Let’s Get Vaccinated! That is the message the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is trying to convey. To help make that possible LDH Region 8, of which Jackson Parish is a part of, has scheduled dates for free vaccinations in each parish of the region.
The times and dates for Jackson Parish are from 8:00am – 4:30 pm, this coming Monday thru Thursday, (December 19-22) at the Jackson Parish Health Unit located at 228 Bond St. in Jonesboro. To schedule an appointment call (318) 259 – 6601.
The New Rasberry Baptist Church, located in the town of Bienville but the worship home of many families from Jackson Parish, held it’s annual Toy Drive on Saturday, December 10th. Pastor Ballott III and members of Church would like to thank Jackson Parish businesses for their continued support in this endeavor. Our toy drive was a great success!
Many children will have a wonderful Christmas morning because of your help. A special “Thank You” also goes to the lady who wished to remain anonymous but made a spontaneous donation in the Wal-Mart parking lot. She saw love and responded with love. We are constantly reminded of the greatest gift of all- LOVE.
If you haven’t looked at bass boats lately, prepare yourself for sticker shock! Holy cow, it’s absolutely incredible how much bass boats have gone up over the last 20 years! There’s no way you can justify buying one of these bank-draining luxury cruise missiles that will sit in your garage probably 20 days out of the month. The big question is, “When will the prices level out and stop going up?” The answer is, “When anglers quit buying new boats and refuse to pay the price.” Let’s take a look at how much and why there is a price increase.
Back in 1998, Ranger Boats offered me an opportunity to be a part of the Ranger Pro Staff which was a dream come true. How cool was that to be able to run one of the greatest bass boats ever made and be a part of the Ranger family…a boat company under the leadership of Forest L. Wood (the founder of Ranger Boats) that set the standard by which all bass boats were measured. It was at the time the number one-selling bass boat on the market due to its design, dependability, and innovative features.
While Ranger had several models to choose from, their top-of-the-line Z boat series had a hefty price tag of $32,000. It truly was the “cat’s meow” and took bass fishing to a whole other level with its innovative hull design, fully padded front deck, along with the best “soft ride” seats an angler could sit on. Even in 1998, $32,000 was a lot of money to spend on a bass boat. My recollection at the time; how stupid it was to spend that kind of money on a bass boat just to go fishing!
Fast forward to 2022. Today one of these same luxury Z boats will set you back $90,000 to $100,000! In just a little over twenty years, bass boats have skyrocketed…all brands, not just Ranger. Talk about sticker shock, and don’t try to justify spending this kind of money to go fishing even if you’re fishing the pro tournament trail. Who would have ever thought you would have to spend basically six figures to go bass fishing?
It’s insane to think that back in 1998 your truck cost more than the boat you were pulling, but today the boat costs significantly more than the truck pulling the boat. But that’s where we are today, as anglers continue to want bigger and better. It’s all about supply and demand and as long as anglers are willing to pay, boat companies will continue to go up in prices! Everything on a bass boat has gone digital and is basically hybrid computers…touch screens monitor every facet of a bass boat from engine efficiency, oil usage, and battery life to gas consumption. Some boats have gone to keyless starts with digital touch pads that allow the boat owner to crank the boat simply by knowing a 4-digit code.
Today’s boats have trolling motors that can deploy themselves simply with the touch of a button. The best trolling motors today have what is called a “spot lock” system that will hold the boat in one spot anywhere on the lake. Some will even follow a straight line and run parallel to the shoreline all by themselves. When it comes to the electronics being used, there are depth finders that will allow an angler to see fish swimming at all depths 75 to 100 feet out. Another new feature today is called forward-facing sonar. You can literally watch the fish swim up to your bait and eat it…basically like a video game! This has been a total game-changer for all bass fishermen!
There’s also another system, the shallow water anchor system, that is being used by almost every tournament angler. This is where you have what is called Power Poles or Talons, two poles on the back of the boat that can be deployed into shallow water (12 feet or less) that will lock the boat in place. Great for sight fishing or anchoring the boat at the dock for weigh-ins.
Why did the cost increase? Technological advancements! Back in 1998, we didn’t have forward-facing sonar, we didn’t have electronic units that worked off GPS coordinates, we didn’t have digital computer dashes, shallow water anchor systems, or keyless touch pads. Is all of this technology required to catch fish today? Absolutely not! But if you want to compete at the highest level, you better have these luxuries and more. These up-and-coming young anglers of today know how to take advantage of every aspect of their electronic units and will take you to the cleaners and suck your money right out of your pocket as they are so comfortable using these devices with total confidence.
So, the next time you venture out into the bass boat market, prepare yourself for sticker shock! But understand, you can still get a really nice boat for $50,000 without all the bells and whistles. It’s all about how much money you want to spend. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget to wear your sunscreen.
Steve Graf
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show
Tackle Talk Live
The Parker Alexander Scholarship program offers university students and high school students in Northeast Louisiana an opportunity to win up to $2,500 in scholarship funds by submitting a proposal on how to improve traffic safety in our community.
Parker Alexander has continued its commitment to bettering communities in Northeast Louisiana with the launch of the firm’s Parker Alexander Scholarship program.
This unique scholarship program offers university and high school students in Northeast Louisiana an opportunity to win a $2,500 scholarship grand prize or a $500 scholarship second prize. One grand prize winner and one 2nd prize winner will be selected.
Each scholarship program applicant should submit an original essay with a proposal to improve traffic safety and/or reduce traffic accidents in Northeast Louisiana. Applications should also include a short statement as to individual scholarship needs and the student’s planned course of study in college.
Each year, more than 700 motorists in the state lose their lives to fatal car accidents. Parker Alexander is using the scholarship as a way to not only uplift local students but also help reduce the number of car accidents in our area.
