Getting caught is never a good thing. That is unless you were “Caught Being Good”. For Weston High School students, Cayleigh Jett, Ophelia Womack, ZiMichael Washington, Emiley Shryock, and JaQuincy Bryant getting caught was not only a good thing, it was great! They were the grand prize winners of the month long contest sponsored Lexi’s Closet where teachers would nominate students each day for doing good things. Each received an item from their Christmas wishlist. The names of the nominating teachers were also entered in a drawing with Mrs. Maxwell being selected to be awarded the Teacher’s Gift. 

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Do we sing about someone making a list and checking it twice? Do you keep lists this time of year? My lists are jamming up right now.

I have a shopping list. I have a list of gifts that I am to purchase for those whom I love. The problem with my list is that those, whom I love, usually change their mind about what they want. Guys, I will confess I am a terrible gift-giver. In my first year of marriage, my wife wanted perfume for her birthday, and I bought her a weed eater. Every year I purchase something that must be returned. There have been years where I have purchased the “return gift” on purpose, so she could get a store credit and purchase what she wanted. I know a gift card to that store would be more practical, remember “it is the thought that counts.”

About this time of year, she starts saying, “You remember what I said I wanted in September?” Of course, I remember because I wrote it down! “Well, I don’t want it anymore!” So, my Christmas shopping list is one big erasure! I’m thinking about another weed eater so she can return it and get something she really wants!

There is the other list that the guy in the red suit seems to keep. He is keeping that “naughty and nice” list. I want to know where I fall on that list. I have been very nice while being very naughty. Isn’t that the way with us? The Bible proclaims it as a paradox. While we are saints in the church, we are also sinners, or if you like the converse sinners are also saints. We have a paradoxical existence. The Apostle Paul said, “The things I don’t want to do, those things I do.” If the author of most of the New Testament struggled with his sinfulness, who am I to attempt perfection? I want to know where I fall on Santa’s continuum of naughty and nice.

Then there is the whole list of things I must do for the holiday. By the time most of us get to Christmas we are exhausted, from parties, gatherings, reunions, and festivals. We crave some “Silent Night” in our lives and that is on my list of things to do.
We do this to ourselves, because? Oh yeah, we are remembering God in the flesh. He was born in a simple manger to peasant people. We are remembering God coming as a baby so we might approach Him and hold Him.

I wonder if being in the presence of that baby of Bethlehem has made any of our lists?

Would a relationship with Him change the lists we keep?

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While Christmas is a time for giving and receiving presents, the Quitman High School Beta Club learned that by giving you are actually the ones who receive. For weeks the young men and women of the Beta Club collected food items that they kept in the old gym on campus. Last week they loaded up all they collected and delivered the food to needy families and a local non-profit charity organization. Their effort is nothing short of remarkable as they collected enough to provide food for 21 families and donate 2,120.6 pounds of food to His Hands Ministry. 

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Just for kicks and giggles, let’s pretend that Santa Claus became a touring bass pro. What would that look like? Who would be his major sponsors? What would be his favorite technique? What brand boat would Santa run, or would he just transform his sleigh into a fishing machine?

First, Santa would probably have to lose a few pounds in order to compete at the highest level. Fishing the tour is a grind and it’s not for someone carrying 50 to 80 pounds of extra weight. But the extra weight would come in handy for insulation on those cold early-season boat runs. He would definitely have to give up the cookies and gingerbread that he so dearly loves while joining the North Pole Fitness Center.

Now that we have a much slimmer Santa, let’s look at who would sponsor Jolly Ole Saint Nick. Obviously, it would have to be the best sponsors in the industry on a global level. When it comes to what rod and reel line he would choose, I think his first choice would be 13 Fishing. Since 2012 this company has risen to the highest ranks in the fishing industry. Of course, Santa would want nothing but the best and I think he would choose 13 Fishing’s Concept A3 series as his reel of choice.

What kind of fisherman would Santa be? More than likely a power fisherman. A guy of his stature and physical presence would probably like to chunk and wind a spinnerbait or crankbait, or maybe he would like to flip and pitch a jig. Either way, he would be an angler who would never pick up a spinning rod, or as some pros call it…a Fairy wand.

Now, what kind of fishing line would he spool on his reels? Well, that’s an easy answer! Only the best will do for the man in the big red suit, so that would be the Seaguar fishing line. They carry the best fluorocarbon and braided lines made on the planet. As for hooks, what would he use? Again, it’s a no-brainer! He would choose a Japanese brand, Gamakatsu Hooks, the number one brand used by the best pros in the world. Not even his elves could produce a better hook from scratch.

What about a boat…what brand of the boat would fit Santa and fulfill his every need? One thing we’ve made clear, Santa likes the latest and greatest when it comes to products and has nothing but the highest of standards. There are lots of boats that would be okay, like Ranger, Skeeter, or Bass Cat, but today he would choose Caymas. This would give him the best combination in terms of speed, ride, comfort, and fishability. Caymas truly is not only a great boat but one of the newest brands on the market today and becoming very popular among tournament anglers. Don’t just take my word for it, stop by The Boat Shop in Shreveport, Louisiana, and see for yourself why so many anglers are switching over.

