The Jackson Parish School Board will hold a special called meeting followed by their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, March 13th in the meeting room of the Jackson Parish School District Central Office located at 315 Pershing Hwy. in Jonesboro.
Before the regular meeting slated for 11:00am, board members will meet in the special session at 10:00am where an update on ESSER funding will be the sole topic of discussion.
On the agenda of the regular gathering will be the discussion and possible adoption of the 2023-24 school calendar and Rebecca Womack, Student Support Coordinator, presenting an update on the Reimagine Grant at Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School. Adopting recommendations from the various Committee’s will close out the meeting.
Weston 15 Plainview 11 (Friday) The Lady Wolves made impressive rallies not once, not twice, but three times to win the thrilling contest that had more swings in it than a school yard playground.
Down 4-0, Weston scored five in the top of the fourth to take the lead only to once more fall four runs down in the bottom of the fifth. Again, Weston dug deep and responded with four runs in the top of the sixth to tie the contest at nine apiece. The emotional gamut of agony to exhilaration back to agony was felt by the Lady Wolves once again when Plainview scored two in the bottom of the sixth to go up 11-9 setting the stage for Weston’s final push.
Not to be denied, Weston responded with six runs in the top of the seventh to take their first lead of the game. The decisive inning started with Alaina Trosclair hit a pop fly single and Raelynn Shell following with one out hit. Then with two outs Carly Jo Griffin smashed a three-run bomb over the center field fence that put Weston up 12-11. Riding the newfound emotional high, the next six Weston batters reached base with Jacie Ledford and Gracie Mudge hitting singles, Carlynn Waters stroking a double, Alaina Trosclair and Faith Beamesderfer drawing walks and Jaylin Williams reaching on an error. Ansley Aldy secured the victory by striking out two in the bottom of the 7th and coaxing a groundout to give Weston their third victory of the year and second in the last two games. Griffin led the Weston offense with 4 hits in 5 at bats that included a triple and home run, stole a base, scored twice, and knocked in a career high six runs. Waters (3RBI, 2RS, 2SB) and Mudge (RBI, SB)) chipped in with three hits while Ledford (3B, SB, RBI, 3RS), Trosclair (2B, 2RS, SB) and Aldy (RS) all got two hits. Beamesderfer (2RBI, 2SB, RS) and Raelynn Shell (2RS, SB, RS) got a hit apiece and Williams scored twice and stole one of the eight bases Weston swiped in the game.
Calvin 19 Weston 5 (Friday) By the time the top of the first inning was over, for all intents and purposes, so was the game. Calvin sent 20 batters to the plate to open the contest, getting six hits and a walk before the first out was recorded. At innings end the Lady Cougars had accumulated 8 hits, had four get on via walks and five more from Weston errors to take a 15-0 lead.
The victory at the Smoothie King Invitational hosted by Quitman High but being played at the Ruston Parks and Recreation Sports Complex was Calvin’s fourth in a row and improved the record of the 8th ranked team in Class C to 7-4 on the year. Weston fell to 2-8 overall.
After Calvin added three runs in the next half inning, Weston gamely started fighting back as Penelope Ferguson and Hailey Chatham hit back-to-back doubles and triples for a run. The Lady Wolves added four more in the bottom of the third. Two of the runs came quick as Carly Jo Griffin opened the frame with a single and scored when Jacie Ledford, who went 3/3 adding a double, stolen base, run scored and and two RBI, belted her first home run of the year over the left center field fence. Alaina Troslcair brought in Gracie Mudge with a double and then scored herself on Betty McCarty’s single for Weston’s final runs.
Monterey 6 Weston 3 (Saturday) Scoring two in the first and second innings was all the runs that Monterey would need in the first of two games the Lady Wolves would play on Saturday at the Smoothie King Invitational in Ruston. Ansley Aldy, who led Weston with two hits and an RBI, drove in Carlynn Waters who led the inning off with hit to cut the lead to 2-1 but that would be all the runs WHS could muster until scoring a run in the sixth and seventh innings. Raelynn Shell scored a run and slapped a double as did Faith Beamesderfer. Jaylin Williams also scored. Aldy was the hard luck loser after only giving up two earned runs to Monterey, who improved to 9-4 with the win. Weston (3-9) 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 – 3 8 2 Monterey (9-4) 2 2 0 0 1 1 x – 6 8 3 WP – n//a , LP – Aldy 2B – Shell, Beamesderfer RBI – Griffin, Aldy RS – Waters, Shell, Williams
Bell City 19 Weston 0 (Saturday) The former #1 ranked team in Division V before being beaten by Quitman earlier in the day, took out their frustrations on the Lady Wolves by pounding out 17 hits and scoring 8 runs in the first and 9 more in the third. Offensively, the Lady Wolves had a hard time as well being limited to a double by Jacie Ledford and a single by Realynn Shell in their final game of the Smoothie King Invitational. With the loss Weston fell to 3-10 on the year, while Bell City improved to 10-4 on the season. Bell City (10-4) 8 2 0 9 – 19 17 0 Weston (3-10) 0 0 0 0 – 0 2 5 WP – Landry, LP – Aldy 2B – Ledford
Weston edges Beekman at Choudrant Tourney
Weston 5 Beekman 4 (Saturday) With the bases loaded, Blaine Graham hit a grounder to third to drive in Jacob Gill with the go ahead run the top of the sixth inning which Tait Henderson made hold up, by stranding the tying run in scoring position over the last two Beekman at bats.
The gut check victory that saw Weston rally from an early two run deficit and then deal with Beekman tying the game twice in the final of three games played at the Choudrant Tournament, snapped a two game losing streak and upped the season record to 6-7. With their four game winning streak coming to an end, Class 2A Beekman Charter fell to 5-5 on the year.
Gill was in position to scamper home on the fielder’s choice groundout after he, Sawyer Watkins and Drew Browning drew walks to load the bases. Henderson won his first of the year by working around three Weston errors in the bottom of the sixth and a leadoff single in the bottom of the seventh.
After Beekman scored twice in the bottom of the first to open the contest, Weston used aggressive base running to take a 3-2 lead in the top of the fourth. Bryce Zehr got the rally started by opening the frame with a single, stole second and scored on a base hit by Henderson who took second on the throw to the plate. Cooper Delaney singled to drive Henderson home to tie the game and then scored the go ahead run after back to back singles by Cole Tolar and Watkins.
Beekman tied the game at three in their half of the inning but with Zehr getting his second hit of the game and then scoring on a Henderson double the Wolves went back up by one in the top of the fifth. Again Beekman knotted the game with a run in the bottom of the fifth setting up the decisive game winning events in the next inning.
Zehr paced the offense with three of Weston’s nine hits off Beekman pitching while adding three stolen bases and two runs. Henderson ended with two hits and a walk while knocking in a pair of runs and scoring one. Gill and Delaney, who also had an RBI, got a hit, and scored and Watkins chipped in with a hit, two walks and an RBI.
Claiborne Christian 4 Weston 1 (Friday) With the scored tied 1-1 in the bottom of the sixth Claiborne Christian pushed three runs across to break open what had been a tremendous pitching duel. With the bases loaded, CCA went up 2-1 on a wild pitch then scored two more on a double and a single for the final margin.
Weston tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth thanks to back to back, two out, errors on ground balls hit by Braden Theriot and Cooper Delaney. The Wolves missed the chance for more after Cole Tolar and Sawyer Watkins singled to load the bases but all three were left stranded.
