

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The 2022 Quitman Relays will take place this Thursday, March 31st with all three Jackson Parish Schools taking part in boys and girls competition along with nine other north Louisiana representatives. Additional schools expected to be on hand are Castor, Cedar Creek, Choudrant, Converse, D’Arbonne Woods, Delhi, Doyline, LaSalle, Lakeview, Saline, Simsboro, St. Mary’s and Summerfield. Field events are slated to begin at 3:00pm with the track portion of the meet running at 5:00pm.

Keys, Giddens win events at Castor Invitational

With some of the best “small school” thinclads from northwest Louisiana on hand at the Castor Invitational track meet held on March 24th, Bailey Keys and Maddie Grace Giddens of Quitman High won gold medals in the boys shot put and girls 300 Meter Hurdles. Team scores showed Quitman coming in 5th place in the boys and 9th in the girls division, while Weston came in 12th in both boys and girls competition.

Nadia Siadek (girls shot put), Carrol Foshee (girls pole vault) and Rylee McBride (boys shot put) grabbed second place finishes for Weston. Hunter Folks (boys pole vault) and Nathan Harvey (boys 110 hurdles) won silver for Quitman.

Chance Chaplin (boys 3200 meters), Jamall Johnson (boys 400 meters), Lajaesha Bailey (girls shot put), Ansley Folks (girls pole vault) and Summer Grillette (girls pole vault) from Quitman also earned trips to the podium for finishing in third place.

J-HMS, QJH fare well at Choudrant Jr. High meet

Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School (JHMS) and Quitman Jr. High (QJH) was well represented on the podium at the Choudrant Junior High track meet held on March 22nd. J-HMS won five events, took three second’s and six third’s, in both boys and girls competition while QJH won three first’s, three second’s and five third place finishes all in the girls division. Weston Junior High also competed and while none finished in the top three of their respective events, several scored points.

In girls competition Sanaa Tatum won the 100 meter dash, finished second in the 200 meters and ran the second leg in the 2nd place winning 4×100 relay team of JaKhorielle Lard, Lakayla McGuire and Ciara Gray. Additional first place winners for the J-HMS girls were Ciana Gray in the girls 100 hurdles and the girls 4×400 relay team of Jaiden Venzant, Makenley Ray, Aspen Atkins and Trinity Davis. Venzant also won second in the 400 meters. Lard took third in the 200 meters, Atkins in the 400 meters and Rihanna Johnson in the discus.

Leading the J-HMS boys was Dakota Knox who won the long jump, finished third in the 100 hurdles and along with Troy Baude, Kamien Rogers and KaDarrion Thompson took third in the 4×400 relays. Jason Blackburn also won first in the 200 meters in boys competition.

Representing Quitman as gold medal winners was Kinley Walker (800 meters), Hallay Taylor (long jump) and Hallie Kate Pullig (shot put). Coming in second place was Audrina Martin (1600 meters), Sophia Kliebert (high jump), and Kinsley Ponder in the javelin. Grabbing third place finishes was Zuwyneshia Johnson (100 meters & long jump), Taraje Wiley (high jump), Emma Walker in the javelin and the 4×400 relay team of Walker, Martin, Megan Kelley and Linsey Woods.

 

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A total of 45 shooters enjoyed a beautiful spring day by competing in the Jackson Parish Bowhunters 3D Archery Shoot held on March 26th at the Steven Morgan Archery Range, located at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex.

Winners were declared in 21 separate divisions including Chad Dyess who won the Long Shot competition by being within 3/8” of the center of the target from 81 yards away.  The winner of the Elite Embark Bow, that was donated by Superior Outdoors in Hodge, was Courtney Whitehead.

Tournament Results

Men’s Known 50
1st Richard Shell – 188
Men’s Known 45
1st Anthony Breithoupt – 195
2nd Lucas Homan – 178
Men’s Open 40
1st Lance Sims – 171
2nd Terry Sims – 166
3rd Chad Winborne – 143
Men’s Known 40
1st Austin Sims – 204
2nd Hunter Ogle – 202
3rd Shane Rowe – 196
Senior’s Known 45
1st Kevin Howard – 165
Men’s Pin 40
1st Mark Corley – 198
2nd Daniel Laffitte – 195
Senior Men’s Open
1st Michael Graves – 186
Senior Men’s Known 50
1st Chad Dyess – 205
Senior Pin’s
1st Spanky Briggs – 202
Super Senior Known
1st Larry Edwards – 216
2nd Randal Hatten – 210
3rd Glynn Dela Salle – 200
Senior Master Known
1st Ronnie Sims – 150
Women’s Known 40
1st Cassidy Hall – 173
2nd Anita Williams – 160
3rd Raelyn Shell – 148
Women’s Pin 30
1st Jennifer Lasyone – 202
2nd Cheyenne Allen – 180
3rd Courtney Whitehead – 140
Traditional
1st Joe Nunn – 174
Youth Open Boys
1st Easton Hall – 202
2nd Jake North – 169
Eagle Open Boys
1st Luke Rowe – 203
2nd Eli Rowe – 174
Youth Pin Girls
1st Anna Malsam – 128
Youth Pins Boys
1st Case Sims – 173
2nd Ben McKinney – 103
Eagle Pin Girls
1st Emma Lynn Corley – 175
Junior Eagle Open
1st Remi Williams – 182
2nd Tucker Williams – 168
3rd Kolton Laffitte – 141
4th Kylee Ayn Allen – 126
5th Brandon Laffitte – 112

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It is uncommon to have a group of people dedicate their time to coming to the aid of others. Yet that is exactly what the collection of women who live on Caney Lake, aka, the “Lady’s of the Lake” do. Over the past several years these wonderful women have given assistance to a myriad of organizations and events. Now they are at it again.

