Three birdies and an eagle over the first four holes led to a winning score of nine-under par, 27, for Brad Porter, Rick Brown, Josh Williams, and Gary Nunn at the  Tuesday Scramble held at the Jackson Parish Golf Course. 

Each Tuesday afternoon (weather permitting), the JPGC conducts a scramble tournament with teams being made up based on handicaps or average scores registered. Each team is comprised of an A player, B player, C player and so on. 

To register, you can call in advance to 318-259-7247 or sign up at least 30 minutes in advance on the day of the tournament at the Golf Course. 

 

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Gloryway Church in Dodson, LA is pleased to offer an invitation to their 32nd annual International Word of God Fellowship (IWOGF) Camp Meeting. This year’s theme of the powerful three-day presentation is A Time of Healing.  Nightly services will be held June 13-15 at 7:00pm. A one day service will take place on June 14th beginning at 10:00am. Gloryway Church is located at 1194 Hwy 505 in Dodson. For more information call (318) 648 – 8002 or (318) 663 – 3334. 

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Mission Accomplished!

We hear varied opinions and suggestions about time management. I wonder how much of our time is spent thinking about what we’ll eat.

Many cooks are efficient menu planners: they decide a week or more in advance what they’ll prepare.

On the other hand, there are procrastinators. Like me, they delay those decisions as long as possible. Being one who hates to cook, meal planning is not my cup of tea.

My Dad seriously wondered what Mom would be fixing for their next meals.

He was ready and waiting for each breakfast, lunch and supper.

Low on energy, Dad dozed in his recliner day or night. Upon awakening, he occasionally became confused; he forgot the time of day.

It was no big deal.

He just knew it must be time to eat something.

Apparently Jesus’ disciples were preoccupied with meals.

“Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, Rabbi, eat something.’ But He said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you do not know about.’ So the disciples were saying to one another, ‘No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?’ Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work (John 4:31-34 NASB).”

Mission accomplished!

Jesus finished the Father’s work of sacrifice and salvation.

“He said, ‘It is finished!’ And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit (John 19:30b NASB).”

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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 north Louisiana residents. To help make that possible, free Covid-19, Flu, and Monkeypox vaccinations are being offered a the Jackson Parish Health Unit (JPHU), located at 228 Bond St. in Jonesboro, Monday – Thursday (June 12-15) during times of 8am-4:30pm. The JPHU will be closed Friday, June 16th in observance of Juneteenth. Appointments are suggested, but not necessary. To schedule an appointment call (318) 259 – 6601.

 

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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. 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

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 7125

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Village of Chatham
Parish of Jackson
State of Louisiana

A public hearing will be held at 5:30pm June 13, 2023, at Chatham Town Hall located 1709 Oak St Chatham, Louisiana regarding the following Ordinances:
Ordinance 2023 – 01: An ordinance establishing and providing for an amended budget of receipts for the Village of Chatham, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana for the fiscal year 2022 – 2023 and appropriating out of the treasury the funds necessary for the payment of said expenditures as set forth on the budget.
Ordinance 2023 – 02: An ordinance establishing and providing for a budget of receipts for the Village of Chatham, Louisiana for the fiscal year 2023 – 2024 and appropriating out of the treasury the funds necessary for the payment of said expenditures as set forth on the budget.
Ordinance 2023 – 03: An ordinance allowing for a franchise agreement with Entergy, Louisiana, Inc., and other pertaining matters
A copy of these ordinances may be obtain at Chatham Town Hall. Anyone who needs assistance, please call Town Hall at 318-249-2541 during office hours of Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm and Friday 8pm – 12pm.

Gregory C. Harris
Mayor

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed Proposals will be received by the Jackson Parish Police Jury, Jonesboro, Louisiana, in the Police Jury Administrative Building, 160 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana, until 2:00 P.M., local time, on Thursday, June 15, 2023. No proposals will be received after this hour or date. On this date and specified time, bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

For: JACKSON PARISH COURTHOUSE
REPLACE Boiler Number 1
JONESBORO, LOUISIANA

Complete bidding documents may be obtained from:

JOHN J. GUTH ASSOCIATES, INC.
208 MILAM STREET
SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA 71101
PHONE 318/221-8638

upon deposit of $50.00 for each set of documents. Deposit on the first two sets are fully refundable to all bonafide Prime Bidders upon return of the documents, in good condition, no later than ten (10) days of receipt of bids. The deposit of all other sets of documents will be refunded 50% upon return of documents as stated above. Documents are also available in electronic format on CD upon payment of deposit.

