(LA State Fire Marshal) – Deputies with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal continue to investigate an apartment fire in Jonesboro that claimed the life of a teenage boy and sent his mother and 4-year-old nephew to the hospital.

Around 6:15 pm on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, the Jonesboro Fire Department responded to a call for an apartment fire located in the 200 block of Oaklawn Drive. Firefighters discovered that a family of four had been in the home during the time of the fire.

As a result, a 52-year-old woman was badly injured while attempting to extinguish the fire. Additionally, her 17-year-old son was unable to escape. A 4-year-old boy was also injured. He, along with the woman, and his grandmother was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The four-year-old’s mother was uninjured. The child has since been released from the hospital, but at this time the woman remains in critical condition. Additionally, all the units in the complex that adjoined the apartment were destroyed.

After assessing the scene and conducting witness statements, deputies have determined the fire was started in the living room of the residence. The exact cause of the fire is still being investigated.

 

 

---

TROOP F NEWS RELEASE – On Thursday, December 28, 2023, shortly after 4:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on LA-546 near CPL Chad Poll Drive. The crash claimed the life of four-year-old Bentley Whittlesey of Eros.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2016 Toyota Corolla, driven by 27-year-old Kaytlin Whittlesey, was traveling south on LA-546. At the same time, a 2009 Ford F-150 was traveling north on LA-546. For reasons still under investigation, the Toyota turned left into the travel path of the Ford. As a result, the Ford struck the Toyota.

Bentley Whittlesey, who was properly restrained and the rear seat passenger in the Toyota, received serious injury and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Kaytlin Whittlesey and the driver of the Ford, who were both properly restrained, received minor injuries and were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Shortly before 1:00 a.m. on December 29th, Bentley Whittlesey was pronounced dead by the Ouachita Parish Coroner’s Office. This crash remains under investigation.

 

---

If you look at the Louisiana state fishing record book, you will find Caney Lake listed many, many times. There is no question that the “Jewel in the Pines” in Jackson Parish has been the best inland, fresh water fishery in the state for the last three decades. 

Six of the top ten largemouth bass ever caught in the state, two of the top five yellow bass, three of the top eight Bluegill, three of the biggest Black Crappie and 8 of the 10 largest Shellcracker Chinqaupin, otherwise known as Redear Sunfish, were also pulled out of the waters that Jimmie Davis State Park borders. 

On Thursday, December 28th, another potential state record was set by Colby Darl Dark and Gage Struben. Pending certification of scales from the Louisiana Dept. Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) the 48 lb. 6 oz stringer caught by the two members of the Louisiana Tech Bass Fishing team will be a new state record for a one day, five fish limit catch. 

The incredible stringer comes on the heels of another north Louisiana collegian hauling in the catch of his life. On December 16th, Connor Nimrod brought five fish to the scales at the University of Monroe (ULM) Fishing Team Qualifying Tournament that weighed a whopping 42.1 lbs. The catch was a little less than 3 pounds shy of the solo record set by Arizona’s Dean Rojas in a Bassmaster tournament in mid-January, 2001.

 

---

The Town of Jonesboro made great strides in 2023. Much of the achievement and advancements were in direct correlation to the tremendous work done by the people who staffed various departments of the town. In recognition of their exemplary performance the Town of Jonesboro is pleased to announce the 2023 Employees of the Year. 

“On behalf of Jonesboro Police Chief Israel Smith, Jonesboro Fire Chief Aaron Blalock and Public Works Director Karl Johnson, the Town of Jonesboro congratulates each of the ones recognized as Employee of the Year and gives thanks and appreciation to everyone who was involved in making 2023 a great year.” – Jonesboro Mayor J “Spike” Harris

---

Jonesboro-Hodge High School looks to start the new year on a good note on Tuesday, January 2nd, when they host Neville High School out of Monroe. Three games are scheduled beginning with a junior varsity matchup at 5:00 pm, followed by varsity girls and boys action. 

In the battle between the two schools whose mascot is a Tiger, homestanding Jonesboro-Hodge has their work cut out for them in both the girls and boys contests against their Class 4A opponent. 

The Tigers are 2-9 this season having lost their last six games, while Neville enters at 10-5 on the year and a #11 ranking among Division I “non-select” schools while the JHHS girls (4-11) face an even stronger test as Neville  brings an 8-3 record and a #5 ranking. 

JHHS vs Arcadia JV game stopped due to injury

The Jonesboro-Hodge vs Arcadia junior varsity basketball game that was being played this past Friday night was called early when one of the visiting players suffered a head injury and had to be taken to the hospital. 

According to reports, Darrell Sneed Jr. of Arcadia went up to block a shot during play in the third quarter and was knocked unconscious when he fell to the floor and hit his head. Sneed was rushed to the Jackson Parish Hospital where it was determined that he had suffered a concussion. On Saturday, it was reported by Arcadia High School that the young man was alert, walking and talking and full recovery is expected. 

The administration of Jonesboro-Hodge High School asks for your continued prayers for the young man and family. 

Saline boys fall in 1-49 Shootout

Saline played Hicks to a standstill in the first half of the 1-49 Holiday Shootout at Natchitoches Central High School on Friday but a third quarter, 3-pointer barrage and conversion of their free throws in the final frame lifted the 7th ranked Division V “non-select” school to victory. 

With the loss, Saline ends the 2023 portion of the schedule with an 11-10 record while Hicks improved to 13-9 overall.

