(Lincoln Parish Journal) –  A Jonesboro woman was arrested following the investigation of a fight call at the Sundown Tavern late Wednesday night.

Officers responded to Sundown where the complainant said he did not wish to press charges but wanted the individuals banned from returning to the business. He said he was called racially charged slurs by the driver and occupant of a red Toyota Camry.

The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office spotted the vehicle on La. Highway 33 and stopped it after observing it travel 12 miles per hour over the speed limit and crossing the center line. Ruston Police responded to the scene of the stop.

The driver, Megan E. Hammonds, 32, of Jonesboro, refused to submit to field sobriety tests. She admitted to officers her driver’s license was suspended and the car’s license plate was expired.

A records check revealed an outstanding warrant for Hammonds from Ruston City Court for failure to appear on an expired license plate charge.

Hammonds was arrested, taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, and administered a breath test, yielding a result of 0.206g%, over twice the Louisiana legal limit.

Hammonds was booked for DWI, driving under suspension, expired license plate, and the warrant. Bail was set at $3,500.00.

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.

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The “second season” has reached the second round of play. For some of the local prep teams, this means the hopes of securing the stranglehold they have on the top spot of the district standings while for others it represents a last opportunity to get into the district title race. 

Highlighting the schedule for this Friday evening is the girl’s and boys’ contest between home-standing Saline and Calvin. Both have tremendous bearings on the district 2C title race. If Saline beats Calvin in the girl’s game the Lady Bobcats go up two games in the competition with two games left. The boy’s contest has importance as well,  with the winner staying just one game back of district leader Atlanta who beat Saline on Tuesday.

For local viewing pleasure, the two Quitman vs Castor contests takes center stage as the boys and girls games will take place beginning at 6:00pm at the Jonesboro-Hodge High School gymnasium, which has been the de facto home court for Quitman this season due to their own gym undergoing renovations. The boys battle determines who has a leg up for second place in 1B while the Lady Wolverines need the victory to take a step toward getting back in the title race after dropping the first two district contests of the season.

Weston travels to Doyline for contests featuring the top and bottom teams in both the girls and boys divisions. Following their improbable last second win over Castor on Tuesday, to end the first round of district contests undefeated the Lady Wolves open the action at 6:00pm. This will be followed by the Wolves taking on the Doyline boys that gave Quitman their first district loss on Tuesday and has won 21 of  their 23 contests.

While district title aspirations seem to be a lost hope for both Jonesboro-Hodge teams the Tiger boys will look to improve on their Division IV power rating by looking to complete a season sweep of their district 3-2A series against Red River in their contest in Coushatta. The girls meanwhile will be looking for their first district win. 

For a full recap of games played on Tuesday, January 31st along with up-to-date district standing for all teams visit the Sunday, edition of the Jackson Parish Journal.

Girls & Boys schedule for Friday, February 3rd

(first game is at 6:00pm)

District 1B – Quitman vs Castor (at JHHS), Weston at Doyline 
District 2C – Saline vs Calvin
District 3-2A – JHHS at Red River (Coushatta)

 

 

 

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Vice President/Treasurer, Gary Joynor, has released the Jackson Parish Watershed District Financial Report for the 2022 fiscal year as shown below. On a January 27th Caney Lake Community Page Facebook post Joynor made the following announcement. 

I’d like to thank the administrator for allowing me to post the FY 2022 Watershed District financial report on this page.
On behalf of the Jackson Parish Watershed District, I’d like to thank each person that supported Caney Lake in 2022. I have provided the FY statement for your review. I’m glad you ask why! It’s very important to me that you see where every penny is going. Clearly, launch fees are the no.1 source of revenue for JPWD. The expenditures explain where the money is used. The Ebenezer and Spill Way launches are “Public Access” launches not parish or state-owned. The 3.00 launch fee is vital for us to maintain them and plan other projects for public use on Caney. Jimmy Davis State Park charges 3.00/per person to enter the park and the money is used for the maintenance and upkeep of that facility. In closing, if you are not a payer at those launch sites for whatever reason and you wanted to know where the money is going I hope to change your mind with the financial statement. Your financial support is vital to help the Jackson Parish Watershed District maintain the things that are within our control for the public to enjoy on the #1 lake in Louisiana and tops in the nation.

Gary Joynor
VP/Treasure JPWD

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The selections of the Student-Athletes of the Week at Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman, and Weston High School for January 29th – February 4th have been announced. The honorees, that are chosen by select members of the faculty and staff from each school, earn the award by best exemplifying what it means to be a true student-athlete through academic achievement and athletic accomplishment. Each recipient not only receives public recognition but also is given a commemorative T-Shirt by the Jackson Parish Hospital, which sponsors the weekly award. 

Student-Athlete of the Week

Briley Peterson (10th Grade) – Varsity Girls Basketball player at Weston High School

Eli Walker (11th Grade) – Varsity Boys Basketball player at Quitman High School

Savantez Phillips (12th Grade) – Varsity Boys Basketball player at Jonesboro-Hodge High School

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It was anticipated that landmark decisions regarding classification and the playoff structure issues would come out of the gathering of school Principals at the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s annual meeting that was held this past Friday, January 27th. As it turned out it was “much ado about nothing” as by a 300-66 vote, it was overwhelmingly agreed to postpone any changes to the status quo until June, when the LHSAA will reconvene for a statewide meeting.

As result, the current classification of schools and playoff structure for basketball, baseball, and softball that was voted on by the LHSAA executive committee last September will remain in place for the rest of the 2022-2023 school year.

Items on the agenda that were ratified are as follows:

• Due to the LHSAA being in good financial standing, no member schools will pay membership dues for the 2023-2024 academic year.

•All items proposed for ratification by the executive committee under Article 4.4.4. were passed or postponed including postponement of ratifying the playoff structure, all Non-Select and Select championships remain together and new member schools will have to wait until a reclassification year to play in district competition.

• A proposal to add softball as a sport allowing the higher seed to host the quarterfinal round of the playoffs passed, 312-52, effective in 2024.

• A motion to remove added point for basketball district championships in power ratings for the 2023-24 school year failed, 182-186, at the behest of Lincoln Prep principal Gordon Ford who argued that a possible playoff restructuring meeting in June could negate the proposal.

 

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In 1905, the Saline Stave Factory in the newly incorporated village of Saline, in the southern part of Bienville Parish, Louisiana, began production. At that time, Saline was the last stop on the Louisiana and Northwest Railroad (L&NW). Saline was a bustling town whose main industries at the time were cotton, timber, and, later on, watermelons. The sawmill closed in the 1940s following World War II. In the same decade, the L&NW ceased operations. As a historian, I was curious to see if anything pertaining to the sawmill or railroad still existed. The current landowner gave me permission to go onto the land to investigate. I must stress that this land is private property. Trespassers will be prosecuted. Join me as we uncover the lost sawmill of Saline.

Brad Dison

To view the documentary click here. 

