If you wondered if many people take advantage of the tremendous resources and programs that are at the Jackson Parish Library the answer is an overwhelming YES! The stats have been released showing activity at the JPL and the numbers are simply amazing.
In 2023 over 60,000 patrons visited either the Jonesboro Branch or Chatham Branch. Over 11,000 attended special programs produced by the talented staff, including 1,825 who came to the one day Halloween Program (Toy Story).
Hayden Davis and Maddox Duck finished in third place at the Louisiana High School State Fishing championship held on January 27th on Toledo Bend. The pair from Quitman High tamed the waters to reel in five bass that weighed 15 lbs 6 ozs, one of only three teams to catch a stringer of over 15 pounds. By virtue of their third place finish Davis and Duck are now in 2nd place in the year to date standing of the Northeast Louisiana High School Anglers Trail.
Other local pairs that fished were Landon Chatham / Hunter Vanburen representing Weston High as well as Hailey Chatham and Addison Ledford. Waylon Sullivan and Jake Vail fishing under Northeast Louisiana Junior Anglers caught two fish to come in 15th in the LA Junior State Championship that was held on January 28th. The team of Brody Halbrook and Brenda Newton finished in 26th.
On January 27th, Bryan “Peanut” Lay soared to a new personal best in the pole vault when he cleared 14′ 0″ at the McNeese Indoor II High School Invitational, the highest finish among any Louisiana high school vaulter. The height broke his own Quitman High School and Jackson Parish record of 13;9″ set a few weeks ago at the LSU Indoor Qualifier. As result, Lay has been nominated by MileSplit LA as Boys Performer of the Week along with 8 other athletes across the state. To vote go to MileSplitLA.com
The Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Young Adult Ministry is hosting their “Say Yes to the Dress” Event on Sunday, February 25th. The event will run from 12:00 – 2:00pm at 1712 Church Street in East Hodge. Their is no charge and all local high schoolers are invited to attend. Community donations of formal dresses will be accepted through 2/18. All sizes are welcome.
The Louisiana High School Athletic Association held their annual meeting on January 25th that once again brought sweeping changes to the landscape of high school athletics.
The spotlight fell on Class B and C as a groundbreaking decision to unite select and non-select schools in the sports of basketball, baseball, and softball was made. This move, a departure from the norm since 2012, signifies a significant step toward inclusivity, bringing together traditional public schools and non-traditional institutions in a single playoff bracket. The newly approved format is set to take effect in the 2024-2025 school year, introducing B and C brackets alongside the existing four playoff divisions (I-IV).
In a historic move girls wrestling will be introduced for the first time starting in the 2024-25 season. This groundbreaking decision aligns Louisiana with 40 other states that already offer a dedicated division for girls’ wrestling.
Additional measures saw the prep governing body approve a best of 3 championship series for Division I-III baseball playoffs. Divisions IV and V will maintain their traditional playoff format.
Several years ago, I did a funeral at First United Methodist Church in Houston. It was a Saturday funeral, which meant a drive through East Texas to be back in my church on Sunday. The amusing part of the story is that I had already buried this man once in Bienville Parish. His daughter wanted him to be relocated. So, I drove to Houston with the dearly departed in the backseat of my car. For those of you wondering, he was cremated! I’m wondering about those of you who were wondering.
On the way back home, through the woods of east Texas, I found out how strange life is.
There were three businesses that caught my attention. The first was a psychic who was giving readings in a pop-up camper. I know that because the sign was attached to the pop-up camper. I guess the psychic knew when the law was showing up and would take down the camper and move out of town. I don’t believe in psychics at all, but this was funny. A psychic on wheels makes sense. If they are really psychics, they should know who needs psychic readings and could go to them. The psychic could have a slogan, “have visions will travel.”
The second business was an “RV supply center and Notary.” From the looks of the shack, business was not very good. There were a couple of broken-down RVs in front of the shack and the sign was hand printed and tied to the tree in front of the shack. I hope the person had better notary skills than RV knowledge.
The third business was my favorite of the three East Texas candidates for Chamber of Commerce business of the year. The third business was “East Texas PC Service Candle and Gift Shop.” Talk about not having a business plan! Or maybe they wanted to touch all the bases. I’ll bet they stocked their gift shop with candles bought on the Internet using a refurbished computer. They should have bought some commas for their sign. I did try to imagine what a PC Service Candle would look like. It could have been a Politically Correct Service Candle and Gift Shop. Trying to imagine a “service candle” gave me a brain hiccup. I took the sign at face value, appreciated the need for commas, and vowed to quit overthinking things!
Do you have the feeling that these businesses might give their customers “the business?” They looked like they didn’t have a commitment to their business. They looked random and like a BBB complaint waiting to happen.
Have you ever felt life was giving you “the business?” I have too.
My advice, which is free, is to find a church! We will never give you “the business.”
Northwestern State University has released the Fall 2023 Presidents and Deans List that contains several students from Jackson Parish. Making the President’s List, which requires a perfect 4.0 grade point average is Kyla Claiborne from Quitman.
