The Jackson Parish Legacy League continued their play this week with games that took place on Field 3 of the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex, located at 5254 Hwy 4, just east of Jonesboro.

The League is not about winning or losing or even keeping score but rather designed to give young people with physical, developmental or cognitive disabilities the opportunity to compete in a fun filled environment under volunteer assistance.

In conjunction with the Jackson Parish Recreation Department, the Jackson Parish Journal is pleased to shine a spotlight this week on a couple of the competitors as well as provide photographs of those who received medals.

This week: Markel Cooper, Jarod Louviere

Markel Cooper – Markel is a 7 year compassionate young boy who loves numbers and letters! He received four certificates at his school Weston High School for A honor roll all year, top of the class in ELA, top of the class in Math, and the Biggest Heart Award! He loves school and loves eating pizza! He also enjoys attending Rivers of Joy Ministries church. His parents Marcus and Charlisaer Cooper twin sisters and brother are extremely proud of him.

Jarod Louviere – Jarod is the 12yr old son of Waylon & Jennifer Louviere. Jarod is such a loving child and will make friends with anyone. He wants to be a cop when he grows up and will write you a ticket and arrest you on the spot. He loves his older twin brothers more than mom and daddy. Jarod was a child abuse case that caused him to have brain injury. He is paralyzed on the left side but it doesn’t stop him.

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The Jackson Parish Library is pleased to announce that the Southern Plainsman Quartert, which includes Quitman native Tim Thomas, will present a concert at 3:00pm at the Jonesboro Branch, located at 614 South Polk Avenue. Organized in May,1978 in the rolling pine-hills of West-Central Louisiana, the quartet is an outreach of the Southern Plainsmen Ministries, Inc., a non-profit Christian organization. The ministry, supported by the contributions of its Christian friends, appears in Christian churches regardless of denominational affiliation on an expense plus freewill-love-offering basis.

In 1998, the twentieth year in the ministry, THE SOUTHERN PLAINSMEN were appointed “Louisiana’s Ambassadors of Goodwill” by Governor Mike Foster. This is an honor not taken lightly by THE SOUTHERN PLAINSMEN. They are proud of their Christian heritage, proud to be American and proud of the State and Communities from which they hail.

For more about the Southern Plainsmen Quartet click here: http://www.southernplainsmen.com/

LDWF presents “Baby Alligators” at Chatham Branch on Thursday

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While enjoying a stroll along the Chatham Walking Track you are now treated to some beautiful design work on the pathway.  This is thanks to the work done by members of the Weston High School 4-H Club and Beta Club and the staff of the Jackson Parish Library staff under the direction of Mrs. Lisa Nunn.

Others who assisted in the effort was Mrs. Cathy Judd of the LSU AgCenter who donated the stencils, Danny Peel and Ward 3 firefighters for prepping the track. and rs. Cathy Judd of the LSU AgCenter who donated the stencils. A big “thank you” also goes to Mayor Greg Harris for his help in bringing a little more beauty to town of Chatham.

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(Natchitoches Parish Journal) The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has scheduled a drawdown of Saline Lake (Natchitoches and Winn Parishes) for giant salvinia management, reduction of organic muck, and fish habitat improvement. The drawdown is designed to reduce the further expansion of salvinia as summertime temperatures promote maximum growth.

The water control structure is scheduled to open on June 1, 2022, and the lake should dewater at a rate of 4 inches per day. The water level will be lowered to a maximum drawdown level of 8 feet below normal pool stage, depending on Red River Pool 3 water level. The Saline Lake control gates are scheduled for closure on October 3, 2022, to allow the lake to refill for fall, winter and early-spring recreational activities.

During the drawdown, an estimated 2,500-3,000 acres of water will remain in the lake. Boaters may still access the main waterbody from the Mulligan Inn Boat Ramp with small craft, but caution is advised. Caution is also advised when on the water, as numerous obstructions that are normally not seen are present.

This action is a necessary component of LDWF’s integrated plan to manage overabundant aquatic vegetation and to improve access for recreational activities. An annual cycle of high and low water fluctuation can provide beneficial effects similar to a natural overflow lake system.

For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Villis Dowden, LDWF Biologist, at (318) 357-3214.

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The Jackson Parish Gifted and Talented programs received a grant from Entergy this Spring.
With these funds the GT program will purchase Apple iPads to incorporate digital design in the
art program and provide digital applications for the music program. The GT academics program
will have funds to buy supplies for STEM and hands-on activities throughout the upcoming
school year. The Jackson Parish GT Art, Music and Academics programs would like to thank
Entergy for its continued support of our school and community.

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Students who aren’t sure where they’ll go to college this fall are encouraged 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.

Applications are being accepted beginning today through midnight June 8. A link to a simple online application form is available at the bottom of this story.

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, the business that serves local and area residents by providing the framework for the Jackson Parish Journal. Journal Services, LLC, is based in Natchitoches and supports 12 journals covering north central and northwest Louisiana.

“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.”

A successful applicant from Jackson Parish will join 33 other local students who attend Northwestern. Among the university’s 81,000 alumni, 184 currently live in Jackson Parish.

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.

APPLICATION:  To Apply – Click Here

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If you are like many when you read the headline above you probably read it again just to make sure you were really seeing things right. No need to get your eyes checked or clean your glasses. What you are seeing is a fact. Jonesboro-Hodge is looking for a band director. Not just someone who will work an hour or two a day but a full time, all day long, band director. For many that is music to their ears. 

There are people in Jackson Parish that have lived their whole life without ever seeing a JHHS marching band perform at halftime of a football game. The there are others who remember when over 100 musicians marched in unison spread from basically one end zone to the other and across the entire width of the field. They remember when upward to ten or more members a year would get college scholarships for their ability. Hopefully those days will be here again soon. 

Make no mistake about it there will be several years of growing pains as the person who takes on the challenge will be building the band from the bass drum up and teaching students how to blow a horn for the first time in their life. 

Still it is glorious news that once again students at Jonesboro-Hodge and even the JH Middle School will have the opportunity to express themselves through the playing of instruments, something that has been sadly lacking in the school system since 2007-08.  

