Jennifer Teat Bourgeois has been featured on many media outlets over the past year including US News & World Report, VeryWell Family, Healthline, BestLife, and CNET. You can now add Fox News to the list. 

The daughter of Jonesboro residents, Jimmy and Jo Ann Teat, became “Fox News Official” on August 24th when she was featured in a segment as the SingleCare Pharmacy & Health Expert. 

In a heart warming and inspiring message, Bourgeois recounted her journey to her current stardom in a Facebook post on September 14th. 

On 8/24/23 I became Fox News Official!!  My role as SingleCare Pharmacy & Health Expert has created dozens of media features over the last year. US News & World Report, VeryWell Family, Healthline, BestLife, CNET, and so many more.

The gratitude I feel towards SingleCare for taking a chance on me is unmatched!
I can still remember sitting in my office 2 years ago when a friend reached out and suggested I be nominated for a national pharmacist award. I was honored. And suddenly I was overwhelmed with emotions. Physically felt tingles head to toe and the tears flowed. God whispered to my heart the fruit of my harvest was coming. The planting and sowing and watering of seeds would all sprout soon. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

I won the award, which led to an opportunity to be a media spokesperson for a national company. I had NO writing or speaking credentials, but GOD CHOSE ME.

I share this to say, it will NEVER be about me but will ALWAYS be about the opportunities God provides to be a light in this world and impact public health.

Thank you, God, for making a way and walking with me as I move forward. With YOU all things are possible, even a small town country girl being featured in Fox News. 

 

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The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce celebrated James and Caroline Bradford becoming the new owners of Caney Lake Landing with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, September 15th. 

Located at 7777 La Hwy 4, the family owned and operated business offers everything a fisherman would need including a boat launch and parking, wide selection of live and manufactured baits, convenience store shopping and a dine-in area with breakfast, lunch or dinner being served. 

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Some people look for a beautiful place. Others make a place beautiful! 

The quote by Hazrat Inayat Kahn was never more true than when speaking of the Environmental Services team at Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Jonesboro. 

As part of the celebration of Environmental Services Week the Forest Haven administration recognized their team with a week long of celebration that included daily catered meals and gifts.

Helping honor the team that “sparkles and shines” as the group was referred to in the September 14th Facebook post where several pictures of the group celebrating the week is found were: Mitchells Pharmacy, Lagniappe Home Health, Sheriff Andy Brown, Forest Haven Nurses, Traina’s Bakery, Scrap Iron Barbecue and Oceans Behavioral

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Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School invites all to come to “Enchanted Night” on Tuesday, September 19th where the Coronation of the 2023-24 Royal Court will take place. The ceremony will take place at 6:00pm in the Jonesboro Hodge High School Auditorium, located at 225 Pershing Hwy in Jonesboro. There is no charge for admission.  

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We once attempted to haul a recliner from Lake Charles to Baton Rouge. It was an elegant recliner. I had finished reclining in it and our daughter needed a recliner for her study chair. She needed a recliner to sit in front of a very large television, but that is another story. My wife asked if we should tie the recliner down. I made some glib remarks about recliners and aerodynamic qualities. I told her the recliner would stay in the back of the truck against the cab. It would be fine.

About 72 mph on I-10 that recliner took flight.

I will never say to someone “when pigs fly” because in my world they can.

The other day we had a nice rain in Gibsland. Prior to the rain, there was wind. It was not that strong. The highest gust on my nerd backyard weather station was 17 mph. That is not much wind blowing.

A couple of weeks ago, a greenhouse arrived in my backyard. It is a small 10’ x 20’ house. I have determined that this winter I’m not going to freeze out all the ferns and other plants. I’ve done an admirable job of keeping these plants alive during this apocalyptic heat and drought. The greenhouse is in process. The house is down. The tables are purchased. The base had yet to be installed. You have to put a nice base in your greenhouse, or the weeds will grow all winter in the greenhouse.

I had installed a nice solar powered flood light in the greenhouse. I have purchased the necessary equipment to keep the plants nice and comfortable in the winter months. In my mind, I have a plan for where the plants will reside in the greenhouse.

The structure has flaps on either end. I had both flaps opened so the dogs could go in and out at their pleasure. The breeze was keeping the greenhouse mildly comfortable in the heat.

I made a discovery; greenhouses will fly in 17 mph wind. With both flaps opened I created a wind tunnel and the house got lift. The whole structure flew. It didn’t fly far. The flight was interrupted by the doggy shed next to it. Yes, my dogs have their own air conditioned shed complete with doggy door and a television. My dogs are not spoiled!

I have attached a picture of the greenhouse after its flight. The greenhouse is back in place. It is ripped to smithereens. It will need a new cover. The solar lighting was destroyed in the crash. The greenhouse not only flew, but it also rotated 180 degrees. I saw the aftermath. I would have enjoyed watching the greenhouse get wings.