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Being a part of building a tradition apparently was intriguing to three graduating senior gridiron players from Jonesboro-Hodge as each has decided to continue their playing career at a university and college whose football program is in its infancy. Joshua Tatum and Cartavious “Hambone” Waters have committed to North American University located in Stafford, TX while Zion Gray has announced he will be going to Centenary College in Shreveport. 

Located just outside of Houston, NAU is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and is in it’s fourth year of competing as an NAIA Independent within the Continental Athletic Conference. Centenary’s program is even newer having announced in November of last year that after first playing football in 1894 before stopping in 1941 that the Gentleman would revive the program again in 2023.

Tatum was one of the strongest players on the team last year and played alongside Waters, a two-time All-District honoree, on the line for the 2022 Jonesboro-Hodge Tiger football team. Gray, who didn’t start playing football until his junior season, did double duty as a wide receiver and defensive back. Each made their commitment announcement on Twitter on January 29th and 30th. 

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In the fall of 2021, Jonesboro-Hodge graduate Yahzmynne Andrews ventured to Southern Arkansas University Tech, located in Camden, AR to earn her place on the basketball court as a scholarship member of the SAU Lady Rockets. This past week, Andrews was selected to be on another court, this being the SAU Homecoming Court as a Sophomore Maid. The SAU Homecoming Ceremonies will take place on February 4th.

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Schedule of Games on February 4th

Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School

9:00am Bucks vs Warriors (5-6)
9:45am Lakers vs Bulls (5-6)
10:30am Suns vs Clippers (5-6)
11:15am Stars vs Liberty (7-8 girls)
12:00pm Aces vs Sparks (7-8 girls)
12:45pm Grizzlies vs Thunder (7-8 boys)
1:30pm Hawks vs Magic (7-8 boys)
2:15pm Blazers vs Thunder (7-8 boys)
3:00pm Celtics vs Kings (7-8 boys)

JHHS Girls Gym
9:00am Mystic vs Sky (9-10 girls)
10:00am Kings vs Grizzlies (9-10 boys)
11:00am Mystic vs Fever (9-10 girls)
12:00pm Celtics vs Raptors (9-10 boys)
1:00pm Grizzlies vs Rockets (9-10 boys)
2:00pm Lynx vs Wings (11-13 girls)

JHHS Boys Gym
9:00am Bucks vs Mavericks (11-12 boys)
9:45am Spurs vs Bulls ((11-12 boys)
10:30am Lakers vs Suns ( 11-12 boys)
11:15am Suns vs Wings (11-13 girls)
12:00pm Dream vs Liberty (11-13 girls)
12:45pm Celtics vs Kings (13-14 boys)
1:30pm Heat vs Blazers (13-14 boys
2:15pm Celtics vs Magic (13-14 boys)

Game results from January 28th

5&6 Divison

Suns 27 Warriors 19:
Suns scoring: Ashton Anderson 12, Kaden Blewer 10. Leia Green 2, Kassidy Loyd 2, Willow Tingle 1
Warriors scoring: Brennon Otwell 9, Duke Henderson 3, Crew Tidwell 3, Oliver Lee 3, Braxley Tucker 2, Matilyn Otwell 1, Laurel Smith 1

Bucks 13 Lakers 11:
Bulls Scoring: Pistol McCurdy 4, Harper McBride 4, Sebastian 3, Mitchell Osborne 2, John Walker 1
Bucks scoring: Bryce Martin 5, Briggs Craighead 1, Koltyn Donaldson 1, Jacob Patton 1, Harper Gandy 1, Cole Burton 1, D J Hudson 1, Starr Bradley 1, Londyn Tilley 1

Warriors 23 Clippers 13:
Clippers scoring: Ryker Ingram 6, Levi Norred 2, Bentley Roncal 2, Lamar Martin 2, Emma Rowe 2, Jackson Linton 2, Kenzie Billman 1, Jayce Linton 1
Lakers scoring: Jace Watkins 3, Brenton Lewis 2, Aceon Calahan 1, Kolton Laffitte 1, Kase Mathews 1, Kadon Graves 1, MJ Harrell 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Ashton Anderson 12, Kaden Blewer 10

7-8 Girls Divison

Aces 6 Starz 4
Aces scoring: Dally McCurdy 2, Morgan Osborne 1, Madi Spillman 1, Jaicee Watkins 1, Savannah Porter 1
Stars scoring: Jersey Kate Corley 2, Delilah Hudson 1, Charlea Jones 1

Sparks 34 Liberty 10
Sparks scoring: Adeline Anderson 12, Hadley Garner 12, Ainsley Bougues 8, Jaylee Hough 1, Natalie Sullivan 1, 
Liberty scoring: Cadie Conn 4, Ryleigh Puffer 3, Kylee Allen 2, Justice Faulkner 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Adeline Anderson 12, Hadley Garner 12

7-8 Boys Division

Grizzlies 19 Celtics 7
Grizzlies scoring: Cruz Nomey 8, Andrew Edwards 6, Case Creel 3, Clay Burton 2
Celtics scoring: Brock Craighead 2, Brandon Laffitte 2, Tytus Campbell 1, Mason Caldwell 1, James  Lewis 1

Magic 23 Blazers 19
Magic scoring: Asher Norred 11, Andrew Seymore 5, Carter Greer-Kelly 4, Bryce Mauthe 1, Bradley Keeney 1, Colton Haney 1
Blazers scoring: Kree Boston 12, Austin West 5, Stone Anderson 1, Jaycob Rogers 1

Magic 32 Thunder 32
Magic scoring: Asher Norred 10, Andrew Seymore 10, Colton Haney 4, Carter Greer-Kelly 3, Bryce Mauthe 1, Bradley Keeney 1, Sebastian Love 2
Thunder scoring: Kutter Blalock 18, Noah Martin 8, Khaza Cottonham 1, Ayden Chatham 1, Clark Atkins 1, Declan Williams 1, Cason Walker 1, Maddox Graham 1

Kings 24 Hawks 19
Kings scoring: Jagger Ingram 10, Koplen Taylor 4, Taten Hall 3, Thomas 3, Isaac Sessions 2, Grant Williams 1, Mason 1
Hawks scoring: Mason Greer 6, Leland Anderson 5, Cooper Barnes 3, Cutter Whisonant 3, Jeremiah Jones 1, Jess 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Kree Boston 16, Koplen Taylor 13 Cooper Barnes 10

9-10 Girls Divison

Fever 12 Mystics 9
Fever scoring: Amelia Staggs 8, Brooklyn Keiffer 2, Lizzie Kate Sullivan 2
Mystics scoring: Mallory Malone 6, Scarlett Parks 3

9-10 Boys Division

Raptors 18 Rockets 15
Raptors scoring: Aiden Reed 8, Joseph Gill 5, Jase Reed 3, Ryder Diffey 2
Rockets scoring: Caiden Jackson 4, Thatcher Savage 4, Tripp McBride 4, Caston Zimmerman 2, Braddock Chandler 1