The loss was the second in two days at the Choudrant Tournament for the Wolves who fell to 5-7 overall while Claiborne Christian claimed their first victory of the year after opening with four defeats.
Choudrant 12 Weston 2 (Friday) In every sport it seems there is always one team that simply has your number. For Weston baseball that team is Choudrant. Coming into the Thursday contest between the two former district foes the defending Class B state champion Aggies have had their way with the Wolves over the past nine years.
Winning eight straight by a combined 97-4 margin, including shutting out the Wolves in four out of the last five. Not much changed in the opening game for both teams in the Choudrant Tourney played on March 9th other than by scoring twice, Weston doubled their best single game output over the stretch.
Stroking seven hits that included four doubles and taking advantage of three Weston errors, Choudrant scored nine runs in the first inning to take a 12-2 victory. The loss ended a three-game winning streak for the Wolves and dropped their record to 5-6 on the year while Choudrant, the 8th ranked team in Division V among “non-select” schools, improved to 7-3.
After averaging nine hits a game and having stroked 23 extra bases in the previous ten games this season, the Wolves were only able to manage just four singles off of returning Class B All-State hurler Landon Hennon and reliever Eddie Callendar who threw three innings each. Getting hits for the Wolves was Bryce Zehr, Cole Tolar, Cooper Delaney, and Drew Browning who scored a run along with Braden Theriot. Sawyer Watkins was the hard luck loser, giving up nine runs but only two that were earned.
I want you guys to know that my Pay-Pal and Amazon accounts are in dire need of me clicking on a link. These folks promise me that if I don’t click on the link, my accounts will be locked until the second coming of Jesus.
I want to tell the nice scammers that I don’t have a Pay-Pal account and I know my Amazon account is healthy because of all the ordering that is in process currently. When you have grandchildren you order gifts for every occasion, real or imaginary. It seems that Paw Paw has pulled ahead of Nana as the go to person for the grandchildren gift lists. We once wrote gift lists, today I get a FaceTime call with a grandson on the other end being adorable. Who can turn down that kind of request?
I suppose these people are in some place that is highly developed. I’ll bet they used Babble to practice their skills at sending scam messages. I do want to tell the scammers they need to practice harder. One dead giveaway these are not North Americans is their instructions for me to click on the link “bellow.”
Being a loudmouth myself I am familiar with the term bellow. Animals and people with big mouths are capable of bellowing. Am I to click on the link that in cyber space is “bellowing” at me? Or could they mean the more appropriate word “below.”
There are other grammatical errors that give these people away. They invite us to “recovery your account.” My account does not need recovery, it is working just fine.
I guess the thing that gripes me is that these scammers send me text messages at 5:30 a.m. Maybe they feel I will be more vulnerable at that time. I delete these messages and go on with my day.
I’ve very certain your Pay-Pal and Amazon accounts are safe. I do know that clicking the link either on your phone or in an email will not do anything but separate you from your hard earned money.
I figured I needed to warn you about these things. I warn people about stuff all the time. It is usually sweet and I try to be gentle, but sometimes people are the train on the tracks headed for a trainwreck.
Jesus told his people to “repent.” The word means turn around. We know when we need to do that. We have been scammed enough; we recognize when we are scamming ourselves. Take a new tact, try a new approach, or do something different because your life might be headed away from God.
I’ll talk about it all on Sunday, with no bellowing and high hopes for recovery in Christ.
All-American Edwin Brown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4317 and its Auxiliary has announced the 2022 winners for of its annual Outstanding Paramedic Award, Outstanding Firefighter Award, Teachers of the Year and Patriotic Art and Essay Student Competition.
This past week VFW Post 4317 Commander Philip Lawrence recognized Sandra Kay Caldwell of the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District as Outstanding Paramedic with Troy Mason being given the Fire Fighter Award.
Ms. LaJulia Blankenship (Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary), Ms. Brandi Hasley (Quitman Junior High), and Ms. Haley Stapes (Weston High School) were honored as Teachers of the Year and 15 local students from Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary, Quitman High School and Weston High School along with North Hodge Assembly representative Kase Mathews (shown on right) received awards for placing in local, district and state essay and art competition.
Category IV (5th Grade) 1st – Emily Gilbert (Jonesboro-Hodge) 2nd – Audrina Martin (Quitman) 3rd – Evie Delaney (Weston)
Patriot’s Pen competition (Junior High essay)
1st – Taylor Borland (Quitman) 2nd – Cherish Lard (Quitman) 3rd – Kari Gates (Weston)
Voice of Democracy competition (High School essay)
1st – Kinleigh Harvey (Weston)
WHS Patriotic Competition Winners: Front (l-r): Emma McGee, Gabe Gates, Corey Mixon Back (l-r): VFW Post Commander Philip Lawrence, Kinleigh Harvey, Ms. Haley Staples, Saniyah Saulsberry, WHS Principal Ritchie Tolar Not shown: Miriam Shuler, Evie Delaney, Kari Gates.
QHS Patriotic Competition Winners (l-r): VFW Post Commander Lawrence, Bently Roncal, Mia Gonzalez, Audrina Martin, Taylor Borland, Cherish Lard, and Ms. Brandi Hasley.
J-HES Patriotic Competition Winners (l-r): VFW Post Commander Lawrence, Emily Gilbert, Kaden Palmer, Ms. LaJulia Blankenship, Assistant Principal Jacob Barron.
Paramedic Award – Sandra Kay Caldwell ( JPASD) Firefighter Award – Troy Mason
Ninth grader Nathan Harvey turned in a gold medal winning performance in the 110 meter hurdles highlighting Quitman High Schools showing at the 2023 Simsboro Tiger Relays Invitational track meet that was held on March 9th.
The youthful Wolverine thinclads had seven boys and girls make podium appearances, finishing in either first, second or third place. Finishing in second place as 8th grader Kaleigh King in the girls 300 hurdles and Sebastian Guin in the shot put. Coming in third was Emma Carter in the high jump, Geoffrey Maxwell in the 100 meters. Also finishing as bronze medalists were the boys and girls 4×200 meter relay teams consisting of Harvey, Maxwell, Jayden Harts and Jamall Johnson on the boys team and girls Zuwynesha Johnson, Emayshia Wiley, Maddie Giddens and Bethany Leach.
With 14 north Louisiana schools representing the entire gamut of classifications (5A – C) on hand, the Wolverines gained points in 16 events overall, with both the boys and girls teams scoring in 8 events apiece.
Quitman High School Point Scorers
Boy events
Nathan Harvey (1st place – 300 Hurdles, 4th place – 110 hurdles) Sebastian Guin (2nd place – Shot Put) Geoffrey Maxwell (3rd place – 100 meters) Nicholas Kliebert (4th place – High Jump) 4×100 Relay Team (4th place) Asher Shultz (5th place – Javelin) Taylor Huddleston (5th place – 1600 meters) 4×400 Relay Team (6th place)
Girls events
Kaleigh King (2nd place – 300 hurdles) Emma Carter ( 3rd place – High Jump) 4×200 Relay Team (3rd place) 4×100 Relay Team (4th place) 4×400 Relay Team (5th place) Lily Kate Odom (5th place – Triple Jump) Emayshia Wiley (5th place – 200 meters) Emayshia Wiley (6th place – 100 meters)
Cedar Creek Junior High Track Meet
Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School (JHMS) and the Junior High teams from Quitman and Weston High Schools were among 14 schools that participated in the Cedar Creek Jr. High Track Meet on March 7th. Twenty five area thinclads, broken down as 16 from QJH, 10 from JHMS and 9 from WJH, scored points by placing 1st thru 6th in the track and field events.
