The 2022 Jonesboro-Hodge High School football team has been working hard this off-season. Before fall camp begins on August 8th, the coaches and players would like to invite you to our 2022 Lift-A-Thon which will take place at 10:00am on Tuesday, August 2nd at the Powerhouse, located adjacent to Caldwell-Peacock Stadium on the JHHS campus. 

The players will be asking for donations leading up to this event. Each will have a paper to present that will show their weight max expectations. All donations would be greatly appreciated as we look forward to another excitinig JHHS Tiger football season. 

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This Saturday, July 30, 2022 the JP Bowhunters Archery Club will host a HIT-IT-YA GET IT 3-D archery tournament (ALL RINGS WILL BE IN PLAY) at the Stephen Morgan Archery Range located at the Jackson Parish Recreation Center Sports Complex, located at 5254 Hwy 4 in Jonesboro. A casual start from 7:30am – 10:30am will be utilized. Water will be provided throughout the range. Addtional opportunities will be a choice of 1 of 2 bonus shots and a long shot competition. For more information call or text Heat Hall at 318-245-3136. 

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Unless you were born with four-leaf clovers in both hands, you are semi-cursed with the Give-Take Principle, or the GTP. Also called the Law of Staying Behind.  

Whenever you get a little extra money, something will happen to snatch that money right out of your greedy little paws. Seldom does this fail.  

My first real run-in with this reality was December, 1987. I went to The Great Louise at the newspaper — besides having a heart as wide as the Red River, she knew Everything about Everything — handed her an envelope and told her I’d accidentally been given an extra paycheck that week.  

“That’s your Christmas bonus,” The Great Louise said.  

Those were the days.  

When the tears had cleared enough for me to see, I drove my truck straight to what was then Pioneer Bank — “The bank with the open door from 9 ’til 4” — deposited my check, wept some more, then started to crank my truck.  

Key broke off in the ignition.  

Cost 80 bucks to fix. Merry Christmas to the locksmith, not so much to me.  

Fate giveth money, fate taketh money away.  

For some reason at the first of this month, we had a little extra money. So it was not a big hit when the envelope came in the mail, as it does every six months, with the car insurance due.  

$461.57.  

But also in the mail was the annual termite prevention bill.  

$289.00.  

An attention-getting one-two punch, but not one that would put you on the mat.  

Except then the electric bill notice came by email. I was scared to open it.  

And … for good reason. It shattered the previous monthly record by nearly $200.  

Good thing I was sitting down.  

Something was going on. The Give-Take Principle. The indisputable Law of Staying Behind.  

It was more expected than surprising that evening when the musty smell under the sink turned out to be a plumbing leak in an old cast iron pipe, a pre-PVC situation. Easily fixable — once a carpenter moved a cabinet and cut some holes in the wall.  

Plumbing cost? $509.00 the first day, $1,013.20 the second.  

Carpentry? Jury is still out on that one, but we’re saving up.  

It would have been easier to save up if, during the weekend before the plumbing was totally fixed, the plumbing in the back of the house hadn’t backed up. So, while plumbing was getting fixed in the kitchen, the “clean-out” guys were on the roof, running a roto-rooter thingy down the old cast iron pipes back there, ones that will eventually leak of course, and mercifully cleaning that out.  

$330.00.

Thought it was going to be worse so was grateful. What was worse were the two new tires I had to get the next day.  

$427.74. Gotta have tires.  

Two days later I took those tires and the rest of my car to my stud mechanic friend because my AC had gone out, the battery was draining, and surely that meant alternator trouble and another story for another time but the bottom line equals $357.19 and I wept like a small wet child for joy because I thought it would be much worse.  

It’s at times like this I’m grateful to mow grass. Nothing can get to you when you’re out there mowing grass. So that’s what I did — until my mower broke.  

Of course, it did.  

The next day I put it in my repaired car and left my repaired home and drove it to the shop and left it. The next day I called to check on it.  

Needs just one part. Just That One Part.  

Unfortunately, Just That One Part is on backorder.  

Of course, it is…  

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu.  

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The Jackson Parish Library will close out July with a fun filled, informative and educational schedule of activities for youth of all ages this Wednesday, thru Saturday at both the Jonesboro and Chatham branches.  

Following the weeks theme of Sharing Means Caring, children up to the age of four will be able to participate in Toddler Storytime that will be hosted by the Jonesboro Branch on Wednesday, July 27th from 10:00 – 11:00 and again on Thursday, July 28th, at 10:00 – 11:00am and against from 2:00 – 3:00pm. Featured will be Ms. Terrye reading the book The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfhister The children will also be able to “get their wiggles out” by participating in Captain McFinn’s Fishy Dance along with enjoying fun craft time making Rainbow Fish out of glittery tissue paper. Treats and Juice will also be served. 

Also at the Jonesboro Branch on Wednesday, Jonesboro Police Dept. Intern A’Brianna Paggett will be back for another segment of the Youth Focused Community Policing program for youth aged 10-17. The presentation will begin at 10:30am where participants will get to make crafts, enjoy a demonstration by the Jackson Parish Sheriff Office K-9 unit, be introduced to what makes up a police uniform and see the inside of a police car. Prizes and refreshments will also be given. 

At 2:00pm this Thursday, July 28th, the Chatham Branch of the Jackson Parish Library will host a book signing by local illustrator LaTonya Jackson. The book entitled, Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit, will also be featured on the Book Walk. 

Rounding out the fun filled week will be the final two viewings of the movie Coldwell Spring on Thursday at 3:00pm and again at 10:00am on Saturday, July 30th at the Jonesboro Branch.  The film that was shot locally and produced by Jackson Parish resident Phillip Lawrence runs for approximately 85 minutes and features several Jackson Parish residents in the cast. There is no charge for admission and popcorn will be served. 

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6, 12, 24! Sounds like one of those progressive number challenges but in this case it is three relevent numbers in regard to the weekly Tuesday Scramble played at the Jackson Parish Golf Course (JPGC) on July 19th.  The six is reflective to Paul Trosclair, Dwayne “Snook” Harrell, Billy Moore, Tim Decote, DJ Harrell and Roland Duval who made up the winning team that shot a 12-under score of 24 over the nine hole, par 36 layout. The impressive score was just one off the best score compiled this season.