By providing gift bags to homebound clients, as well as taking part in the entertainment programs offered during the month of March, the Lady’s of the Lake have blessed Chatham area, senior citizens who participate in the Chatham Senior’s Mealsite (CSM) program.

CSM is a satellite outreach site of the Jackson Parish Council on Aging that provides daily meals and activities for people in the Chatham area who are at least 60 years old. They also deliver meals to homebound Senior’s, provide limited local transportation and more.

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University of Missouri commit, Xavier Atkins of Jonesboro-Hodge High School, received an offer to play for the University of Tennessee this past week. This marks the second SEC school and sixth overall that has officially requested that the 3-Star, junior-to-be, linebacker continue his football career at their university. 

In a tweet posted on March 26th, Atkins confirmed the offer. 

“After a great conservation with @luc_brian (Brian Luc Jean-Mary – UT Linebackers Coach)
I’m blessed to earn my 6th division 1 offer from the University of Tennessee and my Second Sec offer!” – Xavier “DEEBO” Atkins @XavierAtkins8

In additional recruiting news, Chase “Smoke” Leonard made a second visit to Grambling State University. 

“I really enjoyed going to Grambling State University.,” said Leonard. “There was so much enthusiasm with players and coaches.”

 

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As part of the Jonesboro Beautification project the Jonesboro Fire Department had another successful control burn exercise by taking down a dilapidated structure located on the corner of Watson and Oak Street in Jonesboro. 

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(By: Akemi Briggs)

BATON ROUGE, LA – Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has proclaimed the month of April as “Safe Digging Month” in Louisiana as part of a nationwide safety awareness campaign to draw attention to the thousands of miles of buried infrastructure throughout the state and the importance of safe excavation.

It is extremely important that everyone dial 811 before they dig so that operators of underground utilities and pipelines can mark the location of buried lines to make them easier to avoid. Louisiana 811 answers these calls and notifies member operators of nearby underground facilities free of charge. Louisiana 811 provides the same service via the Internet at www.louisiana811.com

The issue is so important that state law requires all excavators and demolishers to notify Louisiana 811 before they begin work. The law applies to individuals as well as contractors, municipalities and others. Failure to call can subject the excavator to fines and liability for damages to buried infrastructure.

Whether you’re digging a garden, putting up a fence or building a highway, the first step is a call to 811 so professional locators can mark the location of buried lines. It is easy, free, and it helps prevent service interruptions and personal injuries.

· Call two full workdays before you begin.

· Wait for the site to be marked.

· Respect the marks.

· Always dig with care, especially near the marks.

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Kansas is a 4.5-points favorite against Villanova Saturday in the first of two NCAA Tournament semifinal games. Duke and North Carolina will follow at approximately 7:49; the Blue Devils are a 4-points favorite.

Hello, Awesome Saturday Night. Except …

If you see a Kansas fan between now and then, and if he or she is gnawing on tree bark and unable to mumble a complete sentence, move along. Yes, the Jayhawks are favorites. Yes, Kansas has a basketball tradition as rich as anyone’s.

But yes, Kansas come Tournament time is a heartache waiting to happen.

East Coast. West Coast. Midwest. Deep South. Historically, the Kansas basketball program has arguably left more hoop-loving hearts broken all over this great land and on the Final Four Road than any other program that’s ever dared nail up a peach basket.

They’ve got the awesome old-school gym. The simple, bright, cheerful uniforms you could probably wear to church and get away with. That happy-go-lucky Jayhawk mascot.

It’s a program that’s strung together a ridiculous 31 straight NCAA Tournament appearances, the most ever. All the Jayhawks do is win.

Until it’s time to finish. Kansas has only three NCAA Tournament titles in its illustrious history.

Which is three more than lots of programs, for sure. Most anyone would trade for what Kansas has been able to do, generation after generation.

And still, their reputation is that of a Bracket Buster. Kansas giveth, and Kansas taketh away. Saturday will mark the program’s 16th trip to the Final Four, which means that for all their trips to the mountaintop, the Jayhawks have left as King of the Hill only once every five times.

They’ve been runners-up six times, college basketball’s equivalent of baseball’s 1950s’ Brooklyn Dodgers and 1990s’ Atlanta Braves.

Bridesmaids City.

Recent history:

In 2010, Northern Iowa, historically one of the finest programs in all of the great state of Iowa, bounced them out.

In 2011 as the Tournament’s No.1-seed, Kansas was dismissed by VCU in the Elite Eight. (Time flies; Shaka Smart seems like last week.)

2014, they got Stanford-ed, although it’s important to remember that Kansas was Joel Embiid-less thanks to an unfortunate injury.

2016 and 2018, well, we’ll come back to that in a sec.

In 2020, the Jayhawks were ranked No. 1 in some polls and … The Ultimate Indignity … the Tournament was pandemically cancelled.

So here they are again with head-scratching Kansas, never ranked No. 1 this season, yet champions of the Midwest Regional and the only No.1 Regional seed left in the ballgame. If you are a Kansas fan, you are probably preparing for a dagger where it hurts.

But who knows? Bill Self could become just the 16th guy in the college game to win multiple national titles. Kansas could do what the 1952 and Self’s 2008 team did and win it all.

Very un-Kansas-like, they’ve even won it when they weren’t supposed to. I happened to be there hanging around in Kemper Arena in Kansas City in 1988 when “Danny Manning and the Miracles,” a 6-seed, upset No.1 Oklahoma, 34-3 and winners of 21 of its last 22 games, 83-79. The game was tied 50-50 at the half, the small (for a Final Four) arena was an explosion of cheers and colors and gasps and drama, and the whole thing was more fun than a little bit.

And maybe the same will be true this weekend. Maybe. With Kansas being a favorite over Villanova in the Saturday semis, that’s a step in the right direction.

