The senior ministry and Dr. Gavin Hamms, Pastor of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, located at 1712 Church Street in East Hodge is pleased to present an age 60+ health social on Monday, November 20th.
Entitled “Too Blessed To Be Stressed” the event will 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.
I have this quirky friend up in north Arkansas that you really have to keep your eye on.
Here’s what I’m talking about…I was invited once several years ago to fish the Little Red River in Arkansas for trout.
Jim Spencer, Keith Sutton and I shared a boat and although the two of them, both
Arkansans, have caught a ton of trout in their lives, I had never caught one. I cast out, felt a tug on my line and hooked into my very first rainbow trout. Thrilled wasn’t an adequate word but I was so happy to finally catch a species of fish I had never caught and I was expressing my glee at finally hooking my first.
Unbeknownst to me, Spencer had slipped up behind me while I was fighting my fish.
When I first noticed him, I assumed he was there to help me land the fish if need be. Glancing back, I noticed he had his knife in his hand and a certain gleam in his eye when he reached out, not to help me land my trout but to cut my line.
Somehow, I managed to get the fish in the boat, which was not easy to do while
maneuvering around to keep him from slicing my line. That’s one side of the Jim Spencer I know and I have learned to always keep my eyes open when I’m around him.
The other side I know and appreciate about Jim Spencer is that anything he writes, I get as absorbed in it as I did the day I kept him away from my line. Spencer is to me one of the very best outdoor writers anywhere in the country, especially when it comes to writing about his obsession, wild turkeys.
Several years ago, Spencer started thinking about all the gobblers he has taken but the equal number that had whipped him. He came up with the idea of producing a book about times where the gobbler had won. He produced a book that would take the turkey hunting world by storm. He named it Bad Birds 1.
Realizing there were more stories to tell, he later put together his second version of the book, naturally naming it Bad Birds 2.
Believing he had covered all the bases in talking about those gobblers that had handed him his rear end, he assumed he was done. However, there were a number of stories he knew he could tell that had yet to be told so he did it again. His latest version of his self-flagellation regarding gobblers has led him to, once again, bare his soul in Bad Birds 3.
I have read all three books and while the first two were classics, I think this last one is the best; he leaves no stone unturned in sharing his disappointment, disgust and downright frustration of the times that gobblers have beat him.
Spencer’s wife, Jill, shares his addiction of hunting turkeys and they travel the country
together every spring to play games with gobblers. Jim had Jill, who is also an award winning outdoor writer herself, to produce the foreward for his latest book.
“If you run into us somewhere along the trail in some future spring,” Jill writes, “say
howdy and tell us some turkey stories. Jim is always willing to talk about these birds he can’t leave alone.”
Bad Birds 3 sells for $25 plus $6 shipping. Best bet is the package deal featuring all three Bad Birds for $55 delivered. He’ll also add his Turkey Hunting Digest for an extra $12, for a total of $67. Order to Treble Hooks Unlimited, P.O. Box758, Calico Rock, AR 72519.
You talk about a fine Christmas gift for the turkey hunter, this is it. Adding a word of
caution, if you are ever privileged to share a fishing boat with Spencer, be sure and keep an eye on him; he could be opening his knife.
CANEY LAKE – Bass are starting to move deeper and will soon be set up just out from the spillway where jigs and spoons will start producing. Crappie have been best around the deeper tops on shiners or jigs and they will also be headed for deeper water out from the dam as temperatures drop. 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 – No report. Water is low. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE – The big bass continue to be caught flipping jigs around the brush. Crappie are fair and running big around brush. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – Water level is low. Crappie have been best fishing jigs or shiners around submerged tops in the river. Bass are best in the cuts on shad imitation lures. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie fishing has been quite good on the flats fishing 8 feet deep in 12-14 foot water with jigs or shiners. Bass are moving to the secondary points and swim baits and soft plastics are picking up some nice fish. 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 – The lake is down some seven feet as the result of the drawdown. Bass fishing has best fishing along the banks in shallow water with square bill crank baits working well. Crappie are best around deep brush and they should be soon moving to the deeper water out from the dam. No report on stripers this week. Boats can still be launched at the State Park launch.. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfishing has been good. Crappie fishing has improved on the south end of the lake; fair around the boat slips. Bass are fair. 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 is low and fishing is quite slow this week. A few slab crappie have been caught. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
Make your way into Jay Mallard Ford today for our Black Friday Tire Offer and get a $100.00 rebate by mail or earn 40,000 FordPass® Rewards bonus Points when you buy four select tires.* FordPass Rewards members also earn 10 Points per $1.00 spent on service visits.
