Time to eat…

Mothers call the family to the table; a few might even ring a dinner bell. Ranch cooks have called hands from the bunk house by ringing a big triangle.

Pet owners call their dogs and cats after filling the food and water dishes. If fed canned foods, animals often come running at the sound of an electric can opener.

Cattle are accustomed to the sound of the owner’s pickup truck engine. Hungry, they make their way to the gate awaiting their food. It might surprise you to learn that catfish have a similar reaction.

A Texas friend had a large fish pond (Texans call them tanks). He said the catfish swam to the surface for their feeding at the sound of his truck approaching. Jesus is calling. Are you hungry? He has the bread of life.

“Jesus then said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’

They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’

Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst (John 6:32-35 ESV).”

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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. 

LEGAL NOTICE

AFFIDAVIT 0F SUCCESSION

Louisiana Governor, Jeff Landry, has issued a State of Emergency due to the severe winter weather conditions Louisiana is expected to experience between Sunday and Wednesday.

The governor’s office said, according to the National Weather Service, along with freezing temperatures, a wintry mix is possible and wind chills from the teens to near freezing are expected in central and north Louisiana.

“We are encouraging everyone to prepare for these conditions and heed the advice of your local officials. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) stands ready to support our local emergency partners with any resources needed beyond their capabilities. Road crews are on standby in an attempt to keep our roads open.” – Gov. Jeff Landry

For information on road conditions and possible closures, click here.

A unusually large polar vortex will bring below freezing temperatures to Jackson Parish on multiple days during the coming week, including a forecasted low of around 10-15 degrees on Monday.

This projected hard freeze warrants a review of precautions citizens should take to protect themselves and their property. 

BE AWARE! BE PREPARED! 

When the temperature drops below freezing, health problems and injuries, including hypothermia, frostbite, and falls on icy surfaces are possible as wells as damage to property. Precautions need to be taken. 

Hypothermia – This occurs when a body’s temperature drops to a dangerous level. With older people, check for cold skin that is pale and accompanied by confusion, a strong desire to sleep, problems walking and slowed breathing or heart rate. The best way to prevent hypothermia is to simply stay inside during very cold weather. If that is not possible, limit exposure by only engaging in outdoor tasks that are absolutely necessary.

Frostbite – This occurs when a a person’s flesh becomes frozen or very nearly so, and even mild cases can do permanent damage to the affected body part. Frostbite is most likely to occur on body parts farthest away from the heart, such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. In severe cases, frostbite can result in loss of limbs. Symptoms include the skin turning a dark red or yellow color. Preventing frostbite simply requires keeping all vulnerable body parts dry and covered with gloves, warm caps that cover the ears and cold weather footwear.

Falls – It is easy for people to slip and fall on icy surfaces. To minimize the risk of falls during cold weather, make sure steps and walkways are clear of ice before walking on them. Do not trust your eyes to recognize an icy surface; a thin layer of ice may not be visible. Physically check walking surfaces for ice. A light sprinkling of salt on a walkway can reduce the chance of ice accumulation. Footwear with non-skid soles is helpful. For people who use canes, be sure the tip is covered with a non-slip rubber cap.

Preventing frozen pipes – Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets are vulnerable, as are pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.  To prevent pipes from freezing, insulate all vulnerable pipes and faucets with weather-resistant material, including insulating foam tubing, electric heat tape for an extended deep freeze, rags, paper, trash bags or plastic foam. Before temperatures drop below freezing, open the faucet furthest from the main valve slightly so a thin stream of water is flowing. It is not necessary to open multiple faucets.

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The name will change, but the people and dedicated service that you have always known will remain the same.

That was the summary of the statement given by President and CEO, Mitch Spillers, when he announced that Peoples Bank in Chatham has been acquired by Homeland Federal Saving Bank (Homeland Bankshares, Inc.) as of January 1, 2024.

Witnessing the landmark event were officials and board members of both Homeland Bankshares and Peoples Bank (shown above l-r), Julie Darden (CFO for Homeland Bank), Drew Keahey (Chairman of the Board for Homeland Bank), Scott Murry (CFO and Board member for Peoples Bank), Ben Malone (Board member, Peoples Bank), Ronnie Darden (President/CEO, Homeland Bank and Chairman of the Board for Homeland Bancshares, Inc.), H. Alton Spillers, Jr. (retired Chairman for Peoples Bank and Director Emeritus), Ronnie Spillers (Board member, Peoples Bank), Lane Spillers (Board member, Peoples Bank), Mitch Spillers (President/CEO/Chairman of the Board…Peoples Bank). 

I am pleased to announce that effective January 1, 2024, Peoples Bank has been acquired by Homeland Federal Savings Bank (Homeland Bankshares, Inc.). Peoples Bank has been in continuous operation since 1908 and has remained independent since that time.

We will continue to operate as an independent bank for the foreseeable future. Our name will not change. Our current board of directors will remain in place as well as our executive team and other employees. Our board of directors firmly believes that this acquisition will allow Peoples Bank to maintain a strong capital position while being able to lean on a much larger organization to provide improved banking products and services for our customers.

This decision was not taken lightly. Great time, effort, and prayer went into making this decision. I am personally encouraged and excited about what the future holds for Peoples Bank given the support and commitment from Homeland Bank.

