(Paid for by the Tim Wyatt for Jonesboro Police Chief campaign) 

I, Tim Wyatt, am running for the office of  Police Chief for the Town of Jonesboro based on my experience in law enforcement and my lifelong care and concern I have for this town and its citizens.

If elected, I plan to work with the mayor and city council to reinstate the police force to a 24 hour department to provide the best services and protection for our town. I would also make sure that all full time officers receive their POST certification through an accredited police academy which will not only benefit the department but the officer as well when they are able to receive their supplemental pay from the state.

I would like to see each officer be supplied with the proper equipment to enable them to better perform their duties. It’s true you learn a lot as an officer on the job, however training will be important for the department as well to keep up with the changing times and updated laws.

I plan to create an environment where officers are happy with their leadership and duties plus a department that the community respects and trusts. The police department has become more involved with our community over the past few years and I will continue to implement these programs so that we can build better relationships within the community. We as officers need to be seen as approachable to build trust with the residents. A community that has a good relationship between law enforcement and its citizens is a successful community.

With this being said I kindly ask for you to Vote #70, Tim Wyatt on November 8th.

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On Tuesday, Nov. 8, Louisiana residents will not only make their choice as to who they want to lead local, state and federal positions but also make a decision on eight state of Louisiana constitutional amendments. I an effort to assist you with knowing what a vote for or against each admendment means the following descriptions have been provided by  the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office and the PAR Louisiana’s constitutional amendment guide.

Amendment 1: Do you support an amendment to increase to 65% the cap on the amount of monies in certain state funds that may be invested in stocks?

A vote yes: Lets the state increase to 65% the maximum amount of money in seven different trust funds that can be invested in equities on the stock market.
A vote no: Keep tighter limits in place on the percentage of the trust funds’ money that can be invested in the stock market, with some unable to be invested in equities at all.

Amendment 2: Do you support an amendment to expand certain property tax exemptions for property on which the homestead exemption is claimed for certain veterans with disabilities?

A vote yes: Increase the property tax exemption available to veterans with service-related disabilities and to their surviving spouses after the veteran’s death.
A vote no: Maintain the current level of property tax exemption available to veterans with service-related disabilities and to their surviving spouses.

Amendment 3: Do you support an amendment to allow classified civil service employees to support the election to public office of members of their own families?

A vote yes: Allow most of Louisiana’s civil service employees to support certain campaign activities of a candidate for public office when that candidate is an immediate family member.
A vote no: Continue the current prohibition on Louisiana’s civil service employees participating in campaign activities or supporting candidates for public office.

Amendment 4: Do you support an amendment to allow local governments to waive water charges that are the result of damage to the water system not caused by the customer?

A vote yes: Let local water districts, municipalities or other political subdivisions reduce customer bills for water use if the charges stem from water lost due to damage outside a customer’s control.
A vote no: Keep local water districts, municipalities and other political subdivisions from lowering bills or waiving customer charges for water use in almost all circumstances.

Amendment 5: Do you support an amendment to allow the levying of a lower millage rate by a local taxing authority while maintaining the authority’s ability to adjust to the current authorized millage rate?

A vote yes: Give local taxing bodies more time to decide if they want to “roll forward” millages that increase property taxes paid by businesses and homeowners.
A vote no: Keep the rules governing millage “roll forwards” the same, giving local taxing bodies until the next property reappraisals to make the decision.

Amendment 6: Do you support an amendment to limit the amount of an increase in the assessed value of residential property subject to the homestead exemption in Orleans Parish following reappraisal at ten percent of the property’s assessed value in the previous year?

A vote yes: Limit increases in the property tax liability of homes subject to homestead exemption in Orleans Parish, capping the reassessment increase to 10% of the residential property’s assessed value in the previous year.
A vote no: Continue the current system, which requires a four-year phase-in of tax liability for homes subject to the homestead exemption when a reappraisal increases assessments by more than 50%.

Amendment 7: Do you support an amendment to prohibit the use of involuntary servitude except as it applies to the otherwise lawful administration of criminal justice?

A vote yes: Rework the state constitutional ban on slavery and involuntary servitude, allowing their use only for the lawful administration of criminal justice.
A vote no: Keep the state’s current constitutional language banning slavery and involuntary servitude but allowing involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime.

Amendment 8: Do you support an amendment to remove the requirement that homeowners who are permanently totally disabled must annually recertify their income to keep their special assessment level on their residences for property tax purposes?

A vote yes: Remove the requirement that certain property owners with disabilities annually certify their income to receive a property tax rate freeze.
A vote no: Continue the annual income certification required for certain property owners with disabilities to receive a property tax rate freeze.

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The continuing effort to revitalize the downtown business district in Jonesboro received another welcome boost this past week.  when Royalty’s Soulfood celebrated their Grand Opening.  Joined by a large throng of well wishers, including friends and family along with representatives of the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce and Jonesboro Mayor Leslie Thompson, owners Eric and Pamela Peoples commemorated the event with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony. Located at 122 Jimmie Davis Boulevard in Jonesboro, Royalty’s Soulfood offers breakfast and lunch, Tuesday thru Saturday from the hours of 6:00am – 3:00pm. 

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North Hodge Assembly of God would like to invite all the ladies of Jackson Parish & surrounding areas to the 2022 ARISE Conference! This is our 5th year to host this wonderful event. We are diligently seeking & knocking on the doors of heaven, asking the Father to come down in the midst of these services! We are believing that His Spirit will be poured out, hearts will be touched & lives will be radically changed!!!

Bro. Keith Standley will lead us into the presence of God through worship and Evangelist Renee Moore will deliver an on time, right now word from the Throne Room of God! We are expecting a mighty move of the Holy Ghost!!!

