(Clay Williams) The start of the Jonesboro-Hodge High School football season is coming in hot, and “hot” was the most commonly used word to describe the 17th annual Bayou Jamb this weekend which saw the Tigers fall to St. Frederick of Monroe 22-0. 

Due to temperatures as high as 106 degrees in the forecast, the matchup was moved from 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning to 6:00 p.m. Thursday evening. While it was only 103 degrees at kickoff, the Warriors turned up the heat early by driving down the field and finding the end zone to make it an 8-0 game with 9:10 left in
the first half of a game that was played in two 12-minute halves.

After quickly picking up a first down, J-H punted it back to the Warriors, but this time they didn’t have the same success as before. The St. Fred’s quarterback lofted one into the end zone trying to beat the Tigers deep, but Sophomore safety Dakota Knox made him regret it by intercepting it with 4:26 left in the half. Neither team found much offensive success the rest of the half, and the Tigers went into halftime trailing 8-0.

J-H opened up the second half by making a QB change hoping to spark a fire in the offense, with Knox replacing starter Symeon Malone. The stout Warriors defense, that allowed only 17.9 points per game last season, continued to stand strong, and held the young Tigers offense scoreless in the second half as well.

On the other side of the ball, J-H continued a solid defensive performance in the second half. With contributions from Jaylin Barnes, Landon Boston, and Kalep Atkins, the Tigers kept it to a one possession game all the way into the final 3 minutes of the contest.

That is when the Tigers defense, which consisted of multiple offensive starters, started to wear down, and the St. Fred’s QB scampered his way into the endzone to make it a 15-0 ballgame with 2:59 left to play. A Warriors scoop and score in the final minutes led to the final outcome.

“Good thing it was a scrimmage,” said Jonesboro-Hodge Head Coach Terrance Blankenship. “It wasn’t good, but we did get the chance to go out and compete against somebody else. We still have a lot of work to do, and we’re counting on a lot of young guys to do a lot of stuff. Hopefully some of these older guys will step up and take the pressure off of them, but if not, we’re just going to live with these young guys and get ready for next year.”

One positive takeaway for the Tigers, is that the team came away from the jamboree uninjured, after battling it out in the heat.

“You could tell a few of them got fatigued a little bit, and that’s just conditioning,” Blankenship said when asked how the team handled the high temperatures. “In this kind of heat, it’s going to be hard for anybody to go both ways, and we don’t have the type of numbers to play guys one way. We expect that for the next two or three games, but hopefully against General Trass next week our numbers will be more equal.”

Jonesboro-Hodge will officially kickoff the 2023 regular season at 7:00 pm this Friday, September 1st, at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium against 2A foe General Trass out of Lake Providence.

To view the postgame interview with Coach Blankenship click here. 

 

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The Jackson Parish School District is asking for the public to review the 2023-24 School Re-Opening Plan and provide comments.  Please see the plan below. Comments can be made by clicking here to access the form or by going to website address: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSeW2EagDIw9g0…/viewform

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On August 23rd, close to 300 senior citizens of Jackson Parish gathered in the Family Life Center of the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro for the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office Senior Patrol annual banquet.

Sheriff Andy Brown opened the gala event by welcoming those in attendance and introducing the dedicated deputies of the program who work diligently to protect the elderly in Jackson Parish. Special guest speaker Kim Brunson, CEO of Mercy Medical, followed with an informative speech on vaccines, RSV, and other health concerns.

If you live in Jackson Parish and would like to participate in our Senior Patrol program, please call the Jackson Parish Sheriffs Office at 318-259-9021 for more information.

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Carly Jo Griffin scored nine of her game high 14 points in the pivotal third quarter to help lift the Weston girls past Quitman 31-29 in the first round of Dodson Junior High Basketball Tournament played this past Thursday and Friday. 

By saddling Quitman with their first loss after four straight victories to open the season, Weston improved to 5-1 and gained revenge of the loss to the Lady Wolverines in the finals of the Weston Tourney a week ago. 

The contest delivered on the pregame promise of a close matchup as the lead see-sawed back and forth between the two Jackson Parish rivals.  Weston taking a 9-6 first quarter lead only to see Quitman come storming back to take a 16-14 advantage at the half.

Weston outscored Quitman 13-6 in the third to take a 27-22 lead heading into the final frame setting the stage for a basket with around 30 seconds left to play by Ada Claire Tidwell that gave the Lady Wolves the final margin of victory after Quitman had rallied once again to draw even in the tightly contested contest. 

Tidwell and Teegan Hall finished with four points each followed by Carlynn Waters, and Brooklyn Johnson with three apiece. Gracie Gray added a basket and Keely Davis hit a free throw to round out the scoring for Weston. 

“Weston played hard and deserved to win,” said QJH coach Kyle Leach. “Griffin really played well for them.”