Receive a $100.00 rebate or 40,000 FordPass® Rewards bonus Points on a set of four Goodyear, Cooper®, Dunlop, Michelin®, Continental, Hankook, Bridgestone, Firestone, Pirelli®, Toyo®, Yokohama® and Nitto® tires. Medium/commercial Toyo tires are excluded. You must be enrolled in FordPass Rewards to receive FordPass Rewards bonus Points.
Points are not redeemable for cash or check and have no monetary value. Point earning and redemption values are approximate and vary by products and services redeemed. See the FordPass Rewards Program terms and conditions at FordPassRewards.com for information regarding expiration, redemption, forfeiture and other limitations on FordPass Rewards Points. Points will be awarded within eight weeks of rebate submission.
This offer is valid from 11/10/23 to 11/28/23. Submit rebate by 1/31/24 by mail-in rebate form or online at Ford.com/support. Cannot be combined with any other tire manufacturer-sponsored rebate/offer. See participating U.S. dealership for vehicle applications and offer details through 11/28/23.
Applications to be a vendor at the 1st annual Wolves Christmas Market that is being sponsored by the Weston High School Booster Club are now being accepted. If interested you should contact Lori Shell at (318) 533 – 0285.
The event will take place from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm on Saturday, December 9th in the Weston High School Gymnasium. Your support of the WHS Booster Club is appreciated.
Cold turkey; the expression describes a sudden cessation of a bad habit. Someone resolves to quit smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages (or other addictions). Bravely, they decide to go it on their own; going cold turkey, they decline outside assistance of support systems or medications.
‘I can do this!’
Turkey and Thanksgiving are nearly synonymous. Turkey is a staple in the traditional American family Thanksgiving dinner. Menus feature the fowl and stuffing with all the trimmings. The aroma of baked birds tantalizes our appetites; we can hardly wait to view carving of the golden browned turkey.
What do you do with cold turkey leftovers?
Lifelong blessings aren’t found in picking leftovers from a dead carcass. The resurrected Lord sustains life. He dishes out servings of unexpected joy and fulfillment. Jesus wants us to come to Him daily with a hearty appetite; He waits to fill us.
Our gratitude must never grow cold.
“Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:6-7 NASB).”
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Alexis D Raborn (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Marijuana
Christian D Lawrence (West Monroe, LA) – No Tail Lamps, No Proof of Insurance, DWI 1st Offense, Resisting an Officer
Amere I Bradford (Jonesboro, LA) – Simple Criminal Damage to Property
Jeremy S Maxwell (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule II
David Tatum (Jonesboro, LA) – Simple Battery
Carlos Traylor (Chatham, LA) – Parole Violation
Dominque Davis (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Xzavier H Jordan (West Monroe, LA) – Fugitive from Justice in Ouachita Parish, Failure to Appear on charge of Domestic Abuse Battery
Dennis J Wells Jr. (New Orleans, LA) – Possession of Stolen Vehicle, Flight from an Officer, Careless Operation
Lucas W Nunn (Jonesboro, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery Involving Strangulation, Tail Lamps Required, Driving Under Suspension
Jason Potts (Jonesboro, LA) – Criminal Trespass
Murray Chelette (Winnfield, LA) – Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Justin Murphy (Jonesboro, LA) – Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Schedule II, DWI 1st Offense, Improper Lane Usage
Dontiez D Hicks (Chatham, LA) – Simple Criminal Damage to Property less than $1,000.00
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.
Brookwood Homes – Used and Repo Mobile Homes as low as $10,000.00. Call 318-644-2226.