The ideal candidate would have a Bachelor of Music Education -Instrumental Grades K-12. Applications may be submitted on the Jackson Parish School Board website: https://www.jpsb.us/ or call the school at (318) 259-4138.

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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 – Beautiful 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.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Town of Jonesboro
BOARD OF ALDERMEN REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGMINUTES
Date: May 10, 2022 Time: 5:45 p.m.
Place: Charles Garrett Community Center, 182 Industrial Dr., Jonesboro, LA 71251

PUBLIC HEARING
The meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m. for a public hearing.
Roll call established a quorum with the following council members present – James Ginn, Robbie Siadek, Aaron Stringer, Devin Flowers; absent- Nia Johnson
Invocation was led by Flowers
Pledge of Allegiance led by Stringer

A public hearing was held on Ordinance 2022-01: An ordinance adjusting utility rates. There were no comments during the public hearing.

Public Comments were offered by Ms. W. Smith. She thanked the mayor for the support and assistance he has offered in getting the main street in the downtown area beautified. She indicated that the businesses would assist with watering plants and the sprinkler system would aid as well. There were no other comments.

Approval of Agenda- the agenda was approved on a motion by Flowers, second by Stringer, motion was unanimously carried.
Approval of Minutes of April 12, 2022, regular meeting – motion by Flowers, second by Stringer to approve minutes. Motion unanimously carried.
Mayor’s update expressed that he is proud of where the town is. He indicated that we are stronger financially than we have been in some time. He addressed a request submitted by Ginn (councilman) for production of records. Mayor stressed that we must work as a team in order not to retard the progress we are making as a town. Ginn is requesting copies of all bills, and other information. Ginn indicated that just as John Q. Public may, any council member may submit a public records request. Mayor stressed that he has asked that if any council member had questions about a specific bill, they would call City Hall with those questions prior to the meeting as the answers will be offered by the staff at City Hall. There seems to be some reluctance to contact City Hall. Mayor stressed that his objective is to operate in a non-audit finding environment. The most recent audit was a great audit rendering an unmodified opinion and moving forward, it is his objective to continue having great audits. The town’s legal counsel has indicated that the mayor must furnish the council with the information they need to make informed decisions on behalf of the town. As some council members are opting to “table” items which they do not understand or have questions about on the financials, it is not an audit finding to table items. It would be a finding if mayor refused to provide the information, but that has never happened. If you so choose to table matters, the record will show that the information required was provided.
A quote from the attorney in a recent opinion on providing information to the council: “In your capacity as Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Jonesboro, you control what information you instruct staff to provide to the board of Alderman prior to or at their meeting.” You are entitled to determine activities the employees of the Town, other than those employed at the Police Department, are to perform. That being the case, it is my opinion that you have the option of providing the members of the Board of Aldermen prior to or at their meeting with such information as you deem appropriate.”
Stringer indicated he did not have the March financials which he had moved to table last month. It was clarified that those updated financials are included in April packet.
Mayor stressed that any council member may make an appointment to come to city hall and they will be provided with access to any records they want to see without hinderance. As with any public records request, a fee will be charged for any copes of information requested during the inspection. The fee is one dollar per page for copies.
Ginn stressed that he considered his request a public records request and proceeded to submit an official request on the spot. He inferred his suspicion was that someone is attempting to withhold information stating he does not know why bills are being paid, just that they were paid. He wants to see invoices and disagrees that pulling a years’ worth of invoices would be time consuming and burdensome on the town’s staff. Mayor acknowledged receipt of Ginn’s public record’s request. Ginn encouraged citizens to make similar requests.
Approval of April bills paid – after looking over the bills. Stringer moved to accept April’s bills, second by flowers. In favor of approval of bills paid were Stringer, Flowers. Voting in opposition to approval of bills paid were Siadek and Ginn. Mayor Thompson broke the tie with a yea vote, motion carried.
Approval of April financials – after some discussion and satisfaction about whether the financials were up to date to include the discrepancies noted in March, mayor called for a motion. Stringer moved to approve April financials, second by Flowers. Voting in favor were Stringer, Flowers and Siadek. Voting no: Ginn. Motion caried with 3 to 1 vote in favor.
Advertising for fuel bids – bids for fuel are required to be taken every two years. Siadek motioned to advertise for bids, Flowers second. The motion carried unanimously. Advertising process will begin immediately.
Ordinance 2022-001 – an ordinance adjusting utility rates was addressed in the public hearing. Copies of this ordinance were distributed to all council members at the April meeting. Flowers moved to approve Ordinance 2022-001, second by Stringer. Voting yea were Flowers, Stringer and Siadek. Voting nay: Ginn. Motion carried three to one with approval of Ordinance 2022-001.
Introduction of Ordinance 2022-002 – Ten-year requirement of Redistricting Board of Aldermen Districts- Cedric Floyd presented a map to indicate the new districts indicating that districts A and B will remain unchanged. The plan must be submitted to the Secretary of State by June 22, so we are working on a short window. A motion to introduce made by Stringer with a public hearing to be held at the June 14 regular meeting of the council beginning at 5:30.
Introduction of Ordinances 2022-004, budget of Revenues and Expenditures; 2022-005 budget of Water Revenues and Expenditures, 2022-006 budget of Sewer Revenues and Expenditures – 2022-2023 budget ordinances introduced by Siadek. Public hearing to be held at the June 14 regular council meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Advertising for appointment of town’s official journal to be handled every year. Flowers moved to approve advertising to select official journal, second by Siadek, unanimous approval.
CS Software purchase $8ksoftware with cloud contract of 150.00/month. As we move from working with a CPA to handling accounting in-house, we will need to purchase software to do so. Flowers made the motion to approve the purchase of the software and enter the monthly contract for monthly cloud services, second by Stringer, unanimous approval.
Zoning recommendation (Jan Circle) no action was taken on this item as council suggested that property owners seek a legal opinion. There are several neighborhood restrictions on this subdivision. An opinion of the town’s attorney was rather indistinct suggesting that neighborhood restrictions would be subject to interpretation possibly by the courts. There is no mention of manufactured homes moving in, only the trailer restriction. There are no restrictions noted by the Zoning Commission. Stringer and the Mayor suggested getting an attorney to assist with clarifying the restrictions and leaving the decision to the property owners.
Appointment to Zoning Commission – Local resident Robert Hunter was appointed to serve the unexpired term of commissioner Alvin Jones who passed away. Hunter brings experience to the commission. Stringer made motion to appoint, second by Siadek, approval was unanimous.
Juneteenth Parade – The town recognizes Juneteenth as an official holiday for its employees. Mr. Khaalid Hakeem is working with citizens and other non-profits to make this a program a very special day to remember and to educate the town’s people on what this holiday is all about. Plans are on the board to establish a scholarship fund through Hakeem’s non-profit organization. A parade and other activities are planned for this day. This activity will bring revenues to the town and is viewed as an economic development opportunity. A motion to approve the use of the Fairgrounds by the Black Culture Society (contingent on having the proper insurance and security) and collaboration with the town for activities related to Juneteenth Day made by Flowers, second by Stringer. Motion carried unanimously. Stringer asked that Hakeem come back to the next meeting to report on activities planned for this event.
Town’s Membership in One Call (811) – no action taken. Motion to table by Flowers to give C. Wortham, Public Works Director, an opportunity to review the contract.
Jeff Glover of MGM Development Group announced that the development of the Jonesboro Senior Village has been approved by the Louisiana Housing Council. This will be a 50-unit senior development for persons aged 55 or older located on Industrial Drive. There will be many amenities in the development. Glover thanked all of those who supported the project and talked about the challenges and victories through the process of getting to the final approval. Construction will begin sometime around October 2022.
Police Department Hire – Sirena Jackson to be hired as a part-time employee in the police department. Motion to hire by Ginn, second by Siadek. Unanimous approval.
Compliance Officer report – will be continuing with clearing dilapidated housing by burning 5 structures on May 28th. All the preliminary work to burn has been completed.
Department head reports (reports submitted to council in packets) Motion to accept reports by Flowers, second by Siadek, unanimous approval.
Council’s comments – most thanked the public for coming out.
Motion to adjourn by Flowers, second by Siadek, unanimously approved.

NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following entitled ordinance was introduced in writing in the form required for adoption at a meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Jonesboro in the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, on May 10, 2022, and laid over for publication of notice:
ORDINANCE 2022-05
AN ORDINANCE TO ADJUST AND PROVIDE FOR A BUDGET OF WATER REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE TOWN OF JONESBORO FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022 – 2023

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Jonesboro of said Parish will meet on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at five thirty o’clock (5:30) p.m., at 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana, at which time there will be a public hearing on the adoption of the aforesaid ordinance.

NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following entitled ordinance was introduced in writing in the form required for adoption at a meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Jonesboro in the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, on May 10, 2022, and laid over for publication of notice: ORDINANCE 2022-002
AN ORDINANCE REDISTRICTING THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN DISTRICTS OF THE TOWN OF JONESBORO TO ADJUST SAID DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AS NEEDED FOR POPULATION CHANGES DOCUMENTED BY THE 2020 UNITED STATES DECENNIAL CENSUS AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Jonesboro of said Parish will meet on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at six o’clock (6:00) p.m., at 128 Allen Avenue, Jonesboro, Louisiana, at which time there will be a public hearing on the adoption of the aforesaid ordinance.

NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following entitled ordinance was introduced in writing in the form required for adoption at a meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Jonesboro in the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, on May 10, 2022, and laid over for publication of notice: ORDINANCE 2022-04
AN ORDINANCE TO ADJUST AND PROVIDE FOR A BUDGET OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE TOWN OF JONESBORO FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022 – 2023

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Jonesboro of said Parish will meet on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at five thirty o’clock (5:30) p.m., at 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana, at which time there will be a public hearing on the adoption of the aforesaid ordinance.

NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following entitled ordinance was introduced in writing in the form required for adoption at a meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Jonesboro in the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, on May 10, 2022, and laid over for publication of notice: ORDINANCE 2022-06
AN ORDINANCE TO ADJUST AND PROVIDE FOR A BUDGET OF SEWER REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE TOWN OF JONESBORO FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022 – 2023

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Jonesboro of said Parish will meet on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at five thirty o’clock (5:30) p.m., at 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana, at which time there will be a public hearing on the adoption of the aforesaid ordinance.

NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following entitled ordinance was introduced in writing in the form required for adoption at a meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Jonesboro in the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, on May 10, 2022, and laid over for publication of notice: ORDINANCE 2022-002
AN ORDINANCE REDISTRICTING THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN DISTRICTS OF THE TOWN OF JONESBORO TO ADJUST SAID DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AS NEEDED FOR POPULATION CHANGES DOCUMENTED BY THE 2020 UNITED STATES DECENNIAL CENSUS AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Jonesboro of said Parish will meet on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at five thirty o’clock (5:30) p.m., at 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana, at which time there will be a public hearing on the adoption of the aforesaid ordinance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jane Blythe Ledbetter
May 4, 1929 – May 23, 2022

Jane Blythe Ledbetter, age 93 of Jonesboro, ascended to her Heavenly home for a joyful reunion on Monday, May 23, 2022. Jane was a fun and unique lady. She loved so many things in life, but her love for God and her family came first. She had a big personality that could light up a room and capture an audience. She had too many talents to list them all. Jane enjoyed writing poetry and was an accomplished artist. In her younger days she was a stage actress and a model as well as a radio show host. She absolutely loved music and cherished the times she was asked to sing and play the piano or organ for weddings and church gatherings.

