The age 60+ health social, entitled “Too Blessed To Be Stressed” that was to take place at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in East Hodge on Monday has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 22nd. 

Senior ministry and Dr. Gavin Hamms, Pastor, of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, located at 1712 Church Street changed the date early Monday morning due to the threat of possible severe storms that afternoon and evening. 

The event will still take place at 2:00 pm and feature special guest speaker Kim Brunson, FNP-BC, APRN, CEO of Mercy Medical Center in Jonesboro. Food and door prizes will also be provided. 

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Looking for something that the whole family can do together this coming Monday, November 27th? Then make plans to attend “Movie Night” at Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School, located at 2106 South Polk Avenue in Jonesboro. 

Sponsored by the J-HES Cheerleaders, the fun filled event will begin at 5:30 pm. Concessions will be sold and all proceeds go toward expenses incurred by the Cheerleaders during the upcoming sports season. 

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The McDonald Unit, which is Jonesboro’s Boys and Girls Club of North Louisiana representative surprised Jonesboro State Bank by going to their location and throwing them  surprise “Thank You” party. 

Members from the McDonald Unit took s visit the bank on November 14th to show their appreciation for all that JSB and Pledge 10 does for the Jonesboro Club!!

Pledge 10 – Jonesboro State Bank, because of YOU, great futures start HERE.

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All-terrain track wheelchairs are now available at at eight Louisiana State Park locations, including Jimmie Davis State Park, located on Caney Lake in Jackson Parish. These specially-designed chairs allow everyone the ability to experience the beauty of Louisiana state parks.

Specially designed for the outdoors, the all-terrain, electric-powered chairs provide users with the ability to navigate trails and areas of the park not suitable for conventional wheelchairs. Louisiana State Parks acquired the first chair this June and recently added seven more to its inventory.

“We are thrilled to offer access to all-terrain track chairs at not just one state park but now at eight Louisiana State Park locations. These specially-designed all-terrain chairs can really open up a world of new experiences for people with limited mobility,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

There is no fee to use the chairs. Chairs must be reserved 48 hours in advance. Users must complete a user agreement and liability waiver form as well as a short in-person training in order to check out the all-terrain chairs.

For more information, visit the Louisiana State Parks All-Terrain Track Chair webpage.

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The Weston Junior High Baseball and Softball teams got to see what college fields and facilities look like this past Friday when they took a tour of the Louisiana Tech spring sports facilities. 

At the invite of the WHS baseball team who also made the trip, the junior “diamond dandies” got to go on the baseball and softball fields as well as touring the indoor facilities. 

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The highly anticipated fundraiser by Mrs. Carpenter’s Vocational Training class is now accepting orders! These ornaments were designed and produced by students as a part of our Special Education Vocational Training Program. All proceeds go to benefit these students and will allow them access to more hands-on job training and experience.

The Alumni ornament features our school’s Alma Mater and the Fan ornament is sure to be a great gift for any Tiger fan! There will be a limited number of both produced so get your orders in soon! We will begin fulfilling these after Thanksgiving Break. Please fill out the Google Form below to place your order. Payment will be taken in the form of cash or check at pick-up. Shipping will be available soon. Thank you all so much for your support!

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Just before Thanksgiving each year, a turkey receives a presidential pardon in a ceremony at the White House called the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation. Beginning in the 1870s, Rhode Island poultry dealer Horace Vose began sending turkeys to the White House for Thanksgiving dinner. Following Horace’s death in December of 1913, other poulterers sent turkeys to the White House and the tradition has continued. In the 1960s and 1970s, presidents occasionally pardoned a Thanksgiving turkey, but the presidential pardoning ceremony became a yearly tradition in 1984 when Ronal Reagan pardoned a 53-pound turkey called R.J., which was short for “Robust and Juicy.”

On November 26, 1926, Vinney Joyce of Nitta Yuma, Mississippi, sent his Thanksgiving “table delicacy” eventually named Rebecca to the White House chef. President Calvin Coolidge considered his thanksgiving meal as he eyed Rebecca. After a little consideration, Calvin decided to pardon Rebecca. At first, Rebecca was kept in a crate in the White House’s warm cellar. For some reason, Calvin was unable to stop thinking about the intended Thanksgiving entree. Within a short time, Calvin moved her from the cellar up to the living quarters of the White House. First Lady Grace Coolidge took to Rebecca as well. They found Rebecca to be tame, lively, cunning, and friendly.

