Beginning on February 15, 2023 construction is expected to begin on a new public access fishing pier for all ages and abilities at Ebenezer Park. The decision to move forward with the project was approved by the Jackson Parish Watershed Commission (JPWC) during their regularly scheduled monthly meeting held on January 19th. Funding for the project that is estimated to cost $26,370.00 is being made possible through a Jonesboro State Bank Pledge 10 Grant for $20,000 and roughly half of the $12,000.00 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement made with the Jackson Parish Recreation Department. Completion of the pier is expected to be around March 8th, 2023.
In other action board members agreed to re-elect the 2022 JPWC officers for another term with Kent Hightower remaining as President, Gary Joyner as Vice President, Treasurer, and Jimmy Waggoner as Secretary. A building permit for Bryon Perry was also approved.
The session began with the approval to pay bills and adopt the December meeting minutes as well as board members recieving an update on the ongoing buoy removal project.
Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School recognized some of their exemplary students earlier this week through the selection of the Students of Week for the 6th-8th grades.Chosen by JHMS Principal Brent Carpenter along with select faculty and staff, the winner from each grade earned the award by best demonstrating P.A.W.S. behavior.
P.A.W.S. stands for: Prepare yourself, Act Respectfully, Work Together, Safety First
JHMS STUDENTS OF THE WEEK
6th grade – Derryn Osborne 7th grade – Victoria Leonard 8th grade – Vanessa Clifton & Zemiya Burns
NINE CITED FOR PERFECT ATTENDANCE
“We love to see our students but what’s perfect is when we get to see them EVERYDAY!!! Major shoutout to our students who have had PERFECT ATTENDANCE thus far at JHMS. We want you to know that it doesn’t go unnoticed and we are very proud of you!” – JHMS Principal Brent Carpenter
SIMPLY PERFECT!
Tiger Den (Library) Renovation Enjoyed
Every student should have a comfortable space while reading their favorite book, working on important projects, and collaborating with other students. Thanks to the contribution from Jonesboro State Bank / Pledge 10, the Tiger Den (Library) at JHMS is just that.
Caney Creek Cuisinières, the local chapter of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society will be kicking off 2023 on January 28th at Jimmie Davis State Park! Cooks will be putting their best sausage dishes on the table… Dutch oven style! Join us! The demonstration starts at 9:00 AM. Serving at noon. Join us to sample some amazing Dutch oven cooking. Bring your chairs and drinks. There is no charge to attend except for the park entry fee. Donations will be accepted to help supply paper goods. Hope to see you there!
The Jonesboro-Hodge baseball team is seeking sponsors to help provide the players with needed items such as uniforms, equipment, and field maintenance materials. As a sponsor, your name/business will be displayed on a banner lining the fences on the field.
Sponsorship Packages:
Gold Sponsor – $500.00: Company/name will be displayed on a large-sized banner Silver Sponsor – $250.00: Company/name will be displayed on a medium-sized banner Bronze Sponsor – $100.00: Company/name will be displayed on a banner along with other bronze sponsors.
If interested in this opportunity, please provide the information requested below and submit it with a check made payable to Jonesboro-Hodge High School (Memo: Baseball Program).
If you have any questions please contact Head Coach Zach Cheatwood at 318-278-2142 or Asst. Coach Carlos Hicks at 318-475-8898.
The Four Corners Global Outreach (FCGO) team which consisted of eleven from Full Gospel Temple in Jonesboro has returned from Honduras. The trip began in the Lempira Mountains of Honduras where they preached and distributed our water filters to people of the villages of Guanesapal, Del Sitio, and Tierra Colorada.
The people in these villages were eager to learn that many of their sicknesses are caused by the poor quality of their water sources. The team distributed water buckets and filters and trained the recipients to properly clean their filters to assure many years of usage. Although these groups were smaller than the groups normally ministered to in the city, wonderful services were had with some of the most beautiful people in this world having their souls saved and one lady being filled with the Holy Ghost. Another will be remembered as a backslid preacher who heard the service while working in the field and was drawn by the Spirit to gloriously repent and recommit his life to Christ.
As the end of the week approached the village of Suanoy was visited where the group ministered and toys were distributed in the city of La Esperanza for seventy-five beautiful children. It was such a blessing to share the love of Jesus and to see such joy on their faces.
These things could have never been accomplished without the help of so many: *Luis Vargas Family – Native Missionaries *Churches who monthly support FCGO *Those who pray for the vision *Those who financially support Four Corners through donations and by making purchases at the Four Corners Coffeehouse *Team Members who sacrifice their personal finances and time to attend the trips *God’s Little One who invited us to minister and give clean water to the people in the mountains where they minister
January 2023 Water Filter Distribution Report
We are so excited that not only were numerous lives impacted for the kingdom, but approximately 130 people are now drinking clean and safe water. These families received a bucket, water filter, and anti-parasitic medicine. (Del Sitio Village: 12 families / Guanesapal Village: 12 families / Tierra Colorada Village: 14 families)
GIVE: Tax Deductible monetary donations for Four Corners Global Outreach can be dropped off at the Four Corners Coffeehouse, mailed to 758 Walker Road; Jonesboro, La 71251, or donated through pay pal at: fcglobaloutreach@yahoo.com We need filters, and your $100 donation will provide filters for 5 families.