Except … remember we mentioned 2016 and 2018? Kansas played Villanova in the tournament both those years. And lost. First, in 2016 when the Jayhawks were the top-seeded team in the tournament.

And then in 2018, when Kansas lost to the underdog Wildcats … in the semifinals.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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The Student/Athlete of the Week for March 27th – April 2nd at Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman and Weston High Schools has been named. The award is sponsored by the Jackson Parish Hospital and chosen by select faculty and staff at each school. The recipients were chosen based on their academic excellence and athletic achievements during the week. 

Student Athlete of the Week (March 27th – April 2nd)

JHHS –  D’Marrian Thompson (Sophomore, Track)
QHS – Cali Deal (Freshman, Softball)
WHS -Davis Tolar (Senior, Baseball)

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Outpatient Medical Center is recruiting a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or a physician to provide primary care at its Natchitoches or Leesville location. We are a federally – qualified health center offering weekday ambulatory primary care to anyone, but especially the underserved.
A rewarding career serving those with greatest need, excellent benefits, no Holidays, and competitive pay for a workstyle that supports a family life.

Anyone interest may contact us at hr@outpatientmedical.org or call 318-357-2071 (ext. 3202).

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When Mary Porter was in her final year of high school, she wrote an essay entitled “The Influence of Misfortune Upon the Gifted.” She had no way of knowing how well that title fit the life of her son, William Sydney Porter. In 1882, twenty-year-old William Sidney Porter decided to relocate from Greensboro, North Carolina to rural Texas to alleviate his persistent coughing. While in Texas, William worked as laborer on a sheep ranch, as a surveyor, as a newspaper writer and cartoonist at the Houston Post, and finally, in 1891, as a paying and receiving teller for the First National Bank of Austin. During his tenure at the bank, William worked part time on a humorous weekly newspaper of his own creation called The Rolling Stone.
It was while he was working for the First National Bank of Austin that misfortune struck. In 1894, William’s boss accused him of embezzling $1,100.00. William defended himself as well as he could, but the bank’s accounting ledgers were rarely balanced due its “loose methods.” He explained that he had been a loyal employee of the bank for four years. There was nothing William could say that would save his job. After being fired, William worked on The Rolling Stone full time. He was lucky not to be prosecuted.

In 1895, William moved with his family to Houston to work at the Houston Post after The Rolling Stone failed to turn a profit. William’s luck ran out when the First National Bank of Austin was audited. After reviewing the bank’s ledgers, the federal auditor found evidence of embezzlement. William’s ex-boss told the auditor that William had been fired for embezzling money. William was indicted on the embezzlement charge and arrested in Houston. William’s father posted bail and William was released. His trial was set for July 7, 1896.

On the day before his trial was to begin, after much discussion with his wife, William fled to New Orleans then took a ship to Honduras. At the time, Honduras had no extradition treaty with the United States. William’s wife, Athol, and daughter, Margaret, were to join William in Honduras at a later date. Misfortune struck William again when his wife contracted Tuberculosis. Despite being a fugitive, William quickly returned to Austin to be with his wife. William’s wife, 29-year-old Athol Estes Porter, died on July 25, 1897.

While grieving over the loss of his wife, William stood trial for embezzlement. He tried to persuade anyone who would listen that he was innocent, but on February 17, 1898, he was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison. He began serving his prison sentence at the Ohio Penitentiary in Columbus, Ohio the following month. It must be noted that William’s predecessor in the job had a nervous breakdown and his successor tried to commit suicide. The First National Bank of Austin, the loosely-run bank in which William was convicted of embezzling of money, eventually failed.

William was able to turn the misfortune of prison into a fortunate situation. One newspaper reporter claimed “The prison term, to a man of Porter’s sensitive temperament and culture—he was of the best blood of Virginia and North Carolina—was crushing, yet it revived and stimulated his genius.” For the entirety of his prison term, William wrote short stories with a fervor. He knew no one would publish stories sent from a convicted criminal in the penitentiary, so William enlisted the help of a friend. Each time he completed a story, William mailed it to his friend. Upon receiving it, his friend discarded the prison envelope, addressed a new envelope to William’s publisher, and the publisher was none the wiser. To ensure that no one learned that the stories were written by a convict, William chose a pen name that he had used on occasion.

William’s stories became wildly popular. Newspapers proclaimed after his death that his “name and fame…is secure in American literature. He was one American writer who was touched with the fire of genius. After Poe, he was the greatest American master of the short story, and in depicting American life he excelled Poe and was equal to Mark Twain.” William entered prison “a man chastened by misfortune.” He emerged as an American icon, a man “whose genius had been stimulated and inspired.” William Sydney Porter became famous for stories such as “The Gift of the Magi,” “The Ransom of Red Chief,” and “The Caballero’s Way” in which he introduced his most famous character, Cisco Kid. His pen name was … O. Henry.

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Caney Creek Bass Club & Hook’s Marina will Be Hosting a Benefit Crappie Derby on Caney Lake for the Northeast Louisiana Veterans Association (NELVA) and Veterans Organizations. Date of the tourney is May 7th, 2022, but early registration is required. 

Over $2500.00 in cash and prizes are guaranteed to be paid out. To register or for more information, contact Larry Larson at (318) 237-1694 or send email to: Cutter.lawson@gmail.com  

Entry fee is $100.00 for each two-person team with an option to having a youth of the age 16 & under as a third person. Tournament sponsors are Whitetail Headquarters Outdoor Store, Patterson Enterprisez Roofing & Construction, Silverado Bingo, Jabbo’s Kartshop and Buckwild Deer Feed. 

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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 first quarter of 2022 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 90 ppb at sample location DBP02 – 133 Suanna Road and 93 ppb at DBP03- 211 Spruce Drive. Thus, the system is currently in violation of TTHMs standards.

