The Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) invites you register now for an Open House that will be held from 6:00 – 8:00pm on November 15th and again on December 15th. JPASD Director, Aaron Johnson, invites you to take the opportunity to come and learn about a career in Emergency Medical Service, meet EMT class instructors and tour the new state-of-the-art training center at their 115 Watts Street locaton in Jonesboro. Refreshments will be provided and there is no cost to attend.
Registration for the Youth Basketball League (YBL) and Junior Cheerleading will continue until November 18th. Under the direction of the Jackson Parish Recreation Department, the basektball league is for both boys and girls from the ages of 5 -14 with the boys having to be of that age by April 30th and the girls by December 31st. The age for the Junior Cheerleaders, who will cheer at the YBL games, is from 4 to 12 years old. Cost to register is $50.00. All games will be played during the months of January and February. To register come to the JPRD Sports Complex headquarters, located just east of Jonesboro at 5254 Hwy 4 during normal business hours. For more information call (318) 259- 3031 or go online to JPREC.org
Congratulations to Monica LeMonie of Uptown Tanning in Jonesboro has being selected Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce November Business of the Month. Owned and operated by Monica LeMonie, the facility that is located at 210 Jimmie Davis Boulevard offers not only 8 tanning beds but an aquafrixio massage plus red light therapy bed. Daily sessions or monthly memberships are avialable and walk ins are welcome. While there choose from a wide variety of tanning accessories and boutique items. Also, if you have need of renting tuxedo, see the selectionas available through Jim’s Formal West.
Hours of Opeation:
10 AM -6 PM (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)
10AM-5PM (Wednesday)
10AM-4PM (Saturday)
For more information or to reserve a bed call (318) 395-5099 or send email to: uptown.tanning81@gmail.com
Registration is being now being taken for the upcoming Youth Veterinary Medicine Workshop that will be held from 12:00 – 5:00pm on November 22nd at the Jonesboro Animal Clinic, located at 815 Pershing Hwy in Jonesboro. There is no cost to the session and parents are invited to attend with their students. A hot dog supper will be provided for all attendees.
Participants will gain hands-on experience with the following veterinary topics:
Administering injections
Suture patterns and materials required
X-Rays
Different types of digestive systems
Physical exams
Ultrasounds
Splinting and bandaging
Parasite identification
Dental issues
Animal care and nutrition
Whether you want your young person to gain more knowledge and skills in order to pursue a career in veterinary medicine or just learn how to better care for your own animals, the workshop is for you. Call (318)-3295-2273 and RSVP to Jonesboro Animal Clinic. Registration cut off date is Friday, November 18th
This past Thursday, the 5th grade class at Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School went to school, only it wasn’t the one they normally go to. Instead the group visited Louisiana Tech University in Ruston. The goal of the field trip was to foster the students’ interest in higher education. Next year, these youth will embark on the next step of their journey in education, middle school. While all levels of education are important, it has been proven that it is in middle school when students begin to take a more career-minded perspective, and we wanted our fifth graders to be aware of all options available to them. In addition to Louisiana Tech, the class will also be taking trips to Grambling State University as well as Delta Community College so students can experience different perspectives on education.
At about 7:00 p.m., on Sunday evening, December 18, 1921, Harry, who was the secretary to the Tulsa, Oklahoma Police Commissioner and purchasing agent for the police and fire departments, drove his car to the home of Ike Wilkerson, a police detective who lived just a few blocks away. The pair planned to spend the evening shooting rabbits along the road to Jenks, a town just south of Tulsa. As they rode along the highway, Ike held a .44 caliber shotgun on his lap just in case they jumped up a rabbit.
Up in the distance, Harry and Ike saw a large Buick touring car parked on the side of the road. Harry slowed his car as they approached. They, being policemen, peered at the car to see if there was any hint that the occupants needed assistance. Suddenly, three men jumped out of the touring car with guns drawn. Harry raised his hands to show that he was unarmed. Ike raised his shotgun. Ike quickly squeezed the trigger and heard a sound that would send chills down the spine of even the most hardened of men. Click! His shotgun misfired. Had the shotgun fired, Ike would have “blown the top of his head off.” Ike reached for his automatic pistol.
