Lucas Bandy and Eli Henderson of Weston High and Joseph Delaney of Quitman, enjoyed winning the championship of the HoopPlay 5th Grade National Tournament played in Conway, AR the weekend of July 14 – 16.
As members of WPPB, based out of Ruston and coached by brothers Rory Williams and Ryan Williams, the three helped the summer travel ball team win five straight games and defend their 4th grade championship from a year ago.
The tournament opened with WPPB beating the Supreme Wildcats from Mississippi 31-16 in Pool Play on Friday. Another pool game was played Saturday morning with WPPB winning 46-19 over The Valley from Arkansas.
In the first game of bracket play on Saturday, WPPB blasted Bad Hoops from Oklahoma 52-36 and on Sunday morning won 26-25 over the Supreme Wildcats from Mississippi. WPPB claimed the championship by beating the Natural State Warriors from Arkansas by a 40-31 margin.
(Mya Hudgins – MyArkLaMiss) Do you have a need for speed? Visit Super Bee Speedway in Chatham, La. It’s the only dirt track in Northeast Louisiana. They specialize in quarter-mile oval racing and finding race car drivers who are looking to compete.
“You get older and you think your passion for winning will slow, but it don’t,” said Darin Patrick, Crate Late Model Class.
The Super Bee Speedway has 7 different classes of cars and they run an average of 105 cars a night. Officials say 40 percent of the drivers are from out of state, usually from Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas. The other 60 percent are from the surrounding parishes in Northeast Louisiana.
“There was a time for a while when we had nowhere to go. They opened this track back up and we run down here from 2019 to 2021. We won 3 championships down here,” Tanner Kellick, Super Dirt Late Model Class.
This dirt track has been around since 1988, but new owners took over 2 years ago. Some say they helped bring back the excitement that circles the racing world.
“We’re 5th generation for the flying zero number in our family. Our grandfather started it years ago and I am privileged to carry on the tradition. That was a promise I made and I intend to keep it up and pass it down to him [his son],” said Justin Cook, Street Stock Class & Limited Class.
Here at Super Bee Speedway, you’ll hear and see a lot of different things. From the loud car engines to the fans cheering, but something you don’t see is the story behind the drivers and the family legacy that runs deep for the race car drivers.
“My dad raced in the early 90s, then my brother raced, and my papa raced. So it’s just something my family has always done,” said Crystal Day, Street Stock Class.
“It really started because I paid attention to him, [his dad] just so that I can learn from him,” said Jaxon Cook, Sportster Class.
You can expect to see cool cars, young drivers, and even women competing against men.
“We run with a lot of men, so we just kind of have to hold our own. It’s pretty tough, but we finish the race 99% of the time,” said Stephanie Page, Street Stock Class.
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana recently hosted Water Day at its Jonesboro Unit as part of the fun packed into its Summer Day Camp activities. The McDonald Unit hosted more than 200 club members from 5 different Club sites within its region.
Members enjoyed jumpers, water slides and a high-energy game of gelly ball. The community and its volunteers made it extra special by providing food and music for its members.
“We had a special opportunity to unite with one another for a full day of safe and supervised outdoor fun,” said Bri Giles, the site coordinator at the McDonald Unit. “This event is one that everyone looks forward to and creates a lifetime of memories for our kids. Thank you to the Jonesboro community for making this day possible for our campers.”
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development would like to advise candidates, as they conduct their campaign for public office, to please keep the following in mind:
(1) It is against Louisiana Law (see RS 48:347) to place signs within the right of way of a state highway. (2) Campaign signs placed in the state right of way will be removed and stored at the nearest DOTD parish maintenance unit for 30 days. Contact information for the DOTD Districts can be found below.
A good rule of thumb is to place your sign behind existing utility poles on property where you have received permission from the private property owner. Most utilities are within the DOTD right-of-way.
For directions about where and how to reclaim any of your signs that have been removed by DOTD personnel in Jackson Parish, see below
Thank you for your cooperation and your help in keeping our roadways safe for the citizens of Louisiana.
John Killinger wrote, “Old age is haunted territory. The ghosts of all our experiences converge upon us, drifting in and out like merry wraiths at a convention of specters. The older we become, the more of these ghosts there are and the more easily they appear to come and go. Some days we can’t get anything done for watching and listening to them.”
A couple of years ago I was home in north Alabama. My brother and I had cemetery duty. In the family plot there is a tallish obelisk which was leaning dramatically. It is the marker of my grandfather’s first wife who died in childbirth a century ago. Every few years it has been my job to “straighten out Cleo’s marker.” As my brother and I were working on it, I was suddenly struck with the realization that I am related to more people in the ground than above ground. Talk about a perfect setting to be reminded of the ghosts of the past.
Certainly, the family members we miss are some of the ghosts that figuratively roam in and out of our memory. The great family stories about those peculiar relatives we all have. The stories of the heroic actions of our patriarchs are always inspiring. In my family there are stories, many of them are the other kind. My great grandfather lost most of an entire county in Alabama in a poker game. Another great grandfather ran a broom factory. I grew up playing around broom parts, kerosene, old cars, and houses with basements. I loved how and when I grew up. Our family gatherings were loud and crowded.
The other ghosts that pop into our minds are a pair of regret ghosts. Regret comes in two forms, things we did or said and things we failed to do or to say. Those lists grow daily, don’t they? I’m trying to avoid that “left undone or left unsaid” ghost. These ghosts grab our attention, and we find ourselves trying to drive forward while looking in a rear-view mirror. They also keep us from experiencing the power of the present moment.