Friday evening service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Fellowship will immediately follow with sandwiches, finger foods & desserts.

Saturday morning breakfast will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Worship will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.

There is no registration fee, but please pre register if you plan to attend. Groups are welcome & encouraged! We look forward to seeing all of you there!!

Evangelist Renee Moore will also be ministering for both morning & evening services on Sunday, November 6th.

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Construction on the lobby of the gymnasium begins Monday, November 7th. As result the traffic flow for drop off and pick up of students will be altered. This will mainly affect the drop off/pick up of high school and junior high students. Under the new traffic flow plan, high school and junior high students will enter and leave in front of the office. All students that drive will enter and leave in front of the office as well.

This will also affect the doubled up line on Wolverine drive. Under the new flow pattern a single line will be utilized until passing the gymnasium at which time those picking up and dropping off elementary students will stay to the right and high school / junior high will go to the left. Please make sure that caregivers that provide transportation are informed as well. The administration of Quitman High School thanks you for your understanding and patience through this process.

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The selections of Student-Athlete of the Week for October 16th – 22nd have been announced. The award, which is sponsored by the Jackson Parish Hospital, recognizes a student-athlete from Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman, and Weston High Schools as chosen by select faculty and staff from each school. Each honoree is selected after best exemplifying what it means to be a true student-athlete through academic achievement and athletic accomplishment. 

Student-Athlete of the Week (October 23rd – 29th)

Jason Blackburn (9th Grade) – Varsity Football player at Jonesboro-Hodge High School
Anna Pardue (5th Grade) – Junior High Cross Country runner at Weston High School
Cail King  (8th Grade) – Junior High baseball player at Quitman High School

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“And they compelled one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear His cross.” — Mark 15:21 (KJV)

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace …” — Original words and music, Helen Lemmel; additional words by Sovereign Grace Worship, 2019.

Charles Foxworth, 90, passed away peacefully at home in north Louisiana in mid-October after a long illness. “He loved the Lord and always gave him the glory for his joy-filled life,” his obituary read.

Any of us who knew him could have written that.

Dr. Foxworth was asked to bear Jesus’ cross when he was a young man. He accepted and didn’t put it down until a couple of weeks ago. In February 2020, he wrote this to a friend:

“I’m singing, ‘Someday the silver cord will break, and I no more as now shall sing. But oh, the joy when I shall wake, within the palace of the King. And I shall see Him face to face, And tell the story, saved by grace!’

“See you at the house!”

The song he referenced was written by the legendary and prolific Fanny Crosby in 1891. “See you at the house!” was always Dr. Foxworth’s timeless reference to his heavenly home.

No need for him to say that anymore.

“Turn your eyes to the morning
And see Christ the Lion awake
What a glorious dawn, fear of death is gone
For we carry His life in our veins …”

Charles Foxworth became an ordained minister at 18, began a career in education, pastored several churches in Texas and Louisiana, eventually earned his Ph.D., and earned a significant amount of recognition for the impact he had on the thousands of students he served, including those he taught, mentored and influenced at Louisiana Tech from 1971 until his retirement in 1996.

Along the way, he was a Sunday School teacher, music director, supply minister, devotional writer, and most importantly, an authentic encourager and example of a godly man, now survived by Lois, his wife of 72 years, and by their daughter and grandchildren and families and so many friends who will miss him — but only for a while.

“Turn your eyes to the heavens
Our King will return for His own
Every knee will bow, every tongue will shout,
‘All glory to Jesus alone!’”

That long-ago day among the pines in Southeast Texas around his hometown of Silsbee, the teenage son of Steve and Mamie Foxworth was asked to carry a cross. Centuries before, Simon had been asked to do the same on the Via Dolorosa. Neither man could not have known that his life would change on those appointed days. They were both, after all, just passing through. But by divine circumstance, their paths crossed the path of the beaten and bleeding Savior.

Few people run toward the cross. Most of us have to be compelled by the soldier of misfortune, suffering, disease, and any of a thousand other pains and problems. Even then, we pick it up kicking and screaming.

Not Charles Foxworth, and not Simon the Cyrenian. After looking into Jesus’ eyes, after seeing Christ’s shredded back, His crown of thorns, each man knew that, in comparison, the yoke was easy. Jesus always does the hard part, walking with us to the house.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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The Jackson Parish Library (JPL) is currently in the process of building an interactive and inclusive park and playground on the corner of 7th Street and Allen Avenune at the Jonesboro Branch location. The park will be handicap accessible and will feature outdoor sensory based playground equipment, outdoor musical instruments and a pavilion. There will be no cost to enjoy the amenities  and open 365 days a year from daylight to dark. 

In an effort to allow the community to get involved, the JPL is offering the opportunity for sponsorships of the signage at the entrance of the park, as well as, benches and bricks. The donated bricks will be located at the entrance to the park and the benches will be placed throughout the park for the enjoyment of all. All funds raised will go directly to offset the cost of this addition to our community. 

For more information on how to be a part of this upcoming asset to our community, contact Angela Walsworth at (318) 259 – 5697 or stop by the Jonesboro Branch to pick up a sponsorship form.  

SNAP Assistance available Friday, Nov. 4th

Play * Grow * Read Monthly Schedule 

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All across the nation, Monday thru Sunday is recognized as Communications Week! This week is celebrated annually during the first week of November and it is a great time to recognize the impact of Public Relations and Marketing professionals! The 2022 theme for Communications Week is “Meet the Moment.” CommsWeek was founded in 2014 to bring together the greatest minds in PR and media.

