The second annual Jackson Parish Clean Up Day is set for Saturday, June 4th. Civic groups, organizations, towns, businesses and neighborhood volunteers are asked to register at the Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Office, located at 162 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro, where supplies can also be picked up by group leaders 7:30am – 4:30pm, Wednesday-Friday.

Derived from a vision of Police Jury member John McCarthy, the effort to help clean up the parish was a tremendous success a year ago. This year there will be a competition among all divisions of volunteers with those who clean up the most being recognized. 

“We hope that our residents will show their pride and love for our parish by having the best turnout yet,” said McCarthy. “Our goal is to make Jackson Parish the cleanest in the state and by coming together we can get this done.” 

If you need assistance or have questions on how you can help, please call 318-475-1251 or 318-243-1084. 

---

Looking back at the baseball seasons of the three high schools in Jackson Parish the best way to describe it is that it was comprised of what dreams are made of. For Quitman the dream of playing in the Class B state tournament was realized, while at Weston they got to play on the Field of Dreams. Even at Jonesboro-Hodge, despite their losing record, there were a couple of players who saw their dreams come true as well. Staying with the theme, the Jackson Parish Journal is pleased to announce the first ever Jackson Parish “Dream Team.”

Most Valuable Player: Caleb Waters (Weston High) The Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) signee was the only player in the parish to be a member of the 40/40 club after scoring 40 runs and knocking in 40 more, while registering a .456 batting average The co-MVP of district 2B also led Jackson Parish with 8 home runs and had the best single game performance of three home runs and 8 RBI’s against Class 4A Bastrop. On the mound Waters compiled a 4-2 record, that includes a pair of 6 inning, one hit performances and five shutouts leading to a stellar 2.10 earned run average. 

Pitcher of the Year: Ty Simonelli (Quitman High) Other than in the Class B state semifinal loss against Converse, the bigger the game the better the BPCC signee pitched. His 5-3 overall record included wins against Class 3A Grant High, Class 4A Minden and the very impressive shoutout of Class B state champion Choudrant in district 2B play. Added is the regional round victory against Singer where he outdueled Louisiana – Lafayette signee, Zach Hess, who was touted as one of the best pitchers in the state and the game saving clutch relief performance against Pitkin in the quarterfinals. Simonelli was also a beast at the plate where he ended with a .403 batting average and led Jackson Parish with 7 triples and 23 base on balls, while scoring a team high 37 runs.

Coach of the Year: Joe Lockhart (Quitman High) By being the only coach in the parish to lead his team to the state tournament, being named JPJ Dream Team Coach of the Year was pretty much a no brainer. Most likely, since Tony Antley led Choudrant to back-to-back state titles and then retired after, he will be named Coach of the Year in Class B. In all reality what Lockhart did was more impressive. The elder statesman of Jackson Parish coaches led Quitman to the regular season, top ranking in Class B by scheduling 16 of the first 17 games played against ranked opponents from higher classifications to toughen his young team up. Then in the playoffs, Lockhart showed his game management capability by making several critical decisions that was the difference in a pair of tight games in the regional and quarterfinal rounds.  

Additional Dream Teamers:

Logan Smith (JHHS): For most of the year Smith not only led Jackson Parish in batting average but the entire state as well, finishing the year with a stellar .581 average. Smith led the Tigers in virtually every offensive category despite opponents trying their best to pitch around him. 

Davis Tolar (Weston High): The Central Baptist College signee led Jackson Parish with 18 hits for extra bases that included a leading nine doubles. The 30/30 club member with 39 RBI and 30 runs scored also had the third highest batting average in the parish, ending the year with an even .500 average at the plate. 

Blake Carter (Quitman High) Was second on the team with a .384 batting average and a 20/20 club member with 20 RBI and 21 runs scored. Also had a 2-2 record on the mound where he registered two complete game, seven inning outings against Class 3A North Webster and Weston, while compiling a 1.81 ERA, good for second best in the parish. 

Ajay Tew (JHHS) The slick fielding shortstop got it done on the field and at the plate for the Tigers. At .484, Tew had the third highest batting average in the parish and led the parish with only one error made among all infielders who had over 20 total chances.

Cooper Delaney (Weston High) The author of a parish best 4 no-hitters, started nine games for the Wolves to end the season with a parish best six wins against three losses. In a team leading 44 innings, Delaney struck out 52 batters. Offensively the underclassman hit .306 on the year and was yet another member of the 20/20 club with 26 RBI and 20 runs scored. 

Luke Morgan (Quitman High) The areas leader in stolen bases with 27, Morgan was the ultimate lead off batter reaching base a parish best 59 times with fifteen of those after being hit by pitches, also a parish best. When swinging the bat, the Louisiana Christian signee hit .337 and scored 36 runs. Morgan also led the parish by not making a single error in 200 chances and compiling 35 assists from his catchers position. 

Marcus Thompson (JHHS) The speedy East Texas Baptist signee led the Tigers in doubles, runs scored and stolen bases while hitting .316 on the year. Blessed with a rocket right arm, Thompson also threw out a parish best 8 baserunners from the outfield. 

