What do you do this time of year when you work daylight to dark as owner of a convenience store and you also are an avid deer hunter? Crickett Collins who lives in Gilbert is just such a person. She is serious about the nature of having a successful business but sometimes working at the store cramps her style, especially when she had rather be sitting on her deer stand.

“My husband Galen and I own a 40 acre tract in Morehouse Parish where we hunt every chance we get. After bow season opened, I was getting fidgety and really wanted to be sitting in my deer stand. So on Friday, October 14, I left the store and 3:00 and drove the hour and ten minutes to our land,” Collins said.

There was one particular buck that had shown up on her game cameras and it was impressive enough she named him “Hercules”.

“I got to the property; my daughter and granddaughter joined me at the camp we have there and I got my feeders going and put out some corn and persimmon rice bran 50 yards from my box stand. That’s the distance I feel comfortable with my Raven crossbow,” she said.

The weather that afternoon was quite warm when she climbed aboard at 5:00. She sat until 7:00 without seeing a thing.

“I was getting hot and sweaty and the mosquitoes had started bothering me and I had decided that I’d go back to the camp and wait until the next morning as a cool front was supposed to come in that night. I had started getting my gear together when I looked down my middle lane and saw something move. Hercules stepped out next to the feed I had on the ground. He was broadside at 50 yards and I got my pin on him and hit the trigger,” Collins continued.

The buck did something that caused her to have immediate concern because at the shot, the buck turned and went back the exact same trail he had come in on.

“That worried me because I’ve shot a lot of deer and they always take off the opposite way they come in; I had never had one do this,” she said.

Stepping down from her stand, Collins walked down to where the deer was standing and didn’t see any blood or evidence she had hit the deer.

“I walked back the 200 yards to the camp and told my daughter what I’d done. I decided since it was dark by now to just wait until morning to begin to search. We went and ate supper, came back to the camp and I sat up all night in my recliner with my hunting clothes still on; there was no way I could sleep,” she added.

Next morning, she went back to her stand to wait for her daughter, granddaughter and boyfriend, Colby, to come help her look for the deer.

“They got there around 8:00. The 40 acres is divided basically with 20 acres being big woods with the other 20 being CRP land. We spread out and began looking and finally found a drop of blood and then quite a bit of blood. Colby was looking in the big woods while we were following a trail through the CRP. Colby called out that he had found blood, I took a couple of steps and saw horns sticking up. The buck had only traveled about 50 yards from where I shot him,” Collins said.

The buck sported a rack of 13 points, had an inside spread of 19 inches, bases were over 5 inches each with main beams 22 inches. Estimated weight was 250 pounds and the deer was believed to be 5 ½ years old. The buck was taken to Simmons Sporting Goods in Bastrop to be entered in that store’s Big Buck contest and was scored at 168 2/8 inches.

“When you own a convenience store and work 12 hours a day, you have to get away and,” Collins said, “getting to sit on my stand is my get-away.”

FISHING REPORT

BLACK BAYOU – Crappie fishing has improved on jigs and shiners. No report on bass or bream. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707 for the latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Bass fishing has been quite good with at least two fish weighing in double digits. Fishing fake frogs around the pads have been working best. Crappie fishing has improved as well.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water is low with no current and fishing has in general been fairly shown. A few crappies have been caught and catfish are fair on jugs and in traps. For the latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie fishing had continued to be good in the channels on shiners, Bobby Garland, and hair jigs with the best colors being blue and chartreuse. Bass has been fair fishing crankbaits off the points. Breams are slow while catfish are biting cold worms fished off the banks. For the latest information, call Anderson Sports Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle
Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has been good in the deeper channels on both shiners and jigs. Bass has been fair fishing crankbaits off the points. A few catfish have been caught on cold worms. The bream and stripers are slow. For the latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
CANEY LAKE – Crappie fishing continues to be the best fishing the deep tops on shiners or jigs. The bass has been best with some nice-sized fish being caught fishing the points with Carolina-rigged soft plastics while some are also being caught fished jigging spoons off the bottom in deeper water. Crankbaits are producing around the docks and piers. 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 a fair this week on shiners or jigs. Catfishing has been good on a variety of baits. No report on bass or bream. For the latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is quite low. Some nice crappie is being caught around underwater structures on shiners or jigs. No report on bass, bream, or catfish. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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Preliminary work has begun on the new outdoor park that will be at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library. Designed by Coco & Company Architects and being constructed by Triad Builders out of Ruston, the park will offer patrons and residents of Jackson Parish the opportunity to enjoy interactive equipment and relaxing settings from daylight to dusk, seven days a week. 

Library Board Meeting

In additional activities at the Library this week, amendments to the 2022 and ’23 budgets are expected to be adopted by the Jackson Parish Library Board at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting that will be held in the Conference Room at the Jonesboro Branch, located at 614 South Polk Avenue. The control panel will also act on confirming the date the probationary period for new hires, Pam Stevens and Lyndsey Matherne will end. 

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NOTE: Pam Ford Davis publishes Devotionals in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth’s The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger’s Every Day in God’s Word. You can find more of her inspirational work at:
http://www.pamforddavis.com
http://www.faithwriters.com/member-profile.php?

Your Role as Caregiver

Are you a caregiver?

You don’t have to be licensed to work in a hospital, nursing home or hospice. When caring about the well being of anyone, we are in reality-caregivers. With love and compassion we’re sensitive to the needs of those around us. Many have become caregivers in the home. Daily, each does their best to take care of their children; an ailing spouse or aging parent.