UIL has begun construction to assist in reducing TTHM concentration. Unfortunately, due to shipping delays, the equipment ordered has not arrived. Upon delivery, UIL plans to complete the installation of the spray atomizer. 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 first quarter of 2022 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 95 ppb at sample location DBP01 – 119 Eden Drive. Thus, the system is currently in violation of TTHMs standards.

After relocating the flush valve, the TTHMs levels have decreased. UIL plans to install an additional flush valve to assist in the reduction of TTHMs levels. UIL will continue to monitor and 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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Jerry Ray Morris II
November 26, 1977 – March 27, 2022

Jerry Ray Morris II, age 47 of Jena, passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2022 surrounded by his family. Jerry loved the great outdoors and spending his free time hunting and fishing. He was well known as being a hard worker. He spent many years working in the oil field and as a truck driver. He never knew a stranger and had a unique ability to make friends wherever he went. Jerry had one goal in life, his dream was to become a father and he with his loving wife, Sri, were able to make this dream a reality. Sri blessed him with two children that will forever be his greatest joy and biggest love.

Those left to cherish his memory is his wife, Sri Morris; children, Baylee Morris, Jaxon Morris; mother, Vickie (Thomas) Morris; sister, Jennifer Louviere (Waylon); nephews, Drake Morris, Drew Morris, Jarod Louviere; special friends, Michelle “Dinger” Murphy, Bryan Juneau; a host of other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Jerry Ray Morris.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, April 2, 2022 in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home from12:00 until time of service. His funeral service is set to begin at 2:00PM with Bro. Mark Breland officiating. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Adam Schrock, Dinger Murphy, Drake Morris, Drew Morris, Waylon Louviere, Rodney Reed. Honorary pallbearers will be Lance Thomas, Joe Phillips, Bryan Juneau, Dale Thomas, Jaxon Morris, Jarod Louviere, Robbie Reed, Travis Reed and Baylee Morris.

Cristi Michelle Blackwell
February 11, 1982 – March 8, 2022

Cristi Michelle Blackwell, age 40 of Hodge, walked through the gates of Heaven on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. Cristi was born on Thursday, February 11, 1982 in Shreveport, Louisiana to the union of Scott and Amy Blackwell. She graduated from the University of Texas in 2006 with a degree in Sociology. As and avid shopper, she found her niche in retail management. Cristi enjoyed laughing with her family and friends, dancing, music, and road trips. Cristi was a loving and devoted mother to Sydnie Raye, spending time with her daughter was her favorite activity. Together they loved exploring new places, playing games, giving each other makeovers, and just being silly. Cristi’s infectious smile, love of music, and random dancing will forever carry on within us. “Though you may be gone from our sight, you are never gone from our hearts”-Winnie the Pooh.

Those left to cherish her precious memory is her daughter, Sydnie Raye Blackwell; mother, Amy Lynnette (Pullin) Blackwell; sister, Jennifer (Blackwell) Micek; nephew, Tyler Mitchell Micek; paternal grandparents, Ron and Lois Blackwell; uncles, Ross Pullin, Ray Pullin, Ronnie Blackwell and Carolyn, Brian Blackwell and Melinda; aunt, Nell McLean; a host of cousins, other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Scott Mitchell Blackwell; maternal grandparents, Ray (Sr.) and Mary (Mathews) Pullin.

Cristi’s funeral service was held on March 12, 2022 at 11:00AM in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home with Bro. Chase Burns officiating. Burial took place in Strange Cemetery near Readhimer, Louisiana.

Serving as pallbearers for the family were Tyler Micek, Cameron McLean, Brad Pullin, Matt Pullin, Ben Pullin and Christopher Blackwell.

The Jonesboro Board of Aldermen will hold a Special Called Meeting on Tuesday, March 29th. The meeting will take place at 6:00pm in the meeting room of the Jonesboro City Hall where the Introduction of a Sewer Rate Ordinance (#2022-001) will be discussed. 

Ordinance #2022-001

AN ORDINANCE AMENDNG CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO, SECTION 104 AND PORTIONS OF SECTION 32-104 OF APPENDIX B OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE TOWN OF JONESBORO BY ADDING TO THE FIRST PARAGRAPH THEREOF LANGUAGE SETTING FORTH HOW SEWER RTES WITHIN THE TOWN OF JONESBORO ARE TO BE FIXED, MODIFYING THE SEWER RATES, PROVIDING FOR MATTERS RELATED THERETO AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE FOR THE AMENDMENT.

WHEREAS, the Town of Jonesboro has been experiencing significant problems with its sewer system which may, in the future, compel the adjustment of sewer rates within the Town of Jonesboro; and
WHEREAS the citizens of the Town of Jonesboro are entitled to know the factors which will be considered in the fixing of sewer rates within the Town of Jonesboro; and
WHEREAS it is necessary that the sewer rates for the Town of Jonesboro be raised.;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Jonesboro, Louisiana, in regular session, duly convened as the governing authority of the Town of Jonesboro, Louisiana as follows, to-wit:

SECTION 1

The first full paragraph of Chapter 32 Section 32-104 of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Jonesboro is hereby amended to read as follows:
There is hereby fixed, established and levied on the occupant of every lot, dwelling, building or premises whatsoever connected with the water and sewage systems of the town, for obtaining water supplies and sewage services, and for the services rendered by the town in the collection and disposal of garbage, trash and other refuse, and the maintenance of the general cleanliness and sanitation of the town, monthly charges in amounts as established by the mayor and board of aldermen from time to time. Sewer rates shall be adjusted as necessary to ensure that enough funds are generated to operate, maintain, improve and service any debt of the sewer system of the town in such a manner as to provide for the collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage within the town in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of the State of Louisiana and the government of the United States.
With sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) of said Section 32-104 remaining unchanged.

