On Saturday, twenty-five willing workers came together for the 2022 Love the Boot clean-up day in the Town of Chatham. And clean up they did! By the time the day was over 14 large trailer loads and over 20 bags of cane, plastic bottles, trash and debris had been collected from streets and ditches. Mayor Greg Harris and the Town of Chatham Board of Aldermen thank all who worded so hard to make this a very success
Mayor Greg Harris was appreciative of the turnout and complimented all who assisted.
“I want to give thanks to all who worked so hard to make this a very successful day,” said Harris. “I think it showed how much pride our residents have in our town and in our great state of Louisiana.”
When it comes to the 2022 2B All-District team, Quitman High was MMMM good with an MVP to boot. You can add a Coach of the Year award as well. Four Lady Wolverines whose first name starts with M – Maggie Guyotte, Madison Kaye Brymer, Madison Chaplin and Madeline Vail – all earned first team 2B honors with freshman, Cali “The Real” Deal, being named Most Valuable Player. Head Coach, Justin Dobson, who led Quitman to an undefeated district 2B title and a 22-8 overall record after bowing out in the Class B Quarterfinals was named Coach of the Year. Jacie Ledford and Lexi Barmore earned first team honors for Weston High. Skylar Hall and Averie Williams of Quitman was given Honorable Mention designation along with Lainee Trosclair, Emma Kate McBride and Betty McCarty from Weston.
After 18 weeks of grueling training, Jackson Parish Sheriff Office (JPSO) Deputies Audrey Henderson and Jodie Davis saw their efforts pay dividends as they completed the requirements of the North Delta Training Academy. Their achievement is acknowledged by Sheriff Andy Brown and the entire force of the JPSO. Congratulations!
Certain families have played an integral part in the growth and progression of Jackson Parish. In an effort to acknowledge some of our “first families” the Jackson Parish Journal is pleased to present an ongoing series entitled “Pillars of the Parish”. Today – The McDonald Family It is only fitting to begin with this family whose ancestors were one of the first settlers in northeast Louisiana and has been a major part of the fabric of Jackson Parish for over 170 years.
In 1850, William Baston McDonald and family, shown in banner above, settled in what was called Rochester in the northeastern part of the parish. This is where his son, W.C. McDonald, was born on January 18, 1850. He would later move to Jonesboro on January 2nd, 1902, the year the town first became an incorporated community. Upon arriving McDonald built the first store ever opened in Jonesboro, a wooden frame structure that measured about 30 feet across by 60 feet deep. Several year later McDonald moved his general mercantile store into a brick building that he had built that was located where old timers from the area will remember as the old Scroggins Pharmacy located on Main Street. McDonald was heavily involved in early politics for the parish as well becoming the parish representative to the state legislature for many years. It was his efforts in introducing a bill that instrumental in having the parish seat and courthouse moved from Vernon to Jonesboro. The “first family” pioneer was also one of the organizers of the Jackson Parish Bank, which is the oldest financial institution in Jonesboro and Jackson Parish. McDonald was a member of the first board of directors and served as director of the bank for many years the same position that W. C. “Woody” McDonald Jr. holds today. Another member of the McDonald family, Dr. C. S. McDonald, was recognized in 1961 for his contribution to the community by having the Recreation Department building named in his honor. His sons Guy, Ray, Hoye and Haze are also remembered for their achievements on the gridiron during the founding years of the football team at Jonesboro High School. One can’t forget the contributions of “Mr. Billy” McDonald either who worked at the Jackson Parish Bank for 55 years and had three daughters Roseann McDonald Alexander, Robin McDonald Toms and Melinda McDonald Hebert. Ross McDonald was a brother to Wilbur. His son Dan graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge and went on to become a member of the Louisiana Sports and Jackson Sports Hall of Fame after a stellar career as a renowned sports journalist, information director and media specialist. Several other members of the McDonald family tree are also still heavily involved with the bank, including Woody’s son, Michael and grandson, Drew Maxwell, continuing the family tradition that is now nearing 120 years of service to the community. From being one of the very first to call Jackson Parish home, to still today being an integral part of the present and future of the parish, the McDonalds are truly a “Pillar of the Community.”