I’m trying a ghostbusting antidote that I read in the Bible. It might help you too! “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”
There are football legends, a women’s basketball great, four baseball icons, a two-time USA Olympian, a world-renowned (now elderly) weightlifting champion with an inspiring and patriotic life story, and five LSU Tigers.
They – and a fun-filled slate of events — are among the reasons to be in Natchitoches next Thursday, July 27 through Saturday, July 29, to enjoy the 2023 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration.
There are three free events, and four others which require admission charges. Only the grand finale, the Saturday evening, June 29 Induction Reception and Ceremony presented by State Farm Agents of Louisiana, is a dress up affair.
Two – the Friday Bowling Bash presented by BOM, in Alexandria at Four Seasons Bowling Center, and the Saturday morning New Orleans Saints and Pelicans Junior Training Camp on the Northwestern State campus – are activity filled.
Another – the Friday night Rockin’ River Fest Concert featuring Rockin’ Dopsie and The Zydeco Twisters, and rising country artist Jason Ashley, along with a 10-minute fireworks show over Cane River – is activity optional, dancing encouraged.
Tickets for the Bowling Bash, the Friday night VIP Taste of Tailgating party, the Saturday noon Round Table Luncheon, and the big finale, the Induction Reception and Ceremony, are available at LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255.
Advance registration at LaSportsHall.com for kids 7-17 is required for the free Junior Training Camp, which will feature many of the 2023 inductees participating as coaches in football and basketball.
Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning (from New Orleans) joins four-time WNBA All-Star Alana Beard (a Shreveport native) and College World Series champion LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri in a star-studded 12-member induction class.
The LSHOF Class of 2023 also includes New Orleans native Ron Washington, who managed the Texas Rangers to a pair of World Series appearances and in 2021 helped the Atlanta Braves win the world’s championship; two-time LSU track and field USA Olympian and world champion Walter Davis; and Slidell native, Tulane great and Chicago Bears two-time Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte.
Also elected for induction are All-American LSU pitcher Paul Byrd, a 14-year Major League Baseball veteran who made the 1999 All-Star Game; Shreveport native Wendell Davis, who shattered LSU football receiving records before heading to the NFL; multiple national champion and world class weightlifter Walter Imahara, a UL-Lafayette legend; and retired Baton Rouge-Parkview Baptist baseball coach M.L. Woodruff, whose teams claimed 11 state championships.
Two south Louisiana sports journalists, Bruce Brown of Lafayette and longtime New Orleans Times-Picayune high school reporter Lori Lyons, will also be honored.
The LSHOF’s Class of 2023 will be enshrined Saturday, July 29, at the Hall of Fame’s home in Natchitoches to culminate the 64th Induction Celebration.
The Thursday reception, the Friday evening River Fest and the Junior Training Camp are free. As noted above, camp participants must register online in advance.
The 2023 Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors.
For information on sponsorship opportunities and other participation, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040 or RonnieRantz@LaSportsHall.com, or Greg Burke, Director of Business Development and Public Relations, at 318-663-5459 or GregBurke@LaSportsHall.com .
A first annual Jackson Friends of 4-H Banquet has been scheduled for September 2, 2023 at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro. A great evening is planned beginning at 5:30 pm with dinner being served at 6:00 pm featuring a live auction, silent auction, bucket raffles, cake auction, games and prizes.
Reservations are now being accepted with recommendation to call early as space is limited. General admission tickets are $35.00 for an individual and $60.00 for a couple. Table for six sponsorships are also available for $300.00, which include 150 raffle tickets. Raffle tickets will also be available at the event for $1.00 per ticket and in bundles of fifty. To reserve your spot contact Kristie Bourgeois at (318) 245-4142 or Amy Magee at (318) 235-0002.
All proceeds from the banquet stay in Jackson Parish to support our youth and assist in costs associated with shooting sports, livestock, fashion, cooking, sports broadcasting, art, camps and many, many more programs.
To reserve your spot or make item donations for the auctions, contact Kristie Bourgeois at (318) 245-4142 or Amy Magee at (318) 235-0002. Monetary donations are also accepted.
Your support for the “leaders of tomorrow” is greatly appreciated.
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 – Friday (July 24-28) during times of 8am-4:30pm. Appointments are suggested, but not necessary. To schedule an appointment call (318) 259 – 6601.
Matthew Russell (Jonesboro, LA) – Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling Marcus R. Henry (Saline, LA) – Disturbing the Peace by Public Intoxication Kevin M. Conner (West Monroe, LA) – Third Offense DWI Jerry Gentry (Chatham, LA) – Bench Warrant on charge of Remaining After Forbidden Justin Lash (Fordyce, AR) – Fugitive from state of Oklahoma Allen C. Garlington (Ruston, LA) – Criminal Trespass Zachary J. Evans (Hodge, LA) – Trespassing Britton Y. Barnes (Jonesboro, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery Steven Jensen (Dubach, LA) – Simple Battery, Disturbing the Peace by Public Intoxication James Frick (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace Jason Grillette (Ringgold, LA) – Child Support Warrant Bobby Sanders (Ashland, LA) – Possession of Schedule II CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Improper Trailer Lamps Addarren Cottonham (Jonesboro, LA) Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Synthetic Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia James L. Baxley (Quitman, LA) – Felony Bench Warrant, Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon Dwayne L. Liston (Hodge, LA) – Driving under Suspension with Certain Prior Offenses Larious Grice (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule I CDS Demonyea Foster (Winnfield, LA) – Bench Warrant for Theft x3 Antrovious Chagois (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, License Plate Obscured Cemron Wrightsmen (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute Braviante Sampson (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute Tori Lowrey (Jonesboro, LA) – Theft of Goods
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.
