Can a Friday ruin a Saturday? It can when (Abby) Friday fouled off three straight pitches before hitting a two out double in the top of the 9th inning on Saturday to give Converse a 2-1 victory over Quitman High in the Division V state softball championship game.  

While the loss was disappointing for the locals, it by no means takes away from the tremendous season enjoyed by the Lady Wolverines, who finished with a 29-6 record and their fourth state runner-up finish since 2011. Since the LHSAA officially recognized softball as a sport in 1968, Converse stayed perfect in title game contests to join the 1978 and 1994 editions as state champion and end the year with a 23-7 record.  

Setting the Stage! Second seeded Quitman, champions of District 1B, drew a first round bye before compiling three straight shut out victories to reach the championship game, where they would play their third straight school from district 3B. Victories came against #15 Starks 10-0 in the regionals, #7 Stanley 12-0 in the quarterfinals and #3 Florien 4-0 in the semifinals.

By virtue of their #4 seeding, Converse, which was runner-up to Florien and one game above Stanley in district play, also drew a first round bye. The Lady Cats beat #15 Maurepas 15-0, two time defending Class B runner-up #5 Anacoco 4-2 and #9 Choudrant in the semi-finals, who upset #1 and five time defending Class B state champion Holden. 

Duel of Aces! Easily the most thrilling of all state championship games played over the weekend showcased two of the top pitchers in the state in Cali Deal of QHS and Converse’s Avery Prine. The pair lived up to the billing by combining to strike out 29 batters and give up only seven hits. Deal gave up only three hits and fanned seven of the first nine batters she faced to finish with twelve in the contest, while Prine allowed four hits and K’d 17, including 10 of 13 Quitman batters over the final four innings.

Early Advantage! After the Lady Cats went three up and three down to open the game Quitman quickly struck for a 1-0 advantage in their half of the inning. Deal got things rolling with a one out, double to left, followed by a Maggie Guyotte walk. Maddie Kaye Brymer then lined a single to left that scored Deal. 

Rolling the dice! Buoyed by the one run advantage, Deal struck out the side in the top of the second and Quitman went right back to work offensively. Skylar Hall grounded a one out single and Madison Chaplin worked a 1-2 count into a walk bringing up Deal with two outs. Rolling the dice, Converse gave her an intentional pass to load the bases but the risky move payed off as all three were left stranded on base. 

Scoreless streak snapped! Converse got their first hit of the day, a double to left by Summer Brumley that was followed by a grounder that was misplayed putting runners on first and third with one out. Going “small ball”, Maci Morgan perfectly executed a bunt to first that scored Brumley to tie the game at one each. The run was the first that an opponent had scored in 34 straight innings, stretching over six games.

Missed Opportunities! Quitman continued to put the pressure on with Hall drawing a one out walk in the fourth, Deal opening with fifth with a single and then being intentionally walked for the second time in the bottom of the seventh. Each time, Converse escaped without any further damage being done as the contest went into extra innings. 

The “Real” Deal! Despite suffering her second loss against 21 victories, Cali Deal turned in an impressive all-around, title game performance. In the circle, the lanky lefty allowed only three hits while striking out 12 over the nine innings. Offensively, the sensational sophomore reached base in all four plate appearances. Included was the pair of intentional passes and two of Quitman’s four hits, including the only extra base hit of the contest, the first inning double that led to the only run scored.

Senior statements! Quitman’s four senior’s: Skylar Hall, Maddie Kay Brymer, Madeline Vail and Averie Williams closed out their careers in fine fashion as each played a vital role in the semifinals and finals. In the semi’s, Williams hit a double ,Vail singled and Hall executed a perfect sacrifice bunt. In the finals, Hall reached base twice on a hit and a walk and the “Big Bopper”, as Brymer is affectionally called, singled to drive in the Quitman run.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
#4 Converse (23-7)	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	3	0
#2 Quitman (29-6)	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	4	3

Quitman powers past Florien in semi’s 

Cali Deal pitched her fifth consecutive shut out and both she and Maggie Guyotte hammered home runs as Quitman beat Florien 4-0 to advance to the Class B state finals.  

Improving their runs scored vs runs against total in the playoffs to 26-0, the second seeded Lady Wolverines improved to 29-5 on the year and earned their first trip to the title game since 2015 and fourth in the past eleven years. Florien, winner of district 3B and seeded #3 in the tournament, fell to 20-9 on the year. 

Small ball! In the bottom of the third, Quitman coach Justin Dodson played “small ball” to put Quitman on top. The opportunity came when Karley Huckaby opened the frame with a pop fly single to left.  Dodson then called for a sacrifice bunt that Skylar Hall executed perfectly, putting Huckaby in scoring position.

Big break! Quitman then got the break of the game, when Hallie Kate Pullig lifted a fly ball to left that was misplayed allowing Huckaby to move to third and the heads up Pullig advancing to second. 

Sac and a Sock! Continuing the theme of executing when needed, Madison Chaplin hit a sacrifice fly that scored Huckaby to give Quitman a 1-0 lead. That set the stage for the first of Quitman’s two home runs of the game. Taking the first two pitches for balls, Cali Deal smashed the next pitch over the left field fence for her 12th round tripper of the year that gave Quitman a commanding 3-0 advantage. 

Icing on the cake! Maggie Guyotte put the icing on the victory cake in the bottom of the sixth when she upped the lead to 4-0 by adding to her school record home run and RBI total. Guyotte connected on a 2-1 pitch for her 21st “tater” and her 60th RBI of the year. In doing so she also became the only player in the rich Lady Wolverine history to hit 20 or more home runs, drive in 60 and score 40 runs in a season. 

Superb Scoreless Streak! With her fifth consecutive shut out, Cali Deal improved her record to a sparkling 21-1 and ran her streak of innings without allowing a run to 31 straight. During the incredible run, Deal has struck out 52 and given up just 9 hits to the 111 batters faced.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
#3 Florien (20-9)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	1
#2 Quitman (29-5)	0	0	3	0	0	1	x	4	5	0

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There wasn’t very many Jackson Parish voters who turned out to cast their ballots on Saturday, but the ones that did overwhelmingly agreed to keep funding for the Health Unit and Jackson Parish School District #1 at status quo for the next ten years. With an official turnout of only 1,135 or 11.7% of voters in the parish, each of the two propositions passed by similar margins of 62-38% and 63-37%. 

With 31 of the 31 precincts reporting, Proposition One, which called for a 0.82 mill continuation for the Jackson Parish Health Unit passed by a vote of 705 – 430. Proposition Two which called for an 8.42 mill continuation for Consolidated School District #1 was approved by a 709 – 423 count. Each will now be in place for the next ten years. 

The final tabulation was consistent with early voting results which showed 67% for and 33% against the two propositions. 

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will hold a public informational meeting on Caney Creek Reservoir at 7:00pm on Monday, May 1st at the Jimmie Davis State Park Conference Center, located at 1209 State Park Rd.

The meeting is open to the public, and all persons interested in the conservation and management of the fisheries resources and aquatic habitats in Caney Creek Reservoir are encouraged to attend. Discussion topics will include aquatic vegetation issues, results from recent fisheries sampling, and future management recommendations.

LDWF established a comprehensive management plan for Caney Creek Reservoir in 2006, which provides annual public hearings to update the public on ongoing projects, fisheries management issues and aquatic vegetation management.

The current LDWF Caney Creek Reservoir Management Plan can be viewed at: Resources | Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

For additional information regarding the meeting, contact Jeff Sibley, LDWF Biologist Manager, at jsibley@wlf.la.gov or (318) 371-5294.

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By scoring eight runs in the bottom of the third inning Weston “ten run” ruled Hornbeck 10-0 to storm into the Quarterfinals of the LHSAA baseball playoffs for the third straight year. Weston will now face Converse on May 3rd for the right to advance to the Division V state tourney that will be played in Sulphur. 

With the victory the Wolves, who tied Quitman with a 5-1 record in district 1B and earned the #7 seed in the Division V,  improved to 16-14 on the year, while #10 Hornbeck, who was the undefeated champion of District 3C, ends the year at 17-8 overall. 

Eight is enough! Doubles by Tait Henderson and Drew Browning along with a single by Bryce Zehr helped Weston take advantage of four Hornbeck errors, three walks and a catchers interference call that broke the game open. The big inning started with Cole Tolar and Cooper Delaney drawing walks followed by an error on a fly to center field off the bat of Browning. Jacob Gill followed by reaching first on a catcher’s interference call leading to Culpepper reaching on the second Hornbeck error of the inning. Skylar Watkins then reached on a walk, Zehr singled to right and Henderson doubled.  Henderson then stole third and scored on the throw that got away to give Weston their eighth run of the inning that upped the lead to 10-0 after three. 

