Quitman and Weston played their first round playoff games at home. They will be at home again for the second round but they won’t be playing. Neither will neighboring Saline. District 1B champion Weston, ranked #13 in the Division V fell to #20 Pitkin 79-75 while #16 Quitman got clobbered by #17 Summerfield 63-35 in the contest that was listed as a home game for the Lady Wolverines but played at Jonesboro-Hodge. For Saline it was even worse but their loss wasn’t an upset as the district 2C champs, ranked #25 got hammered by #8 Hicks 66-27.

All in all it the first round of the LHSAA girls playoffs was a sad day for north Louisiana as 21 schools took it on the chin in the five divisions of “non-select” and “select” brackets, leaving only 18 left to play the rest of the way. To make matters worse, seven of those 18 beat another team from north Louisiana. Ouch!

With the losses Weston ends the season with a 27-7 record while Quitman fell to 21-9. Saline finishes at 14-18. Jonesboro-Hodge did not qualify for the playoffs. 

---

In a special called meeting of the Jackson Parish School Board held on Wednesday, February 15th School Superintendent David Claxton had his contract extended for two years. Originally Claxton’s contract was set to end on July 1, 2023 but now extends until June 30, 2025. 

The session began with board members discussing the contract, which was the only item on the agenda. Following the unanimous decision to approve a two year extension another motion was made to extend the contract for four years but that died for lack of a second. The session ended following comments by Superintendent Claxton concerning the past, present and future plans of Jackson Parish Schools. 

Entire meeting minutes can be seen in the Classifieds section. 

---

There is an old adage that it is hard to beat a team three times in a row. The Saline vs Atlanta playoff game to determine the district 2C championship is an example of why this is one of the statements that has been tried countless of times and remains to be true. 

In a thrilling contest that was complete with everything from a tightly contested battle between two long time rivals, a gritty late rally and a controversial finish, Saline beat Atlanta 44-43 in the one game, winner take all, showdown played at Dodson High School on Saturday.

Over the first two quarters the bitter rivals battled to a virtual standstill, with Saline leading by one after the first and Atlanta taking a 25-24 lead into the break. After three periods Saline led 33-30 but Atlanta rallied to take a 41-36 lead with just a little over three minutes to play. 

After Gavin Dailey made a layup to give him 11 points in the contest tying him with Wesley Crawford for team high scorer, Saline coach Klint Robinson called timeout to employ his team’s vaunted full-court pressure defense. A steal and two Atlanta turnovers were the result that sent Jacob Jones, Shawn Staggs and Will Dison to the line for a pair of crucial free throws each. Calmly the trio sank all six giving Saline a 44-41 lead with just 16 seconds left on the clock. With eight ticks to go Atlanta narrowed the margin to one setting up the controversial finish.

With time winding down and underneath the Atlanta goal, the Saline player just held the ball showing no intention to try and put the ball in play. For the record a team has five seconds to get the ball in play. The clock showed five, four, then three, but no call was made. With the Atlanta fans screaming at the oversight by the refs the clock continued to run down to two, then one second, before time out was called. Still no call from the refs had been made. Both coaches were then called to center court where it was determined that Atlanta would be awarded the ball but only seven tenths of a second was put on the clock. An attempt to lob it in for a desperation tip in was denied by Shawn Staggs who skied high to grab the ball. by the time he came down the game was over. 

The victory improves the Bobcats overall record to 20-14 and completes one of the better rags to riches stories that even an Oscar Award winning movie director would have trouble dreaming up. To understand how impressive Saline’s district title winning campaign is you have to flash back to the first month of the season. Over the first six days Saline lost four games, the closest being by ten points. A victory over Weston provided a brief respite but then four more games were lost over the next eight days. Again, Saline was beat handily in all but one.

Heading into the Thanksgiving holidays Saline was floundering with a 1-8 record but the 10 day break gave head coach Klint Robinson a chance to get his players back in the gym to work on some glaring issues. Pardon the pun, but Robinson was “thankful” for the practice time as it dramatically changed the course of the season. 

“We weren’t doing very many things good at the start of the season,” reflected an elated Robinson following the impressive victory. “The guys were giving a good physical effort but I think them seeing where we needed to improve, like our shot selection and being more aggressive defense helped us after the break.”

In the first game back Saline lost again, this time by a six point margin to Arcadia in the Bienville Parish Tournament. Despite the loss Robinson was encouraged as he noticed a major improvement in his teams play.

“It really lifted my spirts to see how we played in that game as it was easy to see that we were a much better team than before the break,” said Robinson. “It gave me hope that we might have a good shot at being pretty good by the end of the year and the guys have proven that to be true.”

That “hope” was quickly evidenced through five straight wins over a five day period and 8 victories in 10 games as the Bobcats escalated from the pits of despair two only two games short of the .500 mark at 9-11 heading into the district 2C opener against Atlanta. 

“That really hurt,” acknowledged Robinson when thinking back to the 50-38 defeat to the Bulldogs who came into the game with a 5-17 mark. “We knew that one of their better players had been ineligible until after the first of the year but we felt we still had a good chance at winning.” 

Undaunted, Robinson and the team refused to let the deflating defeat untrack their new found road of success. Over the next six games Saline steamrolled their way through the rest of the district and even gained revenge of a couple of early season losses, beating Cedar Creek and Quitman by double digits. Saline now was sitting with a 16-13 overall record and a gaudy 5-1 district mark.

That set up “Round Two” against Atlanta. Early on it looked like Saline was going to blow the Bulldogs out of their own gym. Then adversity hit when sharp shooting Wesley Crawford, turned his ankle leading to a second half collapse that gave Atlanta their second victory over the Bobcats. 

“I didn’t let the guys know it but when Wesley went down, I was devastated,” said Robinson. “I was afraid we had lost him the rest of the way.”