GO: If you would like to join one of our teams for an upcoming trip, contact us through FB messenger or contact Joel Sneed at 318-278-3330. If you would like to have some of our team members come to speak and do a water filter presentation at your church, feel free to contact us.
The same old routine is monotonous to many. I find comfort in well-established habits. To be perfectly honest; I don’t do well with change.
Same old-same old is just fine with me. To use my husband’s slang, it’s hunky-dory. Some might say I’m in a rut; I prefer it to unexpected change.
Sadly, most things do change and on a regular basis.
Some changes are beneficial; I do look forward to the change of seasons. Yet, time changes are another story. I always dread the ending of Daylight Savings Time.
In time, I usually adapt to life changes.
Change can be an unexpected gift.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning (James 1:17 NKJV).”
God is constant; He never changes.
“For I am the Lord, I do not change (Malachi 3:6a NKJV).”
Like Father, like Son…
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV).”
You might be surprised to learn I actually anticipate one change.
It’s coming!
“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NKJV).”
Members of the North Louisiana Ornithological Society (LOS) visited Caney Lake on January 22nd to view the Common Loon bird species. Caney Lake is one of the few Louisiana waterways that the Common Loon stops at on its migration path. During the tour LOS members also commented on how wonderful it was being able to see pelicans, eagles, and other bird species as well.
Several members stayed at Jimmie Davis State Park for this outing.
The Louisiana Ornithological Society (LOS) was organized in 1947 to gather and disseminate accurate information concerning the bird life of Louisiana; to promote interest in and appreciation of the value of birds, both aesthetic and economic, which will ensure wiser conservation of our bird life; to promote opportunity for acquaintance and fellowship among those interested in nature; and to issue, at such times as possible or practicable, publications as a means of furthering these ends.
While doing some work around the spillway dam, Jackson Parish Watershed Commission Vice President Gary Joynor had the opportunity to greet and welcome the members of the LOS to Caney Lake.
“This is another example that Caney Lake and Jackson Parish have something for everyone,” said Joynor. “We look forward to the next time the LOS returns for more birding adventures!”
A free Soil Health Workshop will be offered on February 7, 2023, at the Lincoln Parish Library in Ruston, Louisiana. Soil scientist Rachel Stout-Evans will present information to help growers understand and manage soil health to improve production. Workshop topics include soil composition, how soils function, indicators of soil health, and ways to manage soil health. Stout-Evans is a resource soil scientist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
There is no charge to attend this workshop, but because food will be served, pre-registration is requested. To pre-register or for more information on the workshop, call or text (318) 237-8350 and provide your contact information and the name of the workshop at least three days prior to the event.
The Lincoln Parish Library is located at 910 North Trenton Street, Ruston, Louisiana. On February 7, 2023, on-site registration/sign-in will begin at the library at 5:15 p.m., with Johnny’s Pizza. The workshop presentation will begin at 6:00 p.m. and conclude at 7:30 p.m. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing reasonable accommodations or who have questions about physical access may contact Trailblazer RC&D at (318) 255-3554 or ceo@trailblazer.org prior to the meeting or event.
This presentation is part of the Trailblazer Tuesday workshop series at the Lincoln Parish Library hosted by the Lincoln Parish Library, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Trailblazer RC&D. These presentations are made possible by the support of Drax; the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Trailblazer RC&D. Contact Trailblazer RC&D regarding event sponsorship opportunities at (318) 237-8350.
Trailblazer RC&D is a nonprofit organization that provides leadership, coordination, partnership development, and technical assistance projects to encourage strong communities, sustainable agriculture, and a healthy environment.
Trailblazer RC&D and USDA are equal opportunity providers and employers.
January 22-28, 2023, is National Passenger Safety Week. In 2019, vehicle passengers made up 62% of traffic fatalities nationwide according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. By empowering passengers to speak up for their safety when in a dangerous driving situation, we can reduce this number. Louisiana State Police and Destination Zero Deaths are working together to provide passengers with tools to make the roadways safer. Use these tips below to get the conversation started:
1) Seat Belt Safety: Passengers can help ensure all occupants are properly restrained inside the vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported unrestrained rear-seat passengers are two times more likely to be killed in a traffic crash. By confirming all occupants in the vehicle are buckled up, passengers can help keep everyone in the vehicle safe. Seatbelts should be used by front and back seat occupants no matter the time of day or distance of the journey.
2) Distracted Driving: Sometimes a break in conversation is the best way to be helpful to a driver. Although a driver may be looking at the roadway, listening and replying to a conversation can be a distraction. By limiting conversations, a passenger can help a driver fully concentrate on the roadway ahead. Passengers can also help reduce driver distractions by managing the radio or navigation systems and encouraging the driver to not use their phone.
3) Extra Set of Eyes: Passengers can be an extra set of eyes for a driver to help everyone get to their destination safely. By scanning the roadway for potential hazards, passengers can help alert a driver to something they may have not seen.