Can you imagine how his boat would be wrapped? There would be all the colors of Christmas and every sponsor would be displayed proudly all the while paying homage to Rudolph and the other eight reindeer with their photo image on the wrap. Obviously, there would be a grand display of red and green Christmas lights from bow to stern that would light up an entire body of water. No one would have a better-looking boat than Santa with his heated boat seats and automatic hot chocolate dispenser! Oh, he’ll also need a truck to pull that Caymas boat with. How about a new Ford F150 4X4 pick-up truck from Jimmy Granger’s Natchitoches Ford! This would complete Santa’s fishing rig and have him hitting the tournament trail in style.

Christmas is a special time of year and the fact that Santa is real makes it even more special. Like I still remind my kids who are now in their 20s and 30s, when you stop believing, he stops leaving the gifts you so enjoy. But at our house, we know the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate it by honoring the birth of Jesus by making a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls and placing a candle in the middle, and singing happy birthday to our Lord and Savior. I hope you’ve enjoyed looking at what kind of fishing pro-Saint Nick would be if he chose to change his profession. Till next time good luck, good fishing, and Merry Christmas! Here’s hoping your stocking is filled with some great bass-catching lures and plenty of sunscreens!

Steve Graf
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show &
Tackle Talk Live

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Quitman High School celebrated the final week of school before Christmas with a twist. Literally! What actually took place was members of the QHS student body putting on two live productions of “Christmas With a Twist” on December 20th to the delight of fellow students, faculty, and visitors. 

Written by Carl E. Williams, the 30-minute production consisted of the three following, ten minute long plays:
“Another Turn of the Scrooge”
“The Woman Who Shot Santa”
“Gift of the Magi”

“Congratulations to all the cast members who worked really hard to make this a tremendous success,” said Coordinator, Holly Noel.

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Hung on a Tree

Many cherish heirloom Christmas tree ornaments; given by family and friends, they have great sentimental value.

Newlyweds begin their own Christmas traditions.

Years later, the teary-eyed wife hangs a tarnished ornament upon their tree. It brings back memories of their first Christmas together. Times were tough and there were few gift wrapped packages under the tree.

Her heart flutters as she lifts another decoration from an ornament box.

It’s one she purchased for their baby daughter’s first Christmas. Can we set a financial value to such keepsakes?

How much would you be willing to pay for a Christmas tree ornament?

We find inexpensive ornaments at dollar stores and a wide selection of price ranges at gift shops.

Maybe you have browsed aisles of Hallmark Stores or Cracker Barrel restaurants.

I’ve never stepped inside Tiffany’s. I wonder if they offer holiday ornaments. Just imagine; a wealthy shopper might find the perfect 24 carat gold tree topper.

We don’t need ornaments of gold to celebrate Christmas.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7 KJV).”

JESUS, from babe of Bethlehem…to King of the Jews at Golgotha…

Crucified there on a cross, they hung Jesus on a tree.

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree (Galatians 3:13 KJV).”

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To have published your Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for sale, Advertisements for Bids, Requests for Proposals, Requests for Quotes, Public Notices, and Legal Notices – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com. Possible costs are dependent on content. 

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! 

 

JOB OPENING

First Baptist Church  – Jonesboro: Actively searching to fill the position of secretary. The job will require approximately 4-5 hours per day (M-F). Applicant needs to be proficient in general reception duties, Office 365, and basic financial record keeping. A good rapport with people and a teachable spirit are required. Resumes can be mailed to 500 S Cooper Ave, Jonesboro, or emailed to office@fbcjonesboro.net. You may also call the church office at (318) 259-4467 for more information.

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 Christmas gift for that family member or friend who would enjoy remembering their “glory days”. The cost is $25.00 per book plus $3.00 for shipping and handling. To order call (318) 480-1206. 

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

SPRING CREEK SUBDIVISION WATER SYSTEM
PWS ID# LA1049028

The SPRING CREEK SUBDIVISION WATER SYSTEM is currently in violation of the treatment technique requirements for minimum residual disinfectant level as set forth by the State (Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code). Although this incident is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct this situation.
What happened?
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has determined that the presence of microbiological contaminantsis a health concern at certain levels of exposure and requires the disinfection of drinking water to kill disease- causing organisms. Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-causing organisms in drinking water, but also may be caused by a number of factors other than your drinking water. LDH has set enforceable requirements for treating drinking water to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects.
Treatment such as filtering and disinfecting the water removes and destroys microbiological contaminants.
Drinking water which is treated to meet LDH requirements is associated with little to none of this risk and should be considered safe.
We are required to monitor your water for the residual disinfectant level. This tells us whether we are effectively treating the water supply. During the compliance monitoring periods of (10/1/2022) through (10/31/2022), and (11/1/2022) through (11/30/2022), the SPRING CREEK SUBDIVISION WATER SYSTEM failed to provide the minimum residual disinfectant level in the treated water supplied to customers. The violation occurred because the treated water chlorine residual was less than 0.5 milligrams per liter in over five percent of the samples collected in the water system in two consecutive months.
What should you do?
You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
What is being done?
Our operations partner (Clearwater Solutions) is looking into the issues and are planning to install a new chemical feed pump that is flow paced with the new master meter. The estimated completion date is Q1 (quarter one) 2023.
Magnolia Water UOC is committed to bringing our customers safe, reliable water services and will continue to work with the LDH to carry out this commitment.
For more information, please contact Magnolia Water at 1-855-643-8152.