Hallie Kate Pullig scored nine points to lead Quitman  with Allie Roberson chipping in with five and Brenna Lamkin finishing with four. Kinsley Ponder and Breelyn Boone added three each, Klea Blalock and Lily Duck made a basket and Brealyn Patton connected on a free throw.  

Tourney recap: Castor nipped Weston in the second round by a 20-17 margin and then crept by Calvin to win the tournament title. No stats were available from either game.  

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Weston (5-1)	9	5	13	4	31
Quitman (4-1)	6	10	6	7	29

Quitman boys get first win

Quitman gained their first victory of the year by exploding for 19 first quarter points on the way to a resounding 51-20 victory over Weston in the opening round of the Dodson Tourney. Hayden Seymore, who led all scorers with 13 points, hit a pair of three pointers, Kaleb Maxwell added five points, Joseph Delaney made four, Eli Jackson three and Jack Thomas added a free throw to give the Wolverines the early advantage.

The onslaught continued in the second quarter as Kobie Williams scored six Mathew Odom made four and both Delaney, who also reached “double digits” with 10 points, and Thomas hit a basket to lift the Wolverines to a commanding 34-8 lead at the half. Seven more points by Seymore, four from Delaney and two each from Maxwell and Thomas in the third quarter extended the lead to 49-10. Sam Schut added two points in the final frame for the Wolverines.

Leyton Younse led Weston with eight points followed by Lukas Bandy chipping in with six. Malachi Harris, Colton Otwell and Aiden Marsh all scored two points for the Wolves, who fell to 2-3 on the year.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Quitman (1-2)	19	15	15	2	51
Weston (2-3)	5	3	2	10	20

Tourney recap: Saline took the tourney title by beating Quitman in the finals after the Wolverines had beaten Castor in the second round. Saline earned a spot in the championship game by thumping Calvin 37-2 in the semifinal contest.

“I didn’t know if we could play with Quitman coming in,” said Saline head coach Klint Robinson. “They are really good and shoot the three as well as any junior high team I have seen.”

Brandon Robinson, who stands 6’3″ and 6’2″ Elijah Calloway led the way with a dominating post presence. Rylan Mauthe was the catalyst in the semi-final contest against Calvin, scoring 29 points and added an incredible 15 steals for the best individual performance of all area players in the early season.

Upcoming Games:

Weston travels to Castor on Monday with the girls tipping off at 5:00pm followed by the boys games. Quitman will be at home against Saline on Tuesday, August 29th for a pair of games slated to start at 5:00 pm.

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Recently the eight Fire Protection Districts in Jackson Parish received payments from the Jackson Parish Police Jury as part of the 2% state fire insurance tax rebate program. 

The total amount each received was based on the shares of the tax collected by the Commission of Insurance and remitted to the State Treasurer according to the number of citizens served in regard to the total population of the parish.

Shown below is a breakdown of each Fire Protection District rebate received. 

Fire Protection District	Population Served	Amount Received
Jonesboro Fire Dept.	4,406	$25,871.67
Jonesboro FPD #1	2,060	$12,096.15
Hodge FPD	1,985	$11,655.76
Ward 4 FPD	1,939	$11,385.65
Ward 2 FPD	1, 795	$10,540.09
Ward 3 FPD	1,461	$8,578.87
Quitman Ward 1 FPD	1,320	$7,750.93
Hodge Volunteer Fire Dept.	570	$3,346.99

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For his efforts in the Jonesboro-Hodge High School vs. St. Frederick’s game at the 2023 Bayou Jamb, sophomore Dakota Knox, was named Player of the Game for JHHS. Knox was presented a check in the amount of $250.00 made out to JHHS following the contest from Brookshire’s Grocery, who sponsored the award. 

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The congregation of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and Dr. Gavin Hamms, Pastor, extends an invitation for seniors aged 60 and above to join them for food, fun and games on Monday, August 28th. The special event for those still young at heart, will take place at the church located at 1712 Church Street in East Hodge beginning at 3:30 pm. 

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NOTE: Football is sport where the majority of fans may know the names and numbers of the players but seldom see their faces and get to know them unless they are a close friend or family member. In an effort to introduce the members of the 2023 JHHS football team, Clay Williams, presents a question and answer interview series with Tiger players. Today – Zaelyn Thompson

Meet The Tigers

What’s your name, grade, number, and position?
Zaelyn Thompson, 12 th Grade, #54, DE

What are your hobbies outside of football?
I like playing video games, listening to music, playing basketball, and really just interacting with people in any way.

What is your favorite video game?
I have two favorites, Red Dead Redemption 2 and Spider-Man.

What is your favorite subject in school?
English, because I like to be able to explain my thoughts in my own way.

What is your best memory from playing football so far?
My favorite memories are the times we spend together after games as a team. I feel that we bond and become a better team by hanging out, talking, and listening to music with one another.

Who would you say is your biggest motivation in life?
First off, the obvious one to me is God. The other two would be my mom and my grandfather. They both taught me a lot in their own ways growing up, and I want to succeed for them.

