I enjoy a good movie now and then. I’ll sometimes even go to a concert like the one I attended a week ago when Tommy Emmanuel’s amazing guitar work made me want to head home and bust my guitar over a fence post. These events serve as an avenue of entertainment; we need such occasionally to get us out of our rut and offer a measure of change from the daily grind.

For sheer entertainment, though, I’ll take what Mother Nature has to offer any day. Sitting and observing the things that happen naturally in the Great Outdoors offers entertainment that money can’t buy. It’s free; it’s relaxing; it’s exciting and I can’t seem to get enough of sitting and watching nature do what nature does.

One of the most entertaining events I ever witnessed was provided by a bobcat. I was sitting in my stand among the hardwoods on a hill one day several years ago enjoying the peace and tranquility the setting offered.

It was obvious I had to have been hunting deer instead of squirrels because the woods seemed to be full of bushy-tails that morning; they never show up in such numbers when I have my shotgun loaded with #6s instead of the deer rifle I was packing that day.

In an instant, everything changed in the woods around me. Squirrels that had been leisurely scurrying around one moment all went on high alert the next. I watched at least half a dozen scoot up trees and start to chatter excitedly. I knew they had seen something I hadn’t detected yet. Scanning the woods, I saw movement of something brown and identified a bobcat walking slowly out in front of my stand.

I’ve never been one to let such opportunities go by without extending the excitement so I dug through my pack and found a predator call which sounds like a rabbit in distress and when a predator hears it, the natural instinct is to cash in on a quick and easy meal.

Here the bobcat came in response to the call, sneaking up and sitting down beneath my box stand. I enjoyed the show until he looked up, our eyes met and he knew he’d been hoodwinked. If a bobcat can look embarrassed, that one did as he slunk back into the thicket.

On a later hunt, I attended another of nature’s productions as I sat on my stand under clear skies and cool temperatures. Two young bucks, identical in size both sporting six inch spikes, entered my food plot to begin grazing on the grass I’d planted earlier. Our club rules prohibited the taking of spikes so I sat back to enjoy the show when I realized I’d been watching
them for over an hour, darkness was approaching and the spikes seemed perfectly content to
graze on the oats and clover.

I knew if I climbed down from my stand in full view of the deer, they’d see me and high-tail it into the brush and they’d key on my stand the next time they came to the plot.

Since it was almost dark and I needed to get off the stand and head home, I decided on a tactic that was sure to cause the two young spikes to bolt without identifying me. I pulled out my grunt call and rattle bag and began grunting and rattling horns like mature bucks fighting, expecting the two visitors I’d been watching for an hour to scoot.

Nothing doing. The aggressive sounds I made with the grunt tube and rattle bag only fired them up. Instead of dashing away in fright, they faced each other and I got to watch a serious head-butting, pushing and shoving match. Instead of turning them away, I apparently turned them on. Such is the entertainment Mother Nature offers every time you head outdoors.

FISHING REPORT

BLACK BAYOU – No report this week. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest
information.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Crappie fishing has been fair to good on jigs or shiners. Bass have been fair around brush and structure. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water is rising with current and fishing has been slow this week. No reports on crappie or bass. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie fishing has been fair with best catches made on jigs or shiners fished just off the channel. Bass had been best fishing the points on crank baits. Catfish are biting cold worms fished off the banks; bream are slow. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE –Crappie fishing continues to be best with shiners having the edge over jigs this week. The fish are still fairly deep. No report this week on bass, bream, stripers or catfish.. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
CANEY LAKE –Jigging spoons and tail spinners are picking up a few bass and yellow bass bouncing these lures off the bottom in deep water. Soft plastics and deep diving crank baits have been producing some around humps just off the channels. 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 has been good this week around the boat slips and on the south end on shiners or jigs with some bigger fish caught during the afternoons. Catfishing continues to be good. No report on bass or bream. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – There is a slight rise in water levels this week. Windy stormy conditions have kept most fishermen off the lake this week. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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Kalei Nelson and Will Dison was named Homecoming King and Queen at Saline High School on Friday. The outstanding recipients were two of the six seniors on the court that was presented to the large audience in attendance at the Saline gymnasium prior to the boys and girls basketball games against Dodson. Also representing the senior class were maids Finley Oliver and Bailey Welch with the Beaus being Treyvon Colvin and Shawn Staggs.

Representing the junior class was maids Sydney Thomas and Kallie Wright with the beaus being Trenton Ledbetter and Maddox Williams. Sophomore maids were Keira Blewer and Gabi Stewart and beaus Bray Corley and Landon Horsfall with the freshmen representatives being maids Addison Davis and Ella Dison escorted by beaus Gavon Dailey and Elijah Ferguson. Alan Gray and Kenton Lee Crawford was named Basketball Sweetheart and Beau. 