Interested parties who want to apply for the Parker Alexander Scholarship program should visit https://www.parkeralexander.com/about-us/parker-alexander-scholarship/
For more information, please contact Chad Carter (318) 322-7373 or chad@parkeralexander.com
To have published your Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for sale, Advertisements for Bids, Requests for Proposals, Requests for Quotes, Public Notices, and Legal Notices – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com. Possible costs are dependent on content.
Stump Removal and Grinding: Call James Stewart at (318) 243-1009 or (318) 768-2554 for your stump removal and grinding needs. Free Estimates!
First Baptist Church – Jonesboro: Actively searching to fill the position of secretary. The job will require approximately 4-5 hours per day (M-F). Applicant needs to be proficient in general reception duties, Office 365, and basic financial record keeping. A good rapport with people and a teachable spirit are required. Resumes can be mailed to 500 S Cooper Ave, Jonesboro, or emailed to office@fbcjonesboro.net. You may also call the church office at (318) 259-4467 for more information.
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.
The Chatham council met at its regular call meeting on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 6 pm with the following members present Mayor Gregory Harris, Councilmembers Laverne Mixon, Toni Malone, and Sue Proffer. Councilmember Mike Wilson was absent. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Harris with a pledge led by Toni Malone and prayer offered by Mayor Harris.
Sue Ann Proffer motioned, and Laverne Mixon seconded and was accepted by all to approve the minutes as read of the regular meeting held on November 15, 2022.
Toni Malone motioned, and Laverne Mixon seconded and was accepted by all to approve to pay the monthly bills.
Toni Malone motioned, and Sue Proffer seconded to adopt Ordinance 2022-04 changing municipality from town to village. The Ordinance was passed with the following vote: Laverne Mixon – yes, Toni Malone – yes, and Sue Proffer – yes.
Sue Proffer motioned, and Toni Malone seconded to adopt Ordinance 2022-05 rezoning of lots on application by Jared Flynn. The Ordinance was passed with the following vote: Laverne Mixon – yes, Toni Malone – yes, and Sue Proffer – yes.
Toni Malone motioned, and Laverne Mixon seconded and was accepted by all of Mayor Harris’ appointment of Paula Ackley to the council to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Councilman Marvin Davis.
Toni Malone motioned, and Laverne Mixon seconded and was accepted by all the pass Resolution 2022- 21, the calling of a special election for councilmember and for the election to be held in conjunction with the gubernatorial election to be held in the fall of 2023 and related matters.
Toni Malone motioned, and Sue Proffer seconded and was accepted by all the accepted the financial statements as presented.
Toni Malone motioned, and Sue Proffer seconded and was accepted by all to adjourn meeting.
The Jackson Parish Library Board of Control met on Friday, December 2, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library for the regular monthly board meeting. The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Massey, Board President. Members present: Mrs. Essmeier, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Standley, Mrs. Jenkins, and Mrs. Massey. Also present were Floyd Knox and Judy Robertson. Members absent: Mrs. Nunn, Mrs. Tew, and Mr. Chatham
Mrs. Standley led the invocation.
There were no public comments so the Board proceeded with the proposed agenda.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to approve the minutes for the October 25, 2022, regular board meeting.
Mrs. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Jenkins made the motion to accept the October financial reports. Mrs. Cooper seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Standley made the motion to accept the October statistical reports. Mrs. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Jenkins made the motion to confirm November 24, 2022, as the end of Pam Steven’s probationary period. Mrs. Cooper seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to confirm December 15, 2022, as the end of Lyndsey Matherne’s probationary period. Mrs. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
The Director updated the Board on current projects.
The Director presented the board with a change order from Triad Builders to remove one of the trees for the library park project. Mrs. Massey made the motion to accept the change order from Triad Builders of Ruston for $3,000. Mrs. Essmeier seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
A review of the park by the Fire Marshal has resulted in a change to the area of the “Happy to Chat” bench. This area has been redesigned to be flat without stairs. The official change order will be ready in a few days and is expected to provide a credit for the total project cost. Mrs. Essmeier made the motion to authorize the Director to approve the upcoming change order that results in the project costing less than before. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
The Director presented the board with an amended 2022 budget and 2023 budget. Mrs. Standley made the motion to adopt the amended 2022 budget and 2023 budget as presented. Mrs. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Jenkins made the motion to cancel the meeting scheduled for December 19. The next meeting will be on January 17, 2023. Mrs. Cooper seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Lena Joteal Swanner passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at her residence in Jonesboro. She was 95 years old. Joteal was married to the love of her life, Joe W. Swanner for sixty-three years. She was a long-time member of Springhill Baptist Church. After graduating from Weston High School, she worked at the paper mill in Hodge. She and Joe later bought and ran the Crossroads Grocery at the intersection of Walker Road and Highway 505 for several years. Joteal loved working in her vegetable garden and she and Joe enjoyed raising cows on their farm. She loved to fish and she and Joe visited Toledo Bend often.
Survivors include her daughters, Barbara Swanner, Belinda Swanner; grandson, Joe Leavitt; great grandsons, Jack Leavitt, Duke Leavitt; and sister, Bonnie Lowe.
Those who preceded Joteal in death were her husband, Joe Webb Swanner; father, Allie Washington Holsomback; mother, Josie Carrenthe (Buchanan) Holsomback; and 9 brothers and sisters.
Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro from 1pm until 2 pm. A graveside service will follow at Springhill Baptist Cemetery on Walker Road at 2:15 pm.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Scott Savage, David Savage, Daryl Savage, Larry Lowe, Ernie Truelove and Lyman Hall.
Barbara and Belinda wish to thank the sitters who helped take care of their mother. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association or the Kidney Foundation.
The Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library is pleased to announce that they will host a Book
Signing for local teen author Kaelin Palmer. The event will run from 9:00 – 11:45am on Saturday,
December 17 th .
