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.
Zachary Hatfield (Eros, LA) – Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearm Jumorius D. Glands (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant on charges of Improper Lane Usage, Driving Under Suspension Jason E. Lucky (Quitman, LA) – Obstruction of Justice, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Rocky S. Davis (Quitman, LA) – Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Illegal Weapon, Open Container Carlton Sampson (Hodge, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery by Strangulation, Bondsman off Bond Joseph A. Cupit (Downsville, LA) – Bench Warrant on charges of Speeding, Driving Under Suspension Matthew Couch (Homeless) – Bench Warrant on Theft of Utility Charge Tasha Knox (Ruston, LA) – Probation & Parole Warrant, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile Justin Collins (Rayville, LA) – Bench Warrant on EOS Charge Sigmund Knox (Ruston, LA) – Theft Jurrell M. Palmer (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant on charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Possession of Marijuana David J. Hester (Jonesboro, LA) – Bienville Parish Bench Warrant Jacob B. Hogg (Ruston, LA) – Criminal Tresspass Summer A. Leblanc (Jonesboro, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery Quitan Washington (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery, Extortion Davonn Davis (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery, Extortion Kerrick Brown (Jonesboro, LA) – Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery, Extortion Leigh Anne Coleman (Hodge, LA) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II Drug, Ouachita Parish Warrant Larrius Grice (Jonesboro, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery, Ruston Police Dept. Warrant on Disobeying Red Light Signal Laura Caskey (Sikes, LA) – Bench Warrant on charge of Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance, Bondsman off Bond Oscar Grimsley (Jonesboro, LA) – North Hodge Police Dept. Warrant on charge of Failure to Appear Dakota Doughty (Jonesboro, LA)- Domestic Abuse Battery Joshua Murphy (Jonesboro, LA) – Remaining After Being Forbidden Steven E. Tipton (Choudrant, LA) – Lincoln Parish Warrants x3 Ariel McGee (Jonesboro, LA) – Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault Dewayne Faggin (Jonesboro, LA) – Battery of Correctional Officer x2, Inciting to Riot
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
Spillway NOV HAA5 MCL 4Q2023
Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana Spillway Water Supply is currently in violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids as set forth by the State [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:Xll)] and the Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141).
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (LDHH) set drinking water standards and requires the disinfection of drinking water. Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA and LDHH set standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acid (HAAs). Some people who drink water containing THMs in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Some people who drink water containing HAA5s in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
In December 1998, EPA set enforceable drinking water standards for TTHMs at 80 parts per billion (ppb) and for HAA5 at 60 parts per billion (ppb) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects. Compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 standards for public water systems servicing less than 10,000 individuals initially became effective and enforceable on January 1, 2004. Compliance with the HAA5 standard is determine by calculating a locational running annual average (LRRA) of quarterly HAA5 sample results. Compliance calculations performed for the fourth quarter of 2023 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 90 ppb at sample location DBP02 – 133 Suanna Road and 101 ppb at DBP03- 211 Spruce Drive. The system’s current HAA5 LRAAs is 62 ppb at DBP03- 211 Spruce Drive; thus, the system is currently in violation of HAA5 and TTHMs standards.
The construction work for the water system upgrades is currently in progress. The contractors are nearing completion of the transmission main between Spillway Estates and Paradise Point. UIL is now under contract with a well drilling company. Later construction phases will include drilling a second well at Spillway and installing a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter. UIL appreciates your patience during the construction period.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. If you have any questions, contact the UIL Compliance Administrator, Vicki Spence at 985-893-6646 – Opt. 2.
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. EPA and LDH do not consider this violation to have any serious adverse health effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure; however, continued long-term exposure to TTHMs and HAA5 levels above the standard (e.g., 20 years of exposure) has the potential to have serious adverse effects on human health.
Jackson Parish School Board Meeting Minutes January 18, 2024
The Jackson Parish School Board met in regular session at 1:00 p.m. on January 18, 2024 at Jackson Parish School Board, 315 Pershing Highway, Jonesboro, La.
The following were present for roll call: Gerry Mims, Paulette Belton, Rick Barlow, Calvin Waggoner, Mary Saulters and Wade McBride
Absent: Dennis Clary
Rick Barlow gave the Invocation.
Calvin Waggoner led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting was called to order by Gerry Mims.
