The Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School’s Wraparound Services would like to thank Brian Hurt and Cub Scout Troop #523 for their generous donation. The Cub Scouts donated 139 pairs of underwear, 154 pairs of socks, 48 toothbrushes, 18 tubes of toothpaste, and 48 bars of soap. These donations will be provided to J-HES students and families in need.

The Wraparound Services at J-HES began this school year, with approval from the Jackson Parish School Board. Ms. Danielle Copeland, Principal of J-HES, as well as Mrs. Tristen Bergholtz, Wraparound Counselor, is in full support of the Wraparound Services to promote the well being of each student.

The donations from the Cub Scout Troop #523 will go directly to the students that show need at any time during the school year. We thank Mr. Hurt and his Cub Scout Troop for taking on this project and for their donation to the school. It is because of their efforts that we are able to provide the basic necessities for our students.

For more information about the Wraparound Services or to make a donation, please contact Ms. Danielle Copeland, J-HES Principal , or Mrs. Tristen Bergholtz, Counselor, at 318-259-4489, or email at Danielle.Copeland@jpsbschools.us or Tristen.Bergholtz@jpsbschools.us.

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In 1910, Pietro and Lucia and their six children emigrated from a small town in Italy to Canonsburg, Pennsylvania where Pietro earned meager wages as a millhand. Two years after their arrival, they added their seventh child, Ronald, to their ever-growing family which eventually totaled thirteen children. Ronald was the seventh son of a seventh son and the first of the children to be born in America. Ronald’s family spoke Italian at home and Ronald only began to learn English when he entered elementary school, although he had picked up a few words here and there.

In 1922 or 23, sources vary on the exact year, Ronald began working in Steve Fragapane’s barbershop to earn extra money for the family. At the barbershop, he built and tended to the fire in the fireplace and swept up hair clippings from the floor. Ronald quickly learned that he could make more money if he were to become a barber himself, so he watched Steve and the other barbers closely. He convinced the barbers to let him try his hand at taking a few snips here and there off of the customers. Their confidence in Ronald grew quickly because he had a steady hand, a good eye, and he showed no outward appearance of nervousness, if it existed at all. Ronald was always calm and cool. Eventually, he began learning how to cut hair in all the popular styles and how to give a good, clean shave although, at his young age, he had not begun shaving himself.

Within 3 years, by the young age of 13, Ronald earned his own chair at Steve’s barbershop. In 1926, Ronald’s father became unable to work due to a severe heart condition. It became the responsibility of Ronald and his brothers to earn enough money for the family’s survival.

Ronald never complained and often sang the popular tunes of the day while giving a shave or a haircut, much to the delight of his customers. Within a year, Ronald had more customers than his single chair in Fragapane’s shop could accommodate. At the young age of 14, when most children his age were busy being children, Ronald opened his own barbershop where he employed two helpers. On weekdays, he worked after school until midnight. He worked longer hours on the weekend. Ronald’s ambition was to become the best barber of Canonsburg, and he was well on his way.

It certainly seemed as if Ronald’s path in life was set. In 1933, Ronald and some friends went to the Silver Slipper Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio, to see Freddy Carlone and his orchestra perform. During the show, Carlone invited people from the audience to sing with his band. Ronald’s friends urged him onto the stage. Most of the people from the audience who sang with Carlone’s orchestra had more faith in themselves than they had talent, except for Ronald. Carolone was so impressed with Ronald’s singing, his casual movements while he sang, and his general coolness, that he offered him a job. He made more money as a barber than Carlone had offered to pay, but, with the reassurance of his father that he could always return to barbering, he joined the band.

The chance performance at the Silver Slipper Ballroom set into motion an unexpected career change for Ronald, a career which lasted the remainder of his life, a career in which he sold millions of records, acted in numerous Hollywood pictures, hosted numerous radio and television variety shows, and hosted yearly Christmas shows from 1948 until 1994. Rather than being known as the best barber in Canonsburg, as he originally wanted, he became known as the best ex-barber in the world. In 1955, Franklin Avenue, the street where Ronald was born and grew up, was renamed in his honor. In the 1960s, Ronald became the highest-paid performer in the history of television to that date. You may recognize some of his songs such as “Till the End of Time”, “Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes”, and “Catch a Falling Star.” Nowadays, he is mostly associated with Christmas due to his recordings of Christmas songs. In 1954, Ronald introduced a Christmas song in which he mentioned his home state. He sang, “From Pennsylvania folks are traveling down to Dixie’s sunny shore, from Atlantic to Pacific gee the traffic is terrific.” The song was “Home for the Holidays.” Ronald’s full name was …Pierino Ronald “Perry” Como.

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Looking for an unusual gift to give that young basketball player this time of year? No, it’s not a present that they can unwrap on Christmas Day but by signing your child up for the Phillip Thigpen Basketball Camp you could help them unwrap their potential and benefit them for years to come. The camp is for boys and girls from grades 1-6 and will be held at the Northeast Baptist School Gymnasium, located at 5225 I-20 Service Rd (Well Road) in West Monroe,  from 9:00am – 11:00am on December 29th & 30th. The cost is $40.00 per entrant. To register call 318-267-7401 or send an email to phillipthigpen@hotmail.com

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NOTE: This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Movialene Miller (Quitman, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
Joe B. Speir (Hodge, LA) – Warrant for Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
Vallerie A. Guin (Choudrant, LA) – Bench Warrant, Possession of Schedule I, Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Proper Equipment Required
Casey Ramsey (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
Donald L. Essmeier (Quitman, LA) – Probation Violation
Carlton Sampson (Hodge, LA) – DWI 1st Offense
Amy Garrett (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Robert Coonce (Dodson, LA) – Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Firearm in presence of CDS, Possession of Marijuana
Szysnyk D. Phillips (Castor, LA) – Theft less than $1,000.00
Robert Lowring (Bienville, LA) – Simple Battery
Jason Lucky (Quitman, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery

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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Ovie (Markham) McBride
August 18, 1927 – December 17, 2022

Ms. Ovie (Markham) McBride passed away Thursday, December 17, 2022 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Ovie was married to the late Harold Wayne McBride and they enjoyed attending dances at the VFW Hall in Jonesboro. They also enjoyed fishing at Black Lake.