Quick Strike! The Wolves took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first thanks to the first of the six Hornbeck errors on the day and problems by the Hornbeck battery. With two outs in the frame Henderson reached first on an error by the Hornbeck pitcher who then made a wild pitch that advanced the runner. Three pitches later Henderson took third on a passed ball and then scored when Tolar singled to center field. 

Walk this way! Weston doubled the lead to 2-0 in the second when Browning singled, Gill got hit by a pitch and Blaine Graham walked on four straight pitches. Hornbeck managed to get two outs without any damage but Zehr drew another four pitch walk to force in the run. 

Tamed by Tait! While Hornbeck hurlers were having trouble, Tait Henderson was having no such problem.  Throwing 45 of his 68 pitches for strikes Henderson allowed only three meaningless singles to gain the victory. 

Five leads to ten! Weston got five hits on the day, led by two from Browning (2B, RS) and one each by Zehr (3 RBI, RS) , Henderson (2B, 2RS, RBI, SB) and Tolar (RBI). That coupled with the six walks, six errors and one hit batter it was more than enough to end the contest early. Tayt Culpepper also had 2RBI and scored a run, while Gill scored two and knocked one in. Delaney and Watkins also scored a run each.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
#10 Hornbeck (17-8)	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	6
#7 Weston (16-14)	1	1	8	0	x	10	5	3

Quitman eliminated by late Fairview rally

Eleventh seeded Fairview only got five hits in the regional round playoff game against Quitman. Three of them that was coupled with a wild pitch led to two runs in the top of the sixth inning and that was enough to upset Quitman by a 2-1 score. 

Quitman, seeded #6 in the Division V playoffs, ends the year with a 1-15 record and snaps a three year run of making the quarterfinals or better. Fairview, now 14-6 on the year and who earned the right to play Quitman by beating Maurepas 2-0 in the opening round, advances to face #3 Pitkin.

The Wolverines got six hits on the day and had two reach base via a walk and a hit batter but left runners stranded on base in four innings, much to the dismay of head coach Joe Lockhart. 

“We made way to fly ball outs,” said Lockhart. “When you don’t have much power you have to put the ball in play where the opponent has to work to get an out. We made it to easy on them today.”

Taking the lead! The Wolverines broke on top in the bottom of the second inning when Kace West hit a grounder to short and alertly scampered to second on the error. Hudson Pullig then followed with a double to left.

Missed opportunity! Quitman also got three hits in the sixth inning, but while Fairview capitalized their three hits into two runs, the Wolverines failed to strike even once. Riley Duck got things started with his second hit of the day with one out but was caught trying to steal second. As fate would have it, Ian Tilley and Kace West followed with back-to-back singles.  

Hard luck loser! Quitman’s lack of offensive production saddled Ian Tilley with the hard luck loss. Pitching a fine game, Tilley threw 55 of his 83 pitches for strikes and allowed only six singles in his six innings of work. The contest marked the ninth time this season the Wolverines scored two runs or less. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
#11 Fairview (14-6)	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	2	5	1
#6 Quitman (10-15)	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	6	0

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The Jackson Parish School Board will hold their regularly scheduled monthly meeting at 11:00 am on Monday, May 1st in the conference room of the Jackson Parish School District Central Office located at 315 Pershing Hwy in Jonesboro. 

Agenda Items to be discussed are as follows: 

Consider approving the minutes as presented from the Regular Scheduled Meeting held on April 3, 2023.
Recognize visitor – Carmecia Kimble
Recognize Kristi Bass, Business Manager, for meeting the requirements to become a Certified Louisiana School Business Administrator.
Consider approving the 22-23 Jackson Parish Ready to Achieve and Re-opening Plan.
Consider granting Superintendent Claxton permission to sign the Cooperative Agreement between the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service and Jackson Parish School Board.
Consider adopting items per the Committee Reports.
Superintendent’s Comments

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

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(Mason Prince – Bass Pro Tour) There’s winning, there’s dominating, and then there’s what Alton Jones Jr. did to win General Tire Heavy Hitters presented by Bass Pro Shops on Bussey Brake. The Texas pro didn’t just win Heavy Hitters, he left no doubt that he was the best angler on the water on Saturday. Jones caught 19 bass for 81 pounds, 15 ounces — the other nine anglers fishing totaled 21 bass for 96-10.

While Jones was cruising to a victory, Bryan Thrift was able to lock up the other $100,000 prize for the Berkley Big Bass of the day. Thrift brought in a 9-6 for his only bass of the day, but it earned him $100,000 on top of his winnings for finishing in seventh place.

Jones beat second-place Dakota Ebare by 59-1, which was the second-largest margin of victory in Bass Pro Tour history. Jones’ victory was never in doubt for the vast majority of the day thanks to his decision to fish a key stretch of cypress trees.

“I don’t know what to say other than everything went right today,” Jones said. “I started the first period around some other guys and didn’t have a lot of luck, so I moved over to some cypress trees, and that ended up being the right move for me.”

Jones caught 19 bass for 81-15 to win the coveted Heavy Hitters belt and becomes the second Alton Jones to win the event. His father came away with the belt back in 2021, making it two out of the last three seasons that the Texas fishing family has won the belt.

Thrift’s 9-6 worth $100K

The wily North Carolinian may not like flipping very much, but Thrift’s tune may change a smidge after catching a $100,000 bass thanks to it.

After winning his Qualifying Round on Caney Lake, Thrift advanced straight to the Championship Round on Bussey Brake where he knew big ones lived. The North Carolina pro came into Saturday with hopes to go after a win, but after Jones took flight, it was going to be hard to catch him.

So, Thrift began swinging big. He tied on a ¾-ounce weight with a punch skirt and grabbed his 7-foot 6-inch Fitzgerald Hydrilla Grass Flippin’ rod and went to work. Near the end of the second period, Thrift leaned into one after he flipped into brush. What was on the other end was a massive payday.

“I got one bite all day and it made me $100,000,” Thrift said with a chuckle. “You can’t beat that.”

There were six anglers who caught a scorable bass over 7 pounds on Saturday – Ebare (7-0), Josh Bertrand (7-0), Randy Howell (7-1), Bradley Roy (7-9), Jones (7-10) and Thrift (9-6).

Knockout Round

Eight pros advanced out of the Knockout Round on Caney Creek Reservoir to get a shot at a $100,000 bass and a $100,000 championship. The eight pros joining Bryan Thrift and Brent Ehrler in the Championship Round were: Randy Howell, Dakota Ebare, Edwin Evers, Ryan Salzman, Josh Bertrand, Alton Jones Jr., Andy Morgan and Bradley Roy.

 

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I’m a good Christian about 72% of the time. My goal is to improve and be a good Christian 100% of the time, but I’m not there. The truth is, in this life I will never arrive at that 100%. I am flawed and sinful.

Part of my dilemma is that I drive a car. If I could give up driving, I think I would be a good Christian 80% of the time. I’m still praying for the dufus who pulled out in front of me the other day.

I slammed on the brakes which threw my bakery assignment on the floor of the car upside down. I was returning from securing bakery products for my wife. Do you know what happens to baked goods that are thrown to the floor of the car and inverted in a sudden stop? I was frosted about the messed up frosting. Dufus!

Maybe I was being too generous with my percentage of being a good Christian. There are times that I feel unqualified for this Christian life. I want to do better so Jesus will love me more. I am that guy who cleaned the house before the housekeeper came. I mow part of the yard the yard people are going to mow. I want to fix myself for Jesus. I want to be good God material. I want Jesus to look down and see me behaving as His child all the time, not 72% of the time. That way Jesus will love me more, right?

Some believe that you need to keep the rules to curry divine favor. Problem is I find these people always adding rules to the being-a-good-Christian-by-following-the-rules rule book.

Here is something for you to ponder. Until we admit we are a mess Jesus won’t have anything to do with us. Once we admit how unlovely we are, how broken we are, or how messed up and lost we are Jesus shows up unexpectedly.

According to the New Testament, Jesus is attracted to the unattractive. He came for lost ones not found ones. Jesus chose the losers over the winners. He picked the broken over the whole and the messy instead of the unmessy. He picked the blind, the crippled, the lepers, the demon possessed, the poor, the sick and the sinner and He called them friends.

Eugene Peterson said, “When we sin and mess up our lives, we find that God doesn’t go off and leave us—he enters into our trouble and saves us.”

As a 72 percenter, His grace is my only hope.

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They saved their best for when it counted the most. Three JHHS thinclads finished in the top three of five events at the Class AA Region One track and field meet held in Mansfield on Thursday, each recording new season best times and distances.

As result, Ciara Gray, Savantez Phillips and Zion Gray have qualified to participate in the LHSAA Class AA state meet that will be held on May 5th at the Bernie Moore Track Complex on the campus of LSU in Baton Rouge. 

