The selections of the Student-Athletes of the Week at Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman, and Weston High School for March 12th – 18th have been announced. The honorees that are chosen by select members of the faculty and staff from each school earn the award by best exemplifying what it means to be a true student-athlete through academic achievement and athletic accomplishment. Each recipient is given a T-Shirt by the Jackson Parish Hospital, who sponsors the award.

Student-Athlete of the Week

Ajay Tew (12th Grade) – Varsity Baseball player at Jonesboro-Hodge High School

Jalexiah Claridy (12th Grade) – Varsity Track Athlete at Weston High School

Maggie Guyotte (9th Grade) – Varsity Softball Player at Quitman High School

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All three Jackson Parish schools have a several games slated for this Thursday – Saturday but only the first game of them all will be played on a local field. The rest of the baseball and softball games that JHHS, Quitman and Weston will be competing in are scattered far and wide. 

On Thursday, the JHHS baseball team will look to continue their recent success when they welcome Lincoln Prep to the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sport Complex. First pitch is set for 5:00pm. The Tigers will be playing at the next closest venue on Friday when they travel to Dodson for a 4:00pm contest.

Both Quitman teams head west to compete in tournament play where each squad will play three games this weekend. The 2nd ranked Lady Wolverines will put their area best 12 game winning streak on the line at the Stanley Tournament, where they will play Logansport (14-2), the top ranked team in Division IV on Friday at Stanley High School located west of Mansfield on Hwy 84W and both Glenbrook (6-5) out of Minden and host Stanley (5-10) on Saturday. The baseball team travels a little further north to take place in the Northwood Tournament for a game on Friday against the fifth ranked team in Division 1 in Haughton (11-3) and play both Many High (8-5) and host Northwood (11-5) on Saturday. 

The Lady Tigers of Jonesboro-Hodge who like the baseball bunch is enjoying their newfound success ventures to Monroe for three games in the River Oaks Tournament. On Friday JHHS will play host River Oaks (5-4) and both Peabody (2-11) and Delhi Charter (2-6) on Saturday.

Weston baseball earns the long distance travel award by making a second trip to the Baton Rouge area to compete in the Live Oak Tournament that will be played in Denham Springs. The Wolves also face by far the most stacked lineup of opponents of the year opening against 12-3 Live Oak, ranked #10 in Division 1. This is followed by two games on Saturday where they will face 9-5 Central -BR, ranked #15 in Division 1 and close with the top ranked team in Division II among non-select teams in 10-4 Teurlings Catholic.

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Spring is in the air!, and so is love and so is pollen — in the air, in your hair, your eyes, your nose, on your car.

You take the bad with the good when the payoff is spring.

Before we meet again it’ll be Officially Spring, so says The 2023 Old Farmer’s Almanac. Monday at 4:24 p.m. (Saw that on Facebook too, so it must be true, right?)

That moment in time marks the spring equinox, which I have never had the patience to study enough to see what it really means in terms of the Earth’s tilt and what not and this and that and to and fro.

I do know “equinox” comes from two Latin words that mean “equal” and “night.” The day and night are basically the same length. And after that, our hemisphere starts tilting toward the sun which means the days are longer and it’s about to get hot up in here.

But you don’t need an almanac to tell you spring is coming. You hear a ball pop into a mitt or you start filling out your NCAA March Madness bracket, and you know what’s up.

Or, you just look outside, through the yellow pollen mist, and there’s springtime, waving back.

A month ago, a warmish February morning, six robins and two cardinals were in the backyard, scouting. They’ve been there since.

The willows are greening, bulbs shooting and blooming. Little pictures of springtime.

Like me, you’ve probably already mowed once, which is mainly mowing clover, and leaving a little of that for the bees since they don’t have much else to enjoy right now. My yard looks like a drunk person mowed it. With thinning shears.

Speaking of lame brain, it was three years ago this week that the world shut down, semi-thwarting the man-made things that complement spring. It was 2020 and Friday the 13th (which was Monday of this week) when college basketball tournaments and then baseball games were cancelled, and then Monday the 16th (tomorrow, Thursday, is the 16th) is when schools quit and all sports quit and Weird Spring started.

(Somebody messed up!)

Thank goodness THAT’s over. At least I think it is …

And, speaking of loopy, those birds in the back yard might have had one too many, and I’ll tell you why.

There is a window-sized mirror along the fence, placed there before we moved in, I suppose for decoration. It’s confused at least one of the robins. She keeps flying into its reflection of grass and water and leaves, landing at its bottom, and trying again. Dozens of times. Flying into the mirror.

It happens almost every day, and maybe it’s the same robin and maybe they are all giving it a whirl, trying to figure it out, trying to fly right into springtime.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu or Twitter @MamaLuvsManning

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Each week select members of the administration and faculty of Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School choose a representative from the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades to be honored as Student of the Week. Those selected receive a certificate from the school as well as a Paws team member T-Shirt. 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
March 12-18

6th grade – SKYLER ANDERSON
7th grade – HUNTER SMITH
8th grade – RENZI BURNS

 

 

 

Louisiana Tech University has announced the names of students on its Winter Quarter President’s and Dean’s honor lists, including 27 that are from Jackson Parish. 

Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).

Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible to make either list.

Jackson Parish Residents on Presidents and Dean’s List 

Chatham: Luke Lamar Beamesderfer
Eros: Allison Brooke Edwards
Hodge: Travis Waylne Cobb
Jonesboro: Bryceton Bennett Aranda*, Sarah Elizabeth Bates*, Sadie Eylien Beaubouef, Kaylee Susannah Davis*, Skyler Elizabeth Dycus*, William Chandler Hay, Gabriel M. McMillan, Jolea Grace Simpson*, Jonathan Everett Smith, Nathan Stephens
Quitman: Beau Lawson Bowen, Hunter Christian Curry, Audrey C. Duck, Hunter Lane Folks, Kaylee Nicole Ford, Brittany Danielle Goss*, Cameron M. Hollis*, Aston Michael Johnson*, Elizabeth Faith Johnson*, John Scharr, Avery E. Spangler*, James K. West, Katelyn Leigh Wiley, Katie A. Williams*

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(Gridiron Football) The Gridiron Football staff made the trip to Jonesboro, Louisiana where Jonesboro Hodge High School hosted the third Elite Camp of 2023 this past Saturday.

Jonesboro Hodge High School head coach Terrance Blankenship raved about Gridiron Football giving an opportunity for players to showcase their talents while being promoted on a national scale.