Motion was made by Calvin Waggoner, seconded by Wade McBride and carried to approve the minutes as presented from the Regular Scheduled Meeting held on December 4, 2023.
Motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried to grant Superintendent Claxton permission to sign the sharing agreement between the Jackson Parish School Board and the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office for the period November 3, 2023 – June 30, 2024.
Mary Saulters reported to the Board on the meeting of the Executive Finance Committee held prior to the Board meeting.
A motion was made by Rick Barlow, seconded by Calvin Waggoner and carried to approve for payment the following bills: General Fund, Federal Program, School Food Service, Sales Tax, Special Education, District Maintenance bills.
Presentation of Monthly Financial Report by Kristi Bass, Business Manager.
Paulette Belton reported to the Board on the meeting of the Policy Committee held prior to the Board meeting.
Motion was made by Mary Saulters, seconded by Rick Barlow and carried to approve revision of the following policies: • CG – Administrative Records • EBBH – Use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) And Cardiac Emergency Plan • GBG – Probation • IHAD – Parent Conferences • JGB – School Wellness • JGC – Student Health Services
A motion was made by Calvin Waggoner, seconded by Paulette Belton and carried to adjourn at 1:10 p.m.
Village of Chatham Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2024
The Village of Chatham held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2023, at 6:00 pm. Present were Mayor Gregory Harris, council members Bernadean James, Toni Malone, Laverne Mixon, and Sue Proffer. Council member Mike Wilson was absent. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Harris. The pledge was led by council member Toni Malone and prayer was given by Mayor Harris. Toni Malone motioned, and Bernadean James seconded and was approved by all to accept the minutes as read of the regular meeting held on December 12, 2023. Toni Malone motioned, seconded by Bernadean James, and approved by all to pay the monthly bills. Toni Malone motioned, seconded by Sue Proffer, and approved by all to make no changes to the cleanup Ordinance #12-133. Toni Malone motioned, Bernadean James seconded and approved by all to table the discussion on the picking up of limbs within the city limits until the next regular meeting. Toni Malone motioned, seconded by Bernadean James, and approved to add to the agenda to discuss the work attire for the utility department. Toni Malone motioned, seconded by Sue Proffer, and approved to accept financial statements as presented. Lavern Mixon motioned, seconded by Bernadean James, and approved by all to adjourn the meeting.
A Water Boil Advisory is in now in effect for ALL residents of the Town of Jonesboro and will remain in place until further notice. Mayor J. “Spike” Harris issued the alert at 7:20 pm on Thursday after it was learned that virtually all water tanks in the town were running critically low, allowing for the possibility of contaminants to be able to infiltrate into the water system.
“The effects of the winter storm on our aged water transmission system caused several blowouts to our water mains over the past couple of days,” said Harris. “I am glad to say that these have been fixed but the problem now is that virtually all of our water tanks are at critically low levels, prompting the Boil Advisory.”
Harris also states that the town needs the public’s assistance to help quickly rectify the problem.
“I am asking residents to conserve their water usage tonight and Friday in order to help water levels build back up in our tanks,” said Harris. “For us to get past this problem as quickly as possible we need the assistance of all of our citizens.”
Recommended Precautions During a Boil Water Advisory
During a boil water advisory, bottled water is the best option until officials say otherwise. If you do not have bottled water available, the next best option is to boil your tap water for at least one minuteto make it safe to drink. If boiling your tap water is not possible, you can disinfect it to make it safe to drink.
All Jackson Parish public schools will remain closed on Thursday. The announcement was made by the Jackson Parish School District on Wednesday after icy conditions persisted in the area causing roads to remain hazardous to drive. No information has been given on whether schools will resume classes on Friday.
Residents in the Town of Jonesboro experienced dealing with little and in some cases, no water pressure on Wednesday when not one but two main water lines blew out causing tanks to run low.
In a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, Jonesboro Mayor J. “Spike” Harris stated that repairs had been made and commended the Public Works Department for their quick response.
“I applaud our Public Works Dept. for quickly rectifying the issues we had due to two main water lines blowing out,” said Harris. “The work they did to repair the lines while enduring freezing temperatures to make sure our residents had water deserves our gratitude.”
Harris reminds Town of Jonesboro water customers that additional problems could occur as temperatures are expected to go below the freezing mark once again.