4) Speak Up: If a driver is partaking in risky behavior behind the wheel, passengers should not be hesitant to speak up. If a driver continues once the behavior is brought to their attention, passengers should make the choice to not ride with that person. No one should ever get into a vehicle with an impaired driver.
Passengers have the power to promote safe driving practices and to prevent unsafe ones by speaking up when their lives are in danger due to a reckless driver. By encouraging safe, focused, and sober driving, we can all work together to make Louisiana roadways a safer place to travel.
John Joseph was born in Neptune City, New Jersey on April 22, 1937. He was raised by his parents, Ethel May and John, and sisters June and Lorraine. June was 18 years his senior, and Lorraine was 15 years his senior. June aspired to become a famous entertainer. In the 1930s, June Nilson, as she was known professionally, began her dancing career under the tutelage of dancing teacher Eddie King. She danced in several performances and was featured in the opening of a club called the Pic and Pat club in New York City. She also appeared in several off-Broadway productions. On New Year’s Eve in 1935, she was featured as a specialty tap dancer in Earl Carrol’s Palm Island club in Miami, Florida. Earl Carrol was a controversial figure because his showgirls were usually scantily clad. He was known as “the troubadour of the nude.” At some point, June returned to the family home. In 1941, when John was four years old, June moved again to Miami, Florida to work for Earl Carrol. Her aspirations eventually led her to Hollywood, California.
Perhaps, his sister’s ambitions rubbed off on John. In 1954, John, then 17 years old, moved in with June in Hollywood. John found a job as an office boy in MGM Studios’ animated cartoon department. While at work one day, a producer noticed something special in John. It may have been the way he carried himself, the way he said a certain sentence or phrase, or the way he smiled. At the producer’s recommendation, John began taking acting classes. In 1956, John received his first acting credit for his performance in one episode of a television series called Matinee Theatre. In 1958, he performed in the film The Cry Baby Killer. John’s career as an entertainer had been slow in the late 1950s. In 1960, however, John’s career “took off.” In that year alone, John appeared in four films and two television series. Unlike June, whose Hollywood career never came to fruition, John’s career flourished for the next five decades.
It was through his acting career that John learned a secret. John was scheduled to be interviewed about one of his upcoming films by a writer from Time magazine. As part of the preparation process for the interview, researchers from the magazine began exploring John’s background. It was then that they uncovered John’s family’s secret. Rather than revealing this during the interview, a representative from the magazine revealed the secret to John in a telephone call. John sat in stunned silence while the magazine representative revealed that June and Lorraine were not his sisters, and John and Ethel May were not his parents. The evidence provided made the claims undeniable. John’s family had kept a secret from him his entire life. John and Ethel May died without ever revealing that they were not his parents, as John had always been told, but his grandparents. Lorraine, whom John thought was his sister, was actually his aunt. John’s mother was June. According to the researcher, John’s father was Don Furcillo-Rose. June had gotten pregnant out of wedlock, which would have reflected badly on the whole family in that era. After careful consideration, the family agreed to keep John’s true parentage a secret. They hoped it would remain a secret forever.
John needed to confirm this for himself. John and Ethel May were long dead, and June died in 1963. The only person left alive who could verify or deny the claims of the Time magazine researcher was Lorraine. He called and spoke with Lorraine’s husband whom he affectionately called Short. “A guy calls me on the phone, and says that my father is still alive and that Ethel May wasn’t really my mother, that June was my mother.” Shorty was in disbelief and handed the phone to Lorraine. John repeated the information. After a moment of silence, Lorraine confirmed that the story was true although she was unaware of the identity of his real father.
John described the discovery as being “a pretty dramatic event, but it wasn’t what I’d call traumatizing. After all, by the time I found out who my mother was, I was pretty well psychologically formed.” He added, “I was very impressed by their ability to keep the secret if nothing else.” John jokingly referred to June as his “sister-mother.”
John is considered by many to be one of the greatest actors of all time. He has won 3 Oscars and a host of other awards for films such as Terms of Endearment, As Good As It Gets, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The film for which he was being interviewed when he learned his family’s secret was called Chinatown. You and I know John Joseph Nicholson as Jack Nicholson.
NOTE: This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Philip Lawrence (Quitman, LA) – Resisting an Officer, Concealed Hand Gun Permit, Negligent Carrying of a Concealed Handgun Alex E. Gray (Jonesboro, LA) – Resisting an Officer with Force or Violence, Violation of a Protective Order, Hodge Bench Warrant, Execution of Sentence Rhonda Thomas (Jonesboro, LA) – Traffic Warrant Betty Roberts (Jonesboro, LA) – Hodge Bench Warrant, Execution of Sentence JaPhus Briggs (Chatham, LA) – Warrant on Theft Charge, Disturbing the Peace Crystal Qualls (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Schedule IV, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile Brittany Carnley (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Morphine, Possession of Methamphetamine, No Seatbelt Mason Jeane (Quitman, LA) – Possession of Marijuana, No Seatbelt James Norris (Quitman, LA) – Execution of Sentence x3
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!
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
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.