Fortunately Crawford’s injury wasn’t as serious as it looked leading Robinson to be “thankful” once again.

“The next day I was really glad to see that he was moving around pretty good.”

Chances for a district title now looked bleak as all Atlanta had to do was win against the three schools they had already beaten. but as good fortune would have it Robinson found himself being “thankful” for a third time as defending Class C state runner-up Calvin beat Atlanta in the final game of district play setting up Saturday’s contest.

“I should have sent  a thank you note,” laughed Robinson.

No one will ever know if having a few extra seconds on the clock would have benefitted Atlanta but again Robinson was thankful for the way it all turned out. 

If one thing has been proven, it is easier to be thankful four times in season than it is to beat another team three.  

Saline now heads into the LHSAA Division V playoffs with a 19-14 overall record (they actually have won 20 games but the playoff game doesn’t count record wise) and with a team that is seemingly light years away from the one that began the season by losing nine of their first ten games.

Currently the Bobcats are shown to be at #17 in the power rankings, meaning that if Saline wins their first round contest a serious challenge would await in the second round in #1 ranked Zwolle, owners of a 30-2 record. Regardless of how the postseason plays out, in Robinson’s mind this season will go down as a successful one and this group of guys will be one that he will always remember fondly.

“I give all the credit to our guys,” said Robinson. “They could have just played out the string after our bad start but instead they worked hard to get better. They deserve to be district champions. They earned the right to be in this position.” 

There is another old adage that is tried and true in sports competition and that is the way you measure a coach isn’t by counting wins and losses but by comparing how his team was at the beginning of a season to how they finished. 

Saline has had a good season. They have a great coach!

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Saline (19-14)	11	13	9	11	44
Atlanta (13-20)	10	15	5	13	43

---

---

The sounds of spring are abound on the baseball and softball diamonds across north Louisiana as the LHSAA prep baseball and softball seasons have begun. Scrimmages and jamborees have already been played leading up to the regular season that is scheduled to start this Monday, February 20th for both Weston teams and Quitman baseball. As a special feature, members of the state championship teams from the past at Weston will be honored at the Weston baseball home opener.

On Tuesday, February 21st, the Quitman and Jonesboro-Hodge softball teams will open their regular season. 

All baseball and softball games for Jonesboro-Hodge and Weston will be played at the Jackson Parish Recreation Sports Complex located at 5254 Hwy 4, just east of Jonesboro at the present. Quitman will play their games at the fields on the QHS campus unless otherwise noted. 

See below for schedule of slated Monday and Tuesday games. 

DATE	HOME	VISITOR	LOCATION	TIME	BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
2/20	Weston	Downsville	JPRD	5 PM	Baseball
2/20	D’Arbonne Woods	Quitman	Farmerville	6 PM	Baseball
2/20	Lakeside	Weston	Sibley	5:30PM	Softball
2/21	Glenbrook	Quitman	Minden	5:30PM	Softball
2/21	JHHS	Lincoln Prep	JPRD	5:00PM	Softball

---

School attendance is a powerful predictor of student outcomes. In fact, irregular attendance can be a better predictor of whether students will drop out of school before graduation than test scores, according to the US Department of Education.

Rhonda Lee, Jackson Parish School Board Instructional Supervisor for Child Welfare & Attendance is working hard to ensure that the students in Jackson Parish are present and accounted for each day. Each month her office tracks the attendance of students at every school in the Jackson Parish School District (JPSD).

Results for the month of January shows that student attendance ranged from 88.29% – 94.37% at all five schools of the JPSD. 

 

While the numbers are better than many school districts across the state, Lee says they need to be better.

“I am raising awareness in the Jackson Parish School District that Attendance Matters,” said Lee. “Our goal for the district is 95% attendance for each school.”

In an effort to assist in improving the percentages, programs have also been instituted by the JPSD to recognize students who maintain perfect attendance. Students are receiving certificates every nine weeks for having perfect attendance and starting in March, students and teachers with perfect attendance will receive a certificate signed by the State Superintendent and JPSB Superintendent. 

Parents assistance needed! Lee adds that in order for the goal of 95% attendance district wide to be reached parents must to their part.

“We can’t do it alone,” said Lee. “We need the parents to help us educate their children on the importance of being in school and by bringing them to school and having them at school on time.”

Why is this so important? The correlation between attendance and dropout rates has important ramifications that go beyond the classroom. Compared to their peers who graduate, students who fail to complete their high school education are more likely to live in poverty, suffer poor health, and become involved in the criminal justice system.

By working together not only will the attendance percentage increase, the facts are that the more days a student is in school the better prepared they are for the future.

As Lee states, “That is the ultimate goal we hope to achieve and your assistance is greatly appreciated.”

 

 

 

 

One Sunday in the ancient past I was the associate pastor of a church. I was on the platform next to the senior minister. It was song time and I was blasting away at the song. In the Methodist church we follow the admonition of John Wesley regarding congregational singing. His words might be helpful for all of you.

Wesley said:

“Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor ashamed of its being heard, than when you sang the songs of Satan.” Those songs of Satan were the ones sang in the bars and pubs of London. How did Wesley know where the folks were on Saturday night?

This one should be posted on the choir room door and read every Sunday by the tenors and sopranos, especially those who have started warbling:

“Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound.”

“Above all sing spiritually.” Wesley said.

I was blaring away on the hymn and the senior minister leaned over to me and said, “Would you please stop singing you are throwing me off key.” I didn’t know the senior minister was a vocal hitchhiker but it appeared he was caught between my modulations and the actual music coming from the church organ. I was also messing him up because I am the designated “syncopater.” If you want a good rhythm fouled up, just call me in. I can throw off a marching band!

I remind all the musical elite that the Bible tells me to “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.”