The only moral I can come up with is that you need to keep your flaps closed on a breezy day. My greenhouse expert laughed at me. Seems he learned that flap lesson in a tornado in Castor this spring. He had four or five houses get wings.

The Apostle Paul said it for us rookie greenhouse owners, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise…”

Thanks Paul, you should have told me to keep my flaps zipped during a thunderstorm!

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The Jackson Parish Council on Aging welcomed Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown, supporters and staff to the Robert Riddle Senior Citizen Center on September 12th where Brown fed 81 participants and provided gifts for after meal activities. 

“We had such a great day today at the Council on aging in Jonesboro. It was an honor and privilege for me, my supporters and some of the staff to be able to play bingo, fellowship and feed this group of 81 seniors today,” said Brown. “THANK YOU ALL for allowing us to come and participate today!”

Paid for by the friends to re-elect Andy Brown for Sheriff of Jackson Parish

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The Jackson Parish Watershed Commission announces that the Spillway boat launch dock project has been completed now giving both public boat launch areas on Caney Lake a dock and fishing pier available for use. 

According to JPWC Vice President, Gary Joynor, the dock was made possible through launch fees collected and through a $500.00 donation made by Peoples Bank of Chatham. 

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There’s something about the deer we hunt. They’re sharper than we are and the blink of an eye or a slap at a mosquito may be all it takes to cause a deer to turn tail and run. As a result, it’s more to the hunter’s advantage to hunt from elevated positions as deer usually are looking for danger at eye level or lower. Sitting 16 feet up a tree gives the hunter an advantage and when it comes to waylaying a wily buck, we need all the advantages we can get.

When I started deer hunting years ago, there were no tree stands on the market. If you hunted from an elevated position, it meant gathering up a bunch of two-by-fours, hammer, nails and saw to construct something that would keep you above a deer’s line of vision.

Some of the first ones I constructed were not only weird looking contraptions, they were also unsafe. Switching your Red Man from one jaw to the other was often all that was needed to flip you out and send you to the ground.

Years later as climbing stands and ladder stands came on the market, these proved safer than the man-made contraptions. Because they were so heavily used, news began filtering in of accidents resulting in falling out of stands.

Dr. Bobby Dale, a life-long hunter, is also an emergency room physician who practices
medicine in his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi. Visiting with Dr. Dale at the annual
conference of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association in Johnson City, TN several years ago, we had occasion to talk about what is more likely to injure hunters while hunting. Dale noted that contrary to what many believe, it’s not the older and more fragile hunter who is more apt to be injured; it’s the strong, virile, younger guy.

“From what I’ve observed from patients I have seen in the ER where I practice, it’s the
younger one more prone to suffer serious injuries while hunting. This is particularly true concerning falls from elevated deer stands. In fact,” Dale said, “I recently read a report that revealed the majority of bow hunters who fall from tree stands are in their 20s and 30s. Also, about 10% of these injuries are alcohol-related.”

“While it is true that guys in their 50s and 60s and older have bones that are more easily broken, I don’t see nearly as many injuries from falling from a stand from this older group. It’s just a fact that the older guy is more cautious,” he added.

Dr. Dale noted that a fall, even one from just a few feet, can result in serious injury.
Obviously, the further you fall, the more serious injuries become, he said.

“I’ve seen victims who fell from stands come to the ER with everything from closed head injuries, bleeding on the brain, spinal fractures with paralysis, broken arms, legs and ribs, collapsed lungs, ruptured spleens in addition to profuse external bleeding,” Dale said.

While mishaps using home-made deer stands are more likely to result in serious injuries, manufactured stands can also cause falls if not used properly.

“Manufactured stands have to meet a safety code and the vast majority of these stands are safe when properly used. However, they still have to be secured to the tree in the proper manner to be completely safe. Climbing stands are quite safe but when care is not taken in using them, they can result in twisting or slipping when not correctly secured to the tree. The result can be disastrous,” he added.

With deer season rapidly approaching – archery season begins October 1 – make sure
your tree stands are in top notch working order and that you practice all the safety rules having to do with elevated deer stands. It takes only one moment of lapse in judgement or one misstep to make looking for a big buck the least of your concerns.

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass have been best fishing at night on dark spinners and soft plastics. They are fair to good early mornings on topwater lures with square bill crank baits, spinners and soft plastics working best later. Some bass are starting to school and hitting shad imitations. Crappie have been best around the deeper tops on shiners or jigs. Bream are slow. 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 – Not many fishing. Lily pads all over lake makes it hard to fish. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE –The lake has “turned over” resulting in a moderate fish kill, mostly of shad. Some are still catching nice bass around the brush. 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 slow to fair with some caught in run outs and in river lakes. Crappie are fair to good in the river lakes and the bayou on shiners or jigs. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie have been fair in the deeper flats and in the channels on shiners or jigs. Bass are best early mornings along the grass lines with topwater lures and jerk baits. 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 – Stripers are schooling and fishing has improved fishing shad imitation lures in the coves early mornings or late afternoons. Bream fishing has been slow. Crappie have been best fishing 8-14 deep water with some good ones reported. Also 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. One bass to 10.36 was reported. Crappie are fair on the south end. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water level is falling and quite low. Some catfish have been reported and a few bass have been caught. Crappie are slow. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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Falls are not a normal part of aging.

