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THIS WEEK IS YOUR LAST CHANCE to secure your 2023 tickets at the lowest price possible for the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival on May 12th & 13th.
The Early Bird sale ends March 31st at 11:59 pm!
Buy tickets and be entered in the Steel Magnolia’s Getaway Giveaway!
VIP ticket buyers will be entered into an exclusive VIP Giveaway to be announced! STAY TUNED!
Get your tickets & enter the giveaway here:
On the first Wednesday of April in 2020, the Jackson Parish Journal (JPJ) published it’s very first edition to an online audience of seventeen viewers comprised mostly of family and friends. Next week the digital media source for Jackson Parish will celebrate the beginning of it’s fourth year in business.
Available for viewing at no cost through Google, Facebook, Twitter and direct email the JPJ now publishes every Sunday and Wednesday. Providing news, sports and information pertaining to Jackson Parish the viewership now numbers close to 8,000 according to the most recent statistics.
Publisher, Ben Ledbetter, is appreciative of the growth in viewership and support that has been received by the business community.
“It seems like only yesterday that the first edition of the JPJ was published as the enthusiasm and desire to be a dependable source of what is going on in Jackson Parish is as strong, if not stronger, as the first day this venture began.”
“Words simply can’t express how appreciative I am for each and every patron who views the JPJ each week and for the local business community and civic organizations that have shown their support through advertising.”
Ledbetter looks forward to the future and ongoing growth opportunities that he hopes will soon come to fruition.
“It was a big day when the JPJ went from being published once a week to twice. As the network of information continually grows, the plan is to eventually publish three times a week.”
“Plans are in the works to begin livestreaming civic board meetings and sporting events so that people will be able to see first hand what is taking place. It is also hoped that soon an increase in staff will be realized.”
The Jackson Parish Journal is one of 11 digital media newspapers under the Journal Services, LLC umbrella representing the parishes of DeSoto, Natchitoches, Lincoln, Red River, Winn, Bienville, Jackson, Webster, Claiborne and Sabine as well as Shreveport / Bossier City.
Growth continues as an announcement will soon be made that an Alexandria / Pineville Journal will begin publication with further expansion into central Louisiana currently being discussed.
A fun and entertaining next few weekends are in store for residents of Jackson Parish and surrounding areas as the calendar turns to April. No fooling…..
The activity starts with Spring Fling on Sunday, April 2nd. Great deals will be abound all over Jonesboro as downtown merchants will open their doors to the public who have the opportunity to search for that special Easter outfit and other items of interest.
Highlighted by special church services in honor of the resurrection of Jesus, it will be the area children doing the searching for hidden eggs the “long” weekend of April 7-10 as families and friends celebrate the Easter holidays.
It’s back to downtown Jonesboro for a full day of activities the next Saturday, April 15th as the annual Sunshine Festival takes place. The plethora of scheduled events starts at 10:00am with a Childrens’ Parade along Jimmie Davis Blvd. aka “Main Street” where prizes will be awarded to the best decorated and “tricked” out trike and bike.
At the same time the always entertaining Antique Car Show will kick off at Jay Mallard Ford. The Jackson Parish Heritage Quilting Guide will also be displaying their creations at the Jackson Parish Museum, located at 402 Cooper St., from 10:00am – 2:00pm.
Local performers will get your toes to tapping beginning at 10:30 am with a free concert that will take place in the “Pocket Park.” One block over in the Tony Rome Park, children will enjoy playing at the “Bouncy House” and slide as well as mingle among their favorite species of animals at the petting zoo.
Vendors will also be all on site all day long with delicious food for the partaking and arts and crafts for the viewing and purchase.
There is something to be said about simply putting the ball in play. You never know what might happen. Case in point is what took place this past Monday in Quitman’s 8-3 victory over parish and district 1B rival Weston, which clinched the Wolverines at least a tie for the district championship.
After Weston scored three in the top half of the inning to take a 3-2 lead, Quitman took advantage of four Weston errors, two wild pitches, two free passes and a passed ball to score six in the bottom half to put the game away, that saw 9 of the total 11 runs scored in the fifth inning.
The decisive frame started with Riley Duck drawing a walk and then advancing to third on a passed ball and wild pitch. Ian Tilley followed with a ground ball single to knot the score at 3-3 and went to second on another wild pitch. Hudson Pullig got hit by a pitch and Kace West grounded into a fielders choice that forced Tilley out at third but a throwing error allowed Pullig and West to advance a base.
The heads up running paid immediate dividends as John Reagan Hasley hit a clutch single to give Quitman a 4-3 lead and then took second with no throw. Once again Weston hurt their cause when Pete Simonelli hit a grounder to the pitcher who attempted to get West out at the plate but the ball got away. Hasley came all the way around from second to score as well to up the lead to 6-3 with Simonelli going to second. Logan Ponder followed with an infield single and again good baserunning led to a run as Simonelli scored on an errant throw to the plate allowing Ponder to move up to second. Cam Deal then reached on grounder to third that was misplayed setting up a Blake Carter single for the 8th run and 6th of the inning. There is something to be said about putting the ball in play.
Quitman took a 1-0 lead on back to back singles by Ponder and Deal setting up a Riley Duck RBI single with two outs. The lead went to 2-0 in the bottom of the fourth when Hasley walked and Simonelli reached on a fly ball to right that fell for an error, one of five miscues the Wolves made on defense in the contest. Ponder walked to load the bases and Deal drove in Hasley by making contact and hitting a sacrifice fly.
To the Wolves credit they immediately rallied in their next at bat when Colton Blundell hit a one out single, Bryce Zehr and Tait Henderson walked and Cole Tolar stroked a single to left scoring two. After a balk moved the runners up a base Cooper Delaney hit a sac fly to give Weston the lead.