First Place Finishers: LaKayla McGuire – JHMS (Long Jump) 2400 Meter Relay Team – JHMS Kaleight King – QJH (100 meter hurdles)
Second place finishers: Hallay Taylor – QJH (Long Jump) Lanie Cheatwood – QJH (Shot Put) Sanaa Tatum – JHMS (100 Meter Dash) Derryn Osborne – JHMS (Triple Jump) Ja’Quincy Bryant – WJH (200 Meter Dash)
Third place finishers: Jaden Johnson – WJH (100 Meter Hurdles) Keeley Davis – WJH (100 Meter Hurdles) Carmon Livingston – JHMS (100 Meter Dash) Carmon Livingston – JHMS (200 Meter Dash)
This past Friday evening, the Jackson Parish Shooting Sports (JPSS) team traveled to Ruston to assist with the Friends of the NRA banquet and man a display on the local 4-H Shooting Sports program.
The members volunteered to show their appreciation of the support received from the Friends of the NRA through their grant program. The financial help allowed the JPSS to secure necessary equipment and supplies the 4-H competitors used to compete in Regional, State, and National Competitions.
For the last 50 years, Ms. Marie Pearce has been living in the Jonesboro Housing Authority (JHA) complex and is a Jackson Parish Council on Aging (JPCOA) Home Delivered Meal Participant.
To celebrate her half a century at the JHA, the JPCOA combined with several town of Jonesboro agencies have a parade in front of her home to let her know that she was important to them.
That was just one of the events that seniors in the Jonesboro area enjoyed through the JPCOA and at the Robert Riddle Senior Center, located at 120 Polk Avenue in Jonesboro. Another favorite time during the month was when the seniors who attended the daily meal were taken into musical memories with ULM Young Artist Ambassadors under the direction of Mark Clark, Professor of Music & Theatre.
The student singers motivated the Seniors to Music & Movement with songs like the Beatles, Disney, Musical Theatre, Folk Music, The Carpenters & Patriotic songs. The group included Jackson Parish native Presto Anderson, who blessed the patrons with a beautiful solo.
Seniors also enjoyed Hawaiian day as Jackson COA Board President Mrs. Shirley Smith and family members entertained the Seniors with songs and dances of Hawaii and the music of Eli Lopez.
Dear Ask the Paperboy: Last year during early March, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that would have made daylight saving time permanent starting this Sunday, March 12. But now I understand that although we will spring forward Sunday, we will fall back come November 5, same as always, Lord willing we are still here. Right? Wrong? Let me know before Sunday. You’re on the clock starting … now! Sleepily in Shreveport
Dear Sleepy, Yes, to the first part; Congress considered making daylight saving time permanent, but it didn’t hap’n, Cap’n. Last year at this time, the proposed legislation went from the Senate to the House and the House was locked. By the time someone found a key, everyone in the House was in a foul mood and said NEG, that they “needed more time” to study its effects one way or the other because, apparently, the 100 years that daylight saving time has been around has not been enough time to really and truly think this thing through. Paperboy wishes daylight saving time were permanent because then it would be Headache Saving Time, since Paperboy’s head is all “confrused” twice a year. Finally, the bill was reintroduced by a senator just last week, has bipartisan support, and has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, Transportation, Headaches, and Clocks. My sources tell me the biggest thing we in the Don’t Touch That Timepiece! lobby have going for us is support in the extremely partisan cow bloc, made up of bovines who don’t want to be milked at one time during March and another time during November. Who would? Cows don’t know a clock from an udder; they just know when the sun comes up. Cows keep life simple.
Dear Ask the Paperboy, I see the Tarbutton Road Exit has opened in Lincoln Parish and a Buc-ee’s is a-comin’. This is the biggest news in these parts since Whataburger opened. But my query is, why is it called Tarbutton Road? Life in Lincoln
Dear Life, Paperboy feels it had to have been the name of someone who lived on that road before it had a name. As is often the custom in rural America, the name of the road, and sometimes a parish or town, is named for the early bird. You snooze, you lose. There are no Tarbuttons around now that I know of, but there are plenty in Texas and Mississippi and, with a name like that, they are all cool. My friend Teddy Allen feels if he’d have been named Teddy Simonetti or Teddy Takata or Teddy Tarbutton, he would have gotten some respect. Great names. They bring something to the party. Plus, it’s a fine road and a top-shelf exit. Hat tippage.
Dear ATP, Recently my favorite baseball player was in a slump and then he hit like two taters and knocked in more runs than you have fingers on your hand in one game. The announcer said he was “off the schneid.” Is this a sports term? A foreign language? Did I misunderstand? Possibly taking this too personally, J.T. Schneider, Schneider Road, Schneiderville
Dear J.T., Words have always amused Paperboy, even ever since he was just Paperbaby. A “schneid,” as it turns out, is a word that originated with gin rummy and means you lost that hand and didn’t score any points. So, a schneid is a bad thing and came to mean, in any sport, that it is not happening for you. To get “off the schneid” means you are winning again. So, if you see a schneid, stay away from it. If you’re on a schneid, say excuse me and get off it. Now that that’s settled, let’s score some runs!
Registration for Kindergarten and Pre-K at Quitman High School will take place on Wednesday, March 15th. Documentation required for Kindergarten registration is a birth certificate, immunization record, Social Security care, two proofs of residence. The same is applicable for Pre-K registration with the inclusion of two proofs of income for all adults in the household. To be eligible for Pre-K the student must be 4 years old before September 30, 2023.
If you require help, in-person assistance is available at the Jackson Parish Student Service Center. A question portal is also available at bit.ly/jp-earlychildhood
I feel undressed until I put on eye glasses and my wrist watch.
I wear a dependable Timex that I bought from a Vicksburg thrift store; it was a bargain at $5.00. The watch was well worth the cost of a new battery and removal of a few links in the wrist band by a jeweler. Recently, I thought of my Mom when I glanced down at my watch.
Mom wore her watch only on special occasions. I’d guess she had owned it for a long time. She may have received it as a gift or bought it with her own hard earned money. She worked in a photography shop before marrying my father. Looking at my watch, I remembered a time when Mom put her watch in a jewelry shop for cleaning and minor repairs.
The watch was among her most treasured possessions; it meant that much to her.
We belong to God.
“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:20 NKJV).”
As God’s children, we are His treasured possessions.
“They shall be Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘On the day that I make them My jewels (Malachi 3:17 NKJV).”
My wrist watch came at a bargain price.
Our salvation cost God the life of His Son.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16 NKJV).”
Author Note: Pam Ford Davis writes daily devotionals for Faith Writers Great Multitude Christian Daily Devotion, Wing His Words, Tea & Testimonies and Call His Name Jesus. She has also 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.
Let’s Get Vaccinated! That is the message the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is trying to convey to the residents across the state. To help make that possible LDH Region 8, of which Jackson Parish is a part, has scheduled dates for free Covid-19, Flu and Monkeypox vaccinations in each parish of the region this week. The Jackson Parish Health Unit, located at 228 Bond St. in Jonesboro, will be giving vaccinations Monday – Friday (March 13-17) during times of 8am-4:30pm. Appointments are suggested, but not necessary. To schedule an appointment call (318) 259 – 6601.