The bandit who should have been on the receiving end of Ike’s shotgun began firing at Ike. Bullets hit both of Ike’s legs just above his knees. The bandit then turned the gun on Harry, who still had his hands up in a surrendering position. The bandit fired two or three times as he ran back toward the touring car. The bandit’s bullets struck Harry in the chest and one of his legs. The bandits jumped into the touring car as Ike fired his pistol at them. Ike heard his bullets hitting the touring car as the bandits sped off. Ike was certain he had wounded at least one of the men.
In less than ten seconds, Harry and Ike’s rabbit-hunting trip turned into the fight for their lives. Both were seriously wounded and bleeding profusely. Despite his injuries, Harry sped his car over a mile to the nearest farmhouse. Harry, bleeding from his chest and leg, ran with a limp up the front porch. There he collapsed. Ike was unable to get out of the car. The farmer’s family tended to the wounded men as good as they could and sent word for an ambulance and police.
As with any shooting in which a law enforcement officer is wounded, throngs of policemen descended upon the farm. Even before the two men had arrived at the hospital in Tulsa, possess of county officers aided by deputized police officers were busy searching the roads in the area for the culprits. Ike had provided them with descriptions of the bandits and their touring car.
At the hospital, physicians began operating on Harry and Ike. Doctors were able to save Ike’s life, but he would never walk again. Harry’s condition was very precarious, his physicians said. A bullet from the bandit’s gun had pierced his lung. Doctors gave him little chance for survival.
On the following day, police arrested three men who were positively identified by Ike as the culprits. They were eventually sentenced to life in prison for the murder. Two days after the shooting, Harry H. Aurandt, loving husband and father, died from his wounds. He was 48 years old. Harry left behind a widow, Anna Aurandt, and two small children: a daughter, Frances H. Aurandt, and a son, Paul H. Aurandt. Paul Harvey Aurandt. You and I know him as Paul Harvey.
Todd M Patton (Quitman, LA) Disturbing the Peace, Public Intoxication
Redley C Anderson (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
McArthur White Jr. (Sibley, LA) – Illegal Possession of a Firearm
Willie L Nash Jr. (Jonesboro, LA) – Issuing Worthless Checks
LaBrandon Fritz (Monroe, LA) – Warrants (x2) on charges of Monetary Instrument Abuse
Movialene “Liz” Miller (Homeless) – Theft less than $1,000.00, Resisting an Officer
Zavion Morgan (Jonesboro, LA) Unauthorized entry of an Inhabited Building, Damage to Property, Simple Burglary of a Religious Building, Simple Burglary
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.
Mr. Preston Dwight (P.D.) Weeks passed away on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at Jackson Parish Hospital in Jonesboro, Louisiana. Mr. Weeks served in the National Guard. He was known as a “working man,” and spent his life as a mechanic. He enjoyed participating in tractor and car clubs and loved riding motorcycles. Tending to his cows was another of his passions and Mr. Weeks could often be found in the hayfield. Mr. Weeks would often help those less fortunate by offering to pay for the funerals of their loved ones. He enjoyed talking to others and was a member of the “McDonalds Mafia,” a group of men who met for coffee and solved most of the world’s problems. As his health declined, Mr. Weeks spent a lot of time on his porch with his beloved pets.
Mr. Weeks is survived by his daughters, Rhonda Weeks Hendry, and husband, Larry of Kentwood, Louisiana, Robyn Weeks Waxley of Bossier City, Louisiana, and fiancé, Billy Hill; son, Marty D. Weeks and wife, Amanda of Jonesboro, Louisiana; grandchildren, Colby Coleman (Mandy), Dallas Coleman (Annie), Heath Waxley (Taylor), Valerie Cutrer (Landon), Marly Coleman (Wesley), Hayden Waxley (Madison), Shelby Magee (Jonathan), Carson Weeks, Harrison Waxley; great-grandchildren, Faxon, Katie, and Jasper Coleman; Tate and Booker Waxley; Chevy Rae, Brayden Wise, Fallyn Coleman; and Riley Coleman.