The gala event started with Saline High Principal Scott Canady wecloming everyone to the ceremontyand DJ Rager-Ridley providing the Invocation. Oliva Green followed with a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. Ariel Anderson then welcomed special guests and recognized Saline High graduates. After each of the maids and beaus of the Court was introduced last years King and Queen, Ethan Roberts and Georgia Robinson crowned the royalty recipients for 2023. 

 

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If you have driving by the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library you have seen the progress that has been made on the soon to be developed Park that is currently in construction. Already the retaining wall and walkpaths have been poured and the erection of one of the canopy structures is nearing completion. Once finished the work that is being done by Triad Company will turn to the placement of various pieces of interactive equipment that will make the park accesible for use for children of all capabilities. Below is a rendition of some of the station pieces that will be in place. 

Cornerstone Christian Academy take field trip to Library

Pre-K and Kindergarten classes from Cornerston Christian Academy enjoyed a field trip to the Jackson Parish Library on January 26th for some fun activities and educational tour. On behalf of the administration and staff of CCA thanks if offered to the JPL for 
making the day so great. The services that you offer to our community is appreciated.

Services offered at the Library

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Let’s Get Vaccinated! That is the message the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is trying to convey. To help make that possible LDH Region 8, of which Jackson Parish is a part, has scheduled dates for free Covid and Flu vaccinations in each parish of the region this week. The Jackson Parish Health Unit, located at 228 Bond St. in Jonesboro, will be giving vaccinations this  Monday – Friday (January 30th -February 3rd) during times of 8am-4:30pm. Also on Friday, Beta Land will be offering Covid -19, Flu, and Mpox vaccinations at the Eros Town Hall from 10:00am – 1:00pm. To schedule an appointment call (318) 259 – 6601.

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Game results from January 21st

5&6 Divison

Suns 15 Bulls 8:
Suns scoring: Ashton Anderson 13, Caylee Mauthe 1, Kaden Blewer 1
Bulls Scoring: Pistol McCurdy 3, Harper McBride 2, Mitchell Osborne 1, John Walker 1, Eva Martin 1 

Bucks 13 Lakers 11:
Bucks scoring: D J Hudson 3, Bryce Martin 2, Briggs Craighead 2, Koltyn Donaldson 2, Jacob Patton 2, Harper Gandy 1, Cole Burton 1, 
Lakers scoring: Jace Watkins 3, Brenton Lewis 1, Aceon Calahan 1, Kolton Laffitte 1, Kase Mathews 1, Kadon Graves 1, 

Warriors 23 Clippers 13:
Warriors scoring: Brennon Otwell 9, Duke Henderson 4, Oliver Lee 3, Braxley Tucker 2, Matilyn Otwell 1, Eliza Jackson 1, Laurel Smith 1, Samuel Jones 1, Crew Tidwell 1
Clippers scoring: Levi Norred 4, Ryker Ingram 2, Bentley Roncal 2, Lamar Martin 2, Kenzie Billman 1, Jayce Linton 1, Tyler Newton 1, 
Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Ashton Anderson 13

7-8 Girls Divison

Liberty 12 Aces 9
Liberty scoring: Carrington Bond 5, Cadie Conn 3, Justice Faulkner 2, Kylee Allen 1, Ryleigh Puffer 3,
Aces scoring: Morgan Osborne 6, River Waggoner 2, Audrey Lee 1, 

Sparks 30 Starz 4
Sparks scoring: Ainsley Bougues 10, Adeline Anderson 10, Hadley Garner 8, Jaylee Hough 1, Natalie Sullivan 1, 
Stars scoring: Jersey Kate Corley 2, Jesslyn Williams 1, Isabelle Morris 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Ainsley Bougues 10, Adeline Anderson 10

7-8 Boys Division

Blazers 22 Celtics 14
Blazers scoring: Kree Boston 16, Stone Anderson 3, #9 – 3
Celtics scoring: Brock Craighead 7, Hunter Williams 3, Mayson Terral 1, Tytus Campbell 1, Mason Caldwell 1, James  Lewis 1

Kings 24 Magic 22
Kings scoring: Koplen Taylor 13, Jagger Ingram 8, Taten Hall 1, Isaac Sessions 2, Grant Williams 1
Magic scoring: Asher Norred 9, Andrew Seymore 8, Carter Greer-Kelly 3, Bryce Mauthe 1, Bradley Keeney 1

Celtics 21 Thunder 16
Celtics scoring: Brock Craighead 8, Hunter Williams 6, Tytus Campbell 4, Mason Caldwell 2, Mayson Terral 1
Thunder scoring: Kutter Blalock 9, Noah Martin 5, Khaza Cottonham 1, Ayden Chatham 1

Grizzlies 19 Hawks 17
Grizzlies scoring: Kash McAdams 7, Cruz Nomey 7, Clay Burton 2, Drew Caldwell 1, Andrew Edwards 1, Andrew Edwards 1
Hawks scoring: Cooper Barnes 10, Leland Anderson 4, Carson Knox 4, Mason Greer 2, Jeremiah Jones 1, Cutter Whisonant 4

