Schedule of Games on February 11th

Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School

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

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

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

Game results from February 4th

5&6 Divison

Warriors 22 Bucks 15:
Warriors scoring: Crew Tidwell 8, Duke Henderson 4, Oliver Lee 4, Samuel Jones 2, Braxley Tucker 1, Matilyn Otwell 1, Laurel Smith 1, Uriah Hall 1
Bucks scoring: Bryce Martin 4, D J Hudson 3, Briggs Craighead 2, Koltyn Donaldson 1, Jacob Patton 1, Harper Gandy 1, Cole Burton 1, Starr Bradley 1, Londyn Tilley 1

Lakers 13 Bulls 9:
Lakers scoring: Jace Watkins 6, MJ Harrell 2, Aceon Calahan 1, Kolton Laffitte 1, Kase Mathews 1, Kadon Graves 1, Octavian Anderson 1
Bulls Scoring: Harper McBride 4, Pistol McCurdy 1, Sebastian Garrett 1, Mitchell Osborne 1, John Walker 1, Eva Martin

Suns 28 Clippers 9:
Suns scoring: Ashton Anderson 12, Caylee Mauthe 8, Leia Green 3, Kaden Blewer 2, Kassidy Loyd 2, Willow Tingle 1
Clippers scoring: Ryker Ingram 3, Levi Norred 1, Bentley Roncal 1, Lamar Martin 1, Kenzie Billman 1, Jayce Linton 1, Tyler Newton 1

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

7-8 Girls Divison

Starz 18 Liberty 9
Stars scoring: Isabell Morris 8, Delilah Hudson 7, Jesslyn Williams 2, Charlea Jones 1
Liberty scoring: Carrington Bond 6, Cadie Conn 1, Ryleigh Puffer 1, Kylee Allen 1

Sparks 13 Aces 6
Sparks scoring: Ainsley Bougues 8, Adeline Anderson 2, Hadley Garner 1, Jaylee Hough 1, Natalie Sullivan 1
Aces scoring: Jaicee Watkins 2, Morgan Osborne 1, Madi Spillman 1, Audrey Lee 1, River Waggoner 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): 

7-8 Boys Division

Thunder 25 Suns 21
Thunder scoring: Kutter Blalock 14, Ayden Chatham 6, Maddox Graham 4, Cason Walker 1
Suns scoring: Willow Tingle 6, Kassidy Loyd 5, Leia Green 5, #7 – 4, Kaden Blewer 1

Magic 43 Hawks 20
Magic scoring: Asher Norred 30, Andrew Seymore 6, Carter Greer-Kelly 4, Bradley Keeney 1, Colton Haney 1, Sebastian Love 1
Hawks scoring: Mason Greer 9, Cooper Barnes 6, Carson Knox 2, Jeremiah Jones 2, Leland Anderson 1

Thunder 24 Blazers 21
Thunder scoring: Kutter Blalock 18, Maddox Graham 4, Ayden Chatham 1, Khaza Cottonham 1
Blazers scoring: Kree Boston 12, Austin West 5, unidentified 2, Stone Anderson 1, Jaycob Rogers 1, Beaux Gandy 1, Trey Wall 1

Kings 30 Celtics 5
Kings scoring: Jagger Ingram 18, Grant Williams 4, Koplen Taylor 3, Taten Hall 3, Thomas Sessions 2, Isaac Sessions 2, Taten Hall 1
Celtics scoring: Brock Craighead 2, Mason Caldwell 2, Reece Johnson 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Asher Norred 30, Jagger Ingram 18, Kutter Blalock 18, Kutter Blalock 14, Kree Boston 12

9-10 Girls Divison

Sky 37 Mystics 2
Sky scoring: Sally Kate Keiffer 19, Hannah Aldy 14, Brielle Ussery 2, Leah Atkins 2
Mystics scoring: Mallory Malone 2

Fever 11 Mystics 6
Fever scoring: Amelia Staggs 9 Lily Tolar 1, Ashlyn Petre 1
Mystics scoring: Mallory Malone 4, Scarlett Parks 2

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Sally Kate Keiffer 19

9-10 Boys Division

Grizzlies 18 Kings 9
Grizzlies scoring: Jack Robinson 8, Jase Tinsley 4, Elijah Shell 3, Kash Gandy 2, Riley Stevenson 1, Maddox Narron 1
Kings scoring: Bentley Ponder 4, Rhett Emmons 2, Levi Horsfall 2, Gunner Garrett 4, Shepard Norred 1

Raptors 18 Celtics 13
Raptors scoring: Aiden Reed 8, Jase Reed 4, Joseph Gill 4, Gannon Sullivan 1
Celtics scoring: Corey Mixon 6, Cason Conn 4, Brady Malone 2, Parker Nomey 1

Rockets 20 Grizzlies 18 (OT)
Rockets scoring: Caiden Jackson 6, Thatcher Savage 4, Tripp McBride 4, Jaxon Culpepper 3, Braddock Chandler 2, Mason Tolar 1
Grizzlies scoring: Jack Robinson 10, Kash Gandy 4, Jase Tinsley 2,  Riley Stevenson 1, Christopher Wren 1, Ryder Pardue 1

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

11-12 Boys Division

Bucks 21 Mavericks 17 
Bucks scoring: Jameon Jefferson 10, Jaxson Brown 5, Quantavius Campbell 2, Will St. Clair 1, Ashton Borland 1, Jason McNeil 1,  Brody Tucker 1
Mavericks scoring: Lukas Bandy 6, Elijah Calloway 5, Cason Rogers 4, Kolt Keiffer 2

Bulls 32 Spurs 23
Bulls scoring: Malachi Harris 21, Colton Otwell 8, Lucas Leach 3
Spurs scoring: Mason Thomas 11, Elin Henderson 9, Beau Blalock, Cane Blalock 1, Carson Savana 1

Lakers 27 Suns 20
Lakers scoring: Rylan Mauthe 10, Raylon Bradford 10, Braydon Robinson 5, Noah Spillman 3
Suns scoring: Joseph Delaney 14, Kaleb Maxwell 4, Leyton Younse 

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Malachi Harris 21, Joseph Delaney 14, Mason Thomas 11, Jameon Jefferson 10, Rylan Mauthe 10, Raylon Bradford 10