Those preceding Mr. Weeks in death are his parents, Faxon and Leola (Harris) Weeks; sister, Theresa Peterson; and brother, Richard Weeks. Friends may visit with the family at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, Louisiana on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, from 5 PM until 8 PM. A second visitation will be at Antioch Community Church in Brewton’s Mill (Winn Parish) on Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 9 AM until 11 AM. The funeral service will begin at 11 AM with Bro. Hayward Hossler officiating. Burial will follow in the Antioch Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Mr. Weeks’ grandsons, Colby Coleman, Dallas Coleman, Heath Waxley, Hayden Waxley, Harrison Waxley, and Carson Weeks.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Prinston Peterson, Wesley Coleman, Jonathan Magee, Landon Cutrer, and Tim Fogger.
Benny Lynn Roberts passed away at his home in Chatham, Louisiana on Monday, November 7, 2022. Benny was a heavy equipment operator for most of his life. He loved operating a bulldozer and took great pleasure in spending time in the fields bailing hay. Benny enjoyed hunting and fishing and had amassed a collection of CASE knives that numbered in the hundreds. By far his most enjoyable time was spent visiting with his grandchildren and watching them participate in their athletic events.
Benny is survived by his wife, Lynette (Loflin) Roberts; son, Chris Roberts, and wife, April; daughter, Kim (Roberts) Newton and husband, Heath; grandchildren, Heath Andrew Roberts and wife, Courtney, Tucker Lynn Newton, Charleigh Kimber Newton; great-grandchild, Aubrie Elizabeth Maxwell; sisters, Sonda Womack, Katie Enete, Velda Freeman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Aline (Johnson) Roberts; brothers, W.R. Roberts, James Roberts, Don Roberts, Joe Roberts, Billy Mack Roberts, and Roy Glen Roberts.
Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at Chatham Community Church from 10:30 AM until 12 noon. The funeral service will begin at 12 noon with Rev. Lala Ball and Bro. Lynn Malone officiating. Burial will follow in Zoar Methodist Cemetery near Chatham under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Shawn Malone, Ben Malone, Jay Roberts, Cory Crowell, Mark Beard, Thomas Hightower, Heath Roberts, and Johnny Deloach.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 8th. Casting your ballot on Election Day is an important duty as a citizen of our state and nation. Voting hours are from 6:00am – 8:00pm. *Voters in line by 8:00 P.M. will be allowed to vote.
Bring a photo ID with you to vote. You may use a Louisiana Driver’s License, a Louisiana Special ID card, or other generally recognized picture identification card with your name and signature, such as a passport. You may obtain a FREE photo ID card at the Office of Motor Vehicles by presenting your voter information card.
If you do not have a photo ID on Election Day, you will be required to sign an affidavit and supply personal identification information.
You are allowed three minutes to cast your vote unless you are entitled to assistance or use the audio voting keypad.
If you don’t know what precinct you are registered to vote in you can go online to http://www.geauxvote.com or call the Jackson Parish Registrar of Voters Office at (318) 259 – 2486.
Weston 52 Atlanta 25 (Girls) The Lady Wolves stormed out of the locker room to score 16 straight points to start the game and never looked back to waltz their way to the Dodson Tourney title. Midway through the second quarter, the lead had ballooned to 29-3 allowing head coach Stacy Tucker to give his reserves a lot of playing time. This led to new season highs in scoring for several, including Livi Otwell and Faith Beamesderfer, who scored five each, and Nadia Siadek with four. Lainee Trosclair continued her torrid early season shooting display with two more three-pointers in the first half to up her team lead in trifectas to 13 on the year which is also one of the top marks in north Louisiana. With 14 points, “Long Range” Lainee was the only Weston player to score in double figures leading ten players who tallied in the championship contest. Weston had entered the contest averaging a little over 76 points a game and even after scoring almost 20 points less than in any game this season is still hitting at an incredible 70.5 points per contest clip, leading to their best start to a season since reeling off four in a row in 2019. The difference in this game though was a suffocating defensive effort that held Atlanta single digits in each of the four quarters.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | TOTAL |
| Weston (4-0) | 18 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 52 |
| Atlanta (1-2) | 3 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 25 |
Weston 73 Calvin 59 (Girls): In the second round of the Dodson Tournament, Weston produced another scintillating offensive performance to run Calvin out of the gym on Friday. With a season-best 13 three-pointers, the Lady Wolves continued their torrid start to the season that has seen them shatter school records. Already, Weston had set a new mark by scoring 157 points in the first two games and now has become the first team in school history to break the 70-point barrier in three straight games.