LINCOLN PARISH, La. (KTVE/KARD) — Funding from the Louisiana State Cultural Districts Implementation Grant has provided an exciting new opportunity in the Lincoln Parish area. The Ruston Cultural District is currently in need of four artists for a mini-mural project on four transformer boxes.
The boxes vary in size but are approximately four feet by five feet. The goal of the project is to convert a common object in the district into a work of art to add visual interest.
Art submissions must be received by 5 PM, on April 10, 2023. Artists that are chosen for the project will receive a supply credit of $400 at Creative Exchange. Once the mural is complete, there is a $775 stipend.
The Mini Mural Project Committee will be in charge of reviewing submissions. Submissions are exclusive to residents of Lincoln Parish and students attending local universities.
Artists with a winning design will be notified by April 14th. Winning designs will be required to be completed by May 17th.
If you would like to participate in this project, be sure to CLICK HERE for the application. Photos of the boxes will also be available on the application.
NOTE: This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Dillon Goods (Winnfield, LA) – Improper Lane Usage, Possession of Stolen Firearm, Possession of Schedule I Kenneth N Roberts (West Monroe, LA) – Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Sexual Battery, False Imprisonment, Domestic Abuse Battery by Strangulation Therena Trevillion (Jonesboro, LA) – IWC Warrant James F Culpepper (Quitman, LA) Warrant on Misdemeanor Theft Charge x3 Amy K Lopez (Quitman, LA) – Disturbing the Peace Jarvis Qualls ( Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant on Aggravated Battery with Dangerous Weapon Charge, Flight from an Officer, P&P Warrant Tanya R Gray (Farmerville, LA) – Tag Lights, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia John Clifton (Jonesboro, LA) – 5 day Sanction by P&P Casey Smedley (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
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.
Marie Weeks, age 91 of Jonesboro, ascended to her Heavenly home Wednesday, March 8, 2023. She enjoyed cooking for loved ones and attending family gatherings. She loved to care for her flower gardens. Marie was the a great mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved the Lord and her family above all else.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Jimmy Breeland and wife Robbie, George Breeland and wife Julie; daughters, Dorothy Brown, Joan Shows, Christine Dobson and husband Denis, Melba Norred and husband Waylon; 18 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; 22 great-great grandchildren; brother, Harvey Gean Wade and wife Juanita. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Weeks; son, Van Ray Weeks; grandson, Roger Van Weeks; great granddaughter, Emily MaKenna Kelly; parents, James Elmer and Lelia Marie (Harville) Wade; brother, Robert Wade.
Funeral services are set for Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 2:00PM at Siloam Baptist Church in Gansville with Reverends Terry Bartley and Robert Leach officiating. Burial will follow in Antioch Community Church Cemetery near Brewtons Mill under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Alex Kelley, Jeff Carpenter, Logan Carpenter, Rodney Temple, Stanley Lafollette, Bryan Lafollette. Honorary pallbearers will be Ryan Michael Kelley, Wade Brown, Waylon Norred, Bart Norred.
Dakota “Cody” Lynn Carter September 2, 1993 – March 3, 2023
Dakota Lynn Carter passed away on Friday, March 3, 2023 in Friendship, Louisiana. He was 29 years old. Cody, as he was known by his family and friends, was an extremely friendly and loving person. People instantly liked him and he liked talking to everyone. Cody enjoyed fishing. He loved high school, college and professional football, as well as other sports. His favorite thing to do was to spend time with his sons.
Cody is survived by his son, Beaux Carter and Beaux’s mother, Destiny Nash; daughter-to-be, Eden Carter; father, Eric Carter; mother, Janet (Jones) Carter; sisters, Nicole Carter and Olivia Kate Carter; brother, Tyler Carter; paternal grandmother, Kitty Carter; maternal grandmother, Nancy Jones; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Cody was preceded in death by his son, Corey Carter; paternal grandfather, Glen Carter; maternal grandfather, Joe Jones; and uncle, B.J. Carter.
As per his wishes, Cody will be cremated. A memorial service was held at McDonald Baptist on Friday, March 10, 2023 with Bro. Randy Dark officiating.
William A. “Billy” Gullatt August 30, 1930 – March 9, 2023
William A. “Billy” Gullatt was born on August 30, 1930, to the late Jap Gullatt, Sr., and the late Carrie Jane Pesnell Gullatt. He was the seventh of eight children. After graduating in 1947 from Simsboro High School, Billy graduated from Louisiana Tech with a B.S. degree in Education, an M.A. degree in Education, and his Plus 30 and above in Education. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, including one year in Korea.
Billy began his teaching career in 1955 as a teacher and coach in Longstreet, LA. His career spanned 31 years of teaching, coaching, and administration. He retired as a Supervisor of Instruction in Lincoln Parish Schools. After retirement, he served as Principal of Bienville Academy, Director of Educational services at the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, and Adjunct Professor at Louisiana Tech.
Billy had a love for teachers and those who taught and served in the classroom. After retirement, he served as President of the Lincoln Parish Retired Teachers, District President of Retired Teachers, and on the Board of Directors of the Retired Teacher Association in Baton Rouge. One thing dear to his heart was the Men’s Bible Study Class at Temple Baptist Church in Ruston.
Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Jap Gullatt, Sr., and Carrie Pesnell Gullatt; his sisters, Milledge Ledbetter, Jo Fielder, Etta Dean, and Margie Johnson; his brothers Harrell Gullatt and Thomas Ted Gullatt; and a nephew Samuel Larry Ledbetter.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Gloria Rodrigues Gullatt; one brother, Jap Gullatt, Jr. (Patsy) of Haughton, two daughters, Rhonda Gullatt Malone and husband John of Ruston, and Pam Gullatt Scott and husband Fletcher of Katy, TX; six grandchildren, Matthew Malone (Meredyth) of Bentonville, AR, Daniel Scott (Kim) of Katy, TX, Megan Malone Webster (Charles) of Memphis, TN, Molly Malone Fleming (Beau) of Mooresville, NC, Jennifer Scott Horn (Jarred) of Leander, TX, and Amy Scott Raskolnikov (Dima) of New York, NY; eight great-grandchildren Samantha, Abigail, and Cole Scott; Caden, Ainsley, and Cody Horn; Kipton Malone, and Louis Fleming.
A celebration of life for William A. “Billy” Gullatt, 92, will be at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 12, 2023, in the chapel of Temple Baptist Church in Ruston, LA, with Dr. Reggie Bridges officiating. Burial will follow at the Gullatt Cemetery in Simsboro, LA, immediately following under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 12, from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Temple Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Thomas Gullatt, Steve Gullatt, Patrick Gullatt, John Gullatt, Dr. David Gullatt, and Ben Ledbetter. Honorary pallbearers will be C. A. Taylor and David Roach.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Gullatt Family Scholarship Fund through the Louisiana Tech University Foundation. This scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student in the College of Education at Louisiana Tech University or the donor of their choice.
James Paul Turner November 17, 1920 – March 8, 2023
Funeral services for Mr. James Paul Turner, age 102 of Ruston, LA will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church in Ruston with Rev. Dana Thrash officiating. Burial will follow in the Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.