SECTION II

Portions of Section 104 of Appendix B of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Jonesboro designated as 32-104 Sewer charges, private homes, monthly; sewer charges, business houses, stores, office buildings, apartment houses and other premises not classified as private homes or industrial user, monthly and sewer charges, industrial users, monthly and additional sewer use charge (not applicable to industrial users) be and the same are amended to read as follows:
32-104 Sewer charges, private homes, monthly (present to 12/31/2024)
Inside corporate limits: $12.00 plus $2.00/1000 gallons or portions thereof over 2000 gallons;
Outside corporate limits; $17.00 plus $2.25/1000 gallons or portions thereof over 2000 gallons.
31-104 Sewer charges, commercial users, monthly (present to 12/31/2024)
Inside corporate limits; $24.00 plus $2.25/1000 gallons or portions thereof over 2000 gallons.
Outside corporate limits: $26.00 plus $2.25/1000 gallons or portions thereof Over 2000 gallons
32-104 Sewer charges, industrial users, monthly (present to 12/31/2024) Inside or outside of corporate limits $1 ,000 plus $2.25/1000 gallons or portions thereof
32-104 Sewer charges, private homes, monthly (01/01/2025 to 12/31/2026) Inside corporate limits: $12.50 plus $2.10/1000 gallons or portions thereof over 2000 gallons; Outside corporate limits; $17.70 plus 2.35/1000 gallons or portions thereof Over 2000 gallons;
32-104 Sewer charges, commercial users, monthly (01/01/2025 to 12/31/2026)
Inside corporate limits $25.00 plus $2.35/1000 gallons or portions thereof 2000 gallons / Outside corporate limits; $27.00 plus $2.35/1000 gallons or portions thereof over 2000 gallons
32-104 Sewer charges, industrial users, monthly (01/01/2025 to 12/31/2026) Inside or outside of corporate limits $1040 plus $2.35/1000 gallons or portions thereof
32-104 Sewer charges, private homes, monthly (01/01/2027 – 12/31/2028) Inside corporate limits: $13.00 plus $2.20/1000 gallons or portions thereof over 2000 gallons / Outside corporate limits: $28.10 plus $2.25/1000 gallons or portions thereof over 2000 gallons
32-104 Sewer charges, commercial users, monthly (01/01/2027 — 12/31/2028)
Inside corporate limits: $26.00 plus $2.45/1000 gallons or portions thereof over 2000 gallons
Outside corporate limits: $28.10 plus $2.45/1000 gallons or portions thereof over 2000 gallons
32-104 Sewer charges, industrial users, monthly (01/01/2027 — 12/31/2028) Inside or outside of corporate limits $1080 plus $2.45/1000 gallons
32-104 Sewer charges, private homes, monthly (01/01/2029 — and after)
Inside corporate limits: $13.50 plus $3.10/1000 gallons or portions thereof over 2000 gallons
Outside corporate limits: $29.15 plus $2.55/1000 gallons or portions thereof over 2000 gallons;
32-104 Sewer charges, commercial users, monthly (01/01/2029 — and after) Inside corporate limits: $27.00 plus $2.55/1000 gallons or portions thereof over 2000 gallons
Outside corporate limits: $29.20 plus $2.55/1000 gallons or portions thereof over 2000 gallons
32-104 Sewer charges, industrial users, monthly (01/01/2029 — and after) Inside or outside of corporate limits $1125 plus $2.55/1000 gallons or portions thereof

SECTION III
Any provision of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Jonesboro contrary to this ordinance, be and the same is hereby repealed.
SECTION IV
This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption.
SECTION V
Should any item or provision, including any section, exception, part, phrase or term, or the application thereof be held invalid, the application to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby and the validity of this Ordinance in any and all other respects shall not be affected thereby. If any phrase, clause, word, or portion of this Ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity shall be limited to that portion of the Ordinance.

The above Ordinance will be introduced by Alderman at the special called meeting of the Board of Aldermen held on the 29th day of March, 2022, and copies of the same were provided to all members of the Board and the Mayor.

The title of the Ordinance will be published once in the official journal of the Town of Jonesboro, which notice will state that the Board of Aldermen would consider its adoption at the regular meeting of the Aldermen scheduled for the 12th day of April at 5:45 p.m., at which time a public hearing would be held on said ordinance.

At that meeting, following a public hearing, this proposed ordinance shall be read by title and called for final passage and may be adopted by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board of Aldermen.

Said ordinance shall then take effect as set forth in section IV.

 

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Cali Deal pitched a no-hitter and hit a home run to pace Quitman to a three inning, 16-0 swamping of Simsboro this past Thursday that clinched their second straight undefeated, district 2B title. Adding the pair of victories on Friday and Saturday each as host of the 2nd annual Quitman Tourney, that boasted 17 teams, the Lady Wolverines ran their unbeaten streak to a season best six games and saw their overall record sky rocket to 17-5 on the season. The triumphant weekend also paid dividends in the Class B power points as Quitman closes out the week with a #4 ranking.
District domination! The Lady Wolverines couldn’t have been more dominant in district 2B play. In three games Quitman outscored Weston, Choudrant and Simsboro by a combined 40-0 margin. Freshman hurler Cali Deal, now 6-2 on the year, pitched each of the 14 total innings played over the three games, racking up two no-hitters and striking out a total of 36 batters. This includes 17 against Choudrant and 12 against Weston.
Season high in steals! Quitman pounded Simsboro pitching for nine hits in just three innings and reached seven more time on errors, including five times in the third inning. What is more impressive is what happened after the batters got on base. They stole one and another and another and another…. you could keep doing that for 11 times to easily account for a season best in swipes. Madeline Vail and Madison Chaplin led the way with three thefts each with Anna Leach getting a pair.
Chaplin also scored three runs with Vail, Maggie Guyotte, Maddie Kaye Brymer, Skylar Hall and Karley Huckaby adding two more each. Marley Bell hit her first triple of the year, scored a run and knocked in two more.
Quitman 4 3 9 – 16 9 0
Simsboro 0 0 0 – 0 0 7
WP -Deal
LP – Wheeler
3B – Bell
HR – Deal
RBI – Deal 3, Bell 2, Chaplin, Guyotte, Brymer,
RS – Chaplin 3, Vail 2, Guyotte 2, Brymer 2, Hall 2, Huckaby 2
SB – Vail 3, Chaplin 3, Leach 2, Brymer, Williams, Huckaby