Kaden Shirley (Weston High) The crafty lefty ended the season with a 5-4 overall record that included a brilliant one hit performance in the regional round victory over Holden in the Class B playoffs. Shirley also batted .364 on the year.

Logan Ponder (Quitman High) Hitting .357 on the year the all district 2B performer also accounted for 33 runs scored and 21 RBI and a team tying 6 doubles. In 106 chances at shortstop Ponder made only six errors for a stellar .943 fielding percentage

Braden Theriot (Weston High) Finishing with a team tying seven doubles, Theriot had the third highest batting average on the team at .375 while also scoring 31 runs and leading the team with 21 walks and tying for the team lead with 14 steals. 

Ian Tilley (Quitman High) With a parish leading 54.2 innings thrown, Tilley ended the year with a 5-3 record and parish best 1.73 ERA. Included was a no-hitter against Class 2A Pickering. After a slow start to the season, Tilley collected hits in nine of the last ten games batting .406 in district 2B contests and in the playoffs. 

Honorable Mention: Riley Duck (Quitman), Kyler West (Quitman) Drew Browning (Weston), Bryce Zehr (Weston)

 

 

 

 

---

When MGM Development Group partner, Jeff Glover, addressed the Board of Aldermen for the Town of Jonesboro recently, he provided information that brought wide smiles and planted the seeds of eager anticipation to all in attendance.

What Glover let the panel know was that his vision of turning the wooded area to the south of Industrial Drive in Jonesboro into a state-of-the-art Senior Retirement Village had become a reality as funding for the 10.5 million dollar project had been approved by the state of Louisiana.

“We have pre-approved financing and we are working on the paperwork now to close the transaction,” said Glover. “We hope to begin construction in by the end of the year and believe the development should be open for business by late 2023.”

As the most extensive civic project in Jackson Parish since the development of Caney Lake over a quarter of a century ago, the modern retirement community will be one of the most progressive endeavors in the region.

The certified “green” community brings tremendous benefits to the parish. For the residents, who will be restricted to those 55 or older, the promise is for very economical, safe and secure housing equipped will a host of modern amenities. For the town of Jonesboro and Jackson Parish the annual, multi-million dollar contributions through additional healthcare jobs, increased disposable spending by senior citizens, and increase sales and property taxes will provide much needed stimulus to the local economy.

For an idea of what future residents can expect the following amenities will be available.

Washers and Dryers in all units
Dishwashers maintained in each unit
Ceiling fans in living rooms and all bedrooms
Smart Thermostat installed in each unit (With Wi-Fi)
Green Building or Universal Design
Patio or balcony

Community amenities will include security cameras, gated entrance, picnic area with permanent grill, off street parking and development wide Wi-Fi. Additional future plans are for a basketball court, computer center, exercise room, community garden, tennis courts, courtyard with seating, dog park or designated pet area and accessible community space. 

“This is a true success story and team effort for the City of Jonesboro,” beamed Glover. “The help by Mayor Thompson, Attorney Doug Stokes, town council members and the zoning board was invaluable in making this a reality.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

When you are called, you are called. It is simple as that. The question is will you answer when the knock comes on the door of opportunity? You have heard many times from many people that they wish they would have done this or done that. Usually, it is from someone older who when thinking back on their life reflects on something that they could have done to better themselves or their family. 

In very rare cases that “missed opportunity” not only would have bettered them but bettered everyone else they came in contact with. Recent Weston High graduate, Eli McBride, wasn’t about to let the calling he knew he had on him go by the wayside. As result, he is already benefitting those he is coming in contact with. 

The days and weeks following graduation from high school are some of the most fun a person will enjoy during their life. It is also one of the most important as “real life” decisions have to be made.

Do I go to college? Go to work?  

In the son of Steven and Jeannie McBride’s case, he plans on doing both, only his work isn’t exactly what you would expect of someone so young. Actually, he has been on the job all during his senior year in high school. His job? Saving souls!

McBride answered the call from God to be a “message member” at an early age. All through school he showed by example those his age how to live for Christ. Now he is spreading the “Good News” by ministering in area churches. This past week it was the congregation of the Central Assembly of God Church in Winnfield who was blessed by his singing and preaching.

To view click here

---

Students who aren’t sure where they’ll go to college this fall have until midnight, June 8 to apply for the Journal Services NSU Scholarships, which will award three new Northwestern State University students up to $3,000 in the next school year.

A link to a simple online application form is available here:
APPLICATION: To Apply – Click Here

The scholarships are designed to assist Class of 2022 high school students who haven’t settled on a college choice, as well as students currently enrolled at other higher-education institutions who are considering transferring to NSU in Natchitoches.

They are being provided by Journal Services, LLC, based in Natchitoches, which supports 12 locally owned journals covering north central and northwest Louisiana, including the Jackson Parish Journal.

“We know there are students who haven’t decided yet where they’ll go to college this fall. We know that in many cases, money is a key factor in making college accessible,” said Bill Vance, general manager of Journal Services, LLC. “We are providing three game-changing scholarships bringing eager students to NSU to take advantage of the excellent academic programs here, and to live in a community where there are plenty of opportunities to find part-time jobs and to have a great student experience.”