Caregivers follow in the footsteps of the Master.

He cares for you.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you (1 Peter 5:6-10 NKJV).”

Overwhelmed in your role as caregiver?

Find respite in the presence of the Great Shepherd.

… “and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away (1 Peter 5:4 NKJV).”

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It was a busy week at Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School (J-HES) with activities for parents and grandparents on Tuesday and Friday, while the students enjoyed doing Thanksgiving crafts in preperations for the upcoming holiday week. 

On Tuesday, November 15th the counselors of J-HES held their first “Coffee with the Counselor” session for all guardians. The featured topic was “Studying Habits/Homework Help” which was very beneficial to parents. Parents learned about the stages of cognitive development, how to manage worry and anxiety, how to develop executive functioning skills, and ways they can help at home through a PowerPoint presentation/handouts by Mrs. Rachelle Mason. Both counselors look forward to addressing various topics in the future. Special thanks to Four Corners Coffeehouse in Jonesboro.

On Friday, November 18th, the Wraparound team held a “Grandparents’ Day Lunch & Learn” which included representatives from the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Council on Aging, and Jackson Parish Library. Some of the topics included: Senior Watch, Identify Theft, Meals on Wheels, Senior Activities, Telemed Sign-Up for Students, Screen-Free Activities, and Library Services. The learning portion was followed by a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner in the cafeteria.

“I would first like to thank the amazing grandparents of our students. J-HES understands the value of grandparents and the significant impact they have on the development of a child. After all, it truly takes a village to raise a child! I would also like to thank our amazing team— Deputy Stevenson, Mrs. Bergholtz, Mr. Barron, for quickly securing local representatives, and Coach Paggett, who did not hesitate to help organize the event!”- Danielle Copeland, Principal

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Thanks to an overwhelming response from donors and the collaborated effort of local businesses, and civic and government organizations Lexi’s Closet’s second annual “Cookies with Santa” Toy and Stocking Stuffer Drive is nearing completion.
A final push by sponsors Weston Dollar General, Ward 4 Fire Protection District, Caney Lake Community Foundation, and Lexi’s Closest are now being conducted. Only 40 items from the hundreds that have been chosen to be given to students from Jackson and Winn Parish remain to finalize the donation list so those interested in participating are encouraged to act now.
Donations may be made at Weston Dollar General or by checking out the “wishlist” by going to https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2GVR0RRXISBSU8/

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Today I’m writing this article based on my personal experience as a tournament angler. Over the years, I’ve come across a lot of anglers who have always talked about how they should be fishing tournaments because they “ALWAYS” catch fish every time they go fishing. All I have to say to these anglers….”You’re a liar!” These same people will try and tell me how good they are as a bass fishermen and that if they fished in tournaments, they would probably be standing in the winner’s circle at the end of the day. To these same anglers, I say, “Put your money where your mouth is!”

I came across one such angler one day on Toledo Bend, who in his mind, was the best angler on the lake or maybe even the greatest angler of all time! During one of my practice sessions on the Bend, this guy came up to me at the boat ramp. While loading my boat he eased over to me and proceeded to talk about how many fish he caught that day and that he quit counting at 100. I’m not sure why, but for some reason, some anglers feel the need to exaggerate how they caught 100 fish in a day. In reality, they probably really caught about 30 to 35….not 100. If you think about how many casts you make in a day, to catch 100 basses in a day is about 1 bass every 4 casts. That would be an awesome day by anyone’s standards and a day all anglers dream about.

Now during my conversation with this angler at the ramp, he asked me if I was getting ready for a tournament. My answer was yes, and he said that he would probably win it if he decided to fish it. My response to him, with a sense of sarcasm of course, was that if he was on that many fish, he’d be crazy not to fish the tournament. And, that I might as well just give him my entry fee! This is what we call baiting someone!

Well, low and behold he showed up Saturday morning and put up his money (donated). I was a little surprised he showed up because most of these “great” anglers never show up. He actually pulled up beside my boat before takeoff that morning and began to tell me how many fish he had caught the last two days and put in the freezer. It was at this point; I knew he was in trouble. After a tough day of fishing, as the fish did not bite very well at all, I pulled up beside him at the dock and asked how he did. Let me go ahead and state the obvious; he was not a happy camper (angler) due to the expression on his face. I was the last guy he wanted to talk to since he had talked so much trash about how he “always” catches fish every time he goes fishing. He finally answered me by saying how he just couldn’t understand what had just happened. He’s never gone fishing in his life and not caught fish! He was very confused and had that bewildered look (so many anglers have had before) as to what just happened.

It was at this time with a smirk on my face and a wink, I said, “Welcome to tournament fishing!” It just proves that no matter how good an angler you are or think you are, there will be days that you just don’t figure them out. Oh, and with a slight chuckle, I reminded him that the fish he caught the last two days and put in the freezer won’t bite on tournament day after they’re frozen. That’s why tournament anglers practice catch and release. I never saw this guy at a tournament ever again! Guess you could say he got humbled; tournament fishing will do that to an angler. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget your sunscreen. Take it from me, Melanoma does not discriminate!

Steve Graf
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show
Tackle Talk Live

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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 an 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! 

 

 

JOB OPENINGS

Lakeview High School: New Head Football Coach

JOB VACANCIES: Head Football Coach
SCHOOL: Lakeview High School
QUALIFICATIONS: Louisiana Teaching Certificate
SALARY: According to the parish school salary schedule
DEADLINE: Tuesday, December 20, 2022; 4:00 p.m.