James was born November 17, 1920 in Quitman, LA to William Turner and Addie Causey and passed away March 8, 2023 in Ruston. He served in the United States Army as sergeant during World War II, in the invasion of Normandy for D-Day, campaigns of Northern France, Rhineland and Ardennes in the Battle of the Bulge and central Europe. James was a tank driver in the 746 Tank Battalion and received a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and a Bronze Indian Head for his services. After the war, he became a carpenter and retired as a heavy construction worker where he had a degree in blueprint reading and built nuclear reactors. James returned home to care for his parents after retirement and returned to carpentry, building many houses until retiring again at the age of 94. Building was his passion. James had a great sense of humor. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. James loved to spend time with his family. He was a Mason and was a member of the Wesley Chapel Methodist Church. James was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years and the love of his life Marjorie Louise Day Turner; three brothers: Claudie Mitchell Turner, William “Billy” Turner and Rhode Turner; and one sister Minnie Neeles.
James is survived by his sons Michael Turner of Ruston and Stephen Turner and wife Sylvia of Choudrant, LA; granddaughter Sarah Louise Turner Castaneda and husband Dylan Castaneda of Ruston; grandson Joshua Paul Turner and wife Chelsey of Farmerville, LA; step-grandson David Horn of Ruston; three great-grandchildren: Emery Castaneda of Ruston, Olivia Castaneda of Ruston and Madison Turner of Farmerville; two sisters Addie Pearl “Pep” Lynde of Quitman and Bettye Sue Turner Pate of Jonesboro, LA; and a host of other family and many friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Dylan Castaneda, Billy Pipes, Will Neeles, JR Farley, Joshua Turner and Chris Love. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Neeles and Lowell Lynde, Jr.
Visitation will be held from 8:00-10:00 AM, Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston.
You are reminded to set your clocks ahead one hour at 2:00am this coming Sunday, March 12th as we Spring Forward with Daylight Saving Time. State Fire Marshal Chief Dan Wallis is also reminding all Louisianans to check the status of the life-saving devices in their homes, like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
“It’s been a long-standing practice in the fire safety world for these two tasks to go hand-in-hand– change your smoke and CO alarm batteries when you change your clocks,” said Wallis, “These days, as many clocks spring forward automatically, it’s especially important for this reminder to reach every household in Louisiana. Take a moment right now to put ‘change your clocks, change your batteries’ on your to-do list for this weekend.”
When checking the status of these devices to determine whether a new battery is needed, also take note of their age. If you know, or suspect, that your smoke or CO alarms are older than 10 years, we highly recommend upgrading to the 10-year, sealed battery alarms that don’t require any battery replacement through their lifetime. These newer alarms will, however, require something we suggest anyway—pressing the “test” button once a month to ensure the devices are in working order.
“We say it all the time, but it is a fact that smoke alarms save lives,” said Wallis, “In 2022, almost 80 Louisianans lost their lives in residential fires. Only three of those cases involved structures with working smoke alarms at the time of the fires. Make sure your family is protected by having these devices in your home and in working order at all times.”
If you do not have a smoke alarm, and cannot afford one, the Operation Save-A-Life program can help. The program partners with local fire departments to install smoke alarms for free for families that need them most. To learn more about the program and register for a smoke alarm, visit lasfm.org. You can also contact your local fire department to request a smoke alarm installation.
None of the Jackson Parish High School baseball or softball teams will be playing at home this weekend but they won’t be far away as tournament play continues to dominate the schedule. Both squads from Jonesboro-Hodge will take part in the Saline Tournament while the Quitman and Weston baseball teams will play in the Choudrant Tournament. The softball teams from Quitman and Weston will also be in the same location as both will participate in the Smoothie King Invitational sponsored by Quitman High School and played at the Parks and Recreation Sports Complex in Ruston.
Jonesboro-Hodge: Playing in the Saline Tournament Friday: JHHS vs Ringgold at 7:00pm Saturday: JHHS vs Lakeview at 4:30pm
Quitman: Playing in the Choudrant Tournament Friday: QHS vs St. Fredericks at 6:30pm Saturday: QHS vs Claiborne Christian at 4:45pm Saturday: QHS vs Choudrant at 7:00pm
Weston: Playing in the Choudrant Tournament Friday: WHS vs Claiborne Christian at 4:00pm Saturday: WHS vs Beekman Charter at 10:00am
Jonesboro-Hodge: Playing in the Saline Tournament Friday: JHHS vs Southwood at 5:15pm Saturday: JHHS vs Ringgold at 12:30pm Saturday: JHHS vs Lakeview at 4:00pm
Quitman: Playing at the Smoothie King Invitational in Ruston Friday: QHS vs Rosepine on Field 4 at 5:30pm Friday: QHS vs Hicks on Field 4 at 7:30pm Saturday: QHS vs Bell City on Field 4 at 12:00pm Saturday: QHS vs Anacoco on Field 4 at 4:00pm
Weston: Playing at the Smoothie King Invitational in Ruston Friday: WHS vs Plainview on Field 3 at 3:30pm Saturday: WHS vs Monterey on Field 3 at 12:00pm Saturday: WHS vs Bell City on Field 3 at 4:00pm
Quitman High School has so many good softball players that it is often impossible to identify just one as being the catalyst to a victory. In virtually every game that has been played this season it could be easily said that the victory gained was the result of the proverbial “total team” effort. That is until Monday.
Not to take anything away from the contributions made by the rest of the team in Quitman’s 4-2 victory over Class 5A Ruston High, but the performance that sophomore Cali Deal turned in simply deserves special recognition. It would be hard to imagine a more complete game exhibition of skills.
At the plate, the two-time Class B First Team All-Stater smashed a solo home run in the bottom of the first and then hit a three-run bomb in the fourth to drive in all four runs QHS scored. In the circle, the lanky lefty threw 70 of her 95 pitches for strikes (74%) that resulted in 15K’s while allowing only two hits over seven innings to win her 5th game of the year without a loss.
Others that contributed to the victory were Madison Chaplin and Maggie Guyotte, who chipped in with two hits each. Skylar Hall got a hit, scored a run, and walked and Hallie Kate Pullig singled and scored a run. Maddie Brymer and Madison Vail also collected a hit each as Quitman improved to 6-4 on the year.
Guyotte’s gem lifts Lady Wolverines past North Webster
(Tuesday) One day after Cali Deal helped lift Quitman to victory with an outstanding “double duty” performance, Maggie Guyotte turned in one of her own. With the talented freshman reaching base three times and driving in three runs, as well as smashing her sixth home run of the year AND pitching a two-hit complete game shutout Quitman had no trouble in rolling past North Webster 11-0.
The Lady Wolverines also got great production from seventh grader Hallie Kate Pullig, who had 2 hits, 3 RBI, and a stolen base as well as Madison Chaplin who got a hit, scored twice, stole two bases, and had two RBI. Additional contributors were Skylar Hall (2B, 2 RS, RBI), Averie Williams (2B, RBI), Cali Deal (2 RS, SB), and Madeline Vail who got a hit, stole a base, and scored a run. Marley Bell also drew three walks and scored a run and Katie Lynn Roberts scored twice.
The victory over the Division III team coupled with the win over Division I Ruston vaulted Quitman, who has now won six in a row to improve to 7-4 on the year, from 9th to 3rd in the Division V rankings.