Applicants are asked to provide their high school GPA (and college GPA if applicable), and also, report their ACT score along with listing honors, extracurricular activities and other relevant information on the form. That information will provide a basis for selecting the three winners.

The scholarship awards are for $1,500 cash per semester in the 2022-23 academic year. To renew the scholarship for the Spring 2023 semester, winners must post at least a 2.7 Fall semester GPA at NSU.

Scholarship winners must live in Natchitoches Parish during the upcoming school year. They are also required to have in-person, face-to-face instruction for 75 percent of their classes in 2022-23.

Students who have already accepted financial aid awards from Northwestern are not eligible to apply.

---

With high school spring sports competition having now drawn to a close the scene now shifts to the summer league season which consists of playing in everything from youth recreation department leagues to elite travel ball competition. 

Bombs Away! Or maybe Bombers Away would be more fitting. That is because a pair of local young ladies play for the elite, nationally recognized, “Bombers” travel ball softball team in their respective age group. Another is the certified queen of bombs on the basketball court. All three will be away most weekends of the summer as they travel with their teams all over the nation.  

The trio range in age from beginning college next year to just getting her high school career started to looking forward to junior high. All three are at the top of their age bracket locally in their respective sport leading them to having the opportunity to play with the best of the best in the south. 

Cali Deal (Texas Bombers Gold) – The sensational, sophomore-to-be, southpaw who has led Quitman to back-to-back, undefeated district 2B championship’s is commanding the circle for the #6 ranked team in the nation in 14U competition this summer. Talk about a tournament schedule, Deal will play all over the south and even in the state of Colorado as she looks to add another national title to the one she won last year with her 13U team. 

Hallie Kate Pullig (Bombers) – Based out of Natchitoches and coached by the NSU Lady Demons softball coach this elite group of 12 and under girls from Louisiana, East Texas and Arkansas make it a regular habit of “bringing home the bling.” Leading the way is Pullig who is the only representative from the area and a top contributor every weekend. Already the team has won several tournaments and the summer play is just now beginning. Alabama, Tennessee and Colorado are in the travel plans all before the end of June. 

Georgia Robinson (LA Elite) – Whereas the other two are Bombers on the diamond, this Saline High School graduate and LA Elite member is the gold standard of girls basketball bombers.  After earning 1st team All-District honors, the reigning Northwest Louisiana 3-point Shoot-Out champion is proving  that the better the competition, the better she plays. Robinson led the team in scoring in LA Elite’s tourney title in Arkansas and on Monday was named Player of the Game at their IE Memorial Day Classic Tournament contest. 

 

---

Good thing some of the Shreveport boys went with Louisiana Tech’s baseball team this weekend to Hattiesburg, Miss., where the Bulldogs won the CUSA Tournament and some home boys found themselves playing dramatic roles.

Sophomore utility infielder Riggs Easterling, in his first year at Tech after starring at Loyola College Prep and Mississippi Delta Community College, scored his third and most important run of the year, the game-winner in Sunday’s 9-8 championship game victory over UTSA. The speedy Easterling had come on to pinch-run for CUSA Defensive Player of the Year Logan McLeod, who got the winning rally started with an infield single.

Junior lefthander Jonathan Fincher of C.E. Byrd cleverly brought along his left hand and even his left arm and together, the gang combined for 10 innings. He threw three innings and just 36 pitches in relief in the 4-0 win over Charlotte Wednesday; he gave up two hits, struck out two and didn’t walk anybody.

He started Saturday night’s elimination game, pitched seven innings, threw 96 pitches, gave up six hits, five runs, struck out eight, walked one, and left the game with a 5-5 tie; Tech scored two in the bottom of the ninth for an 8-7 win and its first walk-off victory of the season.

It’s second was Sunday, and the final at-bat starred senior Steele Netterville, Fincher’s high school friend and teammate, part of the future Fincher & Netterville Doctors ’R’ Us duo. But before medical school, the two are trying to get to Omaha, the next hurdle being the Austin Regional that begins when Tech plays Dallas Baptist at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

Sunday’s hurdle was Step 1 and provided more drama than any appendicitis case Netterville might face down the road. The stage for Netterville: teammates on second and third, score 8-8, two outs, bottom nine. Righthanded hitter Netterville against righty reliever Braylon Owens.

Swing, foul ball, 0-1.

Outside and high, 1-1.

Called strike, 1-2. Looked outside. Netterville reacted, as did Tech’s Taylor Young, who’d been intentionally walked and was on second; he went semi-nuts and spread his palms to suggest just how outside the zone the pitch had been.

The sophomore Netterville might have been dead meat. Though back then he led the Bulldogs in extra base hits, tied for the lead in homers and was third in RBI, his strikeouts were high and he gave a lot of at-bats away. And batting in the heart of the order, he was going to get pitched tough anyway; he had to learn how not to help the pitcher.