Blake Carter was the benefactor of the big inning to gain the win after five innings of work. Ponder pitched the final two innings striking out five. Delaney also pitched well for Weston, giving up only one earned run before leaving after four innings. Both Drew Browning for Weston and Carter for Quitman hit doubles in the contest.
The two will square off again on Wednesday, March 29th at the JPRD where either Quitman will win district with an undefeated record or Weston, which now sits one game back, will tie for the title.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
| Weston (10-11, 2-1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Quitman (7-10, 3-0) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0 | x | 8 | 10 | 0 |
Quitman had the tying run on base in both the sixth and seventh inning but rallies from 5-1 and 7-3 deficits fell short as Cedar Creek saddled Cali Deal with her first loss of the season in the 9-8 victory.
The first loss after 14 straight wins offset an otherwise brilliant day at the plate for Deal who torched Cedar Creek pitching for two home runs, a triple, three RBI and three runs scored. Maddie Kaye “Big Bopper” Brymer also had a great day at the plate by going 2/4 with a home run, driving in four and scoring a run. Madison Chaplin scored twice and Maggie Guyotte drew two walks and got a hit. Hallie Kate Pullig also hit a double but with Furr and Lee getting three hits each and Smith hitting a home run, Quitman fell for the first time after 20 wins in a row. Cedar Creek, ranked 5th in Division IV among “select” schools improved to 12-9 on the year.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
| Quitman (21-5) | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 11 | 3 |
| Cedar Creek (12-9) | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | x | 9 | 13 | 1 |
Britton set a goal for himself that would terrify the toughest of people. He wanted to become the youngest person to climb the tallest mountains on each of the world’s continents, what mountain climbers refer to as the “Seven Summits.”
At the time, less than 100 people had ever accomplished this feat. When asked why he would make such an attempt, Britton said, “I dreamed of throwing myself at a goal, at a challenge that seemed so insurmountable in the face of the odds, that I was willing to risk death in the name of success.”
By 2001, Britton had climbed Denali, Aconcagua, Elbrus, and Kilimanjaro, four of the seven highest mountains. By 2004, Britton had conquered Mount Kosciuszko in Australia. In January of 2004, Britton reached the summit of Vinson, the tallest mountain in Antarctica. On January 23, on the day Britton returned home to Greenwich, Connecticut, his 76-year-old beloved grandfather, Bob, died. Britton was crushed.
Britton had just one more mountain to go to become the youngest person to reach each of the Seven Summits, Mount Everest. Within weeks of tackling Vinson, as he began packing for Earth’s highest mountain above sea level, Mount Everest, Britton’s thoughts kept returning to his grandfather.
“His memory will be pushing me to strive even harder than I’ve ever strived before,” he said. “He really just pushed me to push the boundaries and seek the outer limits of whatever I was doing.”
To honor his grandfather, Britton packed a photo of Bob to take to the summit of Mount Everest.
Finally, in March of 2004, Britton began his climb up Mount Everest with Bob’s photo in his pack. For two months, Britton and his team struggled through winds which reached up to 125 miles per hour, had to use ladders tied to each other to cross 50-foot deep and 30-foot-wide crevasses, and, had to wear oxygen masks when the air became too thin to breath.
At one point, a falling boulder barely missed hitting his face by only a few inches. On May 24, Britton became the youngest person at the time to reach the Seven Summits. While atop the summit, Britton removed his grandfather’s photo from his pack and carefully buried it on Mount Everest.
Britton grandfather was certainly an inspiration to his grandson Britton, but he also inspired and entertained millions of children on television. From 1948-1952, he was Clarabell the Clown on the “Howdy Doody Show.” From 1953-1955 he was Corny the Clown on “Time for Fun,” and from 1954-1955 he was Tinker the Toymaker on “Tinker’s Workshop.”
From 1955 to 1985, Bob hosted a children’s television program for which he is most remembered. The photo which remains atop mount Everest is of Britton Keeshan’s grandfather, Robert James “Bob” Keeshan, but you and I know Bob as Captain Kangaroo.
The Jonesboro Board of Aldermen held a special session on Tuesday, March 28th to introduce an Ordinance that will allow the transfer of ARPA money from an existing budget line item into another one.
Specifically, Aldermen members agreed to amend Ordinance 2205-005 pertaining to the 2022-23 Budget of Water Revenues and Expenditures in order to move forward with $47,095.38 of federal money being transferred into the 2022-23 Budget of Revenues and Expenditure for the Town of Jonesboro as ordained through Ordinance 2022-004.
The result of the action would be the creation of two new line items in the budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year so that a proposed agreement with Enterprise Leasing to update the towns fleet of vehicles would have money earmarked under the following designations:
Enterprise Fleet – $31,180.50
Public Works: Enterprise Fleet – $15,914.88
In additional action board members, Devin Flowers, Robbie Siadek, James Ginn and Nia Evans-Johnson approved the move of a mobile home to the end of First Street in Jonesboro. Robert Hunter was absent.
On April 24th – 28th, Caney Lake will be the site of the Heavy Hitters Major League Fishing Tour Event. Just in case you don’t know how humongous it is in the sports world that this is taking place, then here are a few analogies.
Having the worlds greatest bass anglers fish the crown jewel of Jackson Parish is like:
(1) Hosting a Major League All-Star game
(2) Hosting an NFL Pro-Bowl game
(3) Hosting an NBA All-Star game
Think that is exaggerating things? Not really when taking things into comparative context. Each of the above events include the best of the best in their respective sport. So does this one. Not only that, and this is not the opinion of local’s but the actual participants who just so happen to be the best angler’s in the world, Caney Lake is one of the best, if not the best lake they have ever fished a tournament on. And that was just from one day’s experience last year. This time around the MLF will be here for five days.
While there is still roughly a month to go before the tournament starts it is important to make plans now. With that in mind, Jackson Parish Watershed Commission Vice President Gary Joynor has provided a very nice Pre-Tourney Announcement.
