The 3-2A All-District football team has been announced with DeMarious Burns and Dakota Knox of Jonesboro-Hodge High School being named to the first team. Burns, who capped off his senior season by also being named to the second team as a tight end, was selected as a kick returner while Knox, in only his sophomore year, was chosen as a defensive back. 

Five additional Tigers earned second team designation. Seniors Noah Lucas and Symeon Malone were named as an offensive lineman and quarterback respectively while junior Ken’Waun Atkins was chosen as a defensive lineman  and sophomore’s Landon Boston and Marquis Baker both earning a spot as linebackers. 

District 3-2A champion Many swept top honors led by first year coach Dillon Barrett being named Coach of the Year. Running back, Jeremiah James, was chosen as Offensive Player of the Year and LSU commit, Tylan Singleton (DB/WR) earned Athlete of the Year honors.  

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The administration of the Jackson Parish Hospital is pleased to announce that the groundbreaking of the ER/MRI/Endoscopy Expansion Project will take place at 1:00 pm on Monday, December 18th.

With US Congresswoman, Julia Letlow, and State Representative, Jack McFarland, expected to be in attendance along with several local dignitaries the gala event will take place by the digital JPH sign at the corner of Hwy 167 and Beech Springs Road where a large tent will be present. 

“We are very excited to see the groundbreaking on this project take place, as it is another major step in our efforts to provide the best service possible for our residents,” said Jackson Parish Hospital CEO, John Morgan. “I also want to say thank you to Congresswoman Letlow for her help in getting two million dollars in federal funds earmarked toward this. She and her staff have been very supportive of our parish and played a significant part in our ability to see this expansion come to fruition.” 

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Quitman High School found the court at Cedar Creek High School to their liking this past weekend as both the boys and girls teams took down all comers to win their divisions of the Neil Kilgore Tournament. 

Although the girls played in a round robin format, the Lady Wolverines won all three games to up their record to 11-7, while the boys won both of their contests in the double elimination bracket to improve to 12-4 on the year. 

The weekend wasn’t as successful for Jonesboro-Hodge who also competed in tournament play over the weekend with both the girls (3-9) and boys (2-6) teams dropping two games in the West Ouachita Tourney. 

At Weston, the boys had perhaps their best victory of the year this past Thursday  and followed that up with another victory on Monday to improve to 9-7 on the year while the girls also won both of their games to break a two game losing streak and improve to 8-6 overall. 

Neighboring Saline finished their three game swing strong by winning two after falling to Quitman in the opening round of the Neil Kilgore to climb to 9-7 while Dodson won their second of the year on Friday before losing on Monday to fall to 2-13 this season. 

Neil Kilgore Tourney at Cedar Creek 

Quitman 44 Carroll 32 (Girls): The Lady Wolverines ran to a 14-4 first quarter lead and made it hold up for their fourth win over a school from a higher classification in the opener of the three day tourney at Cedar Creek in Ruston. Cali Deal led the way with 19 points followed by 15 from Anna Leach. Ali Claire Palmer also came up big with a season best tying five points. 

Quitman 46 Summerfield 45 (Girls): Taylor Borland only made one shot in the contest but it was the one every player always dreams of as with just one second left  she made a short jumper for the victory. The winning basket completed an impressive 11 point rally. Cali Deal was unstoppable as she poured in 9 of 10 field goals and sank 13 of 17 free throws to lead Quitman with 31 points. Anna Leach added seven and for the second night in a row, Ali Clair Palmer equaled her career high of five points. 

Quitman 36 Cedar Creek 29 (girls): After failing to score in the first quarter, Quitman came roaring back with 10-0 and 14-2 runs to top tourney host Cedar Creek for their third win in three nights. Once again it was premier post player Cali Deal leading the way by scoring all but 11 of the Lady Wolverines points. 

Quitman 67 Saline 38 (boys): Trailing 20-19 at the half, the Wolverines ripped off 24 straight points enroute to a 29-2 third quarter to blow the game open. Eli Walker and Logan Ponder scored 15 each to lead QHS with Noah Leach adding ten. Trent Ledbetter paced Saline with 11, all in the first half. 