TEAM
1
2
3
4
5
R
H
E
North Webster
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
Quitman
1
0
5
0
5
11
7
4
WP – Guyotte (2-4)), LP – Campbell 2B – Williams, Hall HR – Guyotte RBI – Guyotte 3, Pullig 3, Chaplin 2, Williams, Hall RS – Chaplin 2, Hall 2, Deal 2, Roberts 2, Guyotte, Vail, Bell SB – Chaplin 2, Deal, Vail, Pullig
Quitman baseball falls to North Webster rally
Seven and eleven are winning numbers in dice but the combination made Quitman a loser on Monday. By posting three and two in the first two and a half innings, QHS rolled to a 5-0 lead but the Wolverine’s effort to win a second straight for the first time all season “crapped” out when North Webster scored seven runs in the bottom of the third inning on the way to an 11-7 victory.
Riley Duck and Logan Ponder both slapped a double and got a pair of hits and Kace West went 3/4 as Quitman piled up 12 hits in the contest. Hudson Pullig (RS, RBI) Brian Lay (RS), John Raegan Hasley (RS), and Ian Tilley all got a hit apiece while Cam Deal stole two bases and scored three runs. Maddox Duck drove in two runs with a hit. Logan Ponder took the loss on the mound for Quitman who fell to 1-5 on the year. North Webster, ranked #2 in Division III among “non-select” schools improved to 7-1 despite being outhit by Quitman 12-11 and making six errors compared to four by the Wolverines.
TEAM
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
R
H
E
Quitman
0
3
2
0
1
0
1
7
12
4
North Webster
0
0
7
0
2
2
x
11
11
6
WP – McKenzie, LP – Ponder 2B – R. Duck, Ponder RBI – M. Duck 2, Pullig RS – Deal 3, R. Duck, Pullig, Hasley, M. Duck SB – Deal 2
For the first time this season both the Weston High baseball and softball teams won on the same day as the baseball boys outscored Claiborne Christian 11-8 and the Lady Wolves upended Division III foe Union Parish by a 10-4 margin.
Weston 11 Claiborne Christian 8: After three innings, Weston led 2-0. Over the next two innings the two teams combined for 17 runs with the Wolves scoring nine and CCA tallying eight. Bryce Zehr led the Wolves with three hits, including a double and accounted for 3 runs scored, 3 RBI and 2 stolen bases. Colton Blundell chipped in with 2 hits, 2 RS, 2 RBI and stole a base while Tait Henderson added a pair of hits, a run, an RBI and a stolen base. Braden Theriot ( 2BB, RBI), Cole Tolar (RBI), Cooper Delaney (RS) and Sawyer Watkins (RS) all had a hit apiece, Blaine Graham scored twice and stole a base and Jacob Gill scored a run and coaxed to base on balls as every batter reached base at least once. Tayt Culpepper picked up the win in the five inning affair as Weston evened their record to 5-5 on the year.
If the Lady Wolves end up having a winning season you can look back on this game as the one where the corner was turned. Weston entered into the contest having won one of six games including losses in their last four. Their opponent had opened the season by winning four of five that included a pair of district 1-3A tilts. Easy win for Union? Not so fast!
Weston scored 7 runs in the second inning leading to a 10-4 upset victory that saw Anslee Aldy pitch the best game of her career, striking out 13 Lady Farmers and allowing only two hits. Alaina Trosclair also came up big with two hits, including a double, knocking in three runs, stealing a base, and scoring a run. Betty McCardy also got two hits, scored twice, and stole a base while Jacie Ledford reached base four times on three walks and a hit, scored twice, and stole a base. Hailey Chatham got two hits and an RBI, Carly Jo Griffin walked twice, stole a base, and scored a run and Jaylin Williams stole 3 bases, got a hit, scored a run, and knocked in a run. Raelynn Shell also stole 3 bases, scored twice, and walked twice, Gracie Mudge got a hit and an RBI, and Carlynn Waters scored a run and stole one of the season’s best ten bases Weston swiped during the contest.
Zach Cheatwood and Mathew Pearce knew they were taking on the daunting task when they agreed to coach the JHHS baseball and softball teams this spring. They knew that neither program has won more than two games in a season over the past two years and that improvement was going to happen overnight.
While neither team has won a game or for that matter even had one last a full seven innings yet, it is obvious that both are making a difference and strides, albeit small ones, are being made each game.
Calvin 13 JHHS 3 (Baseball): JHHS got two runs ahead for the first time all season lead and scored more runs than the game before for the third straight time. The Tigers went up 2-0 in the bottom of the first without a hit when Trey Trosclair opened with a walk, Ajay Tew reached on an error and Waylen Evans walked to load the bases. Another walk to Alfonzo Calahan scored Tew and then Evans scored on a wild pitch. JHHS scored their third run when Calahan walked, stole second, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on an RBI single by Ethan Johnson. An eight spot posted by Calvin in the third inning and three more in the top of the fifth gave the Cougars the victory in their first game of the year. JHHS fell to 0-3 on the season.
Doyline deals doubleheader defeat to JHHS
The Lady Tigers took a lead for the first time all season but in the end Doyline was simply too strong as they defeated the Lady Tigers in both games of the doubleheader played on Monday by 17-2 and 19-2 scores. JHHS now stands at 0-4 on the year while Doyline improved to 3-4.
Kylia Hayes and Pam Cribbs opened the contest by drawing walks and Zoie Anderson followed with a single to give the Lady Tigers their first lead of the year at 2-0. Doyline scored three in the bottom half of the inning to take the lead, scored three more in the second and then put the game away with eleven runs in the bottom of the third. Doyline scored eleven runs again in their next at bat which was in the bottom of the first inning of the second game in the 19-2 victory. Hayes and Anderson scored the Lady Tigers two runs.
The selections of the Student-Athletes of the Week at Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman, and Weston High School for March 5th – 11th 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 not only receives school and public recognition but also is given a commemorative T-Shirt by the Jackson Parish Hospital, which sponsors the weekly award.
Student-Athlete of the Week
Cara Racine (9th Grade) – Varsity Softball player at JHHS
Sawyer Watkins (10th Grade) – Varsity Baseball player at Weston High School
Cali Deal (10th Grade) – Varsity Softball Player at Quitman High School
Cara Racine – JHHSSawyer Watkins – WHSCali Deal – QHS
The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce will hold their regularly scheduled monthly meeting at 6:00pm on Thursday, March 9th at the Smokehouse Restaurant in North Hodge. All members and prospective applicants are encouraged to attend but you are asked to RSVP so an accurate count can be provided to the host. To make a reservation call JPCC Director Wilda Smith at (318) 259-4693 or send email to wsmithcoc@aol.com
Upcoming Chamber activity schedule for March
March 25th: Health Community Health Fair in downtown Jonesboro March 30th: Annual chamber banquet at the Family Life Center of the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Tickets are available by contacting the chamber office.
Chamber seeks help to “dress up” Jonesboro
Work has begun to prepare for the annual Sunshine Festival and JPCC Director Wilda Smith is requesting help from the community as stated in a post made on the JPCC Facebook page.