Each Tuesday a scramble format tournament is played where teams are determined by handicaps or average scores. Each team is assigned an A Player, B Player, C Player and so on so there is a place for all who wish to enjoy the competition. To register ahead of time call the JPGC at 318-259-7247 or sign up at  the golf course at least 30 minutes prior to tee time. 

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In an effort to assist in helping students be prepared for the upcoming 2022-23 school year the administration at Weston High School and Jonesboro-Hodge Elememtary School has published a list of supplies that will be needed.

  Kindergarten students will also need a sleep mat and only regular earbuds with 3.5 mm audio jack will be allowed, no wireless or Bluetooth.

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A New York television show was due to begin broadcasting in two weeks. In the 1950s, television was broadcast live before a studio audience. There was no editing. The production had one serious problem; they were having trouble casting an actress to play the lead character’s wife. They had considered numerous actresses but could not find one who fit the role. The lead character had the final say in who played his wife. Actresses were either too tall, too short, too big, too small, too loud, or too quiet.

Audrey Cotter was performing in the Broadway production of Top Banana and had appeared on several television shows including The Amazing Mr. Malone (1951), The Bob & Ray Show (1951-1952), and Lux Video Theatre (1952). She agreed to help the production find the right actress. She suggested just about every actress she knew, but the leading man always had a reason why none of them would fit the part. Finally, Ms. Cotter said she knew the perfect actress for the part, herself.

Ms. Cotter, an experienced professional actress was immaculately dressed in the current style, her makeup and hair were flawless, her movements were graceful – the leading man knew she was all wrong for the part. He quickly pointed out that the character was supposed to be a blue-collar housewife who, along with her husband, portrayed their daily struggle for survival in New York City. He explained that she was “all wrong.” She was too young, too pretty, and, above all, too glamours for the part. No one would believe she could be married to him. Ms. Cotter left the meeting feeling rejected, although being rejected for being too young, too pretty, and too glamorous must have softened the blow somewhat.

Ms. Cotter was not too serious about getting the part until she was turned down. She became a determined woman. On the walk back to her apartment, she told her agent to return to her apartment the following morning with a photographer. Ms. Cotter stayed in bed until the agent and photographer rang her bell. She let the men into her apartment. Her hair was mussed up, she wore no makeup, she wore a blouse—she had torn one of the sleeves for the occasion—and donned an apron. She walked into her cluttered kitchen and the photographer took several pictures. They developed the photographs and sent them back to the casting person with no name attached.

The lead man looked at the pictures. Her shoulders were slumped, one hand rested on the countertop as if to keep her from collapsing from utter exhaustion. Rather than a smile, Ms. Cotter’s expression was one of disdain as if she were about to ask, “What can happen next?” The lead man said in rapid succession, “Oh, My God. That’s [her]. Who is she? Where is she? Can we get her?”

Ms. Cotter got the part. The lead man was unaware until sometime later that he had already rejected her for the part. Although the television sitcom lasted just a single year, Ms. Cotter’s character became one of the most beloved in television history, Alice Kramden.

Few people know the actress as Audrey Cotter. The world knows Alice Kramden by her stage name, Audrey Meadows. The man who rejected her for the part played her husband in the show. His name was Jackie Gleason. She, along with her husband, Ralph, and upstairs neighbors Ed and Trixie Norton, were… The Honeymooners.

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AS A MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, YOU WILL:

Evaluate and improve existing equipment and tooling and fixture designs in a high-volume manufacturing environment
Develop creative solutions to manufacturing process design-related issues
Solve complex design/tooling issues
Collaborate with diverse groups of people, to include hourly employees, and upper management
Relay difficult concepts to multiple business groups

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

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BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical preferred) or equivalent experience and previous design experience for Assembly processes
Proficient in AutoCAD and Inventor
Familiar with other CAD software packages, to include Solid Works, NX, and Pro-E
Strong problem-solving experience
If qualified and interested, please apply online at http://www.emerson.com

BENEFITS:

We offer medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more. We also provide you flexible time-off plans, including parental leave, vacation, and holiday leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

AS A QUALITY ENGINEER, YOU WILL:

• Investigate quality defects and perform RCA
• Lead and/or contribute to structured problem-solving for corrective and preventive actions
• Analyze no-conformance trends and evaluate the effectiveness of CAPA
• Identify improvement opportunities and drive actions for improvement by analyzing manufacturing processes and conducting process capability analysis
• Lead initiatives to improve non-conformance PPM and cost of quality
• Perform new product and process qualifications
• Direct quality support team members engaged in measuring and testing products and tabulating data concerning product or process quality

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• BS degree in engineering or engineering technology with exposure to quality and lean manufacturing, plus two years of related experience
• Strong interpersonal skills with hourly, engineering and management
• Strong computer skills required
If qualified and interested, please apply online at http://www.emerson.com

BENEFITS:

We offer medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more. We also provide you flexible time-off plans, including parental leave, vacation, and holiday leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

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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

Jackson Parish School Board – Multiple openings ranging from teaching positions, school nurse, bus drivers and paraprofessionals. To learn more contact the Jackson Parish School Board office at 318-259-4456. 

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

Stump Grinding: Free estimates! Call James Stewart at (cell) 318-243-1009 or (home) 318-768-2554 

SepticPlus: For all of your septic repair, service or installation contact SepticPlus. Professional service for your home or business. We are local, reliable and affordable. Licensed and Insured.
(318) 237-3065 / (318) 607-6247

Quality Electrical & Controls Service: Over 60 years of combined  Lic  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.