Lainee Trosclair led the way with 21 points on the strength of five three-pointers, already the second time she has accomplished the feat this season. Briley Peterson added four from behind the arc and Emma Kate McBride chipped in with three more as the pair scored 19 and 15 respectively. Anslee Aldy also got into the “bombing” act with a pair of trifectas and finished with 8 points. Making the teamwide marksmanship even more impressive is that all of this was done in three quarters lifting Weston to a commanding 67-42 advantage heading into the final period. Faith Beamesderfer, Nadia Siadek, Raelynn Shell, Lexie Millien, and Jakayla Fourd all scored a basket each as well. The 29 points scored in the third quarter is a new season best.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | TOTAL |
| Weston (3-0) | 22 | 16 | 29 | 6 | 73 |
| Calvin (1-1) | 11 | 13 | 18 | 17 | 59 |
Weston 87 Castor 79 OT (Girls): Down by eleven after one period of play, the Lady Wolves mounted a furious fourth-quarter rally to tie the game in regulation and then blow past Castor in overtime to take the high-scoring victory in the opening game of the Dodson Tourney. The 87 points are the most Weston has scored in over 15 years and the combined 157 points tallied in the first two games of the season is believed to be a new school mark.
Briley Peterson grabbed 12 rebounds and hit 11 of 16 shots to post 27 points while Emma Kate McBride made 9 of 11 to add 26 points. Lexi Millien chipped in with 19 and Lainee Trosclair added 11, including a clutch three-pointer to give Weston a 73-72 lead with just 3.9 seconds left in regulation after the Lady Wolves entered the final frame trailing 63-55. Jessica Newton rounded out the scoring with four.
Castor turned out to be a formidable foe as the 25 points that Castor posted in the first quarter is the most Weston has allowed in any period so far this season The Lady Tigers had a shot to win it at the end but made only one of two free throws to send the game into overtime. That set the stage for Weston to continue the late-game surge and outscore Castor 14-6 in the extra frame to run their record to 2-0 on the year.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | TOTAL |
| Weston (2-0) | 14 | 20 | 21 | 18 | 14 | 87 |
| Castor (1-1) | 25 | 20 | 18 | 10 | 6 | 79 |
Castor 64 Weston 34 (boys): Castor won their second game in a row in convincing fashion to oust Weston in the first round of the Dodson Tournament. After opening the season with a dominating 78-17 effort to defeat Downsville, the Tigers continued to be stingy with points to send the Wolves to their second straight loss to start the year. Braden Theriot scored eight points to lead Weston followed by Tait Henderson with seven and Bryce Zehr with six. Nathan Wages added five and in his first action of the year after missing the season opener with a sprained ankle, Mitchel Mathews scored four. Daniel Watlington also chipped in with a basket.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | TOTAL |
| Weston (0-2) | 8 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 34 |
| Castor (2-1) | 20 | 15 | 17 | 12 | 64 |
The profession is one of the most unappreciated career paths available. Imagine a work environment where you have to deal with unruly youth and disgruntled adults on a daily basis and then having to spend hours each night just to prepare to do it all over again the next day. The only guarantees are that no one day will be like the one before and each will bring new challenges all of it’s own.
It makes you wonder why in the world would anyone want to be a school principal or a teacher?
They don’t do it for the accolades! They don’t do it for the hours! The certainly don’t do it for the money!!!!
Fact of the matter is that not just anyone who thinks they want to be a school principal or a teacher even can be. It requires a person with a special quality, dedication and desire that most just don’t have. It takes the kind of person that wants to do more for others than themselves and deeply cares for not only the youth they come in contact with but their associates as well. Either position requires a person to be patient, loving, caring and understanding while at the same time be determined, organized, committed and stern.