To All:
The Jackson Parish Watershed Commission, Jackson Parish Tourism Board, The Jackson Parish Recreation Department and Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce, that Major League Fishing is coming back to Caney Creek Reservoir with the Heavy Hitters, April 24th-April 28. This event includes the “All Stars” of Major League Fishing.
A very special thanks to: Discover Monroe-West Monroe and the Louisiana Office of Tourism for hosting the event. For more information go to: https://www.monroe-westmonroe.org/…/bass-pro-tour…/
The anglers will be launching from the Spillway Launch site that week. According to the tournament director, the professional anglers will be arriving 6:00am to 7:00am each morning and the daily ceremony will start at 7:30am in which the national anthem, prayer and angler announcement and send off will begin. Anglers will start fishing at 8:00am and stop at 4:00pm. They will start arriving back at the spillway launch site shortly after 4:00pm.
The spillway parking lot and spillway boat launch will be closed April 24th-28th for safety of the professional anglers, event staff and spectators. Parking will be available on the Hooks Marina Side in the grass area and Levee side on the grass area behind the spillway parking lot as well as down the spillway road.
We will make parking accommodations for special needs each morning and evening of the event. (Shuttle’s Will be Provided to and from Vehicles if needed). Just let us know when you check in at the “Welcome Tent”. The “Welcome Tent” will be set up at the entry to the parking lot. Everyone, please register at the “Welcome Tent” to be included in the daily door prize drawings. Boaters are welcome to dock at the spillway site and register as well. You do not have to be present to win a prize.
The Caney Lake Community, Jackson Parish residents and MLF fans showed great support and enthusiasm toward the MLF Knockout Round event held February 9th, 2022. The anglers and event staff appreciated the support so much they decided to come back for (5) days this year. With that said, we need your help to make this year even bigger than last year as we are expecting many kids, young adults and adults over the (5) day event.
We are seeking donations for our daily door prizes from anyone willing to donate. Any monies donated will be used to buy gift certificates/cards at local businesses. Any individual or local business who is willing to donate money or prizes should please contact, Sharon Dousay a local Caney Lake resident and artist who will be coordinating the drawings and gifts.
Everyone that donates money or items will be recognized for their contribution. If you would like to donate you can Private Message her on Facebook or tag “Sharon Creed Dousay”. Another option is sending an email to visitjacksonparish@gmail.com and the information will be relayed to Sharon. You can start donating anytime now so we can prepare for this amazing event held on our beautiful Caney Creek Reservoir.
The Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame (JPSHOF) Board held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, March 27th at the Hall of Fame building located at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex.
Highlighting the agenda was the consideration of 16 nominees for enshrinement as the Class of 2023 in the JPSHOF. In corresponding action it was decided to hold the annual Banquet, where new members will be presented, on October 7th.
Board members Clay Carroll, Ricky Cash, Ben Ledbetter, Harrell Bond, Ted Reeves and Wilda Smith also elected to keep the officers the same as last year and to establish the fourth Monday of every month as the meeting date. Jo Ann Buckner, Jesse James Parks and Jason Spangler were absent.
Nominations will continue through the next meeting in April before the final decision on who will be enshrined will take place in May. If you have someone you would like to see nominated contact a board member. Please keep in mind that requirements are that a person must be at least five years removed from active participation in sports and must have went to school or coached in Jackson Parish.
Remembering what it meant to them to be able to make music, the 1973 graduating class from Jonesboro-Hodge, who recently celebrated their 50th class reunion, has stepped up to ensure that today’s generation of JHHS students would be able to make music of their own. Talk about music to the ears!
This was done through an incredible generous donation of $1000.00 on March 28th, to JHHS Band Director Trey Porchay by Class of ’73 representatives Randy Lafield and Rhonda Griffin. Talk about music to the ears!
After years of non-existence the once proud Tiger Band is getting closer to being a reality once again thanks to gifts such as this. Fans of JHHS who wish to see students once again be able to pursue their interest in being in a band are encouraged to join the movement through donation of equipment or funds.
Peter Cottontail, aka The Easter Bunny, hopped into the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library to the joy of over 140 kids of all ages who were on hand to celebrate the always popular Easter Eggstravaganza.
Food, fun and entertainment was enjoyed by all this past Saturday, March highlighted by the opportunity to dive into a room full of balloons that contained eggs with prizes in them. Also each got the chance to have their picture made with the Easter Bunny.
The administration and staff of the Jackson Parish Library would like to thank all parents and guardians for bringing their children to the event and also wish each and everyone a Happy Easter.
To see pictures of the children with the Easter Bunny go to the Jackson Parish Library Facebook page.
It could be considered quite ironic that a distinguished history major is so very adept in the modern art of multi-tasking. To be more specific, while Quitman native Shelby Cumpton was representing Louisiana Christian University (LCU) Debate Team at the National Championships in Boise, Idaho, she recorded the presentation of her interdisciplinary research project that was delivered at the 3rd Annual C.S. Lewis Honors Forum.
Cumpton was one of ten students to present a research project, entitled “A Language of Resistance: The White Rose and the Use of Framing,” which is the final requirement in fulfillment of the prestigious programs requirements.
Following the presentations, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Cheryl Clark presented each student with a C.S. Lewis Honors Medallion to be worn at graduation.
“The Honors Forum clearly demonstrates that LCU is providing an unshakeable Christian foundation while expecting academic excellence across all disciplines,” she said. “The students’ interdisciplinary research projects show they understand, recognize and embrace the inseparable connection between their calling and career.
“Knowing that these graduates are equipped and ready to pursue graduate degrees and professional careers and are our future biochemists, medical professionals, scientific researchers, lawyers, and educators renews my hope for the future. “
The C.S. Lewis Honors Program at Louisiana Christian University is an interdisciplinary
program that is designed for students who perform at the highest academic standards. Its small, seminar-style courses focus on integrating faith and learning through writing, discussion, service learning, and travel. Students enter during their freshman year and complete the honors curriculum as a cohort.
