Bart Waggoner of Chatham has been named Grand Marshall of the 2022 Christmas Wonderland in the Pines Parade. As one of the biggest advocates of the prospering of Jackson Parish, Bart has been a member of the Jackson Parish School Board for 32 years and has been a dedicated volunteer for community efforts of which he still actively supports. 

Waggoner is a United States Armed Services Veteran where he served in the Air Force and is a member of Caney Lake Baptist Church, which recently awarded him with a certificate of appreciation. Bart has also given of his time coaching little league baseball and women’s softball. 

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While smiles were abound on the ten beautiful young ladies that represented the 2022 JHHS Homecoming Court none were bigger than on the faces of the Tiger coaching staff and players after the 28-7 victory over Lakeview that gave the Tigers their first district 3-2A victory of the season. With the victory JHHS improved to 3-6 on the year and 1-3 in district play while Lakeview dropped to 4-5 overall and to the bottom of 3-2A with an 0-4 record. 

More importantly the win puts JHHS back in the postseason discussion and in control of their own destiny. According to the current Division IV “Non – Select” schools power rankings, the Tigers are sitting at #29, an improvement of two spots from the week before and just one spot out of the 28 team playoff bracket.

According to JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship, with the way the season has unfolded this is all that can be asked for at this point. 

“I told the guys before the game that even though the season hasn’t gone like we would have wanted up to this point, we are still in control of whether or not we make the playoffs,” said Blankenship. “|I am proud of the way the guys responded. We had to win this one if we were going to have a shot.”

Dominating Performance! While Zoie Anderson and Cartavious Waters were honored as the 2022 Homecoming Queen and King during the assembly held earlier in the day it was Xavier Atkins who ruled the field on Friday night. The LSU commit had by far his best game of the season reminding the large throng of Tiger fans in attendance why he is one of the more coveted athletes in north Louisiana despite being only a junior. Atkins led the dominant Tiger defense with 11 tackles and one assist, including three tackles for a loss. More impressively was his blocking three punts, which sets a nee JHHS single game record and returning an interception 55 yards for a touchdown that broke what had been a close game open. For good measure Atkins also scored on a 12 yard reception while playing offense.

Future is now! To be where they are now has to be almost surreal for Freshman Dakota Knox and Jason Blackburn. Last year the pair were the quarterback and running back for J-H Middle School lending credence that they would one day be strong contributors for the varsity. That day is now! Both turned in sterling performances to lead the offense to their second best scoring total of the season. Knox completed 8 of 13 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown while Blackburn, playing for the first time in three weeks after injuring his ankle, rushed for 34 yards and scored twice. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
JHHS (3-6, 1-3)	0	20	0	8	28
Lakeview (4-5, 0-4)	0	7	0	0	7

JHHS Rushing: Drayton (10-74), Blackburn (10-34, 2 TD’s), Leonard (1-4), Malone (1-minus 3), Knox( 4 – minus 6)
JHHS Passing: Knox (8-13-100, 1 TD), Malone (0-2-0)
JHHS Receiving: Atkins (3-72, 1 TD), Bolds (1-20), Palmer (1-2)
JHHS Tackles: Atkins -11, 3 TFL,  Leonard – 5, 2 TFL, Waters 4, 2 TFL, 

Former Coach Lonnie Calahan honored before game

In recognition of one of the iconic coaches in Jonesboro-Hodge history, Lonnie Calahan was honored before the game by a coalition of former players that he mentored during the years of 1973 – 82. Calahan was presented with a beautiful plaque that commemorated what he meant to his players while also hearing from several of his players. The beloved coach started at JHHS as an assistant in 1973 before becoming head coach in 1979 a position he held until 1982 compiling a 25-19-1 overall record and leading JHHS to the Class AA state championship game in 1980 and the quarterfinals in 1982. 

Booker Family recognized as “First Family of JHHS Football”

In conjuntion with the Jonesboro-Hodge football program and sponsored by the Jackson Parish Journal, the Booker family, one of the most iconic families of JHHS football was recognized at halftime of the JHHS vs Lakeview Homecoming contest. The group[ represented three quarterbacks, one of which was the first African-American to man the position at JHHS, two all state running backs, one NFL All Pro and a professional basketball player still competing today. Being honored for their acheivements were:
Calvin Booker , Donald Booker, Randy Booker, Marty Booker, Cortez Booker, Kameron Booker and Asanti Belton. 

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In what has become an annual tradition that allows children of all ages to enjoy getting the goodies offered at Halloween in a safe and fun environment, “Trunk or Treat” will be held on Jimmie Davis Boulevard aka Main Street in Jonesboro from 6:00 – 7:30pm on Monday, October 31st. Set up for those who will be presenting the candies and such to those attending will be at 5:00pm. In addition, hot dogs will be served in the Pocket Park by Grace Church and on Polk Avenue by Barksdale Federal Credit Union. As added entertainment the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library will be presenting the Alice in Wonderland “Spooktacular” from 4:00 – 8:00pm.

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In conjunction with the Jackson Parish Libray, the Town of Chatham will hold the 5th annual Glow On The Block Party on Halloween, October 31st. The free event will begin at 5:00pm with a Food Court at the Chatham Fire Department. From there revelers will get to enjoy “Trunk or Treat” that will be held on Maple Street in front of the Chatham Community Church. “Glow Fun” will then take place on the Walking Track at the Chatham Branch Library, located at 1500 Pine Street followed by the “Glow Down and Clean Up” at 7:30 pm. 