11-13 Girls Division

Lynx 18 Wings 11
Lynx scoring: Sophia Kliebert 8, Keeley Davis 5, Allie Robertson 4, Brenna Lamkin 2, Kynleigh Leach 1
Wings scoring: London Burks 4, Emma Kate Toms 3, Rhianna Smith 3, Gabby Edwards 1

Wings 20 Sun 19
Wings scoring: London Burks 8, Gabby Edwards 5, Emma Kate Toms 4, Avery Dark 2, Aubrey Donaldson 1
Sun scoring: Samone Mallard 15, Tessa Reeves 2, Rainey Gregory 1, Averi Hasley 1

Dream 25 Liberty 13
Dream scoring: Carly Jo Griffin 8, Jana Potts 6, Bella Caskey 5, Braelyn Patton 1, Ada-Claire Tidwell 2, Teegan Hall 1, Addison Phares 1
Liberty scoring: Brooklyn Brown 6, Klea Blalock 4, Landry Horsfall 2, Bailey Tinsley 1

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Samone Mallard 15

13-14 Boys Division

Celtics 60 Kings 43
Celtics scoring: Taden Thomas 25, Ty Henderson 15, Elijah Jackson 13, Rodney Williams 3, Caden Jackson 2, Grayson Dalgaard 2 
Kings scoring: Brody Tidwell 20, Remy Kennard 12, Brody Halbrook 7, Hunter Donaldson 2, Rylan Reynolds 2

Heat 45 Blazers 36
Heat scoring: Shane Reed 22, Tyson Burks 13, Alex Lewis 8, Colt Guyotte 2
Blazers scoring: Jack Thomas 15, Hayden Seymore 11, William Brittington 4, Colby Williams 4,  Aiden Phares 2, 

Magic 43 Celtics 38
Magic scoring: Brayden Martin 20, Cash Ingram 18, Santiago Zuniga 5
Celtics scoring: Taden Thomas 16, Ty Henderson 14, Elijah Jackson 6, Caden Jackson 2

Shooting Stars: (scored 10 points or more): Taden Thomas 25, Brody Tidwell 20, Brayden Martin 20, Cash Ingram 18, Taden Thomas 16, Ty Henderson 15, Jack Thomas 15, Ty Henderson 14, Elijah Jackson 13, Tyson Burks 13, Remy Kennard 12, Hayden Seymore 11

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Confession Led to Praise!

Life has its ups and downs; mountain tops and valleys.

Christians may at times feel they lose the joy of their salvation.

“Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Then will I teach transgressors *thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee (Psalm 51:9-13 KJV).” {*emphasis mine}

Facts check; note that salvation is the Lord’s.

King David was guilty of grievous sins. He committed adultery with another man’s wife; a child was conceived through that union with Bathsheba. In David’s effort to cover up his transgression, he arranged for the death of Bathsheba’s husband. The King of Israel had lost the joy of salvation. He knew that the Lord is the source of all joy. Humbled, David mourned over his sins.

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

“Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up (James 4:8-10 KJV).”

Confession led to praise!

“O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise (Psalm 51:15 KJV).”

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Each week select members of the administration and faculty of Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School selects a representative(s) from the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to be honored as Student of the Week. The award winners are chosen by showing positive behavior and best exhibiting the PAWS principles throughout the school!

P – Prepare yourself
A – Act Respectfully
W – Work Together
S – Safety First)

JHMS Students of the Week

6th grade – KODAN ATKINS
7th grade – VICTOR JOHNSON
8th grade – MADISON TURNER AND JACIE MCDOUGALD

High school students who have a strong interest in civic involvement and want to represent the voices of young people around Louisiana can now apply to the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC).

LYAC is an annually appointed body made up entirely of students tackling issues affecting Louisiana’s youth. 31 members will be chosen to study and address issues impacting young people such as education, mental health, civic engagement, the environment, and school safety.

Those who apply have to be 14-19 years old and enrolled in a public or private high school, charter school, home school, or GED skills program during the 2023-2024 school year.

All applicants need to submit two recommendation letters along with answers to the eight short essay questions and the application form. The deadline to apply is March 24, 2023.

You can access the application at civiced.louisiana.gov and then click on LYAC at the top of the page.

For more information, contact Megan Bella at bellam@legis.la.gov.

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Sponsor A Personalized Brick  

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Dance the night away with your sweetheart or a group of friends from 12:00 – 11:00 pm this Saturday, February 11th at the the newest location for all your event and party needs, the Backwoods Venue, located in Brewtons Mill. There is no charge to attend and everyone is invited to the event hosted by Lori Williams, Michael Womack and others. No reservations needed, just come and enjoy the fun. 

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United Way of Northeast Louisiana has launched its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation and e-filing services to individuals and families who meet the household income thresholds set by the IRS.

VITA tax preparers are certified by the IRS and assist in saving taxpayers money by waiving fees associated with tax preparation. This year, United Way NELA has been granted seven AmeriCorps volunteers to aid in providing VITA services. Michelle Saucer, Director of Community Initiatives, says that VITA services are an important part of United Way’s financial stability work. “We know that hardworking, taxpaying individuals and families often struggle to make ends meet,” said Saucer. “Our VITA services help these families access professional tax filing services at no cost while also maximizing their refund.”

VITA Eligibility as set by the IRS:

• People who generally make $60,000 or less

• Persons with disabilities

• Limited English-speaking taxpayer’s Pick Up/Drop Off locations will be in Monroe and Ruston BY APPOINTMENT ONLY between February 6-February 17. Eligible taxpayers may visit unitedwaynela. org/vita to schedule an appointment. Information and instructions will be provided upon successful registration.

Don’t qualify for the VITA program? Check out myfreetaxes.com, a free service available to taxpayers earning less than $73,000/year.

United Way of Northeast Louisiana works with volunteers, donors, and other organizations locally to create lasting community change in the areas of education, economic stability, and health. For more information about United Way of Northeast Louisiana, visit unitedwaynela.org, dial 211 on any landline or mobile phone, a free call 24/7, or text your zip code to 898-211.

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It was 1945, the last year of World War II. The USS LSM-51, a medium-sized amphibious landing ship of the Navy’s LSM class, was stationed at San Pedro Bay, Leyte. This 203 ½ foot ship was built to haul a maximum of five medium tanks, three heavy tanks, six amphibious landing craft which used tank tracks rather than wheels, or 9 amphibious wheeled landing crafts called DUKWS. Most of us recognize DUKWS because of their use as tourist attractions in places like Branson, Missouri, and Hot Springs, Arkansas. LSM-51 had a complement of four officers and 54 enlisted men.