Palmer’s book, A Teenager’s Mindset, talks about everyday issues and life and how they can affect
others. The 17-year old from Jonesboro wrote many of these stories during down time in class and
decided to publish them and make available to people around the world. Copies will be available for
purchase at a cost of $12.00. Please come and support this budding author.
The selections of Student-Athlete of the Week for December 11-17 have been announced. The award,
which is sponsored by the Jackson Parish Hospital, recognizes a student-athlete from Jonesboro-Hodge,
Quitman, and Weston High School as chosen by select faculty and staff from each school. Each honoree
is chosen through best exemplifying what it means to be a true student-athlete through academic
achievement and athletic accomplishment. Congratulations to you all!
Student-Athlete of the Week (December 11-17)
Kaelin Palmer (12th Grade) – Varsity Girls Basketball player at Jonesboro-Hodge High School
Briley Peterson (10th Grade) – Varsity Girls Basketball player at Weston High School
Summer Grillette (12th Grade) – Varsity Girls Basketball player at Quitman High School
Weston High swept Dodson in a pair of games played on Monday. The Weston boys won their season best third straight by a 66-24 margin to improve to 6-9 on the year while the Lady Wolves ran their record to an area best 14-4 with a 73-50 victory, already the sixth time this season that WHS has scored 70 or more points in a season.
Weston 66 Dodson 24 (boys): The Wolves raced to a 22-11 first quarter lead and then clamped down hard by allowing just 13 points the rest of the way as ten players scored led by 18 from Bryce Zehr. Senior, Daniel Watlington also had a big night with a career best 12, all in the second half and Braden Theriot added 11. Nathin Wages also set a new career high with 8 that included a pair of three pointers. Additional scorers were Mitchel Mathews and Jude Otwell with four, Garrett Nickerz had three and Ja’Michael Fourd, Juan Gonzalez and Daniel Williams all scoring two apiece.
Weston 73 Dodson 50 (girls:) The girls continued their up and down December slate by winning a third game in a row after a loss to keep Dodson winless at 0-8 on the year. Lainee Trosclair once again caught fire from deep, draining four three pointers in the first half to lead a balanced Weston attack with 20 points. Ansley Aldy also drained four “bombs” to finish with 14, the same amount of points that Jessica Newton tallied. Briley Peterson was the fourth to register “double digits” as she ended the night with 13. Emma Kate McBride scored four and Raelynn Shell, Livi Otwell, Jakayla Fourd and Tailan Bearden all made two points each.
Folks are getting excited as the way things are going it won’t be long before the newest addition to the
business district of Chatham will be in operation. The roof is nearly completed and the skin around the
building frame is in place on the Chatham Branch of Mitchell’s Pharmacy located at the corner of Oak
Street and Hwy 4, which once open will bring to Chatham the same fast and friendly service that people
in Jonesboro has enjoyed for many years.
“We are really looking forward to when this opens,” said Chatham Mayor Greg Harris. “I know I speak
for everyone in our community when I say how much we appreciate Mitchell’s for building a branch
here.”
Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary is pleased to announce that Jazzeria Ellis and LaJulia Blankenship have
been selected as Student and Teacher of the Year for 2022-23. Ms. Blankenship was also honored as
Jackson Parish School District Teacher of the Year.
J-HES Student of the Year
Jazzeria Ellis is the daughter of Shan Jackson and Jazz Ellis. Her favorite subject is math because she
enjoys working with numbers and Mr. Boston teaches fun and engaging strategies that make math
easier to learn! She currently serves as Miss Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary and plays on the Jonesboro-
Hodge 4th & 5th Grade Basketball Team. She is an active member of 4-H, the School Garden Club, and a
D.A.R.E. participant. Her extracurricular activities include Gymnastics and Basketball. She attends House
of Prayer in Shreveport under the leadership of Apostle Teresa Jackson, where she serves as Lead Praise
Dancer, Youth Finance Officer, and Head Youth Officer. Her community service projects include the 2022
United Way Ready 4 Service Project, 2022 Canned Food Drive, and House of Prayer-Feed the Hungry,
Nursing Home visits, and Elderly Care Baskets. She has future plans to attend the Grambling State
University to become a lawyer. She enjoys eating, sleeping, and spending time with her family in her
spare time and promises to represent J-HES in a positive and respectful manner.
J-HES Teacher of the Year
LaJulia Blankenship is humble and honored to have been chosen as this year’s Jackson Parish District
Teacher of the Year. Blankenship is a graduate of Grambling State University where she received her
degree in Elementary Education. She has worked in the parish as a paraprofessional for 7 years and
moved to Pine Belt Head Start where she worked for 13 years. This is Ms. Blankenship’s 3rd year at
Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary where she is proud to be part of a strong 1st-grade team. She is also a K-2
Content Leader and a certified CLASS observer.
Blankenship says “teaching is a gift from God that comes naturally to me. I credit my late mother, Mrs.
Linda Spence, for grooming me to become a successful teacher”.
The QHS Parent Teacher Committee (PTC) made it feel like Christmas come early for several select
students and a pair of teachers this past Monday. That was through the joy brought by the annual
Christmas giveaway where a student from each grade class was given gifts and Mrs. Michelle Davis and
Mrs. Cherie Odom were winners in the Teacher Christmas Games.
See below for the list of student giveaway winners.
Today is the unofficial First Day of Christmas since it’s 12 days until The Big Day, which means it’s fixing to be Christmas.
That we say “fixing to” instead of “about to” is one of the joys of being a Southerner. Who said it first, I don’t know, but bless his heart, and merry First Day of Christmas to you.
Some traditions hold that the First Day of Christmas is December 25, and the 12 days run into the New Year. Who wants to wait that long? Not me. We’re fixing to start celebrating now.
Speaking of things southern, we’ve been working on some carols, Southern-themed:
“I’m dreaming of a white cornbread,
In every skillet that’s in sight.
May the sides be crispy, to bite,
And may all your cornbreads be just right.”