Ovie was an excellent seamstress and began sewing when she was five years old. She loved sewing so much; she even sewed and mended for the other guests and staff after she moved to Flannery Oaks Guest House in Baton Rouge. Ovie was a fierce competitor when it came to playing cards and board games. She also enjoyed puzzles. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her passion and she enjoyed visiting with them whenever she could.

Ms. Ovie is survived by her son, Jessie W. Hammett and wife, Dell; daughter, Debra H. Bolton; grandchildren, Rebecca H. Schultz and Derek, Misty Dees and Jay, Nikki B. Eidt and Phillip, Maggie H. Harrell and Kris, Justin B. Hammett and Jill, Joshua M. Hammett and Kelli, Trevor Hammett; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Kay Hogan and Genelle Trahan; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Wayne McBride; son, Danny Wayne Hammett; father, Lee Clay Markham; mother, Maggie (Hight) Markham; sister, Alene M. Mayeaux; sister, Betty Lou Winget; and son-in-law, Barry E. Bolton.

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro from 12 pm until 2 pm. The funeral will begin at 2pm with Minister Steve Pardee officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Rest Cemetery near Weston under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Justin Hammett, Joshua Hammett, Phillip Eidt, J.L. Dees, Kris Harrell and Ted Guillory. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Jonesboro VFW.

Aline Pate
January 24, 1934 – December 18, 2022

Ms. Margaria Aline Pate passed from this life on December 18th, just short of her 89Th birthday, at Forest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jonesboro. Aline was born on January 24, 1934, in Quitman, Louisiana.

Aline was a music lover and shared her gift of playing the piano her entire life. She was the pianist at Highway Chapel Church of God for many years and was even known to tickle the ivories at Forest Haven on occasion. She loved to sing and traveled to many “Singing Conventions” with her father. She was also a member of the Tonettes Trio and traveled across the South, sharing Christ through Southern Gospel music. She also loved to fish, squirrel hunt, and duck hunt.

She began her career with Ruston State Bank as a teller but, after several years, decided to make a career change and attended Cosmetology School. She became a Licensed Cosmetologist and worked in her own beauty shop for years, where she developed a small, but faithful clientele. She then decided it was time to make a career change again and started working as a window teller for Hodge Bank and Trust, where she eventually retired.

When her health began to fail, she decided it was time to move to Forest Haven Nursing Center. While there, she began to thrive and rediscovered her enjoyment of painting. As her skill developed, people began to ask for her paintings. She was Artist of the Month for the Jackson Parish library, designed a t-shirt for one of the festivals in Jackson Parish, and her Christmas card design was used for three years on the corporate Christmas card for Forest Haven. Her art pieces can be found in many homes across Jackson Parish. She also became an avid Bingo player and looked forward to seeing her friends and being able to yell “Bingo” each week.

She made Forest Haven her home and made many new friends there. Thank you to the Forest Haven staff for your care and thoughtfulness over her final week and for allowing her to reinvent herself while she was a resident there.

Aline was preceded in death by her father, George Pate; mother, Sula Pate; and her brother, Hilman Pate. She is survived by one nephew, Michael Pate and his wife Felicia of Alexandria; one great nephew, Chris Pate of Pineville; and one great niece, Elizabeth Pate of Alexandria. She is also survived by Minnie Pate Hammons, her sister-in-law and prayer partner.

Funeral serviceswere held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at Southern Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro with Bro. Joey Anderson officiating. Burial followed in Mount Olive West Cemetery near Quitman, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

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Jackson Parish residents 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.

Courthouse and Police Jury offices are to be closed December 23-26

In observance of Christmas, the Jackson Parish Courthouse and Police Jury offices will be closed beginning December 23rd through December 26th.

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The year was 1917. Many say it is the most important year of the 20th century due to all the dramatic events worldwide that changed the course of history. First and foremost was President Woodrow Wilson’s decision to declare war on Germany and enter the conflict in Europe that became known as World War I. Additional major events included governments in Russia, China, Greece, and Turkey being overthrown through revolutions and the Jewish people returning to Jerusalem.

America also became permanently transformed. The federal government took an unprecedented role in guiding the economy. Women made great strides toward political equality and wartime jobs beckoned thousands of African Americans to northern cities in what is known as the Great Migration.

J. Edgar Hoover was named as the first director of the FBI, Mati Hari was put on trial for being a German spy and Al Capone rose to leadership in the criminal underworld. Plastic surgery was pioneered and Honus Wagner, the first to be selected into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, retired.

Locally, the year 1917 was important as well. The first day of December to be exact. What made that day so special? That was the day that Janie Lloyd, who recently turned 105 years old, was born in the house, not 50 yards from where she lives today in the Mt. Mariah community east of Chatham.

Let that sink in a second. This incredibly vivacious woman fondly referred to as “Aunt” Janie still lives at home. Not only that, she lives there BY HERSELF. Think about how remarkable that is. Still self-sufficient at the age of 105.