Quitman 64 Cedar Creek 51 (boys): The final contest played out much like the previous Wolverine tourney win only it happened faster as a slim 14-13 lead suddenly ballooned to a 30-13 advantage in the second quarter leading to the victory. Quitman had perhaps their best balanced scoring attack of the season with six players scoring within six points of each other led by 12 points each by Eli Walker and Logan Ponder. Riley Duck finished with a season best 11 and Noah Leach added ten to give Quitman four “double digit” scorers. Brayden Smith chipped in with eight and Braden Marten scored six. 

Saline 56 Summerfield 49 (boys): Trent Ledbetter scored eight of his team high 23 points to lift the Bobcats to a 17-9 fourth quarter advantage that was the difference in the future district foe’s contest. Jer’Courtney Loyd and Gavyn Dailey chipped in with 9 each as Saline broke a four game losing streak. 

Three local boys named All-Tourney

Noah Leach and Logan Ponder of Quitman High School along with Trent Ledbetter of Saline were named to the Neil Kilgore All Tourney team .

West Ouachita Tourney

Sterlington 66 JHHS 35 (boys) The Class 3A opponent raced out to a 43-26 lead at the half  and then held JHHS to only nine second half points to take the easy win. Chase Leonard scored ten to lead the Tigers.

West Ouachita 53 JHHS 51 (boys) The Tigers outscored the host Class 5A school 35-22 in the second half but the 29-16 halftime deficit was to much to overcome. Ten Tigers scored in the contest led by 8 each from Chance Leonard and DeMarrious Burns. 

Simsboro 36 JHHS 29 (girls) A 15-12 halftime lead disappeared in the second half as the strong Class B school, now 11-2 on the year, methodically pulled away in the defensive struggle. Tyya Davis scored 8 points to lead the Lady Tigers with Morgan Magee adding seven. 

West Ouachita 44 JHHS 33 (girls) Once again the Lady Tigers played close for roughly three quarters only to see the host school pull away late as JHHS lost for the 7th time in the last 8 games. Only four players scored for J-H with Tyya Davis and Morgan Magee pacing the point total with 12 points each. 

Weston sweeps Choudrant 

Weston 65 Choudrant 56 (boys): The third time these two have met started much like the first two Aggie victories but after spotting Choudrant to a 12-1 lead, Weston came storming back with an 11-0 run to pave the way to the impressive victory this past Thursday. It was a 19-6 Wolves fourth quarter after Choudrant took the third frame by a 22-13 advantage. that sealed the deal. Tait Henderson hit 9 of 16 field goals and sank 10 of 14 free throws on the way to 28 points to lead the Wolves. Bryce Zehr also came up big with 13 points and a team high 7 boards and 7 steals. 

Weston 46 Choudrant 30 (girls): Lainee Trosclair poured in a 22 points and Weston ran off 17 straight points between the second and third quarters to  win their third of the year over Choudrant. Anslee Aldy added nine points and Nadia Siadek scored 8 and pulled down 10 boards. Lexie Millien also added 12 rebounds while Carly Jo Griffin had five steals. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Come join former players, friends and family at the Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church on December 14, 2023, as they relive memories of Henry Robert “Bobby” Stone, one of most beloved coach’s in Jonesboro-Hodge High School history.

The special memorial service will be held in the sanctuary at the church located at 402 South Cooper Avenue in Jonesboro. A greeting of the family and social hour will begin at 10:00 am. This will be followed by several former players, friends and family members sharing recollections at 11:00 am with Reverend Randy Dark officiating.

“Coach,” as he was affectionately known by former players and friends, died peacefully in his sleep nine days after his 94th birthday on November 22, 2023. He was buried by Jane, his wife of 62 years who died in 2019, in his his birth home of Tifton, GA  on November 30th.

A brief bio shows that Bobby was a high school football star for Tifton High School, class of 1948, where he was honored as an all-district player all four years of his high school career. After high school he earned junior college All-American honors at South Georgia College, did a four year tour of duty in the Air Force and then became a two time Gulf States All Conference member at Louisiana Tech.