Rockets 17 Grizzlies 11 
Rockets scoring: Jaxon Culpepper 5, Mason Tolar 4, Caston Zimmerman 3, Caiden Jackson 2, Tripp McBride 2, Hudson StClair 1
Grizzlies scoring: Jack Robinson 4, Kash Gandy 2, Jase Tinsley 2, Ryder Pardue 2, Christopher Wren 1

Kings 15 Celtics 14
Kings scoring: Bentley Ponder 6, Rhett Emmons 4, Gunner Garrett 4, Shepard Norred 1
Celtics scoring: Cason Conn 6, Brady Malone 4, Grant Griffin 2, Parker Nomey 1, Kaine Stasson 1                                           

11-12 Boys Division

Mavericks 35 Spurs 13
Mavericks scoring: Lukas Bandy 10, Cason Rogers 7, Elijah Calloway 6, Kolt Keiffer 6, Bryce Tolar 4, Gabriel Lebrun 2
Spurs scoring: Elin Henderson 8, Mason Thomas 4, Beau Blalock 1

Lakers 38 Bucks 15 
Lakers scoring: Braydon Robinson 15, Raylon Bradford 10, Noah Spillman 6, Jayden Burns 5, Jadyn Watkins 2
Bucks scoring: Jameon Jefferson 9, Ashton Borland 4, Jason McNeil 1, Jaxson Brown 1

Suns 40 Bulls 19
Suns scoring: Kaleb Maxwell 12, Joseph Delaney 11,  Leyton Younse 10, Ryder Gray 6, Christopher Oncale 1
Bulls scoring: Luke Rowe 6, Colton Otwell 4, Lucas Leach 4, Madden McAdams 3, Tucker Goss 1, Benjamin Patton 1

Bucks 24 Spurs 8
Bucks scoring: Jameon Jefferson 4, Quantavius Campbell 4, Will St. Clair 4, Ashton Borland 3, Jason McNeil 3, Jaxson Brown 2, Brody Tucker 2, Jake Moak 2
Spurs scoring: Mason Thomas 5, Jacolby Lowe 2, Beau Blalock 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Braydon Robinson 15, Kaleb Maxwell 12, Joseph Delaney 11, Raylon Bradford  10, Leyton Younse 10, Lukas Bandy 10

11-13 Girls Division

Liberty 14 Wings 7
Liberty scoring: Brooklyn Brown 6, Ella Robinson 4, Bailey Tinsley 2, Landry Horsfall 2
Wings scoring: London Burks 5, Emma Kate Toms 1, Gabby Edwards 1

Dream 13 Sun 13
Dream scoring: Carly Jo Griffin 9, Jana Potts 3, Braelyn Patton 1
Sun scoring: Samone Mallard 7, Shacoria Mallard 4, Anna Pardue 1, Allison Ramsey 1

Liberty 16 Lynx 15
Liberty scoring: Klea Blalock 8, Brooklyn Brown 5, Landry Horsfall 1, Tinley Choate 1, Reese Womack 1
Lynx scoring: Sophia Kliebert 12, Allie Robertson 1, Ella Simonelli 1, Keeley Davis 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Sophia Kliebert 12

13-14 Boys Division

Celtics 39 Blazers 28
Celtics scoring: Taden Thomas 17, Ty Henderson 9, Caden Jackson 6, Rodney Williams 3, Grayson Dalgaard 2, Elijah Jackson 2
Blazers scoring: William Brittington 8, Colby Williams 8, Ayden Greer 6, Hayden Seymore 6, Aiden Phares 2

Kings 32 Blazers 23
Kings scoring: Brody Halbrook 16, Abram Toms 8, Remy Kennard 6, Rylan Reynolds 2
Blazers scoring: Jack Thomas 14, Colby Williams 4, Hayden Seymore 3, William Brittington 2

Magic 39 Heat 35
Magic scoring: Brayden Martin 15, Jamarcus Dozier 11, Santiago Zuniga 7, Jake North 6
Heat scoring: Tyson Burks 16, Shane Reed 9, Alex Lewis 6, Mathew Odom 2, Colt Guyotte 2

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Taden Thomas 17, Brody Halbrook 16, Tyson Burks 16, Jack Thomas 14, Jamarcus Dozier 11

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Already several colleges have offered Emma Kate McBride, who is averaging 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.2 steals per game while leading Weston to an outstanding 24-5 record, to play basketball for them next season. On Monday, January 30th, Louisiana Christian University (LCU), formerly recognized as Louisiana College, extended the welcome mat as well, officially offering the fearless floor leader the opportunity to become a Lady Wildcat after a visit to the campus in Pineville, LA.  

The daughter of Jeff and Rebecca McBride announced the offer on Twitter.

LCU is affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) that competes in the Red River Athletic Conference, which has 11 members located across a three-state region that includes Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico including LSU – Shreveport and LSU – Alexandria. 

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Quitman High School will be the first to bring Jackson Parish residents the sounds of spring sports this year when the Lady Wolverine Softball team opens their 2023 LHSAA campaign by hosting a pre-season tournament this Saturday, February 4th. Twelve of north Louisiana’s finest programs will take part in the day-long, round-robin competition that will be played at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex, located at 5254 Hwy 4 in Jonesboro.

None of the contests will count as an official game of record for the upcoming LHSAA season, which begins with Jamboree’s on February 9th and season openiing contests starting on February 14th. 

The Lady Wolverines will be in action twice beginning with the opening contest of the tourney against Class 3A Sterlington at 9:00am followed by a 10:45am game against Class 5A Airline. Both contests will be played on Field 4. For a complete schedule of games see below. 

2023 Quitman High School Softball Schedule

2023 Quitman HIgh School Softball Team Roster

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Nationally shared moments come along and you’re pretty sure that you, along with a good chunk of humanity, will remember where you were When You Heard Something Had Happened.

It was (an impossible, it seems) 37 years ago last Friday — January 28, 1986 — that the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster happened, 46,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida Coast at Cape Canaveral. It was 10:30 CST, a cold-for-Florida (36 degrees) and clear Tuesday, and classrooms across America, maybe the world, were tuned in because this mission carried Christa McAuliffe, a social studies teacher from New Hampshire and the first teacher in space.

So millions at the same time were trying to process what they were seeing when Challenger basically exploded just more than a minute after takeoff, everyone on the ground looking up and so many more looking at televisions that seemed to show a giant white expanding ginger root punching in different directions through the bright blue sky.

Where were you that morning?

I asked a new friend named Dan that this weekend — he was on a service call and hooking a piece of equipment to my television to transform it from a Dumb TV to a Smart TV — and he looked at me liked I’d asked him where he was during the Battle of the Bulge. “I wasn’t born yet,” he said.

Oh. Yeah … Well …

I asked him if he could hook a piece of equipment to me to turn me from Dumb to Smart.

“I wish,” he said.

Kids.

Dude’s like 26, or my age when the Challenger Disaster happened. I was one of the last Americans to know, is probably why I remember so well. I’d worked really late as usual at the newspaper, stumbled into 222 Lake Street in Shreveport a couple hours after noon. Lots of Space Shuttle news on the televisions, I thought. And then … Ohhhhhh…

Terrible day.