I try to follow the Bible whenever it suits me. That was a theological snide remark in case you missed it. I have bumped into too many Jesus followers who claim to be graduates of all sorts of Bible study groups. Their matriculation in the group has not created a Christ like transformation of their behavior. This paragraph was brought to you by the part of me that is tired of cleaning up after the poor living habits of some Jesus followers. Remember when I have one figure pointed at you I have three pointing back at me!

I can’t sing melodiously. I sing in the shower and the dogs sit outside the shower howling! We make beautiful shower music. I admire those of you who have the gift of music. I admire musicians because you have rhythm and the wonderful internal clock that allows you to keep the beat. Your gifts have lifted me into the heights of heaven. I love church because of the singing. If we could sing then take the offering and finish the church service off reading the Bible with more singing I would call that a great Sunday. Please notice the purposeful omission of the sermon! One Sunday I’m going to declare a sermon free Sunday! I won’t announce it prior to the service, it will just happen.

I keep plugging away at my singing. I have been elected “first chair” in the monotone section. That section is located near the back door.

The Bible implies that Jesus sang. I wonder if he was a tenor or a baritone. I want to be Christ like in my singing abilities, since I’m not doing so well in other Christ like behavioral goals.

I will not be held accountable for my bad singing. We are held accountable for what we can do and will do for the cause of Christ. I am off the hook for my bad singing but there are other gifts and graces I possess for which I will be held accountable.

What can you do to change your world in the name of Christ?

 

---

Patrons of the Jonesboro and Chatham branches of the Jackson Parish Library had a special treat this past week as children and adults got to share their love of painting with Mrs. Sharon Doucey. Children from the Union Bee Head Start Program also had a fun day at the Jonesboro branch with dance class and storytime. See below for sights of each. 

 

---

The Jonesboro-Hodge High School Softball team is seeking sponsors and donations to help with the preparation of their field located on Thrasher Drive in Jonesboro. Construction has started in the field revitalization project with dirt being spread across the infield but help is needed to raise money for the fencing and player equipment. See below for a letter explaining the different sponsor levels as well as a sponsorship form. 

---

“It was finally the weekend. Spring turkey season had arrived and all Neal Windley of Norfolk, Va., wanted to do was get to his farm, change into his camouflage and get into the woods. What he found when he arrived not only put a halt to his weekend of hunting, it also cost him thousands of dollars in repair and prevention.

“Windley’s hunting camp was demolished. Windows were broken, a television and other items were missing and the once clean and comfortable house had been turned into a disaster area. Sadly, that was not the first time this had happened. Vandals had trashed his camp two other times. Sweeping up glass and filling out police reports were not what he had in mind when he and a good friend originally bought the land in the early 1990s.”

The above report was part of a news release I received from the National Wild Turkey Federation. The report from the NWTF gives sobering evidence that all too often, hunters head for camp after a long hiatus to find just what Neal Windley found.

The first thing I did after reading the NWTF press release was call a fellow club member to see if he’s checked on our camp lately. I breathed sigh of relief when he reported he was there this past weekend, and everything was as we had left it.

The second thing I did was call the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s office to talk with an agent to see if there have been incidences of hunting camp vandalism and/or theft recently. I learned that there are several things hunting camp owners can do during the off-season to keep criminals from trashing or stealing from your hunting camp.

First, if your camp has a locked gate, be sure to keep the gate locked. This won’t necessarily prevent theft but it makes it harder for thieves to cart off large items.

Another important thing is don’t leave valuable items, such as 4-wheelers, guns, cookers, lanterns, etc. at the camp. Take them home for the off-season.

You or somebody in your hunting club should check on your camp regularly. Also, you might get a neighbor who lives near the camp and who you trust to keep an eye out for what may be going on when you’re not there. One of the problems is that the Sheriff’s office will get a report in the fall when hunters arrive at the camp and it may have been broken into in late spring. That time lag really hampers what can be done.

Make an inventory of everything of value in your camp, just like you should be doing in your home. Write down serial numbers, description of each item, and where practical, put some identifying mark on the item in a concealed area so thieves won’t be as likely to find and remove it. Take photos of valuable items to aid in identifying them should they be stolen.

Some other suggestions, offered by the NWTF, is to give the appearance that someone is home. Leave a radio or television playing, put your lights on a timer or leave an unused vehicle in the driveway to discourage trespassers and thieves.

Another way to keep your hunting camp safe is to make the local authorities aware that the camp will be unoccupied for a designated period of time. Talk to the sheriff’s department, U.S. Forest Service and local law enforcement agents in the area. Each of these offices makes regular patrols and can help protect your hunt camp. Also leave keys to your property’s gates with someone in authority to help them watch your place while you are away.

Follow these suggestions and you stand a better chance of finding your hunting camp this fall just as you left it…..except of course for dirt dobber nests and the occasional mouse.

FISHING REPORT

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. Bass are beginning to move into the coves and pockets and are hitting soft plastics, jigs and crank baits. Carolina rigs are picking up some nice bass fishing underwater humps and drop-offs. Crappie still in deep water around brush and hitting 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.
BLACK BAYOU – Crappie are improving around the trees on jigs or shiners. No report on bass or bream. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Some nice bass are being caught flipping the trees with jigs and creature baits. Crappie are fair to good on jigs and shiners around brush. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water is high and very little fishing reported this week. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie are beginning to move into a pre-spawn mode with some good fish caught in 12 foot water along the edges of the channels. Bass are beginning to move up as well and some good fish have been caught fairly shallow on spinners, crank baits and topwater lures. Bream are not yet ready but lots of catfish were caught fishing cold worms and night crawlers off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bass fishing has improved with some nice fish in the 6-7 pound range being caught on crank baits, spinners, topwater lures and Rat-L-Traps fairly shallow. Crappie fishing continues to be fair to good with jigs and shiners picking up some fish in deep water. Catfishing is good on a variety of baits. No report on bream or stripers. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfishing is good. Some big crappie to 2 ½ pounds have been caught mostly on jigs around the boat slips. Bass are starting to improve on a variety of lures. No report on bream. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is on a slow fall and there has been very little fishing this week. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

---

Jackson Parish 4-H announces that you have an opportunity to show your support for the Shooting Sports division through the purchase of the few shooting sports t-shirts available for sale. Inventory is limited so sales are made on a first come first serve basis. 