FYZICAL’s Fall Prevention Programs are here to help.

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, the country’s fastest-growing physical therapy franchise and leader in balance and vestibular therapies, is on a mission to “Fight the Fall!” With the goal of shedding light on the critical issue of falling, FYZICAL is emphasizing the paramount importance of fall prevention in fostering overall well-being. September is not only National Healthy Aging Month but is home to National Falls Prevention Day (9/22) and the National Council of Aging’s Falls Prevention Awareness Week (9/18-9/22).

“Falls impact people of all ages, especially our most vulnerable population, our seniors. We stand firm in our ongoing commitment to address this concern head-on,” said Brian Belmont, CEO of FYZICAL. “Our Fight the Fall initiative goes beyond education and awareness – it’s about empowering individuals to understand potential risks, recognize warning signs, and take practical steps towards better balance and holistic health for themselves and their loved ones.”

FYZICAL champions fall prevention every day, and throughout September, participating clinics will offer complimentary Fall Risk Screenings. These screenings are designed to identify potential issues with balance, flexibility, and strength, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

While falls are especially concerning among older populations, balance and vestibular issues can affect anyone, regardless of age. Falls frequently happen due to issues with balance and can quickly lead to reduced mobility and serious injuries. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, more than one in four adults aged 65 and older experiences a fall each year.

FYZICAL recognizes the pressing need for fall prevention and remains dedicated to equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent falls, improve balance, and lead active and confident lives. FYZICAL’s innovative Balance Paradigm sets a new benchmark for fall prevention strategies, offering evidence-based fall prevention therapies that have revolutionized the treatment of dizzy and balance patients.

FYZICAL’s National Charitable Partner, Meals on Wheels America, ensures local Meals on Wheels programs have the resources they need to continue to deliver a vital lifeline to our most at-risk seniors. Along with the inevitable impacts of aging come the increased risks of medical emergencies including falls and other accidents. The safety check that accompanies each meal delivery ensures that, in the case of an emergency or problem, medics will be called, families will be notified and our seniors will not be forgotten. “My grandmother benefited from the kindness and generosity of her local Meals on Wheels chapter,” said Belmont. “As a member of Meals on Wheels America’s Momentum Circle, FYZICAL is grateful to support Meals on Wheels America; statistics show that daily home-delivery meals help keep 8 out of 10 recipients who have previously fallen from falling again. We encourage our franchisees, staff and communities to support Meals on Wheels through advocacy, volunteering and donation.”

To learn more about FYZICAL’s Fight the Fall initiative or to schedule a complimentary Fall Risk Screening at a clinic near you, please visit fyzical.com/locations.

About FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers:

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers stands at the forefront of the health and wellness industry as the nation’s fastest-growing physical therapy franchise, boasting an extensive network of over 525 locations that span across 46 states. Committed to a holistic approach, FYZICAL provides top-notch, personalized care plans to treat patients of all ages experiencing muscle, joint, and neurological conditions including balance and vestibular issues. As an advocate for patient choice and direct access, FYZICAL empowers individuals to take control of their well-being to achieve optimal physical health and balance. For more information about FYZICAL or to find the nearest location, visit fyzical.com.

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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 personally. In an effort to introduce the members of the 2023 JHHS football team, Jackson Parish Journal correspondent, Clay Williams, presents a question and answer interview series with Tiger players. Today – Ja’Darrion Brown

Meet The Tigers

What’s your name, grade, number, and position?
Ja’Darrion Brown, 12th, #17, Defensive Back

What are your hobbies outside of football?
I like walking my dog and staying busy. I work at LA Tech, at the Recreation department, and I weld.

What are your hobbies outside of football?
I play basketball for the school, and I like spending time with friends and family.

Do you have a favorite pregame song or artist?
I love anything from NBA Youngboy, and I listen to some of my friends that make music too.

What is your favorite subject in school?
English, because I like to read, and I feel I that I understand that subject the best.

Who would you say is your biggest motivation in life?
My mom and my siblings, because we’ve been through a lot, and I want to be able to do
something for them.

What do you think are your biggest strengths you bring to the team?
I’m a lockdown corner, and I like to play good defense.

Are there any college or NFL players that you take inspiration from?
Jalen Ramsey and Sauce Gardner are two of my favorite DBs to watch, and to see their fearless mentality at the position. I watch a lot of Cincinnati and LSU games to see their DB’s.

What are your thoughts about the team’s play so far this season?
I think that we’ve done good so far, but we just got to lock all the way in, everybody must lock in. I’m trying to be a leader and let the younger guys look up to me.