The tragedy’s cause — excuse this over-simplification — was that these things called O-Rings hadn’t properly sealed, due to their imperfections and the cold weather, and gas had escaped and there you go.

Awful. And yes, a lot of people got in trouble.

Now, this next one, more of you can get in on the Where Were You? game, (even young Dan).

It was 20 years ago — February 1, 2003 — that a space tragedy happened much closer to home when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated as it reentered the atmosphere over East Texas and, well, over us. The crew of seven was lost. A piece of foam that broke off during ascent and hit and damaged the thermal protection system tiles on the shuttle’s left wing was the cause of the disaster when the spacecraft tried to return home.

Brutal.

February 1, 2003 was a Saturday, another gorgeous winter day, clear skies. I went the paper about 8:30 to do a little work. Just tie up some loose ends. (I was conscientious back then.) Had a tee time at 10:30. Perfect day.

Until it wasn’t.

The disaster began to unfold around 8 a.m. our time, but the Internet and all that was a thing still getting its footing. When I walked in, a couple of friends were already working on rumors. We had one computer that was hooked to the Internet — and NOT the Internet you know today.

All the TVs were on but things were still sketchy. Hard to believe 20 years later that the world then did not have instant information but … it didn’t.

Compared to now, it was archaic. But the feelings were the same. The finding out. The discoveries. The slow unfolding. Talking to people who had found things that had fallen from the sky.

Head-shaking day.

You remember? Remember where you were?

Long day and heartsick. Hope today is memorable, but for much better reasons.

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

 

 

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After their outstanding performances in the Gridiron Football Jr. All-American Bowl that pitted the best junior high football players in the state of Louisiana against each other, Dylan Hayes and Michael Malone of Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School (J-HMS) has been named as “Rising Stars” by Gridiron Football Magazine. The designation is given to select junior high gridders across the state that are expected to make a big impact for their high school football programs next year. Each was showcased in a feature article of Gridiron Football Magazine as shown below. 

Dylan Hayes 

Interview with Gridiron Football Magazine 

Dylan Hayes is an 8th-grade 6’2 175lb. powerhouse athlete playing both Receiver/Defensive End for Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School in Jonesboro, LA. With the natural athleticism to move like a machine, Dylan is efficient at playing both sides of the ball. Hayes recently showcased his talents in the Gridiron Football Junior High All-American Game.

Q&A with Dylan:

What inspired you to start playing football and how old were you?

I started playing football at the age of 5. I was really inspired by watching a lot of Kevin Johnson highlights growing up.

Did you play any other sports growing up, and why did football stand out to you the most?

I thought I wasn’t good enough to be in basketball, so that’s when I switched over to football.

What have you learned about yourself playing the sport?

Football definitely builds character. The sport has taught me to meet new people and just have fun while playing the sport.

What are your personal goals for the upcoming 2023 season?

The goal I set for myself is to start in varsity and make the varsity team my freshman year of high school.

What are some game day rituals that help you mentally prepare for competition?

On game day, music helps me a lot to block everything out and stay focused.

What sets you apart from any other athlete?

I would say how my teammates describe me like a machine.

If you could go back and give your younger self any piece of advice, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self to remain humble always and don’t let your dreams die.

What motivates you the most every day to get stronger and better?

Seeing other people stronger than me motivates myself to get stronger than I am.

During the offseason, what are some of your favorite hobbies or interests?

I enjoy hanging out with the team and playing basketball.

Who would you say your favorite NFL player is and why do they inspire you?

My favorite NFL player is Kevin Johnson because I look at him as a machine and can’t be stopped.

As a receiver, how do you communicate with and build trust with your QB?

My QB and I are close friends on and off the field, so I trust him, and he trusts me.

Michael Malone

Interview with Gridiron Football Magazine 

Michael Malone is an ambitious 6’2 300lb. Offensive and Defensive Lineman playing for Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School in Jonesboro, LA. Michael’s size, strength, and powerhouse mobilities at the age of 13 were recently showcased in the Gridiron Football Junior All-American Game. A young athlete full of heart and passion for the game are expressed below.

Q&A with Michael:

How old were you when you first picked up a football and decided this sport was for you?

I was 4 years old and as a young kid, I would always watch my older brother and cousin play which inspired me.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

My cousins are a big influence on me because they constantly motivate me and stay with me about my education.

Regardless of win or loss, how do you maintain a positive mindset at all times on the field?

Hearing what the coach got to say after the game.

During the offseason, what are some of your favorite hobbies or interests?

Playing basketball, chilling with my friends, and playing the game.

What are some current goals and dreams you have set for yourself?

Going to college, making it to the NFL, and maintaining a 3.5 GPA. My dream school would be to play for Jackson State.

How would your teammates describe you?

My teammates would describe me as being positive, a good motivator, and having good sportsmanship.

What is your favorite football memory?

When I scored a touchdown in 8th grade, at that moment I just felt very happy.

What do you feel you and your team can improve on the most?

As a team, we can improve on everything like skill, strength, and speed.

A special appreciation by Michael, “I would like to thank my family, friends, and my coaches”.

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John Huey Kelley
October 14, 1929 – January 29, 2023

John Huey Kelly, 93, was born in Gaars Mill, Louisiana on October 14, 1929. He passed away peacefully on January 29, 2023, surrounded by family. The family is so thankful to have had so many years with this strong, loving, selfless, Christian man. He is rejoicing in Heaven now. Although we will miss him, we know we will be with him someday.

John Huey’s memory is cherished by his wife of 64 years, Alma Jean (Hall) Kelly; his children, Karen Nichols (Nick), Becky Williamson (Mike), Belinda Johnson (Jeff), Gayla Davis (Johnny); and sister, Gloria Barlean. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Sheree Grooms (Shawn), Chris Ramirez (Jennifer), Robbyn Roark (Reggie), Randy Henderson (Vanessa), Clay Johnson (Claudia), Kerri Johnson, Tiffany Vines (TJ), Kaylee Davis and John Aaron Davis. He will also be remembered by his great grandchildren, Trevor, Ashlyn and Andrew Babers, Kaitlyn and Andrew Ramirez, Jake, Cody and Rae Lynn Roark, Landry Henderson, Emma, Brenna and Aby Fenn; brother-in-law, Lyman Hall (Naomi), sister-in-law, Dora Hall and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Virgil Kelly; mother, Daisy Kelly Greer; brother, Herman Kelly; sister and brother-in-law, Daisy and Dub Watley; brother-in-law, Joe Barlean; brother-in law, Travis Hall; and son, Terry Lynn Kelly.

John Huey was ordained in 1968 and served as a Deacon at Springhill Baptist Church. He lived all his life in the Dodson and Weston area, except for a short time in the Dallas area where he made Mrs. Baird’s fresh bread. He was a graduate of Dodson High School and served in the Army National Guard. For several years, John Huey and his family provided Kelly’s Farm Fresh Eggs to local businesses and homes. He retired in 1991 after working 37 years at Continental Can Company/Stone Container.