Every principal and teacher is special in the fact that they are the ones who prepare our youth to become responsible adults and be able to acheive success in their future profession. Then there are the very few that perform their duties with such a great degree of excellence that they rise above the norm and deserve special recognition among their peers.
The Jackson Parish School District is pleased to honor Billy Carter of Quitman High School as Principal of the Year and Lajulia Blankenship of Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School as Teacher of the Year. Congratulations!
Is it possible to lose and win at the same time?
It is when it comes to the LHSAA power ranking formula.
Jonesboro-Hodge lost a hard-fought battle to arch-rival Winnfield this past Friday by a 14-0 margin to fall to 3-7 on the year. Before the contest, the Tigers were sitting at #29 in the non-select, Division IV, power rankings with only the top 28 teams qualifying for the playoffs. One would figure that the loss meant that JHHS would be on the outside looking in regarding the postseason, right?
WRONG!
JHHS climbed three spots to #26 in the final rankings despite the loss.
SAY WHAT?
Welcome to the wacky world of power rankings where playoff fortunes are dictated as much by whom you win or lose to, as actually beating an opponent. Gone are the days when you won your way into the postseason. Now, through creative scheduling, a team can lose more games than they win and still rank high enough to leapfrog over teams with a better record.
Confused? You are not alone, but here is an attempt to explain how things played out.
The win vaulted Winnfield’s record to 8-2. According to the power ranking formula, JHHS receives a point for every win that Winnfield has. Several teams that were ahead of JHHS in the rankings before the game (Delcambre, West St. John, and Ferriday) also lost their final game. More importantly, they fell to teams that had fewer wins to their credit than Winnfield, in a couple of cases, six and seven victories less.
The difference between the teams ranked #24 -#30 coming in ranged from two points to only a couple of hundredths of a point apart. To be able to add eight points compared to just two or three the others gained was huge. Add to the fact that West Ouachita and Bunkie, two teams the Tigers lost to earlier this season, were upset winners in their season-ender, and JHHS got even more additional points they didn’t expect to receive.
So BOOO…. to the loss to Winnfield that gave the arch-rival their 50th win all-time over JHHS in the 95th game of the series that was first played in 1917.
But YEAH….. to the wacky world of modern-day power rankings, that has allowed the Tigers, and especially the 13 seniors that were honored before the game on Senior Night, to stay alive and play another day.
The “baker’s dozen” of Tiger seniors that were recognized before the contest were: Savantez Phillips, Cameron Leonard, Omarrion Jackson, Edward “Tre” Beard, Zion Gray, Ed’Tavious Drayton, Raynald Bolds, David Johnson, Dominick Strickland, Austin Knotts, Kehlin Boston, Cartavious Waters, and Joshua Tatum.
It could be said that the Tigers backed into the playoffs but in reality, JHHS was due to receive some good fortune. The Tigers have endured a plethora of bad breaks this season. Included is everything from crazy bounces of the ball that have been the differences in games, a schedule that forced the Tigers to play their first three district games on the road, and untimely injuries that have crippled the Tiger’s effort.
JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship is just glad that his squad will have the opportunity to keep playing.
“It didn’t go the way we had hoped but we get to keep playing and that is what we wanted,” reasoned Blankenship. “We are going to go back to work on Monday to prepare for our next challenge and give it our best shot.”
First-round foe! The top four teams in Division IV receive a first-round bye meaning the Tigers will travel to 7th-ranked Logansport for their playoff opener. The like-named Tigers from the Texas/Louisiana line bring a 7-3 record into the contest after finishing second in district 3-1A. Losses came at the hands of Class 2A, Calvary Baptist (8-2), and Rosepine (8-2) as well as St. Mary’s in the de-facto district championship game. JHHS and Logansport have two common opponents this season in Mansfield and Red River. Logansport won both of their contests by 52-8 and 32-16 margins, while JHHS fell to the district 3-2A opponents by 20-12 and 28-22 scores.
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.