All bids must be accompanied by bid security equal to five percent (5%) of the sum of the base bid and all alternates, and must be in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check, or Bid Bond written by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana.

The successful Bidder shall be required to furnish a Performance and Payment Bond written by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana, in an amount equal to 100% of the Contract amount.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held in the Police Jury Meeting Room 3rd Floor, Jackson Parish Courthouse, 500 E Court Street, Jonesboro, Louisiana on May 30th at 10:00 A.M.

Bids shall be accepted only from Contractors who are licensed under La. R.S. 37:2150-2163 for the classification of MECHANICAL Work.

Evidence of authority to submit the bid shall be required in accordance with R.S. 38:2212(A)(1)(c) and/or R.S. 39:1594(C)(2)(d).

Any person requiring special accommodations shall notify the Jackson Parish Police Jury of the type(s) of accommodations required not less than seven (7) days before the bid opening.

Jackson Parish Police Jury
Emmett Gibbs,
Secretary-Treasurer

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The Jackson Council on Aging has declared the following items as surplus property and authorized disposal of each item separately by sealed bids to the highest bidder.

One(1) 2010 Ford Transit
One(1) 2016 Ford Transit T-35 Passenger Van

These items may be inspected Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm & Friday 8am-2:00pm at Jackson COA Office, 120 Polk Ave. Jonesboro, LA
(318)259-8962

Bids submitted for each vehicle item must be submitted in sealed envelope, clearly marked SEALED BID no later than 1:00pm Friday July 14,2023.

All items are to be sold “as is”.

The Jackson Council on Aging reserve the right to reject any or all bids.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Affidavit of Succession and Certificate of Service

NOTICE OF VACANCY

APPOINTMENT OF JACKSON PARISH REGISTRAR OF VOTERS

THE JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY SHALL APPOINT AN INDIVIDUAL TO SERVE AS THE JACKSON PARISH REGISTRAR OF VOTERS. ALL INTERESTED APPLICANTS MAY PICK UP AN APPLICATION FROM THE JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY OFFICE.

ALL INTERESTED APPLICANTS FOR THE POSITION OF REGISTRAR OF VOTERS SHALL SUBMIT AN APPLICATION AND RESUME TO THE JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:

JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY
160 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE
JONESBORO, LA 71251-3446

OR THE APPLICATION AND RESUME MAY BE HAND DELIVERED TO THE JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY OFFICE AT THE

JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING
160 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE
JONESBORO, LA 71251-3446

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 4:30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2023. THE JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY SHALL CONDUCT INTERVIEWS OF ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPLICANTS FOR REGISTRAR OF VOTER:
• SHALL BE A REGISTERED VOTER. IF APPOINTED TO FILL THE OFFICE OF REGISTRAR OF VOTERS, THE APPLICANT SHALL BECOME A RESIDENT AND REGISTERED VOTER OF JACKSON PARISH PRIOR TO TAKING THE OATH OF OFFICE, AND SHALL POSSESS AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING AT THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT:
• POSSESS A BACCALAUREATE DEGREE FROM AN ACCREDITED INSTITUTION AND TWO YEARS FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
• POSSESS AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE FROM AN ACCREDITED INSTITUTION AND FOUR YEARS OF FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
• SEVEN YEARS OF FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
• FIVE YEARS OF FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT IN A REGISTRAR’S OFFICE IN LOUISIANA

NOTE: PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE MEANS EXPERIENCE IN AN OCCUPATION WHICH REQUIRES SPECIALIZED AND THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE USUALLY ACQUIRED THROUGH COLLEGE TRAINING OR THROUGH WORK EXPERIENCE AND OTHER TRAINING WHICH PROVIDES COMPARABLE KNOWLEDGE.

Nelda Sue White
August 21, 1947 – June 7, 2023

Nelda Sue White passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 in Ruston, Louisiana. She was 75 years old. Nelda enjoyed shopping and cooking for her family. She loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. Nelda grew up attending Highway Chapel Church of God and as an adult she was a member of Beech Springs Baptist Church.