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

9-10 Girls Divison

Sky 15 Mystics 11
Sky scoring: Hannah Aldy 8, Sally Kate Keiffer 3, Elliot Savage 5, Leah Atkins 1, Audrey Anderson 1, Brielle Ussery 1
Mystics scoring: Mallory Malone 7, Chloe Maxwell 3, Ansley Brooks 1

Sky 24 Fever 6
Sky scoring: Sally Kate Keiffer 12, Hannah Aldy 4, Elliot Savage 4, Brielle Ussery 4
Fever scoring: Amelia Staggs 4, Ashlyn Petre 2

Shooting Stars (scored 10 or more points) Sally Kate Keiffer 12

9-10 Boys Division

Rockets 22 Kings 5
Rockets scoring: Caston Zimmerman 8, Caiden Jackson 7, Thatcher Savage 4, Jaxon Culpepper 1
Kings scoring: Bentley Ponder 4, Gunner Garrett 1

Grizzlies 21 Raptors 20
Grizzlies scoring: Jack Robinson 13, Kash Gandy 4, Jase Tinsley 3, Christopher Wren 1
Raptors scoring: Aiden Reed 9, Jase Reed 5, Ryder Diffey 3, Carter Sanders 2,  Joseph Gill 1

Kings 13 Celtics 9
Kings scoring: Bentley Ponder 4, Levi Horsfall 3, Gunner Garrett 2, Nolan Thomas 2, Shepard Norred 2
Celtics scoring: Corey Mixon 5, Brady Malone 3, Grant Griffin 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Jack Robinson 13                                                            

11-12 Boys Division

Lakers 27 Suns 25
Lakers scoring: Braydon Robinson 11, Raylon Bradford 8, Noah Spillman 3, Rylan Mauthe 2, Jayden Burns 2, Jadyn Watkins 1
Suns scoring: Joseph Delaney 11, Kaleb Maxwell 8, Leyton Younse 3, Christopher Oncale 2, Jake Emmons 1

Mavericks 25 Bulls 19
Mavericks scoring: Elijah Calloway 9, Lukas Bandy 7, Bryce Tolar 5, Cason Rogers 2, Elijah McLellan 2
Bulls scoring: Luke Rowe 8, Colton Otwell 6, Tucker Goss 2, Eli Rowe 2, Lucas Leach 1 

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Braydon Robinson 11, Joseph Delaney 11

11-13 Girls Division

Lynx 14 Wings 5
Lynx scoring: Kaylan Hough 4, Brenna Lamkin 3, Sophia Kliebert 2, Allie Robertson 2, Demie McCurdy 2, Kynleigh Leach 1
Wings scoring: London Burks 4, Emma Kate Toms 1

Dream 26 Liberty 6
Dream scoring: Carly Jo Griffin 11, Jana Potts 6, Ada-Claire Tidwell 3, Bella Caskey 3, Teegan Hall 3
Liberty scoring: Brooklyn Brown 3, Ella Robinson 2, Bailey Tinsley 1

Sun 20 Lynx 18

Sun scoring: Samone Mallard 16, Shacoria Mallard 2, Tessa Reeves 2
Lynx scoring: Sophia Kliebert 12, Allie Robertson 5, Keely Davis 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Samone Mallard 16, Sophia Kliebert 12, Carly Jo Griffin 11

13-14 Boys Division

Heat 44 Kings 38
Heat scoring: Shane Reed 20, Tyson Burks 13, Alex Lewis 4, Gunner Younse 3, Mathew Odom 2, Sam Schut 2
Kings scoring: Brody Tidwell 22, Hunter Donaldson 5, Abram Toms 4, Brendan Newton 4, Remy Kennard 3

Magic 48 Blazers 28
Magic scoring: Brayden Martin 19, Santiago Zuniga 12, Jake North 9, Cash Ingram 6, Braedon Turner 2
Blazers scoring: Hayden Seymore 10, Jack Thomas 8, Colby Williams 4, Ayden Greer 3, Brody Toms 3

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Brody Tidwell 22, Shane Reed 20, Brayden Martin 19, Tyson Burks 13, Santiago Zuniga 12, Hayden Seymore 10

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I do not wear a tinfoil hat. I don’t necessarily believe in all the apocalyptic conspiracy theories that float around our Internet world. I am cautiously suspicious, and I don’t believe anything coming out of the mouths of politicians and media personalities.

We live in a connected world. We are told that our data is safe, unless you have a Tic Toc account, in which case the Chinese know everything about you. Otherwise, the message is, trust us we are not watching or listening to you.

If “they” are not listening to us, why do the ads on my Internet feed change based on what I just said to my wife across the den. Is my phone listening to me as it innocently sits next me on the table? You bet your Scofield Reference Bible it is listening to you. The Police sang it this way back in the 80’s, “Every move you make, and every vow you break, every smile you fake, every claim you stake, I’ll be watching you.”