JACKSON PARISH WATERSHED DISTRICT MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 19, 2023
Members present: Mr. Hightower, Mr. Joynor, Mr. Ponder, Mr. Chestnut, Mr. Waggoner Members absent: Mr. Harvey, Mr. Barlow Meeting called to order by Mr. Hightower. Opening Prayer by Mr. Waggoner No public comments Discuss Old Business: Buoy Removal still ongoing. Cooperative Agreement for $12,000 annually with JPRD has been executed as of January 16, 2023. Motion Mr. Chestnut second Mr. Ponder to amend the agenda to add 9B. Payment of Bills. No public comments amending agenda. Motion Carried. Motion Mr. Waggoner second Mr. Chestnut to amend the agenda to add 9. c. Discuss new fishing pier at Ebenezer Boat Ramp. No public comments. Motion Carried Motion Mr. Chestnut second Mr. Waggoner to approve minutes from the December 15th meeting. Motion carried. Motion Mr. Chestnut second Mr. Ponder to keep all officers as 2022. President Mr. Hightower, Vice President, Treasurer, Mr. Joynor Secretary Mr. Waggoner. Motion carried. Motion Mr. Chestnut second Mr. Ponder to approve building permit for Bryon Perry. Motion carried. Motion Mr. Joynor second Mr. Chestnut to table charging boat launch fees. Motion carried. Motion Mr. Chestnut second Mr. Ponder to Pay all Bills. Motion carried. Motion Mr. Waggoner second Mr. Chestnut to build a public access fishing pier for all ages and abilities at Ebenezer Park costing $26,370. Motion carried. Funding for this project will be as follows: Jonesboro State Bank Pledge 10 Grant for $20,000 and Jackson Parish Recreation Department for $6,370. Project’s proposed start date February 15th, 2023 and proposed completion date March 8th, 2023. Motion Mr. Chestnut second Mr. Ponder to adjourn motion carried.
Jill Maxwell September 29, 1957 – January 22, 2023
Jill Maxwell, age 65, went to be with the Lord on January 22, 2023. Known for her level-headedness, strength of character, and commitment to the Lord, Jill was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, and sister, and leaves behind many close relatives to cherish her memories.
Her husband, Mike Maxwell; daughter, Cassie Dickenson (husband Jarryn); and grandsons, Josiah and Micah Dickenson, appreciate all of the prayers and support expressed by those who knew Jill. After a lengthy illness, her family is rejoicing that she is finally reunited with her daughter, Sarah, in her heavenly home.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, January 27th at the Fellowship Cemetary in Quitman under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in memory of Jill Maxwell be made to Cornerstone Christian Academy (a school ministry of Full Gospel Temple). 1. Mail check payable to Cornerstone Christian Academy with “Memory of Jill Maxwell” on the memo line to 773 Walker Road Jonesboro, LA 71251 2. Text the donation amount to the Full Gospel Temple “Text to Give” number (318) 351-2529 and select the Cornerstone Christian Academy prompt.
Residents of Jonesboro, your help is needed to improve the city! What is needed is help in identifying challenges that exist for getting safely from one place to another by foot, bike or wheelchair. To get started simply pick up a “Walk Audit” brochure at one of the downtown businesses, Jonesboro City Hall, Jonesboro State Bank, Jackson Parish Library, Mercy Medical, Jackson Parish Health Unit, or Jackton Parof ish Hospital. Please fill it out and return back at one the above locations. They will be picked up Monday, January 23rd.
Pictured below is Chevonda Leonard, principal of Jonesboro Hodge High School explaining the walk audit to A’Joria Wyatt-Mozee. She said it makes her anxious to cross the street to walk to the Boys and Girls club. All audits will be reviewed and a plan implemented.
Do your part and help identify problem areas so Jonesboro can be turned into a healthy walkable city!
District play takes center stage this Tuesday with Quitman traveling to Castor and Weston hosting Doyline in opening district 1B contests while JHHS goes to Many in a 3-2A contest as they continues their up and down district journey. The past week started well for JHHS and Weston but ended on a sour note. The pair still fared better than Quitman, who dropped both of their games to stagger into district play by losing four of their last five games. At 13-10, the Wolverines still have the best record among Jackson Parish schools with Jonesboro-Hodge standing at 7-10 and Weston falling to 9-16 on the year.
JHHS 71 Red River 69: (Tuesday) Zion Gray banked in his own miss with 1.7 seconds left to play to lift JHHS to the thrilling victory over Red River on Tuesday. The game winner improved the Tigers to 7-9 overall and 2-1 in district 3-2A play while Red River fell to 8-12 and 0-2. JHHS trailed by 69-66 after a Red River basket but Ajay Tew drained a three pointer from the top of the key with just 13.9 seconds left to play to tie the game at 69-69. Three straight turnovers ensued, including two by Red River on inbound plays after they had called timeout. On the final miscue, Jarrius Lumpkin stepped in front of the Red River inbounds pass at mid court and drove the lane. Seemingly forever, the lay-up tantalizingly hung on the rim but then fell off into the hands of Gray who had soared high to grab the carom. His put back was short but it bounced right back to him setting up the put back that set off a wild celebration by the home crowd. Gray’s game winning basket gave him a team best 20 points on the night that saw four Tigers reach double figures in scoring. Savantez Phillips had 19 points and 8 rebounds, Tew followed with 13 and added five assists and Lumpkin scored 11 and grabbed 10 boards for his third “double-double” on the year. Cameron Leonard added eight points, seven boards, four assists and four steals.