Lady Wolverines go 4-0 in tourney play

A rarely seen offensive exploit and a what has become a normal, run of the mill pitching exhibition led Quitman to a pair of opening night victories followed by back-to-back 16 run outbursts that gave them two more on Saturday. In the first two games on Friday, the Lady Wolverines took out a pair of Class 3A teams, North Webster and Caldwell, by 12-8 and 5-0 scores. On Saturday, Quitman stepped up in class and in run production to beat Class 5A Parkway 16-6 and Class 4A Minden 16-2. Eleven times now, Quitman has beaten a team from a higher classification.

Quitman 12 North Webster 8: (Friday) In the first game, Quitman spotted Northwood two runs before scoring seven in the bottom of the second and three more in the third to win their third straight.
Madison Chaplin scored three times and stole an incredible 7 bases after reaching base in all four at bats on three hits and getting hit by a pitch. The theft total is a career best for the speed merchant who took over the team lead with 23 and is believed to be a single game school record.
Cali Deal, Skylar Hall and Maddie Kaye Brymer also played big role in the offensive production as each had three hits in four at bats. Deal added 3 RBI and 2 runs scored, Hall stole a career best 3 bases knocked in two and scored two and Brymer knocked in a run and scored one. Winning pitcher, Maggie Guyotte, helped her own cause with two RBI and Anna Leach scored two and knocked in a run.
Northwood 2 0 0 1 1 4 0 – 8 9 4
Quitman 0 7 3 1 0 1 x – 12 15 2
WP – Guyotte (8-2)
LP – Campbell
2B – Deal
RBI – Deal 3, Guyotte 2, Hall 2, Brymer, Leach
RS – Chaplin 3, Deal 2, Hall 2, Leach 2, Brymer, Vail, Williams
SB – Chaplin 7, Hall 3, Leach, Vail, Brymer

Quitman 5 Caldwell 0: (Friday) While it was a very impressive showing, it was what has turned out to be just another day at the office for Cali Deal. Fresh off pitching a no-hitter the day before, the freshman fireballer struck out 12 and gave up only a meaningless single in the fifth inning. The effort gave her six shut outs on the season and the strikeout total was the fifth time that Deal has struck out 10 or more batters in a game, JUST IN THE MONTH OF MARCH.
Quitman played “small ball” to jump out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second. Madeline Vail walked and then went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Madison Chaplin who ended up at second after an errant throw to first by the Caldwell pitcher. Vail then took home and Chaplin followed on another bunt by Averie Williams that was ruled a single. Both advanced a base and Vail scored on an offensive interference.
The Lady Wolverines then broke out the big bats to add a run in the third as Deal helped her own cause by roping a triple. Maggie Guyotte followed with a double. Anna Leach led off the fifth with a hit and scored to up the lead to 4-0 before Madison Chaplin got hit by a pitch to open the sixth inning, stole two bases and scored on a double by Karley Huckaby.
Caldwell 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 – 0 1 3
Quitman 0 2 1 0 1  1 x – 5 7 0
WP – Deal (7-2)
LP – Kelly
2B – Guyotte, Huckaby
3B – Deal
RBI – Guyotte, Vail, Williams, Huckaby
RS – Chaplin 2, Deal, Vail, Leach
SB – Chaplin 2

Quitman 16 Parkway 6: (Saturday) It could be said the Lady Wolverines got a “Hall Pass” against Class 5A Parkway. To be exact it was a Skylar Hall pass. The often overlooked, but valuable mainstay in the vaunted Quitman offense reached base all four times and knocked in a career bet six runs to pave the way to the five-inning, “mercy rule” victory. Three different times Hall knocked in a pair of runs with a single in the first inning and doubles in both the fourth and fifth innings.
Hall was not the only offensive star. Madeline Vail also had a huge day at the plate as she also reached base in all four at bats, scored a season best four runs and knocked in three on the strength of a second inning home run. Maddie Kaye Brymer got two hits, stole a base and scored three runs while both Call Deal and Maggie Guyotte hit a double and scored twice. Madison Chaplin also scored two runs after getting a hit and walking twice and Karley Huckaby got into the act by getting a hit, scoring a run, knocking one in and stealing a base. Guyotte got the win to improve to 9-2 on the year.
Parkway 0 0 0 6 0 – 6 6 3
Quitman 4 4 1 5 2 – 16 12 1
WP – Guyotte (9-2)
LP – Thorton
2B – Hall 2, Deal, Guyotte
HR – Vail
RBI – Hall 6, Vail 3, Deal, Guyotte Brymer, Huckaby, Leach
RS – Vail 4, Brymer 3, Deal 2, Guyotte 2, Chaplin 2, Huckaby
SB – Brymer, Huckaby, Guyotte

