When Davis Tolar of Weston High School signed to play baseball at Central Baptist College in Conway, AR this past week it set a new record of a record that broke yet another record. The versatile player who has been instrumental in leading WHS to one of their more successful baseball seasons in recent history is now the tenth athlete from Jackson Parish Schools to have signed a letter of intent to continue their athletic career at a college or university. 

Already this year, six from Jonesboro-Hodge, two from Quitman and one from Weston had inked their names on college scholarship papers which was the previous record. When Davis signed the record got upped by one and also acheived an additonal milestone in Jackson Parish prep sports history as now for the first time ever all three schools have had at least two sign scholarship papers in the same year.  A

Central Baptist College (CBC) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), who has primarily competed in the American Midwest Conference (AMC) since the 2015–16 school year.

---

---

The Jackson Parish School Board gave their approval to make improvements at local schools and heard presentations from two special guest speakers at their regular monthly meeting held on Monday, May 2nd in the meeting room of the Central Office located at 315 Pershing Hwy.

The meeting began with the board members hearing from Christine Stepzinski, who gave information regarding the LSU Ag Center and Bonnie Buckelew, Supervisor of Special Education, who presented information on the Reimagine School Systems 2021 Grant.

Gloria Davis, Dennis Clary, Calvin Waggoner, Wade McBride, Gerry Mims, Wade McBride and Mary Saulters then proceeded to give their approval on the following:

(1) Granted Superintendent Claxton permission to sign the Cooperative Agreement between the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service and Jackson Parish School Board.
(2) Name the Ruston Daily Leader as the official journal for Jackson Parish School Board.
(3) Payment of General Fund, Federal Program, Food Service, Sales Tax, Special Education, District Maintenance bills
(4) Payment of $11,170.00 to Software and Services for GFA School Accounting Software to be used in all schools, to be paid from General Fund.
(5) Payment of $22,400.00 to NIET to provide services as described in the Statement of Work, to be paid from Redesign 1003A.
(6) Payment of Employer’s share of Office of Group Benefits insurance premiums from General Fund for the June, 2022 Sales Tax Distribution.
(7) Purchase 5 Lumen projectors at a total cost of $24,500.00 to be used at Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School, Jonesboro Hodge Middle School, Quitman High School and Weston High School, to be paid as follows: $19,000.00 from ESSERS II and $4,900.00 from IDEA Preschool monies.
(8) Approve Job Description for School Social Worker for Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School for two years, to be paid out of ESSERS III Incentive fund.
(9) Payment to Edgear in the amount of $57,733.00 for the renewal of software support to all of the schools, to be paid from 2022-2023 General Fund.
(10) Pay 20 mentors up to $1,000.00, not to exceed a total cost of $20,000.00, for the 2021-2022 school year for mentoring ITeach and new teachers, to be paid out of ESSERS III.
(11) Accept low bid of $29,500.00 from MRM Construction to repair gym wall and install a metal roof over gym restrooms and locker rooms at Weston High School, to be paid from General Fund.
(12) Accept low bid of $76,350.00 from Amethyst Construction to remove and replace asphalt at the Central Office parking lot, to be paid from Parish Wide District funds.
(13) Approve out of state travel to Chicago, Illinois for Serenity Mallard and Honesty Poland, June 27-July 3, 2022 to attend the FBLA National Leadership Conference. Expenses to be paid by Jonesboro Hodge FBLA.
(14) Approve new policy for Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)

After Superintendent David Claxton gave his final comments, the meeting was adjourned.

On the heels of six Jackson Parish students passing their CNA exam last week, six more have now followed suit. The new Certified Nursing Assistants are Jasmine Hall from Jonesboro-Hodge High School,  Re’Yna Cottingham and Ashanti Jones of Quitman High and Weston High School Students Jordan Maza, Saniya Debose, and MaKaila Foy. Congratulations to each and to Instructor Lesley Casey Duck. 

---

Three girls who prepped for local area schools have led the LA Elite girls basketball team to the varsity girls division championship of the HOOPLAY USA Toad Suck Tournament (yes, that is the actual name)  that was held recently in Conway, AR. 

Leading the way for the only team from the state of Louisiana to the tournament title was Georgia Robinson of Saline High who scored 31 points total in victories over Spa City Lady Elite and Arkansas Queens. Emma Kate McBride of Weston and Brayli Stewart of Quitman chipped in with 24 points and 20 points respectively. Ty Oliver of CE Byrd in Shreveport added 22 points and Alicia Skains from D’Arbonne Woods in Farmerville chipped in with 11 over the two games. 