“Hopefully we won’t have any more problems with our water but as the temperature continues to drop below freezing and people are running water to keep pipes from freezing their is the potential for more blowouts,” cautioned Harris.
If you experience a sudden drop in water pressure or see where a line is busted you are asked to call Jonesboro Public Works at (318)-475-2445 or the Jonesboro Police Department at (318) 259-5026 to report the problem.
The strong polar vortex that swept across north Louisiana on Monday and Tuesday plunged temperatures into the teens and caused accumulations of ice and snow on area roads in Jackson Parish.
While thankfully, no serious injuries were sustained the slippery roads caused a multitude of wrecks over the parish, including the report of an overturned vehicle on Hwy 4 East. Several bridges and overpasses were also closed for a period of time.
Motorists are still urged to use caution as even though many roads thawed on Tuesday afternoon, driving conditions could still be hazardous, especially Wednesday morning, due to roadways refreezing as result of temperatures dipping into the teens again Tuesday night.
All Jackson Parish schools will remain closed on Wednesday, allowing an extra day for the area to thaw out from the extreme winter weather episode that beset north Louisiana on Monday. Classes are expected to resume on Thursday.
The announcement was made by the Jackson Parish School District on Tuesday after learning the forecast called for temperatures to go well below the freezing mark once again, causing potentially dangerous driving conditions on Wednesday morning, especially on bridges and overpasses.
A Boil Water Advisory has been issued for residents on Walker Road and Durbin Circle in the Town of Jonesboro. The advisory was released on Tuesday afternoon and will remain in effect until further notice.
A Boil Water Advisory is issued whenever there is known microbiological contamination in the water supply OR if there is a risk that contamination may be present in the water supply.
Recommended Precautions During a Boil Water Advisory
During a boil water advisory, bottled water is the best option until officials say otherwise. If you do not have bottled water available, the next best option is to boil your tap water to make it safe to drink. If boiling your tap water is not possible, you can disinfect it to make it safe to drink.
Boiling Water
o Fill a pot with water. o Heat the water until bubbles come quickly from the bottom of the pot to the top. o Keep heating the water for one more minute. o Turn off the heat source and let the water cool. o Pour the water into a clean container with a cover for storage.
Disinfecting Water
If you are unable to boil your water, you can disinfect it to make it safe to drink. You will need a clean, sanitized container to store any water you disinfect. We recommend you clean and sanitize your container before you disinfect your water by following these steps: 1. Wash the storage container with dishwashing soap and water and rinse completely. 2. Sanitize the container with a solution made by mixing 1 teaspoon of unscented household bleach (bleach that does not have an added scent) in one quart (32 ounces, 4 cups, or about 1 liter) of water. 3. Cover the container and shake it well so that the sanitizing bleach solution touches all inside surfaces of the container. 4. Wait at least 30 seconds and then pour the sanitizing solution out of the container. 5. Let the empty sanitized container air-dry before use OR rinse the empty container with clean, safe water that is available already. Note: When preparing safe water, it is best to use food grade water storage containers, such as those found at surplus or camping supply stores. If you are not able to use a food grade water storage container, be sure the container you choose: o Has a top that can be closed tightly o Is made of durable, unbreakable materials (i.e. not glass) DO NOT USE containers that previously have been used to hold liquid or solid toxic chemicals (bleach, pesticides, etc.) To disinfect your tap water If the tap water is clear: o Use unscented bleach (bleach that does not have an added scent). The label should say that it contains 5-9% of sodium hypochlorite. o Add 8 drops (using a medicine dropper) or 0.5 milliliters of bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water. o Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking. o Store disinfected water in a clean, sanitized container with a cover. If the tap water is cloudy: o Filter water using clean cloth. o Use unscented bleach (bleach that does not have an added scent). The label should say that it contains 5-9% of sodium hypochlorite. o Add 16 drops, 1 milliliter, or 1/8 teaspoon of bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water. o Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking. o Store disinfected water in a clean, sanitized container with a cover
Water Filters
You should boil your tap water even if it is filtered. Most kitchen and other household water filters do not remove bacteria or viruses. Filters collect germs from water, so all water filters should be replaced after the advisory has been lifted. Anyone changing the cartridges should wear gloves and wash hands afterwards. Flush water through the filter for [X] minutes and then replace the removable part of the filter unit as needed.