Sponsors are: Chatham Community Church, Chatham Fire Department, Chatham Grocery, First Baptist Church, J&H Cookin’, Jackson Parish Hospital, Chatham Medical Clinic, Jackson Parish Library, Peoples Bank and the Town of Chatham. 

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One of the oldest rivalries in north Louisiana added another editon to the long history of competition in high school basketball this past Thursday when Quitman High School made the short trip to Weston to tip off the 2022-23 LHSAA prep roundball campaign in the season opening Jamboree. 

Supporters of both schools, many who are friends and neighbors, packed the WHS gymnasium as the two Jackson Parish Schools seperated by only ten miles as the crow flies battled through junior varsity and varsity girls and boys contests that were played with a pair of ten minute halves instead of the normal four quarters. In the end Quitman swept all four games with the QHS junior varisty teams winning by 14-2 and 16-10 margins in girls and boys play respectively and the varsity squads winning by similar 41-33 and 42-32 scores. 

Junior Varsity Girls:

QHS 14 WHS 2: Six players tallied for the Lady Wolverines including several who were just coming off an undefeated junior high season, as the defense held Weston to only a pair of Anslee Aldy free throws in the first half. Taylor Borland led the way with four points followed by two points each from Emma Walker, Anna Leach, Ali Claire Palmer and Jaliegh Burns. Taylor Harvey added a free throw to round out the scoring. 

Junior Varsity Boys:

Quitman 16 Weston 10: Four players scored four points apiece for Quitman as the Wolverines won each half by 8-5 scores. Gratn Williams and Noah Leach did the honors in the first half with Abel Leach and Marvin Delaney doing the honors in the second half. Daniel Watlington scored six to lead the Wolves with Avery Evans and Nathan Wages adding two each. 

Varsity Girls:

Quitman 41 Weston 32: The Lady Wolves exploded out of the locker room to take an eleven point lead and allowed only four players from Quitman to score all game but the Lady Wolverines came storming back with a 28 points in the second half to take the victory. Weston controlled the play early with Emma Kate McBride and Lainee Trosclair hitting three pointers and Briley Peterson adding three the old fashioned way as the Lady Wolves stormed out to a 12-1 advantage. Bethany Leach and Brayli Stewart scored four of their 12 points in the game and Anna Leach hit a three pointer later in the half to help Quitman close the gap at to 17-13 at intermission. Cali Deal scored 12 of her game high 14 points in the second half to fuel the second half rally. Peterson scored seven to lead a balanced attack by the Lady Wolves followed by six from Trosclair and five each from McBride and Jessica Newton. Lexi Millien added four, Anslee Aldy scored three and Nadia Siadek hit a basket for Weston.

Varsity Boys::

Quitman 42 Weston 32: Logan Ponder and Brayden Smith drained three treys each as Quitman nailed eight shots from behind the three point line. Riley Duck and Eli Walker also hit three pointers in the first half as the Wolverines took a 26-13 advantage into the break and never looked back. Tait Henderson and Bryce Zehr, who also hit three from “downtown”, led Weston with ten points each follwed by six from Jude Otwell, five from Braden Theriot and a basket by Juan Gonzales. Normal starter Mitchel Mathews was forced to miss the contest due to injuring his ankle earlier in the day. Ponder led all scorers with 13, Smith added nine and Blake Carter eight to pace the Wolverines. Duck and Walker finished with five eachand Nick Kliebert chipped in with two for Quitman. 

Photos courtesy of Kristi Tolar, Mandy Roberson, JPJ staff 

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It has been a long time tradition that on Halloween young people of all ages go to residences and places of business and receive “goodies.”  Over the past several years another tradition that is growing ever more popular locally and has become a “must see” event celebrated locally s the annual “Halloween Spooktacular” that is held at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library (JPL). 

Each year, the incredibly talented and creative staff of the JPL works diligently for weeks to transform the Library into a wonderous, panaramic walk-through setting, that is created to bring to life a favorite book. This year Alice in Wonderland. will be theme with each room of the Library featuring a main scene of the story. Make sure and allow your child to be amazed by coming from 4:00 – 8:00pm. There is no charge to enter. Added to the entertaiment is the ability for patrons aged 17 and under to participate in a costume contest for a chance to win a prize. The winner will be announced the following day. 

 

 

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The LHSAA prep basketball season begins this Tuesday with Quitnan and Weston High Schools playing this Tuesday. Jonesboro – Hodge will play their season opener on November 17th. The season opening contest for Quitman will also represent the final game of the year played at their home gymnasium that is being updated and expanded. Following the contest against Dodson on Tuesday, Quitman will play their remaining home schedule at Jonesboro-Hodge High School. Weston will also be at home as they host Summerfield. Opening tip for the Quitman game will be at 5:00pm while the contest at Weston will start at 6:00pm. 

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If she desires, the young lady with a golden smile now has a chance to play in the Golden Dome. That is because on Saturday, Emma Kate McBride of Weston High School received an official offer to continue her basketball career at Centenary College in Shreveport. 

The offer is the second for the daughter of Jeff and Rebecca (Tilley) McBride.  This past August the vivacious point guard was offered by South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado, AR after exploding onto the college recruiting scene this summer while playing for the LA Elite AAU team. 