How do you want to grow throughout your senior season?
I want to try to earn my spot on the field, because last year I didn’t provide enough to the team to do so.

Are there any college or NFL players that you take inspiration from?
Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys, because of his edge rush moves, and how quick he plays.

Do you have a favorite quote from one of your coaches?
Coach Hicks always says, “If you’re scared, go to church.”

What are your plans after graduation?
I really want to focus on my academics. I plan on attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and major in computer science with a minor in business. I love technology, and I want to make that a big part of my future.

Lastly, what are your goals this season for yourself, and the team?
For the team, I’d say a goal is for us keep our discipline at 100%, so we can play at our best. We perform best when together as one. For myself, I just want give it all I’ve got for the team during my last season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jo Ann Deal of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in Monroe has issued a warning about a fake life insurance scam that is currently being perpetrated across north Louisiana. 

According to Deal, scammers are pretending to be lawyers and authority figures to get people to accept life insurance policies. Deal says the person would contact you, informing you that you have the same last name as a deceased person with no heirs, and try to get you to collect a life insurance policy from that person.

The way the scam works is, if you go along and accept the life insurance, the scammer will let you keep some of the money. If someone contacts you telling you to do that, Deal says to not respond and turn it in to the authorities.

 

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Jackson Parish Hospital and the Department of Health Informatics and Information Management at Louisiana Tech University celebrated the graduates of the undergraduate certificate program in Rural Health Administrative Support.

Louisiana Tech received funding for the program through the HRSA Delta Region Workforce Training Program. The nine-month program required the students to take six courses, in which they earned 18 hours of college credit.

Jackson Parish Hospital employees who now hold an Undergraduate Certificate in Rural Health Administrative Support from Louisiana Tech University are as follows:

Brooke Taylor
Dana Beaubouef, RN
Creonna Blanks
Bi’ketra Leonard
Desica Daily
Shenedra Jones
Megan Lemken
Shannon Lewis
Cassidy Hall
LaWanda Sanders, RHIT
Garica Boston

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Louisiana recently received about $1.35 billion from the Broadband Equity, Access and Development program—the eighth-largest allocation in the nation and 10th-largest per capita. Today, ConnectLA published the draft BEAD Initial Proposal, Vol. 2, the first exhaustive draft released in the country, which explains how the state plans to use use that funding to eliminate the digital divide.

The Initial Proposal, Vol. 2 will be open for a 30-day public comment period following its publication. We ask you, as a broadband stakeholder, to review this document and provide as much constructive feedback as you can. The comment period will close on Sept. 25, 2023. The form to provide comments can be found at connect.la.gov/comment. We do expect changes to be made to the proposal with the arrival of new data and your feedback.

This volume outlines current and previous broadband deployment efforts, the state’s plans to overcome challenges with universal coverage and a breakdown of the funding that will be required.

ConnectLA will partner with internet service providers to bring affordable, reliable broadband to every home and business in the state. We plan to use nondeployment funding to create programs that address healthcare, cybersecurity, agriculture, workforce development, affordability and digital skills so that every Louisianan can use the internet to improve their life.

We are thankful to our many partners—including the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Louisiana Board of Regents, Urban League of Louisiana, Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, state college and university systems, tribal leaders, economic development organizations, citizens throughout the state and more—for helping Louisiana achieve the goal of eliminating the digital divide by 2029.

More than 68,000 locations have already been affected by new broadband projects, with more than $137 million in matched funds given to providers to increase their networks in 50 parishes throughout the state. Over the next few years, many more locations will be connected to high-speed, affordable internet.

We look forward to hearing your feedback. If you have any questions or need any clarification about the Initial Proposal, please feel free to email connect@la.gov.

Click here to read and comment on the draft Initial Proposal, Vol. 2.

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I met Bubba the Dragonfly on Tuesday morning. Bubba was trapped by glass. He had flown in through the architectural features that lined the hallways of the building. The architectural features around the elevators were real windows. Bubba had flown into the building and was having a hard time exiting the premises. I watched him for several minutes. I decided to act when I watched Bubba back up and fly at full speed toward the glass. Bubba was a big dragonfly, and he made an audible thud when he hit the glass.

That was enough for me. I picked Bubba up off the ledge of the window and walked him over to one of the architectural features in the building and turned him loose.

Bubba flew away triumphantly.

I had several thoughts, watching Bubba fly.

I wondered if Bubba knew that church aphorism, “When God closes a door, he opens a window.” No, he doesn’t! There are times that God says, “No.” We are the guilty parties by continually testing the doorknob. Very often, we are the mistaken parties thinking this opened window is God’s doing. There are times the door is closed, and the window has impenetrable glass to cause you to stop and change directions. We call that repentance which simply means, “to turn around.” Bubba reminded me that in my own life, I need some repentance going on. I’m responsible for that. There are places I need to change direction!

The other thing I thought about as I watched Bubba fly away was that what we all need is a savior. We are banging our heads against walls that we can never penetrate. We shouldn’t be banging our heads according to the paragraph above. But we are habitual in our habits. They might not benefit us, but we are so used to doing the same thing and we keep at it. A savior intervenes.