Sizes left are adult- 2XL(1), L (1), M (2), S (1), and youth- L(1) and M (1). Cost of each shirts is $15.00. 

To purchase a shirt please come to the 4-H office at 182 Industrial Drive, in Jonesboro. 

---

In a special called meeting of the Jackson Parish Library Board of Control held at the Jonesboro Branch on February 16th, it was agreed to accept change orders on the Library Park project as presented by Triad Builders Contracting. In a corresponding move board members Paula Essmeier, Judy Cooper, Lisa Nunn, Ann Standley, Vicki Jenkins, Robin Tew, Carol Massey and ex-officio, Amy Magee adopted an adjustment to the 2023 Library budget. In final action a transfer of funds to an operating accounts was approved. 

---

Total Destruction

Have you ever been at a demolition derby?

Can’t say that I have. The closest I’ve come was as a teenager; I sometimes rode in bumper cars at the local amusement park. Riders took dead aim at all other cars in their sight. No cars were demolished but it’s a cinch that they had dings and dents. Another way of demolition comes to mind. Maybe you’ve seen an old house or skyscraper demolished.

Our house was demolished in Goodwater, Alabama after we moved to Louisiana.

Friends told us that the property was sold by the current owner to the factory directly across the street. The industry needed additional parking space. They solved their space problem when they made a deal for our old house and one next door. That one was removed through a control burn exercise by the town’s fire department.

Back to demolition…

It conveys the thought of total destruction.

“For though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way,since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 HCSB).”

We pray. With authority, we pray in the name of Jesus and with power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer demolishes spiritual strongholds.

“Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you really will be free (John 8:36 HCSB).”

---

Let’s Get Vaccinated! That is the message the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is trying to convey to the residents across the state. To help make that possible LDH Region 8, of which Jackson Parish is a part, has scheduled dates for free Covid-19, Flu and Monkeypox 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 Monday and Wednesday – Friday (February 20, 22-24) during times of 8am-4:30pm.The Health Unit will be closed on Tuesday, February 21st in observance of Mardi Gras. Appointments are suggested, but not
necessary. To schedule an appointment call (318) 259 – 6601.

---

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

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

 

 

HELP WANTED

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

FOR SALE

Book – “100-year history of JHHS football”  Comprehensive year-by-year description of the first 100 years (1919-2019) of JHHS football. Includes categorial individual and team top ten rankings. Perfect gift for that family member or friend who would enjoy remembering their “glory days”. The cost is $25.00 per book plus $3.00 for shipping and handling. To order call (318) 480-1206. 

 

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

 

PUBLIC NOTICES

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

SHERIFF’S SALE

PEOPLES BANK
# 35438

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

DONNA KAY KYLE

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

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

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

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

2/8/23
3/15/23

*****Important Information About Your Drinking Water****
Magnolia Water UOC – Spring Creek Water System, PWS# LA1049028

Failed to Take Corrective Action Following Identification of a Significant Deficiency

Spring Creek Water System, while under previous ownership, was in violation of the requirements indicated below. The violation  requires notification to the public. Even though these were not emergencies, as our customers, you have the right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct this situation.
What happened?
On April 10, 2018 and March 12,2020 the Louisiana Department of Health (LOH) performed a detailed inspection and engineering evaluation of our water system called a sanitary survey. During this sanitary survey, they identified one or more significant deficiencies in our system. As our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct this
situation. According to EPA’s Ground Water Rule, we were required to correct the deficiency (or deficiencies) or work with the State to develop a plan to correct the deficiency (or deficiencies). However, we failed to correct the deficiency or contact the State before the established deadline and have therefore violated a requirement of the Ground Water Rule.
What should I do?
There is nothing you need to do. You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. If a situation arises where the water is no longer safe to drink, you will be notified within 24 hours.
What does this mean?
This is not an emergency. If it had been an emergency, you would have been notified within 24 hours. This significant deficiency has the potential to result in lack of proper treatment and oversight of the water system. Inadequately treated or inadequately protected water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, cramps, and associated headaches. While we have not detected any evidence of contamination or other health threats related to our source water, we are still committed to correcting the deficiency to eliminate the threat of contamination.
What was Done?
As of January 31, 2023, Magnolia Water UOC has corrected over half of the significant deficiencies cited on the sanitary surveys from 2020 and 2018. Magnolia Water UOC will continue to correct all significant deficiencies and return to compliance at Spring Creek Water System.

Magnolia Water UOC is committed to bringing our customers safe, reliable water services and will continue to work with the LDH to carry out this commitment.

Please share this information with all other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (i.e., people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

For more information, please contact Magnolia Water at 1-855-643-8152.