Those who are on the Dean’s List, having compiled a grade point average of 3.5 – 3.99 is:
O Sheona Williams – Chatham Georgia Robinson – Jonesboro Cara Tucker – Quitman
(Editor’s note: One of prop bets for Super Bowl LVIII [or 58 if you’re tired of Roman numerals, which we don’t use except at Super Bowl time because we are not Roman, DUUH! ] is whether Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce will propose to superpower Taylor Swift, who has recently been classified as her own planet, displacing Pluto, on the field. As of Tuesday, odds were long on Super Love Sunday: to wager on “no proposal,” you’d have to bet $2,200 and, if there were no proposal, you’d win $100 and get your $2,200 back. Betting-wise, not a great proposal.)
Sunday’s two NFL conference championships games were examples of why it would be fun for coaches to interview journalists now and then, instead of always the other way around.
Because first, the games were shining examples of why sports are the only true reality television.
Baltimore had the best running game in the NFL in the regular season, rushed for 229 yards in a 34-10 route of Houston Jan. 20 in the AFC Divisional round — and ran the ball only 16 times in a 17-10 loss to Kansas City in the AFC title game. The Ravens running backs rushed just six times. The Ravens defense held Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes scoreless in the third quarter, gave up just 17 points, but did not even really try to run, just expected quarterback Lamar Jackson to be Superman and/or silver-armed Tom Brady, so did NOT do “what brung ’em,” and lost.
Detroit pretty much DID do what brung ’em, but they lost too, 34-31 in San Francisco. Dan Campbell, a big man who in three years as head coach has turned Detroit’s franchise around and made them winners for the first time since Moses was cleaning Red Sea slime off his sandals, has gambled since he took over the team, running and gunning on fourth down, rolling the dice, all that sort of thing. Playing with a reckless, carefree confidence. Those results paid off — until they didn’t Sunday, when ill-timed fourth-down decisions in a game with No Tomorrow didn’t go as Campbell and Detroit and their long-suffering fans had hoped.
“Part of the gig,” Campbell said afterward, having been around long enough to know you win some, you lose some, you get praised for some, you get criticized for some, but you dress out for all of them. He didn’t read the room right Sunday, but you’ve got to love the guy.
This is what might have happened had Campbell gone to the press box 45 minutes after the game and had a press conference with the writers, tables turned, concerning several stories and TV reports that all those critical failures to convert fourth downs contributed to Detroit’s loss, which they did. Same as they’d have contributed to a win had they succeeded.
Coach: “So here’s the lede you wrote: ‘Four chances. Four chances on fourth down for Detroit to show the football world what it’s made of. The Lions blew them all.’ You start a sentence with a NUMERAL and end a sentence with a PREPOSITION?! Where did you learn grammar, K-Mart?”
Writer: “I got your ‘starting a sentence with a number’ right here. How about ‘Four score and seven years ago.’ Sound familiar? How about this?: ‘Sugar and spice and everything nice. That’s what little girls are made OF.’ It’s only one of the most famous nursery rhymes ever and has been around 10 times longer than since Detroit last won a playoff game.”
Coach, to another writer: “You start a story with ‘It,’ the ultimate in lazy. You wrote, ‘It will go down as one of the great blunders in NFL Championship history.’ As in, ‘I can’t think of how to describe ‘it’ right off the bat so I’ll just say ‘it’ and explain later. Hopefully.’ Pitiful.”
Writer: “Really? REALLY? ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.’ If it’s good enough for Chuck Dickens, it’s good enough for me. I almost went with ‘Call me Ishmael,’ ‘Ishmael’ being Arabic for ‘Guy Who Should Have Taken The Field Goal.’”
Coach: “You said our second-half defense was a ‘colander.’ Did you mean ‘sieve’? The phrase is ‘a sieve-like defense,’ not a ‘colander’ defense.”
Writer: “Sieve. Colander. Sling blade. Kaiser blade. Potato. PoTAHto. You’re nit-pickin’ now! Tell me, when’s the last time you wrote on deadline? The next time will be the first time, that’s when. You make a B+ on a freshman theme or win an award from the Optimist Club for an essay and think you’re Grantland Rice. I’m done here: I still have to write a column and a sidebar…”
Coach: “Well why not try for something lighter, something more optimistic, something like, ‘It was the best of times, it was the could-have-been-a-little-better of times…’”
Reservations are now being taken for Valentines Day Dinner by Odom’s that will be held at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center, located at 182 Industrial Drive in Jonesboro. Come and indulge in the delicacies created by Baton Rouge’s own Chef Odom by calling 225-395-9821. Reservations are available from 5:00 pm. See below for sample of menu being offered.
The Jackson Parish School District Truancy Program is off to a great start with truancy in the new year. The number of students attending school regularly is gradually increasing. Every month, we release an attendance flyer with the aim of achieving 95% and above attendance in our district schools. Schools that meet or exceed our district goal will receive an attendance celebration.
Our first school, Quitman High School, has already achieved the goal and enjoyed a popcorn and snowcone celebration. We are optimistic that the numbers for January will continue to soar as the presence of students in school minimizes the gap in learning and improves academic performance.