A savior not only shows us a new and better way but will put us on the path to that new and better way. For our part, we are called to have faith in this savior.

While I was watching Bubba fly free, I offered a prayer of thanksgiving to Christ my Lord. He set me free from the power of sin. He opened a new way of being and living. He called me into this crazy thing called “the ministry.”

Before Jesus I was trapped. Since Jesus, I have been set free to experience abundant life in Christ.

The Apostle Paul put it this way, “For freedom Christ has set us free.”

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This past Tuesday evening in Quitman was a historic occasion as the newly furbished gymnasium got christened in grand style. Not only did the 6th grade girls and boys team open their season with victories and QJH won three of the four contests played, a national record was tied that will never be broken.

It was the 6th grade girls team that put their name in the record books by holding Choudrant scoreless in the 22-0 victory equaling a record that has been tied countless times but can never be bested. The 6th grade boys won by a 20-7 margin followed by the Junior High girls team winning their fourth straight of the season by winning 31-9. That set up the boys contest that saw QJH set a new 2023 scoring standard but fall 49-40. The loss dropped the Wolverines to 0-2 on the year with both losses coming at the hands of Choudrant. 

In Saline, the Lady Wolves ran their record to 4-1 on the year with a 24-13 victory over the Lady Bobcats while the WJH boys saw their record evened at 2-2 as Saline took a 51-36 victory for their first win of the year.

Quitman 22 Choudrant 0 (6th Grade Girls): London Burks and Kynleigh Leach scored 8 points each to lift the 6th graders to the easy victory. Sophia Kliebert added four and Ella Simonelli chipped in with two. 

Quitman 20 Choudrant 7 (6th Grade Boys): Like Rowe scored six points and both Caden Jackson and Lucas Leach added five, including a three pointer each, to lift the 6th grade boys to the easy victory. Kobie Williams and Tucker Goss chipped in with a basket apiece. 

Quitman 31 Choudrant 9 (Girls): Eleven players scored led by Hallie Kate Pullig’s eight points as QJH raced out to a 20-4 lead at the half and never looked back for their four straight victory to open the 2023 season. Brenna Lamkin and Sophia Kliebert finished with four each and Breelyn Boone, Allie Roberson, Klea Blalock, Braelyn Patton, Kinsley Pomia, London Burks and Kynleigh Leach all scored a basket. Lily Duck rounded out the scoring with a free throw. 

Choudrant 49 Quitman 40 (Boys): QJH outscored Choudrant 14-6 in the final quarter but the 29-17 first half deficit was to much to overcome. Jack Thomas scored a season high 15 points that included a pair of first half three pointers and both Kaleb Maxwell and Eli Jackson scored seven. Mathew Odom and Hayden Seymore pitched in with four each, Luke Rowe added two and Joseph Delaney made a free throw for the Wolverines. 

Weston 24 Saline 13 (Girls): Carly Jo Griffin scored all nine of her team high points in the first half as Weston raced out to a 16-3 lead and never looked back. Brooklyn Johnson chipped in with six and Carlynn Waters, Brylie Cuthrell, Gracie Gray and Addison Faulkner contributed a basket each. Teegan Hall also hit a free throw. Jalynn Jiles scored 9 and Xylia Scott added four for Saline. 

Saline 51 Weston 36 (boys): Elijah Calloway made six of eight free throws and scored 15 of his game high 17 points in the first half, and Rylan Mauthe scored 11 of his 13 points in the contest in the second half. Edwarde Quinteens also reach double figures with ten points as Saline broke out to a 30-14 lead at the half and made it stand up. Gavin Bellard added seven and Bradien Robinson four. 

Lukas Bandy scored 10 points, all in the fourth quarter to lead Weston. Leyton Younse chipped in with 9 that included a pair of second quarter three pointers and Dawson Griffin scored six. Remy Kennard finished with five  and Bryce Tolar, Eli Henderson and Colten Otwell all added a basket. 

 

 

 

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The administration and staff of the Jackson Parish Library takes pride in scheduling activities and programs from patrons of all ages. This past week the youngest of all enjoyed a grand time during Bookworm Story Time and Art Club.

The enjoyment and education began with a story, song and snack for the youngsters on Wednesday during Bookworm Story Time. This was followed by Art Club on Thursday where participants painted their favorite fish. 

 

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The Wolverine Athletic Club of Quitman High School will hold their inaugural meeting of the 2023-24 school year on Tuesday, August 29th. The meeting will take place in the QHS gymnasium following the junior high basketball games that are scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm. 

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It began with a dynamite meal last Thursday night at the Ruston Civic Center when the 8th annual fund raising banquet for Whitetails Unlimited was launched. Have you ever had the Log Cabin’s “Catfish Opelousas” meal? A catfish filet resting on a bed of rice with crawfish etouffee drizzled over the top was “slap yo mama” good.