TEAM
1
2
3
4
TOTAL
JHHS
14
19
16
22
71
Red River
12
16
19
22
69
JHHS scoring: Gray 20, Phillips 19, Tew 13, Lumpkin 11, Leonard 8 RRHS scoring: Newton 28, Wells 16, Moody 7, Bowman 6, McDonald 4, Demery 4, Smith 4
Winnfield 73 JHHS 53 (Friday) Savantez Phillips, Ajay Tew, and Zion Gray all hit three-pointers in the first quarter against their arch rival but it wasn’t nearly enough as Winnfield extended a 19 – 12 lead into a commanding 36-23 lead into intermission and never looked back. Phillips had a second straight strong scoring night with 17 with Tew just one point back at 16 and Gray finishing with 13 but that was all the Tigers, who fell to 7-10 overall and 2-2 in district play, could muster other than 7 points by Jarrius Lumpkin and a basket by Cameron Leonard. Winnfield improved to 16-4 overall and opened their district slate in grand style
TEAM
1
2
3
4
TOTAL
JHHS
12
11
15
15
53
WHS
19
17
16
21
73
JHHS Scoring: Phillips 17, Tew 16, Gray 13, Lumkin 7, Leonard 2 WHS Scoring: Hamilton 25, Duncan 17, Roberson 12, Espejel 7, Jackson 6, Jackson 4, Davis 2
Weston 52 FCCS 47 (Tuesday)Hey Jude! Don’t make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better. The lyrics to the classic song by the Beatles couldn’t have said it any better as Jude Otwell scored a career high 16 points to lift Weston to a much needed win after losing four of their first five games in January. The contest was in doubt until the final quarter with the two teams swapping leads each quarter. Thanks to eight points, including a pair of three’s, from Bryce Zehr and baskets by Otwell and Juan Gonzalez, WHS took a 12-9 lead after one. Nathan Wages and Zehr, who added another field goal, canned treys and Otwell added four points in the second but FCCS took a 25-24 lead into the break. WHS regained the lead by a point after three following six points from Otwell, the first four points of the game by Mitchel Mathews and two points each from Zehr, Braden Theriot and Tait Henderson, who also got on the books for the first time in the contest. Four points more each from Mathews, Henderson and Otwell in the final frame sealed the deal as the Weston defense held the homestanding team to just eight.
Choudrant 57 Weston 27 (Friday)Weston scored their first points of the game with 2:14 left in the first quarter. By then homesteading Choudrant was up 12-0. It got worse as the Aggies dominated the paint and the Wolves suffered through their worst shooting night of the season. Juan Gonzalez led the Wolves in scoring with 6 points followed by Braden Theriot adding five. Jude Otwell and Tait Henderson made four each and Mitchel Mathews, Bryce Zehr, Ja’Michael Fourd, and Kason Roberts scored two apiece. Parker Batterton and Michael Jones both finished with 18 to lead Choudrant who had ten players score on the night.
Saline 60 Quitman 49 (Thursday) After the two neighboring parish teams see-sawed their way to leads in the first half, Saline stormed out of the break to outscore the Wolverines 22-8 to take the home win and continue their late-season surge. The fourth straight victory lifted Saline over the .500 mark for the first time all season at 13-12 after starting the year at 1-9. Shawn Staggs led a well-balanced scoring attack with 20 points for Saline followed by Jacob Jones with 14, Wesley Crawford with 12, and D.J. Rager-Ridley adding 10 to give the Bobcats four players in double figures in scoring. Gavon Dailey finished with four. Quitman was led by Logan Ponder with 18 and Eli Walker with 14. Riley Duck, Brayden Smith, and Blake Carter had four each Gavin Caskey scored three and Noah Leach added two for Quitman.
TEAM
1
2
3
4
TOTAL
Saline
9
19
22
19
60
Quitman
17
10
8
14
49
QHS scoring: Ponder 18, Walker 14, Duck 4, Smith 4, Carter 4, Caskey 23, Leach 2 SHS scoring: Staggs 20, Jones 14, Crawford 12, RAger-Ridley 10, Dailey 4
Choudrant 47 Quitman 40 (Friday) Once again Quitman struggled to score as Choudrant racked up their second straight win in two days against a school from Jackson Parish. Logan Ponder led QHS in scoring with 14 followed by Eli Walker’s 9 points. Blake Carter had 8, Riley Duck 5, Brayden Smith had three and Gavin Caskey made a free throw for the Wolverines who have failed to reach 50 points in a game in four of their last five contests. Batterson and Jones both reached double digits for Choudrant with 18 and 13 respectively.