To have your Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for sale, and Public / Legal Notices published – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com. Possible costs are dependent on content.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Jackson Council on Aging – Applications are being accepted for a Transportation & Meal Driver to work 5 hours a day Monday – Friday. Must have valid driver’s license, good work ethics with Senior Citizens, and have the knowledge to do paperwork involved in job duties. Applications will be received at the Robert Riddle Senior Center, located at 120 Polk Avenue in Jonesboro from 8:00am – 3:00pm on Monday-Thursday and 8:00 am – 1:00 pm on Friday. For more information call (318)259-8962.
Jackson Parish Journal – Does making money while meeting new people and greeting old friends sound appealing? If so, you may be perfect for opening of Account Executive position selling advertising for the JPJ. If interested call (318) 480-1206 or contact us at jpjjacksonla@gmail.com.
Sheriff’s Sale
SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC # 37171 ERIC MICHAEL MOORE
PARISH OF JACKSON STATE OF LOUISIANA
By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale for cash at the principal front door of the Courthouse, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 2nd day of AUGUST, 2023. Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:
BEGINNING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SE 1/4 OF NE 1/4, SECTION 10, TOWNSHIP 15 NORTH, RANGE 4 WEST, AND RUN SOUTH TO SOUTH LINE OF THE HODGE-ARCADIA HIGHWAY FOR A STARTING POINT, SAID POINT BEING 30 FEET PERPENDICULAR FROM THE CENTER OF SAID HIGHWAY; THENCE RUN SOUTH 208.7 FEET; THENCE RUN SOUTH 60 DEGREES EAST 211 FEET; THENCE RUN NORTH 29 DEGREES EAST 208.7 FEET; THENCE RUN NORTH 61 DEGREES WEST, ALONG AND PARALLEL TO SOUTH LINE OF SAID HIGHWAY, A DISTANCE OF 313 FEET TO THE STARTING POINT, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING, ALL LOCATED AND SITUATED IN JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA; SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS, SERVITUDES, RIGHTS OF-WAY AND OUTSTANDING MINERAL RIGHTS OF RECORD AFFECTING THE PROPERTY.
Seized as the property of the above named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all cost, sale to be made for cash with WITH the benefit of appraisal.
ANDY BROWN, SHERIFF EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER
6/21/23 7/26/23
SHERIFF’S SALE
U.S.BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF LB-TIKI SERIES V TRUST # 37182 GERALD ALAN WATTS, in his capacity As Administrator for the ESTATE OF RUTH WATTS
PARISH OF JACKSON STATE OF LOUISIANA
By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale for cash at the principal front door of the Courthouse, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 9th day ofAugust, 2023, Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:
BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE NE 1/4 OF SW 1/4, SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 15 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST AND RUN NORTH TO THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF STATE HIGHWAY N04 TO A DISTANCE OF 66 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 80 DEGREES 00 MINUTES WEST ALONG THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SAID HIGHWAY FOR A DISTANCE OF 871 FEET FOR STARTING POINT, FROM STARTING POINT RUN NORTH FOR A DISTANCE OF 163 FEET, THENCE EAST FOR A DISTANCE OF 246 FEET TO THE RIGHT OF WAY OF INTERSECTION OF CHATHAM-JONESBORO ROAD WITH CHATHAM-RUSTON ROAD THENCE AROUND SAID RIGHT OF WAY LINE TO STARTING POINT A DISTANCE OF 323 FEET ALL IN THE SW 1/4 SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 15 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST AND BEING ALL SITUATED IN JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING.
Seized as the property of the above named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all cost, sale to be made for cash WITHOUT the benefit of appraisal.
ANDY BROWN, SHERIFF EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER
6/28/23 8/2/23
LEGAL NOTICE
Affidavit of Succession and Certificate of Service
PUBLIC NOTICE
VILLAGE OF EAST HODGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
6011 MAIN STREET EAST HODGE, LA 71247 JUNE 13, 2023 6:00 P.M.
On the above date Mayor Hal Mims and council met at 6:00 P.M. Present: Mayor Hal Mims, Council Members: Robert Bradley, Gloria Moore and Preston Traxler The meeting was called to order with Prayer and Pledge by Robert Bradley. Recognition of Visitors: None Amendment to Agenda: Approve 2023 Budget, Approve the purchase of Tables for Hall, Request funds for 2023 from JP Recreation Department for Park Upgrade, Discuss increase for Council Members effective January 2024 Approval of Agenda: Motion by Moore and seconded by Bradley Approval of May 09, 2023 Meeting: Motion by Bradley and seconded by Moore Old Business: Discussion of Nuisance Personal Properties New Business: Approve the Annual Budget for 2023-2024: Motion by Moore and seconded by Bradley Purchase Tables for Village Hall: Motion by Bradley and seconded by Traxler Request Funds from Jackson Parish Recreation Dept. for Park Upgrades: Motion by Moore and seconded by Bradley Discussion of increase of Council Member Salary Continued Financial Reports Adjournment: Motion by Moore and seconded by Bradley
Judy (Martin) Thomason July 24, 1947 – July 18, 2023
Judy Iness (Martin) Thomason, age 75, of Fouke, Arkansas ascended to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. She was born July 24, 1947 in Winn Parish to the union of John Kermit and Aline Iness (Kelley) Martin. She worked at Winn Enterprise, Calvin High School as a para educator, owner and operator at Triple J Grocery and caretaker of her father J.K. Martin. Judy loved flowers and green plants. She also was a talented, self-taught florist. Judy absolutely loved to keep busy creating beautiful crafts and flower arrangements. Sometimes she would stay up crafting through the night, singing and praying as she worked. She began working at Nichols Department Store and in later years she kept up her own floral business. Judy and her husband, Randy owned and operated a store in Fouke until her retirement.