“Three years ago, it was harder for me to flush it and move on to the next pitch,” Netterville said. “I’d have likely swung at the next pitch and still been mad at the umpire. (Hitting) Coach (Mitch) Gaspard really helped me grow as a hitter and as a person, along with (head coach) Lane Burroughs; they’ve been the perfect combination. Then you add in all the positive energy from Coop (pitching coach Cooper Fouts).”

The perfect combination included lots of at-bats, lots of pitching machine sliders, lots of video studying. Work and patience.

“You know him,” Gaspard said of Tech’s 3-hole hitter. “He was going to work at it until he figured it out.”

He’s hitting .311 now for the 42-19 Bulldogs with 45 career homers and a program record 62 career doubles. That and lots of practice waited for the 1-2 pitch Sunday.

Slider outside. Laid off. 2-2.

Then … it appeared Owens balked which, if called, would have ended the game and scored Easterling from third then. Netterville’s reaction was semi-violent. He stepped back. Pointed toward the rubber. Glanced at the dugout. But just as quickly, he stepped back into the box and got ready.

“The umpire told me to focus, and that just made me more mad,” Netterville said. “First, he strikes me on a ball, then misses a balk. So, I was a little heated on the 2-2.”

“But,” he said, “I cleared my mind. I heard Coach Gaspard in the background telling me to make the pitcher get the ball up, to relax.”

The pitch was worth his wait. Fastball up and away. Netterville might have been a little late with his swing, but a little late was just right. He bounced the ball just inside the first base bag and into the safety of right field to end the at-bat.

And to end the tournament.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

---

An Ocean of Possibilities await the ones who are up to the task of participating in the 2022 Summer Reading Challenge at the Jackson Parish Library. The contest that runs from June 1st – July 29th, is just the beginning of a fun filled time that will that includes free activities all summer long. If you haven’t signed up yet you can do so by using the beanstalk app or come by the Jonesboro or Chatham branches where a staff member will assist you. 

See below for kick off activities at the Chatham Branch on Thursday and Jonesboro Branch on Friday.

---

The University of Louisiana Monroe has announced the students on the President’s and Dean’s List for the Spring 2022 semester. Eligibility to the President’s or Dean’s requires full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 semester hours completed) and the lists are calculated based on Grade Point Average (GPA) hours and term GPA.

President’s List (denoted with *): an undergraduate student is required to earn at least a 3.9 GPA
Dean’s List: an undergraduate student is required to earn at least a 3.5 GPA

ULM Spring 2022 President’s and Dean’s List (Jackson Parish)

Chatham
Matthew Buell, Madison DeCou, Brianna Howard, Crystal Mathews

Eros
Kristin Eckert, Samantha Eckert, Mackenzie Helmer (*), Jonathon Holland, Victoria LaMartiniere, Brandy Mire

Jonesboro
Jonathan DeCou, Alexa Garlington (*), Chance LeBlanc, Brandy Rogers, Allison Walker

Quitman
Holly Berg, Savannah Dowden

 

---

Over the past several months the Jonesboro Fire Department (JFD)has been burning dilapidated, unsightly and unsafe structures as part of the ongoing Beautification of Jonesboro project. Normally it is one building, house or structure being burned.

This past week the project went “full blaze” as virtually a whole block was burned at the same time with five structures that stood side by side on Walton Street being taken down to the foundation as the aerial view shown in the banner above depicts.

The project not only helps remove eyesores from the town but also provides valuable, non-emergency, training for the employees and volunteers of the Fire Department.

“We are pleased to be able to help our residents our town by removing these blemishes from their property,” said JFD Fire Chief Brandon Brown. “I am also very happy that our department is getting the opportunity to work with different situations that may arise so that we can be best prepared in the event a real emergency like this comes up.”

---

Have you ever gone to the Jackson Parish Library (JPL) in the past and looked for a specific book only to find it wasn’t there? If that has ever happened to you before it almost assuredly won’t take place anymore. The reason? Thanks to the members of the Library Board if there is a book in any Library in north Louisiana the JPL will have access to it. 

How this is derived is through the JPL joining the Green Gold Library System which allows one library to borrow a resource from another. The JPL was already a member of Trailblazers which is basically the same type of organization for libraries but was comprised of members from only northeast Louisiana. The Green Gold System is made up of libraries from northwest Louisiana.

“By joining this group, we have basically doubled our capability to get a resource for our patrons,” said JPL Director Floyd Knox. 

In other action it was approved for the library director and two bookmobile staff members to attend the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services conference in Scottsdale, AZ on October 4-6, 2022. Director Knox also informed the members that the new Bookmobile should be delivered by the beginning of the school year and the board agreed to a change order for trim painting at the Chatham branch as part of the ongoing renovations. 

The meeting began with the approval to accept the April financial and statistical reports along with the agreement to hire two part time workers for the summer through the Pre-Employment Transition Service program.

The next scheduled meeting is set for Monday, June 20, 2022.

---

With the games of this past Thursday and Friday another very successful season of youth baseball and softball summer league play has drawn to a close. Next up is all-star competition for the nine age group divisions that are slated to begin play in a couple of weeks.  