“One of the best things about attending the Honors Forum every year is seeing how the students that I taught early on in the program have matured into deep thinkers and skilled researchers,” said Dr. Christine Reese, chair of the Division of History and Political Science and member of the Honors Council. “Their creativity and passion for their research topics shines through to make the Honors Forum a dynamic celebration of learning. I am grateful for the opportunity that God has given me to work with the superb faculty at LCU to produce a new generation of Christian scholars.”
The Cornerstone Christian Academy (CCA) Junior Varsity and Junior High boys basketball teams ventured to Shreveport this past Monday and Tuesday where they finished in 2nd place in both Slice League Playoff Tournaments.
(JUNIOR VARSITY) Seeded third after a 7-3 regular season that tied them for second with Heritage in the final standings, CCA opened the tourney by dispatching Northside 54-25 before losing to Heritage by a 33-27 score two hours later. Now in the losers bracket of the six team tourney, CCA beat Shreveport Christian Academy 49-41, ARC out of Monroe 48-30 and regular season league champion Kingston 45-37 in back-to-back-to-back games. This set up a finals match against Heritage which this time Cornerstone won 37-31, forcing a rematch. After playing five straight games without a break, CCA finally ran out of gas, falling 35-20 to claim the runner-up spot of the tourney.
(JUNIOR HIGH) After compiling a 9-1 record and finishing in a tie for first place in the SLICE League regular season, CCAwon two and lost one to finish as runner-up in the 2023 Slice League Junior Playoff Tournament.
The Eagles opened the five team tourney held at Kingston Academy in Shreveport by beating Heritage out of Mount Enterprise, TX 40-37 before losing in the finals of the winners bracket to co-regular season champion, Kingston 48-30. Once again CCA met Heritage, who had won twice to earn the rematch and once again dispatched their neighboring state foe this time by a 39-21 margin. That set up a rematch with Kingston which beat CCA again.
(VARSITY BOYS) The Varsity boys Slice League Playoff Tournament will be played at Kingston Academy in Shreveport on Friday, March 31st. Cornerstone Christian has earned the #3 seed in the seven team event after finishing third in the regular season with an 8-4 record. The opening game will be held at 9:00am against Provencal with the winner slated to play again at 12:00pm and the loser at 1:00pm.
The Hodge Fire Department performed a control burn on a house located on Walter Rodgers Road that is in the Hodge Fire Protection District on Tuesday afternoon, March 28th.
A control burn service multiple purposes being that it razes an unoccupied or abandoned building or structure that otherwise is an eyesore to the community or possibly dangerous to go nearby or enter into. It also provides for valuable hands on training for fire fighters in a non-emergency setting.
If you would like to have a building or structure included in the control burn program being conducted in Jonesboro and Hodge, please contact either Town Hall to make arrangements.
The welcome sign is a welcome sight. If you happen to drive down Hwy 4 East, you can’t help but have your attention drawn to the vivid red, white and blue sign that is along the south bound side just a few miles outside of Jonesboro.
To be exact, the address is 5254 Hwy 4, which is the sight of the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex. And the welcome sign at the entrance isa welcome sight.
Created and erected by Sign Design, which is owned and operated by Ronnie Madere out of Quitman, the easily noticed structure replaces the one that was blown down during the horrific tornado that devastated Jackson Parish earlier this year.
The Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School Wraparound Committee has been instrumental in changing the lives of their students through the programs they orchestrate and the valuable information and education they disseminate. This past weekend they also played a huge role in helping make the “Spring into Health Community Fair and Block Party” a huge success.
Committee members (shown above) are: Cathy Judd of LSU AgCenter, Deputy Stevenson of the JPSO and JPSB Dare Program, Mr. Wyatt of the Town of Jonesboro, Conchita Doyle of Pine Belt Multipurpose Agency, Mrs. Bergholtz, J-HES School Counselor and Danielle Copeland, J-HES Principal.
As part of the creative programs involved with the Wraparound Program any J-HES student that attended, which there were a total of 20 in all, received bonus points in an effort to increase parental involvement.
Standing in line for more than two hours in a receiving line at the funeral home, not just standing in line but moving in line and sharing in line and encouraging in line — living in line — gives you time to think.
For starters, even though you don’t know everyone in line and they don’t know you, you feel a part of a greater good, a part of the force that was this life and this family you are here to honor. This one life, in ways special to each of us, touched all these people and hundreds more who couldn’t be here.
The emotional mix is stunning: the uncomfortable feeling of loss and unfairness, and at the same time gratitude for being able to count among your friends this life that radiated a deep and unselfish goodness.
It’s early spring and yet so many are going through a storm. There will always be storms but if you live long enough, they will now and then come one right after the other and you can’t keep the pieces all picked up, for yourself or for your friends. You are tying but more pieces keep falling. Breaking.
Mercy at the loss lately, and the threat of more loss. It all combines to remind me how little control we have, and how I am blind at times to things I do have control over. Which is pathetic. Sad. I am waiting in line to hug the family of a friend who was a master of doing the little things. I’m not sure he even thought so much about it. He just did them. He was aware that he had control over these little actions. He knew they made the difference.
And the difference is real, because all these people are around me. To thank him.
You can make someone happier today. You can. It might be paying for coffee for the person behind you in line at the drive-thru, or it might be calling an old friend, or thanking your Sunday school teacher, or the custodian who keeps your building clean, or the boss who signs the checks.
You ever color a picture and send it to someone for no reason? I do. It’s stupid. But it’s a surprise, and they’ll always call to thank you, because for one moment an ordinary day held a silly surprise for them, and only heaven knows how those kinds of things make a difference, but they do.