What is something important a coach has taught you?
Don’t give up. Try to make it out of Jonesboro because not too many people do it. Also, that the streets don’t love you.

What are your plans after graduation?
I want to play college ball somewhere if possible. I don’t have a preference on what school, I just want to be somewhere that I’m wanted. If that doesn’t work, then I want to study business with hopes of starting a clothing brand.

Lastly, what are your goals this season for yourself, and the team?
For the team, I’d like to try to make it to the dome and mainly be better than last year. For
myself, I want 12 picks. I know it’s a lot, but I like setting big goals for myself.

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It’s time to sign up for After-School Tutoring! If you are interested in registering your child that is a student of the Jackson Parish School District, please click the link below. The deadline to register is September 22nd with After School Tutoring beginning on October 2nd.

To sign up go to:

https://sites.google.com/jpsbschools.us/jackson-parish-tutoring/home

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The Jackson Parish Library (JPL) welcomed retired Louisiana Tech professor, Dr. Richard G. Shrubb, to the weekly book club meeting held on Wednesday, September 13th at the Jonesboro Branch where he discussed his book Raise My Ebenezer. 

Described as a folksy Alfred Hitchcock style thriller, the  book has been featured in Bayou Life Magazine and is available at the JPL.  Copies of Raise My Ebenezer are on sale at Number 9 Books in Ruston and online from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target. You can also purchase at the website: RichardGerald-Shrubb.com.

Bookworm Story Time held on Wednesday

The weekly session of Bookworm Story Time was held on Wednesday. The Jonesboro Branch invites you to bring your child aged 0-5 to come share in the fun each Wednesday at 10:30 am. No registration is required. 

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Not Helpless, Helpful

“Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds (Psalm 149:5 KJV).”

Many of God’s children become incapacitated; bedridden and homebound. They learn to trust the LORD and count it all joy. (James 1:2)

“When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches (Psalm 63:6 KJV)

They are infirmed but not helpless; they’ve found an important way to help others. God opens doors of intercessory prayer.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:18 KJV).”

Diligent and disciplined, prayer warriors persevere.

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men (1 Timothy 2:1 KJV).”

Our homebound have a calling and purpose.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16b KJV).”

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. 

BUSINESS SERVICES

Brookwood Homes – Used and Repo Mobile Homes as low as $10,000.00. Call 318-644-2226.

AFFIDAVIT OF SUCCESSION

PUBLIC NOTICE

Village of Chatham
Regular Call Meeting Minutes

The Village of Chatham held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 6:00 pm. Present were Mayor Gregory Harris, council members Bernadean James, Toni Malone, Laverne Mixon and Mike Wilson; council member Sue Proffer was absent. Visitors present were Sue Henderson, Eddie Ruth Wyatt, Evelyn Carr, Shelly Huckleby, and Priscilla Metoyer.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Harris.
The pledge was led by council member Toni Malone and prayer was given by Mayor
Harris.
Mike Wilson motioned, and Toni Malone seconded and was approved by all to accept the minutes as read of the regular meeting held on August 8, 2023.
Toni Malone motioned, seconded by Mike Wilson, and approved by all to pay the monthly bills.
Bernadean James motioned, and Mike Wilson seconded to approve trailer permit #2023-04 to Evelyn Carr. Mobile home will be located at 12261 Hwy 4. Vote was as follows: Yeas: 3 Nays: 1 Absent: 1
Toni Malone motioned and seconded by Laverne Mixon and approve by all to award Contract #1 for the LCDBF FY 2022 Sewer Grant to Jabar Corporation.
Toni Malone motioned and seconded by Laverne Mixon and approved by all to approve concurrent change orders for Contract #1.
Mike Wilson motioned and seconded by Toni Malone and approve by all to award Contract #2 for the LCDBG FY 2022 to Gulf Coast Underground, LLC.
Toni Malone motioned and seconded by Mike Wilson and approved by all to approve concurrent change orders for Contract #2.
The drainage problems we are having were discussed and it was decided to get more information before a decision can be made on how to move forward with this.
Toni Malone motioned, seconded by Mike Wilson, and approved by all to adjourn the meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Betty Lethcho
May 28, 1953 – September 15, 2023

Betty Margaret (McCammon) Lethcho, age 71 of Jonesboro, ascended to her Heavenly home on Friday, September 15, 2023. She was born to the union of Homer and Hazel McCammon on May 28, 1952 in Ottawa, Kansas. Betty was a proud alumni of Osawatomie class of 1970. Following her high school days she met the love of her life, David Lethcho, and they were wed on February 29, 1980 in the middle of a snow storm in Austin, Missouri. From that moment on, they shared 43 wonderful years of marriage that was full of love and adventure. David and Betty made their name and raised their family in Fontana, Kansas. In 2015 they moved to Almost Paradise in Jonesboro, Louisiana. They enjoyed taking walks, riding motorcycles and swimming in their pool.