Rebecca quickly became an official presidential pet. While the first family had dogs and a cat which were kept in the White House kennel, Rebecca had pens inside the White House and on the south lawn of the White House. The president, first lady, and Rebecca were almost inseparable. In the 1920s, radio was the most popular form of home entertainment. As the president sat listening to his favorite radio shows by the fireside, Rebecca sat comfortably on his lap. Within a couple of weeks, the president and first lady had trained Rebecca to walk on a leash. On her collar was inscribed, “Rebecca.” Calvin took Rebecca for daily walks. Grace took Rebecca to numerous events, especially where children were present to show off the pet. On Easter Sunday, 1927, the first lady took Rebecca to the annual Easter Egg Roll. The crowd of 30,000 shrieking children and clicking of the photographers’ cameras were too much for Rebecca, and she clawed at the first lady and a couple of the children. Once she was returned to the White House, Rebecca returned to her normally calm nature. Rebecca often accompanied the president and first lady in their limousine on rides throughout the capital. Rebecca even appeared in the president’s 1926 Christmas photo.

Having Rebecca as a presidential pet was sometimes trying. The White House staff nicknamed Rebecca “Houdini” due to her ability to escape any enclosure. Rebecca often scratched and damaged curtains, rugs, carpets, and furniture in the White House. On June 7, 1927, Rebecca was left unattended in her pen on the White House lawn. While no one was looking, Rebecca escaped and spent two hours stealthily exploring the neighborhood around the White House while attachés desperately searched for her. Finally, they located Rebecca hiding in a tree. They tried to coax her down from the tree, but Rebecca refused. Finally, a local electrician climbed the tree and retrieved Rebecca. Despite a few naughty incidents, Rebecca was still considered to be the president’s “most amiable pet,” and on those matters the smitten president remained true to his moniker, “Silent Cal.”

It is unlikely that we will ever see a White House pet that could capture national interest such as Rebecca did in the late 1920s. Unfortunately, laws in the District of Columbia prevent animals such as Rebecca from being kept as pets, even presidential pets. Rebecca, the intended Thanksgiving entrée which was pardoned by President Calvin Coolidge and became a beloved presidential pet, was not a turkey, but a raccoon. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

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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. 

BUSINESS SERVICES

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

ITEMS FOR SALE

100 Year History of JHHS Football – Wonderful Christmas gift for father, son, brother, uncle or just a great friend. Relive the memories, players and teams in this comprehensive season-by-season review of Jonesboro-Hodge High School football from 1919 – 2019. Cost of book is $25.00 each or $40.00 for two. Free shipping. To order call 318-480-1206 or send email to jpjjacksonla@gmail.com

AFFIDAVIT OF SUCCESSION

PUBLIC NOTICE

Village of Chatham Meeting Minutes
November 14, 2023

Shirley Juanita (Pennington) Walker
November 24, 1940 – November 16, 2023

Shirley Jaunita (Pennington) Walker “Mammaw” of Jonesboro, Louisiana, went to be with her Lord and savior on November 16, 2023, at the age of 82. Born in Chatham, Louisiana, on November 24, 1940, to Quitman Pennington and Orel Cartwright, she was the eldest of five siblings. At the age of 15 she met and fell in love with William Walker, affectionately known as Buster. They were married in December 1956.

They stayed married through the thick and thin for 56 years. They went through a life of military service and retirement, a move to Goose Creek, South Carolina, a move to Walland, Tennessee and then ended up back in Louisiana where they will both rest together now. During their marriage they had five children, 2 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson. Shirley, known to many as “Nita”, attended Maryville Church of Christ when she lived in Tennessee. She made many wonderful friends during her time there and often referred to it as her second home. More recently she attended the Church of Christ in Jonesboro.

Mammaw adored and cherished her grandkids and could talk to you about them all day long. She loved reading but most of the time she would buy the books and never get around to reading them. She liked sewing and could whip up anything you needed her to. She liked football and could often be found cheering on LSU and the Saints. She loved to bowl and was even on a bowling league back in the day. She enjoyed playing games and cards, especially, canasta. She loved anything salty, preferred it over sweets and often had a bag of salt and vinegar potato chips with her. Mammaw was the best cook in the world. Her pumpkin bread, chicken & dumplins, Thanksgiving dressing and too many other dishes to count are unmatched. She never followed a recipe and would tell you how to make something from memory. She used a pinch or a dash but never knew the exact measurement, probably because she didn’t like being told what to do.

When anyone told her she couldn’t do something, they would be met with the response, “Watch me.” She had a sweet smile, the funniest wit, and was stubborn as the day was long. Mammaw believed in hard work, keeping busy and doing everything to the best of your ability. She believed she could do anything and everything, and for the most part, she was correct. She was the biggest supporter of our ideas and life stages. She would give her opinion if she didn’t like something but would encourage us no matter her thoughts on the subject. To those of you still reading, Mammaw would consider you friend or family. Thank you for loving her as your own.