What followed was a series of events that saw multiple attendees put their hands around valuable prizes from dozens of guns, prized works of art, gun safes, hunting bows topped off by a trio of unusual but coveted prizes, a Lane Burroughs helmet donated by LA Tech baseball coach, a guitar autographed by Hank Williams Jr and a Cincinnati Bengals helmet autographed by none other than Heisman Trophy winner and quarterback of LSU’s national championship, Joe Burrow.

There was one “fly in the ointment” that kept the crowd a bit lower than in years past. Several other events in the community were taking place at the same time which meant scores of folks who would have attended were obligated to take part in some of the other important activities.

Even so, there were more than 350 men, ladies and youngsters in attendance who forked over some $70,000 in gross proceeds. Once expenses were paid to finance the banquet half of the net proceeds stayed here in the community to assist local groups that promote outdoors activities.

Since the banquet was first held eight years ago with COVID knocking out the event for two years, here are some of the groups that have received benefits from funds raised at the annual banquets. It’s no small piece of change when you consider that over the years, Whitetails Unlimited has invested over $100,000 right here at home.

A partial listing of groups that have been benefactors of these funds include the Lincoln Parish Archery Range, Lincoln Parish 4-H Shooting Sports, Med Camps of Louisiana, LA Tech Scholarship Fishing Team, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office K-9 fund, Lincoln Parish NRA, Lincoln Parish Ducks Unlimited, Trailblazer, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Lincoln Parish Livestock Club and Louisiana AIM.

This year’s banquet was spearheaded by a heads-up group of volunteers headed by
chairman Brandon Williams.

“Knowing that we had competition this year because of other events being scheduled the same night, we ended up about where we thought we would,” said Williams.

Since the Lincoln Parish chapter of Whitetails Unlimited became a popular local
organization eight years ago, the attendance and funds raised caught the attention of national headquarters. After the first year of local operation National Chairman of the organization, Jeff Schinkten, flew down from Wisconsin to present the Lincoln Parish chapter with national honors as the chapter had risen to the top nationally in raising funds and in banquet attendance.

Except for the two years when COVID prevented the banquets from being held, this
group has caught the attention of area folks as well because of the popularity of the annual get together. However, for the success to continue, something is badly needed, something chairman Williams addressed.

“Although we have had a fantastic group of volunteers working with us to put on our
annual banquet, we are always looking for other folks willing to work with us,” said Williams. “We would love to have more volunteers.”

If you’d like to have a hand in seeing this organization continue to grow, visit Lincoln
Parish Whitetails Unlimited on Facebook to offer your services.

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass fishing has been best fishing bouncing jigging spoons off the bottom and also around the docks and grass lines early mornings on top water lures. They’re also hitting at night with Carolina rigs, big 10 inch plastic worms and deep diving crank baits picking up some nice sized fish. Crappie are fair around the deep brush on shiners or jigs. The bream bite has improved on both worms and crickets. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BLACK BAYOU – A few bream and crappie have been biting early mornings before water temp heats up. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE –Bass fishing continues to be fair with spinners with trailers and flipping jigs around the brush working best. The crappie are scattered around the brush. Bream have slowed. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water level continues to be dropping. Bass are best fishing in the cuts where there is a bit of current. Topwater lures, crank baits and spinners best. Crappie are best fishing shiners or jigs in the river around submerged tops. Some catfish are being caught fishing cut bait on rods and reels. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie fishing has been best fishing in the channels where water temps are cooler. Spider rigs are starting to produce. Bass fishing has been good early mornings fishing topwater lures around the grass. Later in the day, look for them on the points with Rapala jerk baits, spinners and soft plastics. Bream are slow. Catfish continue to be caught fishing cold worms and night crawlers off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Striper fishing has improved fishing shad imitation lures in the coves early mornings or late afternoons. Bream fishing has been fair on crickets. Crappie have been best at night fishing under the lights while the bass have been best early mornings on topwater lures and at night on dark plastic worms and spinner baits. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Fishing for catfish has improved while other species ae slow. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
LAKE YUCATAN – The lake is on a slow fall but few folks are fishing because of the heat and fishing overall is slow. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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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. 

PUBLIC NOTICE

JACKSON PARISH COMMUNICATION DISTRICT TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR E-911 DIRECTOR

THE JACKSON PARISH COMMUNICATION DISTRICT IS HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITION. PLEASE SUBMIT ALL RESUMES TO THE JACKSON PARISH COMMUNICATION DISTRICT, 319 JIMMIE DAVIS BLVD, JONESBORO, LA. 71251 OR MAIL TO P.O. BOX 636, JONESBORO, LA 71251. APPLICATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED UNTIL 4.00 P.M., TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2023. TO REQUEST MORE INFORMATION ON POSITION, PLEASE CALL JACKSON PARISH COMMUNICATION DISTRICT OFFICE AT (318) 259-2103.