Captain Potts ran a tight ship. One of Captain Potts’s favorite punishments on the ship was scraping and repainting. Captain Potts and his officers meted out this punishment often and for the smallest infraction because it kept the ship’s paint fresh. You know the term “ship shape.” Every day someone was busy scraping and repainting some part of the ship.

John Kann and Joe Sherrill seemed to be in trouble more often than not. As a punishment for some offense long forgotten, John and Joe were given the task of scraping and repainting part of one side of the ship. Using ropes, other enlisted men lowered John and Joe down the side of the ship and tied the ropes off. The enlisted men raised and lowered John and Joe throughout the process. Finally, after hours of scraping and repainting, their work was done and their punishment was completed. John and Joe were pulled back up onto the ship and returned to their regular duties. During the same time period, other seamen received the same punishment at different locations on the ship.

Some days later, while under radio silence, the LSM-51 received a morse code message via signal lamp from another ship that carried the Task Group Commander. The signalman decoded the morse code and wrote down the message. The seaman looked at the message with confusion. He must have made a mistake. He relayed the message to Captain Potts, who was equally confused. Captain Potts told the signalman to have the message repeated. He flashed his morse code to the other ship and waited. Again, he translated the morse code and wrote down the message. It was the same message as before. The signalman relayed the message to Captain Potts. Captain Potts had full confidence in his signalman and told him to ask the other ship to repeat the message once again. With full undeviating concentration, the signalman watched as the other ship blinked its signal. This time, the message was longer, but the signalman was still confused. He relayed the message to Captain Potts.

Confused and irritated that the message provided no answer, the captain got into a dingy and rowed away from the ship. He wanted to look at the ship to see if that would solve the confusing messages. It only took a glance. The captain returned to the ship in a state of near rage. He demanded to know who was responsible, but no one confessed. Determined to learn the identity of the culprit or culprits, he asked who had been painting on the side of his ship. Since the scraping and repainting punishment had been meted out so regularly to so many of the seamen, the captain and officers were unable to determine who could be guilty. No matter what punishment the men received, no one confessed. Well, not until more than 50 years had passed. Finally, in the late 1990s, John and Joe no longer feared the reprisals of the Navy and confessed. John argued that it was he who came up with the idea. Joe claimed that the idea was his.

The confusing message that the other ship kept sending LSM-51 was… “How much do you want for it?” In orange chromate rust inhibitor, in letters more than 5 feet wide and 10 feet tall, John and Joe had painted on the side of LSM-51 the words, “FOR SALE”.

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

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

 

HELP WANTED

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

FOR SALE

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

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

 

PUBLIC NOTICES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

SHERIFF’S SALE

PEOPLES BANK
# 35438

PARISH OF JACKSON
STATE OF LOUISIANA

DONNA KAY KYLE

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

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

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

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

2/8/23
3/15/23

 

 

 

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Ronald Dillon
April 19, 1962 – February 4, 2023

Mr. Ronald Dillon, formerly of Castor, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023 in Homer, Louisiana. Ronnie, as he was called by family and friends, was born on April 19, 1962 in Quincy, Illinois to William and Wilma Dillon. Ronnie was a former roust-about on river barges.

As per his wishes, he will be cremated.

 

Josie Marie Carson
July 19, 1932 – February 2, 2023

Josephine “Josie” Marie Beninati Carson was born on July 19th, 1932 in the small town of Wharton, Texas. She was adopted by Fortunato and Giacoma Beninati, her beloved Sicilian Mamou and Papou, as a baby.

Josie’s curls were almost as big as her personality. She wreaked havoc during her days in Catholic school and never failed to recall them without a barrel of laughs involved. She was a troublemaker and a jester amongst those that knew her. If you are one of the lucky ones, you were loved by her and likely called a “brat” somewhere along the line. Josie was leader of the brat brigade, and the only qualification you needed to join the club was a sense of humor.

Josie had a tremendous heart. Her affection could turn stone into jelly if you just gave her “five more minutes.” This was a famous line she would use on Weyman after Sunday services at (formerly) St. Paul Lutheran Church when she needed a little extra time to poke fun at the ushers (and whatnot). A good time was never enough for “Miss Josie.” It needed to be great.

Josie always said she would be knocking on Heaven’s door when Weyman was ready for her sass. It only took him fourteen years! Josie and Weyman had 57 long years together filled with passion, adventure, and an unwavering devotion for one another. They were soulmates bound by the Fruits of the Spirit. Josie was committed to her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, and was steadfast in her faith through God’s precious Word.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, Fortunato and Giacoma; her beloved, Weyman; her daughters, Joettie and Gina; and her grandson, David. She is survived by her sons, Steve and Jon, grandchildren, Vicki, Jenny, and Mike, an abundance of great grands, and too many friends to count.

Josie spent the last several years of her life in her granddaughter’s care and there was not a second in which she didn’t know and feel loved by her caregiving village. A world without Josie is a world that could use more cheer. Her joy was infectious, and her loss will be felt by the numerous communities and people she loved. Heaven is brighter this week, and you can bet she is still accepting applications for her (now) heavenly brat brigade.

Maw Maw—you are, and will continue to be, sorely missed and loved by all your “kids.”

A graveside service will be held at 12:00pm on Wednesday, February 8th at the Antioch Cumberland Presbyteran Cemetery in Quitman, LA

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In the first week of January, a tornado brought devastating destruction to the residents of Jackson Parish. The first week of February has brought its own pain as well, as two separate auto accidents this past week resulted in several injuries and one death.

The first accident took place on February 1st when Kandi Temple of Quitman suffered a seizure while driving southbound on Hwy 167 causing the vehicle to go across the northbound lane, through the parking lot of Burks Welding, and crash through the wall on the north side of the Tobacco Mart in Jonesboro. According to reports, injuries were sustained to Temple and the youths in the vehicle, as well as, the store manager requiring each to be hospitalized for treatment and evaluation.