LA Elite will next play in the BOOT Tournament that will be held in Baton Rouge, LA on May 14th and 15th. To view action from the tournament click here. 

 

 

 

 

 

---

Wondering how you are going to feed all the family that will gather for Mother’s Day on Sunday. Bruce Thomas has the answer for you. Simply call Traina’s Bakery and let their wonderful staff do all the cooking for you. A wide variety of plate lunches available are shown on the menu below and don’t forget to top off the scrumptious meal with their large selection of dessert items. Call early for in house dining or take out. To place an order call 259-2600.

---

Four participants of spring sports from Quitman High School have been named to the LHSAA Composite Academic All State teams for their respective sport. Each recipient earned the prestigious honor by compiling a perfect 4.0 grade point average of the during the course of the 2021-22 school year. 

Girls Track and Field:
Lillian Crawford
Faith Odom

Boys Track and Field:
Hunter Folks

Baseball:
Cameron Hollis

---

Activities and services are scheduled for patrons this coming Wednesday thru Saturday at both the Jonesboro and Chatham branches. On Wednesday, Amanda Turner will be on hand from 9:00am – 12:00pm at the Jonesboro branch to answer questions regarding Medicare. On Thursday Ms. Jerlissa Elzy will be at the Chatham Branch from 1:00pm – 3:00pm for help with SNAP/Food Stamp Outreach. Friday the action shifts back to the Jonesboro Branch where Mother Day will be celebrated through a Spring Watercolor display at 11:00am. Then on Saturday the week is capped off by former Hodge resident, Joel Crowson, being in attendance at the Jonesboro Branch from 9:30am – 11:30am to sign his book Play the Game.

See below for more information on the upcoming schedule for May 4-8

---

Eight softball players from Jonesboro-Hodge High School earned All District awards with four players being named to the 1-2A All District first team and four more earning Honorable Mention designation. Representing the Lady Tigers on the 1st team is Zoie Anderson, Kyla Hayes, Madison Houston and Harley Stewart. Cited as Honorable Mention was A’Brianna Paggett, Realti Atkins, Maddie Page and Jeffreianna Bradford. 

---

In the pre-GoogleMaps days, the late, great Paul Harvey liked to remind us that when people asked for directions, we’d often start by saying, “Well, go down two red lights and…”

“But that light is green,” he’d say in his lyrical, always optimistic voice, “as often as it is red…”

We have a way of coloring things dreary at first glance. Human nature. And while none of us would argue the world is not in dire straits — where to begin? — there is much more good news than bad.

All around and every day.

Each year at the annual springtime Volunteers of America North Louisiana “Cherish the Children” breakfast, I show up saying I won’t cry this year but … I do. A video from the after-school LightHouse program will usually do the trick. A talk from a homeless veteran who’s now employed and helping others in a circumstance similar to his when hope seemed lost. A newlywed couple with learning disabilities but a home and hope and friends who love them as they are and are helping them get to where they wish to be.

Also this spring was the VOA’s annual “thank you” luncheon, and I snuck in (sneaked in?) for selfish reasons: this is the kind of group you want to hang around if you want to feel better Right Then because …

Well, you meet members of the church congregation who’ve basically adopted an elementary school in their area and provide tutoring, books, supplies, and clothes to children with these insecurities;

Or old friends who pair up to help children after school by developing special reading projects for them or taking them to the library;

A group who takes children on an annual Christmas shopping trip;

An empty nester wife and mom who noticed early in the pandemic the increased vulnerability of senior citizens’ health and arranged for phone friends, grocery pickups, and a monthly surprise treat of a delivered meal or snack.

VOA serves more than 7,000 people in north and central Louisiana through 40 or so programs — but “programs” is just a word without volunteers.

I was lucky enough this spring to hit the Volunteer Trifecta since I snuck in (sneaked in?, again?) the United Way of Northeast Louisiana “Celebrating Excellence” breakfast too. More than 300 people, many of them volunteers, packed the Davison Athletics Complex on Louisiana Tech’s campus for inspiration from videos and testimonies, and to celebrate volunteers, another word for “servants.”

During the pandemic, which included a couple of storm disasters, the group realized its most donations ever. Compassion and forward thinking and responsive hearts are winning the day for neighbors who need help.

The light is green for each of us to do our part. No man is an island. And nothing can rob us of the joy of giving.

Today it’s “them” who need a hand. Tomorrow, it could be you and me. The bell tolls for us all.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

---

The Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame (JPSHOF)will hold its annual induction banquet on October 1st, 2022. The decision was made by JPSHOF board members at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting held on Monday, May 2nd at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex meeting room. 