POSITION: JACKSON PARISH COMMUNICATION DISTRICT E-911 DIRECTOR
AGENCY: JACKSON PARISH COMMUNICATION DISTRICT.

GENERAL DUTIES:
1. SET-UP AND MAINTAIN OFFICE RECORDS TO INCLUDE HANDLING DISTRICT PAYMENTS AND MAKING MONTHLY DEPOSITS.
2. MAINTAIN AND UPDATE MAP FILE OF JACKSON PARISH ADDRESSES.
3. ASSIST THE BOARD SECRETARY IN PREPARING BOARD MINUTES AND OTHER RECORDS.
4. MAINTAIN COMPUTER WITH UPDATES OF NEW ADDRESSES.
5. HANDLE TELEPHONE CALLS AND CORRESPONDENCE FOR DISTRICT.
6. ASSIGN A PHYSICAL ADDRESS TO NEW AND EXISTING RESIDENCES, BUSINESSES, OR OTHER LOCATIONS AS REQUIRED.
7. WORK WITH OTHER AGENCIES IN THE PARISH TO ASSIST THEM WITH THEIR NEEDS RELATED TO 911 ADDRESSES.
8. HANDLE ANY STATE OR FEDERAL REQUESTS CONCERNING 911 ADDRESSES IN JACKSON PARISH.
9. PUT UP YARD 911 SIGNS OR STREET SIGNS AS NEEDED.

REQUIREMENTS
1. MUST HAVE VALID LOUISIANA DRIVERS LICENSE.
2. MUST BE AMERICAN CITIZEN.
3. MUST BE BONDABLE.
4. MUST PASS DRUG TEST.
5. MUST BE COMPUTER LITERATE IN WORD AND EXCELL PROGRAMS.
6. GIS EXPERIENCE IS PREFERRED.

OTHER:
1. POSITION IS CONSIDERED PART-TIME AND SALARY ONLY. NO OTHER BENEFITS.
2. SALARY WILL BE ON MONTHLY BASIS DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, AND HOURS EXPECTED TO BE IN OFFICE.
3. THREE-SIX MONTHS PROBATIONARY PERIOD.

RESUMES WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE COMMUNICATION DISTRICT BOARD AT A SPECIAL CALL MEETING ON THURSDAY NOON, SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 AT THE 911 DIRECTORS OFFICE AT 319 JIMMIE DAVIS BLVD, JONESBORO, LA 71251. THE COMMNICATION DISTRICT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ALL APPLICATIONS.

Bienville Fire District 7 is seeking applicants for the position of Part Time Fire Chief.

Bienville Fire District 7 is seeking applicants for the position of Part Time Fire Chief. The position will be responsible for administrative duties as well as incident command on scenes. Qualifications: Officer 1, Instructor 1, Incident Safety Officer, EMR but EMT is preferred. Officer 2 is preferred but not necessary. The deadline for applications is September 13, 2023. Resume must be mailed to Bienville Fire District 7, P. O. Box 309, Saline, LA 71070. Please place the resume in a sealed envelope marked Fire Chief Applicant. Note: Qualifications listed are preferred but the Board will consider negotiating.

DIVORCE NOTICE

Jazmine A. Ellis, address unknown is hereby notified that his spouse, Maryann Ada-Nta filed for divorce in Wahkiakum County, WA in April, 2023

AFFIDAVIT OF SUCCESSION

Doris (Ramsey) Thomas
November 11, 1951 – August 24, 2023

Doris (Ramsey) Thomas, age 71, of Dodson went to meet her Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Doris was a nurse at Jackson Manor Nursing Home for 28 years and worked in healthcare as a nurse for over 40 years. She loved the Lord and getting to attend church. She liked to pass time doing word searches to keep her mind sharp. If you knew her you loved her. She never met a stranger and she loved everyone. Doris was a kind heart that would help anyone she could and would take anyone into her home and heart. She loved her family, above all else and adopted many people into her family throughout her lifetime. She especially loved and doted her affection on her grandkids and great grandkids. She enjoyed every moment watching them grow. She also loved dogs and enjoyed spending time with her fur-babies, Po and Sassy.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Nicole McKaskle of Carthrage, Tx, Aimee Norman and husband Chris of Weston, La, Joseph Thomas and wife of Katy, Tx, Candyce Brown and husband Jr. of Dodson, La; grandchildren, Dakota McKaskle, Hannah Norman, Benjamin Guyotte, Johnathan Norman, Regina Guyotte, Jordan Norman, Ashley Lamkin, Angela Norman, Caryne McKaskle, Jamie Potts, Kylie Carpenter; great grandchildren, Kristofer Lamkin, Izabella Brooks, Ellie Sutton, Averi Brooks, Orion Dotson, Imogen Dotson; sister, Dorothy Gordon and husband Robert; a host of nieces, nephews, adopted grandchildren, adopted great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stafford “Pete” Thomas; daughter, Regina Thomas; great grandson, Timothy Lamkin; parents, Eugene and Ruth (Ayres) Ramsey; brother, Lonnie Ramsey.