Thank you to all our customers for entrusting us with your banking needs and we look forward to what the future will bring!

Sincerely,

Mitch Spillers
President/CEO
Peoples Bank
Chatham, LA

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For the second time in two years, the Jackson Parish Police Jury will be seeking a new Secretary/Treasurer. The need to fill the position became a necessity following the Special Called Meeting held on January 10th where panel members decided to not renew the contract of Emmett Gibbs, who held the position for one year. 

The special meeting began with Jurors Todd Culpepper, Lewis Chatham, Amy Magee, Shekethia Combs, Tarneshala “Niki” Cowans, Regina Rowe and Keith Burris going into executive session to discuss the position and renewal of the contract which is on a year by year basis. Once returning from the closed session it was voted to not renew Gibbs contract. 

 

 

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The first 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 8-13 were Kamerin Bradley – Jonesboro-Hodge High School, Madison Patton – Quitman High School and Carroll-Anne Foshee 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

Kamerin Bradley (11th Grade) – Jonesboro-Hodge High School Basketball

Carroll-Anne Foshee (12th Grade) – Weston High School Cheerleader

Madison Patton (12th Grade) – Quitman High School Cheerleader

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The Jackson Parish School Board will hold their regularly scheduled monthly meeting at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 16th, where students, teachers and support staff employees of the year will be recognized. 

Board members Wade McBride, Gerry Mims, Paulette Belton, Rick Barlow, Calvin Waggoner, Dennis Clary and Mary Saulters, will then hear Matthew Margaglio from Kolder, Slaven and Company, LLC present the 2023 audit.

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 as well as adopting items per Committee Reports will follow. 

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 the following:
Brady Malone – 5th Grade Student of the Year
Carlynn Waters – 8th Grade Student of the Year
Ella Barr – 12th Grade Student of the Year
Kristy Walker – Elementary Teacher of the Year
Cyndi Beaubouef – Middle School Teacher of the Year
Kolby Patrick – High School Teacher of the Year
Cole Stevenson – Elementary Outstanding Support Staff Employee
Nicole Jacobs – Middle School Outstanding Support Staff Employee
Julie West – High School Outstanding Support Staff Employee
Kaylee Hightower – Elementary New Teacher of the Year
Karen Wimberly – Middle School New Teacher of the Year
Trey Porchay – High School New Teacher of the Year
6. Recognize Matthew Margaglio from Kolder, Slaven and Company, LLC to present the 2023 audit.
7. 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.
8. Consider adopting items per the Committee Reports attached hereto.
9. Superintendent’s Comments
10.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.

 

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When it comes to kids marathons, Anna Pardue can run with any girl in the state in her age group. This is not an opinion. This is fact! As the old adage goes, the proof is in the pudding!

Pardue proved her nettle by taking third place overall in the girls 11-14 age division at the prestigious Louisiana Marathon that was run on the streets of Baton Rouge on Saturday. Adding to the tremendous accomplishment was her being the top finisher among 12 year old girls.

Anna runs cross country for Quitman Junior High and is the daughter of David and Cindy Pardue, who this past year took over as cross country coach at Quitman High School after serving in the same capacity at Weston High School.

Now in it’s 13th year, the Louisiana Marathon is traditionally run the weekend before the Martin Luther King holiday. Thousands from all over the state annually descend on Baton Rouge to compete in two days of competition running in various races such as the Kids Marathon, 5K, Quarter Marathon, Half Marathon and Full Marathon.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! That was the general consensus of the Jackson Parish Police Jury when the decision to elect officers for 2024 was brought forth at the regularly scheduled January meeting. As result, Todd Culpepper and Amy Magee will remain as President and Vice-President for 2024. 

In additional action, 2024 Committee Members and Chairpersons were also selected as well as who would represent the JPPJ as ex-officio members top various parish boards and panels. The term “ex-officio” means a member of a body who holds the role as a result of their status or another position they hold.

2024 JPPJ Officers

President: Todd Culpepper
Vice-President: Amy Magee

2024 JPPJ Committee Members

Building & Grounds Committee: Todd Culpepper (Chair), Sheketia Combs, Keith Burris
Finance Committee: Amy Magee (Chair), Regina Rowe, Taneshala Cowans
Road Committee: Amy Magee (Chair), Keith Burris, Lewis Chatham
Solid Waste Committee: Lewis Chatham (Chair), Sheketia Combs, Regina Rowe
Veterans Committee: Tarneshala Cowans (Chair), Amy Magee, Todd Culpepper
Personnel Committee: Keith Burris (Chair), Todd Culpepper, Tarneshala Cowans
Economic Dev. Committee: Regina Rowe (Chair), Tarneshala Cowans, Keith Burris
Parish Cleanup Committee: Regina Rowe (Chair), Lewis Chatham, Sheketia Combs

2024 JPPJ Ex-Officio Assignments

Library Board: Amy Magee
Sales Tax Board: Todd Culpepper
PineBelt MPAA: Tarneshala Cowans
Broadband: Regina Rowe
NLEP: Regina Rowe
Sparta Commission: Regina Rowe
Workforce Development: Keith Burris

 

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The hope was that once district 3-2A play began, the fortunes of the JHHS girls and boys basketball season would take a turn for the better. It hasn’t. Both Tiger squads lost their first two district games of the season this past week falling to Lakeview and Mansfield leaving JHHS still in search of their first victory of 2024.  