Shirley Walker was preceded in death by her loving husband: William Walker; sons: William Ronald Walker, Jr. and Ronald Anthony Walker (Tony); father: Quitman Pennington; mother: Orel Cartwright Pennington Bustin; stepfather: Harvey Bustin; brothers: Sherman Pennington, Carl David Bustin; and sister: Janice Hennigan

She is survived by daughters: Rhonda Finley of Jonesboro and Kimberly Lane (Tony) of N. Charleston, SC; son: David Scott Walker of Jonesboro: grandchildren: Jill Oldham (Kenny) of Alcoa, TN and Aaron Andrews of Washington; great grandchildren: Colton, Walker, Nash and Amber; great-great grandson: Camden; sister: Patricia Smith of Downsville; sister in law: Pat Crawford of Eros; an aunt and uncle, many cousins, nephews and nieces.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 am until 12:00 pm on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the Church of Christ, 1222 S. Hudson Avenue, Jonesboro. The service will follow at 12:00 with Brother Freddie Shows officiating. Family and friends will assemble following the service at Womack Cemetery, Chatham Louisiana, for the committal service under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Maggie Mae Potts Barnes
July 1, 1938 – November 16, 2023

Maggie Mae Potts Barnes, known by many of her friends as “Mag” or affectionately as
“Me-momma” and “Me-Mee by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was born in Minden, Louisiana, on July 1, 1938 to Fletcher Potts and Willie Mae Bradford Potts. She was the third child of four children and the youngest daughter.

At an early age she professed her faith in Christ and united with the Pine Grove Baptist Church in Bienville Parish. She later joined Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she served as an Usher, Sunday School Teacher, and Vacation Bible School Teacher. Maggie loved her church and the capacity in which she served. She remained a faithful member until her health declined.

She attended elementary and secondary school at Shady Grove High School in Saline, Louisiana and then furthered her education at Grambling State University, receiving her Bachelor of Education and Master of Education Degrees. She later returned to Grambling State University to pursue a Plus 30 post-graduate degree and Gifted Certification.

On September 3, 1960, she was married to Harvey Barnes, and the couple was richly blessed with 63 years of marital bliss. This union was blessed with two daughters and one son.

Maggie’s work ethic was exceptional, and she was a nurturer. She was deeply devoted to making a difference in the lives of every student she taught and those that crossed her path. Maggie began her teaching career in Union Parish followed by teaching positions in Winn Parish and lastly in Jackson Parish where she taught Gifted and Talented Academics. She ultimately retired after 32 years in the school system. Even after retirement, her love for children and teaching led her back to the classroom for several additional years. Maggie was bestowed the honor of being inducted into the Retired Teachers Hall of Fame.

Maggie loved her family and always showered them with love, affection, and support. She loved all holidays, but Christmas was by far her favorite and it was evident by all the unique decorations she would embellish her home with. When she wasn’t shopping, she could be found working in her yard and attending to her beautiful plants.
On Thursday evening, November 16, 2023, at 8:35 p.m., Maggie answered her eternal call at The Haven Nursing and Skilled Care Center in Columbia, Louisiana with her family by her bedside. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Rosie Mae Potts Smith.
She leaves to cherish her loving memories: her husband, Harvey; two beloved daughters, Harvetta Thais Reddix (Henry) Monroe, Louisiana and Stephanie Lavette Tatum (Jeff, Jr.) Olla, Louisiana; one beloved son, Keith Hermandis Johnson, Jonesboro, Louisiana; six grandchildren: Brittany T. Calahan (O’Brian, Sr.) Gonzales, Louisiana, Whittany L. Powell, Crosby, Texas, Chelsea L. Johnson, Hammond, Louisiana, Stefi S. Lopez, Warner-Robins, Georgia, Angelica D. Reddix, Monroe, Louisiana and Christopher S.J. Lopez, Jonesboro, Louisiana; six great-grandchildren: Reigan L. Powell, Ryleigh T. Powell, Rhyder N. Powell, Crosby, Texas, O’Brian Calahan, Jr. and BriAnne L. Calahan, Gonzales, Louisiana and Anela B. Williams, Monroe, Louisiana; one sister, Mildred “Bit” Henderson, Jonesboro, Louisiana; one brother, Willie E. Potts, Denver, Colorado; five awesome caregivers of Haven Nursing and Skilled Care Center, Columbia, Louisiana: Jennifer Duke, Shirley Renee Moore, Katie McGuffee, Kristina Rogers and Ashley Rogers. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and special friends.

Maggie’s Life Celebration will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, November 22nd at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro. 

Ted Wade Howard
August 10, 1950 – November 16, 2023

Ted Wade Howard passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at his home in Jonesboro, Louisiana. He was 73 years old. Ted graduated from Quitman High School and began working in the bag mill at the age of 19. He retired from the power house. Ted loved to fish and did so every chance he got. His favorite time of the year was Christmas and he adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ted is survived by his wife, Bonnie Howard; sons, Adam Howard and Daniel Howard and his wife Deidre; grandchildren, Victoria Tolar (Brett), Brianna, Moore (Kaleb), Alexander Howard, Benjamyn Howard, Kaleb Howard, Maddie Howard; two great grandchildren, Kia Moore and Ada Tolar; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Joshua L. Howard; brother, Eddie Wayne Howard; and his parents, Frank and Anna Grace Howard.