Friends may visit with the family on Monday, August 28, 2023 in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home from 4:00 until 8:00PM. Funeral services are set for Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 10:00AM in the chapel with Bro. Billy McBride officiating. Burial will follow in Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Johnathan Norman, Jordan Norman, Benjamin Guyotte, Jamie Potts, Luke Lowery, Dustin McMillan. Brandon Lamkin and Robert Harmon will serve as an honorary pallbearers.

Mary Alice Hill
January 8, 1932 – August 17, 2023

Mary Alice Hill was born on January 8, 1932 in Bienville Parish as the ninth child of Hughes and Laura Bell Melton Johnson. On August 17th, she went to be with her Savior and loved ones. 

Although She didn’t have a church home Mary knew Christ at a early age. Mary often reminisced when as a child laying on the sacks of cotton, getting pulled by the wagon as the older children did all the work. Mary Alice worked for the Gatlin Family, she was employed as the nanny and housekeeper. Shortly after that she worked at Carter’s Nursing Home. May had a side hustle selling Faygos soft drinks and Little Debbie’s snacks to kids in the neighborhood.

Affectionately called “Momo by the children throughout the neighborhood, on the weekends she could always found enjoying a good card game and a half pint of whiskey. Mary Alice and was loved by many. Mary Alice was a mother figure to all her nieces and nephews and exemplified the true meaning of family.

She was preceded in death by Lou Ellen Hill, her husband, father (Hughes Johnson) mother, (Laura Johnson), one daughter (Mary Lou Hill), Ira Lee Johnson (sister), Irma Lee Gray (sister), Dorothy Johnson (sister), Jesse, Maude Johnson (sister), Otis Johnson, (brother), Otha Johnson (brother), and JD Johnson(brother).

She leaves to cherish in her memory, two sons, Jackie Ray Hill (Sharon Hill) and Danny Hill, (Sharon Hill). Daughters Betty Lou Dailey(Cedric Dailey), Regina Briggs (James, Briggs), Danyaile Tatum (Lantis Tatum) Lillie Bee Walker and Betty Jean Turner.

Grandchildren are Denerious Qualls, Jacqueline Grant, Sarah Jackson, Willie Todd Harris(Fat), Carlos Harris(Mont), Steven Hill(Bun), Jermaine Briggs, Leneka Jackson, Brandon Atkins, Tekuilla Shantal Bradford, Monique Hill, Cardell Morgan, Latrinity Mims, Jalen Spight, a gang of nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren, and  her ride or die Bri Bri. 

A celebration of life service was held Thursday, August 24th with interment taking place at New Galilee Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

Alverne Anderson Cannady
February 13, 1946 – August 24, 2023

Alverne Anderson Cannady of Quitman was born Wednesday, February 13, 1946 and moved to her mansion in heaven on Thursday, August 24, 2023.

She married James Herbert Cannady on February 21, 1965. They were married for 49 1/2 years. Alverne was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Lessie Anderson, her brothers Waymon and Robert Anderson, her sister Avis Walsworth, and her grandson Tracy Rushing III.

Alverne is survived by her children- James Kevin Cannady and wife Alicia, and Kimberly Watts and her husband Sonny, brother James Anderson, Grandchildren Kody Cannady, Jonathan and Josh Cannady. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her church family.

Visitation will be on Sunday, August 27 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Lifechurch LA in Jonesboro and again before the service from 10:00 – 11:00 am on Monday, August 28. The home going service will be at 11:00 am under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home of Jonesboro. Officiants will be Rev. Bubba Walsworth, Rev. Joey Anderson, and retired Pastor Chris Witt. Burial will follow at Bear Creek Cemetery in Quitman.

Pallbearers will be Jackie Anderson, Randy Anderson, Joey Anderson, Mike Walsworth, Bubba Walsworth, and Jonathan Cannady. Honorary pallbearers are Randy Porter, Kody Cannady, and Josh Cannady.

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With temperatures expected to reach as high as 106 degrees this coming Saturday, Bayou Jamb officials have rescheduled the Jonesboro-Hodge vs Sterlington contest to be played at 6:00 pm on Thursday, August 24th.

“In the interest of player’s safety it was decided it would be best to move the game to Thursday evening instead of that Saturday morning,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship who along with players Quirese Howard and Noah Lucas attended the Bayou Jamb Media Day on Monday.

Originally the schedule had JHHS playing at 1:00 pm on Saturday at “Don Shows” Field on the campus of West Monroe High School. Also reset was the Cedar Creek vs Mangham contest that was slated for 3:00 pm on Saturday but now will be played at 8:00 pm on Thursday. 

 

Through his dedication to his profession Shane McVay has been very dear friend to so many in our community, never hesitating to lend a helping hand. Now the nurse practitioner for Green Clinic-Jonesboro Hodge needs our help. 