TEAM
1
2
3
4
TOTAL
Choudrant
14
10
15
8
47
Quitman
10
11
15
4
40
QHS scoring: Ponder 14, Walker 9, Carter 8, Duck 5, Smith 3, Caskey 1 CHS scoring: Batterton 18, Jones 13, Thompson 8, Stevens 6, Collender 2
For the past several years the Quitman girls have ruled their district. Before that, it was Weston that dominated. Usually, it was a clear-cut case coming into district competition who would be the queen bee but for the first time in a while, the title looks to be up for grabs as both Quitman and Weston are on a similar track of success. Over the last five games they both have lost to Ouachita Christian and similarly beaten Choudrant and Saline. Both have won 10 of their last 13 games and have similar winning percentages and rankings, with Quitman being 17-6 and ranked #18 and Weston at 22-5 and ranked #21. On Friday the two will square off at Jonesboro-Hodge’s gym for the first of two district 1B contests that will determine who gets the early leg up. Before that, though Quitman will travel to Castor and Weston will host Doyline on Tuesday.
Weston 59 FCCS: (Tuesday) Concerning an old adage head coach Stacy Tucker “called the Wolves” off after taking a commanding 39-15 lead into the break that ballooned to 57-16 after the end of three-quarters of play. Emma Kate McBride exploded for 11 first-quarter points that included a pair of three-pointers, Briley Peterson added four and Faith Beamesderfer hit a three to pace WHS to a 20-7 first-quarter advantage. Led by seven points by Lainee Trosclair and five more from McBride, WHS blew it open in the second. Anslee Aldy added four and both Jessica Newton and Jacie Ledford also chipped in with a basket. The game got out of hand in the third as Nadia Siadek, Newton, and Peterson all scored four, Ledford, McBride, and Trosclair added two each, and the Lady Wolves defense limited FCCS to a single free throw. Weston scored only two points in the final frame but they were big ones as they were Abby Martindale’s first two of the season.
Quitman 63 Saline 33 (Thursday) Cali Deal’s 13 first-quarter points led to it being an unlucky night for Saline as Quitman used a dominating first half to cruise to the victory. The lanky left-hander had her way to finishing with a season-high 28 points. Brayli Stewart added 10 and Anna Leach, who has performed admirably in the place of injured Bethany Leach, chipped in with seven points. Ansley Folks and Summer Grillette, who also grabbed 8 rebounds, scored six, Emma Carter had four and both Sarah Jones and Jaleigh Burns tallied two apiece. Coming off a 55-50 victory over Calvin on Tuesday to move to the top of district 2C with a 3-0 record, Saline was led by Alaya Gray with a pair of three-pointers and 9 points followed closely by twin sister Alana, who finished with seven. Sydney Thomas had eight, Kacidy Sims had four, Rayaunnah Pearson hit a three-pointer and X Lard scored two for the Lady Bobcats
TEAM
1
2
3
4
TOTAL
Quitman
18
16
12
17
63
Saline
9
8
13
3
33
QHS Scoring: Deal 28, Stewart 10, Leach 7, Folks 6, Grillette 6, Carter 4, Jones 2, Burns 2 SHS Scoring: Alaya Gray 9, Thomas 8, Alana Gray 7, Sims 4, Pearon 3, Lard 2
Red River 43 JHHS 39: (Tuesday) Red River rallied to outscore JHHS 13-8 in the final frame leaving JHHS still searching for their first district 3-2A victory of the season. Buoyed by 8 points from Tyya Davis and three-pointers from McKenzie Bradford, who made two, and Jamauri Kimble, JHHS took a 22-18 lead into the break. Morgan McGee hit a three in the third to help the Lady Tigers stay up by one heading into the fourth quarter but despite four points in the fourth by A’Jorriana Hoggro, Red River was able to rally for the win. The Lady Tigers showed great improvement offensively as eight players scored leading to 11 more points in this one than the combined total of the previous two contests. Davis led the way with 12 followed by six each from Bradford and McGee. Hoggro and LeRhonda McGuire scored four apiece, Kimble had three and both Jalenya Jackson and Kaelin Palmer added two each.
TEAM
1
2
3
4
TOTAL
JHHS
8
14
9
8
39
Red River
5
13
12
13
43
JHHS scoring: Davis 12, Bradford 6, McGee 6, Hoggro 4, McGuire 4, Kimble 3, Jackson 2, Palmer 2 RRHS scoring: Miller 16, Smith 11, Solten 7, Jones 5, Lemons 3, Dansy 1
Weston 50 Choudrant 34 (Thursday) Briley Peterson scored 17 and grabbed 11 boards and Emma Kate McBride added ten to go along with five steals to help lift Weston to a methodical victory on the road over their former district foe. Lainee Trosclair scored seven and had a season-high 10 rebounds, Lexie Millien finished with five and Jessica Newton scored four points, got 7 rebounds, and had four blocks to up her total to an area best 85 on the season. Anslee Aldy had three and both Faith Beamesderfer and Jacie Ledford added a basket each.
TEAM
1
2
3
4
TOTAL
Weston
11
16
10
13
50
Choudrant
6
10
8
10
34
WHS scoring: Peterson 17, McBride 10, Trosclair 7, Milliwn 5, Newton 4, Aldy 3, Beamesderfer 2, ledford 2 CHS scoring: Murphey 11, Johnson 7, Nugent 6, Jones 6, Smith 2, Brown 2
Quitman 51 Choudrant 28 (Friday) The Lady Wolverines spotted Choudrant to a two-point first-quarter lead and then exploded for 39 points over the next two frames to give the Lady Aggies a second straight loss against Jackson Parish teams. Cali Deal continued her late-season scoring surge with 23 on the night while Anna Leach set a pair of new career highs in her young career, by finishing with 10 points and seven steals. Brayli Stewart and Emma Carter added eight each, Ansley Folks scored three and Tyler Harvey hit a free throw to round out the scoring for Quitman.