Finally, we have arrived at my destination. I don’t know who is responsible for my latest tracking conundrum. I have a vehicle that is several I.Q. points smarter than I am. I also have a smart phone. Every time I get in my car, I receive a text message from Google maps. Mind you I have not started the car. I have gone and sat down in the car. Boom here comes the text message. Is the car telling the phone or is the phone telling the car, I just sat down?

On Sunday through Friday the message is the same. “You are 24 minutes from the office.” I live in Gibsland and Trinity is in Ruston. 24 miles from my front door to the office door, and it takes me less than 24 minutes to get here. I have grown accustomed to ignoring that message.

What bugs me is the message I receive on Saturday morning. If I go to the car on Saturday and sit down, boom the text message comes. “You are 12 miles from Gap Farms.” How does the phone know I’m going to Gap Farms? The phone knows because on most Saturday mornings, my bride and I start the day with breakfast at Gap Farms in the metropolis of Arcadia. Still it is unnerving that the phone knows my behavior so well.

For my Christian friends out there remember the words of Paul, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Be careful because you are being watched. Be careful because your actions influence others to consider Jesus or reject Him. Be careful because your eternity is hanging in the balance.

Be careful how you live. You are being watched over by a gracious and loving Savior. That gives me hope in this crazy world.

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The Weston High School Lady Wolves Softball is asking for you support through the purchase of the stickers shown below. Stickers will be available to be bought until February 8th. The cost will be $15 each. Money raised will go towards gas, umpires, and other expenses for the season. Your support is appreciated!

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The Jackson Parish Museum and Fine Arts Association was delighted to host Jonesboro Scout Pack 523 for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 24. The pack, made up of 24 scouts between the ages of 5 and 10 years old, enjoyed touring the museum and refreshments of cookies and king cake.

Scout Pack 523 is under the direction of:
Brian Hurt – Committee Chairman
Mark Thomas – Cub Master,
Todd Callaway – Assistant Club Master
Candace Cannady and Jenna Hurt – Den Leaders

“We really enjoyed have the Scout Pack visit the Museum and wish them much success in their future endeavors,” – JPM Board Member Wilda Smith

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RUSTON, La. (KNOE) – The Louisiana Peach Festival is now accepting entries from local artists who want to submit designs for the commemorative festival poster, which is a tradition dating back to 40 years ago.

The theme for this year’s poster is “Lincoln Parish: The Peachiest Place to be since 1873.” The poster will be available in 12″x16″ and 18″x24″ sizes.

Marketing and Communications Director of Experience Ruston Emily Stogner says all artists are welcome to enter designs and the winning artist will receive a $500 cash prize.

“The annual poster contest is a great way to showcase local talent,” Stogner said. “We love seeing the artists’ interpretation of the theme and what elements of our community they are inspired by.”

Artists must submit their entries by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2023.

Digital entries can be emailed to lapeachfest@gmail.com or mail/deliver entries to Louisiana Peach Festival, 2111 North Trenton St., Ruston, La. 71270.

To view all contest guidelines click here.

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Will You Follow?

‘I Will Follow Him’ was a popular song of the 1960s.

Recorded by 15-year-old Peggy March, it soared to #1 on the Billboard charts in April of 1963. Remaining in the top position for 3 weeks, the song afforded Peggy March the distinction of being the youngest US female artist to have a #1 single. [Wikipedia]

The LORD is my Shepherd. Will I follow Him?

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:1-6 KJV).”

‘To Know Him is to Love Him’ (#1 by The Teddy Bears for 3 weeks on Billboard Hot 100 Chart in 1958/ Wikipedia)

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death (Philippians 3:10 KJV).”

Do you know Him; will you follow?

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After every hurricane, our area’s insurance and electric prices go up. I’ve been working for years to get help addressing the outrageous cost of trucking and business insurance. If it’s going to help our area, it seems like it’s an uphill battle in Baton Rouge. But when they need help, they just send us a bill.

They have some serious questions to answer before I can agree to send $45 million taxpayer dollars to private insurance companies. The primary question is how much will north and central Louisiana’s homeowners’ rates go down in exchange for padding the insurance company’s pockets?

For more on McFarland’s stance regarding this very important issue listen to the interview he did with Louisiana Radio Network by clicking here.

Each day at noon on Monday – Friday, senior citizens from all over Jackson Parish come to the Council on Aging Centers in Chatham and Jonesboro to enjoy a meal and fellowship with others. Unfortunately, some are not able to attend and in those cases, meals are brought to those who are homebound. During the recently passed Christmas holidays, Mrs. Linda Wyatt, Director of the Jackson Parish Council on Aging purchased throws for all Homebound participants as shown below. 

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Recently, I watched a great YouTube video by Elite Series Pro Chris Zaldain. He and his wife, Trait, host a YouTube/Podcast show called “Zaldaingerous,” and I came across a 1 hour 44 min video in which they dove deep into some of the issues facing professional bass fishing. This episode featured Elite Series Pro, Matt Herron, who happens to be a good friend of mine and is never short on words. If you want the truth and perspective of a guy who has made a great career for himself, then Matt is the guy you want to talk with. He will not sugarcoat the issues and has sound advice on how these issues should be dealt with.