Ciara Gray qualified by coming in second in the triple jump and third in the 300 meter hurdles while Phillips came in second and third in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles respectively. Zion Gray earned the trip to Baton Rouge by finishing third in the triple jump.

JHHS 2023 Class AA State Track and Field Meet Qualifiers

Ciara Gray – Triple Jump, 300 Meter Hurdles
Savantez Phillips – 110 & 300 Meter Hurdles
Zion Gray – Triple Jump

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The selections of the Student-Athletes of the Week at Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman, and Weston High School for April 23rd – 29th 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 commemorative T-Shirt by the Jackson Parish Hospital, who sponsors the award.

Student-Athlete of the Week

Nathan Harvey (9th Grade) – Track athlete at Quitman High School

Kaden Whiseant (9th Grade) – Track athlete at Jonesboro-Hodge High School

Tayt Culpepper (11th Grade) – Golf player at Weston High School

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Schedule of Games April 24-28

Wee Ball League (Ages 3-4 Boys & Girls)

DATE	TIME	Field	HOME	VISITOR
May 1	6:00pm	Tee Ball 1	Jonesboro Animal Clinic	A-Team Trucking
May 1	6:00pm	Tee Ball 2	Mitchell’s Pharmacy	LP Saw Shop
May 1	7:00pm	Tee Ball 1	Jackson Parish Journal	VP Racing
May 1	7:00pm	Tee Ball 2	Family Pharmacy	Jim Neatherland Consulting
May 4	6:00pm	Tee Ball 1	LP Saw Shop	A-Team Trucking
May 4	6:00pm	Tee Ball 2	Jonesboro Animal Clinic	Jim Neatherland Consulting
May 4	7:00pm	Tee Ball 1	Jackson Parish Journal	Mitchell’s Pharmacy
May 4	7:00pm	Tee Ball 2	Family Pharmacy	VP Racing

Tee Ball League (Ages 5-6 Boys & Girls)

DATE	TIME	Field	HOME	VISITOR
May 2	6:00pm	Tee Ball 1	Caney Storage	5A Pump & Hose
May 2	6:00pm	Tee Ball 2	Underwood Repair	Redline Mobile
May 2	7:00pm	Tee Ball 1	Six Point	Jonesboro State Bank
May 2	7:00pm	Tee Ball 2	Johnny’s Pizza	Hodge Bank
May 5	6:00pm	Tee Ball 1	Klassy Kleen	5A Pump & Hose
May 5	6:00pm	Tee Ball 2	Redline Mobile	Caney Storage
May 5	7:00pm	Tee Ball 1	Hodge Bank	Jonesboro State Bank
May 5	7:00pm	Tee Ball 2	Johnny’s Pizza	Six Point

Age 7-8 Girls Softball

DATE	TIME	Field	HOME	VISITOR
May 2	6:00pm	Field 3	Pink Magnolia	Jackson Parish Hospital
May 2	7:30pm	Field 3	Pardue Builders	Vintage Marketplace
May 5	6:00pm	Field 3	Pardue Builders	Peoples Bank
May 5	7:30pm	Field 3	Vintage Marketplace	Pink Magnolia

Ages 7-8 Boys Baseball

DATE	TIME	Field	HOME	VISITOR
May 2	6:00pm	Field 2	Elite Roofing	RYCA Energy
May 2	6:00pm	Field 4	J&L Works	Cherokee Contractors
May 2	7:30pm	Field 2	LA Family Medical Clinic	Jonesboro State Bank
May 5	6:00pm	Field 2	Hodge Bank	Elite Roofing
May 5	6:00pm	Field 4	Cherokee Contractors	RYCA Energy
May 5	7:30pm	Field 2	J&L Works	LA Family Medical Clinic

Ages 9-10 Girls Softball

DATE	TIME	Field	HOME	VISITOR
May 1	6:00pm	Field 3	Southern Charleigh	Bucket Boat
May 1	7:30pm	Field 3	Ruffled Feathers	J&L Farm Supply
May 4	6:00pm	Field 3	Ruffled Feathers	Southern Charleigh
May 4	7:30pm	Field 3	J&L Farm Supply	Bucket Boat

Ages 9-10 Boys Baseball

DATE	TIME	Field	HOME	VISITOR
May 1	6:00pm	Field 2	Ables Farms	Barksdale Fed Credit Union
May 1	7:30pm	Field 2	Uptown Tanning	Johnny’s Pizza
May 4	6:00pm	Field 2	Johnny’s Pizza	Barksdale Fed Credit Union
May 4	7:30pm	Field 2	Uptown Tanning	Ables Farms

Ages 11-13 Girls Softball

DATE	TIME	Field	HOME	VISITOR
May 1	6:00pm	Field 4	Farm Bureau	Mitchell’s Pharmacy
May 1	7:45pm	Field 4	4T Exterior Cleaning	Barksdale Fed Credit Union
May 2	7:30pm	Field 4	Todd’s Bail Bonds	Barksdale Fed Credit Union
May 4	6:00pm	Field 4	Todd’s Bail Bonds	Farm Bureau
May 4	7:45pm	Field 4	4T Exterior Cleaning	Mitchell’s Pharmacy

Ages 11-13 Boys Baseball

DAT24	TIME	Field	HOME	VISITOR
May 1	6:00pm	Field 1	Mercy Medical	VP Racing
May 1	7:45pm	Field 1	Traina’s	Jonesboro State Bank
May 2	6:00pm	Field 1	Floors By Design	Jonesboro State Bank
May 4	6:00pm	Field 1	Floors By Design	Mercy Medical
May 4	7:45pm	Field 1	Traina’s	VP Racing

Game Results Week Two (April 17-21) 

11-13 Boys League

VP Racing 10 Traina’s 4 
VP Racing Scoring: Cail King 3, Bryce Tolar 2, Rylan Mauthe, Brayden Robinson, Jake Vail, Connor McCorkle, Colt Powell
Traina’s Scoring: Mason Thomas, Leyton Younse, Rodney Williams, Cash Linton
Floors by Design 10 Jonesboro State Bank 2 
Floors By Design Scoring: Aiden Rhodes 3, Jaxon Cheatwood 3, Dawson Griffin 3, Brody Tucker
Jonesboro State Bank Scoring: Tucker Goss, Colby Pray
Floors by Design 14 Mercy Medical 7 
Floors By Design Scoring: Jaxon Cheatwood 3, Dawson Griffin 3, Aiden Rhodes 2, Asher Rhodes 2, Brody Halbrook 2, Brody Tucker , Aundra Spence
Mercy Medical Scoring: Tucker 2 (sub), Asher Burns, River Norton, Andrew Brown, Mason (sub), Noah Spillman
Mercy Medical 6 VP Racing 4 
Mercy Medical Scoring: Asher Burns 2, Andrew Brown, Colt Kieffer, Raylon Bradford, Henry Underwood
VP Racing Scoring: Bryce Tolar 2, Rylan Mauthe, Hunter Ayers
Traina’s 6 Jonesboro State Bank 4 
Traina’s Scoring: Mason Thomas, Leyton Younse, Rodney Williams, Conner Moak, Jake Moak, Luke Sims
Jonesboro State Bank Scoring: Colby Pray, Carter LaGrandier, Bryce (sub)

9-10 Boys League

Ables Farms 14 Johnny’s Pizza 1 
Ables Farms Scoring: Grant Griffin 3, Bentley Ponder 2, Christopher Wrenn 2, Jackson Ables 2, Gunner Garrett, Conner Cannady, Bryson Martinez, Jack Robinson, Tucker Masters
Johnny’s Pizza Scoring: Caston Zimmerman
Uptown Tanning 10 Barksdale Fed Credit Union 7 
Uptown Tanning Scoring: Ryder Diffey 2, Jaxen Culpepper 2, Addaren Amos 2, Thatcher Savage, Mason Tolar, Chance LeMoine, Birch Chandler, Brett Rasbury
BFCU Scoring: Caleb Robinson 2, Jase Reed, Parker Nomey, Paxton Warner, Gabriel Maxwell, Sean Sandifer
Barksdale Fed Credit Union 6 Ables Farms 1 
BFCU Scoring: Aiden Reed 2, Parker Nomey, Gabriel Maxwell, Maddox Naron, Bentley Hall
Ables Farms Scoring: Carter Sanders
Uptown Tanning 11 Johnny’s Pizza 3 
Uptown Tanning Scoring: Ryder Diffey 2, Jaxen Culpepper 2, Mason Tolar 2, Birch Chandler 2, Thatcher Savage, Trendon Douglas, Charlie Aucoin
Johnny’s Pizza Scoring: Eli Jones 2, Caston Zimmerman