While at Louisiana Tech she was the lead vocalist for the LA Tech Debonairs Orchestra, which as a group, continued to perform all over the south for two decades after the members graduated. She was a member of Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church for over fifty years and enjoyed being their pianist, organist, choir member, music director and Sunday School teacher. Some of her favorite things to do with her family was to take the camper out to the mountains and spend some time in nature doing some fishing. She also relished the times the family got together for visits and reunions. Jane was also an avid reader and enjoyed quiet times with a good book, her favorite being the Bible, which she could readily quote scripture and verse from. Many will tell you that Jane’s pralines were the best around and she enjoyed making and sharing them with those she loved. Most of all she loved teaching children. First as an independent piano and vocal instructor, then for over 30 years as an elementary teacher in the Winn and Jackson Parish school system.

Those left to cherish her memory is her son, Ben Ledbetter and wife, Becky; granddaughters, Whitney Brooke Robinson and husband, Colvin, Lauren Elizabeth Ledbetter; grandson, Roland Mollere III; great grandchildren, Trenton Samuel Robinson, Ella Caroline Robinson, Jack Colvin Robinson; step grandchildren, Morgan Roberts and husband Zack, Daniel Treadway and wife Brittany, Jeff Treadway and wife Leyanne; step great-grandchildren, Spencer Treadway, Kason Roberts, Noah Roberts, Ayden Treadway, Braxton Treadway; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sam Ledbetter; daughter, Anne Blythe Mollere; parents, Gilbert and Lois (Yawn) Hills; sister, Anne Lois Harrison; brother, Gilbert “Pete” Hills.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, May 27, 2022 in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00PM. Her funeral service is set for Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church at 1: 00PM with Bro. Paul Stearn officiating. Burial will follow in Gullatt Family Cemetery, near Simsboro, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Trent Ledbetter, Roland Mollere, Sandy Taylor, Gil Hills, Sam Harrison, Stuart Roane. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Robinson, Mark Taylor, Tom Taylor, Jap Gullatt, Billy Gullatt, Leonard Conville.

The family extends their thanks and appreciation to the staff and administration of Forest Haven Nursing Home, Jackson Parish Hospital, Lagniappe Home Health and Legacy Hospice, whose professionalism and compassion was very comforting. A special thank you goes to SonjaScruggs and Theresa Bradford for the wonderful care and love of our mother.

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Cameron Joe, age 18, of Hodge has been booked into the Winn Parish Detention Center on a charge of 1st Degree Murder following a gunfight in Winnfield this past Tuesday that resulted in the death of Gregtavioun Burks of Jonesboro and Jatarion Starks of Winnfield. Two more were also injured.

Initial reports stated that at approximately 10:20 pm, on May 17th, a Winnfield officer responded to multiple gunshots fired at 501 Elliott Street. Starks, age 24, was pronounced dead on the scene along with another unidentified black male subject. Detectives reported that over 30 rounds of ammunition were fired within the house from several types of guns. Sources also said that at least 3 other people were involved and seen fleeing the scene in a white sedan. The other two injured persons were identified as Damion Hardwell and Kendall Reed, who were both airlifted to Rapides Regional Trauma Center in Alexandria.

On Wednesday, May 18th, WPD Sgt. Andy Roberts reported that the second deceased victim had been identified as Burks, who would have turned 18 on that day. New information also revealed that it was closer to 11:30 pm when the shooting took place, around 23 shots had been fired in what was believed to be a drug related incident as at least six pounds of marijuana was found in the house. 

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The date of June 7th will mark the 100th year that State Farm Insurance has been in business. Anniversaries like this don’t happen every year and they certainly don’t happen for every company. Recognizing the impressive feat, the Jackson Parish Police Jury has proclaimed that Tuesday as State Farm Day.

The Shawn Murphy State Farm Agency of Jonesboro is making the most out of this milestone by sharing their gratitude with those who have helped their business succeed through an Open House at the office located on 826 Pershing Hwy from 11:00am – 1:00pm. There will be BBQ, popcorn, snow cones, freebies, good music and all kinds of fun!

You will not want to miss this event! It’s the perfect time to reflect on the years of service Shawn and his staff has provided to the Jackson Parish area. They will also be celebrating local employees, agents and agent team members from the past and other parts of the nation who made it their business to be good neighbors.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company was founded in 1922 by retired farmer G. J. Mecherle. His goal? To do the right thing for rural auto insurance customers. What started as an idea built on the principles of honesty and integrity, soon became reality. Through the years, State Farm has made connections and built relationships because they care, and because they are the ones you call when life gets hard. They help restore lives, rebuild neighborhoods and renew hope. Their history of investing in the communities where they live and work isn’t an accident…. it’s part of who they are… because that’s what being a good neighbor is all about.

“Like a Good Neighbor” goes far beyond the jingle Barry Manilow penned in 1971. It’s at the core of how State Farm operates. They work hard to protect what matters to you: your family, your home, your belongings and your community. It means they are in the community with you, investing in community organizations, providing education and support and volunteering alongside good neighbors like you.

Whatever the future brings, you can rest assured that here locally, Shawn Murphy and his team members Debra Fordham, Cheri Jo Harveston, Latonya Moss, and Debbie Hinman will be there with you, providing options and evolving to meet your needs. There is no better way to protect yourself than to be with a company that is 100 years old and has a staff that has a combined over 100 years of experience.

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You’ve probably heard it said and possibly even said it yourself. It is common that when someone has a good deed done, they will tell the ones who helped “You are a lifesaver.”

When 77-year old Terry Lane McNabb, gets the chance to speak to 13-year old, Casen Willis and 15-year old, Jermarion Robertson, he will most likely tell the boys that very thing. The difference is that he will mean it literally. They actually saved his life.

McNabb is currently still hospitalized at LSU-Shreveport after a fall at his farm on Styles Ranch Road in northern Jackson Parish on May 7th, left him with serious head trauma and a brain bleed. He is lucky to be alive, thanks to the heroic and courageous actions of the two teens.

In an exclusive interview with the Jackson Parish Journal, the two teens reflected on what took that fateful day.

“I was visiting my friend Caden (Casen’s older brother) and wanted to go ride on the four-wheeler,” said Robertson, who goes to school at Ruston High School. “Since Caden was eating a snack, Casen and I decided to take a ride in Mr. McNabb’s field.”