In this particular episode, Matt breaks down some of the problems and situations pertaining to professional bass fishing. Matt, Chris, and Trait talk about rules, sponsorship dollars, polygraph testing, the 2019 split, the new open series, and the Tony Christian scandal. If you’re an up-and-coming young man and want to know how to be a pro angler, you better make the time to sit down with Matt Herron. He will not lead you to believe that being a full-time professional angler is easy. If anything, he may have you second-guessing yourself before you walk away. He’ll probably ask you, “Are you sure you want to do this for a living?”

The first topic they discuss is the fight over sponsorship dollars and how the pool has shrunk. He referred to his days of starting on the FLW (Forrest L. Wood) Tour (2003) and how FLW ruined and burned so many non-indemnity sponsors like Tide, Walmart, Gastrol Oil, Land-of-Lakes, Kellogg’s, and many more. FLW did not deliver the exposure they promised all these major sponsors. When FLW folded, all these potentially great sponsors dropped out of the professional fishing market and left only never to return.

The market of companies out there looking to provide assistance to an angler has shrunk dramatically. Matt points out that today, it’s almost impossible for an angler to make it on his own without solid financial backing. He makes light of how mommas, daddies, or grandparents with deep pockets are footing the bill for these young anglers to try and make it. They do okay for the first couple of years, which is all they are guaranteed. Then, the 70% that don’t make it leave the sport with thousands of dollars of debt up to their eyeballs!

Next, Matt, Chris, and Trait talk about polygraph issues. He and Chris both would like to see more anglers polygraphed after an event and have some of the questions revamped. Matt talks about how he personally knew an FBI investigator and how the FBI conducts a polygraph test. He talks about how the wording of questions is critical to catching a cheater. Then they brought up the Tony Christian scandal that rocked the professional bass fishing world when Tony was caught cheating in an FLW Tournament after his “honey hole” was discovered and investigated. It was discovered that he had made a special basket, put it in the water, and stocked it with bass. The basket allowed for his bait to enter the basket, catch a bass, and exit while the lid closed as the fish came out of the basket, retaining all other bass waiting to be caught. Tony was eventually banned for life from fishing as a professional angler and has virtually disappeared.

I could go into all the topics they discussed on this episode, but if you want to hear the undisclosed side of the professional bass fishing world, check out the episode yourself. Go to youtube.com and search “Zaldaingerous.” The husband/wife team of Chris and Trait Zaldain interview the anglers that fish the Bassmaster Elite Series. They do a fantastic job of introducing their fans to the harsh reality of being a professional angler. There’s no topic or subject that’s out of bounds as Chris and Trait are excellent hosts with a wealth of experience themselves as professional bass anglers.

Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget your sunscreen. Also, make sure to schedule regular dermatologist appointments. If you don’t have a dermatologist, find one!

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

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The state office for Louisiana 4-H announces that The Mondart Fellows Scholarship is available to students who come from rural Louisiana and/or farm family and are pursuing a major within the College of Agriculture at LSU. The award is $1,000 per year and renewable for three additional years (four total). This scholarship is for students that would be enrolling as freshman at LSU in Fall 2023. The application period is now open, and the deadline is March 24, 2023.

For details, visit: https://www.lsuagcenter.com/…/articles/page1484757334894

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How would you like to earn $200.00? If interested, registration is now being accepted to enroll in a General School for Commissioners class that will be taught at 5:30pm on Monday, February 13th. After completion, those earning the designation of Certified Electrion Commissioner for Jackson Parish will be eligible to serve as a poll worker on election days and earn $200.00. per election day. To register, call the Jackson Parish Clerk of Court office at (318) 259-2424. 

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

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

 

 

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, loczated 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

Jackson Parish Library Board Regular Board Meeting Minutes
January 17, 2023

The Jackson Parish Library Board of Control met on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library for the regular monthly board meeting. The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Massey, Board President. Members present Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Nunn, Mrs. Standley, Ms. Jenkins, and Mrs. Massey. Also present was Floyd Knox and
Judy Robertson. Members absent: Mrs. Essmeier, Mrs. Tew, and Mrs. Magee.
Mrs. Cooper led the invocation.
There being no public comments, the Board proceeded with the proposed agenda.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to approve the minutes for the December 2, 2022, regular board meeting. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Ms. Jenkins made the motion to accept the November and December financial reports. Mrs. Nunn seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to accept the November, December, and 2022 statistical reports.
Mrs. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Massey opened the floor for nominations of officers of the 2023 Jackson Parish Library Board of Control.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to nominate Carol Massey as President. No other nominations were made. Mrs. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Standley made the motion to nominate Mrs. Cooper to be Vice President. No other nominations were made. Mrs. Nunn seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Nunn made the motion to nominate Mrs. Essmeier as Treasurer. No other nominations were made. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Standley made the motion to adopt a resolution for the elected officer’s signatures to be added to the signature cards for the special fund account at Sabine State Bank. Ms. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Nunn made the motion to set the 2023 Library Board meeting dates, times, and location as follows: quarterly meetings on the 3rd Monday of the month or the day after if a holiday (April 17, July 17, October 16 for 2023) at 4:30 p.m. at the main branch in Jonesboro. Ms. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to adopt the 2023 holiday schedule as presented. Mrs. Nunn seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Massey made the motion to approve the 2023 pay schedule and employee levels as presented. Ms. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Nunn made the motion to authorize the Library Director to auction surplus items from the presented 2022 surplus list with the Louisiana Property Assistance Agency and scrap items that do not sell. Ms. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
The Director updated the Board on the current projects.
Mrs. Standley made the motion to approve the updated library park flyer as presented. Mrs. Cooper seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Cooper made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Nunn seconded. All yes. Motion carried.