This was followed by a coaching career that included nine years as head football and track coach at Jonesboro-Hodge High School. From 1961-1970, Stone led his teams to three district titles, four playoff appearances and developed 14 players who went on to play in college. In 2008, he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bayou Classic and in 2016 voted into the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame. 

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The Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) has released the final plan for district realignments for the 2024-26 sports seasons. This follows an earlier announcement that showed which classification each member school would be in during the next two years. LHSAA members will meet in January for an official vote to ratify the final plans for classification and district realignment but it is expected to be a mere formality as all prior appeals and requests have been resolved by the governing committee. 

Of local note there was major changes and some minor ones as well but every school in the Jackson Parish Journal coverage area, including all three Jackson Parish public schools, Saline and Dodson were affected. 

Jonesboro-Hodge: A drop in classification from AA to A also means a change in district competition. Several old rivalries will be rekindled and new ones formed as JHHS will now be in District 1-A along with Arcadia, Ringgold, Haynesville, Glenbrook Academy (Minden), Plain Dealing, Cedar Creek (Ruston), and Lincoln Prep (Grambling).

Quitman / Weston: Both remain in District 1B along with mainstays Castor and Doyline. Of note is the addition of Simsboro making an already strong district in all sports even tougher but keeps travel down for the two Jackson Parish schools.

Saline: Joining what will be recognized as the strongest district in Class C. Three others will make up a tight nit district 1C including fellow Bienville Parish small school power Gibsland-Coleman, Summerfield and Claiborne Christian out of West Monroe. 

Dodson: Staying in District 2C along with fellow Winn Parish neighbor Calvin and Georgetown but adding two schools dropping down in classification that sets up long road trips. . Harrisonburg joins from Class B and Sicily Island drops all the way into the district from Class A after dropping their football program. 

LHSAA members will meet in January for an official vote to ratify the final plans for classification and district realignment but it is expected to be a mere formality. 

 

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Daelan Boston, Cali Deal and Bryce Zehr have been named the Student Athletes of the Week at Jonesboro-Hodge, Quitman, and Weston High School for the week of December 10-16.

The honorees are chosen by select members of the faculty and staff from each school after best exemplifying what it means to be a true student-athlete through academic achievement and athletic accomplishment. Each recipient is given a commemorative T-Shirt by the Jackson Parish Hospital, who sponsors the award.

Student-Athlete of the Week

Bryce Zehr (11th Grade) – Weston High School Boys Basketball

Cali Deal (11th Grade) – Quitman High School Girls Basketball

Daelan Boston (12th Grade) – Jonesboro-Hodge High School Boys Basketball

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The  Jackson Parish Library invites all patrons to come celebrate the Christmas season by visiting the Chatham Branch from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm (noon) on Saturday, December 16th for their presentation of “The Polar Express”.  Adding to the fun and enjoyment will be Artist Jim Tindall providing caricature sketches and pictures being made with Santa. 

Chatham Teen-N-Tween Bell Ringing Party on Thursday

At 4:30 pm on Thursday, December 14th, the Teen-N-Tween’s at the Chatham Branch, located at 1500 Pine Street, will get the Christmas season fun started with a Bell Ringing Party. For more information call 318-249-2980 or go to chathamevents@jacksonparishlib.org.

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The more things change, the more they remain the same.

Cries and moans about perceived poor officiating in the NFL this season seem to be louder and more often than usual. Maybe it’s because the season is a game longer now, or maybe it’s because more fans have more TV access to more games than ever before, or maybe it’s because there are more commentators on more platforms than ever and because fans have more ways than ever to express their views.

And who knows? — maybe the officiating isn’t as good this season as it’s been in the past. Only the chief of NFL officials would know that. And he’s not saying.

But a lot of us are. You can slam officials on everything from Facebook to “Insta” to TikTok — if you know how to work all those things. (Some of us don’t.)

Unlike fans, the players and coaches are wise to temper their comments about officiating or face getting fined. That threat didn’t stop Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett Sunday for calling the officiating in Sunday’s game against Jacksonville a “travesty” and “honestly awful.”

And his team WON.

Much more publicized and dramatic was what happened in Kansas City, where the homestanding Chiefs had a touchdown (that included a lateral pass) called back because a KC receiver had lined up offsides. The score and extra point would have given Kansas City a four-point lead with a minute to play; instead, three Patrick Mahomes incompletions later, the Chiefs were 20-17 losers to Buffalo.