For a little background, the Willis boys were at the home of their grandparents, Regan and Jo Linda Gullatt, located on Styles Ranch Road. Being that Mr. McNabb has been a friend and neighbor of the family for several years, it was a commonplace for the boys to ride in his fields and surrounding wooded area.

“We went past the barn and as we got closer to the bridge that goes over the creek, I noticed something didn’t look right,” added Willis. “Mr. McNabb’s horse was tied up to a post by the edge of the creek and he was laying on the bridge that crosses the creek.”

As the two got closer they saw blood on the ground beneath and around McNabb’s head. It was apparent that he had fallen and had hit his on bridge made of what looks like metal boiler tubing. Without a second of hesitation the pair sprang into action. Immediately, Jemarion called 911 while Casen quickly leaped off the four wheeler and went to the fallen man.

“When I was told of how the boys responded, I was very proud of them,” said Cason’s mother, Brandy Thomas. “I mean if it would have been me at that age, I think I would have probably called my parents or grandparents first to ask what should be done, but they knew just what to do.”

After clearly explaining what they were dealing with, Jemarion began relaying the instructions he was getting from the 911 dispatcher to Casen, which was to first wrap something around McNabb’s head to try and stop or slow down the bleeding. With nothing else available, Casen quickly ripped of his white tee shirt he was wearing.

“It wasn’t white very long,” said Casen in reflection.

With one staying with McNabb, the other rode the four-wheeler back to the road about a quarter mile away and then guided the ambulance back to the scene of the accident. The EMT’s quickly went to work to stabilize McNabb who was still incoherent.

The teens continued to be tremendously helpful.

When one of the EMT’s asked the boys if they knew if McNabb was on any medication, they said they didn’t know but volunteered to go to his house to see what they could find out.

“There was no one at the house but we saw a bunch of pill bottles on the counter,” said Cason. “We found a bag, put all the bottles we could find in it and brought it back down to them.”

Once they got back they saw the medivac helicopter land in an adjacent field on the other side of the creek and helped point the way to where McNabb was being worked on.

Was there a time when the boys were frightened or scared when they first arrived to find McNabb laying there or after all was taken care of?

“I didn’t really think about it,” said Jemarion. “It was like we were just in the moment. We were the only ones there and we had to do something for him.”

When Jemarion’s mother, Danielle Jerro, was asked about the boys heroics, she said she was not surprised. She also gave a great indication of what is the guiding force in her life.
“I am very proud of what the boys did but not surprised as they both have good heads on their shoulders,” said Danielle. “I also give all glory to God. This is a great example of how he puts people in the right places at the right time.

Grandmother Gullatt (Jo Linda) echoed the sentiment.

“It wasn’t very long ago that it was Terry (Mr. McNabb) who was in the right place at the right time. He happened to come along when Caden had fallen in the creek and hurt himself and brought him back to us.”

Casen’s reply to the question of him being scared brought a little levity to the situation. It also showed that he was conscientious about one of the unwritten rules of living in the country.

“The only thing that I was scared about was wondering if we were going to get in trouble for not checking in,” said the junior high schooler. “We were gone a long time and I knew they (grandparents) would be starting to worry.”

He was right.

“I had just walked outside as I was beginning to get concerned because we hadn’t heard from them in a while,” said Grandfather (Regan). “Then I saw the ambulance pull up which gave me a jolt but I saw the boys there, so I was relieved. I couldn’t be mad at them when I found out the reason they hadn’t checked in was because they had been saving Mr. Terry’s life.”

One who was very impressed with how the pair responded was Jackson Parish Deputy Robert Pearson, who was one of the first to arrive on the scene.

“I have been in many situations like this often times where much older people would be in a panic and be of no help,” said Pearson. “These two young men remained calm and collected the whole time. There action before medical help arrived probably saved the man’s life and then they were very helpful in assisting the first responders on the scene. They are be commended for how they handled themselves.”

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The ones that tend more to superstitious beliefs said it was because of the blood moon. The more practical said it was because of the malfunctioning red light and still others say it was just a plain case of drivers not being careful. 

Regardless of the reason, beginning late Thursday night and continuing on thru Friday, multiple wrecks took place at the intersection of Hwy 167 and Hwy 4 in Jonesboro that resulted in several people being injured, including two juveniles that were airlifted to LSU-Shreveport and another being hospitalized at the North Louisiana Medical Center in Ruston.

It all began on Thursday night when a three-car crash took place. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries resulting, but damage was done to the traffic light at the intersection causing it to blink red in all four directions. On Friday morning, Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development (DOTD) technicians arrived to repair the signal that resulted in the traffic light being totally non-working while they were doing repairs to the control box. 

It was during that time that an 18-wheeler collided with a four-door sedan that resulted in the auto being pushed off the road and ending up at the edge of the McDonald’s parking lot. First responders from the Jonesboro Fire Department, Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District, Jonesboro Police Department and Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office quickly arrived to assist with the injured and control traffic, which was brought to a standstill in all four directions. 

Names of the injured parties or those involved in the accidents had not been released at press time. 

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They will be gone from the campus next fall but not forgotten. Not by the school administration, fellow faculty members, staff or even the students they positively impacted over the years as a teacher at Jonesboro-Hodge High School.

Donna Robinson Avery, Shirley B. Hayes, Tim Smith and Jeanie Wallis won’t forget the years they spent educating the teenagers of Jackson Parish either. Nor will they forget their being recognized this past Friday when their retirement was celebrated at the school when each received a plaque commemorating their service and all enjoyed refreshments. 

“We will miss them and we thank them for educating our students,” stated JHHS Principal Chevonda Williams. 

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With several new faces in new places the JHHS coaching staff knew there would be growing pains felt at the 2022 Spring Scrimmage held at St. Frederick’s High School in Monroe on Friday. They also knew that with only eight days of practice before going against host St. Fred’s and Class 5A West Ouachita that mistakes would be made. To sum it up, expectations of playing weel weren’t very high.

They came away pleasantly surprised.