This notice is being sent to you by Spring Creek Water system. PWS ID# LA1049028

Date distributed: February 15, 2022

Village of Chatham Council Meeting Minutes
February 14, 2023

The Chatham Village Council met in regular session on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 6:00 pm with the following members present: Mayor Gregory Harris, Councilmembers Paula Ackley, Toni Malone, Laverne Mixon, Sue Proffer and Mike Wilson. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Harris. The pledge was led by Councilmember Toni Malone and prayer was given by Mayor Harris.
Sue Proffer motioned, Mike Wilson seconded and was approved by all to accept the minutes as read of the regular meeting held on January 10, 2023.
Toni Malone motioned, seconded by Laverne Mixon, and approved by all to pay the monthly bills.
Under old business Toni Malone motioned, seconded by Paula Atkins approved by all, to review the clean up ordinance at the next regular meeting before moving forward with the cleanup of the village.
Toni Malone motioned, seconded by Paula Ackley and approved by all to keep the Collection Policy & Procedures that have previously been approved.
Under new business Mike Wilson motioned, seconded by Toni Malone, and approved to adopt Resolution 2023-03 appointing David Risher to serve as Director and Gregory C Harris as Alternate Director to serve on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Municipal Natural Gas Purchasing and Distribution Authority.
Motion by Toni Malone, seconded by Sue Proffer to accept the audit for FY 2021 – FY 2022 as presented.
First Baptist Church had requested that water meter at the basketball court at the church, which is used by the public, not be billed for usage. Paula Ackley motioned, seconded by Toni Malone and approved by all that due to Attorney General’s, opinion it would be illegal to not charge for usage.
Sue Proffer motioned, seconded by Mike Wilson, and accepted by all to approve the financial statements as presented.
Paula Ackley motioned, seconded by Mike Wilson, and accepted by all to adjourn the meeting.

Jackson Parish School Board Special Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2023

The Jackson Parish School Board met in a Special Called Meeting at 1:00 p.m. on February 15, 2023 at 315 Pershing Hwy, Jonesboro, Louisiana.
The following were present for roll call: Rick Barlow, Gerry Mims, Paulette Belton, Dennis Clary, Calvin Waggoner, Mary Saulters, Wade McBride
Absent: None
The Invocation was given by Dennis Clary.
The Pledge of Allegiance was given by Paulette Belton.
The meeting was called to order by President Calvin Waggoner.
Discussion of Superintendent’s contract.
A motion was made by Rick Barlow, seconded by Mary Saulters and carried to approve extending Superintendent Claxton’s contract for two years, July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025. Mr. Clary made a motion to amend the motion to extend the contract for four (4) years. This motion failed for lack of second. Comments were heard from Superintendent Claxton concerning past, present and future plans for Jackson Parish Schools. Mr. Waggoner called for a vote on the original motion, Mr. Clary requested a
roll call vote.
Yeas: Gerry Mims, Rick Barlow, Paulette Belton, Dennis Clary, Calvin Waggoner, Mary
Saulters and Wade McBride
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to adjourn at 1:40 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

---

Jewel Evelyn Harvey
February 25, 1930 – February 14, 2023

Jewel Evelyn Harvey of North Hodge, Louisiana passed away at her residence on February 14, 2023. She was 92 years old. Jewel retired from the bag mill in Hodge after 40 years of service. She and her late husband, William W. Harvey, enjoyed traveling across the country. In her spare time, Jewell enjoyed reading and gardening. She was a very charitable person and gave to many great causes over the years. Jewel attended the Church of God in North Hodge.

Jewel is survived by her son, Mark R. Harvey and wife, Susie; 15 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and a host of great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents, Robert and Hazel (Higgins) Cowart; daughter, Beverly S. Roane; sons, James W. Harvey and Bruce A. Harvey; granddaughter, Charlotte S. Harvey; sister, Joyce Griggs; brothers, James Cowart and Jerry Cowart.

The funeral service was held on Saturday, February 18th at the Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro with Sister Judy Alexander Walker officiating. Burial followed in the Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery near Quitman.

Serving the family as pallbearers were Matthew Roane, Shane Roane, Marty Cooper, Bryce Treadway, Aaron Barr and Jeffrey Harvey.

Brenda Sue Poland
October 11, 1964 – February 12, 2023

Brenda Sue Poland was born October 11, 1964, to the late Roy L. Poland and Earline L. Poland. Following a brief illness, she departed this life on Sunday, February 12, 2023, at Forest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Jonesboro, Louisiana.

At an early age, Brenda joined the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she grew up attending Sunday School and BTU on a regular basis. She also participated on youth programs of the North Louisiana Baptist Association.

She worked for a short while at Barnes Grocery & Market, in Jonesboro. She then spent approximately 37 years working as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA) in various facilities, including Wyatt Manor Nursing Home & Rehab Center, Calvin Road Community Residence, and Forest Haven Nursing & Rehab Center.

Those who knew Brenda would not be surprised that she enjoyed reading about Amish culture and beliefs, and books like Readers Digest with inspirational stories about people overcoming stumbling blocks in life. She also loved working crossword puzzles, and cutting out coupons from sale papers, as many as she could gather up during the week. And on Sunday afternoons, she’d have the whole family involved cutting out coupons.

She attended elementary and high school in the Jackson Parish District and graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School, Class of 1982. She also attended Northwestern State University for about two years before having to quit to help her mother take care of her grandfather.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers: Roy T. Poland, James D. Poland, Calvin Poland, and Roy Bradford Jr, and four sisters: Dorothy Poland, Merceal M. Poland-Bacon, Lavern G. Poland, and Laura A. Martin.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories: one sister Vera Poland of Washington, DC, four brothers, Melvin Amos, Washington, DC, John R. Bradford, Jonesboro, LA, Thurman Bradford and Dale Bradford, San Diego CA. A special cousin, Cherise Lewis, Jonesboro, LA; a special son, Fredrick Martin, Jonesboro, LA; one god-daughter, Arerion Cowans; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, February 18th at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro. 

---

---

On February 2nd and 3rd, Cali Deal put together the best back to back performances of the year by a Jackson Parish prep basketball player. Her totals not only led Quitman High to two wins it also drew attention statewide. This included the staff of ScoreBook Live (SBLive), who voted Deal as the Louisiana Player of the Week for Jan. 30 – Feb. 5th.

The award is a first for any player in Jackson Parish by the member of the Sports Illustrated Media Group. 

Deal not only led her team in scoring in the 66-24 win over Doyline and 66-58 victory over Castor, she posted new career scoring highs for a single game and two games, as well as, setting a new individual mark for most free throws made in a game and over a two game period. 