Nelda is survived by her husband of 49 years, Arville White; daughter, Wendy (Mixon) Chestnut and husband Jerry; grandchildren, Caleb Chestnut, Chance Chestnut (Taylor), Katie Persons (Corey) and Sadie Mixon; great grandchildren, Aaliyah Mixon, Journee Mixon, Addie Persons, Brantley Persons, Emma Persons, Eli Persons; special friends, Mary Pepper and Sharon Cowser; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Chandra Lane Mixon; son, Toby Lee Mixon, father, Charles Arlton Stringer; mother, Gertie Gladys (Cupp) Stringer; sister, Dorothy “Dot” Carr and her husband, Jimmie.

Funeral services were held at the Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, June 10, 2023, with Bro. Lance Huckaby officiating. Burial followed at Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery near Quitman under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro. 

Serving the family as pallbearers were Caleb Chestnut, Chance Chestnut, Corey Persons, Rickey Carr, Billy Mixon, Billy Lewis, John Bradshaw, Colby McManus, and HueMurle Taylor. Honorary pallbearers were Ronnie Carson and Wayne Carpenter.

Harry Caskey
September 26, 1944 – June 5, 2023

Mr. Harry Caskey of Quitman, LA, was born on September 26, 1944, in Hodge, LA and went to his heavenly home on June 5, 2023, at his residence in Quitman, LA, at the age of 78.

Harry loved fishing and hunting and generally just loved being outdoors, watching softball and spending time with his family. He enjoyed sports and watching John Wayne movies.

Those left to cherish his memory include his five children, Danelle and Eric Coleman, Laura and Jimmy Shows, Charles and Lisa Caskey, Andy and Dorothy Ramsey, and Denise Williams. Nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and three nephews.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Teresa Caskey, parents; Joe and Virginia Caskey, brother, Bobby Caskey, and several cousins.

A Celebration of Life service was held on Thursday, June 8th at Beech Springs Baptist Church in Quitman followed by Interment in the Beech Springs Church Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro. 

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that LA Hwy 147 East will be closed 1.2 miles east of LA 505, east of Jonesboro, in Jackson Parish. This road will remain closed until approximately Friday, June 16, 2023.

The purpose of this road closure is to allow for the necessary replacement of a cross drain pipe.

This work will be performed WEATHER PERMITTING.

PERMIT/DETOUR:
The detour route will be LA 147, LA 34, LA 810 and LA 505.

SAFETY REMINDER:
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

Call 511 or visit www.511la.org for additional information. Out-of-state travelers may call I-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Proving how deep and stacked the Quitman High School girls softball team roster is, a representative from each grade (9-12) was selected to the Louisiana Softball Coaches Association (LSCA) 2023 Class B All State Team.

Representing the Lady Wolverines who finished as state runner-up in Division V was:
Madison Kaye Brymer – Senior
Madison Chaplin – Junior
Cali Deal – Sophomore
Maggie Guyotte – Freshman

It marks the second year in a row that Quitman has placed four on the elite team. For  Deal and Guyotte it marks a third straight time being selected to the team, while Brymer repeats from last year and Chaplin makes the team for the second time in three years. 

Representatives to the All-State team are those from teams whose head coaches are members in good standing with the LSCA. Each coach votes for players only in the classification they are affiliated with. Example: Class B coaches vote only for Class B players. 

The Louisiana Softball Coaches Association was founded in May, 1990 by a group of dedicated high school softball coaches who wanted to devise ways to promote the sport, aid the coaches, and honor the athletes who play our sport. In addition, the LSCA works closely with the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and the Louisiana High School Coaches Association to make recommendations on issues and rules along with in its dealings on such matters as equipment rulings and the state tournament as they relate to the game of Softball.

2023 LSCA All-State Softball from QHS

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The Board of Aldermen for the Village of Hodge met on Tuesday, June 6th where they adopted an Ordinance that will increase utility rates for residential and commercial customers. Also agreed to by council members Willard Willis, Steve Fox, and Martha Buchan was adopting the general budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 and selling the Old Town Hall for no less than $180,000.00.