In conjunction with the celebratory week, the administration and staff of the Jackson Parish Hospital would like to express a sincere thank you to Jason Spangler, Community Relations Director, and Kelsey Stephens, Social Media Coordinator. We appreciate all that you do!

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Children of all ages lined Jimmie Davis Boulevard in Jonesboro decorated in their Halloween costumes on Monday evening to receive candies and such from gracious donors and representatives of businesses and organizations particpating in the annual “Trunk or Treat” celebration. The ever growing more popular event was sponsored in conjunction with the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce (JPCC) and the local business community. 

Below are a few scenes courtesy of JPCC Director Wilda Smith.

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The Jonesboro Study Guild held their October meeting at the Jackson Parish Museum & Fine Arts Association. Christie Weeks hosted the occasion and Barbara Johnson, President of the museum board, provided the program which informed those in attendance about the hidden treasures of the museum.

Officers of the Study Guild are:
Jolene Carson, President
Christie Weeks, Vice President
Wilda Smith, Treasurer

Enjoying the program and refreshments were: Mary Cryer, May Saulters, Kathy Allen, Glo Weaver, Rosemary Ewing, Stacey Albritton,Wilda Smith, Christie Weeks, Jolene Carson and Dawna Keys

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Louisiana Delta Community College, which has had campus at 236 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro since 2016, is now accepting scholarship applications for the upcoming school year. To apply click here.

Under the direction of Campus Director, Grace V. Ruiz, Ed. D., the Jonesboro campus offers Workforce (short term training), Adult Eduation (High School Equivalency) and the following collegiate programs:

Programs Offered On-Campus/Hybrid
Business Office Administration
General Studies – Liberal Arts
General Studies – Natural Sciences & Math
Industrial Maintenance Technology
Louisiana Transfer Degrees (Liberal Arts)
Structural Welding
Structural Pipe Welding

Programs Offered Online
Associate of Applied Science
Business and Technology
Business Office Administration
Criminal Justice
Full Stack Cloud Developer
Information Technology

Associate of Arts Louisiana Transfer
Criminal Justice
General Business
Humanities
Social Science

Associate of General Studies
Business
Natural Sciences
Applied Sciences

Associate of Science
Computer Science
Teaching, Grades 1-5

Certificate of Technical Studies
Human Resource Specialist
Medical Coding Specialist
Mortgage Documents Specialist

 

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Members of the local Boy Scout Troop 523 assisted the Quitman Fire District (QFD) on Friday, October 28th with a ceremony held to  retire the flag that has flown in front of the Quitman Fire Station. By participating the in event the scouts earned two patches, one for flag etiquette and and the other for a fire station tour. 

“We were honored to assist the young scouts earn their badges,” said QFD Chief  Philip Brown. “We thank them for assisting us retiring our old American Flag with honor and raising our new American Flag!”

After the ceremony, members of the Quitman Fire District gave the Boy Scouts a tour of the fire station and allowed them to sit in a fire truck, don fire equipment apparel and showed them the correct way to handle a fire hose. 

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The Principal’s List fpr the first nine weeks has been announced at Quitman and Weston High Schools. Below is a listing from each school for grades 1-12. Tp qualify for the Principal’s List a student must have acheived a perfect 4/0 grade point average. Below is listing of honorees from each school. 

Quitman High School:

MATTHEW BUCHAN, RIAH FULLERTON, NATALIE FUTRELL, RAFE LEWTER, PISTOL MCCURDY, BENTLY RONCAL, KYLE STAPLES, HALEY VILLAREAL, KARLI BRADFORD, JAMES MORRIS ODOM, MICHEAL PEOPLES, LILLIAN POTTS, EMMA ROWE, CALEB SMITH, COLE BURTON, DARBY CALDWELL, RAELYNN CALDWELL, CHARLOTTE DELANEY, AMAYA HICKS, CORLEY HOOD, ELIZA JACKSON, JOE MILES, CAMBRY MOFFETT, AUSTYN SHELL, COLBY TAYLOR, JACKSON ABLES, ISABELLE ALDY, KARLEE ALTHEIMER, SUNNI ALTHEIMER, KASE ANDERSON, JUDAH ATKINS, ISABELLA AUTREY, MARLEY BELL, RAEGAN BELL, NATE BLUNDELL, ANNALISE BOUGUES, CADEN BROWN, HAILEE BROWN, JAMES BROWN, MADISON BRYMER, LONDON BURKS, BROOKE BURNS, FAITH BURNS, JALEIGH BURNS, MOLLIE BURRIS, CLAY BURTON, PRESTON CALLAHAN, KHALIA CAMPBELL, BAYLEE CASKEY, RYLEN CASKEY, KALEIGH CHANDLER, LIAM CHANDLER, JAXON CHEATWOOD, RYLIE CHRIST, JERSEY CORLEY, BRODY COTTEN, GIDEON CROMWELL, NOAH CULPEPPER, CASSIDY DAVIS, CALI DEAL, KARA DICKERSON, ARIA DODSON, DAVE DUCK, LILY DUCK, DUNCAN EDMISTON, ADDISON FENN, ISABELLA FOSTER, HANNAH GARCIE, BEAU GARRETT, SEBASTIAN GARRETT, MADDOX GRAHAM, EMMA GRAY, TRISTEN GREEN, SUMMER GRILLETTE, MAGGIE GUYOTTE, SKYLAR HALL, KAYLEE HAMMONS, EMMA HARPER, AVERI HASLEY, BRYLEE HASLEY, EVIE HASLEY, RAYNA HERNANDEZ, KINLEIGH HOLLIS, ANGELINA HOOD, RIDGE HORTON, TYLOR HUDDLESTON, HUDSON HURT, ELIJAH JACKSON, CHARLEA JONES, LILY JONES, SARAH JONES, HARLEY JORDAN, JASTYN JORDAN, KALEIGH KING, BRANDON LAFFITTE, BRYAN LAY, RAYLAN LAYFIELD, ANNA LEACH, KYNLEIGH LEACH, NOAH LEACH, LAINEE LEWIS, SYERRA LEWIS, CASH LINTON, CHARLEY LINTON, BRENNA LOWERY, GRACELYNN LOWERY, PRESLEA LOWERY, BRAEDEN LOWREY, BRAYDEN MARTIN, CHLOE MAXWELL, ELIZABETH MAXWELL, KALEB MAXWELL, KIARA MAXWELL, CONNOR MAY, TRIPP MCBRIDE, DALLY MCCURDY, BRIAN MCGREW, ELLIE MCGREW, ALAYAH MIMS, MARISSA MOBLEY, EVELYN MOORE, LIBBY MORGAN, MADDOX NARON, PAYTON NOMEY, HAYDEN NORMAN, ROBERT NORMAN, ASHER NORRED, SHEPARD NORRED, PATRICK NORTON, RYDER PARDUE, KYMORI PATTERSON, BRAELYN PATTON, MADISON PATTON, HAYLEN PENDARVIS, ADALYNE PERSONS, JANA POTTS, JESS POTTS, KYLEIGH POTTS, COLTON POWELL, HALLIE PULLIG, HUDSON PULLIG, MATHEW REDL, JASE REED, BRETLYN REEVES, RYLAN REYNOLDS, JANANCIA RICHARD, CHRISTOPHER RINEHART, CLARA ROBINSON, EVAN ROBINSON, HENRY ROGERS, COOPER ROTON, LUKE ROWE, ANDREW SEYMORE, CARY SEYMORE, ASHER SHULTZ, ELLIETTE SHULTZ, ELLA SIMONELLI, LUKE SIMS, WILLIAM SIMS, MADELYNE SMITH, AMBER SPANGLER, MADILYN SPILLMAN, NOAH SPILLMAN, AMELIA STAGGS, HUDSON ST CLAIR, TRENTON STEVENSON-JERRY, ABIGAIL SULLIVAN, WAYLON SULLIVAN, LOGAN TAYLOR, MADISON TAYLOR, MIA TAYLOR, JACKSON THOMAS, LARSEN THOMAS, MASON THOMAS, TADEN THOMAS, BEATRICE TOMS, EMMA TOMS, HAYDEN TOMS, MADELINE VAIL, SUTTON VAIL, DOMINIC VARA-HODNETT, EMMA WALKER, KINLEY WALKER, MEZ MERI WALKER, LYNDON WALSWORTH, JORGIA WARREN, LANDRIE WATSON, BETHANY WEBB, NATHAN WEBB, KACE WEST, SHATERICA WILEY, AVERIE WILLIAMS, CARTER WILLIAMS, TAYLOR WILLIAMS, ZOEE WILLIAMS, WILLIAM WOMACK, JAYNA WOODS, CADEN WRIGHT

Weston High School

ANGELINA BROOKE BEAUDION, HEILI DANIELLE BRYANT, CAMDEN MATHEW FLYNN. KINLEIGH PAIGE HARVEY, JOSIE MAKENNA IRVIN, EMMA KATE MCBRIDE, BETTY NICOLE MCCARTY, HANNAH EMILY MCDOWELL, JESSICA AALIYAH NEWTON,  DILLON RYAN PARDUE,  CARRIE ALEXIS SMITH, AIDEN KYLE AUSTIN, CARRINGTON REESE BOND. CADIE BETH CONN. MARKEL DEMARCUS COOPER, GABRIEL JOHN GATES, NOAH ANDREW GIDDENS, MASON BRADLEY GREER, BROOKLYNN VIOLET ROSE HENNIGAN, KILEY HORTON, BLAKELYNN BREANN JOHNSTON, AUDREY FAITH LEE, CAMERON WADE PARDUE, MIRIAM JO SHULER, RYLEE ANN SONNIER, HUNTER WRAY TURNER, RIVER LYNN WAGGONER, CUTTER WHISONANT, HARMONY FAITH DAVIS, JUSTICE NICOLE FAULKNER, RAYLIE JANETTE HALL, SHELBY LYNN JOHNS, ELIJAH WAYNE JONES, LANDRY BESS THOMAS, HANNAH ELISE ALDY, HALLE JEAN-LEE COODY, NICOLE VICTORIA, DALGAARD, ZAY VION MALIK GRANT, KIMBERLY ANN HARMON, BROOKLYN KEIFFER, JOHN MARK MCBRIDE
DAJIA MILLIEN, DASH CARTER MURPHY, JEWELEE BRENYN DAWN PAYZANT, SANIYAH LANAE SAULSBERRY,
JAYLEIGH SKYE SHARBONO, KLYNN KAREN THOMAS, KINLEIGH RAE TOLBERT, BRAELYNN ALYSE TURNER, RACHEL MICHELLE BANDY, EVA LOREN DELANEY, ELI JACK HENDERSON, EMMA LAINE OTWELL, ANNA ELIZABETH PARDUE, LYDELL MICHAEL JAMAL SMITH, JORDAN BREANNE DAVIS, TYLIAH TIANDRA KIMBLE,
ADA-CLAIRE MARIE TIDWELL,CARLY JO GRIFFIN, ASHLYNN DANIELLE HIGGINS, BROOKLYN D`ONNE JOHNSON, RAY JOSEPH LABLANCE, DEMAJAY BURNS MOFFITT, MADELYN RAY RAMSEY, KILEY MALYNN STEVENSON, WILLIAM JACKSON WARREN, CARLYNN BREANNE WATERS, HUNTER LAYNE DONALDSON, 
KARI BETH GATES, JOSHUA TY HENDERSON, BENTON SLADE KYLE, BRIANNA NICOLE MOFFITT, ALLISON CLAIRE MORGAN, BRAEDYN JAMES TURNER, MEGAN GRACE WALKER, TESSA LYNN WATLINGTON, JAYLIN MARIS WILLIAMS, OLIVIA GRACE OTWELL, MEREDITH LAINE TURNER, ANSLEE GRACE ALDY, CAMRAN ALEXIS BRYANT, CEJAY COLE COLVIN, JACOB PALMER GILL, OBERT ANTHONY GRANT, RAELYNN VIOLA SHELL, COLLIN LUKE SHOWS, NADIA JEAN SIADEK, DUSTIN COLE TOLAR, CORY LYNDAL TUCKER, BRYCE CLAYTON ZEHR, FAITH CAROLINE BEAMESDERFER, BAYLEE LANE BROOMFIELD, TAYTON BRYCE CULPEPPER, MARK COOPER DELANEY, AMELIA GRACE EMANUS, CARROLL ANNE FOSHEE, TAIT ANDREW HENDERSON, LANDON COLLIN LEBLANC, LEXIE TAYLOR MILLIEN, GARRET THOMAS NICKARZ, JUDE WESLEY OTWELL, LEILA ELIZABETH ROBERTS, ALAINA SHERIE TROSCLAIR, QUETZAL ELIZABETH WEBSTER