Quitman 16 Minden 2: (Saturday) When you are hot, you are hot and the Lady Wolverines offense is scorching. Fresh off scoring in every inning the game before, Quitman did it again in the nightcap to tame the Tide. Five runs in the first and fourth innings sandwiched three in both the second and third as Quitman extended their scoring streak to 11 straight innings over three games. The way the “terrific ten” saw the ball this past weekend, the streak most probably would have been extended but the 16 runs was all that was needed to end the game after four frames. Stay tuned……
It couldn’t have been a much better weekend for the Lady Wolverines and especially for Madison Chaplin. After demonstrating her incredible speed and adeptness on the base paths in the tourney opener the QHS centerfielder proved she packs a powerful punch as well. Hitting in the five hole Chaplin blasted a double and a triple to knock in three and score three.
Nine players scored including Averie Williams who knocked in four runs after going 3 for 3 and hitting a sacrifice fly. Unquestionably the most productive 8th grader in the entire state, Maggie Guyotte, went 3/3 to raise her batting average to .516 on the year, second best on the team. Her solo shot in the second inning was her 5th “four bagger” this season and 32nd RBI, both team best’s. Freshman, Cali Deal, also hit a two run “round tripper” in the third, which accounted for half of her 4 RBI in the game. Madison Vail stole two bases and scored twice as did Anna Leach and just in case you didn’t know, she is only in the SEVENTH GRADE. Talk about “Young Guns.”
Minden, coached by Weston High graduate and former star, Shelby Leach, opened the game with a single, double and sacrifice fly to score two runs. That was all the runs and hits the Tide would get the rest of the way though as “The Real” Deal, struck out 9 to run her record to 8-2 on the year.
Minden  2 0 0 0 0 – 2 2 5
Quitman 5 3 3 5 x – 16 16 0
WP – Deal (8-2)
LP – Ryan
2B – Chaplin
3B – Chaplin
HR – Deal, Guyotte
RBI – Williams 4, Deal 4, Chaplin 3, Huckaby, Hall, Guyotte, Vail
RS – Chaplin 3, Vail 2, Guyotte 2, Leach 2, Deal, Brymer, Davis, Williams, Huckaby
SB – Vail 2, hall, Huckaby, Leach

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On Thursday, March 24, 2022, New Hope St. Clair Water System issued a boil advisory for Jackson Parish. The reason for the boil advisory is due to recent power failure.

What to Do During a Boil Water Advisory

• Let the clean storage container sit at least 30 seconds, and then pour the solution out of the container.
• Let empty container air dry OR rinse it with clean water that has already been made safe, if available. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Open windows and doors to get fresh air when you use bleach.

Water filters

Boil tap water even if it is filtered. Most kitchen and other household water filters typically do not remove bacteria or viruses.

Preparing and cooking food

• Wash all fruits and vegetables with boiled water that has cooled or bottled water.
• Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute before adding food to cook.
• Use boiled water when preparing drinks, such as coffee, tea, and lemonade
• Wash food preparation surfaces with boiled water.

Ice

• Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers, or ice makers.

• Throw out all ice made with tap water.

• Make new ice with boiled or bottled water.

Bathing and showering

Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering.

Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.

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River Oaks of Monroe scored three earned runs in the top of the fourth inning of their game against Weston this past Thursday. What is the importance of that? It broke the six-game streak Weston had going of not allowing an earned run in a game at home, which for the Wolves this season is the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Complex.

It wasn’t enough. It wasn’t near enough!

While one season streak went by the wayside another continued as Weston scored 9 runs in the third inning and 8 more in the fourth to roll over River Oaks 19-3. The victory improved the top ranked team in Class B’s record to 11-3, with all 11 wins being “ten run rule” victories.
It isn’t as if the powerful Wolves offensive attack needed any help as six Weston batters got a hit, led by three in four at bats by Bryce Zehr’s, but River Oaks didn’t help their cause by dishing out 10 walks and making six errors.
It was a total team effort as eight Wolves scored two or more runs in the contest and six more stole a base. Davis Tolar, who got the victory on the mound, drove in three with Caleb Waters, Cooper Delaney and Drew Browning adding two more apiece. Five more Weston batters also drove in a run.
River Oaks 0 0 0 3 – 3 2 6
Weston       1 1 9 8 – 19 8 0
WP – Tolar
LP – n/a
2B Tolar, Zehr, Browning
RBI – D. Tolar 3, Delaney 2, Waters 2, Browning 2, Theriot, Henderson, Shirley, C. Tolar, Zehr
RS – Zehr 3, Delaney 3, Garrett 3, Henderson 2, Waters 2, Tolar 2, Browning 2, Theriot 2
SB – Delaney, Henderson, Tolar, Waters, Zehr, Theriot

Delaney, Garrett combine to no-hit Union Parish

Cooper Delaney and Layton Garrett combined for a no hitter to pace Weston to a 13-0 “mercy rule” victory over Class 3A Union Parish this past Wednesday. The victory improved the Wolves record to 10-3 and snapped a three-game losing streak for the top ranked team in Class B. Union Parish fell to 3-9 with the loss.

Home sweet home! There is no place like home, or in the case of the Wolves baseball team, the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Complex (JPRDC) which is where Weston plays their home games. Six times this season the Wolves have hosted opponents from higher classifications at the JPRDC. Six times they have sent their opponents home quicker than they planned on playing.

Weston’s offensive stats at home are mind boggling, Over the six games the Wolves have accumulated 93 runs. That is an average of just over 16 runs a game. Even more incredible is the effort the pitching staff has put forth. Weston hurlers have now thrown four no-hitters is six outings. In the other two they gave up one hit and two hits. Opponents have scored only one run combined and still yet to score a single earned run.

Give Union Parish credit as they lasted longer than any other team has so far this season by stretching the game to 4 ½ innings. Prior to the contest on Wednesday, no team had managed to stay on the field for more than three.