The funeral service was held on Monday, November 20, 2023 at the Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro. Burial followed in the Midway Baptist Church Cemetery near Weston.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be, Chris Howard, Alexander Howard, Caleb Howard, Barrett Howard, Casey Goss, and Nathan Stephens. Honorary pallbearers will be Benjamyn Howard and Brian Howard.

Andrew Brown
May 23, 1935 – November 16, 2023

Andrew L. Brown was born May 23, 1935 to the late Paul and Josephine Brown; Quitman, LA. He united with the St. Rest Baptist Church and attended St. Rest Elementary School. He graduated from the Jasper Henderson High School, Chatham, LA in 1955.

On August 31, 1958, he united in holy matrimony with Annie Raye McConnell. To this union two sons, Acy D. Brown and Oswald U. Brown were born.

Andrew was employed July 1958 at Stone Container Paper Mill, Hodge, LA. After 39 years of dutiful service, he retired in August 1997. He loved raising cattle and gardening. His “green thumb” supplied fresh vegetables for anyone in the community and surrounding areas.

Remembering and cherishing his memories are his wife Annie R Brown; sons Acy D. Brown and Oswald U. Brown (Felicia) of Chatham, LA; granddaughter D’Andrea Brown of Shreveport, LA; grandsons: Tristan (Mon) Newton (ReKiesha) Simsboro, LA , Andrew Joseph and Jeremy Brown Chatham; great grandchildren: Kennedi Newton, Kenyja Hayes, Omari Johnson Simsboro, Kayden Babers of Shreveport; one brother Henry W. Brown of Bossier City; three sisters-in-law Charlene Brown of Jonesboro, LA, Irene Jones of Hodge, LA and Mary E. Lewis of Chatham, LA and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Andrew’s Celebration of Life service was held on Tuesday, November 21st at New Hope Baptist Church in Chatham. Interment followed at the Collier Cemetery in Chatham under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro

 

 

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The 2023 Students of the Year has been announced by the Jackson Parish School District. Representing the Elementary, Junior High and High School Divisions are:

Brady Malone – 5th Grade at Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School
Carlyn Waters – 8th Grade at Weston High School
Ella Barr – 12th Grade at Quitman High School

“We are excited to announce our Parish Students of the Year. Your hard work, dedication, and passion have truly set you apart, and we couldn’t be prouder of all that you have accomplished. Congratulations!” – Jackson Parish School District

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After seven games, Lainee Trosclair was averaging 10.8 points per game, which was third best on the team for her Weston High squad that entered hosting their own tournament this Thursday and Friday with a 4-3 record on the year. 

The record now stands at 6-3, mainly due to Trosclair exploding for 26 and 27 points on consecutive nights that led to Weston beating Stanley 66-51 and Jonesboro-Hodge 62-53. The back to back offensive outbursts set a new season high’s in scoring and tied their previous best. 

Weston 66 Stanley 51 (Thursday): Trosclair set a new season best in scoring with 26 on 9/19 shooting and Weston dominated the glass for a season high 52 rebounds. The difference in the contest was the 30-15 lead Weston bolted to in the first half. Carly Jo Griffin added 11 points and Anslee Aldy chipped in with nine to pace the scoring attack. Lexie Millien and Nadia Siadek scored 7 and 6 while also combining for 22 rebounds with Millien pulling down a season best 12 rebounds and Siadek 10. 

Weston 62 Jonesboro-Hodge 53  (Friday): On the heels of setting a new season high in points scored, Lainee Trosclair did it again, this time using a 10/10 effort from the line to tally 27. The contest saw several lead changes including JHHS going on a 9-0 run to take a 47-46 lead after trailing 46-38 only to see Weston outscore the Lady Tigers down the stretch 18-11 to take the victory. Anslee Aldy also came up big for Weston with 9 points, 9 rebounds and 7 steals in the game that saw the two teams combine for 63 turnovers. Lexie Millien and Carly Jo Griffin also scored 9 points each.

Boys

Weston 45 Stanley 31 (Thursday) Tait Henderson scored 15 points and tournament host Weston got defensive for their second lowest point total allowed this season. The two teams tied a national record that can never be broken by neither scoring a single point in the second quarter after Weston had taken a 23-13 first quarter lead.  Lajavion Harris added 12 points and Bryce Zehr scored 8 and pulled down 8 rebounds. 

Pitkin 79 Weston 72 (Friday): A wild and wooly fourth quarter that saw Weston scored a season best 30 points and the two teams combine for another season high 61 points left the game tied only to see Pitkin outscored the Wolves 11-4 in the extra frame. Two Weston players set new career high scoring totals with Tait Henderson pouring in 32 points and Bryce Zehr adding 29, accounting for all but 11 of the Wolves total. 