 

 

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Mary Edith McBride
June 20, 1944 – December 20, 2022

Mary Edith Grissom McBride, age 78 of Ruston, LA, died on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. Mary Edith was born on June 20, 1944, in Jonesboro, LA to the late Thurman and Mildred Grissom. She is preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Garland D. McBride.

She was very proud of her family and cherished her time with all of them. Her greatest accomplishments were her grandchildren and great-grandchild. She loved her role as Mamaw. Mary Edith loved holidays and family get-togethers; any chance to spend time with her family was important to her. She was a wonderful cook, as she always enjoyed feeding her family Sunday lunch for many years.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Michael D. McBride (Amelia), Shreveport, LA, and Sandra K. Simmons (Douglas), Ruston, LA; four grandchildren, Millicent C. McBride, Dallas, TX, Stephen S. Kunz, Jr. (Carrie), Fairview, TX, Hayden D. McBride, Shreveport, LA, Ryan C. McBride(fiancé Katherine), Dallas, TX; great-grandchild, Stephen Oliver Kunz; one sister, Barbara G. Vail (Bobby), Quitman, LA; brothers-in-law Glen(Skeeter) McBride (Daphne), Ricky McBride (Mary Lynn), Keith McBride (Debbie), Randy McBride; sister in law, Patricia Garner; and several nieces and nephews.

Mary Edith was preceded in death by her husband, Garland D. McBride; father, Thurman Grissom; mother, Mildred (McCloud) Grissom; brother, Robert E. Grissom; and son-in-law Stephen S. Kunz.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home chapel in Jonesboro, conducted by Rev. Randy Dark. Burial followed in Garden of Memories in Jonesboro under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Stephen S. Kunz, Jr., Hayden D. McBride, Ryan C. McBride, Greg D. Horn, Jeffrey L, McBride, and Clay Garner.

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The Jackson Parish Police Jury reminds that you are invited to attend a Broadband Meeting at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center, located at 182 Industrial Loop in Jonesboro at 9:00am on December 21st. Mr. Veneeth Iyengar, Louisiana State Executive Director for Broadband Development and Connectivity, and his team will be introducing representatives from Optimum Internet to discuss the plans for improving Broadband internet for Jackson Parish.

For any questions or if you have special needs to attend the meeting contact the Jackson Parish Police Jury office at (318) 259-2361 ext. 3.

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Interested citizens crammed the meeting room of the Village of Hodge Administration Building on Tuesday to learn that the Town Council of Willard Willis, Steve Fox, and Martha Buchan will not accept the offer of a donation of the Hodge Shopping Center – AGAIN.

Two weeks ago during their regularly scheduled meeting the three members of the Town Council, refused to accept the offer made by Chuck Allen to give donate the Shopping Center to the Village along with $300,000.00.The money was in consideration of what it was estimated to cost for Asbestos abatement of the floors ($125,000.00) and to have the structure torn down ($175,000.00. The second passing of the opportunity came about due to a failure for a motion to be made that would reconsider the previous act. 

The session began with Hodge Mayor, Gerald Palmer explaining that the reason that the special session had been called was because of all the phone calls received once it was learned that Allen had contacted the three remaining businesses in the shopping center to let them know they had to vacate the premises by January 15th.

“I think that we need to give this another look,” said Palmer. “I have been speaking with North Delta Regional Planning Authority President Hal Mims about them helping us and Dollar General and Farm Bureau have expressed interest in locating on the property.”

Several questions followed such as: What would be the chances of getting a grocery store at the location? Is it possible to keep the three businesses open and tear down the rest of the structure? How much would insurance cost the Village? The responses to these and more gave those in attendance the feeling that it would be best to take Allen up on his offer. 

“It boils down to do we take the risk or not?” summarized Palmer.

When the request was made of the Council members for comment a different slant emerged. 

After Willard Willis said he had no comment, Steve Fox took the floor. He immediately directed his response toward Palmer.

“You need to tell these people the whole story and what you told us last time we met,” said Fox. “The first thing I said at the meeting was that we needed a grocery store. You said we didn’t have enough residents to support one. You said the back wall of the building where the three businesses are still operating was unstable and unsafe. You told us that we would be responsible for any injury on the property if we took possession.”

Fox was then asked what his opinion was about accepting the donation. 

“There is nothing more I would like than for us to be able to have the shopping center again but I think we would be stepping into a hole f we take this and we are going to go down hard. The town could get seriously hurt financially,” Fox replied. “The Mayor says that we can abate the Asbestos and take down the building for the $300,000.00. What about the water, gas, and sewer lines underneath the slab? All of those would have to be addressed. Where is the money going to come from for that? I am also concerned that if we do take the property what’s to say the businesses will stay there? I’m already hearing about one that says they are going to move regardless of what is done.

Martha Buchan then spoke. 