His priorities were faith and family. He grew up during very hard times, so he worked hard to provide for and support his family’s needs. He enjoyed growing things, whether it was food for his family or beautiful flowers, and anything he grew flourished under his hand. He also enjoyed fishing with family and friends, feeding and watching birds.

The family invites you to a celebration of his life. Visitation will be held in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro, Louisiana from 10:30 to noon on Wednesday, February 1st, with services to follow at noon, officiated by Bro. Wayne Morrow. Interment will follow at Springhill Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Ramirez, Randy Henderson, Clay Johnson, John Aaron Davis, Heath Hall, Scott Hall, Kevin Hall and Kevin Reeves.

The family would like to recognize the excellent care provided by The Arbor and Terrace of Ruston, Premier Hospice, Assist Care, Kim Brunson- FNP at Mercy Medical and Dr. Jed Robinson.

Beulah Ann Simmons
September 30, 1944 – January 28, 2023

Beulah Ann Simmons, age 78 of Jonesboro, made her way through Heaven’s gates on Saturday, January 28, 2023. She enjoyed doing many things such as cooking for her family, sewing and crafting. She loved to attend art and craft festivals and explore the latest crafting ideas. She loved birds, especially quails and hummingbirds. Beulah enjoyed raising quails and also watching the hummingbirds eat at her many feeders. She collected many hummingbird figurines throughout the years. Beulah loved her family dearly, but her heart was consumed by her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her grands are her pride and joy.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, James “Bud” Simmons, Debbie Bowen, Angelia “Angel” Malloy, Danny Simmons; grandchildren, Kristen Tran, Adam Tran, Matt Malloy (Gilda), Destiny Bowen, Rebecca Malloy, Rachel Malloy, Marye Bowen, Little Danny Simmons, Little Bud Simmons, Noah Simmons; great grandchildren, James Lowery, Anna Tran, Makenzie Lowery, Izzy Tran, Cayden Lowery, Leilani Tran, RJ LeBlance, Lily LeBlance, Ky Kelley, Knox Kelley; sister, Johnnie Walsworth. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Olan “Red” Simmons; grandson, Ricky Tran; parents, John Henry and Ethel (Flether) Lester; siblings, Effie Holmes, Jeanie Walsworth, John A. Lester; daughter in law, Sherry Simmons.

Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, February 2, 2023 in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home from noon until time of service. Funeral services are set for 2:00pm with burial to follow. Burial will be held in Harmony Grove Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Lionel  Lewis
March 14, 1950 – January 24, 2023

Lionel Lewis passed from this world on January 24, 2023 after 72 years of life. Lionel’s life was celebrated by friends and family  with a funeral service that was held at New Hope Baptist Church in Chatham on Tuesday, January 31st under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro. 

 

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Fifty Gifted and Talented Art students from Jonesboro-Hodge and Weston High Schools got the opportunity to travel to Shreveport to take part in a glass education program on January 24th. Each student received instruction on how glass is prepared for blowing and got to create their own unique glass artwork. The session was held at Sanctuary Arts School & Studio (SAS) which is a 501 (c)(3) LA Non-Profit Organization. SAS is able to offer outreach programs, workshops, and classes to students per a grant received from the JSB / Pledge 10 Grant Program. 

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Jackson Parish was well represented at the Northwest District Livestock Show that was held in Shreveport this past weekend with three local 4-H members Lane Diffey, Spencer Stickland, and Roman Strickland bringing home ribbons for outstanding performances of their livestock projects. Diffey and Roman Strickland won awards for their goat and poultry showmanship projects, including Roman’s project being named the 2023 Northwest District Reserve, Standard, and Overall Champion, while Spencer Strickland was recognized for his poultry entry. 

Parishes competing in the two-day event that was held at the State Fair Grounds in Shreveport on January 27-28 were Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, De Soto, Jackson, Lincoln, Red River, Sabine, and Webster. The LSU AgCenter State 4-H/FFA Livestock Show is scheduled to be held in Gonzalez, LA during the week of February 11-18. 

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Doors of Opportunity

Popeye-the Sailor cartoons were among my favorites as a child.

Popeye was the star but there were many other characters who tried to steal the show.

Olive Oyl was his leading lady; Bluto was his arch-enemy. Wimpy craved hamburgers and Popeye’s nephews were too cute to forget. In case you’re interested the nephew’s names were Pipeye, Peepeye, Poopeye, and Pupeye.

How’s that for originality?

One 1937 cartoon had Popeye chasing a band of Arabian Nights thieves to their hideout cave. Demanding entrance, our hero cries out, ‘Open, says me!’

Says who?

Says Popeye, that’s who.

I’m no hero. Yet, I do have God-given authority. If I’ll knock; He promises to open.

“Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7 HCSB).”

God frequently opens doors of opportunity. Don’t forget, there are two sides to every door.

At times, open doors lead to opposition and persecution.

… “because a wide door for effective ministry has opened for me—yet many oppose me (1 Corinthians 16:9 HCSB).”

Apostle Paul depended on the prayer support of other believers. He was blessed through the prayers of churches and fellow laborers in the ministry.

Do you have a strong prayer support system?

Are you praying for others? They seek open doors too.

“Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18 HCSB).”

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! 

 

 

HELP WANTED

The Hodge Fire Department is looking for individuals interested in serving their community. If you live within Hodge or the Hodge Fire Protection District and are interested in joining contact Chief Michael Heard at (318) 259-4704 or go to the station located at 1002 South 1st Street in Hodge.

FOR SALE

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

REQUEST FOR BIDS: The Jackson Parish Recreation District is looking for a vendor to run the concession stand for the upcoming baseball season. If you want to submit a proposal or have questions, contact Tommy Smith at 318-737-8493.

Veteran’s Affairs Office Opens: The Veteran’s Affairs Office, located at 322 6th Street in Jonesboro, will now be open on Tuesday and Wednesday each week from 9:30a.m. – 3:00p.m. The VA Representative is Mr. Gary Poole who can be reached at 318-259-2100 or  gary.poole@la.gov

SHERIFF’S SALE

PEOPLES BANK
# 35438

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

DONNA KAY KYLE

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale for cash at the principal front door of the Courthouse, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 22nd day of March, 2023 Between the hours governing judicial
sales, the following property to wit:

THREE AND ONE-HALF ACRES IN THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THEE 1/2 OF THE NE 1/4 OF THE SE 1/4, SECTION 21, TOWNSHIP 16 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, INCLUDING ANY AND ALL IMPROVEMENTS SITUATED THEREON AND THERETO BELONGING.

Seized as the property of the above-named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all costs, sale to be made for cash with WITH the benefit of appraisal.

ANDY BROWN, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER
TINA SPILLERS, DEPUTY

2/8/23
3/15/23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This past Thursday, the temperature was cold enough to want a fire. Around midmorning, one lit up in the Town of Jonesboro, but the kind of fire that was wanted as this blaze started in the engine of one of the Public Works trucks.  