After that game, Kansas City players and even some broadcasters complained that such a “little” penalty shouldn’t decide the game. The quarterback blamed it on the ref. The coach said “it’s a bit embarrassing for the National Football League” for a dramatic play and score so late in the game to be wiped out by an offsides penalty.

Which is all fine except the professional wide receiver lined up offsides. He has been playing since he was 6 and has been practicing for this season since July. It was the fourth quarter of the Chiefs’ 13th game of the year.

And it’s the first rule in most sports: you have to be on one side of a line or another at some point. Think of all the lines drawn on fields and courts and tracks. You can’t have a sport without a line like you can’t have a trial with a manila folder.

Yet it’s the fault of the official. It’s not dropped passes or turnovers or blown assignments that have the defending Super Bowl champs at 8-5. Neg. It’s somebody else’s fault. Like the official’s. For calling the receiver offsides. For being offsides. For dropping the flag as soon as the ball was snapped.

What a joke. The officials were right and some people are still mad.

It’s just a game and not life or death and the world will continue to spin. Still it’s funny when even professionals, obviously in error, blame someone or something else when things are going badly.

Like playing any sport at a high level, officiating is demanding and an inexact science. It’s my pleasure to know officials at every level of sports, and the ones I know love it and train for it and take it seriously, just as the players do. The imperfections of players and officials and even the journalists who cover them will never go away.

None of this is new, even though there have been several stories this fall questioning officiating. I’ve kept a few dozen Sports Illustrated covers through the years. The one I’m looking at today pictures Terry Bradshaw — then Pittsburgh’s quarterback and probably why I kept the cover — pleading with an official. This is the headline:

“The Refs: Uproar in the NFL”

The date is October 9.

Of 1978.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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The administration and staff at Jonesboro-Hodge High School, Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School along with Director Trey Porchey and the Tiger Band invite you to celebrate the sounds of music at the inaugural Christmas Concert that will be held on Thursday, December 14th.

The concert will begin at 7:00 pm in the JHHS Auditorium but from 5:30 – 6:30 pm professional family photo opportunities will be available. There is no charge to attend the concert but donations will be accepted with all proceeds going toward the band to help with needed expenditures.

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Twenty five students, comprising of three each from grades K-5 and one apiece from grades 6-12, were honored by Quitman High School as Students of the Month for November as shown in the banner above. 

QHS Students of the Month for November

Kindergarten: Gunner LeBlanc, Parker Kate Long, Savannah Daniels
1st Grade: Caleb Smith, Rafe Lewter, Kyle Staples
2nd Grade: Elizabeth Hurst, Reece Johnson, Rayna Hernandez
3rd Grade: Brock Craighead, Landrie Watson, Aria Dodson
4th Grade: Charley Linton, Haille Brown, Maddason Williams
5th Grade: Graceynn Lowery, Emma Gray, Jake Moak
6th Grade: Noah Spillman
7th Grade: Judah Atkins
8th Grade: Jack Thomas
9th Grade: Brody Cotten
10th Grade: Ashton Plunkett
11th Grade: Marley Bell
12th Grade: Maddie Grace Giddens

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The day was December 6, 1923. Of historical note, Calvin Coolidge became the first United States president to deliver an address that was broadcast on the radio. Something else important happened that day as well. Bernice Alexander was born. 

This past Wednesday, generations of her relatives and a large number of her “extended” family at McDonald Memorial Baptist Church in Jonesboro, came to Forest Haven Nursing Home to help Ms. Bernice celebrate her centennial birthday.

The joyous occasion was highlighted by the “birthday girl” being presented with a cake, crown and sash proclaiming her 100th birthday along with well wishers giving gifts while sharing a beautiful day outdoors.

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Each month  a Veteran of the United States Armed Services that resides at Forest Haven has been honored by the Jonesboro Heritage Quilt Guild (HQG) in recognition of their service. This past week, it was Wally Meek that received the Veterans Quilt that was hand stitched by the ladies of the HGC. Meek served as a Private in the Army where he was deployed as a welder at a base in France for over two years toward the end of the Korean War. 