What is almost as amazing as her living by herself at that age is she prepares and cooks her meals, washes her clothes, cleans her house, and fills out her bills for payment. She remains very active, rivaling people half her age, needing no assistance getting around.

In her leisure time, she likes to complete pattern sketches with colored pencils, never once getting outside the lines. She also enjoys the quiet times as well, sitting on her couch watching the news and old westerns. Most of all, she loves it when her family, friends, and neighbors come to see her daily and take her places, especially to church every Sunday.

Like everyone, age has robbed her of some things. When talking to her, you do need to “speak up” a little as ‘Aunt’ Janie’s hearing isn’t what it used to be. You won’t find her wearing hearing aids though.

“I don’t like them things,” she said simply.

“Aunt” Janie doesn’t wear glasses either, except for every now and then when she runs across some real fine print. Then she will put on her “readers.” It isn’t because she doesn’t like doing so. She doesn’t need to. She has the eyes of an eagle. 

What is her secret?

“I don’t have one,” she said laughingly. “There is nothing special about getting up every day and doing what you are supposed to do.”

Maybe that is it.

Doing what you are supposed to do.

Like walking to and from Mt. Moriah school every day, which she did until completing the 9th grade. In those days that was about as far as you went in school. Doing what you are supposed to also included her “chores” of churning the butter, milking the cow, feeding the chickens, planting and picking vegetables, and getting the meat out of the smokehouse. She also had to bring water from the well, cook and form out the soap, keep a fire going in the fireplace and cookstove and keep the lamps full of oil for lighting. This and more were required in those days of long ago.

“We didn’t go to any store to get what we needed back then,” reflected Aunt Janie. “We grew or raised what we ate and made most all our supplies.”

What a different world than today.

Can you imagine what it must have been like to witness the invention of television? How amazing it must have been the first time she flipped a switch and the lights came on? One can only wonder how it felt when she pressed a button on an electric stove to heat the oven instead of adding wood to the cookfire or hearing the whir of a motorized refrigerator/freezer instead of cooling things with blocks of ice? Or maybe best of all, enjoying the benefits of “indoor plumbing.” Anyone who ever had to use an “outhouse” would attest to how great that must have been.

Imagine how thrilling it was watching the first jet planes fly across the sky or seeing rockets soar into outer space for the first time. Imagine seeing all the other modern conveniences we take for granted today come into being and the advancements made in the medical world.

“Aunt” Janie got to witness it all firsthand!

Best of all, she remembers it all as if it happened just yesterday as her mind is still sharp as the proverbial tack.

Yes, 1917 was a special year for many reasons. One is that this was the year that one of the most remarkable women you would ever want to meet was born. That also makes 2022 special. This is the year that we get to celebrate her still being with us at the age of 105. Happy Birthday, Aunt Janie!

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Following the recommendation of Mayor Gregory Harris, Paula Ackley has been appointed as Councilmember of the Village of Chatham to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Councilman Marvin Davis. The approval was granted by Councilmembers Laverne Mixon, Toni Malone, and Sue Proffer at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Council held on December 13th at the Chatham Town Hall. Mike Wilson was absent.

In a corresponding move, Resolution 2022-21, which called for a special election in conjunction with the gubernatorial election in the fall of 2023 to choose a councilmember was agreed upon. Also of note was the adoption of Ordinance 2022-04 which officially changes the name of the municipality to the Village of Chatham as well as Ordinance 2022-05 which rezoned lots per the application made by Jared Flynn.

The session opened with the previous monthly meeting minutes being accepted and payment of monthly bills being approved and closed with the financial statement being approved as presented.

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After a week of barbs being fired on social media platforms, sparks are expected to fly at the Village of Hodge Town Council Meeting that will be held at 5:00pm on Tuesday, December 20 at the Hodge City Hall, located at 406 West Central Street. Taking center stage at the regularly scheduled meeting of Aldermen Steve Fox, Martha Buchan and Willard Willis and Hodge Mayor Gerald Palmer, is a decision that was made by the owner of the Hodge Shopping Center that requires all businesses that are located on the premises to vacate by January 15th. Regular monthly agenda items such as the payment of bills, acceptance of financials and approval of the minutes will also be handled as well as hearing reports from the Police and Fire Departments.

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I had the privilege of writing a story 36 years ago of an impressive buck taken by the late Tommy  Simmons of Ruston. On November 13, 1986, Simmons was hunting in northern Lincoln Parish when a buster of a buck stepped out and he dropped the 12-point. I still recall the emotion Simmons shared with me as he told his story. Although this was before antler’s score and measurements were in vogue his buck was likely in the 160-inch class.

Tommy’s son, Joe, not yet born when his dad nailed the big buck, took up where his dad left off. After an extended illness, Tommy passed away in 2020. Joe, age 29, encountered another big Lincoln Parish buck this season and was successful in bringing the big 13-point trophy to the ground on November 27.

“When you write the story of my buck,” Joe Simmons said, “please include the fact that my dad set the stage for my success. In fact, he got his big buck within a couple of miles of where I currently live in the Pea Ridge community of Lincoln Parish.”

Joe Simmons was hunting on a 53-acre tract north of Choudrant in Lincoln Parish. The day before his encounter with his buck, he was bow hunting from his lock-on stand when he heard a fierce fight between two bucks.

“They were fighting in a thicket next to my stand and it went on for five or six minutes. I’d hear antlers clashing, brush breaking, and deer running when finally a small 8-point stepped out. I felt the other buck was likely the big one several of us had been after but he didn’t show. I decided that tomorrow, I’d be in my box stand with my rifle because I felt like he was in the area and I might have a chance at him,” Simmons said.