PUBLIC/LEGAL NOTICES

SHERIFF’S SALE

COMMUNITY LOAN SERVICING, LLC,
A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
# 36802

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

JOHN A LINER AND LINER HOMES, LLC

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court,
Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my
possession and will offer for sale for cash at the principal front door of the Courthouse, Jonesboro,
Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 3rd day of August, 2022. Between the hours governing judicial sales,
the following property to wit:

"BEGINNING AT THE SOUTH SIDE OF A PAVED HIGHWAY (JONESBORO-DANVILLE HIGHWAY) RIGHT OF WAY LINE AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTH BOUNDARY LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER, SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 14 NORTH, RANGE 4 VEST, AND RUN NORTH 50 DEGREES EAST A DISTANCE OF 100 FEET FOR THE STARTING POINT; THENCE RUN SOUTHEASTERLY PARALLEL WITH THE WESTERN BOUNDARY LINE OF LOT 2 OF P.C. LINDSEY PLAT AS RECORDED IN CONVEYANCE BOOK 64, PAGE 663, A DISTANCE OF 150 FEET; THENCE RUN NORTHEASTERLY PARALLEL WITH THE JONESBORO- DANVILLE HIGHWAY A DISTANCE OF 75 FEET; THENCE RUN NORTHWESTERLY PARALLEL WITH THE WESTERN BOUNDARY OF LOT 2 OF P,C. LINDSEY PLAT A DISTANCE OF 150 FEET TO THE SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF JONESBORO-
DANVILLE HIGHWAY; THENCE RUN SOUTHWESTERLY WITH SAID RIGHT OF WAY LINE A DISTANCE OF 75 FEET TO THE STARTING POINT, SITUATED IN JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA", SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS, SERVITUDES, RlGHTS-OF-W AY AND OUTSTANDING MINERAL RIGHTS OF RECORD AFFECTING THE PROPERTY.
Seized as the property of the above named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all
cost, sale to be made for cash with WITHOUT the benefit of appraisal.

ANDY BROWN, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

SHERIFF’S SALE

MIDFIRST BANK
# 36798

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

TAMMIE L. FOSTER
A/K/A TAMMIE LASHAY FOSTER WILEY

BEGINNING AT THE SE CORNER OF SE 1/4 OF NE 1/4 OF SECTION 4, TOWNSHIP 15 NORTH, RANGE I WEST AND RUN NORTH 586 FEET TO THE STATE HIGHWAY #17, THENCE RUN NORTHWEST 895 FEET FOR A STARTING POINT, THENCE RUN SOUTHWEST AND PERPENDICULAR TO THE HIGHWAY 150 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTHWEST PARALLEL TO THE HIGHWAY 60 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTHEAST AND PERPENDICULAR TO THE HIGHWAY 150 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTHEAST AND ALONG THE HIGHWAY 60 FEET TO THE STARTING POINT, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS THEREON AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING, LOCATED IN JACKSON PARJSH, LOUISIANA.

AND BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SE 1/4 OF NE 1/4 OF SECTION 4, TOWNSHIP 15 NORTH, RANGE I WEST AND RUN NORTH 586 FEET TO THE STATE HIGHWAY 146, THENCE RUN NORTHWEST 955 FEET TO THE STARTING POINT, THENCE RUN SOUTHWEST PERPENDICULAR TO THE HIGHWAY 150 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTHWEST PARALLEL TO THE HIGHWAY 60 FEET, THENCE RUN NORTHEAST AND PERPENDICULAR TO THE HIGHWAY 150 FEET, THENCE RUN SOUTHEAST AND ALONG THE HIGHWAY 60 FEET TO THE STARTING POINT TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS THEREON AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING, LOCATED IN JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA; SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS, SERVITUDES, RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND OUTSTANDING MINERAL RIGHTS OF RECORD AFFECTING THE PROPERTY.

THAT CERTAIN MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME SITUATED ON THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY, BEING
A 2005, CAPPAERT 3802, MANUFACTURED HOME, SERJAL NO. CHVM040587621932A AND
CHVM04058761932B, 75.6 X 27.5, WHICH SAID MANUFACTURED HOME/MOBILE HOME WAS IMMOBILIZED PURSUANT TO ACT OF IMMOBILIZATION DATED MAY 0 I, 2006 AND FILED FOR RECORD AS INSTRUMENT NO, 369394 OF THE RECORDS OF JACKSON PARJSH, LOUISIANA.

Seized as the property of the above named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all cost,
sale to be made for cash with WITHOUT the benefit of appraisal.

ANDY BROWN, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

SHERIFF’S SALE

THE MONEY SOURCE, INC.
# 36803

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

PAULA SUE CASCIO

COMMENCING AT AN EXISTING I 1/2 INCH IRON SHAFT AT THE NE CORNER OF THE NE OF SE OF SEC-2-
TOWNSHIP 14 NORTH-RANGE 4 WEST, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS PER SURVEY BY ALBERT D.
HULETT, JR., R.L.S. DATED MAY 3, 1993; THENCE SOUTH 00 DEGREES 08’11” WEST FOR A DISTANCE OF 200.00 FEET TO AN EXISTING 3/4 INCH IRON ROD; THENCE RUN NORTH 89 DEGREES 57′ 42″ WEST FOR A DISTANCE OF 240.00 FEET TO AN EXISTING 3/4 INCH IRON ROD, SAID CALL BEING TO SAID IRON ROD; THENCE RUN SOUTH 00 DEG. 08’11” WEST FOR A DISTANCE OF 457.40 FEET TO A 1/2 INCH REBAR FOR THE STARTING POINT; FROM SAID STARTING POINT, THENCE RUN SOUTH 00 DEGREES 08′ 11″ WEST FOR A DISTANCE OF 435.05 FEET TO A 1/2 INCH REBAR AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE EMMETT A. BATSON, ET UX, TRACT AS PER DEED RECORDED IN CONVEYANCE BOOK 141, PAGE 351, RECORDS OF JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA; THENCE RUN NORTH 89 DEGREES 57′ 42″WEST FOR A DISTANCE OF 400.00 FEET TO A 1/2 INCH REBAR; THENCE RUN NORTH 00 DEGREES 08’11” EAST FOR A DISTANCE OF 435.05 FEET TO A 1/2 INCH REBAR; THENCE RUN SOUTH 89 DEGREES 57’42” EAST FOR A DISTANCE OF 400.00 FEET BACK TO THE POB, CONTAINING 3.005 ACRES, M/L, SITUATED AND LOCATED IN JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA,
TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING. (MUNICIPAL ADDRESS-348 DANI DR., JONESBORO, LA 71251)
TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTED UPON, AFFIXED TO OR LOCATED UPON THE ABOVE DESCRIBED REAL PROPERTY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING
LOCATED UPON OR TO BE LOCATED THEREON. WHICH DWELLING IS OR MAY BE A MANUFACTURED HOME, AS HEREINBELOW DESCRIBED, WHICH MANUFACTURED HOME IS OR UPON PLACEMENT AND AFFIXATION SHALL BE CONCLUSIVELY DEEMED TO BE REAL ESTATE (THE MANUFACTURED HOME) MAKE: SKYLINE MODEL: 1996 MEADOW RIDGE 0500 SERIAL NUMBER: 2K-53-0773-I YEAR BUILT: 1995

Seized as the property of the above named defendant and will be sold on August 14th, 2022 to satisfy said Writ and all cost, sale to be made for cash with WITHOUT the benefit of appraisal.