“It’s great! I want to thank Andy, Jace, and the entire Gridiron Football staff for giving Jonesboro Hodge the opportunity to use our facility and showcase not only my kids, but kids from other areas that come out here. It will also give the kids the opportunity to follow Gridiron Football. It’s a great opportunity to earn an invite to the bowl game at the end of the season.” said Blankenship.

At the beginning of the camp, Gridiron Football CEO Andy Bryson gave the 32 campers a great pre-camp speech about what it means to come out on a Saturday morning during the offseason and to put the extra work in. He also talked about the mission of Gridiron Football and why the company does what it does, which is to help the younger generation of players excel and have an opportunity to not only play football in college, but to graduate.

In speaking of setting up players for success, the first part of the camp is the combine, and that first section gives campers experience in running the 40-yard dash, shuttle, and also in jumping the broad jump. The best college football players in the nation all have to participate in these three events for the NFL Combine so partaking in these events at an early age only gives them even more experience while doing them. All players had their 40’s and shuttle runs recorded and emailed to them so they can go back and coach themselves up so they can improve on those numbers the next time they participate in those events.

Starting with the 40-yard dash, eight players ran in the four second zone led by Center High School (TX) RB Kaden Dixon, who ran a 4.59. Other notable times included Jonesboro Hodge High School WR/CB Kalep Atkins (4.7) Two of the big guys ran an impressive 5.0/40 and Jonesboro Hodge High School OL/DL Ken’Wuan Atkins ran a 5.19 time in the 40 yard dash. 

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Four students who had the top grade point averages (GPA) after the last grading period at Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School were honored at the Town of Jonesboro Board of Aldermen meeting held on Tuesday, March 14th at the Charles H Garrett Community Center. 

Receiving plaques from Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church were Shan Stallings and Holly Coulter for their perfect 4.0 GPA’s and Jazzeria Ellis and Kristina Chen for their 3.75 GPA’s. Accompanying the students was J-HES Principal Danielle Copeland and two representatives from school partner United Way.  

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Quitman High School has a well deserved reputation of being one of the better small school golf programs in the state. State championship banners hanging in the school gymnasium verify the accolades. Even with all the past accomplishments, what Eli Walker is doing has taken things to a whole new level. 

Improving each time he takes to the course and now thrusting himself squarely into the role as top prep golfer in northeast Louisiana, Walker won his third Front 9 tour event in four outings. For the record he finished second in the other one.

This week, Walker was the only one of 53 competitors to break par on the extremely difficult Big Bear Golf Course in Delhi , shooting a nine hole round of “one under” 35 on the 6964 yard, par 36 track. The score marked the third straight tournament where Walker has bettered his score from the week before and the first time he has finished under par. 

Pete Simonelli and Cam Deal from Quitman also turned in tour best finishes with Simonelli finishing in a tie for 13th after shooting a 43 and Deal shooting a 44 for a tie for 17th. Tyler Pardue of Weston finished in a tie for 26th. 

For the first time all season Jonesboro-Hodge had representative compete with both doing very well in the junior varsity boys flight as Ajay Tew came in second and Richard Tew finished in 11th place. 

 

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Future Farmers of America (FFA) teams from both Quitman and Weston High Schools placed 1st at the area 1 Career and Development Events (CDE) hosted by Louisiana Tech University on Friday, March 10. 

The four man team from Weston under the guidance of Advisor Derek Shields won the Area 1 Floriculture Division by scoring 1831 out of a possible 2000 points. The CDE consisted of identifying  plants, identifying common equipment used in the industry, and a written exam.

Cory Tucker won first in individual competition with a scored of 486 / 500 with Cejay Colvin, Collin Shows, and Abel McBride completing a top four finish sweep by placing 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively. This marks the second year in a row that these “Fab Four” have won the Area 1 championship.

The Quitman FFA Nursery and Landscaping team of Caden Brown, Emma Harper, Madison Taylor, and Eliza Guin placed 1st as well by scoring 2395 out of a possible 2600 points. Emma Harper was the high scoring individual with a score of 635 out of a possible 650 points. Advisor Marty Cantrell’s team members ranked 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th in the competition. 

The teams form both schools will now advance to state competition that will be held in Baton Rouge on April 4th. 

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Jackson Parish 4-H will be hosting a Fun Pet Show for our members and their pets on
Monday, March 20th in Veterans Park in Jonesboro. 4-H members will have the chance to bring their favorite pet and enter fun classes such as Tallest Dog, Shortest Cat, Most Unusual Pet, Best Dressed Pet, plus many more classes including what may be the best class of the day… Trickiest Pet… where we will see pets perform their best tricks for the audience.

Registration starts at 9:30 AM with judging to begin at 10 AM. There is no entry fee for 4-Hers but they are welcome to bring a new pair of fun socks to donate to DART. 4-H members may enter their pet into as many classes as they would like to enter but their pet must always remain under their control. All pets must be on a leash,
in a harness, or in a carrying cage at all times. Any aggressive pets will be asked to
leave for the safety of our 4-Hers and their pets.

Special thanks goes out to our sponsors who are helping put this event on: Dugdemona Farm & Feed, Tractor Supply Co. – Winnfield, Jonesboro Animal Clinic, and the Jackson Parish 4-H Foundation.

When you visit these places of business, be sure to tell them thank you for supporting
our local 4-H program. We hope to see you there Monday!

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The best boys basketball team in Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School history recently completed a very successful inaugural season coming up just two shots short in the league championship tournament against stalwart Ruston Elementary.

“I could not be more proud of any group,” said J-HES head coach and Asst. Principal Jacob Barron. “This team fought hard all season and improved every game.”

Team members shown in the photo above are: (standing from right to left Jasen McNeil, Ayden Watkins, Cannon Tatum, Levi Martin, and Kemarion Heard. (Seated from right to left): John Turner, Kyrn Jackson, Andrew Watkins, Shan Stallings, and DJ Jones.

The J-HES team would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the community of Jonesboro-Hodge. First of all we would like to thank our principal Ms. Danielle Copeland, and our coaches Mr. Jordan Boston, Ms. Jessica Jackson and Ms. Kyana Jackson for their dedication and support of our students.

We would also like to thank Jonesboro Hodge High School Principal Chevonda Leonard, Coach Kris Cash and Coach Allen Tew, Jonesboro Hodge Middle School Principal Brent Carpenter, Coach Gromeika Palmer and Coach Trevaun Calahan for the use of their facilities in our endeavor.

Thanks also goes to Mrs. Debra Pagett for heading up our concessions and our fantastic parent and teacher volunteers: Ms. Bergholtz, Ms. Belton, Ms. Mason, Ms. Swafford, Ms. Leonard, Ms. McDonald, Ms. Blankenship, Ms. Malone, and Ms. Kohler. Our success would not have been possible without the tremendous support we have had from these ladies.