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Interested in learning if Jackson Parish is in line to receive federal funding so that the entire parish will have access to reliable high speed internet capabilities? Then you need to attend the meeting of the Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ) that will be held at 9:30am on Monday, November 7th at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center, located at 182 Industrial Avenue in Jonesboro.

Mr. Veneeth Lyengar, Executive Director of the Louisiana State Broadband Development and Connectivity Intiative will be speaking to the JPPJ on this topic and how Jackson Parish can be part of the program and support the process for the betterment of the community. 

To learn more about the “Investing in Broadband” intiative see below the statement issued by US Senator Bill Cassiday.

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The Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) announces that time is running out to register for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course that will be held in January. The Registration deposit for the course that will be held on January 2nd 2023 at the JPASD training center is $300.00. Students need a laptop computer or tablet for course work. Chrome books and cell phones are not sufficient for course needs. To register go to JPASD.com and select the education tab from the menu. For more information call the JPASD  at (318) 259-2877. 

Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District has served the people of Jackson Parish for over 20 years. Our state-of-the-art Education Center offers a relaxed classroom setting for instruction and areas dedicated to developing practical skills. The instructors have combined experience in EMS of over 50 years. Additionally, many JPASD EMS professionals offer advice and guidance to students as the class progresses and share their experiences to add real world examples to the lecture material.

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This is a test for the guys.

You are at home entertaining a group of people. During the conversation your wife asks you to find something that is in her purse. What do you do? The question is for guys only.

There is an unwritten guy rule concerning the purse. “Thou shalt not go into the purse of thine wife under any circumstance, lest thou be tossed outside the man-cave.” I am not sure who first stated this rule. It is a standing guy rule. It is more a male instinct than a rule that is taught. There are many reasons for not digging in a purse.

First reason, some other guy may witness you digging in a purse. This purse watcher might not know you are married to the owner of the purse. He might see you pull make-up out of the purse and wonder if the purse and the make-up are yours. In some circles purse and make-up possession will cut down on the number of invitations for you to share another guy’s deer stand, duck blind, bass boat or man-cave.

Second reason, you might reach in the purse and pull out something you don’t understand. There are things in the purse of which a male has no knowledge. We don’t know what they are or what they are for. You don’t want to pull something out of the purse and not understand what you are holding. The consequences are like those stated above.

Third reason, there are dangerous items in a purse. She might have been to the hardware store and purchased a mousetrap. Rather than carry the mousetrap around, she stuffed it into her purse. You don’t want to set off a mouse trap or stab yourself with the many sharp implements hiding in the purse. There are trimming and cutting devices in a purse. Males know this only because we have witnessed a purse being dumped out on the kitchen table when something is “lost” in the purse

Fourth reason, as stated above, there is much stuff in the purse. If in front of witnesses she asks you to find a widget and you can’t and must confess that before the same witnesses; that will do great damage to the male ego. It is especially injurious when she reaches in the purse and finds the widget immediately.

Last reason, it is not your purse. It is not your business, is it? Even when given permission, the male should never peruse the purse.
There is a corollary to this rule. “Thou shalt not wander through the cell phone of thine wife, lest thou be expelled from the man-cave.” If the purse is off limits, so is the cell phone.

Now talk among yourselves about this. If you are thinking, “She is my wife and everything she has is mine” then we need to talk about boundaries. If you are curious about what you might find, we really need to talk about something very important for healthy happy relationships.

The central issue is trust. When we refuse to look in or place our hands inside the purse, we are displaying trust. We are not being lazy, cute or even a curmudgeon. We are showing respect for and trust in the spousal owner of the purse. Haven’t thought about it like that have you?

Who do you trust?

Trust is the soil in which love grows. When trust is broken it is almost impossible for the relationship to be restored, right? How many times have you said, “I don’t trust ________.” The blank can be filled with the name of a person, a vocation, or an institution. Maybe rather than conversation we need to confess where we have broken the trust of another.

Are you a trusting and trustworthy person? If not, you can be transformed.

Jesus asks for your trust. Do you trust Him?

 

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Nicholas McConnell, who graduated from Weston High School in 2003 has been named principal of Union Parish High School, located in Farmerville. Following his graduation from WHS, McConnell furthered his education at Grambling State University where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Following his graduation from college, he came back to Weston to begin his career as an educator where in addition to his teaching duties, he also assisted with coaching the boys’ basketball program.

“Nick” has always shown dedication to the education system and most importantly the young people at each of the schools and communities he has served throughout his career. With a large dose of Wolf Pride, the Weston High School  Alumni Association sends heartfelt congratulations.

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The Jackson Parish h Library Board of Control met on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library where they accepted the bid of $531,500.00 from Triad Builders in Ruston for the construction of the Interactive Playground and Park. 

In additional business, board members adopted the amended 2022 budget and 2023 budget as presented.and confirmed Lyndsey Matherne for the position of Youth Services Coordinator contingent upon pre-employment screening and successful completion of probationary period. Director Floyd Knox also presented the board with the 2022-2023 Employee Salary Schedule which was approved and gave an update on current projects.

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Despite the fact that the final game didn’t end exactly the way they would have preferred it was still a succesful fall campaign for the Quitman and Weston Junior High Softball teams. Both lost their season ender with Quitman falling to Benton 6-3 and Weston dropping a home game to Castor by a 6-0 score. The loss by Quitman was their first of the year after reeling off 13 straight victories including a 9-2 win over Lakeside Junior High in the first game of the Benton Round Robin played on Friday. Weston ended the year with a 6-5 record. 