7-8 Boys League

Cherokee Contractors 13 Jonesboro State Bank 11 
Cherokee Cont. Scoring: Cruz Nomey 3, Landry Garrett 3, Hunter Williams 2, Duke Henderson 2, Crew Tidwell, Taten Hall
JSB Scoring: Brock Craighead 2, Braxten Theriot 2, Andrew Seymore 2, Koplen Taylor, Jax Davis, James Lewis, Briggs Craighead
J&L Works 10 Elite Roofing 9 
J&L Works Scoring: Reece Johnson 2, Maddox Graham 2, Thomas Johns 2, Leland Anderson, Drew Caldwell, Asher Norred, Mathew Earl
Elite Roofing Scoring: Carter Williams 2, Avery Buchan 2, Brennan Otwell, Nash Moak, Jaycob Rogers, Kase Matteus, Beau Garrett
Jonesboro State Bank 18 Elite Roofing 6 
JSB Scoring: Jax Davis 3, Jess Potts 3, Brock Craighead 2, Andrew Seymore 2, James Lewis 2, Briggs Craighead 2, Koplen Taylor, Braxten Theriot, Denton Glaze
Elite Roofing Scoring: Nash Moak, Avery Buchan, Brennon Otwell, Owen Shively, Carter Williams, Kase Matteus
J&L Works 11 Hodge Bank 7 
J&L Works Scoring: Drew Caldwell 2, Mathew Earl 2, Reece Johnson 2, Thomas Johns, Leland Anderson, Isaac Sessions, Brantlee Griffin, Sebastian Garrett
Hodge Bank Scoring: Mayson Terral 2, Jaxon Anderson 2, Trey Wall, Stone Anderson, Eli Williams
LA Family Med Clinic 14 RYCA Energy 7 
Family Med Clinic Scoring: Asher Norred 3, Kutter Blalock 3, Levi Norred 3, Carter 2, Clay Burton, Lyndon Walsworth, Cameron Pardue
RYCA Energy Scoring: Mason Greer 3, Remington Davis 2, Cutter Whisonant, Braxton Barnett

11-13 Girls League

Barksdale Fed Credit Union 12 Todd’s Bail Bonds 4 
BFCU Scoring: Isabella Blewer 2, Jenna Lee Hall 2, Hallay Taylor 2, Emma Kate Toms, Adelyn Fine , Rachel Bandy 2, Blakelyn Gray, Carlie Slayter
Todd’s Bail Bonds Scoring: Camryn Ashley, Anna Pardue, Anna Shows, Kinley Aldy
Todd’s Bail Bonds 11 Farm Bureau 9 
Todd’s Bail Bonds Scoring: Skyleigh Webb 2, Brooklyn Coody 2, Timberly Wilson 2, Camryn Ashley, Anna Pardue, Aubrey Donaldson, Kinley Aldy, Allie Fenn
Farm Bureau Scoring: Addison Phares 2, Katy Choate 2, Treylan King, Jalynn Jiles, Averi Hasley, Maliyah Lewis, Addison Faber
Mitchell’s Pharmacy 15 Farm Bureau 6 
Mitchell’s Pharmacy Scoring: MyKenzie Maloy 2, Maggie Wall 2, Dedaria Means 2, Dedraina Means 2, Alexa Caldwell 2, Kylianne Barnes, Bailey Tinsley, Gabby Edwards, Kayley Friday, MaKayla Mercer
Farm Bureau Scoring: Addison Phares 2, Katy Choate, Maliyah Lewis, Addison Faber, Braniah Malone
Barksdale Fed Credit Union 10 4T Exterior Cleaning 8 
BFCU Scoring: Skylar Lamkin 2, Kellyn Brister 2, Blakelyn Gray 2, Adelyn Fine 2, Emma Kate Tom, Nixie Bolyer
4T Ext. Cleaning Scoring: Davynee Bearden 2, Anna Phelps 2, Teegan Hall, Tessa Reeves, Shyla Giddens, Kamryn James

9-10 Girls League

Bucket Boat 13 Southern Charleigh 9 
Bucket Boat Scoring: Raleigh Guilliares 3, Hannah Aldy 3, Amelia Staggs 2, Aubree Jackson 2, Lizzie Kate Sullivan, Faith Burn, Hadley Choate
Southern Charleigh Scoring: Charleigh Newton 2, Ryleigh McCormick, Halle Coody, Elliot Savage, Brelaina Hall, Lainey Elmore, Hevinleigh Bass, Khaliya Cash
Ruffled Feathers 15 J&L Farm Supply 6 
Ruffled Feathers Scoring: Sally Kate Keiffer 3, Ryan Kate Wyatt 3, Ella Simonelli 3, Evangely Carpenter 2, Brooklyn Keiffer 2, Sky Watkins, Jessie Walker
J&L Farm Supply Scoring: Aubrie Maxwell, Kynleigh Leach, Aubrie Allen, Grace Lynn Lowery, Mallory Malone, Raylie Hall
Southern Charleigh 8 J&L Farm Supply 6 
Southern Charleigh Scoring: Ryleigh McCormick 2, Elliot Savage 2, Scarlett Parks, Charleigh Newton, Brelaina Hall, Lainey Elmore
J&L Farm Supply Scoring: Kynleigh Leach 2, Aubrie Allen, Jaley Wilson, Ashlyn Petre, Raylie Hall
Ruffled Feathers 6 Bucket Boat 5 
Ruffled Feathers Scoring: Ella Simonelli 2, Sky Watkins, Jayd Giddens, Jessie Walker
Bucket Boat Scoring: Lizzie Kate Sullivan 2, Hannah Aldy, Amelia Staggs, Lexie Tippen

7-8 Girls League

Peoples Bank 14 Jackson Parish Hospital 3 
Peoples Bank Scoring: Charley Linton 4, Presley Carpenter 2, Addilyn Patton 2, Miriam Shuler (sub) 2, Cadie Conn (sub), Kaylee Hammonds, Raegan Hall, Emma Harvey
Jackson Parish Hospital Scoring: Ashlyn Cawatos, Kynli Mason, Braxtyn Whatley
Pardue Builders 14 Peoples Bank 5 
Pardue Builders Scoring: Ryleigh Puffer 3, Kylee Ann Allen 2, Miriam Shuler 2, Cadie Conn 2, Kember Cuthrell 2, Macie Halbrook, Zamier Jacobs, Madison Baker
Peoples Bank Scoring: Presley Carpenter 3, Matilyn Otwell, #2 (name not given)
Pink Magnolia 17 Vintage Marketplace 3 
Pink Magnolia Scoring: Caylee Mauthe 4, Abigail Sullivan 3, Carrington Bond 3, Kyleigh Potts 3, Karis Jacobs 2, Harper McBride, Ariel Dodson
Vintage Marketplace Scoring: Autumn Kohler, Landry Watson, Brenleigh Whitman
Pink Magnolia 16 Pardue Builders 8 
Pink Magnolia Scoring: Carrington Bond 3, Ariel Dodson 3, #2 (not named) 3, Harper McBride 2, Abigal Sullivan, Ellie Shultz, Willow Tingle, Kyleigh Potts, unnamed sub
Pardue Builders Scoring: Macie Halbrook 3, Kylee Ann Allen 2, Kember Cuthrell 2, Cadie Conn

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On Tuesday, April 25, J-HES held its first annual LEAP Pep Rally. Ms. Danielle Copeland led the Welcome, reiterating that the purpose of the LEAP assessment is to measure a student’s mastery of skills and readiness for the next grade level. It also contributes to the School’s Performance Score- which as an elementary school we are scored on assessments alone.

“I’d like to thank faculty, staff, and parents for their continued support. As well as our wonderful counselors, Mrs. Rachelle Mason and Mrs.Tristen Bergholtz for all their behind-the-scenes hard work. Prepping for LEAP is not an easy task! I can’t thank you all enough! Students, THE TEST DOES NOT DEFINE YOU, but you CAN and WILL do your very best. I am claiming each of your successes in advance.”- Ms. Danielle Copeland, JHES Principal.

The successful event was led by prayer by local pastors; Pastor Hamms of Pilgrim Rest B.C. of East Hodge, Pastor Warren of Galilee B.C. of Hodge, and Overseer McCardie of Kingdom First of Jonesboro. J-HES thanks them for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend our event.

Special Guests included the J-HHS Band under the direction of Mr. Trey Porchay and the 2023-2024 J-HES Cheer Squad under the direction of Ms. Lauren Bennett and Ms. Sarah White. Ms. Lisa Hicks, School Librarian, offered Words of Encouragement for all students to give their very best, by leaving it “all on the line” by showing up and giving their VERY BEST!