100 Year History of JHHS Football – Only 22 copies remain for purchase. Relive the great 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. Wonderful Christmas gift for father, son, brother, uncle or just a great friend. To order call 318-480-1206 or send email to jpjjacksonla@gmail.com
Winfred (Wimp) Leon Coffman, 73, passed away on November 12, 2023, on Caney Lake in Jackson Parish, Louisiana. Wimp was born on August 11, 1950, in Garvin, Oklahoma, to Jessie Leon Coffman and Mary Nell Reich Coffman.
He spent his early life working on his dad’s cotton fields in Harris, Oklahoma, along Red River. He graduated in 1968 from Idabel High School, attended Wilburton (OK) Junior College, and graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant with a degree in History. He and his wife, Jan, met in Idabel in 1968 and remained best friends and hunting buddies for the remainder of his life.
Wimp was an avid deer and turkey hunter who retired in 2006 as Sawmill Superintendent for Weyerhaeuser in Dodson, Louisiana. He retired to be a full-time babysitter for the joy of his life and granddaughter, Malynn.
Before his career in Dodson, he worked in Wright City (OK), Mountain Pine (AR), and Holly Hill (SC) for lumber companies. His extensive knowledge of the sawmill industry was beneficial for many employees. He then became a substitute teacher for many years and enjoyed interacting with his students.
Wimp was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Debbie and Janice.
Wimp leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 54 years, Jan Weathers Coffman (Jonesboro, LA), daughter Stefani Coffman Cooper (Jonesboro, LA), and granddaughter Malynn Elise Yan Cooper (LSU-Baton Rouge).
Wimp’s wish was to be cremated. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life at 2 p.m., Friday, December 15, at Caney Lake, Louisiana. (Please message his wife or daughter for directions.) Casual wear (jeans/camouflage) is encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Wimp’s memory to the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home (https://lumcfs.org/donate/) or to Holt International Adoption Agency (https://www.holtinternational.org/donate/). Wimp witnessed first-hand the miracle of adoption and believed in the idea of helping children to find a forever home.
Billie Jean Collinsworth passed away peacefully on November 7, 2023, in Boise, Idaho surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 10, 1933, in Hodge, Louisiana.
Billie is survived by her daughter, Sandra Degnan, and son-in-law, Chris Degnan, of Boise, Idaho; granddaughter Paige Dearman of Addison, TX; grandsons Chad Dearman (Jennifer) of Haslet, TX, Clay Pilley (Ashleigh) of Carrollton, TX, Collin Degnan of San Diego, CA, Alex Degnan of Salt Lake City, UT, and Nicholas Degnan (Laura) of Boise, ID; great-granddaughters Cassie Dearman, Alexandra Dearman, Leona Pilley; great-grandsons Kris Dearman and Atlas Pilley; sister Carole Fullerton of Quitman, LA; and beloved extended family and friends.
Billie was preceded in death by her husband, H. L. (George) Collinsworth, daughter, Cheryl Collinsworth, and parents, Atlas and Clydie Cruell.
Billie married George Collinsworth in 1955 and they spent their 47 years of married life mostly in Jonesboro, La. and Bienville parish. Over her lifetime, Billie worked in several different capacities, including retail fine jewelry and fashion apparel, insurance sales, and owner of a craft store, but mostly she served as bookkeeper and co-owner (with her husband) of Collinsworth Farms, producer of Famous Saline Watermelons. After George passed away in 2002, Billie moved back to Hodge where she enjoyed reconnecting with friends and was a member of Hodge Baptist Church. In 2020, she moved to Washington state to live with her daughter Sandra, son-in-law Chris and their dog, Bailey, who she loved. During her time in Washington she loved visiting the Puget Sound waterfront to watch the ships and boats go by. In 2022, she moved with Sandra and Chris to Boise, Idaho. For the last 10 months, she lived in Truewood Assisted Living Community in Boise where she was a favorite, adored for her sense of humor and Southern charm. She especially enjoyed the frequent live musical entertainment at Truewood.
Always impeccably dressed, Billie was known for her eye for fashion and artistic flair. She enjoyed reading, Bible study, having fun with family and friends, dining out, sightseeing, and was also great cook. A true steel magnolia, Billie will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her beautiful spirit will live on through all those whose lives she touched.
This Spring, the family will gather in Louisiana for a private memorial. Her ashes will be interred beside her husband at Friendship Baptist Church cemetery in Friendship, Louisiana.