The graduating seniors at Quitman High School will gather as a class one final time on Thursday, May 12th when they collectively walk the stage to receive their diplomas at Howard Auditorium on the campus of Louisiana Tech University. Ceremonies will begin at 6:00 pm. The QHS administration advises those who plan on attending to review the Louisiana Tech policy regarding tote bags shown below.
Sophomore, Logan Smith and senior, Marcus Thompson of Jonesboro Hodge High School has been selected to the 1-2A All District First Team in baseball as announced this past week. Junior, Ajay Tew, was named to the second team. Smith, who played primarily as a catcher for the Tigers this spring, was selected as one of two Designated Hitters on the elite squad after compiling an outstanding .591 batting average and an incredible 1.631 OPS (on base plus slugging) percentage. Thompson, who earlier this month committed to continue his baseball career at East Texas Baptist College, was also honored as a first team selection after batting .341 on the year and usinig his “cannon” arm to throw out 8 baserunners. Tew batted .515 and compiled a .923 fielding average from his shortstop position to earn second team honors.
The Student/Athlete of the Week 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.
Competitors enjoyed a good day of golf this past Tuesday at the second “Tuesday Scramble of the year at the Jackson Parish Golf Course. Winners with an 8-under score over the 9-hole tournament layout was Sam Lolley, Mason Scotch, Matt Jordan, Gary Willis and Glen Watkins.
Springtime to me means a whole variety of things. When I was a kid growing up on the rural route, I still remember how the new green grass felt to tender bare feet when my mama said it was okay to shuck shoes and socks. Weeks later those same feet could walk the gravel road in front of our house without causing a whit of discomfort. Today, I no longer pad about in bare feet unless its to the bathroom from the bedroom in the middle of the night. Even then I move carefully to keep from locating the leading edge of a cabinet with my little toe.
What I like about spring today has more to do with the sights and sounds I hear as the world is waking up to a fresh new season. It mainly has to do with song birds. Yesterday, my wife remarked that as she took our new pup out for it to take care of “business” that would later prevent having to wipe something up from the floor, the wake up music of bird song was mesmerizing. She likened it to “surround sound”.
If you haven’t treated yourself to the early morning avian orchestra as it tunes up for the day, you need to step outside before the sun rises just to stand and listen. It can set the stage and create a mood to carry you through the day.
Spring is the season for new beginnings in the world of birds. If you have a nesting box set up in your yard, there is a good chance the box has drawn attention from a pair of birds. Sometimes the pair could consist of chickadees; sometimes tufted titmice but more likely, you’ll see splashes of blue as Eastern bluebirds make their plans to perpetuate their species in housing you provide. I had noticed bluebirds showing interest in a box I have mounted in the yard, saw them transporting beaks full of pine straw to the box to construct a suitable nest so the female could settle down and deposit her eggs.
I was gratified in checking the box a couple of weeks ago to find two sky-blue eggs then a few days later, the clutch had grown to five. Last week, a peek into the box revealed what the whole operation was about; there were five blind, naked baby bluebirds that responded with yellow-fringed beaks that flew open when I opened the box, expecting to receive a morsel of grasshopper, cricket, worm or spider.
I moved away letting the parents do what bird parents do and that’s stuffing bugs and stuff into hungry gullets. Within a few weeks, those same little blind, naked fledglings will have grown flight feathers and will take their first halting flights from the box out into the world.
My assist to perpetuating the avian species here at home moved up another notch when a tiny little bird equipped with a foghorn of a voice tried to set up shop in my garage. I still haven’t figured out how a tiny Carolina wren can produce a tune that loud. It’s like sitting on the front row at a rock concert and having to cover my ears to dampen the sound. The little wren was insistent on nesting in the garage but didn’t have the gumption to realize that the door is closed most of the time.
She picked an alternate spot and I am content to let it happen; the pair is building a nest on the back porch and has selected a small area on top of the sun screen we use to block the afternoon sun.
If we choose to sit on the porch on sunny afternoons for the next few weeks, I suppose we’ll wear sun shades and hats to block the sun for awhile as it’s a small price to pay to have given Mother Nature the okay to bring another family of birds into the world.