The Jonesboro Fire Department and Jonesboro Police immediately responded to the scene at the parking area in front of Traina’s Bakery located on 6th Street to put the fire out and control traffic in the area. No injuries were reported but the engine and front area of the pick-up truck was badly damaged.

“It is unfortunate that this took place but not totally unexpected,” said Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris who explained further.

“The entire fleet of trucks for the town is dilapidated and in bad working order,” continued Harris. “The records show the town hasn’t had a new truck since 2001 and that the ones that have been added to our fleet over the past several years were all used with over 100,000 miles on them when they were purchased.”

“It is not just the motors that are of concern but on most of them, even the speedometers, odometers, and fuel gauges don’t work. As result, we can’t properly track the usage of these vehicles like we need to.”

When asked what solutions are possible, the new Mayor who took office on January 1, 2023, said that he has already been working toward fixing the problem and others he has encountered.

“One of the first things I did was examine the town’s inventory of vehicles and there is no question that our fleet needs to be updated,” said Harris. “I am now working with a leasing company to find a cost-effective way we can get this done.”

Mayor Harris gives “State of Town” address

On, Thursday, January 26th, Mayor Harris fulfilled a campaign promise of being transparent to the citizens about the state of affairs of the Town of Jonesboro by providing a video update on some of the issues he has encountered since taking over as Mayor on January 1st. Of note is the announcement that the Town of Jonesboro is back on the Non-Compliance List. To view the Mayors address you can visit the James Harris Facebook page or click here

Mayor releases two letters for public view

On January 19th a letter was received by the Mayor’s office from the Civil Divison of the State of Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. In the letter, it was acknowledged that per Legislative Auditor’s reports for the fiscal years ending June 30th, 2020, and June 30, 2021, that the Town of Jonesboro violated the Public Bid Law in multiple fiscal years.

Another letter was received from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Office of Management and Finance on January 23rd stating that Audited Financial Statements for the period ending June 30, 2022 that was due to the Legislative Auditor by December 30, 2022 had not yet been received. The letter further stated that as result the DEQ is prohibited from disbursing funds to the town in regards to any wastewater projects funded through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

To view each of these letters see below: 

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District play began in earnest for the local prep basketball teams this past week. Once the dust had settled in Jackson Parish the Quitman and Saline boys teams had surfaced at the top of the district 1B and 2C standings. Jonesboro-Hodge is treading water in the middle of the pack in District 3-2A play while Weston is up the proverbial creek without a paddle. 

Results from games played January 23 – 28:

Quitman 59 Weston 41: (Friday) With the Wolverines draining everything they threw up and Weston unable to score, in all reality the contest was over just three minutes in. Back-to-back-to-back three-pointers, two by Logan Ponder and another by Eli Walker gave Quitman a quick 9-0 lead that ballooned to 16-0 before Braden Theriot got Weston on the board.
To their credit, Weston fought back to shave six points off by the half as Theriot added eight more and Tait Henderson scored six to bring the Wolves to within 30-20. The lead stayed between the 15-20 point range throughout the second half sans another run by Weston in the fourth that got them to within ten again but 9 of 12 free throw accuracy squelched any further rally.
Logan Ponder led the way with 23 points and 8 boards for Quitman while Eli Walker chipped in with 11. Blake Carter, who took a frightful spill but thankfully was ok, scored nine and blocked four shots and Brayden Smith added 8. Noah Leach scored six and Riley Duck made a basket to round out the scoring. Theriot and Henderson, with 17 and 14 points respectively, scored all but ten of Weston’s points with Mitchel Mathews ending with 8 and Nathan Wages adding a basket.
The victory sets up a key matchup with Doyline on Tuesday for the top spot in district 1B as both enter with a 2-0 record. The sixth loss in the last seven games dropped Weston to #34 in Division V forcing the Wolves to finish strong over the next four district contests or risk facing missing the postseason.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Quitman	22	8	12	17	59
Weston	6	14	6	15	41

Saline 69 Dodson 37 (Friday): Not pleased with the effort given against JHHS on Thursday and knowing how distracting Homecoming can be, head coach Klint Robinson gave his team a directive first thing Friday morning – You better hit the floor ready to play. Judging by the results they heard him loud and clear.
Saline jumped all over Dodson to take a commanding 20-6 first-quarter lead and never let off the gas to post their second-largest victory since way back in November. Making the quick start all the more pleasing, it was the ceremony participants that did all the early damage.
Freshman Gavin Dailey led the way with 11 points followed by Trent Ledbetter, who finally seems to be recovered from a series of injuries, posting a season-best 10 points on the strength of a pair of three-pointers. Will Dyson had six, Shawn Staggs finished with five, DJ Rager-Ridley followed with 4 and Wesley Crawford hit a three-pointer – all in the first three quarters as Saline built a 51-24 lead.
That set the stage for the best production of the year by the reserves who pasted Dodson for 18 points in the fourth quarter led by six from Conner Roberts and five each from Jay Nash and Nathan Peoples. Gunner Fontenot added a basket for good measure.
The victory improved the Bobcats to 5-1 in district 2C play setting up a key Tuesday matchup with co-leader Atlanta that will have a tremendous bearing on district title aspirations for both teams. The 20th loss of the season against five victories for Dodson ended a season best two-game winning streak and dropped the Panthers to 1-5 in the district.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Saline	20	12	19	18	69
Dodson	6	9	9	13	37

Lakeview 43 JHHS 35 (Friday) JHHS held Lakeview to the fewest points they had scored in the last 18 games. The problem is that the Tigers scored less than they have all year. The balance of the game was still in hand heading into the fourth quarter with Lakeview holding a slim 26-24 advantage in the low-scoring affair before besting JHHS by a 17-11 margin in the final frame.
The loss snapped a two-game winning streak for the Tigers who now sit at 9-11 overall and 3-3 in district 3-2A play. The season series sweep improved Lakeview to 18-7 overall and 5-1 in the district to stay one game back of district leader Winnfield.
Savantez Phillips scored 10 to pace the Tigers with Jarrius Lumpkin adding nine. Zion Gray ended with eight, Ajay Tew scored six and Cameron Leonard added a basket to round out the Tiger’s scoring effort. Jones was the high point man for Lakeview with 16 followed by Driver with 9 and both Sowell and Pikes with 7 each. Taylor added four.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
JHHS	12	7	5	11	35
Lakeview	15	6	5	17	43