Last, but certainly not least, 2022 LEAP Mastery and Advanced Recipients were acknowledged and rewarded for their hard work, as well as the 2022 Teachers with the Highest Percentage of Mastery per Content Area for their dedication to increasing student achievement.

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Hayden Davis and Maddox Duck, representing Quitman High School, caught five fish for a total weight of 9.82 lbs. to earn a fourth place finish in the Northeast Louisiana High School Anglers Top 10 Championship Tournament. 

Two more teams comprised in part of area anglers also competed in the tourney held at Lake Bruin State Park on April 22nd. Landon Chatham of Weston High and partner Jessie Parker from West Ouachita came in sixth place while Maddox Williams of Saline and partner Eddie Hyatt out of Lakeside High in Sibley finished in 8th place.

Ian Carter and Colby Dark, representing Bayou Rantz won first place and also had the big bass of the day with Hagen Carter and Gage Struben from West Ouachita High coming in second. 

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Since bass tournaments began, there have always been anglers looking to bend the rules and push the envelope. Some get caught while there are others who have succeeded in cheating. But when it comes to getting caught, it’s only a matter of time because when they get away with it once, they think they can do it again and again. But one day their luck runs out and someone catches them. A cheater has to be someone without a conscience because a normal person would feel guilt and shame. But cheaters fall into the same category as a criminal, they have no conscience.

This leads me back to a cheating scandal in October of 2018 when two anglers fishing in a derby on Lake Powell in Utah thought they had mastered the art of cheating. Little did they know that forensic science would play a huge role in their conviction.

These two anglers thought they had the perfect plan by going to another body of water the day before their tournament on Lake Powell. The evening before their event, they went into a shallow area of Quail Creek Reservoir and were observed doing “something suspicious” just before dark. But like any cheating scandal or criminal activity, there’s always a trail. The trail started at Quail Creek Reservoir where you must sign in and out for this water body. Of course, these guys didn’t think to use fictitious names, they gave their real names! Duh!

Quail Creek is 140 miles from Lake Powell, so these fish had to be kept alive in a live well for at least 20 hours. While today’s live wells are high tech and do a great job of keeping fish alive, it puts a lot of stress on the bass trying to stay alive for that length of time. As these fish were being weighed in, the tournament director noticed some things that didn’t seem right. First, all the fish had red tails and fins (the first indication that the fish have been stressed.) Second, he noticed that these fish looked nothing like all the other fish being weighed in. These fish had little heads and fatter bodies indicating a different diet than the fish from Lake Powell.

Here’s where things get really scientific. Turns out these suspicious indicators prompted investigators to work with the University of Utah and do what’s called a Stable Isotope Analysis. To simplify, it’s basically a calcium test that can determine what body of water a fish has come from based on the food eaten by the fish. Every body of water has what is called its own stable isotope ratio. When they compared to fish from Lake Powell to the fish from Quail Creek, they knew immediately that the fish weighed in by the anglers were not from Lake Powell but came from Quail Creek Reservoir.

And there you have it…Forensic Science catches the cheaters just like an episode of CSI Vegas! This story amazed me with the length the investigators went to try and convict these two Bozo’s. How their persistence and hard work paid off in making sure these two anglers didn’t get away with fraud!

If you’re wondering how they were sentenced: they were fined $2500 each in restitution to “Help Stop Poaching.” They paid $500 in a plea fee, 48 hours of community service, 2 years of no hunting and the Division of Wildlife Resources sought they get 5 years of no fishing.

So, I guess in this case, cheaters never win! From this angler’s perspective, there will always be anglers who think they can get away with cheating and will go to extreme lengths to do so. I am hopeful in the future that judges come down harder on these people who choose to go this route and attempt to commit fraud on unsuspecting anglers. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget to wear your sunscreen.

Steve Graf
Angler’s Perspective

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Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival Super VIP giveaway!

Purchase at least two $100.00 VIP tickets, and you’ll be entered into our SUPER VIP DRAWING, with a chance to win TWO SUPER VIP PASSESS!

Drawing will be held Friday, April 28, 2023 @ 4pm

There are a limited number of VIP tickets available. Get yours today!

HEADLINERS:

Mark Chestnutt, Tracy Byrd and Cupid

See the full line-up here
https://www.natchjazzfest.com/lineup-2023

Purchase tickets here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/26th-annual-natchitoches-jazzrb-festival-tickets-520954377567

https://LouisianaTravel.com

 

 

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If I were to begin this column telling my readers how much I love to turkey hunt, you’d
likely to be shaking your head and mumbling.. “there he goes again”. Okay, so turkey hunting is my absolutely favorite outdoor pursuit and forgive me if I mention my passion again.

Actually my purpose in writing this column focuses on someone else. District Attorney for Lincoln and Union Parishes, John Belton is the focus for this column, but first you’ll have to indulge me just a bit.

I started my turkey hunting career in 1992 when I downed my first wild turkey gobbler.
Something happened to me that day that totally redirected my interest in things to do outdoors. I fell for the sport of hunting wild turkeys like a bluegill for a cricket and for the next 25 years, I lived for spring and the opportunity to be in the woods somewhere to listen for the gobble of a wild turkey on the roost and take off through the woods to be setting up 100 yards from his roost tree before he flew down.

Facing reality, my birthdays seemed to occur more frequently than when I was younger and advancing age along with creaky joints have prevented me from taking off through the woods at daylight to be there when the gobbler flew down. I haven’t been able to hunt turkeys for the past few seasons but I have a storehouse of special exciting memories to polish off and recall special times and special gobblers I have run across over that quarter century of chasing them.

Among my most favorite memories is one late afternoon among the tumble weeds on a prairie in South Dakota when a long bearded Merriam’s gobbler stopped just long enough before flying up to roost to allow me to draw a bead on his warty neck, squeeze the trigger as I ran out to claim a special bird. Why was this one so special? It was the fourth in the sub-species of wild turkeys I had taken to lay claim to a coveted feat.

With him I had completed the wild turkey Grand Slam.

This brings me to my purpose in sharing today. I received a note from District Attorney John Belton last week sharing with me a photo of a magnificent Merriam’s gobbler he recently took, a bird that was the final step in his completing his wild turkey Grand Slam. I had to talk with him to hear his story which was every bit as exciting to him as mine was to me.

“I started out with my first of four gobblers that I hoped would ultimately result in my
completing a Grand Slam. I got a Rio Grande gobbler on a hunt in Texas,” Belton said.
“Then I had the chance to travel to south Florida where I was successful in downing a big Osceola. Next, I hunt property I own in Caldwell Parish and got my Eastern and this left just one more to go,” he said.

Last week, it all fell into place when Belton, sensing the completion of his mission was in sight, took advantage of traveling to Nebraska when a big Merriam’s gobbler fell to his gun.

Of these four gobbler Belton brought down, which one in his opinion gave him the most trouble?
“The toughest to hunt to me are those right here at home. Nothing is harder to fool than an Eastern gobbler partly because the other three species usually hang out in more open country where you might see one 300 yards while the Eastern makes its home in piney woods with thickets that are tough to see. Before I finally got my Eastern, I called a bird in within shotgun range but there was so much brush I couldn’t get a shot,” he said.

His job as District Attorney is important and involves his being in charge of and
controlling every criminal prosecution in his district. Should there be a brief lull in the
courtroom, I can imagine his mind for a brief moment drifting back to mental images of those four special gobblers that occupy a special niche in his memory.

FISHING REPORT 

CANEY LAKE – Major League Fishing is going on this week with the big guns starting
to catch some bass in the 7 to 8 pound range on a variety of lures from soft plastics to jerk baits, crank baits and tail spinners. Flipping around the pads is paying off nicely. Some crappie are still spawning in the shallows with some good ones caught on shiners and jigs while post-spawn fish have moved back. The bream are moving to the beds with quite a few beginning to show up. No report on 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 – Bream are on the beds and hitting worms and crickets. Crappie are
good fishing around the trees and brush. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Big bass are continuing to come in and this weekend should be
interesting as the Major League Fishing team will be here Saturday to try their luck.
Good bet some big ones will be caught. Some crappie are still spawning while some have moved back out. Bream are starting to bed in the shallows. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water is high. No fishing reports this week. For latest
information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass fishing has been good with some fish to 7 pounds caught
around the banks early on crank baits and soft plastics later off the banks. Crappie fishing continues to be good as some of the fish are still spawning while some are spawned out and moved deeper. Bream are spawning and hitting crickets or night crawlers. Catfish continue to be 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 – The bream bite is on as they have moved to shallow spawning
areas and are hitting crickets. A good many crappie are being caught around the spillway on shiners. Bass fishing has been good this week, fishing shallow water with soft plastics. No report on catfish just yet. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfishing is good. Crappie are in and out of the shallows as
some have already spawned. Bream are moving in to spawn. No report on bass. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is falling but still a bit high for good fishing. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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This past week, April 23rd – 29th the Jackson Parish Hospital celebrated Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, commonly known as Lab Week. This annual celebration, now in its 48th year, honors medical laboratory professionals and pathologists who play a vital role in healthcare.