”Bluebirds are starting to rear their young in nest boxes around the area.” – Glynn Harris Photo
FISHING REPORT
CANEY LAKE – The crappie are around shallow brush during the spawn while some have already spawned and are moving out. Shiners and jigs are taking some fish. Some bass are still hanging around the beds with a big 11.14 pounder caught on a creature bait. The bluegills and chinquapins are beginning to show up around shallow spawning areas with worms and crickets beginning to take some nice fish. No report on catfish. For information contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707. BLACK BAYOU – Fishing has improved. Bream are starting to bite around the beds. Crappie are fair to good around the trees on shiners or jigs. No report on bass. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information. OUACHITA RIVER – Crappie fishing has been best in the back of the river lakes on jigs and shiners. Bass are fair in the same areas. Bream are bedding and biting worms and crickets. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707. LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass fishing has been fair with trick worms in Watermelon Seed patterns working best. The crappie are fair with some still spawning in shallow water while others have completed the spawn and moved out. The bream are starting to bed and lots of big blue gills and chinquapins are being reported. Catfish are still biting cold worms fished off the banks. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707. LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has been fair to good on shiners and jigs with some caught around shallow spawning areas while others have moved back off to deeper water. Yo-yos baited with shiners taking lots of fish at night. Bream fishing is improving with fish moving into the shallows around the lake. Bass have been best fishing around the boat docks up the creeks with creature baits and soft plastics catching some. No report on stripers or catfish. For latest information, call Misty at Kel’s Cove at 331-2730 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498. LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfishing has been good on cold worms. Crappie fishing is fair as most of the fish have moved out to deeper water. Bream fishing is improving on worms and crickets. No report on bass. For latest, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101. LAKE ST. JOHN –Catfishing is good while bream are improving, bass and crappie are fair. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821. LAKE YUCATAN – The water is still too high for launching. No fishing this week. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, located at 908 Evergreen Road in Jonesboro, provided coffee and snacks for the Jonesboro Hodge Elementary faculty and staff to assist in their efforts with the LEAP test. Pleasant Grove contracted the Four Corners Coffee House to provide an array of delicious items for the faculty and staff. Pastor Dr. Reginald L. Staten, Deacon James Bradford and fellow church member, Chief of Police: Dr. J. Spike Harris also provided snacks for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grades to assist them in the efforts on the LEAP Test.
Unless a player is chosen for one of the post season All-Star teams, it is rare that youth league boy or girls participating in the Jackson Parish Recreation Department (JPRD) summer leagues get to play anyone other than a local team.
Thanks to the diligent work and creativity of JPRD Director Tommy Smith youth from all the teams in the different leagues will get their chance to play an out-of-town team. Actually, teams in the boys 9-10 and 11-13 divisions started this last week when Winnfield and Jena came to visit. A girls team from the 7-8, 9-10 and 11-13 year old leagues will begin play on Monday against teams from Castor. Games will continue throughout the remainder of the summer schedule with teams from the JPRD hosting Castor and then making a reciprocal trips to Castor each week..
When you enter the Quitman High School gymnasium and look along the rafters of the far wall, one of the first things you notice is the banners hanging that notate the state championships won by the QHS golf team.
This Monday and Tuesday they will be attempting to hang another one.
Pete Simonelli, Eli Walker, Cam Deal, John Aaron Davis and Noah Leach will get that opportunity after finishing third in the regional played at Oakwing Golf Club in Alexandria, which qualified them for the LHSAA Division IV state tournament that will be held at the Farm d’Allie course in Carenco.
Tayt Culpepper of Weston High will also compete for individual medalist honors.
To participate in the state tournament, a golfer shall be a member of a team that qualifies to the state tournament from the regional tournament in his division, or he shall qualify as an individual medalist at the regional tournament.