“This was thrown at us two weeks ago. What we heard was so many uncertainties and no definite answers regarding financial stability. It is my opinion that we shouldn’t be interested in getting into the real estate business but focusing on dealing with the running of the town’s operations,” said Buchans. “Really we shouldn’t even be having this meeting as we have voted on this already. This is a meeting that should have been held with Chuck Allen.” 

It was then that Mayor Palmer asked the council if anyone wanted to make a motion to reconsider the action from the meeting before and make a new motion to accept Allen’s offer? The silence spoke volumes. 

 

 

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All three Jackson Parish schools split their boys and girls played on Monday and Tuesday while neighboring Saline continued their pre-holiday surge by earning a sweep. JHHS and Quitman both played home games, but in an ironic twist of fate, it was against each other with the JHHS boys and QHS girls winning. Weston and Saline hit the road with the Wolves making the long trip for Stanley where the girls gained revenge of an earlier season loss and the boys lost while the Bobcats proved unruly guests at D’Arbonne Woods in Farmerville by sweeping the Division III “select” school. 

JHHS 65 Quitman 45: (boys) On the strength of a season-best 30 points second quarter, Jonesboro-Hodge waltzed their way to the 20-point victory in the contest where “home” was more “home” for the team that has always called the court “home.” With the victory, JHHS improved to 5-4 on the year, while Quitman dropped to 11-6 in their final scheduled contest of the calendar year. 

The Tigers led 15-5 at the end of one, but it was season-best standards of six 3-pointers and 12 field goals that paced JHHS to a commanding 45-18 lead at the break. The damage was done by Ajay Tew and Edward Beard who both made a pair of treys each with Jarrius Lumpkin and Jaylin Barnes adding a “bomb” to go along with a pair of baskets by Zion Gray and Savantez Phillips. 

Lumpkin would add six second-half points to give him a career-best 17 to lead eight players who scored for the Tigers. Gray and Phillips also reached double digits in scoring with 13 and 11. Tew ended with 8, Beard scored 6 and Symeon Malone had five, followed by Barnes with three and two points from Cameron Leonard. 

Quitman was led by the one-two punch of Logan Ponder and Eli Walker who scored all but seven of the points scored by the Wolverines. Ponder ended with 22 and Walker 16, including four treys. Gavyn Caskey had three and both Brayden Smith and Noah Leach added a basket. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
JHHS (5-4)	15	30	7	13	65
QHS (11-6)	5	13	12	15	45

Quitman 44 JHHS 20: (Girls) Bethany Leach and Brayli Stewart scored 12 points each and Cali Deal snared 11 rebounds to go with her 5 assists and four points as Quitman ran away from the Lady Tigers.The contest was over early as Quitman raced to a 12-2 first quarter lead that they stretched to 27-9 at the half. Summer Grillette continued her pre-holiday stat surge with 8 points and 8 rebounds. Emma Carter posted six points and six steals and Ansley Folks made a basket. No individual stats were available for JHHS. With the victory Quitman improves to 13-4 while JHHS fell to 2-7. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
JHHS (2-7)	2	7	3	8	20
QHS (13-4)	12	15	9	8	44

Weston 46 Stanley 33: (Girls) After a defensive struggle left Stanley holding a 17-13 lead after two periods of play, Weston came roaring out of the break to outscore the home team 33-16 and even the season series between the two as both schools won a road game. The fourth victory in a row lifted the Lady Wolves to an area-best 16-4 while Stanley dropped to 6-10 on the year. Stanley had no answer for Briley Peterson who posted a “double-double” of 14 points and 14 boards. Jessica Newton also came up big with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 blocks. Emma Kate McBride had 8 points, followed by both Lexie Millien and Lainee Trosclair with four each. Nadia Siadek grabbed six rebounds and scored a basket. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Weston (17-4)	8	5	19	14	46
Stanley (6-10)	9	8	6	10	33

Stanley 66 Weston 43: (Boys) By giving Weston just their second loss in the last six games, Stanley swept the season series in the Wolves final contest of the calendar year. The defeat drops the Wolves to 7-11 on the season while Stanley improves to 11-5. No statistics were available at press time. 

Saline 60 D’Arbonne Woods 39: (Boys) The tale to two seasons in the first half of one continued as Saline ends the pre-Christmas holiday break by winning their sixth game out of the last seven. With the victory the Bobcats now sit at 7-10 on the year after beginning the season bylosing 8 of their first nine games. Wesley Crawford burned DWC for four first half three pointers on his way to a game high 22 points while freshman phenom, Gavon Dailey,  also reached double figures with 16. D.J. Rager-Ridley scored 9, Conner Roberts had 4, TreyVon Colvin 3, Maddox Williams and Will Dyson tallied two and both Shawn Staggs and Jacob Jones made a free throw. D’Arbonne Woods remained winless on the year after nine games. 

Saline 48 D’Arbonne Woods 35: (Girls) The Lady Bobcats are also enjoying a pre holiday renissance of their own by winning their third straight after losing 11 of their first 12 games. Making the resurgance all the more impressive is that all three wins came at the expense of schools from a higher classification. Alana Gray turned in the first “triple-double” of among area players with a monster performance of 16 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists, while twin sister Alaya chipped in with 13 points. X Lard also reached double digits with 11 followed by Kasidy Sims with 4, Cenada Weathers scoring 3 and Sydney Thomas making a basket. 