“Thank you to our Laboratory team for all they do and their continued passion for providing our community the best patient care” – JPH

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The JHHS Class of 1966 is planning a 57 year reunion. It will be held at Pavilion #L-6 at the Lincoln Parish Park on Highway 33 north of Ruston from 10:00am – 6:00pm on June 16, 2023.

The meal will consist of BBQ and the cost will be $25/person. There will also be a cash charge of $3.00/person to enter the park. Payment must be received by June 1st.

Please make checks payable to JHHS Class of 1966 and either bring to Mary Jo Watson at the Jonesboro State Bank in Jonesboro or mail to:
Jonesboro State Bank
Attn: Mary Jo Watson
P.O. Box 580
Jonesboro, LA 71251

Please bring your own drinks (NO alcohol in the park). It will be very informal–just a chance to get together and visit. Hope to see you there.

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Let it Pour!

Singing and walking in the rain…

My husband Norm is not a big fan of musicals; yet, he does know a classic when he sees one. We recently watched Singing in the Rain; that is definitely a classic. Gene Kelly sang, danced and splashed in the rain.

Kelly’s umbrella was a perfect prop and the scene was a choreographed masterpiece. Another umbrella has become part of a commercialized icon.

The Morton Salt girl was added to packaging in 1911 and the rest is history. She has changed over time to keep up with fashion trends. The logo still pictures her in the rain; pouring salt and using an umbrella. Like Gene Kelly, she walks in the rain.

We can walk in God’s righteousness.

“Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it (Isaiah 45:8 KJV).”

Righteousness is raining; let it pour!

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV).”

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Let’s Get Vaccinated! That is the message that Ana Deloach VanEaton, Communications Coordinator for Regions 7 & 8 of the Office of Public Health is trying to convey to Louisiana residents.

To help make that possible,  free Covid-19, Flu, and Monkeypox vaccinations are being offered a the Jackson Parish Health Unit, located at 228 Bond St. in Jonesboro, Monday – Friday (May 1-5) during times of 8am-4:30pm. Appointments are suggested, but not necessary. To schedule an appointment call (318) 259 – 6601.

 

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Matthew Couch (West Monroe, LA) – Theft of Utilities
James T. Heard (Chatham, LA) – 1st offense DWI, Possession of Schedule I drug, No brake light
Gregory W Dixon (Alexandria, LA) – Rapides Parish Warrant on Contempt of Court charge x2
Yolanda Minnifield (Ruston, LA) – Bench Warrant on Speeding and Driving under Suspension charges
John C Newton (Mansfield, LA) – Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Candace Vallery (West Monroe, LA) – Possession of a Stolen Vehicle x2
Logan Taylor (West Monroe, LA) – Possession of a Stolen Vehicle x2
Jason Wigley (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace, Public Intoxication
Randy Russell (Ruston, LA) – Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
Landon C Maloy (Choudrant, LA) – Possession of Stolen Items less than $1000.00
Henry Malone III (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace

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.

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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

Forest Haven Nursing Home – Facility Maintenance Position. Must possess general knowledge in Plumbing, Electrical and performing inspection of building to confirm safety guidelines while following LTC, Life Safety and OSHA standards. Apply in person at 171 Thrasher Drive, Jonesboro, LA.

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

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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE TAX SALE OF IMMOVABLE
THE STATE OF LOUISIANA VS DELINQUENT TAX DEBTORS OF PARISH OF JACKSON

By virtue of the authority vested in me by the constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana, I will sell at the principle front door of the courthouse in which civil district court of said parish is held, within legal hours for judicial sales beginning 10:00A.M. Of Wednesday, May 10, 2023 A.D., and continuing, each succeeding day, until said sales are completed all Immovable Property on which taxes are now due to the State of Louisiana and Parish of Jackson, to enforce collections of taxes assessed in the year of 2022 together with INTEREST THEREON FROM THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY 2023 at the rate of One per centum (1%) per month, until paid and all costs. The names of the said delinquent taxpayers, the amount of taxes due by each on the assessment of said year, and immovable property assessed for sales as follows:

0070002290 WARD 07
ADMC PROPERTIES LLC
453 CAMPBELL RD
CHOUDRANT, LA 71227-0000
TAXES OWED ARE $314.49 WITH
INTEREST & COST TO BE ADDED.
228-235: 250-190: 289-52:
324-194: 335-356: 399-86:
420-1064: #423634: 423633:
423634: 425540:
78-10: 108-850: 81-215:
LOT BEGINNING AT SW/C OF SE
OF NW, SEC-1-14-4-WEST, TH
RUN E ON FORTY LINE 635′, TO
THE WEST R/W LINE OF PAVED
HWY #13, TH NE ALG SAID HWY
R/W 274 2/3 FT. FOR BEG. TH
CONTINUE NE ALG SAID HWY R/W
147’7′,TH NW AT RIGHT ANGLE
TO SAID HWY R/W 147’7′, TH SW
PARALLEL WITH SAID HWY R/W
147’7′ TO THE BEG.
BEG. AT THE SW/C OF SE OF NW,
SEC-1-14-4-WEST, TH RUN E
632′ TO AN IRON PIN, TH RUN
NE WITH JONESBORO- DANVILLE
HWY 237’6′ FOR POB, TH RUN
NORTH 39 DEG. 15 MIN. WEST
146’6′, TH RUN NORTH 49 DEG.
EAST 35′, TH RUN IN A SE
DIRECTION 146’6′ TO A PT.
35′ NE FOR A ST PT, TH RUN SW
35 FT TO ST. PT.

0070019990 WARD 07
ADMC PROPERTIES LLC
453 CAMPBELL RD.
CHOUDRANT, LA 71227-0000
TAXES OWED ARE $316.40 WITH
INTEREST & COST TO BE ADDED.
254-182: 265-220: 274-67:
309-289: 400-690: 425414:
425539:
151-516: BEG. AT THE SOUTH
SIDE OF THE PAVED HWY R/W OF
SAID HWY. AT THE
INTERSECTION OF THE NORTH
BDRY LINE OF THE NE OF SW OF
SEC-1-14-4-WEST AND
RUNNING SOUTH 39 DEG. AND 30
MIN. EAST A DISTANCE OF 129
FT, TH RUN NORTH 50 DEG.
EAST A DISTANCE OF 100 FEET,
TH RUN NORTH 39 DEG. 30 MIN.
WEST 129 FT. TO THE SAID
HWY R/W LINE, TH RUN SW WITH
SAID HWY R/W LINE 100 FT. TO
THE POB.

0065000051 WARD 06-JB
AILLET, ROBERT RAY SR.; ETAL
184 PRESTON AVE
SHREVEPORT, LA 71105-0000
TAXES OWED ARE $28.68 WITH
INTEREST & COST TO BE ADDED.
57-144: 192-631; 195-487:
409179:
ROBERT RAY AILILET, SR. (UND
1/2 INT. AND USUFRUCT)
MELANIE MARGARET AILLET HAND,
ROBERT RAY AILLET JR.,
RICHARD ROGUET AILLET,
CYNTHIA CELESIE AILLET
PETTIETTE, JERELYN MARIE
AILLET VANDEWATER, MARY
MINETTE AILLET GILBERT,
JOSEPH ROGUET AILLET II AND
DOROTHY DENISE AILLET LANDRY
(UND 1/2 INTEREST) 15′
STRIP OFF LOT 8, BLK 34.

0020001330 WARD 02
ALLEN, WILLIAM ABE & DONNA
LOUISE ALLEN
4726 OKALOOSA RD
EROS, LA 71238
TAXES OWED ARE $194.42 WITH
INTEREST & COST TO BE ADDED.
MH ID#1103
177-412: 150-374: 237-266:
150-374: BEGINNING AT THE
CORNER OF THE SE OF SW OF
SEC-7-16-1-EAST, RUN S
ALONG THE EAST LINE OF THE NE
OF NW, SEC-18-16-1-EAST A
DISTANCE OF 432 FT., TH
RUN WEST 448 FEET TO THE EAST
RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF
EROS-OKALOOSA HWY., TH
RUN IN A NORTH WESTERLY
DIRECTION ALG SAID ROW LINE A
DIST. OF 1159 FT. TO
ESTABLISH A CORNER TO
DESCRIBE THE FOLLOWING
PARCEL, CONTINUE IN SAME
N’WESTERLY DIRECTION ALG SAID
ROW LINE 120 FT, TH RUN E TO
THE E 40 LINE OF THE SE
OF SW, SEC-7-16-1-EAST, TH
RUN SOUTH ALG AND WITH SAID
40 LINE 120 FT. TH RUN
WEST TO THE POB, CONTAIN 1
ACRE, M/L.