Earlier this year, Shane was diagnosed with a Grade 2 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Neuroendocrine tumor, or NET, is a rare type of cancer that originates in endocrine cells throughout the body. They are often found in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, or pancreas.

Shane has undergone several rounds of IV chemotherapy all while continuing to serve in his role as a nurse practitioner, caring for his patients while battling his own illness. Shane was recently referred to MD Anderson Cancer Institute in Houston, Texas. After several rounds of IV chemotherapy, Shane‘s treatment plan has recently changed to an aggressive oral chemotherapy regimen targeted specifically for the type of cancer Shane is dealing with. The initial result is that he has become progressively weaker and is no longer able to work full-time.

In an effort to help with overwhelming medical expenses and now with the loss of Shane’s full-time income, friends and colleagues have set up a GoFundMe account to help ease the financial burden for Shane, Sarah, and their family.

“We are praying this chemotherapy soon begins to shrink Shane’s tumor,” said close friend Candice Leach, who organized the fundraiser. “As he continues to fight this battle, and if you’re able, please consider donating to help ease the financial burden. Help us show Shane that he is not in this battle alone, and we as his friends and community family are standing with him in faith and in prayer.”

To make a donation click here or go to gofundme.com

 

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The Jackson Parish Police Jury announces a Special Called Meeting will be held at 5:45 pm on Wednesday, August 23rd in the Nathaniel Zeno, Jr. Meeting Room of the Jackson Parish Administrative Building, located at 160 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro. 

Prior to the special session the JPPJ Personnel Committee, consisting of John McCarty (Chairman), Lewis Chatham and Keith Burris, will meet at 5:10 pm followed by the Finance Committee comprised of Todd Culpepper (Chairman), Amy Magee and John McCarty meeting at 5:30 pm. 

Special Called Meeting Agenda:

Call to Order
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments
1. Consider and act on the hiring of 2 General Laborers for the Road Department, per the Road Committee’s recommendation.
2. Consider and act on transferring the payroll process back to the Administrative Office, per the Personnel Committee’s recommendation.
3. Consider and act on the addition of an Administrative Clerk at the Administrative Office and the posting for the full-time permanent position of Administrative Clerk, per the Personnel Committee’s recommendation.
4. Consider and approve Q2 Budget Amendments, per Finance Committee’s recommendation.
Discussion of Other Topics
Announcements & Notifications
Adjourn

Personnel Committee Meeting Agenda:

Call to Order
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments
1. Consider and recommend to the Police Jury the transfer of the payroll process back to the Administrative Office.
2. Consider and recommend to the Police Jury a full-time, permanent Administrative Clerk position at the Administrative Office.
Set Date & Time of Next Meeting
Adjourn

Finance Committee Meeting Agenda:

Call to Order
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments
1. Q2 Budget Amendments.
Set Date & Time of Next Meeting
Adjourn

 

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Attention Jackson Parish families and caregivers! The Jackson Parish School District (JPSD) announces the forming of a focus group that will meet from 4:00 – 5:00 pm on Monday, August 28th. 

Managed by Attuned Education Partners the group will review feedback from students, teachers, staff and families on how well the JPSD is doing and how plans can be strengthened moving forward. 

Your voice is essential to this effort. If you are interested in joining the group where you can share your thoughts openly and honestly click here to fill out the application form. 

A Zoom link for the meeting can be accessed by going to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3246606440

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The Jackson Parish Communications District announces that applications are now being accept for the position of E-911 Director. The position is to be considered part-time with no benefits extended and including a three to six month probationary period. Salary will be on a monthly basis based on experience, qualifications and hours expected to be in office. 

GENERAL DUTIES: 

1. Set-up and maintain office records to include handling district payments and making monthly deposits.
2. Maintain and update map file of Jackson Parish addresses.
3. Assist the Board Secretary in preparing board minutes and other records.
4. Maintain computer with updates of new addresses.
5. Handle telephone calls and correspondence for district.
6. Assign a physical address to new and existing residences, businesses, or other locations as required.
7. Work with other agencies in the parish to assist them with needs related to 911 addresses. 
8. Handle any state or federal requests concerning 911 addresses in Jackson Parish.
9. Put up yard 911 signs or street signs as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must have a valid Louisiana Drivers License
2. Must be an American citizen
3. Must be bondable
4. Must pass drug test
5. Must be computer literate in Word and Excell programming
6. GIS experience is preferred

Please submit all resumes to:
Jackson Parish Communication District
319 Jimmie Davis Blvd.
Jonesboro, LA 71251

or mail to:
P.O. Box 636
Jonesboro, LA 71251

Applications will be received until 4:00 pm, Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Resumes will be reviewed by the Communications District Board at a Special Called meeting to be held at 12:00 pm (noon) on Thursday, September 7th, 2023 at the 911 Directors Office, located at 319 Jimmie Davis Blvd. in Jonesboro. 

The Communication District reserves the right to reject all applications.

To request more information, please call the Jackson Parish Communications District Office at (318) 259 – 2103.

 

 

 

 

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