Game results of May 26-27

11-13 Boys Results

VP Oil Change 7 Johnny’s Pizza 6
(VP Oil Change scoring) Krypton Caskey 2, Gunner Fontenot, Dawson Griffin, Cail King, Braydon Robinson, William Dupree (Johnny’s Pizza Scoring) Eli Henderson 2, Bryce Tolar, Liam Weaver, Aiden Phares, Will Warren

Elite Roofing 8 Centric Fed Credit Union 1 
(Elite Roofing Scoring) Asher Rhodes 2, Conner Moak 2, Aiden Rhodes, Remi Upshaw, Leyton Younse, Asher Shultz, (CFCU Scoring) Emmanuel Hopkins

9-10 Boys Results

HD Remodeling 8 Castor 4
(HD Remodeling Scoring) Jaxon Cheatwood 2, Lukas Bandy 2, Axel Coe, Henry Underwood, Shepard Norred, Cason Rogers

Traina’s Bakery 13 HD Remodeling 1 
(Traina’s Bakery Scoring) Ben Patton 2, Addison Phares 2, Dash Murphy 2, Jake Moak 2, Mason Thomas, Tripp McBride, Jensen Waggoner, Gunner Garrett, Drew Mobley (HD Remodeling Scoring) Lukas Bandy

Ables Farms 11 Mercy Medical 5
(Ables Farms Scoring) Bentley Ponder 2, Noah Spillman 2, Jackson Ables 2, Hayden Essmeier, Ryder Diffey, Riley Steveson. Ryan Sandifer, Jack Emmons (Mercy Medical Scoring) Raylon Bradford, Waylon Sullivan, Caston Zimmerman, Burch, Jaxon Culpepper 

7-8 Boys Results

Uptown Tanning 21 Jonesboro State Bank 14
(Uptown Tanning Scoring) Thatcher Savage 4, Asher Norred 4, Carter Kelley 3, Maddox Graham 3, Caleb Robinson 2, Chance Lemoine 2, Jax Davis 2, Ashton Anderson (Jonesboro State Bank Scoring) Clay Burton 3, Andrew Seymore 2, Kutter Blaylock 2, Barrett Smith 2, Copeland, Grant Griffen, Christopher Wren, Brock Craighead, Cruz Nomey

Jackson Parish Hospital 13 5A Pump & Hose 10
(Jackson Parish Hospital Scoring) Avery Buchan 2, Jaycob Rogers 2, Jaxson Mason 2, Wyatt McGrew, Nash Moak, Drew Caldwell, Landry Garrett, Slade Gray, Jaysen Cottonham (5A Pump & Hose Scoring) Asher Cooper 2, Leland Anderson 2, Nathan Davis 2, Remy Davis, Paxton Wamer, Sean Sandifer, Brantley Tucker

5A Pump & Hose 17 Mavericks 8
(5A Pump & Hose Scoring) Gidean Cromwell 3, Remy Davis 3, Leland Anderson 2, Sean Sandifer 2, Brantley Tucker 2, Jaxton Russell 2, Isaiah McCormick 2, Asher Cooper (Mavericks Scoring) Bradley 2, Sawyer, Doc, Keegan, Luke, Samuel, Keelen 

9-10 Girls Results

4T Exterior Cleaning 13 Pardue Builders 12 
(4T Exterior Cleaning Scoring) London Burks 2, Tessa Reeves 2, Gracie Gray 2, Teegan Hall, Kamryn James, Anna Phelps, Khloe Odenbaugh, Phynix Johnson, Emma Ottwell, Morgan Hobdy (Pardue Builders Scoring) – Landry Horsfall 3, Mykenzie Maloy 2, Maggie Wall 2, Ava Canerday 2, Alina Cook 2, Braniah Malone

Bucketboat 10 Leach Lawn Care 6 
(Bucketboat Scoring) Rachel Bandy 2, Amelia Staggs 2, Kellyn Brister 2, Julie Ford, Faith Burns, Charleigh Newton Isabella Blewer (Leach Lawn Care Scoring) – Kynleigh Leach 2, Lily LaBlance 2, Mallory Malone, Brylee Harvey

7-8 Girls Results

Ruffled Feathers 9 Grit & Grace 5
(Ruffled Feathers Scoring) Kate Keiffer 2, Ryan Kate Wyatt 2, Brelaina Hall 2, Ryleigh McCormick, Presley Carpenter, Paisley Smith (Grit & Grace Scoring) Savannah Porter 2, Charley Linton, Emma Gray, Khaliya Cash

Family Pharmacy 13 Barksdale Fed Credit Union 6
(Family Pharmacy Scoring) Hannah Aldy 4, Ainsley Bougues 3, Aubrie Allen 2, Ashlyn Petre, Adeline Anderson, Scarlett Parks, Carrington Bond (BFCU Scoring) Abigail Sullivan 2, Kylee-Ann Allen, Lizzy Kate Sullivan, Isabella Autry, Harley Jordan