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District 1 member, Todd Culpepper, and District 3 member, Amy Magee, have been chosen as President and Vice-President of the Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ) for 2023. The election of each took place at the end of the regularly scheduled December meeting of the JPPJ that was held Tuesday evening at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro. 

The session began with outgoing President, Lynn Treadway, calling the meeting to order followed by the adoption of a pair of Ordinances.
Ordinance No. 01-1220-2022: to amend Ordinance 02-1213-2021 annual operating budgets of revenue and expenditures for General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Debt Service Fund, and Capital Projects funds for the fiscal year 2022.
Ordinance No. 02-1220-2022: to adopt the annual operating budgets of revenue and expenditures for the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Debt Service Fund, and Capital Projects funds for the fiscal year 2023.

In additional action, Option B of the Road Program was approved, and Riley Company of Ruston was chosen as Parish Engineer for the 2023 Road Program as well as the Lakeshore Drive Rehabilitation and Improvements Project. A new brush axe cutter/mower was approved to be purchased in 2023 on the State contract for $171,393.00 for the Road Department but the leases on the 15-yard dump truck and the pneumatic roller will not be renewed. 

The 2023 North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory Commission budget was approved and the revised 2022 budget amendments and 2023 budget for the Library Board were adopted. Also,  a new employee at the Health Unit was accepted into the payroll system.

Just before the session ended a Resolution was adopted ordering and calling a special election to be held in Jackson Parish to authorize the levy of a special tax, as well, as approving Parish Boards and Commissions Appointments, the 2023 Holiday Schedule and 2023 Regular Jury Meeting Schedule.

 

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(DISCLAIMER) The following is a paid advertorial. All views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author, who is identified at the bottom of this correspondence. No inference should be made that the views expressed are those of the Jackson Parish Journal, its Publisher, or its advertisers.

The cover of the flyer reads – WHO IS THE MAYOR OF JONESBORO.

Then he leads off with a headline from KTVE announcing Democrat Leslie Thompson was elected as Mayor of Jonesboro. What he didn’t show was the retraction or correction that KTVE made. The mayor then listed some other accusations that he used to infer that the election was not fair, which he used to lead to the main reason to solicit citizens to sign a petition for a recall and revote.

Now in the Mayor’s headline, he didn’t put a question mark at the end, therefore, I guess we can make our decision whether it was a question or a statement. I decided that it was a question and made the decision to answer the question.

My answer is that Mayor Thompson you are the Mayor of Jonesboro until December 31, 2022, and on January 1, 2023, you become the former Mayor.

It is my opinion that you were asking who won the mayor’s race on December 8, 2022. Well, let me answer that question also. On December 8, 2022, the citizens of Jonesboro voted for James “Spike” Harris, as the Mayor-Elect of Jonesboro. It appears that this is hard for you to accept because Mayor-Elect Harris only won by 20 votes. Because it was so close you wanted a recount, which you got and got the same results.

One would think that this would have been enough for you to concede and extend congratulations, but no, now you want a recall and revote just because you didn’t win. Is it your intention to proceed with this until you get the results you want or is it that you are just in denial about the outcome?

An election is not determined by how many votes one wins, but by who has 50 plus percent of the vote. You are making a mockery of yourself and those who voted for you. You speak about winning and losing with honor. It is time that you do the honorable thing and accepts that you lost the election and move on with your life.

Also, to those who voted for Mayor Thompson, it is time for you to give your support to Mayor-elect Harris to help put the town of Jonesboro on track to becoming a progressive town. In addition, you should advise Mayor Thompson to get with Mayor-elect Harris to insure a smooth transition. The election is over, and it is time for us to move forward.

Finally, to anyone seeking public office, there are two things you should know. You can win and you can lose. Mayor Thompson, you lost. Be a man and not a sore loser. Extend the hand.

Paid for and submitted by James E. Bradford

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Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Laura Culpepper announces the selection of persons that are subject to serve on the Grand Jury of the Second Judicial District Court on January 4th, 2023. Individuals listed will receive an official summons from the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Grand Jury selection only takes 30 minutes and does not get cancelled. How potential jury members were selected and the time frame that those who actually sit will serve is indicated in a statement by Clerk Laura Culpepper following the names of the people selected. 

SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA
“GRAND JURY VENIRE”
Persons subject to service as Grand Jurors for the session of Court
BEGINNING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2023 AT 9:00 AM
BEFORE JUDGE HONORABLE RICK WARREN
JURY NUMBER 2023-001

ADAMS, JAMES LEE
ALLEN, DELANN
ALLEN, PHILLIP BRANDON
ANDERSON, DONNIE JOE
AULDS, ROBERT WAYNE
BAKER, MADELYNN MICHELLE
BARHAM, BARBARA NUGENT
BEACH, CLYDE JERRY
BELTON, KEIRRA MONAE
BELTON, MONIQUE JORDAN
BLANKENSHIP, ERRINTON JARROD
BORLAND, SARA STAGGS
BRADFORD, KIARA YA’MAI
BRADLEY, BETTIE G
BROTHWELL, CHRISTOPHER JAMES
BROWN, BEVERLY COLEMAN
BROWN, CHARLENE J
BROWN, TRACIE WYATT
BRYAN, CAREY LYNN
BRYANT, JEREMY JAMAIN
BURNS, SHAWN LEWIS
BURROUGHS, TAMEKA D
BUTLER, DANA F
CARVELL III, RICHARD FORTNEY
CASKEY, JANET BROWN
CAUSEY JR, CLIFFORD LARON
CHATHAM, THOMAS DANIEL
COLEMAN, KASEY DANIELLE
COMBS, CHRISTOPHER DEAVON
CONN, HAILEY CHEATWOOD
CURRY, ERIN ELIZABETH
CURTIS, MARINNA AVERY
DARK, MATHEW CODY
DAVIS, DANNY LYNN
DENIS, SANDRA DENISE
DEVINE, LINDA HARVEY
DOMANGUE, BROCK ANTHONY
DORSEY, LADREKA MONET
ELLIOTT, EDWARD COURTNEY
FARMAR, MARY EAVES
FARVE, SABRA MAGGIO
FENN, ANTHONY GLEN
FIESEL, RICHARD MICHAEL
GLANDS, SYMONE DEANTA
GOERTZ, ROBIN VESTAL
GOSS, KASON CALEB
GOTTFRIED, JAMES CLOVIS
GRAPPE, CYNTHIA JIMMERSON
HALL, BRANDON MICHAEL
HALL, SARAH ANN
HARPER JR, ARTHUR
HARRELL, DAYILE CARYSE
HARRIS, SHANTE MONIQUE
HASSEN JR, FLOYD E
HATFIELD, MADELINE NICOLE
HENDERSON JR, DAVID JOE
HOLDEN, DIANE DOROTHY ROBINS
HORTON, HEATHER WALKER
HOWARD, JOHN DAVID
HUCKABY, HOLDEN LANCE
HUMPHRIES, SANDRA GAIL
JACKSON, MARLON L
JOHNSON, PATRICIA D
JONES, JOSHUA LANCE
JONES, MISTY K
KENNEDY, TODD NICHOLAS
KNOTTS, BRANDY SIMPSON
LAMKIN, CHARLES MICHAEL
LAMM JR, WILLIAM GEORGE
LANDERS, CHARLES W
LAWRENCE, PHILIP
LEWIS, ANTHONY AUSTIN
LEWIS, FREDERICK EARL
LOCKETT, DAVID ANDREW
LOVE, CHERYL BRADFORD
LOWERY, GARY LYNN
MANGHAM, CARISSA EVETTE
MASON, JACQUELINE J
MAXWELL, ALMA TURNER
MAXWELL, AMANDA PARDUE
MAXWELL, ANTHONY KING
MAYO JR, ROYCE T
MCBRIDE, TIFFANY SHALYNNE
MCCARTNEY, DONNA W
MCCULLIN III, LEVI OTIS
MCGUIRE, DEON CORNELIUS
MCKEITHEN, JOHN WILLIAM
MCLAIN, TAMMY DIANE
MILLS, RODNEY
MOFFITT, JAMIE YVONNE
MORGAN, ROBERT C
MOSLEY, FOREST
MURPHREY, LANDON MICHAEL
MURPHY, BRIAN NICHOLAS
NESBIT, JERRY LANE
NOMEY II, GEORGE
OHAVER, WILLIAM GERALD
PACE, RONDALL NEIL
PARDUE, REGINALD DWIGHT
PAULSON, JENNY M
PEARRIE, SAMANTHA ALISE’
PEE, PERRY M
QUALLS, DONALD MARCELL
RASBERRY, SYDNEY SUZANNA
REED, MATTHEW ALLEN
RHODES, CAROLYN AVERY
RHODES, RUSSELL KEITH
RICE, JANET T
ROBINSON, RODNEY GLEN
ROWLAND, ASHLEY NADINE
SCOTT, TAMARA RENEA
SCOTT I, TRACE ALLEN
SHACKELFORD, CONNIE GREER
SHAVERS, VIRGIL ALBERT
SHAW, TAMATHA LEANN
SHOWS, BLANCHE BISHOP
SHULER, ALICE S
SMITH, JOHN WAYNE
SMITH, SHANA SHERIE
SMITH, TONIA SUE
SNOW, JACK
SPANGLER, KELLY SHAWANA
SPENCE, AUNDRA JAMAR
SPRINGFIELD, FRANCES CHRISTINE
STEWART, BARRY WAYNE
TATUM, DONALD RAY
TATUM, MARY FRANCE
THOMAS, TERRY D
THOMPSON, A’RAYA ARMANI
THOMPSON, J’MACIA
TOLER, FRANCES C
TOMPKINS, JAMES A
TRAN, JOHN MINH
TRUELOVE, ROGER WAYNE
VENABLE, KATHERINE SHIELDS
WALKER, NEJUAN C
WALKER, SHANON LARAE
WATKINS, JON BRANDON
WEEKS, CHRISTINE ALLEN
WEEKS, SAVANNAH H
WILLIAMS, ARTIE L
WILLIAMS, KIMBERLY GAIL
WILLIAMS, NICHOLAS ANTIONE
WILLIAMS, SARAH LEVORN
WILSON, LORI GOODWIN
WINDSOR, AMANDA RENEE
WISE, RANDY
WOODS, ANNA HINTON
WORSHAM, ETHAN HUNTER
WYATT, KIUNDREA SABREE