Memorial donations may be made to Hodge Baptist Church, P. O. Box 340, Hodge, LA 71247 or the American Heart Association at heart.org.
Ms. Ollie Mae Jones Richard came into this world on May 11, 1935, in Hodge, Louisiana, born to the late James “Jim” Jones and Equilla Daniel, as their third child. Ollie graduated from Jonesboro Colored High School in 1952.
Known affectionately as “Mommie” and “Ms. Ollie” within her community, she was a beloved figure. Ollie dedicated her working years to Stone Container before retiring.Her unwavering faith was a cornerstone of her life, rooted in her membership at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in East Hodge, Louisiana. She embodied the scripture from St. John 9:4, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
Her dedication to her faith shone through various ministries where she served diligently, from Hospitality Committee Chairman, Sunday School teacher, Usher Board member, Nursing Home Ministry, and the Mission Department. She was honored with the title of “Ms. Pilgrim Rest” during the Texas/Louisiana Day. Ollie remained committed until her health declined, leaving behind a legacy of love, joy, peace, and a profound devotion to Christ.
Beyond her spiritual endeavors, Ollie was known for her culinary talents, particularly her famous German Chocolate and Italian Creme Cakes. Her interests extended to sewing, family time, board games, traveling, and deep dives into the Word of God, with Proverbs 4:20 being a treasured scripture for her. Her passing on November 14, 2023, marked her transition from earthly life to the place she envisioned—a realm without sorrows, worries, or sickness.
She was preceded in death by her parents: James “ Jim” Jones and Equilla Daniel, one brother: James Jones, Jr., one sister: Juanita Jones – Young, two children: Torri S. Richard and Michael B. Richard.
Ollie is survived by her daughters: Sherri Elaine Richard and Tina Marie Richard from East Hodge, Louisiana, along with her son: Anthony Keith Richard from Lincoln, Nebraska. Additionally, she is survived by her sister: Margie Jean Moore from Hodge, Louisiana; her granddaughter: Keyunte Shermaine Richard from Jonesboro, Louisiana; and her goddaughter: LaCrecia Kelly from Jonesboro, Louisiana.
Her memory lives on through numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.The life of Ollie Mae Jones Richard, woven with threads of love and cherished moments, remains etched in our hearts.
The Homecoming Celebration was held on Saturday, November 18th at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro, LA.
Ann (Walker) Brown passed away at her residence in Quitman, Louisiana on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. She was 67 years old. Ann she loved singing in the choir at Hodge Baptist Church and taking part in their Sunday school class’s activities. You could also find her watching an episode or two of CSI.
Ann is survived by her daughter, Dawn Robinson and husband, Greg of College Station, Texas; sister, Donna (Walker) Hodges and husband, Lee of Calhoun, Louisiana.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Marjorie Walker and her father, Dewey “Bo” Walker.
Funeral service was held on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, Louisiana with Bro. Keith Thomas officiating. Burial followed in the Gayla Traina Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers was Greg Robinson, Matthew Hodges, Stacy Johnson, Harry Shows, Bruce Whitman and Leroy Ashley.
Last week marked a transformative milestone as proud team members, government officials, community members and customers gathered to commemorate the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the expansion of a new woodyard at the WestRock Mill in Hodge.
During the celebration, WestRock leadership underscored that this milestone not only signifies an investment in operational efficiency and excellence, but also reflects a commitment to the community, its dedicated team members, and their families.
“What truly sets Hodge apart is the people,” said Tom Stigers, president, Mill Operations. “The success we celebrate today wouldn’t be possible without the contribution and hard work of each individual here.”
The woodyard proudly bears the name “The Ballew Yard”, a heartfelt tribute honoring the late Mike Ballew, former Mills Senior Vice President and Hodge General Manager, whose leadership and dedication was critical to the mill’s success.
“[Mike] gave of himself, showed servant leadership and unwavering dedication, but most importantly, cared for his team like they were family members,” said Tom.
“The dedication ceremony was a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, and I am very proud of the team here for their excellent execution. This was the perfect way to honor Mike Ballew and his family. Mike was very important to the Hodge Mill and surrounding communities, and we
are grateful that we were able to honor him in this way. This new facility will serve as a symbol of our commitment to the community and our mission to make a positive impact on the local economy for many years to come,” said Eric Taylor, General Manager, Hodge.