“We made some mistakes but that is to be expected given that we had less than two weeks of practice, we aren’t close to being in football shape and we have several guys playing for the first time,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “Overall, I thought we did a good job.”

The controlled scrimmage pitted the first team offense went for one school against the second team defense from another on one side of the field and a school’s first team defense went against a second team offense on the other. Only six plays were run before teams rotated. 

“It was hard to get any consistency going with the way things were set up,” added Blankenship, who was primarily working with the offense. “I thought our offensive line and running backs did a good job. We don’t have the home run hitters we had last year but we showed we can move the ball.”

Another area Blankenship was pleased with was the play of new Quarterback, Savantez Phillips. 

“For his first time to ever play the position, I thought he did a really good job of running the team and making play,” said Coach “Blank,” as he is affectionately called by his players. 

On the other side of the ball, Defensive Coordinator, Carlos Atkins, also came away with a good feeling about the Tiger’s chances this fall. 

“We gave up a couple of scores but our guys hit hard and made some good plays against two very good offenses,” said Hicks, whose defense returns the states top tackler in Xavier Atkins and the leading tackler among defensive linemen in Peyton Smith. 

“Both of those guys are bigger and stronger than last year and are going to be hard to handle,” said Hick. “We had a couple of newcomers stand out as well.”

Hicks was referring to weakside linebacker Calen Jones who made several tackles and cornerback Jalen Barnes, who intercepted a pass in his first varsity action. 

 

 

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After 17 weeks of grueling training, Jonesboro Police Department Officer Sloan Dieter has earned his LA POST Certification. Dieter was presented the official documentation during the graduation ceremony this past Friday at the Alexandria Police Academy. 

“Sloan represented Jonesboro very well,” said JPD Chief of Police, Dr. James “Spike” Harris. “Join me in congratulating this young man.”

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He is no ordinary “Peanut”. An ordinary peanut falls off a stalk about 18 inches high to the ground when in it’s prime. This one soars through the air 12 feet and above clears a bar and then lands in a padded pit. The first peanut is actually is a plant. The second one is Bryan Lay of Quitman High School who is affectionately called “Peanut” due to his short stature but he is a giant when it comes to high school pole vault competition. and is the defending Class B state champion in the Pole Vault.

Already “Peanut” is known as the Class B state champion. Now he is also champion of the 2022 Louisiana State Games held this past weekend at the Track and Field Complex on the campus of the University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM). By virtue of his victory “Peanut” is now eligible to compete in the National Games.

The Louisiana State Games is a sports festival created for Louisiana’s amateur athletes. Similar to the International Olympics, the festival consists of more than 20 sports providing Louisiana’s amateur athletes, of all ages and skill levels, a meaningful opportunity to participate in a true amateur sport competition.

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Over the past seven days Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Week was celebrated locally and nationwide. The purpose of the days between May 15-21 was to bring together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line.”

The theme this year’s was “EMS: Rising to the Challenge” and certainly the tremendously qualified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) of the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) under the leadership of Director Aaron Johnson have done just that for Jackson Parish residents. As part of the celebration scrumptious meals and desserts were served daily at the JPASB Central Office and Training Center located at 115 Watts Street in Jonesboro. 

In addition, while every member of the JPASD has been instrumental in the woonderful emergency care of local residents, the performance of three outstanding EMT’s were cited which resulted in each being awarded of the Undisputed Championship Belt for their effort above and beyond the call of duty. 

2022 EMS Week Award Winners

Robbin Willis – Most Transports
Timothy Burns – Exemplary Response to an Emergency Situation
Jolynn Smith – Exemplary Response to an Emergency Situation

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A new season best low scoring mark of 24, which is 12 under par, took first place in the weekly Tuesday Scramble that is held at the Jackson Parish Golf Course. What makes the feat even more impressive is that normally scramble teams are comprised of five players, but this was done by the foursome of Dwayne “Snook” Harrell, Joey Pender, Paul Trosclair and Billy Moore. 

For those not familiar with how golf scramble scores are tabulated, all team members hit from the tee box and the then all hit again at the location of where the best shot of the bunch is. This continues until the ball is put in the hole. Each time the team hits from a location one stroke is counted against the team.

Each hole has a stroke value assigned to it which is what is called “par for the hole.” For example if a team takes four strokes to finish a hole and a par value of four was assigned to the hole then it is considered the team made “par” on the hole.

A nine-hole round, which is how the Tuesday Scramble is played there are five holes that have a par of four assigned, two that are considered par three’s and two more that are par fives. The total amounts to 36 strokes being considered “par for the round.”

If a team completes a hole in one stroke less than “par” it is considered as making a “birdie” on the hole. If they finish the hole two strokes less than the assigned par value it is given the distinction of being called making an “eagle” on the hole. When a round is completed in less stokes than the 36 par value assigned it is considered as playing the round “under par.”

Anyone who has played golf knows how hard it is to just make par on a hole. To make a birdie is a tremendous feat and to record an eagle is rare. To put into perspective of how impressive it is to shoot 12 under par, it means that the team made birdies on six of the holes and eagles on the other three. WOW!

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The month of May is Better Hearing and Speech month and May 18th, is Speech-Language Pathology Day! Better Hearing and Speech month and Speech-Language Pathology Day is observed each year to increase awareness about communication disorders and hearing health.

The Jackson Parish Hospital administration and staff would like to acknowledge and thank Madonna Caldwell, Speech Therapist, for her continued compassion and excellent treatment she provides to the people in our community affected by speech disorders. 