0084000850 WARD 08-NH
ANDERSON, AARON R.-TRUST
AND FRANCINE HARVEY
207 ROME RD
JONESBORO, LA 71251-0000
TAXES OWED ARE $14.34 WITH
INTEREST & COST TO BE ADDED.
66-550: 33-418: 50-359:
88-97: 209-433: 213-77
262-175:
BEG. AT THE SE COR OF SE OF
SE, SEC-13-15-4-WEST AND
RUNNING WEST ALONG THE
SOUTH LINE OF THE FORTY TO
THE EAST LINE OF THE R/W OF
CRI&P RR, TH NW’ERLY ALG
AND WITH SAID R/W 327 FT, TH
NORTH 72 DEG. AND 30 MIN.
EAST 76 FT. FOR A ST.
PT., TH CONTINUE IN THE SAME
DIRECTION 130 FT, TH NORTH 72
DEG. WEST 265 FT, TH SOUTH 72
DEG. WEST 130 FT, TO THE NE
CORNER OF THE LOUIS EASLEY
PROPERTY, TH SOUTH 72
DEG. EAST 265 FT. TO THE ST
PT, IT BEING UNDERSTOOD AND
AGREED THAT THE SOUTH 20 FT.
HEREINABOVE DES. AS BEING
USED AND IS CONTINUED TO BE
USED AS A R/W OR STREET AND
UPON ABANDONMENT THEREOF 1/2
OF THE SAME SHALL ACCRUE TO
A. Z. ANDERSON AND HIS
SUCCESSORS AND 1/2 OF WHICH
SHALL ACCRUE TO THE PERSON
WHO OWNS THE PROPERTY ON THE
SOUTH SIDE OF THE SAID
STREET, LESS LOT 10′ X 265′
TO LESTER MORGAN.

0105010290A WARD 10-JB
ANDERSON, MORLEE
212 GLYNN DR
JONESBORO, LA 71251-0000
TAXES OWED ARE $131.91 WITH
INTEREST & COST TO BE ADDED.
421-679: 421-903: 299-700:
LOT 29, UNIT 10, BOOKER T.
WASHINGTON SUBDIVISION,
JONESBORO, LA. 306-147:
LOT 28, UNIT 10, BOOKER T.
WASHINGTON SUBDIVISION,
JONESBORO, LA.

0090016800 WARD 09
ANDERSON, VICKIE RENA GRAY
1515 EVERS ST
JONESBORO, LA 71251-0000
TAXES OWED ARE $103.23 WITH
INTEREST & COST TO BE ADDED.
320-199; 320-201: #417979:
82-241: BEG. AT THE SE COR OF
SW OF NE, SEC-3O-15-3-W, AND
RUNNING W 100 FT. FOR A
ST PT, TH RUN N 145 FT., TH W
5O FT, TH S 145 FT, TH E 5O
FT TO THE ST PT.

0100013500 WARD 10
ANDERSON, VICKIE RENA GRAY
1515 EVERS ST
JONESBORO, LA 71251-0000
TAXES OWED ARE $368.03 WITH
INTEREST & COST TO BE ADDED.
320-199; 320-201: 417979:
133-694: LOT 21 OF UNIT 4 OF
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON SUBDIV.

0065011180 WARD 06-JB
ANDERSON, WILLIE
289 BEECH SPRINGS RD
JONESBORO, LA 71251-0000
TAXES OWED ARE $289.65 WITH
INTEREST & COST TO BE ADDED.
258-80: 296-271: 397-468:
#411674: 425158:
177-94: LOT 3, BLK J OF KNOB
HILL ADD. TO TOWN OF
JONESBORO, LA.

0020003400 WARD 02
ANDREWS, GENNIE MAE, ESTATE
% BEVERLY ANDREWS ARMSTRONG
1605 ALBERT LANE APT A
HIXON, TN 37343-0000
TAXES OWED ARE $48.07 WITH
INTEREST & COST TO BE ADDED.
#419620: #419996: 219-764:
COMMENCING AT THE SE COR OF
THE NW OF NW, SEC-31-16-1-W
AND RUN N 300 FT FOR POB,
TH CONTINUE N 100 FT, TH RUN
W 434.50 FT, TH RUN S 100 FT,
TH RUN E 434.50 FT TO THE POB
AND CONTAINING 1 ACRE, M/L,
TOG. WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS
THEREON, APPURTENANCES
THEREUNTO BELONGING AND
COMPONENT PARTS.

0055000500 WARD 05-JB
ASHCRAFT, IRMA PAWNEE ALFORD;
ETAL
523 WALKER RD
JONESBORO, LA 71251-0000
OTHER OWNERS:
ALFORD, OTHAR DELANE; ETAL
TAXES OWED ARE $109.93 WITH
INTEREST & COST TO BE ADDED.
#415452: OTHAR DELANE
ALFORD, VIRGINIA ANN ALFORD
SELF, & IRMA PAWNEE ALFORD
ASHCRAFT: 84-287: BEG. AT
THE PT. OF INTERSECTION OF
THE N R/W LINE OF THE
GRAVELED HWY. AS NOW
LOC. AND GRAVELED WITHTHE W
BDRY LINE OF THE NW OF NW,
SEC-5-14- 3-WEST, AND
RUNNING E ALG THE R/W LINE A
DIST. OF 544 FT, TH RUN N 500
FT, TH RUN E 95 FT. FOR A
ST PT, TH CONTINUE AND RUN E
95 FT, TH RUN S 555 FT. TO
THE SAID R/W LINE OF THE
JONESBORO-WALKER HWY., TH RUN
ALG AND WITH THE R/W LINE
OF SAID HWY IN A NW’ERLY DIR.
145 FT. TH RUN IN A NORTHERLY
DIR. TO POB. WHICH IS THE N
40 LINE OF SAID 40.

0084001300 WARD 08-NH
ATKINS, GLEN (ESTATE)
C/O SUZANNE ATKINS
1007 BURGESSVILLE ROAD
RUSTON, LA 71270-0000
TAXES OWED ARE $391.94 WITH
INTEREST & COST TO BE ADDED.
148-312: BEG. AT THE SE/C OF
THE SE OF SE,
SEC-13-15-4-WEST, AND FROM
SAID PT. RUN WEST ALG THE
SOUTH BDRY LINE OF SAID 40 A
DISTANCE OF 106 FT. FOR THE
PT. OF STARTING, AND FROM
THE PT. OF STARTING RUN NORTH
210 FT., TH WEST 105 FT.,
TH SOUTH 210 FT. TO THE SOUTH
FORTY LINE, AND TH EAST ALONG
THE SOUTH FORTY LINE 105
FT. TO THE POB.

0010004500 WARD 01
ATKINS, GLEN C.
C/O SUZANNE ATKINS
1007 BURGESSVILLE ROAD
RUSTON, LA 71270-0000
TAXES OWED ARE $53.53 WITH
INTEREST & COST TO BE ADDED.
163-147: ONE AND TWO EACH
BEING FIFTY FT WIDE FORMING A
RIGHT TRIANGLE ON THE N
SIDE OF BLK ONE; LOT THREE
FIFTY FT BY ONE HUNDRED AND
FIFTY FT AND ONE HALF OF
LOT FOUR BEING TWENTY-FIVE FT
ON N SIDE AND ONE HUNDRED AND
FIFTY FT ON LONG, ALL IN
BLK ONE OF THE THOMAS
ADDITION TO SAID VILLAGE OF
QUITMAN, ALSO LOT ONE IN BLK
FIVE OF THE ORIGINAL PLAT OF
SAID VILLAGE OF QUITMAN.

Pursuant to R. S. 47:2180 Notice is hereby given to unknown owners of assessed immovable property situated in Jackson Parish, Louisiana and to non-resident owners of such property whose post office addresses are unknown. The names of delinquent so notified with their addresses when both are known brief description of property and amount of taxes are due as stated.

On the day of the sale I will sell such portions of the property as each debtors will point out and, in case the debtor will not point out sufficient property, will at once and without further delay sell the least quantity of said property of the debtor which any bidder will buy for the amount of taxes, interest and cost due by the debtor, the sale will be without appraisement, for amount of taxes, interest and cost due by the debtor, the sale will be without appraisement, for cash in legal tender of the United States. The immovable property sold will be redeemable at any time for the space of three years by paying the price given, including cost and five per centum (5%) penalty, with interest of one per centum (1%) per month.