Preparing and Cooking Food
Use bottled water or boiled water that has cooled to: o Wash all fruits and vegetables o Cook food o Prepare drinks, such as coffee, tea, and lemonade o Wash food preparation surfaces
Feeding Babies and Using Formula
Breastfeeding is best. Continue to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is not an option: o Use ready-to-use baby formula, if possible. o Prepare powdered or concentrated baby formula with bottled water. Use boiled water if you do not have bottled water. o Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples before use using bottled or boiled water that has cooled. o If you cannot sterilize bottles, try to use single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles.
Using Ice
o Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers, or ice makers. o Throw out all ice made with tap water. o Make new ice with bottled or boiled water
Handwashing
In many situations, you can use tap water and soap to wash your hands. Follow the guidance of your local public health officials or emergency managers. Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water (warm or cold) for 20 seconds and rinse them well under running water. It is important to dry hands completely with a towel or by letting them air dry.
Bathing and Showering
Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering. Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.
Brushing Teeth
Brush teeth with bottled or boiled water that has cooled.
Washing Dishes
Use disposable plates, cups, and utensils, if possible. If you do not have disposable dishes, follow the instructions below. Household dishwashers generally are safe to use if the water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150 degrees or if the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle.
To wash dishes by hand:
o Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water. o In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water. o Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute. o Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.
Laundry
It is safe to do laundry as usual.
Pet Care
Pets can get sick from the same germs as people. It is a good idea to give them bottled water or boiled water that has been cooled for drinking.
After games that were scheduled for the early part of the week were postponed or called off do the winter storm that blew through north Louisiana, pursuit of the district title begins again for most area high school basketball teams this Thursday and Friday.
On Thursday, the JHHS Lady Tigers and both teams from Dodson will step away from district play for home games, setting the stage for Jonesboro-Hodge, Saline and Dodson entering into their second week of district play on Friday. Quitman plays on their home court as well on Friday, in their final non-district contest before entering into district 1B play. Weston does not play this weekend.
Prep Basketball Schedule for Thursday and Friday
Thursday, Jan. 18th
JHHS vs Simsboro (Girls only) 5:30 pm Dodson vs LaSalle (Girls & Boys) 5:00 pm
Friday, Jan. 19th
JHHS vs Winnfield (District 3-2A) JV, Girls, Boys – 5:00 pm Dodson at Calvin (District 2C) Girls, Boys – 5:00 pm Quitman vs Choudrant – JV, Girls, Boys – 5:00 pm Saline at Georgetown (District 2C) – Girls, Boys — 6:00 pm
The regular monthly meeting of the Jackson Parish School Board that had been scheduled for Monday has been moved to 11:00 am on Thursday, January 18th. As result, student and teacher recognitions that were on the original agenda has now been postponed until the February meeting.
Action expected to still be taken on Thursday is Matthew Margaglio from Kolder, Slaven and Company, LLC presenting the 2023 audit and consideration to grant Superintendent David Claxton permission to sign the sharing agreement between the Jackson Parish School Board and the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office for the period November 3, 2023 – June 30, 2024. Adoption of items per Committee Reports will also take place
Updated School Board Meeting Agenda
1. Invocation – Gerry Mims 2. Pledge of Allegiance – Calvin Waggoner 3. Call to Order 4. Consider approving the minutes as presented from the Regular Scheduled meeting held on December 4, 2023. 5. Recognize Matthew Margaglio from Kolder, Slaven and Company, LLC to present the 2023 audit. 6. Consider granting Superintendent Claxton permission to sign the sharing agreement between the Jackson Parish School Board and the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office for the period November 3, 2023 – June 30, 2024. 7. Consider adopting items per the Committee Reports attached hereto. 8. Superintendent’s Comments 9.Adjourn
In accordance with the Americans Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact David Claxton at 318-259-4456 describing the assistance that is necessary.
Four Jackson Parish high school athletes, two each from Quitman and Weston, have been named to the LHSAA Winter Sports Academic All-State Composite Team. Earning the prestigious recognition was Eli Walker and A’llohna Gray from Quitman with Lainee Trosclair and Jude Otwell representing Weston.
To earn LHSAA Composite Team honors, a student-athlete’s must have an un-weighted 4.00 grade point average (GPA) for six-semesters. These students cannot even have an “B” on their transcript.