11-13 Girls Results

Southern Kustoms 12 Farm Bureau 11
(Southern Kustoms Scoring) vynee Bearden 2, Jayden West 2, Sienna Box 2, Jaylin Williams, Molly Beaubouef, Gabby Edwards, Anna Patton, Timberly Wilson, Brooklyn Coody (Farm Bureau Scoring) Ja’Leigha Hobdy 2, Breelyn Boone 2, Kaylee Friday 2, Little 2, Sanaa Tatum, Kyleigh Maxwell, Jennalee

Barksdale Fed Credit Union 8 Listle Real Estate 5
(BFCU Scoring) Brenna Lamkin 2, Carlynn Waters, Adysen Breeland 2, Halle Taylor 2, Makayla Jones, Kaylen Hough (Listle Real Estate Scoring) Malena Listle 2, Jade Cook, Raliegh Medaries, Genna Ford, 

 

 

 

---

Erik Weihenmayer liked to test his limits. He was an angry, rebellious kid who eventually turned his fury into competitiveness and personal achievement. He joined his high school’s wrestling team and, to everyone’s amazement including his own, he became a champion. He became a skydiver, skier, long-distance biker, marathon runner, kayaker, and scuba diver. There seemed to be no limit to what Erik could accomplish.

In 1987, Erik enrolled at Boston College. Four years later, he graduated with a 3.1 grade point average and a degree in English. Unable to land a job, Erik returned to college and earned a masters degree in education. He finally got hired as a grade school teacher in Phoenix, Arizona. It was while he was in Arizona that Erik became interested in mountain climbing. In 1995, he joined a team of climbers who were determined to climb Alaska’s 20,310-foot Denali Mountain, also known as Mount McKinley. After months of preparations, arduous training, and a difficult climb, Erik and his team summited Denali. He and his team spent a total of 21 days on the mountain. During that time, three climbers on other teams died while climbing the same mountain.

In the five years that followed, Erik had summited the highest peaks of five of the seven continents, and had climbed the vertical 3,000-foot face of Yosemite’s El Capitan. In the previous fifty years, 170 climbers had lost their lives trying to climb the mountains that Erik had bested. In 2000, Erik set his sights on conquering Earth’s highest mountain, the 29,031-foot Mount Everest. Family and friends tried to persuade Erik not to attempt Mount Everest because of the high number of climbers who had died trying to conquer the mountain. Erik could not be dissuaded.

Finally, after months of training, Erik and his team began their ascent of the world’s highest peak. Climbing Mount Everest took its toll on Erik’s body. He suffered from bouts of dehydration and dysentery, but Erik continued to climb. His confidence grew with each step he took toward the towering peak. At one point, Erik’s climbing partner stumbled and fell into a crevasse. While falling, his partner’s ice ax accidentally cut Erik’s face. After helping his partner regain his footing, the team treated Erik’s cut with the first aid kit they had brought along. They continued to climb.

On May 25, 2001, Erik and his eighteen team members reached the summit of Mount Everest. Erik and his team earned several records upon reaching the summit. Erik’s team was the largest single group of people who had ever reached its peak. 64-year-old team member Sherman Bull, a Connecticut physician, became the oldest person to reach the summit. The team reached the peak with the heaviest piece of equipment climbers had ever lugged up the mountain, a 25-pound high-definition camera used to document the climb.

Erik and his team had little time to celebrate. They spent a mere fifteen minutes at the peak before they began the dangerous task of descending the mountain. When Erik completed his descent from the mountain he said, “I feel great,” and added “my next challenge will be to climb into bed.”

Erik was not the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. He was not the first person to complete the Seven Summits—at the time about 150 people had done it before. He was not the first to reach the top of the Carstensz Pyramid, the Eighth Summit. He was not the first to climb up the 3,000-foot Nose of El Capitan in Yosemite, nor was he the first person to ascend Losar, the 2,700-foot vertical ice face in the Himalayas. Although he was not the first to reach these peaks, Erik became something of a superstar among climbers. He even appeared on the June 18, 2001 cover of Time magazine following his reaching the summit of Mount Everest, though he never got to see it. In fact, he never got to take in the view from atop the world at Mount Everest. Erik Weihenmayer is blind.

---

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

Help Wanted

Medical- L.P.N.s – $34.24/Hr. L.P.N.s are needed for LTC and Veteran’s care units in Jackson, LA. There is full-time scheduling available. 12-hour shifts are being offered. Fully employer-paid medical and dental. 401(k) with 6% employer contribution and immediate vesting. Call Genna at Worldwide Travel Staffing, 920-618-3939

JPSB Bus Drivers – The Jackson Parish School Board is in search of bus drives. Summer CDL classes begin soon. For more information contact David Brown at 318-548-5708.

Boundary Solutions Inc. – Looking to hire an experienced, or trainable, Rodman. Previous experience as a draftsman is highly desired, but not required. The ideal candidate will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day tasks of survey projects, while working as a member of the survey crew, under the company’s Party Chief. This is a temporary to possible permanent position. For more information, please contact 318.259.2900. Interested candidates may email their resume to: boundary.pls@gmail.com

Business Services

Swimming Lessons / Water Aerobics: Limited spaces available. Certified Instructor that gives one on one attention. To sign up call Pamela Pipes at 318-533-2983

 

Quality Electrical & Controls Service: Over 60 years of combined Licensed and Certified experience in Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Control Panels, Electrical, HVAC and Inspections service. Located at 5039 Hwy 4 East, Jonesboro, LA. Contact: Billy Earl Wilhite: (318) 475-2403 or Richard Andrews: (318) 475-5136.  