ANDY BROWN, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

 

John Chester Guyotte
September 21, 1949 – July 24, 2022

John Chester Guyotte passed away on Sunday, July 24th, 2022. He was born in Attleboro, Massachussetts to Chester Benjamin Guyotte and Cornelius “Connie” Caskey Guyotte. 

John was an avid outdoorsman, who loved to hunt, fish and shoot guns. He shared and passes on  his love for all of his outdoor activities with his family. He coached baseball and softball for many years in local little leagues and also served the league as umpire chief and board member. He was a mentor to many players who were less fortunate. 

He was a veteran who served our country. John enjoyed a career as an electrician at the Hodge Papermill before retiring and most recently worked at the Jackson Parish Correctional Center where he held several positions. He was a craftsman in every way. There wasn’t much that he couldn’t build and very few thing mechanically that he couldn’t fix. He was always a very hard worker with a do it yourself attitude, qualities that he instilled into his children. He loved his family and left many memories to cherish. He will be missed by so many family and friends. 

Preceding him in death was his father, Chester Guyotte; mother, Connie Dearman and sister, Barbara Toms. 

John is survived by his wife, Danielle Guyotte; sister, Debbie Johnson and husband Butch; two brothers, Tommy Guyotte  and wife Donna, Kenny Guyotte and wife Sherry; three sons, Chad Guyotte, Brian and wife Paula Guyotte and Brad Guyotte and wife Denise; daughter, Brook Guyotte; grandchildren,Peyton Guyotte, Alexis Guyotte, Shelby Guyotte Wall and husband Hayden Wall, Sydney Guyotte Jobe, Jeffry Jobe, Clayton Guyotte, Maggie Guyotte, Lyndsey Hayes, Riley Hayes, Timothy Lanier, Samantha Guyotte, Savannah Guyotte, Hunter Guyotte, Benjamin Guyotte, Regina Guyotte and Jacob Guyotte; great grandchildren, Collins Wall, Baker Wall, Cason Lewis, Cameron Lutric, Alexander McQuillin, and Ellie Sutton along with many neices and nephews.  

Visitation will take place at 9:00am on Friday, July 29th at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Quitman.  The funeral service, which is being handled by Paradise Funeral Home, will take place at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that ypu please consider making a donation in John’s honor to the American Heart Association. Donations can be made at either Fellowship Baptist Church or Paradise Funeral Home.

Aylon Pate
August 11, 1931 – July 23, 2022

Aylon Thomas Pate of Jonesboro, LA died on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Forest Haven Nursing Home of congestive heart failure. Aylon was born October 11, 1931 in Hodge, LA to Walter and Vada Pate.

Aylon is survived by his wife of 46 years, Bettye Turner Pate; daughter, Lisa Wursteisen (Michael); sister, Evelyn Burson; grandchildren, Chad Garner, Corey Johnston (Cherrie), Candice Johnston (Daniel), and Allie, Jacob, and Payton Wursteisen; great grandchildren, Lillian Herndon, Michael and Tristan Johnston; son in law, Bobby Hayden; step-grandson, Bobby Wayne Hayden. Aylon was predeceased by his parents, Walter Thomas and Vada (Bridges) Pate; daughter, Rhonda Hayden, Brothers, Berlin “Bo” Pate and Jack Pate; sister, Nell Prothro; and step-grandson, Timmy Hayden.

Aylon attended Jonesboro-Hodge High School and served in the United States Army in the Korean War rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class. He retired from Stone Container Corporation in 1997 after 44 years of faithful service, 22 of which were as operator of the No. 5 paper machine. After retirement he enjoyed fishing on Saline, Black and D’Arbonne Lakes with Bettye. He was a big fan of Elvis Presley and Conway Twitty. He and Bettye were big fans of “The Young and Restless” which he taped and they watched after midnight. He loved cooking and took over those duties after retirement. Aylon took pride in both his appearance and that of his home and yard. He was obsessive about keeping his cars and trucks in their showroom appearance.

Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 9:00AM until time of services. Funeral services are set for 11:00AM. Burial will follow under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Chris Love, Charles Neeles, Mike Turner, Terry Williams, Bobby Hayden, Thomas Lay, Bryan Lay, Tyler Lay, Michael Wurstisens. Honorary pallbearers will be Ken Hartsfield, Woody McDonald, Chuck Allen, Murphy Chestnut, Lavelle Brown, Bill Jimmerson.

Donations can be made in Aylon’s honor to Brooks Chapel Cemetery in care of James Mobley at 707 Brooks Chapel Road in Quitman, Louisiana 71268.

Clyde “Buster” Sullivan
May 16, 1942 – July 18, 2022

Funeral services for Mr. Clyde “Buster” Sullivan, Jr. was held Friday, July 22, 2022 at First Baptist Church Jonesboro with Rev. Brian McAllister officiating. Services were under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

Buster was a long-time resident of Jonesboro, LA. He was born in Macon, MS on May 16, 1942 to Clyde and Christine Sullivan and passed away on Monday, July 18, 2022 in Jonesboro, LA at the age of 80.