Quitman 9 Lakeside 2: The junior girls scored three runs in each of the first three innings to win their 13th straight. Hallie Kate Pullig continued her impressive power display this season by stroking a pair of doubles and accounting for a pair of runs scored and RBI’s as well as stealing a base to lead the Lady Wolverine’s attack. Anna Leach also hit a double, stole two bases and scored two runs while Lainee Cheatwood chipped in with a triple as four of the five hits garnered by Quitman were for extra bases. Zoee Williams got the other hit while B Bowers, Morgan Cheatwood, Avery Watson and Emma Toms scored. Brenna Lamkin got the complete game win. 

Benton  6 Quitman 3:  Quitman came within one inning of completing a perfect season but home standing Benton scored four runs in the top of the fourth inning to reverse a 3-2 deficit and send QJH to their only loss of the year. Anna Leach got two hits, stole three bases, scored arun and knocked one in to lead the offensive attack. Hallie Kate Pullig got a hit and RBI while Morgan Cheatwood singled and scored a run. Kinsley Ponder also got a hit 

Castor 6 Weston 0: Facing the best pitcher they had seen all season according to WJH head coach Cecilia Chambliss, Weston managed just three hits in the season ender. Gracie Gray, Braniah Malone and Shyanne Chatham all hit singles for the Lady Wolves while Carlynn Waters struck out five on the mound.    

 

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The experience of going to a basketball game or event that is held in the Quitman High School Gymnasium will be more enjoyable in the future as the project designed to update the facility and exand the lobby will be begin soon. Triad Builders out of Ruston will be the General Contractor. 

During the construction process that will take several months changes are in order, including QHS playing all their home basketball games at Jonesboro-Hodge High School and traffic flow patterns involving the letting out and picking up of students being changed. A map designating the new flow pattern is expected to be released next week. 

“This will be a short term inconvenience, but a blessing in the long run,” said QHS Principal Billy Carter. “We ask for and appreciate your patience as we go through this process.”

Among the areas that are planned to see improvement but not limited to are: boys and girls lockerooms, men and women restrooms, concession area and front lobby of the gymnasium. 

See below for a scale drawing of the plans. 

“Dress Up Day” to be celebrated on October 31st

In celebration of Halloween, all students are invited to participate in “Dress Up Day” on Monday, October 31st. To take part in the fun a payment of $1.00 is to be paid to your homeroom teacher at the beginning of the school day. Certain rules apply, including: No scary costumes or props allowed
No leggings wihtout shorts or shorts without leggings
Costume lengths must comply with dress code.

 

Drama Club enjoys trip to Little Rock, AR

The QHS Drama Club enjoyed a special evening this past week at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse. Not familiar with the place? It would be surprising if you were as the establishment is located in Little Rock, AR. The special day included a wonderful dinner along with the viewing of the live performance of “The Play That Goes Wrong”

The QHS administration, Drama Club sponsors and membersbig gives thanks to everyone that supported this trip through fundraisers recently. We appreciate our community. 

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Each year on October 28th, the day is set aside as National First Responders Day to honor the men and women who act quickly when an emergency is at hand. In recognition, students at Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary and Quitman High School were visited by members of the Jackson Parish Ambulance Services, Fire Department, Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Town of Jonesboro Police Department, Louisiana State Police and Pafford Air Ambulance Service this past week.  Representatives of each agency spoke to the students about how 911 services work and gave tours of the various pieces of motorized equipment tha tis used in the daily effort to preserve lives and respond to emergencies. 

First responders dedicate their lives to save lives. They are the people who run toward a crisis while the rest of the world flees. According to the Department of Homeland Security, 4.6 million career and volunteer first responders support the communities where they live. They are firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics, and 911 operators. In an emergency, they’re the first on the scene. These dedicated professionals answer the call when a crisis arises, often putting their own lives on the line.

Serving as a national day of gratitude, we pay tribute to their endless hours and around the clock service provided to their communities. As one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, the day also pays tribute to the fallen first responders. According to the CDC, 97 firefighters and 155 police officers die each year in the line of duty. Additionally, their rate of occupational injury is higher than the national average. Often, the very people saving lives are our neighbors, friends and family members. And their families know the price they pay for their dedication to the job.

Below are a few scenes from the visit to the schools.

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(Paid for by the Devin Flowers for Alderman campaign)

Minister Devin Flowers is currently serving his 3rd term on the city council of Jonesboro. A native of Jonesboro, LA, Devin has always displayed a love for helping people. As an active member of the local NAACP chapter, he is a strong advocate for his community and the citizens of Jonesboro.

Over the years, he has sponsored a free annual Thanksgiving Dinner and summer fan drive, and worked with other area organizations to meet the needs of the people. Minister Flowers worked for the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) for 15 years where he gained extensive experience in criminal justice, the legal system, and contemporary issues around political science. In his career, he also learned how to work with diverse people, but more importantly, he believes in fairness and doing things right.

Devin graduated from JHHS and attended Grambling State University & Northeast Louisiana University. In addition, he has also served on the Sparta Water Commission for 8 years, is a Red Cross Volunteer, and owner of Vision Bail Bonding. He is a faithful member of Union Star Missionary Baptist Church and is active in several departments of the church.