The Jonesboro-Hodge boys and both Quitman varsity squads will join a field of top north Louisiana teams in the annual Saline High Basketball Tournament this weekend.
Quitman girls and boys will play two games each with the boys playing Class 2A Lakeveiw at 4:00 pm on Friday and coming back on Saturday for a 4:45 pm contest against Class 5A West Ouachita. The Lady Wolverines play host Saline at 6:30 pm on Frdiay and Class 3A D’Arbonne Woods at 1:00 pm on Saturday. It will be the regular season opener for the Tigers when they battle host Saline at 7:15 pm on Saturday.
The host Bobcats will play six games over the three day event with the girls and boys taking on D’Arbonne Woods on Thursday at 6:30 and 7:45 pm. The Bobcat boys will follow the Quitman/Saline game on Friday by taking on Simsboro and the Lady Bobcats will play Lakeview prior to the JHHS/Saline final on Saturday.
Dollar General is excited to announce its store at 4585 Quitman Hwy in Hodge is now open! The official grand opening was celebrated on November 8th with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony.
The newest addition to the Hodge business community will provide area residents with an affordable and convenient store location to purchase household essentials including food, cleaning supplies, paper products, over-the-counter medicines, hygiene products, baby items and more through its mission of serving others.
In addition to the national and private branded products customers trust Dollar General to carry, the new Hodge location includes the Company’s new stylish, on-trend home décor and an expanded party preparation selection. Normal hours of operation will be 8:00 am – 10:00 pm seven days a week with the exception of Christmas Day.
“At Dollar General, we believe the addition of each new store provides positive economic growth for the communities we proudly serve, and the addition of our new Hodge store highlights our commitment to deliver a pleasant shopping experience that includes great prices on quality products in a convenient location,” said Matthew Simonsen, Dollar General’s senior vice president of real estate and store development. “We look forward to welcoming customers to our new store and hope they will enjoy shopping at our new location.”
Furthermore, DG strives to be a good neighbor and is committed to the communities it proudly calls home, evidenced by unwavering support of literacy and education initiatives through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The addition of the Hodge store opens the opportunity for schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of the store to apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation grants.
Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $238 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 19.6 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education. For more information about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and its grant programs, visit www.dgliteracy.com.
Dollar General plans to create new jobs in the Hodge community as the store is expected to employ approximately six to 10 people, depending on the individual needs of the store. The Company provides employees with competitive wages, world-class and award-winning training and development programs and benefits including day-one telemedicine eligibility as well as health insurance coverage options, 401K savings and retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave and adoption assistance to eligible employees.
Interested candidates can review and apply for available positions by clicking here.
Applications for the Habitat for Humanity Home Build project in Hodge are now being offered. In conjunction with WestRock and the Village of Hodge, Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana is sponsoring new home builds that will be located on the site of the old Hodge School grounds.
To get an application go online to https://hfnl.org/homeownership/.
Completed applications can also be dropped off at the Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana office located at 2816 Deborah Drive in Monroe or mailed to:
Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana
PO Box 2182
Monroe, LA 71207
The final date to turn in an application is December 1, 2023.
Quitman and Saline made the short trip to Lincoln Parish for games against Cedar Creek and Choudrant on Tuesday while Weston took the long road to Winnsboro on Monday, to play Family Community Christian Academy. For all three boys teams the trips were joyous wons but for the girls only Quitman came home happy after Saline and Weston both lost close contests.
Quitman 61 Choudrant 54 (boys): Gavin Caskey hit 8 of 10 shots, including making 5 of 7 from behind the arc to lead Quitman in scoring with a season high 21 points in the contest that saw the Wolverines outscore Choudrant 16-7 in the fourth quarter to rally for the victory. The victory was the 6th in 7 games for Quitman who shot 58% (22-38)from the field and 50% (5-10)from three point land. Choudrant fell to 3-5 on the year following a second straight loss. Brayden Smith and Logan Ponder also reached double digits with 16 and 12 points respectively while Noah Leach pitched in 9 and Eli Walker three.