Multi-vehicle wreck claims life of Jonesboro woman

As reported by KSLA, KTAL, and KMSS new services, Louisiana State Police say 40-year-old Melissia Bolyer, originally from Jamestown, LA but recently of Jonesboro, was killed when she was hit by a semi Thursday morning. Officials say the three-vehicle crash happened around 10:30 a.m. on February 3rd on LA Hwy 507, west of LA Hwy 9.

According to authorities, a 2016 International tractor-trailer driven by 43-year-old Edtreum Loyd of Jonesboro was traveling west on LA Hwy 507. At the same time, a 2015 Peterbilt tractor-trailer was traveling east on LA Hwy 507, followed by a 2019 Nissan Versa driven by Bolyer.

At one point, police say the International crossed the center line and exited the roadway to the left. The driver of the Peterbilt took evasive action and left the road to the right. The International struck the Peterbilt before it re-entered the eastbound lane. Boyler’s Nissan was then struck by the International and left the roadway. The International overturned and also left the road. Reports indicate Boyler was unrestrained. She suffered fatal injuries, and the Bienville Parish Coroner’s Office pronounced her dead at the scene.

 

 

 

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HODGE, La. (KNOE) – Louisiana Economic Development (LED) said they created the Lantern Awards in 1979 to recognize excellence in manufacturing and exemplary public service from businesses and employees to their local communities, and one NELA manufacturing business has done just that.

WestRock in Hodge is going to be honored as one of the recipients of the Lantern Awards during a private reception in Baton Rouge on Feb. 8.

LED Secretary Don Pierson said the chosen manufacturers and their employees have helped the state tremendously.

“In 2022, Louisiana manufacturers and their employees contributed mightily to the resurgence of our state’s economy and the resilience of our communities,” Pierson said.

There is a total of seven recipients, one for each region.

“In the north and south, east and west, and central regions of Louisiana, these honored manufacturers have distinguished themselves by combining business acumen and community service,” Pierson said. “I’m proud to recognize them with Lantern Awards, one of LED’s highest honors, as they are a shining example for all businesses in our state.”

Honorees are chosen by Louisiana’s Regional Planning and Development Districts, based on the overall contribution of the manufacturers to their communities, including investments in employment growth and facility expansions as well as public service activities with employee participation. Recipients must also have been in operation at least three years prior to their nomination to demonstrate sustainability.

2022 Lantern Award winners:

Northeast Region: WestRock, Hodge
Acadiana Region: D&T Crawfish, Abbeville
Capital Region: Swamp Dragon LLC, Baton Rouge
Central Region: Drax Biomass, Urania
South-Central: Cospolich, Destrehan
Southeast Region: MECO, Mandeville
Southwest Region: Ingevity, DeRidder

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Six players from the 2022 Jonesboro-Hodge football team will be going to four colleges and universities spread over three states to continue their playing careers in college after singing National Letters of Intent on Friday. The number of players signing breaks the school record of five set a year ago and establishes a new two year total at eleven which rivals most any school in the state and stands second to none among smaller schools of the LHSAA.

Three will stay in state with Dominick Strickland and Zion Gray signing with Centenary College in Shreveport and Cameron “Smoke” Leonard going to Louisiana Christian College in Pineville. Heading to North American University in Stafford, TX is Cartavious “Hambone” Waters and Joshua Tatum while Austin Knotts takes his talents to Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO.

“I am very happy for the guys to be able to continue their careers,” said JHHS head football coach Terrance Blankenship. “They have worked hard for this opportunity and our coaching staff and everyone at JHHS wishes them success in the future.”

The number of players that have signed to play collegiately over the last two years is incredible. Eleven players in two years rivals virtually any school in the state and is especially impressive considering the fact that JHHS plays in the lowest classification of the LHSAA and is in a rural setting. It is also a gleaming example of the excellent work that Blankenship and staff does in helping young men have the opportunity to chase their dreams.. 

“Seeing your guys get an opportunity to play at the next level is what it’s all about,” said Blankenship. “Some may think a coaching staff is only concerned about winning games, but what is most important to me and our staff is preparing them for their next stage in life, whether it be in football or their working career.”

JHHS National Letter of Intent Signees

NAME	POSITION	SCHOOL	LOCATION
Cartavious Waters	Lineman	North American University	Stafford, TX
Joshua Tatum	Lineman	North American University	Stafford, TX
Dominick Strickland	Lineman	Centenary College	Shreveport, LA
Zion Gray	Wide Receiver	Centenary College	Shreveport, LA
Cameron Leonard	Defensive Back	Louisiana Christian College	Pineville, LA
Austin Knotts	Lineman	Culver-Stockton College	Canton, MO

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The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is recognizing the impact educators have made on students despite facing extraordinary obstacles over the past two years. This past Friday, Louisiana State Superintendent, Dr. Cade Brumley, BESE District 5 Representative Mrs. Ashley Ellis, Jackson Parish School Board members, and district staff came to Quitman High School on Friday to present Principal Billy Carter and staff with a “Comeback Campus” banner. 

What is a Louisiana Comeback Campus?

Louisiana Comeback Campuses are schools that increased the percentage of students scoring mastery and above and decreased the percentage of students scoring unsatisfactory in both Math and English Language Arts on statewide assessments when compared to 2019. 

Carter appointed to LHSAA Executive Committee

For over two decades, Billy Carter has helped first the students and then the faculty and staff at Quitman High School achieve great heights through his instruction and guidance as first a coach and later as Principal. Now he will look to do the same for the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA). “Coach” as he is fondly called, will still be the Principal at QHS but this past week he was appointed to the prestigious position as a member of the LHSAA Executive Committee, representing north Louisiana Class B schools.  

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A year’s worth of thrilling games, fantastic finishes, gutty efforts, upsets, and yes, even disappointing losses was packed into a week’s worth of games involving local girls and boys high school basketball teams. After all the dust had settled, the chances for a district championship looked better for some and not so good for others. Below is a summary of games for Weston, Quitman, Saline, and Jonesboro-Hodge along with boxscores from each. 