I HEREBY CERTIFY THE ABOVE IS A TRUE AND CORRECT LIST OF GRAND JURORS SELECTED BY DRAWING INDISCRIMINATELY BY LOT WITH NO DISTINCTION, NEITHER INCLUSION THEREIN OR EXCLUSION THEREFROM MADE ON ACCOUNT OF RACE, COLOR OR PREVIOUS SERVITUDE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH LA CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ARTICLE 416. THE JURY COMMISSION OF JACKSON PARISH DREW THIS LIST FROM THE GENERAL VENIRE OF JACKSON PARISH, LA ON DECEMBER 6, 2022, TO SERVE AS GRAND JURORS ON THE ABOVE DATE OR FOR AS LONG AS MAY BE NECESSARY IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW.
GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF THE OFFICE OF CLERK OF COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, THIS 6TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2022.

Laura H. Culpepper
CLERK OF COURT, JACKSON PARISH

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After accepting the offer for a baseball scholarship, Kaden Shirley will report to Garden City Community College in Kansas on January 8th. The crafty, lefthanded pitcher / outfielder was a catalyst in Weston High School being ranked #1 in Class B for much of the 2022 LHSAA season.  

“We will miss him, but are excited to see what this new adventure holds,” stated Nicke-Darius Shirley in a Facebook post.

On the mound, Shirley posted a 5-4 record and a sparkling 2.513 earned run average (ERA) during his senior season. The victories included a no-hitter in the season opener against Class 4A Carroll High School in Monroe and a one hitter against Holden High School in the Class B regional playoffs. At the plate, Shirley batted .323 wirh 25 runs scored and 24 runs batted in, while swiping eight bases. 

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The Christmas spirit descended on the Village of Chatham on Saturday, December 17th as residents lined the streets in enjoyment of the annual Christmas Parade. The parade featured decorated floats, 4-wheelers, trucks and autos along with units from the Ward 2 Fire Department, Jackson Parish Ambulance Service and Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office.

“We are appreciative of everyone who participated in making this a fun and enjoyable time for the residents of our community and the surrounding area,” said Chatham Mayor Gregory Harris. “We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.”

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Although the answer seems a paradox, the debate over Santa’s best reindeer is easy: it’s Rudolph, by a nose.

Deciding the best Christmastime movie, that’s a whole other sleigh full of toys.

Any sane person would of course say the warm but comedic Scrooged from 1988 is the best. It stars Bill Murray as a rotten, entitled TV exec, a modern-day Scrooge who sees the light after experiences with three unforgettable spirits of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future.

But then any person with Christmas truly in his heart would say that’s not even the best movie based on Dickens’ book, A Christmas Carol. That spot belongs to The Muppet Christmas Carol from 1992, the brilliant comedy musical starring Michael Caine as Scrooge, Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as his wife, and you get the picture. (The Rats stole the show. I love a funny Muppet rat. In a top hat. And a scarf.)

But then a person with anything more than figgy pudding for brains would agree that even the 1984 made-for-TV drama A Christmas Carol starring George C. Scott as Scrooge was the best — unless you go another route entirely and raise your hand for A Christmas Story from 1983, now a Christmas classic thanks to Ralphie and his quest for the Red Ryder, and thanks to the late Jean Shepherd, who wrote the story in his 1966 book, In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash.

And we haven’t even mentioned The Grinch or Charlie Brown yet. Gee whiz …

To each his own in Christmas movies. One man’s Top Gun: Maverick (good!) is another man’s Top Gun (the original: booo!). If we’re choosing reels for reals, I shouldn’t even be given a vote since I’m the only American living or dead who has never seen Christmas Vacation or Home Alone, or Die Hard all the way through.

Maybe one of these lonely days …

But maybe on this, we can agree. Our favorite movies, should we think about it, were lacking in production value, were grainy and hardly in sharp color, and had no script. They weren’t pretty, but they were authentic. My favorites were filmed in the 1960s, a less-than-celebrated decade marked by indoor wood paneling and shag rugs and shaggy hair, and bright colors. The ’60s put the “T” in “Tacky.”

But boy, did it turn out some great Christmas movies. All were filmed live.

Dad in the T-shirt with “the camera,” a projector with two-big bulbs. Looked like he was filming with a giant insect. In nearly every shot, the “actors and actresses” — us and our aunts and uncles and cousins and Christmas morning friends — are shielding our eyes from the double deadly bright Lumen Rays of Death emitted from this contraption our father was shooting us with. (The smarter children of that era decided early on to become eye doctors and specialize in the treatment of “Holiday Retina Burn” — and they’re retired today and have no clue how much money they have stashed, all because of those torturing Christmas bulbs.)