Quitman 32 Choudrant 28 (girls): The Lady Wolverines spotted home standing Choudrant to a 20-16 first half lead, then came storming back to double up the Lady Aggies by a 16-8 margin to take the low scoring affair. Both teams struggled from the floor with Quitman making only 11-44 shots (25%) and Choudrant fairing even worse by being able to make nine baskets all game. Anna Leach led the Lady Wolverines with nine points, followed by 8 from Cali Deal and five from Ali Claire Palmer and four by Taylor Harvey. Jaleigh Burns, Hallie Kate Pullig and Taylor Borland all chipped in two each.
Saline 66 Cedar Creek 61 (boys): Cedar Creek opened their 2023 basketball season by jumping out to a 25-20 lead at the half but Saline picked up the pace by scoring 23 points in both the third and fourth quarters to win their third straight and go over the .500 mark for the first time this season with a 4-3 record. Javon Dailey led the way for the Bobcats with a season high 25 points followed by 16 from Trent Ledbetter and nine by Eli Ferguson. Maddox Williams and Jer’Courtney Loyd added five each and Conner Roberts finished with four.
Cedar Creek 56 Saline 53 (girls): The Lady Bobcats had two chip shot opportunities to take the lead in the final seconds but couldn’t convert as Cedar Creek held on to win their season opener. Saline jumped out to a 17-11 first quarter lead and held a 26-23 halftime advantage but the Lady Cougars kept chipping away in the second half before squeaking it out in the end. Alaya Gray led Saline with 21 points, including three trey’s, followed closely by Kasidy Sims who ended with 18 points in the contest. Alana Gray had 11 and Jordan Williams two.
Weston 59 FCCA 45 (boys): On Monday, Weston snapped a two game losing streak after spotting FCCA an 11-0 lead to start the game. Tait Henderson scored 22 points, including 15 in the third quarter alone to lead the Wolves who took the game over by scoring the final six points of the first half and first eight points of the second. Nathan Wages turned his best performance of the season with 15 points and 8 of Weston’s 21 steals in the game. Bryce Zehr scored seven, Jude Otwell finished with five and Juan Gonzalez scored four to round out the scoring. With the victory the Wolves improved to 4-2 on the year.
FCCA 66 Weston 62 (girls): In the contest that saw more swings than a schoolyard playground FCCS went on an 11 point run to rally to the lead and then used a 15-1 spurt to pull away to a 32-19 first half advantage. Thanks to a season high 24 point effort by 8th grader, Carly Jo Griffin, 12 points and 11 rebounds by Lexie Millien and 11 more points by Lainee Trosclair the Lady Wolves made a game of it late. Anslee Aldy scored 7, Jacie Ledford 6 and Nadia Siadek two to go along with her team high 13 rebounds.
When Brent Carpenter decided to move from Winn Parish schools to take over as Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School Principal he had a vision in mind of making a difference through leadership to his students.
He had done just that.
In the most recent Louisiana School Grades, J-HMS scored an A in school progress, letter grade equivalent category. As result, in just his second year at J-HMS he has been named Principal of the Year by the Jackson Parish School District.
The Jackson Parish Library Board met on Tuesday, November 14th, in the conference room of the Jonesboro Branch, located at 614 South Polk Avenue where the amended 2023 and proposed 2024 was adopted.
In additional action, board members Paula Essmeier, Judy Cooper, Lisa Nunn, Ann Standley, Vickie Jenkins, Robin Tew, Carol Massey (President) and Jackson Parish Police Juror Ex-Officio, Amy Magee, updated the library collection development policy.
Consideration on the sale of the 2005 bookmobile and a transfer of funds to an operating account, as well as, the authorization for four staff members to attend the PLA conference in Columbus, OH on April 3-5, 2024 was handled.
In final actions, certificates of appreciation for sponsors of Jackson Parish Library Park and to Cathy Judd for years of service to the Library and Jackson Parish were approved.
The next scheduled meeting is set for Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce (JPCC) extends an invitation to join with members, local and area officials on Friday, November 17th in the celebration of the Grand Opening of their new location at 601 South Cooper Avenue in Jonesboro. The gala event will run from 2:00 – 4:00 where there will be a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony followed by refreshments.