The award winning week began with a 23 points, 8 rebound stat line against Doyline on February 2nd, where she connected on 9 of 11 field goals in the contest. This equates to an 82% shooting percentage, her best of the year in games with over ten attempts. 

She was just getting started.

One night later, on Feb. 3, Deal posted here tenth “double-double” of the season with 31 points and 11 rebounds. Included was 17 made free throws in 21 attempts. The point total and number of free throws made both set new career highs for a single game and combination of two games. 

The recent statewide acclaim leads one to wonder if Jackson Parish residents really appreciate just how good an athelete this lanky lefthanded post player is? 

Pardon the pun, but Cali  is the “Real” Deal! 

The recent two game exhibition was no flash in the pan. Deal has dominated the paint all season compiling an average of 16.1 points per game (ppg) and 8.4 rebounds per game (RPG). What makes her performance all the more incredible is that basketball isn’t even considered her best sport. That will be starting in a matter of days now. 

While her blossoming on the court has recently gained attention, Deal is no stranger to the statewide and even national eye. In softball, Deal is already a two-time, first team all stater and ended the past summer ranked as the #7 player in the state and #34 player in the nation after leading her “travel” team to the 15U National Championship. 

How good is Deal? The only answer that can be given now is that “generational talent” is not as good as she is going to be, even though she is already better than almost anyone ever from Jackson Parish. What is known is that local residents are in for a treat over the next couple of years as it is going to be fun to watch her play. 

 

Schedule of Games on February 18th

Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School

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

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

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

Game results from February 11th

5&6 Divison

Suns 34 Bucks 14:
Suns scoring: Ashton Anderson 11, Kaden Blewer 9, Caylee Mauthe 8, Leia Green 2, Kassidy Loyd 2, Willow Tingle 2
Bucks scoring: Bryce Martin 7, Briggs Craighead 2, Koltyn Donaldson 1, Jacob Patton 1, Cole Burton 1, Starr Bradley 1, D J Hudson 1

Warriors 24 Lakers 12:
Warriors scoring: Samuel Jones 6, Duke Henderson 5, Oliver Lee 2, Matilyn Otwell 2, Uriah Hall 2, Brennon Otwell 2, Eliza Mae-Leigh Jackson 2, Crew Tidwell 1, Braxley Tucker 1, Laurel Smith 1 
Lakers scoring: Kolton Laffitte 3, Kase Mathews 3, Aceon Calahan 2, Octavian Anderson 1, Jace Watkins 1, MJ Harrell 1, Brenton Lewis 1

Clippers 20 Bulls 9:
Clippers scoring: Levi Norred 9, Ryker Ingram 7, Jayce Linton 3, Kenzie Billman 1
Bulls Scoring: Harper McBride 4, Pistol McCurdy 1, Sebastian Garrett 1, Mitchell Osborne 1, John Walker 1, Eva Martin

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Ashton Anderson 11

7-8 Girls Divison

Aces 14 Liberty 8:
Aces scoring: Savannah Porter 5, Jaicee Watkins 4, Morgan Osborne 2, Madi Spillman 1, Dally McCurdy 1, River Waggoner 1
Liberty scoring: Kylee Allen 4, Cadie Conn 1, Ryleigh Puffer 1, Brooklyn Carpenter 1, Justice Faulkner 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): 

7-8 Boys Division

Hawks 30 Blazers 27
Hawks scoring: Mason Greer 14, Cooper Barnes 6, Jeremiah Jones 3, Leland Anderson 3, Cutter Whisonant 3, Carson Knox 1 
Blazers scoring: Kree Boston 22, Trey Wall 2, Austin West 1, Stone Anderson 1, Jaycob Rogers 1

Kings 25 Thunder 23
Kings scoring: Jagger Ingram 12, Koplen Taylor 7, Grant Williams 4, Isaac Sessions 2
Thunder scoring: Kutter Blalock 18, Noah Martin 3, Ayden Chatham 1, Khaza Cottonham 1

Hawks 22 Grizzlies 20
Hawks scoring: Mason Greer 11, Cooper Barnes 4, Carson Knox 3, Jeremiah Jones 2, Leland Anderson 2
Grizzlies scoring: Cruz Nomey 8, Clay Burton 6, Kash McAdams 2, Andrew Edwards 2, Case Creel 1, Grayson Edwards 1

Magic 34 Celtics 15
Magic scoring: Carter Greer-Kelly 12, Colton Haney 9, Andrew Seymore 8, Asher Norred 4, Bryce Mauthe 1
Celtics scoring: James Lewis 8, Brock Craighead 2, Mayson Terral 1, Reece Johnson 1, Hunter Williams 1, Brandon Laffitte 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Kree Boston 22, Kutter Blalock 18, Mason Greer 14, Jagger Ingram 12, Carter Greer-Kelly 12, Mason Greer 11 

9-10 Girls Divison

Sky 16 Fever 1
Sky scoring: Sally Kate Keiffer 9, Hannah Aldy 4, Brielle Ussery 2, Audrey Anderson 1
Fever scoring: Lily Tolar 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): 

9-10 Boys Division

Raptors 16 Celtics 16
Raptors scoring: Aiden Reed 11, Ryder Diffey 3, Carter Sanders 2
Celtics scoring: Corey Mixon 4, Parker Nomey 4, Eli Jones 3, Grant Griffin 2, Brady Malone 2, Cason Conn 1

Kings 13 Grizzlies 11
Kings scoring: Bentley Ponder 6, Gunner Garrett 3, Shepard Norred 2, Levi Horsfall 1, Keshawn Jones 1
Grizzlies scoring: Jack Robinson 10, Jase Tinsley 1