While much discussion was had, what wasn’t agreed to was the agenda item relating to parking on certain streets in the village. At issue was the proposition to prohibit parking on the following streets:

North First Street between Hunt and Mill Street
North Second Street between Hunt and Mill Street
Mill Street
West Pine Street
Oak Street
South 4th Street
Adjacent to any Fire Hydrant

The reasoning behind denying parking on either side of the aforementioned streets was that with cars parked on both sides, emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances along with school buses don’t have enough room to travel down the road. 

When the floor was opened for discussion, several concerned citizens who live along the roadways expressed their contention. Objections were heard because there was no room to park near their homes, some had handicap issues and questions arose wondering if exemptions could be included.

After all was heard, Mayor Gerald Palmer asked the council to table the final decision to allow for more research into additional viable solutions could be obtained to which the council agreed. 

Regarding the increase of utility rates, deemed necessary due to the continually rising cost of operation, the following was agreed to:

Water Rates:
Residential: Increase to $30.00 per month with no increase in rates for usage over 3000 plus gallons per month and additional incremental amounts. 
Commercial: Increase to  $75.00 per month. 

Sewer Rates:
Residential: Increase to $20.00 per month
Commercial:: Increase to $30.00 per month

Sanitation Rates:
Residential: Increase to $20.00 per month
Commercial: Increase to $30.00 per month

In additional action, Mayor Palmer asked the council to approve his negotiating with Optimum regarding their offer of Internet and Phone service which he received the go-ahead, and reports from the Police and Fire Department heads were heard. 

 

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As the post in the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) Facebook post said “sometimes there is no substitute for snow cones and water slides in the sun.” To add to that, it is even better when you can enjoy fun like this with your family. 

On Saturday, June 3rd, a great time was enjoyed by all in attendance at the “Employee and Family Fun Day” held at the JPASD Training Center, located at 107 Watts Street in Jonesboro. The day of revelry allowed for much more than just a chance to let the kids play on the water slides and bounce houses, It also gave the employees and their family members a rare opportunity to come together to share feelings.

In reality an EMT has two “families”. They have their “professional” family of dedicated people who they spend hours upon hours with working closely together in the effort to save lives.  Then they also have their more traditional version of “home” family consisting of wives, husbands and children. 

It takes a special type of person to respond to the worst kind of situations imaginable on a daily basis. They spend hours away from their loved ones without complaint always ready to respond in a minutes notice and have the rare ability to not allow their “work” affect their home life.

It also takes special people to be the supporters of these brave first responders at home. They are the ones who listen to the things difficult to express, provide understanding to the pain felt and give selfless sacrifice by making the home a comfortable and safe place of refuge. 

It is the support given by the “home” family, that allows the “professional” family to do what is required at the best of their ability.

Appreciation is given to the Director Aaron Johnson and the administration of the JPASD for recognizing the importance of bringing the two “families” together. Both play a vital role in keeping the residents of Jackson Parish safe and both are to be commended for their service.

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The Jackson Parish Library and the Junior Leaders of the local 4-H chapter is presenting “Down on the Farm”  this Wednesday, June 7th where patrons will get the opportunity to pet and learn about small farm animals. The fun begins at 10:00 am at the Jonesboro Branch and continues at 2:00 pm at the Chatham Branch.  

“MyPlate meets Charcuterie Board”

On Monday, June 5th, Mrs. Shannan Chevallier with LSU Ag Center treated the children of the Summer Program to an amazing presentation of “MyPlate meets Charcuterie Board”  Those in attendance learned all about the traditional ingredients of a charcuterie board while ensuring all MyPlate food groups are present.

MyPlate is the current nutrition guide published by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, and serves as a recommendation based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The word “charcuterie” refers to cold cooked, cured, or smoked meats, so in the most “official” sense, a traditional charcuterie board is just a meat platter. As these boards have gotten more popular, the everyday definition has expanded to include abundant displays of meats, cheeses, dried and fresh fruits and vegetables, toasted nuts, briny olives, and complementary condiments – honeys, jams, jellies, chutneys, mustards and more!

Mrs. Shannan will return July 10th for an additional adult program.

Sponsor a brick in Library Park entryway

The Library Park at the Jonesboro Branch is now open to anyone who would like to enjoy the solitude and peacefulness of the outdoors. Entering into the quite haven one will notice the brick walkway adorned with the names of sponsors who have joined with the JPL to provide this outstanding addition. 