“We are very appreciative to have a new office and look forward to sharing the excitement with the community,” said JPCC Director Wilda Smith.
KTBS – TV in Shreveport runs a weekly documentary called Where in the World is Rick Row. From 5:00 – 7:00 am, on Monday, November 20th, Row and KTBS – TV will be in Jonesboro doing a segment on the upcoming Christmas festival and lights.
Gifted and Talented music students from Jackson Parish and Kathy Venable will be on hand to sing carols but Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce Director, Wilda Smith, is also calling on residents to help show northwest Louisiana how proud we are of our annual holiday celebration.
“We need singers to join us doing carols that morning,” said Smith. We are very appreciative that the gifted and talented students with Kathy Venable will be joining us but we are asking that our residents turn out as well.”
“Christmas Wonderland in the Pines” features millions of magical Christmas lights from November 25th through New Year’s Eve. Visitors travel far and wide to see the Christmas lights sparkle in downtown Jonesboro.
The annual Christmas Wonderland in the Pines parade kicks off the festivities in downtown Jonesboro at 4:30 pm, November 25, followed by fireworks. Visitors will enjoy live music, vendors and food trucks beginning at 11 am. Each weekend from December 2nd – 22nd, visitors may visit Santa in his Santa house and enjoy carriage rides.
Madison Chaplin of Quitman High School will make official her intentions to play softball for Northwestern State University in Natchitoches when she signs scholarship papers on Friday, November 17th. The gala event will take place at 9:30 am in the Quitman High School Gymnasium.
Since stepping into the leadoff batter role as a freshman for Quitman High in 2021, Chaplin has been a key offensive catalyst, leading the Lady Wolverines to three straight district 2B championships and two LHSAA Division IV state tournaments. A career .386 hitter, “Madi” 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.
WestRock in Hodge will be hosting a public silent auction and bake sale to benefit the Hodge Strong Foundation, Michael C Ballew Scholarship Fund, and United Way of Northeast Louisiana.
The dates will be Thursday and Friday, November 16th-17th from 7:00 am – 3:00 pm at the WestRock Guest House, located at 100 Mill Street in Hodge, across from the main guard shack at the mill entrance.
Bid to win from the list of items below and more!
Ninja Pressure Cooker
6 Gallon Air Compressor
Rocking Chairs
Wood Pellet Fire Pit
Parking Spots inside Mill gates (employees only)
For additional information please contact Melissa Perry at (318) 548 – 7217 or by email at melissa.perry@westrock.com
The Jackson Parish School District received a performance score of 75.9 and grade of B in the recently released statewide evaluation by the Louisiana Dept. of Education. The mark is an increase of 0.6 from a year ago. Pacing the improvement were marks of A in the categories of 2023 Strength of Diploma and 2023 Graduation Rate as well as a B mark in School Progress. As a state, Louisiana earned a B grade with a 78.5 performance score, which was an improvement from the 77.1 mark of a year ago.
The LHSAA released a second draft of its proposed redistricting plan for the 2024-2025 & 2025-2026 sports seasons Tuesday morning. The biggest change from the first draft for local schools is that now Ringgold has been added to District 1-1A, which is where Jonesboro-Hodge High School has been slotted.
Per the most recent draft District 1-1A will comprise of JHHS, Ringgold, Arcadia, Lincoln Prep, Cedar Creek, Glenbrook Academy, Haynesville and Plain Dealing. Weston and Quitman will compete in District 1B along with Doyline, Castor and Simsboro.
Member schools now have until Monday, November 27 at 1 p.m. to make any appeals regarding their placement in a district before the committee gathers again on Wednesday, November 29 for the third and final redistricting meeting.
The classification committee heard 10 appeals during its second meeting on Monday. LHSAA assistant executive director Michael Federico reported that seven of those appeals pertained to the basic districting plans. Three appeals were heard regarding three divisional sports as well.
All basic classes as well as the Division II Boys Soccer, Division II Girls Soccer and Division I Cross Country were part of the new revisions and can be appealed. All other groupings were finalized by the committee.
An initial draft of proposed districts was released to member schools following the committee’s first meeting at the beginning of November.
To download the full second draft document click here.