Trent Ledbetter scored 12 of his team high 18 points in the first half to help Saline enter the break tied at 25 apiece. Jer’Courtney Loyd finished with nine points followed by six points each from Eli Ferguson and Connor Roberts. Maddox Williams and Gavon Dailey finished with three points apiece.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	TOTAL
Saline (11-10)	10	15	10	10	45
Hicks (13-9)	13	12	17	16	58

---

In response to the senseless killings of local youth that has taken place in Jonesboro and the surrounding area over the past several months, a special event has been scheduled for January 6th at the Jonesboro Fairgrounds in an effort to bring back unity in the community.

Spearheaded by Tyrone Cowans and in partnership with the Town of Jonesboro, Lawrence Levy, the Senior Pastor at Freedom World Ministries, will present a show called, “The Funeral is Cancelled.”

The event that will take place from 1:30 – 5:00 pm shows young people the impact violent crime can have and is being sponsored by local churches, businesses and caring individuals. By using actors in a live re-enactment depicting scenes of gang violence and drug abuse the hope is that a powerful message is received by the youth of our area and to raise awareness to young kids choosing a violent lifestyle. 

“These kids need us. We are trying to stop this gun violence completely,” Levy said.

Jonesboro Mayor J. “Spike” Harris is in agreement. 

“I think this is a great idea and I am very happy to see that our community has come together to show support,” said Harris. “Hopefully we will have a great turnout and this will help in stopping future violence.”

If weather conditions aren’t conducive to the outdoor performance, the event will take place in the National Guard Armory, located on Hwy 4 East in Jonesboro. 

---

It is often necessary to adjust the game plan at halftime when a football team is
engaged in an important game. If the defensive backs are locked in on the receivers every play, consideration is given to a few quick-hitters into the line by the running backs. Conversely, if the defensive linemen are clogging up the middle expecting a run, it’s time to air it out to receivers.

By the same token, as deer season reaches its final weeks, it’s often necessary for
hunters to adjust their game plans. Why? Because the bucks are making adjustments and if hunters don’t figure out what’s going on, they’re left wondering what the heck
happened.

What happens during the latter days of hunting season after the rut is over?

Bucks aren’t chasing does, unless the few does not bred during the first estrous cycle are still available for breeding. Basically, it becomes a rather difficult game to play as the bucks, exhausted and worn down from breeding and fighting other bucks, become rather difficult to pattern. For many hunters, if they don’t get their deer early, they hang it up after the rut and head for the lake where the bunched-up crappie are more predictable.

David Moreland, who retired from the Deer Study Leader position with LDWF
several years ago, offers suggestions as to the best way to hunt bucks late in the season.

“In Area 2, northwest Louisiana, December generally marks the end of the rut.
However, bucks may be looking for a few does that have not bred, but generally by mid-January, it’s over,” Moreland said.

This time of year in this part of the state, a game plan change is necessary to
improve your chances at a good buck, according to Moreland.

“This is the time of year where hunting between the feeders may pay off as bucks
move around looking for does. In late December, the trails through the woods leading to food plots and feeders are generally quite distinct and visible and this should be areas hunters ought to check out, determining where the deer are coming from and then locate a stand to catch the deer as they come to feed late in the evening,” Moreland added.

Another tactic that can work on tagging a late season buck, according to Moreland
is to move the feeder.

“I like to change a feeder location or hang a bucket feeder in an area where you
have seen deer but not hunted. Keep in mind that prevailing winds this time of year are generally from the north-northwest so your stand location should be in the south-southeast corner of the area. Again, hunters should stay on their stands until last light,” he added.

Moreland also suggested that hunters might want to freshen up their food plots
toward season’s end.

“With bucks going back to the feeding mode after the rut, you might want to
consider adding some nitrate to the grass patches and keep them attractive. Also if the weather is good; clear and cold with high pressure, plan to stay on the stand longer than normal.”

What about native brows plants? Hunters should plan to utilize what Mother
Nature has already put there.

“Since many of the woody shrubs and trees lose their leaves, the focus will be on
those that still have them. Blackberry, privet and honeysuckle would be three to look for since these will tolerate the cold temperatures and put out new growth on warm days. I have especially seen heavy use of honeysuckle in northwest Louisiana during late winter,” said Moreland.

Want to be on the winning team when it comes to getting a late season deer in
your sight picture? Be adaptable. Change your game plan to correspond to what the deer are doing.

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass are moving to deeper water with best catches made on jigs,
spoons and soft plastics as well as on the secondary points with deep diving crank baits. Yellow bass are hitting jigging spoons near the bottom in deep water. 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 crappie have moved to deep water with some good fish caught
on shiners and jigs. Bass are fair flipping jigs around the trees. For latest information,
contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – Crappie have been best fishing jigs or shiners around submerged
tops in the river and in river lakes. Bass are best in the cuts fishing shad imitation lures.
For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE –The crappie bite is on fishing the channels and channel edges in
14-18 foot water on shiners or jigs. Bass are moving to the secondary points 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.
Crappie are along the tree lines and in the deep water out from the dam with shiners or jigs picking up some nice slabs. Bass fishing has fair this week as they too are starting to move deep. Boats can still be launched at the State Park launch and at Pleasure Point. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Crappie fishing is best on the south end of the lake with
some big fish caught on shiners or jigs. No report on other species this week. For latest
reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is low and fishing is quite slow this week. However, a
few big slab crappie are being caught on shiners or jigs. For information, call Surplus
City Landing at 318/467-2259.

---

As we move into the new year, there are a few acts and laws that will take effect in Louisiana at the start of 2024.