Format: The state tournament shall consist of two rounds of 18 holes each. Definition of Team: In boys’ play, in all divisions, a maximum of five golfers may be entered into state tournament. The four lowest scores recorded each day by the team’s golfers shall be totaled to determine team score. Definition of a Medalist: medalist may be a member of an official LHSAA team or an individual golfer from a school that does not have enough golfers entered into the state tournament to field a team. Format: The state tournament shall consist of two rounds of 18 holes for a 36-hole competition.
One of the main objectives of administration, staff and faculty at Jonesboro-Hodge High School, led by Principal Chevonda Williams and Assistant Principal Steven Ehrhart
Through their diligent effort the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) which is an outreach program under federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program has named Jonesboro-Hodge High School as a School of Achievement for 2021-2022.
Jonesboro-Hodge High School was awarded the designation for exceeding the national average of completion of federal financial assistance forms during this school year.
“The spotlight should be on our school counselor Mrs. Tristen Anderson Bergholtz,” said JHHS Principal Chevonda William in a Facebook post. “She goes above and beyond her job duties to focus on the academic, career and personal issues of students and primarily because of her diligence we were selected for this award.”
When looking for a definition of what a student athlete, Webster’s Dictionary should simply just say – see Hunter Strickland. His dedication to the sport of basketball was one of the primary reasons Weston High School competed in their first ever LHSAA state basketball championship tournament in 2018. His commitment to his academic work allowed him to be able to continue his playing the sport in college at LSU-Alexandria, where he just completed his redshirt freshman year. The effort on both fronts in college, by the son of Jason and Stacey Strickland of Jonesboro, has now resulted in the 6’8″ post player being named the LSU-A male Student Athlete of the Year for 2021-2022. Congratulations on a job well done.
Who can forget the feeling of awe the first time you walked onto your high school campus knowing that soon you would be a student there? That is what the 8th grade class of Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School got to experience as they were the special guests of an event geared to introduce them to high school life this past Thursday. The event was coordinated by our JHHS Principal Chevonda Williams, Assistant Principal Steven Ehrhard, Counselor Mrs. Tristen Anderson Bergholtz, Student Resource Officer Jedd Essmeier and J-HMS Principal Ms. Danielle Copleland along with the wonderful faculty and staff at J-HMS. The day started with the “Class of 2026” having a general assembly in the gym where they were welcomed by the 2022-23 J-HHS Cheerleaders. From there, they visited different parts of our campus and was introduced to Mr. Jon Sorenson, theatre and music teacher, who talked about the benefits of joining the newly formed band and gave an impromptu saxophone concert. They also enjoyed an English lesson from Ms. Allbritton and was introduced to Algebra and Ag by Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Smith).
Who hasn’t watched the many different shows that relate to Crime Scene Investigation? Virtually every television network features at least one of the several CSI and NCIS serials that been aired over the past decade. Interested in becoming a Crime Scene Investigator? Thanks to the effort of the Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC), which has a branch in Jonesboro, you can attend a free CSI camp that will take place June 13-17 at the Monroe campus. To register you must have your application in by May 11th. To download an application form click here.
I have been bass fishing since I was 10 years old. I basically taught myself how to fish while growing up on our ranch in East Texas. I watched fishing shows on TV like “John Fox Outdoors,” “Fishing with Virgil Ward” and my favorite show of all time, “The Bassmasters.” I also learned a lot through a subscription to Bassmaster Magazine that I received on my 10th birthday. This just might have been the best birthday gift I ever received. The magazine had great detailed descriptions and drawings on techniques and information that could make anyone a better angler.
I started my bass tournament career in 1990 with a buddy of mine who introduced me to team tournaments. Now I had no idea how “hooked” I would be to competitive bass fishing. It’s literally an addiction that requires many hours of practice and preparation in order to compete at a high level. It’s similar to gambling in that you’re putting money up to enter the event, and betting on yourself. But as one of my former coaches once told me, “Success is a learning process that comes from failure. How you handle failure will determine how successful you’ll be.”