Quitman 50 Claiborne Christian 34: (Girls) With Quitman leading by just a 10-9 margin early in the second quarter the Lady Wolverines went on a 16-point run and coasted home for their third straight win to open the season. Cali Deal was the driving force behind the victory, pouring in a season-best 25 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and making six steals. Brayli Stewart also came up big with 15 points and five boards as the pair scored all but ten of Quitman’s points. Bethany Leach added five, A J Gray chipped in with three, and Summer Grillette added a pair of free throws to go with her five steals for the Lady Wolverines.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | TOTAl |
| Quitman (3-0) | 10 | 17 | 15 | 8 | 50 |
| CCHS (0-1) | 7 | 4 | 10 | 13 |
Quitman 35 Summerfield 34: (Girls) The first game in the unprecedented season-long road trip that the Lady Wolverines will face this year wasn’t pretty, to say the least. Quitman made just 14 of 54 shots, including only 2 of 14 from behind the arc, and committed 28 turnovers but thanks to 22 steals, the Lady Wolverines survived to go to 2-0 on the young season. The scoring total was the fewest in a victory since a 29-26 win over Saline in 2019. Summerfield fell to 0-2 after dropping their second straight game to a Jackson Parish school. Cali Deal scored 12 and grabbed 11 boards to pace the newly anointed road warriors. Brayli Stewart also managed to reach double figures with ten followed by five points from Bethany Leach and four each by Emma Carter and Summer Grillette, who had six steals on the night.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | TOTAL |
| Quitman (2-0) | 6 | 10 | 13 | 6 | 35 |
| Summerfield (0-2) | 11 | 6 | 11 | 6 | 34 |
Quitman 66 Summerfield 51: (Boys) Logan Ponder nailed 7 of 9 shots, including 3 of 4 from the three-point line to score 19, dished out six assists, and had three steals to help lift Quitman to their second win in as many tries. Blake Carter grabbed 8 rebounds and made 10-14 free throws to finish with 18, while Eli Walker also canned three treys and Brayden Martin added a pair from behind the arc to join the “double-digit” club with 15 and 12 points respectively. As a team, Quitman shot 47% from downtown on 8 of 17 shooting. The difference in the game came toward the end of the first quarter when Quitman broke open a tight game with an 11-2 run to go up by a 23-10 margin. A third-quarter surge got Summerfield to within 51-44 heading into the final frame, but the Wolverines pulled away with by outscoring the home team 15-7 over the final twelve minutes.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | TOTAL |
| Quitman (2-0) | 23 | 17 | 11 | 15 | 66 |
| Summerfield (1-1) | 10 | 16 | 18 | 7 | 51 |
Claiborne Christian 36 Quitman 34: (Boys) The Wolverines made three of their first six shots, including a pair of three-pointers to take a 9-2 lead in the early goings of the contest but suddenly the rim became unkind resulting in their first loss of the year. From that point on Quitman made only 9 of 44 shots, including 3 of 16 from behind the arc. allowing Claiborne Christian, who also struggled to score, to sneak away with the win. Despite their offensive woes, Quitman trailed by only a 30-28 margin heading into the fourth quarter but made only 1 of 13 shots in the final frame that allowed Claiborne Christian, who also struggled to score, to sneak away with the win in their season opener. Blake Carter had a “double-double” with 10 points and a season-best 13 rebounds to lead Quitman followed by 8 points from Brayden Martin and six from Logan Ponder. Riley Duck added five, Eli Walker three, and Noah Leach two to round out the scoring.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | TOTAL |
| Quitman (2-1) | 9 | 6 | 13 | 6 | 34 |
| CCHS (1-0) | 7 | 11 | 12 | 6 | 36 |
The Jackson Parish Police Jury announces that a Veteran’s Day Brunch Celebration will be held at 10:00am on Novemvber 11th at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center, located at 182 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro. All veterans, family member and friends are invited to attend the event that celebrates the brave men and women from Jackson Parish that have served in the United States Armed Services.