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Game results of May 16-17

Field 1 Results

Johnny’s Pizza 6 VP Oil Change 2 (11-13 boys)
(Johnny’s Pizza Scoring) Eli Henderson, Ty Henderson, Liam Weaver, Kolt Keiffer, Aiden Phares, Hunter Ayres (VP Oil Change scoring) Tucker Goss, Cail King

Central Fed Credit Union 7 Elite Roofing 5 (11-13 Boys)
(CFCU Scoring) Rylan Mauthe 3, Jayden Mendenhall, Colby Pray, Emmanuel Hopkins, Brody Tucker (Elite Roofing Scoring) Leyton Younse 2, Remi Upshaw 

Uptown Tanning 15 5A Pump & Hose 0 (7 & 8 boys)
(Uptown Tanning Scoring) Carter Kelley 2, Caleb Robinson 2, Asher Norred 2, Maddox Graham 2, Ryder Gray 2, Thatcher Savage, Chance LeMoine, Brett Rasbury, Charlie, Jax Davis (5A Pump & Hose scoring) none

Ruffled Feathers 15 Diamond Divas 4 (7 & 8 Girls)
(Ruffled Feathers scoring) Kate Keiffer 3, Ryliegh McCormick 3, Presley Carpenter 3, Ryan Kate Wyatt 3, Audrey Anderson 2, Evie Carpenter (Diamond Divas Scoring) Price, Guin, Fazen, Love

 

Field #2 Results

Traina’s Bakery 10 HD Remodeling 7 (9-10 Boys)
(Traina’s Bakery Scoring) Mason Thomas 2, Jake Moak 2, Tripp McBride, Jensen Waggoner, Addison Phares, Ben Patton, Colt Powell, Drew Mobley (HD Remodeling Scoring) Jack Robinson 2, Jaxon Cheatwood 2, Axel Coe, Lukas Bandy, Henry Underwood

Ables Farms 7 Mercy Medical 4 (9-10 Boys)
(Ables Farms Scoring) Noah Spillman 2, Bentley Ponder, Shan Stallings, Jonah Morris, Eli Lamkin, Hayden Essmeier (Mercy Medical Scoring) Raylon Bradford, Waylon Sullivan, Cason Rogers, Burch

Jonesboro State Bank 19 Jackson Parish Hospital 1 (7 & 8 Boys)
(Jonesboro State Bank Scoring) Cruz Nomey 4, Brock Craighead 3, Koplen Taylor 2, Grant Griffin 2, Andrew Seymore 2, Christopher Wren 2, Jase Reed 2, Braxton Barnett (Jackson Parish Hospital Scoring) Jaysen Cottonham

Cubs 11 Klassy Klean 0 (7 & 8 boys)
(Cubs Scoring) Ryder Pardue 3, Ridge Lewter 2, Mason Tolar 2, Bentley Hall, Brendon Perot, Hunter Williams, Hudson St. Clair (Klassy Klean Scoring) none

Field #3 Results

Bucketboat 6 Pardue Builders 5 (9-10 Girls)
(Bucketboat Scoring) Rachel Bandy 2, Isabella Blewer, Aubree Jackson, Kellyn Brister, Faith Burns (Pardue Builders Scoring) Landry Horsfall, Mykenzie Maloy, Hannah Peoples, Alina Cook, Braniah Malone

Leach Lawn Care 14, 4T Exterior Cleaning 14 9 & 10 Girls)
(Leach Lawn Care Scoring) Mallory Malone 3, Lily LeBlance 3, Kynleigh Leach 3, Allie Fenn 3, Brenna Lowery 2, Anna Pardue, (4T Exterior Cleaning Scoring) Tessa Reeves 2, Anna Phelps 2, Allison Ramsey 2, London Burks 2, Gracie Gray, Teegan Hall, Kamryn James, Khloe Odenbaugh, Phynix Johnson, Morgan Hobdy

Ruffled Feathers 12 Grit & Grace 6 (7-8 Girls)
(Ruffled Feathers scoring) Ryan Kate Wyatt 3, Kate Keiffer 3, Ryliegh McCormick 2, Audrey Anderson, Presley Carpenter, Autumn Kohler, Jaylee Hough (Grit & Grace scoring) Lainey Elmore 2, Charley Linton, Scarlett Aucoin, Halle Coody, Emma Gray, 

Family Pharmacy 13 Barksdale Fed Credit Union 6 (7-8 Girls)
(Family Pharmacy scoring) Hannah Aldy 3, Ashlyn Petre 2, Cadie Conn 2, Ainsley Bougues 2, Adeline Anderson 2, Aubrie Allen, Carrington Bond (BFCU Scoring) Raylie Hall 2, Abigail Sullivan, Natalie Sullivan, Isabella Autry, Kylee Ann Allen 

Field #4 Results

Farm Bureau 10 Southern Kustoms 5
(Farm Bureau Scoring) Breelyn Boone 2, Kaylee Friday 2, Cadence Pennington 2, Little 2, Carlie Slayter, Kyleigh Maxwell (Southern Kustoms Scoring) Darynee Bearden, Anna Patton, Gabby Edwards, Sienna Box, JJ

Barksdale Fed Credit Union 10 Listle Real Estate 7 (11-13 Girls)
(BFCU Scoring) Carlynn Waters, 2, Lily Jones 2, Brenna Lamkin 2, Adysen Breeland 2, Avery Watson, Emma Toms (Listle Real Estate Scoring) Lee 2, Malena Listle, Marie, Ralieigh Medaries, Jennale Hall, Haigen Fenn

Castor 5 Bucketboat 3 (9-10 Girls)
(Castor Scoring) Kinsey 2, Addyson, Emily, Emalee (Bucketboat Scoring) Faith Burns, Jal;ey Wilson, Charleigh Newton

Barksdale Fed Credit Union 15 Castor 4 (11-13 Girls)
(BFCU Scoring) Lily Jones 3, Brenna Lamkin 2, Adysen Breeland 2, Avery Watson 2, Emma Toms 2, Skylar Lamkin 2, Makayla James, Demi (Castor Scoring) Angela 2, Lily, Veola

Schedule of Games

Monday, May 23 

LEAGUE AGE	HOME	VISITOR	FIELD	TIME
3-4 Wee Ball	Jim Neatherland	Grit & Grace	T Ball 1	6:00pm
	Yankees	Jonesboro State Bank	T Ball 2	6:00pm
	Mitchells	Tigers	T Ball 1	7:00pm
	Maxwells	Red Sox	T Ball 2	7:00pm
9-10 Boys	Ables Farms	Traina’s Bakery	Field 2	6:00pm
	HD Remodeling	Mercy Medical	Field 2	7:30pm
9-10 Girls	4T Exterior Cleaning	Pardue Builders	Field 3	6:00pm
	Bucketboat	Leach Lawn Care	Field 3	7:30pm
11-13 Boys	Centric Fed Credit Union	VP Oil Change	Field 1	6:00pm
	Elite Roofing	Johnnys Pizza	Field 1	7:45pm
11-13 Girls	Southern Kustoms	Barksdale Fed Credit Union	Field 4	6:00pm
	Listle Real Estate	Farm Bureau	Field 4	7:45pm