Tuesday, January 9th:

Lakeview 56 JHHS 22 (Girls):  The Lady Tigers had no answer for Timberlyn Washington who scored 38 points to pace Lakeview to the easy victory in the district 3-2A opener for both teams. Nesha Johnson scored 6 to lead J-H with Morgan McGee, Sanaa Tatum, Jalenya Jackson and Angel Moss all finishing with four points each. 

Lakeview 63 JHHS 21 (Boys): It was over early as Lakeview raced to a 24-4 first quarter lead that ballooned to 49-13 advantage at the half. Za”Mauryian Palmer scored 9 points to lead the offensively challenged Tigers, who set a new low in scoring for the year. Daelen Boston and DaMarrious Burns scored 4 each followed by 3 points from Samuel Combs. Ariy’un Bradford and Dylan Hayes also tallied two apiece. 

Friday, January 12th:

Mansfield 52 JHHS 9 (Girls): After setting a new season low the game before the Lady Tigers were held to single digits in scoring for the first time in over a decade. Sanaa Tatum had five points for JHHS with Neesha Johnson and Jalenya Jackson scoring two each. 

Mansfield 67 JHHS 51 (Boys): The good news was that JHHS came within one point of their season best in scoring. The bad was that they gave up the most points they have all season. Two Tigers reached double digits in scoring with Dewayne Palmer and DaMarious Burns canning 13 and 11 points respectively. Za’Mauryian Palmer finished with 8 points while both Dylan Hayes and Daelen Boston scored seven each. D’Marrian Thompson finished with four points and Samuel Combs hit a pair of free throws to round out the Tiger scoring, who lost for the 9th straight time.

District 3-2A standings (Girls)

SCHOOL	DISTRICT	OVERALL
Lakeview	2-0	16-2
Mansfield	2-0	12-7
Winnfield	2-0	10-9
JHHS	0-2	4-15
Red River	0-2	3-18
Many	0-2	3-19

District 3-2A Standings (Boys)

SCHOOL	DISTRICT	OVERALL
Lakeview	2-0	17-4
Winnfield	2-0	11-6
Mansfield	2-0	6-13
Red River	0-2	11-11
Many	0-2	3-9
JHHS	0-2	2-12

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Over the past quarter century, the South owns college football national championships. Monday night’s Michigan-Washington title matchup was rare as a Baptist who hates bacon.

Hope our northern football-playing brothers and sisters enjoyed Monday’s scrap — hat tip to the Wolverines, a fast and fun-to-watch 34-13 winner over the Huskies — because history suggests it will be a while before such shenanigans happen again.

In the 1998 season, trying to break free from naming a national champion by poll voting (and because the new way would mean more money for the TV schools), college football moved to a Bowl Championship Series.

The first BCS Championship game was the 1999 Fiesta Bowl.

Tennessee beat Florida State, 23-16. Rocky Top.

The second was the 2000 Sugar.

Florida State beat Virginia Tech, 46-29. Remember how VA Tech teams were mean back then? Blocked like four kicks a game?

The third was the 2001 Orange.

Oklahoma beat Florida State, 13-2, to finish the season undefeated in a game no one remembers — outside of the opening coin flip by beloved actor Denzel Washington (who I almost ran over in my Jeep, corner of Lake and Louisiana, years ago — another story for another time).

You can’t help but notice something about those matchups, right? All the teams, both the winners and losers, are from Southern states. (And yes, Oklahoma, our geography books say, is part of the West South Central States, along with the Ark-La-Tex. Boomer Sooner.)

Nebraska, an Official Northern State, at long last made the finals in 2002 and was summarily handed its helmet by Miami, 37-14, back when The U was still The U and Nebraska was enjoying its final days of football glory.

We will summarize here to make the point: counting Monday night’s Michigan-Washington game, there have been 26 title contests since the BCS began. Of those, 22 have been won by Southern teams. Four have been won by Northern teams: Ohio State won it all twice (in 2003 against Miami in OT, 31-24, and in 2015 against Oregon, 42-20), USC beat Oklahoma in 2005, 55-19, and Michigan beat Washington Monday night.

So the South is 22-4 in The Big Pigskin Enchilada. That overwhelming. That’s rain water against Noah. Consonants verses verbs. No mas.

Of the 26 title games since the first one in 1999, 15 have been All Southern matchups. Nine have been North vs. South, and the South has won seven of those; the North’s two wins came when Ohio State beat Miami in ’03 and USC beat the Okies in ’05. Two title games have been All North: Ohio State over Oregon in 2015 and Monday night’s scrap down in Houston.

If those illustrations aren’t enough, the following names and numbers, to me, hammer home the South’s dominance in the past quarter century.

From 1999-2006 (the BCS infancy), eight different schools won the title, and four of the eight title games were All South matchups. Of the 16 teams in those eight games, only three were non-Southern schools.