We urge parents to support us in achieving our goal by ensuring that their child/children attend school every day. Educating the whole child requires the collective effort of all of us.
In the mid-nineteenth century, banks were free to produce their own currency. In August 1842, the Illinois State Bank had to file for bankruptcy and announced that its paper money was worthless. The bank would only accept silver and gold as payment for loans and debts to the bank. Most citizens did not keep a supply of silver and gold, so many people no longer had the ability to pay their mortgagees or to buy much needed supplies. The situation seemed hopeless.
James Shields, state auditor of Illinois, sided with the bank’s decision to close and to not accept its own paper money. James, the ultimate authority in the matter, became the prime target of citizens who lost everything when the bank failed. People argued and railed against James verbally but in the following month Rebecca took it to print.
Rebecca was friends with Simeon Francis, the editor of the Sangamo Journal. Rebecca wrote a scathing editorial for Simeon’s newspaper which attacked James politically and personally. “I’ve been tugging ever since harvest getting out wheat and hauling it to the river,” Rebecca wrote, “to raise State Bank paper enough to pay my tax this year and a little school debt I owe; and now, just as I’ve got it…, lo and behold, I find a set of fellows calling themselves officers of State, have forbidden to receive State paper at all; and so here it is, dead on my hands.” Then, Rebecca attacked James for his pursuit of women. James’s “very features, in the ecstatic agony of his soul, spoke audibly and distinctly— ‘Dear girls, it is distressing, but I cannot marry you all. Too well I know how much you suffer; but do, do remember, it is not my fault that I am so handsome and so interesting.’”
The editorial had the desired effect and James was outraged. He contacted Simeon and demanded to know exactly who Rebecca was, to which Francis obliged. James wrote to Rebecca and demanded a retraction. “I have become the object of slander, vituperation, and personal abuse,” James wrote. “Only a full retraction may prevent consequences which no one will regret more than myself.” Rebecca responded in a letter to James with the request that he rewrite it in a more “gentlemanly” fashion, which further outraged James.
James realized their dispute could not be settled with words, so James challenged Rebecca to a duel. Rebecca accepted. Because James made the challenge, by the rules of dueling Rebecca had the privilege of selecting the weapons for the duel. Rebecca chose cavalry broadswords “of the largest size.” Rebecca stood six feet four inches tall and had long arms. James stood just five feet nine inches tall and had arms which were shorter than Rebecca’s. Rebecca had a longer reach. “I didn’t want the d—-d fellow to kill me,” Rebecca explained, “which I think he would have done if we had selected pistols. …I felt sure [I] could disarm him.”
On September 22, 1842, James and Rebecca met at Bloody Island, an island in the Missouri side of the Mississippi River adjacent to St. Louis. At the time, dueling was illegal in Illinois, but it was legal in Missouri. Bloody Island derived its name from it being a popular dueling ground. Rebecca and James each took their broadsword. A wooden plank was placed between them which neither was allowed to cross. They approached the plank, swords in hand, and Rebecca saw a low hanging tree branch just above them. Whether what happened next was part of Rebecca’s plan or completely by chance has never been determined. Rebecca, eyes fixed to the branch, swung the sword, and cut the branch out of their way. The sound of the blade cutting through the air above James’s head was impossible to ignore. James realized in that instant that he was at a disadvantage which could be fatal. With the encouragement of everyone present, James and Rebecca agreed to a truce. Since they both agreed to a truce, their honor remained intact.
Rebecca disliked speaking of the duel. Two decades later, memories of the duel were still unpleasant. Someone asked Rebecca if the stories about the duel were true. Rebecca replied sternly, “I do not deny it, but if you desire my friendship, you will never mention it again.”
Despite Rebecca’s advantages over James, anything is possible in a duel. Had Rebecca and James held their duel as planned and James had won, had Rebecca been killed, the consequences for American history are unimaginable. Rebecca was not the editorial author’s real name. Nor was Rebecca a woman. Rebecca was the pen name the self-described “prairie Lawyer” who, almost two decades later became the 16th President of the United States. You know Rebecca as Abraham Lincoln.
National School Counseling Week 2024, “School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused,” sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 5–9, 2024, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who “implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century.”
We appreciate school counselors for being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves.
School counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master’s degree in school counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.
“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, career options and social/emotional skills,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.”
More than 100,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the week’s festivities. Many schools will be hosting special events and activities to call attention to the countless benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.
About the American School Counselor Association
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) promotes student success by expanding the image and influence of school counseling through leadership, advocacy, collaboration and systemic change. ASCA helps school counselors guide their students toward academic achievement, career planning and social/emotional development to help today’s students become tomorrow’s productive, contributing members of society.
Founded in 1952, ASCA has a network of 51 state and territory associations and a membership of approximately 43,000 school counseling professionals. For additional information on the American School Counselor Association, visit schoolcounselor.org.
It’s a typical household occurrence; a wife politely asks her husband to do chores around the house. Perhaps she wants him to do errands in town; asking escalates into nagging. The lady of the house resorts to posting a honey-do list to restore peace.