Additional business handled was the acceptance of nominations submitted by board members in attendance for possible inclusion into the Hall, acceptance of minutes from the last meeting and financials for the month of April. 

The decision on who will be selected for induction at the 14th annual banquet that will be held in the Family Center of the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro will be made at the next scheduled board meeting to be held on May 23rd.

---

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and Cane River Waterway Commission

Main Stage

FRIDAY NIGHT KICKOFF

7:00 – 8:15           Gerard Delafose and the Zydeco Gators (Zydeco) 
8:30 – 10:00         L. A. Roxx (Glam Rock Tribute) 

​SATURDAY

1:00 – 2:00          Klockwork Band (Rhythm & Blues) 
2:15 – 3:45          The Chase Tyler Band (High-energy Country)
​4:00 – 5:00          Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs (High-energy variety show band)
5:05 – 5:20          James Burton (Guitar Legend) 
5:25 – 5:55          Marty Haggard (Country – “Tribute to Merle”) 
​5:55 – 6:25          Deshawn Washington (R&B vocalist)
6:50 – 8:20           Resurrection (Journey tribute)
​8:45 – 10:15        The Commodores (Presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and the Cane River Waterway Commission)

Beau Jardin Jazz Stage

12:00 – 1:00        Dave Duplissey’s Sax in the Corner Band (Smooth Jazz) 
1:15 – 2:15          The Nakatosh Rhythm Chiefs (Gypsy Jazz)
​2:30 – 3:30          Dan Sumner Band featuring Coco York (Jazz/Pop) 
​3:45 – 4:45          Forsyth Jazz Collective (Jazz) 

​Roque House Stage

12:00 – 1:00        LA Sweet T (Latin Rhythms)
1:10 – 2:10          The Kelli Roberts Band (Rock & Roll variety)
​2:20 – 3:20          The Sundown Band (Rock & Country)
​3:30 – 4:30          Armadillo Jackal Band (Americana/Folk) 
​4:45 – 5-45          Jesse Cole (Alternative Rock)
​6:00 – 7:00          Josh Hyde and The Lost Parish (Original NOLA-Style Blues)  

Fleur De Lis Stage

12:00 – 1:00        The Turn-Ups (Classic Rock)
​1:10 – 2:10          Snake Doctors (Americana/Blues/Folk)
​2:20 – 3:20          50 Man Machine (Celtic/Americana)
​3:30 – 4:30          The Comeback Kids (Classic Rock & Country)
​4:45 – 5:45          Cane River Soul (Classic Rock/R&B/Funk) 
​6:00 – 7:00          B Cam and The Zydeco Young Bucks (High-energy Zydeco) 

​Active-duty military and 12 years and under FREE!

Purchase tickets here:

Friday Kickoff:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/25th-annual-natchitoches-jazzrb-festival-friday-night-kickoff-tickets-325191545667

Saturday:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/25th-annual-natchitoches-jazzrb-festival-tickets-277225156907

*No umbrellas, ice chests or chairs are allowed*

 

---

Over 80 competitors took part in the ASA Bowhunters Qualifying Tournament that was held at the Stephen Morgan Archery Range at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex on April 30th and May 1st.

Divisions competed in were: Known Pro, Senior Men’s Open, Super Senior, Young Adult Open Male, Men’s Pin 30, Bowhunter Challenge Men’s Single Pin and Bowhunter Challenge Senior Single Pin.

Results are shown below. 

 

---

The Student/Athlete of the Week for the week of May 1-7 at Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman and Weston High Schools has been named. The award is sponsored by the Jackson Parish Hospital and chosen by select faculty and staff at each school. The recipients were chosen based on the combination of their academic excellence and athletic achievements. 

Student Athlete of the Week 

JHHS – Jamarriyea Lewis (Senior, Track)
QHS – Bailey Keys (Senior, Track)
WHS -Eli McBride (Senior, Track)

---

Jackson Parish 4-H Shooting Sport member, Shane Rowe, finished third in the state archery competition that was held last week to qualify for national’s that will be held in Nebraska. Rowe was one of several from Jackson Parish who shot for honors. 

The Jackson Parish 4H Shooting Sports is open to all Jackson Parish 4H members ages 9-19, offering 8 disciplines including: .22 rifle, .22 pistol, muzzleloading, shotgun, archery, hunting skills, air rifle and air pistol. Categories are divided into junior shooters ages 9 to 13 and senior shooters ages 14-19 who compete in regional, state and national competitions.