The Heritage Quilt Guild meets at 9:30 am on the 1st Wednesday of each month at the Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church, located at 402 4th Street in Jonesboro. The non-profit charity organization provides a means for quilters and guild lovers to promote the appreciation and preservation of quilts and share the art so it can be handed down to others.

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Following tryouts that were held on December 6th, twenty one players have earned the right to represent Quitman High School on their 2024 varsity baseball team. Leading head coach Joe Lockhart’s cast will be five seniors, two juniors, six sophomores, two freshmen and six 8th graders. 

2024 QHS Baseball Team

Seniors: Pete Simonelli, Logan Ponder, Braden Hobbs, J.R. Hasley, Riley Duck
Juniors: Hayden Davis, Jake Potts
Sophomores: Maddox Duck, Jayden Harts, Hudson Pullig, Asher Schultz, Brayden Smith, Kace West
Freshmen: Hunter Ayres, Cail King
8th Grade: Asher Burns, Tucker Newton, Aiden Rhodes, Asher Rhodes, Zach Smudricks, Remi Upshaw

Quitman Jr. High Baseball Wraps Up Successful Fall Campaign

The Wolverine Junior High Baseball Program wrapped up their season in Mid November and it showed positive results for the future of the Quitman program. Quitman fielded 2 teams with Blue team consisting of 7th and 8th graders and the Gold team made up 6th and 7th graders.

The Gold team finished with a record of 2-3-2 and featured wins over Choudrant and Simsboro. They improved with each game of the season and featured the top defensive play of the junior high season when Mason Thomas ran down a deep line drive to the right center field gap to make a game saving catch. The Gold Roster included: Hayden Essmeier,Ryder Gray, Cason Rogers, Eli Rowe, Luke Rowe, Ryan Sandifer, Luke Sims, Noah Spillman, Waylon Sullivan, Mason Thomas, Jake Vail, and Caston Zimmerman.

The Blue team started the year by suffering 3 close losses to Claiborne Christian before putting things together and finishing on a 4 game winning streak over Choudrant, Weston, and Cedar Creek. The roster included: Asher Burns, Jaxon Cheatwood, Ayden Greer, Tucker Goss, Connor Moak, Tucker Newton, Hayden Seymore, Aiden Rhodes, Asher Rhodes, Remi Upshaw, and Zach Smudricks.

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Cub Scout Pack 523 visited Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Jonesboro on Monday, December 12th. Not only did the enterprising youth, under the guidance of Director, Brian Hurt, brighten the day of the residents but also joined them in making big paper snowflakes to help bring in the Christmas season.  

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The 7th grade, “Quest for Success” class at Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School under the guidance of Coach Martinez, recently wrapped up the “Food Truck” unit. What better way to learn about how this form of business operates other than to take a field trip to Ruston to see one up close and personal. The owner talked to them about the ins and outs of the food truck business while also allowing the students to taste some of the delicious food prepared in the food trucks. Field-based experiences are necessary. Great things happen at JHMS!

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Each year on Christmas Eve, the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Cologne, Germany hosted a Living Crèche, what you and I know as a nativity scene or manger scene. Church members dressed as shepherds, angels, wise men, Mary, and Joseph, stood as motionless as possible to show their reverence for such an important and sacred event. If one was available, a newborn child played the part of baby Jesus. The recreated nativity scene often included various animals. In some years, a parishioner read the story of the birth of Christ to be sure that everyone, regardless of age, understood the occasion. A well-rehearsed choir of children broke the silence by singing a religious hymn, followed by a period of silence, then another hymn.

In the years leading up to the Living Crèche of 1670, the children in the choir became bored between songs. The choirmaster instructed them not to move from their assigned spots and not to talk. The period between songs was reserved for absolute silence. The children followed the first instruction and remained in their spots, but as they became bored, their natural inclinations slowly took over. One would give another a look. Another would whisper. The progression continued as long as they went unnoticed by the choirmaster. Before long, the children were talking. A stern look from the choirmaster quelled their conversations, but only for a few moments and the progression began again.