As lady of this house, I use a Pammy-do list. I begin my busy morning routine at my personal computer. I jot down a list of things that I need to do during that day and keep it clearly in sight. At the break of dawn, I’m eager and easy on myself. Later, I frequently begin to feel like I’m not accomplishing all that I should.
I get a nagging conscience.
Needing to restore tranquility, I make a mental note of items I’ve checked off as done.
I must never forget that Jesus always did what mattered most. He went about each day doing good.
“So Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him (Acts 10:34-38 ESV).”
‘LORD, I need your anointing, guidance and power.’
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.
LEGAL NOTICE
AFFIDAVIT 0F SUCCESSION
PUBLIC NOTICE
Jackson Parish Library Board Regular Board Meeting Minutes January 23, 2024
The Jackson Parish Library Board of Control met on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library for the regular monthly board meeting. The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Massey, Board President. Members present: Mrs. Essmeier, Mrs. Nunn, Mrs. Standley, Ms. Jenkins, Mrs. Tew, and Mrs. Massey. Also present was Floyd Knox, Judy Robertson, Angela Walsworth, and John Kavanaugh. Members absent: Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Magee. Mrs. Standley led the invocation. There being no public comments, the Board proceeded with the proposed agenda. Mrs. Nunn made the motion to approve the minutes for the November 14, 2023 Board meeting. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Ms. Jenkins made the motion to accept the 4th Quarter financial reports. Mrs. Nunn seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Essmeier made the motion to accept the November, December, and 2023 statistical reports. Ms. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Massey opened the floor for nominations of officers of the 2024 Jackson Parish Library Board of Control. Mrs. Nunn made the motion to nominate Mrs. Massey as President. No other nominations were made. Mrs. Essmeier seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Essmeier made the motion to nominate Mrs. Standley to be Vice President. No other nominations were made. Ms. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Standley made the motion to nominate Mrs. Essmeier as Treasurer. No other nominations were made. Ms. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Nunn made the motion to adopt a resolution for the elected officer’s signatures to be added to the signature cards for the special fund account at Sabine State Bank. Ms. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Standley made the motion to set the 2024 Library Board meeting dates, time, and location as follows: quarterly meetings on the 3 rd Monday of the month or the day after if a holiday (April 15, July 15, October 21 for 2024 and January 21, 2025) at 4:30 p.m. at the main branch in Jonesboro. Mrs. Essmeier seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Massey made the motion to adopt the 2024 holiday schedule as presented. Ms. Jenkins seconded. All yes. Motion carried. The Director updated the Board on current projects. John Kavanaugh and Angela Walsworth were present to discuss and answer any questions about adding fruit plantings on the library grounds. This is made possible by the LSU AgCenter’s Community Library Homesteading Project Grant and our Ag Extension Agent, Shannon Chevallier. Mrs. Tew made the motion to approve the request from staff to add fruit plantings near the Jonesboro Library Park as presented by Mr. Kavanaugh. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried. Ms. Jenkins made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Standley seconded. All yes. Motion carried.
Hodge Strong Foundation and Little Piggie LLC are partnering together for a fundraiser on Wednesday, January 31st to benefit Emory Jones who is battling Leukemia at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, TN.
From 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, jambalaya plates will be sold at the WestRock Guest House at a cost of $15.00 each. Included will be a desert and drink. Pre-orders are HIGHLY SUGGESTED as it is anticipated plates selling out. if you are not able to come, delivery is available. To place your order in advance call 318-533-2775.
One hundred percent (100%) of the proceeds generated will go directly to Emery and her mom, Jaylan Jones, to help with the expenses that have been incurred and others that will be.
If you would like to learn more about Emery’s story, be sure to look at her page- Emery’s LEAP
It was “Pink Out” night at Quitman High but at the end Weston was seeing red as the homestanding Wolverines won both the pivotal district 1B girls and boys games. The QHS girls opened by taking a 37-21 victory followed by the boys racing to a 73-55 victory in the nightcap.
In between games QHS Principal Billy Carter recognized the Pullin family in front of the standing room only crowd who were mostly clad in pink in recognition of Cancer Awareness and in honor of former Quitman High School Golf Coach and cancer victim, Ginger Pullin.
With the victory the Quitman improved to 19-7 overall and 5th in the Division IV power rankings for “non-select” schools and stormed to the top of the district 1B standings with a 2-0 record. That puts the Wolverines one game ahead of Doyline and Castor, who both stand at 1-1 after Castor upset Doyline on Friday and two games ahead of Weston, who fell to 14-11 overall and 0-2 in 1B play.
The Lady Wolverines also won for the 19th time this season against 8 losses and evened their district 1B record at 1-1, the same as Weston who fell to 14-11 overall with the loss. Both sit one game behind district 1B leader Castor and one game ahead of Doyline.