---

With a whole week of special days dedicated to their faculty, the Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week that began on Monday, May 2nd and will continue through Friday, May 6th. The schedule of events are as follows. 

---

The business district of downtown Jonesboro got a new member this past weekend when Voie de la Magnolia celebrated their grand opening with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony. The new boutique, is located at 519 South Polk Avenue and offers a wide variety of items perfect for gifts and home decor. For more information call 318-475-2211.

---

An amazing day of revelry and fun filled competition was had at the Spring Festival and Gumbo Cook-Off held at Hook’s Marina on Caney Lake on May 1st. Sponsored by the Caney Lake Community Foundation, guests enjoyed beignets, baked apples, apple dumplings, s’mores cake, Dutch apple, fig & cranberry crumb, peach cobbler crumble as well as getting to sample the gumbo.

Winners of the 6th annual CLCF Gumbo Cook-Off 

1st Place – Jerry Davis and family
2nd Place – Coby and Kevin Sayes
3rd Place – Logan Johns
People’s Choice – Kevin Miller and Chris Bayles

 

---

 

Game scores of April 28-29

Field 1 Results

Johnny’s Pizza 13 Centric Fed Credit Union 3 (11-13 Boys)
(Johnny’s Pizza scoring) Eli Henderson 3, Ty Henderson 3, Bryce Tolar 2, Kolt Keiffer 2, Liam Weaver 2, River Norton (CFCU) Colby Pray, Jayden Mendenhall, Emmanuel Hopkins
Elite Roofing 6 VP Oil Change 5 (11-13 Boys)
(Elite Roofing scoring) Conner Moak 2, Leyton Younse, Deuce Waters, Asher Rhodes, Jacob Henderson (VP Oil Change scoring) Kypton Caskey 2, Hayden Seymore, Dawson Griffin, Cail King

Field #2 Results

Trainas 8 Mercy Medical 4 (9-10 boys)
(Traina’s scoring) Jake Moak 2, Mason Thomas 2, Tripp McGuire 2, Cannon Tatum, Cason Conn (Mercy Medical scoring) Raylon Bradford 2, Jaxon Culpepper, Cason Rogers

Ables Farms 10 HD Remodeling 5 (9-10 boys)
(Ables Farms scoring) – Hayden Essmeier 2, Noah Spillman 2, Jake Emmons 2, Bentley Ponder, Jackson Ables, Shan Stallings, Roland Carpenter (HD Remodeling) Shepard Norred 2, Braydon Carmichael 2, Lukas Bandy 2, Dane Clifton

Cubs 17 5A Pump 4 (7 & 8 boys)
(Cubs scoring) Brendon Perot 4, Mason Tolar 4, Grant Williams 3, Bentley Keeney 2, Ridge Lewter 2, Jake Walker, Ryder Pardue, Bradley Keeney (5A Pump & Hose scoring) Paxton Wamer 2, Remington Davis, John Hilburn

Klassy Klean 8 Jackson Parish Hospital 5 (7-8 boys)
Eli Jones 2, Jeremiah Jones 2, Jase Tinsley 2, Rhett Emmons, Jaxon Anderson (Jackson Parish Hospital scoring) Wyatt McGrew 2, Avery Buchan 2, Nash Moak

Field #3 Results

Leach Lawn Care 10 Pardue Builders 7 (9-10 Girls)
(Leach Lawn Care Scoring) Lily LaBlance 2, Allie Fenn 2, Shlya Giddens 2, Mallory Malone 2, Ella Simonelli (Pardue Builders Scoring) Raleigh Guilliams 2, Ryleigh Trahan, Mykenzie Maloy, Landry Horsfall, Ava Canerday, Maggie Wall
Bucket Boat 10 4T Exterior Cleaning (9-10 Girls)
(Bucket Boat Scoring) Faith Burns 2, Amelia Staggs, Rachel Bandy, Molly Henderson, Kellyn Brister, Charleigh Newton, Aubree Jackson, Julie Ford, Brayleigh Norman (4T Exterior scoring) none
Ruffled Feathers 15 Barksdale Fed Credit Union 10 (7-8 Girls)
(Ruffled Feathers scoring) Presley Carpenter 3, Kate Keiffer 3, Ryan Kate Wyatt 2, Paisley Smith 2, Ryliegh McCormick 2, Audrey Anderson, Brelaina Hall, Evie Carpenter (BFCU Scoring) Kylee-Ayn Allen 2, Lizzie Sullivan 2, Isabella Autry 2, Charlee Mauthe, Raylie Hall, Natalie Sullivan
Family Pharmacy 8 Grit & Grace 7 (7-8 Girls)
(Family Pharmacy scoring) Ainsley Bougues 2, Hannah Aldy, Scarlett Parks, Carrington Bond, Riover Waggoner (Grit & Grace scoring) Charley Linton 2, Khaliya Cash 2, Emma Gray, Savannah Porter, Delilah Hudson