WHERE TO APPLY: Linda G. Page, Personnel Director
Natchitoches Parish School Board
P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
Phone: (318) 352-2358
Fax: (318) 352-8138

APPLICATION WEBSITE: www.npsb.la

EOE

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 Christmas gift for that family member or friend who would enjoy remembering their “glory days”. The cost is $25.00 per book plus $3.00 for 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

*****Important Information About Your Drinking Water****
Magnolia Water UOC – Spring Creek Water System, PWS# LA1049028
Notice of Violation of Non-Compliance for Disinfectants/Disinfection By-Products Rule

Spring Creek Water System is in violation of exceeding the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids. The violation requires notification to the public. Even though this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have the right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct this situation.

What Happened?

The Spring Creek Subdivision Water System is currently in violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids as set forth by the State [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:XIl) and the Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141).
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) set drinking water standard and requires the disinfection of drinking water. Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA and LDH set standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acid (HAA5). Some people who drink water containing TTHMs in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of
getting cancer. Some people who drink water containing HAA5 in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

In December 1998, EPA set enforceable drinking water standards for TTHMs at 80 parts per billion (ppb) and for HAA5 at 60 parts per billion (ppb) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects. Compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 standards is determined by calculating a locational running annual average (LRAA) of quarterly TTHMs and HAA5 sample results.
Compliance calculations performed for the third quarter of 2022 show that the system’s current HAA5 LRAA is 67 ppb DBP02- POC#4 255 SANDY POINT DR thus, the system is currently in

What is being done?

Central States Water Resources Louisiana (CSWR-LA) purchased the facility in July 2022 and personnel are working to correct the problem. CSWR-LA will continue to work with LDH to ensure compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 standards in accordance with State and Federal requirements.

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. EPA and LDH do not consider this violation to have any serious adverse health effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure; however, continued long-term exposure to TTHMs and HAAS levels above the standard (e.g., 20 years of exposure) has the potential to have serious adverse
effects on human health.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

Magnolia Water UOC is committed to bringing our customers safe, reliable water services and will continue to work with the LDH to carry out this commitment.

For more information, please contact Magnolia Water at 1-855-643-8152.
This notice is being sent to you by Spring Creek Water system. PWS ID# LA1049028
Date distributed: November 21, 2022

Chatham Town Council Meeting Minutes
November 15, 2022

Jackson Parish Toursim Board Monthly Meeting Minutes
November 15, 2022

Notice Posted: November 14, 2022 @ 9:00 AM
Meeting Date: November15, 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 T. Gunter leading the pledge.
Public Comments / Recognition of Guests: Gary Joynor spoke on behalf of the Water Shed Board about assistance with upcoming events.
Approval of Minutes of the April 2022 meeting: Motion made by Y. Washington second by D. Barlow to approve the minutes as presented. All in favor, Yea.
Approval of the April 2022 Financials and Pay Bills: Motion made by T. Gunter second by Y. Washington to approve the financials as presented. All in favor, Yea.
Review Old Business:
a. Civil Rights Trail- only a few photos left to acquire
b. Christmas Advertising-Billboard up and running as well as Facebook ads
c. Fall/winter Advertising- Henry Shuler billboards Motion made by T. Gunter second by Y. Washington for amount not exceeding 6,000 dollars to advertise at 3 locations. Discussing packages.
d. Rental space- looking into a rental to house tourism board equipment
e. Promotion Assistance Document Form-Motion made by Y. Washington second by T. Gunter to approve changes to form. All in favor. Yea.
f. Chamber request- completed
Discuss New Business:
a. La. Fishing tournament- To be held in March information has been sent to begin to move forward
b. Budget process-Motion made by K. Spangler second by D. Barlow to approve budget for 2023. All in favor. Yea.
Other Business:
a. Art contest- Motion made by D. Barlow second by Y. Washington to have 4 th annual art contest. All in favor. Yea.
Adjournment – 7:00 – Motion by T. Gunter second by Y. Washington to adjourn the meeting. Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 5:30PM

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James “Jimmy” Crawford Culpepper
March 27, 1938 – November 14, 2022

James Crawford “Jimmy” Culpepper was born March 27, 1938, in Jonesboro, LA, and passed from this life at the age of 84 on November 14, 2022, surrounded in his home by his loving family.

He is survived by two sisters: Louise Roebuck and Carmen Harper; one sister-in-law: Glenda Davis; and four children: son Randy Culpepper and wife Teresa; daughter Cyndi Jordan and husband Donnie; daughter Candi Fox and husband Steve; and daughter Kristy Powell. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Larkin Venturini and husband Nathan; Kaelyn Huckaby and husband Ronnie; Eryn Waters and husband Austin; Dusty Jordan and wife Kristy; Joni Foster and husband Brandon; Matt Gordan and wife Amanda; Melani Craig and husband Trey; Josh Fox and wife Makayla; and Colt Powell. Great-grandchildren currently number twelve, with more on the way: Harrison Waters; Jastyn and Harley Jordan; Bella, Celie, and Lily Foster; Graycen and Polly Gordon; TJ, Caroline, and Addi Craig; and Jonah Fox.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Crawford and Hazel Culpepper, his beloved wife of 55 years Carolyn Miller Culpepper, and his sister Sharon Milks.