Betty was a go-getter. If there was a project that needed done she was your gal. She was active in the church for many years in the children’s ministries, youth ministries, serving meals, GEMS and secret sisters. She was very active in her daughter’s activities growing up and made her girls and their children a priority getting them to and from activities such as girl scouts, 4-H, sports and much more. Betty wore many, many hats throughout the years such as being a farmer and raising numerous calves, mail carrier, truck driver and swim instructor. She was a born again Christian, cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and will be missed by all that loved her.

Those left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband, David Lethcho of Jonesboro, La; 4 daughters, Christy Weaver of Anna, Tx, Tammy Lethcho of Springfield, Mo, Angela Walsworth and husband Phillip of Jonesboro, La, Misty Goetz and husband Travis of Dodge City, Ks; 13 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; brothers, Bill McCammon of Emporia, Ks, Jim McCammon and wife Linda of LaCygne, KS, John McCammon and wife Marsha of Sedalia, Mo; a host of many relatives and friends. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Hazel (Debrick) McCammon.

Betty is helping others even after her passing. She donated her body to LSU.

A celebration of life will be held in her honor on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 5:00PM at First Baptist Church in Chatham, La. Following the celebration, all are invited to stay and fellowship.

Clarence “Bobby” West and Mary (Butcher) West
August 12, 1934 – September 11, 2023

Bobby West and the love of his life, Mary, are now together in Paradise. Bobby and Mary were married for 69 years and raised 4 children. Mary passed away on September 2, 2023. She was 87 years old. Bobby passed away on September 11, 2023 (on Mary’s birthday). He was 89 years old.

Bobby and Mary loved spending time together, especially fishing on Saline Lake in Winn Parish. They enjoyed getting together with their family at one of Bobby’s famous fish-fries. They both loved their family dearly. When they weren’t together fishing, Bobby could be found hunting for a big buck as Mary settled in to her favorite chair with a good book. Bobby tried his hand at several different musical instruments including the mandolin, guitar and keyboard. Mary enjoyed listening to Bobby sing gospel and country music while picking or playing. When they weren’t on Saline Lake, Bobby and Mary could be found at his old home place “camping on the hill.”

Those left to cherish both of their memories are their children, Shelby West and wife, Sheila, David West and wife, Linda, Dennis West and wife, Debbie, and Mary Lynn West; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; Bobby’s brother, Ross West and wife, Martha; and nephew, Mark West.

Bobby was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents, Roy and Velma (Peevy) West; and uncle, J.D. West. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Fannie Butcher; 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

A graveside service was held on Friday, September 15th at the Springhill Cemetery near Weston under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

Emory Gray Gillum
July 27, 1929 – September 13, 2023

Emory Gray Gillum, 94, a longtime resident of Jonesboro , Louisiana, left this earth for his heavenly home on September 13, 2023 following a long and productive life.

Emory is survived by his wife of 76 years, Helen Virginia Griffin Gillum; sons, William Emory (Bill) Gillum and wife Elaine, and David Wayne Gillum and wife Karen; grandchildren, Lindsey (Walt) Henson, Lauren (Barry) Jones, Jeffrey Gillum, Lance Gillum, Kara (Douglas) Bradley; seven great grandchildren, and numerous other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Wiley and Lodema (Anderson) Gillum; brothers, J.D. Gillum and Charles Gillum; sisters, Marie Ramsey, Gwendolyn Strother and Katherine Couples.

A funeral service will be held in his honor at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at Conway Baptist Church in Conway, Louisiana.

A private family burial will follow in the Conway Cemetery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Louisiana’s primary elections are a little over a month away — on Saturday, Oct. 14 — and the general election in Louisiana isn’t until Nov. 18. If you want to register to vote in person or by mail though, you’ll have to do it by this Wednesday, September 13th.

Louisianans can also register to vote online — the deadline to do that for the primary isn’t until Sept. 23 — but you’ll need a Louisiana driver’s license or special ID to do so. If you don’t have either of those forms of identification and you still want to vote in the primary, you’ll have to register in person or by mail, and provide some other proof of residency.

Registering to vote is free — and it’s a quick process. Here’s a guide to help you decide how, when and where to do it.

When are this year’s voter registration deadlines?

To register to vote in the primary election, on October 14th:

September 13th — Deadline to register to vote in person or by mail
September 23th — Deadline to register to vote online

To register to vote in the general election, on November 14th

October 18th — Deadline to register to vote in person or by mail
October 28th — Deadline to register to vote online

Where can I register to vote?

Online: Louisianans can register to vote or update their voter registration online through the voter portal on the Secretary of State’s website — or by visiting geauxvote.com.

In person: If you’re planning to register in person, you can do so at your respective Registrar of Voters Office. Other places to register in person include any Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location and Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services offices.

For a full list of places where you can register, click here.

By mail: You can download the Louisiana Voter Registration Application, print it and fill it out if you plan to register by mail.