TEAM
1
2
3
4
TOTAL
Quitman
6
20
19
6
51
Choudrant
8
8
9
3
28
QHS Scoring: Deal 23, Leach 10, Stewart 8, Carter 8, Folks 3, Harvey 1 CHS Scoring: Johnson 14, Murphey 8, Nugent 2, Swift 2, Frazier 2
Winnfield 54 JHHS 16 (Friday) In a contest of two teams streaking in different directions, district 3-2A leader Winnfield made short work of the Lady Tigers. The tenth loss in a row dropped JHHS to 0-4 in district play while Winnfield, who has won six in a row improved to 4-0 in 3-2A play. Tyya Davis led JHHS with four points with Kaelin Palmer and Morgan McGee adding three each. LeRhonda McGuire, Jessica Bradford and Jaidon Vinzant all had two apiece
Sadie Brown of Quitman, LA has been named Miss Heart of Dixie. By winning the prestigious pageant that was held this past week, the daughter of Scott and Michelle (Barr) Brown who is a senior at Ruston High School, is now eligible to compete for the title of Miss Louisiana in June.
Jackson Parish native Bridgett Plunkett held a book signing on Saturday, January 21sr at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library. Finn Rogers and the Shadow of the Sphinz is the second book for the local author of the planned Finn Rogers Trilogy.
Busy week of Arts and Crafts ahead! From kids to adults everyone will have the opportunity to get creative at the Jonesboro and Chatham branches of the Jackson Parish Library. See schedule below.
Grab-N-Go for children of painted handprint Polar Bear crafts: Jonesboro Branch Monday – Friday (Jan. 23-28)
Grab-n-Go Snowy Tree Design Chatham Branch on Monday, January 23
Sharpie Tile Coasters for Teens & Tweens Jonesboro Branch on Monday, January 23
Fleece Tie Pillows for Teens & Tweens Chatham Branch on Thursday, January 26th
DIY Wood Block Gnomes for Adults Jonesboro Branch on Friday, January 27th
As I slow down from the day, I tend to watch mindless television shows. I’m addicted to one of those oldie television stations. I can tell you what happens in every Perry Mason episode after only ten seconds of the episode. After Perry Mason one station broadcasts two episodes of Emergency.
That television show follows the exploits of a cutting edge idea back in the early 1970’s: paramedics. There is little blood and gore and there is very little anxiety about how situations will turn out. This was the 1970’s after all, good guys and gals were good and bad people were bad. In these shows justice usually triumphs, and the doctors always cure the patients. When someone dies, it is turned into a pedantic lesson about life.
What I have noticed is the functioning of the doctors in the hospitals.
These ER doctors seem to do it all. If the patient needs a little heart cath, the doctors throw on their green scrubs and get after it. Need some brain surgery, well they drill holes right there in the ER and then the patient is transported to surgery. I look at the technology that was cutting edge fifty years ago and give thanks for all the advancements that have been made. Right now, I’m dealing with medical professionals. They are being professional and eventually this thing I’m dealing with will resolve. What has amazed me is how doctors have divided up the human body in order to specialize.
There are podiatrists who specialize in the right foot and you need to find another doctor to work on your left foot. You can find an old-fashioned surgeon, or you can find a surgeon who specializes in robotic surgery. I didn’t know robots needed surgery. It all staggers the mind. Maybe I’m feeling nostalgic for the doctors I remember who were called General Practitioners. I believe they are called Family Medicine Doctors today. They take care of the whole human.
I watch Emergency and see the doctors at Rampart General doing everything from blood draws to heart surgery.
We in the church world are guilty too of compartmentalizing, specializing, and targeting demographics. Sometimes I think the church has been infected by a virus called the Harvard Business Review. Jesus told us the fields are white unto harvest, the Harvard Business Review would say that we need to have a target audience for our messaging.
We are called to give our lives to Jesus. However, we too have become good at specialization. We think we can hold back parts of our being for ourselves and not give them to Jesus.
The Jackson Parish Tourism Board took measures to prepare for the upcoming fishing tournaments on Caney Lake at their regularly scheduled montly meeting held on January 17th, in the Sunshine Room of the Jackson Parish Administration Building located at 160 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro.
The session began with discussion on the Civil Rights Trail, fall and winter advertising and rental space. Board members Deneise Barlow, Kelly Spangler, Tammy Gunter, Christie Weeks andYumeaka Washington then agreed to allocate to Tommy Abbott of Louisiana Youth Bass Nation Inc. up to but not exceeding $1,000.00 for prizes and expenses.
It was then decided to award a first, second and third place prize to the winners of a Major League Fishing Tournament-Advertisement contest and select Sheryl Holder to design billboards for up to but exceeding 500.00. Facebook ads for up to but not to exceed $500.00 were also approved.