Quitman 73 Weston 55 (boys) – Eli Walker made two 3-pointers and Noah Leach, Brayden Smith and Gavyn Caskey all made one each as Quitman stormed to a 19-6 first quarter lead. The Wolverines continued to stay hot from “down town” all game connecting on 12 of 17 from behind the arc for an astounding 71%, 3-point shooting percentage. Producing their best balanced scoring attack of the season five players scored in double figures. Leading the way was Logan Ponder with 15 followed by Caskey with 14, Walker 13 and both Noah Leach and Brayden Smith with ten each. Riley Duck chipped in with 8 points and Larsen Thomas made a three pointer. Tait Henderson topped Weston with 15 points with Tommy Walker adding 9 and Nathan Wages chipping in with 8 points. Bryce Zehr scored 7, Brody Tidwell hit two of the three, 3-pointers Weston made on the night to finish with 6 points, while Jude Otwell had 5 and Daniel Watlington scored two.
Quitman 37 Weston 21 (girls) – Cali Deal and Anna Leach both scored 12 points and Quitman used a pair of 9-point runs in the second half to take control of the low scoring affair. Both teams struggled from the field, especially in the first half which ended with Quitman holding a 14-13 lead as QHS shot 25 % from the field and Weston faring even worse in their lowest scoring output of the year. Jaleigh Burns hit the only two, 3-pointers of the night for the Lady Wolverines to finish with 6 points while Taylor Borland added five and A.J. Gray tallied two. Lainee Trosclair scored 6 points to lead the Lady Wolves followed by Lexie Millien with 5 points. Carly Jo Griffin scored 4, Anslee Aldy 3, and Nadia Siadek, Carlynn Waters and Raelynn Shell all hit a free throw each.
In front of family, friends and members of the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce, Tammy Gunter celebrated the grand opening of her business, Gold Key Reality, with a traditional Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Wednesday, January 26th.
Located at 118 Jimmie Davis Boulevard in Jonesboro, Gold Key Reality continues the resurgence of the downtown business district in Jonesboro. Ms. Gunter would like to thank all who have supported her in this endeavor.
An old adage in golf is “it isn’t how you drive but how you arrive” that is important. Jonesboro-Hodge proved the point this past Thursday in the girls basketball game against Saline by overcoming first and third quarter deficits to win 42-39 thanks to a gutty fourth quarter performance.
The adage could also applied to the JHHS season to date in head coach Shan Jackson’s first year at the helm. Inheriting a team that won only three games last year, Jackson has diligently worked to establish the brand of basketball and culture she desires for her squad.
The 6-18 overall record shows that there is still work to be done. Yet the fact that Jackson has led JHHS to double the number of wins a year ago and now back-to-back wins for the first time this season proves that the Lady Tigers are on the way.
How JHHS won also speaks volumes for the confidence that Jackson is instilling in her players. JHHS held a 37-32 lead midway through the fourth quarter but Saline had narrowed the margin to 38-37 with 3:35 remaining in the game.
JHHS missed a shot seemingly giving Saline a chance to take the lead but Sanaa Tatum skied to corral the miss and scored on the put back. Again Saline pulled to within one on a pair of free throws by Alana Gray with 1:06 left in the game.
Then with 37 seconds, left Angel Moss was fouled. The move seemed like a good strategy as up to that point Moss had not scored. Maybe that would have been the case earlier in the year, but on Thursday, Moss stepped up and calmly sank both charity shots. She wasn’t alone in showing confidence at the end as Morgan McGee, Jaylena Jackson, Sanaa Tatum and Moss combined to sink 7 of 10 clutch free throws in the fourth quarter to take the victory.
The season record shows that there is still work to be done to bring the program back to the swagger of the not to distant past. Yet the fact that Jackson has led JHHS to double the number of wins a year ago and now back-to-back wins for the first time this season proves that the Lady Tigers are on the way.
TEAM
1
2
3
4
TOTAL
JHHS (6-17)
9
13
8
12
42
Saline (8-13)
11
8
13
7
39
JHHS scoring: McGee 14, Jackson 12, Bradford 5, Johnson 4, Tatum 3, Moss 2 SHS scoring: Sims 13, Alana Gray 11, Alaya Gray 8, Williams 3, Malone 2
Lakeview 59 JHHS 15 (Girls) – Fourth-ranked Lakeview stormed out to a 20-5 first quarter lead and never looked back in the first game of the second split of district 3-2A play. The victory gave Lakeview, now 20-2 overall, a district leading 6-0 record while the Lady Tigers fell to 1-5 in 3-2A play and 6-18 overall. Morgan McGee led JHHS in scoring with 8 points followed by Neesha Johnson with five. Sanaa Tatum added a pair of free throws.
TEAM
1
2
3
4
TOTAL
JHHS (6-18, 1-5)
5
4
2
4
15
Lakeview (20-2, 6-0)
20
15
19
5
59
JHHS scoring: McGee 8, Johnson 5, Tatum 2 LHS scoring: Washington 17, Davis 17, Marshall 14, Armstrong 5, Henderson 4, Thompson 2
Saline 52 JHHS 35 (boys) – Saline scored the first 11 points of the game and never looked back in the road victory on Thursday. Down 22-8 after the end of one, JHHS rallied to narrow the deficit to 29-22 at the half on the strength of a pair of three pointers by Daelen Boston. The two teams battled to a nine-all draw in the third quarter before Saline iced the game by winning the final frame by a 14-4 margin.