Minister Flowers is the son of the Clara Booker and the late Donald Booker. He has one son, four grandchildren and four sisters. He is a “man with a vision” who loves serving others and friendly to anyone he meets.

There is no doubt that more work is needed, and Devin is committed continuing to improve the town of Jonesboro. He lives by Psalm 34 and blesses the Lord at all times. Join him and vote responsibly:

Early Voting: October 25 thru November 1
Voting Day: November 8, 2022.

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If you’ve read my columns or heard my radio programs for awhile, you’re going to read or hear something about songbirds. My interest in identifying these little fluttery colorful creatures was handed down to me by my mom. She loved the birds and taught her offspring all about them and how to identify them.

I have feeders up around the yard, regular feeders and one that offers suet while this time of year, another that provides thistle seed. Add to this the two bird baths I keep operational and I could almost be considered the male version of Miss Jane Hathaway of Beverly Hillbillies fame.

Thus it is with a troubled heart and furrowed brow that I come to you, my readers and listeners, with a dilemma. My birds have left me.

About the time the first days of fall converged over the landscape, sending colorful leaves fluttering to the ground, I noticed that my feeders, loaded with birdseed, were just sitting there untouched. I even had a few seeds starting to sprout because they were being ignored by birds. The birds just seemed to have vanished.

I wondered if it was just my feeders that were being ignored so I went to my favorite social media site, Face Book, and expressed my concern. The comments came quickly from scores of others who feed birds who have experienced the same dearth of songbirds in their yards.

About the time I was noticing the absence of birds in my yard, I saw something else I don’t remember seeing before, at least not of the magnitude as happened this fall. There are several big pines in my yard and there was a constant helicoptering down of pine seeds the volume of which I never saw before.

A walk through the woods also revealed an unusual amount of acorns and other seeds, fruits and nuts of all kinds, giving validation of a bumper crop of natural foods available to wildlife including, I assume, songbirds. My suspicion is that with so much natural foods to eat, the birds are filling their little bellies with these natural offerings.

I sought out experts to see if I could validate my suspicions. Dr. Kim Marie Tolson is an instructor of wildlife at the University of Louisiana Monroe and she believes that an abundance of food is available in the wild which birds apparently prefer over commercial bird food.

“We had an unusually great spring and summer with sufficient rainfall and weather conditions this year for growing natural foods; my guess is the birds are doing their feeding in the woods,” Dr. Tolson said.

Adding credence to this hypothesis was an on-line site I visited, Stokes Birding Blog, that listed the main reasons no birds are at the feeder.

1. Abundance of rain, producing a bumper crop of wildlife food.
2. Lots of wild seeds on composite flowers.
3. Tons of weed seed.
4. Lots of berries.
5. Fruit trees such as crabapple bearing lots of fruit.
6. Cone seed crop very heavy.
7. Warm weather where birds don’t have to eat as much to keep warm.
8. Mild weather means there are more insects still available.

It’s good to know it’s not just me and my feeders. Other’s have contacted me with the same questions. One thing is for sure; the birds will be back.

FISHING REPORT

BLACK BAYOU – Bass have been fair around the trees and brush. No report on crappie or bream. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water is at pool stage. Crappie fishing has slowed down with fair catches at best being made around tops in the river on shiners and jigs.. Bass are fair fishing the run-outs with spinner baits, topwater lures early and crank baits and soft plastics later. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie fishing is starting to improve along the edges of the channel with some slabs being caught on shiners or jigs. Bass are still along the banks early with topwater lures, buzz baits, plastic frogs working. Later in the day soft plastics are best. The bream have about shut it down but catfish can still be caught fishing cold worm off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has improved with some nice fish being caught along the Thousand Foot channel on shiners or jigs. Bass have been best skipping jigs under the docks with Bandit crank baits picking up a few as well. Catfishing has been fair. No report on bream. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
CANEY LAKE – Some bass are still schooling with some nice sized bass to 3-4 pounds caught in the schools on shad imitation lures. Fishing for them after dark is producing some bigger fish on oversized plastic worms fished along underwater humps. Crappie have slowed down with jigs and shiners picking up a few around the deeper tops. No report on bream or 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 – Crappie fishing has been improving with some nice ones caught around the boat slips, around the trees and on the lower end of the lake on shiners or jigs. been off and on with good catches made one day and fair the next on shiners or jigs. No report on bream or bass. Catfishing has been good on a variety of baits. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is the lowest it has been in years. Fishing has been fair with windy conditions keeping most folks off the lake. Some crappie and catfish are being caught and a few buffalo have been caught in nets. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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Disclaimer: The views that are expressed in the Letter to the Editor section is strictly and solely those of the author and should in no way be construed as the opinions of the Jackson Parish Journal unless otherwise indicated as such. 

To the citizens of the Town of Jonesboro:

I have thought long and hard before writing this letter, in fact, I said a prayer before deciding as to what I should do. After much thought, I decided to speak about the condition of The Town of Jonesboro. Citizens of The Town of Jonesboro, it is time for all of us to speak up and speak out for the sake of our town. The Town cannot stand four more years with Leslie Thompson as Mayor.