Or, how about . . .
“Pork skins roasting on an open fire.
Chittlins’ nipping at your nose.
Waylon and Willy being sung by the fire,
While dad spends Christmas Eve at Lowe’s.”
Give me some time to work on it …
Thankfully, the most important songs were written at the dawn of time and wait as gifts for us to receive and to sing with sincerity, even as the angels sang, that long-ago Judean night, as Luke recorded:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
goodwill toward men.”
Peace and goodwill came to earth, to men, in the flesh and as a baby. Only God could have thought of something like that.
William Billings, regarded as America’s first choral composer, captured — at least as well as a human mind can — the mystery of the incarnation in his Shepherd’s Carol, composed in New England in the mid-1700s.
“Seek not in courts or palaces,
nor royal curtains draw.
But search the stable, see your God
extended on the straw.”
God, extended on the straw.
Extended, as a baby, a stretching newborn. Extended, from a heavenly throne to an earthly manger. Extended, to mankind and to man, to each of us, individually.
God extends his hand. Even to me. Even to you.
Christmas is always the opportunity to receive the best gift of all, a new birth in our old selves. And a new song the Psalmist told us about.
“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God . . ..”
Now some 2,000 years after Christ’s birth, the message is the same. A 19th century minister named Phillips Brooks reminds us, each year at this time, that the Good News is everlasting. If we choose to be quiet, we might even hear the song, the new song, born in a manger.
“How silently, how silently
the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him still,
the dear Christ enters in.”
If no one’s wished you Merry Christmas yet, I’m “fixing to.” Let me be the first. Here’s hoping we can get in tune with the baby and ourselves and each other, and make this our best song yet.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
At this rate it won’t be long before coming to the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library will
mean educational entertainment inside and out. Just a few weeks ago the final contract papers on the
Library Park and Inclusive Playground were signed but if you drive by the park location behind the
Jonesboro Branch you will already see the retaining wall and earthwork nearly completed.
“We are very pleased with the speed that things are coming along at,” said Jackson Parish Library
Director Floyd Knox. “Hopefully the weather will continue to cooperate and soon our patrons will get to
enjoy this creative addition.”
Every day is a new experience this week at Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School as the faculty, staff and
student body is enjoying Christmas Spirit Week
The festivities began on Monday when everyone was invited to wear their coziest Christmas or wackiest
socks or slipper to school. Tuesday was wear a plaid shirt day followed by ugliest sweater day on
Wednesday. On Thursday it will be time to wear a favorite Christmas headgear with Friday being
Christmas Pajamas day.
Students are reminded that all apparel must be school appropriate.
To have your job opportunities, business services, items, or any Legal/Public Notices, Advertisements for Bid, Requests for Proposals, and/or Quotes listed – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com
Stump Removal and Grinding: Call James Stewart at (318) 243-1009 or (318) 768-2554 for your stump removal and grinding needs. Free Estimates!
The Village of Quitman has an opening for the position of Part Time Clerk. Please bring Resume to Village of Quitman between 8-12 Tuesday-Thursday (Dec. 13-15). Pay will be discussed after Interviews are conducted and candidate is selected. Will take Resumes until December 15th a 11:00 am. The Village of Quitman is an equal opportunity employer!
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.
Monitoring Requirements Not Met For Spring Creek Subdivision Water System Spring Creek Water System (Magnolia Water UOC) did not fulfill the monitoring requirements over the past year. Even though this was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to correct the situation
What Happened?
We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking water meets health standards. During the period of June 1 through September 30, 2022, we did not complete all required monitoring for lead and copper and, therefore, cannot be sure of the quality of our
drinking water during that time. Necessary action has been taken to prevent this violation from recurring.
What is being done?
Central States Water Resources Louisiana (CSWR-LA) purchased the facility in July 2022 and personnel are working to ensure monitoring requirements are met every year going forward.
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: December 11, 2022
The Jackson Parish Police Jury met in regular session on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 5:30 PM in the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Mr. Todd Culpepper, Mr. Lewis Chatham, Ms. Amy Magee, Ms. Tarneshala Cowans, Ms. Regina Rowe, and Mr. Lynn Treadway. Absent: Mr. John McCarty. Also present, Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager; Mr. Jody Stuckey, Road Superintendent; Mr. Robin Sessions, Solid Waste Superintendent; Mr. Darrell Avery, Assistant D.A.; and Mr. Paul Riley, Parish Engineer.
The President, Mr. Treadway, called the meeting to order. Ms. Cowans gave the invocation and Mr. Chatham led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The President opened the floor for public comments. There were no public comments.
The President moved to the approval of minutes.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Mr. Chatham to adopt the minutes of the October 18th Jury Meeting, monthly purchase orders, and the payment of all bills. Motion carried.
The President moved to Committee Reports.
Motion by Mr. Chatham, second by Ms. Cowans to adopt the following minutes from the October 19th Solid Waste Committee meeting. Motion carried.
Solid Waste Committee
October 19, 2022
The Solid Waste Committee met Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 12:00 PM in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr. Meeting Room, Jackson Parish Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Members Present: Ms. Amy Magee, Mr. John McCarty, and Mr. Lynn Treadway. Absent: None. Also present: Mr. Todd Culpepper, Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager and Mr. Robin Sessions, Solid Waste Superintendent.
The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Mr. Lynn Treadway. Ms. Magee gave the invocation and Mr. McCarty led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion by Mr. McCarty, second by Ms. Magee to recommend to the Police Jury for the purchase of an excavator for the transfer station. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Mr. McCarty to recommend to the Police Jury for the purchase of a new $380,000 compactor truck for year 2024 from ARP funds. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Mr. McCarty to recommend to the Police Jury for the purchase of 32 new trash bins from ARP funds. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Mr. McCarty to recommend to the Police Jury for the approval of overtime for the solid waste employees: 4 employees on November 12, 2022, a full crew on November 26, 2022, and a full crew on December 26, 2022. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Mr. McCarty to adjourn. Motion carried.