In those filmed-at-home movies, I see in my mind the old scene with a 4-year-old boy and the bike. My baby sister holding a doll, and a big sis, Sissy, with combs and a pink dress. A chihuahua dragging wrapping paper across the wood floor.

That archaic filming machine captured us with magic sets and footballs and Hot Wheels and Barbies and E-Z-Bakes. Captured Christmases cold and Christmases warm and Christmases wet. Scenes around the table with grandmothers and grandfathers, year after year, older as we grew, but still grainy, shading our eyes as if trying to squint into the future, with no idea as to how much these movies would mean to us when we finally got there.

 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu or on Twitter @MamaLuvsManning

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T-Minus five days and counting! The countdown to Christmas has begun! Got any last-minute wishes? Bring the kids to see Santa in his house from 5:00- 9:00pm each night till Christmas in Tony Rome Park, located between 4th and Main Street on Polk Avenue. Concession Stand opens at 5pm so get your fresh popcorn and hot chocolate to enjoy on your stroll down Main Street to enjoy the Christmas lights display or while being chauffered on a carriage ride.  

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Over the past three weeks Santa’s Wolfpup helpers at Weston High School have caught a lot of students being good. As a reward, each student received a prize donated by Lexi’s Closet. Grand prize winners are to be announced soon! 

Wow!! Santa’s elves will have to work overtime this year to get his nice list filled. We are so happy to see all the smiles on these precious kids’ faces. – Facebook post on Lexi’s Closet page. 

For the past couple of months Lexi’s Closet has been working diligently in getting items donated and would like to thank all the indivicuals, businesses and organizations for their support in helping make this a wonderful Christmas. 
 

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Santa’s Lap

My sister Donna once shared a humorous Christmas memory. She took her 4 children to see Santa Claus. Daniel, her youngest son, wanted no part of the bearded stranger. He took off running down the sidewalk of the West Texas town.

Donna followed in hot pursuit.

It’s a common scene…

Parents get their sons and daughters ready to meet Santa and dress them in bright red or green. Pictures will make great Christmas cards. Eagerly, moms and dads take advantage of Christmas photo ops.

‘Go ahead now; it’s your turn.’

‘Don’t be afraid. Just crawl up in Santa’s lap now and tell him what you want for Christmas!’

I wonder what parents said to their children before sending them to meet Jesus.

“Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them (Matthew 19:13 NASB).”

Jesus welcomed the children.

“But Jesus said, ‘Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ After laying His hands on them, He departed from there (Matthew 19:14-15 NASB).”

 

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The administration and staff of the Jackson Parish Hospital (JPH) enjoyed a special afternoon on Thursday, December 15th as the annual Employee Service Award Ceremony was held. CEO John Morgan opened the event by addressing those in attendance. thanking everyone for their hard-work and years of dedication.  

“We have such an amazing team here at JPH, and we would like to thank you all for your hard work and dedication and everything that you do,” Morgan said to his staff.  “It is because of you that we can continue to provide the very best patient care to our community!”

After lunch was served those who have been a part of JPH for 5 years, 10 years and 15 year were recognized along with special awards given for most positive employees, and outstanding performance.

5 Years of  Service 

10 Years of Service

15 Years of Service

 

JPH Outstanding Performance Award

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(Ian Robinson – Monroe News Star)
A historic entertainment venue in Jackson Parish, named one of the state’s most endangered sites, is in the beginning stages of being restored.

The Palace Theater in Jonesboro became a popular gathering space for this rural north-central Louisiana community with popular westerns, double features, and even newsreels of worldly events. Newspaper advertisements show that as many as three different movies were presented during one week in the 1930s and ’40s.

It was built in 1924 and shows on the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map as a “theatorium,” according to the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation. The building was updated to its current style of Art Deco, with some Spanish Colonial Revival in 1935, when stucco was supplied to its façade.

While the theater building has been vacant for decades, the Greater North Louisiana Community Development Corporation, operated by Jonesboro resident Herbert Simmons, hopes to rehabilitate and return it to an entertainment attraction once again. The nonprofit organization is actively fundraising to make major renovations to the National Register landmark.

Simmons said the organization’s current goal is to renovate the theater, which has suffered immense damage from sitting vacant for decades. Renovations will include stripping and refinishing the existing wood floors, adding carpeting to the aisles and stairs, updating acoustic tiles, adding murals and metallic paint details, roof repair, and reupholstering seating.

“It’s in a state of disrepair,” Simmons said. “The roof is one of the major things damaged due to water erosion but once we finish and of course, it’s going to take a lot to make it happen with millions of dollars, but we would like the Palace Theater to become more of a center of excellence for showcasing issues, programs, seminars, workshops, dinners that deals with addressing problems of our nation.”

“We would like for it to be a center of excellence where you could come to the Palace Theater and see a national debate, maybe a governor’s race, and the candidates are in the theater addressing what they’re going to do for the state of Louisiana,” continued Simmons. “We want it to be more… we’re not talking about a theater where you show movies, that’s not what we’re talking about. We want it to be a center of activity that reflects what’s happening in the state of Louisiana and what’s happening in the nation as well.”

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