After serving in the US Army in Korea, he graduated from Louisiana Tech University. Following graduation, Buster joined his dad as a logging contractor for thirty years. Upon retirement, he enjoyed gardening and farming before beginning his second career as a field representative for Woodmen Life Insurance, where he was a successful sales representative for sixteen years. He loved both of his careers, making life long friends in each area. Buster was known for his dry wit, quiet dignity, helping hand, and love of the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was an active member of Kiwanis Club, where he served as president and regional representative. He also served on the American Cancer Society Board of Directors. Buster was an active member at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. He loved his Lord and loved being very active in his Sunday school class. Buster was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Christine Sullivan and his sister, Louise Burnett.

Buster is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Donna Sullivan; son, Shea Sullivan and wife, Lelani; daughter, Stacy and husband, Gary Bergeon; three grandchildren; sister, Pauline Lochala; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Wanona Gail Shoemaker
Monday, March 22nd, 1943 – Sunday, July 24th, 2022

Over the years Wanona has been known by many nicknames – Shoe, Aunt Nonie, Grammy, and most recently Boo-Boo. She religiously watched LSU and Saints football, and every evening you’d catch her with a cup of her special “Winnsboro Water.” Once her great-grandchildren were born, the majority of her time was spent with them. Her loving and caring nature will not go unmissed.

Preceded in death by: long-term significant other Johnny Etheridge, mother Juanita Richard’s Harper, father Arthur “Doody” Harper, and brother Robert “Roddy” Harper

Survived by: daughter Traci Lynn Shoemaker, grand-son Matthew Harper Smith and wife LeSha Marie Smith, great-grandchildren Kaden Clyde Smith and Jacie Harper Smith, Aunt Pat Lockwood and husband Jim, sister-in-law Lou Ann Copeland, and a host of friends who became family

A memorial service will be held Saturday July 30th at 1 pm at Reily Memorial United Methodist Church in Collinston, LA.

Orvin Alonzo Maxwell
September 08, 1924 – July 22, 2022

Orvin Maxwell was born September 8th, 1924 in Jonesboro, La. and passed away peacefully at his home on July 22, 2022 and entered Heaven.

We lost a wonderful man from “The Greatest Generation”. He honorably served in the U.S. Army from September 1943 through November 1945. During his service he was a Sergeant and Rifleman. He bravely served in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, and Rhineland. His awards included American Theater Ribbon; Eame Theater Ribbon with Four Bronze Stars; Good Conduct Ribbon; and Victory Medal World War II.

He worked for the US Postal Service as a clerk and then a Rural Letter Carrier and enjoyed going to work every day. He was a life-long member of Center Point Baptist Church where he faithfully attended and served in various capacities throughout the years. He was ordained as a deacon in 1959 and served as a treasurer for many years. His life revolved around his family, friends, and church. He was a loving husband, father, papaw, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He was everything a husband and father should be. He was a Christian man who was strong, supportive, and loving, with a great sense of humor. He loved spending time with his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Janie Maxwell; his brother, Elwin Maxwell; his sister, Evelyn Hughes; infant son, Rodney Maxwell; and daughter-in law, Carrie Maxwell. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 69 years, Una Maxwell; his children, daughter, Sharon
Shurling; son, Reggie Maxwell (Alice); son, Michael Maxwell; daughter, Janet Maxwell; grandsons, Travis Shurling (Melissa) and great-grandsons, Charles Maxwell (Max) Shurling and Nathaniel Mendoza. He adored his nieces and nephew and their spouses: Mary Jean and Sonny Standifer; Shirley and Jimmy Clark; Linda and Roy Zito; and Jerry and Eleanor Maxwell.

A very special thank you and debt of gratitude to our dedicated, loving, caring, and considered family of caregivers: Ricki Ashcraft, Diane Coker, Stephanie Springfield, and Linda Tabor. Also, a special thanks to Bro. Wayne Morrow for his special friendship with our parents. We give thanks to Brother Randy Lee for his support and prayers and to family friend, Irma Ashcraft, for always being there for our family. We appreciate all the support of longtime friends Brenda and James Fitzpatrick. We have had the support and prayers of so many of our friends, family, church family, and those who knew of our needs.

Visitation will be held at Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Funeral services for Orvin A. Maxwell, age 97 of Jonesboro, La., will be held at Center Point Baptist Church, Jonesboro, LA, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022. Bro. Wayne Morrow and Bro. Randy Lee will be officiating the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Center Point Baptist Church, P.O. Box 157, Hodge, LA 71247 or Siloam Springs Community Church, 809 Siloam Church Road, Jonesboro, LA, 71251.

Serving as pallbearers for the family will be Morgan Dale Barkley, Chip Clark, Jimmy Clark, Scott Clark, Ernie Lewter, Jerry Maxwell, Sonny Standifer, and Roy Zito. Honorary Pallbearer will be James Fitzpatrick.

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Per a statement by Mayor Leslie Thompson at 11:00am on Monday, July 25th, the Boil Advisory for the Town of Jonesboro is still in place and will remain so until further notice. Thompson originally declared that a Boil Advisory be put in place on Sunday following the discovery of a mechanical problem.

“We are working diligently to get the issue resolved but after meeting with department heads this morning, I am announcing that the Boil Advisory will remain in place,” said Thompson. “We also ask residents to continue to refrain from using water excessively while we work to resolve the problem.”

While under a boil water advisory, you should use bottled water or boil tap water. This is because a boil water advisory means your community’s water has, or could have, germs that can make you sick.

Recommended procedures include:

(1) Use bottled or boiled water for drinking, and to prepare and cook food.
(2) If bottled water is not available, bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute After boiling, allow the water to cool before use.
(3) Boil tap water even if it is filtered (for example, by a home water filter or a pitcher that filters water).
(4) Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator.

Handwashing

In many cases, you can use tap water and soap to wash hands during a boil water advisory. Follow the guidance from your local public health officials.
Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Then, rinse them well under running water.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Bathing and showering

Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering.
Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.

Brushing teeth

Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water. Do not use tap water that you have not boiled first.

Washing dishes

If possible, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils during a boil water advisory.
Household dishwashers generally are safe to use if:
The water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit (66°Celsius), or
The dishwater has a sanitizing cycle.
Sanitize all baby bottles.
To wash dishes by hand:
Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water.
In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.
Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute.
Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.