Motion by Mr. Culpepper, second by Ms. Magee to approve the purchase of 32 trash bins from ARP Funds. Motion carried.
Motion by Mr. Chatham, second by Ms. Magee to approve the purchase of an Excavator for the Transfer Station. Motion carried.
Motion by Mr. Culpepper, second by Mr. Chatham to approve the setting aside $380,000 of ARP Funds for the purchase of an excavator for Year 2024. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Rowe, second by Mr. Culpepper to approve the holiday overtime of Solid Waste employees: 4 employees on November 12, 2022; a full crew on November 26, 2022; and a full crew on December 26, 2022. Motion carried.
The President called for monthly management reports.
Mr. Brad Roller, Operations Manager, gave the October 2022 Operations Manager Report.
Mr. Jody Stuckey, Road Superintendent, Mr. Jamie Holland presented the October 2022 Road report noting that $804.36 had been spent on emergency call-outs/off-schedule work.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Mr. Culpepper to accept the October 2022 emergency call outs/off-schedule report. Motion carried.
Mr. Robin Sessions, Solid Waste Superintendent, presented the October 2022 Solid Waste report.
Mr. Emmett Gibbs, Secretary-Treasurer, gave the October Financial Report highlighting the budget vs. actual comparisons for all funds.
The President moved on to Other Business.
Mr. Paul Riley, Parish Engineer, gave an update on parish engineering projects.
Motion by Mr. Culpepper, second by Ms. Magee to approve the use of the Community Center for the Northwest Regional 4-H Quarterly Meeting on November 30, 2022. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Mr. Culpepper to table the Revised Building Permit Application and Building Permit Checklist for the Projects Committee to review. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Mr. Culpepper to accept the 2023 Materials bids. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Ms. Rowe to adopt a resolution to enter into agreements with the Riley Company and Frye Magee associated with administration and engineering services for the FY 2023 LCDBG Program. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Ms. Rowe to adopt the FY 2023 LCDBG Program Procurement Policy. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Ms. Rowe to adopt the FY 2023 LCDBG Program Procurement Policy Resolution. Motion carried.
PROCUREMENT POLICY RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Jackson Parish Police Jury has been afforded the opportunity to apply and participate in the State of Louisiana 2023 Community Development Block Grant Program administered by the Division of Administration; and,
WHEREAS, the STATE requires the establishment of uniform procedures in compliance with OMB Circular A-102;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Jackson Parish Police Jury, that the attached policy entitled “Procurement Procedures Relative to the LCDBG Program” is hereby adopted.
Passed, approved and adopted this __15th _ day of _November___, 2022.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Ms. Rowe to adopt the FY 2023 LCDBG Program Citizen Participation Plan. Motion carried.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Ms. Rowe to adopt the FY 2023 LCDBG Program Citizen Participation Plan Resolution. Motion carried.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Jackson Parish Police Jury has been afforded the opportunity to apply and participate in the State of Louisiana 2023 Community Development Block Grant Program administered by the Division of Administration; and,
WHEREAS, the STATE requires Grantees to establish procedures to ensure adequate citizen participation with the program;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Jackson Parish Police Jury , that the attached policy entitled “Citizen Participation Plan”, dated _November 15_, 2022 is hereby adopted.
Passed, approved and adopted by the Jackson Parish Police Jury, Parish of Jackson , State of Louisiana, on the __15th
__ day of __November__, 2022.
Mr. Emory Belton, Jr. of the Belton Law Firm gave a presentation of the Southern Spirit Electric Transmission Project.
Motion by Mr. Culpepper, second by Mr. Chatham to approve the 2023 Library Budget. Motion carried.
Motion by Mr. Chatham, second by Mr. Culpepper to approve the 2023 Recreation District Budget. Motion carried.
The Jury reviewed Parish Boards and Commissions Appointments.
Motion by Ms. Magee, second by Mr. Culpepper to re-appoint the following board members:
• Re-appoint Mr. James Fitzpatrick to the Museum Board for a 3-year term ending 12/31/2025.
• Re-appoint Mr. Allen Lindsay to the Ambulance Board for a 6-year term ending 12/31/2028.
• Re-appoint Ms. Barbara Johnson to the Museum Board for a 3-year term ending 12/31/2025.
• Re-appoint Mr. Gary Joynor to the Watershed Board for a 4-year term ending 12/31/2026.
• Re-appoint Ms. Wendy Hall to the Jonesboro Fire Board for a 2-year term ending 12/31/2024.
• Re-appoint Ms. Tammy Gunter to the Tourism Board for a 3-year term ending 12/31/2025.
The President opened the floor for announcements and notifications.
The President made the following announcements:
• The proposed 2023 Consolidated Budget of the Jackson Parish Police Jury is available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. The proposed budget is scheduled for a Public Hearing and final adoption at the Regular Police Jury Meeting on December 20, 2022, at 5:15 PM at the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, Jonesboro, LA.
• A 2023 liquor application has been processed for Class A Retail Beer and Retail Liquor to The Lazy Gator.
• Notice is hereby given that at its meeting to be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, 5:30 p.m. at its regular meeting place, the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana, the Police Jury of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, plans to consider adopting a resolution ordering and calling an election to be held in the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana to authorize the continuation of an ad valorem tax therein.
The President opened the floor for Juror comments.
Motion by Ms. Rowe, second by Mr. Culpepper to adjourn. Motion carried.
In the mid-1960s, the space race, the competition between the United States and the Soviet Union, Cold War rivals, was at its peak. At first, the Soviet Union was ahead. They sent up the first artificial satellite (Sputnik 1), sent the first human into space (Yuri Gagarin), and had the first human make a “spacewalk” (Alexei Leonov). America had to play catch up, but had several firsts as well. This is the true story about one of the American firsts in space.