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Council members for the Village of Chatham took steps to adopt new regulations regarding mobile homes and mobile home parks within city limits. In a corresponding move, two Ordinances affecting prior regulations were repealed.

In additional action, Toni Malone, Sue Proffer and Mike Wilson adopted a pair of Resolution granting authorization for Chatham Mayor Gregory Harris to execute and apply for a pair of grants. Bernadean James and Laverne Mixon was absent. 

The first is through the 2023-24 Community Water Enrichment Fund where if approved Chatham will purchase backflow water preventions check valves for the new electronic water meters. The second is a grant by the 2023-24 Louisiana Government Assistance Program (LGAP) which money received would be used to purchase a storage building to store municipal records. 

It was also agreed to check on state contract prices for a new utility work truck. Financial statements, payment of monthly bills and adoption of prior meeting minutes were also approved. 

To view the minutes of the November 14th meeting, see the Classifieds section. 

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It was a great day to be a Wolverine on Friday, as Quitman High School senior softball player, Madison Chaplin, put pen to paper and made her commitment official to play for Northwestern State University (NSU) in Natchitoches. 

Flanked by parents Cherie and Scott Morgan and in front of a large throng of classmates and fellow Lady Wolverine softball players the signing took place in the Quitman High School Gymnasium. Chaplin chose NSU after making visits to several in state schools. 

“The reason that I chose NSU is because I’ve been visiting there the past 2 years, and I feel that I’ve fallen in love more and more each time with the foundation they’re building there”, Chaplin said. “The coaches, the players, the atmosphere all in all makes it a great experience. They just got a new head coach a few months ago, and I’ve already fallen in love with her. I can’t wait to see where her and the entire team help take my future.”

Since stepping into the leadoff batter role as a freshman for QHS in 2021, Chaplin has been a key offensive catalyst, helping lead the Lady Wolverines to three straight district 2B championships and two LHSAA Division IV state tournaments.

“She’s a tremendous player” stated Quitman Head Coach, Justin Dodson. “From the time that she arrived here to today on her signing day, she has grown so much as not only a player, but as a person. She’s a true leader, she does things the right way, and it’s been unbelievable to see the positive steps she’s taken.”

A career .386 hitter, “Chappie” batted .453, scored 55 runs and drove in 31 more in 2023 to help lead Quitman to a 29-6 record and a Division IV state runner up finish.

“I definitely want to thank my grandfather, because without him none of this would be possible, and I would not have the ability that I have.” said Chaplin when asked who she wants to thank. “Also, my parents for always taking me to any games or camps that have helped me get to where I am today.”

Coach Dodson closed the ceremony by saying this, “Chappie’s a great player, an even better person, and she deserves every bit of this.”

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The Jackson Parish Police Jury announces that their regularly scheduled monthly meeting will be held at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, November 21st.The session will be held at the Dr. Charles H. Garrett Community Center, located at 182 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro. 

AGENDA

Call to Order
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments
1. Consider and act on approving Resolution supporting the Southern Spirit Transmission Project.
Approve Minutes 
Adopt the minutes of the October 24, 2023, and November 8, 2023, Special Called Jury Meetings, monthly purchase orders, and the payment of all bills
Approve Committee Reports:
Finance Committee
3. Adopt the minutes of the October 24, 2023, and November 15, 2023. Finance Committee meetings.
4. Consider and act on transferring ARP funds totaling $338,083 to Solid Waste Fund for the Front Loading Compactor Truck.
5. Consider and act on transferring the balance of ARP funds totaling $125,104 to Road Fund for partial payment of the Brush Axe Tractor.
Road Committee
6. Adopt the minutes of the November 1, 2023, Road Committee meeting
7. Consider and act on entering into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State Parks for updating the parking lot at the Jimmie Davis Tabernacle.
Veterans Committee
8. Adopt the minutes of the October 27, 2023, Veterans Committee meeting
Management Reports
9. Operations Manager Report – Mr. Brad Roller
10. Road Superintendent Report – Mr. Wayne Anderson
a. Accept the Emergency/Off-Schedule Report
11. Solid Waste Superintendent Report – Mr. Robin Sessions
12. Financial Report
(report includes budget to actual comparisons for all funds)
Other Business
13. Engineering Report – Mr. Paul Riley, The Riley Co. of Louisiana
14. Consider and act on hiring Riley Company for Engineering Services on the Lakeshore Drive Project.
15. Consider and act on approving Electrical Work at the Landfill.
16. Consider and act on Solid Waste Department’s overtime schedule for 2023 upcoming holidays.
17. Consider and act on the Road Department assisting Village of North Hodge with culvert replacement.
18. Consider and act on Parish Board Appointments
19. Consider and act on accepting the 2024 Materials bids.
Announcements & Notifications
Juror Comments
Adjourn

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Often times the coach for the school that is hosting a tournament will pit his team against some of the weaker teams in order to put the odds in his favor that the home fans will get to witness a victory.