We would also like to thank our student athletes’ parents for helping in raising startup money for our team and our community sponsors: Mr. Ross Pullin, Diceybell’s Trading Post, Willy T’s, and Hodge Bank and Trust Co. who donated funds to buy uniforms, and pay officials, custodians and clock keepers.

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The Efficiency Expert

Years ago, our son-in-law returned home to his family after two months of military training.  The excitement and joy of his return was overshadowed by frustration of the airlines losing his baggage. I have traveled by both planes and buses many times in my lifetime and not once did I lose baggage.

Fortunately, our son-in-law’s bags were located and brought directly to their home.
God has provided us with all needed baggage; He even places gifts inside. He equips us for service of ministry. Equipping of the saints comes with the Lord’s personal guarantee. Gifts cannot be lost or taken away.

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29 NKJV).”

Owners of lost luggage need to buy essentials for use until the missing baggage is returned. My mother wisely packed needed items in her carry on; she carried a tooth brush and paste and an extra set of undergarments.

God has thought of everything; He knew what we’d need.

“For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him (Matthew 6:8b NKJV).”

He’s THE efficiency expert.

God has made our trip itinerary; packed our bags with gifts and power.

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8 NKJV).”

About the Author: Pam Ford Davis writes devotionals for Faith Writers Great Multitude Christian Daily Devotion, Wing His Words, Tea & Testimonies and Call His Name Jesus. She also has published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Light from the Word, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth’s The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter.

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In 1962, the U.S. Army created the Army Material Command, commonly referred to as AMC. This Army entity has been developing and delivering “material readiness solutions to ensure globally dominant land force capabilities.” In layman’s terms, the AMC is the primary provider of materials to the Army. It operates ammunition plants, arsenals, depots, and other facilities on land and afloat. The AMC sells Army equipment and services to allies of the United States. It also negotiates and implements agreements between the United States and foreign nations for the joint production of weapons. The AMC created a motto to simplify their purpose even further: “If a Soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, communicates with it or eats it – AMC provides it.”

In January 1973, after 11 years in operation, the AMC was getting a new and more modern national headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama. To boost morale, the AMC held a contest to name the new headquarters. People came up with all sorts of names for the new headquarters. When the deadline for suggestions was reached, the AMC had received more than 500 entries. The official contest committee to name the new building carefully studied each one. Some of the suggestions were comical. Some were too colorful or risqué to list here. Some were just downright strange.

Finally, on January 14, 1973, Major General Charles T. Horner, the AMC chief of staff announced that the lucky winner was Francis Sikorski. Along with the pride of winning the contest, Francis received a monetary award of $100. After announcing the winner, the major general proudly announced the winning entry. “The name of the new AMC building,” the major general said, “is…the AMC building.” The choice was met with disappointment.

More than 40 years later, officials in Britain had a similar situation in which the public was disappointed in a naming contest. In 2016, Britain’s Natural Environment Research Council held an online poll to name its new £287 million polar scientific research ship. The Natural Environment Research Council suggested dignified names such as Shackleton, Endeavour, and Falcon. Members of the public also made their own suggestions. Someone suggested naming the ship after the late David Bowie. BBC radio host James Hand put forth his suggestion, but he eventually cast his ballot for another suggestion to name the boat in honor of English broadcaster, biologist, natural historian and author Sir David Attenborough. Eventually, officials selected, not the entry which had the most votes, not the one with the second most votes, but the one which came in fourth place in the poll. Officials named the boat the RRS Sir David Attenborough.

People who had voted in the online poll were upset that National Environmental Research Council disregarded their choice in favor of one that came in fourth place. They asked why they held a poll at all. Science Minister Jo Johnson responded that there were “more suitable” names. The online pollsters rallied behind BBC radio host James Hand’s suggestion because it came in first place with more than 124,000 votes. Finally, to quell the row, the Council agreed to name a miniature yellow submarine onboard the ship as James Hand had suggested. If the council had adopted the name based on the “name our ship” poll, the RRS Sir David Attenborough would have been named Boaty McBoatface.

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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

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

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. 

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 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

PUBLIC / LEGAL NOTICES

The Jackson Parish Police Jury is hiring for the following open position

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.

The Jackson Parish Police Jury is hiring for the following open position.

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.

NOTICE OF PERMIT TO SALE

(LSP Troop F News Release – March 8, 2023)

Jackson Parish – On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a two-vehicle crash that occurred on U.S. Highway 167 south of Louisiana Highway 147. This crash claimed the life of 29-year-old Katelyn D. Granger and seven-year-old Anna P. Rivers.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Granger was driving north on U.S. Highway 167 in a 2014 Honda CRV. At the same time, a northbound Jackson Parish school bus was stopped to allow a child to exit. For reasons still under investigation, the Honda CRV struck the rear end of the school bus.

Granger, who was restrained, was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. Rivers, who was not properly restrained, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Jackson Parish Coroner’s Office. Two additional juveniles, who were properly restrained, sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the school bus was properly restrained and was not injured. The juvenile passengers on the school bus either were not injured or received minor injuries. Impairment is not suspected at this time; however, routine toxicology samples were submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Although the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, Troopers would like to remind the public of the following: inattentive and distracted driving is dangerous and is a leading cause of crashes in our state. In addition, motorists must ensure all passengers are properly restrained, regardless of the length of travel.

In 2023, Troop F has investigated six fatal crashes, which have resulted in seven fatalities.

 

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According to the agenda that has been posted for the Town of Jonesboro Board of Aldermen meeting that is slated for 6:00 pm on March 14th at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center several critical issues that the town is facing are expected to be addressed.

Kicking off the session will be the presentation of several awards followed by the town council considering entering into a lease agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management to bring all vehicles in the town’s fleet up to current standards.

Resolutions regarding a Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) application and the Sidewalk Project are next up to be approved. Following the various department head report the session will end with Resolutions to be considered for adoption on Municipal Water Pollution Prevention (MWPP) projects for the North, East, and South Ponds.

If you need Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, please inform Town Hall before the meeting to make necessary arrangements.

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Just one week ago Quitman was ranked #9 in the Division V rankings among “non-select” schools. After one of the most impressive individual and team performances that you would ever want to witness, the Lady Wolverines are now the #1 team in the state, accumulating mind boggling stats along the way. 