Launching people into space has always been dangerous, and so it was with the Gemini 6 mission. Gemini 6, crewed by command pilot Walter Schirra and pilot Thomas Stafford, was scheduled for launch on October 25, 1965. One of their main objectives included four dockings with an unmanned space vehicle, the Agena Target Vehicle. On the morning of October 25, Schirra and Stafford boarded the Gemini 6 spacecraft and prepared for launch. During their preparations, NASA launched the unmanned target vehicle on a separate rocket. Six minutes into the unmanned craft’s flight, a catastrophic failure caused it to explode. As the target vehicle was needed for the mission, NASA cancelled the Gemini 6 launch.
NASA rescheduled the spaceflight for December 12, 1965, with an altered mission objective referred to as Gemini 6A, to rendezvous but not dock with Gemini 7, a spacecraft crewed by command pilot Frank Borman and piloted by James “Jim” Lovell. As they had done on the previous launch attempt, Schirra and Stafford boarded the spacecraft and prepared for launch. At 9:54 a.m., the main engines ignited and, after just a second and a half, shut down abruptly. Engineers determined the cause of the problem was a plastic dust cover mistakenly left inside the booster when it was assembled months earlier. Engineers removed the cover and, after reinspecting the spacecraft, deemed it safe to fly.
Three days later, on the morning of December 15, astronauts Schirra and Stafford boarded the rocket for another attempt. At 8:37, the spacecraft lifted off and rocketed into space in what engineers called a textbook launch. After four orbits, Gemini 6A propelled towards Gemini 7 for the planned rendezvous. The two spacecrafts carefully positioned themselves, and at one point, came within one foot of each other, and the astronauts conversed over their radios. This was the first rendezvous of two spacecrafts in space. After nearly four hours of remaining together in close proximity, Gemini 6A positioned itself 19 miles from Gemini 7 to ensure that there would be no accidental collisions while the astronauts slept.
On the following morning, December 16, 1965, as the crew of Gemini 6A prepared for reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere, they radioed a distressing message to the Houston space center:
“…this is Gemini VI. We have an object, looks like a satellite going from north to south, up in a polar orbit. He’s in a very low trajectory traveling from north to south and has a very high climbing ratio. It looks like it might even be a … Very low. Looks like he might be going to reenter soon. Stand by one … You might just let me try to pick up that thing.”
Then, over the radio, Gemini 7 and the Houston space center heard a metallic jingling sound along with some musical notes. They were relieved when they realized that Schirra was playing a harmonica and Stafford was shaking some bells, instruments that the stowage people at Cape Kennedy would have had to approve for the flight. This was another first in the space race as it was the first song ever played in space. The name of the song astronauts Schirra and Stafford played in space was “Jingle Bells.”
Sources:
1. The Buffalo News, December 16, 1965, p.1.
2. The Raleigh Register, December 16, 1965, p.15.
3. The Buffalo News, December 16, 1965, p.1.
4. “First Song Played in Space,” Guinness World Records, accessed December 8, 2022, guinnessworldrecords.com.
Whitney Blake Martin
January 02, 1991 – December 08, 2022
Funeral services for Whitney Blake Martin, age 30, were held at the Jonesboro Assembly of God on Monday, December 12th. Internment followed at the Carolina Cemetery in Saline, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro.
Whitney was survived by her parents: Thadd and Janet Martin; grandparents: Helen Caver; Uncles: Troy (Angeline)Roberts, LeDean (Sheri)Roberts; Aunts: Carla Roberts, Faith Martin(Roger) Leithead, Fran Angell, Audrey Simpson.
Wanda Gale LeVasseur
June 9, 1945 – December 10, 2002
Wanda Gale LeVasseur Norred, 77, of Natchitoches, LA, she was born June 9, 1945 & sadly passed away December 10, 2022 at Forest Haven Nursing Home in Jonesboro, LA after a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her parents S. C. & Mattie LeVasseur, Sylvian LeVasseur (brother), Mark Noble LeVasseur (brother). She is survived by her son Heath “Shorty” Norred and wife Michelle of Eros, LA and daughter Seantel Price and husband Kenny of Castor, LA. Grandchildren, Raeghan Norred, MaKaehan & Jake Ingles, Rheachel Ross, Rileigh & Sam Tullis, Krystal Kenney, Chris & Katie Mangham, Cody Price (Allison) great grandchildren Rowhyn, Colt, SJ, Nora, Stella, Skyler, Mattie, Jackson, Bella, Aiden, Christian, & Barrett. Sisters, Martha Fox, Linda Hilton, Mona Hoogeveen, and brother Tilden (Pat) LeVasseur, special sister Sue Saragossa and numerous nieces and nephews, and cousins. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 12th at the Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro.
Edna Nally Jaynes
March 7, 1947 – December 10, 2022
Funeral services were held for Edna Nalley Jaynes, age 75, on Tuesday, December 13th at the Hodge United Pentacostal Church under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Edna was born March 7, 1947 in Hodge, LA. Edna loved her family and friends above all and was known for her generosity to all in need. She loved to sew and cook, especially if she was doing it for her family and friends. She spent most of her career working for the USPS, and was beloved by her customers. Edna was a faithful member and supporter of the Hodge United Pentecostal Church for all her life.
She is survived by her children, Michael, Rob(Allyson) Jaynes, and Latasha(Eddie) Stump, her sisters, Verssie (Harold) Churchill, Doris(Luke) Jaynes and Dorethea (Bob) Yates. She was called “Nana” by Amanda, Avery, Marleigh, Travis, Amy, Kelly, Loren and Brook, and multiple great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to express appreciation for Amy Morris, her granddaughter at heart, who was her caregiver for the past two years. Also we appreciate her adopted sister, Gina Phillips, for the love and friendship she had for Edna. Special thanks to the doctors and medical personnel who cared for her in her last illness.