It had rained the day he was bow hunting but the rain had stopped and the morning of November 27 dawned cool and damp. Simmons’ stand overlooks two shooting lanes where wheat, oats, and rye are planted. The woods were previously a mixture of pines and hardwoods that had been cut some 15 years ago leaving the area a dense thicket, the perfect habitat for a big buck.

“I got out early and had to walk through corn I had scattered on one of my lanes. I used an Ever Calm scent cover on my boots and every 50 yards or so, I put out some Code Blue estrous doe scent before climbing into my stand” he recalled.

Not seeing any action the first hour or so after daylight, a buddy hunting nearby texted him about a nice buck he had just shot with his bow.

“Since I wasn’t seeing anything and my buddy was excited about his bow kill, I shut the windows on my stand, called him to hear his story and we talked for maybe 15 minutes. After we finished talking, I opened the windows again and half an hour later, I looked up to see a big buck walking across my lane at 65 yards. I couldn’t be sure if it was the big one I was after but since it was bigger than any others I knew about in this area, I put my Browning BAR .270 short mag on the window, grunted to make the deer stop and I took the shot. The buck crumpled but then disappeared into the woods,” said Simmons.

Walking to the site of the shot, there was no blood and Simmons considered going to get his blood-tracking dog. There was no need for a tracking dog because he took two steps into the woods and saw antlers. The big buck had only run 15 yards before collapsing.

The buck sported 13 points with an inside spread of 17 5/8 inches, bases around 5 inches each with main beams stretching to nearly 27 inches each. The buck which was rutted down weighed 170 pounds and was determined to be around 5 ½ years old. Taking the buck to Greg Hicks, the official scorer for Buck Masters, the rack measured 174 3/8 inches.

“It’s hard to express what I feel,” Simmons said, “about getting another Lincoln Parish trophy buck 36 years after my dad got his.”

FISHING REPORT

BLACK BAYOU – No report this week. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Crappie fishing has been best on jigs or shiners around the boat ramp and nearby trees. Bass have fair to good flipping creature baits around structure. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – Crappie fishing has improved a bit with best catches made on jigs or shiners around structure. Bass have been best in the cuts and run-outs on shad imitation lures. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie fishing had been good with best catches made on shiners or jigs fished along the channel edges. Bass fishing has been best fishing the points with soft plastics and crank baits. Bream are slow while catfish are biting cold worms fished off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323- 8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has been best fishing around the lights at night with shiners or jigs as well as around the tops in 12-14 foot water. Bass fishing has improved with some in the 4-5 pound range caught on a variety of lures. No report on catfish, bream or stripers. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
CANEY LAKE – Jigging spoons and tail spinners are working best on bass bouncing these lures off the bottom in 18-20 foot deep water. Soft plastics and deep diving crank baits have been producing some around humps just off the channels with a few in the 7-8 pound range. Crappie fishing continues to be best fishing the deep tops on shiners or jigs. No report on bream or catfish. For information contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Crappie fishing is improving with fish caught around the boat slips as well as on the lower end of the lake on shiners or jigs. Catfishing continues to be good with mostly smaller sizes reported. No report on bass. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water continues to rise and is now coming in through the chute. Before this week’s storms some good sized crappie and bass have been reported. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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(NOTE: Reprinted through permission granted by author Chris Demirdjian – MyArkLaMiss)

Sometimes if you can’t give a gift, you can be the present in someone’s life.

“I mean, it’s really fun,” said WHS second baseman, Braden Theriot. “It’s a blessing to be able to come up there to make these kids’ day and do something good for them.”

It was a regular day for Weston High School’s baseball team, but essentially Christmas morning for dozens of young children in Ruston. The kids were the recipients of love and items handed out.

“It’s a surreal experience that we get to give these kids a good experience and come out here and do the best we can,” said pitcher and outfielder, Layton Garrett “It really shows us we can’t take anything for granted and how lucky and blessed we are to do the things that we’re able to do.”

They first handed out gifts to those at the Lincoln Parish Early Childhood Learning Center.

“I always enjoy doing good things for people who may not have a chance to get in on some of the stuff that people like me usually do,” said pitcher/third baseman, Cooper Delaney. “I was really excited to come here and excited to have the opportunity to come up here and make Christmas special for some people who don’t usually have something like this.”

“We have never had a group of young men come to our school just for our kids,” said Mechelle Brown, self-contained special education teacher. “They need to be commended on it.”

The credit the Wolves baseball team received was in the form of smiles on the faces of many young children.

Oh, it’s great,” said pitcher, Tayt Culpepper. “it makes these kids’ day and just warms your heart.”

The team also donated their time at Little Helpers in Ruston, and at a foster care facility in the city.

Aside from handing out more gifts, there were lessons to be learned.

“Some of them don’t have the ability to go out on the field and do what we do every day,” reflected Theriot. “This is really just a blessing to give them something back.”

“Makes me feel good that we’re out here doing this, and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” said Garrett.

“They just make me think how thankful we are to be like we are,” said Culpepper.

To see the full news story video aired by television station KTBS, Channel 10 click here.