A chance to have you, your family, organization or business name etched in history is still available by calling (318) 259 – 5697 during normal operating hours. Call today as space is rapidly running out.  

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In an effort to reward the hard work and dedication put in by each and every girl on the team, the LA Elite 18U girls basketball team is introducing a weekly award they are calling “Elite of the Tournament”.

This weekends “Elite” goes to…… Briley Peterson!

“Briley is going to be a Junior at Weston High School next fall and her skills on the court will take her much farther than that. If you have kept up with any of our posts this summer, you are very familiar with the mentions of this amazing athlete. She truly goes above and beyond what is asked of her — game start to finish. College coaches interested in a well rounded player with a good work ethic, consistent shooter, and defender… KEEP THIS ONE ON YOUR RADAR” – LA Elite

Peterson earned the award by leading LA Elite with 47 points in five games played in the 9th annual “Chasing the Dreams” Tourney in Henderson, TX, where the team came in second place. This comes on the heels of being the teams leading scorer in the Memorial Day Classic Tournament in Monroe the week before, won by LA Elite, which now has an 18-6 record during the summer play. 

 

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Two years ago, there was a now-forgotten late-season hurricane. It mustered up weak winds that couldn’t even knock a sick alley cat over and petered out before the eastern seaboard could offer much interest.

Its name was Teddy.

Soft. Mashed potatoes version of a “storm.”

But experience suggests that things ain’t always that away.

For everything—including hurricanes—there is a season.

But good news: the six-month 2023 hurricane season began June 1 and if the names are any indication, there won’t be much trouble. Lots of Teddy-like names in the crowd. Arlene, for instance, the first named storm of 2023, has come and gone with a whimper.

Then you have Bret and Cindy and Tammy and, well, you get the picture. No Brutus or Atilla. But let a professional explain, a man I would trust with anything, including my 7-iron or even my baseball glove …

He’s an old friend who’s found his way into the emergency business, including weather watching. Worked on The Tech Talk with him and then for almost 20 years at The Times in Shreveport. He’s a good golfer, a great dad, an intrepid reporter, and now works for some lucky people as their Director of Communications in a hurricane-endangered place. I can’t tell you where or his name because that would be indiscreet. (Don. Don Walker. In Brevard County, Florida, like Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral and all that.)

So, this hurricane season, we have boots on the ground, and here is Don’s official early-season report:

“This year’s list of hurricane names includes ‘Don.’ Nice to get some name recognition, but I predict this will be a somewhat calm hurricane season due to the likes of others who made the list – like Hurricanes Gert, Nigel, and Vince. From an emergency communications standpoint, which is how I make a living, it’s going to be hard to convince people to evacuate when we show up in the ‘Cone of Uncertainty’ for a Hurricane Gert. No offense to any Gerts out there, but I see ‘Gert’ as something the doctor might say when what you’ve got is more of an upset stomach kind of thing, not so much a full-fledged stomach bug – but then I’m not a doctor, I’m just a man and a potential hurricane.

“Thank you for checking on us,” Don’s report concludes. “We’re already five days in and, so far, only one disturbance in the Gulf that didn’t faze us. We’re 1-0, but if and when the time comes, you can find me in the dugout – well, we call it a bunker – handling communications for Brevard County Emergency Management. It’s something I’m pretty good at. Well, that, and golf. But not during a hurricane.”

It’s around this hurricane-wary time of year that I thumb through Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larson, a book I’ve read three times. It starts like this:

“Throughout the night of Friday, September 7, 1900, Isaac Monroe Cline found himself waking to a persistent sense of something gone wrong.”

Isaac didn’t know half of it.

In the late summer of 1900, Galveston was home to 38,000 and the third-richest city in America, a boom town. As Larson explains in his book that reads more like a suspense novel than non-fiction, Isaac Cline was its young resident U.S. Weather Bureau meteorologist who “failed to grasp the true meaning of the strange deep-sea swells and peculiar winds that greeted the city that (Saturday, September 8) morning. Mere hours later, Galveston found itself submerged by a monster hurricane that completely destroyed the town and killed over 6,000 people in what remains the greatest natural disaster in American history …”

What Isaac and the gang wouldn’t have given for The Weather Channel. Or Larson’s book. While he didn’t get to read it, you might want to. Spoiler alert: as mentioned, I’ve read it three times; Storm is 3-0 so far.