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During his lifetime, Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, had more than his share of admirers. People waited for hours outside the gates of Graceland in hopes that they might get a glimpse of and maybe an autograph from Elvis. There were also many people who disliked him for a variety of reasons. It was for reasons such as this that Elvis’s home, Graceland, was protected by a solid stone wall fence with a set of large metal gates.

On the morning of November 22, 1976, a 41-year-old man and his wife drove up to the gates of Elvis’s Graceland and asked the security guard to see Elvis. Naturally, the security guard refused entry and sent the man on his way. Just a few minutes later, at about 9:30 a.m., the man was driving at the corner of Powell and Peterson Lake Road in Collierville, a suburb east of Memphis, when he took the curve too sharply and flipped his car.

Police arrived and found the man and his wife standing beside the overturned car. The man, they noticed, was unsteady on his feet and had slurred speech. They arrested the man and charged him with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, and having no driver’s license. At Collierville police headquarters, the man took and passed a breathalyzer test. Collierville Police Chief H.A. Goforth Jr. administered further tests to determine the man’s incoherence. The man posted a $250 bond and was released from jail. That should have been the end of this story.

The man had a lengthy history with police. As far back as 1963, the man was sentenced to thirty days in jail for drunk driving. Earlier in 1976, the man shot a coworker in the Collierville city limits. Police determined the shooting was an accident but charged him with discharging a firearm within city limits. Police released the man when he posted a bond, but he failed to appear at his court date. A little over a month before the man’s visits to the gates of Graceland, he was arrested for shouting obscenities at his neighbors in Collierville. He had various other run-ins with law enforcement officers.

In the very early morning hours of the next day, November 23, 1976, the man went to a bar called The Vapors. The bar owner knew the man well, and for some unknown reason, the bar’s owner loaned the man a small .38 caliber derringer pistol. Just before 3:00 a.m., the man returned to the gates outside Elvis’s Graceland. As the man’s car pulled into the driveway, a different security guard, Robert Loyd, approached. The man pointed the derringer pistol at the security guard as he approached. The shocked security guard refused entry just as the security guard had done on the previous day. The man screamed, cursed, verbally threatened, and waved the derringer pistol around wildly. The security guard calmly returned to the guard shack and called the Memphis Police Department.

Patrolman B.J. Kirkpatrick arrived at the gates of Graceland and found the man sitting in his car. Patrolman Kirkpatrick noticed that the derringer pistol was lying on the man’s left knee. The patrolman took the pistol and inspected it. It was then that he realized the man was not making empty threats. The gun was “cocked and fully loaded.” Another patrolman arrived as backup. The officers noted that the man’s speech was slurred, he reeked of alcohol, and he was unsteady on his feet. At 3:07 a.m., Patrolman Kirkpatrick arrested the would-be killer. On the way to the city jail, the man turned his threats from Elvis and the security guard to the policemen. Three hours later, the man was released after posting a $250 bond. The derringer pistol was kept as evidence.

Millions of people still visit the gates of Graceland each year. After paying an admission fee, they are admitted through the gates. But on those two dates in November, 1976, it was a killer who tried to force his way through the gates. He died last week on October 28, and although he was prevented from entering the gates of Graceland, hopefully he was accepted into the gates of Heaven. The man was not actually a killer, he was The Killer. Jerry Lee Lewis.

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Louisiana SNAP benefits are administered by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), which provides food-purchasing assistance for low-income households. Benefits are distributed once per month to Louisiana Purchase Cards. For November 2022, SNAP benefits go out between Nov. 5th and Nov. 23rd.

Food Stamps: What is the Maximum SNAP EBT Benefit for 2023?

Social Security: Could COLA Increase Reduce Your Food Stamps Benefits?

Your Louisiana Purchase Card can be used to shop and pay for most food items in grocery stores and some retailers. You may also use your EBT card to purchase eligible foods online at select retailers.