Now back to the question at hand…Why has bass fishing gotten so hard? This can probably be summed up with two words…. overcrowded waterways. Gone are the days of catching a hundred bass a day. There was a time that an angler could go out on his favorite lake and catch bass on a regular basis. But as bass fishing has evolved and become so popular, our waterways have become congested. This has led to bass becoming over “educated” to the many ways anglers are trying to catch them. It’s been proven through research that bass have the ability to learn despite their tiny brain. But the good news is that they have a short memory and don’t retain much over time. The more they see a bait or get caught, the more they learn what lures not to bite, which can even be passed on to their offspring. All our lakes and rivers are over-crowded now with a combination of high school fishing, College Series, Pro-Am circuits and team trails like American Bass, Bass Champs, Texas Team Trail, and the Bob Sealy Big Bass Splash Series. Each of these tournament trails caters to a wide array of anglers all across America.
What I’ve learned over the last few years is that today’s angler must think outside the box of old conventional ways of catching fish. You can’t be afraid to experiment with new baits and techniques. Don’t get me wrong, you can still catch fish on spinnerbaits, jigs and crankbaits, but you may have to tweak a bait and show the bass something a little different than they’ve seen before. But one bait that continues to pass the test of time is the plastic worm. I don’t care what body of water you like to fish; they will bite a plastic worm anywhere in the country. A lot of anglers like to dip the tail of their worms in what’s called a chartreuse (bright green) dye. But there are many colors of dipping dyes on the market, so try a different color like maybe orange, blue or red. I’ve even used a black dye and had great results. Again, it’s just something different that the fish are not seeing as much.
Bass fishing has gotten more difficult, but if you’re willing to think outside the box, you can still catch fish. As humans, our biggest fault is that we are creatures of habit. But if you’re willing to change things up a little, you just might figure out the secret code to catching bass. If you want to learn what the bass are biting, tune into Tackle Talk Live every Tuesday at 11:30 on Facebook live, podcast or our YouTube Channel. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!
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
Sandra Kay Gilmore December 10, 1946 – April 23, 2022
Sandra Kay (Thomas) Gilmore, age 76 of Hodge, ascended to meet her Heavenly Father on Saturday, April 23, 2022. She is a member of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro and taught Sunday School for the church for many, many years. Sandra was also a member of the Masonic Eastern Star- Jonesboro Lodge #280. Sandra possessed a strong work ethic. She was a school teacher and retired from Dodson High School after 34 years of teaching. Most of her teaching years she worked two jobs and yet still found time for crafting. She worked at Walmart, in addition to teaching, for 25 years. In her free time she loved to keep her hands busy with crafts such as quilting, cross stitch, painting and through the years she made many coasters too.
Those that remain to cherish her memory are her sons, Andrew Gilmore and wife, Dana, Brian Gilmore and wife, Erica; grandchildren, Aaron Nipper, Challys Gilmore, Autumn Gilmore, Gavin Gilmore, Gracie Gilmore; siblings, James “Jimmy” Thomas and wife, Cathy, Bruce Thomas and wife, Charlotte, Mark Thomas and wife, Connie. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Lloyd and Mary Lee (Cotton) Thomas.
Funeral services were held Friday, April 29, 2022 in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home at 1:00PM with Rev. Brian McAllister officiating. Burial followed in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Winnfield under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers were Bobby Dillon, Andy Gilmore, Jackie Potts, Mark Thomas, Brian Gilmore, Steve Pardee.
David Hugh Choate November 22, 1974 – April 25, 2022
Mr. David Hugh Choate passed away on Monday, April 25, 2022 near his home in Readhimer, Louisiana. David was known for his infectious smile and sense of humor. He was always cracking jokes around his family and friends. It has been said that he never met a stranger and he went out of his way to talk to people. He loved Rock-N- Roll music and was especially fond of his dog, Miss Kitty.
Mr. Choate is survived by his children, Austyn Choate, Alayna Choate, and Katy Choate; parents, Tony Kenneth and Peggy Sue (McCormick) Choate; brother, Paul Choate; and niece, Lilith Choate.
A graveside service was held on Saturday at the Strange Methodist Cemetery in Readhimer with Father Gus Voltz officiating.
Serving the family as pallbearers were Randy Mason, Austyn Choate, Paul Choate, Alan Garlington, Daniel Dunn and Devon Dunn. Honorary pallbearer was Cassandra Daniels.
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
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!”
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