Delaney does it again! The contest marked the third time this season that Delaney has started a contest where the Wolves pitching staff threw a no-hitter. It also was the second time that Garrett has come in to close out a “no-no.” The victory improved Delaney’s record to 3-1 on the year, the only loss being a hard luck 4-3 setback to Class 4A’s top ranked team, Teurlings Catholic from Lafayette, where he gave up only 2 earned runs. His season ERA now stands at 2.625 and a perfect zero in games pitched at home.

Davis is dominating! Davis Tolar continued his torrid pace at the plate with a by getting two hits in two at bats, one being a double, that included a walk and 2 RBI. His seventh, multi hit game of the year improved his batting average to .667 for the year, which is among the state leaders according to MaxPreps.

Trice as nice! Weston hit three triples in the contest to give them an incredible ten as a team. Tait Henderson, who scored three runs, hit is first of the season while Bryce Zehr’s second three bagger of the year added to his 2 runs scored and 2 stolen bases. Drew Browning rounded out the Wolves “tri-fectas” with his second of the season that led to a season high 4 RBI and 2 runs scored.

Union Parish   0 0 0 0 0 – 0 0 3
Weston High   5 5 3 0 x – 13 8 4           

WP – Delaney (3-1)
LP – Thomas
2B – Tolar
3B – Henderson, Zehr, Browning
RBI – Browning 4, Tolar 2, Waters, Shirley, Theriot
SB – Zehr 2, Theriot

JHHS dominated in district opening series

After the last two games that saw the Tigers put up 29 runs in a blowout victory and a narrow, one run loss, Jonesboro-Hodge coach Chris Smith hoped the Tigers were turning the corner heading into district 1-2A play. Instead, they ran into a brick wall. Or maybe it should be said, a wood one.
D’Arbonne Woods Charter (DWC) out of Farmerville, who soared to the top of the 1-2A standings with a 3-0 record and improved their overall record to 6-11, beat JHHS 21-1, 15-0 and 20-8 in the three-game series to drop the Tigers record to 2-8 overall and 0-3 in district play.

DWC 21 JHHS 1: Three and thirteen! Those were the predominant numbers that told the story. Three Tigers pitchers got pelted for 13 hits, gave up 13 free passes and had 13 bases stolen against them while the JHHS offensive managed only three singles. Marcus Thompson scored the run for the Tigers as he, Waylon Evans and Jayden Qualles got the hits and Logan Smith the lone RBI. Tydre Malone took the loss.
DWC 0 2 2 4 13 – 21 13 0
JHHS 0 0 1 0 0 – 1 3 2
WP – Brown
LP – Malone
RBI – Smith
RS – Thompson
SB – Thompson

DWC 15 JHHS 0: Thankfully the carnage only lasted for two D’Arbonne Woods at bats, as the “mercy rule” kicked in after 2 ½ innings of play and JHHS down by 15 runs. In that short time though DWC roughed up JHHS pitching for 13 hits that included 8 doubles, including three in a row in the second inning that saw DWC pile up 11 runs. Ethan Taylor got two hits for JHHS and Aiden Price hit a double and stole a base.
JHHS 0 0 0 – 0 3 1
DWC 4 11 x – 15 13 0
WP – Davis
LP – Tew
2B – Price
SB – Price

D’Arbonne Woods 20 JHHS 8: The Tigers seemed on the verge of salvaging the final game of the three game series by breaking on top with two runs each in the first inning and third innings. Then D’Arbonne Woods started hitting the ball and when they didn’t, the Tiger pitchers couldn’t find the plate. DWC pounded out 11 hits and took advantage of an unbelievable 17 free passes to score 11 runs in the third and 9 more in the fourth.
Can we have a strike please? Four Tiger pitchers toed the hill. None of them could throw a strike. The Tigers staff threw 149 pitches with just 48 of them being strikes and 101 of them being balls. YIKES! You won’t win many like that.
The lack of command wasted a good day at the plate by Ajay Tew, Logan Smith and Ethan Taylor. Tew had his best day at the plate this year, getting three hits in four at bats, knocking in two, scoring a run and stealing a base. That included a pair of doubles, the first time a Tiger batter has hit for multiple extra bases this season. Smith, who also stole a base, and Taylor had two hits each and both got an RBI and scored a run. J Qualles also got a pair of hits and knocked in a run.
JHHS 2 0 2 0 4 – 8 11 1
DWC 0 0 11 9 x -20 11 0
WP – Hearn
LP – Strickland
2B – Tew 2
RBI – Tew 2, Qualles, Paggett, Taylor, Smith, Strickland
RS – Tew, Evans, Strickland, Smith Taylor, Ulloa, Thompson, Bradford
SB – Smith, Tew

Many scores many to beat Quitman

It started bad and ended worse for the Wolverines who fell to Many High 13-3 in six innings. The loss was the fourth in the last five games, all coming against top ten ranked schools from higher classifications and dropped their record to 7-6 on the year. Many, the 4th ranked team among “non-select” schools in Class 2A improved to 13-2 on the season.

The visiting Wolverines got off to an early 1-0 lead when Logan Ponder opened the game by getting plunked and advanced to second on a perfectly executed bunt single by Ty Simonelli. Then with two outs Luke Morgan singled in a run. Then Many came to bat and scored five runs, the big blow being a two out, grand slam.

Quitman rallied for two more runs in the top of the second when Cam Hollis reached on an error, Kace West and Ian Tilley singled and Ponder hit a sacrifice fly. That would be it for the offense though as Many pitching allowed only one more hit to the 8th ranked team in Class B the rest of the way. The Tigers would add single runs in the bottom of the second and fourth innings and then ended the contest with six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Quitman (7-6) 1 2 0 0 0 0 – 3 5 2
Many (13-2)    5 1 0 1 0 6 – 13 12 2

WP – Deville
LP – Tilley
RBI – Tilley, Morgan, Ponder
SB – Duck, Morgan

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