Raptors 19 Rockets 11
Raptors scoring: Aiden Reed 9, Carter Sanders 6, Ryder Diffey 2, Bentley Hall 2
Rockets scoring: Caiden Jackson 5, Tripp McBride 2, Braddock Chandler 2, Caston Zimmerman 2

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Aiden Reed 11, Jack Robinson 10                

11-12 Boys Division

Suns 41 Spurs 18
Suns scoring: Leyton Younse 15, Christopher Oncale 12, Joseph Delaney 6, Kaleb Maxwell 4, Ryder Gray 3, Jake Emmons 1
Spurs scoring: Eli Henderson 12, Mason Thomas 2, Cane Blalock 2, Jacolby Lowe 2

Bulls 18 Bucks 14
Bulls scoring: Colton Otwell 10, Malachi Harris 4, Luke Rowe 2, Eli Rowe 2
Bucks scoring: Jameon Jefferson 5, Quantavius Campbell 4, Jaxson Brown 3, Jake Moak

Lakers 38 Mavericks 10
Lakers scoring: Raylon Bradford 15, Noah Spillman 12, Braydon Robinson 8, Jayden Burns 2, Rylan Mauthe 1
Mavericks scoring: Lukas Bandy 4, Elijah Calloway 3, Gabriel Lebrun 2, Cason Rogers 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Leyton Younse 15, Raylon Bradford 15, Eli Henderson 12, Christopher Oncale 12, Noah Spillman 12, Colton Otwell 10

11-13 Girls Division

Dream 21 Sun 8
Dream scoring: Jana Potts 9, Carly Jo Griffin 5, Audrina Martin2, Braelyn Patton 2, Ada-Claire Tidwell 1, Bella Caskey 1, Kymori Patterson 1
Sun scoring: Samone Mallard 4, Brylee Cuthrell 2, Tessa Reeves 2

Liberty 21 Lynx 18
Liberty scoring: Klea Blalock 9, Reese Womack 8, Brooklyn Brown 2, Ella Robinson 2
Lynx scoring: Sophia Kliebert 4, Keely Davis 4, Allie Robertson 3, Brenna Lamkin 3, Ella Simonelli 1, Demie McCurdy 1, Kaylan Hough 1, Kynleigh Leach 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): 

13-14 Boys Division

Heat 44 Kings 40
Heat scoring: Tyson Burks 20, Shane Reed 12, Mathew Odom 5, Sam Schut 3, Alex Lewis 2, Colt Guyotte 2
Kings scoring: Brody Tidwell 27, Abram Toms 4, Remy Kennard 3, Brody Halbrook 2, Hunter Donaldson 2, Rylan Reynolds 2

Magic 53 Blazers 32
Magic scoring: Brayden Martin 21, Jamarcus Dozier 15, Santiago Zuniga 9, Cash Ingram 7, Jake North 1 
Blazers scoring: Jack Thomas 12, Colby Williams 12, Hayden Seymore 3, Ayden Greer 3, Brody Toms 2

Celtics 40 Heat 33
Celtics scoring: Ty Henderson 16, Taden Thomas 14,  Elijah Jackson 8, Ridge Horton 2
Heat scoring: Tyson Burks 9, Shane Reed 9, Gunner Younse 5, Mathew Odom 4, Sam Schut 3, Colt Guyotte 2, David Gandy 2

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Brody Tidwell 27, Brayden Martin 21, Tyson Burks 20, Ty Henderson 16, Jamarcus Dozier 15, Taden Thomas 14, Shane Reed 12, Colby Williams 12

---

For the local prep girls basketball teams that qualified for the LHSAA Division V playoffs the “Highway to Hammond”, which is where the LHSAA girls state basketball tournament will be played has more potential potholes and washouts in it than a hunting leases dirt road after a rainstorm.  

This year the area is represented by Quitman, Saline and Weston High Schools. Jonesboro-Hodge failed to qualify for postseason play. Despite two (Weston and Saline) winning their respective districts and the other (Quitman) winning over 20 games, all three face serious first round challenges. The good news is that the two Jackson Parish schools get a first round home game. 

Weston, who won district 1B and enters the playoffs with the fourth highest total of wins in Division V at 27-6 on the year has the highest seeding among the local schools at #13 in the 28 team bracket. The reward? A home date on Thursday against perennial small school playoff power Pitkin, who compiled a 24-16 overall record and finished fourth in the powerful district 4B which was won by #7 seed Anacoco and 30 win Oak Hill, the #1 seed in “select” school Division V bracket. Game time is set for 6:00pm

Saline won district 2C but finished with an overall record of 14-17 resulting in a #25 seeding in the bracket. The low seeding means the Lady Bobcats will be on the road for their first round road game against #8 Hicks, the third place team in district 4B. who ended the year with a 23-10 record. 

Quitman earned a #16 seed after ending the year in second place of district 1B and 21-9 overall setting up a 6:00pm match in the Jonesboro-Hodge High School gymnasium on Thursday with #17 Summerfield who finished the year at 17-15 and second place in district 1C. The contest is a rematch of the tight 35-34 Lady Wolverines victory in the second game of the year. 

2023 LHSAA Division V Girls Playoff Bracket

---

The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our members, businesses, and residents in helping us spread the word on all the wonders abound in our beautiful Parish. We are excited to continue our support and promotion of local businesses with our 2023 Members.

Representing the Chamber in 2023  are Board Members: Yumeaka Washington (President), Karen Tolar (Vice President), Sheryl Holder (Secretary), Carla Smith (Treasurer), Wilda Smith (Director), Dean Rushing, Randy Layfield, Darrell Avery, Glenn Kirkland, John Williams, Johnny Horton, Andrea Malone, and Clay Carroll.

It takes an entire community working together towards a prosperous future. If you would like to have your event listed or you are a vendor wanting to set up at an event, please contact our Chamber of Commerce Office. As a reminder, all monthly Chamber meetings are open to the public and we encourage each of you to attend.