Mayor Thompson is not committed to making the town a better place to live and work. Mayor Thompson is only committed to himself. Ask yourself, is Jonesboro a city on the grow, is Jonesboro a place where Industry wants to come, is Jonesboro a business-friendly town, is Jonesboro a financial stable town, is Jonesboro a town with a visible mayor in time of a disaster? Citizens, I am sorry to say that the answer to each of the questions is a resounding “NO”.

We learned by studying history that history repeats itself, and we can see history repeating itself with Leslie Thompson as Mayor. It is only under the leadership of Mayor Thompson that the town cannot pay its bills and cannot charge purchases with the local businesses. Mayor Thompson blames everybody for his failures, but himself. He always wants to blame the previous administration for any problems that the town has, no matter when they occurred.

What Mayor Thompson doesn’t realize is that he is correct, because “HE” is the previous administration. Now, let’s be clear, Mayor Thompson knows how to fight for what he wants for himself, example, he fought month after month until he got him a club in Jonesboro, and month after month until he purchased a town car for business of the town and for his personal use. Mayor Thompson not only uses the car for routine travel, but also uses it to campaign for re-election, which is illegal.

In closing, let me say as strongly as I can, citizens, we need a change in the leadership of the Town of Jonesboro, and we have a chance to do it. Tuesday, November 8 is election day, and we need to go out and vote for change, vote James “Spike” Harris, #63, Mayor, Town of Jonesboro.

James Bradford

LASS ACCOUNTABILITY

Dear Editor,
BESE is proposing a change to the High School accountability system solely to reduce the number of High Schools rated A or B, not to make the accountability system a better reflection of our public schools. After the proposal was reviewed by Superintendents and accountability experts, it was found NOT to be in the best interest of students. Forcing students into college-level classes in High School does nothing to ensure they master High School content.

LASS and other education groups propose an accountability system based upon a simple 100-point scale aligned to the A-F grading scale that all of our parents understand. The system divides college & career readiness, ACT/WorkKeys, and Growth to result in A-F grades using a 10-point scale. It aligns ACT to TOPS and to WorkKeys. It focuses on grading High Schools for accomplishing High School education. It incentivizes both dual enrollment and career credentials but does not demand college work from High School students. It scales growth by recognizing that all growth is positive. It recognizes students who graduate on time and students whom strive to finish after 4 years. It equally recognizes college-ready students AND career-ready students. It also recognizes readiness for Military Service. It recognizes the achievement of SPED students who are prepared to enter the workforce.

This proposal offers a more accurate reflection of students and schools. It will also be better for students, families, businesses, and communities to understand.

For those that ask, “What will the letter-grade distribution be under your proposal?”, we didn’t run the numbers. Our goal was to formulate a system that is better for students, parents, and communities – NOT to decide what the outcome of the math should be then reverse engineer the formula to accomplish a predetermined result.

Patrick D. Jenkins
Louisiana Association of School Superintendents President
1013 Creswell Lane
Opelousas, LA. 70570
337-948-3657

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Craig R Nelson (Dodson, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
Zadson Johnson (Jonesboro, LA) – Improper Telephone Communication
Brandon Paggett (Jonesboro, LA) – Improper Telephone Communication
Michael Gooden (Campti, LA) -Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting an Officer, FTA Warrants for Natchitoches Parish, Simple Criminal Damage to Property, Attempted Simple Burglary
Rodney Nash (Jonesboro, LA) – Violation of Protective Order
Destiny Aldy (Jonesboro, LA) – Battery of a Dating Partner
McArthur White Jr. (Sibley, LA) – Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number
Ricky D Nichols Jr. (Jonesboro, LA) – Non Support Warrant ( 2 counts)
Angela Brast (Monroe, LA) – Attempted Possession of Schedule II drug
Sherry F McCurdy (Eros, LA) – Theft of Utilities
Corey A Bearden (Eros, LA) – Theft
Rhonda A O’Quinn (Eros, LA) – Theft
David Womack (Hodge, LA) – Disturbing the Peace, Resisting an Officer
Ariel McGee (Jonesboro, LA) – Unauthorized use of an Access Card (2 counts)
Braydron Gates (Jonesboro, LA) – Illegal use of a Firearm

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

Stump Removal and Grinding: Call James Stewart at (318) 243-1009 or (318) 768-2554 for your stump removal and grinding needs. Free Estimates! 

 

 

Johnny’s Stump Removal: No job too small or too large. Call Johnny McConnell at 318-548-5577 for stump grinding, clean up, top soil fill and other odd jobs. We have over 30 years of experience and insured. Mention code: Jackson Boot to receive a discount. 

 

 

FOR SALE

Book – “100 year history of JHHS football”  Comprehensive year-by-year description of the first 100 years (1919-2019) of JHHS football. Includes categorial individual and team top ten rankings. Perfect gift for that family member or friend 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. 