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

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

Robinson Lawn Care: For all your residential or commercial lawn and landscaping. Fast and courteous service with professional results. Call Klint Robinson at 318-548-3038. Free estimates. 

For Sale:

Book – “100 year history of JHHS football” 

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

Commemorative Plates – Beautifully etched china plates commemorating Jonesboro-Hodge High School and Jackson Parish. To order contact Wilda Smith at (318)426-6511 or Barbara Johnson at (318) 450-5561.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Willie M. Calhoun – MSG, USAR, RET) – As a teen, I heard a story of a family’s sacrifice and loss during the Civil War. This story is more of a family legend and has haunted me since. According to the storyteller, the family lived in Northwest Winn Parish along the Medenhause Creek. Also, it was said this family was viewed by neighbors as being much better off than most. The father of the family was said to have been a veterinarian.

After the war started, the family sent all of their sons (7 in number) to fight in that war. It seems possible one or more of their sons may have also been husbands and fathers. Furthermore, the family was said to have made a property donation of all male slaves to support the war effort. At that time in Louisiana, slaves were legal property. After bidding farewell to their seven sons and their male slaves they would never see them again.

After the war ended, the son’s mother became mournful and grievous hoping for some sense of closure. Closure would never come. Even in old age and failing health she refused to move out of the house her sons were believed to have been born in. Her refusal to relocate deeply concerned friends and family. They encouraged her to seek a trusted caretaker.

This time, this family’s story became intertwined with that of my own. The son’s mother (now a widow and alone) sold my great-grandfather 40 acres downstream of the Medenhause creek to have him within hollering distance. The entire family of the sons were familiar with my great-grandfather as in his youth he was their wagon driver. He and his young family became caretakers of the son’s mother until her death. The family of the seven sons were forever grateful to my great-grandfather for providing care for their mother in her time of need.

The above story/family legend illustrates and brings needed attention to a type of war casualty called missing in action (MIA). This Department of Defense (DOD) classification is, without doubt, the most agonizing for surviving families. Until DOD can provide definitive information, families are left in a perpetual state of suspense. On Monday, May 30, we honor MIAs, Killed-in-action (KIAs), and the Unknown.

As with all war casualties, we remember them as making the ultimate sacrifice. Some are remembered as sacrificing their lives so that others might live. Others are remembered as going above and beyond the call of duty. It is my humble belief that all honorees on Memorial Day are what the Marines refer to as “a cut above average.”

---

(LSP News Release) On May 25, 2022, shortly after 5:00 p.m. the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO) requested that the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations (LSP BOI) investigate a deputy-involved shooting. The incident involved the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) and occurred on U.S. Highway 167 near Dodson. Detectives from LSP BOI responded to the scene.

The preliminary investigation revealed that deputies with JPSO responded to a disturbance at the Forest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jonesboro. As deputies approached the facility, they observed the suspect operating a vehicle that was leaving the scene. The suspect was later identified as 53-year-old Abe Banks of Jonesboro. Deputies attempted to stop Banks, but he refused to stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit continued south on U.S. Highway 167 into Winn Parish. During the pursuit, Banks’ vehicle had a mechanical failure and stopped in the roadway.

As deputies approached the vehicle, Banks did not comply with the deputies’ commands. During the incident, shots were fired and Banks was struck. Banks sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. No one else was injured during the incident.

The Louisiana State Police will serve as the lead investigative agency. This remains an active investigation and further information will be released when it becomes available.

Original news release on May 25, 2022.

Winn Parish – On May 25, 2022, shortly after 5:00 p.m. detectives assigned to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations were requested by the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office to investigate a deputy-involved shooting involving the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office on U.S. 167 near Dodson.

One subject is deceased.

This is an active investigation and further information will be released when it becomes available. Motorists should find an alternate route if traveling through the area.O

---

A $100.00 raffle ticket that was purchased primarily to help with a worthy cause has resulted in a new house for Callie Walker. In a special feature hosted and televised by KTVE/KARD in Monroe this past Thursday the Quitman resident was announced as the grand prize winner of the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway.

Held annually now for 20 years in Monroe, the local event is one of more than 40 home giveaways across the United States and raised more than $800,000.00 for the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  Proceeds are used for the general needs to run St. Jude, where no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food.

Located at 516 East Frenchman’s Bend in Monroe, the estimated 2,600 square feet house that was built by BRACO Construction features 4 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms and carries an estimated value of $400,000.00.

For a virtual tour of the house click here.