Jimmy graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in 1956 and attended Bible College in Tupelo MS. He held a Local Minister’s license with the United Pentecostal Church International for 64 years and was recently awarded a lifetime achievement plaque by that organization. He attended Hodge United Pentecostal Church from the age of twelve and ended up marrying the Pastor’s eldest daughter, resulting in a lifetime of service to the church. He served as Youth Leader for several years, as Sunday School Superintendent for over 40 years, and most recently as Secretary/Treasurer of the Church for more than 20 years. He sang in the church choir and in the Culpepper Trio with his two sisters, played trumpet in the church band, and taught Sunday School. He spent countless hours helping build the original brick church around 1960, and the current sanctuary building in the early 1980s. He cut the grass, trimmed the hedges, repaired the plumbing, and accomplished countless other tasks to maintain the functioning of the church buildings.

Jimmy was known as a very fast runner in high school but declined to participate in organized school sports due to religious convictions. As a young man, he played tennis and softball, playing on the church softball team well into his 40s as a pitcher. In his later years, Jimmy wrote a large collection of poems, writing many for special occasions, and others reflecting on situations that he encountered in life. He taught himself to cook after his wife passed away and learned how to make a wide variety of foods. One of his specialties was frying hot water cornbread.

Jimmy was employed at the local papermill for 44 years, most of which were spent in the Maintenance department, and was often called “Reb” (a shortened form of “Reverend”), by his coworkers in recognition of his status as a lay minister and of the exemplary life he lived. For 23 years he served his hometown of Hodge as Alderman on the Town Council. He loved sharing holidays with his large family, and for the past 40 years or more he spent several weeks each Christmas decorating his house with a lavish display of lights to spread the joy of Christmas to his community. He will be truly missed by his family and friends.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 19th at the Hodge United Pentecostal Church. Interment followed at the Gayla Traina Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro. 

Samuel D. Watson Hicks
November 5, 1992 – November 8, 2022

Mr. Samuel D. Watson “Shaun Doe” Hicks, age 30,  passed away on November 8th.  Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 19th at the Bethany Baptist Church in Quitman under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro. 

God hath not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through, God hath not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised strength for the day, Rest for the labor, light for the way, Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy, and undying love.

Patricia (Peevy) Hill
August 27, 1938 – November 16, 2022

Patricia Ann (Peevy) Hill, age 84 of North Hodge, ascended to meet her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. She was a faithful member of Hodge Baptist Church for over 55 years. She loved the Lord and her church. She attended and served her church faithfully until her health no longer would allow it. She married her sweetheart, Charles Fleetwood Hill on July 3, 1957. She was a homemaker that enjoyed sewing and crocheting in her free time. She is a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend and she will be greatly missed.

Patricia is survived by one daughter, Teresa Slaughter, and husband, Dean; one son, Gary L. Hill and wife Shelley; four grandchildren, Rachel Cooper, Stephen Anderson, and wife Ariel, Garrison Hill; Amalee Hill; great-grandchildren, Austin Anderson, Andrew Cooper, Catherine Cooper, Adeline Anderson, Ashton Anderson; one brother, Larry Peevy and wife Linda; one sister, Freida Parker and husband Mervin. She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Charles Hill, and her parents, Alfred and Roline Peevy.

 Funeral services were held at the Hodge Baptist Church with Reverends Brian McAllister and Norris Curry officiating. Burial followed in the Jonesboro Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers were Austin Anderson, Andrew Cooper, Mervin Parker, Stephen Anderson, Garrison Hill, and Larry Peevy.

The family would like to extend a big “thank you” to the ladies who cared for her so that she could remain at home until the Lord was ready for her. “Thank you” to her friends who were faithful to call and visit. “Thank you” to Hearts of Light at Hodge Baptist Church and SHINE at Sweetwater Baptist Church.

 

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In front of representatives of the Louisiana Elections Compliance Divisions, Jackson Parish Clerk of Court, Laura Culpepper, conducted a recount of the absentee and mail-in votes of the Mayor and Alderman at Large races for the Town of Jonesboro on Tuesday, November 15th. 

The recount was done following a request made to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office by current Jonesboro Mayor, Leslie Thompson, and candidate for the Alderman at Large position, Danettia Cooper Hayes. Assisting Culpepper with the recount was Jackson Parish Registrar of Voters, Angie Roberts, Attorney Theresa Carroll, and Sarah Lolley. Paul Blanchard, Justin Starnes, and Jack Gilbert represented the Louisiana Elections Compliance Division. 

According to Louisiana Election law, a candidate may request a recount of absentee/mail-in ballots only if the number of such ballots could change the election outcome. Requesters are responsible for costs associated with the recount but costs paid by the requesters are refunded if the recount changes the election outcome.

“I have been running for office since 1992 and this was the closest margin of an outcome I can remember,” said Thompson when asked why he had asked for a recount “As there was such a small difference in the votes, we (Thompson campaign) wanted to make sure that a third party verified that the numbers were correct.”

Final election day tabulations showed that Thompson lost to James “Spike” Harris by 20 votes (685-665) in the Mayor’s race and that Hayes lost to incumbent Nia Evans-Johnson by 23 votes (657-634) in the Alderman at Large election. A total of 118 absentee and mail-in votes were cast for Mayor while 112 votes were balloted for Alderman at Large. 