When Saline head coach Klint Robinson drew the brackets up of the 2023 Saline Invitational that was played Thursday thru Saturday night, he went against conventional wisdom. 

Instead of scheduling cupcakes, Robinson pitted his squad against a Class 3A school, a perineal Class B power and a Class 2A school over three straight nights. His Class C Bobcats whipped them all. Not only did they win they did so in a variety of fashions that lends credence that Saline, now 7-3 on the season after winning their last six, has the potential to make some serious noise in Division V. 

Saline opened the tourney by dispatching Class 3A D’Arbonne Woods by a 62-43 margin on Thursday. They followed that up by beating Class B Simsboro 70-64 on Friday and then completed the tri-fecta by limiting Class 2A Jonesboro-Hodge to just seven field goals in the final three quarters in the impressive 43-28 victory.

Quitman High School also looked good against stiff competition to run their season record to 7-2. The Wolverines were tied with defending Division IV quarterfinalist Lakeview toward the end of the third quarter before falling 70-53 but came back to beat Class 5A West Ouachita 68-57. 

In girls play, the Lady Bobcats (3-7) also played giant killer by opening the tourney with a 43-29 victory over D’Arbpnne Woods and then dispatched Class B Quitman 44-38 before falling to a scrappy Lakeview squad 44-32. The Lady Wolverines (4-5) would rally to gain a split of their two games despite being without their leading scorer and rebounder by beating Class 5A West Ouachita.

Boys

Saline 43 JHHS 28 (Saturday): The last game of the tournament was the first of the season for Jonesboro-Hodge who scored 10 points in the first quarter but managed only 18 the rest of the way. Freshman Eli Ferguson dominated the paint to equal the career best 23 points that he set the night before to lead the way for the Bobcats. JHHS, which was forced to bomb away from outside due to the smothering Saline zone defense, was led by Landon Boston and Dewayne Palmer with 7 points each.

Saline 70 Simsboro 64 (Friday): Down 60-58 with a little over five minutes remaining in the contest, Saline went on an 8-0 run to take command. The Bobcats beat Simsboro at their own running game to score 40 second half points. Trent Ledbetter scored all of his 13 points in the final two quarters and eighth grader Connor Roberts also came up big after the break with a career high 9 points. Eli Ferguson, also scored eight of his new career high 23 points in the final 16 minutes. Javon Dailey pitched in with 16 points  and Maddox Williams finished with eight in the well rounded attack. 

Saline 62 D’Arbonne Woods 43 (Thursday): It was a quick start that saw the Bobcats jump out to a 28 – 18 lead at the half and a season best quarter of scoring by Javon Dailey in the third that led to the rout. Eli Ferguson, who finished with 15 and Trent Ledbetter who pitched in 12, led Saline in the first half with 10 and 8 points respectively. Then Dailey took over by accounting for 12 of Salines 21 points in the third that helped blow the game open. 

Quitman 68 West Ouachita 57 (Saturday): Eli Walker nailed five 3-pointers and scored 19 points to lead the hot shooting Wolverines. Gavin Caskey chipped in with 13 and Logan Ponder 10 as the Wolverines shot a better percentage from the field (58%) than they did from the line (54%). 

Lakeview 70 Quitman 53 (Friday): Leading by a slim 45-44 margin, Lakeview went on an 11-0 run that led to a 23-9 final quarter advantage to pull away from the pesky Wolverines. Logan Ponder scored 9 of his team high 22 points in the first quarter to stake Quitman to a 20-12 lead after one period of play.

Girls

Lakeview 44 Saline 32 (Saturday): Alana Gray made a pair of three pointers to keep Saline close after the first period but a 14-4 advantage by Lakeview in the second proved to be the difference. Gary and her sister Alaya led the Lady Bobcats with 11 and seven points respectively. 

Saline 44 Quitman 38 (Friday) Cali Deal scored 28 points and pulled down 15 rebounds for Quitman but Saline allowed only 10 points to the rest of the team as the Lady Bobcats hit 9 of 12 free throws down the stretch to secure the win. Alana Gray hit 10 of 12 free throws in the contest and scored a team high 16 points followed closely by Alaya Gray with 15. Kacidy Sims also came up big with 13 points. 

Saline 43 D’Arbonne Woods 29 (Thursday): The Lady Bobcats exploded for 24 second quarter points to blow open a close game to win their second game after dropping six of their first seven of the year. Alana Gray scored 17 points to lead the charge. Kacidy Sims chipped in with 14 and Alaya Gray added ten points. 

 

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The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce (JPCC) announces there is still plenty of spaces for vendors for the upcoming Christmas Parade that is expected to be the biggest and best yet. 

To reserve a space or for more information contact the Chamber Office at (318) 259 – 4693 or come by the new JPCC office at 601 South Cooper Avenue in Jonesboro to submit a vendor form. 