Sophomore Eli Ferguson controlled the paint to lead Saline in scoring with 20 points followed by Trent Ledbetter and Gavon Dailey who added 13 and 10 points respectively. Za’Mauryian Palmer led JHHS with 11 points, while Boston had 10 and Dewayne Palmer scored six.
TEAM
1
2
3
4
TOTAL
JHHS (3-15)
8
4
9
4
35
Saline (17-10)
22
7
9
14
52
JHHS scoring: Z. Palmer 11, Boston 10, D. Palmer 6, Tew 4, Brown 2, Hayes 2 SHS scoring: Ferguson 20, Ledbetter 13, Dailey 10, Loyd 5, Williams 4
Saline 33 JHHS 21 (JV boys) – Conner Roberts scored 12 points including 8 in the second half that saw Saline rally from a 12-11 halftime deficit. Jay Nash had seven points and Jackson Bougues chipped in with five, all in the fourth quarter. Bryce Davis also scored five and Nathan Peoples added four. JHHS was led by Ariy’un Bradford who had 9 points, with 8 coming in the second quarter. Duke Tew scored six while Dylan Hayes, Samuel Combs and Kamerin Bradley all tallied two each.
Lakeview 73 JHHS 37 (boys) – Homestanding Lakeview held on to it’s top ranking in Division IV and undefeated record in district 3-2A. With the victory Lakeview improved to 21-4 overall and 6-0 in district play while the Tigers fell to 3-16 and 1-5. No game stats were available at time of press.
The Student Athletes of the Week for 2024 has been selected at the three public high schools in Jackson Parish. Being chosen to represent their respective schools for the week of January 21-27 were Morgan McGee – Jonesboro-Hodge High School, Noah Leach – Quitman High School and Tommy Walker at Weston High School..
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
Noah Leach (11th Grade) – Quitman High School Boys Basketball
Tommy Walker(12th Grade) – Weston High School Boys Basketball
Morgan McGee (11th Grade) – Jonesboro-Hodge High School Girls Basketball
What a year we had! It has been an honor serving Louisianans in Congress, as we tackle the issues that impact you and your family. I’m so proud of what we have accomplished together this year – from addressing the unprecedented crisis at our border, giving parents a seat at the table when it comes to their child’s education, fighting to repeal WEP and GPO, providing our agriculture community with assistance from natural disasters, and supporting our law enforcement.
Read on for highlights of 2023 and more details on my work for Louisianans this year.
The border crisis is completely out of hand. Each month we hit a new record of illegal immigrant encounters at our southern border. There will be no end in sight if President Biden doesn’t change his border policies and enforce our existing immigration laws.
My Republican colleagues and I worked hard in 2023 to pass H.R. 2 – the Secure the Border Act . It is the most comprehensive border security bill in history and would allow us to regain control at the border by requiring the Biden Administration to restart construction of a border wall, increasing the number of Border Patrol agents, and ending the current catch-and-release policy.
In March, the House passed my Parents Bill of Rights . I created this legislation after seeing how school boards were attempting to deny parents the ability to know what is being taught in their children’s classrooms and deter them from asking questions and lawfully speaking out.
Education is the basis of a child’s future success, and parents should have a say in what they learn. In 2024, I hope the Senate will bring my bill up for consideration.
I also introduced the Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act . This bill will further support the creation of new charter schools and will make an important shift in the current rules to allow Charter School Program (CSP) funds to go towards the pre-planning phase of prospective charter applicants. This means that former educators or administrators looking to create a new charter school can even use pre-planning funding to help locate and access new facilities.
I co-led the Child Care Small Business Insight and Improvement Act , a bipartisan bill that will increase access for child care small businesses across the country and provide a dedicated point person at the Small Business Administration for child care providers. As a single mom, I see firsthand how important child care is in order for parents to return to the workforce after having children.
I’m proud to help introduce this legislation so those parents can focus on going to work each day to provide for their families and ensure child care providers have the resources needed to be successful and help move our economy forward.
Repealing the unfair, bureaucratic Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) are among my top priorities for the 118th Congress.
I joined a bipartisan group of 8 colleagues to introduce H.R. 82 – the Social Security Fairness Act. This bill would repeal WEP and GPO in their entirety and ensure that our hardworking teachers, firefighters, police officers, and public servants are no longer penalized and denied the money that they paid into Social Security.
As I travel across the Fifth District, this remains a top concern for hardworking Louisianans who have been unjustly penalized. This past year, I was able to take action by listening to your stories and sharing how you have been affected by these unfair provisions.
In May 2023, I joined a bipartisan congressional panel, where I met with constituents from across this country and heard about how this burdensome bureaucratic rule affects over 2.5 million Americans.
In September 2023, I participated in the Ways and Means Committee Member Day hearing, where I shared the stories of my constituents who are negatively impacted by WEP/GPO, and I urged my colleagues to bring this bill forward for a vote.
In October 2023, I signed a letter to the Committee on Ways and Means requesting they hold a hearing on the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset (WEP/GPO) and H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act.
In November 2023, I spoke at a House Ways and Means Committee field hearing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on issues relating to WEP, GPO, and Social Security. I will take any opportunity to shed light on this issue and speak directly with those of you who are affected by the unfair WEP and GPO provisions.