From 2007-2014 — the BCS National Championship Game series over eight seasons — Alabama won three titles, Florida won two, and Auburn/Aubrin, Florida State, and LSU won one each. You’ll find Big Foot before you’ll find a non-Southern champion during this run. (Only Ohio State twice and Oregon and Notre Dame, once each, even played for a title during those eight seasons.)

Finally, since the “College Football Playoff National Championship” began with Ohio State beating Oregon in 2015, the Buckeyes in 2021 (52-24 losers to Bama) are the only Northern school, until Monday night’s matchup, to play in the title game. The other seven games have been All The South, All The Time. A whole bunch of Bama, Clemson/Climpson, Georgia, and LSU. Over and over and over. TCU wandered in from “over Texas way” last January representing the South and played as if they were from the North, getting drubbed by 58 by Georgia. Still, they were America’s next-best opponent and the Bulldogs found them just one time zone over.

It will be no surprise when next season’s 12-team playoff is Southern flavored. Book it. And it should come as no surprise to learn, in case you didn’t realize it, that the campus of the 2024 CFP champs is in Ann Arbor, and that Ann Arbor is in … southern Michigan. Deep Southern Michigan. Almost to the state line. Figures …

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

 

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The Jackson Parish Library Board will hold their inaugural meeting of the new year in at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, January 16th. The session will be held in the McBride Room of the Main Branch, located at 614 South Polk Avenue in Jonesboro.

Headlining the agenda that board members Paula Essmeier, Judy Cooper, Lisa Nunn, Ann Standley, Vicki Jenkins, Robin Tew, Carol Massey and Jackson Parish Police Jury ex-officio, Amy Magee, will consider will be the nomination and election of President, Vice-President and Treasurer for 2024.

Additional Agenda items:

1. Discussion and possible action on adopting a resolution for the elected officers’ signatures to be added to the signature cards for
the special fund accounts at Sabine State Bank (if changes are necessary).
2. Consideration and action on setting 2024 meeting dates, time, and location
3. Consideration and action on setting the 2024 library holiday schedule
4. Update on current projects
4. Consideration of a request to add fruit plantings near Library Park (LSU Ag grant project). 
5. Committee assignments set by the Board President
6. Announcement that Ethics and Sexual Harassment Training Due by 3/31/2024.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Floyd Knox at (318) 259-5697.

 

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The Quitman High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter was awarded a $1,200.00 fall semester-long grant from the National FFA Organization in order to start a service learning project.

The project plan was developed by the Quitman FFA Officer Team and they are working to meet a nutritional need within the community by raising a flock of laying hens and donating eggs to school families that need them.

Students have worked on constructing chicken hoops to house the hens. This is helping students enrolled in carpentry. The hens are still 6-8 weeks from producing eggs, but the students are excited about the hands-on learning experience they will have. The flock is a mix of ISA Brown and Rhode Island Red chicks. They are starting with a dozen chicks, but hope to expand their numbers to produce more eggs.

Quitman FFA would like to thank National FFA, Pardue Builders Supply, and Dugdemona Feed and Seed for the help with this project.

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As an outdoor writer, my paths cross with interesting people. Some are adept at fishing; some at hunting; some that are just flat-out interesting.

A couple of years ago, I met just such a person in Anna Ribbeck. She lives in Baton
Rouge, works at LSU Ag Center and just received her graduate degree in plant science including her thesis on invasive aquatic plants.

There are lots of folks who have done what she’s done scholastically, but it’s here where Anna Ribbeck sets herself apart from others, especially young attractive women. Meet Anna the Archer, someone who got hooked on archery and is carrying her knowledge and expertise to a pretty high level.

Introduced to archery at the beginning of her years as a student at LSU, she is
accumulating a reputation, not only as being deadly on the archery target range but in carrying it another step. She is a serious bow hunter, having already taken several deer with her bow.

From hunting deer, she became interested in using her bow to try and put a dent in the burgeoning population of nutria, the orange-toothed rodents that are decimating the coast line habitat by uprooting and foraging on the valuable plants that hold the marshland together.

Upon learning that she would take her introducing women to archery to the Claiborne
Parish Library a couple of years ago to present a seminar, I contacted her for material for my columns and for my radio program.

“I want to educate the public, especially women, on archery. I do a lot of You Tube
videos on social media under the name, Anna the Archer and I visit bow shops to teach women about archery. I also participate in competitive archery and that has not only been lots of fun but getting to hang out with others in the sport has been a big help in developing my skills and my love for the sport,” she told me during our interview.

Her love for the sport has attracted another entity that may seem like something females would have little interest in, alligator hunting. She is now a vital part of the popular television series, Swamp People, aired every Thursday night at 7:00 on the History Channel.

“To get to do this with these well-known alligator hunters, like star of the show, Troy
Landry, and to do it with my bow is like nothing else,” Ribbeck said.

She is a member of an all-girl team featured in the show. Her partner, Ashley Jones joins her to form the Double A team.

“I’ve lost count of how many alligators Ashley and I have taken. It’s in the hundreds, I’m sure,” she added.

Ribbeck is also involved in another venture that is featured on the show. Landry assisted her in starting the Swamp Mysteries portion of the show where she chases down and dispatches feral pigs with her bow.