 

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

 

Jackson Parish Library Board Regular Board Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2022

The Jackson Parish Library Board of Control met on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library for the regular monthly board meeting. The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Massey, Board President. Members present: Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Nunn, Mrs. Standley, Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. Tew, and Mrs. Massey. Also present was Floyd Knox and Judy Robertson.
Members absent: Mrs. Essmeier and Mr. Chatham.
Mrs. Cooper led the invocation.
There were no public comments so the Board proceeded with the proposed agenda.
Mrs. Nunn made the motion to approve the minutes for the September 20, 2022, regular board meeting.
Mrs. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Jenkins made the motion to accept the September financial reports. Mrs. Cooper seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to accept the September statistical reports. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
The Director presented the board with the bids for the Library Park project. Triad Builders of Ruston, Inc. was the only bid received. Mrs. Massey made the motion to accept the base bid from Triad Builders of Ruston of $518,000 plus Alternate #’s 1 and 2 in the amounts of $9,500 and $4,000 respectively for a grand total of $531,500. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
The Director presented the board with the amended 2022 budget and 2023 budget. Mrs. Standley made the motion to adopt the amended 2022 budget and 2023 budget as presented. Mrs. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Nunn made the motion to confirm Lyndsey Matherne for the position of Youth Services Coordinator contingent upon pre-employment screening and successful completion of probationary period. Mrs. Cooper seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
The Director presented the board with the 2022-2023 Employee Salary Schedule. Mrs. Cooper made the motion to adopt the 2022-2023 Employee Salary Schedule as presented by the Director. Mrs. Nunn seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
The Director updated the Board on the current projects.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried.

Jackson Parish Tourism Board Meeting Minutes
October 18, 2022

Notice Posted: October 17, 2022 @ 9:00 AM
Meeting Date: October 18, 2022, TIME: 5:30
PLACE OF MEETING: The Sunshine Room 160 Industrial Dr., Jonesboro, LA 71251
Roll Call: D. Barlow, K. Spangler, T. Gunter, C. Weeks, D. Barlow, Y. Washington
Invocation and Pledge: K. Spangler gave the invocation with Y. Washington leading the pledge.
Public Comments / Recognition of Guests:
Approval of Minutes of the April 2022 meeting: Motion made by Y. Washington second by T. Gunter to approve the minutes as presented. All in favor, Yea.
Approval of the April 2022 Financials and Pay Bills: Motion made by Y. Washington second by T. Gunter to approve the financials as presented. With request of check breakdown on expenditures showing remaining funds and balances. All in favor, Yea.
Review Old Business:
a. Northeast Louisiana Music trail event-All jobs assigned -everything in place for music -support teams etc.
b. Civil Rights Trail- acquiring photos
c. Christmas Advertising-Working on digital advertising
d. Hospitality purchases- done -may need to ad one more table at later date
e. Promotion Assistance Document review-table till next meeting
Discuss New Business:
a. Jackson Parish Chamber request- Motion made by T. Gunter second by K. Spangler to approve 5,000 dollars for fireworks. All in favor. Yea.
b. Budget process-draft to be made by C. Weeks and K. Spangler
Other Business:
Adjournment – 6:35 – Motion by Y. Washington second by T. Gunter to adjourn the meeting.
Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 5:30PM

 

 

 

 

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Travis Dale Brown
April 23, 1958 – October 24, 2022

Dale was born April 23, 1958, and passed from this life October 24, 2022, at the age of 64. He was an active member of Jonesboro Hodge United Methodist Church, he loved his dogs and enjoyed fishing and gardening.

He is preceded in death by his father, Travis Dale Brown, Sr.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sister, Dawn Brown and mother, Anna Brown; Also survived by very special friends, Howard Stucky and wife, Brenda, and a host of extended family and friends.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

Shannon Kramer
February 2, 1962 – October 25, 2022

Shannon Mischelle (Smith) Kramer passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at her residence in Jonesboro, Louisiana. Shannon gave her life to the LORD almost 18 years ago. She faithfully attended her church, Jonesboro Assembly of God until she became ill. She was employed as a custodian there as well.

Shannon and her husband, Bruce enjoyed canoeing on rivers and streams all over the South. She had a special fondness for cats and loved to garden and take care of her plants. Shannon was also an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing special dishes whenever she could.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Bruce A. Kramer; children, Meggon Kramer Massey and Robert, Amanda Jo Kramer Thornton, MacKenzie Kramer Wheeler and Michael; grandchildren, Kylie Ann Kramer, Zoie Leigh Kramer, Drake Thornton, Lily Thornton, Tristan Church, and McKinly Cook.

Shannon was preceded in death by her parents, Troy L. and Eddith Joy (Stuckey) Smith; sister, Terri L. Smith; brother, Kevin L. Smith; maternal grandparents, Gordon and Clotile Stuckey; and paternal grandparents, Leon and Iris Smith.

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 28th with Bro. David Walsworth and Bro. Wayne Morrow officiating. Burial  followed at the Hodge United Methodist Cemetery under the direction of Southern Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

Serving the family as pallbearers were Danny Young, Michael Wheeler, Robert Massey, Clay Smith, and Michael Kramer.

Patricia Anne “Patti” Womack
1948 – 2022

Patti Womack, age 74, of Jonesboro, LA went to her heavenly home on October 26, 2022

She is survived by her husband; Robert B. “Buddy” Womack, two daughters, Misty Everett and husband Darryl, and Jeanie Womack; two sons, Jason Womack and wife Jessie, and John Aldy and wife Alleisha; five grandchildren, Timothy Everett and wife Caroline, Robert Everett, Blaine Womack and wife Kaitlyn, Bailey Womack, and Ashley Riddle and husband Dalton; one great grandchild, Jaicee Isabella Barber; two brothers, Jerry Aldy and wife Linda, and David Aldy and wife Roxie.
She was also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and other family.

Patti was preceded in death by her parents, Buddy and Imogene Aldy; one brother, Larry Steven Aldy; and one daughter, Mary Ann Womack.