After the ballots were counted and then re-counted, it was verified that Hayes received 58 mail-in/absentee votes compared to 54 for Johnson in the Alderman at Large race and that Harris had received 77 votes and Thompson 41. These were the exact same results that had been reported in both races. Both Hayes and Thompson were asked if they were in agreement with the numbers shown in the recount and accepted the tabulations, to which they replied they were.

Thompson further stated that the recount was not done to try and show improprieties but to make sure everything was done correctly. 

“We have no questions as to the integrity of those involved and are making no allegations that anyone had done anything wrong or illegal, that is not our position,” furthered Thompson. “It is simply the fact the margin was so close we wanted to make sure that all the numbers were right.”

When asked what his plan in moving forward was, Thompson stated he would now move to have the early voting numbers confirmed. 

“Being the first time that we have had the experience of how this process works we thought that we would get to verify the early votes also, but I now learned that a separate request has to be made for that,” said Thompson. “So in the next couple of days, we will make a formal request to move forward with that.”

Thompson was then asked if after he gained the information requested and it showed no differences would he then concede the election. 

“There are other issues we have to get clarified before I will concede,” confirmed Thompson. “We have concerns that there were people that tried to walk their ballots in on the final day of mail-in voting but were turned away. We don’t understand why those ballots weren’t accepted. We know those votes were accepted in other states, but here, voters were not allowed to do that, so we want clarification on that.”

“We also have reports that at least one voting machine didn’t work properly during the day and that people tried to vote but weren’t allowed as they had been purged from the rolls even though they voted in the last election. Those are major issues,” added Thompson. “I submitted that information to the Clerk of Court. but did so with the request to review the mail-in/absentee ballots. I was told that to have these other issues looked into I needed to make a separate request to the Secretary of State about those, which I intend to do in the next few days. Then and only then, after all these issues have been resolved will I consider conceding the election.”

 

 

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Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Sunlight and wind, for example, are such sources that are constantly being replenished. fossil fuels – coal, oil, and gas – on the other hand, are non-renewable resources that take hundreds of millions of years to form.

Fossil fuels, when burned to produce energy, cause harmful greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide. Generating renewable energy creates far lower emissions than burning fossil fuels. Transitioning from fossil fuels, which currently account for the lion’s share of emissions, to renewable energy is key to addressing the climate crisis.

One such company which develops, constructs, owns and operates high-quality wind, solar, transmission, and energy storage projects worldwide is Pattern Energy, headquartered in San Francisco, CA, and also has offices in Houston, TX.

On Tuesday, Mr.Emory Belton, Jr. of the Belton Law Firm, who is the legal representative for Pattern Energy spoke to the Jackson Parish Police Jury about their newest venture, the Southern Spirit Electric Transmission Project, and how it will benefit Jackson Parish.

In summary, the project will move wind and solar resources from west Texas into the Texas Power Grid and then into a converter station located west of Mansfield, LA where it is converted from AC to DC power. Through power lines, it is then shipped across Louisiana into Mississippi, converted back to AC power, and then shipped out to power plants across the southern United States. 

“What takes place is kind of like running a long extension cord across the state of Louisiana,” said Belton. “One that is about 700 miles long.”

This project has been in the works for several years now and is finally nearing the construction stage, which will involve the building of transmission towers and the running of lines that will cross Jackson Parish in its entirety from east to west. 

“We came through back in 2016 and met with local land owners whose land the transmission lines would cross”

According to Belton, the project will be of tremendous beneficial impact on Jackson Parish and especially on the residents whose land will be involved. 

“First of all the land owners will be paid handsomely for the right of ways (180 ft. wide), said Belton. “Also the ad Valorem  tax base for the parish will get a good shot in the arm and there will be jobs created as local help will be needed for temporary construction jobs and possibly even permanent ones with the company.”

 

One streak continued while another ended. In between 21 Weston High letter winners received their jackets making the night a complete success. The streak that continued thanks to the 56 -33 victory over Family Community Christian (FCCS) out of Winnsboro is the number of victories that has now reached what is believed to be an all-time school record of nine straight to open a season The one that ended due to the 69-55 victory over FCCS put an end to the four straight losses that the Wolves have endured to open the year.

Weston 56 FCCS 33: (Girls) All fifteen on the roster got playing time and nine got on the books as head coach Stacy Tucker called the, in this case, Lady Wolves off after bolting out to a 12-2 first-quarter lead that ballooned to 48-17 by the end of the third quarter. The contest also marked the ninth straight time Weston has scored 50 or more points, also what is thought to be a school record to start a season. Emma Kate McBride scored 12 points, grabbed five boards, handed out four dimes, and had two steals to pace the vaunted Weston attack. Jessica Newton scored a career-high eight points as did Anslee Aldy, while Lexi Millien and Lainee Trosclair scored seven each. Briley Peterson scored four and grabbed seven rebounds while Faith Beamesderfer and Raelynn Shell scored three. Jacie Ledford and Nadia Siadek rounded out the scoring with two each. 

Weston 69 FCCS 43 (boys) Weston won their first and gave FCCS their first loss as the Wolves raced to a 39-15 first-half lead that led to the most points scored in a game this season. Bryce Zehr and Tait Henderson scored 21 and 20 points to become the first two Wolves to score 20 or more points in the same game this year. Mitchell Mathews added ten with both Jude Otwell and Braden Theriot chipping in with eight apiece. Juan Gonzalez added a basket. 