We know WEP and GPO provisions are hurting so many of you. You deserve to receive the Social Security that you have paid into. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and be a voice for the thousands of Louisianans affected by these unfair provisions to right this wrong.
This year, I introduced two bills that aim to help our farmers, ranchers, producers, and foresters deal with the effects of extreme weather and natural disasters that Louisiana so often faces.
The Drought Assistance Improvement Act will provide cattle ranchers with drought assistance more quickly by reducing the qualification period for drought relief payments from 8 to 4 consecutive weeks within the Livestock Forage Disaster Program. This change alone can keep farms afloat as they provide food for our tables and avoid years of repercussions.
In addition, this bill extends disaster relief for crawfish producers and considers drought conditions for assistance. As you all know, crawfish is a major commodity in our state, and we need to make sure the industry can receive needed disaster assistance.
Our local law enforcement, first responders, and firefighters are the lifeline of the safety and well-being of our communities. It is critical that the brave men and women who put themselves in harm’s way in service to our communities have the proper resources they need to keep us safe. That is why I co-led the BUILD Act, which will prioritize new grants for small and rural public agencies focused on upgrading local law enforcement and fire department facilities that serve fewer than 50,000 residents.
I’m proud of this bipartisan legislation which would ensure our rural public safety agencies have the adequate investments to continue their critical work for our communities.
In May, I co-led a resolution to recognize National Police Week and pay tribute to the 619 officers, including 10 Louisianans, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Every single day, our brave police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe. The least we can do is dedicate a full week to honoring their service.
This past year, I wrote numerous letters of support for federal grants that I felt would provide the Fifth District with the tools to continue to grow and thrive. Millions of federal dollars came back to our district through the grants process which made critical improvements to our hospitals, schools, airports, ports, infrastructure systems, and law enforcement agencies.
In addition, I serve on the powerful Appropriations Committee and was pleased to sponsor $46.5 million in community projects for Fiscal Year 2023. Take a look below to see the 15 community projects I was able to secure for you this year.
$15,500,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide structural security to the John Bennett Johnston navigation channel and John H. Overton Lock and Dam near Alexandria. $5,000,000 for the City of West Monroe to create a shared-use pedestrian and bicycle path along Trenton Street, as well as other safety improvements. $4,000,000 for the City of Ruston to complete the design of a new Interstate 20 interchange. $4,000,000 for the City of Alexandria to make critical enhancements to the public utility system’s water infrastructure. $4,000,000 for the City of Monroe to refurbish and upgrade the Calypso Street Pump Station. $2,000,000 for Jackson Parish Hospital to expand and renovate the Hospital Emergency Room. $2,000,000 for St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe for two new emergency generators. $775,000 for CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria to establish a stable, alternative potable water supply. $1,065,000 for LaSalle General Hospital in Jena to renovate and expand their therapies and Home Health building. $2,500,000 for Grambling State University to establish a cybersecurity initiative for high school and undergraduate students to increase diversity within the field. $1,555,000 for Louisiana Delta Community College to create a streamlined educational program that will help address workforce shortages in healthcare and education. $990,000 for Louisiana State University-Alexandria to establish the Center for the Advancement of Regional Educators initiative to increase the number of teachers in Central Louisiana. $2,000,000 for University of Louisiana Monroe to go towards new equipment for the installation of 100 mesonet, weather monitoring, sites across Louisiana. $706,000 for the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Department for new Rapid DNA testing technology and tools. $462,000 for the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Department for new Rapid DNA testing technology and tools
If you read the headline and thought “didn’t I just see this a few weeks ago?” don’t worry you are not having one of those de-ja-vu moments. You did see one similar but not the same.
A few weeks back it was reported that Alana Gray went over 1000 points in career scoring for Saline High School. Alana? Alaya? Yes, it is confusing. Almost as confusing as trying to tell the girls apart when they were young. You see Alana and Alaya are twin sisters.
It is a rare achievement indeed when a basketball player scores over 1000 points in their high school career. The odds to achieve such a remarkable accomplishment are long indeed. Imagine how long the odds are that two players in the same class do so. Even better, how long are the odds that two players in the same class and in the same family achieve such a lofty standard? Unfathomable!
Yet when Alaya made a three point basket in the fourth quarter of Saline’s contest against Jonesboro-Hodge this past Thursday, she joined her sister in the hallowed class of 1000 point scorers.
Can such an accomplishment get any more rare? Only if the twin sisters weren’t the first females in the Gray family to accomplish the feat. The first to do so was their mother Susan Gray, who scored over 1800 points for her career at Saline High.
Yes, basketball is a game the whole family can play. And play well!
If this was all there was to the story, that in itself would be something that very few in the nation, if any, has achieved under the same circumstances, but there is even more that makes this even more incredible.
While the points scored gives credence to Alaya’s talent, the fact that she is even playing says so much more about her. Before the Christmas break, Saline was playing Ouachita Christian. Alaya had received a pass around mid-court and drove the lane, when suddenly all over the gym you could hear a loud POP! This was immediately followed by a horrific scream of pain as Alaya thrashed on the floor clutching her knee.