The application must be hand-delivered or mailed to the appropriate registrar’s office by the registration deadline. As long as your application is postmarked by the due date, the Secretary of State’s office says you’ve made the deadline.

How can I check my registration status?

Voters can use the Secretary of State’s voter portal to check on their registration status — and preview sample ballots and find their polling locations.

Once you register to vote in Louisiana, you’re registered for life — as long as you continue to vote and keep your address updated. If you have changed addresses within the state, you will need to update your registration.

Who is eligible to vote in Louisiana?

Louisianans must meet several criteria to be eligible to vote in the state:

You must be a U.S. citizen.
You must be at least 18 years old on Election Day, but can register if you are at least 17 — and, in certain cases, you can register if you are at least 16 years old.
You must live in the parish where you are registering and will be voting.
You must register by the deadline for the election you want to vote in.
You must not, according to the Secretary of State’s office, be “under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony or, if under such an order not have been incarcerated pursuant to the order within the last five years and not be under an order of imprisonment related to a felony conviction for election fraud or any other election offense pursuant to La. R.S. 18:1461.2.”
You must not have had your voting rights suspended.
When you register, you’ll need your Louisiana driver’s license, special ID card or some other form of proof of identification.

When does early voting happen?

Louisiana has a one-week early voting period before both the primary and general elections this year.

You don’t need to state a reason for voting early — any registered voter can opt to cast a ballot early. The state has several designated early voting locations that will be in operation throughout the early voting period.

You can find out which early voting location you’ve been assigned to by visiting the Voter Portal.

There are two early voting periods in Louisiana this year:

Early voting period for Oct. 14 primary: Sept. 30 through Oct. 7. You can vote early on any of those days between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., except on Sunday, Oct. 1.
Early voting period for Nov. 18 general election: Nov. 3 through Nov. 11. You can vote early on any of those days between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the exception of Sunday, Nov. 5 and Friday, Nov. 10 (Veterans Day).

For more information on voter registration and voting in Louisiana, visit the Secretary of State’s website.

 

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Jonesboro-Hodge hosts the Bunkie Panthers at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium this Friday, September 15th, for a battle against the team that is ranked #12 among “select” schools in Division III. Bunkie comes into the contest with a 2-0 record while JHHS sits at 1-1 on the year. Game time is set for 7:00 pm.

Series History: Jonesboro-Hodge owns a 5-1 advantage over Bunkie in the series, winning five straight including a 50-0 shellacking in 2021. Last year the Tigers fell 24-20 but it is the contest played in 1988 that has been dubbed as the “Immaculate Interception” that will always be remembered as perhaps the greatest game in JHHS history. Certainly it ranks as the most dramatic. 

To set the stage, JHHS had traveled to Bunkie for a state semifinal contest in an attempt to make a second straight Class AA state championship game. Having won 12 of 13 games, the Panthers featured three backs who had rushed for over 1000 yards during the season. 

Jonesboro-Hodge had taken a 19-7 halftime lead., leading to what has to be considered the most insane final two minutes of a Tiger game ever played. The craziness started with JHHS up 25-21 with just a few minutes left in the fourth quarter. JHHS had not been able to stop the Panthers the entire second half and Bunkie stormed down the field to take a 28-25 lead. JHHS reached the Bunkie 10 yard line with 18 seconds left but was facing a fourth down. The coaching staff couldn’t decide what to do and the Tigers suffered a delay of game penalty. Now out of the range of the Tigers normal kicker, Coach Walter Causey called on Cartrel Calahan to tie the game up with his first attempt all season. 

You could hear a pin drop as the kick sailed toward the goal post before going over the cross bar with just inches to spare to tie the game. The game was now tied with just 14 seconds to play and it was assumed that Bunkie would simply take a knee after receiving the kickoff and the game would go into overtime. 

With the ball at their own 25 yard line, unbelievably the Bunkie coach called for a screen pass that almost got picked off. Surely now they would take a knee but incredibly the Bunkie coach called for another pass play to the sideline that this time Brandon Bradley jumped the route and returned the interception for a touchdown as time ran out.  

The result led to an Alexandria Town Talk sportswriter to pen, “God must be a Jonesboro-Hodge fan”. JHHS would go on to win the state championship a week later, for the second title in what known locally as the “three peat”.

Last Week: Jonesboro-Hodge fell hard to Class 5A West Ouachita by a 44-12 score while Bunkie beat Class 3A Patterson 26-0. 

Keys to a Tiger Victory!

Control Bunkie passing attack! Last week it was the rushing attack that was scary. This week it is the Panthers passing attack. Bunkie has one of the best receiving corps in the state with a pair of tall and fast wideouts that played havoc on the Tigers secondary last year. How the Tigers secondary holds up is a huge key. 

Generate a passing attack of their own! Cameron Leonard has proven to be a good runner but JHHS has to be able to throw the ball. In week one the passing attack was awesome. In week two it was awful. Tigers will need the week one passing attack. 