ANDY BROWN
SHERIFF AND EX-OFFICIO AUCTIONEER
Jackson Parish
Jonesboro, Louisiana
March 29, 2023 & May 3, 2023

 

 

 

 

Robert Matthew Trosclair, Sr.
December 17, 1954 – April 24, 2023

Robert Matthew Trosclair, Sr., known as “Matt” or “Big Matt” to the lucky ones, died peacefully on April 24, 2023, at the age of 68. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend.

Matt was born on December 17, 1954, in Sulphur, Louisiana to the late Robert Joseph and Ellen Trosclair. He was raised in Jackson Parish, Louisiana and spent most of his life in the tight-knit community of Weston. He was the cherished brother of the late Liz and Beck, and surviving brother Paul Trosclair (and wife, Pam).

Matt was married for forty-five years to Barbara Walsworth Trosclair. Together they raised three kids who treasured him. Survivors include Matt Trosclair, Jr. (and wife, Tammy), Cody Trosclair (and significant other, Debbie Johnson), and grandson, Tyler Trosclair, who he enjoyed spending time with and loved very much. He would have moved mountains for his family. He found immense solace during his final hours knowing Lisa, his daughter, would also greet him at the gates of heaven.

Matt dedicated many years to the the Hodge paper mill. The hours were long, the work was hard, but his work ethic was stronger than steel. He took great pride in his work and earned the respect of coworkers, many with whom he forged lifelong friendships. He enjoyed retirement, often sharing coffee in the mornings with his best friend, Chuck Walker. He spent countless hours on the water of Caney Lake fishing, sharing stories and laughter and wisdom and the occasional beer with dear friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Joe Kennedy
September 10, 1939 – April 25, 2023

Sedric Wayne “Joe” Kennedy passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 in Ruston, Louisiana. He was 83 years old. Joe was born on September 10, 1939 in Dodson, Louisiana to Elijah and Lois Smith Kennedy.

Joe was a kind and gentle man, known for never raising his voice. He was a logger by trade and enjoyed his career working in the woods. He was also a family man, enjoying time with his loved one’s any time he had the chance. He was affectionally known as pappy by his grandchildren and Snookie by his siblings and cousins. He was also a praying man, and a long-time member of the Hodge United Pentecostal Church.

Joe is survived by his wife, Texie Korn Kennedy, two sons, Mike Kennedy (Kristie) of Arcadia, Louisiana and Sam Kennedy (Mary), of Dunlap, Tennessee, three daughters, Linda Mcnutt, of Quitman, Louisiana, Danee Lewis (Christopher), of Choudrant, Louisiana, and Anita Hartis (Brent) of Danville, Louisiana, two brothers James Kennedy (Jill) and Ronnie Kennedy (Melody) and three sisters, Shirley Williams (Bruce), Barbara Hawthorne (Floyd), and Sally Kennedy, 34 grandchildren, 44 great grand-children, and 1 great-great grandchild, a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and his church family.

Joe was proceeded in death by his parents, first wife Gertrude “Peggy” Chelette Kennedy, two sons, Timothy Kennedy and Randy Knighten, daughter in law, Lynn Burns Kennedy, two grandsons, Timothy Kennedy Jr. and Thomas Kennedy, two granddaughters, Shirley Kennedy and Amanda Kennedy, one brother John (Sambo) Kennedy.

Funeral services were held Friday, April 28, 2023 at Hodge United Pentecostal Church, with Brother Jeff Stroud officiating. Burial followed at Forest Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.

Serving as Pallbearers were grandsons Richie Maxwell, Dylan Atteberry, Michael Kennedy Jr, Thomas Kennedy, Austyn Choate, Cody McCaskill. Honorary pallbearers, Mike Kennedy and Sam Kennedy.

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Robert Matthew Trosclair, Sr.
December 17, 1954 – April 24, 2023

Robert Matthew Trosclair, Sr., known as “Matt” or “Big Matt” to the lucky ones, died peacefully on April 24, 2023, at the age of 68. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend.

Matt was born on December 17, 1954, in Sulphur, Louisiana to the late Robert Joseph and Ellen Trosclair. He was raised in Jackson Parish, Louisiana and spent most of his life in the tight-knit community of Weston. He was the cherished brother of the late Liz and Beck, and surviving brother Paul Trosclair (and wife, Pam).

Matt was married for forty-five years to Barbara Walsworth Trosclair. Together they raised three kids who treasured him. Survivors include Matt Trosclair, Jr. (and wife, Tammy), Cody Trosclair (and significant other, Debbie Johnson), and grandson, Tyler Trosclair, who he enjoyed spending time with and loved very much. He would have moved mountains for his family. He found immense solace during his final hours knowing Lisa, his daughter, would also greet him at the gates of heaven.

Matt dedicated many years to the the Hodge paper mill. The hours were long, the work was hard, but his work ethic was stronger than steel. He took great pride in his work and earned the respect of coworkers, many with whom he forged lifelong friendships. He enjoyed retirement, often sharing coffee in the mornings with his best friend, Chuck Walker. He spent countless hours on the water of Caney Lake fishing, sharing stories and laughter and wisdom and the occasional beer with dear friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Joe Kennedy
September 10, 1939 – April 25, 2023

Sedric Wayne “Joe” Kennedy passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 in Ruston, Louisiana. He was 83 years old. Joe was born on September 10, 1939 in Dodson, Louisiana to Elijah and Lois Smith Kennedy.

Joe was a kind and gentle man, known for never raising his voice. He was a logger by trade and enjoyed his career working in the woods. He was also a family man, enjoying time with his loved one’s any time he had the chance. He was affectionally known as pappy by his grandchildren and Snookie by his siblings and cousins. He was also a praying man, and a long-time member of the Hodge United Pentecostal Church.

Joe is survived by his wife, Texie Korn Kennedy, two sons, Mike Kennedy (Kristie) of Arcadia, Louisiana and Sam Kennedy (Mary), of Dunlap, Tennessee, three daughters, Linda Mcnutt, of Quitman, Louisiana, Danee Lewis (Christopher), of Choudrant, Louisiana, and Anita Hartis (Brent) of Danville, Louisiana, two brothers James Kennedy (Jill) and Ronnie Kennedy (Melody) and three sisters, Shirley Williams (Bruce), Barbara Hawthorne (Floyd), and Sally Kennedy, 34 grandchildren, 44 great grand-children, and 1 great-great grandchild, a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and his church family.

Joe was proceeded in death by his parents, first wife Gertrude “Peggy” Chelette Kennedy, two sons, Timothy Kennedy and Randy Knighten, daughter in law, Lynn Burns Kennedy, two grandsons, Timothy Kennedy Jr. and Thomas Kennedy, two granddaughters, Shirley Kennedy and Amanda Kennedy, one brother John (Sambo) Kennedy.

Funeral services were held Friday, April 28, 2023 at Hodge United Pentecostal Church, with Brother Jeff Stroud officiating. Burial followed at Forest Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.

Serving as Pallbearers were grandsons Richie Maxwell, Dylan Atteberry, Michael Kennedy Jr, Thomas Kennedy, Austyn Choate, Cody McCaskill. Honorary pallbearers, Mike Kennedy and Sam Kennedy.

Jackson Parish voters will go to the polls on Saturday, April 29th to decide on a pair of tax continuation proposals regarding the Jackson Parish Health Unit and Jackson Parish School District One.

Both propositions ask for a continuation of taxes for a ten year period beginning with the year 2023 and ending with the year 2032, for the purpose of maintaining, operating and supporting each. 

While the money to be generated is not an increase of the amount currently being received by either entity, the two propositions do involve a slight millage increase. This is necessary due to property values in Jackson Parish showing a decrease in the last appraisal period and to keep the total amount of money received by these two entities the same, a small adjustment in the millage paid has to be made.  

See below for how each Proposition will be shown on the ballot per information provided by the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Parishwide Proposition
(Millage Continuation)

Shall the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), continue to levy an eighty-two hundredths (0.82) mills tax on all the property subject to taxation within the Parish (an estimated $155,300 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2023 and ending with the year 2032, for the purpose of maintaining, operating and supporting the Jackson Parish Public Health Unit, said millage to represent a seven hundredths of a mill (0.07) increase (due to reappraisal) over the 0.75 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2022 pursuant to an election held on November 6, 2012?

Parishwide Consolidated School District No. 1 Proposition
(Millage Continuation)

Shall Consolidated School District No. 1 of the Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy an eight and forty-two hundredths (8.42) mills tax on all property subject to taxation in said District (an estimated $1,594,800 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2024 and ending with the year 2033, for the purpose of maintaining and operating schools in the District, said millage to represent a seventy-two hundredths of a mill (.72) increase (due to reappraisal) over the 7.7 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2023 pursuant to an election held on October 19, 2013?

 

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