The Jackson Parish School Board will hold their regularly scheduled monthly meeting at 11:00am on Monday, November 7th in the conference room of the Jackson Parish School District Central Office. Board members will hear from Rebecca Womack and Tristen Bergholtz regarding the Reimagine Schools Program as well as updating the list of hearing officers and procedures regarding hearings. Consideration to go into an Executive Session in regard to pending litigation in the matter styled,
Josephine M. Burns vs. docket no.35,581 Property Casualty Alliance of Louisiana, Jackson Parish School Board and Dana D. Bell will also be entertained. Transportation, Building /Grounds and Executive Finance Committee reports will also be presented for approval.
In accordance with the Americans Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact David Claxton at 318-259-4456 describing the assistance that is necessary.
Great bargains, good food and and an enjoyable time for all is promised from 1:00 – 5:00pm on Sunday, November 6th as the merchants of Jackson Parish host the annual Christmas Open House. Get into the Christmas Spirit and enjoy a fun night on the town as you stop by the shops and discover holiday treasures along with visiting the restaurants of the area for a stress free and relaxing experience.
The Teachers of the Year has been named at Jonesboro-Hodge and Quitman High Schools. Selected at JHHS is girls physical education teacher and PBIS Chairperson, Christy Reynolds Lenard. Three educators, representing each division of the school, has been chosen at QHS. They are Bethany Davis – Elementary, Brandi Hasley – Junior High and Niki StClair – High School. Congratulations to each and thank you for the work you do for the students of Jackson Parish.
The response was overwhelming! An all time record of over 1500 patrons visited the annual “Spooktacular” presentation of Alice in Wonderland that was held at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library on Halloween Day. As part of the festivities, a costume contest was held. There were so many creative and interesting entries that choosing just one as a winner was impossible so instead seven was chosen to receive a gift card. The “chosen” ones can pick up their card at the front desk of the Jonesboro Branch location anytime during normal business hours.
Lincoln Cockerham – “Elvis”
Madison Newton – “Unicorn”
Lily Tolar – “Icee”
Brittany Treadway – “Darla”
Tinleigh Allen – “Mother Nature & the Weather”
Addison Fair – “Cabbage Patch Doll”
Lincoln Robertson – “Dracula”
The Glow on the Block Party that was held on the walking track at the Chatham Branch of the Jackson Parish Library was enjoyed by all who celebrated Halloween by coming out and enjoying the festivities with friends and neighbors. See below for a sampling of some of the scenes captured.
“Jonesboro’s ‘Christmas Wonderland in the Pines’ is just another bright and shining example of why there’s really no place quite like the South to usher in good tidings and Yuletide cheer.” – Southern Living Magazine
Every year on the last Saturday of November, which this year falls on November 26th, the annual “Christmas Wonderland in the Pines” festival ushers the holiday season into the town of Jonesboro. With over 5 million Christmas lights dotting our small town, visitors flock from all over the state and region to experience a one of a kind display of wonderment and hospitality.
See below for the tentative schedule of planned activities:
10:00am – Grand Marshal Coffee and Ceremony in the Community Room in Town Hall.
The Grand Marshal is presented a Proclamation from the Mayor declaring the day in their honor. Family, friends, and members of the public are invited to attend. Business casual attire is encouraged.
11:00am – Children’s Choir Concert at Veteran’s Park
12:00pm – Official Turning on of the Christmas Lights
1:00pm – Zydeco Band Concert at Pocket Park on Jimmie Davis Blvd.
4:30pm – Annual Christmas Wonderland in the Pines Parade
The annual parade starts along Cooper Avenue, turns at Third Street, comes down Allen Avenue toward the Courthouse and turns onto Jimmie Davis Boulevard, turns at Hudson Avenue, and finishes on Seventh Street. The judges’ table is located on Jimmie Davis Blvd. at the steps of the Courthouse.
6:00pm – Annual Firework Show
Once dark, the firework show will start. The fireworks are shot from the Public Works Department, under the supervision of the State Fire Marshal. The fireworks can be viewed from nearly anywhere in the city.
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL SEASON ATTRACTIONS
Over 5 Million Christmas Lights
Jonesboro’s Christmas Park (located at the corner of Fourth Street and Polk Avenue)
Every Friday and Saturday after the parade, Santa is at the Christmas Park and available for pictures from 5 PM to 9 PM until December 23rd.