The most controversial is a bill affecting the LGBTQ community that goes into effect on New Year’s Day 2024 following the successful legislative override of the governor’s veto of House Bill 648, which means there will be a ban on gender-affirming care for trans minors in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards released a long statement in response to the override, saying he expects the courts will throw out “this unconstitutional bill.”

Here is a list of additional new laws that go into effect on January 1, 2024

HB648—Prohibits certain procedures to alter the sex of a minor child (Act 466)
HB337—Eliminates the minimum child support award in the child support guidelines (Act 24)
HB447—Requires agency referrals of delinquent debt to the office of debt recovery for collection to include certain information (Act 87)
HB579—Provides relative to pet insurance (Act 94)
HB279—Provides relative to conveying by the La. Tax Commission of ad valorem tax assessment information it receives from local assessors (Act 161)
HB398—Requires persons being transported offshore by aircraft to wear life jackets equipped with personal locator beacons (Act 168)
HB89—Provides relative to the collection of certain traffic stop data by law enforcement (Act 217)
SB84—Requires the La. Board of Ethics to send certain communications electronically (Act 241)
SB186—Provides relative to the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (Act 263)
HB186—Provides relative to health insurance coverage for standard fertility preservation services (Act 299)
HB411—Expands the types of investments eligible for the insurance premium tax credit (Act 310)
HB468—Provides relative to utilization review standards and approval procedures for healthcare service claims submitted by healthcare providers (Act 312)
SB66—Provides relative to telehealth services (Act 322)
HB558—Provides for the collection and remittance of state and local sales and use taxes (Act 375)
HB631—Provides with respect to the sourcing of sales for purposes of calculating Louisiana income (Act 430)
HB160—Provides relative to rights of victims of alleged delinquent acts (Act 448)

Other laws scheduled to go into effect later in 2024:

HB221 (Jan. 8)—Provides relative to rulemaking and oversight pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Act 442)
SB103 (Jan. 10)—Renames the Department of Natural Resources as the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (Act 150)
SB98 (July 1)—Provides for adding interest in bone marrow donorship to the list of options offered during application for renewal of a state-issued driver’s license (Act 42)
HB336 (July 1)—Provides relative to the capital outlay process and reporting requirements (Act 82)
SB162 (July 1)—Creates the Secure Online Child Interaction and Age Limitation Act (Act 456)
SB217 (July 1)—Creates a statewide database for individuals convicted of child abuse/neglect (Act 460)
HB376 (Aug. 1)—Provides relative to protective orders (Act 309)

---

Dormeka Pearce, faculty sponsor of Jonesboro-Hodge High School’s Student Council, helped spearhead a collaborative effort with Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School’s Wraparound Counselor, Tristen Bergholtz. The J-HHS student council members organized a canned food drive to support students in need. Their diligent efforts resulted in over 400 canned food items being donated. These items will help supplement the Weekend Backpack Meal Program offered to all Jackson Parish Schools.

Moreover, the J-HHS students provided direct service to the J-HES students through a peer reading program. The high school students were reminded to read confidently, engage with the younger students, lead by example, and have fun. The elementary students were in awe of high schoolers and have a newfound excitement for reading “like the big kids.”

The program’s goal is to showcase the academic excellence within the J-H Tiger Family, encourage volunteerism because it is helpful AND fun, and foster a love for reading. The J-HHS Student Council looks forward to coordinating future peer mentor events with J-HES.

---

The Jackson Parish Library and LSU AgCenter invite you to enjoy reading a book while waking the sidewalk around the library. This StoryWalk was created as a way for our community to combine physical activity with books and to help build interest in reading while encouraging healthy activity for all! Reading is the foundation of learning ; early literacy  skills develop through positive interactions with books and other people. Come and enjoy this unique creation at your leisure at both the Jonesboro and Chatham branches.

---

I have a friend who does not make resolutions at the beginning of the year. Their stated position is very correct. “Why pile up a bunch of promises at the beginning of the year? Why not make resolutions every morning for that day. See if you can keep a resolution for one day.”

I have often suspected that New Year’s resolutions are a way of gaining control over tomorrow. We are, in essence, saying to God this is MY plan for the year. What if we resolved to live each day, abiding in Christ? My friend’s philosophy seems very Jesus like. Jesus told us to pray for our daily bread and reminded us that there is little sense in worrying about tomorrow. Wake up every morning and follow Jesus for that day.

See how you do!

The problem with resolutions and all those resolutions we re-resolve in Lent is that we know we won’t keep them. We make them and play such games with our own resolve. What does that say about us?

When I did make resolutions, they began on January 2nd. That way I can have as much fun as I wish to have on New Year’s Day then on January 2nd the change begins. I resolved one year that I would quit making resolutions because by March I seemed to have forgotten what I had so boldly resolved in January. My friend is correct in resolving every day to live for Christ. I want you to note that as a culture the notion of resolve is fading. The hard truth is there is no change in our lives until there is resolve in our lives.

This year my beginning of the year pondering revolves around the concept of ETM. King Solomon said, “Where there are no oxen, the stable is clean, but a good harvest requires the strength of the ox.” (Proverbs 14: 4)

I think Solomon was saying, if you want good things to happen in life, you must “endure the manure.” You can only have a clean stable by getting rid of the oxen. If you remove the oxen, then you remove the ability to obtain a bountiful harvest. The very “tool” that helps bring you success also makes a very big mess. That is the essence of ETM (endure the manure).

ETM means that the good things in life don’t come easily. You must work for them. Do you want a better career? In most cases, forty hours will not bring you financial riches or success. Do you want a great marriage? Well, that means using muscles other than the ones that hold on to the remote control. It means paying as much attention to our spouse as you do to your social media presence. Do you want to be a great parent? Great parents are involved in every aspect of their child’s life. They also reclaim the parental word, “No.” Now we have created competing loyalties between career, marriage, and family. ETM means you struggle to be faithful in the middle of that conflict.