A final note from Larson’s book:

“Galveston was too pretty, too progressive, too prosperous—entirely too hopeful—to be true. Travelers arriving by ship saw the city as a silver fairy kingdom that might just as suddenly disappear from sight, a very different portrait from that which would present itself in the last few weeks of September 1900, when inbound passengers smelled the pyres of burning corpses a hundred miles out to sea.”

It’s a story about “what can happen when human arrogance meets the uncontrollable force of nature.” It’s why I don’t gripe at rain and lightning delays anymore.

Have a great summer, but let’s be careful out there.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu or Twitter @MamaLuvsManning

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Culpepper and Culpepper. Most folks in Jackson Parish recognize the pairing of names as a legal firm in Jonesboro. Those who participated in the 2023 Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament this past Saturday know it now as the winners of the Championship Flight in the annual two-man scramble held at the Jackson Parish Golf Course. 

J.J. (who also won in 2020) and Tayt Culpepper took first-place honors in 18 hole event by firing a round of 11-under par (61) to defeat the teams of Peyton Mitchell / Jack Lyles and Rick Hickman / Justin Sharp by one stroke. 

Winners of the First Flight were Joey Pender and Eddie Langston, who won on a scorecard playoff over Micky Martin and Justin Morris after both finished with a four-under-par round of 68. Waymon and Shane Laffoon shot a 69 to come in third in a scored card playoff over Ray Walsworth / Joey Pardue, Ritchie Tolar / Greg Foshee, and Marshall Boggs / Mason Paxton. 

Matt and Bart Lee took 2nd Flight honors with an even par 72 score which was one better than Tommy Cruise and Glenn Kirkland who took second in a scorecard playoff over Wyndham Lee and Eric Tolar. 

Ritchie Stewart took honors in the putting contest while Cam Martin and Paul Trosclair came home with the prize for closest to the hole. Twenty-eight teams participated. 

The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following for sponsoring holes and helping make the tournament a great success. 
Andy Brown – Sheriff
A & M Builders
Brent Barnett
Barksdale Federal Credit Union
Boundary solutions
Bumper Bumper
Chris Bowman
Cody Cheatwood
Colvin & Smith
Culpepper & Carroll
Darrell Avery
DART
Dodson Builders 
Family Pharmacy
Forest Haven
FYZICAL
Gary Nunn
Glen Kirkland
H & D Property
Henry Schuler
Hodge Bank
Jack McFarland
Jay Morris
JP Hospital
Jackson Parish Bank
John William
Jonesboro Plumbing
Jonesboro State Bank
J&L Farms
Kay’s Design
Kenneth Folden
Laura Culpepper
Mark Kennedy Plumbing
Mayor Harris
Mercy Medical
Mitchell”s Pharmacy
Paradise Funeral Home
Pardue Builders
People’s Bank
Protective Agency
Randy Ewing
RKT
RT Express
Sabine Bank
Scrap Iron BBQ
Shady Acres
Six Points Consulting
Smokehouse
Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home
State Farm
Tammy Jump
Vernie Meeks
VP Raceway oil
WestRock
Yumeaka Washington
Zack Lafittee

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(KTVE/KARD) — Local authorities are advising residents to be aware of a new scam that has been reported where phone calls are being made from an 888 area code stating that they are with hospitals across the region and encouraging residents to pay their balance over the phone.

The latest reported act took place in Catahoula Parish on June 3, 2023, as reported by the Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Department.

“Verify with the hospital that you actually owe this amount and pay through the hospital. Scammers are busy trying to scam today!” – Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Department

Residents are encouraged to avoid any potential of being scammed to not pay a requested balance if you receive a call but instead if you want to pay by phone make sure you establish the contact. 

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As a teenager, George spent most of his free time cruising the streets of Modesto, California. He owned an Autobianchi Bianchina, an Italian minicar based on the Fiat 500. The car sported a convertible top, and roll bar, and was surprisingly peppy for its size. George liked driving fast.

For most of George’s high school career, he was in danger of failing. George’s mother worried that he would never amount to anything. George’s father reassured her that George was just a late bloomer. George’s father wanted George to follow in his footsteps and run the office equipment store that the family had built. However, George wanted to be a car mechanic and race cars. George and his parents argued over the direction George planned to take in life. Finally, to placate his parents, George decided to go to college. First, George had to finish high school.