Quitman 19 Anacoco 8 (Saturday) Down 4-1 and 7-2 after just 2 ½ innings of play, the vaunted Quitman attack exploded for 17 runs in their next four at-bats to win their fourth game in two days at the Smoothie King Invitational, hosted by Quitman and played at the Parks and Recreation Sports Complex in Ruston. The victory for the new #1 ranked team in Division V among non-select schools was the 10th in a row and improved QHS to 11 -4 this season. Anacoco fell to 5-4 on the year.

Other than the 9-7 victory over Class 5A Airline that started the impressive run of success, Quitman had received stellar pitching with the dynamic duo of Cali Deal and Maggie Guyotte firing three shutouts, giving up one run twice and never more than three runs.

On the strength of two home runs by All-Stater, Hanna Jackson, Anacoco flipped the script by piling up 8 runs in four innings. To put it into perspective that is more runs than Quitman had given up in the previous 33 innings combined over five games.

The Lady Wolverines can beat you in a myriad of ways though so when Deal, who had entered the contest with a 1.20 ERA got roughed up the Quitman offense rose to the challenge. No, make that sky-rocketed! Needing to pick up the slack Quitman scored three more runs in four innings than they have in any game this year to set a new season best in scoring.

As has been the case in virtually every game during the winning streak, Maggie Guyotte led the charge offensively. Coming into the contest, “Going, Going, Gone” Guyotte had homered in four straight games. Not only did she extend the streak to five, but she also put the proverbial icing on the cake by smashing a pair of dingers to give her six in five games and increase her season total to 11 in just 15 contests.

The premier power threat in north Louisiana, which according to MaxPreps.com has the second-highest total of home runs in the entire state, was not the only one to take center stage. The QHS offense had as many stars shining brightly as a clear night in the country.

Cali Deal, who got the win despite the off night to improve her record this season to 7-0 with two saves in nine appearances, stroked her 6th home run of the season, added a triple, and scored a team-best four times.

Hallie Kate Pullig, who has proved to be one of the, if not the, most dangerous 7th grader in the state also had a big game blasting her fourth “tater” of the year, knocking in four runs, scoring three and swiping a pair of bases for added measure.

Karley Huckaby went 3 for 4, scored three runs, and had an RBI. Madeline Vail got two hits including a double, knocked in three, and scored a run and Maddie Kaye “Big Bopper” Brymer got a pair of hits, walked, and scored twice. Skylar Hall, who had only one official at-bat, scored two runs and stole a base after walking three times. Madison Chaplin chipped in with a triple, scored a run, and had an RBI and Averi Williams crossed home as every Quitman batter scored at least one run.

Anacoco (5-4) 4 0 3 1 0 0 -8 7 4
Quitman (11-4) 1 1 4 3 3 7 – 19 14 3
WP – Deal (7-0), LP – Rodriguez
2B – Vail
3B – Chaplin, Deal
HR – Guyotte 2, Deal, Pullig
RBI – Pullig 4, Guyotte 3, Vail 3, Chaplin, Deal, Huckaby
RS – Deal 4, Huckaby 3, Pullig 3, Guyotte 2, Brymer 2, Hall 2, Chaplin, Vail, Williams
SB – Pullig 2, Hall

Quitman 5 Bell City 3 (Saturday) The four runs Quitman scored in the bottom of the first was all that was needed to take down the previous top-ranked team in Division V among non-select schools. By virtue of their ninth straight win and third in a row at the Smoothie King Invitational, the Lady Wolverines climbed to the catbird seat, completing their ascension from the #9 spot they held a week ago.

Maggie Guyotte continued to add to one of the best all-around statistical weeks a player could accumulate by smacking a home run in her fourth straight game and also winning her third game on the mound in the last four days. Cali Deal also came up big with two hits that included a double, scoring a run, and knocking one in while also pitching the final 1 1/3 innings to earn her second save of the season.

Madison Chaplin chipped in by staking Quitman to a 1-0 lead after leading off with a and scoring on Deal’s sacrifice fly. Guyotte followed with her 9th tater of the year, which according to MaxPreps.com is the second highest total in the state, and then with two outs Averi Williams smashed a line single to right field that scored Madeline Vail and Karley Huckaby who had reached base via a hit and a walk.

A walk, followed by a double and a Quitman error narrowed the lead to 4-3 in the top of the third. That was as close as Bell City, who fell to 10-3 on the year, would get though as Guyotte left runners stranded on second and third by recording a strike-out to end the inning.

The Lady Wolverines added an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth when Vail hit a sacrifice ground out to the pitcher that plated Deal, who had opened the frame with a single, moved to second on Guyotte’s second hit of the game and took third on Maddie Kaye Brymer’s fielders choice grounder to second.

Bell City (10-3) 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 – 3 7 1
Quitman (10-4) 4 0 0 0 1 0 x – 5 9 1
WP – Guyotte (4-4), LP – Landry
2B – Deal
3B – Chaplin
HR – Guyotte
RBI – Guyotte, Deal, Vail, Williams
RS – Chaplin, Deal, Guyotte, Vail, Huckaby
SB – Pullig

Quitman 12 Hicks 1 (Friday) Maggie Guyotte hit a home run for the third straight game, added a double, and pitched a two-hitter in her second straight start as Quitman extended the winning streak to eight straight in the Lady Wolverines’ second game on Friday. The round-tripper was the freshman phenom’s 8th home run and 24th RBI on the year, both tops in Jackson Parish and among the leaders in the state.

The high-powered QHS offense pounded out 14 hits and scored in every inning they batted paced by three hits that included a double by Maddie “Big Bopper” Brymer, who added 2 RBI and a run scored. Cali Deal (3RS, 3RBI), Karley Huckaby (3B, 3RS), and Averi Williams (2RBI) all added two hits apiece and Madison Chaplin, Madeline Vail, and Marley Bell chipped in with a hit and a run scored.

Hicks (7-3) 0 0 1 0 0 – 1 2 2
Quitman (9-4) 1 4 1 3 3 – 12 14 3
WP – Guyotte (3-4), LP – Dousay
2B – Guyotte, Brymer
3B – Huckaby
HR – Guyotte
RBI – Deal 3, Guyotte 2, Brymer 2, Williams 2
RS – Deal 3, Huckaby 3, Chaplin, Guyotte, Brymer, Vail, Pullig, Bell

Quitman 5 Rosepine 1 (Friday) Cali Deal hit a three-run blast over the centerfield fence in the bottom of the fifth to break open a 1-1 pitching duel. Seventh grader, Hallie Kate Pullig, followed with a solo shot in the sixth as Quitman rolled to their 7th win in a row in their opening contest of the Smoothie King Invitational.

Skylar Hall and Pullig started the decisive inning with back-to-back singles setting the stage for Deal’s fifth home run of the year and second game-winning home run in the last three played. The victory improved Quitman’s record to 9-4 on the year while Rosepine, which competes in Division III, fell to 4-5 this season.