I’ve heard these things called “the smallest acts of love.” Remind someone how strong they’ve been. Compliment them for whatever makes them them. Praise. Encourage. Smile. These little things add up.
Our friend we lost, he did lots of big things. Beautiful things. He made the world prettier, literally. But when I think of him — and this has been for years, not just now — I am always left with how he made me feel. He had plenty to do but when we were together, he was present. Honest. Funny without meaning to be because he was just him. A friend.
We are all just people but somehow, we have the gift inside that, if we share it, has the potential to help a sister or brother over the next hill. The smallest thing, if it’s real, can be the thing that holds up, can be the stuff that works. The smallest thing can make a difference.
And that’s when, in the middle of the storms, the miracles show up. In the smallest, most sincere acts. One thoughtful moment, one honest ear to listen or hand to hold. Be present and be ready. We need you. You can make the difference that makes the difference for someone today, and the difference for today can make the difference for forever.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu or Twitter @MamaLuvsManning
The local long arm of the law and the Harrell gang combined to claim the second Tuesday Scramble of the year, setting a new low scoring total along the way.
Tim Ducote, RD Johnson, Paul Trosclair, all current or former members of the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office along with DJ Harrell and Dewayne Harrell, better known as “Snook,” fired a round of 9-under par (27) to take the victory.
Each Tuesday throughout the spring and summer, the Jackson Parish Golf Course (JPGC) will be hosting the always entertaining event that is played in scramble format by four, five or sometimes six man teams depending on the number of entrants.
To register in advance call the JPGC at (318) 259 – 7247 or visit the course located at 524 Club House Drive in Jonesboro, which is just off of Hwy 147 North. Registration must be receive at least 30 minutes prior to tournament tee time.
The Jackson Parish School District will host a 30-hour, pre-service training for school bus drivers on June 12-15. This course is required in order to become a licensed/certified school bus driver. Anyone interested in applying for a position as a substitute, activity, or regular route driver must have this training.
The course will begin at 8:00am and end at 4:00pm each day at Jonesboro-Hodge High School (JHHS). There is no cost to current Jackson Parish School Board (JPSB) employees or those seeking employment with the JPSB. The cost for the training for individuals out of the parish is $125.00.
For more information or to register please contact:
David Brown
david.brown@jpsbschools.us
Jackson Parish School Board
315 Pershing Hwy
Jonesboro, LA 71251
(318) 475-1910
Many have become enthusiastic and loyal viewers of Jeopardy.
You might think Jeopardy is a TV game show of whit, knowledge, memory and trivia.
That’s accurate; yet, playing on Jeopardy and being in jeopardy have little in common.
Jeopardy brings to mind another old television program.
Lost in Space had a close knit relationship between a talking robot and boy Will Robinson. Each time the robot sensed Will was in jeopardy it cried out; ‘Danger Will Robinson!’
Put yourself in the place of Jesus’ disciples. They were in danger of capsizing their ship.
“Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.
But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him (Luke 8:22-25 KJV).”
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.
Stump Removal and Grinding: Call James Stewart at (318) 243-1009 or (318) 768-2554 for your stump removal and grinding needs. Free Estimates!
Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District – Full time Paramedic Supervisor, Paramedic and EMT positions available. For more information call JPASD Director Aaron Johnson at 318-259-2877.
Resumes can be emailed to: jacksonparishambulance@jpasd.com or sent by regular mail to: JPASD, attn: Aaron Johnson, 115 Watts St., Jonesboro, LA 71251
Jackson Parish Police Jury – Openings for an Operator 1 position at the Solid Waste Department and a Mechanic 1 position at the Road Department. Applications can be found on the Jackson Parish Police Jury Website, or by visiting the Administration Department at 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. Applications will be accepted through March 24, 2023. (For description of jobs see below in Public Notices)
Globe Life Insurance – Sales position available for motivated self starter to represent the Family Heritage Division that offers supplemental Life, Cancer, Heart, Stroke, ICU and Accident policies. To learn more contact Regional Director, Jamie Antley, at 318-488-1218 or send email to jamiefamheritage@gmail.com
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.
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 Open: The Veteran’s Affairs Office, located at 322 6th Street in Jonesboro, is open on Tuesday and Wednesday each week from 9:30a.m. – 3:00p.m. Representative, Mr. Gary Poole, can be reached at 318-259-2100 or by email at gary.poole@la.gov
Please submit all applications to Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: egibbs@jppj.org.
POSITION: Mechanic I
DEPARTMENT: Jackson Parish Road Department
Description:
Under close supervision, the Road Department Mechanic I is a skilled position responsible for performing minor and major repairs on automobiles, trucks, heavy trucks, tractors, heavy equipment, and related departmental equipment. Assignments are made orally or in the form of written work orders.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma, or equivalent, required.
• Class A Commercial Driver’s License preferred.
• ASE certified or two (2) years experience at the journey level, working with diesel engines, heavy trucks, and equipment, or three (3) years experience as an auto mechanic.
• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds frequently.
• Ability to work safely in all weather conditions, including adverse conditions.
• Can understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Able to work in elevated areas, confined spaces, and on and off ladders.
• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
Basic Responsibilities:
• The Mechanic is responsible for performing all types of routine maintenance and service duties on equipment, including repair work on engines, transmissions, differentials, electrical systems, front ends, and minor tune-ups. Arc welding, Mig Welding, and Acetylene Cutting with torch and plasma cutting.
• Road tests vehicles and confirms complaints, checks malfunctions, and determines necessary repair needs using experience and the use of various testing equipment and tools.
• Changes oil and oil filters, air filters, hydraulic filters, etc. on gas and diesel equipment.
• Greases truck chassis, wheel bearings, and end equipment moving parts.
• Performs repair work on small gasoline engines. Able to operate a chainsaw and weed eater.
• Repairs and adjusts brakes and clutches; replace brake linings and cylinders.
• Performs hydraulic systems repairs on trucks and equipment.