If you’re a Louisiana resident, at least 60 years of age and receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then you may qualify for the Louisiana Combined Application Project. LaCAP is a simplified version of SNAP and recipients are issued one of three standard monthly allotment amounts via Louisiana Purchase Cards: $30, $82, or $170. Food assistance is only available through LaCAP or SNAP, but you can switch programs at any time.

There are additional ways to save money using your Louisiana Purchase Card. Here are discounts or free services available to SNAP recipients:

Amazon Prime: Louisiana SNAP recipients can sign up for an Amazon Prime EBT Discount for $6.99 per month, which is about half the regular cost of a subscription.
Computers/internet/cell phones: Through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), eligible SNAP recipients in Louisiana could receive up to a $30 per month discount on internet service plus a $100 credit toward an eligible laptop, tablet or desktop computer. The ACP discount can be combined with the Lifeline federal program, which provides up to $9.25 off your mobile phone bill or home broadband internet service.
Museums/zoos/aquariums: Louisiana SNAP EBT recipients can gain free or discounted access to seven museums across the state through the Museums For All program.

To get benefits through SNAP in Louisiana, households must meet certain resource and income requirements. You can learn more about eligibility requirements by visiting the Louisiana DCFS website.

Louisiana’s SNAP benefits are distributed between the 5th and the 23rd of each month. Elderly or disabled recipients will receive their benefits on the 1st through 4th of each month, while all other recipients will receive their SNAP benefits depending on the last two digits of their Social Security number.

Benefits are accessible by 5:00 a.m. the morning after they are posted. Payments post on the same date every month regardless of the day of the week or whether it’s a holiday or weekend. You can also check your SNAP benefit schedule on the LifeInCheck EBT mobile app. Go to “My Account,” then click “Benefits Schedule.”

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

Stump Removal and Grinding: Call James Stewart at (318) 243-1009 or (318) 768-2554 for your stump removal and grinding needs. Free Estimates! 

Johnny’s Stump Removal: No job too small or too large. Call Johnny McConnell at 318-548-5577 for stump grinding, clean up, top soil fill and other odd jobs. We have over 30 years of experience and insured. Mention code: Jackson Boot to receive a discount. 

 

FOR SALE

Book – “100 year history of JHHS football”  Comprehensive year-by-year description of the first 100 years (1919-2019) of JHHS football. Includes categorial individual and team top ten rankings. Perfect gift for that family member or friend 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. 

Commemorative Plates – Beautifully etched china plates commemorating Jonesboro-Hodge High School and Jackson Parish. To order contact Wilda Smith at (318) 426-6511 or Barbara Johnson at (318) 450-5561.

PUBLIC/LEGAL NOTICES

Jackson Parish Library Board Regular Board Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2022

The Jackson Parish Library Board of Control met on Tuesday, October 25, 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. Cooper, Mrs. Nunn, Mrs. Standley, Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. Tew, and Mrs. Massey. Also present was Floyd Knox and Judy Robertson.
Members absent: Mrs. Essmeier and Mr. Chatham.
Mrs. Cooper led the invocation.
There were no public comments so the Board proceeded with the proposed agenda.
Mrs. Nunn made the motion to approve the minutes for the September 20, 2022, regular board meeting.
Mrs. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Jenkins made the motion to accept the September financial reports. Mrs. Cooper seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to accept the September statistical reports. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
The Director presented the board with the bids for the Library Park project. Triad Builders of Ruston, Inc. was the only bid received. Mrs. Massey made the motion to accept the base bid from Triad Builders of Ruston of $518,000 plus Alternate #’s 1 and 2 in the amounts of $9,500 and $4,000 respectively for a grand total of $531,500. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
The Director presented the board with the 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. Nunn made the motion to confirm Lyndsey Matherne for the position of Youth Services Coordinator contingent upon pre-employment screening and successful completion of probationary period. Mrs. Cooper seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
The Director presented the board with the 2022-2023 Employee Salary Schedule. Mrs. Cooper made the motion to adopt the 2022-2023 Employee Salary Schedule as presented by the Director. Mrs. Nunn seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
The Director updated the Board on the current projects.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried.

Jackson Parish Tourism Board Meeting Minutes
October 18, 2022

Notice Posted: October 17, 2022 @ 9:00 AM
Meeting Date: October 18, 2022, TIME: 5:30
PLACE OF MEETING: The Sunshine Room 160 Industrial Dr., Jonesboro, LA 71251
Roll Call: D. Barlow, K. Spangler, T. Gunter, C. Weeks, D. Barlow, Y. Washington
Invocation and Pledge: K. Spangler gave the invocation with Y. Washington leading the pledge.
Public Comments / Recognition of Guests:
Approval of Minutes of the April 2022 meeting: Motion made by Y. Washington second by T. Gunter to approve the minutes as presented. All in favor, Yea.
Approval of the April 2022 Financials and Pay Bills: Motion made by Y. Washington second by T. Gunter to approve the financials as presented. With request of check breakdown on expenditures showing remaining funds and balances. All in favor, Yea.
Review Old Business:
a. Northeast Louisiana Music trail event-All jobs assigned -everything in place for music -support teams etc.
b. Civil Rights Trail- acquiring photos
c. Christmas Advertising-Working on digital advertising
d. Hospitality purchases- done -may need to ad one more table at later date
e. Promotion Assistance Document review-table till next meeting
Discuss New Business:
a. Jackson Parish Chamber request- Motion made by T. Gunter second by K. Spangler to approve 5,000 dollars for fireworks. All in favor. Yea.
b. Budget process-draft to be made by C. Weeks and K. Spangler
Other Business:
Adjournment – 6:35 – Motion by Y. Washington second by T. Gunter to adjourn the meeting.
Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 5:30PM

 

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Rodney Shane Kelley
September 4, 1977 – October 31, 2022

Rodney Shane Kelley, 45, was a loving brother, son, and friend. He left this world suddenly on the morning of October 31, 2022.
Shane was the son of Rodney Kelley and was born on September 4, 1977. Shane loved to hunt and fish. He also loved motorcycles, specifically Harley Davidsons and hot rod vehicles.
Shane is survived by his father, Rodney Kelley, and three brothers: Chad Kelley, Mark Kelley, and Jamie Rod Kelley. His nephew Hunter Kelley and his niece Ashtyn Kelley. Shane is also survived by a slew of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 2:00pm on Friday, November 4th, at the Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro. The funeral service will follow with Interment being at the Fellowship Cemetery in Quitman, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.