JHHS 61 Saline 41 (Thursday) For two quarters the game remained close but an adjustment at the half by JHHS head coach Allen Tew to pound the ball inside proved fruitful for the home-standing Tigers as they ran away to what turned out to be an easy win.
The rare Thursday contest started slowly for both teams with J-H holding a slim 20-18 lead at the half. Jarrius Lumpkin, Cameron Leonard, Zion Gray, and Ajay Tew all made three-pointers for the Tigers who seemed content to bomb away from deep while Saline stayed close thanks to seven points from Wesley Crawford and six from DJ Rager-Ridley.
The second half was a different story altogether, especially in the third quarter. Taking advantage of their decided size advantage, the Tigers kept pumping the ball inside for a plethora of easy shots that resulted in Gray scoring seven in the frame and both Tew and Savantez Phillips adding six each, and Symeon Malone chipping in with four points as JHHS scored a game-best 25 in the frame to blow things open.
Phillips ended up leading JHHS in scoring with 18 assisted by 12 each from Tew and Gray. Leonard had 8 and Lumkin 7 with Malone finishing with four. Seven players scored for Saline but none reached double figures. A bright spot for the Bobcats was the second-half play of freshmen Gavin Dailey and Eli Ferguson who scored eight and five. Will Dison and Wesley Crawford added seven apiece for Saline followed by five from Shawn Staggs and three by Jacob Jones.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
JHHS	10	10	25	16	61
Saline	6	12	11	12	41

JHHS 61 Saline 41 (Thursday) For two quarters the game remained close but an adjustment at the half by JHHS head coach Allen Tew to pound the ball inside proved fruitful for the home-standing Tigers as they ran away to what turned out to be an easy win.
The rare Thursday contest started slowly for both teams with J-H holding a slim 20-18 lead at the half. Jarrius Lumpkin, Cameron Leonard, Zion Gray, and Ajay Tew all made three-pointers for the Tigers who seemed content to bomb away from deep while Saline stayed close thanks to seven points from Wesley Crawford and six from DJ Rager-Ridley.
The second half was a different story altogether, especially in the third quarter. Taking advantage of their decided size advantage, the Tigers kept pumping the ball inside for a plethora of easy shots that resulted in Gray scoring seven in the frame and both Tew and Savantez Phillips adding six each, and Symeon Malone chipping in with four points as JHHS scored a game-best 25 in the frame to blow things open.
Phillips ended up leading JHHS in scoring with 18 assisted by 12 each from Tew and Gray. Leonard had 8 and Lumkin 7 with Malone finishing with four. Seven players scored for Saline but none reached double figures. A bright spot for the Bobcats was the second-half play of freshmen Gavin Dailey and Eli Ferguson who scored eight and five. Will Dyson and Wesley Crawford added seven apiece for Saline followed by five from Shawn Staggs and three by Jacob Jones.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Quitman	19	9	11	12	51
Castor	12	8	11	15	46

JHHS 67 Many 49 (Tuesday) Zion Gray shook off a slow start to score 25 points over the final three quarters to lift the Tigers past district doormat Many and give JHHS a winning 3-2 record in district play for the first half of the schedule.
Jarrius Lumkin hit 8 of 10 free throws to propel him to 14 points on the night and Ajay Tew turned in his best long-range shooting quarter of the year by connecting on four trey’s in the first on the way to 13 in the game. Cameron Leonard became the fourth Tiger to reach double figures when his second three-pointer of the night lifted his total to ten. Savantez Phillips tallied three points and Za’Marrion Palmer totaled two to round out the Tiger’s scoring effort. Many’s losing streak reached 13 straight times after a season-opening victory to fall to 1-13 on the season and 0-4 in district play.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
JHHS	15	11	17	24	67
Many	14	6	14	15	49

Doyline 87 Weston 67 (Tuesday) Only five Doyline players scored but two had over 30 points led to the second-highest scoring total given up by the Wolves this year. The most were also by Doyline when they won by a 92-77 margin back on November 18th. The loss overshadowed a fine effort from Bryce Zehr who did his best to keep Weston in the “track meet” by posting 27 points that included three 3-pointers in the second quarter. Braden Theriot and Mitchel Mathews also reached double digits in scoring with 14 and 12 but the Wolves could manage only 9 points otherwise with Tait Henderson scoring six, Ja’Michael Fourd making a three-pointer, and Nathan Wages adding a first-quarter basket.
Jamaria “Juicy” Clark, who holds the best single-game point total of 70 in the state, led Doyline with 37 followed by 30 points from Damarrion McClendon, on the strength of five three-pointers.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Weston	14	19	15	16	67
Doyline	20	27	18	22	87

Boys District Standings

District 3-2A	District	Overall
Winnfield	2-0	18-4
Lakeview	5-1	18-7
Mansfield	3-2	10-5
JHHS	3-3	9-11
Red Rvier	1-3	10-14
Many	0-5	1-14

District 1B	District	Overall
Quitman	2-0	15-10
Doyline	1-0	20-2
Castor	0-1	11-11
Weston	0-2	9-18

District 2C	District	Overall
Saline	5-1	15-13
Atlanta	4-1	9-18
Georgetown	3-1	18-8
Calvin	3-2	16-9
Dodson	1-5	5-20
Central-J’ville	0-5	0-14

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises motorists that beginning on Saturday, February 4th that Hwy. 4 will be closed 5 miles west of Chatham. The road will remain closed until approximately Sunday, February 5th.  The purpose of the closure is to allow for the necessary replacement of a cross-drain pipe. Origionally the work was to be done on January 28th and 29th but had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather. As before, This work will be performed weather permitting!

DETOUR ROUTE: The detour routes will be LA 505, LA 810, LA 34 and LA 4

The DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution near the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and equipment. Caution should also be exercised while walking and/or biking near the construction zone and along detour routes that will be experiencing higher than normal traffic. 

For more information call 511 or visit www.511la.org. Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov.

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The Weston vs Quitman girl’s basketball game was everything that was thought it would be from the outstanding play on the court to the electric atmosphere in the stands. When it was all over it was Weston who emerged as the front-runner in District 1B play. Meanwhile Saline continued their second half of the season surge to climb to the top of District 2C.

Weston 62 Quitman 54 (Friday): Emma Kate McBride and Lainee Trosclair calmly sank a pair of pressure-packed free throws in the final seconds to help Weston turn away a spirited Quitman rally attempt. The victory vaults the Lady Wolves to a 23-5 record overall and to the top of the district standings with a 2-0 record while Quitman falls to 17-8 and 0-2 in 2B play.
The atmosphere was electric, and the noise was deafening from the opening tip as the two neighboring rivals slugged it out in front of the standing-room-only crowd in Weston. The difference in the contest that more than lived up to the pre-game billing came when Briley Peterson scored 10 and Lexie Millien hit three trey’s to help Weston to a pivotal 23-5 second quarter advantage offsetting a point Quitman lead after one and giving Weston a 35-21 lead at the break.
“We started a little slow but the girls really turned it on in the second,” said WHS head coach Stacy Tucker. “It was a fun game as both teams played well and the crowd was really into it.”
Cali Deal scored 8 points and Anna Leach added one of her three 3-pointers in the third quarter as Quitman stormed back to outscore WHS 16-7 in the frame. QHS kept the pressure up in the fourth and pulled to within four but Emma Kate McBride and Lainee Trosclair calmly sank a pair of pressure-packed free throws in the final seconds to help Weston turn away the spirited rally attempt.
“Give Weston credit, they deserved to win this one. They are a really good team with some great players. I was especially impressed with the Peterson girl, she is turning out to be a very special player” said QHS head coach Kyle Leach, who refused to use the loss of two of his top players earlier in the week, one to illness and the other to injury, as an excuse for the loss. “Sure, it would have helped to have had Bethany (Leach) and Brayli (Stewart) but I am not going to say that them not being here is why we lost. Anna (Leach) filled in nicely and the team picked up the slack to give us a shot to win. Unfortunately, we just came up a little short but I am very proud of our girls for the way they battled.”
On the heels of a 31-point, 21-rebound night on Tuesday, once again Peterson continued her impressive play in district competition by scoring 22 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in this one. McBride also came up big with 18 points that included 4 of 6 shooting from behind the arc. Lexie Millien added nine and six boards, Jessica Newton scored 8, grabbed 6 rebounds, and blocked three shots, Anslee Aldy hit a three-pointer, one of eight the Lady Wolves made on the night Laine Trosclair chipped in with her clutch free throws.
Deal led Quitman with 19 points and 14 rebounds and 8th grader Anna Leach turned in her best performance of the season with a career-high 13 points and seven rebounds to go along with five steals. Emma Carter scored nine and had four steals while Summer Grillette added eight points and six boards. AJ Gray made three and Ansley Folks had two.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Quitman	16	5	16	17	54
Weston	12	23	7	20	62