Letter Jacket Awarded: Twenty-one boys and girls had something warm to wear when they left the gym on a cold night. Those being awarded were: Daniel Albert, Gage Albert, Faith Beamesderfer, Landin Chatham, Hayden Collins, Tayt Culpepper, Cooper Delaney, Carrol-Anne Foshee, Layton Garrett, Blaine Griffin, Tait Henderson, Jacie Ledford, Mitchel Mathews, Rylee McBride, Jessica Newton, Jude Otwell, Tyler Pardue, Leila Roberts, Barden Theriot, Alaina Trosclair, and Quetzel Webster

Weston 54 Sterlington 49: (Girls) A step up in Class made no difference as the girls topped the Class 3A team on their home floor. A 16-7 final quarter advantage spelled the difference as Weston rallied for their 8th straight win in Sterlington’s season opener. With her knack of seemingly always doing well against good teams, Briley Peterson continued her “big game” persona by scoring 17 points and pulling down 15 boards for her third “double-double” of the year. Lexie Millien also came up big with 12 points and seven rebounds while Emma Kate McBride joined the double-digit club with ten. Lainee Trosclair added seven, Anslee Aldy six, and Jessica Newton two. 

Sterlington 61 Weston 39 (boys): A 21-2 deficit after the first period was too much to overcome as Sterlington won their season opener and sent Weston to a fourth straight loss. Bryce Zehr scored 15 to lead the Wolves while Braden Theriot and Juan Gonzalez added five each. Mitchel Mathews, Tait Henderson, and Daniel Watlington all scored four with Jude Otwell getting two points. 

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The Jackson Parish Police Jury held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Tuesday at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro with purchases for the Solid Waste Department taking center stage of the relatively short agenda. Approval of two auxiliary entities’ 2023 budgets, re-appointing various board members and the acceptance of material bids for 2023 were also considered as was the approval of 2023 LCDBG Program Policies and Resolutions and the various committee reports. 

Also taking place was jury members Todd Culpepper, Lewis Chatham, Amy Magee, Tarneshala “Niki” Cowans, Regina Rowe, and President Lynn Treadway hearing a presentation from Pattern Energy (see separate article) and Department Heads as well as having two Public Meetings being announced for December. Also present were Secretary/Treasurer Emmett Gibbs and Attorney Darrell Avery. John McCarty was absent. 

The session started with the Jury voting to immediately purchase 32 Trash Bins from American Recovery Plan (ARP) funds and an Excavator for $51,681.00 for the Transfer Station. Also, $380,000.00 was set aside from ARP Funds for the Purchase of a New Compactor Truck for the Year 2024. In final action regarding the Solid Waste Department, holiday overtime pay was approved for four employees for the date of November 12th, and the full crew for the dates of November 26 and December 26, 2022.

Material Bids were then awarded as follows:

Material	Company
14 Gauge Metal Polymer Coated Culverts (12″ thru 42″	Colburn’s Supply
12 Gauge Metal Polymer Coated Culverts (48″, 54″, 72″90″, 96″)	Colburn’s Supply
12 Gauge Metal Polymer Coated Culverts ( 60″, 66″, 78″, 84″)	Co-Heir Drainage Products
Plastic Culverts (12″, 15″, 18″, 24″, 30″, 36″, 42″, 48″, 60″)	Colburn’s Supply
Crushed Stone (Delivered to Road Barn & Various Roads)	Ruston Rock It, LLC
Oversized Gravel (Delivered to Road Barn & Various Roads)	Ruston Rock It, LLC
Pit Run – sand, clay, gravel (Delivered to Road Barn & Various Roads)	Ruston Rock It, LLC
Hot Mix (asphaltic concrete)	Amethyst Construction
Cold Mix	Dreher Contracting
Gasoline & Diesel Fuel	McCartney Oil Company
Riprap – Class 30 lb.	Ruston Rock It, LLC
“A” Stone	Ruston Rock It, LLC

The use of the Charles H. Garrett Community Center was approved for use by the Northwest Regional 4-H Quarterly Meeting on November 30, 2022 as was the 2023 budgets for the Library and Recreation District. A Citizen Participation Plan Policy and Resolution, Procurement Policy and Resolution, and Resolution to Pay Engineering Administration was then approved as required by the 2023 Louisiana Community Develpment Block Grant (LCDBG) program.

This was followed by the following being reappointed to various parish boards.
Museum Board – James Fitzpatrick
Tourism Board – Allen Linsdey
Watershed Board – Gary Joyner
Jonesboro Fire District Board – Wendy Hall

In final action the announcement of  a Public Hearing regarding the 2023 Consolidated Budget and a Public Meeting about the Renewal of the Health Unit Ad Valorem Tax was scheduled to take place at 5:00 and 5:30pm on December 20th, which is right before the next regulalry scheduled meeting of the Police Jury. 

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The Quitman girls got back on the winning beat while the boys beat Choudrant and continued their current win-one, lose-one streak that they have been on for the past six games. In between the contests played at the gymnasium at Jonesboro-Hodge High School while their home gym is receiving a makeover 33 athletes received their letter jackets. 

Quitman 63 Choudrant 34: Five years ago an 8th-grade girl named Leach made her presence felt by performing well beyond what would normally be expected of someone so young. On Tuesday evening it was de-Ja-Vu all over again as another 8th-grade Leach girl did the same this time with the elder Leach cheering her on. With senior Bethany Leach sidelined due to an injured ankle suffered during the Plainview Tournament last weekend, cousin Anna showed the large contention of Quitman faithful in attendance that the guard position is still in good hands with a Leach in charge. 