“We have so many hogs on the landscape that are harming the environment down here, much like you have in north Louisiana. We go after them with bows, with guns and even hunting them from helicopters,” she said.

I have had the privilege of interviewing a wide variety of individuals over the years but
have found few as interesting as Anna the Archer.

Visit her site on Facebook, Anna the Archer, for a veritable plethora of stories, photos
and video clips of her chasing nutria, alligators and feral hogs. Mark your calendar to watch her in action Thursday nights at 7:00 on the History Channel. You won’t be disappointed.

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass are moving to deeper water with best catches made on jigs, spoons and soft plastics as well as on the secondary points with deep diving crank baits. Crappie have been best around the deeper tops on shiners or jigs and they are headed for deeper water out from the dam as temperatures drop. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BLACK BAYOU – No report. Water is low. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE – The crappie have moved deep with some good fish caught on shiners and jigs. Bass are fair flipping jigs or slow rolling spinners around the trees. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – Crappie have been best fishing jigs or shiners around submerged tops in the river. Bass are best in the cuts and in the back water fishing shad imitation lures. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE –The crappie fishing continues to be good in the channels and channel edges in 14-18 foot water on shiners or jigs. Bass are moving to the secondary points and soft plastics are picking up some nice fish. Catfish continue to be caught fishing cold worms and night crawlers off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – The lake is down some seven feet as the result of the drawdown. Crappie are along the tree lines and are moving to the deep water out from the dam with shiners or jigs picking up some nice slabs. A good many barfish are being caught along with the crappie. Bass fishing has fair this week as they too are starting to move deep. Boats can still be launched at the State Park launch and at Pleasure Point. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Crappie fishing is improving both on the south end and around the boat slips on shiners or jigs. No report on bass or catfish. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is low and fishing is quite slow this week. A few crappie and catfish have been caught. Commercial fishermen are catching lots of buffalo in their nets. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

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The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce held their first meeting of the New Year on January 10, 2024. With a year of success behind them, they are eager to continue that success for another year of community commitment. During their meeting, a new Chamber Board was formed as follows:

President, Karen Tolar
Vice President, Sheryl Holder
Treasurer, Carla Smith
Secretary, Tiffany Sessions
Director, Wilda Smith
Board Members: Eric Borland, Johnny Horton, Glen Kirkland, Randy Layfield, Andrea Malone, Gerry Mims, Dean Rushing, Yumeaka Washington, and John Williams.

The Chamber expresses their deepest gratitude to our previous President, Yumeaka Washington for her unrelenting devotion, non-stop hard work, unwavering leadership and the wealth of knowledge she brought to the Chamber. We are extremely appreciative she will remain an active and integral part of the Chamber. As she passes the torch to a new President, her guidance will never go without notice.

The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the community for allowing us to be your champion as we push forward to great things. The only true success comes from working together in unity.

Shown in banner above is:
(Back row l-r): Johnny Horton, Gerry Mims, John Williams, Carla Smith, Tiffany Sessions, Cheryl Holder, Eric Borland
(Front row l-r) : Glen Kirkland, Dean Rushing, Karen Tolar, Andrea Malone, Randy Layfield

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It’s that time of year again when parents, family members and friends head to school  gymnasiums in Jonesboro each Saturday to watch young girls and boys take to the hardwoods of the basketball courts.  

The Jackson Parish Recreation Department Youth Basketball League has begun play!

Several hundred youth from the ages of 5-15 making up 35 teams in eight leagues tipped off play for the 2024 season on January 6th. The season will run for eight consecutive weeks, ending on February 24th. Games will be played each Saturday at the Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School, JHHS Girls Gym and JHHS Boys Gym. 

See below for game recaps of week one. Those recognized as weekly Shooting Stars are those who scored at least 10 points in a contest. 

Games of January 6th

League: 5-6 (Boys & Girls)

Bulls 34 Bucks 6
Bulls scoring: Braxley Tucker 12, Duke Henderson 12, Uriah Hall 4, Ryker Savage 3, Laurel Smith 3
Bucks scoring: Kenzie Billman 1, Gentry Aldy 1, John Phillip Walker 1, Kolton Laffitte 1, Jayce Linton 1, Jackson Linton 1

Warriors 21 Lakers 15
Warriors scoring: Briggs Craighead – 6, Kai Wayne Qualls – 4, Landry Evans – 4, Emmett Thomas – 4, Eva Martin – 2, Xavier Jackson – 1
Lakers scoring: Bryce Martin – 8, Ryker Whitman – 1, Skye Bradley – 1, Pistol McCurdy -1, Cole Burton – 1, Blake Rieson – 1, Krewe Blalock – 1 

Shooting Stars:   Braxley Tucker – 12                                         

League: 7-8 Girls

Aces 32 Stars 13
Aces scoring: Kylee Ann – 11, Karli – 6, Ryleigh – 4, Matilyn – 3, Cadie – 2, Ava – 2, River Waggoner- 2, Audrey – 1
Stars scoring: Charlea Jones -3, Jersey Kate Corley – 3, Ellie Shultz – 1, Harper McBride – 1, Landrie Watson – 1, Preslea Lowery – 1, Dally McCurdy -1, Mercedes Taylor – 1, Hillary Foster – 1