• Repairs flat tires and performs all related tasks incumbent to this endeavor.
• Uses manual and power equipment for breaking down and balancing of tires.
• Operates service/lube truck and performs maintenance duties on equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance work of vehicle air conditioning systems.
• Inspects and repairs suspension systems on automobiles and trucks.
• Tracks all warranty work available for equipment.
• Maintains all shop records, work orders, purchase orders, shop inventory, and shop work scheduling.
• Performs proper pre-start and daily maintenance and service of equipment including lubrication, changing tires, making minor adjustments and repairs, and cleaning.
• Requires a thorough knowledge of general maintenance requirements of various pieces of light to heavy motorized equipment.
• Services, changes tires and cutting blades, cleans machines including trucks, and makes minor adjustments.
• Recognizes and diagnoses equipment malfunctions or complicated services needs and reports to Supervisor.
• May be required to lift equipment, tools, or any combination in excess of 100 pounds.
• Skilled in the use of tools and the operation of machines and equipment used in automobile repair and maintenance.
• Adheres to all traffic laws, applicable Federal and State health and safety rules, local ordinances, and Jackson Parish Police Jury rules and regulations and policies and procedures.
• Ability to drive various pieces of equipment used by the Police Jury.
• Follows safety procedures and practices as required, as well as wearing required safety
• Performs other job-related duties, as assigned.
Detailed Job Description available upon request.
Please submit all applications to: Jackson Parish Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251. To request a detailed job description, please contact our office at (318) 259-2361 or by email: egibbs@jppj.org.
POSITION: Operator I
DEPARTMENT: Jackson Parish Solid Waste Department
Description:
Under close supervision, the Solid Waste Department Operator I is a semi-skilled to skilled position consisting of equipment operation, manual labor, and maintenance repair of various pieces of light and heavy motorized equipment and trucks used in solid waste management, maintenance, inclement weather, and other generalized work. Incumbent may be used as a relief operator on equipment of a higher class if qualified and trained.
Minimum Qualifications:
• In good standing as an employee in current position
• Class B CDL Driver’s License required; progression towards Class A CDL a plus
Basic Responsibilities:
• Primarily operates trackhoe/packer located at the Solid Waste Landfill.
• Directs compact trucks and the public to the proper dumping areas in the landfill.
• Packs and tarps the garbage in the trailers and prepares the trailers to be transported to the Union Parish Landfill.
• Keeps the wall area washed and clean.
• Cleans out drains and bins, when necessary.
• Monitors the water transport and hauls and empties, when necessary.
• Picks up general litter and debris around the landfill, keeping it clean and organized.
• Cross-trained on all Operator II positions; prepared and able to operate any and all equipment used at the landfill.
• Serves as a backup for the Specialty Equipment Operator (Compact Truck), if qualified, trained, and licensed and Operator I and II positions, if necessary (at the appropriate set-up rate).
• Physically present to perform the duties of the position.
• Performs walkaround safety checks at the beginning of every day noting any deficiencies found on equipment and report to Supervisor.
• Complete daily paperwork noting equipment and materials used each day and daily equipment forms.
• Must have good working knowledge of equipment and safety habits.
• Performs manual work functions associated with construction, maintenance, and cleanup of the solid waste landfill and off-site bin sites in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures.
Detailed Job Description available upon request.
Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana Spillway Water Supply Noticeis currently in violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids as set forth by the State [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:Xll)] and the Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141).
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (LDHH) set drinking water standards and requires the disinfection of drinking water. Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA and LDHH set standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acid (HAAs). Some people who drink water containing THMs in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Some people who drink water containing HAA5s in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
In December 1998, EPA set enforceable drinking water standards for TTHMs at 80 parts per billion (ppb) and for HAA5 at 60 parts per billion (ppb) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects. Compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 standards for public water systems servicing less than 10,000 individuals initially became effective and enforceable on January 1, 2004. Compliance with the HAA5 standard is determine by calculating a locational running annual average (LRRA) of quarterly HAA5 sample results. Compliance calculations performed for the first quarter of 2023 show that the system’s current HAA5 LRAAs are 69 ppb at sample location DBP02 – 133 Suanna Road and 66 ppb at DBP03- 211 Spruce Drive. Thus, the system is currently in violation of HAA5 standards.
Water Sector Program has approved UIL to receive grant funding for the design improvements to the water system. The upgrades include the installation of a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter to reduce HAA5 concentration. The project is in the bidding process. Construction and purchasing materials will begin once the public bid and contract are complete. UIL continues to work with the engineering firm and has kept LDH informed of our progress.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, 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. If you have any questions, contact the UIL Compliance Administrator, Vicki Spence at 985-893-6646 – Opt. 2.
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. EPA and LDH do not consider this violation to have any serious adverse health effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure; however, continued long-term exposure to TTHMs and HAA5 levels above the standard (e.g., 20 years of exposure) has the potential to have serious adverse effects on human health.
On the above date Mayor Hal Mims and Council met at 6:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Hal Mims, Council Members Robert Bradley and Preston Traxler.
Absent: Council Member Gloria Moore
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor with Prayer and Pledge.
Visitors: None
Amendment to Agenda: Authorize Mayor to use money from the American Rescue Fund to pay Cherokee Contracting $6,383.00 and Industrial Research $1,085.00.
Approval of Agenda: Motion by Bradley and seconded by Traxler
Approval of January 2023 Minutes: Motion by Bradley and seconded by Traxler
Old Business: None
New Business: Authorize Mayor Mims to use money from the American Rescue Fund to pay Cherokee Contracting $6,383.00 and Industrial Research $1,085.00: Motion by Bradley and seconded by Traxler
Adjournment: Motion by Bradley and seconded by Traxler.
In a close race, Eric Borland beat Deanna McGee Carter by a 111-93 margin to claim the seat of District D Justice of the Peace. The election that was held on Saturday, March 25th, was the only race to be decided in Jackson Parish.