Laundry

It is safe to wash clothes as usual.

Cleaning

Clean washable toys and surfaces with: Bottled water, Boiled water, or Water that has been disinfected with bleach

Caring for pets

Pets can get sick from some of the same germs as people or spread germs to people. Give pets bottled water or boiled water that has cooled.
If bottled water is not available, bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes). After boiling, allow the water to cool before use.
Boil tap water even if it is filtered (for example, by a home water filter or a pitcher that filters water).
Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator.

Caring for your garden and houseplants

You can use tap water for household plants and gardens.

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AS A TEAM LEADER, YOU WILL: 

• Supervise utilizing strong interpersonal skills 
• Use technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, as applies to such supervision 
• Utilize computer skills to facilitate processes and software used 
• Pursue objectives with organizational skills to meet goals 
• Work with personnel at all levels of the organization 

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: 

• Two (2) year Associates Degree, plus one year of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience 
• Excellent communication skills; both oral and written 
• Great computer skills (Excel and Word 

BENEFITS:

We offer medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more. We also provide flexible time-off plans, including parental leave, vacation, and holiday leave.  

Shift is 11:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m.  Overtime requirements are based on customer needs to meet business objectives. 

If qualified and interested, please apply online at www.emerson.com 

Equal Opportunity Employer 
Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.  

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AS AN INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER, YOU WILL: 

• Identify opportunities to introduce flow and visual management into processes and work alongside area leadership to implement 
• Utilize process mapping, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis 
• Capture manufacturing cycle time data in the production department, develop improvement plans, and execute action plans 
• Create, review, and update standard work 
• Maintain plant and workstation layouts to reflect the current state and to provide potential future state options to project leaders and management 
• Lead improvement activity by facilitating kaizen events or acting as a project resource 
• Develop area leadership through lean daily management process 
• Train new employees on continuous improvement concepts in Orientation and in other settings 

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: 

• BS degree in engineering, manufacturing, or equivalent degree and a minimum of two years’ experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in manufacturing identifying opportunities for the efficiency of manufacturing processes and operations  
• Experienced in lean manufacturing principles 
• Project management experience 
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD 2D for managing plant layouts 
• Analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Excellent communication skills 

If qualified and interested, please apply online at www.emerson.com 

BENEFITS:

We offer medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more. We also provide you flexible time-off plans, including parental leave, vacation, and holiday leave.  

Equal Opportunity Employer 
Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.  

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Due to a mechanical issue the Town of Jonesboro has been put under a BOIL ADVISORY until further notice. During the advisory period  residents are also asked to refrain from any activities that could result in an excessive use of water being used such as filling swimming pools, washing vehicles or watering lawns or gardens as the town is also experiencing low water pressure. 

If your local health officials issue a boil water advisory, you should use bottled water or boil tap water. This is because a boil water advisory means your community’s water has, or could have, germs that can make you sick.

While under a Boil water advisory it is recommended to:

Use bottled or boiled water for drinking, and to prepare and cook food.
If bottled water is not available, bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute After boiling, allow the water to cool before use.
Boil tap water even if it is filtered (for example, by a home water filter or a pitcher that filters water).
Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator.
Breastfeeding is the best infant feeding option. If you formula feed your child, provide ready-to-use formula, if possible.

Handwashing

In many cases, you can use tap water and soap to wash hands during a boil water advisory. Follow the guidance from your local public health officials.
Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Then, rinse them well under running water.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Bathing and showering

Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering.
Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.

Brushing teeth

Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water. Do not use tap water that you have not boiled first.

Washing dishes

If possible, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils during a boil water advisory.
Household dishwashers generally are safe to use if:
The water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit (66°Celsius), or
The dishwater has a sanitizing cycle.
Sanitize all baby bottles.
To wash dishes by hand:
Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water.
In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.
Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute.
Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.

Laundry

It is safe to wash clothes as usual.

Cleaning

Clean washable toys and surfaces with:
Bottled water, Boiled water, or Water that has been disinfected with bleach

Caring for pets

Pets can get sick from some of the same germs as people or spread germs to people. Give pets bottled water or boiled water that has cooled.
If bottled water is not available, bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes). After boiling, allow the water to cool before use.
Boil tap water even if it is filtered (for example, by a home water filter or a pitcher that filters water).
Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator.

Caring for your garden and houseplants

You can use tap water for household plants and gardens.

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Winn Parish – On July 19, 2022, at approximately 1:50 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 505, south of Louisiana Highway 126. This crash claimed the life of 32-year-old Bronwyn D. Chandler and her unborn child.

The initial investigation revealed a 2006 Toyota Camry, driven by Chandler, was traveling north on Louisiana Highway 505. For reasons still under investigation, Chandler’s vehicle traveled off the roadway and struck a tree.

Chandler sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. She and her unborn child were later pronounced dead. A toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis.
In 2022, Troop E has investigated 21 fatal crashes, resulting in 22 deaths.

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The list of those who will compete for various offices locally and across the state and those who will have no opposition has been finalized, as the dates for qualifying for the November 8 election drew to a close this past Friday. 

In regard to statewide or multi parish offices the race for US Senator drew the largest number of candidates with incumbent John Kenndey being among the thirteen who registered for the office. The race for 5th Congressional District drew five candidates, including incumbent Julia Letlow. For a comple list of candidates for either office go online to GeauxVote.com

List of Qualifiers for local offices:

MAYOR

Town of Jonesboro –  Leslie Thompson, James “Spike” Harris
Village of Hodge – Gerald T. Palmer
Village of North Hodge – Kathy Robertson, Joannie Moffett Cannady, “Tony” Duffey
Village of East Hodge – Hal M. Mims
Village of Quitman – Joe Vail

CHIEF OF POLICE

Town of Jonesboro –  Tim Wyatt, Israel Smith
Village of Hodge – Travis Reed
Village of North Hodge – Robert “Bobby” Dillon, Paul Frith, Kevin Spencer 
Village of East Hodge – Terrence Leonard, Barron Dill

TOWN OF JONESBORO ALDERMEN (One from each district to be elected)