Field 4 Results

Listle Real Estate 9 Southern Kustoms 4 (11-13 Girls)
(Listle Real Estate scoring) Malena Listle 2, Kinley Aldy 2, Genna Ford, Raliegh Medaries, Jennale Hall, Marie (Southern Kustoms scoring) Timberly Wilson, Brooklyn Coody, Molly Beaubouef, Gabby Edwards
Barksdale Federal Credit Union 15, Farm Bureau 0 (11-13 Girls)
(BFCU scoring) Emma Kate Toms 2, Carlynn Waters 2, Makayla James 2, Adysen Breeland 2, Brenna Lamkin 2, Lily Jones, Skylar Lamkin, Avery Watson, Demi Hough, Hallay Taylor (Farm Bureau scoring) none
Cubs 11 Jonesboro State Bank 1
Uptown Tanning 18 5A Pump & Hose 8 (7-8 Boys)
(Uptown Tanning scoring) Maddox Graham 2, Thatcher Savage 2, Asher Norred 2, Chance LeMoine 2, Ryder Gray 2, Brett Rasbury 2, Carter Kelley 2, Caleb Robinson, Jax Davis, Charlie, Ashton Anderson (5A Pump & Hose scoring) Paxton Wamer 2, Leland Anderson 2, Brantley Tucker, Sean Sandifer, Asher Cooper

Schedule of Games

Thursday, May 5 

LEAGUE AGE	HOME	VISITOR	FIELD	TIME
3-4 Wee Ball	Jim Neatherland	Yankees	T Ball 1	6:00pm
	Red Sox	Tigers	T Ball 2	6:00pm
	Mitchells	Grit & Grace	T Ball 1	7:00pm
	Maxwells	Jonesboro State Bank	T Ball 2	7:00pm
9-10 Boys	HD Remodeling	Trainas	Field 2	6:00pm
	Ables Farms	Mercy Medical	Field 2	7:30pm
9-10 Girls	Bucket Boat	Pardue Builders	Field 3	6:00pm
	4T Exterior Cleaning	Leach Lawn Care	Field 3	7:30pm
11-13 Boys	VP Oil Change	Johnny’s Pizza	Field 1	6:00pm
	Elite Roofing	Centric Fed Credit Union	Field 1	7:45pm
11-13 Girls	Southern Kustoms	Farm Bureau	Field 4	6:00pm
	Listle Real Estate	Barksdale Fed Credit Union	Field 4	7:45pm

Friday, May 6

LEAGUE AGE	HOME	VISITORS	FIELD	TIME
5-6 Tee Ball	Ryca Energy	Astros	T Ball 1	6:00pm
	Jonesboro State Bank	Braves	T Ball 2	6:00pm
	Jonesboro Animal Clinic	A’s	T Ball 1	7:00pm
	Cardinals	David Mauthe Trucking	T Ball 2	7:00pm
7-8 Boys	Cubs	5A Pump & Hose	Field 2	6:00pm
	Uptown Tanning	Jonesboro State Bank	Field 1	6:00pm
	Klassy Klean	Jackson Parish Hospital	Field 2	7:30pm
7-8 Girls	Grits & Grace	Ruffled Feathers	Field 3	6:00pm
	Barksdale Fed Credit Union	Family Pharmacy	Field 3	7:30pm
9-10 Girls	Pardue Builders	Castor	Field 4	6:00pm
11-12 Girls	Listle Real Estate	Castor	Field 4	7:30pm

---

Hans Augusto Rey was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1898. Following World War I, in which Hans served, he designed posters for a circus and studied art at Hamburg University. Hans struggled to make a living with the postwar inflation in Germany. In 1924, Hans accepted a job in Brazil where he composed commercial lettering for advertisements and offices and sold bathtubs along the Amazon River.

In 1935, Hans met Margret Elisabeth Waldstein, a fellow artist and Jew who was also from Hamburg. Their similar interests drew them together and they married later the same year. Together, the Reys began a joint career which consisted of magazine work, advertising, and illustrating books. The couple was so busy with work that they delayed their honeymoon. Finally, the Reys planned a honeymoon trip through Europe. They visited their homeland of Hamburg and eventually made their way to Paris, France. The Reys loved Paris so they kept putting off their return to Brazil. Four years later, still in Paris, they found themselves in a precarious situation.