It was the end of the school year in 1962, and George was a senior at Thomas Downey High School. His high school graduation was scheduled for June 15, but George did not make it to his graduation. Three days before graduation, on June 12 at 4:50 p.m., George was driving his minicar back to his home at 821 Sylvan Road in Modesto, California. In the era when wearing a seatbelt was optional and seatbelts did not come standard in all cars, George was buckled in. As George neared his driveway, he slowed the car and turned on his left blinker. George looked ahead and saw that there was no oncoming traffic. George turned the wheel to the left and began the turn into his driveway. The last thing George heard was a horn.

17-year-old Frank Ferreira, also of Modesto, was driving at about 90 miles per hour in the same direction George had been traveling. Frank saw the minicar travelling slowly and veered into the left lane to pass. As Frank neared George’s minicar, George began the turn. Frank had little time to react. He slammed on the brakes and honked the horn, but it was too late. Frank’s car hit George’s minicar so hard that George’s car flipped seven or eight times and struck a walnut tree. While the car was flipping, George’s seatbelt snapped, and George was thrown from the minicar. A millisecond later, George’s minicar and Frank’s car struck a walnut tree. George was seriously injured. He lay unconscious near his crushed car. Paramedics rushed George to the Modesto City Hospital. Frank was uninjured.

When George awoke, a nurse reassured him. “Don’t worry,” she said, “you have all of your arms and legs.” “What do you mean?” George asked. He had no memory of the accident. Everybody kept telling George, “You should be dead.” After hearing that several times, George decided that “maybe there’s a reason I’m here.”

Whereas George had little interest in his high school career, he excelled in what became his major area of study in his junior year of college. George’s father was right when he said George was a late bloomer. George’s mother had no reason to be concerned about George’s lack of direction or that he would never amount to anything. According to Forbes, in 2023, George’s net worth was more than $4.9 billion.

Had George agreed to go into his family’s office equipment business or had George not survived the car crash, we would never have shared in the adventures of Dr. Henry Walton Jones Jr., nor would we have learned what happened “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….” The teenage boy who somehow survived a horrific car crash went on to create the epic Hollywood franchises “Indiana Jones,” and “Star Wars.” His name is George Walton Lucas, Jr.

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Baton Rouge – Louisiana State Police is proud to announce the launch of our new website which is designed to enhance engagement with the citizens of Louisiana. It will also provide a more user-friendly and intuitive online experience.

Several updated features on www.LSP.org include:

· Increased accessibility for those with disabilities
· Content translation available in over 100 languages
· Online compliment/complaint portal
· Recruiting links to applications, videos and FAQs
· Departmental polices available for public viewing
· Improved structure to allow for quick and easy access to essential information

Louisiana State Police is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement and serving the people of Louisiana with integrity and professionalism. Our new website represents our commitment to strengthening our relationship with the public and increasing transparency throughout the agency.

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Well, the latest question from bass fishermen has been, “Can you win a bass tournament without forward-facing sonar on your boat?” The answer you get will depend on who you ask. So many of today’s young anglers (ages 18-30) will say that if you’re not using it, then you’re probably fishing for a second. But some older anglers, who fish off of instincts and experience, are proving that you can win without it.

Nothing has had a bigger impact on the sport of tournament bass fishing in the last 20 years than this new forward-facing sonar that first hit the market from Garmin Electronics. Then Hummingbird and Lowrance followed with their own version, and all were considered very good units. But like any other sonar unit, there was a learning curve. Once anglers figured out what they were looking at and how to fine tune each unit, that’s when it became super popular and highly effective.

Some anglers did not bat an eye at spending $5000 for one of these high-grade sonar units that showed you actual live time imaging of fish swimming around a boat dock or a brush pile in 25 feet of water. These units allowed you to make a cast and see your bait in real time as fish approached and struck whatever bait you were throwing. It has evolved into a video game allowing the younger generation of anglers to adapt quickly.

Professional angler, Elite Series Pro John Cox, who does not own a one of these high dollar units, says that for a shallow water angler that fishes in water less than five feet, it does not really serve a purpose. Therefore, John and a few other top shallow water pros have decided that it’s not worth the investment.