The choirmaster was determined that the Living Crèche of 1670 would be different. In previous years, the choirmaster had threatened and meted out different types of punishments, but they had little effect. Nothing seemed to keep the children quiet. He planned to find another way to keep the children quiet. After much consideration of various ideas, all of which he quickly discounted for one reason or another, he decided that the only way to keep the children quiet was to put something into their mouths, but what? Handkerchiefs? Pieces of wood? Surgeons used items such as these for their patients to bite down on during operations, but the parishioners would never have allowed that to happen. Finally, the choirmaster settled on something more positive, food. If he gave the children something good to eat, something all the children liked, they would not be able to talk. The choirmaster knew the parishioners would not allow children to eat during such a solemn occasion. He searched for a loophole and, after a visit to the local confectioner, the choirmaster came up with a solution. He ordered enough white “sugar sticks” specially designed to resemble a holy symbol related to the story of the birth of the savior.

The archbishop raised an eyebrow in disapproval when the choirmaster explained that he would give the choir children sugar sticks during the Living Crèche. When the choirmaster explained how the sugar sticks tied into the nativity scene, the archbishop relented. On Christmas Eve of 1670, the choirmaster passed out his specially designed sugar sticks to the children. During the service, the children were silent between songs as they enjoyed their sugar sticks. His plan had worked. In the following years, in addition to the children in the choir, the congregation enjoyed the sugar sticks as well. The ritual eventually spread around the Christian world and became a part of our Christmas tradition which continues to this day.

We buy more of these sugar sticks during the Christmas season than any other time of year. In addition to their great taste, we often decorate with them. They still have the same shape as designed by the Cologne choirmaster, but they now come in a variety of flavors and colors. The most popular, by far, is the peppermint flavored red and white sugar stick. Back in 1670, the choirmaster had the confectioner bend the sugar sticks in the shape of a shepherd’s crook or hook. We know these sugar sticks as candy canes.

 

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Jonesboro-Hodge held home standing Rayville to just five field goals the entire game to take a 44-17 victory this past Thursday. The defensive performance was the best  since the Lady Tigers beat North Caddo 48-0 during the 2020-21 season.

Tough losses against a strong Simsboro squad and Class 5A West Ouachita followed on Friday and Saturday at the West Ouachita Invitational JHHS ended the week sitting at 3-9 on the year but with a renewed defensive effort evident.

The Lady Tigers started the 2023-24 season under first year head coach Shan Jackson with a 2-2 record before suffering five straight losses where opponents averaged 53.8 points per game (ppg). Over the last three, J-H has given up only 32.33 ppg lending credence that better days are ahead. 

Tyya Davis led the Lady Tigers with 19 points, outscoring Rayville by herself. This included all of J-H’s 8 points in the first quarter where her four field goals were one more than the Lady Hornets made in the entire first half. Neesha Johnson chipped in with 7 points and J-H’s only three pointer on the night followed by six points from LeRonda McQuire. Jalenya Jackson and Angel Moss contributed four points each with Sanaa Tatum totalling three and JaMauri Kimble adding a free throw. 

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Students of Cornerstone Christian Academy in Jonesboro visited Forest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Jonesboro on Wednesday, December 6th. delighting the residents and staff with Christmas carols. Not only did they bring smiles by singing Christmas carols but left residents feeling warm and fuzzy through their gifts of socks. 

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On December 20th and 21st, the Quitman High School Theatre I Class, in conjunction with the QHS Gifted Music ensemble, will be presenting A Junie B. Jones Christmas in the school auditorium. Cost of admission is $1.00 each.

There will be three shows in all with the first two being at 8:30 and 10:30 am on Wednesday, December 20th followed by a final rendition at 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 21st.  

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Celebrate!

A child is born…

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 KJV).”

We celebrate a birth.

Have you been born again?

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit (John 3:1-8 KJV).”

Celebrate!

“It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found (Luke 15:32 KJV).”

 

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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.