Judy loved attending church. She attended Village Community church. She had a big heart which was consumed by love for her Lord and Savior and her family. Included in her beloved family was her fur-babies, Callie, Gracie, Jaycee and Ms. Kitty. Judy will be greatly missed by all that loving called her wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalms 46:10 was her favorite Bible verse.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 21 years, Randy Thomason; children, Shaun James, LaDonna Sorenson and Robert, Nancy Knowles, Randy Thomason, Justin Thomason and Katie Stewart; grandchildren, Jayda James, Jaydan James, Kayla Norris and David, Tommy Ogg and Joanne, Victoria Roush and Brian, Triston Cross and Sarah, Addison Brooks and Connor, Miley Thomason, Isaiah Sorenson, Cade Thomason, Laurel Thomason; step grandchildren, Lillian Baldwin, Ava Baldwin, Colton Baldwin; great grandchildren, AnnaBell Roush, Mia Liu, Elaina Roush, Henry Cross; sister and brother in law, Janet and Daniel Wyatt; 3 doggies and 1 cat, Jaycee, Callie, Gracie and Ms. Kitty; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Jarod Lane James; parents, John Kermit and Aline (Kelley) Martin; sister and brother in law, Mary and James McBride; brothers, Johnny Martin, Jimmie Ray Martin “Jimbo”; nieces, Autumn Wyatt Henderson, Kim Kieffer; infant step grandchildren, Dixon and Matthew Knowles.
Funeral services were held at the Antioch Community Church in Brewtons Mill on Saturday, July 22, 2023 with Reverends Hayward Hossler, Lamar Carpenter, and Billy Mac McBride officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers were Justin Thomason, Triston Cross, Randy Thomason, Jr., Kelley Martin, Kyle Martin, and Brenton Carpenter.
In addition, a memorial service is planned for Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Village Community Church at 2:00PM. It is located at 525 Redwater Road, Wake Village, Texas.
If you were to ask any member of the Jackson Parish Library Board if they enjoyed being on the panel, 99% of the time the answer would be a resounding YES! The meeting held on Monday, July 17th, in the conference room at the Jonesboro Branch represented the other one percent.
The reason was due to their being forced to confront the demand by several local residents made to have a children’s book entitled Families, Families, Families! by Suzanne and Max Lang removed from circulation in the children’s section.
Google Books previews the publication by saying: No matter your size, shape, or pedigree–if you love each other, you are a family! Moms, dads, sisters, brothers — and even Great Aunt Sue — appear in dozens of combinations, demonstrating all kinds of nontraditional families!
For those not familiar with the issue, a few months back several area parents contacted the the administration of the Jackson Parish Library (JPL) in an uproar. Their complaint was that the book in question contained sensitive material that children should not be exposed to. In their opinion, the way the book read it promoted gay and lesbian lifestyles which they felt children should not be exposed to.
Being accountable to the concerns, Director Floyd Knox and members of the JPL administration began an investigation. This included reaching out to other libraries across the state and the Library Development Division of the Louisiana State Library. Know also asked for clarification and interpretation of the governing laws of the library in regard to an issue like this as defined in the Standards for Louisiana Public Libraries.
When no response or reply was immediately given, many begin to voice their feeling that their complaints were falling on deaf ears. In reality, the JPL administration was vigorously attempting to get guidance but was frustratingly forced to wait on a reply from their governing body and other agencies.
Refusing to let up the pressure, parish residents went to the Jackson Parish Police Jury to request that the JPPJ ask the JPL to remove the book from circulation, which they did.
On June 9th, JPPJ President Todd Culpepper penned a letter to JPL Director Floyd Knox stating a request that the book be removed while also acknowledging that the JPL was under no order to comply with the request and had the right to deny the recommendation just like any request made by a Jackson Parish citizen . It was.
Finally a response was received from the state. It came in the form of statutes of the Louisiana Library Bill of Rights, and guidelines from American Library Association (ALA) and the American Association of Publishers (AAP). In summary what was relayed was that it all boiled down to the local Library Board having the autonomy to determine whether the content of a book was inflammatory or harmful to the audience it was geared to.
Now knowing what legal position the Library Board had the Policy Committee delved into the verbiage of the governing rules and statutes for clarification of what could be and not could be done.
At the opening of the Monday session public comments were asked for. Local resident Jonathan Matthews read a prepared statement which passionately expressed his desire to have the book removed.
“This book is attempting to portray a homosexual relationship (represented by the two roosters) in an age appropriate manner,” said Matthews. “”It is our duty to protect children from abuse and grooming that this book will lead to. I am here tonight as a father of two young children and as a man in our community and I am asking this board to protect children and preserve their innocence instead of promoting deviancy.”
The first item on the stated agenda was to consider and act on the recommendation of the Policy Committee to leave the book on the shelves. A long discussion ensued led first by a member of the Policy Committee who explained the reasoning behind the suggestion was there was no specific inappropriate behavior described, characterized or even referred to.
“I read this book several times and even knowing what the concern was never once got the impression that it was promoting a LGBT platform,” said the Committee member. “There is a characterization of two roosters, both wearing ties, shown as portraying family members but no where does it ever condone any inappropriate behavior or even mention anything other than families are different in nature and made up differently. It goes into detail that some families have more than one dad and more than one mom but it doesn’t focus on that as it also states that some families are made up of grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, as well. It even mentions some are adopted into families and others have guardians but no where does it ever portray gay or lesbian activity or anything along those lines. I just don’t get the outcry as the theme of the book overwhelmingly is that every member of a family is important and should be loved regardless of how it is made up.”