Othel L. Nunn
January 7, 1929 – October 30, 2022 

Othel L. Nunn, age 93 of Jonesboro, made his way through Heaven’s gates to meet his Lord and Savior. He will be remembered for being a hard worker and an avid fisherman. Mr. Nunn worked for and retired from Continental Can after over thirty years of employment. He also was proud to serve his country in Louisiana National Guard. He absolutely loved fishing. Above all else he loved the Lord and his family.

Those left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 71 years, Delma Louiene Nunn; children, Gary D. Nunn and wife Cyndi (Crowson) Nunn, Penny Sue Nunn, Cindy Louiene Nunn; grandchildren, Cathy Row, Mitchell Row, Natalie Row, Shasta Hunter, Nicholas Nunn, Meleah Nunn, Merrick Nunn; 17 great grandchildren, siblings, Clovis Anderson, Earl Nunn, Shirley Payton. He was preceded in death by his parents, A.L. “Buddy” and Essie L. (Howard) Nunn; siblings, Lorene (Nunn) Norred, Vonice (Nunn) Stroud, Charles Lee Nunn.

Friends may visit on Thursday, November 3, 2022 in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home from 9:00AM until time of services. Funeral services are set to begin at 11:00AM with Bro. Brad Jones and Bro. Merrick Nunn officiating. Burial will follow in Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Vary Seymore, Robbie Howard, Tommy Anderson, Scotty Nunn, Ricky Howard, LeRoy Ashley. Honorary pallbearers will be Arnold Harvey, Bobby Stone, Bobby Harvey, Earl Nunn, Gray Black.

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Bart Waggoner of Chatham has been named Grand Marshall of the 2022 Christmas Wonderland in the Pines Parade. As one of the biggest advocates of the prospering of Jackson Parish, Bart has been a member of the Jackson Parish School Board for 32 years and has been a dedicated volunteer for community efforts of which he still actively supports. 

Waggoner is a United States Armed Services Veteran where he served in the Air Force and is a member of Caney Lake Baptist Church, which recently awarded him with a certificate of appreciation. Bart has also given of his time coaching little league baseball and women’s softball. 

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While smiles were abound on the ten beautiful young ladies that represented the 2022 JHHS Homecoming Court none were bigger than on the faces of the Tiger coaching staff and players after the 28-7 victory over Lakeview that gave the Tigers their first district 3-2A victory of the season. With the victory JHHS improved to 3-6 on the year and 1-3 in district play while Lakeview dropped to 4-5 overall and to the bottom of 3-2A with an 0-4 record. 

More importantly the win puts JHHS back in the postseason discussion and in control of their own destiny. According to the current Division IV “Non – Select” schools power rankings, the Tigers are sitting at #29, an improvement of two spots from the week before and just one spot out of the 28 team playoff bracket.

According to JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship, with the way the season has unfolded this is all that can be asked for at this point. 

“I told the guys before the game that even though the season hasn’t gone like we would have wanted up to this point, we are still in control of whether or not we make the playoffs,” said Blankenship. “|I am proud of the way the guys responded. We had to win this one if we were going to have a shot.”

Dominating Performance! While Zoie Anderson and Cartavious Waters were honored as the 2022 Homecoming Queen and King during the assembly held earlier in the day it was Xavier Atkins who ruled the field on Friday night. The LSU commit had by far his best game of the season reminding the large throng of Tiger fans in attendance why he is one of the more coveted athletes in north Louisiana despite being only a junior. Atkins led the dominant Tiger defense with 11 tackles and one assist, including three tackles for a loss. More impressively was his blocking three punts, which sets a nee JHHS single game record and returning an interception 55 yards for a touchdown that broke what had been a close game open. For good measure Atkins also scored on a 12 yard reception while playing offense.

Future is now! To be where they are now has to be almost surreal for Freshman Dakota Knox and Jason Blackburn. Last year the pair were the quarterback and running back for J-H Middle School lending credence that they would one day be strong contributors for the varsity. That day is now! Both turned in sterling performances to lead the offense to their second best scoring total of the season. Knox completed 8 of 13 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown while Blackburn, playing for the first time in three weeks after injuring his ankle, rushed for 34 yards and scored twice. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
JHHS (3-6, 1-3)	0	20	0	8	28
Lakeview (4-5, 0-4)	0	7	0	0	7

JHHS Rushing: Drayton (10-74), Blackburn (10-34, 2 TD’s), Leonard (1-4), Malone (1-minus 3), Knox( 4 – minus 6)
JHHS Passing: Knox (8-13-100, 1 TD), Malone (0-2-0)
JHHS Receiving: Atkins (3-72, 1 TD), Bolds (1-20), Palmer (1-2)
JHHS Tackles: Atkins -11, 3 TFL,  Leonard – 5, 2 TFL, Waters 4, 2 TFL, 

Former Coach Lonnie Calahan honored before game

In recognition of one of the iconic coaches in Jonesboro-Hodge history, Lonnie Calahan was honored before the game by a coalition of former players that he mentored during the years of 1973 – 82. Calahan was presented with a beautiful plaque that commemorated what he meant to his players while also hearing from several of his players. The beloved coach started at JHHS as an assistant in 1973 before becoming head coach in 1979 a position he held until 1982 compiling a 25-19-1 overall record and leading JHHS to the Class AA state championship game in 1980 and the quarterfinals in 1982. 