Weston High School

Buzzer Beater leaves Lady Wolves in control of District 1B

Lexie Millien drained a buzzer-beating, three-pointer to put the finishing touches on an improbable 59-58 comeback victory to lift Weston over home-standing Castor this past Tuesday in the battle of district 1B frontrunners. On Friday, the Lady Wolves had no trouble in dispatching Doyline 60-37 to vault the Lady Wolves to 4-0 in district 1B play and 26-5 overall. 
Won in a Millien! There is not a young round baller that hasn’t done it. You act like you are in a packed gymnasium in front of thousands of screaming fans. Not only are you the player but the game announcer too.
“Time is winding down, Five! Four! Three!” you say as you take a shot at the goal.
“The shot goes up! It’s Good! It’s Good! It’s Good! WE WIN! WE WIN!”
You can bet Millien has acted out the above scenario countless times. She will never have to play make-believe again though. Now, she has lived the dream! With Weston trailing 58-56, Millien took a pass at the top of the key with three seconds to play. STOP! POP! SWISH!!!!! GAME OVER!
Frantic Finish! Weston looked to be out of it after a late third-quarter run by Castor gave them a 47-37 lead after three quarters.  Digging deep, Weston responded with a frantic 22-11 fourth quarter led by six points by Jessica Newton, five from Millien, and four each by Briley Peterson and Emma Kate McBride to close the gap to 58-56, setting up Millien’s last-second heroics.
First Five Fantastic! For the first time all year, the starting five scored every single point in the contest, with four reaching double figures in points. Millien, who added a team-high five steals, and Jessica Newton finished with “double-double” stat lines of 16 pts / 10 rbs and 12 pts / 16 rbs, respectively. Briley Peterson came up just short of being a third ‘double bagger” ending with a team-high 17 points and contributing 9 boards. Lainee Trosclair added ten points and Emma Kate McBride chipped in with four points, six boards, three assists, and four blocks, tying her with Newton for the team lead.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Weston	19	8	10	22	59
Castor	12	23	12	11	58

Lady Wolves 60 Doyline 37 (Friday) Weston shot Doyline off the court in the first quarter by making five 3-pointers, including three on the first three shots to take a commanding lead 17-4 lead that ballooned to 41- 22 by the end of three. The Lady Wolves would end the game with nine treys. Briley Peterson was the leading scorer with 15 points, followed by 13 from Lainee Trosclair and 10 by Jessica Newton who added a season-best and career-high 20 rebounds to go along with five blocks. Emma Kate McBride finished with 9, Lexie Millien had seven and Anslee Aldy scored six. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Weston	17	9	15	19	60
Doyline	4	9	9	15	37

Wolves drop 20th of the year

The “|second season” swoon continued for the beleagured Weston boys team that lost to Castor 63-52 and Doyline 85-52 to extend their district 1B losing streak to four straight without a victory. By dropping their ninth game in the eleven played since the calendar rolled over to 2023 the Wolves were saddled with their 20th loss of the year for the first time since the 2011-12 season against only nine wins.  

TEAMS	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Weston	15	7	9	24	53
Castor	12	17	18	16	63

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Weston	10	14	17	11	52
Doyline	25	25	20	15	85

Quitman High School

Boys feel the highest of highs and lowest of lows

In what was easily the best win of the year, QHS climbed to the top of 1B mountain after round one of district play by upsetting Doyline 48-47 on Tuesday only to misfire down the stretch and suffer a demoralizing 60-57 loss to Castor on Friday, whom they had beaten just ten days earlier. The split of games left Quitman with a 16-11 overall record and tied with Doyline atop the 1B standings at 3-1. Castor moved within one game at 2-2.
QHS 48 Doyline 47: (Thursday)The contest featured one of the best scorers in north Louisiana this season. Instead, Gavyn Caskey, who had as good a week as any player in the state, stole the show. Caskey nailed six of eight 3-pointers, including four in the final frame to finish with 18 points to help Quitman rally from a 38-34 deficit after three periods,. Meanwhile “Juicy” Clark from Doyline, who scored 70 points in a contest earlier in the year and came in averaging over 30 points a game, managed only 19 points before fouling out.  While Caskey was connecting on 6 of 9 shots in all for his best scoring game of the year the rest of the Wolverines struggled to make only 12 of 49 from the field and just 3 of 18 from behind the arc. Free throw shooting was just as bad at 3 of  9 and almost cost Quitman as on three straight trips late in the game the Wolverines missed the front end of a one and, while holding on to the slim one-point lead. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Quitman	12	12	10	14	48
Doyline	2	16	20	9	47

Castor 60 Quitman 57 (Friday) Missing free throws didn’t hurt QHS against Doyline. Against Castor it killed them. Holding a 57-54 lead late in the fourth quarter, QHs missed the front end of a one-and-one twice, while Castor made both of theirs and added two more baskets to slip by with the win. One night after setting a new season best, Gavyn Caskey did it again in both points (20) and in made three-pointers with seven. Logan Ponder added six three-pointers resulting in a team-high 23 points in the contest that saw Quitman shoot better from behind the arc (44%) than they did from the field (34%). 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Quitman	16	17	8	16	57
Castor	23	15	8	14	60

Lady Wolverines get offensive

Started from the bottom now I’m here. That could be the theme song for the Lady Wolverines this past week as by equaling their season high in points in back-to-back games Quitman evened their district record at 2-2 and moved to within one game of the  20-win mark at 19-8 overall foir the first time in four seasons.  

Quitman 66 Doyline24 (Tuesday) The Lady Wolverines dominated Doyline in the first and third periods by a combined score of 39-4 and despite not scoring in the fourth quarter still equaled their season best in points to win by over 40 points for their first district 1B victory of the year. Coming to grips with the fact that senior point guard Bethany Leach was most likely lost for the year, QHS dug deep to pick up the slack, as five players finished in double figures led by Cali Deal with 23. points. Summer Grillette continued her late scoring spree by adding 11 followed by Brayli Stewart, Emma Carter, and 8th grader Anna Leach who has stepped in admirably in place of her namesake. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Quitman	18	27	21	0	66
Doyline	2	17	2	3	24

Quitman 66 Castor 58:(Friday) Cali Deal hit 17 of 21 free throws leading to a career-high 31 points while also grabbing 11 rebounds to lead QHS to a repeat performance of tying their season high in points. Anna Leach also scored a career-high finishing with 15 points, the fourth time in the last five games the 8th grader has reached double figures in scoring. As a team, Quitman made 14 of 15 from the charity stripe in the first half to build a 32-22 lead.  