As someone who has interviewed other top anglers, both professional and amateur, not all of them own a forward-facing sonar. It’s still a matter of personal choice as to whether you want to make the investment or not. But one thing all anglers will agree on is that you don’t have to own one to be successful or to win a bass tournament. It’s just another tool an angler may choose if they so desire or can afford one.

One group that may have benefited more from forward-facing sonar than bass fishermen are professional guides and crappie anglers. For a guide, this unit has been heaven sent as it has allowed many of them to find and catch fish on days when the fishing is tough. As an outstanding guide on Lake Fork, Johnny Guice says that the unit has helped him find crappie when the bass isn’t biting, therefore, saving a trip and making customers very happy. Guides will tell you that most customers don’t care what they catch, they just want to catch fish.

So, to answer the question about forward-facing sonar and can you win a tournament without it? The answer is yes; it’s simply another tool that is only as good as its user. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget to set the hook or wear your sunscreen.
Steve Graf
Angler’s Perspective

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Did you have a favorite place you liked to sit in the Weston High School gymnasium? If it was in one of the folding chairs on the north side chances are that now you can claim it forever as your very own. But you better hurry as only a limited number are being offered for sale. 

To make room for the new seats that are to be installed, Weston High School is selling a section of seating from the school gymnasium. There are twenty chairs available in five-chair sections. The chairs are wall-mounted, but end stanchions are available. A purchase of less than five chairs is possible. The chairs are $15 each. If interested, please contact Weston High School (318-259-7313).

 

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The SCILS Region 8 LaSTEM Center traveled to Jonesboro to provide a STEM station for the Jackson Parish 4-H Achievement Day activities. Groups of students rotated through the SCILS session where they engaged in an engineering design challenge to build the longest free-extending cantilever arm using only paint stirrers and washers.

The Region 8 LaSTEM Center – SCILS for short – is a group of partners across north Louisiana focused on meeting the critical need for science, technology, engineering, and math learning and job skills in our region.

“What fun to see these outstanding and dedicated young leaders collaborate and conquer the challenge while having a great time with the SCILS team. In fact, one team broke the SCILS record!! Thank you for including us in your end-of-year experience . . . we love our Jackson Parish partners! 4-H + STEM = SUCCESS!!” 

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Gloryway Church in Dodson, LA is pleased to offer an invitation to their 32nd annual International Word of God Fellowship (IWOGF) Camp Meeting. This year’s theme of the powerful three-day presentation is A Time of Healing.  Nightly services will be held June 13-15 at 7:00pm. A one day service will take place on June 14th beginning at 10:00am. Gloryway Church is located at 1194 Hwy 505 in Dodson. For more information call (318) 648 – 8002 or (318) 663 – 3334. 

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The junior high and varsity girls basketball teams at Quitman High School is selling Downhome Sausage as a fundraiser in an effort to raise money to defray expenses for next season. 

Costs are $7.00 for 1.5 pounds or $22.50 for 5 pounds, which is less than what you would pay at in grocery stores. Four flavors are available including: Original, Hot, Green Onion (1.5 lbs only) and Jalepeno (1.5 lbs. only)

To support the teams through a purchase contact any member of the QHS Junior High or Varsity girls basketball team. 

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Go Back!

Showers of blessings…

“I will make them and the area around My hill a blessing: I will send down showers in their season—showers of blessing (Ezekiel 34:26 HCSB).”

We live in the Louisiana delta; agriculture is at the center of our economy. Farmers need God’s showers of blessings.

While driving recently my husband looked up toward the sky. He said it looked like there were showers off in the distance.

A prophet prayed for rain.

“Elijah went up to the summit of Carmel. He bowed down on the ground and put his face between his knees. Then he said to his servant, ‘Go up and look toward the sea.’

So he went up, looked, and said, ‘There’s nothing.’

Seven times Elijah said, ‘Go back.’

On the seventh time, he reported, ‘There’s a cloud as small as a man’s hand coming from the sea.’

Then Elijah said, ‘Go and tell Ahab, ‘Get your chariot ready and go down so the rain doesn’t stop you.’

In a little while, the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and there was a downpour (1 Kings 18:42b-45a HCSB.”

Needing the LORD’s blessings?

Go back!

 

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