In other elections in neighboring parishes, all five propositions on the ballot was voted in by residents of the city of Ruston and Winn Parish voters overwhelming voted to approve a 1% S&U Tax Renewal for the next 10 years
The Quitman softball team has had many “feel good” wins this season. After all when you are 21-4 on the year, obviously most of the season has gone your way. As good as the 2023 campaign has been, no stretch of games has proved the uplifting dividends and emotional feedback as the five days just completed has.
Not to discount the many victories over top-ranked opponents from higher classifications and almost every expected contender for the Division IV title, it is hard to top beating a team coached by a Jackson Parish softball legend, winning a district title and then sweeping through the tournament that you hosted in front of your fans.
The super stimulating stretch started this past Tuesday with Quitman smashing a solid Minden team, ranked #12 in Division II and coached by former Weston star Shelby Leach, 13-1 on the road. (recap in Jackson Parish Journal, March 22nd edition)
The next day Quitman won their third straight district title by dominating Doyline 12-2 and then followed that up by outdueling Oak Grove 3-1, who sports one of the better pitchers in north Louisiana and a #5 ranking in Division IV in Quitman’s opening contest of the QHS Tourney.
On Saturday, the Lady Wolverines put the icing on the cake by trouncing Class 4A Evangel 12-1 and coming back a few hours later to pounce on Class 5A Parkway by an 8-4 margin. The five victories in five days not only cement Quitman’s claim to the top ranking in Division V but also ran their north Louisiana-best winning streak to 20 in a row.
Quitman 12 Doyline 2: Madison Chaplin walked to first base four times and then sprinted around them all in the bottom of the sixth inning for a three-run homer that put the finishing touches on Quitman’s 12-2 victory over Doyline. The fourth straight “ten run” rule victory and 7th in the last 8 games, clinched a third straight district title for the #1 ranked Lady Wolverines as they ran their current winning streak to 17 in a row and improved their record to 18-4 on the year. Doyline fell to 4-8 with the loss.
The four free passes, three coming the hard way after getting plunked, and the second home run in the last five days resulted in Chaplin scoring four runs in a game for the second time this season and driving in four, which is a new season best.
The contest featured several players who have gotten limited playing time this season taking advantage of the opportunity to set new milestones this season. Kinsley Ponder walked three times and scored her first run of the year, Katie Lynn Roberts got her first hit of the season and scored a run and Addison Fenn also scored her first run of the year after drawing a base on balls.
Quitman batters reached base 21 times by virtue of six hits, 12 walks, and the three-hit batsmen. Marley Bell hit a double and drove in three while Karley Huckaby, Maddie Kay Brymer (RBI), Anna Leach (2RS), and Skylar Hall (RS, SB) all slapped singles. Averie Williams also walked three times, stole two bases, and scored a run as well as pitching the final five innings to earn her first victory of the season.
Doyline (4-8, 0-1) 0 1 0 0 0 1 x 2 6 1
Quitman (18-4, 3-0) 1 4 0 2 2 3 x 12 6 1
WP – Williams (1-0), LP – n/a
2B – Bell
HR – Chaplin
RBI – Chaplin 4, Bell 3, Brymer
RS – Chaplin 4, Leach 2, Ponder, Pullig, Fenn, Williams, Hall, Roberts
SB – Williams 2, Hall
Quitman 3 Oak Grove 1: (Friday) Head coach Justin Dodson felt that the Lady Wolverines’ opening contest of their tournament played at the JPRD Sports Complex this past weekend would be a low-scoring affair as two of the top pitchers in north Louisiana would be facing each other. He was right.
The vaunted Lady Wolverines offense was held to their second-lowest run total of the year but with Cali Deal striking out 16 and limiting Oak Grove to just one run, Quitman won for the 18th straight time. With the victory, District 1B’s champion and Division V’s top-ranked team improved to 19-4 on the year. Oak Grove, winner of District 2-2A and ranked 6th in Division V, fell to 11-6 overall.
After Deal struck out the side, Madison Chaplin singled to open the Quitman half of the first inning, went to second on a wild pitch, and advanced to third on a groundout. Maggie Guyotte followed with a sacrifice fly to record her north Louisiana leading 45th RBI to give Quitman a 1-0 advantage.
Quitman added two more in the bottom of the third, which proved to be all they would need in the battle between the 2-2A and 1B district champions. Seventh-grade sensation, Hallie Kate Pullig, stroked a double to get the decisive inning started, Chaplin walked and Deal helped her own cause with a single that scored Pullig and advanced Chaplin to third, who later scored on a Maddie Kaye Brymer ground out.
In one of her most proficient exhibitions in the circle this season, Deal threw 80 of her 120 pitches, both new season highs, for strikes leading to her fourth straight game with 10 or more strikeouts and her 12th victory in a row without a loss.
Oak Grove (11-6) 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 – 1 5 1
Quitman (19-4) 1 0 2 0 0 0 x – 3 6 1
WP – Deal (12-0), LP – Cox
2B – Pullig
RBI – Deal, Guyotte, Brymer
RS – Chaplin 2, Pullig
Quitman 12 Evangel 1: (Saturday) Who said 13 is an unlucky number? With Cali Deal striking out 13 and winning her 13th game without a loss, the Lady Wolverines reached the 20-win plateau for the first time since 2015. Quitman put the game away early by scoring six in the first and four in the second as Maggie Guyotte, Madeline Vail, Averie Williams, and Skylar Hall all collected two hits apiece over the four innings of at-bats.
To give Evangel some credit they did manage to keep Quitman from “going yard” for one of the few times this season but the Lady Wolverines still smashed five doubles with Deal hitting a pair and Vail who scored twice also hitting a two-bagger. Hall and Guyotte, who both had 3 RBI in the contest, also joined in the extra base parade. AJ Gray also chipped in with a season-best three runs scored and Karly Huckaby crossed home plate twice.