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Quitman	13	19	20	14	66
Castor	11	11	23	13	58

Saline High School

Girls secure tie for district 2C title

Saline 66 Georgetown 64 (OT): Alaya Gray made a last second basket to send the game into overtime and with twins Alaya and Alana on the bench with five fouls each, Kasidy Sims and Sydney Thomas both scored four points in overtime to give Saline the win after trailing 47-36 at the end of three.Sims set a new career high with 20 points followed by the Gray twins Alaya and Alana Gray added 10. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	OT	TOTAL
Saline	11	11	14	22	8	66
Georgetown	9	17	21	10	4	63

Saline 50 Calvin 37: The reversal of the seasons fortune is remarkable. After 12 games to start the season Saline was sitting with a 1-11 record. Write this one off, right? Oh,  how wrong can you be. With Kacidy Sims scoring in double figures  in two straight games for the first time all season and both Gray girls hitting double digits, Saline improved their district mark to 6-0 and is just a win against 0-17 Central-Jonesville away from securing the title. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Saline	10	12	19	9	50
Calvin	2	7	10	18	37

Bobcats stay in range of district title

By beating Georgetown and Calvin on back to back nights the Saline boys stayed one game back of Atlanta but need some help in order to draw even with the Bulldogs. Regardless, the two victories moved the Bobcats season record to three games over .500 at 17-14 for the first time all season. 

Saline 56 Georgetown 42 (Thursday) Will Dison and freshman Gavin Dailey led a balanced scoring attack with 12 and 10 respectively and Wesley Crawford, back from a bad ankle injury scored all nine of his points in the first quarter as Saline methodically ripped Georgetown apart. DJ Rager- Ridley, who has had a big uptick in productioin as of late also had nine followed by Jacob Jones who was one point back with eight. Shawn Staggs and Maddox Williams finished iwth four. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Saline	16	10	21	9	56
Georgetown	9	9	18	6	42

Saline 56 Calvin 46 (Friday): Saline jumped all over the defending Class C state runnerup going up 20-3 by the end of the first quarter and never looking back. Wesley Crawford led 8 Bobcats who scored in the contest with 14 followed by late season sparkplug Gaavin Dailey who ended with 13 points. DJ Reager- Ridley added ten and Shawn Stagg eight. Jacob Jones finished with five and three other had two points each. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Saline	20	10	18	8	56
Calvin	3	14	15	14	46

Red River drowns JHHS boys 

The trip to Red River ended with the boy’s chances of staying in the upper echelon of the District 3-2A race getting all wet. The Tigers led 11-9 after one but by scoring only four points in the second fell behind 20-15 at intermission. It got worse in the second half as Red river flowed through the Tiger defense for 42 points while giving up only 27 to the Tigers in the 62-42 loss. Zion Gray scored 16 and Savantez Phillips added 14. No other JH player scored more than four in the game. 

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At their regularly scheduled monthly meeting that will be held at 11:00am on Monday, February 6th, the Jackson Parish School Board will recognize the best of the best students, teachers, and principal from the elementary, junior high and high school divisions in the Jackson Parish School District. 

The Best of 2022-23

Ella Simonelli – 5th Grade Jackson Parish Student of the Year
Ty Henderson – 8th Grade Jackson Parish Student of the Year
Dillon Pardue – 12th Grade Jackson Parish Student of the Year
LaJulia Blankenship – Jackson Parish Elementary Teacher of the Year
Megan Rackley – Jackson Parish Middle School Teacher of the Year
Haley Staples – Jackson Parish High School Teacher of the Year
Billy Carter – Jackson Parish Principal of the Year

In additional action, Matthew Margaglio from Kolder, Slaven and Company, LLC will present the 2022 audit, a School Board Member training resolution will be considered for adoption and reports from the various committee chairs will be given with recommendations offered for approval. 

In accordance with the Americans Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact David Claxton at 318-259-4456 describing the assistance that is necessary.

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To show appreciation and gratitude for the incredible work done in hanging the thousands of beautiful Christmas lights and putting up decorations for the Christmas in the Pines Festival this past December the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce provided lunch to the members of the Town of Jonesboro Public Works department. They were served food prepared by local vendor, Scrap Iron B-B-Q, owned and operated by Robin and Tina Sessions. 

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On Thursday, February 2, 2023, Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School held its 2nd Annual Spelling Bee. The spelling bee consisted of participants in Grades 3-5 interested in advancing their vocabulary. Each participant demonstrated a new level of self-confidence, communication, and public speaking skills, and for that, we are VERY proud of them!

On behalf of J-HES, a special congratulations go to FIRST PLACE SPELLING BEE CHAMPION Miss Naakyah Walker (4th Grade) who will proceed to the Regional Competition in Shreveport next month.

Spelling Bee Winners:

1st Place: Naakyah Walker (4th Grade)
2nd Place: Kristacia Howard (4th Grade)
3rd Place: Krisina Chen (4th Grade)

Superlatives:

Best Enunciation: Emily Gilbert (5th Grade)
Most Improved: Antoine Spivey (4th Grade)
Best Sportsmanship: Brady Malone (4th Grade)
Poise Award: Stacy Ballio (3rd Grade)
Spirit Award: Jarhyeon Harris (4th Grade)

Special thanks to the committee for making this event possible: Mrs. Bozeman (Coordinator); Mrs. Duncan (Pronouncer); Ms. Collinsworth & Ms. Wynee (Judges/RecordKeeper); Ms. Jack, Coach Paggett, Coach Garner, Ms.Hudson, Deputy Cole, and Mr. Barron (Decor/Logistics)

J-HES Basketball teams sweep Simsboro 

The JHES Tigers competed vs. Simsboro Elementary Monday night in fantastic fashion as the Lady Tigers and Tigers were both successful in their respective contests for the first time in their inaugural season.

The Lady Tigers played their competition even in the first quarter but put up a steel curtain with respect to their opponent’s basket, not allowing the Simsboro Lady Tigers to score another basket in the next three quarters. Timberly Wilson and Jeniah Mays were strong in the paint and also led the Tigers in scoring. Final Score: J-HES 14 Simsboro 2.

The Tigers in like fashion struck first for the first time this season and never looked back in the contest. Taking a 16 to 7 lead at the half the Tigers were led defensively by Levi Martin with 4 blocks and an impressive 9 rebounds. The biggest spark offensively came from “Mr. Instant Offense” Andrew Watkins who scored 7 points in the first. Levi Martin and Cannon Tatum led the Tigers with 8 apiece while the aggressive Tiger defense held Simsboro to just 5 points in the second half. Final Score: J-HES 31 Simsboro 12.