Making their incredible achievement all the more impressive is that all four of these student-athletes have maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout their four year high school career.
2024 LHSAA Winter Sports Academic All-State Award Winners
A’llohna Gray – Quitman High SchoolLainee Trosclair – Weston High SchoolJude Otwell – Weston High SchoolEli Walker – Quitman High School
A large turnout is expected at the first ever Jackson Parish Unity Prayer Concert that will take place this Saturday at the First Assembly of God Worship Center, located at 5254 Quitman Hwy, in North Hodge, LA
Eighteen (18) area churches will gather together to combine their musical talents and lift unified prayers for our community, government and families. Chaired by Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Pastor Warren Johnson, the event will begin at 6:00 pm. The public is invited to be part of this unified voice and expectation of the holy spirit to descend on all.
Looking for something to do this Saturday. Then come and enjoy the entertainment of the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Youth Basketball Leagues, as they enter the third week of the 2024 season. A total of 34 teams in eight age divisions, comprising of area youth from the ages of 5-14, will be in action at the J-HMS, JHHS girls, and JHHS boys gymnasiums, beginning at 9:00 am. There is no charge to attend and concessions are available. A schedule of games are shown below.
Games of January 13th
League: 5-6 boys/girls
Lakers 28 Bulls 25 Lakers scoring: Bryce Martin 21, Pistol McCurdy 3, Skye Bradley 1, Blake Rieson 1, Ryker Whitman 1, Krewe Blalock 1 Bulls scoring: Duke Henderson 6, Samuel Jones 6, Braxley Tucker 4, Oliver Lee 3, Uriah Hall 2, Ryker Savage 1, Laurel Smith 1, Karly Jo Stassen 1, Dawson Otwell 1
Warriors 21 Bucks 14 Warriors scoring: Kase Matthews 6, Briggs Craighead 5, Emmett Thomas 4, Emma Rowe 3, Eva Martin 1, Landry Evans 1, Xavier Jackson 1 Bucks scoring: Ryker Ingram 5, Jayce Linton 3, Jackson Linton 2, Kenzie Billman 1, Gentry Aldy 1, John Phillip Walker 1, Kolton Laffitte 1,
Bulls 49 Suns 8 Bulls scoring: Samuel Jones 12, Duke Henderson 9, Oliver Lee 9, Braxley Tucker 8, Dawson Otwell 5, Laurel Smith 3, Uriah Hall 2, Ryker Savage 1, Karly Jo Stassen 1 Suns scoring: Malakai 2, Magnolia 1, Kimber 1, Axel 1, Sebastian 1, Keegan 1
Grizzlies 23 Rockets 18 Grizzlies scoring: Asher Norred 10, Caiden Jackson 6, Drew Edwards 4, Andrew Seymore 2, Kase Henderson 1 Rockets scoring: Braddock Chandler 10, Courtney Adams 6, Ryder Jefferson 2
Jazz 21 Celtics 10 Jazz scoring: Thatcher Savage 6, Jase Tinsley 4, Cruz Nomey 4, Eli Jones 3, James Lewis 2, Drew Caldwell 1, Kaine Stassen 1 Celtics scoring: Noah Martin 6, Mason Greer 2, Bentley Hall 2
Ruston’s Jeff Perot was deer hunting in Richland Parish on December 28. What caliber was he toting? He wasn’t carrying a rifle; he was armed with his camera as he has contracted with a landowner to spend time on his land and photograph as many deer as he can to give the owner an idea of just what he has on his 7200 acres.
Perot is an architect by profession but he is also one of this area’s most notable wildlife and nature photographers. He sums up what he does…”I DRAW pictures as an architect and TAKE pictures as a photographer,’ he quipped.
Perot has shared some of his outstanding photos on Facebook and especially some of the deer he’s photographed on his Richland Parish project. Perot’s ability to take a photo that just grabs you when you see it confirms his expertise at the craft. He shares photos of not only deer doing what deer do in the wild but also of turkeys, ducks and herons and egrets and a variety of other creatures. He shared with me one of the most unusual finds he has ever had on his outdoor photographic jaunts.
“I have walked over just about every acre of this plot in Richland Parish but on the morning of December 28, I found something that made me stop and first thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to find what I found,” Perot began.