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Boys Basketball

Quitman 57 Cedar Creek 36: (Friday) The Wolverines didn’t allow Cedar Creek to score until early in the second quarter and when the Cougars tried to put Quitman on the line, Eli Walker and Logan Ponder combined to make 19 of 22 to lift QHS to their third straight win and 7th in the last 8 games. Not only did the Wolverines play outstanding defense offensively they were a well-balanced unit. Four players scored in double figures led by 16 from Walker and 15 by Ponder, who also contributed 7 rebounds, four assists, and five steals, all team-leading stats. Brayden Smith and Blake Carter added ten apiece, while Grant Williams scored four and Noah Leach made two. QHS improved to 11-5 on the year while Cedar Creek fell to 3-6 with their fourth straight loss.
QHS (11-5) 13 11 17 16 – 57
CCHS (3-6) 0 11 18 7 – 36

QHS Scoring: Walker 16, Ponder 15, Smith 10, Carter 10, Williams 4, Leach 2

Quitman 77 Dodson 43: (Thursday) Quitman broke open a close game with a 24-6 second-quarter run to post the highest scoring total of the season other than the first time they played the Panthers to open the season. The Wolverines shot over 50% from the field for the first time this season paced by Eli Walker, who made 9 of 11 field goals for 21 points, including a 3 of 4 performance from behind the arc. Logan Ponder added 13 and Gavyn Caskey scored 9. Abel and Noah Leach both tallied 7 on the night with Riley Duck scoring four and Blake Carter finishing with 4 each. Grant Williams made three and both Mason Delaney and Tyler Lay scored two. Asher Shultz also got into the books with a free throw as a season-best 11 players scored.
QHS (10-5) 18 24 17 18 – 57
DHS (1-12) 13 6 6 11 – 43

QHS scoring: Walker 21, Ponder 13, Caskey 9, A. Leach 7, N. Leach 7, Duck 4, Carter 4, Williams 3, Delaney 2, Lay 2, Shultz 1

Southwood 64 JHHS 37: (Friday) Another slow start proved costly for the Tigers as the Class 5A Cowboys raced to a 20-4 first-quarter lead and never looked back, saddling JHHS with their worst loss of the year. The second loss in two nights at the tourney dropped JHHS below the .500 mark for the first time all year at 3-4 while Southwood evened their slate at 6-6.
Ajay Tew led JHHS in scoring with 10 on the night the Tigers equaled their low point total of the season. Savantez Phillips added eight and Zion Grey seven while Cameron “Smoke” Leonard and Samuel Combs finished with four each. Edward Beard rounded out the scoring with a pair of free throws.
JHHS (3-4) 4 11 9 13 – 37
SHS (6-6) 20 15 14 15 – 64

JHHS scoring: Tew 10, Phillips 8, Grey 7, Leonard 4, Combs 4, Beard 2
SHS scoring: Evans 21, Thomas 10, Bell 8, Anderson 7, Marshall 5, Green 4, Brooks 3, 3 with 2

Sterlington 53 JHHS 45: (Thursday) Allen Tew made five three-pointers and Savantez Phillips scored a career-high 16 points, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the second-ranked team among Division III schools in the first round of the Remington Butler Tournament hosted by Ruston High School. With the victory on Thursday, Sterlington ran their season-opening winning streak to 13 in a row while the Tigers dropped to 3-3 on the year.
Both teams struggled to find the range in the first quarter that ended with Sterlington holding a 6-5 advantage but on the strength of 10 points from Phillips and three treys from Tew, the Tigers took a 24-22 lead into the break.
Edward Beard scored all five of his points in the third period, but Sterlington held JHHS to just 10 points in the frame to go up 38-34 heading into the fourth. Tew tallied 8 points on the strength of two more three-pointers, but the Panthers secured the win by outscoring the Tigers 15-11 in the final frame. Zion Grey would chip in with five points for JHHS in the contest that saw only four players on each team score.
JHHS (3-3) 5 19 10 11 – 45
SHS (13-0) 6 16 16 15 – 53

JHHS scoring: Tew 19 Phillips 16, Grey 5, Beard 5
SHS scoring: Norman 19, Smith 17, Nelson 10, Bonner 7

Weston 62 Atlanta 50: (Friday) Tait Henderson poured in a season-high 22 points and Bryce Zehr added 16 as Weston continued their midseason climb by winning their fourth out of the last five played to improve to 7-10 on the year after losing six of their first seven. Mitchel Mathews also reached double digits in scoring with 11 as the Wolves jumped out to a 40-27 halftime lead.
“I am proud of the way the guys have held together after the horrible start we had,” said head coach Jacob Otwell, now in his fourth year at the helm. “They are playing hard and learning how to lean on each other which is all a coach can ask for.”
Braden Theriot scored five and both La’Javion Harris and Nathan Wages made a three-pointer. Jude Otwell also hit a fourth-quarter basket to round out the scoring for Weston. Brandon Smith and Kelton Perry scored 17 and 16 respectively for Atlanta who dropped their 8th in a row and 15th out of the last 16 played to fall to a dismal 3-15 for the year.
WHS (7-10) 21 19 12 10 – 62
AHS (3-15) 14 13 10 13 – 50

WHS scoring: Henderson 22, Zehr 16, Mathews 11, Theriot 5, Harris 3, Wages 3, Otwell 2
AHS scoring: Smith 17, Perry 16, Slayter 6, Washington 5, Benjamin 3, Smith 2, Nash 1

Calvin 52 Weston 49: (Thursday) A furious 4th quarter Weston rally came up just short as the defending Class C state runner-up won for just the second time in the last six games after opening the season by winning nine of their first ten. Braden Theriot and Bryce Zehr led the final frame frenzy with seven points apiece and Mitchel Mathews chipped in with a pair of baskets as the Wolves came from being down 42-29 after three periods of play to be only a three-pointer away from tying the game at the end.
Zehr and Theriot led Weston with 13 and 12 points respectively on the night with Mathews adding 10. Jude Otwell scored six, Tait Henderson finished with 4, Ja’Michael Fourd totaled 3 and Juan Gonzalez made a basket. Caleb Bevill scored a game-high 25 points to pace Calvin and John Bradley chipped in with 18 as the pair scored all but 9 of Calvin’s points.
WHS (6-10) 9 10 10 20 – 49
CHS (11-5) 17 8 17 10 – 52