Unable to put any pressure on her leg, she was helped off the court and onto the Saline bench where she sat in tremendous pain while medical personnel who were on site examined her knee. The prognosis? Most likely a torn ligament in her knee.
Later the diagnosis was confirmed. Alaya had torn the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). This is one of the key ligaments that help stabilize the knee joint and connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia).
In almost every instance it is an immediate season ending injury as surgery is realistically the only option of repairing the damage. Even just to walk brings an incredible amount of pain and is almost impossible without support from crutches.
“We thought we had lost her for the year for sure,” recalls Saline head girls basketball coach Chris Toms. “I mean, come on, she had a torn ACL.”
“Then a few weeks later she shows up at practice,” continued Toms. “I thought she was just trying to be there for her teammates but next thing I know she is out on the court with a ball in her hand.”
No, there was no miracle healing that took place. Somehow, Alaya had the mindset to push past the pain.
“I can’t even imagine how must it must hurt her to be playing,” added Toms. “It hurts me just to think of what she is going through, but she refuses to quit.”
A prime example of her fortitude and determination was shown in the JHHS vs Saline contest. Midway through the third quarter, Gray went after a loose ball, collided with a J-H player and fell to the floor grimacing in pain. Slapping her hand on the court, she immediately signaled to her coach she was coming out, slowly rising and limping to the sideline. Surely that was all that she would play on this night, right? Wrong!
Saline had called timeout early in the fourth quarter and when they came back on the court there was Alaya on the floor. A few possessions later she took a pass from behind the three point line and SWISH! Obviously feeling every step taken on the “bum” leg, judging by facial expressions, Alaya continued to play finishing out the game.
Sounds like a movie script doesn’t it? An incredible story about a special young lady. Yet this is real. As real is the incredible tolerance to the pain, character, determination and courage shown by Alaya simply because she wants to help her team to win.
She may the the third in the family to reach 1000 points in her high school career and a twin sibling, but when it comes to the legacy that Alaya Gray leaves, she stands alone.
The Jackson Parish Library is pleased to be selected as one of the 71 recipients of the 2023-24 Keep Louisiana Beautiful Trash Receptacle Grant Program made possible with funding from the State of Louisiana and Office of the Lieutenant Governor. Jackson Parish Library will install three (3) trash receptacles at the entrances of the Jackson Parish Library Park to help prevent litter on the grounds.
Through the 2024 Trash Receptacle Grant Program, Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) awarded 628 receptacles to 71 organizations in 40 parishes for a total value of $491,294.00.
As part of the requirements of this grant, the Jackson Parish Library will perform a post installation litter scan and compare the data collected to preliminary scan results. Data will be shared with the public once available.
“Litter is hurting our quality of life in Jackson Parish,” says Floyd Know, Director at Jackson Parish Library. “With these new receptacles installed, we will be able to reduce litter and keep our community clean and beautiful.”
“Recent data collected by Keep Louisiana Beautiful shows a reduction of litter by 78% in areas where trash receptacles are properly installed and maintained,” says Susan Russell, KLB Executive Director. “One of our organization’s key initiatives is to help build infrastructure that supports clean, beautiful communities. Funding trash receptacles is one way we do that. Congratulations to the Jackson Parish Library for being selected as a 2023-24 Trash Receptacle Grant recipient.”
The Jackson Parish Library is a service institution that seeks to inform, educate, entertain, and culturally enrich the lives of all people, from early childhood to senior citizens, through the use of books and other materials, technological innovations, facilities, and professional services.
About Keep Louisiana Beautiful
Keep Louisiana Beautiful is an anti-litter and community improvement non-profit organization focused on achieving a clean and beautiful Louisiana through education, enforcement, public awareness, and community engagement. Keep Louisiana Beautiful is affiliated with Keep America Beautiful and comprised of a statewide network of 40 Community Affiliates and seven University Affiliates. Learn more atwww.keeplouisianabeautiful.org
The Jackson Parish Library (JPL) Board of Control met on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. at the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library for the regular monthly board meeting.
After approving the agenda and minutes from the last meeting along with statistical reports for November and December, the 2024 officers were nominated and then chosen by election.
2024 JPL Board of Control Officers
President – Carol Massey Vice President – Ann Standley Treasurer – Paula Essmeier
In a corresponding move board members adopted a resolution for the elected officer’s signatures to be added to the signature cards for the special fund account at Sabine State Bank.
Setting dates for meetings in 2024 was next on the agenda with the 3rd Monday of the month or the day after if a holiday (April 15, July 15, October 21 for 2024 and January 21, 2025) at 4:30 p.m. at the main branch in Jonesboro. The holiday schedule for 2024 was then presented and approved.
John Kavanaugh and Angela Walsworth were present to discuss and answer any questions about adding fruit plantings on the library grounds. This is made possible by the LSU AgCenter’s Community Library Homesteading Project Grant and Ag Extension Agent, Shannon Chevallier. It was then approved to add fruit plantings near the Jonesboro Library Park.
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.