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Jackson Parish Clerk of Court, Laura Culpepper, announces that the Clerk’s Office now offers e-filing for all civil and probate filings. The advantage is that this provides the opportunity to have court costs reduced by e-filing in lieu of fax-filing and allows for pleadings to be immediately filed upon acceptance by the Clerk’s Office. 

You may access eFiling for Jackson Parish via ClerkConnect by visiting website www.jacksonparishclerk.org and clicking on “Online Access” or by clicking the icon “eClerksLA” at the bottom of the webpage for statewide access. 

For questions you are invited to call the Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Office at (318) 259-2424 or by sending an email to clerk@jacksonparishclerk.org 

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A banner season in cross country at Quitman High School was climaxed on November 13th, when both the girls and boys varsity squads competed in the LHSAA Division IV state meet held at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. 

Under the direction of Cindy Pardue, who is in her first year at QHS after directing the Weston High program for several years, the girls team finished in 17th place while the boys came in 22nd place in team competition. Individually, Morgan Cheatwood (60th) and Gage Horton (66th) had the highest placements.  

Team members included:

QHS Girls: Morgan Cheatwood, Lanee Cheatwood, Lindsey Woods, Megan Kelley, Laina Hatfield, Hadasa Tilley

QHS Boys: Gage Horton, Brayden Smith, Nathan Harvey, Sean Henry, Jayden Harts

State Elementary / Junior High Cross Country Results

Harley Jordan won second place in the girls Grade 3-4 division and Levi Norred took third in the boys Grade K-2 race to pace 26 Quitman Elementary and Junior High runners at the State Cross Country Meet held in Choudrant. Weston Elem/Jr. High also had ten runners compete with Carter Hall (K-2 Boys) and Henley House (3-4 Girls) earning school bests by both placing 23rd in their respective divisions. 

Additional top ten placements were earned by Quitman representatives Asher Norred (5th) and Clay Burton in boys Grade 3-4 division and Audrina Martin (6th) in the girls Grade 5-6 race. 

Complete Results of Jackson Parish Runners

Grade K-2 Boys 

3rd Place – Levi Norred – Quitman
23rd Place – Carter Hall – Weston
28th Place – Cole Burton – Quitman
42nd Place – Jacob Patton – Quitman
47th Place – Jeremiah Jones – Weston
52nd Place – Sam Jones – Weston
54th Place – Matthew Buchan – Quitman
55th Place – Reese Altheimer -Quitman
66th Place – Kolton Laffitte – Quitman 

Grade K -2 Girls

34th Place – Eva Martin – Quitman
35th Place – Maddie Spillman – Quitman
53rd Place – Karli Bradford – Quitman

Grade 3-4 Boys

5th Place – Asher Norred – Quitman
7th Place – Clay Burton – Quitman
29th Place – James Lewis – Weston
46th Place – Kaine Stassen – Weston
46th Place – Klay Roge – Quitman
53rd Place – Easton Buchan – Quitman
54th Place – Avey Buchan – Quitman
68th Place – Jax Davis – Weston

Grade 3-4 Girls

2nd Place – Harley Jordan – Quitman
23rd Place – Henley House – Weston
34th Place – Miriam Shule – Weston
45th Place – Aubrie Allen – Weston
83rd Place – Hilary Foster – Quitman
87th Place – Myla Ruth Jones – Weston 

Grade 5-6 Boys

11th Place – Noah Spillman – Quitman
45th Place – Carson Savana – Quitman
54th Place – Sheppard Norred – Quitman

Grade 5-6 Girls

6th Place – Audrina Martin – Quitman
24th Place – Anna Pardue – Quitman
31st Place – Raelynn Cox – Quitman
38th Place – Elliot Savage – Quitman
39th Place – Karlee Altheimer – Quitman
44th Place – Bella Caskey – Quitman
54th Place – Lylia Caraway – Quitman

Grade 7-8 Girls

41st Place – Teyton Narron – Quitman
42nd Place – Addi Faber – Quitman
53rd Place – Skyleigh Webb – Quitman

 

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On Thursday, November 16, 2023 the Jackson Parish Library celebrated the Grand Opening of the Jackson Parish Library Park. Situated on the grounds of the Jonesboro Branch, located at 614 South Polk Avenue, the interactive park for children of all ages and capabilities will be free for the public to enjoy seven days a week from daylight to dark.

The ceremony began with a welcome by Jackson Parish Library Board President Carol Massey followed by an invocation by Bishop Kelvin G. Stewart. Michael Golrick from The Louisiana State Library gave a few words about the impact of libraries being important for physical and mental health and was excited about this being the first Library Park of its kind.

Amy Magee spoke on behalf of the Jackson Parish Police Jury and talked about how one person can make an impact and get change to happen. Dr. James “Spike” Harris then gave a few words about the amazing partnership that the library and town hold. Floyd Knox, Jackson Parish Library Director, followed thanking all of the people that made the park happen as well as the amazing sponsors setting the stage for  Yumeaka Washington, Jackson Parish Chamber President, presiding over the traditional ribbon cutting.