Do you want your spiritual life to grow? You must ETM. That means when you pray, listen to God for 30 minutes rather than begging him for something for three minutes. It means loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. It means loving your neighbor as yourself. Loving those neighbors can be the hard part of our Christian walk. Loving your neighbor can be messy!

ETM is my aiming point for 2024. To be a better person and to have a bountiful harvest you and I need to “endure the manure.”

 

---

According to Wikipedia there is only one other town in the United States named Eros than the hamlet located on Hwy 34 in eastern Jackson Parish. The other is in north, central Arkansas just four mile from the Missouri border.

What makes the Jackson Parish version unique is that unlike the other locale that was named after the mythical Greek “God of Love” the local community was named after an asteroid, making it one of the most uniquely named incorporated towns in the United States.

According to records it was a local lady who lived in the area where Tremont Lumber had built a new mill in 1898 that gave the town it’s name. The way it happened was one day Mrs. Pearl Collins, who was interested in astronomy, read that a German astronomer had discovered the 433rd asteroid ever documented and named it Eros.

Enamored with the way it sounded and having already the want to have the community get a Post Office she submitted the name to the Louisiana Postal Service. On October 23rd, 1899 she received approval from the state and the town not only had a Post Office but a new name.

After five years of operation “Mrs. Pearl” had a new building erected, the only structure in the town that covered by insurance and in 1906 the first rural route in Jackson Parish began mail delivery. Just before 1920 the town boasted a population of more than a 1000 residents, quite a large number for such an out of the way place. It was by far the largest town in the parish.

The Tremont Lumber Company was not only the largest lumber mill in Jackson Parish at the time but one of the largest in North Louisiana. As result, the thriving community was one of the fastest growing in north Louisiana with families moving in by such numbers that the construction of houses couldn’t keep up and many were forced to sleep in tents for months before permanent lodging could be built.

There were three hotels, one of which boasted over 100 rooms, a newspaper (Eros Plaindealer), three doctors, three churches, a jail, a bank, its own telephone exchange and the first high school in Jackson Parish which over 600 pupils attended. Eros also had the first movie theater in the parish where silent movies were shown in what was called a “hippodrome” type theater. Movies were only shown at night when it was dark enough.

This was an open-air affair that was a precursor to the “drive-in” theaters that boomed across the nation years later. At that time viewers would watch the shows in their wagons or on a blanket that was spread on the ground, except for Dr. Hearn, who was longtime Chatham resident Howard Hearn’s father. He had the only automobile in Jackson Parish – a 1912 Ford.

Then on the night of April 8th, 1920 catastrophe struck when a tornado almost wiped the community off the map. Not only was virtually every building in the town leveled it also dealt the mill a might blow. Miraculously no one was killed although several were buried in debris suffering from bad cuts and bruises. This included on one man who was taking a bath in one of the hotels only to be picked up by the wind and deposited roughly one hundred yards away still in the tub.

Showing resilience the town’s people rebuilt the mill and most of the town, although in a smaller fashion, but in 1926 a great fire struck which closed the mill for good and ended the boom days of Eros.

---

At the end of the first semester, Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary hosted a talent show and fun was had by all! Performances included hula-hooping, comedy, dancing, singing, and gymnastics. The performers worked hard to deliver a great show to their peers and it paid off! There continues to be a buzz amongst the Tiger Cubs about how much fun they had at the talent show and how proud they are of their classmates and their talents. This was a great experience for all to learn the importance of positive support and developing courage. – J-HES Principal, Danielle Copeland 

---

Ever since the split between the two top professional bass fishing organizations, B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF), there’s been some tension between anglers and both organizations. The reason for the split was due to the anglers themselves being unhappy with how little input they were having with B.A.S.S. They wanted more say so in the scheduling and other areas, but B.A.S.S. was not willing to listen.

Anglers wanted adjustments made to tournament payouts and to be heard on other requests. They wanted more input on when and where tournaments would be held. They wanted B.A.S.S. to avoid scheduling events on holidays so they could be home with their families. Anglers were not a happy bunch as most of their requests fell on deaf ears.

In 2011, and B.A.S.S. not willing to conform to their requests, the anglers decided to jump ship and start their own professional bass fishing organization called Major League Fishing or in short MLF.  At first it appeared this mass exit by some of the top 80 anglers on the B.A.S.S. pro tour would be devastating and possibly cripple B.A.S.S.

Turns out, that was not the case, as B.A.S.S. just reloaded and filled the vacated slots with anglers who were on the rise who had been fishing the Open Series. It opened the door for so many up-and-coming anglers looking for a break and the opportunity to fish at the highest level with the best professional bass fishing organization in the world. It’s very similar to professional baseball’s Major League strike years ago. The players thought they had the upper hand but found out rather quickly that there were Triple A players who were just as good, and ready and willing to cross the picket line for the opportunity to play in the Big Leagues. The strike was short lived as players realized they were replaceable.

Trust me when I say there was no shortage of anglers looking for an opportunity to fish at the highest level, even if it meant they would have to take out a second mortgage on their house. It goes back to that old saying, “Everybody is replaceable.”  

Turns out, MLF anglers may have made a huge mistake walking away from B.A.S.S. as MLF went through some tough times, not only losing anglers but sponsors as well. At the end of the day, it’s all about the sponsors and the money they bring to the table. Without sponsors, no organization can survive, and it appears MLF is dying a slow death. They are constantly revamping and applying band aids to their format. They are making desperate moves from a company standpoint that raises red flags and eyebrows on whether MLF is in trouble.