Quitman took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when Maggie Guyotte blasted a two-out shot to right field for her 7th dinger of the season. Rosepine tied it in the top of the second on a pair of singles but Deal allowed just three more hits the rest of the way to slam the door on her sixth win of the year without a loss.

Rosepine (4-5) 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 -1 5 0
Quitman (8-4) 1 0 0 0 3 1 x – 5 9 0
WP – Deal (6-0), LP – Stinley
HR – Guyotte, Deal, Pullig
RBI – Deal 3, Guyotte, Pullig
RS – Pullig 2, Hall, Guyotte, Deal

Wolverines take two at Choudrant Tourney

If you are familiar with the Quitman baseball program over the last decade you know that the Wolverines always seem to start the season slowly. This is mainly due to head coach Joe Lockhart routinely putting together an exceedingly tough early season schedule designed to toughen his players up against good competition.

This season has been no different as facing opponents that had a combined record of 55-26 the Wolverines struggled to a 1-6 start. Lockhart never panicked though as he knew from experience that eventually his team would get more comfortable playing against top-flight competition and start winning. That day came Saturday.

Quitman won not only one game but two. Scoring a season-best 8 runs the Wolverine began the day by beating Claiborne Christian then capped things off by giving 2022 Class B All-State MVP pitcher Landon Hennon more losses in eight days than he had all of last year as Quitman’s best tournament host and defending Class B state champion Choudrant 5-4. On March 4th Quitman beat Hennon and Choudrant 1-0 for the Wolverines only prior win of the year.

Quitman 5 Choudrant 4 (Saturday) Taking advantage of unusual generosity by the Aggie defense and having seven players get a hit, including a double by Blake Carter, Quitman scored single runs in the first, second, and fifth innings to go along with two runs in the third. That was enough for Logan Ponder, who after Choudrant chased starter Pete Simonelli with three hits and two runs without making an out to open the game, held the Aggie offense scoreless until tiring in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Choudrant had crept to within one and had two men on with one out when Lockhart summoned Carter to the hill. Just now rounding into form after being injured in his first action of the year earlier in the season Carter immediately paid dividends by coaxing a double play and then slammed the door shut with a perfect seventh inning to earn the save.

Ponder, Riley Duck, Ian Tilley, Kace West, Carter, Maddox Duck, and Hudson Pullig all got hits. Runs were scored by West, Ponder, and Pullig with Carter tallying twice. Riley and Maddox Duck got the only RBI as three of Quitman’s runs were unearned.

Quitman (3-6) 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 – 5 7 1
Choudrant (8-4) 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 – 4 7 3
WP – Ponder (1-1), LP – Hennon
2B – Carter
RBI – R. Duck, M. Duck
RS – Carter 2, West, Ponder, Pullig

Quitman 8 Claiborne Christian 1 (Saturday) Better late than never. That is what head coach Joe Lockhart had to be thinking after the first of two contests played on Saturday at the Choudrant Invitational. What the longest-tenured skipper in Jackson Parish has been waiting for was Blake Carter, the expected ace of the staff before being injured earlier in the year, pitching his team to victory. The wait is over.

Carter reminded the Quitman faithful of his skills scattering six hits in six innings and allowing Claiborne Christian a single, fourth-inning run to earn his first win of the year and the team’s second after six losses.

The run that Carter gave up put CCA ahead 1-0 but Quitman responded with their top-scoring inning of the year in their next at-bat to blow the game open. Maddox Duck opened the top of the fifth with a single and went to second on a Brian Lay sacrifice bunt. Lary Ponder and Cam Deal followed with singles to give Quitman a 2-1 lead and after Riley Duck walked Ian Tilley singled to load the bases.

Carter then helped his cause by stroking a clutch two-out single to center to up the lead to 4-1. John Reagan Hasley then slapped a double to drive in two more. Quitman added two more in the next inning as Ponder singled and Deal walked before both moved up a base with a double steal. Riley Duck followed with a grounder to third that was thrown away allowing both runners to score.

Ponder (2RS, SB) and Hasley (2B, 2RBI) each got two of Quitman’s nine hits on the day with Deal (2RS) and Carter chipping in with a hit and 2RBI each. Ian Tilley and Maddox Duck got a hit and scored a run, Kase West reached base twice via a hit and a walk and Riley Duck drew a walk and knocked in a run.

Quitman (2-6) 0 0 0 0 6 2 0 – 8 9 0
CCA (1-5) 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 – 1 6 2
WP – Carter (1-0), LP – Vaughn
2B – Hasley
RBI – Hasley 2, Deal 2, Carter 2, R. Duck
RS – Ponder 2, Deal 2, M. Duck, Tilley, Carter, Ty Lay
SB – Ponder, Deal

St. Fredericks 12 Quitman 1: The Wolverines scored a run in the bottom of the seventh on a pair of singles by Ian Tilley and Cam Deal and two errors on balls hit by Riley Duck and Larry Ponder. It was too little too late to make a difference in their opening game of the Choudrant Invitational.

St. Fredericks out of Monroe, the 5th ranked team in Division IV among “non-select” schools scored runs in five of their seven at-bats to methodically pull away for their third win in a row that improved their record to 6-4 on the year.

Before the final frame, Quitman had been limited to three singles, two by Blake Carter and one by Maddox Duck along with a Larry Ponder double. The Wolverines also left seven runners on base resulting in the Wolverines losing for the sixth time in seven starts.

St. Fredericks (6-4) 1 1 5 0 1 0 4 – 12 11 2
Quitman (1-6) 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 – 1 6 0
WP – Melna, LP – Hasley
2B – Ponder
RS – Ponder

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The Jackson Parish Police Jury will hold a special meeting at 12:30 pm on Monday. March 13th in the Nathaniel Zeno Jr. Meeting Room of the JPPJ Administration Building at 160 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro.

The session’s focus is to discuss and possibly approve financial assistance not exceeding $300,000.00 to the Town of Jonesboro for the Sidewalk Project that the Jonesboro Board of Aldermen is expected to ratify at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 14th.

Discussion of other possible topics, announcements, and notifications if any will follow.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Emmett Gibbs, Secretary/Treasurer at (318)259-2361 Ext. 3 describing the assistance that is necessary.

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The JHHS baseball and softball programs are on a similar path. Both are being led by new first year head coaches who took over teams that have been down trodden the last several years. Both now are enjoying a weekend of new found success. 