Another board member stated that while she admits that she doesn’t condone that type of alternative lifestyle the main focus that the board had to consider is that the Library had guidelines they had to follow.
“We as a board are not in the position to allow our personal preferences and choices to be the overriding determining factor in the decisions we have to make. I don’t believe in that type of behavior and I guess if wanted to make the reach, you could say that the portrayal of the two roosters is of questionable taste. To me it is what you choose to see. Regardless, our primary responsibility is to make correct legal decisions regarding the Library. The statutes clearly defines the parameters that allow for our board to remove a book from circulation. This book simply doesn’t even come close to meeting those requirements.”
The statutes and guidelines being referred to is Act 436 which was passed by the Louisiana Legislature in the 2023 regular session. In particular was the language of Revised Statute 225 of the Act which stated:
The Legislature recognizes the fundamental right of parents as to the care, custody and control of their children. This includes the right to decide on the upbringing and education of children under their control. Parents have the right to guide and direct reading, listening and viewing choices of their minor children. Many libraries lack adequate policies addressing the access of minors to sexually explicit materials. In furtherance of this fundamental right, it is the intent of the legislature to require libraries to adopt and implement policy language to limit the access of minors to sexually explicit materials.
Examples of what constitutes sexually explicit materials and what could be construed as sexual conduct was very descriptive and used specific wording not suitable for publication.
After the parameters outlined were read and an actual reading of the book took place, one final comment by a board member was brought to the table.
“According to what I am hearing we have no right to pull this book as it doesn’t meet the guidelines stated. To me, in the first place this isn’t an issue that we should be forced to deal with. This issue lies at the feet of the parents who are responsible for educating their children on what is right and wrong. If they are doing what they are supposed to as parents then if a child did take what was in this book in the content that it seems everyone wants to read into it, then if they don’t believe that is right they should teach their child why. If they believe it is no problem then that is their right also. We are being asked to take a stand by the same parent who allows their child free reign of social media and exposure to much worse. It is the parent who should step up and use situations like this as an opportunity to educate their children on what is right and what is wrong.”
In the end the decision was made to table any vote until the next board meeting as there were several absent from the proceeding and it was felt that the entire board should have input on the final decision.
For the record, disposition of the remaining agenda items, which included no longer requiring deposits for test materials, allow DVD’s/Blu Rays to be returned in the book drop and hearing updates on current projects, fell into the 99% category.
The picture above shows the Jackson Parish 12 All-Stars after finishing second in the District 8 Tournament played during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. On Wednesday evening the “dandy dozen” will have another picture made. It is already assured that at worst, they will pose with another second place trophy having finished as runner-up in the state tournament, which is a tremendous accomplishment in itself. That is not what they have their sights on though.
“We want to go home with the big trophy this time around,” said JP12U head coach Nick Tolar. “We are confident that we can do it to.”
And why not? JP12U will face the winner of Buckeye and Bossier who played on Tuesday night. One is a team they have already beaten in district play and the other being the team that dropped them into the losers bracket this past Sunday but it took seven innings to do so.
“Our guys are confident that we can beat either one of these teams,” said Tolar. “That is not taking anything away from either one. They are both good teams, but we have already beaten Buckeye once and we played horrible against Bossier and still almost came back to win.”
Jackson Parish earned the right to play of the state title by beating DeQuincy in the tournament opener and then smashing Monroe twice, the second time being after losing 7-5 in extra innings to Bossier. That left the locals and both of the others all with a 3-1 record. Dixie Youth tie breaking rules then went into effect to determine how things would proceed from there.
Three slips of paper went into a hat that had Team one, Team two and Bye written. Tolar has made some nice moves as coach of the team but none better than his decision to pick the slip he did.
“I can’t tell you how good I felt when I saw I had the one that said Bye,” laughed Tolar.
Game time for the state championship tilt is set for 5:30 pm at Osterland Park in Monroe. This is the closest setting that all the teams from Jackson Parish who qualified for state a state tournament had a chance to play in. A victory would propel Jackson Parish into the Dixie Youth 12U World Series at an even closer location. If the JP12U team advances they would take the Florida state champion on Friday, August 4th in Ruston.
Bossier 7 Jackson Parish 5: Heading into the bottom of the fifth inning Bossier was holding a 4-0 lead. It would have been worse were it not for three double plays turned by the locals, who rallied late to almost win it but ended up falling in extra frames.
Shortstop Tucker Goss fielded a grounder, flipped to second baseman Dawson Griffin who fired a rocket to first baseman Hayden Seymore for the first “twin killing” in the top of the second inning. The second was perhaps the most critical as Bossier had already scored four runs in the top of the third inning and had runners on first and second with one out. Ryan Mauthe fielded a grounder at third, stepped on the bag and fired to first to help JP12U escape without any further damage. The final “twice as nice” out play was orchestrated in Bossier’s next at bat by Bryce Tolar who caught a fly in center field and gunned the runner attempting to scramble back to first after leading off with a single.
Another clutch defensive play came in the top of the fifth when Bossier threatened to break open the game. A single, followed by a batter getting hit with a pitch put runner on first and second with nobody out. Bossier attempted to move the runners in scoring position by attempting a double steal but Asher Rhodes erased the lead runner with a strike to Mauthe at third. Two strikeouts later Jackson Parish came to bat in the bottom of the fifth full of momentum.