District A – James Ginn
District B – Robbie Siadek
District C – Aaron “Pete” Stringer, Robert Hunter
District D – Devin Flowers, Cassandra D. Wiley
At Large – Nia Evans-Johnson, Danettia Cooper Hayes

VILLAGE OF HODGE ALDERMEN (Three to be elected)

Martha Buchan
Steve Fox
Willard Willis
Kimberly L Reed

VILLAGE OF NORTH HODGE ALDERMEN (Three to be elected)

Lee Brown
Sarah Heard
Samanda Parker
“Ernie” Roden
Andrea Woods

VILLAGE OF EAST HODGE ALDERMEN (Three to be elected)

Robert L Bradley
Gloria Glispy Moore
Preston Traxler

VILLAGE OF QUITMAN ALDERMEN (Three to be elected)

Brian Burns
Kiristi Greer
James Trull

JACKSON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD (One from each district to be elected)

District 1 – Mary “May” Saulters
District 2 – Calvin “Bart” Waggoner
District 3 – Richard “Rick” Barlow
District 4 – Gerry Mims
District 5 – Gloria Davis, “Paulette” Belton
District 6 – Wade McBride
District 7 – Dennis Clary, “Clay” Norman

 

 

 

 

 

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The Northeast Louisiana High School Anglers Tour has announced the 2022-23 Tournament Schedule.  Locations of regular season events include Caney Lake, Ouachita River, Lake D’Arbonne, Lake Bruin, Lake Claiborne. Lake D’Arbonne will also host the Student Angler Federation (SAF) Jr. State Championship and High School State Championship with the season ending Top Ten Championship to be at a location that will be announced at a later date.

Tournament fee for teams, which comprise of two people, are:
$50.00 per tournament ($300.00 total) if paid in full at the beginning of the season
$75.00 per tournament ($450.00 total) if paying by tournament

Tournament fees include competition for big bass. 

NELAHS Anglers Tournament Schedule

August 27 – Ouachita River
September 24 – Lake D’Arbonne
January 14 – Lake Bruin
February 11 – Lake Claiborne
*March 18 – Lake D’Arbonne (SAF Jr. State Championship
*March 19 – Lake D’Arbonne (SAF High School State Championshp)
*April 8 – Caney Lake
*April 22 – Top Ten Championship (at location to be determined)

Dates designated with * are tentative and subject to change

QHS team of Duck and Davis take 7th at Red River Big Bass Classic

With a 15 bass stringer that weighed 28.23 lbs., Hayden Davis and Maddox (Polecat) Duck from Quitman High School, took 7th place at the 1st annual High School Bass Classic on the Red River that was held July 15-17. Maddox Williams of Saline and Eddie Hyatt Jr., representing Lakeside High School, took top honors with a stringer of 38.33 lbs. as well as winning the Big Bass competiton with a 5.12 lb lunker. Five

Video Short: (This is hilarious!)

The team of Davis and Duck not only enjoyed a good showing at the tournament they also put on the best show. Enjoy the following video short entitled Famous Last Words by clicking here. 

 

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Virtually everything done is relative to time. To take it a step further, almost all things take place at a set time. We go to work and get off at a certain time. We sit down to meals at roughly the same time each day. Before we go to bed, which is usually around the same time, we set the alarm to wake us up at a designated hour.

Even life and death is governed by time. The difference is that unlike our daily activities which we take great care to plan, only God knows the exact time he has set for us to be born and for the spirit in our bodies to leave this earth. We have absolutely no control over this. Only God does. Only when he declares it is time, it is time!

As it is written:
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you – Jeremiah 1:5
Man’s days are determined; God has decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed” – Job 14.5

While we may not have a say so on how long we are destined to be on this earth, there are some things that a person can control. One is the mark that we make during our life. Another is the legacy we leave behind. Most importantly is that we are prepared spiritually for when the times comes.

Death brings forth a myriad of emotions, often all at the same time. There is the HUMAN feeling of shock, sadness, pain, loss, bewilderment and sometimes even anger. There are also the SPIRITUAL feelings of joy, comfort, compassion and celebration, especially when you know that that person’s spirit has entered the kingdom of heaven.

This past Tuesday, the time that God had ordained for Bill Staples to pass from this earth came to an end. The news came as a shock to even those closest to him, as even though he had been hospitalized for several weeks, by all indications he was on the road to recovery. It is a true testament to when God says it is time, it is time.

While anyone who knew Bill deeply grieves his passing, he would prefer you not to be sad but instead focus and remember all the blessings God gave him. Speaking to a friend the day before he died, he basically said as much.

“I thought several times before in my life that this was the end, but God had different plans,” said Bill. “He has given me so many blessings and I give him praise for all of them. I don’t want anyone to be sad when it is my time. When God calls me home, it will be according to his plan.”

While Bill was greatful of the blessings he received, It is the blessings that he gave back that will be remembered for. Bill touched countless numbers of people he came in contact through a God given talent of helping someone feel better through his ministry and minstrels.

In his early years he soothed souls and entertained others all over the south through his music. Whether it be at a high school dance or church gospel meeting, his desire was for everyone to enjoy themselves and look back on that day with fond memories. It was always mission accomplished evidenced by him routinely being asked to make a return engagement. His ability to provide a witness to God through his music did not go unnoticed. Especially among the younger generation in his family who would later join forces with him creating what became somewhat of a “family tradition.”

Then there was his ability to minister. For years he served with the Jackson Parish Coroner’s Office and was a Funeral Director and Manager for Southern/Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro and Winnfield. To say these were professions of his doesn’t do justice to what he did.

Providing compassion and encouragement was truly a calling of his. Hundreds upon hundreds of families and friends suffering through the death of a loved one will tell you how beneficial his timely and kind words were during their time of need.

His “good word” wasn’t heard only in the times of death but in the celebration of life as well. Each Sunday, for the past several years he pastored at Union Baptist Church, bringing additional words of encouragement and hope to a very appreciative congregation.

Bill also provided motivation and encouragement in the sports world as well. As broadcaster for 94.1 radio, including being the voice of Jonesboro-Hodge Football, Bill’s always strived to relay a message of positivity and hope over the airways.