Saline 44 Dodson 16 (Friday): First-quarter three-pointers by Alana and Alaya Gray paced the Lady Bobcats to a 10-0 first-quarter lead as Saline celebrated Homecoming by beating their district rival for the 16 straight times. The victory kept Saline, now 10-16 overall, atop the district 2C standing with a perfect 5-0 record while Dodson fell to 1-5 and 1-22. Another trey by Alaya and a basket each from Sydney Thomas and Kacidy Sims helped Saline take an 18-5 lead into the break. The Lady Bobcats’ point total doubled following six points by Alana and four more each from Sims and Alaya along with a basket from Thomas and Cenada Weathers. Reserves Rachel Leggett and Gabi Stewart put the finishing touches in place with a basket and three-pointer respectively. hit a three-pointer in the fourth.
The Gray twins led Saline in scoring with 11 each followed by six from Sims, five from Thomas, and four points from Weathers. Jayden Browning led Dodson with 5 points with Ja’Kiya Joiner adding four. Maddie Moore and Kelsey Desadier had two each and Alora Marker made a free throw for Dodson, who in the contest before against Central-Jonesville snapped their season-long 20-game losing streak.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Saline	10	8	18	8	44
Dodson	0	5	5	6	16

Weston 87 Doyline 68 (Tuesday) Briley Peterson has had a lot of good games during her burgeoning career but none like this one. It was a night that she will long remember after scoring 31 points and snaring 20 rebounds, both new career highs to help lift streaking Weston to a new season-best point total.
The fifth win in a row and 10th in the last 11 games pushed the Lady Wolves overall record to a Jackson Parish best 23-5 and an early leg up in the district 1B standings. Doyline fell to 12-7 on the year, with two of the losses coming against Weston.
Five points by Lainee Trosclair followed closely by four points each from Ansley Aldy and Peterson and a three-pointer by Emma Kate McBride paced Weston to an 18-13 first-quarter advantage. With Peterson and Lexie Millien, on the strength of three treys, scoring nine points each, the lead ballooned to 44-29 at the half.
Both teams came out running in the second half to combine for 44 points in the third. Weston kept the torrid scoring pace up with 22 points in the final frame to equal their season-high total in points and best in regulation as the 2022-23 edition of Lady Wolves became the first in over 15 years to score over 85 twice in a season.
The impressive total came from making 33 of an incredible 82 shots that included 11 that were made from a season-high 40 attempts from behind the arc. Millien was the leading “rainmaker” with four “bombs’ that helped her to make 20 points, both new career highs. McBride, who finished with 11 points, and Peterson made three treys each with Trosclair, who scored 9 and added four assists and three steals, chipping in with one.
Jessica Newton also scored nine and grabbed 7 boards while also slapping away 3 shots to give her 88 blocks on the year, easily the Jackson Parish best and one of the better marks in north Louisiana. Aldy ended with six points and Nadia Siadek, added a free throw to go along with six of Weston’s 48 rebounds accumulated in the high-scoring affair.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Weston	18	26	21	22	87
Doyline	13	16	23	16	68

Castor 50 Quitman 43 (Tuesday) Her name was apropos of her performance. Summer Grillette was hot as the July sun in the district 2B opener but otherwise woeful team shooting and committing an unusual amount of turnovers was too much for the Lady Wolverines to overcome in the district 1B opener.
Grillette was sensational, scoring 10 points on 5 of 7 shooting from the field and grabbing 9 rebounds, both season-best marks. Adding to her impressive outing was the contribution of 4 steals. The rest of the team didn’t fare so well though. Other than Grillette’s total, QHS managed to connect on only 30% of shots from the field, which included a 1 of 7 performance from behind the arc, and 40% from the free throw line.

“We couldn’t throw it in the ocean,” bemoaned QHS head coach Kyle Leach. “It didn’t matter where we shot it from. We missed layups, and free throws, and made only one three-pointer.”

Neither team shot well in the first half saw Castor take a slim 18-17 lead into the break. In the second half the home-standing Lady Gators started finding the range from deep and after back-to-back 3 pointers went up 44-34 only to see Quitman rally to score seven straight to pull to within 44-41 with around 2:30 to go in the contest.

Then all momentum disappeared in the twist of an ankle.

Falling to the injury was Brayli Stewart, the team’s second-leading scorer and rebounder and who had contributed 8 points and 6 boards in this one. The loss was crippling as Quitman was already missing senior point guard Bethany Leach who was diagnosed with mononucleosis (mono) on Sunday.

“I am not making excuses. Castor has flown under the radar this year but they are a good team and well coached,” said Leach “They deserved to win but not having both Brayli and Bethany was a huge blow.”

Cali led Quitman in scoring with 16 points and shared the team lead with 9 boards while 8th grader, Anna Leach, subbing for her namesake, finished with five points and five rebounds. Emma Carter and AJ Gray added two points apiece.

The loss dropped Quitman’s record to 17-7 and broke a 16-game district winning streak that dates to the 2019-20 season. It also continues a three-game district skid to Castor, now 14-6 on the year, that resumes from 2018-19, the last time the two were in the same district.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Quitman	6	11	13	17	43
Castor	6	12	18	14	50

Girls District Standings

District 3-2A	District	Overall
Lakeview	4-0	19-2
Winnfield	4-0	14-9
Mansfield	2-2	11-10
Red River	2-2	6-11
Many	1-4	8-16
JHHS	0-5	3-18

District 1B	District	Overall
Weston	2-0	23-5
Castor	2-0	15-6
Quitman	0-2	17-7
Doyline	0-2	12-8

District 2C	District	Overall
Saline	4-0	10-16
Calvin	5-1	11-14
Georgetown	3-2	11-13
Atlanta	2-3	4-22
Dodson	1-5	1-21
Central – J’ville	0-4	0-15