Following the ceremony, Johnette Downing, author and songwriter, showcased her new book in the Grand Opening of the Storywalk that was made possible by Cathy Judd and LSU AgCenter and then provided a concert for the local children to enjoy.

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We are entering the season of anticipatory waiting. There is lots of movement in this season. We travel. We welcome out-of-town guests. We hurry to the door when Amazon arrives. We overdose on the saccharine sweet stories on the Hallmark Channel. Soon, we in liturgical churches will talk about the “waiting of Advent.”

Before the madness begins, I wanted you to ponder a writing from Sue Monk Kidd’s When the Heart Waits. She wrote:

“One afternoon as the children watched television and I folded laundry; we heard a terrible thud against the patio door. I turned in time to see blue wings falling to the ground. A bird had flown into the glass.

None of us said a word. We looked at one another and crept to the door. The children followed me outside. I half-expected the bird to be dead, but she wasn’t. She was stunned and her right wing was a little lopsided, but it didn’t look broken—bruised, maybe. The bird sat perfectly still, her eyes tiny and afraid. She looked so fragile and alone that I sat down beside her. I reached out my little finger and brushed her wing.

A voice came from behind me, “Why doesn’t it fly off, Mama?”

“She’s hurt,” I said. “She just needs to be still.”

We watched her. We watched her stillness. Finally, the children wandered back to the television, satisfied that nothing was going to “happen” for a while. But I couldn’t leave her.

I sat beside her, unable to resist the feeling that we shared something, the two of us.

The wounds and the brokenness of life. Crumpled wings. A collision with something harsh and real. I felt like crying for her. For myself. For every broken thing in the world.

That moment taught me that while the postures of stillness within the cocoon are frequently an individual experience, we also need to share our stillness.

The bird taught me anew that we’re all in this together, what we need to sit in one another’s stillness and take up corporate postures of prayer. How wonderful it is when we can be honest and free enough to say to one another, “I need you to wait with me,” or “Would you like to me to wait with you?”

I studied the bird, deeply impressed that she seemed to know instinctively that stillness is healing. I had been learning that too, learning that stillness can be the prayer that transforms us. How much more concentrated our stillness becomes, though, when it’s shared.

The door opened again, “Is she finished being still?”

“No, not yet,” I said, knowing that I was talking as much about myself as the bird. We went on waiting together. Twenty minutes. Thirty. Fifty.

Finally, she was finished being still. She cocked her head to one side, lifted her wings and flew. The sight of her flying made me catch my breath. From the corner of my eye, I saw her shadow move along the ground and cross over me. Grace is everywhere I thought. Then I picked myself up and went back to folding the laundry.”

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The Jackson Parish 4-H is hosting a holiday treat and commodity cookery contest for any 4-H member. The event will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, November 20th at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro, located at 182 Industrial Drive.

See below for more information:  

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The Student Council at Jonesboro-Hodge High School and the National Jr. BETA Club at Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School is conducting a Food Drive during the months of November and December to help stock the Wraparound Pantry at Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School. Donations are to be dropped off at the JHHS main office. 

Food Items that are suggested to be donated are as follows:

Canned fruits, vegetables or beans
Canned meats (Tuna, Salmon, Chicken, etc.)
Canned soup, stew, broth, pasta sauce
Packaged foods (Seeds, Nuts, Oats, Granola, Rice, Quinoa, Beans, Pasta,MacNCheese)
Plastic jar foods (Nut/Seed Butters, Jelly, Cooking Oil)
Shelf Stable Milk (Dairy, Oat, Nut, etc.)
Dry Snacks (Crackers, Fruit, etc.)

J-HES Appreciative of Support for Wraparound Food Pantry 

The Jonesboro-Hodge Faculty, Staff, and National Jr. Beta Club would like to thank students, families, and community members for their generous donations of canned goods. All goods collected will be used to stock the school’s Wraparound Food Pantry. The Wraparound Food Pantry provides access to students who may be experiencing a lack of access to sufficient food supply, specifically on weekends and extended breaks—special thanks to Dr. Gavin Hamms, Pastor, and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church for their large donation.

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There is no place like home.

Especially a NEW home. 

Christmas has come early for Director Wilda Smith and the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce (JPCC) as after years of needing a new place to call “home” the JPCC has moved to a new location at 601 South Cooper Avenue in Jonesboro. 

Local business leaders, parish officials, members of the JPCC and welll wishers gathered in front of the new location this past week to officially commemorate the Grand Opening with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony. 

“The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support you showed at our Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of our new office,” said JPCC Director Wilda Smith. “The turn out for our event was amazing as well as the support, encouragement, and love you expressed. Our Chamber only exists because of you and we are blessed to represent Jackson Parish. We thank you for trusting us to campaign for all our Parish has to offer.”

 

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