“While walking through some tall grass in the woods on the property, I saw something that caused me to pause. There were bones of a deer, laid out in a manner like the animal had just laid down and died. There was no evidence that a coyote had killed it or rodents had gnawed it because everything was laid out in order,” he said.
He saw what he thought were bones from the deer’s rib cage sticking up out of the grass. Walking closer, Perot was looking at something that he at first couldn’t believe.
“Upon closer examination, what I was looking at sticking up out of the grass were antlers the likes I had never seen. Realizing what I was looking at, I didn’t pick it up immediately before thanking God for giving me the opportunity to stumble upon something like that,’ he said.
When he reached to pick up the antlers attached to the top half of a skull, Perot was in total shock. He held in his hand the rack of a buck that almost defied description.
“I got to counting points and ended up with 25 on a non-typical rack. The antlers were in good shape, not starting to deteriorate but faded somewhat and having lost most of their natural color after it is believed the deer had died two years ago,” he continued.
Perot took the rack to Cecil Reddick, a Buckmaster official scorer living in the area who put the tape on the rack and came up with 244 5/8 inches of mass and the jawbone revealed the buck was only 4 ½ years old.
In sharing his find with the property owner, Perot learned that this was a mystery buck; nobody had ever reported seeing it nor had photos of the deer. It’s a mystery that will likely go unsolved because there was nothing left of the carcass to indicate why it died.
What are Perot’s plans for his unusual find?
“I’m going to see if the rack can be preserved and maybe made into a mount to have it look like it did before it died. Right now, all I have is the top half of the skull to which the antlers are attached. I’m in no hurry and want to explore all possibilities as to how to preserve it,” he said.
Perot is back at work in his office drawing pictures as an architect. However, he’ll probably never forget the photograph in his excitement he forgot to take when he found the remains of a mystery buck lying in grass in Richland Parish..
”Ruston photographer, Jeff Perot, found the remains of this unusual buck on a recent photo expedition in Richland Parish.” Glynn Harris Photo
The Jackson Parish School District announces that a SPARC (Special Programs and Recreation for Children) event will be held at the Jackson Parish Library from 4:00 – 5:00 pm on Wednesday, January 24th.
The interactive program that is for caregivers and their children, ages 2-4 is planned and facilitated by Jackson Parish Speech-Language Pathologists and designed to promote language development and family growth through story books, songs, and craft activities. Children must be accompanied by their parent or a family member.
There is no cost to attend and children will receive a take home activity while supplies last.
Each month the Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce recognizes an area business that has benefitted the local residents through their dedication to the community. Chosen as the Business of the Month for January is El Armadillo Grill, located at 730 Pershing Hwy in Jonesboro.
Whether you prefer to enjoy the ambiance of the spacious indoor and outdoor dining areas or order takeout El Armadillo Grill is a wonderful place for the whole family to enjoy a wide selection of Mexican cuisine. You can also enjoy your favorite “adult beverage” while watching TV at the bar. Hours of operation are 11:00 am – 9:00 pm Sunday – Friday and 11:00 am – 10:00 pm on Saturday. To place an order in advance or for more information call (318) 259-9891.
The students at Gracepoint Christian Academy are swinging in the new year. Literally! Thanks to Kristi Hart Bourgeois and Mika Bourgeois at Monkey Business in Ruston, outdoor time at GCA became much more enjoyable for the students when they got back from the Christmas Break as now the playground is adorned with two new sets of swings.
The administration, faculty and staff of GCA, gives their thanks and appreciation to the Bourgeois’s and Monkey Business for their kind and generous donation.
The church near Victor’s home was badly in need of repair, but no one seemed to care. Generations of worshipers had passed through its doors, but, with each passing year, the building got dirtier, darker, and more damp. It needed a new roof. Its rafters needed repairs. It needed a little of everything, but nothing was offered.
Unless something drastic happened, Victor feared that the old church would be torn down and a more modern building, maybe not even a church, would be put in its place. Victor was horrified by the thought. He saw something in the old church building that most others failed to see. Maybe they had seen it at one time, but most people in town largely ignored the old church. To Victor, the building was much more than merely walls and a roof. To him, the church was important.