In the first decade of the twentieth century, young John displayed a passion for reading and writing which his mother, a former schoolteacher, also shared. John and his family lived in Salinas, California, a small valley town with rich, fertile soil. As a teenager in the late 1910s, John spent his summers working on local ranches harvesting grapes, sugar beets, and a variety of root vegetables alongside migrant farmers.
One day, John worked alongside a certain migrant farmer just as he had for the previous several weeks. The migrant farmer was angry at the ranch foreman because the foreman had fired his friend. When the foreman came near John and the migrant farmer, The farmer “stuck a pitchfork right through his stomach. I hate to tell you how many times. I saw him do it. We couldn’t stop him until it was too late.” The migrant farmer ended up in an insane asylum.
Fifteen years later, John used his experiences working with migrant farmers as the basis for a novella in which two displaced migrant ranch workers search for new opportunities in California during the Great Depression. John carefully crafted his novella. Rather than using a typewriter, John hand-wrote every word of the novella. Finally, in the last week of May 1936, after months of laboring over each word, John finished his novella of which he gave the somewhat lackluster title, “Something That Happened.”
Then, on May 27, 1936, John wrote a letter to his editor. “Minor tragedy stalked,” he said. “My setter pup [Toby], left alone one night, made confetti of about half of my book. Two months work to do over again. It sets me back. There was no other draft.”
“I was pretty mad, but the poor little fellow may have been acting critically. I didn’t want to ruin a good dog for a ms [manuscript]. I’m not sure it is good at all. He only got an ordinary spanking with his punishment flyswatter. But there’s the work to do over from the start. I’m not sure Toby didn’t know what he was doing when he ate the first draft.” John jokingly wrote, “I have promoted Toby-dog to be lieutenant colonel in charge of literature.”
When John finished rewriting his manuscript, he sent it to his editor. In late 1936, his editor sent him a telegram which explained that his novella would be the featured book for March 1937’s Book-of-the-Month Club. Most authors would have been overjoyed with the achievement, but not John. He wanted to succeed with his writing, of course, but he hated publicity. His editor anxiously awaited his reply which he expected to receive within minutes. Minutes turned into hours, and hours turned into days. Finally, two weeks later, the editor received a postcard from John on which he had scribbled, “What does it mean?”
When John began to write the novella, he could not have imagined how successful the book would become. It received the greatest positive response in his writing career to that point. Fanny Butcher, a Chicago Tribune book critic, wrote that John’s novella was “so movingly, so factually that only when its last page is finished does the reader realize what a remarkable literary feat the author has performed. Brutality and tenderness mingle in these strangely moving pages” which included “language that gentle ears would never hear.” The critic explained, “The reader is fascinated by a certainty of approaching doom.” Fred T. March wrote in the New York Times, “In sure, raucous, vulgar Americanism, [the author] has touched the quick in his little story.”
John’s novella became required reading in many schools in the English speaking world because it exemplified what life was like for migrant workers during the Great Depression. In the novella, John “described brutal times in brutal terms.” In the decades after the novella was first published, John’s book frequently began to appear on lists of banned books because of the “brutal terms,” – blasphemous and vulgar language. Other popular titles which appeared on lists of banned books included Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye,” and, more recently, J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series. John’s novella is included in the American Library Association’s list of the Most Challenged Books of the 21st century and John is listed among the most frequently challenged authors of the 21st century.
Despite attempts to have John’s book banned, it is considered a literary classic. In 1962, John won the Nobel Prize for Literature for his “realistic and imaginative writings, combining as they do sympathetic humor and keen social perception.” On October 25, 2023, Bonhams auction house sold a small fragment of John’s original draft which was destroyed by his dog, Toby, for $12,800. That chewed fragment was part of the classic novella originally called “Something That Happened,” which, just before publishing, the author, John Steinbeck, renamed “Of Mice and Men.”
Forest Haven Nursing Home held a special Veteran Recognition Ceremony on November 10th where their residents and one staff member who served in the US Armed Services were honored. Helping the administration and staff of Forest Haven pay homage to the valor and service of the veterans by presenting them with special pins were Zach Smith of the US Army and representatives from Heart of Hospice. Ascend Hospice also took part by supplying a cake.