JHHS Baseball:

JHHS 11 Lakeview 5 (Saturday) First-year head coach Zach Cheatwood had stated that after JHHS won their first game of the year against Arcadia, he felt that there would be more wins coming soon. It didn’t take long. Only four days later to be exact.

Continuing the remarkable turnaround of the season, Jonesboro-Hodge beat Lakeview 11-5 in their final game of the Saline Tournament on Saturday. After starting the season by losing their first four games by an average score of nearly 16 to 1, the Tigers have now won two of three, averaging ten runs a game while keeping their district 3-2A foe winless on the season after eight starts.

Buoyed by the suddenly explosive offensive attack that turned in a season-best six extra-base hits, including the first two triples of the year, the Tigers scored in every inning in the contest played at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex.

Alfonzo Calahan, who has raked three doubles in the last two games, led the Tigers at the plate by reaching base in all four at-bats on the strength of three hits and a walk. Duke Tew also came up big by going 2/4 which included a triple, knocking in three, and scoring a pair of runs. Waylon Evans also got on three times with two hits, one being a double, and drawing a walk that led to two runs scored and Trey Trosclair chipped in with two hits, including the Tiger’s second triple of the day, scoring two runs and getting an RBI. Jaden Qualls stroked a double for one of his two hits, knocked in a pair, and scored a run and Titus Thompson stroked a double for one of the Tigers’ six extra-base hits, scored twice, and ended with an RBI. Ajay Tew roped a triple and walked to score a run and took the victory on the mound to run his record to 2-1 on the season.
Lakeview (0-7) 0 0 3 0 2 – 5 7 0
JHHS (2-5) 2 1 1 2 5 – 11 13 0
WP – Tew (2-1), LP – Harris
2B – Calahan, Thompson, Qualls, Evans
3B – Trosclair, A. Tew
RBI – D. Tew 3, Calahan 2, Qualls 2, Trosclair, Thompson
RS – Evans 2, Trosclair 2, D. Tew 2, Thompson 2, A. Tew, Knox, Qualls

Ringgold 14 JHHS 9 (Friday) Newton’s law states that what goes up must come down. Coming off their first win of the year, JHHS rode the emotional high to post seven runs for the second time in their last three innings played to jump out to an 8-3 lead after 1 ½ innings of their first game of the Saline Tournament. Then came the crash.
Eleven walks and two hits later Ringgold had rallied from the five-run deficit to take a 14-8 lead in the bottom of the second of two Tigers hurlers. JHHS scored a run in the top of the third, but the lead held up as the game was called after three innings, dropping the Tigers to 1-5 on the year while Ringgold won their second in six starts.
JHHS struck first when Trey Trosclair walked, stole his way around to third, and came home on a Duke Tew single. Ringgold plated three in their half of the inning setting up the Tigers season tying best run-scoring at-bat of the year. Alfonso Calahan started the fireworks with a double, which was the first extra-base hit of the year for JHHS. Dakota Knox followed with a bunt single, and Titus Thompson tied the game at three each with a single. Trosclair singled and Waylon Evans walked to load the bases before Tew got his second RBI of the game with a two-out hit to give JHHS the lead at 4-3. M Baker followed with an RBI single and after Evans scored on a steal of home, Calahan cleared the bases with his second “two-bagger” of the contest to give the Tigers the 8-3 lead.
JHHS (1-5) 1 7 1 – 9 8 0
Ringgold (2-4) 3 11 x – 14 5 0
WP – Durr, LP – Ulloa
2B – Calahan 2
RBI – D. Tew 2, Calahan 2, Evans, Baker, Thompson
RS – Trosclair 2, Thompson 2, Evans, D. Tew, Baker, Calahan, Knox

JHHS 11 Arcadia 1 (Wednesday) Over the first four games of the Zach Cheatwood era, Jonesboro-Hodge showed signs of improvement in each of the contests. Still, after being “ten run” ruled in each game it looked as if it would be a while before they got ready to knock on victories door. This past Wednesday against Arcadia the Tigers didn’t knock. They knocked it down!

By pounding out 13 hits and stealing a new school record 22 bases, JHHS ran past the Hornets 11-1 in five innings to up their season record to 1-4. The performance was indeed impressive, especially considering that in the four games prior, the Tigers had accumulated only five singles and scored six runs, checking in with a paltry .091 team batting average. In this one alone JHHS had five PLAYERS get multiple hits, nearly tripling the season’s prior output. Add in the nine walks the Tiger batters coaxed, and that led to a lot of baserunners, 22 to be exact.

Getting that first win was sweet for Cheatwood who praised his team for continuing to work hard.

“As a team, getting the first win under our belt was big. The kid’s spirit was lifted and I believe this is just the start of more to come” said Cheatwood who also reflected on what it meant to him personally to get his first victory as a coach. “Getting my first win as a coach was surreal. It feels like just yesterday it was me playing. I thanked the guys for working hard and giving me my first ever win as a coach and that I would always remember this team because of that.”

Total team effort! All but one J-H batter got on base at least twice in the contest via a hit or a walk. Trey Trosclair (2RS) reached base the most, showing a keen eye to earn four walks. John Self (3 hits, RBI), Ajay (2 hits, BB, RS), and Duke Tew (2 hits, BB, 2RS, RBI) each got to first three times. Pierce Ulloa and Maquis Baker each chipped in with two hits, knocked in two, and scored a run. Jaden Qualls (RS) also got on twice with a hit and a walk while Waylan Evans (RS) drew two walks and Alfonzo Calahan got a hit, scored twice, and knocked in a run.

Tew Terrific! Not only did JHHS easily have their best offensive performance of the season, but so did Tiger ace Ajay Tew on the mound. In his two starts prior, the senior spin doctor had allowed 18 hits, walked 8, and given up a total of 21 runs of which 18 were earned in just eight innings of work. Improving his strike-to-pitch ratio from 56% (85-152) in the previous two games to 74% (51-70) on Wednesday, Tew held Arcadia to just three singles and struck out nine after fanning only four combined coming in.

Arcadia (0-2) 0 0 1 0 0 – 1 3 0
JHHS (1-4) 2 1 1 7 x – 11 13 0
WP – Tew (1-2), LP – Jackson (0-1)
RBI – Ulloa 2, Baker 2, D. Tew, Self
RS – Trosclair 2, Baker 2, D. Tew 2, A. Tew, Evans, Ulloa, Baker, Qualls

Lady Tigers win two straight

JHHS 24 Lakeview 11 (Saturday) A few games back, first year head coach Matthew Pearce commented that the “girls are starting to get it.” Not only have they gotten it but now they are giving it back as after tasting victory for the first time all season just a few hours prior the Lady Tigers dipped back into the winners well once again rallying from a 7-0 deficit with 13 runs in the bottom of the first leading to a season best run total.