Christie Weeks and Kelly Spangler were selected to preside again in 2023 as Chairman and Secretary / Treasurer and all other officers were voted to remain as same as last year. It was decided to contact more student other than just art students. about the annual art contest.
The session ended following the agreement to hold the next meeting at the same location at 5:30pm on February 21st.
Allen Tew and Zion Gray of Jonesboro-Hodge have been invited to join other top senior boys basketball players from all across north Louisiana to take part in then end of year Beast of the Week All Star Competition. The event will take place on April 15th at Wossman High School in Monroe. The two seniors will get to showcase their talent in front of college recruits, family and friends in game competition. Tew has also been selected to compete in the three point contest while Gray will take part in the dunk contest.
A unique opportunity to make some additonal money this spring as well as provide a service to the youth and parents of Jackson Parish has been made avaible as 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 318-737-8493.
Back in the day, I’m talking eight decades or so ago, kids raised out on the rural route did it differently. When it came to entertaining yourself, there was no high fi gadgets; no cell phone; no video games. Why? It takes electricity for these things to work and it was years before the wires were strung and lights came on in Goldonna.
I grew up in a four room house my daddy built – a living room, kitchen and two bedrooms. Bathroom? Forget about it; it took water piped into the house to make it work. Our bored well, bucket, pulley and rope in the back yard was the water supply. Indoor plumbing consisted of what some folks called a thunder mug or slop jar. The serious stuff took place down a path out back that led to the outhouse.
My brother, Tom, was two years younger than me and we, just the two of us, would no doubt have run out of outdoorsy things to do had it not been for our first cousins, Doug and Sambo who lived on the next hill over from us. Doug and Sambo were like brothers to Tom and me and we did virtually everything together. I was the oldest, Doug a year younger than me,
Tom a year younger than Doug and Sambo bringing up the rear, a year younger than Tom. What did kids do for entertainment way back then before electricity and such came to us? If youngsters growing up today had been deprived of all the gadgets and widgets available today, chaos would no doubt ensue. Not for the four Harris boys; none of the other kids growing up in the community had anything modern either so we didn’t miss what we never had.
What we did have was the tank pond lying adjacent to the L&A railroad track that furnished water for the steam engines that chugged and labored up Oshkosh hill after filling tanks. Just over the track was Molido (pronounced Molly-dough) creek that coursed through the woods half a mile in back of our house. We learned to swim in the tank pond and Molido with its resident red perch, goggle eye, bass, jackfish and mud cat population was the perfect training ground for boys just learning to fish.
The passage of time has a way of changing things. We all grew up, married, had kids and lived in homes with electricity and indoor plumbing and all the amenities these afforded. Tom and I moved away while Doug and Sambo remained in the little town where we grew up. It’s sad but it’s true; when the realities of life separate you from those who were once so important to you, you grow apart, not because of problems but that’s just the reality of life.
Several years ago, I got a call from Doug. He had retired from a successful career in the petroleum industry, had purchased land and constructed a nice pond near his home and he stocked it with bluegills and bass. Like me, he had missed the times the four Harris boys had growing up and he suggested that we meet on his pond, catch, clean and cook fish and relive some of the special times we had growing up.
On June 29, 2007, the four of us met up on the pond, did those things he suggested, had so much fun and enjoyment we decided we would meet together every year and do it all over again. The Cuz’n Fish Fest was born on that day fifteen years ago and has continued ever since.
Changes are inevitable with the passage of time and eight April’s ago, my brother Tom passed away. That left the three of us to continue what Doug started fifteen years ago. We continued to meet and it became obvious that Doug’s health was in a slow decline. On January 11, I drove to Goldonna to attend the funeral of Doug, the one who started it all. This leaves just Sambo and me, the oldest and youngest of the four Harris boys to pick up the pieces of our childhood. Will we continue the tradition? I suppose time will tell.
”The four Harris boys Cuz’n Fish Fest is now down to just two, this writer and cousin Sambo.” Courtesy photo
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 and fishing has been fairly good this week on crappie fishing around submerged tops in the river on jigs and shiners. No report on bass. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707. LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie fishing has been fair to good with best catches made on jigs or shiners fished mid depth 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 good 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 is good with a 32 pounder weighed in this week. No report on bass or bream. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101. LAKE YUCATAN – After a rise in water levels, the water is beginning to fall but not many fishermen are going out because of windy conditions. Overall fishing is slow. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259
Stump Removal and Grinding: Call James Stewart at (318) 243-1009 or (318) 768-2554 for your stump removal and grinding needs. Free Estimates! 
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.
Jill Maxwell, age 65, went to be with the Lord on January 22, 2023. Known for her level-headedness, strength of character, and commitment to the Lord, Jill was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, and sister, and leaves behind many close relatives to cherish her memories.
Allen Tew and Zion Gray of Jonesboro-Hodge have been invited to join other top senior boys basketball players from all across north Louisiana to take part in then end of year Beast of the Week All Star Competition. The event will take place on April 15th at Wossman High School in Monroe. The two seniors will get to showcase their talent in front of college recruits, family and friends in game competition. Tew has also been selected to compete in the three point contest while Gray will take part in the dunk contest. 