With Anna scoring six of her eight points on the night in the second half and Cali Deal adding 15 of her game-high 24 points Quitman outscored Choudrant 34-6 to run away from their District 2B foe. Braly Stewart added 13 points while Emma Carter scored 8 and pulled down a team-high 10 boards. AJ Gray added six, Summer Grillette four, and Emma Walker two for the Lady Wolverines who improved to 5-2 with the victory and broke their two-game losing streak after reeling off four wins in a row to open the season. Choudrant fell to 1-4 on the year. 

Choudrant 58 Quitman 43: Second and fourth quarter surges by Choudrant of 19-13 and 21-10 offset one-point Wolverine advantages in the first and third quarters. The loss overshadowed a monster night by post player Blake Carter who scored 21 and pulled down 16 boards before fouling out. Logan Ponder added ten to improve his streak of reaching double digits in points to four in a row and six of the seven contests that Quitman has played this year in compiling a 4-3 record. Riley Duck finished with five, Eli Walker three, and both Grant Williams and Brayden Smith tallied two points apiece. 

Lots of LetterJacket awarded: By the time all the ones who were awarded letter jackets between the boy’s and girls’ game made their way onto the court the line stretched from baseline to baseline. Of all 33 three were helped into their adornment by QHS principal Billy Carter. Those receiving a letter jacket included: Camden Barnett, Layla Bougues, Breanna Brown, Elie Burns, Chance Chaplin, Madi Chaplin, Peyton Dearman, Madison Delaney, Riley Duck, Maddie Grace Giddens, A’llohna Gray, Emma Hardwick, Taylor Harvey, John Reagan Hasley, Braden Jones, Sarah Jones, Nickolas Kliebert, Mackenzie Lamkin, Peanut Lay, Tyler Lay, Geoffery Maxsell, Gage McMurray, Walker Medaries, Abby Parris, Madison Patton, Kayton Pennington, Logan Ponder, Maggie Ray, Pete Simonelli, Abi Temple, Ian Tilley, Wyatt Timm, and Eli Walker. 

 

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When Attorney Darrell Avery stepped out of his office on the corner of 6th Street and East Court Street in Jonesboro he immediately noticed that something was not right.

“When I walked out I saw water bubbling up from the street and running down the hill,” said Avery. “I knew right away that something was seriously wrong.”

He was correct.

What had taken place was a main line had burst underneath the street. Employees of the Jonesboro Water Department quickly responded. In order to find where the problem was coming from they had to use heavy equipment to dig through the asphalt and locate the line which was several feet in the ground. As it turned out the line was burst in several spots forcing about a 15 ffot trench to be dug across the road. Using their expertise, they then quickly as possible repaired the faulty line and soon had traffic flowing again. Kudo’s to the water department crew for a job well done!

To show their appreciation for the way that Jackson Parish has accepted them since their grand opening in 2017, the administration and staff of Mercy Medical Health Center invite the community to join them for a Thanksgiving dinner that will be served beginning at 1:00pm on Thursday at the North Hodge Assembly of God Church, located at 5254 Quitman Hwy in Hodge. 

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The selections of Student-Athlete of the Week for November 13th – 19th have been announced. The award, which is sponsored by the Jackson Parish Hospital, recognizes a student-athlete from Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman, and Weston High Schools as chosen by select faculty and staff from each school. Each honoree is selected after best exemplifying what it means to be a true student-athlete through academic achievement and athletic accomplishment. 

Student-Athlete of the Week (November 13th – 19th)

Ajay Tew (12th Grade) – Varsity Boys Basketball player at Jonesboro-Hodge High School
Emma Kate McBride (12th Grade) – Varsity Girls Basketball player at Weston High School
Bethany Leach  (12th Grade) – Varsity Girls Basketball player at Quitman High School

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The 3rd annual “Light up the Park” Christmas Parade and Campsite Decoratinig Contest will be held at 6:00pm on Friday, November 25th. The event is hosted by Jimmie Davis State Park and is coordinated by the North Louisiana Camping Club . For more information on how you can get involved, contact Trish McGraw Smith at (318) 880-2201.

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Last week Dillon Pardue of Weston High School had one of those day’s.  All on the same day he was named the school athlete of the week, received a scholarship and sold a piece of art he created. The kind of day that would happen oinly once in a lifetime right? Not for this outstanding senior.  For Pardue it seems like those “once in a lifetime” kind of days are now happening “once a week”. 

The latest “greatest day of your life” took place on Monday, when after thinking that his high school cross country career was over, he found out he had qualified and got to run in the Division IV State Cross Country meet held in Natchitoches. While there he was awarded as one of only four Class B competitors to be named to the LHSAA Composite Academic All-State team after compiling a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Congratulations to Dillon on ANOTHER great day!  

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The Jackson Parish Police Jury hosted their annual Veteran’s Day Brunch this past Friday in honor of the brave mend and women from Jackson Parish who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Highlighting the gala event that saw a large group of 46 Veterans, as well as friends, family and well-wishers gather at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center, was a stirring concert given by the Jackson Parish Gifted and Talented Music Group. The event that included a scrumptious brunch was orchestrated by the Jackson Parish Police Jury Veteran’s Committee consisting of Chairperson Tarneshala “Niki” Cowans, Todd Culpepper and Lewis Chathame Veteran’s Committee Project Chairperson. 

“On behalf of the Jackson Parish Police Jury I would like to offer my congratulations and appreciation to each and every Veteran from our parish for their service,” said Cowans. “We were pleased that we had such a large turnout and thank everyone who was involved in making this a great success.” 