As we work towards our Annual Sunshine Festival, our goal is to have the town “dressed up” for the festivities. As well as flowers being planted, we would like to make repairs to the brick flower beds. This is a community-wide effort as we are seeking your help to achieve this goal! Please consider donating for the bricks and flowers. You may donate money for flowers and hanging plants in honor, in memory of, or in recognition of loved ones past and present. This goal needs to be reached prior to the Sunshine Festival so that all visitors and residents can experience the beauty and wonder our community has to offer. Let’s work together to bring the community back to the glory it once was and has the potential to become again. We can only achieve this goal with your help and generosity!
Monetary donations requested: Flowers/Hanging Baskets: $35 each Brick Repairs: all monetary donations appreciated Flower Beds: $300 needed to replace/plant flowers in 3 flower beds
Forty one teams competing in eight divisions recently completed Youth Basketball League play. Organized and conducted by the Jackson Parish Recreation Department (JPRD), each Saturday through the months of January and February over 320 boys and girls from the ages of 5-14 played games at the Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School and both gymnasiums at Jonesboro-Hodge High School.
“I was very pleased with the participation we had this year,” said JPRD Director Tommy Smith. “We had a tremendous number of young athletes take part and it was especially rewarding to see how many people supported the boys and girls through their attendance. Special thanks goes our staff and to the volunteers who helped with coaching, refereeing, scorekeeping and concessions.”
The main focus of the league is not about winning and losing games but instructing local youth in the fundamentals of basketball. Teams did compete against each other though and the points players scored were tallied.
See below for the final standings of each league and the scoring statistics of each individual who participated.
2023 YBL Final Standings and Statistics
AGE 5 & 6
RECORD
Suns
8-0
Warriors
6-2
Bucks
5-3
Clippers
3-5
Lakers
1-7
Bulls
1-7
Suns: Ashton Anderson 86, Kaden Blewer 50, Caylee Mauthe 37, Leia Green 19, Willow Tingle 16, Kassidy Loyd 15 Bucks: Bryce Martin 33, DJ Hudson 20, Cole Burton 14, Briggs Craighead 14, Jacob Patton 13, Koltyn Donaldson 9, Harper Gandy 7, Starr Bradley 6, Londyn Tilley 4 Warriors: Brennen Otwell 47, Duke Henderson 37, Crew Tidwell 30, Oliver Lee 23, Samuel Jones 17, Braxley Tucker 12, Laurel Smith 10, Matilyn Otwell 8, Uriah Hall 7, Eliza Jackson 6 Lakers: Jase Watkins 25, Brenton Lewis 13, Kolton Lafitte 11, Kase Mathews 11, Aceon Calahan 10, Kadon Graves 10, MJ Harrell 9, Emmett Thomas 4, Octavion Anderson 3 Clippers: Levi Norred 52, Ryker Ingram 27, Jayce Linton 11, Lamar Martin 9, Kenzie Billman 7, Bentley Roncal 6, Tyler Newton 5, Emma Rowe 4, Jackson Linton 2 Bulls: Harper McBride 23, Pistol McCurdy 16, John Walker 11, Mitchell Osborne 9, Sebastion Garrett 8, Eva Martin 8
Top 5 Scorers: Ashton Anderson 86, Levi Norred 52, Kaden Blewer 50, Caylee Mauthe 37, Duke Henderson 37
AGE 7-8 GIRLS
RECORD
Sparks
8-0
Aces
4-4
Stars
2-6
Liberty
2-6
Aces: Savannah Porter 26, Jaicee Watkins 18, Morgan Osborne 13, Dally McCurdy 8, Madi Spillman 7, River Waggoner 6, Audrey Lee 4, Stars: Isabell Morris 34, Delilah Hudson 17, Jesslyn Williams 8, Jersey Kate Corley 7, Charlae Jones 5, Hilary Foster 3 Sparks: Ainsley Bougues 85, Adeline Anderson 47, Hadley Garner 47, Natalie Sullivan 13, Jaylee Hough 5, Alaiyah Robinson 1 Liberty: Carrington Bond 43, Cadie Conn 20, Ryleigh Puffer 11, Kylee Allen 11, Justice Faulkner 10, Brooklyn Carpenter 3
Top 5 Scorers: Ainsley Bougues 85, Adeline Anderson 47, Hadley Garner 47, Carrington Bond 43, Isabell Morris 34
AGE 7 & 8 BOYS
RECORD
Kings
8-1
Magic
7-2
Grizzlies
4-4
Hawks
4-5
Thunder
3-4
Blazers
3-5
Celtics
1-8
Magic: Asher Norred 105, Andrew Seymore 61, Carter Greer-Kelly 47, Colton Haney 19, Sebastion Love 9, Bradley Keeney 7, Bryce Mauthe 6 Celtics: Brock Craighead 38, Hunter Williams 20, James Lewis 19, Mason Caldwell 9, Reece Johnson 9, Tytus Campbell 8, Brandon Lafitte 6, Mayson Terral 4 Grizzlies: Cruz Nomey 60, Kash McAdams 37, Andrew Edwards 36, Clay Burton 21, Drew Caldwell 13, Case Creel 11, Grayson Edwards 5, Landry Garrett 2 Blazers: Khree Boston 138, Austin West 17, Trey Wall 13, Stone Anderson 10, Jaxon Anderson 7, Jaycob Rogers 7, Beaux Gandy 2 Thunder: Kutter Blalock 116, Noah Martin 26, Maddox Graham 16, Ayden Chatham 13, Khaza Cottonham 7, Cason Walker 6, Declan Williams 3, Clark Atkins 3 Hawks: Mason Greer 73, Cooper Barnes 55, Leland Anderson 23, Carson Knox 19, Cutter Whisonant 17, Jeremiah Jones 16, Jess Potts 5, Thomas Jones 2, Kings: Jagger Ingram 85, Koplen Taylor 60, Grant Williams 19, Isaac Sessions 11, Thomas Sessions 11, Taten Hall 10, Brantley Tucker 3, Austin North 3, Mason 3
Top 5 Scoring: Khree Boston 138, Kutter Blalock 116, Asher Norred 105, Andrew Seymore 61, Cruz Nomey 60, Koplen Taylor 60
AGE 9 & 10 GIRLS
RECORD
Sky
8-0
Fever
4-4
Mystics
0-9
Fever: Amelia Staggs 47, Ashlyn Petre 14, Lizzie Kate Sullivan 10, Lily Tolar 4, Brooklyn Keiffer 2, Khaliya Cash 2, Raylie Hall 1 Mystics: Mallory Malone 33, Scarlett Parks 7 Charlee Mauthe 6, Chloe Maxwell 5, Ansley Brooks 1 Sky: Sally Kate Keiffer 79, Hannah Aldy 62, Elliot Savage 11, Brielle Ussery 11, Audrey Anderson 5, Leah Atkins 3
Top 5 Scoring: Sally Kate Keiffer 79, Hannah Aldy 62, Amelia Staggs 47, Mallory Malone 33, Ashlyn Petre 14
AGE 9 & 10 BOYS
RECORD
Raptors
7-2-1
Rockets
7-3
Grizzlies
4-4
Kings
4-5
Celtics
1-8-1