Shooting Stars – Kylee Ann – 11

League: 7-8 Boys

Thunder 31 Hawks 13
Thunder scoring: Tytus Campbell – 8, Sutton Vail – 6, Levi Norred – 6, Declan Williams – 4, D.J. Hudson – 2, Russ Barron – 2, Tommy Sessions – 2, Khaza Cottonham -1
Hawks scoring: Jeremiah Jones – 7, Crew Tidwell – 3, Thomas Johns – 1, Bryce Mauthe – 1, Beaux Gandy – 1

Kings 31 Magic 25
Kings scoring: Logenn Blewer -9, Karlen Taylor – 8, Grayson Edwards – 6, Cutter Whisonant – 4, Brennon Otwell – 2, Colton Haney – 2
Magic scoring: Ayden Chatman – 13, Austin North – 6, Gwanta Patterson – 3, Koltyn Donaldson – 1, Trenton Jerry – 1, Jace Watkins – 1, Mayson Terral – 1

Shooting Stars: Ayden Chatman – 13

League: 9-10 Girls

Sky 13 Fever 8
Sky scoring: Elliot Savage 6, Raylie Hall 2, Khaliya Cash 2, Brelaina Hall 1, Chloe Maxwell, Jaicee Watkins 1
Fever scoring: Lily Tolan 4, Brooklyn Keiffer 2, Braelynn Turner 1, Amelia Onopa 1

League: 9-10 Boys

Celtics 18 Rockets 14
Celtics scoring: Mason Greer 10, Bentley Ponder 7, Tucker Williams 1
Rockets scoring: Ryder Jefferson 7, Braddock Chandler 3, Matthew Earl 2, Clay Burton 1, Courtney Adams 1

Raptors 30 Celtics 6
Raptors scoring: Jagger Ingram 12, Caleb Robinson 10, Kutter Blalock 4, Carter Kelly 2, Jase Reed 2, 
Celtics scoring: Noah Martin 3, Mason Greer 2, R. Williams 1

Jazz 20 Grizzlies 17
Jazz scoring: Thatcher Savage 10, James Lewis 5, Eli Jones 2, Jase Tinsley 2, Cruz Nomey 1
Grizzlies scoring: Asher Norred 6, Andrew 6, Andrew Edwards 4, Brantley Tucker 1

Shooting Stars: Jagger Ingram 12, Mason Greer 10, Thatcher Savage 10

League: 11-13 Girls

Lynx 20 Liberty 17
Lynx scoring: Sophia Kliebert 12, Allie Robertson 5, Amelia Staggs 3
Liberty scoring: Klea Blalock 10, Brylee Cuthrell 3, Davynee Bearden 2, Gabby Edwards 2

Dream 25 Wings 15
Dream scoring: Kate Keiffer 8, Teegan Hall 6, Gracie Gray 5, Rachel Bandy 5, Hannah Aldy 1
Wings scoring: Braelyn Patton 8, Audrina Martin 2, Bella Caskey 2, Ada Claire Tidwell 2, Caroline Newton 1  

Shooting Stars: Sophia Kliebert 12, Klea Blalock 10

League: 11-12 Boys

Bucks 26 Bulls 15
Bucks scoring: Raylon Bradford 12, Aiden Reed 7, Eli Henderson 6, Jayden Burns 1
Bulls scoring: Colton Otwell 6, Levi Martin 4, Wes Chesshir 2, Andrew Watkins 2, Ayden Watkins 1

Lakers 30 Spurs 12
Lakers scoring: Jameon Jefferson 11, Cason Cam 7, Jasen McNeil 6, Quantavious Campbell 4, Ryder Diffey 1, Tripp McBride 1
Spurs scoring: Carter Sander 5, Kyrn Jackson 5, Christopher Oncala 2

Mavericks 22 Lakers 20
Mavericks scoring: Kaleb Maxwell 13, Jack Robinson 3, Shepard Norred 3, Joseph Burch 3
Lakers scoring: Quantavious Campbell 9, Cason Cam 5, Jasen McNeil 2, Ryder Diffey 2, Jenson Waggoner 1, Tripp McBride 1

Shooting Stars: Kaleb Maxwell 13, Raylon Bradford 12, Jameon Jefferson 11

League: 13-14 Boys

Kings 38 Blazers 11
Kings scoring: Eli Jackson 12, Mathew Odom 10, Kolt Keiffer 7, Hayden Laborde 7, Caden Jackson 2
Blazers scoring: Victor Johnson 4, Sam Schut 2, Rodney Williams 2, Lukas Bandy 2, Brody Tucker 1

Pelicans 36 Magic 23
Pelicans scoring: Jack Thomas 14, Jayson Brown 10, Hayden Seymore 7, Leyton Younse 5 
Magic scoring: Malachi Harris 7, Remy Kennard 5, Luke Sims 4, Corbin Ussery 2, Gavin Bellard 2, Ridge Horton 1

Shooting Stars: Jack Thomas 14, Eli Jackson 12

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The administration, faculty and staff of Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School would like to congratulate the following Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) award winners for January, 2024.  