In reflection he couldn’t have been named any better. Bill was a Staple of the community. He left a mark! He left a legacy! Most of all he left this earth spiritually prepared for when it was his time. While we mourn his passing, for this we will celebrate!

 

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Their scientific name is Ursus americanus luteolus. In English, the animal species is known as the
American Black Bear but there is a subspecies of the Louisiana Black Bear, which became known across America as the “Teddy Bear” named such because of the fondness historic American President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt had in hunting them. 

Populations of the Louisiana Black Bear are mostly found in the Tensas River Basin and both the upper and lower Atchafalaya River Basins but this past week, one was seen in Chatham, LA wandering around on the property owned by the parents of Mike Chatham and Stephanie Chatham. 

Sightings like this are happening more and more, especially in the last year. Since being removed in 2016 from the “threatened” on the US Endangered Species list the Black Bear population in the state has greatly increased while their habitat constantly dwindles. 

Just in the last couple of months pictures were captured in backyards and roadways in Monroe, West Monroe, Sterlington, Pineville, Columbia, Delhi, Epps, Marion, Swartz, Collinston and Hoods Mill in Jackson Parish

See below for a few pictures of black bear sightings.

 

 

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NOTE: Today most people only know that Caney Creek Reservoir and Caney Lake State Park is considered one of the jewels of Sportsman’s Paradise, as the state is called. Few remember the countless trials, tribulations, pitfalls and roadblocks that had to be overcome or the role that Woody McDonald played in changing the woods into water. This week – Negotiations move forward!

(Ben Ledbetter, Jackson Parish Journal) Step one was done! After several years of making trip after trip to Baton Rouge the state of Louisiana Public Works Department finally came on board with funding for the planned waterway in Jackson Parish. Now the focus of Jackson Parish Watershed District Commissioner Woody McDonald turned to  securing  flood rights from the myriad of local land holders and the four major commercial entities involved.

All during the spring and summer of 1972, McDonald went from house to house offering $100.00 per acre for flood rights and agreeing that the landholder would get to keep all mineral and timber rights. By the end of September roughly 800 of the 4,885 acres had been negotiated. 

“Nearly every one of the local land owners wamted to see the lake come to fruition and were agreeable to sell the flood rights,” said McDonald. “You would have thought I was running for office for all the doors I knocked on,” quipped McDonald while reflecting back on the many residences he went to. “Negotiation went really well though as nearly every one of the local land owners wamted to see the lake come to fruition.”

In regard to the Louisiana Department of Public Works (LDPW) the 800 acres that had been signed up was only a little over half way to the number  of acres they needed before the next step in the lake’s construction could take place.  

“We knew we still had a long ways to go but we were getting excited as we were getting closer to our first goal of 1500 acres,” reflected McDonald. “That was the number of acres the LDPW said we had to secure before they would proceed with the designing of the dam and associated engineering.” 

On an alternate front, the Louisiana Department of Parks and Recreation (LDPR) and the North Delta Economic District (NDED) were formulating plans for two proposed parks on the shore of the lake.

“Their involvment was crucial to having a state park on the lake,” said McDonald. “The plans we had called for an overnight camping facility on the east side of the lake and boat ramps and picnic facilities on the west side. This meant that the state would have to maintain somewhere around 300-500 acres.” 

By the summer of 1973 not only had enough flood rights  been obtained to get the LDPR working on their design and engineering, McDonald had also secured the flood right from four of the five commercial entities that held the lionshare of acreage.

“Continental Can and Olincraft had just a little short of 1000 acres between them,” recalled McDonald. “United Gas had almost the same amount but the big get was Tremont Lumber’s holding which was just short of 2000 acres along with another 82 acres for the dam site.”

The actual amount of acreage owned by the companies were:

415.57 – Continental Can Company
492.00 – Olincraft Company
850.70 – United Gas Company
1,936.07 – Tremont Lumber Company 

In December of ’73,  more positive traction was gained.  Through the help of US Senator’s Russell B. Long and J. Bennett Johnston, along with US Representative Otto Passman, the Federal Bureau of Outdoor Recreation (FBOR) awarded the JPWD $151,524.00. The money was allocated to pay for 355 addtional acres of land for recreational purposes on the shores of the lake, aka, the desired state park. Adding icing to the cake the state agreed to match the funds. 

“This was really great news and got the ball rolling on both fronts,” reflected McDonald who along with members of the JPWD went to work to purchase the acreage. “We were paying $100.00 per acre for easements, $200.00 per acre for the dam site and $300.00 per acre for the recreation area.”

The total cost of the recreation area after development was expected to be around 1.7 million dollars. This included a seperate day area and a night area where it was estimated that 1500 people daily could be serviced. 

“We knew we still had to finish negotiations with Tennessee Gas Company on securing their four pipelines on the south end of the lake but I thought this would be just a formality like the others and that we were pretty much home free,” said McDonald. “Boy, was I ever wrong!” 

Next week! – Tenneco says no no!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This coming Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, the movie Coldwell Spring that was primarily filmed in jackson Parish and written, directed and produced by local resident Philip Lawrence will be shown at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library. 

After several weeks of drawing rave reviews by those who attended the nightly airings at the Jonesboro VFW Hall, the film which features many locals as extras will be shown at 3:00pm on Tuesday, July 26th and Thursday, July 28th before a final viewing at 10:00am on Saturday, July 30th.

There is no cost to attend but seating will be limited so you should call (318) – 259 – 5697 to reserve a seat or come by the Jonesboro Branch Library, located at 614 South Polk Avenue. With a rating of PG the running time of the movie is approximately 1 hr 25 minutes (85 minutes).

Frank and Tammy’s Magic Show ends Summer Reading Program

All good things must come to an end and thusly so does the 2022 Summer Reading Program, but what a way to go! All summer long young patrons were treated to an incredible amount of fun, entertaining and educational events and programs by the tremendously creative staff of the Jackson Parish Library. 

Closing out the plethora of activities was Frank’s and Tammy’s Magic Show that brought ooh’s and aah’s from the many youth and their parents in attendance. The directors, managers and staff of Jackson Parish Library would like to thank all who participated in the programs this summer. 

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