WHS scoring: Zehr 13, Theriot 12, Mathews 10, Otwell 6, Henderson 4, Fourd 3, Gonzalez 2
CHS scoring: Bevill 25, Bradley 18, Browning 4, Franks 3, Yocum 2

Choudrant 58 Saline 42: (Friday) The Bobcat’s five-game winning streak came to a screeching halt, but there was a silver lining to the turmoil as Gaven Dailey turned in his best performance of his varsity career. The 8th grader has been earning more playing time each game and against the Aggies led Saline with 18 points, including scoring all six of Saline’s points in the first quarter. Kenton Lee Crawford also stepped up with 10 points. Shawn Staggs had five, Will Dison 4 and both D.J. Rager Radley and Maddox Williams had two each. Jay Nash also will remember the game as he scored his first career point.
SHS (6-10) 6 17 11 8 – 42
CHS (11-14) 10 11 12 15 – 58

SHS scoring: Dailey 18, Crawford 10, Staggs 5, Dison 4, Rager-Radley 2, Williams 2, Nash 1
CHS scoring: Jones 23, Stevens14, Thompson 7, Callendar 6, Batterton 5, Carrie 3

Girls Basketball

Weston 64 Atlanta 25: (Friday) Seven players scored in the first quarter alone as the Lady Wolves unleashed a tremendously well-balanced attack to swamp Atlanta. Assistant coach Jennifer Tolar ran her record to 3-0 while standing in for Stacy Tucker whose whole family is fighting against the COVID virus as Weston won their third straight to up their record to an area-best 16-4. Atlanta dropped their ninth straight and 15th of their first 17 games.
Jessica Newton did the most damage of the eight who got on the books with 16. Briley Peterson had nine, while Emma Kate McBride, Lainee Trosclair, and Faith Beamesderfer made 8 each. Nadia Siadek finished with 6, Ansley May had five and Jacie Ledford finished with four points. Weston led 24-2 after the first quarter.
WHS (16-4) 24 17 14 9 – 64
AHS (2-15) 2 10 9 4 – 25

WHS scoring: Newton 16, Peterson 9, McBride 8, Trosclair 8, Beamesderfer 8, Siadek 6, May 5, Ledford 4
AHS scoring: Syke 9, Pennywell 6, Starks 5, Mitchell 3, Peters 2

Weston 54 Calvin 47: (Thursday) It is said that it is hard to beat a team three times in a row. There is a lot of truth to that, but Weston still did it. It wasn’t easy though. It took an impressive performance by the starting five, who played most of the game and scored all but three of the total points. What was truly eye-catching was the cohesiveness and teamwork demonstrated as each scored between 8 and 13 points, including Emma Kate McBride, Lexi Millien, and Jessica Newton who scored ten. Lainee Trosclair was the one who finished with 8 while Briley Peterson led the way with 13. Jacie Ledford was the only other player to score, hitting a three-pointer. As a team the Lady Wolves were consistent as well, scoring 13 in the first and third periods and 14 in the second and fourth. The victory improved Weston’s record to 15-4 while Calvin fell to 5-11.
WHS (15-4) 13 14 13 14 – 54
CHS (5-11) 11 15 11 10 0 47

WHS scoring: Peterson 13, Newton 10, Millien 10, McBride 10, Trosclair 8, Ledford 3
CHS scoring: Womack 18, Peters 11, Fernandez 8, Lang 6, Barnes 3, Smith 2, Barnes 2

Saline 37 Choudrant 17: (Thursday) By not allowing woeful Choudrant more than five points in any quarter, the Lady Bobcats won their second straight and first at home this year. Choudrant dropped to 3-14 on the year and now has been victimized for two of the three Lady Bobcats wins on the season against 11 losses. Alaya Gray scored 15 for Saline followed by 13 from Kasidy Sims. Alana Gray added five and both X Lard and Sydney Thomas finished with a basket each.
SHS (3-11) 6 10 9 12 – 37
CHS (3-14) 2 5 5 5 – 17

SHS scoring: Alaya Gray 15, Sims 13, Alana Gray 5, Lard 2, Thomas 2
CHS scoring: Johnson 6, Brown 6, Pyle 3, Frazier 2

Quitman 56 Cedar Creek 36: (Friday) Bethany Leach made 5 of 11 three-point attempts in route to 23 points, Cali Deal posted a “double-double” with 16 points and 10 boards and Brayli Stewart added ten to lead Quitman to the easy victory. Emma Carter added four and Summer Grillette scored three. The victory improved the Lady Wolverines’ season record to 12-4 after a fifth win in the last six games.
QHS (12-4) 11 16 15 14 – 56
CCHS (8-4) 8 8 7 13 – 36

QHS scoring: Leach 23, Deal 16, Stewart 10, Carter 4, Grillette 3

Quitman 50 Dodson 20: (Thursday) In the case of the “have’s” vs the “have not’s” a 23-2 lead after the first period became 39- 4 at the half as the Lady Wolverines dispatched of the woe-begotten neighbors to the south with ease. The loss was the tenth straight this season and 47th in a row dating back to January 2021 for the Lady Panthers. Ten players scored for Quitman although ironically no one scored in double digits as head coach Kyle Leach emptied his bench early. Bethany Leach led the way with 9 points while Cali Deal and Summer Grillette made 8 each. For Grillette it was the second-best scoring game of the season behind the nine she scored earlier in the year against, you guessed it, Dodson the first time the two schools met. Ansley Folks and Brayle Stewart scored six apiece, Taylor Harvey and A.J. Gray both had four and Emma Carter and Anna Leach tallied two. Ava Caskey also made a free throw.
QHS (11-4) 23 16 7 4 – 50
DHS (0-10) 2 2 7 9 -20

QHS scoring: B. Leach 9 Grillette 8, Deal 8, Folks 6, Folks 6, Harvey 4, Gray 4, Carter 2, A. Leach 2, Caskey 1

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The Jonesboro Police Department partnered with the Pine Belt Community Center, and Walmart to put on the annual Shop with a Cop Program. Chief J. Spike Harris of the Jonesboro Police Department stated that he wanted to make sure this was the largest event of his administration and with the help of churches in Jackson Parish and businesses in Jonesboro, along with donations from local citizens, the dream came true.