Eliminate mistakes! True, this is important in every game but especially this week. JHHS can’t afford to give Bunkie a “short field” as they did last week or the result will be the same. 

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced a temporary road closure will take place on LA Hwy 548 near Chatham in Jackson Parish. The closure is approximately 3200 feet east of the LA Hwy 548 and LA  Hwy 34 intersection.

The closure is due to drainage culvert replacements. The closure will begin on Saturday, September 16th, with the road expected to open again on Sunday, September 17th, weather permitting.

There will be detours in place on LA Hwy 548, LA Hwy 3033, and LA Hwy 34.

DOTD asks drivers to be mindful of crews working while driving in the area as workers and equipment will be entering and exiting the roadways.

For additional information, call 511 or visit www.511la.org. You can also monitor the La DOTD website.

 

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It doesn’t matter if it is varsity or junior high competition. It doesn’t matter the sport. As soon as the players from these two schools receive their schedule there are two games that are immediately circled.  Quitman at Weston and Weston at Quitman.

While the two Jackson Parish rivals have played each other already during early season junior high tournaments, the first of the home and home series was played on Tuesday. 

Round one goes to the Weston girls 38-27 and the Quitman boys 54-28.

Both won in similar style by taking big early leads that held up as Weston jumped out to an 11-2 lead and the QJH boys exploded for a 16-2 advantage. Both had impressive moments in the second half as well with the Lady Wolves winning both the third and fourth quarters and the Wolverines closing out the boys contest by outscoring Weston 12-4 in the final frame.

Weston 38 Quitman 27: Gracie Gray and Brylee Cuthrell scored three each, Carlyn Waters and Marcela Gonzales hit a basket and Teegan Hall added a free throw to give Weston the commanding first quarter lead. Quitman rallied to make a game of it in the second on five points by Kinsley Ponder, two from Brenna Lamkin and a charity shot from Brealyn Patton as the two teams went into the break with Weston leading by a 15-11 score. 

“I was very happy with the way our girls played. They played hard and really got after it,” said Tolar. “We have been improving every game.” 

Carly Jo Griffin took over in the third for the Lady Wolves scoring nine of her game high 11 points as Weston re-established the nine point advantage at 30-21. Four points by Hall and two points each by Gray and Cuthrell, who tallied a pair of three pointers in the contest offset baskets by Lamkin, Ponder, and London Burks in the final quarter.

Quitman head coach Kyle Leach refused to use the fact that leading scorer Hallie Kate Pullig (pneumonia) and defensive stopper, Breelyn Boone (ankle) wasn’t available for the contest.

“I don’t want to take anything away from Weston,” said Leach. They played great and deserved to win.”

Weston improved to 10-5 on the year while Quitman lost for just the second time in 13 contests, ironically both to Weston which leaves the season series tied at 2-2 with one game to go. 

“We have one more with them to see who will take bragging rights,” reminded Leach. “It should be a good one.”  

The two teams will play again on September 26th in Quitman. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Weston	11	4	15	8	38
Quitman	2	8	11	6	27

Quitman 54 Weston 28: (boys) With four points each, Hayden Seymore and Luke Rowe both scored more than the Weston team in the first quarter which got only a Colt Guyotte basket. Seven points by Mathew Odom and a 3- pointer each by Joseph Delaney and Caden Jackson helped the Wolverines take a commanding 33-15 lead at the break. Ten players in all scored for Quitman while Lukas Bandy hit a pair of three pointers to lead Weston with 11 points. 

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Weston	2	13	9	4	28
Quitman	16	17	9	12	54

Saline boys win “Battle of Bienville” 

Gibsland Junior High dressed out 18 players in their boys contest against Saline on Tuesday. After one period of play, nary a one had scored! The Bobcats on the other hand posted 14 and never looked back in their 50-22 “Battle of Bienville” parish victory. 

Elijah Calloway and Brandon Robinson did most of the damage for Saline with 23 and 14 points respectively followed by five points from Hayden Laborde, which included the Bobcats only three pointer of the contest. Gavin Bellard finished with four and both Rylon Mauthe and Eduardo Quintario tallied two each

TEAM	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Saline	14	17	11	8	50
Gibsland	0	8	10	4	22

Upcoming Schedule

Quitman and Weston both will take part in the Claiborne Christian Tournament in West Monroe played on Thursday, September 14th and Friday, September 15th. Times and matchups were not available at time of press.

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Planning on joining Shooting Sports this year? Need to get your Hunter’s Safety card? There will be a class offered this weekend in Jackson Parish! You must have completed Hunter’s Safety to compete in the Regional and State competitions in the spring.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is presenting a Hunter Safety Education Class on Saturday, September 16th and Sunday, September 17th. The sessions that run from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday and 1:30 – 4:00 pm on Sunday will be held at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center, located at 182 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro. 

Topics that will be covered during the 10 hour classroom course will be firearm and hunting safety, wildlife management principles, ethics, game identification and outdoor survival.