In 1939, Paris began preparing for what they realized was an inevitable war with Germany. Paris underwent a drastic transformation. City workers dug miles of trenches in the city squares and parks that the Reys enjoyed visiting. Signs throughout the city pointed the way to the nearest trench. The city distributed gas masks to its civilians. Children were evacuated from the city into the coutryside. The beautiful Parisian lights—Paris is still known as the City of Light—were turned off at night as a precaution against German air raids. Workers removed the stained-glass windows from the Sainte-Chapelle and placed them in storage. Curators at the Louvre, aided by packers, cataloged and transported major works of art in crates which were labelled only with numbers to disguise their contents. The works of art were transported in trucks at night in slow convoys with their headlights off. Historically significant buildings and architectural landmarks were surrounded by walls of sandbags. The city rationed certain foods and gasoline.

After months of waiting, the Germans attacked France on May 10, 1940. With each passing day, the Nazis drew closer to Paris. Eighteen days later, the British realized that France would fall to the Germans and withdrew their soldiers to the beaches of Dunkirk. While retreating British soldiers were being loading onto ships, Germain airplanes attacked relentlessly. Refugees from the battle zone started pouring into Paris. On June 3, the Germans began bombing Paris and its suburbs. A week later, the French government fled Paris. Fearful Parisians followed their example and fled from the city using any means available including trains, cars, buses, wagons, carts, bicycles, and on foot.

In June of 1940, the Reys knew their honeymoon in Paris had come to an end. With no other means of transportation available, they fashioned bicycles out of discarded broken bicycles. They had no choice but to abandon most of their possessions. As they prepared to flee, Hans grabbed the manuscripts of a children’s books that he and Margret had written and threw them into a bag. Hans grabbed the bag and they pedaled their way through the throngs of people leaving Paris. The Reys eventually made their way to a ship which was heading to America. The Reys were unable to relax because they were aware the German U-boats and warships were targeting ships in the Atlantic Ocean. In the Fall of 1940, the Reys arrived safely in New York.

Within a month of their arrival, American book publisher Houghton Mifflin agreed to publish the Reys’ children’s book. In 1946, after the end of World War II, the Reys became American citizens. People so loved their children’s book, that they eventually wrote a whole series based on the two main characters. By 1997, at the time of Margret’s death and twenty years after Hans’s death, the books had sold more than 20 million copies in more than a dozen languages. The tales have been adapted for television, films, and video games. For the rest of her life, people asked Margret “were you afraid?” She always replied, “you don’t have time to be afraid.” In an interview with The Associated Press, Margret said, “Actually, it was fun.” The manuscript carried by the Reys as they fled Paris on makeshift bicycles told the tale of the man in the yellow hat and his pet monkey,… “Curious George.”

---

The Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church showed their support for the Grambling State University baseball team by feeding the team a meal after their game this past Monday. Participating on the GSU team is local resident and church member, Brett Washington. 

---

Friday, April 29, 2022 was a rough day for Wall Street. All markets suffering major losses which has been a trend for the last several months. Many stocks taking back all of the gains from 2021 and early 2022. The market is responding to worldwide and political issues. However, what you should know is that the markets are not the ONLY place you can grow your retirement dollars.

There are volatility buffers available. These financial vehicles offer safe, no risk growth. Historical ten-year average growths range from 6% to 10% returns. Yes, you read that correctly…. Zero market risk with good growth that keeps up with or out paces inflation.

Looking for better options on CD funds. Well, here you are. The safety and security of a CD with real gains AND access to funds. Oh, not to mention the interest credit is tax deferred. No more annual 1099’s to concern yourself with.

Looking for security, zero stock market risk WITH good growth… give me a call!

rfoster@reinettefoster.com
318-481-6539
http://www.ReinetteFoster.com

---

To have your business service or items you have for sale listed or list any Legal/Public Notices, Advertisements for Bid, Requests for Proposals and/or Quotes – send email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com

Help Wanted

Medical- L.P.N.s – $34.24/Hr. L.P.N.s are needed for LTC and Veteran’s care units in Jackson, LA. There is full-time scheduling available. 12-hour shifts are being offered. Fully employer-paid medical and dental. 401(k) with 6% employer contribution and immediate vesting. Call Genna at Worldwide Travel Staffing, 920-618-3939

Business Services:

Swimming Lessons / Water Aerobics: Limited spaces available. Certified Instructor that gives one on one attention. To sign up call Pamela Pipes at 318-533-2983

Quality Electrical & Controls Service:

Over 60 years of combined Licensed and Certified experience in Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Control Panels, Electrical, HVAC and Inspections service. Located at 5039 Hwy 4 East, Jonesboro, LA. For free estimate contact: Billy Earl Wilhite: (318) 475-2403 or Richard Andrews: (318) 475-5136.  www.qualityecs.com
“Call us when you want the job done right.”