Chief Harris stated that Walmart will usually give them a grant for $2,000 to $2,500 and they can make 20 to 25 children happy. This year Walmart gave a grant for $2,000 and with the help of local churches, businesses, and individual citizens 71 children were allowed to spend $100 each.

“This event would not have happened without the help and dedication of Mrs. Conchita Doyle of the Pine Belt Community Center and the management and staff of our local Walmart,” said Chief Harris. “I also want to give thanks to our local first responders, council members, and volunteers. They were awesome!”

The volunteers were the Jonesboro Police Department, Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Hodge Police Department, North Hodge Police Department, Walmart management and employees, Jonesboro Fire Department, and Jonesboro City Councilman Robbie Siadek.

“This year’s Shop With a Cop turned out wonderful and we look forward to making it bigger and better next year,” finalized Harris. “Thank you all again and I wish you all a Merry Christmas!”

For additional pictures of the youth and their shopping partners go to the James Harris Facebook page. 

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A friend in need is a friend indeed. The students at Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School ask for your support to help them be a friend to the families in Farmerville who were affected by the devastating tornado that caused extensive damage this past Wednesday.
J-HMS is putting forth an effort to collect items before school lets out for the holidays that will be distributed to the families in need.
Items that are being asked for include, but are not limited to:
Non-Perishable Foods
Bottled Water
Healthcare essentials such as soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.
To donate simply bring your items to the main office on the campus of J-HMS, located at 440 Old Winnfield Hwy (HWY 167S) in Jonesboro
Please show your caring and holiday spirit by supporting this effort.

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The days leading up to Christmas are always full of anticipation as we eagerly await to see what Santa has left under the tree. Several members of the Quitman High School faculty and student body they have gotten a head start on the gift receiving as thanks to the awesome idea of the QHS Parent Teacher Committee, Christmas has come early.

Each day this past week a student in grades ranging from Pre-K to 12th has been given a gift sending 14 students daily home with smiles on their faces. Not forgetting about the teachers, the PTC also had contests that saw two educators come home with a prize each day as well.

Teacher Game Winners

Christmas Giveaway Winners

QHS 5th Graders enjoy Christmas Art Project

It must be hard to keep a young person’s mind on their schoolwork in the days leading up to the Christmas break. Kudos to the teachers of the 5th grade at QHS for coming up with a great way to keep their students focused and at the same time have them express their creative talents. See below for the beautiful artwork of Santa’s house.

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I have been Santa twice in my life. This weekend, I will reprise my role as Santa’s helper at the First Baptist Church in Gibsland. If you are interested in how a Methodist Santa does in the Baptist Church, I invite you to drop by. I worry about this third time being Santa because of the other two times.

I danced fifteen shows with the Lake Charles Civic Ballet as Santa. I have the picture that went into the newspaper on the shelf in my office. I was also paid for my dancing. That makes me a professional dancer. I am no place near dancing with the stars. I was the “most active” Santa in the history of that ballet company.

I look at that picture now and wonder, “What were you thinking?”

Half of the shows were in Lafayette. In Lafayette, we took a school bus from our hotel to the civic center. I was wearing street clothes. I was on a bus surrounded by kids and some of their parents. The little tyke sitting across the aisle was a boy of four or five. He was one of the elves in the show. 

I asked him, “What is Santa bringing you for Christmas?”

His mom answered from her window seat, “In our household, we don’t believe in Santa or other myths.”

I made a mental note to avoid further conversations with this mom.

Later that afternoon I was backstage dressed as Santa. That little boy came up to me and tugged on my arm.

“Santa,” he said. “I really do believe in you.”

Perhaps children develop their own belief systems despite our best efforts.

The other time I was Santa was at an elementary school in Bienville Parish. It was part of my duty as the father of two kids in the school. I walked around distributing candy and read stories to the children. As I was leaving that day a little boy blocked my path. He looked me in the eye and said, “I don’t believe in you because you didn’t come to my house last year.”

That little boy still haunts my heart.

I should also count the first Christmas I was Santa for my kids. Andrew wanted a Teenage Ninja Turtle blimp. The blimp had a zillion parts. It also included the Yuletide lie, “some assembly required.” I began assembly at one in the morning and finished at four a.m. The kids were waking us up at five. In later years, Andrew confessed to hiding in the hall and watching us assemble his blimp.

That blimp led to our great family gift-giving tradition, gift cards! No assembly required!

While you are pondering the existential ramifications of belief in Santa, remember we are celebrating the gospel truth that the creator of the universe was born into our world as a helpless baby.

God loves you so much that He risked helplessness to come to earth to show His love for you.