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Veterans Day Friday reminded me of it, brought him and her and them to my mind and took me back to the late 1960s and being a little boy who knew something was going on but just didn’t know what.

Because Aunt Daisy was unsure how long it took a letter to get to Southeast Asia, she mailed one just about every other day, an endless stream of news from Carolina, from home.

And so, there were two things a 19-year-old Jimmy Bass, who’d always bought me milkshakes at the Dairy Maid, could count on in Vietnam: getting shot at by people he didn’t know, and getting letters from Aunt Daisy. She gave me carbon copies of most every one.

Dear Jimmy,

Why they decided you needed to be flying a helicopter I do not know, but your daddy tells me you’ve been doing good at it. That’s saying something as I know Newton Bass is hard to please. Before you were born, him and my Hank vowed they had to taste every bottle of whiskey in a store before they could decide which one they wanted to drink for the night. They thought for the longest time that me and your mother felt that was a good excuse. I never thought either of them would quit drinking, but they did, and if you don’t believe in miracles, you should after knowing that. Which is why I expect to see you walking up our driveway any day now.

Of course I don’t know exactly where you are over there, and even if I did I couldn’t pronounce the name of the town. While you’re over there, why not talk the locals on our side into naming places that make sense, like Sunrise or Rock City or Dillon. If I lived over there I couldn’t tell anybody my address because I wouldn’t know how to say it. They’re either too short on consonants and long on vowels or the other way around. Fix that, Jimmy? It’ll give you something to do and me something to take credit for.

Nothing much to report here. We’re still trying to get a preacher. We’ve had all the success of a boy mouse in a roomful of girl cats so far. Last week Farmer started talking in the middle of preaching, without meaning to. Him and the Scrap Iron Quartet sung a couple hymns, then about halfway through our substitute preacher’s talk, here Farmer went. I know it don’t surprise you to hear he was sleeping in church as that’s what he always does when he’s not singing. Don’t know what he does better, snore or sing. But by god he’s always there, ain’t he. So he’d plowed ’til church time as always, then about halfway through the sermon Farmer, deep in slumber and obviously dreaming, hollers out real loud like, “Whoa! Whoa!” None of us paid it much mind but it shook the visiting preacher up pretty good.

Maggie is getting prettier every day. I think she’s in her room writing you a letter right now. We talk about you all the time and hope you get our letters every week. If you can keep from wrecking that plane they’re idiot enough to let you fly, I might let you drive the Falcon again when you get home. Just got the oil changed.

Love,

Aunt Daisy

Even after his momma and Mr. Newt got word Jimmy was MIA, Aunt Daisy kept writing. In fact, she wrote more. She didn’t give up. Neither did Jimmy. So she was the least surprised person in town the day the knock came on her door, and standing there, milkshakes in both hands and a duffle bag on his shoulder, stood Jimmy, threadbare and scarred, but smiling. And home.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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After the Junior and Junior Varsity co-ed teams at Cornerstone Chtistian Academy (CCA) in Jonesboro earned second and third place finishes in the end of the year SLICE League Volleyball Championshp Tournaments, the varsity squard made it three for three finishing in the top three. Coached by David and Shasta Broadway the ten player squad completed the sweep of trophy placements by taking third in the varsity co-ed division. Their sucess was led by Jody Smith who was voted team MVP for the tournament. 

The Sports League for Independent Christian Educators, or SLICE, is a private sports league specifically tailored to small, faith-based educators in Louisiana and Texas. SLICE is currently made up of ten member institutions: Bethel Christian Academy, Center Academy, Cornerstone Christian Academy, Heritage Baptist Christian School, Hope Baptist School, Kingston Christian Academy, the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, Northside Christian Academy, and Provencal Christian Academy; and one associate institution: Northeast Christian Academy.

Students enjoy First Aid/CPR class at JPASD

The Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) in Jonesboro treated interested students from CCA to a First Aid and CPR training class on November 9th at their new state of the art training center located at 115 Watts Avenue in Jonesboro. Not only did those participating learn valuable and possible life saving skills but also got a tour of the facility and the inside of an ambulance unit. 

“We enjoyed teaching them and sharing a little of what we do in EMS,” said JPASD director Aaron Johnson.  “Maybe we’ll see them in a future EMT class!”

 

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It is a wonderful opportunity to support a hard working group of young men and at the same time enjoy some delicious desserts. Can’t beat that! The Weston High School baseball team is holding a fund raiser to offset expenses of the upcoming year by offering a wide variety of Bundt Cakes. Make your choice of Red Velvet, Lemon, Chocolatey Chocolate Chip, Vanilla or White Chocolate Raspberry for only $5.00 each or completely satisfy your sweet tooth by orderinig one of each. To place an order contact a member of the Weston High Baseball team. Your support is appreciated. 

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On Monday, November 14, the students of the Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary Royal Court and Student of the Year Candidates participated in their First Annual Thanksgiving Community Service Project. The students and their peers collected canned goods through a Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive. The students then delivered to local agencies, Pine Belt Multi-Purpose Agency, whom they share a Wraparound Partnership with, and Christian Community Action (CCA) of Ruston.

“I am very proud of our students and their commitment to service at a young age. This experience allowed students to see first-hand the value of food and how impactful non-profit organizations are to people in the community,” -Danielle Copeland, Principal.

Special thanks to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Jonesboro and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church of East Hodge for their donations.

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