VILLAGE OF EAST HODGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 13, 2022

On the above date the Mayor and Council meet at 6:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Hal Mims, Council Members: Robert Bradley, Gloria Moore and Preston Traxler
Meeting was called to order by Mayor with prayer.
Recognition of visitors: None
Amendment to Agenda: Authorize the Mayor to sign documentation needed for contracts with The Delta Planning Grants
Approval of Agenda: Motion by Traxler and seconded by Moore
Approval of October 11, 2022 Minutes (No Nov. Meeting Election Date): Motion by Moore and seconded by Traxler
Old Business:
Continued Discussion of Water and Sewer Issues
New Business:
Address East Hodge Water Bills
Address East Hodge Personal Property Cleaning Issues
Authorize the Mayor to sign documentation needed for contracts through the Delta Planning Grant
Monies: Motion by Moore and seconded by Bradley
Financial Report
Adjournment: Motion by Traxler and seconded by Bradley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises motorists that beginning on Saturday, January 28th that Hwy. 4 will be closed 5 miles west of Chatham. The road will remain closed until approximately Sunday, January 29th. The purpose of the closure is to allow for the necessary replacement of a cross-drain pipe. 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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This Friday, January 27th the first of the two most anticipated prep basketball matchups of the season by many Jackson Parish residents will take place when Quitman takes the short trip to Weston. The schedule originally had Weston going to Quitman but the venue had to be changed due to the Quitman gymnasium being renovated which resulted in QHS playing their home games at Jonesboro-Hodge which already had a home game scheduled on that date.  The action will tip off at 6:00pm with a varsity girls game followed by the contest between the boys but it is recommended to get there early as it is guaranteed that a capacity crowd will be in attendance.

Added to the local flavor is that this isn’t the only battle slated between a pair of neighboring schools. On Thursday, JHHS will host Saline for three games beginning with a Junior Varsity contest at 5:00pm followed by varsity girls and boys action. Both schools will be in action again on Friday for the second round of district contests with JHHS hosting Lakeview in district 3-2A play and Saline celebrating Homecoming by entertaining Dodson for a district 2C battle.

Annually, the rivalry between Quitman and Weston is one of two dates that is circled the minute the prep basketball schedules are released at the neighboring schools. This is Jackson Parish’s version of the Civil War which has been fought with baskets instead of bullets for nearly a century. Many of the combatants have known each other since they were young kids. Often times they have been on the same teams in youth league play and for some, even sit on the same pew at church on Sunday.

The contest is between friends, neighbors, and sometimes even family members but when it comes to this annual twice-staged event it becomes the proverbial “throw the records out” battle that evokes an intensity seldom matched during the season. After all, at stake is bragging rights for the rest of their lives.  Other than winning a district championship or in post-season play, no other contest means as much. 

Regarding winning district, this season the contest looks to have a direct bearing on who will be the district 2B champion in girls’ play. Both squads have proven to be formidable foes and look to be a step ahead of the other two district competitors. Both have compiled admirable records and rankings with Quitman posting a 17-6 record and the third highest ranking among north Louisiana “non-select” schools in Division V. Weston comes in with a 22-5 record, good for the sixth most wins in Division V in the state and fourth place in power points among north Louisiana schools. 

On Tuesday, district play started for both Quitman and Weston, while Jonesboro-Hodge and Saline ended their first round of district contests but results weren’t reported until after press time. Look for game recaps of all the contests played this week and up-to-date district standings in the Sunday edition of the Jackson Parish Journal.  

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Picture in your mind climbing into a bass boat at 7:00am on a cold, rainy morning and taking off across a wind-blown lake. You have your best foul weather gear on but nothing can take the chill away as you endure the extremely rough ride of bouncing over the white caps with your chin sunk to your chest trying to avoid what feels like daggers of ice blowing into your face. Sound like fun? NOT!

It would have been the kind of weekend where the decision would have been to just stay home. You would have had to have a mighty good reason for braving elements like that. Fishing in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association state championship tournament qualifies. Still, most of the 87 teams that fished Toledo Bend on January 20-21, will remember the event as downright miserable.