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Chatham Senior Mealsite brought in the holiday season with a full week of activities where patrons enjoyed good food, heard great entertainment, and even had a few take-home prizes. The festivities started with a Christmas Party sponsored by David Henderson of Enta Medicare on Tuesday, December 13th where patrons first enjoyed a scrumptious feast and then enjoyed cake and gifts provided by Mrs. Emma Austin. Following was Freddy Hightower and Sherri Ezell entertaining the group with their vocal talents.
Prizes sponsored by Etna/ Medicare, Pat Crawford, and Mary Kirkland were also awarded. Door prize winners were Joann Salsbury, Bart Waggoner, Emily Fields, and Carl Tippen. Christmas shirt winners were Elaine Sanderson, Judy Cooper, Betty Rogers, Larue Barton, John Austin, and Leah Waggoner.

The next day brought fun through the always popular “Pass the Bow” game which is a modified version of musical chairs. Participants passed a bow around and whoever was holding it when the music came to an end was eliminated unless they could give a correct answer to a Christmas trivia question. This continues until only one is left which was Mrs. Mary Steed Jarrell Oldham.

The festivities concluded on Friday with a fun day of Blackout Bingo sponsored by Tiffany McBride of Lagniappe Home Health. Winners were Janet Smith, Barbara Roberts, Linda Williams, Jeanette Conn, And Leah Waggoner.

Chatham Senior Mealsite, located at 6425 Hwy 34 in Chatham, is a satellite site of the Jackson Council on Aging. Open Monday – Friday, a healthy lunch is served each day at noon, and activities are planned for Jackson Parish residents living in the Chatham area who are 60 and older.

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The Mercy Medical Health Center Christmas Care Closet is now open and ready for community residents to come by to get FREE gifts for themselves or others! Located in the Town of Hodge Annex Building at 1000 South 1st Street, a wide variety of merchandise is available including clothes for all ages, shoes, toys, and home decor items. Items will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until everything is gone.

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Louisiana Tech University has announced the names of students on its 2022 Fall Quarter President’s and Dean’s honor lists in the studies of Applied and Natural Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering and Science, and Liberal Arts.

Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies the achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

To be eligible for the dean’s honor list, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).

Courses yielding satisfactory/failing grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible to make either list.

Students on President’s and Dean’s Honor List from Jackson Parish

Chatham: Thomas Daniel Chatham

Eros: Brianna Daniell Jones*, Garrison Wayne Lowder*, Anna Claire Masters, Jonah Michael Wall

Hodge: Garrison L. Perry

Jonesboro: Sadie Eylien Beaubouef, Olivia K. Carter, Kaylee Susannah Davis*, Leana Louise Dillon, Skyler Elizabeth Dycus*, Abigail Joy Pepper*, Jacob T. Pipes, Jolea Grace Simpson*, Jonathan Everett Smith

Quitman: Beau Lawson Bowen, Anna Claire Duck, Brittany Danielle Goss*, Cameron M. Hollis*, Aston Michael Johnson, Jake Dwaine Patton, Avery E. Spangler, Ashton Bailey Thomas*, James K. West*, Katelyn Leigh Wiley

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Over the past several years, Jonesboro-Hodge High School Principal, Chevonda Williams, has orchestrated numerous projects designed to promote the school and help motivate her students to greater heights. Perhaps none other has the potential to be more effective to show what can be achieved than her latest idea – The Alumni Spotlight.

In a post on her Facebook page, Williams explained what her goals for this project are.

I have a project whereby I need the assistance of Jonesboro-Hodge High School Alumni! I want to share your success stories with our students. By success, I don’t mean a six-figure salary or a prestigious title. I want ALL stories-life, military, trade school, community college, four-year university, business owner, teachers, lawyers, CNAs, nurses, plumbers, electricians, doctors, attorneys, cosmetologists, healthcare, receptionist, accountants, culinary artists, professional sports, artists, photographers, etc. 
I would like you to share your story and post a picture of you on your job (if allowed). In the comments, give them words of encouragement and let them know that they can make it! I will post your pictures/stories around our school so our students can see what can be achieved! 
My question to you: Is it possible to be great and graduate from J-HHS? Yes, it is because we did!!

To submit please send an email to: Chevonda.leonard@jpsbschools.us

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The Forever Young Foundation Inc, a non-profit organization headquartered in Jonesboro and directed by O’Brian Calahan, is requesting your support to help sponsor a trip for five children from Jackson Parish, to attend the New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves game on December 28th, 2022. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these kids, many of whom have never had the opportunity to attend a professional basketball game before or may never will again.

We are seeking sponsorships to help cover the cost of transportation, tickets, and food for the kids. Any contribution, big or small, will be greatly appreciated and will go a long way in making this trip a reality for these deserving children.

To donate go to the website https://www.thefyf.org
You can also provide sponsorship through the Cash App: $OBsr

On behalf of Director Calahan and the Forever Young Foundation Inc, thank you in advance for your consideration and help in making a dream come true for some or our local youth.

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Led the Way

Can one solitary reindeer make a difference?
Where would you expect to find Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
Does he sulk at the North Pole?
Maybe skeptics think Rudolph would be lagging behind a sleigh in flight.
Is he really needed by the team?
Surely you remember the children’s Christmas story…
Rudolph is an outcast, yet Santa Claus gives him a place of honor.
The brightly lit red nose of Rudolph would lead the sleigh through cloudy skies.
His nose had brought him shame and embarrassment.
Now, it would be used to help others. Santa and the other reindeer needed him. Children expecting a visit from Santa would not be disappointed.
Rudolph’s nose would light the way.
Have you lost your way?
JESUS is the way.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6 KJV).”
JESUS is the Light.
John the Baptist led the way to the Light.
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
He was not that Light but was sent to bear witness to that Light.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:6-9 KJV).”

 

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