Current list of events promoting Jackson Parish are as follows:

March: Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet – TBA; Louisiana Youth B.A.S.S. Nation Caney Lake Hawg Fest, Jimmie Davis State Park – 3/18/23

April: Spring Fling – 04/02/23 1-4pm; Monthly Chamber Meeting – 04/12/23: 12pm-1pm; Johnny’s Pizza Sunshine Festival and Antique Car Show – 04/15/23: 10am – 7pm; Major League Fishing Tournament  on Caney Lake– 04/24/23 through 04/25-23

May: Monthly Chamber Meeting – 05/10/23: 12pm-1pm – Johnny’s Pizza

June: Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Jackson Parish Golf Course– 06/03/23: 8am-3pm; Monthly Chamber Meeting – 06/15/23: 6pm-7pm – Location TBA

July: Monthly Chamber Meeting at – Johnny’s Pizza  07/12/23: 12pm-1pm

August: Monthly Chamber Meeting at– Johnny’s Pizza 08/09/23: 12pm-1pm

September: Monthly Chamber Meeting,. location TBA 09/14/23: 6pm-7pm

October: Monthly Chamber Meeting at Johnny’s Pizza 10/11/23: 12pm-1pm

November: Christmas Open House – 11/05/23: 1pm-4pm; Monthly Chamber Meeting at Johnny’s Pizza 11/8/23: 12pm-1pm; Christmas Wonderland in the Pines Festival – 11/25/23: 10am-8:30pm Grand Marshall Coffee/Reception – 10am Christmas Parade – 4:30pm Fireworks – 6pm

December: Ladies’ Night Out – 12/11/23: 4pm-7pm

We thank each of you for your continued support of our Chamber of Commerce. Our efforts are supported solely by donations, events, membership dues, and hard work. Please plan to visit our monthly meetings for up-to-date information on events and volunteer opportunities.

Find us on Facebook or our website at www.jacksonparishchamber.org

 

---

The promise was that the 48 teams that signed up to fish Caney Lake in the third leg of the Northeast Louisiana High School Anglers tournament circuit on February 11th would be landing the largest “lunkers” of the year. The reality was that for 8 hours and 29 minutes the renowned waterway gave up only 66 total fish that weighed only an average of 3.24 lbs. to the 27 teams that caught at least one fish far below the standards that the lake is known for. 

Even though it was a tough day for all, there was somewhat of a “home lake” advantage for Landin Chatham of Weston High and partner Jesse Parker from West Ouachita (shown in banner above).  The pair that fishes under the NELAHS Anglers mantra because they are from two different schools was one of only four teams to land at least four fish. The 8.11 lbs they weighed in was good for fifth place that boosted them to second in the year to date standings after three events. 

Brayden Brown and Joseph Irvin of Weston High also finished in the top ten after the two fish they caught weighed in at 6.88 lbs. and Chatham’s sister Hailey and teammate Addison Ledford scored with two fish weighing a total of 3.08 lbs that was good for a 22nd place finish. 

It was a hard day for the four team Quitman High contingent. Hayden Davis, holder of the LHSAA state “Big Bass’ award and his partner Maddox Duck, had the highest finish at #23 that dropped them to #8 overall year to date. Tucker Goss and Cary Hayden Seymore was one back at #24 with Jalin Horne and Aiden Patton coming in #27. QHS entry Waylon Sullivan and Jake Vail along with Brody Halbrook and Gabe Walsworth of Grace Christian failed to land a fish. 

The winner was Peyton Barnett and Brayden Pye of Choudrant High who turned in a four fish stringer of 14.83 lbs that included the big bass of the day, a 7.95 pounder. Coming in second was Maddox Williams of Saline High and his partner Eddie Hyatt from Lakeside, who was one of only two teams to reel in a full five fish stringer. 

 

---

Forest Haven Nursing Home in Jonesboro takes pride in recognizing their residents, especially those who are Veterans of the United States Armed Services. One way they pay homage to residents who served is through a joint program  with the Jackson Parish Heritage Quilting Guild, which meets the 1st Wednesday of every month at the Jonesboro-Hodge United Methodist Church.

In honor of his dedication and commitment to keeping America free, this past week US Air Force Veteran Larry Huddleston was presented a beautiful hand stitched quilt. This is the second time that Huddleston has been recognized as in 2022 he was given the opportunity to take part in the Dream Flights Tour which is a program where veterans get to ride in a refurbished World War II plane. 

 

---

After a little over three months of competition where both teams played 33 games overall and ten games in district play it all boils down to a one game, winner take all, scenario for the 2C championship between long time rivals Saline and Atlanta High Schools. The district deciding playoff game will take place at 5:30pm on Saturday at Dodson High School.

Both enter the contest with 8-2 district records. Both also have had similar seasons of suffering through the 2022 portion of the schedule before catching fire in 2023. Saline has the better overall record at 19-14 after losing 9 of their first ten games while Atlanta comes in with a deceiving 13-20 slate after closing 2022 by losing 15 of the final 16 games played. Once the calendar flipped to 2023 Atlanta went 10-3 and Saline posted a 12-4 mark. 

The main difference is that Atlanta won both games against Saline in district play beating the Bobcats 50-38 on January 10th and then again by a 68-55 score on January 31st. Atlanta’s two district losses was a 60-57 defeat against Georgetown and a district season ending 61-55 defeat at the hands of Calvin.  and even more importantly won both games over Saline in district play by 13 and 12 points. 

---

Six members from Weston High School attended the Louisiana Junior Beta Club State Convention held at the Cajun Dome in Lafayette this past February 7th – 10th. Congratulations go all but especially to Abram Toms for placing 5th in Mixed Media and Addison Phares for placing 5th in Quilling. 

The Louisiana Senior Beta Club Convention will be held February 15-17, 2023 at the Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge.

---