The frame was like an emotional yo-yo for the locals. First, Griffin and Leyton Younse got the locals hyped by hitting singles, only their second and third hit of the game at that point. Emotions crashed back down as the next two batters got out but skied again when Keiffer and Mason Thomas singled to plate two runs. A third run scored when Thomas stole second and Keiffer stole home on the throw down that was mishandled. Just like that it was a new game with JP12U now trailing but just a run.
Bossier added a run in the top of the sixth and was looking for more after two singles, two errors, and a hit batter loaded the bases. Once again Jackson Parish rose to the occasion to get out of the inning as Mauthe, now on the mound in relief fired three straight strikes to end the threat and leave runners on every bag.
Down to their last at bat in regulation play, it seemed like the inning was getting off to a bad start but when the Bossier catcher couldn’t handle a third strike, Jaxon Cheatwood scampered safely to first. After moving to second on a pickoff attempt, Cheatwood scored on a Tolar single to center field. Ryan Mauthe followed with a shot to left field but to Bossier’s credit their defensive alignment had the fielder playing up close and Tolar was nailed at second. A balk moved Mauthe to second where two pitches later he stole third. That set up a sacrifice fly by Seymore to tie the score at five each.
Bossier then came up clutch with a two out single to score two runs and saddle JP12U with their first loss of the tourney after the locals were unable to mount a rally in their half of the inning.
Jackson Parish got eight hits off Bossier pitching led by two from Keiffer that included a double, the only extra base hit of the game for the locals. Tolar, Goss, Mauthe and Seymore also did a commendable job on the mound as combined they only allowed two earned runs but were hurt by a tournament high five errors made.
Jackson Parish 16 Monroe 6: The question was how would the boys respond after such a heart wrenching loss. The answer was very well. JP12U wasted no time in erasing the bad memory by plating four runs in the first and five more in the second to pave the way to the second straight stomping of the host team.
To Monroe’s credit they scored six runs in the top of the fourth inning but for the second game in a row against their northeast Louisiana neighbor Jackson Parish plated seven runs in the bottom of the inning for the “walk-off” victory.
The decisive frame started with Asher Rhodes and Bryce Tolar slapping singles followed by a double by Ryan Mauthe. A Hayden Seymore groundout plated the third run of the frame upping JP’s lead to 12-6. That set off a string of six consecutive batters to reach base and end the game. Dawson Griffin got the string started by drawing a walk followed by consecutive singles by Kolt Keiffer and Tucker Goss. Mason Thomas followed with another walk setting up singles by Leyton Younse and Aiden Rhodes, the latter being the game winner.
JP12U opened the contest with four of the first five batters (Tolar, Mauthe, Griffin, Keiffer) all hitting singles and Hayden Seymore reaching on a fielder choice to give the locals an early 4-0 advantage.
Aiden Rhodes and Asher Rhodes proved to be double trouble for Monroe in the bottom of the second as both scored following their walk and single respectively before Tolar smashed a double to center to up the lead to 6-0. The lead increased by three more when Mauthe coaxed a walk and Griffin hit a clutch, two out single, stole second and scored on an error by the Monroe catcher.
Jackson Parish pounded Monroe pitching for 14 hits led by Tolar who turned in a monster stat line of 3 hits in 3 at bats that included a double, 3 runs scored and 3 RBI. Griffin also came up big by going 2 for 2 with a walk, scoring 3 times, knocking in 3 more and stealing 3 of the 13 bases swiped by JP in the contest.
Mauthe, who got the other extra base hit for Jackson Parish, Keiffer, and Asher Rhodes all got two hits each and scored twice while Goss, Younse, and Aiden Rhodes, who added 2 RBI’s, got a hit each. Seymore had 2 RBI and scored a run and Thomas walked twice, got hit by a pitch and scored a run. Younse got the win after holding Monroe to just one hit and striking out three over the first three innings of play.
A strong thunderstorm with straight line winds swept across Jackson Parish this past Sunday afternoon downing trees and power lines that caused roadways to be impassable and thousands to be without power. While there was minor damage to dwellings reported, fortunately no lives were lost.
Around 3:30 pm the National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Jackson Parish as a small but powerful cell swept across north Louisiana. A report by Entergy, showed approximately 2549 residences in Jackson Parish lost power. Most were in the eastern portion of the parish with a smattering of locations affected in and around Jonesboro and along Hwy 146 and Hwy 148 to the north. By Monday evening all but 61 locations located had power restored.
They had to “work” overtime but the $750.00 payoff that Aston Cruse and Tayt Culpepper came away with made it all worth it. The task that paid so handsomely was winning the Championship Flight of annual Piney Shootout that was held at the Jackson Parish Golf Course this past Saturday, July 15th.
With the unique, 27 hole format, already promising to be a strong test of endurance the winners had to go five extra holes for the victory after shooting a round of 10-under par 98 and finishing in a three way tie for first place.
The playoff started with Cruse / Culpepper and Tanner McDonald / Derrick Hardy making a birdie on the first extra hole. Brad Porter / Peyton Mitchell was eliminated after making a par relegating the team to a third place finish and the $200.00 payout. It was a birdie on the fifth playoff hole by Cruse / Culpepper that finally decided the outcome, forcing McDonald / Hardy to accept second place which earned them $400.00 combined.
The unique format of the the tournament played the first nine holes as a scramble, the second nine as a four ball and the third in shamble style. For those not familiar with the terminology….. Scramble – Each team member tees off and then each hits from the position of the best shot until the hole is completed. 4-Ball – Each team member plays their own ball until the hole is completed with the lowest score made being the score used. Shamble – Each team member tees off and hits their next shot from the best drive but plays their own ball from there until the hole is completed with the lowest score being used.