Pearce was not only ecstatic following the victory but also very appreciative of his coaching staff for the work they are doing with the girls and the players for continuing to work hard through the rough start.

“I just want to say I’m thankful to God for the opportunity to come out and compete the way we did, stated Pearce. “To the extraordinary coaches (Coach Jackson, Coach Garsee, and Coach Anderson) we could not have done this without you! I also want to thank the phenomenal Lady Tigers of the JHHS Softball team who showed so much heart this weekend adapting to each play and each call of the game.”

Pearce also sent a reminder to his team.

“Young ladies, remember if we have faith, we can do the what is seemingly impossible to do. Let’s Go Lady Tigers!”

Every Lady Tiger that batted scored at least one run led by Pamela Cribbs who scored five after walking three times and slapping a single and a double. Kyla Hayes duplicated the effort sans one run and Zoie Anderson scored four times as well. Sierra Bond tallied three times with Alivia Anderson, A Ashcroft and Sky Dill all crossing home plate twice. Payge Christensen and Janiyah Walker, who led the Lady Tigers with 4 RBI, added a run each.

Lakeview (0-5) 7 0 1 2 1 – 11 6 5
JHHS (2-6) 13 1 6 4 x – 24 10 0
WP – Anderson (2-6), LP – Galliar
2B – Cribbs, Hayes, Walker
RBI – Walker 4, Christesen 2, Z. Anderson 2, Hayes, A. Anderson
RS – Cribbs 5, Hayes 4, Z. Anderson 4, Bond 3, A. Anderson 2, Ashcraft 2, Christesen, Walker, Dill, Qualls

JHHS 15 Ringgold 6 (Saturday) Over the past two seasons, JHHS won one game each year. Both had come against Ringgold. You can now make it three wins over the Lady Redskins as the Lady Tigers gave first year head coach Mathew Pearce his first career victory and JHHS snapped a 16 game losing streak that stretched back to nearly the same day last year and included the first six contests of this season.

After spotting Ringgold to a 3-0 lead, the Lady Tigers came storming back to score six in the bottom of the first. After winning pitcher Zoie Anderson held Ringgold scoreless in the second, JHHS blew it open by adding five more in their half of the inning and then added four more in the third.

JHHS pounded out 14 hits against Redskin pitching and gained another 10 runners via walks. The victory was a total team effort as Pamela Cribbs, Kyla Hayes, Sierra Bond, Anderson, Janiyah Walker and Alania Ashcraft all got two hits. Sky Dill and Payge Christesen added a hit each as well.

Ringgold (0-5) 3 0 3 – 6 6 4
JHHS (1-6) 6 5 4 – 15 14 1
WP – Z. Anderson (1-6), LP – Bates
2B – Z. Anderson
RS – Z. Anderson 3, Christesen 3, Bond 2, A. Anderson 2, Walker 2, Cribbs, Hayes, Ashcraft

Southwood 17 JHHS 1 (Saturday) Sometimes things happen where you just know that it isn’t going to be your day. That is what happened to Jonesboro-Hodge in the first of two games played in the Saline Tournament on Saturday that left the Tigers still searching for that elusive first victory of the year after six contests.
Something had to give as either JHHS or Southwood was going to win their first game of the year and the way the contest started it looked like this may be the game where JHHS got off the schneid. Riding the momentum of their best offensive output of the season the game before, Pamela Cribbs, Kyla Hayes and Sierra Bond all drew free passes to load the bases and had their top hitter in Zoie Anderson at the plate with no one out. Five pitches later the inning was over as Southwood turned a triple play and in doing so turned the emotional high into a demoralizing low that the young JHHS squad could never recover from as Southwood scored six in the bottom of the first and 11 more in the second to earn their first win of the season after starting with 11 straight losses. JHHS was held hitless, but Alivia Anderson scored a run on a passed ball in the second after getting plunked to open the frame and Payge Christesen and Manyah Jones walked.
JHHS (0-6) 0 1 0 – 1 0 2
SHS (1-11) 6 11 x – 17 7 1
WP – Barrano, LP – Anderson
RS – Anderson

Red River 16 JHHS 14 (Thursday) A furious last inning rally came up just short as the Lady Tigers fell in the district 3-2A opener for both teams. Down by a scores of 13-5 and 16-8 heading into the final frame, JHHS pushed six runs across in their final at bat to get to within two and had a chance to tie but had two runners cut down at the plate.

The offensive output was especially impressive considering that JHHS had scored only 8 runs in the previous four games combined and continued the improvement that has been evident in every game of Mathew Pearce’s first year at the helm.

“The girls are starting to get it,” said Pearce. “They played a heck of a game and are continuing to work hard.”

JHHS pounded out 15 hits against coaxed 13 walks against Red River pitching with Pam Cribbs and ReRe Atkins paced the offense with three hits apiece while Janiyah Walker and Zoie Anderson each rapped two singles. Kyla Hayes, Page, Marnah Jones, Sky Dill and Sierra Bond all chipped in with a hit as JHHS pounded out 15 hits against coaxed 13 walks against Red River pitching for their best offensive performance of the year to date.

JHHS (0-5, 0-1) 0 2 0 1 2 3 8 – 14 12 3
RRHS (2-3, 1-0) 2 3 2 3 3 3 x – 16 8 0
WP – Bryn, LP – Anderson (0-5)
RS – Z. Anderson 3, Hayes 2, A. Anderson 2, Cribbs 2, Waker, Ashcraft, Jones, Dill, Bond

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Early voting for the position of District D Justice of the Peace will take be taking place beginning at 8:30 am on Monday, March 13th thru 6:00pm on Saturday, March 18th. All ballots will be cast at the Jackson Parish Registrar of Voters Office in the Jackson Parish Courthouse located at 500 East Court Street in Jonesboro.

The Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Office reminds that this election is not for residents in the entire parish but only for those in District D. The regular scheduled election will take place on March 25th. 

 

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Jackson Parish was well represented on the 1B All-District boys basketball teams as chosen by the head coaches from the four schools with nine players being selected to either the first and second teams or earning honorable mention.

Quitman High had five players chosen and Weston four with Logan Ponder of QHS being the sole local selection named to the First Team. Blake Carter and Gavyn Caskey from QHS along with Mitchel Mathews and Bryce Zehr from Weston High were selected to the second team. Earning Honorable Mention was Eli Walker and Brayden Smith from Quitman and Tait Henderson and Braden Theriot from Weston. 

Jamaria “Juicy” Clark from district champion Doyline was named the Most Valuable Player in district 1B with Jamarion Clark and Deandre Clark from Castor rounding out the first team. 