Students must successfully complete a live-fire exercise with both formats. Firearms and ammunition are provided for the live-fire exercise so students should not bring their own.

Click here to access the LDWF website and sign up for the class or go to the following link:

https://louisianaoutdoors.com/events/192451

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As he stood all alone at the end of the field, he watched the ball lift up and start spiraling through the night sky. A quick glance showed the other 21 players on the field racing back toward him. Looking back up he zeroed in on the ball now descending toward him.

Grabbing the pigskin out of the air he broke toward the right sideline before suddenly darting up the middle through the thinnest of creases. The gap was so small that it looked like he would be drowned in a sea of opponents but not a sole laid a finger on him as he blew past the large throng of players who were desperately reaching and lunging to get a hand on him. A few strides later he was clear, sailing all by himself toward the end zone.

It was a sight to behold!

How was this young man able to get by the opposing eleven players that had only the goal to stop him in mind? He must have been lucky, right?

Maybe if this happened one time you could classify it as such. When a player does it over and over and over again, luck has nothing to do with it. 

A coach can teach a player to be good. A special few are born with a natural gift that can’t be taught. When you combine such talent with the determination to be the best then what you have is something marvelous. 

Introducing “Marvelous” Marvin Thomas.

It is hard to put into words the unique ability that “Marvelous Marvin” had but it all related to his ability to “read the field”. Thomas could see things that weren’t there. Then they were.

Like a 5G computer modem told to run a progression he could not only see where players were in the present but also visualize where they would be a few seconds later. Some people could look at a scene like that for days and not see what the “Marvelous One” could see in two tenths of a second. 

His incredible field vision led to Thomas setting a JHHS record during his playing years of 1979-81 of returning eight punt/kickoff returns for a touchdown, including an amazing six in one year (1980). They both still stand today over 40 years later. 

This unique player was no “one trick pony” though. His special ability to find the open spaces on a football field also led him to holding the JHHS single season and career record holder for receiving yards and receiving touchdowns when he graduated. 

“Marvelous Marvin” showcased his skills during a period when there was no “social media” that today allows for the incredible exploits of small school players to be seen all over the nation. As result, legendary coach Eddie Robinson at Grambling State University was the beneficiary as Thomas became a G-Man where he continued to excel earning All-Conference honors as a split end. 

No one who played at Jonesboro-Hodge High School before and no one since has been able to see the field like “Marvelous” Marvin. As result, on October 7th we will get to see him inducted in the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame. 

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After shooting even par rounds of 72 on Saturday, Peyton Mitchell, Brad Porter and Trey Howard knew that it would probably take a round of “below par” golf on Sunday to win the 2023 Jackson Parish Golf Course Club Championship.

They were right. And even then things weren’t decided. 

With all three tied at one-under par heading into hole #17, Mitchell went one up with a birdie, only to see Porter tie the score at two under. The pair of final round 70’s set up a sudden death playoff where after both parred the first two holes, Mitchell rammed home a birdie on the third hole to win it.  

Zack Duck won the first flight in a playoff with Justin Morris after both finished the two day, 36 hole tourney with a score of 161, one ahead of third place finisher Mike Simonelli.

In Senior Division play , Dwayne “Snook” Harrell parlayed his opening round one under par score of 71 into a winning 145 total. Leigh Cathey came in second with a 148 while Craig Mitchell was one back at 149 for third. 

Justin Sharp won the four man Super Senior Division with a 153 score after taking a commanding lead with a first day even par round of 72, which was seven strokes better than Danny Sullivan and eight fewer than Rick Hickmon. 

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Good food and fellowship was held by all at the home of Dawn and Billy Crabtree on Monday when the Ladies of the Lake held their annual luncheon in honor of the first responders from all over Jackson Parish.  

The thoughtfulness of the group of friends and neighbors of Caney Lake that work diligently to give back to the community was greatly appreciated as expressed in Facebook posts shown below.

I would like to THANK the Ladies of the Lake for providing a wonderful lunch for all the first responders of the Parish today! We greatly appreciate the fellowship we get to have with you all and the food was delicious! – Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown

Thank y’all for providing a wonderful lunch! We appreciate all you do for us! – Timmy Ducote

We always enjoy this! Thank you for all the hard work y’all do in setting this up, and providing it for us! We appreciate you! – Donovan Shultz

Ladies of the lake, thank y’all for the wonderful food and fellowship!! Every time I go, it gets better and better!! I appreciate y’all!! – Stacey Treadway

Thank you all for providing us with lunch. It was absolutely delicious and we appreciate it so much! – Kelly Staples

Thanks, Lady’s of the lake, for thinking about the employees of the Jackson Parish Sheriff Department, you are highly appreciated. – Faith Willis-Dill

Ladies of the Lake did a fantastic job feeding the first responders today. The food was really good and thank y’all for your time. – Terry Brister

What a great way to acknowledge these heroes!!! – Charlotte Horsley Odom

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