The first flight was also determined by a playoff after three teams finished with a score of 3-under par, 105. Josh Stringer and Ray Walworth outlasted the teams of D.J. and Dwayne “Snook” Harrel who finished in second and Zac and Bobby Duck who grabbed third.
Hunter Wells and Cody Donaldson shot a 1 over par round of 109 to come away as winners of the second flight. The score was one better than the teams of Hunter Alexander / Cason Womack and Josh Smith / Michael Simonelli who finished second and third respectively after a playoff.
The Jackson Parish School District is currently accepting applications for the Assistant Principal position at Jonesboro-Hodge High School and Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary. To learn more or apply, contact JPSD Personnel Director, Robin Potts, at (318) 259-4456 ext. 2228.
In 1907, a group of men and women dedicated to the Lord founded the Beech Springs Baptist Church in Quitman. On Sunday, July 23rd, Pastor’s Jason Womack and Eric Futrell and the congregation invites you to come share in the memories of the past 116 years and the promise of the future during Homecoming festivities.
Looking for invigorating family oriented place to worship? Then “The Beech” is where you need to be. Located at 3942 Beech Springs Road in Quitman, Sunday School begins at 10:00am followed by worship services at 11:00am. Sunday and Wednesday evening services and Bible study are also available at 6:30 pm
Quitman High School has released the link to order the official school cross country team uniform shirt. Anyone interested in competing for QHS in the sport must have this shirt to compete in a meet.
If the decision is made not to run after purchase of the Dri-Fit performance shirt it can be worn to school as an approved spirit shirt. Also if anyone just wants to show their support by wearing the shirt they are welcome to order as well.
Each shirt is made of 100% Polyester moisture management/ antimicrobial fabric and has a double-needle hem with tack and a self-fabric collar. The final date to order is July 26th. Cost is 20.99 and is available in sizes XS – 3XL. Estimated shipping time is 4-5 weeks.
Director Aaron Johnson and the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) is pleased to announce a pair of “Meet-n-Greet” sessions have been scheduled in advance of the upcoming Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training course.
Anyone interested is invited to take the opportunity to meet the instructors and tour the JPASD Training Center from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on July 26th or July 31st. Bring a friend and enjoy refreshments as answers to questions about a career in Emergency Medical Service is provided.
Applications for the EMT course that is scheduled to begin on August 7th are still being accepted. Classes will take place on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:00 – 10:00 pm. For questions or to register come to the training center located at 115 Watts Street in Jonesboro or call (318) 259-2877.
There is an old saying of it is better to be lucky than good. That is true when experiencing good luck. Jackson Parish 8U had a double dose of luck this past Saturday, only it was all bad.
After winning both of their games on Friday, Jackson Parish became one of the eight teams to advance to bracket play out of the 24 teams that participated in the state tourney being played in Metairie, LA. While there were still several games left to play, enthusiasm was abound that the locals would bring home a championship. After all, they were on a nine game winning streak and everything seemed to be going there way.
Then came Saturday and everything changed, especially after the third inning of the first game against Mamou. Suddenly balls that seemed to always find a hole during the impressive nine game run by JP8U, found gloves. Over the final three innings of game one and the first four of game two, Jackson Parish was unable to score, by far the longest streak during district and state play. An even worse break was that Koplen Taylor and Cruz Nomey both got sick which was a crippling blow both offensively and defensively. Still the locals showed true grit by staying close until falling in both games late, including a tremendously impressive rally in their final game that almost brought them back to victory from a six run deficit.
“I can’t explain how much in awe I am of the guys for the way they refused to lay down,” said head coach Dusty Nomey. “You can’t get a better effort than what the guys gave and that is all a coach or anyone could ever ask for. We may have come up short on the scoreboard but they proved that they are winners.”
Mamou 5 Jackson Parish 3: Two runs by their central Louisiana foe in the bottom of the fourth was the difference in the contest that was knotted at three apiece after three innings where both teams fell behind and took a lead. Mamou got on the board first with two runs in the bottom of the first inning but two out singles by Wyatt McGrew and Ridge Lewter plated Andrew Seymore who had reached on a fielders choice to cut the led in half. JP8U took the lead at 3-2 in the top of the third when again with two outs Brock Craighead and Carter Kelley hit clutch back to back singles to score Landry Garrett and Asher Norred who had opened the frame with hits.
Lakeshore 8 Jackson Parish 6: A six run rally over the final two innings of regulations play sent the game into extra frames but Lakeshore scored two in the top of the eight to move on in the bracket and eliminate JP8U from state title consideration.
Kutter Blalock and Brock Craighead put an end to Jackson Parish’s longest string of scoreless innings produced in All-Star action when both hit doubles to open the bottom of the fifth inning. A third “two bagger” in the frame, this one off the bat of Koplen Taylor closed the deficit to four runs with only one more at bat in regulation left. Dire straits, right? Jackson Parish may have gone down in the contest but they went down swinging.
With their backs squarely against the wall Ridge Lewter, Remi Davis, Landry Garrett, Maddox Graham and Asher Norred all swatted singles to score a run and put the tying runs on base. Brock Craighead then came to the plate and by the time he stood on first with the sixth hit of the sixth inning, JP8U had tied the score to the delight and amazement of the local supporters. Three singles and a triple in the top of the 8th proved to much to overcome as another rally just wasn’t in the cards ending Jackson Parish’s productive summer of All-Star competition with a strong 9-2 record.