What could Victor do? He was not an architect or carpenter. He held no political office. He had no authority to do anything towards preserving the church that he loved so dearly. Victor was a writer, mostly of poetry. Oh, dear. He published a paper entitled War [declared] on the Demolishers in which he argued for the preservation of old buildings such as his beloved church. Most of the people who read his paper were the ones who wanted to demolish buildings to make room to erect more modern structures. Victor was distraught.
Victor decided to write a book about the church in his spare time. For three years, Victor struggled to find the time to work on the book as his other literary projects, ones that earned money, took precedence. Rather than a clever title which would draw interest to the story, Victor simply used the name of the church as the title of the book. The church, an inanimate object, became almost a living, breathing character in itself. Finally, Victor finished the book, sent it to his publisher, and waited. Would anyone read a book about an almost forgotten church?
To Victor’s surprise, his book about the church became a hit. Readers flocked to see the old church which was featured so prominently in the book. They flocked to the same church they had previously ignored. The church had not changed, but their perception of it had. Victor’s book brought new interest in the church. With each passing year, Victor’s book became more popular. Thirteen years after Victor published his book, the king of the country ordered the restoration of the church, a project which lasted twenty years. With the success of Victor’s book, the church became much more than a building of worship. It became a national icon.
In the years since Victor’s book was first published, millions of visitors, myself included, have flocked to see the church because of the book. The church is currently undergoing another restoration following a disastrous fire. You and I know the story and the church well because of the book’s many stage, television, and film adaptations. Had Victor not written his book, the church which had stood for over 700 years would not have been saved, and you and I would never have heard of the church Notre-Dame de Paris. The original French title of Victor’s book was Notre-Dame de Paris, but English speaking countries know Victor Hugo’s 1831 book by its adapted title, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This is just one example of the positive power of words.
For over two decades, Tina Sessions has helped residents of Forest Haven Nursing Home enjoy their “golden years.” Now she is going to do some enjoying of her own. This past week, the administration and staff, as well as, the residents of Forest Haven paid homage to their co-worker and friend by celebrating her final day of work with a grand retirement party.
“For 22 years, Tina served our residents and community,” said Forest Haven Director Sandra Billings. “I can’t tell you how much we appreciate her and how much she will be missed.”
FAREWELL! - Sandra Billings (l) presents Tina Sessions (r) with a “good by gift” in recognition of her retirement after 22 years of service.
The Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church young adult ministry invites you to come and “Feed The Soul” this Saturday, January 20th. This unique outreach program designed to fill your body and spirit will serve Grab & Go Soup from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall, located at 1712 Church Street in East Hodge.
Is your child tired of being cooped up during the cold and wintry days that have beset the area. Then bring them to the Jonesboro Branch of the Jackson Parish Library, located at 614 South Polk Avenue at 4:00 pm on Thursday, January 18th for Art Class. While there your youngster will get to enjoy craft time with popsicle sticks and sipping hot chocolate. It is not required but recommended to register ahead of time at the circulation desk as space is limited.
After another grueling day of practice they trudge off the court exhausted after time and again having worked to be a cohesive unit in order that they will perform to the best of their ability at the upcoming game.
During the game they won’t score a single point but is just as important to helping a team gain a victory. They often don’t get the recognition they deserve but no athletic program is complete without them. We are talking about the Cheerleading squad.
Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School is proud to introduce their 2024 Cheerleaders, seven young ladies who “bring the spirit” each and every game. As shown in their uniforms from left to right in the banner above are: Destany Amox, Phaelin Andrews, Samiya Stallings (Co-Captain), Sailor Wells, Jalonah Amos, (Captain), Savannah Murphy and Kristacia Howard.
The J-HES administration, faculty and staff as well as parents and players would also like to recognize and give a big thank you to Cheer Sponsor, Lauren Bennett and volunteer squad coach, Sa’Tavia “Sage” Qualls
Caney Creek Bass Club has announced their 2024 Bass Tournament Schedule. Eight dates have been selected beginning on Saturday, February 10th and going through Saturday, September 21st. Points will be awarded on all tournaments to determine qualifiers for a Championship Tournament at the end of the season.
Something new for this season is the ability for all tournament participants to gain information on each tournament through the new interactive, website page Weighbook.com – Tournament Management System.
Saturday February 10th. Sunday March 3rd. Sunday April 28th. Sunday May 12th. Saturday June 8th. Sunday July 21st. Saturday Aug 17th. Saturday September 21st.