Horse Carriages through the Town beginning November 26th and running through January, 1st. You can pick up a horse carriage ride at the Christmas Park. Cost is $10/adult and $5/child and all rides are provided by a private individual(s) or companies.
(reprint of 11/1/2022 KTBS article)
Dominick Strickland played several positions in his time at Jonesboro-Hodge, but his senior season was cut short due to injury.
“Nothing is promised to you. Like you can get injured at any time, so going out for myself and not just relying on football is very important in setting myself up for success in the future.”
He says his strong focus on academics came from simple instructions at home.
“They (my parents) were always on me about my grades. They always told me that my only two jobs, while I was still under their roof, were just to get my schoolwork done and to do the chores. That was it.” *laugh*
Strickland’s favorite subject at the moment is biology, but he’s always had a love for the written word.
“I was always more of an English kid than a math kid. I never really liked math too much, but English is where it’s at. I love writing essays, I love reading, just the storytelling and how vivid you can get, the images in your mind and how the story is.”
Head coach Terrance Blankenship says Strickland has been a model student and player willing to fill any role on the roster and believes he has a bright future.
“Hopefully, someone will take a shot on him, and give him a free education playing football, but if not, I’m quite sure that his academics will help pay for some of his schoolings. He can be whatever he wants to be. I hadn’t really talked to him about what he wants to major in, but I do know that he’s going to college.”
Strickland is undecided on a major, but with a 3.7 GPA, he’s confident wherever life takes him.
“If I don’t make it in college athletes or if I do make it in college athletics, but I can’t make it to pro, I’ll always have a backup plan with a degree.”
Dominick is one of the nominees placed on the National Football Foundation McNaughton Chapter’s Scholar-Athlete Watchlist. Each week KTBS will select an athlete from the list and award a scholarship to one of the fourteen players of the week at the end of the season.
Additionally, KTBS Channel 3 in Shreveport is continuing to honor the memory and legacy of former NFF Board member Bob Griffin, the iconic sportscaster at KSLA and then KTBS for over 50 years, by weekly presentations of a Griffin’s Game Ball to one of the players on the NFF Scholar-Athlete Watch List. The winners will be featured by KTBS each Tuesday in its’ 6 and 10 p.m. sportscasts, and will be eligible for a separate Griffin’s Game Ball Scholar-Athlete Scholarship, presented by KTBS at the NFF Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet next March.
The Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School PBIS team is proud to honor 3rd grader, Angela Williams, as the November Student of the Month Angela and Ms. Lajulia Blankenship, first grade teacher and tutoring mentor, as the Teacher of the Year.
Williams and Blankenship was presented with a plaque and a gift from the PBIS team in recognition of their outstanding acheivement.
Angela has been an exemplary student following the PBIS PAWS behavior model. Angela Prepares herself for success, Acts respectfully towards her peers and teachers, Works together with others and puts Safety first. We are very proud of Angela!
We are also very proud of Ms. Lajulia Blankenship, first grade teacher and tutoring mentor. Ms. Blankenship goes above and beyond the calling to meet the needs of our children.
We are so lucky to have both of these young ladies on our campus! – Jacob Barron, Asst. Principal at J-HES
Chatham Mayor, Greg Harris, announces that the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Chatham Town Council that was slated for Tuesday, November 8th has been moved to the following Tuesday, November 15th due to November 8th being Election Day. The session that will take place in the meeting room of the Chatham Town Hall, located at 1709 Oak Street, will be at the normal 6:00pm time.
The Chatham Town Hall will close at 12:00pm (noon) on Monday, November 7th and be closed all day Tuesday, November 8th and Friday, November 11th of this week. The reason for the closure is Election Day scheduled for Tuesday and in observance of Veteran’s Day on Friday.
The cut off date for utilities payment has been extended to Monday, November 14th. Please note that in order to avoid addtional penalties and having utilities turned off, payment must be received by 12:00pm. Payments can be made by phone @ (855) 230-7396 or online at www.eonlinebill.com/bapp/chatham/indexl