The showing at state by the team was impressive indeed. As a team Jackson Parish batted .572 collecting 87 hits in 152 at bats. Leading the hit parade was Graham with 11 followed closely by Kelley, Craighead and Norred with ten each. Kelley led in the extra base hits department with five doubles with Craighead next with two doubles and a game winning “walk-off” triple. Ridge Lewter also had a double and a triple. Additional “big stick” contributors were Graham (2B), Davis (2B), Cruz Nomey (2B), and Koplen Taylor (2B). Wyatt McGrew hit the only “round tripper” in the tourney for JP8U.
Craighead paced the team with 7 RBI followed by Kelley with five. Lewter knocked in four and McGrew three with Taylor chipping in with two. Graham, Norred and Davis each had an RBI as well. Norred was the top scorer with five while Graham, Craighead, and Blalock had three each. Kelley crossed home plate twice as did Davis, Nomey, Taylor, Seymore, and Garrett. McGrew also scored a run.
Residents of Jackson Parish are accustomed to hot and humid conditions this time of year, but not like what has been experienced over the past couple of months. The incredible scorching conditions this summer has produced to date has been almost unbearable. Worse it is dangerous, especially to the elderly.
Legacy Hospice, located at 726 Pershing Hwy in Jonesboro is well known locally for the care and compassion they provide to patients and families to help meet their patients’ physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs as well as the needs of their family.
In an attempt to come to the aid of senior’s who need help overcoming the sweltering conditions, over the past several weeks Legacy Hospice has been holding a “Fan Drive.”
Thanks to the tremendous response by the outstanding residents of Jackson Parish who showed their concern, on Thursday, July 17th, Hospice Administrator, Amanda Williams presented several different sized fans to Jackson Council on Aging (JCOA) Director, Linda Wyatt to be given to those in need.
“We strive daily to help meet the needs of our local senior citizen’s,” said Wyatt. “This donation is very beneficial to them and we appreciate Legacy Hospice and those who donated the fans for caring for the elderly of our community.”
Help give the students of Jackson Parish what they need for the upcoming school year by participating in the “It’s A Community Thing” back to school supply drive. The one day event that will run from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday, July 25th is being sponsored by Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church.
For an idea of what to donate, check supply lists that have been posted by the various schools in the area. If you prefer, Pastor Gavin Hamms and the caring congregation at Pilgrim Rest will also accept monetary donations so that needed items can be purchased. To give come to the Fellowship Hall located at 1712 Church Street in East Hodge where refreshments will be served. Your support is appreciated.
Comprised of players from Jackson, Bienville and Lincoln Parishes, the Louisiana Blue Jays Travel Basketball Club competed in the East Texas Hoops Tournament of Champions this past weekend. This was a three day multi- site tournament consisting of over 120 teams from Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.
After competing in pool play, the Jays 9th/10th grade team secured the top seed in bracket play. In a hard fought rematch of an earlier pool game, the Jays lost in the championship game to a team from PineTree High School in Longview, TX to finish 2nd and be rewarded with the Silver Medal.
The 7th/8th grade team finished pool play 3-2 and proceeded to march through the bracket on Saturday before losing to Broken Bow, OK in the semifinals on a heartbreaking last second shot.
This tournament concludes the season which began in March, with the guys playing a cumulative 60 games in 9 tournaments securing 3 second place finishes along the way.
Louisiana Blue Jays Travel Ball
Program Director/Coach: Wayne Thomas Coach: Corey Thomas Coach: Jessie Martin
9th-10th Grade Team
Brayden Smith- QUITMAN Gavyn Caskey – QUITMAN Abel Leach- QUITMAN Noah Leach- QUITMAN Larsen Thomas- QUITMAN Chris Harrell- SIMSBORO
Louisiana Blue Jays 7th-8th Grade Team
Brayden Martin- QUITMAN Taden Thomas- QUITMAN Shane Reed- QUITMAN Jack Thomas- QUITMAN Brody Tidwell- WESTON Jackson Bougues- SALINE
The players and coaches would like to thank the following donors:
Christy Reed, Tameria Hudson, DeShonda Coleman, Rafael Mendoza, Anisha Hall, Kari Wilds, Lori Wilds, Johnathan Wilds, Shylene Garza, Linda and Michael Fowler, Ada Wilds, Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Mark Kennedy Plumbing, Kari & Wayne Thomas, Deidre & Daryl Hollis, Hayward Shively, Brittany Goss, Mandi Cumpton, Katie Seymore, Nicole Faulkner, Traina’s Bakery, Thomas Loans, Angie Martin, Deborah & Jessie Martin, Sammie Malone Sr., Juanita and Jessie Martin III, Julie West, Glenda Smith, Tia Culpepper, Dolly Lewis, Helen Lewis, Tammy Reed, Barnett Cattle and Land Development, Kyle Leach
Judy Iness (Martin) Thomason, age 75, of Fouke, Arkansas ascended to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. She was born July 24, 1947 in Winn Parish to the union of John Kermit and Aline Iness (Kelley) Martin. She worked at Winn Enterprise, Calvin High School as a para educator, owner and operator at Triple J Grocery and caretaker of her father J.K. Martin. Judy loved flowers and green plants. She also was a talented, self-taught florist. Judy absolutely loved to keep busy creating beautiful crafts and flower arrangements. Sometimes she would stay up crafting through the night, singing and praying as she worked. She began working at Nichols Department Store and in later years she kept up her own floral business. Judy and her husband, Randy owned and operated a store in Fouke until her retirement.
No matter your size, shape, or pedigree–if you love each other, you are a family! Moms, dads, sisters, brothers — and even Great Aunt Sue — appear in dozens of combinations, demonstrating all kinds of nontraditional families! 