Dirt Cheap Lawn Care, LLC:

Licensed and Insured! Any type of lawn care work done at reasonable prices. For quotes or to schedule service call Owner – David Hammock at 318-533-7133 or go by 209 Talbot Street, Jonesboro, LA. “If you don’t look good, we don’t look good!”

Harris Yard Beautification Service: 

For all your lawn and landscaping needs contact Greg Harris at (318) 245-2349. Free estimates and professional service guaranteed. Based out of Chatham. 

Robinson Lawn Care

For all your lawn and landscaping needs done professionally and fast call Klint Robinson at 318-548-3038. Free estimates. 

For Sale:

Book – “100 year history of JHHS football” 

A year-by-year description of the first 100 years (1919-2019) of JHHS football. Included is summary of early beginnings, yearly results, rosters, updated team and individual records and a gallery of pictures. Perfect gift for that grandfather, father, son, grandson, brother, uncle or cousin who would enjoy remembering their “glory days”. Cost is $25.00 per book plus $3.00 shipping and handling. To order call (318) 480-1206 or send email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com

Public Notices

Jackson Parish School Board Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2022

The Jackson Parish School Board met in regular session at 11:00 a.m. on May 2, 2022 at Jackson Parish School Board, 315 Pershing Highway, Jonesboro, La.

The following were present for roll call: Gloria Davis, Dennis Clary, Calvin Waggoner, Wade McBride, Gerry Mims, Wade McBride and Mary Saulters

Absent: None

Gerry Mims gave the Invocation.

Wade McBride led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting was called to order by President Gloria Davis.

A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Mary Saulters and carried to approve the minutes as presented from the regular scheduled meeting held on April 4, 2022.

The board recognized Christine Stepzinski with the LSU Ag Center.

The board recognized Bonnie Buckelew, Supervisor of Special Education, who presented information on the Reimagine School Systems 2021 Grant.

A motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Rickey McBride and carried to grant Superintendent Claxton permission to sign the Cooperative Agreement between the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service and Jackson Parish School Board.

A motion was made by Dennis Clary seconded by Mary Saulters and carried to name Ruston Daily Leader as the official journal for Jackson Parish School Board.

Mary Saulters reported to the Board on the meeting of the Executive Finance Committee held prior to the Board meeting.

A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Calvin Waggoner and carried to approve for payment the following bills: General Fund, Federal Program, Food Service, Sales Tax, Special Education, District Maintenance bills.

A motion was made by Gerry Mims, seconded by Rickey McBride approving payment of $11,170.00 to Software and Services for GFA School Accounting Software to be used in all schools, to be paid from General Fund.

A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Dennis Clary and carried to approve payment of $22,400.00 to NIET to provide services as described in the Statement of Work, to be paid from Redesign 1003A.

A motion was made by Rickey McBride, seconded by Gerry Mims and carried to approve payment of Employer’s share of Office of Group Benefits insurance premiums from General Fund for the June, 2022 Sales Tax Distribution.

A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Mary Saulters and carried to approve purchasing 5 Lumen projectors at a total cost of $24,500.00 to be used at Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School, Jonesboro Hodge Middle School, Quitman High School and Weston High School, to be paid as follows: $19,000.00 from ESSERS II and $4,900.00 from IDEA Preschool monies.

A motion was made by Rickey McBride, seconded by Wade McBride and carried to approve Job Description for School Social Worker for Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School for two years, to be paid out of ESSERS III Incentive fund.

A motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Calvin Waggonerand carried to approve payment to Edgear in the amount of $57,733.00 for the renewal of software support to all of the schools, to be paid from 2022-2023 General Fund.

A motion was made by Calvin Waggoner, seconded by Gerry Mims and carried to approve paying 20 mentors up to $1,000.00, not to exceed a total cost of $20,000.00, for the 2021-2022 school year for mentoring ITeach and new teachers, to be paid out of ESSERS III

Presentation of Monthly Financial Report by Kristi Bass, Business Manager.

Dennis Clary reported to the Board on the meeting of the Building and Grounds Committee held prior to the Board meeting.

A motion was made by Rickey McBride, seconded by Calvin Waggoner and carried to accept low bid of $29,500.00 from MRM Construction to repair gym wall and install a metal roof over gym restrooms and locker rooms at Weston High School, to be paid from General Fund.

A motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Dennis Clary and carried to accept low bid of $76,350.00 from Amethyst Construction to remove and replace asphalt at the Central Office parking lot, to be paid from Parish Wide District funds.

Wade McBride reported to the Board on the meeting of the Transportation Committee prior to the Board meeting.

A motion was made by Gerry Mims, seconded by Dennis Clary and carried to approve out of state travel to Chicago, Illinois for Serenity Mallard and Honesty Poland, June 27-July 3, 2022 to attend the FBLA National Leadership Conference. Expenses to be paid by Jonesboro Hodge FBLA.

Rickey McBride reported to the Board on the meeting of the Policy Committee held prior to the Board meeting.

A motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Calvin Waggoner and carried to approve new policy for:  Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)

Superintendent’s Comments were given at this time.

A motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Dennis Clary and carried to adjourn at 11:35 a.m..

Jackson Parish Library Board Meeting Minutes
April 18, 2022

The Jackson Parish Library Board of Control met on Monday, April 18, 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.
Nunn, Mrs. Standley, Mrs. Massey and Mr. Chatham. Also present was Floyd Knox, Judy Robertson and
Angela Walsworth. Members absent: Mrs. Jenkins.
Mrs. Cooper led the invocation.
There being no public comments, the Board proceeded with the proposed Agenda.
Mrs. Nunn made the motion to approve the minutes for the February 22, 2022, regular board meeting.
Mrs. Cooper seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to accept the February and March financial reports. Mr. Chatham
seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Nunn made the motion to accept the February and March statistical reports. Mrs. Standley
seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Standley made the motion to accept the Resolution of Respect in loving memory of Mrs. Carolyn
Sue Crawley. Mr. Chatham seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
The board discussed the proposal from Kenneth Folden’s office. The proposal was tabled at this time.
Mr. Chatham made the motion to approve the change order from Triad builders for the renovations at the Chatham branch. Mrs. Cooper seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to approve the E-rate technology proposal from Dempsey Business
Systems. Mrs. Nunn seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Since the proposal from Kenneth Folden’s office was tabled, the line item for increasing the accounting
services needs to be removed from the proposed budget adjustments. Mrs. Essmeier made the motion to adopt the budget adjustments with the accounting services adjustment removed. Mr. Chatham seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Nunn made the motion to accept the online bid through the Louisiana Property Assistance Agency
for the purchase of the media box. Mr. Chatham seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
The director updated the Board on the current projects. Angela Walsworth updated the board on the
StoryWalk® project coming to Chatham.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Chatham seconded. All yes. Motion carried.

---

One thing you notice when you pass through the front doors at Jonesboro-Hodge is a couple of large wooden cases full of trophies. Over the past week it got considerably fuller. Already a couple of spots had to be made for the two district 1-2A championships that the boys and girls track teams won. Now added to the historic treasure of athletic achievements is the 2022 Class 2A Region 1 boys track championship trophy that was won by the Tiger boys on Tuesday.

To sum up the effort displayed at the track complex of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, the Tigers won the title by leaps and bounds. Not as by winning by a large margin but through winning the events that required leaping and bounding, literally. 

It was the Tigers effectiveness in the jumping events and hurdles that led to the title over 20 other Class AA schools from north and central Louisiana. J-Hodge won three events, finished second in four and third in three more. Each participant qualified for the state meet to be held May 5^th – 7^th at the Bernie Moore Track Complex on the campus of LSU in Baton Rouge. 

The Tigers qualified three relay race squads for the state meet and dominated the hurdles events.  Savantez Phillips won the 110 hurdles and ran a leg in both the silver medal winning 4×200 relay and third place 4×400 relay foursome. Cameron Leonard, who also was on the 4×400 team and Devontae Mozee finished one – two in the 300 Hurdles. Mozee also grabbed gold in the high jump and took second in the triple jump

Justin Calahan won second in the long jump, third in the triple jump and was on the 3^rd place 4×100 relay along with Darrian Moss, O’Marrion Jackson and JaMarriyea Lewis. Jackson, Lewis and Xavier Atkins contributed on the 4×200 relay with D’Marrian Thompson and Zion Gray rounding out the 4×400 relay team as ten individuals from the boys squard earned the right to compete for state title considerations.

In girls action, Laila Johnson claimed the title as the fastest woman in the meet by winning the 100 meters. Xabrianna Jackson and Zymea Hoggro also qualified for state by placing second and third in the triple jump and long jump respectively. The four girls on the 4×200 relay team will also compete at state after their third place finish.

---