The Students of the Year for Jackson Parish has been named by the Jackson Parish School District for the elementary, junior high and senior high classifications. Representing the senior high and junior high divisions are Dillon Pardue and Ty Henderson from Weston High School. Ella Simonelli of Quitman High School is the elementary honoree.
Dillon, shown in the banner above, is the seventeen-year-old son of David and Cindy Pardue of Weston. He is a senior at Weston High School and maintains a 4.0 GPA. He will represent the Senior Class on the Homecoming on Friday. He runs cross country and track at WHS. He recently ran in the state meet and was awarded the LHSAA Academic All-State Award in cross country for maintaining a 4.0 or higher GPA during high school while participating in varsity athletics. He is also in Gifted and Talented Art and Music and enjoys drawing, painting, and singing.
Dillon attends Hodge United Pentecostal Church where he is active in the adult and youth choir. He also assists in teaching the students with special needs in Sunday school and is a Kid’s Praise Leader, which is the children’s group at church. In the Louisiana District UPC, Dillon serves in the capacity of an All-State Choir member and he also participates in multiple youth summer camps both as a camper and as a leader.
He enjoys serving on the Student Action Leadership Team, and for three years been a part of the summer drama at “Kid’s Kamp” at the UPC Campgrounds in Tioga. He has worked in the drama as a backstage and prop assistant, as well as an actor and singer. Dillon also is a group leader at KidZone, a three-day, children’s church camp. He also works part-time at the Weston Wolf Stop. During his free time, Dillon likes to write. One of his dreams includes becoming a published author.
Plans after high school include participating in our church camps, leading youth groups, singing, and ministering through drama this summer again in Tioga. Then he plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Monroe where he will pursue a degree in pharmacy.
Ty is the 8th-grade son of Josh and Melinda Henderson. Ty maintains a 4.0 GPA and is an exceptional student. He is a member of the junior high baseball and basketball teams for Weston. He also competes in junior varsity basketball and varsity baseball for the Wolves. Ty is the Jr. Beta President and an active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he looks forward to the monthly volleyball competitions. Recently, Ty attended YEC with the youth group and also helped in the outreach program, Operation Christmas Child. In his spare time, Ty enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports, and hanging out with his friends.
The daughter of Michael and April Simonelli is in the 5th grade, holds a 4.0 grade point average, and is very active in sports. She is a member of LA Gunsmoke, which is an elite 10U independent softball travel squad, and has represented Jackson Parish for the past 4 years on summer All-Star teams, including being an integral part of the 2021 Little League 8U State Runner-Up squad. Ella also plays in the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Youth Basketball League and is a huge fan of the Lady Wolverines junior high and varsity basketball teams. She is a member of Sweetwater Baptist Church and is in the Children’s Choir.
The Town of Jonesboro Board of Aldermen will hold their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 12th beginning at 6:00pm at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center, located at 182 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro. Headlining the agenda is the proposed adoption of a Resolution authorizing the submittal of a fiscal year 2023 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) application and entering into agreements associated with administration and engineering services.
Also to be considered is the promotion of Warren Johnson to Assistant Police Chief and the re-hiring of Harry Woolridge along with the acceptance of the resignations of Ciera Murphy and Sloan Dieter. Department head reports will be hear along with the request to approve the minutes, bills paid and financials for the month of November.
If you need Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, please inform Town Hall prior to the meeting to make the necessary arrangements.
Gloria Davis and Rickey McBride will be gone but not forgotten. That was the message provided by fellow Jackson Parish School Board members, Jackson Parish School District Employees and School Superintendent David Claxton at the JPSB meeing on December 5th where the two outgoing board members were honored for their dedication, leadership and service.
Davis received a plaque honoring her eight years of service on the School Board while McBride, who unfortunately was unable to attend received his award at a later date for his four years of being a board member. Congratulation and thanks go to both as your service to the Jackson Parish School System is appreciated.
What a difference a week makes! The Bobcats of Saline entered the annual Neil Kilgore Tournament hosted by Cedar Creek High School with the worst record of any of the participating boy’s teams. They left as the victors after winning three games in three days.
The rags to riches tournament victory climaxed what has turned out the most productive six day period for Bobcat basketball since before head coach Klint Robinson took over the program nearly a decade ago and saw Saline go from 1-9 to 6-9. To find a time frame of victories comparable you would have to go all the way back to the 1990’s when Saline played a game seemingly every day and routinely won 50 55 games in a season. The only recent time that likens to Saline winning five games in six days was in 2017 when the Bobcats won the same amout in 7 days.
What makes the run of victories even more impressive is that they have come after starting the season by losing nine of their first ten games. While the tournament victory and now five-game winning streak may be surprising to some, head coach Klint Robinson is not one of them, citing that they way the team responded in practices during the Thanksgiving Holiday break that his squad was on the verge of turning the corner.
“We had been giving up a lot of points before the break but in our first game back which was against Arcadia in the Bienville Parish Tournament last weekend our guys really got after it,” said Robinson. “We didn’t win that one but they executed our full-court press better and that has carried over this week.”
The result is ikn the six games played in December, Saline has held their opponent to less than 50 points. This is being accomplished through the use of a trapping 1-2-1-1 defensive set that has wreaked havoc on their opponents. Another factor is the marksmanship displayed at the foul line, especially late in games. In first and second round of the tournament, Saline scored all but two points in each game from the foul line in the final quarter to turn back strong bids by their opponents to rally.