Some anglers have already jumped back on board the B.A.S.S. stability train due to the issues at MLF. There are some MLF anglers that will stay until the ship has sunk, then they’ll decide what route they want to take to get back to B.A.S.S. Some might be able to get back to B.A.S.S. through certain exemptions while others will have to requalify through the new 9 tournament Open Series format.

As you can see, it’s going to be a wild ride in 2024 with so much uncertainty in professional bass fishing. But I think it’s safe to say that B.A.S.S. is on firm and stable ground. They are and continue to set the bar for all professional bass fishing organizations. The Bassmaster Classic is STILL the top bass fishing tournament in the world that every bass fisherman dreams of fishing from the day they ever pick up a rod and reel. It is truly the Super Bowl of bass fishing!

Only time will tell if MLF (Major League Fishing) will survive. From this angler’s perspective, I hope they do as bass fishing NEEDS two professional organizations. There’s plenty of room and plenty of anglers for both organizations to co-exist. The question is, are there enough sponsors for both of them to survive?

Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and stay tuned as the 2024 professional bass fishing season will be very interesting. 

Steve Graf                                                                                                                     
Angler’s Perspective

---

Christmas is a time of giving and sharing good tidings with others. The students of Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School did their part to help lift spirits by giving cards wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to residents of nursing homes. Special thanks goes to Mrs. Mangum for organizing this wonderful project.

---

When Grover Cleveland entered the White House as the 22nd President of the United States on March 4, 1885, he did so as a bachelor. Shortly thereafter, Frances Folsom visited the president in our nation’s capital. Frances’ father, Oscar, had been good friends with Grover until his death in 1875. It was Oscar who had helped Grover, then 33 years old, win the election for Sheriff of Erie County, New York. When Oscar died, Grover became the executor of Oscar’s estate. Despite Oscar’s large amount of debt at the time of his death, Grover made sure Oscar’s widow, Emma, and daughter, Frances, were well taken care of.

After Frances’ visit to Washington, in an act which is considered old fashioned these days, Grover asked and received Emma’s permission to write to Frances. They soon fell in love and became engaged. On June 2, 1886, the 49-year-old president married 21-year-old Frances Folsom in the Blue Room of the White House. Grover Cleveland remains the only president to marry in the White House, and Frances Folsom remains the youngest first lady in history. In the presidential election of 1888, Grover Cleveland won the popular majority vote but received fewer electoral votes than his opponent, Benjamin Harrison. When Grover and Frances left the White House, Frances purportedly told a staff member, “I want you to take good care of all the furniture and ornaments in the house. I want to find everything just as it is now when we come back again.”

With more free time on his hands, Grover Cleveland began concentrating on building his family. On October 3, 1891, Grover and Frances welcomed their first child, Ruth. At the 1892 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Grover was nominated as the Democratic candidate on the first ballot. On election day, Grover had a wide majority in the popular and electoral votes. Grover Cleveland remains the only president in history to serve non-consecutive terms. During their second term, Grover and Frances welcome two more children, Esther and Marion. When Grover’s second term ended in 1897, Frances was eight months pregnant with their son, Richard. Another son, Francis, was born in 1903. The Clevelands looked forward to living happily ever after.

In January 1904, Grover and Frances’ oldest child, Ruth, developed tonsilitis. On January 6, doctors diagnosed Ruth with diphtheria. Ruth struggled to breathe. Her heart beat irregularly. On the following day, January 6, 1904, 12-year-old Ruth Cleveland died from a heart attack. The nation mourned along with the Clevelands. Within a short time, companies began selling products named in memory of Grover and Frances’ late daughter. There were dolls, kites, shoes, socks, and a whole clothing line. In 1920, the Curtiss Candy Company renamed their Kandy Kake in memory of the president’s late daughter. Under its new name, the former Kandy Kake became the best-selling five-cent confection by the late 1920s. The toys, clothes, and confections were sold under the nickname that Grover and Frances called their daughter. Through the years, the toys and clothes dropped Ruth’s name from their products. Over 100 years later, only the confection retains the Cleveland’s daughter’s name. You know the Kandy Kake as Baby Ruth.

But wait a minute. There is more to this story. In 1920, George Herman “Babe” Ruth was in the midst of one of the most famous baseball careers in the history of the sport. In 1930, ten years after the Baby Ruth candy bar went on sale, Babe Ruth saw the prosperity of the Baby Ruth candy bar—sales reached a height of $1 million per month—and created a company called “Babe Ruth’s Own Candy.” Unfortunately, Babe Ruth was unable to patent the name because it was “confusingly similar to ‘Baby Ruth,’ a trademark on candy already registered.” For nearly 100 years, many people have argued that the Baby Ruth candy bar was named after the the famous baseball player, but the Curtiss Candy Company has stood by their claim. So, the next time you take a bite out of a Baby Ruth candy bar, take a moment to think about Grover Cleveland’s young daughter, Ruth Cleveland, and also think of one of the most famous baseball players of all time, Babe Ruth.

---

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.