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Looking for a special way to spend Valentine’s Day? Thanks to Jonesboro’s newest eatery, Royalty’s Restaurant, you and your love one have the opportunity to turn your dreams of delicacy into edible enchantment at Royalty’s location at 122 Jimmie Davis Blvd. or in the comfort of your own home with a dinner prepared by Chef Odom of the renowned Odom’s Kitchen out of Baton Rouge. 

Reservations are for two people and are required in advance to reserve seating for 5:00 or 6:00pm. Space is limited so it is recommended to book your reservations today by calling (318) 395-5060 or (225)-395-9821. You can also go online to www.eatwithodom’s.com or:

For 5:00pm Reservations: click here
For 6:00pm Reservations: click here

Valentine’s Day Dinner by Odom’s Kitchen Menu

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The Jackson Parish Recreation District (JPRD) announces that  registration for summer league baseball, softball and T-Ball begins on February 6th (Monday) and runs until February 24th. Costs are: $30.00 for boy and girls aged 3-4 and $50.00 for boys and girls of ages 5 & up. There will be a $10.00 fee added for any late registration. To register go to the administrative building at the JPRD Sports Complex, located at 5254 Hwy 4 West just outside of Jonesboro or send check or money order to:

JPRD
PO Box 315
Jonesboro, LA 71251

JPRD Baseball/Softball/TBall Registration Form

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I suppose it’s normal, when you get older, to revisit more frequently those special times and events that define who you are. One such activity that put an indelible mark on my life will seem insignificant to some who never experienced it, nor would they care to. I’ll explain.

When I was growing up on the rural route near Goldonna in Natchitoches Parish, hunting in fall and winter was as natural then as driving through the Burger Doodle for a burger and fries is today. There were neither deer nor turkeys to hunt in the woods where I grew up but beeches and oaks growing along the creek banks harbored plenty of squirrels. For real excitement, I knew
I could head down to the slough and more than likely, I’d be able to get a shot at a few wood ducks.

I’m not sure if in the 1950’s, I knew the proper name of wood ducks, the colorful little ducks that made their living in the sloughs and back waters down in Saline swamp. They weresimply “squealers”, deriving their name, I assume, from the high-pitched call they made as they careened through the timber on their way to shallow areas in the swamp to feed.
From the time I was old enough to tag along with my dad, we hunted squealers practically every morning before school. In no way did our early morning squealer hunts resemble duck hunting today. There were no blinds; no decoys; no dogs; no calls. We gathered at dawn with other fathers and sons to pass-shoot squealers at the Sand Flats, a narrow spit of sand dotted with blackjack oaks that lay on the east side of Saline Bayou.

For as long as I can remember, wood ducks flew across the Sand Flats after leaving their roost on their way to a feeding area. I’d like to think that they still fly the same route today. I’m sure they flew across other areas along Saline, but since blackjack oaks don’t grow tall, the ducks generally flew lower over the Sand Flats. I don’t recall killing very many squealers on these
early morning forays, but the anticipation that I might was temptation enough to prod a teenager from a warm bed, morning after morning, for less than half an hour of wing-shooting action.

As I grew older, we took squealer hunting to another level. Instead of shooting for half an hour at the Sand Flats, we pulled on hip boots and drove as far as the old truck would take us down into the swamp, down to where Fordoche creek spilled out of its banks across the lowlands under the hardwoods to create a shallow green-tree reservoir.

Just about every morning during Christmas vacation from college, I’d join my brother, my dad, and two cousins to wade out into an old brake where squealers came to feed. On rare occasions, a mallard or two would drop in but for the most part, wood ducks were all we saw.

A couple of years ago, I was privileged to relive this experience once again when I joined three other members of our hunting club before daylight for a squealer hunt. One member had seen ducks pouring into a particular portion of our flooded woods several days in a row while he sat on his deer stand. On this particular morning, we gave the deer a rest, pulled on waders, laid aside deer rifles and picked up shotguns. We splashed our way to the flooded woods, spread out 75 yards or so apart and were waiting when the first “whee-o-wee” echoed through the flooded oaks.

The shooting was fast and furious and within 45 minutes, it was over. We collected seven squealers, one short of a two-bird-per-hunter limit and were back at camp by the time the sunbroke over the horizon.

For a few fun-filled exciting minutes, I was down on the old brake with my brother and cousins, waiting in flooded timber at daybreak, listening for the first squealer to announce its  arrival. 

I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed a hunting experience more. On second thought, maybe I do. Perhaps it was the last time I shot squealers down on the old brake back home.

FISHING REPORT

BLACK BAYOU – No report this week. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE – No report. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water is rising with current and fishing has been slow this week. No reports on crappie or bass. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – A flood gate has been opened to release water that is quite high. Even so, the ACT tourney was held last week with a bunch of nice crappie being caught along channel edges and on the flats. Winning total in this catch, weigh and release event totaled 208 fish 1 pound and over. No report on bass, bream or catfish this week. 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 fair to good with jigs and shiners picking up some fish in deep water. Bass are fair to good with some weighed in during a tournament in the 7 pound bracket. No report this week on 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 – With cold, windy and wet weather, there have been no fishermen out this week. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is on a slow fall but because of inclement weather, there has been no fishing on the lake this week. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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(Paid Advertorial by Jeff Hairston) 

Seven years ago, my wife and I moved to Jackson Parish after living in Monroe for 38 years. One thing we noticed about Jackson Parish is the lack of RV and Boat Storage. With Caney Lake being one of the main centerpieces in the Parish we were surprised.
The popularity of Caney Lake brings people with RVs, campers, and boats from North Louisiana, and beyond, to fish or just play in the lake.

In 2021, we decided to invest in the Parish and build an RV / Boat storage facility, and would name it Caney Storage. We have looked at lots of other storage facilities and brought, what we think, is the best of everything to this new development. We purchased land and built Caney Storage located halfway between Chatham and Jonesboro at 110 North Lake Drive off of Hwy 4, just ¼ mile from the Caney Lake bridge. This location is almost geographically centered in Jackson Parish and is convenient to all  Jackson Parish residents with the added amenity of being very close to Caney Lake and Jimmie Davis State Park.