Saline 48 Cedar Creek 47: (boys) The strategy to force Saline to the charity stripe seemed to be a good one in the first three quarters as the Bobcats made only 9 of 24 but with the balance of the game on the line the Bobcats made 16 of 23 of the freebies. Eighth grader, Gavon Dailey, hit 7 of 9 free throws down the stretch, Wesley Crawford was a perfect 4 for 4, Shawn Staggs sank 3 of 4 and Will Dyson made both of his on the night the Bobcats were sent to the line an amazing 45 times. The production offset five three-pointers, including three in the final frame by Davis Walsworth, who led the 3-3 Cougars with 21 points.
| TEAM | 1ST HALF | 2ND HALF | FINAL |
| Saline | 17 | 31 | 48 |
| Cedar Creek | 14 | 36 | 47 |
Saline 48 Haynesville 40: (boys) Saline continued their suffocating defensive pressure as they held Haynesville, who was playing their first game of the year, to single digits in three of the four quarters. The Bobcats gradually built a lead over each of the first three quarters to take a 37-26 lead into the final frame as Will Dison canned three trey’s in the first half and led Saline in scoring with 15 points. D.J. Rager-Ridley finished with 13 and Gavon Dailey added 10 followed by Wesley Crawford with five, Shawn Staggs with three, and Maddox Williams with two.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | FINAL |
| Saline | 12 | 11 | 14 | 11 | 48 |
| Haynesville | 9 | 8 | 9 | 14 | 40 |
Saline 48 Calvin 41 (boys): In the title game staged between the two smallest schools entered in the tourney, Saline broke open a one-point game at the half by limiting the defending Class C state runner-up to just one field goal the entire second half while scoring eight baskets and adding six free throws. Kenton Lee Crawford and Gavon Dailey kept Saline in it early by combining for 19 first-half points of their collective 23 points in the game. In the second half, it was Shawn Staggs and Maddox Williams who made all eight and four of their points along with Will Dyson and D.J. Rager-Ridley who added four of his six and three of five total points in the second half that kept Calvin at bay.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | TOTAL |
| Saline (6-9) | 12 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 48 |
| Calvin (9-5) | 13 | 13 | 8 | 7 | 41 |
Calvin 65 Quitman 53: (boys) After being tied 29 apiece at the half, Calvin raced to a 23-5 third-quarter advantage to gain revenge for a loss to the Wolverines just three days prior and send Quitman packing after first-round action. QHS jumped out to a 7-1 lead but then went cold as they finished the night by connecting on just 17 of 59 of their field goals, 6 of 25 three-pointers and 57 % from the foul line, making just 13 of 23 charity shots. Logan Ponder led the Wolverines with 14 points, Gavyn Caskey scored 12 and Blake Carter added 10 to go along with a team high 9 rebounds. Eli Walker chipped in with five and Riley Duck scored two for the 8-5 Wolverines.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | TOTAL |
| Quitman (8-5) | 11 | 18 | 5 | 20 | 53 |
| Calvin (10-4) | 8 | 21 | 23 | 18 | 65 |
For the Lady Wolverines, the Neil Kilgore Tourney was a tale of opposite extremes. In the first contest, a 52-15 victory over Haynesville, the defense gave up the second-fewest points they have all season and the least since the opening game of the year. In the second game, it was Quitman having a hard time finding the range, managing to score only a season-low 25 points against Class 5A Haughton, the fifth higher classified team played in the last six games.
Quitman 52 Haynesville 15: The Lady Wolverines raced out to a commanding 19-0 advantage and then coasted home with their 10th win of the year. At the half, it was 38-6 and by the end of the third period, the score was 47-10 as Haynesville fell to 2-7 on the season in their ninth straight tournament game. Cali Deal led Quitman with 13 points and five rebounds while Brayli Stewart add ten points and four assists. Bethany and Anna Leach scored 8 and 6 respectively while Summer Grillette added four points and a season-best 6 steals. Emma Carter also scored four, Ava Cannerdy three, and both AJ Gray and Ava Caskey had two apiece.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | TOTAL |
| Quitman (10-3) | 19 | 17 | 9 | 5 | 52 |
| Haynesville (2-7) | 0 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 15 |
Haughton 45 Quitman 25: An 8-6 Haughton lead turned into a 32-11 halftime deficit for Quitman that ballooned to 41-14 by the end of three. The culprit was faulty shooting as Quitman managed to make just 8 of 58 field goals and 6 of 20 free throws against the Class 5A school that improved to 10-3 on the year. Cali Deal had a “double-double” with 13 points and 13 rebounds and Bethany Leach scored 7. AJ Gray and Emma Carter made two points each and Summer Grillette added a free throw to go along with 6 boards and three steals.
| TEAM | 1ST HALF | 2ND HALF | TOTAL |
| Quitman (10-4) | 11 | 14 | 25 |
| Haughton (10-3) | 32 | 13 | 45 |
Haughton 59 Saline 32: The twin sisters Alaya and Alana Gray both hit a three-pointer each in the first quarter to pace Saline to a 12-10 advantage but the bigger Class 5A foe used their height and depth advantage to win the final three frames by a 49-20 margin and win going away. The loss stretched the current losing streak to ten straight and dropped Saline to 1-11 on the year. Alaya Gray led Saline with 11 followed by Cenada Weathers with six. Alana Gray added five, Kasidy Sims 4, Tyla Malone 3, and both X Lard and Sydney Thomas finished with two each.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | TOTAL |
| Saline | 12 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 32 |
| Haughton | 10 | 15 | 19 | 15 | 59 |
The selections of Student-Athlete of the Week for December 4th-10th have been announced. The award, which is sponsored by the Jackson Parish Hospital, recognizes a student-athlete from Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman, and Weston High School as chosen by select faculty and staff from each school. Each honoree is chosen through best exemplifying what it means to be a true student-athlete through academic achievement and athletic accomplishment.
Samuel Combs (10th Grade) – Varsity Boys Basketball player at Jonesboro-Hodge High School
Faith Beamesderfer (11th Grade) – Cheerleader and Varsity Girls Basketball player at Weston High School
Riley Duck (11th Grade) – Varsity Boys Basketball player at Quitman High School