Dekota Brewer (North Hodge, LA) – Disturbing the Peace, Public Intoxication
Phillip Beard Jr. (Hodge, LA) – Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Hallucinogens, Possession of Marijuana, Improper Lane Violation
Jason Page (West Monroe, LA) – Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Falsifying Drug Screen
Yyeece L Gore (West Monroe, LA) – Possession of Schedule II, Resisting an Officer
Kimberly S Brown (Jonesboro, LA) – Wanted Person in Harris County, TX
Marcus Walker (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery
Willie Jackson (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery
Joshua Searcy (Jonesboro, LA) – Theft of a Motor Vehicle
Challis Prejean (Jonesboro, LA) – 2nd Degree Battery
Robert Mason (Jonesboro, LA) – DUI
Brittany Moffett (Jonesboro, LA) – Taking Contraband to/from an Institution, Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule III, Attempt to Conspire to Distribute Schedule I

---

To have your Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for sale, Wanted to Buy and Public / Legal Notices published – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com. Possible costs are dependent on content. 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Communications Manager

The Safe Routes Partnership is seeking an energetic and detail-oriented marketing professional with excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills; The ideal candidate must have the ability to strategize, develop, and implement an annual communications plan designed to amplify the mission and encourage programmatic collaboration and fund development. We welcome applicants passionate about advancing safe walking and bicycling to school and daily life to increase physical activity levels and create livable, equitable, sustainable communities. All positions at Safe Routes Partnership are full-time remote positions.

The Communications Manager will serve as the lead for the Safe Routes Partnership’s internal and external communications including online messaging, publication design, website updates, press releases, and fund development campaigns. The overarching goal of this position’s work is to ensure that organizational branding and messaging accurately reflect the Partnership’s mission and commitment to advancing equity in active mobility and transportation.

We are particularly looking for individuals that have:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experience working with digital, print, and television media – local, regional, and national outlets.
Proven leadership skills and collaborative mindset.
A high level of attention to detail and project management.
Experience working in building consensus with coalitions with multiple viewpoints.
A deep understanding of and experience with authentic, equity-focused, community-centered engagement.

Please review the job description for more details about the position’s responsibilities and qualifications. The salary range for this at-will position is $65,000 – $75,000 depending on experience and qualifications, plus health insurance benefits, paid time off, and optional participation in a deferred compensation plan. A PC computer, telephone, and internet access will be provided. Successful candidates will work from their home office and may be based anywhere in the United States.

To Apply: Interested applicants should submit (via email) a cover letter, resume, and three writing samples in one PDF file to hr@saferoutespartnership.org. Ensure that the subject line of your email includes the text “Communications Manager.” We are not accepting email or telephone call inquiries.

Receipt of applications will be acknowledged with an email reply. Applications will be accepted until January 12, 2024, COB. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply early. Telephone inquiries are not accepted.

We look forward to hearing from qualified candidates interested in joining our dynamic, visionary and growing national non-profit. Visit www.saferoutespartnership.org for more information about our organization.

The Safe Routes Partnership is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in our staff, our work environment, and the change we want to see in our society. We value a diverse staff with a wide range of life experiences because we recognize that we are stronger when our organization and work benefit from the innovative contributions, creative solutions, practical know-how, and community insights brought by people of different backgrounds. Diversity of experience, ideas, and viewpoints is a priority, and candidates with varied education levels, skills, and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. People of color, people with disabilities, and people of different religions, nationalities, genders, and sexual orientations are strongly encouraged to apply.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

AFFIDAVIT OF SUCCESSION

Charles R. Penuell
June 19, 1944 – December 22, 2023

Memorial services for Reverend Charles R. Penuell, age 79 of Choudrant, were held Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Douglas Church near Ruston with Reverend Jeremy Jones and Reverend Roger Rayburn officiating.  Services were under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.

Charles was born June 19, 1944 to the union of Lane and Pauline Holstead Penuell and passed away Friday, December 22, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.  After Charles graduated from Choudrant High School and Louisiana Tech University, he taught at Benton High School (where he met his future wife, Lynn) and Benton Elementary School.  From there, he moved to Houston, Texas to complete his masters thesis. He returned to Ruston and began working at Pabco insulation when it opened in Grambling.  He remained there until his retirement. 

Charles became a lay speaker in 1991.  One day he received a call asking him to go to Athens United Methodist Church (UMC), in Athens, La, for two weeks. As God would have it, he remained at Athens UMC as their preacher for 13 years.  He then served at Wesley Chapel UMC, Quitman UMC and New Hope Dodson UMC Charge. Until two months ago he continued to serve Quitman Community Church, Dodson
Chapel, and New Hope. Charles’ greatest joy was his family, reading, and service to the Lord.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law:  Buddy McDaniel and Larry Baker; beloved uncle Cecil Holstead and aunt Katie Holstead and very close relatives, Jim and Polly Penuell.  Charles is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Lynn Penuell; one son Jason Penuell and wife Ashley; five grandchildren:  Alban Penuell, Lillian Penuell, Dayton Penuell, Stetson Penuell and Lawson Penuell; two sisters:  Sue Lane McDaniel and Mary Roselyn Baker; one brother:  Larry Penuell and wife Cindy, all of Choudrant, and a host of other relatives and many friends.

Serving as honorary pallbearers were Steve Matlock, Teddie Rayburn, Mike Oddo, Freddie Spigener, Alban Penuell, Chris Love, Dwight Lamkin and Stephen Gaar.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Douglas Church or Quitman Community Church. A special thanks to Dr Stewart Bundrick and his Staff at Willis Knighton, and Blain Owens for his guidance and concern for our family.

Myrtle Santero Pointer
October 16, 1932 – December 22, 2023

Myrtle (Santero) Pointer passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023 in Jonesboro, Louisiana. She was 92 years old. Myrtle, a native of Hawaii, was a Christian and attended Quitman Baptist Church for many years. She loved working in her yard and taking care of her flowers.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Pointer; and her 2 sons, Clifton Pointer and Clyde Pointer; her father, Minoda Santero; and her mother, Hateu Nakamura Santero. She leaves behind her grandchildren, many friends, and her Quitman Baptist Church family.