Tuesday, May 24

LEAGUE AGE	HOME	VISITOR	FIELD	TIME
5-6 Tee Ball	J & L Works	Braves	T Ball 1	6:00pm
	Cubs	Astros	T Ball 2	6:00pm
	Six Point	David Mauthe Trucking	T Ball 1	7:00pm
	Peoples Bank	A’s	T Ball 2	7:00pm
7-8 Boys	5A Pump & Hose	Cubs	Field 2	6:00pm
	Jonesboro State Bank	Uptown Tanning	Field 1	6:00pm
	Jackson Parish Hospital	Klassy Kleen	Field 2	7:30pm
7-8 Girls	Family Pharmacy	Ruffled Feathers	Field 3	6:00pm
	Grit & Grace	Barksdale Fed Credit Union	Field 3	7:30pm

Games against Castor (Tuesday, May 24

LEAGUE AGE	HOME	VISITOR	FIELD	TIME
7-8 Girls	Grit & Grace	Castor	Field 1	7:30pm
9-10 Girls	Bucketboat	Castor	Field 4	6:00pm
11-13 Girls	Farm Bureau	Castor	Field 4	7:30pm

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When you think of well-known sports personalities who have made a name for themselves in the outdoors, it’s easy to gravitate rather quickly to names like Bill Dance, Will Primos, Harold Knight, David Hale et al.
During my 40-plus years as an outdoor writer, I have been privileged to cross paths with and wrangle interviews with a few of these fellows and I always come away impressed with just how good they are at what they do, be it the ability to catch big bass or bag big bucks.
There is another group of guys I have gotten to know over the years who are passionate about the outdoors while making their living in the professional sports arena. Here are seven of these fellows who have sat down with me to talk outdoors.
GEORGE STONE – Probably the first professional athlete I interviewed was Ruston’s George Stone who at the time was still an active major league pitcher. He and I shared a day of fishing on Lake Claiborne and I picked up a common thread that runs through practically all these guys I’ve been privileged to interview – they were introduced to hunting and fishing by someone at home. In Stone’s case, it was his dad.
BERT JONES – Although Jones, famed NFL quarterback, and I never shared a boat or a hunting blind together, we have visited several times and there is no doubt in talking with him that spending time in the outdoors has been a major part of his becoming who he is today. He and his dad, Dub who also had a record-breaking career in the National Football League, still spend hours time together in the outdoors.
JACKIE SMITH – For years, Smith held the record for most yards gained by a tight end in the National Football League as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. I got to spend a day with this NFL Hall of Fame athlete fishing and paddling Hobie kayaks on the Cane River near Natchitoches.
PATRICK RAMSEY –Selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Washington Redskins, quarterback Patrick Ramsey who is now retired from professional football, is a die-hard outdoorsman. He and I have shared a bass boat as well as a duck blind on several occasions.
KARL MALONE – One of the highlights of my writing career was watching NBA super-star, Karl Malone put his prized squirrel dog through its paces in his back yard in Ruston. Malone credits his mother, a single mom, for getting him involved in the outdoors as a youngster, a pursuit that he actively follows today.
WILLIS REED – Reed, member of the NBA Hall of Fame, enjoyed a stellar career at Grambling and also with the New York Knicks. Born and reared in Bernice, Reed’s father started him early in life chasing squirrels. Today, his exploits after big game take him all across the country.
KYLE WILLIAMS – While Stone, Jones, Smith, Ramsey, Malone and Reed have all retired from professional sports, Kyle Williams, a Pro Bowl star, is the most recent NFL retiree with the Buffalo Bills. After an outstanding career at Ruston High School and LSU, Williams who is known for his blue-collar work ethic, established a name for himself in Buffalo. As much as he enjoyed playing football, he anxiously headed home to north Louisiana once season ended to chase deer and ducks, activities he was introduced to as a youngster by his dad.
Your son or daughter may never make it to the “bigs” but you can do them a huge favor by introducing them to the Great Outdoors, that area of life that will give them direction to whatever profession they choose to pursue.

FISHING REPORT

BLACK BAYOU – Bream are starting to bite around the trees and bushes. Crappie are fair around the trees on shiners or jigs. No report on bass. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
OUACHITA RIVER – The river has started falling. Best fishing for crappie is in the river lakes on shiners or jigs. Bass are in the mouth of the run-outs and hitting shad imitations. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – The crappie have mostly moved to the flats where shiners and jigs are picking up fish in 12 foot water fishing just off the bottom. Bream are on the beds and fishing worms or crickets is working good. Bass are hitting early mornings on topwater lures and later in the day you can try Carolina-rigs or soft plastics. Catfish are still biting cold worms fished off the banks. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bream are on the beds and fishing is good on crickets and worms fished in the shallows. Crappie have spawned out and have moved deep and are scattered. Some can still be caught night fishing around the lighted piers with shiners. Bass are best fishing soft plastics around the deeper piers. Catfishing has been good on trotlines and set hooks using gold fish or small bream for bait. For latest information, call Misty at Kel’s Cove at 331-2730 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
CANEY LAKE – Bass fishing continues to be fair to good as the fish are moving deep and soft plastics or deep diving crank baits are picking up some. Crappie are moving out onto the flats and are scattered.. Bream fishing is very good around the lake on crickets or worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE POVERTY POINT –The crappie bite has slowed but plenty of catfish and bream can be caught. No report on bass. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE ST. JOHN – The lake is at pool stage but fishing has been slow. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is high and rising with water over the roads making launching impossible. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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