Evangel (5-17) 0 0 0 0 1 – 1 5 3
Quitman (20-4) 6 4 1 1 x – 12 10 1
WP – Deal (13-0), LP – Sasser
2B – Deal 2, Guyotte, Hall, Vail
RBI – Guyotte 3, Hall 3, Williams 2, Chaplin, Pullig, Vail
RS – Gray 3, Guyotte 2, Vail 2, Huckaby 2, Williams, Hall, Chaplin
Quitman 8 Parkway 4 (Saturday) If you followed Quitman this season, you could have predicted what happened. After all when a player has hit 17 home runs in 24 games and had gone four straight without “touching them all” it was bound to happen. And it did! Not once but twice.
Freshmen phenom Maggie Guyotte hit her 18th and 19th home runs of the year and drove in four to give her 52 RBI, both nation-leading totals among 9th graders according to MaxPreps.com, to boost the Lady Wolverines to their 20th straight victory. Her second bomb was not only impressive but timely as the three-run shot in the bottom of the fifth inning broke a 4-4 tie.
That was all Cali Deal, who came on in relief of Guyotte to strike out 8 in 4 2/3 innings, would need to win her 14th straight without a loss this season and third in two days. Madison Chaplin also went deep for her second of the year, scored three runs, stole a base, and had two RBI and Hallie Kate Pullig got a pair of hits. Madeline Vail and Anna Leach scored runs as well.
Parkway (8-9) 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 – 4 3 0
Quitman (21-4) 1 0 3 0 4 0 x – 8 8 1
WP – Deal (14-0), LP – Thompson
HR – Guyotte 2, Chaplin
RBI – Guyotte 4, Chaplin 2, Hall
RS – Chaplin 3, Guyotte 2, Vail, Gray, Leach
SB – Chaplin, Vail
It was the weekend that wasn’t. Offensive woes continued as Weston got outscored 42-2 and managed only six hits in their three losses in the Quitman Tourney. Sitting at 5-14 on the year, the Lady Wolves are now ranked #28, the final playoff qualifying spot, and need a strong finish over their last five games of the regular season to make the postseason.
Montgomery 15 Weston 0: (Friday) Twelve straight batters reached base before the first out was made and the 3rd ranked team in Division IV batted around twice in the first inning to score 14 runs and ice the game. Weston, which fell to 5-12 on the year, had two batters reach base in the three-inning affair with Josie Irvin hitting a single and Raelynn Shell, who also stole a base, drawing a walk. Montgomery, who later beat Forest 11-0 in their second game of the day for a fourth straight victory, saw their record improve to 16-7.
Weston (5-12) 0 0 0 – 0 1 0
Montgomery (16-7) 14 0 1 – 15 13 0
WP – n/a, LP – Aldy (3-9)
SB – Shell
Parkway 11 Weston 1 (Saturday) Not only did the Lady Wolves have trouble hitting, collecting only three hits on the day, but Weston also had a bad day in the field, committing 11 errors in the five-inning contest. Jacie Ledford’s single drove in Faith Beamesderfer, who also got a hit and stole two bases in the contest, in the top of the third for Weston’s only run. Gracie Mudge had Weston’s other base hit and hard luck losing pitcher Ansley Aldy, who gave up only seven hits and three earned runs, drew a walk as Weston managed to get only four batters on base.
Weston 0 0 1 0 0 – 1 3 11
Parkway 3 4 2 0 2 – 11 7 1
WP – Thompson, LP – Aldy (3-10)
RBI – Ledford
RS – Beamesderfer
SB – Beamesderfer 2
Oak Grove 16 Weston 1: The Lady Wolves played much better defense but Oak Grove was too strong offensively, collecting 16 hits and scoring 9 in the top of the fourth to “ten run” rule Weston. Alaina Trosclair slapped a double and scored, while Ansley Aldy, who took the loss, got Weston’s only other hit in the contest, got hit by a pitch twice, and drove in a run.
Oak Grove 3 1 3 9 – 16 11 0
Weston 0 0 1 0 – 1 2 2
WP – Phelps, LP – Aldy (3-11)
2B – Trosclair
RBI – Aldy
RS – Trosclair
Optimum announces that, due to a significant network and infrastructure upgrade, the company has launched up to 1 Gig internet service in Jonesboro, Hodge, Quitman, North Hodge, and East Hodge, Louisiana. With this launch, Optimum’s full portfolio of products, including internet, mobile, TV, and phone, is available to residents and businesses in these areas for the very first time.
“Optimum is committed to being the connectivity provider of choice in the markets we serve, and we are pleased to launch our full suite of products, backed by our newly built 1 Gig internet network, in Jonesboro, Hodge, Quitman, North Hodge, and East Hodge,” said Leroy Williams, Chief Growth Officer for Optimum. “With ultra-fast internet up to 1 Gig paired with mobile, TV, and home phone services, residents and businesses can rely on Optimum to meet all their connectivity and entertainment needs.”
Optimum’s award-winning internet comes with 99.9% reliability, whole home WiFi coverage with Smart WiFi 6 for seamless streaming, working, gaming and more, built-in security, as well as 24/7 tech support. The company’s Optimum Mobile service is delivered over America’s most awarded 5G network and offers plans starting as low as $15 per month per line. Customers who pair Optimum Internet with Optimum Mobile not only enjoy a seamless connection at home and on the go but can also save up to $15 each month on their internet bill.
Optimum offers a wide range of internet speeds to meet all needs and budgets and also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers a subsidy of up to $30 per month to help qualifying households pay for Internet or mobile service.
Residents can visit the Optimum store in nearby Ruston located at 1001 Cooktown Rd., Ruston, LA 71270, call 866.9.OPTIMUM or visit Optimum.com for more information on Optimum products and services.