A visitation was scheduled for Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro. Her procession then traveled to Brooks Chapel Cemetery in Quitman for a graveside service to be officiated by her pastor, Bro. Donald Rudd.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dennis Otwell, Ken Jones, James Mobley, Reggy Winkler, Matt Robinson and Moses Rudd.

Martha Ann Harrison
November 3, 1932 – December 28, 2023

Martha Ann Harrison, age 91 of Jonesboro, traveled to her Heavenly home on Thursday, December 28, 2023. Martha is a Jackson Parish native and graduated with a teaching degree from La Tech. She adored children and dedicated her life to teaching. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro and of the Red Hat Ladies. She enjoyed the Red Hat get-togethers such as lunches and tea socials. Martha loved to travel and has been to many places around the world. She has visited France, Germany, Russia and saw the Alps in Europe just to name a few places. She spent many years living in, working in and enjoying Hawaii. She would love for her loved ones and friends to remember to, “Celebrate my life and know it was a Super ride.”

Those left to cherish her memory is her brother, James “Jimmy” Harrison and wife Katie of Cummings, GA; nephews, James Andrew Harrison of Houston, TX, John Michael Harrison and wife Anna of Jonesboro, LA; niece, Kimberly (Harrison) Crane and husband John of Cummings, GA, a host of great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, John “Dutch” and Lavelle (Howard) Harrison.

Friends may visit with her family on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 from 10:00AM until time of service at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Her funeral service is set for noon with Rev. Brian McAllister officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Glynn Salters, Wade McBride, Gary Black, LaVelle Brown, Marlin Mathis, Randy Layfield.

Alex Kristopher Robertson
December 18, 1985 – December 25, 2023

Alex Kristopher Robertson, born to Kevin Robertson and Sylvia Greer Armstrong on December 18, 1983 in Jonesboro, Louisiana passed away on December 25th, 2023 at the age of 40 years old.

He attended Chatham High School and went to Eros United Pentecostal Church as a child/young adult. He was a skilled carpenter and was employed on numerous carpentry jobs over the years.

He was preceded n death by his maternal grandmother, Linda Fenn Skains and maternal grandfather, James Greer; paternal grandfather and grandmother, Wesley “Jack” and Ramona Robertson.

He is survived by his wife, Debra and his four children, Andrew Robertson, Abby Robertson, Adam Robertson and Addison Robertson; his parents Wesley Kevin Robertson and fiancé’ Nikki; Curtis and Sylvia Armstrong; one aunt, Pamela Greer; four sisters: Wendy Terrill and wife, Cindy, Misty Armstrong, Macy Robertson and Reagan Armstrong; two nieces; Reese and Remi Terrill; stepdaughters: Samantha Olivoe and Bethany Boykin; and three step grandchildren: Jeanie Scurria, Ayva Scurria and Carter Olivoe and a host of other relatives and friends.

His Celebration of Life service was held at the Grace Apostolic Church in Eros, LA on Friday, December 29th followed by burial in the the Eros Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro. 

 

---

The days after Christmas and before the beginning of a New Year are some of the best times there is. Why is that? Because for a few glorious days there is very little going on.

It is a time of rest and relaxation as people everywhere basks in the afterglow of celebrating Christmas and take a few days to regroup before getting prepared for the new year and all that it brings.

With that in mind the staff of the Jackson Parish Journal has taken a few days off to enjoy time with family. Thank you for allowing us to bring the happenings of our area to you this past year and we are excited to continue publication on December 31st as we continue to be the voice of Jackson Parish in 2024. Happy Holidays! 

 

 

---

It is the most beloved time of the year as families and friends get togethers to exchange gifts and enjoy great fellowship. What must be remembered first and foremost though is the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate the hallowed day.

Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. The name ‘Christmas’ comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A Mass service (which is sometimes called Communion or Eucharist) is where Christians remember that Jesus died for us and then came back to life. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. Sure, enjoy the season but remember to rejoice as well! 

The Jackson Parish Journal wishes each and all a very Merry Christmas!

---

Tag! Your it!

Who doesn’t remember taking part in the age old game played by children where you chased down someone and tagged them so that they then had to do it to someone else?

This past Wednesday, December 20th, a new kind of “Tag Your It” was introduced in Jonesboro. The difference? Other than the fact that nobody had to even move, this version was not about fun and games but in honor of one of Jackson Parish’s most acclaimed former residents. 

The best part of all was that the one who got “tagged” wasn’t expecting it. More on that below….

To set the stage, Anthony Nicholas “Tag” Rome and family had come to Jonesboro for the dedication of the “fleur de lis” fountain that Tag had provided the funds for as part of beautification of Jonesboro project and in memory of his parents Tony and Marlene Rome.

The dedication of the fountain in their names was well deserved. For decades, Tony and Marlene gave of themselves to the betterment of the residents of Jonesboro and Jackson Parish, young and old alike. 

Whether it was through the pair volunteering their time to the Jackson Parish Recreation Department as a Little League baseball coach and “team mother” for years or opening a very successful men’s wear business in Jonesboro that was a long standing staple of the local business community, the Rome’s made a significant contribution. 

It was something that was important to them as Tag stated during the ceremony that was held on Main Street in front of the many who attended.

“My mom and dad were raised in south Louisiana (Donaldsonville) but when they came here they made Jonesboro their home,” recalled Tag. “My parents loved the people here and the many friends they made. To them there was no better place to live and they wanted to give back. I understand why they felt that way as I feel very fortunate to grow up here.”