District 1-B Boys All District Team

MVP – Jamaria Clark – Doyline

1st Team
Jamaria Clark – Doyline
Jamarion Cark – Castor
Logan Ponder – Quitman
Damarion McClendon – Doyline
Deandre Clark – Castor

2nd Team
Blake Carter – Quitman
Mitchel Mathews – Weston
Bryce Zehr – Weston
Gavyn Caskey – Quitman
Gage Jordan – Castor

Honorable Mention
Eli Walker – Quitman
Brayden Smith – Quitman
Broox Swain – Doyline
Jaybreion Patterson – Doyline
Tait Henderson – Weston
Braden Theriot – Weston

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Are we about to have the wool pulled over our eyes? Have we been bamboozled by
Mother Nature? Are these dogwood and wisteria blossoms figments of my imagination?

I mean it’s the first days of March and already we’re seeing things we should be seeing a month from now. Even so, I’ll take what I can get and enjoy it while I can even if it all gets blistered by a cold snap a few days or weeks down the road.

Spring is the time of year I have always loved. Even as a lad, when green started showing up in the yard and flowers started showing, it was time to do something my mama frowned on. I’d slip off my shoes and socks and let the tender green grass tickle my yet tender toes. Later in the year, I could walk down the gravel road in front of the house barefoot and never feel the rocks beneath my feet. I’ve even done the macho thing of striking a match on the bottom of my leather-tough bare foot in July but it’s the first shedding of shoes in spring I remember most.

Growing up, spring meant watching daddy plow up the garden spot behind the house. I can now close my eyes and smell the aroma of freshly turned earth where later peas, corn and potatoes would grow. If you grew up in the country like I did, I’ll bet you remember what that smelled like. The plow exposed the dark damp soil beneath the surface that gave up an aroma that’s hard to describe.

Spring also meant it was time to go out to the cowbarn with a shovel and tin can. You
didn’t have to dig deep, it was a simple task to flip over the dried cow patties there to expose the hiding place of earthworms and it didn’t take long to uncover enough to handle the task that lay ahead.

Half a mile through the woods behind our home lay twin ribbons of steel where the old L&A steam locomotive pulling a string of box cars as it struggled and chugged up Oskosh hill. Crossing the tracks and stepping down through a thicket to an enchanted place where beeches and oaks shaded Molido, a clear winding stream invited me, my brother and cousins to dangle hooks skewered with red wigglers to entice the interest of what lurked beneath these cool dark waters.

We didn’t catch bluegills or chinquapins or crappie in Molido’s dark holes. We caught
goggle eyes, red perch, jackfish and an occasional mud cat. Bluegills and chinquapins lived in the lake but Molido was reserved for the “creek” fish we caught.

Once the weather warmed enough for us, but not for our mamas, we’d sneak off, strip
down to bare skin and go swimming in one particular deep hole in the little creek. After a swim, it was necessary before we made the walk back home where we would feign innocence so our mamas wouldn’t know we had broken their rules about swimming too early, we made sure our hair had time to dry out. Otherwise, we knew we had been caught and a stern lecture sometimes accompanied by a thin limber switch from the hedge outside the door would be waiting.

That was yesterday. No more cow patties to overturn, cane fishing poles and earthworms and the aroma of freshly turned garden earth. Sneaking off to go barefoot on fresh green grass or swimming in the creek are obviously no longer part of my life but I would take absolutely nothing for the memories of these special things I experienced while growing up out on the rural route decades ago.

Now if Mother Nature would only cooperate and keep those cold fronts at bay for the rest of this spring, things would be just fine.

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE –Bass are beginning to move into the coves and pockets and are hitting soft plastics, jigs and crank baits. Several double digit fish were reported this week with John Harris landing one near 10 pounds. Carolina rigs are picking up some nice bass fishing underwater humps and drop-offs. A good many buck bass to around 4 pounds are hitting with big females on the verge of moving in. Crappie are still in fairly deep water around brush and hitting shiners or jigs. No report on bream or catfish.. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BLACK BAYOU – Crappie have moved up and fishing is good around the trees on shiners or jigs. Bass are improved with spinner baits working around the trees. No report bream. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Big bass are continuing to be caught mostly flipping creature baits around the trees. Several over 10 were reported this week. Crappie are scattered and fair. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water is still high and few very anglers have been going out. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass fishing has been good with spinners, crank baits and Carolina rigs fishing on the points producing bass up to 4 pounds. Crappie fishing has been good with best catches made on the flats on shiners or jigs. Bream are not yet ready but lots of catfish were caught fishing cold worms and night crawlers off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bass are starting to move toward the shallow spawning areas with some nice fish caught on soft plastics, topwater lures and crank baits. Crappie are still best fishing around brush with jigs and shiners picking up some fish. Stripers are beginning to show up and hitting shad imitations. No report on bream or catfish. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498. 
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfishing is good. Crappie are moving to the banks with one headed for the record books at 3.76 pounds as the second largest white crappie on record. Bass are improving with one around 10 pounds caught. No report on bream. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is high and over the road. No fishermen this week. For
information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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Eli Walker of Quitman High fired a round of one over par on the very difficult layout at Bayou Desiard Golf Course in Monroe on Monday, March 6th for his second win in two 18-hole, Front 9 Tour events this spring. Tayt Culpepper of Weston High also represented Jackson Parish well finishing in 9th place. The effort was his third straight top-ten tournament finish.

Walker was declared tri-champion with Silas Lovett of Ouachita Christian and Grey Kingrea of West Monroe High School as all three player of the year candidates navigated what is considered the toughest course in North Louisiana in 73 strokes.

With only three holes left Kingrea birdied #16 to go one under and take a one-stroke lead on Walker who also birdied the hole. Lovett who had roared into contention by making three straight birdies on holes 11, 12, and 13 sat one further back at one over. The lead got even tighter the next hole when Walker and Kingrea both made bogey and Lovett made another par. Kingrea faltered again on the 18th hole for a second straight bogey while Walker and Lovett, who turned in the best side of the day with a two-under-par round of 34 on the back nine, made par to give all three the same finishing score.

Noah Leach of Quitman along with Tyler Pardue and Cayden Smith of Weston produced top 50 finishes with Leach coming in 31st place, Pardue 40th, and Smith 49th. Layton Garrett was just a few spots behind at 53rd. In the Junior Varsity Boys Flight, Jackson Parish had two competitors finish in the top 15 with Austin Durbin of Weston coming in 14th and Nickolas Kliebert of Quitman just one spot behind.

For complete tournament results click here.

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