Students of the Month: Raelynn Brazil, Austin Dunlap, and Alexa Martin
(all representing the 1st Grade)

Faculty of the Month: Mrs. Loretta Blow, SPED teacher, for working hard to meet the individual needs of our students and always willing to work extra duty.

Support Staff of the Month: Mrs. Debra Pipes, for bringing the Arts to our campus and also always willing to work extra duty.

J-HES Wraparound: United Way/Ready 4 Service Partnership travels to GSU

Brady Malone, the 2023-24 District Elementary Student of the Year, and the 2024-25 prospective Elementary Student of the Year candidates, Autumn Kohler and Lainey Elmore, traveled to Grambling State University for post-secondary insight.

The college experience included a glance at various areas of study, organizations, and athletic programs—a special meet and greet with Dr. Connie Walton, GSU Interim President, and Madison Johnson, Miss Grambling State University. The campus tour also included a tour of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum and ended with a tasty lunch in the dining hall!

“It is an honor to partner with United Way Region 8. I appreciate their efforts to expose our students to post-secondary pathways so that they can make informed and purposeful choices in their pathway to adult success. Preparation begins as early as the elementary level!”  – Ms. Copeland, Principal.

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Last spring, I went to a nursery and bought plants. I had a plethora of pots and hanging baskets filled with all manner of plants. I managed to keep the plants alive and blooming throughout last summer. Some of the plants loved our hot dry summer, others were not so thrilled. I spent dollars and hours on the plants. The sacrifice was worth it.

The same nursery dude assembled a greenhouse in my backyard. I’m certain you remember the article about the greenhouse taking off during a thunderstorm. Greenhouse 2 is staked down and has remained secure.

I thought keeping flowers thriving in the spring and summer was hard work. I was wrong. All the plants are now in the greenhouse. I didn’t know I had so many plants. I have filled up a 10 x 20 foot greenhouse. Admittedly the ferns take up much of the space. They reside in the center of the greenhouse so their fronds don’t accidentally touch the walls of the greenhouse. Fern fronds will burn easily. The ferns are nice and green and new fronds pop up each day. The shade plants are hiding under the ferns. The plants that want full sun have the joys of ultraviolet light. They are all watered and receive regular fertilizer. So far, the plant kingdom is happy.

I am also propagating plants. I have discovered it is cheaper to grow an air plant from an air plant you grew all summer. I have mature plants and baby plants in the green house. Where are all these plants going to do this spring?

Here’s the thing, I am learning, plants take time and resources to survive a Louisiana winter. I’m working harder on the plants in the greenhouse than I did when these plants were decorating the yard.

I have an investment in these plants and a commitment to keep them healthy. I think the banker in my life has also cut off my access to the checking account. I’m going to work hard this winter and enjoy the flowers this spring and summer. I will do it under budget since there is no budget.

Jesus put it this way, “If you put your hand to the plow and look back, you are not worthy of the kingdom.”

He was not just taking about plowing a straight row. Jesus wanted to remind us of something important. The goal is ahead. The prize is out there too. Keep your head down, keep plugging away, keep working. You got this! Your hard work, your plugging away will pay dividends. We are all working for a better tomorrow and in Jesus’ name, perseverance and plugging away, will be rewarded.

Amid your hard work, Jesus is saying, “You’ve got this, because I’ve got you!”

Your sacrifice, in Jesus’ name, are the seeds that will grow into something beautiful.

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Eleven senior BETA Club members from Weston High School and two from Quitman High have earned the right to compete in the national convention on June 10-13, 2024 in Savannah, GA.

To qualify for national’s, participants were required to finish 1st-5th place in their respective discipline at the state competition took place this past Wednesday – Friday, January 10-12, at the Cajun Dome on the campus of the University of Louisiana – Lafayette.  

2024 National Senior BETA Club Convention Qualifiers

TEAM COMPETITION

SCHOOL	CATEGORY	PLACE	TEAM MEMBERS
Weston	Living Literature	5th Place	Baylee Broomfield, Carroll-Anne Foshee, Leila Roberts
Weston	Service Learning	5th Place	Molly Beaubouef, Carroll-Anne Foshee, Kari Beth Gates, Livi Otwell, Abram Toms

INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION

NAME	SCHOOL	CATEGORY	PLACE
Alley Hines	Weston	Quilling II	1st Place
Makayla Johns	Weston	Sculpture I	2nd Place
J.R. Wall	Weston	Woodworking I	3rd Place
Madison Taylor	Quitman	Visual Arts – Recycled Art	4th Place
Raelynn Shell	Weston	Recyclable Art II	5th Place
Caden Brown	Quitman	Agriscience Academic Test	5th Place

2024 Louisiana Senior Beta State Competition Winners

Not shown: Raelynn Shell, Abram Toms, Molly Beaubouef

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As we kick off 2024, I want to hear directly from you on which issues Congress should focus this year. My top priority is hearing from constituents from all walks of life and bringing their stories with me back to Washington to advocate and find common-sense solutions to the issues facing Louisianans every day.

I want you to help me hit the ground running by sharing your input on the issues that matter most to you and your family. With your feedback, I’ll work alongside my colleagues and Speaker Johnson to produce common-sense solutions from Washington to make the Fifth District, and Louisiana a better place to live and raise a family.