Booker Family recognized as “First Family of JHHS Football”

In conjuntion with the Jonesboro-Hodge football program and sponsored by the Jackson Parish Journal, the Booker family, one of the most iconic families of JHHS football was recognized at halftime of the JHHS vs Lakeview Homecoming contest. The group[ represented three quarterbacks, one of which was the first African-American to man the position at JHHS, two all state running backs, one NFL All Pro and a professional basketball player still competing today. Being honored for their acheivements were:
Calvin Booker , Donald Booker, Randy Booker, Marty Booker, Cortez Booker, Kameron Booker and Asanti Belton. 

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In what has become an annual tradition that allows children of all ages to enjoy getting the goodies offered at Halloween in a safe and fun environment, “Trunk or Treat” will be held on Jimmie Davis Boulevard aka Main Street in Jonesboro from 6:00 – 7:30pm on Monday, October 31st. Set up for those who will be presenting the candies and such to those attending will be at 5:00pm. In addition, hot dogs will be served in the Pocket Park by Grace Church and on Polk Avenue by Barksdale Federal Credit Union. As added entertainment the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library will be presenting the Alice in Wonderland “Spooktacular” from 4:00 – 8:00pm.

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In conjunction with the Jackson Parish Libray, the Town of Chatham will hold the 5th annual Glow On The Block Party on Halloween, October 31st. The free event will begin at 5:00pm with a Food Court at the Chatham Fire Department. From there revelers will get to enjoy “Trunk or Treat” that will be held on Maple Street in front of the Chatham Community Church. “Glow Fun” will then take place on the Walking Track at the Chatham Branch Library, located at 1500 Pine Street followed by the “Glow Down and Clean Up” at 7:30 pm. 

Sponsors are: Chatham Community Church, Chatham Fire Department, Chatham Grocery, First Baptist Church, J&H Cookin’, Jackson Parish Hospital, Chatham Medical Clinic, Jackson Parish Library, Peoples Bank and the Town of Chatham. 

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One of the oldest rivalries in north Louisiana added another editon to the long history of competition in high school basketball this past Thursday when Quitman High School made the short trip to Weston to tip off the 2022-23 LHSAA prep roundball campaign in the season opening Jamboree. 

Supporters of both schools, many who are friends and neighbors, packed the WHS gymnasium as the two Jackson Parish Schools seperated by only ten miles as the crow flies battled through junior varsity and varsity girls and boys contests that were played with a pair of ten minute halves instead of the normal four quarters. In the end Quitman swept all four games with the QHS junior varisty teams winning by 14-2 and 16-10 margins in girls and boys play respectively and the varsity squads winning by similar 41-33 and 42-32 scores. 

Junior Varsity Girls:

QHS 14 WHS 2: Six players tallied for the Lady Wolverines including several who were just coming off an undefeated junior high season, as the defense held Weston to only a pair of Anslee Aldy free throws in the first half. Taylor Borland led the way with four points followed by two points each from Emma Walker, Anna Leach, Ali Claire Palmer and Jaliegh Burns. Taylor Harvey added a free throw to round out the scoring. 

Junior Varsity Boys:

Quitman 16 Weston 10: Four players scored four points apiece for Quitman as the Wolverines won each half by 8-5 scores. Gratn Williams and Noah Leach did the honors in the first half with Abel Leach and Marvin Delaney doing the honors in the second half. Daniel Watlington scored six to lead the Wolves with Avery Evans and Nathan Wages adding two each. 

Varsity Girls:

Quitman 41 Weston 32: The Lady Wolves exploded out of the locker room to take an eleven point lead and allowed only four players from Quitman to score all game but the Lady Wolverines came storming back with a 28 points in the second half to take the victory. Weston controlled the play early with Emma Kate McBride and Lainee Trosclair hitting three pointers and Briley Peterson adding three the old fashioned way as the Lady Wolves stormed out to a 12-1 advantage. Bethany Leach and Brayli Stewart scored four of their 12 points in the game and Anna Leach hit a three pointer later in the half to help Quitman close the gap at to 17-13 at intermission. Cali Deal scored 12 of her game high 14 points in the second half to fuel the second half rally. Peterson scored seven to lead a balanced attack by the Lady Wolves followed by six from Trosclair and five each from McBride and Jessica Newton. Lexi Millien added four, Anslee Aldy scored three and Nadia Siadek hit a basket for Weston.

Varsity Boys::

Quitman 42 Weston 32: Logan Ponder and Brayden Smith drained three treys each as Quitman nailed eight shots from behind the three point line. Riley Duck and Eli Walker also hit three pointers in the first half as the Wolverines took a 26-13 advantage into the break and never looked back. Tait Henderson and Bryce Zehr, who also hit three from “downtown”, led Weston with ten points each follwed by six from Jude Otwell, five from Braden Theriot and a basket by Juan Gonzales. Normal starter Mitchel Mathews was forced to miss the contest due to injuring his ankle earlier in the day. Ponder led all scorers with 13, Smith added nine and Blake Carter eight to pace the Wolverines. Duck and Walker finished with five eachand Nick Kliebert chipped in with two for Quitman. 

Photos courtesy of Kristi Tolar, Mandy Roberson, JPJ staff 

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