Providing the utmost security for your belongings, this canopy-covered RV and boat storage facility has an electric gate code keypad entrance, an 8’ security fence, security cameras, security lighting, and electrical outlets.

We built this facility based on what we would expect from someone if we were storing our RV, boat, camper, vehicle or any other large items for an extended period.

For more information please visit our website at www.caneystorage.com for more information on space sizes and rates or call 318-348-8822

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National School Counseling Week 2023 is Feb. 6-10, 2023, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within school systems. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February. The theme this year is “Dream Big.”

In our rural parish, we have several tremendous counselors that go above and beyond their job duties to ensure that each student’s needs are met. This week we are honoring those counselors with a spotlight in our local paper.

Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School boasts two counselors that work with our students, with one counselor focusing on services for students which are specifically for Wrap Around schools. If you are not familiar with Wrap Around, it is the idea of focusing on the child as a whole. These services are focused on academics, of course, but also include maintaining a Family Resource Center, which has clothing, hygiene products, food, etc., as well as specifically working with students and parents on attendance issues, behavior, social-emotional issues, as well as physical needs. The Wrap Around counselor also provides counseling sessions with students in order to improve their social skills, self-control, and behavior.

Tristen Bergholtz is the Wrap Around counselor for JHES and she has brought her expertise and knowledge to JHES. She hails from Florida with her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida and her graduate degree from our own Louisiana State University! She has been in education for the past 10 years and began her career as a special education teacher before moving to counseling. Mrs. Bergholtz is a Louisiana Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor and her goals at JHES are to help improve the academic, attendance, and social-emotional development of all students. She is hopeful in the future that every school counselor in Louisiana will have the opportunity to provide students with a comprehensive school counseling program. Going with the theme of School Counseling Week, Mrs. Bergholtz stated, “Big dreams are accomplished by taking lots of little steps, one at a time.” She loves working with students and helping them discover that they have the tools needed to achieve their goals. Mrs. Bergholtz’s hobbies include reading, hiking, and of course, spending time with her family. Her husband, Benjamin Bergholtz, and their three children currently reside in Ruston, LA. She loves her Tiger Family!!

Jonesboro Hodge Elementary’s school counselor, Rachelle Mason, has had an enormous impact on the school for the past six years. She stays busy with scheduling, state testing, as well as special populations accommodations. Mrs. Mason also is the counselor for Jonesboro Hodge Middle School. She juggles the responsibilities of each school with finesse and grace. Although she has very little time to complete all her duties at both schools, she is continually patient and kind to everyone she works with, especially taking time to help students to be successful. Kudos to Mrs. Mason for taking on the task of counselor for two amazing schools. Mrs. Mason loves both of her schools and is a fighting Tiger for her students!!

Nestled next to the Jackson Parish School Board office is Jonesboro Hodge High School. A school renowned for its amazing sports history, as well as having students that have graduated and spent their lives improving our fine parish. Our wonderful counselor at JHHS is Debbie Connor. Ms. Connor knows the educational arena well, as she has been in education for over 40 years. This veteran educator is originally from Winnfield, Louisiana, of which Winn Parish has been our sports rival for many years. She now calls Jonesboro home. Ms. Connor graduated from NSU in Natchitoches, Louisiana with several certifications, which include secondary mathematics, and secondary business education, as well as a Master’s degree in guidance and counseling. She assists students with the “Dream Big” theme by helping them make a post-secondary plan for their future while they are still enrolled in high school. Her goal is to provide support to students, parents, and staff at JHHS. Ms. Connor loves to interact with students in her job capacity and help them plan for their future. “I enjoy supporting them while they work toward their goals,” she stated. Her personal goal is to serve as a productive Christian member of the community and travel to as many new places as possible. Her interests and hobbies include mission work, puzzles, traveling, visiting family and friends, and meeting new people of other cultures. She loves to observe their living styles and how they interact with others. Ms. Connor is a calm leader in the storm, but a fighting Tiger on the field! Fight the good fight!

Quitman High School is a rural school that sits off of highway 167 in Quitman, Louisiana. It serves over 800 students and boasts of many accomplishments, including academics and sports. A huge part of their success is due to their school counselor, Kasie Woods. Mrs. Woods is a Quitman hometown native and has been in education for over 20 years. She received her degrees from Louisiana Tech University and currently has a Master’s in School Counseling. She has been in her current position as a school counselor for the last 5 years. Mrs. Woods taught pre-kindergarten for 15 years before moving into counseling. She stated the best part of her position is working with students and helping them to reach their highest potential, which is the most rewarding part of her day. She plans on continuing her career as a counselor. Mrs. Woods, her husband Jay, and their two children currently live in Ansley, Louisiana. Mrs. Woods is a fearless QHS leader. Go Wolverines!!

Dr. Deona Austin recently joined the Wolverine pack at QHS. She has been a counselor for 28 years. She began her career many years ago in Jonesboro, LA, and returned recently to our parish. Dr. Austin has degrees in English Education, Human Relations and Supervision, Secondary School Counseling, and Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning. She graduated from Louisiana Tech University and Walden University. Dr. Austin is a member of the Louisiana Counseling Association, Louisiana School Counselor Association, and Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary Organization for Women Educators. She is active in Zion Hill Baptist Church. Her accomplishments include National Counselor Certification and National School Counselor Certification. Dr. Austin teaches educational psychology at Northwestern State University. Her husband of 33 years is Paul Austin. They have five children, and nine grandchildren, and reside in Winnfield, LA. She has a mini dachshund named Chip. Dr. Austin is an exceptional pack leader in the field of counseling.

Situated just off Highway 4 East in Jackson Parish is the small community of Weston. This community supports Weston High School with its student population of nearly 700 in grades pre-k through 12. Weston is located between Jonesboro and Chatham, Louisiana, and is approximately 8 miles from Jonesboro. WHS has bragging rights in baseball, softball, and basketball, as well as academics. At this exceptional school, two counselors report for duties each day.

Our counselors are supported by their principals at each school which is: JHES-Ms. Danielle Copeland, JHMS-Mr. Brent Carpenter, JHHS-Ms. Chevonda Leonard, QHS-Mr. Billy Carter, and WHS-Mr. Ritchie Tolar. We appreciate the support you have given to our school counselors!

Do something nice for your counselors the week of February 6-10, 2023. They deserve it!

Jackson Parish School District Counselors