That doesn’t include the Quitman High School team of Hayden Davis and Caden Brown.

Especially Davis!

The 16 hours of suffering from being exposed to inclement weather that was better for duck hunting than fishing will most likely be remembered as one of the best times he ever had. Certainly, when thinking of his high school days. That is because when it was all said and done the QHS angler landed the largest lunker of all 174 competitors to be crowned Big Bass Award winner.

In combination with the six other fish Brown and Davis caught, the local pair finished 13th overall, fourth among all Class B schools, and third out of the teams from north Louisiana that competed. Considering that for the other two schools, Many and North DeSoto, Toledo Bend is basically their “home” lake the feat is all the more amazing. 

After the first day, it didn’t look as if the drive to Cypress Bend Park in Many was going to prove very fruitful as only 7.2 lbs were registered leaving them way down in the standings. Day two proved to be a whole different story. Thanks to the “big bass” Brown and Davis checked in with a stringer that was just two-tenths from being the best of the day at 13 lbs. and 13 ozs.  to vault them into the top 15 of the state regardless of classification.  

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JONESBORO, La. (KTVE/KARD) Jonesboro city officials are teaming up to build new sidewalks with ADA accessibility in hopes to improve safety in the community.

The Jackson Parish Police Jury, the Jackson Parish Library, local businesses, and concerned citizens are working together to apply for a grant opportunity, and help provide safe sidewalks and crosswalks throughout the town.

“I think it’s great. Anytime things like this happen, it’s good for the community. It brings people together,” said a resident, Keary Sauer.

Jackson Parish Library Director, Floyd Knox says, although the goal is to prioritize safety, he says over 40 thousand patrons who use the library on Seventh Street will also benefit from this improvement.

“I see everybody carrying their books around town, and so we just want to make sure that they have safe sidewalks to use.”

The town plans to build sidewalks, and crosswalks with ADA accessibility nearby schools, local businesses, and roads that challenge pedestrians and individuals with disabilities. Officials say this is a 5 percent matching project.

“The more we talk to people the more they say hey I know somebody that has a disability. It’s very important that we all work together because a lot of these sidewalks haven’t been touched since I think the 80s or early 90s,” said Knox.

“Sidewalks are so important. I walk around here, that’s why sidewalks are so important,” said Sauer.

Knox says citizens are encouraged to pick up a map from the library or town hall and help select the areas where they would like to see sidewalk improvements.

“We want to find if there are any places in the town of Jonesboro that they have problems with to let us know.”

For updates on the development of this project and how you can give your input click here.

To view the news segment that was broadcast on KTVE/KARD on January 19th click here

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(by Hunter Bower / GeauxPreps)

Another year. Another monumental vote.

LHSAA member school representatives are set to convene for the association’s annual convention on January 25-27 at the Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge to determine the future postseason landscape of high school sports in Louisiana and their playoff structures.

Below is a summary of how the organization arrived at this juncture and what could be expected moving forward.

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

In 2013 and 2016, the principals voted to split the sports of football, baseball, basketball, and softball, citing “unfair and equitable” practices involving private schools as reasoning to break away from the traditional playoff brackets. Instead, separate brackets were created for the newly defined Non-Select, traditional public schools as well as for the Select, non-traditional schools that used certain academic criteria to determine enrollment.

With the majority of member principles united behind the notion that the association remains split, the LHSAA and its executive committee took action in its summer meetings in hopes of restoring integrity to its postseason brackets.

The committee, under Article 4.4.4 of the LHSAA constitution, which allows making changes to promote fair play, voted last September to restructure playoff fields for the sports of baseball, basketball, football, and softball, whereas bloated brackets were reduced while member schools were divided equally by enrollment into Non-Select and Select divisions.

The decision to modify its postseason brackets occurred on the heels of multiple efforts made by the executive committee as well as various member schools throughout the last 10 years to unite the association, all of which were met with resistance with a motion to table, withdraw or by failing to reach a majority vote.

In addition to the new playoff look for the 2022-23 season, the executive committee approved a clearer definition of how a school is designated regarding its educational enrollment procedures. With the move, the number of Non-Select and Select schools saw a drastic shift with a nearly even split.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON FRIDAY?

The membership will decide whether to embrace a refresh to multiple split postseason brackets or revert to a controversial playoff system that has been scrutinized since its initial inception.

Beginning around 9:30 a.m., principals will gather together and sift through and vote on various amendments to the LHSAA constitution and by-laws, including action items approved under Article 4.4.4., each at a time.

The ratification of the LHSAA executive committee’s decision to restructure the postseason formats for baseball, boys and girls basketball, football, and softball, under Article 4.4.4., are among a few items of interest on the table. A vote in favor would allow teams to continue to compete in more competitive, less-bloated brackets across the board while a vote against reverts all playoff structures to their original formats used since 2013.