Will you take 30 seconds and fill out my 2024 Priorities Survey?

What are your top priorities?

Reducing inflation and bringing costs down for food, clothing, and rent
Securing our border and immigration enforcement
Increasing broadband access for rural areas
Supporting Louisiana farmers
Protecting parents’ rights in public education
Restoring energy independence to lower and stabilize gas prices
Strengthening our national security
Addressing unfair WEP and GPO provisions
Investing in critical healthcare access for communities
Other (please specify)

Click here to take Survey

Sincerely,

Julia Letlow, Ph.D.
Member of Congress

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Have you ever seen the movie Dr. Doolittle starring Eddie Murphy? In this movie Eddie plays the role of a doctor who discovers he can communicate with animals. Now we’ve all had a conversation with our own pets, but the difference is they can’t talk back. But deep in our hearts we know, or at least we think, they truly understand what we’re saying. I’ve often wondered what a bass would say to an angler if they could talk. As an experienced angler who has engaged in several conversations with bass, I’ll give you an idea as to what they really think.

Bass are like people; they all have different personalities. Some are quiet and shy, some are aggressive, and some like to be a part of a gang or school (as we call them). The bigger fish called trophies, six pounds or larger, like to isolate themselves and tend to be loners. That’s why you’ll catch larger fish out of brush tops or isolated clumps of hydrilla and stumps.

As an angler growing up, I’ve always heard other anglers say that if you’ll listen, bass will tell you what they want. What anglers are referring to is how to catch them. The first fish you catch can be a clue on what, how and where you need to be fishing that day. For example, if you catch a bass off the very end of a boat dock in 10 feet of water, near a creek channel, you might want to find other boat docks with the same characteristics. This is what we would call a pattern.

So far over my many years of fishing and listening, not a single bass has verbally conveyed anything to me that would help me solve the fishing puzzle….or have they? The key is you have to listen and pay attention. Now it may require some interpretation, but if you’re focused and observant, it will all come together.

One professional angler who is known for his ability to talk to the fish is the legendary pro Rick Clunn. Considered by many as the greatest angler of all time, Rick has won 4 Bassmaster Classics (the Super Bowl of bass fishing). Now Rick is a unique kind of bird as he tends to do things a little different. He’s a guy who likes to stay away from other anglers at an event by camping out and getting as close to nature as he can. In his words, he wants to become one with nature.

Not all anglers take this approach, but it has served Rick Clunn well as he has amassed over $2.6 million in winnings. That means after 496 tournaments fished, he has earned over $5000 per event! Rick has even written articles about what he calls “zenning” which is a form of meditation and mental state of mind. It’s his way of getting what athletes call “in the zone.”

Whether you take Rick’s meditation approach or come up with one of your own, it is important for a tournament angler to be focused. Bass fishing is as much a mental game as it is physical. A lot of anglers are good at many different techniques and can catch fish. But the anglers who are strong mentally are usually the ones who are the most successful.

Till next time, good luck, good fishing and always remember, that if you’re not sure it’s a bite, set the hook anyway. Because it just might be the fish of a lifetime!

Steve Graf
Anglers Perspective

 

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Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School (J-HES) split a pair of games against Lincoln Prep this past Thursday in their home opener that was played at the Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School (JHMS) gymnasium.

The girls opened the action by taking a 10-0 victory with De’Riyah Mills scoring 5 points to lead the way. Klynn Thomas and Naakyah Walker chipped in with two each and Azariah Baker made a free throw.  

Addarren Amos scored 7 points and Graylon Hendricks added 4 in the boys contest that saw Lincoln Prep win by a 25-14 margin. Antoine Spivey chipped in with two points and JaDarrion Allen finished with one point. 

NEXT UP! 

J-HES will next play on Wednesday, January 17th at Crawford Elementary in Arcadia, located at 935 Daniel Street, for a girls and boys game. First tip is scheduled for 6:00 pm 

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Winter Weather Woes

Admittedly, (like most) I am fond of the change of seasons. Well, that is with the exception of winter. That, I dread. For the life of me, I don’t know how I managed as a New Yorker. I once built snow men; made snow angels, went sledding and ice skated on the Erie Canal. Yet, even then my Dad spoke of my hands being cold like Gramma’s. Years have flown; at 74, I have winter weather woes.

Yesterday’s Louisiana temperature hugged 70; in a few days, we’ll be fortunate to reach freezing. Meteorologists are using phrases like wintry mix; saying we have chances of freezing rain and wet snow with nighttime lows below 10 degrees. Thankfully, I can stay warm inside. I do hope we don’t have power failures. Woe is me; winter brings sudden weather changes.

“From the south comes the storm,
And from the north wind the cold.
From the breath of God ice is made,
And the expanse of the waters is frozen (Job 37:9-10 NASB).”

God’s word…

“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow,
And have you seen the storehouses of the hail (Job 38:22 NASB)?”

Brrr…

“He showers snow like wool;
He scatters the frost like ashes (Psalm 147:16 NASB).”

Children don’t share my point of view; they’re excitedly hoping for a snow day and schools to close.

“Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word (Psalm 148:8 NASB).”

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