Raptors: Aiden Reed 87, Joseph Gill 31, Carter Sanders 24, Jase Reed 22, Ryder Diffey 12, Bentley Hall 4, Gannon Sullivan 2 Celtics: Corey Mixon 42, Brady Malone 34, Cason Conn 27, Parker Nomey 15, Eli Jones 8, Grant Griffin 5, Kaine Stasson 2 Grizzlies: Jack Robinson 71, Kash Gandy 29, Jase Tinsley 25, Riley Stevenson 8, Ryder Pardue 7, Elijah Shell 5, Christopher Wrenn 3, Caleb Robinson 2, Maddox Narron 1 Kings: Bentley Ponder 67, Gunner Garrett 25, Shepard Norred 16, Levi Horsfall 14, Rhett Emmons 13, Nolan Thomas 5, Keyshawn Jones 3 Rockets: Caiden Jackson 38, Tripp McBride 24, Thatcher Savage 23, Jaxon Culpepper 23, Caston Zimmerman 21, Mason Tolar 9, Braddock Chandler 8, Hudson St. Clair 1
Top 5 Scoring: Aiden Reed 87, Jack Robinson 71, Bentley Ponder 67, Corey Mixon 42, Caiden Jackson 38
AGE 11-12 GIRLS
RECORD
Dream
6-2-1
Liberty
5-4
Lynx
5-4
Sun
3-4-1
Wings
1-6
Sun: Samone Mallard 77, Shacoria Mallard 26, Averi Hasley 22, Brylee Cuthrell 19, Tessa Reeves 12, Gracie Gray 7, Rainey Gregory 4, Anna Pardue 4, Allison Ramsey 1 Wings: London Burks 34, Emma Kate Toms 16, Avery Dark 11, Gabby Edwards 10, Rhianna Smith 5, Aubrey Donaldson 4, Xylia Scott 2, Dream: Carly Jo Griffin 68, Jana Potts 36, Bella Caskey 13, Braelyn Patton 11, Ada-Claire Tidwell 11, Audrina Martin 10, Teegan Hall 7, Addison Phares 4, Kymori Patterson 1 Lynx: Sophia Kliebert 71, Allie Robertson 31, Brenna Lamkin 18, Kaylan Hough 16, Keely Davis 13, Ella Simonelli 10, Kynleigh Leach 7, Demie McCurdy 7 Liberty: Brooklyn Brown 42, Klea Blalock 40, Reese Womack 25, Landry Horsfall 9, Ella Robinson 9, Bailey Tinsley 8, Tinley Choate 1
Top 5 Scoring: Samone Mallard 77, Sophia Kliebert 71, Carly Jo Griffin 68, Brooklyn Brown, Klea Blalock
AGES 11 & 12 BOYS
RECORD
Lakers
8-0
Suns
5-3
Bucks
4-4
Bulls
3-5
Mavericks
3-5
Spurs
1-7
Lakers: Braydon Robinson 81, Raylon Bradford 64, Noah Spillman 49, Rylan Mauthe 38, Jayden Burns 32, Jadyn Watkins 3 Bulls: Malachi Harris 54, Colton Otwell 45, Luke Rowe 33, Lucas Leach 22, Madden McAdams 7, Tucker Goss 5, Eli Rowe 4, Benjamin Patton 1 Suns: Joseph Delaney 69, Kaleb Maxwell 59, Leyton Younse 53, Christopher Oncale 25, Ryder Gray 15, Jensen Waggoner 3, Jake Emmons 2, Saveion Mallard 2 Bucks: Jameon Jefferson 69, Quantavius Campbell 35, Jaxson Brown 27, Jason McNeil 14, Ashton Borland 13, Brody Tucker 9, Will St. Clair 6, Jake Moak 6 Mavericks: Lukas Bandy 64, Kolt Keiffer 47, Cason Rogers 39, Elijah Calloway 36, Bryce Tolar 31, Gabriel Lebrun 6, Elijah McLellan 4, Spurs: Eli Henderson 76, Mason Thomas 44, Cane Blalock 17, Josiah Ramsey 13, Jacolby Lowe 5, Johnny Caldwell 3, Beau Blalock 3, Carson Savana 2
Top 5 Scoring: Braydon Robinson 81, Eli Henderson 76, Jameon Jefferson 69, Joseph Delaney 69, Raylon Bradford 64, Lukas Bandy 64
AGE 13 & 14 BOYS
RECORD
Magic
8-0
Celtics
7-2
Heat
5-4
Blazers
2-7
Kings
1-8
Celtics: Ty Henderson 124, Taden Thomas 121, Elijah Jackson 72, Ridge Horton 32, Caden Jackson 28, Rodney Williams 10, Grayson Dalgaard 8 Kings: Brody Tidwell 149, Remy Kennard 45, Brody Halbrook 38, Abram Toms 34, Hunter Donaldson 13, Rylan Reynolds 12, Brendan Newton 6, Corbin Ussery 5, Tanner Allen 2 Heat: Shane Reed 127, Tyson Burks 119, Alex Lewis 26, Mathew Odom 22, Gunner Younse 15, Colt Guyotte 12, David Gandy 10, Sam Schut 8 Blazers: Jack Thomas 86, Colby Williams 68, Hayden Seymore 45, William Brittington 22, Ayden Greer 14, Aiden Phares 10, Brody Toms 5, Magic: Brayden Martin 160, Cash Ingram 68, Jamarcus Dozier 57, Santiago Zuniga 42, Jake North 25, Hayden Laborde 9, Braedon Turner 8
Top 5 Scoring: Brayden Martin 160, Brody Tidwell 149, Shane Reed 127, Ty Henderson 124, Taden Thomas 121
Junior High), and Ms. Haley Stapes (Weston High School) were honored as Teachers of the Year and 15 local students from Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary, Quitman High School and Weston High School along with North Hodge Assembly representative Kase Mathews (shown on right) received awards for placing in local, district and state essay and art competition.
Stump Removal and Grinding: Call James Stewart at (318) 243-1009 or (318) 768-2554 for your stump removal and grinding needs. Free Estimates! 
Book – “100-year history of JHHS football” Comprehensive year-by-year description of the first 100 years (1919-2019) of JHHS football. Includes categorial individual and team top ten rankings. Perfect gift for that family member or friend who would enjoy remembering their “glory days”. The cost is $25.00 per book plus $3.00 for shipping and handling. To order call (318) 480-1206. 
Commemorative Plates – Beautifully etched china plates commemorating Jonesboro-Hodge High School and Jackson Parish. To order contact Wilda Smith at (318) 426-6511. 
Marie Weeks, age 91 of Jonesboro, ascended to her Heavenly home Wednesday, March 8, 2023. She enjoyed cooking for loved ones and attending family gatherings. She loved to care for her flower gardens. Marie was the a great mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved the Lord and her family above all else.
Dakota Lynn Carter passed away on Friday, March 3, 2023 in Friendship, Louisiana. He was 29 years old. Cody, as he was known by his family and friends, was an extremely friendly and loving person. People instantly liked him and he liked talking to everyone. Cody enjoyed fishing. He loved high school, college and professional football, as well as other sports. His favorite thing to do was to spend time with his sons.
William A. “Billy” Gullatt was born on August 30, 1930, to the late Jap Gullatt, Sr., and the late Carrie Jane Pesnell Gullatt. He was the seventh of eight children. After graduating in 1947 from Simsboro High School, Billy graduated from Louisiana Tech with a B.S. degree in Education, an M.A. degree in Education, and his Plus 30 and above in Education. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, including one year in Korea.
Funeral services for Mr. James Paul Turner, age 102 of Ruston, LA will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church in Ruston with Rev. Dana Thrash officiating. Burial will follow in the Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.