Actions taken under Article 4.4.4. must be ratified by a simple majority vote of the member schools.

WHAT IS AT STAKE?

Under the new playoff format, football saw significant improvements as brackets were reduced from nine to eight while only six participants in this year’s Prep Classic made consecutive appearances. In total, five participants either made their first appearance in the finals in at least a decade or for the first time ever. St. Charles was the only team to repeat as champion.

If the measure to permanently revamp the split sports playoff structures fails in a majority vote, the association would immediately revert back to the original system used before the 2022-23 school year. Nine brackets would again be utilized in football while boys and girls basketball, baseball, and softball would increase from nine to 12.

However, schools that were determined to be a Select school following the redefining of the term by the executive committee will remain under that designation according to the LHSAA parliamentarian.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• Other items of note to be considered by the membership include a proposal to limit schools applying for membership to be placed on probation until the next reclassification year instead of a one-year limit to help educate those wishing to join on LHSAA rules and regulations.

• Another proposal up for consideration could see the highest-seeded softball team host the quarterfinal round rather than having to travel if a school has not hit the road more times than the lower-seeded opponent.

• In basketball, a proposal to remove the “1 point” awarded to district champions at the end of the regular season will be up for a vote with coaches from around the state explaining that the idea is illogical under the revamped playoff format.

Attachments:

LHSAA General Business Meeting Agenda

2023 Annual Convention Article 4.4.4. Passed ByLaws

2023 Annual Convention Proposals

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The selections of the Student-Athletes of the Week at Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman, and Weston High School for January 22nd-28th have been announced. The honorees that are selected by members of the faculty and staff from each school are chosen by best exemplifying what it means to be a true student-athlete through academic achievement and athletic accomplishment. Each award winner. 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

Zya Napper (11th Grade) – Tiger Paw member at Jonesboro-Hodge High School

Bryce Zehr (10th Grade) – Varsity Boys Basketball player at Weston High School

Blake Carter (12th Grade) – Varsity Boys Basketball player at Quitman High School

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“Sir, I’m sorry, but we don’t have you in our computer.”

Can you hear worse news?

You can — “Sorry, we’re out of bacon” — but it’s a short list.

Such was the case this week when my friend Shine Broussard called a government entity about something governmental.

“We don’t have you In our computer,” he was told. Cold words to hear in person, colder over the telephone.

“Now I’m out here with the gnashing teeth bunch, out here where the sun doesn’t shine,” Shine told me. “No program. No starting lineups. No jersey numbers. ‘Not in our computer.’ I’m on an island with the lepers.”

If you’re ‘not in our computer,’ you are a non-person, is what you are. These days, you have to be in the computer. In a lot of computers, actually. You might be in your dentist’s computer, which is good when a molar won’t behave, but being in your dentist’s computer won’t help you a lick if a kidney wants to opt out of his contract and become a free agent. Then you’d better be in your urologist’s computer. Now. Today.

There was a time when you didn’t need to be “in our computer.” There was a time when people knew your voice on the telephone, or trusted to some extent that you were who you said you were. Those days vaporized with vaudeville.

Then you had to be “in our files.” A lot of trees died for those files. If you wanted a Social Security check or a driver’s license renewal or a copy of your transcript, you had to be in the files.

Now the files are “in our computer.” You are in our files and in our system if you are in our computer. And if our computer says you aren’t in there, well, you can’t argue with our computer. Forget that a computer is only as smart as its programmer, as energetic as its power source and as efficient as the person who typed you “in” to start with.

It’s the computer, bud. Don’t argue with it. You might as well try to win a spat with Aunt Ethel about how to cook greens or shell peas or do the jitterbug or read your Bible. Good luck with that!

So if you’re not In The Computer, you’re out of the loop. In a fix. Up a creek. Down the river. Out of luck. In a jam. Between a rock and a hard place. Out of the picture. Off the radar.

“Sir, I’m sorry, but we don’t have you in our computer.” (That’s just one frantic, lonely step removed from the hazy “I’m sorry, but our system’s down” No-Man’s Land. If the system’s down, you might as well call in the general and tinkle on the fire because the game, my dear friend, is over.)

I can imagine the computer people talking on their break. “Some poor guy called and wasn’t in the computer. I mean, come on! Idiot…Haha. Hahahahaha….!”

Makes you jealous of people who are “in.” Things are easier for the in’s among us. But how did they get in, anyway? Being “not in” makes you feel like those people Hunter S. Thompson wrote about in the Gonzo Papers, people who chase something they’ll never so much as sniff. Missing. Back-ordered. No teng .Vaya con dios. Seeya!

But do you really want to pay the price for ins-manship? First-born child? Life savings? Moe Bandy record collection? What do I have to give up? And here’s a question: What if you get in and you can’t get OUT? There’s you a pickle.

Such are modern times. All the more reason to hope that when I meet St. Peter, I’m in the computer and the system’s not down.

(Originally ran August of 2010, when all the computers seemed hot and angry … )

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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