Situated at the intersection of Jimmie Davis Blvd and Polk Street in downtown Jonesboro, the fountain sits in the medium adjacent to where Anthony’s Men’s Wear, the business owned and operated by the Rome’s, used to be. 

Before the dedication of the fountain proceedings began, Tag and his brother Chris took the opportunity to tour the old “family business.” Upon entering the memories of childhood days came flooding back.

“I remember my brothers and I running all around here as a kid,” laughed Tag. “It is good to be in here again. Brings back many great memories of growing up here.”

The dedication ceremony began with Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce Director, Wilda Smith, explaining how Tag was instrumental in getting the fountain and how appreciative she was that even though he now lives in the Shreveport/Bossier area he still remembers his hometown. 

Then Jonesboro Mayor Harris took center stage to drop a bombshell on Tag and family when he read a Proclamation that decreed December 20, 2023 as TAG ROME DAY! (Proclamation shown in entirety as Public Notice in Classifieds section)

“I can’t tell you how much this means to me,” said Tag who appreciated the gesture so much he had to take a moment to corral his emotions. “I wasn’t expecting this. Tp be given this honor on the day that we came here to help keep my mother and father’s legacy alive is very special.”

It is just due that Tag was honored in this way. Just as Marlene and Tony Rome left great examples on how to live, so has Tag.  A look back at his life is a wonderful demonstration of how unwavering determination and drive leads to tremendous success.

Although he was an outstanding football player at Cedar Creek High School in Ruston in the late 1970’s, no colleges offered him a scholarship to play. Undaunted, he walked on at Northeast Louisiana University (NLU), now the University of Louisiana – Monroe (ULM), where he not only would earn a scholarship but become the schools all-time leading receiver upon his graduation and is inducted in the NLU/ULM Hall of Fame. 

This led him to an opportunity to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and National Football League (NFL) for four years, and then a chance to become the the youngest head coach in the collegiate ranks at NLU. 

For many, it would have been a “no-brainer” but demonstrating the character that he had learned from his parents, who believed that nothing was more important than the well being of family, he turned down the offer to coach his alma mater. 

“It was a very hard decision,” Tag said at the time. “I loved football but I loved my family even more and wanted to be the kind of dad my father was. I knew that if I took the offer I would hardly ever be at home.”

Instead Tag turned his focus on succeeding in the business world, becoming a State Farm Insurance Agent in Loanoke, AR. From there he moved to Bossier City, where he now owns and operates three State Farm Agencies and has won multiple awards for being one of the top agents in the United States.

Quite a success story to say the least. Yet if you ask Tag, who at the age of 62 years old is the matriarch of the Rome family,  what he considers his greatest achievement in life is, he will tell you it is giving back to the community and being there as a husband, father and now grandfather. 

The apple of his father and mother’s eye didn’t fall far from the tree. 

Like father, like mother, like son! 

---

There was a time when the Christmas holidays meant games nearly every day for high school basketball teams. It was not unusual for schools to play as many as ten games over the two week period, including tournaments on Christmas Day. 

Not anymore.

Now the Christmas break means that prep action comes to a halt as well. Given the down time, lets take a look at how area girls and boys teams have fared to date. 

Jonesboro-Hodge High School: Both the girls and boys teams have struggled to find consistent scoring so far this season resulting in the two squads combining for just six wins between them. The Lady Tigers sit at 4-11 on the year in Shan Jackson’s first year at the helm while the boys are 2-9 and averaging just 39.8 points per game. Both played this past Thursday against Class 5A West Monroe with the girls falling 52-21 and the boys losing by a 69-36 margin for their sixth straight defeat. 

Quitman High School: Fortunes are reversed at QHS as both the girls and boys teams lead the area in victories. At 15-7. the Lady Wolverines have the best record in the area and finish the 2023 portion of the schedule by winning 9 of their last 10 contests.  Sophomore Cali Deal leads the area with a 24.4 points per game average. A stellar 54% team field goal percentage has led to the Wolverines compiling a 14-7 record, best among area boys teams and sitting at #8 in the Division V power rankings, second behind only Gibsland-Coleman among north Louisiana teams. 

Weston High School: The Lady Wolves took a horrendous blow before the season even began when returning district 1B MVP Briley Peterson was lost for the year. Still the Weston girls have been successful sporting an 11-8 mark and the emergence of 8th grader, Carly Jo Griffin, has been a pleasant surprise. The Weston boys are also having a good year, also compiling an 11-8 record to date and seem to be getting better having won four of their last five games with the only losses being to Class 5A Haughton and the Division V, 5th ranked team among “select” schools Claiborne Christian.

Saline High School: It is a shame that there isn’t a Class C state champion this year as the Bobcats look like they would be strong contenders, ranking second among Class C schools in the Division V power rankings which is comprised of Class B and C schools. At 11-8 on the year, the Bobcats have a well balanced attack that has led to wins in 4 of their last 5 games and eight victories over teams from a higher classification.  If there is a team that didn’t want the break to come it is the Lady Bobcats. Sitting at 6-14 on the year the Saline girls looked to be catching fire winning their last two games against Class 2A and 3A competition. 

Dodson High School: December 15th was a glorious day for Dodson as both the girls and boys won on the same day for the first time in years. The win was especially sweet for the Lady Panthers who broke a three year, 47 game losing streak. The boys have had a hard time of it so far as well winning only 3 of the 19 games played but with Allen Parker, who led Dodson to great heights before retiring back at the helm for both squads, better days are surely ahead. 

---