Graveside services were held Friday, October 28th at Sweetwater Cemetery in Quitman, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro. 

Ralph “Blackie” Booker
July 7, 1941 – October 26, 2022

Ralph “Blackie” Booker was the first born of the late Charlie Booker and Dorothy Ford Booker Grogan on July 7, 1941. He spent his formative years in the home of his grandmother Mrs. Lula Rushing in Hodge, Louisiana. Ralph attended Jackson Parish schools and graduated in 1959 from Jackson High School in Jonesboro, Louisiana.

After graduation he attended Grambling College. He worked for Continental Can Company (now West Rock), the railroad company, worked as a truck driver, worked for Pine Belt multipurpose agency and finally for the Jackson Parish Correctional Facility in Jonesboro, Louisiana. He united with the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Nash. As an adult he became the van driver for the church.

Preceding him in death were his parents, grandmother, brother, Montez Booker, and sister, Gloria Booker.
He leaves to cherish his memory his caretaker and sister Cheryl B. Qualls, sister, Karen Bethune and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and very special friend Ethel Brown.

Funeral services were held at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Est Hodge, LA on Saturday, October 29th under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

Kenneth L. Knotts
May 12, 1937 – October 24, 2022

The model of a self-made man, we were privileged to have him in our lives. Kenneth L. Knotts, Sr., PhD, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2022. Known by many as Larry, he was born May 12, 1937, near Ashland, in the Punkin Center Community. Son of Welborn Clifton “Cliff” and Irene Knotts, Larry graduated Valedictorian of his Ashland High School Class of 1955.

On May 12, 1955, Larry celebrated his 18 th birthday, graduated from high school, and volunteered for the U.S. Air Force. He entered Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, distinguished himself as Flight Guide, and was selected to attend Air Force Intelligence School, from which he graduated at the top of his class. Early in his career, at Hickam AFB, Hawaii.

Larry helped to plan some of the earliest Air Force bombing missions over Vietnam. In October, 1962, while at Barksdale AFB, he and other critical staff helped to direct operations during the 13-day Cuban Missile Crisis. Afterwards, at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, he received his Bachelors’, Masters’, and ultimately a Doctorate in Political Science. Considered by
many as one of the school’s top instructors, he taught for 20 years, and retired in 1988.

In his “retirement,” Larry went on to do more for his community and region than many men do in a lifetime. He led Bienville Parish Ward Seven’s campaign to form a Volunteer Fire Department, then served as District Fire Chief for many years. Considering a good education a high priority, he served many years as Ward Seven’s School Board member, setting a statewide record for the number of terms in office. He also became a self-taught gunsmith and continued that work until his death.

Of all the things in his life, Larry was proudest of his family. He is survived by son Kenneth Larry Knotts Jr., wife, Elizabeth Thompson, of Plattsmouth, Nebraska; son, Kerry Louis Knotts of Alexandria, Louisiana; daughter Kelley Louise Ranches, husband, Brandon, of Meadville, Mississippi; and son, Karl Logan Knotts, wife, Devon, of Benton, Louisiana; grandchildren
Kathryn Lynn Knotts Simms, of Pickerington, Ohio; Krista Lynn and Brandon Lee Ranches, Jr of Meadville; Levi Michael and Jackson Logan Knotts of Benton; and Chester Kenneth Thompson-Knotts of Plattsmouth; and great-granddaughters, Kenna Lynn and Madilyn Ada Simms of Pickerington.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Betty Jean Cheatwood Knotts; by their darling daughter, Kirsten Lynn; his parents, Cliff and Irene; and sisters Azelle Knotts, Onetha Woodard, and Ila Lovell. He is survived by sisters Mary Oleta Bown of Ashland, and Iva Jarriett of Ashland.

A memorial service was held at Old Saline Baptist Church in Saline LA on Saturday, October 29, 2022 with Jerry Martin officiating. A private family graveside service followed under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Joensboro.

 

 

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(Paid for by the Devin Flowers for Alderman campaign)

Minister Devin Flowers is currently serving his 3rd term on the city council of Jonesboro. A native of Jonesboro, LA, Devin has always displayed a love for helping people. As an active member of the local NAACP chapter, he is a strong advocate for his community and the citizens of Jonesboro.

Over the years, he has sponsored a free annual Thanksgiving Dinner and summer fan drive, and worked with other area organizations to meet the needs of the people. Minister Flowers worked for the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) for 15 years where he gained extensive experience in criminal justice, the legal system, and contemporary issues around political science. In his career, he also learned how to work with diverse people, but more importantly, he believes in fairness and doing things right.

Devin graduated from JHHS and attended Grambling State University & Northeast Louisiana University. In addition, he has also served on the Sparta Water Commission for 8 years, is a Red Cross Volunteer, and owner of Vision Bail Bonding. He is a faithful member of Union Star Missionary Baptist Church and is active in several departments of the church.

Minister Flowers is the son of the Clara Booker and the late Donald Booker. He has one son, four grandchildren and four sisters. He is a “man with a vision” who loves serving others and friendly to anyone he meets.

There is no doubt that more work is needed, and Devin is committed continuing to improve the town of Jonesboro. He lives by Psalm 34 and blesses the Lord at all times. Join him and vote responsibly:

Early Voting: October 25 thru November 1
Voting Day: November 8, 2022.

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