The Dream Home Giveaway was just one of several prizes that were awarded. Additional winners were: 

Jimmy Colson (Farmerville) – $2,500 Visa Gift Card courtesy of Assurance Financial 
Martha Ham (Bienville) – Exmark 42” Zero-Turn Mower, Echo String Trimmer, Edger, Handheld Blower and Hedge Trimmer, and four years free engine service courtesy of 3B Outdoor.
Miriam Tassin (Jonesville) – 2022 Chevy Trailblazer RS courtesy of Legacy of Farmerville 
Aubry Moffett (Monroe) – Custom design services and furniture courtesy of Sleepy Hollow Furniture 

To view the drawing for each of the prizes click here.

 

---

A Public Hearing will be held at 5:00pm on June 7th by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Village of Hodge in the meeting room of the Village Hall, located at 406 Central Street in Hodge. The purpose of this hearing is to discuss the increase of water, sewer and sanitation rates. All interested citizens will have the opportunity to give written and oral comments. 

---

Sherri Ezell and Jackson McFarland headline Summer Music Nights which will be held on Memorial Day, May 30th from 5:00 – 8:00pm at J&H Cookin’ in Chatham. The event is the first of what is hoped to be an ongoing monthly music program designed to bring the community together through music. Come and enjoy great food and music from two local musicians. 

---

Bailey Keys will be taking his talents to New Orleans. This was verified recently when the Class B state champion in the Shot Put committed to Loyola University. The Wolf Pack are a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) since the 2010–11 academic year.

Keys commitment puts the number of Jackson Parish athletes that graduated in 2022 and will continue their sports career in college to eleven. To put into perspective just how incredible this is, the previous record is five in one year.

---

---

The Beautification of Jonesboro Project continued this past week when another eyesore was removed thanks to the Jonesboro Fire Department (JFD) who performed a control burn of an abandoned house located on Walker Road. 

“I appreciate all the volunteers that showed up,” said JFD Fire Chief Brandon Brown. “It was a good exercise for our department and another step in completing our goal.”

Part of the Beautification of Jonesboro Project is having the Fire Department burn unsightly and abandoned structures within the city limits of Jonesboro. If you would like to participate by having a structure burned contact City Hall at (318-259-2385 or the Jonesboro Fire Department at (318) 259-5028.

---

 

Game results of May 23-24

11-13 Boys Results

VP Oil Change 11 Centric Fed Credit Union 8 
(VP Oil Change scoring) Tucker Goss 2, Hayden Seymore 2, Jake Vail 2, Dawson Griffin, Cail King, Krypton Caskey, Braydon Robinson, William Dupree (CFCU Scoring) Jayden Mendenhall 3, Rylan Mauthe 2, Colby Pray 2, Carter LaGrandier  

Johnny’s Pizza 8 Elite Roofing 5 
(Johnny’s Pizza Scoring) Ty Henderson 3, Eli Henderson 2, Bryce Tolar 2, River Norton (Elite Roofing Scoring) Aiden Rhodes, Asher Rhodes, Kobie Williams, Remi Upshaw, Keisten Hearn

9-10 Boys Results

Ables Farms 3 Traina’s Bakery 2 
(Ables Farms Scoring) Bentley Ponder, Noah Spillman, Roland Carpenter (Traina’s Bakery Scoring) Mason Thomas, Jake Moak 

Mercy Medical 8 HD Remodeling 1 
(Mercy Medical Scoring) Raylon Bradford 2, Waylon Sullivan, Cason Rogers, Burch, Hoyt Prince, Graylon Hendricks, Jaxon Culpepper (HD Remodeling Scoring) Shepard Norred

9-10 Girls Results

4T Exterior Cleaning 13 Pardue Builders 12 
(4T Exterior Cleaning Scoring) London Burks 2, Tessa Reeves 2, Gracie Gray 2, Teegan Hall, Kamryn James, Anna Phelps, Khloe Odenbaugh, Phynix Johnson, Emma Ottwell, Morgan Hobdy (Pardue Builders Scoring) – Landry Horsfall 3, Mykenzie Maloy 2, Maggie Wall 2, Ava Canerday 2, Alina Cook 2, Braniah Malone

Bucketboat 10 Leach Lawn Care 6 
(Bucketboat Scoring) Rachel Bandy 2, Amelia Staggs 2, Kellyn Brister 2, Julie Ford, Faith Burns, Charleigh Newton Isabella Blewer (Leach Lawn Care Scoring) – Kynleigh Leach 2, Lily LaBlance 2, Mallory Malone, Brylee Harvey

11-13 Girls Results

Barksdale Fed Credit Union 12 Southern Kustoms 7 
(BFCU Scoring) Carlynn Waters, 2, Brenna Lamkin 2, Adysen Breeland 2, Halle Taylor 2, Emma Toms, Lily Jones, Demi, Jada Cook (Southern Kustoms Scoring) Jaylin Williams 2, Alivia Anderson, Molly Beaubouef, Gabby Edwards, Davynee Bearden, Jayden West 

Listle Real Estate 7 Farm Bureau 6 
(Listle Real Estate Scoring) Jade Cook 2, Raliegh Medaries 2, Tu-Tu, Genna Ford, Malena Listle (Farm Bureau Scoring) Addi Faber 2, Averi Hasley 2, Saraa Tatum, Kyleigh Maxwell

 

 

 

---