Rayshawn D Progue (Shreveport, LA) – First Degree Murder, Aggravated Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Home Invasion
Angela Kijawa (Hodge, LA) – Improper Tele-Communications
Robert Keys (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace, Criminal Trespass
Parley McKnight (Quitman, LA) – DWI, Speeding
Christopher Moffett (Chatham, LA) – Felony Theft
Jon Speir (North Hodge, LA) – Identity Theft
Patricia Keys (Quitman, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
Jackie Waffer (Eros, LA) – Parole Violation
Hezelkah Harbor (Baton Rouge, LA) -Disturbing the Peace, Resisting x2, Battery of a Police Officer, Introduction of Contraband
Kristen L. Sharbono (Calhoun, LA) – Improper Lane, Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Synthetic Marijuana
Japhus Briggs (Chatham, LA) – Disturbing the Peace, Appearing in an Intoxicated Condition, Remaining after Forbidden 
Terry W. Johnson (Monroe, LA) – Turning Signals, Possession of Methamphetamine less than 2 grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia x 2, Warrant – NCIC wanted
Margaret Lanell (Many, LA) – Possession of Methamphetamine less than 2 grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia x 2
Jerry W. Gentry (Chatham, LA) – Bench Warrant on Remaining After Forbidden Charge
Brandi N. Temple (Choudrant, LA) Ouachita Parish Warrant  on Criminal Trespass and Theft Charges
Danny Robertson (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Methamphetamine less than 28 grams, Taking Contraband to/from Penal Institution
Coby Ogden (Winnsboro, LA) – Battery of a Correctional Facility Employee

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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. 

ITEMS FOR SALE

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

AFFIDAVIT OF SUCCESSION

LEGAL NOTICE

Shane Atkins
October 26, 1960 – December 9, 2023

Funeral services for Shane Atkins, age 63 of Ruston, LA, will be held at 2:00, Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at Clay United Methodist Church with Rev. Eddie Rushing officiating. Burial will follow in the Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Ruston, LA under the Direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

Shane worked as a carpenter, corrections officer, volunteer firefighter and EMT, and for the City of Ruston Street Department. He enjoyed hunting, fishing with his sons, watching Nascar and football, and gardening. He really liked being outdoors and spending time with his family. Shane loved telling stories in the greatest detail, especially stories that never ended. He lived by the cowboy code and he believed in “You always respect the ladies and you always love the ladies”. He touched many people’s lives, especially while working at the prison. Shane was a member of Clay United Methodist Church. Shane is preceded in death by his father, Don David Atkins; sister, Michelle Annette Atkins and father-in-law, Dwain Kirkham.

Shane is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathy Atkins; two sons: David Matthew Atkins and Stephen Wade Atkins and Kelly Taylor; grandson, Caden Wade Atkins; sister, Deborah Diane Beaudion and husband McKinley; mother, Sherry Atkins, all of Clay, and mother-in-law, Lorrane Kirkham of Punkin Center.

Servings as pallbearers will be Brandon Voss, Doug Worley, Rickey Maxwell, Jeffery Duke and Terry Lawson.

Earnest Neil Lowe, Jr.
January 28, 1951 – December 6, 2023

Earnest Lowe, Jr., 72, of Beckville, Texas, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, December 6, 2023, at his home near Beckville. Earnest Neil Lowe, Jr. was born on January 28, 1951, in Arcadia, Louisiana to Earnest Neil Lowe, Sr. and Noverine Ray Goss Lowe. He graduated from high school in Quitman, Louisiana. Earnest married Rhonda Darlene Brown on May 12, 1972, in Jonesboro, Louisiana.

He began work as a mechanic and later promoted to supervisor at Texas Utilities/Luminant Mining where he retired in 2011, after 32 years with the company. Hunting and fishing were some of his favorite things to do. Earnest moved to Tatum in 1979, from Simsboro, Louisiana and moved to Beckville in 2010, from Tatum. He was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Earnest was preceded in death by his father, Earnest Lowe, Sr. and son, Jonathan Lowe.

He is survived by his mother, Noverine Lowe; wife, Rhonda Lowe; daughter, Jaime Prior and husband Travis; and siblings, Jackie Lowe, Debbie Miller and husband Steve, Michael Lowe, and Margaret Joyner and husband Joe.

The funeral service was held on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the Southern-Edmonds Chapel in Jonesboro with Bro. Keith Weaver officiating. Interment followed at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Quitman under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home

 

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